This is a small space to give shout-outs to books I'm reading (or have read), that I think everyone should join me in enjoying (because otherwise I feel lonely).
So please plunk down some cash for Detective Comics # 871 and 872. This is the beginning of a new creative team run. Artist Jock aides writer Scott Snyder in telling a grounded, but unsettling and downright creepy arc entitled "The Black Mirror". Now, you would think I would praise this book simply because it stars my all time favorite character Dick Grayson. However, I've generally been unhappy with how Grayson has been portrayed since becoming Batman (or a Batman). Many tales, over the past several months, have failed to convince me that I was actually following Dick Grayson under the cowl. But, Snyder has the former Boy Wonder's voice down cold.
Snyder has made a small name for himself on the Vertigo title American Vampire. I have often marveled at the tremendous, almost literary, quality inherent throughout the Vertigo line since its inception. But, as highly polished and prestigious as those books are, it is often forgotten that mainstream super-hero comics require a unique skill set as well. To truly make a super book sing, there are certain elements and beats that must be present. Too often the "chops" that make one an art house darling, fail writers when they transition to more mass market fare. Where Snyder succeeds from the start, is wedding his symbolism rich horror with honest to gosh comic book continuity. Truthfully, I never thought in just two issues, that plot points referencing such diverse eras of Batman lore as "Death in the Family" and the earthquake of "Cataclysm" would be interwoven into such a compelling little thriller. And, make no mistake this is Dick Grayson's story. From cracks about the Anti-Monitor, nods to his time on the Bludhaven PD, and his interactions with Babs and Tim- now this is my boy.
Also of note, is a back-up (soon to be integrated into the main story) featuring Commisioner Gordon. Snyder' s collaborator on this is Francesco Francavilla. Once again, Snyder mines some obscure nuggets from the past, to give us a disturbing menace- James Gordon Jr!
John!
So please plunk down some cash for Detective Comics # 871 and 872. This is the beginning of a new creative team run. Artist Jock aides writer Scott Snyder in telling a grounded, but unsettling and downright creepy arc entitled "The Black Mirror". Now, you would think I would praise this book simply because it stars my all time favorite character Dick Grayson. However, I've generally been unhappy with how Grayson has been portrayed since becoming Batman (or a Batman). Many tales, over the past several months, have failed to convince me that I was actually following Dick Grayson under the cowl. But, Snyder has the former Boy Wonder's voice down cold.
Snyder has made a small name for himself on the Vertigo title American Vampire. I have often marveled at the tremendous, almost literary, quality inherent throughout the Vertigo line since its inception. But, as highly polished and prestigious as those books are, it is often forgotten that mainstream super-hero comics require a unique skill set as well. To truly make a super book sing, there are certain elements and beats that must be present. Too often the "chops" that make one an art house darling, fail writers when they transition to more mass market fare. Where Snyder succeeds from the start, is wedding his symbolism rich horror with honest to gosh comic book continuity. Truthfully, I never thought in just two issues, that plot points referencing such diverse eras of Batman lore as "Death in the Family" and the earthquake of "Cataclysm" would be interwoven into such a compelling little thriller. And, make no mistake this is Dick Grayson's story. From cracks about the Anti-Monitor, nods to his time on the Bludhaven PD, and his interactions with Babs and Tim- now this is my boy.
Also of note, is a back-up (soon to be integrated into the main story) featuring Commisioner Gordon. Snyder' s collaborator on this is Francesco Francavilla. Once again, Snyder mines some obscure nuggets from the past, to give us a disturbing menace- James Gordon Jr!
John!
Gee wilikers, John. You almost got me interested enough to start reading this title.
ReplyDeleteBut the GL's are currently siphoning my money.
But soon, I should have some extra money to spend since "Jack Of Fables" will be ending soon (#50); and I might be looking for something to replace it. So, maybe.