Michael Deeley has been reading comics since he was 12 years old. His first book was an issue of Silver Surfer by Jim Starlin, leading him to see all comics as ideological conflicts with big-ass fight scenes. At the very least, he expects a comic to be entertaining in some fashion, which is why he thinks Secret Wars II is better than Dark Knight Strikes Back. He has never work in the comics field, but he does have a belligerent attitude and a lot of free time.
During his brief intervals in the real world, Michael looks for a paying job that should, (theoretically) lead to a better life involving more comics, privacy, and women.
He currently lives between Pittsburgh, PA, and the Pittsburgh International Airport, in a suburb so new, it only has one McDonalds.
Dark Horse Comics was founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, the owner of a successful chain of comic book stores in Portland, Oregon. Dark Horse has survived the “black and white” glut of the mid-80s and the Image-inspired glut of 1993-94. It is currently the fourth largest comic book company in the United States. The company’s success can be attributed to its diverse line of products, which include original series, imported manga, licensed properties, and specialty collectibles. It’s most famous characters include Hellboy, Grendel, The Mask, and The Flaming Carrot. Dark Horse publishes series based on the “Star Wars” universe and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, in addition to specials and mini-series inspired by other movies and TV shows. This summer, Dark Horse launched Rocket Comics, a new line of sci-fi/action series. It has also released complete English language versions of the acclaimed ‘Lone Wolf & Cub’ and ‘Akira’ series, as well as publishing ‘Cannon God Exaxxion’, ‘Gunsmith Cats’, and the anthology ‘Super Manga Blast’. Dark Horse also produces a wide variety of collectibles, such as statues, lighters, and coasters, many of which are inspired by non-comics properties. The month of September alone saw Dark Horse release 61 different products, including 19 comic book series and mini-series.
What the hell made my think I could review the whole company?
Just a quick look at their webpage tells me there’s no single theme or idea behind the company’s products. Dark Horse is in the publishing business. That means publishing new and varied series to sell in the crowded comic book market. They make sci-fi, horror, and manga. Their best selling books for August were the manga ‘Ghost in the Shell 2’, ‘Hellboy’s Weird Tales’, and ‘Fray’, an original series from “Buffy” creator Joss Whedon. Dark Horse is the very picture of a diverse company, unlike DC which acts like it’s three different publishers, (DCU, Vertigo, and Wildstorm), or Marvel, which wants to keep all of its books in the same fictional universe.
I have read Dark Horse comics in the past: ‘Concrete’ and ‘The Flaming Carrot’ are two of the best TPBs I’ve ever read. And while I never got into the ‘Grendel’ stories as much as I liked, I always found something compelling about the character and his world. And I bought and loved every volume of ‘Lone Wolf and Cub’. But I currently do not, as a general habit, read any series from Dark Horse on a regular basis. And with DH launching their new Rocket Comics, I thought this would be a good time to see what they’ve got.
Syn #1
In a future where mankind is extinct, machine life rules the world. The central AI has allowed machines to “know man”, but some robots take this directive too far. Robots have begun disconnecting themselves from the central network, living in hidden communities, grafting human emotions to their programs, and worst of all, recreating human flesh.
Syn is a hunter robot sent by central AI to track down these criminals and destroy them. To achieve her function, she is given more independence than other machines. Syn has used this to create an intelligent computer independent of central AI, and experiment with human traits herself. In fact, she may have created a living human baby.
I like the idea. It’s a pretty standard individual vs. fascist society plotline with the machine discovering humanity as the lead character. There’s a good joke where Syn “tries on” a human skin based on an old porn site. But I’m not crazy about the art. The inking is very thick and the lines are heavy. I had trouble following the action and Syn during a fight scene. Still, I’ll be reading the next issue, if not buying it. For being entertaining enough to bring me back, I give ‘Syn’ #1:
Star Wars Tales #16
This is a 64-page anthology series featuring original stories based in the Star Wars universe by a variety of artists and writers. The stories here include: Why Leia won’t continue her Jedi training. What is the Kessel run? A look into Darth Vader’s diary. The day Jabba the Hutt got the Rancor. The ghost of Obi-Wan teases Vader after the Death Star blows up. Why the dark side of the Force is so strong in that tree on Dagobah.
This was not worth $6.00. I’m so glad I didn’t pay for this. Now, I’m not so into Star Wars that I have to read every story set in that universe. I’ve seen the movies, read a few novels, I’m satisfied. I don’t need to know how the Republic rebuilt itself after “Return of the Jedi”; Nor do I care about the long war between Jedi and Sith.
Granted, you can tell some good stories based on the throw-away lines or hints in the movies. I remember reading in a earlier issue of ‘Star Wars Tales’ a story by Garth Ennis about the life of a Stormtrooper. It was very real, touching, and compelling. Just when the Stormtrooper decides to quit the Empire and join the rebellion, he’s killed by Leia, as seen in the beginning of “Star Wars: A New Hope”. None of the stories in this comic were that good.
In all honesty, this comic read like a bad comedy act. “Where did Jabba get that Rancor? Did it come in the mail? Man, I’d hate to be the guy who had to pick THAT up from the post office!” Worst of all is the look into Vader’s diary. I’m not sure if this started as a joke, then got all serious, because it revealed Vader to still be a scared, lonely little boy. Anything that shows Darth Vader to be less than a ruthless, evil killer should get . But because the Kessel Run story is amusing, (if oddly drawn; looks like photographs manipulated in Photoshop), and because I didn’t pay for it, I’ll be nice and give this issue:
.
Won’t be reading anymore, though. And I’m still reluctant to check out ‘Star Wars Empire’.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer #61
Let me start by saying that I’ve never watched a complete episode of “Buffy”. I’d come across it once in a while, but I’ve never felt like watching it. Besides, I loved the movie, and I’ve heard the TV show isn’t like the movie.
Having said that, this is a good comic. The series nears its end with Buffy facing one terrible demon after another, each apparently released by Angel. In this issue, a demon increases the feelings of guilt in Buffy and her family. Buffy’s father is leaving the family, and everyone blames themselves. Dawn, Buffy’s sister, wishes she’d never existed, and disappears completely. Buffy finally defeats the demon when she realizes it made her feel guilty about feeling guilty. (I don’t get it either, but it works for me.)
I’m almost sorry I didn’t read this series sooner. Fabian Nicieza writes a very personal story, with clean, clear art from Cliff Richards and Brian Horton. If the entire series was this good, I should have been reading it from the start. Sadly, the book goes on “hiatus” in December. There is a ‘Tales of the Slayer’ mini-series scheduled to start after that, but no news on a new Buffy series. Bummer. Nicieza will be writing the upcoming ‘Cable/Deadpool’ series for Marvel. But somehow, I don’t think it’ll be the same.
, and a “sorry I missed you”.
Hellboy’s Weird Tales #3
Prior to this, I’ve read ‘Hellboy: Conqueror Worm’, and wasn’t impressed. I mean, I liked the implications that Hellboy is supposed to fulfill some apocalyptic prophecy, but chooses not to. The story was just a rematch between Hellboy and some villains I’d never seen before with weird shit going down around them. Felt more like a prelude than a story.
‘Weird Tales’ is an anthology of short stories by various creators using the ‘Hellboy’ characters. (I’ll never bemoan the lack of anthology series again.) These stories were either confusing or silly. One story seems to show otherworldly agents taking the life of a monstrous baby before it’s born. Another story, written and drawn by Bob Fingerman, is a comedy about Hellboy losing his money in a vending machine.
Maybe I don’t get it. Maybe it just sucks. I’m going to hedge my bets and just give this:
No reason to make enemies, (and many I shall have after the reviews found below).
I only got out to read 4 Dark Horse comics this week, but there are mnay more I’d like to mention.
Paul Chadwick’s ‘Concrete’ is the story of a man who’s brain is put into an alien body of stone. While that would usually serve as a superhero’s origin, Concrete instead becomes an international celebrity and adventurer. Stories in the original series saw him climbing Mt. Everest, swimming across the Atlantic Ocean, and acting as a rock star’s bodyguard. But the inherent tragedy of the character, of being trapped in a non-human body, of loving the government scientist observing him who doesn’t seem to show any emotions at all, of just trying to make the best of a bad situation has made this one Dark Horse’s most popular and critically acclaimed series. Nearly every mini-series, special, and the original series are available in TPB. I suggest ‘The Complete Concrete’ for the earliest tales and his origin.
Matt Wagner’s ‘Grendel’ is unique among comics. First of all, there is more than one Grendel. The costumed identity first worn by playboy/crime lord Hunter Rose has inspired others who wanted to strike against society. In a dark future, the legend of Grendel has inspired thousands around the world to act as violent vigilantes. This leads to the formation of a warrior caste, and ultimately an army that conquers the world. Thus, there are three “eras” where a Grendel story can take place. A ‘Grendel’ comics isn’t about a person called “Grendel”; it’s about a person or persons who use the identity of Grendel for their own purposes.
Probably two-thirds of all the ‘Grendel’ stories were written by Wagner. There were forty issues or so published by Comico, plus the ten-issue Warchild mini-series, all of these were Wagner’s work and have been gradually reprinted and collected over time by Dark Horse (the “Devil’s Legacy” trade, for example, takes 12 of these issues; the current “God And The Devil” series takes another 11). There are three readily available trades of Wagner’s stories are available and serve as the inspiration for nearly all ‘Grendel’ comics that followed: ‘Grendel Tales’ collects the early Grendel stories by Wagner, ‘Grendel: Devil’s Legacy’ stars Hunter Rose’s “granddaughter” as a new Grendel of the 21st Century, and ‘Grendel: Warchild’ features a cyborg Grendel in a post-nuclear future ruled by armies of Grendel-inspired warriors. Wagner also penned short stories illustrated by numerous artists in the collections ‘Grendel: Black, White, and Red’, and ‘Grendel: Red, white and Black’. Each collection only uses the three titular colors. There’s also a novel, “Past Prime”, which follows on from Warchild and is illustrated by Wagner and written by Greg Rucka…
The ‘Grendel Tales’ mini-series come from a variety of writers and artists offering their takes on Grendel’s world. There are five trades of these available so far, the best I’ve seen is ‘Four Devils, One Hell’, by James Robinson and Teddy Kristiansen. In a dark future, a private detective investigates a murder in New Orleans. He crosses paths with three Grendels, each on a mission of their own. This moody mystery ultimately involves the heir of Hunter Rose, the Mona Lisa, and vampires.
If you check out EBAY, you might be able to find the two Grendel/Batman crossovers – each story was told in two prestige format books, the first “Devil’s Riddle/Devil’s Masque” has Hunter Rose hitting Gotham; the second “ Devil’s Bones/Devil’s Dance” features the more up-to-date Grendel (aka Grendel Prime) and ties in with Warchild and Past Prime.
Sergio Aragones is a funny, funny artist and a swell guy. I met him at Megacon in 2002, and was kind enough to sign all 12 issues of the ‘Groo’ series published by Image Comics. True, I had to pay $30 for them, but $30 for 12 autographed comics is a hell of a deal! Besides, ‘Groo’ is one of the funniest comics I’ve ever read. Co-written with Mark Evanier, ‘Groo’ is a bumbling barbarian who manages to be in the right place at the right time and come out a hero. Being a violent killing machine doesn’t hurt either! ‘Groo’ is not only funny, it’s witty and smart with cutting social satire. Dark Horse now publishes new ‘Groo’ mini-series, as well as collections of the original ‘Groo’ series from Epic comics. You owe it to yourself to read at least one ‘Groo’ comic in your lifetime.
‘The Flaming Carrot’ is like ‘The Tick’ crossed with Zippy the Pinhead. A bizarre, nonsensical blue-collar crimefighter faces perils too dammed weird for anyone else. ‘The Flaming Carrot’ is like watching someone else’s dream on acid. Easily one of the best comics ever made.
As I said, Dark Horse publishes many manga stories in English. I’ve never read ‘Blade of the Immortal’ or ‘Akira’, but I’ve heard enough good things about them to pique my interest. I’ll have to check them out someday. ‘Lone Wolf & Cub’ could well be the greatest graphic series ever created. The only excuse you could possibly have for not reading it is if you were blind!
I’ve yet to read an issue of ‘Usagi Yojimbo’, the “funny animal”/samurai epic by Steve Sakai. A samurai rabbit; that’s weird enough for me.
Finally, Dark Horse is producing a line of toys based on Tim Burton’s original characters, such as Stain Boy and Oyster Boy. I think this is for the people who paid $100 for the Japanese “Nightmare Before Christmas” plush doll. Freaks.
Overall, I found the quality of Dark Horse Comics to be, on average, better than those I read from Top Cow. This must be because of the talented people DH has working for them. I might go back and read the next issue of ‘Syn’, maybe check out ‘Lone’. And after I get a real job, I’ll have the luxury of tracking down Matt Wagner’s original ‘Grendel’ stories. But in all honesty, I don’t see myself rabidly following every comic Dark Horse puts out. But then, I’m not supposed to. I’m just supposed to buy the books I like. It’s up to Dark Horse to publish enough books to entice me.
Ah. Yes, I see. That is why Dark Horse is only #4. Marvel and DC have universes that must be tracked and catalogued by readers. Image comics feature superheroes not bound by history or continuity, thus making them easier to read and follow. Dark Horse does not publish superhero comics, and they are #4, behind those that do. That can’t be a coincidence.
I’ve found myself with less time to read comics. My part-time job takes up 5 hours a night, with at least an hour’s driving time round-trip. The rest of my day is usually wasted watching cartoons on newgrounds.com and playing “Sonic Adventure 2: Battle”. However, I am putting more focus into my job search. I am resolved to move out of my father’s house by the end of this year. Come Jan. 1, I shall be living on my own. At this point, I don’t care what I do as long as it supports me. I’ve got debts to pay.
Suggestions and leads are always welcome.
And now, for the new stuff:
Wonder Woman #196 -
Finally, Greg Rucka gives us the Wonder Woman that should have been: a political and social activist with the purist of intentions. Unfortunately, a group is trying to discredit Diana’s work and parents don’t want their daughters joining the “Wonder Woman Cult”. Throw in Io’s unspoken feelings, a midget who earns the name Dr. Psycho, and beautiful art and you’ve got one the best series revamp I’ve seen in years.
Ultimate Six #1 -
The Ultimates arrest Electro and Kraven for illegal genetic enhancements. They join Norman Osborn, Sandman, and a whiny Dr. Octopus in a S.H.I.E.L.D. holding facility. Osborn believes they will be joined by a sixth person for Nick Fury’s secret agenda. I have a personal rule not to give to the first issue of anything unless it’s a self-contained story, and/or it really blows me away. I’m sure Bendis and Harsine will give us a good story, but I’ve learned not to get my hopes up to quickly.
Captain Marvel #14 -
Peter David gives me a reason to read the text pages at the start of his comics by throwing in a joke. Anyway, it seems Genis’ recreating the universe (in issue #6), has caused some tears in time allowing people to meet their past selves. Rick Jones meets himself as a dumb kid and as the “new Bucky”. Genis meets himself from the previous ‘Captain Marvel’ comic, and from his time as an irresponsible drunken party boy. Rick tries to warn his young counterpart not to create the Hulk, while Genis tries to talk his previous self into killing their youngest self.
Overall, a good comic. I just wish we saw more scenes of other characters meeting their younger selves. Spider-Man: “Stop the burglar. Oh, and don’t use your web line to catch Gwen. You know what? Just skip that radiation experiment entirely.” I just realized that between ‘Captain Marvel’ and ‘Marvel Universe: The End’, the universe has been destroyed and re-created twice in one year. That can’t be good for the fabric of reality.
Daredevil #52 -
Maya learns about Murdock’s new girlfriend, thinks about her mother, and visits Fisk in prison. Frankly, I’d rather this was a separate mini-series. I mean, it’s a great story, but it seems to be more about Echo than Daredevil.
Uncanny X-Men #431 -
All right you sons of bitches, I’m not going to tell you what happened. Why? Because too many of you hate Chuck Austen. I’ll defend Austen’s good writing with my last breath. Those of you who like his work have already read and loved this comic. Those of you who don’t are missing out on the best X-Men stories in a decade. We’ve got character-driven plots and subplots like I haven’t seen since Claremont’s days. I’ve read every ‘Uncanny’ written by Claremont, and I can tell you Austen’s work stands up alongside Claremont’s best work on the title. For me, that means issues #145-179. Yeah, I know that’s after his work with John Byrne, but I found Dave Cockrum’s and Paul Smith’s art cleaner and easier to follow. And the characters’ changes really got interesting after “Days of Future Past”. So, in short, loved this comic, thought it had personality, feeling, logic character development, more mysteries implied, and richly detailed art by Philip Tan. Hate all of you, especially Tim. .!..
And finishing up the week:
Uncanny X-Men #256-265; Kingdom Come TPB; Bacchus Vol. 1-4; Superman (Vol. 1) #272; And Amazing Spider-Man #298.
Next week sees the season premiere of ‘Smallville’ on Wednesday, Oct. 1. That seems like a good place to begin my look at comics-based television. I’ll be watching and reviewing series either based on comics books, like “Smallville” and “Teen Titans”, and shows popular with comics readers, like “Angel” and “Buffy” reruns. I’ll be watching many shows for the first time, and checking in on repeats of shows I used to watch.
Warning: I’ll be in full Mr. Cranky mode for this one.
