Pick of the Week
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iFanboy
community think?
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Story by Kieron Gillen
Art by Jamie McKelvie
Published by Image Comics | $3.50
Believe it or not, we here at iFanboy, while we love comics, it is not our only passion. Oh no true believers, it’s true! Things such as film, baseball, and literature also take up our time besides our precious funny books. One other such passion that we all share in some shape or form is music. I know it’s a bit cliche’, I mean, show me someone who isn’t passionate about music in some way and I’ll show you someone who surely doesn’t have a soul. Music happens to be a pretty big thing to me. I can’t play a note, nor can I sing. But I can rock out and enjoy listening as if it were my life’s blood.
May 25, 1995 – Cynthia picked me up after school in her light blue Saturn and we set out on the Long Island Expressway to Queens to go pick up Jen. Both Cynthia and Jen’s boyfriends were in Europe on tour, so it would be just the three of us. Halfway to Queens, Cynthia asked me if I knew the free way to the city. Mistaking her question I said, with all my 18 years of wisdom, “New York doesn’t have freeways, we have parkways and expressways. Duh.” Little did I know she meant which bridge into Manhattan didn’t charge a toll, hence the free way to the city.
We ditched her car at a nearby garage and practically ran to the door of the club, Tramps, which has long since closed, and stood in line, waiting to get in. The first band had already started and you could feel the drums and the anxious energy through the sidewalk. We finally got through security and got into the club and pushed our way to the front, right up against the barricade. The lites dim and the crowd swells and the electric blue of the a neon sign lights up above the drum kit and it spells “Elastica.” The band comes out, and there she is: Justine Frischmann, former girlfriend of the lead singer of Suede, current girlfriend of Damon from Blur (and now Gorillaz), her short brown hair dropping down just to the left of her face, right in front of me, 6 feet away, at their first show in New York City and before I can catch my breath, I hear that familiar riff that sounded an awful lot like a Wire song… and the rest is hazy. But whatever else happened, I don’t remember specifically, but I remember how it felt, how to be moved by the catchy music, the banter in-between songs, the bottle of wine she finished during the set… the magic.
That was over 11 years ago. I remember it as if it was yesterday.
July 21, 2006 – We’re walking through the convention center floor, looking for some good long lines to interview people in. I’m finally getting my feel for the con, I don’t have to refer to the map anymore to find a booth and I know where the cookie stands are. We’re walking by the Image booth and I catch a glimpse of a poster hanging off the table. It’s the poster for a new comic called Phonogram . It literally stopped me in my tracks. I don’t know why. I read the poster and took a mental picture. This would be a book I’d want to check out. I don’t know why, I just felt as if it would be something I would be interested in. The cover reminded me of something. In the flurry of the con I didn’t realize it, but it was the subtle recognition, along with the record as an “O” in the title and the haircut on one of the girls on the cover that made me stop and take notice.
A month later, reading the first issue of Phonogram, I sit back in my chair and try to embrace the feeling of accomplishment. Not like I wrote or drew the book, but rather that I read it and was confirmed by my initial feeling that I would dig it. I was recently trying to explain a fairly vague concept to someone and I was at loss of words (as usual) and could only say, “You just get it. You see something, you hear something, and you know. You just know that this is it.”
In reading the back of Phonogram #1, writer Kieron Gillen explains the gist of the book: Music is Magic. Laden in brit pop, Phonogram #1 introduces us to David Kohl as he visits a Ladyfest event of live music performed by female singer/songwriters. About halfway through the book, it seems as if David has some sort of magical power and he has a female nemesis whom he’s never met in person, but has heard that she would be at the show that evening and the story goes from there. Dripping with music and pop culture references, Phonogram surprised me, in that usually I roll my eyes at the magic or occult approach. I’m not a big Hellblazer fan and try as I might, I can’t sit through more than two episodes of Buffy but there’s something about Phonogram that has me interested. Most likely the music, the fashion, the scene. This feels like a story in a world that I am very much familiar with and comfortable in. Comfortable enough that I can tolerate a little magic.
It was a very light week for me this week (thank god), and the choice for the Pick of the Week was down to Phonogram #1, The Boys #1 by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson and Fell #6 by Warren Ellis and Ben Templesmith. I felt The Boys #1 shows great promise, but much like Josh last week and post modern/self aware comics about making comics, I’m a little tired of the realistic take on superheroes (and yet I’m not over the comic cover as homage) and while this marks the first week I picked up Fell on the week it was released, it still leaves me a bit, “eh.” Don’t get me wrong, it’s very good and I highly recommend it, but it didn’t have me nearly as excited as Phonogram #1 did.
Did you read Phonogram #1? Add a comment and tell everyone what you think about this week’s comics!
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Wow! Where the heck did that pick come from?! It was good, but completely leftfield. This is August’s Cable & Deadpool.
Eh not completely out of left field, I failed to mention in the review that in addiition to the super hero fare, I, as well as Josh and Conor, do appreciate a good indie book, but unfortunately the capes and fights tend to get in the way when you’re only picking one book a week to discuss. So given that, it was nice to have a light week in terms of super heroes.
Even I can admit that this book was better than Cable/Deadpool #30. 😉
I am starting to mentally replace “Pick of the Week” with “Book I Am Positive My Comic Shop Was Not Even Selling, Otherwise I Swear I Would Have Seen It.” I’ma have to go get this one now, too. The Escapists worked out great. I even liked Cable & Deadpool, and I’m not even entirely sure who either of those people are.
I am not feeling the Ennis. I wasn’t really familiar with his work when I bought the Punisher arc “Confederacy of Dunces,” and that experience was not rewarding. “Well, if Daredevil and Spider-Man are guest starring, I guess… oh! Awesome! The author hates superheroes. I wish he had just named the arc ‘You Are Stupid’ and saved me some time.”
Ennis can be really hit and miss.
Preacher and his War Stories books are among his best stuff and among the best of comics in general.
Though I didn’t pick it up, I like this Pick of the Week. Its some good writing
My only new book this week was Civil War: X-Men #2, which was pretty good, I think. The one thing that bothered me was Cyclops being controlled by that weird mutant tentacle guy. I wanted the battle between him and Bishop to be about their differences in opinion, like Civil War is supposed to be, not some crazy mastermind making them do things because he hates mutants.
I also picked up Escapists #1 and the Toxin trade. Escapists was good, as we’ve been told, and while I haven’t gotten all the way through Toxin, I am very impressed with it so far. He’s an interesting character and it’s a well written comic. I was going to get Venom vs. Carnage first, so I could actually read his origin story, but I flipped through it and the art was horrid.
I had it in my hands and said…this is POW. BUt I didn’t get it=( Guess I better head back tommorrow. The Boys #1 rocked and the next one out in two weeks?!?! that great. I also heard they have 4-5 complete so no late books. Cool
i will have to check out phonogram after missing out on escapists (my shop actually sold out of issue #1). i enjoyed the boys but i hope its not just a story about a bunch of jerks who kick superheroes asses, which is the impression i got from this ish. of ennis’ work i’ve only read preacher, but for all its over the top violence and sex, there was a lot of heart, which is the main reason i enjoy that book so much (i’m only on the fourth trade, mind you). i thought civil war x-men wasn’t very good at all, and i enjoyed the first issue. the new anime sentinels look silly and a lot of the dialogue is laughable. i’ll probably end up getting the last two issues anyway cuz i’m a fool who likes me some x-men.
Neither X-Men nor Uncanny X-Men came out this week or next; what’s going on there? Was that always part of the plan?
X-Men and Uncanny weren’t set up to be released bi-weekly, they were simply double-shipped for the first month with the next teams doing them. Now that that month is done their back to being monthly.
I was at the comic shop today waiting to be rung up when I saw the book at the counter (where the store owner has his picks of the week laid out). The cover alone instantly reminded me of something, but I couldn’t quite put my tongue on what it was. I, unfortunately, only had time to thumb through it before I was rung up, and the whole ride home I was racking my brain to remember what the fuck that cover reminded me of. I’m pretty sure I ran a couple red lights because I was so deep in thought over the issue.
I came home, read your review, and, in a tone that was pretty close to somebody saying “eureka”, shouted, “Elastica! Of course! It’s the goddamn album cover!”
I’ll have to go back and see if they have another issue, but I’m wondering, how prominent is the band featured in the book? Are they the main characters or something (if they’re in the book at all)?
And, personally, I recommend you guys use “Line Up” for your intro music this week (seems like it’d be the best fit). 😉
The dude who writes this pimps his book on the SuicideGirls comic book message boards every once in a while. I have to admit, he left me intruiged.
I’m not even going to my shop this week. I’m kinda sorta broke and they won’t be carrying this. Maybe I can have them get it for me for next week.
Hey,
Thank you for the review!
Kal – Each issue cover is based on a Britpop-era cover, and we went with Elastica for the first issue because it’s the classic band-against-a-wall image. The band themselves don’t specifically feature in the comic, although they are of course referenced.
Jamie
I’m ordering the first one and pre-ordering the next two from comichole.com as I type this, since my shop won’t carry them.
I keep checking on that site for the Brubaker Criminal pre-order, but no luck yet. When will that be available?
Dude, I think the first issue of Criminal is set for 10-4, if that helps. Yes, I’ve marked my calendar, I’m that much looking forward to it.
Picked up The Boys on the strength of the team, as the concept did seem a bit tired. I enjoyed it enough to get the next one, but I wonder how long I’ll be on board for what appears to be just random senseless sex and violence. Excuse me now as I make it down from my faux moral highground.
eep! Sorry bout that… I already posted this message…
not that this has anything to do with the POW but what is a good WW 2 war comic that is similar to saving private ryan?
Similar in what sense? Tone? Plot? Characters?
These have been my favorite comic book WWII stories, by far:
War Stories, Vol. 1
The heroics of square-jawed U.S. soldiers epitomized by Joe Kubert’s Sgt. Rock were a comic-book mainstay in the 1950s and 1960s, but post-Vietnam antiwar attitudes put the nail in the war genre’s coffin. Here Ennis reinvents the war comic for current sensibilities. Four long stories, each illustrated by a different artist, present World War II from various viewpoints. An exhausted German tank crew in the war’s last days tries to be captured by Americans rather than vengeful Russians. The “D-Day Dodgers” fighting in Italy are accused of cowardice for escaping the “real” war. Jaded veterans sent to reconnoiter a remote chateau on the German front discover a cache of Nazi plunder. The crewmen of a British escort ship seek redemption after they’re shunned as sole survivors of a brutal German attack. The stories are inspired by real events; Ennis’ meticulous research guarantees verisimilitude, while his forceful characterization gives them remarkable power. Besides comics readers, fans of the movies Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers should appreciate them.
I love the superheros but this comic rocks!!! Nice choice of pick. You have taste
Man, i f*cking hate Kenickie.
Man, i f*cking hate Kenickie.
wow Chris, you made me laugh out loud. I dusted off my old Kenickie CD for the plane trip today and while I don’t hate them as much as you, they don’t hold a candle to Elastica…
Hey Ron, I notice there’s not an actual podcast link associated with Phonogram. Is there going to be one?
Absolutley. The podcast goes live Sunday evening EST. It will be available around then.
Fantastic. I look forward to hearing it.
Back in those days I was listening to Sleeper, Blur and Presidents of the USA… I wasn’t particularly big into music though, only being about 12. Still, I had a healthy dislike of Kenickie which I maintain to this day. Elastica were one of those bands I had on compilation cassettes and liked, but didn’t ever buy an album.
This seems strange to post in this thread, because it has been light on the cape-talk, but I was blown away by 52 this week. The original Booster Gold series was a favorite of mine growing up, and the Giffen/DeMatties JLI run still ranks as one of my top 5 favorite comic books. They really are all dead now. I know 52 hasn’t been a favorite of anyone on the board, but the last month has been great. They weren’t kidding about it unfolding like a novel.
Speaking of novels, since it was a light week, I picked up Rucka’s Q&C novel, A Gentlemen’s Game. So far it reads just like Q&C. If you’re a fan of the comics, you should get it. Has anyone tried a Meltzer novel? I LOVE his comics, but the novels sound like Grisham.
On the Rucka subject, Checkmate #5 was great. I hope Mr. Terrific is in both this series and in the new JS of A series, too. He’s a great character. I’m excited to see the Suicide Squad show up here. Does anyone else remember the John Ostrander Suicice Squad run? Another fave of mine. Hey… why is DC killing the favorite characters of my youth?
Don’t worry about it, this is where you can talk about comics from the week. We’ll talk about 52 in the podcast this week. I think all 3 of us agree it’s been pretty good for the last few weeks as well.
Also, I’ve been meaning to bring it up, but I just finished Gentleman’s Game a week or two ago, and it was great. You don’t really need to have read the comics, but it makes it better if you did. But it fits perfectly into the narrative of the comic as well. Good recommendation.
I think Geoff Johns said Mr. Terrific would be in JSA and Checkmate.
Good news about Mr. Terrific. I don’t think he can support his own book (sales-wise), but I’d love to see him in two monthlies.
Josh – I’m really enjoying A Gentleman’s Game. My plan was to wait until the conclusion of the current Q&C arc to read the second novel, because it is supposed to bridge the gap, but I’m not sure I can wait. I’m even tempted to try one of Rucka’s other novels, although they don’t sound near as interesting. He’s just so good.
Also, I’ve just finished the second Sleeper trade, and I’m totally hooked on it. Thanks for the recommendation. I think I’m going to the LCS tomorrow to get 3 and 4. I HIGHLY recommend Sleeper to anyone who hasn’t read it. Especially if you love Brubaker. Has anyone else read all of Starman? It’s my favorite comic of all time, but you guys seem to hate James Robinson for some reason. I was away from comics for a while. Did he do something Liefeldian?
Did anyone else not miss Civil War titles this week? I’m not clicking with this story anymore, because the delays have simply not pissed me off.
I am SORELY missing the Civil War stuff right now. And Daredevil.
I think that on big projects such as Civil War Marvel/DC should give the creative team a huge lead-in so that scheduling problems like this don’t happen. I have a feeling that this is how things are going with Ultimates Vol 3 + 4. I rest the blame for the Civil War delays solely on Marvels shoulders for rushing the project out, rather than Steve McNiven’s.
Hey Ron,
funny to hear you say that you don’t like the new sentinels in “x-men Civil war” cuz when i picked up the cover i thought “COOOL”. But it did suck that all they could do was freeze his head.
Anyway, we already saw new sentinels in X-men #186 War Wachine and Crazy Train. Not sure where these new ones fit in compared to the one in
X-men 186. Hopefully they settle on a design.
i don’t think the delays bother me so much, especially considering this week seems like its gonna be huge regardless of any delays. the only thing i feel weird about are the comparisons of civil war lateness to dark knight and watchmen. does it seem a little farfetched to anyone else? does bryan hitch think that the quality of civil war is up to those standards? i’m not denying the merit of the current crossover which i am enjoying very much but i think its a little early to be comparing it to dark knight or watchmen in any capacity.
I don’t think he’s comparing Civil War ot Watchmen/Dark Knight in terms of quality or historical import, more in terms of in a few years when you look back on a seminal work – and I don’t think you can say that Civil War isn’t turning out to be seminal – you will care more that the artistic merits are consistent and not that it was late when it first shipped.
i think civil war is seminal or important in terms of its effect on the marvel universe, but i don’t think its going to be very influential on the way comics are written or seen as whole, like watchmen/dark knight. i guess you could say i am more a fan of the civil war experience, that is to say the effect it has on other marvel books and the new directions it can give to future marvel stories, than of the main series. the main book itself seems more to me like a series of vignettes of different parts of the marvel universe, rather than any kind of cohesive story.
Actually, while I don’t know how seminal Civil War will be in terms of advancing the medium or storytelling to the next level, you might be surprised at its staying power as a milestone years from now. And I don’t just mean as a milestone in terms of Marvel comics; assuming it ends up delivering on its early promise, this could be one of those stories you show to kids 10-20 years from now to help them understand what the American zeitgeist was like in 2006. Where our heads were at, so to speak.
Or it could just be House of M all over again. Only time will tell.
Okay, here’s a link to the update Civil War checklist, courtesy of IGN.
http://comics.ign.com/articles/726/726539p1.html
Civil War isn’t going to be bimonthly, they are just pushing back #4 and #5 and then continuing monthly from there.
Just look at this little break in Civil War. It’s like an intermission. Go stretch your legs, check out the concession stand and buy some Goobers.
I plan on using the time to pimp this series out to some friends who haven’t been reading it. They are guys who stopped reading comics, but I know would be into this thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfDXlgmKFyU
Aaaand we’re back!
14 books this week.
I gotta hand it to the comicholers, they got me Phonogram #1 by yesterday and, like Josh or Ron (interchangable) said, they package the hell out of that shit.
NEXTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
STOP MAKING EXCUSES FOR MARVEL MESSING UP AGAIN
Good commentary on the Civil War delays at the 4th Rail. Pretty much sums up what I think of it…
http://www.thefourthrail.com/features/0806/thoughtballoons19.shtml
I agree that the biggest thing that Marvel has to worry about is the reaction to the delays by new readers. They could have easily just unraveled all the good work they’ve done in bringing people back to comics. Only time will tell, I guess.
But as I said in the podcast, I really don’t care – as long as they don’t bring in fill-in artists.
Oh hey, did anyone notice that there was no heat reference this week?
There wasn’t? there should have been, hotter’n hell in Seattle last week…of course the 4 days I’m there, it doesn’t rain and its nothing but sun…
You know Supernova is Booster Gold, right?
Say what?
Supernova is a killer all-star band with Jason Newstead, Tommy Lee, and that dude from Gn’R. No way that they can all be Booster Gold. Just no way.
If by ‘killer’ you mean, ‘worthy of pity’, then you’re right.
Seriously though, word on the street is Supernova is some incarnation of Booster Gold.
if by ‘worthy of pity’ you mean ‘best band ever,’ yeah.
They’re not ‘Damnocracy’
Bach, Nugent, Seinfeld, Ian, Bonham.
Live it!
May, 1995: Comic books was the last thing on my mind. One month before graduation, I’d just gotten accepted at the University and I was trying to find what would be my first appartement. My whole life revolved around brit pop (which was still called “indie pop” at the time): Oasis, Suede, Teenage Fanclub, Gene and Blur (the previous summer I’d bought a pair of Doc Martens and started to wear turn-ups on my jeans after seeing the video for Chemical World). And I’d started digging a bit deeper and was picking up records by the Jam, the Who and Rolling Stones (but only the stuff where Brian Jones still played guitar).
Man those were the days!
So yeah I think I just might check out this book…
Another great podcast guys! Even though it was a bit weird hearing my name read on the air with the English pronounciation and all…
Keep up the great work!
I happened to be listening to this weeks podcast on the way to the comic store and ended up picking up phonogram based on it being POW. Great book. I got a little lost neat the end, but i was listening to the rest of the podcast too. Now i think im going to pick up the escapists. Keep up the good work guys!
I’m downloading Kenickie as I type this…
You pronounced my name right!
Whew – its the little things, right? 🙂 Usualy we (or I) butcher name pronounciation…glad to hear we got one right..