This began as the 1,000 COMICS CHALLENGE issued to Captain Blue Hen from some friendly comic shops in Texas and Ohio. Later, they were invited to keep going and participate in a 2,021 challenge - - same rules, the winner is the shop/group that reads and posts 2,021 comics first. Captain Blue Hen apparently took first place, although the results have yet to be officially announced. So, the quest begins anew: the new moniker is I LOVE COMICS 3000. Sometime after that it may be called COMICS 5K. I’ll happily contribute. This has been fun.
I’ve been numbering my entries, picking up where I left off with the 2,021 COMIC BOOK QUARANTINE ODYSSEY. I’m curious to see how long it takes me to read that many comics. I want the results to be realistic so I’m not going to binge read unless I happen to be in the mood. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t end up reading some comics, so we’ll see how long it takes me.
#311 ARTEMIS AND THE ASSASSIN #2 (Aftershock, June 10 release) While Issue #1 was an introduction with action in the mix, Issue #2 favors the action content in a big way. After a short flashback sequence, this wastes no time in getting to the heart of the mix-up between Maya (the time traveling assassin) and Virginia Hall (the resistance fighter) in 1944 Nazi-occupied France.
Both have superior fighting skills, so it looks like a stand-off when the close combat activates Maya’s time travel wrist band and the pair find themselves transported to the Wild Wild West.
Drama. Action. Humor. This one has it all. My problem is that I really like both of these strong women characters. I’m going back and forth as to which one I want to triumph. Can’t we all get along? Stephanie Phillips makes a good case for empathizing with both Maya and Virgina in the flashback reveals. Great stuff.
#312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317 SAGA VOLUME ONE (Image, Third Printing 2013) Writer Brian K. Vaughan jokingly described this as “Star Wars for perverts”. It is definitely for mature readers because of the open sexual content. But that comment is correct for a more important reason: Star Wars is immensely popular because it transcends generations due to the rich development of essentially very likable characters. SAGA is similar in that respect, and has developed a very loyal and passionate fan base over the years. I purchased Issue #1 when it first came out because I admire the writing of Vaughn. I decided I’d want to collect it in trades, so I held off. In the meantime, SAGA won so many awards for both writer, artist, cover, etc. that I assumed it was a promotional campaign and a bunch of heap hype. That caused me to overlook the title for years. I was wrong. I try to make good choices on my limited comics budget, but I’m not perfect. This was awesome, beginning with that opening scene with the shared birth under duress all the way to the end and the surprise visitors. I have a lot of catching up to do. FIVE STARS.
#318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323. SAGA VOLUME TWO (Image, 2013) A great sequel to Volume One, and the continuation of the ongoing space opera. This is such great stuff with tons of heart. The characters are wonderful, even the ones who are chasing our beloved couple and baby. This is a book that really needs no accolades - - there are already so many. Just give it a trial and you'll get hooked like me. I only have Volumes One and Two, so the quest for more has just begun. FIVE STARS.
#324 JOIN THE FUTURE #2 (Aftershock, 6/10 release) The Future. Where ultramodern megacities flourish while rural American towns struggle to survive. After an attack by high tech mercenaries, the small community of Franklin vacates its township and starts moving its people to the city. This sends the Mayor’s strong-willed teenage daughter, Clementine Libbey, on a quest of revenge and resistance as she challenges the city’s control, while clinging to her small town principles. The art is different and original, worth a good look on its own merits. Great symbolic cover. Inside country love is detailed in warm shades; city life in cold colors. FOUR STARS.
#325 UNDONE BY BLOOD, OR THE SHADOW OF A WANTED MAN #3 (Aftershock, 6/10 release) I’m enjoying this dual Western/’70’s revenge drama.
With a new lead pointing toward her family’s killer, Ethel uncovers the sinister secrets hidden beneath the quaint surface of Sweetheart, AZ and its famed high school football team. But when she sticks her nose where it doesn’t belong, the townspeople don’t take kindly to it and display their ruthless hospitality.
Despite her bruises, Ethel is more determined than ever, and she owes it all to the famed fictional gunslinger, Solomon Eaton. Meanwhile, the cowboy faces his own complications in the form of betrayal and must decide what he values more: companionship or violence. FOUR STARS.
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