Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Good Reads: BATMAN & ROBIN: DARK KNIGHT Vs. WHITE KNIGHT


I find I like slightly divergent takes on Batman rather than the 'same
old,' and Paul Cornell has a take that I enjoy immensely.

This Trade also has the introduction of some very unique and
memorable new Bat-foes (when was the last time you heard that?)
in the form of 'The Absence' and 'the White Knight,' and a Jason
Todd story that actually made me care about the character.

(collects issue #s 17-25 of the first Batman & Robin series.)

***

Monday, March 25, 2013

Good Reads: OUTLAW:The Legend of Robin Hood

A lengthy and engaging graphic novel
with perfectly evocative, atmospheric
art (think Phil Hester, Luke McDonnell)
and moody color effects that transport!

A great read combining disparate
elements of all past elements of
the Robin Hood legend.



***

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Art of Homage # 25: Frank Frazetta's "A Princess of Mars"


I believe the earliest piece that
all the homages come from is Frazetta's
original painting from the cover of the
novel "A Princess of Mars," the first novel of
Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom series.

First published in 1917, the novel's original
cover was updated with the refined variation that Frank
Frazetta envisioned and popularized in 1970.



(original with title)

























And finally, perhaps the most famous homage from the original!

***

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Missed Gems: SANDMAN MYSTERY THEATRE

I'm not quite sure how I missed this series
the first go-round.

Possibly the art was something I couldn't
quite get into, initially, or the concept seemed
rather tepid. Regardless, I couldn't have been
more wrong in passing it over!

I recently started the entire run of Sandman Mystery
Theatre through the library system in Georgia
(amazingly enough) and I am so hooked!

The cinematic scope of the adventures, the real
world concerns, the adult nature of the story content,
and the poetic philosophizing and internal churnings
that move the series forward are dazzling!


I would liken it to Law & Order meets 
Downton Abbey. It combines the romanticized
speech of times past and a beautiful mastery of
the English language, while filling each installment
chock full of flair. 

It's gruff and violent, and an unflinching look
at the underbelly of human society.
Something that never changes.
Oh yeah, and a guy that dresses up in
a gas mask to fulfill his perceived destiny
via dream-insights.

I also love the way the art if very fluid and
grey (the coloring job is exquisite) with a
minimalist tone that allows you to see everything
you need, and maintain a dreamy quality as would
any attempt at looking back.

***

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Recommended Reading: SOLO (from DC Comics)

"SOLO" was one of my fave comics of the last 2 decades;
a free form artist spotlight where each issue was
dedicated to the sketches, comics, ideas, and insanity
of a featured artist.

Great stuff, and of course, short-lived.
But do yourself a favor and pick these up,
even the issues with artists you're unfamiliar with,
and revel in the unique project that allowed
artists to follow nonlinear pursuits.











Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Ideas for "Comics Drinking Games"


* Take a shot whenever Warren Ellis or Garth Ennis
mention how much they loathe super-hero comics,
even as they are being paid to write yet another one
(or an introduction to one.)

* Take a swig every time a comics creator
wears sunglasses indoors at a signing or
comic book convention.

* Chug when an old character 'returns'
with absolutely nothing of the original
construct intact!

* Take a swig when a major, unbeatable,
merciless villain gets dispatched within moments
to show off the power levels of the new 
"Hot-for-a-minute" hero
(see also 'professional wrestling;
from heel to jobber in 60 seconds or less.)

* Toss one back when a creator uses the
phrase "That character just isn't viable" in
reference to a fan favorite...and a short time later
introduces a total whiffer of their own.

On second thought, y'all better use grape juice;
I don't want anyone suffering alcohol poisoning.

***