Welcome back to another edition of my weekly rambling about things related to comics. It’s late and I’ve got to get up early so let’s get into it, shall we?
When I first started writing on the net about comics, my intention was to promote the medium. I tried my best not to bash anything or anyone. I went out of my way to say nice and positive things. I always tried to find a sliver lining. I tried not to be negative.
But as time past (and I stopped reviewing comics) I’ve come to the notion that honesty is the best policy. I’m not talking about Liar, Liar honesty when one just spouts whatever is on his or her mind. What I’m talking about is if something is bother me, I’m not going to suppress it or try to spin it. If it bothers me, I’m going to express it.
Which leads me to the focus of this week’s column; one little thing that’s bothered me and I’ve got to express my frustration.
Ever since 100 Bullets ended, I’ve had a huge crime fiction void in my life. I loved 100 Bullets; it’s the comic that got me reading Vertigo on a regular basis. I read the entire run and I still mourn it’s ending. Hell, I’m still waiting on the video game.
In my saddened state I decided to try out Image’s Shuddertown. The story sounded intriguing and the art looked moody and atmospheric. Plus the main character had a Hispanic last name, so I’d be able to assuage some fanboy guilt.
I picked it up and I’m currently enjoying. Nick Spencer’s story is full of twists and turns. And the art matches the story perfectly. Adam Green does a great job of capturing mood and setting tone. I love the art. Except that Green’s constant photo referencing is distracting.
I’m serious. It’s so distracting that it takes me out of the story. And it’s frustrating because Shuddertown is one of those books that you really need to pay attention to, but I’m trying to figure out a) where I’ve seen that face before and b) why Adam Green is so overt with this referencing.
Now I want to state again; I’m a fan of Adam Green’s work in Shuddertown. He’s telling a story and doing a fine job of it. He conveys action amazing and does very well at conveying disorientation and confusion. I enjoy his work, for the most part.
But when James Gandolfini pops up in the issue, I defy you not to be distracted;
And I felt the same way when Gabriel Byrne, Giovanni Ribisis and Julianne Moore also popped up on the pages of this really good mini.
I’m sure if I was Alex Ross’ friend I’d be distracted at the resemblance that some of his friends bear to some costumed heroes. But I’m not his friend, so the people that he photo references don’t jump out at me like, say, Tony Soprano does.
I know that Tony Harris is also fond of using photo references. And while his characters have a certain kinetic energy to them, I’m never really asking where I’ve seen them before.
Seriously, Shuddertown has so many celebrities appearing it, it feels like it’s based on a movie. Every time I turn the page I’m thinking “wait, he’s talking to that one guy from that one thing.” I don’t like that feeling when I’m reading a comic book. Hell, I don’t like that feeing in a movie or a tv show. But I really dislike it when I’m taking in a monthly read.
So there you have it. I’ve vented. Let me reiterate; I think that Adam Green’s a fine artist, I just wish that he’d tone down his photo referencing.
And that’s it. That’s my gripe.
Hopefully next week I’ll have something more positive to write about.
