Archive for the ‘Graphic Novels’ Category
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9
Apr
2006
A Hero for All Ages
So the reading list has been sparse lately as I’ve been waiting for the first shipment of comics via mail since the last pick-up from Chris.
In the interim, however, I’ve had time to work on some of the trades, etc. that have been waiting my attention.
Maybe as long as a year ago, DC Comics, seemingly with little fanfare, released Volume One of The Batman Chronicles, which I read months ago. This is DC’s reprinting of Batman’s earliest stories, in the original order published. Definitely worth a read for any fan of the dark knight. Another volume is scheduled to come out later this year.
Adding to the nostalgia, DC has also recently released Volume One of The Superman Chronicles. This volume reprints the first Superman stories from the period spanning 1938 and 1939. Featuring over a dozen classic stories, the volume shows readers today why Superman is still leaping tall buildings today.
I was amazed at the social issues that the Golden Age Superman faced in only his first year under Earth’s yellow sun. I’ll save any particular details since as crazy as it sounds, you can spoil 65 year old stories. After most anyone reading them today was not alive when these were first published.
While the Superman of today seems more at home fighting cosmic menaces, the writers occasionally toss out stories reflecting our world’s social ills. However, the originators of the man of steel, pitted him against the likes of abusive husbands, drunk drivers, arms dealers, and unsafe working conditions. I kid you not, the original Superman was practically anti-establishment.
While admired by many in his fictional world, you’ll find that Superman was a wanted criminal. In an incredible treatise of the ends justifying the means, he broke the law to improve the lives of some of Metropolis’ lowliest citizens. And as result became a man with a price on his head.
I was not expecting these stories when I picked up this volume. I wasn’t expecting the stories to be far more dated. For sure, some of the common language has drifted away since these stories were written, but as one begins to get sucked into the storytelling, it doesn’t matter. And suddenly, by surprise, you realize that this time capsule you’ve found is the birth of a legend.
While comics have gotten more spotlight lately with all the move attention, I can’t help feeling often that we’re either at the end of the era of narrative storytelling via art or the dawn of a new means of delivery. Brick and mortar stores are folding and every Con I’ve been to exhibits an aging audience with relatively few newcomers. So, here at the possible twilight of comics, get out and enjoy some stories from the golden age.
6
Dec
2005
Let’s Take this thing Off Road!
Over the weekend, I had a little, mind you only a little, time to read. Instead of the piles of comics, I decided to pick up a graphic novel from Oni Press that I bought based on a blurb in previews. As it turns out, it was well worth it.
Off Road is cleverly written and well-drawn By the end when I saw a real photo of the inspirations for the story, the author and two of his friends, I felt like I was looking at a photo of old friends.
Kent is an art school student who gets walked over by the women in his life. His friend, Greg, is a high school jock with well-off and hinted-at-absentee parents who toss money his way. Brad, the last of the trio, is by comparison from the bottom of the ladder. He has a father he’s lost respect for and the relationship has come to blows. But his is, interestingly often the most mature voice and the one most willing to tell it like it is.
The story of an off-road adventure in the jeep, by itself, would be amusing, but coupled with a powerfully character-driven story and it’s a book you won’t be able to put down until the end.
23
Mar
2005
Starman: Sons of the Father
Tonight, I finished the final entry in the Starman series of trade paperbacks. I’m at a loss. I’d been anxiously awaiting the last trade to show up at the shop. It did last week. I had dinner with a friend, so I didn’t make it by tonight to see this week’s haul. It’s a good thing, because I might not have finished the trade.
It’s a bitter-sweet ending, both to the story and to my reading adventure of it. I’d been anxiously awaiting the conclusion of a story I didn’t read when it was coming out. And I devoured it. I stayed up late and read two chapters last night when I should have been sleeping. Tonight, I came home and curled up with the rest. It was true to the whole arc of Jack Knight’s life. Everything came full circle, and there were more than a few points when I could honestly feel the emotion. The sadness at the emotional roller-coaster of Jack’s life.
It’s strange to feel enriched by a character alive only on paper and in the imagination, but the writer, James Robinson, managed that. Bravo!
What do I read next??
