Batman #634 is a stand-alone issue that serves as an epilogue to War Games. Writer Andersen Gabrych (at least I think he is the writer, the cover and the title page disagree about the creators on this issue) has written a reflective tale in which Batman and friends take a little time to ponder about recent events. People have died. Both Batman and Nightwing are carrying responsibility for those deaths. This book takes a look at how both men handle that responsibility.
In this issue, Batman also has to learn how to live with a new status quo. He has become an outlaw in Gotham City, with the police ordered to shoot him on sight. It isn't much of a spoiler to say that Bats isn't about to let that slow him down, but it does present some new challenges for the Dark Knight, and gives him another reason to take a hard look at his part in the War Games.
If you read War Games you absolutely shouldn't miss this issue. If you didn't follow War Games this issue stands just fine on its own and gives you a glimpse into what makes Batman BE Batman. (Of course, it would be even better if Bats drank enough bourbon to go on a Tony Stark style bender, but you can't have everything.) So check out Batman #634, it is guaranteed this week at Four Color Fantasies! (Bourbon not included.)
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
A Serious Take: Space Ghost #1
When you hear the name Space Ghost, many of you probably think of the hilarious, self-absorbed doofus who hosts "Space Ghost: Coast to Coast" on the Cartoon Network. You know, Tad Ghostal. The Space Ghost who is the star of DC Comics new Space Ghost limited series is definitely NOT that Space Ghost. He is also NOT the cheesy old cartoon character who ran around with a couple of silly Wonder Twins wannabees and Blip the space monkey. This is Space Ghost as you have never seen him before.
Space Ghost #1 introduces readers to the man who is destined to become Space Ghost. He is Thaddeus Bach, a by-the-book Peacekeeper and defender of galactic justice. He is also a happy family man, about to be a father. He strives to earn the honor of joining the most elite upper ranks of the Peacekeepers-the Eidolon. In the first issue, Thaddeus gets his wish and things REALLY go downhill from there.
Joe Kelly's story is anything but the kind of campy cheese you might expect from a comic called "Space Ghost." This is the beginning of what seems to be a grim and gritty sci-fi saga about a hero's quest for justice and probably a bit of revenge. (At least, I HOPE he gets some revenge.)
The art by Ariel Olivetti is also excellent. He brings an amazing amount of realism to the alien worlds and alien evil-doers in Space Ghost's universe. The character designs make a few nods to "Space Ghosts" of the past, and Alex Toth is credited as the original designer of the ghostly one, but Olivetti manages to tip his hat to the past while bringing a modern, cutting-edge look to the proceedings.
So, if you were hoping that you would read about Space Ghost zapping Zorak with a spank-ray after a Donnie Osmond interview, you may be disappointed. If, however, you are looking for a an epic sci-fi hero, you will love Space Ghost #1. It has a great story with great art, and a whole bunch of mean alien dudes. Give it a try! You can't lose, 'cause it's guaranteed.
Space Ghost #1 introduces readers to the man who is destined to become Space Ghost. He is Thaddeus Bach, a by-the-book Peacekeeper and defender of galactic justice. He is also a happy family man, about to be a father. He strives to earn the honor of joining the most elite upper ranks of the Peacekeepers-the Eidolon. In the first issue, Thaddeus gets his wish and things REALLY go downhill from there.
Joe Kelly's story is anything but the kind of campy cheese you might expect from a comic called "Space Ghost." This is the beginning of what seems to be a grim and gritty sci-fi saga about a hero's quest for justice and probably a bit of revenge. (At least, I HOPE he gets some revenge.)
The art by Ariel Olivetti is also excellent. He brings an amazing amount of realism to the alien worlds and alien evil-doers in Space Ghost's universe. The character designs make a few nods to "Space Ghosts" of the past, and Alex Toth is credited as the original designer of the ghostly one, but Olivetti manages to tip his hat to the past while bringing a modern, cutting-edge look to the proceedings.
So, if you were hoping that you would read about Space Ghost zapping Zorak with a spank-ray after a Donnie Osmond interview, you may be disappointed. If, however, you are looking for a an epic sci-fi hero, you will love Space Ghost #1. It has a great story with great art, and a whole bunch of mean alien dudes. Give it a try! You can't lose, 'cause it's guaranteed.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
New Origin, New Look, Great Result: Iron Man #1
Warren Ellis just can't be stopped! You need higher math just to calculate how many comics this guy is writing. Not only does he just keep writing, he somehow keeps writing good books. Maybe he doesn't sleep. The latest book from the unstoppable writing juggernaut that is Ellis, is also a new relaunch from Marvel-Iron Man #1.
I have to admit up front that Tony Stark, AKA Iron Man, is not a character that I have enjoyed in the past. Tony is kind of a messed up guy. Between the drinking problems, the string of disastrous relationships, the weapons dealing, and the cheesy moustache, he can be pretty hard to love. However, Ellis' new take on Iron Man is off to an excellent start. Tony is still the same difficult character, but this first issue really takes the opportunity to use his flaws and make him interesting.
Tony Stark is clearly as conflicted about himself as readers may be. He looks in the mirror and doesn't seem very comfortable with what he sees. Stark's difficult side shows in his funny-but-sarcastic exchanges with his secretary and a very revealing interview with a Michael Moore-style journalist in this issue. (Longtime Iron Man fans be warned-this story substantially updates Iron Man's origin. He is a product of the first Gulf War, not Viet Nam.)
I really can't discuss this book without mentioning the gorgeous art by Adi Granov. The characters are incredibly lifelike, they really "act" and emote on the page. The latest design take on the Iron Man armor is sleek and cool, and it looks great in action. I suspect that there is some CG component to the art in this book, which is entirely appropriate for Marvel's most high-tech hero. Tony's moustache doesn't even seem so cheesy anymore.
If you like high-tech heroes, with just a taste of real-world politics, and pretty, shiny pictures, you will love Marvel's new Iron Man #1. There is no excuse to miss this new series, since it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week! Besides, with the whole Avengers Disassembled thing, and losing his cushy government job, Tony could really use a break.
I have to admit up front that Tony Stark, AKA Iron Man, is not a character that I have enjoyed in the past. Tony is kind of a messed up guy. Between the drinking problems, the string of disastrous relationships, the weapons dealing, and the cheesy moustache, he can be pretty hard to love. However, Ellis' new take on Iron Man is off to an excellent start. Tony is still the same difficult character, but this first issue really takes the opportunity to use his flaws and make him interesting.
Tony Stark is clearly as conflicted about himself as readers may be. He looks in the mirror and doesn't seem very comfortable with what he sees. Stark's difficult side shows in his funny-but-sarcastic exchanges with his secretary and a very revealing interview with a Michael Moore-style journalist in this issue. (Longtime Iron Man fans be warned-this story substantially updates Iron Man's origin. He is a product of the first Gulf War, not Viet Nam.)
I really can't discuss this book without mentioning the gorgeous art by Adi Granov. The characters are incredibly lifelike, they really "act" and emote on the page. The latest design take on the Iron Man armor is sleek and cool, and it looks great in action. I suspect that there is some CG component to the art in this book, which is entirely appropriate for Marvel's most high-tech hero. Tony's moustache doesn't even seem so cheesy anymore.
If you like high-tech heroes, with just a taste of real-world politics, and pretty, shiny pictures, you will love Marvel's new Iron Man #1. There is no excuse to miss this new series, since it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week! Besides, with the whole Avengers Disassembled thing, and losing his cushy government job, Tony could really use a break.
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