Leave Your Spandex At The Door 3.15.04

Welcome to the 28th instalment of “Leave Your Spandex @t the Door”!

Before getting to this month’s Previews Scope, for comics shipping May 2003, let me send out a call to all the fans of the column. If you have picked a comic based on a recommendation from this column or a review, drop me a line through email or through the column’s thread in the message boards; tell me what you thought of those comics, what you like in the column, and what stands to become better, or propose what you would like to see covered in this space in the future. Why must the Dark Overlord and Jim hog all the fun? I’d like to see some more input from you people too! Be sure to mark your emails “ok to print”!

Now, on this month’s business. Joining me is LYS@D PreviewsScope old-timer Dave Graham. You can read Dave’s reviews weekly in our site’s Reviews section.

For reader convenience, Dave’s comments will appear in bold as usual. While I’ll be stuck with plain old regular. –sigh-

On to the Previews!

DARK HORSE

BATGIRL #52
I don’t read Batgirl – in fact I don’t think I’ve ever read an issue – but one line in this solicit caught my eye: “…will she be able to fend off the full-out feral attack of former Batgirl – now Oracle – Barbara Gordon?” I’ve heard some good things about Dylan Horrocks’ work on this comic, now with that hook I might just have to check this comic out.

My only contact with this character is leafing through a friend’s Secret Files copy, to look up Lady Shiva. Batgirl is actually supposed to be THE best fighter in the DCU. WILL she be able to fend off against a handicapped ex-Batgirl who spends the whole day eating sushi? I gotta buy this to find out! :-p

GOTHAM CENTRAL #19
Michael Lark returns to take on the art in GC this month and he brings with him the return of an old Batman stalwart – Harvey Bullock. GC is one of the best books on the stands, and with this new arc promising mass murder, a face from the Batman Rogue’s Gallery, and a story featuring Josie Mac this issue may just be one of the strongest yet.

ROBIN #126
This has to be a joke, right? A new Robin? And take a look at that cover…it’s a girl? Is DC trying to go all PC on us? Bill Willingham is one heck of a writer – just check out FABLES – but this idea just seems a bit ill-conceived. I’m not going to spoil who this new Girl-Wonder is, but surely this can’t be being planned as a permanent state of affairs?

I got Bill’s fist robin issue but wasn’t hooked in. I’ve read this decision was made before Bill was brought on the title, though. As for the identity of the new Robin, is it really supposed to be a mystery? It’s kinda obvious, but I’m gonna avoid posting a spoiler here, too. :-p. And now, I hardly believe it’s permanent either, what with Tim Drake being the star of the Teen Titans cartoon and all. I’m going to use this issue to give Bill another chance to hook me in though.

FIRESTORM #1
DC continues their fine tradition of bringing back fan-favourite heroes, but changing the person behind the mask! Do they consider that is the costume that makes readers favour a specific character? I never quite got the huge appeal of Firestorm, as my only exposure to the character is through Kelly’s JLA Atlantis storyline. It was the powers that attracted me more to the character, rather than his personality, and ChrisCross (notice the absence of separator) is a great artistic talent, so I gather I’m part of the intended target audience of the series. It doesn’t though that many of the old fans will be checking out, pissed as they are about their favourite character cast away in favour of new blood. I can’t say that I really blame them. What we know about this new guy ain’t much: college student again, black with a disabled father. Oh, and no puffy sleeves!

EMPIRE TPB
EMPIRE was one of my favourite reads last year. The story of the super-villain who won, and has created a world-wide dictatorship was simply sublime. Golgoth is quite simply an evil character, but one with depth. If you didn’t give this mini a try, then you should definitely check out this trade, heck I’m going to and I did read the individual issues.

I have all the issues too, including the original Gorilla Comics run, AND the picnic prelude story (I think it was from the back of Crimson Plague #1, but I’m not sure). I loved how subtle some of the characterisations here were, leading to the mother o all shockers near the end of the mini!

ORBITER SC
I skipped the hardcover version of this when it came out in favour of waiting for a cheaper SC. Now that it’s arrived I’m pretty psyched. The story tells that of a missing space-shuttle which returns to Earth a decade late producing a mystery that can only be unravelled in deep space. The creators are also a big draw with Warren Ellis writing and Colleen Doran making her mark with the art.

SEAGUY #1
This comic just looks like trippy fun, but with Grant Morrison writing there’s sure to be more to it. Weirdness will abound in this comic (and I’m taking this direct from the solicit) with bearded women, sinister theme parks, and a cigar-smoking tuna fish. On top of all this there’s Cameron Stewart’s art which should take this mini over the crest of the hill and into the realms of “must read”.

Grant Morisson writing Ultimate Mature Readers Aquaman! I thought I would never live to see the day! The big draw for me is seeing Cameron Stewart’s again! He seems revitalised after the long period of rest since Catwoman #24, and his art style boasts a stronger Paul Smith influence now than ever before!

LUCIFER #50
Has it been fifty issues already? Lucifer has been an extraordinary ride so far, and I shudder to think it will be ending after 2 years! This anniversary issue takes a cue from Sandman, and features a self-contained story illustrated by P. Craig Russel. The story is set outside of current events in the title, back in the first days of Creation. The focus is on Lilith, the first wife of Adam and mother of the demonic Lilim (including Lucifer’s aide/flame, Mazikeen). The issue promises to deliver the origins of the Silver City (a.k.a. Paradise) and the first meeting between Mazikeen and Lucifer! Oh, and hey, it’s 48 pages! How can you resist?

IMAGE COMICS

AGE OF BRONZE, Vol.2: SACRIFICE HARDCOVER
My Greek sense is tingling! The much-anticipated second collection of Age Of Bronze is released, with issues #10-19 of the beloved series chronicling the events of the Trojan War. At this point in the story, Helen has been shanghaied by the darling Prince Paris and Agamemnon prepares to attack, but the Gods ask him to sacrifice his daughter Iphigenia to give him wind for his ships. I grew up reading these stories, and seeing them now in comics form, and so well-researched and beautifully depicted, it’s an incredible feeling. The hardcover collection is 224 pages for 30$. That’s 3$ per issue, like buying the monthlies, but in th
is deluxe edition.

PVP #8
It’s the DEATH OF BRENT SIENNA!! I enjoy my daily doses of PVP [url=www.pvponline.com]online[/url], but have never felt the urge to get more by buying the magazine, since I haven’t yet read upon all the strip archives yet. But I AM a sucker for death stories, and I know Scott Kurtz will poke delicious fun at the usual death conventions in comics and sci-fi!

WANTED #1 DEATH ROW EDITION
Did someone invent a time machine? Is it the 90s again? Alternate covers, special editions, exclusive bts material… “You know you want it. Again”.
Yeah, right.
I hated Wanted #1 the first time I read it, but I understand how Top Cow would like to milk their first money cow in years for all it’s worth.

MARVEL

ASTONISHING X-MEN #1
Quite possibly the best news to hit comics since the announcement of the first Spider-Man movie, Joss Whedon gets to write his own X-Men comic. The man’s one of my favourite dialogists and hopefully he can breathe some new life into the X-books. And alongside him on art? Only John Cassaday! This comic is already shaping up to be a must read…and there’s no story info yet. If hype makes for great comics then this will be the comic of the year.

I’m so not-hyped about this title. I could honestly say I’m looking forward to Austen’s title with more passion.
Well, hell no, but you get my drift. Cassaday’s talents don’t extend to costume design and the sample dialogue from Previews has left me fearing for Kitty’s character. I’m a big geek when it comes to Kitty, and seeing her devolved from the strong fighter she was in Mekanix and XXM, to PR cloud-hair girl is unnerving. Yes, she did train as a ninja and she has kicked Wolvie’s hairy ass I the past. Cut her some slack mr Whedon.
I think I’m done ranting for now. Oh, the cast is essentially the same as Morisson’s New X-Men, with Kitty filling in for Wormfood Jean.

UNCANNY X-MEN #444
Claremont comes out from the periphery of the X-books that was X-TREME X-MEN, and returns home to UNCANNY. I’m not convinced that he needs to write X-Men any more, after all he’s been there and done that, but with Alan Davis on art and an almost blank slate, let’s see what he comes up with.

X-Treme X-Men is the only X-Men title I’m currently buying, and Uncanny is the only Reload x-title I’m preordering. I believe Claremont needed a few years to get back in synch with his characters, and now he’s again at the top of his game. This title will feature Bishop, Sage and Nightcrawler amongst others.

X-MEN #157
They’ve dropped the “NEW”, but current UNCANNY scribe Chuck Austen is switching codes to write the book. I’m not sure why they didn’t just keep him on Uncanny and give Claremont this comic (although I guess it’s because of Claremont’s history with the UNCANNY name), but again it’s a chance to have a blank-ish slate. I’m not as down on Austen’s X-Men as most people (I think when he’s good he’s great, but when he’s bad he is really bad) so I’ll give him a chance on this comic, and Sal Larroca on art can’t be overlooked.

Chuck Austen started his Uncanny X-men run with good stories and character moments, but became more and more bland as time went by. Maybe this new start will stir up his creative juices. Maybe not. I wonder which of his characters he gets to keep. Nightcrawler and Angel have already been whisked off his cast.

NEW X-MEN: ACEDEMY-X #1
This new X-book (although it seems to be re-shaping of the writers’ current book, NEW MUTANTS) looks at life inside the Xavier Institute from the POV of the students. Young mutants are always interesting characters, and with the promise of Cyclops and Emma Frost taking over the reigns of the school, this seems to be a worthwhile venture.

This is indeed a relaunch of Christina Weir and Nunzio De Filippis’ refreshingly enjoyable New Mutants title. There is a new artist attached Randy Green. Although I’m not a huge fan, he IS a consistent worker, and the title will benefit from finally having a regular artist. The cast remains the same as in the older title, except for the addition of Dust, Morisson’s Muslim character, and I’m looking forward to actually seeing some stories involving her, as Morisson only seemed to have brought her on board for ‘shock value’.

EXCALIBUR #1 & #2
This book had barely been solicited when it was announced that Igor Kordey had been let go as the artist. Kordey has been letting his feelings known about this on the web and who can blame him. Looking beyond that, does Chris Claremont really deserve another X-Book? X-TREME didn’t exactly set the world alight (although it did have a few loyal fans), so wouldn’t it have been a good idea to get an up-and-coming young writer and give him a chance on this comic? I guess that it is Claremont’s baby, and these are supposed to be Marvel’s flagship titles, but I would have liked to see some young blood on one of the X-books.

Look three entries above for my opinion of CC’s Xtreme book. J. In fact, Kordey was let go BEFORE the solicits were released, which really raises the question why they didn’t correct them to say ‘’artist: TBA”. The new artist has since been announced as Aaron Lopresti, another one of Crossgen’s refugees. Although he is capable, his work has long lost the edge he exhibited in his early work in the mid-90s, and it seems like more of the same. This title will centre on Professor X and his effort to rebuild the mutant nation of Genosha. The supporting cast will include Archangel and Rachel Summers, as the new Marvel Girl.

THE OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE: X-MEN 2004
I really hate these “handbook” comics (and the “secret files” ones from DC). Do they really add anything to the comics world? Aren’t the only people interested in these details the people who already know them? I guess in this modern world of DVD extras that all the bonus material possible will be pushed. The fanboy in me does want to see the new X-Mansion plans though, especially given that the pic of the outside looks rather ridiculous.

DISTRICT X #1
*Sigh* Here it is, the superfluous X-Book that will be canned within a few months…or will it? This comic will take a look at a mutant ghetto in New York, and gives Bishop a chance to shine as a mutant cop. I’m not convinced.

Chris Claremont has said that the events of this take place within the span of a few days and won’t interfere with his plans for Bishop in Uncanny X-Men. So, I’m guessing this is planned as a mini, just not solicited as one. Does it really make a difference? Most new Marvel titles end at #12 anyway. This marks Bishop’s fifth title, whoever knew the guy had it in him? And have you noticed how many of Grant Morisson’s throwaway ideas are now full-ledged titles? Is he receiving any loyalties for these?

EXILES #16 & #47
Two words: Tony Bedard. A bit of a coup from Marvel here, getting the guy who’s come out of Crossgen with ostensibly the best reputation.

Tony Bedard was Crossgen’s greatest asset these past few years, providing them with their best-written titles. I hope Marvel has more plans for him. Maybe the Avengers? Hmmm?

WEAPON-X #23-24
The entire cast of the title is scrapped in order to tell another story about Wolverine and the intentionally 1-dimensional Phantomex. Tieri seems to be picking up more and more scraps from Morisson’s run and incorporating them in his book. The good news is Georges Jeanty is finally off the book, and Tom Mandrake is on, whose style is far better suited for these darker stories.

U
LTIMATE X-MEN #45 & #46
Bendis failed to impress me with his first arc on UXM, but then this “New Mutants” story hit and I was floored. Still, I’m happy that it’s ending here, and that Bendis can leave with his head held high. Incoming is Brian K Vaughan, and the solicit promises a major X-Villain getting the Ultimate treatment. Cool.

I didn’t enjoy any of Bendis’ ultimate x-men stories, which is peculiar, as I enjoy almost all of his other work. Vaughan jumping on board is great news, and it may lead to him getting a more permanent position as, say, the writer of X-Men, following Chuck Austen? ;)

ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #6
Bendis and Millar may be kick-ass writers (most of the time ;) ), but they do suffer when it comes to plotting out their story arcs. Four times in recent memory they’ve had their storylines increased by one issue (Ultimates #6 and #12, Ultimate Six #7 and now this). The story was too big? Really? Maybe if we hadn’t spent half of #1 looking at baby Reed drool, they would have more space. Damn…

SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #14
I almost missed this. SPECTACULAR is so good month after month that you get a little bit complacent. But this issue is all-painted, and deals with a rooftop battle between Spidey and Morbius…in front of a severely handicapped man. This just sounds too intriguing not to mention.

SPIDER-MAN #2
Please tell me that this is a joke. I’ve got no problem with Millar and the Dodson’s getting their own Spider-Man comic, but the first line of the solicit tells us: “With his secret identity exposed…” I know that Marvel has been outing a lot of its heroes lately, but they can’t do it to Spidey, how can he be a teacher with his identity exposed? How can he have his normal life with his identity exposed? How can he be Spider-man with his identity exposed? How can he be Peter Parker with his identity exposed? These are obviously all questions that will be dealt with by the comic, but seriously…can there be a Spider-Man in any shape or form without his secret identity?

I don’t think even Nu Nu Marvel is stupid enough to blow the mother of all secret identities! I’m thinking the identity will be revealed to the Avengers only. In any case, don’t forget that Marvel Knights doesn’t always share continuity with the rest of the Marvel U!

FANTASTIC FOUR VISIONARIES: JOHN BYRNE VOL.2 TPB
About bloody time! This trade continues the collection of John Byrne’s classic FF run with issues 241-250. This is John Byrne at his peak (but don’t tell him I said that), in terms of both writing and art, and it’s a must-have book for every true Marvel fan! 10 issues for $25.

INDY COMICS

SALMON DOUBTS GN [ALTERNATIVE COMICS, p.210, $14.95]

A cast made up entirely of talking salmons philosophises about the meaning of life. Adam Sacks has essentially written a story about interhuman relations, but replaced all humans with salmons. And not of the “unfunnies” cartoon variety, but actual fish. This concept intrigues me immensely, and I want to see how he pulls it off on paper.

WHITE ELEPHANT P.212 [ALTERNATIVE COMICS, p.212, $6.95]

Damon Hurd is the uber-talented writer behind MY UNCLE JEFF and A SORT OF HOMECOMING. This is the third in this series of self-contained graphic novels. It’s described as a theatrical play, presented on paper, the story of an insomniac’s waking hallucinations leading to his confrontation with his inner demons, written by Damon while he himself was suffering from insomnia. Undoubtedly, it’s going to be another classic, on par with his two previous works.

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #58 [ARCHIE COMICS, p.223, $2.19]

Well, that’s it, the world is coming to an end. Archie is bringing out a manga comic. Seriously though, I love the Sabrina character, and the preview art from this comic looks great. For the first time for a long time I find myself in the quite odd position of looking forward to buying an Archie comic. Like I said, the world must be coming to and end.

Archie? Sabrina?
–points and laughs-.
-ahem-
I’m constantly surprised at how darn popular some of their books are, even at this day and age, though. And I’m even more surprised that they would go with the manga approach, they’re not really well-known for creative diversity in their line :p

RICH JOHNSTON’S HOLED-UP [AVATAR PRESS, p.232, $3.50]

Every Monday morning, the first thing I check on the net after wake up is Rich Johnston’s “Lying in the Gutters” column, my absolutely favourite internet column. This is, as far as I know, Rich’s first comic work, a three-issue black comedy, starring a farcical version of the all-American family, with a trigger happy dad, a son who aspires to be a suicide bomber and a suicidal daughter. And that’s just going by the first issue covers. The blurb from one, where the father is out to purchase a gun, is the selling point for me:
-It says “suitable for 3 year olds and over”
-Well, shooting anyone younger is just cheating
Who knew Rich had a comedic vein too?

HEROES ANONYMOUS #5 [BONGO COMICS, p.238, $2.99]

This is a comic gem, unnoticed by most so far. Each issue of Heroes Anonymous tells a full 32-page story with no ads, printed in black and white, with one extra colour, different for each issue, all using a superhero group therapy session as their bridge. Issue 5 is a red issue, starring Beelzebubella, the kitty-killing daughter of Satan, who now discovers her long-missing mother has become a born-again Christian! Issues 1-3 are also available for re-ordering ;)

SOJOURN/LADY DEATH #1 [CROSSGEN, $2.95]

Another bloody crossover, following the same bloody time-tested recipe of “heroes meet, heroes fight each other, heroes team-up”. Only with a much larger boob quotient. The important thing to note is that this is new work by George Perez, whose Solus title got cancelled in the big sweep.

ONLY THE END OF THE WORLD AGAIN [ONIPRESS, p.314, $6.95]

This is an offered again title, it seems, but I’ve never heard of it before. It’s a werewolf story by Neil Gaiman (better make that NEIL GAIMAN!!!!!), adapted in comics form by P. Craig Russell and Troy Nixey. I’m a sick completist when it comes to Neil’s work, and apart for 1602 (boo, Marvel, hiss!), he’s never disappointed!

COMIC PARTY VOL 1 [TOKYOPOP, p.323, $9.99]

I’ve decided to try out some new manga stuff every month, to see what all the buzz is about. This is the one book that stood out for me from this month’s releases. It’s the story of a boy with a talent for drawing who gets work as a comics artist. Who doesn’t love a good drama starring comics creators?

PARAPHERNALIA

FLASH NEW FRONTIER T-SHIRT [p.393, $17.95]

A scarlet t-shirt featuring the Flash symbol from the artsy cover for NEW FRONTIER #2. A really stylish superhero logo t-shirt, perfect for making all your friends insanely jealous at the next comic-con ;)

MARVEL LEGENDS SERIES 6 FIGURES

Although the images that accompany the solicit show the last series figures, this series will finally see the release of the Doop action figure, packaged with the new Deadpool action figure. -DOOP DOOP DOOP DOOP-

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Coming up next week: Dave Graham gave methe funkiest interview of 2003. Nowhe teams up with Wayne Chinsiang for double the madnessand the fun, as they talk about their upcoming HEAVEN LLC project, sex-toys, Dae’s mom and Rob Liefield.
As always, I’m waiting for your comments through email or in the official LYS@D discussion thread.

Manolis Vamvounis
a.k.a. Doc Dooplove