What? You Still Haven't Read...
Here we are, back for the second part of the Best Books You Haven't Read. We used to do these all the time in the store, but we've been doing other things lately, and I thought I'd toss some up here. So buckle in, here we go.
(Alternate Cover)
Justice League Of America #11
written by Brad Meltzer
art by Gene Ha
This is a tale of desperation and hope, of humanity at it's finest, and it's weakest. It's what all comics could, and should be. Brad Meltzer and Gene Ha work their magic with unprecedented skill in a story starring two of the League's newest members, Red Arrow and Vixen. Trapped in a sinking building, Roy and Mari must work together, despite both being grievously hurt, to find an escape from their ready made tomb. Amidst all the chaos and gigantic story arcs that have been the DCU, this is a small and very personal story. Gene Ha has been one of the very best artist's in comics for over a decade, and it shows here. Each panel feels cramped and dark, even when it's a full page shot. Normally when a artist uses a repetitive shot, it can be boring, but in this case it just draws the moments out and doesn't let you forget for second how bad things are for our heroes. Brad Meltzer really understands these characters as well. He knows their history, their influences and their hopes, but more then that, he knows what drives them. This is the book that will win "Best Single Issue" at the 2008 Eisner's, count on it.
Batman #666
written by Grant Morrison
art by Andy Kubert
I hate to say it, but this comic is nothing like the previous one. It's sci-fi glib, cotton candy noir, and silver age homage all wrapped into one. Frankly, this is exactly the kind of story I would have expected to see back in the heyday of giant typewriters and super-animals. Not that it could ever have actually been made then, but if someone told me that Morrison stole this from Gardner Fox, well, I wouldn't be surprised. But no, this story could have only been told in the here and now, and only by such a talented team as Morrison and Kubert. Morrison's ideas have always been huge, and this small one shot, not even really a one shot, but a issue lifted straight out of the future, just proves the point. I'm reminded of when Image was just starting out and they put out the 25th issue of all their comics a year ahead of time. You come into the middle of what's obviously a larger story, and leave before it really gets to an end. Sure, this individual night ends, but you just know this case isn't finished yet. And sadly, you know it never will be.
Andy Kubert's vision of a future Batman, well, it's like nothing before it. Many times we see Batman's costume get sleeker, more high-tech, but Kubert gives this an almost Victorian feel, something I would have expected to see in Gotham by Gaslight or the like. But it works, it doesn't seem silly or out of place, it fits just as Barbara Gordon fits as the Comissioner. And the fact that they created so many new villains just for this one issue! Each one fits though, if this is the future Batman, then yes, this is what his Rouge's Gallery would be. The one thing that does really tie into the here-and-now is the two page origin of Batman (Damien Wayne) at the start. Do you need this comic? Maybe not. But it want's you.
Stay tuned for part three, where I'll be taking a look at a few lesser known titles such as The Programme, and Killing Pickman.
-Dan
(Alternate Cover)
Justice League Of America #11
written by Brad Meltzer
art by Gene Ha
This is a tale of desperation and hope, of humanity at it's finest, and it's weakest. It's what all comics could, and should be. Brad Meltzer and Gene Ha work their magic with unprecedented skill in a story starring two of the League's newest members, Red Arrow and Vixen. Trapped in a sinking building, Roy and Mari must work together, despite both being grievously hurt, to find an escape from their ready made tomb. Amidst all the chaos and gigantic story arcs that have been the DCU, this is a small and very personal story. Gene Ha has been one of the very best artist's in comics for over a decade, and it shows here. Each panel feels cramped and dark, even when it's a full page shot. Normally when a artist uses a repetitive shot, it can be boring, but in this case it just draws the moments out and doesn't let you forget for second how bad things are for our heroes. Brad Meltzer really understands these characters as well. He knows their history, their influences and their hopes, but more then that, he knows what drives them. This is the book that will win "Best Single Issue" at the 2008 Eisner's, count on it.
Batman #666
written by Grant Morrison
art by Andy Kubert
I hate to say it, but this comic is nothing like the previous one. It's sci-fi glib, cotton candy noir, and silver age homage all wrapped into one. Frankly, this is exactly the kind of story I would have expected to see back in the heyday of giant typewriters and super-animals. Not that it could ever have actually been made then, but if someone told me that Morrison stole this from Gardner Fox, well, I wouldn't be surprised. But no, this story could have only been told in the here and now, and only by such a talented team as Morrison and Kubert. Morrison's ideas have always been huge, and this small one shot, not even really a one shot, but a issue lifted straight out of the future, just proves the point. I'm reminded of when Image was just starting out and they put out the 25th issue of all their comics a year ahead of time. You come into the middle of what's obviously a larger story, and leave before it really gets to an end. Sure, this individual night ends, but you just know this case isn't finished yet. And sadly, you know it never will be.
Andy Kubert's vision of a future Batman, well, it's like nothing before it. Many times we see Batman's costume get sleeker, more high-tech, but Kubert gives this an almost Victorian feel, something I would have expected to see in Gotham by Gaslight or the like. But it works, it doesn't seem silly or out of place, it fits just as Barbara Gordon fits as the Comissioner. And the fact that they created so many new villains just for this one issue! Each one fits though, if this is the future Batman, then yes, this is what his Rouge's Gallery would be. The one thing that does really tie into the here-and-now is the two page origin of Batman (Damien Wayne) at the start. Do you need this comic? Maybe not. But it want's you.
Stay tuned for part three, where I'll be taking a look at a few lesser known titles such as The Programme, and Killing Pickman.
-Dan
posted by Star Clipper at Friday, August 24, 2007
1 Comments:
I for one can't wait to hear about this "Killing Pickman" everyone seems to be talking about. Being someone who had absolutely NOTHING to do with the production of this "Killing Pickman" thing but instead an average comic book loving citizen of the world who is in no way associated with "Killing Pickman."
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