Uptight No. 3

Jordan Crane
Fantagraphics
2009

First tale is depressing. Second tale is pretty neat. Cover is great.

Fan Expo 2010 - Hellblazer # 250

Writers: Brian Azzarello, Jamie Delano, Dave Gibbons, China Mieville, Peter Milligan
Artists: Rafael Grampa, David Lloyd, Sean Phillips, Giuseppe Gamuncoli, Stefano Landini, Edie Campbell
Publisher: Vertigo
Published: February 2009

This should be my final entry on the Fan Expo...I think so at any rate...

Before the discussion with Darwyn Cooke, another popular crime writer hosted a talk: Brian Azzarello. I enjoyed the discussion. I've only read a few works of his, namely, The Joker, Broken City, a few other stand alone stories, and this issue. Overall I wouldn't call myself a dedicated fan...it's nothing personal...his writing overall just doesn't connect with me...however his work ethic is admirable and he comes across as a nice and opinionated guy.

From what I gathered in the discussion, he's a hard working chap who enjoys writing down-and-dirty crime stories. Some things of note during his talk were his dislike of continuity comics, his dislike of the Joker becoming a popular anti-hero, and his approach to making sure his stories have an invisible plot. In regards to his Joker statement, I'm glad I went to the discussion, considering after I first read his and Bermjo's take on the Joker I was left confused, dissatisfied, and unable to appreciate it.

Which was a subtle goal of theirs.


Azzarello and Bermjo don't like that the Joker is becoming so popular and well-liked that he's almost becoming an anti-hero. The Joker is not being recognized as the psychopath, schitzo killer that he is and thus as a character he's losing credibility. Knowing this was their intention, I now realize that my initial distaste after reading The Joker was not because of a poorly conceived book, but because unconsciously I wanted to root for the Joker, when in actuality, the Joker is the last person you want to root for.

Anyway, enough on Brian and Bermjo...I'm sure they're doing alright for attention!

I picked up Hellblazer #250 because of R. Grampa. He's the shit. His art is graphically insane! Over the next year or so I can guarantee that in the world of comics, it's going to be Grampa, Grampa, Grampa!

In Grampa and Azzarellos tale, John Constantine has been hired to remove a decades old curse. All he needs are some dedicated fans and a goat. Let the magic begin!

The rest of the comic has a variety of solid tales that are pretty awesome - but don't take my word for it! Go get it because once Grampa really hits it, his back log is going to be super hot shit!



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Wolverine Saudade

Scalped #12

Wolverine: Switchback

Writers: Joseph Clark, Gregg Hurwitz
Artist: Das Pastoras, Juan Doe
Publisher: Marvel
Published: March 2009

Wolverine is one of my favorite Marvel characters, but it can be tough to follow all his comics. As a compromise, I try and pick up a few one shots. Luckily, a buddy of mine turned me onto this issue. Switchback has 2 tales. The first one involves Wolverine taking a side trip on his journey to solve a mystery. The second has Wolverine getting beat up. It's called Punching Bag.

The first tale makes this comic worth picking up. The art reminds me a of a warped Norman Rockwell. I'm probably way off with that remark, but it's the first thing that comes to mind. As for the story, it's short, straightforward, sans super villains, and has a satisfying conclusion involving Wolvie getting beat up real bad, and then killing the bad guy. Which is exactly what I want in a Wolvie story.

The Strange Adventures of H.P. Lovecraft #1 of 4

Writer: Mac Carter
Artist: Tony Salmons
Cover: Adam Byrne
Publisher: Image Comics
Published: April 2009

Taking authors and making them into a character within their own universe is fairly common these days. It has its pros and cons. If you're a big fan of the writer and familiar with their works, then its a match made in heaven. However, it can be infuriating because outsiders won't be able to pick up on all the nuances. Luckily for the creators of this comic, Lovecraft created such a rich and wonderful world, outsiders don't need to know every little detail to enjoy the story. For example, you don't necessarily need to know what the Necronomicon is, but just to know that it leads to bad stuff suffices. Which, by the way, it usually always does.


The Strange Adventures of HP Lovecraft opens with the origins of the Necronomicon. We are then introduced to the writer HP Lovecraft, who is struggling with writers block. After an unfortunate revelation regarding his love interest, Lovecraft is attacked by a couple sailors. Too bad for them, Lovecraft is the "key and the guardian of the gate." This statement doesn't make much sense on its own, but when the Necronomicon mystically pronounces you're the "key and the guardian of the gate," that's usually always bad.


I'm a big fan of Lovecraftian monsters. One of the reasons I love them is because of the visual possibilities they inspire. Lovecraftian monsters usually defy human comprehension, are huge, epic, impose madness, and destructive. Take for instance the scene in Hellboy where Hellboy releases the monsters from their prison, or the scene in the Mist when Tom Jayne's character is driving by towering monsters - awesome.

Liberty Comics # 2

Writers: Various

Artists: Various

Publisher: Image Comics

Published: October 2009

This is a comic dedicated to promoting and supporting the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. The CBLDF is dedicated to ensuring that free speech in comics is protected. I'm all for this.

This particular issue has a number of standout tales from some of comics top talent. I won't go into all the individual stories, but some standouts are Paul Popes Loverman, Chynna Clugston Flores "I Beg Your Pardon" and well, all of them actually. The art is top notch and the stories thrill, titillate, and tickle your senses. And isn't thrilling, titillating, and tickling worth protecting?

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Art & Beauty

Patsy Walker

Detective Comics #854 - Batwoman

Writer: Greg Rucka
Artist: J.H. Williams III
Colors: Dave Stewart
Publisher: DC
Published: June 2009

Now this is what I call a comic! Great intrigue, conflicted characters, and most spectacularly, out of this world art design and layout! Williams knows his shit! I don't think I've seen a comic look this slick.

Batwoman's costume is awesome. I didn't realize it until this comic, but the color red on a Bat-costume is outstanding. Batwoman looks both stylish and deadly, which really, is what we want in our comic heroes.

Now the unavoidable: Batwoman is gay. This fact has heated up the comic world (at least some comic corners). Honestly I don't know why. When I bought DC 854 I bought it based on the previews of the artwork. I had no idea who the new Batwoman was or that she would be gay. I admit I was a tad surprised when I found out during my read. I even remarked to my girlfriend after reading DC that Batwoman was now a lesbian. My girlfriend tsked and remarked "oh great." As in "oh great" just wait till they break out the girl-on-girl scenarios.

Now don't get her wrong, she has a valid point. Comics, unfortunately carry the stigma of appealing to more stereotypical desires of males. This is because most comics (but not all) comics are written by males and read by males.

This presents a unique situation where women characters are written from the point of view of a man. How can a male accurately/honestly create and portray a woman character? I'm sure I don't know...but I'm sure glad that in Detective Comics 854, Rucka and Williams avoid the cliches and pandering that can easily be exploited from portraying a woman who looks good, wears tight leather/spandex, beats the tar out of people, and is also a lesbian. Good on them for keeping things in perspective.

Batman and Robin # 1

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Frank Quitely
Colorist: Alex Sinclair
Publisher: DC
Published: June 2009

From the imaginations of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely comes an unlikely duo: Batman and Robin!

Well, I guess it is far from unlikely, but nevertheless, Morrison and Quitely are teamed up once again, but this time instead of tackling a 'strongman in tights' they're diving into the Batcave. (ooh that sounds bad.)

The players are the same, Batman and Robin, but this time things are vastly different. Batman/Bruce Wayne is gone/dead. Now you may ask: "gee Comix 365 guy, who ever could be Batman and Robin then?" Being a gentlemen, this would be my answer: "a Batfan never tells."

Anyway enough of that. There are 5 reasons to get this issue:

1. The art is beautiful, and the sound effect captions are particularly nice.
2. The new Batman opens a world of new possibilities.
3. Robin is bad ass.
4. They have a Hover Batmobile.
5. The villain is creepy. Real creepy.

So go get it!

Billy Batson & The Magic of Shazam! # 4

Writer/Artist: Mike Kunkel
Publisher: DC
Published: April 2009

Today's issue is dedicated to the most dreaded of feelings a comic collector can experience: jumping on the bandwagon once the bandwagon is gone. By this I mean, picking up a comic series that looks just awesome and you know is going to be awesome, but you're starting at the last issue.

I picked up Bill Batson and the Magic of Shazam! on issue # 4, and I don't dare read it until I have the first three. Only problem with this, is that the last three have long since exited Peterborough shops. I'm going to have to head to Toronto, cross my fingers, and hope that one of the multitude of shops down there will have them. Or I'm going to look to the internet and shell out the cash and pay the ridiculous shipping fees. Or worse, wait 10 months for the collected edition. Anyway, check some scans. It looks like (and I hope) it is going to be a great read.

Fantastic Four # 565: Don't Eat Valeria!

Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Bryan Hitch
Publisher: Marvel
Published: March 2009

Ok, the FF take on a giant tentacle monster. The kids are at risk, and the townsfolk besieged by the monster are not what they seem. Nuff said.

Ghost Rider # 33

Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Tony Moore
Publisher: Marvel
Published: March 2009

Happy Pi Day!

Aaron and Moore are exploring familiar avenues that Alan Moore once explored years ago on Swamp Thing. The recent series has Ghost Rider as a spirit sent to Earth whenever evil needs a good purge. Over the centuries their has been several different types of Ghost Riders. Issue # 33 is bit of a recap and opening for the next big arc, which is (as far as I can tell) is going to involve Sara, Danny Ketch, and Johnny Blaze joining forces to kick some evil ass. Very cool.

Check some scans of some earlier Ghost Riders, and nuns with nun chucks.

Wolverine # 70

Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Steve McNiven
Publisher: Marvel
Published: February 2009

If you're a Wolverine fan (like I am), then this is the issue for you.







6 words: The Shit Has Hit The Fan.

Dead of Night: Werewolf by Night # 1 of 4

Writer: Duane Swierczynski
Artist: Mico Suayan
Publisher: Marvel
Published: January 2009

Werewolves a-ruuuuulllllleeeee! Marvel's new mini series is what I've been waiting for when it come's to werewolves. This issue has got it all. Tortured man, hungry beast, and gore, gore, AL GORE! uh...GORE!!!!!

All I say is Werewolf by Night # 1 opens with a major, Dexter inspired, moment and ends with a gruesome murder, and poor ol' Jack Russell left to deal with the aftershock. This, I think, is shapin' up to be a great addition to the Dead of Night series.

Normally I would scan some images of the comic, but I think only one image is necessary.