Good Girl Art: Young X-Men no. 2 by Terry and Rachel Dodson

That title sounds so wrong.

According to wikipedia "good girl art" is:

"...found in drawings or paintings which feature a strong emphasis on attractive women no matter what the subject or situation."

Whereas Young X-Men was a secondary storyline to the X-Men "Divided We Stand" story.

However, my interest really lies with Terry and Rachel Dodson's artwork!

I was first introduced to Terry and Rachel's work when I stumbled upon DC's Harley Quinn in 2001. There was something special about the comic. Well written, great characters, fun stories, and the clincher - Harley herself. No longer a whimsical cartoon depiction from Batman The Animated Series, Harley took on a whole new level of reality. Terry and Rachel drew Harley with the form of a fully realized person (albeit an 'idealistic' person). But here was a Harley who was athletic, emotional, capable, and ultimately, sexy.

And right there is the truth to why the Dodson's artwork is so appealing. The women the Dodson's draw are not weak, docile characters whose only strength is their exterior. The women they draw are fully realized both internally and externally and in essence are not just attractive women, but attractive characters.

Over the years I've kept an eye out for Dodson's work, be it their run on Spider-Man or their current work on X-men, but a few years ago I realized that I had seen their work from way back in my past. Digging through my comics I came across my old copies of Mantra. Judging from the cover art I knew why I purchased these comics as a 13 year old boy and looking at them now as an adult I appreciate them for much more than a prepubescent thrill they were then, but now a realization that even at 13 I had great taste in good girl art.






Young X-Men #2 written by Marc Guggenheim, penciled by Yanick Paquette, inked by Ray Snyder, colored by Rob Schwager, lettered by Dave Sharpe. Marvel July 2008.





Terry and Rachel Dodson Gallery




More Comix 365 articles:  

Mantra

Where the Wild Hulks

Watchmen # 5: Fearful Symmetry

Writer: Alan Moore
Artist: Dave Gibbons
Colorist: John Higgins
Publisher: January 1987

The movie Watchmen has hit theatres today, so I just couldn't pass up this chance to add a Watchmen comic to Comix 365.

Watchmen # 5: Fearful Symmetry concerns Rorschach deepening his investigation into the death of the Comedian. What makes this issue so great is the authors ensuring this issue is symmetrical. By this, I mean, the 28 pages are mirror images of each other, with on the 14 and 15 pages a 2 page spread that unite the symmetrical image. Take a look at a few scans of pages 7 & 22, 9 & 20, and 14 & 15:


This attention to symmetry in the comic, I don't think could be produced effectively in the movie. It's not a big deal, but it does add an extra level to the reading experience. I am interested to see if the movie adds the subplot concerning the Black Freighter. When I first read the Watchmen, I hated the scenes with the pirates, but now, I see just how vital and necessary that sub story is. Especially when it comes to understanding Adrian Veidt. Anyway, I'm still excited to see the film, even if Moore hates it.

Regarding Moore, it's easy to understand his view. By denouncing the films (for whatever reason he is citing), in his own way he is protecting his original works. And this work of fiction deserves to be protected at all costs, cause it is truly a great read.

X-Statix # 11: Introducing El Guapo!

Writer: Peter Milligan
Artists: Mike Allred/Laura Allred
Publisher: Marvel
Published: August 2003

X-Statix is one of my favorite series Marvel put out in the last decade or so. These heroes more concerned about saving people for television ratings sake than goodness sake.

Issue # 11 introduces Robbie Rodriguez aka "El Guapo" aka "The Handsome One" to the team. He has been brought on to boost drama amongst the team. He rides a mystical skateboard.


During a recruitment party, Robbie is sent into action with the team. Being a bit drunk, he slams head first into a tree. Exit stage left.


After, Robbie has a heart to heart with his girlfriend on whether to join X-Statix. He decides it'll be great for him and her, and they'll see each other whenever they can.


All seems well until, fame, money, and attention get the better of El Guapo.


Too bad for him Doop records everything.


Too bad for El Guapo his skateboard doesn't approve of his cheating ways, and gives him a lesson in skate justice.


Welcome to X-Statix.

X-Factor # 61 (Part 6 of The X-Tinction Agenda)

Writer: Louise Simonson
Artists: Jon Bogdanove, John Caponigro
Publisher: Marvel
Published: December 1990

Anyone remember X-tinction Agenda? If not a quick recap: the country of Genosha with the aid of Cameron Hodge (a crazy psycho cyborg) have declared war on mutants. A bunch of mutants have been captured and have had their mutant powers blocked. Hodge tortures the mutants forcing them to fight one another. One battle had Wolverine and Archangel forced to fight, where Wolverine is left badly injured. He is tossed into a cell.

This issue picks up with Jean Grey and Cable being tossed into cells as well. Hodge has Jean Grey placed in the same cell as Wolverine. As everyone knows, Wolvie has always had a major krush on Jean. His love for Jean is just another tragedy in his life, as Jean is loyally in love with Cyclops and can never return his love. Now that he's dying (because his healing factor is being blocked) Jean is drawn to him and able to bring some comfort to his life.

There have been many Wolverine and Jean Grey moments in X history, but I always remember this one as being particularly poignant.

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.

Wildcats # 3.7

Writer: Joe Casey
Artist: Dustin Nguyen
Publisher: Wildstorm
Published: April 2003

I only picked up this issue because of the ludicrous cover (that and it was 25 cents). The story follows a guy named Wax, who is spying on two other guys. Wax works for (I think) some sort of covert unit, and one of the guys he was spying on ends up getting attacked by the two leather daddies on the cover. There is also a subplot involving an interview of a company big wig, and Wax being a giant evil asshole to his bosses wife.

You know I never understood the appeal of the S&M culture. It's not so much the submissive/dominant ideology that I don't get, but the obsession with leather. What's the deal with that?

When I was in school, the Matrix had just been released and this caused leather to be the 'in' thing. I liked the movie, quite a bit, and I thought the costumes looked great, but I always found leather in real life never looked as polished. It was disillusioning. Also, at my old job, a lot of the supervisors wore big leather jackets, and since I didn't like a lot of the supervisors there, I associated leather clothing with my distaste of management.

So because of my natural inclination to dislike leather bound individuals I'll never be a S&M devotee...but if plaid flannel shirts chained to ass-less corduroy pants existed, well that's a whole new ball game.

X-Men Classic # 47

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: John Byrne
Colorist: Glynis Wein
Publisher: Marvel
Published: May 1990

Happy Christmas Eve!

This is one of my favorite Christmas X-Men Kitty Pryde stories. Kitty is still a kid amongst the X-Men, but not by her choosing. She longs to be treated like an equal, and less like a student. Well, tonight on Christmas Eve, she'll have her chance to earn her stripes....'CAUSE A BIG FRICKEN' DEMON IS GOING TO HUNT HER DOWN!
This tale is straight out of the Aliens films starring Sigourney Weaver. While the X-Men are away celebrating, Kitty is chased around the mansion trying to evade and not be killed by this giant demon. She leads the demon to the Danger Room, where she uses the equipment to try and kill it. This has no effect. Fearing for her life and desperate for options she runs to the X-Men hanger, where she uses the Blackbirds jet engines to fry that bitch! All seems calm, until out of the flames the demon stretches it's demon claws at Kitty. Is this the end of our spitfire heroine?Nope, she lives. Have a demon-free Christmas Eve!

X-Men and Spider-Man # 2 of 4

Writer: Christos Gage
Artist: Mario Alberti
Publisher: Marvel
Published: December 2008

This is probably the best looking comic for a team up that I have ever read. I've never heard of Mario Alberti, but now that I have, I wish I had knew of him earlier, because his style is just fantastic. His mastery of the graphic design is staggering....I think I'm in love...

Issue two has Spider-Man (in his awesome black suit) rifling through the files of the now dead Kraven, and finding info on some shady dealings between Kraven and Mr. Sinister. Spidy heads over to visit the X-Men to advise them of this. At this point in the series, the X-Men are in knee deep with stopping the Marauders. For all you non X-Men folk, the Marauders are a group of mutants who were hired to capture individuals for Mr. Sinister's experiments. At this point the issue pretty much turns into one kick ass fight sequence, that includes Wolverine getting all beserker on Sabertooth. Also for any of the folks not in the know, Wolvie and Sabertooth don't get along too well...as for thee reasons why, not too sure, as it keeps changing with Wolvies ever expanding history. The last I remember, and this is going back a few issues, is that Sabertooth killed Silver Fox, Wolvies lover. Now, I'm not too sure if that is the case, as I also think that whole Silver Fox thing may have been a mental implant...oh I can't keep up...I'll have to wik it up later. Not tonight though...gotta gets sleep and dream dreams of dreamland...

Anyway, this series is pretty much sliding under the radar, which is too bad, because folks need to buy these issues just so that Marvel will keep hiring Alberti.

Fuck Alberti rocks!

Next up some issues centered on Bats and Betty Page.

Same Bat Time
Same Bat Channel

World's Finest Comics Starring Superman and Batman # 295

Writers: L.B. Kellog, David Anthony Kraft
Artists: Jerome Moore, Frank McLaughlin
Publisher: DC
Published: September 1983

I haven't read too many Batman or Superman tales from the 80s, but I'm beginning to think I missed a special time in their friendship. This issue opens with Batman on his deathbed after a gas poisoning by the Moon Dancers. Superman is at his side, and the two are sharing a silent moment.

I wish I knew how to quit you!
Turns out that the Moon Dancers, which include Harvest Moon, Crescent Moon, and New Moon, are working for a scientist hellbent on dismantling all nuclear weapons. Crescent Moon is responsible for gassing Batman, but she is unaware of her masters ultimate plan, to poison Batman with an unknown virus, forcing Superman to search space for a rare energy source to cure the virus. Of, course Superman is able to find the energy source, cure Batman, and then have it fall into the evil scientists hands. The issue ends with Batman and Superman teaming up to topple the mad scientist and his plans of using this rare energy to destroy all nuclear weapons.

I picked up this issue solely because of the Moon Dancers. I mean, come on, does that not sound awesome? Crescent Moon rides a crescent shaped hovercraft and looks remarkably like Dagger from Marvel, Harvest Moon looks like Neil Young, but real hot like...kidding! She's the red head of the crew and has the power to alter her size, and New Moon is the hippie looking lady who fires freeze rays. So, yeah, pretty cool right?

After reading the comic though, besides the Moon Dancers, awesomeness, I couldn't help but feel bad for Batsy. I mean, he ends up being beaten and manipulated by the baddies, which isn't a big deal, but when he's out cold, Gotham criminals, hearing that he is on the way out, end up starting a massive crime wave. However, after Batman has been cured and is resting, Superman flies into Gotham, and in a day's work ends up stopping and capturing all the criminals. If I were Batman, I'd feel a bit, oh I don't know, useless. Realistically, it would take Batman at least a couple of weeks to accomplist that feat! No wonder the two of them got a whole brokeback/hate thing going.

Wolverine: Manifest Destiny # 2 of 4

Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Stephen Segovia
Publisher: Marvel
Published: December 2008

Here we have part 2 of the Manifest Destiny Wolvie series. This issue picks up with Wolvies old girlfriend ordering his death by the Black Dragon Death Squad. Now they aren't called Death Squad without a reason, and they sure put one helluva beating on Wolverine. One of them punches him in the soul! Thanks to this act we now have conclusive evidence that humans have souls. The issue ends with what is setting up to be an awesome training montage, a la Rocky style.

As usual the artwork is fantastic, and Jason Aaron definitely has a handle on old martial arts dialogue and even manages to throw in THE Chinatown quote. Can't wait for the next one.




I wish I could have made that my high school yearbook quote.

X-Men Unlimited # 37

Writer: Kaare Andrews
Artist: Kaare Andrews, Dave McCaig, Mike Kunkel, Joshua Middleton, Troy Nixey, Dave Stewart, Skottie Young, Pat Duke
Publisher: Marvel
Published: September 2002

X is for X-Men! X-Men!

This is another one of those issues that I picked up because the cover kicked ass. As you can see, it has many, many versions of Wolverine duking it out and it looks absolutely awesome! As for the story, it's pretty awesome too.

The issue follows a farmer who summons a boy named Hutch into his plain of existence. Hutch is a boy who was born into all worlds but none. He is split between all the different realities, but when the farmer summons him he ends up creating a convergence in all the worlds which allows Mephisto a chance to destroy everything. The X-Men, all the many versions are there to fight him. As the issue progresses we find out that Hutch is the son of Illyana, who just wants her boy back. In the end Hutch sacrifices his solidarity in one reality to save all realities. What a nice boy!

The great thing about these type of tales is that it offers a wide range of artists. It's like a sampler of talent, and it allows the reader the chance to see a variety of styles. I was greatly impressed by Nixey and Stewarts version of Mephisto. Real creepy and yet powerful! Also the little Wolverine and little X-Men scene was pretty wicked. The comic is worth a read just for the artistic wonders inside.