Lobster Johnson: The Burning Hand

[Middenway]

How is it possible there isn't a thread for this story? Anyway, here's Dave Johnson's covers so far:
http://i.newsarama.com/images/LobsterJohnsonBurningHand1.jpg
http://i.newsarama.com/images/LobsterJ_BurningHand2.jpg

[rubberchickenben]

http://www.comicbookresources.com/images/solicits/darkhorse/201202/DHP_9.jpg

ooh, LoJo in DHP :]

[Scurlogg_Hawkk]

Goood The Lobster is back again

[rubberchickenben]

http://images.darkhorse.com/covers/600/20/20229.jpg

Mike's Burning Hand art.

[Middenway]

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=35579

The preview page looks good. I really liked the art in Who Is Jake Ellis? so I'm really looking forward to this story. not to mention I'm really looking forward to seeing what John Arcudi does with the story. LoJo has always been a bit light on the character for my tastes, but Arcudi is such a character-driven writer, I imagine he'll bring out some new interesting dimensions to him.

[Jan Bentzen]

In the back of the book "The Satan Factory" from July 2009 there´s an ad for "The Iron Prometheus" TPB.
Below that it says :
"And follow the adventures of Lobster Johnson in "The Burning Hand" - ON SALE NOW"..........

So I guess "NOW" is next year :wink:

- JAN

[Middenway]

In the back of the book "The Satan Factory" from July 2009 there´s an ad for "The Iron Prometheus" TPB.
Below that it says :
"And follow the adventures of Lobster Johnson in "The Burning Hand" - ON SALE NOW"..........

So I guess "NOW" is next year :wink:

- JAN
I guess that's refering to the version in which Guy Davis was the artist.

[Libaax]

I became really excited when i read the news about this series. Im one of those Lobster fans who have waited since his first appearence for something like this.

I know the artist from Who is Jake Ellis ?, he is a good fit.

[thwhtGuardian]

Those covers look amazing, this comes out in January right?

[Middenway]

Those covers look amazing, this comes out in January right?Yep, 11 January.

[thwhtGuardian]

Yep, 11 January.

I can't wait, Lobster Johnson is one of the coolest things to come out of the Hellboy universe.

[Middenway]

The latest cover:
http://i.newsarama.com/images/LobsterJ_BurningHand3.jpg

OK, so it's pretty awesome that The Black Flame is involved in this story somehow. Maybe I'm reaching a bit, but I think that woman could possibly be Daimio's grandmother, The Crimson Lotus.

[TheBranMan788]

the black flame looks great, he's such an amazing cover artist, and yeah I would think that she is.

[Kelly Tindall]

This one was a no-brainer for me before I saw The Black Flame; now it's a can't-miss.

[Libaax]

Jesus! Thats a cool cover. I wont trade wait this series like i do with BPRD.

[Middenway]

Preview for issue one. (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=10880)

[thwhtGuardian]

Preview for issue one. (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=10880)

Fantastic! I love the sort of Dick Tracy look to the art, it totally fits the story.

[Gary_B]

This is going to be so good! Love the art.

The aesthetic and narrative on this page are amazing, all building to that last frame.

Spoiler image below...


































http://www.comicbookresources.com/assets/images/preview/ea4e250i10880/prv10880_pg2.jpg

[Kees_L]

Looking awesome awesome awesome.

So I guess I'm sold.






Again!

So there goes another Power-Fishing Subscription down the drain. Thanks Dark Horse.

And if I ever gain a grandson, his name shall be Tonci, Tonci Rockafellah Mike Guy, Kees L. Like a handful plenty.

[jimm]

Can't wait for this series, not sure which cover I like best!

[Middenway]

This seems a bit premature given that issue #1 isn't even out yet, but here's a preview for issue #2. (http://www.newsarama.com/php/multimedia/album.php?aid=45244&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social%2Bmedia&utm_campaign=seo%2Bblitz&utm_content=Newsarama)

[TheBranMan788]

well im sucked in now, can't wait for this.

[dogboy443]

SWEET! I'll be picking this up. Has a polished Guy Davis feel to it.


This is going to be so good! Love the art.

The aesthetic and narrative on this page are amazing, all building to that last frame.

Spoiler image below...


































http://www.comicbookresources.com/assets/images/preview/ea4e250i10880/prv10880_pg2.jpg

[Middenway]

I gotta say, Tonči Zonjić's artwork really clicks with me. I especially love the acting. I love an artist that knows how to act through their drawings.

[Kees_L]

I gotta say, Tonči Zonjić's artwork really clicks with me. I especially love the acting. I love an artist that knows how to act through their drawings.

Yes.
Although I would, for your calling such 'acting', instantaneously get hung up on having to call such a foremostly graphical thing - like a way of portrayal more rather than a thing of acting.
Because: having the characters saying or doing enticing stuff wouldn't be enough, as any such should have to get depicted enticingly enough as well?

Take the bottom panels of Zonjic for instance: those display portrayal, like graphicality, more rather than any acting getting done?

Although I shouldn't get hung up on semantics too much I'm sure :smile:.
Eventhough semantics will be important, as being the sole vehicle for the Meaning Of - well, anything!

Reminding me of mr Mike's comments onto any of his stylistical developments. Of how much he'd still be making use of photographic studies, or studies at least, like even models of clay as mentioned for Hellboy: In the Chapel of Moloch.
And that a developmental thing might be how he'd be more engaged into molding shapes for drawing than ever before?
Which would also be a graphical thing, although perhaps not merely compositional or concerning panelling - but more of a shaping or molding kind of thing? Like displaying stuff as with having its own fabric, sort of?

Any of such talk I really find envigoratin'. Like such would really show how comic art would truely be a thing of itself, other than just text or even movies.
Like no Shakespeare or Steven Spielberg should ever be doing without catching some nice comics to gawk at both as take in. Just for reading I mean and not for merely making any such into movies or 'plays'...? :cool:

[Middenway]

Yes.
Although I would, for your calling such 'acting', instantaneously get hung up on having to call such a foremostly graphical thing - like a way of portrayal more rather than a thing of acting.
Because: having the characters saying or doing enticing stuff wouldn't be enough, as any such should have to get depicted enticingly enough as well?
No, I definitely mean acting. I feel like it's an ability that's largely undervalued in comics. Too many artists can't act. I love watching an artist's face when they draw this stuff and the start making faces at their drawings (look at the Finding Nemo DVD extras, you'll see what I mean). The images may be still on page, but if the artist can act through their drawings, then so much more becomes apparent. The quality of movement, the tone of the characters' voices, their eyelines, the strength or intimacy of their touch... I see all that in Tonči Zonjić's work and I love the hell out of it.

[Kees_L]

Haha, Middenway!

The creator's faces I have been to witness so far... So far...

On the rare occasions I will be at conventions or signings, where artists will be to sit and draw, I have this running gag where I will be catching glimpses of those artists, with confronting them with either theirs or mine later on if there's a chance.

I saw Mark Texeira draw Wolverine and ehm Galactus or Darkseid both as Doctor Doom or The Thing crushing something. Mark Texeira's faces were just grand to watch. He really does excellent faces, for real :smile:.

Or Michael Golden - he doesn't. Quite unmoved, which will be his skill.

Mark Schultz does them but covertly, like really well-hidden. Maybe because he draws women well.

Gary Gianni smirks or beams with happiness at least when he draws.

What I saw of simon Bisley while drawing was pretty good and laid back, especially for the beer or fun being freely available.

William Stout has a posh scarf, like for driving automobiles plus an earring and he can tell the best stories about musicians and stuff while drawing just pristine buffness.

I may not be too sure on knowing about any acting, but drawing faces will be a big thing in the comics or art field, I can tell you that!!

EDIT: oh and for mr Mike, it seemed a lot about the eyes. Like he couldn't fake seeming interested, eventhough he seemed interested for any fan or person conversing with him - as far as I could tell. His drawing face I would describe as: concentrated, focused, in an upbeat or no-nonsense kind of way.

[Middenway]

First review has cropped up (http://chucksuffel.wordpress.com/2012/01/02/preview-review-lobster-johnson/). Very positive and spoiler free.

[Middenway]

A preview of the fourth issue cover just popped up here (http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/49722/exclusive-sneak-peek-cover-artwork-lobster-johnson-burning-hand-4).
http://www.dreadcentral.com/img/news/jan12/lobster.jpg

[Gary_B]

That's a burning biplane. Come one Darkhorse, get it right!

[Gary_B]

I was joking. Wow, tough room.

[thwhtGuardian]

I love it, he even has his brand on his plane! I can't wait to read this.

[the goddamn batman]

I thought it was funny.

[Middenway]

I was joking. Wow, tough room.WHAT!? Joking? In an online forum? MADNESS!!!

[Middenway]

That's a burning biplane. Come one Darkhorse, get it right!The name of the biplane is Hand, obviously. :wink:

[Middenway]

Hmm. Double post. Sorry about that.

[Gary_B]

The name of the biplane is Hand, obviously. :wink:

Ha! Well played!

[Dekay]

I thought it was funny hehehe but man oh man am I excited for this! Wednesday right? :biggrin:

[Neil Hill]

Love the look and feel of Tonjic's art on this story, as everything seems appropriate to the time period, themes, etc. Hoping the individual issues are equally as great. I have a feeling (as usual with Mike's work and those who follow on as artist) I will be blown away.

[MikeDHatesYou]

Issue one flows pretty nicely. Good start to the series. I managed the get the variant a lot easier. As to where other variants of Mignola's past work were really time consuming to find.

[Jr. Wormwood]

The name of the biplane is Hand, obviously. :wink:

HA! Nice :)

Picked up the Mike variant today. Enjoyed the issue quite a bit! Has a great noir feel to it and I look forward to where this one's going.

[dogboy443]

These look awesome!

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/1201/11/darkhorseapril.htm

Cheers.

[thwhtGuardian]

HA! Nice :)

Picked up the Mike variant today. Enjoyed the issue quite a bit! Has a great noir feel to it and I look forward to where this one's going.

I thought about getting the variant but as much as I love Mike's mummy cover I loved the pulpy feel of the original cover. Hopefully the monster covers will all be showcased in some form by the end of the year as I hate choosing!

As for the issue itself, to say I loved it would be an understatement. It was simply amazing. I enjoyed The Iron Prometheus but this was head and shoulders above that, it was beautiful.

About the only complaint I have about the story is that I had thought that the top of the cop's head had been severed and it wasn't until I saw the indians that it seemed that he was scalped. It's a minor detail but it sort of reminded me of the small problem I originally had with the Corpse where I thought the whole dug for the guy's grave was a rock.

[Donald]

Very good start for the series. The art is superb, I always like the more realistic art than the blobby cartoony style and this suits me very well. This may be the least a title character has appeared in their own book, but it worked out.

Spoilers:











So who's on the boat? I'm thinking the Crimson Lotus & Steel Hawk.

Ghost Indians? :confused: maybe Cindy or her children will create Scooby Doo later on down the road.

I wonder if any more of the Lobster's crew will meet him this mini. Too many at once would be kinda meh, I think.

[Bosco685]

Very good start for the series. The art is subperb, I always like the more realistic art than the blobby cartoony style and this suits me very well. This may be the least a title character has appeared in their own book, but it worked out.

Spoilers:











So who's on the boat? I'm thinking the Crimson Lotus & Steel Hawk.

Ghost Indians? :confused: maybe Cindy or her children will create Scooby Doo later on down the road.

I wonder if any more of the Lobster's crew will meet him this mini. Too many at once would be kinda meh, I think.

:confused:

[Donald]

Pedantic much?

[Bosco685]

I don't understand what that has to do with the last post. :confused:

[brentmcd]

I really, really enjoyed this first issue. My first exposure to Zonjic's artwork, and I am very impressed. As others have said, his figures really have a kind of cinematic quality. And he seems to handle the action sequences extremely well -- it all just flows together, and the characters' positioning looks dramatic, yet natural at the same time. Very pulp noir, just as it should be. Of course LoJo suitably kicks butt. Looking forward to seeing where this mini takes us.

[Libaax]

I read Zonjic few months ago in his image series and i must say Dave Stewart color job makes his art look much better.

I like how the first issue was so old school pulp noir style feel. Weird story, Lobster story is plus but i love the mood of it.

Usually i buy comics once a month haul but i went early for this series and was rewarded with very good first issue.

[thwhtGuardian]

I read Zonjic few months ago in his image series and i must say Dave Stewart color job makes his art look much better.

I like how the first issue was so old school pulp noir style feel. Weird story, Lobster story is plus but i love the mood of it.

Usually i buy comics once a month haul but i went early for this series and was rewarded with very good first issue.

What else has Zonjic done? I loved his art in this and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious about his other works.

[Middenway]

What else has Zonjic done? I loved his art in this and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious about his other works.
Check out Who Is Jake Ellis? It's really good.

[Kees_L]

What else has Zonjic done? I loved his art in this and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious about his other works.

Well then, the Google reveals:

- a dedicated site: http://www.to-zo.com/
- a blog: http://lungbug.blogspot.com/

and then some stuff.

Internet has made èverything potentially easy. Everything, except maybe Salsa dancing, or playing the Tuba.

[thwhtGuardian]

Well then, the Google reveals:

- a dedicated site: http://www.to-zo.com/
- a blog: http://lungbug.blogspot.com/

and then some stuff.

Internet has made èverything potentially easy. Everything, except maybe Salsa dancing, or playing the Tuba.
Salsa dancing and Tuba are hard, and yeah I could do a simple google search but I value the suggestions of the good people here much more. Where as a google search would reveal titles, a question here reveals titles people enjoyed which seems more valuable to me.


Check out Who Is Jake Ellis? It's really good.
I really dig the color pallet used in the images I found when looking further into this, it reminds me a lot of the Losers and I loved that book.

[Libaax]

What else has Zonjic done? I loved his art in this and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious about his other works.

I read Who is Jake Ellis ? Which was weird little spy mini series. His art stood out more than the writing. I will check if there is other,older works.

So far this series is by far his best looking art i have seen.

[Middenway]

Well, Dave Stewart has a way of bringing out the best of everyone he works with. :wink:

[Jackson Brody]

Loved this issue. I haven't liked a non-HB Mignola book this much in a long time. Not to say I found any recent stuff in BPRD, Abe Sapien, or Baltimore deficient, but this grabbed me somehow. The guy in the white suit reminded me of Peter Lorre, which I'd wager was the intention.

Another element in this book's favor was seeing Harold McTell again. The issue of BPRD where he tells Kate how the Lobster's team fell apart is one of my all-time favorite Mignola books. He's such a simple, normal character who still manages to stand out amongst a cast of monsters.

[thwhtGuardian]

Loved this issue. I haven't liked a non-HB Mignola book this much in a long time. Not to say I found any recent stuff in BPRD, Abe Sapien, or Baltimore deficient, but this grabbed me somehow. The guy in the white suit reminded me of Peter Lorre, which I'd wager was the intention.

Another element in this book's favor was seeing Harold McTell again. The issue of BPRD where he tells Kate how the Lobster's team fell apart is one of my all-time favorite Mignola books. He's such a simple, normal character who still manages to stand out amongst a cast of monsters.

I totally missed out on that connection! I figured he was feeding her information from LoJo but I don't know why I didn't put one and two together.

[Middenway]

I totally missed out on that connection! I figured he was feeding her information from LoJo but I don't know why I didn't put one and two together.
Aw man, you need to re-read it. The scenes with him in it are a nice tease for the future.

[TheBranMan788]

cover #5

http://www.comicbookresources.com/assets/images/articles/1328033472.jpg

[regan]

Beware the above link unless u have already read issue 2 - nice reveal at the end if you haven't been spoiled yet!

[thwhtGuardian]

The Peter Lorre resemblance is really uncanny, so much so that I found myself hearing his dialog in that same nasally kind of voice that he had...and that definitely seems intentional. I love it.

http://media.web.britannica.com/eb-media/60/68060-004-90B29FEB.jpg

[Middenway]

Man, issue two was beautiful. I love Tonči Zonjić's artwork, but it was John Arcudi's script that jumped out at me. His economy in storytelling is incredible, leaving space for the moments that really need to breath (like page 2... great stuff).

I'm actually a little angry at myself for reading it though. I wish I'd waited for the trade and read it all in one sitting. This one was really worth waiting for.

[thwhtGuardian]

Man, issue two was beautiful. I love Tonči Zonjić's artwork, but it was John Arcudi's script that jumped out at me. His economy in storytelling is incredible, leaving space for the moments that really need to breath (like page 2... great stuff).

I'm actually a little angry at myself for reading it though. I wish I'd waited for the trade and read it all in one sitting. This one was really worth waiting for.

The beat panels were really well done, they created a real sense of mood to along with the conversations.

As to whether to trade wait or read it in floppies I'd say that reading it all at once would actually be a detriment to the the story. The whole pacing of the story is very much like the old noir movie serials where the wait between chapters was an actual part of the tension building of the story, and if you can just turn the page and get the next part I think you destroy a little of that feeling.
Like the beat panels the wait between each issue is an engineered part of the story with a definite purpose and I wouldn't want to lessen that purpose in the least.

[Middenway]

The beat panels were really well done, they created a real sense of mood to along with the conversations.

As to whether to trade wait or read it in floppies I'd say that reading it all at once would actually be a detriment to the the story. The whole pacing of the story is very much like the old noir movie serials where the wait between chapters was an actual part of the tension building of the story, and if you can just turn the page and get the next part I think you destroy a little of that feeling.
Like the beat panels the wait between each issue is an engineered part of the story with a definite purpose and I wouldn't want to lessen that purpose in the least.
To a certain extent, but I feel the chapter breaks do that anyway. Certainly this story seems to suit the installment delivery far better than most. Lost and Gone Forever for example was a story I felt suffered for it, and reads much better as a trade.

The problem I usually have with singles is the way it kills the momentum of the story. But that certainly wasn't a problem with this issue. Those first two pages just felt so effortless (which usually means quite a lot of effort has been put into making them seem effortless). The only thing I feel like I'm missing out on is gorging myself on 100+ pages of pure awesome all at once.

I'm actually considering waiting with The Long Death at the moment, but that really cuts me off from these forum discussions I enjoy... We'll see next Wednesday. I'm not sure I have the conviction to wait when everyone starts raving about it.

[thwhtGuardian]

Some stories certainly do read better in trade, but this really does feel like it would be lessened by that format. That feeling of longing and anticipation is part of what the story is relying on to build it's momentum, and I think the instant gratification of being able to just keep reading with out pause would ruin that a bit. It's the same when you buy the DVDs of old movie serials, it just plays the whole thing from beginning to end with out any pause between chapters and that really kills the anticipation of the movie.

Some stories are just meant to be experienced in a serialized fashion, and this really does seem to be one of them.

[Middenway]

It's the same when you buy the DVDs of old movie serials, it just plays the whole thing from beginning to end with out any pause between chapters and that really kills the anticipation of the movie.
I find the opposite is true for me. I find serials more satisfying if I watch them in one marathon sitting (I did Avatar: The Last Airbender in two days with some friends once... It was amazing. Best way to watch the show). But that's just me, and that's very typical of how I like to read and watch stuff. I like long sessions of stuff over short installments. B.P.R.D. is great for me, because each trade is like an installment in much bigger story, so it's the best of both worlds.

From what little I've seen of The Burning Hand (only seen two issues after all, a little hard to judge at this point) it seems to fit the episodic format like a glove (of course, only seen one cliffhanger and its resolution so far, but it was very neatly done).

I know it's an odd thing to say, but I'm not the biggest fan of Lobster Johnson, mainly because the main character is such an enigma it's hard to write character driven stories around him. So I was looking forward to The Burning Hand, expecting it to be pulpy fun, but I wasn't expecting all the character moments this one has. And issue 2 was better than issue 1. If this keeps up, issue 5 will be stunning.

I know, I'm gushing, but I'm really enjoying this one, especially how different in tone it is from B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth. I'm already looking forward to the next Lobster Johnson series John Arcudi and Tonči Zonjić do. They make a great team and this is just too much fun.

Wow, I'm really wearing my fanboy hat today.

[thwhtGuardian]

I find the opposite is true for me. I find serials more satisfying if I watch them in one marathon sitting (I did Avatar: The Last Airbender in two days with some friends once... It was amazing. Best way to watch the show). But that's just me, and that's very typical of how I like to read and watch stuff. I like long sessions of stuff over short installments. B.P.R.D. is great for me, because each trade is like an installment in much bigger story, so it's the best of both worlds.

From what little I've seen of The Burning Hand (only seen two issues after all, a little hard to judge at this point) it seems to fit the episodic format like a glove (of course, only seen one cliffhanger and its resolution so far, but it was very neatly done).

I know it's an odd thing to say, but I'm not the biggest fan of Lobster Johnson, mainly because the main character is such an enigma it's hard to write character driven stories around him. So I was looking forward to The Burning Hand, expecting it to be pulpy fun, but I wasn't expecting all the character moments this one has. And issue 2 was better than issue 1. If this keeps up, issue 5 will be stunning.

I know, I'm gushing, but I'm really enjoying this one, especially how different in tone it is from B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth. I'm already looking forward to the next Lobster Johnson series John Arcudi and Tonči Zonjić do. They make a great team and this is just too much fun.

Wow, I'm really wearing my fanboy hat today.

I think Avatar was a little different than your traditional movie serial, it had the chapter set up but it didn't feature the same build up of tension that was so important to the both the pacing and tone of serials like Flash Gordon and Dick Tracy.

It's similar here, the anticipation between issues and the eventual pay off is a huge part of the fabric of the story that I just don't think it would feel the same if I could just immediately just turn the page and find out what happens. It's not necessarily that it will read poorly I trade, I'm sure that if you were just reading it in trade you'd barely notice the difference, it's just that when read through single issues there is the added sense of suspense that builds as the story progresses that just can't be replicated in any other way.

It's the same with the silent beat panels, you could remove them and if you never knew they were there to begin with you wouldn't miss them at all, but with there current placement it really gives the dialog an added dramatic quality that would be missing without their existence.

[Middenway]

I'd agree with you if the stories were just placed end to end in the trades, but the Mignolaverse stuff always has a chapter page, then a cover page. The largely blank chapter page is the punctuation of the previous chapter's cliff-hanger ending (the blank panel if you will), and then of course, when you see the cover of the next chapter you linger on it (they're so obviously designed to be lingered on). So for me at least, I feel like the pause is retained in the trade. But it is a personal reading experience and no one's will ever be the same. Just saying for me at least, that isn't an issue. No loss at all.

Do you remember back with The Iron Prometheus how they had those little pages in between chapters about the origins of Lobster Johnson? I loved those. They made you linger between chapters, and really added to that traditional pulp feel. It was a very effective device.

[thwhtGuardian]

I'd agree with you if the stories were just placed end to end in the trades, but the Mignolaverse stuff always has a chapter page, then a cover page. The largely blank chapter page is the punctuation of the previous chapter's ending ending (the blank panel if you will), and then of course, when you see the cover of the next chapter you linger on it (they're so obviously designed to be lingered on). So for me at least, I feel like the pause is retained in the trade. But it is a personal reading experience and no one's will ever be the same. Just saying for me at least, that isn't an issue. No loss at all.

Do you remember back with The Iron Prometheus how they had those little pages in between chapters about the origins of Lobster Johnson? I loved those. They made you linger between chapters, and really added to that traditional pulp feel. It was a very effective device.

Those inserts were fantastic, I hope we get similar ones when this is collected. I still don't think they gave the same feel as the actual wait between issues though, it's something that I just don't think can really be reproduced.

[Middenway]

Those inserts were fantastic, I hope we get similar ones when this is collected. I still don't think they gave the same feel as the actual wait between issues though, it's something that I just don't think can really be reproduced.
Yeah, like I said, it's personal thing. It would be really cool if they did have something like those inserts in the next trade, but considering how busy everyone is, I can't see it happening. Good news is John Arcudi seems pretty confident Tonči Zonjić will return in the future for another big miniseries with Lobster Johnson and in the meantime we'll have a bunch of shorts, one shots and two-issue miniseries with the character.

We've got a lot happening in the Mignolaverse in the first half of 2012, but I have a feeling the second half will be even bigger.

[Kees_L]

I know it's an odd thing to say, but I'm not the biggest fan of Lobster Johnson, mainly because the main character is such an enigma it's hard to write character driven stories around him. So I was looking forward to The Burning Hand, expecting it to be pulpy fun, but I wasn't expecting all the character moments this one has. And issue 2 was better than issue 1. If this keeps up, issue 5 will be stunning.

I know, I'm gushing, but I'm really enjoying this one, especially how different in tone it is from B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth. I'm already looking forward to the next Lobster Johnson series John Arcudi and Tonči Zonjić do. They make a great team and this is just too much fun.

Wow, I'm really wearing my fanboy hat today.

Oh boy, that has me anticipate this mini-series (I'll most probably start reading it once I'll have acquired each of the issues) so much.

Your own personal vantage point on LoJo as how you've put it forth (eloquently conceivably) sounds quite imaginable.

Lobster Johnson used to be blowing my mind, as seeming like mr. Mike's rather 'whacky' or 'way off-beat' kinda characters, like also Hellboy Junior's little friend, both as Dr, Gosburo Coffin or the President of Neptune, or the Amazing Screw-On Head.

With the difference of course that LoJo would seem still part of the actual Hellboy world. Although LoJo seemed initially sort of an anti-character sort of, as if being Hellboy's own favorite comic-character from his youth, like a role-model on rare occasions popping up in Hellboy's viscinity as being some sorta figment or ghostly apparition, the way how normal people might be seeing Elvis or either Jacky Kennedy in restroom mirrors (?). (Me and Jacky are like two peas in the same pot! 'Though Elvis seems jealous easily, especially at restrooms.)

But as of the Hellboy: Weird Tales, as well as in the ongoings to follow, LoJo kept on being a thing, resulting in his own very fun spin-off, with also the enticing Guy Davis movie LoJo feature thing.

Although now this next seeming very richly worked out limited series seems to potentially flesh things out way further/esteemedly, also as how you make it sound, which I can really like! Since upon the first LoJo standalone, with Jason Armstrong, I might have been a bit on the fence at first, like: this HAS to be great enough, or maybe LoJo had better remain a rarity, an enigma.

And I still think he should remain a rare enigma, but I think I do love comics and books about him. If this title will take any such to a higher and lusher level than before (it seems to be, if alone by means of Zonjic's elegance or the avant-cool covers) than I'd be finding such fantastic.

[Donald]

I know it's an odd thing to say, but I'm not the biggest fan of Lobster Johnson, mainly because the main character is such an enigma it's hard to write character driven stories around him.

I don't know if I'd say this or the Iron Prometheus is really written around him. IP seemed more the story of Jim Sacks and the VES suit and Cindy has more personality time than the Lobster in the Burning Hand. The Lobster seems to just do the stoic action hero thing while his crew and the other supporting players get the character development.

[Middenway]

I don't know if I'd say this or the Iron Prometheus is really written around him. IP seemed more the story of Jim Sacks and the VES suit and Cindy has more personality time than the Lobster in the Burning Hand. The Lobster seems to just do the stoic action hero thing while his crew and the other supporting players get the character development.
That's actually what I meant by "around him". He's the epicentre of the plot, but all the character stuff is given to the supporting cast. What I'm enjoying in this story is the way the supporting cast is used to indirectly reveal The Lobster's character. It's a cool way to keep him enigmatic, but still feel like there's more to him than just a mystery.

[Jackson Brody]

Tonči Zonjić is the best addition of artists to the Hellboy stable in a long time. He's blowing me away with this book.

And like Middenway, I'm grateful for the change in pace from BPRD: Hell on Earth. It's nice being back in a Mignola world where everything isn't falling down around them.

[42n8s1]

Great series so far.
Didn't quite 'buy' how the guy got away because somebody shone a flashlight on Lobster.
Otherwise it's been fab.

[Middenway]

The Lobster's lair:
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/430336_329460243759571_209337589105171_934954_1766 28036_n.jpg

[Middenway]

Lobster Doodles from Tonči Zonjić's blog (http://lungbug.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/spare-panel-ideas.html):
http://www.to-zo.com/blogstuff/lojo_doodles.gif

[Middenway]

From Tonči Zonjić's twitter:
https://p.twimg.com/AlpgFX2CEAENYXE.jpg

[Storey74]

*SPOILER*

Loved the reveal of Black Flame at the end of the issue... Zonjic's version of him is perfect!

I can't imagine another artist doing this series... I hope they line him up for a few more.

[Scurlogg_Hawkk]

*SPOILER*

Loved the reveal of Black Flame at the end of the issue... Zonjic's version of him is perfect!

I can't imagine another artist doing this series... I hope they line him up for a few more.

Tony is a keeper on the book hope he stays looong time

[thwhtGuardian]

From Tonči Zonjić's twitter:
https://p.twimg.com/AlpgFX2CEAENYXE.jpg

That's stunning.

I'd buy a print of that in a heart beat.

[Kelly Tindall]

Wait, isn't Daryl the Wendigo's last name Tynan, too?

[Middenway]

Wait, isn't Daryl the Wendigo's last name Tynan, too?
Holy crap, I think you're right! I'll have to check that when I get home tonight, but I'm pretty sure it is!

[Timaximus]

Holy crap, I think you're right! I'll have to check that when I get home tonight, but I'm pretty sure it is!

Darryl is TynOn (unless they changed the spelling in the collection), but that's still so close. Very intriguing!

[the goddamn batman]

hmmmm... that'd be interesting given Daimio's apparent familial tie to the Chinese woman. Fuck, why can't I remember or spell names today?!

[Jackson Brody]

We're allowed to curse on the Hellboy board?! Well, fuckin' a.

I thought Daimio's grandmother was Japanese.

[the goddamn batman]

I thought his grandmother, whatever her name is, is the woman in this series? Her dress is very much a Chinese style dress. So, yeah, that's why I said that.

Or something...

[Kelly Tindall]

You're allowed to wear Chinese-style dresses if you're Japanese.

So stoked to see The Black Flame AND The Crimson Lotus (I guess!). Wondering what the deal is with the little Peter Lorre lookalike.

[Middenway]

Preview for issue 3 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=11617)

[Libaax]

I was almost shocked when i saw the Black Flame in the last pic of issue 2. The series is pulp hero cool,style that i almost forgot villains from BPRD had any connection to Lobster.

[Middenway]

Tonči Zonjić on how to avoid drawing sexist comics:
http://www.to-zo.com/blogstuff/sexismdiagram.gif
Sound advice.

[42n8s1]

That is so great.
Seriously, every artist should have it plastered over their drawing tablet/desk/whatever.

[noble_enough]

I love it!

I was recently talking with someone about the cliche sexist comics and why I'm not interested in drawing them.
This diagram is great

[Middenway]

Coming out tomorrow... (http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/16-254/Lobster-Johnson-The-Burning-Hand-3)
http://www.to-zo.com/blogstuff/bh3a.gif
Tonči Zonjić shares his inks on his blog. (http://lungbug.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/burning-hand-black-and-white.html)
http://www.to-zo.com/blogstuff/bh3b.gif

I could read this with just images alone. The story is just so elegantly told.

[the goddamn batman]

Zonjić is kind of great.

[Middenway]

Interview with Tonči Zonjić (http://www.multiversitycomics.com/2012/03/mignolaversity-interview-with-tonci.html) about The Burning Hand.

Plus a progression to inks of Page 8 from issue 3 (click for bigger pictures):
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oBO06qM7sHw/T2CrGkPqBwI/AAAAAAAAAts/WwaVe2154tc/s320/burninghand_03pg08_layouts+exclusive.png (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oBO06qM7sHw/T2CrGkPqBwI/AAAAAAAAAts/WwaVe2154tc/s1600/burninghand_03pg08_layouts+exclusive.png)http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eQa3RJGouBc/T2CrVnKFI5I/AAAAAAAAAt0/bXc8c4HJ96g/s320/burninghand_03pg08_pencilsweb+exclusive.png (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eQa3RJGouBc/T2CrVnKFI5I/AAAAAAAAAt0/bXc8c4HJ96g/s1600/burninghand_03pg08_pencilsweb+exclusive.png)http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9jsZPBKxGQ/T2Crtk_u3rI/AAAAAAAAAt8/JsmpAheO8WA/s320/burninghand_03pg08_web+exclusive.png (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9jsZPBKxGQ/T2Crtk_u3rI/AAAAAAAAAt8/JsmpAheO8WA/s1600/burninghand_03pg08_web+exclusive.png)

[Middenway]

Just read issue 3. You'll all love it.

I wonder if we're finally going to find out more about the nature of the black flames. When they were fist introduced in The Black Flame, Mr Pope initially used an imitation of the black flames, but later the frogs chanted and ignited the real black flames on him, turning him into a modern day Black Flame. So the black flames are somehow linked to the frogs, the Ogdru-Hem (it led to the summoning of Katha-Hem after all) and the Ogdru-Jahad, but that connection has never really been explored.

I don't expect this miniseries will reveal these connections, but they may give us a glimpse.

[Angilas-Man]

Those images of the Black Flame in this issue are stunning. I hope Zonjić will be a Mignolaverse mainstay.

And LoJo's arsonist line was priceless. The bat-**** crazy one-liners have been a part of the character's appeal since the beginning, but I feel that hasn't been emphasized lately. Good to see it back.

[Jr. Wormwood]

Those images of the Black Flame in this issue are stunning. I hope Zonjić will be a Mignolaverse mainstay.

And LoJo's arsonist line was priceless. The bat-**** crazy one-liners have been a part of the character's appeal since the beginning, but I feel that hasn't been emphasized lately. Good to see it back.
I definitely appreciated that as well.

I've read some mention here of the Crimson Lotus, but wasn't she heavier set with red tattoos covering her arms and hands? Am I mixing up some of the characters from this era of Mignola's/Arcudi's books?

[Middenway]

I've read some mention here of the Crimson Lotus, but wasn't she heavier set with red tattoos covering her arms and hands? Am I mixing up some of the characters from this era of Mignola's/Arcudi's books?
Yeah, when I first saw the cover for issue 3 in the solicitations, I thought the woman might be The Crimson Lotus, but after reading the story... Well, Kamala is clearly not The Crimson Lotus, that's for sure.

[thwhtGuardian]

Man, the art just continues to blow me away, you don't even need the the dialog to carry the story.

[Libaax]

Man the art and cartoonist combination is much better than Zonjic Jake Ellis mini series.


I buy my comics in monthly haul but i will go earlier to LCS for this series and Fatale only.

[TheBranMan788]

Loved the issue, and the Black flame.
He's so mysterious, making him one of the greatest villains I've ever seen in comics and the art is really helping.

[edhopper]

Great issue. One of those where the hero just looks so screwed.
Wonderful 40s serial feel to it all.
Agree with all about the art, outstanding!

[Middenway]

I'm glad everyone is enjoying Tonči Zonjić's artwork so much, because he's back for more after this minseries :biggrin:

[horror_of_sorts]

I'm glad everyone is enjoying Tonči Zonjić's artwork so much, because he's back for more after this minseries :biggrin:

How do you know this?
I hope he's back for more Lobster Johnson, I would love to see like a LJ miniseries a year drawn by Zonjić.

[Middenway]

Scott Allie said as much in the letters section of issue 3. I commented on twitter to Tonči Zonjić and he confirmed it happily.

[Middenway]

Here's an interesting article (http://alecreadscomics.wordpress.com/2012/03/22/tonci-zonjic-on-lobster-johnson/), and here's some quick sketches by Tonči Zonjić:
https://p.twimg.com/AowOpb8CQAAOZy4.jpg
https://p.twimg.com/AoxCnArCAAAqrZN.jpg

[42n8s1]

Those are great.

[Middenway]

Dark Horse has posted a preview of #4 (http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/Previews/16-255)

[gdeo]

This out tomorrow ,folks!!

[emb021]

#4 out TODAY. Picked it up in my LCS.

Interesting what happened in the comic. Not sure where this is going, as it has one more issue.

[Middenway]

Tonči Zonjić shares some inks on his blog: (http://lungbug.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/burning-hand-black-and-white.html)
http://www.to-zo.com/blogstuff/bh04.gif
http://www.to-zo.com/blogstuff/bh04a.gif

[Middenway]

Spoilers for #4

Well, that was fun. It seems like Kamala was able to summon the black flames, just like the Frog Monsters did in The Black Flame. I hope that connection is explored. I'm also starting to wonder if who The Black Flame is is really important. He could be completely expendable and replaceable, and it is really Kamala who is the real villain. The Black Flame is just a puppet.

Anyway, there's a lot of questions as we go into issue #5. These more action-orientated issues always go by so quickly...

[thwhtGuardian]

He shot him with an anti air craft gun.

Let me repeat that, Lobster Johnson has what appears to be an anti air craft gun in his lair.

And they say Batman is prepared for everything.

[Jr. Wormwood]

He shot him with an anti air craft gun.

Let me repeat that, Lobster Johnson has what appears to be an anti air craft gun in his lair.

And they say Batman is prepared for everything.

That. Was bad ass.

[thwhtGuardian]

It really was, I loved this issue so much.


Everything about it is perfect. The art is amazing, the story is fun and it has so many elements that elicit a childlike sense of joy from me; like the sound effects of the guns being reminiscent of the pows from the Adam West Batman show and things like having a random, huge ass gun turret in his lair.

What more can you ask of from a comic book?

[Donald]

makes you wonder how blowed-up Mr Pope really is.

[Angilas-Man]

I liked the first LoJo mini fine, but this one just blows it out of the water. Everything clicks. It's what a LoJo solo story should be.

[Middenway]

makes you wonder how blowed-up Mr Pope really is.
Well, as we saw in issue #4, The Black Flame was defeated, but Kamala's singing ressurected him. I figure it would be the same with Mr Pope, except all those singing frogs died with him. So I'd say we're unlikely to see Mr Pope as The Black Flame again (though it's certainly not impossible), but that doesn't mean we won't see The Black Flame again in a modern BPRD story.

[edhopper]

You know you have just read a great issue when you have to catch your breath after reading the book.

[Kelly Tindall]

Really fantastic stuff. The first issue did NOT intimate what a rip-snorting adventure this was going to be.

[Gary_B]

Yeah, when I first saw the cover for issue 3 in the solicitations, I thought the woman might be The Crimson Lotus, but after reading the story... Well, Kamala is clearly not The Crimson Lotus, that's for sure.

I just googled the word Kamala and got this from Wikipedia:


Kamala is a common Hindu name, usually meaning Nelumbo nucifera, the lotus.

So maybe Kamala is the Crimson Lotus after all.

[Middenway]

Preview for issue 5. (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=12198)

[Jr. Wormwood]

So maybe Kamala is the Crimson Lotus after all.

Aaaah, interesting. I hope so. I'm eager to know her story!

And that preview looks great! Can't wait to sit back and read this whole story in one go.

[Oskar Von Strange]

"CANNIBALS!"


:smile:

[Middenway]

Some black and white pages from Tonči Zonjić's blog (http://lungbug.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/burning-hand-black-and-white.html).

[Middenway]

Tonči Zonjić pages for sale (http://www.splashpageart.com/ArtistGalleryRoom.asp?Details=1&ArtistId=207).

[thwhtGuardian]

Man, I didn't see that ending coming at all. Fantastic.

Usually out of left field endings like that feel like a cop out to me, but in this particular case it totally fit the mood of the book.

[Middenway]

Man, I didn't see that ending coming at all. Fantastic.

Usually out of left field endings like that feel like a cop out to me, but in this particular case it totally fit the mood of the book.
It wasn't an ending, it was a beginning! :biggrin:

Man, that was so much fun!

[thwhtGuardian]

It was a blast, when they mentioned the sewer people previously I thought, "Man, I'd dearly love to see a story about sewer cannibals." and we got one.

[Middenway]

It was a blast, when they mentioned the sewer people previously I thought, "Man, I'd dearly love to see a story about sewer cannibals." and we got one.
Yeah, I loved that. I really hope we get to see more of Cindy Tynan. She's a great character.

[thwhtGuardian]

She was really great, "You're not nearly as good at this hero business as you think you are." I loved that.

[Libaax]

I havent got issue 5 yet but this series has been such a great adventure,great pulp hero series. Oh how i wish Mignola and Zonjic did more Lobster Johnson.


It will suck royally to read the last isssue noooooo.......

[thwhtGuardian]

I havent got issue 5 yet but this series has been such a great adventure,great pulp hero series. Oh how i wish Mignola and Zonjic did more Lobster Johnson.


It will suck royally to read the last isssue noooooo.......

I'll miss Zonjic as well his art was fantastic. That said though the artist they have lined up for the next Lobster story looks pretty good too.

[Middenway]

And Zonjić will be back eventually. He's probably hard at work on more Who Is Jake Ellis? right now.

[Libaax]

And Zonjić will be back eventually. He's probably hard at work on more Who Is Jake Ellis? right now.


Which is good and all but no Mignola, other writing better stories for him and the coloring of Stewart made his art much better.

Jakes Ellis looks nothing near as good as LJ:Burning Hand.

[Jason Abbadon]

That blew me away! Realy re-definied Lobster Johnson for me in a couple of panels- taking away the unflappable and unfailable-ness of the character. This added to Lobster's failure against Memnan Saa really change the almost two-dimensional movie-serial type character into a more nuanced leading role.
It's interesting to see Lobster defined by those around him- like the current (sublime) Punisher series, with no interion dialogue or thought balloons.

It's of note that the BLack Flame is active as an Axis agent in WWII, so eiter the mystery woman becomes the Crimson Lotus or the Flame finds some other motivator in his future.

[Middenway]

The Crimson Lotus was Japanese, I think. Kamala is Siamese. They aren't the same character.

[thwhtGuardian]

The Crimson Lotus was Japanese, I think. Kamala is Siamese. They aren't the same character.

Perhaps Crimson Lotus, like the Black Flame, is more of title or spirit that is passed on rather than an actual person?

[Middenway]

Perhaps Crimson Lotus, like the Black Flame, is more of title or spirit that is passed on rather than an actual person?
Possibly. But at this point I see no reason to suspect that. It seems that it's simple a case of people going "Asian + female = Crimson Lotus". It would be like saying one day it's going to be revealed that Alice and Liz are in fact the same character because they are both female and have red hair. There's nothing actually in the story at this point to support such a theory.

[thwhtGuardian]

Possibly. But at this point I see no reason to suspect that. It seems that it's simple a case of people going "Asian + female = Crimson Lotus". It would be like saying one day it's going to be revealed that Alice and Liz are in fact the same character because they are both female and have red hair. There's nothing actually in the story at this point to support such a theory.

It's a little more than that really, this is what kamala is:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2auPgkwYYKY/S2tpi1uTWnI/AAAAAAAABC0/imknYYkx5IA/s320/Mallotis+philippensis+fruit+Pr+HenFeb10.jpg

It's a red lotus, or crimson if you will and with the way things work in Mignola's stories I doubt that is a coincidence.

[Middenway]

I tip my hat to you! I totally missed that! Now that changes everything...

OK, I'm totally geeking out right now :biggrin:

[thwhtGuardian]

I tip my hat to you! I totally missed that! Now that changes everything...

You can thank battlestar galactica for that, They used a drug called kamala extract on the show so I researched what kamala was back then and have just now found a use for that information.

I think the curious mind of Gary_B picked up on it as well. A love of words goes a long way it seems.

[edhopper]

While I loved this book, I was a bit disappointed by the open ending. The issue was great up to that point. I guess I got a fever, and the only cure is more Lobster.

http://whitemencantfunk.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/more_cowbell.jpg