Howl on my brothers.
So yeah, I've been reading tattered snips of this and that, no real focus, but goodness abounds. Some things I've enjoyed over the past week:
a) The various addenda and apocrypha at the tail end of Absolute Sandman V1. Its neat to see the process behind the completed project. I've always wondered how the mesh between artist and writer worked, I always figured one dominated the other, usually the writer being the control freak, with the talented ones 'playing to their artist's strengths.' I really have come to loathe that phrase, mainly because its become a bit of a cliche.
b) Hellboy V1. The artwork of this TPB just kills me. There really is nothing else like it, especially in the world of DC/Marvel where computerized coloring and 'realist' approaches have become the main trend. The shadowy, raw, cartoonish yet violent style of Mignola's masterpiece is a pleasure to read. And this early on he manages to spell out exactly how the sotry is going to proceed for years.
c) Justice Society of America #1-5. Simply put the best on-going series on the shelves. Blows everything out of the water. Johns has captured my attention and things are only going to get better as the 'round 'em up' magnificent 7 style formation of the group is in the past and the adventures have begun. I may do a feature on this series in the near future, keep your eyes peeled.
Well, its a busy week for this here head and I must be going. Gotta go learn computery stuff. not very exciting. Some three sentence howls are in the pipeline.
-LeftD
Monday, April 30, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
TGIC #1
(a note on the above: Thank God It's cenTrale)
Truth be told, it's kinda hard to produce much of anything when you've got the head to your right persistently slobbering – both drunkenly and otherwise – and the one to the left grooving out to that iPod he refuses to share, swaying to Gary Wright or some other such thing. I swear to Hades if I have to hear one more ode to New Glarus that sounds not unlike something composed by a drunken bat/kangaroo hybrid or have a rather pleasant dream spent devouring unworthy souls (unworthy of my gullet, that is) disturbed by an atonal, spine-shivering exclamation of “Dreamweaaaaaver,” I might have to reduce this to a one-head act. Screw that chimera shit, we're going back to basics, where men are men and dogs typically only have one head.
But I digress. I haven't posted anything lately and for that I owe you, our surly readers, an apology. Truth is, this whole “April is Arc Month” thing was my idea; I like to alliterate...a lot. And I did have quite a few arcs up my sleeve, ranging from DMZ to Aquaman to DC: The New Frontier. Then me and the little lady head up and bought a place and, well, this is the consequence: a lame ass blog capping a lackluster month of silence. Who knew three heads could keep this quiet for this long?
Well, the silence is broken and from here on out, we will drop it like it's hot 'til the Styx runs dry...or something. Next month I will kick it old school and whip out something way impressive, er, review-wise. Until then, I'll regale you with my views on a topic near and dear to my heart…in that bear-hug-trachea-crush sort of way. I refer to nothing other than the intra-company crossover.
I hate crossovers. I mean, I hate crossovers. Typically they remind us why we contemplate an honorable suicide or, at the extreme end of the spectrum, canceling our pull lists at least once a three month cycle. The problem with these crossovers is they tend towards casts that make the term unwieldy seem strangely manageable. No number of pages exists that would allow any writer or artist the proper amount of room to truly and properly give each character his/her/its due. And I am certainly not advocating equal face time for everyone as that's just stupid, if not out and out stoned; rather, my concern is that the B-list characters in such situations don't even get treated like B-listers: they usually end up slumming it with the C-list (and the comment fields better not make any snide comments about my boy on this point; you know who I'm talking about). More than that, these monstrosities tend to launch titles that need the extra boost from a crossover and the gullible bastards sucked in by the promised “revelations” and “world-altering occurrences” that never really figure out a way to materialize just to make the most minor of blips on the sales charts. Here's a hint: if the series is that weak to begin with...DON'T DO IT IN THE FIRST PLACE. You could always, you know, keep around a low-selling but brilliant series instead.
That said, I have a good deal of respect for Infinite Crisis. While not perfect, at least it made the pretense of giving a damn about strong characterization while acknowledging that the realizations each of the major heroes come to will have ramifications well beyond this particular miniseries, thus leaving plenty of creative fodder for, you know, the single issue comics that are actually what the industry is in the business of producing. Furthermore, this particular event had a discrete story arc that allowed room for cameos but spent the majority of its energies focusing on a cast of six or seven, thus setting the stage for a pretty solid story. The other thing they did right by both storytelling and fans was the recognizing that the best way of exploring the results of any event is with another event. Sounds kinda stupid until you really think about it, right?
Think back, though, and I’m sure you’ll realize that half the major events for either of the “Big Companies” were undercut within a few months by “rogue” creative teams and a lack of editorial consistency. If, then, single issues can’t properly handle the event (and please keep in mind that I am not blaming the structure of the industry as I hold a deep love, not unlike an intense fire, for the single issue in the charred and clogged chambers of my heart; it’s just that the companies repeatedly screw up and don’t look likely to stop, so why not try a different tack?), the answer might be the (wait for it)…”Perpetuavent.” In keeping this whole event thing going for the better part of a year and a half now, DC has managed to rake in a crap ton of attention for most every series and continue to explore the fallout from Crisis in unique and interesting ways, while presenting a package streamlined and attractive enough that despite 52’s short-comings no one has freaked out on it the way the various Civil War spin-offs have been raked over the coals.
At this point I’ve probably flogged your collective attention span well beyond the pain-pleasure threshold, so I’ll sign off in just a sec. I didn’t go into detail regarding Civil War for a couple reasons: one, that its teeth have been kicked in often enough that I don’t really need to list its failings; and two, I’ll be churning out a review sometime soon on it and its consequences, if Marvel ever stops churning out spin-offs. Suffice it to say that the event had its problems, but at the same time it probably summed up what is best about Marvel. (How’s that for a teaser???) Hopefully I’ll make it to the LCS as Lefty likes to call it sometime soon, but Right Head Dead and I will be carrying furniture while Left Said Fred opts to bask in the sun…or help someone else out.
‘Til next time, I remain eternally and fiendishly your voice of reason,
cenTrale
Truth be told, it's kinda hard to produce much of anything when you've got the head to your right persistently slobbering – both drunkenly and otherwise – and the one to the left grooving out to that iPod he refuses to share, swaying to Gary Wright or some other such thing. I swear to Hades if I have to hear one more ode to New Glarus that sounds not unlike something composed by a drunken bat/kangaroo hybrid or have a rather pleasant dream spent devouring unworthy souls (unworthy of my gullet, that is) disturbed by an atonal, spine-shivering exclamation of “Dreamweaaaaaver,” I might have to reduce this to a one-head act. Screw that chimera shit, we're going back to basics, where men are men and dogs typically only have one head.
But I digress. I haven't posted anything lately and for that I owe you, our surly readers, an apology. Truth is, this whole “April is Arc Month” thing was my idea; I like to alliterate...a lot. And I did have quite a few arcs up my sleeve, ranging from DMZ to Aquaman to DC: The New Frontier. Then me and the little lady head up and bought a place and, well, this is the consequence: a lame ass blog capping a lackluster month of silence. Who knew three heads could keep this quiet for this long?
Well, the silence is broken and from here on out, we will drop it like it's hot 'til the Styx runs dry...or something. Next month I will kick it old school and whip out something way impressive, er, review-wise. Until then, I'll regale you with my views on a topic near and dear to my heart…in that bear-hug-trachea-crush sort of way. I refer to nothing other than the intra-company crossover.
I hate crossovers. I mean, I hate crossovers. Typically they remind us why we contemplate an honorable suicide or, at the extreme end of the spectrum, canceling our pull lists at least once a three month cycle. The problem with these crossovers is they tend towards casts that make the term unwieldy seem strangely manageable. No number of pages exists that would allow any writer or artist the proper amount of room to truly and properly give each character his/her/its due. And I am certainly not advocating equal face time for everyone as that's just stupid, if not out and out stoned; rather, my concern is that the B-list characters in such situations don't even get treated like B-listers: they usually end up slumming it with the C-list (and the comment fields better not make any snide comments about my boy on this point; you know who I'm talking about). More than that, these monstrosities tend to launch titles that need the extra boost from a crossover and the gullible bastards sucked in by the promised “revelations” and “world-altering occurrences” that never really figure out a way to materialize just to make the most minor of blips on the sales charts. Here's a hint: if the series is that weak to begin with...DON'T DO IT IN THE FIRST PLACE. You could always, you know, keep around a low-selling but brilliant series instead.
That said, I have a good deal of respect for Infinite Crisis. While not perfect, at least it made the pretense of giving a damn about strong characterization while acknowledging that the realizations each of the major heroes come to will have ramifications well beyond this particular miniseries, thus leaving plenty of creative fodder for, you know, the single issue comics that are actually what the industry is in the business of producing. Furthermore, this particular event had a discrete story arc that allowed room for cameos but spent the majority of its energies focusing on a cast of six or seven, thus setting the stage for a pretty solid story. The other thing they did right by both storytelling and fans was the recognizing that the best way of exploring the results of any event is with another event. Sounds kinda stupid until you really think about it, right?
Think back, though, and I’m sure you’ll realize that half the major events for either of the “Big Companies” were undercut within a few months by “rogue” creative teams and a lack of editorial consistency. If, then, single issues can’t properly handle the event (and please keep in mind that I am not blaming the structure of the industry as I hold a deep love, not unlike an intense fire, for the single issue in the charred and clogged chambers of my heart; it’s just that the companies repeatedly screw up and don’t look likely to stop, so why not try a different tack?), the answer might be the (wait for it)…”Perpetuavent.” In keeping this whole event thing going for the better part of a year and a half now, DC has managed to rake in a crap ton of attention for most every series and continue to explore the fallout from Crisis in unique and interesting ways, while presenting a package streamlined and attractive enough that despite 52’s short-comings no one has freaked out on it the way the various Civil War spin-offs have been raked over the coals.
At this point I’ve probably flogged your collective attention span well beyond the pain-pleasure threshold, so I’ll sign off in just a sec. I didn’t go into detail regarding Civil War for a couple reasons: one, that its teeth have been kicked in often enough that I don’t really need to list its failings; and two, I’ll be churning out a review sometime soon on it and its consequences, if Marvel ever stops churning out spin-offs. Suffice it to say that the event had its problems, but at the same time it probably summed up what is best about Marvel. (How’s that for a teaser???) Hopefully I’ll make it to the LCS as Lefty likes to call it sometime soon, but Right Head Dead and I will be carrying furniture while Left Said Fred opts to bask in the sun…or help someone else out.
‘Til next time, I remain eternally and fiendishly your voice of reason,
cenTrale
Thursday, April 26, 2007
the RHD contingency plan
So here's a thought, readers. I know all you fanboys start hyperventilating at the thought of that dude from EvilDead who replaces his demon hand with a chainsaw. My question is, if I, the Cerberus, let's say... chops off a deliquent head... what should i replace it with? I'm thinking I'll attach the head of a dragon, lion, or failing that, a goat and be 'x'% on my way toward becoming a chimera. But other useful household items might be nice, after all, right now a broken collander is more useful than my current RHD. So yeah, write me your thoughts. Or if you *like* RHD, send your 'in defense of' poesies. Lord knows he needs it right about now.
In place of RHD's promised but un-realized wednesday posts, consider this:
http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_eisners_main.shtml
more info on the judges:
http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_eisners_07judges.shtml
In place of RHD's promised but un-realized wednesday posts, consider this:
http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_eisners_main.shtml
more info on the judges:
http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_eisners_07judges.shtml
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Three-Sentence Howl: cenTrale #1
Behold Sinister Head's newest brain child, which, as is my wont, I've opted to introduce because, well, that's the kind of guy I am. The Three-Sentence Howl is a new approach to giving you, our not-so-gentle readers, what it is you crave. Short but (hopefully) enlightening, these mini-views will offer quick looks at reasonably recent issues. Other than the title, writer, and penciler, information will be fairly skimpy (other than the rankings, which we include 'cause we're judgmental like that), so if you want to know more, ya might just have to go out and drop the three bucks to read the book. Or don't. See if we care.
Anyways, read on and discover just what can or can't be said in three sentences about 22-pages of comicy good- (or not-so-good-) ness.
Aquaman #50
Writer: Tad Williams
Pencils: Shawn McManus
Let's channel RHD here: SO. FUCKING. ANGRY.
Ranking: Lando
X-Factor #17
Writer: Peter David
Pencils: Khoi Pham
It's saying something when a single issue locks you in for every back issue and every issue to come in the near future (barring a Tad Williams style meltdown). The art works, story is intriguing, and it functions well within the wider universe. I smell a feature coming.
Ranking: Snake-eyes
Fell #8
Writer: Warren Ellis
Pencils: Ben Templesmith
It worries me when I read the letters section and Ellis implies that this is an off issue. Perhaps not an ideal issue in that it goes into pretty heavy explication to get the point across (as opposed to the previous issue which, wrenching in its entirety, manages to develop the character for a first time reader while allowing the final image to sum up the torment that is Detective Fell). Nonetheless, this is a wonderful introduction into Fell's head and would make for a stunning jumping-on point.
Ranking: Snake-eyes
Fables #60
Writer: Bill Willingham
Pencils: Mark Buckingham
I find it truly fascinating how Willingham can juggle multiple plot lines in a single issue and give, if not equal, appropriate time to each portion. This promises to be an incredible period within the Fables' history and I genuinely cannot wait for what's coming next. Oh, and remember, always remember: IGN's on crack.
Ranking: Voltron
All-Star Superman #7
Writer: Grant Morrison
Pencils: Frank Quitely
Um...yeah. See, Morrison reminds me of poets who occasionally remove key components of their work just to up the whole confusion factor and cause the reader to think harder, while expecting said readers to get the point before the final line. The latter half of this issue worked fine...the first half was kind of a WTF?
Ranking: Gimli
Immortal Iron Fist #4
Writers: Ed Brubaker & Matt Fraction
Pencils: lots of 'em, but the primary is David Aja
What happens when you imbue bullets with the power of the Iron Fist? Let's just say the various heads of Hydra get singed off right quick. This whole issue pretty much sums up a notion of "the cool."
Ranking: Snake-eyes
The Loners #1
Writer: C. B. Cebulski
Pencils: Karl Moline
After a discussion with Lefty I decided he might've been a bit harsh as there's plenty of potential for this series to get worse. That said, it could take a turn for the better. I say worry less, drink more, and hope against hope they don't try to legitimize this band of fuck-ups and instead go with some seriously screwed-up shenanigans (Alliteration Society of America, I am your man).
Ranking: Gimli
Runaways #25
Writer: Joss Whedon
Pencils: Michael Ryan
A disappointing start, but I'm willing to give Whedon the benefit of the doubt. I mean, sure, who knows what happened after the meeting with "The Tin Man" and it's probably fair to say the kids are in all likelihood without too many resources to appeal to when on the run. But seriously, the Kingpin?
Ranking: Gimli
Anyways, read on and discover just what can or can't be said in three sentences about 22-pages of comicy good- (or not-so-good-) ness.
Aquaman #50
Writer: Tad Williams
Pencils: Shawn McManus
Let's channel RHD here: SO. FUCKING. ANGRY.
Ranking: Lando
X-Factor #17
Writer: Peter David
Pencils: Khoi Pham
It's saying something when a single issue locks you in for every back issue and every issue to come in the near future (barring a Tad Williams style meltdown). The art works, story is intriguing, and it functions well within the wider universe. I smell a feature coming.
Ranking: Snake-eyes
Fell #8
Writer: Warren Ellis
Pencils: Ben Templesmith
It worries me when I read the letters section and Ellis implies that this is an off issue. Perhaps not an ideal issue in that it goes into pretty heavy explication to get the point across (as opposed to the previous issue which, wrenching in its entirety, manages to develop the character for a first time reader while allowing the final image to sum up the torment that is Detective Fell). Nonetheless, this is a wonderful introduction into Fell's head and would make for a stunning jumping-on point.
Ranking: Snake-eyes
Fables #60
Writer: Bill Willingham
Pencils: Mark Buckingham
I find it truly fascinating how Willingham can juggle multiple plot lines in a single issue and give, if not equal, appropriate time to each portion. This promises to be an incredible period within the Fables' history and I genuinely cannot wait for what's coming next. Oh, and remember, always remember: IGN's on crack.
Ranking: Voltron
All-Star Superman #7
Writer: Grant Morrison
Pencils: Frank Quitely
Um...yeah. See, Morrison reminds me of poets who occasionally remove key components of their work just to up the whole confusion factor and cause the reader to think harder, while expecting said readers to get the point before the final line. The latter half of this issue worked fine...the first half was kind of a WTF?
Ranking: Gimli
Immortal Iron Fist #4
Writers: Ed Brubaker & Matt Fraction
Pencils: lots of 'em, but the primary is David Aja
What happens when you imbue bullets with the power of the Iron Fist? Let's just say the various heads of Hydra get singed off right quick. This whole issue pretty much sums up a notion of "the cool."
Ranking: Snake-eyes
The Loners #1
Writer: C. B. Cebulski
Pencils: Karl Moline
After a discussion with Lefty I decided he might've been a bit harsh as there's plenty of potential for this series to get worse. That said, it could take a turn for the better. I say worry less, drink more, and hope against hope they don't try to legitimize this band of fuck-ups and instead go with some seriously screwed-up shenanigans (Alliteration Society of America, I am your man).
Ranking: Gimli
Runaways #25
Writer: Joss Whedon
Pencils: Michael Ryan
A disappointing start, but I'm willing to give Whedon the benefit of the doubt. I mean, sure, who knows what happened after the meeting with "The Tin Man" and it's probably fair to say the kids are in all likelihood without too many resources to appeal to when on the run. But seriously, the Kingpin?
Ranking: Gimli
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Sinister Monday #1
Suddenly, I'm all there's Left.
A bad pun, I know. But I assure you that my compatriots, the right and center heads of the Cerberus, will be up and howling soon enough. At least they better be, or else this Hell-hound will be looking a wee bit less mythological if you know what I'm saying. A snip here and a snip there, and presto. Goodbye dead weight. Particularly the right head. all sodden with booze and whatnot. But I jest, Righty, I jest. On to more serious matters.
This is the inaugural post of what i hope to be a long and successful column entitled, Sinister Monday. In it I will ramble on about whatever has tickled my comicbook fancy which is not as dirty as it might sound. Might be as simple as a 'what I've been reading now' sort of deal. Or a couple mini-reviews that got hidden away and never saw the light of the hell-mouth. Hopefully whatever it is it makes you angry. Or happy. Or disagreeable. You fanboys are a disagreeable lot. Aren't you? See? You're angry already. On with the show.
Saturday I finally meandered over to my LCS and dropped $35 on comparatively few comics. Sure, there was the scandalous Frank Cho nekkid lady robot Mighty Avengers issue, and the Carey X-men title I keep buying despite consistent frustration with the good brit's narrative intentions. Oh, and the opening chapter of the JLA/JSA crossover that is sure to be the cat's pjs. But what really broke the bank were a pair of Fables back-issues. #2 and #35. The latter was only 3 bones, it was a missing piece in my Jack goes to Hollywood arc, and I now can safely say I have the entire back half of Willingham's 60 issue run.
The front side... that's a different story. I still need about 10 or so. And up until yesterday I needed the deuce. But i ponied up an obscene amount of bank and now she's mine. Even Mrs. Lefty oohed and aahed over the James Jeanius cover with a German Expressionist Bluebeard locked in battle with doe eyed Cinderella. It's a gorgeous cover and something of a rarity and is now selling for close to an andrew jackson. I figured lest it spiral up any further in price I should just get it over with and buy the damn thing already. done did that.
So now i need about 10 back issues of my favorite on-going contemporary series. Not counting the Maleev variant cover #1 which i will more than likely someday buy just because it exists. I'll place it on the wall next to my Last Castle (also currently un-owned) and it shall be a glorious framed display of comic goodness. Oh what bountiful wonders the future holds.
In other news, the hounds and I have been deliberating over adding some new comic book grades. Middling to high grades most of them, since we have found we seldom consciously purchase comics that we know full well will be trash. And the Gimlis and Snake-Eyes of the world are tired and in need of some serious R&R. So if you have some thoughts on classic pop culture figures whom you respect drop us a line and tell us who should be added to our rankings list. Don't forget to be specific. Gimli is a positive mark, but should always be something of a diamond in the rough. So while your figure should be one you respect, there needs to be a disclaimer. The big 'why'. Something like:
Hero X (which is a great mark, but like X, this issue needs a strong supporting cast in order to flourish)
or
Obscure Cartoon Anthropomorphic Cat (a good mark, but like O.C.A.C., this issue takes itself too seriously)
something like that. the 'flaws' should relate intrinsically to the figures of their namesake, and so on. I'm not sure these additions will be ready any time soon, and when we do decide upon anything they will be introduced with tremendous fanfare. parades, trumpets, public executions, the works.
Thats all for now. On to the nekkid lady robots...
A bad pun, I know. But I assure you that my compatriots, the right and center heads of the Cerberus, will be up and howling soon enough. At least they better be, or else this Hell-hound will be looking a wee bit less mythological if you know what I'm saying. A snip here and a snip there, and presto. Goodbye dead weight. Particularly the right head. all sodden with booze and whatnot. But I jest, Righty, I jest. On to more serious matters.
This is the inaugural post of what i hope to be a long and successful column entitled, Sinister Monday. In it I will ramble on about whatever has tickled my comicbook fancy which is not as dirty as it might sound. Might be as simple as a 'what I've been reading now' sort of deal. Or a couple mini-reviews that got hidden away and never saw the light of the hell-mouth. Hopefully whatever it is it makes you angry. Or happy. Or disagreeable. You fanboys are a disagreeable lot. Aren't you? See? You're angry already. On with the show.
Saturday I finally meandered over to my LCS and dropped $35 on comparatively few comics. Sure, there was the scandalous Frank Cho nekkid lady robot Mighty Avengers issue, and the Carey X-men title I keep buying despite consistent frustration with the good brit's narrative intentions. Oh, and the opening chapter of the JLA/JSA crossover that is sure to be the cat's pjs. But what really broke the bank were a pair of Fables back-issues. #2 and #35. The latter was only 3 bones, it was a missing piece in my Jack goes to Hollywood arc, and I now can safely say I have the entire back half of Willingham's 60 issue run.
The front side... that's a different story. I still need about 10 or so. And up until yesterday I needed the deuce. But i ponied up an obscene amount of bank and now she's mine. Even Mrs. Lefty oohed and aahed over the James Jeanius cover with a German Expressionist Bluebeard locked in battle with doe eyed Cinderella. It's a gorgeous cover and something of a rarity and is now selling for close to an andrew jackson. I figured lest it spiral up any further in price I should just get it over with and buy the damn thing already. done did that.
So now i need about 10 back issues of my favorite on-going contemporary series. Not counting the Maleev variant cover #1 which i will more than likely someday buy just because it exists. I'll place it on the wall next to my Last Castle (also currently un-owned) and it shall be a glorious framed display of comic goodness. Oh what bountiful wonders the future holds.
In other news, the hounds and I have been deliberating over adding some new comic book grades. Middling to high grades most of them, since we have found we seldom consciously purchase comics that we know full well will be trash. And the Gimlis and Snake-Eyes of the world are tired and in need of some serious R&R. So if you have some thoughts on classic pop culture figures whom you respect drop us a line and tell us who should be added to our rankings list. Don't forget to be specific. Gimli is a positive mark, but should always be something of a diamond in the rough. So while your figure should be one you respect, there needs to be a disclaimer. The big 'why'. Something like:
Hero X (which is a great mark, but like X, this issue needs a strong supporting cast in order to flourish)
or
Obscure Cartoon Anthropomorphic Cat (a good mark, but like O.C.A.C., this issue takes itself too seriously)
something like that. the 'flaws' should relate intrinsically to the figures of their namesake, and so on. I'm not sure these additions will be ready any time soon, and when we do decide upon anything they will be introduced with tremendous fanfare. parades, trumpets, public executions, the works.
Thats all for now. On to the nekkid lady robots...
Monday, April 9, 2007
Grindhouse Doug-le Feature
Somebody's got a case of the mondays.
But i swear i never took your stapler.
Honest.
Good people of the Work-Week! The Sinister head of the Cerberus, like Tarentino himself, will now delight and astound you with a monday grindhouse double feature review. In this corner, hailing from the mind of JMS, we have Fallen Son, a Cap tribute album featuring some of his greatest contemporaries such as the Daredevil and Wolverine! In the far corner, also birthed from the genius of JMS we find the Amazing Spider-Man. Back in Black! I wanna rock! Hit me like a hurricane! Er, pour some sugar on me?
ahem.
Enjoy folks. Next up on the Cerberus platter are more single issue reviews and the first of our April is Arc Month arc reviews.
But i swear i never took your stapler.
Honest.
Good people of the Work-Week! The Sinister head of the Cerberus, like Tarentino himself, will now delight and astound you with a monday grindhouse double feature review. In this corner, hailing from the mind of JMS, we have Fallen Son, a Cap tribute album featuring some of his greatest contemporaries such as the Daredevil and Wolverine! In the far corner, also birthed from the genius of JMS we find the Amazing Spider-Man. Back in Black! I wanna rock! Hit me like a hurricane! Er, pour some sugar on me?
ahem.
Enjoy folks. Next up on the Cerberus platter are more single issue reviews and the first of our April is Arc Month arc reviews.
Fallen Son, The Death of Captain America, Chapter 1: Wolverine
Fallen Son, The Death of Captain America, Chapter 1: Wolverine
Based on the ideas of: JMS
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Pencils: Leinil Yu
Colors: Dave McCaig
Let's just get this right out in the open. I'm not the biggest Wolverine fan. I wouldn't go so far as to say that I loathe the shrimpy Canadian, but I certainly prefer he remain in the best supporting category of the comicbook Oscars. Ever since the blockbuster X-men films, which on the whole were fairly good, Wolverine, through some impressive scene-stealing by Hugh Jackman, has become a Mega-hero. I'm told his ascent to icon status began well before the films. That's all well and good. All I'm saying is the cinematic representation of Wolverine has stoked a fire that was already closing in on inferno status. Walk into your LCS and take a look around. Wolverine, Wolverine everywhere and not a drop to drink. Before Cap died it was even worse. At least now we have Iron Man and the Avengers taking back some ground. And then there's an incoming Hulk. But not until later this Summer.
I suppose all the Wolverine-mania wouldn't be so bad if so much of it weren't so godawfully written. But terrible plot and characterization aside, people still want to see their favorite hirsute man in yellow spandex, threatening baddies and calling even the most revered figures, kid and bub. So it was inevitable that Logan be culled into the Fallen Son Cap tribute series. Even inevitable-r still, was the decision to have said chapter scribed by Jeph Loeb. For better or for worse (or for way-fucking worse) Loeb currently grasps most of Wolverine's reigns in the Marvel U. So needless to say I was a bit nervous about the introductory chapter of Fallen Son. In fact I can honestly say the only reason I picked the issue up was because one of my favorite pencilers was on the books, Leinil Yu. Yu has his detractors. I'm not one of them.
And I'm glad I purchased the issue because in reality its quite good. It's jam-packed with Marvel star power, from Cap (dead) to Winter Soldier (alive) to Doc Strange (astral form) to Hank Pym (his Giant Man alter-ego) to DD (the genuine article) to Iron Man (er, pre or post Ultron genderbending). Sometimes I feel Loeb writes entire pages just to let Wolverine show off, as when Logan barrels through the parapet wall of a Hell's Kitchen brownstone in search of an ally (I'll give you one guess who). Logan doesn't really need to attack DD, his excuse is BS, sure there have been (and still are?) doppledaredevils around, but Wolverine's nose is as sharp as Murdock's, he'd know the correct answer from a distance and wouldn't need fly at the man claws out Rayden/Superman style. I suppose this might just be Logan playing around, keeping another hero on his toes, etc. But this isn't just another hero. Its the fucking Daredevil. And i know the two have a history (Logan has a history with everyone he grudgingly respects) but this has been done before. To death. But here is a point where Loeb's poor character handling actually pays off because Yu's artwork more than makes up for it. The DD/Logan splash-page is gorgeous. I sorta want it blown up and framed on the wall of my library, er, study, okay you got me, the room where my cats go to drop a deuce. My apartment is small okay? I can't help it if that is where my computer lives.
Loeb uses Doc Strange the way a parapalegic uses a wheel-chair. Even Murdock comments at one point on the ridiculousness of his situation by saying, "no wonder Doc Strange is exhausted!" Unfortunately I can't see another way Logan and DD could get where they needed to go which is Loeb's only saving grace. And the encounters the two men have when they get where their going offer one hell of a payback. Without giving any specifics away let's just say nails are driven into particular coffins while other corners of the Marvel U become shrouded in even darker mystery. All told this is yet another psuedo-Civil War Post Cap's Death tie-in that I am going to have to continue following. For weeks now I've been trying to reach outer space and catch up on the Annihilation Saga. For the immediate future, looks like I'm stranded on planet Earth. All things considered, not a bad place to be.
Over-all Rating: A Gimli, almost a Snake-eyes, but I sweartoGod Loeb this is your last goddam free pass.
Based on the ideas of: JMS
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Pencils: Leinil Yu
Colors: Dave McCaig
Let's just get this right out in the open. I'm not the biggest Wolverine fan. I wouldn't go so far as to say that I loathe the shrimpy Canadian, but I certainly prefer he remain in the best supporting category of the comicbook Oscars. Ever since the blockbuster X-men films, which on the whole were fairly good, Wolverine, through some impressive scene-stealing by Hugh Jackman, has become a Mega-hero. I'm told his ascent to icon status began well before the films. That's all well and good. All I'm saying is the cinematic representation of Wolverine has stoked a fire that was already closing in on inferno status. Walk into your LCS and take a look around. Wolverine, Wolverine everywhere and not a drop to drink. Before Cap died it was even worse. At least now we have Iron Man and the Avengers taking back some ground. And then there's an incoming Hulk. But not until later this Summer.
I suppose all the Wolverine-mania wouldn't be so bad if so much of it weren't so godawfully written. But terrible plot and characterization aside, people still want to see their favorite hirsute man in yellow spandex, threatening baddies and calling even the most revered figures, kid and bub. So it was inevitable that Logan be culled into the Fallen Son Cap tribute series. Even inevitable-r still, was the decision to have said chapter scribed by Jeph Loeb. For better or for worse (or for way-fucking worse) Loeb currently grasps most of Wolverine's reigns in the Marvel U. So needless to say I was a bit nervous about the introductory chapter of Fallen Son. In fact I can honestly say the only reason I picked the issue up was because one of my favorite pencilers was on the books, Leinil Yu. Yu has his detractors. I'm not one of them.
And I'm glad I purchased the issue because in reality its quite good. It's jam-packed with Marvel star power, from Cap (dead) to Winter Soldier (alive) to Doc Strange (astral form) to Hank Pym (his Giant Man alter-ego) to DD (the genuine article) to Iron Man (er, pre or post Ultron genderbending). Sometimes I feel Loeb writes entire pages just to let Wolverine show off, as when Logan barrels through the parapet wall of a Hell's Kitchen brownstone in search of an ally (I'll give you one guess who). Logan doesn't really need to attack DD, his excuse is BS, sure there have been (and still are?) doppledaredevils around, but Wolverine's nose is as sharp as Murdock's, he'd know the correct answer from a distance and wouldn't need fly at the man claws out Rayden/Superman style. I suppose this might just be Logan playing around, keeping another hero on his toes, etc. But this isn't just another hero. Its the fucking Daredevil. And i know the two have a history (Logan has a history with everyone he grudgingly respects) but this has been done before. To death. But here is a point where Loeb's poor character handling actually pays off because Yu's artwork more than makes up for it. The DD/Logan splash-page is gorgeous. I sorta want it blown up and framed on the wall of my library, er, study, okay you got me, the room where my cats go to drop a deuce. My apartment is small okay? I can't help it if that is where my computer lives.
Loeb uses Doc Strange the way a parapalegic uses a wheel-chair. Even Murdock comments at one point on the ridiculousness of his situation by saying, "no wonder Doc Strange is exhausted!" Unfortunately I can't see another way Logan and DD could get where they needed to go which is Loeb's only saving grace. And the encounters the two men have when they get where their going offer one hell of a payback. Without giving any specifics away let's just say nails are driven into particular coffins while other corners of the Marvel U become shrouded in even darker mystery. All told this is yet another psuedo-Civil War Post Cap's Death tie-in that I am going to have to continue following. For weeks now I've been trying to reach outer space and catch up on the Annihilation Saga. For the immediate future, looks like I'm stranded on planet Earth. All things considered, not a bad place to be.
Over-all Rating: A Gimli, almost a Snake-eyes, but I sweartoGod Loeb this is your last goddam free pass.
Amazing Spider-man #539
Amazing Spider-Man #539
Writer: JMS
Pencils: Ron Garney
Back in Black! OMG!
No, wait... er, why should I care about this again? It's just a uni-switch, right? Like a sports team donning the road jersies, no? Well...not exactly. Despite the fact that Spidey's current descent into darkness just happens to coincide with the feature film introduction of his ole black uni, I think that dark days ahead call for a darker web-slinger. Its symbolic you see, it always has been. So the core question of this review, and of Spidey's existence in a Post Marvel Civil War world is, why Back in Black? Other questions remain important too, such as just how crucial is the mask and cape of a caped crusader? Just how much can a hero be summed up by his costume? Can a comic character become popular through nothing at all but a clever design? And of course all of these dove-tail nicely into the comic clusterfuck that has been Peter Parker's 'outing' in the New York press. When you come down to it, does a costume even matter anymore if everyone, friends and foes alike, knows exactly who you are?
Yet the aesthetics remain important. For much of Amazing Spider-man #539 Peter is shown being Spider-man as Peter Parker. No costume whatsoever. At first i thought this whole costume-less action sequences to be a bit silly and awkward. About halfway through the issue Peter's form is dynamic, swinging through the big Apple tracking down a lead. The only problem is his appearance is jarringly strange. His face harbors a scowl, his life after all, is a mess. Yet to me he just looks like one of those insanely flexible dancers who is angry he didn't land the last Gap Khaki television spot. Damn, I thought to myself, a man just looks plain goofy flailing about on silken threads in civvies.
So I suppose the answer to one of those introductory questions is yes. The costume is important. A cool design can make a rather goofy action look downright cool. At least i think so. Is this just a question of familiarity? Maybe its just because I'm so familair with the normal Web-head look, maybe I find the Peter Parker slinging so strange because I'm used to a different aesthetic. There may be no clear cut answer here. So let's reluctantly move on to the meanings attached to Back in Black.
Black makes sense. Peter's world has turned to shit. And not Just Peter's but MJ's by extension. This issue's artwork is brilliant in subtly describing the oppressive menace and hostility facing the extended Spider-man fam. On an early page we find MJ huddled and small at the bottom of tall thin panel, walking the streets of NY, clutching at herself as one does against a stiff brisk winter wind. 'Above' her in the panel is a massive skyscraper festooned with unsettlingly malevolent ads. The effect is immediate and intense, MJ has the weight and malice of an entire city on her back. The threat is all the more menacing because like a mob, it is faceless and it is everywhere.
Malice and the threat of violence pervades the issue. Even in his Gap Kahaki personae, Peter still manages to come off as brutally strong, capable of terrible things, things which might just be necessary to stop his world from completely tearing in two. Tossing a Jeep a few flights up into a building at a sniper is just the beginning. The only mis-step in the whole dark aesthetic is the visual crutch of too much Dark Knight Returns. The pages of Amazing Spider-man have always been slightly cartoony and youthful, the best Spidey artists don't avoid this and use it to their strengths. It is a look that is diametrically opposed to Miller's gritty old Batman, and when i see Spidey's black silhouette leaping off a towering building with that Miller-esque trademark white snarl of lightning slashing down behind him I can't help but feel unease. Poor Frank just rolled over in his grave. Wait, what... he's not dead? Well whaddaya know. Learn something knew everyday
So is Black something to hide behind, or something to wrap oneself in to scare the shit out of one's enemies? Or is it just plain easier to hide oneself when one drops the bright red and blue jumpsuit? We learn that Peter has stashed his old black uni under a gargoyle at the top of a skyscraper. But what is interesting is that the gargoyle is clutching at itself in the very same way we saw MJ shivering earlier. Granted this visual echo is subtle, but i would argue intentional. We are meant to be reminded that Spider-man had given up Black once before and built a spectacular and loving if not idyllic life with MJ since then. Yet all the while, buried beneath their relationship this dark incarnation lay waiting. As Peter tears open this old wound and frees a former self, what now is to become of the relationship he had pain-stakingly built upon his old skeletons? Dark times call for dark deeds (and duds, heehee) but will Peter be able to come away from all this the man he was before Marvel's Gettysburg? With all these questions floting around, you can't ask for a better arc opener than this.
Snake-eyes going on Voltron. if it weren't for those damn Miller moments... sigh.
Writer: JMS
Pencils: Ron Garney
Back in Black! OMG!
No, wait... er, why should I care about this again? It's just a uni-switch, right? Like a sports team donning the road jersies, no? Well...not exactly. Despite the fact that Spidey's current descent into darkness just happens to coincide with the feature film introduction of his ole black uni, I think that dark days ahead call for a darker web-slinger. Its symbolic you see, it always has been. So the core question of this review, and of Spidey's existence in a Post Marvel Civil War world is, why Back in Black? Other questions remain important too, such as just how crucial is the mask and cape of a caped crusader? Just how much can a hero be summed up by his costume? Can a comic character become popular through nothing at all but a clever design? And of course all of these dove-tail nicely into the comic clusterfuck that has been Peter Parker's 'outing' in the New York press. When you come down to it, does a costume even matter anymore if everyone, friends and foes alike, knows exactly who you are?
Yet the aesthetics remain important. For much of Amazing Spider-man #539 Peter is shown being Spider-man as Peter Parker. No costume whatsoever. At first i thought this whole costume-less action sequences to be a bit silly and awkward. About halfway through the issue Peter's form is dynamic, swinging through the big Apple tracking down a lead. The only problem is his appearance is jarringly strange. His face harbors a scowl, his life after all, is a mess. Yet to me he just looks like one of those insanely flexible dancers who is angry he didn't land the last Gap Khaki television spot. Damn, I thought to myself, a man just looks plain goofy flailing about on silken threads in civvies.
So I suppose the answer to one of those introductory questions is yes. The costume is important. A cool design can make a rather goofy action look downright cool. At least i think so. Is this just a question of familiarity? Maybe its just because I'm so familair with the normal Web-head look, maybe I find the Peter Parker slinging so strange because I'm used to a different aesthetic. There may be no clear cut answer here. So let's reluctantly move on to the meanings attached to Back in Black.
Black makes sense. Peter's world has turned to shit. And not Just Peter's but MJ's by extension. This issue's artwork is brilliant in subtly describing the oppressive menace and hostility facing the extended Spider-man fam. On an early page we find MJ huddled and small at the bottom of tall thin panel, walking the streets of NY, clutching at herself as one does against a stiff brisk winter wind. 'Above' her in the panel is a massive skyscraper festooned with unsettlingly malevolent ads. The effect is immediate and intense, MJ has the weight and malice of an entire city on her back. The threat is all the more menacing because like a mob, it is faceless and it is everywhere.
Malice and the threat of violence pervades the issue. Even in his Gap Kahaki personae, Peter still manages to come off as brutally strong, capable of terrible things, things which might just be necessary to stop his world from completely tearing in two. Tossing a Jeep a few flights up into a building at a sniper is just the beginning. The only mis-step in the whole dark aesthetic is the visual crutch of too much Dark Knight Returns. The pages of Amazing Spider-man have always been slightly cartoony and youthful, the best Spidey artists don't avoid this and use it to their strengths. It is a look that is diametrically opposed to Miller's gritty old Batman, and when i see Spidey's black silhouette leaping off a towering building with that Miller-esque trademark white snarl of lightning slashing down behind him I can't help but feel unease. Poor Frank just rolled over in his grave. Wait, what... he's not dead? Well whaddaya know. Learn something knew everyday
So is Black something to hide behind, or something to wrap oneself in to scare the shit out of one's enemies? Or is it just plain easier to hide oneself when one drops the bright red and blue jumpsuit? We learn that Peter has stashed his old black uni under a gargoyle at the top of a skyscraper. But what is interesting is that the gargoyle is clutching at itself in the very same way we saw MJ shivering earlier. Granted this visual echo is subtle, but i would argue intentional. We are meant to be reminded that Spider-man had given up Black once before and built a spectacular and loving if not idyllic life with MJ since then. Yet all the while, buried beneath their relationship this dark incarnation lay waiting. As Peter tears open this old wound and frees a former self, what now is to become of the relationship he had pain-stakingly built upon his old skeletons? Dark times call for dark deeds (and duds, heehee) but will Peter be able to come away from all this the man he was before Marvel's Gettysburg? With all these questions floting around, you can't ask for a better arc opener than this.
Snake-eyes going on Voltron. if it weren't for those damn Miller moments... sigh.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
April is Arc Month
Yes that's right. I was chatting with my fellow head, El CenTrale, the other day and he mentioned a rather neat-o idear. So he says to me he says, he says:
"How 'bout does 'April is Arc Month' sound?"
Only he said this with his typical scorn and disdain for all beings he thinks have less intelligence than he does, that being all of them. I thought it was a great idear. I reveled in plans and machinations. forthcoming arc-reviews, classic and contemporary. Here at Cerberus we pride ourself (ourselves? How does one quantify individuality in a three-headed dog?) in the feature length single issue review. But April is special. And not in the 'special needs' sort of sense.
So come back 'round yonder parts and read up on arc reviews peppered between their normal single-issue brethren. If you don't? Well, Righty over here has something special planned for you. And let's just say it's a 'family' tradition.
"How 'bout does 'April is Arc Month' sound?"
Only he said this with his typical scorn and disdain for all beings he thinks have less intelligence than he does, that being all of them. I thought it was a great idear. I reveled in plans and machinations. forthcoming arc-reviews, classic and contemporary. Here at Cerberus we pride ourself (ourselves? How does one quantify individuality in a three-headed dog?) in the feature length single issue review. But April is special. And not in the 'special needs' sort of sense.
So come back 'round yonder parts and read up on arc reviews peppered between their normal single-issue brethren. If you don't? Well, Righty over here has something special planned for you. And let's just say it's a 'family' tradition.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Generic Man #54
Generic Man #54
Artist: Sketchy McFancypants
Writer: Brian K. Bendis
Wow, this comic sucks balls. Giant, interstellar, asteroid-flavored balls. Generic man is just, i dunno. boring. And the villains. Inane and predictable. I mean who wouldn't have guessed what was going to happen toward the end of this arc, eh? Not this Fanboy Snob. As Elfin Samuel McDooDooHead once said, "Channel all your nerd-rage at the plebes, boy, you're gonna need it." And we need it now more than ever, McDooDooHead, we need it more than ever.
Sketchy's pencils are pedestrian and uninspired. When a man's face can literally be mistaken for his ass (and when the man in question is not the Arch super-villain AssMando Calrissian), you know you shouldn't have gone to art school. Maybe should have been a plumber, or a janitor, or an english teacher. A business-man or a lawyer. Something. Just take a step back, put the pencils down and nobody gets hurt. Cause dude, can i have some fries with that shake? you know what I'm talking about readers? Inside jokes aside, i want to make sure maybe one or two people who don't read comics can understand anything that I'm writing about here. No wait. No I don't. I'm gonna float up here in fanboy cloudland megaworld and make you all feel like the mundies that you are. Suckers! (I hate my life).
As for the dialogue, I've had better conversations with my dirty laundry. And lemme tell you, when that green lantern shirt of mine gets worn every single day for a month or two, you better believe it acquires the power of communication, hell, i could play against it in X-box by that point, and the damn thing'd probably win. If i wasn't the best gamer this side of the Sierra Nevadas, that is. Back to the pointlessness at hand, Generic man talks in cliche's and non sequitors, just the sort of thing you've come to expect from one of the industry's most tired and worn out writers. I mean writing for 68 different titles in 4 years? even Speedor the Fleet Footed Freak can't cover that much ground (unless he's on Xebro 9, in which case the air density would allow him to achieve a greater velocity, fusing with his molecular trailwaves, giving him the ability to exceed the speed of light x 10^57 power! Too bad Xebro 9 only exists in the bueno-verse alternate reality, and that was crippled in the Fyoo-Zarr Wars when Earth A and Earth PFFFFFT were merged together in a gigantic flatulent bang.)
Bet you are wondering why i spent so much time reviewing this claptrap instead of tongue-bathing some heros worthy of my mighty intel and analect? Well, a man can't exist on bread and cheese alone, Willis. He needs his whisky too. Know what I'm saying? yeah, thought so.
all things being equal I give this issue a Granny Smith. Shiny outside, sour inside, makes ya want to give it to your second grade teacher for show'n'tell. and now I've just gone and distrubed the hell out of myself. Don't make me Gran you too, reader.
Artist: Sketchy McFancypants
Writer: Brian K. Bendis
Wow, this comic sucks balls. Giant, interstellar, asteroid-flavored balls. Generic man is just, i dunno. boring. And the villains. Inane and predictable. I mean who wouldn't have guessed what was going to happen toward the end of this arc, eh? Not this Fanboy Snob. As Elfin Samuel McDooDooHead once said, "Channel all your nerd-rage at the plebes, boy, you're gonna need it." And we need it now more than ever, McDooDooHead, we need it more than ever.
Sketchy's pencils are pedestrian and uninspired. When a man's face can literally be mistaken for his ass (and when the man in question is not the Arch super-villain AssMando Calrissian), you know you shouldn't have gone to art school. Maybe should have been a plumber, or a janitor, or an english teacher. A business-man or a lawyer. Something. Just take a step back, put the pencils down and nobody gets hurt. Cause dude, can i have some fries with that shake? you know what I'm talking about readers? Inside jokes aside, i want to make sure maybe one or two people who don't read comics can understand anything that I'm writing about here. No wait. No I don't. I'm gonna float up here in fanboy cloudland megaworld and make you all feel like the mundies that you are. Suckers! (I hate my life).
As for the dialogue, I've had better conversations with my dirty laundry. And lemme tell you, when that green lantern shirt of mine gets worn every single day for a month or two, you better believe it acquires the power of communication, hell, i could play against it in X-box by that point, and the damn thing'd probably win. If i wasn't the best gamer this side of the Sierra Nevadas, that is. Back to the pointlessness at hand, Generic man talks in cliche's and non sequitors, just the sort of thing you've come to expect from one of the industry's most tired and worn out writers. I mean writing for 68 different titles in 4 years? even Speedor the Fleet Footed Freak can't cover that much ground (unless he's on Xebro 9, in which case the air density would allow him to achieve a greater velocity, fusing with his molecular trailwaves, giving him the ability to exceed the speed of light x 10^57 power! Too bad Xebro 9 only exists in the bueno-verse alternate reality, and that was crippled in the Fyoo-Zarr Wars when Earth A and Earth PFFFFFT were merged together in a gigantic flatulent bang.)
Bet you are wondering why i spent so much time reviewing this claptrap instead of tongue-bathing some heros worthy of my mighty intel and analect? Well, a man can't exist on bread and cheese alone, Willis. He needs his whisky too. Know what I'm saying? yeah, thought so.
all things being equal I give this issue a Granny Smith. Shiny outside, sour inside, makes ya want to give it to your second grade teacher for show'n'tell. and now I've just gone and distrubed the hell out of myself. Don't make me Gran you too, reader.
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