This marks the third consecutive year that I will attempt to document my comics reading by writing at least a mini-review. The goal is 1200 books read and reviewed in 2023, although I missed the mark in 2022 by 88 books. Still, I like that number as it’s easy enough to track - - - 100 books per month on average. Wish me luck!
MAY 10 update: Recent circumstances prevented me from advancing in my comics reading and reviewing. I hope to make better headway this month, but still playing catch-up . .. .
# GOAL FOR May 10, 2023. . . 433 comics documented
CURRENT COUNT . . . . . 363 comics documented
#345 WARLOCK: REBIRTH #1 by Ron Marz and Ron Lim (Marvel Comics, June 2023) While this may read a little slow for newer readers, it’s a welcome nostalgic trip with some familiar characters for older, seasoned readers such as myself. Ron Marz knows how to create a story that reflects those golden years of Marvel when everything I picked up was filled with a fantastic sense of wonder. Ron Lim on pencils is a bonus. I’ve always admired his work, especially that long run on the SILVER SURFER back in the days.
There’s a quick recap midway through the story that does an admirable job of filling in the back-story of Adam Warlock, now living on Monster Isle with Gamora, Pip, Drax and Moondragon and guarding the Infinity Gems.
Things kick off when Legacy (Genis-Vell, son of the original Captain Marvel, Marvel version that is) arrives to visit Earth and learn more about his father. First stop is Monster Isle, as a cocoon of unknown origin hatches and out pops Eve Warlock - who is no friend to any of them. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
Those who remember the little girl in Volume One who makes a discovery related to the origins/vulnerabilities of the Maniac and were waiting for a pay-out are finally rewarded in this issue. But, learning that the information was known and suppressed just allows Kalan another reason to swipe with the machete at the ill-advised “profits before people” business model of too many corporations.
Maniac Mary, who so far has been preying on the unfortunate homeless and car-jackers who remain outdoors, has become a hero of the alt-right who feel she is doing the city a service. It’s not long before the copy-cats begin to emulate her. The Met Gala is coming up, where I suspect Mary will make an appearance, especially now that headliner Sadie Sinister (Lady Gaga?) fashions her dress as a homage to Mary.
I’m enjoying this even more than Volume Two. Credit the script, some dramatic scenes between key characters, and the renewed sarcasm with bite from Kalan. The icing on the cake is Mutti’s expressive and creative watercolored art. FOUR STARS.
#347 UNSTOPPABLE DOOM PATROL #1 of 6 by Dennis Culver and Chris Burnham (DC Comics, May 2023) “Degenerates One And All” I’ve been enjoying DOOM PATROL on HBO Max despite how long it’s taking me to get through the series. I’m only up to Season Two. Blame the overwhelming menu of streaming choices, far too many for the time I want to spend. I wondered if the new title would mirror the television series in any way (Crazy Jane is a personal favorite) so I wanted to check it out.
The biggest difference here is The Chief, now a business-suited woman with just a lower half face mask as disguise. In one scene, she transforms into one-eyed Shy (from the “underground”) who mentally inspects the memory of a Metagene solider. Later, Batman refers to her as Jane, and she replies “Jane isn’t here right now. You’re talking to the team’s new Chief.” That’s an interesting spin - - Crazy Jane as the leader.
Doom Patrol mainstays Robotman, Negative Man, and Elasti-Woman are here, along with new character Beast Girl. She’s a miniature person with deer horns and a tail that reminds me of the love child of Sweet Tooth and Squirrel Girl. Her power seems to be to make scary faces that cause opponents to run away in fear. I’m not warming up to her.
In the new Dawn of DC following the Lazarus Event more citizens have an activated meta gene. The Metagene Company springs up to offer them jobs as test subjects, and one such experiment goes awry. The Doom Patrol steps in to control the situation and perhaps recruit the subject.
Chris Burnham’s art is always welcome and there are some interesting side-plots involving Peacemaker digging up dirt on Doom Patrol, and a showdown/possible alliance between two powerful super-villain giant gorillas (one a furry gun-toter and the other a giant robot with a big brain).
So there’s plenty to hold interest here in Issue #1. I’ll probably read this a second time, but I’m not sure I want to add any more super-hero titles to my monthly reading. I need to cut back somewhere. I’m “stopping” here. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
This is a funny homage to the popular GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF television series mixed in with an Agatha-Christie style murder mystery. Both art and story remind me some of the better illustrated/written ARCHIE and CHEW (how appropriate!) comics of past years.
Neal, meteorologist and home chef baker, is poisoned and Shauna, student baker, decides to become the detective so the televised competitive baking show can continue. That leaves 11 chef suspects as well as the judges (who will remind you of the tv hosts, if you watch the show).
I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that the overly exuberant Shauna is the culprit and is using her voluntary detective role to conceal her motives.
My favorite line is when Shauna discovers the poisoned Neal: “Call an ambulance! I think he’s overdosed on batter!”
However, cake does not agree with my blood/sugar ratios. I can’t eat anymore. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
Now, I really regret not reading the first NIGHTMARE COUNTRY mini-series before this. But fortunately, it’s not necessary as I was able to pick up on the story immediately without any confusion (although I suspect I’m missing a few significant references to characters or events in the first series).
However, all is not lost. I happen to have all the issues of that initial storyline- - I just haven’t read them yet. I’m sensing I did the right thing, because once I pick up Issue #1 of NIGHTMARE COUNTRY I’ll want to read straight through. In addition, I think that’s the right strategy for this new entry and I should stockpile the individual issues until the story ends or just wait for the trade paperback. I just needed to read this first issue to determine if it was worth my investment and time - - - it sure is. It did not take me long to get wrapped up in this story. It’s odd and creepy in all the right ways that make me curious and hold my attention.
THE GLASS HOUSE is all about greed, the excesses and feelings of entitlement of the elite and wealthy - - including expecting a free pass on violence and torture. (Note: this is not a title for the squeamish).
Main character Max seems like a nice enough person, even conscientious and caring. However, his choice of employer (hedge fund investment firm) is not. In fact, the way to move up in the company is to impress Ken, his immediate supervisor, enough to be invited to a second party following the workplace after-party. Welcome to the King of Pain, an establishment where the select few can covert with demons and ghouls in orgy sessions and sadistic behavior. Where your desires and fantasies can become real provided you are willing to pay the price.
I did not like Estherren’s art at first, including the odd color choices of Patricio Delpeche. But as I kept reading the story I became used to it, and realized that it was enhancing the creepy atmosphere rather than pulling me out of it. Patience is required.
There’s more, but I’ve said enough. I’ll be patiently waiting for this to end so I can read it at one time like a novel. In the meantime, that first volume of NIGHTMARE COUNTRY awaits me. FOUR AND ONE-HALF STARS.
Syd and Ellie are combat exorcists, wearing padded armor and cloaked like Knights Templar. They enter a building in Los Angeles and descend into Hellscape an inverted skyscraper with the lowest level being a Hellish affair, where an auction of souls is about to occur.
Before they can prevent calamity and save souls, they must enter the Seven Sins who have taken up residence of several of the levels. The first entity they encounter is Sloth, who nearly slows them down enough to end things early. Before they can exit his domain, they already experience the influence of the next Sin.
In addition to some interesting art, what makes this work is the character interaction between Syd and Ellie. There is some bad blood in their past, perhaps related to one being passed over the other for promotion. Their pointed barbs hurled at each other and argumentative, taunting dialogue help to keep things exciting and elevate the story. FOUR STARS.
#351 - #352 AVENGERS ASSEMBLE: OMEGA finale by Jason Aaron with art by Aaron Kuder and various guests (Marvel Comics, June 2023) “One Last Ride!” After five years on the Avengers title, Jason Aaron ends his run with the conclusion of this multi-art epic which began in AVENGERS FOREVER and then cross-over into the AVENGERS title, with the final act being book-ended by AVENGERS ASSEMBLE: ALPHA and AVENGERS ASSEMBLE: OMEGA. This will be one wild ride if read in it’s entirely once the storyline is eventually collected. I read it monthly in the single issues, and aside from a couple of below-average issues that dragged a bit I don’t regret my time or investment.
Without the cast guide at the beginning of this issue, it would be difficult to remember all the various players involved from the numerous multi-verses. However, it’s easier to remember the bad guys, now reduced to just the big bosses: Doom Supreme, Dark Phoenix and Mephisto.
Do I really need to describe how this ends? You can guess, and you’ll be right. It’s over before the book is half through. I do like how the remaining pages of this double-sized finale show what happens post-battle to the various heroes from their respective alternate words. Also, Aaron’s post-script and farewell is heartfelt and touching. FOUR STARS.
They were trailblazers for a variety of reasons:
- Creators they published retained ownership of their characters and stories.
- They introduced comics fandom to new creators who went on to greater recognition like Paul Chadwick, Mark Verheiden, Mike Baron, Steve Rude, John Arcudi, Doug Mahnke, Matt Wagner and others.
- They published innovative ground-breaking work from known creators like Frank Miller, for one example (Sin City).
- They showed other publishers who struggled with licensed properties that these were a lucrative market especially when quality creators are assigned and pay attention to details, for example the great stories they published from the realms of Star Wars, Aliens, Predator, The Terminator, and others. I don’t think we would see such a plethora of good titles based on licensed properties without the breakthrough contributions of Dark Horse in the 1980’s.
- Unlike Image, who also sprang forth as a creator-owned publisher in the ’80’s, they introduced readers to the various wonderful genres outside of superhero and team books.
- With the monthly DARK HORSE PRESENTS anthology they created an economical way to introduce readers to various titles. Someday, I hope to run into Mike Richardson at a comics convention so I can thank him in person.
The DECADE trade paperback is a celebration of Dark Horse, and features thirteen of their popular titles in original short stories. Wisely, the contents page includes a short synopsis of each title so that readers can jump right in, understand and enjoy the story, and get a feel for the atmosphere they created. Of course, some are better than others but overall this is a solid set.
Here are the characters and titles featured here: Concrete, Black Cross, Trekker, Godzilla, Aliens, Nexus, The Mask, Martha Washington, Predator, Grendel, Sin City, Exon Depot (early manga), and Ghost. FOUR AND ONE-HALF STARS.
I was interested in this series as soon as it was announced, but never expected it to be this good! I’d love to see more Batman from Silvestri.
The ending and Bruce’s new initiative based on what happened is moving. There are other scenes that occur that aren’t so much a twist in the story as they are pleasant surprises. As the story ends, there are two characters with damning information in a position to take down Bruce Wayne/Batman - - and their rationale and final actions are a neat turn.
Batman and Joker need each other, apparently. But it’s good to see Joker get pummeled now and then. FIVE STARS.
I don’t know why I put off reading this several times, as I’m a fan of artist Frank Quitely and also admire the writing talents of Mark Millar, who can take an ordinary idea and really add flavor to it. They both do a remarkable job here. Since I’m so far behind, I’ll probably wait for the trade paperback.
Millar wisely uses Issue #1 as a build-up, introducing the premise but not showing all the cards just yet. The story is about a race to develop super-powered humans. The United State and Russia had been trying for years, yet a South Korean scientist couple come up with the formula. Now separated, the wife goes public and shows off her lab-created powers and begins to make a major announcement. But not everybody is going to use powers for good, as witnessed in the final pages. And how did that person obtain his abilities?
Each of the remaining issues will be illustrated by a different artist. I’ve been told the story is centered around individuals auditioning for the chance to become a super-hero, as only six people will be rewarded. This should be a good one to pick up. FOUR STARS.
Four quirky youngsters go on a trip to a resort only to realize that Deserted Island means exactly what it says. Then that notion gets contradicted when they meet the animal inhabitants of the island who guide then around. This is cute to look at, but the story is a bit off. I considered this for my 7-year old grandson. Maybe he’d enjoy reading it aloud to his younger brother and sister.
KIRBY MANGA MANIA features the classic video game character in Dream Land, which is equally weird and hard to understand. But the cute cartoonish images make it bearable. TWO STARS, for me. Probably FOUR STARS for the right audience.
The art is engaging and reminds me a lot of Walter Lantz studios and Woody Woodpecker cartoons. The main story centers around the island version of Bigfoot - - - Sweetfoot - - - who is very big but friendly and also has a promising career as a hair and nail stylist. THREE STARS.
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