COMICS READING FOR DECEMBER: “An interesting experiment”

* 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, 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)   any of his non-comics stuff

 

1. -5. Total Eclipse #1-5 (Eclipse, 1988-89) *
Writer: Marv Wolfman/Artists: Bo Hampton & Will Blyberg (interior), Bill Sienkiewicz (cover)
6.-9. Courtney Crumrin And The Coven Of Mystics (Oni Press, 2003) ****
- originally published in Courtney Crumrin And The Coven Of Mystics #-4 (Oni Press, 2002)
Writer/artist: Ted Naifeh
10.-11. DC Comics Presents Batman’s Gotham Noir #1 (DC, 2011) ****
- originally published in Batman: Gotham Noir #1 & Batman #604 (DC, 2001-02)
Writer: Ed Brubaker/Artist: Sean Phillips (Gotham Noir); Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens (Batman)
12. FF #1 (Marvel, 2013) ***½
Writer: Matt Fraction/Artist: Mike Allred

OFF ON A TANGENT

13. Justice League Of America #159 (DC, 1978) **
Writer: Gerry Conway/Artists: Dick Dillin & Frank McLaughlin
14. Batman #371 (DC, 1984) *
Writer: Doug Moench/Artists: Don Newton & Alfredo Alcala
15. What If #6 (Marvel, 1977) *½
Writer: Roy Thomas/Artists: Jim Craig, Rick Hoberg & Sam Grainger
16. What If #7 (Marvel, 1978) ½*
Writer: Don Glut/Artists: Rick Hoberg & Sam Grainger (interior), Gil Kane (cover)
It happens like this sometimes. I search for something on eBay, get caught up looking for something else, then...suddenly, my addiction is back. I’m hooked again. And it can take ages to shake it off. eBay is like that for me. This time around it was olearysbooksaustralia, that central NSW second-hand dealer who grabs me with low prices and enticing titles. This time it was a couple of early What If mags that caught my eye. After that, I bid on a lot of stuff but I wound up with four comics in the end. Were they worth the high prices I bid on them (relatively speaking)? No.

I marvel at my sentimental attachment to What If – so many of those late 70s issues were not only poorly written but badly drawn to boot. “What If...The Fantastic Four Had Different Super-powers?” is the intriguing premise of #6 and the cover is quite eye-catching with our universe’s FF fighting their weirdly-different-yet-same doppelgangers. Sadly, Marvel are selling a furphy – the two teams never actually meet in the issue. Instead, this is solely a tale of an alternate FF that sees the FF acquire essentially two stupid new powers (Ben Grimm grows wings, Johnny Storm becomes Collossus) while Sue Storm becomes Mr Fantastic and Reed Richards becomes a...disembodied brain(?!). It’s all very stupid and only adequately illustrated by veteran Jim Craig and Rick Hoberg.

What If #7 (“What If...Someone Else Besides Spider-Man Had Been Bitten By The Radioactive Spider?”) is even worse. Don Glut – who would go on to write an entertaining Avengers 1950s yarn a few issues later – is worse than ordinary here but Rick Hoberg’s art is even worse. It’s Al Milgrom bad. Story-wise, we have three ludicrous plot twists that defy even the elastic rules of What If tales: Flash Thompson becomes Spidey (he dies). Col. John Jameson becomes Spidey (he dies). Betty Brant becomes Spidey (she quits). And they all wear horrible costumes. It’s a messy pile of shite.

I grabbed Batman #371 ‘cos it features the return of Catman who, 20 years later, would become a memorable anti-hero in the Secret Six. Here, he’s a lame Riddler-style crook cracking awful cat puns while trying to off Batman (and failing). Moench channels mid-60s Batman schlock to the worst degree here. A godawful tale.

JLA #159 is memorable for the number of heroes it crams into one tale (the JLA, the JSA and a mind-controlled motley crew featuring Jonah Hex, Viking Prince, Miss Liberty, Black Pirate and Enemy Ace). Of course, the storyline is naff and characterisations (never Gerry Conway’s strong suit to begin with) is minimal. It’s all about the team-up here and it’s still kinda lame. Why was Superman made such a pussy in these comics. He’s a freaking God. Treat him as such. Seeing him lose to a powered up Enemy Ace is a psychedelic hoot, however.

So...despite my less-than-stellar buys this time round, will I return to olearysbooksaustralia? I already have, my friends, I already have. But that’s a tale for another column.

TRY IT AND SEE

Hit Elizabeth’s on Pitt Street, throw down $60 and buy 20 comics I’d never read before. Maybe discover some new comics worth collecting. That was the plan anyway.
So what did I getz for me moneyz?
17. The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz #1 (Marvel, 2010) *** ¼
Writer: Eric Shanower/Artis: Skottie Young
18. Lori Lovecraft #1 (AV Publications, 2002) **
Writers: Mike Vosburg & Pete Ventrella/Artist: Mike Vosburg
19. Spellgame #1 (Speakeasy Comics, 2005) **¾
Writer: Dan Mishkin/Artists: Ramon Perez (interior), Darwyn Cooke (cover)
20. Proposition Player #1 (Vertigo, 1999) **¾
Writer: Bill Willingham/Artists: Bill Willingham and Paul Guinan (interior), John Bolton (cover)
21. Fade From Blue #1 (Second 2 Some Studios,2002) ***
Writer: Myatt Murphy/Artist: Scott Dalrymple
22. Judo Girl #1 (Alias Enterprises, 2005) DUD
Writer: Terrence Gripe/Artists: Nador Balan, Nick Schley & Sven Dyson (interior), Jimmy Taylor, Mark Brooks and Nadir Balan (covers)
23. Amber Atoms #1 (Image, 2009) ½*
Writer/artist: Kelly Yates
24. Force Majeure: Prairie Bay #1 (Little Rocket Publications, 2002) ½*
Writer: Michael Tierney/Artists: Michael Tierney (interior), Armando Gil (cover)
25. Gara Galaxy #1 (Dead Dog Comics, 2004?) DUD
Writers: Chazz DeMoss & Joel Moen/Artists: Clint Hilinski (interior); Rudy Garza, Mojo & 12:21 (cover)
26. 66 Thousand Miles Per Hour #0 (True Believers Press, 2002) **¾
Writer/artist: Michael Cavallaro
27 T-Bird & Throttle #0 (Viper Comics, 2008) ***¼
Writer: Josh Howard/Artists: Josh Howard, Otis Frampton
28. Non-Humans #1 (Image, 2012) **
Writer: Glen Brunswick/Artist: Whilce Portacio
29. Disavowed #1 (Homage, 2000) **½
Writers: Brandon Choi & Mike Heisler/Arist: Tommy Lee Edwards
30. Johnny Raygun Quarterly #1 (Jetpack Press, 2004) **½
Writer: Rich Woodall/Artist: Matt Talbot
31. iCandy #1 (DC, 2003) **
Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning/Artist: Kalman Andrasofszky
32. The Secret History Of D.B. Cooper #1 (Oni Press, 2012) ***½
Writer/artist: Brian Churilla
33. The Nevermen #1 (Dark Horse, 2000) ***½
Writer: Phil Amara/Artist: Guy Davis
34. Pulp Fantastic #1 (Vertigo, 2000) ***½
Writers: Howard Chaykin & David Tischman/Artists: Rick Burchett (interior), Chaykin & Burchett (cover)
35. Kinetic #1 (DC, 2004) ***½
Writer: Kelley Puckett/Artist: Warren Pleece
36. Bad Girls #1 (DC, 2003) ***½
Writer: Steve Vance/Artists: Jennifer Graves (interior), Darwyn Cooke (cover)
Check out my podcast HERE to hear what I had to think about them all.

37. For The Term Of His Natural Life (Greenhouse Publications, 1986) *½

Writer/artist: Peter Foster
Based on the implausible, overwrought 19^th century novel by Marcus Clarke, Foster’s adaptation is workmanlike but unremarkable. Really, he doesn’t have much to work with considering what the source material is like.
38. The Return Of The Night Eagle (Pikitia Press, 2012) *
Writer/artist: Peter Foster
This is a typical Australian superhero comic effort. By that I mean, rather lame. Why are Aussie superheroes so lame? Nice art, but Foster can’t write a compelling men-in-tights yarn to save his life.

IT'S A MIRACLE!

39.-62. Miracleman #1-24 (Eclipse, 1985-93) *****

Writers: Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman/Artists: various
63.-65. Miracleman: Apocrypha #1-3 (Eclipse, 1991-92) ****
Writers/artists: various
Check out my latest podcast HERE to get my thoughts after re-reading this groundbreaking series.
 
66.-67. Steve Woron’s Betty Page: The 50’s Rage #1-2 (Illustration Studio Publications, 1992-93) ***
Artists: various
68. The Complete Steve Woron Checklist (Illustration Studio Publications, 1990) **
My first Bettie Page T-shirt was a Steve Woron design, so I have a soft spot for his work.
69. Marvel Fanfare #45 (Marvel, 1989) ***
Artists: various
All pin-up issue? I’m a sucker for pin-ups, especially with John Byrne doing the wrap-around cover.
70. Vampirella Pin-Up Special (Harris, 1995) **
Artists: various
The Adam Hughes cover is easily the highlight.

Kirby Your Enthusiasm, ep. 25: It's a miracle!

IN WHICH Dann discusses the greatness of Miracleman, the flawed-but-enjoyable Avengers Academy (RIP) and his "20 First Issue Project", which had mixed results.
It's 50 minutes of enjoyable comics ranting in a noisy car while driving to the Blue Mountains. And it can be found HERE.

COMICS READING FOR NOVEMBER: “Summer daze"

* 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.-8. Black Summer (Avatar, 2008) ****¼

- originally published in Black Summer #0-7 (Avatar, 2007)
Writer: Warren Ellis/Artist: Juan Jose Ryp
I ENJOY most anything Ellis writes, but this bloody take on superhero responsibility and absolute power corrupting absolutely, was pretty damn good. Ellis posed the question: If you were practically a god and you found out the US President was breaking the law, what would you do? The answer was as violent as you'd expect from Ellis. Ryp's artwork was as detailed and gory as ever.

9.-27. The Pulse: Thin Air (Mqrvel, 2004) ***¾

- originally published in The Pulse #1-5 (Marvel, 2004)
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis/Artists: Mark Bagley & Scott Hanna (interior); Mike Mayhew (covers)

The Pulse: Secret War (Mqrvel, 2005) ***¾

- originally published in The Pulse #6-9 (Marvel, 2004-05)
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis/Artists: Brent Anderson & Michael Lark w/- Stefano Guadiano (interior); Mike Mayhew (covers)
The Pulse #10-14 (Marvel, 2005-06) ***¾  (except #10, *** and #14, ****)
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis/Artists: Michael Lark w/- Stefano Guadiano (interior for #10), Michael Gaydos (interior for #11-14); Mike Mayhew (covers)
An underrated, cut-down-in-its-prime series, but that’s just because I loved the Jessica Jones/Luke Cage relationship so much – fuck you, Marvel, for splitting them up, by the way.

28. Giant-Size Sidekick #1 (from Comic Heroes #14, 2012) ***½

Writers/artists: various
I’ve got half the comics previewed in this issue, but it’s still a worthy anthology, inspiring readers to check out some non-Big Two titles.
29. Comic Heroes Presents: Judge Dredd (from Comic Heroes #14, 2012) ***½
Writer: John Wagner/ Artist: Kev Walker (Mutie Block)
Writer: Rob Williams/Artist: Dylan Teague (Meat)
30. Before Watchmen: Moloch #1 (DC, 2012) ***¼
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski/Artist: Eduardo Risso
31. Fashion Beast #3 (Avatar, 2012) ****
Writers: Alan Moore, Malcolm McLaren and Antony Johnston/Artist: Facundo Percio
32. Hit-Girl #4 (Icon, 2012) ***¾
Writer: Mark Millar/Artist: John Romita Jr
33. Happy! #2 (Image, 2012) ***¾
Writer: Grant Morrison/Artist: Darick Robertson
34. Idolized #3 (Aspen, 2012) ***¾
Writer: David Schwartz/Artist: Pasquale Qualano 
35. Batman Inc. #5 (DC, 2012) ***½
Writer: Grant Morrison/Artist: Chris Burnham
I still have no idea what the fuck is going on, but I’m loving every minute of it.

36. The Creep #3 (Dark Horse, 2012) ***

Writer: John Arcudi/Artist: Jonathan Case
37. The Victories (Dark Horse, 2012) ***
Writer/artist: Michael Avon Oeming
Apparently, child abuse is the new black in comics.

38. Punk Rock Jesus #5 (Vertigo, 2012) ***¾

Writer/artist: Sean Murphy
39. Fatale #9 (Image, 2012) ***¾
Writer: Ed Brubaker/Artist: Sean Phillips
40. Edgar Allan Poe’s The Conqueror Worm (Dark Horse, 2012) ***¾
Writer/artist: Richard Corben
41. Halloween ComicFest 2012: Johnny Boo & Harold in Tricky Treaters (Top Shelf, 2012) ***
Writer/artist: James Kochalka (Johnny Boo); Jess Smart Smiley (Harold)
42.-43. Mind MGMT #0, #6 (Dark Horse, 2012) ****
Writer/artist: Matt Kindt
44.-45. Extermination #5-6 (BOOM!, 2012) ***½
Writer: Simon Spurrier/Artist: V. Ken Marion
46. The Hypernaturals (BOOM!, 2012) ****
Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning/Artists: Tom Derenick & Andres Guinaldo
47. Criminal Macabre: They Fight By Night (Dark Horse, 2012) ***¼
- originally published in Dark Horse Presents #10-13 (Dark Horse, 2012)
Writer: Steve Niles/Artists: Christopher Mitten (interior), Fiona Staples (cover)   
48.-49. Bedlam #1-2 (Image, 2012) ****
Writer: Nick Spencer/Artists: Riley Rossmo (interiors), Frazer Irving (covers)
Holy shit! This is one nasty series.
50. Buffy The Vampire Slayer season 9 #15 (Dark Horse, 2012) ***¼
Writer: Drew Z. Greenberg/Artists: Karl Moline & Ben Dewey, Andy Owens (interior), Phil Noto (cover)
51.-52. Spike: A Dark Place #3-4 (Dark Horse, 2012) ***¼
Writer: Victor Gischler/Artists: Paul Lee & Andy Owens (Interior), Jenny Frison (cover)
53. Angel & Faith #15 (Dark Horse, 2012) ***½
Writer: Christos Gage/Artists: Lee Garbett, Derek Fridolfs & David Lapham (interior), Steve Morris (cover)
54. Willow: Wonderland #1 (Dark Horse, 2012) ***¼
Writer: Jeff Parker/Artists: Brian Ching (interior), David Mack (cover)
55.-56. Revival #4-5 (Image, 2012) ****
Writer: Tim Seeley/Artist: Mike Norton (interior), Jenny Frison (cover)
57. Nowhere Men #1 (Image, 2012) ***½
Writer: Eric Stephenson/Artist: Nate Bellegarde
58. The Zaucer Of Zilk (IDW, 2012) ***¼
Writers: Brendan McCarthy & Al Ewing/Artist: Brendan McCarthy
59. It Girl! & The Atmoics #4 (Image, 2012) ***¼
Writer: Jamie S. Rich/Artists: Mike Norton (interior), Michael & Laura Allred (cover)

COMICS READING FOR OCTOBER: “Fuck, I read some good shit this month!”

* 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. Marvel NOW! Previews #1 (Marvel, 2012) **¾

Writers/artists: various
Really nothing interests me in this latest Marvel relaunch except maybe FF, with writing by Matt Fraction and art by Mike Allred. I’ll give that a go, I guess. Actually, Secret Avengers, Avengers Arena and Guardians Of The Galaxy COULD be good. Maybe...
2. The Nazz #1 (DC, 1990) DUD
Writer: Tom Veitch/Artist: Bryan Talbot
Nice artwork by Talbot, but Veitch’s pretentious, at-times confused writing totally ruins this tale of how having godlike powers can corrupt a man’s soul. Or something like that.
3. The Secret Service #4 (Icon, 2012) ****¼
Writer: Mark Millar/Artist: Dave Gibbons
Fuck me, this series is good. And it’s further proof that Millar is the most consistently entertaining writer in comics in 2012.
4. Fashion Beast #2 (Avatar, 2012) ****½
Writers: Alan Moore, Malcolm McLaren & Antony Johnston/Artist: Facundo Percio
Beautifully illustrated tale of fashion and faking it in an alternative near future where looking good is all that matters. This wonderful series goes to show that Moore really was at his peak in the mid-1980s.
5. The Rocketeer: Cargo Of Doom #2 (IDW, 2012) ***¼
Writer: Mark Waid/Artist: Chris Samnee
6. Skrull Kill Krew #1 (Marvel, 2009) ***
Writer: Adam Felber/Artists: Mark Robinson & Mike Getty
7.-11. Skrull Kill Krew (Marvel, 2006) ***
- originally published as Skrull Kill Krew #1-5 (Marvel, 1995-96)
Writers: Grant Morrison & Mark Millar/Artists: Steve Yeowell & Chris Ivy
Surprisingly ordinary. One might almost say overrated.
12. Earth 2 #5 (DC, 2012) ***½
Writer: James Robinson/Artists: Nicola & Trevor Scott
This series is slowly picking up steam and I’m starting to quite enjoy this reimagined JSA.
13. Duckman #1 (Topps, 1994) ***½
Writer: Stefan Petrucha/Artists: Craig Yoe Studio w/- Clizia & George Erling, Everett Peck
Pretty damn funny. A William S. Burroughs pastiche. I’ll go with that!
14. Fatale #8 (Image, 2012) ****
Writer: Ed Brubaker/Artist: Sean Phillips
15. The Hypernaturals #4 (BOOM!, 2012) ****
Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning/Artists: Tom Derenick & Andrews Guinaldo
16. Worlds’ Finest #5 (DC, 2012) ***
Writer: Paul Levitz/Artists: George Perez & Dcott Koblish, Jerry Ordway, Wes Craig & Serge Lapointe (interiors); Jerry Ordway (cover)
17.-28. Global Frequency #1-12  (Wildstorm, 2002-04) ****¾
Writer: Warren Ellis/Artists: various
Just fucking superb.
29. Before Watchmen: Rorschach #2 (DC, 2012) ***¾
Writer: Brian Azzarello/Artist: Lee Bermejo (Rorschach)
Writer/Artist: John Higgins (The Curse Of The Crimson Corsair, **½)
30. Punk Rock And Trailer Parks (SLG, 2008) *****
Writer/artist: Derf
Fuck me, this is fantastic!  
31. Violent Cases (Tundra, 1987, 1991) ****½
Writer: Neil Gaiman/Artist: Dave McKean
A creepy ghost tale about an old gangster trying to escape his fate in rural England. I liked this a lot.
32. The Bodyssey (Fantagor Press, 1993) ***
Writers: Richard Corben & Simon Revelstroke/Artist: Richard Corben
Amazing art but this story is really meh. Makes sense when you realise it’s basically a string of pin-ups and old short stories tied together by a messy storyline about an inept barbarian on a mission. Way too much toilet humour, too. But, again, the art is incredible.
33. Uzumaki Vol. 2 (Viz Media, 1998, 2002, 2012) *****
Writer/artist: Junji Ito
One of the creepiest, dream-like horror books I’ve ever read. Genuinely unnerving stuff. So glad to see it get a reprint.
34.-36. Spandex: Fast And Hard (Titan Books, 2012) ****
- originally published in Spandex #1-3 (self-published, 2010?)
Writer/artist: Martin Eden
Already read the first two issues, but I’m keen to support a top bloke and his excellent darkly humorous comic about an all-gay superhero team. The third issue – about an alien called Nadir who uses technology to take over the world and then removes all the joy from it – was both dark and poignant. This is a GN well worth seeking out.
37. Peepholes (Blank Slate Books, 2011) *****
Writer/artist: Laurie J. Proud
Dark, warped, perverse, confusing in parts and altogether brilliant. And the artwork is just mind-blowing. Seek this collection of sinister short stories out now. NOW, I tells ya!
38. Before Watchmen: Rorschach #2 (DC, 2012) ****
Writer/Artist: Darwyn Cooke
Writer/Artist: John Higgins (The Curse Of The Crimson Corsair, **)
39. Marvel Zombies: Halloween (Marvel, 2012) ***½
Writer: Fred Van Lente/Artist: Alessandro Vitti (interior); Francesco Francavilla (cover)
40. Cyberforce #1 (Top Cow, 2012) ½*
Writer: Marc Silvestri & Matt Hawkins/Artists: Khoi Pham & Sal Regla
I don’t care if I got this for free. I don’t care if it’s a relaunch of an immensely popular 1990s series. It’s confusing, it’s it’s outdated, it’s pointless. Buh-bye.
41. The Zaucer Of Zilk #1 (IDW, 2012) ***½
Writers: Brendan McCarthy & Al Ewing/Aritst: Brendan McCarthy
A psychedelic head-fuck. I really dug this.
42. It Girl! And The Atomics #3 (Image, 2012) ***¾
Writer: Jamie S. Rich/Artists: Mike Norton (interior); Mike & Laura Allred (cover)
43.-52. V For Vendetta #1-10 (DC, 1988-89) *****
Writer: Alan Moore/Artist: David Lloyd (with some assistance from Tony Weare)
Having really enjoyed Moore’s Fashion Beast to date, it got me thinking about some of his other classic series from the early-to-mid-80s. So I decided to reread V – much to my surprise, I discovered I was missing both #3 & #6. I eventually tracked them down and recently reread the complete series. And holy mother of God! It’s sooooo fucking good. This was Moore at his absolute peak and Lloyd’s art is incredibly moody and evocative. Sequential storytelling doesn’t get any better than this, folks.
53.-54. The Heckler #1, #4 (DC, 1992) *
Writers: Keith Giffen, Tom & Mary Bierbaum/Artists: Keith Giffen & Malcolm Jones III
I think the worst thing DC ever did was given Giffen his head to write “comedy”. Sure, he was fine on the relaunched Justice League when tempered by JM DeMatteis, but given full control Giffen becomes an incredibly self-indulgent wanker (just read any of his Ambush Bug series if you don’t believe me). The Heckler was particularly annoying and I’ll be damned if I read any more of it.
55. Punk Rock Jesus #4 (Vertigo, 2012) ****
Writer/artist: Sean Murphy
56.-59. Criminal: The Last Of The Innocent #1-4 (Icon, 2011) ****
Writer: Ed Brubaker/Artist: Sean Phillips
60.-65. Saga Vol. 1 (Image, 2012) ****¼
- originally published in Saga #1-6 (Image, 2012)
Writer: Brian K. Vaughan/Artist: Fiona Staples
I had no problems with my copy – unlike some Amazon buyers – and I certainly had no problems with the price ($13.95 from Kings Comics, not including my usual 10% members’ discount). All in all, this beautifully written “Romeo & Juliet in space” tale has me salivating for future volumes. Great stuff!
66. Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan #2 (DC, 2012) ***¼
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski/Artist: Adam Hughes
Writer/Artist: John Higgins (The Curse Of The Crimson Corsair, **)
67. Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #14 (Dark Horse, 2012) ***½
Writers: Jane Espenson & Drew Z. Greenberg /Artists : Karl Moline & Andy Owens (interior) ; Phil Noto (cover)
68. the Creep #2 (Dark Horse, 2012) ***½
Writer: John Arcudi/Artist: Jonathan Case
A bit slow-moving and starting to get predictable. I hope the pay-off isn’t gonna be another child abuse storyline, which are becoming so passe in all forms of entertainment right about now.
69. New Crusaders #2 (Red Circle, 2012) **¾
Writer: Ian Flynn/Artists: Ben Bates & Gary Martin
Ugh...another bunch of teenagers becoming superheroes. I dunno whether I can stick with this title for much longer.  Although the back-up tale weaving all the previous incarnations of Mighty Crusaders from past decades together into a seamless timeline is entertaining (writer: Ian Flynn/artists: Mike Norton & Terry Austin). Maybe I’ll stick with this title for ONE more issue...grumble, grumble...
70. Mind MGMT #5 (Dark Horse, 2012) ****
Writer/artist: Matt Kindt
71. Fury Max #6 (Marvel, 2012) ****
Writer: Garth Ennis/Artist: Goran Parlov
72. Hit-Girl #3 (Icon, 2012) ***¾
Writer: Mark Millar/Artist: John Romita Jr
73. Mars Attacks The Savage Dragon #1 (Topps, 1996) *
Writer: Dwight Jon Zimmerman/Artists: Claude St Aubin & Larry Mahlstedt (interior); Hugh Haynes, Armando Gil & Ed Hannigan (cover)
74. Superman: Red Son (DC, 2004) ****¼
- originally published in Superman: Red Son (DC, 2003)
Writer: Mark Millar/Artists: Dave Johnson & Kilian Plunkett, Andrew Robinson & Waldon Wong
75. Alien: The Illustrated Story (Titan Books, 1979, 2012) ***¼
Writer: Archie Goodwin/Artist: Walter Simonson.
Lovely art and a chilling adaptation of the film – probably one of the best comics adaptations ever. But Goodwin’s script is soooo over-written.  Nowhere near the masterpiece many claim it to be.
76. Idolized #2 (Aspen, 2012) ***¾
Writer: David Schwartz/Artist: Micah Gunnell & Pasquale Qualano
77. Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #3 (DC, 2012) ***
Writer: Len Wein/Artist: Jae Lee
Writer/Artist: John Higgins (The Curse Of The Crimson Corsair, **)
78. Blink: FYI IDK (ONWARDStudio, 2008) ***
Writer/artist: Max Ink
Self-published slice-of-life tale about friends chatting about the pros and cons of the internetz. I liked it.
79. Blink: Let It Be As It Is (ONWARDStudio, 2006) **¾
Writer/artist: Max Ink
A maudlin, slightly self-indulgent story about friends discussing John Lennon. Nice art but a weaker story than FYI IDK.
80. ScriptGraphics Small Press #? (BPP, 2008) *
Writer/artist: Darrell Goza
Comic fanzine featuring sample pages of artwork by Darrell (a Facebook friend). Darrell’s art is usually quite strong, but the samples here are very ordinary. Disappointing.
81. Batman Inc. #0 (DC, 2012) ***¼
Writers: Chris Burnham & Grant Morrison/Art: Frazer Irving
82. Happy! #1 (Image, 2012) ***¼
Writer: Grant Morrison/Artist: Darick Robertson
A shaky start but it has bizarre promise. I’ll stick with the title  while longer.
83. Angel & Faith #14 (Dark Horse, 2012) ***¼
Writer: Christos Gage/Artist: Rebekah Isaacs (interior), Steve Morris (cover)

84. Digital Webbing Presents #12 (Digital Webbing, 2003) ***
Writers/artists: various
Fair-to-average anthology highlighted by some early Ryan Bodenheim art, plus a short strip featuring Super Hero Happy Hour (writer: Dan Taylor/artist: Chris Fason)
85. Digital Webbing Presents #22 (Digital Webbing, 2005) ***
Writers/artists: various
Another Super Hero Happy Hour strip, this time in colour, was the only reason why I bought this ish.
86. Dr Blink Superhero Shrink #0 (Dork Storm Press, 2004) **½
Writer: John Kovalic/Artist: Christopher Jones
A psychologist deals with superheroes. Has its moments. Also features a short Super Hero Happy Hour strip.
87.-91. Super Hero Happy Hour #1-5 (GeekPunk, 2002-04) ***
Writer: Dan Taylor/Artist: Chris Fason
Entertaining strip about heroes and villains who meet regularly at a pub to drink away their problems. The strip falters when Fason tries to draw action, but when it sticks to head shots discussing pub lore and spouting one-liners, the chunky art’s fine.
92. Hero Happy Hour Super Special (GeekPunk, 2004) ***¼
Writers/artists: various
In the hands of other creators, this title really blossoms. A fun anthology.
93. Super Deluxe Hero Happy Hour (IDW, 2006) **
Writer: Dan Taylor/Artist: Chris Fason & Jim Clarke
Hero Happy Hour falls over when the action leaves the bar and the special degenerates into a pedestrian heroes-fight-alien-invasion yarn. When a hero is killed in the line of duty, the story becomes downright maudlin and the quirky charm of the original series is lost. Then, to completely undercut the drama, it’s subsequently revealed that the entire story is “not real”. There are “DVD extras” where the “actors” talk about making a “movie”. It’s weird, jarring and just doesn’t work. A really flat ending to what had been, up to that point, a mildly entertaining funny superhero strip.
This series is still around on the interwebz. Check it out at Hero Happy Hour.
94. Lady Rawhide Ashcan (Topps, 1995) *
Writer: Don McGregor/Artist: Esteban Maroto
A weird hybrid of a typical Image-style slut-hero title with a traditional swashbuckling adventure strip, direct from the Topps’ Zorro comic. McGregor’s text is torturous (as always) while Maroto’s artwork is muted and kinda pedestrian. With that kinda mash-up, you can imagine how unimpressive this comic was.
95.-99. Six Guns #1-5 (Marvel, 2012) ***½
Writer: Andy Diggle/Artist: Davide Gianelice
A nice modern reworking of some old Marvel western heroes.
100. The Victories #3 (Dark Horse, 2012) ***¼
Writer/Artist: Michael Avon Oeming
101.-102. Batman Incorporated #3-4 (DC, 2012) ***½
Writer: Grant Morrison/Artist: Chris Burnham
103. ScriptGraphics Small Press #? (BPP, 200?) *
Writer/artist: Darrell Goza
Darrell’s take on the Doom Patrol (the 70s version). Art is primitive. I’ve seen him do much better.

COMICS READING FOR SEPTEMBER: “Macabre overload”

Yes...it's another long-delayed report on what I've been reading lately.

* 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. Sidekick #8 (free with Comic Heroes #12, 2012) ***½
Writers/artists: various
I became interested enough to buy a couple of the graphic novels featured in it, so this English sampler anthology did its job.
2. Enormous #1 (Image, 2012) DUD
Writer: Tim Daniel/Artist: Mehdi Cheggour
An enormous-sized dud. Way too much photo-referenced art and confusing to boot. Half the photo-referenced characters look like other characters. The storyline of nature gone wild and growing to Godzilla-like dimension had potential but the art really let it down. The only positives for Enormous was the oversized gimmick and the fact that my copy was damaged in transit to Kings Comics so I scored it for a paltry five bux. I passed it onto a mate afterwards. He probably won’t thank me for it after he reads it.
3.-5. Epic Illustrated #2, #4 & #9 (Marvel, 1980-81) *
Writers/artists: various
My god these mags were bad. Heavy Metal Lite. I couldn’t even read half of the serials in this anthology – Jim Starlin’s Dreadstar is soooooo overrated. At least #2 has a cool Richard Corben cover.

6. Criminal Macabre: No Peace For Dead Men (Dark Horse, 2011) ***

Writer: Steve Niles/Artist: Christopher Mitten
7. Criminal Macabre/The Goon (Dark Horse, 2011) **½
Writers: Steve Niles & Eric Powell/Artist: Christopher Mitten
8.-11. Criminal Macabre: Cellblock 666 #1-4 (Dark Horse, 2008-09) ***
Writer: Steve Niles/Artists: Nick Stakal (interiors), Tim Bradstreet (covers)
The past couple of Criminal Macabre miniseries have really felt rushed – as if Niles was desperate to tie up loose ends before he moved onto bigger and better things. Cellblock saw him wrap up the Councillor Benson storyline – out of the blue, Benson’s exposed as an evil scumbag (this had NEVER been hinted at in the previous five years of storylines) and by the end of the miniseries, he’s locked away and no longer harassing Cal McDonald. In No Peace For Dead Men, Cal finally kills off his vampirised girlfriend and dies in the process...only to return as a ghoul. However, apparently, being an undead monster hasn’t changed his character one bit – he’s just waaaaay more indestructible. All in all, it feels like Niles was wiping the slate clean of old subplots in preparation for the big ghoul vs evil monster war he has brewing in the wings. I just wish he’d done a better job of wrapping up those dangling plotlines.
12.-26. Criminal Macabre Omnibus Vol. 1 (Dark Horse, 2011) ****
- previously printed in a bunch of comics from 2003-08
Writer: Steve Niles/Artists: various
I have practically ALL of these miniseries except for Supernatural Freak Machine which was a five-issue miniseries that IDW mysteriously cancelled after only three issues. It was a helluva series, too, with a major plot twist that I knew about (due to revelations in subsequent miniseries), but was still shocked to read here for the first time. Anyway, I picked up this omnibus cheap at Oz-Comicon in Melbourne, so it was worth finally reading this elusive miniseries. And re-reading all the old CM series was fun, too.
27. Criminal Macabre: The Iron Spirit (Dark Horse, 2012) ***½
Writer: Steve Niles/Artist: Scott Morse
This is almost like a kids’ storybook with thick cardboard pages, but it’s a very adult ghost tale with haunting illustrations by Morse. I really liked it, even though it’s ostensibly an overpriced one-shot comic.
28. Hairball: A Cal McDonald Mystery (IDW, 2002) ***
Writer: Steve Niles/Artist: Casey Jones
A very early Criminal Macabre tale – not too shabby.

29. The Victories #2 (Dark Horse, 2012) ***

Writer/Artist: Michael Avon Oeming
30. the Creep #1 (Dark Horse, 2012) ***¾
Writer: John Arcudi/Artist: Jonathan Case
A slow-burning detective yarn featuring a Rondo Hatton look-alike as the main character. This promises to be an unpleasant-but-enjoyable ride.
31.-35. Air Vol. 1: Letters From Lost Countries (Vertigo, 2009) ****
- originally published in Air #1-5 (Vertigo, 2008)
Writer: G. Willow Wilson/Artist: MK Perker
A quiet little achiever. A really entertaining political/magic realism/romantic thriller. Yep, it’s all that and more. I look forward to reading the second volume.
36. Revival #3 (Image, 2012) ***¾
Writer: Tim Seeley/Artist: Mike Norton
This is described as “rural noir”, but “supernatural noir” fits it better. Along with Brubaker and Phillips’ Fatale, Image has this sub-genre sewn up.
37. Extermination #4 (BOOM!, 2012) ***¾
Writer: Simon Spurrier/Artists: Jeffrey Edwards & V. Ken Marion
This book may have weak art but the story is insane. If Batman was an obsessed nutcase and Superman was a sadistic rapist, then you’d have a slight feel for what this title is about. If their rivalry for the love of Catwoman led to a worldwide alien Armageddon, then you’d have an even better idea. If only Extermination had better artwork.  
38. Punk Rock Jesus #3 (Vertigo, 2012) ****
Writer/artist: Sean Murphy
39. It Girl! And The Atomics #2 (Image, 2012) ***½
Writer: Jamie S. Rich/Artists: Mike Norton (interior); Michael & Laura Allred (cover)
40.-41. Idolized #0-1 (Aspen, 2012) ***¾
Writer: David Schwartz/Artist: Micah Gunnell
Do we really need ANOTHER comic on the concept of a reality TV series for superheroes – already admirably done by Wildguard and America’s Got Powers – or is this just flogging a dead horse? Well, as it turns out, this series shows some real promise. The names of the heroes and teams are getting more and more stupid, but I really like the idea of a rookie wannabe desperate to win the comp, so she can join the world’s No. 1 superteam and take revenge on the villain who killed her parents.
42. Before Watchmen:  Comedian #3 (DC, 2012) ***½
Writer: Brian Azzarello/Artist: JG Jones
Writer/artist: John Higgins (The Curse Of The Crimson Corsair)
43. Before Watchmen:  Nite Owl #3 (DC, 2012) ****
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski/Artists; Andy & Joe Kubert, Bill Sienkiewicz
Writer/artist: John Higgins (The Curse Of The Crimson Corsair)
44. Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre #3 (DC, 2012) ****
Writer: Darwyn Cooke/Artist: Amanda Conner
Writer/artist: John Higgins (The Curse Of The Crimson Corsair)
45. Before Watchmen: Minutemen #3 (DC, 2012) ****
Writer/artist: Darwyn Cooke
Writer/artist: John Higgins (The Curse Of The Crimson Corsair)
46. Spike: A Dark Place #2 (Dark Horse, 2012) ***¼
Writer: Victor Gischler/Artists: Paul Lee & Andy Owens (interior);  Jenny Frison (cover)
47. Fashion Beast #1 (Avatar, 2012) ****½
Writers: Alan Moore, Malcolm McLaren & Antony Johnston/Artist: Facundo Percio
Originally a movie script and it shows. I wish it might still get made one day, but this will do nicely in the meantime. Beauty & The Beast in a near-future world where fashion rules. I love this tale.
47. Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 9 #13 (Dark Horse, 2012) ***¼
Writer: Andrew Chambliss/Artists: Georges Jeanty & Nathan Massengill (interiors)/Phil Noto (cover)
48.-55. Mighty TV Comic #1314-1316, 1337-1338, 1402, 1404, 1415 (Polystyle Publications, 1977-79) *
Writers/artists: various
I bought these British weekly comics many years ago on eBay in a deranged state of nostalgia. Mighty TV Comics was one of the first comics I ever bought as a kid and I seem to recall the issue I bought had a giant poster of Leela (the savage warrior woman who was Tom Baker’s sexy assistant in Doctor Who for a time). So it definitely had an impact on my developing psyche. Reading the comic 35 years later and I can’t believe I ever wasted money on it. The comic had the gimmick of being a tabloid comic that folded out into a broadsheet. However, that just meant the badly-drawn comics were blown up to twice their usual size, something that the art doesn’t warrant or deserver. Lame one-page gag strips featuring the likes of Tom & Jerry and the Pink Panther were broken up by longer serious strips such as Dr Who and Star Trek, the latter easily the pick of them as it appears to be an American reprint (possibly from the Gold Key run). I also noted with interest that Mighty TV Comic “incorporated” (i.e. “absorbed”) both Tom & Jerry Weekly and TV Action (the latter being a particularly good weekly comic in the late 60s and early 70s). By January 1979, TV Comic (as it was now called) wasn’t so mighty. It was a straight tabloid in the tradition of other weekly mags, but at least the paper quality was better (and not the toilet paper that was used two years earlier). The action strips were now Charlie’s Angels (woefully drawn), Dr Who (not much better) and a non-TV related strip, The Kicktail Kid, about Buzz Blaze and his skateboard. Yes, it was pretty awful, but the art was surprisingly nice – I suspect it was done by David Lloyd (later of V For Vendetta fame), but I could be wrong. What surprised me most about TV Comic was how little value for money it was – only 16 pages for 10p (or 25c in Aussie money). That was terrible!
56. Wolverine Annual #1 (Marvel, 2012) **¾
Writer: Alan Davis/Artists: Alan Davis & Mark Farmer
The wrap-up to this year’s ClanDestine storyline. Surprisingly mediocre. But Davis’s art was gorgeous as usual.
57. The Infernal Man-Thing #3 (Marvel, 2012) **
Writer: Steve Gerber/Artist: Kevin Nowlan
Man-Thing original tale from Savage Tales #1 (1971)
Writers: Gerry Conway & Roy Thomas/Artist: Gray Morrow
Not really worth reviving this overwritten old Gerber tale, but at least Nowlan’s art is nice to look at.
58. America’s Got Powers #3 (Image, 2012) ***¼
Writer: Jonathan Ross/Artist: Bryan Hitch
59. Angel & Faith #13 (Dark Horse, 2012) ***¼
Writer: Christos Gage/Artist: Rebekah Isaacs (interior), Steve Morris (cover)
60. Sidekick #9 (free with Comic Heroes #13, 2012) ***½
Writers/artists: various
Convinced me to buy both Absalom: Ghosts Of London and Spandex: Fast And Hard, so this anthology sampler again did its job.
61. Gangland #2 (Vertigo, 1998) *** ½
Writers/artists: various
Weird crime yarns featuring a swag of great artists including Richard Corben.
62.-63. Hyper-Actives #0-1 (Alias Enterprises, 2005-06) **¾
Writer: Darin Wagner/Artist: Clint Hilinski
Super-brats who are more interested in fame and fortune than saving folk. It’s been done before, but I’ll reserve judgment on this miniseries till I read the last three issues. 
64. Nevada #1 (Vertigo, 1998) ***¼
Writer: Steve Gerber/Artists: Phil Winslade & Steve Leialoha
I have a story to tell about Nevada, but I’ll save it till I read the rest of this six-issue miniseries. I like what I’ve read so far.
65.-66. Sebastian O #2-3 (Vertigo, 1993) ***½
Writer: Grant Morrison/Artist: Steve Yeowell
Underrated nasty miniseries from Mr Morrison.
67. Will Eisner’s Quarterly #1 (Kitchen Sink Comix, 1983) ***
Lots of Eisner art, so who’s complaining? Plus a Neal Adams interview that reveals how artistically bankrupt he’d become by the early 80s.
68.-71 The Ride Vol. 1 (Image, 2007) ****
- originally published The Ride #1-2, The Ride: 2 For The Road & The Ride: Foreign Parts (12 Gauge Comics, 2007)
72. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Comic Book #1 (Marvel, 1991) **
Writer: Evan Dorkin/Artists: Evan Dorkin & Stephen DeStefano
Somehow more annoying yet less funny than the movies.
73.-76. Nick Fury, Agent Of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Who Is Scorpio? (Marvel, 2000) ***
- originally published in Nick Fury #1-3,5 (Marvel, 1968) **
Writer/Artist: Jim Steranko & friends
Beautiful art but my God! Steranko couldn’t write to save his life. Awful yarns, although Scorpio would go on to become a fascinating character in the hands of others
77. Animal Man #0 (DC, 2012) ***
Writer: Jeff lemire/Artist: Steve Pugh
78. Earth 2 #0 (DC, 2012) ***¼
Writer: James Robinson/Artist: Tomas Giorello
79. The Hypernaturals #3 (BOOM!, 2012) ***¾
Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning/Artists: Tom Drenick & Andres Guinaldo
80. New Crusaders #1 (Red Circle, 2012) ***
Writer: Ian Flynn/Artists: Ben Bates & Gary Martin
81. World’s Finest #0 (DC, 2012) ***
Writer: Paul Levitz/Artist: Kevin Maguire
82. Hell Yeah #5 (Image, 2012) **
Writer: Joe Keatinge/Artists: Andre Szymanowicz & Fabio Redivo
Aaaaaaand I’m outta here.
83.-85. No More Heroes #1-3 (self-published, 2012) ***½
Writer: Grodon Mclean/Artist: Caio Oliveira
86. Marvel Super Heroes #3?? (Marvel & ACP, 2012) **
Writers/Artists: various
A kiddies licensed comic featuring The Avengers, Captain America and Dr Strange. Now with free stickers!

Kirby Your Enthusiasm, ep. 24: "Who's Watching Before Watchmen?"

IT'S 46+ minutes of steaming goodness as I review a bunch of great comics and graphic novels I've read in recent months. There you go, AW, a review of Parker: The Score for ya! :)

I'd love your feedback on this and other podcasts. Email me HERE. You can also find me at Facebook at Kirby Your Enthusiasm HERE.

Download the podcast HERE.

And now for some quick plugs:
Mike Pindell does an excellent podcast, The Comic Book Attic HERE. I also highly recommend another podcast, Derek Coward's Comic Book Noise HERE.

When in Sydney, buy all your comics, TPBs and other goodies at Kings Comics HERE. For great, cheap back-order deals thanks to our very strong Australian dollar, head to Lone Star Comics in Texas HERE.

 

A horrific scene from 'Uzumaki Vol. 2'

Our own Comics Journal...and it's not pretentious crap. Yay!

I LOVE this Aussie comics news, views and reviews site (and not just 'cos I'm one of its contributors). Check it out at http://australiancomicsjournal.com/.