The Official Thread for Thor's Comic Column - Page 2

I'm never sure what I'm going to review until...I've read the books. The three books that I put in that last line are the three books that, without having read anything, look to be the three most likely candidates for a review.

Fuck...I just like to keep people guessing, and I just hope that once and a while they'll pick up a book they wouldn't have otherwise.

I'M JUST A FUCKIN' KID FOR CHRIST SAKES!

Thanks.

I liked "Fables." Not the best issue, but a good issue of a great series. I agree with you though on several points: the Bigby / Snow thing looked like it was going to take off, but kind of fizzled - I felt certain the Charming / Bluebeard fight was going to go the other way - and yes, what the fuck is up with Bigby having no mouth?

Still, I liked the issue and love this series.

I can't wait for the one-shot about how the Fables were driven out by "The Adversary."

Don't get me wrong. I love the series, I just thought this was an off issue. And yes, I think The Last Castle will rock. My only worry is that for what seems like such a major story, 48 pages seems too short. But I'm probably just being greedy.

Great column as usual, Sean. Should be getting 1602 this week, so can't wait to read it.

Your Witchblade review also intrigued me, especially as since reading Wolverine & Doop, I've fallen in love with Darwyn Cooke's art.

On another note, what do you think of Bendis' work on Ultimate X-Men so far?

First off, let me commend you on your "signature" - Bill Hicks REMAINS my favorite comedian. His passing still saddens me, and I would be very interested to hear what he had to say about the current state of affairs. Bravo sir.

Second, thank you.

Third, if you like Cooke's art - the "Witchblade: Animated is for you. He very much brings the shadowy-noir sensibility of his work on "Catwoman" and "Wolverine & Doop" to this book.

Finally, I like what Bendis is doing with Ultimate X-Men. "Blockbuster" has got me intrigued because I've always been interested in the whole Weapon X angle. To be honest though, I was fine with Millar's stuff on the book - it wasn't fantastic but it worked just fine for me (I realize I'm in the minority on that one).

Bendis is great, "Daredevil" is my favorite Marvel book, "Powers" is consistantly good, as is "Alias" - I just can't stand "Ultimate Spider-man (and again I realize I'm in the minority).

Great to see you enjoyed WW, sean. I've been kind of wary about picking up the book but I'll give it a shot, I'm a fan of Rucka's work and I'm eager to see what he's got instore for WW.

Amazing interview. Really captivating. Sean, you're a great interviewer, your casual approach really helps the conversation, instead of just reading from a bunch of index cards. Your love of comics really shines through and it you from a lot of other interviews. Keep up the good work.

very nice review, I agree with it completely: The Last Castle was a great story with very nice art.

DC can go fuck itself. I would be up to speed with 100 Bullets and reading it every month, but they are so behind with the trades I have given up on the title. It's pathetic.

How are they "so behind". Six Feet Under The Gun came out just last month and it goes up to issue #42. If the recent issue is #47, then they're only five issues behind, which, in my book, isn't "pathetic".

Furthermore, now that Azzarello and Risso are working on Batman, 100 Bullets is becoming bi-monthly, which should give you plenty of time to catch up.

Sword of Dracula. 3 letters : W O W.

I dont really keep up with comics.. but I know that Dark Horse is releasing the BERSERK manga this week and I thought for sure it would be mentioned in the weekly column.

why? because it is BADASS!!

or better still get the Manga when it hits comic book shelves this week and hits the books stores on Oct 28th.

Real nice work, Sean + 1. Too bad about that "X-Static" storyline - in that it got chopped up. However, adding P Di to your comic. Er, zZzZzZz. I'll have to pick up that time traveling Superman comic. And the Witchblade comic you reviewed several columns back. Just having a little trouble finding it...

Hey Sean - I heard a rumor that Marvel will be launching a new Alpha Flight title in '04.

Since I'm apparently the only AF fan around these parts, I was curious if this is just one of those things that bubbles up from time to time or if there was any substance to it. If you could shed any light on the situation, it would be appreciated.

I hope it's a Marvel MAX title. That way we'll get to see Northstar really doing his thing.

I wasn't aware Nick was such a fan of gay superhero sex.

Now that I know that, I really have to make it a point to get to Atlanta... wink

There was actually a production of "Glengarry" with an all female-cast in Chicago, and it's my dream to get one produced here at NYU.

Sorry for the absense from the boards - I've been without a computer for awhile, but we picked up a new one today. So, I'll be around.

First, Silver Bullet - thanks for putting the links up and keepings us topical.

Second, Matchstick - thanks for being the ONE person to welcome Devon to the column.

Finally, all - our little column is growing. We've added a new writer and will be adding two more. We're making a shift toward ADVANCED REVIEWS instead of reviews, but will keep some reviews.

How is that working out? Do you prefer reading about books before they are released?

More interviews are on the way. I have one lined up for this month.

CHUD.com quotes are appearing everywhere - from DC Comics online newsletter, to creator pages - people are taking notice, but the only way the column can get better is feedback.

How's it working out? What would you like to see?

Thanks.

Devon, here. Just wanted to say "Hello" and "Thanks" to everyone. After 3 columns, the feedback's been pretty positive and it keeps me wanting to push forward. Seriously, if we get you to read something that you didn't know was out there or got to read something you were iffy on, then we've done our jobs. Questions about something? Let us know. Let's help each other out. I'd like to see these boards become a lot more interactive. There're here, let's use 'em. In the meantime...

Devon Sanders

Latest column:

http://www.chud.com/news/nov03/nov16comics.php3

PREVIEWS of: Grumpy Old Monsters #1 and Wonder Woman # 198

Review of Conan: The Legend

Conan: The Legend is a must! It's beautiful. It's awesome, and it'll only cost you a quarter.

(Thanks Dave for putting the column up so quickly, and thanks Nick for giving us a platform to do this fun shit)

Latest column:

http://www.chud.com/news/nov03/nov24comics.php3

Does anyone even fuckin' read this thing anymore?

Anyway, I've got an interview with Brad Meltzer going up this Wednesday - at least read that.

Unfortunately, I don't know who Brad Meltzer is.

Despite your on-going praise for 100 Bullets, I am still hesitant to pick up the first trade since I'm normally not into "crime comics". I think I'll wait and see if the run ends on a high note like I did with Preacher. I might do the same with Powers (but I'm really not into that particular style of art).

Count me among the regular readers of this particular column.

The reviews are nicely done and pretty informative for the better superhero stuff coming out each week, but I think I've entered the phase of my comic reading life where I want to find stuff that breaks the mold more.

Along that thread, have you seen Andi Watson's Love Fights (a good comic from Oni to get your girlfriend into reading comics) or some of the more eclectic stuff that Top Shelf has put out this year, like Blankets or Pistolwhip: The Yellow Menace?

I'd also be interested in stuff that isn't from the big two, just because comics that aren't published by Marvel or DC tend to fly completely under the radar if I'm not scanning Previews religiously (which can be quite an annoying chore).

I'd appreciate some reviews of graphic novels and tradepaperbacks also, rather than just ongoing monthlies since that's how my spending on comics is steadily evolving toward.
This would be nicely timed for Christmas, since GNs and TPBs make for pretty nice gifts for a comics fan.

Anyway, I appreciate the hell out of this column, and I've picked up a few titles as a result of reviews, so thanks for taking the time to read and react, guys.

Well, call me scatterbrained, but after just scanning the last handful of columns, I realized that the comics Sean reviewed were pretty varied in content and scope (enough to not be categorically just in the superhero genre), so: oops.

Thanks Willko.

We try and mix it up, but you're right - for the most part it's primarily super hero stuff. It's difficult to get advanced looks at anything but the superhero stuff - but your point is taken and we'll try and review some other genres.

As for trades, Devon has just suggested this week to me that he'd like to do some trade stuff as well - so, it's coming.

We'll try and work some more smaller label stuff in as well.

Glad to hear you like "Love Fights" - I haven't read it. But with so many people raving about it, I might just have to pick it up.

Thanks for taking the time to respond - the only way Devon and I can figure out what people want out of the column is for people to let us know. Seriously, we're not writing this for ourselves - our goal is to get more people on board with comics.

Good to hear, Sean. I understand the whole shift toward advance reviews (since they're helpful for hunting down upcoming comics). But as far as the indy stuff goes, it's probably no big deal to do a review for something that's already come out since most people won't have heard of it either way (and can then try to track it down through their local shop or online).

Love Fights is my monthly guilty pleasure read. It's like Powers if it was a soap opera instead of crime fiction... but still well written. Andi Watson's art is reminiscent of Marc Hempel's which can be good or bad, but I like it for the clean storytelling.

Wow! The sleeping giants are rising. It's good to hear from you all. Like Sean said, we'll be doing more indy and trade reviews in the future with one coming up next column. Seriously, I think we're onto something here and we want you all on board. Thanks for reading!

Take care,
Devon

Duke! Brad Meltzer wrote Green Arrow "The Archer's Quest" (Due in stores tomorrow) It's ,honestly, one of the best stories you'll ever read. It totally changed my concept of the word "hero." Give it a peek.

Devon

Duke - I'll make you a deal.

Buy the first TWO trades of "100 Bullets" and if you do not LOVE the series after reading them, I will buy both trades from you AND pay for the shipping.

Thanks for the heads-up on 'Broken City' Devon. Wow. I haven't picked up an issue of any Batman title in ages but now I'm back in the fold. I wish DC were publishing this series as a Vertigo title. You know it wants to go there...

Pretty much every purchase I make these days is based on reading Thor's Comic Column. Thanks guys.

Thanks, Rob. It honestly means alot. It's good to know that their are soldiers like your self rallying behind the TCC banner.

Happy Thanksgiving all,
Devon

Okay, Sean. I'll pick up the first two trades of 100 Bullets, but I still have to get through a few other books on my shelf first.

And hey, if you're still in a generous mood and interested in buying my copy of the over-hyped Squadron Supreme trade, then that would be just great. I want both my money and time back on that one.

It's a deal.

I've never read Squadron Supreme, but I sure am enjoying Supreme Power. What a great start to the series. This may even surpass Daredevil (Bendis / Maleev) as my favorite Marvel book if it keeps up like this.

You just made my week. That's the goal here, to turn people on to comics.

As an aside, the Brad Melzer interview is going to be delayed until tomorrow or Friday. I'm waiting on some follow-up from his next project 'Identity Crisis' which was announced today.

The focus of the interview will remain his background and 'Archer's Quest.'

Happy Thanksgiving.

Fantastic interview! I'll pick up 'Archer's Quest' this week, but should I pick up a few TPBs to prime my understanding of the character? I was thinking some Smith stuff...

Thanks!!

If you have the money to spread, Smith's 12-part "Quiver" might be worth picking up - to help contextualize "Archer's Quest."

To be honest though, if you're tight on money, you can skip it. All you really need to know for "Archer's Quest" is that Oliver Queen was resurrected / came back from the dead. Pick up the first issue of "Quiver" to find out how, if you really need to know.

To answer your question though, "Archer's Quest" can stand alone.

It's a fantastic read.

Latest column...

http://www.chud.com/news/nov03/nov30comics.php3

Previews of Plastic Man # 1 and Captain America # 21, and a review of Catwoman # 25.

Enjoy.

SS may have somehow gotten overhyped, but wow - I thought Gruenwald managed to give what originally was a naked JLA knockoff more originality and depth than anyone had any right to expect.

Based on this, I think I may have to pick up both "Quiver" and "Archer's Quest".

I like Metzler's assessment of GA as the only DC character who can call "bullshit" on Batman, though I think he sort of sells the character of Hawkeye a little short; it's always tough for the 2nd stringers who don't have their own books to get much of a fair shake as far as getting their personalities fully developed.

I was sold on the new Plastic Man when I saw three words in Previews those months ago... "by Kyle Baker".

This guy is phenomenal. A gifted artist, draftsman and visual storyteller, he's got a cinematic flare for framing a narrative that's rarely seen. Damn funny writer too.

If you guys end up checking this out and liking it... definitely hunt down the graphic novels that Baker's done (starting with "You Are Here" or "I Die At Midnight" for the funny suspense story angle, or "King David" for the Cecil B. DeMille movie meets a hip Walt Disney animation team angle, or "The Cowboy Wally Show" or "Why I Hate Saturn" for the hilarious satire on society angle).

... this was paid for by the Kyle Baker fanclub.