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| From the Dr Strange Fate by Ron Marz, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez & Kevin Nowlan |
As I rattled on about earlier today - here - TooBusyThinking's format is going to have to change for the month of August and a few weeks beyond too. Nothing of any importance to the world beyond the tall, thick brick walls of the Splendid Wife's country estate, of course, but it's a matter of some modest concern to your blogger. Temporarily changing the site to a relatively straight-forward reviews format, with the exception of The Year In Comics and The Weekly List posts each Tuesday, means that your advice about what's worth writing about from next week's releases would be very much appreciated.
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| From Secret Origins #47, by Grant Morrison, Curt Swan & George Freeman |
Of course, visitors to this blog have already been tremendously generous this year with their recommendations of the books which I really ought to be paying attention to. Between the comments to the previous Reader's Roulette posts and the 28 Comics Of The New Golden Age piece, I've got a pretty clear idea of where I ought to be looking. But if there is anything from the list of next week's books which you specifically think I ought to be paying attention to, then I would, as always, be grateful for your ideas. (Next week's page at Comiclist can be found here.) You can recommend as many books as you like, and I'll be raiding the comments at noon on Tuesday 1st August.
I have a terrible sense of going to well once too often here, and yet, it's hard not to ask for good advice when it would undoubtedly be of benefit. Regardless of whether I should hear from you, or indeed anyone, here, I do hope that the day has been treating you with conspicuous kindness. Thanks for popping in.
Please do rest assured that all outstanding reviews as nominated by the splendid entrants to the name that merchandise competition will also appear next week.
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Godland #36 is the big issue of the week for me. Although, I think it's the last issue of the series, so I'm not sure if that's a good place to start. hahaha
ReplyDeleteHello Joe:- I don't know whether it's the late hour or not, but the idea of starting an epic story with its last chapter seems absolutely beguiling. If nothing else, it'd be a fairly unique way to approach Godland ....
DeleteI am deeply tempted :)
So you say you aren't reading Godland already????
DeleteDear Emperor:- Er .... I waiting for the entire series to be completed and collected?
DeleteNo? Then THE DOG ATE MY GODLAND!!!
Mea culpa.
Hi Colin,
ReplyDeleteNext week is slim pickings by the looks of it.
iZOMBIE
Black Kiss II
Rasl
Mondo
Green Arrow
look to be most interesting potential review wise.
iZOMBIE is sadly the last issue of the series and it'd be nice to see it sent off with a last hurrah if the last issue can be worthy of it (I don't know if you follow the book but even if you do get lost with the story the art alone is always worth the price of admission).
Black Kiss II looks like it could push you of this blog's comfort zone something awful but that's what you say you want + I seem to recall you liking American Flagg quite a bit so there's that going for it as well.
Rasl - Jeff Smith. Nuff said? If not then I'll add that it's self published, beautiful art and really very interesting. It's the final issue though.
Mondo - I think I've mentioned this before when issue 2 came out. Sadly issue 3 is also the final issue. .>_<: Week of death. Anyway it's really great. Ted McKeever so the art and story are wonderfully strange.
Green Arrow - Ann Nocenti's return to comics so I bought the first few issues. They were fun and quite clever but didn't seem up to hold my attention well enough to justify carrying on (I don't think the status of character in the DCnU helped much either), so I've pretty much dropped it but would like to read your take on where she's taking the series.
Also I spotted a couple of #1s - Harvest & Think Tank - so I went and looked them up. Sadly they look like rejected TV series ideas pitched by mashing up other TV shows and trying to pretend that "it's like Dexter with a twist" is original. They'll probably be even worse than that in execution but it might be fun to see you try and do your polite thing where you look for something redeeming about them.
Hello Timothy:- Thank you for your suggestions! You are an egg, as I believe I've uttered before. It's a fascinating list. I might go for iZOMBIE and Godland together, for example. The world's first review column where the final issues of years-long series are written about by a bloke who knows little if anything about what went before. If it could be done without spoilers, it'd be an exercise to have a go at,
DeleteBlack Kiss II? HC was up there with Miller and Moore in the mid-Eighties, he really was. Black Kiss was the first sign for me that he wasn't going to stay there, but I can only be fascinated by a second run at this particular obstacle race. Ras! I'd not heard of, but if it's Jeff Smith, then huzzah.
I bought issue 2 of Mondo - it may have been on your recommendation? I was grateful for the push, and welcomed reading something so out-there, but I found it hard to grasp how I could find a way to emotionally engage with what was going on. I suspect reading the whole series might offer that. I've enjoyed TM's work before, of course. Similarly I struggled with GA #11, but there's a huge amount to write about there. But then, it IS an Ann Nocenti script!
Harvest and Think Tank? I'm always interested in first issues. They'll go on the ballot very nicely :)
Black Kiss 2 #1: because I am really curious if Howard Chaykin can pull this off.
ReplyDeleteHawkeye #1: Matt Fraction & David Aja produced an enjoyable Iron Fist series. Can they do the same for the perpetual team book character who can't keep a series from cancellation?
Harvest #1: could work, could be a mess. A new success or yet another boring tv pitch comic? Place your bets!
- Mike Loughlin
Hello Mike:- Interesting to see Black Kiss II already leading the field :) And just because the blog will have more reviews for the next few weeks is no reason for them not to have challenging subjects.
DeleteAnd a second nudge for Harvest too? I must admit, these columns do make me feel as if I'm a nipper listening to peers talking about their taste. I'm being gifted with ideas which I'd never otherwise consider. That feels invigorating.
I also like the idea of Hawkeye. I'd like to have some mainstream super-books around too, and that does sound interesting. I'd LOVE to write a good review for a Matt Fraction book. I've finally got to write a sincere rave one for Hickman's The Manhattan Projects and it made me feel like less of a grump. Maybe Hawkeye will be the one that helps me get to grips with MF's work too.
Thanks for the ideas, Mike :)
I was scrolling down thinking it was an underwhelming week, and then I found myself wondering why on Earth Marvel would decide to publish something called "Peter Parker Spider-Man #156.1" in August 2012. It's apparently Roger Stern's last ever Spider-Man story, at least until he thinks of more? So that might be worth a look, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteI'll also say Courtney Crumrin #4, simply because I enjoyed the first issue and then promptly forgot the book existed, and want to see if it seems worth paying closer attention to.
Not out next week, but I think you should give Boom's Adventure Time book a shot, if you haven't already.
And please don't feel bad about going back to this well, I'm sure I'm not the only one who secretly relishes being asked his opinion.
Hello Skippy:- Thank you for saying that about the trips to the well. The truth is that the feedback and debate which has gone on hereabouts over the past few months about new comics has quite transformed my opinions. I don't think I'd have realised what a fine state the industry is in in terms of having a host of very books out if not for folk's kind and generous suggestions. That may sound overly sincere in print, but it's absolutely accurate as a point.
DeleteRoger Stern never, to my knowledge, wrote a poor script, and I'm staggered that the Big Two haven't wrung more work out from him over the years. I don't know whether RS found other ways to live his life or whether it's another example of the company's losing track of the talent. But it's a shame.
Courtney Crumrin is another book that I doubt I would have come across without recommendations in these comment boxes. I have quickly become a firm fan, and will by coincidence be writing a piece which will appear elsewhere which contains a rave review of recent issues.
Adventure Time? No, I'm out of the loop there entirely. I'll go Goggle that tile now.
Thanks for your suggestions :)
Game on.
ReplyDeleteHypernaturals #2 - I got the FCBD issue of this and was rather disappointed, but I trust in DnA to deliver on these big sci-fi concepts so I'd love to see what you think of this.
Planet of the Apes Annual 1 - I did enjoy the PotA Marvel reprints back in the day, how is it doing now?
Tarot Volume 10?? How tempting would that be to suggest? But I won't. Chris Sims has pretty much cornered this market ;)
Smallville Season 11 #4 - picking something from the New 52 would be too easy. This has generated controversy but largely for what isn't in it and it'd be worth looking at for what is in it.
Dark Shadows Vampirella #1 - sorry. That "boobs and butt"/"broken back" cover gives me The Fear, and not the right kind of fear.
Cape 1969 #2 - Vietnam is an interesting setting for a horror story.
Infected #1 - sounds intriguing.
Love And Capes What To Expect #1 - might be a different approach on superheroics.
Black Kiss II #1 - I'd be interested to hear your take on this.
Harvest #1 - has a lot of potential
Think Tank #1 - the second new comic with a Dexter-vibe (Harvest actually specifically references it)
Deadpool Kills The Marvel Universe #1 - yeah, it is time to get you to properly engage with Deadpool. Sounds cathartic too ;)
Doctor Who Magazine #449 - I still recall buying #1 but haven't checked it out in a while.
Which is too many.
My refined picks: Hypernaturals, Deadpool, Smallville, Vampirella and Black Kiss II. Some of the Image and IDW series look like they have potential but the name of the game is to make you try comics you might not usually engage with.
Hello Emperor:- As with all the good folks who've been kind and contributed here, I'm really grateful for your ideas. And even for what several folks here and elsewhere have said is a quiet-ish week, there's still quite a lot to pay attention to, isn't there? I refuse not to consider these splendid times.
DeleteMany of these comics I just know little or nothing about, so if I don't comment, it's because of ignorance rather than apathy and I hope to put that situation right.
I felt the same about Hypernaturals. An interesting 2000ad-esque script, but I struggled to warm to the admittedly competent art. It felt generic, but perhaps #2 will be different.
I was a huge fan of the Marvel Planet of the Apes series. The Tom Sutton-illustrated riverboat tale was a particular favourite. Black Kiss is already leading the pack, which makes me smile. Review THAT!
Dr Who Magazine is a fine magazine with a consistently worth-reading comic strip inside. I read #450 on the sun at lunch today. I'm not a huge Who fan, but this really is a well-written and constantly interesting magazine. I wish other franchises had something that was its equal.
We were just discussing Deadpool, weren't we? I suspect that I might well go for that anyway then.
You know, for a less interesting week, it looks like more than merely interesting. Having the chance to reply to these ideas has made me feel not unlike I used to on the day before the new singles used to arrive. Right up until the late 90s, that was ALWAYS a good day. It's not always been so for comics, but it's getting that way again. Huzzah!
I know, I was looking down the list thinking it was quite quiet but then my list was way too long - lots of #1s in there, although I agree with the above comments, they do sound like failed TV series pitches (I'd be interested to check out whether they are or not). What it does show is how well Image and IDW are doing putting out interesting sounding comics, few of which include anyone in lycra - that is how the industry should be, it is a pity sales of them are less than stellar but then again you have to keep chipping away at the idea that comics = capes or nothing will ever change. If I lived near a shop that sold comics (and there used to be a couple within walking distance that did) and they were half the price I'd probably pick up a big handful of those #1s and see what floated my boat. Now I'll wait and see what gets any buzz and pick up a trade if it embeds a hook deep enough into my scrotum.
Delete"We were just discussing Deadpool, weren't we? I suspect that I might well go for that anyway then."
It might not be the best introduction, they are discussing changing the character to make him darker and more dangerous
Hello Emperor:- Though the price is certainly a disincentive, the sheer number of potentially interesting in the marketplace is an exciting business. Just as most folks do, I have to be very careful with what I spend. But I could happily multiply what I'm spending by a factor of 10. It's a shame that alot of what's out there is clearly pilot fodder, and some of that is very shoddy work indeed. Thankfully there's so much else going on at the moment. I must admit, I wonder how long this situation can survive. We know that profit margins in the indy world are typically low. There's a great many books chasing what the readers of what's still a tiny marketplace. I hope this bubble doesn't burst. There's a great deal of promise out there, and it's good to see established as well as neophyte creators producing fine work of their own.
DeleteA darker and more dangerous Deadpool? Yes, that would be a Unique Selling Point.
"It's a shame that alot of what's out there is clearly pilot fodder, and some of that is very shoddy work indeed."
DeleteIndeed, it is a pity that this, and price, mean people are less likely to take a punt on an unknown property - you wait for word-of-mouth and reviews, then you think you'll wait for the trade and then it just slips off your radar (well for me anyway). It is, perhaps, another explanation for how the Big Two cling on.
"I must admit, I wonder how long this situation can survive."
Well the longer it survives, the more momentum it builds, which can only lead to a healthier industry. I suspect the carrot of media adaptations and the big bucks it brings, will keep a lot of people focused on creator-owned work, even if only a few get the payouts it does motivate people when the cash from the comics is usually so low. I think Kickstarter and Indiegogo will also prove useful in funding projects.
"A darker and more dangerous Deadpool? Yes, that would be a Unique Selling Point."
Well we already have one in Uncanny X-Force doing wetwork for the X-Men, although that is a more nuanced portrayal. I am still behind on the trades but it is clear that one of the themes running through this series is that violence has consequences on the perpetrator, as well as the victim (whodathunkit??), even for a group of hard-boiled heroes and cynical anti-heroes. There is an event at the end of the first volume that manages to upset even Deadpool and others have to deal with their feelings about killing. So, while I initially thought it might not be your cup of tea, I do think there are aspects of this that you might find interesting (and relevant to other discussion here) but you will need to give the first two volumes a spin.
I doubt this other version of Deadpool will bring quite that depth to all the murdering, but it could be interesting - either way I'd still be interested to see what you think, because if poorly handled it could just become torture porn, with him finding new and inventive ways to kill superheroes, which might be interesting in itself but after Marshal Law you need to bring more to the superhero--killing party.
Hello Emperor:- I suppose it's a good model as long as (1) creators have a fine and fair publisher, such as Image is reputed to, and (2) another source of income while they wait to see if they've cracked it. Kickstarter could well prove to be an alternative source of development funds, of course.
DeleteThe Big Two, of course, have no need for development funds, and act as a library of properties which, if managed well, can keep churning in the dosh. I suspect we've been long seeing a migration from the Big Two of the experimental titles and the more daring creative approaches, with the core of Big Two comics being meat'n'meat without potatoes for the Rump. (With, as always, notable exceptions.)
I've found the Uncanny X-Force comics taken in isolation often seem to be going along with prevalent noble-killer trope of modern-era comics, but lots of good folks have assured me that that's an illusion caused by the way I'm consuming the book. I'd suggest that that indicates a carelessness where the meaning of individual issues is concerned, but I do believe what I'm told. I guess it will require going back to the opening volumes, which I think is a good idea, and yet, this is the writer who's made such a pig's ear of Cpt Britain.
I know, I know, it's just one character ......
Let us be absolutely clear about this, and I'm sure that you'd agree; Marshal Law would kick Deadpool's ...
"I do believe what I'm told. I guess it will require going back to the opening volumes, which I think is a good idea"
DeleteYeah, I'm afraid that the lengthy storylines mean you need to take in the run to properly pick up the themes Remender is working with. Even then, perhaps it could be seen as a figleaf for the violence, but it is definitely an angle that is worth pursuing - superheroes can't just go around killing people and we do see this has different effects on the team. It might not work out in the long run and it might not work for you but it is at least there, which is something.
"and yet, this is the writer who's made such a pig's ear of Cpt Britain."
Yeah I've not read much of his treatment of Captain Britain, what is interesting is that he seems to be undoing some of Paul Cornell's MI13 run and I wonder if that might be editorially mandated? Either that or he doesn't get the character and, as we've previously discussed, Captain Britain is an easy character to mishandle, especially, if you are using them to push the plot forward and so might take your eye off the character himself. I can't say I'm looking forward to the Otherworld storyline in UXF, but we'll see...
"Let us be absolutely clear about this, and I'm sure that you'd agree; Marshal Law would kick Deadpool's ..."
No question. If Marvel had any balls they'd not do another Punisher/Wolverine/Deadpool vs the Marvel Universe and throw ML into the mix, but it'd be embarrassing. DC were brace enough to do the Batman/Judge Dredd crossovers as Old Chinface isn't a big fan of spandex-clad vigilantes and him being a fascist isn't going to sit well with Batman. There is a nice big hardcover of those stories coming later in the year too, so I'll give that a spin as I didn't read beyond the first one.
Hello Emperor:= Yep, I'm resigned to a long-haul catch-up re: X-Force. Time for me to attack the local library system, I feel.
DeleteI got one issue onto the Otherworld saga in X-force and gave up. Again, it seemed to me to have entirely missed the point of what the realm was designed to express. Now I may have missed then point because I only read a single issue, but surely writers know they'll be read in terms of individual issues? (It's not that I mind radical change to Otherworld. You don't get more radical that what's happened in Journey Into Mystery. But the latter seemed to me to change what existed and did so for a good reason.)
Oh, and I'm really looking forward to the Dredd/Bats collection. I've not read those stories in years. I might even warm to SB's artwork after all this time.
"I'm resigned to a long-haul catch-up re: X-Force. Time for me to attack the local library system, I feel."
DeleteAs long as you get to the volumes before an irate Captain Britain fan gets to them and scribbles cartoon cocks all over it ;)
"I got one issue onto the Otherworld saga in X-force and gave up. Again, it seemed to me to have entirely missed the point of what the realm was designed to express. Now I may have missed then point because I only read a single issue, but surely writers know they'll be read in terms of individual issues?"
I suspect it is more complex than that (or simpler), as it doesn't have much to do with individual issues (although as he is working lengthy storylines and over-riding themes you aren't going to be able to just pick up a single issue and get everything that is going on, but you can say that about most of the comics at the Big Two). Going from what I could fin via a quick Google, he seems to have completely dropped the ball on the Otherworld storyline. The negative reviews largely come from people who have enjoyed earlier volumes but the general suggestion is that you should just skip this volume*. All this shouldn't detract from solid work he did up to this point, or put anyone off from picking up more issues further down the line, but it will be worthy checking the sales as such a serious mis-step could doom a series.
Now we can try and guess why he made such a mess of things, but unless Double R comments on it we are a bit in the dark. However, I do seem to recall an interview with him where he says what a huge fan of the X-Men he was. From which you could draw a line to Claremont's run on Excalibur (he has said it is a kind of Excalibur reunion alongside what a huge Claremont fan he is), even though, as has been pointed out over on It Came From Darkmoor, this is an atypical take on the character (one which had a basis in the events at the time and he has changed since). However, this would suggest that he hasn't bothered reading Moore's defining run on the character or Paul Cornell's most recent reworking of him, even though he clearly must have done. All of which is pretty odd for a writer who otherwise seems to have a decent handle on his characters (based on lengthy research).
So I can only assume he has tried to hammer a square peg through a round hole - he wanted Captain Britain to perform a specific role and picked the version that'd suit his needs, rather than setting the situation up with the existing versions and letting it play out from there.
* Unfortunately, this means I have to buy it, if only to work out quite where it all went wrong.
Hello Emperor:- Yeap, there are some upset Captain Britain fans, and, to be honest, they've got good cause to be so fed up. It's not just that RR hasn't bothered to present a version of the good Captain which makes sense. He's also made the character out to be a vain idiot. Mind you, Marvel have created a Captain America who's clearly a nasty, unpleasant, incompetent leader and person, so maybe that's just the way of things.
DeleteHe either didn't do his research, Emp, or he thought that continuity was just something that you could hurl out of the window in its very broadest sense. My feeling is, if you want to do that, fine, but don't expect folks to appreciate it.
But then, sometimes fans do appreciate it. Who knows?
As you say, what could have been his motivation? It seemed that Cap was there to create conflict rather than anything else, or, as you say, to hammer a square peg through a round hole. He was there to be the Brit buffoon, and it drove the story even though it mocked everything that the character's been through. Now, even if we put aside the fact that Cap shouldn't be serving in the Avengers, because - duh! - he's British and dedicated to protecting Britain, it's an insult to once again make the rest of world unimportant when it comes to America.
Though the opposite argument is that Cap Brit will never sell unless he's added to an American cast in an American setting.
You can see, I guess, why I have problems with the book. It's very Claremontian, it's designed to be read in collections rather than individual issues, AND IT TREATED CAPTAIN BRITAIN AS A PRAT!!!!!
but apart from that :)
I saw someone suggest "Hawkeye #1," and I'm going to go with that one too. I have fond memories of the Fraction/Brubaker/Aja "Iron Fist," and I hope that a 2/3s reunion of that team can turn in another fun ride.
ReplyDeleteHello Adam:- I've always such fondness for Hawkeye, and I've found it ... disappointing that the character hasn't been more appealling where my own tastes are concerned in recent years. I'd probably not have thought of checking out the new #1, but I think it's certain I will now. I've been convinced :)
DeleteI would be interested in hearing your thoughts on Rasl, Black Kiss, and Beasts of Burden (is that one new?)
ReplyDeleteAnd whenever the next issue of Tarot comes out, do that one.
Hello Bill:- I can tell you now that Ras! and Black Kiss II will be reviewed. Neither were on my radar, both are pencilled in now.
DeleteBut Beasts Of Burden? Firstly, thank you for pointing out that one of my favourite books has a one-shot out next week. Secondly, IT WILL BE WRITTEN ABOUT!!!
But Tarot?
Actually, never having read an issue, I suppose it would be ... interesting.
Hello Colin,
ReplyDeleteI see there's a new issue of Dial H out next week. As it's the only DC book I'm really enjoying at the moment, I'd be interested to hear your take on it.
All these mentions of Rasl have reminded me it exists, I'll have to catch up on that -- liked the first few issues but it didn't come out quite often enough to stay on my radar. Time to catch up, I think.
Hello Jody:- Thank you for reminding that Dial H is out. I very much want to include some books from the Big Two in the reviews and Dial H is one of the better examples of the breed.
DeleteI fear to say that I'm only dimly aware of Ras! I'm going to need better radar. I look forward to the challenge of each book next week.
Thanks for your nudges. They're much appreciated.
Please do rest assured that all outstanding reviews as nominated by the splendid entrants to the name that merchandise competition will also appear next week.
ReplyDeleteUh oh...
Anyway, those look like slim pickings next week. Short looking lists from Marvel and DC too.
If I had a bigger budget, I'd try to support a few of the indie comics too. At the moment I'm awaiting the 1st collected editions of the likes of Prophet and Saga, New Deadwardians and Resident Alien and maybe I'll bite then.
No-one has mentioned First X-Men #1, which on the one hand is the new Neal Adams X-Men book, but on the other, stars Sabretooth. No doubt Marvel took one look at Adams' Batman comic and decided that First X-Men would be out of continuity. Is the last issue of Adams' Batman out yet? You could review that too, and make it a threefer!
Still loving your seemingly random comic panels that turn out to be so apposite. Are they all filed away in your head, or do they just turn up in your reading the week or two before the piece, or what?
Hope you enjoy your busy summer, keeping it fresh!
Hello Figserello:- Oh, yes, those reviews are coming ...
DeleteEach of the four collections you mention really will be worth buying. Everey single one of them. A golden age indeed.
I must admit, I'm curious about First X-Men. I put in some scans from X-Men 62 into my recent dinpsaur list, and it's always a joy to return to the man's work from the period. I struggle with his post-1975 work, though I recognise its dynamism. I'm waiting for the collected edition of his somewhat out-there recent Batman series, and I can't help but curious to see if it is possible to go home re: the X-Men.
Bless you for mentioning the panels. It's fun to write such a post and then dig into a cupboard and see if there's anything there that's appropriate.
I do hope the season's being kind to your good self :)
I'd go with the new Peter Parker: Spider-Man as well. The talent involved is too tempting.
ReplyDeleteMind the Gap #3 would also be good, though I'd recommend catching up first.
Hello George: The Spider-Man issue is certainly intriguing. Mind The Gap is a book that I know nothing of, but I've just Goggled around and it looks like a book that needs paying attention to. I'm keen to get to know any monthlies which I can eventually add to an extended version of the list of the comics which make 2012 a Golden Age.
DeleteColin, I see that DC is publishing a new Flash Archive, and though I´m not sure if you´ll prefer to concentrate on standard comic-book formats, I´d love to read your views on that particular period of the title, and on Broome´s and Infantino´s accomplishments.
ReplyDeleteHello Quique:- that's an intriguing - and demanding :) - subject. You're quite right to assume that I'm a fan of Broome and Infantino's achievements, but on reflection, I think I've always been a little intimdated by the sheer quality of their Flash run. It'd be a post that I'd need to take the kind of time on that I'll not get until September, but I must admit, I can't imagine not doing it now you've raised it as a prospect.
DeleteThank you :)
Hi Colin,
ReplyDeleteFrom that list I think Black Kiss II and Dial H are the two I'd most like to see you tackle.
Keep an eye out for Wild Children when you hit your comicbook retailer too!
Hello Ed:- I have a copy of Wild Children travelling towards the Splendid Wife's country estate at this very moment!
DeleteI think Black Kiss II is nailed on, Ed, and I pick up Dial H as a matter of course. I like the way that both books won't, I suspect, make for lazy reviewing. Huzzah.
I hope you'll review Wild Children when it arrives. I don't know if you saw my review, but I hated it, and I'd be very interested to see someone whose opinion I respect like it. If you do like it, of course - maybe you won't!
DeleteHello Greg:- I have read your review and it certainly seems to clash with the opinions expressed here by a few other commentors. There'll be no establishing a consensus opinion here, I fear. I'll definitely be reviewing it in the coming week.
DeleteIt literally just arrived, by the way. I was sawing wood for the winter in the front yard, as you do, as part of my get fit early morning programme, and up a postie appeared with Wild Children. Don't tend to get Saturday morning deliveries, and certainly not this early; there was a mild sense of something mildly troublesome being passed on ....
Oh, the sleep-deprived mind's imagination.
Hawkeye #1 is great, btw. It's also my next DECOMPRESSED with Fraction and Aja.
ReplyDeleteHello Kieron:- That's it then. Hawkeye it is. I'd ike to mix up a few Big Two books with all the various indy options.
DeleteFor anyone who's flicking through these comments and hasn't come across Kieron's podcast Decompressed, it's concerned with the nuts and bolts of storytelling. Just the first one alone - with Jason Aaron - changed the way I think about comics. No BS. Its on ITunes or check out Gillen's workblog;
The latest one is here; http://gillen.cream.org/wordpress_html/4232/decompressed-003-tim-seeleymike-norton-on-revival-1/
I agree with most of the comments here (slim pickings from the list, Black Kiss II, Dial H, Planet of the Apes, Rasl, Underwater Welder etc). I just wanted to send up a flare and mention Boom's new relaunch of the Steed and Mrs. Peel series(sping boarding off of the old Ian Gibson mini series), which is supposed to be coming out soon (and starts with #0, so you'll be on the ground floor of this run). The list says it's incomplete, so maybe, it's out this coming week or next, I'm not sure (it's slated for August). It's by Mark Waid and Steven Bryant, so it seems like it might be good project, and worth a review or two. And while I applaud your desire to turn your laser like focus and attention to "new cutting edge comics for today's reader", I caution you to choose wisely. The sticker shock of modern comics ($2.99 to $4.99), may upset the Splendid Wife...I'm only speaking from my own experience here...My son has been collecting the new Green Lantern series (since Darkest Night), and I've had to help him with funds on occasion...In other words, you can drop $40-$50+ really fast now-a-days on comics, which is troubling, to say the least...and, yes, I'll get the 'skunk eye' from my wife,(it is money after all)eventhough she'll read them too. So, unless you've got large piles of cash lying around, or a mysterious benefactor willing to dole out the money for your reviews, I suggest you proceed with caution. Not all comics are created equal. Unfortunately, most seem to made with super-expensive paper and computer effects. As a side bar, I'm saving my cash for the Comics about Cartoonists book and the ever elusive Alan Moore Book of Magic (both will be quite costly, I'm sure).
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that you are willing to explore new titles and bring in new talent, but if it comes down to buying new comics or paying the electric bill, I say pay the bill. Plus, in six months, you'll probably be able to pick up some of these titles at a comic book convention for half price (or less, if the back log is huge). Granted, it's not as 'cutting edge', but the Splendid Wife will thank you. As always, thank you for your time and attention and Good Luck!
Hello John:- I too have to remarkably careful about which comics to buy. I tend to buy five or six books a week and they function to tell me which collections to put on the "when-there's-the-dosh" list. I would certainly find it tough to keep a nipper in a Green Lantern habit these days :) Having said that, I can't help but it's a really cool thing to be doing. And one day, perhaps he'll be buying you your favourite books while his partner gives him the skunk eye. There'd a nice symmetry to that. My best to your splendid family and their admirable comic reading
DeleteI'm finding that the Splendid Wife is quietly developing her own comic book habit. Blacksad and Concrete have gone down very well with her. What splendid taste ...
I struggle to understand how a Steel and Mrs Steel series can possibly survive as a book in the American market, but I'll be exceptionally pleased to be proven wrong. It's a great creative team and a terrific property. I have fond memories of the Morrison/Gibson books, although I don't think they were entirely successful.
I'm looking forward to both Comics About Cartoonists and Moore's magic book too. But as you imply, there's too much that's excellent out there for a mortal man's purse. Still, things become all the precious when it's not possible to read everything, or even a small percentage of it.
Beasts of Burden features stories from Dark Horse Presents. They're self-contained, so there won't be the same problem you had with Resident Alien.
ReplyDeleteI got nuthin'. I can only back up some of the choices already made, like Black Kiss II (because I certainly don't want to read it, but I'm interested in seeing thoughts about it), Dial H (I'm waiting for the trade), Hawkeye, and Godland. Because I'm evil, I could nominate something like Extinction Seed, just because I have no idea what the deal is with it and I'm sure it's lousy, but I won't. I don't know if you've ever written about The Boys here, but the final few issues are coming out, with #69 shipping next week, and I'd be curious about your thoughts.
Hello Greg:- I had one of the DHP stories down as one of my stories of the year. At least I know I can write a entirely positive review for that one.
DeleteI feel the same way about Black Kiss II. But if I have to take the bullet for, you, good sir, then tis my pleasure.
I'd never heard of Extinction Seed. A quick search and there it is, a truly unpleasant series of covers which in themselves make it unlikely that my dosh is heading in that direction. Unless the Reader's Roulette ballot ends up with that book in the top places.
There's a Boys review coming in the near future. Not too long a piece, but then, that's probably not a bad thing. I'm torn on the boys. I share the belief that super-powers distributed by radom chance, govt experiments and big business are likely to result in a large number of ... rather unpleasant and dangerous individuals. I've rarely felt the books fulfilled their promise, but here's hoping I've just missed seeing the best of the run.
Concrete & Blacksad? That is impressive taste. Of the thousands of comics I own, those are two of maybe a dozen series or minis I would not be embarrasses to show normal people. Next will be Lady Death, of course, or maybe Tarot if LD is too restrained.
ReplyDelete- Mike Loughlin
Hello Mike;- Yes, trust the Splendid Wife to even have a more bulletproof taste in comics than me.
DeleteI've always trusted your opinion, and so, I feel compelled to spent huge amounts of money acquiring complete collections of Lady Death and Tarot. Never having read either book, and knowing how good your opinion is, I can't wait ...
:)
I totally agree...Thank you for not correcting my gaff...I apologize to anyone reading the comments section...I meant to say Green Lantern's "Blackest Night"...not Darkest Night...I can hear my son groaning in the background...Forgive me. It's hard NOT to walk around here without thinking of the Dark Knight Rises movie. Hyped as it was, is, and will be...what with Colorado and everything... Afraid my subconscious got the best of me.
ReplyDeleteI will say this for the recent Green Lantern runs: Even when the stories are lacking, the art in those books is pretty spectacular. You can measure the technological advancements the comic book has made just by looking at the color schemes in those books. Amazing work.
I like the idea of my son shelling out money to buy my comics later in life (when they are $9.99 a pop and come with interactive videos..."Yes, I'd like those Emma Frost and Catwoman comics...").
I don't see the Steed and Mrs. Peel book breaking any records either. I think (and I could be wrong here) Boom Publishing released the Morrison/Gibson series here in the US a few months back and I guess it did well enough to merit a continuing series...I don't know...
Boom Publishing markets itself as a creator-friendly operation. And they are willing to pay for property rights and put their "unique new spin on an old favorite". And they do what they want/love to do, without ( I'm guessing) worrying about losing money. Some of these guys are successful professionals who left the big two years ago, and are not exactly strapped for cash. I suspect the motivation is: their love for the Avengers series.
I suggested the book purely for self-serving purposes (Boom books are pricey). Right now, I'm thinking, "No thanks Mark Waid, I'll pass on your new and improved version of an old classic". But,I am curious.
Concrete is an excellent comic. Chadwick's style is really clean and clever, and his stories are strangely simple and straight forward, yet multi-dimensional and personal. Good choice.
Hello John:- Minor confusions about comic books. I specialise in making them. I wouldn't notice anyone else's incredibly minor slip.
DeleteI can't say that I'm a fan of the style of art which I've seen in the GL books I've read for the past few years. But I would never deny that there's no short-cuts being taken there in terms of the style that's being pursued. The art in the GLC issue which I recently posted about, for example, was undoubtedly marked by a great deal of competence and enthusiasm.
I don't know much about Boom. The one book that I've read and treasured from them is Snarked! which I gave a glowing review in Q to. What you say about the company's ethos is fascinating and I look forward to discover more about them.
I've been surprised - and pleased - with the response I run into when I mention that I've been having a crack at writing about comics. It's not anything that I can do that's catching their attention, of course, it's the fact that it's CONCRETE! It is indeed a lovely comic ..
I'd like to second the Green Arrow nomination - I'm enjoying Nocenti's run, but the reviews have been heavily mixed and I'd be interested to hear your take.
ReplyDeleteI'll also put in a vote for The Phoenix, although you'd probably have a devil of a time finding a copy...
Hello Neil:- Thanks for your nominations. I'm driving past a comics shop tomorrow, so I'll pick up what I can. I must admit, I read Green Arrow #11 and I thought it a car crash, which baffled me. I was always a Ms Nocenti fan, and yet this seemed to be anything but a Nocenti book. If the next issue is around, I'll check out whether it was an aberration or not.
DeleteI occasionally stop in at Waitrose and they stock The Phoenix. I've actually got the last two issues waiting for me to check out. I'd like to enjoy it , so I'm looking forward to see whether I can or not :)