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PIPELINE COMMENTARY AND REVIEW #56
28 June 1998
by Augie De Blieck Jr.
http://www.nic.com/~augie/pipeline
I finally read BABYLON 5: IN VALEN'S NAME this afternoon. For those who can't
remember back the three or four months to when it was released, it is the
story of the final fate of the Babylon 4 station. The first issue is written by
B5 creator/genius J. Michael Straczynski, while the final two issues are written
by Peter David, off of a JMS "story arc."
Truth to tell, it's a little disappointing. If you're a B5 junkie, go ahead and
get it. Just read "To Dream In The City Of Sorrows" by Kathryn Drennan first.
It's a better read. The comic contradicts the book, and I think I prefer to go
by the book. If you haven't read the book, the final panel of the final
issue of the comic gives you a rise and makes you wonder just what was
meant by that caption. It's clearer if you've read the novel, which is a
SUPERB read in and of itself. (After reading it, you'll see another
couple of layers in the episode "War Without End II" that you wouldn't see
otherwise.)
Chris Eliopoulos' DESPERATE TIMES #1 is now out from Image Comics. This
is a funny and worthwhile read. It's a black and white comic strip about
two single guys in their 20s looking for love. More or less. This issue
has a funny cover co-illustrated by Erik Larsen, as well as a two-page
story by Larsen, who even does his own lettering. Terry Austin inks a
pin-up and Chris E. describes the genesis of the book in a text piece.
There is a second issue coming in August. Its cover looks to be even more
over-the-top and even funnier. This one is a must-read -- if you can find
it.
THE SAVAGE DRAGON #50 by Erik Larsen, however, I have mixed emotions on.
For a die-hard Dragon fan, it's interesting. For someone who's never read
the Dragon before, it's almost essential. Larsen takes great pains to
catch a new reader up to speed with numerous captions and Freak Force's
origin story, presented in a new story by Larsen and FF artist
extraordinaire, Vic Bridges. However, that story is nothing more than a
clever redrawing and filling in of panels we've already seen in early
issue of TSD and FF. The last page, though, is a real winner and saves
the entire story.
The main problem with the story is that it interrupts the flow the title
had going. The previous 3 issues were amongst the title's best. This
one maintained none of the same character or flow. When it all gets
collected into a TPB, it will stick out. It might also have been a good
idea to point out to the potential newbies that the story of Dragon 1/2
fits into continuity something like 20 issues ago. I could imagine some
initial confusion with it.
Frank Miller's 300 #2 is out from Dark Horse. I can't think of any
superlatives to describe it that probably haven't already been used.
Either run out and buy this now, or wait for the inevitable TPB. Either
way, this is a fascinating story, and Lynn Varley's colors are
magnificent.
Hey, does anyone else out there remember the nifty little comic book that
was KURT BUSIEK'S ASTRO CITY? I've almost forgotten about it, it's been
so long since I saw a new issue... Personally, I think Busiek should wrap
up T-Bolts and concentrate on ASTRO CITY. T-BOLTS has been
less-than-stellar in its past couple of issues, with only some brief
swordplay saving it from being a complete wreck. (I can't help it -- I
LOVE swordfights.)
[UPDATE: In the interests of fairness: The reason why Kurt Busiek is so
late with ASTRO CITY is due to his recurrent sinus problems. They've hit
him again. We wish him a speedy recovery, of course, and regret jumping
ugly with him.]
BLAST FROM THE PAST: I read THE BATMAN ADVENTURES #25, co-starring
Superman. In retrospect, it's almost painful. The two characters are
portrayed as being too friendly. I felt like I was watching a
SuperFriends episode or something. I much prefer Paul Dini and Bruce
Timm's take on the relationship. It's darker and more edgy, but works
better for me. The late Mike Parobeck really shines, though. It's
amazing how good an artist he was. His line weights are superb.
Sorry this one's a bit short. But I have to go get properly prepared for
tonight's titanic clash: The Yankees vs. the Mets. The Yanks have won the
first two. The Mets are just asking to be swept... Whoo-hoo!
Also, by the time next week's issue comes out, I should have a DVD player
installed in this computer. Maybe I'll do a mini-review. In the
meantime, any words of wisdom would be appreciated on that front, too.
(I'm picking up a PC-DVD Encore from Creative Labs.)
Next week is a special All-American issue of Pipeline Commentary and
Review in honor of the 4th of July. (Actually, no, the timing just worked
out this way. I wasn't planning on this or anything.) Next week I
explore the world of ARCHIE Comics. Are they any good? And are there any
lessons the 'mainstream' world of comics could and should learn from them?
-Augie
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