Review - Near Death 3

I don't hesitate to say that without Jay Faerber I would not be the comic book fan I am today. His Noble Causes series was one of the first Image Comics I ever read, and it left a huge impression on me on how super-heroes could be written outside the normal tropes. Over the years he's come at us with different sorts of comics from Dodge's Bullets to Firebirds to Dynamo 5 to Gemini. And while I've unfortunately not read all of them like a good fan should, mostly because I've been going through a bit of a super-hero burn out, I respect the hell out of him as a comic creator. So when I heard about his new crime series, Near Death, its no surprise I jumped on top of it with both feet.

Near Death is the story of a hitman who has a near death experience that scares the hell out of him. Finding himself back among the living he vows to change his life around, and save lives instead of take them. So far each issue has told a self contained story as our lead 'hero', Markham, as he wrestles with his new found purpose in life. Attempting to save, not only the person looking down the wrong end of a gun, but the people pulling the trigger as well. Its this duality of purpose that intrigues me about this series. Markham seems to be trying to save everyone, most significantly himself. But he's still not sure of his motives or end goal.

This issue has Markham opening up some old wounds, by trying to save a Police Detective, Eliza Cahill, who's partner he killed while taking out a hit on an informant in witness protection. She want's Markham's blood and no doubt. But she's caught in a bind with corrupt cops trying to shut her up, and Markham help is all she has to rely on. I really liked this story and the dynamic between Markham and Eliza is fascinating considering their history. I get the feeling she'll be back soon enough, there's too much potential there to just leave it on the table.

Art wise I'm a bit more critical of. It has a gritty dark tone to it, which works for the sort crime thriller its suppose to be. But, there's just something stiff about it. Most faces seem sort of waxy and lifeless, and some backgrounds and vehicles are clearly drawn from reference (I won't go so far as to say 'traced' but its probable). Its not a deal breaker, but I wish the art had a bit more life to it.

Overall this is a great book, that I'll be following for a while. OUTSTANDING.

Next: SAVAGE DRAGON.

Review - Fables 111

On the topic of long running series. Fables is certainly getting up there. 111 issues is nothing to sneeze at in the sort of comic climate we live in. What with all the relaunches, retcons, and general numbering tom-foolery that goes on at the big-two. Issue 100 was a big milestone (and a big issue for that matter), but it lead into the... questionable Super Team arc. In truth the entire Mr. Dark storyline had felt a little off. Running for seemingly forever, and the pay-off wasn't exceptional. Though the rug-pulling of issue 100 was an interesting twist, if not for leading to Super Team, who's ending felt more of like a cop out then anything. But, interestingly, what spun out from that has been really good. Inherit the Wind has been a truly good arc, bring back much of the magic series has needed for the last year or so.

Inherit the Wind has the six children of Snow and Bigby Wolf going through a series of trials to determine who among them will be the new North Wind. Meanwhile former Fabletown Head Office clerk Bufkin the flying monkey has found himself as the self-appointed resistance leader against the Empire of Oz. Things are not going very smoothly in that regard.

The main story, sees the return of Bellflower (Totenkinder) and her new squeeze Dunster after their ordeal helping the old North Wind defeat Mr. Dark. Their picked up by Winter (one of Snow's daughters) who has some how blundered into the homeland of the North Wind. A place from which there is no return. Unless you know the dangerous winds that guard it that is. Meanwhile in Oz, Bufkin is to be executed for crimes against the Empire.

This storyline has had a chance to really flesh out the Snow and Bigby's kids, who by and large have never fully been in the spotlight (except Ambrose a handful of times). Given that chance, and the crowning of one of them as King of the North Wind, and how one of them reacts.  I still don't feel we've been given a good chance to get to know them individually beyond fairly simplistic archetypes. That being said, Snow and Bigby are in rare form, Snow her usual headstrong leader self, and Bigby seemingly out of his element for once.

All that being said, I'm seriously curious when the story will get back to reestablishing Fabletown. And dealing with what Mr. Dark left behind in the ruins of the last one. With Werewolves of the Heartland OGN delayed/cancelled again, I'm seriously wondering if that's still a long way off. I like the Homelands, and what they offer, but without a Fabletown to establish the Fables in our mundane world, it raises a lot of questions (like, why do they continue to stay here now that the Adversary is long out of the picture?) Really hope the series gets to that soon.

Next: NEAR DEATH.

Review - 2000 AD 1758

Ah. 2000 AD. Can't think of another title that can boast 1758 consecutive issues. Now granted has a bit of a leg up, being WEEKLY and all. But in my mind that makes it even more impressive. Every week it provides 30 pages split between 4-5 serials in full color, like clockwork. That is some impressive editorial managing. And yet even with such tight editorial control, it still manages to push out some the most creative and thrilling comics out there.

For those who might not know, 2000 AD is a serial anthology, each issue containing several (usually five) on-going stories. One of which is always the title's star, Judge Dredd. Some people might think getting serial comics in 5-page chunks would be annoying. But there are two things at work here; the weekly format means you get the next installment quickly and in regular intervals. Second, in 2000 AD the art of the cliffhanger is alive and well, not to mention economizing of space. There's no 'writing for the trade' style of writing going on here, where what you're reading is just a 50-page story cut into ten 5-page chunks with no regard for pacing (like many monthly comics do).

The cover of this issue is drawn by longtime 2000 AD contributors, Simon Davis. Illustrating inside strip Ampney Crucis Investigates. Lead character Ampney Crucis and his man servant Cromwell are strapped to a flying device as they try to escape a dead parallel Earth being chased by a multi- tentacled horror from beyond space and time. Its that sort of crazy crap that makes 2000 AD covers some of the most memorable in the industry

Being a serial anthology I will be reviewing each story individually briefly.

Judge Dredd: Day of Chaos - Elusive (Part 6) - Day of Chaos is the latest Dredd 'mega-epic' to run through the Judge Dredd series. In many ways a follow up to Tour of Duty, a major Dredd storyline that ran through 2009/2010. One of Judge Dredd's oldest and most elusive perps, the notorious serial killed PJ Maybe has broken out of his isoblock, changed his face, and is now running amok in Mega City 1. Mega City 1 is in the middle of electing a new mayor (PJ Maybe, having stolen the identity of the last Mayor and generally being the best Mayor Mega-City 1 ever had before the Judges caught on) and Maybe isn't pleased with is former party's new candidate name dropping him like they were best buddies. So PJ Maybe is out to put his replacment in the ground, and remind the Justice Department just how dangerous he is. John Wagner is the father of Dredd and still has the magic 30+ years writing the strip. Henry Flint's artwork brings the madness of Mega City 1 and the circus that their elections can become to life. EXCELLENT.

Ampney Crucis Investigates - The English Assassin (Part 9) - Ampney Crucis was a series I didn't like at first. Its about a proper English gentleman who investigates strange goings on, generally of a dark, mysterious, and evil nature all the while keeping his upper-lip stiff. Unknowable horror is no reason to lose your dignified. I thought the first episode or two were sort of formulaic, but the previous two have kicked things up a notch. With Ampney and Co. having become embroiled in international intriqued with the world powers getting into traveling between dimensions. Unfortunately the alternate universe they bored into happens to be a dead world acting as an incubator for a Cthulhu-esk horror looking to wiped out the multiverse. If only it had a convient doorway... opps. This episode concerns Ampney and his, probably possessed, manservant Cromwell trying to make their escape from this hellish world back to their world. Things don't go well. As exciting as that all sounds, this story does tend to move a bit rapidly and rely a little too much on happenstance to move things forward. Simon Davis's painted art style can look great, but often he goes for big panels with minimalist backgrounds, which make things a little dull to look at. But when he puts in the detail things can look really great. PRETTY OKAY.

Indigo Prime: Anthropocalypse (Part 3) - Indigo Prime was introduced in the late 80s and ran through the early 90s, written by John Smith and illustrated by Chris Weston. It involved an extra-dimensional organization who repaired damage to the multi-verse. Its run was brief, but memorable. Back in 2008 John Smith reintroduced Indigo Prime in the pages of Dead Eyes, and promised that Indigo Prime would return. Three years latter that time is NOW. Interestingly, these new Indigo Prime stories are the most in depth about the organization and what they actually do that the series has gone into. Sometime between the last Indigo Prime story in 1991 and now, the originization has taken some hits and lost significant personnel so they are on a kind of recruiting drive. Dead Eye's main character, and the only survivor of his particular reality, Danny Redman is the latest recruit and he isn't adjusting well to his new situation. Meanwhile, new character Doctor March is pulled out of semi-retirement. Indigo Prime is very deliberate in throwing made up words and being cryptic about what has lead to the organization's current status. That being said its a good kind of bonkers that makes you want to keep reading more. Series artist Edmond Bagwell has a really clean line art style that still manages to showcase all these crazy reality warping dangers going on. BONKERS.

Angel Zero (Part 8) -The 'action girl' genre has a long history at 2000 AD. Angel Zero is the latest of that sort of story. Once upon a time Maggie Roth was implanted with an alien life form known as an Angel that made her stronger, faster, and dangerous. She was then honed into a weapon. Eventually she escaped and had the angel removed, but her past eventually caught up with her. Now she's trying to clean up her demons to protect the people she now cares about. Having been captured by a rival gangster, the organization that's after Maggie makes mince meat out of these amateurs and Maggie finds herself looking down the barrel of a gun and someone looking to put her back into trained killer circulation. Kev-K isn't a high profile 2000 AD writer, but his previous series Second City Blues (from way back in 2005) was pretty good, and this has been generally good. What's interesting, and I wonder if its an experiment on 2000 AD's part itself, is that Angel Zero, instead of being the usual 5 pages long, is only 4-pages long for each of its episodes. It seems to work here, the story it told in a very tight and concise manner. It doesn't ramble. Series artist John Burns is an old hand at 2000 AD, his water color art style is usually pretty memorable. This series though sometimes feel a little stiff and might have used a more energetic artist on art chores. SOLID.

Low Life: The Deal (Part 9) - Low Life is a series I've read since its beginning (way back in 2004) and Rob Williams's Dreddworld story of undercover 'Wally Squad' Judges in one of the worst sectors of Mega City 1 has been continually excellent since its inception. Its cast of characters, notably series star Aimee Nixon and her insane cohort Dirty Frank, has been one of the more indeering in Dreddworld history. This series finds Dirty Frank traveling around the world to Hondo City to find his ally, friend, and fellow Judge Aimee. Who after recent events has found herself defecting from Justice Department to the Hondo City yakuza mob after the yakuza moved in and took over criminal activity in the Low Life. Dirty Frank doesn't know why Aimee defected, but he's determined to bring her back to Mega City 1. This episode Frank finally confronts Aimee and her yakuza handlers, but gets a gunshot to the leg for his troubles. Mean while his Hondo City undercover Judge allies make their move. Rob Williams is a treasure of a writer, the fact that he's gone Marvel exclusive recently is a great blow to comics in general. Fortunately he has a clause that he can keep working on Low Life. Series artist D'Israeli is also a treasure, one of the most impressive artists in 2000 AD stable, anything he works on is a treat. And this is no exception. DIRTY FRANK.

Phew, yeah... that sure was a lot of words for five 5-page (in one case 4) comic. But that's why 2000 AD is so great, there is just so much to love between its covers. This issue has many of its current strips reaching their crescendos for their big end of the years conclusions (Prog 2012 is nearing every week!). I can't wait to see what happened next week!

Next: FABLES 111

New Comics for the Week of 12-07-11

I know I'm running behind on last week's reviews, but this truck does not stop! Its Monday (Tuesday?!) and that means the New Comic Shipping List from Diamond is out! Lets see what's on the docket for this week!

2000 AD 1759. ACTION COMICS 4. MEN OF WAR 4. STORMWATCH 4. 

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES MICRO-SERIES: RAPHAEL 1.

2000 AD 1759 - Ok, truth time. This title's inclusion is a bit of a fudge on my part. It does not actually appear on this week's shipping list. BUT ITS SUPPOSE TO. Last month 2000 AD's publisher Rebellion promised that 2000 AD would be coming out weekly in North America. Since then... that has not actually happened. Usually its two issues every two weeks, and is generally pretty erratic. I have hope that someday it will actually come out weekly. That all being said, this is the issue that is suppose to come out this week in a perfect world. And its still possible, because 2000 AD is notorious for showing up in shops even if it doesn't appear on a Diamond shipping list. So... fingers crossed, but don't hold your breath. I will review it when I get it in my mitts though.

ACTION COMICS 4 -Young Adult Superman in the iron grip of what I can only guess is a Automaton crafted by Brainiac out of tin-cans and bubble-gum. Rags Morales is a pretty nice artist. This cover is pleasant.

 

MEN OF WAR 4 - If there's on thing Men of War has, its really slick cover design. The special ops soldier combined with the rank insignia is very sleek. If I had one complain its that all the white lettering doesn't really read from range.

STORMWATCH 4 - A sweet action cover by interior artist Miguel Sepulveda with team powerhouse Apollo in full-on rage mode. I like it.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES MICRO-SERIES: RAPHAEL 1 - A very striking and if I may say 'indie' looking shot of one of the more interesting Ninja Turtles. I really like the coloring on this image.

Review - Invincible 85

Invincible is one of the few long running titles I've had the pleasure of reading from its first issue. If there's one constant of Invincible, its that it's never one to sit still. Always moving forward, always changing, never afraid to pull punches (often times literally). That being said, The Viltrumite War
epic brought me dangerously close to dropping the title. I'm not sure what never clicked with me with that story, but after all the build up and excitement when the actual War started I found myself bored more then thrilled. I think it was Ryan Ottley's amazing artwork that held me on through that (and I'm not an 'art guy' so that's saying something to the talents of Mr. Wya). But ultimately I'm very glad I stuck through it, as the post-Viltrumite War fallout has been nothing short of excellent. The struggle the title's lead character Mark is going through right now, and how he's dealing with his physiological stress at who he is and what his purpose in the world should be, has been fascinating to read.

Issue 85 of Invincible actually doesn't have anything to do with Mark, or anyone on Earth. Ryan Ottley needed a break, so instead of dropping a fill-in artist into the middle of the main storyline, or delaying the title for two months, instead we have the original Invincible artist (and title Co-Creator) Cory Walker drawing a two issue side-story dealing with Mark's father, Omni-Man and Mark's half-brother Oliver out in space working with the Coalition of Planets and insuring the continuing peace in a war ravaged galaxy. Cory Walker was there at the launch of the series, drawing the first six issues of the series, before handing the reigns over to Ryan Ottley. So having him back on this fill-in arc really feels right.

This issue focuses on Allen the alien's (the current head of the Coalition) struggle with the idea of the last surviving Viltrumites living out on Earth. Omni-Man makes his case but the Coalition is not pleased with this development, and Allen is conflicted between the good of the Coalition and his friendship with Omni-Man and Mark. Not to mention the fate of an entire planet of humans caught in the middle.

I really liked this issue, I like Allen, and his new position in the title makes him even complex. Cory Walker's art is in top form, and the way its evolved from Invincible's early days is significant. Invincible in general has been on the uptick over the last few months, and while The Viltrumite War itself was a bit of a letdown, the groundwork it laid has been paying off really well.

Next: 2000 AD 1758

Review - Usagi Yojimbo 142

Three months ago I suddenly came to a shocking revelation. I'd never actually read any of Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo! Oooops! Not one to let such injustice stand I ran out and bought the first three collections. Going in I knew some of the basics, Usagi is a traveling masterless Samurai, also he's also a rabbit. The mix of fast paced action, quite introspection, physical comedy, historical drama, and fantasy adventure hit all the right notes for me and I immediately regretted not jumping on the title years ago. Along with working my way through the many (many!) collections I bit the bullet and hopped on the latest issue.

First off, one thing I really respect about Usagi Yojimo as a whole is its accessibility. Its stories typically are self-contained, either within a single issue or in a story arch. This latest issue illustrates this rather well. With Usagi wandering the Japanese countryside, as he does, and coming across people in danger and in need of assistance. In this case a team of runners in the employ of a local lord are rapidly transporting a precious cargo as a special gift to another lord. But their long over-land route is beset by bandits and wild animals. Usagi steps in to help, and finds himself taking up the duty of the runners though he has no personal ties to their lord. The beautiful elegance of this story is in its apparent straight forwardness, but taking a step back reveals its larger complex nature. Particularly where what drives Usagi to do what he does is concerned. At 24 pages long, it weaves a very satisfying narrative, that makes you long for other comics to have as much economy of space.

Stan Sakai might be a good writer, but he's also something of a deft hand with a pen too. The line work showcased in this issue is nothing short of inspirational. Characters are lively, backgrounds are detailed, motion flows from panel to panel you can definitely feel a lot of love goes into the creation of this comic.

After years of putting it off, I've finally jumped into this series with both feet, and have continued to find it rewarding. Its certainly the sort of on-going series I can see myself following for years to come, and this issue is a really good example of just why that is. EXCELLENT.

Next: INVINCIBLE (well... soonish. I don't actually have my copy yet. Its in the mail. Maybe not til the end of the week.)

New Comics for the Week of 11-30-11

I know I'm still working my way through reviewing last week's Five Comics (since I came up with the idea after last Wednesday). But its Monday, so that means FIVE NEW COMICS!

 

2000 AD 1758. FABLES 111. NEAR DEATH 3. SAVAGE DRAGON 176. SPACEMAN 2.

2000 AD 1758 - Cover lovingly painted by Simon Davis for the series Amphey Crucis Investigates. If you may recall from my Dark Horse Presents review, I have sort of a thing for serial anthologies. And 2000 AD is the Gold Standard.









FABLES 111 - Another finely painted cover of my new favorite Fable, Bufkin. This arc has been cooking with gas going back and forth between the North Wind and Oz story arcs. Fables is consistently good.









NEAR DEATH 3 - Jay Faerber is cooking up something really special here. And that cover by Tomm Coker is something else.











SAVAGE DRAGON 176 - 176 issues, and no end in sight. Erik Larsen is a trooper if nothing else. This issue promises to finally reveal who the new Overlord is. I have my suspicions, we'll see how off the mark I am. Erik Larsen is nothing else if not a genius at misdirection. Great homage cover harkening back to Savage Dragon 20.








SPACEMAN 2 - Spaceman is shaping up to be one doozy of a science fiction yarn. And in a landscape very thin on the ground of good science fiction I'll take all I can get. This cover also has some serious great composition.