Pick of the Week
What did the
iFanboy
community think?
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Story by Andy Diggle
Art by Leonardo Manco
Colors by Lee Loughridge
Letters by Jared K. Fletcher
Published by DC Comics/Vertigo | $2.99
Yeah, I know I’m the only one reading this book, but for a few stalwarts among you. I can almost hear the faint eye-rolling and sighing of my partners as they refresh their browsers to see what I went with, knowing that they’re really not going to have much to say. But the rules of our endeavor state that I must pick the book which I liked the most this week, and this was the only book I read that I enjoyed from cover to cover.
Yet, I can’t tell if everyone should be reading this book or not. I can clearly see how it’s not for everyone. One thing writer Andy Diggle does not do, is hold the reader’s hand. The book’s dialog is written in relatively authentic vernacular, and if you don’t have a pretty good grasp on working class London speech and culture, then you might find yourself a bit lost. I enjoy that particular aspect very much, and the denser it is, the more I feel I’m getting out of the read. Even more so, I do think that a lot of people, who would otherwise like this title avoid it for fear of too much baggage. There are 240 issues of this title. It’s dense and has a lot of history. However, I would be hard pressed to think of a longer running book with so many easy places to jump on. Almost every arc is a good place to start. Hellblazer has a history, but if you like the material, it’s very accessible. I can’t really think of a recurring thread over the last 7 years I’ve been reading this, other than the entirely unique and intriguing character of John Constantine. And don’t you dare hold Keanu Reeves against this book. In a way, Hellblazer is really not that unlike House. There’s a character who is fascinating to watch, and every 6 issues or so, he finds himself in another pickle. He then uses his unique skills to solve the problem. John Constantine is the constant which makes this fun to read.
This was the first issue of a new 6 part arc, and John learns that he really is a constant, and ever since the beginning of man, there he has been there in some capacity, and known as the laughing magician, a necessary component to mankind, and often there to save the world. Now, if you know Constantine, you’d know that this is quite ironic, as he positions himself as arrogant and selfish, a posture almost everyone believes, except for the reader, who knows that Constantine always does the right thing, and even though absolutely no one in his world knows it, he’ll keep risking himself to do so. Of course, Constantine is being told this because of an imminent threat to the world itself posed by a demonic evil being who consumes the magic of magicians and mages to gain strength. This has pretty much happened over and over to Constantine, but it remains entertaining because of the strength of the character.
So, Constantine learns this about himself, and tells the messenger (a shaman who died and put part of his memory in a tree root which was then smuggled into the UK at great personal peril to the bearer) that he’s full of shit, and his magic is nothing special, which is the tough front he puts up to protect others from the fact that danger follows him always. What I’m saying is, this guy is every bit as much of a hero as Superman, but without anyone knowing it. Who does that make the bigger hero?
The issue ends with a really spectacular plane crash, and the foreboding of doom in future issues, like any good comic book. That’s the thing about Hellblazer. At its heart, it’s just a superhero comic book about the king of all antiheroes. You’ve got to work at it a little harder than most books, sure. But that tends to make it more worth it. At the same time, you’ve got a writer, in Andy Diggle, and an artist, in Leonardo Manco, who have this whole world down completely cold. So, if you’ve ever thought about maybe trying this book out, why not start with this story? There’s no backstory or confusing continuity that ever gets in the way of this being a quality title with a great main character. If you’re a little tired of the constant superhero events, and tie-ins and fill-ins, and if you’ve got a bit of love for British culture, there are few better books out there.
Did you read Hellblazer #240? Add a comment and tell everyone what you think about this week’s comics!
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Haven’t read it yet, but am really looking forward to it.
It also marks the book’s 20th anniversary. How’s that for a Vertigo book?
Hellblazer was good this week but I think that 239 was better. I liked the call back to the very first story arc, I thought that was pretty radical.
My pick of the week was Dan Dare, that book blows me away with a ray gun of scifi goodness every month.
And X-Men sucked. It sucked so hard I kind of wish Bishop’s bullet leap from the pages and took me out instead of Charles. I can’t believe this storyline, essentially the main point of it was to get me to buy X-factor, Cable and Uncanny X-men to figure out what happened. I call a redo, this time with some answers.
Great pick man. Such a consistently good book. Happy to see it on the board this week. I work at a comic shop and it IS interesting that the only other people who pick this up are non-comic readers. Totally on the nose that this is, however, a superhero book at its core.
Don’t read this book (maybe I should), so I can’t comment on it.
My POW was definitely Superman Batman #45. I picked up #44 (which I remember Conor had liked) and #45 on a whim– and man, I really enjoyed them.
I’d give “honorable mention” to Wonder Woman #16. I wasn’t entirely sure about Gail Simone’s new run after the first issue or two, but with #16 (the 3rd issue in her run), I’m sold.
Finally, I also enjoyed the Golden Age goodness of JLA Classified #51 this week. Seeing old-school Hal Jordan, Green Arrow, Martian Manhunter, Aquaman, etc. together again did my heart good. And reminded me that the animated New Frontier is coming out in about a month.
I’ve never gotten into Hellblazer but I have friends who love it — I’ll be listening to the pick with interest.
Honestly, I think the best thing I read this week was “X-men: First Class,” which with Eric Nguyen’s art and a darker/ more interior storyline than they’ve done in the past was a striking departure for the series (though I hope it resumes its usual adorable ways, soon).
I also have to throw in a plug for The Order #7 –it doesn’t matter if you’ve been reading this series, folks, it’s a marvelous one-shot about Namor and I love what Barry Kitson does with a page.
I’m glad I’m not alone. I knew I wasn’t crazy.
I always wanted to start reading this book, but i really don’t know where to jump in. Out of my stack this week i think Countdown stole the show for me. It was one of those books that made me wanting more. A close second had to go to Amazing
Spider-Man 548.
After I finished this book, I prayed that Josh had the pick this week. It’s kind of sad when you sit down at your computer and pump your arm, saying, “Yes!”
This issue was sooooo good, and Diggle has been rocking this book so hard since he came on. I’m really amped for the rest of this storyline.
I’m surprised too by the response. I didn’t know so many people read this book because no one seems to talk about it. I thought for sure this would be another thread filled with people’s boos. Color me happy on that one.
BTW, Punisher this week was hella brutal. Seriously, most brutal death ever.
I always wanted to start reading this book, but i really don’t know where to jump in.
Now!
Glad to see someone out there besides me reads this book. The title has had it’s ups and downs over the years, but has really picked up steam of late.
This is one of the few I’ve stuck with rain or shine since #1, and glad it’s still rolling strong.
Now only if they could make a Swamp Thing book that doesn’t suck…
All I got that was new this week was Ultimate Iron Man II #2, and Authority #whatever. Neither were too impressive, but okay.
I did buy both Green Lantern #25 & #26 though. And despite that fact that I’ve never read a GL book before, I’d heard so many good things about the Sinestro Corps war that I figured, “What the hell, I’ll give it a whirl.” And now I think, “Fuck that was good, I wish I’d started it from the beginning.” I now hold you all personally responsible for not convincing me to pick up this book a long time ago.
I just ordered up Rebirth, and the first two trades of the new series. Is there anything else you guys think I desperately need to get in order to get up to speed on what’s going on right now? I’m looking at getting all the back issues of the Sinestro Corps war, but I mean other than that.
Well, we do a show about it every week…
😉
only two books this week (X-Men 207 and Gotham Underground 4), and neither of them really blew me away. I still liked Gotham Underground, and it was still good but it wasn’t awesome.
Therefore, my pick of the week would have to be the first 8 trades of Preacher, which have been AMAZING. Finishing the ninth one tonight, and them moving on to the first three trades of X-Factor (which I’ve decided to start picking up)
“I also have to throw in a plug for The Order #7 –it doesn’t matter if you’ve been reading this series, folks, it’s a marvelous one-shot about Namor and I love what Barry Kitson does with a page.”
I just heard on Augie’s podcast that The Order got cancelled. Sad.
My book of the week WAS NOT Teen Titans #55–not a bad story, but the art was TERRIBLE! Wonder Girl looked different in nearly every panel!
That said, Crime Bible #4 was really good. The art was fantastic. To state the obvious, this is a really bloody book–almost Vertigo bloody.
This was a crappy week for me. Not a whole lotta comic goodness. I have to go with Crime Bible: 52 (something or another): Books of Blood.
Oh, and the Comics Now Magazine that was made by the CGS podcast guys was pretty friggin cool (though I know that it isn’t a comic).
the Tiki
I have been loving what Andy Diggle has been doing so far. I think it’s awesome that he ties this arc into the first arc of the series. If you are not reading this book give it a try.
I’m dying to hear what Ron thought about the conclusion to Messi-eh Complex
My book of the week WAS NOT Teen Titans #55–not a bad story, but the art was TERRIBLE! Wonder Girl looked different in nearly every panel!
Totally agree! Not only that, the art made the TEEN Titans look like they’re 30-40 year olds…but I guess that’s nitpicky
Am I the only one who thought this week’s Countdown was pretty good?
Young Avengers is worth mentioning, even if just for reading Brubaker’s (or Bucky’s to be most precise) rejoinder to the Frontline Crap about Cap being out of touch.
The Order IS ending with issue 10, which saddens me — but the issues that are out there have been fantastic, and this week’s issue was some of the best Namor in ages.
I picked up “Crime Bible,” too, belatedly. It’s great continuity porn for anybody who’s read Denny O’Neil’s “Question” (at one point I might have pumped my fist and said “Myra!”) I still have no clue about the plot of the series, but if Greg’s general premise is that Renee is turning into Vic Sage, I can get behind that.
My pick was iron man 25 even though it inherited the useless back matter from spider-man. I’ll go pick up hellblazer, and if I like it I will hate you for showing me a good book to get now.
I was just about ready to give up on Teen Titans. But I thought #55 was great.
Teen Titans had a reat story but real crappy art.
Not surprised The Order was cancelled..I quit it after issue #3. Anyone know if the crappy Avengers Initiative was cancelled yet ?
I expect the ’51 State Inititave’ storyline to be done any day now. The Order’s canellation is the first sign of that. Add to that Marvel going back on Spideys identity revelation, and I’m sure the Registration Act will be repelled any moment now so we can forget about how Millar turned the Marvel Universe into a bunch of a$$holes. But wait..isn’t he doing Fantastic Four soon ?? AGHHHHHHHHHHHH..I’m sure Sue will be cheating on Reed and the Thing will be eating puppies by the second issue of his run.
And kudos to iFanboy for turning me on to Fell…bought the latest and some back issues ..great stuff !!
Post-show post — thanks for the info on Spider-Man, though really, Josh, I promise that saying ‘616’ out loud won’t make Mephisto materialize in your living room or anything —
Also, thanks to Ron for swearing about ‘The Order’ being cancelled. Fraction’s a major talent, The Order was not perfect but one of the most original books on the market, and Marvel never figured out how to sell it.
Also, based on an informal poll of my friends, Conor’s suggestion of having Wolverine jump into Gambit’s mouth and kill him from inside is the best idea ever.
You guys rock; keep it up.
Hey guys – re: Messaih Complex. Young Bishop said that a mutant messiah was born 80 years ago, that everyone tried to kill her when she was born, and that ultimately, at some point, she killed a million humans – causing the mutant camps etc. Whether she turns out to be Rachael or Jean or somebody else, surely that’s your answer to the importance of this kid, and the reason Bishop shot(through teleporting Cable and baby) Prof. X. You got all that right?!?
You’re coming to Emerald City? (I haven’t listened to the podcast yet just read the show notes). That’s awesome. It’s a great Con, though having only been to it I can’t really judge it objectively.
Hey guys – re: Messaih Complex. Young Bishop said that a mutant messiah was born 80 years ago, that everyone tried to kill her when she was born, and that ultimately, at some point, she killed a million humans – causing the mutant camps etc. Whether she turns out to be Rachael or Jean or somebody else, surely that’s your answer to the importance of this kid, and the reason Bishop shot(through teleporting Cable and baby) Prof. X. You got all that right?!?
Yes.
I just listened to the podcast, specifically the review of Ultimates 3, and I just have to vent.
My tastes are usually a balance between Josh, Ron, and conor’s. I love the X-Men and continuity, Batman is my favorite chracter, but my favorite comics are the indie and Vertigo books. I love Sandman, Preacher, Ultimate Spider-Man, Invincible, Walking Dead, Watchmen, Dark Knight Returns, Blankets, Box Office Poison, Stranger sin Praradise, and Savage Dragon was the book that got me into comics. (just so you know where I am coming from)
I absolutely, cannot stand Ultimates 3. I loved the first couple of issues of Ultimates 1, then it got shaky, but I eventually really, really liked it. As mucha s I liked Ultimates, I liked Ultiamtes 2 about twice as much. Even with the delays which annoyed me to no end. I thought Ultimates 2 resolving things with Thor and the ultra conspiracy and all of it was amazing.
I loved the Ultiamtes because it was a realistic, well somewhat hyper-realistic, celebritified version of the Marvel characters. It cast them as the celebrities they woudl be and had them act as unbalanced as I think msot people woudl given their setting and circumstances.
Ultiamtes 3 destroyed that. It isn’t real. It isn’t the Ultimate Universe. It is a reduction of the Ultimates to the Avengers, and it discards everything that made the Ultimates unique.
Is the action kidn of exciting? Sure. Is the art visually interesting? Sure. Do the chracters dress, act, talk, or think like they did in the first two, acclaimed runs? Not at all.
It seems like Loeb has never read a single issue of the first two Ultimates series. The costumes here look as unrealistic as can be, a throwback to the mid-nineties. The dialogue is hokey and chracter inappropriate. Ron’s Spider-Man observation was spot-on. Thor suddenly speaks like Marvel Universe Thor because he got laid? Seriously? Is he a 15 year old that needed a girlfriend to feel okay about being who he is? What is this!?!?!?! He even speaks more hyperbolically than JMS’s Thor. Hawkeye is becomign the Punisher. Did anyone see a bow? An arrow? I didn’t. He doesn’t act as cold and believably traumatized as the Punisher though. No, he acts like…I don’t know speedball meets the Joker.
Venom invading? The Brotherhood? Wolverine? Can anyone say throw as many guest chracters into a book to make it seem visually intereting but without any depth of story or chracter focus?
I honestly don’t know if I have ever hated a writer/artist’s reinvention of a character/book as much as I do this, and I was an X-Men fan before Austen took it over.
I don’t understand how people can like this if they’ve read any Ultiamtes book.
I don’t understand how people can like this if they’ve read any Ultiamtes book.
It’s rather easy if you didn’t really love the first two volumes of The Ultimates.
That said, it’s far from a perfect comic book.
I understand how the book can seem alright to those who haven’t read or aren’t a fan of the first two volumes of The Ultimates. I actually included that caveat because of Conor’s opinions on the podcast, and upon thinking about it Bendis does sometimes have Ultimate Universe Spidey use elderly Jewish slang randomly, making the screwball comment less out of place.
I mainly just needed to vent I think. If it came across as direct insult or criticism of anyone who enjoyed the book it was unintentional. The only people I would criticize about that book are the creators. I’m just sad that the Ultimate Universe is quickly coming closer to 616 continuity.
Also, I should not type a post under a time limit ever again. Those typos are painful.
Josh,
Not sure if you realized that the whole ‘laughing magician’ bit was a callback to the old ‘Books of Magic’ prestige mini by Gaiman back in the early 90s. It was in that series, when Tim is taken to the end of time, that he meets a version of Constantine, ‘The Laughing Magician’.
Didn’t know if anybody remembered that. On a side note, JK Rowling needs to cut Neil Gaiman a big, fat, check.
I was informed of as much over in the Rev3 forums, but as I said there, it’s awesome that I can enjoy it either way, as can you knowing that.