Daniel Sherrier's Blog, page 41

Today’s Super Comics — Detective Comics #647-649 (1992)

And now I present the first complete comic book storyline I ever read (that didn’t involve mutated sentient turtles, that is). The previous issue of Detective Comics was my actual starting point, but it was a part three of three. These were my first parts one and two. If this storyline wasn’t any good, I might be blogging about basket weaving or something now.

While those Matt Wagner covers certainly didn’t hurt, Chuck Dixon’s story is what sold me. And that story is notable for more than my own personal reasons—it’s the introduction of Stephanie Brown, a.k.a. the Spoiler, who years later would become a Robin and then a Batgirl (an excellent Batgirl at that, for too short a time). Here, we meet her as the daughter of the Cluemaster, a second-rate costumed criminal who’s basically a poor man’s Riddler. Stephanie is not a fan.

The story also serves as a good showcase for then-newish Robin, Tim Drake. (I was initially very confused when Batman called him “Tim” instead of “Dick.” I was all like, “How does Batman make a mistake?”) Tim was a great Robin and generally a great character in the 90s, and he really began to soar in Dixon’s stories. He’s smart, resourceful, not above goofing up—relatable and a solid role model for kids.

I enjoyed these issues when I was nine, and I’m delighted to say they hold up just fine. (I had excellent taste as a child, clearly.) A great new character and, for me, the birth of a lifelong hobby…all in three unassuming issues at a mere $1.25 a pop (the good ol’ days!).

Writer: Chuck Dixon

Penciler: Tom Lyle

Inker: Scott Hanna

Publisher: DC Comics

How to Read It: back issues; Comixology

Appropriate For: ages 9 and up

Today’s Super Comic — Green Lantern #1 (1990)

If you can, forget the Green Lantern film. But if that memory proves regrettably indelible, then at least remember that the book is always better than the movie. And “always” applies even to Green Lantern, too.

With decades’ worth of stories, the quality will inevitably vary, but several bright spots leap to mind. Let’s stick to one for now, the beginning of a run I’ve always had a soft spot for, by the writer who was still charting GL’s course when I started reading the series a few years later.

When DC Comics relaunched Green Lantern in 1990, Hal Jordan just wanted to keep his feet planted on the ground and reconnect with the real world.

By this point, Hal is a seasoned superhero, even with having taken an extended break or two along the way. He’s seen it all—he’s traveled the universe, helped establish the Justice League of America, and battled beings of incredible power and prevailed. And his temples are grayer for it. But now it’s time to get back in touch with humanity.

The idea of someone whose perception is colored by extraordinary experiences now interacting with ordinary daily life is a concept that has always fascinated me, and Green Lantern proves to be a great choice for such a role.

But don’t misunderstand—the series still showcases its fair share of action, and cosmic threats are always lurking right around the corner. A fellow Green Lantern, Guy Gardner, performs admirably as a foil, antagonist, and ally (all in one obnoxious package!) for Hal. And a third earthman Green Lantern, John Stewart (the one from the excellent cartoon), is also in the picture but not exactly gung-ho for duty at first.

Green Lantern tends to lose my interest whenever he spends too much time in space, but his time on the ground here served him well indeed.

Writer: Gerard Jones

Penciler: Pat Broderick

Publisher: DC Comics

How to Read It: back issues; Comixology; Green Lantern: The Road Back (TPB)

Appropriate For: ages 10 and up

Today’s Super Comics — Captain America #450-453 (1996)

A classic Captain America story with a terrific premise. What happens when the ultimate patriot is forced to become an expatriate? He fights to regain his citizenship, of course. And in this case, that involves clearing his name after he’s framed for treason.

Plenty of thrilling action follows. Cap is teamed up with his ex-girlfriend, the formerly deceased agent of SHIELD Sharon Carter, now quite a bit hardened since her original appearances in the 60s and 70s. Back in the early days, she might faint on occasion. But this Sharon proves substantially tougher, and her harder edge makes her a great foil for perennial good guy Steve Rogers. (I’m disregarding the recent news reports until the full story is out. Speaking as a longtime fan with no insider knowledge, no way would Marvel make Captain America permanently evil. Mark my words. Wouldn’t be the first time a superhero pretended to switch sides to get the job done.)

Anyway, Mark Waid and Ron Garney had a fantastic, too-short run on Captain America in the mid-1990s until an ill-advised event derailed their momentum. They returned to the title a year later and produced good stuff, but the initial run remains their best work on the title. And the Man Without a Country storyline is the pinnacle. Everything a Captain America story should be—a driven and righteous hero, an intriguing and formidable romantic interest, high stakes on an international scale, fast-paced action, and no politics or preaching.

Writer: Mark Waid

Penciler: Ron Garney

Publisher: Marvel Comics

How to Read It: back issues; Marvel Unlimited, Comixology; Captain America: Man Without a Country (TPB)

Appropriate For: ages 11 and up

Today’s Super Comic — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time #1 (2014)

When I first picked up this issue, I hadn’t read a Ninja Turtles comic since maybe 1992 or 1993. The Turtles were my gateway drug into comics back in the day, but once I started reading Batman, I put the Heroes in a Half-Shell aside. And for a solid twenty years, I never looked back.

Then nostalgia got the better of me, and I’m glad it did.

The first issue in the Turtles in Time miniseries is just plain fun, with a humorous script by Paul Allor and clean, solid art by Ross Campbell. The premise is straightforward—the Turtles are involuntarily traveling through time, and their first stop is the prehistoric past…where alien scientists are studying dinosaurs.

The Ninja Turtles are an inherently ridiculous concept, even by comic book standards. You can’t play them too seriously, but you also don’t want to resort to camp. This book strikes just the right balance and makes the case for readers of all ages enjoying some Turtle time.

Michelangelo’s running gag and its payoff particularly amused me. I really wasn’t expecting to enjoy this comic as much as I did. Time has been kind to the Turtles.

Writer: Paul Allor

Artist: Ross Campbell

Publisher: IDW

How to Read It: back issues; Comixology; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time (TPB)

Appropriate For: ages 8 and up

Today’s Super Comic — All-New, All-Different Avengers #6 (2016)

Leave it to the ever-reliable Mark Waid to craft a new Avengers series that feels both classic and fresh. A large part of this book’s success is due to the exceptionally well-balanced roster—three adults, three teenagers, and one android.

All the superhero names are pretty well established, but except for Iron Man and Vision, none are the original incarnations (though the Vision isn’t exactly like his original self, so really just Iron Man). We’ve got the former Falcon as the new Captain America, the new female Thor (I won’t spoil her identity since it was a secret not too long ago), the new teenaged Ms. Marvel, the Miles Morales Spider-Man imported from the Ultimate line, and a teenaged Nova (I haven’t read much Nova, but I’m pretty sure this kid isn’t the original).

This issue wraps up the first story arc, revealing a worthy villain for the new team and providing the sort of large-scale action the Avengers have always thrived in. The specific plot isn’t too noteworthy, but it serves as just the right vehicle to showcase the new team. Most important, the characters never get lost in the shuffle. Everyone has a distinct personality that shines through. The relationships between the members create a wonderful team dynamic. And each Avenger is first and foremost a hero. Plus, at no point does anything ever get oppressively serious.

This Avengers series definitely earns the name, and it’s a specific assemblage I want to continue to see working together. I knew I could trust Waid to get it right.

Writer: Mark Waid

Artist: Mahmud Asrar

Publisher: Marvel Comics

How to Read It: recent back issues; included in All-New, All-Different Avengers vol. 1: The Magnificent Seven (TPB); Comixology

Appropriate For: ages 12 and up

Today’s Super Comic — DC Universe: Rebirth #1 (2016)

This book made me happy.

Is it a literary masterpiece? No. It’s downright expository. It merely sets the stage. It is certainly not a jumping-on point. But as someone who was left cold by most of DC’s New 52, this book gives me hope that DC Comics is about to become properly super-heroic again.

I don’t want to give any specifics away, as the ending reveals something I hadn’t even considered as a possibility before I started reading. I was already spoiled on who the main viewpoint character is, but all I’ll say on that is…yes, and about time, DC. One of my favorite characters. You don’t realize how much you’d miss something until it’s taken away from you for several years.

I also don’t want to get into bashing the New 52 since the mission statement for my review-a-day series is to stay positive, so I’ll just look toward the future of DC. Judging from this book, that future looks brighter, more hopeful, and more heroic.

Within all that, DC needs to remember one important ingredient—keep it accessible and appropriate for younger readers. Nothing wrong with adults enjoying superheroes (obviously), but kids need a Superman and Wonder Woman they can look up to (among other great characters). Heck, it’s not just an important ingredient, but the most important. The older I get, the more firmly I believe that.

Writer: Geoff Johns

Artists: Ethan Van Sciver, Ivan Reis, Gary Frank, Phil Jimenez, and more!

Publisher: DC Comics

How to Read It: new issue (but it may be sold out in many places), Comixology

Appropriate For: ages 12 and up

Today’s Super Comic: Aquaman #46 (1998)

How talented a writer is Peter David? He made Aquaman into a formidable, compelling character. Under David’s watch, Aquaman never felt like a joke, even though his series retained plenty of humor. (You can always count on Peter David to bring a strong sense of humor to his books.) Aquaman is king of the seas—ruler of the majority of the planet—and these storylines never forgot that.

This issue, #46, marked the end of David’s run on Aquaman, and it’s a solid finale to the best string of issues Talks-To-Fish-Man ever had. For the final story, Aquaman partakes in a classic trope—going to Hades. He does so to rescue his enemy Poseidon, whose son Triton is causing troubles in Aquaman’s home Poseidonis.

But getting to Hades…yes, Aquaman allows Triton to kill him in the off-chance he will wind up in Hades, and will be able to return, because that’s the only way to save his kingdom. Pretty bold move for a character typically ridiculed as a useless Fish Whisperer.

David’s Aquaman was a king first and a superhero a distant second. And the character benefited tremendously from that approach. You wouldn’t want to mess with this Aquaman.

Writer: Peter David

Penciler: J. Calafiore

Inkers: Peter Palmiotti, Mark McKenna

Publisher: DC Comics

How to Read It: back issues

Appropriate For: ages 11 and up

 

Today’s Super Comic: Ms. Marvel #17 (2015)

I continue to catch up on Ms. Marvel, and it continues to be a total delight. Not even getting caught up in a company-wide crossover can throw it off track. Rather, this Secret Wars tie-in allows Ms. Marvel the opportunity to team up with her idol, Captain Marvel.

Kamala’s initial reaction to meeting her own personal hero after a really rough day is priceless, and their interaction throughout the issue is handled wonderfully. Her youthful enthusiasm is infectious, and Carol Danvers’ patience with her young fan and encouragement of a promising young hero helps set a great, kind-hearted tone for the story.

Writer G. Willow Wilson gets this teenage superhero series exactly right. It’s funny, full of heart, and with a protagonist who tries to do the right thing no matter how difficult that is. If you want a superhero book that will put a smile on your face, check Ms. Marvel out.

“For a while, I just felt kind of weird and gross.”

“And now?”

“Now I feel weird and awesome!”

Writer: G. Willow Wilson

Artist: Adrian Alphona

Publisher: Marvel Comics

How to Read It: recent back issues; Marvel Unlimited; included in Ms. Marvel vol. 4: Last Days (TPB)

Appropriate For: ages 10 and up

 

Today’s Super Comic: X-Men: Omega (1995)

Apocalypse is bursting onto the big screen this weekend, so now seems like a swell time for a quick look back at the greatest—and most ambitious—Apocalypse storyline…The Age of Apocalypse.

The X-Men’s world (and history) was drastically altered thanks to the time-traveling antics of Prof. Xavier’s son. For four months, the usual stable of X-Men titles gave way to alternate-reality versions. In this X-world, Xavier died before he could found the X-Men, but Magneto did form the team to fight for peace and tolerance in honor of his fallen friend. One wee problem, though—Apocalypse rules the world in a decidedly not-friendly way.

X-Men: Omega is the grand finale, and it demonstrates what a superb accomplishment this storyline is. Part of the nature of the comic book beast is they always need to be setting up the next storyline. Definitive endings are the minority, unless a series is cancelled, but even then the characters can live on in guest appearances or revivals.

But The Age of Apocalypse occupied the less common position. This alternate reality needed to give way to the proper Marvel Universe sooner or later, thus allowing the saga to achieve a proper conclusion. This freedom from the normal confines of continuity bolstered the creativity of an already exceptional team of writers and artists. There have been attempts at revisiting this timeline, but honestly I’ve never felt the need to check those out because this original storyline stands on its own in such a satisfying way.

Also, Apocalypse may be the title character and formidable threat, but he’s not what makes the story interesting. More than anyone else, that distinction goes to Magneto—he’s never been a better man than in this dystopian world. But he’s still no Xavier.

It was definitely nice to return to the “real” X-Men after four months, but this storyline continues to hold up as a big crossover event that was properly executed.

Writers: Scott Lobdell, Mark Waid

Penciler: Roger Cruz

Publisher: Marvel Comics

How to Read It: back issues; Marvel Unlimited; included in X-Men: Age of Apocalypse vol. 3: Omega (TPB)

Appropriate For: ages 12 and up

Today’s Super Comic: Astonishing X-Men #14 (2006)

Joss Whedon deconstructs Cyclops, and it’s about as brilliant as you would expect.

Before he took on Earth’s Mightiest Film Franchise, Whedon wrote a love letter to classic X-Men comics over the course of 25 issues of Atonishing X-Men, in which he was paired with superb artist John Cassaday. They presented no bold new interpretation of the X-Men. Rather, they told solid X-Men stories focusing on several popular characters, and they did so with exceptional skill, polish, and humor.

Every issue features Whedon’s snappy dialogue and Cassaday’s detailed, cinematic art. But #14 also features great insight into Cyclops’s character. The Avengers have Captain America. The Fantastic Four have Mr. Fantastic. And the X-Men have…Cyclops? What makes him so special?

The issue plays to Whedon’s strengths…namely, one couple having a substantial conversation while another couple…well, they’re not conversing much, but they provide the comedy to balance out the Cyclops storyline.

And Cassaday isn’t just a great artist — he also excels at staging the action via his page layouts, like a good director. The book’s funniest moment lands because of Cassaday’s “direction” … and also because Whedon knows when to step aside and let the pictures tell the story.

It’s the X-Men done right.

Writer: Joss Whedon

Artist: John Cassaday

Publisher: Marvel Comics

How to Read It: back issues; Marvel Unlimited; Astonishing X-Men vol. 3: Torn (TPB)

Appropriate For: ages 15 and up