Hey, everyone. "Moriarty" here with some Rumblings From The Lab.
And here’s today’s other major comics offering. Andrew and the guys over at Gray Haven Magazine have been enjoying a brief hiatus, and in that time, we’ve seen the creation of that “other” comics column. Well, Andrew kicks off today with a few choice words, and there’s no doubt the fur is gonna fly. Let’s dig right in...
Hi gang. Andrew from GrayHaven here with over a dozen new reviews for you (both regular and trade paperbacks). Before we begin, I have to address something right off the bat: This group calling themselves the ‘league of @$$holes. You’d think I could just let their appropriately titled name speak for itself, but apparently they seem to mention good ol GrayHaven as often as they misspell, curse or misunderstand stories in comic books. So, you see, I can’t just let my staff get criticized and ignore it, even though it is probably the most responsible way to go. I’ve been criticized by the best, and these guys don’t even register. But taking shots at the integrity, ethics and heart of my team…well, I won’t stand for that
I tried to give these folks the benefit of the doubt. I really did. I played along with their games and name calling and even plugged their column (while they were still thinking of being called the Screaming Retinas) to try and get some extra attention thrown their way. Don’t ever think I won’t admit my mistakes. Because giving my stamp of approval (on good faith alone) was about the dumbest thing I’ve ever done.
We’ll cut to the chase, the truth and the cold hard facts right now. The League is pretty much made up completely of castoffs and ‘never-were’s from GrayHaven. People that at the first sign of a critical or editorial comment, leave in a huff. Ironically, many of these individuals, who scream and whine at the first hint of someone offering them advice, claim that GHM is weak because we won’t do critical reviews.
This is a group that thinks they are in competition with us, and are happy to tell any of the two people who will listen. Competition? We worry about Comic Galaxy and The Fourth Rail and Ninthart. Sites with reviewers that have something to say. We don’t worry about you because we can’t take you seriously. The professionals don’t take you seriously. The retailers don’t take you seriously. Comic fans don’t take you seriously. You have the support of a tired few whose major life achievements consist of being able to write ‘First’ in a post or those who giggle like the immature brats they at the use of profanity in threats made in reviews. Mind you, all these threats and loud speeches and bellyaching they’re all coming from a group of people so insecure, so threatened by the outside world and reality and maturity that you seek to hide your identities behind ‘code names’.
This is a group, where one of the loudest ranters, Quiote, is a person who hated Captain America so much that he proceeded to buy the 2nd issue, which ‘Spoiler Warning’ he also hated. I am anxious to read his review of Cap #3, which will no doubt suck. These are the types of people that are recommending books to you. People who will scream about how awful something is, but then turn around and spend more money on another issue, while still insulting the creative team and commenting on how much better they could do it. I will award a free TPB to the first reader who counts the cheap shots at John Ney Rieber in Quiote’s next piece.
It’s often said that comic reviewers are made up of people that are not talented enough to actually work in the industry, so the rejected and disgruntled individuals spew their venom in reviews. The participants of the ‘League’ are exactly the type of reviewers that foster these stereotypes, only in this case, the individuals are either further down the rung.
League, you are a yeast infection on the industry.
As always, I will look forward to your Talkbacks, featuring the same 3 people with different screen names and fake email addresses, afraid to stand by their convictions (much like the League writers).
So scream and whine again (I will concede that in this area, you are indeed the experts) about how we’re kissing Marvel’s asses, or Crossgen’s, or DC’s, or Image’s, Oni’s, or whomever fits the bill for your argument at that particular time. Do whatever gets you to sleep through the day. Because you’re only hearing the sounds of your own voices. And remember, after the ranting and shouting, and pissing and moaning. You’re doing this ‘League’ for only one reason:
You weren’t good enough to be picked up us.
The Hood #1
Written by Brian K Vaughan and illustrated by Kyle Hotz
Published by Marvel/MAX Comics
Reviewed by Andrew Goletz
“Say another word…and I cut your f@(#ing face off”- Parker Robbins
The Hood brings us the first entirely new creation from the MAX line since Brian Michael Bendis launched Alias. It also mixes things up a bit by having making the protagonist a villain. Parker Robbins is not a nice guy. He’s a two-bit hood who pays for sex just so he doesn’t have to engage in small talk after the deed is done. He hangs out in seedy bars that cater to super villains and is always on the lookout for an easy score instead of trying to make an honest living. The only one he seems to have any feelings about at all is his mother.
This first issue is mostly set up and serves to introduce readers to Parker and the people around him. Parker’s motivation is established, and through the course of the story we’re introduced to a lot of the elements that are likely to encompass the rest of the series. There are a lot of things in this first issue that reminded me of Ultimate Spider-Man #1, although our main character in this case has no redeeming qualities like that of young Peter Parker.
Vaughan handles the first issue well. I’ve enjoyed his short arc on Batman (the Matches Malone story last year) and his Swamp Thing series, but this is all him and it shows. His dialogue is conversational and the words flow smoothly from page to page. Much like the writing of Brian Bendis or Greg Rucka, Vaughan is able to make things interesting not so much because of what his characters say, but how they say it. There’s a sort of poetic feel to the way this type of dialogue is rendered. I liked the meeting between Parker and his cousin that takes place in what is apparently a super villain hang out. I don’t know if this is supposed to be the Bar with No Name or not, which would be an incredible coincidence (and the third time the bar makes an appearance in the reviews this week), but it is a great scene. A very well known villain makes a cameo appearance, and though the character doesn’t do all that much, we see how Parker and his cousin react to him, which is quite interesting. The idea of there being these people who look up to super villains could make for some terrific moments down the line.
Kyle Hotz may get some well-deserved attention for this book, finally. I’ve always found his artistic style to be very unique and really liked the work he did on the Hulk a few years back, but he’s adapted his penciling a bit here and his artwork has never been better. His work seems to have grown from a Steve Skroce styling to something completely his own. He uses a lot of shadows here to convey the grim and moody tone of not only the main character, but of the story itself.
The Hood is a welcome new addition to the MAX line and nice departure from the typical superhero fare. I’m anxiously awaiting the rest of this story.
Overall: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
JSA #36
Written by David Goyer & Geoff Johns and Illustrated by Leonard Kirk
Published by DC Comics
Reviewed by Aaron “Vroom Socko” Button
One of the reasons I’ve been getting such a kick out of the current JSA storyline, “Stealing Thunder”, is the constantly shifting narration. With multi-part storylines, especially in a team book, character development can often take a back seat. Having a different character narrate each issue is a smart move.
This time out the narrator is Rick Tyler, the new Hourman, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters. His powers, compliments of his android predecessor, are different enough from the previous Hourmen, yet still are appropriate. His first ability, to see one hour into the future, has already been displayed. The beginning of this issue shows his second power; for a total of one hour, he can step outside of normal time and consult his father Rex, the original Hourman.
The rest of this issue is mainly one big fight between the JSA and the Ultra-Humanite. As superhero fights go, the actual brawl portion is rather standard. A big mess of heroes go in swinging, and most of them get knocked down a peg. What keeps this part from going into the toilet is the ongoing development of Jakeem Thunder. This storyline has been the finalization of Jakeem’s growth as a hero. I never liked “J.J.” Thunder when he was introduced during Grant Morrison’s run of JLA; he was a brash, annoying jackass who was ready and willing to abuse the Thunderbolt’s abilities. Now he’s beginning to develop a sense of maturity and responsibility in a way that is believable and entertaining at the same time, albeit not all the way there.
Speaking of the Captain, I hope he’s going to stick with the team for a while after “Stealing Thunder” ends. Not only does Leonard Kirk draw a great looking Marvel, but can you imagine what Geoff Johns would do with a team that had both Captain Marvel and Black Adam as members? Those two would go together like oil and matches. I, for one, would love to see this happen.
If you haven’t been reading JSA before now, you will want to pick up the past three issues before getting this one. It is not exactly an ideal jumping on point. However, it is a great storyline from the best team book currently available from DC. Hell, you can’t hate any storyline that features a prominent appearance from Black Lightning. I tell you, it’s just impossible.
Overall: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Lucifer #26
Written by Mike Carey and Illustrated by Peter Gross
Published by Vertigo
Reviewed by Elliot Kane
Lucifer lies comatose and close to death, unable to restore himself. His enemies draw ever closer to the place where his body is hidden, and Death of the Endless waits by his side, curious herself as to the outcome. Meanwhile, the Lilim plan to turn events to their own advantage, and Lucifer's only hopes of survival rest with teenaged archangel Elaine Belloc.
In this second part of the 'Purgatorio' story arc, Mike Carey continues to skillfully weave together all the plot threads that have been carefully worked into the entire run of this series so far to create a seamless tapestry. There are surprises and plot twists at every turn, and no real way of knowing what will happen next. The supporting cast are all compelling characters in their own right, each having their own motivations and reasons for doing the things they do. Elaine could probably support at least a mini-series of her own, and she is far from being alone in that. With this series, it’s time to acknowledge Carey as being certainly one of the best writers in comics today.
Peter Gross continues his excellent portrayal of not just the characters but also the often bizarre landscapes and creatures that inhabit the pages of Lucifer. He portrays emotion very well too, and the last page will tug at your heartstrings.
This continues to be one of the best titles on the market.
Overall: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Monsters in the Library
Written by Peter David and Illustrated by Nat Jones
Published by Chaos Comics
Reviewed by Christopher Hillman
I took one good look at The Haunted and had to have it. The cover drew me in like a magnet, with something simply lurking behind a woman. Doesn’t sound like much but believe me when I say it is. The cover is subtle but it makes you look and wonder. It only gets better when you open it up and take a look inside, because it has a bit of everything, with mystical powers, a government conspiracy, demons, and a seventeen year-old seventy-year old (if you can follow me with that).
I’ve never in my life read a book published by Chaos comics. I knew of them and their characters but never experienced them for myself. Because of this book, I might just have to change that. I read issue two of the haunted and wish I would have started with the first one but my local comic book shop didn’t have it. Lucky for me that issue two was enough.
A group of kids find out that their mothers were experimented on and because of that, they all have a different mystical power. They are helped by a mysterious seventeen year old that looks like he’s in his seventies. He clues them in to a secret organization called the Grey Cell. A man that hides his face with a mask, called Mr. Gray, leads the group with their ultimate agenda remains in the dark. They want the group of kids so they can use them for an unknown reason.
I found myself reading this book very fast so that I could get to the next scene, and very few books have that effect on me. This book flowed so well that I could hurry through it and still get the whole story. (Of course, when I was done I re-read it.)
Nat Jones does the pencil work for the book, reminding me of the semi-house style of Top Cow comics. Peter David is the creator of the series, and has done a wonderful job of creating a truly horrifying horror book. The Haunted combines both the mental and the visual into a dizzying and captivating storyline, and that’s why you gotta’ love this comic book.
Peter David really seems to key on the high school cliques, presenting us with a jock, the slut, the cheerleader, and the new-age girl. It’s cool to see how they all interact with each other, since none of it comes off as cliché. They’re not used to being out of their specific circles and this is all enhanced by the fact that they are all now seemingly bound by their gifts. Now they have no choice but to get along.
In the end, this will be a fun little book to follow. There’s a lot of room for growth in the story and characters all basted with an overwhelming eerie feeling, which I found works for me immensely.
Overall: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
New X-Men #126
Written by Grant Morrison and Illustrated by Frank Quietly
Published by Marvel Comics
Reviewed by Chaos McKenzie
Well you have to give him credit, for all of Morrison’s “I will rewrite X-history, however I see fit” ego, he really does try to make fans happy, old and new. The end to this arc is basically the tying up of loose ends. The core of the story would take eons to explain, so the bulk of this review goes out to those who have been following the book thus far.
The biggest thing going for this issue is the return of Frank Quietly’s artwork, an artist I was never much of a fan of. But thanks to the scramble of artists used to fill-in for him of lesser quality, Quietly’s return is nothing short of breathtaking. My only real criticism is that Quietly seems to like to draw Wolverine in the latest of leather daddy fashions, and I can’t help but wonder…why? That aside, Quietly’s skill for playing up shifty eyes, or striking a dramatic pose really does blow you away in this book. And you can’t help but love the guy for downplaying the infinite -- a brief appearance by the Phoenix signature done so nicely and yet reserved. Lord knows there are many other artists that might have demanded six pages of build up for a gatefold spread. Ugh.
As far as the story goes, I totally lost interest in the middle of the arc. With this last installment, Grant Morrison has me back with my butt stapled to the chair. Yet again Morrison doesn’t do anything new, but he does it with style and finesse, he layers insanity on top of each other instead of giving pauses and restarts, making for quite an exciting read. He moves from showing off just how much of a powerhouse Charles Xavier can be, to reminding those who have forgotten that Emma Frost was a master plotter for decades, to letting us know that even Beast can crack under pressure. And by using small things like a reference to Onslaught or calling Wolverine by his “real” real name, we learn that Morrison wants to play in the sand box just like everyone else, he just wasn’t too interested in making castles out of someone else’s plastic buckets.
Overall: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Powers 20
Written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Michael Avon Oeming
Published by Image Comics
Reviewed by Alan David Doane
I've said recently that I think Powers is one of the few titles that just gets better and better every month, and this issue's powerful, status quo-altering finale to the "supergroup" story-arc nicely proves my point.
For the past few issues, Bendis and Oeming's story of intrigue and betrayal among the members of a popular team of superheroes built up to an epic pitch, and this issue's resolution sees Christian Walker's life changed pretty substantially by what has happened. During this arc, he's witnessed multiple murders before his eyes, a terrifying battle in the streets of his city, and finally the death of someone who clearly meant a great deal to him. It's laid out for us here exactly what Zora was to Christian, but there are layers of meaning to Walker's words during his TV interview, and I suspect it'll be debated by readers for some time to come how much of what he said was truth, and how much was lies, and why exactly he told the lies he did.
For many months now we've seen Walker fight for what he believes is right, and here he's met with an obstacle he can't overcome: a conspiracy that would not be at all out of place on The X-Files. His solution is brilliant and sublime, a performance piece aimed at seeing justice done in more ways than one.
The final pages bring back a character from a previous arc, and it's a thrilling moment filled with portent when Triphammer walks onstage. Here's a character that was semingly created as a throwaway red herring in the first story of the series, and the impact he has when he approaches Walker at Zora's monument is stunning. I know Bendis and Oeming are busy guys right now, but I'm all for a Triphammer mini-series. Come on, guys, you know you want to.
There are also some light touches here that lend depth and scope to the story, especially a Siskel and Ebertesque movie review team's comments, which show that the ongoing events are having a very real impact on not only Walker but the world he lives in, too. The movie reviewers themselves have a compelling interplay that leads me to think Bends and Oeming could do an interesting series featuring their various reviews...well, maybe they better keep it to a one-shot. But it's an idea.
The art of Mike Avon Oeming deserves special note here, as he has really stretched his style over the course of the supergroup arc. Experimenting with a thinner and more detailed line, we really see this change payoff in the final scenes with Triphammer as Walker is shown by turns weary, defeated and finally determined to get on with his life, satisfied that he did what had to be done. It's a "Where do we go from here?" moment that certainly was in the script, but which has a special power generated by Oeming's dramatic staging. Colourist Pete Pantizis's subtle work blends seamlessly with Oeming's efforts, as always lending a nearly-inexplicable depth and humanity to what is simply two-dimensional cartooning, and yet is so much more.
This is a wild ride we've been on for 20 issues now (plus an annual, a 1/2 issue and a colouring book...and that Oni Colour Special story, too...can you tell I love Powers?), and it feels for all the world like Bendis and Oeming are just now getting into a groove. A maturing title managed with confidence and skill by a team of extremely talented creators, Powers is head and shoulders above its nearest competition on the racks as today's best monthly comic book
Overall: DON’T MISS
Savage Dragon #97
Written and Illustrated by Erik Larsen
Published by Image Comics
Reviewed by Aaron Weisbrod
Every time I tell my comic buddies how much I enjoy Savage Dragon, they look at me like I’m nuts.
It’s somewhat easy to understand, considering how the book started as a more “typical” Image book (i.e.: super-powers and gritty attitudes), but over its ten year run Savage Dragon has evolved into something much more entertaining: a fun, engaging, and unpredictable character-driven comic book yarn.
Admittedly, by the time the book reached its mid-70’s it was becoming a little bit too bogged-down in its own continuity, especially considering the manic “real-time” pace Larsen stuck to with the book (for the most part, a month of “comic book time” passed between every issue). Considering this, Larsen basically rebooted the book by having Dragon kill a time-traveling villain named Darklord, a man whom, unbeknownst to Dragon, was responsible for stopping the world from becoming a wasteland. One smashed head later Dragon found himself in on a completely new Earth—an Earth that fell into the hands of an ultra-powerful superhuman dictator named Cyberface. Cyberface didn’t take over in the Image universe due largely to the interference of Darklord… so, when Dragon killed the child-version of Darklord, he basically screwed all of mankind. Furthermore, Dragon is now only one with any memory of the world as he (and we) knew it. Damn. What a pisser.
Larsen used this new “Savage World” to kick-start a number of solo-issue adventures that have ranged from undersea kingdoms to giant bugs to a freak encounter with Mike Allred’s Madman; all the while maintaining a backdrop that combined the disorienting feel of George Orwell’s 1984 and the original “Planet of the Apes” movie series.
In Issue #97 Dragon has agreed to help a friend rescue her daughter from a pantheon of Gods who believe that, since the girl’s father was a god, she belongs with them. It’s a fun little romp in which Dragon both does and receives some butt-kicking, but the real crux of the issue comes through when Dragon, through the rescue mission, discovers a machine that will deliver him back to the “real” Image universe. The events in this issue are undoubtedly leading towards the “monster-sized” Issue #100, which Larsen is again hyping as a perfect “jumping on point” for new readers.
Savage Dragon has always been an incredibly fun book, and this especially holds true since the reboot. Readers looking for an exciting comic romp in the vein of X-Force or Hitman would be doing themselves a favor by picking-up Savage Dragon #97 (as well as the upcoming TPB that collects the first set of issues since Dragon’s arrival in the new “savage” world). After all, you don’t think this book hasn’t lasted 100 self-published issues because it sucks, do you?
Overall: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Spawn #116
Written by and Illustrated by Angel Medina
Published by Image Comics
Reviewed by Christopher Hillman
Did all of you comic people out there check out this issue of Spawn?
:::crickets chirping:::
This issue looks to be yet another lead in to another big event. Same old stuff right? I’m happy to say that the answer is “no”. Ever since Spawn killed Malebolgia, he has become more and more powerful. And now it seems as though he has become in many ways a god. Not even Cog has any idea that Spawn has full control over his power and his destiny.
With a meeting between Cog and Spawn, it reveals just what Spawn is capable of and what he plans to do with the world that he has claimed ownership with. With this new revelation, Cog desperately wants to help Spawn. But, as with any good story, someone else has plans of their own.
An old friend from the past is now an enemy and wants Spawn dead. And while this new enemy doesn’t seem like much of a challenge for Spawn, that’s why it’s so intriguing. By the end of the book it becomes quite what this character’s newfound position is in the Spawn-i-verse, and why he’s such a threat to our hero in shades of grey.
I love Spawn and I try to be objective when it comes to writing a review on these books but it’s really hard to do that when you enjoy a book as much as I enjoy Spawn. I am left feeling somewhat sad though, when it seems that this book ultimately portrays all sides as liars, and as a reader you’re left with nowhere left to turn but to Spawn’s side since it is his book. It seems to me that he’s become more like Malebolgia and that he’ll do more harm then good with his new plan. Cog has been slipping as a good character and I hope that he comes back as a guiding force in Spawn’s life.
One thing is certain however. The next couple of books are going to be a fun ride to take. Also, with Angel Medina drawing an old enemy of Spawn will be a nice bit of eye candy. This event promises to be one great brawl, and hopefully quite a bit more.
Overall: RECOMMENDED
X-Force 127
Written by Peter Milligan and Illustrated by Mike Allred
Published by Marvel Comics
Reviewed by Aaron Weisbrod
If someone would have approached me one year ago today and said “Hey, one year from now X-Force is going to be one of your favorite comic books,” I would have pimp-slapped them so hard their grandchildren would feel it. Damn Joe Quesada… bringing in such talented creators and editors.
Early in the current X-Force storyline the “specter of Death” (literally) visited the team’s three core members (The Orphan, The Anarchist, and U-Go Girl), and ever since then the team (as well as the readers) have been debating amongst themselves about who will be kicking the can by the end of the adventure.
With Issue #127, X-Force has found themselves aboard a space station that has supposedly been overrun by evil aliens. The public believes that the team is going in to dispose of the alien threat… but that’s not quite the truth.
In fact, it’s about as far from the truth as you can get.
The reality of the situation is that the “aliens” are really death row inmates from Texas who agreed to allow themselves to be mutated by the U.S. government. Not only is X-Force aware of this, but they are also supposed to “throw” the fight so the C.I.A. can come in and “rescue” them. Does this set-up sound a little fishy to you?
In this issue the plot continues to thicken as The Spike continues to wrestle with his conscious, The Anarchist shows his true colors, Dead Girl finds her purpose, and a team member receives a possibly fatal blow. Oh yeah, it’s also all but confirmed that either Guy, Tike, or Edie won’t be making it past the next issue.
John Cassaday (the artist of Planetary and Captain America) once said of the new X-Force: “…X-Force is not what super-heroes COULD be, it’s what they WOULD be.”
Considering the sheer humanity of the characters, the politics, and the high mortality rate, it’s pretty safe to say that he hit the nail right on the head.
Some people have complained about Allred’s static/cartoony artwork, or about how the constant threat of key characters dying makes the book somehow unworthy of buying. These complaints are, to quote today’s youth, “booty.” I was never a fan of Allred’s artwork before this book either (and I STILL can’t get into Madman), and the sense of REAL danger to the characters makes these very complex and human characters even more real. If you’ve been on the fence about whether or not to give X-Force a chance (or a second chance, for that matter), this issue is as good of a “jumping on” point as any… and there’s a pretty good chance that the issue won’t leave you disappointed.
Angry? Possibly. Anxious? Surely. Disappointed? I doubt it. This is one of the best titles to hit the market since Preacher.
Overall: DON’T MISS
Way Of The Rat #1
Written by Chuck Dixon and Illustrated by Jeff Johnson
Published by CrossGen
Reviewed by Elliot Kane
Boon Sai Hong – The Jade Rat – is a thief in the frontier city of Zhumar, far away from the capital of the nation of Shinacea. A skilled cat burglar, he lands himself in far more trouble than he has any hope of handling when he steals an old scroll and a ring which he cannot remove.
The ring is the Ring Of Staffs, an ancient artifact desired by Judge X'ain, appointed governor of the city, who will stop at nothing to get it, and by the warrior princess Zheng Wei, sworn enemy of the corrupt and evil judge.
Fortunately, as its name suggests the ring grants its wearer total mastery of the use of the bo staff, meaning that Boon can at least fight for his life. A very useful gift as it seems that everyone in the city – if not the whole empire and beyond - now wishes to kill him.
Chuck Dixon's writing places us straight into the middle of the action and just does not let up. We meet hero, heroines, villains and the talking monkey in a quick succession of events that follow each other at breakneck speed. Dixon shows us who all of these people are through their actions, allowing the story to develop unhindered by lengthy exposition.
As good as the story is however, without the right artist it would founder very quickly. There is a lot of martial arts action in Way Of The Rat, and a sense of motion is vital to carry the whole thing off.
Fortunately though, the artist in question – Jeff Johnson – is clearly a master. His fight scenes almost look as if they are moving images rather than pictures on a page, with the rather frenetic combat style of Boon himself being particularly impressive.
Nor is Johnson's art less impressive in other areas. His characters are all unique and distinct from each other, and his use of facial statement and body language is very good indeed. His cityscapes are superb, conveying a real sense of an enormous and ancient city.
If this issue has a fault, I cannot find it.
Overall: DON’T MISS
The Trade Paperbacks
Batman: Huntress: Cry For Blood TPB
Written by Greg Rucka and Illustrated by Rick Burchett
Published by DC Comics
Reviewed by Chaos McKenzie
So in retaliation to a very thin purchase this week at the comic shop, I’ve decided to pull out some books from my shelf that I had always wanted to read but for some reason hadn’t gotten around to it yet. One such book is Greg Rucka’s underrated story exploring the five “W”s of Batman family bad girl, the Huntress. Cry For Blood examines The Huntress from the beginning of her tortured family life, right up to her tough-girl present.
Often when pitching a mini-series to an editor in the world of comics the most common questions an editor will raise are: what does this story tell us about the character? How does this story change the character in ways we will care about them? Why is this story relevant to the character’s canon of lore? Those questions tend to end up answered in very broad strokes, subtle changes that oftentimes can require a psychology degree for a reader to pick up on. But with Cry For Blood, Rucka literally deconstructs, rebuilds, and adds to the mythos of one of Batman’s more complicated characters.
I, for one, have never really given the Huntress a chance, being a larger fan of pre-Crisis world Huntress who was the daughter of a married Selena Kyle and Bruce Wayne. This post crisis Huntress is completely foreign to me, and for that reason alone was this, an interesting story. Helena Bertinelli, The Huntress is the sole remaining descendant to a once powerful Gotham crime family. Rucka uses Cry For Blood for a chance to explore the world of organized crime and the complex family situations it creates for people. It’s kind of like The Sopranos in pen and ink.
It’s a really in-depth story, with many chapters, and it really doesn’t unfold the way you would expect as half the story isn’t spend dwelling in dark, gothic, noire style shadows of the Gotham underworld. The artwork to me seemed a little flat and geometric, but I found that I didn’t spend that much time really examining the layouts as the story carried me quickly through each page.
Overall: RECOMMENDED
Jack Staff: Yesterday’s Heroes TPB
Written and illustrated by Paul Grist
Published by Dancing Elephant Press
Reviewed by Alan David Doane
Because it's black and white, because it's British, because it's small press/alternative/independent, or a combination of all these and more, Jack Staff seems to fly beneath the radar of many comics readers (and reviewers), but hopefully this beautiful new collection will go some way toward solving that problem.
As you'll learn in this volume, Grist's writing and art reveal a major talent in the field, with a strong visual style reminiscent of such design-oriented greats as Alex Toth, Jaime Hernandez and Mike Mignola. Grist also shares a dry sense of humouor with Mignola, and now that I think of it, fans of Hellboy will most certainly want to give Jack Staff a try. It's not in any way a tribute/homage/ripoff, but the two (two of my favourite titles, it should be noted) share a definite point of view and sense of the absurd. A team-up between the two of them would be sublime and delicious, and hopefully Mike Mignola and Paul Grist are listening.
Grist has an affection for superhero comics, and the springboard for the story-arc collected here was a fondly-remembered Roger Stern/John Byrne Captain America story involving Baron Blood and Union Jack. In much the same way as Alan Moore did with Supreme, Grist rises above his inspiration, to create a gripping and unique tale of vampires, superheroics and journalism that is witty, spare and utterly delightful. "Becky Burdock, Girl Reporter" is typical of the way Grist takes a genre convention and twists it into a new shape that deconstructs both the character and the archetype in memorable and pleasing ways. It's a telling note on Grist's method and motives that Betsy gets a new title by the end of this initial storyline, and that the new status quo is not a temporary gag but a life-altering event that lends itself to dizzying storytelling possibilities. And he did it in the first four issues.
These, then, are serious events that affect our hero and his colleagues; Grist's sardonic wit and brilliant use of black ink to open up or confine space as needed to tell the story combine to make Jack Staff one of the most visually involving and striking titles ever. His visual style has been referred to as appearing "crude" "on the surface" by one online reviewer, but I don't see that at all. I see an elegant line on the surface that works in service to a startlingly mature sense of pacing and staging that draw the reader into the reality of the story in a way few comics are able to accomplish.
It seems like I don't read a whole lot of superhero comics these days, but Jack Staff is a title that shows there's life left in the genre, and if more kid's cape-fetish comics were this damned good, you can bet I'd be buying more of them. Brilliant fun, Jack Staff deserves wider attention as one of the landmarks of the artform.
Overall: DON’T MISS
The Metabarons Vol. 1: Path of The Warrior
Written by Alexandro Jodorowsky and Illustrated by Juan Gimenez
Published by Humanoids Publishing
Reviewed by Chaos McKenzie
It shall never cease to amaze me the infinitely superior quality of a European comic book to its North American counterparts. It doesn’t matter how many times you debate the subject, pull out all the evidence, the fact of the matter still remains that The Metabarons from Humanoids Publishing is a European version of the X-Men. What it shows, sadly, is that here more skill and attention to quality each month than any of the X-books have shown in years, revamp or not. My comic store doesn’t carry any of the Humanoids books on a regular schedule though they do their best to bring in a vast collection of the their highly impressive hardback graphic stories and trade paper back collections. And as my wallet has thinned, I’ve discovered a love with them that is becoming hard to shake.
The Metabarons is an extrapolation on a character born from the now legendary series “The Incal” by Jodorowsky and Moebius, detailing the epic origins of a warrior clan in a far-flung space adventure. The story is the type of thing I die for; it’s gargantuan in its scope and is breath taking in its imagery. Though it’s hard for me to deeply love a story revolving around a male protagonist, I found with The Metabarons that Jodorowsky weaves together a cast of many with strong and deep humanistic characterization that makes the story extremely enjoyable.
What weakens the tale in my opinion is the narration provided by two sassy robots with very tongue in cheek human characteristics, though fun in the first few chapters I found I grew tired with the narrators before the end of this volume. What I didn’t grow tired with are the complex characters, the exotic and surreal landscapes, and the real sense of “what’s going to happen next?” that hangs over each page. When all was said and done, I discovered that I devoured the entire volume during one sitting at my local laundry mat.
Moving onto the artwork, I found the visual clarity astounding, and the realism (which is so important to Sci-Fi epics such as these) that Gimenez creates here second to none. I recommend this book to anyone who feels a little insulted by their usual fair and just wants to taste something more epic than CGI clones with light sabers.
Overall: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
100 Bullets: First Shot, Last Call TPB
Written by Brian Azzarello and Illustrated by Eduardo Risso
Published by DC Comics: Vertigo
Reviewed by Chaos McKenzie
I really have no excuse for why it has taken me so long to read anything with the title 100 Bullets. Those who know me and my tastes well have told me more times than I can count that the stories found there are the kind of thing I search for. But still I never seemed to come around to reading it. It took the girls at the comic store almost four months for me to buy the trade paper back, and even then I only bought a copy when one came shipped in damaged with a mighty discount attached. It sat on my shelf for at least a month since then, until while dusting I discovered it sitting there and realized, “hey… I still haven’t read this yet.” I finished it in just under an hour, and suddenly grinned from ear to ear, realizing that being stubborn this time had really left me out of something incredible.
100 Bullets is an anthology styled tale, following a man named Agent Graves as he gives people an opportunity for revenge with an unmarked gun and 100 bullets. Murder without any consequences. I doubt there’s anything new I can say about this series, but I can’t help but point out how strongly Azzarello creates a fictional world interwoven within the often-bitter realities of the “real world”.
I especially loved seeing how the larger aspects of the story are left as only subtleties for the reader to pull out on their own and that the stories aren’t continuous remakes of the original. There is a spectrum of depth and conflict that evokes a supremely solid read, which was extremely enjoyable.
I may start listening to people more often… meh, maybe not.
Overall: DON’T MISS
Poison Elves: Requiem for an Elf (TPB)
Written an Illustrated by Drew Hayes
Published by Sirius/Mulehide
Reviewed by Mike Gagnon
This is the original series that introduced the elf Lusiphur Malache. Lusiphur is a hard drinking, hard fighting, badass mercenary elf. (He’s the good guy though.) Everyone seems to want to mess with Luse, settle an old score, or involve him in his or her diabolical plans. The story starts in the year 1513 on an alternate earth where elves, trolls, fairies, etc. are commonplace.
If you like your stuff dark and violent, this is the book for you. The first two chapters are very wordy, as they are written in novel form with the occasional illustration before you actually get into the comic. I believe creator Drew Hayes did this in order to fit things in and get readers up to speed as quickly as possible, because if he had to draw those two chapters they would have probably taken 10 issues in-and-of themselves.
The entire story starts off with the two-part epic that first introduces us to Luse. He’s just minding his own business, being a badass elf in a bar, when a local lady shows a liking to him. Unbeknownst to Luse his seducer is actually the daughter of a powerful sorcerer who needs the eye of an elf to raise a powerful and destructive demon from hell.
Oh Joy.
I won’t give it away, but in the following stories have Luse encountering a crazy old man who wants to slowly poison him to death, a purple clad homosexual vigilante, and much more. These stories are great and I love this fantasy world that Mr. Hayes has built. Don’t let this fool you though; there is a hilarious blend of humor throughout the entire series.
Drew Hayes’s art is very good. It fits the whole dark and gritty style perfectly. The art makes you believe that Luse really is a tortured, intimidating, vicious bugger who is always misunderstood.
Overall the book is well drawn and well written. It is one of the reasons that got me originally hooked on this series. If you can’t handle text, you won’t like the first two chapters. I admit even I almost didn’t make it through, but the amazing story and the comics that follow are well worth the time.
Overall: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Can’t find a comic store in your area?
Call the Comic Shop Locator Service: 888-266-4226
And Don’t Forget to Vote for this Year’s Griffin Award Nominees at www.grayhavenmagazine.com.
Not sure what Andrew’s talking about? Well, that’s because I forgot to post the last press release he sent me, which I’ll go ahead and attach below:
Andrew from GrayHaven here with the big Awards Announcement.
For as long as there has been a GrayHaven, there has been a Griffin Award for Excellence in Comics. The categories have expanded and been altered over the years, but the constant has always been a celebration of the best of what the comic industry has to offer.
As always, the nominees were selected from a combination of GHM staff picks and reader voting. The process for choosing a winner will be the same. Readers are entitled to vote once. The total reader votes will count as 50% of the overall votes with GHM staff picks making up the other 50%. The voting ends on June 30th, 2002, with the winners to be announced in Mid-July, so get your selections in now.
And don’t forget to check out our main site, as we’re giving away at least 2 Trade Paperbacks every day as part of our 11th Anniversary Celebration!
The 11th Annual GrayHaven Griffin Awards for Excellence in Comics
BEST NEW SERIES
Catwoman- DC Comics
Noble Causes- Image Comics
Pop Gun War- Absence of Ink Comic Press
Private Beach- Slave Labor Graphics
Transformers- Dreamwave
True Story, Swear to God- Clib’s Boy Comics
The Ultimates- Marvel Comics
BEST ONE SHOT/OGN
Couscous Express- AiTPlanet Lar
Dumped- Oni Press
Heroes- Marvel Comics
Hey, Wait- Fantagraphics Books
King David- DC Comics
911 Emergency Relief- Alternative Books
Oni Press Summer Special 2001- Oni Press
BEST LIMITED SERIES
Barry Ween: Monkey Tales- Oni Press
Hopeless Savages- Oni Press
Kissing Chaos- Oni Press
Magic Pickle- Oni Press
Slow News Day- Slave Labor Graphics
US War Machine- Marvel/MAX Comics
War Story- DC/Vertigo
CREATOR DESERVING OF WIDER RECOGNITION
Tom Beland- True Story, Swear to God
Karl Bollers- Muties
Arthur Dela Cruz- Kissing Chaos
Dean Haspiel- Opposable Thumbs, Muties
David Hahn-Private Beaches
Dylan Horrocks- Atlas, Hicksville
Mike Kunkel- Herobear and the Kid
BEST COVER ARTIST
Kaare Andrews- Amazing Spider-Man, Incredible Hulk
Brian Bolland- Flash
Tim Bradstreet- Hellblazer, Punisher
Dave Johnson- Detective Comics, 100 Bullets
David Mack- Alias
Phil Noto- Birds of Prey
Tim Sale- Daredevil: Yellow, Queen & Country
BEST STORYLINE
Anodyne: Catwoman 1-4- DC Comics
Coming Home: Amazing Spider-Man- 30-35- Marvel Comics
E is for Extinction: New X-Men 114-117- Marvel Comics
Lattter Days- Cerebus- Aardvark/Vanaheim
Operation Broken Ground: Queen & Country 1-4- Oni Press
Ruse 1-4- Crossgen Comics
Underboss: Daredevil- 26-31- Marvel Comics
BEST WRITER
Brian Michael Bendis- Daredevil, Elektra, Powers, Ultimate Spider-Man, Ultimate Marvel Team-Up
Ed Brubaker- Batman, Catwoman
Christopher Priest- Black Panther
Greg Rucka- Detective Comics, Elektra, Felon, Queen & Country
Dave Sim- Cerebus
Mark Waid- Ruse
Andi Watson- Slow News Day, Dumped
BEST ARTIST
Mark Bagley- Ultimate Spider-Man
Butch Guice- Ruse
Scott Kollins- The Flash
Greg Land- Sojourn
Alex Maleev- Daredevil
Michael Avon Oeming- Powers, Hammer of the Gods
Dave Sim/Gerhard- Cerebus
BEST SINGLE ISSUE
Daredevil #31- Marvel Comics
Eightball #22- Fantagraphics Books
100 Bullets #27- DC/Vertigo
Optic Nerve #8- Drawn & Quarterly
Spider-Man’s Tangled Web #4- Marvel Comics
Stray Bullets #23- El Capitan
Ultimate Spider-Man #13- Marvel Comics
BEST SERIES
Black Panther
Cerebus
Daredevil
Flash
Queen & Country
Ruse
Ultimate Spider-man
Thanks, Andrew. So there you go, AICN readers... comics for miles. Now it’s on to other topics, and you guys can battle it out in the TalkBacks...
"Moriarty" out.
