Legion World Forums LEGION COMPANION Dr. Gym'll's Cultural Rarities Random Review Corner

I'd be up for an All-Westerns thread, with discussions of movies and tv shows!

Paladin's namesake is a particular favorite character of mine!

Wonderful, EDE! Let's do it, then!

I'm planning to watch The Good, the Bad, and Ugly later today, so I'll chime in on that.

I just caught the last 10 minutes of it last week. I watch TV once in a blue moon, so that's more than spooky. I didn't remember it at all, and quite enjoyed it.

I'm actually not the biggest western movie fan--or really all that big of a film buff in general. I see a number of sci-fi/fantasy/superhero movies every year at the cinema, but typically only 5 or 6 or less. I'll go to a couple more on average just because the kids want to see them, but that's about it. Give me a great long-form TV series, book or comic book I can really sink my teeth into any day.

That said, I have seen GB&U, liked it and wouldn't mind seeing it again. It's quite the time commitment, though, so I doubt I'll watch it with you guys even if I could obtain it. (No Netflix, etc. in this house, and you're unlikely to find it at a local Redbox--R.I.P. video rental stores.)

What I love, though, outside my preferred movie genres are Quentin Tarantino's movies, the ones I've seen anyway. Two of them, Kill Bill (it's one movie split in two) and Django Unchained, are basically westerns in style if not in fact (the meat of Django takes place in the deep south, so it technically isn't a western) and embody everything I'd want in a western in their moral greyness and style.

I'll certainly watch your reviews in earnest and make mental notes as to what I'll check out!

I'm a huge movie buff, and have been since I was a wee lad at 11 years old. However, since having kids I don't see nearly as many movies as I once did. I have very diverse tastes, and have loved different genres from different eras for a long time. As a kid I would beg my parents to let me stay up and watch movies from the 30's and 40's. Bogey was my ideal leading man and Audrey Hepburn was my first love.

My father loves westerns and I have too since I could watch with him as a kid. I've probably seen at least 20+ John Wayne movies alone from watching with my dad--including my favorite western of all time, The Horse Soldiers which also starred William Holden in one of his best performances, going toe to toe with the Duke. But I love westerns of all eras.

(Ironically, given my love of comics, I've often felt sci-fi is the genre, along with horror, with most consistent mediocre and outright bad films. Their are some monumentally good ones, but always followed by half dozen shitty ones).

Lardy, I love Tarrantino and have since Pulp Fiction. I was obsessed with him back in college and when Kill Bill came out, I saw both parts at least 3 times each in the theater. And then when Django Unchained came out, I was utterly floored by how incredible it was. It made me. Jamie Foxx fan for life, and ranks for me as a contender for his very best.

I would consider it a definite western, though like my beloved Horse Soldiers, it's on the periphery as that one is a Civil War film.

But now the thread has really digressed, and I'll save it for Anywhere Machine.

For comics, my love of westerns started with, what else?, the Marvel Silver Age. Kid Colt was my favorite though I loved all the Big 3. I later learned to love DC's western stars though most didn't have much of a career past 1960. The big exception is Jonah Hex, who is obviously inspired by Leone, Peckinpah and Eastwood. He remains perhaps the most iconic post Silver Age character ever introduced at DC.

But truly great westerns have been hard to find since the end of the 60's. When they do pop up, whether in comics, film, tv or whatever (and I can't help but plug the amazing Hell on Wheels, a great show on AMC), I can't wait to gobble them up.

FYI, have you ever seen Deadwood? It's a contender for all time greatest television show ever.

There are obviously many exceptions to the "not a film buff" rule. Obviously, it's not Christmas if I don't see "It's a Wonderful Life", for example--a movie I know you love, too.



My dad always loved westerns, particularly GB&U and the Magnificent Seven it seems. It never rubbed off on me, though. I think the bad bullet sound effects, the white guys portraying Indians and the overall melodramatic music of old movies has always been a subliminal turn-off.



Oh, for sure. A movie being sci-fi is hardly enough reason for me to go see them. Most are just TERRIBLE!



As great as Foxx is in that film, I think that Christoph Waltz absolutely STEALS the movie as Dr. Schultz!



I'd certainly agree that in every way it's a western otherwise, but that technicality made me wonder.



No, I haven't, but it's definitely squarely on my radar after recently experiencing Breaking Bad and hungering to see some of the other great "buzz" shows of recent years. (In fact, I anticipated that you'd mention Deadwood if you replied! )

BTW, you could argue that Breaking Bad was a western for modern times in some of its themes, execution and setting!

Great comments, guys!

Thoth, it truly is a spooky coincidence that the TV station happened to be giving that very movie. Glad you enjoyed what you got to see.

Lardy, the passing of video rental stores is indeed sad, especially the independent stores that stocked the more obscure offerings. Glad you'll be following our reviews and making notes of the best movies out there.

Cobie, I confess I've never seen Horse Soldiers or Deadwood, but I'll have to correct that soon. Tarantino is not my cup of tea, though. Looking forward to your reviews.

All right, I'm off now to The Anywhere Machine to start the Western movies thread and to post my review of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

Indeed it is!

Reviews:

So, embracing the "Thoth Method", which is now an important part of Gym'll's terminology, here are some thoughts on the first batch of 4 weeks worth of comics.

Note - my reading process is generally as such: first I read the comics that are "on the bubble"; these are those that I've given a 1-2 issue moratorium to impress me or die, or series I'm trying out for an issue before deciding one way or another. Next, I tend to read the series I'm currently enjoying the most. Finally I get to those I enjoy but have waited to read for some reason or another.

Roche Limit 1 (Image)
With a great sci-fi cover and opening few pages, I was very excited. However, the story progressed into a somewhat familiar mystery in space type story that felt more like a gritty crime drama in a sci-fi setting than anything. Not a bad issue by any means but I feel like I've already bought this type of story 10 times in the last few years. Just not enough there to be added to my pull. Like Lardy, I've grown a little weary of so many new releases. I've had a tendency to preorder everything because I want to be supportive. But I think I need the wait & see approach in determining what I want to invest my time in. 2.0

Men of Wraith 1 (Marvel Icon)
Jason Aaron is among my favorite "newer" writers in comics, and my start to finish reread of Scalped at the beginning of this year nailed that home. But I've been disappointed by his Marvel work and his American Bastards series at Image. That feeling continues here. I don't know what it is but something feels missing. Perhaps I need to read this and AB in trades to fully embrace Aaron and appreciate what he's doing. As it stands, this issue had an act of violence I consider possibly the only thing worse than graphic rape, even if it was largely off-panel, and I just don't have time to suffer through that. Gonna have to drop it. 2.0

Amazing X-Men 11 -13 (Marvel)
Both All-New X-Men and Uncanny X-Men have been so good that I've done what I've often done in the past and bitten off more than I can chew, adding other X-titles in the hope that they're all of equal quality. This one lasted longer than all the others I cancelled because it has Storm, Colossus, Wolverine and Nightcrawler with some very appealing art. Even the latest story, featuring Alpha Flight and Wendigo should be a slam dunk. But that's not reality talking, as I should have realized. It's boring, drawn out, repetitive and lacking any real heart & soul. Some people grow warmer in their nostalgia as they get older. I guess I'm one of those colder bastards that loses the nostalgia, because I'm not feeling it here. Love the line up but I need a story to service the characters. Dropped. 1.5

The Walking Dead 132 - 133 (Image)
It really amazing how much TWD has changed since All Out War ended and the series had a "new season transition". And I mean that two-fold: not only has a lot changed for the characters and the status quo, but in terms of my enjoyment of the series. After meandering along for many years, TWD is back at the head of the pack. It is *the* series I want to read the most out of everything I collect, and it is a definite member of my top 5 (when I can't really think of any other definites). I'm just enthralled by the series, and loving every sequence so far which feels so "right up my alley" that I almost feel Kirkman singled me out specifically when writing this. (Don't ruin it, it's good for my ego). 6.0

Saga 23 (Image)
Saga remains an industry standard in quality and creativity, and it's just so good that I've run out of adjectives to use. This latest arc has gone slow but the payoff (re: the inevitable confrontation) has been great because it's been incredibly realistic, and took the readers somewhere they probably weren't expecting. Vaughn has the plot on simmer for now, but the characters are strong enough to stay there, and the glorious art and colors by Staples is just mesmerizing. 5.5

Multiversity: the Just (DC)
I wasn't anywhere near as in love with the first issue of Multiversity as others, and I'm also not as in love with the Just either. It was a solid, quality issue. But there wasn't enough oomph for me, and I can't shake the feeling I've seen it all before from Grant. The younger, spoiled heroes no longer doing anything heroic but just being famous is perhaps the single most tired trope in comics at this point. Morrison overcomes it in places by some wonderful nods to DC's lush history, including some insights I've never seen before. And if you loved the 90's at DC, this is certainly the series for you as he goes above and beyond with bits about Kyle Raynor, Conner Hawke and many others, while the art even depicts Gunfire and a host of other characters non-90's readers will be scratching their heads over. Maybe I wouldn't be so blaise if DC's lush history hadn't been cast in a continuous snuff porn for the last decade plus. There's a lot to like and I think a lot of my problem is more about my own personal experience than what's on the page. 3.0

Hulk 7 (Marvel)
I've been enjoying the Hulk since Gerry Duggan took over with #5, and sent the Hulk on what basically amounts to a gamma radiation Armor Wars. Marvel is too full of gamma irradiated characters and what better way to solve that than have the Hulk piss off everyone. It's really a full on action book at this point but it's given some extra gravitas by the Hulk's personal history with each of the characters he visits and depowers, plus his ongoing struggles with whether he's doing what's right or crossing the line. I'm not thrilled with the constant Banner / Hulk shifting status quo which seems to be something creators feel is part of the status quo. 3.75

Starlight 6 (Image / Millarworld)
Millar is a writer with many detractors who has rightfully gained a reputation for being exploitive, crass and cynical. Yet, as has always been the case, every so often he shows moments of brilliance, and can produce something that's really powerful and beautiful. Starlight fits that latter description, and the final issue to the miniseries was wonderful to read--full of adventure and awe-inspiring joy that I love feeling when I read comics. It may be the best thing Millar has done in the last 15 years, save Superior, which is his best IMO. 5.0

I also read Wytches, but I think I'll save that for Any Recs, since I enjoyed it immensely and may want to get into more detail.

I’m a hard-comic book reading man this week, though I’ll be taking a break from tonight to Monday since I have a nice extra long weekend. A few more reviews using the increasingly infamous Thoth-Method:

Silver Surfer 6 (Marvel)
SS #6 provides an incredibly awesome one-off story that increases my love for this title even more, which I previously didn’t think was possible. The Silver Surfer / Dawn Greenwood dynamic is comic book gold and has injected such energy into the Surfer concept that I’m totally enthralled. The story itself is a brilliant sci-fi type story told in a completely fun, classic way that is full of humor and ingenious twists. I love the new enemy for the Surfer, Warrior One (now Warrior Zero) and am looking forward to seeing him again. 6.0

Amazing Spider-Man 7 & 8 (Marvel)
ASM continues to be the best its been since I’ve read it off the stands though the latest two issues were a bit less so. This is due to both stories being “split issues”, basically having two half-sized stories in each issue as the series gears up for Edge of the Spider-verse. The lead in both stories is a team-up with Ms. Marvel that isn’t without a certain charm, though it didn’t totally knock my socks off. I kind of just outright dislike when a “new” hero is starstruck by an existing hero. I always have. Can’t really say why. The back-ups feature Spider-Men from other worlds, including Mayday Parker, Spider-Girl in #8. They’re interesting but I’m not yearning to read more about them. 3.5

Uncanny X-Men 27 (Marvel)
Brian Bendis and Carlos Pacheo continue to deliver on Uncanny X-Men, and #27 focuses on probably the best thing they’ve been doing, which is rehabilitating Scott Summers into the ultimate X-Man we’ve always known him to be. Bendis writes a fantastic Cyclops and he shines through this issue, which has Cyke interacting with the other X-Men who hate him (Storm, Logan, Beast, just about everyone). The story concept is pretty much stolen directly from Proteus, Legion and so many other similar X-Men type stories, but Bendis doesn’t really seem to be hiding it. 4.25.

Batman & Robin 35 (DC)
This return of Damien Wayne arc has so far been surprisingly good, though we start to see the whole thing falling apart here as Batman is in some Azrael-inspired suit on Apokalpyse battling para-demons while Batgirl, Red Robin and the Red Hood trick Cyborg into allowing them to join them. It’s so far out of Batman’s usual comfort zone that it almost feels like a bizarro 1950’s sci-fi Batman story told with all the angst and violence of the modern era. Tomasi and Gleason are a good team, as evidenced by their GL-related work, but this story, while not terrible, is representative of how far Batman has strayed as a franchise in general over the last 10 years. 2.5

Supreme: Blue Rose 4 (Image)
Thus far, the relaunched Supreme has been superb and this issue takes it a step further, as we start to get a real sense of what the story is really about: my theory being that the end of the last storyline by Larsen, in which the Liefeld Supreme battled the Moore Supreme, caused yet another revision in the Supremacy only this time something happened to stop Supreme from reemerging, which may destroy all space and time. Zayla Zarne and Doc Rocket play huge roles here and they’re both kinda brilliantly done. This may be the only “reboot / continuity” type story to actually be done right in the last 15 years.

Stray Bullets: Killers 8 (Image)
As usual, another awesome story that had me on the edge of my seat, anxious to see what would happen to the lead characters. And as Lapham does so often, he had the violence fade into the background as the thing I cared most about—feeling huge anxiety over its discovery—was Ginny seeing what she saw in the end. 5.5.

Gotham Academy 1 (DC)
I didn’t know what to expect other than the preview looked awesome. I was delighted to find something completely out of left field inside that was full of charm, mystery and great characters. I absolutely loved it: the art, the energy, the new characters, the premise. I can’t wait to read more. 4.5

Miracleman 11 (Marvel)
John Tottleben joins Alan Moore for the first time and even then his layouts are lush and amazing, while his linework is dramatic and exciting. Miracleman is just a lot of fun to read, even though I feel Moore was perhaps a little too wordy in his narration at this early stage in his career. Still, it’s hard to criticize when its good. What looks to be Miracle Woman arrives on the scene and I’m loving the fact that I know absolutely nothing about what’s to come.

lots of things I've not read there. Thanks for the reviews Cobie. I did skip the Multiversity related review, as I've not read any of it yet.

I've also never read a Silver Surfer comic in my life. This would seem to be a good opportunity to take a look.

I think I got an early issue of Saga, but it didn't stick with me. There's never a shortage of Image comics to jostle into a gap so that was about all I saw.

Thanks for the reminder that Supreme is out there. It's not a comic I bought at the time, but I enjoyed the Moore issues. I might take a peek, although it would have to match the charm of those issues. Superman clones I can live without.

Typing of which, Miracleman would be on my list. But having read it already, I wasn't that bothered about the extras these issues have to offer. I'll regret it in the end, as I don't know how any continuation will work out. I can see myself scrambling to buy it all again later on.

The Marvel Miracleman hardbound collected reprints are reasonably cheap (or at least the first one was). I'm glad, because that means I'll eventually be able to but my originals and the super-rare Eclipse collections away (yes, that was me bragging).

It's definitely something to brag about! When all this Miracleman revival stuff started to happen, I spent some time trying to see what has been collected before and how it could be found. The Eclipse collections are rare along the lines of Golden Age stuff!

Also, Thoth, if you've never read the Surfer before, I suggest you start with this latest series here. It's the quirkiest by far and very possibly on the verge of being the best. Slott & Allred are the perfect mix for a unique, fun voice in the medium right now.

I saw hardback Miracleman collections in the comic shop today. Unfortunately, they are the Marvel ones. They didn't waste any time getting those out. They were discounted too, to just over $35. Um...

Eclipse were flooded back in the mid '80s. I wonder if their collections are even rarer?

Gah! A Supreme Intelligence v Ego, the Living Planet v Hackett Head in a bragging contest!

If you can't see tonight's bout, don't worry. It's a ...triple header.


Thanks for the heads surfs up about the Silver Surfer. I picked up an issue today.

Justice Inc Dynamite 3
For a dynamite comic, there are two fun links between this group and DC in this issue. There' s also a Planetary reference. The relationship between the alter egos of the Shadow is an interesting subplot too. Pat Savage still hasn’t figured out shirt buttons it would seem. There's action, but it's distracted by the number of central characters. There's character development (particularly making sense with the Avenger) but it's still stage setting in this issue. Like it's predecessors, it's sill not quite clicking into place. 3.75

Mimetic Boom 1
Having read the comic, I've seen the good time sloth. Unless, it only works online, I've only got a short while left. The book takes some basic meme fears and gives it a Day of the Triffids moment and mixes in some pandemic/ Walking Dead plots. Events escalate pretty rapidly in the first issue, but there's time to get to know the central characters. Their dialogue avoids action movie cliches (except for the appropriate end one) and builds up empathy. 4.25

Lazarus Image 12
Lazari is used as the plural of Lararus in case it ever comes up. I'm glad I picked up the last issue, as I could just about follow the main characters as they meet for a huge gathering of the families. One interesting sub plot is the interaction between the Lazari, the enforcers of the families. Their own relationships, independent to a degree form the families will make for some emotional confrontations later. At the back of my mind reading this, is that in a world where there's been such a die off, none of these guys are good guys. 4

Walking Dead, The Image 133
I nearly missed this, as I wasn't expecting another issue until next month. It's the usual mix of pacing. A long focus on Carl and his relationships. A little bit of back-story that fills in some missing recent details, while brining newer reader up to speed. Then, the creepy new faction in the book followed by another cliff-hanger. It's very easy for things to go wrong even as they all become more organised and prepared. 5.75

Alex + Ada Image 9
It's a world with corporate AIs that are nearly indistinguishable from us. It's a story about identity and possibly love. The characters all seem a little gloomy and the art amplifies this. Even the confrontations and plot seem a little depressed, and it's a little bland. 3.25

Squidder IDW 4
Bought for the Ben Templesmith art, despite the off-putting name of the book. This is the last issue of 4. I'd have started with issue 1, but the shop only had 2,3 & 4. Bah! Tentacled horrors form another dimension attack humanity through a dimensional node. A combination of Captain America and Hank Heywood Steel fights them against the end of humanity. So, a pretty action packed premise and some good art. As some of the cast are super tough, the finale goes on a little long but there's a good epilogue. 4.5

Justice League Unlimited Annual DC 1
Sadly, I've read enough JLA/Legion issues to have guessed at least some of the plot twists in the annual. The JL team aren’t very convincing. Supergirl is impetuous but not shown using her powers effectively. Hawkman is violent & able to hit people in the face with a mace, without causing any real injury. Animal Man is sit com relief. The only reason for buying this was the Legion. Mon El was shown as direct in the last Legion run, but his actions at the start were out of character, even given the circumstances. But we get a few pages of the whole team here, up against one of their foes. The art suits the Legion a little more than the League. For an annual, you don't even get as much story as a normal issue would have provided a few years ago, which is disappointing. But it's great to see the Legion back. 3.5

Lenore Titan 11
It was a whole three pages before my first chuckle, which is a little longer than usual. Although the plot dumps were handled in as fun a way as possible, it's not something I'm used to in Lenore. They still got in the way. There were a few other obvious gags, and not the wall to wall horror/whimsy that it has when it's going well. 4.5

Victories Dark Horse 15
Quite a number of fortean/ fringe theories appear in the world changing finale of this arc. The superheroes are pretty much a back drop to a character achieving his destiny, with a couple of little twits along the way. 3.75

The Goon: Occasion of Revenge Dark Horse 3
There's a core of Sin City in the heart of this issue. Straightforward loss, betrayal and revenge. But with the cast of the Goon around it. 4.25

Concentrated Capsules of Comic Commentary...

Aliens: Fire & Stone 2 Dark Horse
We learn a few secrets from after the prequel that wasn't a prequel leading into the Aliens movie. The characters don't really stand out so there's no great sense of dread when they run up against the aliens. The aliens should be terrifying, but are simply stand ins for the unfamiliar planet the humans find themselves on. There's enough to eat and drink, so only the creatures are shown as a threat. 3.25

Atomic Robo: Knights of the Golden Circle 5 Red 5
This is the final issue in a series I've not read the rest of (I only have the first one for some reason). I've really liked Atomic Robo in the past, but the big fight scene doesn't stand alone too well and yet another character forgets to put a "what" in front of a "the hell" a la bendis. But then it picks up with Robo playing the role of tough guy getting punched around a lot (see also Captain Britain) and an interesting villain. Oh, and it's all happening on a zeppelin for extra points. The twist may connect to previous issues, but its a bit of a shock to me as are the closing pages, making me want to scurry back to the back issues to find out what I've missed. 4.25

Sixth Gun 44 Oni
Possibly the title I'm furthest behind on. I got the first few issues, liked them, and promptly ignored it and here we are on #44. The previously caption (inside cover Hickman!) isn’t a huge help. Things seemed to have escalated quite a bit. From mystical revolvers to manned thunderbirds battling manned giant bats above a town inhabited by snake people and their ancient mistress. There are some cool moments, but the fight is overlong and a little one sided. So there's a hint of relief at the final couple of pages as things move on and the last page is a bit of a shock too. 4.5

Baltimore: The Wolf & the Apostle 1 Dark Horse
Baltimore acts as inquisitor/confessor to a wounded man, part of a group that hunts one of their own. It's a tale that starts with a connection to Baltimore, a touchstone to a gripping tale of terror and horror. 5.5

Groo vs Conan 4 Dark Horse
A light-hearted end to the miniseries, where everyone gets their just deserts, the two heroes depart back to their own lives, and Comic book Sergio dreams of a sequel with another iconic character. The rufferto strip at the back was probably my biggest smile of the issue, but there are some good character moments for most and some trademark Groo lines. 4

Mind MGMT 27 Dark Horse
There was an old RPG called Adventure that created a global group of explorers. Not a new concept, but its pulp roots mixed with will powered abilities reminded me very much of this issue. I'm not too keen on the protagonist, who seems capable…just because. Thankfully, she's barely seen in this issue where we see Mind MGMT links to a number of famous events. The end also reminds me of the end of a Suicide Squad issue, where a certain outcome was achieved because one of the characters belief in it altered. 4.75

Rachel Rising 29 Abstract Studio
A quiet start, followed by a sudden reveal. Just as I'm getting over that, there's an extremely touching moment. There's a couple of twists thrown in as our kid character (who I'm not too keen on) takes care of some business. 4.5

Saga 24 Image
I'd completely mistaken this for another book. I thought it was some sort of Norse thing. So the talking alien seal on the first page came as a bit of a surprise. At least he had an axe so I wasn't completely lost. There's quite a mixture of cast and genres from a grown up Klarion sort of thing to a scary (yet still cute) cat and some capes and lots of sci fi in there too. After a soft beginning to the issue, the language and content took me a bit by surprise too. The plot was quite clear despite this being my first read. 4

GREEN ARROW: YEAR ONE, by Andy Diggle & Jock

For some reason, I didn't read this back in the day, even though I loved the same creative team's run on Vertigo's The Losers. But now it's all too clear that this is where Diggle was making the transition from being a great writer to being a not-so-great writer. Don't get me wrong, there's lots to like here -- Jock's artwork packs its customary punch, Diggle has a good handle on Ollie's personality and voice, and Hackett is a decent shades-of-grey character -- but where The Losers was a clever subversion of the cartoonish A-Team/G.I. Joe style mindless actioner, this is merely a slightly above average actioner requiring too much suspension of disbelief. Recommended only for hardcore Ollie fans like myself.

Friday checklist:-
Chores ignored - check
Cat ignored - check
Messages ignored - check
Mental note to never ignore cat + wounds bandaged - check

Then it must be Capsule Comments on Comics Time!


Abe Sapien 18 Dark Horse

Abe and his fellow travellers (none I really recall much of) find a town that seems to have been spared the devastation. We've sen other places that are functional, but there's a sense of optimism in the people here. Abe's immediately cynical, but it's nice to have a break from the horror, and the characters feel it as much as the reader. Of course, all is not as it seems and there are darker powers at play even in the sunshine. 3.75

Astro City 18 Image
A story that only Astro City can pull off. Unlike the Big 2 books, Astro City has a sense of transition. New heroes replace the old and the changing of the (honor) guard, adds that comfortable weight of history, and sense of nostalgia, to the book. In the back of my mind, I wondered if Astro City would provide a back drop to it's first issues, and then maintain the status quo. But although it can be gradual, through publishing delays and long story arcs, change does happen. This issue not only gives a sense of endings. Crackerjack and Quarrel have been regulars in the book for a long time. It's takes two pages to equal the relationship you'd get glimpses of between Green Arrow and Black Canary in the Justice League. Then, it picks it's own path and surpasses it. 5.5

Federal Bureau of Physics 16 Image
As I've not been reading, we have some characters I don’t really empathise with, a touch of cliché in the dialogue and a plot from the pages of the (popular with comics writers) New Scientist. The saving grace is that the physics is central to the plot. So, instead of it being a throw away Hickman moment, it actually has some bearing on the book giving it some traction. 3.5

Five Ghosts 14 Image
A cringed a little at the premise. Our hero encounters an "artifact" and can channel the powers of five literary figures. So an origin, suggested by a decent reading of other titles, if not exactly pinched. Having said that, there was Universal Soldier in 2000AD (no, don't think about the movie) Fortunately the writer uses our hero's skills in a more action oriented way, blending pulp with some traditional horror. Points for the plague mask. 3.5

Justice League United 7 DC
Legion Lost and a fair sampling of the other Legion are in this one. Combined with Alpha Flight JLCanada, that's a lot of capes. Typically, one of the JL members can’t get a Legionnaires name right due to their being so many (refer to JL roster). There seems to be a big threat, there seems to be a lot hinging on whatever that threat is, and there's supposed to be tension surrounding the fate of this boot of Ultra the Multi alien. But there's not a hint of tension. The dialogue is basic, the plot shoved along and the characterisation non existent. Having spare Legion rings in someone's pocket just so the JLU could be involved was a stretch. Still, repeat after me "It's the Legion. It's the Legion." 3

Rachel Rising 30 Abstract Studio
With Rachel elsewhere (yet on the floor) we get some light comedy moments in trying to figure out what to do. I'm not sure it works coming from a kid (even though it's not really a kid in there.) Typing of things not being as they seem, the book gets back on track half way through, with some icky bits and a threat that will not stop, no matter what it has to do to get an appropriate form. The dark humour at the end works better than at the start. I'm finding this a pretty quick read, which is a sign that it might work best as a trade. 4.25

Savage Dragon 200 Image Or the all-
sex issue. They could have gone for a street smashing fist fight between Savage Dragon (or jr) and their greatest foes. They could have have been building up to a huge plot twist. It could have been the launching point for the next 200 issues. But hey, make love, not war. So there's sex between characters that I won't mention in case it spoils the surprise. Like a schoolboy, Larsen can't help but have his characters mention it constantly through the story. But hey, it was something different and the Mr Monster condoms were funny.

Behind all this there were a few good character moments. Like Astro City, the cast get older and move on (except for Mr Glum). Also funny were a few of the tag on cartoon strips and seeing Mr Glum tucked up in bed following another back up story gave a chuckle. It loses a few points for the amount of padding in such a big issue for the price. Like so many of the original Image titles, I didn't see this lasting anywhere near as long as it did. Now it's on the pull list before anything from the Big 2. Funny how things turn out. 3.75

Sex Criminals 9 Image
So, from condoms in Savage Dragon, it's a slippery (dependent on the lubricant used) to the new issue of Sex Criminals. Most of the issue is taken up with the life story of one of the cast to be. Like the last issue, it's not that riveting and I get the feeling that the writers are talking at me than trying to tell a story. Still, it does have a positive ending for that character, and isn't some preachy moral tale. Considering the goals of the main characters, the new addition could be more determined and driven than they are. Where the conversation between the main cast is usually good, they made up far too easily here. Depending on their recruitment drive, we could have the JLXXX or the Legion of XXX in issues to ah... well you get the idea. 4.25

The Goon: Occasion of Revenge 4 Dark Horse
"It's not the despair, Laura. I can take the despair. It's the hope I can't stand," said Brian Cleese in Clockwise. It's a quote that hangs like chains around everyone in the noir world of the Goon. It's his hope that the Goon's enemies are looking to destroy. They have a very good reason to do so too. Finally a reason why the arch villain, holding all the cards, doesn't just kill off the protagonist. Seeing Frankie immediately close the bar after the return of a blood spattered Goon, shows that together, they may have some hope. 5.75

The Phantom 1 Hermes Press
As there may be rights squabbles going on, this is the Hermes Press version by PAD. It should be steady enough with PAD at the helm, but there's a ship wreck on the first page! Fortunately it's just part of Oliver Queen's The Phantom's origin. It's not the best of origins to begin with, and the original (and of course white) Phantom looks silly in full costume, on a throne, in the heat of a jungle.

I've never been a fan of the costume. I think I'm supposed to believe that it's taken from the clothes his father wore. Clothes that were conveniently worn by a pirate washed up on the shore of the same island. Frankly, I would have chosen a different way to start the book. PAD introduces us to the current cast very nicely, showing a mature relationship between our two leads. Think good versions of Clark & Lois and Kent & Margo.

The villains (although linked with the origin) look like throwbacks to an earlier age of pulp cut outs. Using Diana as bait (particularly with a sadly lecherous response) was a poor note. As was The Phantom using his wolf, when he could easily handled it himself. Like Justice Inc, we're not five minutes into the comic, and we have another central figure who will be vying for attention next issue. Let's hope PAD can pull that off, as comics can really suffer with too many strong leads. 3.5

Love that you’re still doing these Thoth. Random responses:

I’m loving this new Astro City story-arc. Crackerjack and Quarrel have long been favorites of mine in the title, and I am already sensing a very heavy, emotional read ahead of us. Busiek captures a lot of what was always implied not only about the Ollie / Dinah relationship, but also the sense of Green Arrow (and Black Canary) aging in the Grell era of the 80’s, which was of course all tossed aside.

Five Ghosts remains a big favorite of mine if for no other reason than artist Chris Mooneyham is probably the single best artist doing comic books right now. His work is just electrifying! The premise is also just pulpy goodness, which makes it a fun read. But that art. Bloody Liberty!

Y’know, it’s funny about Savage Dragon. I usually don’t pay it any attention because I just feel so lost in its epic 200 issue history, and when I did check it out a few years ago, the main character wasn’t Savage Dragon anymore but his son. But the Bleeding Cool has an article about the threesome and that certainly gained my attention. I even checked it out in the store to see what the hype was about…and realized it was a $7.99 anniversary issue! I didn’t even pick it up. That price is an instant deal breaker with me.

Sex Criminals remains one of the high points in comics and a clear contender for “Top 5 Best Comics” month after month.

Usually I try to respond in between gin & tonics on Friday when you post them. I’ll do better next time.

Also, I have to say...I've somehow, someway, started to enjoy a select few DC series again. Just a few. But I'm actually having enjoying checking them out.

Aquaman has been actually pretty great!

Grayson, starring Nightwing, despite its awful premise, has also been pretty enjoyable!

And I'm loving Batgirl's new direction, and enjoying Gotham Academy so far as well.

Superman, with art by my man JR Jr has been pretty awesome, though Geoff Johns' plot is pretty standard fair that was probably done by Elliot S Maggin or Cary Bates 3 or 4 times during the 70's in about 1/5 of the space. But Romita Jr's take has been great, and Johns is at least restoring the importance of Lois, Jimmy, Perry, etc.

So that's 5 pretty good reads from DC. And Detective Comics by Manupal and Buccelato isn't bad either and with great art.

I mean, don't get me wrong. 5 out of 78 (or whatever) comics is pretty despicable. And too bad Wonder Woman totally went tits up after Azzerello and Chang left. But hey. Maybe there is an exorcist in Burbank to rid DC of that Didio demon (and Lee too!).

For straight DC (Vertigo aside), I'm only reading four right now:

Multiversity - Awesome.

World's Finest - Ending soon. I'm reading it more out of inertia than anything.

Gotham by Midnight - Really a Jim Corrigan/Spectre series, that they've thrown the word Gotham into the title to haul in the Bat crowd. I've dug the first two issues.

Justice League United - Continues to be a mess, but Lemire seems to really like the Legion and that's starting to shine through the muddle slightly.

Oh yea, I didn't count Multiversity. It's so good that I don't associate with the "main" DCnU. I don't count Vertigo as DC either, even though that's less of the case now. Surprisingly, I'm only collecting a handful of Vertigo series anyway anymore.

I might have to test out Gotham by Midnight too, as I had no idea it was a Spectre series.

Flipped through JLU and had to take two Advil.

I completely understand. I'm finding having a gin & tonic between each issue tough going. Nurse! I've fallen over again >hic<

On Astro City: A review of 19 coming soon, but I do like the way Busiek writes his characters into their world. Crackerjack & Quarrel looking at technologies, techniques and procedures form other characters as they age shows a writer who has a firm grasp of his writing world.

Savage Dragon was not worth $7.99. Had I noticed, I wouldn't have bought it either. But I just scooped 'em up and headed for the door that day.

Aquaman was one of the last of the DCNu titles I dropped. Or rather, I'd gone into a hiatus where I didn't buy much so it fell by the way side. I did peek at a recent issue and it didn't look bad.

The reason I peeked at Aquaman is that I've an issue of Gotham by Midnight, that Dave is also getting, for the templesmith art. I've not read it yet, but will get round to a review soon. It was firmly in the Bat-books, so I'd no idea that the Spectre was even in it.

Multiversity always seems to fall to the bottom of the pile. I'm clearly reluctant to read it and might just amass the issues and read it in one go.

Yeah, the deal so far with "Gotham by Midnight" is like a throwback to the Moench Spectre series, where Jim and his team tries to solve the crime before the Spectre gets unleashed and makes things "messy". It's been mostly just Corrigan so far, but the Spectre's presence weighing down on him is clearly felt in almost every scene.