The Other Side

[FanboyStranger]

The Other Side was definitely the top book of the week for me. You wouldn't think Cam Stewart would be a great choice for a war book, but he turns in some of finest work of his career, which is saying something for the guy who drew the best issues of Brubaker's Catwoman. The American side of the script read a bit too much like Full Metal Jacket (which was adopted from a novel by writer Jason Aaron's cousin), but was so wonderfully juxtaposed with the Vietnese script and the horrific "dreams" of war that I didn't mind. (Plus, Full Metal Jacket is a great effin' movie.) Another home run from Vertigo! I encourage everyone to buy it.

[Mr. Palmer]

Haven't had a chance to read it, but after your feedback it's moved up in the TBR pile!

[FanboyStranger]

Haven't had a chance to read it, but after your feedback it's moved up in the TBR pile!

It was the last book on my weekly pile today, but after reading some great stuff in Criminal, Dr. Strange: The Oath, and, errr, The Irredeemable Ant-Man, it was definitely the top book for me.

[Mr. Palmer]

Though edged out of the best spot by The Boys #3, this book definitely came close to my top read.

I agree with everything you say. Even the parts that echo Full Metal Jacket work. And it left me with an unease that it was almost myself going to war. I've faced that once already in my lifetime, and this brought back all those feelings. That easily makes this a superb read.

[matt levin]

you got Dr. Strange: the Oath? already?
dam'--
going to read the other side tonight: thanks for priming me!

Matt

[matt levin]

First thing out, I'm a big fan of Don Lomax's "Vietnam Journal" which really, really made it real. Not a lot of sensationalism, more "Charlie MoPic" than "Full Metal Jacket," but a lot of everyday unhappiness, insanity, and horror, with good feeling and even laughter whenever he could find it. Lomax also included a roster of 'things happening in the world at the same time' as does "Side's" Jason Aaron, which I find helpful recreating the times.

I liked the equal show, dehumanizing the enemy from both sides--with much the same terms; and the vast difference in recruitment and training of troops. At the moment, it seems a little over-balanced to pro-Viet Nam sentiment; I'm guessing that's due to the very harsh U.S. training program playing the largest U.S. role this issue. It will be quite a careful act to balance viewpoints and sympthies as the series progresses.

Not much for characterization, yet. Slow-witted white boy packaged soldier off on orders; subtle, thoughtful Vietnamese boy valiant crusade in long-standing national tradition.

Bit confused about the dreams: both men having the same/certainly similar dreams? For the story, why? Hoping this comes into play in an issue or three. Also wondering if Aaron or Stewart have personal experience in Viet Nam, which would certainly add a veracity to their stories.

An interesting beginning, and a good promise of an interesting future--

happy reading,
Matt

[Jason Aaron]

Also wondering if Aaron or Stewart have personal experience in Viet Nam, which would certainly add a veracity to their stories.
Matt

Hey, Matt, I'm a huge fan of Don Lomax and VIETNAM JOURNAL too.

I'm only 33 years old, so I don't have personal experience from the Vietnam War, but I've spent the last several years of my life researching it, mainly for my website, www.gustavhasford.com (http://www.gustavhasford.com). And Cameron spent two weeks in Vietnam last year, researching the book.

Thanks to everyone for supporting the book. If you haven't checked out the contest Cameron and I are running on MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/othersidecomic), what are you waiting for? You can win autographed issues, autographed scripts, THE OTHER SIDE beer glasses and even a page of Cameron's original art.

[Mr. Palmer]

I've gotta get me one of those MySpace thing-ah-muh-jigs...

[stealthwise]

I got the first issue too, and while it was enjoyable, I'm tempted to just pick it up in tpb as it comes. Only thing is, not sure about how the sales are, as the last several Vertigo titles that launched are all languishing below the 20K mark and could be on the slate for cancellation.

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

The American side of the script read a bit too much like Full Metal Jacket (which was adopted from a novel by writer Jason Aaron's cousin), but was so wonderfully juxtaposed with the Vietnese script and the horrific "dreams" of war that I didn't mind. (Plus, Full Metal Jacket is a great effin' movie.) Another home run from Vertigo! I encourage everyone to buy it.

Intresting that it would feel like Full Metal Jacket, as I was under the impression that Gustav Hasford wasn't a fan of the movie - but then again, no reason one has to agree with their cousin, and Kubrick is God....

Edit: Must say I'm looking forward to this - but as always, I'm waiting for the trade.

[Destro777]

Being a huge fan of Marvel's The 'Nam, I was eagerly anticipating this. I like what I see so far. A bit different than what I was expecting but still good. I'm glad and thankful a book like this sees the light of day, considering how The 'Nam was run out of town back then. I'm on board for this series. I wonder what the creators of The Other Side think about The 'Nam...

[stealthwise]

Being a huge fan of Marvel's The 'Nam, I was eagerly anticipating this. I like what I see so far. A bit different than what I was expecting but still good. I'm glad and thankful a book like this sees the light of day, considering how The 'Nam was run out of town back then. I'm on board for this series. I wonder what the creators of The Other Side think about The 'Nam...

http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2006/10/04/comic-blogs-should-be-good-jason-aaron/

Jason Aaron writes The Other Side and gives his thoughts on Vietnam comics here.

[Destro777]

http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2006/10/04/comic-blogs-should-be-good-jason-aaron/

Jason Aaron writes The Other Side and gives his thoughts on Vietnam comics here.
Awesome. Thanks! I'll have to look into some of these other ones.

[Troy Wall]

Hey, now! I just read THE OTHERSIDE #1. Best comic I've read in a loooooong ass time. I'll be picking up SCALPED based on the fact that you're writing it, Jason.

[noh-varr]

I picked this up today since I... kinda forgot it came out... but absolutely loved it! Will be picking up the rest of the series and the writer's new series that just got solicited in Previews.