Tag Archives: will eisner’s the spirit

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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We Stand on GuardWednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Brett

We Stand on Guard #1 (Image Comics) – Brian K Vaughn is taking on giant robots and Canada. Sign me up. I’ve been awaiting this one since it was announced at Image Expo.

The Bunker #12 (Oni Press) – Josh Fialkov’s time travel comic has been amazing with each issue and the fact is, I have no idea what will happen. It’s just beyond amazing and one of my favorite comics.

Red Skull #1 (Marvel) – If there’s one character that can mess up Doom’s new world, I’m convinced it’s the Red Skull. Maybe we’ll get the first hints as to how Doom will fall here?

Secret Wars #4 (Marvel) – The first three issues were solid in the best Marvel event in quite some time. It’s interesting to see where it all goes, and I’m along for the ride.

The Wicked + The Divine #12 (Image Comics) – Did you read the last issue? That alone is the reason I’m looking for this one. I seriously have no idea what’s happening next.

 

Alex

Top Pick: Will Eisner’s The Spirit #1 (Dynamite Entertainment) – I’m a sucker for anything set in the 40’s, and the Spirit is no exception. I’ve been looking forward to this ever since I heard the comic was being released. I even though the movie was pretty decent. Did I just lose my nerd-cred?

Detective Comics #42 (DC Comics) – I’ve always been a closet Harvey Bullock fan, so to have at least a two-part story focused exclusively on him? There is no way I couldn’t pick this up.

We Stand On Guard #1 (Image Comics) – A military comic that features giant robots and is written by Brian K Vaughn? What’s not to love?

 

Elana

Top Pick (tie) The Wicked + The Divine #12 (Image Comics) – Ack! My heart! It’s been smashed somewhere on the floor! It’s listening to “People Who Died” and “Rock and Roll Suicide” on repeat.

But Don’t You Cry Tonight (Gillen/McKelvie still love you, baby). There’s an underworld bellow us (BAYBAAHH) and Persephone is the goddess who comes back from the dead every spring.

This month’s issue is a flashback to Inanna’s origins. So put on Purple Rain and pretend you don’t know what’s to come.

Top Pick (tie) The Humans #6 (Image Comics) – It’s been reported that this issue is going to start giving us some more material about the women in The Humans and Johnny’s long lost former girlfriend. I’ve always appreciated how even in this male-centered story all of the female characters are easily identifiable and unique. This issue could make good on that promise.

But that’s not what I read this comic for. That’s just my intellect talking. I read it because it’s in my guts. (Teaser of a thought piece I’m working on).

It’s safe to say this comic will continue to be some of the best crafted, most addictive, least office appropriate reading you’ll find.

A-Force #2 (Marvel) – All of everyone’s favorite female heroes on one team! I was a bit thrown off by this new issues’s summary page. It describes Sister Grimm and Ms. America as foster sisters. Brett and I had interpreted them as a romantic couple. But let’s see where this goes. Hopefully there will be girl kissing and sharks being punched. And more She-Hulk.

Airboy #2 (Image Comics) – Hey Kids! Airboy is appearing in a comic of the same name! But I’m not reading this for a WWII Boy Adventurer. I’m here for the gonzo struggles of the artist as a middle aged man. (Read my review of issue 1 to find out more.) Will this comic’s writer and artist– this story’s actual protagonists– despoil the golden lad of the Golden Age? Pretty sure all of the hangovers we’re ever had, all put together are less interesting then the hangover that this creative team is about to experience (and they invite us along for the ride).

I want to warn our readers that there is seriously transphobic content in issue 2. I did not have a review copy when I put this issue on my picks list and wrote my endorsement based on my having enjoyed issue 1. Now, having read this issue I am not endorsing it.  We will be discussing the problems with it soon. I’m really disappointed.

For more on this, you can read our post “Airboy Crashes and Burns With Transphobic Second Issue”

Years of Future Past #2 (Marvel) – This Secret Wars title seems to have gone entirely under the radar. That’s a shame. It’s a Claremonterrific spin-off of the classic X-Men Future Dystopia, the one that birthed all those crazy X-Men continuities. The book’s got heavy handed but emotionally resonant political metaphor to spare. It also has Kitty Pryde married to Colossus (though he’s only the 2nd best member of the Rasputin family for her to be in love with) and they have a daughter! And she meets Logan’s mysterious son “Cameron”. Ooooo. Who’s he named for?

 

Mr. H

Top Pick: Secret Wars #4 (Marvel Comics) – Sheriff Strange, Lord Doom. Marvel’s version of Game of Thrones continues and it’s been epic! Unlike Convergence, part of me doesn’t want to see it end. If only Doom can win…

Action Comics #42 (DC Comics) – Truth continues and we see the “Man” without the “Steel” try to adapt and overcome everything put in his path. Last month was a joy and I’m waiting to see where this month takes us. Hopefully up, up and further!

Barb Wire #1 (Dark Horse Comics) The return of the bounty hunting Babe! Adam Hughes cover alone sold me on this one. If the inside is as good as the cover, I won’t need to keep the receipt.

Green Lantern #42 (DC Comics) – Everyone’s favorite renegade: Han.. er.. Hal Jordan continues his outlaw journey through the cosmos without the Corps by his side. Doesn’t mean it won’t be any less action packed!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #47 (IDW Publishing) – Evil Baxter Stockman, a horde of Mousers and half- shelled heroes. Is it 1984 again? That’s well and ok with me! Me thinks it’s Cowabunga time again!

 

Paul

Top Pick: A-Force #2 (Marvel) – All the women from the Marvel Universe on an island, fighting and protecting their island from outside threats…led by She-Hulk? YES PLEASE!  This is one of the few Secret Wars tie ins that I have really enjoyed, AND it has been reported this title will survive as an on-going title with the MU figures itself out.  I highly recommend getting on board with this one.

X-Tinction Agenda #2 (Marvel) – The second Secret Wars tie-in I really enjoyed, this title sees Havok and the mutants of Genosha dying from a virus running rampant, and their only hope is charging into X-City against Phoenix and taking the help they need to save their people.  Definitely a show down I look forward to seeing.

Years of Future Past #2 (Marvel) – Kate Pryde, along with her parents Shawdowcat and Colossus, have broken free from their prison, and with a handful of fellow mutants, have to race through their ruined city to try and save their surviving friends.  I’ve always enjoyed stories showing a bleaker future, and how the X-Men, no matter their numbers, band together to try and set things right.

 

Preview: Will Eisner’s The Spirit #1

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WILL EISNER’S THE SPIRIT #1

Matt Wagner (w)
Dan Schkade (a)
Eric Powell, Matt Wagner w/ Brennan Wagner (c)
Fans & retailers, order the cover of your choice!
FC l 32 pages l $3.99 l Teen+
FANS, ASK YOUR RETAILER FOR THE:
John Cassaday Exclusive Art retailer incentive cover

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of Will Eisner’s iconic and ground-breaking character, Dynamite Entertainment is proud to present an all-new ongoing series featuring THE SPIRIT.  Scripted by Eisner Award-winning author, Matt Wagner, this monthly title will delight longtime fans as well as help introduce a whole new generation of fans to the character.  Set in the classic period of The Spirit’s golden age, the 1940s, the first 12-issue story arc follows the strip’s most beloved characters, Commissioner Dolan, his daughter Ellen, Ebony White and Sammy as they attempt to uncover why The Spirit has been missing, and presumed dead, for the past two years. Has the famous blue-masked hero finally fallen victim to one of the malicious felons or beautiful femme fatales from his lengthy rogues’ gallery of enemies?  In the words of Central City’s most prominent headlines: “WHO KILLED THE SPIRIT?” Illustrated by Dan Schkade and colored by Brennan Wagner, this series will strive to honor the vital and prestigious legacy of one of comicdom’s most talented and influential creators – Will Eisner.

Spirit01-Cov-A-Powell

Review: Will Eisner’s The Spirit #1

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TNSpirit01CovAPowell“Who killed The Spirit?”

I must say this was just a good ol’ fashioned reminder of what was the Golden Age of comics. The Spirit is a character (created by master comic book legend Will Eisner) who has been around since 1940 and reading this harkened back to that time period. For those who are unaware, The Spirit is the crime fighting alter ego of hardboiled private detective Denny Colt. The quick easy explanation is one night on the trail of his arch-enemy Dr. Cobra, Denny barges brazenly into a fight and in the process of getting shot at is exposed to a chemical which “kills” him in the line of duty. Long time fans know though, Denny Colt does not die. He was actually in a state of suspended animation and he comes back to fight crime. (Perfectly acceptable comic book logic there.)

Now this latest volume from Dynamite Entertainment serves as our reintroduction to The Spirit and his world. When I read who would be helming this project I was excited. Matt Wagner who is a long time fan of Will Eisner and pulp comics, made me feel this would be in terrific hands. I had only wished he was drawing in addition to scripting the book. Nevertheless I remained very hopeful.

The issue opens up with a splash page of a Central City Gazette Newspaper and it’s headline “Who killed The Spirit?” I like how the date is blurred out but from the surroundings and the rest of the comic you can tell it’s supposed to be in the  1940’s. Leaving it blurred allows for the reader to have a suspension of disbelief and keeps the story timeless. (Something that all comics should be in my humble opinion) Immediately after the splash page we are reintroduced to Commissioner Dolan, who is being interrogated by a newshound demanding he reveals what he knows about The Masked Mystery Man’s disappearance. Of course Dolan brushes it off by stating he knows what we all know, and that’s nothing.  Refreshingly the reporter states he doesn’t believe it as there is way too close of a connection to the late Mr. Colt and the good commissioner. (Good for him, a reporter with brains in the Golden Age is rare)

Dolan gets to his office for a reprieve to think to himself about the events that lead to Denny Colt becoming The Spirit and in the process reintroduce his origins to new readers. As he’s reminiscing, the arrival of his daughter Ellen (a striking blonde beauty usually clad in all white, who just happened to be love of our masked hero’s former life) She’s there to introduce her daddy to her new beau Archibald Shale who is up and coming on the fast track to be a district attorney. Dolan exchanges pleasantries and Ellen shows Archie out of the room for a moment of private time with her father. The Commissioner says a comment alluding to his daughters relationship with Shale being a sham, and Ellen gets defensive. Commissioner Dolan reminds her of what today is the anniversary of. Ellen then says it’s been two years since Denny’s death and she’s moved on. She had to. On her way out of the office though she breaks down to her dad that she really misses him. Dolan replies to his daughter “We all miss him.” “All of us.”

We then switch gears and go across town to the office door of Strunk & White: Private Investigators. One of the partners is actually Ebony White, long time sidekick of The Spirit now out on his own. Apparently the fledgling team is having trouble drumming up clientele and they are willing to take just about any case to keep the doors open. Sammy Strunk the younger partner to Ebony heads out with him on the case. There is a scene in the car where he asks Ebony what his real name is (Obviously his parents did not name him Ebony White or they have no sense of irony) and it’s a funny little moment.

After the name revelation, the rest of the issue features the introduction of a new character and a new direction as the former sidekick decides to honor his mentor by finding out what happened to him. This obviously sets up the tone for the new series and giving some face time to the supporting cast which I am ok with to start out.

Overall: This was a fun little read, but it read quite too quickly. I wanted a little bit more from this team’s opening salvo as I have always been a fan of The Spirit character and pulp comic heroes in general. I thought it was cool to reintroduce the audience by fleshing out the supporting cast without the title hero around (reminded me of the episode of Arrow where the team has to endure in Ollie’s absence) but it’s something that can only be done for an issue or two before it becomes tiresome. The writing is good enough and faithful to the source material, but I expect a little more oomph from Matt Wagner and I hope his turns it up a notch in subsequent issues. The art however I had a major disconnect with. I know it’s supposed to be presented in the style of comics in the 40’s with the simple page layouts and even the word balloon imaging but this was a definite miss. This was my first introduction to Dan Schkade’s art and it was just far too inconsistent. Main characters like The Spirit, Commissioner Dolan and Ellen were all rendered great, but any of the minor characters all came off looking very childlike. I’m hoping the art improves as he progresses because it really took me out of the story. I wish this title great success as it has so much to offer. I can’t wait to see what makes The Spirit comics great: Action, mystery, jaw dropping death traps, femme fatales, fisticuffs and did I mention the Femme Fatales? Unlike the hero himself, I hope this title doesn’t stay in suspended animation too long.

 

Story: Matt Wagner Art: Dan Schenke
Story: 7.5 Art: 5 Overall: 6 Recommendation: Read (for The Spirit fans)

 

 

 

The Spirit Creative Team Announced

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1 SpiritDynamite Entertainment has announced the full creative team for their upcoming July 2015 launch of Will Eisner’s The Spirit. Each chapter of the initial twelve-issue story arc will feature Matt Wagner as writer, interior artist Dan Schkade, and colorist Brennan Wagner. The ongoing monthly cover artist will be Eric Powell, while the July debut #1 issue will be offered with variant cover artwork by writer Matt Wagner himself, as well as Alex Ross and John Cassaday.

The February announcement that Dynamite Entertainment would bring back Will Eisner’s legendary crimefighter Denny Colt, The Spirit, in the eponymous series generated significant fan buzz, as did the announcement that Matt Wagner, the award-winning comic book creator of Grendel and Mage (as well as writer of such mainstream successes as Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman: Trinity, The Shadow: Year One, Batman: The Monster Men, and Zorro). With the addition of artist Dan Schkade and colorist Brennan Wagner, the action-packed and intrigue-laden epic strives to honor the vital and prestigious legacy of one of comicdom’s most talented and influential creators, as well as introduce a new generation of readers to the character.

Set in the classic period of The Spirit’s golden age, the 1940s, the first 12-issue story arc follows the strip’s most beloved characters, Commissioner Dolan, his daughter Ellen, Ebony White and Sammy as they attempt to uncover why The Spirit has been missing (and presumed dead) for the past two years. Has the famous blue-masked hero finally fallen victim to one of the malicious felons or beautiful femme fatales from his lengthy rogues’ gallery of enemies?  In the words of Central City’s most prominent headlines: “Who Killed The Spirit?”

Will Eisner’s The Spirit #1 will be solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors’ Previews catalog and will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Dynamite Digital, iVerse, and Dark Horse Digital.

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