Trade Marks: Will Eisner's The Spirit

With all of the negative energy surrounding Denny Colt these days, I thought it would be nice to remind people of some of the good stuff. Even though I'm a big Darwyn Cooke fan, I must admit to being apprehensive about himlaunching this new Spirit series. I didn't buy any of the floppies, but waited for the hardcover to hit shelves. Sometimes, I'm soooo happy to be wrong. Cooke and J. Bone manage to breath new life into a still fresh concept. The stories have the perfect mixture of action and humour and the artwork manages to look both modern and retro at the same time. I was recently organizing some books and sat down and re-read this volume and I am happy to report that it's just as much fun the second time around. It's pretty darn close to comic book perfection. I understand from Chris at Collected Comics Library that a softcover TPB has been released and I urge any of you that haven't yet, to add this one to your collection. Trade Mark: A

You've Been Warned: America vs. the Justice Society

As a kid raised on JLA/JSA crossovers and the revamped All-Star Comics, Earth-2 holds a special place in my heart. I'm not exaggerating when I say that the America vs. the Justice Society miniseries stomped all over that special place. For someone who holds the JSA in such high esteem, I don't understand how Roy Thomas could concoct such a dreary story that manages to suck all of the fun out of Earth-2. The script is heavy-handed (witch hunts suck; we get it!) and very dialogue heavy, as it tries to advance this treason trial while recapping the JSA's history in its entirety. The revolving door of pencillers certainly doesn't help this come across as a cohesive work. It is just so fundamentally unentertaining (if that's not a word, it should be) that I really can't advise anyone but JSA completists to spend money on these books.

Reprint This! Golden Lad

Now that Dark Horse gave Mac Raboy's Green Lama the Archives treatment, I only think it's fair that someone step up to the plate and reprint Spark Publications other great hero: Mort Meskin's Golden Lad. Except for an appearance in an AC Comics reprint, I don't think Golden Lad has seen light of day since the mid-40s. This series showcased the adventures of Tommy Preston and his 'Heart of Gold' taking on all sorts of Golden Age threats from Nazis to his archenemy (if one can have an archenemy if one's title only lasts 5 issues), the Dreamer. It's good, simple Golden Age fun with superior artwork by Mort Meskin. It would be a pretty slim volume, so I'm hoping that perhaps Dark Horse could give it the M.A.R.S. Patrol: Total War treatment. I'm sure there are enough Meskin fans out there to make it commercially viable.

Time to Find a New HMO Covers

No one likes surgery, but imagine if the team in the OR consisted of skeletons, zombies and assorted ghouls. Well, it seems that many, many editors thought that this would make a great cover theme. I was quite surprised by how many covers feature this set-up. Let's take a look at a handful of them.

The cover to Mysterious Adventures #16 is one of my favourites. I love how the 'Doctor' is pleading with them to stop the operation, explaining that he 'doesn't need an operation', rather than 'you're just a bunch of skeletons. I'm often not a fan of a ton of cover dialogue, but it works well here - as we know these skeletons are seeking revenge. This series from Story Comics is pretty tough to find, which is a shame as it features a ton of great covers - the majority of which feature a skeleton.

Jerry Grandenetti and Creig Flessel team up for the cover to Black Magic #3, a series that reprints old Simon and Kirby stories from the 50s series of the same name. I'll never quite realize how these patients manage to get all the way to the operating room before they realize that something is not quite right. This team of Satanic ghouls at least appeared to be somewhat competent. I meant to flip through this issue last night to confirm, but I've got a feeling that this story doesn't appear in the issue.

Let's travel back to pre-Code days with this cover from Strange Fantasy #2 from third tier publisher, Ajax-Farrel. This one features a slight twist on the theme, as the team of undead 'doctors' are simply attempting to revive one of their own. A zombie rebellion might take a while to gather steam if every single zombie requires surgery before hitting the mall. I'm not sure who drew this cover (as I have trouble IDing most of that company's output) -but the one zombie in centre background has the sunken eyes that Don Heck was doing at the time. I've only ever owned on book from this series, and I can't really say that it was the highlight of my pre-Code horror collection.

As I've said on here before, DC's Secrets of the Haunted House is a fun little title that is sometimes overlook when 70s horror is discussed. The cover to issue #21 is particularly strong. I am a bit confused, though. While the 'Doctors of the Devil' appear to be ghouls or zombies, they decided to turn their patient into some sort of Lion Man, kind of like Simbar from the Doctor Spektor series (if you know who I'm talking about, you read waaaay too many comics). While Wrightson, Adams, Cardy and Kubert are often, and justly, praised for their fine cover work for DC in the 70s - I feel that Luis Dominguez should be included in those discussions are he cranked out a ton of great covers, such as this one.

By now, we're familiar with the scene portrayed on the cover of Crypt of Shadows #16. The GCD notes that this cover was pencilled by either Ron Wilson or Ed Hannigan. It further states that Nick Caputo provided the info. As Nick visits this blog from time to time, perhaps his can clarify. I really don't know myself - my initial thought after glancing at it was actually Larry Lieber. This is one of the many reprint titles published by Marvel in the 70s that are a great source for affordable Atlas-era horror stories. Sadly, the secret is out, as I've noticed that prices on this creeping steadily upward over the past few years.

Well folks, that a quick look at "Time to Find a New HMO Covers". As I'm in Canada, I can assure my American readers that while universal health care has it flaws, it never gets quite this bad.

Single Issue Hall of Fame: The Question #14

This series really raced along up to this point. The only thing that got Vic Sage to slow down and contemplate life, was the fact that he'd been buried up to his neck by a bunch of paramilitary nut jobs. This is a fairly philosophical issue, and those can be very hit or miss - but it works quite well here. O'Neill takes it right to the edge of believability but manages to use just enough restraint to prevent it from falling into the realm of the ridiculous. That's tricky to pull off when your main storytelling devices are flashbacks and hallucinations. Ultimately, Vic is able to stir up some infighting among Col. DeBeck's men. I just loved the good Sergeant's final line as he starts to dig out Sage; "I've lost a lot of blood, but I'll do my best". It's one final act of redemption from a man who has come to learn the error of his ways. Keeping the soap opera side of things rolling, Myra announces her candidacy to be the next mayor of Hub City. A real 'be careful what you wish for' scenario. Overall a great standalone issue.

Charlton Notebook: Ghost Manor #70

The early 80s was a very interesting time in the life of Charlton Comics. They had emerged from the reprint-only era and were trying to bring new ideas and new creators into the industry, much as they did in the mid-70s. I love the way this covers tries to fool you into thinking that a Stormtrooper shows up in this issue. Inside, the armour is actually yellow. This book leads off with Ditko reprint from 1975. It's a so-so story about rats - nothing inspired but good for a quick Ditko fix. The next story is a pretty cool wordless tales (hence the 'make up your own dialogue' blurb on the cover). It actually work quite well as a silent feature. I've never heard of Daniel E. Carroll but he had promise. I'm thinking that this was left over inventory from the cancelled Charlton Bullseye series. Same goes for the final story - another fun tale, this one involving mistreated androids who finally see the light. Not many 'ghosts' in this issue - but it ended up being a very entertaining read.

Memoirs of a Bronze Age Baby: Incredible Hulk #262

I was just shy of turning 10 when I bought this one off the racks. It haunted me the entire summer of '82. Bruce Banner washes up on a beach in Malibu and is taken in by a benefactor with a sinister secret. This one plays out like a really good Twilight Zone episode. I found the whole concept to be truly horrifying. Sal B did am amazing job of conveying the look of terror on the faces of the 'statues'. The one in the pool really freaks me out. I think this one messed up my ability to trust beautiful women. As a bonus, there's a second great story featuring the Dire Wraiths and a nice twist on the 'Ma & Pa Kent find a space capsule' story. This one really made a lasting impression.

Quick and Stale DVD Reviews

Yup - been catching up on movies that people saw ages ago so these will likely only be of use to those with even less free time than me.

Sex and the City: The Movie
"This is sooo long", "I can't believe how bad this is" and "How can this not be over yet?". Those were all phrases uttered by my wife while we watched this piece of shit. Neither of us are fans of the show but rented it for a bit of light fun only to feel as though SJP & Co. owe us two hours of our lives. I pity all women who identify with this garbage. Grade: F

Incredible Hulk
I was given this for Christmas because I like comics. I wasn't even interested in renting it until I became more desperate. I actually didn't mind Norton as Banner, and I do prefer the whole "Banner as Dr.Kimble" type of stories but things went south when they landed in Toronto and Liv Tyler show up. I do like the Hurt for Nolte trade, though. If this is as good as they can do, I think this franchise should be laid to rest. Grade: C

In Bruges
Holy crap did I love this movie. So small, and yet so wonderfully entertaining. Tons of good old black humour (something that is quite rare these days). Colin Farrell didn't bug me at all here, and he and Brendan Gleeson have a great Felix & Oscar vibe. Ralph Fiennes is simultaneously hilarious and menacing. It was just brilliant - and not in the British sense (where they say 'brilliant' about everything) but actual brilliance. I'm really surprised that this didn't land on more year end top 10 lists. Grade: A

The Invisible Agent
Buried on Side B of Disc 2 of the Invisible Man: Legacy Collection is this fun 1942 gem mixing slapstick humour and espionage. Our hero is deep in German territory trying to find the details of a German attack on New York. It's a little matinee film that doesn't waste a moment of its 75 minute running time. Any film with Peter Lorre is worth watching, in my not so humble opinion, although I didn't realize that he was supposed to be Japanese until halfway through the movie. Grade: B+

Hidden Gems: Adventure Comics #459

I'm sure that kids complained about paying a buck for a comic book back in the late 70s, but these beauties really do pack quite a punch. This is the first issue of the 'new look' Adventure Comics (how many times did we see that with this title?), and imports a number of DC's heavy hitters. Green Lantern was in the midst of one of his many hiatuses, so it's nice to get a solid Staton drawn story here. The Flash story reminded me of how much I like Frank McLaughlin's inks over Irv Novick's pencils. An Aparo drawn Deadman story? Yes, please! We also see the return of the New Gods with artwork by the always great Don Newton. Are we still talking a single comic book? Rounding out the title are a so-so Wonder Woman story featuring the Killer Shark and a fairly entertaining Elongated Man tale. Overall, the book doesn't quite add up to the sum of its parts, but if you see this one on the cheap (I got mine for $2), don't pass it up.

Trade Marks: Animal Man: Book 2 - Origin of the Species

When Animal Man was first on the shelves, I saw it as just another one of the relatively forward thinking and unique titles being published by DC at the time (Suicide Squad, Green Arrow, The Question etc... all fit into that category). I only picked up the odd issue here and there and was never really fully sold on the concept. Tackling the trades years later, I can really appreciate what Grant Morrison was trying to do - channelling his feelings as an angry young man into the Four Color world in a viable and entertaining way. I think that, for the most part, he succeeded and this second volume builds nicely on the momentum created in the first volume. With the back story out of the way, Morrison can focus on certain themes, such as Animal Rights and Apartheid. I was pleasantly surprised to find that these stories have actually dated quite well, and Buddy Baker remains a great everyman-type characters. Morrison uses guest stars such as Vixen and Bwana Beast to great effect, as he's able to put together a seemingly independent world here that manages to keep one foot in the larger DCU. All in all - it's a very entertaining and thought provoking read that manages to avoid being preachy. Trade Mark: A-

Steve Ditko Cover of the Week: Stalker #3

Stalker is a funny little series - it's kind of interesting but never really did all that much for me. Perhaps it was cancelled (imploded?) before truly hitting its stride. The real highlight is the collaboration between Steve Ditko and Wally Wood. Wood bring a bit of structure to Ditko's figures and background without stripping it of that Ditko charm (as I felt Ralph Reese did with the early 90s Magnus stories). This is my favourite cover of the series - as the battle between the two main figures has a nice three dimensional feel. I could have lived without the female at the bottom right corner, as she really breaks up the flow of the image. The caption is also very intrusive, but we're talking the 70s here so I guess that it can't really be avoided. A solid effort for Ditko & Wood, but I really wonder if that woman was the result of some editorial interference. It has that 'Make it look more Marvel' vibe that hurt so many Atlas-Seaboard covers.

You've Been Warned: DC Comics Presents #56

I think the main difference between the Brave and the Bold and DC Comics Presents is that when B&B stories go off the deep end; it's charming. When a DCCP story does the same, it's just annoying. This generic inter dimensional car wreck was written by Paul Kupperberg, who obviously dreamt up the villain, Maaldor the Darklord, by combining all of those lame 'warrior' villains that popped up in Superman stories throughout the 70s. Here, our Parallel Earths cousins have been transported into innerspace to serve as sport for Maaldor (who would look a lot more menacing if he didn't have Little Orphan Annie hair), but they ultimately triumph by... well, to be quite honest, I kind of dozed off towards the end. Kara is totally wasted here, saying little more than 'Hey, don't underestimate me - I'm in the JSA'. to ever appear in a 70 Superman story.

That's it until the new year folks! I'm computer-free for the holidays!

Reprint This! I... Vampire!

Given the success Marvel has had with its Tomb of Dracula reprints, I'm shocked that DC hasn't seen fit to reprint this fine series from the early 80s. Created by J.M. DeMatteis and Tom Sutton, I... Vampire ran as an ongoing series in the pages of House of Mystery during that title's final days. The story follows Andrew Bennett and his quest to right past wrongs by tracking down his former lover and her band of vampires. There's a nice little dash of Gothic romance thrown into the mix, and everything is smaller in scale than we've seen in Tomb of Dracula. It's a very engaging tale and many mature themes are touched upon. The always great Tom Sutton is really in his element here, and Mike Kaluta provided some fine covers. I'm not sure if there are enough pages here for a Showcase Presents volume, but one way or the other, DC has got to get this back on the shelves.

Spend an Evening with Karloff's Night Key

As you may have gathered somewhere along the way, I'm a pretty big Boris Karloff fan (who isn't?). As the man has 100+ credits to his name, there are always new movies ripe for rediscovery. Night Key is minor 1937 film that is inappropriately packaged in a bare-bones collection of Karloff 'Horror Classics' that is widely available. I say inappropriate, as this is anything but a horror movie. Karloff's ageing, timid inventor is about as far from the Frankenstein Monster or Im-Ho-Tep as you can get. It's a fairly simple crime drama, with some noirish tones but enough humor to keep it fairly light and lively.

This imperfect little B-movies held my interest because of the interested conceit (a wrong inventor playing a fun game of cat and mouse with his enemies) and the strength of the supporting characters, notably Glen Baxter as the quiet menacing crime boss "The Kid" and Hobart Cavanaugh as the luckless Petty Louie. Of course, there's a tacked-on romance that fits about as well as Petty Louie's overcoat, but the real reason to watch is Karloff's performance. He goes from joy to heartbreak and back, as his life is turned upside down by events well out of his control. The smile on Karloff's face as he plays a prank in an umbrella shop is worth the price of admission. That is one of a few moments that feel as though they are straight out of a Coen Brothers movie. If you're looking for a change of pace and would like to see Karloff's range, be sure to check this one out.

Hidden Gems: Sgt Rock Special #2

What a wonderful book! I found this one in a dollar bin not too long ago. I was unaware that DC had put out a bunch of these 'Specials' in the late 80s and early 90s, reprinting some great and tough to find stories from its endless archives of superb war stories. The lead story 'Suicide Mission' from Brave and the Bold #52, was previously reprinted in Battle Classics #1 from 1978, it's great story featuring most DC's big war heroes and a great entry point to get a feel for Silver Age war stories at DC. The second tale is an interesting Len Wein story from an early issue of Weird War Tales, with art by a very young Walt Simonson - a lot of the cool Manhunter-era visuals. Finally, we've got a nice WW1 dogfight story drawn by Alex Toth from 1973. Can you really ask for anything more?