Legion World Forums LEGION COMPANION Dr. Gym'll's Cultural Rarities Any recommendations

I finally got started on reading (in some cases re-reading Titan Books' reprinting of the JAMES BOND 007 newspaper strips.

Titan Books began a reprinting project back in 1987... but inexplicably, stopped in 1990 after only 4 books, 3 of them later strips and the final one being CASINO ROYALE, which should have been the first!

At the beginning of 2004, they suddenly picked up again, and have done 6 books so far. What's maddenning is, 3 of these have been reprints of what they already reprinted in the late 80's. But at least they've FINALLY filled in the gaping holes of the early stories, even if they published them completely out-of-sequence. Now that I have ALL the early stories, I can finally read (or re-read) them IN sequence.

The "1st" book (new edition Feb'05) is CASINO ROYALE, which also includes (as in the Jul'90 edition) Live And Let Die, but also includes the NEVER-before reprinted Moonraker. (This is exactly the kind of "rip-off" that bugs me-- I had to get this for the 3rd story, even though I had the earlier version.) I plowed through the 2nd story last night, and the 3rd one this morning.

These were done originally by The Daily Express in England, and syndicated to a number of other papers in different countries... but NEVER seen in any US papers. They're very faithful adaptations of Ian Fleming's novels, with the exception of having most of the sex and violence trimmed down to an absolute minimum. As a result, while I only read the novels once apiece, and around 30 years ago (except for LIVE AND LET DIE which I read twice) I have very clear images in my mind of certain scenes in the books which are just not in the comics, because they couldn't do stuff like that at the time in English newspapers. Even toned down severely, the strips were STILL too nasty for American papers. Damn shame.

The strip started in Jul'58, 4 years before the 1st Connery film DR. NO (and even a year before the aborted Kevin McClory project THUNDERBALL). Presumably the artist John McLusky based his renditions of the characters on descriptions in the books. Even so, I'm picturing in my mind a few actors from back then who might have been perfect had they made movies actually based on the books...


James Bond -- Guy Doleman (THE IPCRESS FILE)
Gala Brand -- Honor Blackman (THE AVENGERS)
Sir Hugo Drax -- Howard Marion Crawford (SHERLOCK HOLMES)


With his tight squint and crew-cut blonde hair, I can't quite picture an actor for Felix Leiter... but I find in funny that he bears a slight resemblance to Race Bannon on JONNY QUEST, who was an American security agent not unlike Leiter.



It's also interesting to be reminded of some of the details from the books which turned up in movies not based on them directly. Between DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER (1971) and MOONRAKER (1979) the film producers did 5 films in a row that were a travesty of "adaptations". The next 5, however, from FOR YOUR EYES ONLY (1981) to LICENCE TO KILL (1989) seemed bent on making up for ignoring Fleming throughout the 70's by including as MUCH of Fleming as possible-- even though they'd run out of novels. So little of so many novels had been used in some cases, a ton of material could still be utilized... but as I like to joke, you need a score card to know what came from where.

The climax of the book Moonraker was used as the climax of the film THE SPY WHO LOVED ME (1977). The film FOR YOUR EYES ONLY (1981) used the main plots of both For Your Eyes Only and Risico (a pair of short stories that began as possible tv episode plots) but it also includes an "identi-graph" scene from the book Goldfinger, and the famous keel-hauling scene that was the climax of the book Live And Let Die.

In OCTOPUSSY (1983) the line "Spend the money-- quickly!" (one of Louis Jordan's best lines) came from Moonraker, after Bond out-cheats Hugo Drax at cards.


I'm about to start in on the "2nd" book, DR. NO-- which begins with Diamonds Are Forever and From Russia With Love. This was only just reprinted in May'05, though an earlier edition was the only book in the series put out by The James Bond 007 Fan Club in the US (sometime in the late 70's, apparently).

Unfortunately, the quality of the reprints varies depending on available stats. But for any fans of the books, these are a great way to relive the original stories.

Solicited this month:


SOLO # 7 with MIKE ALLRED. This features a story I've been waiting to see for years, since Mike mentioned it some time ago: "BATMAN A-GO-GO", a tribute to the Adam West Bat-universe!

Mike Allred? Oh, yes.

Comic book (& related) events reported in comic book form - what could make more sense? A panel discussion with Brunetti, Seth & Ware, Neil Gaiman, a Harry Potter book launch... available at:

Stripped Books

My two must reads are:

1. Ultimate Spider-man This is probably my all-time favorite comic book. Bendis has a way of drawing me back to my past through this book. I'm not saying I'm Spider-man, It's just that when he's writing a lunch room scene, I feel like I'm sitting at the next table trying to trade my bologna sandwich for somebody else's pudding cup. I just feel connected to the characters. It's a special book.

2. Invincible Great book. A lot like Ultimate Spider-man in that the main character is High School age and put into awkward situations. It's filled with lots of little "grin" moments throughout the story, but I always feel connected to the main character. Filled with twists that are hard to see coming. Couldn't ask for more from a comic book.

CRISIS ON MULTIPLE EARTHS VOLUME 3

One of the few things I consider a positive effect of the current Crisis is that it's moved DC to reprint its earliest Crisis stories, originally from JLA during the 60s and 70s.

Volumes 1 and 2 are a bit too old-fashioned for my tastes, but I did buy Volume 3, and I love it more with every read. Most of these stories are written by Len Wein, they are all penciled by the late Dick Dillin, and many of them are beautifully inked by Dick Giordano. Wein, with the guidance of the late, great editor Julius Schwartz, brought into the DCU the original Seven Soldiers of Victory, as well as the (now much-missed) Freedom Fighters, and he inadvertently anticipated a JSA plot strand (by almost 30 years) with his story about the Golden Age Sandman's sidekick.

The best story here is probably Crisis on Earth X, with the Freedom Fighters, but they're all great fun, and they stand the test of time very well. Get this TPB while you still can.

It seems that me and Cali have been the only LWers talking about J. Michael Straczynski and Mike McKone's run on Fantastic Four. It's been really good so far, with JMS showing signs of being the rare FF writer to not be straitjacketed by the FF legacy of Stan & Jack, and McKone once again proving his greatness. The current issue, # 535, is the second half of an excellent Thing vs. Hulk 2-parter which does not unfold the way you might expect.

"Japan As Viewed By 17 Creators" is an anthology: French comic book creators visited 8 Japanese cities and did stories about their experiences - and stories about 8 cities by Japanese mangakas. The very wide range of styles, both in art and story-telling make this a really unusual book. The anthology also serves as a travel book, if you're interested in non-tourist Japan.

A list of artists involved available at Mars Import

Comics you might not be reading

SGT Rock: the Prophecy - great gritty war comic by Joe Kubert, doing what he does best.

Jonah Hex - anyone ever wanting something more from DC: well, here it is! And its EXCELLENT!

Aquaman - so good it was worth the entire Crisis and OYL for this alone!

Fallen Angel - definately the best work Peter David has done since when Hulk was peaking. Years from now, it might be noted that this *is* his best work.

Runaways - Along with Sentry, Young Avengers and She-Hulk, this proves that Marvel still has an extremely creative and fun side to them that fans just don't seem to realize.

Captain America - most likely my pick for the single best comic book being published right now.

Ultimate Fantastic Four (Mark Millar's run) - The 'pleasant surprise' book of the year! Mark Millar is peaking as a writer right now and this feels like Stan and Jack diong the FF in 2006.

There's more of course (I collect 81 titles with my Dad and brothers) but these are ones I think people might not notice but are excellent.

I'll second that recommendation. And I agree, this seems like the masterpiece that Peter David had been working towards for his entire career up to now.

And I'll second this one! I actually have access to the original issues right now (there on display on my Dad's 'comic book basement wall'). I read all the way up to the 7 Soldiers one (which I'm saving for the weekend). I think they get better with each one, as additional JSAers come out of limbo. The best part is the interaction b/t the two teams and how there really is a sense of a gradually growing friendship between them (Superman even says "perhaps a JLA-JSA team-up will solve the problem?").

Cool things to note: the Red Tornado! The GLs (Alan and Hal) sending Aquarius into the negative dimension! Thunderbolt and Johnny arguing, and the Thunderbolt even giving the whole JSA back talk! E2 Atom bending down to shake E1 Atom's hand after their first meeting--for some reason that visual struck me as a very 'if I was ten years old I would cherish this panel' moment.

Here would be some of my recommendations:

Marvel
Moon Knight. The first issue was just amazing. This read like the original Moon Knight by Doug Moenich and Bill Sienkiewicz. Charlie Huston has a great feel for the characters and David Finch's artwork fits this title like a glove.

Captain America. I have never liked Cap, but Ed Brubaker is so incredible that he has made this one of the Top 3 titles out right now. Steve Epting's art fits Brubaker's tone perfectly.

Daredevil. Yet another Ed Brubaker title. I liked Bendis' run on this title. I like Brubaker's run even better. I'd have to say that Daredevil is also one of the best comics out right now. And even though Michael Lark's art isn't my favorite style, Lark's art fits this title.

X-Factor. This title is a little off-beat. And that is why that aside from Astonishing X-Men, this is the best X-title out there. David's writing is entertaining. The art is a bit inconsistent.

Astonishing X-Men. This is how the X-Men should be written. Whedon is making this title just a blast to read. And the last issue? Wow. Great stuff.

Squadron Supreme. Stracsynski is weaving a fantastic story on this title. The characters are all so interesting. I hate to make this reference, but this title has a nice Watchmen-esque feel to it while still retaining plenty of originality. Gary Frank's art is perfect for this title.

Ultimate Spider-Man. This title is just pure entertainment. Candy for the brain. It delivers each and every month. The most consistently good title out there.

DC
Batman and Detective Comics. This title has done a great job with the OYL storyline. Robinson has crafted a very interesting story. Plus, soon Grant Morrison will take over Batman and Paul Dini will take over Detective Comics. I cannot wait to read Morrison's Batman.

Teen Titans. Geoff Johns has taken the OYL storyline and run with it like a madman. There is so much going on with this title. It is one of the more exciting comics to read.

Green Lantern. Again, Geoff Johns has really made the most of the OYL storyline than most other authors. Good story plus good art equals a great read.

Checkmate. If you like international espionage then this is the title for you. Mix in some cool JSA'ers like Alan Scott and Mr. Terrific with a splash of second string JLA in Fire and you have a title with lots of potential. I liked Greg Rucka's first issue and I thought that Saiz's art was nice.

BLACK PANTHER's 40th Anniversary!


Solicited in this month's PREVIEWS:

MARVEL'S GREATEST COMICS: FANTASTIC FOUR #52

Now here's something cool. I have #53, and as some may know, the still-recent MASTERWORKS book that reprinted that shot that story from the original art, so for once, the reprint looked BETTER than the original comic!

In the case of #52, I have the 1970's MGC reprint (fuzzy) and the still-recent MASTERWORKS (also fuzzy). But I never tracked down an original comic.

Now here's the REALLY cool part. The upcoming reprint is going to be shot off THE ORIGINAL COMIC! Sure, not as good as the original art-- but still, bound to be WAY better than the previous reprints!


I loved it when they did those 2 1940's HUMAN TORCH comics this way, and have said on several occasions I wish they'd do more like it. Maybe someone's been listening?

Been awhile since I shilled for the Dead so:

<marquee behavior=alternate><span style="font-size: 40px;">BUY THE WALKING DEAD!</span></marquee>

Also:

Jonah Hex
Moon Knight
Captain America

This just sounds like fun!
Ursa Minors

This month in PREVIEWS:

AGENTS OF AXIS -- a story set in the 1950's Marvel U.

STRANGE WESTERNS: THE BLACK RIDER -- Steve Englehart, Marshall Rogers & Terry Austin ride again! YEE-HAH!

ESSENTIAL PUNISHER Vol.1 -- from his debut in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #129 on up. Conway, Andru, etc. etc. Spidey's book may have been depressing and miserable at the time, but that only made The Punisher fit right in!

IRON MAN MASTERWORKS Vol.3 -- at last, GENE COLAN's run is getting reprinted in Masterworks form! ASTOUNDING visuals... even if you were getting a lot less story per episode than with Don Heck. (Stan who?)

My latest loud recommendation would be:

THE GOLDEN AGE HAWKMAN Archive Edition volume 1.

I love this book! For some reason, I'm finding that a lot of DC's Golden Age material holds up better for me than the Silver Age stuff. As crude as it sometimes is here and there, I litterally have no idea what's about to happen as I turn the pages... And there's a real sense of adventure and FUN.

A lot of the comics from the Silver Age were definitely better crafted (plots better structured, art more polished), but that sometimes lead to things being a bit dry (imo). I don't notice that happening while reading this Golden Age stuff. Mostly what I notice is myself saying, "W-what...?!" to an empty room, as I read the stories.

From this month's PREVIEWS...

Essential TALES OF THE ZOMBIE -- stories that the Comics Code FORBID, even after they changed the Code to allow for vampires, werewolves, etc.!!! From TOTZ #1-10 and DRACULA LIVES #1-2.

Big Bang presents: SUPER FRANKENSTEIN -- I'm not making this up!! I've got EVERY BB comic to date, naturally I'll be getting this one.

Simpsons' TREEHOUSE OF HORROR -- this year's edition features the work of Kyle Baker, Terry Moore & Eric Powell. WOW!

E-MAN RECHARGED -- from Digital Webbing, original creators NICK CUTI & JOE STATON reunite once again! Yee-hah!

BACK ISSUE #18 -- this issue devoted to GREEN LANTERN. As I'm buying 2 GL books for the first time in 15 years, I figured I might as well go for it.

Castle Waiting a hardcover collection of the original comic (published by Fantagraphics) might be of interest to Fables fans. I certainly enjoyed it a lot more than I expected to! A princess on the run finds refuge in a peculiar castle, filled with other beings, whose pasts unfold as the story proceeds. It's the usual fairy tale mix of humans and animal-type people (with a charming demon thrown in), in a medieval setting. All ages, but the characters are interesting enough and the story has enough twists and turns to keep older readers turning the pages.

There is the official (creator\'s) site but more info about the story, characters and artwork can be found at this site .

Plastic Man Archives Vol 1

This is truly a strange and wonderful creation. I find myself staring in disbelief at some pages, because Jack Cole's villians are sometimes grotesque and odd but always wonderfully created. And while I was expecting a goofy JLA-esque Plas, that is NOT THE CASE! No. Instead we have a rather straight forward hero who lapses into goofiness here and there. There is a definite draftmanship to Cole's work as the volume progresses. and the stories, while at first almost cookie cutter, come alive once the page count increased(by this point Plastic Man was a feature and not a back-up) and when Woozy is introduced the tales go great Guns.

Worth the 50 bucks. Especially for the Toth cover.

I got a couple items in today I thought I'd pass on...


BIG BANG PRESENTS #1 -- Gary Carlson has resumed publishing BB under his own label, hoping for a bi-monthly schedule. First up, "Protoplasman", a Jack Cole tribute with art by Mort Todd, and a new "Knight Watchman" story which has to be seen to be believed-- and maybe not even then. It's a WILL EISNER tribute, and it's SO authentic, you'd SWEAR Mike Ploog must have done it! This Jeff Austin guy is AMAZING!!!

CHIPS WILDE: THE WILD ONE! -- new graphic novel from Dick Ayers. The art is really on the "rough" side, but I've been admiring his stuff all over again so much the last 2 years, I couldn't pass it up.

Ranking on Constantine: an upcoming project which I'd recommend just because Rankin is one of my favourite mystery writers (and Constantine is okay too).

from LiTG -
Ian Rankin, crime novelist and author of such titles as "Knots And Crosses," adapted as the "Rebus" TV series for the BBC, announced at the Edinburgh Book festival that he is to write a comic book project for Vertigo.

Further investigation reveals it is a John Constantine project, with Constantine pitched as a pulp-fiction style private eye who happens to deal with supernatural clients.

I understand the introduction happened through current "Hellblazer" writer Denise Mina.

Birds of Prey still continues to be good, and Squadron Supreme really has me hooked. I would definitely recommend the SS.

At mid-October 2006, a few months post-Crisis and mid Civil War:

My Top 5-ish DC Reccomendations:
Aqauaman
Green Lantern
Teen Titans
Batman & Detective Comics
Superman & Action Comics
52
Birds of Prety

My Top 5-ish Marvel Reccomendations:
Hulk
Daredevil
Captain America
Uncanny X-Men
Runaways
Ultimate Fantastic Four

Other Reccomendations:
Fallen Angel - just when I thought this couldn't get any better, it suddenly has.

Fables - ditto

I'd recommend Dynamite's The Lone Ranger series to anyone who's enjoying Jonah Hex!

I picked up the first two issues the other day, and they're pretty cool!