Brave New Worlds

Good Friday to you all!!! I’m still riding high after seeing Ted Leo and the Pharmacists last night at the Ox warehouse here in Philly…if you didn’t get to that show then shame on you! You cheated yourself out of an amazing amazing rockin’ evening.

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Green Arrow #60 (Volume 3) Judd Winick (w), Scott McDaniel, Andy Owens (a)

Deja Vu Well it was just this past March when I last reviewed a Green Arrow issue, a Winick joint as well, issue #32 where Connor and Roy paint the town red. It was a good yarn, but had not much to do with Ollie. Today’s treat features a Year 1 story.

Forget Detroit … Don’t move to Star City. Every disaster possible in the DC Universe seems to beset this tiny little hamlet. Page one of this issue reminisces about the Amsterdam Disaster. Dude, one word for y’all, move.

NOLA Reading through the first few pages, I was struck by how similar the plight of the residences of Star City were to those of the real-life victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. These kinds of stories always make me wonder when comics blur the lines of reality and fantasy and take on a social story like this. The question is, is it too soon or even really necessary.

Putting the Green Arrow in Green Arrow How is it the two Green Arrow issues selected for Random Retro Comic Review do not actually contain Green Arrow in the issue? In this episode, there is a moment behind the wall when we see his arrow and a note when a former crime lord is trying to bring justice to the savages, but that’s it. It’s not until the last panel when we see good ol’ Ollie, and its Ollie we see, mayor of Star City.

Btw … This issue was a great jumping on point for readers.

Still Despite hardly any of the lead, I liked the issue. Granted I have some issues of the possible exploitation, but love the social issues facing Star City’s residents, especially those behind the wall.

Let’s take a step backwards in time shall we, to this past July specifically when Bendis and artist Alex Maleev’s brand-new creator-owned series Scarlet debuted. I loved it, thought it was fresh and risk taking. Something I had never really experienced before in my comic-reading experience.

I recommended the new series to almost all of our regulars, many of whom bought it and started drinking from the same kool-aid as I. In fact, they even bought the t-shirts and ate the tangy Doritos they were so enamored by it.

However, as there always is, there was a small population of haters, although that really is too strong of a word. Nay, they were more like not impressed. And each one of them cited Bendis’ former Marvel Max series Alias as the main reason. They would say, “we have seen this story before from Bendis.”

Now far be it from me to tell people what they should like. As my compatriot Eric is often fond of pointing out here, “we have something for everyone.”

And it was hard to defend against the comparison since I had never read Alias, until today. That being said, dismiss Scarlet all you want but do it for a better and more entertaining reason than for one that does not even exist.

So, without further delay, Scarlet is in no way similar or the same to Alias. Not at all.

The only similarities is they are both from the mind of Bendis, the main characters are both female (Jessica Jones in Alias and Scarlet in Scarlet) and the art styles of Maleev and Michael Gaydos look alike.

However, that is where the similarities end. They are both unique stories that do not borrow from each other in any way. And I welcome the debate to prove that statement wrong.

Both used a different storytelling narrative to reach its audience – Alias employing the inner monologue and Scarlet breaking the fourth wall speaking (and looking) directly at the reader.

Granted, both characters are taking the audience along the ride with them, and it shows in how they talk or think about things. But they are not the same.

Anyway, I have said my peace. Both books are awesome and refreshing and you should do yourself a favor and pick them up and read if you have not done so as of yet.

Thank you for bearing with me while I set the record straight – in defense of Brian Michael Bendis.

Daytripper #10

Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba (w, a)

Can’t Believe Its Over I was tempted to write about Daytripper each month it was released, but held off until the finale because it would just be a gushfest each month, and I am glad I did wait, because the Brazilian wonder twins saved their best for last.

They Killed Kenny, You Bastards! When Daytripper #1 first came out I was hooked. Its the story of an obituary writer named Bras who is living life vicariously through the lives of the people’s obits he is writing. Until the end of the issue, when he dies. And the dies at the end of each issue afterwards until #9, when he does not.

A Life Less Ordinary I always try to write spoiler free, so I don’t want to give too much away with what occurs in this issue, suffice to say, the 10 issues in my opinion have been the journey of Bras life which culminates with the events of the last book and panel. It is such a bittersweet tale, done tremendous justice by the Brazilian twins.

More Good Stuff from Rio If you have not tried anything from the twins Moon and Ba might I suggest De Tales, Casanova and even Umbrella Academy. Their talents are on full display in these titles as well.

I’ve put together a quick list tonight of three titles I don’t think enough people are reading.

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Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Oz #1-3 (July-September 2001) Christopher Golden (w), Logan Lubera, Valentine De Landro, Herb Apon, Craig Yeung (a)

Before There Was Season Eight There was Dark Horse’s original Buffy the Vampire Slayer run, which ran concurrently with the series. Not officially canon, it gave ravenous fans of the show more adventures with the Scoobies.

Buddha Experience Oz left, then returned, and then left again. Here’s that story. Of course the story has changed since Joss Whedon decided to continue his story in the comics, but for awhile this is all we had for more Oz, and who does not want more Oz. This story takes place after Oz left the first time during season four, and really fits in nicely with everything we know.

Oz, Not Oz Being front and center, Oz needs to carry the story for the reader which he does with dialogue, unfortunately less was always more with Oz so it seems a little weird for him to be speaking as much as he does.

Travel With Oz, See the World Before his Tibet adventure begins, Oz gets to dust a vamp (‘natch), who was just coincidentally attempting to eat his ride to Tibet. And he gets a travel companion, because the best stories are the buddy ones.

Cue Music Oz is on a journey to find an answer to sure his of his curse, sort of like a werewolf version of Bruce Banner forever destined to walk the Earth alone, except with wittier things to say.

Is It Canon? There are a couple of references made in the story that were also in the show when Oz returned during season five. Hmmm?

Where You Can Get This Issue? Sadly, the single issue is out print, this story is more than a few years old. If you can’t find the back issue, try the Buffy the Vampire Slayer Omnibus Volume 5 by Dark Horse, available at both Brave New Worlds locations.

1 Month 2 Live #1 Rick Remender (w), Andrea Mutti (a)

Where Did All The Heroes Go? When you first open Marvel’s new weekly mini-series (which last just five issues) you might notice how normal the story is, with nothing super going on. Well, that aspect is coming, but it’s not really about that. It’s about Dennis, and his life and decisions.

No Good Deed Not only is his effort to be a good samaritan in the face of being a corporate stooge rewarded with an ass kicking that rivals any of of Kick Ass’ beat downs, Dennis also gets some really bad news after he is rescued by none other than a member of the Fantastic Four.

WWYD? That’s right, after reading about Dennis’ exploits, what would you do if you found yourself in his shoes?

The Big Bad Of course there has to be an antagonist for our “hero” to battle, and the reveal at the end of issue one gives us one of Spidey’s new rogue’s gallery.

Verdict I liked it. Definitely different and fresh and interested to see where the story goes. The real fascinating part about this mini-series is that there will be a different writer and artist on each issuing, which will definitely change the tone of each one. Stay tuned.

Scarlet #2 Brian Michael Bendis (w), Alex Maleev (a)

Talk About Fresh I know a lot of people are comparing this series to Bendis’ Alias run, however since I never read that run, Scarlet is something I have yet to experience in my comic reading, and I like it!

Story Deepens Like any good writer, Bendis hooks you in issue one and explains a couple of things, while building more background and holes to go down, while also giving you some “bang” for your buck in issue two – literally.

Emotions Mariah Carey once sang about them (yes, I am showing my age) but I have to admit to running through a crazy amount of emotions as I read issue two. I can’t wait until the next issue.

Best Recommendation Should you read Scarlett? Well yes, the greatest form of compliment I can pay this book is that by the time I reach the end, I had wished it did not end.

Avengers The Children’s Crusade #2 Allan Heinberg (w), Jim Cheung, Mark Morales (a)

Last Time on Avengers Children’s Crusade … Magneto just found out that he might have grandkids that look a lot like his two children, Wanda and Pietro. Of course, Wanda has been “missing” since the end of House of M. What’s a reformed mutant-terrorist to do?

Jump Right In Issue two picks right up where we left off, with Magneto battling some of the Avengers (including Cap in his regular uniform) with the Young Avengers in the middle. I like how Heinberg writes this fight, with the Avengers making a decision not to hold back but obviously not ready for the consequences of those actions.

Fun Approach Too many mini-series lately have seemed like a slow build with one or two things happening to keep you hooked (Siege being an exception due to its length) but at nine-issues long, the fireworks have went off already in both issues. Love the break-neck pace at which Heinber and Cheung are telling this story.

Hooked! I did not want to be, I really did try to fight in, but I am caught in the web of what this book could be, and I am really curious to see if we do find the Scarlet Witch again and what here return could mean for everything. The Siege saw the extermination of one really unstable hero, what are our heroes prepared to do with Wanda?

ROM #33 (August 1982) Bill Mantlo (w), Sal Buscema, Joe Sinnott (a)

This Is What I Get For reading Rom as the issue opens in Maine of all places with a blind girl who sees her “shining silver savior” in her dreams. What did I get myself into this month?

Vampire Diaries Prequel? Or Dawson’s Creek or any other early WB show? The reason I state this is because early in the story Rom takes leave of the town he called home for a few months while wiping out the Dire Wraiths. However, one woman “loved him despite his space knight armor.” Hello, melodrama!

New Readers Welcome Believe it or not, issue 33 was a perfect jumping on point for new readers as Rom says goodbye to the past story arc and begins a new one. In the middle, there is a review of all of his mission as well – how handy!

King of the Inner Monologue Yes, being a lonely space knight can have its disadvantages, as this story took place during the height of the thought-balloon narrative. It can get a little tough.

Potential This might shock you, but this story could actually be retooled for today’s audiences. Here is a man, trapped in a metal body, whose planet was “moved” by Galactus. But he has pledged to guard the Earth against the Dire Wraiths. This could have heart in the right hands.

Titantic Factor It’s obvious that Mantlo was attempting to inject that heart into the story with his relationship with the above-mentioned woman, Brandy Clark. An unrequited love was not enough to keep audiences hooked unfortunately.

Of Course It’s All Connected With his mission to fight the Dire Wraiths, and the opening of the story with the blind girl in Maine, what did you think would happen? I thought they might go out for a spot of tea.

The Kazon! Reading this issue reminded me of the time in the 80s when the X-Men took on the Dire Wraiths. They were definitely an interesting villain, but probably not one strong enough to run a series adversary on, sort of like the Kazon of the first few seasons of Star Trek Voyager. Its time for this Space Knight to find another nemesis in this fine country of ours.

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Fantastic Four #582 Jonathan Hickman (w), Neil Edwards, Scott Hanna (a)

The Future’s So Bright … Oh, nevermind, the future is totally frakked! Damn was this issue good. Hickman has captured the essence of the FF, something Millar was not able to do. This issue was a classic in the same vain as Lee-Kirby and Byrne.

There Can Be Only One That’s right, there can be only Nathan Richards, at least according to Franklin, but what does he know, he’s only a kid!

Brace Yourself Why is it when someone asks you not to get upset, you still get upset. Even a hero as savvy as the Invisible Woman freaks out when Val breaks the news of what is going on, and what is to come.

This is the End Don’t you just wonder when Franklin and Val are in the timeline to figure out when all of this is playing out.

Superman Secret Origin #6 Geoff Johns (w), Gary Frank, Jon Sibal (a)

That’s a Damn Good Piece of Apple Pie Served up in a red and blue costume, aw yeah. I know a lot of people are tired of reading about Superman’s origin being re-imagined again, and to you I say – PHHHBT! Take Secret Origin for what it is, a really fun story.

When Last We Saw … It has been awhile, but way back in the day when issue five came out, Supe’s was being taken down by Metallo and General Lane’s stash of kryptonite, which was supplied by Lex Luthor.

Intense So the Daily Planet is under martial law. There is a moment in the beginning where General Lane informs our intrepid staff that they no longer have any rights and everything is now property of the U.S. government. That’s when one of the lunkheads under Lane grabs Car Grant and says including you – ew, creepy.

It’s a Brand New Day In Metropolis as Superman has saved the day once again. Luthor is no longer king of this domain, and he is none to happy about it. Just widh this story would continue. There are so many prequel tales (like the current Adventure run) and I think Johns would do some awesome things in this playground.

Avengers #4 Brian Michael Bendis (w), John Romita, Jr., Klaus Janson (a)

More Fun in the Space-Time Continuum Sometimes the best stories are told out of time, and the Avengers opening-arc is just one of those awesome what the heck is going on tales.

Back on Top After a hiccup in the last issue, both the story and even Romita’s Jr.s pencils have rebounded to provide a spectacular experience.

Next Avengers Well they are back finally, after being teased in the first issue and not really having much to do with the story, they take center stage in issue four, with some surprises – ‘natch!

I’m Confused It makes sense that the Avengers blame Kang for everything, he is after all the bad guy. But just wait until you see who had Kang go on the mission to the past to solicit the Avengers assistance.

Avengers Assemble! Okay, one piece of feedback here, take it do what’s it worth. I love all four new Avengers titles, and I really did not think that was going to happen. That being said, I would rather have the teams with their own members. I think it would mean more reading Wolverine and Spider-Man in just one book. As it is now, the Avengers and New Avengers are both sharing about 4-5 members – Skrulls! Pysch.