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Comics Roundup
Dec. 18th, 2012 05:36 pmHere are some recommended non-superhero comics I have been really digging lately.
Comeback - (Image) written by Ed Brisson - A unique story about a company that can take you in the past to keep family members from dying. Of the new Image titles, this one particularly stands out. It's also accompanied by excellent artwork from Michael Walsh.
With its strong concept, Brisson does pull it off. There are some subplots that are bubbling under and so it should come together has a pretty rich story (the company is illegal, by the way). The characters are equally strong, the action adrenaline fueled and the whole story seems at this point that it would be good for the big or small screen.
This is a five issue miniseries, which is probably the appropriate set up and the concept likely will be strong enough for future revisits. In any case, like Bedlam, I was blown away with what Image Comics is doing, and just wish it was getting more attention.
Frankenstein: Alive! Alive! (IDW) - written by Steve Niles- I;ve been meaning to read Niles(30 days of Night) for some time, and this 'sequel' to Frankenstein seemed to good to pass up.
It is good. Niles gives a lot of depth to the character in much the same way Mike Mignola gives characterization to his monsters. Niles' monster is sympathetic and horrifying, stoic and monstrous but realistic.
I really like this comic a lot, and there a re plenty of reasons to be scared off by it. It might get be avoided by non-horror fans, but the characterization is so well done, it really deserves a bigger audience (It's also closer to 'classic' horror than anything you might see in Fangoria). The "sequel" idea may scare some away, but niles really knows the character and it truly feels like a continuation.
Additionally, the book is classic black and white, drawn by Bernie Wrightson, the creator of The Swamp Thing comic. This is equally important, as Wrightson gives this perfect feel for horror and what Niles is wanting to accomplish. Highly recommended.
Nowhere Men (Image)- written by Eric Stephenson - Of all the new Image titles (and there are many), this has to be the one with the highest potential. "Science is the new Music" this comic announces, and there is a very intentional Beatles slant. This comic tells of four technology minds and imagines them as cultural heroes (Think Young Bill Gates and Young Steve Jobs as Young Lennon and Young Jagger.) Put them in a classic (think 2001) sci-fi universe.
It's a great concept and with art by Nate Bellgarde and Jordie Bellaire that is as knock-your-sock-off-good as compared to anything Frank Quietly has ever done.
Which I suppose is the problem. This book looks like a Grant Morrison comic (if not Morrison, then Warren Ellis), and the concept is something you would expect from Morrison or Ellis. The problem is it is not Morrison or Ellis that is writing it.
Issue 1 was generally good and I feel like the long haul will be worth it. It just doesn't have that "oh S#it!" moment that Morrison would have had you walking away with. The plot isn't as good as Comeback mentioned above, and though the characters look as cool as say Gideon Stargrave, at this point, none are particularly memorable.
These comments are probably more negative sounding than you should take. The ceiling is high on this one and I plan on picking up issue 2 (out tomorrow) and am expecting some good things.
Comeback - (Image) written by Ed Brisson - A unique story about a company that can take you in the past to keep family members from dying. Of the new Image titles, this one particularly stands out. It's also accompanied by excellent artwork from Michael Walsh.
With its strong concept, Brisson does pull it off. There are some subplots that are bubbling under and so it should come together has a pretty rich story (the company is illegal, by the way). The characters are equally strong, the action adrenaline fueled and the whole story seems at this point that it would be good for the big or small screen.
This is a five issue miniseries, which is probably the appropriate set up and the concept likely will be strong enough for future revisits. In any case, like Bedlam, I was blown away with what Image Comics is doing, and just wish it was getting more attention.
Frankenstein: Alive! Alive! (IDW) - written by Steve Niles- I;ve been meaning to read Niles(30 days of Night) for some time, and this 'sequel' to Frankenstein seemed to good to pass up.
It is good. Niles gives a lot of depth to the character in much the same way Mike Mignola gives characterization to his monsters. Niles' monster is sympathetic and horrifying, stoic and monstrous but realistic.
I really like this comic a lot, and there a re plenty of reasons to be scared off by it. It might get be avoided by non-horror fans, but the characterization is so well done, it really deserves a bigger audience (It's also closer to 'classic' horror than anything you might see in Fangoria). The "sequel" idea may scare some away, but niles really knows the character and it truly feels like a continuation.
Additionally, the book is classic black and white, drawn by Bernie Wrightson, the creator of The Swamp Thing comic. This is equally important, as Wrightson gives this perfect feel for horror and what Niles is wanting to accomplish. Highly recommended.
Nowhere Men (Image)- written by Eric Stephenson - Of all the new Image titles (and there are many), this has to be the one with the highest potential. "Science is the new Music" this comic announces, and there is a very intentional Beatles slant. This comic tells of four technology minds and imagines them as cultural heroes (Think Young Bill Gates and Young Steve Jobs as Young Lennon and Young Jagger.) Put them in a classic (think 2001) sci-fi universe.
It's a great concept and with art by Nate Bellgarde and Jordie Bellaire that is as knock-your-sock-off-good as compared to anything Frank Quietly has ever done.
Which I suppose is the problem. This book looks like a Grant Morrison comic (if not Morrison, then Warren Ellis), and the concept is something you would expect from Morrison or Ellis. The problem is it is not Morrison or Ellis that is writing it.
Issue 1 was generally good and I feel like the long haul will be worth it. It just doesn't have that "oh S#it!" moment that Morrison would have had you walking away with. The plot isn't as good as Comeback mentioned above, and though the characters look as cool as say Gideon Stargrave, at this point, none are particularly memorable.
These comments are probably more negative sounding than you should take. The ceiling is high on this one and I plan on picking up issue 2 (out tomorrow) and am expecting some good things.
