new reviews

"What I really want is a living masthead, a breathing embodiment of The Guardian creed." Ah, Grant Morrison. I know that I'll risk offending my comic book literati pals with this next statement, but hey, reviews are highly subjective and largely personal opinion. Truthfully, Morrison is hit and miss for me. While his JLA run is one of my favorite runs of the modern age, I wasn't that into some of his more recent offerings like WE3 or Seaguy. The Seven Soldiers project is ambitious in scope and I dig that. The bookend #0 issue was just ok, largely because of my fondness for the artistic chops of JH Williams III. Shining Knight? Eh, also just ok. Morrison's writing is so manic and frenetic that I can't seem to focus. It's so loaded with ideas all over the map that I feel I can't get a strong foothold and really connect with it. Part of my problem is that I think Morrison's work just doesn't read well in single issues. I suspect that when it's collected, I'll enjoy it much more. I'm looking forward to the Zatanna segment of the series, she's one of my favorite underutilized DC characters and with San Jose's own Ryan Sook on art you can't ask for much more.

With regard to this particular issue, there were elements I really enjoyed. The originality of the concept as evidenced by the quoted line above. The appearance of the seemingly omniscient voice of the benefactor Stargard. The appearance of the Newsboy Army. That moment when young Edward Lincoln arrives with questionable transportation is played so straight that I laughed out loud. Stewart's art looks really developed here. I was struck by a very Kirby-esque style, notice how the characters seem to pop off the page and break out of the panels due to some forced perspective shots and the effective feeling of depth through the use of layering objects. He's becoming an excellent storyteller, the reader has the ability to follow the story intuitively from panel to panel without even reading the words. But pirates? Ick. The tired redemption story with the lead character's wife, family, and former career? Ick. But there's no mistaking the value of Morrison's sprawling concepts, so let me preface this by again saying that it will read better when collected. His work is like a fine wine, needing time to breathe and develop. Admittedly too soon to decide, but right now I can't go higher than 3 Hijinx.

Nightwing #106
DC Comics
by Chuck Dixon, Scott McDaniel, and Andy Owens

Dick Grayson, in all his incarnations, is my favorite character in the DCU. I loved loved loved the first 40 or so issues of this series by Dixon and McDaniel. I even have some of McDaniel's original art framed up in my office. Straightforward superhero comics don't get much better for me than this character with this creative team. McDaniel's art is just perfect for the aerial acrobatics of Nightwing, facial expressions, the diversity of characters present, and I love his artistic take on women and urban settings. Notice how he tends to silhouette his characters when they're distant, using limited space for coloring, which almost becomes a symbolic representation of form, very striking. The last full page shot of the Titans is just breathtaking. Dixon's scripts are so smooth, you almost don't realize how easy he makes it look. He masterfully employs a deceptively simple formula that systematically advances the plot, includes action, supports the through-line of the story arc, and provides quiet little character moments. I was pleased to see Alfred holding his own with Killer Croc, but not in an overstated fashion (he was a British Intelligence Officer after all, depending on which continuity you go with). Dick's premonition-like statement to Bruce of "keep an eye on the new kid" was a nice touch as was an early reference to Barbara Gordon (aka: Batgirl/Oracle) as a "bird of prey." I loved seeing Dick take on a mentor role with Jason in the absence of Batman. The balance of his playful banter with the new boy wonder and his stern, protective "Down, Robin!" was chilling. The narrative retrospective he provides regarding what the gauntlet represents to each generation of Robins was also nice. The whole Year One run from issue #101 to 106 hits benchmmarks that fill in some continuity holes, highlights some of my favorite parts (like Superman retelling the story of Flamebird and Nightwing from Krypton, the impetus for Dick choosing the name), and generally ties together loose threads quite nicely. I'm looking forward to Devin Grayson, Phil Hester, and Ande Parks taking over the steering wheel, providing the proverbial "excellent jumping on point" for new readers. We're talking first rate superheroics here, Nightwing consistently delivers fun, adventure, well executed writing and art, and touching character development. 5 Hijinx.

Conan #14
Dark Horse Comics
by Kurt Busiek, Cary Nord, Tom Mandrake, Thomas Yeates, Dave Stewart, and Richard Starkings

This issue wraps up the arc involving Kalanthes and Thoth-amon, which really wasn't as engaging for me as the initial arc of The Frost Giant's Daughter (hardcover and softcover trades just released and well worth the investment). I responded very well to the introduction of Janissa. The narration also took on a noticeably darker and more expansive tone which I thought was really interesting. Busiek has really mastered the tone of this series and the writting style required to pull off the appropriate mood without sounding campy. Cary Nord is the man! I love his unique, original style. Love it. Conan is worth checking out for that alone, but offers so much more. Next up is another fill in issue by Greg Ruth. I was also pleased to see that the Prince and the Wazir from issue #0 return in #16, since that brief story really hooked me on the series initially. It's just personal preference, nothing about the quality of execution, I just didn't find this arc with the Kalanthes set of characters as interesting as those that have come before. 4 Hijinx.

Ed The Happy Clown #1 (of 9)
Drawn & Quarterly Publications
by Chester Brown

This handsome book with new covers faithfully reprints the 1992 collected edition originally serialized in the Yummy Fur series running from 1983 to 1989. Brown hints that new revised material may be present in the forthcoming collected edition. Make no mistake, this is solid indy material. Ed's expression when he breaks his leg is absolutely priceless. I also got a kick out of the pygmies attacking and chewing on whatever that column emanating from the street was, that's just hysterical. This collection of shorts employs different artistic styles and I was very fond of the recurring Adventures in Science, particularly the excellent critical commentary provided by the one depicting a visage of Christ manifesting itself in masking tape. The DVD style commentary notes provide a very interesting look into the project. Good stuff, 4 Hijinx.

Queen & Country, Volume 7: Operation Saddlebags (TPB)
Oni Press
by Greg Rucka, Steve Ralston, and Mike Norton

I'm an unabashed Q&C fanatic. This is it folks, this is my favorite series. I own all of the hardcover trades, they sit handsomely on my bookshelf with their crimson spines and golden lettering, the ominous "Report of Proceedings" begging to be read on each one. I have framed art from Carla Speed McNeil's run on the book. I buy every single issue, every single softcover trade, and then pass those on to others when I ultimately upgrade to the hardcover of each run. Queen & Country is unquestionably my favorite mainstream comic book title coming out right now. The fact that I can even refer to a black and white book from an independent publisher as "mainstream" is fantastic and would not have been possible a few years ago. I have a lot of respect for what Oni Press has done. And for me, this is their flagship title.

The art always serves the story beautifully. Oni has a knack for pairing the story arcs with each successive artist in the most appropriate way. By no means do I want to undermine the significant contributions that a rotating cast of talented artists have brought to the book, but for me the real hook is Greg Rucka's writing. I'm really not one to make direct comparisons of work, particularly not cross-medium, but Rucka readily admits that BBC's The Sandbaggers served as some inspiration for the series. So my advice to you is that if you are a fan of books by John LeCarre, Tom Clancy, the little known works of Trevanian, or BBC's excellent MI-5 series, you risk failing. If you're not reading Q&C, you are failing to discover the most wonderfully taut, intense, developed, and enjoyable espionage work of our time.

Gail Simone provides one of the best introductions I have ever read, where she informs you of what Q&C is not. Let me tell you what it is. It's realistic. I get the impression that people really talk like this in these circles, that these incidents and conversations are really occurring out there somewhere and we're invited in to voyeuristically listen as a fly on the wall. It's unpredictable. Notice how for the last few arcs, the roster in the book housing the character profiles indicates that one or more are deceased. Anything can happen here. It's unapologetic. Every single character, no matter which side of the presented conflict they're on, is absolutely committed to their cause. They believe in it deeply and it drives their actions. It's smart. It doesn't insult your intelligence with expository dialogue or even bother to translate foreign languages for you. Rucka just lays it out there and assumes that the audience is intelligent enough and is interested enough to keep up. Thanks Greg. He knows that his partners are talented enough to tell the story graphically.

Operation Saddlebags chronicles an encounter with Tara's mom, further develops an already well rounded Nick Poole, and introduces the rookie Chris Lankford to the team. The scene with Ed Kittering's motorcycle helmet is heartbreaking, proving that Tara is capable of connecting with people under all her bravado and skill, but not capable of sharing or discussing the experience, even with family. While tailing a mark, we are reminded that real spy work is monotonous. It is often long periods of boredom followed by brief periods of sheer terror. Paul Crocker, Tara's boss, reminds us that real spy work is about using your brain. It's about rolling over data and information, evaluating it, reassessing it, executing against a plan, evaluating the outcome, reassessing, and executing again ad nauseum. When rookie Chris Lankford makes a mistake, Tara's reaction is a telling moment for her character arc. She knows the options that were available and berates Chris with the choices he failed to see. Tara makes Chris feel small. It's the same way Paul later makes Tara feel small. She didn't see the options, she didn't choose correctly. In my mind all of this serves a point.

And it's a point that this arc really hones in on. Tara is an outsider. Always. She is distant from everything in the world. She is an outsider to her mother's world of raucous behavior. She is an outsider to her friend's lavish, Euro-trash lifestyle. She is an outsider because her intellect and skill intimidates her peers and subordinates. She is an outsider from the world of her political superiors. She is unable to reconcile her life, even naked and alone in the shower, with water washing her body and soul, at the bottom of an alcohol-filled bottle. She's an outsider even in her own skin.

Don't miss the beautiful sketches by Mike Norton in the bonus section. If ever we were to cheat, Q&C would receive a 6 on our scale of 1 to 5, but we'll play fair... 5 Hijinx.

- Justin Giampaoli

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Justin Giampaoli reviews comics

Ultra #8
Image Comics
by Joshua & Jonathan Luna

It feels a little odd beginning the reviews section with the last issue of a mini-series, but this was a sleeper hit for me from Image Central (now relocated from Southern California to Berkeley) and I didn't want to miss the opportunity to recommend it to those that may have let it pass by. I really enjoyed this. Ultra creators, the Luna brothers, seemed to burst onto the scene from nowhere, but I'm not complaining. With another project already on deck titled Girls (due out in May), I think they'll be a force to be reckoned with. This series was just different. The Lunas have a good ear for plausible dialogue. The covers, emulating popular magazines and tabloids, were remarkable in terms of eye appeal. They really popped off the rack. The premise is that super powered beings are fairly common in society and they're run like corporations, with paychecks, bosses, and scheduled hours. The series centers on a trio of heroines who encounter a mysterious fortune teller on a whim. Events play out over the next 7 days as the trio of femmes grow and change. Relationships are the focus here, not necessarily battles with villains. Strong character development in a fully realized world. Beautifully muted colors awash in a sea of grays and brown earth tones setting a moody atmosphere. Picking up these 8 issues should be fairly easy for cover price or you can wait for the inevitable trade. Either way, checking this out is highly recommended. 4 out of 5 Hijinx.

Ex Machina #9
DC Comics, Wildstorm
by Brian K. Vaughan, Tony Harris, Tom Feister, and JD Mettler

Ex Machina is simply one of my favorite series coming out right now. The perfect balance of political drama, a slightly altered future post 9/11, and a very original costume design for what a real world hero with a technological focus might look like. This is "one of those books." I can give it to my dad, my wife, my sister, or my friends, and they'll enjoy it's rich intrigue whether comic folk or not. Ex Machina is consistently and thoroughly engaging, running the gamut of social issues such as mayoral responsibility, law enforcement challenges, civil rights of women and gays, and first amendment rights as applied to artistic expression. Fans of The West Wing, take note. The dialogue is a fun, witty banter that sounds pleasing to the ear. Vaughan employs a rhythm and cadence to the speech patterns that is reminiscent of Aaron Sorkin or David Mamet. The pencils of Tony Harris have never been better. He is a master of conveying emotion and meaning through facial expressions. Colorist JD Mettler deserves extra props for a beautiful palette. The series typically uses flashback sequences to fill in character motivations and general back story. The centerpieces in this issue focus on Mayor Hundred's right hand man who is potentially involved in a murder conspiracy. I also liked the realistic repercussions of a journalist that the Mayor briefly dated. This series is not to be missed and deserves our highest rating, 5 Hijinx.

Shaolin Cowboy #2
Burlyman Entertainment
by Geofrey Darrow & Peter Doherty

Young Avengers #2 Marvel Comics
by Allan Heinberg, Jim Cheung, and John Dell

Heinberg (hot off of The OC) joins the line of stars from other media sources now contributing strongly to comics, such as Greg Rucka, J. Michael Straczynski, and Brad Meltzer. The jury may still be out for a final verdict, but initial indications are favorable. Cheung is definitely on point with penciling chores, his style really seems to be peaking and developing distinct and recognizable traits. I love the costume design for Patriot. This book is full of cool characters and fun ambiguity in Hulkling's sexuality and possible relationship with the young Thor character. The introduction of Cassie Lang was a very nice touch, as was the appearance of The Vision, with a respectful nod to Bendis' Disassembled story. I've dug Kang since Avengers Forever. The Kang flashback sequence was a bit longwinded though and I might attribute this to Heinberg not yet finding his comic pace (as opposed to TV pacing). The creators seem to have potential that isn't yet fully dialed in. For now, Young Avengers strikes me as highly competent, but not terribly engaging. Not yet anyway. In my house, I generally have 3 piles of books. The "can't live without it" stack, the "still evaluating" stack, and the "give it away, don't want it" pile. This book sits squarely in the middle pile. I'm hoping for more, but for now, 3 Hijinx.

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new zoo reviews

Hey folks. Everyone knows I'm a lazy blogger, so I've enlisted a bit of help. Justin Giampaoli lives and works in the bay area, and is always trying to spread his love of comics around the internet. I'll keep posting his reviews until he stops sending them. Here's a special message from Justin:

Welcome to the Hijinx Comics review section! A few notes on the rating system:

I live and work in Silicon Valley, so the web tends to permeate everything I encounter. That said, I turned to dictionary.com for a definition of our namesake, which revealed the term "Hijinx" as "a noisy and mischievous merrymaking." There are several important concepts imbedded there, so let's discuss. Noisy. Yes. Noisy as in "let's draw attention to ourselves" and cast a light on the beloved medium of comic books. Let's attract new readers of any type, but particularly the traditionally under-represented women and children. Mischievous. Yes. As in playful, innocent, fun, and slightly devious. Devious in a classic sense, not in a malicious way. In a way that strays from the norm and explores new territory. In other words, adventurous. And finally, merrymaking. Yes! A festive revelry. Soulful. Meaningful. Bringing joy or emotion. Art.

Our classification system is therefore deeply rooted in Hijinx. Single issues of comics will receive a short paragraph or two. Trades, Graphic Novels, and the occasional run (multiple issues) of a series will receive a longer, more in depth analysis. They will both be assigned a score of 1 to 5 Hijinx. 1 Hijinx equating to an "F" grade, 2 Hijinx a "D," all the way to 5 Hijinx. Our highest grade. An "A." In short, the more Hijinx the better!

'll be using a few criteria as guidelines to generate the scores. They're in no particular order and not scientific, but they capture the essence of solid comic book development. 1) The Art. From pencils, to inks, to fully rendered panels with coloring and lettering. Craftsmanship and feel. Mood. 2) The Writing. Clear. Concise. Good storytelling. Well developed characters. Engaging. Original. 3) Overall Satisfaction. Consistent. Entertaining. Challenging. Setting a tone. Appeal to a comic fan. Appeal to a comic layman. 4) Delivering on a Promise. Does it achieve what it set out to do? In other words, I will not deduct points from Hero Bear & The Kid for failing to deliver a post modern deconstruction of the superhero archetype. It never promised me that. It did promise a fun, entertaining adventure for kids with nostalgic childhood appeal for adults and it delivered on that intent.

Welcome again to Hijinx Comics reviews. We're here all night.

Justin Giampaoli Hijinx Reviewer

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