New Comics

Countdown #44 — Writers: Paul Dii and Adam Beechen; Pencils: Carlos Magno; Inks: Jay Leisten You know, the thing about 52 was that we knew it was telling a complete story — the story of that missing year — and so had a beginning, a middle and an end. That left room for satisfying character arcs: the Dibnys, Montoya, Isis (well, OK, that deathbed philosophical reversal was really stupid), the Steeles. With Countdown, though, we’re moving toward a beginning, so whatever happens to the characters is only a start; nothing’s going to be resolved. Is this worth 51 comics? Well, … Continue reading →

Uncle Scrooge Adventures: The Barks/Rosa Collection Volume 1 — First Story: “Land of the Pygmy Indians,” by Carl Barks; Second story: its sequel, “War of the Wendigo,” by Don Rosa Those credits should tell you all you need to know — Barks was, without question, one of the top five comics creators of the 20th century. Rosa isn’t quite at that level, but only because he’s following a trail that Barks already blazed. Yes, this book is $8.50, but it’s a high-quality package, and it offers better adventure-comics storytelling than all the Civil Wars and Countdowns ever published. Try it … Continue reading →

Tales From The Crypt #1 — Writer: Marc Bilgrey; Artist: “Mr. Exes” (1st story); Writer: Rob Vollmar; Artist: Tim Smith 3 (2nd story) First, the good news: this has a wonderful Kyle Baker cover, fusing the catch phrase of EC’ s other star, Mad Magazine‘s Alfred E. Newman, with the Crypt Keeper crawling out of a grave. Nice idea, and nicely (you should pardon the expression) executed. Unfortunately, the rest is all bad news, since the two inside stories are pedestrian at best, nowhere close to offering the kind of thrills or chills that the “real” EC creators could deliver. … Continue reading →

Strangers In Paradise #90 — Writer/Artist: Terry Moore Final issue, as Moore brings everything to a satisfying conclusion (now it’s clear why David had to die a few issues ago: so that everyone else could get a happy ending without it seeming too sappy). Francine’s and Katchoo’s relationship has had so many bumps, twists and delayed gratification that it’s especially nice to see them end the run together; there’s a final, “after the credits” throwaway scene that did the almost-impossible by making me choke up, a testament to Moore’s skill as a storyteller, and a reminder of why this entire … Continue reading →

Tank Girl: The Gifting #1 — Writer: Alan Martin; Artist: Ashley Wood It’s a cliche because, too often, it’s true: you can’t go home again. For those of you coming in late: Tank Girl was created by Jamie Hewlett and Alan Martin, and appeared in the British comic Deadline in the late ’80s and early ’90s. The title character, along with her boyfriend (a mutated kangaroo, although for years I thought he was a dog; go figure…) and various girlfriends and others, lived in a post-Apocalyptian Australia, ala Mad Max, and ran around shooting things and generally causing chaos. Somehow, … Continue reading →