ART BRUT the graphic novel merits some comparison to ART BRUT the former art-punk rock band, which came first. The band had a loyal following which adART BRUT the graphic novel merits some comparison to ART BRUT the former art-punk rock band, which came first. The band had a loyal following which adored them while equal numbers deplored them. I was somewhere in that middle ground, appreciating the quirkiness and differences in their musical approach (mostly the song subjects and lyrics) and a singer that enunciated lines in an offhand way as well as shouted/recited as much as he sang. ART BRUT the band also made me laugh at the ridiculous nature of some of their songs, elevating issues of maturation that would seem to be more mundane and of less life importance. I enjoyed ART BRUT the graphic novel for pretty much the same reasons. For me, both are pleasant diversions - - but in the bigger picture, no big deal.
ART BRUT the graphic novel has received much critical acclaim, perhaps because of how different it is from the normal comics fare, but also because of the possible underlying commentary on the nature of art and its' affect on modern culture/life. I'm not totally buying into that. Maybe this just provided an interesting subject/theme for the creators to play around with. This is a fast-paced, page-turner of a novel that spans several genres and presents it's storyline in a kooky way that is thoroughly enhanced by the equally quirky art. The creative team is a good partnership. I gave this a Four Star rating because it's different enough that it deserves more attention.
I like the two premises presented here, and both remind me of other works. The ability to walk into a piece of art and immerse yourself in that world is a neat concept, and Prince chooses some cool classic landscapes and portraits to have madcap Arthur stride into. There was a long-ago DOOM PATROL comic book story by Grant Morrison that had the team enter into a painting. I also like the paranormal ability of some characters to draw a dramatic scene/incident and have it matched in the real world. That reminds me of DUMA KEY, Stephen King's 2008 novel.
Good stuff, and I'll probably give ART BRUT a second spin just to see what I might have missed on the first listening, I mean viewing....more
A fascinating mini-series, but not without its' flaws. Sebastian Girner seems to have a detailed knowledge of samurai-era Japan, and incorporates man A fascinating mini-series, but not without its' flaws. Sebastian Girner seems to have a detailed knowledge of samurai-era Japan, and incorporates many themes of the time into his story: family rivalry, disputes between clans, the role of women as tools in a male-dominated society. Add a hefty mix of political intrigue, deceit, manipulation, and trickery - - flavor with some unexpected but well-done supernatural side-plots - - making for compelling reading. Sad to say that as ambitious as this is, it falls down somewhat in execution. The story would have benefited for a more-insightful editor providing direction. For one, the story hops around from past to present without notice, sometimes in the middle of a battle, and tends to pull me out of the story until I can sort out when the scene actually occurs. There are plenty of twists in the story, but it would have benefited from a bit more clarity. Also, the art, while it has its moments of bloody brilliance, is uneven - - especially in the depiction of female characters who all seem to have the same face. The only way you can identify them is by their clothing or when they are addressed by name in the dialogue. A noble effort overall, but this could have been so much more....more
This mini-series had a '90's vibe to it and reminded me of 1990's superhero comics, and now I know why. I had never read any of D. G. Chichester's ru This mini-series had a '90's vibe to it and reminded me of 1990's superhero comics, and now I know why. I had never read any of D. G. Chichester's run on the Daredevil comic during the 1990's and did not know that for a period of time Daredevil wore an armored costume. Although, not armored in the same way that Iron Man is, but rather some hard density padding in places of high impact, like shoulders, etc. The story occurs during Chichester's timeline on the title. This reads like an action-packed, vividly illustrated comic of those earlier times. Main theme, conflict, and resolution. DAREDEVIL: BLACK ARMOR is elevated to a better-than-average ranking for me due to Chichester's writing. Now I'd like to find some of his original Daredevil stories and read them. What made this most memorable to me were how Chichester used the flashback scenes of Matt Murdock's early days - - after first becoming blind and secretly watching his father train boxers and learning valuable lessons from doing so - - then showing how Matt used those lessons to get him through the dangerous conflicts. Heartfelt, touching, and well done....more
When I’m in the mood for some non-challenging action entertainment with lots of violence I’ll turn to Marvel’s THE PUNISHER. When I want the same thi When I’m in the mood for some non-challenging action entertainment with lots of violence I’ll turn to Marvel’s THE PUNISHER. When I want the same thing but with a strong female character JENNIFER BLOOD meets the criteria.
This time she’s up against an entire small town in Utah populated by various criminals under witness protection who have managed to infiltrate the high offices of government and law enforcement. Just one woman against many, with the odds stacked against her? That won’t stop the clever Jennifer Blood.
While this mini-series ran for seven issues, the main story wraps up in Issue #5. The final two issues deal with her dangerous recovery from injuries and how even hospital employees will turn on someone for some extra moolah. Appropriately action-oriented and dexterous art. ...more
Maybe because I'm used to the format, but I enjoyed this and though it was a big improvement over YEAR ZERO VOLUME 1. The format is the same - - four Maybe because I'm used to the format, but I enjoyed this and though it was a big improvement over YEAR ZERO VOLUME 1. The format is the same - - four individuals in different parts of the globe coping with the zombie pandemic. The difference here is that some time has elapsed. In Volume 1, the characters were learning about and experiencing the first wave of the zombie invasion. In Volume 2, the pandemic is already established and these characters are all survivors. They were also more interesting than the characters in Volume 1. Finally, the inclusion of Juan Jose Ryp makes a big difference. Very detailed, very graphic, very violent, very expressive. While each story has a conclusion, nothing further is explained regarding the cause of the plague or how it might end. So, that leaves the door open for a Volume 3 - and I would welcome that....more
An anthology of comic stories based on the themes of Edgar Allan Poe, featuring humorous adaptations and alterations of classic Poe tales with an occaAn anthology of comic stories based on the themes of Edgar Allan Poe, featuring humorous adaptations and alterations of classic Poe tales with an occasional departure into all-original material and a spin on a classic Robert Lewis Stevenson novel. Often, Poe himself is inserted into the story, or serves as introductory narrator similar to the Crypt-Keeper in Tales From The Crypt. I found most of the stories very clever and amusing. I read this in the monthly single issue comics, and list my favorites here: Issue #1: "The Tell-Tale Black Cask of Usher" by Dean Motter and Alex Ogle is a shrewd pastiche of several Poe classics, and not just the ones inserted into the title. Nevermore, indeed. Issue #2: "The Leprechaun King" by Mark Russell and Peter Snejbjerg. Issue #3: "The Pit And The Pendulum" by Paul Constant and Alan Robinson, which maintains the torture device of the title only in an original tale about ar reluctant U.S. special intelligence agent duped into hazardous assignments until the day he rebels against his handler. Issue #4: This also takes the themes of "The Black Cat" and creates something entirely different (although a black cat plays a fateful role). A D.C. lobbyist who wines and dines and bribes lawmakers has a D.U.I. accident and is assigned a smart car: self-driving, solar powered, containing an artificial intelligence who befriends the lobbyist but constantly gets him in trouble. Issue #5: "The Man That Was Used Up" by Rick Geary and Andy Troy featuring Poe as the main character/narrator infatuated and jealous of a brigadier general who is not all that he seems. Issue #6 The final issue in this volume contains my two favorite stories of the entire anthology. In "The Purloined Letter" by Carol Lay a woman of loyalty is insulted by a "fat" reference and takes things too far in order to get revenge on the gentleman who made the comments. Things go awry in an ending that is both absurd, disturbing, and darkly comedic. "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" (by Robert Lewis Stevenson) is adapted and altered almost beyond recognition by Paul Cornell and Steve Yeowell. In this version, Dr. Henry Jekyll takes his experimental formula in order to "indulge my . . .secret vices . . . in complete anonymity. Instead of a monstrous alteration, he sports a mustache and proceeds to outrage the English royalty by his ill table and social manners, violating the rules of cricket, and plagiarizing from Oscar Wylde. Shocking! And very funny....more
When I heard the creative team behind THE SIXTH GUN was going to work together again on a horror comic featuring classic monsters of the silver scree When I heard the creative team behind THE SIXTH GUN was going to work together again on a horror comic featuring classic monsters of the silver screen - that was more than enough to whet my appetite. This is obviously a tribute to the Universal Monsters, with a couple of additional features to keep it interesting. Dr. Frankenstein has now placed his brain inside the Frankenstein monster, so he's a thinking and calculating brute. Dracula has bitten the Wolfman, turning him into a necro-wolf (half vampire, half werewolf). The Mummy brought his hounds along. The Creature From The Black Lagoon becomes The Dweller, with Lovecraftian eldritch overtones. Despite the viciousness of the monsters and many bloodbaths, this wasn't scary at all. I expected a trip down nostalgia lane with some familiar monster faces, and I wasn't disappointed by Bunn and Hurtt's interpretations. More deserving of a 3.5 star rating, if such a thing was possible here. ...more
I usually approach any new Godzilla comics series with caution. How different can they be? Normally, it's just Godzilla fighting some new monster. HowI usually approach any new Godzilla comics series with caution. How different can they be? Normally, it's just Godzilla fighting some new monster. However, I picked this one up based on the strength of the creative team and was rewarded for my support. Frank Tieri is a strong writer, especially with crime comics, and does a bang-up job here by setting this Godzilla saga into the midst of the Caribbean pirate days and incorporating some alternative history regarding Sir Francis Drake, who terrorized the ships of the Spaniards. He has this adventure of Drake and crew looking for a treasure on Godzilla's Monster Island narrated by a captured pirate, who is suspected of spinning a yarn in order to draw attention and avoid the hangman's noose. There's even a kaiju-worshipping cult minimally involved in the story, perhaps setting the stage for a second story arc. The art by the always amazing Inaki Miranda is among some of his best, gloriously enhanced by the color work of Eva de la Cruz. Anytime I see that team on art chores, I"ll be purchasing that book. Whether he visualizing ships in sea battles or two monster fighting it out, the images are vivid and imaginative. The emergence of Godzilla's head from ocean waters, surprising Drake's ship and crew in Issue #1 is a classic. Very entertaining....more
As Daredevil stories go, this one falls near the lower end as far as importance, character development, etc go. It could almost be the same by substitAs Daredevil stories go, this one falls near the lower end as far as importance, character development, etc go. It could almost be the same by substituting some other characters and not make a difference, as the main focus here is on the supernatural threat and the history of same. It’s notable for introducing an ancestor of Matt Murdock who was a Manhattan crime gang member back in 1835, reformed, and became a prominent supporter of his local Catholic Church (only to have his faith betrayed by a corrupted priest).
If you’re a fan of the art of Phil Noto you may want to give this a look, although I don’t think it’s his best work and looks a little rushed and more simplistic than his average illustrations....more
Scott Snyder tackles the weird western genre and puts together a compelling yarn, helped along by some brilliantly detailed art by Dan Panosian that sScott Snyder tackles the weird western genre and puts together a compelling yarn, helped along by some brilliantly detailed art by Dan Panosian that suits the mood and atmosphere perfectly. Panosian also does the colors, and chooses his shades and highlights effectively,which helps create that Old West atmosphere. Snyder has done some research into this period of the American West and sprinkles some of that knowledge into the story, helping to both flavor the proceedings and authenticate the time period. Compelling characters, some subtle social commentary as befitted those times, and a creepy mystery to keep things moving forward. With the third act, the unnatural threats ramp up and this goes from weird western into full-blown horror, seasoned with Lovecraftian elements. I was entertained. I read this in the three over-sized monthly issues, each of which contained two parts of the six-part story as originally featured on Comixology. Glad to see Dark Horse putting some of those titles into print....more
Layla is a punk-rock attired runaway in New York CIty, 1987. She was abandoned at birth, raised in foster homes, pregnant at sixteen. Kicked out of thLayla is a punk-rock attired runaway in New York CIty, 1987. She was abandoned at birth, raised in foster homes, pregnant at sixteen. Kicked out of the last foster home when her latent powers blew out the back of the house. Now she’s looking for Dianne Gold, who may be her true mother. She’s living on the streets after leaving her boyfriend (and father of her child) Jerome - pissed off at him and herself for what happened.
There’s some human drama here and gritty street realism that is really well done. That alone would be enough to make the book interesting. Add the urban fantasy that is the root of the story and you have a winner.
Plus, Randolph’s art really pops here. He does the colors as well; and utilizes shades of black and white with the occasional red and blue added in small portions to great effect. When I scanned the book and saw this art, it was an immediate impulse buy.
Layla may be a “siren”, and her unrealized abilities gain the attention of several underworld players when she uses them at a Chelsea Hotel party populated with some questionable and dangerous characters. There's some incredible world-building here as those with special abilities get lumped into two competing groups: sirens (female) and incubi (male). The yet-to-be-born child that Layla is carrying will be a rare hybrid (siren & incubi mating) that is the object of attention of many factions who will resort to violence and death to obtain.
As the story progressed, Storer adds layers and layers that just makes this so enthralling. And, Randolph's art is just incredible, occasional droplets of effective color on a black and white canvas. The story was a solid Five-Star rating for me, until the finale in Issue #6 which I found to be anti-climatic and disappointing. However, it does leave the door open for more adventures, which I would gladly welcome....more
The main reason I purchased this in the single monthly issues and then saved them in order to read at one sitting was the return of Jae Lee to comics The main reason I purchased this in the single monthly issues and then saved them in order to read at one sitting was the return of Jae Lee to comics illustration (aside from covers). His work here is phenomenal, as always, and deserves further study. The story by Windom and Mao is engaging and kept me turning the pages, but it fails to stick the landing. I'm assuming that SEVEN SONS is intended as social commentary on religion, faith, and the nature of God, but the writers seem to make their points general rather than specific, and often vague. Readers can draw their own conclusions The dominant religion in the story is built on tricks, illusions (and scientific advances) and is revealed to be selfish and its' actions driven by greed and self-perpetuation more than providing true hope and purpose to the masses. However, for me, portraying organized religion this way is like preaching to the choir. I've long held the belief that some (not all) religions are more interested in acting like corporations and enforcing their own "church laws" than they are in helping followers down a path that honors the Ten Commandments, or whatever ancient creed it was established upon. Following upon those themes, SEVEN SONS showcases an alternate version of Earth (with quite different histories for President Jimmy Carter and Princess Diana, for example) where it appears that religious organizations across the globe have replaced governments. The writers don't elaborate on this (it could have been an interesting side-story) but keep it vague. The "gifted" seven sons as portrayed by Lee are strange in appearance, pale and alien like. One criticism is that they look too much like each other, one of the things that made it difficult to empathize with any of them (although I did have a favorite). This really deserves more than a Three-Star rating, but Goodreads doesn't provide for fractional rankings. I rate this 3.5 STARS....more
I hope I'm not beginning a trend here in my readings. This is the second occasion within a month that I pick up a comics series by one of my favorite I hope I'm not beginning a trend here in my readings. This is the second occasion within a month that I pick up a comics series by one of my favorite writers only to be disappointed. Just like I commented about LUCKY DEVIL by Cullen Bunn, I have the same opinion of THE BOYS: DEAR BECKY by Garth Ennis. Both writers are personal favorites, but I would not recommend either of these as a starting point for readers new to both authors.
What redeemed this a little bit and helped it to earn a respectable rating from me is the expressive artwork by the under-rated Russ Braun, as well as some nifty covers by Darick Robertson. (I read this in the single monthly issues.)
Since the final story arc of THE BOYS was a more-than-appropriate-and-satisfactory ending to the series, we really didn't need a second ending here. Also, this is more of a flashback - although the scenes with Hughie occur in the present day. I'm guessing the popularity of the Amazon Prime series prompted a return visit. I don't blame Ennis for taking the payday.
Fans of THE BOYS should be prepared for the differences in this version so that their expectations aren't crushed: 1) The main focus here is on two characters, Wee Hughie and Billy Butcher, as Ennis takes a deep dive into their thoughts and how romance/love altered their personalities - perhaps permanently for Hughie but not as fixed for Butcher. 2) It's twelve years since the final battle, and the team is only viewed in some flashback scenes. 3) The scenes of lurid sex and bloody graphic violence (a trademark of the series) are infrequent. The best way I can describe this new series as compared to the original is . . . this is subdued (maybe on tranquilizers). 4) The story meanders and takes forever to get to the reveal about Butcher and the reason why Hughie became traumatized when reading Buther's diary in Issue #1 and further. Eight issues to get to this point? (Must have be a contractual obligation, lots of padding and repetitive scenes).
Now I realize why I was not impressed by a recent reading of weird western comic PRETTY DEADLY. When it comes to good weird western stories, I like theNow I realize why I was not impressed by a recent reading of weird western comic PRETTY DEADLY. When it comes to good weird western stories, I like them pretty basic without the trappings of mythology, philosophy, or hidden meanings. Just entertain me with a good eerie yarn with gunfights and horses. GRAVESLINGER gets that job done in spades, despite some uneven murky art, which improved a little with an illustrator change in the final two issues....more
I'm a fan of Cullen Bunn, especially his original horror and weird western comics. I'm less of a fan when he's writing licensed property superhero fa I'm a fan of Cullen Bunn, especially his original horror and weird western comics. I'm less of a fan when he's writing licensed property superhero fare. While LUCKY DEVIL provides an entertaining (sometimes humorous and gross/violent) past time, this is not his best work. If you are reading Bunn for the first time, I would not recommend this. The story centers on an exorcism of a demonic possession that goes wrong. The demon is expelled, but stays in close proximity to the main character - - who now possesses all the supernatural powers of the demon. Neat idea, but the execution of the storyline left me indifferent to this tale. There are two reasons: 1) Too much set-up that took too long to get there. The final issue's conclusion/resolution, while satisfactory, comes as a big disappointment. 2) I don't like the main character, which is necessary to fully invest me in a story. I felt empathy for him during the first issue, which quickly diminished as the story progressed. I didn't care what happened to him....more
The reason I liked this is simply that this is not a conventional super-hero story, although it contains all the right elements. Also, this should be The reason I liked this is simply that this is not a conventional super-hero story, although it contains all the right elements. Also, this should be a 3.5 star-rating but you know the Goodreads drill on fractional rankings. At the root of this is a young adult male's search for his mother, after he was abandoned at a very young age. Cameron never does learn the reason why, but seems satisfied by knowing that his mother was happy in her new life. He's searching for purpose and gets some fatherly advice from Superman, some assistance from Nightwing, and a better understanding of his capabilities and responsibilities from Swamp Thing. Until his discovery by some more powerful beings in Issue #1, he's under-utilized his abilities. Cosmic villain Darkseid wants him to create New Apokolips on Earth by manifesting each city's avatars so they can link up and convert all of the green on the planet to bleak concrete and steel. The story was effective and somewhat heart-warming....more
In other hands, this could have been an unnecessarily long mini-series, especially when the narration by the main character is so over-extended and veIn other hands, this could have been an unnecessarily long mini-series, especially when the narration by the main character is so over-extended and verbose. However, King tells an eight-issue morality play with some mini-morality plays inserted within. Also, the incredible art by Everly makes the journey bearable and worthwhile. There are some fantastic images here, recalling an older era of science-fiction illustration. If you are fan of the art style of P. Craig Russell, you will appreciate what is done here. It's an engaging, warm and sometimes amusing tale of personal growth and character development of both Supergirl and alien girl Ruthye, who I consider to be the real main character here. This is more about her growth and the changes she goes through during their journey together. The final page may confuse some readers and also seem inconsistent, but I thought it was satisfactory. King leaves it a little vague so readers can chose the resolution they prefer....more
Every new writer on Marvel's Thor puts a little different spin on the iconic character. Al Ewing's fresh take pays homage to some legendary contribut Every new writer on Marvel's Thor puts a little different spin on the iconic character. Al Ewing's fresh take pays homage to some legendary contributors to past Thor sagas, particularly Walt Simonson and Jack Kirby/Stan Lee. Ewing's Thor is truly epic, decisive, calculated, benevolent and not all persistent godly seriousness but capable of a smile and a grin, even some godlike quips. I especially appreciate the concept introduced here that even the "gods" have "gods" above them, and Utgard-Thor is truly menacing and worthy foe. I've often wondered who would come out on top in a showdown between Thor (God of Thunder) and Storm (mutant control of storms and weather). It almost got answered here, but really comes out as a draw. Realizing that he can't handle Utgard-Thor alone, Thor enlists some familiar allies and forms the Thor Corps: Storm, Beta Ray Bill, Jane Foster and Loki. Loki takes on a female form here, and while still not to be trusted, seems to have a handle on the situation and does her best to assist Thor. I also like that Ewing spotlighted Odin's statement about who deserves to hold the hammer of Thor, and that makes this even more interesting. A nice start to the new series. I'm eager to read more....more
This was interesting and managed to hold my attention, but I would only recommend it to Batman fans who, like myself, may be curious to see how Japan This was interesting and managed to hold my attention, but I would only recommend it to Batman fans who, like myself, may be curious to see how Japanese manga creators handle the licensed property. Aside from a few changes to familiar characters, this seems like the Batman I know. Readers will need to make some assumptions as the story doesn't provide enough background. I had to read some reviews and synopsis to learn more. The Penguin, Killer Croc, Firefly, and Deathstroke look very familiar, while the Riddler looks like a regular person, a stranger I couldn't pick out in a crowd. The Joker is an unwelcome wannabe sidekick to Batman, who has a penchant for killing foes as opposed to Batman's mission. He wears a luchador-like mask instead of facial paint. The other change is to Dick Grayson, who has not partnered with Batman and is portrayed here as a youngster trying to hire a lanky detective (always nearby in the background, which makes me suspicious) to investigate the circus murder of his parents. Dick is always fascinated by images of the Bat-signal in the sky. Batman has created an A.I. assistant dubbed "Robin" that assesses probabilities during Batman's action and makes a decision regarding a grappling hook that becomes hazardous. Batman turns down an offer from Superman to join the Justice League, then initiates an upgrade to the Bat Boat, dubbing it the "Justice Buster" of the title. This is mainly a set-up issue, and the story continues across several volumes. I like some of the panels, and some remind me of why I am not a huge fan of manga. Still, the story is intriguing me and I want to see where this goes from here. I'd give this 3.5 stars for potential, but Goodreads doesn't do fractions . . . and this is definitely not worthy of 4 stars....more
CHEW has distinguished itself in my comics reading experience by becoming one of the few long-running series that I never get tired of. I'm this far iCHEW has distinguished itself in my comics reading experience by becoming one of the few long-running series that I never get tired of. I'm this far into the collection (getting closer to the end) and still find myself being entertained and amused and even laughing at the wacky situations that Layman comes up with and Guillory illustrates with great expression (as well as wonderful Easter eggs & surprises in the background). Some of the highlights in this volume . . . . . Tony Chu getting married in Vegas then getting called away on special assignment in the middle of their honeymoon. The two-page spreads throughout all issues featuring warrior rooster Poyo versus the clever monster-of-the-month. Tony solving the murder of a Navy Seal (yep, a real aquatic animal, twice-decorated). A group of Tony's associates trying to take on the faux vampire/cibopath collector on their own without Tony. The one-shot special issue with Poyo taking on terrorists and then surviving a Tolkien-like fantasy world with giant killer vegetables ("Gourd of the Rings"). Next case for Tony - solve the murder of a penguin in Antarctica. Babycakes, the not-so-lethal squirrel with a cybernetic eye. In between all the humor, there are some ferociously bloody fight scenes and not every character walks away from this volume laughing....more
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