What Classic Comic Have You Read Lately?

[pmpknface]

I recently read some earlier issues of the Maxx by Sam Kieth.
COOL! I've got all the tpb's, which look great on the shelf.

[spoon_jenkins]

I read Essential Captain America vol. 3 (reprinting #127-156). On the whole I enjoyed it. The volume has four writers (Stan Lee, Gary Friedrich, Gerry Conway, Steve Englehart) with four distinct visions. And the change in art from Colan to Romita/S. Buscema also gives it a different feel.

Actually, Lee displays different tones himself: continuing with the introspective Cap and then some derring-do with a Grey Gargoyle story.

It's cool to see Falcon officially become Cap's partner, but when Friedrich takes over as writer the book takes on more of a conservative tone regarding racial politics. The Falcon doesn't face much anti-black racism. He faces an angry, militant, misguided black community that calls him an Uncle Tom. I also feel like the Femme Force unit of SHIELD comes off as a bit of a condescending novelty act. But the Vegas Hydra story is fun.

I love the 1950s Cap story that finish the volume - very clever how he puts a new spin on some comics history. I really enjoy reading more of Englehart's work.

[Drusilla lives!]

ASM 66, 67, and 72... before I sent them off to CGC.

[Lone Ranger]

I think those Mysterio issues (66 & 67) are among the very best of Romita's run.

[pmpknface]

I think those Mysterio issues (66 & 67) are among the very best of Romita's run.
They are among his favorite because he got to co-plot them. He told me that when I met him in NY a few years back.

[dan bailey]

ASM 66, 67, and 72... before I sent them off to CGC.

Why not just encase them in concrete (cut out the middle man!)?

[Drusilla lives!]

Why not just encase them in concrete (cut out the middle man!)?

True. I was really torn on whether to do it and I still am... but they are starting to creep up in value so I bit the bullet. Personally, I'm of the opinion that comics are not exactly like baseball cards... they must and should be read to be fully enjoyed, so I really regret when I CGC them.

[dan bailey]

At this late date I think it's safe to say I'll never understand the reasoning behind slabbing comics (as opposed to, say, cards & coins, which at least are completely visible when slabbed), even though I have friends who happily shell out money for the things.

But y'know, if you can make money off such individuals, more power to you.

[pmpknface]

At this late date I think it's safe to say I'll never understand the reasoning behind slabbing comics (as opposed to, say, cards & coins, which at least are completely visible when slabbed), even though I have friends who happily shell out money for the things.

But y'know, if you can make money off such individuals, more power to you.
I read my comics, even valuable ones. But when I went off on the quest of completing my ASM run, it was shocking how many books you find that are color touched, trimmed, or restored and sold to buyers for FULL PRICE. I wanted to know that I was getting what I paid for. Especially when you're talking about paying over 1K for a book, you want to know you are getting exactly what you are buying.

So in certain cases, yeah - CGC is quite helpful.

I also happen to have a copy of Startling Comics #49, pictured here (stock image, not my copy):

http://www.rtsunlimited.com/images/Startling%2349Med.jpg

And the best part of this comic is the cover. I'll most likely sell it one day, but the right grade could be the difference of hundreds of dollars, not to mention the fact that I'd like it protected from any possible further damage.

CGC is a helpful tool. Manditory, no - but helpful in certian situations.

[Kirk G]

ASM 66, 67, and 72... before I sent them off to CGC.

Would these be the black widow, medusa and quicksilver issues? Who gueststars?:confused:

Ooops, posted before I read the whole thread.
Thanks for the images. I remember them all now!

[Drusilla lives!]

Would these be the black widow, medusa and quicksilver issues? Who gueststars?:confused:

ASM #66 and #67 featured Mysterio, #72 the Shocker (covers courtesy of GCD).

[Drusilla lives!]

I read my comics, even valuable ones. But when I went off on the quest of completing my ASM run, it was shocking how many books you find that are color touched, trimmed, or restored and sold to buyers for FULL PRICE. I wanted to know that I was getting what I paid for. Especially when you're talking about paying over 1K for a book, you want to know you are getting exactly what you are buying.

So in certain cases, yeah - CGC is quite helpful.

I also happen to have a copy of Startling Comics #49, pictured here (stock image, not my copy):

http://www.rtsunlimited.com/images/Startling%2349Med.jpg

And the best part of this comic is the cover. I'll most likely sell it one day, but the right grade could be the difference of hundreds of dollars, not to mention the fact that I'd like it protected from any possible further damage.

CGC is a helpful tool. Manditory, no - but helpful in certian situations.

Hey, you know that robot looks familiar... BOOHAAAHAAA... :)

[pmpknface]

YUP! Pretty cool, huh? ;)

[Aaron King]

We've been remodeling our small comic & etc. store here in Morris, MN, mostly focusing on the "etc." parts (used DVDs, CDs, books) so far. Today, however, I got to rearrange our comic displays. My boss tells me, "Go check the basement. I think we have some older stuff that we can put up on the walls." Here's what I returned with:
http://a193.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/58/l_ec4e448596dcf00b623c03bb1b6e9bb0.jpg
That is Avengers 12 & 20, Blue Beetle 1, Daredevil 6, 10, & 11, Fantastic Four Annual 3, Fantasy Masterpieces 1, Marvel Tales 2, and Sgt. Fury 13, 15, & 16.

These may not be a huge deal for some people, but in our prairie town of 5000 people, the rarest things we get are late '70s Marvel and DC. To us, this is like gazing into the eyes of God (and seeing Stan, Jack, and Steve staring back).

Apologies for the big picture. And for my sparse facial hair; I've ben letting myself go.

[Kirk G]

That's INCREDIBLE!
That's what I have dreams of finding in those dreams where you're running down the hallway and never getting to the end.... the holy grail of collecting, of finding a treasure trove!

You are SO lucky!

[dan bailey]

*Harumph*

It's quite obvious that Mr King is (a) insufficiently aged & (b) insufficiently ... ummm ... upholstered to deal with those comics properly.

[Aaron King]

I am insufficient. My pricings are just shots in the dark... After talking it over, we're probably going to keep them on display for awhile, at least through the first semester of this school year to give the locals a chance to buy them. Then... Ebay. Which makes me a little sad.

[spoon_jenkins]

I read a 1984 one-shot reprinting the classic 1973-74 Manhunter serial in Detective Comics by Archie Goodwin and Walter Simonson. It's great adventure yarn. I generally find mercenaries (e.g. Marc Spector) to be unlikable protagonists, but it was a pretty good story.

I'm about halfway through Essential Human Torch vol. 1 representing the Torch stories from Strange Tales. A bit of a slog, because I sometimes find the FF to be boring. Notable for a couple of reasons. First, HT has a bigger rogues gallery than one migh expect. The Wizard, Paste Pot Pete (a.k.a. the Trapster), Plant Man, and the Eel all get their start here. Second, there's a try-out story for Captain America (prior to Avengers #4). A villain impersonates the long-missing Cap, and at the end readers are asking to write in if they want Cap to return.

I'm simultaneously reading the first Cerebus TPB. Very good. It seems like simultaneously a ruthless parody and loving tribute to the sword and sorcery genre.

[Slam_Bradley]

I just finished up Wally's World: The Brillant Life and Tragic Death of Wally Wood, the World's 2nd Best Comic Book Artist by Steve Starger and J. David Spurlock. I'm not in love with this book...but I liked it quite a bit. I noticed a couple of mistakes, but they were fairly minor. The book gave a good overview of Woody's life and art. They didn't shy away from his obvious warts. There may have been a few too many digressions into general comic history for a book that's pretty squarely aimed at people who would already be familiar with those matters, but that could be a misperception on my part. A good read, well worth the discounted price I paid.

[pmpknface]

Started the Kirby OMAC Omnibus. I'm only 2 issues in (+ the foreward) but I like it so far! I like the art more than the story but I can't wait to see where it leads.

[adam_warlock_2099]

Been working on reading Gray Hulk saga. Got up to issue #344 last night. I started with #324.

Since the last time I had read this storyline, I had forgotten just how much went on before Hulk took the persona of Joe Fixit. And it's good stuff. Everytime I read this again, this prequel to Joe, I always forget.

Having read #344 last night, and those two final pages, I thought . . . how did I forget this. Peter David's words and Todd McFarlane's art come together so well, in what was an unexpected moment between the Hulk and Betty.

Good stuff. Hope to get to read some more this evening.

[Jamie]

I read the first two issues collected in Showcase Presents... The House of Secrets volume 1. They were... lacklustre. There was some nice art in places, but on the whole I was unimpressed with the writing and the overall look of the comics. Hopefully the series will improve as I go on.

I also reread the recent three-issue Gumby title in trade form. That is an excellent piece of work.

[dan bailey]

It's hardly a classic comic -- heck, it's been out one day as this is typed -- but I was pretty jazzed yesterday to see that the final issue of the Teen Titans: Year One mini is something of a tribute to one of my favorite comics ever, as the respective covers make clear --

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg91/unsightlyandserene/B3252014.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg91/unsightlyandserene/BALP4006.jpg

[Drusilla lives!]

Personally I'd pass on the tribute and take the original any day. :)

[dan bailey]

Oh, indeed. Trouble is, the original (which also happens to feature one of myi favorite covers ever) wasn't sitting on the shelves at my LCS when I swung by Wednesday afternoon. ...

(And actually, the Year One mini was pretty darned good, as far as recapturing the spirit of the original series is concerned. This was actually the weakest ish by far, I'd say.)

[MDG]

I got Little Lulu: In the Doghouse out of the library (along with a long shelf of mainstream comics and manga in the YA section, I discovered an endcap of other comics in the kid's room) and I'm enjoying it immensely. As a comics writer, John Stanley really is up there with Kurtzman and Eisner, being able to make the stories move, and with Eisner and Barks in drawing humor from character.

[adam_warlock_2099]

I did a lot of reading this holiday weekend.

I finished reading the gray Hulk saga, which I was at #344 last time, and finished up with #377. Then read #395, 396 where the green Hulk returns to Las Vegas under his persona of Joe Fixit, to uncover the death of his boss Mike when he worked for him as the Gray Hulk.

Read more Hulk, starting with #299-#315. In issue #300 . . .

Spoilers
. . . is where Dr. Strange banishes the now, savage Hulk to another dimension, where he cannot hurt people and where he cannot hurt himself. For these issues he wanders through different worlds where he meets different beings and different situations.End

This happens to be my favorite Hulk story next to the Gray Hulk. They also sport some great covers by Mike Mignola.

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/41319167562.309.GIF

Then I decided to read some of the Defenders issues I have, after the new team was formed. I don't think I have read these since the first time I bought them. This re reading also promted me to look out for the missing issues I have and get this storyline filled out. This series also sports of Kevin Nowlan's best cover, to me.

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/23565426234.133.GIF

[dan bailey]

Spent a good part of Labor Day immersed in circa-2000 LOSH -- the Legion Lost 12-parter, followed by the Legion Worlds 6-parter. A day or two earlier I'd read the 4-ish Legion Legends mini.

(I'm surprised I didn't dream in Interlac.)

Very nice work, overall. I'm not sure I'd ever seen much work by Olivier Coipel before, but in such concentrated doses -- he pencilled probably 8 ishes of the Legion Lost maxi -- I kept detecting all sorts of strong echoes of Tom Sutton's work.

[Slam_Bradley]

I read book one of Tim Truman's Wilderness: The True Story of Simon Girty, Renegade over the weekend. Great work, by a man who I believe is an underappreciated master. I love Truman's work, both his writing and his artwork.

Truman, working largely from primary sources, tries to piece together the life of probably the second most vilified person in the American revolution after Benedict Arnold. Girty comes across as a human being, both faulty and occassionally praiseworthy, rather than the cartoon villain he appeared as for over two centuries.

Can't wait to find the second book.

[Aaron King]

Mr. Bailey, way to call it on those Legion minis. They were also my first exposure to Coipel. And weren't all the backups in Legion Worlds fun?

[Slam_Bradley]

I read Captain America #127 last night. I didn't even glance at the creator's box as I knew that Stan had written it and Gene the Dean had pencilled it. As I was going through it, something was nagging at me. At times it just didn't feel like Colan. Then I got to the android...and it all came together. Wally Wood. The android SCREAMED Wally Wood. And, of course, Woody inked it. For better or worse (and I've seen it argued both ways), Woody was possibly the strongest inker ever to grace the comics page. His inks had a definite tendency to subsume anyone elses pencils, including those of Jack Kirby. The Colan/Wood team was interesting in that Colan wasn't completely subsumed by Woody, though you could tell he was inking after giving it a bit of thought.

Story-wise this is the beginning of what I believe was a long period of Cap "finding" himself. How terribly 70s. And of course we have to have the stereotypical betrayal by a friend (Fury). And the oh-so angsty Marvel-Age "I can't love her because it's too dangerous." Uh, Cap. Sharon Carter is a SHIELD agent. Danger is her business. Silliness.

But a decent story...and great artwork.

http://www.samcci.comics.org/captainamerica/cap127.jpg

[dan bailey]

Mr. Bailey, way to call it on those Legion minis. They were also my first exposure to Coipel. And weren't all the backups in Legion Worlds fun?

Yes, indeed. I especially liked Darwyn Cooke's take on Light-- ... er, Spark (bah! stupid reboot names!) in issue 2, though unlike the others it didn't do much more than duplicate what was in the front of the comic.

[Leocomix]

I read Steve Gerber's Foolkiller. Ive been buying a complete Gerber collection and I've been reading Exiles, Hard Time, Void Indigo. I have still Hard Time to finish and Sludge and Cybernary to read, Omega, Man-Thing, Defenders, Tales of the zombie to re-read.
His Foolkiller is grounded in reality. From prison Foolkiller grooves in his replacement via computer messages. The replacement stalks and observes his victims. Gerber did his homework on serial killers and that's what removes this from the stupid super-heroes.

[benday-dot]

I have just finished Jumbo Comics #86.

http://www.gcdcovers.com/graphics/covers/111/200/111_2_086.jpg

The lead Sheena story is quite excellent. You can't argue with Bob Webb art, or at least I won't. I can't pretend to be a connoisseur, but the few Fiction House jungle comics I have in my collection all have turned out excellent Robert Webb pencils, and decent writing I might add. In this episode Sheena manages to dispatch a hippo, a crocodile, a gorilla, a leopard and some zebra-beast with a horn. Yes, it seems the Jungle Queen hadn't yet got her hands on any list of endangered species. Curiously enough she never actually slays a lion, despite what the stunning cover would lead you to believe.

The rest of the stories save one are by Alex Blum, best known for his Classics Illustrated work. I am always on the lookout for south sea style adventure yarns from this period of comic book history (1940-1960). Terry and the Pirates or Scorchy Smith may have started it all, but so much excellent Mata Hari meets international derring-do intrigue in an exotic setting shows up throughout this 20 year stretch, before men in tights subdued the classic adventure genre. Jumbo Comics #86 has one such fine tale. The Blum penciled, "Hawk" ("It Happened in the Far Off Port Of Saigon...", starring Captain Hawk and the sultry Velvet is more of a swashbuckling period piece, but comes in as the third best story in this comic, my copy of which has more spine roll than the South Pacific surf.

But better than the Sheena or Captain Hawk stories is the Matt Baker Sky Girl 6-pager. Sky Girl, being the gorgeous Matt Baker rendered red-headed Ginger MaGuire, was a wacky sort of serial. Not the sharpest knife in the drawer she still managed to do her part for the war effort, and always found her way into an errant fighter plane or bomber. But its now 1946 and the war is over, so female fighter pilots aren't exactly the thing anymore so she is only offered a role as a stewardess.

Ginger takes the job in a huff, but in this episode she suffers from an extraordinarily depicted form of shell-shock, or post-traumatic stress disorder, as we now are wont to call it: (and obvious racism ahead)

"Fighting the Jap left its mark on many a happy U.S. mind... But the mark left on Sky Girl, Ginger Maguire was right out of this world." So begins the story in the caption above Baker's exquisite panel of Ginger in her negligee lifting up her bed sheet to reveal a devilish looking Japanese soldier under her bed! "Reds under the bed" times would be just around the corner.

This must be one of the earliest instances of a comic book dealing with the psychological effects of war on the minds of the returned soldier. Maybe its gotten away with here because its played out in such an outrageous manner.

On the day she leaves the Service we sea Sky Girl go crazy crying "Jap raid!" when construction demolitions go off. When a police armored car drives by, she snatches a rifle and lets loose at the cops, "Armored car attack! Shoot 'em down like dogs!". At the sound of a man with a jackhammer outside the air force base, she steals away in a bomber and goes berserk letting ordnance fly all over the place... on a skating rink, on a train.... Finally, she is forced down and passes out with a case of nerves.Quite a tale!

I'd love to see more of this old Fiction House material collected.

[adam_warlock_2099]

I read Steve Gerber's Foolkiller. Ive been buying a complete Gerber collection and I've been reading Exiles, Hard Time, Void Indigo. I have still Hard Time to finish and Sludge and Cybernary to read, Omega, Man-Thing, Defenders, Tales of the zombie to re-read.
His Foolkiller is grounded in reality. From prison Foolkiller grooves in his replacement via computer messages. The replacement stalks and observes his victims. Gerber did his homework on serial killers and that's what removes this from the stupid super-heroes.

I just finally decided to jump into reading what this character was all about. Next week I begin my quest to find the starting issues, which I believe were in Amazing Spiderman #225 (255?), Defenders #71-73, an issue or two of Man-Thing and Omega The Unknown.

I think that there was a mini too, but Overstreet had it labeled as Footkiller II, so I would guess that there were two different people that took the name.

So when I can get these issues tracked down, I'll post something here on them, as he seems like an interesting character that I just happen to stumble upon trying to fill in some of my issues of Defenders.

[pmpknface]

Very cool! I only have #1 of that run. I'm also still working my way through his Defenders. However I have read his Omega and Hard Time. HT was fantastic!

[benday-dot]

I just finished re-reading (or only just discovering) the original Swamp Thing series, nos. 1-10.

Inspired by recent reading of the Patchwork Man story from House of Secrets #140 I decided to haul out my Swamp Thing trade collecting the Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson issues.

A few of these I have only just encountered for the first time. I had picked up this trade some time ago after reading the Moore/Bissette/Totleben/Alcala etc. run. Sadly, I never read straight through the stories that started it all until now.

The original run didn't blow my mind as much as the Moore books did; however, these early stories were definitely a cut above.

Issues 3 (" The Patchwork Man"), 4 ("Monster on the Moors", 5 ("The Last of the Ravenwind Witches", and 6 ("The Clockwork Horror") represented the best of the run in my opinion.

I loved the gothic mood Wein, and others at DC, successfully tapped into in the early 70's. It was a mood that fully permeated most of their supernatural titles, and even, on occasion, superhero series, like the Batman books.

However, Wein and Wrightson tried everything to varying degrees of success. Besides the Gothic, H.P Lovecraft was brought into play, as was sci-fi, mad science and monsters.

I went through a period where, after adoring the man's work, I began to, not exactly dislike, but lose some zest for the pencils of Wrightson. However, this master of the macabre's work on Swamp Thing is truly a horrifically wonderful thing to behold... and must rank as among the best comic book art work of the period, or any other.

[dan bailey]

Over the last couple of weekends I've read probably 90 percent (excluding the, I think, 5 issues I don't yet own & a couple of event-crossovers) of the 55-ish Young Justice series from a few years ago. Pretty good light reading, overall -- I'll need to tackle Impulse (I've got 88 of the 89 ishes, with the final one on order even as I type) next, I guess.

[MDG]

I just finished re-reading (or only just discovering) the original Swamp Thing series, nos. 1-10....The original run didn't blow my mind as much as the Moore books did; however, these early stories were definitely a cut above.
I think that more than a lot of series of the time, the character was really limited by not having an overall story arc. There's definitely some good stuff in there, but it is basically "monster of the month," and usually by coincidence--ST just happens to come upon a werewolf or a witch. It also bugged me that Swamp Thing leaves the swamp issue 2 and doesn't get back until issue 9--just as the alien gets there!

[benday-dot]

I think that more than a lot of series of the time, the character was really limited by not having an overall story arc. There's definitely some good stuff in there, but it is basically "monster of the month," and usually by coincidence--ST just happens to come upon a werewolf or a witch. It also bugged me that Swamp Thing leaves the swamp issue 2 and doesn't get back until issue 9--just as the alien gets there!

Your point is well made MDG. As I mentioned I came into this series after having read Alan Moore's later run (at least I'd hadn't yet read the Wein/Wrightson issues in their entirety), and I wasn't really expecting a foray into extended narrative the way Moore, a master of the form, was able to fully envelop the reader in the Swamp Thing universe. The series had a weakness in it's defining statement, or unity of purpose; however DC, and Marvel to a lesser extent, was still finding its way in those times when it came to wedding its various titles to the notion of extended narrative. Single issue story formats were very much still a commonplace. I think I got what I expected, accepting the limitations you point out. For the most part the creators did a pretty good job with the "monster of the month" formula.

The series grew out of House of Secrets, and the books editor, Joe Orlando, also edited that supernatural anthology title. Indeed, Orlando spent much of his comic book career enmeshed in this sort of economical storytelling. It could be that Wein/Wrightson were given editorial direction to keep this new, and still pretty experimental, series of Swamp Thing marching to an anthology style beat. Monsters were in vogue, of course, then, and perhaps DC was out to appeal to the greatest number of readers. "Feb/March we'll give to the Frankenstein fans", "April/May can go the Werewolf nuts", and July/August to the witch lovers, etc. etc...

[adam_warlock_2099]

I just finished re-reading (or only just discovering) the original Swamp Thing series, nos. 1-10.

Inspired by recent reading of the Patchwork Man story from House of Secrets #140 I decided to haul out my Swamp Thing trade collecting the Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson issues.

A few of these I have only just encountered for the first time. I had picked up this trade some time ago after reading the Moore/Bissette/Totleben/Alcala etc. run. Sadly, I never read straight through the stories that started it all until now.

The original run didn't blow my mind as much as the Moore books did; however, these early stories were definitely a cut above.

Issues 3 (" The Patchwork Man"), 4 ("Monster on the Moors", 5 ("The Last of the Ravenwind Witches", and 6 ("The Clockwork Horror") represented the best of the run in my opinion.

I loved the gothic mood Wein, and others at DC, successfully tapped into in the early 70's. It was a mood that fully permeated most of their supernatural titles, and even, on occasion, superhero series, like the Batman books.

However, Wein and Wrightson tried everything to varying degrees of success. Besides the Gothic, H.P Lovecraft was brought into play, as was sci-fi, mad science and monsters.

I went through a period where, after adoring the man's work, I began to, not exactly dislike, but lose some zest for the pencils of Wrightson. However, this master of the macabre's work on Swamp Thing is truly a horrifically wonderful thing to behold... and must rank as among the best comic book art work of the period, or any other.

The mood and surroundings that set that mood in Mr Wrightson's art is what captured my interest in Swamp Thing (this being the first I read). And the different setting and possibilities are what really kept me reading on through their run. It reminded me a lot of the tales of Hulk when Strange banished him from Earth. It was always something new each issue, and the anticipation was well formed for waiting for the next issue.

And I agree that Mr Wrightson's macabre art is one of the best. Things like this, Marvel Graphic Novel "Hooky", Eleven Eleven, and even Batman: The Cult, always reflect his great take on the bizzare, horrific things that make these types of stories worth reading.

[spoon_jenkins]

I finished Essential Doctor Strange vol. 2, which reprints appearances from Doctor Strange #169 through his stint in Marvel Premiere (from 1968-1974).

The highlight of the first half of the volume is the beautiful art by Gene Colan. Sometimes the stories may not be memorable because things are somewhat abstract and the Doc's rogues galleries (beyond the top foes) isn't compelling, but the visuals are stunning.

The highlight of the latter half of the TPB is when the Englehart/Brunner team takes over. I become a bigger Engelhart fan with each run of his that he reads. It's cool that Roy Thomas brought Clea to Earth, but then he limited her power and many her just another superhero's girlfriend. Engelhart signals a change by having the Doc announce that he'll take Clea on as an apprentice. And the Sise-Neg story was very creative (although too many super-grandiose stories like that would be a lot to deal with).

I'm a few issues into Essential Fantastic Four vol 4. Does anybody which thread discussed the Lee/Kirby dispute over the Him (a.k.a. Adam Warlock) story? I'd like to read those posts again.

[adam_warlock_2099]

I finished Essential Doctor Strange vol. 2, which reprints appearances from Doctor Strange #169 through his stint in Marvel Premiere (from 1968-1974).

The highlight of the first half of the volume is the beautiful art by Gene Colan. Sometimes the stories may not be memorable because things are somewhat abstract and the Doc's rogues galleries (beyond the top foes) isn't compelling, but the visuals are stunning.

The highlight of the latter half of the TPB is when the Englehart/Brunner team takes over. I become a bigger Engelhart fan with each run of his that he reads. It's cool that Roy Thomas brought Clea to Earth, but then he limited her power and many her just another superhero's girlfriend. Engelhart signals a change by having the Doc announce that he'll take Clea on as an apprentice. And the Sise-Neg story was very creative (although too many super-grandiose stories like that would be a lot to deal with).

I'm a few issues into Essential Fantastic Four vol 4. Does anybody which thread discussed the Lee/Kirby dispute over the Him (a.k.a. Adam Warlock) story? I'd like to read those posts again.

I would be interested to see it too. What was there a dispute about regarding Him?

[spoon_jenkins]

I would be interested to see it too. What was there a dispute about regarding Him?
IIRC, a poster here stated that the Enclave (the scientists who created Him) were supposed to be benevolent figures working for the good of humankind under Kirby's plot. But Lee scripted it with the Enclave as evil schemers.

[adam_warlock_2099]

IIRC, a poster here stated that the Enclave (the scientists who created Him) were supposed to be benevolent figures working for the good of humankind under Kirby's plot. But Lee scripted it with the Enclave as evil schemers.

Ahh, I see something that wasn't actually in the book itself. I had never heard that there was an intention to do things differently with Him. Well either way it would have worked, but perhaps we wouldn't have had Adam Warlock if they had done Him differently. Never know.

[illma3]

I just recently read the 1980's manhunter comic that reprinted the manhunter stories from Detective Comics 437-443. This story feels like it was really ahead of it's time. The panels and script flowed cinematically, and I was eager to finish the book in one sitting, something that no bronze or silver age book had ever done before. I find it sad that the run only went for 8 issues, to imagine what it would be like if it went for say, 40 issues! An amazing story that has been boosted to my number one, all time favorite comic book.

Anyone else read this? What's your opinions? Anyone read it the time it was originally published?

[T GUy]

I just recently read the 1980's manhunter comic that reprinted the manhunter stories from Detective Comics 437-443. ...An amazing story that has been boosted to my number one, all time favorite comic book.

Anyone else read this? What's your opinions? Anyone read it the time it was originally published?

In that order: yes, hang on a moment, and yes.

Back to question two: I loved it at the time and I thank you for reminding me that it is well overdue to be re-read by my good self.

The panels and script flowed cinematically

I shall be on the lookout for this.

[spoon_jenkins]

I just recently read the 1980's manhunter comic that reprinted the manhunter stories from Detective Comics 437-443. This story feels like it was really ahead of it's time. The panels and script flowed cinematically, and I was eager to finish the book in one sitting, something that no bronze or silver age book had ever done before. I find it sad that the run only went for 8 issues, to imagine what it would be like if it went for say, 40 issues! An amazing story that has been boosted to my number one, all time favorite comic book.

Anyone else read this? What's your opinions? Anyone read it the time it was originally published?
I read it and actually posted about it in this thread a few weeks ago. Here's what I wrote then:
I read a 1984 one-shot reprinting the classic 1973-74 Manhunter serial in Detective Comics by Archie Goodwin and Walter Simonson. It's great adventure yarn. I generally find mercenaries (e.g. Marc Spector) to be unlikable protagonists, but it was a pretty good story.
Expanding upon my prior comments, I like the story a lot, but I wouldn't putting it on the highest echelon of my personal faves. I guess that's because the characters don't have as strong an emotional pull on me as in some other works. Simonson produces some really beautiful art.

I almost read the whole story in one sitting. It was my reading material while waiting for my sister's flight to arrive at the airport. She got in early, so I had to read it in two sittings. The creators did a great job at pacing the 8 page installments. I think "Cathedral Installment" is my favorite installment, although it's atypical for its humor.

[MDG]

With all of this talk about Goodwin and Simonson's Manhunter, I'll have to dig it out for a re-read. I bought the original books (and pretty much the whole hundred-pager run) a couple years after they came out, and they were great issues. Solid Batman story in front (one by Alex Toth!), Manhunter in the back, and some good reprints in the middle.

I also have the single-issue reprint issue DC put out in the 80s. I know I don't have an early TPB that reprinted the story in B&W, for the then unheard of price of $8.50.

[Jamie]

I read the first trade of Morrison's JLA run, collecting the New World Order storyline. It was good, solid fun; a lot of people have complained about the art on this run, but at least for the first trade I didn't really see any problems.

It was a bit of a strange experience to read a collection from this era, as I was more or less out of comics at this point so it was my first real exposure to the friction between Kyle Rayner and Wally West. You would've thought that a third-generation legacy hero would have been a bit more understanding of the new GL's situation. Likewise, the squabbling between Wonder Woman and the spear-handed Aquaman caught me by surprise.

The highlight was probably the portrayal of a hypercompetent but not anti-social Batman.

[johanskull]

I just recently read the 1980's manhunter comic that reprinted the manhunter stories from Detective Comics 437-443. This story feels like it was really ahead of it's time. The panels and script flowed cinematically, and I was eager to finish the book in one sitting, something that no bronze or silver age book had ever done before. I find it sad that the run only went for 8 issues, to imagine what it would be like if it went for say, 40 issues! An amazing story that has been boosted to my number one, all time favorite comic book.

Anyone else read this? What's your opinions? Anyone read it the time it was originally published?

Yep, I recall reading a few of the chapters when I was 8 years old! It was amazing then, and I always recalled Manhunter growing up. At the time, of course, I didn't know Archie Goodwin or Walt Simonson from anyone else, but the images always were stuck in my head.

When I had finally read the entire arc as an adult, it was just as good and I could place those images stuck inside my head to an actual story. And I always loved that outfit! Certainly, for an assassin, it was rather bright and colorful, but Simonson made it work.

What's really amazing is that it took another 10 years before Simonson became a superstar with Thor. And it's a bit strange to see Manhunter being so ahead of its time, the precursor to successful reinterpretations of Daredevil and Wolverine utilizing the ninja trope.

Now that DC is collecting short runs into "Classic Hardcover Editions," they won't forget about Manhunter, which deserves to be reprinted at least every decade.

-- Jeff

[spoon_jenkins]

I've finished Essential Fantastic Four vol. 4. Probably enjoyed it more than either vol. 2 or vol. 3.

The pacing is improved. Earlier in the series, the pacing sometimes went too much to either extreme. The "one and done" stories could be too brief for anything to develop and get monotonous. And multi-part storylines sometimes dragged on too long. But throughout this volume, the pacing/duration of story arcs is just right - not too long and not too short.

I think Kirby and Sinnott meshed better and better over time. Liked Psycho-Man and various other villains here. I'm still curious about the supposed Lee-Kirby conflict over the Him storyline. When I read it, the scripting seemed to fit the plot fine.

I have two main pet peeves. First of all, Reed Richards is a big jerk. He treats the others (mostly Ben) with disdain many times. There's one scene in which Ben smashes an enemy robot. Reed basically calls Ben because he didn't leave it intact to be investigated/questioned. Ben says what about all those times my strength saves. Johnny joins basically to tell Ben to shut up and that Reed is right (so he basically agrees that Ben is dumb. Hello! This is a life or death situation. The Thing has to act quickly. He may not known the exact amount of force to incapacitate the robot yet leave it intact. There are several times were Reed is condescending and it's portrayed as being a good thing. And the scripting doesn't allow Ben or Johnny to be smart. Most of the times when they do something smart it's either because Reed tells them to do it or they think "what would Reed do?"

Second, the paternalistic sheltering of Sue Storm is annoying. Throughout her pregnancy, everybody treats her like a child, sheltering her from bad news. Reed even tries to hide a potential health problem with the unborn child. Dude, she's the mom! She has a right to know! It's ironic that when Crystal joins the team, she actually gets treated with more respect, even though she's supposedly still a minor.

ETA: I've heard it said somewhere that Byrne's FF was a rehash of Lee/Kirby. After now reading most of the Lee/Kirby stint and a bunch of Byrne issues, I don't see it. It seems like your average similarity of a new creator on an established series.

[Lone Ranger]

Over the weekend, I read the Kraven's Last Hunt TPB for the first time, and I must say that it really didn't meet my expectations.

I missed the whole black costume era and had always heard that this was one of the better story lines of the 80s. Conceptually, it's brilliant but the execution was weak. The first few issues were strong, if not a bit overwritten. The final showdown(s) were the real problem area, especially with the addition of Vermin into the mix. Instead of a true one-on-one confrontation, we now had some sort of battle royale. I also think that DeMatteis lost Peter's 'voice' along the way. I realize that being buried alive would suck, but a humourless Spider-Man is really no more interesting than the Punhiser.

Maybe I set my expectation too high, but this was really not much more than a slightly better than average story for me.

[pmpknface]

Over the weekend, I read the Kraven's Last Hunt TPB for the first time, and I must say that it really didn't meet my expectations.

I missed the whole black costume era and had always heard that this was one of the better story lines of the 80s. Conceptually, it's brilliant but the execution was weak. The first few issues were strong, if not a bit overwritten. The final showdown(s) were the real problem area, especially with the addition of Vermin into the mix. Instead of a true one-on-one confrontation, we now had some sort of battle royale. I also think that DeMatteis lost Peter's 'voice' along the way. I realize that being buried alive would suck, but a humourless Spider-Man is really no more interesting than the Punhiser.

Maybe I set my expectation too high, but this was really not much more than a slightly better than average story for me.
Wow. This is my favorite Spidey story. Can't agree with you one this one! But to each his own...

[InfoBroker]

Over the weekend, I read the Kraven's Last Hunt TPB for the first time, and I must say that it really didn't meet my expectations...

Maybe I set my expectation too high, but this was really not much more than a slightly better than average story for me.

This comic set (well the first month's worth anyway - I didn't buy the second month's issues) when it first came out was the first Spidey comics I had purchased since John Romita Jr 's first run on Spidey ended many moons earlier. I fear I had gotten pulled in by all the press releases and decided to risk a chance that there would be some good reading here.

I found the comic, its themes and presentation had strayed beyond the the true essential core foundations of the character, the premise of the strip, and the structure of the supporting cast. After just a few pages, the reading of the story was clumsy, poorly paced, and visually jittery in its panel-to-panel progression. So without finishing it, that copy of Amazing and its counterparts, Web and Spec, were cast aside for some far more entertaining, better crafted reading material.

Fortunately there was mucho good stuff awaiting my two sons and I in our Westfield comic order for that month. After a quick glance at the stack, my hands descended on the latest issue of ZOT!

What a splendid reading experience that was for the three of us.

-jb the "greatly relieved" ib -

[Slam_Bradley]

I've been working my way through Essential Captain America, vol. 3. I've recently read Captain America 135-138. I love the incredibly silly attitude that virtually all Marvel books had toward women at the time. Cap is terribly concerned about the fact that he can't give Sharon Carter a "normal life" because he's Captain America. Ummm...Hello! The woman is a SHIELD agent. It's not like she has a tremendously "normal life" what with fighting Hydra and AIM and what-not.

[spoon_jenkins]

Over the weekend, I read the Kraven's Last Hunt TPB for the first time, and I must say that it really didn't meet my expectations.
I like the story a lot, although not as much as the issues that I read when it came out.

There's a big difference between the potential changes that can be wrought on a character. A character can act differently because of being put in novel circumstances. To me, that's what the Kraven's Last Hunt storyline reflected. Peter Parker acts how Peter Parker would act under the extreme circumstances. It's not DeMatteis substituting a different persona for the character.

Peter Parker has been serious at other times - like the Death of Jean DeWolf storyline (which to me was Peter somewhat out of character) and Gerry Conway's stint.

I'd agree that it's overwritten. The scripting has the pretentious tone one might find in the Doug Moench Batman (especially the Nocturna/Thief of the Night stuff). But I can't get on board with a lot of the other criticisms. I think the arc was very good with regarding to pacing and panel-to-panel transitions.

I don't have a problem with the showdowns at the end, because it's a nice change from the usual formula. To me, the big issue with the ending is whether it seeks to vindicate or glorify Kraven. It shouldn't because he's a nutcase and not worthy of respect.

[benday-dot]

I recently picked up a few issues of King Publications 1966 Flash Gordon series.

Surprisingly, for such an iconic character, there have been relatively few Flash Gordon comic book series over the years. Most of the attempts to give the character life beyond the strips were aborted after just a handful of issues.

King's semi-obscure little series managed to get whole 11 issues under its belt.
But it could sure boast of a blue chip stable of A-list comic book artists.

The sampling of issues I have read over the last couple days provide ample evidence of this.

Flash Gordon #1 features some exemplary art by Al Williamson. You come to expect a fluid and romantic brand of science fiction art in a Williamson comic and here those dreamy and whimsical elements are all delivered to standard. If not as good as the EC stuff its close.

Flash Gordon #6 is my favourite of the lot. The artist of record here is that former EC stable mate of Williamson's Reed Crandall. I love Crandall's sharp line work here. An interesting aspect of the text of this copy (absent from the others) is the presence of a footnote style glossary. Example: Dale says to her partner, "I'm beat Flash!" At bottom of panel is the note with asterisk: "beat=tired." Wow... kids, who needs a dictionary.

Flash Gordon #7 features Mac Raboy art. It's a decent, if uneven effort by the great Captain Marvel Jr. artist. Unlike the other two FG issues this one inhabits that strange twilight zone between old school illustration oriented strip art and established comic book storytelling. This means though its still technically sequential art, and probably meets the Scott McLeod definition of comic book, it really is no more than illustrated panels with descriptive captions below. No speech balloons here.

Flash Gordon #9 is by the father of Flash himself. Yes, Alex Raymond returns to that character most associated with his name. But I must say he must have lost his mojo or something at this point. There's not much resemblance between this latter day Raymond Flash and the master's vintage version of the old strip hero. Technically the drawings are still excellent. But gone are the lush illustration pieces. Backgrounds are now virtually non-existent and the storytelling is just as tenuous. Nice to look at, but not much of a comic book.

If the Milt Caniff or Will Eisner school of comic strip composition, in giving inspiration to the likes of Toth or even Kirby, and so to the look of the modern comic book is analogous to an anthropological siring of Homo Sapiens, the Alex Raymond school of comic strip design is surely the ancestral four colour equivalent to a line Neanderthals.

http://www.comics.org/graphics/covers/1777/200/1777_2_01.jpg

Flash Gordon #1, art by Al Williamson.

[MDG]

IFlash Gordon #9 is by the father of Flash himself. Yes, Alex Raymond returns to that character most associated with his name. But I must say he must have lost his mojo or something at this point.
Yeah--his art really took a nosedive after he died in '56. :eek:

I've got several issues of this series--and it does have some great stuff--but not this issue. My guess is that the art was shot from bad newspaper proofs, probabaly enlarged.

[benday-dot]

Yeah--his art really took a nosedive after he died in '56. :eek:

I've got several issues of this series--and it does have some great stuff--but not this issue. My guess is that the art was shot from bad newspaper proofs, probabaly enlarged.

Ah... thank you MDG. I hadn't realized Raymond had already passed on to that great Mongo in the sky at the time of this series. For some reason I though he died in the seventies. I knew of the car accident, but had no notion, it seems, when it occurred. His pen must have been shaky indeed. given his astral form and all.

The issue screamed reprint to me, but the GCD said nothing of the sort so I just assumed it was some sort of last hurrah. Bad proofs indeed.

Is this issue then taken from the original King Features comic books of the early 40's? I think the Raboy issue must come from that line.

I have a couple of the Checkers volumes, and those look quite nice indeed. Much better strip material must have since become available.

[JKCarrier]

http://www.comics.org/graphics/covers/1777/200/1777_2_01.jpg

Flash Gordon #1, art by Al Williamson.

Heh, I just realized... Williamson "homaged" himself when he did the cover of the 1995 Flash miniseries for Marvel:

http://comics.org/coverview.lasso?id=57189&zoom=4

[dan bailey]

Got Marvel's two Champions TPBs, reprinting the entirety of the 17-issue mid-'70s series & a couple of crossover appearances as well, for cheapish recently & so far have read the first 2 stories.

They're ... ummm ... not particularly outstanding.

I don't recall ever having seen these ishes as a kid (it's hardly inconceivable that I had 'em & completely forgot ever having read them), but I know that by mid-1976, about midway through the run, I was pretty fond of the series. (I've mentioned before, I know, basing a 12th-grade English paper on issue #8 or 9 & getting an "A" on it.)

A lot of that probably had to do with Bob Hall's &, a bit later, John Byrne's art, & of course those guys are nowhere in sight during the first few issues. *sigh*

[Jamie]

Got Marvel's two Champions TPBs, reprinting the entirety of the 17-issue mid-'70s series & a couple of crossover appearances as well, for cheapish recently & so far have read the first 2 stories.

They're ... ummm ... not particularly outstanding.


I'm glad to hear that, because I'd been on the fence about this title for a while. It seems like it should have that sort of weird Defenders vibe to it, but something was telling me to stay away.

[JKCarrier]

It seems like it should have that sort of weird Defenders vibe to it, but something was telling me to stay away.

That's exactly it...with that cast, it ought to have been really offbeat and weird, but it turned out very conventional. Avengers Lite.

[Drusilla lives!]

http://www.comics.org/graphics/covers/1777/200/1777_2_01.jpg

Flash Gordon #1, art by Al Williamson.

Now that's a really nice cover... IMO. :)

[Slam_Bradley]

Flash Gordon #7 features Mac Raboy art. It's a decent, if uneven effort by the great Captain Marvel Jr. artist. Unlike the other two FG issues this one inhabits that strange twilight zone between old school illustration oriented strip art and established comic book storytelling. This means though its still technically sequential art, and probably meets the Scott McLeod definition of comic book, it really is no more than illustrated panels with descriptive captions below. No speech balloons here.



If I were to hazard a guess, I'd say that this is probably a reprint from Raboy's Sunday Flash pages. Raboy did the Flash Sundays from 1946 til his death in December of '67. The format you're describing is the one used in the Flash Sundays, starting with Raymond and continuted by Raboy.

[johanskull]

Got Marvel's two Champions TPBs, reprinting the entirety of the 17-issue mid-'70s series & a couple of crossover appearances as well, for cheapish recently & so far have read the first 2 stories.

They're ... ummm ... not particularly outstanding.

I don't recall ever having seen these ishes as a kid (it's hardly inconceivable that I had 'em & completely forgot ever having read them), but I know that by mid-1976, about midway through the run, I was pretty fond of the series. (I've mentioned before, I know, basing a 12th-grade English paper on issue #8 or 9 & getting an "A" on it.)

A lot of that probably had to do with Bob Hall's &, a bit later, John Byrne's art, & of course those guys are nowhere in sight during the first few issues. *sigh*

Oh, the agony!

I've had the tbs since they came out, and, like you, had fond recollections of them when I was a kid. It was always a series I tried to get on Ebay as well, but whenever there was a complete set, the bids would go sky high and out of reach of my budget. Luckily they were reprinted, even though I would have preferred to have had an Essential (which could have been filled out with material from other books that had intersected with the main players).

The early issues had, er, issues. It could have been wild and crazy fun, but there seemed to be a lack of direction or faith in the series. It did pick up later with the arrival of Giant-Man (aka Black Goliath) and the Russian heroes, who stole every scene they were in.

With this diverse set of protagonists, the writers just didn't think BIG enough. Super-Villain Team-Up was actually better overall than the Champions.

-- Jeff

[dan bailey]

It did pick up later with the arrival of Giant-Man (aka Black Goliath) and the Russian heroes, who stole every scene they were in.


I'm assuming that's what I'm remembering, however dimly, liking so much.

That, or my critical faculties at ages 16-17 or so weren't quite as developed as they might've been.

Surely that couldn't *choke* be the case ...

[Jamie]

I'm assuming that's what I'm remembering, however dimly, liking so much.

That, or my critical faculties at ages 16-17 or so weren't quite as developed as they might've been.

Surely that couldn't *choke* be the case ...

Our teenage selves were obviously paragons of critical taste...

*kicks copy of Youngblood #1 under the couch*

[spoon_jenkins]

Finished Essential Silver Surfer vol. 1, reprinting his first series in its entirety.

Stan Lee creates an unintentionally brilliant character study. It seems like Lee was trying to portray the Surfer as an admirable Christ-like hero. In fact, the Surfer ends up being selfish and foolish. The Surfer wonders why humans are ill ease with him, seeming to that he went a rampage through NYC in the pages of the Fantastic Four in an effort to bring people together. Surfer styles himself the protector of human beings, but constantly evinces contempt for them. The Surfer is repeatedly used as a cat's paw, and thus gives people reason to fear him. He seems not to realize that his great power should be use cautiously among weaker.

Norrin Radd has a bent towards dissatisfaction. On his home planet of Zenn-La, he was disgusted that the people did not have to struggle or work for their achievements and were complacent. Then, when the Surfer is stuck on Earth, he shows contempt for the "savage" humans who have numerous struggles. Lee seems to realize how far afield he's gotten with his character in #15, when the Surfer realizes that he's squandered at opportunity at friendship by rushing to judgment and violence.

John Buscema produces some really beautiful art. In my opinion, the best inking is by Sal Buscema and the worst is by Dan Adkins. I have two divergent opinions on Adkins. I've really liked the Adkins pencilled stories (Dr. Strange and one issue of X-Men) that I've read. On the other hand, I'm not a fan of his inking here or in the Incredible Hulk (over Trimpe).

[Supermancho]

Dennis O'neal and Neal Adams run on Green Lantern (with Green Arrow, of course). Just finish junkie Speedy issues.

These are the kind of books that endure the pass of times.

[JKCarrier]

Dennis O'neal and Neal Adams run on Green Lantern (with Green Arrow, of course). Just finish junkie Speedy issues.

These are the kind of books that endure the pass of times.

You really think so? I look at those stories now and they seem very dated and naive. But at the time, they were revolutionary, no doubt.

[Supermancho]

You really think so? I look at those stories now and they seem very dated and naive. But at the time, they were revolutionary, no doubt.

When I read a book I set my mind accordingly to its age. I judge by its worth, even more a book I really enjoyed at its time.
It's how I still have fun reading old books. Otherwise, I'd lose the feeling that makes me like comic book characters.

[JKCarrier]

When I read a book I set my mind accordingly to its age.

Sure, we all do that with our old favorites. I thought you were saying that these stories in particular were "timeless", i.e. could be enjoyed for their own sake, even without the glow of nostalgia.

[dan bailey]

Our teenage selves were obviously paragons of critical taste...

*kicks copy of Youngblood #1 under the couch*

I recall very well that my preteen self bought twice as many issues of Brother Power the Geek as I did Fantastic Four ...

[Beria]

I just finished Badlands by Steven Grant and Vince Giarrano and enjoyed it thoroughly. A really good book about the Kennedy assassination. Check it out!

[pmpknface]

I read part of the Gene Colan tribute book. MAN that guy's got skills....

[Jamie]

On the way to work today I started reading Essential Punisher v2, which I picked up from Smoky Mountain Books. I highly recommend that store, as even despite the fact that they charge a sizeable per-book shipping fee to Canada (no decrease on multiple-book orders) you can still get a lot of titles for cheaper than US cover price.

I'm only a couple of issues into the series, but I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised. Mike Baron's script holds up well for the most part, and Klaus Johanson's artwork looks really good in black and white.

My one complaint is the lack of page numbers for the book -- I noticed that my House of Secrets Showcase volume has them, but I haven't bothered to go and check if this is a general Showcase vs. Essential difference.

[Slam_Bradley]

My one complaint is the lack of page numbers for the book -- I noticed that my House of Secrets Showcase volume has them, but I haven't bothered to go and check if this is a general Showcase vs. Essential difference.


Yes it is an Essential vs. Showcase difference. Essentials don't have page numbers.


As I've continued to read through Essential Captain America, Vol. 3, I've worked my way though most of Gary Freidrich's short run. Apparently the man couldn't think of anyone but The Red Skull to have Cap fight. And I'm still in awe of how Agent 14 (Val) can fall madly in love with Cap after having just met him and talked to him for a few minutes, despite her superior officer being his girlfriend. Love in the Marvel U. in the 60s and 70s was just ridiculous.

[Slam_Bradley]

More thoughts on Captain America as I work through Essential vol. 3.

Cap never quite worked for me prior to Englehart taking over. I never felt that the book was better than second-tier. Certainly not up with FF, Spider-Man or the better issues of Thor. Not Stan's best work...but certainly readable. Then came Gary Friedrich's short run and it was...pretty bad. But nothing prepared me for Gerry Conway's four issue run of 149-152.

Now let me start off by saying that I'm not a Conway hater. While he's done a lot of pedestrian work, he's also done some very very good work. I think his run on Amazing Spider-Man stands up very well even following Stan. Atari Force was a great space opera. The man can write.

But, Oh Heaven's, these four issues are horrible. I dare anyone to read issue 150, with the not-quite-Stranger and figure out what the hell is going on. It makes absolutely no sense. And picking up where Friedrich left off, he takes the Cap/Sharon Carter/Countess Valentina/Nick Fury rectangle in to new and bizarre places that are so ridiculous they're sadly funny.

Luckily I know that things pick up with Englehart coming on board next issue. But...man...those are some lousy comics.

[Beria]

Yesterday I finished the Jack Kirby's Omac collection. Wild stuff, splendidly drawn. I've also read the JLA: Strength In Numbers TP. Above average, but Morrison's work on JLA seems inferior to his X-Men.

[spoon_jenkins]

More thoughts on Captain America as I work through Essential vol. 3.

Cap never quite worked for me prior to Englehart taking over. I never felt that the book was better than second-tier. Certainly not up with FF, Spider-Man or the better issues of Thor. Not Stan's best work...but certainly readable. Then came Gary Friedrich's short run and it was...pretty bad. But nothing prepared me for Gerry Conway's four issue run of 149-152.

Now let me start off by saying that I'm not a Conway hater. While he's done a lot of pedestrian work, he's also done some very very good work. I think his run on Amazing Spider-Man stands up very well even following Stan. Atari Force was a great space opera. The man can write.

But, Oh Heaven's, these four issues are horrible. I dare anyone to read issue 150, with the not-quite-Stranger and figure out what the hell is going on. It makes absolutely no sense. And picking up where Friedrich left off, he takes the Cap/Sharon Carter/Countess Valentina/Nick Fury rectangle in to new and bizarre places that are so ridiculous they're sadly funny.

Luckily I know that things pick up with Englehart coming on board next issue. But...man...those are some lousy comics.
I read Essential Cap vol. 3 a couple months ago, and made some comments at post #3002 (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showpost.php?p=7389765&postcount=3002) in this thread. I'm also a fan of the Englehart stuff, but not of Friedrich run. I actually like the Conway run somewhat better than Friedrich. I totally agree about the love trapezoid. I generally find Nick Fury unlikable in the Essential Caps I've read, but he's at worst there.

[Lone Ranger]

I picked up What If? #44 yesterday as part of a small birthday haul. I read it on my way home last night. I can't remember the last time I'd read a What If? I used to love the title as a kid as messing around with Marvel history seemed to be such a novel idea. Now creators during every other month. This is actually quite a strong story, if a little heavy handed, dealing with the spread of ultra-patriotism in America. I'm normally not a big fan of retconning, but I really dug the way the 50s Cap and Bucky were brought back into the MTU. Nice Sal Buscema pencils give me the nostalgic comfort I need in this cold, harsh world.

[Perry Holley]

What If? #44 I have that issue. Yes, it is more than a bit heavy-handed, but I am still quite fond of it.

[Slam_Bradley]

I picked up What If? #44 yesterday as part of a small birthday haul. I read it on my way home last night. I can't remember the last time I'd read a What If? I used to love the title as a kid as messing around with Marvel history seemed to be such a novel idea. Now creators during every other month. This is actually quite a strong story, if a little heavy handed, dealing with the spread of ultra-patriotism in America. I'm normally not a big fan of retconning, but I really dug the way the 50s Cap and Bucky were brought back into the MTU. Nice Sal Buscema pencils give me the nostalgic comfort I need in this cold, harsh world.


I don't think I've read that book...but finishing up Essential Cap 3...I just read the four parter that "introduced" the 50s Cap & Bucky to the MU. I thought it was a nice strong start to Englehart's run on Cap, with those nice dependable Sal Buscema pencils. It certainly raises questions (which may have been answered later) about how come people forgot that Cap appeared again in the 50s only to reappear in the 60s...but it was a fun storyline, nonetheless.

[spoon_jenkins]

I've finished Essential Daredevil vol. 3 (reprinting #49-74 as well as Iron Man #35-36). It's a generally good book that fades toward the end.

I like the Gene Colan art, but I would prefer if George Klein stayed as inker rather than Syd Shores taking over. Although the writers try to hard to keep Matt Murdock and Karen Page apart, I like the storylines that arose from Karen going to California. At times old villains aren't used to full effect. I wish more had been done with Cobra and Mr. Hyde during their appearance. But there are interesting stories featuring new villains (Starr Saxon, Death's Head, Brother Brimstone, the Tribune).

The attempts at "relevance" in some later issues is often clumsy. The Tribune story in #70-71 is simultaneously clever and full of plot holes. But they're good efforts. The real problem is the Daredevil-Iron Man crossover at the end. It's a pointless crossover. Some of it doesn't make sense and takes a very strange detour without much of a payoff. Much of the Iron Man stuff is irrelevant to Daredevil, but unfortunately I guess they couldn't leave the Daredevil part of the story out of context.

[seems]

Calvin and Hobbes has been my all time fav. He makes me laugh and also has some facts some times makes u think...with all his weird ideas.. which are some times so true or real...lol

[Romero]

Been reading my back issues of Werewolf by Night. I think the issues i have really picked up steam once Moench came aboard as writer.

[The Confessor]

As I mentioned in my "60's Fantastic Four vs. 60's Amazing Spider-Man" thread, I'm currently reading my way through the Fantastic Four Omnibus Vol. 2 and last night I read Fantastic Four #48. #49 & #50 - the Galactus Trilogy.

Wow! What a story! What great artwork! No wonder people talk about this being a true Marvel Masterwork.

[spoon_jenkins]

I finished Essential Daredevil vol. 4 (reprinting #75-101 and Avengers #111). I generally liked the book. I prefer Tom Palmer's inks on Gene Colan to the inks of Syd Shores or Jack Abel, even though Palmer may blunt his Colan-ness a bit.

I like the change of pace of DD moving to San Francisco and introducing Black Widow as a partner/love interest. I think I generally like duo book (Captain America and the Falcon, Green Lantern/Green Arrow). Conway wasn't too bold in what he did with DD and BW though; their arc isn't as distinct as it could be.

The TPB has some strange villains one might not associate with DD. I liked the Indestructible Man, didn't like the Dark Messiah, and think the whole Mr. Kline arc was just bizarre. My general impression is that Essential vol. 3 and 4 didn't use villains as well as vol. 1 and 2. I like the Electro/Purple Man team-up though.

[Aaron King]

How did we let this thread fall to the second page?

I finally finished Fourth World. Embarrassing, right? I'd read everything but Forever People because it had always been described as "super-hippies," which sounds like a stupid concept, even for someone who's sold me on The Black Racer and Goody Rickles.

Anyway, I bought the third Fourth World Omnibus, the only one I was missing, and finished everything I hadn't read before. The Forever People were great! They seem... unfinished. Their character and powers are all kept sort of hazily-defined in a way that really appeals to me. It's like following a kind-hearted mob around and trying to figure out what their deal is.

I wish I was a super-hippie.

[benday-dot]

I wish I was a super-hippie.

Me, too Aaron. Me to.

Or failing that, perhaps a Hairy, tecnho-hippie extraordinaire.

[Roquefort Raider]

As long as my name is not Flippa Dippa...

[dan bailey]

And then there's the real Sooper Hippie (as summarized at http://www.internationalhero.co.uk/s/soperhip.htm, though the assertion that his first appearance came in 12/69 in Fruitman Special #1 is obviously incorrect), one of whose adventures I read a couple of weeks ago in a cheap copy of Harvey's Bunny #11 (Sept 1969) that I happened to chance across from Lone Star Comics ... Probably the first issue I've seen of that personal childhood favorite in close to 4 decades.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg91/unsightlyandserene/hippie5_3.jpg

[pmpknface]

As long as my name is not Flippa Dippa...
HA! No kidding!

I just picked up Marvel's WHAT IF vol. 4 tpb and BATMAN CHRONICLES Vol. 2 at at 60% off sale at my LCS. They had a ton of killer stuff there, but i had most of it already.

I've only read Detective 39 and 40 so far, but this stuff is AWESOME!!! It's all kinds of violent and racist that you just have to look back on this kind of stuff, shake your head, and laugh a bit.

On the 1st pg of Det. 39 a guy gets a HATCHET TO THE FACE! Batman has no problem with killing people either. He pushes a giant statue over that takes a bunch of henchmen out at one point. But ya gotta love that dialogue, "Dark Batman fighs like panther!"

I can't wait to read more of this.

[benday-dot]

Last night I read the hard to find Sinister House of Secret Love #3 (DC, 1972). I picked this up this Alex Toth masterpiece from Newkadia about a month ago for 19.00 in Fine condition.

http://www.comics.org/graphics/covers/1982/400/1982_4_003.jpg

Easily the best number of the short lived SHoSL series (before it morphed out of it's peculiar neo-Gothic Romance bent and into a more conventional horror title) issue #3, entitled "The Bride of the Falcon," was written by everyone's favorite comic book creator Frank Robbins. Those not familiar with Frank Robbin's the writer, as opposed to the penciller, should do themselves a favour and look up some of the very fine comic book stories he scripted over the years.

But the real treat with SHoSL #3 is, of course, the exquisite Toth art. It is not often that one gets to see full length comic book stories drawn by the great Alex Toth, 5-8 pagers being more customary (great as those usually are). And the longer form here is a real payoff.

Toth always excelled in the romance genre, and this comic, as a somewhat darker expression from that corner of the comic book universe, showcases the master's ability to "spot blacks" and draw a story from out of the contrast between light and shadow.

Toth's tight and angular shots and disarming perspectives all serve to accentuate Robbin's well-paced and carefully plotted tale. I'm of the opinion that nobody inks Toth quite like Toth himself, but here Frank Giacoia manages to preserve, with little compromise, the "essential Toth."

This comic is also available in DC's Blue Ribbon Digest #20, but I have found that even that printing is a tough one to corner.

[Slam_Bradley]

I read a handful of issues of the 70s Shazam! series out of the Showcase volume last night. The book really was a mess. The stories were simplified to the point of being insipid. I purchased most of the 100-page issues back when they could be had very very cheap and there was no comparison between the reprints and the new stories in those issues.

[spoon_jenkins]

I finished Essential Tomb of Dracula vol. 1 which reprints #1-25. Very good read; it exceeded my expectations. The weakest part was probably the two Gardner Fox issues early on. I think he downplayed Rachel Van Helsing and built up Frank Drake; kind of annoying since Rachel started out as a tough chick and Frank's the least interesting member of the cast.

It's fascinating how the book started out focusing more on the heroes, but after a while Wolfman put more of the focus on Dracula. There's some clever and funny stuff to. I liked how the priest (who didn't know that Drac was a vampire) offered him sanctuary in the church. And in the same ish, the flashback shows what an egotist Drac is. The visualize tell the truth of how Drac struggled, but he has to puff himself up.

[Reptisaurus!]

I read a handful of issues of the 70s Shazam! series out of the Showcase volume last night. The book really was a mess. The stories were simplified to the point of being insipid. I purchased most of the 100-page issues back when they could be had very very cheap and their was no comparison between the reprints and the new stories in those issues.

I was always kinda curious about *how* crappy this series actually is.

Not curious enough to do anything drastic like track down the comics. mind.

But.. kinda curious.

[Slam_Bradley]

I was always kinda curious about *how* crappy this series actually is.

Not curious enough to do anything drastic like track down the comics. mind.

But.. kinda curious.


Art-wise they're ok. I'm not a huge C. C. Beck or Bob Oskner fan...don't hate them, but don't love them. But the art is ok. But the writing shows every evidence that the writers were "writing down' to the reader. They really feel like they were written with the 6-8 year old set in mind. And not the really bright 6-8 year olds...the ones that are just kind of gliding along. You don't get that feel from the Golden Age Capt. Marvel stories. They're fun and breezy...but not insipid.

[JKCarrier]

But the writing shows every evidence that the writers were "writing down' to the reader. They really feel like they were written with the 6-8 year old set in mind.

Agreed, those early issues are pretty dire. The book did get better once E. Nelson Bridwell took over the writing. He had a naturally kid-friendly style, and his stories felt less condescending.

[InfoBroker]

Last night I read the hard to find Sinister House of Secret Love #3 (DC, 1972)

Me jealous! me jealous!!
Me want! Me want!

The timeframe of this comical book, I had just returned from my year long comical book sabbatical, and DC's steps in a gothic direction fascinated me. I have the first couple issues of Dark Mansion along with the first two issues of Sinister House. But for whatever reason, this third issue never showed up on the comical racks in Davenport.

My fellow art class friends who I had trained to appreciate Kirby's work could not for the life of them figure out why I picking up this gal-mags. Gothic Romances they would sneer, you're a crazy guy there JB.

My fascination was as much for the medium expanding as it was the art, and in some cases even more so. Not this issue though. I had read somewhere that Alex Toth was doing the art for this issue, (probably in the Fanzine Graphic Story World), and it was on my "I must have it" list.

But to no avail. Art friend Bruce got tired of cabbing me around the west side of Davenport and after a dozen or so grocery stores and pharmancies, he steered back to his place so we read the comic loot we already had in hand.

*sighs heavily*

Thanks though BD for the nice write-up. It was interesting to get some insight into the content.

*bawls loudly*

-jb the pathetic ib -

[benday-dot]

Me jealous! me jealous!!
Me want! Me want!

The timeframe of this comical book, I had just returned from my year long comical book sabbatical, and DC's steps in a gothic direction fascinated me. I have the first couple issues of Dark Mansion along with the first two issues of Sinister House. But for whatever reason, this third issue never showed up on the comical racks in Davenport.

My fellow art class friends who I had trained to appreciate Kirby's work could not for the life of them figure out why I picking up this gal-mags. Gothic Romances they would sneer, you're a crazy guy there JB.

My fascination was as much for the medium expanding as it was the art, and in some cases even more so. Not this issue though. I had read somewhere that Alex Toth was doing the art for this issue, (probably in the Fanzine Graphic Story World), and it was on my "I must have it" list.

But to no avail. Art friend Bruce got tired of cabbing me around the west side of Davenport and after a dozen or so grocery stores and pharmancies, he steered back to his place so we read the comic loot we already had in hand.

*sighs heavily*

Thanks though BD for the nice write-up. It was interesting to get some insight into the content.



*bawls loudly*

-jb the pathetic ib -

You are quite welcome. I'd long been on the lookout for this comic. Every once in awhile it would be on my mind again and I'd see what was out there on e-bay, and usually, if an issue showed up at all, it would be beyond my price range.

So when I randomly checked Newkadia I was glad to have spotted an affordable copy.

I'd post some scans for you if that derelict thing gathering dust at the foot of my computer actually worked at present.

I like your comments on "romance comics."

This was a genre I never would have touched when I was a young collector. I am, like yourself, a great believer, in media expanding. I have a small, but decent romance comic book collection now, and that is largely due to the wisdom of my betters on this forum being forever passed along to me. It really is the multiplicity of "genres" that I cultivate in my own collection. Hey! They are all comic books, and as such should all sit comfortably with one another.

If an artist can master his/her skills in the genre of romance, where real people and everyday situations take centre stage, then usually that artist is equipped to take on anything. Romance comics are a great vehicle to master the fundamentals of cartooning. The lists of masters who at least in part honed their storytelling chops in this ghetto corner of the comical (your fine term of course) world is impressive indeed. Besides the great Toth we have Jack Kirby, John Romita Sr., Gene Colan, John Buscema, Matt Baker, Nick Cardy, Ric Estrada, Steranko and many more.

And what's more, anyone a fan of comic book cover art in particular need only look to romance comics for finding some of the very best and most iconic examples of this most wonderful form of expression. Sure, many will contend that romance comics are dated, but I'd actually suggest, that just one look at some of the beautiful covers that have graced these comics will prove that they are rather more timeless than supposed.

[Beria]

Right now I'm half-way through Essential Tomb Of Dracula vol. 3. Pretty good so far. I haven't read any of these since I was a kid in the early 80's. Gene Colan's artwork is gorgeous, and the writing is much better than most of Marvel's superhero output in the 70's.

[divinebrown]

Fallen Angels 1-8

An Eighties limited series by Jo Duffy and Kerry Gammill, though there was a fill-in artist on half the series.

This starred Sunspot from the New Mutants who went on a series of adventures with Runaways precursors called the Fallen Angels. These included the Vanisher, Madrox, Siryn, Boom Boom, and even Moon Boy and the Devil Dinosaur. Some other new mutants named Chance and Ariel from a planet called Coconut Grove. It was a fun book.

Does anyone know if the Fallen Angels ever appeared as a group in any future series? Especially since Madrox and Siryn remain with the group at the end. Thanks.

[Ideal.]

I just reread Kirby's 2001: A Space Odyssey and oh lawd is it good. His two-page spreads made my jaw hit the floor repeatedly.

http://www.comicsreporter.com/images/uploads/fff2001aaa.jpg

[Cosmic_Gamma3712]

Essential Sliver Surfer vol.1. Also Two of the greatest and under rated ICH stories ever ICH#333"Quality of Life" and ICH #338"Mercy Killing".

[benday-dot]

I just reread Kirby's 2001: A Space Odyssey and oh lawd is it good. His two-page spreads made my jaw hit the floor repeatedly.

http://www.comicsreporter.com/images/uploads/fff2001aaa.jpg

Yes, I know what you mean. Almost requires a trip to the dentist after reading.

[dan bailey]

Also Two of the greatest and under rated ICH stories ever

ICH?

Inanimate Carbon Hamsters? Incredible Clown Heroes?

[Cherokee Jack]

ICH?

Inanimate Carbon Hamsters? Incredible Clown Heroes?


In-Credible Hulk?

[Reptisaurus!]

Workin' my way through the Essential Captain America. In general, I'm liking this a lot better than the early Thor, X-men, or even Fantastic Four stories - Lee and Kirby seemed to have settled into their creative groove by this point. Things I noticed:

1) Strangely, unlike virtually every other early Marvel Superhero, Cap doesn't fight giant monsters, and even non-Red-Skull costumed criminals are a rarity. Pretty much every other SA Marvel book begins by building up the character's rogues gallery, but in the first two years of Tales of Suspense we have the Red Skull, Baron Zemo (deceased) and Batroc.

2) Never knew that some of the first Captain America stories were set in World War 2. I'm wondering if this wasn't 'cause Stan and Kirby DID think Bucky was an important part of the franchise, even though they killed 'em off.

3) I'm a sucker for "Start in the past, end up in the present" type stories. (Kim Deitch is, like, my favorite writer ever.) Wish they'd do more stories like the giant Nazi Sleeper Robot.

4) Man, the last panel of the first story always cracks me up. "Feels like I'm gettin' old."

[divinebrown]

Secret Origins Special "featuring Gotham City's Vilest Villains"

Excited to find in the in a ten for a buck grab bag with a bunch of random issues of Cable. Neil Gaiman scripted the framing sequence of this giant-size special as well as a Riddler sequence. Phenomenal. Also stories by Grant and Verheiden with Sam Keith providing art for a Penguin origin. Not to mention a Bolland cover.

One of the best Batman stories I've ever read despite its pseudo-anthology arrangement. Worth tracking down for the Riddler story alone. I would have paid ten bucks for this, let alone ten cents.

[Slam_Bradley]

Recently finished up John Romita: And All that Jazz by Roy Thomas and Jim Amash. Nice book of interviews with Jazzy Johnny. I really liked when Amash would have Romita talk for a short period about the many people he worked with over the years. Not a bio, but probably the best we're likely to get.

I'm also about 2/3 of the way through Kirby: King of Comics by Mark Evanier. Gorgeous book. Nice and big. Lots of Kirby goodness. But there have really only been some minor anecdotes that I've not been familiar with. It's a very nice coffee table book. It's not the biography of Kirby that I've been hoping for.

[Lone Ranger]

It's not the biography of Kirby that I've been hoping for.

You know, I felt exactly the same way. I really enjoyed it but I was left wanting so much more. It is a bit anecdotal at times, and I wish there were more sources given for many of the quotes/sayings - (a lot of "Kirby is God", many would say), kind of thing.

On the other hand, Blake Bell's Ditko bio is much more research based and gives a very detailed look at Ditko's life and work from a variety of source material.

They are both enjoyable books, but I found Bell's to be more satisfying.

[Slam_Bradley]

You know, I felt exactly the same way. I really enjoyed it but I was left wanting so much more. It is a bit anecdotal at times, and I wish there were more sources given for many of the quotes/sayings - (a lot of "Kirby is God", many would say), kind of thing.

On the other hand, Blake Bell's Ditko bio is much more research based and gives a very detailed look at Ditko's life and work from a variety of source material.

They are both enjoyable books, but I found Bell's to be more satisfying.


I haven't picked up Bell's yet so can't compare. I don't want to come across as overly negative because the book is good for what it is. But Kirby is such a giant of the industry and has been an influence on so many people that I'd really like to see an in-depth biography, the likes of the recent Schulz and Caniff bios.

[Ideal.]

King of Comics isn't THE biography that Evanier has in the works. Information on said book can be found here (http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2007_02_06.html#012889).

Later on — and don't ask me when but it'll be another year or two at least — I'll publish the gargantuan, Galactus-sized bio for the hardcore Kirby fan...the kind of person who wants to read every little detail of the man's extraordinary life.

That's what I'm really looking forward to.

[Lone Ranger]

I had no idea.

That's great news!

[Slam_Bradley]

I had no idea.

That's great news!


Yep. I'll be anxiously awaiting.

[benday-dot]

I mention here that I've just read the most recent issue of Daredevil (113). Not at all a "classic" comic, as befits these parts; however, I bring it up because the comic just possibly hints at the return of Shang-Chi to the Marvel Universe. Though not named Chi is pictured in a single panel. There are a lot of fans of the Master of Kung-Fu on this forum, and I thought I'd mention the possibility of his resurrection.

I know Shang-Chi has had a few scattered appearances since the demise of his own classic comic, though I have never read those issues. It would be nice to see some old school Kung Fu back in the MU again.

[earl]

I'm getting on a big 70s Marvel kick of late, especially reading the titles that I never followed. I read the first Essential of Tomb of Dracula in recent weeks. I also just read through the first three issues of The Eternals. I know I had and read the 80s Eternals mini series back in the 80s and really don't remember it at all.

After recently reading all of the New Gods for the first time a couple of months ago, it is interesting to see Kirby picking up similar themes in The Eternals. One thing that probably only Jack Kirby could have gotten away with in the 70s was Ikaris not showing up in his costume until mid way to issue #3.

I've got the 80s Starlin reprints of Warlock which I am going to read after I get done reading this series of The Eternals.

I'm also working through re-reading some other stuff I had back in the 80s. like the first Moon Knight Essential. Bill Sienkiewicz's artwork is really great on that series. I'm also re-reading the Frank Miller Daredevil's for the first time in 20 years.

[dan bailey]

I know Shang-Chi has had a few scattered appearances since the demise of his own classic comic, though I have never read those issues. It would be nice to see some old school Kung Fu back in the MU again.

I dunno how frequently he pops up these days, but a couple of years ago he was one of the Heroes for Hire team in the short-lived series of that name.

[pmpknface]

I mention here that I've just read the most recent issue of Daredevil (113). Not at all a "classic" comic, as befits these parts; however, I bring it up because the comic just possibly hints at the return of Shang-Chi to the Marvel Universe. Though not named Chi is pictured in a single panel. There are a lot of fans of the Master of Kung-Fu on this forum, and I thought I'd mention the possibility of his resurrection.

I know Shang-Chi has had a few scattered appearances since the demise of his own classic comic, though I have never read those issues. It would be nice to see some old school Kung Fu back in the MU again.
FYI - Shang-Chi was just featured in the recent HEROES FOR HIRE series.

[dan bailey]

I've heard he was in the most recent Heroes for Hire series. ;)

[Sir Tim Drake]

I've heard he was in the most recent Heroes for Hire series. ;)

Shang-Chi also appears in Wolverine: First Class #9, which was released last month. And by the way, anyone who likes the classic Claremont X-Men would also enjoy Wolverine: First Class; it's a very entertaining series.

[benday-dot]

Thanks Dan, Pmpknface, and Sir Tim. I always thought Shang-Chi was in comic book limbo since the demise of his amazing series. But then again I was out of all new comics since about 1983-2004. My own quick look on GCD along with your own good info certainly tells me otherwise.

[berk]

I think Shang-Chi has been in comic book limbo effectively, since Marvel keeps trying to make the character into a superhero, which really doesn't work at all well for me. If he appears in the current Daredevil story, that might work a little better, since the artist and writer are going for a more street-level atmosphere, but ideally they'd get the character away from the superhero world altogether.

[Supermancho]

"Book of Magic" 1-4 by Neil Gaiman. It's a fact, I don't dig this type of comics.

[dan bailey]

And by the way, anyone who likes the classic Claremont X-Men would also enjoy Wolverine: First Class; it's a very entertaining series.

I picked up the first 3 & found them quite enjoyable. I'll be looking for cheap copies of the subsequent issues, having dropped the series purely because of financial considerations (although it appears Marvel & DC are trying to give me a break by cancelling a goodly chunk of my pull list, like She-Hulk, X-Men First Class, LOSH, Blue Beetle, Manhunter, Birds of Prey & probably at least a couple of others that I've either forgotten or haven't yet learned about). *sigh*

[MichikoS]

Just finished reading the 2006 compiled trade of KINGS IN DISGUISE by James Vance and Dan Burr. I've seen the Kitchen Sink floppies in the quarter bins from time to time, but never had a great interest in the series, but always admired the arresting color cover art to the original 6-issue series by Burr, Harvey Kurtzman, Mark Schultz and others. The actual strip is b&w.

Digested in one sitting, it's powerful, moving stuff. I can see why it won multiple awards. Kings in Disguise tells the story of a boy's odyssey through Depression-era America and his journey towards manhood.


Michi

[Aaron King]

I'm slowly making my way through the volume of Alex Toth Zorro stories that Image released. This is my first long-term exposure to Toth; the only other stuff I have by him is a few House of Mystery stories and some other shorts in reprint issues.

I'm only a couple stories in and Toth is just amazing. It's amazing how much information he can convey in a few strokes.

[Drusilla lives!]

Incredible Hulk #239 through #243... the "They-Who-Wield-Power" arc by Roger Stern.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm slowly making my way through the volume of Alex Toth Zorro stories that Image released. This is my first long-term exposure to Toth; the only other stuff I have by him is a few House of Mystery stories and some other shorts in reprint issues.

I'm only a couple stories in and Toth is just amazing. It's amazing how much information he can convey in a few strokes.

That book is one of the biggest bargains out there.

It's such a fun read.

[Lone Ranger]

I just finished re-reading the Return of Barry Allen TPB

I bought these off the rack in the early 90s when I was a procrastinating undegrad and Mark Waid's Flash was one of the titles I never misses. I picked up the trade off eBay a few months ago for $2.99 and finally got around to reading it.

I hasn't aged all that well - I like the involvement of the elder speedsters but the final showdown between Wally and 'you know who' is really clunky and Laroque artwork can be distractingly bad at times.

Not bad - but nowhere near as good as I remember.

[dan bailey]

I hasn't aged all that well

Awwww, LR -- don't be so hard on yourself. We love you anyway.

[Drusilla lives!]

"Marvel Two-In-One Presents The Thing and ..." #18 (Scarecrow), #29 (Shang-Chi).

[spoon_jenkins]

* * SOME VAGUE SPOILERS BELOW * *

I read Essential Spider-Man vol. 8 (#161-185) and Essential Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man vol. 1 (#1-31), alternating more or less according to the Marvel Chronology Project read order.

Good stuff, but I've liked all the Essential Spider-Man I've read. The Green Goblin story in Amazing is probably the best story in either of the two books. I feel it's still fresh and interesting; we're not in beating a dead horse. That's because this Goblin storyline as an interesting twist. Unfortunately, I had been spoiled regarding the surprises in the Goblin story and the Carrion story ahead of time, but they're still good with advance knowledge. The Marv Wolfman issues at the end of the Amazing book weren't as good as the Len Wein issues: the payoff in MJ marriage proposal was lacking and the return of Betty Brant-Leeds seemed forced.

The Peter Parker book tended to have the less prominent villains and stories. Some of it's corny but it's generally good. Razorback could be regarded as a very cheesy 1970s character, but he's actually well-executed and entertaining in my opinion.

[Supermancho]

Detective Comics #205: "The origin of the batcave"

Here you learn Bruce Wayne bought the manor and even if you have to dig a hole inside the batcave, you must do it wearing the costume :rolleyes:

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/24038627564.205.GIF

[pmpknface]

HA! That's awesome. Does it tell you all about the cool things in the batcave like the dinosaur, the giant penny, etc... ?

[Bill Angus]

Nope. That one's about the cave itself - an ancestor of Bruce's fights in the American Revolution in a Batman-like guise, IIRC, and uses the cave as a hideout (after Bruce & Dick travel back in time, through the use of some sort-of machine, and help him turn it into a period-appropriate bat cave, of course).

[Beria]

Right now I'm reading The Best of the Spirit TP. I've already read most of the stories, mainly in the Kitchen Sink series, but it's really nice to see these stories in colour. Personally I think the post war Spirit is Eisner's best work and, consequently, some of the very best comics ever. Very few comic today reach the same level of quality. Terrific stuff.

I've also read Marvel Tales 163 reprinting Spider-Man no. 26. What can I say? A fun story with JJJ and Flash Thompson as main villains and some lovely Ditko art.

[Beria]

Just read Comico's Johnny Quest no. 10. Story by Bill Mesner-Loebs and art by Hempel and Wheatley. A great little comic book, I must say.

[Slam_Bradley]

I've spent the last few days reading the exploits of Dick Tracy from May 1933 through December of '33. I've had fairly limited exposure to Tracy...and most of it was from the later period after he'd started fighting his "rouge's gallery" and Gould's artwork had evolved. These were very early strips, still quite primitive but very enthusiatic and quite enjoyable. It's interesting to look at these through the lens of time and particularly that of a defense attorney (and former prosecutor). Tracy's police methods would get the vast majority of his cases thrown out nowadays and Tracy could find himself in jail.

Good stuff. I look forward to moving on to 1934.

[MDG]

Finished up Showcase Presents Batman #2, which includes some of the first comics I ever read. Some fun stories, but (and i know this is a "duh!") seeing Infantino's stories side by side with Moldoff in Kane mode, you really can see how much more fluid and dynamic Infantino's art is. In some ways, it's hard to see how they still considered the "Bob Kane" style acceptable, contract or no.

The book also reinforced my dislike for Bob Kanigher on superheroes.

[benday-dot]

Finished up Showcase Presents Batman #2, which includes some of the first comics I ever read. Some fun stories, but (and i know this is a "duh!") seeing Infantino's stories side by side with Moldoff in Kane mode, you really can see how much more fluid and dynamic Infantino's art is. In some ways, it's hard to see how they still considered the "Bob Kane" style acceptable, contract or no.

The book also reinforced my dislike for Bob Kanigher on superheroes.

It really is a shame that Sheldon Moldoff for so long acted as the phantom Bob Kane. Moldoff channeling Kane actually has come to represent a sort of classic Batman look to me, that I couldn't imagine not existing; however I always thought that Moldoff, when allowed to just pencil as himself, was one of DC's, and really all of comics, pioneering greats.

His history at DC goes back to near the very beginnings (He is credited in Action Comics #1) and his contribution to the creation of the horror genre in comics is crucial.

However, it is Moldoff's early work on Hawkman that really impresses. Very classical looking and invested with a naturalness and a fine sense of detail. Kubert would go on to remake the character masterfully in a style all his own, and then Murphy Anderson would succeed in establishing a very different, but equally gorgeous looking Hawkman.

But Moldoff almost seemed to bring the best of both of these acclaimed looks to his own take on Hawkman back when the character began.

PS. Shelldon Moldoff is still with us, is he not?

[Cei-U!]

I like Sheldoff Moldoff's Hawkman art too but, considering it consists almost entirely of swipes from Alex Raymond, Hal Foster and the occasional movie still, it's hard for me to think of it as "his own take." To me, he's the Golden Age Rich Buckler.

Cei-U!
Still, a Moldoff Hawkman cover nearly made my Twelve Days list!

[benday-dot]

I like Sheldoff Moldoff's Hawkman art too but, considering it consists almost entirely of swipes from Alex Raymond, Hal Foster and the occasional movie still, it's hard for me to think of it as "his own take." To me, he's the Golden Age Rich Buckler.

Cei-U!
Still, a Moldoff Hawkman cover nearly made my Twelve Days list!

Thanks for the added perspective Cei-U. Which Hawkman cover did you nearly pick?

I'm not familiar enough with the early work of Foster or Raymond (despite having a decent amount of Flash Gordon reprint material) to know how much they contributed to the "Moldoff look."

Then again these two influenced to varying degrees almost all of the early adventure cartoonists who didn't seem to gravitate to the "rival" Caniff school.

Of course to swipe and to exhibit "the influence of" are not the same things; nevertheless, Moldoff, lack of originality aside, sure could draw.

[Drusilla lives!]

Just finished reading "The Rook" issues #1 through #4 from Warren.

[Couchman]

I picked up the Evergreen/Taschen collection of all the Little Nemo strips from 1905-1914. Unbelievable. I wish there were comics that looked like that that come out today.

It was interesting to see how the conventions changed even within the book, the first 20 or so strips have running captions along the bottoms of the pictures that explain what's happening in the panels - but it's not like there's a sentence for each panel, it's more like a paragraph for a row of pictures that is cut up and numbered with which panel it is supposed to accompany.

Additionally, the panel layout seems incredibly fresh and a lot of the humor is still funny - like when Nemo finally reaches Slumberland only to meet Flip who wears a hat that says (and makes Nemo), "Wake up."

[Sir Tim Drake]

I'm currently in the middle of reading Brave and the Bold #192, written by Mike W. Barr and starring Batman and Superboy. In this story, Superboy is transported 20 years in the future. As soon as he has a moment to himself, he decides to use his telescopic vision to check on Ma and Pa Kent, and, of course, discovers that they're dead, and is accordingly traumatized.

Keep in mind, the pre-Crisis Superboy had extensive experience with time travel -- he was a member of the Legion, after all. There is no indication in the story that this is Superboy's first trip into the future. So he ought to have known better than to try to learn about his own future. And the writer and editor of this story should have realized that.

On top of that, Superboy doesn't come off very well in this story -- he behaves in a timid and naive way, and seems to have no idea what to do in any situation unless Batman tells him.

[Reptisaurus!]

I liked the interaction between the two leads in B & B 192... But, yeah, the time travel stuff fell flat, and the villain was lame, lame, lame.

[Sir Tim Drake]

I remember reading another story in which Superboy gets transported into the future and learns that Ma and Pa Kent are dead -- I think it was Superman #381, "Whose Super-Life Is It Anyway?" by Swan and Bates. But if I recall correctly, in that story Superboy learns of his parents' deaths by accident, rather than by deliberately looking for them. And that makes the revelation a lot more effective.

[Sir Tim Drake]

On a more positive note, I'm also in the middle of reading the Nightcrawler miniseries, which I am thoroughly enjoying. I haven't read much of Cockrum's writer-artist work before and I was not aware of how funny and entertaining his writing was.

[pmpknface]

I'm on American Flagg now. I have maybe 1/2 of the 1st HC done. When's the 2nd one out???

[dan bailey]

When's the 2nd one out???

Dunno. I picked up the entire series for pennies per copy a couple of years ago. Buying an HC seems ... counterintutitive.