the stuff inside my head that must get out
archives
Thu, 04 Aug 2005
A couple of days ago my dog was hit by a car and killed. I had a dream about him last night where he was alive and happy and had somehow cheated death. I think that's how I'll try to remember him. Anyone who ever met him loved him, and he was the sweetest, most gentle dog I've ever known. I'll miss him a lot.
Justin G. and the comics factory
Ex Machina #13
DC, Wildstorm
I'm so happy that this book won an Eisner for Best New Series and Best Writer (for Vaughan) at the recent San Diego Con, hopefully generating more buzz and sales ensuring it will be around for a long time. Vaughan's ear for dialogue, crafting of interesting plots, and unique characterization continues to impress. Some may question the plausibility of the Mayor of NYC actually making it past the voir dire phase of jury selection, but suspending that disbelief aside, this is a rockin' book. Top-of-his-game pencils from Tonny Harris and beautiful coloring and panel rendering. Also some interesting commentary on the industry embedded here with the comic shop, Clark Kent style reporter, and some of the archetypes of the supporting characters going against type. Anxiously anticipating the wrap up of this 3-issue arc with The Automaton. Grade A.
Astonishing X-Men #11
Marvel
I've said it before and I'll say it again. This is the absolute best and only X-Men comic I've bought and thoroughly enjoyed for at least the last 10 years. Cassaday's pencils are their usual hauntingly beautiful selves, and we must mention the brilliant coloring of Laura Martin. The amber and violet hues in a devastated Genosha cityscape and the subtle striations in the X-costumes are a sight to see. The overall plotting, dialogue, humor, and personal relationships (Kitty and Peter!) are wonderfully presented by Whedon. Grade A.
JSA Classified #1
DC
The long awaited origin story of Power Girl finally arrives and there is some really entertaining stuff here. Johns pulled off a real dichotomy of tone. There are some hilarious and fun beats and there are also some very insightful and introspective remarks in the narrative. Dig the cover logo. I dig that Power Girl is not presented as a dimwitted blonde bombshell here, but she is very self-aware regarding her looks, abilities, and how to play those strengths against the perceptions of others. Amanda Conner's pencils are amazingly strong here, the looks of some of the JSA members (Dr. Mid-Nite, Sand, and Stargirl to name just a few) and particularly the Legionnaires are breathtaking. I haven't seen a cuter rendition of Saturn Girl. Continuity-laden, but not inaccessible. Johns has a knack for "cleaning up" projects like this, so I'n on board Grade B+.
Conan #18
Dark Horse
The boys at "Cheval Noir" sure know what they're doing with this title. Allowing Cary Nord some space to get ahead on the art chores, they enlist veteran and top end talent like John Severin and Bruce Timm for the fill-in issues so they don't even feel like fill-ins, are portrayed as special treats. The two for one approach with the comical back up story was quite a riot also. Pleased to see that a second hardcover was recently solicited. This issue also solidly delivers a wonderfully thoughtful letters column. Grade B+.
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