Library Wars: The Nuclear Crisis

I read Library Wars: Love & War, Vol. 12

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin, which is seeking donations.  Follow me on Twitter.

I Reads You Review: ROCKET RACCOON #1 (2014)

ROCKET RACCOON (2014) #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER/ARTIST: Skottie Young
COLORS: Jean-Francois Beaulieu
LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry
COVER: Skottie Young
VARIANT COVERS: Skottie Young; Leonel Castellani; David Peterson; J. Scott Campbell with Nei Ruffino; Sara Pichelli with Justin Ponsor; Jeff Smith with Tom Gaadt; and Dale Keown with Jason Keith
28pp, Color, $3.99 (September 2014)

Rocket Raccoon created by Bill Mantlo and Keith Giffen

Rated T

“A Chasing Tale” Part 1

Rocket Raccoon, the space-based Marvel Comics superhero created by writer Bill Mantlo and artist Keith Giffen (first appearing in Marvel Preview #7 – cover dated: Summer 1976), received a snazzy makeover in 2008.  He's verbose, proactive, and doesn't mind popping a cap in sentient ass.  He even recently received his first ongoing comic book series, Rocket Raccoon, written and drawn by Skottie Young and colored by Jean-Francois Beaulieu.  This is also the first ongoing comic book series both written and drawn by Young.

Rocket Raccoon #1 (“A Chasing Tale” Part 1) opens three years in the past, showing how Rocket rescued Amalya, who would apparently become his girlfriend.  Moving to the present, Rocket is on Planet Nivlent, where Rocket's Guardians of the Galaxy teammate, Groot (a sentient tree-like creature), is fighting in a wrestling match.  It is there that Rocket discovers that he is a wanted man... err... raccoon... hmm... being.  In fact, Rocket is wanted for committing several murderers, which he doesn't remember committing.

I really didn't care for Rocket Raccoon #1 after reading the first 11 pages.  When the story brings in Rocket's Guardians teammate, Star-Lord, the story changes into something fun and exciting.  The energy in the story simply explodes.  I can say that the art for the entire issue is fantastic.  Skottie Young and Jean-Francois Beaulieu are a match made in comic book heaven.

There is a Saturday morning cartoon quality to the art that really takes off in the second half.  From a graphical standpoint, Rocket Raccoon #1 doesn't really look like a Marvel comic book.  In fact, Skottie Young doesn't seem like a Marvel Comics artist, which makes this Rocket Raccoon comic book look like an indie book put out by Oni Press or Top Shelf Productions.  For Marvel Comics fans, however, Rocket Raccoon looks like it will be something different, and the Marvel Universe could use a little different – something that does not look standardized.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

I Reads You Review: ROCKET RACCOON #1 (1985)

ROCKET RACCOON (1985) #1 (OF 4)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER:  Bill Mantlo
PENCILS:  Mike Mignola
INKS:  Al Gordon
COLORS:  Christie Scheele
LETTERS: Ken Bruzenak
EDITOR: Carl Potts
EiC: Jim Shooter
32pp, Color, .75¢ (May 1985)

Rocket Raccoon created by Bill Mantlo and Keith Giffen

Rocket Raccoon is an outer-space based Marvel Comics superhero.  He was created by writer Bill Mantlo and artist Keith Giffen and first appeared in Marvel Preview #7 (cover dated: Summer 1976).  The character was initially known as “Rocky Raccoon,” and it was later revealed that “Rocky” was short for “Rocket.”  Rocket Raccoon is an intelligent, anthropomorphic raccoon and is an expert marksman and master tactician.

Apparently, fondly remembered by fans, the character made very few appearances in comic books during the first three decades of his existence.  In 2008,  Rocket Raccoon appeared in the relaunch of the superhero comic book, Guardians of the Galaxy.  Rocket is a prominent member of the Guardians of the Galaxy team, and is now a breakout star thanks to the 2014 live-action film, Guardians of the Galaxy.  In the film, Rocket is a CGI character and his voice is provided by Oscar-nominated actor, Bradley Cooper.

I was a fan of the 1985, four-issue, Rocket Raccoon comic book miniseries, written by Bill Mantlo, drawn by Mike Mignola and Al Gordon, colored Christie Scheele, and lettered by Ken Bruzenak.  I am not sure if I had heard of the character before the miniseries.  I think one reason I wanted to read it was because the creative team, especially Bill Mantlo (who co-created the character) and then-emerging artist, Mike Mignola.

Rocket Raccoon #1 is a humorous comic book set in a walled-off section of space known as the “Keystone Quadrant.”  The story opens in Spacewheel, a toy manufacturer that is a division of Dyvynicies, Inc., owned by Lord Dyvyne.  We meet the Chief Toysmith, who is soon killed a murderous clown.  The blame falls on Dyvyne's rival, Judson Jakes, who oversees Mayhem Mekaniks, a toy-making corporation.

The story then moves to Halfworld, where we meet Rocket Raccoon, Llyla (Rocket's lady, who is an otter), and Wal-An (a walrus).  Rocket's main concern is making sure that there is a steady flow of toys for the humans of Cuckoo's Nest.  Now, it seems as if Dyvyne and Jakes are about to go to war, but they want more than just control of the toys.  Rocket and his friends are also targeted.

I lost my original copies of the Rocket Raccoon miniseries, but I managed to replace them about a decade ago during a sale at Mile High Comics.  I got them for next-to-nothing; in the wake of the hit Guardians of the Galaxy movie, I think it might cost at least $100 or more to buy a complete set.

I remember liking this miniseries when I first read it, but I wonder if I really understood it.  Decades of reading comic books later, I think I have a better grasp of it.  This is a humor comic book that is a bit satirical, and the first issue has some pop culture references, especially regarding the Oscar-winning film, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (which was based on on Ken Kesey's 1962 novel of the same name).

In a way, Rocket Raccoon the miniseries is similar to crime fiction, as it features Rocket as a kind of cop who has to stop a war between two mob bosses before they destroy the city.  The difference is that this comic book features anthropomorphism and juvenile science fiction and space opera elements.  I don't know if I'd recommend it to anyone but fans of Rocket Raccoon.  This miniseries is such an odd-duck that it is hard to figure out what the target audience for it is.  I guess that back in the mid-1980s, Marvel's target for Rocket Raccoon was the “Marvel zombies,” readers who bought practically everything that Marvel Comics published.

B

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

Seraph of the End: Black Asura

I read Seraph of the End, Vol. 2

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin, which is seeking donations.  Follow me on Twitter.

I Reads You Review: DKW: Ditko Kirby Wood

DKW: Ditko Kirby Wood
FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS – @fantagraphics

CARTOONIST: Sergio Ponchione
TRANSLATION: Diego Ceresa with Sergio Ponchione, Eric Reynolds, and Kristy Valenti
EDITOR: Eric Reynolds
32pp, 2-Color, $4.99 U.S. (July 2014)

Originally published in Italy, DKW: Ditko Kirby Wood is a one-shot comic book from cartoonist and comic book creator, Sergio Ponchione.  DKW is a tribute to three of the most acclaimed comic book artists of all time:  Steve Ditko, Jack Kirby and Wallace (Wally) Wood.  Fantagraphics Books recently published an English-language edition of DKW as as single-issue comic book.

Ponchione presents these three artists as a “holy trinity,” showcasing each the artist in a story that pays homage to his work, philosophy (especially in the case of Ditko), style, and creations.  One could certainly argue that Kirby and Ditko created the visual and graphical language of modern comic books, and I consider Wally Wood to be the greatest comic book artist of all time.

Ponchione dedicates one chapter to each of the three artists, with a framing sequence before and between each chapter to explain what is coming.  First, “The Mysterious Steve” (inspired by Reed Tucker's 2012 New York Post article) attempts to explain Steve Ditko's insistence that his work speaks for him and his resistance to giving interviews about himself and his work.

Next, “Planet Kirby” presents Jack Kirby and his workspace as a space ship from which he produces a never-ending stream of fantastic creations.  Finally, “Wood & Me” (based on information based on Steve Starger and J. David Spurlock's Wally's World) is an illustrated essay about Wally Wood, whose creativity, imagination, and output burned so brightly that they eventually consumed him.

I agree with what fantastic comics biographer Blake Bell says in his introduction to DKW.  Ponchione's imbues his work:  layouts, compositions, and graphic design with inspiration.  His book respects Ditko, Kirby, and Wood without imitating or, even worse, stealing their work.  Thor knows that five decades of Marvel Comics writers, artists, and editors  have remade, reinvented, re-imagined Ditko and Kirby's work to death (to say nothing of those making movies based on Marvel's comic books).

Sergio Ponchione honors Ditko, Kirby, and Wood by capturing the ideological, spiritual, philosophical, and intellectual aspects of their work.  He does not have to copy or steal.  Read this comic book, and you will realize that Ponchione understands this “Holy Trinity” beyond a superficial notion of “styles” and past what is seen on the surface, at first glance and without examination.  That shows in how his graphical storytelling captures the essence of these three masters.

Best of all, DKW: Ditko Kirby Wood is just a fun comic book to read.  Once upon a time, Ditko, Kirby, and Wood produced that kind of comic book.  I remember the first time I read Mr. A and Doctor Strange.  Wow!  I remember the first time I followed the X-Men to the Savage Land (X-Men #10 – cover dated: March 1965), and watches as Kirby's pencil pitted the Angel against a pterodactyl in an awesome aerial duel.  When I discover Wally Wood comics that I have not seen before, my respect and love for him grows.

It's early, but I think DKW: Ditko Kirby Wood should get an Eisner nod in the category of “Best U.S. Edition of International Material” next year.  It is one of the best comic books of the year, and it makes me want to seek out more comics from Sergio Ponchione.  He is clearly quite good at this comic book thing.

A+

www.fantagraphics.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

Dawn of the Arcana: The Final Volume

I read Dawn of the Arcana, Vol. 13

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin, which is seeking donations.  Follow me on Twitter.

Review: SHOPLIFTER (Graphic Novel)

SHOPLIFTER
PANTHEON BOOKS – @PantheonBooks

CARTOONIST: Michael Cho
ISBN: 978-0-307-91173-5; hardcover (September 2, 2014)
96pp, 2-color, $19.95 U.S.

Pantheon Books recently published the hardcover original, Shoplifter, a new graphic novel from cartoonist and illustrator, Michael Cho.  This is a 2-color, hardcover book with the dimensions 5.80 (w) x 8.10 (h) x 0.60 (d), and it is Cho's debut graphic novel.  Shoplifter features some of the most beautifully-drawn comic book art that I have seen this year, if not in awhile.

Shoplifter focuses on Corrina Park.  She is a mid-20-something, college graduate who used to have big plans.  She studied English literature in college, and she imagined writing a hit novel and leading the idealized life of a beloved author.  Corrina thought that she would already have that or at least be close to achieving it.

Instead, Corrina lives in an unnamed big city that could be New York City or Toronto.  [Wherever it is, there are no black people to be seen... anywhere.]  She has been working at the same advertising agency where she began working five years ago after she graduated, and the only thing she has written is advertising copy.  Corrina knows that she should be writing fiction and that there should be more to life.  However, she does not know how to find the “more” that she should have.

In its writing, Shoplifter shows that it is a debut graphic novel.  Neither Corrina nor her situation in life are particularly interesting, and Cho doesn't seem to know how to grab the readers and make them care.  Shoplifter may be a generational thing, and I, your humble reviewer, am not a millennial.  Still, the malaise that besets Corrina is universal and is practically timeless; Cho writes this story as if he does not understand that.

On the other side of that:  Wow!  This book has some gorgeous art.  Cho's drawing style in Shoplifter recalls Dan Clowes, Adrian Tomine, and even the classic “New York slick” line of John Romita, Sr.  There is also a touch of Darwyn Cooke and of David Mazzuchelli's art for Batman: Year One.  The draftsmanship on the cityscape, exteriors, and backgrounds are practically flawless.  The tones (rose-colored) give the art texture and tangibleness; it brings the city to life.  The inking and toning delineates people and objects, but also connects everything in an intimate way.

If Michael Cho is interested, I'm sure there is some high-paying Batman hackwork in his future (script by DC Comics superstar Scott Snyder... or Geoff Johns).  Seriously, I am curious to see where this promising comic book and graphic novel talent is headed.  I complained about the storytelling and character writing, but the brilliant art makes this Shoplifter a must-have.  Comic book readers who appreciate comic book artists who can really draw will want to see Shoplifter.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.