Hellboy: The Storm # 1 of 3

Writer: Mike Mignola
Artist: Duncan Fegredo
Colors: Dave Stewart
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Published: July 2010

I haven't read any Hellboy comics in a long time. So with this issue, I decided I'd see what he's up to these days. Turns out he's got Excalibur and is the heir to the the throne of England. Go fig.

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.

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?

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.

Pigeons From Hell # 1 of 4

Writer: Joe R. Lansdale
Artist: Nathan Fox
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Published: April 2008

Following on the tail feathers of yesterday's post, I thought the comic adaptation of Robert E. Howard's short story, Pigeons From Hell, would be a perfect fit for the day before HALLOWEEN!!!!

The Blassenville sisters, with some friends, are on their way to see an old family house they inherited. Upon entering the house the group find a mass mound of dead pigeons. The group then leaves the house in a hurry, but things don't go quite their way...the pigeon shit is about to hit the fan, as it were.

This is a great series, and not just because of the fantastic story by Howard, or the awesome adaption skills of Lansdale, but because of Nathan Fox's involvement. Now here is a guy that delivers when it comes to images of eeriness and gore. His style reminds me of Paul Pope, but with more lines. Fox's use of color is outstanding as well. This is an artist definitely to watch.

1 DAY TO HALLOWEEN!