Sunday Reading
Time to make the end run of the year folks and to kick-start this final month of 2011 let’s take a look at these great reads: Legion Secret Origin, Spaceman #2 and Daredevil #6.
It was a small week for comics this last week as we hit one of those 5th week type happenings, but while we may not have much to choose from it seems that there are still some standouts among the bloc comics pile.
Spaceman #2
First up we have an offering from the world of Vertigo as relayed to us by Adam Schiewe. I have to admit that this is a book completely under my radar at this point and I had to take a moment to do a Google search to learn more about it. If it’s good enough to make our list however maybe DC needs to give it a little bigger push in the marketing department. Let’s see what Adam has to say:
“I feel like I have read more issue 2’s lately than any other number, between the new 52 and Marvel’s Ultimates and Big Shots books as well as the X-Men re-launches. But amongst all those #2’s there are few I would put up there with Spaceman #2 as an issue that builds up the pace set by issue 1 and adds more world building than I would have imagined possible in a single issue. We get more back story, deeper linguistics from this future world as well as a great continuation of the story. Azzarello and Risso are creating a deep world here that is full of potential, and it shows no signs of slowing down.”
Sounds like a pretty dense read and a great world building issue. I would love for Vertigo to get a bigger push in today’s market; they seem to have lost some of the drive they had early on.
Daredevil #6
It sounds like Marvel might be embracing a more old school take on Daredevil than we have seen in some time. I think it is also nice that a street level book like this is also being written in such a manner that it is open to all age groups. Too often street level books seem to get bogged down in being gritty and gory that they lose sight of telling a good tale. Once again the ever proficient Adam shares his insights:
“Month in and month out this is one of my favorite books Marvel is putting out. It’s a deep read with amazing visuals and most importantly it has heart. This is a book where you can feel the passion in the pages and script, it’s a book I feel comfortable giving anyone of any age to read and enjoy. This book has an overarching plot that still manages to make the single issues feel like they matter. This is a happy Daredevil, and this book feels like one from times past when I read it. Give it a shot; I doubt you’ll be disappointed.”
I, Vampire #3
From Bob Francis: One of the things I truly, truly love about this series so far is that each issue stands on its own while still advancing the main story arc. Here we meet two new characters in the form of old and new friends: experienced vampire hunter John Troughton and a girl named Tig. Troughton narrates this issue which gives us our first human voice in the series. Aside from a couple of awkwardly drawn panels, artist Andrea Sorrentino and colorist Marcelo Maiolo continue to give this comic a dark, cinematic feel. Writer Josh Fialkov continues to amaze with his slow-read-through pacing. This is a comic that you do want, no NEED, to take your time with.
Top Recommendation: Legion Secret Origin
Just to be honest here but after reading the first issue of this series I was thinking do we really need to tell this Origin story again? With this issue I’m starting to realize that we may not need to tell the origin again, but I’m glad they are.
What is making this title work is the fact that we’re not really seeing the origin but rather everything that was / is happening around the origin that makes it work. Secret meetings, first time encounters, manipulation and the list goes on, these are the gears that make the Legion Origin run and we’re seeing them for the first time. It may not be a necessary addition to the Legion but if they pull it off as well as they did in this 2nd issue it will make the overall mythos that much more intriguing.
The characters are well handled and seem like the younger versions of the characters we know and love. The artwork brings it all to life and fits nicely with the story, whether it’s make the characters look like individuals, action and explosions or just interacting with each other, a very strong story has been crafted here.
Again some people might have dismissed this min because we don’t really need another Origin for the Legion, but because the creative team has really embraced the “Secret” part of this story they are crafting something truly memorable. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
That’s all we have for this week folks. I hope that so far your holiday season is treating you well and looking forward to all the holidays have to offer. I for one would love to see how your comic collection is treating you, so why not take a moment and share with us what made your Sunday Reading GREAT!
I’m your host Skip Scherer (lionknight) and I’ll be seeing you on the Bloc.