History in the Making

Well, it's official. If you check out this month's edition of Diamond Comic Distributor's Previews catalogue, you'll find the solicitation for the 100th issue of Steve Rude and Mike Baron's Nexus on page 310. This is the very issue which contains, to quote the solicitation copy, "a brand new 12-page feature, 'The History of Nexus by Bill Baker." And, yep, that's me. According the full page ad on the preceding page, this article presents, "How it All Began! Early, Previously Unseen Nexus Art! The Crew From All 3 Nexus Publishers Tell All!" And what's really cool about all that hyperbole is the simple fact that it's completely true.

It's both exciting and, well, a touch weird for me to be part of an event like this, if truth be told. Not that I'm ungrateful for this opportunity to contribute, even in a small way, to the living legend that is Nexus. I just never saw this coming, nor did I ever expected anything like it to happen. I suppose this slightly discombobulated feeling could also be attributed to the fact that, as I've explained in the Comic Book Novice radio interview earlier this year, and believe I touched upon during the Supernot podcast a couple months back, I have only recently come to the conclusion that I needed to begin the process of "Branding myself" and my work as a full time professional journalist, writer and author of books. Still, after spending ten years as a generally invisible presence--something akin to an invisible prompter prodding established and rising star creators to share their impressions, thoughts and processes with the readers of the various websites and magazines I've worked for in the past--it's a bit of an odd feeling to see "my name in lights" as it were.

Anyway, regarding Nexus # 100, please order early and often. This is a series that deserves to be read far and wide by a large readership, whether or not I have something to do with it. The stories of both Baron and Rude are always worth checking out, be they working together or separately.

And, finally, for those of you who want to check out that interview I did for Supernot [supernotpodcast.podshow.com]. It's episode # 27, which was posted on 9-20-07, and you can download it via http://www.podshow.com/shows/?mode=current&show_id=6681&set=1&page=1

And that's it for the moment. Which means that's it time for yet another mammoth installment of...


What's Bill been reading for the past month+? [for the period of 9-13 to 10-14-07]


Little Lulu: The Explorers [volume 15]
by John Stanley and Irving Tripp
Dark Horse Books
http://www.darkhorse.com/

The more I read of this truly classic all ages material, the more I understand of the reasons why this series continues to regarded with such high regard by so many creators. The work of John Stanley and Irving Tripp is seamless, sturdy and wholly accessible, with very little signs of the wear and tear of time which cripples so many other strips and comics of even more recent vintage. And while many of the tales contained in this edition echo those from earlier volumes, there's still an incredible freshness to them. This is a series which is well worth reading for the lessons it offers in constructing stories that work effortlessly, and worth rereading for sheer joy of it. Highly recommended, as are all the previous volumes in this reprint series, to all and sundry. Oh, and these would make great holiday gifts, providing not only hours of reading enjoyment, but also fine coloring book material.


The Homecoming
by Ray Bradbury, with illustrations by Dave McKean
Collins Design
http://www.harpercollins.com/

This beautifully designed small hardcover presents Ray Bradbury's classic short tale of a normal boy's struggles to fit into his fantastic and oddly gifted family with a series of simply brilliant illustrations by Dave McKean. Quite simply, this is a magical, moving and utterly brilliant presentation and well worth tracking down if only to experience anew, with the sepia-soaked and occasionally bloodshot fresh eyes provided by McKean's art. Another perfect gift for the guy, gal or ghoul who has [or think they have] everything by these two luminaries.


Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere
by Mike Carey and Glenn Fabry
Vertigo
http://www.vertigocomics.com/

This adaptation of Gaiman's breakout urban fantasy prose novel is well crafted, and worth reading in its own right. Carey has obviously approached this project with the right balance of appreciation for the source material and a comic writer's craft, making what might otherwise have become an overly verbose retelling into a story which is familiar, yet offers surprises of its own. And I mean that in the best way possible. And to say that it's a real joy to see Fabry doing extended interiors, applying his often overlooked or even forgotten sublime skills to telling a story sequentially is a huge understatement. All in all, a truly enjoyable and well done comic book version of the Gaiman novel, worth checking out for its entertainment as well as the lessons concerning the art of adapting something from one medium to another that it can teach those interested in such work.


Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus volume 2
Jack Kirby with Vinnie Colletta and Mike Royer
DC Comics
http://www.dccomics.com/

This collection contains the stories where Kirby really kicked his "Fourth World" concepts into high gear, and contain some of the single most striking concepts and images from his later, if not entire, career. Containing various issues of Jimmy Olsen, Forever People, Mister Miracle and New Gods, this volume, along with those that preceded and follow it, are absolutely essential reading for those who wish to fully understand not just why comics have the shape and form they do today, but also what unexplored possibilities the medium still offers to its practitioners. For fans of the King and great comics, it rarely gets better than this. For those of us who want to see the medium truly blossom, this is one of the books which sets the standards by which all other work is to be judged. Either way, if you're not reading this and the other collections of this seminal work, you're simply missing out. Period.

Two-Fisted Tales volume 2
by Harvey Kurtzman with Wally Wood, John Severin, Jack Davis, Will Elder and Dave Berg
Gemstone Publishing
http://www.gemstonepub.com/

I'd never had a chance to read these tales before now, stories which I've heard referred to as being "Legendary" and "Classics of the medium" over the course of literally decades. And I'm more than pleased to state that they more than live up to all that hype. But I'd like to add that these aren't just classics of the comics medium; in point of fact, these are modern classics of war literature, told with a rare grace and compassion that is too often lacking in the literary, much less actual, world.

Whatever your political orientation, your feelings about the "necessity" of war or peace, or even if you just don't care about all that "nonsense," these are tales which will capture your imagination, as well as your heart and soul. While all of the EC reprints in this series have proven to be worthy additions to anyone's shelf, this volume and its predecessor are particularly important and noteworthy, and are absolutely essential to the comic scholar and creator's library. Ignore these, and you risk hobbling your understanding of the medium and your full grasp of the craft of making comics.


The Intruders
by Michael Marshall
William Morrow
http://www.harpercollins.com/

A mother and her son are brutally murdered in their home, and the basement laboratory of the missing father is destroyed. A young girl, spending time with her mother at their family's cottage on the ocean disappears without a trace. And the wife of Jack Whalen, an ex-cop turned writer, goes missing...and then inexplicably turns up, safe and without any solid explanation, back at home. Three seemingly unconnected events which suddenly begin to merge together to form a pattern once Whalen begins to suspect that there's something...wrong about his wife's behavior. And who, exactly, is the well dressed man in black whose appearances ties them all together? The more Whalen learns about the facts which connect these strange occurrences, the more fantastic the truth seems. All these diverse threads come together in a double climax which could mean the end of not just his marriage, but of his life itself.

To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of thrillers of any stripe. However, I found The Intruders to be riveting reading, both well written and well worth the time invested. Anyone who likes a good mystery, with solid logic and procedurals, and just a touch of supernatural based in some solid reasoning, will enjoy this finely crafted book.


Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles: The Nixie's Song Book 1 of 3
by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
http://www.simonsays.com/ and http://www.spiderwick.com/

The creators behind the Spiderwick Chronicles return to the strange yet strangely-familiar world they created a few years back, and which is the basis for a forthcoming film and a wide variety of movie tie-in products. This time out, they're focusing on a different territory and cast of characters, with an unlikely pair of step brother and step sister discovering the odd assortment of creatures surrounding their newly-minted mixed family's Florida home.

Yeah, the two brothers who costarred in the previous Spiderwick books do make an appearance, as do both the author and illustrator, in this new volume, but the real treat here is in seeing how and what previously-unseen magical inhabitants are revealed to the new main characters. Their interactions, and the budding familial care and worry they exhibit for each other, are often as interesting as the various creatures and oddball humans they encounter along the way.

And, while this new aspect of the Spiderwick world might not be quite as fresh as the first series, DiTerlizzi and Black's efforts are, if anything, more accomplished here--quite a feat, considering how well they acquitted themselves art- and story-wise, respectively, the first time. Not for everyone, and perhaps not even for all readers of the inaugural Spiderwick Chronicles, this is still a great deal of fun and solid entertainment for all fans of modern tales featuring fairies and other fantastic creatures.


And that's more than enough for now. I'll be back soon, with more reviews and maybe even some thoughtful ideas on comics. Until then, take care, have some fun, and go read something good and fun!

A Quick One [while he's awake]

Lots going on here, including a back spasm that laid me up for a few days and tightened up some deadlines even more, which goes a ways toward explaining why I haven't been updating for the past two weeks or so. But I have finished the work on the brand new, and rather revealing, interview with Irwin Hasen for the Dondi collection that Classic Comics Press will be releasing in the next month or so. Everyone concerned, from Irwin to the publisher, seem quite happy with the results. Truth be told, so am I, but then, I'm far from unbiased about this particular piece.

In large part, that's because it's been a really enjoyable experience, particularly getting a chance to talk with Irwin for at extended period of time. We haven't talked as much as I would have liked over the past few years; and it's beenr about 8 years since we last talked on the record, so it was long overdue.

[And, for those of you who know him and were wondering how Irwin is doing after the stroke he experienced earlier this year, he's doing incredibly well. Which means he has only the energy of a thirty-year-old these days, as opposed to the indefatigable amount of a young twenty-something.]

However, there's a number of other projects--including one that's a truly huge, daunting and ultimately thrilling super-secret gig which you'll surely become aware of when the time's right--that I'm continuing to work on. Add in the fact that I've got a number of sets of "Baker's Dozen" questions to prep for a variety of folks, and you've got one busy freelance writer on this end. So, today's installment concerning my work and metal ramblings is going to be rather short.

In fact, it's now finished, almost as soon as it's begun.

Which means that it's time for ...

What's Bill been reading for the past month+ [for the period of 7-16 to 9-12-07] part C


Templar, Arizona: The Great Outdoors
by Spike
Iron Circus Comics
http://www.ironcircus.com/

This is the first collection of the online strip created by a young woman whose work is increasingly popular--and deservedly so. Spike's line work is fluid, even relaxed, and her storytelling flows effortlessly from panel to panel, and page to page. Yet there's real grit and strength of purpose underlying every pen stroke, along with information about the characters, their relationships and their environs which is sometimes only apparent on subsequent rereadings. And, despite the fact that about all that's accomplished in this volume is to introduce the main and supporting characters, and briefly explore the world they inhabit, each of those rereadings proved to be as enjoyable as the first. Much of this pleasure can be attributed to Spike's command of language, both physical and verbal, and a breezy delivery which masks her complete control of the plot, and of the medium itself.

This is quite possibly the best single new work that I've encountered this year, and this has been an outstanding year for debuts. [See the review for Korgi, below, for another one in the running for that particular distinction, and you'll get an idea of just how good Spike's work really is.] Templar, AZ marks the debut of a creator possessing real promise not just for the future, but the present as well. If you haven't checked out Spike's work, whether on the printed page or online at http://www.templaraz.com/, you're missing out on some very, very fine comics. As such, Spike and her work get my highest recommendation to anyone interested in reading or making good comics.


Korgi book 1
Christian Slade
Top Shelf Productions
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/

Here's another example of an opening volume which presents a seemingly simple tale, but which reveals rich and varied delights on each repeated reading. Essentially the adventures of a young waif, Ivy, and her companion, a pooch named Sprout, and what they encounter after they leave the safe confines of their village, this is an all ages silent tale which touches the heart while also engaging the reader's sense of wonder in an almost visceral manner.

Yeah, you could almost grind up Slade's drawings and use them as a sugar substitute, but the beautiful line work, fully realized enviroment and spot-on acting that this ex-Disney animator turned freelance illustrator has put on the page has a life of its own that can't be denied. This is fantasy world building of a type that's rarely seen in "kids books" these days--appropriately fun and full of heart, balanced by a sense of danger and the darker aspects of the world portrayed. In more ways than one, Slade's Korgi is tapping into the very same traits that make the great Looney Tunes cartoons such perennial favorites with viewers of all ages.

Korgi receives my highest recommendations for those looking to read something different, and should be studied by both artists and writers concerned with making good comics of any stripe. And it'd make for a great gift for just about any child, or for the childlike adult in your life.


Showcase Presents: The House of Mystery volume 2
various writers and artists
DC Comics
http://www.dccomics.com/

I love the Showcase Presents series of black and white reprints. While I don't necessarily grab a copy of all of them, preferring to have my JLA and certain other titles in their more upscale and full color Archives versions, so far there hasn't been a title in this line that I wouldn't heartily recommend to those interested in reliving or rediscovering what made DC's Silver Age comics so popular and noteworthy. And that doesn't look to change anytime soon, as the reader will encounter any number of great tales in this second 500+ page book featuring work by Jack Kirby, Michael Kaluta, Alex Toth, Bernie Wrightson and a host other creators of note. Sure, a few of these might be a little creaky or, to today's media-saturated reader, obvious. Still, the work herein is top notch, with some truly twisted and chilling stories alongside other yarns which might be, at worst, highly enjoyable or even outright fun. And, surely, fun and enjoyment are both qualities which we all could use more of in our lives these days.

True, this isn't for everyone. There are no capes or superheroes here, for one thing. But if you're interested in learning how to craft a serviceable or even well-told tale, visually and verbally, you could do far worse than study this book or its predecessor. And if you're looking for hours of darkly humorous or horrifying reading, you'll find that Showcase Presents: The House of Mystery volume 2 delivers that in [or perhaps I should say, with] spades.


And that's it for today. Look for more reviews, including my thoughts on two recently released thriller prose novels, Night Work by Steve Hamilton and The Intruders by Michael Marshall, in the next entry.

Celebration Day, part 2

Well, today presents me with yet another big reason for celebration. I've just learned that Alan Moore on His Work and Career, the fourth volume of my interview books which launch the new "Talking with Graphic Novelists" line of books from Rosen Publishing, is hitting the shelves of comic shops across the country. [And, for those of you who might have missed this caveat previously, please be aware that this book reprints the Alan Moore Spells It Out edition from Airwave Publishing which was released early in 2006, and sold out within 7 months.]

Again, to say that I'm excited about this release would be a real understatement. Not only does this mark the return to the comics market of my first book, but it also clearly marks the point of entry of my work into the mainstream market represented by online booksellers of various stripes, including the all-important Amazon and Barnes and Noble websites, but also and more importantly libraries and other "institutional markets" across these United States. Even cooler, this and other volumes have already begun to turn up in the online catalogues of various libraries here. So, these books are actually making into the spaces that I and Rosen hoped they would...and will, eventually and ideally, into the hands of readers who might otherwise have missed them for any number of reasons.

As those of you that have followed my career for the past decade or so have probably gleaned from the general tenor of my work, this idea is not just important, but central to what I've been trying to accomplish over the years. Quite simply, I've been trying to not just have good and interesting conversations with various creators of comics, but to also delve into the reasons why they create the kind of work that they do, why they approach that work in the manner that they do, and what influences have had a direct or glancing impact upon that process over the course of their careers. Yeah, in a very real way, I'm just a fanboy at heart, but this idea of exploring the general phenomenon known as the creative process by investigating various individual's experience of, and approach to their art is central to just about everything I do as a journalist, and as a writer.

Another, secondary concern of my work has been capturing their experience of the business side of the work. As much as we'd all like to act or believe that the mundane daily aspects of plying one's trade in this industry we all love and, sometimes, hate are inconsequential or easily dismissed, the fact of the matter is that, in many cases, those factors have a direct and large impact upon what creators are allowed to do with their craft. As such, to ignore this side of the modern creators' careers will only result in investigations that are subtly flawed at best, if you're incredibly lucky.

Anyway, it's another good day to be me, marking the release of my sixth book--even if it is, essentially, a reprint. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, after all. For those of you who need it, here's the Diamond reorder number and other basic info on this book:

JUL073786 Alan Moore on His Work and Career HC $ 30.50

But that's not the only reason for the general glow of satisfaction hereabouts. I can now also talk about one of the projects I've been working quite hard at for the past few months, since it's now been officially announced by the publisher. Specifically, that I've been asked by none other than Steve "Dude" Rude to write up a brief history of Nexus for that book's 100th issue. In fact, I've already interviewed a fair number of folks who helped shepherd this seminal Sci-Fi series from conception to completion month after month [including both Dud and Mike Baron, as well as Milton Griepp, Alex Wald, and Anina Bennett], finished writing it and turned in the piece. Steve seems quite happy with the results, and already begun work on the layout, etc for inclusion in that historic issue, which will be hitting the stands in January of '08. And you can bet that you'll be hearing more about this project in the near future, from both Rude Dude and myself.

And there's more going on, some of which I'll be able to talk about soon, I hope. A couple of them are similar to the Nexus gig, but targeted at the mainstream market rather than solely the comic shops. Also, as I believe I've hinted in an earlier entry, one of these is a pretty high profile gig. No, even bigger than that...really big. And incredibly cool, to boot. It's really hard not to blather on about it right now, but I can't. I'll just leave that subject by noting that you will be hearing about it, and not just here. Honest.

Finally, as if all the above wasn't exciting enough, I've actually been the subject of two interviews in the past month or so. The first was for the Comic Book Novice radio show hosted by Mark Torres, Peter Palmiotti and friends. That took place during the same period that the San Diego show was going on, but you can check it out for yourself thanks to the wonder of downloading via Mark's webpage http://testsite.pixeltao.com/download.html. It's the July 28th, 2007 edition of the show. The direct link to download that installment of Comic Book Novice is http://testsite.pixeltao.com/audio/thecomicbooknoviceJul26.zip. I had a great time talking about my career, my approach to doing my work and, of course, comics generally.

I also talked with the good folks behind the Supernaut podcasts, Rob Schneider and Mike [sorry, I don't have his last name handy]. Again, a great time talking about the Rosen series and my other books, my career and what I've been reading, as well as all the other burning topics you all want to know. Unfortunately, I haven't received the links from Rob yet, but as soon as I have that info I'll be sure to post it here.

And that should do it for now, I think. Except for this week's installment of...

What's Bill been reading for the past month+? [for the period of 7-16 to 9-12-07] part B


Harry Potter and The Deathly Hollows
by JK Rowling
Scholastic Books
http://www.scholastic.com/

I know that by now everyone who wanted to read this book, or a review of it, probably has done so. And those who aren't interested, or are adamant about resisting this modern publishing miracle, will continue to avoid the entire series and any critique of same with a passion. I'd just like to note that I have generally enjoyed this and the other installments of Harry's seven years of trials, tribulations, terrors and, ultimately, triumph. Rowling has proven to be a pretty good writer on the whole, and one who actually learned and advanced her craft in discernable steps over the course of creating these books. As always, there's plenty of action, stifled dreams and yearnings finally allowed to blossom, and more than one surprise and turns of events which can prove heartbreaking. Even if you hate these books or what they represent, ya gotta admit that, in this day and age of highly addictive games, webprogramming and other high tech indulgences, the ability to get anybody to willing read a series of seven rather expansive books is something magical in and of itself.

In the end, while it's quite obvious that this and the other Potter books are not for everyone, they are essential reading for anyone with an interest in writing books that kids and teens will not just read, but devour again and again.


Devil Dinosaur
by Jack Kirby with Mike Royer and Petra Goldberg
Marvel Comics
http://www.marvel.com/

This omnibus edition collects the entirety of Kirby's beautifully odd late 70s series detailing the prehistoric adventures of that original comic book odd couple, Devil Dinosaur and his companion, Moon-Boy. Again, this is one of the King's more maligned books, often seen as crude and silly. And, yeah, at times it's silly, and perhaps even seemingly crude. However, if you approach it without any preconceptions other than a sincere longing for some wildly entertaining, weirdly compelling comics, I suspect that you'll be pleasantly surprised by this collection. Sure, the plots might have some big holes in them if you think about the proceedings too much, just as some of the characters' motivations and utterances can be troubling if you're looking for realistic scripting. Too which I can only say, "Get over yerself!"

Aside from the fact that most comics from that same era now are quite dated at this point, there's a lot to be said for this attempt to do something a bit different from the typical superheroic tale. This is Kirby completely unfettered by any but his own conventions, at play in the field of the four color lord we all worship. And the results are pure, unadulterated comics goodness for all ages. Just think of it as that TV show that inexplicably bombed, despite being completely, madly entertaining. Not essential reading for most, but for anyone who is interested in what Kirby wanted to try to do with the comics medium--or who is just looking for some purely fun reading--this is worth checking out.


Marvel Masterworks: Captain Marvel volume 2
by Arnold Drake, Gary Friedrich and Roy Thomas, with Don Heck, Dick Ayers, Gil Kane and others
Marvel Comics
http://www.marvel.com/

This second hardcover collection reprints Captain Marvel #s 10 through 21, and represents a major turning point in the story of Marvel's star-crossed spaceman. After lapsing into cleverly disguised superheroics for a number of issues, the titular hero is reconfigured and completely reborn, this time literally grafted onto one of the House of Idea's enduring sidekick characters, Rick Jones. And while some of the concerns of the book do seem a tad dated, there's still some real fire and invention happening here. Again, certainly not everyone's cup o' poison, so to speak, but something of real interest to those who lived these issues back in the day, and anyone who is interested in seeing how one pair of Protean creators named Thomas and Kane could work real magic when re-imagining the very nature and purpose of a character.


Marvel Masterworks: The Mighty Thor volume 6
by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, with Vinnie Colletta
Marvel Comics
http://www.marvel.com/

If you haven't started checking out these tales, perhaps the single greatest group of tales that the titanic twosome of Lee and Kirby every penned, you're missing out on some of the most important and entertaining comics published in the past century. Period. And, yeah, that even includes their seminal, highly entertaining run and even historic run on Fantastic Four. These stories present some of the best spectacles Kirby ever rendered, fully supported and brought to life by what might be some of Stan's best scripting, bar none. And what's even more staggering is the simple fact that the tales contained in this volume are, in reality, only ramping up the title for one of the most brilliant series of stories these two guys ever did ["The search for Galactus" arc]. Sounds like I'm overstating things? Well, I'm not.

If you've ever worried what all the excitement surrounding this character and his cohorts was about, this [or even the preceding volume] is the start of it all. Essential reading for anyone hoping to fully understand the work of Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, and required reading for anyone hoping to create mind-bending scenarios and scenery, or to capture the pure kinetic energy of a battle of truly epic scope. If you're not reading this particular series in reprints, you're missing out on some great fun, my friends.


Marvel Masterworks: The Sub-Mariner volume 2
by Stan Lee and Roy Thomas, with Bill Everett, Gene Colan and others
Marvel Comics
http://www.marvel.com/

I've got to admit, while I loved Gene Colan's work, for some reason I never got into Prince Namor while growing up. Sure, I'd check out the occasional issue of Tales to Astonish or his eponymous series now and then, lured in by Colan's brilliant designs and layouts, but I never really got into the character. Nowadays, I have an even greater appreciation for what Colan, and Namor's original creator, Bill Everett, accomplished with this character and his story. It's good, fun reading, and the art work is often breathtaking. Worth checking out if you're into the character, or great Gene Colan and modern Everett art. And the scripts, while not necessarily sublime, are worth the time invested, too.


And I think that's enough for now. Next time, the finally installment of these long overdue reviews of this period will be joined with those of books read more recently. Until then, take care, try to get outside to enjoy this glorious fall season we're currently inhabiting, and make sure to have some fun!

Celebration Day, part one


Well, that day that I've worked so long over the past year finally arrived, and it's been a good one, all in all.

Today, three of the four interview books I created for the launch of Rosen Publishing's new line hit the shelves of comic shops across the U.S. And, unless I'm completely out of the loop, or there's some kind of delay in the shipping process, they should be available at shops in the U.K. later this same week.

To say that I'm both excited and pleased with this long awaited event would be a real understatement. And while some might interpret the experience as somewhat tainted by the fact that one of the books isn't coming out with the rest, I think of it as something which allows me to enjoy this process not once, but twice. A bit like having a limited premiere, followed by general release, in a sense. Double the pleasure, and, ideally, double the fun.

As far as details are concerned, the three books which hit today, along with their Diamond reorder numbers, are:

Neil Gaiman on His Work and Career HC $22.95 [Diamond reorder # JUL073789]

Mike Oeming on His Work and Career HC $22.95 [Diamond reorder # JUL073788]

George Pérez on His Work and Career HC $22.95 [Diamond reorder # JUL073787]

As noted above, the fourth book in the series, Alan Moore on His Work and Career, will be joining these volumes very soon. Seems that there was small production problem with the cover, if memory serves, which meant that it arrived at various distributors after the others. However, I've seen, held and even paged through copies of all four books, and am mightily pleased with the production and printing values of each and every volume.

And it's my sincere hope and belief that, if you pick up any of these books, you'll find more than a few things to enjoy about them. I'm already looking forward to hearing what folks within the comics community have to say about them, and am truly curious to hear what people outside of this small world [and especially librarians and teachers who might encounter them] think of the results.

And that's about all I've got to say today, other than to note that I expect to be posting regularly again from this point on for some time. In fact, I'm hoping to make up a bit for the "lost time" or missed weekly postings with multiple posts in some weeks. So, with that in mind, I'll leave you today with a first installment of what will be a multi-part version of...


What's Bill been reading for the past month+? [for the period of 7-16 to 9-10-07] part A


Jack Kirby's Silver Star
Jack Kirby with Mike Royer and D. Bruce Berry
Image Comics
www.Image.com

I was out of comics completely when the issues of this, one of the few creator owned series bearing Kirby's name, first appeared, chasing my own dreams amidst the ivory towers of academia. I managed to find a few of these issues over the years since that particular dream turned nightmarishly sour, but never did complete the set and so have a chance to experience the King's earthbound Cosmic tale in the manner he meant. So it was with some real excitement that I read this beautifully reproduced and remastered edition. Now, while this might not be for everyone, I enjoyed it thoroughly, warts and all. No, it isn't the best material Jack produced, but it really hasn't deserved some of the dismissive criticism that I've heard thrown at it over the years, either. In fact, in more ways than I'd care to note, it really does read like an early attempt to capture the widescreen action-adventure "Movie on Paper" feeling that so many modern creators have, over the past few years, mined in their own works. Sure, there's some stiff dialogue--well, OK, quite a bit--and a few fairly large plot holes which could easily have been patched or completely avoided; still, it's one of the more enjoyable, and possibly the single most crazed, of Kirby's later works. In the end, I can only say that I really did love spending some time in this world, and will surely return to it again in the future for the sheer joy and madness of it all. And, for someone who, like myself, really enjoys seeing how creators adapt and change their work over the course of its creation to fit within differing molds, comparing the original film treatment [which is how Kirby originally envisioned presenting this tale] with the final graphic novel is not just interesting--it borders on the revelatory. A must for anyone truly interested in Kirby and his work, and of some real interest and use to those looking to learn about adapting their work for various mediums.


Ultimate Galactus Trilogy
Warren Ellis and Mark Millar, with Trevor Hairsine, Steve Epting, Steve McNiven, Tom Rainey, John Romita Jr. and Brandon Peterson
Marvel Entertainment
www.Marvel.com

This big, thick compilation presents Warren Ellis' remarkable reworking of one of the classic tropes from the House of Ideas--the appearance of a literally world-shattering force which seems impossible to resist, much less stop--via a combination of his wild reworking of pulpish sci-fi and widescreen sensibilities. Throughout, he's ably supported by whatever artist is insane enough to accept the challenge of depicting the impossible, the improbable and the outright insane demands Ellis always places upon his collaborators. And the results are, for the most part, wonderful and wonder-filled, with more ideas shed per page than just about any other writer in the mainstream medium at present, save the likes of Grant Morrison and Mark Millar. Even better, Warren's not lost his wicked and supremely sick, telling sense of humor, nor, despite what surface appearances might seem, his belief in the future of mankind.

Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys really strong superhero tales, and those who want to see how one of the best writers today makes old concepts and characters do things they were never meant to do. In fact, it's worth it just for the reimagined Silver Surfer, and his attempt to bite the Ultimate Captain Marvel's head off.


And that's all for now. Expect more soon.