Is this thing on?
Howdy inter-webbers. I’m Matt Cohen… And I dig comics. Always have. In my twenty-three years on this spinning mud-ball we call Earth, I have read a lot of comic books. Like… a lot. Most Friday nights, when other kids my age could be found out running amok all over town, chances are I’d be huddled up in my bedroom, a stack of comics on the floor, a package of Dunkaroos in my hand and a Ghostbusters movie on the TV (I was really popular, in case you were wondering). Comics have grown with me, and I, in turn, have grown with them. They have, scarily enough, made me the man child I am today. And, I think its about time I gave back. Unfortunately (for you), the only thing I have to offer is my years of obsessive comic book knowledge, coupled with my own strange little slant on life. I hope what I have to say, is what you want to hear. If not, can you at least lie to me, to protect my very fragile ego?
If 2007 will be remembered as anything it will be as the year of the return to blockbuster event comic books. Both of the big two pumped out at least three different company spanning epics that lasted for months, and spun off into a seemingly endless (and possibly needless) amount of one shots and mini’s released each week, much to the dismay of Wednesday warriors the world over. Though the books sold like hotcakes, most fans were not thrilled with the final products. Not to say all the comics were disappointing. It was just that after so much hype and anticipation, it was very difficult to reach fans expectations. D.C seemed to fare a bit better then Marvel, who caught a tremendous amount of flak for the anti-climatic endings of both their Civil War and World War Hulk series. And even though Sinestro Corps, D.C’s answer to the intergalactic epic was a very enjoyable read, I think most of these events will be remembered as mediocre and way over hyped, at best. As far as the non event titles, each company put out a plethora of brand new minis, revamps and one shots. Some hit, some missed wide. 2007 also marked the return of a bizarre stable of characters at both companies. It was odd, and oddly great to read the comic book misadventures of Slap Stick, Howard The Duck, Captain Carrot, Rocket Raccoon, and Ambush Bug again. Not much of this matters now though, because 2007 is gone, and the show rolls on, but before we burn too much asphalt, lets take a peek at what we read in the year that was.
So, with that, lets make like bakers, and roll (I bet you didn’t see that coming) into 2007
Infinite Crisis (Infinite Variants): After Brad Meltzer’s brilliant “Identity Crisis†the writers of the follow-up series had some big shoes to fill into. In a decisive move to clean up the Multiverse continuity once and for all, Geoff Johns and the boys launched head first into a fairly basic series, when compared to the book it was following. Mired in plot holes and random explanations (the punch heard round the worlds), what was promised to be the event to end all events, quickly became a confusing exercise in continuity destruction. I don’t know about most fans, but it seems like to clear up the Multiverse “problems†the company had been facing for years, DC first made it more confusing then it ever had been. Most casual readers were immediately lost, and even the more die hard fans found the Crisis hard to follow. Yes, the ending did simplify the multiverse situation in many ways, but it also led readers to ask themselves if they would’ve rather had the multiverse done away with entirely. I think many would’ve preferred the latter. The event that kicked off all DC events in 07 may be remembered as the run that made DC reader friendly again. Or, it will be known as the turning point into a new era of confusion and seemingly random explanations. Only time will tell.
52 (X $3.50): In what will go down as one of the more ambitious (and financially fruitful) ideas in recent years, DC decided it was time to bring back the much loved and sometime lauded, weekly series. With a writing staff compiled by some of DC’s most talented, and most popular artists, and a storyline full of b listers and characters yet to get their time in the spotlight, 52 was a gamble, both artistically and financially. What really made this series stand out from the rest of the other events this year, was its emphasis on characters, which historically have been relegated to sidekicks, or in a rogue capacity. Readers got the chance to know characters that went unnoticed for years and many fans found themselves with new favorites due to this, such as Steel, Sobek (my personal fave) Black Adam, and the late great Ralph Dibny. . With any series that runs 52 issues, pacing will always become a problem, as it was for 52, time and again. With a book released every week, it’s hard to solidify a tone for the work, and with 52, this unfortunately proved to be one of the series biggest downfalls. Individually the issues are all right, but read together as one work 52 comes of disjointed and extremely scattered. (Mr. Mind equals comic book greatness, though, so two kudos for that DC… The most evil villian in the DC universe… is a be-spectacled caterpillar. And they said stoners can’t write comics.)
Countdown (to the next event): Could DC catch lightning twice in the same bottle. After the tremendous sales of 52, of course another weekly was a logical choice from the company. Unfortunately, the new series lacks what made 52 so much fun. Primarily, the characters. With the focus of Countdown on a rag tag group of Multiverse dodgers (Jason Todd, Kyle Rainer and Donna Troy) most other characters are left in the way side, especially Forerunner, the character created exclusively for Countdown. Whereas 52 was made of sub stories that fit together in an overall scheme, Countdown’s sole purpose it seems, was to rediscover Ray Palmer (formally The Atom,). So much time is spent searching for Ray Palmer, so many near misses and close calls, that by the time he’s actually found, I couldn’t really care less and I doubt other readers were very excited by it either. Another interesting idea that never seemed to pan out was Jimmy Olsen’s “Action Man†storyline. After Olsen spent so many years on the sideline though, it doesn’t matter what kind of powers you give him, he still comes off as goofy and incompetent as ever. Marvel seems to be continuing this trend with long time also ran, Rick Jones, taking on the mantle of Hulk (Red Hulk). If Snapper Carr becomes a hero I may quit. Apart from the Trickster/Piper subplot, which was immensely entertaining, all in all a pretty forgettable series that led to a mind-numbing amount of spin offs each week. With the nature of these events, many fans felt the need to purchase all tie in books, as to really get a complete look at the story. With Final Countdown looming near, DC better raise the stakes and focus more on “important†characters and plot lines, lest leave fans with another lackluster event. (Oh, and if Kamandi is not involved somehow, Dan Didio and Paul Levitz will be hearing from my lawyer… Well, Id have to get a lawyer first, but as soon as that was done, believe you me, DC’s gonna be in a world of hurt).
Sinestro Corps (Green Lanterns 2: Blackest Night Bugaloo): 3 words… 3 little words single handedly made me interested in all things Lantern again. “Lethal Force Activated”. And with that, the war to end all wars had begun, as had the best event of the year. As of recent times, the GL books had grown stagnant in my opinion. There were just too many lanterns, not enough action and not enough cohesiveness between issues and series. Sinestro Corps did away with all that. Raise the stakes, throw in every Lantern we’ve ever seen and raise the body count level to one rarely seen in mainstream comic books. It was a recipe for success. Sinestro Corps managed to make its namesake, Sinestro, one of the most feared and prominent baddies in comics again, a position he had not held for a long time. Fan favorites like Kilowag and Mogo were present, and enjoyed, as always, but another one of Sinestro Corps great qualities is that it also managed to bring new life to what has been a pretty stagnant GL four (Jordan, Rayner, Stewart, Gardner), in particular John Stewart, who finally seems to have come into his own, and displaced the stigma of being a fourth rate lantern, or as many critics have asserted “The token Black Lanternâ€. Possibly the most exciting thing to come out of the series, is the hint that comic fans will soon see Alan Moore’s fateful prophecy, “Blackest Night†become a reality. There is no better time to be a Lantern fan then right now, and if fans have dropped any GL titles recently, I suggest they remedy that situation immediately, lest miss out on the all the fun.
Sinestro’s ultimate S+M fantasy, finally becomes a reality
Best of the Rest
Detective Comics: QSE’s very own Paul Dini finally got a chance to write an ongoing series this year, and hits a home run first time up at bat. The fully contained, one issue archs, allow Dini to worry less about continuity and cannon, and more about content and fun. Striking art by Wayne Kramer also helps to keep the book fresh. If the current issue doesn’t strike your fancy, fans know that in only four weeks, they’ll be introduced to a brand new adventure, one that can be read, enjoyed, and in a rare but I think important aspect of comics, forgotten. These are stories that will never lose their appeal, regardless of the current state of Bat Affairs.
Booster Gold: Skeets is, in my not so humble opinion, the greatest sidekick in comic history. Lets just get that out of the way. I would’ve fully supported a Skeets title, and most likely, it would’ve wound up here anyway, so the inclusion (and reintroduction) of Booster Gold, back into the DC universe, was just icing on the cake. All jokes aside, this series is fantastic. In each issue, Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz bring Booster and Co. to another famous story in DC lore, everything from “Killing Joke†to “Identity Crisis†– something the Countdown spin off “Search for Ray Palmer†tried to do as well, but couldn’t measure up to in quality. With the series restarting at #0 with the reintroduction of “Blue and Gold†(a brilliant idea), I think this will be a book to read for a very long time.
Honorable Mentions: Shadowpact, Shazam and the Monster Society of Evil, Salvation Run, Infinite Halloween Special
Civil War (Or Tony Stark is an A-Hole): Who’s side were you on? But more importantly, did any side really win? What was billed as Marvels biggest event since Secret Wars, turned out to be the main even of what was already an event filled summer. Cap vs. Iron Man. Hero vs. Hero. The Marvel universe as we knew it was going to be torn apart. Starting with the Stanford explosion and continuing into almost every mainstream Marvel title available. With after effects as far reaching as Civil War’s were, I think it’d be better to break down my feelings into positive and negative.
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PRO
The Creation of Penance: Speedball (Robbie Williams) has quickly become an awesome, psychotic, deadly new character, an archetype Marvel seems to be able to get right more then its competitors. With obvious shades of the albino Opus Dei member, Silas, from “The Da Vinci Codeâ€, Robbie Wilson, former New Outlaw and current Thunderbolt, would never be the same. And I personally, am glad for that. Penance is currently one of the most “hardcore†characters in the Marvel arsenal. Even on the Thunderbolts, a team assembled of madmen and killers, Penance’s predilection for pain and torment make him stand out from the rest. This is definitely a character to watch in the near future.
Sure, sure, we know… You cut to feel. Crazy emo kids.Bucky Reborn: Who would’ve thought Cap’s diminutive sidekick would be one of the most vicious and frankly, badass characters the Marvel Universe has seen in a long time. Remove all former traces of his previous life, add in some guns and knives, factor in some post resurrection craziness, and you’ve got the new Bucky Barnes (or Captain America, if you will). If anyone is more appropriate to take over the mantle of the New Cap, the Captain for the modern age we live in, then I cant think of him or her. Yes, its a bit of a trade off, seeing as Steve Rogers had to die, for this new version of Bucky to exist, and yes, in the scheme of things there will always only be one true Cap, but I think this current Bucky is breathing new life into what had become a stagnant Marvel Universe. Now, with the shield en tow, Bucky stands high above the Marvel heap, and I think its a fitting place for him to be.
CON
The Death of Steve Rogers: Did we really need this? Time and time again, the big “Deaths†have been more about comic sales then creative integrity. Most famously, Superman Doomdsay, left fans disappointed and feeling more like walking dollar signs than loyal readers. This time up was Marvel heavy hitter Steve Rogers, the figurehead of all things Marvel. Steve had for years, been the most cookie cutter hero in comics, and unfortunately for this reason, (just like in early 90’s Super books) became extremely boring to read about. That all changed in the past few years, with Ed Brubaker’s great run on Captain America. For the first time in decades, Steve was cool again. So what did the higher ups at Marvel decide to do? I think we all know…. And none of us cared. As stated above, the one positive thing to come from Steve’s death is Bucky’s ascension to hero, but even that is not enough to make this death a memorable plot point, as opposed to a marketing stunt.
The Mighty Avengers: Dare I say, the most unlikable hero team in comic book history. I don’t know if every fan is as low on all things Stark related right now as I am, but his new team certainly doesn’t help that negative image. With the exception of Carol Danvers, who is always a likable character, there’s honestly not one compelling or fan friendly member of the group. Ares, in particular, makes me cringe every time he appears on-panel. I once was a great fan of Bendis, but I think overextending himself has really begun to catch up with him. And the thought bubbles, though pretty clever in concept, are extremely confusing, poorly executed, and detract from the reading experience in my opinion. This book, along with the Initiative titles, are unfortunately, the mediocre fallout of Civil War’s mediocre resolution.
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World War Hulk (Green Gamma Guy Goes Gaga): Puny humans shoot Hulk into Space… Hulk fight war.. Hulk become king. Hulk fall in love, have family. Puny Humans blow up Hulks planet. Hulk Pissed. Marvel had launched into its big follow-up to Civil War. And part of World War Hulks ultimate failure may be due to its close proximity in release to Civil War. After months of “blockbuster†events books, World War Hulk couldn’t raise the stakes in terms of scope or scale. It’s like the sequel rule. Most follow-ups should elevate and heighten. World War Hulk is almost a watered down version of Civil War, in terms of stakes and company wide ramifications. I think Marvel readers were tired of this; “All or Nothing†attitude this summer, and it shows when you ask fans what they thought of World War Hulk. Most will echo the same sentiment. Over-hyped, under-developed, and mostly disappointing. Continuing this trend, Marvel has relaunched their seminal goon, this time, with Red skin. This color change doesn’t fool me, and I doubt it fools the rest of the fans. New color does not equal new direction for the series. This isn’t the early nineties. You cant wow em’ with holo-foil or a die-cut cover anymore, and a marketing stunt like green to red isn’t gonna do much either. On the plus side though, WWH did lead to The Incredible Herc, which I’m enjoying quite a bit. So, swings and roundabouts, folks.
“Miek wishes Miek was in The Exterminators…”
Annihilation (Big Trouble in Outer Space): With the exception of Nova and Drax, I was extremely bored by this series. Starting with a ridiculous and non threatening bad guy and going downhill from there, Marvels attempt to bring fans back to their cosmic stable of books, failed pretty miserably overall. This series had too many spin-offs each week, too many characters and almost no direct relation to the rest of the goings on in the Marvel Universe. With the stakes this low, and sales to match, Annihilation will be looked on as the mini event that couldn’t. A truly forgettable series.
Best of the Rest
Nova: Richard Ryder is a pimp. A few fans have known this for years, but it wasn’t until Nova’s re-launch did readers rediscover everyone’s favorite space cop with an attitude. Stricken with the deadly Worldmind virus, Ryder finds himself alone (with the exception of WorldMind, Marvel’s answer to Skeets), ravaged by a virus he cannot control, and basically free floating in deep outer space. Through this adversity, Ryder has “found himself†and the self that he found, just happens to be a colossal badass. This is the one Marvel book set in space that really connects with me. I could care less about Star Lord, and I personally thought Annihilation was more then enough, and don’t feel the need to read the current “Conquest” storyline. Nova, however, is a book I really enjoy reading each month.It doesn’t matter that it plays like a sidepiece to the rest of the Marvel comics, because the book itself is great in a standalone nature. I hope an inevitable staff change doesn’t alter the current course this book is running on, because its honestly one of the Marvel comics I enjoy reading the most.
X-Factor: In what may be Peter David’s finest work in years, the folks of X-Factor Investigations, have become cool again. With film noir plotting, and beautiful artwork by, Madrox and the gang has been brought to the forefront of the Marvel Universe once again, and it’s a role many fans are glad to have them in. Since its conception in, the various X-Factor teams have never really found their role amongst the other heavy hitters. Always more of an X-Men B team then anything else. With this run David has managed to include the X-Factor in the big events, without them losing their individual voice and team personality. I think this is a title that will remain strong for a while to come. Add it to your pull list. I know stuff….
Honorable Mentions: NextWave:Agents of H.A.T.E, Marvel Zombies, X-Men First Class, ______ & Deadpool, Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius, The Dark Tower:The Gunslinger Born
NextWave: The most fun someone can legally have with a crayon.
Indie Report: A look at the best books the “Other” guys had to offer
Mike Mignola: Mignola took a side seat this year, mostly staying in a co writing capacity, but that doesn’t mean the house that Mike built wasn’t churning out great books every month. “Darkness Falls†Hellboy’s first foray into comics in about three years, was a very good read, which helped to expound on Hellboy’s intriguing mythology. Duncan Fegredo took over the reigns of art, the first time someone but Mike has drawn HB on the run, and his work is similar enough to Mignola’s, and yet spectacular in its own right. On the B.P.R.D front, Guy Davis and Jon Arcudi keep putting out great stuff, particularly building Ape Sapiens back story, which timing couldn’t work out better for, since Abe is getting his first solo mini next month. Lobster Johnson’s first solo mini was great as well, very Mignola, very 20’s, very visual, very fitting for the man with the claw.
The Goon: Eric Powell’s zombie noir masterpiece was back in full effect this year. The Goon, with all his lack of flair and flavor, has quickly solidified himself as one of the best and most interesting characters in comicdom. Goon doest need powers, or flashy weapons. Hes got his fists and Frankie, which is enough for him. This, month after month, is one of the down right funniest books published by any company. Powell has nailed a style of humor for this comic, and it’s truly a pleasure to be able to read a book that knows so well what it is trying to be. Particularly the arc “Chinatown†was a fantastic read this year; in fact, the trade outsold single Goon issues by far. Dark Horse is the undisputed leader for gritty, funny, different, non-super books, and The Goon is a great running mate to President Hellboy.
Mickey Rourke, keep your work calendar clear (As if that was difficult to do).
Usagi Yojimbo: Stan Sakai’s samurai road story is in its 23rd year of publication (same as your not so humble columnist) and shows no signs of getting stale. Usagi is a fairly straightforward book, something refreshing in the age of crisis and crossover. Usagi Yojimbo, is, and always will be, a samurai comic. Actually, it may be the only mainstream comic book to ever pick a genre and stick with it over decades. Usagi has never strayed into crossovers (unless you count Space Usagi on the TMNT cartoon, which was ten kinds of awesome), never “put down his sword and picked up a gunâ€. In a world of anti-heroes, Usagi may be the most pure and noble character in comics. With twenty years plus of back-story to draw on, every issue of Usagi feels like revisiting old friends. I can’t help but smile when I see Gen, or Spot, or (my personal late, favorite) Zato-Oinko. This book feels like a loyal pal, who never lets you down, and stops by for a visit about once a month. Who would’ve thought a comic book about a samurai rabbit and his various animal pals, would last two decades and make Stan Sakai comic book royalty? I think Sakai san may have had an idea. And the world of comic fans are richer for it.
The Exterminators: Where the hell did this book come from? And what did I do before I found it? I love this freaking comic. Simon Oliver’s gross-out epic is in its second year of publication, and the books have only been getting better and more bizarre. This title is more MAX, then any MAX imprint book could ever hope to be. This one isn’t for kids. This is adult storytelling at its best. Vertigo has proven itself to be the premier imprint for cutting edge “dangerous†storytelling, and Exterminators sits pretty at the top of that illustrious heap. The tales of the boys at “Bug Bee Gone†are funny, disgusting, and eerily disturbing sometimes. Exterminators is not a superhero book, or a book like any other comic fans have read. . Since its inception, Exterminators has stuck to an ongoing arch that draws fans deeper into the mythology each month and with art work by Tony Moore, which rivals his early Walking Dead art, this is a book that will remain “Must Read†until the fine folks at Vertigo decide (insanely) to stop publishing it.
Honorable Mentions: The Mice Templar, Archenemies, Craig and Todd’s The Perhapnauts, Groo: Hell on Earth
And last, but certainly not least,
OVERALL COMIC BOOK OF THE YEAR
Visual drum roll please……….
Fables: Bill Willingham, I bow down to you sir. Every single issue of this book so far has been near perfect. The book is genius, the art, the writing, and the entire experience. Fables, is a rare piece of art, something that comes along only a few times in ones life. A work, where every single component comes together seamlessly, to create a comic book that is more then any superhero book can possibly offer these days. With the creation of Bigby Wolf and gang, Willingham has brought to life characters and stories that will stay in the popular consciousness for a long time to come. Read in single issues, or solely in trades, I cannot think of a more enriching and down right brilliant comic book as Fables. Willingham takes a page out of Alan Moore’s (the single greatest comic book writer of all time, in my not so humble opinion) playbook, and populates his book with characters from literature and popular culture, an act that immediately draws fans to certain characters, ones they’ve known and enjoyed since they were children. There is no getting to know you period with Fables. Willigham builds on our imagination and memories, and it never feels false or put upon for a moment. This is the logical path for these characters. What would our favorite fairy tale folks do if confronted with the modern world? Willingham answers this question each issue, and then some. The only continuity a fan might have to worry themselves about, is if they’re caught up on all their childhood fairy tales. No prior comic book knowledge required. And this is the reason I think Fables is such a great introductory read to non-Comic fans. Its not threatening, not “geek†inclusive like some other books, just a purely enjoyable, timeless read. Fables is simply, one of the greatest comic books ever written, and if you haven’t experienced it yet, its time to.Now, on to the glitz and glamor that makes comic books what they are,
First Annual Paper Cut Awards: Awarding excellence in comics since this sentence was typed
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Best comic (Ongoing):Fables
Runner Up: Detective Comics
Best comic (Mini or Cancelled): NextWave: Agents of H.A.T.E
Runner Up: Shazam and the Monster Society of Evil
Best graphic novel: League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Black Dossier
Runner Up: Heroes:Volume One
Best writer: Bill Willingham (Fables, Jack of Fables, Shadowpact)
Runner Up: Brian K. Vaughan (Dr. Strange: The Oath, Ex Machina, Y The last man)
Best artist: Andy Kubert (Batman)
Runner Up: Jae Lee (Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born)
Best event: Sinestro Corps
Runner Up: 52
Best one shot: DCU Infinite Halloween Special
Runner Up: Deadpool/Great Lakes Initiative Summer Fun Spectacular
Best new character: Penance (Thunderbolts)
Runner Up: Warpath (X-Force)
Best comic book merchandise: Bigby Wolf and Snow White statue (D.C Direct)
Runner Up: Sinestro Corps T-Shirt (Graphitti Designs)
“In blackest day, in brightest night, in a soft, durable cotton weave…”
Lifetime achievement award: Peter David (X-Factor, Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born)
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Well, thats it for funny books. Check back next week for Part 2 of “Is This Thing On?” when I take a look back at the year in Comedy… All the people and shows that made you laugh, cry, and then laugh while crying. (I bet that second Comics in the title of this column is beginning to make more sense now).
So keep it tuned. And, as always,
“Keep em’ bagged and boarded.”
–Matt Cohen is currently writing “Kara Zor-El Cohen†in magic marker all over his spiral notebooks.
Comments: 10 Comments
10 Responses to “Comics & Comics: Is This Thing On? Part 1”Leave a Reply |
February 8th, 2008 at 2:33 am
Hey Matt,
I’m not much of a comic girl, but that was a great read. Keep up the good work!
February 8th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Good on ya Matt!
Looks like I ddin’t get ‘firsties,” but enjoyed the read very much anyway.
Keep up the good work.
February 8th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Nice job Matt! As a casual comics fan, I appreciate your detailed reviews and recommendations. Keep up the great work.
February 8th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Thanks for the nice comments concerning Stan Sakai and Usagi Yojimbo, especially the one about Zato-Oinko. 🙂
February 8th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Oh, and Winter Solider (Bucky) wasn’t out of Civil War, that was happening in the Captain America title, well before the SHRA. Do some research next time! 🙂
February 8th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Ah, Jesse, but without Civil War and the events that transpired from it, Cap would’ve never bit the bucket , therefore Bucky would’ve never taken on the shield and stripes. Winter Soldier was badass, but Winter Captain is too cool for school.
February 9th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Good work. An entertaining run down of the year’s best in comics, good choices, well played sir.
February 10th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
ACTUALLY, Brubaker was planning on killing Cap from the very beginning, and delayed the story to allow for Civil War to take place.
Also: Andy Kubert? Really? wow.
February 11th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Yup, Sinestro Corps was easily the best event of last year. Easily.
February 11th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Nice add to the Quick. I liked your list but there is something missing. IMHO of the best comics published the last year. The run of Darwyn Cooke at the return of The Spirit.