Character Development: Robin #159

First dates are always awkward, difficult, terrifying situations. You have to figure out what to talk about, what not to say, and how to not make yourself look like a total idiot. In the most extreme and horrible situations, you have to keep your date away from your embarassing family, who you just KNOW will ruin everything and make you look like a dork. You might think that super heroes don't have to deal with such trivial trials, but Robin might beg to different.

Robin #159 sees Tim Drake (AKA Robin) on his first date with Zoanne, his adorable classmate and tutor. Things start out just the way you might expect: bad conversation, awkward silences, and lots of goo-goo eyes being made across the table. Unfortunately for Tim, right after they order he gets an unexpected appetizer-a heaping helping of Bat-Signal. What is a sidekick to do?

Like many a normal parent, Bruce Wayne shows up (in costume) to catch a glimpse of Tim and his date. Unlike normal parents, Bats suggests that maybe Tim could cut his date short to come punch some bad guys. Naturally, Tim refuses. Most parents might get the hint and go away, but Bruce ends up crashing through the window and onto Tim's table. And you thought your mom showing off baby pictures was bad!

Robin #159 is written by Adam Beechen with art by Freddie William II. The story is a very clever super-heroic twist on a romantic comedy staple. Tim and Zoanne's conversation rings very true, as does Tim's suspicion that maybe Batman's date crashing wasn't ENTIRELY unintentional. William's art is a nice, clean style that works well for the story's romantic comedy moments but also perfectly captures an action-packed Bat-tussle.

This is a self-contained story with a little love, a little action, and a lot of fun. What more could you ask for? You know you have to find out if Robin gets a goodnight kiss or not! Check out Robin #159 while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week. Just remember, comic shops are probably not the best place to bring a first date. MAYBE a second date...

Intriguing story, cinematic art: Legion of Monsters: Werewolf by Night

Everybody loves a good monster. Monsters come in many varieties: good, bad, scary or silly. Some monsters are such universal classics that they become a part of our shared folklore. Even if you've never watched a horror flick or read an H.P. Lovecraft tale, you know these all-time great monsters. I'm talking about monsters like Dracula, the Mummy, the Wolf Man, and Frankenstein's monster.

These classic purveyors of nightmare have long been a part of Marvel's ecclectic universe. Lucky for all you monster fans, the House of Ideas is shining an eerie beam of moonlight on these sometimes forgotten fear-mongers in a series of one-shots under the title Legion of Monsters. The first book in this series features two heavy-hitters, the Werewolf by Night and the Monster of Frankenstein. The two stories do share a common theme-monsters coming to terms with what they are.

The Werewolf story is written by Mike Carey with art by Greg Land. A young woman named Rhona has lived her whole life with the curse of the wolf. Carey's story is a simple, but effective tale about a young woman dealing with the curse of the wolf and the prejudice of the yokels in her hometown. This tale would make a great opening scene in a Werewolf by Night movie. (C'mon, somebody make that movie!) The ultra-realistic art by Land really enhances the story's cinematic feel, and is mighty pretty to look at too.

The Monster of Frankenstein story by Skottie Young has an interesting take on (arguably) the most famous monster of them all. This story features a reformed monster, pushed to violence in a "good cause." Young takes a thoughtful look at what makes people, or monsters, good or bad. Is it who they are or how others treat them? This dark and introspective story is a great choice to accompany the more "fun" and action packed opening tale, with art that is much moodier than other work I've seen from Skottie Young.

With two great stories in one spooky book, you can't go wrong by trying out Legion of Monsters: Werewolf by Night. Just have your silverware and an unlit torch close at hand when you read it! This book even comes with Four Color Fantasies' money-back guarantee, so what are you afraid of?

A Unique Take: Ghost Rider: Trail of Tears #1

Johnny Blaze and the Spirit of Vengeance are burning across movie screens this week and, fingers crossed, the movie looks pretty promising. It only makes sense that Marvel is making sure there are some Ghost Rider comics on the shelves for new fans to check out. Ghost Rider: Trail of Tears is an unusual choice, but one that definitely deserves reader's attention.

It makes sense that the Spirit of Vengeance has been around a lot longer than Blaze or follow-up host Danny Ketch. Trail of Tears, by Garth Ennis and Clayton Crain, takes us way back to the Civil War (the real one, not the Marvel one) for a look at an earlier incarnation of the flaming-headed one. Protagonist Travis Parham is a Lieutenant in the Confederate Army. He starts out as a gung-ho soldier fighting for his cause, but one horrific battle leaves him injured, disillusioned, and out of the war. He is taken in by a former slave who worked to earn the freedom of his family. During his recovery, Travis learns a lot about himself and discovers a mysterious altar adorned with brightly burning skulls....

I'll reveal my bias up front: I've never met a Garth Ennis comic I didn't like. Of course, Ennis is most known for over-the-top crazy violence and the darkest of dark humor. Books like Preacher, the Punisher, and The Boys push the envelope for just what you can get away with in a comic before the peasants rise up and chase you off with pitchforks and torches. Ennis is the go-to guy for gritty, macho heroes-guys who would kick you in the knackers as soon as look at you. However, he is also a prolific writer of seriously researched and realistic war stories.

Trail of Tears is very much a product of this more serious side of Garth Ennis. Parham's war is politically complex and utterly horrific. Being on the battlefield leaves Travis a changed man, a man with a lot to think about. The complexity and horror of war is perfectly realized by Crain's amazing artwork. The opening scenes, detailed and grim, do not paint a glamorous picture of this often romanticized war. The few glimpses we get of the Spirit of Vengeance (Don't expect any full-on flaming skull action in this first issue!) have some serious super-natural weight. In the wrong hands, the whole flaming demon skull thing could come across as just silly fantasy, here it is seriously spooky stuff.

Just because there isn't a cool burning biker in this series, don't overlook Ghost Rider: Trail of Tears! This is a different, but exceptionally good, take on the character. Try it now while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week!