Understanding Comics
Aug. 2nd, 2008 03:03 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
jakebe
I know that this journal has devolved into little more than exercise stats and comic reviews, and I promise I'll try to post something more substantial in the next few days. For now, I ask you guys to bear with me, because I want to talk about comic books just a little bit.
I've been a fan of comic books, off and on, since some genius thought up the Age of Apocalypse story, an absolute beast of a plot that turned eight different comics into a nightmarish, post-apocalyptic version of themselves for one glorious summer. I'd pick them up and take them to some remote corner, devour them whole, and think about the way each issue connected with the others to form a complete picture. I became fascinated with that form of episodic storytelling and how that worked.
Comics, to me, are an excellent medium for it. They can pack an awful lot of story into a very small amount of space; the way you can tell a story is remarkably efficient. Both words and pictures can rely on each other to fill in the gaps of either medium, and this can be used for incredible effect. You can tell, literally, any kind of story in any kind of setting, and if you know how to manipulate the medium you can do it in much shorter time than almost any other.
My tastes are pretty broad, but are concentrated in two specific areas right now: the straight-ahead superhero comic, and the quirky (but marketable!) fantasy. Most of my collection comes from one of two sources: Marvel or DC's Vertigo imprint. There's also smaller press stuff, from Image or Dynamite comics, perhaps.
Anyway, I'm writing reviews to get better at them, pure and simple. I like the idea of talking about something I enjoy in a way that *other* people enjoy. I like looking at the angles, taking apart the dialogue, the plot, the composition, offering theories on where the story will turn next. I'd like to be able to discuss comics as an unabashed, but somewhat intelligent, fanboy.
I think I have a long way to go with my writing before I hit upon a voice that's distinctive and interesting. That's what the practice is for, though! I figure if I do this enough, the kinks will be worked out and I'll evolve into a smoother, better writer. Of course, this means I'll need some of you to offer up advice or criticism. :)
Who would be interested in reading this stuff? I'd like to present the review for each issue so that you can get a basic grasp of what's happening (though it *would* be better if you read the comic) and jump in on the discussion with questions and theories of your own. It'd be best for the reviews themselves to be a springboard for more interactive discussion.
Does anyone read reviews? What are some of the trademarks of a good one? Who are your favorite reviewers? I'm a big fan of Roger Ebert, myself, and I have to admit a fondness for Television Without Pity sometimes. Rikoshi does a pretty good review of geeky television, and![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
entil2001 is my go-to guy for in-depth analysis of sci-fi/geek television shows. I'd love to be just like him when I grow up. :)
Here is my list of ongoing comics: if you folks are interested, would you be so kind as to tell me which ones you're particularly interested in? I'd like to get up to speed where I'm writing reviews for all of them; perhaps after a year or two I might have a good enough portfolio to apply for a position somewhere. Here's to hoping!
Astonishing X-Men. The old-school super-team, featuring Beast, Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm, Colossus and Emma Frost. They're carrying on the mission of Charles Xavier without him or the rest of the organized X-Men, in the wake of a devastating decimation of the mutant population. Written by Warren Ellis. Art by Simone Bianchi.
The Astounding Wolf-Man. Gary Hampton, a wealthy CEO, was bitten by a wolf during a camping trip. Of course, this means he's cursed with lycanthropy! A vampire named Zechariah helps him make lemonade out of lemons, by teaching him how to control his transformation and use his new-found powers to fight crime! Alas, as is usual with this stuff, all is not what it seems. Written by Robert Kirkman. Art by Jason Howard.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season 8. Based on the cult classic TV show, which features a pretty blond thing fighting demons and vampires, making a mess of her personal life, and getting by with a little help from her friends. Season 8 takes on the epic scope hinted at by the end of the series, with Buffy the messianic leader of a whole organization of grrrrls. Of course, greater good means bigger evils, so there's that to watch out for. Written by Joss Whedon and a crack team of helper monkeys. Art by various artists.
Elephantmen. This is a bit of a hidden gem. Sci-fi neo-noir featuring the interconnected stories of various human-animal hybrids who were bred for war, but are now trying to acclimate to civilian living. The main character, presumably, is a hippo and private detective named Hip Flask, but the supporting cast is rich and equally interesting. Written by Richard Starkings. Art by Moritat.
Fables. This is the best comic book in circulation today. Fable and fairy tale heroes exist, and are fighting a war against the Adversary, a totalitarian dictator who's forced them out of the Homelands. All of the old stories of might and magic are given a modern sensibility, and the mesh is something incredible and unique. Written by Bill Willingham. Art by various people.
House of Mystery. One of Vertigo's iconic titles, dusted off and brought back for another round. The comic tells two stories in one, essentially -- the tale of the mysterious house and a woman who's stumbled into it purely by accident, and a more self-contained story in every issue about the other folks trapped there. Written by Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges. Art by lots of different folks.
Hulk. After the Marvel event World War Hulk, Hulk was apparently booted off The Incredible Hulk (that title now belongs to Hercules -- don't ask, because I really don't know) and given this title. Trouble is, the title character *isn't* Bruce Banner. Who the heck is he? I'm not sure, but I'm sure we'll find out before too long. Written by Jeff Loeb. Art by Ed McGuinness.
Jack of Fables. A spinoff comic! Jack of the Tales from Fables gets his own title, which is a pretty awesome rogue's travelogue of mythical America. Themes and ideas cross between this title and the 'mothership', but this goes for the more humorous and adventurous spin. Consistently great issues. Written by Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges. Art by all kinds of great people!
Ultimate Spider-Man. The first comic under Marvel's Ultimate imprint, resetting the universe and updating it for the post-millenial audience. Really, it's also the best. We all know the story. Peter Parker, nerd and high school student, gets bitten by a radioactive spider and becomes a superhero. The small 'modern' touches are what really make this comic distinctive. Classic superhero stories mixed with wry pop commentary. You just can't lose here. Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Art by Stuart Immonen.
Young X-Men. In the wake of the the X-Men events Messiah Complex and Divided We Stand comes this title, featuring a completely new group of X-Men put together by Cyclops. The cast is mainly comprised of refugees from New X-Men and New Mutants, but don't let that sour you. Dust is a devout Muslim, Rockslide is an unmitigated asshole, and Wolf Cub is the kinda cool successor to Wolverine. Written by Marc Guggenheim. Art by Yanick Paquette.
Which sound most awesome to you? Are there any other comic books I should be picking up on a regular basis?
I've been a fan of comic books, off and on, since some genius thought up the Age of Apocalypse story, an absolute beast of a plot that turned eight different comics into a nightmarish, post-apocalyptic version of themselves for one glorious summer. I'd pick them up and take them to some remote corner, devour them whole, and think about the way each issue connected with the others to form a complete picture. I became fascinated with that form of episodic storytelling and how that worked.
Comics, to me, are an excellent medium for it. They can pack an awful lot of story into a very small amount of space; the way you can tell a story is remarkably efficient. Both words and pictures can rely on each other to fill in the gaps of either medium, and this can be used for incredible effect. You can tell, literally, any kind of story in any kind of setting, and if you know how to manipulate the medium you can do it in much shorter time than almost any other.
My tastes are pretty broad, but are concentrated in two specific areas right now: the straight-ahead superhero comic, and the quirky (but marketable!) fantasy. Most of my collection comes from one of two sources: Marvel or DC's Vertigo imprint. There's also smaller press stuff, from Image or Dynamite comics, perhaps.
Anyway, I'm writing reviews to get better at them, pure and simple. I like the idea of talking about something I enjoy in a way that *other* people enjoy. I like looking at the angles, taking apart the dialogue, the plot, the composition, offering theories on where the story will turn next. I'd like to be able to discuss comics as an unabashed, but somewhat intelligent, fanboy.
I think I have a long way to go with my writing before I hit upon a voice that's distinctive and interesting. That's what the practice is for, though! I figure if I do this enough, the kinks will be worked out and I'll evolve into a smoother, better writer. Of course, this means I'll need some of you to offer up advice or criticism. :)
Who would be interested in reading this stuff? I'd like to present the review for each issue so that you can get a basic grasp of what's happening (though it *would* be better if you read the comic) and jump in on the discussion with questions and theories of your own. It'd be best for the reviews themselves to be a springboard for more interactive discussion.
Does anyone read reviews? What are some of the trademarks of a good one? Who are your favorite reviewers? I'm a big fan of Roger Ebert, myself, and I have to admit a fondness for Television Without Pity sometimes. Rikoshi does a pretty good review of geeky television, and
entil2001 is my go-to guy for in-depth analysis of sci-fi/geek television shows. I'd love to be just like him when I grow up. :)Here is my list of ongoing comics: if you folks are interested, would you be so kind as to tell me which ones you're particularly interested in? I'd like to get up to speed where I'm writing reviews for all of them; perhaps after a year or two I might have a good enough portfolio to apply for a position somewhere. Here's to hoping!
Astonishing X-Men. The old-school super-team, featuring Beast, Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm, Colossus and Emma Frost. They're carrying on the mission of Charles Xavier without him or the rest of the organized X-Men, in the wake of a devastating decimation of the mutant population. Written by Warren Ellis. Art by Simone Bianchi.
The Astounding Wolf-Man. Gary Hampton, a wealthy CEO, was bitten by a wolf during a camping trip. Of course, this means he's cursed with lycanthropy! A vampire named Zechariah helps him make lemonade out of lemons, by teaching him how to control his transformation and use his new-found powers to fight crime! Alas, as is usual with this stuff, all is not what it seems. Written by Robert Kirkman. Art by Jason Howard.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season 8. Based on the cult classic TV show, which features a pretty blond thing fighting demons and vampires, making a mess of her personal life, and getting by with a little help from her friends. Season 8 takes on the epic scope hinted at by the end of the series, with Buffy the messianic leader of a whole organization of grrrrls. Of course, greater good means bigger evils, so there's that to watch out for. Written by Joss Whedon and a crack team of helper monkeys. Art by various artists.
Elephantmen. This is a bit of a hidden gem. Sci-fi neo-noir featuring the interconnected stories of various human-animal hybrids who were bred for war, but are now trying to acclimate to civilian living. The main character, presumably, is a hippo and private detective named Hip Flask, but the supporting cast is rich and equally interesting. Written by Richard Starkings. Art by Moritat.
Fables. This is the best comic book in circulation today. Fable and fairy tale heroes exist, and are fighting a war against the Adversary, a totalitarian dictator who's forced them out of the Homelands. All of the old stories of might and magic are given a modern sensibility, and the mesh is something incredible and unique. Written by Bill Willingham. Art by various people.
House of Mystery. One of Vertigo's iconic titles, dusted off and brought back for another round. The comic tells two stories in one, essentially -- the tale of the mysterious house and a woman who's stumbled into it purely by accident, and a more self-contained story in every issue about the other folks trapped there. Written by Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges. Art by lots of different folks.
Hulk. After the Marvel event World War Hulk, Hulk was apparently booted off The Incredible Hulk (that title now belongs to Hercules -- don't ask, because I really don't know) and given this title. Trouble is, the title character *isn't* Bruce Banner. Who the heck is he? I'm not sure, but I'm sure we'll find out before too long. Written by Jeff Loeb. Art by Ed McGuinness.
Jack of Fables. A spinoff comic! Jack of the Tales from Fables gets his own title, which is a pretty awesome rogue's travelogue of mythical America. Themes and ideas cross between this title and the 'mothership', but this goes for the more humorous and adventurous spin. Consistently great issues. Written by Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges. Art by all kinds of great people!
Ultimate Spider-Man. The first comic under Marvel's Ultimate imprint, resetting the universe and updating it for the post-millenial audience. Really, it's also the best. We all know the story. Peter Parker, nerd and high school student, gets bitten by a radioactive spider and becomes a superhero. The small 'modern' touches are what really make this comic distinctive. Classic superhero stories mixed with wry pop commentary. You just can't lose here. Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Art by Stuart Immonen.
Young X-Men. In the wake of the the X-Men events Messiah Complex and Divided We Stand comes this title, featuring a completely new group of X-Men put together by Cyclops. The cast is mainly comprised of refugees from New X-Men and New Mutants, but don't let that sour you. Dust is a devout Muslim, Rockslide is an unmitigated asshole, and Wolf Cub is the kinda cool successor to Wolverine. Written by Marc Guggenheim. Art by Yanick Paquette.
Which sound most awesome to you? Are there any other comic books I should be picking up on a regular basis?
