Black Science vol1: How to fall forever

Black Science vol1: How to fall forever. Anarchist scientists and egos, a scientific breakthrough which could unlock every thing, every idea, every cure, technological advance, every desire and advantage that humanity could imagine. A door into all conceivable and inconceivable worlds and possibilities. What could go wrong. Well. Lets start with the test run. Our hi octane introduction to Grant McKay etal sets a  tone which continues throughout most of this volume, it's a hell of a read.  A real page turner of a tale.  For my money Rick Remender is one of the best writers the genre has, the complexity of his characters, the believable worlds and scenarios he creates never fail to enthral. He always collaborates with the finest artists too. Matteo Scalera being a good example. Wow. What a fabulous artist, fantastic imagination, lovely line work, wonderfully expressive too. His lines are complemented perfectly by the beautiful painted art of Dean White.  All round a top read. (collects issues 1-6)

Thanos Rising

 

Bloody good read this one. 2013's 'Thanos Rising' charts Marvels' big purple villain from his disturbing birth, through his troubled formative years and his journey towards the merciless Titan that destiny would have him become, no matter how hard he tried. Strong stuff. Dark themes for a dark character, they don't call him the 'Mad Titan' for nothing. He's clearly not right. Compellingly written by Jason Aaron you almost feel sorry for Thanos at times, only almost though; and as for the illustration, well, Simone Bianchis' work is never not gorgeous, and it's made even more so by fantastic colour artists Simone Peruzzi and Ive Svorcina. As I say, bloody good read.

 

The Light and Darkness War by Tom Veitch and Cam Kennedy

 

I've been after reading this for years, The Light and Darkness War by Tom Veitch and Cam Kennedy. Way back in the late 80's I read the first issue (1of 6), though subsequent issues alluded me, I've always kept my eye for those other issues. I was initially drawn by the Cam Kennedys' art work; Kennedy was a favourite of mine from Legendary British Scifi comic 2000AD, particularly his work on 'The VC's' and 'Rogue Trooper', and Veitchs' story immediately captured my imagination.  Until recently I'd been completely unaware that Titan had released a collected edition in 2015, sumptuous it is too, hardback, with plenty of extras. Lazarus Jones, a door gunner on a slick over Vietnam, had lost his legs in an explosion that took the lives comrades. Years of PTSD, alcohol and drug abuse lead him to wish he'd died with his friends. Returning from a visit to Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall Jones is involved in car crash that leaves him in a coma, transporting him to a dimension where his friends are alive and fighting for light in an eternal battle with all consuming darkness. A timeless theme cleverly re-imagined, and much more too, delivered through gritty and direct art, and well written characters. I wasn't disappointed.

The Incal

The Incal by Jodorowsky and Moebius is a unique comic romp, complexed and confusing, it's bonkers sci-fi turned up to 11. It opens high in a futuristic city where the main protagonist John Difool is thrown by a thugs towards an acid lake. I won't even try to give a synopsis of what follows, it's proper mental, just to say Difool and a motley crew of supporting characters undertake one hell of a trip; oh, and there's a super important and powerful ancient artefact too. They don't make them like this any more, probably why it's a recognized genre classic, a volume in which both narratives and artwork epitomize cerebral sci-fi at its' best. Wonderfully (if not sometimes confusingly) written by Jodorowsky and beautifully illustrated throughout by the legendary Moebius, whose art requires no introduction and defies definition, it's a magnificent read. A recommended read.

Uncanny Avengers

Being laid up with covid (11 boring days testing positive) in the box room, no TV or computer, watching old television comedy and stuff on the YouTube via a phone screen (how young folks do that shit as the norm is beyond me) I leaned heavily into reading, a highlight of which was volume 1 of the Uncanny Avengers. Uncanny Avengers Vol.1 covers issues 1 through 25 (2012-2015) and includes the stories: The Red Shadow, The Apocalypse Twins, Ragnarok Now, Average the Earth and Axis prelude in just over 700 pages. Written throughout by Rick Remender, who for my money is one of the finest comic writers/storytellers of our time, Uncanny Avengers Vol. 1 is superhero storytelling at it's very best; Remender's writing is magnificently complemented by the fantastic artwork of pencillers John Cassaday, Daniel Acuña and Steve McNiven, the crisp lines of inker John Dell and the beautiful colour palette of colourist Laura Martin who combined created quite the dilemma; the writing had you eager to turn the page, although the sumptuous artwork had you lingering as you soaked up all the detail. The story includes and extensive list of heroes and villains and takes place after the events of AVX with Captain America offering Havok the lead in a new Avengers unity team; I'm tempted to wax lyrically about what happens next but that would be a spoiler fest, the twists, turns and surprises come thick and fast as the story races along at a fair pace and is best read first hand. What I can say though is that I can't recommend this run highly enough, this is the good shit.

Sentient by Jeff Lemire and Gabriel Walta

I read a lot of comics and graphics, and thoroughly enjoy them all, they're one of my means of escape, comics are my bag, I love 'em. Though occasionally I come across one's that stand out, which just grab you, real gems, 'Sentient' by Jeff Lemire and Gabriel Walta is one of those gems. Ostensibly a simple story, though really much more, very cleverly written by Jeff Lemire, well, he's got form for great writing, hasn’t he. I don't want to give too much away, so simply, it's a story of children on a ship carrying families to an outer colony, and their interaction with the ships AI. As I say, it's cleverly written, leading you to think you understand what's going on and what's going to happen, before showing you, you don't. This illustrations too by Gabriel Walta are beautifully executed, very nice lines, expressive faces and the measured use of subtle colours are perfect for conveying the story. I consumed all 163 pages with gusto, and was left wanting more. A recommended read.

https://www.comicextra.com/comic/sentient

Moon Knight 'Lunatic'

What's Khonshu up to? Has Marc Spector lost his mind...again? Master writer Jeff Lemire puts the Moon Knight through the mangle, reuniting him with friends, and taking the character on a nightmare journey through his various persona’s and the fractured worlds of his mind and of Khonshu's creation, where what's real and what's fantasy merge, putting his life and sanity on the line. Greg Smallwood's lines do Lemire's words justice and as always Jordie Bellaire's colours are the cherry on top of the glorious cake. Lunatic is great reading. If you like Moon Knight then you'll love this, more so if you're versed in his history as there are character references that go well back, if you don't know the character or his background then this might be a touch confusing...though, maybe not, I'm lending my copy to a friend to read who hasn't read Moon Knight before, so I'll find out.

Stan Lee

We knew it was coming, he was 95, but still to hear of his passing, the passing of a comic world leviathan, was very sad. Stan Lee has gone. Stan along with Steve Ditko built the foundations the modern comic universe, their creations coming to define what a comics and comic characters could be. They made their characters superhuman, though so very human, full of emotional conflict and doubt, they made them just like us. I can't remember a time when comics weren't part of my life, it started with the funnies, though took a massive shift in direction when I found 2 bin liners full of American comics in the early 70's. I was only young, after all it was the early 70's, so I mainly followed the stories through the pictures, although that was enough to light a fire in my imagination which has never gone out. I love comics, all comics, I love everything about them, the writing, the art, but most of all I love the escapism and solace they offer. As I say, I love all comics, though Marvel has always been special, they've created a real comic universe, so many characters all existing and interacting with each other in the same space (for the most part), a universe more layered than an onion...and it's still expanding, evolving. I've loved all the characters Stan's created, and all the characters they spawned, some more than others, but all. Stan created my favourite comic characters of all time (in whatever incarnation)...The X-Men. I can't thank him enough for the joy his creations have given me, and continue to give me, or the respite and escape from the oppressions of modernity they've afforded me. Thank you Stan Lee. Excelsior!

Saga Vols. 4 to 6

I've just binge read volumes 4 through 6 of Saga, and it just keeps getting better as the characters, universe and story grows and unfolds. Written masterfully by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated beautifully by Fiona Staples, it far exceeds most of it's contemporaries in consistency and quality, and really is a graphic masterpiece. The story continues to engage and moves at just the right pace, not rushing the story, nor not getting bogged down. If you don't know the story. It's a story as old as stories get, boy and girl from different warring sides meet, one has horns the other wings, they fall in love and everybody's pissed off about it. Vaughan tells it in such an original and imaginative way, and Staples illustrates it sumptuously, every page is a visual feast of line and colour. It never fails to surprise, and often shocks. The universe Vaughan and Staples have created is complexed and colourful, a universe engaged in an ages old war, every star system and race enlisted, a universe where technology and magic blend seamlessly. When our main protagonists fall in love and have a child (Hazel), the entrenched sides see the offspring of their union as an abomination rather than a blessing. I'm tickled that the afore mentioned main protagonists bonded and built a relationship, a dream, over a pulp book by underrated writer Mister Heist; inspiration can come from anywhere. The characters have depth and originality, you just accept them, no matter how weird or outlandish. You accept that Prince Robot IV is essentially a human with a tv screen head, there's a cat that knows if you're lying and a spectral half bodied girl Izabel is a member of the family; it's a wonderfully rich universe populated by endlessly weird characters. These 3 volumes continue telling the story through Hazel's narration, of her recollections and perspective. There's separation, reunion and loss, there's sadness and humour, good helpings of humour both in the writing and the illustrations. There's soap opera shenanigans, drugs, bounty hunters looking for revenge, revolutionaries, deception, loyalty, sacrifice and a quest for healing monster jizz.  I can't go into any detail without giving spoilers. So, you're just going to have to read them yourself. And hey, you'd be mad not to, this is comics at their best.

Injection by Warren Ellis, Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire.

Injection written by Warren Ellis, drawn by Declan Shalvey and coloured by Jordie Bellaire is a bloody marvellous read. Of course, Warren Ellis is a writer of the highest calibre and I have yet to read work of his I've not liked, and Injection is Warren at his best. The story of 5 geniuses in their fields: a strategist/agent,  a scientist/genuine genius, a logician/ethicist, a AI expert and a cunning-man (wizard), all are brought together by a government/corporate group (Ministry of Time and Measurement and Force Projection International) to form the Cultural Cross Contamination Unit. Worried that the 21th century was entering a period of stagnation, our five geniuses are tasked with finding a solution, to make the 21st century more interesting and thus stimulate development. Guess what? It doesn't go to plan and things get weird. I wont go further, so not to spoil it. Warrens plausible and engaging characters, their development and dialogue carriers the story at a perfect pace. Complemented by Declan Shalveys' lovely expressive drawing and Jordie Bellaires beautiful colours, Injection is a real page turner, I'm a slow reader and I finished it in no time, and wanted more. A tale of nature, science, magic, archaeology, folklore and more! I can't wait for the next collected volume out in July.

The Graveyard Book, Vol 1

Over time I've read several graphic novels which had been graphic representations of previously released traditional format novels, and none had really hit the spot, there was always something lacking, something didn't gel and I always came away disappointed. Not so with The Graveyard Book, Vol 1: P Craig Russells graphic interpretation of Neil Gaimans novel. Now you can't go far wrong with Gaimans work anyway, he consistently produces quality work and Russell's done that work proud, both in his adaptation and as one of the many artists who've contributed to the graphic.  The story focuses on 'Bod' a baby who escapes the murder of his family and finds sanctuary in a near by graveyard, there through the graveyards inhabitants he learns about life and the world, having been accepted as one of them. I shan't give anymore away other than to say it's a charming story beautifully written and illustrated by all the contributing artists, peppered with historical snippets, filled with great characters and situations all of which lead us towards answering the questions posed by the initial events.  A great read, I can't wait to read The Graveyard Book, Vol 2; the concluding chapter.

Hawkeye: My life as a weapon.

I received several graphic novels at Christmas, though with one thing and another I'd not got around to reading any of them; this being very remiss of me I though I'd rectify the situation. The first one I went for was Hawkeye; My life as a weapon, written by Matt Fraction, art by David Aja and Javier Pulido. For me Hawkeye's always been a bit player in the comics/graphics I've read and I've not been too happy with his depiction in recent movie outings (most recent exclude as I've not seen it yet). I didn't really know his character that well, so it was nice to get a better insight into his character through a graphic which centers on him and his escapades. This is Clint Barton Hawkeye. My life as a weapon explores Bartons world, he's got no super powers though is highly trained and experienced in what he does, no magic, he's a ordinary hero with a bit of cash and some good/ powerful connections. Barton's a down to earth sort of guy, a street fighting type who takes his fair share of knocks and isn't adverse to a humorous quip or smart mouthed comment.  Although an Avenger, Barton lives away from the mansion, an outsider by desire, often working alone or with Kate Bishop (another to take up the Hawkeye mantle) fighting organized crime when not fighting super powered villains with the Avengers. This is not an origins story but it does give you a good insight in to Hawkeyes character and lifestyle.

The art is great, old school style yet simultaneously bang up to date, really engaging and Fractions writing too is top notch; well worth a read. My life as a weapon is Vol.1, Vol.2 is definitely now on my wish list.

Quinch?

An obscure reference I know, but upon seeing 'DR' cut into the bark of this mature Beech in White Shoot wood, my first thought was 'where's Quinch?'.

Carbon Grey 1

Carbon Grey is a new Image title, beautifully drawn and exquisitely rendered, with the possibility of a good tale to boot. Set in a future present post WW1? alternative reality type world of automatic weapons and airships, where Germany appears to project a powerful presence; this first issue is fast paced, opening with the brutal assassination of the Kaiser, setting the scene and introducing the sisters Grey. The art is something else, the style, the lines, the expressions and the colours; the colour pallet is well chosen and fantastically deployed. Certainly a title to keep an eye on.

ABC, easy as 123

The ABC Warriors remember their exploits during the Volgan Wars in the 'Volgan Wars book1' and the special forces robot 'Zippo', who always happened to be at hand at the vital moments. Mills writes a engaging text and the art by Clint Langley is lovely, a top read.

Gotham Sirens

Set after the events of 'Heart of Hush' and the Batmans demise, Gotham City's criminal females,Harley Quinn, Catwoman and Poison Ivy battle with Gaggy, the Jokers one time side kick as he tries to kill Harley; the manage to save her, but Gaggy escapes.

Heart of Hush

Hush is back, set during the nights before Batmans demise, Tommy Elliot is back in town. Still quite mad and quite deranged Hush embarks on frenzied series of actions, finally being caught be Catwoman and handed over to Nightwing and Robin, who keep him captive in order to retain their secret identity. A great story, well written, with effective art, a real treat.

Shield #1

Philip K dicks, Electric Ant

Brightest Day

Things are changing in Star city, now filled with extensive mature woodland, where city building lay in ruins after a previous event. First in a new run, Green Arrow, Brightest Day, looking and reads like a fine story, looking forward to more.