Still on the Shelf #56 – The Gift
Comic longevity is a double-edged sword.
On one hand, we all love it when our favorite comic book reach important issue milestones, because that means we have been entertained for years, and that the character is successful. On the other hand, the more storied a comic is, the harder it is for a new reader to sample the book, which could hurt it in the end. Just ask someone who has read their first issue of Lucifer recently to see what I mean.
Enter the anthology comic, the old granddaddy of comic concepts that most people like to keep hidden away in a home, lest he comes out and embarrasses the guests. Anthology books are just something you don’t see a whole lot of anymore, mostly due to sales. It could also be said, though, that almost all of the most popular heroes of today got their start in just these kinds of books.
Personally, I don’t see why this genre is not more popular, if done properly, anthology books could be not only a great showcase for various artists and creators, both veteran and rookie – but it could also be an effective testing ground for new character concepts. I suppose in this day and age, if it does not have a lead marquee character you can make an action figure out of, it isn’t worth the effort.
The Gift is not an anthology in the strictest sense, though its format is very similar. Each issue is distinct in that it focuses on a completely different set of characters who’s chaotic lives shift when an item, a gift which grants one person great power, is inserted into the mix. Though not your typical anthology, this sort of “bastard anthology” does have the same strengths and weaknesses that any anthology series would have. While it is extremely easy for a new reader to pick up any issue of The Gift and enjoy it, it is possible that some stories here and there might not click with a regular reader. While it is possible that these plot lines may be drawn together at a later date, so far each issue has been distinct and able to stand on its own – personally I hope it stays that way.
Cast of Characters
The Ancient One, the only character to so far appear in more than one issue, is a timeless, enigmatic figure who’s task it is to chose those who will have a gift bestowed upon them. Aside from choosing who will receive the power he has to give, he has very little role in each story aside from a watcher. Little is known about him, and little needs to be.
Anthony Freeman had the dangerous job of being a bartender in a pub controlled by a mob. He liked his job and understood the rules well – though no amount of discretion could help you when you see something the mob does not want you to see. It is at this point where the Ancient One finds and chooses Tony to receive a gift, and his life is forever changed.
Sandra Lewis thought life was good. She had just met who she thought could be Mr. Right – things were going well indeed. Of course, fate has a way of screwing up even the most ideal situations. The Ancient One chooses to step in after Sandra is kidnapped by a quartet of men who intended to use her as a plaything.
Harry is a disturbed young man, who is on the constant lookout for more “playmates,” since he has a bad habit of breaking the ones he has. What fuels Harry’s psychosis is answered in the story, but I it is safe to say that his life takes an unexpected turn when he tries to “play” with a family who has had a visit from the Ancient One.
Rick is another perverse individual who enjoys causing pain in others. After he develops a fascination with a stripper in a club he frequents. It is here when he encounters the Ancient One, who gives him something that causes his personality’s nature to manifest itself physically to those around him. So what is this stripper going to do when she finds herself stalked by a fierce monster which looks like a cross between a dragon and a cockroach?
Henry is a young boy with a poor lot in life. His mother passed away at a very young age, and his father and the bottle are an inseparable duo. Though Henry tries as he might to appease his strict father, it always seems as if he falls just short of perfection. As such, he must also deal with the wrath of his angry and violent father. Of course, Henry is the ideal choice for the Ancient One’s particular brand of gift.
Thoughts
The Gift is another one of those titles that is just plain impossible to describe in any way to do it justice. Gregory does an outstanding job flushing out each of the key players in each story before adding the unusual twist that each issue’s gift entails. He also avoids the clichéed “happy ending” in most cases – each charcter’s life is irrevocably changed by the end of the story, and rarely is it ever for the better when things are all said and done.
The art is probably the only real weakness of the title, but it is not a killer. Art nitpickers might balk at some inconsistent drawing and some exaggerated features (I was kind of bothered by Henry’s unusually large head in issue #5), but it is more than passable overall. The backgrounds are outstanding, and really add an appropriate feel for the book. Overall, the biggest strength of the art in this title is the storytelling – Kirkman seems to have a knack for knowing exactly how to present each panel on the page. To me, that is the most important part of the art in a comic book, and I am not about to damn the whole series because of a small weakness in the facial features of the characters.
I referred to this series as a “bastard anthology” – that is only because I can’t think of a better way to describe it. I love the fact that you can come into this series at any issue. Each issue is a standalone story whose first pages tell you all you need to know about the concept of the series to appreciate what is going on. Characters don’t interact between issues, with the exception of The Ancient One – and he is less an actual character, and along with “the gift,” more a method of delivery for the power that is introduced to a character in each story. I am sure there are those that might want to know more about this enigmatic figure, but to me – the characters in each story are far more important, and I am content to see the Ancient One as a simple tool of the plot.
Bottom Line
Small Press and self-published books do have an uphill battle for recognition in today’s market. It is rare that you see a true independent book last for a long period of time in this market because of the continuing nature of their stories. The Gift, so far, is written in such a way that you do not need to read any of the previous issues to really enjoy it, and I consider that a great strength in this market.
The Gift stands very well against other similarly formatted stories in all media forms. Its standalone nature makes it an ideal choice to sample, as any issue is a good jumping off point. There are currently five issues of The Gift available, with a sixth on the way, though Raven Gregory has already scripted well beyond this point in future issues. So you can expect many more new issues of The Gift as time goes on.
I have yet to uncover a place online where you can order past issues of The Gift (I will be sure to update you when I do), but it is solicited through Previews, and your local shop should be able to order the title. Issue six was just solicited last month, and should be on the shelves soon.
I have really grown to appreciate writers who have the ability to tell stories that are self-contained in one issue. I know the “slow build” approach has become increasingly popular these days, and that is something that can be good on occasion. But when you have a dozen (and oftentimes more) stories that you are getting bits and pieces of each month, it kind of takes away from the enjoyment of the story. One of the reasons trades are becoming more and more popular these days is because it takes six issues to tell a story anymore.
I like graphic novels, but I also like comics. And on occasion, I like reading a COMIC BOOK where I don’t have to wait six months for the entire story to unfold- I can spend my $2.95, and pick up a single issue and have the whole story right there. If you ask me, I consider it a weakness that comic writers can’t seem to be able to tell consistently good short stories that fit in a single issue anymore. Thankfully there are those out there in the independent market putting out books like The Gift, which can fill that niche.
Credit Where Credit is Due –
The Gift is
Written by Raven Gregory,
Pencilled by Tyler Kirkman,
Inked by Marco Galli, Ted Pertzborn, and David Rivera, and
Colored by Brian Buccellato, Steve Cobb, and Saul Orithuela.
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April 19, 2004
Still on the Shelf #55 – Dave Crosland Week?
So what is heaven like? Is it a beautiful place filled with clouds and angels, where pure souls exist for all eternity after they are gone – with a big pearly gate manned by an ancient saint who is stricter than any nightclub doorman you have ever encountered, where God himself sits on a golden throne high above it all, casting a stern but loving eye down on his creation?
Or is it like a corporation, with a CEO more like Bill Clinton than an actual creator, with a Board filled with those who despise the “boss,” but know that the company couldn’t exist without him?
That is the premise of Heaven, LLC, a graphic novel from Image Comics that is due out this Wednesday, April 21st. The basic premise is simple – God goes missing, and it is up to the Board of Heaven, who would just assume see him stay missing to find him, or else their company may crumble. Be warned, this book is not for the little ones, nor is it a good pick if you are the type of person that would be offended by an extremely irreverent take on the Christian God. Personally, I think God would get a good laugh at it, but then again, I am probably going to hell.
Cast of Characters
God is still the omniscient and omnipotent deity that we all know, but he is a complete scatterbrain. He is highly charismatic, and can gain followers with great ease, unfortunately, the more people who follow Him, the more his mind wanders while trying to pay attention to them all. To help him maintain order in his company, he established Heaven, LLC, and appointed several board members to help with the day to day operations of the company. Dividing 49% of the stock between them to keep control of the company himself, of course. As you might expect, the Board members under him helped to contribute to his flighty nature – the more people he had to help him with things, the less dependable he became.
Over the centuries, he has become the classic ADD case- unable to focus on anything for any period of time. As such, he tends to focus inward, and spends most of his time attending to his personal wants, and sometimes “carnal” needs, rather than his company, which seems to be suffering as a result.
John the Baptist, well, his head on a silver platter, is the first member of the board. As many of you may no, John’s head was cut off by Herod, because he refused the advances of Herod’s daughter Salomé. John does blame God in part for his demise, because it was God’s law that Men of the Cloth remain chaste, and as such, it was impossible for him to give into Salomé’s advances.
Lucifer, though a surprising choice for the Board, actually is a logical choice. Lucifer heads up the subsidiary of Heaven, LLC, Hell, Inc., and realized that without Heaven, there can be no hell. By extension, without God, there can be no Lucifer. Lucifer is quite like I would have always pictured- very suave and well dressed, and extremely intelligent. He is also very egotistical, and will do nothing to make himself look foolish. He is even not above making a deal with God if it serves his purposes.
Adam and Eve, Joseph, Jesus, The Holy Spirit (a hard core femi-nazi), Abraham, Christopherthe Pope round out the Board. Each of them, as well, have some reason to despise God. Of course, there is no way they would betray him, being God and all, and work to make the company a success despite of its CEO.
Finally, there is Maise, God’s personal secretary. She works extremely hard to keep the ever flighty God on the task of running Heaven, LLC, and finds the job to be much more difficult than you might imagine.
Thoughts
This book really, really is hilarious. I know many people really have no sense of humor when it comes to theology, and for those people, this book is highly blasphemous. Personally, I think that while it does poke a great deal at traditional Christian conventions, it still ends up painting a pretty accurate picture of religion (in general), particularly in how a lot of tenants of theology have to work in concert for Christianity to really work.
Dave Crosland’s art is certainly noteworthy. The book is in black and white, which often has the unintended side effect of making character recognition a bit troublesome. There are many main characters in this book, and Crossland’s cartoonist style really goes a long way towards making each character very distinct and recognizable. His style really fits the humorous tone of the book, and is a perfect compliment.
Chinsang really put together a well structured story here, that succeeds in its first goal of making you laugh. Silly is easy – but real humor requires a certain touch that Chinsang seems to have. Pacing is everything in humor, and this book chugs along at a nice clip. I have to hand it to him for a job well done – the concept he used for Heaven, LLC is something that could have failed so easily, but he managed to pull off something that was both entertaining, and to a point thought provoking. When it comes to touchy religious topics like this one, I am the first to be open towards a little religious comedy. However, I am extremely reserved when it comes to giving my “stamp of approval” to such projects that are less entertaining, rather than appropriately humorous. Chinsang has danced this line to perfection, and I appreciate that.
Bottom Line
Heaven, LLC is a 144 page, black and white graphic novel that carries a cover price of $12.95. It will be on shelves this Wednesday at your local comic shop. I have to say that this is the most entertaining graphic novel I have read in some time, and I hope that each of you give it a look. Coinciding with the launch of the book will be the Heaven, LLC homepage. You can also check out Dave Crosland and Debbie’s homepage at HiredMeat.com.
Credit Where Credit is Due –
Heaven, LLC is
Written by Wayne Cinsang,
Art by Dave Crosland, and
Cover by Debbie.
Still on the Shelf Extra – Puffed
I thought, this week, that I would share with you another title with art by Dave Crosland – Image’s Puffed.
Puffed is a story about Aaron Owens, who works at Story View Park as one of several costumed characters. one unfortunate day, arriving late to work, he is stripped of his usual “Big Bad Wolf” assignment, and given the cumbersome, gruesome role of the dragon Puff. Now, the reason this assignment is so terrible is that the Puff costume is ancient – requiring outside assistance to remove and sweltering hot for the person inside.
Seaton, a deranged fellow employee, takes issue with Aaron for “looking” at Trish (the girl they both have an eye for) in a way he does not like. Mind you, Trish has no interest in Seaton, though he has made it his personal mission in life to look out after her interests. He finally decides that enough is enough, assaulting Aaron with a two-by-four, and dumping him into the worst possible part of town, while still in his Puff suit. There Aaron awakes, trapped in a dragon costume, trying not only to get home, but to find someone to help him out of his costume just so he can go to the bathroom. And thus- hilarity ensues.
Though still somewhat cartoony, the art in Puffed is much more detailed than that in Heaven, LLC, and is equally appropriate to the story. The art accounts for so many gags in this series it is impossible to count- the ridiculous smile on the face of Puff alone in the strangest of situations is enough to make you die laughing.
John Layman’s story is sound, and extremely enjoyable. Aside from a little political grandstanding (mostly outside of the story, and in Stay Puffed, the “sequel”), he takes a really clever concept and makes it work (I am sorry – everyone has a right to their opinion, but there is a time and place for politicking, and comics just ain’t it, if you dig me!). The story is just farfetched enough to be believable, the sheer hopelessness of Aaron throughout the story really makes you feel for the situation he is in.
Stay Puffed, the “sequel” follows the story of Seaton, and his tour in Iraq. In Puffed, on the day he beat Aaron, he left his shift without even clocking out and enlisted in the marines to go and fight in the war. Though the issue mainly focuses on him, it occasionally flashes to what is going on in Aaron’s life after his horrific experience. The story is interesting, but it is something that only a reader of the previous Puffed 3-issue series would appreciate.
Though Puffed has come and gone from the comic shelves, it is still available. You can buy the complete set over at HiredMeat.com for a mere $15 (including shipping). Puffed #3 and Stay Puffed are still available over at X-World as well, and I am sure you can find most of these issues at your local comic shop. It, too, was a real fun read, and a good series to hunt down for anyone.
Credit Where Credit is Due –
Puffed and Stay Puffed are
Written by John Layman, and
Art by Dave Crosland.
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April 12, 2004
Still on the Shelf #54 – Anthology
I am not a comic fan, at least not in the strictest sense of the word. I am a reader. I can recall many years ago, when I was very young, I remember visits from my Grandfather. I always was in total awe of the giant of a man, who was both very deliberate and subtle, while being both strong of mind and body. I remember his rituals – waking up before the sun every morning of a visit and walking to the Kwik Shop to buy his coffee and newspaper. He spent the morning reading the newspaper, and the rest of the afternoon reading whatever novel he had picked for the day. The written word was a passion I shared with him, even at that age, and I remember him telling me that we read because it was our “name.” Hard to argue the point, seeing as just about every Reade man (and a lot of the women) were avid readers. Being so young, I really latched on to the play on words, and immersed myself into the books and stories all the more.
So what does this have to do with not being a comic fan? Well, I have never been one to pick up a comic book because of the art. It is true that I appreciate skilled art when I see it, but the most important thing to be in a good comic book is the story. Comics to me are not something to enjoy just because they are comics – comic books are just another thing that I put in my “to read” pile, which is more varied than I can possibly describe here. As a “reader,” the comics I like the best are the ones written by someone who can tell a great story, and can keep my interest regardless of the art.
This week, I had the privilege of reading a few issues of A. David Lewis’s Mortal Coils (put out by Red Eye Press), and I was taken aback. I realized that reading comics had made me something of a lazy reader. I literally had to stop and re-read the issue I started with, because I found that this was not one of those typical comics where a light read is all that is necessary to enjoy the book. There was so much more going on between the lines that I actually had to pay attention to the subtle clues Lewis was giving me to fully grasp the stories he was telling.
Mortal Coils is an anthology title, each issue containing two stories that have a very Twilight Zone bent. Not so much in horror aspects, rather pure structure. Each story stands alone, during which Lewis builds the suspense towards the “twist” at the end, that both makes perfect sense and is completely out of left field. As to genres – well, there is no common theme in the genre other than suspense. Lewis drifts from sci-fi to drama with ease, and what kind of stories you get each issue is a mystery until you read it.
The anthology approach is refreshing. It is not the kind of thing you see a lot of in comics today, because frankly it doesn’t sell very well. And that is a real shame – comics are the perfect format for this kind of storytelling, and I would love to see more titles like this on the market today. Books like this are also ideal for the “new reader,” since you could literally jump in at any issue, and not have to worry about missing anything. Titles like Strangers in Paradise, though outstanding, are daunting for new readers. The challenge for titles like that one is trying to find the best place to start reading, and to continue reading until you have enough issues to really appreciate the title. On the other hand, a new reader could pick up issue three of Mortal Coils, and be just as satisfied as if they had picked the title up from the very first issue. The stories in each issue are stand-alone, and so far have no connection to one another. I have to say that this is an approach that is used far too rarely in comics today.
The tough thing about describing this title is that it is really impossible to describe the issues to you in any detail without revealing anything that would spoil the stories. Like the Twilight Zone, each of the stories seems to start somewhat in the middle of the lives of the protagonists, and throughout the telling you learn just enough about the characters to make the twist shocking and meaningful. This is something you are just going to have to trust me on – the stories are worth the read. They don’t share any particular genre bent, they are simply Lewis flexing his imagination. And it is a fun work-out to sit through.
Though I have focused a great deal on the story in Mortal Coils, the art in each issue certainly does not slouch. Artistic duties rotate from story to story, and with the exception of The Line, the art is presented in Black and White. The different artists really do lend different feels to each story, and all have done a great job of supporting and helping to tell these fantastic shorts. While the art in Mortal Coils is certainly not the main draw, it does help that it is solid in its own right.
In the end, I have to conclude that comics need titles like Mortal Coils. As good as any of the books we read in this medium are, very few of them could be termed literary. We all like to bandy about words like “pacing” and “characterization,” but those are just buzz words that Joe Comic-fan uses to make himself seem knowledgeable, and to give a lot of comics a more lofty literary standing than they generally deserve. When someone like Bendis takes issues upon issues to tell a story (though generally a good story), we like to call that pacing, and consider it great because it is slow. Structure – a word rarely heard in comics, is what Mortal Coils is all about. Structure, being the way a story is built, the way it is presented to the reader, is something a lot of our favorite title’s only hint at. Lewis proves with Mortal Coils that you don’t need a six issue story arc to tell a great story – he tells two in each issue. Kind of puts that whole misconceived notion of “pacing” that comic fans have into perspective.
Issue #1 of Mortal Coils is sold out, but fear not. There are still two other issues of the title available, along with the SPX 2003 Exclusive mini-comic, “The Line,” if you can find yourself a copy. Beyond that, there is a trade due out in June, “Bodylines,” featuring these four issues, 3 new stories, and tons of bonus materials including sketches, interviews, and an introduction by Mark Waid. If you can’t wait that long, I highly recommend each of you pop over to Caption Box and order the Mortal Coils set. It includes issues two and three, along with the SPX Exclusive “The Line” for a mere $5, including shipping (US only, though I am sure you can inquire about international shipping). That is an outstanding deal for that set, and will probably be the best $5 you spend on comics this year.
Credit Where Credit is Due –
Mortal Coils is
Written by A. David Lewis,
Drawn, Inked, and Lettered by Various.
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April 5, 2004
Still on the Shelf #53 – I Thought You Were Dead!
I really do love being surprised when I read a comic, and it happens so rarely these days. Sure I get surprised, but usually, I am surprised at how horrible a comic is. Not so this week, as I read through the first four issue mini series, Snake Plissken Chronicles.
I was a huge fan of Escape From New York, I remember watching that movie as a kid with my dad. I rather enjoyed the sequel, Escape From LA, but as it should be seen, as nothing more than a tribute to the original. When I heard news that a comic was coming out based on the character, I cringed. The character of Snake is a good one, but if they couldn’t even come out with an original story for the sequel, just what will a comic have to offer in the way of a good read? As I said, I was surprised, and this series delivered in ways I could not possibly imagine.
Cast of Characters
There really is only one character you need know about before reading this, and that is Snake Plissken himself. His real name is a mystery outside of the initials “S.D.,” but he will tell you himself to just call him “Snake.” Snake was a war hero serving in a United States Special Forces unit during World War III who was awarded two purple hearts and was the youngest man ever decorated by the president. Something happened to him along the way to turn him against his government, and he has stood against all authority ever since in his post-apocalyptic world. Twice (under strangely similar circumstances) he has received a full pardon for all of his past crimes when forced to aid the US government- those crimes including everything from homicide to illegal possession and use of tobacco.
One of the most telling things about Snake Plissken is that everyone thinks he is dead. He is so often in situations where he simply has to be dead, like a bad villain from the Adam West Batman series, few bother to verify that he has indeed met his end. For that reason, almost anyone he encounters is surprised to see him alive.
Thoughts
This series accomplished something no new Snake Plissken movie could possibly do – tell an original Plissken story. We finally get a glimpse of the world Snake lives in outside of the two “penal islands” from the movies, and it is very much like you might imagine it. The roads have fallen into disrepair, and outside of cities, you see Road Warrior-type gangs collecting tolls and harrying travelers. Inside the cities there is some security, but local government is corrupt and life can be tough for the average citizen.
I really don’t know where to start in telling you what I liked about this title. Snake is presented in a deliciously cliché manner – he is perfectly portrayed as a man who either kind of likes you, or wants to kill you. He has a strong sense of honor, but is not above killing anyone if it will help his cause. He makes enemies with great ease, and he is always about to die, yet he just keeps coming back to take revenge upon those that wronged him.
I have heard this series describes as a serial, and that is not far off the mark. At the end of each issue Snake is placed in an impossible situation, and at the beginning of the next he somehow manages to find his way out of it. Much like the movies, he picks up tag-a-longs as the story progresses, but at the end of the mini he is all alone, once again – just another day in the life of Snake Plissken. This series was bloody brilliant.
There is lots of action, and the art has no trouble keeping pace with this fast and gritty story. Tone Rodriguez does an amazing job of drawing distinct and expressive characters, and handles the action scenes with the greatest of ease. This book would have been killed by poor art, but thankfully he was more than up to the task. Chris Blythe deserves his share of the credit – the color work is outstanding and really contributes to the great feel of this series.
Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the outstanding job that William O’Neill did with this story. I honestly thought an original and interesting Snake Plissken story would be impossible to write, but he did a more than adequate job. Not only is the story fantastic, but you could plop his Snake Plissken character right into either of the movies, and you would not notice the difference. That alone shows how much he succeeded in my eyes.
Bottom Line
This title had a rocky run, mostly due to its initial time with CrossGen. The first two issues were printed under the CGE imprint before Hurricane split off and struck out on their own. Hurricane recently released the final issue of this series, and at this time there are no immediate plans for another run.
Now if you ask me, this title got a bad shake because of the CrossGen turbulence, and deserves a second chance from all of you. If there is enough interest, I am sure the fine folks at Hurricane would consider another Snake Plissken Chronicles run, and that can only mean good things. This first mini was action packed and an overall light fun read, something I think all of us could enjoy. Each of the first four issues are available now – you could either check your local comic shop or order online from Hurricane’s website.
As I said before, pleasant surprises are something of a rarity in comics today, and this sure was one for me.
Credit Where Credit is Due –
Snake Plissken Chronicles is
Written by William O’Neill,
Drawn by Tone Rodriguez,
Inked by Kim Werestiuk,
with Colors by Chris Blythe and
Letters by Dreamer Design and Rubin Spehar.
Still on the Shelf Extra
Another fun little comic I came across at this year’s Wizard World West convention was B.A.B.E. Force: Back to School. B.A.B.E. Force began over at Comics Conspiracy through its first three issues, but the creators eventually decided to publish it on their own.
Contrary to what its title conveys, B.A.B.E. Force goes to great lengths to keep itself from being your average T&A drool-fest. The book is about a team of attractive “babes” who hail from a secret island fortress with no practical knowledge about how the ral world works. They are placed in situations where they must infiltrate regular society to protect it from the machinations of the evil ChaosCo, who seeks to conquer the world using capitalism. Well, some of them do. The original founder of ChaosCo was an infamous World War II criminal mastermind who created an ultimate doomsday device. His son, Dr. Chaos, took over his father’s legacy and converted it into a means of cheaply producing goods, abandoning his father’s evil ideology. His sister, Helga, works behind the scenes to sabotage her brother and trying to use ChaosCo’s products to her own evil ends. She is disappointed in her brother for abandoning their father’s plans for global domination, and seeks to get him out of the way so she can conquer the world on her own. Of course, every time, B.A.B.E. Force is there to stop them And hilarity ensues.
B.A.B.E. Force is another light, comedic read, and it gets in its share of jabs at comics that rest their laurels on how good their half naked female protagonists look. I spoke to the producers of this comic at the convention, and they explained that they go to great lengths to make certain that their heroines are attractive, but never too slutty, and never in “too sexy” situations. They have even gone so far as to send art back to be redone if it was not “PG-13” enough. A rare thing in comics to be sure!
B.A.B.E. Force: Back to School #1 and the first three B.A.B.E. Force issues are available online now, and issue #2 is due any day now. Also on the B.A.B.E. Force site you can see a preview for upcoming live-action B.A.B.E. Force web-isodes, which should be great for a good laugh!
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