As you might imagine, I have quite a lot of comic book trades. And, as with any large collection, some of it is crap.
We all experience buyer's remorse from time to time, and we are all lured in by shiny beads or what-have-you. There are comics I wish I could retcon from my shelves as easily as they do with Superman's origins.
Do not misunderstand me: I gotta lotta good stuff too. And a lot of it is not awful, but poor, and that's a different story. Nor am I trying to say that these trades are quantifiably terrible. There's no such thing. It's just that, in my humble opinion, I feel that the quality of the work does not justify my purchase.
Here are a few examples:
Friday 29 April 2011
Thursday 28 April 2011
The Weekly Trade #22
Just had a Thorgasmic movie-going experience (can you guess what I saw?) and am in a comics mood!
Whadda I got?
Action Comics #900 (issue)
By various writers and artists; published by DC Comics.
I'm not an obsessive collector type, but America's longest running comic series, which birthed Superman -- and thus superheroes -- in its number one issue is a hell of a milestone that not even I resisted.
Fantastic Four: Three (hardcover)
Written by Jonathan Hickman; art by Steve Epting and Nick Dragotta; published by Marvel Comics.
This is probably my favourite Marvel series at the moment, and this collection features the death of an FF member (I won't spoil, just in case some of you haven't heard).
Jonah Hex: Tall Tales (softcover)
Written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti; art by various; published by DC Comics.
Always a great read, and it always feels like too long since the last one came out.
See you next week, people of Midgard!
Whadda I got?
Action Comics #900 (issue)
By various writers and artists; published by DC Comics.
I'm not an obsessive collector type, but America's longest running comic series, which birthed Superman -- and thus superheroes -- in its number one issue is a hell of a milestone that not even I resisted.
Fantastic Four: Three (hardcover)
Written by Jonathan Hickman; art by Steve Epting and Nick Dragotta; published by Marvel Comics.
This is probably my favourite Marvel series at the moment, and this collection features the death of an FF member (I won't spoil, just in case some of you haven't heard).
Jonah Hex: Tall Tales (softcover)
Written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti; art by various; published by DC Comics.
Always a great read, and it always feels like too long since the last one came out.
See you next week, people of Midgard!
Wednesday 27 April 2011
Thor, Volume One (Classic Review)
Originally released in 2008.
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
The first page of this collection tells you everything you need to know about the rest of it: Gorgeous artwork and lofty dialogue.
After Ragnarok, the battle to end all battles, Asgard and its residents have been wiped out. From the void of nothingness, Thor is resurrected by his former alter ego Dr. Don Blake, who is also restored to reality. And so Thor sets about rebuilding that which was lost; reconstructing Asgard in a field in Oklahoma, and seeking out his people in the bodies of mortals.
I fell in love with this story the first time I read it. Coipel's art is simply divine, with powerful designs, striking layouts, and realistic body language and facial expressions. I can recognise each unique character and feel as though I know them intimately. He works in conjunction with Straczynski to create a rich atmosphere whatever the tone, whether dark and grim or light and humorous. The famous Laura Martin on colours doesn't hurt either.
Writer: J. Michael StraczynskiArtist: Olivier Coipel
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Collects: Thor #1-6The first page of this collection tells you everything you need to know about the rest of it: Gorgeous artwork and lofty dialogue.
After Ragnarok, the battle to end all battles, Asgard and its residents have been wiped out. From the void of nothingness, Thor is resurrected by his former alter ego Dr. Don Blake, who is also restored to reality. And so Thor sets about rebuilding that which was lost; reconstructing Asgard in a field in Oklahoma, and seeking out his people in the bodies of mortals.
I fell in love with this story the first time I read it. Coipel's art is simply divine, with powerful designs, striking layouts, and realistic body language and facial expressions. I can recognise each unique character and feel as though I know them intimately. He works in conjunction with Straczynski to create a rich atmosphere whatever the tone, whether dark and grim or light and humorous. The famous Laura Martin on colours doesn't hurt either.
Thursday 21 April 2011
The Weekly Trade #21
My sister turned 21 yesterday. Just thought I'd point out the coincidence.
Didn't get anything new this week, despite temptation.
Nightwing: Freefall (softcover)
Written by Peter J. Tomasi; art by Rags Morales and Don Kramer; published by DC Comics.
The thing about Dick Grayson being Batman now is that it has made me truly appreciate him as more than just a right-hand man, even in past stories. With a great creative team on this title, I had to check it out. Because I just can't get enough Dick. Sorry.
Terra (softcover)
Written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti; art by Amanda Conner; published by DC Comics.
Set before the amazing new Power Girl series by the same amazing creative team, this tells the story of PG's plucky gal pal Terra. Who is also pretty amazing.
Shine on, you crazy diamonds! Shine on...
Didn't get anything new this week, despite temptation.
Nightwing: Freefall (softcover)
Written by Peter J. Tomasi; art by Rags Morales and Don Kramer; published by DC Comics.
The thing about Dick Grayson being Batman now is that it has made me truly appreciate him as more than just a right-hand man, even in past stories. With a great creative team on this title, I had to check it out. Because I just can't get enough Dick. Sorry.
Terra (softcover)
Written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti; art by Amanda Conner; published by DC Comics.
Set before the amazing new Power Girl series by the same amazing creative team, this tells the story of PG's plucky gal pal Terra. Who is also pretty amazing.
Shine on, you crazy diamonds! Shine on...
Wednesday 20 April 2011
Where Do I Start With... Thor
Who?
Of course, as everyone knows, Thor is the ancient Norse God of Thunder, but he was adapted for Marvel Comics in 1962 by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby, making his first appearance in Journey into Mystery #83. Originally, he was bound to New York surgeon Dr. Donald Blake, and they would switch places at will. This has changed over the years, with Thor being attached to other mortals as well as going it alone, but Blake has recently returned to the series.
Possessing godlike strength and stamina, Thor also wields the mighty Mjölnir -- his legendary hammer; enabling him to fly, and command thunder and lightning.
Known for his headstrong attitude and Shakespearean speech, Thor has always taken part in fantastical adventures on both Earth and beyond, and is not limited to the laws and ethics of man. He is burdened by greater, more divine responsibilities.
Okay, so where do I start?
Of course, as everyone knows, Thor is the ancient Norse God of Thunder, but he was adapted for Marvel Comics in 1962 by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby, making his first appearance in Journey into Mystery #83. Originally, he was bound to New York surgeon Dr. Donald Blake, and they would switch places at will. This has changed over the years, with Thor being attached to other mortals as well as going it alone, but Blake has recently returned to the series.
Possessing godlike strength and stamina, Thor also wields the mighty Mjölnir -- his legendary hammer; enabling him to fly, and command thunder and lightning.
Known for his headstrong attitude and Shakespearean speech, Thor has always taken part in fantastical adventures on both Earth and beyond, and is not limited to the laws and ethics of man. He is burdened by greater, more divine responsibilities.
Okay, so where do I start?
Monday 18 April 2011
Justice League: Generation Lost, Volume One (Review)
Writer: Judd WinickArtists: Keith Giffen (breakdowns), Aaron Lopresti, Joe Bennett, Fernando Dagnino
Publisher: DC Comics
Collects: Justice League: Generation Lost #1-12Or, How to Write a Good Justice League Story could have been added on to the title of this nostalgic-yet-modern resurrection of Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis and Kevin Maguire's light-hearted Justice League International run, which lasted from 1987 to 1994 and remains critically acclaimed to this day.
Freshly returned from the dead at the end of Blackest Night, former 80s business guy turned mind-controlling supervillain Maxwell Lord is up to his old tricks. Using his advanced psychic powers, he makes the whole world forget about him and his past evil deeds, giving himself a fresh start. The only ones who remember him are some of his "ex-clients" from the JLI: Booster Gold, Captain Atom, Fire and Ice. With everyone on the planet thinking they're insane, they must find out what Max is up to and stop him before it's too late.
Thursday 14 April 2011
The Weekly Trade #20
Back to normal now, and what did I buy?
Avengers Prime (hardcover)
Written by Brian Michael Bendis; art by Alan Davis; published by Marvel Comics.
I'm not really into the Avengers, but a story focusing on Marvel's "Big Three" -- Captain America, Thor and Iron Man -- sounds pretty interesting.
Justice League: Generation Lost (hardcover)
Written by Keith Giffen and Judd Winick; art by various; published by DC Comics.
Reviving the classic JLI run from the 80s and 90s, I've heard very good things about this series.
Our Army at War (softcover)
By various writers and artists; published by DC Comics.
An anthology of war stories from multiple talented creators, working in a genre that's just as big in comics as superheroes are.
Time Masters: Vanishing Point (softcover)
Written by Dan Jurgens; art by Dan Jurgens and Norm Rapmund; published by DC Comics.
Time-travel mystery/adventure that ties in with The Return of Bruce Wayne? Count me in!
Warriors Three: Dog Day Afternoon (hardcover)
Written by Bill Willingham; art by Neil Edwards; published by Marvel Comics.
The Warriors Three are my favourite supporting characters in all comics, and I'm looking forward to their own little spin-off.
Business as usual, ladies and gents.
Avengers Prime (hardcover)
Written by Brian Michael Bendis; art by Alan Davis; published by Marvel Comics.
I'm not really into the Avengers, but a story focusing on Marvel's "Big Three" -- Captain America, Thor and Iron Man -- sounds pretty interesting.
Justice League: Generation Lost (hardcover)
Written by Keith Giffen and Judd Winick; art by various; published by DC Comics.
Reviving the classic JLI run from the 80s and 90s, I've heard very good things about this series.
Our Army at War (softcover)
By various writers and artists; published by DC Comics.
An anthology of war stories from multiple talented creators, working in a genre that's just as big in comics as superheroes are.
Time Masters: Vanishing Point (softcover)
Written by Dan Jurgens; art by Dan Jurgens and Norm Rapmund; published by DC Comics.
Time-travel mystery/adventure that ties in with The Return of Bruce Wayne? Count me in!
Warriors Three: Dog Day Afternoon (hardcover)
Written by Bill Willingham; art by Neil Edwards; published by Marvel Comics.
The Warriors Three are my favourite supporting characters in all comics, and I'm looking forward to their own little spin-off.
Business as usual, ladies and gents.
Wednesday 13 April 2011
Kapow! Comic Con 2011
It always seemed somewhat odd to me that Britain has produced so many great comic book writers and artists yet we never really had our own big convention, like San Diego or WonderCon.
This is clearly the same thinking that led some clever souls to throw Kapow! Comic Con together. With the aim of making it into the UK's biggest comic book convention, it would open its doors for the first time in London on April 9th, 2011, and feature many talented guests, fun panels, and super-secret film footage, the likes of which our cousins across the Atlantic have enjoyed for years.
Needless to say, I was Londonbound from the second I heard about it.
Monday 4 April 2011
Kapow!
Due to this weekend's festivities in London, which I will be attending, I shall be taking a little holiday from the site, in order to better prepare myself for enjoyment.
Normal service, which should include an in-depth report on the con, will no doubt resume after said con.
See ya!
Normal service, which should include an in-depth report on the con, will no doubt resume after said con.
See ya!
Friday 1 April 2011
Superman: The Black Ring, Volume One (Review)
Writer: Paul CornellArtist: Pete Woods, et al
Publisher: DC ComicsCollects: Action Comics #890-895
There was a time when it was a treat to see characters from different series together. When seeing Green Lantern fight the Joker, or Batman fight Sinestro would have thrilled and delighted in idea alone. But such things are taken for granted now. The bad guys team up every year, and nobody sticks to the confines of their own territory for long. We seek other thrills now.
It seemed like such simple wonders were behind us, and naught but shadows of a "less sophisticated" time.
And then a terribly entertaining Englishman called Paul Cornell swam the channel between Marvel and DC, and between past and present, to bring us The Black Ring.
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