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Concrete
Concrete: The Complete Short Stories, 1986-1989
This volume collects all of the concrete short stories that have appeared in Dark Horse Presents since that title's first issue, including "Burning Brightly, Brightly," which introduced Melissa Strangehands, and "Next Best," featuring Concrete's three-legged dog, Tripod. This multi-award-winning character is presented here in a deluxe format, making this book a must-have item for any serious collector of high-quality comics.
117 pages, Paperback
First published December 11, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 28, 2013
Concrete is not a superhero. He's not the Hulk smashing everything in his path. He's not The Thing shouting «It's Clobberin Time» before going into action.
In fact, there is very little action in Concrete's life. In some ways, you even get to pity the poor schmuck that had his brain transfered into a big pile of rock by a bunch of mysterious aliens. He actually probably lost more than he gained... his sense of touch is practically innexistent, no more taste buds, no more sense of smell either... also try to imagine what a guy like him's sex life is like... he doesn't wear any clothes and, well, it's pretty obvious there a part of male anatomy that just aint there. OK, so he got these amazing eyes and great strenght. But in world where superheroes are innexistant, he makes due as any of us would with what he's got on a day to day basis trying not to let his «handicap» pull him down.
One could say that Concrete is one of the most normal guys in the world. He could be anybody you just happen to cross on the street on any given day... except he's big and, you know, made of concrete.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on the limited hardcover edition of this book signed by the author Paul Chadwick and numbered 984/2000.
Contains a bunch of short stories compiled mostly from Dark Horse Presents into a neat and nice package
In fact, there is very little action in Concrete's life. In some ways, you even get to pity the poor schmuck that had his brain transfered into a big pile of rock by a bunch of mysterious aliens. He actually probably lost more than he gained... his sense of touch is practically innexistent, no more taste buds, no more sense of smell either... also try to imagine what a guy like him's sex life is like... he doesn't wear any clothes and, well, it's pretty obvious there a part of male anatomy that just aint there. OK, so he got these amazing eyes and great strenght. But in world where superheroes are innexistant, he makes due as any of us would with what he's got on a day to day basis trying not to let his «handicap» pull him down.
One could say that Concrete is one of the most normal guys in the world. He could be anybody you just happen to cross on the street on any given day... except he's big and, you know, made of concrete.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on the limited hardcover edition of this book signed by the author Paul Chadwick and numbered 984/2000.
Contains a bunch of short stories compiled mostly from Dark Horse Presents into a neat and nice package
February 3, 2022
#ThrowbackThursday - Back in the '90s, I used to write comic book reviews for the website of a now-defunct comic book retailer called Rockem Sockem Comics. (Collect them all!)
From the September 1998 edition with a theme of "Creative Recycling":
INTRODUCTION
Last month's column was about publishers reprinting and repackaging material. This month, I'm going to take a peek at creative recycling.
What's creative recycling? That's when a creator takes elements, plots, characters, themes, traditional frameworks, or artistic styles from another creator or creative work; puts his or her own spin on the material; and produces a work which -- while derivative -- becomes distinctly original and new. Or so it is hoped.
Let's see which of this month's books succeed and which ones fail.
FROM THE BACKLIST
CONCRETE #1-10 (Dark Horse Comics)
CONCRETE: COMPLETE SHORT STORIES 1986-1989 (Dark Horse Comics)
CONCRETE: STRANGE ARMOR #1-5 (Dark Horse Comics)
Ben "The Thing" Grimm of the Fantastic Four is a world-renown brooder. He constantly bemoans the tragedy which has befallen him; his great strength and invulnerability come at the expense of having an ugly, orange, rocky exterior that only a blind woman could love. While the Thing may be one of the top powerhouses of the Marvel Universe, he is a pansy in the brooding department when compared to his spiritual brother, Concrete.
Concrete, who first appeared in DARK HORSE PRESENTS #1 (Dark Horse Comics), is the "real world" twin of Ben Grimm. Through Concrete, writer/artist Paul Chadwick explores the benefits, consequences, and incredible isolation of being a human trapped in a hugely powerful but ugly and ungainly body. Ron Lithgow, the man whose mind was transferred by aliens into the powerful, artificial Concrete construct, struggles to escape his introverted, nerdish roots in order to most fully live what remains of his shattered life. His greatest regret is that even if he were to somehow find love, with no nerve endings, he can never again fully enjoy the touch of a woman.
So Concrete tries to help people and perform stunts in order to distract himself. He attempts to climb mountains, swim oceans, rescue trapped miners, and hang out with celebrities. CONCRETE contains many adventure elements, but the majority of Concrete's stories are cerebral due to the introspective nature of the character. While Concrete may like to rush headlong into action in theory, in practice he generally embarrasses himself whenever he tries something bold. So he thinks through all the ramifications of his deeds, hoping to reach a morally defensible position before acting. Instead of "It's clobberin' time!", Concrete is much more likely to exclaim, "It's ponderin' time!"
As you can probably guess, most CONCRETE stories are character-driven. And you couldn't ask for a finer bunch of people to drive you around. In addition to Ron "Concrete" Lithgow, there is Maureen, the absent-minded professor. She's the scientist assigned to study and document the alien technology which Concrete's body represents. She's totally oblivious to the fact that Concrete has a huge crush on her. Then there's Larry, Concrete's aide-de-camp. A freewheelin' dude of the first order, Larry often oversteps the bounds of typing up Concrete's dictation of their adventures by exercising his own creative writing skills. Their clashing personalities causes frustration for Concrete, but he keeps Larry around because he admires his easygoing manner and luck with the ladies. Finally, there is the aggressive and outgoing Senator for whom Concrete wrote speeches before his alien transformation. The Senator is a respected mentor and father figure Concrete frequently approaches for advice.
Despite a publishing history spanning over ten years, it's pretty easy to catch up with CONCRETE. Dark Horse Comics has collected the original ten issues of CONCRETE and Concrete's frequent short story appearances from DARK HORSE PRESENTS in two separate "Complete" trade paperbacks. While CONCRETE no longer has a regular series, he resurfaces fairly regularly in a series of limited series. Most recently, Chadwick retold and revamped Concrete's origin in the limited series, CONCRETE: STRANGE ARMOR. While the changes in Concrete's origin were mostly unnecessary and unwanted (by me, at least), they don't take away from yet another beautifully drawn and thoughtfully written CONCRETE comic.
Grade: B+
From the September 1998 edition with a theme of "Creative Recycling":
INTRODUCTION
Last month's column was about publishers reprinting and repackaging material. This month, I'm going to take a peek at creative recycling.
What's creative recycling? That's when a creator takes elements, plots, characters, themes, traditional frameworks, or artistic styles from another creator or creative work; puts his or her own spin on the material; and produces a work which -- while derivative -- becomes distinctly original and new. Or so it is hoped.
Let's see which of this month's books succeed and which ones fail.
FROM THE BACKLIST
CONCRETE #1-10 (Dark Horse Comics)
CONCRETE: COMPLETE SHORT STORIES 1986-1989 (Dark Horse Comics)
CONCRETE: STRANGE ARMOR #1-5 (Dark Horse Comics)
Ben "The Thing" Grimm of the Fantastic Four is a world-renown brooder. He constantly bemoans the tragedy which has befallen him; his great strength and invulnerability come at the expense of having an ugly, orange, rocky exterior that only a blind woman could love. While the Thing may be one of the top powerhouses of the Marvel Universe, he is a pansy in the brooding department when compared to his spiritual brother, Concrete.
Concrete, who first appeared in DARK HORSE PRESENTS #1 (Dark Horse Comics), is the "real world" twin of Ben Grimm. Through Concrete, writer/artist Paul Chadwick explores the benefits, consequences, and incredible isolation of being a human trapped in a hugely powerful but ugly and ungainly body. Ron Lithgow, the man whose mind was transferred by aliens into the powerful, artificial Concrete construct, struggles to escape his introverted, nerdish roots in order to most fully live what remains of his shattered life. His greatest regret is that even if he were to somehow find love, with no nerve endings, he can never again fully enjoy the touch of a woman.
So Concrete tries to help people and perform stunts in order to distract himself. He attempts to climb mountains, swim oceans, rescue trapped miners, and hang out with celebrities. CONCRETE contains many adventure elements, but the majority of Concrete's stories are cerebral due to the introspective nature of the character. While Concrete may like to rush headlong into action in theory, in practice he generally embarrasses himself whenever he tries something bold. So he thinks through all the ramifications of his deeds, hoping to reach a morally defensible position before acting. Instead of "It's clobberin' time!", Concrete is much more likely to exclaim, "It's ponderin' time!"
As you can probably guess, most CONCRETE stories are character-driven. And you couldn't ask for a finer bunch of people to drive you around. In addition to Ron "Concrete" Lithgow, there is Maureen, the absent-minded professor. She's the scientist assigned to study and document the alien technology which Concrete's body represents. She's totally oblivious to the fact that Concrete has a huge crush on her. Then there's Larry, Concrete's aide-de-camp. A freewheelin' dude of the first order, Larry often oversteps the bounds of typing up Concrete's dictation of their adventures by exercising his own creative writing skills. Their clashing personalities causes frustration for Concrete, but he keeps Larry around because he admires his easygoing manner and luck with the ladies. Finally, there is the aggressive and outgoing Senator for whom Concrete wrote speeches before his alien transformation. The Senator is a respected mentor and father figure Concrete frequently approaches for advice.
Despite a publishing history spanning over ten years, it's pretty easy to catch up with CONCRETE. Dark Horse Comics has collected the original ten issues of CONCRETE and Concrete's frequent short story appearances from DARK HORSE PRESENTS in two separate "Complete" trade paperbacks. While CONCRETE no longer has a regular series, he resurfaces fairly regularly in a series of limited series. Most recently, Chadwick retold and revamped Concrete's origin in the limited series, CONCRETE: STRANGE ARMOR. While the changes in Concrete's origin were mostly unnecessary and unwanted (by me, at least), they don't take away from yet another beautifully drawn and thoughtfully written CONCRETE comic.
Grade: B+
August 2, 2023
I had tried before to read the main series for Concrete but couldn't get into it. This was a critical darling in the 80s and got 4 Eisners in the early 90s for best series, best writer/artist, and best single issue.
This is a collection of short stories from the late 80s, I think mostly featured in DarkHorsePresents.
Concrete is basically Ben Grimm (The Thing) in the "real world" dealing with real issues. So no actual super heroics here. I found the stories to be at times pedantic with Chadwick just using the characters as a mouth-piece to spout some pretty basic philosophies. But other stories are quite charming.
I like the one where Concrete is sitting in the water and starts yanking surfboards out from under the surfers. His plan is to release all the boards then go enjoy watching the surfers scratch their heads. Later a shark comes along and Concrete kills the shark to protect the surfers who are now swimming in the water. He wants to pull the shark on shore and be a hero... but then he'd have to admit he's the weirdo stealing peoples boards.
Chadwick's art is crisp and tight but maybe a bit boring at times. He struggles with some things like when he's drawing a pick-up truck it just looks a bit off and his style doesn't let him hide imperfections.
I wouldn't exactly call Concrete "over-rated" but it is odd how talked about it seemed to be back in the day and how few people talk about it these days. Other early Eisner winners like Watchmen, Bone, Hellboy, Marvels, Sandman, Acme Novely Library still get tons of attention and acclaim.
This is a collection of short stories from the late 80s, I think mostly featured in DarkHorsePresents.
Concrete is basically Ben Grimm (The Thing) in the "real world" dealing with real issues. So no actual super heroics here. I found the stories to be at times pedantic with Chadwick just using the characters as a mouth-piece to spout some pretty basic philosophies. But other stories are quite charming.
I like the one where Concrete is sitting in the water and starts yanking surfboards out from under the surfers. His plan is to release all the boards then go enjoy watching the surfers scratch their heads. Later a shark comes along and Concrete kills the shark to protect the surfers who are now swimming in the water. He wants to pull the shark on shore and be a hero... but then he'd have to admit he's the weirdo stealing peoples boards.
Chadwick's art is crisp and tight but maybe a bit boring at times. He struggles with some things like when he's drawing a pick-up truck it just looks a bit off and his style doesn't let him hide imperfections.
I wouldn't exactly call Concrete "over-rated" but it is odd how talked about it seemed to be back in the day and how few people talk about it these days. Other early Eisner winners like Watchmen, Bone, Hellboy, Marvels, Sandman, Acme Novely Library still get tons of attention and acclaim.
Read
September 24, 2023For the past 25 years, I have been slowly collecting Concrete stories, assuming I will like them. This journey has often frustrated me; I've accidentally purchased duplicate copies, and certain issues remain difficult to find in quarter-to-dollar bins. In fact, to fill in the gaps I ended up having to take this collection out of the library (I was lucky- this is the only Paul Chadwick book they own).
After 25 years, I feel like I've spent a month reading various introductions, blurbs, reviews, etc., telling me how much I'll love Concrete . There's been a lot of buildup, and I guess I've been afraid to plow right in.
But I did finally really read this collection, and while it could never live up to my expectations, it's not half bad. Concrete still feels like an over-analyzing Thing, but there's an existential dreamy baby boomer yuppie dread here that reminds me, oddly enough, of the TV show thirtysomething . Especially the "Sky of Heads" parts.
These aren't really stories, though. They're more like vignettes or even thought experiments, so I'm still not convinced I'll like or leave it either way. But they're clever and the art is pleasant so I'll continue reading, even though I think I agree with Harlan Ellison that the mystery of Concrete's Concrete-ness would be better left understated.
After 25 years, I feel like I've spent a month reading various introductions, blurbs, reviews, etc., telling me how much I'll love Concrete . There's been a lot of buildup, and I guess I've been afraid to plow right in.
But I did finally really read this collection, and while it could never live up to my expectations, it's not half bad. Concrete still feels like an over-analyzing Thing, but there's an existential dreamy baby boomer yuppie dread here that reminds me, oddly enough, of the TV show thirtysomething . Especially the "Sky of Heads" parts.
These aren't really stories, though. They're more like vignettes or even thought experiments, so I'm still not convinced I'll like or leave it either way. But they're clever and the art is pleasant so I'll continue reading, even though I think I agree with Harlan Ellison that the mystery of Concrete's Concrete-ness would be better left understated.
June 12, 2023
When I was younger and was collecting comics I’m the late ‘80s, early ‘90s, Concrete was having its moment of glory, and DH was becoming a prominent publisher in the comic books field, with something very, very different than mainstream comics, as was DHP, for example, where Concrete appeared.
Nowadays, much more mature than in the late decade of the previous century, I can say that Concrete is truly an outstanding comic. Of course not all the stories are at the same level… some are clearly better than others… but together they weave a solid web of pleasure for a reader, best if it is older, and it has tens of thousands of book and comic book pages on the shoulders, like I am today.
Any other reasons for reading it are aptly expressed in the introduction, by comic books legend Archie Goodwin, and on the back of the book itself, where sci-if legend Harlan Hellison expresses his concise and influential opinion.
Definitely a great read. Most definitely. Solid as concrete.
Nowadays, much more mature than in the late decade of the previous century, I can say that Concrete is truly an outstanding comic. Of course not all the stories are at the same level… some are clearly better than others… but together they weave a solid web of pleasure for a reader, best if it is older, and it has tens of thousands of book and comic book pages on the shoulders, like I am today.
Any other reasons for reading it are aptly expressed in the introduction, by comic books legend Archie Goodwin, and on the back of the book itself, where sci-if legend Harlan Hellison expresses his concise and influential opinion.
Definitely a great read. Most definitely. Solid as concrete.
November 12, 2018
I used to not like Concrete that much, even though I could always tell it was groundbreaking. It's much more subtle and low key than a comic about a man made of concrete should be. But now I'm pretty into it. It's like if Jim Jarmusch made a superhero movie.
April 23, 2024
Some of the oddest slice of life tales with some of the most inventive images laid over top
February 27, 2016
I have a difficult relationship with Concrete. Though I admire Chadwick's artistic talent, his titular character is extraordinarily high-minded and a little hard to bear sometimes. It seems as though this is not an intended character flaw, as nobody (in these stories, at least) ever calls him on it.
In this collection, which puts together a number of Concrete's first appearances as a part of Dark Horse Presents, we are given a pretty clear view of what Chadwick's intending to do with this character. Concrete is former political speechwriter Ron Lithgow, who was (we are told gradually) abducted by aliens and somehow grafted into his new, stronger, more durable and full of tricks stone-like body. But that's not what the book, these stories or the character are about. Instead, we are expected to take it on board that all of what I've listed regarding Concrete (the man) are true, and having taken that we are then just spectators to studies on loneliness, celebrity, and general philosophical rumination.
So, there's all that. And thus my difficult relationship with Concrete: though I enjoy Chadwick's visual style (some of his graphic experiments are pretty remarkable, best seen perhaps in the penultimate story here collected, 'Stay Tuned for Pearl Harbor') and appreciate what he's going for, most of the characters don't come off as at all sympathetic. Ron Lithgow was/is, it would seem, a bit of a windbag, and his friends somehow like that about him -- or at least don't seem to mind. Myself, I can't stand people like this (and that others will stand around listening to these ramblings is frustrating), so it's a good thing this all happens in print rather than in person.
Chadwick discovers a little into these tales that what he has here isn't just a place to air philosophic meanderings, but a good platform from which to declare his grievances with mankind as well. So, we get occasionally self-righteous blasts at industry and humanity and whatever other big nuisance he can come up with.
All of which really sounds like I dislike this book. I don't. I own this and did enjoy reading it, I also have the next 'Short Stories' collection as well as Complete Concrete. I've never felt the need to get any more, though, if it's out there. A little of this stuff goes a long way for me. However, if none of the things I take issue with are likely to get to you, I strongly recommend Concrete in general and this collection specifically as a starting point. It is not likely to disappoint a more accepting reader than me.
This edition adds an entertaining if pointless introduction from Archie Goodwin and an excellent foreword by Chadwick which does us the favour of going story-by-story to give us a bit of insight into their making/inspiration/etc. (something sadly missing from volume two). There's also a pin-up of Concrete surrounded by little fishies inside the back cover, for no discernible reason.
In this collection, which puts together a number of Concrete's first appearances as a part of Dark Horse Presents, we are given a pretty clear view of what Chadwick's intending to do with this character. Concrete is former political speechwriter Ron Lithgow, who was (we are told gradually) abducted by aliens and somehow grafted into his new, stronger, more durable and full of tricks stone-like body. But that's not what the book, these stories or the character are about. Instead, we are expected to take it on board that all of what I've listed regarding Concrete (the man) are true, and having taken that we are then just spectators to studies on loneliness, celebrity, and general philosophical rumination.
So, there's all that. And thus my difficult relationship with Concrete: though I enjoy Chadwick's visual style (some of his graphic experiments are pretty remarkable, best seen perhaps in the penultimate story here collected, 'Stay Tuned for Pearl Harbor') and appreciate what he's going for, most of the characters don't come off as at all sympathetic. Ron Lithgow was/is, it would seem, a bit of a windbag, and his friends somehow like that about him -- or at least don't seem to mind. Myself, I can't stand people like this (and that others will stand around listening to these ramblings is frustrating), so it's a good thing this all happens in print rather than in person.
Chadwick discovers a little into these tales that what he has here isn't just a place to air philosophic meanderings, but a good platform from which to declare his grievances with mankind as well. So, we get occasionally self-righteous blasts at industry and humanity and whatever other big nuisance he can come up with.
All of which really sounds like I dislike this book. I don't. I own this and did enjoy reading it, I also have the next 'Short Stories' collection as well as Complete Concrete. I've never felt the need to get any more, though, if it's out there. A little of this stuff goes a long way for me. However, if none of the things I take issue with are likely to get to you, I strongly recommend Concrete in general and this collection specifically as a starting point. It is not likely to disappoint a more accepting reader than me.
This edition adds an entertaining if pointless introduction from Archie Goodwin and an excellent foreword by Chadwick which does us the favour of going story-by-story to give us a bit of insight into their making/inspiration/etc. (something sadly missing from volume two). There's also a pin-up of Concrete surrounded by little fishies inside the back cover, for no discernible reason.
April 28, 2013
Concrete is not a superhero. He's not the Hulk smashing everything in his path. He's not The Thing shouting «It's Clobberin Time» before going into action.
In fact, there is very little action in Concrete's life. In some ways, you even get to pity the poor schmuck that had his brain transfered into a big pile of rock by a bunch of mysterious aliens. He actually probably lost more than he gained... his sense of touch is practically innexistent, no more taste buds, no more sense of smell either... also try to imagine what a guy like him's sex life is like... he doesn't wear any clothes and, well, it's pretty obvious there a part of male anatomy that just aint there. OK, so he got these amazing eyes and great strenght. But in world where superheroes are innexistant, he makes due as any of us would with what he's got on a day to day basis trying not to let his «handicap» pull him down.
One could say that Concrete is one of the most normal guys in the world. He could be anybody you just happen to cross on the street on any given day... except he's big and, you know, made of concrete.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on the limited hardcover edition of this book signed by the author Paul Chadwick and numbered 984/2000.
Contains a bunch of short stories compiled mostly from Dark Horse Presents into a neat and nice package.
In fact, there is very little action in Concrete's life. In some ways, you even get to pity the poor schmuck that had his brain transfered into a big pile of rock by a bunch of mysterious aliens. He actually probably lost more than he gained... his sense of touch is practically innexistent, no more taste buds, no more sense of smell either... also try to imagine what a guy like him's sex life is like... he doesn't wear any clothes and, well, it's pretty obvious there a part of male anatomy that just aint there. OK, so he got these amazing eyes and great strenght. But in world where superheroes are innexistant, he makes due as any of us would with what he's got on a day to day basis trying not to let his «handicap» pull him down.
One could say that Concrete is one of the most normal guys in the world. He could be anybody you just happen to cross on the street on any given day... except he's big and, you know, made of concrete.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on the limited hardcover edition of this book signed by the author Paul Chadwick and numbered 984/2000.
Contains a bunch of short stories compiled mostly from Dark Horse Presents into a neat and nice package.
May 12, 2008
Fantastic collection! The shorts are a very accessible way for someone to be introduced to this character -- so READ THIS! You will love it!
August 26, 2011
its wonderfully different from everything out there. a man with extraordinary abilities trying to lead a normal life. sounds so simple. so hard to do. loved it.
April 21, 2015
I laughed, I cried. This title has some excellent artwork and is thoughtfully written. You'll wonder about things you might never have wondered about before. Worth your time, no doubt.
August 25, 2016
While I appreciated where they're coming from, I'm afraid I just never really connected with these stories, or the character. Still, it's a contemplative and interesting collection.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews