Solo # 7: Michael Allred

Writers: Mike Allred, Lee Allred
Artist: Mike Allred
Colorist: Laura Allred
Publisher: DC
Published: December 2005

It's been a while since my last Comix 365 post...so I thought I would kick start it with another spectacular stupendous stellar Solo issue from decadent DC! And which artist you may wonder is DC displaying? Well if you haven't read the title or looked at the cover image, then rejoice and hollar aloud: MIKE ALLRED!

If you don't know who Mike Allred is, then please take your head out of the muck and wake up (NOW). Mike Allred has worked on such hits as X-Statix, Deadgirl, and his own acclaimed Madman series. His style is sleek, poppy, dynamic, and with the Laura Allred coloring, his work is all the more awesome.

Anyway, enough Allred worship...this ain't no Perez Hilton-esque blog...

Solo # 7 has Allred focusing his whimsy on the DC universe. There are 7 chapters, with 5 complete stories. The first story 'An Hour with Hourman' has our hero battling a case of the highs and lows of being a superhero who derives his powers from a pill. The second story 'Doom Patrol vs. Teen Titans' involves a case of Doom Patrol having to deal with vitality of youth, which is even more pronounced when the youths in question are the Teen Titans! Thirdly, Batman A-Go-Go is a throwback to the swinging, care free 60s where Batman realizes that 'times are a changing'. Fourthly, 'Fourth World Wager' involves Mister Miracle taking up a wager of even he may not be able to escape from. Finally 'Comic Book Clubhouse' is a wordless, visual odyssey involving comic book heroes meeting the kids who draw them.

This was a great Solo issue, that was even more fun reading the second time around. Allred has an innocent playfulness with a sly nod to seriousness shining through his work. In my mind, the highlight tales were Fourth World Wager and Batman A-Go-Go. Mister Miracle taking up a challenge of escape, with Orion concocting the trap was probably one of the funniest moments in this issue. As for Batman I really dug the light, shiny optimism turned sour Lee Allred breathed into the Batman A-Go-Go tale. Mike and Laura's art was all the more exemplary as they turned Batman from the brooding hero of today back to the swinging, goody two shoes of the 60s.

As a side note, if you google this Solo issue and you see a cover of Batman, don't be fooled to look for an actual copy with that image. I looked for years at various comic shops for this cover, and not once did I find it. Turns out it was never printed...I guess due to legal likeness issues of Batman looking like Adam West they had to scrap it. Oh well, thank heavens to the internet preserving a digital copy...

Anyway, see you next time: Same Bat Time. Same Bat Blog!

Mnemovore # 4

Writer: Hans Rodionoff, Ray Fawkes
Artists: Mike Huddleston, Jeremy Cox
Publisher: Vertigo
Published: September 2005

According to Rue Morgue, this is "the must read horror comic of 2005." After reading this issue, I can see why Morgue thinks this to be true. It's a freaky read. Just to give a glimpse into the world of Mnemovore, there is this weird tentacle thingy going around killing things, or at least warping peoples sense of reality. Check some scans. This is some freak shit! Just goes to show that of monsters, the tentacle monster is still the scariest...that and spiders...which isn't too far off...

Zatanna # 1 of 4

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist/Inker: Ryan Sook/Mick Gray
Publisher: DC
Published: June 2005
Ladies Night # 3

Zatanna is, as some folks say, a second stringer when it comes to heroes. This is something that she is painfully aware of. In this issue, she is in a superhero low self-esteem meeting discussing her frustrations and past. She is a spellaholic who can't use her magic anymore because she can't speak backwards anymore.

Turns out she did some bad magic during a group seance to battle evil and she ended up summoning a monster, which killed her fellow magicians. To top it off, her old man died in a similar fashion, dying in a seance years before. (see Swamp Thing # 50)

So, she's a loser. But as everyone knows, with losers, they never really turn out to be just that. She's got 3 other issues to prove it!

Solo # 3: Paul Pope

Writers: Paul Pope
Artist: Paul Pope
Colorist: Jose Villarrubia, Dave Stewart
Publisher: DC
Published: April 2005

I know: sick. Another Pope comic today.

This is another standout issue from the Solo series from DC. Pope kicks ass on this one, and in my mind it is on par with Cooke, Sale, and Scott's Solo issues.

The first tale is Popes interpretation of the Minotaur of Knossos, the second an AWESOME tribute to Kirby's OMAC. The third and fourth tale are nice tales of urban life and past memories. Finally, the last tale is a great story involving Robin, Bat's, and the Joker.

I really dug Pope's version of Joker. He reminds me of a sickened Cesar Romero (mostly because of the mustachio stubble). Check some scans and know that this is a must have issue for any serious comic collector.


Look familiar?

Solo # 2: Richard Corben

Writers: Richard Corben, John Arcudi
Artist: Richard Corben
Publisher: DC
Published: February 2005

The second issue of Solo follows up the stellar opening by Sale. This issue has Richard Corben, the Master of the Grotesque, strutting his stuff. There are five tales, four as stand alone stories set outside the DC universe, and one concerning the Spectre.

The first four tales are classic Corben stuff, violence, forbidden treasures, and things never appearing as they are. The first tale has an imminent archaeologist in search of a forbidden treasure. He is met by a beautiful local, who warns him not to seek the treasure. By this time, bandits raid her home, knock the archaeologist out, and force her to lead them to the treasure...too bad for them, she's a mummy who ends up killing them. Suckas! As for the archaeologist, he wakes up and runs to the treasure room, only to have the door close behind him, trapping him forever. So as you can see, no happy endings here, and just desserts delivered courtesy of Corben.

The last tale about Spectre is a great read. It has Jim Corrigan (the human host to THE WRATH OF GOD - THE SPECTRE), following up a tip from a dead man as to the whereabouts of a killer. The dead man hopes his act of kindness will earn him a spot in Heaven, and The Spectre will get to enforce justice - holy style! Another spectacular issue from a spectacular series!

Oz the Manga # 6

Writer: Frank L. Baum
Adaptation/Artist: David Hutchison
Publisher: Antartic Press
Published: November 2005

O is for the Oz's wonderful Wicked Witch of the West!

This is another purchase of mine that was based solely on the cover. That and it's a manga of Wizard of Oz. I've have this strong passion for re-inventions of pop culture staples, such as the Wizard of Oz. That, and I just love seeing babes all painted up green. Hey, once again, I'm not being sexist. My girlfriend once put on this green face mask to rejuvenate her skin, and I must admit, it was kinda sexy, especially when she ordered her winged monkeys to tear our neighbors scarecrow to pieces. Eee hee hee...

Issue 6 has Dorthy being captured by the winged monkeys and forced to work in the Wicked Witch's castle. This is because she won't give up her silver slippers. Meanwhile, the cowardly lion is being starved. The issue ends with Dorthy, at her breaking point, tossing water on the witch, whereupon she melts into nothingness.

The OZ manga sticks pretty close to the original story. The only differences is the emphasis on manga style drawing, you know, girls with big eyes, evil pointy faces, and a big robot (Tin Man). If you're interested in other Wizard of the Oz adaptions check out:

Marvel Wizard of Oz
Avengers Fairy Tales # 4
Futurama Season 4 Episode 3: Anthology of Interest 2
Twisted Land of Oz
Wicked
Wizard of Oz 1982 cartoon
Oz no Mahou Tsukai
Family Guy Wizard of Oz

Solo # 5: Darwyn Cooke

Writer/Artist: Darwyn Cooke
Publisher: DC
Published: August 2005

The Solo collection published by DC is probably the finest series produced in the last 4 years. For those folks that don't know what the Solo series is all about, let me recap: a single issue comic drawn and written by one artist. The contents of the issue are the sole discretion of the artist. They are literally given free reign to write/draw anything they want (except the competitors, ie. Marvel, Image, etc). Occasionally, help is brought in to write a story, (which, yes, defeats the absolute solo rule, but who's that nit picky?), but in the case of issue 5, Cooke delivers an entire issue by himself.

Darwyn's Solo effort has seven chapters, ranging from an awesome Batman tale, to a little crime drama, to one man's love affair with his vacuum. (Yeah, I know bizarre, but great.) Cooke's artwork is amazing, as usual, his Batman is dark and foreboding, and the opening story is a perfect example of what a Solo concept is all about. Stay tuned, folks, as I'll be writing up quick reviews on all 12 issues of the Solo series during my 365 run.

The Secret Voice # 1

Writer/Artist: Zack Soto
Publisher: Ad House Books
Published: Fall 2005

The Secret Voice is a real treat to read. As Soto writes in this issue: "This is my world, and these are my stories, and there's no set type of thing that you'll see in it." He wasn't kidding.

There are 4 stories, with each wholly original. The first follows Dr. Galopagos as he infiltrates a private rock troll funeral in the depths of Earth. One thing leads to another and Dr. Galapagos is wrecking some major shit on the rock trolls. The trolls then summon a spit golem which makes life all the more difficult for our hero. He eventually escapes, by jumping into a stream of water, and the story is to be continued.

The next story is called Day 34. This is my favorite story in the Secret Voice. A man in a boat lost at sea encounters a hole in the ocean. The hole has a ladder leading downward. The man begins the trek downward where he is greeted by a small impish man sitting at a table. As for the ending, I'm not going to say as it would spoil all the fun.

The third tale involves a gang war between the Ghost King and Lord Zoob.

And finally the fourth tale involves a teenage boy who can meld with the Smog Emperor, who has a penchant for kickin' ass.

So all told, a very interesting and original comic. GO COMICS!

All Star Superman # 1

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Frank Quitely
Colorist: Jamie Grant
Publisher: DC
Published: November 2005

This is Morrison's definitive take on the Man of Steel. In 12 issues alone, Morrison is able to deliver all the greatest elements of Superman. Everything from the bumbling Clark Kent, his folks, Lois Lane, Bizarro, Krypto, and even Joe Shuster are present. All Star Superman is absolutely amazing as far as I'm concerned.

Issue 1 begins the end of Superman. Dr. Leo Quintum and his team of scientists are trying to capture a bit of the sun. Their exposition is sabotaged by a clone of Lex Luthor, which will soon destroy their vessel and them. Thankfully, Superman races to the rescue, defeats the clone, and brings home Quintum and his team. However, after the rescue Superman is diagnosed with one year left to live. Since Superman is a living solar panel, during his rescue mission he was over exposed to the Sun's radiation. This overdose of radiation has provided Superman with increased strength and additional powers, but also ensuring his cells a slow death. Let the awesomeness begin.

All Star Batman & Robin # 1

Writer: Frank Miller
Artist: Jim Lee
Colorist/Inker: Alex Sinclair/Scott Williams
Publisher: DC
Published: July 2005

It's hard to believe that only 11 issues have been released since July 2005. It has been said that the comic book industry is the only industry that allows such poor timely releases. In the case of All Star Batman & Robin, this is all the more interesting. Here's a comic series by Miller and Lee that is both hated and praised in equal measures. Arguments have been posted that this series is the worst take on Batman, yet the sales are still great. How can something so hated and despised, and consistently late, still be a top seller?

Well it helps that it is about Batman, the singular greatest comic character ever created (yeah I'm biased), and also that it's got Miller at the helm. Miller is the writer that is not afraid to purposely twist a character to the point of no return, no matter how much slack is thrown at him. He has a vision, and he doesn't care if you like it or not. And it's this strength/flaw in Miller's character that makes All Star Batman such a great read. Miller is pushing Batman to the extreme and asking...no forcing us Bat-fans to dig deeper into the bat cave. Miller doesn't want to write about the Batman of yesteryear, he wants to explore the belligerent, borderline psycho, sadist Batman. And honestly folks, it's not that far of a stretch...

Now that that is said, lets step back a minute. Batman after all has been around over 60 years now, if anything Batman can stand the test of time, no matter what is tossed his way. Also, it is only one series in a sea of Bat titles, and Miller has always garnered a love/hate relationship with his readers. I for one can't stomach certain works of his, but Batman & Robin is one that I can, since it is just so damn ridiculous and fun. I mean how many times can you hear "I'm the god damn Batman" and not have to suppress a giggle. Ultimately, if anyone is going to bastardize the Dark Knight, it might as well be Miller. He's pretty good at bastardizing.

Oh, and not to forget Lee. His artwork on this series is top-notch. If you like Lee's work, than you'll love this.

All Star Batman & Robin # 1 introduces Dick Grayson into the Bat universe. During a circus performance with his parents, Graysons world is destroyed by two bullets. Much like Bruce Wayne, Grayson is forced to watch as both his parents are murdered beside him. Next thing Grayson knows he is being escorted by Gotham cops to the Gulch, where he is to be dispensed with. Batman intervenes, rescues the boy, and the comic ends with Batman ordering Grayson onto his feet and stating: "You've just been drafted. Into a war." And so begins All Star Batman & Robin, the Boy wonder.