PGHHEAD’S 2022 COMIC ODYSSEY, PART 28
In 2021 I set a goal to post reviews here for 1,000 comics, and finished the year at 1,008 reviews. It was a stretch - - not to read that many comics, because I actually read quite a bit more. The challenge is to find and take the time to write a fair review of what I read - - but I made it. I’m up for a new year, and a new challenge. My goal for 2022 is to read and document 1,200 comics. That’s an average of 100 books per month, easy enough to check and update. Wish me luck!
# GOAL FOR July 20, 2022 . . . 667 comics documented
CURRENT COUNT . . . . . 643 comics documented
This series from Heavy Metal ran four issues in 2021, and all are reprinted here. Unfortunately, this was only the first story arc, and this ends with a lot of plot threads left hanging and unexplained. It appears that there will not be a second volume, perhaps all for the best.
The first issue hooked me, and then it sort of went meandering around as it introduced more characters and subplots that were presented in a disjointed fashion. Bart Fishkill is an interesting character, a suicidal, Afghan war vet who may be suffering from PTSD who's been demoted to a menial position within the NYC police force because of anger/aggression issues. A terrorist bomb explodes on his daily check of parking meters, and suddenly he's the number one suspect - -something that is never clearly defined except to reveal that there are forces that want to discredit and perhaps even eliminate him - why? Now he's on the run.
The book is described as a neo-noir love story and only part of that holds true. The love interest appears to be extremely one-sided (rescue infatuation, perhaps) and kind of creepy. Writers Dan Fogler and Laurence Blum show their homage to Frank Miller's SIN CITY throughout, but this just doesn't compare. There's more to showing your love for a classic work than just trying to duplicate the atmosphere and mood. In my opinion, they needed to tighten up and clarify that plot more.
What kept me going to the end is the incredible, stylish artwork of Ben Templesmith, who excels at pencils, inks, color and lettering on this title. His work here is award-worthy, but this may get passed over for consideration because the rest is kind of a mess. Templesmith is the reason I didn’t give this a two-star rating. THREE STARS.
I loved the premise - - a character who because of a near-death experience can now see and communicate with ghosts -- who constantly badger her to help them find a new beginning.
Main character Garcia is not your typical narrator/hero - - a plus size, cynical woman with self-worth and meaning-of-life issues who would rather hide herself within drugs and fast food binges. She tries to capitalize on her new abilities and make money from the dead. She creates a hotel (The Garcia Arms) within her mindscape to provide her clients temporary residence.
I didn't like her at the beginning, but as the story progresses she becomes more relatable as she becomes attached to some of the ghosts, and actually fears for them when she gets caught up in a war for control between angels and devils. When she finally gets an audience with God, it's with a alien, blob-like entity who would rather play video games than show any interest in humans.
There's a lot to uncover within this story, and I actually found it heart-warming and optimistic. You won't be able to finish this quickly like most modern comics. There is a lot of dialogue and plot to digest. Writer Sebela doesn't show his hand all at once, and introduces a few more twists every issue. Definintly deserves consideration for Best Original Work/Mini-Series of 2021. FOUR STARS.
The presentation and packaging make this a must-read trip down popular culture memory lane to that famous comeback boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, the "Rumble In The Jungle" of 1974.
This is presented as a partial biography of renewed photographer Abbas (with some enlightening text and interview at the backend of the book) who was ringside to take photos of the iconic boxing match. Many of those now-revealed photographs are incorporated into the storyline, providing a neat blend of documentary, photo report, and graphic novel.
The script by Jean-David Mrovan also includes some back history of both Ali and Foreman. The art by Rafael Ortiz is just as captivating to view as are the photo images. FOUR STARS.
#619 - #630 STERANKO NICK FURY: AGENT OF S.H.I.E.L.D. ARTISAN EDITION by James Steranko (IDW Publishing, 2021) This was my first opportunity to read one of the various Artisan Editions put out by IDW Publishing, where the original art is scanned and reproduced on approximately 8" x 12" heavy stock pages, complete with notations and production directions.
Jim Steranko was one of the very first Marvel creators to be allowed to write, pencil, ink, and color his own stories. This volume focuses on his early work for Marvel in the pages of Strange Tales. He began as a finisher over Jack Kirby's layouts, then graduated to main artist with assist on story from Roy Thomas, and then complete control over story and art. It's all here, and it's really cool to see the progression and experimentation in both.
Steranko was one of the reasons I kept reading comics back in my formative high-school years (when I wasn't sure if it was still "cool" to be doing so).
The presentation, packaging and design are all premium quality. In writing, Steranko captured the idiosyncratic nature of Nick Fury's character and that, plus his art, would go on to influence others who took over the helm later. My only regret is that these are all black and white scans, so the creative choices that Steranko employed in his coloring are not included. FIVE STARS.
#631 STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN #1 by Rodney Barnes and Georges Jeanty (Marvel, September 2022)
While I would have preferred an original story featuring this character, this will do. Barnes does a nice job of adapting the streaming Disney+ series to comics. Jeanty’s art here is exceptional. He really captures the atmosphere and moodiness of the first episode in very cinematic fashion.
This is definitely worth a look. If you don’t have the Disney+ service among your various streaming subscriptions, then here’s your chance to at least read a good story in a different, but still visual format.
FOUR STARS.
#632 - #643 THE FANTASTIC ILLUSTRATIONS OF TIMOTHY TRUMAN art book by Timothy Truman (Clover Press, December 2021)
This art book showcases the gorgeous illustrations of artist/writer Timothy Truman, from his beginnings in the early 1980's to present times.
Best known for his work in comic books, especially the early days of indie comics (Grimjack, Scout, etc) and collaborations with writer Joe R. Lansdale (Jonah Hex) this collection provides a chance for fans to see what else he has done. Truman is truly versatile: comic books, magazine covers, video game art, role playing game art, rock album covers and children's books.
With accompanying text written by Truman and providing insights into his particular art style, this is a fabulous collection for all fans of fantasy art. The oversize format, design, and packaging by Clover Press are all first-rate. Award-worthy. FIVE STARS.
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