Good Morning and welcome to the days before the apocalypse. It’s been a funny week. Time escaping as work piles up, comics are read and the world grows more stupid by the day. As much as a lot of comics fans (and creators) seem to consider themselves outside of the mainstream we can’t help but be affected just a little bit by the bowel movements of what some refer to as the real world.
This week has been no different. The angrily spat gripes of the elections have moved on to criticism of the newer politicians, much like the old ones who felt the brunt of moaning housewives on the internet everywhere. Meanwhile, a Presidential candidate gets shot and elsewhere everyone pretends that there are no rape or sexual abuse allegations against beloved Neil Gaiman out there hiding behind corners. Whilst one incident happened in plain site, the other did not. All I would encourage anyone to do is avoid and ignore the noise on social media and listen to the accounts of those who were there. It is hard to hear, and that may be why you should try. Here is the link to the podcast that offers the accounts of two women. (I listened on Spotify) I think it also makes a good attempt at balance in dealing with a difficult subject. Make your own mind up. I have. But remember, sensitivity and due process are important.
Sorry to begin on a downer.
Let’s change the mood. In just a few short days it will be Qvention. The Q himself is now in the country and we will be gathering to talk comics and welcome his good self back to Mother London. All are welcome. But be warned – it’s not really a convention and it is absolutely nothing to do with Q(Anon).
This week over at the ACP we had the guys from Green Archer Comics in for a chat. They are a relatively new small press publisher with bags of enthusiasm and a love for new and old comics. It made for a fun and often hilarious conversation. Have a listen here and then head over and pledge to their new Kickstarter here.
On to the task at hand. For those new to this weekly column I choose the favourite thing I read and the least favourite. Some cracking comics this week. I read 96 comics from which I choose.
Tops.
It’s a tie for the first time so far. The two titles were chosen for vastly different reasons and show some breadth in my reading choices. First up is the Wolverine: Blood Hunt mini-series. Honestly, it’s just fun. And that was all I needed at that point in my week. The interior art by Juan Jose Ryp pushed it over into a big favourite. I read the first three issues in a ‘rip’ on Sunday morning over a coffee. Nothing deep, nothing meta (Oh, how I hate that word), just plain action adventure.
The other ‘Top’ was in fact a reread. I had read this as a digital download while I was at the Heroes Convention and had to grab a physical copy. It felt like it had never been away and Buddy was again his everyman, annoying outsider, selfish, neurotic self. Great to see that the second issue is released next week.
Bottoms.
Honestly, there are worse comics out there than this series. But it has become mired down in over complicated and boring storytelling. What has happened to Batman that every single (overly long) story arc has to have earth-shattering ramifications for the Batman. I’ve been reading Batman for over 50 years and it has never been such a chore to read! The covers are not in a style that encourages people to pick them up. If you want to write a series this boring then go write fantasy novels!
Many thanks for reading.
Never Iron Anything - The Comics Review Website 