I’ve read and written about quite a few books that you’ll be hearing about soon. I’ve conducted interviews with several notable writers in the comic field – the first of which is up now with Selwyn Hinds of Vertigo’s Dominique Lavaeu: Voodoo Child. He’s put out a great comic and was a joy to talk to.
Today, I’ve got a handful of single issues to talk about below if you’ll let me. Please let me.
Hellraiser Annual #1
As I said last week, the Hellraiser ongoing series is one of my favorites and with this new annual they’ve created a great jumping on point for any interested parties. Sure, the first 12 issues are worth your time if you’re a fan, but if you were curious at all about the content of the story or the type of aesthetics they’re using here look no further than this issue.
Since it’s an annual, it is a little pricier than the regular series, but it’s worth it with no ads and two stories inside that deal with the larger arc you’ll get what you pay for. Clive Barker does most of the writing for the regular series, so it might come as a surprise that the better of the two stories wasn’t written by him. Of course, Barker and Mark Miller’s Closer to God is a great read for the mythos, and has disgusting, but remarkable art by Jesus Hervas. It isn’t as noteworthy for the comic series and the legends of Hellraiser as a whole as Brandon Seifert and Michael Montenat’s My Enemy’s Enemy.”
Fans of Barker and the Hellraiser won’t be disappointed with these, unless you don’t like the direction that Pinhead has been taken in the story – in which case you might be quite disappointed with the way this turns out. Expect a lot of gore for this book. Heads are rolling and it couldn’t be better.
Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #8
Jeff Lemire has got Frankenstein’s voice down. Being the title character helps, but it seems like the rest of the Creature Commandos haven’t yet evolved from the typical monster warriors that we saw in the first arc. Lady Frankenstein, on the other hand, has been developed even further than her lover. There is definite talent behind these two voices and I hope Lemire stays on the book for as long as possible (which could be very finite unfortunately).
I think one of the people that has benefited the most from the DC reboot is the artist of this comic Alberto Ponticelli. Not only does he get to draw the classic monsters that we love, and in some of the most weird battles we’ve seen in the reboot, but he’s received the chance to create some of his own nightmares. The design for the Frankenstein family son is some of his best work. It is the definition of a great monster. This comic is also a great jumping on point for anyone interested in the series. Get on board folks, this one is going places fast.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer #8
It’s an interesting story, I’ll give it that, but it’s already started to deviate from the first seven issues that felt so much like episodes of Buffy plucked from the television. I’m hoping the comic can redeem itself in the next few issues because right now it seems like it’s on a crash course to Are you kidding me?-ville. The art is no different from the rest of the comics and neither are the style of jokes, but if you like either of them this should be an issue that you enjoy.
Saucer Country #2
I will say, though, some people might find it confusing, I like how this comic doesn’t take the time to make sure you remember everything form the previous issue. It assumes since you’re picking up this one that you know what’s going on and you don’t need to have your hand held. My comparison of the first issue to a television pilot was correct in that regard. Instead of feeling like a story being told in a comic book and being written for the graphic novel, as most comics feel nowadays, this feels like the continuation of a serialized sci-fi epic.
I like where this book is headed, still. If you have even a passing interest in alien fiction, especially aliens that are the antithesis of E.T. then Saucer Country is for you.
WELL! We’ve made it through the second edition of the new column. Big thanks once again to Selwyn Hinds for taking the time to do an interview with us. We’ve got a lot more graphic novel reviews coming up for you guys and a lot of corresponding interviews with creators. Stay tuned and get excited.
