the stuff inside my head that must get out
archives
Thu, 23 Jun 2005
"City Hideout," from Dutch design studio OOOMS, is a portable temporary dwelling made to fit one seated adult. The collapsable metal box resembles the kind of streetside sheds that commonly house electrical devices such as streetlight controls, new-age parking meters, and small generators. The hideout can be easily assembled on any corner or rooftop as the ultimate urban camouflage. I saw this on boingboing.
Justin G reads too many comics
Hellboy: The Island #1 (of 2)
Dark Horse Comics
I have really enjoyed the various BPRD series, but it's quite a treat to see Mike Mignola return to author and pencil his creation that started it all. The often teased "next chapter" in Hellboy's life seems to be gearing up here after his two year long slumber at the bottom of the ocean. Impressively open and expansive panels with a nice yellow wash. I'm assuming that the next Hellboy trade will collect "The Third Wish" story arc along with this two issue tale of "The Island" which begs the question, will the Hellboy shorts from the Dark Horse Books of the Dead, Witchcraft, etc. ever be collected anywhere? Grade A.
Conan #17
Dark Horse Comics
Not much to say here except that Conan is just good comics. Barbaric cunning, thievery, flirtation, and fighting. Busiek has the "sound" of Conan down pat and Cary Nord's art is stunning. As the beginning of the "City of Thieves" arc, this is a great jumping on point for new readers. Grade B.
Queen & Country Declassified: Volume 3 #1 (of 3)
Oni Press
Whew! That title is a mouthful, which is a nice segue to my main concern. And let me say that I am deeply concerned for my favorite title. Queen & Country is now chronically late, I don't remember where the last issue of the main series left off and there doesn't seem to be any hope on the horizon for when the next ish is due out. This is now the third spin-off series, the second of which is also very late and lingers unresolved. Rumors of movie deals and more novels abound. This issue marks the first in the title's history not written by master scribe Greg Rucka. Nick Poole, a second tier character at best, is supposedly the headliner of this spin-off, yet is hardly seen at all. No complaints on the art as fans have all grown accustomed to the wildy different styles of the rotating artists. On the writing front, I didn't feel very engaged by the story or any of these characters, which was further hindered by the lack of the usual roster page. What's going on here guys? Let's get Q&C back on track with some focus. Grade B-.
Shaolin Cowboy #3
Burlyman Entertainment
I'm almost speechless, this is simply breathtaking. Darrow's detailed and eclectic style is an absolute joy to wander through and find little hidden gems. I so look forward to this book, which is really picking up steam and not losing a bit of quality along the way. Buy it today. It's guaranteed fun. Grade A+.
Supreme Power #17
Marvel Comics, MAX
This series is the most intelligent analysis of the superhero paradigm that I've seen since Watchmen. Yeah, it's that good. Flawless execution of writing, penciling, inking, coloring, and a general sense of dramatic plausability. This book has tremendous attitude and a dark tone, yet is simultaneously thoughtful and insightful with a twinge of hope. Probably my favorite Marvel Comic in the last 10 years. Grade A+.
Girls #2
Image Comics
My fault for missing the first issue and not knowing what's going on here, but... I don't know what's going on here. And shouldn't the mark of a good comic be that it passes the test of "any issue of any series could be somebody's first and should thus be accessible?" That aside, I do have a general concern with this series based solely on what I've seen here. I'm really not digging the nudity. Surprising, I know. But it just seems so intentionally unrevealing. As if the figures are deliberately drawn so that an out of place wisp of air or oddly posed arm will cover up a nipple or some razzle dazzle. It's distracting. Either keep it PG or go straight for the R, this in between pseudo-titillation is not clicking. However... based on the stregnth of their Ultra series, I will bear with the Luna brothers and see what happens here. Grade C.
Ultimate Fantastic Four #20
Marvel Comics
After some hiccups last issue, we're back on track here. Characterization? Check. Humor? Check. Action? Check. Creepy Villain? Check. Mining past continuity with a modern twist? Check. Big brother Dan here at Hijinx totally called this one a couple weeks ago; Ultimate Mad Thinker, complete with Android! All in all, a fun little arc from Mike Carey and Jae Lee. They absolutely pulled this one out. Grade B+.
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