Cover of the Week!

Cover Artist: Yanick Paquette

Check out his line work on this issue! Fantastic!

Saga of the Swamp Thing # 21

Writer: Alan Moore

Artists: Stephen Bissette, John Totleben, Tatjana Wood

Publisher: DC

Published: February 1984

The last few years I've been guilty of buying comics based on art alone. Story was always important, but art became even more important. Often the artwork or cover art will dictate if I buy a comic. If the story's good, then that's just a bonus.

After reading a recent 5 issue mini series, which I bought based on the cover art, I was forcibly reminded of how important, nay, vital, story is. Directly after finishing reading the last issue of this mini series, I picked up my Vol 1. Saga of the Swamp Thing and broke into the first issue of this collection. Reading it was like a fresh rain during a drought.

The art is fantastic, and I love it, but in one small paragraph, Alan Moore reminded me of how great prose can be. Below is an excerpt:

(Setup - Swamp Thing origin: Alec Holland is working on a top secret bio-plant formula. The experiment is sabotaged, with Holland and his wife killed during an explosion. Alec flings himself into the swamp, covered in his formula. This transforms Alec into the Swamp Thing. He then tries to restore his humanity. Swamp Thing is later killed, frozen, and in the possession of the Sunderland Corp. The excerpt is regarding Swamp Things rebirth and anger at the person who has held him captive.)

The old man shouldn't be in any real danger at all...

...as long as the creature hasn't read my notes.

But if he has read my notes...

You see, throughout his miserable existence, the only thing that could have kept him sane was the hope that he might one day regain his humanity...the knowledge that under all the slime he was still Alec Holland. But if he's read my notes he'll know that just isn't true. He isn't Alec Holland. He never will be Alec Holland. He never was Alec Holland.

He's just a ghost. A ghost dressed in weeds. I wonder how he'll take it? And I wonder how the old man will take it...when the doors won't open?

He'll pound. He'll hammer. He'll wheeze and he'll scream and he will not be able to comprehend how this could be happening to him...the old reptile.

And will there be blood? I don't know. I don't know if there will be blood. It isn't important. It won't spoil things if there is no blood. The blood doesn't matter. Just the dying.

The dying's all that matters.

Batman # 852 to 854 - Dark Knight Dark City

Writer: Peter Milligan
Artist/Inks: Kieron Dwyer/Dennis Janke
Publisher: DC
Published: 1990
Cover: Mike Mignola

Batman's back. Back again.

Grant Morrison has finally returned us Bruce Wayne from the hands of time. In the process he has reinvented the Bat Origin Mythos, inspired/based on the 3 issue Batman story Dark City. I'm not going to get into too much detail on this connection as other blogs will do a much better job than me. However a quick recap is necessary to help understand the opening pages of Batman and Robin #16. In Dark City a bunch of cultists have prepared a woman for sacrifice in a hidden basement of a barn. This ritual is to summon the demon Barbathos...but the cultists chicken out, bolt and seal the trap door to the ritual room, leaving the woman to perish.
 
During the final issue of the Dark City mini series, Batman has been manipulated into returning to that same room where he frees the ghost of the woman. Take a look at the below image...take a good long look at this climatic moment of the Dark City run that Grant Morrison has used to usher in the New Batman of the 21st century...


Pretty good right...good guys win...but wait...why, in the last panel, is Batman not wearing any pants?! I can picture it now: 


Batman: "So before I rescue you from this burning inferno, I'm gonna need to slip into something comfortable." Zip "Goodbye pants - hello freedom!"


And there you have it...the story that set the stage to re-define our beloved Batman; our beloved Pants-less Batman.

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Fan Expo 2010 - Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne # 3

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Yanick Paquette
Ink/Color: Michel Lacombe/ Nathan Fairbairn
Publisher: DC
Published: August 2010

Part 3 of The Return of Bruce Wayne has Batman visiting ye ol' pirate days.

What stands out in this particular issue is Yanick's stellar artwork. The guy's a pro! I also had the chance to meet him while at the Fan Expo. Of all the artists/writers I met, he was certainly the most lively and open with his thoughts. Yanick hails from Quebec, and when I arrived he was knee deep in a conversation with another fan regarding the state affairs of European and French comics. I had no idea what they were talking about, but it was fun to listen to nonetheless.

While perusing his original artwork for this issue, I asked him how long it takes him to do a page. He told me he does a page a day. I was taken aback and expressed my amazement. His response, with a diabolical hammed up glee: "I'm a machine!"

I then went on to express how much I enjoyed the look of this issue, especially his attention to the skulls and bones bridge. Yanick said he had created a 3d model to figure out the angles, which makes sense, because his bridge of bones is the most mechanically solid bridge I have ever seen rendered. In the above credits I see that Michel was the inker on this issue, but when I saw the originals, they were already inked. I never thought to ask how the two of them collaborate, but let me just tell you, his black and white originals for this issue are outstanding! They look fantastic! (Check this link for an idea of the level of skill Yanick is at.)

Yanick then went onto discuss his working relationship with DC and Grant Morrison, which is startling/fascinating unto itself. If you ever get a chance to meet Yanick, let me just tell you, he's an interesting/fun guy.

Fan Expo 2010 - Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne # 1

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Chris Sprouse
Inks/Colors: Karl Story/Guy Major
Publisher: DC
Published: July 2010

As only Grant Morrison can pen and Chris Sprouse can envision, the first issue of Bruce Wayne's return from "the dead" hits like a rumbling thunder storm. Near the conclusion of Final Crisis, Batman was hurled back in time to the dawn of civilization. It is at this point where The Return of Bruce Wayne kicks off. Essentially, issue # 1 is an action packed cave man yarn staring Batman. I know - Awesome.

So as the title above mentions I recently attended the Fan Expo in Toronto and I had the opportunity to meet Chris Sprouse. He comes across as a real nice guy. I think I may have gotten a small reaction out of him when I said his version of Batman was "a manly man's man." I sincerely meant this as a compliment, because Batman is normally a clothed figure, shrouded in darkness, so it's a interesting change to see him shirtless, but still wearing his leotards. Plus, Chris Sprouse has got the whole alpha male look nailed down. It don't get more manly than his drawing of men. (Again, that's a compliment.)

Our conversation then turned to how the internet is essentially a stomping ground of negativity. He mentioned that some complaints on the internet of his book were that one of the cavemen was blond, and that there was a giant bat thingy in the book. I don't read comic book message boards generally, but I wasn't surprised to hear this. If there is one thing the internet has encouraged, it's complaining. Which is fine in of itself, but due to the sheer quantity, it can be a bit much. So as Sprouse mentioned, he just turns it off and does his thing.


With this in mind, I sometimes wonder if comic creators read comments, reviews, or reactions to their work? I think they would almost have to, considering it's vital to their success to know what is working and not working with their audience; but at the same time, where do they draw the line? I know when I was in elementary school, I used to read and re-read my report card comments. I was obsessed with knowing 'my areas of improvement'. But then one day I just turned off that side of my personality. It wasn't getting me anywhere. In the end it was a relief. I think many comic book creators also feel this sense of relief once they turn off the message boards. No point getting charged up just because some fanboy didn't dig your version of a cave man, even if he is the manliest man of cave mans...





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All Star Superman # 10

Writer: Grant Morrison

Artist: Frank Quitely

Colorist: Jamie Grant

Publisher: DC

Published: May 2008

All Star Superman is probably one of the finest stories to emerge in the last decade. I was reminded of this particular issue after reading an interview with Grant Morrison. (It is a great interview, and I highly recommend it.)

Issue 10 has Superman continuing his journey to make things right and do as much good as he can before his inevitable demise due to solar poisoning. In this issue Superman creates life, frees an imprisoned nation, cures all disease, and in one of the most touching moments in the series, saves a life.

With one page, broken into 5 panels, Morrison, Quitely, and Grant reminded me why I love comics. As Morrison states, one of the things he hoped readers of All Star Superman would take away with them was that a few words and some figure drawings would have the ability to "make you cry, make your heart soar,..."

Well I nearly lost it in this issue. I've been feeling glum as of late. Very glum. But after reading this issue I feel a little better. This is going to sound weird, but I really like that Superman chooses to save us not because he can, or because he needs to, but because he wants to...(alluding to Mark Waid)...it's nice to know that Superman believes in us. That we're worth it.

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!

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!

Bad Girls # 4

Writer: Steve Vance
Artist: Christine Norrie
Cover : Darwyn Cooke
Publisher: DC
Published: January 2004

I have no idea what this series is about, and starting at issue # 4 of 5 is not the best way to get what it is all about. I only picked it up because it was $1 and the cover was by Darwyn Cooke. Here's a link to a review of issue # 1.

Justice League America # 34: "Island Life" AKA "Club JLI"

Creators: Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, Adam Hughes, Art Nichols, Bob Lappan, Gene D'Angelo, Kevin Dooley, and Andy Helfer
Publisher: DC
Pulblished: 1989

Booster Gold and Blue Beetle empty the JLA coffers and front a casino, with the two of them acting as the superhero attraction. F that saving people stuff - lets make some $$$$! The two think they're onto the perfect plan, however a couple of monkey wrenches are going to be tossed their way: a monster old as time who doesn't take kindly to casinos, and a card counter who also doesn't take too kindly to casinos.

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.

Time Warp # 5

Writers/Artists: Various
Publisher: DC
Published: July 1980

Time Warp was a 5 issue mini series. Each issue was a collection of sci-fi stories. Issue # 5 has a number of stories, ranging from time travel, transformations, suspense, love, and so on...One particular story that stands out is "Vengeance of C-92" by Arnold Drake and Vicatan. The story opens with Dr. Logan being hired to assist Barney Goffs run his super computer, C-92, which is programmed to run the North American continent.


Barney Goffs is so caught up with C-92, it is common knowledge the computer is like his son. However, after Dr. Logan has started work, Barney Goffs mind starts to stray:


But it would seem during his neglect towards C-92 he has also neglected Dr. Logan:



SHAZAM! (That one's for the ladies).

However, C-92, doesn't take to kindly to Barney's attention to Dr. Logan, so it tries to kill him with suck power!


But of course, Barney isn't just a wizard scientist, but and ASS-KICKIN' wizard scientist...

...who now has to live with the pain of killing his only son!


So, take heed: hell have no fury like a super computer scorned!

Batman: Black & White # 4 Special 3D Edition

Writers: Brian Bolland, Jan Stanad, Archie Goodwin, Dennis O'Neil, Katsuhiao Otomo
Artists: Brian Bolland, Kevin Nowlan, Gary Gianni, Brian Steelfreeze, Alex Toth
Publisher: DC
Published: September 1996

If you're a someone, than you know or gots Batman Black & White. This is a Batman series that is exactly what it is called: Batman in black and white. Creators were given the chance to write/draw a 8 page self-contained story of the Dark Knight. Issue # 4 has got the infamous "An Innocent Guy" by Brian Bolland, which alone, makes this issue a hot number. What makes my particular copy extra special is that this is only 1 of only a 1000 issues printed that were in eye popping 3D!

Check some scans from the 5 stories contained in this issue:





An Innocent Guy
Monsters in the Closet
Heroes
Leavetaking
The Third Mask
Back Cover
Jealous?

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