posted
So the Haunt #1 and now #2 have hit comic shops. The internet has been abuzz about it and apparently it’s selling pretty well for a non-DC/non-Marvel title, probably the best comic to do so besides Buffy in awhile. Newsarama and CBR have given it plenty of internet press. At my regular CBS, it sold out. At my back-up comic book shop, it sold out as well except for the final copy of #1, which I bought. And then in Midtown Manhattan’s midtown comics, which is by far the busiest comic book store I’ve ever seen, it also sold out! I don’t pay *too* much attention to what sells out, but I don’t remember a comic selling out like that in awhile besides the usual big names.
I bought #1 and #2 because I’m interested, and for a few reasons. No matter what, I want other companies besides DC and Marvel to be successful. Comic book fans who only want the two of them be successful are akin to people who wish Bank of America and Citibank were the only banks in the world; or AIG and Travelers were the only insurance companies; or yes, those people also wish only the USA and Russia were the only superpowers. Those people are generally evil and should be shot. Not only do I want Image Comics to be successful though, I also wouldn’t mind seeing more superheroes do well outside of the big two. I love superhero comics. I collect tons of other genres—and in fact, have made quite a big push to do so more than ever these past few years—but I do love the quintessential comic book genre. So part of me wishes “Haunt” would be a successful comic. I definitely will review when I read them.
Some thoughts on Image Comics Just because I feel like it, I’ll get all wordy and stuff. I remember Image Comics when it first arrived in its heyday and I know a lot of you do to. On one hand, it was all terribly exciting, and it the comic book industry felt like something big was happening. On the other, there was a horrible sense of being let down by a plethora of comics with super-violence, in-your-face sex, no coherent storylines, and of course, never-ending missed deadlines. But those were the days of the early and mid 1990’s. Image Comics is something completely different. In fact, these days, Image Comics is leading company in producing indie hits, creator-owned titles and all different kinds of genres outside of Vertigo. Like Vertigo, it doesn’t shy away from the odd or the off-beat. In the past 10 years, Image has done an incredible job at providing an outlet for creators to really try to find their own personal stories and audience. I think that should be commended. I wish somehow the excitement of the early 90’s, when Image was producing all kinds of crap, could be transferred to the good comics they are producing now. I wish Mice Templar, Walking Dead, Four Eyes and others could receive that claim.
Some thoughts on Todd McFarlane By all accounts and interviews, Todd isn’t the kind of guy you want to work for, do business with or share an office with. But I admit I love his artwork. Unlike some of the other artists of the late 80’s / early 90’s whose styles dominated that era, I actually would probably buy comics based on his art. Loved his Spider-Man stuff—so much so, that I bought Spawn for waaaay too many years to try to recapture that. What’s interesting here is that he isn’t doing either the pencils (that is by Invincible co-creator Ottley) or even the layouts (that is by Greg Capullo of Spawn/X-Men fame), he’s doing the inks. And McFarlane, from what I’ve seen so far, is actually a pretty damn good inker! The key is that while Liefield and some others would shun details, trying to rush out as many pages as possible, McFarlane seems to revel in the minutiae of every panel. And I like that.
Some thoughts on Robert Kirkman The transition of Image from “butt of the joke of the 90’s regarding bad superhero stories” to “diverse company featuring genres of all kinds where creators can flex their muscles” pretty much put a stop to Image’s superhero days outside of Erik Larsen’s incredible run on Savage Dragon and a few other notable comics over the years (particularly with the exit of Liefield and Lee). Enter: Robert Kirkman. Kirkman is a writer that took me a little time to warm up to, even after several Legion Worlders were telling me how great he was. It was only when I discovered the pure awesomeness of his non-superhero Walking Dead that I gave his superhero stuff a chance, particularly Invincible, and I’ve been impressed. He’s a great writer, and really knows how create and evolve characters full of depth. He’s at his best when he showcases his ability to build tension through character interaction in a crazy back-setting. I also think Kirkman has helped give Image a shot in the arm in trying to get some more exciting stuff out there, and I’m glad to see it. I think its fitting that Image finally has a new partner and it’s a writer.
So even though I want Image to succeed, and I like McFarlane’s art, I probably wouldn’t have bought the title if it wasn’t for Robert Kirkman. But his involvement sealed the deal for me. I missed the boat with Walking Dead and have spent two years buying trades and hunting for back issues. I also missed the launch of Invincible and now buy trades. But I want to be on the ground floor of something Kirkman is doing so this is it.
Anyone else picking up the Haunt to see what its all about? If anyone did, any initial reactions? Obviously, any Image superhero title must face the legacy of the 90’s; yet Kirkman’s involvement is kind of like a shield against that.
[ September 14, 2011, 07:56 PM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
I've also bought the first two issues, Des--like you, mostly because of the involvement of Kirkman (and also Ottley). I've only read issue 1, so far. I can't say I was really wowed, but Kirkman's comics rarely start off running. They do, however, tend to REALLY pay off down the road. (This would be my first "ground floor" Kirkman effort as well, though this one isn't as creatively his very own as the others with McFarlane's presence.)
The concept itself isn't really all that original. Obviously, McFarlane's character design doesn't stray too far from his Spder-man & Spawn templates at all. The concept, early on, looks like a mix between Firestorm and the Spectre. But these days, there are far too few truly fresh concepts. What really distinguishes any good superhero title from the pack is always the execution.
Looking at the execution, we have some fairly heavily Mcfarlane-influenced art due to his inks and Capullo's history of working with Todd. I love Ottley's style, but it's barely recognizable so far with the heavy McFarlane influences. That's a little disappointing, but on the plus side it's still pretty to look at.
Plot and storywise, as I said it's a little early. Certainly, it can have some of those early Image pitfalls, namely the sex (lead priest character sleeps with prostitute) and violence (the beheading of some assassins by protagonist). But there are some nice ideas under all this and a definite element of mystery.
I'd say Haunt is poised on a precipice where it could either really suck or be pretty excellent. Given Kirkman's presence, I'm optimistic for the latter as long as McFarlane allows him to spin his wheels the way Kirkman's fans know he can. Unless the bottom falls out with issue 2, I can see myself giving it five or six issues.
(BTW, Des, how far HAVE you gotten with Walking Dead & Invincible? Last I heard, you'd only read, like, the first trade of Invincible and maybe the first two or three trades of TWD, IIRC.)
-------------------- "Suck it, depressos!"--M. Lash
From: The Underbelly of Society | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
Glad you’re checking it out too, Lardy! I’ve also got to say that Kirkman fans know his book usually don’t hit the ground running but pay off dividends down the road. I had trouble with this myself getting into Invincible until a certain two LWers (who hopefully will lose all their college football games this weekend ) convinced me to hang on—and I’m glad I did. He really builds steam and when he starts firing on all cylinders, he’s as good a writer as it gets.
So, as to the Haunt itself—I’ve now read #1 and #2 and a few things are noteworthy. As to the originality of the character, I’m past the idea of wanting something completely original anymore since I don’t think there has been a character like that since Gerry Conway’s Firestorm in 1977, which was partially an extension of his previous creation Firelord fro Marvel. What the media has not noticed however is that the real true superhero most similar to Haunt is actually Captain Triumph, the old Golden Age Quality character. Its essentially the same concept / story with the dead brother’s ghost. And I don’t mind that at all! I’ve always loved that character after Robinson’s Golden Age and wish DC would do something with him; I think its a great concept that really isn’t too popular elsewhere right now (though ironically Doctor Voodoo just started at Marvel with the same thing). The design, as Lardy mentions, is obviously a Spawn / Spider-Man combo with even hints of Venom / symbiotic costume in there. This comes as a surprise to absolutely no one. If McFarlane’s name can draw any fans who remember the early 90’s anymore, then obviously they would try to evoke his former glories.
I’ve got to say regarding Ottley’s art, that I actually like McFarlane’s inks over it! There are some panels that are still pure Ottley but at other times its like this very cool amalgam. So far, I’m enjoying that. Like I said earlier in the thread though, I like McFarlane as an inker. Capullo on layouts is doing a good job, but I think that makes it more McFarlane than Ottley so far. Not a bad thing. I’d like to see some more to decide on what aspects of this team I like and dislike the most.
Plot-wise I think its pretty interesting (I’m talking larger plot ideas here). Like we said, its not knock you off your seat awesome yet, but there is some great potential. What helps is Kirkman’s obvious talent for dialogue and creating tension between characters, specifically the brothers, which I like.
The ultra-violence is a little jarring though, I have to admit. I’m no spring chicken with comics and have read just about any sequence imaginable. I’ve seen bugs have sex with humans, I’ve seen body parts chopped off, I’ve seen it all. And Haunt leans a little too heavily towards the violent. But I do know that is McFarlane’s tendencies, and Kirkman is used to it as well. And the comic does profess to be a horror / superhero mix, so you’d expect some violence. I’m surprised though, because I got the sense that the creators really wanted to have a “Hit” on their hands and violence of this level will ultimately turn some people off and it won’t be encouraging for kids to read. But maybe I’m wrong on that last part—maybe 12-15 year old kids is exactly who they are shooting for with this violence. There is a degree of sex in the first issue but it wasn’t prominent in the second issue. I expect it will be there occasionally—then again, about 70% of all comics I see from all publishers have as much these days, including supposed superhero comics aimed for kids with characters around for 70 years.
quote:Originally posted by Lardi: I'd say Haunt is poised on a precipice where it could either really suck or be pretty excellent. Given Kirkman's presence, I'm optimistic for the latter as long as McFarlane allows him to spin his wheels the way Kirkman's fans know he can. Unless the bottom falls out with issue 2, I can see myself giving it five or six issues.
I think you’ve summed it up pretty well. It could go either way at this point. I think #2 added some more to the story, and actually provided some of Kirkman’s trademark gallows humor that added a little more of that ‘pizzazz’ that wasn’t in #1. It’s a quick scene in the beginning that I liked. I think little things like that, by Kirkman, will help steer this title in the right direction, so I’m optimistic. There is also enough potential to expand the cast (another thing Kirkman does far better than the Image Founders), especially with some hints in the first issue. I’m in for at least the first year I’d say.
(BTW, regarding the other stuff: I have the first four trades of WD, and now just need one more before I get to the point where I was collecting single isses; then I can read all the way up to the current issue though I may be missing a handful here and there. I plan to fill those in this Christmas. As for Invincible I left off with the second trade; but every Christmas I treat myself to a good 4-5 trades so I plan to catch up a little more. I also plan on hitting up the Scalped trades since that was by far my favorite last year. I’ll keep you updated. I want to check out that website you’ve bragged to me about in the past this time, and maybe get 6 trades if the discount is really good.)
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
Yeah, it seems like that trend will continue here. Kirkman & Co. just had a "name the letters page" column, which longtime comic book fans know is a time honored ass-kickin' tradition.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
Honestly... Kirkman's slow burn intro's have me waiting for this trade. I've never been a big McFarlane fan, his work is okay. So that's not the big draw for me either. But the material has potential.
From: Denver, CO | Registered: May 2004
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posted
Just read issue 3 last night, and I'm still onboard for at least a couple more issues. Still nothing really groundbreaking, but I feel like I'm getting my $3 worth from the story and especially the art. We learned a little more about what's going on with our main characters this issue via a fellow prisoner lady who's equal parts creepy & sexy. (I thought the quick "Not now" panel was pretty funny.)
Anyhow, the larger plot is starting to emerge, and it's pretty intriguing. However, if all this is leading to Haunt becoming a government agent, I might be jumping off. Hopefully, it's not going there.
-------------------- "Suck it, depressos!"--M. Lash
From: The Underbelly of Society | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
I agree about the potential government agent set-up. Hopefully its not going that way because that would be a huge minus.
#3 took some steps to expand upon the story in some good ways. The deceased brother wasn't so perfect after all (obvious to readers but maybe not so much for our lead). And I agree the fellow prisoner lady was way creepy and yet that scene was pretty sexy.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
Updated after reading #4: the story continues to move along in #4 and I see the first arc is ending with #5, followed by a single issue in #6. I'm glad they're doing that, as I like when the length of stories is mixed up instead of just 6-issue arcs. Even better, #6 is done solely by Greg Capullo, an artist who I like but haven't colleted in a long time.
Where the arc will end is still a mystery to me and that's good that Kirkman keeps me guessing. I'm hoping beyond hope that Haunt is not a government agent as we just talked about. Honestly, it feels like it could go either way.
For me, I'm loving the art. I've mentioned before I love McFarlane's artwork, particularly his intensive inks, and this is a treat for me, since I haven't collected Spawn since I was in High School. If the story can maintain a level of quaulity without falling into cliche situations (re: government agent), then I feel like this will only get better with time.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
(Anyone still reading? Ceej? Lardy? I don't want to be replying to myself!)
RE: Haunt #6
With #6, we get a spotlight on Mirage, up until now a minor supporting character that kind of rounds out and compliments the first story arc by explaining her motivations. I like these types of issues in my comics so I hope we get a done-in-one spotlight issue once a year hereafter.
We also get the switch in penciller from Invincible’s Ryan Ottley to Greg Capullo who was doing the layouts. I, for one, am thrilled about it! I’m not sure how some of you all feel—I know a lot of you are big Invincible fans and Capullo’s history doing Image books and X-books no doubt gets him a bad reputation whether its deserved or not. But to me, Ottley’s artwork is one that I enjoy but see many flaws in it. I think Ottley has a tendency to under-utilize the backgrounds and have far too many talking head panels. His artwork is in fact, one of my major complaints about the Invincible series. While I do think there is a lot of potential for him to grow in the future, he’s just not there yet.
Meanwhile, Greg Capullo is a fantastic artist who brings a real sense of the dynamic to the page. His layouts are full of energy and bring a lot of the early 90’s awesomeness back in full force—all of the *good* of the 90’s is captured in Capullo’s work. And I really enjoy his pencil work a lot, its stylized and exciting. It’s been a long time since Capullo has done an ongoing series and I’m excited he’s doing one that I’m collecting.
I also think McFarlane’s inks work extremely well with Capullo’s pencils. They’ve been partners before for years so it’s a natural fit. As I’ve said repeatedly, I love McFarlane’s inks, so the art direction for Haunt just underwent a big upgrade in my mind.
In terms of the story, this issue was very well done, and very Kirkman with character-driven moments leading to actions with consequences. It was very tight and I liked it.
My major complaint/worry was already mentioned by Lardy earlier in this thread, that I’m worried Haunt could end up being a government spy series. And frankly, I’ve been there & done that so often—especially lately it seems—that it will hold a lot less interest for me. From the letter’s pages, I see that this next story arc may be very spy oriented but with #13 and the third story arc, things will become more horror-oriented. I’m glad to hear it as I won’t mind the spy stuff if it isn’t driving the series and I like an ongoing series that straddles the lines between genres. I hope we get a lot more horror than spy, so I’ll put aside this complaint until I see how this coming story plays out and then how the next one does.
All in all, I’m still enjoying Haunt enough to keep going. I want to see what Kirkman has planned and I’m particularly excited about the Capullo/McFarlane artwork.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
Sorry Cobie, I dropped it with issue 5. I was downloading it and just couldn't get into the book. I even mentioned above that Kirkman tends to work his way up to his stories' potential, but this just wasn't working for me.
The name Haunt, the idea of a ghost being involved, held some appeal for the spooky factor. That's complete missing from this book. Add in another super secret spy organization story, and I'm bored.
I'll check back in with you around issue 20. If there is more horror element, then I'll try again.
(Side note: I was looking forward to Robert Kirkman's Pilot Season books with Top Cow. Again- I like the premise of the books I've read, but there's been little bang for my buck.)
From: Denver, CO | Registered: May 2004
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#7 kicks off a new storyline and I'm interested in where the title goes from here. Greg Capullo stays on as ongoing penciller and as I said above, I'm much more excited about the art team now! The Capullo/McFarlane combo is one I loved back in the day at Spawn where the artwork really out-shined the story. In this case, with Kirkman doing the writing, I feel the story will remain strong but here will be backed up by some dynamic, moody artwork. I know the art isn't for everyone but I love the visceral feel to it, and extreme attention to detail.
I do have one complaint, which others mention above, that I'm not really looking for a more spy-oriented arc. This appears to be going that way (with a promise the next one will be more horror-related). I've already committed to buying this arc *and* the next arc (another year's worth) based on Kirkman's talent level alone.
Other than that, I really like the characters Kirkman has presented, and the two brothers have an interesting love/hate relationship I want to read more about. At first it felt more 'hate' than 'love' but the recent issue felt like it wasn't quite that simple.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
I suggest everyone pick up #9 of Haunt because it's sure to be a collector's item! It features a letter written by the legendary Cobalt Kid!
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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) convinced me to hang on—and I’m glad I did. He really builds steam and when he starts firing on all cylinders, he’s as good a writer as it gets.
