2020 - A Year of getting my house in order

With 2019 almost at an end, I think back to the beginning of January, when I posted a similar post detailing my plans for the year ahead (something I've done for the last few years in fact).

In hindsight, while my goals and resolutions started off very well indeed, the arrival of my son threw things out of whack and I struggled to achieve what I set out to do to the extent that I had planned.

However, it's been nine months to get used to two kids, a full time job and all the comics in my world and, with 2020 only two days away, I figured that there was no better time to put together a new list of goals for a new year. However, this list is different for others as it feels more specific and great in quantity, due to the fact that, at 36, it's time I started getting things done and, as the title suggests, I get my house in order (both figurative and literal).

Therefore, behold my goals/resolutions for 2020:

Comics (because I've broken these down into categories)

• A (slightly) bigger budget - For the last few years, the budget I've put aside for new comics has continued to drop. Due to the appearance of my children, changes in jobs, economic changes and the need to streamline my collection (and time) with fewer new comics has meant that my budget covers roughly two or three singles a month, two trades over a year and my Comichaus subscription. However, this year I've decided to be a little different and increase my budget by an extra 50% of what it previously was. My reasoning behind this is mainly due to the fact that, due to my role as a reviewer, I'm coming across more and more comics which are truly fantastic reads but yet I struggle to afford to support. Hopefully, by doing this, I can now support at least a couple more of these specific titles over the course of the year while still maintaining the financial stability I always focus on.
• Less impulse buys - Paradoxically, while I've prided myself on running a tight ship with my pull list, I do have a really bad habit of being impulsive in my comic buying, especially when Comixology has a sale (such as just recently buying Darth Vader's second volume, just because). Therefore, I'm going to try and keep away from those sales in 2020. This isn't just in an attempt to save money (although it is a bonus) but also because I already have a LOT of comics I still need to read.
• Comic book catchup - Of my entire comic book collection (which, of course, is far less than it used to be), now more than ever, I have a large portion which still hasn't been read. Thinks like Wonder Woman, Marvel Knights FF and beyond have been sat waiting for years. I just recently read one of these in the form of New 52 Green Arrow but there is still so many more to go. Therefore, I want to, if not clear the pile then certainly put a huge dent in it.
• One Comichaus title a month - I also want to take advantage of Comichaus to a greater degree in 2020. I've held a subscription with 'the Netflix of comics' for two years now but only recently have really put it to any major use (reading 32 Kills, Close and Rok of the Reds in quick succession). This really goes against my 'focusing on the pennies' mantra as I've been throwing good money after bad on something I don't really use. However, having a scan through the site recentry,  I found a tonne of titles which I'd had on my comics wishlist available through the app, meaning I could read them anytime rather than buy them outright (unless I really wanted to). Therefore, 2020 will see me working harder to take advantage of the issues goldmine and read at least one title a month (and that's NOT one issue, that's one title with however many issues it includes). By doing this, not only will I give myself a greater variety, but I'll also put better use of the money I'm already spending.
• The great re-read a.k.a. A comic a day (nearly) - probably the most reoccurring item on these yearly list of goals, it is still something I want to do nonetheless. Last year I did very well, getting all the way up to mid-March. However, the arrival of my second child threw me out of whack and, while I may have recovered, I certainly didn't read one a day. Therefore, this year I'm going to be a little more flexible and say that I'm going to go for either a comic a day or a graphic novel a week. I'm also going to allow myself to bulk up on certain days, so reading 2 comics in a day makes up for not reading any on the next day. Of course, this will include everything; Comichaus, reviews, backissues, backlog, just as long as I can keep myself consistently reading.

Blog

• More Blogging, less reviewing - Last year, while I enjoyed writing so much on my blog, I felt that all I did was talk about specific comics and what I thought of them. This isn't a bad thing, not at all, but for 2020 I'd like to do more in regards to voicing my opinions. This blog is, essentially, an extension of my personality and not a review site and so I should use it in that manner. Therefore, I hope to blog more about my thoughts and views regariding not just comics but things which happen in comics. Maybe that's a mistake and I should stick to playing it safe, but I've watched another year where my sitting on the sidelines has done me no good (see UK politics) and so maybe venting would be good for me.
• Two posts a month - While 2018 was something of a bust, I appear to have really bounced back in 2019 when I posted 52 (I guess with this 53) blog posts in the year. This was over double what I had planned for. This year, however, I do hope to properly scale back and get out 2 posts a month, so 24 in the year. Of course, that isn't a fixed number and am happy to go over to, say, 30, however, I want to devote more time this year to other work and so need to scale back on other areas.
• More bells and whistles - I've said previously that this blog is an extension of myself and one thing I'd like to do is bulk its general look up to refleet that. I'm not quite sure how yet but to give it more depth than what I feel it currently has would be a nice goal.

Pipedream Comics

• Get a process for Pipedream - Last year, one of my goals was to improve on the note Talog in relation to my reviews for Pipedream Comics. Well, I believe that particular goal was a success (whether any of the others were is up for debate). However, I want to continue to improve as a writer and reviewer and so, for 2020, I want to caste a more uniformed process to how I review comics. What I mean by this is in relation to the turnaround of these reviews. This is because certain comics do end up being forgotten about due to priority and/or my preference. But also, my recent review of Canopus has made me realise that, whether helpful or not, my reviews could be used to influence a title's ordering numbers. Therefore, I'd like to get in a place where I'm reviewing comics in advance enough to help with ordering or Kickstartersomething etc. 
• Three reviews a month - Much like with my blog output, the number of reviews I put out in 2019 was considerably impressive compared to the previous year. With 49 reviews having been posted onto the Pipedream Comics web site which were written by my fair hand, that averages at almost one a week. For 2020, however, I hope to scale back slightly by putting out 36 ish reviews, or roughly three per month. The reason for this is, again, a selfish one as I would like to devote more time to my own writing in the coming yearound. However, unlike with my blog, I feel I owe those who make comics the additional time to review as many of their crelationship as I can in a year. Therefore, I felt three to reviews every month instead of the standard four would be sufficient.

Other Projects

• Continued Positivity - Something else which was originallya goal for 2019, my desire to be more postive about comics was, by and large, a success (although not perfect) in my opinion. However, improvement is always possible and I feel that I can always be more positive.
• More time to write - I've already made mention of this multiple times prior, but I'll elaborate on my thinking now. So, obviously, I would like to write more of my own projects like comic scripts and short stories. To what end I'm not sure but I have a lot of ideas rattling around in my head and, after much insistence from many people overy the years, I've decided to try and get as many as I can down on paper. I already have a few, but I've got the bug now and so would rather keep on going as much as I can.
• Better work/comic/life balance - This one requires little explanation (I hope) bit with a family, a full time job and my desire to read (and write) comics, I do find that time is at a premium as I use up every space moment on one of those three. However, I did notice as I went through 2019 that I struggled to maintain the necessary balance between work, comics and life (although, admittedly, it was more a case of work and comics struggling to balance with life rather than all three independently). In truth, I do wonder if it is possible and if entertaining all three within my time is meant to be a case of spinning plates as I scramble to ensure I keep all three in the air simultaneously. That said, if there is any way to keep a true balance, hopefully I can find it in 2020 (or at least get closer to it).

And there it is, my goals for 2020. Of course, these are not all the goals I have planned for the year as I do have the obligatory lose weight/get in shape goals as well as some personal to me like watching more movies (I watched shockingly few last year), reading more prose novels (I read shockingly few last year) and actually completing a video game and two (the number I have still to complete is staggering). However, the list above are the main ones I have when it comes to comics.

Hopefully, despite it being a lot, I can keep on track to getting through most, if not all, of them.

Because it's always good to have goals to strive towards.

My Theories behind Star Trek Voyager: Mirrors and Smoke

On Monday (as of when I posted this) I read Star Trek: Voyager: Mirrors and Smoke, a new one-shot I had been waiting on for a couple of months by writer Paul Allor and artist J.K. Woodward.

Now, while I'm not a major Star Trek fan in relation to the comics (although, as anyone should know, I do love Star Trek), this issue caught my eye because it continues IDW's ever evolving story surrounding the Mirror Universe. That in itself is a concept that's always fascinated me and, as a result of the tremendous Mirror Broken mini-series a couple of years back, a subgenre within Star Trek Comics that I'm fully committed to.

The basic premise of this newest issue focuses on the crew of the mirror universe Starship Voyager who, like their prime counterparts, have found themselves stranded in the Delta Quadrant. However, unlike in the main universe, the MU Captain Janeway isn't concerned with returning to a quadrant where the Klingons and Cardassians are in charge and so, she decides to remain to become the Pirate Queen of the Delta Quadrant.

Star Trek: Voyager: Mirrors
and Smoke #1. But what
happened before this issue?

So far, my enjoyment of the Mirror universe stories has been varied. Mirror Broken was amazing, while Through the Mirror a little less so (Terra Incognito I haven't read yet because is it a Mirror Universe story?) However, with Mirrors and Smoke, I'm going to say that it was closer to Mirror Broken in terms of my enjoyment factor. Allor's story was a solid one and it was nice to see this crew again, especially in the breath taking art style of J.K. Woodward which is what gave the issue high marks in my book (what can I say, I REALLY love this artwork).

However, when I say that the story is convoluted it is really down to one thing which bugged me about it: the Timeline. Naturally, the end had no definition and, in theory, the adventures of this crew could continue but the thing that bugged me was the beginning. This is because, not only do we not know how Voyager got to the Alpha Quadrant, I struggled to grasp all of the various character's loyalties pre story. For instance, the opening blurb references Voyager as a Rebel Ship, but it's colours looked very imperial instead. Also, the tv series Terran rebels didn't seem quite together to build an Intrepid Class Starship (they struggled with a Defiant Class which is about a third the size). And then there are the characters, with Janeway's attire looking Imperial but none of her crew looking the same. And then there's Tuvok, who actually appeared in a Mirror Universe Episode.

Anyway, it doesn't really affect the story in the grand scheme of things but I've always been a stickler of fan of continuity. Therefore, after reading the issue, I spent the next day or so pondering how all of this could have fit and, wouldn't you know it, I think I figured it out (go me!!)

Of course, it's essentially Fan-Fiction, but I think it works well within the rules of the Mirror Universe as the episodes and JK Woodward and the Tipton Brothers (who previously shared insight with me) established. And so, sit back and have a read of my thoughts on how the Imperial Starship Voyager reached the beginning of this issue:


So, beginning in early 2371 (or around the time the prime Voyager set off on it's maiden voyage), Captain Kathryn Janeway and her crew were entrusted with a mission by the Emperor deep into Klingon/Cardassian space. Unfortunately, both the ship and her crew were caught out by superior forces and captured before being placed in a mining facility along with rebels (Kim and Chakotay), criminals (Paris) and outcasts (Torres).

Meanwhile, a few months later (occurring AFTER the DS9 episode 'Through the Looking Glass), the Terran Rebels sent a team on a sabotage mission within enemy space. Unfortunately, like the Voyager crew, the team was caught and all killed but for a Vulcan operative, Tuvok.

Tuvok was processed as a prisoner of the Alliance and found himself held within the same prison as Janeway and the others. It is at this point that the crew comes together (under the leadership of Janeway) to escape their prison and their captors when Tuvok confirms sighting Voyager, intact, in an orbiting impoundment dock.

And So, the crew of Voyager, along with a large contingent of 'other' prisoners makes a break for the I.S.S. Voyager and, recapturing the ship (with Paris and Kim taking their 'rightful' places after Stati and the Operations Officer are killed mid-escape), Voyager sets course to escape the oncoming fleet bound to intercept. However, with the enemy ships closing in, Janeway is forced to take Voyager into the now nearby Badlands in the hope of evading and meeting Smiley's band of Rebels (at this point cue a similar scene to the Maquis escape scene in the first episode of Voyager, only with the titular ship doing the running).

At this point, everything plays out much like that first episode, with Voyager shaking off their captors but then being caught in the transport wave which strands them in the Delta Quadrant. The only difference I think would be that before they are scanned/transported like in the original, Janeway orders the Array destroyed in retaliation.

Now, with no way of getting home, Janeway decides that there is no life in the Alpha Quadrant under the boot of the Klingons and Cardassians. Therefore, she sets off to make her fortune as 'the pirate queen of the Delta Quadrant' which we find her at the start of this episode.

The End.


In truth, I'm probably WAY off in what Allor and Woodward (and to a greater extent, IDW) were thinking (or even had planned), but this was a fun little waste of time to just kind of connect it all in my head. Of course, I've not considered Neelix, Kes or Seven of Nine's changes in circumstance but that could be an easy case of 'right place, right time', with Kes having gone into space when she first met Neelix and subsequently developing her abilities in a harsher, less encouraging environment (which I always thought Tuvok gave). Meanwhile, Seven speaks of her parents and the Borg so I can only guess she somehow evaded the Borg on their ships (like Newt in Aliens) before eventually escaping. That said, their stories feel a little less 'different' to their original incarnations (in my opinion).

For now though, unless the creative confirm something different, I'm going to treat this theory of mine as canon (while hoping more of these comics are to come).

Fantastic Four: The Prodigal Sun

This had been one of those buys I've been eyeing up for a while prior to picking it up during a spree around Black Friday, although this was mainly due to the particular character name in the title.
 

I think it's probably very obvious by now to anyone who sees what I post that I am a big fan of the Fantastic Four. To this day they are still my number one comic, characters and team and, regardless of their main title's quality at any given time, they are characters I am always likely to pick up nigh on everything about.

 

Fantastic Four:
The Prodigal Sun

Therefore, it probably seems pretty obvious that this title would have made might my pull list when it was originally released. However, while my love for the four is absolute (well, nearly) the same can't be said for crossover events, 24th which I've had a mixed history of enjoyment. As such, I tend to give such crossovers a wide berth (a rule I ignored for the Lazarus Contract, to my detriment).

 

However, my need to read the Fantastic Four beat out my worries about crossovers, although maybe I should have been a little more disciplined.

 

The Prodigal Sun storyline traverses through Fantastic Four, Silver Surfer and Guardians of the Galaxy one-shots as those titular characters cross paths with 'Prah'd'gul' (I hope I spelt that right), and elemental prince whose is travelling back to his home world in an attempt to seek revenge on his brother. However, Prah'd'gul must first contend with a couple of detours when his spaceship crash lands in the Savage Land.

 

Man v Dinosaur; An average
day in the Savage Land?

As my brief synopsis may attest to, this story turned out to be less about the characters whose books are a part of this crossover and more about Peter David's (presumably) new creation Prah'd'gul (or as Ben references him, Prodigal, hence the title). For this reason I feel a little bit screwed over because, while the book states 'the Fantastic Four' in the title, they are anything but the stars of the show as they only appear in two of the issues (and the second of those is more cameo-esque). That said, not even their own title feels like theirs as they appear are seemingly bit players behind the roles Prah'd'gul and Savage Land natives Ka'zar and Shaana.

 

In fact, none of the various 'lead' characters from any of the three instalments feel like anything more than masters of ceremonies to me, literally standing around and watching Prah'd'gul's story unfold. Only the Surfer gets any real influence into the story (although, I suppose the FF do at the end of their instalment), but otherwise, this entire story most likely would have happened in the exact same way without their involvement.

 

I guess this just strikes me as odd because I wonder if this story needed to be placed within any of these books as surely Peter David is a great enough writer to deserve focusing directly on his own creation, either at Marvel or independently.



What an Epic image!!!

That said, none of this is in any way hinders my enjoyment of the story. I thought the Prodigal Sun was a fun little read and felt it introduced an interesting character in the form of Prah'd'gul, even if he sounded a little too human (although, so did Norrin Radd in his issue). I was also glad to get a bit of insight into Ka'zar and Shaana and their world of the Savage Land, a part of the Marvel universe in which my knowledge has always been lacking. Of course, not all of the issues were equal, with the middle part squaring Prah'd'gul off against the Surfer more interesting, exciting and epic. That said, the other two instalments were still great to read, the first giving me what I want while the last was ruined (for want of a better word) by the only major downside which I could see in that the story ended a little abruptly, as though another issue was expected. In fact, I kind of hope for a follow up to see the ramifications of the finale (although that may still happen in a future follow up).



Manna's artwork through this
crossover is out of this world
(somewhat literally)!!!

As for how it looked, I thought that Francesco Manna's art style over these three issues was gorgeous. I can't really describe how it looked or compare it to another artist's style but it felt very .... organic, giving a nice, soft, easy on the eye vibe which suited the story and world's perfectly. I think this was best exemplified by the scenes involving the Silver Surfer, who looked really epic, as well as the full appearance of Galactus, which was just breath taking (in my opinion). 2019 has shown me a lot of great artists drawing the FF and now I can add one more to that list .



So, overall, I thought that the Prodigal Sun was a good read and one I'm glad I took the chance and time to look at it, even if I wish the FF, the Silver Surfer and (I guess) the Guardians of the Galaxy had had more screen time and influence.

 

But then, maybe I'm just being greedy because this title was still one which entertained me and left me kind of wanting to see a continuation of Prodigal's story.

 

I wonder if I've just contradicted myself there?

Comic Reviews: November 2019

As we inch ever closer to Christmas, I'm finding my life just gets busier and busier. More and more, things which need doing seem to get bigger in volume (i.e. how much of it you have to do), importance and number (of things which need doing).

I'm starting to wonder if this is what a video game developer feels like during that infamous 'crunch' time.

Comic book reviewing is not separate from this as, with seemingly each passing day, more and more comic in need of a review enter my dropbox to the extent that the online drive is full (and I'm not willing to pay for the additional space).

Of course, it's a good problem to have, although it does mean having to decide what of all these quality books is read first.

With that in mind though, I think I made some good decisions in November.


Hero 9 to 5 Vol. 1

So, first was my review for Hero 9 to 5. Now, I feel guilty about this comic in that, I've seen it at con's in the past and by passed it for other things. However, now that I've read it, I wish I'd taken the chance all those times. Hero 9-5 is a really funny series which, while hitting us with action, humour and a fair bit of NSFW content, does actually work to ask questions and try to deconstruct certain Superhero tropes. Now, it's not perfect as the refreshing slice of life-esque story telling at the start seems to fall away nearer the end and I also felt that the character of Frostica got the short end of the wedge at times when she could have been utilised better and more in keeping with the series deconstruction. Regardless, Hero 9-5 is a refreshingly funny series which I do wish I'd taken the chance. So I am thankful to Alex for letting me have the chance to review it.

 

Money Shot #1

After that, the next couple of titles on my reading list for the month weren't titles which I reviewed (although, Pipedream Comics have) but I was given the chance to check them out and figured, why stand on ceremony? First up was Money Shot #1, which I would have said is essentially 'Scientists go into space to make porn.' Now, the Pipedream review for this was pretty positive and the opinions of people I trust have also raved about it. Therefore, I was expecting big things with this read. However, after finishing that last page, I found myself to be in two minds about this title. I thought that Money Shot came across as very quirky with this almost off-kilter humour. It wasn't Sex Criminals (which I thought was more of an earnest story), but very much an all out comedy with Sci-fi aspects. Meanwhile, the art was very Stephen Byrne-esque and I liked its .... well, I don't quite know what but only that it stood out to me as different and that I liked it. However, while I found Money Shot to be a pleasant enough read, I struggled to fully enjoy the story, which bummed me out given Vault's recent reputation. By the end though, I was unsure about this comic, although I think it just had enough to tempt me to check out another issue at some point.

 

The Plot #1

Finally, of the Vault titles which I didn't review, was Plot #1 and 2 which told a story of a family (well, two orphaned children and their bum of an uncle) returning to their mysterious, abandoned family home which just happens to be haunted. Normally I'm not very good with horror, as I can never get on board with the mysticism of it all (give me a good, old fashioned crime story any day), but with this I did find it immensely interesting. The plot had this Locke and Key vibe going for it, only much darker in an almost Amityville Horror way. Meanwhile, I loved the art, which gave the issues the right kind of eerie to really match the story and cement that very threatening feel (that I felt was being pushed towards). Of the three Vault titles, this was (to me) the clear favourite and the one that I'd be most likely to return to.

Sentient #1

Next up, I return to titles which 'I' reviewed (you'll probably notice the difference based on writing quality) and, this time, focused on the recently released collection of TKO titles. First up I checked out Sentient #1 by Jeff Lemire and Gabriel Walta and this was a fantastic read. It was addictive from the very beginning and the pace of it continued to heighten as the issue progressed, feeling more tense and exciting as it went. I thought there was very little about it that put me off the comic, the characters (what we saw of them) were incredibly interesting, Kruger in particular, and all of the world building necessary to explain what was informing the immediate situation didn't feel forced. Meanwhile, the art was sublime, with Walta really pulling across the same emotional range I thought he'd used in the Vision to give the characters more depth than the dialogue alone gave us, as well as tug at my heart strings. All in all, this was a fantastic first issue and I've got serious plans to get the remainder of the series (which I might treat myself and get as a physical copy).

The Banks #1

I followed Sentient with a review of the Banks #1. This was another entertaining comic which I'm highly intrigued about by the end. I will admit that after the first time jump I wasn't sure if this was my thing. Thankfully, however, the story drew me in as the I stuck with it, particularly as we focused on Clara's integration into the life and the begin of the dynasty. By the end, I have a number of questions, such as what was Cora's entry, what happened to Clara's husband and why did Celia change her mind about being a part of her family's world. As I've stated In the review proper, I really love the art (which makes me think the Kitchen is a book I need to bump up my get list) and had no problems with it, save for the issue of the first time jump. However, this is a minor quibble and in no way damages my thoughts on an otherwise great comic.

Pound for Pound #1

Third up for TKO was my review of Pound for Pound #1. Now this was a good read in itself, enjoyable and well paced, however, the only issue with it was that it felt a little forgettable. What I noticed most was that the story felt very 80's and, while that's not a bad thing, what let me down was how the characters came off as tropes from those sort of films. Also, for a title called 'Pound for Pound' I expected it to be a little more boxing centric in a slots sort of way. Overall, I feel the art was this title's biggest strength as it made every panel look quintessentially 80's (similar in a way to Our Final Halloween's look, which I mentioned). In the end, it was a good read but, compared to its sister books from TKO (so far), it just didn't match up to me. I'd recommend that anyone try it (which I did) but, for me, I'm not sure I'd come back or if I did it wouldn't be a urgent purchase.

Eve of Extinction #1

Finally for November was my review for Eve of Extinction #1 which, despite not entirely being sure what I was about to read, turned out be a rather enjoyable read. It felt like mostly a set up issue as it got the pieces in position before starting the story proper, but it's well pace and very engrossing. The key to this seemed to be the character dynamics as the (understandable) conflict between the leading ladies immediately has to be pushed aside in order to survive, something I don't think I've seen in many similar stories. Meanwhile, the art is really nice. There's nothing to write home about it other than it's solid, although I really liked the opening pages and their horror-esque vibe. By the end, I have a load of questions in my head; What's with the boat? Why is it only the men? Does it relate to the 'microbes' found in the Antarctic? Suffice to say, I'd be more than happy to come back to get those questions answered.

Phew!! Seven titles in a month (not to mention the Green Arrow Omnibus and a host of single issues. Just in case you thought that was all I read) in the bag and, all in all, a good bunch of reads, with only a couple really letting me down and even those I still wouldn't give a wide berth (even if I might leave them until more preferred titles are picked up).

But now, as we move into December it's time for the reviews to wind down as the Pipedream Comics Top 50 list dominates the site. For me this is a blessing in disguise as I can now focus my time on some urgent real life situations, namely, Christmas, a (late) family holiday, my wife's birthday and even my own round of cake and pressies.

That reminds me .... OH GOD, I'm about to enter the late thirties!!!!

Green Arrow by Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino

First of all, I want to say that while you may think it is deliberate that I'm posting this just a few days after I had a review go up on Pipedream Comics for a new Jeff Lemire title, I assure you it was all a remarkable coincidence.

Green Arrow: The Deluxe
Edition by Jeff Lemire and
Andrea Sorrentino

In the last few years, I've started to develop a wishlist of comics which, based on the opinions of comic folk who I respect, are to be considered 'high quality.' Now, as of the time this post dropped, this list is pretty extensive (nearly 500 titles at time of writing) and makes for a pretty confident assumption that I'll never read them all.

This is lead even more credence when you know that my unread pile is actually pretty big itself (although not 500 comics), with some really big comic runs such as Rucka's Wonder Woman and Coates' Black Panther (as well as the Liss/Francavilla Black Panther and the Rucka/Scott Black Magick, although both of these were converted from physical to digital) still sitting on the proverbial night stand.

Couple that with all the review material I have and it takes time to get to something of my own.

I love this panel. It just
screams Aja's Hawkeye to me.

However, just recently I decided that I would take a break from reviewing and try a title which I had been neglecting for far too long.

The Green Arrow run by Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino is a title I've had in my 'to be read' pile since August 2018. This has been a run which I have continually heard great things about (such as how it was one of the few bright spots of the New 52) and, so, once it came on sale on Comixology I figured that there was no time like the present. However, it is something of a victim of its own quality as, due to its over 400 pages of content, it is quite a daunting, time consuming prospect and not something which can effectively lobby for my rather precious time in comparison to a smaller, 6 issue (180 ish page) trade or even a single instalment.

However, waiting was no longer something I wanted to do and, after reading it, I'm so glad I didn't any more.

Count Vertigo is a bad ass!

Lemire and Sorrentino's Green Arrow focuses on everybody's favourite Billionaire, Philanthropist, Playboy with a Robin Hood complex as he continues to fight crime/the little guy(? In truth, I've never quite understood GA's shtick. Sometimes he's said to be a Social Justice Warrior-esue character and others he's Batman-lite) in the mean streets of Seattle. However, when a new enemy with an old grudge rolls into town, Oliver Queen finds himself stripped of everything and everyone he knew as he is drawn into a centuries old war which may have something to do with not only his own Father but also the reasons behind his becoming Green Arrow.

(I feel that was pretty good. If anyone needs a synopsis writer, do get in touch ;-) )

Sorrentino's work is really the key to
this run. This 'weakness point' panel is
breathtaking!!

Now, I'll be honest, besides the TV series (which IS Batman-lite), I have very little exposure to the Green Arrow. An appearance in Identity Crisis taking on Deathstroke and a copy of Quiver (I think) which I ended up not reading and selling on are about as much of the comic character as I have come across in fifteen plus years. Also, my experience with both Lemire and Sorrentino at this point had been severely minimal. Therefore, as I finally cracked open this (metaphorical) book, I did wonder if this run was really going to be as good as everyone said it was.

Fortunately, though, I absolutely loved this run of Green Arrow and devoured it like the addict I am with every spare moment life afforded me. From the moment I started it all the way until the end it felt like I was reading a story which was a cross between the Brubaker and Diggle runs of Daredevil (before the mess which was Shadowland) and Fraction's Immortal Iron Fist, with visuals which looked a lot like they had been pulled from Aja's (who was also on Immortal Iron Fist) Hawkeye run (which, of course, Fraction wrote. Lots of connections here!).

Sorrentino goes above and beyond,
Creating some unique looks for things
like Vertigo's power set.

As I've just said, my experience with Ollie Queen in comics, is nearly non-existent. However, I've just remembered how I struggled through J. T. Krul's Brightest Day Green Arrow. Based on that, and the fact Krul continued on GA after flash point for the first arc, I be tempted to guess that the New 52 run prior to Lemire and Sorrentino's involvement wasn't the best (although, I can't prove that). However, from the beginsight of this omnibus, it really feels like Lemire is deconstructing the character and getting rid of everything that isn't needed. For me, this is a brilliant decision as I mmediately feel caught up and not having to look at those prior arcs.

I'm really just gushing about
Sorrentino's work now!

In fact, by the end of the entire run, I felt it was entirely conceivable that this omnibus could be treated as an Elseworld's tale more than a part of something bigger, akin to Batman Arkham Asylum. This is because, the character effectively returns to where he started and it's only through the journey that anything really happens as Ollie questions himself and makes himself stronger. The thing is, in a world where characters don't die and rarely change, I think these kinds of stories make the best kind.

And so, this run saw Ollie face off against six (well, three. Three were good guys) clans based on different weapons; Sword, Axe, Spear, Shield, Fist,  and, naturally Arrow. I really loved this idea because, while I have to admit it struck me as very similar to the seven capital cities of heaven story from the immortal iron fist, I'm a little real sucker for tales that imply their hero's greater destiny in the world and that's what we got here. Meanwhile, I will point out that Magus, who is the head of the mysterious eighth clan (which I initially thought might be the trident, connecting Atlants and Aquaman) reminds me a lot of Master Ido (I think that's his name) from the Daredevil run I mentioned.

I mean, seriously!!

However, this 'mystical' (for want of a better word) element isn't the only thing I love about this omnibus as, from beginning to end, I was fully engrossed by this story. Lemire did a tremendous job creating great characters to fill this world, repurposing old villains into new formats which work, and making something believable out of some of the he madness which we see happen to the emerald archer. If there is one problem I have anywhere at all, it is the introduction of Diggle which seems like pandering (and pointless now it looks like Diggle in the to show is actually John Stewart. However, he still serves a good purpose and so even that problem isn't really a problem.



Ok, action scenes within the sound
effect text. Just wow!!!

But then there is Sorrentino's art, which I love throughout this title as I continuously floors me. I said earlier how it reminds me of Hawkeye and this is true. However, I honestly think this work outclasses Aja's Hawkeye work and that's no mean feat. The full page shot of Green Arrow and his opponent falling down the side of a building, the scenes involving the use of Count Vertigo's powers, the shots juxtapositioned with targets to imply the sharp shooting of practically every character in this story, even the scenes of Richard Dragon sizing his opponents up, every shot is a feast for the eyes.

In fact, the only downside was that it had to end. This really was a fantastic read and I'm kicking myself that I didn't check it out sooner, although they do say better late than never. However, reading makes want to check out Gideon Falls, Descender, Sweet Tooth and as many other works by these two creators (including revisiting Black Hammer) as soon as possible.

Because, if I waited too long with Green Arrow, imagine how many other pure gold series I'm missing out on.

Fantastic Four #16

I'll be honest here, this post shouldn't really exist!

 

After reading through last month's issue, I realised that I had become overly negative against the Fantastic Four comic. Now this wasn't deliberate but simply a case of frustration of how far (I felt) the title seemed to have fallen under it's current writer (the artists, on the other hand, were really wowing me).

 

Fantastic Four #16

As a result, I vowed that I wouldn't write anymore posts on this book which, upon re-reading, felt too negative on my part (I've got no problem with constructive critique, but I want to be writing about how much I love comics).

 

However, upon reading issue 16 last week (as of time of posting), while I did enjoy it more than I expected (Yes, I did enjoy it and, yes, I'm as surprised as anyone), I had a swirl of ideas about how it could have been better.

 

Now, I'm no writer (not a good one anyway) but I thought that instead of just being all down on the issue, I'd say what I liked, what I didn't and, of those latter points, what I would have done differently.

 

(So, constructive critique then?)

 

Izaakse's is just so moodily gorgeous.
Overseer kinda reminds me of
Annihilus with his outfit.

SO, anyway, this issue picked up from the last with the Four (told) still trapped on Spyre. Johnny takes the time to get to know his new 'wife' and how they are connected. Reed and Sue spend the issue trying to understand what is going on from the rather suspicious Overseer and Ben remains trapped in Lowtown (think Old New York from Futurama) facing off against the 500 monster army of Freak Alley and its leader, Scrum.

 

Like I said, I did enjoy this issue. It wasn't issue 10-14 great in my eyes but nor was it 15 awful either, giving me hope that the prior issue simply suffered from the problems all second parts of a 4 part story face.

 



Seeing Reed shaped as a glider is
awesome (but didn't Sue fly?)

Of course, this issue had as many flaws as it did benefits but, in this attempt to be more positive, I'm gonna focus on the good bits first and chief amongst them was the art (again). I really have loved Sean Izaakse art during this series, it's moody, it's rich, it's just so incredibly beautifiul to look at issue in, issue out. If this guy (and Paco Medina) stay on this book forever I would not have a problem with this!! Then there is the Thing's story in this arc, which I found to be as inspiring as hell here as we got to see him not only show off his heart and fighting spirit (again), but also his speech toward the end to show just how far the character has come in the last nearly 60 years (during a Twist I didn't see coming). I've said it before and I'll say it again, Slott pulls off Ben's voice perfectly and he sounds accurate in my head as I read his dialogue, especially when he's describing Alicia in this issue which is Fantastic (pardon the pun). I've said so many times that I dislike the skewed focus Ben is getting in this run but, when things are evened out a little, Ben's a really cool character to follow.



However, that is where my good points end, for while the issue did feel much more evenly split between the four than the last issue (or even most of the run), Johnny, Sue and Reed just felt totally 'off' when compared to the Ever Loving Blue Eyed Thing. Now, in fairness, many of these problems I saw were mostly just me nit-picking. However, you notice things when you are invested in characters (right?).

 

As such, here's what I struggled with (as well as what I'd have done instead):

• The Johnny/sky dynamic in this issue felt really wooden/forced, with the characters seemingly having no connection as I read their scenes. What I hope is that we discover this is because their 'connection' was faked by the Overseer for some nefarious purpose.
• When Reed discussed (briefly) the armbands, I felt he would have spoken with more scientific interest in his dialogue. While I know it's always been a thing, I've always considered that Reed rarely gives Namor a second thought.

• 

  When you need to reach your friends,
  the classic signals are the best!

  I felt more focus should have gone on Reed's guilt from the discovery that Spyrian citizen's suffered because of him. Reed has always felt guilty about and, while he may of accepted it to a degree, the revelation of further fault would have thrown him off his game more than what we saw (although, it would have been cool to have him realise the Overseer's 'secret' as he dwelled on this revelation).
• While I absolutely loved the wacky image of Reed as a glider, it would have been nice to have a legit reason why Sue wasn't doing the flying. Maybe it was so she could focus on their defence from the solar unparralled. Speaking of Sue.....
• The formation of the team symbol should have been Sue's idea. While Reed is the leader and a smart guy, Sue's deferring to him constantly really undersell her own character. So, doing this would have helped in depicting her better.
• I feel that the Reed/Sue scenes where they subsequently learn the truth and escape shouldn't have been one whole scene and broken up with other pages. Doing this would have made for a better flow for that scene (in my opinion).

Ben looks to be leading a
revolt (who would've
guessed?)

Now, like I said before, this is me kind of just nit-picking and even if these were legit problems as realised by someone who knows what they are talking about, they'd probably have much better solutions than me.

Also, this isn't a terrible issue it's just that, to me, a lot of it feels 'off' and not the Fantastic Four as I know them. Now, I'm not going to say that despite its flaws in cautiously optimistic about the series going forward because I feel I know better. I'm at a place where I'm genuinely wondering if I should drop this series (which, given my commitment to the FF so far, I think emphasises my feelings) but, for now, I'm intrigued to see how this ends because, while some of my prior predictions look set to come true, it appears that something is going to happen which I didn't expect like. 

In the meantime, I just hope that FF Negative Zone one-shot gives me a Fantastic Four team which feels more like I know them.



 

Comic Reviews: October 2019

As we inch ever closer to Christmas and all of the stresses that come with it (not to mention that my almost entire family decided to be born between now and then) I'm finding myself under a little bit of pressure to live real life while also keeping up with my reviews for Pipedream Comics.

This isn't helped by the rather large pile of comics I started October with which needed to be checked out.

(Well, need is a strong word as it sure isn't a chore but, gosh darn, if it isn't a lot. And more get added every week. Oh the hardship ;-) )

Fortunately, now October is done, that's five more of them are out of the way and, as is becoming tradition, I figured I'd just post a little something so I could air my more personal views on those comics which maybe didn't make the review proper.

The Odyssey Initiation #1

So, the first review was for The Odyssey Initiation #1. Now, I enjoyed this, but I also didn't and I'm not sure I can totally explain why. In truth, there is nothing essentially wrong with this comic as the story is fun and has this feel of classic sci-fi adventure. However, the biggest mark against it is that, as I read it I felt like I've seen it all before. This was because the Odyssey Initiation feels so very similar to the story from the first Mass Effect game. Even the ship looks the same as the Normandy from that series and so much of the world feels like the ideas were ripped directly from it.

Of course, I've tried to review it on its own merits and it is an interesting story. The characters, while rather basic thus far, are intriguing and do I want to know more. Meanwhile, while the art isn't the best, it does have a wholly unique style which I think fits rather well to the book, story and world. This a book which deserves more of my time. However, all things being equal, I can't shake those original thoughts about Odyssey and, while I certainly hope I'm wrong and it's just a coincidence, there are still too many similarities to ME. I'll be honest, I really hope that it's just my brain putting 2 and 2 together to make 5, but while I'd check the next issue out, if the story went the way I think it would (or remember Mass Effect going), I probably wouldn't feel the need to go beyond that.

Rok the God #1

So, moving on from space was .... well, space and football with my review for Rok the God #1. In truth, I wasn't sure what to expect from this going in and was a little hesitant to check it out. However, I'm glad that I did because it was really fun and really enjoyable. I have to admit that I'm not sure for my reasons for my enjoyment, but I felt that it just had this vibe and tone which was refreshing and different, more akin to British comics that I had read rather than American ones. The art was good, very reminiscient of Valiant's style (which is one I love), although I did feel that the colour choices let it down a little. That said, it was a really good read (which I hope the review gets across), which annoyed me that I had never seen the original series. Fortunately, I found it on Comichaus, so I can check that out soon enough.

Relics of Youth #1

I followed that up with my now seemingly mandatory visit to Vault Comics library with review of Relics of Youth #1 and, again I really enjoyed this comic, a lot!!! It was a little slower than a lot of the stuff that I've read recently, but I did think it was incredibly engrossing with the whole 'certain people connected for some reason' shtick. I did think the basic explanation of the plot was a little vague here, but the characters and the overall mystery within the story certainly did enough to hook me on this. The art, meanwhile just looks glorious in my opinion, with the visuals looking very Alex + Ada but a little less clean (that's the best term I can think of, it looks almost like the art of someone in a desert, if you get what I mean). This is helped by the colours, of which I thought were really good, especially at the beginning where the creative look to have assigned a colour to introduce each main character. All in all, Vault gave me another great one for which I'd really like to see more of.

Elk Mountain #1

Then came the review for Elk Mountain #1. Now, I really loved this issue as it looks visually stunning all the way through in a style similar to another artist who's work I adore and it also tells a story that both does and doesn't seem to subvert a regular superhero story, but yet does both in the best of ways. However, I didn't think it was perfect as the art slipped on one panel and the writer aged it badly with a Trump reference (given that he'll probably be gone by next year) and villains I didn't really care about. However, probably its worst failing was the ending which saw a reveal which I don't think was necessary as I feel it's taken the focus of the story away from the townsfolks (who I felt were made more intriguing by just before this page). Hopefully I've gotten that across. Overall, I really loved this issued and would love to read the rest of the series.

The Family Graves

And finally, just before October ended I hammered out a review for the Family Graves by Source Point Press. First up, I'm not going to lie, the opening paragraph sucked and so, that is editor Alex Thomas' work (or will be once it is posted I would bet). The rest, though, is all me and I really, really enjoyed this book, which I think tapped that part of me that relates and loves the Fantastic Four. I thought a lot of the dynamics felt mostly realistic for a family (the language was a bit wooden for those emotional scenes, but not enough that you'd notice so I didn't really include it). The plot didn't really seem very important here, as it felt a little simplistic (although the it also felt a bit convoluted in places but maybe that was just me). However, the character dynamics were fun and the humour hit the mark. Meanwhile, I loved the art, which has a fun vibe to it and made me think of the late 90's FF (a lot of references to that series in here). What I especially liked was the depiction of the mum, Bjanka, who looked threatenly awesome as her monstrous alter ego and was written really strongly. Honestly, while it didn't catch me like a lot of other comics recently, I still enjoyed it immensely and look forward to future instalments.

So, another month done and, I've got to admit, while they were all of varying levels a strength/quality from the perspective of my reviewers hat, I did actually enjoy everything I got the opportunity to read in the last 31 days (although admittedly some more than others). I'm now certain that this is the third or fourth month in a row that I've said this and that is a testament to the great creators and the fantastic ideas that they are all so professionally putting together (sometimes better than those who make a lot more money).

All I can say, if this keeps up into next month then I'll be stumped how I'll contribute to Pipedream comics top 50. They'll be just far too many options.

Fantastic Four: #15 and my thoughts on the 'Four'seeable future.

As I write this, it's been two days since I wrote what was a very different post about this subject. However, the more I thought about it, the more I feared I was going to a place I couldn't come back from. I asked the question on Twitter; should I re-write this post and be nicer or should I stick to my guns and post the original opinion.

Post the original opinion won with 100% of the vote!

That really should have been the end of this issue. However, as the vote was ongoing (and even beyond it in fact), it's been preying on my mind. Was I too brutal, too negative? This is a place for my opinions for my own reasons and anyone who reads them is welcome to do so or not (depending on their point of view). However, I realised (with a little help) that I don't want to be negative for negatives sake and I'd really like to find some good points about even the worst comics I read. But also, I lot of my original problems weren't to do with the comic I read, but with underlying issues relating to it.

Fantastic Four #15 cover.

Therefore, I thought I'd try again.

So Fantastic Four #15 came out a week last Wednesday (as of when I post this), which picked up from where the previous issue ended as the FF got into their space ship to complete the original mission they had set out to do in #1 way back in the 60's. However, the planet they were aiming for was not uninhabited, nor were those living there unexpectedly of their arrival as Spyre's (the planet's name) own super team, the Unparalleled, lay in wait for the 'evil' Fantastic Four to arrive and complete their mission to 'destroy' this planet. From there misunderstandings and fisticuffs ensue.

I have to be honest and point out that, while I had been struggling with the Dan Slott run up until this point with the wedding and the first two stories not really feeling like classic FF as I know it, the run had started to feel like it was moving upwards. Thanks to the two Richards kids related issues, followed then by the awesome Thing/Hulk story and finally the previous issue's awesome set up of this new arc, I felt like the series given to me was finally turning into the Fantastic Four comic I love. Therefore, I really felt we'd turned a corner and was gentirely excited for this issue and to see what happened next.

The Thing once again taking down
a bigger opponent.

Unfortunately, I will admit at this point that my enjoyment was sullied a little by the revelations which came from the synopsis for the upcoming two issues.

And this is what brings me to rewriting this post because, while I allowed what I read about the series and my concerns influence my thoughts on this issue, in reality issue 15 isn't as bad as I originally perceived.

Issue 15 did indeed have a lot of things in it that I enjoyed. Foremost of these things is Paco Medina's artwork which continues to look as phenomenal as the last issue, being so colorful and vibrant with some... well, 'Fantastic' character designs (especially Overseer). Then there is the overall introduction of the Unparrelled. I was really thrown when I first opneed the issue to find a recap page from this new teams perspective, but it was a fun change of pace, as were the first few pages as we learned more about them. I thought this was a good choice as it told us that this Justice League analogy (which I'm saying based purely on there are seven of them and they have a 'hall of justice') were indeed the good guys (who I bet will get their own mini series after this arc) and the whole fight was just a big misunderstanding (a staple of comic books).

'Hey, look who's coming to
dinner.'

I also really loved Reed using classic movie lines like 'take us to your leader'!!

That said, beyond those points I really struggled as I read this issue because it just felt very bog standard. That's not to say it is a bad book because it (obviously) had some good ideas. However, I just felt that it suffered from being a mid arc issue where the set up has been done and the second act reveal hasn't quite arrived (that'll be next issue).

However, I think the things which caused to write so negatively previously aren't to do with the issue itself, but what this issue (coupled with those synopsis) hint at going forward.

I think I've made it clear by now that I'm having a problem with the heavy focus on the Thing in this series. Not that the ever loving blue eyed Ben Grimm isn't deserving of time in the spotlight, but it just felt like its been nothing but. Only between issues 10 to 14 (where, admittedly, two issues have been Thing-centric) has it felt that the focus has begun to even out.

Medina's artwork is just 'WOW'!!

Unfortunately, as this issue picked up steam, I felt like it was plainly apparent where the story was going to go; with Ben Grimm leading a rebellion to save this world from the real bad guy of the Overseer while Reed and Sue watch from the sidelines and Johnny forced into a fight to the death for a woman's heart before he returned back to his status quo, all of whom (and the other Unparrelled members) can't help Ben, probably because of some inhibiting by those armbands.

Of course, I neither mean nor want to sound so cynical and, in fairness, this mightnot actually be what happens as Slott and Medina turn this into a true team victory story as all of the 4 have their time to shine. However, I donly feel as though I am on the right track with my theory which I find extremely frustrating. I understand that Ben is a very popular and relatable character and, due to his prior history with the character, I can understand the gravitating to him. That said, this isn't Ben Grimm's comic (despite my constant belief that it'll be renamed to 'the Thing and friends' every month) but the 'Fantastic Four', which has four main characters who are all interesting and relatable in their own ways (for me it's Reed) and so as much focus on this title belongs to Reed, Sue and Johnny as to Ben.

Sadly, I don't see that changing, at least anytime soon. I hope it does and will gladly admit that I'm wrong if and when it does.

That said, it's still a comic I like as I do still get the briefest of moments which I come to want and expect from a Fantastic Four comic.

However, unless it becomes more like what I want, I'll probably tone down the amount I talk about it because, as was mentioned to me, I should talk about the comics I love to tell people and remind myself later why I love them.

And maybe that'll be this Fantastic Four run again soon.

(That's right, I'm dreaming big!!!)

Black Science: Vol. 9 - No Authority but Yourself

We're finally here!!! It's all come to this!!!!

The absolutely gorgeous
cover of Black Science #43

This past Wednesday (as at the time/day that I started to write this, I suspect it'll take me a while) Black Science #43 was released and, with it, came the culmination of a story that Rick Remender and Matteo Scalara have been telling (and, maybe more importantly, I've been reading) for almost six years.

With that much time dedicated to a series which has turned out to be so consistently enjoyable and incredible, I have to admit that I found myself slightly scared to begin reading this final arc, especially once this final issue had come out and I was able to look at the entire final volume as I have been doing with every prior volume over the last few months. What if the story didn't measure up to the prior 38 issues? What if the ending just wasn't satisfying enough? What if we were left hanging for more? These questions and more effectively forced me to not pick these issues up.

Black Science #39 - 43 a.k.a. Volume 9.

However, my invariable intrigue quite easily got the better of me and so I fairly quickly got started on the final story of Grant McKay and the Anarchist League of Scientists.

But, before we begin with the end, I wanna mention how we got here. So, if you are reading this and interested in my thoughts on the story so far, the following links will get you to my previous posts about the first eight volumes of this series:

Volume 1 - How to Fall Forever
Volume 2 - Welcome, Nowhere
Volume 3 - Vanishing Point
Volume 4 - Godworld
Volume 5 - True Atonement
Volume 6 - Forbidden Realms and Hidden Truths
Volume 7 - Extinction is the Rule
Volume 8 - Later than you Think

So, now that everyone is caught up let us move on!

Family reunion.

(Note, there is more than likely BIG spoilers below for the last 5 issues. If this is a problem for you, I suggest reading them and then maybe coming back.)

The final five issues of Black Science, it's final volume, see our intrepid anti-hero, Grant McKay and his 'wife' (although technically 'ex-wife', even though they appear to have reconciled in the last volume. It's complicated.), Sara, have finally made it back home to their Earth, where they are reunited with their friends and children. However, while things are not as chaotic as they were left, things are still not good as the Witch, Doxta, has taken complete control of the world with only the Anarchist League of Scientists, now housed in Block Tower, able to resist her. So now, the McKays and their allies must take their fight to their enemy in order to put right all the troubles that they brought to this last Earth. However, Doxta is not the only enemy still around as Kadir has his own plan to defeat Doxta, one which will bring him face to face with McKay for one final time where a choice will have to be made.

A little bit of down time.

(I must confess, I feel I writing a very compelling synopsis, if I do say so myself!)

Anyway, I don't feel it is necessary at this point to state that Black Science has been, quite possibly, one of the greatest comic book series I've read in my life, with Rick Remender and Matteo Scalara (along with Dean White, Moreno Dinisi and the rest of the creative) having nailed each and every issue. In fact, the prior eight parts of this read-through, coupled with my thoughts on specific issues and even some tweets attesting to all this, paint the picture of my love for this series better than I think I could put into words.

the last charge of the Anarchist League
of Scientists.

Therefore, it makes sense why I was so reticent to dive into these last five issues because who wants a story they love so much and are so invested in to fall at the final hurdle?

However, it's now that I feel that I should apologise to messrs. Remender, Scalara and company because I forgot that if anyone was going to invested in this story it was going to be them and, as such, I should never have doubted that they would stick the landing, although I never expected so beautifully.

Krolar had some really good
moments in this arc.

I really loved this final arc, I think as much as any issue throughout this entire run (which, in itself, speaks to the amazing consistency of quality that I think Black Science has had throughout). Given my lack of knowledge on artistic processes (me being one of those 'picture looks pretty' kind of people), I'm just drop right here my thoughts on Matteo Scalara and then leave it at that (not that he deserves less focus, but because my words couldn't justify his input).

The truth is from issue one to issue 43, I have absolutely adored the art that has made up the world(s) of Black Science. It's continually been pulpy looking goodness that, even at its worst (which was rare) still looked absolutely awesome. I think an idea of how good this art is comes in the final cover of the series, which absolutely blows me away (and is the reason I took that cover instead of issue 39) and is but a taste to the similarly impressive visuals found within the covers.

Matteo Scalara, I salute you!!

Kadir to the rescue?

Meanwhile, the story within these last five issues..... well, the story equally blew me away as Remender, one again, bounced his characters back and forth (sometimes quite literally) and seriously had me wondering just how this series was going to end.

These last five issues seemed to be to have been broken into three acts/parts. The first was in issue 39, with the reformation of the Anarchist League of Scientists, which was a nice break from the seriousness of saving the eververse for the cast to just hang out, enjoy each others company and discuss both the larger problem of what to do as well as the comics (seemingly) ongoing debate about the meaning of life.

I want to say that this is my favourite issue, but there have been so many. However, seeing this calm, friendly almost 'relaxed' setting (or the best you could maybe get with Hell outside your door) with everyone together and not fighting for survival was a nice change of pace. Of course, it was obviously a case of 'the calm before the storm' but the chance for these characters to enjoy each others company was great to see. It was also interesting to have the various theories on the meaning of life, as I did wonder if these (or one of them at least) were going to come into play by the finale. As I've continued to read Black Science, I've come to realise that while it may have started as a wacky 'Time Tunnel' of sorts, it's really become a story about one man battling his habits and trauma.

A whole new world (sort of)

Well, two men actually as Kadir returned again, although I was surprised by his and Chandra's almost anti-climatic exit at this point as I really thought he would be against Grant right until the end.

But, alas, this didn't appear to be the case as issue 40 seemingly began the finale proper as the whole team (who appear in a gorgeously epic double full page spread) speed towards their target in order to save the (final) world. Now, I have to admit that this issue has to have been the most superheroic I've seen of the since the start of the series, and the first since issue 16 (I consider volume 6 and 7 more of a reactionary action event). That said, it did seem a little against the grain for the team as they've always been the guys to stumble through any encounter rather than diving into it with grace (or a form thereof).

Those talking coffee machines sure
are annoying!

That said, it still didn't take my enjoyment away from this issue as I did love the league utilising this newly found grace. Chief amongst them for me was Krolar who, maybe for the first time since his introduction, really feels like an integral, fleshed out character (although, granted, I'm not mentioning his battle with the Dralns). That said, his dialogue and interactions in issues 39 and 40 felt like a great (re-)introduction to his character. Of course, this is all about Grant and so I wasn't surprised that the focus would be all on him, although I was surprised by the story's return to his mindscape and the traumas which haunt him given that he has gone through and resolved many of his issues during two arcs during this story. That said, I know as well as anyone that emotional and mental problems can't be resolved so easy and so it made sense that they be used against him, leading to his apparent defeat and Doxta's ultimate victory.



Ever the Anarchist!

And that brought us to issues 41, 42 and 43; the final arc (that I could see) of the story as Grant McKay wakes in a perfect world with everything he could possibly want. Now, I have to confess, I found the beginning of these issues to be a little jarring given that we went from the worst moment in Hell to something closer to Paradise without the reason behind why this had happened. Of course, I can totally understand why it was omitted, because it isn't what's important about the story. Also, it allows me to drum up my own conclusions as to what happened (personally, I think Kadir offered to make McKay suffer forever if Doxta gave him the power necessary, at least far better than she could manage).

Instead, I soon got over that missing plot point as all three final issues really had me engrossed as we got to see Grant McKay, the eternal anarchist, seemingly trapped in a life of conformity and order with a stable family, a (apparently) 9-5 job and everything else which goes with such a 1950's domestic fantasy (something ironically pointed out earlier in the arc). What's more, however, is that Grant is the only person to remember what came before and so his anarchist, adventuring lifestyle is no more than a distant memory, as he lives a possibly mundane life within a Kadir-led society.

One final Confrontation.

And it was this idea that I really enjoyed, the notion that Grant, for all his effort and sacrifice in saving the eververse as well as all he did to live his life according to his own creed that there is 'no authority to yourself', he is now resigned to a place where his authority is now other people. It got me wondering if Grant's struggle to accept this new reality was more than knowing it wasn't how it should be, but was instead suffering some sort of mid-life crisis, wishing for the past where he mattered in some fashion.

As a result, it got me wondering if Grant obstinate actions were really a resistance to what Kadir had done or if in fact, it was the change to him and his circumstances just so he can accommodate others. Was his biggest gripe Kadir winning or even living a lie, or was it a case that he can't stand the conformity thrust upon him so he can have a normal life? If that's the case then I get it, not living as your full self is chafing, so it explains why he'd want to lash out, which Grant certainly does by the end of the third (or more accurately forty-first) issue.

Decision Time!!

From that point, the finale gets REALLY interesting as (like the recap points out), Grant is forced to make a choice; Continue to fight or to let go of the past. What's really great here is that, while a choice is made, Remender uses the concept that's been the centre of this series since the beginning, the eververse, to let use see the results of both options. Of course, both choices result in extreme opposite circumstances to each other, with Grant's decision to continue fighting as the anarchist causing the worst of the two (both portrayed gorgeously by Scalara).

Looks like an old friend
came back.

In truth, I think this was a deliberate decision by the creators that both branches end the way they do. Throughout these series we've seen numerous Grant McKay's (not just the one we've been following) making the same mistakes on every conceivable world, causing more and more damage and chaos, all because he was 'programmed' to do it.
We've seen numerous Grants making the same mistake because they were 'programmed' to do so by the McKay of the first universe. Therefore, he really had no choice in doing the things he did; building the Pillar, facing off against Kadir, hurting his family (although that last could be up for debate). So, when was Grant given a chance to make his own choice, I think it makes sense that doing what he's always done would lead to even more chaos and destruction and, eventually, death while letting go and learning from what happened before gives him the chance to be happy (even if he doesn't want it).

Like Father, Like Son?

Also, it is equally important to point out that this reflects Kadir's journey too. Like Grant, Kadir Aslan often repeated his mistakes, mostly by underestimating and antagonising Grant, which appeared to be 'programming' from his first universe counterpart. However, like Grant, when the time came that he had free will, it's nice to see that his plans don't go awry when he offers more of an olive branch to his 'nemesis', maybe seeing that together they could do better things than they ever did separately.

In the end, I have to wonder if this was what Black Science was fundamentally about. Beyond the outlandish Pulp and sci-fi settings, the attempts to return home, to rebuild one's mind, to find those you love, to battle alien creatures, to repair your marriage, what Black Science was really trying to say through all these arcs and stories and ideas was that you can never go back, you can simply look at all you've done and make a choice; learn from your mistakes or repeat them?





 

Or maybe it was simply about a group of people travelling to different realities and having crazy fun adventures (and I've read WAY too much into it).


And so it begins again?

I've gone about this for WAY too long by now so I'm gonna wrap up (because I don't know what else to say). Black Science has, to me, been a modern day masterpiece and this finale did it so much justice. The final scenes, where we saw the final outcome of both 'choices were both beautiful and tragic in equal measure as Scalara really nailed the respective emotions on the set of characters and Remender got the narration down perfectly. It truly is a beautiful conclusion that really got me in the feels and, although it feels as though the story could continue (in a rather dark manner in my opinion) I certainly hope that it really is the end, and a happy one at that.

A Happy Ending?

However, I'm just not sure where to go from here? With Black Science over, I have one less book for my pull list but I fear that I may not find anything which had me as excited ever month or eager for the next issue with every last page. So, I guess I can either try and find a comic series which can live up to Remender and Scalara's extremely high standards here, or accept that I probably won't and not bother trying to find something to fill that gap in my pull list?


But, I guess that's the beauty of what I took away from reading Black Science....
...That, in the end, that'll be my choice to make (and another me will take the other one).