I Bought Comics: End of February, Beginning of March 2009

[Not reviews, just some quick thoughts on non-CBR-reviewed comics...]

Dark Avengers #2

That Sentry splash made me stop. Still wondering what will be done with Noh-Varr. Not bad; not great, but not bad.

Death-Defying 'Devil #3

I forget what happened in this comic. That's not a good sign.

Captain America #47

Still awesome.

Boys #28

I see bad things going down. Bad, bad things.

See? Told you my thoughts would be short. Also, won't be seeing Watchmen until next Friday at the earliest.

I Bought Comics: Beginning of February 2009

[Wherein I discuss comics that I got in the past two weeks that I didn't review for CBR. Not really reviews or anything. Just random thoughts, impressions... like, you know, whatever!]

Boys #27

The worst issue in a long time... relaxed to the point of who cares... Ennis riffing on St. Patrick's Day and America in ways we've all seen before... not bad, just feels like filler...

Secret Warriors #1

I wish this book was actually called "Nick Fury: Agent of Nothing." That title appears on the cover between the two words of the actual title of this comics and it is waaaaaaaaaaaaay better. "Secret Warriors" is a vague, kind of blah title for a comic, but "Nick Fury: Agent of Nothing"? Fucking sign me up! I don't care who's writing it, who's drawing it, if it costs $1.00 per issue or five bucks, whatever, put that book on my pull list now, because it will rock my fucking socks off. And this issue kind of did that. The art was better than I expected, honestly. Not quite what I'd look for in a comic book, but passable. Hickman's writing is a lot better at what it does than I expected, too. He's never shown a lot of character depth in his work to date, preferring to meditate on ideas than characters. And that's worked really well, so to see him handle characters with deft and ease like this is pretty astonishing. The final page "surprise" isn't THAT big a revelation when you actually read the back-up material, but it's still cool.

Gravel #9

Throughout the first eight issues of this title, characters have called William Gravel dumb, compared him to a dog--and this seemed to annoy him, piss him off, and he killed them. But, here, he does the same thing and I love that Ellis and Wolfer would do that. Those arrogant pricks weren't wrong in calling him thick, in comparing him to a dog, but, fuck, why would you do it out loud and to the face of your attack dog? Lots of emphasis on Gravel's character here, which works well. Nice to see them use this ongoing series to actually put some meat on his bones.

Incognito #2

I liked this a lot better than the first issue. Even the lettering doesn't bother me as much. Don't know what else to say. I am amused that this issue ends on the same plot point as Scalped #25.

Scalped #25

Year three begins and, wow, Jason Aaron does the unexpected by introducing a new character from off the rez. Very fucking good.

Thor #600

Oh hellsssssssssss yessssssssssss... although, I already get the impression that Thor and Balder are playing Loki. Loki hasn't overtly done anything wrong yet, so they're just going with the flow and waiting for a slip-up to nail her balls to the wall. I do find it interesting that the Dark Avengers show up sans Ares and Sentry, the two characters that could really give Thor a run for his money--though I did notice that Noh-Varr is not used at all--no one knows how to deal with him. This book had a slow start, but Straczynski is really building a compelling story here. The bonus stuff is great, too. Stan Lee and David Aja's story is a little... cutesy, but nice. The "Mini Marvels" story is pretty damn funny and recaps the 13-issue run to date well. Plus, bonus Lee/Kirby stories and the requisite "Every cover of the title you're reading to date" thing that Marvel does in every anniversary issue like this it seems.

Also, not "I Bought Comics" related really, but I am rather excited at the news that Joe Casey will be handling Final Crisis Aftermath: Dance, which will centre on the Super Young Team. I still say that Marvel should have tapped Casey to handle Noh-Varr if they weren't going to get Morrison to come back. Here's hoping Casey brings it.

I Bought Comics: End of January 2009

[Me saying whatever I feel like about some recent comics I got and didn't review for CBR. Not reviews. I do reviews elsewhere where I have to be coherent and nice and civil. Here, I just talk.

Not a whole lot of non-CBR-reviewed books from the past two weeks, but I figured I'd at least give some thoughts.

Dark Avengers #1

Okay, this comic raises the idea of: does having enough of a brain to figure out the contents ahead of time make this a poor read? Because, let's be honest, the contents were pretty easy to figure out. The only question was if Norman Osborn would be the guy inside the Iron Patriot armour, which he is. I kind of dug this comic. It wasn't very good in that literate sense, but it's stupid fun. Absurd and retarded. But in good ways. Like a lot of other people, I wonder where this book really goes and what makes it different from Thunderbolts except now the world is kind of paying attention. Is that all?

But, it's got Noh-Varr, the alternate reality Kree spaceman who was never actually called Marvel Boy, but is now Captain Marvel--which we all knew would happen, except we all figured he would have just done it, not that Osborn would suggest it.

Not sure if I'll pick up the next issue. Probably will, because I've got that weird Noh-Varr obsession going on, but... I do honestly wonder how this book will compare to Warren Ellis's Thunderbolts since does anybody think that Bendis can match Ellis's twisted vision? Sure, these are all characters half a step away from killing tons of people, but... I'm just unsure about Bendis's ability to capture that well. Who knows.

Ghost Rider #31

You know what, fuck shark-riding Ghost Rider. It's a one picture joke. I miss the way this book began. I miss Roland Boschi, who draws five pages here to remind us all that, yeah, the art was better then. I miss the grindhouse insanity. I keep threatening to drop this book and I think next issue, which "concludes" this storyarc, will be the deciding issue. This isn't bad, but it's not good enough. We've yet to see anything about any of the members the League of International Ghost Riders involving personality or character, something that isn't "Hey! Look! CHINESE GHOST RIDER!" Who cares? "Angel trying to take over Heaven!" Again? This run began in a very unique and energetic manner, but has just become a mish-mash of stories I've read before--and didn't care too much then.

Punisher: War Zone #6

This ended pretty much like I'd expect. I'm still thrilled that my idea for each of the CBR reviewers to do an issue actually worked and the series averaged just over 3.5 stars per issue, which considering the variety of tastes and interests between the six of us says "YEAH, READ THIS FUCKING COMIC!" Is it brilliant and life-changing? No, but it's a lot of fun and done with skill. It's Ennis and Dillon, for fuck's sake. If you didn't buy it (nearly) weekly, get the trade.

And that's it. I told you it wasn't much.

I Bought Comics: The End of 2008 and Beginning of 2009

[Thoughts, relfections, impressions, but not reviews. Oh no, these are not reviews. They also cover the last three weeks of new comics that I didn't review for CBR.]

Final Crisis: Secret Files #1

Wow, was this a waste of money or what... Really just the story of Libra, which was fine, but wasn't anything special... Throw in a few sketches and a couple of text pieces and, yeah, not worth it. But, has anyone noticed that DC is beginning to just outright lie in their solicitations? First, they did it with the final two issues of Morrison's Batman run and now this. I don't mind the Batman ones, because I think it helped hide one of the key elements of that story and was a bending of the truth more than a lie. But this book... just a fucking lie, okay? And that's not right. And it wasn't a lie to hide plot details, which I can get behind, it was a lie of who was working on the book and the actual contents... not cool.

Punisher: War Zone #4-5

I have a theory why there was no issue last week and no issue next week in this "weekly" series: last week, Punisher #1 came out and, next week, Punisher: Frank Castle #66 comes out, and both are meant to be big issues and Marvel doesn't want this series by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon to overshadow the other books, because, let's be honest, it would. It's Ennis and Dillon doing the Punisher--of course it overshadows anyone else. Garth Ennis will almost certainly go down as the most important (and best) writer of the character ever, his run hailed for decades to come and such. So, yeah, move the schedule around and avoid making your other guys compete with the best you've got. This isn't meant to be a slight to the other creative teams, it's just one of those obvious things.

As to the quality of this series, it's moving along fine, it's nice, it's lovely, it's funny, it doesn't match the MAX stuff, but it's a pretty entertaining book nonetheless.

Doktor Sleepless #11

More establishing of Heavenside and it's very interesting. That Ellis is bringing journalism into this book is also interesting--and will either work well or fail since it raises comparisons to Transmet more than what was already there. We'll see.

Gravel #7

Fantastic conclusion. Gravel is a brutish thug not unlike the other members of the Minor Seven. After all, he kills all of the acolytes along with the final member--why? Because he's better than those fucking idiot children (who are all adults--just to clarify). It's rather harsh. But, good conclusion and then, a new issue this week, too, was a lovely surprise.

No Hero #3

Slow issue that ups the ante, but will read better as part of the whole.

Captain Britain & MI:13 #9

Wow. Harsh and wonderfully executed. Paul Cornell writes one hell of a comic book, I tell ya. Now that this arc has finished, I may go back and reread all nine issues of the series.

Final Crisis #6

Discussing this with Tim via the Splash Page. Not sure I have anything else to add to that.

Young Liars #11

When I hit the final page of this issue, I sat there, holding the comic and stared, mouth open and I didn't do anything for half a minute or so. That's how shocked I was. Fuck you if you don't read this comic.

That's it.

I Bought Comics: The First Three Weeks of December 2008

[In which I deliver thoughts and musings on comic books which I have read, but have not reviewed for CBR. Not really reviews, so don't take them as such. Unless you want to. Okay?]

I haven't done this for a few weeks, which makes sense since at least half of what I get each week is for reviews, so letting it accumulate makes sense. I will be doing this in chronological and then alphabetical order. As well, included are two graphic novels I received for Christmas on Tuesday. Yeah, we did ours on Tuesday since both of my sister had to work today. It actually didn't change much since the actual date of Christmas is pretty arbitrary and doing it two days sooner isn't really all that different. It also meant that when I woke up this morning at quarter-to-nine, I'd slept in compared to my previous 24 Christmases. Weird.

Final Crisis #5

Well, Tim and I discussed this in a cross-blog Splash Page, so I'm not sure if there's much to add. I dug this issue quite a bit and it's fun to see how Morrison's overall plan is unfolding. Tim and I didn't discuss it, but I didn't find the art changes distracting or annoying in any way.

Secret Invasion: Dark Reign

Didn't really impress me. It's nice to see that the villains weren't planning this, this is just Norman Osborn trying to make his life easier. I actually looked at New Avengers: Illuminati to compare/contrast and, wow, Alex Maleev's art sure has changed. Namor, in particular, suffers. His Osborn also has normal hair. What the hell? I'm actually not that enthused over "Dark Reign," but that's a pretty easy stance to take when you thought Iron Man was an asshole post-Civil War. I do like the reversal, but nothing I've read including the end of Secret Invasion, this and the most recent issues of the two Avengers books has convinced me that I should give a fuck. But, more on that towards the end.

Ghost Rider #30

This book loses me more with each passing issue. What began as a quirky grindhouse horror comic has become another book about various versions of the same character with a stupidly cliche villain that's playing the turncoat for a chump. The fall of this book in my esteem has been drastic and I'm very close to dropping it. What comes down to is, I'm bored when I read it. I don't care about the International Spirits of Vengeance, I don't care about a renegade angel, and I really just don't care about this book. I may give the run so-far a reread and let that decide its fate.

Hellblazer #250

Though I buy this book in trades, random one-off or two-part fill-in issues pop up from time to time and it's an excuse to pick up a floppy adventure of John Constantine to hold me over until the next trade comes out. This holiday/anniversary special isn't bad. It isn't great either, but rarely are these fill-in issues, especially when creators are limited to short stories. That said, who cares, it's good stuff. Brian Azzarello's story was witty and, thankfully, didn't tie into his run on the book. Peter Milligan takes over next issue and his story shows promise. I'm this close to picking up the book on a regular basis with Milligan on board. Really, this book is a great pairing of skilled writers and artists, and just a joy to read. Not the best thing ever, but good enough.

Invincible Iron Man #8

Salvador Larocca's art pisses me off. It's butt-fuck ugly in a lot of places as he doesn't know how to draw a damn face/head. Add to that a plot that I don't care about. The more I think about it, the more I find the idea of Norman Osborn in charge just because he got in the shot that killed the Skrull Queen, the more I find the whole idea a waste of my goddamn time. This book is back to being officially dropped.

Punisher: War Zone #2-3

I don't know if you've noticed this, but, over at CBR, there are six comic book reviewers. Now, I like a good "gimmick," so I thought "Six of us, six issues of a new Garth Ennis/Steve Dillon Punisher book... we should each review an issue!" I sent an e-mail to Augie (reviews editor and columnist) and he thought it was a good idea, but wondered if it could work (I did too), but I mentioned it to the gang and they liked the idea. What I find very interesting is that reviews for the first three issues are up and each of us has given our respective issue four stars out of a possible five. Now, if that isn't an indication of the level of quality that Ennis and Dillon are delivering, I don't know what is. And we're all different, us reviewers (the two closest in taste would probably be Tim and myself, I think)... yeah, this is a four-star series. It's as good as it can be. The goofier aspects both add and detract (not equally, but close enough), and it's weekly, so it reads very well. I like that Marvel is releasing this book that way and wish they'd line up various minis by high quality teams to release this way. DC has it's mediocre-to-utter-shit weekly book and Marvel can have its various weekly minis that are quite good.

New Avengers #48

Did anything actually happen in this issue? No? Didn't think so. With the price going up by a buck (a buck-twenty for Canadians thanks to the exchange rate) next issue, I think I'm done with this book. Again, the new line-up isn't really all that different and the new status quo doesn't wow me. There are two reasons why I'd keep buying this series:

1. Because I have all of Bendis's Avengers work to this point. And that reason has a pull, but not a good enough one. Really, it's not even close to good enough.

2. Because I want to see what happens with Danielle Cage. This reason is almost good enough. It's very close, because I've become attached to Luke and Jessica, but I can always pick up trades or find out what happens online. It's not worth nearly five bucks each month (exchange rate, you whiny Americans!).

I do believe I will buy the first issue of Dark Avengers to see what it's like, but, that may be the end of me and Brian Michael Bendis's Avengers work. But, in January, I'm thinking I might start a series of posts looking at his run(s) on the book(s). Fun.

The Little Man: Short Strips, 1980-1995

One of the two graphic novels I received for Christmas. I've been a fan of Chester Brown for a few years now, but this is only the third book of his I've gotten. I first picked up I Never Liked You back in my second year of undergrad and, then, Louis Riel in hardcover shortly after, but, since then... nothing. This collection is nice and ranges in quality, most of the strips only two or three pages. I always enjoy collections like this, because I enjoy seeing how a writer/artist/whatever changes and grows over the years... not just in style and technique, but in their subject matter of choice. Considering that my first exposure to Brown's work was I Never Liked You, it's not surprising that my favourite strips were "Helder" and "Showing 'Helder,'" both very autobiographical. I haven't read all of the notes yet, but plan to tonight. One sour note: after only one read-through, the binding has come unglued... pages haven't fallen out yet, but it's not that fun to have a book fall apart so quickly. Ah well, it will make seem more read if anyone should ever browse my collection and make it seem like I'm a bigger fan of Brown than I am.

The Amazing Remarkable Monsieur Leotard

Eddie Campbell's annual graphic novel was my second Christmas graphic novel (if only I'd thought to put the new ACME Novelty Library on my list!) and it's a very renjoyable read. One of the pleasures of each new Campbell OGN is how he presents it--in this one, he's chosen a square(-ish) layout, often divided in four with other bits above and below the "main" panels. It's a really nice way to present the story as well as other information... I actually wish he and Dan Best (his co-writer) had utilised that space even more. Of course, that they used it sparingly makes each use pack that much more of a punch and seem that much more important. The story itself is nice and engrossing, but I always try and appreciate Campbell's work on another level, if I can. It's always difficult for me since I'm more focused on words than pictures, even with comics, and have difficulty really appreciating what an artist is doing. This was one of the books that I thought may alter my top ten of 2008 list, and I'm not sure that it has yet for sure... definitely the top twenty. But, 2008 isn't over yet, so I'm not thinking about it too much. If you haven't, though, check this book out.

That does it. Merry Christmas.

I Bought Comics: The Past Two Weeks (Nov/Dec) 2008

[Some quick reflections/thoughts/rants/bitchings on the comics I bought during the past two weeks, but did not review for CBR. Not actual reviews.]

Batman #681+682

Wow, people either love or hate the finale to "Batman RIP," don't they? It's horribly flawed in places, but I like the ambiguity... then again, I'm reading it as a Grant Morrison comic book first and a Batman comic book second. The debate over Hurt being Satan is odd, because if you read Morrison's run, it seems inescapable that Hurt is the devil... Hope was held out that this week's issue would clear up things, but it didn't, instead it's a summation of Morrison's approach to his run. It's like his run has been a chapter in a book, divided into sections, and now we've reached the conclusion where he sums up his main ideas... loverly.

The Boys #25

This is a seven-part story? Huh. Typically good. A few direct jabs at the X-Men, but nothing really impressive... or not impressive. I can't actually remember much about this issue, actually. What the fuck?

Captain America #44

I kind of read this comic on autopilot. It's good, it's worthwhile, but I know it will read much better when I devote a weekend to reading the whole run together. I do love how the art maintains a consistent look despite changing artists. I do think the book would benefit from a solid six-issue "story" that's just self-contained stories, though. Have the subplot revolve around James getting used to being Captain America, but show him taking on a lot of different adversaries, you know? After the huge story that was the death and birth of Captain America, you'd think a breather would be due. You'd think. I think.

Youngblood #6

What the fuck is with Joe Casey lately? Like Charlatan Ball, this book is a big disappointment. Ideas that seem clever, but never really come off as such. Characters that fall flat. A book that is thoroughly mediocre. I strangely look forward to analysing his current output years from now. Is this just a lull or a sign that things have gone south? Then again, Godland is still quite good, and The Last Defenders was one of the best deconstructions of the superhero team book I've ever read, but these two books... I wonder what Velocity will be like.

Okay, that was rather quick, but... that's how it goes.

I Bought Comics: Third Week of November 2008

[Ah screw it, I'll rant and rave and write meaningless tiny remarks on everything I got this week... even the stuff I reviewed for CBR. These are not reviews, though. Except if they are.]

Ghost Rider #29

Sure, I get an advance .pdf for a comic on my pull list... It's like how the week after getting the CBR gig, nothing I'd normally buy was coming out... Odd fun about the gig, I suppose. My review over at CBR for this issue was a little edited to prevent even the possibility of spoilers... I tried, but better safe than sorry. I really enjoyed this run at first and I wonder if the aimlessness of it combined with Roland Boschi's insanely perfect (for the book) art was a big allure. Now that Jason Aaron is focusing on the Story and not random weird shit, and Tan Eng Huat's art is here (and has been for a while), I'm losing interest. This issue has some great moments, particularly how Danny defeats Johnny--he doesn't just beat him, he converts him, really. And there's a logic in many Ghost Riders, but... meh. I find the idea so mundane... so easy. "Oh, there isn't just ONE Corps, there are many! Oh, there isn't just ONE immortal weapon, there are seven! Oh, there isn't just ONE Spirit of Vengeance, there are many!" Making the character less unique in an effort to make him/her MORE unique is just the current thing, I suppose.

Holy War #7

The best issue of the series so far. The sense of dread is palpable and real. The characters are desperate and willing to actually do some fucked up shit. I'm still wondering why Animal Man is in this book aside from the connection to 52. Still not a great book, but Starlin is better here.

Pax Romana #4

I reread the first three issues on Tuesday night so I'd be able to follow along fine and, man, this was a great series. Hickman just exploring the idea and morality of changing history to fit with modernity... Characters don't really matter, more the ideas/arguments they represent. It should read for shit, but Hickman makes it work. His art... I'm not sure I can discuss it intelligently. He uses space in a very unique way, one I'm not sure I understand yet... I'm looking forward to him on the new Holwin' Commandos Secret Warriors book... I also want more from this universe.

Scalped #23

I very much enjoy this comic book magazine.

X-Files #1

My review for CBR should show up in the next day or two. I ended up buying this for two reasons: 1. Glamourpuss #4 didn't ship as expected and I needed something else to review. 2. I was already going to buy it for my girlfriend since she's a big X-Files fan. The book didn't wow me for many reasons, which I discuss in my review. The GF did like it, though... despite agreeing with nearly all of my criticisms. There's probably some lesson about fandom in there.

Enigma #1-8

Next to the register was a box with bagged "sets" of comics, so I flipped through while my books were being rung up and I saw this for five bucks. I couldn't say no to it. I grabbed it and added it to the pile saying, "Hard to say no at that price." I'm slowly, and without any purposeful effort, collecting as much of Peter Milligan's work as I can it seems. Earlier this year, I bought the trade for Screemer cheap at the shop and now this. As a whole, this book is fairly straight forward with few ambiguities by the end, which I didn't expect. It's not a simple book by any means, but anyone who reads the whole thing and then says they don't get it... well, fuck 'em. It's about the absurdity of being a superhero, being gay, being an artist, and being someone you don't like. It's part a critique of comics from the 70s/80s(/90s) and part just a brutal story about a guy trying to figure out who he is. Very good read. I certainly enjoyed myself this afternoon with it.

That does it for now.

I Bought Comics: Fifth Week of October 2008

[Quick thoughts and musing concerning new comics. Not really reviews. Sorry.]

The Boys #24

Two years in and still a damn good comic. It would be easy to see the frat stuff here as making fun of superheroes when really it's making fun of young guys. They're idiots. Some nice little moments here, especially the Hughie/Annie one that teases the eventual revelation of who each really is. We also get a little bit more insight into Butcher and that he is much darker inside than we'd like to think. The frat humour kind of drags the issue down a little, but the other stuff makes up for it.

Holy War #6

So... Synnar is a demiurge (god's architect), but also a Lucifer figure. Starlin provding the art in the middle of this issue really picks it up, although some of it looks rushed. That double-page spread, though... wonderful. Thankfully, the plot isn't dealt with much here, most of the issue devoted to Synnar's past. Feels like more familiar territory for Starlin and is much more interesting than this series.

No Hero #2

A sparsh issue, mostly talking with little advancement, but lots of suggestion. Hints here and there at past events and conflicts. The main idea here is vigilanteism, and, notably, power in the hands of a few dedicated citizens instead of the government. The government here is to be disdained for its ineptitude and corruption, while the private citizen is somehow better... despite there being something not quite right about the whole thing. Hard to say exactly where this is going yet, but it will be interesting to see how it compares to Black Summer. Also, the end seems to be an effect of the psychedelic origins of FX7.

Secret Invasion: Thor #3

A strong ending, but I had a hard time getting over the tense problems in Fraction's prose. For the first few pages, it keeps shifting between past and present tense, finally settling into past tense for the remainder of the issue. It doesn't read that sloppy, but once you notice it, it's all you see. The big fight feels epic, which is a testament to Fraction's skill. This issue also benefits from not having that bland "child born the midst of conflict" story to deal with.

Thor #11

Loki's game is very good... mostly because all she's doing is telling the truth. The Steve Rogers stuff is very well done and recalls Thor's confrontation with Iron Man back in issue three a little... The commentary on TV pundits is always nice despite not being all that original. Really, though, the main thing here is the lead-up to the big conflict, which seems to be Baldur and Thor fighting for rule over Asgard--although, I don't think it will be that simple.

That does it for this week. Almost certainly not book of the week since none of these really stand out in that way. Maybe I'll look back to Aetheric Mechanics from last week.

I Bought Comics: Fourth Week of October 2008

[Fragments, impressions, reactions... not reviews. Maybe rants. We'll see how it goes. This is me talking about comics I bought today.]

This may be one of the better weeks for comics in a while. Except for the shit. Fucking shit. You won't ruin my great comics week. My girlfriend is expecting me to be excited about today's comics, because I said I was going to be... on Friday. That's right, Fourth Week of October 2008, I was talking you up last Friday, that's how awesome you looked then. And you are awesome. I am excited to have gotten comics today. I am. So damn excited, people.

Aetheric Mechanics: A Graphic Novella

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful... Sherlock Holmes in science fiction London solving the case of a man who wasn't there. The ending is superbly metafictional. The art is detailed and the characters realistic... in their unreality. There's one panel on the third-last page that makes the book... the art in that panel just fucking makes the book. A wonderful little story and probably the best thing I got this week. And that's on a week with Criminal, and Scalped.

Captain America #43

Not bad, but I would have almost preferred a short break, a breather issue after the epic that was the previous 18 issues (really, the previous 42 issues, but the previous 18 comprised one story explicitly). Like I said, this isn't a bad comic, it's just as good as every other issue of Brubaker's run... I just don't feel like another story yet, I guess. That's my hang-up, though. It's just... fuck, another story featuring something from the past, someone ied to the Winter Soldier... we get some panels featuring the new Captain America fighting AIM, the Wrecker and Skrulls... it would almost be nice to just have a one-off issue with something like that instead of this. Just a short break. Then again, given that issue, I may have demanded more of this and wondered why I was reading just another typical superhero comic story in a book that's better than that. Maybe, sometimes, there's no winning with me. Maybe I suck. Unlike this comic, which is quite good.

Criminal #6

Nothing much happens, but so fucking much happens. Well done, Mr. Brubaker and Mr Phillips. You manage to impress every month and I'm left with nothing to say. Again. Except that this is a fantastically crafted comic book that gets me to care about these broken imperfect people who do bad things.

Final Crisis: Submit and Final Crisis #4

Submit isn't essential to understanding issue four, but it really does help. Which is a shame, because Submit is probably the second-worst comic book I got today. It's probably the worst Morrison-penned comic I've gotten in... when did I last get a Grant Morrison book this mediocre? I don't know! But, it sets up a couple of things in issue four--you will understand issue four without it, though. However, knowing you all as I do, if you're buying Final Crisis you were probably picking Submit up, too. The art is especially mediocre ugly. I will use other words than "mediocre," I will. I've been buying the sliver covers since I like the design, but I almost almost almost got the regular cover for issue four. Goddamn, that is a fantastic image. And issue four is pretty good as we see that evil hasn't quite won yet... ooops, yes it did. Turpin Darkseid has decided the fate of us all and it's thumbs down, I'm afraid. That means only one thing: Darkseid is going to Batista bomb Superman or something. (Oh, and Carlos Pacheco's art works well here, partly because he's talented and not entirely dissimilar from JG Jones, but also because of Alex Sinclair's colouring, which really holds the art together this issue.)

New Avengers #46

My fault. I won't penalyse you, Fourth Week of October 2008 because I picked up an issue of a comic that I dropped last week because it's been sucking a whole lot. I hoped this issue would be one of those rare worthwhile issues tying into Secret Invasion, but it's not. It is so goddamn worthless. Four pages of story stretched out for an entire comic. Goddamn.

Scalped #22

Best comic I buy each month. Hands down. Red Crow is quickly becoming one of those Characters You Always Remember. Dash who?????

Secret Invasion #7

And, thus, Noh-Varr is used correctly for the first time since Marvel Boy #6. A solid, solid issue because of its focus, the little one-liners and the plot actually moving forward without hints of Important Things Happening Elsewhere. That opening double-page spread bothers me because the composition of the battle isn't entirely clear. It seemed that the two sides were heading at one another face-on, but the composition here has the Skrulls surrounding the heroes... we have characters shouting to take out Spider-Woman, but she's behind them... what? But, I am looking forward to next issue.

Aside from my own mistake, Fourth Week of October 2008, you were just as wonderful as I said you would be. Lovely.

I Bought Comics: Third Week of October 2008

[Impressions, ramblings, rantings, disjointed thoughts... just don't call them reviews, okay?]

A couple of site notes: new Intimates post will go up tomorrow, so I'll conclude my look at that book with two straight days of exciting analysis (exciting seems like the wrong word, I know). And, no book of the week this week, because nothing I got has spurred me (yet) to want to write more on it. (Edit: It will be Mighty Avengers #19 as things have occurred to me. I may leave that post until Sunday, though. We'll see.)

Astonishing X-Men #27

It's rather impressive how Warren Ellis can take a concept and push it a little further out. Mutants from alternate earths? The Chinese X-Men who devoted themselves to thought and research instead of superheroics? Simple ideas that add a lot of possibilities to the X-Men--and also don't stray too far beyond the limitations of the book. Ellis provides a few good laughs in this issue with Cyclops saying "fucking" and everyone freaking out--also works as commentary on the new direction for the character. Wolverine's reactions to Scott in this issue are rather good. Simone Bianchi's art still doesn't do it for me, but it's less muddled here than in previous issues. Some Ellisisms that will no doubt annoy some, but fuck them, who cares what they think, I sure don't.

Captain Britain and MI:13 #6

Something doesn't feel right... The threat isn't threatening... A deal with the devil is mundane... the Spitfire/Blade stuff is quite good and makes this issue worthwhile. I am expecting an all-out battle with an army of Mindless Ones in future issues, although, it seems almost stupid to do that so soon after Nextwave did it (and, yes, two years ago is still too soon when it comes to Nextwave). The last page provides a good cliffhanger... and a logical one at that. Paul Cornell's tying Captain Britain's powers to his confidence still looks like it will hold a lot of potential.

Charlatan Ball #4

The problem: this wants to be a light-hearted action/comedy type of book with hints of mind-bending bits... when it doesn't do that. It's still a fun, light-hearted book, it's just that nothing really makes me laugh when that seems to be a goal. It also can't quite get out from the under the shadow cast by Gødland, which has a similar art style (both very Kirby-influenced) and similar characters... I mean, the Gang of Four Gods from this issue look like they jumped out of an issue of Gødland! This book seems like it should be looking to Ditko instead of Kirby, which would then make it complement Gødland rather than seem like it's baby brother who just isn't as great. I know, I know, Kirby did do The Demon, which is an obvious influence, but Ditko's Strange Tales work seems a more logical place to look. But, that's not what Casey and Andy Suriano are going for, sadly.

Ghost Rider #28

Hey, look, my comic book is a whole dollar more because Marvel decided to include the entire backstory for the characters! Thanks a whole fucking bunch! What, they can put out FREE books that do the same thing as give-aways, but they charge a buck for it when it's in the fucking comic? Christ. I know, I know, I know, I know, some people (including me) don't know the whole history of these characters, but, you know what, Jason Aaron has been doing a good job of giving us the information we need to know. And why wait until now to provide this backstory? Ugh. The issue itself is decent, although the addition of other Spirits of Vengeance seems a little obvious in that it seems every superhero in the past few years has realised that he/she isn't not alone and there is a bigger world out there with legions of others just like him/her. Maybe if the other Spirits of Vengeance had different powers or something, it might be interesting, but I just kind of shrugged at it here. Do look forward to next issue's fight, though.

Mighty Avengers #19

I dropped this and New Avengers from my pull list today (along with Iron Fist). While I've been enjoying Secret Invasion well enough, these little tie-in issues have ranged only from waste-of-my-fucking-money to passable. This one was a waste of my fucking money. What did we learn here that we haven't learned in the main book? No--really. What else did we learn? Not a goddamn thing. There was one positive, though: at no point in this issue was Noh-Varr called Marvel Boy. Other than that, these books get flipped through at the shop from now on and if they look like they're worth $3.50, I will buy them. I should have did this months ago.

Rasl #3

I really need to reread the first two issues. I followed along just fine, but it's been a while and I'd like to see how it's all tying together right now. I love love love alternate realities and how the story itself here seems really simple, although is presented in a more obtuse, complicated manner because of those involved. Also, the implicit questions raised about different versions of people on alternate earths and such. Smith's art is still growing on me.

That does it for this week.

I Bought Comics (Second Week of October 2008)

[Random thoughts that may range from coherant to not.]

I'm in London for the Thanksgiving weekend (what with me being Canadian and all), so that means stopping by the old shop to get stuff on my pull list here. This time, though, I cancelled the pull list since only two items are on it right now. In preparation for this trip, I reread a lot of the series I would be buying (especially the minis). So, let's see how things stack up...

Black Summer #7

It's not a big surprise that I would like the end of this series because Tom Noir attacks John Horus for the same thing I've recently attacked a lot of so-called progressive comics for: if you're so damn smart and progressive, why did it come down to hitting things in the end? If John Horus is so powerful and advanced, why did he only think to kill the president and his advisors? He couldn't think of something better? And Tom admits that he's not better and ends it by hitting things essentially--but not before leaving a different type of legacy. That moment when he confronts John is worth the entire series. I know, we were all "Oh look, he's killed the president for Iraq! Awesome!" (except those of us who weren't), but it really just became an attack on the type of superhero comic that The Authority inspired (and became itself after Ellis left). It gives me hope for No Hero to at least have a moment of similar transcendence--a moment where it offers something beyond the limitations of the story. I'll grant you, it's not a giant leap, but it is a leap and an unexpected one.

Crossed #1

Sadistic pervert zombies are still just zombies. Nothing here suggests anything more, but I have some trust in Ennis. I'm not a fan of the zombie story--it holds little to no appeal for me. And this isn't exactly an inventive form of that story yet. I'll probably give it another issue or two--but I'm in a less forgiving mood lately, so it may not even get that.

Doktor Sleepless #8-9

Two very different issues, one ending book one, and the other beginning book two. Issue eight is a culmination of the first seven issues in a few ways as the good Doktor reveals his endgame... namely ending the world while his ex-girlfriend focuses on the disease he released that causes a few people to see angels. It's an odd sort of conversation with the Doktor feeling that he has to explain it (if only to torture her with the knowledge) and not actually caring what she thinks. It will be interesting to see how that plays out. Issue nine is sparse in its own way and could act as a decent introduction to the series for some. Much lighter on concepts and gives a fresh view of Heavenside through an entry-level character. I'm enjoying this book quite a bit.

Gødland #24-25

Solid as always. A rival conception of the universe? The Archers as champions for these rivals? Sounds good to me. Nice to see Adam more sure of himself and confident in his abilities.

Hellblazer #245-246

Decent, but not anything special. Kind of a cursory look at John's old punk band with a kind of weak magic plot. Really, this could have been one issue and the first one ends with a scene we've seen a million times before. Not bad, not that good. I expected a bit better from Jason Aaron, though.

Invincible Iron Man #6

Dropped. I'm done with this book. I'll get into more detail in this week's Splash Page, but this book isn't good enough for me to keep buying. I'm making a few cuts in the next while and since none of the issues have really impressed me since the first one, I'm done. The utterly boring manner in which this issue concluded the story was enough.

Narcopolis #4

The language games were enough to keep me entertained, and there was a glimmer of hope in this issue when Neighour is told by Officer Love that there is no big enemy, no big conspiracy and that he just wants there to be one because reality isn't exciting enough that would have made the whole thing much, much better. It didn't really contradict that, it just enforced the old safety versus freedom, and that looking at a system one way shows it to be fair and just, while another view shows corruption. Nothing revolutionary--when it suggested something a bit more interesting and more challenging. Ah well, I'd always heard Jamie Delano was a good writer and figured I'd give his latest work a shot.

The Programme #12

Stalingrad's disillusionment in this issue was the most interesting thing about it. Ultimately, this book was about two warring ideologies that weren't that different, but that's not a new point really when discussing the US and USSR. Then, there was the aftermath of the Soviet dolls' attack, but that wasn't that original either. The journey of Max throughout the series is interesting--as he's really just a pawn. As is the demonstration of how far beliefs really go as everyone abandons them at some point except for the CIA agent we don't expect to and... that's about it. Kind of interested in comparing this to Infinity, Inc. since they came out around the same time and both tackle the concept of superhumanity in a slightly off-beat manner. This series didn't really follow up on its promise, but was an interesting enough read--the manner in which Milligan told the story made it worth it much of the time.

Punisher War Journal #21-24

So fucking dropped. I really can't believe I gave this series 24 issues. I liked the first half of the first year and then much else. I kept buying it, because I was afraid that the month after I dropped it, it would turn good. But it never did. Maybe it's because I'm a big fan of Ennis's work with the character and it's hard to see them side by side without Fraction's version looking very, very lame. Also, I never really knew what Fraction's version of the character was. Who is this Frank Castle? He's part goof, part professional, part... I don't know what. I bought these four issues because the shop had them in my pull list, but this is it. I don't care that issue 24 ended on a cliffhanger. I'm done. And it shouldn't surprise anyone.

Red Mass for Mars #2

I don't think I've ever read a Jonathan Hickman-penned issue as quickly as I read this one. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but usually he's a much more wordy writer. This issue does continue his style of showing little pieces of scenes that imply other scenes and actions--it's an interesting technique and it usually works better than this. There's also a more challenging/interesting subtext to his work--but this could be his more straight-up superhero/sci-fi story and it's interesting enough. It's just not nearly as good as Pax Romana.

Young Liars #8

David Lampham is anything but boring. I will need to reread this issue along with the previous ones soon, because I'm not totally lost--but I am a little lost. And purposefully so no doubt. Different versions of the same story--the title is Young Liars... are any true? Subject views of so-called objective events? Wasn't last issue part 1 of a story? Lovely. This comic is confident and bold and apparently uses techniques used in previous Lampham works, but since I haven't read them yet, it's all new to me... I may be a little lost, but I'm liking it nonetheless. Definitely one of the books I look forward to the most each month.

I Bought Comics: First Week of October 2008

[Sometimes I buy comics, sometimes I don't... this is a day when I did and I feel like rambling on about them in my own unique manner. Oh ho ho what fun. Not serious reviews, just thoughts strung together in various manners.]

Batman #680

Hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhha............... good and evil... the story of Job comes to mind. Jezebel. Damien. Red and black, life and death... love and hate... duality, patterns... it certainly points to the evil below, doesn't it? His soul dies tonight... at midnight... "it's not the side-effects of the cocaine... I'm thinking that it must be love..." Huh. "The European cannon is here!" I don't think I get it yet, but I'm more intrigued than ever. Tim will have better (re: more intelligent) things to say soon no doubt. (And, I will, too, seeing as how a lengthy look at Morrison's second year will happen after the two post-RIP issues come out before he takes a short break from the book.)

The Boys #23

The X-Men connection is superficial and not the point at all, of course. Some obvious analogies/stand-ins, but some aren't quite so obvious. Do like "G-Style"--there hasn't been a group of black mutants, has there? Has there? None spring to mind, but who knows. That last page is very, very funny.

Captain America #42

It almost seems anti-climatic, doesn't it? But, it's another piece of the larger puzzle, especially that final page. Brubaker sets up this huge epic storyline and then has it conclude in a manner both typical and atypical. Captain America does very little to resolve the plot, actually. Good stuff for the good guys.

The Immortal Iron Fist: Orson Randall and the Death Queen of California

I paid a dollar more for this comic book than a regular issue and it wasn't worth it. I've alreay done one Duane Swierczynski book and I'm not afraid to drop another. This wasn't a well-written comic book. I get what he was going for, but it wasn't good. The narration was heavy-handed, cliched and obvious--and doesn't work without the rest of the prose to go along with it. Used with visuals, it's often redundant and becomes tedious to read. The plot isn't anything special or really worth reading. Maybe this will turn out to tie into the current story in the book, but if it doesn't... what was the point? At least with Frubaker, the two specials (one special and one annual really) tied into the story and provided some background info. But, nothing is jumping out here, which just has me wondering what the point of this book was... because it sure wasn't entertainment. At least Giuseppe Camuncoli provides some lovely art. Since I've been steeped in The Intimates, seeing how he's grown and changed in the past three years is almost worth the cover price. I should read a Raymond Chandler short story right now to get the stink of this comic out of my brain.

New Avengers #45

Well, that was a big let down. I was looking forward to this House of M issue, figuring it would provide something worthwhile, but it doesn't. The House of M thing happens and the Skrulls on Earth aren't fooled by it, but get freaked out because it fucks with their plans... "And...?" That's it, basically. *sigh*

No Hero #1

The manner in which Ellis begins this issue, using media footage and quotes, is interesting. A little different from his usual method. Not so much the media footage, but the quotes... I don't recall him using quotes to highlight his theme before, and it's always nice to see him trying new things. A little disappointed by Juan Jose Ryp's art--the odd "impact blobs" he adds here... they look out of place here--they're so damn cartoony and this book's tone isn't cartoonish. It's over-the-top, yes, but... ugh, they just look really weird and out of place. Otherwise, this issue isn't anything that groundbreaking--a combination of various comic book tropes and mostly introduction. If you haven't gotten the zero issue... do that.

Youngblood #5

Doesn't Josh mean Doug's uncle on the first page? I didn't mind the subtle nod to The West Wing in the first issue, but the more it continues to subtley suggest that this is the same world, the more it bothers me--if only because Casey can't quite capture the dialogue style of the show for Santos and Josh. Otherwise, I'm still not sure about this book. It's not that great, but it seems like Casey wants it to be... he just can't escape from the mediocrity of the characters and world, or from the premise, which never really goes further than the obvious. But, since it's written by Casey, I'll keep on buying it. It's a sickness, really.

Not sure if I'll do a "book of the week" post this week. If something here jumps out, say so.

I Bought Comics: Third Week of September 2008

[Were my life a novel, this post would be a chapter titled "In Which Chad Discusses Comics in a Rambling and Disjointed Manner with No Attempts made at Coherance... for about the Seven-Hundredth Time..." Even I wouldn't buy that book, because it sounds pretty lame.]

All-Star Superman #12

"Every party needs a pooper and that's why we invited you... PARTY-POOPER!" I think that should be put on my tombstone when I die. Never a fan of this series. I could admire it in a cold, intellectual manner, appreciate what Morrison was doing, but not actually care... because I don't care. And that's one of the obvious goals of this series: to make you care. It failed with me. But, my conception of Superman was altered forever by Joe Casey... and I don't get a thrill out of seeing him punch out Lex Luthor. I don't get a thrill out of Lex Luthor running around in purple-and-green clothes like a goddamn moron either. Silver Age ideas filtered through modern sensibilities... with a hint of nostalgia thrown in... I find the characters vapid and superficial in their unyielding optimism and positivity... No doubt a few will think me wrong to praise some of the books I got this week while critiquing this one, but that's the way it goes. On a technical level, this is impressive comic, but when it so obviously wants to connect emotionally with the reader and doesn't, then it's also a failure of a comic. Because, for all of his inspiring ideals, Superman is still just a guy who punches guys out and that seems so... mundane to me. Really, he can't transcend physical violence?

Captain Britain and MI:13 #5

This continues to be an entertaining book as we get a breather issue between Skrulls and Evil Magical Beings. Blade joins the team and has one hell of a final page. The stuff with Faiza's parents was goofy and funny. Really a light issue that doesn't feel that light. After the previous four issues, this is a nice break. I'm sure Cornell will have some fun playing around with Captain Britain's new powers. I will miss John the Skrull, though.

Ghost Rider #27

A weaker issue of Jason Aaron's run. Mostly plot positioning and not much else. Zadkiel looks as absurd as you'd expect. The entire story is pretty absurd, but does work most of the time. Last issue was glorious in its absurdity, but this one was just kind of there. Nothing particularly bad about it, just another particularly great either.

Gravel #5

With Oscar Jiminez on art, this book is coming out on a nice regular basis, thankfully. The last page made me laugh quite a bit, because of how simple Gravel is taken down. He overcomes so much and basically falls for an electrified gate (electrified with magic!). I'm a little disappointed that we won't get to see these other magicians much, but Colgrave is a bit cliched... in that way that works. The aristocrat who looks down on Gravel as working-class--and then comes after him in a hunt. Very appropriate and kind of funny, particularly when Gravel calls in his horse. I think the first arc is meant to be eight issues (and then the first of three arcs that make up the larger story Ellis has planned) and now that it's back on track schedule-wise, I'm happy. Not a comic that will blow your mind, but some good action stuff with the odd bit of wit.

Holy War #5

Some interesting ideas like using Comet to stop the beginning of a war by pretending to be god... or a competing religion trying to stop a Second Coming... A strange world where other religions are recognised as factually valid, but are still heretical! I was hoping for the anti-god ray, though. The relationship of Synnar and the Nameless One is explained, too. If it didn't have to try so hard to fit into the DCU and these characters specifically, Starlin could be having a lot more fun, I think.

Mighty Avengers #18

One of those rare tie-in issues that is actually worth the price! That, and since I'm looking for to the new Howlin' Commandos Secret Warriors book co-written with Jonathan Hickman, I am digging any issue devoted to this ragtag bunch. Nick Fury is doing his "goddammit, we've got a war coming, so you do what I say how I say it when I say or so help me god I will rape everyone you ever cared about starting with your sweet ass!" routine. Here, he tells his Howlin' Commandos Secret Warriors to kidnap Maria Hill because she's a Skrull. And we get a few flashbacks to his training of the group (none of which are all that original, but at least Bendis has the sense to keep them in flashbacks rather than devoting an entire issue to training). The mission goes pretty well and then the invasion breaks out. A solid issue and one of the better tie-ins... particularly because it doesn't just spend 22 pages showing when and where someone got replaced by a Skrull (really, an entire comic for those?). Oh and I will continue to call them "Howlin' Commandos Secret Warriors," because I'm a stupid little fanboy sometimes.

Scalped #21

On page seven, RM Guera signs the bottom of the page with Jason Aaron's name, too. That's cool. Another new story with no Dashett Bad Horse to be seen. The juxtaposition between Red Crow at the beginning of the issue and the end is very interesting. Continues to be a fantastic comic. I have little else to say.

Secret Invasion: Thor #2

...a baby is born during a "tornedo" (aka Skrulls invading Asgard) and she's named Faith! See, that isn't just cliche in its usual way, because the Asgardians are gods! And the new Skrulls are "godkillers"! And... wow... could the b-story be anymore cliche? I did like the guys from town wanting to help the Asgardians with what they thought was a fire, though. And the look on Bill's face when he sees what they did to his hammer... Still, not that great. I imagine the third issue will end with Thor flying off to New York.

I also got Glamourpuss #3 and a couple of trades (latest Andy Diggle Hellblazer and the final Loveless one), so I might discuss them all on Friday... or just one... or none. We'll see.

I Bought Comics: Second Week of September 2008

[Random musings, thoughts, rants, whatever comes up... not reviews, not really, not at all, not at all... New posts when I buy comics.]

After a week off, I am back with two weeks' worth of books, so let's get to it...

Adam Strange Special

Um... yeah... er... not as strong as the Hawkman special, which everyone hated except for me because what the fuck do I care about Hawkman's past? This one as Adam Strange bopping through time for reasons not revealed and we get glimpses of the past and the future, including the destruction of Rann... I guess how we know how Holy War will end, eh? Otherwise, it's forgettable and only exists to add Strange as another of the "Aberrant Six," which even I can't get too enthused about. I love me some Jim Starlin work, but... Also, this special is weaker because Starlin doesn't provide the art (the cover lies, my friends). Rick Leonardi does a... mediocre job here; he flat-out gets some facial expressions wrong in some panels. Not a good comic at all, mostly because it's not a necessary comic. At least the Hawkman one served a purpose... this doesn't.

The Boys #22

...oh fuck me things are gonna go to shit for Hughie aren't they...

Criminal #5

The best part of this comic is Steven Grant's text piece at the very end on crime novelist Eugene Izzi's life and death. The comic is typically good.

Invincible Iron Man #5

"In which the issue ends with the obvious misleading cliffhanger that will be explained away in one month's time..." The fight between Stane and Stark is decent, but I tire of "you killed my daddy" stories as motivation for villains. I wound up watching Spider-Man 2 on Labour Day and found Harry's obsession to be stupid-as-hell... especially when he finds out Spider-Man is his best friend... it's like "Dude, your dad was a douchebag crazy and your best friend stopped him from killing people... THAT'S A GOOD THING, SO GROW THE FUCK UP!" At least Stane and Stark aren't best friends here. Otherwise, it's still rather pathetic--purposefully so, but... meh. And, what the fuck is up with Stane's girlfriend on the cover? We'll see how next issue turns out, because the second half of this arc has left me almost completely cold.

Pax Romana #3

"It's what you don't know that matters most."-—Bret Easton Ellis, Glamorama

Hickman picks and chooses his moments... he outlines the plan and that only gives scenes that show its failure... or maybe reasons why it may fail... success is not interesting! Watching it all go according to plan is boring! Creating a bigger, better world is hard work and people suck at hard work... love the bits on religion... kind of sad that Hickman didn't think beyond the modern conceptions of government, but that is also a limitation of the characters... the end of the issue is a really good cliffhanger... Hickman's art reminds me of Jeremy Haun's art sometimes... I think I should reread Paradigm... god, what a great book that was... and, yeah, I love my "FIGHT FOR THE SITCOM." t-shirt that I bought from Haun in Chicago some years back... still wear it a lot... because I also like sitcoms.

Secret Invasion #6

"I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'... I will get over calling Noh-Varr 'Marvel Boy'..."

Good issue.

Sub-Mariner: The Depths #1

Two words: Peter Milligan. An interesting take, but not at all original. Maybe Milligan will put a better spin on it as the series progresses. As it is, very mundane.

Young Liars #7

WHAT THE FUCK?

I dare you to predict what will happen next in this book. I fucking dare you. David Lapham is insane and what the fuck, it's still awesome. The first six issue story is over and now we get... another take on the same story? The way Sadie sees the world? The way she wants to see the world? Wow... I cannot remember another comic that has shifted gears so completely... Anyone not reading this series is missing out on one of the most exciting and insane books around. This has shades of earlier Vertigo series, but is still quite original. This is quickly becoming my favourite book.

Tomorrow, I will discuss one of these books more as my "book of the week." If you want one of these discussed more, just say so and I'll take it under advisement.

I Bought Comics: Fourth Week of August 2008

[I like to talk about comics, but I don't always like to make sense while I do it. This is what happens sometimes. These are reviews in the abstract, perhaps technical sense. Oh, and Los Manlicious by Hawksley Workman is a great fucking album. It came out yesterday here in Canada after being a Europe-only release for the past few months, which I found odd since Workman is Canadian... and released an album back in January (Between the Beautifuls). Thankfully, he saw the light and got it released in Canada, too. I don't know about the US, though. Perhaps no Hawksley for you. A shame. Oh... comics now.]

Final Crisis: Superman Beyond #1

No just 3D, but 4D! Grant Morrison has read all of the complaints about the first issue of Final Crisis and has spit in your idiot eyes! CompressedComics! It all happens between the panels of Final Crisis #3, but the second issue doesn't come out until December at least? What? "Captain Adam"? Ha! The first man... the first superman... Captain Atom... Dr. Manhattan... but on drugs! Ignore every Ultraman appearance post-Earth 2, please. A return to Limbo from Animal Man... I was expecting the baldy Scot to make an appearance, but maybe in part two... "Grant Morrison, may I introduce you to Superman?" Oh ho ho! I'm not a fan of the 3D glasses, they don't add much... add a dimension, subtract all but two colours? No thank you, sir--no thank you. I refuse to read any non-Morrison-penned Final Crisis books, by the way... best to view this as Final Crisis #4 almost... definitely reminds me of "Rock of Ages"... is this really a quest for the Worlogog? What ever happened to that, by the way?

Gravel #4

Back on schedule with a big fight between Gravel and ten magicians... Jesus, this guy can kill. One of the benefits of having vague magical abilities, I suppose, is that he can always win. I'm convinced that this story will end in tears for young William Gravel. He's never really been challenged... has he? Looks like Oscar Jiminez is the new permanent artist, which doesn't bother me much. I'm still not sold on his Gravel, but the rest of the art is good. His Gravel is too skinny, too old... but better than last issue... or I'm getting used to it... hmm... If you want some witty lines and lots of fucked up death, this is your book.

The ImMortal Iron Fist #18

The second Swierczynski-penned issue and it's still pretty decent. So, Orson Randall wasn't a weak little junkie? And Danny Rand lives to die another day. It's interesting writing... Travel Foreman's art still does nothing for me as it doesn't look the same panel-to-panel. I'm sticking with this book--at least until the end of this arc. Swierczynski has me for now, though... hopefully it turns out better than his Cable...

The Mighty Avengers #17 & The New Avengers #44

Okay, The Mighty Avengers issue was interesting. When I first heard that it was about the replacement of Henry Pym, I was like "Um, didn't that already happen?" but Bendis gives an interesting story and hints at some deeper complexities to the Skrull invasion. The first of these issues in a while that seemed worth it. The New Avengers issue was alright, but nothing too special. Reed Richards masterminded the "cloaking" technique... except not really... interesting. Like many of these issues, the core idea is cool, but it fails to sustain an entire comic. These issues would be better if Bendis did two 11-page stories in each, I think. Only a small number have seemed worth an entire issue. But, I'm looking forward to the "House of M" issue of New and the Howlin' Commandos issue of Mighty next month. Seriously, there's no way I'm calling them the "Secret Warriors" when a far superior and SENSICAL name just sits there not getting used for reasons beyond comprehension.

***

Come back Friday as I discuss one of these comics in more depth. And if you want more depth on one of them, just ask... maybe I'll listen.

I Bought Comics: The Third Week of August 2008

[Short blurbs... not quite reviews... random thoughts... sometimes rants...]

Anna Mercury #3

Huh. This issue concludes Anna's adventures on the other Earth and the issue ends almost as if it were a three-issue mini-series instead of a five-issue one... Granted, we don't get some fantastic explanation about the life of Anna Louise Britton, but that wouldn't be a new thing for Ellis. Two more issues and I'm a little bothered by that. It doesn't fit. This is where Ellis usually ends the story. Having her finish her job, take off her uniform, shower, wash the red dye from her hair and then walk home in the rain like it was just another job? That's pure Ellis. I'm more intrigued by this book now than I was before, because it doesn't fit Ellis's pattern, his style... it just doesn't fit. We'll see what comes in issue four, I suppose.

Captain America #41

See, this issue demonstrates why the slow burn style of Ed Brubaker is very effective: much of what happens in this issue relies on the build... on knowledge the reader has accumulated after 40-plus prior issues. Without said knowledge, it doesn't work. I don't feel like spoiling things, but, yeah, stuff happens in this issue. But then again, stuff happens in every issue and some people don't realise it.

Charlatan Ball #3

I enjoyed this issue quite a bit. Joe Casey and Andy Suriano seem to be finding a groove here, a balance almost... I can't say for sure why this issue is better than the first two other than a more cohesive story and a genuinely fantastic scheme by the villain. The metafictional panel in this issue is also very intriguing... is Joe Casey directing a porn flick there? Hmm... I'm on board with this issue... hmm.

The Core #1

One of those Top Cow "Pilot Season 2" books--and I only bought it (finally) because Jonathan Hickman wrote it. Just like last year, I only bought the Velocity one because Casey wrote it (and subsequently kicked the crap out of every other book). This is a pretty decent if slightly typical comic made interesting by Hickman's playing with genre conventions and presenting these ideas in a new light. I could do without the whole "aliens looking down on humans until one human saves some lives" bit, but the politics of this world along with the final three pages mean this could be a very, very interesting space opera. The art fits Hickman's writing, too. Last time I checked, this book wasn't in the top two vote getters, which is a shame, because it's got a lot of potential.

Ghost Rider #26

Wow... Danny Ketch looks like shit in a lot of these panels... a continuity-heavy issue that works because Jason Aaron trusts his reader to get the necessary bits... which I can confirm since I don't know anything about old Ghost Rider stories and I follow along just fine... but I also know that knowing every little detail isn't necessary as long as you get the important stuff... like Ketch used to be Ghost Rider, he hung out with Blaze and Caretaker, he's since learned that he was lied to by Caretaker and works for Zadkiel because he thinks that's best, which is leading him to have to fight Blaze who has regained his Ghost Rider powers at some point... pretty simple... I really miss Boschi's art... Huat can't compete...

Holy War #4

Lots of action, but the surprising bit is how well Comet handles it all. He's much more able than has been suggested until now. The action stuff is all well and good, but the use of a volcano to trick the religious idiots into not killing Hawkman is rather amusing. Probably the weakest issue yet from my standpoint, but I could see more "typical" readers enjoying this one a whole lot with all of the smashing and robots. People like smashing and robots, I think.

Scalped #20

The slow burn. Jason Aaron has it down to a science on this book. It's all in the characters and he knows his characters through and through. One of the best books out there right now. So good I don't know what to say besides that.

***

I wasn't entirely satisfied with my first "Book of the Week" post last week, so I'll be trying some new things with that in the coming weeks until I find something that works. But, as always, if you want me to expand on my thoughts regarding one of the books in Friday's post, tell me and we'll see if it makes me want to discuss that book. Otherwise, I'll just decide myself.

I Bought Comics: Second Week of August 2008

[To call these reviews would be kind. Blurbs is more like it. Sometimes calling them rants is accurate. Just so you know.

On the bus to the comic shop, a woman and a man got into an argument over issues unknown to me. They weren't sitting together and seemed to be strangers, but they had a very vocal argument. I don't know what it was about because I had my discman on (No Wow by the Kills was the CD). From what I could piece together by the woman's actions (telling people to move for a lady with a stroller and then shutting windows because of the AC), she thought she was in charge of the bus and this man had done something wrong by... sitting in his seat. In between songs, I did learn that the man served in the armed forces, but didn't learn why that mattered. Buses are weird.

Astonishing X-Men #26

Wow, I am not digging Simone Bianchi's art on this book. It just doesn't have the same skill or oomph as his previous stuff. It's also weird to watch as Cyclops's visor changes shape from panel to panel... The colouring is drab still.

Ellis's writing, on the other hand, is a little slow here, but the dialogue is sharp and I'm enjoying myself. He's obviously drawing on the works of Morrison and Whedon here--taking what he likes and gently mocking what he doesn't. Works for me.

Batman #679

Dr. Hurt thinks he's Thomas Wayne. The new Batman isn't Bruce Wayne, not really. Batman was created by a checkerboard and the Joker is obsessed with checkerboard patterns. The first villain to fall is a cheap Joker rip-off, making the Joker's place in the Club of Villains secure. Bat-Might? Has the Batman become just like the Joker? Hmm. Hurm.

Captain Britian and MI:13 #4

Three words: "No more Skrulls." Oh ho ho, Paul Cornell is a funny, funny guy. This book continues to be witty and fun; heroic and inspiring; modern, but also traditional. Cornell writes a British book quite unlike other Brit superhero books we've seen before, and it works very well. And that ending... what does that mean? Although, I do find it funny that Brian gives up Excalibur because he's used it to kill... Um, what did he think King Arthur used it for?

The Last Defenders #6

I called who the new Nighthawk would be. For the record. I can't remember where (probably in a review for issue two or three right here), but I did. For I am genius. Lovely paradox of an ending: the Last Defenders are created by Kyle Richmond because the Last Defenders save Kyle Richmond, thus showing him who the Last Defenders are. Not quite convinced why these four people are the perfect mixture and Casey doesn't really attempt to explain it. This series has been an examination on the nature of superhero teams, what works, what doesn't, and the lack of explanation is part of that. Who knows why one team works and another doesn't? There is a suggestion that the four elements play a role here in a similar manner to the Fantastic Four, but it's a semi-subtle one. There's also the connection to the original Defenders, although I don't see how Nighthawk connects to the Silver Surfer. What am I missing there? And, will we see more of this group soon? The end seems to suggest that we will. Good.

Secret Invasion #5

Graeme has a point. What was the point of the tease at the end of issue four when it's not followed up here at all? I mean, this book is full of cool scenes and all, but, as a narrative, it's really falling apart. Is there a narrative anymore?

Secret Invasion: Thor #1

This was decent, but nothing spectacular. Beta Ray Bill falls to Earth. The Skrulls want to kill the Asgardians. Donald Blake has to deliver a baby. I trust Fraction to amp it up a bit in the next two issues, but this didn't wow me. I'm not a big fan of the lack of inks here, either. It doesn't look that bad, just a little muddled and unfinished--and for no apparent reason.

Transhuman #3

I totally forget who is who in this book. But, there are some interesting bits in this issue on the nature of humanity and advanced monkeys. It's an interesting book at the very least. How well it works as a narrative I don't know, but we'll see how all four issues read together.

Young Liars #6

David Lapham is good. I both care for and hate most of the characters in this book. And I never know what's going to happen next. Last issue surprised the hell out of me and so does this one. The man obviously has a plan or he's making it up as he goes. Either way, I'm really digging the hell out of his book.

New feature announcement! Starting on Friday, I'll be doing a longer review/analysis of one of the comics I buy that week. It will be based purely on what I feel like talking about. What's interesting. I have no idea which one of these books it will be yet, but if you want to request a more detailed look at one of them, go for it. Not that your opinion will necessarily matter, but it may get me thinking and who knows where that will lead.

I Bought Comics: First Week of August 2008

[I don't really "review" comics so much as babble about whatever occurs to me. My goal here is to just let you know what I thought of these books, not to really critique or even influence your buying habits. Except when I tell you to buy stuff. Then do that.]

Okay, so I didn't buy comics last week. It was a small week (three or four books at most--if the shop had a copy of Narcopolis #4... which it didn't) and not really worth two bus tickets (a bit over four bucks) to make the trip. So, that's what happened last week. This week was a big week, though, and very much worth two bus tickets. Let's get to it...

The Boys #21

This issue was very good, but I can easily see some having a problem with it. The Seven try to stop a plane from crashing on September 11, 2001 after it had been hijacked. The key here is that the Seven have no fucking clue how to stop a plane that's been hijacked. They fuck up in every possible way and the result is the death of a team member or two, and the plane crashing into the Brooklyn Bridge. Now, what makes this worse is that the air force could have shot it down over the ocean. But, this was a chance to show off the Seven... despite not training them in any way to handle a problem like this. Some moments of absurd humour, but mostly just pure fucking horror at how incompetent these guys are--and that a lot more people died because a corporation wanted to show off its superheroes. Hell, one moment of that "absurd humour" is a kid being sucked out the plane's door when Homelander opens it. It's supposed to be funny, but it's actually not, because that kid was so happy to see the superheroes--and he was their first victim. I know the whole "superheroes in the real world" thing doesn't impress many these days, but this issue manages to do that well. Really, how the hell would your average superhero know how to bring down a plane safely?

Cable #6

This was a good issue. Of course, most of it didn't actually involve Cable, rather focused on Cyclops and his dealing with sending Cable and the baby into the future. Michael Lacombe's art is very, very good. Swierczynski packs more content into this issue than the previous five combined. But, I'm done with the book. It's decent, but not worth buying every month anymore. Knowing my luck, things will turn around now, but I can't stick by it. Yes, the Cyclops stuff was good, but the little bits involving Cable were enough to remind me how little that's been working for me. The pacing has been slow and the story not nearly as interesting as it could be. Also, I can't fucking stand Ariel Olivetti's art anymore, which is a shame, because I used to be a big fan. But it's so over-the-top and fake looking in its faux-3d-CGI way that I can't be bothered. Six issues and the only one worthwhile didn't actually advance the story at all or really involve the main character.

Criminal #4

Well, we all know how well I pay attention. I didn't even connect the main character of this issue, Jacob to the counterfitter from previous stories until it was thrown right in my face. I read comics very well. Great stuff as always.

Crossed #0

Just a teaser or "prologue" for the main series. It's decent and has elements of the horrific. Since this deals with a small bit of what happened way back when it began, it's not nearly as fucked up as I imagine the rest of the story will be. Although, the genuine glee with which these people attack and kill people is a bit unnerving. I'm on board if only because it's Garth Ennis and Jacen Burrows.

Final Crisis #3 and Final Crisis: Director's Cut #1

Well, evil has won. Shit. I continue to enjoy the hell out of this crossover. Tim and I will discuss it in more detail in this week's Splash page.

Because I'm sucker, I bought the "director's cut" (ugh) of the first issue. It's only worth it if you're insanely neurotic and obsessive like me. The commentary isn't that spectacular, providing only a few choice bits of information. I haven't looked at the script yet. I do enjoy seeing the uncoloured art, though.

Glamourpuss #2

I got this two weeks ago and really could have wrote about it last week, but I don't have enough to say to devote an entire post to it. I'm continuing to enjoy it, although I'm not sure what to make about the anti-depressant stuff. Is it mocking the over-medication of people, or those who don't like medication? From what little I know of Sim, I'm guessing it's the former. The inclusion of different ads here is quite interesting. Not as much discussion about photorealistic art this time around, but what's there is good stuff. I'll continue to buy this book if only because there's nothing else like it out there and I want to see where it goes.

Hawkman Special #1

Apparently, Jim Starlin may head up a relaunch of a Hawkman title and this is a good start. It's rather metafictional, particularly in its references to the first Crisis and Infinite Crisis (the second by name no less). Part of streamlining the character has Starlin simply take the ancient Egyptian stuff and erase it--it was false memories implanted by someone for some purpose. Very mechanical, but still... why the hell not? A fairly decent story, although there isn't much there beyond the obvious intent of refocusing Hawkman for Starlin's purposes. But, there's also Starlin art... how I love it. Various tropes are here, including that "stone pathway in the middle of some weird dimension" that keeps popping up. You can turn to any page and know that Jim Starlin drew it. It's great.

Infinity, Inc. #12

What a shitty ending. "To be continued in October... in the pages of Terror Titans!" Fuck you, DC. Bad enough a genuinely interesting book has been cancelled, it can't end on its own terms? Can't let Peter Milligan give us a little bit of closure? Bullshit.

The Invincible Iron Man #4

Salvador Larocca's Reed Richards looks more like Johnny Storm. A breather issue. Some lovely character moments. And a supposed cliffhanger that would be much better had it not been explained to the reader earlier in the issue.

newuniversal: 1959

I'm not entirely sure that this comic was necessary. Its events were implied in the first mini-series and actually seeing them happen is... underwhelming. Kieron Gillen does a decent job, but... I just can't get too enthused about this book. Maybe if something new was given to make it worthwhile, but everything here was implied, basically. Still, I can't blame the ceators as they did as good as job as you'd expect on a completely unnecessary book. I really enjyed Greg Scott's art--it's done in a way that makes it all seem like a flashback. Slightly skewed, slightly off... like a memory. Just a little bit. Very nice. Really, this is a good comic, I just don't see the point. Unless you want to see Tony Stark get shot in the head.

Thor #10

I'm glad I stuck with this book. The first five or six issues weren't that great, but, since then, it's been an intriguing and captivating read. What exactly is Loki up to? Hell, the amount of silent panels Straczynski uses is wonderful--he doesn't need to give us the specific details of the ceremony, because it doesn't matter. An image is enough to do the job. It's obviously looking like things are pointing towards Thor and Baldur fighting over control of Asgard, but I suspect that since it's so obvious things will change. Note how surprised Loki looked when Thor said that crowning Baldur as a price of Asgard was to proceed...

And that's it for this week.

I Bought Comics: Fourth Week of July 2008

[In which I discuss the comics I paid legal tender for on this fine July Wednesday... I bought many comics with my legal tender... I also bought a coke slushy with legal tender... And I'm listening to a CD I bought earlier this year with legal tender... I like the term "legal tender" today...]

Oh, I haven't read Glamourpuss #2 yet. I began it, but it requires more attention than I feel like giving right now. Maybe I'll say a few words later this week or just jump it in with next week's books.

Gravel #3

...holy shit, I forgot this comic even existed. I missed it, because seeing how I buy Hellblazer in trades, having a monthly book (or something approximating one) that's devoted to magic is good. Particularly since William Gravel is a pretty unique figure within magic. In this issue, he continues to hunt down the Minor Seven and actually encounters one with some brains. Funny that. Normally, I like Oscar Jiminez's art, but his Gravel doesn't work for me. Too skinny, too ragged... Everything else he draws works for me; he just can't do the main character quite right. Jiminez's figures have always leaned towards the lanky side of things, so it's not surprising, but Gravel is a big guy who should scare you a bit with his size. He's a soldier and Jiminez draws him more like a Constantine. Ah well. I'm tempted to go back and reread the two-and-a-half issues that came before this one since it's been so long. Hopefully they'll get this book back on track since it's the closest thing Avatar has to a flagship book these days (well, one that someone may give a fuck about), which I find funny since Hellblazer is the spine of Vertigo (in my opinion, at least) and Avatar is a place that out Vertigos Vertigo (or seems to want to sometimes). A comparison between Constantine and Gravel would almost certainly point out many fundamental differences between Vertigo and Avatar. Someone up for that?

The Immortal Iron Fist #17

"New Iron Fist Creative Team Doesn't Suck!" the headlines read across the blogosphere... Not a bad start. Of course, not quite where the book was, but Duane Swierczynski does his best to continue the Fraction/Brubaker plots while also injecting his own stuff. Travel Foreman's art does little for me, but it doesn't interfere with the story, so that's a pass from me. I'm glad I didn't drop this book since Swierczynski's work here is better than it is on Cable. A lot happens in this issue compared to not much happening over with our mutant friend. I'm on board, boys.

Liberty Comics

Picked this up for three reasons:

1. New Boys story by Ennis and Robertson.

2. New Criminal story by Brubaker and Phillips.

3. Fantastic way of giving money to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.

There's a lot more here than the two stories I was interested in and most of them are decent. The Boys story is kind of funny as Hughie makes a sales pitch to all of the superhero fans out there--basically, donate money and your favourite heroes won't get fucked up by the Boys. It's a nice little joke.

The Criminal story does a good job of working within the context of that series and within the context of the overall book here. The message in most stories deal with freedom of speech and not being silenced by "authority." The Criminal story has Tracy Lawless visit a reporter and discuss what happens to reporters with integrity.

The other stuff here is decent, too. Some new work by Darwyn Cooke is always cool; I rather like Rick Veitch's Brat Pack pin-up--same with Arthur Adams's contribution. If you didn't buy this book, make sure to. It's easily worth the four bucks cover price.

The New Avengers #43

Insight into the ship full of "heroes" that are really Skrulls as "Captain America" dies. Whoo. Again, a whole issue given to this? It's not bad, it's just not great.

Omega the Unknown #10

The shop had a copy this week! YAY! An odd end to an odd series, but entirely appropriate. I always like it when the cover of a comic acts as the first panel, too. Am going to reread this series as a whole in the next week at some point. Really, it was good. The end here is chilling and depressing, in a way--but not, almost. I don't know.

Uncanny X-Men #500

Fraction joins Brubaker on the book here, so, what the fuck, let's check it out, shall we? Rather mediocre, really. Not bad, but nothing here that makes me want to buy another issue. The Magneto stuff wasn't too bad, but everything else was just too... I don't know... cutesy? This is a cute book. It's all "Things are so good that we're going to get pissed off about an art exhibit!" and shit. Really? We're at the point where it's the X-Men versus an art exhibit? Throw in art by artists whose work I don't like and... well, sorry, folks, but no.

Youngblood #4

Still not sure about this book. Casey seems to have a plan, particularly with how he moves the team away from its reality TV show here (leaving its new leader to fight the villains alone... ouch!), but... it's also kind of bland in how it does it all. There hasn't been any really insightful commentary on "superheroes as TV stars" nor any real drive towards rising above that beyond Shaft kind of telling them to. Maybe next issue will do it better since it looks like they're introducing a new Youngblood team and the return of Televillain... This book was supposed to reclaim Youngblood as the supposedly forward-thinking book it once was (and, if you look at the early stuff on a purely conceptual level, it was in its own way) and has yet to. And, like Gravel, it needs to get back on schedule.

That's it for this week.

I Bought Comics: Third Week of July 2008

[In which I review the comics I bought today. Normally, I review comics on Sundays, but I figured, what the hell, I'll review stuff the day I get it instead of waiting. Reviews are random, personal and nonsensical. Not to be taken too seriously.]

Goddamn shop didn't have any copies of Omega the Unknown #10. Why? WHY? And it was too hot for me to consider hitting the other shop in town on the off chance it would have a copy (unlikely at best). Dammit. Guess I'll have to wait until the next time I visit my parents to check the shops there. But, I did get many good comics, so let's get to those...

Captain America #40

What am I supposed to say about this book each month, really? It's quite good. It moves at a slow pace, but that works. This issue had a couple of big fights, including two Captains America--or, would that be "two Captain Americas"? Since I know it's "attornies general" or "surgeons general" or whatever when pluralised, so would it be "Captains America" or "Captain Americas"? Does it count as a proper name or an actual military designation?--both of which are not Steve Rogers despite one looking and sounding just like him. I'm a little slow on the uptake sometimes, but it did hit me that this series has really revolved around the concept of identity with the Red Skull taking over Lukin (kind of), Faustus messing around with people's heads, Bucky turning out to be a brainwashed Winter Soldier... is there anyone in this comic certain that they are who they think they are?

And I loved the end of this issue, because you just know the Red Skull wanted Sharon to have Rogers's kid so he could have a final victory over his arch-nemesis by raising the kid to be his successor... and look where Syn stabbed Sharon... oops.

But, yeah, good comic. I am looking forward to the day where I can spend a weekend rereading the entire epic story.

Charlatan Ball #2

I love books where Joe Casey can just do whatever he wants, because this man fails on epic levels sometimes. I'm not sure this book qualifies yet, but I do know that it's not working, partly because it has many Casey trappings. Oh look, there's a drug trip and a metafictional reference and a Kirby-esque artist and music lyrics and a cross between Silver Age and modern narration styles... It's already looking like a book that won't work... as it's not working now. It's too random and all over the place. It's entertaining, but lacks the focal point to pull it all together. Caesar the rabbit is the only character with... well, character. Chuck Amok is still a bit of a cypher--and a moronic one at that. I do admire Casey's "sink or swim" mentality regarding the storytelling, and Andy Suriano's art is decent enough, but... this book isn't doing it for me yet. Because I am a Casey fanatic, I'm sticking with it and hoping things will pick up. Even so, there is a lot here worth the cover price even if the book doesn't work.

Ghost Rider #25

Tan Eng Haut's art still doesn't wow me as much as Roland Boschi's did. Boschi's work was more gritty and rough, which suited the book more than Haut's slicker style. Not that Haut is that slick, just slicker than Boschi. I will admit that Haut's rendering of Ghost Rider's skull-face during the fight with the Deacon was well done. Very expressive. The rest of the issue, though... meh.

Jason Aaron's writing is still good. I'm still not sure I buy the whole "rogue angel trying to take over heaven" stuff--if only because the conception of "God" in this universe isn't defined enough for me. But then again, I also take terms like "omniscient" and "omnipotent" to mean that a rogue angel wouldn't be stupid enough to try to take on God and... well, God would know about it instantly. Hey, that's me. Thankfully, that element of the plot is not really important. All of the stuff involving Zadkiel is window dressing when you realise that this is just a straight-up revenge story. Johnny Blaze was fucked up by Zadkiel and wants to fuck him up in return. The rest doesn't really matter. Who cares why? I sure don't.

Mighty Avengers #16

While I enjoy that Bendis wants to go back and show us where Skrulls infiltrated Earth, using an entire issue to tell these stories is really fucking tedious. It's interesting to know that "Skrullektra's" death was planned and that she was who hired Electro to break into the Raft, but... yeah, an entire issue for that?

Scalped #19

This continues to be one of my favourite books as we begin a new story where Dash and Carol's relationship heats up some more. Aaron's writing on this book is rather compelling in its slow, methodical storytelling. He is taking his time to tell his story and that's one of the reasons I like this book so much. The plot is very important, but the emphasis is on the characters... and their actions dictate the plot. Honestly, I'm surprised this is a comic book and not an HBO series...

Davide Furno does art for this two-part story and his work is really good. His style is sketchy but still realistic--he gets across body language and facial expressions well.

One thing I'm confused about... how is this a horror book? It was nominated for some horror prize and I've seen it classified as horror elsewhere. I mean, sure, some horrific things happen, but I don't really see how this falls into the horror genre at all. Great that the book was nominated for an award--it should be nominated for many awards, but, really, it's a horror book?

War is Hell: The First Flight of the Phantom Eagle #5

This was a good series that I'm going to have to reread now that it's complete. We get a nice little journey of Karl Kaufmann from eager wannabe war hero to seasoned cynical veterin. Kind of typical of Ennis, but also more optimistic than some of his other work. Kaufmann doesn't "damn" himself, he just gets a lot of reality shoved into his face. Of course, there is the obligatory "World War I was a fucking horrific waste of life" scene... but it's obligatory for a reason. Howard Chaykin's work is decent--I particularly loved the way he depicted Kaufmann walking through no man's land. And, come on, the joke twist on the name "Phantom Eagle" was fantastic--who saw that coming?

That does it for this week. Tomorrow, more Wildcats Version 3.0 commentary.