The Ettatorial for the Week of 4-22-09
The biggest, and best week of comics that I can think of in recent years. That’s the only way this week’s great stack of books could be described. I purchased more books this week than I have in quite some time, and after reading them realized that the level of quality across the board made this a special week indeed. I easily could have put every book up as a pick of the week, but after careful deliberation, the two books I picked were the two that rang the most true for me.
First up this week is Detective Comics #853. The second part of Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert’s “What Ever Happened to the Caped Crusader” arc, this book cemented itself for me as one of the few Batman stories that are so classic, so iconic, that everyone should read them. While others in that list, such as Batman Year One, are ones that are around to fit into and serve a continuity purpose or to show off a writer and/or artist’s skills, this book fits into another category-a tale that transcends the writer, artist, and even the character, and instead is a timeless tale that fits into our modern mythology. This second part of the tale finishes the story, providing the reader with a fitting tale that explains just exactly what Batman as a character is all about, why he’s necessary in society, and his role in our mythology of heroes of today. No matter your experience with the character, from the original back from the 1930s to the 1960′s tv show to the Miller’s Dark Knight, you will find YOUR version here. Gaiman’s prose is beautiful throughout, and Andy Kubert has made this two-parter into his artistic masterpiece. This should be on everyone’s reading list, and on their book shelf next to Alan Moore’s Superman masterpiece “What Ever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow”.
The other pick for this week is Ignition City #2. While the first issue of the book just came out two weeks ago, the second issue is already out this week (apparently due to a scheduling mistake at Diamond Comics Distributors if the rumors are correct). While I raved about the first issue, this second issue is an even bigger improvement. I will go so far to say it may be Ellis’ best work after Transmetropolitan, and considering the output and acclaim his other work receives, that is saying something. I want this as a show on HBO just so I can watch it every week, it’s that perfect. It is a book meant for mature audiences, so those not able to handle language should steer clear, just as you should steer away from quality programs such as Deadwood. This issue sets up much of the plot for the rest of this first mini-series, yet the storytelling and detail make that plot secondary in my enjoyment of the series. From details about spaceflight, to world history, to bits of language and cuisine, this is a fully realized world that deserves an ongoing series just to explore more than what a mini-series could ever provide.
There you have it folks, your picks for this week. I’ll see you back here next week, same time, same channel.
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detective comics, ignition city, neil gaiman, warren ellisRelated posts
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