#405 - where does the Artist end and the Letterer begin?

So, at the moment of writing this, it's 2.30 in the morning, I'm struggling to get my youngest child back to sleep and my tablet with my Comixology comics and my glasses are upstairs by my bed.

Suffice to say, I'm bored.

Therefore, I thought I'd write this quick little thing. A query that recently came up in my head as I was re-reading Green Arrow; when it comes to lettering, where does the artist's job end and the letterer's job begin?

Allow me to explain. In truth, i know exactly what both the artist and the letterer do. The artist is responsible for the art, I.e. every person, event and action which occurs within sequential art. It is the artist's job to tell the story by a visual means. Kinda like a cinematographer (although this simplifies the artist's role). The Letterer, meanwhile, is responsible for all the written words within a comic. Every piece of dialogue, every word balloon, box and written thought is their domain. Similar to the subtitle (although, again this massively simplifies their role).

However, what about the words in the background, the dialogue which is embedded within a scene?

Here's my example; During Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino's Green Arrow run (in issue 18), Ollie Queen finds himself on the run, accused of murder of his father's best friend (and CEO of his company). As he wanders the streets to ponder his next move, he stops in front of a newsstand to see the headline on the front page of the newspaper read in big font 'Oliver Queen accused of Murder.'

Now, this is where my confusion lies. As a part of the scene, this is surely the domain of the artist, right? However, given that the letterer is responsible for the words contained within a comic, is it not the responsibility of the letterer?

Anyway, this is just what I think about at bordering 3am (has it really been a half hour?). If anyone reads this, feel free to let me know the actual answer because I am truly curious.

#404: Off my Pull List - Fantastic Four #33

After a week for doing writing less than I normally do followed by a week of writing more. I feel like I'm back on balance this week.

Of course, that isn't to say that I've read more this week because that is certainly not the case. However, with most of what I did read being mid-issues for limited series I'm going to (probably) talk about later or reviewed comics, the bulk of this post was going to be about the only ongoing comic I read.

Fantastic Four #33 picks up on #32's revelations, as the first family take a trip to Latveria to witness the Wedding of Dr Doom to his super-powered champion, Victorious. However, with his recent tryst with Latveria's heroine still fresh in his mind, Johnny Storm decides to sneak over to the bride-to-be chambers to make sure that this is really what she wants. Of course, in the time honoured tradition of ALL fictional weddings, hilarity ensures.

Now, my relationship with the Dan Slott run has been tumultuous and say the least. However, this series has really started to pick up in my opinion over the last 6-12 issues and this newest instalment is no exception.

I really liked this issue as I felt like Slott was really building today his 'Unthinkable' level Doom story with this arc (although I unsure it will meet that level). This was very much a Doom story and Doom really felt like a true Doom. I also felt like we had finally discovered Victorious' true reason f for being in the overall story (although it was sad that she was reduced to merely 'catalyst'). As this issue progressed, I did find myself wondering about Doom's feelings towards Victorious for, while he made a big speech about how it was a purely political move, any of his actions in the issue implied an almost softening of his viewpoints. Of course, Doom was still Doom and talked and sounded exactly like the man should, but many of the actions he takes prior to the wedding, not to mention his reaction when it arrives, says that he was more invested than he admitted and it resulted in a 'softening' of his persona.

Meanwhile though, the four felt a bit underused, although given this was Doom's issue that makes some sense. That said, out of the FF's roster, this felt very much like Johnny's issue as he went about doing the almost run standard of juggling his love life. I've softened on my thoughts of events from last issue. Sure, it was a crappy move by the Human Torch but given that he is a man fueled to self-sabotage it does make some sense. Johnny's whole arc during this run has been to find 'the one's but while that works in theory, I do think his crippling over compensation of his self-esteem makes him self destruct and his actions here would support that in my opinion. As such, I'm interested to see how this story ends and where Johnny goes from here, although I have a sneaking suspicion that the fan-favourite theory of being outed as part of the LGBTQIA+ community (which I'd be totally on board for) will not be the direction which Marvel goes, which is a frustrating realisation.

Otherwise, the rest of the cast felt like they were equally underused (which given this was more of a Doom-centric episode makes sense), although I realised as I read this what many have said about how the Invisible Woman was utilised. I realised how, in this issue, just how cardboard cut out she came across, with a very generic, blank persona. Hopefully, it is just the way this issue was written and not over the run as a whole, but I might have to pay more attention to that going forward. The same could be said of the (presumably) departing Sky, whose moment in this issue seemed like much of her total appearance in that it's totally forgettable. I do feel like it was a waste of a character and that she's essentially been a mcguffin to further Johnny's. I realise now that it sounds like I being negative on the issue and that's not it, but it's just how I realise these points as I read through the issue. I also had one more, possibly unimportant question on this issue; is one of the Dora Milaje meant to be Okoye?

Anyway, once again I'm absolutely on love with R.B. Silva's artwork in this issue. I remember having concerns when Silva took over the art duties from Paco Medina and Sean Isaakze, simply due to how much I liked their work. However, this issue (much like his past ones) continue to show me that Silva's work is real chef's kiss work. I absolutely love his rendition of Doom here and the scene of the big reveal with Namor laughing his head off was hilarious (although I'm not as much of a fan of the Sub-Mariner's current look). Then there is that that final full page scene which looks ... well, Fantastic as it teases what will come next month.

For me, this was another great instalment of the World's Greatest Comic Magazine, and certainly has me excited as it heads towards the 60th anniversary special. That said, I am fearful of the BIG change that is around the corner and that it'll stupid/superficial and will amount to nothing more than quick, sloppy and easily retconned (by a later creative team).

But until it comes out, I'll try and err on the side of optimism.

Oh, and before I forget...

I did read a couple of other comics (as I pointed out at the start). First of those was Fantastic Four: Life Story #2. Now, this was a good read and I enjoyed reading the whole series of events from Sue's perspective and how Reed can be a bit of a dick when he is too wrapped up (we already knew this but so rarely do we see it so blatantly. That said I did, again, struggle with the changes compared to the 'prime' timeline, with the Doom and Namor's changes being particularly hard to grasp.  Speaking of the latter, I also found it a little annoying that Sue left Reed to be with namor. Why couldn't she just leave? I wonder if it is to fit the Spider-Man chronology.

Anyway, I Loved Sean Isaakze's art here (glad he was able to stick around in the FF corner in some way) as it had this period authentic kind of look which was very agreeable to me. Also, there was a panel of Doom holding a welding mask to imply what he'd become was just so iconic in my opinion. I'll most likely talk at length about the series when all issues are out but, for now, this is holding steady as a good read and am intrigued about where the rest of the series goes.

I also submitted a review to Pipedream Comics for Markosia's Rammur #1. Now, I enjoyed this comic and found it to be an entertaining read. I'm not really sure what I can say to build on what I've put in the review, as both the story and the art are solid throughout and the concept, while maybe not themost original thing (although I can't think of an example) was intriguing and well executed.

Of course, I wont lie that i had a concern that the character came off as slightly Chauvinistic as I read it but I do wonder if that's simply a case that I read too much into it and that future instalments will amend my thinking there. Overall though, i really liked this and would be more than happy to check out the future issues (if only I could have read it prior to the end of their indiegogo campaign).

Finally, I was able to read Thor & Loki: Double Trouble #4 with my son, finishing off that series as it saw the brothers join up with their female counterparts in order to locate the sphere they need to go home. I have to confess, much like what I thought of the first three issues, I really enjoyed this finale, finding it an adorable and fun cap to an adorable and fun series.

The art from Gurihiri continues to look gorgeous in it's cutesy way and the voices in my head were once again mirroring the MCU's finest. All in all, I thought this was a good issue and a good series, a view that I think was agreed upon by my eldest. However, unlike him, I'm not sure that I'll feel the need to read it again (at least anytime soon). That said, I think it was a good little series that will certainly change my view on all ages comics and (hopefully) work to cement my kids conversion to their old man's hobby.

Anyway, that's been my week in a nutshell. Unfortunately, as the week has progressed, I've found I've struggled to make time to do more. The plans for the week had been to start scripting a new idea (at least the first two or three pages) as well as to start re-reading Lemire and Sorrentino's Green Arrow (simply because I wanted to see if the their entry into the 80th Anniversary really was an epilogue for this series). Unfortunately, real life has gotten in the way, reducing the former to only one page and dropping the latter to the cutting room floor entirely.

Hopefully, next week will fare a little better for both these as well as some other reading.

#403: Off my Pull List - Green Arrow 80th Anniversary #1 a.k.a Happy Birthday Mr Queen!!

I'll be honest, after posting my last post blog earlier this week, I hadn't planned to write another so soon afterwards. when I stated in that post that it found was either going to be a 'few days late or a few days early', my intention had been for it to be the latter in order to give myself a bit of a breather after the events of the week which had preceded it.

However, I appear to have had my feelings on this matter changed thanks to the birthday celebrations of a certain Emerald Archer.

This past Wednesday, I picked up a copy of Green Arrow 80th Anniversary 100 Page Super-Spectacular #1 from my local comic shop. This jam-packed issue contained 12 stories all about Oliver Queen and his eponymous alter ego, his evolving mission within the borders of Star City/Seattle (depending on the decade) and his extended family from a host of tremendous talent, many of whom have made their own impact on the life of Ollie Queen in his 80 years of superheroing.

Now, based on the subtext that I think came through as I explained what this comic was, the truth is that I absolutely loved this comic. I thought that this 80th Anniversary special was filled to the brim with phenomenal stories which exemplified perfectly what makes Green Arrow such a perfect character.

In fact, I've actually noticed that pretty much all of the stories which resonated with most related to three fundamental concepts: hope, family and stubbornness.

 

For instance, Punching Evil by the Awesome creative powerhouse team of Tom Taylor and Nicola Scott is far and away my favourite. This is because not only does it look incredible thanks to the art (the style of which I recognise from Black Magick) but I think it is a great story that shows off all three of these things: family because of what Ollie is willing to do for those he loves and hope and stubbornness through his belief that he can stop the bad guy (who looks amazing. How have I never heard of the Yellow Wasp) regardless that it might be too late.

The same, I think, can be said about Star City Star, which is drawn by the modern master that is Phil Hester which sees Ollie attacked on all sides by end and friend alike as he rescues a little girl. With this one though, it feels like it's his intricate understanding of those he loves which makes him see the situation for what it really is and hope that he can resolve the issue without needing to kill.

I could probably go on and on about these stories but, suffice to say, I loved so many of them. I loved Who Watches the Watchtower by Stephanie Phillips and ... for its 80's inspired look and story which saw Ollie beat an army with next to nothing. I loved Green Man and Autumn Son and One for the differing relationships Ollie has with his sons Roy and Connor respectively (and yay Lian!!!). I loved Happy Anniversary for showing off the dynamic of Ollie and his 'Pretty Bird' Dinah and I loved Sympathy of the Woods for the sense of family and (especially) Oyto Schmidt's gorgeous art.

Of course, not every story was a winner for me as the Disappearing Bandit, which looked so much like it should be in the Batman 66 universe, was a quiant tale but struggled to fully grab me. Meanwhile, the Arrow and the Song wasn't really my thing as I struggled to follow it (although the art looks fantastic).

That said, I really thought there was vastly more winners than lovers here, capped off by the final story which was a dedication to Denny O'Neil, the legend which gave us the Ollie Queen that we know today. This story, written by Denny's son, gives us an insight into the life of this master and I think beautifully wraps up the issue with a beautiful final scene is meshes perfectly to the theme I saw peppered throughout this special of family.

Suffice to say, I'm really glad that I put aside the extra coin to buy this comic. I think it was truly a terrific read and sold the Green Arrow as a remarkably underrated character, who I now realise is often unfairly compared as the poor man's Batman (when I think a good argument could be made that he is, in fact, better).

After reading this issue, leaving find myself more tempted than I already was to read more Green Arrow, whether it be a re-read of the Lemire/Sorrentino run or something new.

Oh, and before I forget ...

I had a new review go up on the Pipedream Comics site this week for TKO's Scales and Scoundrels Vol. 1. Unfortunately, I had planned to write one for volume 2 as well but the file we were sent just wouldn't download.

However, this didn't affect how much I really enjoyed the first volume, as I thought it was a lot of fun. In fact, almost everything about it had this fun, light hearted feel to it throughout, even when the story took dark turns. I thought this was helped by the intriguing dynamic of the main characters as well the mystery surrounding the main character, Luvander,'s true nature.

The art, meanwhile I've stated as looking like 7String and, while that isn't inaccurate, it vibes a look that I've seen before but just can't place. Still, I honestly think it has this all ages look which just screams fun and upbeat to match the writing.

In the end, I really liked this and truly regret not being able to access the second volume. But at least that gives me something to look forward to.

Then I also got to review the Disasters #1, which is a superhero comic whose second issue is on kickstarter presently. I really liked this read. It was fun, witty, well written and never once lost my interest. The notion of a Restaurant for supervillains that was included also tickled me a lot.

The same is said about the art. I thought It perfectly matched the tone of the writing and I really think its vibrant colours gave it this levity that made it so enjoyable.

In short, the Disasters was another read which I really liked and really want to see more. Sadly, with no money presently, I'll have to do a catch up for the (hopefully) the issue.

And finally ...

While it isn't exactly a new read, I took a bit of time to re-read DC Universe Rebirth #1, which I can't believe is now five years old. Now, I have to admit, I'm impressed by how much of a good read it still holds up to be after all of this time. As I read through it I really felt that it just exuded this real optimism, much like it did when it first came put.

However, I don't think time has allowed it to hold up as well as it was when it was first released. This, I think, is down to the promise that it hinted at not having been delivered in some aspects (Doomsday Clock, from what I understand), although this may be down to higher up course changes presently than anything. Also, it does feel like a bit of a poisoned chalice in light of some creators beliefs and actions since its release.

That said, it is still a good read, although I do wonder if if will ever come back to it again.

Anyway, that's this past week done. In hindsight it certainly feels like a lot, although, in truth it isn't all that much. On the plus side though, I've put a new idea together and have managed to get it both plotted and outlined to a nice 12 page concept. This is very handy given that I've recently decided to give myself the goal of getting 12 pages of story ideas written each month. Hopefully, this good start will allow me to follow through with this goal for July.

In the meantime though, I need to find some new comics to read next week. For a change I don't really have many ideas although I'm thinking I might catch up on my pull list.

Or, after this week, I might read something Green Arrowy.