The Comic Queen

Don’t Know Why You Say Goodbye, I Say Hello

2006-08-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

The time has come, my friends, to lay down my queenly crown and turn my attention to other endeavors. I had a great time and enjoyed running this site immensely, however, The Comic Queen blog is now officially retired.

But don’t be sad! At least, don’t be sad for me. I’m debuting a brand spanking new business: Fourth Wall Editing. This freelance editing service is aimed especially at small comics publishers and independent creators. Therefore, I’ve got to cut back on some of my other activities, and the blog is one of the casualties (actually it has been for awhile).

I’m sure I’ll “run into” most of you anyway. I’ll be reading your blogs, picking up your comics, and perhaps even seeing you at the occasional convention.

Thank you to the publishers and creators who sent me review copies over the last two years. And thank you so much to all my readers. It’s been great fun!

Single-Panel Review: Continuity, The Ticking, Maahvelous!, True Loves

2006-07-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

Continuity GN
AiT/Planet Lar $12.95
Writer: Jason McNamara; Artist: Tony Talbert
Yeah, now that’s the stuff. What starts out looking like another testosterone-driven action comic settles into a trippy, mind-bending science fiction book. The book opens on a futuristic metropolis where a prescription drug “bus” is being hijacked. Things don’t go so well, and our protagonist, Alicia, finds refuge in a basement where the homeowner reluctantly listens to her unbelievable story. Suburban life wasn’t perfect for Alicia, she was 17 and living with a harsh stepmom and whipped dad. As bad as she thinks her life is at that moment, though, things quickly go down the shitter. You see, suddenly when Alicia sleeps, her dreams don’t just play out in her head, they change the world. And these aren’t peaceful dreams we’re talking about. Alicia runs away and that’s when her life and the book get triptacular. The comic itself is well executed, stories like this sometimes get out of the creators’ control and become confusing or start to unravel plotwise. This book holds your attention and keeps you guessing in a good way. The art matches the story perfectly, too; dark, sketchy, unsettling – that’s not just the art, that’s Alicia’s life in a nutshell.
Bottom Line: A-

The Ticking GN HC
Top Shelf $19.95
By Renee French
O.k., before I get to the guts of this GN, I want to comment on the design of the book itself. This is a beautiful book to hold in your hands. Hardcover and cloth bound, though it ups the price point, the physical design of the book is worth putting out for all to see. Anyway, to the content! The Ticking is a quiet book done nearly entirely in soft pencils about quiet, yet unsettled, lives. When Edison is born, he not only has a deformed visage, but his mother dies in childbirth. Partly out of the depression of his loss, partly out of shame, and partly out of protection, Edison’s father takes him away to raise him on an island. As Edison grows up, he isn’t ashamed of himself, however, and with his drawing talents, he decides (against his father’s will) to venture into the world. Sad, yet ultimately with hope, this is a beautiful book on many levels.
Bottom Line: B+

Maahvelous! Princess Puut and Dali Do Venice
Glitterati Incorporated $30
By Scott Chambliss
Decadent, over the top, and a visual buffet, are the best ways to describe this book. It’s really a children’s book for adults in a sense. Physically it’s an oversized board book, and storywise it’s got a simple yet whimsical nature with mixed-media art. Princess Puut’s celebrity star is waning, and she’s becoming dejected and questioning her existence. Then she has a dream in which she is called to travel to Venice to find the answers to her questions. Accompanied by her best friend Dali, Princess Puut goes on an adventure to find her destiny … and ultimately finds herself. It’s a fun book, and nearly indescribable.
Bottom Line: B

True Loves GN
New Reliable Press $12.99
Writer: Manien Botma; Artist: Jason Turner
This GN is a yarn about life and love in Vancouver, BC. Not a hint of sappiness is what makes this a surprisingly infectious read. The story follows True, a vintage clothing store owner, and Zander, who works at a grocery store and takes life as it comes. Though their friends are initially skeptical, fate takes its turn with the situation, and things turn out in the end. Don’t worry, I didn’t spoil anything for you – the real fun of the book is the humor, the characters, and the just all-round well-told story. Also, living just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Vancouver myself, it was fun to see many of the local sights I’ve seen in person. So, if you’ve been to Vancouver, there’s a little extra touch for you. Drawn in ink and mostly in panels, the art has a nice cartoon feel to it, then add to this the good details Turner puts into the book from the clothes to the land(and city)scapes, and you’ve got an accessible and enjoyable book.
Bottom Line: A

Single-Panel Review: Wonderland, War of the Worlds, Papercutter, Hero Squared, and Recommended Reading

2006-07-15T22:40:00.000-07:00

Wonderland #1
SLG $3.50
Writer: Tommy Kovac; Artist: Sonny Liew
Beautiful artwork from Sonny Liew is the highlight of this new comic. The story takes place in Wonderland just after Alice’s departure and follows Mary Ann, the White Rabbit’s assistant. The writing is great – fits the comic perfectly. Simply put, this comic is a real treat and not to be missed. Note: Check out sample pages on the SLG site.
Bottom Line: A

War of the Worlds: Second Wave #3
Boom! Studios $2.99
Writer: Michael Alan Nelson; Artist: Chee
Don’t get me wrong, I like this series so far, I’m just beginning to think it will read better in trade form. I wouldn’t say the series is moving slowly, per se, but with big, beautiful splash pages, it’s hard to get the same amount of story into a comic. Good stuff, though, and definitely worth reading.
Bottom Line: B

Papercutter 1 & 2
Tugboat Press $3 each
Papercutter’s a great little anthology book. The first two issues have featured Aaron Renier, J.P. Coovert, Sean Aaberg, Becca Taylor, Paul Tobin, Colleen Coover, and Liz Prince. So, from this line-up alone, it should be pretty clear that these are good books. If I had to pick to my top two stories, they would be Paul Tobin and Colleen Coover’s “Criminal Intent” a playful story about a catwoman-like burglar in a small village in the 30s (from #2), and Aaron Renier’s “Through the Hall of Biodiversity,” a down-to-earth little love story (from #1). Really, though, there wasn’t a throw-away story among the two books, which is saying something for an anthology. Sometimes they can be hit or miss, but both of these books are right on.
Bottom Line: B+ each

Hero Squared #1
Boom Studios! $3.99
Writer: Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis; Artist: Joe Abraham
Another good book from Giffen in the super-hero genre. Funny, engaging, it’s super-hero but fresher. My only criticism is that Giffen can be a little wordy at times, and this issue in particular he’s got the dialogue kicked up to new levels. Really, a minor complaint, though. Overall, this is good stuff.
Bottom Line: B

I’ve been trying to catch up on my way-to-big pile of comics lately. Here are some recommended reads from that pile:

DMZ
Vertigo
Brian Wood & Riccardo Burchielli
Has a Y: The Last Man attitude but more intense. New York City is a war zone, and Manhattan’s the DMZ, a no man’s land where main character Matty unexpectedly becomes an embedded journalist.

Toupydoops
Lobrau Productions
Kevin McShane
A very funny comic with a comedy movie pace and feel. The main characters, Toupydoops and Teetereater, have just moved to LA, where Toupydoops is an aspiring comic book character. That’s right, this is an LA where the entertainment industry casts comic books like movies. Nice.

Robotika
Archaia Studios Press
Alex Sheik Man
I’m at a loss about how to describe this one – it’s futuristic yet the main character is a samurai. It’s not science fiction and it’s not Samaraui Jack, yet it’s both. Not to be defined by one genre, it’s a very fascinating comic. All issues of this four-issue mini-series are out, and another installment is set for next year.

The All New Atom
DC
Gail Simone, John Byrne, and Trevor Scott
The Atom’s back but now played by a different scientific genius – it’s some pretty standard Atom stuff, but this series has some real promise. I’d recommend checking it out.

Talent
Boom! Studios
Christopher Golden, Tom Sniegoski, and Paul Azaceta
I reviewed the first issue of this ongoing, but after issue #2 am really excited about this series, and thought it was worth a second recommendation. If you like a good mystery, you’ve got to pick this comic up.

Uptight
Fantagraphics
Jordan Crane
This is an excellent comic in the vein of Kevin Huizenga or even Josh Cotter. Skilled artwork and a thoughtful, sad story.

Pizzeria Kamikaze GN
Alternative Comics
Etgar Keret and Asaf Hanuka
A graphic novel like nothing I’ve read before. The main character kills himself and goes to a netherworld where only those who have ended their own lives go. They live out an existence that seems like any city or normal life. It’s just that’s all there is. It’s difficult to describe the GN, but I really recommend the book.

Single-Panel Reviews: Point Pleasant, Harry, Tag, Crow Princess

2006-06-26T22:54:00.000-07:00

Point Pleasant: Eyes of the Beholder
Twisted Gate Entertainment $4.95
Writer: Chad Lambert; Artist: Edward Pun
Though this is the second Point Pleasant comic, it’s not at all a requirement to have read the first issue. The physical setting is the same—Point Pleasant, West Virgina—and the Mothman legend is integral to the mysterious happenings in the small town. Otherwise, this is a completely different comic. Mike Gillum seems to be solidly off his rocker, having seen the Mothman himself; he’s then haunted by nightmares and visions. At the same time, a series of murders have been occurring around town. Are the two connected – or maybe not in the way that you think? It’s a good mystery, with a twist, and nicely illustrated, as well. For a treat, check it out.
Bottom Line: B+

Harry
Apak Studio
By Ayumi Piland
Harry is a little boy who is so hairy he looks like a little sasquatch. The other kids shun him, so he runs away until he finds a friendly bald mountain and they soon become fast friends. The two learn that with good friends and persistence, anything can happen. This is such a sweet little book, kids and adults would both enjoy this story. The illustration is excellent: the confident inks perfectly exemplify the sweet innocence of the characters. This mini-comic is one I picked up at the Emerald City Comicon in April, and though I couldn’t find it on the Apak Studio website, I’m sure an email could score you a copy. It’ll be worth the effort, believe me.
Bottom Line: A+

Tag #1
Boom! Studios $3.99
Writer: Keith Giffen; Artist: Kody Chamberlain
This comic surprised me—I thought I’d be reading another gross-out zombie story, but instead Giffen and Chamberlain deliver a comic with real character and an excellent first issue of a three-part mini-series. The story is about Mitch, who after an almost breakup date is approached by a creepy stranger and “tagged.” Immediately, Mitch feels the effects and after a hospital visit, his diagnosis is clear. Mitch isn’t just “it,” he’s now a zombie. The creepy part is thinking about how gruesome and freaky it would be to experience rigor mortis while you’re still alive. Yowza!
Bottom Line: B+

Crow Princess GN
Manga Punk $5.95
By Rachel Nabors
Crow Princess is a manga-style fairytale about Cora, a girl whose mother never believed was hers and, therefore, will have nothing to do with her daughter. Though Cora is smart, talented, and kind (especially to animals), other kids snub her. Her family and friends aren’t the people in her life, instead, they’re the crows she’s met and cares for. Turns out she has more of a connection to the crows than she first thinks. A fairytale switched-at-birth story, Cora finally finds her place in the world through a little magic. Though not completely down my alley, this is a good fairytale. Because it deals with issues of alienation and isolation, I think this would be an especially good book for readers in their tweens.
Bottom Line: B

Single-Panel Reviews: Talent, Cry Yourself to Sleep, 52, Jeremiah Harm

2006-06-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

Talent #1
Boom! Studios $3.99
Writers: Christopher Golden, Tom Sniegoski; Artist: Paul Azaceta; Colorist: Ron Riley
Mix one part creepy to five parts intriguing and add a little twilight-zoney zest, and you’ve got the recipe for a great new comic. This first issue of Talent is a nice setup issue—you get the gist of the plot—plane goes down and all on board die except for one man who lives in a beyond-a-miracle way. You’re introduced to the main character—Nicholas Dane—who somehow knows things about people, call it premonitions, call it supernatural, whatever the mystery is, it’s a compelling one. I’m on board for this new series, and very curious to see where it will lead.
Bottom Line: A-

Cry Yourself to Sleep
Top Shelf $7
By Jeremy Tinder
This book is sweet, sad, funny … and not a bit pretentious. Some comics that aim to show the self-doubt we all experience can end up feeling forced or overly sentimental, but Tinder just tells the modern human struggle simply, and very effectively. The main characters are Andrew an aspiring human writer, an anthropomorphic bunny named Jim, and anthropomorphic Robot. Each are struggling with their humanity, their place in the world, and loneliness. Though the book is sweetly sad, it also has several humorous moments, and ultimately it’s a story of promise and comfort.
Bottom Line: A-

52 Weeks 1-4
DC $2.50 each
By A Whole Bunch of Folks
You know, I’m actually pleasantly surprised by 52 so far. I thought I’d try out the first couple weeks for look-sees, but I didn’t expect to actually enjoy the books. I certainly didn’t think I’d be looking forward to the next week. There’s no simple way to sum up things so far—really I don’t even know that much, having opted to skip out on Identity Crisis—my God I’m turning 30 this month, I don’t need to subject myself to optional crises! But, gun to my head, I’d explain it this way: the biggest heroes are gone, now the B players are stepping up both in the fictional story and as main characters of these books. The main four so far focused on in 52 are Booster Gold, The Question, Ralph Dibny (Elongated Man), Renee Montoya, and Black Adam. Of all the characters, I’m most familiar with Montoya, which is probably not the case with most readers, but I don’t read lots of superhero books. It’s not that I’m snooty, I just don’t have oodles of money, years and years of history with the comics, or the patience to keep up with things on the interweb. Two things that are the most refreshing or enjoyable about 52 so far: interesting lesser-known characters and the weekly format. It’s fun to see the DC story from the B players, it adds a new dimension and flavor to the perspective. And even though it’s an extra $10 a month, it’s nice to not have to dig up last month’s comic to remember what happened—I actually have a long enough memory to last a week (I know, I’m as surprised as you are). Anyway, I’ve blathered on longer than I intended, but bottom line is that DC’s unexpectedly got me for now.
Bottom Line: So far, so good – B

Jeremiah Harm #3
Boom! Studios $3.99
I’m starting to lose a little bit of interest with this comic. It’s a good sci-fi adventure, but the character that I thought was the most interesting—Jeremiah Harm—is actually more of a side note so far. We’re seeing the villains do their thing, but really we don’t know any more about Harm than we did at issue 1. This comic still has a lot of promise, it’s worth reading for sure, but I’m hoping the focus changes a little in upcoming issues.
Bottom Line: B

Owly: Flying Lessons Review

2006-06-03T17:15:00.000-07:00

Owly: Flying Lessons Review
Top Shelf; $10; 143 pgs.; B&W
By Andy Runton

Adorable, sweet, cute, insecure, worrywart—all these words describe Owly, the main character in the all-ages graphic novels of the same name.

My partner read this one too, and reports that it is “particularly sweet.” I heartily agree.

In this, the third, Owly adventure, Owly and his worm friend discover a new animal in their neck of the woods. With a little help, they identify it as a flying squirrel—who is totally adorable, by the way.

Now Owly would like to make friends, but unfortunately, owls are natural predators of flying squirrels, so the squirrel is understandably afraid to make friends. Little does he know that Owly is unlike most owls, friend of all creatures and not a big flyer either.

Without giving all of the plot away, suffice it to say that both Owly and the flying squirrel learn that trust and friendship can pay dividends.

If you haven’t read an Owly book before, especially if you have kids in your life, check this one out, it’s enjoyable, light, and, yes, particularly sweet.

Bottom Line: A

In Memoriam: Alex Toth 1928-2006

2006-05-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

I was away from my computer all weekend, and so missed the sad news that Alex Toth passed away on May 27. The Comics Reporter has a wonderful collective page dedicated to Toth's passing and work. Read all about it here.

Single-Panel Reviews: Jeffrey Brown, Cthulhu Tales, The Road to God Knows, Astro

2006-05-25T22:10:00.000-07:00

Every Girl is the End of the World for Me
Top Shelf $8
By Jeffrey Brown
I’ll be straight with you right off the bat—I enjoy Jeffrey Brown’s work a lot. His style may be simply lined pen work, but he manages to say a lot with this style. It can be vulnerable, telling, forward—and many other emotions as need be. In this particular book, the reader follows Brown over a three-week period—Dec. 26 2003 through Jan. 15 2004—as he runs into the many women in his life. They may be friends, or ex’s, or co-workers, but they’re all important women in his life—for good or bad. It’s Brown’s usual relationship-based slice of life story, but his relationships are less damaged, and he’s more confident in this book. This makes for both stronger artwork and a good comic.
Bottom Line: B+

Cthulhu Tales
Boom! Studios $6.99
Writers: Michael Alan Nelson, Johanna Stokes, Andrew Cosby, John Rogers, Casey Grey, Keith Giffen; Artists: Andrew Ritchie, Filip Sablik, Ellia Heroux, Lee Carter, Andy Kuhn, Mark Badger, Ben Roman
This book is a collection of horror stories centered (to varying degrees) around the monster Cthulhu. I guess this genre just isn’t really down my alley—most of the book was just icky, grody with no real scare or unexpectedness, just gross for gross’s sake. For most of the stories, it seemed like either the art or the story were lacking. Really only the last story “The Oddly Amorous Phineas Flynn and the Troublesome Trouble He Got Himself In” by Giffen and Roman was both well written and well drawn. Like I said, I’m qualifying my opinion because I don’t have a natural affinity for horror, but overall I didn’t think this was a well-executed comic (please excuse the pun).
Bottom Line: C-

The Road to God Knows
By Eric “Von Allan” Julien
I recently got my hands on the first 35 pages of this graphic novel in progress. The story follows Marie as she deals with her mother’s schizophrenia and just goes about regular kid stuff—friends and hobbies. In particular, Marie’s best friend is Kelly, and Marie’s true love in life is pro wrestling. Marie acts a little young for her age, but I expect we’ll see her grow up as the story progresses—having to take care of yourself and your mom will do that to a person. The story is a little on the slow side at this point—character development is the focus for this first section of the book—but my main criticism, though not huge, is the dialogue. It doesn’t flow as naturally as maybe it could, so the characters “voices” aren’t clear. Again, these are pretty small criticisms and certainly the fact that I only have a portion of the book should be taken into account. On the other hand, I really like the art. Von Allan does a nice, stylized job on people, especially, and I like his varying page layouts. Overall, I think this sample shows great promise for a full-length finished book. I’m looking forward to it, in fact.
Bottom Line: the story so far, B

Astro
Image Comics $6.99
By Nils Hamm
What a beautiful book—quite incredible! I can’t imagine the work that must have gone into this mixed-media romp. Astro’s a little space dude who gets stranded on Earth, and along the way happens to find a place for himself in this world. Though the wordless comic tells an interesting adventure/journey story, the real joy of the comic is the art. Mostly painted, the colors are anywhere from vibrant to muted, and quite amazing.
Bottom Line: A-

May Previews Picks

2006-05-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

Once again, I’m a little late with this Previews Picks post, but thought I’d at least get my top picks up before it’s too late.

Picks of the Month:

The Surrogates TP
Top Shelf Productions – pg. 363; $19.95; 208 pgs. FC
Writer: Robert Venditti; Artist: Brett Weldele
A TP collection isn’t normally my pick of the month, but this series was so great, it deserves it. This book collects the five-issue mini-series about the not-so-distant future where people live most of their lives through “surrogates” or better-than-reality androids, and two detectives investigate an outbreak of mysterious surrogate deaths. Very Philip K. Dick, and very good, this series gets my highest recommendation.

Featured Comics:

The All-New Atom #1
DC – pg. 72; $2.99; 32 pgs. FC
Writer: Gail Simone; Artists: John Byrne and Trevor Scott
I don’t know what it is about the Atom that I’ve always loved, but since I was a kid, he’s been one of my favorite superheroes. Needless to say, then, I’m very excited about this new series. With Simone writing, this should be a real treat. Yipee!

I Am Going to Be Small
Top Shelf Productions – pg. 363; $14; 384 pgs. B&W
By Jeffrey Brown
I’m a sucker for a Jeffrey Brown book, and while I love the books about his life and loves, it’s his humor books that really get me. This is a super-sized version of an earlier, much shorter version of a book of the same name. Can’t wait for this one.

Jack of Fables #1
Vertigo – pg. 113; $2.99; 32 pgs. FC
Writers: Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges; Artists: Tony Akins and Andrey Pepoy
Fables is one of my favorite series, so a spin-off book naturally grabbed my attention. It will be interesting to see how this book stands on its own -- definitely worth a try.

The Left Bank Gang GN
Fantagraphics – pg. 301; $12.95; 48 pgs. FC
By Jason
Jason’s unique anthropomorphic art style is very appealing, and this time he tells an alternate history story set in 1920s Paris. In this version of history, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Ezra Pound are still literary greats, but instead of prose novelists, their medium is graphic novels.

Bumperboy and the Loud, Loud Mountain
Adhouse Books – pg. 213; $8.95; 128 pgs. PC
By Debbie Huey
Bumperboy is about as sweet as characters come. In a similar vein as Owly – but with words – Bumperboy appeals to all ages. In this second book, Bumperboy and his dog Bumperpup “unravel the mystery of a rather talkative mountain, meet new friends, and discover a new enemy.” I thought the first book was incredibly cute, so I’m looking forward to this next book.

Quick Picks:

One of my favorite writers, Brian K. Vaughan, has a new series coming out from Dark Horse – and the first issue is just a buck. The Escapists will be a six-issue series with art by Philip Bond and Eduardo Barreto (pg. 22; $1; 32 pgs.).

Dark Horse has a 25-cent sampler comic coming out celebrating their 20th birthday – the cover by Mike Mignola is fabulous and worth the price of admission alone (pg. 28; 24 pgs.).

Doug Tennapel, creator of Tommysaurus Rex and Creature Tech, has a new graphic novel coming out from Image. Iron West combines robots with the Old West (among other things). The preview art looked great to boot (pg. 148; $14.99; 160 pgs.).

Active Images collects the series Kafka by Steven T. Seagle and Stefano Gaudiano for the first time (pg. 212; $14.99; 160 pgs.).

Shatter, a futuristic graphic novel from AiT/Planet Lar, is an “archival collection” of the first computerized comic. This had to have been an excruciating task at the time – I think I’ll have to check this one out (pg. 220; $14.95; 156 pgs.).

More Than Sparrows GN by Jamie Cosley could be promising. It’s described as “a unique love triangle wrought with tragedy and consequence minus the Hollywood ending” (Blind Wolf Comics; pg. 252; $4.95; 64 pgs.).

The John Doe Preview Book from Boom! Studios is interesting in a couple ways. First, it looks like a good story, but second, it’s an interesting concept to sell a preview of a comic – been done before but rarely. I’d be interested to know how successful or effective this marketing concept is (pg. 258; $1.99; 16 pgs.).

A new offering from Digital Manga Publishing caught my eye. Project X: Cup Noodle features the true history of the noodle sensation. It was the tagline that got me: Billions Eat It, Now You Can Read It! You can’t make this shit up (pg. 292; $12.95; 208 pgs.).

Antony Johnston and Chris Mitten team up on Wasteland #1 about a futuristic post-apocalyptic world (Oni Press; pg. 335; $2.99; 48 pgs.).

I’m excited to see a new Gumby comic starting up – and with Bob Burden and Rick Geary on creative, this should be a fun ride (Wildcard Production; pg. 376; $3.99; 32 pgs.)

Spider-Girl hits issue 100 – supposedly the final issue of the series, though the solicit does say it includes a “surprise announcement” (Marvel insert pg. 15; $3.99; 104 pgs.).

Thought it was worth noting Ed Brubaker will be taking the writing duties on Uncanny X-Men with #475 (Marvel insert pg. 75; $2.99; 32 pgs.).

Link 'em up Baby!

2006-05-18T23:50:00.000-07:00

For a rare treat, check out German comic artist Dirk Schwieger’s blog/illustrated journal. Dirk is currently living in Tokyo, and the premise of the journal is that readers give Dirk an “assignment” – an experience he should take, a place he should visit, etc. – and he completes the assignment, then creates a comic documenting his experience. His journal entries are really amazing – great art and well-told “story” in just four small pages, and he provides some really interesting insights into Japanese culture to boot. All signs point to bookmark.

“The Comics Interpreter” is back, this time in podcast form – available on the TCI site and on iTunes. I listened to pretty much all of the episode (a whopping 55 minutes!), and while it’s a little rambley (it is a podcast after all), it’s worth a listen.

Oh how I wish I could be in Toronto next weekend. On May 27 at 8 p.m. at Rocco’s Plum Tomato, a release party will be unleashed for “Scott Pilgrim 3: Scott Pilgrim and the Infinite Sadness” (by Bryan Lee O’Malley) AND the comic-strip collection “Dinosaur Comics” (by Ryan North). The free event looks deliciously fun – check out more at The Beguiling’s website. Also Scott Pilgrim-related, if you haven’t read any of the Scott Pilgrim books yet, or you weren’t able to snag a copy of the Free Comic Book Day Edition “Free Scott Pilgrim,” Newsarama has the entire comic up on their site for free. Excellent.

Speaking of cool things happening in Canada (we were, weren’t we?), if you are around Vancouver and have $3 burning a hole in your pocket, check out the Vancouver Comicon on June 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special guests this time around include Cameron Stewart (Seaguy, Catwoman), Takeshi Miyazawa (Runaways, Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane), Dave McCaig (The Batman Strikes!), Fred Grisolm (Hate Song), and many others.

And speaking of next weekend, the little fan-girl that lives deep inside me can’t wait for “X-Men: The Last Stand” to come out. It looks like a good mix of comic-book action, nods to fans, special effects, hot chicks, and yes, cheese. *Sigh* And thus, here’s my shot of the day. Mommy, why is the smurf so angry?

Stagger Lee GN Preview

2006-05-16T22:10:00.000-07:00

Stagger Lee GN
Image Comics; $17.99; 205 pgs.; B&W
Writer: Derek McCulloch; Artist: Shepherd Hendrix

On Christmas night, 1895, a man named Lee Shelton, or “Stag Lee,” shot Billy Lyons in the heat of a St. Louis barroom argument. This seemingly insignificant piece of history would be the catalyst for hundreds of folkloric songs … and now a graphic novel.

In this unique book, writer McCulloch and artist Hendrix weave a semifictional depiction of the actual events surrounding the case in with the history of the tale’s countless retelling in song. Whether as Stagger Lee, Stagolee, Stack-A-Lee, or Stack O’Lee, and whether sung by Ma Rainey, Mississippi John Hurt, or The Clash, Neil Diamond, or Bob Dylan, the heart of the song stays the same.

I found it very fitting that McCulloch takes the facts, changes a bit here and there, and creates a narrative to show the reader the essence of the events that led to the many songs. That’s the essence of the songs’ history, after all.

The actual structure of the graphic novel alternates between a few pages of historical information about the songs’ evolution and contents, and several pages of semifictional narrative depicting the story of the Stagger Lee incident and his subsequent trial, which follows a small cast of characters. Also woven into this mix is the history of two other historical events that would sprout songs of their own: “Duncan and Brady” and “Frankie and Johnny,” which interestingly are both based on murders that took place within several years and a few blocks of the Stagger Lee incident.

The balance between the “story” and the songs’ history was just about right – no one part dominated, and the two together kept the book from dragging.

The art alone is excellent. I really enjoyed Hendrix’s all-ink style, very realistic the closer the perspective, then more iconic as the perspective pulls away.

I also thought the back of the book was a nice addendum. Called “Notes on the Historical Characters,” it answered a few questions I had about the veracity of the characters and their stories. Really for as little as we know about the actual Stagger Lee and Billy, McCulloch’s retelling is a darn factual interpretation.

Just like the songs’ many incarnations, McCulloch takes an interesting yet minor piece of history and makes it truly fascinating.

Stagger Lee the graphic novel is due out later this month, and I highly recommend picking it up. I think this is one of those rare books that will appeal equally to seasoned comics readers and first-time visitors to the medium.

Bottom Line: A-

Single-Panel Reviews: Conversation, War of the Worlds, Or Else, Tails, What Were They Thinking

2006-05-10T13:08:00.000-07:00

Conversation #2
Top Shelf $4.95
By Jeffrey Brown and James Kochalka
Jeffrey Brown and James Kochalka team up for this issue of Conversation. Two of my favorite creators in one book—the comics gods smile upon me! The pair tackles why they draw comics—their motivations stem from different perspectives, but both want to make their mark on the world, to affect others in some way, and both agree that letting the creative juices flow is integral not just to their livelihoods, but their lives as well. Brown feels that any affect we have, no matter the size, is worth the effort and can help the world. Kochalka questions this, though, positing that the joy we receive in life ultimately comes from exercising our power over others. Maybe the biggest difference between the two artists comes near the end where we see Brown feels the need to analyze and rationalize while creating his comics more than Kochalka, who says life is to live, not analyze. Really, none of this is any surprise if you’ve read much of either artist’s work.

The charm of the book is the way in which it presents a glimpse into how Brown and Kochalka look at both life and the comics profession. The creators share most pages, some pages are more one artist’s than others, but the back and forth art is shared pretty seamlessly between the two. Though the format is set up to let the creators romp freely, it was interesting to see where either the creators stalled a bit on the back and forth or where they felt they’d gotten a little too “deep” and then became self conscious and resorted to humor to lighten the mood. That’s the only drawback of this format, a comic takes effort, time, and work, especially when two creators are involved, and this takes a good portion of the feel of spontaneity out of the book and the natural progression of the dialogue, unlike an in-person conversation. I don’t want to say the opinions expressed in the book come off artificial, but perhaps the truth of what they are expressing is found a bit more between the lines, or panels, than a true conversation. In any case, though, the chance to see these two creators on one book wins out over all, and is worth reading.
Bottom Line: B+

War of the Worlds: Second Wave #2
Boom Studios! $2.99
Writer: Michael Alan Nelson; Artist: Chee
This is shaping up to be a great series. The second wave of alien invaders has landed, and we’re just getting a taste of how they’ve adapted and what they’re like. Following the main character, Miles, Nelson tells the story of the current invasion side by side backstory about Miles through flashbacks. This is effectively done, keeping the pace in check and the narrative set up well. Though the series loses its color with the switch to black and white, it hasn’t lost one thing else. So far, this is Boom Studios!’s best book.
Bottom Line: A

Or Else #4
Drawn & Quarterly $5.95
By Kevin Huizenga
Huizenga comes out with another great book featuring Glenn Ganges, the Wild Kingdom, and his usual blend of thoughtfulness, humor, and philosophy. This was a great book, but I’ve got to say my favorite book of his was Ganges #1 that came out earlier this year. Some of the best art and “story” he’s created. Huizenga’s art, in general, is some of my favorite out there right now. I love his clean lines and perspectives – actually both in his art and with his writing. Always good stuff—both Or Else #4 and Ganges #1 are great examples of this.
Bottom Line: A-

Tails #3
Bohemian Press $2.95
By Ethan Young
Another very good issue of this series. Though the issue marks the last in the originally solicited series, Young states at the end of the comic that there’s more to come. Certainly the story ends as the close of one chapter in life, and definitely just the beginning of a new chapter. I definitely hope there is more to come – I’ve really enjoyed Young’s work on Tails and am anxious to see more from him. If you haven’t seen his work yet, you’re really missing out.
Bottom Line: A-

What Were They Thinking?!: Some People Never Learn
Boom Studios! $3.99
Writers: Keith Giffen, Mike Leib, John Rogers, Chris Ward, Andrew Cosby; Artists: mostly unknown
Though it says #1 on the cover, this is the second book of this nature from the publisher, and the funnier issue, in my humble opinion. The concept is that the writers take an old comic and rewrite the dialogue and story, keeping the original artwork. There are some very funny gags this time around—worth more than a few laughs. If you like this concept, it’s worth reading, very entertaining.
Bottom Line: B

Brownsville GN Review

2006-04-24T21:54:00.000-07:00

Brownsville GN HC
NBM Publishing; $18.95
Writer: Neil Kleid; Artist: Jake Allen

From the opening pages of Brownsville, it’s clear this book will be well told and well designed. Kleid gives us a story and characters that pull you in, and Allen provides stellar inks.

The book is primarily non-fiction, the characters real Jewish gangsters part of Murder Inc., a crime syndicate that recruited heavily out of East New York. Kleid focuses the story of the gangsters around Albert Tannenbaum, otherwise known as Allie boy or Tick Tock. As a kid looking for work and some excitement, Allie gets involved with the Jewish gangsters of Brooklyn. We follow Allie as he grows up and progresses through the ranks of Murder Inc. He faces tough choices early on – his family with his father in charge or his gangster family with Louis “Lepke” Buchalter at the helm. Twice he has to choose between the two, each time a different choice and a different result.

Allie’s father is unique and gives him his freedom to make these choices early on. He says at one point, “There are all kinds of people in this world. I pray that God gives you the strength to know which kind not to be.”

The book is interesting in the fact that you really do learn quite a bit about the Jewish gangsters of the time – especially the key members of Murder Inc. Also interesting is the more universal message of family, obligation, figuring out what the right thing is, and sticking to it.

Not all that long ago I reviewed Joe Kubert’s “Jew Gangster” GN, and comparing these two books is hard to resist – they have their similarities, after all, especially toward the beginning – a Jewish kid going down the wrong path, the path toward gangster life. However, the criticisms that I had with Kubert’s book don’t apply to “Brownsville.” While I had trouble feeling for the main character in “Jew Gangster,” Kleid made Allie engaging, beyond a stock character, and into a person you are curious about, who you want to hear their story. For one, Kleid focuses more on telling the story of Allie’s associates and work as much as his relationships – which was really as much a part of Allie’s work as extortion or contract killing. Brownsville could have been a dry retelling of actual events, but it does have a soul, it has much more than just historical value.

Ultimately, "Brownsville" is an all-round excellent book. The art is wonderful – Allen even does a nice job recreating the true look of the gangsters themselves. The story is good both as a non-fiction tale of the times and as a universal lesson for any time.

Bottom Line: A

April Previews Picks

2006-04-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

I’m late with the Previews picks this month, but there’s still time to add books to your April order. Here’s what I’ve noticed in the April Previews that look worth checking out.

Picks of the Month:

Wonder Woman #1
DC – pg. 91; $2.99; 32 pgs. FC
Writer: Allan Heinberg; Artists: Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson (with variant cover by Adam Kubert)
Whew! I can breathe easier now, Wonder Woman is back in action with a new series. Now, I’m only half joking – I do like Wonder Woman quite a bit, but I am a little apprehensive when the solicit says things like the creators are “giving Wonder Woman a fresh, sexy look and a bold new direction!” and that she will have “an all-new supporting cast, a brand-new mission, and a renewed sense of wonder.” A renewed sense of wonder? What the hell is that supposed to mean? Does an anvil get dropped on her head giving her amnesia? This kind of solicit worries me, because it hearkens memories of her stint as a sort of pseudo James Bond fashion icon in the early 70s. In case you’ve forgotten, check out the cover I’ve so generously taken the time to scan.

Now for my true pick of the month:

Tales of Woodsman Pete GN
Top Shelf – pg. 350; $7; 80 pgs. B&W
By Lilli Carré
Between the sample panels and the great description, I’m sold. The comic is a collection of stories about “a solitary albeit gregarious woodsman with a loose grasp on his own personal history and that of the outside world. He forms relationships with his inanimate surroundings and muses to a dead audience, specifically his bear rug, Philippe. His own tales eventually become entangled with that of the legendary Paul Bunyan, and the two become indirectly intertwined, illuminating the discrepancy between the character of the storyteller and the character within his stories.” There’s really not much more to say; this looks like a winner, folks.

Featured Comics:

Sloth
Vertigo – pg. 115; $19.95; 128 pgs. B&W HC
By Gilbert Hernandez
This should be one of the highest highlights of July, described in the solicit as “a surrealist romantic drama in the spirit of David Lynch that takes the art of sequential storytelling to new heights in its use of light and shadow.” No pressure! Just has to reach new heights of storytelling, that’s all. But—no pressure!! This should be excellent, despite the hyperbole, the sample pages about teenager Miguel Serra who wills himself into a year-long coma certainly point in this direction.

Skyscrapers of the Midwest #3
Adhouse Books – pg. 214; $5; 56 pgs. B&W
By Joshua W. Cotter
I’m very happy to see another issue of Skyscrapers of the Midwest solicited. Cotter is amazingly talented—if you haven’t tried this series yet, I implore you to pick it up. And I don’t often implore!

In the Hands of Boys #1 (of 2)
Melody Nadia Shickley – pg. 310; $10; 42 pgs. B&W
By Melody Nadia Shickley and Janet Tanirala
This looks like a fascinating book from creators I’m not familiar with – one of my favorite kinds of books. Anna Covello’s best friend is killed in Sarajevo, and the friend leaves her Anna her entire fortune, including her 10-year-old son.

Get a Life
Drawn and Quarterly – pg. 287; $19.95; 148 pgs. FC HC
By Dupuy and Berberian
This hardcover volume collects the early Mr. Jean—a Parisian everyman—stories. The solicit says “melancholic yet joyful reflections on past loves, favorite authors, marriage, and fatherhood are laid out in a breezy, comic style.”

Zed #7
Gagne International Press – pg. 293; $3.50; 24 pgs. B&W
By Michel Gagné
One of the cutest characters is back in an all-new issue—Zed! According to the solicit, “Zed has had enough and he’s fighting back.” I always enjoy Gagne’s work, especially on Zed, so I’m definitely looking forward to this comic.

The Artist Within TPB
Dark Horse – pg. 35; $39.95; 216 pgs. B&W
By Greg Preston
Photographer Greg Preston collects more than 15 years of photography capturing the leading names of comics creators around the world including Frank Miller, Al Hirschfeld, Joe Barbera, Jack Kirby, Joe Simon, Moebius, and Walter and Louise Simonson. This looks like a very sweet book ready for the cool nerd’s coffee table.

Quick Picks:

In Conan #29 writer Mike Mignola joins Cary Nord and the Conan team for a three-part storyline “Hall of the Dead” (Dark Horse; pg. 22; $2.99; 32 pgs.).

The Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service Vol. 1 TPB from Eiji Ohtsuka and Housui Yamazaki looks fascinating (Dark Horse; pg. 40; $10.95; 208 pgs.; B&W). Five students at a Buddhist university form the corpse delivery service to carry bodies to wherever they need to go to free the deceased’s soul.

Oooooh, DC puts out a bargain sampler platter of upcoming comics with the DCU: Brave New World 80-pg. special for a buck (pg. 77). Now, the only reason I say oooooh, is because there’s a preview for both a Martian Manhunter project—a humungoid favorite of Kerry, the other Comic Queen—AND a preview of an Atom project—my favorite underrated superhero. Yippee!!

Sweet—Sergio Aragones is the featured artist of the next issue of Solo (#11). This should be a treat to say the least (DC; pg. 87; $4.99; 48 pgs.).

A new Astro City story will be coming out—Astro City: Samaritan Special (Wildstorm; pg. 106; $3.99; 48 pgs.).

Image is releasing a handful of interesting books. Casanova could be worth checking out considering Matt Fraction is writing and Gabriel Ba is responsible for the art (pg. 136; $1.99; 32 pgs. 2-color). A playful-looking comic from Steve Niles and Ben Roman called The Cryptics follows a group of cute junior-high monsters (pg. 138; $3.50; 32 pgs.). Another fun comic, about the life of a hapless superhero sidekick will come out in June: Part one of five Sidekick by Paul Jenkins and Chris Moreno (pg. 142; $3.50; 32 pgs.). The three-part miniseries Umbra begins as well, and caught my interest since art and cover are by Mike Hawthorne – plus it’s set in Iceland. That never hurts (pg. 144; $5.99; 52 pgs. B&W).

Buzz about AiT/PlanetLar’s newest book is rampant. Continuity by Jason McNamara and Tony Talbert is being solicited in this month’s Previews, but the company has already released an electronic copy of the book. I haven’t read it yet, so I won’t comment, but it’s in my virtual read pile, so expect words soon (pg. 218;$12.95; 104 pgs.).

Ursa Minors #1 from Neil Kleid, Paul Cote, and Fernando Pinto (SLG; pg. 224; $2.95; 24 pgs.). You can check out out sample pages on Kleid’s website. Robotic bear suits, comics, beer, ninjas, dinosaurs … helloooo, this has all the meta keywords needed to have a good time!

Mouse Guard!! Number 3!! Buy it!! This is a beautifully illustrated book, most definitely worth checking out (Archaia Studios Press; pg. 232; $3.50; 24 pgs.).

From the cover art in Previews, Twerp and the Blue Baboon by Chris Yambar and George Broderick Jr. looks very cute (Comic International Library; pg. 254; $8.95; 64 pgs.).

Tom Spurgeon and Jacob Covey tell the story of Fantagraphics Books first 30 years in Comics as Art: We Told You So (Fantagraphics; pg. 290; $19.95; 192 pgs.). I love that title.

The incredible book Epileptic by David B. is now available as an affordable softcover edition from Pantheon (page 320; $17.95; 368 pgs. B&W).

Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi is also being offered by Pantheon as a softcover (page 320; $10.95; 144 pgs. B&W).

A new Furious Fist of the Drunken Monkey by Rich Stahnke is coming out. Listed as the first of a three-issue series, this looks to be entertaining much as the first couple Drunken Monkey stories are (Silent Devil Productions; pg. 322; $2.95; 24 pgs.).

Art Out of Time: Unknown Comic Visionaries 1900-1969 HC by Daniel Nadel features the work of 30 under-recognized American cartoonists (pg. 376; $40; 320 pgs.).

Trade Treatment:

Batman Chronicles Vol. 2 TP
Collects Batman stories from Detective Comics issues 39-45, Batman #2 and 3, and New York World’s Fair Comics #2. This is the second volume collecting in chronological order every Batman comics story published … and it’s about time the second volume came out. I’ve been waiting ever so patiently. Well, sort of.
DC – page 65; $14.99; 224 pgs. FC

Essential Savage She-Hulk Vol. 1 TPB
This essential volume collects issues 1 through 25 of She-Hulk by Stan Lee, David Anthony Kraft, John Buscema, and Mike Vosburg.
Marvel – page 101 (Marvel insert); $16.99; 552 pgs. B&W

Fantastic Four/Iron Man: Big in Japan TPB
Collects the Big in Japan four-issue series plus the story illustrated by Seth Fisher in Spider-Man Unlimited #8.
Marvel – page 99 (Marvel insert); $12.99; 120 pgs. FC

Single-Panel Reviews: Jeremiah Harm, The Last Island, Zombie Tales, Crickets

2006-04-18T23:57:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah Harm #2
Boom! Studios $3.99
Plot: Keith Giffen; Script: Alan Grant; Art: Rael Lyra; Colors: Imaginary Friends Studio
This series is really getting good – a touch sci-fi and more than a touch action, this issue finds Harm transporting to Earth, meeting a couple Bronx residents as well as the villains of the series: Ayoma, Dak Moira, and “Fart Boy” who have less than honorable intentions for the future of the Earth. I’d love to see this comic made into a series or movie on Cartoon Network. With the comic’s pacing, characters, dialogue, and plot, this series would translate very nicely to an animated show. Until my fondest wishes are fulfilled, however, I recommend picking up this book.
Bottom Line: B+

The Last Island
The New Radio $6
Creator: Alex Cahill
Simply summed up, this nearly wordless comic is about two boys – one living a solitary life on an island, the other from the city – who don’t get along, whether it’s over things, the island, or personal space. Simply summing up this comic, though, woefully shortchanges the book. The art, as you can see by the sample page, is wonderful – bold lines, expressive features, and every panel serving the narrative. The narrative itself is extremely interesting. I’ve read the book six times now, and each time think the point or moral could be something else. A commentary on our disregard for the last pristine places on Earth? The poisoning effects of things? A political statement? The internal struggles we all face? The book could be tackling any or all of these subjects or more. I highly suggest you read it for yourself and come to your own conclusion, or better yet, your non-conclusion.
Bottom Line: A-

Zombie Tales: The Dead #1
Boom! Studios $6.99
Writers: Michael Alan Nelson, Keith Giffen, Johanna Stokes, Jim Pascoe, John Rogers, Andrew Cosby; Artists: Lee Moder, Ron Lim, Cynthia Martin, Chris Moreno, Ed Tadem, Fabio Moon
Though I’m not a huge zombie fan, I am a fan of well-told short stories, and this comic contains some very well told shorts. A couple of my favorites were “The Miracle of Bethany” (Nelson/Moder) revealing the less than expected consequences of a Biblical miracle, and “Zoombies” (Stokes/Martin) showing a zombie invasion from the perspective of zoo animals. Both of these were a perfect mix of good storytelling and great art. My very favorite, though, was “Four out of Five” (Rogers/Tadem). Though the art wasn’t as much to my taste, the story itself is priceless. It begins with the typical people-fighting-zombies scene and then flashes back to lamentations that we did this to ourselves through science. Every 100 years zombies raise up and we’ve always been able to beat them – until now. I won’t give away the ending, but suffice it to say, it’s a very satisfying punch line.
Bottom Line: B

Crickets #1
Drawn & Quarterly $3.95
Creator: Sammy Harkham
Golem tales always fascinate me. There’s something inescapably intriguing about the mystical and mythical idea of the golem. In this comic, a man is running away from presumably Indians, since he is being shot through and through with arrows as he runs away from the unseen pursuers. Instead of creating his own golem, however, the man seems to stumble upon one. The golem then acts as his protector – if not for the golem, he’d be dead, and whenever the golem isn’t near, the man slips toward death. The man continues on his journey (which we know nothing about yet) with the golem in tow, when they run across a man and his son, and we see the first signs of the golem’s inevitable devastation. That’s really about it for the story in this first installment, but as poorly as I’ve described the comic, it is a great book, sparsely pen and ink illustrated, with a duotone finish, and should prove to be an excellent series.
[note that sample pages are available on the Drawn & Quarterly site]
Bottom Line: A

Emerald City Comicon 2006 Review

2006-04-12T22:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry for my absence, folks, I’ve been working on another side project that’s taken up most of my free time. So, anyway, I can’t believe it’s been well over a week since the Emerald City Comicon. I was only able to attend the first day, but I had a great time, and am happy to report it was a very good show. The following are my top five highlights, but for a more comprehensive look at the con, I highly recommend Laura Gjovaag’s look at the con over at the Bloggity-Blog-Blog-Blog. Here’s the link to the last installment (you can get to the rest from the right-hand column).

Top Five Con Highlights:

1. Sketch by Pia Guerra
Every creator that I spoke with or met at the con was nothing but kind, but Pia Guerra was especially great. Down to earth and very nice, it was a joy to meet her. She signed issue 19 of Y: The Last Man for me – the one with the cast skipping down the Yellow Brick Road ala the Wizard of Oz. (I try to get autographs on comics with covers I particularly like, since my master plan is to buy a large frame and custom make a piece of matting that will showcase multiple issues … uh one of these days.) But the best part was the great sketch I got. Guerra asked if I had any special requests, and as much as I love monkeys, I restrained from asking for a sketch of Ampersand, and instead requested a sketch of Allison Mann (I love the great lines Guerra draws Mann with). Guerra was happy to get a request that wasn’t typical (sounds like me, doesn’t it?), and I was extremely happy to get a great sketch of one of my favorite characters from one of my favorite artists.

2. Chatting with Steve Lieber and Sara Ryan
I was hard pressed to find friendlier guests than Steve Lieber and Sara Ryan. The husband and wife creators were a great first stop for me, as I’d been driving for nearly two hours and was in a daze for about the first hour I was at the con. I just kept walking around without a real plan. I mean, I knew who I wanted to see and what I wanted to check out in general terms, but no Risk-style plan of world-dominating action. So, I saw familiar faces and stopped off at the corner that was home base for a number of great creators including Lieber and Ryan. Both were incredibly nice, and we chatted it up for a bit. Great people and great comics. Make sure to check out their latest mini-comic endeavor together: Flytrap.

3. Meeting Bill Willingham
First off, I felt like kind of a dork having Bill Willingham sign my TPB of the Fables Book 1, but what can I say, I came to the series late, so trades are what I picked up. But he was very cool about it, signed the copy, and we talked a little bit about this and that. Very cool guy – very cool to get a chance to meet him.

4. Discovering Brandon Hanvey’s work
Finding new comics and artists I’ve never heard of or read anything by is an especially enjoyable part of the con experience. This time around I stumbled upon Brandon Hanvey. His thick-lined, cartoon-like artwork caught my eye from the bustling aisle, so I stopped in my tracks and took a closer look. Hanvey has three self-published books out—The Stereos: Battle of the Bands, The Stereos: In the Garage, and Entanglement. I went ahead and bought Entanglement, since it was his newest release (just last month). It’s a really sweet book, and his art is very endearing. I really enjoyed the book, and I’ll definitely be ordering the other two off his online store. (Follow the link and check out the Geek Pride shirts – those are sweet).

5. Mini-Comics!!!
Going around Artist’s Alley and different exhibitor booths, and buying a nice thick stack of mini-comics by the end of the day was one of my main goals for the con, and let me tell you that goal was filed under Mission Accomplished in a hurry. There were oodles and oodles of mini-comics at the con, from tiny photocopied first-time mini-comic efforts to hand-sown beauties. I bought a bunch of great mini-comics, of course there are some misses too, but you just never know what gold nuggets you’ll dig up, and that’s the joy of the hunt. In the next few weeks I’ll weave in reviews of comics of all varieties I picked up at the con.

Well, those are the highest of the highlights—not even close to all I took in. It was a great day at the con, and many good memories were created. I’m already looking forward to 2007, in fact.

Single Panel Reviews: Sky Ape, Planetary Brigade, Mouse Guard, Flying Friar, Zombie Tales, Moxie

2006-04-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

Sky Ape: King of Girls
AiT/Planet Lar $4.95
Writers: Phil Amara, Tim McCarney, Mike Russo; Artist: Richard Jenkins
Comics that can make me laugh out loud page after page are a rare treat. Luckily this latest installment of King of Apes is one tasty treat. First off, I don’t know what it is about a cigar-chomping gorilla that wears goggles and a jet pack or a minotaur with a monocle and top hat, but that shit just cracks me up. I know I can be simplistic (perhaps even simple minded), but sometimes the little things in life are the most enjoyable. The book follows a loose plot wherein Derrick Williamson is training nerds to be uber-suave lotharios, but really the plot is just a frame around which a series of one-panel to a few-page jokes are strung together. I don’t always enjoy this kind of a setup, but it works in this case. If you want a good chuckle, and a break from comics that take themselves a little too seriously, then pick up King of Apes.
Bottom Line: B+

Planetary Brigade #2
Boom Studios $2.99
Writers: Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis; Artists: Fabio Moon, Zid of IFS, Joe Abraham, and Alfa of IFS; Colorist: Pilvi Kuusela of IFS
I wasn’t sure I’d ever find a superhero comic outside of the DC-Marvel realm that I’d really be able to get into. I’m having a hard enough time in the DC-Marvel universes as it is. But with Planetary Brigade, Giffen and DeMatteis have created a fun set of characters, and are less concerned with building a gigantic world or system around the characters and are more interested in developing them and just plain having fun. My biggest criticism for the first issue – that with different artists taking on different sections of the book, the lack of continuity of the art is hard on readers – wasn’t an issue for this second installment. There were different artists, but the styles weren’t so radically different to cause confusion.
Bottom Line: B

Mouse Guard: Belly of the Beast #1 (of 6)
Archaia Studios Press $3.50
Creator: David Petersen
This is a beautiful and engaging first issue to what looks to shape up as a great adventure comic. The book follows the Mouse Guard, a group of mice who watch over the forest. This book is all ages in the best sense of the genre – much like Lord of the Rings is all ages. It’s something adults and kids would absolutely take to and love. Not to mention that this fantasy adventure has some of the most gorgeous art I’ve seen in a comic. You may read the story just once, but you’ll find yourself flipping through the comic over and over.
Make sure to visit Archaia's website, they have preview art of the first two issues.
Bottom Line: A

The Flying Friar
Speakeasy Comics $4.95
Writer: Rich Johnston; Artist: Thomas Nachlik
I keep trying to nail down my thoughts on this comic, but I’m having a heck of a time doing so. There were some things I thought were immensely successful, the art and the tone of the writing were especially good. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy the story or “get it.” There were just parts, especially toward the end, where I felt like the story line got away and instead of being linear or an orchestrated non-linear, it spider-webbed off from its beginnings. However, I don’t mean to be negative here at all, in fact I definitely recommend picking up the book. Taking a step back, the comic follows two boys, Lux and Joseph, jumping in time throughout their lives, though most of the story takes place when they are about in their late teens. Lux is driven with the desire to fly, and though all Joseph wants is to join a monastery, he is the one who ultimately flies. Although the characters are based loosely on real historical figures, the story is fiction. In doing this, Johnston combines mysticism and religion, juxtaposing many elements throughout the book for an intriguing and thought-provoking read.
Bottom Line: B+

Zombie Tales: Death Valley #2
Boom! Studios $6.99
Story by: Andrew Cosby; Writer: Johanna Stokes; Artist: Rhoald Marcellus
This second part of the two-issue story wraps up the Zombies-take-over-L.A. plot. In this issue, the zombies are adapting and getting stronger, but so are the handful of kids who managed to survive. The art (especially page layouts) and colors are eye catching. Though the story is on the light side, a little formulaic, that is the genre the book is in, after all. I think a little younger audience than myself would find this an especially good read. I can certainly see this being developed as a TV movie for one of the family channels. Good adventure, teen characters that develop through their ordeal and come out on top, and zombies – can’t go wrong with them.
Bottom Line: B

Moxie, My Sweet
Finecomix $6.95
By David Lasky, Tatiana Gill, Stefan Gruber, Sarah Galvin, Elijah Brubaker, Kaz Strzepek, Scott Faulkner, Dalton Webb
A group of artists illustrate a collection of short stories by Mark Campos in this solid and entertaining anthology. I always enjoy David Lasky’s art, which in “Ramble On!” illustrates a pot-induced daydream. Tatiana Gill is responsible for the art on one of my favorite parts of the book: In “Maxine’s” a young woman gets a Tarot card reading that she cynically rejects but discovers her cynicism came a little too quickly in this case. “Appliances Gone Wrong” cracked me up, and Elijah Brubaker did an awesome job on “Colony of Cats”—a beautifully illustrated fairy tale. I also enjoyed Kazmir Strzepek’s work on “Endless Plain of Fortune” where a cute vampire boy gathers scraps of paper that are flying through the air like snowflakes and shapes them into a “snowman.” These aren’t the only highlights, just my favorites, and I recommend picking this anthology up.
Bottom Line: B+

Give AND Receive

2006-03-31T10:46:00.000-08:00

I’ll be posting some reviews later today, but I wanted to give a more prominent spotlight to a comment on my last post about the Emerald City Comicon.

P'La Jarvinen will be at the comicon with hubbie comics creator Kirk Jarvinen. There they will be collecting used cell phones to benefit the ACTOR comic fund. ACTOR will receive money for the used phones from the CollectiveGood collection facility, and the environment will be a little better off as well.

In addition, if you donate a used cell phone at the con, you’ll get free iTunes from P’La. Nice! Check out more details (inlcuding ways to donate if you won't be at the con) at P’La’s Comic Book Wife blog.

Random Schtuff and Emerald City Comicon

2006-03-25T13:18:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, Fanboy Radio opens its phone lines at 6 p.m. central. The hour-long “Comic Call-Out” show will welcome callers live on the air. Topics of discussion are up to callers, but hosts Scott Hinze and Oliver Tull plan on covering recent comic reads and industry news, the movie “V for Vendetta,” the Ultimate Avengers DVD, news from Wizard World LA, and more.

I just discovered what I think is my favorite concept and voice for a blog: “Bully Says: Comics Oughta Be Fun!” The comics reviewed are ones that Bully the stuffed animal bull says are fun – they don’t have to be funny but that they are just fun to read. What an idea! Comics be fun! This a wonderfully written blog, and I highly encourage you to bookmark it.

Another well-written blog is Snap Judgments. Lots of personality and always worth reading. Bookmark it!

According to “Publisher’s Weekly,” Eric Shanower is thinking about serializing “Age of Bronze” on the web. The trades are selling well, and acclaim is high (I know I love it), but the individual floppy comics are selling below expectations.

Tom Spurgeon, The Comics Reporter, comments on the recent speculation that DC’s Solo series may be canceled soon. I really, really hope this isn’t the case. This has consistently been my favorite DC title, and I’d be sad to see it go.

I am extremely excited about the Emerald City Comicon coming up April 1 and 2. The lineup of guests and creators is great this year. While I still need to create a plan for the con, highlights for me personally are:

Pia Guerra (autograph, woot!)
Bill Willingham (ditto)
Jim Mahfood (got his autograph at the Vancouver comicon a couple years ago before I had read anything by him, picked up some books at the con, and now I’m hooked. I’d like to get a sketch this time around)
Diana Schutz (trying to figure out a way to say hi without looking like the geeky editor I really am – may have to smile from afar …)
Steve Rolston (always a highlight – does the best sketches and is very cool)
Steve Lieber (one of the greatest guys out there – want to say hi and pick up “Whiteout,” which I’ve been too dumb to buy yet)
B. Clay Moore (yea autographs!)
Matt Wagner (got a copy of “Trinity” just waiting for his John Hancock)
Rick Leonardi (autograph … and do I dare hope I can afford a sketch??)
Mike Huddleston (boy would I love a sketch from Huddleston – he’s pretty amazing)
Kurt Busiek (got his autograph before, so maybe I’ll skip, but he’s just such a nice guy)
Tony Harris (very cool – great artist. He’s one I’d like to save my pennies up for an original page from Ex Machina)
Stuart Immonen (now I can get his autograph to complement Busiek’s on “Secret Identity” #1)

There are many other notable guests and creators that I’m looking forward to seeing as well. And, of course, many of the exhibitors and vendors will be highlights. My heart is all aflutter … nerd juices flowing … must … stop … before too late.

Ebay Comic Watch: Losers, Adam Strange, Ocean

2006-03-12T15:59:00.000-08:00

Here’s the latest installment of Ebay Comic Watch. This time around I’m gratuitously self-promoting (disgusting isn’t it?) and listing some comics I’ve put up myself. These are all good lots, I just need to clear out a little room in my comics closet.

You can find these particular auctions by pasting the item number in ebay’s search box. Note that the ending times are in PST, so calculate accordingly.

Adam Strange 1-8 mini-series Full Run
Bidding starts at $2.99, shipping is $6
Item number: 6613106372
Ends Mar-19-06 12:02:18 PST

Ocean 1-6 mini-series Full Run
Bidding starts at $2.99, shipping is $5
Item number: 6613107990
Ends Mar-19-06 12:07:08 PST

The Losers 1-32 Full Run
Bidding starts at $17.99, shipping is $6
Item number: 6613118902
Ends Mar-19-06 12:39:49 PST

Lot of 63 Spider-Man Comics
Bidding starts at $9.99, shipping is $12
Item number: 6613169978
Ends Mar-19-06 15:44:22 PST

Batman: Death and the Maidens 1-9 mini-series Full Run
Bidding starts at $2.99, shipping is $6
Item number: 6613114287
Ends Mar-19-06 12:25:22 PST

Robin 1-6, 11-14, 16, 17
Bidding starts at $2.99, shipping is $5
Item number: 6613116323
Ends Mar-19-06 12:31:37 PST

The Ballad of Sleeping Beauty 1-8 Full Run
Bidding starts at $2.99, shipping is $6
Item number: 6613117871
Ends Mar-19-06 12:36:28 PST

I also have a few more items up, just follow the "View seller's other items" link if you're interested.

March Previews Picks

2006-03-10T21:58:00.000-08:00

Pick of the Month:

De: Tales
Dark Horse – pg. 36; $14.95; 112 pgs. B&W
By Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá
Moon and Bá are Brazilian twins who are simply amazing. This book of short stories marks their first major American release together. Both show their talent as writers and artists as “their charming tales move from the urban reality of their home in São Paulo to the magical realism of their Latin American background.” Moon’s art was incredible in AiT/Planet Lar’s “Smoke and Guns,” so I am eagerly anticipating this new book.

Featured Comics:

Borrowed Time #1
Oni Press – pg. 311; $6.95; 80 pgs. B&W
By Neal Shaffer and Joe Infurnari
This book follows writer Taylor Devlin as he returns from a mysterious accident in the Bermuda Triangle, and his struggle to fit back in to his life. I’m not familiar with these creators, but something about this plot just really appeals to me. You can see a whole slew of test pages from the book on Infurnari’s site.

Conan #28
Dark Horse – pg. 33; $2.99; 32 pgs. FC
Writer: Kurt Busiek; Artist: Eric Powell; Colorist: Dave Stewart; Cover: Tony Harris
This is one of the most talented teams possible to assemble on a comic. In fact, hand me a paper towel, I think I’m drooling. This Conan one-shot comic continues Dark Horse’s celebration of Robert E. Howard’s centennial. Even though I’m collecting this series in its trade format, I’m definitely picking this issue up in floppy form.

Wonderland #1
SLG – pg. 218; $3.50; 32 pgs. FC
By Tommy Kovac and Sonny Liew
Wonderland picks up where Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland” left off, and frankly looks even more intriguing and trippy than the original. Sonny Liew is the real selling point here – can’t wait for this comic.

Deogratias: A Tale of Rwanda GN
:01 First Second – pg. 287; $16.95; 96 pgs. FC
By J. P. Stassen
This graphic novel centers around the Rwanda massacre in 1994. The solicit says “Stassen’s interweaving of the aftermath of the genocide and the events leading up to it gives powerful expression to the unspeakable, indescribable experience of ordinary Hutus caught up in the violence.” Between this description and the fact that the book has won the Goscinny Prize, a partner award of the Angoulême International Comics Festival, this book is a must-read.

Five Fists of Science GN
Image – pg. 138; $12.99; 112 pgs. FC
Writer: Matt Fraction; Artist: Steven Sanders
Mark Twain, Nikola Tesla, and Thomas Edison meet in this adventure comic set in turn-of-the-century New York. Fraction has said, “An all-out war between magic and science is fought on the streets of New York City in 1899, and it is an absolutely true story, up to a point.” I love the high concept, so this should be a real treat.

Mom’s Cancer HC
Abrams – pg. 204; $12.95; 128 pgs. PC
By Brian Fies
Originally a web comic that one the 2005 Eisner Award for “Best Digital Comic,” the story of one family’s struggle with cancer is now collected in graphic novel form. This is definitely on my must-buy list.

We Are on Our Own HC
Drawn & Quarterly – pg. 281; $19.95; 136 pgs. FC
By Miriam Katin
Another somber comic, the book is the author’s true story of escape with her mother on foot from the Nazi invasion of Budapest. The solicit says this is a “stunning memoir of a mother and her daughter’s survival in WWII and their subsequent lifelong struggle with faith.” Incredible to me is the fact that at age 63 this is Katin’s first full-length graphic novel.

Quick Picks:

Dark Horse is releasing another 25-cent comic, this one an introduction to a new Star Wars series beginning in June. The sample pages for “Star Wars: Legacy” #0 didn’t wow me, but for 25 cents, I’ll give it a try (pg. 42; 32 pgs.).

Love the idea or hate it, DC’s “52” starts up in May (pg. 77; $2.50 each; 32 pgs. each). Each week for 52 weeks, a new installment will come out revealing the events of the year between Infinite Crisis and One Year Later. I may pick up the first few issues just to see what the series is like, but like most superhero comics, I just don’t want to commit so much of my comics budget to it.

Speaking of piquing my interest, Vertigo has a GN coming out in June called “Can’t Get No” by Rick Veitch (pg. 110; $19.99; 352 pgs). The book follows everyman Chad Roe around the events of 9-11; this looks different enough to be very fascinating and you can count on Veitch for a good story.

“The Art of Brian Bolland” HC will come out in May from Image (pg. 135; $49.99; 176 pgs.). This art book collects 25 years of Bolland’s impressive and varied art.

The sample art for “Stagger Lee” GN caught my eye for what I otherwise would have probably passed by quickly without notice (Image; pg. 145; $17.99; 205 pgs.). Billed as “the true story of a century-old murder that spawned a 1,000 songs” the book by Derek McCulloch and Shepherd Hendrix tells of Stagger Lee, the man who shot Billy.

I don’t know why “1,000 Deaths of Baron Von Donut” tickles me as much as it does, but I know I love it, and that’s enough for me. Issue 3 is solicited in this Previews. Pick it up if you know what’s good for you (Arsenic Lullaby Publishing; pg. 225; $2.99; 24 pgs.).

“Dragonslippers” by Rosalind B. Penfold looks chilling – a graphic diary of one woman’s struggle with domestic abuse. This one’s going on my buy list for sure (Black Cat; pg. 240; $15; 272 pgs.).

“Blurred Vision Vol. 1” GN is a collection of “narrative art” a mix of “fine art” and comics. Could be good (Blurred Books; pg. 242; $14.95; 102 pgs.).

Joe Sacco has a new mixed-media GN. “But I Like It” contains an expanded version of a short graphic novel from the early 1990s, original sketches, notes, and a bound-in CD, along with other never-before-collected short comics and a section of rock show posters from Sacco’s time in Berlin (Fantagraphics; pg. 284; $24.95; 120 pgs.).

Seattle’s lovable loser Buddy is back in Peter Bagge’s “Hate Annual” #6 (Fatagraphics; pg. 286; $4.95; 40 pgs.). Looks to be another hilarious Buddy adventure.

“Wings” by Shinsuke Tanaka (IBooks; pg. 293; $14.95; 80 pgs.) might win the award for most original plot in this issue of Previews. In this text-free book, a farmer finds an abandoned puppy that happens to fly.

Gotta put in a word for a book set in Vancouver, BC, just a stone’s throw away from me. “True Loves Vol. 1” GN by Jason Turner and Manien Bothma follows the love life of a young vintage clothing store owner (New Reliable Press; pg. 311; $12.99; 128 pgs.).

Top Shelf has always got something good going on, and this time’s no exception. Among a few promising books, one stood out for me. “Cry Yourself to Sleep” GN by Jeremy Tinder “mixes sadness, sweetness, and humor to tell a quirky little story of pride swallowing” (pg. 344; $7; 88 pgs).

Trade Treatment

Wonder Woman: Destiny Calling TP
Collects issues 20-24 and Annual #1 of Wonder Woman written by George Perez.
DC – page 91; $19.99; 176 pgs. FC

Fables Vol. 7: Arabian Nights (and Days) TP
Collects issues 42-47 of Bill Willingham’s Fables.
Vertigo – page 114; $14.99; 144 pgs. FC

DMZ Vol. 1: On the Ground TP
Collects the first five issues (at a great price) of DMZ from Brian Wood and Riccardo Burchielli
Vertigo – page 113; $9.99; 128 pgs. FC

Ultimate X-Men/Fantastic Four TPB
Ultimate X-Men/Fantastic Four, Ultimate Fantastic Four/X-Men, and the Official Handbook of the Ultimate Marvel Universe 2005#1-2.
Marvel – page 97 (of the Marvel insert); $12.99; 136 pgs. FC

Stupid Comics Collection TP
Collects all four issues of Jim Mahfood’s kick-ass comic.
Image – page 149; $12.99; 152 pgs. B&W

Tezuka’s Buddha Vol. 1 TP
First volume of the story of Buddha’s life as told by Osamu Tezuka.
Del Rey – page 262; $14.95; 400 pgs. B&W

Love as a Foreign Language Omnibus Vol. 1 TP
Collects the first three volumes of the series in one big-ol’ volume.
Oni Press – page 314; $11.95; 200 pgs. B&W

Single-Panel Reviews: War of the Worlds, Malinky Robot, Usagi Yojimbo, Planetary Brigade, Tails

2006-03-07T19:21:00.000-08:00

War of the Worlds Second Wave #1
Boom! Studios $2.99
Writer: Michael Alan Nelson; Artist: Chee; Colorist: Matt Webb
This might be my favorite comic so far from Boom Studios – this new take on the War of the Worlds story looks very promising. The first issue really could be called a prelude, as the action recaps the “first wave,” which is a compressed view of the traditional War of the Worlds plot. The story is told in a first person narrative by Miles, just one of the many victims of the alien invaders. Rattled by the traumatic events, and by guilt, he swears vengeance on the new wave of aliens. The writing tone is teeth-clenching, angry resolve. The art isn’t as gritty, but that’s good, instead it’s rough realism. Chee does a good job at portraying the sweeping devastation even though the story focuses really just on one person. My favorite effect is probably the juxtaposition of the first and last pages, both views of the same park, one before and one after the invasion. This comic is definitely worth picking up.
Bottom Line: B+

Malinky Robot Issue 02: Bicycle
SLG $2.95
By Sonny Liew
This is a great comic! Though the art varies from sometimes just pen to both pen and pencils with color, the main characters are always beautifully designed and fascinating. The story starts out as friends Oliver Oliphant and Atari bike out to visit their friend Misha. The story gets confusing as the main characters are sitting around a diner table, and the reader joins them mid-conversation, having no idea what they’re talking about. Then the comic is broken out into small sections, each of which illuminate what they were talking about at the table. It’s an inventive and fun way to keep the reader interested by slowly unfolding the plot with short vignettes each with different art styles. The tone is playful but not frenetic, and it’s a very likable comic. The funniest part for me was the section supposedly written by Oliver in which a whole line of the plot is told bit by bit in a series of comic strips meant to parody or impersonate well-known comic strips in a sort of Sunday Comics section layout. Again, very inventive and creative. This is a refreshing comic that doesn’t stick with common conventions of storytelling and very successfully.
Bottom Line: A-

Usagi Yojimbo #90
Dark Horse $2.99
By Stan Sakai
This issue marks a new storyline in Usagi’s adventures. This time while staying at Geishu Castle, mysterious deaths begin occurring. Is a ghost the perpetrator? Or is it something more real and brutal? Stay tuned for the next issue to find out. Though I haven’t read a lot of issues of Usagi Yojimbo, I always enjoy the ones I do pick up. I’ve decided to drop a series I pick up because I have the first X issues, or have misplaced loyalty to, or am too lazy to have already dropped, and instead replace it with something I consistently enjoy. If you haven’t tried out Usagi Yojimbo before, I highly encourage you to do so. Sakai is a master storyteller and a wonderful illustrator.
Bottom Line: A

Planetary Brigade #1
Boom! Studios $2.99
Writers: Keith Giffen & J.M. DeMatteis; Artists: Joe Abraham, Cynthia Martin, Eduardo Barretto, Mark Badger, Chase Conley; Colorist: Pilvi of Imaginary Friends Studio
Planetary Brigade is the “sister book” to Hero Squared (which I enjoyed and which will soon be an ongoing series). Obviously it follows the Planetary Brigade, a Justice-League-type organization. What was interesting was the use of different artists for different sections of the comic. I have mixed feelings about this effect, though. While seeing different artists’ take on the characters and action was fun, it seemed a little contrived. The segues into the next section seemed forced, simply there to introduce a new artist. The characters themselves kept me engaged in the comic. Although the Prissuvian character was the most interesting, he was also the wordiest – sometimes a little too wordy. In fact, overall I think the dialogue could have been cut down a little. The issue is overall good, however, and sets up the characters and world of the brigade very well.
Bottom Line: B

Tails #2
$2.95
By Ethan Young
The second issue in this limited-issue series shows Ethan working at the animal shelter taking (and scooping) shit as usual, but also shows his efforts at getting published as a comic creator. It also follows his relationship with girlfriend Cynthia, and shows a little strain therein. I personally enjoyed the first issue more, but this is still a solid comic, the art is certainly great. I can’t wait to see read the next issue, and in fact anything from Young. His art and tone are right down my alley.
Bottom Line: B+

Comics Links Galore

2006-03-01T19:20:00.000-08:00

Jeffrey Brown's work is featured in a new video by Death Cab for Cutie. The video is available free here through March 5. Brown wrote the semi-autobiographical story for the song "Your Heart Is An Empty Room," and produced the images that were then animated by Eliza
Chincarini. Great music and a great video. Excellent combination.

Cindy Center posts a Podcast interview with King Cat Comics creator John Porcellino. In the podcast, Porcellino talks about the history of the comics, his influences, his love of self-publishing, and upcoming projects.

And lo, the heavens did weep. Aaron McGruder will be on a six-month sabbatical from Boondocks starting in late March.

Anthony, a comics creator in Vancouver, BC, recently posted here and mentioned his blog, I Miss Paper. This is some great work. Do. Not. Miss. Somebody publish this quick. I'm serious.

Speakeasy's gone belly up. And even before I had a chance to review the Flying Friar. Too bad.

Renae Geerlings is named the new editor in chief of comics publisher Top Cow.

U.S. graphic novel sales reach $245 million.

New blog in the comic domain called Random Generation. Melvin P. Mouse is the caretaker, and he's located not far from my old stomping grounds, so I'll vouch for him.

Aquaman’s been sighted. Beware, this is not for the faint of heart.

Single-Panel Reviews: Intimidators, Styx Taxi, Tomorrow Stories, Syncopated

2006-02-19T16:27:00.000-08:00

Intimidators #1
Image $3.50
Creator: Jim Valentino; Writer: Neil Kleid; Penciller: Miguel Montenegro; Inker: Waki; Colorist: Angel Marin

The Intimidators is a light-hearted look at the super-hero genre, poking a bit of fun at the common conventions while still employing them. This is a tough sub-genre to successfully tell a narrative with, and Kleid does his job pretty well. The group of heroes is presented, each with their own superpowers and quirks, of course. The premise is that this motley crew of “heroes” has been retained by the U.S. government in case of emergency, and lo and behold just such an emergency situation develops in Detroit, where evil guy Al Minetti is threatening to unleash a nuke. The really intriguing turn of plot comes right at the end when the predictable “get rid of the nuke by flinging it in space” drops an unexpected result on them. This series has promise, and while I’m just getting around to reading the first issue, the second issue is also available, and the third comes out this week. If the comic sounds interesting, Image has the first issue up at their website to read in its entirety for free. Check it out at Image’s website under the section “online comics.”
Bottom line: B

Styx Taxi: As Above So Below & Counting Time
Styx Taxi stories written by Steven Goldman with art by Rami Efal
Counting Time short prose stories written by Steven Goldman

Styx Taxi is back for two episodes in this comic “As Above So Below.” The idea behind Styx Taxi is that just after you die, but before you move on to the next life, the Styx Taxi service picks you up for a two-hour trip to anywhere your heart desires. It’s a good concept, one that piques your interest and has unlimited possibilities. These two particular stories are ultimately positive but tinged with a certain sadness. In the first, “Rosa,” the main character simply wants a quite place to finish her book, and, like us all, keep a few last illusions. In the second story, “Dinner Date Number 9,” the taxi driver gets a rare treat – a home-cooked meal – as the last wish of his fare. The second half of the comic, called “Counting Time,” contains two prose short stories with the preface that these are part of a novel in progress. The concept takes place in a future New York City, in which the homeless population is 12% and the currency on the street is the telling of a good story. Much like Styx Taxi, we’ve got a good idea, and good execution, but just not enough of it! I hope Goodman can keep some more coming – in both comics and prose, he’s got a somber, but hopeful tone for humanity, and that’s a big reason why his work is worth reading.
Bottom line: B+

Tomorrow Stories Special #1 (of 2)
America’s Best Comics (Wildstorm) $6.99; 64 pgs.
Writers: Alan Moore, Steve Moore; Artists: Kevin Nowlan, Hilary Barta, Melinda Gebbie, Cameron Stewart, Rich Veitch; Colorists: Michelle Madsen, Tony Avina, Randy Mayor

Tomorrow Stories is a compilation of five very different (and I mean that in more ways than one) comics. If you grew up on Mad Magazine like I did, then you’ll want to give this comic a look. It’s got that same irreverent tone, a good dose of silliness, and pinch of the nonsensical. The first two comics were my personal favorites of the bunch. “Jack B. Quick: Boy Inventor” follows, you guessed it, Jack B. Quick a boy genius – sort of -- who invents things. He lives in an impossibly stupid farm community, and creates a legion of robots who “take over” their idiotic human counterparts. The story is somewhere in between Mad Magazine and The Goon, but definitely has a distinct style of its own. The other story I particularly enjoyed was “The Big Seep” a marathon of the silliest puns and word play that you may ever encounter, featuring Splash Brannigan: indelible investigator, who isn’t just merely a private eye, but also a puddle of ink. My love of the pun stems from my Midwest upbringing, so it’s truly difficult to explain why you should read this comic -- just do. The artwork in Tomorrow Stories varies as much as the story themselves, all skilled and all excellently colored, too.
Bottom Line: A-

Syncopated Volume 2
$7.95
Creators: Brendan Burford, Jim Campbell, Rina Piccolo, Brian Haimes, Glenn Mott, Sara Rosenbaum, Micah Spivak, Trish Vandenbergh, Sherwin Dunner

Here’s another comic I let languish at the bottom of my to-read pile. One which after reading I put on the biggest boot I could find and kicked my own ass for not reading earlier. In a world full of mediocre compilation comics, here’s an excellent one sitting in my own stack of comics. Jeesh. Don’t let this happen to you, go buy this one and read it right away. If you like Kevin Huizenga’s Glenn Ganges work or Joshua Cotter’s “Skyscrapers of the Midwest,” this is a good comic to give a try. The content varies in style and substance, but not wildly. Most of the comics are short vignettes that focus on people or places dear to the creator. “The Orange Girls” by Rina Piccolo was a highlight for sure. I’ve never seen any of Piccolo’s work before. It’s instantly engaging and personable with an easy pace and artwork with Dr. Seuss sensibilities. The editor, Brendan Burford, has a few comics included, which are also some of the best. Accompanying the comics were two prose non-fiction articles – both interesting -- and a section “Syncopated Remembers Comics that Time Forgot,” that showcases political cartoons from 1913 and 1914 on the Women’s suffrage movement. Man, those are eye openers. So, do yourself a favor and get this comic before I have to come after you with my boot. ‘Cuz I’ll do it – I’m tricky that way.
Bottom Line: A-

Yes, You've Reached The Comic Queen

2006-02-16T22:09:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to let you know you are indeed in the right spot -- I've just taken a moment to update and freshen the look of the site.
Same content, new wrapper. Expect a new, and more interesting, post tomorrow night.
Over and out.

Single-Panel Reviews: Marlene, Tails, Jeremiah Harm, Super Spy

2006-02-04T15:36:00.000-08:00

Marlene
SLG $3.95; Mature Readers
By Peter Snejbjerg
I love reading books and comics from Scandinavians. Most American literature feels the need to equate sex only with life, love, happiness, and titillation. Though sex isn’t that simple, we Americans have trouble acknowledging that fact. Not so with other countries’ literature, and I’ve found this especially true in Scandinavia. In “Marlene,” Denmark’s Snejbjerg writes a horror-mystery story in which a key element is the connection of sex as death. I’ve seen this comic described as an “erotic thriller,” but there’s nothing erotic about it. Sex isn’t always erotic, and that’s a key element to reading this one-shot comic. The comic opens with the murder of a stalker, and Detective Inspector Michael Joergensen is sent to investigate. Joergensen finds this isn’t a simple murder case, however; the supernatural is involved. The tone reminded me in some ways of Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö’s Martin Beck police mysteries (if you haven’t read any, do yourself a favor and read one) or the movie “Insomnia” (the Norwegian version). Artistically, Snejbjerg’s work on “Marlene” is similar to Paul Chadwick’s “Concrete.” This is an excellent comic, and I’m glad SLG did English-speaking readers a favor by publishing this translation.
Bottom line: A-

Tails: Chapter One
By Ethan Young
Reading comics by creators I’ve never heard of is one of the things I enjoy most about reading small publisher and “alternative” comics. Here with the comic “Tails,” to my delight, I find another talented creator. Young writes and illustrates what looks to be an autobiographical story about working in NYC at an animal shelter while essentially running his own cat haven at home (living with his parents to boot), with the moral support of his girlfriend Cynthia, or “Sin.” Chapter One is an introduction to who Ethan is, his daily life, and the people who constitute his world. His ink work is wonderful and his use of panels and the page is truly creative – something I don’t see as much as I’d like to in comics as a whole. Young’s creativity and humor also come out to play when he illustrates a point through exaggerated artwork or showing readers what the cats must be thinking. I would suggest this comic to just about anyone, but especially if you like Tom Beland’s “True Story Swear to God” series. I’m looking forward to reading Chapter Two, which comes out this month.
Bottom line: B+

Jeremiah Harm
Boom! Studios $3.99
Plot: Keith Giffen; Script: Alan Grant; Artist: Rael Lyra; Digital Inker: Joe Prado; Colorist: Imaginary Friends Studio
Set in outerspace, this comic is a sci-fi tale about the incarcerated and hardened Jeremiah Harm, who is let out only to track down Dak Moira and his two cohorts who have recently escaped their prison ship. Harm finds out that Dak, Ayoma Skiver, and Brune S’Maze have take a “bump portal” to his homeworld -- an outlying and primitive world known as Earth. This is a pretty familiar plot in many ways, but Giffen and Grant show that there’s promise for a good story to be told here. Certainly the characters are intriguing, the art is nice, so the groundwork is laid for a solid sci-fi story.
Bottom Line: B

Super Spy Weekly
Top Shelf Web Comic
By Matt Kindt
Though this comic “Super Spy” is a web comic with a new installment each week, I received a mini-comic compilation in the mail to promote the new “web comix” section on Top Shelf’s website. Matt Kindt’s Super Spy is well worth checking out. Being more of a strip than a comic book, the stories are told succinctly and very effectively – all little snippets of a life in espionage. Both Kindt’s art and storytelling are top notch. I only wish on the website, they printed more than one small strip per page – it hampers the pace to continually have to click to get to the next short part. This is minor, though, and definitely nothing to do with Kindt’s work. Along with “Super Spy” there are several other artists featured on the Top Shelf’s web comix site. I sure know where I’ll be surfing on my lunch breaks from now on.
Bottom line: A-

Single-Panel Reviews: Rock 'N' Roll, 10, Loveless, Something So Familiar

2006-02-01T22:58:00.000-08:00

Rock ‘N’ Roll
Image $3.50
By Fábio Moon, Gabriel Bá, Bruno D’Angelo, Kako
In some senses this comic is excellent, another example of how the comics medium can truly be whatever the creators want to try to make it at the moment. But pushing the conventions carries some risk. In this case, though, I think Moon, Bá, D’Angelo, and Kako pretty successfully handle the risk of something a little bit different. What’s different you ask? For one, the story is told in three parts – each part illustrated and told by a different creator. The three parts work together to tell a story, but I get the sense that the story was created like a campfire tale, in which one kid in the circle starts a story, then the next kid adds to the story and so on, until the circle (and story) is complete. This is what Rock ‘N’ Roll felt like, the parts worked together to tell a greater story, but each was distinct in both art and story direction – especially the trippy third part. To add an extra measure of experiment, the story is essentially wordless. The group of creators is clearly talented, and there’s definitely some beautiful artwork. I’m especially fond of Moon’s second part – he’s got the cleanest and sexiest lines of the group, but the third part, by Bá, was also a definite treat. That’s the saddest thing about a one-shot comic like this – it leaves you wanting more!
Bottom line: B+

10
Boom! Studios
Writer: Keith Giffen; Artist: Andy Kuhn
10 is a thriller/suspense tale following a group of people who receive a letter essentially informing them they are part of a “game” forcing them to kill or be killed in a simultaneous hunt and race to see who will survive. Andy Kuhn’s art is great as usual – I’m looking forward to seeing his work continuing for a long time. Giffen’s story, though suspenseful, was a little light and semi-confusing. I think there’s a bit of an error in the letter we see that was sent to the contestants – the error is regarding the math of the 10 contestants -- but besides that, the book is a good read. The cover’s very nice, too, I have to say.
Bottom line: B

Loveless #1-3
Vertigo $2.99 each
Writer: Brian Azzarello; Artist: Marcelo Frusin; Colorist: Patricia Mulvihill
More gritty, earthy storytelling from Azzerello, which I personally like. The plot could be moving a little faster, though. After three issues, not too much is revealed about the main character, Wes Cutter, who comes back after the end of the Civil War to find that his land and town have been taken over by the Union. I’m hooked for now, mostly because of the beautiful art by Frusin. I have to admit I haven’t read Hellblazer at all, so I wasn’t familiar with Frusin’s work before Loveless. But in this comic both the covers and the inside art are incredible, so a little Hellblazer’s now on my reading backlist.
Bottom line: B+

Something So Familiar
The New Radio $4
By Alex Cahill
Telling a good story without any dialogue is a unique challenge. Cahill more than meets the challenges inherent in such a comic, though, with this Xeric Foundation grant-winning comic. The story follows a man who lives with the deep sadness and guilt associated with the death of his wife and child. A depression that affects his work and pushes him to a suicide attempt – one that has a very unexpected result. I won’t ruin anything here, but suffice it to say that in our deepest moments of grief, sometimes hope reveals itself in beautiful and unanticipated ways. Cahill shows insight and talent with Something So Familiar. In the perspectives and details especially, he showcases his talent. Keep it coming, Alex, I’m looking forward to reading more.
Bottom line: A-
(More preview pages are available on The New Radio website)

Astronaut Elementary 1-7 Review

2006-01-24T09:34:00.000-08:00

Astronaut Elementary Mini-comics by Dave Roman

It’s been a long time since I picked up a mini-comic that was so fun that it tickled the kid in me. When Dave Roman’s Astronaut Elementary fell into my hands I was pleasantly surprised.

Astronaut Elementary is a great little collection staring the students of the school. Each eight page issue showcases two students at the school. Their stories stretch to both ends of the spectrum, from a realistic yarn about popularity, to sci-fi tale about a voltron-esque student run robot saving a planet of bunnies from killer birds. Each story is a quick look at a new character and introduces the reader to more of the school and the students’ crazy world.

Roman bills the books as mini-manga and there might not be a more apt description. The way the characters talk is a great example of the manga style. The characters tend to over explain many things or say them in a way that seems translated to English. For example one character says “But I shall attempt to fall into the sleep for I know it is needed for my body to avoid becoming weak.” Certainly there is a much simpler way to say this sentence, but the stories wouldn’t be as fun if the character just said “I need to sleep to save my strength.” This way of over-speaking is the most enjoyable aspect of the books for me and a source of constant amusement.

Roman’s art is also enjoyable. The characters remind me of dolls like the Groovy Girls. They have tiny necks, big heads, and expressive faces. The backgrounds in the book are good as well. Roman packs a lot into the relatively small panels.

I encourage fans of Futurama, One Piece, and Ninja High School to check out Astronaut Elementary. Many of stories are available online at Web Comics Nation. Go take a look.

Dimona Comix Group Spotlight

2006-01-17T23:49:00.000-08:00

Dimona Comix Group, a small publisher in Israel, has been featuring their comics in the last few Previews, and I’m here to say their work is definitely worth taking a look – actually once you’ve taken one look, you’ll want to take another … and another. Here’s a spotlight on three of the publisher’s newest offerings.

Dimona 2: Israeli Comix Anthology
$11.95; 16 pages, full-color
Creators: Ifat Cohen, Guy Morad, Meirav Shaul, Amitai Sandy, Michal Baruch

The number of pages in this anthology is deceptive – though only 10 pages of comics, there is a disproportionate amount of talent to those few pages. The size of the pages themselves isn’t what you may expect either – the book is 12 x 12 inches or the size of vinyl albums. The anthology contains five “stories” varying from pencil and ink to painting to mixed media. “My Fish Has Gone Away” by Ifat Cohen, which can be described as a painting set to a poem, is simply beautiful. I’d love to hang the two-page comic on my wall, it’s that nice. The last comic, “Lucky Star” by Michal Baruch, is similar in its stylized poetic way. Each comic, though quite different, had different attributes going for it – it’s an anthology you’ll find yourself flipping through multiple times.
Bottom Line: A-

Dimona 3: 4 Graphic Novellas
$9.95; 64 pages, full-color
Creators: Guy Morad, Michal Baruch, Meirav Shaul, Ifat Cohen

The same group of creators (minus one) is back for this anthology, which I consider the best comic of the three being reviewed here. Though “Dimona 2” was a little more style than substance, this anthology contains comics more focused on story than simply eye candy. Guy Morad starts off the anthology with “Get Lost,” which has a Daniel Clowes-like feel and look to it, with wonderful coloring to boot (see first pic). The story tells about two siblings who, though outwardly spar, really care about each other more than they let on. The second comic, “Sharona” by Michal Baruch, appears to be illustrated with pencils and paint. The story is about Sharona, who from childhood is sweet but sad, a sad she’s not able to shed even through adulthood, and we watch her try to shake the clinging sadness with limited success. In “A Nightly Adventure” Meirav Shaul revisits a character from the “Dimona 2” anthology. The main character is a young woman who talks to her stuffed animals, and they talk back. Though a very different comic, it still has a tone like Tony Millioniare’s “Sock Monkey” comics. Not as much surreal as it is absurd, though too coherent a plot to fall into either of those camps, the comic captures you easily. The last story, “Take Away” by Ifat Cohen is visually gorgeous and follows Indian immigrant taxi driver Raju Singa has he goes about his daily life, until fate steps in (see second pic). If you were to pick just one of the three to read, I would highly recommend this anthology. It is beautiful and well worth reading, and full color at this price is rare anymore. Pick this one up for sure.
Bottom Line: A

Shirley! A Sex Comedy
$9.95; 40 pages, full color, suggested for adult readers
Writer: Noa Abarbanel; Artist: Amitai Sandy

Another comic featuring nice art by Dimona Comix. The book follows Shirley as she tries to find a lover with the same irreverent sense of humor as herself, and struggles with the preconceived notions the world has about what is considered sexy. Though this was less my personal taste than the anthologies, it was a solid comic with talented art and writing.
Bottom Line: B

Linkery in Lieu of Lengthy Review

2006-01-13T22:42:00.000-08:00

No idea why I went all Dr. Seuss in the title of this post … I haven’t even been drinking … that much.

If you enjoy Tom Beland’s “True Story, Swear to God” comics, then you’ll want to check out his chat transcript on CBR. … It’s very choothing.

CBR also features a great interview with Neil Kleid and Jake Allen about their upcoming GN Brownsville. Very fascinating and detailed with lots of art to whet the appetite.

Randy Lander at The Fourth Rail steps down from his reviewing there … for now. The Fourth Rail was the first comics site I ever visited online, and is a regular hit for me (although I now wait to read any reviews of things I plan on reviewing until after I’ve had a chance). I’ll miss Randy’s reviews, they were always ones I looked forward to.

David Brown at NPR comments on “The Campy, Absurdist Brilliance of TV’s ‘Batman’” in an audio column. It’s a fun segment marking 40 years since the TV show “Batman” debuted on ABC.

The Vancouver Comicon is coming up on January 22 and features Dave McCaig, Darren G. Davis, Kelley Everaert, and Ken Boesem, among others. If you happen to be in the area, it’s an “intimate” gathering of comic creators and vendors. Always a nice con to visit.

Speaking of the Vancouver Comicon, I leave you with this – a picture of me with a slightly amused Greg Rucka at the Vancouver Comicon a couple years ago. This is the only time I’ve ever gotten fanish at a con – I just couldn’t help it – he’s one of my favorite writers. I’ve now vowed to never be that way again … just had to get it out of my system, I guess. Teehee.

A pre-weight-loss chubby Erin with a humoring-a-fan Greg Rucka. Always a winning combination.

Single-Panel Reviews: Baron Von Donut, Zombie Tales, Jew Gangster

2006-01-10T23:55:00.000-08:00

The Thousand Deaths of Baron Von Donut
Arsenic Lullaby Publishing $2.99
By Douglas Paszkiewicz
Spoiler Warning: Baron Von Donut doesn’t actually die a thousand times. There. I said it. I ruined the whole comic for you in one sentence. Kidding, kidding.
The comic actually includes a collection of short comic tales (anywhere from one to five pages long), a few of which feature Baron Von Donut – a grown-man-sized plain donut who wears a top hat, drinks quite a bit, and has a delightfully dry sense of humor. The rest of the stories focus on a variety of characters, from aliens and scientists to robots and regular Joes. This comic is one of the best I’ve just happened upon in a long time. It cracked me up with its subdued humor, and I highly recommend it.
Bottom line: A-

Zombie Tales: Oblivion
Boom! Studios $6.99
Writers: John Rogers, Michael Alan Nelson, Mark Waid, Andrew Cosby, Keith Giffen, Johanna Stokes; Artists: Tom Fowler, Andy Kuhn, Mark Badger, Benjamin Roman, Ron Lim, Keith Giffen.
As with most anthologies, some stories were better than others, but as a whole this book was a solid compilation of short zombie comics. They varied from drama to action to comedy, and were a nicely paced mix of the three. The book began with an intriguing take on the plight of zombies in the cold north of Canada in “Momento Mori.” The next comic “Riot Grrl” was an action story – the plot wasn’t as interesting to me as the art by Andy Kuhn. Good stuff. The next two stories were a couple of my favorites of the group. Mark Waid and Mark Badger made a nice team on “Luther” – a drama following a small group who pass their lives after the apocalypse cleaning up zombie corpses. A gruesomely funny “I, Zombie” was next – I don’t think I’ve seen Benjamin Roman’s work before (on art), and I really enjoyed it. The last two stories were less interesting for me, but like I said, overall, this was a good book – there’s something in there for most readers.
Bottom line: B+

Zombie Tales: Death Valley #1
Boom! Studios $6.99
Story: Andrew Cosby; Writer: Johanna Stokes; Penciller and Inker: Rhoald Marcellus; Colorist: Arif Priyanto
A group of high schoolers in “the Valley” manage to inadvertently miss a worldwide zombie-inducing weather phenomenon by getting locked in their school’s bomb shelter. When they get out they’re shocked to find their families and friends are all gone; though more shocked to discover no one’s missing – they’re just zombies now. The art is good, and the coloring bold. I liked this first issue pretty well – it’s got a lot going for it; though I think younger audiences – middle school, high school age -- would enjoy the comic even more.
Bottom line: B

Jew Gangster
iBooks $22.95 HC
By Joe Kubert
In his latest graphic novel, Kubert paints a picture of the life of Ruby Kaplan, a young man in 1930s Brooklyn who is tired of seeing his family live hand to mouth on his father’s “honest” income. Determined to live comfortably no matter how he earns his money, and how much his father admonishes him, Ruby falls in with the Jew gangsters of the neighborhood and apprentices with one of the gang leaders. I thought the plot was interesting and had much potential, and the art was mostly very high quality, as you might expect from Kubert. The problem I had with this book was that it lacked a real emotional pull. I couldn’t get into the characters or feel moved by their plights. The book kept me at a cool distance instead of pulling me into it. I can’t pinpoint any big flaws with the book, just as I can’t pinpoint any incredible highlights. This was a good read but was missing a real soul.
Bottom line: B

The Comic Queen is Back in Action

2006-01-09T13:58:00.000-08:00

Whew, what a wild few months it's been. Now that the biggest task of my professional career has its legs, I'll be posting much more regularly.

I've been working the last several months on launching a new magazine for my employer, from concept to first issue, and it's done, baby, in the mail and out of my sweaty hands. Of course, being a magazine, it'll never be completely done, but that's the joy in it.

This project has taught me many things, two of the most important are: if you really believe in something, then get off your ass and try the hardest you've ever tried to make it happen. Push, push, and push some more.

The second lesson is: taking home your work can actually be a joyful experience. If you're doing something you love, taking it home is a good thing (within reason, of course, we all have our lines).

More personally, I've learned that magazine management is truly where I belong in life. This is something I never want to stop doing. I reserve the right to change my mind, especially if I feel I am losing it, but right now, I don't see myself out of the magazine world for a very long time to come.

Long story short: I'm back, and I'll be posting on Tuesdays and Fridays each week, do or die.
Thanks for being patient in my absence -- I hope you will continue reading the blog.

Art for Comics Fans: Gavin Olson

2005-12-11T15:01:00.000-08:00

Last night I checked out a small art show hosted by my hair stylist at her shop, Studio 112, in Bellingham, WA. Expecting to just pop in for a few minutes and say hi, the art being displayed kept me around for quite a while.

Gavin Olson is a 20-year-old full-time artist with a keen talent. My first thought looking at his ink and watercolor work was “this is art that comics fans would love.” Not just comics fans, though, will appreciate Olson’s whimsical look at the world in both watercolor and oil and canvas. From landscapes to skylines to a coffee shop and a concert, Olson’s whimsy is not an uncontrolled eclecticism that confuses the eye and the brain, it’s a focused, structured creativity that is impressive.

The work that captured me the most was “Songset Strip,” a oil and canvas painting featuring a band onstage. The crowd can be seen rocking out in the bottom few inches of the painting, the semi-abstract band members spotlighted and music flowing out and up. A really striking piece of art.

Shameless Plug:
Olson’s art would look just as at home in a gallery or in a study or living room. That can’t be said for all art – and his prices are very affordable. He’s got prints and cards available as well as originals. Check out a few samples below. These are just scans from cards (permission of the artist), so the actual works are, of course, much more vibrant in person.

If you are interested in more information, you can call Olson (PST) at 360-733-2714. I have an email address, as well, but for spam purposes, if you’d like to get a hold of him that way, email me at eschadt@msn.com, and I’ll pass the address on.

Single-Panel Reviews 11/14/05

2005-11-14T20:20:00.000-08:00

Giant Monster #1 (of 2)
Boom! Studios $6.99
Writer: Steve Niles; Artist: Nat Jones; Colorist: Jay Fotos
This is the kind of horror I enjoy—the kind of horror that evokes the memory of reading EC Comics and watching old monster movies. You see the gore and it makes you say “ewww” out loud, but it doesn’t make you want to toss your cookies. I can’t handle that “Ring” scare-the-shit-out-of-you horror. I like the larger-than-life kind of scare. In this case, the scare is literally larger than life. Plot in a nutshell: space shuttle pilot Don Maggert is attacked in space, crashes to the Earth, and becomes the giant monster of the title. Maggert grows bigger with every snack he gobbles up—this consists mostly of animals and people, but he doesn’t mind sinking his teeth into the occasional boat or building. It’s all about the chewy center, after all. This book one of two leaves off with a showdown between the seemingly unstoppable Maggert monster and the Army. I’d say we could use a few more lead characters, and some more plot development, but this book is what it is—an old-fashioned horror book—and I like that the way it is.
Bottom line: B

Will You Still Love Me if I Wet the Bed?
Top Shelf $7
By Liz Prince; “Preface” by Jeffrey Brown
First, I have to thank Prince for putting my mind at ease that I’m not as crazy as I think I am. Most people believe they are the goofiest individuals alive when there’s no one around but themselves and their significant other. Prince dares to put herself out there and reveal her and her boyfriend’s quirks in their most private moments. There are definitely times that I can say “o.k. haven’t been there,” but I think these quirks are much more universal than most people would admit. Prince’s work is on par with Jeffrey Brown, and Brown actually provides a one-page comic that serves as a hilarious preface. So, if you enjoy his work, you should most definitely check out this comic. The only suggestion I’d give is that the lines Prince uses for facial proportion aren’t properly erased, so they show up in the final work. Sometimes it comes off as an endearing affectation, and other times it’s just distracting. Otherwise, I found this book to be funny, sweet, and pretty darn brave.
Bottom line: B+

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight 192-196: “Snow” storyline
DC $2.50 each
Writers: J.H. Williams III and Dan Curtis Johnson; Artist: Seth Fisher; Colorist: Dave Stewart
I don’t typically review a lot of Batman comics. They’re usually just how I get my superhero fix (along with a few other comics) each month. This storyline “Snow” from the Legends of the Dark Knight series, though, deserves mention. It’s an alternate, more updated, origin story for Mr. Freeze and takes place during Batman’s early years. So early, in fact, that he tries out what it might be like to have a backup team. He assembles a group of “regular” people, meaning, though they are talented at what they do, they aren’t masked superheroes and don’t have powers. It was nice to see a few unfamiliar characters involved and developed in the story, not only for the storyline itself, but this also reveals Batman’s characterization, as well. The art was fabulous, but difficult to describe. It was more cartoon than many superhero comics but not too cartoony, and Fisher threw in some surrealist and expressionist elements in a manga-type way. In one frame, for example, Gordon gets mad and surreal multicolored streams of steam come out of his ears. It sounds funky, but it was done throughout the books with great effect and in moderation. I really dug the skill of the art, and now want to see more of what Fisher’s done. If you like a good Bat story, I highly recommend this one.
Bottom line: A-

Rag #1 (mini-comic)
$2.75
By Anthony Acri (antonyacri@yahoo.com)
It was hard for me to know what to think about this first “Rag” mini-comic. Acri had some nice turns of phrases, making dialogue that could have easily been a cliché into interesting writing, showing he has the potential to be a very good writer. The art was playful yet serious at the same time—he cites C.C. Beck and Don Martin as influences, and you can see that in his work. The storyline, however, was somewhat confusing—there were a couple layers to the story. It was told by a character who had just bought the comic publishing house “All Star Comics” talking to his secretary, and it appeared that he was telling the story of the two main superhero characters of the publisher. However, it wasn’t always clear who was speaking and as what character. I’d suggest finding a friend who could take over the lettering, which could help readability and clear up some of the discrepancy over who was speaking to whom. Like I said, I think Acri has some good potential here—it would be interesting to see where he takes the mini-comic.
Bottom line: C-

Single-Panel Reviews 11/8/05

2005-11-08T20:55:00.000-08:00

Surrogates #1 (of 5)
Top Shelf $2.95
Writer: Robert Venditti; Artist: Brett Weldele
The year is 2054 and the vast majority of the population live out their lives vicariously using surrogates, or cybernetic human forms. The crime rate is down, quality of life is up, and things are status quo. That is until two surrogates are found dead, and what first looks like “natural” causes turns out to be murder—the first in 15 years—and Lt. Greer and Sgt. Ford are on the case.

This is one of the best comics I’ve read, and not just for the sequential art, either. The book includes an essay from the fictional “Journal of Applied Cybernetics;” pinups from Duncan Fegredo, Ben Templesmith, and Becky Cloonan; and a great ad for surrogates on the back cover, making this an incredibly well-packaged comic all around.

The story is a touch science fiction but mostly drama/mystery. The art is sketchy and edgy mirroring the feeling within the story. This is a very promising first issue—the premise, characters, and feel are well established, readers are just waiting for the mystery to unfold. I love the concept—when you can place a story in a not-so-distant future, but definitely futuristic society that still feels believable, you’ve really accomplished something and strengthened whatever comes next, as well.
Bottom line: A

What Were They Thinking?!
Boom Studios $3.99
Writers: Keith Giffen and Mike Leib; Artist: Wally Wood and Bill Molno
When I was a kid, every once in a while for cheap entertainment, my dad would take the evening paper and create word balloon comments for the people in the photos. Then he’d pass the paper on to my mom and me, and we’d add our own two cents. It was a riot every time.

The same concept is used in What Were They Thinking?!. Giffen and Leib take an old Wally Wood war comic, remove the dialog and commentary, then insert their own to create all-new, silly plots. It’s a fun idea—like I said, I’ve had a great time with the concept myself. In this comic, however, it was done with mixed results. There were definitely laugh-out-loud moments, but it would have been more effective if they could have had more variance in subject. Two of the four stories relied heavily on effeminate/gay-centered jokes. Used in moderation they would have been funny, but, in general, relying on one type of joke too much, you can run the risk of sounding like a little kid who finds never-ending amusement by repeating the word “butt.” Don’t get me wrong, this comic is pretty funny, and worth a read, I just think with a little more imagination, it could have been more successful.
Bottom line: C+

Easy Way 4-issue series
IDW $3.99 each
Writer: Christopher E. Long; Artist: Andy Kuhn
This is a good read in the comic genre I like to call “slacker action adventure” with nice art by Kuhn (which reminded me of Jim Mahfood’s work). Added to the traditional black and white was a nicely effective red duotone color wash. The four-issue series follows Duncan, a regular guy in rehab looking to turn things around to win his wife and daughter back. Thinking some money would go a long way to mend wounds, Duncan gets talked into one last deal by fellow rehab mate Raz. Of course it’s not that simple—mainly complicated by a psychotic coke dealer. It’s a good read—paced well, good characterization, and nice art. This seems to be an overlooked little series definitely worth picking up.
Bottom line: B+

Batman Jekyll & Hyde 6-issue series
DC $2.99 each
Writer: Paul Jenkins; Artist: Jae Lee
Whew, this was a dark Bat story. And one I enjoyed quite a bit. Two-Face is more conflicted, and hence more dangerous, than ever. Basically, Batman’s trying to solve the mystery of what Two-Face is up to and trying to reach out to Harvey for what seems to be one last time. There is more to the story, though, and it’s a good one. If you’ve been disappointed by Batman stories lately, and like a good, dark story (i.e., lots of gory crime scenes), then this is one to read. The art is a strong feature of the mini-series--it’s grotesquely beautiful, disturbingly gorgeous. Maybe I’m a little harsh with a solid B rating, but it reverted to some conventions, like poisoning food to make the populace go mad, that have gotten stale over the years.
Bottom line: B

Silver Comics Review

2005-10-30T21:37:00.000-08:00

Silver Comics #1-4
Silver Comics; $2.95 each
Writers: Johnny Ortiz, Dan Beltran, Rubén Procopio; Artists: Mark Prudeaux, Vince Musacchia, Alfredo Nunez, Tony Hamad, Lou Rodriguez, Jacob Kurtzberg, Scott Seeto, Bryan Mon, Dan Beltran, Rubén Procopio

In the introduction to “Silver Comics” #1, Keoni Beeyok states, “The hope of Silver Comics is to re-introduce you to stories that run on the fuel of adventure, storytelling, and some good old fashioned artwork.”

The first four issues of this series accomplish this hope in spades. Each issue of “Silver Comics” combines different artistic styles with the sensibilities of classic golden- and silver-age comics. Honestly, most of the silver-age comics I have read, I haven’t enjoyed as much as these issues of “Silver Comics.”

Each issue includes multiple short comics typically serializing the adventures of different ongoing characters. There are also stand-alone stories, pin-ups, and even a prose entry in different issues, but, for the most part, the issues follow a rotating cast of larger-than-life characters.

When creating a new universe of characters with a golden- or silver-age feel, the two biggest mistakes possible are either copying established characters too closely or using a tone that comes off too much like parody. Thankfully the “Silver Comics” characters avoid both of these pitfalls very successfully. The parallels that can be drawn are due only to the fact that there are certain archetypes inherent in the superhero genre, and when the “Silver Comics” characters mirror “brand-name” characters more closely, it can best be described as homage.

The characters that make the most appearances in “Silver Comics” are Sea-Bolt, a hero for the seas; Cloud Buster, a soldier who becomes trapped in the super-strength mega-suit issued by the military; Man-Star, a superman-like character who—to his own horror and his world’s—kills a “peace observer;” The Man Called Santa, yep, that’s THE Santa who ends up battling Satan himself; Chameleon Man, a detective-type homage to Alex Toth; and The End, another detective-type but more on the level of Batman, for example. There are other characters, as well, who have just shown up on a one-time basis (so far, anyway).

The vast majority of the stories are great fun to read, well-written, and well-paced for the serial format. Really the only character that could have been more successful in a one- or two-story arc is The Man Called Santa, which has, after four issues, worn itself out and is falling flat. Characters I’d personally like to see more of are Chameleon Man, Man-Star, Sea-Bolt, The End, and Captain Rescue.

The art is just as enjoyable as the stories. Varying from cartooning to nearly Alex Ross-like realism, the art changes from issue to issue even with the same characters, making the stories even more dynamic and surprising. The art is so skillfully realized, it really should be garnering more attention.

The bottom line is that no matter if you grew up with the silver-age influence or if you’re simply looking for a change of pace, do yourself a favor and pick up “Silver Comics” starting from #1 for a fun, exciting, and enjoyable read.

Bottom Line: A-

October Previews Highlights: Erin's Picks

2005-10-25T23:13:00.000-07:00

Whew, time flies when you’re busy as hell. Just getting around to my October Previews highlights, but better late than never is what I say.

Pick of the Month:

Scott Pilgrim Volume 3: Scott Pilgrim & The Infinite Sadness
Oni Press – pg. 309; $11.95; 176 pgs. B&W
By Bryan Lee O’Malley
I’m seriously behind, because I haven’t read volume two and here’s a solicit already for volume three. Based on volume one alone, though, this book should be great. I just got a big kick out of Scott’s character and the way O’Malley managed to incorporate a video-game mindset into the book. Funny stuff worth checking out if you haven’t already.

Featured Comics:

The Best of The Spirit TP
DC – pg. 92; $14.99; 192 pgs. FC
By Will Eisner
I haven’t read much of the lauded-series “The Spirit” by Will Eisner. So I’m very excited to see that DC is collecting 22 Spirit “sections” in this “best of” format. And the edition is affordable to boot.

One Page Filler Man
Image – pg. 138; $11.99; 140 pgs. B&W
By Jim Mahfood
Mahfood cracks me up – I’ve loved most of his stuff and liked the rest. If the sample pages are any indication, this latest book should find itself in the “loved it” category.

DEMO Collection TP
AiT/Planet Lar – pg. 209; $19.95; 288 pgs. FC
Writer: Brian Wood; Artist: Becky Cloonan
The twelve issues of “DEMO” are together again for the very first time and waiting to be added to your collection. Each issue was so different that some struck more of a chord than others. If you haven’t read the series, I highly recommend doing so, and now’s the perfect time with this collection.

Image Comics Holiday Special 2005
Image – pg. 149; $9.99; 100 pgs. FC
Ah, the classic holiday special rears its snow-laden head again this season. This one looks quite promising with a laundry-list of great creators including Robert Kirkman, Scott Kurtz, Eric Larsen, B. Clay Moore, and Jim Valentino.

Blood River
Image – pg. 135; $7.99; 72 pgs. B&W
Writers: Mike Avon Oeming and Daniel Berman; Artist: Brian Quinn
This smallish GN is touted as based on actual events occurring in the 1970s when four friends plan to leave their small town existence in New Jersey but “find that fate, nature, or some monstrous power has other plans for them.”

Quick Picks:

Dark Horse collects some strips of the online hit comic “Penny Arcade” into a 25-cent print edition (pg. 19; 24 pgs.).

As usual, I’m excited about another issue of DC’s “Solo” coming out (pg. 84; $4.99; 48 pgs.). This series is one of the best DC has issued in a long time. This issue, #8, features the art of Teddy Kristiansen who gets a helping hand from writers Neil Gaiman and Steven T. Seagle. Each issue features a different creator that when left to their own devices showcases even more talent than I expect.

I was lukewarm to the first “season” of “Hard Time” (the six-issue series is available in trade), but started to warm up to it by the end of the series. So, I’m willing to give it a try in season two beginning again from DC, writers Steve Gerber and Mary Skrenes, and artists Brian Hurtt (the best part of season one) and Steve Bird (pg. 75; $2.50; 32 pgs.).

Neil Kleid and Miguel Montenegro have a new series coming out from Image. “The Intimidators” looks to be a souped-up book about super-heroes (pg. 140; $3.50; 32 pgs.).

“Age of Bronze,” by Eric Shanower, is one of the best comics published. Pick up the two trades, issue 21, and then you’re ready for the new issue coming out in December (Image pg. 152; $3.50; 24 pgs.).

“Thunderhead Underground Falls” GN by Joel Orff looks promising. The book takes place on the coldest night of the year in Duluth, Minnesota (which means freakin’ cold – I’ve been there, take my word for it) when three friends get together to read poetry, which turns into a competition for the affection of an unexpectedly invited girlfriend (Alternative Comics pg. 216; $14.95; 128 pgs.).

SLG has an intriguing little book coming out from Sonny Liew titled “Malinky Robot Bicycle” (pg. 218; $2.95; 48 pgs.).

Two books look good from Archaia Studios – I’m anxious to check out “The Lone and Level Sands” FC GN retelling the book of Exodus through the eyes of Ramses II (from A. David Lewis, mpMann, and Jennifer Rodgers; pg. 227; $17.95; 160 pgs.) and “Robotika” #1 by Alex Sheikman and Joel Chua – a “steampunk sushi samurai western” (pg. 227; $3.95; 32 pgs.).

Ethan Young has the first issue (of three) solicited for “Tails” following “the lives of two cynical, misanthropic, tofu-loving animal activists” in NYC (Bohemian Press pg. 242; $3.95; 40 pgs.).

“Destined for Dizziness” by Souther Salazar is billed as “a gimmick-free, all-ages children’s book” (Buenaventura Press pg. 246; $5.95; 48 pgs.).

One release I’m really looking forward to sampling is “Unruly” #1 “a comix and literary journal” featuring comix and commentary (Dork Storm Press pg. 270; $4.99; 64 pgs.).

Peter David’s “Fallen Angel” makes its return, this time from IDW. I read the first trade and wasn’t sure what all the hype was about, though I would like to read more. Nice to see a book with a following have a breath of new life (pg. 285; $3.99; 32 pgs.).

The “Flying Friar” stand alone will be offered from Speakeasy Comics, Rich Johnston, and Thomas Nachlik. Another book based on a true story, this one involving the supernatural (pg. 317; $4.95; 48 pgs.).

Trade Treatment:

Wonder Woman: Eyes of the Gorgon TP
Collects issues 206-213 of Wonder Woman written by Greg Rucka. One of the best arcs in the series so far.
DC – page 85; $19.99; 192 pgs. FC

Fables Vol. 6: Homelands TP
Collects issues 34-41 of Fables including the arc that follows Boy Blue as he returns to the homelands – probably the best arc in the series. If the solicit is correct, this is a bargain price, as well.
Vertigo – page 112; $14.99; 192 pgs. FC

David: The Shepherd’s Song Volume 1 TP
By Royden Lepp with Josh Ray
Though I’ve only read the first issue of this three-issue “volume one” series so far, I still feel confident recommending it. The art is beautiful and the story of King David long before he’s king is excellent material for anyone to start with.
Alias – page 210; $8.99; 72 pgs. FC

Temporary Volume 1 TP
The first collection of Damon Hurd’s and Rick Smith’s intriguing series.
Origin Comics – page 311; $14.95; 152 pgs. B&W

The Story Thus Far: Girls #1-4 Review

2005-09-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

Script by Joshua Luna; Art by Jonathan Luna
Image Comics, $2.99 each

The Luna brothers proved they possess creative and artistic chops with their limited series Ultra. Now with the release of their second series, Girls, they add mysterious and a little bit odd to their list of traits. I mean all this in a good way. In Girls, Ethan is a checker at the lone grocery store in a small town. He is getting over his latest ex-girlfriend and hanging out with friends at the local bar. After a particularly rough night, Ethan drives home only to find a nude woman in the middle of the road. She is injured, so he brings her into his home. Soon, she multiplies into many girls. This is when the weird starts to happen, effectively changing Ethan’s life as he knows it. Ethan isn’t the only one affected as the lives of other townspeople are soon changed as well.

The story that Joshua weaves is so intriguing and deliciously weird that I was glad I saved up four issues for one sitting. I ripped through each issue trying to figure out what the heck was going to happen on the next page. The pace of the story is fast and the confusion that Ethan and his friends feel occupied my thoughts as well. The urgency to find out what exactly is happening is strong, but unrewarded after four issues. Believe me; the rest can’t get here soon enough.

Jonathan’s art is stunning as well. Although he showed he could draw beautiful women in Ultra, Girls is the ultimate proof of this. The girls are incredibly beautiful even in not so beautiful moments. His lines are so thin that it makes the girls feel delicate and frail. Even for all his talent drawing women, the best thing Jonathan does is capture expressions on all his characters’ faces. Ethan spends a lot of the time confused and exasperated and it shows in his face.

Girls is turning out to be even more exciting than Ultra. The story is intriguing and the art beautiful in every panel. Really, I don’t see how the Luna brothers can top this work, but I’m excited to see them try.

Bottom Line: A

Link-O-Rama Sunday

2005-09-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

Tootsie Roll Theatre
The Museum of Comic Book Advertising has a great exhibit up: Tootsie Roll Theatre. Featured there are five “Captain Tootsie” comic strips, most written by C.C. Beck, the artist of Captain Marvel in the 1940s. The strips are: “Captain Tootsie and the Giant Cannon,” “Captain Tootsie Battles the Monster Man,” “Captain Tootsie and the Secret Weapon,” “Captain Tootsie and the Bumbershoot Jump,” and “Captain Tootsie and the Haunted House.”

These are all a lot of fun to read, and I’ve decided to try and single-handedly bring back the exclamation “Hootin’s Zoots!”. I also love the idea of Tootsie Roll-flavored milk as a health drink. As suspect as the idea is, though, the tagline is probably pretty accurate: “Grow up to be a big, tall, husky guy like me!”

If you get some time to surf around the museum, I highly recommend doing so, there are other fun exhibits worth checking out, such as the “Novel Ideas: 50 Years of Comic Book Novelties” exhibit.
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Kochalkaholics Take Note
For all you James Kochalka fans out there, a new blog has been created to follow his cartooning and music careers: Kochalkaholic.
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New Skip Williamson Site
Another new site features the art and life of Skip Williamson. It’s billed as following his "rowdy days of the Underground Comix movement, through his years at Playboy magazine to art galleries and comix pages worldwide. Film-clips, animation, comix, and autobiographical nihilistic rant lushly illustrated."
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Kleid and Seraphic Press to Publish Migdal David
Neil Kleid teams up with Seraphic Press to publish Migdal David, due out in 2007. The sample pages are very impressive, and I’m already looking forward to its release.

The GN is a memoir about two boys growing up in an orthodox jewish community — one living with an uncommon disability, struggling to find his place in community and religion; the other given all the advantages in life, frustrated and seeking ways out of both.

This is an autobiographical work for Kleid, and he says of the personal work, “This book is the hardest thing I'm ever going to write.”
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New Talent to Check Out
Another promising upcoming GN is called “The Road to God Knows” and focuses on a young girl’s struggle to come to grips with her mother’s schizophrenia. The book is due out next year by Eric “Von Allan” Julien, and is so far a visual treat. The first 18 pages are up for viewing on his website. Check out the great use of the page – the watercolor washes and creative use of panels are what strike me in these sample pages.
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Calling All Nerds: SPX Nears
News is already coming from Maryland, as Bethesda hosts the Small Press Expo (SPX) this upcoming weekend. Harvey Pekar is the special guest this year, but he’s certainly not the only attraction. There will be more than 300 artists and publishers at SPX with their wares this year. A bargain at $15 for a two-day pass, even better is the fact that all profits go to support the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, which works to protect the First Amendment rights of comic book readers and professionals.

A highlight of SPX will surely be the presentation of the ninth annual Ignatz Awards, voted on by the SPX attendees. Though SPX sent out a press release with all the nominess, for some reason, this is not up at the Ignatz page yet. Stay tuned, though, I'm sure it will be up soon. One I’m watching is the outstanding artist category. As much as I loved Jeffrey Brown’s “Bighead,” David B.’s “Epileptic” is simply artistically amazing. Joshua W. Cotter is up for both Promising New Talent and Outstanding Series with his work on “Skyscrapers of the Midwest,” the first two issues of which have made my jaw drop.

Single-Panel Reviews 9/16/05

2005-09-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

Flytrap
Cold Water Press $2
Writer: Sara Ryan; Artist: Steve Lieber
I honestly have yet to figure out why Lieber and Ryan don’t get more attention for their work. Lieber’s art, especially, is amazing -- meticulous, eye-catching, familiar yet original -- he doesn’t just illustrate a story, he brings it up a notch. The story this time is about Maddy, a publicist trying to keep up a poor juggling act between home and work, when a real juggling act, the Flytrap Circus, walks in the door looking for help. “Flytrap” is billed as the first installment featuring Maddy and the traveling Flytrap Circus. The comic is a satisfying short story in itself but ends with the perfect teaser for more. I certainly hope the next installment will be available soon, since mini-comics with fine storytelling and great art are a rare treat.
Bottom line: A-

Hero Squared #1 and #2
Boom Studios $3.99
Writers: Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis; Artist: Joe Abraham (with Mark Badger and Shannon Denton on issue #2); Colorist: Matt Nelson (and Mark Badger on issue #2)
Between dueling crises in the superhero universes of “The Big Two,” I’ve been getting a little burnt out on superhero comics. So, I wasn’t sure I wanted to take a chance on another, especially from a new publisher. However, I gave “Hero Squared” a shot, and was pleasantly surprised. The book takes the best elements of the superhero genre, throws in some light-hearted humor, and serves up a thoroughly enjoyable read. The plot is that Milo and Stephie, two typical 20-somethings, are now dealing with their doubles from another universe; a universe in which Milo is the superhero “Captain Valor” and Stephie is the evil “Lord Caliginous.”

I have a few criticisms, such as, occasionally, the witty dialogue crossed the line from the right amount to weighing down the action or slowing down the story. Also, in the second issue, backstory is revealed in flashbacks each from Caliginous’s and Valor’s perspectives, which was done with mixed results – sometimes effective, sometimes too much. However, these are fairly minor criticisms.

Overall, the comic is an enjoyable read reminding me in tone of Invincible or Runaways. So, if you’re looking for a new, refreshing superhero comic, give Hero Squared a try.
Bottom line: B+

The Black Diamond OnRamp #0
AiT/Planet Lar $2.95
Writer: Larry Young; Artist: Jon Proctor
As a stand-alone pre-issue to The Black Diamond six-issue series, this comic certainly whets the appetite, but I’m not sure it is done quite as successfully in the comic itself as Young’s two-page lowdown/character and plot synopsis that follows the comic. Must say, though, that the color was very nicely done, deep and rich in oranges and greens especially. Some of the inking, though, I’m not wild about; the linework around and on people is too thick in many cases giving a distorted, almost grotesque look to the characters. Though, much of the illustration, especially on the cars, was pretty sweet. Of course, the high-concept plot by Young is unrivaled: a no-holds-barred highway connecting the two coasts comes, literally, crashing into the lives of two people living below the massive, elevated Black Diamond highway.
Bottom line: B

G.I. Spy #1
Boom Studios $3.99
Writer: Andrew Cosby; Artist: Matt Haley
James Bond with a dash of Indiana Jones is the concept for this comic. However, Cosby just doesn’t have a good sense of pace in this issue at all, one scene jumps to the next with no feel of continuity or purpose. The comic is a series of action scenes with not much connecting them, creating a rushed feeling, and this, unfortunately, just doesn’t do justice to the top quality art by Haley, of which the first five pages set in Antarctica was exceptional.
Bottom line: C-

Single-Panel Reviews: 9/15/2005

2005-09-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

Serenity #1
Story by Joss Wedon and Brett Matthews; Script by Brett Matthews; Art by Will Conrad; Colors by Laura Martin; Letters by Michael Heisler
Dark Horse Comics, $2.99

I discovered Firefly after its premature cancellation by picking up the DVDs from Netflix. Soon, I found myself on Amazon purchasing the set, because I knew I would watch the episodes over and over again. I’ve introduced my friends and family to the show and, of course, am eager to see the Serenity movie in but a few short weeks. It comes as no surprise then, that I adore the first issue of the Serenity comic. Conrad captures the essence of each character in his art keeping them all recognizable. Most importantly though, Matthews’s script keeps each character’s lexicon and patterns of speech intact. Firefly fans will love this comic as it feels just like an episode of the show. At the same time, new readers shouldn’t have a hard time understanding the comic. It serves as a good introduction and allows the reader to pick up the flavor of the show (and, with luck, the movie) before even seeing an episode.

Bottom Line: A

Banana Sunday #1
Written Root Nibot; Illustrated by Colleen Coover
Oni Press Inc., $2.99

Kirby Sunday is about to go to her first day at a new high school. If that weren’t unnerving enough, she is attending Forest Edge High with three intelligent monkeys that have been reportedly raised and trained by her scientist father. The monkeys not only speak English, but are well-versed in the ways of man. The series gets off to a good start in book one as the Kirby and the monkeys adjust to their new surroundings. It is a fun story with great art by Coover and funny dialog from Nibot. Each primate has a different crazy personality trait that exasperates Kirby and makes for lots of hijinx.

Bottom Line: B

Mr. T #1
Written by Chris Bunting; Pencils by Neil Edwards; Inks by Randy Emberlin; Colors by Don Mackinnon; Creative Supervisor: Mr. T
AP Comics Ltd., $3.50

Initially I was pretty excited by this book. It is the return of Mr. T after all. Oh, I’ve missed him so. Problem is, the book isn’t all that great. The goodly Mr. T has been framed for some heinous crime and has gone into hiding. Unfortunately this leaves the city to be overrun by criminals touting a new drug Shaz-8. The story so far is pretty obvious. Although perhaps I should have expected a run-of-the-mill T story, I was definitely hoping for something a little more edgy and updated. Beyond a good dose of nostalgia the book leaves much to be desired.

Bottom Line: C

Ebay Comic Watch -- Featuring ME!

2005-09-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

So, I was doing some "slightly" delayed spring cleaning last weekend, and in the process went through my comics closet. Looking through my collection, there are some good comics there that, though I enjoyed them at the time, I just can't see myself sitting down with them 10 years from now and enjoying again. Therefore, I'm putting them up on ebay for others to enjoy instead. Check out the auctions under my ebay handle: scandinavia_lover.

A couple of note are:

Angeltown 1-5 from Vertigo
Bidding starts at $0.99, shipping is $4
Item number: 6560787782
Ends Sep-18-05 13:03:29 PDT

Uncanny X-Men 437-441 (She Lies with Angels Storyline)
Bidding starts at $0.99, shipping is $3.50
Item number: 6560758647
Ends Sep-18-05 11:44:12 PDT

Incredible Hulk 425-433 and 435
Bidding starts at $0.99, shipping is $4.50
Item number: 6560783930
Ends Sep-18-05 12:52:54 PDT

Batman: The Man Who Laughs
Bidding starts at $0.99, shipping is $2.00
Item number: 6561293434
Ends Sep-20-05 12:54:22 PDT

And stay tuned, I'll be adding more during the next few weeks ....

Smoke and Guns GN Review

2005-09-10T19:59:00.000-07:00

Smoke and Guns
AiT/Planet Lar; $12.95
Writer: Kirsten Baldock; Artist: Fabio Moon

"Smoke and Guns," a foray into the world of cigarette girl gangs, reminded me of "The Big Lebowski" in many ways. The Cohen brothers’ production borrowed heavily from detective movies – exaggerating the nonsensical conventions of the old films, while Baldock and Moon take their graphic novel down a decidedly noir path.

Both "The Big Lebowski" and "Smoke and Guns" have loosely coherent plots, instead their charm comes with the combination of unforgettable characters and bits of dialogue … of course, "The Big Lebowski" didn’t have sexy cigarette girls, so perhaps "Smoke and Guns" has an advantage.

This graphic novel is a day-in-the-wild-life of Scarlett, a cigarette girl in District 5 in a town defined by its cigarette girl gangs. Scarlett and friend Annie manage to start an all-out cigarette girl gang war mostly not on purpose. There’s no conscience, no principle, it’s just business as far as they're concerned.

This is Baldock’s first GN and Fabio Moon is a relatively unknown talent in the U.S. Both “new” creators worked together to craft a satisfying book, and both clearly have talent oozing out of their pores. Moon’s art is especially memorable with both beautiful still work and action sequences. There’s movement and feeling in every line, each frame brimming with sultry emotion. (Well, except for James Sime’s cameo … sorry not-so-sultry, but definitely charming, James.)

"Smoke and Guns" is an especially guilty pleasure, taking some violent turns in its journey. If you have enjoyed other “action” comics from AiT/Planet Lar, though, you’ll want to check this book out as well. The art alone will knock you out.

Bottom Line: A-
(click on images for a better look)

Drive Review

2005-08-25T22:26:00.000-07:00

Drive GN
Frequency Press; $11.95
Writer: Nate Southard; Artist: Shawn Richter

Drive is all action, with the perfect title. Nearly instantly (page three, to be exact), the story starts to roll when cabbie Brian takes on a fare who puts a gun to his head and tells him “Look straight ahead, put both hands back on the wheel, and DRIVE.” Soon Brian is wrapped up in much more than he can handle or ever expected, and at a break-neck speed.

This isn’t to say that the pace is out of control, though. In fact, that’s what impressed me the most by Southard’s writing. He clearly has a good feel for pace. It would have been easy for an action comic to get rolling too quickly and come to a slamming halt at the end, but Southard manages to avoid this.

For an action comic, especially, he also steers pretty clear of letting his dialogue become too clichéd or hackneyed. Cliché dialogue just pulls a reader right out of the panel and brings awareness that the story is just that—a story. It creates too much distance between the story and the reader. Drive, on the other hand, pulls you in and doesn’t let go until the end. It’s fast paced and relentless, but definitely in a good way. This is overall an enjoyable read, and I expect to see good things to come from Southard.

The most criticism I have for the book is that the art left a lot to be desired for me. Proportions were often off and the characters were almost overdrawn with detail. The panels, however, were easy to follow and didn’t get in the way of the “driving” storyline, something even the most skilled artists sometimes have a difficult time achieving.

Bottom Line: B-

Note: to see more detail, click on images for a better view.

Ebay Comic Watch 8/11/05

2005-08-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

Here’s the latest installment of Ebay Comic Watch. You can find these particular auctions by pasting the item number in ebay’s search box. Note that the ending times are in PST, so calculate accordingly.

Catwoman: When in Rome #1-6
Bidding was at $2 a bit ago, shipping is $2.99
Item number: 6552829492
Ends Aug-14-05 09:21:55 PDT

Transmetropolitan TPB Lot, Vols. 1-5
Bidding was at $11.50 a bit ago, shipping is $4.00
Item number: 6552014563
Ends Aug-14-05 19:45:48 PDT

Thundercats, a nice lot of 14 comics
Bidding was at $5.99 a bit ago, shipping is $3
Item number: 6552057417
Ends Aug-14-05 22:12:53 PDT

Human Target vol. 1 #1-4, vol. 2 full run #1-21
Though this was recently cancelled, it’s a great series and well worth picking up on ebay – especially at such a great price!
Bidding starts at $1, shipping is $3.25
Item number: 6552258879
Ends Aug-15-05 18:31:11 PDT

Conan Dark Horse series #1-18, with extras
Bidding was at $19.95 a bit ago, shipping is $5
Item number: 6552490533
Ends Aug-16-05 17:43:02 PDT

Unstable Molecules #1-4
Bidding starts at $1.99, shipping is $3.85
Item number: 6552760069
Ends Aug-17-05 23:16:50 PDT

Eightball #1-18
Bidding was at GBP 5.00 a bit ago, international shipping varies
Item number: 6552805337
Ends Aug-21-05 07:16:24 PDT

August Previews Highlights: Erin’s Picks

2005-08-10T17:23:00.000-07:00

In addition to Kerry’s picks, I’ve got a few of my own.

Pick of the Month:

Jew Gangster: A Father’s Admonition HC
IBooks – pg. 292; $22.95; 128 pgs. B&W
By Joe Kubert
From just the couple small sample pages provided in Previews, Kubert looks to have done a beautiful job with this story following a young man who turns to gangster life even though his father warns him about taking that path. “With the same intensity and detail that he put into ‘Yossel,’ Kubert recreates a time when even the most innocent person was caught up in the dark underbelly of society,” says the solicit.

Featured Comics:

Pyongyang: A Journey to North Korea HC
Drawn & Quarterly – pg. 277; $19.95; 184 pgs. B&W
By Guy Delisle
Nearly making my pick of the month, this GN provides a rare look into the country of North Korea. Delisle presents his observations of the country while living in Pyongyang for two months on a work visa.

Loveless #1
Vertigo – pg. 111; $2.99; 40 pgs. FC
Writer: Brian Azzarello; Artist: Marcelo Frusin
I’m not a fan of the Western, per se, but this new on-going looks amazing. The sample pages are reminiscent of Pia Guerra (Y: The Last Man) or Cliff Chiang (Human Target), and with Azzarello writing the series, this is a very promising addition to the increasingly impressive Vertigo line-up. Set post-Civil War, Wes Cutter is looking for peace after leading a so-far brutal life. His road to peace, traveled with his wife, looks to be just as harsh, though.

Top Shelf Conversations #2
Top Shelf – pg. 364; $4.95; 48 pgs. B&W
By Jeffrey Brown and James Kochalka
I thought issue #1 was an incredible romp through the brains of two artists (Kochalka and Craig Thompson). Now Kochalka returns to take on Jeffrey Brown (one of my favorite creators) in the dueling-pages format of the series exploring art and comics along with, I’m sure, many other subjects.

The Return of the Elephant One-Shot
Adhouse Books – pg. 203; $6; 48 pgs. PC
By Paul Hornschemeier
Described in Previews as an “eerily quiet story of a solitary man and the ulterior motives involved in a visit from a longtime friend of the family.” Hornschemeier is an incredible talent, so I’ll be picking this one-shot up for sure.

Sunset City GN
AiT/Planet Lar – pg. 210; $9.95; 80 pgs. B&W
By Rob Osborne
Another solid bet is the combo of Rob Osborne and AiT/Planet Lar. In this graphic novel (which, by the way, is even less expensive than the usually reasonably priced GNs from the publisher), Osborne tells of Frank McDonald, a retirement community member who decides one day to come out of retirement and “takes life by the balls.”

Quick Picks:
Dark Horse will reissue The Goon #1 in a new edition for just 25 cents. This off-beat comic has been hit or miss for me personally—some issues I love, some not so much—but the comic is well worth a try for a quarter (pg. 28; $0.25; 32 pgs.).

Steve Niles pens this three-part prestige-format Batman tale titled “Batman: Gotham County Line” (DC; pg. 57; $5.99; 48 pgs.). The sample pages with art by Scott Hampton sold me on this story, though I’m not sure why DC likes to release three-part prestige-format titles, when they could just issue them as one GN. Oh well.

A 64-page “Tomorrow Stories Special" #1 is being released along with “Tomorrow Stories Book Two TP” from Wildstorm. Alan Moore, Steve Moore, Kevin Nowlan, Hilary Barta, Rick Veitch, and Melinda Gebble team up for these imaginative anthologies (pg. 108; $6.99 & $17.99; 64 pgs. & 160 pgs.).

I still need to read the first “Amazing Joy Buzzards” series, but since Kerry’s been raving about it, I feel comfortable recommending the new second series, issue #1 coming out in October (Image; pg. 134; $2.99; 32 pgs.).

Steve Niles shows up again in Previews with “The Lonely Tombstone” from Image Comics, which is a one-shot following Darla and her new friend, a tombstone (pg. 140; $5.99; 32 pgs.).

I’m just going to have to quote from Previews for the comic "Mr. Night" from SLG, Glen Dakin, and Phil Elliott: “The Enemy of Mankind takes a holiday in Greece, holds a discourse on love and human relationships, meets Pythagoras and discovers that no man is a triangle.” See what I mean? (pg. 222; $2.95; 24 pgs.).

“Lookit! Volume 1: A Cheese Related Mishap” GN looks like a silly and fun book featuring cartoon-like art and nonsensical circumstances (Don’t Eat Any Bugs Productions; pg. 276; $8.95; 96 pgs.).

As usual, Fantagraphics has more than a few promising offerings this month. One of which is “Acme Novelty Library #16” by Chris Ware (pg. 284; $15.95; 64 pgs. FC) and another is “Beg the Question” GN by Bob Fingerman (pg. 284; $16.95; 248 pgs.). The latter follows a 20-something couple in 1990s NYC.

Xeric-winner Alex Cahill is the creator of this one-shot “Something So Familiar” (New Radio Comics; pg. 317; $4; 48 pgs.). The wordless comic tells of a man driven to suicide, who jumps off a building and discovers he can fly.

Never forget to check the Books section of Previews, as there is usually a gem or two back there. This month one of the gems is “Animus,” a storybook by Emmy Award-winning animator Seonna Hong. Using paintings and “animated popup elements,” the book follows a little girl (pg. 400; $25; 34 pgs.).

Trade Treatment:

Catwoman: When in Rome
A collection of the gorgeous mini-series by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale.
DC – page 63; $19.99; 160 pgs.

Vertigo: First Offenses TP
Vertigo follows up their “First Taste” budget sampler trade with this new volume collecting “The Invisibles” #1, “Fables” #1, “Preacher” #1, “Sandman Mystery Theatre” #1, and “The Sandman Presents: Lucifer” #1.
Vertigo – page 119; $4.99; 168 pgs.

24-Hour Comics Day: Highlights 2005 TP
The best of 24-Hour Comics Day is showcased in this tome of a TP.
About Comics – page 199; $24.95; 496 pgs.

The Collected Sequential HC
The out-of-print seven-issue series “Sequential” by Paul Hornschemeier is collected in hardcover form.
Adhouse Books – page 203; $25; 256 pgs.

The Complete EC Picto-Fiction Library Set
This is the final component of “The Complete EC Library” and collects the series “Shock Illustrated,” Terror Illustrated,” “Crime Illustrated,” and “Confessions Illustrated.”
Gemstone Publishing – page 287; $150; set of four HC books in slipcase.

Elk’s Run
By Joshua Hale Fialkov, Nel Tuazon, and Scott Keating, this book collects the first three issues of the rare indie book of the same name.
Speakeasy Comics – page 325; $7.99; 80 pgs.

August Previews: Kerry's Picks

2005-08-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

I didn't have enough time to take a close look at Previews this month, but I wanted to post my top two comic book picks.

Paris #1
pg. 222; Amaze Ink/Slave Labor Graphics; $2.95; 24 pages

Andi Watson and Simon Gane bring us a four-part story about two young women living in Paris. Set in the 1950s, Juliet and Deborah study art and yearn to experience the Bohemian lifestyle. I sign up for everything that Andi Watson works on, so of course I'll be picking this one up. I'm looking forward to the setting, since Watson's stories are usually set in the present day. Also, I'm eager to see what Gane brings to the table.

She-Hulk 2 #1
Marvel Previews book; Marvel Comics; $2.99; 24 pages

Finally! I was very sad when this series ended as it was one of my favorites last year. I hope more people pick up the book and it is given a chance, like Runaways, to succeed. Season one was such a fun ride and I don't see why two will be different. The whole team is back for more super-hero court and She-Hulk goodness.

To read my top two graphic novel picks, please check out Bookshelf Comics.

Single-Panel Reviews 07/27/05

2005-07-27T23:51:00.000-07:00

I’m obviously incredibly behind in my comic reviewing, so expect to read several of these quick single-panel reviews as I catch up over the next few weeks.

Odd Numbers
Gagne International Press $9
By Michel Gagné
Though this book appears to be a simple counting hardback, the fantastic creations Gagné puts on the page provide a level of detail that both adults and kids will want to look at over and over. From “1 Horn” to “30 Warts,” the creatures used to illustrate the counting are simultaneously beautiful and grotesque. “Odd Numbers” is another fascinating offering from Gagné that I highly recommend no matter your mathematical ability.
Bottom line: A

Dark Mists #1
AP Comics $3.50
Writer: Annika Eade; Artist and Colorist: Lee Garbett
Set in 1936, the Imperial Japanese Secret Government recruits a group of geishas to report on their clients’ conversations, thus becoming undercover agents. This goes against the geisha way, but they agree to participate to help their country. The plot is intriguing but didn’t progress nearly as much as I would have liked. The art was absolutely the best part of this comic. The style consists of simple, elegant, lanky lines and paired with a soft coloring, achieves a water color feel. The worst part of the comic was by far the lettering. The majority of the bolded words were incorrectly emphasized making reading the dialogue extremely distracting and practically ruined the pace. I’d still recommend this comic, but I hope AP Comics fixes this problem before the next issue.
Bottom line: B

Ocean – series review
Wildstorm $2.99 and $3.99
Writer: Warren Ellis; Penciller: Chris Sprouse; Inker: Karl Story
As a whole, I enjoyed this sci-fi action story. Ellis set up a nice tale about deadly secrets uncovered below the ice surface of the moon Europa, the power struggle with a corporation set on controlling these secrets, and the weapons agent who is determined to settle the situation and save the galaxy in the process. The last issue, however, sees this concept reach a very unsatisfying end. Without ruining the ending, I’ll just say this issue doesn’t balance out with the pace of the rest of series, it just wraps up much too quickly with too much left unexplained. It was almost like Ellis quit writing about halfway through the issue and handed it off to someone else to finish. I typically enjoy Ellis’s comics, and I did enjoy this series right up to this, final issue, so I expected a little something more complete from him. I would have preferred to see this as at least an eight-issue series or a GN.
Bottom line: B

Damn Nation – issues #1-3
Dark Horse $2.99
Writer: Andrew Cosby; Artist: J. Alexander
I reviewed the first issue of this series and though I had a few problems with it, I thought it showed a lot of promise and intrigued me to read more. Now, after issue three, which was supposed to be the finale of the series and now is apparently not, I am utterly disappointed. This is one of the worst series I’ve ever read. The plot is worthless, the writing is horrible, and though I enjoy the overall look of the art, it is in places confusing. I’m not usually so blunt or scathing in my reviews, but I’m willing to make an exception for this comic.
Bottom line: D

Single Panels 6/20/05

2005-06-20T22:10:00.000-07:00

Super F*ckers
By James Kochalka
Top Shelf Productions; $7.00

Straight from the warped mind of James Kochalka comes Super Fuckers, a messed up super hero team. Heroes include Jack Krak a jerk with lightning powers, Vortex who keeps a younger version of himself in a terrarium, and my personal favorite Grotessa, a girl who is ugly, but super smart. The story gets off to a slow start, with character introductions being made, but not much action. What is notable though is Kochalka’s patented style. The pages are bright and fun, even if the characters are being nasty to each other on the page. I’m interested in seeing these characters in action and I hope Kochalka explores that in the next volume.

Bottom Line: B-

Felt: True Tales of Underground Hip Hop
By Jim Mahfood
Image Comics, $2.95

Felt, a companion piece to hip-hop artists Slug and Murs album of the same name is expertly put together by the always stylish Jim Mahfood. The book has many short pieces inspired by the tracks on the album or by Slug and Murs themselves. Although the album is not yet released, readers were assured that the book was a standalone piece. While I think the book and many of the stories are good, it is definitely lacking without the benefit of the album. I’m guessing that the album will add a lot to each panel and give the book some validity. It suffers without the cd and I’ll definitely give it another look when the cd is released.

Bottom Line: B-

Bete Noire #1
Various artists
Fanatgraphics Books; $9.95

Billed as the first International comics art quarterly, Bete Noire includes many short stories by artists from the United States, France, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Germany. Getting a look at alternative comics from around the world is startling. It’s interesting to see all the artists’ styles in one compact volume. Although I found only half the stories to be successful, I was happy to give the book a chance. The translation in some of the stories seems rough and some feel dashed, but it’s nice to get a fresh perspective and be exposed to comics I would have otherwise missed.

Bottom Line: B-

Fables 36-38
Written by Bill Willingham; Penciled by Mark Buckingham; Inked by Steve Leialoha
Vertigo Comics; $2.50 each

In this storyline called Return to the Homelands, we finally get to see what strikes fear in all the Fables. Boy Blue starts his journey toward confronting and hopefully killing the Emperor that has driven the Fables from their Kingdoms and taken over their world. Along the way, we meet the Snow Queen and learn that Boy Blue is a shape shifter. We also meet the Emperor’s goblin army.

Fables is as good as always. This storyline flows nicely and it is still good to be away from Fabletown. I enjoy it when Willingham focuses on one character such as his look at Boy Blue in these issues. Buckingham’s art is gorgeous as well. I’m impressed by his rendering of the Emperor and of the many goblin soldiers. Fables remains one of the best books available today. It’s consistently of the highest quality and the most value for your money.

Bottom Line: A

Ebay Comic Watch: Birthday Edition

2005-06-17T15:34:00.000-07:00

Here’s the latest installment of Ebay Comic Watch. Since today’s my 29th birthday, I’m feeling a little nostalgic, and thought I’d seek out some auctions containing the very first comics I remember reading.

“This is Wild Dog” four-issue miniseries
Bidding starts at $0.99, shipping’s $6
Item number: 6539533793
Ends Jun-20-05 11:34:40 PDT
Violent for its time, Wild Dog, donned in a goalie mask and armed with a semi-automatic weapon, kicks some ass. Funny, I didn’t even remember this series is set a stone’s throw away from my hometown. Makes sense, though, since Max Collins wrote the books and Terry Beatty illustrated them. A couple of Iowans after my own heart.

Batman #414 (lot includes 415 and 416 as well)
Bidding starts at $2, shipping is $5
Item number: 6539635610
Ends Jun-20-05 19:32:03 PDT
Another violent tale, and if I’m remembering correctly this was my first Batman comic. Oh, how I loved Batman. This one-shot was written by Jim Starlin with art by Jim Aparo and Mike DeCarlo. In it, Batman is after a serial killer who chops up women and throws them in dumpsters. This one really shook up Batman. Even now, it’s pretty gruesome. Oh, how I love dark Batman.

G.I. Joe #61
Bidding starts at $0.99, shipping varies depending on how many comics you buy from the seller
Item number: 6539376476
Ends Jun-19-05 18:12:07 PDT
Forget Barbies, I was a G.I. Joe fanatic. And this is how much of a nerd I was, too. When I’d play too much with the G.I. Joe action figures I had, the elastic band that held the figures’ legs would break. Instead of throwing them out, since all that still worked was the waist up, I made wheelchairs out of Legos for the soldiers. I’d like to think I was an equal-opportunity toy enthusiast, but really I was just strapped for cash. Probably because I was buying comics, like the G.I. Joe three-pack of comics from the local Walgreens containing issues 59, 60, and 61. This auction is for #61, which contains the cover I loved so much. Ah, who am I kidding, I still love it.

I remember as a kid sitting up in one of the many trees in my yard with my friends and reading these comics over and over and over. Now, they’re dog eared and worn but still among my most prized possessions.
…..

Whew, what a trip through my twisted psyche. Now, if you ever meet me, you’ll understand why I’ve got that crazed look in my eyes – no, wait, on second thought, that’s probably just from the coffee.

June Previews: Erin's Picks

2005-06-16T21:18:00.000-07:00

I liked quite a bit of what I saw this month, though nothing really screamed “BUY ME NOW!!!” Good thing, since these comics won’t start coming out for a couple months.

Featured Comics:

New Recruits
Dark Horse – pg. 31; $12.95; 128 pgs. FC
Various Creators
This interesting experiment showcases five stories from previously unknown creators Dark Horse culled from an open call for submissions. It would have been nice for Dark Horse to cut the price a bit considering the unknown creator factor, but who am I kidding; I’m a curious person, and this looks worth a peek.

DC’s Greatest Imaginary Stories TP
DC – pg. 72; $19.99
By Various
Now this looks like a lot of fun. DC collects the cream of the imaginary story crop featuring Superman, Supergirl, Batman, and the Flash from 1946 through 1967.

Justice #1 (of 12)
DC – pg. 76; $2.99; 40 pgs.
Writers: Jim Krueger and Alex Ross; Artists: Alex Ross and Doug Braithwaite
I know Alex Ross doesn’t trip everyone’s trigger, but he sure trips mine. Wow, that sounded a little dirty. Anyway, Ross’s signature painting presents a “classic-yet-fresh new look at the Justice League of America.”

Rex Libris #1
SLG – pg. 223; $2.95; 24 pgs.
By James Turner
A librarian searches the galaxy for overdue books, and faces alien warlords who refuse to pay their late fees. Maybe it’s just the fact that at one time I worked in a library that makes this book look like sweet, sweet revenge … ah, ahem, I mean very interesting, yes, that’s it, very interesting.

Lola GN
Oni Press – pg. 309; $5.95; 72 pgs.
By J. Torres and R’John Bernales
This is the latest offering by J. Torres. Among other things, he authored “Scandalous” which I enjoyed very much, and this new graphic novel looks just as good. It follows a younger man, Jesse, as he confronts his ability to see “dead people, monsters, and demons that nobody else sees except his ailing grandmother.”

Quick Picks:
Mike Mignola’s newest book (along with John Arcudi, Guy Davis, and Dave Stewart) “B.P.R.D. The Black Flame” #1 (of 6) looks like the typical creepy yet cool readers have come to expect from him (Dark Horse; pg. 20; $2.99; 32 pgs.).

The new four-part miniseries “Aeon Flux” from Dark Horse, Mike Kennedy, and Timothy Green looks interesting (pg. 24; $2.99; 32 pgs.). Set in the distant future, it involves a seeming utopia fueled by government-sanctioned mood-altering propaganda, which is challenged by freedom fighters led by “their top secret agent, the sexy, deadly Aeon Flux.” Personally, I try to stay away from the combination of sexy AND deadly.

Seen the new Batman flick and need another fix? Then check out DC’s new “maxiseries” (reminds me of feminine products), the 12-part “Batman: Journey Into Knight” #1. If you can forgive the play on words in the title, you’ll be treated by words from Andrew Helfer and art by Tan Eng Huat (pg. 57; $2.50; 32 pgs.).

Speaking of fixes, for a Warren Ellis fix, see the new ongoing “Jack Cross” with art by Gary Erskine (pg. 75; $2.50; 32 pgs.).

“The Winter Men” #1 (of 8) could be a good tale about former USSR super-soldiers. Plus Wildstorm promises it’s “thrilling.” Can’t go wrong with thrilling, now, can we? (pg. 109; $2.99; 32 pgs.).

The sample art from “Ferro City” #1 looks nice (Image; pg. 134; $2.95; 32 pgs.), but really the cover says it all: “Science-Fiction Robot Pulp Noir.” Excellent.

Marvel’s “Wha … Huh?” is being resolicited. With art and cover by Jim Mahfood, I’m game (pg. 42; $3.99; 48 pgs.). For more Mahfood, check out “Stupid Comics” #3 solicted by Image this month (pg. 160; $2.95; 32 pgs.).

“Salamander Dream” GN by Hope Larson tells the coming-of-age story of a young girl’s journey within a magical forest. The art looks very promising in Larson’s debut “full-length solo creation” (Adhouse Books; pg. 204; $15; 104 pgs.).

Larry Young keeps the AiT/Planet Lar machine pumping with the publisher’s latest GN: “Full Moon Fever” about lunar waste disposal technicians and werewolves. O.k., that’s a little too simple of a description, but I’m ready for anything set on the Moon (pg. 210; $12.95; 88 pgs.).

“The Black Heart Irregulars” #1 is billed as “a noirish and paranoid war/spy comic set in modern Baghdad (Blue King Studios; pg. 248; 34 pgs.).

And on a more light-hearted note, the Simpsons have their very own “Simpsons Super Spectacular” by Chuck Dixon, Batton Lash, and Ty Templeton (Bongo; pg. 248; $4.99; 48 pgs.).

Both “Hero @ Large” #1 and “Rocketo” #1 from Speakeasy Comics look good both in plots and artwork (pg. 324; $2.99 each; 32 pgs. each).

“Tricked” by Alex Robinson seems like a graphic novel worth a look – and at 320 pages, that’s a hefty look. It follows six people “whose lives are unconnected until an act of violence brings them spiraling in on each other” (Top Shelf; $19.95).

For the “retro decadence” of Josh Agle, about 200 works are collected in the hardcover “Shag: The Art of Josh Agle” (pg. 376; $35; 186 pgs.).

Trade Treatment

Runaways Volume 1 HC
This looks like a beautiful format presentation of the first series of “Runaways” and not a bad price either.
Marvel – page 76; $34.99; 448 pgs.

Lady Snowblood Vol. 1 TPB
By Kazuo Koike and Kazuo Kamimura
Given the success of these creators, this new offering ought to generate a good buzz of support.
Dark Horse – page 34; $14.95; 288 pgs.

Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures Vol. 4 TPB
Dark Horse – page 37; $6.95; 96 pgs.

Adam Strange: Planet Heist TP
DC – page 70; $19.99; 192 pgs.

Johnny Dynamite TP
Might have to pick this one up given it’s from AiT/Planet Lar and is written by Max Alan Collins whose hometown is very close to mine in Iowa. I know, what a stellar way to pick comics!
AiT/Planet Lar – page 210; $12.95; 144 pgs.

Hank Ketcham’s Complete Dennis the Menace
Fantagraphics – page 284; $24.95; 624 pgs.

Jane’s World Volume 1 TP – New Printing
Girl Twirl Comics – page 289; $12.95; 152 pgs.

Smoke Review

2005-06-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

My Review of Smoke: Good Boys Grow Up to be Soldiers is posted at Bookshelf Comics.

Bookshelf Comics Reviews

2005-06-09T15:48:00.000-07:00

Please check out my reviews of Everyman: Be the People and Four Letter Worlds at Bookshelf Comics.

Ebay Comic Watch: 6/8/2005

2005-06-08T10:10:00.000-07:00

Here's another edition of the Ebay Comic Watch coming at you. The theme this week is graphic novels and trades. Remember, you can find these particular auctions by pasting the item number in ebay’s search box. Note that the ending times are in PST, so calculate accordingly. Enjoy!

6,750 Graphic Novels & Comic Collection Dealer Lot
Bidding currently at $305
Item Number: 6537803254
Auction ends Jun-12-05 18:58:33 PDT
Holy Goodness! It's the almighty collection. The motherload. This lot has more than 6000 books. 6000! I don't have a big enough apartment for that many books.

Lone Wolf and Cub 1-8
Bidding currently at 99 cents
Item Number: 6538205630
Auction ends Jun-10-05 14:27:10 PDT
Shipping is $12 for this auction, but I think it will be worth it if you can get these eight books for a good price. The same seller also has auctions for volumes 10-12 and 16-20.

Sin City Trade Collection
Bidding starts at $150
Item Number: 6538059688
Auction ends Jun-13-05 22:18:18 PDT
All 11 books are included here. Although the starting price is steep, if you're looking to grab the whole shebang at once, this might be the auction for you.

6 Volumes of Astro Boy
Buy it Now for $24.99
Item Number: 6536849534
Auction ends Jun-11-05 16:43:44 PDT
Astro Boy 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 16 are included in this auction. I've never read Astro Boy, but I love the covers. They are always so bright and cute. If you're already partially immersed in Astro Boy's world, it might be good to pick up some volumes a little later in the series.

The Complete Frank Miller Batman HC
Bidding starts at $40
Item Number: 6538265822
Auction ends Jun-14-05 19:47:07 PDT
Get this book now before the movie.

June Previews: Kerry's Picks

2005-06-05T22:54:00.000-07:00

Pick of the Month:
Spiral Bound GN
Page 350; Top Shelf Productions; $14.95; 144 pages

This beautifully drawn story from newcomer Aaron Reiner stars a cast full of animal friends. Previews says it is a tale of ambition and morality with art inspired by Richard Scary. The mention Scary was one of my favorite childhood authors was enough to pique my interests.

Other Notable Works:
Revelations #1
Page 18; Dark Horse Comics; $2.99; 32 pages

Paul Jenkins and Humberto Ramos created this story about a murder within the Vatican. This six-parter is about Charlie Northern, a Scotland Yard detective who travels to Rome to solve the murder of a Vatican official. There is one page preview of the book on page 19 and it looks dark and mysterious.

Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures Volume 4 TPB
Page 37; Dark Horse Comics; $6.95; 96 pages

I haven’t read any of the Clone Wars adventure stories, but I do love the Cartoon Network series. This volume contains four more stories in the same style as the previous volume. I was attracted to the picture that accompanies the text in Previews. It’s a portrait of Chewbacca, R2D2, and C3PO in the forest. The style is different and I like the artist’s interpretation of the characters.

The Sandman Presents: Thessaly—Witch for Hire TP
Page 117; Vetigo Comics; $12.99; 96 pages

Fables is one of my favorite books, so picking up more of Bill Willingham’s work is a top priority. The story tells of Thessaly, the world’s most powerful witch as she becomes a partner with an old nemesis. Besides looking forward to Willingham’s writing, I’m not certain why I’m pumped for this book. It looks intriguing.

Banana Sundays #2
Page 309; Oni Press; $2.99; 24 pages

Let’s face it; I’m mainly into this book because it’s called Banana Sunday. It’s also got monkeys. From what I can tell, it’s about a high school girl with three talking monkeys. That’s a winning combination in my book.

Off Beat! Volume 1
Page 332; TokyoPop; $9.99; 192 pages

I’ve been looking for another yaoi manga and this book seems to fit the bill. In the story teenager Tory Blake, a genius with a photographic memory, falls for his new neighbor. Tory is also a bit anti-social and has a hard time meeting the new boy. He ends up almost stalking the new kid. The book looks like it could be very successful at playing off Tory’s neurosis.

Comics in the News: 5/31/2005

2005-05-31T16:22:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick look at comic books in the news.

Comic Instructs Intellectually Disabled About Rights
An intellectually disabled London, Ontario, Canada man was sick of being treated poorly, so he wrote a comic book in hopes of preventing abuse for others. The book, It's a Matter of Rights, sets out to explain personal rights to other intellectually disabled folks in hopes of empowering them to stop abuse.
Read the full article at the London Free Press.

Vietnamese Comic Industry Makes Comeback
The Vietnamese comic market suffered set-backs at the hands of Japanese Manga books. The industry was viturtually extinct until one company launched a Vietnamese book and spawned a revival. The secret to their success was making a book with Japanese features, but captured Vietnamese national spirit.
Thanhnien News has the full story.

Christian Comic Books Gaining Popularity
Stateside, Christian comic books are getting more and more popular with Christian readers. There are now many monthly titles most produced by Christian comic book companies. The number of comics has more than doubled in the last year.
Read the full story from the Miami Herald.

Four to Watch at the Toronto Comic Arts Festival
The Toronto, Canada Comic Arts Festival was last weekend and a number of upcoming talents were featured there. Marc Bell, Bryan Lee O'Malley, Geneviève Castrée, and Diana Tamblyn are featured by the Toronto Globe and Mail.
Read the whole article at their site.

Bookshelf Comics

2005-05-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

A new comic website, Bookshelf Comics, launched recently. They will cover graphic novels and trade paperbacks exclusively. I'll be writing a few reviews for them a month.

Go check out the site and read my reviews of Owly: Just a Little Blue and Owly: The Way Home and the Bittersweet Summer.

Single-Panel Reviews: 5/25/05

2005-05-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

Billy the Kid’s Old Timey Oddities #1
Written by Eric Powell; Art by Kyle Hotz; Colors by Eric Powell; Letters by Michael Heisler
Dark Horse Comics, $2.99

The Goon, usually hit or miss with me, has been great for the last few issues. Knowing Powell’s potential as a writer and having an interest in the romanticism of old west stories and legend, I knew that this book was a must buy for me. I wasn’t disappointed either. Powell’s story starts excellently and Hotz’s art is superb. In the book, a freak show ring master finds out that Billy the Kid survived his gun fight with Pat Garrett. The man finds the Kid and blackmails him into joining the troupe as they hunt for a precious jewel. The script is strong, with Billy playing the uncouth outlaw to the more civilized, but marginalized side show performers. The art and colors are great and Powell utilizes many earth tones to give the book that old Western feel. I recommend this book to all Powell fans and to those, like me, who don’t always appreciate the Goon.

Bottom Line: B+

Mary Jane: Homecoming #3
Written by Sean McKeever, Art by Taekshi Miyazawa; Colors by Christina Strain; Letters by Dave Sharpe
Marvel Comics, $2.99

I just don’t understand why this book isn’t more popular. Teen age and tween girls everywhere should be reading and loving this book. Heck, my ten year reunion is right around the corner and I adore both the story and the art here. In this issue, the boys play in the Homecoming game. Spiderman and the Vulture interrupt the game as they brawl once again. Finally the dance starts, but all is not as good as it could be. While I like the story, Miyazawa’s art is just so stunning. It is clear, bright and fun. He is able to portray emotion, but keeps it lighthearted, like a high school story should be. I hope more Mary Jane mini-series are forthcoming.

Bottom Line: A

PS238 #11
By Aaron Williams
Dork Storm Press, $2.99

Finally, I picked up my first issue of PS238. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Williams’ work and it was passed time that I gave it a chance. In this issue, a new student joins the school and Tyler must show him around. Malphast, the new student, is from another plane of existence and isn’t sure how human children act. Tyler sets about to show him a few games including an in depth look at four square. Most amusingly, the rules of four square are printed in the back of the book. This couldn’t have come at a better time either, as a friend and I were recently discussing four square and couldn’t remember very many rules. How did I like the book itself though? It was good. I was more impressed with the story than the art. Williams’ is very funny and the script shows it. I though the art took awhile to get used to. The backgrounds of most panels are faded or nonexistent. I would like to see the students in a clearer setting.

Bottom Line: B-

Ebay Comic Watch 5/23/05

2005-05-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

Here is another edition of the ebay Comic Watch. This week I'll highlight comics about people or things in the news. Remember, you can find these particular auctions by pasting the item number in ebay’s search box. Note that the ending times are in PST, so calculate accordingly. Enjoy!

Michael Jackson Captain EO comic
Bidding at 99 cents, but shipping is a staggering $6.50
Item Number: 6534516228
Auction Ends: May-29-05 09:14:44 PDT
The 3D glasses are included with the book and have never been removed from the binding.

Giant Star Wars collection
Bidding starts at $75, no bids yet.
Item Number: 5977429238
Auction Ends: May-29-05 21:20:24 PDT
This auction is immense. The list of comics that are included is lengthy and includes a good portion of all Dark Horse Star Wars books.

Star Wars #1-6 (Marvel)
Bidding starts at $5
Item Number: 6534681407
Auction Ends: May-29-05 20:09:57 PDT
Nostalgic for the original? This is the best place to start.

The Life of Pope John Paul II
Bidding currently at $2.34, shipping is an out of this world $10
Item Number: 6533370596
Auction Ends: May-24-05 14:44:32 PDT
This book is from Marvel (!) and chronicles the Pope's life from his childhood to the assassination attempt.

Comics in the News: Week of May 9-16

2005-05-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

Here’s a roundup of comics news covered this week in mainstream outlets across the world.

Canadian Artist Turn Operas into Comic Books: Artist Lovern Kindzierski is developing a series of opera-based comic books with writer P. Craig Russell. The goal is to adapt the opera into comic book format in order to make the stories more accessible and reader friendly. Read the full story from CBC.

What's a Graphic Novel?: Writer Jane Henderson explores the phrase "graphic novel" and tries to define it. Read her interpretation on The Dominion.

Graphic Novel Primer: This article is sort of like "Graphic Novel for Dummies". It's kind of a How-to guide for reading the books. Check it out at the Harvard Independant.

Star Wars Obession: This article isn't directly about comic books. It's just so freaky that I had to share it. Eric Negron is a Star Wars Addict. He has tattoos, comic books, and loads and loads of other memorablia. This story is right out of the "At least I'm not this guy" file. Read about Eric at the New York Post Online.

Ebay Comic Watch 5/16/05

2005-05-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

Erin is on vacation, so you get to enjoy a "comic books that Kerry wants" theme this week. Remeber, you can find these particular auctions by pasting the item number in ebay’s search box. Note that the ending times are in PST, so calculate accordingly. Have fun.

Four 100 Bullets TPBs
Buy it now for $36.99
Item number: 6531932958
Ends: May-22-05 08:43:12 PDT

Spider-Man 2099 full run
Bidding currently at $12.50
Item number: 6531155216
Ends: May-18-05 19:15:02 PDT

Martian Manhunter full run
Bidding currently at $8
Item number: 6532560451
Ends: May-21-05 13:55:12 PDT

Star Wars Republic full run
Bidding currently at $3.25
Item number: 6532759932
Ends: May-22-05 21:00:00 PDT

Spider-Man's Tangeled Web full run
Starting bid is $20
Item number: 6531356540
Ends today!

Worst Comic Ever? The OJ Simpson Story

2005-05-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

On Free Comic Book Day, I dug around in the quarter bin at my local book shop and found what might be the worst comic book ever. It's He Said/She Said #5: The OJ Simpson Story. Take a look at the cover and just let that sink in for a little bit.

Ok, now that you've digested the horror that is the cover, please note that when you flip this comic book over the back reveals The Nicole Simpson Story. Depending on the end you start at you are treated to the story from either OJ's or Nicole's point of view.

I didn't dare read the text of the book. The art was just so horrible that it convinced me not to try my hand at the text.

The scariest thing about the book though, is that it's number five in a series. Issue one is the Amy Fisher and Joey Buttafucco story. The rest are just as horrific.

Single-Panel Reviews: Free Comic Book Day Edition

2005-05-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

We headed off to our local comic book shops a little after noon on the beautiful Saturday with our hearts full of promise and hope. First, we stopped at the smaller of the two shops in town. The atheists there chose not to celebrate Free Comic Book Day and we left a little disappointed. We knew that our favorite shop, Cosmic Comics, wouldn’t let us down though. We were right. A large counter was set up with a huge array of books and everyone was allowed to select three. Since we brought a friend, we happily snapped up nine titles. Here are my thoughts on the free swag:

Owly: Splashin’ Around
By Andy Runton
Top Shelf Productions

Owly, Top Shelf’s graphic novel series, also works well in this regular 32 page comic book format. In this story, Owly and Wormy continue to help their birdie friends by entering a bird bath contest at the local garden shop. I continue to be surprised just how much emotion Runton can get into a book with so few words and a seemingly simple topic. While I am definitely a softy, I actually teared up a bit when Owly and Wormy were sad. If a comic book could ever make me cry, it would be Owly. The story and characters are just so warm, genuine, and charming.

Bottom Line: A

Alternative Comics Presents
Anthology edition with stories by Robert Ullman, Derke Sakai, Damon Hurd and Tatiana Gill, and others. Cover by James Kochalka.

Alternative Comics Presents houses some great stories by extremely talented writers and artists. I enjoyed most of the volume, but the Story of the Eye-Hop by King Crab and Joel Orff was especially inspired. The story about a group of comic-loving grade school students and their war with a fellow classmate is hilarious. Another highlight is new Lunch Hour Comix by one of my favorites Robert Ullman. This book is a testament to the talent working with Alternative Comics.

Bottom Line: B+

Flight
Stories by Kazu Kibuishi and Jake Parker
Image Comics

Image highlights its Flight series with the Copper – Maiden Voyage story from volume one and Robot and Sparrow from volume two. Both these stories are of high quality, but I enjoyed Parker’s Robot story the most. In it a young robot makes friends with a sparrow and they spend must of a year hanging out and becoming friends. I’m not sure what’s best about this volume, the art or the story. I love how the book progresses through the seasons from spring to winter. The color schemes of these pages reflect the changes in nature. The robot is also extremely adorable. Finally, the script reads like a fairy tale. It’s a beautiful little story and this edition has convinced me I need to pick up the Flight volumes.

Bottom Line: A-

The Adventures of Paul
By Michel Rabagliati
Drawn and Quarterly

This book is my first exposure to Paul’s life and I’m completely sold. The book takes a few stories from the other Paul books including one from Paul Moves out which will be published this month. The first story, Paul apprentice about Paul visiting his father’s type shop is both touching at funny. Paul’s father shows Paul all aspects of work at the type shop with loving care and the curiosity of the young boy shows through. In the second story, my favorite, Paul and has friend tromp around the city having fun and making trouble. Again, this is a great story that portrays kids very accurately. It shows the boys imagination as they roam about. The final story, starring an adult Paul at a family member’s funeral is touching and classic. Rabagliati has no problem expressing the emotions of loss and grief on the page. Even if this little volume shows the very best of Paul, which I doubt, there is still a lot available. I’m hooked.

Bottom Line: A

Funny Book
Anthology featuring the work of Ivan Brunetti Jaime Hernandez, Gilbert Hernandez, Pete Bagge, Daniel Clowes and others.
Fantagraphics Books.

I was looking forward to this book as I do all Fantagraphics work that I actually have to purchase. The book has a number of stories, short and long by the hottest Fantagraphics writers and artists. Something about this book just didn’t agree with me. Maybe I wasn’t in the right mood for reading it, but I just didn’t like any of the stories. Besides Ivan Brunetti’s open work “How to Draw Comics” and Richard Sala’s Peculia, I couldn’t wait for the book to end.

Bottom Line: C

Ronin Hood of the 47 Samurai
Written by Jeff Amano; Pencils by Craig Rousseau; Inkes by Giulia Brusco
Beckett Comics

This offering from Beckett is an upcoming pick at the 96 page graphic novel Ronin Hood of the 47 Samurai. We are treated to the first 22 pages of this intriguing story, a samurai version of Robin Hood. Rousseau’s art is the standout in this book so far. The characters are full of life and take up much of the panels. I particularly enjoy the way the kimonos are decorated with bright pastels and small flower decorations. The most intriguing part of the book is the opening few pages where samurais fight in a snowstorm. It is quite beautiful and definitely beats the usual fight amongst cherry blossoms that we often see in samurai stories or movies. This preview is eye-catching and although I’m not quite sure how the story will pan out, the art makes it worth a look.

Bottom Line: B+

Superior Showcase #0
Anthology with stories by Joel Priddy, J. Chris Campbell, and Jack Soto
AdHouse Books

Generally, I really like anthology books with a few longer stories rather than many smaller ones. This format allows the reader to get into the story and explore the characters more than in a quick one page comic. This book, with its three stories of about equal length, fits this format well. The first two stories Priddy’s “The Amazing Life of Onion Jack” and Campbell’s “Found and Lost” are the strongest and are about the non-superhero side of a masked man’s life. Onion Jack, a biography about Onion Jack, is a joy. The art is small and cartoony and the story a lot of fun. Found is about a superhero and his relationship with his sidekick. The story is good, but less successful than Onion Jack. While I didn’t enjoy the third story in the book, the first two made up for not as interesting final story.

Bottom Line: B-

Comic Festival
Anthology with stories by Bryan Lee O’Malley, Seth, Jim Rugg, Paige Braddock, Salgood Sam, Eric Kim, and others.
Quebecor World

This book, a collection of work by Canadian artists appearing at the Toronto Comic Arts Festival, is an interesting idea for an anthology. I like the theme and it is a great promo for the show. Like I mentioned earlier though, I tend to appreciate books with three longer stories and this book has around 20 entries. The quality of work here is good though and the submissions from the Jane's World and Street Angel series are new and entertaining. The excerpt from Seth's Wimbledon Green story is also a highlight. It is nice to be exposed to so many artists in one volume, but as always with these short excerpts and stories, I'm left wanting more.

Bottom Line: B-

Kerry Reads Manga! IWGP #1

2005-05-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

Story by Ira Ishida; Art by Sena Aritou
Digital Manga Publishing $12.95

Ikebukuro West Gate Park (IWGP), a trendy area of the city where the popular kids meet and hang out, is currently embroiled in scandal. A violent criminal is strangling and raping young girls picked up from the park. Makoto’s girlfriend becomes one of the strangler’s victims and he heads up a manhunt for the man. He enlists his friends and a gang for help patrolling the park and finding the killer before another girl is murdered.

I know I’m fairly new to manga and am not used to a lot of the styles and ideas commonly depicted within its pages. Although it is fairly common, I cannot stand it when panels are drawn at an angle so we can see up women’s skirts. It is quite ridiculous when it doesn’t have anything to do with the story. It’s plain distracting (not in a sexy way) and pulled me right out of the story. While I find this practice harmless, I’m more concerned with how Aritou portrayed the rape and murder victims in the story. The women were brutally beaten, raped, and then strangled to death, yet they are laid out in a sexy pose. I find it completely unrealistic and even offensive that the women have nary a mark on them and are displayed in such a manner. A certain grislyness is needed to portray just how horrible and serious the crime is. Now one could argue that in death, the women are drawn as the innocent young girls that they are, but I just don’t get the feeling that this was the artist’s intention. The way they are shown seems to make light of the situation.

Besides this disagreement with Aritou’s style, I think the art is very good. I particularly enjoyed any scene with the gang, the G Boys. They were drawn dark and menacing, just like they should have been. Any panel where Aritou was allowed to get a little more artistic and show city scenes blurred by the business of traffic or crowds is excellent. Many depictions of various characters where they are static are also quite artistic and good. He goes beyond what would be required to make a mediocre portrait and adds little details to make it excellent. The art however just didn’t save the book for me.

While the plot, mourning boyfriend goes rogue to find girlfriend’s killer, there is just too many worthless pages added to the book to distract the reader. The first 80 pages were confusing and worthless to me. They didn’t set up the story or explain many of the character’s relationships. Worse still is that I didn’t get the feeling that Makoto even liked his girlfriend Rika until she turned up dead. No chemistry was concocted in the beginning of the book to make their relationship believable. The mechanics of the story, the idea that Makoto would go to any length to catch the strangler is believable, but not explored enough. If Ishida focused more these and less on extraneous characters it would have made for a much better story.

IWGP needed a lot of editing to make it a good book. It feels like the first three chapters were included just to add length. This made the story drag on and on. Coupled with my dislike of how the murder victims were displayed, I just can’t recommend the book.

Bottom Line: D

Free Comic Book Day!

2005-05-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

Although Erin mentioned it yesterday and it's on every comic book website in the blogoverse, I thought, what's one more post? Here's my top five Free Comic Book Day picks:

Pick of the Litter - Top Shelf Productions: Owly Splashing Around
I love me some Owly. He's so freaking cute. Highlighting him in a shorter story will definitely attract new fans and hopefully a cadre of young readers.

Next four (in no particular order)

Fantagraphics Books: Funny Book
This book highlights Fantagraphics' 2005 releases. The goal is to show the wide-range of genres that Fantagraphics publishes. They don't put out any bad books, so this one will be fantastic. Plus, if they say it's funny, it probably is.

Alternative Comics: Alternative Comics Presents
This anthology features a number of Alternative Comics' creators including James Kochalka, Josh Nuefeld, and Robert Ullman. Kochalka and Ullman had me at hello, so I'm clamoring to get my hands on this book.

Drawn and Quarterly: The Adventures of Paul
I've heard nothing but good things about Michel Rabagliati’s Paul stories. This book collects his work from the D&Q anthologies and puts them in one free book for each and every one of us. That D&Q, they sure are thoughtful folks.

Image Comics: Flight Primer
Again, I've heard nothing but good things about Flight and I've yet to pick up a copy. I'm guessing this book will convince me. It's a compilation of stories from both volumes of Flight.

Now, how am I going to get my hands on all five of these Free Comic Book Day editions? Well, I'm not entirely sure. I've got about 24 hours to develop a plan. It might involve disguises.

Linktastic Clickery

2005-05-05T23:24:00.000-07:00

Laura over at the Bloggity-Blog-Blog-Blog is holding a drawing to raise money for the Seattle Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk. For every $15 you donate, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a slew of different comics and GNs. A great cause and a great prize. Check it out.

Neil Kleid’s latest column is up over at Scryptic Studios. Kleid, who won a Xeric Foundation Grant in 2003 to publish “Ninety Candles,” says, “The one question I always find myself approached with … is ‘How did you do it?’ Everyone wants to know the magic spell I used to get myself a Xeric Grant my first time out. What’s the secret formula, they ask?” In the new column titled “BIG POND: Xeric 101,” Kleid shares his insights, as well as the ins and outs, of the Xeric Grant submission process.

Free Comic Book Day is Saturday, May 7 (as if you didn’t already know). Write an email out to all your friends, release carrier pigeons to assail casual acquaintances, send singing telegrams to your enemies, do whatever it takes to get the comic initiated and the uninitiated to your local comic book store for the occasion.

Hey Grown Ups - Comics! has just been re-launched with a new URL, a new look and feel, and the site’s first ever three-prizes-up-for-grabs “Grand Re-Opening Readers Poll” where visitors can recommend the comic titles they’d like to see racked among the “regular” books at their local Barnes & Walden-Borders book store.

Yet Another Comics Blog is running a great giveaway during the entire month of May. Basically you just need to send David the titles of five comics that you like and his goal is to match up people with a comic that they haven't read but that they may like from his personal collection. Plus for each winner he will throw in a copy of the 32-page Free Comic Book Day Preview Edition of Bone Sharps, Cowboys, and Thunder Lizards.

In the New York Times article “A Comic Book Fantasy Made Real” (free registration required) reporter James Brooke investigates what he calls “the geisha for the comic book generation.” Apparently, in the Electric Town district of Tokyo, you can be served at a variety of cafes and restaurants by waitresses dressed up as anime-styled French maids. An entertaining article to check out.

Another Vancouver Comicon is coming up from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 5, at Heritage Hall in Vancouver, B.C. (3102 Main St.). This cozy little comicon will feature Matt Haley (G.I. Spy, Firestorm, Birds of Prey), Corey “Rey” Lewis (Sharknife, Street Fighter), Steve Rolston (One Bad Day, Queen and Country, Pounded), Robin Bougie (Cinema Sewer), Verne Andru (Captain Canuck, Phantacea), Robin Thompson (Champions of Hell, Captain Spaceman) and a host of other creators. Admission is just $3 and free for kids under 14.

Single-Panel Reviews 5/4/05

2005-05-04T09:24:00.000-07:00

Spellbinders #1
Written by Mike Carey; Penciled by Mike Perkins; Inked by Drew Hennessy
Marvel $2.99

This six-part series about a group of high-school witches is Marvel’s newest mini-series aimed at teenagers. Newcomer Kim is being scouted by both the witches’ clique and the anti-witches’ clique. She has just arrived at the school and weird things immediately start to happen. This story could end up being very good. It’s a book about high school, but is very unlike my other favorite Marvel goes to high-school comics Mary Jane and Spider-Girl. The school, the kids, and the problems are a lot darker and a lot less like your run-of-the-mill high-school students. It’s nice to see a Marvel book where the outcasts aren’t muties for once. This book shows promise.

Bottom Line: B-

Toxin #1
Written by Peter Milligan; Penciled by Darick Robertson; Inked by Rodney Ramos
Marvel $2.99

Although I don’t read New Avengers, I decided to pick up this tie-in because it indirectly relates to my favorite of all Spider-Man villains. You see, Venom begat Carnage and Carnage entered Cletus Kasady and used him to give birth to another symbiote, Toxin. Toxin, the symbiote grandson of Venom has entered Paul Mulligan and their relationship and this six-part series begins. The two are actually having a decent time coexisting. Sure, they argue, but it could be a heck of a lot worse. Paul and Toxin start out helping out the city by bringing down bad guy King Cobra. Spider-Man then asks for him to help out with a new armless psycho. Milligan injected a lot of humor into this script and if it continues into the rest of the series, it is sure to be worth buying. Between the great dialogue between Paul and Toxin and Robertson’s amazing portrayals of the symbiotic Toxin, I’m looking forward to next month’s issue.

Bottom Line: B+

The Goon #11
By Eric Powell
Dark Horse $2.99

Usually I love the art in the Goon, but am tepid towards the story. This issue though, where the Goon and Francis go to an alternate reality to help save Dr. Alloy, is fantastic. Powell outdoes himself on the script. Francis’ lines are especially inspired. Powell’s drawing is always fantastic. This issue has a very cool style as well. Many of the scenes in the alternate reality have a colorful background with bright hues while the Goon and Francis remain in black and white. Besides their outline, they don’t even appear to be inked. Their body and clothes are the texture of graphite. The look is very intriguing. I wish more issues of the Goon were like this.

Bottom Line: A

Filler Review

2005-05-03T22:43:00.000-07:00

Filler
AiT/Planet Lar; $12.95
Writer: Rick Spears; Artist: Rob G.

John Dough is used to being life’s filler. He doesn’t matter to anyone or himself. He gives blood and stands in police lineups to get by. But Dough’s just like anyone else, he’ll take some company when he can get it. Even though he knows better, Dough gets involved with Debra Cross, a hooker on the outs with her pimp. When Dough ends up in over his head, he gets “help” from another of his fellow lineup fillers, one R. Pike, who also happens to be a writer.

Dough’s life is black and white until it gets bloody – actually most literally. The art is done in black and white with red as an accent color. With this color treatment and the realistic artistry of the characters, Rob G.’s work emphasizes the fact that this is a literal book.

In fact, it may be a little too literal for some readers. It’s understandable to want something a little more substantive than a quick punchline-type wrap-up. Spears, however, stays true to what he sets up in this black and white world.

The kick may be at the end, but really the clues are there pretty plainly throughout the book. In fact at one point, Dough even says, “Things have gotten a little out of control. I’m stuck as the main character in someone else’s story.”

John Dough. Debra Cross. R. Pike. Or is that John Doe, Double Crossed, with a Right Turn?

Bottom Line: B+

Meatcake #14 Review

2005-05-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

By Dame Darcy
Fantagraphics Books $3.95

The cover of Dame Darcy’s latest issue of Meatcake states that the book is “for weird mature readers.” I’m known to be weird. Occasionally, I am also mature. With this in mind, I picked up the book. I’ve never even seen issues 1-13 of Meatcake, so I didn’t know what to expect from the book’s interior.

The book itself isn’t one cohesive story, but is instead an anthology of sorts. There are a few short stories, some two-panel movie reviews, instructions on making dolls and various other strange bits. The book reads more like a heavily illustrated zine than a comic book.

The book has a very personal feel, like we are looking directly in on Dame Darcy’s interests. In addition to being a comic book writer and illustrator, Dame Darcy is also a doll maker. Her love of dolls and the Victorian era are evident throughout the book. Some of the book's stories feel like they might be ripped from the author’s dreams or nightmares. The personal nature of the book is one of its biggest strengths as it made me feel like I had some secret connection to the artist through the book.

It did take me awhile to get used to Darcy’s drawing style. While the cover, with its shimmery mermaids is very attractive, some panels are less so. The body proportions of some of the women seemed to be off with many having abnormally long legs. I did enjoy the macabre and dark Victorian feel that many of the stories had. The women are often rotund with luxurious hair styles and full-length costumes. The hundreds of small details throughout the book also give the reader a lot to look at.

Darcy’s strange sense of humor is another enjoyable part of the book. Many panels had me laughing and wondering exactly how Darcy even thought up a particular story or idea. She is completely creative and a true artist in her work. She uses every inch of space on the page to entertain. Although some of the book is beyond my perception of entertainment and seems “out there,” I’m glad I picked it up.

Much of the book is definitely “for weird and mature readers” just as the cover states.
It may have had more weird than I was looking for, but it is definitely an enjoyable trip. It was great to pick up a challenging yet fun read for once.

Bottom Line: B

Ebay Comic Watch 05/01/05

2005-05-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

Here’s the latest installment of Ebay Comic Watch. You can find these particular auctions by pasting the item number in ebay’s search box. Note that the ending times are in PST, so calculate accordingly.

So, for the hell of it, I’ve decided to go with a theme this week. I present to you ebay comic auctions that are from, inspired by, or involve in any way TV shows. Enjoy.

Xena Comics Issues 1-12
Bidding was at GBP 4.99 a bit ago, shipping varies
Item number: 6527413633
Ends May-02-05 04:09:53 PDT

Rare “The Brady Bunch” Comic #1
Bidding was at $20.51 a bit ago, shipping is $3.50
Item number: 6526669501
Ends May-02-05 19:45:00 PDT

Five Various “Dark Shadows” Gold Key Comics
Bidding starts at $29.95, with BIN at $34.95, shipping is free
Item number: 6528528753
Ends May-04-05 09:54:00 PDT

Two Comics Featured in the TV Show “Lost”: Flash/Green Lantern Limited Series
Bidding was at $0.99 a bit ago, shipping is $5
Item number: 6528710388
Ends May-05-05 06:52:32 PDT

A-Team Issues #1-3 Still in Original Wrapper
Bidding starts at $0.99, shipping is $3.25
Item number: 6529263128
Ends May-07-05 18:58:08 PDT

Lot of Five “Mr. Ed” Comics (I know, who knew they existed?)
Bidding starts at $4.99, shipping is $3.85
Item number: 6529443477
Ends May-08-05 13:55:01 PDT

“Saved by the Bell” Comic #1
BIN $1, starts at $2.50
Item number: 6529277479
Ebay store, no end date

Broken Frontier Fundraiser

2005-04-29T22:04:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post tonight. I received an email recently about a fundraiser for the site Broken Frontier and wanted to pass the word along. If you enjoy the site, you may consider donating or if you have a relevant business or product, check out their inexpensive ad rates as another way to support the site. Not only are they taking donations, but they are also selling donated original art on ebay. In addition, if you donate via Paypal, you will be entered in a drawing for comics. Check it out below or on their website.

Broken Frontier Fundraiser
After covering the comic book industry for over two and a half years, Broken Frontier still lacks a major sponsor to provide us with some financial backing and to help us cover the costs of running this website. Even our sales of individual banners and buttons have been sparse at best.

Since the site was launched, BF has always enjoyed a steady growth, indicated by our switch to a larger server in January 2004 and our upgrade to a fully database-driven system last November. As our audience continued to expand, so has our focus on daily, useful and intelligent comic book coverage. Our staff keeps on garnering critical acclaim for its solid articles, reflected by the fact that BF quotes continue to grace comic covers and interiors.

In reality though, BF needs to find a way to cover its expenses in order to get by. Without a premier sponsor, the only means to do that is by holding a fundraiser. The goal of this donation drive is to raise a total of $3000, which will helps us get close to a break-even point.

Of the proceeds, Broken Frontier will be donating 20% to UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, in support of children in need around the world. Should total proceeds earned exceed $3000, 50% of the extra amount earned will be donated to the organization, while the other 50% will be saved for future expenses.

If you wish to support BF through our Fundraiser, you can do so by making a Paypal donation or by bidding on one of our art auctions.

Art Auctions
To help BF raise the needed $3000, several artists where kind enough to donate a total of 11 original art pages, which are up for auction on eBay as of today. Three artists were even kind enough to create a piece especially for this fundraiser!

Here's an overview of the artists, the original art they donated and the respective links to the eBay auctions:

Andy Runton -- Owly Pinup
Juan E. Ferreyra -- Small Gods #3 pg. 14, 20
Kazu Kibuishi -- Daisy Kutter #3 pg. 16, 17K
eu Cha -- Rising Stars #1, pg. 17, 18, 19
Luke Ross -- Scion #40 cover
Nicc Balce -- Random Encounter Pinup
Paul Harmon -- Mora Pinup

Paypal Donations
A second option for you to support the Broken Frontier Fundraiser is by making a Paypal donation through the Paypal buttons you find at the bottom of the message boards or below the left navigation menu on each page of the main site.

After the BF Fundraiser has been completed, 10 lucky donators will be randomly selected from the entire list of people who supported the donation drive (winners will be contacted by email). Eight of them will get a copy of The Art Of Greg Horn (Image), while two others will each get two TPB collections compiled from the following books:

Witchblade: Revelations (Top Cow)
Batgirl: Year One (DC)
Xenozoic Tales: The New World (Dark Horse)
Negative Burn: The Best From 1993-1998 (Image)

Remarks
All donations will be listed in the BF Fundraiser - Donations thread in the Announcements forum. Every donator's name as well as the winning bidders on the art auctions will be added to the list no later than 24 hours after the donation took place. At the same time, the total amount earned listed at the top of the thread will be updated, so everyone knows the status of the BF Fundraiser at all times.

When you've made a donation, please enter your name under "Note" at the Paypal donation page (if applicable). If you do not wish your name to be added to the donations list, please enter "anonymous" instead.

If you have any questions, e-mail BF head honcho Frederik Hautain at frederik@brokenfrontier.com or send me a private message through the BF message boards.

May Previews Highlights: Erin's Picks

2005-04-27T21:50:00.000-07:00

I love Previews, but I gotta say between all the Infinite Crisis drama and the House of M hype, I just didn’t find as much interesting this month. I do enjoy “superhero” comics, and normally my reaction to crossover-type action isn’t to be automatically horrified. This time, however, there seems to be so much crossover action involving continuity I’m clueless about that my eyes glaze over and frankly turns me off of most of the big two’s main offerings. I’ve been reading comics off and on for more than 15 years, but I’m lost when it comes to many of the storylines going on right now. So much for accessibility.

Pick of the Month:
Monkey in a Wagon Vs. Lemur on a Big Wheel #1
Check out the website.
Alias – pg. 235; $2.99; 32 pgs. FC
By Ken Lillie-Paetz & Chris Moreno
You’re probably reading this title and saying something like “who on a what? vs. whaaaa???” Yeah, well, it’s definitely some silly stuff … delightfully silly in fact. A five-page MIAW vs. LOABW story was one of the many comics in the “Even More Fund Comics” TP last year, and in my opinion was one of the very funniest. In fact I instantly wanted more. It’s got some Street Angel sensibility but a little more on the all-ages side of things. And now it’s a full-color comic – nice!

Featured Comics:

Grounded #1 (of 6)
Image – pg. 140; $2.95; 32 pgs. FC
Writer: Mark Sable; Artist: Paul Azaceta
This comic reverses the common kid-discovers-he-has-superpowers storyline. This time the main character is sent to a special school for kids with powers, but discovers he’s the only one without them. The preview pages looked very promising, so I’ll be giving this a try.

I Never Liked You
Drawn & Quarterly – pg. 287; $15.95
By Chester Brown
The solicit describes Chester Brown’s newest offering as “a harrowing memoir about the struggle to connect told with spare, poetic elegance. A self-absorbed teenager strays into the difficult territory of early love, while at home there is a slowly building crisis over his mother’s mental health.”

Rica ’tte Kanji!? GN
ALC Publishing – pg. 226; $15; 96 pgs.
By Rica Takashima
Don’t know why I haven’t noticed this publisher before. Not only do they have this book about college student Rica and her search for friendship and love in Tokyo’s gay district (story described as “sweet and funny, realistic and a little wacky”), but they also have a compilation titled “Yuri Monogatari” featuring seven stories from creators around the world and in a range of styles about different aspects of lesbian relationships.

Quick Picks:

An “all-new saga of Batman and Robin” is peddled by DC, which they warn “DO NOT MISS THIS ISSUE!” Alright, already, I’ll buy your stinkin’ book that “reinvents” these “classic characters.” But seriously, All Star Batman and Robin, The Boy Wonder is written by Frank Miller so that’s good enough for me (pg. 62; $2.99; 32 pgs.).

If you’ve enjoyed Andy Diggle’s work on Adam Strange or The Losers, you might want to check out Silent Dragon #1 (of 6), a futuristic Japanese gangster comic, from Wildstorm (pg. 104; $2.99; 32 pgs.).

The cover art for all-ages Bumberboy Loses His Marbles by Debbie Huey looks extremely cute. This seems like a good book to pick up for the young comic fan of the house (Adhouse Books; pg. 212; $7.95; 96 pgs.).

AiT/Planet Lar’s newest GN looks to be an action-packed treat. Zack Sherman and Roberto de la Torre are the talent on Seal Team Seven involving the CIA, a SEAL team, and “a string of mystifying terrorist attacks” (pg. 226; $12.95; 128 pgs.).

Mark Newgarden, the cartoonist behind the “Garbage Pail Kids,” has his syndicated comics and other anthology work collected into this new hardcover book -- We All Die Alone (Fantagraphics; pg. 292; $28.95; 224 pgs.).

Trade Treatment

The Incredibles TPB
Dark Horse – page 29; $12.95; 96 pgs.

Star Wars: Episode III—Revenge of the Sith TPB
Dark Horse – page 45; $12.95; 96 pgs.

Nightwing: Year One TP
DC – page 69; $14.99; 144 pgs.

Kinetic TP
DC – page 85; $9.99; 192 pgs.

100 Bullets Vol. 8: The Hard Way TP
Vertigo – page 112; $14.99; 224 pgs.

Y: The Last Man Vol. 5—Ring of Truth TP
Vertigo – page 120; $14.95; 144 pgs.

Bad Ideas: Collected TP (Wayne Chinsang, Jim Mahfood, & Dave Crosland)
Image – page 150; $12.95; 128 pgs.

Sea of Red, Vol. 1: No Grave But the Sea TP
Image – page 162; $8.95; 104 pgs.

Lions, Tigers, & Bears TP
Alias – page 235; $9.99; 112 pgs.

New Avengers Vol. 1: Breakout
Marvel – page 78; $19.99; 160 pgs.

New Captain America Vol. 1: Out of Time
Marvel – page 77; $21.99; 176 pgs.

The Pulse Vol. 2: Secret War TPB
Marvel – page 80; $11.99; 128 pgs.

May Preview Highlights: Kerry's Picks

2005-04-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

Pick of the Month:

Serenity #1 (of 3)
Dark Horse; page 22; $2.99; 32 pgs.

I missed the original TV run of Joss Whedon’s Firefly, but have since rented and have become addicted to the show. I wait with eager anticipation for Septembers Serenity movie. This comic, written by Joss Whedon and about the Serenity crew, shows promise and I hope it can live up to the show.

Other Cool Books:

Emily The Strange #1: The Boring Issue
Dark Horse: page 32; $7.95; 48 pgs.

Emily the Strange has adorned t-shirts, note cards, and stickers for years. Now she finally comes to her own comic book. The book has a one page preview in Previews and it is beautifully drawn. The script looks funny as well. I’m not sold on the price yet though. Dark Horse might be using Emily’s fame to bring in a few extra books. That’s not a bad thing, it’s just that I’d like to see if the book lives up to the hype before laying down $8 for 48 pages.

The Dead Boy Detectives Digest
Vertigo; page 113; $9.99; 144 pgs.

Like Death: At Death’s Door before it, Dead Boy Detectives are straight from the pages of the Sandman: Season of Mists. This Manga volume written and drawn by Jill Thompson looks to capture both the Sandman and Manga styles. In this book dead boys Charles and Edwin flee Britain and arrive in the US to try to solve a missing person’s case. The plot is intriguing and the 3-page preview enticing.

Bumperboy Loses His Marbles GN
Adhouse Books; page 212; $7.95; 96 pgs.

The adorable cover pulled me in to this book’s description. The story sounds just as cute as the art looks. Bumperboy has lost all his marbles and must find them before the upcoming marble tournament.

Dead Eyes Open #1
Slave Labor Graphics; page 236; $2.95; 24 pgs.

This regular guy Zombie yarn from SLG sounds pretty good. Therapist John Requin has died. Death doesn’t stop him from working though. He goes back to his practice as a member of the undead. He has to learn to deal with his own death in addition to other people’s problems. Throw in a government conspiracy and you’ve got yourself an exciting new story.

Ninja High School Pocket Manga 5-pack Special
Antarctic Press; page 243; $30.00; 5 digest size volumes

Holy Crap! This is quite a deal. If you’ve missed Ninja High School so far, you can catch up very quickly and cheaply with this set. To celebrate the release of volume 6 in the series, Antarctic offers the first five volumes for the price of three. Now would be the best time to jump on board.

Grenuord #1
Fantagraphics Books; page 291; $4.95; 32 pgs.

I always examine Fantagraphics section of Previews closely. This month the first of the six-part story Grenuord looks the most interesting. The cover art looks surreal, but the story sounds normal enough at first. George Henderson leaves his job, girl-friend, and town to start life anew. What he finds in his new home is the most surprising.

Banana Sunday #1 (of 4)
Oni Press; page 322; $2.99; 24 pgs.

What can I say? It’s about monkeys. I love it already.

Ebay Comic Watch 04/25/05

2005-04-25T15:35:00.000-07:00

Here’s the latest installment of Ebay Comic Watch. You can find these particular auctions by pasting the item number in ebay’s search box. Note that the ending times are in PST, so calculate accordingly.

Small Press Expo SPX 98, 99, 00, 01, 02
Bidding starts at $14.99, with BIN at $24.99, shipping is $10
Item number: 6527045784
Ends Apr-27-05 14:05:02 PDT

Complete Run of Indiana Jones Comics – 44 Total
Bidding was at $36 a bit ago, shipping is $5
Item number: 6527101610
Ends Apr-27-05 19:25:13 PDT

1977-85 Star Wars Lot: 49 Comics
(An auction that brings back fond memories)
Bidding was at $11.50 a bit ago, shipping varies
Item number: 6527538356
Ends Apr-29-05 16:24:32 PDT

Original Dave Gibbons Page of Dr. Who Artwork
Bidding was at GBP 34.33 a bit ago, contact seller for shipping
Item number: 6527881940
Ends May-01-05 11:23:03 PDT

11 TPBs: Jinx (signed), Planetary, Fables, Batman: Year One, etc.
Bidding starts at $0.99, shipping varies
Item number: 6528166465
May-02-05 14:16:56 PDT

Single-Panel Reviews 04/19/05

2005-04-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

Miniature Sulk
Top Shelf $8
By Jeffrey Brown
This latest offering by Jeffrey Brown is a mix of styles and stories—a Brown sampler, if you will. There are one-page nuggets, a mini-comic, and even random one-panel funnies, however, most of the stories are two or three pages long. In all of these, Brown presents anywhere from present-day-in-the-life tales to stories from childhood and wish fulfillment day dreams. I’ve enjoy Brown’s humor work the most, and many of the stories contain his wink-and-a-nudge humor, so this book was a real treat. If you haven’t read any of Brown’s books before, this would definitely be a good one to try.
Bottom line: A-

Mnemovore #1 (of 6)
Vertigo $2.95
Writer: Hans Rodionoff and Ray Fawkes; Artist: Mike Huddleston; Colorist: Jeromy Cox
The sample art in Previews first attracted me to this book, and the great art spills right out onto the cover, which is absolutely gorgeous. The story is about Olympic hopeful snowboarder Kaley Markowic who is just coming out of a coma due to a serious snowboarding accident. Kaley is dealing with life with partial amnesia from brain damage—and it seems there is more than just damage in her noggin to worry about. This science-fiction/mild horror plot just gets off the ground in this issue, but what I found to be unique was the wonderful job of pacing the writer and artist create together, especially during the last 11 pages. This first taste of the horror is controlled like few comics seem to manage. I think this first issue bodes for well for the mini-series.
Bottom line: B+

Hoax #1
Mental Note Press $2.95
By Eleanor Davis, Karl Kressboch, Nate Neal, Lydia Gregg, and Mitch Hess
Touted as “an all new anthology by all new artists,” the book is impressive for a first outing, and really is a solid anthology in its own right. It contains five stories by five different creators, of which my favorite was “Yolk” by Eleanor Davis. The different stories do share common elements, most overtly is the disturbing nature of the comics. Though disturbing to different degrees, and in different ways, each of the stories contained a point to the “horror” – this wasn’t just mindless shock-value writing or art. While not all the stories were my cup of tea, I do appreciate the high level of skill displayed. If you have enjoyed anthologies put out by publishers like Fantagraphics or Drawn & Quarterly, you will want to check this book out.
Bottom line: B+

True Story, Swear to God: 100 Stories
AiT/Planet Lar $9.95
By Tom Beland
*Sigh* Tom Beland’s work is sooo dreamy. This is what I might as well write, because reviewing Beland’s work is basically a gush-fest. He’s just so damn good at what he does, I seriously can’t find anything to complain about. I hate that. This collection of Beland’s work contains 100 of his daily strips broken out into themes such as “Life,” “Family,” and “Food.” He follows a similar formula in each strip, and delivers like very few other humor cartoonists can. The strip formula he follows isn’t particularly earth shattering, it’s how he tells the “microstory” that is an extra-bases line drive each strip. (You know, I really shouldn’t have baseball on while I’m writing reviews.) I highly recommend both this book and the True Story, Swear to God comic series as well. Great writing, awesome cartooning: what more could a reader want?
Bottom line: A

Comic News Update 04/18/05

2005-04-18T22:54:00.000-07:00

Isotope Award for Excellence in Mini-Comics
James Sime talks up the newest winner of the Isotope Award for Excellence in Mini-Comics, one Daniel Merlin Goodbrey for his mini-comic “The Last Sane Cowboy.” In the column on CBR, Sime posts sample pages from the book (that look amazing) and gives some background on Goodbrey and his work. Knowing the quality of the past two winners of this award—Rob Osborne and Josh Cotter—expect some great stuff from Goodbrey.

Street Angel Ends
Another article I noticed on CBR was an interview with Jim Rugg about Street Angel. Apparently issue five was the last one of the series. Huh? Yep, that’s all folks. I enjoyed the first three issues of the series, but the last two seemed so different I couldn’t get into them nearly as much, especially issue five. I had no idea that was it for the series, which just kind of leaves me with a big question mark over my head. It’s really too bad such a short series with so much fun potential sputtered out after just a few issues. Well, I’m looking forward to seeing what else Rugg and Brian Maruca might do in the future, but I’m disappointed with this development in the Street Angel series.

Kleid Begins New Humor Column
Neil Kleid has a new monthly humor column titled “Take That Ratzis!” over at Buzzscope. In the column Kleid says, “I offer an, ah... unique... take on the ins, outs, backs and forths of the comic book industry. This week, I intercept an old email to Marvel's editor-in-chief from someone who's been making headlines these days.” That’d be none other than the Blue Beetle himself. Kleid’s tagline for the column is “The enemy never sleeps. Neither does the comics industry. Let's get some licks in.” This should be a very entertaining read to look forward to each month.

Eisner Nominations Announced
Well, it’s Eisner time again. This press release includes the master list of nominations and breaks down the most nominated creators and publishers. Of note is the new category “Best Digital Comic.” As is the case with just about any awards program, some of the nominations are spot on and others leave me wondering: what were they thinking? Eh, like my grandma likes to say “different strokes for different folks.”

Ebay Comic Watch 04/17/05

2005-04-17T23:12:00.000-07:00

Here’s the latest installment of Ebay Comic Watch. You can find these particular auctions by pasting the item number in ebay’s search box. Note that the ending times are in PST, so calculate accordingly.

Queen & Country #1-26 & Declassified I #1-3
Bidding was at $3.25 a bit ago, shipping is $6
Item number: 6525184633
Ends Apr-19-05 19:45:00 PDT

AWESOME DEAL ALERT: Berlin #1-11 + graphic novels
Bidding starts at $10, with BIN at $15, shipping is $6.50
Item number: 6526334531
Ends Apr-20-05 11:02:40 PDT

Sin City: Set of Six Graphic Novels
Bidding was at $0.01 a bit ago, shipping is $15
Item number: 6526415443
Ends Apr-20-05 16:34:52 PDT

(The Original Kirby) OMAC #1-8 (full run)
Bidding was at $5 a bit ago, shipping’s $3
Item number: 6525807672
Ends Apr-21-05 19:36:26 PDT

Ballad of Sleeping Beauty #1-8
Bidding starts at $0.99, shipping’s $3.99
Item number: 6526297192
Ends Apr-24-05 08:47:28 PDT

Single-Panel Reviews: Top Shelf Sale (Part 2)

2005-04-13T19:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a second and final group of reviews of books I purchased in the big Top Shelf sale. I also bought Master Plan by Scott Mills by one of my non-comics reading friends absconded with it before I had the chance to read it. I’m hoping to get it back in the near future

Bughouse
By Steve Lafler

Bughouse, the story of jazz insects living in a bug universe, is a lot more serious than one would expect. How deep could a story about instrument playing grasshoppers really be? Much more than one might think apparently. The musicians in Bughouse, Jimmy Watts, Slim, and the rest live with many of the same demons that haunt popular human musicians. They are heavy drug users, womanizers, and have violent tendencies. Despite all this, they manage to make great music and play for their fans. Bughouse is the story of this bug band trying to make it on the jazz scene and through the serious issues in their lives.

When I purchased Bughouse, I expected a fun little story about happy go lucky jazz musicians who happened to be bugs. Instead, I got an insightful look at the pitfalls of trying to survive a drug addiction while trying to become a successful band. Sure, the musicians in the story also happen to be bugs, but that doesn’t matter. Lafler treats the characters like humans and tells a touching story. The script isn’t all serious though. It has just as many funny moments as difficult.

Bughouse served as my introduction to Lafler’s work and I am very pleased with the result.

Bottom Line: A-

Baja (Bughouse Vol. 2)
By Steve Lafler

Baja, the sequel to Bughouse, is lighter both in length and substance than the first book. In this story, the band goes on a short hiatus while Bones flees to Mexico to escape false charges. While in Mexico, Bones starts up another band and meets a beautiful woman. He starts like anew while waiting for everything to calm down at home.

This story is what I was expecting when I picked up the first volume. While it does have its serious moments, it is a much lighter and breezier story over all. Lafler loosens up a bit and lets the characters have a little more fun and a little less tragedy. The script still has its fair share of laughs and is very enjoyable.

Maybe it is just the change in scenery, but it feels like Lafler’s drawing style has lightened up a bit as well. The backgrounds have fewer lines and many feel much bigger. Just as Bones is broadening his world view in Mexico, Lafler does the same with his art. I look forward to picking up more of his books.

Bottom Line: A-

Single-Panel Reviews 04/12/05

2005-04-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

Star Wars: General Grievous #1 (of 4)
Dark Horse Comics $2 .99
Writer: Chuck Dixon; Penciller: Rick Leonardi; Inker: Mark Pennington; Colorist: Lucas Marangon
It’s been quite awhile since I’ve read any Star Wars comics, so I thought I’d give this one a go. Overall, I was pleased. Other than a bloated, creepy Yodi, the art was well done—between the colors and inks, it felt like a mix of the “Clone Wars” cartoon look and a more realistic character treatment. It complemented the story very well, and speaking of the story, this was stronger than I thought it might be. It follows the Jedi as they come up against a new force—General Grevious, a machine creature who leaves a wake of dead Jedi in his path. The story centers around Padawan Flynn Kybo who proposes to the Jedi council an assassination of General Grevious. This is a good setup and solid writing—worth a look for sure (especially if you need a pre-Episode III fix).
Bottom line: B

The Expatriate #1
Image $2.95
Writer: B. Clay Moore; Artist: Jason Latour
Moore raises many more questions than reveals answers in this first issue of a promising ongoing of intrigue and mystery. Jack Dexter, although he seems to be escaping from something, doesn’t seem particularly “on the run” at the beginning of the issue. Nonetheless, he’s got two CIA agents hunting him down in what seems to be a Caribbean country—doing-his-job Murphy and hard-ass Conrad. By the end of this issue not only is the U.S. government looking for Murphy, so is local politico Eduardo Lobo, since Dexter has managed to get “involved” with Lobo’s wife, Maria. Moore writes in an afterword that this is “a story that will head into uncharted waters at the drop of a hat. We don’t think you’ll see where we’re headed, and if you do, we doubt you’ll see where we’re headed after that.” Sounds like a ride for which I’m willing to buy a ticket.
Bottom line: B+

Temporary #2
Origin Comics $2.95
Writer: Damon Hurd; Artist: Rick Smith
Envy Saint-Claire takes her next temp job, this time with the police department cataloging evidence. Detective Jimmy works at the 31st Precint and happens to be a very good and edgy interrogator mainly because he’s got five different personalities, though these personalities look to be struggling to determine who’s in charge. Envy and Jimmy’s paths cross (not to Envy’s advantage) at the end of this two-parter. Although the art is a little too Rocky & Bullwinkle meets Beavis and Butthead, I’m intrigued by Jimmy’s character and curious to see where this storyline will go, as well as to see Envy’s imaginary friend play into the storyline in a more prominent way.
Bottom line: B

Jane’s World #18
Girl Twirl Comics $5.95
By Paige Braddock
Another fun issue of Jane’s World – probably the best of the issues I’ve read, actually. Lots of laugh-out-loud moments—mostly related to Jane and Ethan’s new digs and a new character we’re introduced to—Skye. Jane meets her at a restaurant she’s never been to before, Garden of Vegan, where Skye is a waitress, and this seems to be the start of a new relationship for Jane. In other news, Chelle and Jill butt heads over Jill letting Chelle’s mom know where she is, which is a big no-no. Jane and Dorothy also awkwardly try to avoid each other. Plus there are big changes in store for the newspaper Jane works at, and we get some more back story on Jane and Chelle’s past relationship. Whew, there’s a lot going on this issue, and it’s an all-around kick-in-the pants.
Bottom line: A-

Ebay Comic Watch 04/10/05

2005-04-10T21:06:00.000-07:00

Here’s the latest installment of Ebay Comic Watch. You can find these particular auctions by pasting the item number in ebay’s search box. Note that the ending times are in PST, so calculate accordingly.

Superman 1941 Newspaper Comic
Bidding starts at $15, shipping varies
Item number: 6523553936
Ends Apr-11-05 15:29:43 PDT

Wonder Woman lot including The Hiketia HC
Bidding was at $5.32 a bit ago, shipping is $5.00
Item number: 6523813322
Ends Apr-12-05 15:58:00 PDT

Preacher 1-66 + extras
Bidding was at $33.50 a bit ago, shipping’s $1
Item number: 6524024924
Ends Apr-13-05 17:16:45 PDT

3 GNs: Bright Elegy, The Castaways, Last Exit Before Toll
Bidding starts at $1.99, shipping is $5
Item number: 6524685271
Ends Apr-16-05 19:13:55 PDT

Bear 1-6 (from SLG)
Bidding starts at $5.95, shipping varies
Item number: 6524899724
Ends Apr-17-05 16:39:34 PDT

2 GNs: 5 Is the Perfect Number & Like a River
Bidding starts at $1.99, shipping is $5
Item number: Item number: 6524949059
Ends Apr-17-05 20:03:20 PDT
Note: This and the other GN auction are by the same seller, who also has several other interesting auctions worth checking out.

Single-Panel Reviews: 04/07/05

2005-04-07T21:13:00.000-07:00

The Ballad of Sleeping Beauty #8
Beckett Comics $1.99
Writer: Gabriel Benson; Penciller & Inker: Mike Hawthorne; Colorist: Michael Atiyeh
This marks the last issue of the series, and my feelings for this issue match those I’ve had for the rest of the series. I really dug the art, and the plot was alright, but had some trouble with the storytelling. My biggest criticism of this issue was that while other issues seemed to take their time with the plot, this wrapped up way too swiftly. The last several pages just went by too quickly in relation to the rest of the series.
Bottom line: B for this issue and the series as a whole

Angeltown #5 (of 5)
DC $2.99
Writer: Gary Phillips; Artist: Shawn Martinbrough; Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Another last issue of a mini-series here. I really wanted to like this series – and I can’t say I categorically disliked it – but the book just didn’t have all the elements it needed to succeed. Phillips offered up a strong and interesting lead character in Nate Hollis, but with so many other minor and inconsequential characters, the story surrounding Hollis was diluted and ultimately drained of personality and drama. It’s one thing to introduce extra characters as red herrings, but another to introduce so many that the reader loses interest in most of them. I’d like to see Hollis in another story, his character explored more, but with the storytelling streamlined and a meatier plot. The art was solid, but just wasn’t enough to save the book.
Bottom line: C+

Street Angel #5
SLG $2.95
Writer: Jim Rugg; Artist: Brian Maruca
This was another “different” issue of Street Angel, and I’m honestly not sure what I think about it. This time the book starts out with Street Angel hiding out in a warehouse with a has-been hero, Afrodisiac. They seem to be at their last stand against a fight we’re dropped into midway. Afrodisiac reveals his backstory, then there’s a Street Angel against the world scene where, of course, she prevails … and that’s about it. There are a couple very nice two-page fighting scene spreads, and the silver-age comic book treatment of Afrodisiac’s backstory is great. It just felt like it needed some more substance. I’m starting to think the best part of the book are the two covers, which are consistently superb.
Bottom line: B-

Or Else #2
Drawn & Quarterly $5.95
By Kevin Huizenga
This issue includes five short tales of varying brevity, most of which follow the character Glenn Ganges. Huizenga’s clean lines and sense of architecture are what consistently stand out in his work. The pacing and tone of the stories let you know right away that Huizenga is in control of the telling and the reader needs to let go and just go along for the ride. This is especially true for the story “The Sunset.” It would be easy to separate yourself from the story and wonder what the heck is going on, but if you let yourself be taken in by the visuals and just go with it, the resolution is entirely satisfying. The other standout story was “The Moon Rose” a simple story about the observation of the moonrise that turns into a wonderful scientific explanation of what Glenn and his neighbors are observing. My only criticisms are that being a reprint of prior material, I’d like to see some new things of Huizenga in “Or Else” and also for a small book (although surprisingly dense) the price seemed a little high. I will admit, though, that it was worth it … so I should probably quit my bitchin’.
Bottom line: B+

Single-Panel Reviews: Top Shelf Sale Edition (Part 1)

2005-04-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

Erin and I took part in Top Shelf Productions recent giant sale by ordering a crate full of books. We got about 10 books for $30, an amazing deal any way you look at it. Today’s edition of Single-Panel Reviews covers the first two books I devoured when our shipment arrived.

All Flee!
Written by Gavin Burrow; Drawn by Simon Gane

This little edition is about Godzilla-esque lizard monsters living a regular life in our world. Three stories are printed in the book: “A Finishing School for Monsters,” “All Flee,” and “Crusin’ with the Dorks.” The first two star the monsters and the last is about a nerdy rock band.

In Finishing School an old time monster tries to teach young monsters how to incite terror with old school methods. The youngsters aren’t interested in these antiquated ways and want to cuss and use semi-automatic weapons instead. This story is spectacular. It had me laughing from start to finish. The grumpy senior citizen lizard has some great dialogue.

The title story stars a female monster taking a vacation around the world and visiting all the major metropolitan areas. It too was spectacular and kept me laughing. Gane’s portrayal of the female lizard monster, complete with mini-skirt and lipstick, is genius.

It’s nice to finally get a story from the monster’s point of view. Who didn’t want Godzilla to eat Matthew Broderick or King Kong to break off the tip of the Empire State Building and shove it down Fay Wray’s throat? I know I did. Burrows and Gane offer as a look at how those stories should have ended.

I’m not entirely sure why the third story “Cruisin’ with the Dorks” is included. It doesn’t star the monsters, but instead stars a group of nerdy rockers. I was looking forward to another awesome monster story when I turned to this one. It just doesn’t fit in the book and isn’t nearly as funny or clever as the first story. I would have enjoyed it more if it was in a different book. Finishing an otherwise great book with this story was a huge downer.

Bottom Line: B- as a whole, but an A with the Dork story omitted.

Magic Boy and the Robot Elf
By James Kochalka

I’m not quite sure how to describe this book, Kochalka’s first graphic novel. It is about a lonely senior citizen that builds a robot of himself. The robot soon travels back in time, kills his now young creator and goes about living his life. Soon though, it all gets confusing and time becomes all mixed up.

I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I like the rest of Kochalka’s work. The story was confusing and hard for me to follow. It almost seems like two separate stories shoved together. A few times I had to flip back a few pages to see if I missed a panel.

My favorite thing about Kochalka’s work is his drawing style. I love his characters’ look. They seem simple and complex at the same time. Their expressions convey their emotions despite the limited number of lines that make up their face.

This book is worth a look simply to take a look back at Kochalka’s earlier work. It is an interesting, albeit confusing story.

Bottom Line: B-

Love Fights Volume 2 TPB Review

2005-04-04T16:24:00.000-07:00

By Andi Watson
Oni Press, $14.95

Love Fights, the story of a regular Joe seeking romance in a world filled with super-heroes, wraps up in this digest-sized trade. Issues 7-12 are contained here and the book includes a few extras, such as sketch pages and an afterword.

This book starts with a broken-hearted Jack looking to patch things up with Nora. Nora isn't too interested at first as she is busy working on a sex-scandal story with the help of the Fader.

If I've said it before, I'll say it one million times; I love Andi Watson's work. Love Fights if my favorite of all his books. His writing style is sharp and his art is clean. He doesn't let copious details weigh down the story or the panels. They are clear and fresh.

While I enjoyed the digest size for volume one, I felt volume two could have used the extra breathing room that the full-size would have provided. Some pages were full with too many panels.

That being said, Love Fights is a fun story in any form. Watson proves he can write about the common man in a universe filled with superheroes and still make them seem extraordinary.

Bottom Line: A-

Buddy Does Seattle Review

2005-04-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

Buddy Does Seattle
The Complete Buddy Bradley Stories from “Hate” Comics Vol. 1 (1990-94)
Fantagraphics; $14.95; 336 pgs.
By Peter Bagge

What I’d heard before reading this volume is that it is a unique look into the lives of Seattle twenty-somethings in the early 1990s along with some concern that the material might seem dated. Although I’m a handful of years older than Buddy and live about 90 miles north of Seattle, I’d have to say things are frighteningly similar. Sure, the music has changed, the slacker attitude has waned a bit, and there’s less of the whining “hate,” but that’s about it. Regardless, I think just about anyone from any geographic location will have met a Buddy Bradley or two in their day.

Buddy Bradley is a slacker in his early 20s, a transplant to Seattle from New Jersey. He’s a little crude, a little immature, and a little unmotivated, with a fairly malleable conscience to boot. For all Buddy’s flaws and inadequacies, though, he really is a good guy with a good head on his shoulders. It’s whether or not he decides to use that head that makes a good story. And, boy, does he get himself into some stories.

Buddy, and all of his friends, find themselves in insane situations that are nonetheless believable, however crazy. (And I say “find themselves” because most have no idea that they are responsible for what they’ve gotten themselves into.) His friends include roommates Leonard (or Stinky), a more extreme slacker version of Buddy with “rockstar” tendencies, and George, an African-American recluse. Other cohorts are his ex-girlfriend Lisa, a completely off-her-rocker obsessive personality, and current girlfriend (albeit on again, off again), Valerie, who is preppy and of a higher tax bracket, but still crazy.

Of all these people in Buddy’s life, Buddy is definitely the most grounded one. The other characters seem to have no conception of “a line” and therefore no ability to judge if they’ve gone over it or are too far away from it. I guess what I’m saying is Buddy may be a lot of things, but stupid and crazy he’s not. He’s endearing in his own way, and that’s what makes reading his wild adventures fun.

These adventures include becoming the manager of a popular, but bad, grunge band that even Buddy doesn’t like, consistently keeping Lisa from going off the deep end, stopping a crazy store owner, Yahtzi, from killing him, … and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

If you haven’t read anything by Bagge before, his style is to capture the thoughts of his characters – all of them – so no “decompressed” storytelling here. Just an honest look at what goes through the minds of people and comes out in their actions. The characters are all drawn in exaggerated styles, even better exemplifying their mood through illustration.

Fantagraphics was generous with the price, as well -- $15 for such a large amount of material is quite a bargain these days. So, if you’re longing for the “good old days” of the grunge scene, or just want to read some wild tales of slackers past, Buddy Does Seattle is a good place to start.

Bottom Line: B+

April Previews Highlights: Kerry’s Picks

2005-03-31T08:32:00.000-08:00

Pick of the Month: Cute Manifesto TPB
Alternative Comics; page 242; $19.95; 168 pgs.

James Kochalka releases his version of “Dianetics” this month. It sounds a bit like a self-help book, but Kochalka’s sense of humor practically ensures it will be on a whole new plane of enjoyability that has never been experienced by the common (wo)man. Page 241 is a great full page add for the book and just like Kochalka says there, I’m “ready to unfurl into full glory.”

Featured Comics:

Zed #6
Gagne International Press, page 310, $2.95; 24 pages

All hail Zed! The return of the cutest, most misunderstood alien in all the universe is finally here. I can’t wait to get my hands on this book. Issue five ended with quite a cliff hanger and it’s been killing me ever since. Gagne’s art is incredible and your heart will melt at the sight of little Zed.

Mome Volume 1 GN
Fantagraphics; page 306; $14.95; 136 pgs.

This book, a first in a quarterly comic anthology looks like serious comic reading at its finest. The text compares it to McSweeney’s, the best literary anthology available. This book looks like it could become a great crossover, attracting literary hipster types as well as fans of independent comics. Contributors to issue one include Jeffrey Brown and Anders Nilsen. Those two names really speak to the book’s quality and I’ll be giving it a shot.

Hellboy: The Island #1 (of 2)
Dark Horse Comics; page 22; $2.99; 32 pgs.

This is Hellboy’s first trip back to an original comic story after last year’s blockbuster movie. Creator Mike Mignola has been working on other projects. This particular two-parter is a follow up to The Third Wish, which came out in 2001. I haven’t read that story yet, but I’ll certainly be checking out these books. The art preview on page 23 is just as spectacular as it is in all Hellboy yarns.

Street Angel Volume 1 TP
Amaze Ink/Slave Labor Graphics; page 245; $14.95; 124 pgs.

This trade collects the first five issues of Street Angel and a slew of extras include the Free Comic Book story, a sketchbook section, and pinup gallery. The book, about a homeless 13-year-old girl who kicks major butt was not a book that was originally on my radar. Erin has great taste and foresight though and picked it up. I read her copies and adored it and now I need a copy of my very own.

Concrete Volume 1: Depths TPB
Dark Horse Comics; page 32; $12.95; 208 pgs.

I’ve wanted to check out Paul Chadwick’s Concrete for a few months now. I wasn’t aware that this trade was solicited, so I was quite happy to see this advertised. The book will have many extras besides the early material including some of Chadwick’s short stories. This trade is going to be the perfect way to become acquainted with Concrete.

Sandman Mystery Theatre Volume 3: The Vamp TP
Vertigo; page 122; $12.99; 104 pgs.

The third volume of the classic Vertigo book gets its fair treatment this month. The first two volumes were on my want list, but I didn’t end up getting them. I’m also constantly combing Ebay for a large lot of back issues. Maybe it is time for me to just buy the trades and get on with enjoying this series. My knowledge of the Sandman is extremely limited, so partaking in this retelling would be enjoyable at the very least.

April Previews Highlights: Erin’s Picks

2005-03-29T22:43:00.000-08:00

Pick of the Month
Age of Bronze: Sacrifice TP and Age of Bronze #20
Image – pg. 145 and 148; $19.95 and $3.50; 225 pgs. and 24 pgs.
By Eric Shanower
This is a two-in-one pick of the month with both the next issue in the Age of Bronze beginning a new story arc and the second trade collecting issues 10-19. Age of Bronze chronicles the events leading to the Trojan War, and now in the second trade the war itself, in a meticulously researched version of the epic history and myth. Whether you enjoy history or just a well-told story, this is a great series to try.

Featured Comics

AEIOU GN (An Easy Intimacy)
Top Shelf – pg. 372; $12; 224 pgs.
By Jeffrey Brown
I’m lucky this month since some of my favorite creators have books solicited, including this reprint by Jeffrey Brown. It was originally published as a special limited edition that I wasn’t able to get my hands on before it went out of print. Needless to say I’m very glad it’s back in print, and I can now complete Brown’s “Girlfriend Triology.”

Cute Manifesto
Alternative Comics – pg. 242; $19.95; 168 pgs.
By James Kochalka
In several essays, with partial color throughout, “Kochalka plots a theoretical path to happiness addressing issues such as comics and art, birth and death, technology and joy, and everything in between.” The ad/comic on page 241 of Previews was what really made me decide to order this comic, though. Good quirky, funny stuff.

Black Diamond On Ramp
AiT/Planet Lar – pg. 227; $2.95; 32 pgs.
By Larry Young and Jon Proctor
For a 32-page comic, this has quite the plot description. Suffice it to say Young and Proctor look ready to deliver a fully charged action adventure … and, for the first time for the publisher, in full color.

Ice Haven GN
Pantheon Books – pg. 339; $18.95; 88 pgs., FC, HC
By Daniel Clowes
Pantheon Books has a great reputation, and seems to be going to help that even more with this full-color hardcover book by Daniel Clowes. The story follows Random Wilder, a poet and guide to the town of Ice Haven. The solicit says, “The lives of men and women of Ice Haven are woven into a multi-layered tale inspired by the infamous Leopold and Loeb.”

Quick Picks

Hellboy is back in a two-part series “The Island” (pg. 22; $2.99; 32 pgs.) from Dark Horse.

Reading the first sentence in the description was enough to get me to purchase this four-issue series titled Scarlet Traces: The Great Game (Dark Horse pg. 24; $2.99; 32 pgs.). It reads “After almost four decades of conflict, the British invasion of Mars has ground to a bloody stalemate in the dust of the red planet.” Nice.

Astro City: The Dark Age #1 is resolicited. I’m really looking forward to this one, so I hope it does indeed come out on June 22 this time (Wildstorm; pg. 107; $2.99; 32 pgs.).

A new six-issue series from Wildstorm called Albion follows the return of Britain’s “collection of paragons, monsters, and clowns that vanished a quarter century ago” (pg. 107; $2.99; 32 pgs.).

Solstice TP from Active Images and creators Steven T. Seagle and Justin Norman looks very intriguing. The book involves a search for the Fountain of Youth and the revelation of why it has never yet been found (pg. 212; $12.95; 96 pgs.).

Adhouse Books and Joshua W. Cotter are releasing the second issue of Skyscrapers of the Midwest (pg. 213; $5; 60 pgs.). I found the first issue nothing short of amazing, and can’t wait for this second issue.

David, a three-issue series recounting the story of David from the First Book of Samuel caught my eye. There are so many great stories from the Bible, and paired with what looks to be beautiful art, this particular comic adaptation has a lot of promise (Alias; pg. 238; $2.99; 32 pgs.).

Fantagraphics begins a new monthly anthology with Mome Volume 1 (pg. 306; $14.95; 136 pgs.) featuring work by John Pham, Paul Hornschemeier, Anders Nilsen, Jeffrey Brown, and many more.

I enjoyed Teenagers from Mars quite a lot, so seeing Dead West solicited by the same creators, Rick Spears and Rob G., got me excited. This book follows the soul survivor of the demolition of a small Indian village as he seeks revenge (Gigantic Graphic Novels; pg. 312; $14.95; 144 pgs.).

I talked with Paul Guinan, the artist of Heartbreakers Meet Boilerplate, at the Emerald City Comicon, so the solicit caught my eye. The art is what stood out for me at the comicon and here as well. It is described as “’paintography,’ combining drawing, painting, and photography, and printed in rich brown ink.” Sample pages are available here. The story follows a long-lost 19th century robot named Boilerplate as he teams up with female action heroes the Heartbreakers (IDW Publishing; pg. 320; $9.99; 104 pgs.).

Trade Treatment
Several series worth noting are getting the trade treatment this month.

Concrete Volume 1: Depths TPB
Dark Horse – page 32; $12.95; 208 pgs.

Batman: War Games Act Two TP
DC – page 64; $14.99; 192 pgs.

Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman: Trinity TP
DC – page 75; $17.99; 208 pgs.

WE3 TP
Vertigo – page 123; $12.99; 104 pgs.
This was a great series and definitely worth picking up if you haven’t yet, however, I’m mystified by the price. There’s nothing to indicate extra material and to purchase the three issues separately would only set you back $8.85, so why are they charging more than $4 more for the trade? Huh.

Amazing Joy Buzzards Vol. 1 TP
Image – page 145; $11.95; 160 pgs.

Invincible: The Ultimate Collection, Vol. 1 HC
Image – page 146; $34.95; 400 pgs.
This is quite the tome, collecting issues 1-13 of Invincible in a hardcover format.

Street Angel Volume 1 TP
SLG – page 245; $14.95
Street Angel is a fun series and the trade collects issues 1-5 along with the 4-page strip from Free Comic Book Day and a sketchbook section, cover reprints, and a pinup gallery.

The Ballad of Sleeping Beauty TP
Beckett Comics – page 268; $21.95; 200 pgs.
Some more fuzzy math in the trade department. This collects the entire 8-issue series, which you can buy for a total of $15.92 or pay about $6 more for the trade. I’m wondering if this is a typo and should be $12.95?

Ultimate Fantastic Four Vol. 3: N-Zone TPB
Marvel; $12.99

Marvel 1602 TPB Softcover
Marvel; $19.99; 224 pgs.

Ebay Comic Watch 03/27/05

2005-03-27T14:45:00.000-08:00

Here’s the latest installment of Ebay Comic Watch. You can find these particular auctions by pasting the item number in ebay’s search box. Note that the ending times are in PST, so calculate accordingly.

Hate by Peter Bagge Complete Set 1-30 all first printings
Bidding starts at $49.99, shipping TBD
Item number: 6521111961
Ends Mar-30-05 20:12:32 PST

32 Masters of the Universe Image Comics Lot Complete
Bidding starts at $9.99, shipping is $12.50
Item number: 6521313518
Ends Mar-31-05 19:04:26 PST

Ultra 1-8 (full series)
Bidding starts at $9.99, shipping is $4
Item number: 6521804437
Ends Apr-01-05 11:06:40 PST

Bone 1-55 + Rose + Stupid Rat Creatures (full series)
Bidding was at $16.49 a bit ago, shipping is $4
Item number: 6521520162
Ends Apr-01-05 20:38:55 PST

Aquaman #1-25 + Bonus
Bidding was at $4 a bit ago, shipping is $9.50
Item number: 6521521665
Ends Apr-01-05 20:52:38 PST

Single-Panel Reviews: 3/22/2005

2005-03-22T23:10:00.000-08:00

Amazing Joy Buzzards 2 & 3
Story by Mark Andrew Smith; Art by Dan Hip
Image Comics; $2.95 each

Pure unadulterated rollicking good time is the best way to describe this story. The Amazing Joy Buzzards, a British pop band continue their Scooby Doo-esque adventure to save the world. Smith’s writing is great and it really picks up in this issue. The story is moving a little fast, but the characters themselves make up for it. Each band member has at least one laugh-out-loud line. While the story does suffer by being a little too over-the-top, it’s still loads of crazy fun.

Bottom Line: B

Love as a Foreign Language Vol. 2
Written by J. Torres; Art by Eric Kim
Oni Press; $6.95

In this issue main character Joel becomes even more funny and adorable. He still dislikes Korea and his job, but can’t stop thinking about Hana, the beautiful new school secretary. Unfortunately, he also hasn’t been able to muster up the guts to have a conversation with her. While he is still trying to decide if he should stay in Korea another year, Joel spends most of his time day-dreaming about Hana.

Issue two is even stronger than the first one. The story picks up speed and Torres does a great job keeping the book both humorous and heart-felt without an ounce of cheesiness. The script is funny and much of the comic relief comes from Joel’s fellow teachers as they gently rib him over his feelings for Hana.

The only problem so far is how my book was cut. The action and words on some pages go right to the edge and the top of some words were cut clean off.

Bottom Line: B+

Vimanarama #2
Written by Grant Morrison; Art by Philip Bond; Colors by Brian Miller
Vertigo; $2.99

This book continues to get crazier. Issue one left Ali and Sofia in danger at the hands of some giant alien robots called Ultraadeenan. Soon huge immortal Prince Ben Rama comes to save them. He mistakes Sofia for the reincarnation of his long lost love. Don’t think this is all a love-triangle though. The Ultrahadeen are still bet on destroying Earth and Ben Rama.

It’s unclear to me where Morrison is taking this story and I think it could go either way from this issue. Bond’s art is great and he puts a lot of detail into each character. Sofia is the best looking character here and Bond portrays her in a realistic manner. Finally, the use of color is interesting as well. Miller uses a lot of pink, which is rare in an action story. It’s a welcome change.

Bottom Line: B

Single-Panel Reviews 3/20/2005

2005-03-20T21:39:00.000-08:00

My picks today are all amazing. They all deserve the high marks they got. Maybe I should have called in Single-Panel Reviews: Superstar Edition.

Little Star #1
Written and illustrated by Andi Watson
Oni Press, Inc.; $2.99

Little Star is the touching story of a father and his burgeoning relationship with his young daughter. His daughter isn’t very interested in her daddy and he is feeling guilty about keeping her in daycare. One of my favorite things about the book is the tie-ins with stars and space in general. The story of the daughter and her dad really fit in with this motif. Watson’s style is clean and simple. It’s a beautiful book and I’m not surprised to find that Little Star is another great story. The man has never disappointed me.

Bottom Line: A

Mary Jane: Homecoming #1
Written by Sean McKeever; Art by Takeshi Miyazawa; Colors by Cristina Strain
Marvel Comics; $2.99

No one was sadder about Mary Jane’s cancellation than my roommate and I. Within one issue we fell in love with everything about the original. The story was fun, the art beautiful. We eagerly awaited this new limited series and I couldn’t be more pleased with the result. Although it isn’t billed this way, Mary Jane: Homecoming picks up pretty much where the last story left off. MJ is getting ready to go the big dance, but isn’t sure about her feelings for Harry or Spiderman. Her best friend Liz still thinks MJ is secretly seeing Flash behind her back. The story reads like the best kind of high-school drama. Miyazawa’s art is especially great and fits the story well. It is fresh and filled with bright pastels. Don’t let the subject matter put you off here. It’s a great book.

Bottom Line: A-

Catwoman: When in Rome #4
By Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale
DC Comics; $3.50

This book has reached the half-way point and it keeps getting more and more intriguing. For every answer the reader receives, more questions are asked. This time around (Chapter 4: Thursday) Selena finds herself thinking back to her time with Batman and, when not daydreaming, in a brawl with the Cheetah over the stolen ring from the Vatican. While the story is good, the art work continues to stand out here. The book is dripping with 1940’s style and every page is a joy to view. The most exciting pages however cover a flashback to happier times with Batman. These pages look amazing. Instead of white, the edges of the pages are yellow appearing aged. The color scheme of red, black and yellow ensure that the pages stick out from the rest of the book. This one is going to make an amazing hardcover if DC decides to go that way.

Bottom Line: A

Love as a Foreign Language Vol. 1 Review

2005-03-16T09:24:00.000-08:00

Written by J. Torres; Illustrated by Eric Kim
Oni Press; $5.95

Let’s get one thing out in the open right away. I’ve never traveled abroad. Part of me is scared to be in a place where I don’t know of a word of the language. I say and do embarrassing things every day here in the States. I don’t know if I could be trusted in a whole new culture. That fear of mine helps me understand main character Joel’s angst about Korea in the book.

In Love as a Foreign Language Joel has signed a year contract to teach English at a Korean elementary school. He has three months left on his contract and is completely fed up with every last thing about Korea. He hates his apartment, his job, the food, and the people. All Joel wants is home. He is about to quit his job and fly back to the States when new school secretary the beautiful Hana Song is hired. This intriguing young woman might be just who and what Joel is seeking.

The first thing I noticed about this book was Kim’s art. The book has a certain manga feel to it. The characters have abnormally pointy chins. Kim also uses many textures popular in manga. The book is gorgeous throughout.

The story is also off to a great start. I found myself looking forward to the second volume, before I was done with the first. Torres writes Joel so the reader is left wanting to know more about him. What makes him tick? Why is he so unhappy? Why did he come to Korea in the first place? I’m not sure if these questions will be answered later in the series, but I’m going to stick around to find out.

Torres introduces Hana as the book comes to an end. The reader isn’t given much information about her, besides the fact that she is attractive. The chemistry between Joel and Hana is there though and I can’t wait to find out more.

I picked this book up a few volumes into the series. It’s not too late to jump on and I recommend that you do. It’s the most heartfelt book on the market right now.

Bottom Line: A

Teenagers From Mars Review

2005-03-15T23:22:00.000-08:00

Teenagers From Mars
Gigantic Graphic Novels; $19.95; 256 pgs.
Writer: Rick Spears; Artist: Rob G

I was recently stuck in a waiting room at which the doctor was running quite behind. Boy, was I glad to have this book with me. I read nearly the entire book while waiting, and I’ve definitely never had a better time in a doctor’s office. This comic was a total kick in the pants.

Originally published in 2002 and 2003 as eight individual comics, this collection of Teenagers From Mars reads seamlessly as a graphic novel.

The credits include main characters Macon, a Mall Mart employee and comic creator; Max, a neighborhood kid who sneaks comics by his disapproving mom; and Madison, Macon’s wild love interest.

The story begins with each character’s separate story, but soon their paths meet up to form the meat of the story. Max and his two best friends rob graves and sell their treasures to the local pawn shop to save up for a valuable comic. Macon and Madison, part in frustration and part to impress each other, do some damage to the Mall Mart, and thus the Comic Book Liberation Army is inadvertently born.

My favorite quote is said when Max decides he wants to join the cause. So Macon swears him in saying, “Do you, Maximilian, swear to buy comic books monthly, let them corrupt you fully and defend them fearlessly? Do you promise to never let anyone tell you that you’re too young, too old, or that you can’t?” This may just be my new mission statement.

The town of Mars (yep that’s the town’s name) completely overreacts to the teens’ vandalism and sets out to burn all the comics they can find and shut down the local comic shop. One of my very favorite parts was the honest-to-God pitch-fork-wielding mob … complete with signs that read “God Doesn’t Read Comics.” That absurdity gave me the giggles.

Rob G’s art did more than justice to the story. He had some great splash pages, his cars, of course, were amazing, and his attention to details make the book one you want to read again and again.

I enjoyed The Couriers (also illustrated by Rob G), and while this straddles the same line of credulous characters and incredulous action, I thought Teenagers From Mars was both a bit better told story and, personally, more enjoyable. Not to take anything away from Couriers -- I offer this as more of an example that if you liked that GN, you’ll probably like this one; and if you thought Couriers was a little over the top or extreme, you may enjoy this GN even more.

I sure did, anyway.

Bottom Line: A-

Single Panel Reviews: 3/14/2005

2005-03-14T09:29:00.000-08:00

Fables 34 and 35
Written by BillWillingham; Pencils and Inks by David Hahn
Vertigo; $2.50 each

The Jack Be Nimble storyline is compromised of both issues 24 and 35. Willingham takes a step back from Fabletown and explains where Jack has gone with the Fabletown fortune. He ends up in Hollywood trying to capitalize off his life adventures. These two issues are a great side story. Issues like these keep me coming back for every issue of Fables. It’s always consistent, stylish, and strong and these two issues are no exception.

Bottom Line: A-

Ultra #7
By the Joshua and Jonathan Luna
Image Comics; $2.95

A letter in the back of this month’s Ultra has a reader lamenting that Ultra isn’t an ongoing series. With only one issue left, I’m feeling that reader’s pain. Ultra, the story of super heroine Pearl “Ultra” Penalosa and her superhero girlfriends has been a great ride so far. I get a little misty-eyed thinking of next month’s finale.

One of my favorite things about Ultra is its mock-magazine cover. This month, the Luna Brothers pay homage to People magazine just in time to cover the 77th annual Superhero Awards. Ultra isn’t too popular with the press right now, due a highly publicized one night stand, but she still goes to the awards despite jeers from the crowd. I just don’t want it to end.

Bottom Line: A

Catwoman #38
Written by Scott Morse; Pencilled by Paul Gulacy; Inked by Jimmy Palmiotti

Although Catwoman: When in Rome is one of my favorite books right now, this is the first issue of regular Catwoman I’ve picked up. I admit it was the interesting cover that drew me in, but it was the great thug Wooden Nickel that convinced me to pick up the next issue in this three-part “Three Piece Suit” storyline. The book starts with Catwoman going out on a dinner date, only to be accosted at the ATM by one Wooden Nickel. They fight with both fists and words and good punches are landed by both parties. The book is light on dialog, but it looks great and the story of how the Three Piece Suit Insurance Agency wants to take down Catwoman, is intrigue filled.

Bottom Line: B

Ebay Comic Watch 03/13/05

2005-03-13T23:24:00.000-08:00

Here’s the latest installment of Ebay Comic Watch. You can find these particular auctions by pasting the item number in ebay’s search box. Note that the ending times are in PST, so calculate accordingly.

Love & Rockets Signed Poster
Bidding starts at $5, shipping varies
Item number: 6517389583
Ends Mar-15-05 10:26:00 PST

Sleeper #1-12 Season 1
Bidding starts at $2, shipping varies
Item number: 6518393168
Ends Mar-17-05 21:04:31 PST

Star Trek TNG #1-80 and Lots Extra
Bidding starts at $9.99, shipping’s $6
Item number: 6518140160
Ends Mar-18-05 15:48:47 PST

Flaming Carrot #1-24 plus the 1981 Signed #1 Magazine (full run)
Bidding was at $9.95, shipping is $8
Item number: 6518550143
Ends Mar-20-05 12:26:22 PST

Bite Club #1-6 (full series)
Bidding starts at $3, shipping is $4
Item number: 6518605566
Ends Mar-20-05 16:10:06 PST

Don’t forget Top Shelf’s big sale, which runs through March 15. There is a long list of titles that are only $3 each, and some that are only $1. Not only that but there are other titles at general sale prices as well. The only catch is that you need to spend at least $30 (this can be on a combination of sale and nonsale items) – but that is (too) easily accomplished.

Everyman Vol. 1: Be The People Review

2005-03-12T21:43:00.000-08:00

Everyman Vol. 1 Be The People GN
FWD Books; $6
Writers: Dan and Steven Goldman; Artist: Joe Bucco

This graphic novel begins on January 20, 2005, inauguration day, where President Henry Birch’s reelection is taken over by the group OneLove to expose election rigging engineered by Birch. The book then jumps back in time to February 2004 and reveals the beginnings of OneLove and how the beginning (and end) of the story played out.

The heart of the story follows an insider to the president, Manolo Perez, who is morally torn by what he sees working for the current administration. Perez joins up with the recently formed OneLove, “a political movement dedicated to restoring common decency to the government, along with respect for its citizens.”

The movement’s founders are the successful writer, Thomas Womack, and Perdita Orozco, a social engineer. The group leads a non-violent guerilla-type movement to expose the current administration, and in general what the presidency has become, to force a change. They don’t expect what happens, though; the rising up of the people in massive protests is just one example.

In a way this book reminded me of Ex Machina without the powers – down to the art itself – a political comic with progressive leanings.

Unlike most comics, this GN has another criteria that must be more closely met, which is plausibility. Or rather, is this story told in a believable manner – can I swallow the idea as it relates to real life off the page? Most comics require an incredible suspension of belief, but with a story that is based on current events, a more realistic treatment of plot has to be considered.

There are certainly parts of the book that are more than plausible than others, that stem right from real-world fact. For instance, the issue of electronic voting machine tampering; without a paper record, there are already a multitude of problems surfacing. People like to just blow off this possibility of tampering like it’s a wild conspiracy theory. If a computer says it’s so, then it must be so, according to the general public. Like a computer is some kind of fortress; well, if that’s so, then why am I downloading security patches practically weekly.

When I first came to the part where the One Love “campaign” begins their activities, however, I thought this wasn’t very believable. The commercials they ran and the message they gave, while beautifully optimistic, weren’t very realistic to believe that this would sway many people.

But then I remembered that this book was written last year, pre-election. There was a general feeling then of optimism and activity. That people were fed up and ready for positive change. This book really reflects the feeling of most of 2004. Not to say those not in the Bush camp have given up all hope with their causes, but there’s certainly a more somber feeling in the air now. Therefore, the book doesn’t read as much as wish fulfillment as I thought it did at first glance.

Personally, I like the One Love “platform.” Womack says at one point, “I want an inexperienced but principled leader, someone with solid judgment who’s curious about the world around him .. not a calculating, cynical career politician who’s just there to hawk his agenda, and go through the motions the rest of the time.” Yep, it’s been awhile since we’ve had anyone close to this in the Oval Office. The idea of a strong bipartisan leader more schooled in philosophy and humanities as president, and not a partisan politician worried about fulfilling owed favors is personally extremely appealing. But when you have thoughts like that, you’re dismissed as a starry-eyed optimist with no opinions of worth.

That’s why I like this comic, that although today it might seem almost hopelessly optimistic, it is grounded in a philosophy of leadership that is plausible, and the book takes a chance to not only get this opinion out there but wrapped in a well-told story.

Bottom Line: B+

Single-Panel Reviews: Catch-up Edition

2005-03-10T20:27:00.000-08:00

Styx Taxi 1 & 2
FWD Books; $2.50 and $3, respectively
Issue #1 Writer: Steven Goldman; Issue #1 Artist: Jeremy Arambulo; Issue #2 Writers: Steven Goldman; Issue #2 Artists: Dan Goldman, Leland Purvis, and Rami Efal
Set in New York City, the premise of Styx Taxi is that those who die on the streets of the city have two hours before they pass on to the next life (level of existence, heaven, or whatever you’d like to call it). During this time, the Styx Taxi drivers pick up their fares and for two hours the riders get to finish whatever business they’d like. Each taxi driver has his or her own personality and story, which the reader gets a glimpse of, and issue #1 tells several fares’ stories. As you can imagine, the dead people’s emotions and wishes vary radically. There’s the angry rabbi, the devoted husband, a clueless child – everyone has something different they need to wrap-up, and everyone has very different motives. Arambulo’s work on issue #1 reminded me of Brian Hurtt’s art with simple yet realistic people and detailed backgrounds. Both comics are very heartfelt and often moving. In issue two, the premise is the same, but this time it’s an anthology of three stories by three sets of creators. I enjoyed it too, but not as much as the first issue. I didn’t feel that the stories were as well formed and being an anthology, some of the art was uneven. Overall, though, I enjoyed these first two issues and hope more will follow.
Bottom line: B+ for issue #1 and B- for issue #2

Apocalypse Nerd #1 (of 6)
Dark Horse $2.99
By Peter Bagge
Bagge sets up a promising story – Perry and Gordo, a software engineer and his drug-dealing friend, are heading back to Seattle from a weekend trip in the North Cascades when they discover that North Korea nuked Seattle. The two head back up to the cabin they were staying at and begin to try their hand at survival. And survival is just not easy nor pretty. Perry’s nervous insecurity got on my nerves a bit, but otherwise I enjoyed the comic. Also a treat were the two “Founding Fathers Funnies” short comics (one a three-page story and the other on the back cover of the comic). You’ve got to read those to truly appreciate them – what a riot.
Bottom line: B+

Batman Legends of the Dark Knight #185-189
DC $2.50 each
Writer: Shane McCarthy; Penciller: Tommy Castillo; Inker: Rodney Ramos; Colorist: Tony Avina
Issue #189 came out this week wrapping up the five-part “Riddle Me That” storyline featuring a new (and improved?) Riddler. The art was kind of realistic expressionism – impossibly long stylized Bat-cape, psychedelic Riddler frames, and all. This along with the romantic – lighting in the background when Batman’s angry, etc.; you know, the classic human emotion reflected in nature thing. I dig this style, so it worked for me here. What I liked about this incarnation of the Riddler was that he wasn’t just psycho out-of-control crazy; instead he was calculated and suave, and, for a change, an actual challenge for Batman. Batman, though, was in fine form as the “world’s greatest detective.” The story had it’s twists and turns, but there were definitely plot points that were either strained or didn’t seem to come together like they could have. Overall, though, I thought this was a solid bat tale.
Bottom line: B

Missed the Boat: True Story Swear To God

2005-03-09T20:38:00.000-08:00

True Story Swear to God
Clib’s Boy Comics and AiT/Planet Lar

I had heard good things about this ongoing series, now through issue 11, so I kept an eye out for a possible deal on ebay. Sure enough I managed to get issues 5–11 for a pretty reasonable deal, and I bought the collected issues 1-4 as a trade from AiT/Planet Lar. I had the entire series before me to read.

Like I said, I had heard good things. I was not in any way prepared, however, for how great this series truly is. Tom Beland has got to be one of the most overlooked and underappreciated artists around. His cartooning is superb, his use of the page is amazing, and his storytelling is addictive. What a wonderful series.

True Story Swear to God, is indeed a true story. Beland tells about how he met the love of his life, Lily, by complete chance in Disney World on a “work trip” by himself.

This relationship isn’t all roses and chocolates, though. It is a true story after all. Both Tom and Lily have their histories, their baggage if you will, and there’s the little matter of Tom living in Napa Valley, CA, and Lily living in Puerto Rico. I’ve understated that—not just living in their respective parts of their world, but having deep lifelong roots in those places. Yeah, you know, just a teensy weensy challenge there.

What really speaks to me in this series is the honestly with which Beland tells his story. It’s all out there for the reader (or at least seems so). Nearly every reader is going to have something to identify with--whether it’s the “am I worthy?” anxiety, the utter high of true love, the insecurity of performance, or leaving all that matters for the person that matters most.

I found myself sucked into the comics. I laughed out loud, I did the “you’ve got to read from here to here” to my partner, I shed more than a few tears. Sure, I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker for a romantic comedy or a touching story. I instantly get sucked into “Sleepless in Seattle” every time I happen to surf across it on the boob tube.

Beland, though, escapes the conventions and formula of the romantic comedy, not only because is this a true story, but also because of the skill with which he illustrates. He uses the entire page to showcase the emotions he wants to portray instead of boxing in the story to a pre-designed graphic formula. He uses a bold cartoonist’s line, but shows a versatility with his cartooning just as he does with his page design. He can make a scene very simple with a lack of even facial details or complicated with cross hatching and oodles of detail.

I really hate to label this series as a “romance comic,” because that phrase instantly turns off most people--me included. More like, this is what romance comics should be; and, in many ways, this is what more comics should be in general.

I’m at a loss to find a flaw with this series, and I can pick at and be critical of most anything, so that’s truly saying something. I’m giving this series my highest recommendation.

Bottom Line: A+

Although this is a “Missed the Boat” review, I luckily haven’t completely missed this boat, and neither should you. Issues 1-4 are available right now in the trade “Chances Are” and issues 5–11 were just solicited as the trade “This One Goes to 11” available to order in the most recent Previews catalog from AiT/Planet Lar.

Kerry Reads Manga! Worst Vol. 1

2005-03-07T10:32:00.000-08:00

By Hiroshi Takahashi
Digital Manga Publishing; $12.95

My latest foray into the manga world, Worst, is again brought to us by Digital Manga Publishing. They are the same company that produced Only the Ring Finger Knows, which was reviewed here last week. From what I understand the company’s main goal is to bring the most popular titles in Japan to eager readers in the States. They want to provide manga fans with accurate translation while keeping with the writer’s original intentions. The translation is really a strong point in both DMP books I’ve read so far. The language used is clear and translates well. American slang is used correctly. When a word can’t be translated, a footnote defines it and the story moves along. This is a huge asset to Worst, as it does contain some culture differences that this uncultured American would have not understand without the invaluable footnotes.

In Worst, student Hana Tsukishima has just moved to the city for high-school. Raised in the country, Hana knows little of city life or the Suzaran High School that he is about to attend. The school is well-known for ruffians and gangs and its Freshman Challenge. This contest is an all out battle to find out who is the toughest boy in the new class. Hana and a few of his roommates are interested in the fight and Hana vows to become top dog at school.

The best thing about Worst is Hana himself. He is funny and charming in his naiveté. He is happy when he finally sees what a cell phone looks like and is excited to learn more about his new city and new school. So far his sense of humor has kept him out of trouble, but with the Freshman Challenge looming, that won’t last for long.

Hana and his roommates are drawn with great style and intensity. It is easy to tell the boys apart as each has his own look. Their personalities really shine through in their clothing and haircuts and Hiroshi makes it easy for the reader to know if one should be wary of or trust in each character. The expressions he draws are great and range from intense anger to pure goofiness.

Although the book was slow to get going, I think the next volume will run a lot faster. With all the set-up in volume one, volume two is bound for a flurry of plot advances. This book could have definitely benefited from a little more action and a little less character introduction. There is a ton of people to get to know here and saving a few for the next book would have made this volume a lot more fun.

Worst is, however, a fun and enjoyable read. It does go by quickly and ends with a cliff-hanger that will lead the reader to more adventure in volume 2.

Bottom Line: B

Ebay Comic Watch 03/6/05

2005-03-06T19:42:00.000-08:00

Here’s the latest installment of Ebay Comic Watch. You can find these particular auctions by pasting the item number in ebay’s search box. Note that the ending times are in PST, so calculate accordingly.

Hard Time #1-12
Bidding starts at $11.99, shipping is $5
Item number: 6515456004
Ends Mar-09-05 19:34:01 PST

Stormwatch #1-50, Vol. 2 #1-11
Bidding starts at $9.99, shipping’s $6.50
Item number: 6516543227
Ends Mar-11-05 13:17:13 PST

Spider-Girl #1-76 and Annual #0
Bidding was at $9.99 a bit ago, shipping is $7
Item number: 6516555390
Ends Mar-11-05 14:23:23 PST

Invincible #1-20 by Robert Kirkman
Bidding was at $3 a bit ago, shipping is $5
Item number: 6517065795
Mar-11-05 19:07:41 PST

Too Much Coffee Man #1-5, Color Special #1-2
Bidding starts at $.99, shipping varies
Item number: 6515631782
Ends Mar-13-05 19:30:00 PST

In addition, a deal not on ebay, but most definitely worth mentioning, is that Top Shelf is running a big sale through March 15. There is a long list of titles that are only $3 each, and some that are only $1. Not only that but there are other titles at general sale prices as well. The only catch is that you need to spend at least $30 (this can be on a combination of sale and nonsale items) – but that is (too) easily accomplished.

This Just In ...

2005-03-03T20:24:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple things worth sharing ...

Comic Foundry
I recently received an email about a new comics-related site called the Comic Foundry. I checked it out and am happy to recommend this very nice-looking site. The aim of the site is to foster community by helping educate comic artists and writers who want to break into the comics biz. Their tagline is “showcase. network. learn. breakout.”

Comic Foundry is free and includes the standards of comic websites: interviews with artists and writers, message boards, etc. The site also includes a section for creators to post writing and art in an online portfolio for review from other readers and a “matchups” section where creators can put out a call for collaborators.

What I particularly like is that the articles focus on the craft of comic creation. For example the interview with Greg Land focuses on his creation process for covers in general and specifically discusses several covers he’s done.

This site, founded by Tim Leong and Amber Mitchell, has a lot of promise and is definitely worth bookmarking. If you’re an aspiring writer or artist, or if you just have an interest in the creative process, check out the site.

Vancouver Comicon
It’s time again for another Vancouver Comicon. The next installment of this minicon will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, March 20, at Heritage Hall (3102 Main Street) in Vancouver, BC.

The gathering will feature special guests Howard Chaykin, of American Flagg!, Challengers of the Unknown, Mighty Love, etc., and Pia Guerra, of Y: The Last Man.

Other guests include Ian Boothby and James Lloyd (Simpsons Comics, Futurama Comics), Ken Boesem (Barking Raven Press), Andy Mori (Flopnik), and several others.

There will also be free comics and hourly door prizes along with a handful of dealers. If you’re in the area, the $3 admission is a steal (kids under 14 are free).

The con is a cozy affair and very laid back, which makes for a great opportunity to chat with creators. Of course Chaykin and Guerra are big draws, but I highly encourage checking out Boesem’s work as well.

If you need more info, email organizer Leonard Wong at lswong@uniserve.com.

March Previews Highlights: Kerry’s Picks

2005-03-02T20:02:00.000-08:00

Pick of the Month
Mr. T #1
APComics; page 238; $3.50; 28 pgs.

When I saw this book, my heart skipped a beat. Mr. T back in print!!! I’ve got the Mr. T children’s books, the Mr. T rubber stamp, and the A-Team comics. Now I’ll have the Mr. T comic books to add to my ever burgeoning T collection. I just can’t fathom that this book will be bad in any way; not with T himself signed on as Creative Supervisor.

Pale Pink Volume 1 GN
CPM Manga, page 264, $9.99, 344 pgs.

Diamond dubbed May “Manga Month” and this volume is my top Manga pick. The book is advertised as a “documentary” about women living in Tokyo. Issues such as eating disorders, love, work, and other life issues will be covered.

Girls #1
Image Comics; page 135; $2.95; 32 pgs.

The Luna Brothers, creators of the great miniseries Ultra, have a new book for May. The promotional text doesn’t offer much insight, but says that bachelor Ethan Daniels has his share of problems with woman. One night he meets a strange woman and his life is changed forever. I love Ultra, so I’ll definitely be picking up this title. The Luna Brothers put a lot of style into that title and I’m sure it will be continued here.

Felt: True Tales of Underground Hip Hop
Image Comics; page 141; $2.95; 32 pgs.

Jim Mahfood, cartoonist and hip-hop fan drops a new book this May. The book coincides with and has the same name as the upcoming album by rappers Slug and Murs. Stories in the book are inspired by the songs on the album. Now, Previews says you don’t need the album to appreciate the book, but I bet it wouldn’t hurt. Pick up both for an actual multimedia experience. This is the kind of cross-over I can get into.

Hero Camp #1 (of 4)
Image Comics; page 142; $2.95; 32 pgs.

We’ve got schools for super heroes, psychiatrists for super heroes, and now summer camp for super heroes. In this book, regular kid Eric Quinlan is sent to summer camp by his super hero parents. He’s the only camper without powers and soon finds out he is being stalked by some super-villains in a case of mistaken identity. There is a page preview of the book in Previews and it looks very funny.

Zig Zag #1
Adhouse Books; page 204; $5.95; 32 pgs.

The cover of this book, a robot missing his heart, first caught my eye. Scheduled to be an ongoing anthology of short funny stories, the book looks cute and fun. I’m not familiar with J. Chris Campbell or his work, but the book sounds quirky.

Johnny Caronte, Zombie Detective & the Revolver Volume 1 GN
Alias Enterprises LLC; page 226; $5.99; 64 pgs.

The stunning cover art is what first attracted me to this book. It is the noir thriller filled with mobsters and hitmen, but the art looks darker and scarier than a plain old noir book. This book contains two stories and looks strangely gorgeous.

Bombaby TP
Amaze Ink/Slave Labor Graphics; page 228; $13.95; 104 pgs.

I keep seeing Bombaby in my local shop and have been interested, but I just never pick it up. Now that it is coming out in trade, I’ll have to give it a second chance. The book is about Sangeeta, the reincarnation of an Indian goddess and while I haven’t heard much about the story, the cover art is eye-catching.

Blazin’ Barrels Vol. 1
TokyoPop; page 337; $9.99; 192 pgs.

Another cool looking manga volume this month is Blazin’ Barrels. I love how TokyoPop always advertises their books as a cross between two great things. This one is “in the vein of Shanghai Noon and Back to the Future.” Well, I don’t think one could really go wrong with that combination. The story set in a futuristic wild west looks enticing.

Machine Teen #1 (of 5)
Marvel Comics; page 8; $2.99; 32 pgs.

The Marvel Next line continues to push on and new miniseries seem to be released every month. This month’s offering is Machine Teen the story of the All-American boy who turns out to be not so human after all. It looks like a fun story and the cover of issue one by James Jean looks promising.