Markley’s Fevered Brain: Thoughts that Leaked Out

Wayne Markley

Wayne Markley


by Wayne Markley

I thought I would discuss a number of different topics this time around; a mix of reviews of some recent books and some random thoughts about the comic industry that I have noticed recently. None of these are in any particular order – all are just some random thoughts that have had bouncing around my brain for a while that I wanted to get down on paper (or the computer screen as the case may be.)

Resurrection Man #1

Resurrection Man #1


First off, there is DC’s New 52. So far I have read 27 of the New 52 and the one word I came up with to sum up the whole line is dark. These books have been extremely violent (particularly Detective Comics) and most have had only 3 or 4 panels a page which makes for a very, very quick read. I understand the goal is to reach a broader audience and younger readers, and I am guessing the idea behind the look of the books is to appeal to video gamers and those formerly known as slackers. The one book that was almost light-hearted was Justice League International, yet it has some dark parts. Even books I thought would have been light and fun such as Static Shock end on a very violent note. There are a number of really good reads in these first 27 books, with Resurrection Man, Animal Man and Batman standing out. With the exception of Resurrection Man, all of these new titles are the first part of multi-part stories. As I have stated over and over, it is not bad to have a comic book story that begins and ends in one issue. (See Jonah Hex). I know all of these books have sold out but I also know from working at the retail store there are a lot of speculators buying these books so the real test of whether or not this relaunch has worked will be issues five and six. According to at least one web site, a number of books are already being axed with issue six. Gee just enough to make a trade.

Daredevil #6

Daredevil #6


A relaunch that I have really loved is Mark Waid’s Daredevil. So far the first three issues have been nothing if not totally enjoyable. It is a light and fun book that reminds me of the best of the early Stan Lee/Gene Colan Daredevil stories. If nothing else, I would recommend this title based on the fact that the first story arc was wrapped up in three issues. It’s not enough for a trade but enough to tell an excellent story. If you have not read this book, give it a try. The first issue sold so well Marvel has already reprinted it.

All New Batman: The Brave and the Bold #13

All New Batman: The Brave and the Bold #13


A book that gets very little attention but I think is one of the best books month in and month out is the All New Batman: The Brave and the Bold. This book is based on the animated show and it is the one DC book that tells stories in one issue and it is just plain fun. Batman interacts with various DC heroes and they have entertaining stories that remind me of the DC I used to know and love. I know the book is aimed at young readers but I can almost guarantee any fan of the old DC (70s and earlier) will love the sensibilities in this book. It is just fun.

Bombyce Network

Bombyce Network


Every month I rave about Humanoids Publishing as I think they are the most diverse publisher and are doing the highest quality of graphic novels out there. Recently they released the Bombyce Network by Cecil and Corbeyran and it is one of the best graphic novels I have read in years. It features some stunning art by Cecil and a story that is so complex and rich it brought a tear to my eyes when I got to the last page. This was due to a strong story with fleshed out characters that you could identify with. The story is a mystery set in early 20th Century France but it reminds me more of a steampunk mystery novel. Every panel has a purpose. I have been thinking about this for a bit. I think I like Humanoids so much because they are like the PBS of comic. They do intelligent books with well-crafted stories and beautiful art and they tell a complete story. I have said in the past and I will say it again, if you are looking for a change from the traditional superhero fare that comes out every month, this is the publisher try.

Archie’s Joke Book

Archie’s Joke Book


A book I must say I was greatly disappointed with is IDW’s Archie’s Joke Book. I was looking forward to this because it was supposed to be the best of Bob Montana’s Joke Book stories. It is in fact a collection of the first eleven issues of Archie’s Joke Book by Montana, Dan Decarlo, Sam Schwartz and others. All great artists, but not what was listed in the solicitations. Secondly, the reproduction leaves a lot to be desired. All the IDW Archie books up to this point have been beautiful and bright with very clean art. This collection looks like scans from old yellowed comics. The printing is so dark it really distracts from the entertainment value of the jokes. I am hoping this is just a fluke and not a reflection of IDW’s collections in the future. The way this book is done it looks like a cost cutting measure, something I hope is not true. On the subject of bad info, I give a big thumbs down to DC for their Secret Society of Super-Villains HC, which came out with half the material that was solicited for the same price.

Planet of the Apes #1

Planet of the Apes #1


I wanted to also acknowledge BOOM! Studios’ Planet of the Apes. I have really enjoyed this book and it captures the feel of the old movies. I want to point this out because the book does not sell that well and it should. With the Disney books having wrapped up and the Stan Lee titles coming to a close, BOOM! needs a hit. Give Planet of the Apes a try. It is a very good read and the first trade just came out at a very reasonable price. Now if only BOOM! would collect the old Marvel Planet of the Apes magazine in spiffy trade collections.

Sugar and Spike Archives Vol. 1

Sugar and Spike Archives Vol. 1


In closing, I want to acknoledge a recent collection from DC of what I consider one of the best comics off all time, Sugar and Spike Archives Vol. 1. For almost twenty years I have lobbied DC to collect Sugar and Spike, and I was told over and over, “there is not enough demand for it.” Well, they have finally collected the first ten issues in a beautiful hardcover. These stories are almost sixty years old and they are as funny and charming now as they were 1953. While Sugar and Spike may not be the best drawn or written comic, the art and story combine to make a truly charming classic. Personally I have never read a story with Sugar and Spike that did not bring a smile to my face or make me laugh out loud. Many years ago I was an Eisner Awards judge and one of our judging functions was picking an appointee for the Hall Of Fame, and I pushed and pushed for (and convinced my fellow judges to agree) to put Sheldon Mayer in the Hall of Fame, the creator of Sugar and Spike. As dark as many of today’s comics tend to be, Sugar and Spike is a bright ray of sunshine and I would highly recommended it to comic fans or anyone looking for an entertaining read. This is a must for anyone’s holiday gift list, even if you are giving it to yourself. Now if only (PLEASE!) DC would collect all the Sugar and Spike stories that have never been printed in the United States. For a number of years after DC ended the book, Sheldon Meyer continued to do Sugar and Spike stories for other markets. These never-before-reprinted stories would make a perfect Showcase collection.

Well, that is a collection of random thoughts. All of these are my opinion and do not reflect the thoughts or opinions of Westfield or their employees. Any and all comments, suggestions or thoughts are welcome at MFBWAY@AOL.COM

Thank You.

 

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