New Super-Man #1
Written by Gene Luen Yang
Penciled by Viktor Bogdanovic
Published by DC Comics
Superman is a cultural icon that carries a lot of cultural baggage. A staunch defender of Truth, Justice, and The American Way, DC Comics has often struggled against the massive amount of inertia this creates for a character. Superman as a flawless, heroic figure who rescues kittens from trees and never steps a toe out of line becomes dated, boring, and even corny. But attempts to ‘modernize’ the character can likewise be criticized as feeling forced, too dark, or just plain not fun. Which is why I find Gene Luen Yang and Viktor Bogdanovic’s “New Super-Man” so interesting.
The eponymous character isn’t Clark Kent at all, but Kong Kenan, the teenage son of a Shanghai mechanic. Kong isn’t quite the heroic figure we’ve come to expect. He’s a downright selfish, arrogant bully. But when a video of him standing up to a super-villain goes viral, he’s recruited by a secretive government ministry to become a superhero.
The story itself is a bit rushed in the first issue, but Yang lays down a lot of groundwork for future stories. Mostly we get a character sketch of Kong, but the Shanghai he inhabits feels vibrant and authentic in a way that seems like a step forward for comics, even if it is literally the least they could do. Bogdanovich’s expressive, detailed art is outstanding, and really keeps the otherwise basic origin story moving along. He’s helped by gorgeous, eye-catching coloring by Hi-Fi.
“New Super-Man #1” is a somewhat cookie-cutter first act of a super-hero origin story, but there are enough neat twists to get me looking forward to where the story goes next. You can pick it up now from Comixology or your local comics shop.
Hugh Likes Comics: New Super-Man
July 20, 2016
Hugh Likes Comics DC Comics, Gene Luen Yang, HLC, Hugh Likes Comics, review, Superman, Viktor Bogdanovic Leave a comment
Hugh Likes Comics: Ordinary
April 13, 2016
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Ordinary
Written by Rob Williams
Drawn by D’Israeli
Published by Titan Comics
What would the world be like if everyone had super powers? If anyone could do anything, what would you do? At what point does the extraordinary become commonplace? “Ordinary” is the story of what happens when everyone in the world wakes up to discover they have superhuman abilities. Everyone, except perennial loser Michael Fisher.
Written by Rob Williams, the story is a wonderful little gem. WIlliams does a great job of reducing a vast high-concept down to the smallest, most discrete story possible, and tells it with poignancy and humor.
D’Israeli’s art is a real standout in this comic. His art captures the chaos and grandeur of the story, while filling the background with an astounding variety of super-powers, both wondrous and wacky. This isn’t your stock Big-2 super-powered world, and D’israeli really nails that home.
“Ordinary” is a thoughtful little graphic novel that is by turns funny, awe-inspiring, and heart-breaking. If you’re looking for something with superheroes that falls outside the usual punch-outs, this is for you. I received my copy as a part of a package from Comic Bento, a curated graphic novel delivery service. You can also find it on Comixology or in your local comics shop.
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Hugh Likes Comics: Edge of Spider-Verse
March 30, 2016
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Edge of Spider-Verse
Written by Various
Drawn by Various
Published by Marvel Comics
I am a sucker for alternate versions of iconic characters. Different twists, new ideas, and retellings are my jam, which is why I really enjoyed “Edge of Spider-Verse” even if it is a set-up for a very complicated Spider-Man crossover event that I didn’t read. The graphic novel collects five single-issue comics, each with a different version of the iconic superhero.
Each story is complete, and has very different styles and takes. Spider-Man Noir is a 30’s pulp take on the hero, who fights a stage magician version of villain Mysterio. A classic horror-comic version imagines Spider-Man not as hero, but as a grotesque, bloodthirsty monster. And the breakout hit of the book imagines what would happen if Gwen Stacy, rather than Peter Parker, was bitten by the radioactive spider of destiny.
My favorite version was Sp//dr, a Katsuhiro Otomo-inspired take which stars a teenage girl piloting a spider-like robot with the assistance of a genetically engineered creature.
The art and writing vary across the different titles, and each of them ends with some tie-in to the big event comic, either recruitment by the good guys or a confrontation with the villains. It gives some of these tales slightly unsatisfying endings, but what I like about this collection is the creativity that is brought to this well-established character.
I received this comic via Comic Bento, a subscription service that mail delivers curated boxes of comics to subscribers. It is also available from Comixology or your local comics shop.
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Hugh Likes Comics: Gotham Academy
March 16, 2016
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Gotham Academy Vol. 1
Written by Becky Cloonan and Brenden Fletcher
Drawn by Karl Kerschl
Published by DC Comics
“Gotham Academy” is a boarding school mystery set in the DC Universe, and with Batman appearing in atmospheric, gothic offerings like Scott Snyder’s run on the book and the Arkham Asylum video game franchise, it feels like a perfect fit for his world. Much like the well-beloved “Gotham City Central,” this comic rarely features the Dark Knight, but his shadow falls heavily over the book. And while a YA take on the gritty police drama seems bizarre at first blush, it works very well.
Sophmore Olive Silverlock is returning to Gotham Academy with some problems. The first is a mysterious incident over the summer that left Olive with a spotty memory and unfocussed anger at Gotham’s resident superhero. The other is her freshman mentee ‘Maps’ Mizoguchi. Maps is inquisitive, obsessed with gaming, and the kid sister of her boyfriend Kyle, who would likely be her ex if she could work up the nerve to speak with him. When Olive gets caught in the middle of a ghost-hunting mania sweeping campus, will she find answers to her own mysteries, or just more trouble?
“Gotham Academy” is a great comic for new readers and hardcore Batman fans. An original story that needs no prior knowledge, it is also littered with tantalizing easter eggs for observant fans. Such as 60’s villain Bookwork working as school Librarian. Fletcher’s art, and the lush, shadowy coloring seal the deal. This is an all-ages mystery filled with likable characters and believable high school drama. Of course, it can’t fully escape the towering fantastical elements of Gotham City, but it arrives as a refreshing antidote to DC’s ‘New 52’ sturm and drang. You can pick up Gotham Academy digitally from Comixology, or in trade paperback and single issues from your local comics shop.
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Hugh Likes Comics: Power Man and Iron Fist
March 2, 2016
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Power Man and Iron Fist #1
Written by David Walker
Drawn by Sanford Greene
Colored by Lee Loughridge
Published by Marvel Comics
I haven’t read much of the original Power Man and Iron Fist comics from the ’70’s, but I’m a big fan of the concept, especially the way the characters relate in modern Marvel comics. So needless to say, I’m onboard with Power Man and Iron Fist’s 2016 incarnation.
In the Marvel tradition, this is a getting the band back together sort of story, but while it builds on older continuity, it didn’t leave me lost. Years ago, Jennie Royce was the office manager for Luke Cage and Danny Rand, the Heroes for Hire. When she was tried for killing her ex-boyfriend, they did everything they could to help, but she was still convicted. Released from prison, the former partners reunite to meet her at the ferry. Luke has moved on since then, and has started a family. Danny is still fighting crime by night as Iron Fist. When Jennie asks them for a favor, the return of a necklace she says was stolen by gangsters, they get pulled back into street-level crime-fighting. And while Danny is happy to relive his glory days, Luke is less enthusiastic.
While Walker is setting up a nice little crime story, what really sells it is Greene’s art. He uses design and body language to give reinforce the plot and sell the characters. Even something as simple as putting Danny in his Iron Fist jumpsuit while leaving Luke in his vest and collared shirt says volumes about where these characters are and what they want. I particularly like the way flashbacks were drawn. They hover in the negative space above the figures, and it is both unusual and effective.
Power Man and Iron Fist #1 tells a nice little crime tale, while setting up a larger story to come. Check it out on Comixology or in your local comics shop.
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Hugh Likes Comics: Mystery Girl
December 30, 2015
Hugh Likes Comics, Uncategorized Alberto J Alburquerque, HLC, Mystery Girl, Paul Tobin 2 Comments
Mystery Girl #1
Written by Paul Tobin
Drawn by Alberto J. Alburquerque
Colors by Marissa Louise
Published by Dark Horse Comics
Trine Hampstead is London’s premier Street Detective. She can solve any crime, or answer any question before you ask it. She make a living consulting on the pavements of London, but having all the answers isn’t enough for her any more. When she is asked about the location of an ill-fated Siberian expedition, she takes the job on the condition that she’s a part of the next one. But Trine’s employers aren’t the only one on the trail, they’ve hired a hit-man rather than a detective.
“Mystery Girl” is another charming story story from Paul Tobin, the writer of the superlative “Bandette.” Trine is a refreshingly down to earth character in spite of her oracular talents, and the colorful supporting cast of her customers are just as endearing. Most of the issue is spent introducing her powers and her little interactions with the people of London as she goes through her day. This is more of a magical realism story than a typical super-hero comic.
It’s hard to write a character who knows everything well. It’s not a flashy ability, and it rules out a lot of conflict right off the bat. But Trine has just the right mix of empathy and mystery to make me want to know more about her.
Alburquerque’s art and Louise’s colors are well done as well. The figures really seem to pop from the background, reminding the reader that this is a comic about people, and the setting is relatively unimportant. This is a good thing, because the one glaring error is the comic’s presentation of London.
I wonder if an early draft of Mystery Girl was set in the U.S. or Canada. Although the art is thoroughly British, the dialogue has a lot of Americanisms that weren’t caught before production. For example, Trine is refereed to several times as a ‘sidewalk detective,’ and events are described as taking place ‘blocks away.’ It is somewhat distracting, and English readers will probably be taken right out of the story. Early volumes of Garth Ennis’s ‘Preacher’ had similar problems. I feel like the story is good enough that this wasn’t a breaking point for me, but your milage may vary.
“Mystery Girl” is an great first outing to a new series, that with a closer editing, could become something truly magical. I will certainly waiting to see where Trine’s investigation leads. You can find “Mystery Girl” at your local comics shop or online from Comixology.
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Hugh Likes Comics: New Avengers
October 30, 2015
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New Avengers # 1
Written by Al Ewing
Drawn by Gerrardo Sandoval
Published by Marvel Comics
With almost an entire line of new comics coming out, Marvel probably has most of my immediate attention. Particularly after the variety of neat stories that came out of Battleworld. There are a lot of new ideas and re-imaginings to come, but one of the books I’m most excited about is New Avengers.
The interesting thing about the book is that by most marketing standards, it shouldn’t work. It’s a superhero team made entirely of legacy heroes, supporting characters, and C-listers. And that is why I really hope it succeeds.
Organized by mutant billionaire Roberto Da Costa (A. K. A. Sunspot,) the team consists of former Master of Evil/Thunderbolt Songbird, the newest White Tiger, Power Man Victor Alvarez (not Luke Cage,) Wiccan and Hulkling from the Young Avengers, and Squirrel Girl. Hawkeye is also presented as a potential recruit. Da Costa tells him he was ‘hoping for the other one.’ Squirrel Girl’s sidekick Tippy-toe is also a member. Together they represent Avengers Idea Mechanics, a global problem-solving team.
The thing that really works about this team is that writer Al Ewing really understands the voices of these characters and gives them all a chance to interact naturally with each other. The writing for everyone is very on-point, with Squirrel Girl attempting to reason with the bad guys and Wiccan and Hulkling showing characteristic empathy and concern. The whole concept of Sunspot trying to solve crises by throwing misfit teen superheroes at them from his Pacific Island Fortress is ludicrous yet so entirely in keeping with the character that I’m completely sold.
The art is solid, but not without its nitpicks. Sandoval’s designs have a delightfully energetic Saturday morning cartoon feel, with exaggerated features and not-quite proportional limbs. Stylistic choices aside, a few of the characters feel a bit off model, and occasionally drawn from unusual angles. Squirrel girl seems to be missing her tail, for instance. He feels a bit uncomfortable with the characters, but his style is charming enough that I hope he either relaxes or makes the designs more his own as the series goes on.
New Avengers is a delightful new comic that brings back some of my favorite characters without relying too heavily on an encyclopedic backstory to enjoy the book. It’s a great introduction, and I can’t wait to see where their adventures take them next. New Avengers is available from Comixology, the Marvel app, or your local comics shop.
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Hugh Likes Comics: Ms. Mavel
October 14, 2015
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Ms. Marvel
Written by G. Willow Wilson
Drawn by Adrian Alphona, and others.
Published by Marvel Comics
Spider-Man was the quintessential teen superhero. When he was introduced in the early sixties, teens in comics were either sidekicks like Robin, or less genre characters like Archie. But Peter Parker both fought villains and managed the travails of family and high school. Marvel has attempted to replicate this formula many times since, with varying levels of success. The most recent, and possibly most successful attempt, is “Ms. Marvel” by G. Willow Wilson and drawn by Adrian Alphona.
Kamala Khan is a Pakistani-American Girl living in Jersey City. When a supernatural event gives her superpowers, she has to figure out how to navigate being a costumed heroine like her idols, Captain Marvel and the Avengers, while also dealing with her daily life.
“Ms. Marvel” is great because it is authentic where most most pulp fiction goes over the top. That isn’t to say that this isn’t a comic full of super-heroic action and giant robots, because it totally is. But WIlson has taken great care in not only creating deep characters, but also presenting a broad range of characters within the community of Jersey City. Identity is the central theme of this story, and the level of nuance she brings to the topic is stunning for a funny-book.
In a marked contrast to Stan Lee’s throwing a mountain of slang against the wall and seeing what sticks, WIlson starts off her book talking about concern trolling. In a media landscape where the Muslim community is so often reduced to images of terrorism and privation, this is a huge deal.
Kamala’s rebelliousness and her struggle with her own identity plays out nicely against her shapeshifting powers. When she gains them, she says she would like to be her hero, Captain Marvel, ‘in the classic, politically incorrect costume, and kick butt in giant wedge heels.’ but when she turns into that, she finds it is entirely wrong for her. She’s at her most powerful when she uses her powers to stretch or heal herself. Basically, she’s a shapeshifter who turns into herself, which is a really clever concept, especially in a teenage book.
Alphona’s art is great as well. His style is sketchier here than it was in previous cult-hit teen comic “Runaways,” but he still shows that he really gets how to draw teenagers, who all too often in comics come out looking like slightly shorter adults.
While the directness of this comic might be a bit off putting to adults, this is a perfect comic for teens of all kinds. And the reveal of the bad guy, The Inventor, is so much perfect comics fun, that I won’t spoil it here. But is well worth checking out for that moment alone.
Ms. Marvel is available from Comixology, The Marvel Unlimited App, or your local comics shop.
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Hugh Likes Comics: Starve
October 7, 2015
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Starve
Brian Wood, Danijel Zezelj, and Dave Stewart
Published by Image Comics
So I’ve been really thinking about cooking lately. Not just how to cook, or where my food comes from, but the whole process, how something goes from a pile of disparate ingredients and becomes something else. I’ve also been reading “Starve” by Brian Wood, Danijel Zezelj, and Dave Stewart. Much like a fine meal, a comic that is more than the sum of its parts.
“Starve” is the story of runaway reality TV Chef Gavin Chruikshank. After the collapse of the global economy and the ruin of his marriage, he disappeared into the wilds of Southeast Asia. Three years later, the network comes looking for him, to force him to fulfill his season contract on a show that is very different than the one he originally began. “Starve” is no longer a travel show, but a competition for the benefit of the 0.1%, still on top despite economic and environmental catastrophe.
Starve is a fun little near future drama, with Gavin fighting for the soul of Chefdom and the love of his daughter against his estranged wife and the rival who stepped into his shoes. It’s politics, aside from F*CK THE 1%, are tough to pin down, but it is a joy to watch anarchic, barbarian chef Chruikshank work his magic. He’s nasty, belligerent, and entirely too much fun. He’s Hunter S. Thompson in a white jacket. While he is a master chef, the comic aims to shock rather than hunger. In the first issue, Gavin is asked to prepare a dog. Rather than being horrified, as is the intention, he carves up a slice, narrating that people all over the world eat dog.
The art is moody and heavily inked, with dark, brooding figures even under blazing stage lights. The washed out color palate further emphasizes the crushing blandness of the excess “Starve” represents.
If I had a complaint, it is I wish they would do more with Gavin’s sexuality. This is hardly a romantic book, but so far, (three issues published at the time of writing) Gavin’s homosexuality has been raised as an important character trait, but never explored. It’s simply treated like another vice, or another thing his ex-wife holds against him. He has had some interaction with his male handler, but almost all of his important relationships are with women.
While it may not whet your appetite, “Starve” is far from slight. Check it out on Comixology or in your local comics shop.
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Hugh Likes Comics: Toil and Trouble
September 23, 2015
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Toil and Trouble #1
Written by Mairghread Scott
Drawn by Kelly and Nichole Matthews
Published by Archaia
Shakespeare enjoys a peculiar place in the canon of English literature. Both a foundational document and endlessly mutable, it is performed, reenacted, remixed, and endlessly reinterpreted. Romeo and Juliet inspired the musical West Side Story. King Lear was translated into Akira Kurosawa’s opus film Ran. Recently, the tragedy of Hamlet was remixed into the Choose-Your-Own-Adventure style game-book, To Be or Not To Be. Toil and Trouble takes up from Macbeth, focusing not on the Thane, but the Witches.
Structurally, it resembles the Tom Stoppard Play “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead,” which follows the two titular henchmen from before their introduction and up to their bumbling, offstage demise. (Spoiler alert for a four-hundred and a fifty year old play, respectively.) The comic follows Smertae, one of the three witches, returning to Scotland after being banished. The reason for her banishment is unclear, but seems to involve Macbeth. Like the Stoppard play, the action of the original Shakespeare drifts around and through the dialog of the comic. In this first issue, the reader sees an expanded version of the opening scene.
In Scott’s version of events, the witches are agents of Fate, tasked with ensuring the continuity of Scottish royalty. To accomplish this, they mean to strike down Macbeth in order to give Prince Malcolm a trial to ready him for the throne. Smertae is against the plan, but reluctantly agrees. We then follow the witches in their work cursing Macbeth’s camp, and in the battle the next day, where Smertae makes a decision that goes against fate.
I was drawn to this comic because I am a huge fan of the Scottish Play. The plot is an interesting take, and I’m excited to see how it interacts with the original. The writing is actually quite solid, and the dips into 17th Century language feel natural with the rest of the dialog. The world building is the biggest break from the original, but I’m a sucker for the concept of a fading magical world, struggling in the face of onrushing modernity, and Scott absolutely nails this fantasy milieu.
What surprised me is the exceptional quality of the art. The Matthewses style is absolutely gorgeous, and the designs, particularly of the three witches, are immediately eye-grabbing and carry a lot of the story’s weight. The three represent Sea, Earth, and Sky. Smertae has crab-like spikes jutting from her body, and her sisters equally expressive of their elements. The ‘acting’ of the characters is also very well done. The meeting scene is wonderfully emotional without relying too heavily on the dialog to convey meaning, for example. The art is helped by bright and detailed coloring and inventive layouts, such as the climactic battle splash page, which features small circular insets showing the effects of the witches curses in the epic clash.
“Toil and Trouble” is the first part of a series I can’t wait to read more of. Find it on Comixolgy, or in the rack at your local comics shop.
Hugh J. O'Donnell 