Friday Slice of Heaven, Slice Into the Woods 11/16/2012

(Sung to the tune of  Pat Benatar's "Heartbreaker")

These books are such a tidal wave
Drive ya outta your head
Two amazing books in my pull, yeah
Better than sliced bread

Saga's the best kind of winner
To bridge sci-fi and fantasy
Go ahead and skip dinner
'Cause you know Batman is way scary

They are showstoppers
Cream croppers, sock hoppers
You best check 'em out you see
They are showstoppers
Cream croppers, sock hoppers
You best check 'em out, yeah, yeah, yeah


Alrighty then. You know what time it is Donist World readers? No, I'm not talking about Thankstaking Day, although Tulip (my Boston terrier and Donist World marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/turkey taster <sigh>) has a sparklingly clean bowl that she is sitting next to and she's growling at me. Neither is it "excessive bonus" day, despite what Donist World CFO, Obie, who is also Tulip's brother, is trying to tell me; he claims it's in his contract regardless of whether he runs the company into the ground or not. No, it's neither of those things. What it is, my friends, is Saga day! That's right, Saga is back this week and we here at Donist World could not be happier--unless of course someone gets some early turkey in her dog bowl, and someone gets to profit off collapsing an economy). To celebrate, I'm sitting at my computer in a repurposed Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band uniform and a hulled out CRT monitor on my head, Tulip has some wings attached to her back and Obie is wearing a single horn ala Max from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I'm inclined to send Obie home to put on two horns--I haven't seen any unicorn people in Saga yet--but I'm going to let it slide since he is wearing a pretty sweet sword on his back. This is a special day after all, so I will relax my adherence to the words of wrestling-legend Gorilla Monsoon (with props to Mean Gene Okerlund) of "Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades." Anyways, grab a bottle of anything and a glazed donut because it's...


Friday Slice of Heaven

Saga 7

Saga #7 - Written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Fiona Staples, published by Image Comics. After a few months' break Saga returns to the stands, but did the much deserved hiatus diminish my interest in the book or hurt the story in any way? Not in the slightest. It's like Grand Pappy Donist used to say, "Good things come to those who wait," and yes indeedy they do, Donist World fans. Saga continues to be my favorite comic release of the year, as well as in quite some time. This issue can be summed up by taking a cue from an Erma Bombek novel and twisting it slightly to something more fitting like "Oh the family ties that bind and gag in space...now with extra unmentionables."
We begin with a flashback of when Marko was a young boy growing up on the moon Wreath. His mother and father take him to the site of the final battle to take place on Wreath with the winged-people of Landfall. Back in the present, Marko's parents meet a nearly-naked Alana and Hazel. This of course is after good ol' mom and pop had blasted the ghostly babysitter, Izabel, with a banishment spell.  Marko sets out to find Izabel with his mother in tow, only to come into contact with something too terrible to mention (trust me on this...seriously, skip that page...now you know you have to look). Alana and Marko's father get better acquainted by exhibiting major trust issues and the revelation of a startling secret. Prince Robot soldiers on and The Will wallows in the misery of the death of The Stalk while watching some "home" movies.
I shouldn't be surprised by the story, or the visuals, or for that matter the emotions I'm left feeling after reading each issue of Saga. I shouldn't. This issue is no exception, especially when the first-page splash is so powerfully touching, so beautiful that I was left smiling and remembering the happy times I had in Ohio with my dogs. Then, leave it to Staples and Vaughan to take that feeling to the opposite end of the emotional spectrum, leaving me aghast and recalling the previously blocked memory of walking in on "Tanked" Tim at the college dorm when...okay, let's not belabor the past. Let's just say the mid-point splash page will be burned in my mind until I can adequately suppress that horrid visual; should only take a year or two to bury it nice and deep. As disturbing as the image in question is, it makes you wince, but desperate to turn that page, to see what comes next. Vaughan leaves you wanting to know the fate of each of the characters including the supposed bad guys. The scene with The Will--one shoe and all--is kind of heartbreaking and you know this deadly assassin is in pain as he sits in a darkened room on a tropical paradise. We know little about this guy and the same can be said for all of the characters thus far, yet I love them all the more with each tiny glimpse, each casual reveal.
Sure the delay for this issue was painful, but so long as Saga maintains the standard I am used to and continues to come out on a fairly regular schedule, a couple of months' time is worth the wait. If you are not reading Saga, do yourself a favor and buy the $9.99 ($7.99 at Mycomicshop.com) trade and pick this issue up as well. You'll be happy you did. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Batman #14

Batman #14 - Written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Greg Capullo, published by DC Comics. Last month's issue was a tad...utterly terrifying. Now that a month has gone by and we hold the latest issue in our grubby little mitts, we can casually let the tension rise and <insert scratching record sound>. I'm lying. There is no easing of tension in this issue. There is no gradual build. The story kicks off in a life-or-death situation and pretty much stays at that same level throughout. I have a strong suspicion this will be the case for the rest of the "Death of the Family" storyline as well. You know what, folks? I accept that. Bring it Snyder and Capullo. I'm not ashamed to admit that I will read your comic under the covers with a flashlight, and I'm a grown-ass man. Of course I will look under the bed first, especially after Joker's comment last issue.
Joker's gone off the rails to such an extent that even Harley no longer recognizes her beloved Puddin'. Thing is, she kind of hopes that Bats takes Jokers place after the Dark Knight succumbs to the same chemical bath that made the Joker the demented man he used to be. There is some good news, Alfred is alive, but being in the care of a madman can't really be construed as a positive. That's it for the good news. First Gordon is reached by the Joker in an incredibly disturbing way <shudder>, then Batman is forced to reenact his first fight with his greatest enemy. Unfortunately, Joker's current "look" has pushed him into behaving more erratically, and much less predictably. Not a good combination for a psychopath, especially when he announces his plans for the Bat.
Capullo's rendition of the Joker is the stuff of nightmares, and I mean that in the best of ways. The "mask" with the pointy nose and that strapped-on smile revealing that eternal grin...<brrrrr>. The page two and three escape scene was also stunning, considering the crazy amount of detail that went into the bubbles trailing off of Batman; it was a joy to see. The main attraction of this issue, though, are the expressions Capullo gives to Bruce, Harley, Dick, and especially Gordon. Their fear and terror is infectious, and it sticks with you for the entirety of the issue.
Snyder's story continues to be a well-paced, nerve-wracking extravaganza. He delivers tension in all the right places and the scene with Bruce and Dick discussing the abducted Alfred is fantastically tense as Batman struggles to maintain his calm through the use of code words as a means of disassociating himself from the difficult situation he is in. The backup story (co-written by James Tynion IV and illustrated by the amazing Jock) brings the Penguin into the story as the Joker attempts to recruit his fellow villain into his plans. A great backup with some creepsville imagery.
I really enjoyed Snyder and Capullo's "Court of Owls" storyline, but this "Death of the Family" arc is touching on a much more sinister nerve that leaves the reader feeling just as helpless as Batman in the onslaught the Joker has set before him. It's a great place to be. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!


Other Heavenly Items:
A Couple More Kickstarter Rewards Arrived! - It's so cool to see projects that I helped bring into existence delivered right to my doorstep. Just recently, I received printed versions of Kazu Kibuishi's early work Daisy Kutter: The Last Train (complete with a sketch) and Ryan Browne's psychotically fun Blast Furnace (with a sketch, sticker and postcard). I have not yet started Daisy Kutter, and I have just started Blast Furnace, but I have a strong suspicion they will show up on Donist World in the near future. Very exciting.


Beer School: Beers and Barrels - I tell ya, I should be getting my doctorate in beer any day now. Anyhow, Amy and two of our friends went to the Mercury Bar for my fourth beer school. This time the topic was cask-aged beers. Although most of the beers were not my favorites--the exceptions coming from Stone and Hitachino Nest--it was still a great time. Here's what we sampled.

1. Firestone Walker Brewing - Unfiltered Double Barrel Ale
2. Hitachino Nest - Belgian Brown matured in shochu casks
3. Stone Brewing - Arrogant Bastard Ale
4. Stone Brewing - Arrogant Bastard Ale Aged in Oak Casks
5. Brouwerij Bavik - Flanders Oud Bruin
6. Brouwerij Verhaeghe - Flanders Red Ale
7. Dogfish Head Brewery - Palo Santo Marron Brown Ale
8. Allagash Brewing Co. - Curieux
9. North Coast Brewing Co. - Grand Cru
10. Uinta Brewing Co. - Cockeyed Cooper 
11. Cismontane Brewing Co. - Black Dawn
12. Shipyard Brewing Co. - Double ESB

All and all a fun and informative time...except for the idiots who had to be kicked out at the beginning of the tasting because the event was sold out and they didn't have tickets. You can't just stand in a sold out movie theater, why did they think they could just hang out during a private event. Duh.


Slice Into the Woods


Pay-For-Perfomance In Schools - Ack! I'm running late, so I'll make this quick. Why are politicians so hell bent on this pay-for-performance bullshit? I hate to break it to people, but children are NOT widgets who you can mold into a compliance ratio. All kids are different and not all care about going to college. Sorry. We are not all the same and we are not all living under the same circumstances. When I went to school, there were some kids who were--let's face it--not going to perform as well as me on most tests. The reverse was true as well. No matter how hard I tried, I would NEVER be as smart or high-achieving as my friend Jeff; I would also NEVER be able to beat him in any sort of athletic endevor even if my life depended on it, but that's another matter. It sucked, but it was the truth. There were also kids in my class that could care less about school. They had more pressing concerns such as eating, not getting their ass kicked by dear-old-dad that evening, or trying to avoid the thugs pushing them to try drugs. For those kids, school is not exactly a high priority. How is a teacher, whether good or bad--there are fewer bad teachers than politicians wish you to believe there are--supposed to bring a student to proficiency when that student has no problem telling them to go f_ themselves? Pay-for-performance is yet another push towards privatization and the dismantling of unions. Some may call my thoughts the soft bigotry of low expectations, but I prefer to think of it as the personal experience of the reality of actually having attended a public school. Pay-for-performance should be tied to the salespeople selling their measurably performing physical products (all of which are of nearly the exact same build) and not our over-burdoned teachers.

Friday Slice of Heaven, Slice Into the Woods 11/16/2012

Friday Slice of Heaven, Slice Into the Woods 11/9/2012

(Sung to the tune of Pulp's "Common People")

He's really mean, and he's pissed with Rot grudge
That Arcane d_bag holds Swamp Thing's world hostage
He's just that kind of guy

You think he's through? Ask Buddy Baker
Arcane chumps shake their fetid gross Rot money makers
But that's fine
Are you ready for heavy groovy times? Donist said

"You wanna read great comics, people?"
"You wanna see what great comics have in store for you"
"Try to sleep after these comics, people"
Ever had your heart crushed by comics, people? It's true.
Well let me tell you
I said, "Sweet Tooth is for you"


Ack! What is going on here? I just got into the Donist World corporate Mom's basement office and Obie, my friends' Boston terrier and Donist World CFO, has banners, hats and buttons strewn about saying "Obie for President - 2016." <sigh> Apparently, he will be running against challenger Tulip, who is Obie's sister and my dog as well as Donist World marketing director, administrative assistant, party planner, editor and food taster (???). Yup. There's the "Tulip for President - 2016." Criminy. Not only do I have to live in a politically divided country, I have to put up with a politically divided basement office. Sitting on my desk is a flyer--well-made by the way and pleasing to the eyes--running a negative campaign against Obie. It states that he is all about "Big Two" superhero comics and that he doesn't give a shake of his non-existent tail to the considerations of the indies or creator owned. It also says that he wants to pull kibble from the mouths of middle class dogs under the guise of trickle-down kibble economics and that he barfs too much. Obie is saying that Tulip is a comics snob with no appreciation of our founding comics fathers, and that she wants a free ride by taking from him to give to puppies who don't want to take the time to be potty trained. Obie's negative campaign flyer also says that Tulip loves to hog all of the toys and not share them with him. As I sort out this mess and determine how much all of this nonsense has depleted the Donist World coffers, have a look a this week's...


Friday Slice of Heaven


***Possible Spoilers Below***

Sweet Tooth 39...
<sob>

Sweet Tooth #39 - Everythinged by Jeff Lemire, published by Vertigo Comics, a DC Comics Imprint. Oh my expletive. I can't believe he expletive-ing did that. Actually, expletive, yes I can believe he did that. We expletive-ing knew it was coming with all the dream sequences and stuff. Expletive. Expletive. I mean...just expletive. With only one more issue to go on one of the best books to hit the stands in the past decade, I don't know what to expect and as apprehensive as I am to crack open next months final issue, I know it will be at the top of my stack. Expletive-ing expletive, this issue was expletive-ing expletive-ly expletive-ed. Oh man. Keep your mitts off Bobby, Lemire!
Jepperd realizes too late that Abbot's initial attack was a diversion as he and Singh rush to rescue Gus from Abbot's clutches. With a gun to Gus's head and clearly with the upper hand, Abbot sticks the knife in deeper by revealing that Jepperd's son Buddy is still alive. Jepperd has a choice: Gus or Buddy. Abbot didn't account for everything though. Chaos from an unexpected source erupts as Abbot flees into the base leaving Jepperd to save his family from the dog boys. Jepperd, terribly injured, pursues Abbot under the base and into to the tomb of the animal people for the final confrontation with the man who has made everyone's life hell.
<sob> <phew> I need a cigarette and I've never even tried smoking. Okay, let me pull myself together and wrap this up. Lemire has spent the entirety of his exceptional run on this book making you love and care for each of his characters. With each terrible event and situation they have been forced to endure, Gus, Jepperd, Bobby, and the rest have left me eagerly waiting to see what comes next, praying these people would make it out okay. Some do. Others don't. It's difficult to watch some of the scenes play out, but this is a harsh world that is wonderfully developed and written from the heart. Lemire's unique artistic style was shocking at first, but now I can't imagine this comic looking any other way (unless Matt Kindt is stepping in for an issue or two). This series has been emotional and at times tough to read, but that's what makes Sweet Tooth truly great. I am dying to see how everything wraps up, but I can almost guarantee I will be reading the final issue while covering my eyes and peeking between my fingers. Sweet Tooth is the perfect example of why I love comic books. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Swamp Thing #14

Swamp Thing #14 - Written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Yanick Paquette, published by DC Comics. I half expected this issue to begin with a caption box stating "Call me Alec," but Moby Rot aside (check the cover), the second installment in "Rot World: The Green Kingdom" sets Swamp Thing on a course to destroy Arcane. Last week's annual didn't quite pick up where issue 13 left off and actually--despite some inconsistencies--falls chronologically somewhere near the middle of this month's offering. Regardless of the annual's timeline (still buy it!) and this issue's missing characters (Carrotbeard, Knothead and Stewart...probably not their real names), Swamp Thing continues to be my favorite New 52 title as the Rot World saga becomes more terrifying.
The last pocket of green is under seige by the Roteen Titans who are on the verge of defeating Swamp Thing and his newfound allies. As an infected Superboy prepares to deliver the death blow, Alec taps into the full power of the Parliament of Trees and literally stomps the opposition. Abigail has somehow survived the plane crash and looks to find and kill her uncle. Alec decides to take the fight directly to the Parliament of Decay, and Deadman agrees to accompany him claiming there might be a weapon capable of killing the Rot on contact. The heroes set sail on a dead sea for Gotham and run into Aquaman's unlikely replacement.
I cannot imagine something more horrific than riding in a small boat with immense monstrosities  lurking below and Snyder captures this fear perfectly. He also delivers an enraged avatar of the Green, leaving you feeling our hero's pain as he sets out on his hero's journey to find a mighty weapon, to save the love of his life, and to defeat an undying evil. Snyder's Swamp Thing contains everything I adored in my much-read D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths yet updates it to a modern, crueler time of bleak despair with little hope. Paquette is back on the book this month, providing his usual stunning artwork, especially the splash page depicting exactly what happens when you piss off a force of nature. The "Rot World" event lives up to the anticipation and hype put in place since the start of the series. As anxious as I am to see if Alec can succeed in his doomed quest, I also want to stay in this devastated world for a while just to see just how bad things have become. The hopelessness of the few survivors in Rot World is fascinating and I have no idea how Swamp Thing can persevere against these odds, which keeps me glued to the pages and biting my nails for issue 15. Make mine Green! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Animal Man #14

Animal Man #14 - Written by Jeff Lemire and illustrated by Steve Pugh and Timothy Green II, published by DC Comics. Today's Donist World is brought to you by the letter "D," as in "despair." At least that seems to be the case after reading this week's comic books, but you know what, folks? That is a-okay by me, as all three books were a heck of a miserable good time. Oh, I almost forgot...this month's Animal Man is sponsored by a bunch of DC characters who were last worked on by...what was his name again? Was it Rot Leifeld?
The last thing a young kid needs to see is her mother rot-wretching all over her grandmother. That's just the beginning of Maxine's problems as she meets another kid close to her age, but despite appearances, the boy comes from a tainted lineage (and apparently he can be in two places at once). It's a dang shame, but that's the past. The present finds Animal Man, Buddy Baker, in the Red Kingdom beset by agents of the Rot including powerhouses such as Hawk & Dove, Deathstroke, and Grifter (Hawkman was last month), all of whom are led by the mad magician Felix Faust. Fortunately (or is it unfortunately) Faust is merely there to deliver the message that Maxine is alive and well...and in Arcane's care. Buddy, Black Orchid, Beast Boy and Steel decide that if they are to have a chance of stopping the Rot and restoring order to the world, they will need to join up with Swamp thing and the Green. We learn a little bit about Black Orchid, but before she can spill her origin the apes come crashing in.
I have never been a fan of the whole "check it out, it's DC apes and the heroes are turning into monkeys" story lines. Don't get me wrong, having Grodd show up on occasion is fine, but it seems that every couple of years we get the heroes and apes stories. It ain't my bag, but for the Red Kingdom portion of Rot World, this is an instant when bringing in the apes/monkeys actually makes sense in Buddy's story. Lemire handles the many characters of this issue perfectly, leaving me curious to know more about Black Orchid and how she can be of both the Red and the Green, while keeping me sympathetic to just how lost Buddy is in this twisted world. Pugh has some fantastic action moments with the crowning page being the final splash. As I mentioned with Swamp Thing, I am 100% in for the "Rot World" ride and next month can't come soon enough. Make mine Red! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!


This Past Tuesday - I'll keep this brief, but yes, I'm thrilled that Obama has won reelection against someone who is a businessman profiteer and servant of the corporations and not the people (corporations are NOT people). I'm also thrilled that 30 passed (this will not fix schools, merely stop things from getting worse and make sure my wife doesn't have 40+ students in a classroom. Much more needs to be done here to make the US once again competitive with the rest of the modernized world...charter schools are not the answer). I'm also glad that 32 went down in flames (protection for Unions...you know, the unions that gave us sick leave, overtime, minimum wage, days off, unemployment insurance, disability, child labor laws, etc). All of this is great, but a lot needs to be done to fix this country. We'll see, but I'm more hopeful than if Romney had won.


Slice Into the Woods


How Many Vote Suppressors and Election Tamperers Are In Jail? - One I believe. Was it in Oregon? With all of the (failed) efforts to suppress people's votes and to turn people away from the polls (guess which groups those might be) through misinformation, and the breaking of Federal and State laws, why are those "true Americans" who attempted to rig our elections not awaiting sentencing? Whether it ended up being Obama (thank goodness it was) or Romney who won, NO ONE should be allowed to walk free if they were complicit in any sort of effort to take away a person's right to vote. Take Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted (R) and his last minute "experimental" voting software patches, his fight to reduce voting hours, his voter ID nonsense, provisional ballots, ignoring court rulings and all the rest. Are there investigations pending? Are other instances of this type of behavior in other states (Florida) being investigated? I hope so. Letting these criminals get away with this crap just encourages this sort of behavior to escalate going forward.

Friday Slice of Heaven, Slice Into the Woods 11/9/2012

Friday Slice of Heaven, Slice Into the Woods 11/2/2012

(Sung to the tune of Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again")...joined in progress

An' here are comic books you need to own
Your LCS has 'em all it must be known
Rachel Rising's scary stuff if you're alone
Have you made up your mind?
Stop wasting so much time

Captain Marvel's gonna fly on to your rescue
A time travelin' gal oh can't you see
But then you got Swamp Thing
Pissed off about Rot days
Wanna know what it means?
Happy and Rachel are the indies of your dreams

No, you do not get to drink
from the Adam Warlock
superhero pint glass.

If one truth has existed since time immemorial it is that you do not drink from another man's Adam Warlock superhero pint glass. Nope. You don't do it. Not only is such a vile act a slap in the face, it's just kind of bad form. It's rude.
Speaking of rude, my apologies, I forget myself. Hello, folks, I'm Donist and welcome to Donist World. I'm joined this week, as ever, by my friends' Boston terrier, Obie, who is also CFO here at Donist World. I'm also joined by Obie's sister, Tulip, who is my dog and Director of Marketing/Party Planning/Administrative Assistant/Psychic (<sigh> seriously? time to change her business card again). Currently, Obie's here somewhere, but he's in hiding. You see, Obie poured himself a pint of dog water in my Adam Warlock superhero pint glass, and your guess is as good as mine as to where he got the dog water from (A toilet? A dog bowl? A puddle?). All I know is I'm once again dragging out the broom of reprimanding and having to correct my CFO for his behavior. My mom's basement The Donist World corporate offices are not that big, so I'll find him sooner or later and...HEY! Tulip! Bad dog/Director of Marketing. That's my Adam Warlock superhero pint glass. Drink out of your own dang bowl. Ugh...alrighty, broom of reprimanding for everyone then. While I take care of this insubordinate behavior, have a look at...


Friday Slice of Heaven


***Possible Spoilers Below***

Rachel Rising #12

Rachel Rising #12 - Everythinged by Terry Moore, published by Abstract Studio. Shhh...quiet. Can you hear it, children? The questions, the curiosities, they're deepening. After the revelations of the past few issues, Moore's Rachel Rising settles and returns to the slower, tense pace of the first few issues, as new mysteries surface, and the creeping horror of the series grows. This is by design. Never fear. This is not Lost, with its boundless unanswered questions or "it's up to you to decide what happened" moments. No, no, no. Moore knows where this is all going and all will be answered in time...as you fret, and worry, and gasp, and hesitantly turn the page until the next startling reveal. Rachel Rising is horror comics done right.
Ahhh...looky, looky who's awake. Good morning, afternoon and night, Zoe Mann, it seems you survived possession by the demon Malus and death by slit wrists only to be confronted by a dead woman risen. Too bad. It looks like the very demon no longer inhabiting your body had also been inhabiting Rachel's friend Jet, and she/he has plans for you once you're a teensie bit older. And Zoey? Don't worry about Malus, he's already moved onto a different body; you'd appreciate the humor of the situation if you only knew. Then there's the other dead girl, you know, Rachel. She's dug herself free from the ancient mass grave Lilith put her in and unearthed some answers about the witch in the process.
Okay. I have no idea what Rachel learned, why Malus was in Zoe and apparently also in Jet, or why Malus was happy after his conversation with Zoe in this issue, but you want to know something, folks? Who cares? We're not supposed to know, at least not yet. Moore has done a wonderful job of leaving the reader with just enough questions to keep them coming back for more, and then socking it to 'em with a barrage of startling revelations. The fantastic part of Rachel Rising is that the "truths" deepen the unnerving feeling that something is terribly wrong in Manson and each opened door strengthens that tension. The art and storytelling are beyond beautiful, and Moore's characterization left me sad over possibly losing a loved character--for the second time. You can't go wrong with Moore's intelligent and captivating take on the horror genre. Rachel Rising is not just one of the best creator-owned comics on the stand, it's one of the best comics period. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Swamp Thing
Annual #1

Swamp Thing Annual #1 - Ahhh...Now can you feel it, children? That cool breeze, a breeze that flows at the mention of a single word to touch an exposed neck and carries down a spine once rigid with resolve. You know the word of which I speak...say it with me. "Annual." That's right, that which has historically been Donist kryptonite has reared its head yet again. Riding in with a $4.99 price tag, but with 38 pages of material, I held my breath and took the plunge into that which has generally left me less than satisfied most of my comic book reading life. But hark! DC's New 52 has managed to break the curse of the annual, with the releases of Batman, Animal Man and the pretty darn good Swamp Thing. 
The book opens with a scene that has to come after next week's Swamp Thing #14, as we are in the middle of a conversation that is clearly happening after issue 13's to-be-continued battle with a Rot-infested Teen Titans and after Swamp Thing makes like the Jolly Green Giant. This minor detail aside, Alec learns from members of the Parliament of Trees (Carrotbeard, Knothead and Stewert...probably not their real names) that Abigail Arcane, the love of his life, is dead and the Parliament did nothing to stop it. From there Alec learns of an earlier meeting with Abigail that he no longer remembers as a result of exposure to an odd Rot flower. The Parliament ancients tell the tale of Alec and Abigail's love at first site and their brief time together before Anton Arcane makes his first attempt on Alec's life. We also get to see a brief panel--and second mention--of a vital character (and one who I would love to write a story about) to the Swamp Thing mythos. Tired of having his life tampered with in the past and present/future, an enraged Swamp Thing vows to destroy Anton once and for all.
Not bad, not bad at all. Even if this was a regular installment in the series, I would have very much enjoyed this issue. The jump in events did add a disservice to the overall story, and I suspect that it actually falls more after issue 14 than issue 13, so I'm confused by the timeliness of this story coming out on October 31st. But the clarity comes when you take into account that October was a 5-week month for DC and they needed to put something out to maintain a shelf presence. Still... Anyhow, Snyder and Tuft, aside from a couple of awkward dialogue moments, put together an interesting and well-told story that successfully dances between the Wein and Moore years of the series, while still maintaining its new take on the character. The real star of this book, however, is Becky Cloonan who beautifully illustrates a powerful Swamp Thing, a horrific Arcane, and a cute-as-a-button Abigail. After reading this annual, I would love nothing more than to see more of Cloonan's take of the Green, Rot and also the Red. With the Swamp Thing Annual, I have to adjust my view on annuals in general with this fun--although misplaced--addition to the Rot World storyline. A good story and the addition of Cloonan's art kicks this issue up to the status of HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Captain Marvel #6

Captain Marvel #6 - Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick and illustrated by Emma Rios, published by Marvel Comics. Interesting character, check. Cool powers, check. Striking costume that is also functional, check. Extra helpings of ass-kickin' goodness, double-check. Captain Marvel is one of three titles that I currently buy from Marvel (Hawkeye and Daredevil being the other two) and after this stellar wrap-up to the first storyline, I'm definitely around for the what's to come next.
Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel) and Helen Cobb have traveled in time to the exact time and place where Carol first received her powers via a Kree (humanoid alien race) "wishing machine." As the original Captain Marvel arrives to deal with rogue Kree operative, Yon-Rogg, Carol works out that Helen, the Helen from 2012, was the one who put her in the time traveling plane in the first place. 2012 Helen, wants Carol to decide if she truly wants the power and privilege of being Captain Marvel or to turn her back on it all to have a regular life as a pilot. A new-new Captain Marvel is born, and it's a race to take control of the time traveling plane. A note from issue one reappears to wrap up the story and a few questions are left to hang.
What a fun issue. DeConnick continues to let the character she is quickly making her own, Carol Danvers, define just who both she and her alias Captain Marvel actually are in the world. With the close of the first storyline, we're also left wondering if Helen Cobb still has a bit of the old magic or not and see why present-day Helen has been such a close friend and mentor to Carol. We also see what a tough spitfire Helen was back in her younger days. Emma Rios again provides the artwork and it is gorgeous, both energetic and full of emotion at the same time--dig that Captain Marvels fight page and that plane scene...wow. I'm not exactly sure if Rios is still on after this issue, but if not I hope to see her art on another book in the near future (I wish it was on one of my stories by golly). Captain Marvel continues to be an exciting comic that absolutely requires me to keep my foot in the Marvel door. If you're new to the series, I'm sure a TPB will be out soon, but why wait? If you can, track down the six issues, you have a month before issue seven hits the stands--or is it two weeks, this one double shipped in October, but who's complaining? Compelling, well-written storytelling. I can't wait to see what comes next. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!


Other Heavenly Items:

Happy #2

Happy #2 - Written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Darick Robertson, published by Image Comics. Grant Morrison's first creator-owned work for Image sees its second issue as Nick Sax seeks to escape from a mob hospital and avoid coming under the sharp knife of a sadistic interrogator seeking a certain password that Nick may or may not know. Enter Happy, the tiny, blue,  cartoony, flying unicorn that only Nick can see and hear, but who just so happens to know information Nick can't possibly know. As it turns out, Happy is the imaginary friend of a little girl named Hailey, and he seeks Nick's help in rescuing her from a deranged serial-killing Santa who is holding her captive. If Happy can convince Nick to stop putting himself in harms way for a second, the ex-cop might have a chance of doing some real good for once. Morrison and Robertson's expletive-ridden, crude, shocking tale continues to be everything I could have hoped for in a comic from these two amazing storytellers. Now at the halfway point of this four-issue mini, I expect things to accelerate to the crazy levels Morrison is known for, but with so much going on, I hope that two more issues will be enough to provide a satisfying ending to this disturbingly fun tale. Bah...who am I kidding? Given the creators involved, I know we'll be fine. Definitely worth checking out if you're fine with blood and gore, some good down-home cussing, and an engaging story. RECOMMENDED!


Gettin' Stuff Done - Lot's of stuff going on. I finished what is my final-final draft of my first novel and I will not be chipping away at it anymore, unless of course someone of influence tells me to take out the ol' hammer and chisel again; query letters to go out in mid-December. I will be back to putting the smack down on my kid's book in the next two weeks for a ruthless third draft. By Saturday I will have five five-page comic story ideas to narrow down for a pitch I was invited to make for a project that I hold in high esteem and on a subject that weighs heavily on my heart. Finally, another script I hold near and dear is about to be illustrated by an immensely talented artist you will all one day soon recognize. All this while working to define the color of my parachute (how's that for vague?). As always, very busy, but everything I have been working on for the past four years are nearing completion. Exciting times.


Slice Into the Woods


Voter Deception, Alabama Style - Why is this nonsense not illegal? Flagrant misleading attempts by politicians and corporations to steer voters astray have been running rampant for decades, but these efforts seem to become more and more nefarious as election day draws near. In Alabama, a highly-deceptive amendment is on the bill to strip segregationist language from their 1901 constitution. I know, I know, "But Donist? What's wrong with that?" Stripping the ridiculous language is all fine and dandy--doesn't amount to much, really--but the deceptive nature of the amendment is that it puts back into effect language that says there is no right to free education in Alabama. This is clearly an attack on public education in the guise of "setting things right" despite how Amendment 4 sponsor, Republican Sen. Arthur Orr of Decatur spins his intent. Again, I fail to see how it can be legal to put clearly misleading Amendments and Propositions to vote. They should be required to be called what they actually are, like the "I Don't Want To Pay My Taxes, Even If It Means Only Rich Folks Like Me Get a Shot at a Fulfilling Education Amendment." I am fine having my taxes pay for children (of all socioeconomic backgrounds) who I will never meet to receive a public education, just as I received my public education. The crusade to privatize education (School, Inc.) and strip union protection for our teachers is an evil I will never understand.

Friday Slice of Heaven, Slice Into the Woods 11/2/2012

Friday Slice of Heaven, Slice Into the Woods 10/26/2012

(Sung to the tune of Judas Priest's "You Got Another Thing Comin'")

Comic books, I'm gonna snatch 'em up
Halloween Eve, Kickstarter gold I can't get enough
Eve's hot, but her 'tude is way too loud
Cut loose, chick, dress-up holiday love's allowed

I've been reading Wrightson as the years went by
It never gets old, his sweet artwork'll make you cry
Creepy holds a fortune waitin' to be read
You think you'll pass 'em up you're mad
These comic books are really somethin'

That's right, here's where the action is
Mary's human, I, Vampire evil not spent
Read hard, let Donist call the shots
Captain Marvel time travel this story rocks


Halloween's a comin', I'm tellin' you friend,
Read some scary comics that'll thrill you to no end
Eve and Bernie got love, listen to what we've said
You think you'll pass 'em up you're mad
These comic books are really somethin'


"Obie is the night, the beast that hunts the dark. Let evil beware his..." I'm sorry. I can't read this, Obie. I seriously haven't had enough to drink yet; it is only 7:30 AM after all. Hi everybody. I'm Donist and I'm here with my friend's Boston terrier, Donist World CEO, Obie. I'm also here with Obie's sister, my dog Tulip, who is marketing director / executive assistant / party planner / queen of blood...hold it. Tulip, who paid to have these business cards printed with this nonsense on it? These are customer-facing, dammit. Ugh.
Anyways, with Halloween rapidly approaching and the dogs stealing from the Donist World petty cash fund to buy themselves costumes--Obie's silhouette already makes him look like Batman, he didn't need to buy a toddler's superhero costume--we happen to have a couple of timely comics to bring the holiday spirit (see what I did there? Spirit...get it? Ugh). So, grab yourself a pumpkin ale (served in a cinnamon-lined glass), watch a couple scary movies (I recommend the original Halloween, Dolls, and maybe Alien) then have a read below. Trick or Treat!



Friday Slice of Heaven


***Possible Spoilers Below***

Halloween Eve

Halloween Eve - Written by Brandon Montclare and illustrated by Amy Reeder, published by Image Comics, but received via Kickstarter contribution. I've been really loving the whole Kickstarter thing for the past few months. Just this Tuesday I contributed to an anthology project and hope to have the physical book in my hands some time in February. The Kickstarter for Halloween Eve was started back in late June and more than doubled its goal and three and a half months later I'm holding a beautifully delightful comic signed by both creators, an "insider" book (notes, script, layouts, and character designs) and a signed/numbered card. Midway through the Kickstarter, Image Comics even took note and agreed to release the book with distribution through Diamond. With the loot in hand and the knowledge that I helped make this book possible when traditional publishing routes might have foolishly been all roadblocks, I couldn't be happier with every aspect of this fantastic comic. Christmas Eve? Huh? Huh? C'mon...
Eve works at the Halloween Land store, but she's none too thrilled about it. She hates Halloween, she hates people, she's a regular Scrooge only two months early. There's also no way in hell she's going to dress-up like all of the other dopes working the floor. But when Eve's boss "volunteers" her for overtime duty to put the ravaged store back together, devils, mannequins, and Salvador-Dali-style Gorillas come to life to take the holiday-spirit denier on a magical adventure. The rest you have to read for yourself.
Within the first three pages of this comic, my first reaction was, "what the hell is Eve's problem? She's a total jerk to her coworkers and the customers. Why all the hate?" At first glance the character seemed overly exaggerated, but then it dawned on me...crap, it's retail, of course she feels that way. My six and a half years working for a music store chain (blarg) left me feeling exactly the same as she does. Heck, if I wore earrings, I would have probably worn the big "no" symbols as well back then. Once I established how relatable Eve is, the idea of taking a risk, of letting go and finding the joy in life pulled me in and held me through to the end.
Montclare touches on each type of person you're likely to encounter in not just retail life, but everyday life. Whether they are the Halloween Land employees, management or the customers on the all-to-real nine-panel, page six; for better or worse you've met these people before. Then there's Reeder's simply stunning illustrations. Each scene is lovely, even more so once Eve enters her fantasyland of crazy creatures with the patchwork gorilla taking the cake. Every character is expressive, especially Eve, with an insane amount of detail to every costume and creature; my favorite's the sexy witch costume that Eve tries on, but, hey, I'm that kind of Donist. Writing or art, every aspect of this book works.
Disclaimer--if you are set on continually reading comics about Captain Super Guy punching Evilton McVillain in the nads, then this probably isn't a book for you. But, if you want to read a beautifully illustrated, well-written slice-of-life/fantasy story that is charming and fun, then Halloween Eve should not be missed. I simply loved this comic. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Creepy Presents
Bernie Wrightson HC

Creepy Presents Bernie Wrightson HC - Written by various writers (yay Bruce Jones!) including Bernie Wrightson and illustrated (primarily) by Bernie Wrightson, published by Dark Horse Books. A couple of weeks ago, I talked about the phenomenal Creepy Presents Richard Corben HC, the point in my life (and the exact place) I first discovered his masterful works, and how pleased I was to have that book in my collection. The same holds true for Wrightson's Warren Magazine work, but I can actually go earlier with my exposure to Wrightson's beautifully detailed art. I discovered Wrightson in the pages of DC Comic's Swamp Thing back when I was but a wee seven-years-old Donist. For some reason, my parents had a copy of 1972's Swamp Thing issue #1 and #10 that they had sitting around. I was fascinated by the detail on my favorite swamp creature and also by the terrifying horror that Wrightson displayed with Anton Arcane and the grotesque Un-Men. I couldn't get enough of it. I no longer have copies of those comics as I marveled at them and read them (once I could actually read the big words) to the point that they practically disintegrated (<sniffle>). Now, decades later, I have those early Swamp Thing issues in hardcover form (signed by Len Wein) and this must-own amazing compilation of Wrightson's Warren Magazine work.
Although I only recognized about half of the stories in this beautifully-made hard cover, I ended up loving all but one, and that story was fine, the writing was just not as strong as the art; not Wrightson's fault. One difference between this book and the Corben book, is that Wrightson had about half the body of work with Warren, and because of that, the cover price is a measly $19.99...retail! You can't go wrong at that price for this level of production and for what is contained within. My favorite stories of the bunch are:
1) "Black Cat" - This one I definitely remember reading. As an animal lover, I was appalled and could not help but zip through the panels to the end. When an overly affectionate black cat drives a man to malice, the man learns that cruelty to animals can come back to bite you. Wrightson wrote and illustrated.
2) "Jenifer" - Holy cow! This I definitely read as a kid and decades later I think I'm still messed up from the experience. When a hunter rescues a hideously deformed Jenifer from being killed by a crazy man in the woods, the hunter sees no alternative but to bring Jenifer into his home. Things get disturbing quick. Written by Bruce Jones and illustrated by Bernie Wrightson.
3) "Country Pie" - The twist in this one blew my teeny-weenie Donist mind, and still manages to wow me today. A man picks up a lost sister and brother, and he likes the sister a bit too much. Bruce Jones wrote, Carmine Infantino illustrated and Wrightson inked.
4) "The Laughing Man" - Written by Bruce Jones and illustrated by Bernie Wrightson. Boy howdy, do I remember that second-to-last panel. A pair of explorers seek to find the mythical man-apes of the jungle, but maybe finding them is not the best of ideas.
5) "The Pepper Lake Monster" - Everythinged by Bernie Wrightson. A search for a killer sea monster, brings a journalist to the realization that he just might be the creature's next victim.
6) "Cool Air" - Written by H.P. Lovecraft and illustrated by Bernie Wrightson. Just knowing the writer is H.P. Lovecraft should be enough to spark your interest in this story, but add Wrightson's stellar grasp of anatomy and lighting and this is one creepy story. Why does the man upstairs live in a virtual freezer?
7) "The Muck Monster - Everythinged by Bernie Wrightson. A Frankenstein's monster-esque story of a reanimated creature who comes into being and questions its maker's decision to bring him to life. Wrightson writing and drawing a Frankenstein influenced story? Yes, please.
As I said, there's a few more stories, but these are the ones that really stood out and a couple of those I read for the first time. Also notice that aside from the Bruce Jones stories, some of the better ones were written by Bernie Wrightson and showcase the many talents of this gifted creator. Wrightson is THE artist that made me truly appreciate comic book art and three decades later I am just as in love with his work--old and new--as I was as a kid. I'm a sucker for the short horror comic story format, but when those stories are illustrated by a master creator, you're left with something that should be treasured. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I, Vampire #13

Arrow New TV Series Wed 8/7c CW TV Now 
I, Vampire #13 - Written by Joshua Hale Fialkov and illustrated by Andrea Sorrentino, published by DC Comics. Sorry. I couldn't resist the knock on the Arrow show, but those banners are getting a bit old. I haven't watched the show yet, and I want to see it, but those banners have got to go. Anywhoooo...yeah, how about that I, Vampire funny book, huh?! Personally, I'm loving this change in direction, despite not quite wanting Andrew and Mary's initial dysfunctional romance situation to not be over with already, but making Andrew ultra-evil and Mary a human? Sure, why not.
Mary Queen of Blood takes the center stage, but now that she is human, she might as well be called Mary Queen of Sulking. Hell, now that Andrew has become more evil than she ever was, Mary is going to have to play nice with Andrew's old friend, John Troughton if she is to have any chance of saving her one love. Here's the thing, Mary has a secret. Shhhh, don't tell, but just because she's now human, doesn't mean that she is necessarily good. She may not be a vampire anymore, but decades of evil wears off on you, and she is every bit as vicious now as she was then. Meanwhile, Andrew and his vampire bride, Tig, track down an old friend (think original series from the eighties).
As I have said since around issue three or four, I feel like the pace of this book was hastened (not by Fialkov's wishes) to accommodate multiple guest appearances and a mini-event or two. I would have liked to have seen at least six issues of material before any of the guest stars dropped by, but whatchagonnado? Honestly, I was close to dropping the title, but this unexpected change to focus on Mary and turn Andrew evil was an interesting move. Fialkov's great dialogue and the intense moment of the shocking mugging-gone-wrong leave me desperate to see what comes next and to see what Andrew's friends will do to try to save him. Sorrentino continues to be stunning and Marcelo Maiolo provides some of my favorite colors of all the books I a currently reading. With any luck, all guest appearances/events/crossovers will take a vacation so Fialkov can continue reeling me back into the story I am once again excited to read. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!


Other Heavenly Items:

Captain Marvel #5

Captain Marvel #5 - Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick and illustrated by Emma Rios, published by Marvel Comics. Okay, that wasn't so bad. A one week delay is not ideal, but it's better than waiting a month. I'm glad I got my copy. Carol Danvers is time traveling and she finds herself in the company of her good friend, pilot Helen Cobb. The problem is that this Cobb is much younger than the woman Carol used to love and respect, and this Cobb suspects Carol isn't who she says she is. Time is running out for Captain Marvel to determine what is happening before the next time jump.
DeConnick continues to draw me in to the character of Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel as well as the mystery of what the heck is going on with the time traveling. The dialogue is great as are the action scenes, and stand-in artist, Emma Rios provides some nice sequentials. With next issue bringing in Yon-Rogg, another "Captain" can't be far behind...of course you can also just look at next month's cover to see who I'm talking about. RECOMMENDED!


My Friend and Doctoral Candidate Paul Hirsch's Presentation "Comic Books and the Cold War" - I was never one to be overly obsessed with history, but if comic books had entered into the equation of my grade school curriculum, I might have taken a much deeper interest in my classes. My friend and doctoral candidate Paul Hirsch gave an informative and fascinating lecture on pre-code comics, the US government's love/hate relationship with them, and the use of comics as wartime propaganda. You can listen to a pre-talk podcast with Paul here, or read the press release here. With any luck--and my ungodly levels of persistence--I can convince Paul to turn his research and dissertation into a novel that everyone can one day read. No pressure, Paul, but give the people what they want...I'll be checking amazon.com for your name to be listed there.


Slice Into the Woods



Running Out of Time - Working on way to much stuff, but it's good to be slammed with projects that actually matter to me. But for quick gripes: $2.99+ price for digital comics you don't own, voter suppression, non-funding of education, ballooning class sizes, the misinformation by studies that say smaller class sizes do not matter...they ONLY survey classes with 25 or fewer students; my wife has 35+ students per class and that number could increase, the joke that was Donald Trump's "news," and finally koala bears...no good, lousy, thieving koala bears; they'll never take me alive.

Friday Slice of Heaven, Slice Into the Woods 10/26/2012