KYE ep. 18: Daytripping

WHERE I talk about my indy read-fest from last month. Maus, Daytripper, lots of Jason Lutes and Adrian Tomine...and more.

Oh...and I forgot to mention Mr Wonderful by Dan Clowes. That was also an excellent read. :)

Running time: approx. 25 minutes
http://kirbyyourenthusiasm.libsyn.com/webpage/kye-ep-18-daytripping

COMICS READING FOR FEBRUARY: “It’s an indy kinda summer”

* NOW WITH STAR RATINGS (ala Wrestling Observer Newsletter PPV reports) *

HOW I RATE THE COMICS VIA THE ALAN MOORE SCALE

*****   Watchmen, Marvelman, V For Vendetta

****     From Hell, Supreme, Swamp Thing, Whatever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow?

***        League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (the first two series), Axel Pressbutton, Tom Strong

**           Promethea

*             LoEG: Century: 1969

DUD  (or lower)     anything he’s written for Avatar or any of the non-comics drivel he shits out on a regular basis

1. Jar Of Fools  by Jason Lutes (Faber & Faber, 2008) ****¼  

2.-9. Berlin Book One: City Of Stones by Jason Lutes (Drawn & Quarterly, 2001) ****½

- originally published in Berlin #1-8

10.-17. Berlin Book Two: City Of Smoke by Jason Lutes (Drawn & Quarterly, 2009) ****½

- originally published in Berlin #9-16

18. Shortcomings by Adrian Tomine (Faber & Faber, 2007) ****

19. Scrapbook: Uncollected Work: 1990-2004 by Adrian Tomine (Drawn & Quarterly, 2005) ****

20. Mister Wonderful by Daniel Clowes (Pantheon Books, 2011) ****

21. Maus: A Survivor’s Tale by Art Spiegelman (Penguin Books, 1986) *****

22. Maus II: And Here My Troubles Began (Pantheon, 1991) *****

23. Breakdowns: Portrait Of The Artist As A Young %@?*! (Viking, 2008) ***

- originally published as Breakdowns (Belier Press, 1977)

24.-33 Daytripper by Fábio Moon & Gabriel Bá (Vertigo, 2011) ****¼

- originally published in Daytripper #1-10 (Vertigo, 2010)

34. De:TALES by Fábio Moon & Gabriel Bá (Dark Horse, 2010) ***

35. Salem Brownstone: All Along The Watchtowers by John Hattis Dunning & Nikhil Singh (Walker Books, 2009) **

KYE, ep. 17: Who watches the Watchmen? Not Alan Moore

IN THIS jam-packed episode, I discuss the newly announced "Before Watchmen" project, review Sharon Lintz's Pornhounds 2 and look back at my best and worst comics of 2011.

Sites to check from today's podcast:
http://www.pornhounds.net/
http://www.comicbookresources.com
www.mycomics.com

Running time: 28:30
http://kirbyyourenthusiasm.libsyn.com/webpage/kye-ep-17-who-watches-the-watchmen-not-alan-moore

COMICS READING FOR DECEMBER: “Scooby snacks”

HOW I RATE THE COMICS VIA THE ALAN MOORE SCALE
*****   Watchmen, Marvelman, V For Vendetta
****     From Hell, Supreme, Swamp Thing, Whatever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow?
***        League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (the first two series), Axel Pressbutton, Tom Strong
**           Promethea
*             LoEG: Century: 1969
DUD  (or lower)     anything he’s written for Avatar or any of the non-comics drivel he shits out on a regular basis

1. Heart #3 (Image, 2012) ***½

Writer: Blair Butler/Artist: Kevin Mellon
Funnily enough, the one thing this comic lacks IS heart. The MMA lifestyle – especially on the lower levels of the sport – is intelligently conveyed, but I just don’t give a toss about the main character. The art is fine, and I think Blair is growing as a writer. Only one issue to go, so we’ll see how it ends.
2. Animal Man #5 (DC, 2012) ****
Writer: Jeff Lemire/Artists: Travel Foreman & Dan Green
Easily the best title being put out by DC right now and one of the only New 52 titles I’ll stick with after this first arc ends.
3. The Defenders #2 (Marvel, 2011) ***½
Writer: Matt Fraction/Artists: Terry & Rachel Dodson
Another great issue that gives a nod to The Defenders’ past and throws them slam-bang into the heart of modern Marvel. The universe is about to be destroyed again? A little ho-hum but I’ll stick with it ’cos I enjoy everything else about this series.
4. DC Comics Presents: Elseworlds 100-Page Spectacular one-shot (DC, 2012) ****
- originally published as Elseworlds 80-Page Giant (DC, 1999)
Writers/artists: various
Made notorious at the time when DC withdrew and pulped this issue due to a contentious Superbaby-in-the-microwave-oven story by Kyle Baker, the comic has been given new life in 2012 and I was blown away by it. The talent on show here is staggering: Baker, Paul Pope, Kieron Dwyer and Ty Templeton, to name a few. But it’s the lesser-known (to me) creators that produce some stand-out work. One favourite is “The Reaching Hand”, a Lovecraftian tale involving detectives Harvey Dent and Bruce Wayne tackling undead monsters Ralph Dibny and Jimmy Olsen, who have the ability to stretch their bodies (writer: D. Curtis Johnson/artist: Aaron Lopresti). Another is “Dark Night Of The Golden Kingdom”, a Dark Knight Returns/Kingdom Come pisstake starring a balding fat Superman and his sidekick Batman (writer: T. Robert Peyer/artist: Ariel Olivetti). This one-shot is definitely worth a look-see.
5. Green Lantern: Secret Files & Origins 2005 (DC, 2005) **¾ (all for Darwyn Cooke)
Writers/artists: various
Yep, bought it solely for the Cooke art.
6.-7. Frankenstein And The Creatures Of The Unknown #2-3 (DC, 2011) **¼
Writer: Jeff Lemire/Artist: Ibraim Roberson, Alex Massacci (#2); Andy Smith & Keith Champagne (#3)
Completely undone by the New 52 reboot. OK, I guess. Just redundant.
8. Frankenstein: Agent Of S.H.A.D.E. #4 (DC, 2011) ***½
Writer: Jeff Lemire/Artist: Alberto Ponticelli
JG Jones’ covers in this series are fricking awesome!
9.-13.  Gladstone’s School For World Conquerors #2-6 (Image, 2011) ***½
Writer: Mark Andrew Smith/Artist: Armand Villavert
10.-15. Locke & Key: Welcome To Lovecraft (IDW, 2008) ***½
- originally published in Locke & Key: Welcome To Lovecraft #1-6 (IDW, 2008)
Writer: Joe Hill/Artist: Gabriel Rodriguez
Did you know Joe Hill is Stephen King’s son? I didn’t.
Engaging series – makes me want to buy more.
16. The Guild: Zaboo (Dark Horse, 2012) ***½
Writers: Felicia Day & Sandeep Parikh/Artist: Becky Cloonan; Evan Dorkin with Sarah Dyer (cover)
17.-21. Mystery Men #1-5 (Marvel, 2011) ***
Writer: David Liss/Artist: Patrick Zircher
An interesting Marvel-take on the pulp characters of the 1930s. Nice Baron Zemo cameo, too. However, Liss thinks he’s way clever than he is with his story. Still, I liked Zircher’s art.
22.-27. Deadpool MAX: Nutjob (Marvel, 2011) ***¾
- originally published in Deadpool MAX #1-6 (Marvel, 2011)
Writer: David Lapham/Artist: Kyle Baker
A comic featuring a mutant who I don’t particularly care about, a writer who hasn’t impressed me greatly in the past, along with an artist who can be a tad hit’n’miss...but this title came highly recommended to me, so I bought the trade. And guess what? It’s pretty fucking cool. And violent. And sexy. And offensive. I need to get volume two now.
28. Superior #7 (Icon, 2011) ****
Writer: Mark Millar/Artist: Leinil Yu
A kick-ass ending to a great series. Millar smashed it out of the ballpark with this comic. Can’t wait to read his next few MillarWorld offerings.
29. Hotwire: Requiem For The Dead (Radical, 2009) ***½
Writers: Warren Ellis & Steve Pugh/Artist: Steve Pugh
I bought this one on a whim’cos it was cheap, but I really dug it. Ellis – with a little help from Pugh – is on song in this techno-punk tale of a ghost-hunting sexy detective (sounds clichéd, I know, but it isn’t). I’m digging up the other back issues now.
30. Wisdom #1 (Marvel, 2007) ***½
Writer: Paul Cornell/Artist: Trevor Hairsine
31. Catwoman #4 (DC, 2011) ***½
Writer: Judd Winick/Artist Guillem March
32.-33. Legion Of Monsters #3-4 (Marvel, 2011) ***¼
Writer: Dennis Hopeless/Artist; Juan Doe
Nice art but the storyline fell apart near the end. Still, I hope this leads to more series featuring these characters by this creative team.
34. Pornhounds #2 (indy, 2011) ****¼
Writer: Sharon Lintz/Artists: various
Check out my most recent podcast for my thoughts on this title.
35. The Defenders: Strange Heroes (Marvel, 2011) ****
Normally, handbooks are hit’n’miss, but I really enjoyed catching up on my favourite non-team and all the peripheral characters and events that have touched them since the 1970s. Lovely artwork, too.

36.-53. Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Season Eight #23-40 (Dark Horse, 2009-2011) **
Writers/Artists: various
54. BTVS: Season Eight: Willow (Dark Horse, 2009) **
Writer: Joss Whedon/Artists: Karl Moline & Andy Owens
55. BTVS: Season Eight: Tales Of The Vampires (Dark Horse, 2009) **
Writer: Becky Cloonan/Artist: Vasilis Lolos
56. BTVS: Season Eight: Riley (Dark Horse, 2010) *
Writer: Jane Espenson/Artist: Karl Moline
57.-61. BTVS: Season Nine #1-5 (Dark Horse, 2011-12) ****
Writers/Artists: various
62.-66. Angel & Faith #1-5 (Dark Horse, 2011) ****¼
Writer: Christos Gage/Artists: Rebekah Isaacs (#1-4), Phil Noto (#5)
Buffy Season 8 ended with a whimper, too long and too blah. Angel is the big bad...no, he isn’t...yes, he is. Xander gets creepy close with Dawn. Ozz is a Buddhist werewolf. Spike captains a ship full of bugs. Buffy’s a superhero. Blah. By the time Angel murdered Giles, I’d ceased to care. As had many long-suffering readers, I suspect.
The oneshots were equally dull.
Thankfully, Joss Whedon has taken heed of all the fan criticisms and complaints and rebooted Buffy Season Nine to the point that it’s a real joy to read...so far. Good old Buffy and Spike fighting vampires (or “zompires” as they are now with no magic in the world) and a bunch of people wanting to kill her – good stuff. A surprise, but even more enjoyable, is the oddball coupling of flawed vampire Angel and rogue Slayer Faith in their new series. This complementary series has been a real hoot courtesy of Gage’s...ahem, engaging writing. The idea of Angel seeking redemption by bringing Giles back to life is both perverted and sweet all at once. As is the idea of him having absorbed some of Giles’ essence (and quirky mannerisms). #5 was the absolute highlight – a single issue starring Harmony, now a superficial vampire Hollywood starlet. Let’s hope this upward swing in season nine continues.

COMICS READING FOR DECEMBER: “Bulletproof!”

* NOW WITH STAR RATINGS (ala Wrestling Observer Newsletter PPV reports) *

HOW I RATE THE COMICS VIA THE ALAN MOORE SCALE

*****   Watchmen, Marvelman, V For Vendetta
****     From Hell, Supreme, Swamp Thing, Whatever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow?
***        League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (the first two series), Axel Pressbutton, Tom Strong
**           Promethea
*             LoEG: Century: 1969
DUD  (or lower)     anything he’s written for Avatar or any of the non-comics drivel he shits out on a regular basis

1. Shame Itself #1 (Marvel, 2011) ***¼

Writers/artists: Various
Humour anthologies are always hit and miss but this one has its moments, particularly as the guest writers (including The Daily Show’s Wyatt Cenac) have such a great time skewering Marvel. Fear Itself gets a hammering but so do crossovers in general. Not the greatest mag ever, but one or two strips will make you smile. Which isn’t half-bad, really.
2. The Prowler In White Zombie #1 (Eclipse, 1988) DUD
Writer: Michael H. Price/Artist: Gerald Forton & Graham Nolan
You have to wonder where Eclipse went wrong in the 80s, but this piece of underwritten, shoddily drawn trash is a great place to start. It’s biggest crime is that this masked detective-meets-Bela Lugosi tale is utterly dull.
3.-7. Scarlet #1-5 (Icon, 2010-11) ****
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis/Artist: Alex Maleev
Ignore the scary politics of this tale of corruption, revenge and social revolution. Just enjoy the ride as Bendis does his best to make us not only care for his cop-killer anti-heroine, but also make us accomplices to her crimes. Ballsy stuff and Maleev’s art is sensational.
8.-13. The Bulletproof Coffin #1-6 (Image, 2010) ***½
Writer: David Hine/Artist: Shaky Kane
It wound up being way too meta for my tastes and the last issue kinda disappeared up its own arse, but I dug a lot of this retro/creepy/superhero spoof yarn. Kane’s art was very underground for a mainstream company, but  kinda dug it.
14. Miracleman #8 (Eclipse, 1986) *½
I got it to help complete my Miracleman collection. The issue loses a half star for cat yronwode’s arrogant attempt to insert herself into Alan Moore’s story. Still the Mick Anglo reprints are nice. The back-up preview of The New Wave is forgettable.  
15. Frankenstein And The Creatures Of The Unknown #1 (DC, 2011) ***
Writer: Jeff Lemire/Artist: Israim Roberson
16. Fear Book #1 (Eclipse, 1986) **½
Early reprints of Steve Bissette and Rick Veitch’s horror work.
17. Doktor Sleepless Manual (Avatar, 2008) *
Writer: Warren Ellis/Artist Ivan Rodriguez
Essentially worthless, but at least it saved me forking out bux for the full Doktor Sleepless series. Probably a low point in Ellis’s career.
18. Professor Om #1 (Innovation, 1990) –**
Writer/Artist: Paul Power
I hate to slag off an Aussie creator but this is the worst fucking drivel I’ve read in many years. Just horrible on so many levels. Bad dialogue, nonsensical plot, racist in parts and the art is inconsistent and, frankly, not very good. Add to it an out-of-date early 70s Aussie underground feel and this is just the shittiest thing I’ve ever had the misfortune of reading.
19.-20. Headlocked: The Tryout #2-3 (Markosia, 2008) ***
Writer: Michael Kingston/Artist: Randy Valiente
21. The Nobody by Jeff Lemire (Vertigo, 2009) ****¼
22.-26. Point Blank (Wildstorm, 2003) ****½
- originally published in Point Blank #1-5 (Wildstorm, 2002-03)
Writer: Ed Brubaker/Artists: Colin Wilson & Simon Bisley (covers)
A superb crime noir whodunit featuring superheroes. Grim as fuck – the only decent Grifter tale I’ve ever read, too. The ending is cruel but brilliant and leads beautifully into the excellent Sleeper series.
27. The Stuff Of Legend, Vol. 1: The Dark (Th3rd World Studios, 2010) ****
Writers: Mike Raicht & Brian Smith/Artist: Charles Paul Wilson III
The stuff of greatness. A scary bedtime story for adults. Loved this to death and I can’t wait to read Volume 2.
28. Nightcat (Marvel, 1991) –*
Writers: Jim Salicrup, Barry Dutter & Stan Lee/Artists; Denys Cowan & Jimmy Palmiotti, Joe Jusko (cover)
Superbly horrible. So bad in fact, I’m writing a feature on it for the first issue of my new zine ROGUE.
29. Moongirl #2 (Red 5 Comics, 2011) *½
Writers: Tony Trov & Johnny Zito/Artist: The Rahzzah
Pretentious name aside, The Rahzzah’s art is interesting but unsuited for a retro-style comic set in the 50s. The script is kinda confusing, too. Not sure whether this series is worth pursuing, frankly.
30.-31. OMAC #3-4 (DC, 2011) ***
Writer: Dan Didio/Artists: Keith Giffen & Scott Koblish
32.-35. Animal Man #1-4 (DC, 2011) ****
Writer: Jeff Lemire/Artists: Travel Foreman & Dan Green
Genuinely creepy stuff from Lemire. I like Travel’s art very much.
36-39. Sandman Mystery Theatre: The Tarantula (Vertigo, 1995) *½
- originally published  in Sandman Mystery Theatre #1-4 (Vertigo, 1993)
Write: Matt Wagner/Artist: Guy Davis
Considering how great I heard this title was, I found this first collection kinda dull. Unpleasant but dull. With mediocre artwork, to boot.
40. Frankenstein: Agent Of S.H.A.D.E. #3 (DC, 2011) ***¼
Writer: Jeff Lemire/Artist: Alberto Ponticelli
41. Suicide Girls #3 (IDW, 2011) **
Writers/artists: a committee
Lots of tits, so I can’t complain I guess. Cameron Stewart’s girly pin-ups are cool.
42.-43. Catwoman #2-3 (DC, 2011) ***¼
Writer: Judd Winick/Artist Guillem March
Came for the Bat-sex, stayed for the cool story and art.
44.-45. Annihilators: Earthfall (Marvel, 2011) ***¼
Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning/Artists: Tan Eng Huat & Andrew Hennessy
Ronan is badass.
46.-47. Superior #5-6 (Icon, 2011) ****
Writer: Mark Millar/Artist: Leinil Yu
Superhero comics with balls. I love this and I can’t wait to read the final chapter.
48. Superior: World Record Special #1 (Icon, 2011) ***¼
Writers/artists: various
49. Legion Of Monsters #2 (Marvel, 2011) ***½
Writer: Dennis Hopeless/Artist; Juan Doe
Better than DC’s version.
50. Jennifer Blood #6 (Dynamite, 2011) ***¾
Writer: Garth Ennis/Artist: Kewber Baal
A perfect ending to Ennis’s fantastical blood-soaked revenge tale.  And now that he’s quit the series, it’s the perfect jumping-off point for me.
51. Villains For Hire 0.1 (Marvel, 2011) **
Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning/Artist: Renato Arlem
52. Legion: Secret Origin #2 (DC, 2011) ***½
Writer: Paul Levitz/Artists: Chris Batista & Marc Deering
53. Star Trek/Legion Of Super-Heroes #2 (IDW/DC, 2011) ***
Writer: Chris Roberson/Artists: Jeffrey & Philip Moy
One for the geeks, I think. Still hasn’t grabbed me yet.
54. Mudman #1 (Image, 2011) ***
Writer/artist: Paul Grist
Promising start.
55.-56. Heart #1-2 (Image, 2011) ***
Writer: Blair Butler/Artist: Kevin Mellon
57.-58. Joe Palooka #1-2 (VJIB, 2011) **¾
Writers: Joe Antonacci & Mike Bullock/Artist: Fernando Peniche
To be honest, I preferred Heart over Joe Palooka. Both MMA-themed comics aren’t great, but I prefer Heart’s realism. Still, Antonacci’s enthusiasm is infectious (I interviewed him for UFC mag). I hope both titles succeed.
59. The Defenders #1 (Marvel, 2011) ***½
Writer: Matt Fraction/Artists: Terry & Rachel Dodson
Theeeeeeeey’re baaaaaaaaack! And I couldn’t be happier. And with Fraction at the helm, you know they’re gonna be major players in Marvel for the foreseeable future.
60.-61. The Shade #2-3 (DC, 2011) ***¼
Writer: James Robinson/Artist: Cully Hamner
This maxi-series feels like it’s treading water, possibly because it’s 12 issues long so Robinson appears to be doing a lot of padding out. Anyway, #2 saw Shade get better (despite having his head cut off the previous issue). #3 saw him travel to Australia – it’s always interesting to see Yanks try to “do” my country justice and, to his credit, Robinson almost succeeded (thankyou, Wikipedia). His two major flaws?  Calling the Northern Territory the “northern territories”. But most glaring of all? Making the NSW Chief of Police an Aborigine. Full marks for political correctness, son, but anyone who’s lived over here knows how racist the police are. As if an Aborigine would ever rise to the top of the police force in NSW. Hell, I can’t even recall ever seeing an Aboriginal policeman in Sydney, full stop. Anyway, apart from that, issue three was fine, but this storyline better start going somewhere fast.

Kirby Your Enthusiasm #16: "Two is better than none"

IT'S nearly the end of December so what better time to discuss what I read in November? So I talk about Asterix The Gaul, which I last read in the mid-70s. How does it stack up in 2011, nearly 50 years after it was first published?
Next, I discuss Super Giant Album #24, a blast from the past (1977 to be precise).
It's a fun 16:45 podcast, so please enjoy......and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! :)
http://kirbyyourenthusiasm.libsyn.com/webpage/kirby-your-enthusiasm-16-two-is-better-than-none-

COMICS READING FOR OCTOBER: “Where’s my no-prize?”

* NOW WITH STAR RATINGS (ala Wrestling Observer Newsletter PPV reports) *

HOW I RATE THE COMICS VIA THE ALAN MOORE SCALE

*****   Watchmen, Marvelman, V For Vendetta
****     From Hell, Supreme, Swamp Thing, Whatever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow?
***        League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (the first two series), Axel Pressbutton, Tom Strong
**           Promethea
*             LoEG: Century: 1969
DUD  (or lower)     anything he’s written for Avatar or any of the non-comics drivel he shits out on a regular basis

1. The Official Marvel No-Prize Book #1 (Marvel, 1982) ***

Writer: Jim Owsley & friends/Artist: Bob Camp, Vnce Colletta & friends
No-prizes always fascinated me – I heard they were actually empty envelopes sent to people who pinpointed mistakes in Marvel mags. Well, this one-shot bravely acknowledges some of the greatest errors in Marvel history (up to 1982). Peter “Palmer”, Betty “Brant”, Hercules dragging Manhattan Island around via a couple of chains and several major (and not-so-major) continuity cock-ups. Plus Captain America’s legendary cry, “Only one of us is gonna walk out of here under his own steam...and it won’t be me!” Hilarious stuff.
2. Marvel Fanfare #34 (Marvel, 1987) ***
Writer: Alan Zelenetz/Artist: Charles Vess/Portfolios: Charles Vess; Mike Mignola
I’m not a huge fan of Asgardian tales, but this whimsical tale of the Warriors Three is kinda okay. The main reason I picked it up was due to the lovely early Vess art (including a portfolio at the end of the story). Plus there’s a Mignola portfolio – again, it’s nice to see his pre-Hellboy work.
3. FCBD: Ultimate X-Men #1 (Marvel, 2003) ***½
- originally published as Ultimate X-Men #1 (Marvel, 2001)
Writer: Mark Millar/Artists: Adam Kubert & Art Thibert
I liked it enough to order the first volume.
4.-5. Fear Itself #4-5 (Marvel, 2011) ***
Writer: Matt Fraction/Artist: Stuart Immonen
Thor killing Thing was kinda cool (even if it only last six panels before Franklin Richards revived him).
6. Fear Itself: The Deep #2 (Marvel, 2011) ***
Writer: Cullen Bunn/Artists: Lee Garbett & David Meikis
I’m not entirely blown away by the story or art, but it’s just a precursor to getting The Defenders back together, so I’ m down with that. Red She-Hulk is kinda cool.
7.-8. Fear Itself: Deadpool #2-3 (Marvel, 2011) ***½
Writer: Christopher Hastings/Artists: Bong Dazo & Joe Pimentel
Seriously, the best Fear Itself title out there – just a fun, stupid read that mocks what’s going on in the “main” titles. A supervillain called The Walrus? Bizarro were-creatures about to descend on an isolated town (shades of 30 Days Of Night there)? Deadpool getting smushed repeatedly? Great fun.
9. The Vertigo Gallery #1 (Vertigo, 1995) ***
Poster books are comics too, dammit! Many of the Vertigo characters get nice one-page illos by the likes of Chris Weston (The Invisibles), Steve Dillon (Preacher), Alex Toth (Sandman Mystery Theatre), Geof Darrow (Shade, The Changing Man) and Swamp Thing (John Totleben).
10. Vertigo Jam: Louer Than Noise #1 (Vertigo, 1993) ***½
Writers: various/Artists: various
Short tales from the likes of Neil Gaiman, Garth Ennis, Steve Dillon, Jamie Delano, Peter Milligan, Michael Allred...you can’t go wrong, can you?
11. Vertigo Preview (Vertigo, 1992) ***
A nice taster of what was to come, including an exclusive Sandman tale written by Gaiman. Nice.
12. Young Heroes In Love #1 (DC, 1997) ***¼
Writer: Dan Raspler/Artists: Dev Madan & Keith Champagne
Here’s a lil’ sleeper. This title only ran for 18 issues, but I may have to pick them all up after reading this promising first instalment. Seven young superheroes gather together to form a new super-team – The Young Heroes – but something’s not quite right with team leader Hard Drive. Why is he using his telepathic powers to control his team mates, including convincing Bonfire to fall in love with Thunderhead? Only the Sub-Mariner-like Frostbite suspects something is amiss. Hmmm...I’m intrigued to see where this series went – it seemed quite lighthearted and goofy for much of the first issue, then took a dark turn in the last few pages. I will have to investigate.  
13. Angel Stomp Future #1 (Avatar/Apparat, 2004) ***¼
Writer: Warren Ellis/Artist: Juan Jose Ryp
Ellis writes weirdness for weirdness’ sake sometimes. This bizarre one-shot about a future doctor who looks like a SuicideGirl would have felt at home in an early issue of Metal Hurlant. It’s the future...a future filled with anti-space exploration suicide cults, memes as human viruses, mad doctors in hotpants, extreme medical procedures and sexual horror. Oh...and the shittest old gag of all time thrown in for good measure. It’s entertaining, but you have to wonder why Ellis bothered. Just for the sheer hell of it, I guess. Ryp’s art is a sick joy, as usual.
14. Vescell #2 (Image, 2011) **
Writer: Enrique Carrion/Artist: John Upchurch
Upchurch draws nice plump chicks, but that’s not enough for me to stick with this confusing sci-fi/religious-themed yarn.
15. OMAC #2 (DC, 2011) ***¼
Writer: Dan DiDio/Artists: Keith Giffen & Scott Koblish
Continues to be fun and with the introduction of Maxwell Lord and Checkmate, this series grows more interesting. I look forward to #3.
16. The Shade #1 (DC, 2011) ***½
Writer: James Robinson/Artist: Cully Hamner
Not sure if this is a part of the New 52 Universe or a stand-alone maxiseries but, as a fan of Robinson’s Starman, I dug this first ish. Of course, I’m not sure where we go after the rather shocking (and graphic) ending but I’m sure we’ll find out next issue.
17.-18. Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. (DC, 2011) ***¼
Writer: Jeff Lemire/Artist: Alberto Ponticelli
19. Legion Of Monsters #1 (Marvel, 2011) ***¾
Writer: Dennis Hopeless/Artist: Juan Doe
These are the two big companies’ new monster titles and they stack up pretty nicely next to each other. However, I’ll give the nod to Marvel as LOM is just way more fun (and I’m a sucker for Elsa Bloodstone).

20. Perry – Unser Mann Im All #131 (A Farm, 2006) UNRATED
Writers: Kai Hirdt & Karl Nagl/Artists: Vincent Brumeister & Simone Kesterton
21. Mona (???, 1996) UNRATED
Writer: ??/Artist: Jule Jensen
A GERMAN friend sent me these two adult comics, which I could only look at as I don’t read the language. Mona appears to be a reprint or oneshot from some German porno featuring a series of mediocre, two-page toon strips starring the busty nympho Mona. Reminds of some of the two-pagers I used to commission for RED-HOT PEOPLE back in the day. Perry is basically a straight sci-fi strip with tits. The artwork’s not bad in that European style. Pity I couldn’t follow the storyline.

22.-23. The Big Guy And Rusty The Boy Robot (Big Guy Comics/Dark Horse, 1996) ****
- originally published in The Big Guy And Rusty The Boy Robot #1-2 (Dark Horse, 1995-96)
Writer: Frank Miller/Artist: Geof Darrow
Awesome, oversized mega-violence in the classic Frank Miller style. Darrow’s art is beautiful and grotesque all at the same time.
24. Frank Miller’s Holy Terror (Legendary, 2011) ***
It starts out with promise – in fact, some of the sequences hauntingly evocative – but this Batman/Catwoman pastiche/right-wing fantasy degenerates real fast to a pretty messy, confusing conclusion. Miller has done better. But he’s never been more fascist.
25. Optic Nerve #12 (Drawn & Quarterly, 2011) ****
Writer/artist: Adrian Tomine
Exquisite.
26. Marvel Universe vs Wolverine #1 (Marvel, 2011) ***¼
Writer: Jonathan Maberry/Artist: Laurence Campbell, Mike Kaluta (cover)
Not as dumb as I’d been led to believe.
27. Suicide Girls #2 (IDW, 2011) **¾
Writers: Steve Niles, Missy Suicide and Brea & Zane Grant/Artists: David Hahn & Cameron Stewart, Cameron Stewart (cover & posters)
Stewart draws good wanking material, but any comic that needs FOUR writers is in serious trouble. Female empowerment? SuicideGirls ad? Left-wing future fantasy? Freedom of expression diatribe? Naaaaaah, just overpriced wanking material.
28. The Red Wing #4 (Image, 2011) **¾
Writer: Jonathan Hickman/Artist: Nick Pitarra
Unless there’s a sequel coming, this was a confusing yarn with an unsatisfying ending.
29. Legion: Secret Origin #1 (DC, 2011) ***½
Writer: Paul Levitz/Artists: Chris Batista & Marc Deering
I got a LoSH ring! I got a LoSH ring! Story...not bad so far.
30. Halcyon #5 (Image, 2011) ****
Writers: Marc Guggenheim & Tara Butters/Artist: Ryan Bodenheim
A fantastic and, dare I say it, unexpected ending to a thought-provoking story.
31. Captain Swing And the Electrical Pirates Of Cindery Island (Avatar, 2011) ***½
Writer: Warren Ellis/Artist: Raulo Caceres
32.-34. Butcher Baker #3-5 (Image, 2011) ***½
Writer: Joe Casey/Artist: Mike Huddleston
Casey’s egotistical ramblings aside, this is a kick-arse, post-modernist superhero yarn. Huddleston’s Sienkowicz-style artwork is a pleasure to behold.
35. Strange Adventures #1 (Vertigo, 2011) ***
Writers/artists: various
Thankfully, reading this anthology inspired me NOT to pick up the new Spaceman series – it looks very mediocre in this preview. Best story in the book? Jeff Lemire’s tragic reimagining of a kooky old sci-fi character called Ultra The Multi-Alien. A close second was the equally tragic Post Modern Prometheus by Kevin Colden. The Paul Pope cover is a joy, too.
36.-37. Annihilators #3-4 (Marvel, 2011) ***¾
Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning/Artists: Tan Eng Huat & Victor Olazaba (Annihilators)/Timothy Green II (Rocket Raccoon)
I love Rocket Raccoon.
38. Paul Mason Portfolio: SDCC 2011 (Black House, 2011) **¾
39.-44. Absolution #1-6 (Avatar) ****
Writer: Christos Gage/Artist: Roberto Viacava
45. The CBLDF Presents Liberty Annual 2011 (Image, 2011) ***
Writers/artists: various
46. The Unexpected (Vertigo, 2011) ***
Writers/artists: various
47.-49. I Hate Gallant Girl (Image, 2008-09) **½
Writers: Jim Valentino & Kat Cahill/Artist: Seth Damoose
This tale of a spurned reality TV superhero wannabe becoming a legit superhero started really well but went to hell literally on the last page of issue two. Setting things up for a sequel that never comes is pointless, so issue three was a waste, too. Shame.

50. Voodoo #1 (DC, 2011) ***
Writer: Ron Marz/Artist: Sami Basri
51. Catwoman #1 (DC, 2011) ***¼
Writer: Judd Winick/Artist: Guillem March
I felt like a dirty old man buying these two comics. Having said that, I’ve grabbed issue two of Catwoman, which has promise. Voodoo – now that it’s moved out of the strip club setting – is no longer required reading.

52. Jennifer Blood #5 (Dynamite, 2011) ***

Writer: Garth Ennis/Artist: Kewber Baal
I’ll finish this story arc, then I’m done. Ennis can do so much better.
53. Star Trek/Legion Of Super-Heroes #1 (IDW, 2011) ***
Writer: Chris Roberson/Artists: Jeffrey & Philip Moy, Phil Jimenez (cover)
A cute gimmick, but I’ll give it another issue to see where this is headed. So far, we haven’t seen Mr Spock square off against Brainiac 5.
54. Annihilators #3-4 (Marvel, 2011) ***¾
Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning/Artists: Tan Eng Huat & Andrew Hennessy (Annihilators)/Timothy Green II (Rocket Raccoon)
I lurve Rocket Raccoon!
55. Fear Itself #6 (Marvel, 2011) **¾
Writer: Matt Fraction/Artist: Stuart Immonen
56.-57. Fear Itself: The Deep #3-4 (Marvel, 2011) ***½
Writer: Cullen Bunn/Artists: Lee Garbett, David Meikis & John Lucas
The Defenders are back! Huzzah!

NOTE: There will be no comics reading list for November, as I won’t be reading any. Instead, I will be too busy spending the entire month writing a novel. Yes, it’s true! I’m doing it as part of National Novel Writing Month, which you can read about at www.nanowrimo.org. See youse in December.