Raised By Squirrels

2008-07-05T08:55:00.011-06:00

The report from New Comic Night:

Fables #74 — in which the war continues and everything … goes well. Cool as it is to see the Fables mixing modern warfare with their sorcery, I have a feeling it won't continue like this. Consistently good storytelling.
Manhunter #32 — if I hadn't spent all that time at Wikipedia catching up the DCU during the last run, I'd be even more lost. The various story threads are developing well, the dialog and character interaction are terrific, the art looks good. However, a lot of setup, a reliance on a more knowledge of the DCU continuity than I care to have, and I'm not real into the way The Disappeared are being used as a part of a superhero story.
Hawksmoor #4 veers from the California noir (until that last panel) I was liking , but actually starts to stitch together a good, unique look at Hawksmoor's past. Plus, giant robot-type thing. And I'm still a sucker for that art, though it seemed even sparser.
The Programme concludes, as expected, taking the story off in yet another different way. So now I can pull the whole run and try and figure out what I was reading this past year. I mean, I can't say I was disappointed, 'cause it was an ambitious, sprawling series, but it wasn't what I wanted.
ran across the Previews entry for the third issue of Station, and it sounded like a great, high-concept pitch (something Boom! seems to excel at): the ultimate closed-room mystery, with a murder on the space station. LCS got me the first one and it's OK, good setup, a narrator we can rely on. The rest better move faster. Art, solid but not terribly inspired; too much like the movie's storyboards. Because of the special ordering, I think I'm committed to this anyhow.
I knew that Astonishing X-Men would be very different under Ellis, and was dubious. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of about 60% of his stuff. This starts off with a pretty good premise, gets underway fairly quickly — and as usual with his stuff, bickering kind of takes the place of actual character development, but at least everyone's got their own voice and viewpoint this time. Art's a bit murky and static, but it may suit the tale. Hope this doesn't unfold with a Thunderbolts level of decompression, though.
and I also ran across the solicit for the third issue of Patsy Walker, Hellcat, and got the shop to get me the first. No idea why particularly; not a character I've ever really followed or even know anything about. I'm reading Laura (and Stuart) Immonen's webcomic and, beyond the fear that they're stealing my idea about doing a comic about the WWII art looting, I'm still not particularly into it. No idea what to expect from Hellcat, but this wasn't it — a goofy-yet-reverent-yet-appropriate tone, a couple laugh-out-loud moments, some flipping back to see if I saw what I really saw, and a great feeling of, "OK, what now!?"

2008-06-30T22:38:00.002-06:00

Teaser trailer for Quantum of Solace. It doesn't fill me with confidence.

2008-06-28T18:13:00.017-06:00

The report from New Comic Night:

Thunderbolts #121 — action and fighting and severe beatdowns, in many cases involving people with pretty major issues with each other. And then it was all over. This issue was a pretty fun read, but way, way too much buildup to get there.
Noticed the No Hero preview in io9, where Graeme failed to note it's Ryp on art — I'm such a fan of his stuff on Black Summer and, though I'd like to see that get wrapped up first, I'm all over this. Looks to be more Ellis techno-superhero-geekery that, if you can stomach the political subtext, is generally a good time.
Fantastic Four #558 — I was on such a Millar/Hitch high that I didn't notice, until Monica pointed it out, that nothing actually happens in this issue. It's all setup. But there's new characters, a fight that smashes up the Baxter Building, a revelation about the youngest Richards, and something that can frighten Doom. I don't know yet if this really lives up to the stated goal of matching the fun of the Lee/Kirby years, but it's darned close.
then The Immortal Iron Fist presents an issue where there's no Iron Fist, in fact, no superpowers on display. But there's a dramatic change in the Danny Rand we know, an amazing look at the relationships with his longtime supporting cast, the promise of more of the Seven (?) Cities action we've enjoyed all along, and a terrific cliffhanger kind of revelation. And now it gets turned over to a new creative team, that — to put it mildly — has a lot to live up to and I don't think has the track record to do it.

2008-06-28T18:10:00.004-06:00

Compulsory Reading. Not just the strip, I mean, but also all those books without pictures that we I should be reading. Via Blog@Newsarama.

2008-06-27T19:00:00.003-06:00

Hey, that's me in the Duke City Fix interview! Hope I don't sound too pretentious. Cripes, I use a lot of syllables.

2008-06-26T20:08:00.005-06:00

TZT! Inspired me to dig out my clipping of Cul de Sac ca. The Cicada Madness of '04. Bonus: more Richard Thompson firefly goodness. (Or is it lightning bug? In Connecticut, they were pretty interchangeable.)

2008-06-25T09:24:00.000-06:00

Ummmm … yes, please.

2008-06-24T21:10:00.002-06:00

Wow. Cover Browser. Kinda surprised at how fun it is to just pick a title and just go. Pages load fast, a big bonus. Via Communication Arts (!?).

2008-06-24T09:30:00.002-06:00

Take a moment and appreciate Leonardo the artist.

2008-06-22T21:21:00.006-06:00

Panel Press has become a part of Literate Machine, a new site offering digital distribution for independently produced comics. RBS and DCAS are available for download there. And 7000 BC material is slowly working its way to the site as well.

2008-06-21T09:20:00.019-06:00

Squirrel Central (well, half that does the posting here) spent a week's vacation traveling around some of our state here, and then returned in time for New Comic Night. So, then, the report:

Tangent: Superman's Reign #4 — continuing as a fairly standard DC team-up, a twist that should've seen coming (though not with that character). It's an OK read, I'm really sticking with it to find out what happened to the Tangent universe more than for the actual story. And worth noting that it took longer to read this than the other two from this week's haul combined.
Elephantmen returned this month with its regular series, but with a standalone story, with guest art, that (I can only figure, but have been wrong before) doesn't relate to the main storyline. Unfortunately, pretty standard and predictable.
and Grendel: Behold The Devil ended, as expected, (spoiler alert!) badly for all the characters that aren't Grendel. I'm not sure this story warranted being drawn out over eight issues, but it was a good return to "classic" Grendel, what happens to the unfortunates who wind up in his world, while presenting a little bit more of the history/mythology.
B.P.R.D. The Universal Machine — with the LCS stocking up on all things Hellboy, decided to start catching up on the trade paperbacks. An enjoyable read that finds a way to incorporate some background and flashback while spinning a good, supernatural story that gives Kate Corrigan a chance to shine. This is a solid series, with beautiful, evocative art that really picks up on the Hellboy world while carving its own path. I just want more frogs now, though.

2008-06-14T10:58:00.013-06:00

The report from New Comic Night: well, there was nothing in my pull box this week — I suppose that was inevitable at some point, given the bounty of the past few weeks. Actually, not entirely accurate; the folks at the shop were thoughtful enough to put a couple books they thought I'd be interested in, and the new Elephantmen was out. But the two suggestions didn't take, and I put Elephantmen back to add to next week's haul.

So, after a late night of work and some necessary errands, settled in a bit late with Scalped: Casino Boogie, the second collection of the Aaron/Guéra series. Now, this a difficult story, full of unappealing people making tough choices and generally doing bad things with unpleasant consequences. It's a grim setting and can be relentlessly dark.

It also could be one of the finest examples of what comics can achieve.

As more comics just seem more and more like storyboards for the inevitable adaptation, Scalped is telling a story in a way that would be difficult to make as successful in any other medium. With its scene changes and shifts in perspective and time, it's way too complex for a movie; a novel, perhaps, but so much of the tone of the tale is conveyed through the art. Maybe a sprawling TV series, like The Wire, but the way it's unfolding demands that you have the ability to flip through previous issues to see the connections and appreciate the developing themes.

The first volume, Indian Country, covers a couple weeks (plus some flashbacks); Casino Boogie essentially takes place in one night. And it (spoiler alert) ends with the same scene as volume one; in a way, we're left where we started. But so, so much is covered and added to the depth of the story in the series of interconnected tales, each focusing on one character, that make up volume two.

Like 100 Bullets, reading Scalped kinda depresses me — the level those guys are writing at seems to set an impossible standard. Because, to top all that Aaron's doing with the story, he's weaving in history while providing a realistic look at (aspects of) rez life. A perfect combination with Guéra's art, with its evocative style and perceptive detail. A comic you should be reading.

2008-06-13T07:52:00.000-06:00

New Wallace and Gromit! (in the works)

2008-06-12T20:47:00.001-06:00

"Font humor for font nerds" over at Adland.

2008-06-11T09:54:00.000-06:00

In all the goings on this weekend, forgot to note that you can download string #5, the new issue of the regular 7000 BC anthology. It has the latest installment of the Estelle and Norris story, which I'm calling The Darkness from Warsaw unless I can come up something more Lovecraftian.

2008-06-09T18:31:00.001-06:00

New Cinematic Titanic trailer!

2008-06-07T09:41:00.011-06:00

The report from New Comic Night:

Midnighter #20 — an unnecessarily gruesome and drawn-out beginning, something kinda almost happens there in the middle, a conclusion and explanation of sorts for the past dozen or so (or more?) issues, and now the series is all over. Overall, the comic had a few clever, insightful moments, but I'm not sorry to see it go.
Tangent: Superman's Reign #3 — years ago, Monica started seeking out both runs of the Tangent books, mostly for the cover design (by the enormously talented Rian Hughes), but I kinda grew to like them. Mostly for the interconnectedness of all the tales and how they unfolded. So now I'm following the follow-up to those, 'cause it's not too poorly done and looks like it'll wrap up the stories of that world. This issue, a fairly standard team-up kind of story.
And Manhunter's back. Again. I also wound up following this series by picking up back issues 'cause of the first issue, one of the kickingest-a$$ ever. Kate's a terrific character, well-written and the plotlines unfold well, but it seemed to me the whole comic got too mired in DC continuity, eventually winding up being a dumping ground for fixing a bunch of all that 52 stuff and moving away from what makes it good. This one starts off pitch-perfect, terrific characterizations, fun action sequence. Then it starts to get topical … and ends up bringing in another character from the DCU. Sigh. I suppose part of the fun of the premise is watching this character interact with other superheroes, but I hope it doesn't start drifting off again. Gaydos is pretty great on the art, sets the tone and captures the expressions.
If you're not reading Criminal by now, there's not much I can do for you. This one gets even darker, just when you thought it couldn't, delivering yet another compelling narrative in a series that specializes in that. Can't say it's fun, but also can't recommend it enough. Phillips' art feels looser in this one, even better than his usual awesome.
Invincible Iron Man #2 — some great (maybe too decompressed) scenes, voiceover that captures Tony's voice, sly references to the movie, an attempt to bring in some modern realities to the superhero world, and a plotline that's moving forward. This one's firing on all cylinders. Art's a bit overdone for my tastes, but now at least I know KPT is still around. Now, as long as that revelation I read while skimming Secret Invasion #3 at the shop doesn't screw things up....

2008-06-06T19:43:00.004-06:00

This Sunday, we're at Albuquerque Collector Con. 7000 BC has got a couple tables, we'll be selling comics from the group, including our new anthology string, along with RBS and DCAS.

2008-06-04T22:10:00.000-06:00

Rebel chicks need not respond. Via Fussy

2008-06-04T13:45:00.003-06:00

"The perfect man wouldn't wear his collar up, I know this for a fact." Another new GAF post? Wha huh?

2008-06-03T21:51:00.003-06:00

Animated graffiti, an amazing concept well realized. Via Ernie Schenck.

2008-06-02T22:01:00.005-06:00

A look at the making of covers for The Creeper series from '03. It was a favorite of us here at Squirrel Central — and it's well worth seeking out if you missed it the first time around. Via Newsarama.

2008-06-02T21:56:00.003-06:00

Was actually checking on it a few days ago — and now a new Gone and Forgotten! But from the sounds of things, there's not likely going to be many more.

2008-05-31T18:36:00.019-06:00

The report from an epic New Comic Night:

The Perhapanauts #2 — not sure what got me on the Perhapanauts when they first started; it's not great, but consistently a lot of fun. One of the things they do well is wrap up one story and launch another or two or three in the same issue. The backup in this one, though, is way weak.
The Immortal Iron Fist #15, I think wraps up the Brubaker/Fraction run (and, at least, no Brubaker here). It's another one-shot, with a tale of another Iron Fist. Entertaining enough, but predictable, though with a nice fable-like quality. Enjoyed Khari Evans' work since Daughters of the Dragon, so it's nice to look at.
Which brings us to Fables #73 and the beginning of the big war. Not a lot happens in this issue, but it seemed packed with goings-on. I'm happy that Willingham is willing to move the story along and allow characters to progress, grow, change and kick some @$$.
Everyone Laughs at the Crocodile Man — I ran across Midnight Fiction's review of this mini, and the price was right. I was hoping for more cubicle culture satire, but it's a good read, a look at the (every)crocodile man's life. Not giving away too much to say that he doesn't talk, but his eyebrows speak volumes.
Secret History of the Authority: Hawksmoor #3 maybe moved a bit slow, but Staples' art is so great to look at, and the story moves along its odd, California-noir route. It's delving a bit more into his origin, but I have faith that it'll all pull together satisfyingly in the main story.
What can I add to the ISB's review of Helen Killer #2? Not too much, but the whole notion of "the Shadow," what that means to Helen, and how she behaves under the influence of the Omnicle adds another layer to what is already an unconventional approach to an unusual story.
All-Star Superman #11 marks the beginning of the end. This one seemed so very Morrison (there's been a lot of Morrison re-reading going on at Squirrel Central recently), esp. with the addition of Luthor's niece. This has been such an odd take on Superman, so perceptive about the nature of heroes, but still kind of uneven. This one's reliance on obscure characters was frustrating, but the setup for the final chapter is pretty amazing.
And then, of course, Astonishing X-Men #24. Was it everything I hoped? Probably not. But damned close. Bringing in the rest of the Marvel universe? OK, but gets in some great moments at their expense. Brand, so much better and so much more than I could have thought, makes me hope she wasn't really killed off in Secret Invasion. The ending, should've seen coming a million miles away, but didn't and it's perfect. I've been a convert to the cult of Joss since Jett pointed me to this series and then got me watching Firefly, and this certainly seals my zealotry.

2008-05-27T21:07:00.002-06:00

Well, the latest Watchmen promo photo continues to give hope. As does splitting off Tales of the Black Freighter into its own movie, but I still have this feeling of dread…