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Wayne Markley
by Wayne Markley
As the holidays are rapidly approaching, I thought I would once again look at a number of recent graphic novels and trade collections that I have greatly enjoyed reading. These vary from true life stories to fantasy to superheroes to ducks. What each of these books has in common is good storytelling. Each book has a solid story, which has a beginning, middle, and an end. I enjoyed each of these books thoroughly, but each for different reasons which will be discussed further down. I have stated a number of times over the last few years that today is a great time to be reading comics and these original graphic novels and collections are just a few of the reasons why.
Meteor Men
Meteor guy is a standalone graphic novel by the always entertaining Jeff Parker and artist Sandy Jarrell with Kevin Vold, and it is published by Oni Press. It tells the tale of a teen boy, Alden Baylor, who late one night witnesses a meteor shower that will change his life. The story is a mix of adolescent angst and science fiction but it is told in a way that it just flows off the page. The art is clean and slick and the story is creative and original. It has aspects of a John Hughes teen film and of 50s science fiction thrillers. Meteor guy is a book that practically anybody could read and enjoy, especially people who are not conventional comic book fans. This could easily have been a teen novel and I would be greatly amazed if it does not end up as a film someday. It is just a very charming story with a strong moral back story and very satisfying ending. worth inspecting out.
Kinski
Kinski is a standalone original graphic novel by Gabriel Hardman published by image Comics. It tells the tale of a man and a canine and the lengths that the man will go through for the dog, Kinski. It is hard to summarize this book without providing away too much. This is much more like an independent film than a conventional comic as the storytelling is very cinematic and it flows like a movie. Also, the story itself is not what you would expect. With each turn of the page I was taken in a direction I did not expect and the final outcome is not at all what I would have thought of based on the first few pages, yet the story works perfectly. Hardman has done a number of comics over the years, and I particularly liked his work on planet of the Apes for BOOM!, but Kinski is unlike anything else I have seen from him. Or in comics in general for the mater. It is down to earth and charming in addition to being a very good character study about a very distressed man and a dog, and what makes this story even much more interesting is the canine is not even his. read it to find out more; you will not regret it.
The Don Rosa Library: Walt Disney’s Uncle Scrooge and Donald Duck Vol. 1
Most of us think of Carl Barks when the discussion turns to the very best Donald Duck/Uncle Scrooge writer and artist, but after having read The Don Rosa Library: Walt Disney’s Uncle Scrooge and Donald Duck Vols. 1 & 2 I would argue you would have to amend that statement to being Carl Barks and Don Rosa as being the very best writer/artists. These first two volumes from Fantagraphics books are just the beginning of the reprinting all of Don Rosa’s work on Donald and his rich uncle, in addition to Huey, Dewey, and Louie. Rosa makes no secret in these collections his like of Carl Barks and the stories show it as they are as complex and as entertaining as anything Barks did. Rosa has a distinct art style that you would not think would work for these classic Disney characters, but he is able to adapt his drawing style to ensure that it is not only as good as Barks, at times it might even be better (by a tidge). These collections have a mix of long form adventure stories with Scrooge and the gang, mostly sequels to or in some way paying homage to, Bark’s classic stories, in addition to short ten page gag stories and a few one page gag strips. practically as entertaining as the comic stories are the background information by Rosa on how the stories were produced, his personal background while working on the strips, how he got the job in the first place, and the facts contained in the stories. like the Carl Barks stories that Rosa tries to emulate, his stories are fact filled and are as much a history lesson as a very entertaining read.
The Don Rosa Library: Walt Disney’s Uncle Scrooge and Donald Duck Vol. 2
I also like that Rosa puts in all kind of bit details in the background that add a whole new dimension to the stories. Rosa talks at length in the commentary about his obsession with detail and possibly over drawing, but I think all the bit bits in the comprehensive background, be them tributes to Barks or Mickey mouse (who is hidden in the background of numerous of the stories) or bit sight gags, were well worthhis time (and yours to find them). So take your time to read each panel thoroughly to fully appreciate the work and the jokes that are snuck in there. I also should comment on how great his expressions are on the characters. There are so numerous pictures of Donald’s and Uncle Scrooge’s faces that are just priceless, alas often it is because Donald is in pain from some misadventure. It would also be a crime not to mention the entire supporting cast Rosa uses. He stays focused on Donald, Scrooge, and the nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie for the most part but he throws in the Beagle boys (all seven of them), Magica De Spell, neighbor Jones, Gyro Gearloose, and numerous more, all of them produced by Carl Barks.
Also included in these collections are covers, unpublished art, unfinished stories, stories drawn by other artists but written by Rosa, stories drawn by Rosa but written by other writers, and so much more. These first two volumes are pure joys to read and a should for anyone’s comic collection. ideal for kids of all ages. I cannot praise these stories high enough.
Gotham City Sirens Vol. 1
Gotham City Sirens Vol. 1 collects the first twelve problems of this outstanding series by Paul Dini and Guillem March (well mostly, a few problems were by fill in writers/artists). The basic premise of the series is Catwoman gets a new home and has Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy as roommates. just like practically all of Paul Dini’s composing this is outstanding in terms of characterization and storytelling. It is original and creative and it lands the three lead characters in a different direction than they were used prior to this series. Dini also utilizes other characters in the Batman world to their fullest effect, but in a minor fashion that is not expected, including Commissioner Gordon, The Riddler, and of course, the Joker. part of what makes this book such a delight to read is Guillem March’s artwork. It is rich and practically art deco in a way. His pages are broad open with streaming panels that defy the conventional six panel breakdown but are not so abstract that it is distracting to the eye. Each page is a piece of art that you can study at length just to delight in its design and colors. This is one of the better Bat-books from before the new 52. It is a delight to read and look at.
Tooth & Claw #1
Image recently released the first problems of a new series by Kurt Busiek and Benjamin Dewey called Tooth and Claw. I have been a big fan of Busiek’s work for numerous years, with Astro City being one of my favorite monthly books. I was not familiar with Benjamin Dewey’s art but he is amazing. The story is an anthropomorphic fantasy tale which is not my favorite genre as a rule. After reading the first ten pages or so I was ready to give up on this book, but I kept on reading, and I am pleased I did as it was great. The opening is a bit slow but by the time I got to the end I was hooked and I cannot wait on number two. Plus, it is only $2.99 for 48 pages and no ads. I hope that this book can stay with its schedule as Busiek has had trouble with this in the past (although Astro City has been in time because its most recent relaunch) and the art is so sharp I hope Benjamin Dewey can maintain a regular schedule and does not get swept up by Marvel. This book is for mature visitors as it is probably too violent in locations for younger readers, but it is worth a look for teens and above. A really good first issue that I hope is the start to a long run.
Well, that is all for this time. I will be back next week with recommendations for the holiday season, no matter what holiday you celebrate. As always, everything written here is my opinion and in no way shows the thoughts or opinions of Westfield Comics or their employees. I welcome comments on what I have written here. have you read any of these books? Did you delight in them? dislike them? Is there something I have not read that I am missing out on? Please let me know at MFBWAY@AOL.COM.
Thank you.