Category Archives: Comics Reviews

March 20, 2013 · 11:11 pm

ACTION COMICS #18 Review: Grant Morrison’s Superman Finale

If “Batman Inc. #8” was the must-have a few weeks back, then DC Comics scores again with this week’s must-have issue, “Action Comics #18.” You will notice that DC Comics decided to go with two other guys at the helm of this last issue: Nosirrom Tnarg and Selarom Sgar. You have to wonder how that happened. How can such an important issue be left with these two unknowns in charge? Oh, wait a minute, it’s Grant Morrison and Rags Morales after all – their names are backward in the credits in keeping with this story’s theme! Ha. Ha. That brings up one of the best scenes in this issue. This should not be a spoiler. But be warned, if you don’t want to know anything about this last issue. Basically, this is a chance to express some initial thoughts as we all read this together and process it.

Continue reading →

5 Comments

Filed under Comics, Comics Reviews, DC Comics, Grant Morrison, Superheroes, Superman

Tagged as Action Comics, comic books, comics, DC Comics, Entertainment, Grant Morrison, Pop Culture, Superman

March 19, 2013 · 11:09 pm

Batman Inc. #8 Review: Damian and The Way We Were

Cue up Barbra Streisand singing, “The Way We Were,” to a montage of Batman and Robin images. Can you hold back the tears? Damian Wayne, what a beautiful creature, cut down at the tender age of 10.

How do you create such a lively new character, allow him to live and grow…and suddenly die? Well, the fascinating reign of Damian, Batman’s son, as Robin, came to and end in “Batman Inc. #8.” It was a highly sought after issue and a much talked about issue. Overnight, you had all these new readers curious about the latest Batman buzz outside of “Death of the Family,” the blood-splattered Joker murder marathon event. “Damian Wayne? Batman’s son?” And just as some Batman readers were pondering that concept, it is no longer on the table.

Damian Wayne, up for the fight. From #1

As much as Grant Morrison stretched the idea of Batman and what it means, the whole idea of Damian, as well as Batman Incorporated, never seemed to fully take hold with marketing concerns, even though it brought new life to the very thing, Batman, that requires new blood to remain viable and marketable in the first place! Well, there’s always Joker blood but still. Thankfully, Morrison has done his work and it will always be there for future writers to work with. In the end, DC Comics would appear to want to let such innovations rest for now. Maybe the problem was that DC Comics did not invest more on “Batman Inc.” Maybe “Batman Inc” just needed time and eventually an animated movie and a TV show on the WB. That could have happened but that’s a commitment and commitments can be scary.

Much commentary about this issue, oddly enough, has been made without having read it. Sadly, “Batman Incorporated” wasn’t considered a must-read by regular Batman fans until now and now we’re wrapping this puppy up in a few more issues of Batman wrath. And what’s better for a die-hard traditionalist than to add to Batman’s misery? His son, whoever he was, is dead! That makes for an even more intense Batman, right?

Damian Wayne in all “Kiss-Ass” splendor from the New 52 “Batman Inc. #3”

This is a good time to comment on the actual issue and “Batman Inc.” in general. Compare the first run of “Batman Inc.” with the relaunched “New 52” version. In the original batch, Grant Morrison was building up the concept of Batman assembling a global crime-fighting network and it was being done with style. At the time, back in November of 2010, that first issue of “Batman Inc.” was a big deal, with big names in the industry, like Chip Kidd, highly recommending it. That was for good reason. And, you know, sometimes high quality does not result in big profits, at least not right away. Okay, once “Batman Inc.” was relaunched, in May of 2012, it had lost momentum and was already on its way out since it did not fit within the “New 52” realignment. The thrust of the story was no longer a brand new game plan for Batman. Nope, now “Batman Inc.” was simply going to serve as Batman’s “army” against Leviathan, the army of his nemesis, Talia al Ghul, daughter of the supervillain Ra’s al Ghul and the mother to Bruce Wayne’s only child, Damian Wayne. This is not to say that this hasn’t been one hell of a story. It’s just that it seemed that Leviathan, as well as Batman Incorporated, were heading towards much bigger things. Consider that next time you see the Penguin, the Joker, and the Riddler.

The story told in the pages of “Batman Inc.” has been a great merging of the talents of Grant Morrison and Chris Burnham. What became a psychological thriller, pitting the diabolical mother against the vengeful father and leaving the child caught in the middle, reached its climax in Issue 8.

Damian Wayne, ultimately is a little boy lost. He wants to honor both parents but they are coming at each other in a fight to the death. Damian is no match for what ensues. Repeatedly, he has been warned that his life is in danger. He can at least die a hero and he does.

Damian Wayne, Kid Power! From #8

At every opportunity, Morrison and Burnham express the innocence and bravery of Damian Wayne. This is truly “the boy wonder.” Every fiber of his being is engaged. He does battle in a way only children can fully understand.

His fight is uncompromising and pure. There is no middle ground for Damian. There isn’t any hesitation or brooding. What a contrast to his papa. Stop and think that over. Is the contrast of Batman and the Joker more compelling? Well, in this case, there would have been room for both of these to exist.

With all due respect, and in all fairness to DC Comics, it’s understandable that the father and son dynamic of Batman and Robin might have been too risky to pursue beyond a certain point. The whole point, a big point, to the New 52 was to open up a whole new page to a new generation of readers. The story of Batman did not start out as a father and son story so why go there now? Wouldn’t it take away from Batman anyway? Well, that’s very debatable. It would actually open up a whole new world of possibilities.

Look back, for instance, at all the great stories from “Batman Beyond,” which was set in a future with an elder Bruce Wayne mentoring a new Batman. That’s only one scenario. Batman and Bruce Wayne can remain as virile and empowered as ever while still having a son. That said, if Bruce Wayne was ever going to have a son, Grant Morrison gave him an excellent son with Damian Wayne.

“Batman Inc.” is not over yet although it basically is. Enjoy it through the final issue, #12, out June 26. After that, keep the faith. Maybe, years from now, maybe generations from now, “Batman Inc.” will rise again. For now, it’s gone, it’s over, it’s archived and placed in the vault. Visit our friends at DC Comics here.

Leave a comment

Filed under Batman, Batman and Robin, Batman Inc., Comics, Comics Reviews, Damian Wayne, DC Comics, Grant Morrison

Tagged as batman and robin, batman fans, Batman Inc., comic books, comics, Damian Wayne, DC Comics, death of the family, Entertainment, Grant Morrison, graphic novels, Pop Culture, superheroes

March 15, 2013 · 9:14 pm

Comics Review: Brandon Graham and MULTIPLE WARHEADS

Brandon Graham is something of a hero in the world of comics. He seems to have a magic touch that allows him to create stories with the most loopy plots full of the most absurd puns. Sometimes his art appears to function at the level of the most basic signifier, however, those basic elements have a way of building into glorious heroic structures.

Take in Brandon Graham’s work piece by piece. Let it roll around in your mouth. Savor each morsel.

“Multiple Warheads” has just completed a four-issue run with Image Comics, with a promise of more to come. In this first run, we follow the adventures of Sexica and Nikoli as they make their way to the Impossible City. Threaded throughout this road trip tale is a parallel tale of an organ smuggler in pursuit of the ultimate magical organ. For a comic that has all the signs of being made up as it goes along, this is a nicely balanced layered plot.

This is a good time to look back at Issue Four, the whole shooting match, and consider what it all means. Let’s start with a top ten list, a highlight of some of the beautiful treats found in this last and most recent issue.

1. Mysterious Books. Ah, a portal to something more or is it mostly to use on your bum?

2. Feet. Oh, so much to say about peds, a beautiful subject in its own right.

3. Maps. Maps inside of fruit, no less.

4. Whales. When in doubt, a floating whale.

5. Another arresting isolated image: The bird becomes an instant piece of art.

6. Faced with Faces: One of a variety of possible paths for our hero.

7. Another odd bit of word play that deserves a closer look.

8. More details not to be missed. Would this work as a real game? Sure.

9. Heart dissected for your pleasure.

10. Motorcycle diaries.

And then take that motorcycle sequence and add it to this complexity:

For those new to Graham’s work, or even for those with already some passing interest, the key lies in the details, the parts and the whole, on a page by page basis. Graham’s comics tend to add up more like an experience than just as a work with a driven narrative flow. It brings to mind such dreamy stuff as the films of Terry Gilliam that, for the most part, seem to be best digested as a series of compelling sequences instead of a traditional story. It works in the hands of Gilliam because he’s a master of the visual and the same can be said of Graham. And, with that in mind, there is a story, a big story, to follow in “Multiple Warheads.”

Graham reunites two of his favorite characters, two young lovers by the names of Sexica and Nikoli. The last time we saw these two, Sexica was an organ smuggler. As a last hurrah, Sexica sewed a wolf’s penis on to her boyfriend, Nikoli. It was a birthday present, you understand, and Nikoli was pleased and so was Sexica. Howwever, this fun did not come without complications. Nikoli is now sort of a werewolf. Only sort of, so that’s not too bad. He’s mostly a mechanic and a good guy. There’s also Lenin, Nikoli’s car. And there’s Pumpkin Patch, Sexica former organ smuggling boss. Our story begins shortly after everything has been blown to bits. Nikoli and Sexica must leave their destroyed Red City and head to the Impossible City.

Along the way, Sexica tries to relax on her impromptu vacation but there are lingering regrets over having retired from organ smuggling. To contrast that with what she’s missing, we have this other story going on about another smuggler who has been assigned to find the most magical and powerful organs yet to be smuggled! What is magical and powerful is sort of relative in this world but it’s best to just keep moving toward the next big thing until further notice.

It’s at the first chance to get back into the game that Sexica takes the bait. Some weird little penguin-like creature is in search of a wizard’s larder and that’s good enough for Sexica. She admits that once an organ smuggler, always an organ smuggler: “I’ve always been like this. I need to see what I can get away with to feel like I’ve got freedom.”

That pretty much sums it all up. We all would like to see what we can get away with so we can feel like we have freedom!

Brandon Graham and “Multiple Warheads” will stir up your subversive side and inspire you to pursue your own freedom. Okay, so that takes care of this first batch, “Multiple Warheads: Alphabet to Infinity.” The next batch is to be entitled, “Multiple Warheads: Ghost Town.”

Find Brandon Graham here. Find “Multiple Warheads” here. Find our friends at Image Comics here.

5 Comments

Filed under Alternative Comics, Brandon Graham, Comics, Comics Reviews, Comix, Experimental Comics, Fusion Comics, Humor, Image Comics, Underground Comics

Tagged as Art, Brandon Graham, comic books, comics, Comix, Entertainment, Experimental Art, Pop Culture, Underground Comics

March 8, 2013 · 8:23 pm

COPRA #4 Review

“COPRA” is a 24-page monthly comic, full of handmade goodness, and a force of nature. And it proves that sometimes the best thing to do is to do it yourself. That is what Brooklyn cartoonist Michel Fiffe has concluded. He is on a quest to create something different and compelling. It is a journey that began with aspiring to the work of Steve Ditko and led to a deeper understanding of Ditko and beyond and…”COPRA.”

Working at a breakneck pace, Michel Fiffe is currently doing what he can, with all his heart and talent, to bring you the very best in monthly original superhero comics. If you like the more balls-to-the-wall offbeat stuff, you’ll love this. Think “Suicide Squad,” for instance. Or “Doom Patrol.” Well, that’s some DC Comics. On the Marvel side, think “Doctor Strange” or…well, you get the picture. Fiffe is after carving out his own niche within that wonderful world of ragtag heroes taking on sinister forces.

Fiffe is aware of what he’s trying to conjure up. The world of independent alternative comics and mainstream superhero comics are two separate worlds that, over the years, have made some very compelling interconnections. The term, “fusion comics,” was coined by Frank Santoro to define this melding of indie with superhero. Fiffe writes about it here.

As a fusion cartoonist, Fiffe rides the new wave with just the right understated gusto. Characters, for example, in his hybrid of indie and superhero are decidedly uncharismatic. They are everyday people, at their core, rather than glamorous and sexy. You might think of Peter Parker, for instance, as being a classic everyman but no, he’s not really. He’s just too likable. He’s just too cute and well put together compared to what’s possible. This is not to needlessly slam Spider-Man since the love for the guy remains for Fiffe and, most likely, for you, dear reader. It’s more a desire, I think, to subvert expectations and insert something raw and new that motivates Fiffe.

Art is a complicated thing. It is not delicate. It is not aloof. Art is heroic and dramatic as well as purposeful. Fiffe is answering that call. “COPRA,” I suspect, is intentionally messy and cluttered. Just like a house packed with housemates, and their uninvited friends, creating confusing and frustrating chatter, random and unfiltered, so goes “COPRA.” This comic welcomes that mundane reality. The characters are constantly bickering like malcontents, like run of the mill housemates. No one stands out. The plot takes on that shaggy dog vibe too. It can be hard to follow all the way and that, according to your taste, can be fascinating or not. Too much text crammed into too small spaces doesn’t help the cause either. That said, I tend to want to fall in with being intrigued by it all.

Basically, you’ve got a bunch of the most strange and unlikely heroes doing battle with another bunch of the most strange and unlikely villains. That alone, can be a lot of fun. Yes, this comic has a certain something about it. I was about to say, “energy,” but it’s of a subversive kind. These characters, this plot, the action, the ass kicking, all move at a snail’s pace. Is it offbeat simply for the sake of being offbeat? Well, try it on for size and see what you think. The lack of clarity will prove a stumbling block. Based on his observations on the back page of “COPRA,” Fiffe states that he’s not afraid to run with an idea and just go with, not edit himself. To create on the fly is like walking on a tight rope..without a net.

Getting back to “fusion comics,” Marvel and DC Comics, to their credit, have brought in cartoonists from the “underground” and put them behind the wheel of some awesome stuff. It doesn’t get any better, for instance, when DC Comics gives Paul Pope the keys to the Batmobile. One of the most notable experiments was some years back when Marvel Comics did a remake of “Omega the Unknown” with Farel Dalrymple as artist and novelist Johnathan Lethem as writer. Most unusual and yet it has become an accepted practice to mix things up, from time to time, when finding talent for mainstream superheroes. Maybe it is just a matter of time before Marvel and DC Comics come calling Fiffe. Frankly, it probably won’t be soon but you never know. Whatever the case, Michel Fiffe should come out alright.

In conclusion, “COPRA” is a highly imaginative and daring comic. The plot remains too insular, seeming to follow its own internal logic. It should be opened up more for readers. I am betting that will happen. And I welcome your viewpoint if you believe that to already be happening. Experimental comics are a unique nut to crack. That said, I also believe this comic deserves a continued look. Who knows where “COPRA” or Michel Fiffe, for that matter, will be in a few years. No doubt, it will be some place interesting.

Visit Michel Fiffe’s site here. You can order copies directly through Fiffe. And to make it more fun, let your comics shop know about “COPRA” if they haven’t gotten the word yet.

2 Comments

Filed under Alternative Comics, Comics, Comics Reviews, Comix, Fusion Comics, Michel Fiffe, Steve Ditko, Superheroes, Underground Comics

Tagged as alternative comics, comic books, comics, Comix, doom patrol, Entertainment, frank santoro, Fusion Comics, Pop Culture, Steve Ditko, superheroes

March 8, 2013 · 4:35 am

BUDDY COPS ONE-SHOT Review

“Buddy Cops” is weird, absurd, and addictive. Why would an alcoholic peace officer from another galaxy end up being “demoted” to the NYPD and teamed up with an android created in the 1970s and programmed to be too exacting? If you really have to ask, then you don’t know Dark Horse Comics humor. Sometimes, it’s best to just roll with it. This one-shot first appeared as part of the ongoing anthology series, “Dark Horse Presents” and has some new material to even things out. This is a great opportunity to remind everyone about “Dark Horse Presents.” Check it out for a tantalizing assortment of new comics each month. “Dark Horse Presents #22” arrives March 20 and you can learn more about it here.

Getting back to “Buddy Cops,” there is something so annoyingly politically incorrect about this comic along with a bent toward the surreal that makes you want to read more. As it is, we’ve got a set of interesting scenarios that sort of go off a cliff. That is all well and good for this sort of thing. Number one, you’ll find the plot, dialogue, and jokes, amusing. Number two, Evan Shaner’s art is pleasing and there are some moments of brilliant composition. I especially like the 90 foot tall orangutan. Rounding out the package, Rus Wooton does a great job with lettering, adding some extra touches where needed.

“Buddy Cops” is a March 13 release. It is 32 pages. File under: Action/Adventure, Humor, Sci-Fi. Visit our friends at Dark Horse Comics.

1 Comment

Filed under comic books, Comics, Comics Reviews, Dark Horse Comics, Dark Horse Presents, Humor, science fiction

Tagged as comic books, comics, Entertainment, Pop Culture

March 7, 2013 · 12:01 am

SEX #1 Review

Fusion comics is where it’s at. That’s the bigger point here. Don’t let the title “Sex” distract you too much. As Joe Casey so eloquently expresses on the back pages of the first issue of “Sex,” he is seeking to create work in the spirit of the times. The sophisticated reader of comic books today is not really going to be a hardcore fan of any particular character or title. Well, maybe somewhat, but that reader is too aware of the big picture, the wide spectrum of comics out there. So, how do you create superhero comics that are truly relevant? Well, it all comes back to being yourself, a pretty basic concept, that the world of alternative comics is all about, maybe even to a fault. Anyway, Casey states that he is writing fusion comics. It is a term that has been gaining more favor, coined by Frank Santoro, and beautifully explained in depth by Michel Fiffe, a fusion artist himself, at The Factual Opinion. In a nutshell, yes, indie and mainstream are two different things and, when the two mix, awesome stuff can happen.

If you’ve wondered what Comics Grinder is really into, let’s just say that fusion comics is a wonderful thing. As for “Sex,” it’s not about the sex, it’s about the fusion. Keep that in mind, and you’ll dig “Sex” because, well, there is sex in this comic. Just putting that out there for anyone who would have a problem with that. Sorry to spoil that for anyone but, yes, the cat is out of the bag. Look at it this way, there is more fusion than sex. Think, Moebius, just to give you a highly credible visual. That said, the art by Piotr Kowalski is very impressive, a wonderful tight expressive line. Of course, I am singing to the choir for most of you readers out there. What matters is that this comic has a nice kick to it.

The main character is Simon Cooke, a billionaire playboy a la Bruce Wayne. For this starter, we find Simon returning to the home office at Saturn City. He is easily bored, must remain constantly stimulated. There are signs that he has sacrificed much, too much, and it wasn’t in support of his company. No, there is some hint that he might be a superhero of some kind. And, not only that, but a superhero who has denied himself and does not know how to look out for himself. There are some big hints that sex alone is not the answer for this guy. So, we shall see.

“Sex #1” is a March 6 release. Visit our friends at Image Comics.

Leave a comment

Filed under Comics, Comics Reviews, Fusion Comics, Image Comics, Sex

Tagged as comic books, comics, Entertainment, frank santoro, Fusion Comics, graphic novels, joe casey, piotr kowalski, Pop Culture, Sex

March 6, 2013 · 10:47 pm

SNAPSHOT #2 Review

It is so great to see Andy Diggle and Jock working together again. “Snapshot #2” (of 4) kicks this noir adventure into high gear. And all in glorious black & white! Yes, if you’re familiar with these guys, you know that b&w is the way to go. The premise: A young man picks up a smartphone in the park and nothing is ever the same again. This isn’t like just calling up the owner and having a million thank-you’s thrown your way. No, this phone is connected to the world finance underground. Once you’ve tapped into that crazy shit, well, you don’t come back.

Now, let me talk to Andy Diggle and Jock fans and, if you’re new, please join in. Okay, so you know why you love Andy Diggle, right? The guy knows how to juggle clues, keep the plot moving, and make you glad you’re not the one running for your life in the pages you’re reading. And, Jock, we love the guy. Talk about a straight edge style so sharp along with a fluid sensibility. This guy loves what he does. He has a signature style that fits just right for that Diggle gritty worldview. If you haven’t gotten a chance, pick up “The Losers” and all this will totally make sense. Think mayhem with style. Andy’s crisp crime writing is in full effect in “The Rat Catcher” so pick that up too. You’ll also want to get Jock’s run on “Detective Comics.”

What a tight story this is. One false move, and our main character, Jake Dobson, a 19-year-old who works in a comics shop, is found accused of murder while being pursued by killers. It seems like he can’t loosen the noose around his neck but, so far, he manages to avoid a number of close calls. He can consider himself lucky but he would much prefer not to need the by-the-skin-your-teeth-you-were-just-about-to-die kind of luck. But he’s not alone. In this issue, he meets a teen girl named, Callie Twain, and she’s much deeper into this mess.

All Callie wants is to find her dad. It’s been a terrible time for Callie. Her mom passed away. She knows her dad loves her and she has always relied upon him. Trouble is, her dad is tied in with some very bigger players in world finance and he somehow stumbled upon some things he shouldn’t know. Now, he’s missing; Callie’s life is in danger; and you already know that Jake’s life is totally in danger too. It is so hanging by a thread that you wonder how he will survive the pages of the next issue.

If you enjoy a story where all hell breaks loose within a thoughtfully crafted story, then “Snapshot” is for you. If you are entertained by dramatic car chases and exquisitely drawn explosions, smashed cars, and all manner of chaos, well, there you go…”Snapshot.”

“Snapshot #2” (of 4) is a March 6 release. Visit our friends at Image Comics.

Leave a comment

Filed under Andy Diggle, Comics, Comics Reviews, Crime, Image Comics, Jock, Noir

Tagged as Adventure, comic books, comics, Crime, Entertainment, graphic novels, Image Comics, Noir, Pop Culture

March 1, 2013 · 4:39 am

ANGEL AND FAITH #19 Review

“Angel and Faith #19” closes out the story arc, “Death and Consequences” to set the stage for what’s got to be one of the most anticipated finales in comics. Think about how much comics goodness A&F provide and they aren’t being hyped as some big comics event. No, it’s just really good stuff. You see it in how carefully the fight scenes are choreographed. And you certainly see it, even feel it, in all that quintessential Whedon banter going on.

OK, SPOILERS FOLLOW…

Try as I might to simply comment and keep to what has already been made known, one can never be too sure so I tread lightly and give you a full warning before I say anything that might be considered spoiler dirt. I’m not going to go over the whole story anyway but, still, we want to be respectful and allow everyone a safe and enjoyable A&F reading experience.

That said, what I wish to share with you mostly is the continued joy in reading the words of Christos Gage and “reading” the art of Rebekah Isaacs. Funny, but there actually is a lot of reading of the art in A&F. All you have to do is consider the multitude of attitude we get from slayer Nadira. Fun to watch. You get plenty of dynamic body language throughout whether it’s Angel and Spike exchanging zingers about Buffy or Faith having to hold her own in various encounters and confrontations. Even such a huge mess as that colossal demon, Eyghon, comes to life under the adroit fingers of Ms. Issacs.

Basic info is handled with grace too. It is not some heavy burden to dole out. The things we need to know, or be reminded of, are referred to very naturally. Yeah, the comic rests on a solid foundation of Buffy canon, dedicated fans, and dedicated Dark Horse comics talent. This comic embraces what it’s all about and you end up with a clear and clean artistic expression. Ultimately, you get the pay offs to the build up. Angel is looking at his worst, and at his best, right now. The stage is set, my friend, and we salute Dark Horse for the effort.

“Angel and Faith #19” is out now. Grab yourself a copy. Visit our friends at Dark Horse.

Leave a comment

Filed under Angel & Faith, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Comics, Comics Reviews, Dark Horse Comics, Horror

Tagged as Buffy The Vampire Slayer, comic books, comics, Dark Horse Comics, Entertainment, graphic novels, Pop Culture

February 27, 2013 · 8:31 am

THE ANSWER! #2 Review

“The Answer!” is something totally new and deserves a shout out. At first glance, you might think this is a reworking of an older title, which is fine, but this comic is brand spanking original with a lot of surprises to it. Enter Devin, a young woman who lives life to the beat of a different drummer. She’s smart, sexy, and, at 30, the greatest librarain you will ever know. She also happens to love puzzles.

Devin unlocks a mysterious puzzle and finds a fortune cookie type message inside: “enter the aperion dot net.” Huh? What does that mean? “Apeiron?” If you click on the link here that will take you somewhere, to more info about the comic. That link takes Devin to the ultimate game site for mental challenges. She crunches through the whole thing in about fifteen minutes and winds up with the highest score ever. That would be great except for the fact that her big win triggers an avalanche of mayhem. She’s got armed thugs after her and a strange superhero type with an exclamation point on his face. Who is who and what is what?

Mike Norton and Dennis Hopeless have created something with a lot of heart. We relate to Devin right away. It’s not easy to develop but they have succeeded in giving us a girl with that extra something special. Devin is a geek goddess and so much more. Mike Norton handles the art. He has a way of breathing life into relevant and likable characters. Devin comes across as very self-assured and authentic. Dennis Hopeless handles the writing. He gives Devin realistic, hip dialogue that we can hook into. In an early scene from the first issue, Devin explains how she can figure out most people in about twenty minutes and that doesn’t mean she wins anything, especially on a blind date. In that case, she ends up doing all the talking until the guy either decides to try to bed her or take her home.

What is very endearing about this comic is how we can easily become invested in the two main characters. Well, it’s mainly Devin since we can actually see her and we get to hear from her a good bit. Not so much with The Answer but, what we do see and hear from him, leaves us sympathetic. Mainly, no matter what chaotic mess they’ve gotten themselves into, we’re hooked and we want to see more. And there is definitley a plot to follow, complete with a mysterious secret society known as “The Brain Trust,” but that could end up being one big beautiful MacGuffin. You’ll find them in some of the best fiction, movies, and comics. If you’re new to the term, well, it’s definitely worthy of further consideration. It is best known and most associated with the films of Alfred Hitchcock. As the great master put it, a MacGuffin is often found in a thriller and “it’s the thing everyone is after.” You can view him discuss what a MacGuffin is with Dick Cavett here.

As you’ll see from the title they gave that Hitchcock segment, “Alfred Hitchcock was confused by a laxative commercial,” you’d never find it if you were looking for it. Hmm, that’s sort of the case with hunting for MacGuffins. Well, we’ll have to come back to this subject and explore it further. For now, just know they are a lot of fun and, if “The Answer!” is using one, you’re in good hands.

Two issues in and “The Answer!” is the answer to the next thrilling comic you’ve been looking for. “The Answer! #2” releases February 27.

Visit our friends at Dark Horse Comics and check out more about “The Answer!” over here.

Leave a comment

Filed under Comics, Comics Reviews, Dark Horse Comics, MacGuffins

Tagged as comic books, comics, Dark Horse Comics, Entertainment, geek goddess, MacGuffins, mysterious puzzle, Pop Culture

February 11, 2013 · 4:06 am

Review: ELVIS VAN HELSING

With distinctive wit, writer/producers Steve Kriozere (“NCIS”) and Mark A. Altman (“Castle”) present “Elvis Van Helsing.” This was intended to be a TV show so that provides added interest to the graphic novel that resulted in 2010. In this case, the graphic novel stands alone very nicely as offbeat horror.

Elvis Yang is a 20-something who would be quite content to have no goals for the rest of his life, just be a whirling dervish. However, during his six years (and counting) as an undergrad, he has demonstrated flashes of sheer brilliance. It has attracted the likes of Bob Woodward and Stephen King. If Elvis needs something, these guys have his back.

Kriozere and Altman have faithfully captured that wating, that unfocused yearning, for greatness experienced by an endless array of “losers” quietly aging on a multitude of campuses. But Elvis is supposed to be different, right? He’s the slacker that makes it, right? Kriozere and Altman leave you guessing.

The artwork by Jason Baroody and the production by Zach Matheny are sympathetic to this kind of deadpan goofy humor. Even after Elvis discovers his true calling as Elvis Van Helsing, heir to a distinguished traditon of killing off vampires, demons, and various ghoulies, the action remains disconnected and low-key. Kinda cool, huh? That said, the art is not dull. It’s dynamic in its own way, in an ironic cool way. I’d call it a “sarcastic flatness.” Or maybe it’s an endearing flatness. Either way, it works.

Why do I like “Elvis Van Helsing”? Well, because it’s the sort of thing I would be proud to say I had written. It runs the risk of being misunderstood but it is a risk worth taking. If you’re going to take an offbeat path, then embrace it, baby. And that’s what this creative team does with this graphic novel.

It’s also important to point out that this story, while unconventional, it not just random. You’ve got a well crafted plot with characters that have key roles to play. The whole dynamic between Elvis and the couple who adopted him is intriguing. He’s an Anglo surfer dude and his parents are a traditional Korean couple. Their idea of letting loose is singing karaoke after dinner, especially Elvis songs. Evis’s best friend, Randy, is a perfect foil as an even less focused version of Elvis, if that’s even possible. And then you’ve got two beauties competing for the mind and soul, if not heart, of Elvis: Vanessa, a Vamparella type; and Ariel a seductive and mysterious blonde who will only meet after midnight.

The payoff to this graphic novel is that you have a journey worth taking. Ultimately, you get a story about a dude way over his head, on some excellent adventures that leave you wanting more. Along the way, Elvis Yang becomes Elvis Van Helsing, the heir to the greatness he’d been searching for but was clueless about. Has he grown wiser? Was he wise all along? That is the enigma worth exploring.

“Elvis Van Helsing” is an offbeat horror graphic novel that provides twists and turns to an overall engaging story.

“Elvis Van Helsing” is published by AIT Planet Lar. You can purchase a copy here. Check out the video trailer here.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Comics Grinder will publish an exclusive interview this Wednesday with Steve Kriozere, the co-creator with Mark A. Altman, of the hit show, “Femme Fatales.”