PGHHEAD’S 2023 COMICS ODYSSEY, PART 33
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!
# GOAL FOR October 20, 2023. . . 967 comics documented
CURRENT COUNT . . . . . 732 comics documented
#710 - #714 CRASHING #1-#5 of 5 by Matthew Klein and Morgan Beem (IDW, September 2022 - January 2023)
The debut issue showed a lot of promise and potential in both plot and Klein's story-telling abilities. I waited until I could read this all the way through (in the single issues). He delivers on the promise in a big way.
Here's what I said in a review about Issue #1 when it debuted in September 2022:
As someone who remembers BEN CASEY and DR. KILDARE comics from the 1960’s, I’m wondering if a long-neglected genre is finding its’ way back into comics: medical drama. The difference this time is a spin to make it appealing: get aliens and super-heroes involved.
However, I think I’m up for this. I found the ET-ER one-shots from AWA/Upshot to be highly entertaining: a secretive ward beneath a regular hospital that treats ailing extra-terrestrials of all sizes and species. Now, CRASHING comes along to add super-heroes to the mix.
In this world, not everyone is enamored with super-heroes, and a budding anti-Powered movement is protesting, fueled by the Powered Registration Act. The over-worked resident nurse Rose at a metropolitan hospital rebels against administrative policy and decides to treat super-powered patients in the Emergency Room. Like Detective Bosch in Michael Connelly’s series of crime novels, she has a similar philosophy: everybody counts, or nobody counts. This backfires when a recently treated super-patient awakens and his eye blasts create havoc.
Rose is a sympathetic character, recovering from drug and alcohol addiction and teetering on the edge of a relapse. There’s some interesting back-story in-between the main plot line. The art by Morgan Beem seems out of place here, as if it belongs in a young adult graphic novel, but I’m warming up to it. The facial expressions and body language of the characters are well done, making it easier to overlook some of the simplicity of the art.
Over the course of the five issues I did warm up to the art of Beem, who I now believe to be an excellent choice to illustrate and detail this story. This is really a character study, the story of Rose's fall from grace and eventual redemption. (Yes, as depressing as this is it does have a happy ending - - so keep reading). Which led me to wonder if the inclusion of super-powered characters was really necessary? In hindsight, that makes for an even more impactful story - as the limitations and hazards of superpowers only serve to increase the stakes and add to the conflict/resolution.
This story packs a punch while it shines a spotlight on some real-life heroes who deserve more recognition for the hard work and sacrifices they make. If you need more of an impact or more punch to the story, just subtitle "homeless people" for "powered people" and read it again. FIVE STARS.
#715 - #717 G.O.D.S. #1 by Jonathan Hickman and Valerio Schiti (Marvel Worldwide Inc., December 2023) $9.99 for a debut issue? No matter how over-sized it is - - Marvel is taking a chance here, depending on the popularity of writer Jonathan Hickman to generate enough sales to make this a worthy new introduction to the Marvel universe. Which I feel it is.
Because it’s a brand new realm, peppered with a lot of new characters and back-story. This is not a simple read. In fact, if you only read it once you are going to miss quite a lot. So, in a sense, the high ticket price is justified as long as you like what is presented here and bother to re-read and comprehend it all.
I feel sorry for comic shops that have to pay in advance and must decide how many copies to bring in and not get stuck with too many pricey unsold issues. I don’t imagine the pre-orders were high on this one - so if you picked up G.O.D.S. #1 and didn’t appreciate it, you should be able to find an interested buyer for your used copy.
This review is my first impression, after one reading. I’m going to return to this again - - as I have a feeling my opinions may change, perhaps even more favorably. Right now, I’m on the fence as to whether this is a series I want to subscribe to. There’s so much of interest to me in the comics world right now and so many indie publishers who are putting out works that deserve attention - - that these choices keep getting harder and harder.
G.O.D.S. seems like a welcome departure for Marvel, a step outside of standard super-hero tropes and a step into a work that might even fall into a Vertigo imprint at DC or the late, lamented Epic imprint from Marvel. I’m reminded of the awesome world-building of the Sandman Universe. This just might turn out to be on the same scale.
Here’s the promotional synopsis for G.O.D.S. (That acronym hasn’t been explained yet. Maybe it just serves to distinguish this from so many other things that include Gods in the title.) . . . . .
“JONATHAN HICKMAN RE-INVENTS THE COSMOLOGY OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE! WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE-POWERS-THAT-BE MEET THE-NATURAL-ORDER-OF-THINGS? The infinite détente between THE-NATURAL-ORDER-OF-THINGS and THE-POWERS-THAT-BE nears an end. Old acquaintances are reunited during a Babylon Event. The Lion of Wolves throws the worst parties. Don't look under the table. There's a John Wilkes Booth penny on the ground. This ENORMOUS EXTRA-SIZED first issue features DOCTOR STRANGE, who, while not boring at all, is easily the most boring person in the book. Rated T+”
While that’s not revealing enough, here’s some other things you’ll find in the first issue. Magic and science, both combined and contrasted. A “Babylon Event”, a dangerous change to the balance of power. Two new interesting characters in Wyn and Aiko, and a doomed romantic relationship. Science fiction blending with fantasy. Street level reality and cosmic other-worldliness. A slim thread connecting this to the Marvel Universe, a la a brief encounter with Doctor Strange. Yeah, I better read this again before my final verdict. FOUR STARS, for now.
#718 ALICE COOPER, Volume Two #1 by Rodney Barnes and Edu Menna (Dynamite Entertainment, October 2023) If a demonic force threatens the world of rock music, who better to fight on the side of musicians than Alice Cooper, no stranger to weird and supernatural in his stage act? This was a welcome departure after the complexities of G.O.D.S. and was pretty straightforward and easy to follow.
Lucifer fancies himself a rock star and begins to perform to enthusiastic audiences (planted with plenty of demons to cheer him on). When he realizes that competition for attention is crowded he starts to attack legendary rock acts (kidnapping Steven Tyler of Aerosmith). While on tour to promote his new album (coincidentally, he does have a new record) Alice Cooper notices a weird occurrence during his concerts - - some of his audience are undead or demonic. The Archangel Gabriel visits him in a dream and enlists his support to counter Lucifer.
This was fun with some good-looking art and I expect writer Rodney Barnes (Killadelphia) to ramp up the horror, but I’m not planning to hang around for the whole story. That cover persuaded me to give this shot. THREE STARS.
#719 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #35 by Zeb Wells and Patrick Gleason (Marvel Worldwide Inc, December 2023) The official synopsis on this issue is pretty brief but misleading: “This sets up the next 24 issues of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN. Do. Not. Miss. This.”
Does that mean that the current storyline with Peter Parker possessing all the “sins of Norman Osborn” driving him into a revenge-crazed frenzy against all those he believed wronged him such as Kraven The Hunter and Paul (who stole Mary Jane away) is going to run for another 24 issues? Thankfully, no - - that concludes this issue as expected. Parker doesn’t kill anyone. “Sins” returned to Norman Osborn. Peter back to being Peter, now agonizing over what he might have done. Maybe this heralds the return of the Green Goblin, but I don’t see that requiring 24 issues to play out.
More likely the next 24 issues will be taken up with the Gang War event. There’s just a one-page scene here foreshadowing what is going to happen. You can miss it. Really, don’t fall for the hype.
There’s no way I’m going to have the patience or want to spend my comics money on a 24-issue plus spin-offs/crossover for a new Spidey epic.
However, if you’re a fan of Patrick Gleason’s art - - that’s a better reason to pick up Issue #35. The wrap-up story here isn’t half bad, either. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
#720 - #724 ALMOST AMERICAN #1 - #5 by Ron Marz and Marco Castiello (AfterShock Comics, September 2021 - March 2022)
I found the first issue of ALMOST AMERICAN interesting enough that I ordered the remaining four issues and stock-piled them until one day when I could read the entire story. The banner on the cover of Issue #1 says "inspired by the true story of husband-and-wife Russian spies who typically wouldn't live long enough to tell such a tale."
That first issue hinted at an engaging true story. Who doesn't want to root for two former Russian government agents (a married couple) trying to make a new life in the United States? What stories and insights into allegedly oppressive Russian operations could they share with U.S. intelligence? Unfortunately, most of these five issues are taken up with the difficulties and struggles they experienced while trying to establish new identities and a new life. While they did find themselves in peril from Russian payback, the lone incident is dealt with quickly and while I'm not going to make light of anyone who is threatened like them -- the recounting of it here lacks sufficient drama.
Here's the publisher's synopsis: In 2008, husband-and-wife Russian intelligence operatives walked into the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic in order to defect, making a deal to trade secrets for new lives. But instead of the American Dream, Janosh and Victorya Neumann found themselves caught up in red tape, bureaucracy and turf wars between the FBI and CIA — all while their past tried to kill them.
Despite the five-issue length, the series left many details hanging or not explained enough. Inept bureaucracy and in-fighting amongst the FBI and CIA is part of the story, but why two separate intelligence agencies would both get a crack at interviewing the Neumanns is never explained. The Neumanns travel to the Dominican Republic before they ever contact any U.S. agency (the U.S. Embassy, in this case) but surely the way and method in which they escaped detection and managed to get out of Russia could have added to the suspense of their story.
The script makes it seem like neither the FBI or CIA uncovered enough worthwhile information from the Neumanns and tried to renege on their deal by withdrawing support. But careful reading makes it clear that didn't happen, and the Neumanns actually cooperated in helping the U.S. ensnare some Russian operatives who were laundering money. I'm not sure if the confidential nature of those incidents meant that the normally experienced scripter (Ron Marz) could not include them in the story, but it just seems like a squandered opportunity.
As it stands, the story that is revealed could have easily been related in three issues maximum. I love AfterShock Comics, but I'm a little disappointed by this one. THREE STARS.
#725 OPERATION SUNSHINE #1 by Henry Zebrowski & Marcus Parks with art by David Rubin (Dark Horse Comics, October 2023) This is a wants-to-be deft blend of action, horror, and humor with a different take on vampires. It’s been described as “Near Dark meets Ocean’s Eleven”, but I feel that’s a bit of heap hype as it does not come close to either of those gems.
The vampires in this series are ancient creatures, more monstrous than human, and very militant. Victims that they suck blood from, but neither kill or turn into new vampires, are called “bugs” - - usually younger and alienated from the elder race but possessing some vampiric traits, including the need to feed on blood.
Two of the bugs - -a homeless female teenager partners with a nerdy IT worker to save on rent and help each other with food. An ancient vampire notices them and recruits them for “Operation Batboy”, sending them on a quest to retrieve a magical relic from a competitor in exchange for a cure for their vampirism.
It was the offbeat expressive and detailed art of David Rubin which prompted me to pick this up. However,OPERATION SUNSHINE tries a little too hard to be “hip” in both characterization and dialogue, which kind of helped me to lose interest and cross this off the pull list. THREE STARS.
#726 - #731 LIFE ZERO #1 - #6 by Stefano Vietti and Marco Checchetto (Ablaze Publishing, 2022)
Is the market for zombie stories over-saturated? I think by now almost every variation has been attempted, but as long as the story is a good one and causes me to worry for some of the characters then I'll always read or watch another one.
LIFE ZERO isn't totally original but borrows from enough themes (mad scientist-created virus, apocalyptic landscape, chaos, military action, special task forces, rescue attempts, etc) to keep it interesting. If it dragged at any point, the fantastic art and colors kept me reading and turning the pages.
This is an English translation of a popular Italian horror comic series, and I read it in the six monthly issues. A special task force of five enters a zombie-infested city (unidentified) via helicopter to rescue their imprisoned leader. They succeed, but zombies over-run the compound, even gaining access to the scared-off helicopter pilots who flees and crashes, leaving the squad stranded.
The rest of the story details their attempts at escape and to reach the military base, and includes a side mission to rescue the young daughter of one of the members. What began as six characters gets whittled down as the story progresses. The mad scientist is located, and gives a wishy-washy explanation for how he created the "poison cloud" and his motivations. The squad leader has to make some tough decisions along the way, and this doesn't really end on a positive note.
Art and colors are captivating, especially the very graphic and brutal fight scenes. This may be one of the most depressing zombie stories I've ever read, very negative and fatalistic. I don't regret the time spent with this. It was entertaining, but not essential when it comes to an overview of zombie fiction's greatest hits. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
#732 SIGNAL 29 #1 by Jon McCarthy and Thomas Tikas (Blood Moon Comics LLC/Sunbury Press (October 2023) It’'s October, nights are getting longer, the wind is beginning to howl, shadows are lurking, and Halloween is the right time to read more horror comics.
Here’s the synopsis from Blood Moon, a small indie comics publisher of horror, science fiction, and fantasy comics - based in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. . . . . .
“Two New Orleans medics respond to a seedy motel to pronounce a dead body, which isn’t quite as dead as it seems. SIGNAL 29 is a one-shot that takes a unique approach to the zombie genre where the reader joins a pair of first responders as they encounter patient zero as the dead begin to rise.”
Yep, I’m reading another comic featuring flesh-eating zombies crawling out of the woodworks. This time things occur in a shady motel catering to drug addicts, pimps, whores and criminals - - what better place for “patient zero” to establish roots and spread (more like “experiment zero” as the gruesome origins of the latest virus/plague are revealed in the Twilight Zone type ending).
I’ve been following this small indie publisher and scanning their books when I see them on comic shop shelves, looking for something to interest me. I made the mistake of starting with THE DEVIL’S TREE (less said about that the better). Since then, I’ve been passing up a lot of their titles for similar reasons - - - sketchy scripts and amateurish art. However, they’ve been hanging around and the latest offerings look more promising.
I grabbed this one because 1) the interior art was much more professional in appearance and very graphic (as suits this nasty story) and, 2) the credits page dedication to “all the men and women who made the selfless choice to become EMTs and paramedics.”
There’s lots of official banter and EMT/police/fire department codes expressed over the radio links to make events seem more realistic. By the way, Signal 29 refers to “dead body on location”. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
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