Todd Klein's Blog, page 224

And Then I Read: GREEN LANTERN NEW GUARDIANS 38

Image © DC Comics.

One thing you can depend on in the Green Lantern universe is, someone is always destroying things. Kyle Rayner and Carol Ferris are on Zamaron talking over their relationship when they’re called to the latest site of destruction, and it proves to have a familiar hand behind it. The art this time has some impressive visuals, but I found the depictions of Kyle and Carol too far from other recent versions, it kept throwing me off. The story is fine if nothing we haven’t seen before. In all, an okay read.

Mildly recommended.

And Then I Read: JUSTICE LEAGUE 38

Image © DC Comics.

The Amazo virus has taken Batman, as it had already infected other members of the Justice League. Superman and Wonder Woman are still untouched, and in this issue we find out from Luthor why Superman is unaffected. Luthor, despite his past, seems to want to help stop the virus he created, but never meant to unleash on the world, and he may have the best chance, even if the heroes don’t like it or him. Geoff Johns is brilliant at pulling all the moral quandaries out of this story, and the raw emotions and revelations are the best part of it, even though at the end it looks like the virus is getting smarter. Not good news. Excellent art by Jason Fabok.

Recommended.

And Then I Read: AQUAMAN 38

Image © DC Comics, Inc.

What I like most about the Maelstrom storyline is the exploration and adventure of the Atlantean gateways taking Arthur Curry, Mera and their associates on a tour of odd, forgotten corners of the world. It’s a quest story, kind of a throwback to comics of old, but with modern characters and art. There’s something of CHALLENGERS OF THE UNKNOWN in it, and this time massive fiery creatures that are the antithesis of Aquaman’s watery expertise. Is this the final gateway, and will they be able to pass through it? What will be on the other side? Read the issue to find out!

Recommended.

And Then I Read SWAMPMEN (CBC#6)

Cover by Frank Cho, Swamp Thing © DC Comics.

Editor Jon B. Cooke worked on this thick volume (with tiny type) for about ten years, and as with all his work, it’s thoroughly detailed and well-researched. The bulk of it is interviews that ask the right questions. In trying for a comprehensive look at swamp creatures that walk like men, Jon dove into areas that don’t interest me, so I didn’t read about The Heap, The Glob, The Bog-Beast and others, but I enjoyed reading about Man-Thing and Swamp Thing. The latter creature gets the most coverage due to illuminating interviews with Len Wein, Bernie Wrightson, Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, Rick Veitch and John Totleben. If you ever wanted to know more on that subject, you’re likely to find it here. Lots of rare art and photos are within as well. Man-Thing is a comic I never read until I lettered it not long ago (the final Man-Thing story by Steve Gerber), and the coverage on it here is equally excellent: interviews with Steve Gerber, Val Mayerik, Mike Ploog and Jim Mooney. Well done.

Recommended.

And Then I Read: G.I. ZOMBIE 6

Image © DC Comics, Inc.

The partner agents in this series, Carmen and Jared (the G.I. Zombie) are now both inside the massive secret base in the American southwest where plots to destroy American cities are ongoing. Carmen is working it from the inside, posing as a would-be conspirator. Jared has made it in a body bag posing as a corpse, which is what he actually is, though a lively and powerful one. Neither of them are having much luck finding out exactly what’s going on, but Jared trips some alarms, so the base leaders are about to make an emergency exit if they aren’t stopped soon. Despite the zombie lead, this is a book I continue to enjoy reading, thanks to good writing by Palmiotti and Gray, and fine art by Scott Hampton.

Recommended.

And Then I Read: DETECTIVE 38

Image © DC Comics, Inc.

Batman’s latest struggle against Anarky begins with a massive explosion. When the dust clears, the detective work begins. Anarky wears a mask, and is passing them out everywhere (not unlike the masks from the “V for Vendetta” film a few years ago), and suspects seem to be everywhere. Bruce Wayne is not above disguises himself, and uses one here to gain some information, but then things get out of hand again. Nicely done by Manapul and Buccellato, and I must say the coloring is particularly effective this issue.

Recommended.

THE ILLEGALISTS and why you should support it!

Images © Stefan Vogel.

On November 16, 2013, I received an email from Stefan Vogel asking if I would be available to letter his self-funded comic, “The Illegalists.” He wrote,

Set in Paris 1911, against a backdrop of thieves, bohemians and anarchists; a struggling mechanic is forced into crime, and seeks vengeance on the Chief of Police, becoming France’s most dangerous and wanted man.

Stefan had co-written the script with Laura Pierce, was having the art done by Attila Futaki, and colored by Greg Guilhaumond, sample above.

Generally I don’t have time for over-the-transom jobs like this, but I liked the art samples Stefan sent, and asked him to send me the rest of the art he had ready, and the script. When I’d received them, and read everything, I was impressed. The writing and art were both excellent, the story was exciting, passionate and dramatic. It was a crime story, but one where the criminals have been so badly treated one can’t help sympathize with them when they decide to break the law. I told Stefan if he would meet my rate, I would letter the book.

Over two years later, the first half of the story is complete, the equivalent of three US comics, or one European album, all funded by Stefan out of his own pocket. He has decided to try to raise funds to finish the story and self-publish it through a Kickstarter. I sincerely recommend you have a look, watch the video, and consider joining the campaign. I think it’s an excellent book and deserves to be published. Here’s the Kickstarter and the video:

http://kck.st/1CkhWKX

And if you decide to kick something in, please mention you heard about it here. Thanks!

And Then I Read: GREEN LANTERN 38

Image © DC Comics, Inc.

The latest crisis is over, so we get some personal down time for Hal Jordan back on Earth, where he’s joined by Guy Gardner, Barry Allen and Carol Ferris in an entertaining night at a local bar. It’s all about Hal’s friends and relationships, the kind of story I enjoy, and it’s well written by Robert Venditti, though perhaps a bit predictable. Everyone is playing to their usual characteristics, and nothing much changes, but it’s nice to bring things down to Earth once in a while. The art is penciled by Admira Wijaya and finish-colored by Andrew Dalhouse with excellent results. In all, a fine read. I also admire the use of white space on the cover, refreshing.

Recommended.

And Then I Read: SWAMP THING 38

Image © DC Comics, Inc.

Resurrecting the dead is a common theme in comics, but it’s hard to think of a character whose remains have been returned to some kind of life more often than Alec Holland, the original Swamp Thing. Alan Moore separated the man and the creature, but they continue to be intertwined, and when they face each other in person, it’s never a good day for either. Charles Soule continues to come up with creative story lines involving a war between avatars, and now Anton Arcane is involved as well, also never a good thing for the main character. The art by Javi Pina is excellent, as always.

Recommended.

And Then I Read: AQUAMAN AND THE OTHERS 9

Image © DC Comics, Inc.

This book has gone off the tracks for me, which is too bad, as I like the writer and the artists. It has become all about two opposing teams of super-powered covert agents who are revisiting old battles of the cold war, and Aquaman is hardly in it. Now we’re exploring the back stories and childhood of some of the agents. Sorry, it’s not for me. I may try one more issue of this, and if things don’t change, which I expect they won’t, it will be the last.

Not recommended.