#413 - Off my Pull List: (Re-reading ... I guess) Spider-Man: Spider's Shadow

This blog post has been about five months in the making, and might have ended up being more if i hadn't painted myself into a corner last week.

So, this week I re-read Spider-Man: Spider's Shadow, the Chip Zdarsky, Pasqual Ferry and Matt Hollingsworth mini-series which extended Marvel's age old 'What If' concept from a single issue into a multi-issue arc by asking 'What If ... Spider-Man had kept the Black Suit?' This story, picking up from where Amazing Spider-Man #258 could've left off, saw the symbiote-clad Spidey take a more aggressive stance towards all his rogues gallery as his choosing to keep this one-half of the future Venom resulted in some very dark and potentially painful changes to the Marvel Universe as we know it.

This is a series I ended up reading three times before I got to the point where I could confidently talk about it. The first occasion being the separate release of each individual issue, I felt that the latter issues had trailed off in quality and deserved a full readthrough. However, upon the first readthrough, Spider's Shadow felt weak (although I was exceedingly tired at the time). The third (and thankfully final) readthrough (because I need to move on with my reading list) saw me fresh faced (well, not as tired) and with ample time to spare and this time, I think I knew what I wanted to say.

Spider-Man: Spider's Shadow was a really interesting story, one which got better for me with each successive instalment. Initially brought to my attention when I heard about the first issue during a First Issue Club episode, that opening entry hooked me enough to come back. As for the rest, I thought they built on this greatly, with my investment having increased as it progressed. What I think i enjoyed about it was the darkness of the story because, while I always consider 'What If' stories to be dark, this story seemed to have that as its entire motive. As I read this, it really felt that, by keeping hold of the suit, not only did Peter's darkness intensify but so did the people around him. Jameson, Brock, Fisk and beyond, every character save for Mary Jane and Black Cat seemed to unleash their darker selves, something I don't remember happening in the original story (well, maybe Brock).

The same goes for the art in my opinion as Pasqual Ferry's style was absolutely gorgeous and had this look that almost perfectly resembled the art of the time of 258 (with the early Peter Parker look best exemplifying this). However, I thought that Ferry's art and Hollingsworth's colours gave the series this real horror tinge to it, as if a lens was put on the camera to give each panel this dreamlike aura. As such, it really felt like I was reading a 'what if' dream, or maybe (more accurately) a nightmare. The latter would certainly track with the Black Suit's evolving look through the series, as I felt that Ferry and Hollingsworth made it look more monstrous with each passing scene.

That said, I did think that Spider's Shadow had its flaws and the biggest of those was that it felt like it was too long. Upon reading the whole series, I do think that there were places which lagged and, as such making it a five part series (which I don't think it was originally meant to be) was too long, especially since a variation of this question was once answered in a single issue. Also, and maybe this is my own desire for 'worse' endings in what if stories, I really felt that this mini-series was too neatly wrapped up, with few questions left as to what happens next (except for the one in the epilogue).

That said, despite these niggles, I really felt that Spider-Man Spider's Shadow was somewhere between an intriguing and a good read. While the previously mentioned epilogue does tease at a follow up, I would probably wait for the trade but I'm glad I at least gave this series a chance (and in singles for no other reason for those Phil Noto covers). As such, it makes me intrigued for any future 'What If' mini's Marvel planned to make.

Though I hope it isn't the end of the one-shots.

#412 - Black Cotton #1-4

So, a little known fact about me, I celebrate my wedding anniversary on the same day as the anniversary of the creation of the Fantastic Four.

Therefore, I had thought that it would be fitting to talk about issue 35 of the greatest comic book magazine ... except for the fact that it wasn't released this week (for reasons known only to Marvel).

So instead, given that I'd written about other comics elsewhere (more on that later), I thought I would take this opportunity to read some issues of a series that I had been wanting and hoping to read every since I'd heard the interview with its creators.

Set in a universe where race relations are flipped, Black Cotton tells the story of the Cotton family, whose lives and reputation as a successful business family is thrown into turmoil when eldest son Zion, a uniformed police officer, shoots an unarmed white woman he mistakes for an armed suspect. This event leads to backlash from the minority European-American society as their family works behind the scenes to get control of the situation and maintain their reputations.

After hearing creators Patrick D. Foreman and Brian Hawkins explain the concept behind Black Cotton, I have to admit that I was seriously intrigued. The idea about inverting everything we know about America's race relations was a notion that I thought would make for a compelling and introspective story.

And in honesty, I certainly thought this was the case. Black Cotton is an ok read, with some interesting characters and a depiction of generic protests that seem both different and very, very similar. It's strength, though, comes from the idea itself because I really liked how intriguing Black Cotton was it felt like some sort of announcement or editorial piece to give more people a greater insight into the real world. As a result of this, I find myself with questions as I make it to the end of issue 4, curious about the reason behind the Cottons' actions (beyond the obvious) and what is the meaning of their saying, "Black Cotton"?

That said, I did struggle with the plot itself as it felt somewhat underwhelming and by the numbers. I think the problem I had was that it was too generic, while the various members of the Cotton's weren't terribly likeable (although maybe that was the point). Also, the midway addition of the samurai extremists felt a bit superfluous and like a distraction. Of course, there moments at the beginnings of issues where prior scenes are replayed with extra context which I liked and found interesting.

Meanwhile, the art is ... well, its different. I like Marco Perugini's work here but after reading this off the back of Cuddles (which this artist also drew. More on that later!), this series felt like a bit of a step down in comparison. That said, I can't help but wonder about the visual direction the creative team were going with this artwork. For instance, the entire series (at least so far) is entirely black and white and I can't help but wonder if there is a reason for that? I can't help but wonder if it is to make all the characters look the same (which they do a little) and thereby remind readers that regardless of this fantasy world, or even the real one, that we are all the same people.

(I hope that makes sense.)

Like I said, Black Cotton (at least the series so far) is an OK read to me. While I not sure if I would come back for a re-read, I'm certainly intrigued where the writers go to finish this series. For that reason, I'll certainly be back to check out the end.

Oh, and before I forget ...

While I read Black Cotton , I also read a couple of other comics for the weeks reviews. First up was Amber Blake Operation Dragonfly, a re-release by Magma Comix of a European comic from Jade Lagardère and Butch Guice.

Now, I really enjoyed this comic. I felt it was a good read which reminded me a lot of the Jennifer Garner TV show Alias in the story it told and Lazarus in its artistic style and the way the panels were planned out from an action standpoint.

That said, i did struggle with the issue to begin with because, while this is sold as a one shot, it felt like there were references to events which had occurred before but not the necessary exposition. In fact, I'd have thought of this to be a second issue to series rather than a one shot.

Still, it turned around as it went and, by the end, had me very intrigued as to what happens next and many questions about this world. It is a shame that it is only a one shot because if a sequel were to be produced, it certainly would be on my wish list (in fact, this might be the case as I heard rumours there is a full series out there.

Anyway, after that I reviewed for We Don't Kill Spiders #1 from Scout comics' horror imprint, Black Caravan. I wont lie, I feel as if all I've been saying recently is how much I like what I've been reading. However, this is always the truth.

The same is be said for We Don't Kill Spiders because, while it is a much slower, more cerebral comic than any I've read in quite a long while, it really feels like a supernatural police procedural, the latter of which I'm certainly a fan of. For these reasons, I really liked this issue as it really hooked me to want to know what's going on.

I enjoyed the character of Bjorn who had this stoic, all business, Geralt like persona which was intriguing as well as the question which came to my head as a result of his investigation. My only problem I had was that his trust on Revna turned up really quickly, but it didn't make or break my thoughts on the book.

As I've said, the art for this reminds me of prior Viking related comics I've read, only here the colours used differ slightly to give it this Limbo-esque vibe. All in all though this was another terrific read and I look forward to it hitting comixology (or even a trade) to see whodunit.

Finally, I did a guest review for the Wednesday Pull List of Cuddles: A Last Chance Crime Story by Jed McPherson, Marco Perugini and Shan Bennion. Now, like the others, I really enjoyed reading this. However, unlike the others, I really, REALLY enjoyed reading this!!

The story was terrific and the characters were amazing and gripping. I really felt like this was an incredible noir story the likes of which I'd only seen on the big screen (although, admittedly, I need to read more crime comics).

Meanwhile, the art was just Heavenly in its look and aesthetic. It looked both like things I'd seen before and, alternatively, like the most unique style I'd ever seen in my life. In the end, this is more than a good and fantastic read, this a high recommendation and I'm gonna have to save the coin to get a print copy as soon as is possible.

So, that's another week done ... well, almost. This week also saw me bring complete another script as well as read one last comic, Spider-Man: Spider's Shadow #5, bringing that series to an end. It was an ok read but I think I want to go through the whole mini-series to see if they all work better if read together.

Next week's goal is guess.

#411 - Off my Pull List: Fantastic Four #34

What a difference a week makes.

After the jam packed week last week which saw me hammer put not just one but two blog posts as well as two reviews and six whole pages of script, this week has become very very slow in comparison.

Fortunately, I've still managed to make the time to read some comics, as I've tried to catch up on the backlog of my pull list.

Chief among these was Fantastic Four #34, which concluded the Bride of Doom storyline as Dr Doom unleashed his Fury against his artificially neutered guests in retaliation to the liaison between the Human Torch, Johnny Storm, and Doom's Herald, Victorious. However, as the first family and their allies attempt to stave off Doom's anger over these events, it is Johnny whose life is majorly changed as he finds himself in a way that he has never been before.

I've been finding this run of the FF to be maintaining a level of consistency for a fair few issues now and this instalment seemed to stick to that with what seemed like a high octane finale to the Bride of Doom storyline. I must admit that the story itself didn't live up to much as it came across as very much a no brains action movie, although it did have some moments. These included things like Johnny's multiple offer of self sacrifice to save everyone else and pretty much everyone's (including Sue) burns towards Namor, who himself gave his as usual Chauvinistic personality.

However, what I think was best about the issue was the revelations that it tee'd up. First up, with the recent removal of Sky and Lyja, i had expected Victorious to shuffle off of this book as well. However, u was surprised to see that this wasn't the case (yet). But what was the biggest surprise was the cliffhanger change to Johnny Storm, which was completely unexpected (I had assumed he would go in the opposite direction to what actually happened). I wont lie, I'm still disappointed that the change wasn't a reveal about his sexuality, but I sure am interested in where Johnny's current predicament is going to lead as well as questions as to how it works? How does he sleep, eat, etc?

Of course, it goes without saying that the gorgeous art by R.B. Silva and the equally stellar colours by Jesus Aburtov helped me enjoy this issue. However, at this point I'm out of new words to talk about how awesome their work is. I guess perfection has a ceiling.

Now, the issue wasn't perfect to me as some of the logic behind the plot and actions seemed suspect (not to mention Doom's 'gift') while Doom himself felt very melodramatic (at least more so than normal). However, I still found it a good read and one which has me intrigued about Johnny's predicament going forward (even if it'll probably be rectified in two issues).

Oh, and before I forget ...

Fantastic Four wasn't the only comic off of my pull list that I read this week. I also managed (finally) to get through Spider-Man: Spider's Shadow #4, the penultimate issue of this what if mini series that saw Spider-Man, now free of the Symbiote's grasp attempt to save his few remaining allies. However, with the symbiote having taken a new host, Spidey has to face his Demon and its plan to take over the world.

I must admit, after the first issue, I found my enjoyment of this run to be somewhat middling as it felt a little 'by the numbers'. However, this fourth instalment really hooked me so much more than the prior two as it began its sprint to the finish line. I thought this issue was much more engrossing as Spidey was forced back to the thing he was so eager to be rid of. Meanwhile, the art is still beautiful in a dreamlike vibe, almost lending credence to that whole 'What If' notion.

That said, I do have questions about this series, certainly regarding its in-story logistics, but I'm still pumped to get to the end and see what direction this particular 'What If' ends.

I also did a review round up for Pipedream Comics where I took a look at London Horror Comics #9, Torment #1 and Fables of Fear #2. All three of which are horror comics and anthologies and while the first one reminded me of John Constantine and the latter two of the Outer Limits, all three were good reads which I enjoyed and hope to check out more of.

So, that's this week in a nutshell and while it wasn't as busy as the previous one, at least I got something done. Sadly my day job chewed up my time and prevented any work being done on my personal projects.

However, with some new comics ready to review and some good ideas for my own stuff, hopefully next week will fare a little better.