APOLOGIES 8/99: Many parts of the Cartoon zone of this site are in desperate need of updates. I'm working on having some new info here by the end of September, so please excuse some of the virtual dust while I do some cleaning. Thanks
(Personal Picks 1998 out in December)
KINGDOM COME: (DC) A now-completed-but-still-readily-available four-book miniseries, KINGDOM COME is the story the future DC Universe, where most of the current superheroes have given "up the fight" and gone into retirement. A new generation of heroes takes their place now, but fight simply for the sake of fighting, ambivalent to those whom they are supposed to protect, and occasionaly causing widespread suffering during their battles. When a threat arrives that could destroy the Earth itself, it's up to the veterans, led by a greying Superman, to stop it.
Featuring the story by Mark Waid, and painted pages by Alex Ross (MARVELS), it's a must-have.
ASTO CITY: (Image) Well worth the effort tracking down A.C.'s first six issues, the book is now back from hiatus to regular publishing Astro City is a modern metropolis as seen through silver-age eyes, with a universe of characters all its own. Drawn by Brent Anderson, written by Kurt Busiek, with painted covers by Alex Ross, each issue is its own amazing, mature, thought-provoking story done in a realistic fashion, with great writing, characters and art.
TERMINAL CITY: (DC/Vertigo) T.C. is similar to ASTRO CITY in that it is an city of "antique futurism," (with a look similar to the classic film "Metropolis") and its problems, but tells a different kind of story in a more noir-style fashion, dealing with "normal" people caught in fantastic situations.
THE TICK - OMNIBUS 5: (NEC) Features the last issues of the Big Blue Guy's main series of comic exploits (pre-Karma Tornado), along with some comments by creator Ben Edlund about the long-awaited thriteenth issue, bonus drawings, and some previously unreleased background material on the Tick's genesis.
SCUD- THE DISPOSABLE ASSASSIN: (Fireman Press) This one, admittedly, is an aquired taste. If you've like the bizarre humor from previous Scud stories, you'll enjoy the new one. (SCUD's original premise, briefly, is about a Scud, an android assassin normally programmed to explode once eliminating their mark. Our Scud, however, has taken on new jobs to pay for his critical-condition mark's life support, to keep himself alive.)
PREDATOR - DARK RIVER: (Dark Horse) I've always enjoyed Dark Horse comics, and while the first issue of this new series doesn't stray too far from the previous Predators, I still enjoy it.
STEVE ROGERS - CAPTAIN AMERICA: (Marvel) I was never really a Cap fan until my comic-writing friend Dave Anderson started raving about this series. The story is complete, but the books are still out there, and can be picked up rather easily. Captain America is suspected of treason and is stripped of his shield and uniform. Steve Rogers must now fight to clear his name and capture the real villains. The story has the feel of a Indiana Jones movie, is nonstop action, and is really well-written. Enjoy this series while you can, before Rob Liefeld's revamping/butchering, depending what side of the fence you're on (guess which side is my side), of the character in the next series.
STRAY BULLETS: (El Capitan) These eclectic books by Dave Lapham are now available as a single large hardcover book, Innocence and Nihilism. Readers will appreciate the storylines and great dialog (a large counter display dedicated to SB at Colliseum Comics in Kissimmee FLA pronounced, "If you like Pulp Fiction, you'll love this book!") , and the stories have a way of crawling into your head forever. But then, that's what a great story is supposed to do, isn't it?
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