posted
Interesting review. I know you had said before you weren't sure exactly how you felt about it (this was a few issues ago IIRC).
I had my CBS add it to my pull with #5 and I'll be getting the TPB (#1-4) when it comes out, so by then I'll probably read the first 7 issues or so together at a clip. Should be interesting to see how I feel about it, having read it that way.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Cobalt Kid: ^I'm actually thinking of grabbing this and your rec definitely helps Drake!
A series I'm surprisingly enjoying is Kirby Genesis by Dynamite. Everyone knows I'm a big Kirby fan but the series is actually much more of a Kurt Busiek series than anything. So I'd say regardless whether you like Kirby, I'd say it's more about how much you like Busiek's style. It's very Astro City / Marvels in usage of POV characters, ensemble cast and grandiose nature of it.
I'm enjoying seeing Kirby characters I only ever saw briefly (like his Topps universe stuff) and ones I've never been able to read (like Captain Victory). Like most of his creations the untapped potential is just so raw.
The art by Jack Hebert is very much in the mold AC's Brent Anderson with obvious Alex Ross influences. I'm liking it quite a bit.
I'm still really enjoying Kirby Genesis after reading issue #3. The plethora of characters and concepts that are thrown at the reader are a blast to see and each one is given a chance to shine.
But really, despite being called *Kirby* Genesis, this is truly a Kurt Busiek production. The series reads like a great arc of Astro City, from the regular man POV, to the wide array of characters and the focus on normal people reacting to extraordinary people and circumstances. I'm a huge fan of Busiek and Astro City, so I love Kurt's writing style; here, I'm enjoying it to great effect. This is enhanced by knowing he (and Alex Ross to a lesser degree) are utilizing Kirby's concepts to do it.
The art by Jack Hebert is fantastic and really nails the grandiose feel of the series, while also having that down to Earth feel that Brent Anderson's artwork has when the moment calls for it. Hebert really does a great job here.
I'm enjoying this enough that I plan on picking up the spin-offs when they come out. Certainly Captain Victory since the writer is Sterling Gates, whom I've really grown to like over the years.
Fans of Busiek should definitely check this out!
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
Cobie, you encouraged me to review Kirby Genesis and I haven't gotten around to it yet. But I agree completely with all you said above.
I had been looking forward to a more regular schedule from Astro City and have been disappointed that it hasn't happened so far. But I'm enjoying KG just as much. It'd be great to have both, though.
-------------------- "Been killed--didn't like it." (Duplicate Damsel, Legion of Super-Heroes #10)
From: Groga | Registered: Aug 2003
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posted
Strange as it may seem to say, I sure hope Busiek isn't repurposing his Astro City plans into KG stories from the way you guys are describing it. I'd rather have AC than anything else Busiek would ever write. It's disheartening that there's been almost no news about AC since Wildstorm was dissolved.
-------------------- "Suck it, depressos!"--M. Lash
From: The Underbelly of Society | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
So far, I'm enjoying Marvel's relaunched Punisher series after having recently read its first two issues. The book caught my eye as it was rolled out in the same wave as the recent relaunches of Moon Knight and Daredevil. Moon Knight, I passed on because of a lack of any affinity for the character and because of its $3.99 price point. Daredevil and Punisher, I'd read to varying dgrees over the years. Plus, their post-issue one price points were $2.99.
The biggest thing that sticks out about this new Punisher book is the outstanding art! Marco Checchetto was, I believe, one of a number of artists who illustrated Andy Diggle's recent ill-fated run on Daredevil. As I recall, the art was never the issue on that series. Here, Checchetto gets the chance to spread his wings on a book of his own that is written to showcase the man's art, and the end product is really magnificent to behold! It's gritty but also very beuatiful and entirely appropriate for a street-level crime book like this one. Definitely the book's prime selling point!
Writer Greg Rucka has been a pretty big star in this industry. Crime is one of the areas in which he excels, so this book suits him. Here, he tells the tales of a massacre at a wedding and how the police are racing against the Punisher to find out who's responsible. Only, one of the detectives on the force is feeding the lethal vigilante intel.
A very interesting approach Rucka is taking is that the Punisher so far is pretty much a secondary character in his own book. We see the police investigation and the bad guys scrambling to cover up their tracks. The Punisher is more like the bogeyman whose shadow looms just out of sight. We see him operate and surveil and even do what he does best, but--and I went back and checked, so I'm fairly sure--so far he hasn't had even one single line of dialogue!
At the same time, unlike the version in Punisher Max, this Frank Castle is firmly rooted in the Marvel Universe, as the conclusion of issue 2 makes clear. Looming for next issue is a confrontation with one of Spider-man's villains. We'll see if Frank says anything during that fight....
Good, eye-catching start to the new Punisher book! With Punisher Max already on my pull, it looks like this Rucka/Checchetto joint may have aspirations of joining in as well. Definitely onboard for another couple of issues at least!
-------------------- "Suck it, depressos!"--M. Lash
From: The Underbelly of Society | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
Tiny Titans #45 - The Batgirl issue. Barabara has Batgirl suits for everyone, including a purple one for Steph, and the girls have a Batgirl party. The theme quickly changes to Soccer when Pantha shows up. This all leads to some fun Soccer matches/mayhem: The Secret Six vs. the Birds of Prey, Cows vs. Robins & finally Bats vs. Cows.
Some of the jokes try a little too hard, but how can you complain about an issue that has Bane playing soccer against little kids?
From: Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
So recently I’ve checked out three new independent comics in my never-ending search to find all the best comics out there that may have gone unnoticed. Of the three, one was utterly fantastic (I’ll get to it last if you want to jump ahead) and two were only okay.
The first was Near Death, a crime series by Jay Faerber of Noble Causes and other superhero fame published by Image. I actually read this about two weeks ago and am now getting around to reviewing it—and to be honest, I’m having trouble remembering that much about it. I think that kind of says a lot too. While it was pretty well done, there was something a little by the numbers about the whole thing, where a hitman begins to grow a conscious later in his career. That type of story needs something a little extra and a new hook in order to draw me in. I like Faerber and want to collect one of his series but I don’t think it will be this one.
I also picked up Last of the Greats by Image, which is about a group of godlike superheroes that bring the world to the cusp of peace, only for mankind to betray and kill them. Except one was kept secret and survived, and now humanity is under attack by an alien race and they need his help. There are two big twists at the end. Here’s the thing: it’s a fine premise and done pretty well; but throughout the issue the theme is humanity is distrustful and will turn on you, and the “Great” will only help humanity if they accept his vision for what Earth should be. It’s all a bit too much like Waid’s Irredeemable, or Moore’s Miracleman or the Authority or a number of other pessimistic series where the super-beings are fed up with mankind and are giving as good as they’ve gotten. If any type of story has been done to death its this kind. So while it was all totally fine, it’s just not subject material I want to go forward on.
While those two are series I’m ultimately going to pass on, there is one new series that I was totally blown away and impressed by: The Rinse by BOOM! Studios, in what may be their single strongest showing to date IMO. Now this is a damn fine crime comic and I was totally impressed by the writing and art all the way through. Crime author Gary Phillips lends his sensibilities to the comic book industry and nails it at every turn: the plot and themes are smart and clever, while being realistic and completely in the shape of “modern noir”. It’s a crime series but something quite different—dealing with an expert money launderer who ‘rinses’ dirty money to make it clean—and it absolutely stands out from other crime series I read. The art by Marc Laming is also really fantastic, with just a touch of Darwyn Cooke though always having both feet planted in realism. Even the colors by Darrin Moore do a great job enhancing the story.
The Rinse #1 is only $1.00 and every single person who reads this should be out looking for it the next time they go the CBS. It’s one of the best introductory issues I’ve read in awhile and I’m totally hooked. Above all, I like how it doesn’t shy away from being intelligent and complex but at the same time doesn’t take an MBA to understand. And the main character is fully developed from the get-go, and he’s likable although he’s no saint so you’re rooting for him. He’s also quite clever, in a way that reminded me of Veronica Mars, where that cleverness gives you one more reason to root for a character that is entirely unique.
So, two passes and one must-continue for me!
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Cobalt Kid: While those two are series I’m ultimately going to pass on, there is one new series that I was totally blown away and impressed by: The Rinse by BOOM! Studios, in what may be their single strongest showing to date IMO. Now this is a damn fine crime comic and I was totally impressed by the writing and art all the way through. Crime author Gary Phillips lends his sensibilities to the comic book industry and nails it at every turn: the plot and themes are smart and clever, while being realistic and completely in the shape of “modern noir”. It’s a crime series but something quite different—dealing with an expert money launderer who ‘rinses’ dirty money to make it clean—and it absolutely stands out from other crime series I read. The art by Marc Laming is also really fantastic, with just a touch of Darwyn Cooke though always having both feet planted in realism. Even the colors by Darrin Moore do a great job enhancing the story.
The Rinse #1 is only $1.00 and every single person who reads this should be out looking for it the next time they go the CBS. It’s one of the best introductory issues I’ve read in awhile and I’m totally hooked. Above all, I like how it doesn’t shy away from being intelligent and complex but at the same time doesn’t take an MBA to understand. And the main character is fully developed from the get-go, and he’s likable although he’s no saint so you’re rooting for him. He’s also quite clever, in a way that reminded me of Veronica Mars, where that cleverness gives you one more reason to root for a character that is entirely unique.
So, two passes and one must-continue for me!
I read that dollar issue of The Rinse as well and found it highly enjoyable! Reading your review made me realize that I'd somehow forgot to review it, even though I meant to. Needless to say, I found it a fascinating and well-done read. I think issue 2 has been out a few weeks. Gotta remember to snatch one at my CBS if its there!
-------------------- "Suck it, depressos!"--M. Lash
From: The Underbelly of Society | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
Infinite Vacation #3 arrived with my last batch of comics. I'd completely forgotten about Infinite Vacation, it's been a while since the last issue.
I had really mixed feelings about this issue. The concept continues to fascinate: a company offers travel to other universes inhabited by your parallel selves. This issue brings a mind-twister: if there is an infinite number of universes, there is one in which there is only one universe. Good news for the Singularians, who oppose The Infinite Vacation, bad news for the board of directors.
What I disliked about #3 was the extremely graphic violent encounter between three of the Marks. Snuff porn, not for me. Just the idea that there are probably people out there who enjoy that stuff leaves me chilled.
Regardless, it's a good story, with vibrant artwork. Unfortunately, it appears that the next issue won't be out until the spring.
quote:Originally posted by Fat Cramer: Infinite Vacation #3 arrived with my last batch of comics. I'd completely forgotten about Infinite Vacation, it's been a while since the last issue.
I had really mixed feelings about this issue. The concept continues to fascinate: a company offers travel to other universes inhabited by your parallel selves. This issue brings a mind-twister: if there is an infinite number of universes, there is one in which there is only one universe. Good news for the Singularians, who oppose The Infinite Vacation, bad news for the board of directors.
What I disliked about #3 was the extremely graphic violent encounter between three of the Marks. Snuff porn, not for me. Just the idea that there are probably people out there who enjoy that stuff leaves me chilled.
Regardless, it's a good story, with vibrant artwork. Unfortunately, it appears that the next issue won't be out until the spring.
I'm with you on all counts, FC. The concept is indeed incredibly interesting and done in a way I've never seen before.
However, the violence ("snuff porn" being pretty accurate) was just too over the top for me. I've read novels before with graphic horrors perpetrated on characters but have been able to accept it as part of the narrative. Here, all I felt was disgust and being taken out of the story.
The Gym'll's forum on LW is littered with high praise for Nick Spencer posted by me over and over. But here, I have to admit, I'm pretty turned off because of those scenes. Compiled with the huge delays between issues, and I might have to pass on finishing out the mini.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Cobalt Kid: While those two are series I’m ultimately going to pass on, there is one new series that I was totally blown away and impressed by: The Rinse by BOOM! Studios, in what may be their single strongest showing to date IMO. Now this is a damn fine crime comic and I was totally impressed by the writing and art all the way through. Crime author Gary Phillips lends his sensibilities to the comic book industry and nails it at every turn: the plot and themes are smart and clever, while being realistic and completely in the shape of “modern noir”. It’s a crime series but something quite different—dealing with an expert money launderer who ‘rinses’ dirty money to make it clean—and it absolutely stands out from other crime series I read. The art by Marc Laming is also really fantastic, with just a touch of Darwyn Cooke though always having both feet planted in realism. Even the colors by Darrin Moore do a great job enhancing the story.
The Rinse #1 is only $1.00 and every single person who reads this should be out looking for it the next time they go the CBS. It’s one of the best introductory issues I’ve read in awhile and I’m totally hooked. Above all, I like how it doesn’t shy away from being intelligent and complex but at the same time doesn’t take an MBA to understand. And the main character is fully developed from the get-go, and he’s likable although he’s no saint so you’re rooting for him. He’s also quite clever, in a way that reminded me of Veronica Mars, where that cleverness gives you one more reason to root for a character that is entirely unique.
So, two passes and one must-continue for me!
I read that dollar issue of The Rinse as well and found it highly enjoyable! Reading your review made me realize that I'd somehow forgot to review it, even though I meant to. Needless to say, I found it a fascinating and well-done read. I think issue 2 has been out a few weeks. Gotta remember to snatch one at my CBS if its there!
#2 and #3 are out and the series continues to be fantastic! Very tightly written with a plot and main character that embraces the sophisticated and complexity of money laundering, while at the same time having a very stylized and 'cool' atmosphere because of the lush art and coloring.
I'm really digging this series in a big way. Much like the Brubaker / Phillips crime stories, this is crime comics done totally right.
By far the best thing BOOM! has ever offered IMO (exceeding even Unknown which I thought was a terrific series of minis).
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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