By Brian K Vaughan and Niko Henrichon Even though it is based on a true story, the concept of four lions escaping from Baghdad Zoo during the recent war in Iraq is a strange starting point for a graphic novel, even if it is written by the man who bought…
Buffy the Vampire Slayer #19 This is the fourth part of 'Time Of Your Life', in which Joss Whedon has brought Fray, the vampire slayer from the future he created in his first comic book work, into the fold of the official Buffy lore. For some reason, time travel stories…
Astonishing X-Men #19–24 and Giant-Size Astonishing X-Men #1 by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday After the first three trades, Joss Whedon brings to a conclusion his X-Men story in rousing fashion, and his tribute to the Claremont/Byrne days is complete. Not that this is a negative – there is nothing…
Before I talk about the comic books I bought this week, I just wanted to mention Screenwipe – Charlie Brooker, the scabrous and viciously funny journalist/presenter, returns to BBC4 to review and comment on recent events. Best programme on television at the moment, and you should be watching it. On…
Power Pack: Day One #1–4 by Fred Van Lente and GuriHiru Back in March, when I first read about the mini-series, I took a slightly defensive stance to the announcement – why should they revisit an already perfect story? Hmm? On reflection, this was perhaps an over-reaction to a completely…
Action Comics #858–863 by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank There are certain writers of a large stature in the comic book field who I don't really understand why they are so popular and I don't really like the work of theirs I have read. One such writer is Jeph Loeb…
So, the irregularity of posting recently might suggest an upheaval of some sorts, disrupting my attempts at consistent posting (I try to have a post every weekday, if you were wondering). This change is also the reason for this post, and I hope is a regular feature. I recently got…
All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder #1–9 by Frank 'Goddamn' Miller and Jim Lee Brian Michael Bendis once talked about breaking the internet in half, but I would posit that Frank Miller's return to Batman is the divisive superhero book that has divided opinions on the blogospher in…
Scalped #6–11 by Jason Aaron and RM Guéra Garth Ennis, in his introduction, asks the reader to blog about Scalped – it's taken me a long time, and I don't think my post will be of benefit, but I had to say my bit because this book is just really…
By Chris Giarrusso Back in 1999–2000, the Bullpen Bits ran in the back of Marvel comics books; the strip featured kid counterparts of superheroes and villains. They were charming four-panel strips that shone with a light-heartedness that is missing from a lot of comics today. Since those single strips, Giarrusso…