Top of the Pile - 7/26/12

According to news reports, I guess I wasn't really supposed to have this comic book in my pile. DC asked that retailers hold off on selling this book for a month due to some content that could be considered insensitive after the tragedy in Aurora last week. But when I picked up my stack, there it was. And, of course, I had to read this “controversial” book first before anything else. Written by the incomprehensible Grant Morrison and art by Chris Burnham, the book shows Bruce Wayne going undercover as Matches Malone going full hard boiled as he tries to find leads on the secret group Leviathan. With a bounty on Damien (the current Robin and Bruce Waynes son), Batman tries to keep him safe while trying to work in the field hunting down contacts and leads. But Damien is not one to be babysat by Alfred and by the end of the book has found his way into quite a bit of trouble. I mention that Grant Morrison’s writing is incomprehensible. I don’t know if thats the correct description, but when I read his works, I feel like I’m only understanding about 60 to 70 percent of the story. But that kind of makes the book more interesting. Its like being told a secret without knowing all the background. For instance, there is a full page image showing the interconnections and relationships Leviathan has with Batman. And I recognized about half of the pictures, but I’m sure they relate to stories that have happened going years back. Grant, like always, is weaving a complex tale that seems to reveal more questions than it answers. I also like Chris Burnham’s art. Sometimes Batman artists try and create moody, dark artwork but Chris uses clear lines that is unambiguous (unlike the story). I found it refreshing to be able to see everything in each panel. The atmospheric, noir art style some Batman books use gets tiring after several years of artists trying the make the Dark Knight. Thankfully, with Batman Incorporated, though the story isn’t clear and concise, the artwork is. As for holding off the title, I believe that DC did the proper thing. I don't wish to discuss the tragedy, but it is a positive thing when a corporation makes a small effort at sensitivity when the circumstances demand it.

Top of the Pile - 7/18/12

Sorry for not having an entry last week. I was getting ready to attend the San Diego Comic Con for a couple days and didn’t make it to the shop. So I have a pretty big stack this week. What I would have picked for my top of the pile last week was I, Zombie. I thought it was the final issue of that run, but it turns out there's one more coming.

This week however goes to a Marvel book, Fantastic Four #608. There are other good books that were close to the top including Daredevil #15, Saga #5 and the new Captain Marvel #1. But the Jonathan Hickman run on the Fantastic Four book has been a fun ride for the past couple years. And another definite plus is the Frank Cho cover of three superwomen. That’s why I put this at the top of my pile.

On reading, this book is one of exposition. It’s not the most exciting, but Hickman is building the larger story. It starts with T’Challa and Reed Richards entering into the Wakandan necropolis because of dreams the T’Challa has been experiencing. While T’Challa’s sister, Shuri, the current Black Panther, along with Storm and Invisible Woman go on their own vision quest to confront the Jackal God who has been attacking Wakanda.

The art by Giuseppe Camuncoli, Karl Kesel and Paul Mounts is better than good. The Egyptian motif is prevalent through the book. And with some dramatic angles and interesting facial expressions, I’m glad I put this one at the top. I suspect there are other books that would be better as a single issue this week, but I’m happy that this issue of Fantastic Four didn’t disappoint.

Top of the Pile - 7/4/12

This week is an odd one for comic shopping. With Wednesday on the 4th of July holiday, I went to pick up my stack at the local shop. But the new guy behind the counter was too busy talking politics to even acknowledge me standing around, so I went without picking up my books and had lunch. I'll get my pile next Wednesday on the 8th.

So if I didn't buy any comics from the shop, what’s at the top of my pile? An electronic comic book from Monkeybrain Comics using the Comixology app on my iPad. What’s interesting is that Monkeybrain was created by Chris Robinson and Allison Baker and it is starting to publish creator owned works. There has been tons of press about Chris Robinson and his break from DC Comics over creative issues, which made me want to support this endeavor. I ended up purchasing four out of the five titles initially released and because of the cover art, the book Bandette #1 was at the top of the stack.

Written by Paul Tobin with art by  Colleen Coover, Bandette is the story of a young burglar and her shenanigans around town. The book begins with Bandette breaking into an estate to steal some Rembrandt drawings. When she unexpectedly runs into the owner, she makes her hasty escape with the help a network of friends.

I liked the story. It’s style reminds me of the graphic novel Cat Burglar Black which I wrote about a while ago. There is tons of places Tobin can go with this. He has created a small little universe for Bandette and her friends to do their capers. And the art by Colleen Coover, though cartoony, is colorful and dynamic. Really cool stuff.

Though only 99 cents, this first issue is only 15 pages long. So for a very quick read, it tells some very quick exposition of the characters. However, I wish it was longer. Perhaps if it comes out weekly, I’ll forgive their brevity. And the underlying philosophy of creator rights of Monkeybrain makes this work even cooler. I’ll definitely purchase the next issue to see where the story goes.