Review: CAGE! #4

CAGE! No. 4
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Genndy Tartakovsky
PENCILS: Genndy Tartakovsky
INKS: Stephen DeStefano
COLORS: Scott Wills
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: Genndy Tartakovsky and Stephen DeStefano with Scott Wills
VARIANT COVER: Art Adams with Paul Mounts
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (March 2017)

Rated T+

Luck Cage created by Archie Goodwin and John Romita, Sr.

Luke Cage is a Marvel Comics superhero.  Also known as, “Power Man,” Cage was created by writer Archie Goodwin and artist John Romita, Sr., and first appeared in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1 (cover dated: June 1972).  Cage was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, but he eventually gained superpowers in the form of durability, unbreakable skin, and superhuman strength.

As Power Man, Cage has been most associated with another superhero, his partner, Iron Fist (Daniel “Danny” Rand).  However, Cage has also been a solo act (as has Iron Fist).  As part Marvel Comics' latest publishing event/initiative, NOW!, we have the new four-issue comic book miniseries, Cage!  It is written by Genndy Tartakovsky; drawn by Tartakovsky (pencils) and Stephen DeStefano (inks); colored by Scott Wills; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

Tartakovsky is the creator of the Cartoon Network animated classics, “Dexter's Laboratory” (also “Dexter's Lab”) and “Samurai Jack,” and the animated film franchise, Hotel Transylvania (Sony Pictures Animation).  Tartakovsky, who has occasionally produced comic books, returns to the medium with his distinctive take on Luke Cage-Power Man, giving this new comic book a 1970s pop culture and blaxploitation vibe.

Cage! opens in New York City, 1977.  Cage heads to Chinatown for a rendezvous with his lady, Misty Knight.  When she doesn't show, Cage starts looking for answers and discovers that heroes from all over NYC are disappearing.  After he is kidnapped, Cage meets the villain behind the kidnappings, Professor Soos.  Soos has concocted some crazy Island of Dr. Moreau plan to have the kidnapped heroes fight the abominable animal hybrids he has created.

Cage! #4 opens on a mysterious island of an unknown locale.  Deep beneath its beautiful and thick jungle is the lair of Prof. Soos.  Cage, forced to fight, is successful against Soos' man-animal monsters.  The other kidnapped heroes, like Dazzler and Brother Voodoo, are not.  Cage's victories, however, do not earn him freedom or even a cash prize!  His success only means that he now has to fight the ultimate opponent, one who is a shockingly skilled martial artist.

If Marvel Comics' continuity is important to you, dear reader, don't take Cage! seriously in terms of Marvel continuity.  It is a special, event miniseries, but Genny Tartakovsky has created a comic book that is a love letter to and good-natured spoof of Marvel Comics titles published during the mid to late 1970s.  You can tell by which superheroes make appearances and which costumes they wear.

I love Cage!, and I wish that it were an ongoing series.  I know, however, that what makes it special is that it is a short-term event.  Cage! recalls classic Luke Cage-Power Man and also the spirit of one the recurring characters on “Dexter's Laboratory,” “Action Hank.”  Hank is the stereotypical blaxploitation character as a heroic crime fighter and a television action hero.  Hank has characteristics that borrow from popular 1970s and 80s action heroes like Shaft and Rambo and iconic actors like Chuck Norris and Mr. T.  Genndy's Luke Cage reminds me of Action Hank, and that is a good thing.

In the end, Cage! is the kind of comic book that I would have loved to have read as a child.  It gives me that feeling of joy and wonder that keeps me reading through the comic books that can't quite give me that feeling of joy and wonder.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: Genndy Tartakovsky's CAGE! #1

CAGE! No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Genndy Tartakovsky
PENCILS: Genndy Tartakovsky
INKS: Stephen DeStefano
COLORS: Scott Wills
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: Genndy Tartakovsky
VARIANT COVERS: Marco D'Alfonso; Damian Scott; Trevor Von Eeden
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2016)

Rated T+

Luck Cage created by Archie Goodwin and John Romita, Sr.

Luke Cage, also known as “Power Man,” is a Marvel Comics superhero.  He was created by writer Archie Goodwin and artist John Romita, Sr., and first appeared in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1 (cover dated: June 1972).  Cage was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, but he eventually gained superpowers in the form of durability, unbreakable skin, and superhuman strength.

As Power Man, Cage has been most associated with another superhero, his partner, Iron Fist (Daniel “Danny” Rand).  However, Cage has also been a solo act (as has Iron Fist).  As part Marvel Comics' latest publishing event/initiative, NOW!, we have the new four-issue comic book miniseries, Cage!  It is written by Genndy Tartakovsky; drawn by Tartakovsky (pencils) and Stephen DeStefano (inks); colored by Scott Wills; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

And yes, this is that Genndy Tartakovsky.  The creator of Cartoon Network animated classics, “Dexter's Laboratory” (also “Dexter's Lab”) and “Samurai Jack,” has worked in comic books on occasion.  [Let's not forget the hit 3D animation franchise Tartakovsky created for Sony Pictures Animation, Hotel Transylvania.]  Now, Tartakovsky returns with his distinctive take on Luke Cage-Power Man, giving this new comic book a 1970s pop culture and blaxploitation vibe.

Cage #1 opens in New York City, 1977.  After kicking some silly villain ass, Cage heads to Chinatown for a rendezvous with his lady, Misty Knight.  When she doesn't show, Cage heads out to find some answers.  What he discovers is that all the heroes around town are disappearing.

I don't take Cage #1 seriously in terms of Marvel continuity (as it is an event or “special” series), but I take it quite seriously in terms of being a fun read.  I won't call Cage! a parody, which to some measure it is.  It may spoof or send-up Marvel's 1970s comics and the blaxploitation films of that decade, but I think that Cage! is probably a love letter to a genre or style of storytelling.

One of the recurring characters on “Dexter's Laboratory” is “Action Hank.”  He is the stereotypical blaxploitation character as a heroic crime fighter and a television action hero, but Hank has characteristics that borrow from popular 1970s and 80s action heroes like Shaft and Rambo and iconic actors like Chuck Norris and Mr. T.  Genndy's Luke Cage reminds me of Action Hank.

In the end, Cage! is probably Tartakovsky's opportunity to do a comic book in particular way that he has wanted to do for a long time (probably since he was a youngster), without having to commit long term and interfering with his film and television work.  The questions is how many readers will care – not who cares.  It is obvious that quite a few readers will care for various reasons, from their love of Luke Cage to their admiration of Genndy Tartakovsky.  Will enough, however, care, which would make this entire miniseries a big hit?  I hope many of you do care about Cage!

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: SAMURAI JACK #2

SAMURAI JACK #2
IDW PUBLISHING with Cartoon Network – @IDWPublishing and @cartoonnetwork

WRITER: Jim Zub – @jimzub
ARTIST: Andy Suriano – @wolfboy74
COLORS: Josh Burcham
LETTERS: Shawn Lee
COVER: Andy Suriano
SUBSCRIPTION COVER: Genndy Tartakovsky
COVER RI: Riley Rossmo
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2013)

Samurai Jack created by Genndy Tartakovsky

“Samurai Jack and the Threads of Time” Part 2

There is a legendary samurai, known as “Jack,” who is transported to a dystopian, futuristic Earth.  It is ruled by an old enemy of Jack’s, a tyrannical, shape-shifting, demonic wizard named Aku.  Jack wanders this future, trying to find a method by which he can travel back in time to the era in which he belongs, Feudal Japan, and keep Aku from creating this troubled future.  This is the premise of the 2001-2004, Cartoon Network animated series, Samurai Jack.

Samurai Jack returns in a new five-issue comic book miniseries from IDW Publishing.  Written by Jim Zub and drawn by Andy Suriano, Samurai Jack is not merely an adaptation of the cartoon.  Because it captures the spirit and look of the original, this comic book IS Samurai Jack.  This series focuses on Jack’s quest to gather the Threads of Time, which he can wind into the Rope of Eons and therefore, rewind himself home.  He already has one thread.

As Samurai Jack #2 opens, Jack arrives in a small village where he believes he can find another of the Threads of Time.  What he finds is a place full of frightened villagers.  He discovers that the problem is the village’s so-called protectors, identical twin master martial artists who call themselves “Dis and Dat.”

As he did in the first issue, writer Jim Zub maintains the sparkling wit and sly humor that marked the Emmy-winning Samurai Jack television series.  Obviously, I’ve read a lot of comic books, and I can say that this is one that captures the feelings I got watching a favorite Saturday morning cartoon.  Zub is writing a story that is as true to its source material as the best comic book media tie-ins.

Artist Andy Suriano, a character designer on the original Samurai Jack cartoon, gives this comic book art and graphics that pop off the page.  With Josh Burcham’s colors, the art shimmers and glows, which makes reading the story feel like I’m watching a cartoon.

It’s obvious, isn’t it?  I love this comic book.  It’s one of the best new series of the year.  I hope it turns into a regular series.

A

www.jimzub.com
www.IDWPUBLISHING.com
youtube.com/idwpublishing
facebook.com/idwpublishing

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

The text is copyright © 2013 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

Review: SAMURAI JACK #1

"Jack's Back!"
SAMURAI JACK #1
IDW PUBLISHING with Cartoon Network – @IDWPublishing and @cartoonnetwork

WRITER: Jim Zub – @jimzub
ARTIST: Andy Suriano
LETTERS: Shawn Lee
COVER A: Andy Suriano
COVER RI: Rob Guillory
SUBSCRIPTION COVER C and COVER RE – beguiling.com Exclusive: Genndy Tartakovsky
COVER RE – Awesome Con Exclusive: Bryan Turner
COVER RE – Emerald City Comicon Exclusive: Sean Galloway
COVER RE – Hastings Exclusive: Sergio Quijada
COVER RE – Phantom Comics Exclusive: Jim Zub
COVER RE – Newbury Comics Exclusive: Ethen Beavers
COVER RE – Rhode Island Comicon Exclusive: Craig Rousseau
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2013)

Samurai Jack created by Genndy Tartakovsky

“Samurai Jack and the Threads of Time”

I’m reading the first issue of the new Samurai Jack comic book from IDW Publishing.  The first time a villain appears in the story, I can hear the late, great Don Messick’s voice in my head as I read the villain’s dialogue.  Messick was a voice actor known for his association with television animation giant, Hanna-Barbera, performing on such series as Jonny Quest and The Huckleberry Hound Show, among many.  Although he died several years before Samurai Jack debuted on television, Messick, I think, would have fit in as a voice performer on the series.

Samurai Jack is an animated series originally broadcast on Cartoon Network from 2001 to 2004 for a total of 52 episodes.  This television series tells the story of a legendary samurai, known as “Jack,” who is transported to a dystopian, futuristic Earth ruled by the tyrannical, shape-shifting, demonic wizard Aku.  Jack wanders this future, trying to find a method by which he can travel back in time to the era in which he belongs, Feudal Japan, where he plans to defeat Aku, another denizen of Japan’s past.

Now, Samurai Jack returns as a new five-issue comic book miniseries from IDW Publishing.  IDW is partnering with Cartoon Network (CN) to produce original comic books based on CN’s animated properties.  Written by Jim Zub and drawn by Andy Suriano, Samurai Jack is not merely an adaptation of the series.  This comic book IS Samurai Jack.

As Samurai Jack #1 opens, Jack begins his latest quest to find a way back to Feudal Japan.  That involves a trip across a storm-swept, insect-infested desert to seek Soule the Seer.  From Soule, Jack learns of the Threads of Time.  If Jack can obtain these threads, he can rewind the Rope of Eons and therefore, rewind himself home.  But to get the first thread, this samurai must become a gladiator.

Of all the comic books that have debuted this year, Samurai Jack is the purest of them all.  It is so free of pretension, yet is still bright and imaginative.  It is so true to its source material, the Primetime Emmy-winning, Samurai Jack, that it does not seem like a mere licensed comic book, but rather a genuine continuation of the original story.

There are two things that really stand out about writer Jim Zub’s story.  First, Zub maintains the sparkling wit and smart humor that marked the television series.  Secondly, he gives Jack personality.  Thus, the character seems like a… well, a character and not just some corporate intellectual property doing the synergistic thing.  Instead, Jack is an approachable dude; sure he can kick some butt, but the character seems approachable.

Artist Andy Suriano, a character designer on the original Samurai Jack cartoon, transforms the graphic sensibilities of the animated series into the graphical storytelling aspects of a comic book.  Suriano does not draw everything in painstaking (and painful-to-look-at) detail.  The simple shapes and abstract features of cartooning figures, sets, and background details are just as effective at establishing plot, character, and setting as the pseudo-realism of much comic book art.

Reading this first issue reminds me of the fun I had watching cartoons.  That means Samurai Jack #1 is a success.  Zub, Suriano, and IDW do what Cartoon Network’s Time-Warner sister, DC Comics, could not do:  make a good Samurai Jack comic book.  Readers who want Cartoon Network comic books finally have one in Samurai Jack.

A

www.jimzub.com
www.IDWPUBLISHING.com
youtube.com/idwpublishing
facebook.com/idwpublishing

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

The text is copyright © 2013 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

IDW, Jim Zub Revive "Samurai Jack"

Back From The Past, Samurai Jack!

The epic quest to return home continues with all-new comic books from IDW

San Diego, CA (July 26, 2013) - Battling against the forces of evil and the oddities of the future, Samurai Jack's stoic journey is not over yet, in fact, it's just beginning! The long wait is almost over as the fan-favorite series is set to make its IDW debut this October! Through a partnership with Cartoon Network Enterprises, IDW will create and distribute a series of comic books being released monthly.

A cult-classic and fan-favorite of the highest order, the popular and acclaimed animated series from Cartoon Network pitted a feudal Samurai known only as Jack against the ancient demon wizard, Aku. Displaced in time, Jack was made to traverse a strange landscape of the future to find his way back to his own time.

"Samurai Jack is an irresistible mix of high adventure, comedy and mythic storytelling," said series writer Jim Zub (Skullkickers) who will be joined by Andy Suriano (Character Designer on the original Samurai Jack television series) to lead Jack on his newest adventure!

Suriano's affinity for Jack will help shape his continuing adventure. He added, "returning to Samurai Jack is such a personal experience and labor of love for me. It's like stepping through a time portal back to characters I know as friends and a world that really launched my animation career."

The first five-issue arc will explore the secrets of the "Rope of Eons,"

In addition to the great talent already working on this book, the first arc features variant covers by the show's immensely talented creator, Genndy Tartakovsky! "As a Jack and Genndy fan I'm thrilled to be writing new stories that continue where the TV series left off. I'm channeling my inner samurai to deliver a fun action-packed ride each and every issue," said Zub.

Along with the high quality collections of existing material that IDW will be releasing, the new publishing series promises to take Jack back to the past in new and exciting ways!

About Cartoon Network Enterprises
Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) is responsible for building consumer products and merchandising programs for a wide range of brands by securing and supporting long-term licensing partnerships across all categories. As the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, the division manages the consumer product programs for the networks' award-winning original programming, brands and characters including Ben 10, Adventure Time, Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball, The Powerpuff Girls, Adult Swim and more. CNE also serves as the exclusive global licensing agent for LazyTown Entertainment and the PGA of America for the youth marketplace.

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com) is consistently the #1 U.S. television network among boys 6-11. Currently seen in 99 million U.S. homes and 194 countries around the world, Cartoon Network is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for kids and families. In addition to Emmy-winning original programming and industry-leading digital apps and online games, Cartoon Network embraces key social issues affecting families with solution-oriented initiatives such as Stop Bullying: Speak Up and the Move It Movement.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.