This episode was a potluck of things, but the discussion went from Occupy Wall Street to new releases to digital comics and Facebook demographics. Spend your Monday listening to the latest episode of Graphic Policy Radio.
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It’s a new week of comics and it looks like there’ll be some solid stuff out. But until then, hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!
Around the Blogs:
The Times Leader – Comic industry wrote book on horror stories Tom Mooney Remember when – A nice bit of history, just in time for Halloween!
Benzinga – New Graphic Novel Tells the True Story of Lily Renée, Holocaust Survivor and Comic Book Pioneer – sad I missed this at NYCC.
ICv2 – New 52’s Remarkable Effects – Good to hear their doing well.
My Central Jersey – A life in comics – Nice to see such dedication and love of comic books.
Robot 6 – Grumpy Old Fan | Will DC’s past catch up with it? – Gives you a lot to think about as far as the shaky DC continuity.
Bleeding Cool – Darwyn Cooke’s Plans For Parker – The first two are great, can’t wait for more.
Kotaku – Sunday Comics: Liar, Liar, Abs on Fire – Each week Kotaku brings some great web comics.
Some debuts and a lot of second issues for DC. What’s worth it and what should be skipped? Find out below!
All Star Western #2 – Two western stories in this issue. The first continues Jonah Hex’ and Dr. Arkham’s investigation into the murder of prostitutes in Gotham. We learn the “who” as far as the bad guys, but not really the “why.” There’s some hints to it, but it’s not really laid out in this issue. The second story is a zombie western that’s entertaining in a throwback sort of way. Hex’s story is great, the second story is just so-so. Overall though the comic is still a welcome addition to the DC line up.
Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8
Annihilators: Earthfall #2 – Hmm, I fear the cosmic side of the Marvel universe is starting to gas. The Annihilators take on the Avengers in one of those misunderstanding fights. The Church is also up to something, hatching someone… The story is pretty typical and has been tread before (two teams fight before teaming up) and the art is really off and inconsistent. Rocket Racoon and Groot’s story is entertaining though, but that too just seems off. Overall, I’m left pretty bummed.
Story: 7 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7
Aquaman #2 – Going into the reboot, this series was one I’ve been more skeptical of. I can’t say I’ve been too fond of Aquaman as a character and have never enjoyed his solo series. Well, times have changed. With this second issue, the series is becoming one of the top tier DC reboot series, standing above others in it’s quality of writing and art. Just beyond solid and an absolute must read.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Astonishing X-Men #43 – Emma and Danger team up to free a computer program that’s detected. I yawn. The story isn’t “astonishing” and actually quite boring. Hopefully the series gets it’s footing and figures out it’s place in the “X” world, cause right now it’s stumbling.
Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75
Avengers Academy #20 – It’s post Fear Itself and the group has to decide what to do. Instructors and students leave and the ending opens up for the series’ new direction. It has to be better than what’s come before. The series needs a shake up, hopefully it gets better than what it’s been.
Story: 7 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7
Batman: The Dark Knight #2 – Someone is giving Gotham’s freaks a drug that gets them all roided up and Batman is on the case. Lots of fighting ensues, but again the art is what stands out for the series, clearly much better than the story itself. Also, the Joker pops up in the end, which is a bit odd considering his fate in other series… not sure how that works, but whatever.
Story: 7 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.25
Captain America & Bucky #623 – An important asset has been captured by the Nazi’s and Bucky and Toro head to free him without orders. During the mission they discover the horrors that the Nazi’s have been committing. Unfortunately a bad fate awaits Bucky before he could see their liberation. It looks like we’ll be getting a glimpse of Bucky’s Winter Soldier years next. The comic’s been entertaining so far, here’s hoping the next arc is just as solid.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
Daken: Dark Wolverine #16 – I’ve enjoyed the series overall, but this latest story that saw Daken being addicted to a drug is mixed. I like the idea of the addiction and how it’s messed with his healing factor. That opens up a lot of future stories if they stick with it. But, the person behind it all seems silly and it doesn’t totally make sense with the lack of a lot of set up. The motivation is missing even with the attempts at an explanation peppered throughout. A mixed bag overall.
Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7
Daredevil #6 – The mystery over the firing of a blind man begins to unravel and it’s a big international conspiracy. A certainly interesting story in how it’s being presented. Mark Waid is giving us a top Daredevil series that’s a mix of pop and noir and all kinds of fantastic. One of the best Marvel comics on the stand, beyond solid and an absolute buy.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
DMZ #70 – As the series winds down we’re given glimpses of the New York City that is and what might be. A city, a nation, wracked by war and destroyed in spirit and mind. Through seventy issues Matty Roth has explored this world as a reporter and as an agent for change. For seventy issues we were drawn into this world that reflected events from our own. In this issue we’re asked “how.” How, for seventy issues, Zee has been able to keep herself together while Matty spiraled out of control like the city. One went with the flow of events, the other tried to change events. For seventy issues Matty has been part of the story, he’s been the story and for his role in this world, for his acts it looks like he’ll finally answer to someone. Brian Wood is wrapping up this epic look at war, peace, journalism, corporatism and activism. And it looks like it’ll end with a hell of a message.
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75
FF #11 – Attilan, the Inumans, Kree and Annihilus, how is this being contained in just the Fantastic Four!? This story seems ripe for a massive classic crossover event. Writer Jonathan Hickman is bringing together threads he set out a long time ago and it’s beginning to really pay off. This issue was full of “holy shit” moments.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5
The Flash #2 – While Barry might run like the fastest man on the planet his mind isn’t catching up to his legs. In this issue he works on that with some really entertaining results. There’s a lot of moments that made me feel like a kid while reading the comic and staring at the amazing art. This is a series that’s speeding it’s way to the top of the pile of DC’s 52 revamp.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.5
Green Lantern: New Guardians #2 – Kyle is still trying to figure out why so many rings are being attracted to him. The other corps. members aren’t too happy about it, leading to the predictable drag out fight. The issue’s ending is what’s worthwhile for the issue, both Kyle’s interaction with the Guardians and what happens to him (as predictable as it is). The issue is interesting so far.
Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8
I, Vampire #2 – Joshua Hale Fialkov has put together one of the best series of DC’s new 52. Instead of a straight forward vampire tale, they’re portrayed as freedom fighters, attempting their liberation. An interesting take that resonates with modern times much more. A beyond excellent second issue that puts the series up there as one of the best of DC’s relaunch, but also one of the best comics out there.
Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9
Journey Into Mystery #630 – Volstagg returns home to recount the story of Fear Itself to his children. It’s actually a very cute issue that’s a great read and very entertaining. There’s something sweet and innocent about it. We’ll see where the series goes from here.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Justice League Dark #2 – What. The. Fuck. I have no idea what the hell was going on. And how is Deadman having discussions with Dove when he’s out and about in his series. I’m so confused…
Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75
Legion: Secret Origin #1 – I wasn’t a fan of the relaunch Legion titles and can’t say this one interests me either. Just not my cup of tea. There’s too many characters and not enough focus to explain it all to new readers. But at least I got a cool ring out of purchasing it.
Story: 6 Art: 7 Overall: 6
The Mighty Thor #7 – After all of these months, we’re finally shown the origin of the Serpent and his war with Odin. After all of the build up, it’s not very good.
Story: 6.5 Art: 7 Overall: 6.5
New Mutants #32 – Hrm, I still think the story could of ended an issue or two ago. A casualty of being tied into Fear Itself.
Story: 6.5 Art: 7 Overall: 6.5
Secret Avengers #18 – Another self-contained issue written by Warren Ellis. This one sees the Shadow Council trying to gather a weapon. It’s entertaining and there’s a lot going for it, but I just don’t see the overall direction of the series or it’s point.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5
Spaceman #1 – A very odd new limited series from Brian Azzarello. I have no idea what to make of it, but it’s $1, so you have no excuse not to give it a shot.
Story: 6.25 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.5
Stitched #1 – Another messed up horror tale set in the Afghanistan war zone. I have no idea what the hell is going on other than over the top violence.
Story: 6 Art: 7 Overall: 6
Teen Titans #2 – Red Robin continues to gather his team as N.O.W.H.E.R.E. makes it’s move. It’s clear one of the next big events will center around what’s going on this series. I also like how Superboy plays into it as well.
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #3 – We get more of the Turtle’s origins as they look for their missing brother Raphael. I really dig the series, especially Casey Jones. It feels like the old school gritty comics I loved and not the campy version they turned into later.
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8
Ultimate Comics the Ultimates #3 – S.H.I.E.L.D. attempts to engage the enemy straight on and all hell breaks loose. Not the best issue, but this is the first action sequence of an epic story.
Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7
Venom #8 – What!? How did that fit in her!? Another tie-in that’s such shoddier than the normal series. I loved the letter from Flash’s dad though. What could have had some amazing emotional impact is lost in a jumbled mess of a tie-in.
Story: 6 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6
Voodoo #2 – Writer Ron Marz asked people to look past the strip club setting of the first issue and I’m glad I did. This second issue is more spy/on the run action than anything with the government after Voodoo who is on some sort of mission for her alien people. Lots of action and some tight writing. A great second issue.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
The Walking Dead #90 – The series’ power is it’s focus on human nature. This issue shows that all as things somewhat settle down but human nature takes over as people react and plot. Robert Kirkman is leading the series on it’s way to it’s 100th issue and it hasn’t slowed down in any way. Beyond fantastic because the zombies aren’t the star of the comic, it’s the people doing everything they can to survive.
Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9
Wolverine & The X-Men #1 – A first issue that’s so beyond entertaining. I laughed, had a bit of nostalgia and can’t wait for the second issue. I love Toad being Milton and their attempting to get accredited. Just so many fantastic moments in this kinetic and frenetic first issue. Welcome back to form.
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9
Official Press Release
One Peace Books Announces the Upcoming Release of Breathe Deeply
Breathe Deeply will be available nationwide on October 15, 2011
NEW YORK, NY – One Peace Books announces the upcoming release of Breathe Deeply (ISBN: 978-1-935548-07-2, Trade Paper, 472 pages, $16.95, Category: Graphic Fiction, available wherever fine books are sold).
Breathe Deeply begs readers to forget what they know about manga. This exhilarating piece of graphic fiction will leave the reader with no alternative but to judge it on its own merits. Award-winning manga-ka team Doton Yamazaki broke the mold when they created this controversial medical thriller, and it will break your heart every time you read it.
A battle ensues over life and death, belief and science, ethics and progress. Two boys, Sei and Oishi, fall madly in love for Yuko. Her loss wreaks havoc in their young lives as bitter memories cease to fade and their tender hearts cling to the dream where debilitating illness disappears in the face of science. But, what would happen if they discovered all they believed was a lie? Will mercy and love prevail?
This exhilarating masterpiece of graphic fiction will force you to forget what you know about manga.
Doton Yamaaki is the name for a husband and wife storytelling team. Together they have won numerous awards for graphic fiction, including the Chiba Tetsuya Young Dept. Award and the Japanese Manga Open’s Watase Seizou Award. Their work has been serialized in numerous magazines, including Mister Magazine, Morning, and Kindai Mahjong Gold. This is their first work to be translated into English.
A best seller in Japan, Breathe Deeply will be released in the United States on October 15, 2011.
Based in New York, One Peace Books (www.onepeacebooks.com) specializes in publishing visually compelling motivational literature. One Peace Books endeavors to publish literature for global readership and is committed to its core belief that quality literature should not be limited by borders or race, but should reach people all over the world.
DARKWING DUCK: CAMPAIGN CARNAGE VOL. 4
Written by Ian Brill
Drawn by James Silvani
SC, 144pgs, FC, SRP: $16.99
ISBN: 9781608866434
Diamond Code: AUG110927
The Duck Knight has returned, he’s solved the Crisis on Infinite Darkwings, and he’s withstood the F.O.W.L. Disposition. With all these Darkwing epics in the bag, will the purple powerhouse of peace be able to deal with Campaign Carnage? It’s a super-powered stampede as waves and waves of brand new baddies pop up all over St. Canard, in the midst of a mayoral race you have to see to believe! How many more meta human menaces are gonna show up to crash Darkwing’s political party? You’ll have to read this volume to find out! Special Bonus Material: includes the DARKWING DUCK ANNUAL featuring a story by DARKWING DUCK creator Tad Stones himself!
STAN LEE’S THE TRAVELER #12
Written by Mark Waid, Tom Peyer
Drawn by Chard Hardin
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
COVER: Chard Hardin
Diamond Code: AUG110916
FINAL ISSUE! It’s here, the cataclysmic can’t-miss finale! With the help of Soldier Zero, The Traveler is faced with a horrific decision with consequences greater than even The Traveler can imagine…and he’s seen them all! Don’t miss out as Stan Lee, Mark Waid, Tom Peyer, and Chad Hardin break time and space in half in this epic series-ending issue that will blow your mind!
A lot of people like to hate on Rob Liefeld over his artwork and over time it’s almost become a caricature of itself. Along with Robert Kirkman, he’s launched The Infinite. The story involves a time traveling freedom fighter who heads back in time and teams up with his younger self. There’s a lot of issues with the series, and it’s up there for me as one of the worst things to come out this year.
The plot is the first issue. The bad guy wants to make the world better, maybe through tyranny, but that’s never quite set up. Instead the rebels are thrown in there and start shooting up the joint. We’re never really shown why this world is so bad. If anything without that, the rebels are the bad guys for all we know. So the conflict itself is pretty weak.
Next up is the writing. Kirkman’s writing is just bad. The macho, tough guy statements you’d expect from an 80s movie are there and thrown around like the bullets the wiz all over in the first three issues. Such greats as “That’s what we do best – we improvise” and “If I die here today — I’m taking every last one of you with me!” are what you get peppered through the gun shots and action poses. If I didn’t see his name on the comic, no way I’d ever have thought this was Kirkman’s writing.
The final straw for me is Liefeld’s work. The jokes are all there, lack of feet, lots of pouches, huge guns, but it’s the inconsistency that gets me. The characters at times look like they’re Sloth from The Goonies with misshapen heads. Each issue seems to have a different fetish, the first being heads exploding and further ones including gritting of teeth. Finally there’s inconsistency in the character design. Count how many different ways the “bad guys” forehead design is drawn in the first issue. It may rival the exploding heads, large guns and pouches.
The series so far is exactly what you’d expect from Image in the 90s. Not a good thing in my opinion. Writers have shown that along with cool concepts and action, you can do solid characters, dialogue along with art. Kirkman himself does it every month in Invincible.
When reading the first three issues, I’m reminded of my tastes when I was younger and what I liked, which was those Image comics. But, having grown up, I’m looking for more than flash (of a gun), I want depth in my characters as well.
Writer: Robert Kirkman Art: Rob Liefeld Publisher: Image Comics and Skybound
Story: 6 Art: 5.5 Overall: 5.75 Recommendation: Pass
Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with FREE comics for review
ROGER LANGRIDGE’S SNARKED #2
Written & Drawn by Roger Langridge
SC, 32pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
COVER: Roger Langridge
Diamond Code: SEP110915
Roger Langridge — the Harvey Award winner behind THE MUPPET SHOW and THOR: THE MIGHTY AVENGER — continues his all new side-splitting adventure that can only be explained as…SNARKED! Journey with Langridge as he pulls the carpet out from under such Lewis Carroll classics as The Walrus and The Carpenter, Through the Looking Glass, and The Hunting of the Snark, creating an all new world of humorous grandeur. Join Princess Scarlett as she, her baby brother Rusty, and the Walrus and the Carpenter outwit the villainous royal advisors to save the Kingdom and set sail in search of the missing Red King. It’s a rip-roaring issue that you won’t want to miss!
THE RINSE #3
Written by Gary Phillips
Drawn by Marc Laming
SC, 24pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
COVER: Paul Azaceta
Diamond Code:SEP110891
Acclaimed crime novelist Gary Phillips (THE JOOK, VERTIGO’S ANGELTOWN and COWBOYS) returns to BOOM! with a new brand of crime! The rinse is spiraling out of control for money launderer Jeff Sinclair — not only have his clients flown the coop, but he is also caught in the crosshairs of both IRS agent Della Dash and the menacing casino henchmen tracking down the stolen cash. Jeff only has three options left: get arrested, get killed…or pull off the biggest rinse of his life. A grounded, gritty look at the world of money laundering in the vein of Elmore Leonard, THE RINSE is a modern crime classic in the making! For fans of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’ CRIMINAL!
Another day that’s pretty quiet when it comes to news. More importantly, a new episode of GP Radio is tonight at 8pm. Make sure to tune in and join the conversation! While you wait for the show, here’s some news.
Around the Blogs:
CBR – Marvel Promotes Jayatilleke To SVP Associate Publisher – Congrats.
Slate – Once Upon a Grimm Fable – I’m shocked there hasn’t been more about this or even lawsuits.
Around the Tubes Reviews:
CBR – I, Vampire #2
