Hey folks, Harry here with an assemblage of AICN sneak peeks and previews of Comics coming soon. There's a lot here, so let's get on with it...
Hi There. Andrew from GrayHaven Magazine here with another batch of reviews for you all. Before we get to those, though, ol Vroom Socko (vroomsocko@hotmail.com) wishes to offer up a few gift ideas for the comic book fan in your life.
Well, the Holiday season is upon us yet again. I've never understood that phrase, I mean, do people think that December 25th is simply going to stop showing up on the calendar some day? Anyway, for those of you still looking for that special little something for the comic book geek in the family, here are some small suggestions.
The Essential Conan
Written by Roy Thomas and illustrated by Barry Windsor-Smith
Published by Marvel Comics
With that ther' Lord of the Rings movie coming out, fantasy is going to be the 'in' thing. And for classic comic book fantasy, you need Barry Windsor-Smith. This collection of twenty-five issues of Conan the Barbarian at a rock bottom price is the best volume that the Essential line from Marvel has put out. There is majesty in this book, majesty and wonder.
Roy Thomas is no slouch either. It's no easy task to write an adaptation of another's work, but Thomas gives life to Robert E. Howard's Conan in a way not seen since. These are epic tales, and they need to be read by anyone and everyone who calls themselves a fan of fantasy writing.
Hectic Planet v.3: The Young and the Reckless.
Written and illustrated by Evan Dorkin
Published by Slave Labor Graphics
This is Hectic Planet at it's best; Halby and Blue just wandering around doing dumb guy stuff. Anyone who's a dumb guy, (and there are a bunch of us out there, right girls?) can relate to this sort of tale. Even with the Sci-Fi trappings, Evan Dorkin has written a story that is as true to life as any "normal" tale. Any twentyish guy in your life will enjoy this book.
All right, all right. The real reason I dig this book so much is because it also includes the first Dorkin comic I read, the comic that gave me my name. Vroom Socko: Paid in Full is nothing but four letter words and a body count in the triple digits, but it's fun dammit! That twentyish guy is gonna laugh his @$$ off when reading this part, so buy it for him, or I'll pay you a visit.
Box Office Poison
Written and illustrated by Alex Robinson
Published by Top Shelf Productions
This is the best comic I read all year.
What, you need more than that? Okay, fine.
The genius of this slice-of-life comic isn't in the ‘a to b to c’ narrative, although the plot is a great one. No, the brilliance is in all the small side stories, the one page gags…the little things. This is a comic that is all about little things. The tale of how Jane and Stephen first met, of Ed's birthday purchase of a rare Bantha toy, of the rise and fall of Golden Age creator Irving Flavor, these are some of the funniest, the most touching, the most true stories I've ever read in any form ever. This is a spendy book, but it's also roughly the size of a cinder block, and truth be told, I'd have been willing to pay more for it. When people ask me "Why do you read comics?" I show them Box Office Poison, then say "Why don't you?"
Neil Gaiman: Live at the Aladdin
Produced by the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund
Now, this one's a video, not a comic. However, it was made by the CBLDF, and the money from its sale goes to the fund, so I'm including it here. Besides, with the words 'Gaiman' and 'Aladdin' in the title, you know that there's magic in this tape.
Filmed in Portland, OR as part of the Last Angel tour, Live at the Aladdin is Neil Gaiman reading a few short stories and poems to a wild audience of fans. In fact, this reading is the first and only time Gaiman has ever done an encore. All of the stories read, including the classic short Chivalry, are the cream of the Gaiman crop. I'm telling you right now, if you've never heard Neil Gaiman read Being an Experiment Upon Strictly Scientific Lines (either live or on a recording,) then you aren't a true fan of his. I dare anyone to hear that story being read aloud and not collapse with laughter.
This is the one gift idea presented here that isn't picture perfect. The credits design and the music are cable access level stuff, and the fan interviews are rather embarrassing, (just what was that guy wearing the Spider Jerusalem sunglasses babbling about anyway?) Still, the play's the thing, or in this case the story, and any chance to hear Neil Gaiman is worth sitting through a few minutes of cheeze. Anyway, it's all for a good cause.
These are just a few ideas for what to get that comic fan in your life this season. Of course, this list is no good if you want to buy me something, since I own all of these items already. Anyway, here's hoping you all enjoy the rest of the year.
And now onto the reviews…
Eightball #22
Written and illustrated by Daniel Clowes
Published by Fantagraphics Books
Reviewed By Benjamin Birdie (benjaminbirdie@hotmail.com)
While Chris Ware received his many (eminently deserved) accolades from nearly every form of critical medium for his Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Man On Earth, another cartoonist also got a sweet deal with Pantheon Books to publish the collected edition of his most recent storyline. You didn't hear about David Boring on The Today Show, but if Ice Haven marks the start of a new ongoing storyline on the pages of Eightball, then mark my words, when Pantheon collects it, you'll be seeing Mr. Clowes' precocious mug in every Arts and Leisure Op Ed column on the Eastern Seaboard.
We all know Chris Ware's work, we all love it. We're all familiar with his penchant for old graphic pastiches and his weaving of logos and mastheads into the fabric of ongoing narratives. Clowes one-ups his Fantagraphics chum by telling a large interrelated tale through twenty-nine completely realized strips, none of them more than about four pages long. Each one with a different style, a different mood, a different focus, but all describing the same bucolically surreal town, Ice Haven, and its inhabitants' reactions to the disappearance of a local boy.
There's a deceptively simple exuberance on every page of this book, that's what's giving you that strange sensation along your spine as you read it. It's right on the second page that Clowes instantly subverts the paradigm that his first narrator, fat and unrequited poet Random Wilder (Clowes writes the greatest names in comics, a childhood of Fantastic Four and an adulthood of Nabokov making out in the back of his cerebellum), has tried so valiantly to uphold. He describes the origin of a local sculpture (little more than a beige lump), and then greets a preteen passerby. @#$% You, is the boy's instant response, and from that moment on, Ice Haven's veneer of politeness and erudition doesn't stand a chance.
Visually, this is Clowes' most dramatic leap forward. He has all of Ware's graphical ambition and just a bit more versatility and respect for mess. Each story has it's own color palate and even its own age. Certain stories, like Our Children, and Their Friends, look like they were torn from your Grandpa's old copy of The New York Observer, while Violet In Love is classic Clowes in every way. The fact that all these stories take place at the same time in the same place gives the proceedings a pretty indescribable uniqueness, a disjointment that any long time reader of Clowes' work will recognize from the angst and bewilderment of so many of raffish protagonists. It's now managed to crystallize in a small town fittingly named Ice Haven.
I don't know what computer program someone lent him to do the coloring in this book, God bless his or her generous soul. I'm pretty sure this is his first full color book and it adds a whole new layer of depth to his stories. The monochromatics of The True Story Of Leopold And Loeb and bright primaries of Seventeen push each other around in the hallways of this book and the conflict is, well, I don't know what it is. But I like it an awful lot. Mr. And Mrs. Ames is Dick Tracy, from the logo on, but it's really about a husband whose really, really frustrated. Those sorts of things happen all over this book, just as they have throughout every issue of Eightball to date. It looks like an old shoe advertisement, it reads like a promotional Flintstones comic page. So why are these characters so real? It's a question I asked myself reading Ghost World and remembering all the girls I'd met who cracked me up exactly the way Enid and Rebecca do. It's the same feeling I got when I met Julie Patheticstein on page 24.
It's really difficult to elucidate what it is that's so appealing concretely about Clowes' work, and he addresses this directly in the person of Harry Naybors: Comic Book Critic. During the interrogation by Mr. Ames about the disappearance, his very livelihood is offhandedly dismissed as Ames flips through his comic collection, never looking at Naybors once. It's not a mean spirited swipe. It's not an insult, just a casual query as to what the point of all of this is. I'm not really sure, Dan. I guess I just want to make sure that as many people read this book as humanly possible. As far as the sucky books go, well, I don't know about anyone else, but I just hate seeing such a fine medium treated like wrapping paper. Thanks for not being one of them, though.
Obscenely Recommended. 10/10
Hunter: The Age Of Magic #6
Written by Dylan Horrocks and illustrated by Richard Case
Published by DC/Vertigo
Reviewed by Elliot Kane
The Tim Hunter originally created by Neil Gaiman in the Books Of Magic mini-series was an eleven-year-old dark haired and bespectacled English schoolboy. The massive popularity of Harry Potter - a character created some years AFTER Tim - has caused a number of changes to be made to the character, not the least of which is that Tim has aged.
Timothy Hunter is still - potentially at least – the greatest mage in the DC universe, but he is now eighteen, and although he has a lot of learning and a lot of growing up still to do, he is far more at home with his power and who he is than ever before.
He can speak and understand all languages, but this is little more than a byproduct of what he is – The Merlin - an avatar of magic in the world of mortals.
Issue 6 brings the first story arc - 'The Lake Of Fire' - to a conclusion. Tim must confront the Red Man, who has been slaughtering the inhabitants of a small harmless fishing village on Gemworld and put a stop to the carnage. But the Red Man knows the word of power that brings death to any who hear it, and even Tim may not be immune...
Worse still, the Red Man may well be an old friend...
Tim's solution to the problem is both clever and unusual - both hallmarks of this excellent series. Tim himself is a believable character, and could well have stepped straight out of our world. Everything from his clothing to his taste in music helps to create the feeling that we could know Tim, or someone like him. Given the fantastical nature of his surroundings, and of Tim's own powers, this is a very nice touch.
The artwork is fairly good, but not exceptional. It conveys the right mood and tone for the story, but does little more than what is required of it. There are some nice touches - particularly in the scenes between Tim and the Red Man - but nothing that will leave you in awe.
This is a very good story, and very well told.
Overall: 9 / 10
Midnight Nation #9
Written by J. Michael Straczynski and illustrated byGary Frank
Published by Image Comics
Reviewed By: Vroom Socko (vroomsocko@hotmail.com)
IT'S BACK! NEW MIDNIGHT NATION! DAVID! LAUREL! THE WALKERS! MIDNIGHT NATION IS BACK! NEW ISSUE OF MIDNI-
Whoa. Sorry about that. It's just been too long since anything's come out from Joe's Comics. Other than Spider-Man, I've been without a JMS fix for months, and this return issue doesn't disappoint.
Issue #9 is heavy on the villainous exposition, with David and Laurel arriving in New York, only to be captured immediately captured by the Walkers. Their mysterious "Leader" offers David his soul back, but first he has to listen to a very long story about God.
I'm only going to say this once. J. Michael Straczynski is the best writer of comics out there right now. There are three issues left to this story, and I have no idea what the hell is going to happen next. The last three pages of this issue left me with a severe case of the WTF's. Anyone not involved with the production of this comic who claims to know how it's going to end is suffering from a severe chemical imbalance.
The story in this issue takes a decidedly dark turn, and the art turns right along with it. Frank and Sibal have always done a great job conveying the horror of David's situation, but this issue showcases their best work yet. Much of this issue had me genuinely terrified. If there is a flaw in their work, I can't find it.
No, I lie. There is one flaw to be found. With all the time that this cover has been sitting on the shelf, you'd think that the Empire State Building might have replaced the Trade Center. There is a note on the inside cover saying that the events herein take place before 9-11, but it's in rather fine print. Still, Midnight Nation is the best title available this week, bar none. I'm more anxious for the next issue than I am for Lord of the Rings. (Hey, there's only a one week wait for LOTR, I have to wait another month for #10.)
Overall: 10/10
Sojourn #6
Written byRon Marz and illustrated by Greg Land
Published by CrossGen
Reviewed by Elliot Kane
Sojourn is the only straight-out Sword & Sorcery epic that CrossGen are currently doing. It follows the adventures of main character Arwyn, her dog Kreeg and the one-eyed archer Gareth as they seek to reassemble an ancient artifact and liberate the Five Lands from the evil undead sorcerer Mordath.
Not that Arwyn originally intended any such quest. She wanted to kill Mordath in revenge for the brutal deaths of her husband and child at the hands of his trollish armies, and her initial plan only amounted to filling him full of arrows.
But how can you kill what does not live?
According to the mysterious sorceress Neven, only the legendary warrior Ayden, who rallied the Five Lands over three centuries ago and killed Mordath the first time can possibly defeat the undead horror that he has become. And the only way to summon Ayden - assuming he still lives - is by assembling the five pieces of the arrow with which he first slew Mordath...
The first six issues of Sojourn, taken as a whole, are basically a prologue for the main story, establishing the main characters and their motivations, and outlining the direction that the rest of the series will take.
Issue 6 represents a turning point for Arwyn and Gareth. They have been led by events up until now, but finally they have a chance to make their own decisions - to determine their own future. There are no real surprises or plot twists in this issue, but it builds solidly on the story that has gone before and nicely sets things up for the main story to begin.
The artwork in Sojourn is, quite frankly, breathtaking. No other ongoing series by any company has anything to match the work of Greg Land, and most don't even come close. Every detail is stunning, from the marvelous stonework to the little details on statues, to the stars in the night sky. Arwyn is easily the most beautiful woman in comics, whilst the trolls are creatures out of nightmare.
The story is a good and enjoyable read and the characterization is excellent - as I have come to expect from Ron Marz - but it is the sheer beauty of the art that will most attract new readers to this title.
Thoroughly recommended.
Overall: 9.5 / 10
Star Wars Tales #10
Writer(s): Garth Ennis, Mike Kennedy, Christian Read, Jason Hall, and Brett Matthews.
Artist(s): John McCrea, Jimmy Palmiotti, Francisco Ruiz Velasco, Chris Slane, Christian Chen, and Vatche Mavlian.
Published by Dark Horse Comics
Reviewed By: Vroom Socko (vroomsocko@hotmail.com)
Most of you are probably only going to get this issue for the Garth Ennis story, 'Trooper.' While that story in particular is excellent, there are some equally decent stories to be found further in.
'Trooper,' is probably the perfect Star Wars concept for Ennis; the life history of a Stormtrooper. Ennis is at his best when he's writing about psycho killing machines, and this is no exception. Here, the Stormtrooper is shown as the cannon fodder of the Empire. They are trained to ignore death in all its forms. This is the most harsh Star Wars comic I've seen in a great while, both in story and art. The image of Vader is all hard angles and blackness. Star Wars has never been this rugged.
'Trooper' is only 20 pages of a 64-page comic, so the rest of the book had better live up to the same standard. Of the other four stories, my favorites are 'Nameless' and 'A Wookiee Scorned.' 'Nameless,' the story of why Darth Maul had a double bladed lightsaber, is so-so plot-wise, but Chris Slane's art more than picks up the slack. Maul is a living shadow here, the personification of evil. 'A Wookiee Scorned,' set just after the Battle of Endor, tells of Chewbacca's jealousy over Han's relationship with Leia. This one is worth it just to see Chewie in a Kiss the Chef apron while calling Ewoks "Just Wookiees cut in half."
Star Wars Tales is some of the most fun a Star Wars Geek can have. Hopefully those of you just after the Ennis story will give the next issue a try.
Overall: 9/10.
Strangers In Paradise #45
Written and illustrated by Terry Moore
Published by Abstract Studios
Reviewed By: Drew Haverstock, queguapo1@aol.com
And the trilogy of possible endings is complete, with the melancholy yet definitely upbeat ending that most everyone could hope for. Where Terry will go next, Lord only knows.
Please note that this review is here because I didn’t throw the book in the toilet after Terry Moore introduced the idea that the story we’ve seen thus far has all been a documentary of sorts created by Katchoo and Francine’s offspring, with embellishments and such along the way. While I’ve NEVER been one who enjoyed the whole "that was just a dream – this is reality" concept, Terry doesn’t shy away from showing the reader how truly different this story could go without having us bat an eyelash.
The one thing I’m grateful for is the movement away from the over the top uber-government / shadow leaders idea, and returned to focusing on the characters at hand. David, who has been neglected to an extent over the past year or so, is back in the picture and given ample time in this story.
SIP fans are among the most rabid I’ve come upon, and I’ll end my review with this simple statement: after all that has taken place over the past four issues or so, I’m left feeling satisfied. Considering all that humps and bumps along the way, I don’t think that’s a small statement.
Now…how does Molly Lane fit into the picture? And while I can’t see the future, this just may be a fine place for new readers to jump onboard since Terry does work within the extended arc format. Who knows? All I can say is that I’m definitely on board for the ride.
Overall: 9/10
Tales From Shock City
Writer / Artist(s): Gilbert and Mario Hernandez
Published by Fantagraphics Books
Reviewed By: Drew Haverstock, queguapo1@aol.com
Tales from Shock City is the first Fantagraphics book that I’ve had the chance to read. And while I’ve read my share of "non-mainstream" books, I found myself compelled to read the book multiple times. Lo and behold, I have to say that upon each re-reading, I found a something new to like. Gilbert and Mario Hernandez do a great job of presenting some fairly complicated stories/concepts with rather uncomplicated artwork. The end result is a neat little mish-mosh of crime noir and futuristic weirdness.
Mario and Gilbert have an art style that is very similar in it’s lines to that of Mike Allred, stressing clean lines and moody shots that help the story along. Each story has a different cast of characters, but the City itself is what ties them all together. Occasionally I found things a bit difficult to follow due to the compressed style, but that happened few and far between. I was most impressed with the tale of two artists at the end of the book. The choice of words exchanged between the two lovers is fantastic, with the choice of following one’s muse –vs- devoting your life to another is tackled head on, with surprising results.
Just seeing this book on the stands, I can honestly say I would not have picked it up. The cover itself doesn’t do the book justice, IMHO, making it look somewhat campy rather than insightful.
I am very glad that it was forwarded my way for perusal though, because I can now pass on the word that this book is definitely worth your time and money. If the change is in your pocket, skip the coffee and pick up the book. You shouldn’t be disappointed.
Overall: 8/10
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