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 this takes. The journey began with the 1,000 Comics Challenge on approximately March 15, 2020.
Issue #1 is an introduction to a new world in the future (I guess) ruled by zodiac-inspired humans who act like gods (but are they?) and are called the Celestials by the common folk. The planet is desert-like, and citizens have to scavenge to survive. Water is essential, and scarce. Currently, their village leaders are petitioning the Celestials to turn the water pumps back on.
A scavenging crew led by Ichabod returns from a spaceship ruin, where he presents Joss with a special present he dug up on the site. Joss is a female jack-of-all-trades / skilled mechanic whose services are in demand. She’s trying to reprogram the android Kreek, who’s referred to as a ghoulem. The fossilized artifact that Ichabod brings Joss turns out to be the still functioning head of an ancient ghoulem from earlier times - who conveys a cryptic message.
Every few pages there is a text box that can be a little confusing on first reading as it doesn’t seem related to what’s occurring on the page. It should be read separately and reveals information about the history of civilization prior to the present time. There are references to Oert, which I assume is meant to represent Earth. A war left the planet of origin devastated during the First Age, and survivors fled to other worlds aboard arcs (arks, I presume).
There’s a lot to digest here, more than enough to create curiosity and whet the appetite for more of this. FOUR STARS.
#433 VLAD DRACUL #1 (Scout, June 2020) I’ve been reading a bit lately of vampire tales, particularly those that explore the story of Vlad Tepes, the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s classic Dracula. This stylish production from Scout Comics stays fairly true to the actual history of the ruler of Wallachia (Transylvania) in the mid 1400’s. I believe this is planned as a two-issue limited series. Issue #1 is an oversized edition, priced at $6.99.
There are no mentions of vampires although there are some subtle hints that may be foreshadowing things to come. Wild forest wolves seem to submit to Vlad, who does not fear them and considers them “sons of Transylvania, just like us.” During a post-lovemaking discussion with his mistress Katharina, Vlad speaks of his foe, the ruler Mehmet II. Vlad says he doesn’t fear him (Mehmet demands tribute each year of 1,000 young men to become soldiers plus treasury funds) and says “I’ll drink his blood.”
When a concerned Katharina brings up the subject of Mehmit’s massive armies and the possibility of defeat, Vlad responds “It won’t happen, because I’m invincible.”
The story in issue #1 follows Vlad declaration of war and an inside conspiracy to denounce Katherina as a witch who has corrupted the mind of Vlad and brought the wrath of Mehmed II down upon them.
The art (pencils, inks, coloring) by Andrea Mutti is gorgeous. His blended color style makes each panel appear to be a painting.
If you like historical drama with a tinge of horrific elements (beheadings, impalement), then you will want to check this out. Whether or not this is a full-blown horror/vampire tale remains to be seen. FOUR STARS.
Unlike his tampering with the main character during his Captain America run, Nick Spencer seems to be playing it safe (at least in the few issues I’ve read) with Peter Parker. There are some changes, but nothing to really upset the apple cart. I bought this mainly because I wanted to read the conclusion of this story which began in Issue #38. I don’t think I’m ready to return to the Spider-Man fold. I was spoiled by the Lee/Ditko/Romita run, and prefer to keep inhaling those fumes.
The supervillain Chance, also the operator of The Palace - a casino for being on super hero fights - takes a bet with Foreigner to steal Spider-Man’s web shooters. Of course, Chance has placed a sizable bet against
himself and plans to lose. It looks like it’s working out like he wanted, until Foreigner hires some hob-goblins to enter the battle. It’s a fun issue, and after it’s over Spidey gets to finish his goofy podcast with J. Jonah Jameson. There are many side plots this issue, foreshadowing things to come. Over and out. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
The story here apparently introduces some new players but lacks enough background to do much more than add to the confusion regarding the multitudes of players that romp around in the X-books. Some fish people summon a Cthulhu-like being to offer as tribute to the Majestrix of Saturnye. She likes to consult her tarot cards which reveal images of various X-teams in her future. Ho hum.
The preview of the Dark Ages saga, coming in fall 2020, is more like it. It foreshadows (I recognize that I’m overusing this word this posting. Sorry.) the new threat as Iron Man’s armor stops functioning and he has a nasty accident. THREE STARS.
#436 SACRED SIX #1 (Dynamite) I probably should speak to a controversial subject before I comment on this comic. I was not aware of an anti-diversity hate group (dubbed Comicsgate) comprised of creators within the comics industry until last week. I’m saddened to learn of this, especially since Dynamite Comics’ CEO and Publisher has been linked to possibly supporting the group because Dynamite recently gave some work to known hate group members. I prefer to reserve judgment until more information comes forth. (The Comics Beat website is a pretty reliable source). If the allegations are true, it forces me to think whether I want to support Dynamite and buy their books. I’m already working to reduce my DC support to zero, based on what they did during the middle of a pandemic (although I may reassess that later if there is new and pertinent info). I recognize that my taking a stand may mean I need to stop supporting other publishers as well (hello, Marvel) that support causes and/or political candidates that I disagree with. How sad it is that these controversies have permeated all aspects of our daily lives and creeped into our leisure time diversions. It’s getter harder and harder to escape. OK, I’m done. From this point on, I’m just going to speak to the merits of SACRED SIX #1. . . . .
The names of Priest and Jae Lee on the cover will always cause me to pause and consider purchasing a new title, even when I’m unfamiliar with the characters/storylines. While I bought and read the very first Vampirella black & white Warren magazine many years ago, I just wasn’t interested enough in the character or premise to continue following it. However, it’s a testament to the character of Vampirella that the books continue to sell so many years later and so many publishers later.
Even though Jae Lee only illustrated the five-page prologue, it’s great to see this art style on some interior pages for a change. (By the way, Jae Lee is among my favorite cover artists). The art style of Gabriel Ibarra, who finishes the rest of the book, is darker and grimmer but really suits the nature of this story.
The constant jumping back and forth between scenes and timelines that is a trademark of Priest’s writing is something I’m getting used to - - but will put off many readers, even though the insertion of single text panels that announce the scene changes and locations are helpful.
This is a very complicated story with a large cast of characters. You cannot read this casually. It takes two or more readings to absorb everything that is happening here. There is a four paragraph synopsis of what led to the current storyline that is essential reading - more than once because it’s super-dense and packed with information. Skip it, and you’ll be lost.
The Sacred Six are Vampirella, Draculina, Pantha, Nyx, Chastity and Lilith. The nickname is based on the fictional town of Sacred, a community of traditional vampires intent on wiping out humanity and influenced by a secret society called The Six. Within the same county outside of Atlanta is another fictional town - - Ashthorne, where peaceful vampires live side by side with humans and do not prey on them.
I’m not planning to follow it, but those who read Vampirella on a regular or occasional basis will want to check this out. Despite the jumpiness of the story, the presentation is good. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
#437 LONELY RECEIVER #1 of 5 (Aftershock Comics, September 02 release date) I saw a preview of this comic, and it absolutely floored me. Highly recommended. If you want to get a copy, get your pre-order to your local comic shop before the final cut-off date of August 10. A full review can be found elsewhere on this blog site.
My favorite individuals are young Daniel Martinez in Mexico who partners with the same cartel that murdered his parents (with revenge on his mind) and B.J. Hool in Minnesota, an overweight pop culture geek like (but not identical) to some of us who saw the writing on the wall and secured himself within a safe bunker (but he may regret giving in to his lonely impulses).
Things are moving forward, although at a slower pace than normal considering Percy needs to give equal time to five separate scenarios. It’s still advancing the story, and I expect some conflict and resolution in the remaining two issues. FOUR STARS.
#430 FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2020 SPIDER-MAN / VENOM This does exactly what I expect a FCBD book to do: create curiosity and interest in a featured title and/or upcoming storyline. The front story is a standalone tale of Spider-Man and Black Cat teaming up against an aging Vulture. The back story is a prelude of sorts to Venom #26 and the arrival of Knull, the newest mega-threat. FOUR STARS.
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