Thor The Mighty Avenger #1 – A Review

Thor The Mighty Avenger #1

Publisher Marvel

Writer Roger Langridge

Art Chris Samnee

Colors Matthew Wilson

Format 22 Pages of Story and Art

Price Point $2.99

I love when a book is exactly what I expected and even exceeds my expectations. Thor The Mighty Avenger #1 was a beautiful book.

This book hits all the right bases. Number one it does not have what I would call generic super hero artwork. Chris Samnee has a great touch to his style that I would call somewhere between Darwyn Cooke and Mike Mignola. It is a light lined work when needed, spots blacks well, it has great page designs and the book flows with the greatest of ease. Chris conveys the story so well that with his expressions and body language that the dialogue and captions are almost superfluous. The action scenes are great; the quiet moments work well all in all a fantastic job by the artist. I have enjoyed Chris work on The Mighty and Area 10, but this certainly ranks up there as some of his best work.

I would be remiss if I did not talk about the colorist because a botched coloring job can kill a book and considering this is a super hero title, colorist Matthew Wilson did a bang up job. He keeps a muted tone, but does not go too dark as to make this book into a noir style. All the bright super hero colors are here at times but toned down. His work enhances Chris’ work and allows it shine. Again I’m not a colorist and know little about the process, but muting the tones and still getting it right I would think would be hard. Allowing the artwork to show through is probably harder then covering artist’s mistakes. This collaboration worked to perfection.

The story itself by Roger Langridge was also a winner. For lack of a better characterization this is an indie version of Thor. It reads so well and conveys so much that it truly was a breath of fresh air for a super hero book. The story starts simply with Jane Foster awakening to a storm and looking out her window seeing a Rainbow Bridge. The next morning at her job at the museum she finds out she is being offered the job as a department head as the prior person just recently disappeared and he was an expert on Nordic history.

A man dressed as Thor shows up at the museum using a walking stick to pound on a display case. Jane runs out and helps to quiet what is assumed to be a bum. The guards escort him out of the museum. Later Jane encounters Thor again and helps him to the museum after he has fought Mr. Hyde at Volstaff’s bar. Thor breaks open an urn and is now in full Nordic god mode.
There is a lot more then this brief synopsis and there are tons of many too perfect coincidences that I’m sure will be explained as the series progress. In fact those little story elements appear to be planting seeds for what I hope is a long run for this series.

What this issue did perfectly was evoke the classic Thor from his early beginnings and yet maintain a modern tone. We are already invested in at least Jane Foster and Thor and have a passing interest in Jane’s ex-boy friend and Mr. Hyde. Another bonus, it was a new Marvel #1 for only $3 and since it is a new Thor and a new continuity we did not need 15 pages of eight point font type explaining the history of the character.

Overall Grade A – Thor The Mighty Avenger – A modern age intelligent classic the evokes all of the charm of the silver age.

IDW Preview Review for September Part 1 of 2

Lee: Doing Dark Horse and IDW on consecutive days is not good for DH. IDW seems to be what DH was 10 years ago with more cutting edge material and better reprints of old stuff. IDW really needs to slow down because they are killing me financially these days.
Jim: I agree, IDW wins right now in terms of pure graphic entertainment. Dark Horse has been moving towards being a producer of comics and other things. Both companies are very aware the direct market is no the place to grow your business.

5 Days to Die #1 – 5 by (W) Andy Schmidt (A) Chee
Ray Crisara, a tough cop who's survived a terrible car accident, discovers his wife is dead and his daughter is in critical condition. Believing this was a planned hit by the city's drug lord he's been pursuing, Ray's brain injury leaves him five days before he dies to either track the killer, or be there for his little girl. Ray's clock is ticking! $3.99
Lee: I like the idea of this series. Five issues, one week apart, telling a story that takes place over 5 days. This has the makings of a great series. But, I can’t decide if this is a good idea or just crazy. Why is IDW trying to get into the weekly book market?
Jim: I think they are only in the weekly book market for this book. In other words this idea has merit and to work effectively it has to be more immediate, so making it weekly adds excitement to it. I like the idea, Andy Schmidt is a good creative guy and Chee has been moving up in recognition of being a good artist. My biggest question on this book is how is IDW supporting the book to the direct market retailers? Ordering almost the entire run with no sales history is a tough road for many retailers. Also is this a test book for the digital market, like the old cliff hangers serials that ran in the movies back before even my time.

Amazing True Stories: Ellis Island Experience GN by Ginjer Clarke (w) Diego Jourdan and Gaston Souto (a) Jourdan (c)
Get ready for an amazing adventure as young Giorgio Casilli and his family set off on the journey of a lifetime: emigrating from Italy to America over 100 years ago! After a perilous crossing, the family faces separation and quarantine on Ellis before they can begin their new lives. This book is full of exciting, action-packed panels, fascinating facts, and everything you wanted to know about the history of Ellis Island and immigration to America. Special sidebars, a glossary, and thinking questions add to the appeal! $6.99
Lee: Honestly, this doesn’t really interest me but I can see it’s merit and I feel it’s worth mentioning. I think this is a great way to encourage kids to read and it will look great on the shelves of the local library. I do have to question the hype “action-packed panels.“ It’s hard to make standing in line to get into a country exciting. Trust me, I did it so I could move to France. It was neither exciting, nor action packed.
Jim: This book is a prime example of what I mean when I say IDW is looking outside the direct market for growth. They know this is not a comic store book, this is a school library or a young readers book in Barnes & Noble. The thinking questions just screams graphic school book. Heck if I was teaching young kids I would want to read this and see if I could use it for my class.

Archie: Best of Stan Goldberg Vol. 01 HC by Various (w) Stan Goldberg (a & c)
Reproduced from the original art to ensure the highest possible quality reproduction, the stories in this collection are from what is generally regarded as classic Archie artist Stan Goldberg's best periods. Each story was handpicked by Goldberg connoisseurs and has been re-colored to match the flavor of how it was originally published. Also features bonus pin-ups, photos and other material from Goldberg's own collection. $24.99
Lee: This is beyond even me. Goldberg started working with Archie comics in the 70’s and was the main Archie artist from 1990 until the mid-2000’s. That’s really a dead period of Archie for me. Archie in the 40’s & 50’s, heck yeah. Archie in the 60’s, why not. But after that, I’m pretty much done with Archie.
Jim: Archie hater! Actually I have little interest in Archie, but I'm sure this is a good book for fans of Stan's artwork.

Art of Jim Starlin: Life in Words & Pictures HC by Jim Starlin (w & a & c)
Desperado and IDW are proud to present a retrospective volume devoted to the career of one of the most popular comic book artists of the last 35 years, Jim Starlin. Covering everything from his humble beginnings to his rise as one of the industry's top creative talents, this book follows the journey of one of the industry's most fascinating talents. From Captain Marvel to Warlock to Dreadstar to Thanos, this oversized volume will have something for every fan of comic book history and art. $49.99
Lee: I really like the idea of this book but I’m not sure I’m ready to spend $50 on it: If I have an extra $50 then I need another Creepy/Eerie archive. I love this but the price point is brutal.
Jim: I agree for $30 I'm on this book like a plaintiff attorney on an injury claim, but for $50 I don't think so, if it had an original sketch in it, maybe.

Kodiak (One Shot) by Joe Hill & Jason Ciaramella (w) Nat Jones (a) Jones (c)
A young man is betrayed, and finds himself in a desperate battle of man versus beast. Is the love of a maiden enough to keep him alive? Co-writers Joe Hill and Jason Ciaramella, along with artist Nat Jones, weave a special tale filled with flame, fur, and ferocity in the upcoming one-shot, Kodiak. $3.99
Lee: I'm not completely sold on the premise but I loves me some Nat Jones art. Known mostly for his sword & sorcery stuff (Death Dealer), I'm looking forward to seeing how Jones does with more down to earth fare.
Jim: Heck Joe (Locke & Key) Hill is a co-writer and Nat Jones, pretty easy decision for me that I will be checking it this book out when it hits the stands.

...CONTINUED TOMORROW

Reading in France

One of the things we planned for in preparation for going to France was a lack of reading material. You see, the entire family reads, lots. Moving to middle of nowhere France presented a problem because we knew that we wouldn’t have access to English language books. Therefore, we brought a ton of books with us. If there was a spike in Amazon profits in the April-May time period, it’s because of my family.

I bought cool books related to comics like Already Dead by Charlie Huston (writer of Moon Knight) and Fevre Dream by George R.R. Martin (currently published by IDW). I also brought a great new vampire novel Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist. Then, of course, I completed the set with some post apocalyptic novels like The Sheep Look Up by John Brunner, Earth Abides by George R. Stewart, and A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr.

Even though I knew Let the Right One In and The Sheep Look Up were very, very good, I decided to start with Earth Abides. I chose it because it is considered one of the masterpieces of post apocalyptic fiction. Written in 1949, this is one of the grand daddy’s that kicked off a genre.

Unfortunately, it’s dull as dirt! I can’t tell you how much I hated typing that sentence. I wanted to love this book so much but 60 pages in and nothing has happened. Nothing! It’s not just the age of the book either because I’ve read lots of 1940’s – 50’s fiction and liked it. So far it’s a ‘last man alive on the road exploring bits and pieces of what’s left.’ I think the real problem is that the post apocalyptic since has gotten so much better. The ‘man is noble’ attitude Earth Abides of has been replaced by the Mohawk sporting nomads of Road Warrior. I’ll make to the end and let you know if it gets better but right now it’s a struggle.

Anyway, the book frustrated me so much that I started grousing. Much to Wife’s regret she asked what was wrong. I quickly explained the situation and then the trouble started.

Wife: I don’t know how you can read that stuff. If I read something like that I wouldn’t sleep for a week.
Lee: Think of it as research so that I can save the family when the end comes. I am going to be so full of post apocalyptic knowledge that comes zombie plague, vampire infestation, or even alien invader biowarfare, this family will survive.

Wife: You are kidding right?
Lee, quite indignant: No I’m not. I know useful stuff ya nay sayer.
Wife: Like?
Lee: Like you don’t near a highway during a zombie breakout. All the cars get gridlocked on the highway. Then the zombies show up and eat those on the road, while the remaining living people trap themselves in their cars. Once the people in the cars die they become zombies and voila Super Zombie highway. Always avoid highways.

Wife: Thanks. I’ll try to remember that when the zombies start coming around.
Lee: No worries Dear, I’ll save you. I’ll teach you the ways of the force.

Wife: You do realize that’s the wrong story.
Lee: You know what I mean! But, since I’m doing all the saving this means you’ll have to work too. Cooking for the family. Cleaning for the family. Performing wifely duties upon demand. You know, because I’ll be doing all the hard wor *YOW* why’d ya pinch me?

She never did say why she pinched me.

Dark Horse Preview Review for September

Jim: Wow, can’t believe we are in September solicitations already. I also can’t believe how little regular comics I get from Dark Horse anymore, but with the Creepy and Eerie Archives they get a fair share of my money.

Lee: It does seem like DH has slipped off the buying radar slightly. I still think they have lots to offer, but it appears to be more and more specialized.

BILLY THE KID’S OLD TIMEY ODDITIES AND THE GHASTLY FIEND OF LONDON #1 (of 4)
Eric Powell (W/A/Cover), Kyle Hotz (A/Cover), Dan Brown (C), and Dave Stewart (C)
On sale Sept 8FC, 32 pages, $3.99Miniseries
The world believes the notorious outlaw Billy the Kid was killed by Pat Garrett, but in reality the Kid is very much alive, the hired gun of Fineas Sproule’s traveling spectacle of biological curiosities—or “freaks,” as Billy calls them. In their latest adventure, Billy and crew confront their most vicious challenge yet: Jack the Ripper!In London to visit a true Elephant Man, Billy, Sproule, and the company learn about the Whitechapel murders and the fact that disfigured people are being blamed for the killings and targeted for mob justice. As the group applies themselves to the case, Sproule looks for information at every bar in the city, while Billy tags along to drink whisky and flirt with prostitutes at each one—which might be a better way to find the Ripper than he realizes.• Includes Goon backups by Eric Powell!
Jim: I read the first mini-series of this and it was okay, but it just never really caught fire with me, so while the creators are good, the material didn’t work for me.
Lee: Unfortunately I have to agree. I wanted so much to love the first series and it was just ok. I love Hotz’s pencils so I’m sure I’ll try it and hope for the best. But don't overlook the small print, Goon backups for each issue. That's always good news.

THE SAVAGE SWORD OF KULL VOLUME 1
Roy Thomas (W), Bernie Wrightson (A), Howard Chaykin (A), Barry Windsor-Smith (A), and others
On sale Nov 3, b&w, 375 pages, TPB, 7" x 10", $19.99
Dark Horse presents The Savage Sword of Kull, which is the first of a two-volume set that will collect all of the black-and-white Kull material printed by Marvel in the 1970s through the1990s! Industry heavyweights like Roy Thomas, Chuck Dixon, and Gerry Conway Barry Windsor-Smith, Bernie Wrightson, Marie and John Severin, and others to bring you some of the most exciting tales of fantastic battles and political intrigue ever committed to paper! This volume includes stories from Savage Tales #2, The Savage Sword of Conan #2, #3, #9, #23, #34, #42, #43, #55, and #119, Kull and the Barbarians #1, #2, and #3, The Savage Sword of Conan Annual #1, Marvel Preview #19, and Bizarre Adventures #26.
Jim: I swear everything is being reprinted lately. Not to say this is not some good sword and sorcery material it is just that the market is now glutted with it.
Lee: I want to agree that the market is swamped with material but I’m not sure the statement is true. Sure, there is lots out there these days but the things that interest me, like classic strip reprints don’t appeal to the younger set like Gwen and Greg. I think the problem is localized to older collectors like you and I that remember everything from the 70’s (or 50’s as the case may be) on. For collectors like us, it’s overwhelming because I want all the old material AND all the new material.

AMAZING SCREW-ON HEAD & OTHER CURIOUS OBJECTS HC
Mike Mignola (W/A/Cover), $17.99
Mike Mignola has deservedly become one of the biggest names in comics for his creation of Hellboy. But when Mignola needs a short break from the Hellboy universe, he turns to diversions such as The Amazing Screw-On Head, winner of the Eisner Award for Best Humor Publication! When Emperor Zombie threatens the safety of all life on earth, President Lincoln enlists the aid of a mechanical head. With the help of associates Mr. Groin (a faithful manservant) and Mr. Dog (a dog), Screw-On Head must brave ancient tombs, a Victorian flying apparatus, and demons from a dimension inside a turnip. This new collection of oddball Mignola creations also includes The Magician and the Snake, from Dark Horse Maverick: Happy Endings, and nearly fifty pages of brand-new material, all as weird and hilarious as the beloved Screw-On Head.
Lee: Sadly, I am unfamiliar with this material but I’m getting it. Over the years I’ve become a huge Hellboy & Mignola fan, so I’m always willing to read his material. Throw in a fancy hc and I am sold! An easy buy.
Jim: You won't regret it, the Amazing Screw-On Head was a lot of fun and very strange.

THE TERMINATOR: 1984 #1 (of 3)
Zack Whedon (W), Andy MacDonald (A), Dan Jackson (C), and Massimo Carnivale (Cover)
On sale Sept 29, FC, 40 pages, $3.50
After the shocking events he witnessed in humanity’s future, Kyle Reese has made the history-changing jump from the year 2029 to a world previously beyond his imagining—1984 Los Angeles. It’s a time before the war, before Skynet, but not without danger, as Kyle begins his mission to find and protect Sarah Connor from time-traveling T-800s. Close behind is Kyle’s friend Ben, with a crucial mission of his own. Hot off the critically-acclaimed Terminator: 2029, Zack Whedon and Andy MacDonald begin the next chapter of Kyle’s journey toward destiny in their gripping reimaging of James Cameron’s classic.
Jim: I know there are fan bases for various franchises, but I personally am done with the Terminator material. The original movie, the second movie and maybe the TV series were as much as I feel like investing in this franchise.
Lee: I agree, but DH has had success with the series in the past. I have the Omnibus of the early stories and I’ve enjoyed them. As for the new material, I can’t help but believe there is an audience for this somewhere.

B.P.R.D. Vol. 13: 1947 SC
Mike Mignola (W), Joshua Dysart (W), Gabriel Bá (A), Fábio Moon (A), and Dave Stewart (C)
FC, 160 pages TPB, 7 x 10, $17.99
After the discovery of a trainload of Nazi officers drained of blood, the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense learns that there are things far more ancient and dangerous than they could have imagined in this direct sequel to B.P.R.D.: 1946. Broom enlists an already damaged crew to lead an investigation that may be doomed before it can begin, climaxing in a witches' Sabbath, a vampire massacre, and an exorcism. The covers of all volumes of Mike Mignola's B.P.R. D. include the text From the pages of Hellboy above the title! Collects the five-issue miniseries, plus a short story from MySpace Dark Horse Presents. NOTE: Book contains swastikas.
Lee: This isn’t new but I picked for a couple of reasons: (1) the longevity of the series and (2) the inaccessibility of the series. The reasons seem counter intuitive but they really aren’t. BPRD has been around so long that I am intrigued. And, I’ve heard good things about the series which makes it even more appealing. But it’s already up to volume 13. I’m not sure I want to invest in 13 tpb’s at this point. As Jim said earlier, the market is flooded to an extent. I want it, but I’m not sure I want to invest in it. The saddest part, if DH started re-releasing these in more expensive hc’s…. I would buy every one.
Jim: A friend of mine gave me the first six or seven mini-series and I have been hooked ever since. BPRD is in some ways better then Hellboy.
Lee: Is it me, or is the fact that DH felt it necessary to warn the reader there were swastika’s in the book just silly. I already know the answer but I will ask anyway, are we so pathetically concerned about everyone’s feelings that we now have to warn about story elements?
Jim: That is just crap. I get tired of worrying about stuff like that, next they will warn us if a Confederate Flag is being shown, insane, history is history, don't try to change what was, change what is if you think it is wrong.

THE WEDNESDAY CONSPIRACY
Sergio Bleda (W/A)
On sale Nov 3, FC, 152 pages, TPB, 7" x 10", $19.99
Think you’ve got problems? Meet the patients in Dr. Burton’s Wednesday-afternoon support group. Violet carries a jar full of demons. Roger can read minds. Akiko talks with her dead parents through the bathroom mirror. Joe is an exorcist. Brian is pyrokinetic. And then, of course, there’s Charles.They’ve been thrown together by the luck of the draw, stuck with supernatural powers they don’t want and can’t control. But when something begins to pick them off one by one, the surviving members of the Wednesday Conspiracy find themselves the last, reluctant line of defense between the reincarnation of an ancient evil and the fate of the world.• Collected in English for the first time! Full-color painted art. Perfect for fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Umbrella Academy, or The Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service.
Jim: I’m going to have to see a preview or flip through this before committing to buying it. I’m totally unfamiliar with this creator and with no idea of their work I cannot not justify taking a flyer on it.
Lee: I don’t think you’re going to get a preview but from what I can see this is a winner. The examples of Bleda’s art on the web are impressive.

Link to Belda’s bio here and his blog here, which includes the steps of how he created the art. Wanna rethink the "I'm not gonna order comment?"

Motel Art Improvement Service HC
Jason Little (W/A)
FC. 208 pages HC, 9 x 6 ¾, $19.99
From Jason Little, author of the Ignatz Award-winning Shutterbug Follies, comes another exciting bubblegum noir graphic novel, originally serialized in the acclaimed webcomic Bee! Eighteen-year-old Bee has finally saved up enough to embark on her long-planned cross-country bicycle trip. However, she doesn't make it very far before disaster leaves her stranded at a motel. Her hormones surge when she meets a misunderstood young artist on a mission to upgrade the banal artwork that hangs on the walls of every motel room. Taking a job there as a housekeeper, Bee snoops around in the motel's dirty laundry and finds herself entangled in a scary drug deal gone dangerously wrong. Featuring gorgeous artwork balancing grit with cuteness, Motel Art Improvement Service explores crime, young love, and the purpose of art, in a story that's equal parts thrilling, funny, and sexy! You can visit Jason Little and read a 10 page preview here (http://www.beecomix.com/comics/index2.htm)
Lee: I remember when Shutterbug Follies came along but I was overwhelmed with the books I had so I passed. Not this time, the last book has great reviews and this looks to be more of the same. There previews on Little’s website really sold me.
Jim: Just does not appeal to me.

XERXES LITHOGRAPH
On sale October 2010
Frank Miller (A)
Regular-Edition Litho, 24" x 36", $25.00
Limited-Edition Litho, S/N, limited to 100 copies, $100.00
Comics icon Frank Miller, creator of Sin City and 300, presents a stunning new lithograph: Xerxes. This 24" x 36" collector-quality, fine-art piece is presented on acid-free paper with two special types of coating to enhance golds and background color, and offers a first look at the subject of Miller’s upcoming comics prequel to his record-breaking 300. Xerxes rose to power in fifth-century-BC Persia and became known as “The King of Kings,” eventually raising and leading a massive army intent on ruthlessly destroying the hated Greeks who killed his father. Xerxes seeks nothing less than to become a god himself—and achieves his wish! The litho is colored by Eisner Award–winning colorist Dave Stewart and is sold exclusively through Dark Horse Comics.• Also available in an ultra-limited edition of 100 signed and numbered copies, at $100.00 each, with a special certificate of authenticity. Orders may be allocated.• All lithos are packaged flat against backing board and shrink-wrapped in plastic.
Jim: Such an easy pass. I mean the best we have is one picture and the promise of a series sometime in the future. I get that Frank Miller is probably busy and has enough money, but he has had more projects in the works never seeing fruition then almost any other creator out there.
Lee: I’m passing because I don’t know what to do with this. If I was still in college it would look great in the dorm. Somehow it doesn’t translate as well near my dining room table.

Jim: Dark Horse is a mixed bag now and I’m not even sure they care that much about the direct market anymore. Looking at their product mix they are looking to more than comics to make their company strong, which is a smart thing to do.
Lee: I had low expectations so it was easy for DH to exceed them. But even with that, it looks like a good month for DH.

Greg's Best Graphic Novel of All Time

Jim recently challenged the writers of this blog to recommend the best “graphic stories you would use to give to a non comic fan to show them the best of our world.” This isn’t the easiest question to answer, and you’ll probably get a different response from every comic fan you ask. For me, this discussion has to begin and end with the best comic ever made – From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell.

Examining the Jack the Ripper murders that took place in 1888 London, this book is hardly covering new ground. What makes it unique is the comprehensive approach that Moore and Campbell take to the material, as well as the way they use it to examine the world the murders took place in and the world we live in today. Unlike virtually every other piece of fiction about Jack the Ripper (including this book’s terrible movie adaptation), this is not a whodunit. We know the identity of Jack the Ripper in the second chapter of this book and he is probably the closest thing this sprawling narrative has to a main character. From Hell is not concerned with WHO Jack the Ripper is, but WHY he’s doing it and the effect that those actions have on everyone else, including the reader.



Clocking in at 572 pages, From Hell is a sprawling narrative that covers everything from the class struggles of the Victorian era to the pagan history of London to the emerging social trends of the late 1880s. It is all painstakingly researched by Moore (there are over 50 pages of annotations by Moore at the back of the book detailing his research on every page, and shockingly enough, they are even interesting to read) and drawn in exacting detail by Eddie Campbell. Yet, despite spending entire chapters on things such as the showing secret history of London through a carriage ride or demonstrating the disparity between the lives of the upper class Jack the Ripper and one of the prostitutes he is hours away from murdering, it is always enthralling. Even the smallest details usually pay off in a satisfying way.

While the book is full of interesting digressions, its heart is the story of these horrifying murders and how these acts of violence gave birth to the 20th century, the most violent 100 years in the history of humanity. It is gruesome, but Moore’s story is a wonder to behold. Throughout his entire career, Alan Moore has been known as a writer capable of extraordinarily complex plots, but this has to be his masterwork by any standard. The way he constructs his story is like watching someone build a swiss watch. He creates extraordinarily detailed characters, builds on the history we have of this case to make his story stronger, and even weaves in obscure historical figures such as the Elephant Man to emphasize and strengthen his story. Every piece interlocks with the other as the story perfectly builds to its finale.



Moore has been roundly criticized for including many of his more eclectic interests, such as paganism and spirituality, into his works in a way that can feel exclusionary to those who don’t share those interests. Here, he does it in a way that feels very organic, contributing to the story, without overwhelming it or confusing the reader. It is an exceedingly complex piece of storytelling, but it is to Moore’s credit that it is always interesting.

From Hell would not be nearly the success it is without the work of Eddie Campbell. Campbell’s inky, black and white art is a perfect match for the moody subject matter of a story set in the slums of Victorian London, but it is always clear. He is also an exceptional storyteller and it is to his credit that his artwork helps drive Moore’s complex narrative forward without losing focus. His attention to detail is remarkable. It is perhaps best illustrated by the scene in which the final victim is murdered. Drawn according to the records and photographs of the scene that still exist, Campbell strove to be as accurate as possible. Halfway through drawing the scene, Campbell realized he had a body part placed on the wrong side of the room. So he drew an additional sequence in which Jack moves it to its proper place. This may seem gruesome, but I believe it illustrates the care and exceptional craftsmanship that went into producing this work.

From Hell is a challenging read. It is a complex story about an unpleasant subject. However, it is the finest graphic novel I have ever read. Even at its considerable length, it is a book that captivates you and is impossible to put down. If you are interested in what this medium is capable of, then you owe it to yourself to read this book.

The Week of June 30 In Review

Let’s jump right into it this week. Just be aware there is no order at this time. As I read if a book generates a reaction I will try to give my impressions.

Invincible #73 had the most jarring change of pace between issues that I have ever seen. We went from an all out battle issue in #72 to seeing Omni-Man and Oliver bond over months as Mark heals. That’s right months. Since we are staying in space what is happening with Eve and her pregnancy is unknown to us. I get the feeling when Mark gets home he will be a Daddy. All in all I’m just enjoying the heck out of this book. Often it is the best super hero book on the stands. It is everything that I loved from comics I grew up with, but done with a modern edge to it (you get blood and gore for one). The interpersonal stuff is just as important as the fights. Too often writers go too far to one side or the other but Kirkman has great balance on this book. It is just hard to not love this book.

Secret Avengers #2 was decent. I’m a little disappointed that Deodato needed help to finish issue #2. This is a disturbing trend that has been developing where artist are needing help to keep on deadline a lot earlier in the process, Birds of Prey had a problem with issue #2 and Captain America #607, the second issue of a new arc, has Guice as inker instead of pencils already. How hard is it to plan this out with writers and artists? I just don’t understand it and there is no communication between the companies and the readers explaining this stuff like they used to do in the old days. Anyway both Secret Avengers and Captain America are good stories and I like the direction on both books. The down side to Captain America is the Nomad back up is a waste and it is adding $1 to the price of the book. One more complaint Steve Rogers had to show up and save Bucky’s a** this issue and I was just starting to think of Bucky as Captain America, but he has been demoted to Bucky Cap again. Heck between Natasha and Steve helping him, Bucky looked like a poor example of a hero.

When I’m reading some books create strong reactions and some minor reactions and then others that maybe a good issue but generates no commentary. So some brief comments are for these books. Atomic Robo #4 was enjoyable, but I have found my fondness for this series fading. It needs a solid direction and a more consistent publishing schedule otherwise it may become a fond memory to me. Batman Beyond #1 felt like the cartoon, which I have barely watched. I don’t like the cartoon and therefore the series. Abe Sapien The Abyssal Plain #1 (of 2) was very enjoyable and was ruled by Peter Snejbjerg’s art. The more I see his work the more I want to see more of it, great stuff.

Madame Xanadu #24 was a very jarring (apparently my word of the week) issue. It took awhile for me to get used to the artist as Amy Reeder’s work is so gorgeous that I could not help but be disappointed in the artist for this story. As the story progressed and I grew used to the style and I found I enjoyed this issue a lot. The big problem is that it hardly starred Madame Xanadu at all. She is the character I want to read about, but I will trust Matt Wagner and see how the arc pulls together.

Green Lantern #55 made a comic with Lobo work for me and we got a bonus of the Red Lantern Cat’s origin. Now that we are deeper into this arc I’m really enjoying this story. After seeing so many artists not be able to do two issues in a row without help I’m amazed at how strong Doug Mahnke’s art is and pleased that this guy can produce a monthly book with no problem.

Action Comics #890 was an odd book. I believe Marc Guggenheim originally was doing this and then the edict came down that no one can use Superman but JMS and that frelled up the story, so Paul Cornell was tapped as writer. Paul has done work for Marvel to rave reviews and based on what I saw in this comic I can see why. How much of this was Paul and how much was plotted by Marc I have no clue, but I’m interested in a series about Lex Luthor, so good job by everyone.

Flash #3 has to be my favorite book of the week. We got a lot of action with Captain Boomerang and found out what had changed with him. Everyone who has come back from the dead has been altered in some way and Captain Boomerang can now created boomerangs out of black energy. We resolved Barry being accused of murder quickly and logically, we see Barry working on his side project with Iris’ help and we get plenty of Flash action. A great issue with strong art (although obviously shot from pencils) and we have a super hero that still has a secret identity. I have gone from dreading having Barry back to loving this series in 3 issues.

So from coming into a week thinking it would be mediocre I have to say that my opinion was changed into it being a decent week, not a great week, but a decent week and my jaded opinion of the cape stuff is being slowly modified.

Two WTFs and a Why Not - Or Vampires, Mutants, Walking Superman and the new Wotta Woman

Marvel and DC constantly release news about “major” changes and events going on in their books and try to tell us why they will be great, so I believe it is fair to form an opinion on material even without having a had a chance to actually see much or any of the actual material. I’m really just offering my early viewpoint on three concepts impacting major elements of DC and the MU.
Two truly sound like poor ideas and one sounds like it is at the very least a needed change.

Let’s start with the positive first. The do over of Wonder Woman is a great idea. Wonder Woman has been mired in boring for years. Heck even George Perez’s great work on the character in 1980’s never really saved her.

I have always felt that Wonder Woman has been approached with too much reverence for the character. Also I believe any love interest for Wonder Woman who is anything less than a formidable super hero in his own right becomes emasculated. Just look at Tom Trevor in her book and he comes off as less of a man then he does in his own mini-series that recently came out. For better or worse the fawning girl-friend still works better in a comic, then the fawning boy-friend because it is not a masculine trait.

The idea of JMS blowing up Wonder Woman’s origin and doing a radical change to her character is perhaps the only chance he has of making her relevant or at the very least salable. By creating an alternative timeline JMS carves out his own section of the DCU that he does not have to worry about continuity or any other issues. Any other books she is appearing in or other characters derived from her can continue on as they have yet to be or may never be affected by these changes.

In fact this storyline can go on for two or more years and then when Wonder Woman sets things right she can be the one who is impacted by the changes because she remembers her other life. Certainly this is a convention that would work in a comic book and has the charm of not invalidating all that went before, yet still giving us a brand new Wonder Woman.

This type of resets always occur in comics and of course some elements will have to be ignored and just carried forward with little mention. I’m specifically thinking of the poor convoluted Donna Troy character as well as Wonder Girl. DC can just move forward with those characters and if the changes in WW invalidate them somehow, just ignore it.

The bottom line is that based on the short prologue I saw of this I will be continuing with Wonder Woman and look forward to this series again and I was just about to drop it. Another fan I know of the book had dropped this book and is now willing to give it another look.

To all the naysayers about her costume change; your opinion only means something if you are buying the book. I’m willing to bet 90% of all the people bitching about her new costume never even read the magazine, so who cares what you think.

Onto the two ideas that I think are bad ideas.

The whole idea of Superman Grounded just sounds lame. Add into the idea that if you write a good letter that Superman will appear in your town makes it even worse.

I long for a Superman who has a life and adventures again. Kurt Busiek and Carlos Pacheo came closest recently to getting this right again. Johns and Frank were doing a great job with Superman in Action. Still no one has really crafted out a long term plan on where this character is going.

Who is Superman, who is Clark Kent, who is his supporting cast, what is his mission, who is his rogues gallery, what threat can scare him and make him sweat? Superman has not had a solid direction and a firm guiding hand for many years. John Byrne was the last creator to really have a grasp on the character and he did a reset of him to make him work. Johns has undone many of those changes and we had hints that his ship crashed on Earth in 1938 after the one year later jump. None of these continual inconsistencies and changes to his origin has really been addressed.

So instead of all of that we are getting Superman taking a spiritual journey across America to reconnect with the people on the ground. I get the idea, I just disagree this is the way to go. Superman can’t solve every single problem. Elliott Maggin years ago did a good one shot story that tried to address Superman trying to solve a famine or whatever. This is a comic book super hero, trying to anchor it to reality destroys what makes super heroes work. We have to accept that people still need to solve their problems and in super hero worlds the super powered people save us from super powered menaces.

JMS is a good writer and has good ideas, so maybe this will work, but I doubt it.

Finally we come to Marvel’s idea of mixing Vampires into the main MU and specifically with the X-Men. I think they should preemptively just say this is an alternate reality because what they have advertised will frell up the MU big time.(I have been watching Farscape again, so frell and dren are again part of my vocabulary). If, as they advertise, some of the mutants have been turned into vampires and if they have yet to resolve the 198 issue, then everything is really screwed up.

The frustration for me is that I was getting slightly interested in the Xverse again and this stuff is just turning me off. For whatever reason Marvel is giving this a big push as they are launching a new X-Men series and having all sorts of one-shots and mini-series built around this theme.

I know we have had Dracula, Werewolf by Night and other horror/supernatural elements always floating around, but adding a race of vampires is too much. Instead of generating excitement from me if this impacts the regular continuity like it looks like it will, then for me I’m walking away from the mutants yet again. Time to re-read my hardcover of Claremont/Byrne era and the Grant Morrison run, this stuff looks like total dren.

If this crap spreads out even further into the MU it could turn me off their entire line. I guess they are hoping the tweens and teens into Twilight will run and buy the comics, but I don't think it will work.

Seriously I know I’m not the target market anymore but you have to wonder how far out Marvel and DC is thinking with some of their choices. Wonder Woman is not the issue, because the book has nowhere to go but up. Superman and the X-Men are huge franchise characters that each company needs to maintain their market, if you frell one of these franchises it could be a big impact. Of course the magical reset button is always available.