New Comics - April 26th

Here's another week passed already, and I still have one book left from last week that I haven't read yet. Well, two. Here's the other, but you don't really "read" it.

• Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide 36 (Gemstone) - This is indispensable for a comic nerd like me. It'll probably end up lying within arms reach of the desk I'm at with a highlighter for reference and notation. Nerdvana.
• Solo 10 (DC) - I heard this title is cancelled. I hope it's not true because I love to buy and read it, even when I'm not particularly fond of the featured artist. This month it's Damion Scott, who I was surprised to see with an issue, but thought it would be worth checking out. It's not very appealing to me at all. Much of the art is quite nice, but when it's not nice, it's almost unappealing. Mr Scott writes about a desire to bring "Hiphop" (sic) to comic art. It's not to my taste, and too frequently seems to be a pin-up approach to the storytelling that leaves it flat. Not enough variety or negative space to keep my attention.
• Wolverine 41 (Marvel) - I don't normally get this title anymore (I bought it through J.R. Jr.'s run), but this one-shot story caught my eye, and not being familiar with the artist - C.P. Smith (below) - it seemed like a good one to grab. It was a simple, interesting, straightforward story with art and storytelling that was quite appealing. You could occasionally tell the artist was covering up for his shortcomings, but he did it by designing very attractive panels, page after page.
• Tron 1 (Slave Labor) - I like the writers, Landry Walker and Eric Jones, and have since I first saw their Filthy Habits mini comic a decade ago and I think it's great that Disney has licensed titles to Slave Labor. I remember thinking this movie was cool when I saw it in the theatre, but the real reason I bought this title, I have to admit, was that it struck a nerve with the comics retailer inside me. It seems that most stores will underestimate long term demand for these books, and I wanted to speculate a little. I won't even bother reading this.
• The American Way 3 (DC/Wildstorm) - I am still reading this title, even though I didn't think it would make it into my stack again, but I'm glad I picked it up. I think John Ridley is hitting his stride and getting comfortable with the medium. I like the idea, and I enjoy super-hero titles that exist outside of the big "universes."
• Blue Beetle 2 (DC) - I don't have anything invested in this character. I didn't care that the 80's version died, and I didn't care that it's not that same character brought back to life in this title. This is a title I added based on the artist, Cully Hamner (right), who's one of my longtime favorites. The fact that Keith Giffen is sharing writing chores only solidified my purchase, as he tends to be very dependable when it comes to soap opera-like entertainment. So far it's holding my interest and this issue has a nice hook at the end to bring on the anticipation for the next issue. The real star here, though, is Mr Hamner's art and storytelling skill. His character designs are very attractive and effective. His storytelling is fluid and exciting, and his inking ties everything together beautifully. As long as he's on this title, so am I.
• New Avengers Annual 1 (Marvel) - I think that Brian Michael Bendis and artist Olivier Coipel match up quite nicely. Mr Bendis' penchant for talking heads filling up pages of Mametesque dialogue is supported very well by Mr Coipel's singular and nuanced rendering style. The artist blends an expressive naturalism in the expressions with an effective layout work on the action pages. The story here is fine, but the artwork brings it up to a high level of achievement.
• Paris 4 (Slave Labor) - I haven't read this final issue yet, but you can feel the love here, and this looks as good as ever. Just get it.
• Batman 652 (DC) - Still a great read, and still great to have James Robinson back in the pages of comics. A great build towards the Grant Morrison Batman that is arriving in June.
• X-Factor 6 (Marvel) - The art slips another notch this month as Ryan Sook's influence disappears more and new regular artist Dennis Calero is thrown under the bus deadline-wise. I can only assume that's what caused the slip this issue, that pressed for time, the art took the hit. I'm enjoying the storyline, and the slow build mystery regarding main character Layla Miller gets a few new answers and a few new questions. I'm hooked, and I hope Peter David continues to build his work back to previous heights.
• Cry Yourself To Sleep (Top Shelf) - A short story by Jeremy Tinder, with character designs reminiscent of early Craig Thompson and pacing that seems to hold a James Kochalka influence. Mr Tinder (right) makes them both his own, but reading his work for the first time, these connections come naturally, and not intended as a slam. My favorite thing about this book was the fact that it was unapologetic for being slight. It's a quick read, and the ending is somewhat underwhelming. A good start from someone I wasn't familiar with, and the sequence leading up to the title was done masterfully. It introduces all three main characters, then ties them and the title all together in a particularly effective method. A great use of layout and page design, not to mention the perfect pacing of the sequence.

That's it for this week, I'm tired and late enough as it is.

New Comics - April 19th - Part Three

Continued from yesterday...

• Justice 5 (DC) - This has nicer Alex Ross art than anything since Kingdom Come, mostly because he used Doug Braithwaite to pencil it, and their styles complement nicely. But overall, when reading it, I just think - meh, who cares.
• Spider-Woman: Origin 5 (Marvel) - Here's the final issue of a series, that just didn't get very far. I wanted more.
• Daughters of the Dragon 4 (Marvel) - This book is officially released next week, this is a preview copy. This title is quite encouraging for several reasons. One, Khari Evans (right) is exciting now, and if he grows like most series artists do, he will be a knockout eventually. I think that Palmiotti and Grey make a great writing team, but Palmiotti isn't able to do service to the pencils as an inker, they just don't mesh styles properly, and with the right inker, Mr Evans will be a superstar. Two, Marvel releasing a book like this is encouraging. Most new titles (Spider-Woman, Sentry, Nextwave, X-Factor, to name a few that I've bought) are linked to a popular series or creator. It's rare that titles like this are thrown into the fray based on what must have been a good story pitch. Or maybe, it's just handy having a good friend as Editor-In-Chief of the most popular publisher on the racks. Three, the title doesn't fit conveniently into the "superhero" genre. Yeah, they're superhero's, but the title feels more like a crime/mystery/detective/kung-fu title.
• Nextwave 4 (Marvel) - All right, here it goes, the blasphemy. This book doesn't have enough. It's not funny enough. The action isn't packed enough. The script isn't original enough. The story doesn't hook enough. The payoff isn't great enough. Stuart Immonen's near-perfect art isn't perfect enough to carry all the other shortcomings. I'm holding out hope that this title will live up to the hype, because it certainly has enough of that.
• Squadron Supreme 2 (Marvel) - Enough hook to the story to keep me reading, but I was hoping for a little subtext. I've never read the original, but it seems that Mr Straczynski is the type of writer who would be interested in adding a layer of metaphor to what is essentially a rewrite of hero archetypes. Oh well, at least the Gary Frank art is attractive and compelling.
• Wolverine Origins 1 (Marvel) - I have high hopes for this title. I'm a fan of the Danny Way/Steve Dillon team, as mentioned previously, and I think they can inject a bit of drama and suspense into a character that is always heavy on the action. And it seems that portraying badasses is the stock-in-trade of Way and Dillon, so here's hoping Wolverine is the beneficiary of this talent. I am still holding judgment after this first chapter though, as I need to see more. The one nitpick I have is that Dillon draws an oddly realistic Wolverine. This is his greatest skill as a storyteller. He avoids the unnecessary flourishes and portrays all his characters realistically, and maintains a tight rein on depicting their emotions accurately. This doesn't work with a character with such an extreme design as Wolverine has. He comes off looking a little odd in some panels because he's drawn so realistically. We'll see how this one plays out.
• Captain America 17 (Marvel) - Ed Brubaker knocks my socks off. This isn't even a particularly stellar issue, but he's got me so strapped in for the ride, that it becomes more than the sum of its parts. Mike Perkins always struck me as a journeyman. More talented than a hack, but not distinctive enough to be a star. This issue, however, shows some real spark and excitement, layout and rendering-wise. Again, more than the sum of its parts.
  
• Alter Ego 57 (TwoMorrows) - I know this isn't a comic, but I spend a great deal of time reading about comics every month, and this is an occasional title in my stack. I was slightly disappointed when I realized it consists mostly of a giant checklist of Timely/Marvel characters and titles, but it's so profusely illustrated and annotated that I'm going to enjoy it quite a bit.
• The Comics Journal 275 (Fantagraphics) - The best magazine about comics ever, and until Comic Art or Comic Book Artist can come out regularly enough to compete, it remains indispensable. This issue even got my wife interested thanks to the David B. interview.

Wow, that was a big week. And look at all the Marvel titles, what a nerd.
Well, actually, maybe the reason for the prevalence of Marvel is that when it comes to soap opera, no one does it better. And with DC I know I'll get a reasonably priced collection within a reasonable time frame. Let's face it, Y the Last Man is as good as any title I buy monthly, but I'm content to wait for the trades. With Marvel books, I seem to still get an adolescent joy in curling up the issues the day they come out.

New Comics - April 19th - Part Two

Continued from yesterday...

• Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis The Menace 1953-1954 (Fantagraphics) - There's no question that this is a fabulous series, worth buying every volume. There's no question that Mr Ketcham is a tremendous illustrator, one of the daily greats, even considering his various assistants. There's no question that I'm going to buy more of these volumes. The thing I want to point out to everyone, though, is the quality of the book design that Fantagraphics has achieved in the last couple of years. Jacob Covey has done a beautiful job on this title, surpassing Seth's design work on the Peanuts books, which are also quite attractive. His work on the line of pin-up girl books has been wonderful as well. I'm happy to see that Fantagraphics has signed on such a talented designer for these projects.
• Mom's Cancer (Image/Harry Abrams) - Artist/writer Brian Fies presents a perfect opportunity to talk about the misnomer webcomic. In my experience, the strips and stories that are given this designation are simply comic strips or stories in the comic format. They don't need the designation webcomic anymore than the rest of the comics need the designation paper comic. I'm sure there are creations out there that fit the bill of webcomic, but I'm not familiar with them. Achewood and Penny Arcade are comic strips. This comic is a comic. It doesn't even have computer lettering. I know I'm being nitpicky, but this is a blog, after all. That said, I look forward to reading this. The part of it I've read looked terrific, even if, like last week's Little Star, the story is somewhat relatable to my life.
• Simpsons Comics 116, 117 (Bongo) - I actually read this title every month. I've always been a fan of "funny" comics, and this title was consistently decent, which I consider high praise for a TV tie-in. And when this title was written by Ian Boothby (I haven't seen his name in the credits lately, but I hope he returns), it was actually quite good.
• Rich Johnston's Holed Up (Avatar) - I ordered this on relist, thinking I might as well contribute a couple bucks to the guys coffers, since I read his column every week (I don't really need to tell you about it, do I? I just assume that if you'll read a shitty little blog like this, I just assume you already read all the big names). I hope this title's funny as well.

To be continued...

New Comics - April 19th - Part One

I bought plenty this week, not all of it brand new, so I thought I'd cover it in installments. Here's the first batch.

• The New Avengers 18 (Marvel) - Bendis is on a roll in this new storyline, I just wish his back-up (read: artist Mike Deodato) was stronger. A satisfying chapter, if maybe a little drawn out, which lacks consistency in the illustrations. Character's features change a little too readily, mostly identifiable by their costumes or singular features (Tony Starks' mustache, the main villain's bald head, the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent who-I-don't-recognize's crop cut, etc.). Inking is inconsistent and frequently fails to delineate one character from the next, for example in the dining room scene with the Young Avengers. All of which is brought to the spotlight by the above average coloring skills of Dave Stewart. If Stewart wasn't so strong, you wouldn't know for sure who to blame. Anyway, like Ultimate Spider-Man, Bendis has a chance of losing my attention, but in this case it might not be his fault.
• Fury: Peacemaker 3 (Marvel) - Garth Ennis doing what Garth Ennis does best, an historically authentic (a far as my limited knowledge can tell) war title, masquerading as a Marvel hero book, by putting a "superhero" in the main role. This series seems to be a slow build, allowing for many characters to be defined before the machinations of plot really kick in, which they start to in this issue. The satisfying cliffhanger at the end just confirmed that I would follow this title to its conclusion. Artist Darick Robertson, who is very traditional - never forsaking storytelling for showing off - is also having trouble keeping consistent character design. I noticed this toward the beginning of his long run on Transmetropolitan, but here it's frustrating when most the characters are wearing some form of military uniform. Journeyman work, but it fills the needs of the title.

More tomorrow.

Manifesto (abridged)

I posted a link to this blog on The Comics Journal Message Board the other day, and one of the responses conjured this out of me, and I thought it appropriate to repost here:

That's why I do the "New Comics" list of what I buy each week. I thought it only fair to show that I'm hooked on comics enough to buy not only the Chris Ware, Sammy Harkham, and Jordan Crane books that come out (among others).

I also buy mainstream comics becuase I enjoy reading comics every week. I am admitting to the crap that I buy. And without irony. Many others can only admit that they bought a Marvel or DC book by dismissing it as they pay for it. I know, I've sold comics on and off for 15 years. I see what you buy.

I don't believe in guilty pleasures, I just believe in enjoying my entertainment, even if it is not held in critical regard, even by me.

New Comics - April 12th

Well, I'm particularly late with this update, it's been a busy week.

• Desolation Jones 6 (Vertigo) - Warren Ellis seems to follow a pretty tight formula for his most popular books. Transmetropolitan, Jack Cross, Fell, Scars, the Strange Killings/Strange Kisses books, and now this title all have a main character with basically the same personality. If you find that this personality is someone entertaining to read about, then this title is among the cream of the crop of the Warren Ellis books. Artist JH Williams III (right) and Ellis make a strong pair for this title. With just a little bit of mystical mumbo-jumbo mixed in with what is essentially a detective/spy concept, Williams III brings an edge of visual innovation to Ellis' strong plot sense. I'm enjoying the series quite a bit, and think that Ellis has an opportunity with him and his artist in place to build a great long form story.
• Warren Ellis Black Gas 2 (Avatar) - I don't even like slasher movies, but this slasher movie styled comic book is holding my attention. I hope the tease of big ideas will pay off.
  
• Ultimate Spider-Man 93 (Marvel) - I'm kind of going along for the ride with Bendis on this book lately, but he's close to losing my interest. After this many issues, I think there's a lot to be said for customer momentum.
• Green Arrow 61 (DC) - I enjoy this character enough to continue with this 1 Year Later storyline to see if it stays interesting. Everyone several pages in this story I see the strings with Winick's storytelling and it really pulls me out of the story. I'd like to see him push himself more often, as I think he has real talent to expand on.
• Batman Year 100 3 (DC) - I'm still waiting for the whole series to come out, but with one issue left, I doubt I'll make it. This has been taunting me from the nightstand for two months now and it's getting harder and harder to push it to the bottom of the pile. Now Paul Pope just has to live up to my expectations.
• Girls 12 (Image) - I think this is series is quite entertaining. I like the flow of the story. It could easily be told in half the issues, but I think the pace is working perfectly. The only problem now is that all the characters have been introduced fully and with my crappy memory I can't keep them apart from month to month. I hope the series holds my interest through a rereading when it's all collected, as I think the pace might really pay off in a long form book.
• Little Star (Oni Press) - It's mostly the fact that I have a four month old, but the premise of this book is of great appeal. Andi Watson has long been a favorite of mine, with entertaining stories and beautifully designed panels and pages with clean, attractive illustrations. I hope to do a lengthy reveiw after I've read it.
• The Tourist (Image) - Brian Wood was always off on the periphery of my awareness of comics writers. That was until Local, which I've enjoyed enough to pre-order this graphic novel sight unseen. Toby Cypress (right) art didn't hurt either. He's moved from a strong Ted McKeever influence through a Glenn Barr/Tony Salmons period into something exciting and unique. I'm looking forward to this book and to where Mr Cypress moves from here.

And the last two books are previews again, officially released next week.

• Bite Club Vampire Crime Unit 1 (Vertigo) - I quite enjoyed the first Bite Club series, and was happy to see there was a sequel in the works. It seems to be a departure in plot, moving from a Godfather pastiche to a riff on the ultra-popular police procedural that you see every night from the networks. The dialogue and script style has held to the tone of the first series, with plenty of clipped dialogue and black humor. I'm also glad to see the return of series artist David Hahn (below). I don't know where he was for the intervening ten years between his Slave Labor Graphics series Private Beach and this title, but I think he has made a triumphant return. This series' art is attractive and well-laid out.
• Daredevil 84 (Marvel) - The Brube continues to hit it out of the park. This series is a nearly perfect monthly book. Great story beats, great cliffhangers, and continuing to build on the work of those that came before. I look forward to a long, successful run for Mr Brubaker. I'll have to think of some more superlatives before the next issue.
  

New Comics - April 5th

Here we go...

• Superior Showcase (AdHouse Books) - One of my favorite publishers follows up the Project Superior anthology from last year with a new title featuring the same idea - non-superhero artists doing superhero stories. The three in this issue are entertaining, if they all beg for a little expansion, the main downfall of most anthology titles. But don't misunderstand, Chris Pitzer has his ear to the ground and is putting out some of the most forward thinking comics around. Design, storytelling, art, and great ideas.
• Marvel Team-Up (Marvel) - I have been enjoying this Kirkman storyline. I haven't read this yet, but it seems to be an interlude story that will tie in later to the story. If nothing else, Cory Walker's art looks great in this issue, a story set in the comics world of the mid-nineties Marvel landscape with characters like Cable and Wolverine, but done in a somewhat Mignola-ish style.
• Batman: Secrets (DC) - Sam Kieth can always be counted on to come up with a very personal and unique approach to these mainstream stalwarts. This series is no exception. I'm enjoying it quite a bit.
• Marvel Zombies (Marvel) - The final issue is a bit of a letdown, but there was so much build-up that I think anything would have been a letdown. Sorry if you haven't read it and would like to, but set your expectation low.
• Infinite Crisis (DC) - This series really highlights my comprehension deficiency. Am I the only one that can see a ton of gibberish.
• Ex Machina Vol 3: Fact v. Fiction (DC) - The new collection of a series that I only read in collections, not because it's not good, but because it is so good that I enjoy reading big chunks all at once. Brian K. Vaughn is a terror (and I mean that in the best possible way).
• Detective Comics (DC) - Basically ditto what I said about the last installment.
• Doc Samson (Marvel) - I haven't looked twice at this title (this is 4 of 5), but I picked this one up for the backup story with art by Frank Espinosa. This artist, most famous for Rocketo, is very entertaining, but is still getting his hold on panel-to-panel storytelling. Keep an eye open for him if you haven't already.
• Planetary (DC) - Haven't read it yet, but this series is the book that everyone is thinking of when they say that NextWave is the best thing on the racks.

And a couple books that I got the preview of:

• American Virgin (DC/Vertigo) - I like where this book started in the first issue, but hopefully it hasn't turned a corner into a straight genre piece. I look forward to more character driven material, like the first issue set me up for, and I expect Becky Cloonan's art to continue to improve. Nothing makes an artist get better than a monthly deadline.
  

And a book that was handed to me by the artist this week, and which will be available tomorrow at APECon.

• Hector Impala PV (self published) - Artist/writer Andrew Mitchell is an up-and-comer in the comics world. This is third self published title he's made available. I haven't read it yet (sorry Andy), but this looks to be right up my alley. In fact, I'm off to read it right now.
  

Fishscale by Ghostface Killah

This album just came out last week, and I'll bet I'm just preaching to the converted with this post, but I thought I should show respect. This is his sixth album, counting the 718 record, but not the Wu-Tang or greatest hits records, and for many people his return to form since Supreme Clientele. He says as much in the intro track. I didn't think that Pretty Toney was weak, I really enjoyed it, but I can see skipping over Bulletproof Wallets. In any event, after a few listens, I'm happy to say that this record will get plenty of play time in my CD player. The Wally Champ returns. If you need a tenuous connection to comics, don't forget that one of his many rap aliases is Tony Stark a.k.a. Iron Man. And if you talk to my wife tell her that Ghostface would be a great name for our second child.