| Overdue Reviews |
[Nov. 25th, 2007|11:01 pm] |
Dramacon Vol.1
Svetlana Chmakova
http://www.tokyopop.com/product/1513
High schooler and aspiring writer Christie attends her first anime convention, hoping to sell her new comic. But she's ill-equipped to handle the high-stress atmosphere, and it seems to exacerbate her troubles with her obnoxious boyfriend, Derek. And then she (literally) bumps into the handsome, mysterious Matt...
Ok, I can see you rolling your eyes already. And it's true, the story does hit a lot of the expected romance tropes, as Christie scrambles to get around the various roadblocks (both external and self-imposed) that are keeping her from her One True Love. It's practically "Jane Eyre: The Otaku Edition". But it's done with such charm, and frequently laugh-out-loud humor, that I couldn't help but get carried along. Perhaps my favorite aspect of the story is the keen observations on "convention culture"; if you've ever attended a con, on either side of the table, you will be nodding your head in recognition at the various personalities and neuroses on display.
The story does take a dark turn at one point, which kind of threw me for a loop (and I was put off by the relative lack of consequences for Derek; a punch in the snoot and a stern talking-to are in no way sufficient). But it is dramatically effective, and Christie comes out the other side stronger and on-course for her happy (or at least hopeful) ending. Add in the adorable cartoony artwork, and you've got an addictive, engaging read. Now I've got to track down the other volumes...
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Paradigm Shift, Part One: Equilibrium
Dirk Tiede
http://www.paradigmshiftmanga.com
There's a lot to like about this police drama: The art is slick and appealing, with lushly detailed backgrounds. The pages are densely packed with lots of dialogue and some dramatic, well-staged action. But ultimately, the story failed to hook me. The lead characters are pretty stereotypical "buddy cops": Michael is the cool & methodical one, Kathryn is the loose cannon, yadda yadda yadda. Tiede dangles a number of plot threads (including vague hints of something supernatural going on), but by the end of the volume none of them have been developed to any great extent. Rather than being intrigued, I just felt unsatisfied by what amounts to an extended prologue.
I will admit, straight-up crime drama is not my favorite genre, so cop fans may find something here that I'm missing. I recommend going to the website and sampling some pages for yourself to see if it's something you might be into.
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Vogelein: Old Ghosts
Jane Irwin
http://www.vogelein.com
I loved the first Vogelein story, and this sequel continues in the same vein, further developing the characters and themes. No longer dependent on a single caretaker, the titular clockwork faerie has grown bolder and is more keen to explore and experience the modern world. She also has more time for reflection, and the memory of an unfulfilled promise to an old friend gnaws at her conscience. Her struggle to reconcile the past with the future is echoed in the other characters as well; many of them have secrets or regrets they have to get past in order to move forward.
As a writer, Jane Irwin doesn't have a mean bone in her body -- the characters are almost painfully sincere and heartfelt in everything they do, and even the faerie-obsessed woman who "stalks" Vogelein is more pathetic than menacing. There are a couple of brief bits of conventional action, but for the most part the drama is internal, beautifully conveyed by Irwin's expressive artwork. There's an interesting contrast seeing a gritty, grubby modern city done up in her traditional painterly style -- a mix of old and new that's appropriate to the story of a living antique trying to find her way in the 21st century. Well worth seeking out (and be sure to get the first volume, too!). |
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| Random Reviews |
[Nov. 9th, 2007|12:57 pm] |
ASTONISHING X-MEN #23
Joss Whedon & John Cassaday
Marvel
Wow, what a great issue! Intense action, twisty plot, witty dialogue, and lots of "Hell Yeah!" moments -- pretty much everything I could want in a mainstream spandex book. We always hear about Cyclops being such a great leader, tactician, etc. but for once we really get to see it. "What other lies have you told?!!" followed by 4 pages of Optic Pwnage. Love it. Really going to miss this when it's over.
BATMAN #669
Grant Morrison & J.H. Williams III
DC
Morrison and Williams on Batman sounds like a dream team, but this just didn't work for me at all. A feeble murder mystery, corny old superheroes gettting grimly 'n grittily "deconstructed", and Batman running around in circles for 3 issues. Williams usually does a good job balancing "arty" layouts with readability, but I was frequently lost here. Major disappointment.
BATMAN #670
Grant Morrison & Tony Daniel
DC
Better, but still kind of underwhelming. Lots of fannish trivia gets referenced (I Ching! rofl!) -- Ra's wanting to use Deadman-style mind transfer in order to get a new body is actually pretty clever. Batman comes off as kind of a dope: "Gasp! The villain who's whole shtick is based on coming back from the dead can't possibly be back from the dead!" If the storyline were going to be confined to this one book, I'd probably keep up with it, but "To be continued in ROBIN #168"? Fuck that noise.
BIFF BAM POW! #1
Evan Dorkin
Slave Labor Graphics
Dorkin lets his wacky, all-ages side out to play, and the results are a blast. Characters like One-Punch Goldberg, Nutsy Monkey, and Kid Blastoff are full of charm and the gags come fast and furious. Tremendously fun.
LOCAL #10
Brian Wood & Ryan Kelly
Oni Press
We get some insight into Megan's brother Matthew, which in a roundabout way sheds some light on why Megan is the way she is. Some pretty brutal stuff here, but compelling. Kelly's B&W work is really lush and beautiful. He does an interesting trick here: the "current day" scenes are inked with a lot of tone and texture, while the flashbacks are more clean and open. It's a subtle distinction, but very effective in setting them apart. Nice work all around.
MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS #4
Mike Allred
Image
I tend to like "wacky fun Madman" more than "serious philosophical Madman" (admittedly, both have been a part of the character since day one). Here we basically have a whole issue of Frank scratching his head and going "Huh?" while various characters go around making vague prouncements about "something big" that's going to happen. It's not awful (and the surreal visuals are neat), but I do kind of wish he'd quit vamping and get on with it already.
SHAOLIN COWBOY #7
Geoff Darrow
Burlyman Entertainment
What's going on here? Damned if I know, but it's sure weird and disturbing and drawn in obsessive detail. Works for me! Gotta love that John Severin cover -- dude hasn't lost a step since the glory days of EC.
SUBURBAN GLAMOUR #1
Jaime McKelvie
Image
Off to a nice start. Paints a vivid portrait of bored & frustrated teenagers, itching for their adult lives to begin, but not sure what they want to do with themselves. I knew it was coming, but I was actually a little put off by the inevitable supernatural element, just because I was enjoying the story as a straight-up slice of life thing. We'll see where it goes. The art's gorgeous, and I love the simple coloring and the bold, graphic cover design.
X-MEN FIRST CLASS #5
Jeff Parker, Roger Cruz, & Colleen Coover
Marvel
Heroes fighting to a contrived stalemate is kind of a Marvel tradition, but this is a particularly creaky iteration. The fight itself just isn't very interesting -- The Hulk and the X-men toss each other around a lot, but never seem to have any strategy or goal in mind (well, you don't expect much strategy from the Hulk, but the X-Men are supposed to be all about teamwork, clever application of powers, etc.). Eventually they decide that Hulk is just a misunderstood misfit like them, and let him go. Pretty pointless overall. I did like the bit where Prof. X can't concentrate to use his uber mind power because Thunderbolt Ross won't shut the hell up. Cruz draws a great Hulk, but I don't really care for his rendition of the X-Men (Hank McCoy is a tall, skinny guy? WTF?). Colleen Coover's 2-pager is adorable and awesome. I know it would never fly with the fans, but I really wish she could just draw the whole book. |
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| The Avengers Project: Vol. 1 No. 14 |
[Jun. 26th, 2007|08:17 pm] |
THE AVENGERS Vol. 1, No. 14
March, 1965
"Even Avengers Can Die!"
Plot and Editing by Stan Lee
Script by Paul Laiken and Larry Lieber
Layouts by Jack Kirby
Pencils by Don Heck
Inking by Chic Stone
Lettering by S. Rosen
( Read more... ) |
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| Hey Kids! Comics! |
[Jun. 13th, 2007|11:54 pm] |
Haven't done one of these in a while. I've been trying to cut back a bit on my comics purchases, and also trying to transition from singles to trades. But today I was in the mood for some funnybooks, so I indulged myself:
( Read more... ) |
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| SPACE Haul |
[Apr. 24th, 2007|05:55 pm] |
A list of all the books I bought/got/traded for at the SPACE show, with relevant links. Reviews to come later.
( Read more... ) |
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| Avengers Vol. 1 No. 13 |
[Feb. 27th, 2007|07:09 pm] |
Avengers Vol. 1 No. 13
February, 1965
"Trapped in... The Castle of Count Nefaria!"
Rather exceptional story by: Stan Lee
Somewhat distinctive art by: Don Heck
Fairly compelling inking by: Dick Ayers
Moderately clear lettering by: Artie Simek
( Read more... ) |
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| Books Bought, In Brief - 1/22/07 |
[Jan. 22nd, 2007|08:29 pm] |
A DISTANT SOIL #38
At last! But then it ends on another agonizing cliffhanger! Argh!
ASTONISHING X-MEN #19
The transition from the previous storyline is a bit awkward, but the sparkling dialogue carries it along.
CASTLE WAITING #4
Warm, fuzzy, and charming, with no apologies for being so.
COMICS JOURNAL #280
Great interviews with two of my all-time favorites: Frank Thorne and Carla Speed McNeil.
DETECTIVE COMICS #827
Interesting take on the Ventriloquist, but I think I prefer the original.
IMMORTAL IRON FIST #2
I never read much Iron Fist, so I don't know if the characterization of Danny Rand as a sort of amiable dunce is something new, but I'm enjoying it.
KABUKI REFLECTIONS #7
I always enjoy seeing Mack's sketches and works-in-progress.
LOVE AND ROCKETS #18
Generally I prefer Jaime's work to Gilbert's, but both brothers deliver outstanding strips this time out.
MARVEL ADVENTURES THE AVENGERS #9
The much-talked-about cover image sets the tone for the entire issue -- it's bizarre and hilarious throughout.
NEXTWAVE AGENTS OF HATE #11
Love the "side-scrolling videogame" layout in the back half of the book, with its succession of freaky monsters: Robot Stephen Hawking! Infant Terrible! Snake on a Plane!
SPIDER-MAN AND POWER PACK #3
The main story is fun, but the backup steals the show - brilliantly taking the piss out of the interminable CIVIL WAR.
SPIRIT #2
Cooke is taking some (well thought-out) liberties here with the classic formula, developing a genuine relationship between the Spirit and Ellen, and adding some surprising depth to P'Gell.
TEEN TITANS GO #38
Story's kind of slight, but great Chynna Clugston artwork. |
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| The Avengers Project - Vol. 1 No. 12 |
[Dec. 17th, 2006|09:14 pm] |
THE AVENGERS Vol. 1 No. 12
January 1965
"This Hostage Earth!"
Written in the Marvel manner by Smilin' Stan Lee
Illustrated in the Marvel tradition by Dazzlin' Don Heck
Delineated in the Marvel style by Darlin' Dick Ayers
Lettered in the nick of time by Swingin' Sam Rosen
( Read more... ) |
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| The Avengers Project - Vol. 1 No. 11 |
[Dec. 15th, 2006|10:40 pm] |
THE AVENGERS Vol. 1 No. 11
December 1964
"The Mighty Avengers Meet Spider-Man!"
Spectacular story by: Stan Lee
Incomparable illustrations by: Don Heck
Dazzling delineation by: Chic Stone
Lachrymose lettering by: Sam Rosen
( Read more... ) |
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| The Avengers Project - Vol. 1 No. 10 |
[Nov. 11th, 2006|02:22 pm] |
AVENGERS Vol. 1 No. 10
November, 1964
"The Avengers Break Up!"
Story superbly written by: Stan Lee
Art adorably drawn by: Don Heck
Inked by darlin' Dick Ayers
Lettered by stalwart Sam Rosen
( Read more... ) |
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| The Avengers Project - Vol. 1 No. 9 |
[Oct. 4th, 2006|03:22 pm] |
AVENGERS Vol. 1 No. 9
October 1964
"The Coming of the... Wonder Man!"
Sensationally written by: Stan Lee
Superbly illustrated by: Don Heck
Selectively inked by: Dick Ayers
Sufficiently lettered by: Art Simek
( Read more... ) |
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| The Avengers Project - Vol. 1 No. 8 |
[Oct. 2nd, 2006|03:18 pm] |
THE AVENGERS Vol. 1 No. 8
September 1964
"Kang, The Conqueror!"
Written by: Stan Lee (Our answer to Victor Hugo!)
Illustrated by: Jack Kirby (Our answer to Rembrandt!)
Inked by Dick Ayers (Our answer to automation!)
Lettered by Sam Rosen (Our answer to Artie Simek!)
( Read more... ) |
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| The Avengers Project - Vol. 1 No. 7 |
[Sep. 22nd, 2006|07:51 pm] |
AVENGERS Vol. 1 No. 7
August, 1964
"Their Darkest Hour!"
Magnificently written by: Stan Lee
Majestically illustrated by: Jack Kirby
Masterfully inked by: Chic Stone
Meticulously lettered by: Art Simek
( Read more... ) |
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| The Avengers Project - Vol. 1 No. 6 |
[Sep. 18th, 2006|04:43 pm] |
AVENGERS Vol. 1 No. 6
July, 1964
"Meet the 'Masters of Evil!'"
Written by the inspired typewriter of Stan Lee
Drawn by the enchanted pencil of Jack Kirby
Inked by the gifted brush of Chic Stone
Lettered by the scratchy pen of S. Rosen
( Read more... ) |
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| Recent Purchases 9/7/06 |
[Sep. 7th, 2006|07:25 pm] |
AGENTS OF ATLAS #1 (Marvel) - Off to an interesting start. The 1950s heroes are introduced quickly and efficiently via flashback, and then we're brought to the present as mysteries and conspiracies unfold. Very nice artwork by Kirk, and just the right touch of humor. Should be fun.
ARTESIA BESIEGED #2 (Archaia Studios Press) - You can always count on Artesia for plenty of swordplay, sorcery, and sex. Plus lots of politics and betrayal, which come to the fore in a wicked cliffhanger this issue. Throw in the gorgeous painted artwork, and you've got a winner.
ASTONISHING X-MEN #16 (Marvel) - The Kitty Pryde vs. Emma Frost fight is what we all came for. And it's great. But it turns out there's more than that to the story, including a couple of extremely interesting plot twists. After a slow patch, this book is really picking up ste655am again.
BATMAN #655-656 (DC) - Doesn't quite live up to the sky-high, OMFG-It's-Grant-Morrison expectations, but there's some cool stuff going on, and I'm definitely interested in seeing how the stuff with Talia plays out. Kubert's art is unnecessarily cluttered and hard to read, but it's serviceable.
BATMAN AND THE MAD MONK #1 (DC) - Disappointing. Most of the issue is lifted wholesale from Miller's "Year One", and the rest hits all the most tired cliches of vampire stories ("Gasp! All the blood has been drained from her body! What could it possibly mean???"). No mood, no style, no fun.
THE COMICS JOURNAL #277 (Fantagraphics) - A better-than-average issue of this essential mag. Includes a thorough history of the Direct Market, including the boom-bust cycles and the distributor wars that got us where we are today. Plus various folks weigh in on the current state of the industry, and we get a complete reprint of a trashy, squarebound comicbook from 1950 called "It Rhymes With Lust" -- quite possibly the first graphic novel.
DETECTIVE COMICS #822 (DC) - Exactly what you'd expect from The Animated Batman Series Guy: Tight plotting, sharp dialogue, and cool action. Pretty good artwork too, although the colorist does his best to try and sabotage it (Seriously, what is up with these guys? Why would you deliberately make the book harder to read?).
FELL #6 (Image) - Another deeply-disturbing crime tale. Not usually my sort of thing, but there's something compelling about the stripped-down, matter-of-fact style they're using here. And Templesmith's style makes even people standing around talking look creepy, so he's perfect for this.
JACK KIRBY'S GALACTIC BOUNTY HUNTERS #1-2 (Marvel/Icon) - I wanted to like this more than I did. The creators involved are almost painfully sincere in their attempt to evoke Kirby, but in the end it's just a mannered pastiche with no life of its own. The good news is that the ads in the back show that Marvel is making a big push to get more of Kirby's *real* work back into print.
KABUKI THE ALCHEMY #6 (Marvel/Icon) - It's hard to describe this storyline without making it sound deadly dull: Kabuki sits around the house, writing and thinking about her past and future. But it's absolutely riveting, thanks in no small part to Mack's imaginative, experimental artwork. I'm already dying to see the next installment.
NEXTWAVE AGENTS OF H.A.T.E. #7 (Marvel) - This brilliant mix of over-the-top action and snarky satire keeps delivering the goods. You know, it occurs to me that this book actually has more of a "modern-day Kirby" feel to it than GALACTIC BOUNTY HUNTERS, in the way it throws one crazy-ass idea after another onto the page with barely a chance to catch your breath. And Immonen's stylish artwork (and those amazing covers!) are a big part of why it works so well.
PSYCHOZORT #18-19 (Larry Blake) - Larry's superhero work is an odd but appealing mix of mainstream and underground sensibilities. These two issues deal with "The Warriors", a group of Silver Age-style heroes trying to find a place in the modern world. The clash between their solid, traditional morality and modern cynicism is pretty interesting reading. There's also some funny "meta" stuff with a Marvel-style publisher trying to sue them for being too similar to their comicbook heroes. (Not available in stores; Send $5.00 per issue to Larry Blake / 69306 State Route 124 / Reedsville, OH 45772).
SOLO #12 (DC) - And speaking of Absolutely Stark Raving Mad In The Best Possible Way... ladies and gentlemen, Brendan McCarthy. One whacked-out fever dream after another, seemingly-unrelated short stories, but with certain themes and motifs that almost-but-not-quite start to cohere into something you can grasp... aw, I give up, it's indescribable, just buy it! |
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| The Avengers Project - Vol. 1 No. 5 |
[Sep. 6th, 2006|02:01 pm] |
AVENGERS Vol. 1 No. 5
May, 1964
"The Invasion of the Lava Men!"
An epic tale, told with high drama and heroic dignity by: Stan Lee
Illustrated with deep sincerity and dazzling beauty: by Jack Kirby
Inked by: Paul Reinman
Lettered by: S. Rosen
( Read more... ) |
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| The Avengers Project - Vol. 1 No. 4 |
[Aug. 22nd, 2006|03:01 pm] |
AVENGERS Vol. 1 No. 4
March, 1964
"Captain America Joins...The Avengers!"
Gloriously written by Stan Lee
Grandly illustrated by Jack Kirby
Gallantly lettered by Art Simek
( Read more... ) |
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| The Avengers Project - Vol. 1 No. 3 |
[Aug. 13th, 2006|07:51 pm] |
AVENGERS Vol. 1 No. 3
January, 1964
"The Avengers Meet... Sub-Mariner!"
( Read more... ) |
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