goman
11-03-2006, 10:14 AM
I read Criminal #1 and 2 yesterday, and it got me thinking this morning that it's a variant on the so-called Fell format. So far we basically have two books in the proper Fell format (i.e. $1.99 for 16 pages of art with 4 pages of back-matter) Fell and Casanova. Before Fell came out, Ellis was talking about how he wanted to create a single issue that gave people more bang for the buck, hence the lower price. I think both Fell and cassanova have succeeded in that mission, as each read very well in singles and take a bit more time to read. I think Criminal is also going for that.
At $2.99, you get, I think 22+ pages of art, plus some Brubaker back material, plus (and for a Marvel book, this is a big plus) no ads till the end. Also you get the nice wrap-around cover, that makes it look more like a novel, than the traditional magazine look with the back page ad. I took me a good deal longer to get through each of these issues than a regular issue, which is nice.
I don't know if Brubaker is intentionally using Fell as a model for criminal, but it make a bit of sence, and I think it works. I'd argue that criminal is a truly mature book, with out resorting to the traps of other "mature" books, such as excessive language, sex and violence. It reads like a good crime novel, and I think, along with Fell, is one of the best new books to get new readers into comics.
I almost wish they could package a few other similar series together and come out with something more in line with a magazine or a manga monthly (not the small bookstore size, but Shonen Jump style.) I've long thought that publishers should start printing comics in larger books with three or four similar stories, with a slightly higher price point, but go for magazine distribution. But now I'm off topic.
I'm left to wonder if the stuff from the back of the book will make it into the trade for Criminal. If they do, where do you place it in the trade? if you haven't read the issue yet, Brubaker writes an essay on his favorite noir movie. It ties in with the series, kind of, but doesn't really match anything in the issue. it's just a peak into Brubabker's mind on the subject of crime fiction. The article is very interesting, need to find that movie and watch it, but it's basically like a letter column, which usually doesn't end up in the trade.
I've gone on too long now. i guess I'm just looking to see if anyone agrees with my assesment. I think this is a book that will actually read better in the singles. Issue 2 was probably better than issue 1, IMO. Stick with the singles, I think that's going to be the best way to read the series.
At $2.99, you get, I think 22+ pages of art, plus some Brubaker back material, plus (and for a Marvel book, this is a big plus) no ads till the end. Also you get the nice wrap-around cover, that makes it look more like a novel, than the traditional magazine look with the back page ad. I took me a good deal longer to get through each of these issues than a regular issue, which is nice.
I don't know if Brubaker is intentionally using Fell as a model for criminal, but it make a bit of sence, and I think it works. I'd argue that criminal is a truly mature book, with out resorting to the traps of other "mature" books, such as excessive language, sex and violence. It reads like a good crime novel, and I think, along with Fell, is one of the best new books to get new readers into comics.
I almost wish they could package a few other similar series together and come out with something more in line with a magazine or a manga monthly (not the small bookstore size, but Shonen Jump style.) I've long thought that publishers should start printing comics in larger books with three or four similar stories, with a slightly higher price point, but go for magazine distribution. But now I'm off topic.
I'm left to wonder if the stuff from the back of the book will make it into the trade for Criminal. If they do, where do you place it in the trade? if you haven't read the issue yet, Brubaker writes an essay on his favorite noir movie. It ties in with the series, kind of, but doesn't really match anything in the issue. it's just a peak into Brubabker's mind on the subject of crime fiction. The article is very interesting, need to find that movie and watch it, but it's basically like a letter column, which usually doesn't end up in the trade.
I've gone on too long now. i guess I'm just looking to see if anyone agrees with my assesment. I think this is a book that will actually read better in the singles. Issue 2 was probably better than issue 1, IMO. Stick with the singles, I think that's going to be the best way to read the series.