#420 - Revolutionary comics (Ta'Nehisi Coates' Black Panther Collected Edition 1 and Vanguard Vol. 4)

I've mentioned before how I like themes to what I write despite never intentionally seeking them out.

Accidental themes is what we'll call them.

Well this week turned put to be another such occasion when all the comics I read turned out to be about revolutions.

My main read of the week was Black Panther by Ta-Nehisi Coates Vol. 1 Collection, which collected the first twelve issues of this run. Entitled 'A Nation under your Feet', this story saw T'Challa, now returned to the throne after many attacks and invasions from the likes of Doom, Namor and the Black Order, struggle to heal Wakanda as it his country finds itself sliding ever closer to self-destruction. However, While T'Challa attempts to right the ship (while also revive his comatose sister, Shuri), he discovers opposition in the form of a revolutionary as well as two former Dora Milaje as they both attempt to wrestle control of the World's most advanced country from the Black Panther. 

I remember hearing so many good things about this run back when it was first released and, as a result, I found myself both excited and daunted by having it amongst my to read comics. I mean, will I find it as good as people say or will the hype lead it to be unable to reach the level that my expectation had set?

Well, once I had read the first issue I strongly believed that it was the latter because, while the read was interesting enough, I really struggled to feel invested in the story and almost decided to let Black Panther lie for the moment and move on to something else.

Emphasis thought on the word 'almost.'

Fortunately, I'm glad that I decided against this because as the story progressed, I really felt that Black Panther improved greatly from that initial instalment and became a far more compelling title the further I got into it. As I understood upon the series release (as well as the introduction at the beginning of this book), Coates' prior bibliography revolves around the world's political landscape and I certainly got that impression as I read through it. While I've read many comics (and even novels) which display a political view or stance, I don't think I've read one as deeply rooted in the political zeitgeist as this story was. As I result, with every new issue absorbed, I found myself thinking about the nature of politics and society, with this story feeling very relevant in how many countries in the world are currently struggling and, in some cases, demanding extreme change.

I think that, for me, it's the characters which had me thinking and feeling this way. I really enjoyed the cast that appeared in this run as Coates created an incredibly rich selection of characters. Not one of the players here felt anything but fully 3D and fleshed out, with their motives and beliefs coming across as completely believable. For instance, while I knew that T'Challa was the hero of the story, the views of the Midnight Angels and Tetu were very difficult to dismiss and had this been another story, one where the Black Panther was a little more obscure, I might have found yield considering him the villain.

That said, it's this positioning of the Black Panther which was something of a double edged sword for me because, while a more ambiguous lead would have been cool, the fact is that we know that T'Challa is a hero. As a result, it did make it harder for me to side with either of the opposition leaders over their views of him as anything other than a good man. This was especially true of the Midnight Angels who, being former Dora Milaje, I'd have thought would have some insight into their King. Nonetheless, they still fought a very good fight on me in ideological terms, especially with Coates portraying T'Challa as a man prone to human failings (which is always refreshing in a world of 'Batman can beat anyone).

Of course, I haven't mentioned the art and, as usual, this is due to my limited knowledge on the subject. However, I really loved Brian Stelfleeze's art in this series. A style that didn't really catch my eye as the book began, as the read progressed, I couldn't help but notice how beautiful Stelfleeze's pencils and Chris Sprouce's colours were with each additional page. To me, their work really helped sell the idea that Wakanda is a Utopia, with every panel looking clean and light. As a result, this worked really well in contrast (I think so anyway) against the story of a country crumbling under the weight of corruption and terrorism (and ultimately revolution).

As I reach the end of my thoughts on this comic series (well, the first book anyway), I guess that it's fair to say that I really enjoyed this collection. While it had a slow start and some of the dialogue/discussion seemed very philosophical and (way) over my head in places, I found myself deeply engrossed. While it could have easily ended there as a single story, that final page is both a fitting ending as well as a nice tease for what is to come.

For me though, it is the latter as I am really looking forward to book 2 now.

However, that wasn't what took up the rest of my week, as Monday through to Thursday (why does the working week offer me so little free time?) saw me get the chance to read Dan Butcher's Vanguard Vol. 4 for a review over at Pipedream Comics. As always, the review itself goes into greater detail bit, suffice to say, I still enjoyed this series and thought volume 4 was a good read.

I will admit that I found it to be quieter than the previous three volumes and, after nearly I year since I last read the series, I struggled to remember characters and had to hope for their reference during the read itself. However, I really thought that Vanguard continued to be a very engaging thriller which, in comparison to Black Panther, gave a much darker look at corruption on Government with its sinister 'V for Vendetta'-esque tone. This is something I really enjoy about the series and this volume really felt like it was building towards something really big, something that I will gladly be back to check out.

And that's been my past week. Beyond these two reads, very little else has happened, not even new Comics (although I did finally commit and bought Afterlift, Snow Angels, Lost on Planet Earth and 40 Seconds from Comixology's Comixology Originals sale).

Instead, I'm going to move onto next week. Where I need to decide if I'm going to carry on with Black Panther of re-read Blackbolt (Decisions Decisions).

#419 - Two weeks worth of comics!

So, after last week's ... opinion piece (I guess), I realised that I now had a lot more comic to vent about as, not only did I want to talk about last week's reads, but now I had additional comics which I had read during this past week to vent my thoughts on.

So I better get started really.

Last week had been mainly focused on reading, with the Wonder Woman 80th Anniversary Giant #1 being first on that list as well as what had occupied most of my free time. This issue, like the Green Arrow and Aquaman ones before it, offered up a selection of stories from various creators showing off the greatness that is DC's Princess of Themyscaria.

Now, this was a good read in my opinion. Not spectacular by any stretch but this celebrations contained some really good stories like In Memorium, which was such a beautifully written story and looked gorgeous thanks to Jim Cheung's art (and made me intrigued to pick up the series proper and see what's going on), Dear Diana, which I loved for seeing Diana looking after everyone and realise that she enjoys doing it (I also really liked the Infinite Crisis-esque art), Better Angels, which I enjoyed reading for the connection between Diana and Cheetah (I also liked the silver age-esque art, although I did find it a little confusing in places), Saturn Rising, which was an interesting story that I enjoyed because it showed Diana's use of a non-violent resolution to the problem (the art looked fantastic too), and Immortal Mysteries, which I thought was another great story that showed off Diana's compassion with a more modern art look that I loved but with a horror tinge to it (this one also enticed me to consider checking out new 52 run (based on costume)).

Of course, not all of the stories were winners in my eyes, with Dreamers, Fresh Catch and Dated only being 'OK' in my book (although I am intrigued to check more out about Dreamers) and Low Orbit not really coming across as my thing. However, like all comics, I consider this entirely subjective. At the end of the day, I did enjoy this Giant-Sized issue and thought it gave a great insight into who and what the character of Wonder Woman is.

After that I read the first volume of White Ash, a fantasy series from Scout Comics for which I reviewed over at Pipedream Comics. Now, my full thoughts are all there and I'd hate to just rehash the same old thoughts but I really did love this book. I thought it contained a great story and some gorgeous art and, by the end, made me really want to pick up the trade (I guess that means it'll be going on my recommended list). The second series comes out next month and while I probably wont get the singles, I do look forward to the trade as the first volume left me with a host of questions which included; What is Thane planning? Is there something special about Kaitlyn? and, maybe most importantly, What's with all the cats?

So, with week one done, I moved into this week, where the beginning of my time focus on the final Amazing Spider-Man arc of the Dan Slott run, Red Goblin. This arc saw ol' Webhead face off against his most dangerous adversary yet as (probably) his two worst villains come together to form something altogether far more deadly, all in an effort to destroy him and everyone he loves.

Now, this was a difficult trade to get a read on for me as, while I certainly got the impression from the cover that this was meant to be some epic endgame/swansong to Slott's tenure, I really found myself struggling to get invested from the beginning (although it got easier as the story progressed and the final battle really did feel epic). I think the problem I had was that I literally jumped in at the end and so, missing the last ten plus years of set up, I wasn't invested enough in the journey Peter Parker had been on. That said, I think the biggest problem I had connecting with this was that Peter just came across as so whiny to begin with, which really put me off.

However, as I said, the story did get better for me and I think this may have been because the focus went towards the villain as opposed to Parker's internal angst. Still, this wasn't the only good thing in my eyes as I really loved the artwork from the cadre of artists like Stuart Immomen and Giuseppe Camuncoli (although I did struggle with Humberto Ramos' middle input, which is strange given he drew one of the best Goblin stories I know of). Surprisingly, I also loved the inclusion of the wider Spider-family, especially Flash who was without doubt the MVP of this arc (I've also got to say that there's a gag which references Eddie Brock as a poor man's Peter Parker and I loved seeing that pay off. Freaking hilarious).

By the end though, this story had me in a little bit of a Quandry. I marked the Red Goblin arc as 3 stars on Comixology, which would classify it as 'good' in my book. However, this is one of those reads where I found it stretched out between 'good', 'ok' and 'not my thing'. As such, while I did enjoy it to some degree, I don't think it gives me incentive to check out the story prior or the continuation beyond. Still, it was a fun enough read (for the most part) to pass the time.

The rest of this week was then filled with reading small press comics. The first of which was Sagas of the Shield Maiden Book 2, which I also reviewed (as part of a round up) for Pipedream Comics. Now, I really liked the first book and so this second instalment had some big shoes to fill. Thankfully, I thought Asa Wheatley and his team didn't disappoint as I certainly enjoyed this sequel, thinking it was a great continuation of the original. I loved how engrossing the stories were and I enjoyed the art a lot too (although I did think that it all looked too similar, unlike the very broad styles of Book 1). As such, I'm already looking forward to book 3.

Next up was the The Cage #1 which was not a homage to the Star Trek episode (I don't think) but was a supervillain centred story by Matt Garvey, Dean Kotz and J Francis Totti which followed a technology based supervillain who, stripped of his tech, is sent to a maximum security, superhuman specialised prison called 'The Cage'.

Now, I'm a big fan of Matt Garvey's work, but have kind of tailed off since Glass Hood (most of his books after just weren't my thing). However, I got the chance to read an advance of the Cage (it's not what you know, right) and, in my eyes, it was a return to form for Matt with a really gritty and engrossing read. Of course, I think what made it really good was the art as Dean Kotz pencils and J Francis Totti's colour really give this a harsh, brutal look that is just so impressive (and that monkey looks f****** nuts too!).

By the time I reached the end (and that surprise twist to cliff-hanger it on), it was fair to say that was hooked on this one. I've been hearing rumours on this comic for a while so not only am I glad that it met my expectations, but I really hope that it's sequels escape Matt's head thick and fast.

Then came yet another Matt Garvey comic (seriously, it's who you know ... and how much you bug them) in the sketch version of Vodou Cowboy #1 which followed a Cowboy Witch Doctor who makes his way to a small mining town when an old friend asks for his help in dealing with some supernatural goings on.

Now, I wasn't sure what to expect with this, as the cover made me think of the Alterna series Horrors of the West (which did freak me out when I read it). However, I thought Vodou Cowboy was really something else. Garvey injected it with a real unnerving atmosphere that I loved and gave it a really dark vibe. But what was really standout to me was Arjuna Susini's art, which just unbelievably phenomenal in this comic and I just fell in love with as it really put across that dark, rough western tone while also infusing it with some really dark horror vibes

I think that if there is some downside to the comic it is the question as to whether the issue proper will be coloured. If this is the case then I'd think that's a shame because Susini's artwork is so amazing that in black and white it really catches the atmosphere perfectly. That said, with the colour credit going to the terrific Dee Cunniffe, I sure would be interested in seeing a colour version. Regardless of whether it ends up monochrome or colour, I thought this was one addictive comic and I'm already looking forward to more.

And that brings us to yesterday (which was Thursday as of time of posting) where I managed to cram two more comics in from my pull list.

The first was Star Trek: The Mirror War #1, the first part proper of this newest Mirror universe story, which saw Picard and the crew of the Enterprise track down a target worthy of their mettle and desire to form an armada to rebuild the Terran Empire. But first, they'd need to pick up a few supplies, and Picard a spare set of eyes as his crew begin their plots against him.

I'll have to admit, that there wasn't much I could really say about this issue. The Tipton's once again have me truly intrigued about where this band or Imperial pirates are about to go and how it'll intersect with what we already know about the Mirror Universe. It also reminded me of a lot of concepts and characters from Mirror Broken that I had forgotten about in the interim. 

However, I feel it is still just way too early in the story to feel one way or the other about this issue. It certainly didn't turn me off of getting the next issue and the art was cool, although it struggled with me from not being J.K. Woodward, but I have faith that it'll do well by the end.

And finally I read Fantastic Four #37, which saw the First Family celebrate Halloween in different ways as Ben and Alicia took Jo and Nikki trick or treating, Johnny attempted a normal life in his new supercharged state and Reed pondered on the recent message from his father.

I really loved this issue, as it felt like a nice break issue to allow the various storyline to breathe and catch up. In fact, I really enjoyed all three of the stories relating to  Johnny, Reed and Ben as they really touched a nerve with me and I felt like I related to each of them in some way perfectly. Meanwhile the art by Nico Leon was gorgeous, reminding me lot of prior artists Isaakze, Medina and Silva (which is no bad thing).

I won't lie, that the issue wasn't perfect because, while it was nice to see her as the supportive rock of the four, it sure Would be nice to see Sue get more focus and an arc for herself. Also, the arc surrounding Alicia felt a bit pointless with its seemingly abrupt end. Nonetheless though, this was another strong issue which is becoming surprisingly common of late. Hopefully that'll continue for a good long while.

.

And that's everything I've read in two weeks (Dear God, I never realised it was so much). Shockingly though, it still wasn't everything I filled my time with.

I've managed to cobble some extra spare time together and used it to rebuild a story idea that I previously had. What was originally a four page story that I wrote some time (what feels a bit like years now) back received a little bit of inspiration during the last two weeks as I listened to comic podcasts. As a result I managed to complete revamp the story, changing some events in a minor way and stretching it out a little to the point that it is now and eleven page tale.

This now puts the total number of pages I've scripted to 56 as I find myself pondering what to do next. In truth, I still have plenty of other ideas, so I'll probably just move on to that next week.

Not that I'll be short of time as my pull list comics are at zero next week. However, there are a few comics I'm still pondering on. The first of which continues to be the Comixology Originals sale which is going on and I've whittled my choices down to six titles. However, I've just got to see if I'll have the coin left by the end of the month in order to get them all. Otherwise, I'll probably just have to pick up what I can afford.

Nonetheless, that's next week's problem. For now, this week is done (and last week with it) and I guess I better go find some reading material for next week.

#418 - The Son of Superman controversy

For the second week running when writing what's in my head, I find myself doing a complete 180 compared to what I was thinking about at the beginning of the week.

I had planned to do a similar spilling of my head like last week as I talked about what I've been up to this week. Talking about the Wonder Woman 80th Anniversary issue and how I read White Ash for a review to go up at Pipedream Comics. I'd also planned to air my thoughts on Shang-Chi and the Legends of the Ten Rings as well as just bring up a couple of thought I'd had about if Kate Bishop could be X-Man Lucas Bishop's grandmother or some other distant relation (because he's from the future) as well as how I wondered why Steve Rogers didn't return the Soul stone at the end of Endgame to just before Black Widow died, giving it to Clint back as was planned and then sending her back to the moment he had just left.

(what can I say, these are the things I think about).

However, the desire to talk about all of this was replaced just this morning when my facebook came up with a friend posting support for a post slamming the recent Superman news.

I didn't say anything on there because everyone is entitled to their opinion but I found myself having some pretty strong views on it and, because this is my hill and these are my beans, I figured what better use for this than to air my views on the topic.

So, for context, a couple of days ago DC comics announced that an upcoming issue of their new Superman series; Superman: Son of Kal-El, was going to feature a same-sex kiss as well as Jon Kent, the new Superman, coming out as Bi-sexual.

Suffice to say, this announcement seems to have upset quite a few people, whose reactions seemed to have upset quite a few more.

(I'm curious where all of these numbers are when it comes to buying the comic but ... anyway)

I guess for me, I'm struggling to understand what all of the fuss is about. Many detractors have said that this is 'woke' (to which I still have no idea what this actually means) and 'diversity run amok' and all of that, but I for one don't see it being as big a deal as that.

First of all, the character in question isn't the original Superman; Clark Kent, but his son, a relatively new character (I'm pretty sure Jon was created in 2015) who had never been a superhero (or even a young adult) until very recently.

Second, some might say that this is pandering to the LGBTIA community or dismissing history by making the world's greatest hero anything other than straight. However, it occurs to me that there are at least two Black Supermen (three if you count Steel), an Asian based Superman, three Superwomen (at some point), a Supergirl (two of them if you count Power Girl) and a Superdog (to appease the dog lovers I guess). If making a member of the Super family not-straight is an issue, where were all these people when all of these characters were created.

Third, one of the Robin was recently outed as Bisexual, a character that has nearly 70 years of history. I don't recall anyone admonishing this revelation with the same gusto and I can only ponder why not?

Now, I've seen comments stating that this move over sexualises superheroes and that is the reason for people's dislike, citing that it threatens his child audience. Now, dismissing that point that kids probably rarely buy comics these days (middle age men appears to be the main audience), if a kiss between two characters, any two characters is a concern then maybe parents need to check what pop culture their child absorb (because I sure do). Besides, comics have had this kind of content for quite some time, just between more male and female characters, hence the comics code authority (and the various publishers equivalents since).

(Also, on this note, they should probably avoid any Bat titles because that guy does far, far worse ... Batwang anyone).

Of course, I can't deny the uncomfortable nature of this event in regards to younger readers, it is sure to open a rather large can of worms when they ask their parents "why is Superman kissing that boy?" However, this is a question that is going to come up sooner or later so why put it off? (I myself am dreading the conversation, but I am aware that it'll have to be done)

The more I've thought on this, I've wondered if that world's anger and vitriol toward this news was due to what I call the 'Diesel factor'. For clarity, way back when, WWF/E had a wrestler called Diesel, portrayed by Kevin Nash. When Nash left for WCW's greener fields, the Pandas with steel chairs decided to simply recast and keep the name, much to the chagrin of fans. I wonder if this is a similar issue, whereby people are outraged that their Superman has been benched and this new upstart has taken his name and his logo.

That said, I'm unsure if this is truly the case because there are currently four Flashes, seven Green Lanterns, 600,000 Batmen (it certainly feels like it), two Hawkeyes, a half dozen Spider-people (thankfully only one Deadpool) and a pair of Wolverines. In fact, there were four Supermen at one point so would having another one be such a problem?

In truth though, I feel like I'm trying to decipher meaning from the drunken ramblings of a sleeping alcoholic. Maybe attempting to understand why every single person has a problem with this is a fallacy (I mean I could read/watch all their interviews, but who wants all that negativity) as it can never be done.

Instead, I'm just gonna offer my two cents and thoughts on the subject (because again, my hill); Is this information really THAT important? Is this a gimmick that DC are putting out there? Oh, most probably. Was it announced simply to cause controversy? Of course. But, is it a mistake? No, I don't think it is.

The world has changed from when I was born (God, I feel old from that sentence). Walls (and, tragically, buildings) have fallen, technology has risen, borders have shifted and Leicester City has won the Premier League. People have changed too. There are more of us now and with even more people comes a greater number of characteristics to make us all different, so why shouldn't our heroes and fictional characters reflect these differences.

I would say that if you're a straight, white male then congratulations, the world is made for you and there is still your Superman available to follow (in Action Comics, which I hear Phillip Kennedy Johnson is absolutely killing it on). However, why on Earth (or even Krypton) should everyone else lose out? Superman is an inspiration to millions because of his views and beliefs; in Truth, in Justice, in ... well the global equivalent of that other thing. It doesn't matter what he looks like or who he fancies, as long as he still imbues these beliefs, then he'll still be Superman.

But that's what I believe anyway.