Eye on Comics

Blade of the Warrior: Kshatriya #1 (Virgin Comics)
by Arjun Gaind & R. Manikandan

Virgin Comics continues its efforts to incorporate East Indian mythology into the pop-culture consciousness with this new limited series about a warrior and his battle with his corrupt brother. I have to give writer Arjun Gaind credit to driving home the ancient nature of the story and characters by making Alexander the Great the audience for the story within the comic. It not only drives home the eons-old quality of the backdrop, but it also reinforces the longevity of East Indian culture. This is a Conan-esque barbarian story, and R. Manikandan’s artwork suits it incredibly well. His style puts me in mind of Barry (Storyteller, Conan the Barbarian) Windsor-Smith’s art, as well as that of Michael (Sandman) Zulli. The visuals are full of rich detail, but the artist doesn’t necessarily strive for a realistic look either. He captures the supernatural elements incredibly well with his slight sketchy style, and the muted colors aid him in that effort. Read the rest of this entry »

Amazing Spider-Man #568
“New Ways to Die, Part One: Back With Vengeance”
Writer: Dan Slott
Pencils: John Romita Jr.
Inks: Klaus Janson
Colors: Dean White
“Fifth Stage”
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Adi Granov

Letters: Virtual Calligraphy
Cover artists: John Romita Jr./Alex Ross (regular covers) and John Romita Sr. (variant)
Editor: Stephen Wacker
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99 US/$4.05 CAN

I checked out the first issue of the new thrice-monthly Amazing Spider-Man in January, and I didn’t find it strong enough to lure me to read further issues in the new direction and format. However, with the debut of a new storyline and the addition of a couple of strong creators (John Romita Jr. and Mark Waid) to the creative team with this issue, I decided to give it another look. I’m glad I did. While the creators haven’t reinvented the wheel or anything, I can’t deny that I was entertained by and interested in the story. This is a solid super-hero story that stays true to the traditions of the title character, but what really held my attention was the shakeup in the status quo of newspaper scene in Spidey’s New York. Read the rest of this entry »

I recently had the pleasure of reading a great short story in DC’s Jonah Hex. What drew me to the story — an intense tale of survival in the Canadian wilderness, penned by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray — was the art by Darwyn Cooke. Cooke is, of course, a superstar in the industry these days, and I always keep an eye out for new work from him.

Shortly thereafter, I discovered that J.H. Williams III, the stalwart artistic talent from such books as Promethea and Batman: The Black Glove, has contributed art to be featured in the 35th issue of Hex, on sale Sept. 3. Those familiar with the series are also well aware of the frequent contributions from legendary Spanish comics artist Jordi Bernet. Seeing his work in North American comics has been a rare occurrence in recent years, and he’s provided some amazing visuals for the DC western title.

It occurred to me… what’s attracting these high-profile artists to this little series? Jonah Hex is far from one of DC’s top performers; it doesn’t even make it into the Diamond Comic Distributors Top 100 on any given month. So why is talent of this caliber — artists who would pick and choose whatever project they choose, including any Top 10-selling title — contributing to what seems like the runt of the DC Universe litter? Eye on Comics talked to a couple of the creators to find out what’s going on. Read the rest of this entry »

I’m a huge fan of The Amazing Race. The Emmy award-winning reality show has always struck me as the most interesting, most entertaining and most genuine source of human emotion in a game-show setting. Aside from its disastrous “family edition” season of the show, The Amazing Race has always enthralled me with its adventure, humor and fast-paced drama.

And now, it’s going to feature not just one of us, but two. Read the rest of this entry »

Air #1 (DC Comics/Vertigo imprint)
by G. Willow Wilson & M.K. Perker

When DC first launched its Vertigo imprint, I was on board for everything that bore the brand. I was a diehard Vertigo fanboy, converted early on thanks to Neil Gaiman and Morpheus. I remained a fan during its second and third wave of titles and anchor writers, but in more recent years, I’ve been more selective in my Vertigo selections. I knew little about Air and its creators when I first read the initial promotional efforts for the title, and it didn’t grab my attention. I didn’t plan on buying the book, but DC plunked a review copy in my lap. Writer G. Willow Wilson certainly doesn’t believe in starting slow or decompressed storytelling. This unusual story about a secret war for control of security of the skies is definitely unique, undeniably smart and oddly puzzling, but by the end of the book, it seems like a romantic fantasy, something of a Harlequin romance for conspiracy theorists. I’m intrigued, mostly because I’m not sure everything is as it seems; there’s a surreal tone at play that makes me question what the writer and the characters are telling me. Ultimately, I find I’m a bit torn about the book, as I was nagged by the feeling that the central character — a flight attendant who gets swept up in a weird, shadow war — ends up accepting too easily the extreme and impossible circumstances in which she finds herself all of a sudden. Furthermore, Air seems a little past its prime. Perhaps had it been a couple of years ago, when the events of 9/11 reverberated more strongly in the social subconscious, it might have seemed more relevant and urgent. Read the rest of this entry »

The Martian Confederacy original graphic novel
Writer: Jason McNamara
Artist/Cover artist: Paige Braddock
Colors: Brian Miller & Paige Braddock
Publisher: Girl Twirl Comics
Price: $15 US

The Martian Confederacy isn’t your typical science-fiction story. It’s hard to nail down. It’s humorous. It’s political. It’s action-packed. It’s touching. It’s off the wall. This quirky, small-press effort has a lot to offer its readership, but it doesn’t feel like it’s trying to be all things to all people. McNamara’s characters and dialogue are a lot of fun. Even the villains have a certain charm. The book as a whole is definitely light-hearted, but it boasts a couple of nastier, gory moments that make for not-unpleasant jolts in the flow of the narrative. The Martian Confederacy and its creators face some challenges. Some fans of small-press or indy comics might think a sci-fi graphic novel isn’t something that would appeal to them, just as fans devoted to more mainstream action-comics fare mightn’t be drawn to it either. Ultimately, both factions would be well advised to give it a chance. It’s undeniably fun, and it just gets more entertaining and enjoyable the further one gets into the book. Read the rest of this entry »

There’s been some talk in the comics blogosphere recently about the viability of printed products in the 21st century, with suggestions arising that print is dead or is dying. It’s hardly a new notion or argument. Funerals and wakes have been held for print media time and time again, and they started in the 1990s. A decade later, we’ve yet to see the paperless society that many touted as the wave of the future. That wave is never going to make it to shore. Read the rest of this entry »

Final Crisis #3 (DC Comics)
by Grant Morrison & J.G. Jones

Some readers may feel this is something of a slow issue, that not much happens in this third episode of the series. It’s an understandable impression, given the explosive nature of the previous issue’s events and the focus on some quiet, personal moments for the characters in this one. Nevertheless, Grant Morrison’s tribute to the late Jack Kirby’s Fourth World myths gallops ahead. This is about Darkseid’s ultimate victory, cracking the Anti-Life Equation and moving toward physical and intellectual dominance over all things. It really helps to have a grounding in the Fourth World to appreciate what’s happening here, though. J.G. Jones’s art is lovely, but the density of the plot is apparent in the visuals. This is a big event book, but the artist has few opportunities to deliver big visuals, such as splash pages. The coloring looks a little washed out in this issue, not as crisp as what we saw last month. I remain puzzled by the disconnect between several of Jones’s cover images for this series and the actual content. For example, Supergirl’s prominence on one of the covers for this third issue doesn’t jibe with the minor moment the character has in this issue. Read the rest of this entry »

The Black Diamond: Get in the Car and Go trade paperback
Writer: Larry Young
Artist/Colors: Jon Proctor
Cover photographer: Mimi Rosenheim
Publisher: AiT/Planet Lar
Price: $19.95 US

AiT/Planet Lar graphic novels have always been worth a look. Publishers Larry Young and Mimi Rosenheim have an eye for unusual projects and strong creative voices. Among the talent they’ve worked with are now high-profile names in the industry, such as Matt (Invincible Iron Man) Fraction and Brian (DMZ) Wood. AiT/Planet Lar first got off the ground with Young’s Astronauts in Trouble title, and he returned to writing comics recently with this title, collected here. While AiT/Planet Lar was built mainly on the philosophy of publishing original graphic novels, it’s strayed from that model from time to time, and this is the most recent instance of that. I liked the premise of The Black Diamond in that its premise flows from socio-political issues, and that real-world, smart quality is to be found throughout this book. Unfortunately, the story is derailed in part by the artwork. Jon Proctor’s stiff illustration is appealing at times, but the action doesn’t unfold clearly at all. Without vital cues in the dialogue, there are times when it’s impossible to tell what’s going on. The story’s pacing is a bit off as well, but I’m pretty sure I understand why that might have been something of a necessary evil. Read the rest of this entry »

newuniversal: 1959 #1
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artists: Greg Scott & Kody Chamberlain
Colors: Val Staples
Letters: Ed Dukeshire
Cover artist: Brandon Peterson
Editor: John Barber
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99 US/$4.05 CAN

Kieron Gillen impressed those of us who read his Phonogram from Image Comics, but his assignment on this one-shot from Marvel Comics really served as his introduction to a much wider North American comics-reading audience. So how did he do? Well, not only did he offer an intense period piece set on the fringes of a burgeoning super-hero continuity, thereby proving his mettle to readers unfamiliar with his work, he’s provided a great boost for Marvel’s newuniversal brand. If this story of paranoia, fear and the unfortunate ethics of evolution doesn’t make you want to immerse yourself in Warren Ellis’s retooled vision of the “New Universe,” nothing will. Gillen provides a story that does more than follow in step with Ellis’s work; it exceeds it. It’s too bad that this will likely only appeal to existing newuniversal readers. It’s a shame Marvel didn’t offer this book at a lower price point, even as a loss leader, as it would no doubt have ignited a great deal of interest in Ellis’s first newuniversal limited series, the new newuniversal: shockfront title and the further spinoffs set for release in the months ahead. Read the rest of this entry »

Freedom Formula #1 (Radical Comics)
by Edmund Shern, Chester Ocampo & Kai

Freedom Formula strikes me as one part Speed Racer, one part Robotech and one part Blade Runner, but the end result strikes me as being rather derivative. Truth be told, this story of a future of NASCAR-like racing robots, a genetically engineered workforce and an outcast’s foray into the dark underbelly of a sprawling metropolis seems to me to be like something that was specifically designed to attract the attention of producers and investors in other media. We really don’t get much of the story in this first issue, just the establishment of some key players and the futuristic backdrop. I didn’t find that I was all that invested in what was happening, and as a result, I wasn’t all that interested either. Mind you, the anime elements at play in the premise aren’t the sort of fare that I’m usually interested in. The art is definitely the book’s biggest selling point. There’s an odd mix of traditional illustration, photo-referencing and computer graphics that dynamic and eye-catching. On the other hand, it’s not always easy to tell what’s going on. The anime/manga influences in the premise and setting are apparent in the artwork as well, but they’re not always overt. Fans of sci-fi anime are bound to enjoy Freedom Formula. It’s not my cup of tea, and I get the sense that “formula” part of the title is all too fitting. 4/10
Note: This comic book is slated for release Aug. 13. Read the rest of this entry »

In the world of television, production companies put together pilots, single-introductory episodes of new shows that they show to prospective buyers, hoping to get picked up for more episodes. With its Pilot Season line, Top Cow Productions, an Image Comics imprint, seems to be trying a similar approach, releasing single issues of new properties, but allowing the readership decide which ones will continue as ongoing series, as I understand it. I’m sure the gimmick is to pump out multiple first issues for the collectors’ crowd and reduce the chance of investing in titles that’ll fizzle. I’m not wild about the concept, truth be told, but the results are interesting. It’s allowed Top Cow to branch out beyond the fare for which it’s mainly known. Judging from the three 2008 Pilot Season books I review below, the experiment brings a little more diversity to the brand. Read the rest of this entry »

Zot! 1987-1991: The Complete Black and White Collection trade paperback
Writer/Artist/Cover artist: Scott McCloud
Letters: Bob Lappan
Editor: cat yronwode
Publisher: HarperCollins
Price: $24.95 US/$26.95 CAN

I missed out on the original run of Scott McCloud’s Zot! comics, but I’m not a stranger to the concept. I picked up a cheap trade-paperback edition of his early Zot! color issues a while back, but this new HarperCollins edition of the subsequent black-and-white run of the landmark series is new territory for me. To suggest I was enthralled by McCloud’s pop commentary about hope and beauty in the world would be to embrace understatement. Zot’s adventures and the relationships among him, Jenny and a circle of friends from two sides of the same mirror are vastly different in tone but equally well crafted, entertaining and even challenging. Clearly inspired a great deal by Osamu Tezuka’s work, Zot!, at first glance, seems like Astro Boy with a human in the main role of the boy hero. But there’s a lot more to Zot!, and it’s apparent early on in the book. Ultimately, it’s a parable about the importance of hope, innocence, kindness and joy. The energy that jumps up from the page is infectious, and that’s really what the book is all about: encouraging others to see the beauty and goodness all around them. Read the rest of this entry »

B.P.R.D.: The Ectoplasmic Man one-shot (Dark Horse Comics)
by Mike Mignola, John Arcudi & Ben Stenbeck

I love how much potential and life Mike Mignola and his various creative collaborators have uncovered in the Hellboy franchise, and I’m thrilled there’s a wealth of material on the stands. Given that B.P.R.D. comics are released on a monthly basis, one might question the need for this one-shot, but it’s a smart move, given some content in the recently released Hellboy 2: The Golden Army movie. It adds Johann Strauss to the big-screen B.P.R.D. cast, and this one-shot offers up an accessible origin and introduction to the character for readers who may otherwise be unfamiliar with him. It’s a simple, solid story, but one that still manages to tap into the appeal of the B.P.R.D. formula. Mignola and co-writer John Arcudi were smart to offer more than a simple origin and profile of Strauss. There’s a complete story here, complete with monstrous villain and the usual melancholy tone that’s inherent in the gothic property. As far as I can tell, this is my first exposure Ben Stenbeck’s artwork, and I’m impressed. His work reminds me of the art of such comics professionals as Peter Snejbjerg and Shawn McManus. His dark approach manages to touch upon Mignola’s distinctive look as well. What’s most striking about Stenbeck’s work here is the softness he brings to Johann’s face. He’s instantly sympathetic. His use of color to distinguish among the living, the dead and the in-between is thoroughly effective as well and adds a strong, supernatural energy to the mix. 8/10 Read the rest of this entry »

Tony Stark has it all… good looks, billions of dollars, beautiful women fawning all over him, but hey, every guy’s got to grow up sometime and begin his search for a classy partner. Thanks to my recent acquisition of a small collection of tattered, yellowed comics from the 1970s and ’80s, I discovered one of Tony’s efforts to woo an elegant and intelligent woman.

Now one as to bear in that this particular courtship came at a difficult time in Tony’s life. He was just beginning to realize that booze might be something of an issue for him (blackouts, you see… time to ease off on the hooch, though not to cut it out entirely). His erratic behavior as Iron Man has also caught the attention of some longtime friends. Why, the Lions Club even cancelled Shellhead’s regular appearance at their New York conference! And you know when you lose the Lions, there’s just no way to save face.

In any case, a nice night on the town with a beautiful, engaging woman such as Bethany Cabe ought to address any bruised ego, right? So let’s see… where to take her? It’s New York, so the possibilities are endless. The Rainbow Room? Nah, too predictable. Famous Original Ray’s Pizza? Not fancy enough. Where to go, where to go…?

Oh, I know… Read the rest of this entry »