My number one favorite comic book run. Scate Tactics by Kaminski, and Williams

[scum_boy]

I voted for Scare Tactics by Len Kaminski and Anthony Williams, as my number one favorite series of al time. It was published by DC comics during the 90's It came out about the same time as these other new DC propeties e.g. Young Heroes in Love, Vext, Chase, Chronos. Xero et. al. As well as relaunches of other titles that were supposed to cover the scary side of the DC universe. Such as Doom Patrol, Book of Fate, and Night Force I think. Do any of these titles ring a bell?

Anyway this was a title that really got me. It was the 90's the X Files was still on going, and I was a big fan. Scare Tactics follows the life of 4 teenage escapees from R-Complex (sorta like Area 51 but for supernatural phenomenon, a warewolf, a vampire, a reptilian guy, and a really deformed boil encrusted monster. They escaped from R-Complex with the Help of Fate's best friend/quais sidekick, Arnold Burnsteel. They go on the lam, all the while beig escorted by Burnsteel on his winebaggo, and posing as a rock metal band!!! Thay have to resort to using their individual abilities, smarts, and overall mean disposition to stay ahead of R-Complex.

Now what makes this title special? Sure the pairing up of an assortment of different Monsters to form a hero team isn't really that original nowadays, it was the reason though as to why I picked this title from the rack in the first place. What kept me buying though was that despite their differences, their one unifying detail was that they were all teenagers. Being a teenager myself at the time, I really sympathized with them. You kow how being a teenager is all about finding where and who you fit in with, all the while being very self conscious as to how diferent you are to everybody else. Their experience hardships not only from being on the lam, but also due to their teenage insecurities of being freaks and their status of being outcasts. (very much like the X-men but more cutiing edge, even upon rereading after a long time. Rock metal band!!! C'mon!)

This title had a wonderfull group dynamic to it. It had so many layers. Vampire girl feels nothing but contemp for all of them, but however has a slight attraction to redneck warewolf. Redneck warewolf is also attracted to Vampire chick, both however would rather die than admit it. Snake Boy likes Vampy. Vampy doesnt care about Snake Boy at all. (unrequited love, how could I not relate to this) Snake boy is slowly being overcome by his dark reptile persona. Gross monster guy is actually very inteligent, his current gross form however impedes him from communicating with his friends. They think he's stupid. Then there was Arnold Burnsteel himself.

Arnold Burnsteel was the coolest character ever. He was like the groups Professor X. Only instead of having super powers, he was instead super paranoid. A master computer hacker as well. He would often come up with the most off the wall ideas, that would save the group. Like the one time he used Bill Gate's uranium card to get the group new instruments. There was the ultimate quote from him. "Dont let me go back there. Claws, fangs, superstrength, It dont matter. I got Mean"

Len kaminski's writting was wonderfull. Great dialogue and awesome storylines, though sometimes cliche, would often redeem itself with uique resolutions, and wonderful execution. Anthony Williams art was wonderfull as well.

It's a shame it only lasted for about 12 issues.

Does anyone remember this series and liked it?

[Len Kaminski]

Originally Posted by scum_boy

Does anyone remember this series and liked it?

Well... I was fond of TACTICS to a point verging on an unhealthy fixation... but other folks' milage may vary - and they can all drive their gas -swilling SUVs right into the DERO-controled sinkholes which serve as entrances to the nightmare of unending torment known as Hollow Earth. And THEN they'll be sorry...

In all seriousness, I miss those characters like they were my own kids (probably way more, considering what sort of twisted and rotten kids I'm likely to end up with if I make that particular mistake). I like to think of them still being out there, somewhere, still getting themselves neck-deep in the maximum Weird - and none of them being the slightest bit better at playing their instruments...

Len

[BillR]

Holy crap, it's Len Kaminski! Welcome, sir!

(Loved your run on Creeper.)

[scum_boy]

Wow. I didnt think that any body would even reply to this post at all. Then lo and behold my favoritest writer actually posted. I've tried to get most of your comic book work. But alas living here in the Philippines limits my selection. I was lucky enough to find your run on Fate (another fave of mine), Creeper ( way way way better than the Steve Niles revamp), and the Acclaim Bloodshot. I also got the JLA Gorilla annual that you wrote. I wonder what else you've been writing since then and if your working on anything right now? The comic shops here dont really get a wide selection and most stuff have to be special ordered.


Anyways I am a big fan of your work. Scare Tactics was my X-men growing up. Maybe you could publish it independently.

Again thank you for doing what you do. I greatly appreciate it.

[Len Kaminski]

Originally Posted by BillR

Holy crap, it's Len Kaminski! Welcome, sir!

(Loved your run on Creeper.)

Thanks. Loved working on THE CREEPER despite any number of editorial speed-bumps). Apparently HE was also fond of ME, as he STILL emerges at unpredictable intervals and possesses me entirely. Weddings, dinner parties, job interviews... quite entertaining I'll admit, but damn problematic on occasion. Especially as I get all the personality, but none of the powers...

Len

[Len Kaminski]

Originally Posted by scum_boy

Anyways I am a big fan of your work. Scare Tactics was my X-men growing up. Maybe you could publish it independently.

I can't imagine a greater compliment. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I used to say that if TACTICS reached ONE person, I would have justified my place on Earth.

Unfortunately, DC owns the right to ST, so there's not much I can do with it on my own. I will confess, I DO have a concept that'd be VERY near and dear to ST fans, (think JLA/SQUADRON SUPREME), if I can ever get it off the ground.

Again thank you for doing what you do. I greatly appreciate it.

Thank YOU for posting - it's given me new inspiration to take another crack at comics.

Len

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

Originally Posted by Len Kaminski

Thank YOU for posting - it's given me new inspiration to take another crack at comics.

Len

Please do!

I was too poor at the time (in highschool and not wanting to work at McDonalds) to get complete runs of either Scare Tactics or Creeper, but whenever I dive into back issue bins they're both on the list.
The first three issues of Creeper especially were an almost perfect blend of writing and art to create a great atmosphere of craziness and fear.

[Deason]

Yes, indeed! I know I wouldn't be the only one to be delighted. (Your run on Iron Man scored one of my votes on the recent Favourite Comic Book Runs poll on this site.)

[Brian Cronin]

For fans of Scare Tactics, yesterday's Everybody's Somebody's Baby was ANOTHER Kaminski run!

Check out the blog for it.

-Brian