Summer Mini-reviews
By Dan Brown Here are some brief reviews based on my recent comic-reading. As ever, there’s no logic to these choices – except the covers of each of these comics caught my eye when I was scanning the new-release wall at L.A. Mood. Ghost Rider Vs. Galactus No. 1: If you’re in the mood for some old-fashioned cosmic storytelling in the classic Marvel style, then this one-off is for you. Although it’s billed as a showdown between the two title characters, in writer J. Michael Straczynski’s hands the story becomes a meditation on the amoral nature of the gigantic planet-eater. Since he’s a force of nature, does Galactus feel any remorse for the trillions of lives he has snuffed out in the process of devouring worlds to sustain himself? Or ijs he beyond human concepts of morality? And hey, what is the purpose of the universe anyway? The gritty art from Juan Ferreyra is also amazing. Co-stars the ever-loving Thing. Mouse Guard: Dawn of the Black Axe No. 1-3: Mouse Guard is one of my favourite comics of all time. The only drawback with this now-completed Archaia/Boom Studios! series is it doesn’t feature creator David Petersen’s art. Gabriel Rodriguez, a powerhouse in his own right, supplies the pencils for this origin story of the side character Black Axe. I just wish Petersen could clone himself so he could get more comics done faster! If you, like me, are nostalgic for Petersen’s warm lines, check out the Belly of the Beast 20th anniversary reprint. The Mouse Guard, forest rangers of a medieval mouse society, are not to be trifled with! Marvel Swimsuit Special No. 1: This is a fun summer time-waster that ends with the Watcher face-palming. The story, as thin as it is, has Janet Van Dyne’s Wasp corralling Marvel’s superheroes to put out a swimsuit issue. Why? It’s part of a public-relations war with the evil energy company Roxxon. This is full of pin-ups, so parents should keep that in mind. I love the Adam Hughes cover, as well as the cameo by Deadpool, who asks, “Did someone start a crossover without me?” There’s a sly reference to the comics industry, when the Winter Soldier states, “Periodicals haven’t made money since I’ve been back from the dead.” Oh, there are also redundant pinups, like the Submariner, who is never NOT wearing his swim trunks. Pop Kill No. 4: The concluding issue of a story about an actual cola war from Mad Cave Studios. It is ultraviolent with lots of skin, so I recommend it for mature readers. This is the kind of comic I imagine Quentin Tarantino would love. Godzilla Vs. Spider-Man No. 1: One of the better one-shots featuring the giant lizard facing off against Marvel’s heroes. Played for laughs, this one takes place just after Secret Wars in Marvel’s continuity – you have to be an long-time fan like me to get all the jokes, and there is one idea in this book that deserves to be developed more: Godvenom. Godzilla Vs. Thor No. 1: This also takes place out of regular Marvel continuity and features “unstoppable Asgardian versus unkillable monster.” The metaphysical turn the story takes didn’t work for me because it feels like the creative team was trying to do too much, but I’ll still be looking out for the Walt Simonson variant cover! Bring on the Bad Guys: Doom No. 1: The selling point for this one is the art by Stefano Raffaell, which includes a two-page splash page of hell. Victor, can you say hello to Ozzy Osbourne while you’re down there? Star Wars No. 1, 2: This new series takes place after Return of the Jedi in the Star Wars timeline, with Luke, Leia and Han Solo dealing with the remnants of the Empire as the fledgling New Republic tries to gain a toe-hold across the galaxy. I would recommend this title for fans only. While we’re talking Star Wars, I have a suggestion: How about a comic exploring the connection (if any) between Andor’s Luthen Rael and Solo’s Enfys Nest? Did the latter fund the former, or were they involved in competing revolutions? I think there’s a story there to be told. Conan the Barbarian No. 21: The best part about this issue is the cover – Conan’s smouldering stare fixes on the reader. The illustration is by Dan Panosian, who also supplies the interior art. Reading Conan on glossy paper is a different experience than the pulpy paper of yesteryear – you can feel the barbarism! Also for mature readers. What comics or graphic novels have you been reading this summer? If you have recommendations from your own reading, I’d love to hear about them in the comment box below! Dan Brown has covered pop culture for more than 32 years as a journalist and also moderates L.A. Mood’s monthly graphic-novel group.
