100th Anniversary Special Fantastic Four #1

   This is a puzzling issue, at best.

   The title is 100th Anniversary Special Fantastic Four. That's tough to figure, since (if my math is correct) 2014 marks the 53rd Anniversary of Marvel's first family.

   But you can't let that stop you - so this issue is being presented as though it was being printed in 2061.

   It's a cute conceit - but as the basis for a series of specials? Not so much.

   And while there are some clever bits of business in Jen Van Meter's story, covering the team line-up in the future, the romantic involvements therein, and the fate of the original team - it just never comes together to make much sense.

   And the artwork by Joanna Estep isn't a great fit for the FF - she has a thin, sketchy style that would work great on a more down-to-earth series - but there are too many panels here (including the last one) where I have no idea what's happening.

   It's an interesting experiment, but not a successful one. I can't recommend this one.

Grade: C+

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Superman Unchained #7

   The Superman Unchained series has been around just over a year, but the gaps between issues have made it a challenge to keep a grip on the story.

   So let's see: we have the U.S. military surrounding Superman's Fortress of Solitude, threatening to kill him if he refuses to surrender. (Boy, do I hate that bit of business.)

   We have the powerhouse known as the Wraith (who may be more powerful that Superman) invading the Batcave to kill Batman.

   Then there's Lois Lane (remember her?), who guards a mysterious stone of power.

   It all collides together in an action-packed issue that gives artist Jim Lee lots of chances to strut his stuff, with several full-page and double-page spreads.

   Just two more issues to go, so this should be wrapping up by, what, early 2015? Hope it'll have been worth the wait.

Grade: B+

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Original Sin #5 (of 8)

   I have a bad feeing about this.

   The mini-series Original Sin continues to make very little sense. Heroes are sent on a mission to uncover a mystery - but the guy who sent them already knew the answer? So why bother?

   Even worse, the focus is now on Nick Fury - but it's a Fury who is a feeble old man, as he reveals a long, secret affiliation with the original SHIELD (the secret organization of Earth's greatest minds - it predates the modern agency).

   He's been fighting to protect the Earth from alien invasions and other menaces - so what we all wonder is, how is that tied in to the assassination of The Watcher?

   As always, the artwork by Mike Deodato is stunning, with mind-bending layouts, great action sequences and striking character designs.

   But as I've admitted before, I'm a huge Nick Fury fan - and it seems apparent that this story is designed to bring an end to his story, to make room for the new "Samuel Jackson" version of the character.

   I'd like to think there's room in the big ol' Marvel Universe for both versions of the character - but I'm probably in the minority.

   Hopefully they'll surprise me - but I'm trying to prepare myself for the worst.

Grade: C+

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Rocket Raccoon #1

   The general consesus is that Rocket Raccoon will be the breakout star of the movie Guardians of the Galaxy.

   Apparently Marvel agrees, because he's the first Guardian to get a solo title (actually, it's a tie with The Legendary Star-Lord, also released this week - we'll review it in a few days).

   Marvel has shown remarkable insight - Rocket's adventures have been turned over to writer / artist Skottie Young, who has spent the past few years drawing wonderful adaptations of some of the original Oz books by Frank Baum.
 
   His style is original, cartoonish and completely delightful. Loaded with good humor, high energy and remarkable alien vistas, he launches full-tilt into the unpredictable adventures of Rocket.

   He's up to his usual hijinks on an alien world when he discovers that he's wanted for murder - and he may have been framed by a most unexpected opponent.

   This story is just getting underway, but it's already a heck of a lot of fun. Young's work probably isn't for everyone - it's not hyper-realistic, or grim and gritty - but it is mighty entertaining!

Grade: A-

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New Comic Book Day!

   A relatively light day today. I picked up:

 

- 100th Anniversary #1 Fantastic Four - But isn't 2014 only the 53rd Anniversary?

 

- Batman Green Hornet #2 - My only $2.99 comic this week.

 

- Daredevil 0.1 - On the road again.

 

- Iron Fist #4 - Daddy issues.

 

- Miracleman #8 - Sealed for your protection.

 

- Original Sin #5 - Nick Fury's long goodbye.

 

- Rocket Raccoon #1 - Lot of fun with Skottie Young.

 

- Star-Lord #1 - Battle with the Badoon.

 

- Superman Unchained #7 - Everytime an issue arrives, I think, "Oh yeah, this is still a thing."

 

- Thor #24 - Everyone loves an epilogue!

 

   And that's it!

The Classics - Space Usagi #1 (of 3)

   The great ideas in comics also have something of a timeless quality - which is to say, they can be adapted to other formats.

   Thus it is that Usagi Yojimbo, the comic about the adventures of a masterless samurai (a ronin) in Japan during the Edo period, is easily moved into the distant future, where he becomes Space Usagi.

   Published by Mirage Publishing in 1992, writer and artist Stan Sakai created this entertaining mashup of samurai movies and Star Wars.

   It seems appropriate, because George Lucas has cited classic movies like The Hidden Fortress as inspirations for his original film.

   The story finds Usagi fighting to protect the planet and orbiting castle for Lord Hideaki and the Shirohoshi Clan. He becomes the bodyguard for his master's son and finds himself embroiled in a story of struggle, betrayal and murder.

   As always, Sakai provides glorious, cinematic artwork that makes the story sing. It's a story told with great energy and the economy of a master craftsman.

    The Usagi stories rarely disappoint, and this series was especially inspired. Sakai seems to be having a blast, and we get to tag along. Great fun!

Grade: A

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Executive Assistant Iris #5 (of 5)

   You'd think the bad guys would learn not to mess with the Executive Assistants - especially since it's an organization composed of the world's deadliest fighters.

   But then we wouldn't have a good excuse for a "revenge flick" finale for the ongoing story starring one of the most gifted fighters in the organization - Iris.

   Having rescued a girl named Cherry from her murderous father (Shao), the Assistants realize they face a war - so they take the fight to the enemy.

   Which means the entire issue is given over to a pretty straightforward battle royal, with lots of death and destruction.

   It's a satisfying wrap-up to the story, if a bit too straightforward to be exceptional. But like any revenge flick, it's all in good fun.

Grade: B

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Batman #32

   I have to be honest - I was never all that crazy about The Riddler.

   I liked Frank Gorshin's manic version on the '60s Batman TV show (what a terrific laugh), but other than that, the character just seemed like a bland version of the Joker.

   I'm happy to report that this "Zero Hour" storyline has done a lot to raise that character up - although I have to admit, the main reason he seems intimidating is because this is Batman at the beginning of his career.

   Thankfully, the Dark Knight is learning fast, and the fate of Gotham is riding on his ability to outwit Edward Nygma (with the aid of some allies).

   I suspect Scott Snyder's story will "read" better as a collection - the story has been cruising along for months now, and some elements (I must admit) have slipped away from me. (Your mileage may vary.)

   The art by Greg Capullo and Danny Miki is excellent as always - they've maintained a very high standard on this title, and are among the top artists working at DC now.

   Next issue promises a brain-busting finale. I can't wait!

Grade: A-

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Guardians of the Galaxy #16

   The Guardians of the Galaxy comic has been trundling along, getting mixed up in other bits of business (like the X-Men crossover, "The Trial of Jean Grey"), but the latest storyline is finally getting around to an important bit of business - namely, focusing on the individual members of the team.

   Speaking for myself, I'm not too familiar with the current versions of these characters (although I was there when most of them got started), and they've changed quite a bit over the years.

   Star-Lord, for example, has been through lots of changes - from serious space hero to space opera to light-heated cosmic hero - but if you've been reading this title, information about him has been slim.

   Same for Drax and Gamora (both of whom were created by Jim Starlin in his Captain Marvel and Warlock days), Rocket Raccoon, Groot and Angela. (I still don't know why Venom is now in this comic.)

   This story has the members of the team separated and literally fighting for their lives against a crazed assortment of alien menaces - some familiar, some not so much.

   You get the sense the writer Brian Michael Bendis is bringing the threads together just in time for the film being released in August. No doubt that'll bring some new readers in, and hopefully the creative team will have its ship in order by then.

   The art is by Nick Bradshaw, David Marquez and Jason Masters, and it's very good, with a unique look to the alien environments, and strong heroic designs for the team.

   This might be a tough issue for new readers to jump on board with - we're in the middle a lots of crazy events here - but it's fun to see each character get some moments at center stage.

   And the better we know them, the better the chance that we'll actually like them.

Grade: B+

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Savage Hulk #1

   I didn't know what to expect from the new Savage Hulk series - all I knew was that it was written and drawn by Alan Davis (with inks by Mark Farmer), and that was good enough for me.

   Somewhat surprisingly, it takes us back in time to the '70s (real time, not Marvel time), and to one of the most shocking issues I can remember buying.

   Issue #66 of the original X-Men title featured a crossover between the original team (Cyclops, Beast, Marvel Girl, Iceman and the Angel) and the Hulk, as the mutants tried to find a cure for an ailing Professor Xavier - a cure Bruce Banner could provide.

   But none of that made it shocking - it was the fact that #66 was the last issue of the X-Men series - the title was canceled!

   I was stunned - with stories by Roy Thomas and (usually) art by the amazing Neal Adams, how could it be cut short? But it was sadly true.

   The title didn't completely disappear - it immediately went into reprints of earlier issues in the series, and a few years later it returned as the "New" (and much more successful) X-Men.

   This series takes us back to the events after that last (pre-cancellation) issue and continues the story from there, adding in some classic Hulk villains and a few plot twists. At this time, the Hulk was a dim creature, given to simple sentences and bouts of rage - you know, "Hulk Smash!" and all that.

   Davis is at the top of his game here, often channeling Adams (or at least his version of the X-Men), and giving us a fast-moving and action-packed story that needs no set-up.

   With terrific art and a sharp story, what's not to like? It's as though the series was never canceled - just postponed.

   I'm enjoying this title - lots of fun for this old X-fan, and it's also fun to see the return of the original Hulk.

Grade: A-

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Justice League #31

   I continue to struggle with the Justice League series.

   It suffered badly during the Forever Evil series, during which DC's top heroes were in exile and villains such as Lex Luthor and Captain Cold stepped into the limelight to take on the Crime Syndicate (the JL of Earth-3).

   Since I wasn't crazy about that event / series, I was hoping to get back to hero time in this title - but instead, the aftereffects of the event continue - and Luthor is still hanging around.

   The issue centers around Power Ring, the evil entity that is the Earth-3 equivalent of Green Lantern.  Aside from the potential destruction, it's kinda nice to see a GL back in this title, since Hal Jordan was written out months ago.

   We also see Luthor uncovering a vital secret (it's one of those "will writers never learn that this trick doesn't work?" moments), and there's a fun bit of business between Cyborg and Shazam (Capt. Marvel).

   The art by Mike Manley and Keith Champagne is terrific, as always - and presumably this series is already starting to build toward the next "event" (since that seems to be the way of things these days).

   Let's just hope the next series actually includes the Justice League.

Grade: B+

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Superman #32

   Surely Superman is the most famous super-hero in existence (closely trailed by Batman and Spider-Man, I assume).

   As such, it's surprising that his comic books tend to lag in both sales and (to be brutally honest) quality. It seems a long-term trend for DC to allow the Man of Steel to limp along for years (or decades), relying on his famous name to provide sufficient sales to keep the franchise moving.

   But occasionally the powers that be seem to realize that attention is needed, and they make the effort to bring on some top creators.

   That's what we have with this issue, as writer Geoff Johns takes control and immediately starts correcting some of the most grievous mistakes made to date.  So we see Clark Kent back in the offices of the Daily Planet, interacting with his classic supporting cast (or at least most of them).

   We also see a lot more of Superman in action, facing surprising opposition and possible competition. (My only complaint is that the story unfolding bears a strong resemblance to the one in the recent-and-still-unfinished Superman Unbound.)

   But the real treat with this issue is the art by long-time Marvel superstar John Romita, Jr., with Klaus Janson inking.

   Romita's one of the best in the business, with a powerful, unique style that manages to combine the raw energy of Jack Kirby, the fluid craftsmanship of John Buscema, and the composition and beauty of his father's work.

   The final result is a terrific comic, and the perfect jumping-on point for new readers.

   Highly recommended!

Grade: A

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New Comics Today

   A monster week for me, as I had three weeks worth of comics to gather up! 

   Of the new issues this week, I picked up:

- New Avengers #20 - When worlds collide!

- New Avengers Annual #1 - (Dr.) Strange Tales!

- Batman #32 - Endgame (almost).

- King Conan #5 - Ready for the final battle.

- Fantastic Four #6 - All hands against me.

- Flash #32 - A surreal opponent.

- Guardians of the Galaxy #16 - Fighting the odds.

- Savage Hulk #6 - Ah, the good old days - and Alan Davis!

- Justice League #31 - The new Power Ring.

- Saga #20 - Shocking turns!

- Serenity #6 - The finale (for now).

- Superman #32 - Enter Romita, Jr.

- Tomb Raider #5 - Return to the island.

   And that's it!

The Classics - Classic Star Wars #10

   When the movie Star Wars first made a splash, it quickly started migrating to other venues, including records, books and even comic strips!

   (Surprisingly, the original Marvel Star Wars comic book actually predated the movie - the 6-issue series started before the film was released.)

    When the comic strip started in local newspapers, the syndicate was able to attract to talent to the task. Actually, the list of creators on the strip, which ran from 1979 to 1984, is a short one: Russ Manning was the original writer and artist (with help on one story by writer Steve Gerber), and when poor health forced him to step down, writer Archie Goodwin and artist Al Williamson took over.

   Given the limitations of telling a big story in a tiny daily strip, the creative teams did a great job of capturing the feel and the adventure of the film.

   Dark Horse collected those strips in Classic Star Wars and The Early Adventures reprints - and they're worth it just for the artwork. Manning and Williamson were born for this kind of stuff, and their joy is evident in every stance, every bit of hardware, every alien creature.

   The issues are pretty easy to find, and the stories have been collected into even easier-to-digest stories. Some of the storylines (like the one in this issue, with a fake Obi-Wan Kenobi) may be a bit silly at times, but it's all in good fun, and well worth tracking down.

Grade: B+

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The Classics - Dark Horse Presents #5

   As Dark Horse Comics first got underway in the mid-'80s, one of its most interesting titles was a rarity in comics - an anthology series.

   Dark Horse Presents was also the original home for one of the best comic creations from that decade - Concrete.

   Created by writer / artist Paul Chadwick, it chronicled stories about a mysterious figure who seemed to be a Thing-like creature made of concrete - but with an entirely different personality, appearing in stories that were more along the line of Will Eisner than Lee / Kirby.

   They're a rare example of a well-done series that brings a superhero concept into the real world. Many stories barely included Concrete at all - this issue's short story focuses on a painter who's obsessed with Concrete, for example.

   They're wonderful little graphic gems. The character was about to receive his own series, but all his stories are highly recommended.

    This issue also includes two other fine stories: Roma, an offbeat and sexy story by the gifted John Workman; and Trekker, a futuristic science fiction story featuring great action sequences and some outstanding art by Ron Randall.

    The series was a great way for Dark Horse to try out new concepts, sending the most promising out to find new life in their own titles - and it helped put the new company on the map.

Grade: A-

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The Classics - Tintin in the Congo

   While I was gone the past couple of weeks, I spent some time in exotic countries (which is to say, Europe) and I made a stop at one of the highly-recommended Forbidden Planet comics shops in London.

   At a rather late stage of the game (like, this past year) I've finally started picking up the beloved Adventures of Tintin volumes. (The cashier looked at this book and said, "A fan of the classics, are you?")

   This one (just the second volume in the 24-volume series), Tintin in the Congo, is apparently a bit difficult to track down in the United States - and it's easy to see why, since its portrayal of blacks in Africa is distasteful and unacceptable by modern day standards.

   They're depicted as grotesque, childish figures, with cartoonish lips and bulging eyes - sadly, a typical depiction at the time the book was created in 1931.

   There's plenty to find offensive in this volume, since it also takes Tintin on a number of game hunting outings, including one where he tracks and kills an elephant for its tusks! So animal lovers may want to skip this one, too.

    It's actually pretty crude stuff, though the creator, Belgian artist Hergé, is starting to find his voice and style here. A vast improvement over the first volume, he's included more action, an actual plot instead of a series of comic events (although those are also in evidence), and the young reporter Tintin is shown to be courageous and resourceful young man (if a bit foolhardy at times). His best friend Snowy (the dog) also gets some moments in the spotlight.

   It's just a preview of the greatness to come (according to friends who have read the later volumes). I look forward to tracking them down, though I'll probably stick a little closer to home for now.

Grade: B

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Reporting for Duty!

   Hey, guess who's back?

   Yep, your pal Chuck is back and ready to get back to his blog responsibilities!

   I want to thank our guest reviewers for filling in while I took off for a badly-needed (and wonderful) family vacation - they kept the "Comic of the Day" rolling along (in fact, they were so good that some may regret the return of the old regime).

   Thanks to Lyle Tucker, David Wright, Kyle Johnson and Ray Hill for their outstanding work - come back anytime, guys!

   Now, back to work!

   

Guest Review - Adventure Comics #353

   For the last of our Guest Reviews, Ray Hill is back to talk about an issue that continues to have an impact on the Legion of Super-Heroes.

   It's easy to wonder why the Legion of Super-Heroes continues to have a rabid fan base, considering most of the heroes involved have - let's be honest now - powers that aren't too impressive (not counting Superboy, of course).

   This issue of Adventure Comics is a good example of what sets the team apart. Published in 1967, writer Jim Shooter teams with superstar artist Curt Swan to tell the story of the death of a Legionnaire. At the time, it was almost unheard of for a super-hero to die, especially in a DC comic.

   They'd come close before, as both Triplicate Girl and Lightning Lad were apparently killed - but the writers managed to work around it, and the characters continued.

   But this story increased the pressure, as a powerful cosmic creature known as a Sun-Eater approached our galaxy. It would destroy our sun, and only a handful of Legionnaires were available to fight it.

   Seeking help, the team drafted a group of powerful criminals (who would join forces to become the Fatal Five, one of the Legion's greatest foes). The story's kind of an odd mix of silliness (as the villains plot to betray the heroes), action (as they try to stop the Sun-Eater) and surprises, as one hero makes the ultimate sacrifice.

   And that's what set the Legion apart - almost anything could happen. Heroes could die, they could betray the team, they could fall in love - even get married. It made for a wide-open field of story possibilities for the creative team, and proof that the Legion could tackle serious stories successfully.

   Who gets killed? Sorry, I can't say - we have to follow Chuck's rules. It's his playground (but a Google search will clear it up for you).

Grade: B+

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Guest Review - 1776 #1

   Sitting in the Guest Review chair today is Ray Hill. who's joined the team filling in while Chuck takes a short break.

   You never know what you'll find at a comics convention. I was at the recent Tri-Con in Huntington, W.Va., sifting through the 50-cent comics, and I stumbled on this comic put out by Charlton in 1973.

    It's an adaptation of the movie version of the Broadway show 1776. I was shocked, because I had no idea this comic existed.

   In the '60s and '70s it was normal to see movies adapted into a comic book, in fact, in those pre-VCR days, it was standard procedure. But since there's virtually no action in this play, it seems like an odd choice.

   But I'm not complaining - I've been a fan of this show since I saw the film when it was released. I've even been part of a couple of community theatre versions of it. (If that's not love, what is?)

   The adaptation is labeled #1, but it's actually a one-shot. They squeeze the entire movie into a single 32-page issue! This is accomplished by trimming bits of business furiously, especially as it gets down to the final arguments over independence.

   The adaptation is by artist Tony Tallarico (who provides some strong caricatures of the actors here) and writer Joe Gill.

   I love the show because it brings to life a crucial moment in American history, and does it with intelligence and humor - not to mention some terrific songs. It's loaded with great characters (John Adams, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson - no slackers they) and clever writing.

   Like any adaptation, this is a pale version of the original - but it does a surprisingly good job of capturing the high points. And all for 20 cents!

   (Well, it cost me 50 cents.)

Grade: B+

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Guest Review - Lazarus TPB Vol. 1

   David Wright returns for one more Guest Review as part of the team covering while Chuck takes a short break.

   Lazarus TPB, Vol. 1 by Greg Rucka and Michael Lark.

   Image has published the first four issues of the ongoing Sci-Fi story, Lazarus. It also contains a four-page prelude to the story that ran in Previews, which sets the stage for this near-futuristic world.   

   It's a bleak, dystopian story told by Greg Rucka and Michael Lark, and both have done well at their world building. Like the comic Saga, there's not a lot of set up to the story. The reader is just thrust into the world, and you learn what sort of world it is as the story unfolds. I can only assume you'll learn more about the world as the story continues as I still have a lot of unanswered questions. 

   In the future the world is ruled over by just a few wealthy families. They all have their own land areas, and enforce their own laws to the Waste (the average citizens), their own militia enforces laws, and at the head of each cartel or family is a Lazarus. The Lazarus, although treated as one of their own family members, is genetically grown and has super human abilities. They have fast healing characteristics (although presumably can be killed), and yet, are still not considered a true biological member of the family (at least in Forever's case).  

   Forever Carlyle is the Lazarus for the Carlyle clan. The father, Malcolm Carlyle, is the head of the Carlyle family, he has two sons, Steve and Jonah (who is a hothead). There are also three daughters: Beth, Joanna and Forever (their Lazarus).  

   In the first book we see that even though each ruling family has their own territories or domains, things are not peaceful. There is a raid on a Carlyle compound for goods by the Morray family, and Forever Carlyle is sent to control the situation. She gets hurt in the skirmish, and we learn of her healing factors, but also about the dysfunctional Carlyle family. Not only do the families of the world fight each other for power and control, but there is bickering and backstabbing within the Carlyle family as well. 

   In book two, Forever has been sent for diplomacy and peacekeeping between the Carlyle and the Morray family. She offers to set up a trade relationship between the two families as a compromise. She is met by their male Lazarus, Joacquim. In the past they have met before, they seem to have a good (maybe even romantic) relationship, yet under the surface are programmed to dispatch whatever it takes (even killing each other) if things get out of hand.  

   We also learn the treachery and scheming between Johan and his sister, Joanna. The peace talks go well, and Joacquim accompanies Forever back to neutral territory assuring her safe return home. They stop to share a drink in the desert before she continues onward, but are waylaid by an explosion.

   So from the beginning we see it's an unstable world full of treachery, deceit and the power of corruption. Who is to be trusted in such a world? The children of the Carlyle family are pampered spoiled brats, some are more than willing it seems to kill off their own father or each other if the situation arises.  

   Someone has set up Forever and Joacquim for termination, but who and why? One of the daughters, Beth, has set up a plot to get rid of her brother, Jonah. As book four ends, we learn that Forever's father may not even be her real father - is this the truth or another lie?  

   This is the world of Lazarus. The art by Lark is moody and well suited for the Sci-Fi setting.  It's a complex, compelling read, with many layers, and I'm curious to know where Rucka and Lark are going with it.  

Grade:  B+

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