Wayne Markley

by Wayne Markley

Crisis on Infinite Earths

Arguably, one of the best known big events in comic books for years was Crisis on Infinite Earths. Of course, in the years since that book came out DC has re-done the mythos so many times (including the New 52) that what at one time was considered a masterpiece is now nothing but another nice trade. (And a good read.) In the wake of Crisis, there were tons of huge crossovers, with everything from Invasion to Evolutionary War to IDW’s recent Infestation, which crossed over a number of licensed books. While these stories have had a mix of quality over the years, some quite good, such as House of M and some very bad, such of the War of the Gods. These events have become almost a yearly stunt in an attempt to drive up sales and draw attention to lower selling books. Since they have become such a cliché, they rarely move the numbers to any huge degree, and whatever gains are made traditionally drop right back down again. The most recent epic crossover is Avengers vs. X-Men from Marvel and some smaller ones from DC such as Night of the Owls in the Bat titles.

Marvel's Avengers: The Contest which collects Contest of Champions.

Before I get to Avengers vs. X-Men, I want to look at the first crossover of multiple heroes teaming together for a common cause, the Contest of Champions. This was originally planned as a Marvel Treasury Ed. Book to tie into the 1980 Olympics as a group of heroes get together to fight The Gamemaster and Death through no choice of their own. Alas, America did not attend the Olympics in 1980 and the book was scrapped. A few years later Marvel brought the book out of moth balls and made it into a miniseries that became the Contest of Champions. It is an interesting note that the editors of Contest of the Champions screwed up who was on which side and declared a winner in issue three that was incorrect. It should have should have been a tie. So they had to go back and do a pair of annuals a year later (Avengers and West Coast Avengers) to redo the finish of the story with a forced sequel of sorts. Contest of Champions by no means is a high mark of comic book storytelling, but it is a fun story collecting a bunch of heroes fighting each other. It would lead to future crossovers like the mega Secret Wars (which at the time it came out was huge, but time has not been kind to this story).

The structure of Contest of the Champions stole from the long tradition of team book going back to All-Star Comics #3 in the 1940s. There were multiple teams of three heroes facing another group of three heroes for some prize, a fight ensues and, at the end, one of the groups of three win and it goes back and forth till the final fight where one of the teams gain an edge and then there is a big final.

Avengers Vs. X-Men #1

This leads up to the current Marvel epic, Avengers vs. X-Men. First off, let me say it is early in the stor, as only four of the twelve issues are out so far, so I am reviewing the book with only a third of the story laid out. Also, I am going to try and avoid giving anything away or spoilers, but proceed with caution if you have not read any of this series and plan to read them at a future date. Let me say, I am really enjoying this crossover more than any crossover I have read in years. The main reason I have enjoyed this story so far is because it is focused. It is not a sweeping crossover that ties into books with little or no significance (such as the only tie in in the entire story is red skies). The main books are Avengers vs. X-Men telling the main story and AvX Vs. which is a miniseries of six issues that features only fights between two different characters and there are two fights per issue. AvX Vs. is a lot of fun in an old fashioned way as you have two characters just have a pier six brawl for 10 pages with little story movement, just lots of punches, fun facts (which are really quite entertaining), and a winner in every fight. The various X-Men and Avengers titles also tie into the story but they do so in a very tight way. I am really impressed how Marvel has been able to make a story in Uncanny X-Men relevant to pages three and four of Avengers vs. X-Men issue #4. It is not that you have to have read the Uncanny X-Men to understand what has happened in Avengers vs. X-Men #4, but it certainly fleshes out the two pages and truly expands that two page sequence. It is obviously a tightly plotted story among multiple creators who are having a lot of fun.

AvX Vs. #4

Another aspect I am really enjoying about this story is the pace. In a lot of crossovers the stories take months to move an inch. They are like an ice age glacier. Here they have moved the story along at lightning speed in four issues and if they can keep this up in the next eight issues, I have no idea where they will end up. If you have not read anything about this series, the premise is the Phoenix Force is coming back to Earth and the Avengers want to stop it out of fear that it will destroy the Earth and the X-Men want it to make it to Earth with the hope that it will help restore mutantkind who were wiped out in House of M. A simple, but compelling reason for the two teams to actually have a fight. Both think they are doing what is best for humanity.

Avengers Vs. X-Men poster

I do have one concern as far as this story goes. In the past I have greatly enjoyed Marvel crossovers such as Civil War or Secret Invasion. Until they get to the end of the story and it is like, uh, the end. They are stories with very weak endings. I am confident – based on what I have read so far – that this will have an ending that will greatly affect the Marvel Universe. They have already hinted it will tie into the Scarlet Witch (and thus tying into the excellent Children’s Crusade) and the future of the mutants in the Marvel Universe. I may have to eat these words at a later date, but I am hoping this will have a pay-off at the end well worth waiting for.

Justice League #9 Variant Cover

In conclusion, I would like to recommend a book I have been super critical of since the first issue, Justice League. Issue nine was actually a fun read with the normal excellent art of Jim Lee back after taking a break. I was extremely hard on this book for a long time, but this issue I really enjoyed and I thought I should point that out. As always, anything written here is my opinion and does not reflect the thoughts or opinions of Westfield Comics. Any thoughts, disagreements, suggestions or hate mail can be sent to <MFBWAY@AOL.COM.

Thank you.

*This September’s Joe Kubert’s Tarzan of the Apes Artist Edition is the next in line of  this terrific, original art archive series from IDW.

*For reasons that will be apparent to most moviegoers, Marvel is issuing a new printing of the Silver Surver: Rebirth of Thanos Softcover. Look for it on June 20.

*R.I.P. Ernie Chan and Tony DeZuniga. You will both be missed.

*It’s been around for a couple of weeks but, if you missed it, check out this hilarious “Ren & Stimpy-style” Marvel Animated Short called Disassembled. More please!

*The CW has picked up the Arrow pilot for their fall schedule, but it’s not the Smallville version of Oliver Queen.

*Robert Rodriguez has officially announced a Sin City 2 movie for an October 14, 2013 release date!

*Sony has released a 4-minute sequence from the upcoming Amazing Spider-Man movie, in theaters July 3!

*Marvel has announced that they’re still working on a new Hulk TV show, but it doesn’t look good for Jessica Jones or The Punisher.

*There’s going to be a Watchmen toaster!

"Would you like to see The Avengers movie with me....in like...40 years?"

by Beau Smith

I was in grade school in the 1960s when Marvel Comics unleashed the first issue of The Avengers. If you would’ve told me then that in my lifetime I would see The Avengers not only on the movie screen, but as the biggest opening box office movie ever, my pointy little head would’ve exploded.

Avengers movie poster

It’s taken the technology of film making over 40 years to catch up with what comic books have been able to do since the 1930s, but after seeing The Avengers movie, it was well worth the wait. Not only has the technology advanced to where it can pull off the action and super heroics and make it look realistic, but more importantly, the respect for comic books and comic book characters has come to where it needed to be.

Coming soon, The Dark Knight Rises

Hats are tipped to writer/director Joss Whedon, Christopher Nolan, and Jon Favreau because they worked hard, very hard, to capture and enhance the characters that have been printed in comic books for decades. Their respect is what makes films like Iron Man, Batman, and now The Avengers truly shine. The saying is true, “Anybody can eat a pie, but it takes a cook to make it.” There has to be a true caring for a director/writer to be able to translate something perfect in its own form and bring it to another level of entertainment. As a comic book writer and reader, I am so very proud of these above mentioned men for the care they have taken to not only make the best movie they could, but to also respect an art form that has not always been given the credit it so richly deserves.

There have been others in the film industry who have merely manufactured comic book films, almost tossed them out and let them lie. You can see and feel the lack of respect and interest, that’s always been a shame. Don’t get me wrong, comic books have done their share of tossing stuff out there as well, especially in these days of 24/7 internet celebrity status. When a creator and a publisher really believe in a character, a series, and story, it shows just like it does with films. When that happens, we all win.

Iron Man movie poster

As a writer and a reader, my hope is that film success stories like The Avengers, Batman, and Iron Man will spark even more comic book based movies from all points of the range, from the well known titles of Marvel and DC Comics, to the smaller publishers where so many great characters and stories dwell. The landscape in comic books is really wide, from mainstream superheroes to edgier, quirky stories whose print runs are as large as those of Captain America or Superman. The film making system has a vast field of properties to investigate and possibly choose from. I think this is a great opportunity not only for movie goers, but comic books as well. It gives comic books a way to finally branch out to a wider reading audience and young readers who will grow into lifetime readers and hand that reading pleasure down to their kids. (Did I mention that it also gives writers like me a chance to option their characters to the silver screen?)

Avengers #1 by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby

I was getting what little hair I have cut the other day and the lady that cuts my hair commented on how she went with her son to see The Avengers movie. She let me know that she had NEVER read a comic book in her life. She had no idea who any of these characters were and yet….she LOVED the movie and saw it twice. Her son gave her a couple of Avengers comic books and she read them…and LOVED them. She told me it was like someone opened up her eyes to something that had been in front of her face forever, yet she never saw. She was stoked and even peppered me with all kinds of questions about what it’s like to write and create comic books. Not only did comic books now have her respect, but even I rode off the fumes and had a little more respect. (And a great haircut I might add.)

This is a small story, but if multiplied over and over you can see the massive growth it could have for comic books. It’s simple and can happen. I’m not saying it will happen overnight, but it’s been gradually happening and there is a difference being made. All we can do on the comic book end is keep making compelling stories and characters, keep telling other people about comic books, and increase the respect that our art form deserves. We make printed joy and entertainment in comic books, share it with someone you care about or someone you don’t even know. Avenge comic books!

BEAUvengers Assemble!

Beau Smith

The Flying Fist Ranch

www.flyingfistranch.com

First up is Infected, Chad Minshew’s adaptation of Scott Sigler’s trilogy. Here’s what the solicitation says about the book.

A riveting adaptation of Book One of the New York Times best-selling horror trilogy by Scott Sigler! Chad Minshew brings to life the story of a mysterious disease that turns ordinary people into paranoid, raving murderers. Former all-pro linebacker Perry Dawsey awakens to find mysterious welts growing on his body. Soon after, strange voices start whispering, telling him to do horrible things he is infected. The disease wants something from Perry, something that could alter the fate of the human race.

Purchase

Infected #1

Infected #1

Infected #1 page 2

Infected #1 page 3

Next up is Battle Beasts, a comic based on the toys from the 1980s by Bobby Curnow and Valerio Schiti. The first issue features a cover by Dan Brereton.

It’s just another average day for Bliss, an ignored linguist at the Department of Defense. However, when Bliss unlocks the secret translation of an ancient scroll, terror rains from the sky… in the form of the BATTLE BEASTS! Unstoppable creatures armed to the teeth, the Battle Beasts are determined to make Earth their own personal war zone. Nothing can stop their merciless carnage. Nothing except perhaps a gentle word from the one woman who can understand them-Bliss!

Purchase

Battle Beasts #1

Battle Beasts #1

Battle Beasts #1 page 2

Battle Beasts #1 page 4

Daryl Gregory and Alan Robinson bring us a story of one of the greatest and most-feared military leaders in the Secret Battles of Genghis Khan HC.

Genghis Khan was one of the greatest military commanders and leaders in world history. He conquered lands from the Middle East to the Pacific Ocean in a life filled with one military victory after another until his death. This is the story of how a boy named Temujin became that man, the battles that solidified his fearsome reputation, and the enduring legend of his life. Written by Daryl Gregory with art by Alan Robinson.

Purchase

Secret Battles of Genghis Khan HC

Secret Battles of Genghis Khan

Secret Battles of Genghis Khan page 1

Secret Battles of Genghis Khan page 2

Finally, a classic series returns with all-new stories in Transformers: Regeneration One by Simon Furman, Andrew Wildman, and Stephen Baskerville!

The TRANSFORMERS comic that began it all-is back. With a vengeance! 21 years have passed since CYBERTRON was restored to its former glory, and finally there is peace. But, after millions of years of bitter civil war, can all ever truly be one? In a conflict this primal, this epic and far-reaching… There are always Loose Ends!

And you can read the final issues of the original series in the Transformers: Regeneration One 100-page Spectacular.

Purchase

Transformers: Regeneration One #81

Transformers: Regeneration One #81

Transformers: Regeneration One #81 page 1

Transformers: Regeneration One #81 page 2

Transformers: Regeneration One #81 page 3

Transformers: Regeneration One #81 page 4

Transformers: Regeneration One #81 page 5

Transformers: Regeneration One #81 page 6

Transformers: Regeneration One #81 page 7

Purchase

Infected #1

Battle Beasts #1

Secret Battles of Genghis Khan HC

Transformers: Regeneration One #81

Wayne Markley

by Wayne Markley

Almost a year ago DC re-launched all of their titles with number one issues. They have had various levels of success with the new 52. Some titles have done extremely well, such as Batman and Justice League. In fact, Batman is one of the best books DC is currently publishing. But over the course of the last year they have also cancelled a few books, and have added some to replace them to keep the number of titles at 52. So this time out I am going to look at the new titles that have been added as well as reviewing some other books from DC, from both their Vertigo imprint as well as their kids line.

DC cancelled six books from the initial 52 titles that they re-launched. The titles that got the ax were Hawk and the Dove, Blackhawks, OMAC, Men at War, Static Shock, and Mr. Terrific. It is a shame in that I was really enjoying Men at War and OMAC. DC has taken a number of the characters from these cancelled books and moved them into other titles, such as OMAC and Mr. Terrific. So DC does see promise in the characters, even if they cannot support their own titles. On to the replacement titles.

Earth Two #3

The first title I want to look at Earth Two. This book is by James Robinson and Nikola Scott. This was teased in the fan press as being a re-launch of the classic Justice Society. I was personally hoping it was a book that would feature the old DC Universe characters that were wiped out with the New 52. Alas, it is neither. The story is some of Robinson’s better writing, as some of his recent work, such as the Justice League of America (before the re-launch), was not very good. This is not up to his Starman standards, but it is a well written book and it looks pretty. Unfortunately, it is not the classic JSA or a return to the classic DC world, but it is a “modern” re-working of what I guess is sort of the JSA, but once again, like the other 52 books, it is not a JSA I would ever recognize. I will give it a chance to see where it is going, but based on the first issue, it is not for me.

Worlds' Finest #3

Next is Worlds’ Finest. Now this book I really enjoyed. It is a fun story with very nice dialogue by Paul Levitz and great art by George Perez and Kevin Maguire. This book takes the Huntress from the recent miniseries and Power Girl from the pages of Mr. Terrific and combines them into one book. It is basically the story of two heroes who are from Earth 2 and somehow end up on Earth 1 and are trying to get back to Earth 2. I really enjoyed this title. Whether or not it will last, only time will tell, but I hope so.

Dial H #3

Another recent release is Dial H. This is at least the fourth try at re-launching this classic 1960s series. It is written by horror writer China Mieville. I will say it has a very nice cover by Brian Bolland. The story is interesting and I will see where it goes, but as a first issue it did not grab me and the art left me cold. I can see potential here, so I will read it a little longer and see where it is going. Outside of the magical dial being in the book, there is very little in this incarnation of the book that original fans would enjoy.

Batman, Incorporated #3

Another title being launched is Batman, Incorporated. As with the previous incarnation, this book is written by Grant Morrison. Based on the earlier versions of this book, and Grant’s writing (such as in Action), this book will not be for me. While I am really enjoying most of the other Batman titles, such as Batman, Nightwing, and Batman and Robin, I did not enjoy the previous versions of Batman, Inc. and I see nothing in this new revival to interest me. This title is supposed to be Morrison’s swan song on Batman.

The Ravagers #3

The Ravagers spins out of the pages of Superboy and the Teen Titans. The premise is there are four teenage heroes on the run from a secret agency that wants to turn them into super-villains. I have read some of the Ravagers appearances in Teen Titans and Superboy and I have not been impressed. It seems to me this is just a knock-off of a concept that has been done to death and many times much better by Marvel. I am willing to give the solo title a chance, but I do not have high hopes for it. To be fair, I am not the target audience for this title or Teen Titans.

G.I. Combat #3

Finally we have G.I. Combat. Now here is a title I enjoyed. OK, I am a sucker for DC war books in general, and while I hated Men at War at first, by issue eight it was one of my favorite books. So with G.I. Combat, since I am a big fan with issue one, I am a bit afraid how long this title will last. I hope it gets more than eight issues. There are two stories here. First is the War That Time Forgot. Yes, G.I.s fighting dinosaurs. You can’t go wrong there. As a nice twist the stories are set in modern day and in North Korea. The first issue caught my attention and drew me in and features great art by Ariel Olivetti. There is a second story featuring the Unknown Soldier. This is a return to the original concept verses the recent Vertigo series. It is written by two of my favorites, Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray. There are also plans to add the Haunted Tank to the mix a later point. I would highly recommend this title if you are looking for something different. Of the six new titles, this and Worlds’ Finest are the two I would recommend.

Saucer Country #5

Vertigo has also lost some titles recently, such as iZombie, Sweet Tooth, DMZ, and Scalped. They also have launched some titles to replace these titles. Of these new releases, I really enjoyed and highly recommend Saucer Country and New Deadwardians. Both of these are unique stories with nice art and are fun reads. Saucer Country is about a female governor who is running for president who has been abducted by aliens in flying saucers. I have no idea where this story is going, but I really have enjoyed the first three issues. The New Deadwardians is a mix of zombies and vampires set in Edwardian England. It is an eight issue mini-series, but I would highly recommend giving it a try, it is a lot of fun. The third title is Dominique Laveau: Voodoo Child. This title left me cold and I did not enjoy it. At one time I was a huge fan of Denys Cowan’s art, but this book does nothing for me. A fourth title they launched is Fairest, a side title to Fables, with short stories about specific female characters from the Fables universe by different creative teams. This first arc has been great and given the history of Fables, I have high hopes for this title.

Tiny Titans

Finally I wanted to wrap this up with a fond farewell to two great books, Tiny Titans and All-New Batman: The New Brave and the Bold. Both of these titles were for younger readers and both were fantastic reads for comic fans of any age. I will really miss both of these titles. Fortunately DC is launching a new title called Superman Family Adventures by the same team that brought us Tiny Titans. I cannot wait for this new title, as the sample that was in the FCBD preview was fantastic. I hope that DC can add another title that will be as good as All-New Batman: The New Brave and the Bold to their lineup. As always, everything in this column is my opinion and do not reflect the thoughts of Westfield or their employees. Comments, disagreements, and thoughts are welcome at MFBWAY@aol.com.

Thank you.

Thun'da #1

May 17th, 2011, Runnemede, NJ – Thun’da makes his return to comic books this August from Dynamite!  Written by Robert Place Napton with art by Cliff Richards and an INCREDIBLE cover by Jae Lee!  As a bonus, this over-sized issue also includes the original first Thun’da story with fantastic art by the one-and-only Frank Frazetta at no extra cost!

A Thun'da sketch

In August’s Thun’da #1, a Military helicopter crash lands in a remote valley in Africa.  A lone survivor awakens with no memory of who he is or what he was doing there, but he’s wearing a uniform and is a skilled combatant.  From the wreckage he learns only his name — ROGER DRUM.  As he explores his new surroundings he is confronted by a bizarre lost world of dinosaurs and other strange creatures.  Drum must learn to survive in this terrifying new reality while coming to terms with fragments of a past he isn’t sure he wants to remember.

Dinosaurs in the world of Thun'da

“What excited me about THUN’DA is the aspects that differentiate him from other Jungle Lords,” says writer Robert Place Napton.  “One of the coolest elements of the original story that we are expanding on as we move the character into the modern day is that he is a CIPHER — ROGER DRUM has amnesia as a result of his crash in Africa so the details of his past life are murky.  He was like JASON BOURNE before there was JASON BOURNE, so we are picking up the baton on that aspect and taking it a step further.  He has military training, he’s a bad ass, but instead of being pitted against other combatants he’s facing the dangers of a LOST WORLD so even with all his skill, he is facing challenges he’s not prepared for, with the added burden of being haunted by his past.”

A jungle woman

“This project came as a gift to me,” adds artist Cliff Richards. “Since I was young reader, Frank Frazetta´s drawings always fascinated me. I couldn’t be happier about Thun’da and I bet the readers will love the book!”

Other denizens of the lost world.

“Robert Place Napton’s story will surely please all Thun’da fans everywhere,” says Dynamite President and Publisher Nick Barrucci.  “The interior art by Cliff Richards is unbelievable in how much passion Cliff is pouring into every page.  We don’t want to give away a lot yet, but these sketches by Cliff says a lot.  And the Jae Lee cover is just amazing!  And with a 48-page count sold at regular price, readers can also enjoy the first Thun’da story by Frank Frazetta!”

A T-Rex and a mammoth

Become our fan on Facebook at facebook.com/DynamiteComics

Join the conversation on Dynamite Entertainment’s twitter page at http://twitter.com/DynamiteComics

For art and more information, please visit:www.dynamite.net

Bloodshot #1

Bloodshot is back in a new series from Valiant Entertainment and writer Duane Swierczynski, pencillers Manuel Garcia & Arturo Lozzi, and inker Stefano Gaudiano. Here’s what the solicitation says about the book:

It’s the start of a new mission for one of comics’ all-time best-selling superheroes in Bloodshot #1 — the first issue of new ongoing series from acclaimed novelist Duane Swierczynski (Immortal Iron Fist, Birds of Prey) and the lethal artistic tag team of Manuel Garcia (Checkmate) and Arturo Lozzi (Immortal Weapons)! Your name is Angelo Mortalli. Your brother is trapped behind enemy lines and on the verge of — no. That’s not right. Your name is Raymond Garrison. You’ve retired from the dangers of the field, but a desperate plea from your oldest friend plunges you into a vicious firefight that — no. That’s not right, either. You are Bloodshot. You are the shade of gray that freedom requires. The perfect confluence of military necessity and cutting-edge technology. A walking WikiLeaks that is a reservoir of dirty secrets that could set the world on fire. And you’ve just been captured.

Valiant has provided us with a preview of the book. Take a look at this beautiful pencil artwork!

Purchase

Bloodshot #1

Bloodshot preview page 1

Bloodshot preview page 2

Bloodshot preview page 3

Bloodshot preview page 4

Purchase

Bloodshot #1

Dark Shadows/Vampirella #1

May 16th, 2011, Runnemede, NJ – This coming August, Vampirella and Barnabas Collins meet for the first time EVER in Dark Shadows/Vampirella #1!  Written by the acclaimed Marc (Manhunter) Andreyko and drawn by Patrick Berkenkotter, with a cover by Fabiano Neves, this will be a cross-over to remember!

Dark Shadows/Vampirella preview page 1

In Dark Shadows/Vampirella #1, when the disappearance of a family friend brings Barnabas Collins to New York, he is ill-prepared for the seedy underworld of clubs that awaits him! And Vampirella’s quest to find the “Big Apple Butcher” sends her on a collision course with the vampire of Collinsport! Will Vampirella and Barnabas uncover the shocking identity of this madman before they kill each another?

Dark Shadows/Vampirella preview page 2

“Barnabas Collins and Vampirella are two classic characters in vampire lore, so getting the chance to pen their first meeting is a blast,” says writer Marc Andreyko.  “I remember watching Dark Shadows reruns and sneaking peeks at the Vampirella magazines when I was just a wee lad, so getting to do this book seems like fate! And I’m not going easy on Barnabas or Vampi in this series, either! They are going to be put through a gauntlet of terror before this book is through!”

Dark Shadows/Vampirella preview page 3

Jim Pierson, spokesman for Dark Shadows rights owner Dan Curtis Productions, adds, “It’s fun to further expand the reach of Dark Shadows and hopefully expose the classic characters to new fans who might just be discovering Barnabas with the new Johnny Depp movie.”

Dark Shadows/Vampirella preview page 4

“Cross-overs get a bad rap when they’re not done right, or they feel forced,” adds Dynamite editor Joe Rybandt. “But this one felt like a natural the moment we had the idea. The setting, the characters, the bad guys…the whole thing has come together so naturally, and Marc and Patrick are the perfect pair to make it happen.”

Dark Shadows/Vampirella preview page 5

Become our fan on Facebook at facebook.com/DynamiteComics!

Join the conversation on Dynamite Entertainment’s twitter page at http://twitter.com/DynamiteComics!

For art and more information, please visit www.dynamite.net

Scott Pilgrim Color Vol. 1 HC

Creator Bryan Lee O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim is back from Oni Press! The classic series returns in full color volumes with extra content. Here’s what the solicitation says about the book:

Just when you thought you knew all there was to know about Scott Pilgrim comes Scott Pilgrim Color Hardcover vol. 1: Precious Little Life! The first in a series of brand new hardcover editions, this FULL COLOR, remastered, 6×9 hardcover presents Scott’s first evil ex battle as you’ve never seen it before! Plus, previously unpublished extras and bonus materials make this mighty tome one that’s required reading for Scottaholics everywhere!

Oni has provided Westfield with this preview of this new volume. Take a look!

Purchase

Scott Pilgrim Color Hardcover vol. 1: Precious Little Life

Scott Pilgrim Vol. 1 HC preview page10

Scott Pilgrim Vol. 1 HC preview page11

Scott Pilgrim Vol. 1 HC preview page12

Scott Pilgrim Vol. 1 HC preview page13

Scott Pilgrim Vol. 1 HC preview pages 48 & 49

Scott Pilgrim Vol. 1 HC preview page 50

Scott Pilgrim Vol. 1 HC preview page 51

Scott Pilgrim Vol. 1 HC preview page 52

Scott Pilgrim Vol. 1 HC preview page 127

Scott Pilgrim Vol. 1 HC preview pages 128 & 129

Scott Pilgrim Vol. 1 HC preview page 130

Purchase

Scott Pilgrim Color Hardcover vol. 1: Precious Little Life

KC Carlson by Keith Wilson.

by KC Carlson

The Avengers

Apparently, The Avengers rule, as the movie has made over a billion dollars worldwide. “Oh, my stars and garters!” one famous former Avenger might say. I happen to think the film deserves it, at least a little bit, for being one of the more completely entertaining blockbuster pictures in recent memory. (Sorry, I don’t do vampires. Or sparkly, either.)

Part of what made The Avengers so satisfying was that it had a little something for everybody. Sure, there were practically wall-to-wall action and spectacularly cinematic superheroic battle scenes, but what made the movie for me was all the lighter touches, from the sparkling Whedonesque dialogue to the silly little fact that the Hulk likes to punch people when they’re not looking. The film had some of the best battle one-liners ever, as well as plenty of moments that made life-long comics fans’ hearts swell, seeing their four-color fantasies come to life (even CGI life) on a big screen.

STAN BRINGS THE FUNNY

An early Human Torch and The Thing dust up from Fantastic Four #5 by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby.

That use of humor is in keeping with the great Marvel tradition. In the comics themselves — at least in the Stan Lee-written Silver Age, as well as a couple of the eras that followed — humor was an essential part of the Marvel experience. Some of comics’ most memorable moments for a certain generation of readers included scene after scene of Human Torch vs. Thing battles (or perhaps just their aftermath) in the pages of Fantastic Four. Few of us at the time realized that was how these “brothers” expressed their love for each other.

Aunt May marries Doc Ock? From Amazing Spider-Man #131

Plus, many’s the time that young Peter Parker had to go into battle as Spider-Man wearing something embarrassing, because his super-suit had been destroyed or (more often) was in the wash. My favorite was when Spidey actually donned long underwear (and a web mask) to take down the foe du jour. The Spidey books were filled with crazy stuff — Spider-Mobiles, J.J.J.’s Spider-Slayers, Aunt May dating Doc Ock, clones. (Okay, maybe those weren’t that funny at the time — but they are now!) But for sheer Marvel craziness, three words: Swingin’ Mike Murdock! (Look it up!)

Stan Lee also ran Marvel like a madman running the asylum. He had crazy nicknames for everybody who worked for him. (Many of which have stuck — probably into eternity. Who da King? Jack Kirby da King!) Stan made so many mistakes while writing (mostly from forgetfulness) that he eventually gave out prizes for people who could explain away the mistakes. The joke was on the winner of these No-Prizes — the prize was (really) an empty envelope, with the Hulk on the front telling you that you’ve just won a No-Prize! Is that not goofy!?! And yet they have become one of the most enduring collectibles from that era.

Most of the classic Marvel superhero comics shared this humor with a lot of flat-out superheroic action, as well as straight drama (or melodrama). As with any good piece of fictional entertainment, good comic book storytelling should contain a number of different story elements — from humor to drama to action to big emotional conflict and all points in-between. Stories that concentrate on one thing (in comic books, frequently the physical conflict) tend to be less interesting or memorable than those that mix several different elements, making for a more diverse reading experience. (Although, I do freely admit that if you are solely into comics for the artwork alone, it’s very easy to be attracted to the super-fights.)

SOMETHING TO BE LEARNED FROM FILMS THAT SHOULDN’T BE FUNNY — BUT ARE

Die Hard

It’s the mixture of these diverse elements that makes stories memorable. For example, in film, the Die Hard series of movies are pretty much non-stop action (and massive explosions!). What takes them beyond your typical run-of the-mill action flick is the sardonic quip machine who is John McClane, tossing off one-liners with the speed and ease of a Robin Williams. You also have interesting characters (that you care about) and situations that lead to humor — no one ever initially believes that McClane is chasing killers in mundane situations (airports, office buildings, etc.). Finally, you have the bigger-than-life heroic element of McClane doing things that obviously no ordinary human could survive. There have been seemingly hundreds of action movies trying to be the next Die Hard franchise. Most of them fail miserably because instead of balancing the mix, they just concentrate on one thing. (Usually, blowing up stuff!)

Some people don’t like the Die Hard movies because that guy just won’t shut up. That’s okay. Some people don’t like it when too many jokes mess up their “violence for the sake of violence” movies. If you’re one of them, you won’t like the rest of this article. Me, I happen to like stories that have more than just people punching or blowing up other people.

EARLY BIG-BUDGET SUPERHERO FILMS

Christopher Reeve as Superman

Tonality and getting all the elements in proper balance was very important in DC’s superhero films. They tend to get it right early on and then lose it in subsequent films. For a long time, the first two Superman movies were the epitome of what a perfect superhero movie should be. They were heartwarming and humorous — but they also told a great action story that was also mythic to the lead character. And then, somehow, it all fell apart, with the too-Hollywood Superman III and the train wreck of Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, which was so poor that I no longer even remember any of the details.

Batman (Michael Keaton) & the Joker (Jack Nicholson)

The first two Batman films (the Tim Burton ones) were also acclaimed by most comics fans as spectacular. My take on them wasn’t quite so high, as I felt that they frequently placed style over substance (but what style!). I thought they had made a few too many concessions to change the characters from the comics to the films. But, in retrospect, the first two films are masterpieces compared to what was to come. Batman Forever was slightly interesting, but I would have liked to see a little bit more of Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face and a lot less of Jim Carrey as The Riddler. The tone and balance of the film was all wrong. This was too silly.

Then I saw Batman & Robin and had to redefine “silly”. I saw it at the official DC Comics employee pre-screening with Johanna (not yet my wife). We both wanted to walk out about 30-40 minutes into the film, but we thought better of that when we realized that Paul Levitz was sitting right behind us. As it turned out, we were ultimately happy that we didn’t leave, as it was about that time that writer Peter David had had enough of the film and started yelling insults at it from his seat, just a few rows back from us. We spent the rest of the film being entertained by Peter while we (and most of the rest of the audience) were not doing a very good job of trying to stifle laughing at his witty comments. I’ve not seen the film since, despite us owning the DVD box set (which Johanna found very cheap). I refuse to watch this film again without a Peter David commentary track.

The current series of Batman films are much better, although I occasionally apply the tagline of The Dark Knight to them. “Why so serious?” They seem overwhelmingly grim to me, despite the occasional one-liners thrown out by the supporting characters, especially the acidic Alfred. I think the films have a lot to offer, but the relentlessness of them often gets to me. (When I first saw The Dark Knight, I actually thought it was over when the Joker blew up the hospital and just walked away. Little did I know that there was still most of an hour to go! I guess I just wanted it done at that point.) I don’t watch them very often.

Batman: The Dark Knight Rises poster

In contrast, as soon as the Avengers film was over, people were standing and applauding and commenting on how fun it was. I immediately thought back to the very dark and grim trailer I saw beforehand for The Dark Knight Rises and thought “Uh oh.” Guess we’ll find out what folks still think of that approach in a couple of weeks.

PUTTING THE FUN IN EPIC (EPFUNIC?)

The Avengers is the latest and best Marvel film to date, and the culmination of their strategy to take more control over the movies. After their bankruptcy and the resulting rebuilding of the company, they felt they needed to make better movies, ones that represented their characters more correctly on screen. It’s been a long, hard battle, not always successful, but with each relative failure (Hulk #1, Daredevil) came eventual success elsewhere (The first Spider-Man and two seperate X-Men franchises). And now, Marvel’s movie franchises are among the strongest in film. With The Avengers, we see that they’re also extremely profitable, with more of the profits staying close to home.

Look back over Marvel’s film successes to date. Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America are all infused by the Marvel style of Stan Lee. They all know when to not take comics too seriously and when to go for the joke as needed.

Give that man a bouquet of banana peels!

____________________________

Actors Felicity Huffman and Clark Gregg meet to save Sports Night. It worked in fiction, but not in reality.

KC CARLSON: I’ll really miss Agent Coulson, although I’m not convinced he’s really gone. S.H.I.E.L.D. still has LMD (Life Model Decoy) technology, and Tony Stark mentions it in The Avengers. But what I really wanna know is if Agent Coulson (as Calvin Trager) bought the Continental Sports Channel (and its Sports Night TV show) before or after he became an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Amazing Spider-Man cover from the Grand Comics Database.