Monday, September 19, 2005
I am a very lucky fanboy. The Bendis Board recently had a charity auction to raise money for the American Red Cross to provide relief for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. I sent out e-mails to some friends in the comic industry and they answered the call with some amazing items that ranged from signed copies of their books to original artwork that raised over $1,500.00 in donations; the Bendis Board wide auction topped over $11K making it our most successful charity auction to date!
I would just like to personally thank:
Jamie S. Rich
Brad Meltzer
J. Torres
Guy Davis
Damon Hurd
Jon Adams
Chynna Clugston
Mark Sable & Paul Azaceta
Scott Chantler
Sean Galloway
Jason Latour
B. Clay Moore
Scott Morse
Todd Nauck
Greg Thompson
Ivan Brandon & Andy MacDonald
for their generosity, friendship, and of course obvious insanity for opening an e-mail from me. Seriously, these are some amazing creators not only because of the talent they possess and comics they create, but for their heart and willingness to help out and take time out of their busy life to make auctions like this so successful. And there were many more creators who took part in the auction that I am fortunate to count as friends; I’ll save everyone the name dropping. I highly recommend people checking out the works of these fine creators, you’ll be glad you did, I know I am. I am truly one lucky fanboy.
I would just like to personally thank:
Jamie S. Rich
Brad Meltzer
J. Torres
Guy Davis
Damon Hurd
Jon Adams
Chynna Clugston
Mark Sable & Paul Azaceta
Scott Chantler
Sean Galloway
Jason Latour
B. Clay Moore
Scott Morse
Todd Nauck
Greg Thompson
Ivan Brandon & Andy MacDonald
for their generosity, friendship, and of course obvious insanity for opening an e-mail from me. Seriously, these are some amazing creators not only because of the talent they possess and comics they create, but for their heart and willingness to help out and take time out of their busy life to make auctions like this so successful. And there were many more creators who took part in the auction that I am fortunate to count as friends; I’ll save everyone the name dropping. I highly recommend people checking out the works of these fine creators, you’ll be glad you did, I know I am. I am truly one lucky fanboy.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
You look MARVELOUS!
Okay, I’m still chugging along with my Marvel Comics. I say that like I’m playing with my childhood toys and should be embarrassed by this, please don’t take it that way. I still love my superheroes and they have never been written or illustrated so well.
New Thunderbolts by Fabian Nicieza & Tom Grummett – I enjoyed the first series, but fell away. I decided to give the second volume a shot after hearing good things about it and I have to say it didn’t disappoint, even though a bit formulaic at times. You had to know there’d be the surprise ending, I mean that is a facet of what made the first volume so good; the revelation that Baron Zemo and the Masters of Evil were in fact the Thunderbolts. Well, this volume doesn’t disappoint either as the individual funding the new team is revealed to be…I’m not going to ruin it for you. I wish Busiek and Nicieza would pace the story a little slower at times. Zemo is ousted by issue 12 of the first volume, their financial backer is gone within the first story arc in the second volume. Let me enjoy this, build up the drama and suspense. Also, you know who joins the team before they join the team by reading the recap page, which just didn’t make any sense to me, especially when on the last page you promote who will be the next member. I love that Fabian is using lesser known and underused characters such as Blizzard, Speed Demon, and Radioactive Man and creating three dimensional characters; you get inside their head you understand their fears and motivations. This series also sees the return of the Purple Man, a character Bendis made viable in his Alias series and he is no less formidable in New Thunderbolts. Mark Bagley set the standard for the look of the Thunderbolts and Grummett’s artwork compliments the look and feel of the original series that worked so well, while still having his own distinctive style.
Marvel Knights 4 #13-21 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Jim Muniz, and Valentine DeLandro with covers by Steve McNiven – I have to admit I was bummed when McNiven left MK4, but I loved the approach Aguirre-Sacasa was taking with this title that I continued on. Muniz came in and had huge shoes to fill and he did a remarkable job and I soon enjoyed his work…then he left and Valentine DeLandro came on board. I better say I don’t like this guy otherwise he’ll leave the title too. Muniz’s style was similar to McNiven’s, I believe the inker and colorist provided the consistency in appearance with McNiven’s departure, but DeLandro’s style is very different and to my surprise works very well. Enough praise for the artists, it’s the story that keeps me coming back and Roberto clearly shows the importance of the family. The family is the center of every story and each story shows the impact they have on the characters; this series is full of emotion, which is clearly seen in the two-part “Inhumane” storyline, a particularly gut wrenching tale. These are hard stories to tell, but fortunately, he’s working with artists that can convey these emotions masterfully through facial expressions and body language. How’d I get back on the artists? Oh yeah, the writing and the art are completely in sync with one another. This title is a perfect blending of talent creating a product greater than the sum of its parts. Aguirre-Sacasa has given a lot of focus to Sue in this series, but she doesn’t wilt under the scrutiny, she feeds off it, and shows why she is the glue that holds the family together and a formidable opponent against those who would threaten her family. Sue Richards is no damsel in distress and this is one of the best books on the stand!
Okay, I’m still chugging along with my Marvel Comics. I say that like I’m playing with my childhood toys and should be embarrassed by this, please don’t take it that way. I still love my superheroes and they have never been written or illustrated so well.
New Thunderbolts by Fabian Nicieza & Tom Grummett – I enjoyed the first series, but fell away. I decided to give the second volume a shot after hearing good things about it and I have to say it didn’t disappoint, even though a bit formulaic at times. You had to know there’d be the surprise ending, I mean that is a facet of what made the first volume so good; the revelation that Baron Zemo and the Masters of Evil were in fact the Thunderbolts. Well, this volume doesn’t disappoint either as the individual funding the new team is revealed to be…I’m not going to ruin it for you. I wish Busiek and Nicieza would pace the story a little slower at times. Zemo is ousted by issue 12 of the first volume, their financial backer is gone within the first story arc in the second volume. Let me enjoy this, build up the drama and suspense. Also, you know who joins the team before they join the team by reading the recap page, which just didn’t make any sense to me, especially when on the last page you promote who will be the next member. I love that Fabian is using lesser known and underused characters such as Blizzard, Speed Demon, and Radioactive Man and creating three dimensional characters; you get inside their head you understand their fears and motivations. This series also sees the return of the Purple Man, a character Bendis made viable in his Alias series and he is no less formidable in New Thunderbolts. Mark Bagley set the standard for the look of the Thunderbolts and Grummett’s artwork compliments the look and feel of the original series that worked so well, while still having his own distinctive style.
Marvel Knights 4 #13-21 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Jim Muniz, and Valentine DeLandro with covers by Steve McNiven – I have to admit I was bummed when McNiven left MK4, but I loved the approach Aguirre-Sacasa was taking with this title that I continued on. Muniz came in and had huge shoes to fill and he did a remarkable job and I soon enjoyed his work…then he left and Valentine DeLandro came on board. I better say I don’t like this guy otherwise he’ll leave the title too. Muniz’s style was similar to McNiven’s, I believe the inker and colorist provided the consistency in appearance with McNiven’s departure, but DeLandro’s style is very different and to my surprise works very well. Enough praise for the artists, it’s the story that keeps me coming back and Roberto clearly shows the importance of the family. The family is the center of every story and each story shows the impact they have on the characters; this series is full of emotion, which is clearly seen in the two-part “Inhumane” storyline, a particularly gut wrenching tale. These are hard stories to tell, but fortunately, he’s working with artists that can convey these emotions masterfully through facial expressions and body language. How’d I get back on the artists? Oh yeah, the writing and the art are completely in sync with one another. This title is a perfect blending of talent creating a product greater than the sum of its parts. Aguirre-Sacasa has given a lot of focus to Sue in this series, but she doesn’t wilt under the scrutiny, she feeds off it, and shows why she is the glue that holds the family together and a formidable opponent against those who would threaten her family. Sue Richards is no damsel in distress and this is one of the best books on the stand!
Saturday, September 10, 2005
I'm like a squirrel. Storing comics for the winter. I joke with my friends that if I stopped buying comics right now the comics I have bought and haven't read would last me at least a year. I catch heat for this fact. I went to my local comic store this past week with my buddy and he commented that it almost seemed like a job or chore for me. He asked if I even read the comics I buy or if I just buy them because that's what I've done every week for twenty years; man I'm old. This is so very far from the truth.
I will admit I buy one or two titles because I've bought those titles for as long as I can remember, but am really not excited about reading them. One being Amazing Spider-Man. I am a huge Spider-Man fan. He is what got me into comics, but after seeing Gwen in the throes of passion with Norman Osborn my rational mind shuts off...I want to vomit because it sickens me so. Amazing how strong an emotional reaction that scene caused, but Peter is my friend. He's been there for me during thick and thin. I haven't read the comic since, but I still get excited over the new issue of Ultimate Spider-Man. And surprisingly Spider-Man Unlimited, the horrible "Fanboyz" story being the exception. I had passed on this title, but after reading Dan Slott's Spider-Man/Human Torch mini-series I remembered how much fun the Marvel Universe Spider-Man could be plus Michael Lark and Tom Beland both had upcoming stories in the series! How can you pass that up?
Anyway, I guess the gist of the matter is I buy more comics than I can keep up with, but I don't see that as a problem. I know what new comics I enjoy reading. I only buy older stuff that interests me and I've heard great things about. I also have to take advantage of deals as they come along. I bought the entire Books of Magic and The Dreaming series for pennies on the dollar when a local store decided to close its second location. I picked up Sandman Mystery Theater that way and I fell in love with the adventures of Wesley Dodds and that era. I like being able to read what I want, when I want, when the mood strikes me.
And I go through phases with my comic reading, sometimes I'm in an indie mood, sometimes I'm all about DC or Marvel, or a particular character. There are times when I devour them, as has been the case the last couple of weeks, and times when I'm busy with life, school (working towards my MBA), or catching up on those Criterions, but I'll get to them. I recently have been catching up on some Marvel comics.
Runaways Volume 2 #1-7 by Brian K. Vaughan & Adrian Alphono - The creators pick right up where they left off on this amazing series. Vaughan has really made a niche in coming up with a nice array of quality, creator owned comics for Marvel and DC. If you haven't tried this series pick up the recently released Runaways hard cover collecting all 18 issues of the first volume. One thing I've noticed recently, and a common thread in some of the comics "reviewed" is that Marvel is breathing new life into its second and third tier characters. In this series we have the creation of Excelsior, a support group who's members include Darkhawk, Chamber, the Phil Urich Green Goblin, and Ricochet of the Slingers.
Shanna the She-Devil by Frank Cho - I think this is a completely different Shanna from the Ka-Zar one...I'm not sure. Maybe this a retelling of her origin, it just seems like Marvel allowed Cho to use her name, but created a completely different character so there were no continuity constraints. If you know please let me know. Anyway, it was a fun read, graphic, a lot of the supporting cast didn't make it through this story, some a little worse for wear, and obviously it is racey at times. Cho did a pretty good job balancing the sexiness with substance.
Spider-Man: Breakout by Bedard & Garcia - I wasn't sure about this one since Bendis wasn't writing it, but in a spur of the moment purchase my interested outweighted my hesitation and I wanted to see how this tied in with New Avengers. I guess you could compare this series to DC's Villains United, but it is different. It has its own flavor. The focus of this book is on the lesser known villains the U-Foes and Crossfire and the fallout of a foiled prison break. Bedard pulls it off.
As mentioned earlier Spider-Man/Human Torch by Dan Slott & Ty Templeton - This book was great! I've only been excited about Bendis' USM since the whole Norman/Gwen page, but Slott really captured the essence, excitement, enthusiasm, humor, and fun that is Spidey! Issue 5 almost made me tear up, I love the family aspect and the brotherly love between Spidey and Human Torch that Slott built on in this book. I highly recommend tracking down the issues or the digest. I think Quesada should give Slott a serious look for one of their main Spidey titles.
GLA by Slott & Pelletier - Slott is the master of the second, third...I'm not sure what tier these guys are on, but Slott created an interesting and entertaining read utilizing these schlubs; and I say that lovingly. Collect this Marvel! And put out a sequel.
X-Men The End Book One: Dreamers & Demons by Claremont & Chen - I may not like everything that goes on in this series, I sometimes think Claremont just picks up where he left off at times, but this is surprisingly not a boring and textbook like read by Claremont. He has actually created a fast paced and interesting story. I'm glad my retailer gave me a good price on these I might have missed out on it. A lot of stuff is going on in this first Book, but Claremont did a superb job weaving the tapestry. Lately his stuff had been dragging for me, but The End is streamlined and tight.
X-Men The End Book Two: Heroes & Martyrs by Claremont & Chen - Book Two is just as good if not better than Book One. Claremont picks right up and provides the reader with more action and more revelations; even faster paced. Geez, I think I'm becoming a fan of Claremont's again. I'm definitely picking up Book Three. I'm honestly surprised by how much I'm enjoying this storyline. As I said I don't like or agree with everything, but overall even the space stuff has kept me interested and Claremont is writing stories that I don't want to put down. Where's my cynicism gone?
Captain America #1-9 by Ed Brubaker, Steve Epting, and Michael Lark - This series is jaw droppingly good! Captain American has never been better! I'd read the first two issues, but decided I should start from the beginning and I'm glad I did because they are even better the second time around. This series is so good I'm buying the hardcover when Marvel releases it (the oversized one collecting the first two story arcs). Buy this book if you aren't already. Readers can easily catch up with the Marvel Premium trade that was recently released collecting the first seven issues.
Age of Apocalypse featuring the X-Men by Yoshida & Bachalo plus the One-Shot - I loved the Age of Apocalypse story Marvel did 10 years ago and Yoshida and Bachalo came up with a great sequel to celebrate its anniversary. I love Bachelo's art, especially the opening pages on the later issues, sometimes it can get so dark it becomes muddy, but you have to love his homage to Eisner's The Spirit lettering design in the first issue. And overall Yoshida wrote a great story. There were one or two bits that were a lame. The whole I'm going to kill you, but I won't because you don't deserve it became redudant. That's the problem sometimes with Wolverine, you don't want to hold him back to show how vicious he is, but you have to otherwise he's become this psycho mass murderer, which is one thing that made Millar's first storyline so cool in Wolverine. Of course then you have Magneto who didn't show as much restraint; one thing I learned is Magneto is ruthless when you harm his family.
MARVEL TEAM-UP #1-12 by Robert Kirkman, Scott Kolins, & Paco Medina - I'd read the first two issues and liked them, but fell behind...issue 12 coming out this week, but I trust Kirkman and that trust was rewarded with twelve fun and entertaining issues. I won't say every thing worked perfectly, but Kirkman brought the humor and levity I loved reading when I was growing up. He has the characters say stuff that I'd have them say - if I could write a comic. He builds on the stories, the first arc playing a role in the second arc, and throughout the 12 issues he's building up Titannus. Great series, pick up the first trade if you missed out on the issues. I like how he's tackling the Team-Up's. He's coordinating everything masterfully.
I also read the Ultimates Volume 1, X4, and Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes hard covers as well as the Claremont & Miller Wolverine mini-series. Whew! That's a lot of comic reading.
Make Mine Marvel!
Well...next time I'll review what I read prior to my recent Marvel Mood:
The King by Rich Koslowski (Top Shelf)
Epileptic by David B. (Pantheon)
Tricked by Alex Robinson (Top Shelf)
Persepolis 2 by Marjane Satrapi (Pantheon)
Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi (Pantheon)
The Originals by Dave Gibbons
I will admit I buy one or two titles because I've bought those titles for as long as I can remember, but am really not excited about reading them. One being Amazing Spider-Man. I am a huge Spider-Man fan. He is what got me into comics, but after seeing Gwen in the throes of passion with Norman Osborn my rational mind shuts off...I want to vomit because it sickens me so. Amazing how strong an emotional reaction that scene caused, but Peter is my friend. He's been there for me during thick and thin. I haven't read the comic since, but I still get excited over the new issue of Ultimate Spider-Man. And surprisingly Spider-Man Unlimited, the horrible "Fanboyz" story being the exception. I had passed on this title, but after reading Dan Slott's Spider-Man/Human Torch mini-series I remembered how much fun the Marvel Universe Spider-Man could be plus Michael Lark and Tom Beland both had upcoming stories in the series! How can you pass that up?
Anyway, I guess the gist of the matter is I buy more comics than I can keep up with, but I don't see that as a problem. I know what new comics I enjoy reading. I only buy older stuff that interests me and I've heard great things about. I also have to take advantage of deals as they come along. I bought the entire Books of Magic and The Dreaming series for pennies on the dollar when a local store decided to close its second location. I picked up Sandman Mystery Theater that way and I fell in love with the adventures of Wesley Dodds and that era. I like being able to read what I want, when I want, when the mood strikes me.
And I go through phases with my comic reading, sometimes I'm in an indie mood, sometimes I'm all about DC or Marvel, or a particular character. There are times when I devour them, as has been the case the last couple of weeks, and times when I'm busy with life, school (working towards my MBA), or catching up on those Criterions, but I'll get to them. I recently have been catching up on some Marvel comics.
Runaways Volume 2 #1-7 by Brian K. Vaughan & Adrian Alphono - The creators pick right up where they left off on this amazing series. Vaughan has really made a niche in coming up with a nice array of quality, creator owned comics for Marvel and DC. If you haven't tried this series pick up the recently released Runaways hard cover collecting all 18 issues of the first volume. One thing I've noticed recently, and a common thread in some of the comics "reviewed" is that Marvel is breathing new life into its second and third tier characters. In this series we have the creation of Excelsior, a support group who's members include Darkhawk, Chamber, the Phil Urich Green Goblin, and Ricochet of the Slingers.
Shanna the She-Devil by Frank Cho - I think this is a completely different Shanna from the Ka-Zar one...I'm not sure. Maybe this a retelling of her origin, it just seems like Marvel allowed Cho to use her name, but created a completely different character so there were no continuity constraints. If you know please let me know. Anyway, it was a fun read, graphic, a lot of the supporting cast didn't make it through this story, some a little worse for wear, and obviously it is racey at times. Cho did a pretty good job balancing the sexiness with substance.
Spider-Man: Breakout by Bedard & Garcia - I wasn't sure about this one since Bendis wasn't writing it, but in a spur of the moment purchase my interested outweighted my hesitation and I wanted to see how this tied in with New Avengers. I guess you could compare this series to DC's Villains United, but it is different. It has its own flavor. The focus of this book is on the lesser known villains the U-Foes and Crossfire and the fallout of a foiled prison break. Bedard pulls it off.
As mentioned earlier Spider-Man/Human Torch by Dan Slott & Ty Templeton - This book was great! I've only been excited about Bendis' USM since the whole Norman/Gwen page, but Slott really captured the essence, excitement, enthusiasm, humor, and fun that is Spidey! Issue 5 almost made me tear up, I love the family aspect and the brotherly love between Spidey and Human Torch that Slott built on in this book. I highly recommend tracking down the issues or the digest. I think Quesada should give Slott a serious look for one of their main Spidey titles.
GLA by Slott & Pelletier - Slott is the master of the second, third...I'm not sure what tier these guys are on, but Slott created an interesting and entertaining read utilizing these schlubs; and I say that lovingly. Collect this Marvel! And put out a sequel.
X-Men The End Book One: Dreamers & Demons by Claremont & Chen - I may not like everything that goes on in this series, I sometimes think Claremont just picks up where he left off at times, but this is surprisingly not a boring and textbook like read by Claremont. He has actually created a fast paced and interesting story. I'm glad my retailer gave me a good price on these I might have missed out on it. A lot of stuff is going on in this first Book, but Claremont did a superb job weaving the tapestry. Lately his stuff had been dragging for me, but The End is streamlined and tight.
X-Men The End Book Two: Heroes & Martyrs by Claremont & Chen - Book Two is just as good if not better than Book One. Claremont picks right up and provides the reader with more action and more revelations; even faster paced. Geez, I think I'm becoming a fan of Claremont's again. I'm definitely picking up Book Three. I'm honestly surprised by how much I'm enjoying this storyline. As I said I don't like or agree with everything, but overall even the space stuff has kept me interested and Claremont is writing stories that I don't want to put down. Where's my cynicism gone?
Captain America #1-9 by Ed Brubaker, Steve Epting, and Michael Lark - This series is jaw droppingly good! Captain American has never been better! I'd read the first two issues, but decided I should start from the beginning and I'm glad I did because they are even better the second time around. This series is so good I'm buying the hardcover when Marvel releases it (the oversized one collecting the first two story arcs). Buy this book if you aren't already. Readers can easily catch up with the Marvel Premium trade that was recently released collecting the first seven issues.
Age of Apocalypse featuring the X-Men by Yoshida & Bachalo plus the One-Shot - I loved the Age of Apocalypse story Marvel did 10 years ago and Yoshida and Bachalo came up with a great sequel to celebrate its anniversary. I love Bachelo's art, especially the opening pages on the later issues, sometimes it can get so dark it becomes muddy, but you have to love his homage to Eisner's The Spirit lettering design in the first issue. And overall Yoshida wrote a great story. There were one or two bits that were a lame. The whole I'm going to kill you, but I won't because you don't deserve it became redudant. That's the problem sometimes with Wolverine, you don't want to hold him back to show how vicious he is, but you have to otherwise he's become this psycho mass murderer, which is one thing that made Millar's first storyline so cool in Wolverine. Of course then you have Magneto who didn't show as much restraint; one thing I learned is Magneto is ruthless when you harm his family.
MARVEL TEAM-UP #1-12 by Robert Kirkman, Scott Kolins, & Paco Medina - I'd read the first two issues and liked them, but fell behind...issue 12 coming out this week, but I trust Kirkman and that trust was rewarded with twelve fun and entertaining issues. I won't say every thing worked perfectly, but Kirkman brought the humor and levity I loved reading when I was growing up. He has the characters say stuff that I'd have them say - if I could write a comic. He builds on the stories, the first arc playing a role in the second arc, and throughout the 12 issues he's building up Titannus. Great series, pick up the first trade if you missed out on the issues. I like how he's tackling the Team-Up's. He's coordinating everything masterfully.
I also read the Ultimates Volume 1, X4, and Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes hard covers as well as the Claremont & Miller Wolverine mini-series. Whew! That's a lot of comic reading.
Make Mine Marvel!
Well...next time I'll review what I read prior to my recent Marvel Mood:
The King by Rich Koslowski (Top Shelf)
Epileptic by David B. (Pantheon)
Tricked by Alex Robinson (Top Shelf)
Persepolis 2 by Marjane Satrapi (Pantheon)
Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi (Pantheon)
The Originals by Dave Gibbons
