This ended up having to be a double column and a bit late because I spent the last two weeks in self-isolation after a Covid exposure. Now Im back in the world (more or less Im under a stay at home order) and I got to catch up on two weeks worth of comics!
Best Comics of the Fortnight:
Beta Ray Bill #1 Ive loved Beta Ray Bill since I first saw him in Walter Simonsons Thor comics, and have long felt like hes criminally underused in the Marvel Universe. I was really happy to see that hes getting his own miniseries, and that its written and drawn by Daniel Warren Johnson, who is an incredible creator. This issue ties in with the King In Black event, as Bill attempts to save Asgard from a symbiote-covered Fin Fang Foom. Johnson does amazing work here Bill looks really cool, and he has a strong feel for the characters tragic side. He also recognizes how hes always stuck in Thors shadow. I enjoyed Johnsons recent Wonder Woman Black Label series, but feel like this might be an even better feel for his approach to art and storytelling.
Dead Dogs Bite #2 Tyler Boss is a really impressive creator who we dont get to see that much of (although he did draw the issue of Department of Truth discussed below). This series is whimsical and bizarre, and makes excellent use of Bosss unique sense of design. Basically, hes the Wes Anderson of comics, and I cant think of a better description than that. In this issue, Joe continues to search for his missing friend, and bluffs his way into the mayors office to try to learn where she may have gone. There are bizarre clues, and outsized characters all over the place. This book is a real delight to read.
Quick Takes:
Beasts of Burden: Occupied Territory #1 Its always a treat when a new Beasts of Burden miniseries launches. This one focuses on Emrys, the Wise Dog, who has been around for a very long time. He tells the usual cast a story from his adventures in the Second World War, involving a strange mystical threat. This issue has a real BPRD vibe to it, if Hellboy were a sheepdog, and its pretty enjoyable. Benjamin Deweys art is really nice, but I still find myself missing original series artist Jill Thompson.
Captain America #28 This issue was trending on Twitter briefly because Ta-Nehisi Coates has been basing some of the Red Skulls rhetoric on the work on Jordan Peterson, the internet mouthpiece. It tracks from what I know of Petersons philosophy, and I found this amusing, but Im also more than ready for Coatess Cap run to close. It has never been bad, but its also never really grabbed me the way his current Black Panther run has.
Crossover #5 This issue is over pretty quickly, as Donny Cates and Geoff Shaw move their characters into position for the arcs big finish. Our heroes find themselves outside the dome around Denver, with a war brewing between some tortured characters from the fictional dimensions and US forces. I like how Cates has pulled in characters from his previous series, and borrowed Madman to make this book work. Its a good read.
Decorum #7 Its been a while since Ive seen this book on the stands. Jonathan Hickman took a long time getting this story moving when the series started, and now, with only one more issue to go, he kicks things into overdrive, as Neha finds the egg that her order of assassins are looking for, and makes off with the being inside of it. As with every issue of this book so far, Mike Huddleston does an incredible job, using a wide variety of art styles across the issue.
Department of Truth #7 We continue to learn a little more about the Departments history, as younger Lee Harvey Oswald gets a lesson on the Men in Black from the very young Doc Hynes, whose research caught the attention of the Department back in the day. Tyler Boss provided the art for this issue, which was a nice surprise, as hes incredible. I like that James Tynion IV is taking some time to provide context to some of the wilder aspects of this series now, and continue to be fascinated by this book.
ENIAC #2 Bad Ideas premier title is really working for me. Matt Kindt and Doug Braithwaite have a pair of secret agents going up against a sentient computer program from the Second World War that has the ability and motivation to potentially destroy the world. Kindt has them jumping through hoops, trying to gain the information they need to shut the program down. This issue has them rescuing someone from a Russian prison, and we start to learn just how deep ENIACs tendrils really go. This is a very solid series, with a terrific backup story by Kindt and David Lapham. Im thankful that the store I shop at is one of the few in my area carrying Bad Idea books.
Far Sector #11 Things get really exciting in this issue, as Jo has to try to stop a coup that she is still having trouble understanding, and it looks like the City Enduring is ready to tear itself apart. Writer NK Jemisin has created an endlessly fascinating world in this series, and has spent a lot of time exploring its complex society, and its similarities to Earth, and now that shes at the point of wrapping things up, I worry that Im really going to miss it. Jamal Campbells art has been great in this book, and its my hope that these two are not done working together, or with Jo.
Fear Case #3 Matt Kindt, and Tyler and Hilary Jenkins have outdone themselves with Fear Case. I liked the previous Kindt/Jenkins collaborations (Grass Kings and Black Badge), but this series has a lot more going on psychologically. Two Secret Service men have been given a year to solve a case involving a package (aka the Fear Case) that has been passed around for decades, trailing death and destruction behind it. Now, with only a day left on the case, the two agents have differences of opinion, and neither are prepared for the Case showing up on the doorstep of one of them. This is a very suspenseful book, with strong character work. I really like it.
Fire Power #10 Its big fight time in Fire Power, so most of this issue is spent with Owen preparing for battle, and checking in with his family. Robert Kirkman and Chris Samnee keep this series kind of decompressed, but also spend a lot of time making the characters likeable and believable, so the balance is just about perfect. Theres a very cool scene with airships and fire catapults, leaving me convinced that this is Samnees best work ever.
Giga #3 I think that Alex Paknadel is one of the most exciting and interesting writers working in comics right now. Giga is a very interesting look at a future society where people live in, and worship, the bodies of giant robots. Paknadel puts a lot of effort into his worldbuilding (check out some of his other books, like Turncoat), and now that we are three issues deep into this Vault Comics series, we can start to see that pay off. I also really like the art, by John L.
Green Lantern #1 Here I am, checking out another new DC series, because I want to like them. Geoffrey Thornes little-read Mosaic was interesting, and this series looks to be spotlighting John Stewart and Jo Mullein (from Far Sector), so that caught my attention. Im not sure that this first issue did much for me. Ever since Geoff Johns opened up the entire emotional spectrum to power rings, Ive found the Lantern books to be a little overly complicated. This issue has someone disrupting the conclave of the new United Planets because they have beef with the Guardians, and that leads to some complicated trouble. I think Id like this book more if it was pared down, but at the same time, there are enough interesting things here to suggest I might want to check out the next issue, and see what Thorne really has in mind. Dexter Soy drew most of this issue, and its remarkable how much hes changed from his debut on Captain Marvel, where his art was scratchy and hard to follow, to being almost completely part of the DC house style. Im not sure I like it.
Hollow Heart #2 Paul Allor and Paul Tucker make things a little more mysterious in this issue, as we start to question whether or not Mateo is helping El, a deeply unhappy cyborg imprisoned in Mateos workplace, or is working his own agenda. Allor is pacing this series really well, and I enjoy Tuckers art. Vault keeps putting out these quiet winners.
I Breathed a Body #3 Things get ever creepier in this new issue, as Zac Thompson leans into the body horror of this series, and we explore how the death and livestreamed desecration of the body of a major influence starts to impact the people around him. Theres a lot more to it than that, and Im not sure Im fully grasping everything. This is a good companion to Thompsons recently finished Lonely Receiver, as he sets out to understand our relationships with our phones and social media.
Immortal Hulk #45 Lately, issues of the Hulk have only moved the story forward in tiny increments, but the quality of the book remains high, and there are so many moving parts in Al Ewings story, that I dont mind one bit. This series is the strangest Hulk story ever, but also one of the absolute best.
Marauders #19 Its Morlocks vs. Reavers in Lowtown, Madripoor, as the Marauders have been told to hang back. Its cool to see Marrow back in action, as this series continues to play with its cast. Sure, we see some members of the core team that we havent seen for a while, but its weird to me just how loose the structure of this series is. Its working for me though.
The Silver Coin #1 I love the concept behind this series. Artist Michael Walsh is partnering with a different writer for every issue, and Im guessing that they are all going to be horror stories like this one, centred around a particular coin. In this issue, written by Chip Zdarsky, its the late 70s, and a small town rock band is finding their audience drying up as the thirst for disco grows. The members of the band find an old silver coin in a box of stuff the guitar players mother left behind, and when he plays using it as his pick, his music moves to a new level. This is a solid story, and Walshs art is terrific. Im always happy to support stranger series like this, and am looking forward to the upcoming issues (with Thompson, Brisson, and Lemire providing future stories). I also like supporting local creators, and three of the people involved in this project live in or are from Toronto.
Strange Adventures #9 Were now three quarters of the way through this series, and I feel like we still dont know the scope of Adams crimes. We do see some of the worst things he did during Ranns war with the Pykkt, but now that Earth is at war with these aliens, public opinion stays on his side. I feel like Tom King might be taking jabs at the Mueller report in this issue, as the Justice League release their rushed and incomplete findings, and TV pundits view it as vindication, even while the League sees it as damning. This series is pretty complex, and I feel like Ill need to see how King sticks the landing to fully assess how I feel about it.
Suicide Squad #2 I decided to take a second shot at this book. Ive read the Future State Suicide Squad books since then, and am worried that this entire series only exists to set up that underwhelming story, but I liked this one. I have always liked Peacekeeper, and his ridiculous costume, and I also liked the dynamic developing between him and Superboy (they dont get along). I might pick up the next issue of this series too, because its drawing me in.
Tankers #1 I think Bad Idea is two for two with their second debut. Tankers is by Robert Venditti and Juan Jos Ryp, and the title refers to a group of soldiers driving large exo-skeleton suits for an oil company that has decided to secure its business by returning to the past and guaranteeing a solid future supply. Much of this issue is given over to people in outfits like the loader Ripley drove in Aliens, fighting dinosaurs, in a glorious amount of detail. Ryp has done great work with this book, and Venditti is having fun with the B-movie plot. I was also very impressed with the backup story, by Venditti and Jorge Monlongo, which has Abraham Lincoln entering into some sensitive negotiations with some aliens. Bad Idea comics are very well put together and attractive, and as much as the companys methods are tiresome, I do like what they are putting into the world.
Two Moons #2 John Arcudi and Valerio Giangiordano are really impressing me with this supernatural historical horror series. Virgil, the Two Moons of the title, is a young Pawnee man who was raised by whites, is about to be tried for killing a superior officer in the Union army, but is rescued by Confederates, of all people. There is a lot of mystery to this book at this stage, and Im very curious to learn more about where this title is headed. Giangiordanos art is detailed and very nice, and his supernatural pages have a lot of depth to them.
USAgent #4 Any good Priest miniseries is kind of like a puzzle box, and I feel like were getting closer to figuring out everything that is going on with John Walker and his sister in this series. I am very interested in the new USAgent, also known as The Saint, and his connection to Watanabe, the guy who has been tagging along with Walker. This is a good, unconventional series that actually makes me want to read more John Walker series, something I never expected Id see happen.
X-Men #19 We continue with the story of the three X-Men who went into the Vault a while back. Sync, Wolverine (X-23), and Darwin ended up spending decades in the sped-up world, and the story of how they spent that time is pretty cool. Jonathan Hickman keeps breaking up the narrative with infographics that fill in the gaps, and that keeps things moving smoothly. Mahmud Asrar is a great artist, but I feel like hes really been levelling up lately; this issue looks terrific. Im also surprised by how much Im starting to like Sync. I never really read Generation X, so I dont know much about him, but hes interesting in Hickmans hands.
Comics I Would Have Bought if Comics Werent So Expensive:
Avengers #44
Batman/Catwoman #4
Firefly #27
King in Black #5
Other History of the DC Universe #3
The Fortnight in Graphic Novels:
Dracula, Motherf**ker! Im a big fan of Alex De Campis writing, and the way she switches genres and approaches with almost every project she does. This short graphic novel has her looking at Draculas brides, in 1970s LA. The main character is a crime photographer named Quincy Harker, who ends up being pursued by the revived Dracula when he takes pictures of his latest bride after her death. Draculas original wives have thoughts about this. De Campi and artist Erica Henderson make this a psychedelic and lurid adventure into an LA that doesnt really exist anymore. Henderson has done some great stuff, but she outdoes herself here, making every page a delight. I do wish this was longer it just felt like it was getting underway and then it ended, but its a cool little project worth checking out.
Music of the Last Two Weeks:
Serpentwithfeet Deacon Serpentwithfeet has a lovely, minimalist approach to soulful pop music, reminding me a lot of Moses Sumney, although less ornate. This album is sensitive and warm, and showcases his voice very well. This whole album is about friendship and intimacy among men, and its incredibly warm.
Pino Palladino & Blake Mills Notes With Attachments Pino Palladino and Blake Mills are familiar names if you like to read liner notes carefully (which is not easy to do in the digital age). Theyve worked with a ton of artists I respect, and now have put out an album of their own instrumental music, collaborating with people like Chris Dave, Rob Moose, and the incredible Sam Gendel. This album of, I guess, jazz, is a little hard to define, but it is both thoughtful and it swings. I hope to see more from these guys.
Lana Del Rey Chemtrails Over The Country Club I only ever listened to Lana Del Rey starting with her last album, Norman Fucking Rockwell, but I loved that album. I was utterly entranced by Del Reys voice and sharp songwriting, which put me in mind of someone like Leonard Cohen. I had high hopes for this album, but came away disappointed. It feels like shes trying to recapture what worked best on NFR, but ran out of things to say. Everything seems a little derivative and formulaic. I guess thats what happens when you listen to big name artists though Its pretty, but its not making it to many best of lists at the end of the year.
Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders, & The London Philharmonic Orchestra Promises I love the music of Floating Points, who has joined with jazz legend Pharoah Sanders and the LSO to put together this meditative and beautiful piece of music. Usually, a Floating Points song builds slowly and cuts out quickly, leaving listeners with a bit of a jolt. For this piece, which is a single work with seven movements, he slowly builds on a theme, and lets Sanders do this thing over it, mostly on his saxophone, but also with his voice, as the orchestras strings help the music swell. Its perfect headphone music, and its quite moving. This is an early shoe-in for the ten best albums of the year, and I only wish Id get to see it performed live.
Str4ta Aspects I know very little about the history of the British funk scene, but I know that this album, co-produced by legendary radio dj Gilles Peterson, is pretty fantastic. It has a timeless sound and a great atmosphere.
A Winged Victory For the Sullen Invisible Cities This is perfect rainy day music. I dont know anything about A Winged Victory For the Sullen, but their ambient neo-classical album is deeply atmospheric and morose, but in a beautiful way. Its an interesting counterpoint to the Floating Points album that I wrote about above.
Tags: The Weekly Round-Up
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The Weekly Round-Up #591 & #592 With Beta Ray Bill #1, Dead Dog's Bite #2, Fear Case #3, Suicide Squad #2, The Silver Coin #1 & More Plus 2...