As is fairly well-known by those who care to pay attention to such things, I've been a comic book reader (as opposed to strictly a collector) since...oh, about 20 minutes after I figured out how to read, I guess. We're talking about over three decades worth of comics there. Yeesh...I didn't need to know that.
Anyway, since my movie/DVD columns have been on hold for awhile, I've been feeling the need to flex the old reviewing muscles a bit. So here's a brief sampling of some of the comics I enjoy the most these days. Check 'em out...you'll be tickled puce that you did.
Casanova - Matt Fraction and Gabriel Ba have created a dense, free-wheeling spy story that mixes the best elements of The Prisoner, Steranko's run on Nick Fury, and every ultra-mod 60s Euro-sci-fi movie you've ever wondered if you actually watched or just hallucinated. At only $1.99 an issue, this is one of the best bargains on the racks (assuming you can find a store that still displays comics on racks).
DMZ - I was lucky enough to get in on the ground floor with this series, thanks to a recommendation from the owner of one of my favorite comic shops in LA. Good call on his part. Brian Wood is creating a richly textured world where Manhattan has become a war zone, no man's land in a new American Civil War. With dark, detailed art by Riccardo Burchielli, DMZ is quickly becoming one of Vertigo's best titles.
Dork - The latest issue of Evan Dorkin's too-infrequently published title is page after page of brief strips and single-panel gags, all drawn in Dorkin's signature style which I'm quite sure has deformed his drawing hand into a crippled, useless claw. Not every joke hits its mark but hell, there's about 12-20 gags per page so whaddaya expect? The best gags are laugh-out loud funny...unless you don't find jokes about shit-encrusted dildos amusing. And if that's the case, why exactly are you reading my blog?
The Escapists - Brian K. Vaughan has been receiving a lot of praise lately, all of it richly deserved, for books like Y - The Last Man and his wonderful graphic novel Pride Of Baghdad. I'd like to recommend one of his more underrated books, this six-issue miniseries inspired by Michael Chabon's great novel The Amazing Adventures Of Kavalier & Clay. Part sequel, part homage, part spinoff, The Escapists has quietly turned into one of the year's sleeper books, with terrific art by Jason Shawn Alexander and Steve Rolston. It's one of the most unique titles I've read in a long time. My only complaint is that it'll only run six issues.
The Exterminators - My other favorite Vertigo title of the moment, I love The Exterminators simply because Simon Oliver has surprised me at every turn over the eleven or so issues to date. Not once have I been able to predict where this title is headed and I read each new issue with the same giddy thrill of a rollercoaster ride. And while I've never considered myself particularly squeamish when it comes to bugs, Tony Moore's art has made me reconsider on more than one occasion. I can't wait to see where these guys take me next, even though I'll probably want my pants legs tucked into my boots when I go there.
Fell - Warren Ellis' writing is very hit or miss with me, but I treasure the hits enough to make sure I check out everything he does...just in case. I enjoyed Planetary quite a bit, though the snail's pace with which its last several issues came out made it tough to keep track of. I'm also guaranteed at least a couple laughs out of Nextwave but for my money, Fell is the Ellis book of the moment. Fell creeps up on you, creating a mood unlike any other book. A lot of the credit for that goes to artist Ben Templesmith, who seems to be doing some of his best work here. I hope they can keep it up.
Girls - The Luna Brothers' epic tale of Twilight Zone-ish creepiness is heading toward its conclusion and I'll be good and god-damned if I can figure out how it's going to wrap up. This book took its own time getting going, which won't be a problem if you read this in collected form. But if you go that route, you'll be missing half the fun of the unpredictable cliffhangers at the conclusion of each issue. Jonathan Luna's art isn't my favorite but for the most part, it works.
Peepshow - Holy shit! Joe Matt's produced a new comic! I first got introduced to this title when I was working at the public library in Iowa City, lo these many years ago, and fell in love with it. Joe Matt is one of the best autobiographical cartoonists around and if you're not familiar with his work, get thee to a comic shop and pick up his books The Poor Bastard and Fair Weather because quite frankly, this issue is a shit-poor jumping-on place for new readers. But for the Matt faithful, it's cause for celebration. I just hope we don't have to wait another five years for the next issue.
Excelsior!
Jahnke