For the last three years I have embarked on a Comics Odyssey, reading and writing reviews of comics towards an ambitious goal which I only attained on one of three attempts. This year, I still want to read more comics and write reviews, but I’m not setting a specific goal. I’ll just document them and number them. We’ll see how far I can go . . . . . . .
#507 ANANSI BOYS #2 by Neil Gaiman and Marc Bernardin with art by Shawn Martinbrough (Dark Horse Comics, July 2024) On the eve of his wedding, just when he decides to invite his father and break a long-time separation, “Fat Charlie” (just his nickname) learns of his father’s death.
At the funeral services he finds out his father was an African god (Anansi), and that Charlie has a twin brother as well, run out of the family in the early days because he was a “handful”. Should Charlie want to reunite with his other half, he just needs to communicate that to a spider (his brother’s name as well) and the word will be passed on.
I”m enjoying the adaptation of Gaiman’s novel. It’s not on the same level as AMERICAN GODS but still worthwhile and was Gaiman’s second entry into including mythology in his fiction. (Check out his version of Norse mythology - it’s really good, and fun.) Martinbrough’s art isn’t flashy, but it is effective and very expressive.
My concern is that novel adaptations in comics form need to build their audience early (preferably at Issue #1) or diminishing sales will result. It’s just too difficult for a new reader to pick up later and be able to follow along. Novels seldom get to the meat, heart or conflict/action before the second act, and this is no exception. Because it’s moving slowly, I wonder if ANANSI BOYS can build the proper audience that it deserves.
I respect comic publishers that stay with this format, usually knowing that they might not become best-sellers. Dark Horse did this before with a multi-volume adaptation of AMERICAN GODS and also published FIGHT CLUB II and FIGHT CLUB III (sequels in a comics-only format). Also, my hat is off to Boom! Studios who in the early 2000’s adapted DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP in 24 issues, in a dedicated version chapter by chapter, word for word. They probably took a loss on most of those issues.
So, if ANANSI BOYS appeals to you, pick it up now. I estimate that new readers can easily jump on with Issue #2, but after Issue #3 this might get too difficult to follow. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
#508 ABSOLUTE POWER: TASK FORCE VII #3 OF 7 “Power Options” by Jeremy Adams and Marco Santucci (DC Comics, September 2024) The publisher’s synopsis:
“After capturing and absorbing the powers from the JSA, Jadestone is compromised by Green Lantern Alan Scott's willpower. Suddenly faced with the concept of free will, does JADESTONE continue to execute Waller's orders or have a change of heart? Meanwhile the remaining JSA members attempt a rescue mission to retrieve their teammates and escape to the Tower of Fate!”
These TASK FORCE VII issues are meant to be a compliment to the main ABSOLUTE POWER mini-series, so they can rightly been seen as non-essential - - unless you crave more action that sometimes gets compressed in the main series since they are covering so much ground. It’s a different creative team and a different version of the Amazo robot each issue, so that can keep it interesting.
This time the Amazo is Jadestone, who goes after the Justice Society of America and runs into a snag when he encounters the magic behind Green Lantern/Alan Scott’s power. As he absorbs the powers and memories of Scott, he gets a conflicting viewpoint to Waller’s commands, which causes him to pause and ponder his role. For that reason, I”m thinking this could be an essential part of the storyline when a crack begins to show in Waller’s armor.
There’s a fun interlude with several secondary heroes at the Oblivion Bar and the continuing short features with Steve Trevor are interesting as he feigns obedience and tries to undermine Waller’s structure from within. THREE AND ONE-QUARTER STARS.
#509 WOLVERINE: DEEP CUT #1 of 4 by Chris Claremont and Edgar Salazar (Marvel Comics, September 2024) The publisher’s synopsis:
“OUT OF THE OUTBACK ON A LIFE-AND-DEATH MISSION!
At last - LOGAN's secret adventure revealed! Featuring a sinister revelation and claw-to-claw confrontations with SABRETOOTH, this is a must-have WOLVERINE story for new and long-standing fans alike that simply cannot be missed! Back in UNCANNY X-MEN #246, Logan set off from the Australian outback, leaving behind what was left of the X-MEN, for a personal mission. Now, after decades of mystery, Chris Claremont reveals just what Wolverine got up to before his classic battle with the REAVERS! The next Chris Claremont-penned mutant saga begins, with this untold story.”
While I currently only dabble occasionally in X-books hoping for something to click and it usually doesn’t, there was a period of time when the X-Men were a monthly passion for me in the years 1975-1991.Those years correspond to the tenure of Chris Claremont, the longest running of all X-scripters. His run on those books, especially the years with John Byrne on art, were particular favorites. I came to love these characters. Claremont is also the writer on X-MEN #1 with Jim Lee, the all-time best-selling single issue comic.
However, his work since then (X-TREME X-MEN, for example) doesn’t have that same magic for me, so I only check in on him occasionally as well. I’m happy to say that while this is a mostly all-action book - this has some of that Claremont magic. The battle between Wolverine and Sabretooth is brutal and vicious, an annual event between these two. Logan comes out on top, but there’s a twist that makes his victory less than satisfying. I believe I’ll stick around for some more. THREE AND ONE-QUARTER STARS.
#510 KOSHER MAFIA #1 by David Hazan and Sami Kivela (Mad Cave Studios, July 2024) The publisher’s synopsis: “In Cleveland, Ohio, in 1936, Howard Berkowicz, the bookkeeper for the Jewish Mob finds himself on the wrong end of an enforcer's gun when he tries to spur the Kosher Mafia into action against the rising tide of domestic Nazism in the German American Bund.”
I’m a fan of crime comics and always interested in seeing what creators can do within that format. David Hazan, who came into the spotlight with NOTTINGHAM (among my favorite Mad Cave titles) seems to have a knack for setting his stories within interesting historical periods. NOTTINGHAM was merry olde England. KOSHER MAFIA is the United States and the rise of Nazi influence in America before Hitler’s dominance and the beginnings of World War II.
While telling an engaging crime noir, Hazan also sheds light on anti-semitism, a problem that existed before the Holocaust and still remains an influence on attitudes today.
By laying the foundations for this story in the first issue through flash-backs and flash-forwards, readers are kept engaged by wondering if the hitman is going to complete his directions or change course. Artist Sami Kivela is a great compliment to the story, as he has an ability to portray the look and feel of a historical period. He did a bang up job on UNDONE BY BLOOD, and he does it again here.
There are plenty of references to Jewish culture and tradition throughout, detailed in Yiddish but the art helps to define them. A neat debut, and a story that I expect to get even better and more exciting as it moves forward. This one could be hard to find on the shelf so pre-order it now to be sure. FOUR STARS.
#511 THE PRINCIPLES OF NECROMANCY #4 of 4 by Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly with art by Eamon Winkle (Magma Comix, July 2024) Series summary from the back cover: “Set in a fantasy universe bereft of magic THE PRINCIPLES OF NECROMANCY follows Doctor Jakob Eyes - one of a small number of scientific physicians who have set their minds to the task of curing the ills of the world. But the young Dr. Eyes isn’t satisfied simply to cure the sick or be known as a wizard to curious peasants No, he has set his sights on defeating the only malady doctors are expressly forbidden from curing: death itself.”
This may possibly be the best thing from the creative writing team of Lanzing and Kelly. Their work on licensed properties (those that I’ve read) has been mixed quality, but their world-building and characterization on this creator-owned original series is just outstanding. Also, if you’re not familiar with the work of artist Winkle (I wasn’t), prepare to be stunned by the incredible detail, panel selection, and expressiveness. The covers and stories are gorgeous to view.
Last issue, Dr. Eyes broke a golden rule of the August Medical Council of the City Hospital by making a presentation featuring “The Undying Man” and was removed from the group and placed in prison.
The City King is ailing and the physicians are not satisfying him, so he decides to seek the opinion of imprisoned Dr. Eyes - who persuades him to accept surgery in exchange for dismantling the City Hospital and granting him revenge.
The ensuing images are graphic and bloody. The apprentice from Issue #2 makes a surprise appearance, and gets in on the experiment. There’s a final twist at the end and a punchline that brings things full circle.
This could very well turn out to be my favorite new mini-series of 2024. Recommended for fans of dark fantasy and horror. FIVE STARS.
#512 SILICON BANDITS #3 by Jason Starr and Dalibor Talajic (Magma Comix, June 2024) The summary on the back cover: “In 2089 in the aftermath of the most recent world war, the former United States is controlled by four trillionaires, and artificial intelligence has taken over most jobs. Kenji Sato and Aurora Withers are among the lucky ones - - employed by a prestigious robotics company. But when they’re terminated too, replaced by the very androids they created, the couple hatches the ultimate revenge plan.”
I’m inclined to check out every title new publisher Magma Comix is putting out because so far everything I’ve read has been worthwhile. In the absence of AfterShock, several publishers are stepping up and using that model (creator-owned mini-series in mixed genres) and I’m happy to see that. (Not happy about no AfterShock, though). SILICON BANDITS is a complex science-fiction crime caper that just seems to be more intricate and exciting with each successive issue.
Last issue, Kenji and Aurora used a quartet of advanced androids (that they built without their employer’s knowledge) to steal essential android component gallium from that same employer to sell to a competitor in another quadrant. The heist went awry when a unscrupulous former friend of Kenji who was let in on the plan, betrays them and steals the gallium with a gang he owes money to. That resulted in a near fatal injury to Kenji.
This issue picks up immediately where Kenji undergoes surgery by their androids. They plan to go after the gang that stole their gallium, but first they have to deal with an angry ex-employer who dispatches his own group of androids to kill them and take the gallium back. Things get even more complicated when Kenji and Aurora’s android family seems to have independent thoughts and free will. This is headed for a dramatic conclusion.
There’s a little social commentary underneath the surface of this story for those who desire even more from their reading. One of my favorite lines this issue, uttered by an injured Kenji: :No, can’t blame yourself. The problem is people. Machines are our only true friends.”
FIVE STARS.
#513 GREEN ARROW #14 “Arrows Against The World!” by Joshua Williamson with art by Amancay Nahuelpan and Sean Izaake (DC Comics, September 2024) Aside from the ABSOLUTE POWER tie-in issues, I’ve been reading more of Green Arrow since Joshua Williamson came onboard and I like what he’s doing with the title.
This may be a key cross-over issue in that event, as one of the new Arrow team comes up with the idea of finding Professor Ivo (creator of the original Amazo) and ask him how to disable/defeat Amanda Waller’s Amazo constructs. Things never turn out to be that simple or easy, and several obstacles block their path to the answer, including a partially rebuilt Tomorrow Woman.
A fast-paced issue with good art and good interaction between the characters. THREE AND ONE-QUARTER STARS.
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