COMICS READING FOR SEPTEMBER: “Totally not gay...well, a bit”

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

HOW I RATE THE COMICS VIA THE ALAN MOORE SCALE

*****     Watchmen, Miracleman, V For Vendetta
****      From Hell, Supreme, Swamp Thing, Fashion Beast, League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (first two series)
***        Axel Pressbutton, Tom Strong
**         Promethea
*           LoEG: Century: 1969
DUD (or lower) any of his non-comics stuff

1.-26. Tom Of Finland: The Complete Kake Comics (Taschen, 2014) *****

- originally published in Kake #1-26 (various publishers, 1968-86)
Writer/artist: Tom of Finland
Not everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no denying Tom’s artistic talent and his single-minded...er, vision. Luckily, I’m secure enough in my sexuality to appreciate Kake (pronounced “Cocky”) and his wordless adventures. This is a beautifully produced book, as you’d expect from Taschen.

27.-40. Fatale #12-24 (Image, 2013-14) ***¾

Writer: Ed Brubaker/Artist: Sean Phillips
Hardly the most satisfying ending in the world (almost predictable), but still a lot of fun on the journey to the finale.

41. The Graveyard Book Vol. 1 (Bloomsbury, 2014) *****

Writer: Neil Gaiman (novel), P. Craig Russell (adaptation)/Artists: P. Craig Russell & friends
My "6yo forever" daughter loves this faithful adaptation. I do, too. We both can't wait for volume two.

42. Wild’s End #1 (BOOM!, 2014) ***¾

Writer: Dan Abnett/Artist: INJ Culbard
43. MPH #3 (Image, 2014) ****
Writer: Mark Millar/Artist: Duncan Fegredo
44. Velvet #7 (Image, 2014) ****
Writer: Ed Brubaker/Artist: Steve Epting

45.-47. Original Sin #6-8 (Marvel, 2014) ***¼

Writer: Jason Aaron/Artist: Mike Deodato (interior), Julian Totino Tedesco (cover)
48.-50. Original Sin: Hulk vs Iron Man #.3.2-3.4 (Marvel, 2014) ****
Writers: Mark Waid & Kieron Gillen/Artists: Luke Ross (interiors), JG Jones (covers)
51.-53. Original Sin: Thor & Loki: The Tenth Realm #5.2-5.4 (Marvel, 2014) ***½
Writers: Jason Aaron & Al Ewing/Artists: Lee Garbett, Simone Bianchi & friends (interiors); Dale Keown, Simone Bianchi (covers)  
54.-55. Original Sins #4-5 (Marvel, 2014) ****
Writers/artists: various
The core series ended with a whimper, not a bang. So Fury was some kinda intergalactic cop who helped The Watcher commit suicide? Erm...okaaaaay.
The two spin-offs had their moments, with the Hulk vs Iron Man mini the superior series.
But the surprise package was Original Sins, featuring a quirky Young Avengers story, plus fascinating short tales featuring some strong writing.

56. Wolverine: Bloodlust (Marvel, 1990) ***
Writers/artists: Alan Davis & Paul Neary
57.-64. Futures End #11-18 (DC, 2014) ***¾
Writers/artists: various
65. The Sundowners #2 (Dark Horse, 2014) ***¾
Writer: Tim Seeley/Artists: Jim Terry (interior), Chris Brunner with Rico Renzi (cover)

66.-105. Sweet Tooth #1-25, Vols 5&6 (Vertigo, 2009-13) *****

- originally published in Sweet Tooth #1-40 (Vertigo, 2009-13)
Writer: Jeff Lemire/Artists: Jeff Lemire & friends
106.-110. Nailbiter #1-5 (Image, 2014) ***¾
Writer: Joshua Williamson/Artist: Mike Henderson
Listen to my podcast about Nailbiter and Sweet Tooth HERE.

111.-116. Justice League Beyond: In Gods We Trust (DC, 2014) ***¾

- originally published in Justice League Beyond Digital Chapters #17-25, Superman Beyond Digital Chapters #11-20 (DC, 2013)
Writers/artists: various

117. Void (Titan, 2014) ***

Writer: Herik Hanna/Artist: Sean Phillips
I worked out the “twist” ending to this sci-fi/horror yarn on the first page. Hackneyed Hanna sucks huge sweaty black balls as a writer. But at least Phillips’ art is nicely gruesome.
118.-121. Marvel Adventures: The Avengers: Thor And Captain America (Marvel, 2011) ***
- first published in Super Heroes #13-16 (Marvel, 2008-09)
Writers/artists: various

122.-123. Fil Barlow’s Rex Vectar & Fil Barlow’s Zooniverse (Zoonitoons, 1986, 1992, 2013) ****

Writer/artist: Fil Barlow
I’m a sucker for this amazing Aussie artist’s work. These booklets, featuring some reprinted work from decades earlier, are a lovely taster of the new work to come (hopefully soon). Hurry up, Fil! While we're waiting, check out his website HERE.

124. Get Lost #1 (NCG, 1987) **¾
- originally published in Get Lost #1 (Mikecross Publications, 1954)
Writers/artists: Ross Andru, Mike Esposito & friends; Paul Gulacy (cover artist)
A B&W reprint of a sub-Mad rip-off from the 50s. Mediocre.
125. World’s Worst Comics Awards #1 (Kitchen Sink Comix, 1990) ***
Writer: James. I. Schumeister/Artist: Rich Larson
126.-129. Deathmatch Vol. 3 (BOOM!, 2014) ***
- originally published in Deathmatch #9-12 (BOOM!, 2013)
Writer: Paul Jenkins/Artist: Carlos Magno
What a disappointing ending to an extremely promising series. A convoluted, rabbits-pulled-out-of-their-arses deus ex machine resolution. Just a mess. It really left a bitter taste in my mouth.