Micronauts Monday 4/7/2014

Hey there, Donist World denizens. Welcome back to Micronauts Monday, where I talk about my longtime favorite comic book series The Micronauts. You'll get a summary of the issue, my remembered reaction/experience with the comic book as a kid, and my thoughts as an adult after rereading the issues over the past week. The Micronauts is the book that introduced me to the wonderful world of comic book addiction. The sad thing about this amazing series is--as I explained in the first post here--is that if you haven't read the comics, doing so is going to be a bit of a hunt, since reprinting rights are firmly wedged into a Prometheus Pit of a printing-rights purgatory. But don't despair, it can be done, you can find them. Mycomicshop.com has most of the main series for a fairly inexpensive price. If you want to dip your toe into the glory that is the Microverse before committing to a hunt for individual issues, then you could also check out the five "Special Editions," which I believe had two or three issues included in each. Or, better yet, if you have an opportunity to do some longbox diving into the $.50-$1.00 bins at your LCS, then I'm sure you can find many issues there. My only caution here is that the story has a tremendous narrative that builds over the course of the series, one that deserves to be read in order, but that said, any Micronauts is good Micronauts! 

As you know after reading last week’s entry, which covered issues 39–42, neither Young Donist nor Current Donist was very impressed by those issues. After shifting to a direct market model on my beloved comic series, the comic seemed more intent on having oddball stories, guest appearances that did not work, art that seemed different from not just page to page but panel to panel, and very little attention to the compelling main storyline that enveloped this kid’s world for most of the series. I am fine with a comic veering off course for a few issues, so long as there's something interesting to say, or if it traipses into the realm of Warren Magazine style territory, but those issues had little of that. In the end, it seemed The Micronauts had moved in the direction of smack-you-in-the-face exposition, Marvel Universe guest-star nonsense, cute little tykes as heroes in an effort to open the demographic appeal to a younger audience. This is confusing, especially when the move to the direct market was touted as a boon for true Micronauts fans for a series that deftly handled weird sci-fi action, fascinating characters, despotic rulers, tyranny, organ trade, gambling with one's own body parts, regicide, attempted fratricide, death of loved ones, spies, traitors, and the list goes on. It might just be me, but The Micronauts is not the type of title that easily converts to a broad-based, “kid-friendly” title over the course of an issue or two within the same series. This kid was fine having a brother pronounce his sister and her colleagues traitors to be killed (King Argon's decree for Princess Mari and his hiring of the Death Squad), or the new ruler (again, King Argon) swapping the mind of his former lover and wife-to-be with that of an ambitious elderly duchess who would be more compliant, and the list of craziness continues. If I had not missed issues 38–49, before picking up again with the phenomenal issue 50 (we're getting there!) I might have dropped this book all together. Thank goodness I did not, as things get exciting.

Micronauts Monday

***Possible Spoilers Below***

The Micronauts #43

The Micronauts #43 - Written by Bill Mantlo, breakdowns by Gil Kane, finishes by Danny Bulanadi, lettered by Jim Novak, colored by Bob Sharen, edited by Al Milgrom, published by Marvel Comics. We open with Bug, Mari, and Acroyear shrinking back to their proper size back in the Microverse after their tussle with the villain Dr. Nemesis. They are home, but they will not receive a warm reception as King Argon, Mari's brother, continues to show the people of Homeworld that he is every bit—if not more—worse than Baron Karza. Meanwhile, Commander Rann, Devil, Microtron, and Nanotron are still on Earth, and after they determine that not even the Avengers can help return them home, they are off to Florida to investigate the Prometheus Pit as their final option. Unfortunately, once there, they will learn that access to the Prometheus Pit is guarded by not one old foe, but two. 

Young Donist - Heck yeah! The Micronauts I know and love are back. Half of my heroes take up the rebellion against that jack-face King Argon, as the other half hang out with the Avengers—I don't even care about all of the talking. Then two really coold bad guys from the past show up in the same book?! YES! Even though the bad guys only get a couple pages toward the tail end of the book, I was amped for what was about to go down, and the creepy-as-all-heck final panel left me with the best case of Comic Book Anticipation Madness (CoBAM for short. Those seeking further information about this life-affecting disorder should contact either Current Donist or their Local Comic Store). HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Current Donist - I warned y'all, denizens, that I might spoil things, and that's what's gonna happen. No big spoiler, as the dang cover gives away the big reveal at the end with the zombified Professor Prometheus, but the one pulling the nearly-mindless monstrosity's strings is none other than Computrex, the Living Computer. I love seeing half of our heroes back in the Microverse and taking on the diabolical Force Commander, whose name fits him more than ever as he has shed his humanity to become a being of living energy. But even with all of that happening, I am for the first time in a while excited about what is going down on Earth. Mantlo brings back two villains, each of whom are cool in their own right, and adds an honestly horrifying twist with the zombified Professor Prometheus. What's even better is that the tone of the book has shifted back to what interested me throughout most of the series, and the blatant exposition of the past few issues has been minimized. Kane's/Bulanadi's art is fantastic, although the art style does change noticeably from panel to panel, but I don't care. Just seeing the shambling horror of what is left of Professor Prometheus is enough to leave me whipping through to the next issue. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

The Micronauts #44

The Micronauts #44 - Written by Bill Mantlo, breakdowns by Gil Kane, finishes by Danny Bulanadi and Al Milgrom and Potts, lettered by Jim Novak, colored by Bob Sharen, edited by Al Milgrom, published by Marvel Comics. 

The Micronauts's trouble spans two worlds: the Microverse, and Earth. Commander Rann and Devil face a reanimated Professor Prometheus, who is being controlled by the Living Computer, Computrex, as Microtron and Nanotron spin helplessly on a magnetized metal wheel. What's worse is Devil has been loosing more and more control of himself over to his savage, more animalistic side; the scent of Prometheus's rotting flesh is not helping matters. Computrex wants to destroy the Micronauts after “his” past defeat, but the mad computer knows the Microverse has the means to give “him” what he most wants—a living body. Computrex aims to pull the information out of Rann's brain; it will hurt. Meanwhile, Bug, Mari, and Acroyear make a pilgrimage, disguised as pilgrims, into the subterranean area known as Subzone. There they find a new religion has grown that deifies Argon, while hooking the poor inhabitants into a gambling system that robs them of life and limb. Can the separated diminutive heroes survive a rebellion and the horrors of Computrex and the rotting husk of Professor Prometheus?!

Young Donist - I seem to remember madly running in circles around the living room after reading this issue. It creeped me out in the best of ways and set me on my life-long love of good zombie tales, and my fascination with computers gone awry. Seeing Computrex's needles closing in on Rann's head gave me something to have nightmares about...forever. I will say that the panel of the priest saying, “All you have to do is play…the game,” freaked me out almost as much as those needles. Devil gets a raw deal, that made me furious with Computrex, but seeing him pull himself together and take out Zombo-Prometheus made me cheer. I did, however, find the shifting art styles distracting, but that was not enough to dissuade my opinion of this issue that is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Current Donist - Man, that was a heck of a fun issue, even though—or because— it gets fairly brutal in parts. Even though the jarring shifts in the look of the art from panel to panel is noticeable, Kane's underlying storytelling with his breakdowns is unquestionable. With this issue, we clearly see more of Kane's distinct style scattered throughout this highly enjoyable issue. 

The actual story is even more fantastic, as Mantlo juggles two worlds and a dozen heroes and villains with ease. The final scenes of Computrex having to turn on Zombo-Prometheus is just too cool and keeps me on my toes to this day. The finale of Rann, Devil, Microtron and Nanotron being converted into waves of light left me eager for the next issue. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

The Micronauts #45

The Micronauts #45 - Written by Bill Mantlo, breakdowns by Gil Kane, finishes by Danny Bulanadi, lettered by Jim Novak, colored by Bob Sharen, edited by Al Milgrom, published by Marvel Comics. The vile villain Arcade has his sights set on tormenting the X-Men, but when he shoots a energy beam to transport his foes into his Murder Machine, he inadvertently intercepts the lightwave containing Rann, Devil, Microtron, and Nanotron. Despite his initial disappointment, he can still have fun with these heroic-looking newcomers. Back on Homeworld, Bug, Acroyear, and Mari lead the rebellion against the tyranical Argon. Princess Mari eventually confronts her brother, who is no longer human, and finds herself in a mismatched fight to the death that does not go her way.

Young Donist - I had no idea who Arcade was, but the fact that he was pitting half of the Micronauts against the equivalent of “Dig Dug” and “Galaga” got my attention. I especially loved the look of the knockouts of pink and blue in the video game, but what got me the most was the fight between Mari and Argon, as Bug and Acroyear set out to rescue Prince Pharoid (yay!). Despite being completely out matched by her living-energy brother, Mari fights on and...I wish I could marry her when I grow up. Lady Slug (in Belladonna's aged body) showing up to try to take out the mad ruler only made this portion of the story set in the Microverse even more awesomerer. Then—HOLY CRAP! IS MARI DEAD?! I know she’s not, but dang…brutal. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Current Donist - Okay, I guess Marvel wasn't done with the Marvel U guest star action with this one-issue fight with Arcade, but it still works well and is a heck of a lot of fun…once I pushed past one huge problem. What might that be? Well, glad you asked. Arcade essentially pits our heroes against his evil Atari 2600. Now, here is the problem with reading about tech of the time—two decades later it is massively outdated. You see, denizens, at one time in my life, I beat the NES video game “Metroid,” so beating the equivalent of Atari's “Adventure” is something even Current Donist could do, so, yeah, no big whup. Pushing that aside, this is a heck of a fun read. But still, my interest lies with the Mari and Argon fight and that freakin’ gorgeous splash page that I wish I owned. Holy cow! I don’t remember how Mari pulls through, but dang if I don't want to jump right on into the next issue. If I wasn't already happily married, I think Mari and I would make a great couple…long walks on the beach, quiet dinners out, watching the love of my life beat the hell out of anyone who messed with us...hmmmmmm... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Well there you have it. The Micronauts has redeemed itself both with Young Donist and Current Donist. My memory of what is coming over the next three issues is quite fuzzy, but I do remember that things are about to get very very very weird, but in the best of ways. Some gnarly stuff is on the horizon, and I hope you join me to hear all about it. Thanks for stopping by, and may the Enigma Force be with you.

While writing this entry, I listened to Grant Green's albums “First Session” and the damn phenomenal “Idle Moments” each of which are perfect for writing or getting into the groove of whatever it is you are doing. These songs are pure aural bliss. Oh yeah...Go see Captain America 2!!!!!

Micronauts Monday 4/7/2014

Friday Slice of Heaven, Slice Into the Woods 4/4/2014

(Sung to the tune of Oingo Boingo’s ”Weird Science”)

From the store into my hands
I'll help you alls understand killer comics

Black
Black Science

Pretty Deadly I tell ya, man
Words sure to please and the
Art of fights in Death's land
How about Black Science

Rachel Rising knows the score
Characters I adore
Swamp Thing’s in a bind, yo man it's all fine
Black Science

Grant McKay, what to do?
Broken pillars, tellin’ you
Sci-fi love, it's the best
Black Science


<shhhhh> Be very, very quiet, Donist World denizens. I'm currently sitting in the conference room of Donist World headquarters (my mom’s basement) to bring you this message. CFO Obie (my friends' Boston terrier) and the Donist World marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/proud-to-be-a-Captain-American Tulip (my dog, Obie’s sister) are upstairs having the receptionist (Mom) paint the white parts of their fur blue and red, while affixing cardboard red, white, and blue shields to their backs. You, of course, already know that today is Captain America: Winter Soldier release day and the dogs have forgotten all about their Power Point presentation on “Driving the Boundaries of Productivity Through Better Brands of Kibble,” as they prepare to have their physically-small-yet-emotionally-huge hearts crushed once again. With every one of these great comic book movie releases, they rediscover the brutal truth that dogs are not allowed in theaters. It bums me out as well, and I almost feel guilty about sneaking out the window to attend an early showing; key words: almost feel guilty. Still, I got to hand it to the receptionist (Mom) for her use of negative space in placing the star on Tulip and Obie’s chests; it's pretty impressive. Anyhow, while I squeeze through this window, please take a gander at this week’s…

Friday Slice of Heaven

***Possible Spoilers Below***

Black Science #5

Black Science #5 - Written by Rick Remender, illustrated by Matteo Scalera, colored by Dean White, lettered and designed by Rus Wooton, edited by Sebastian Girner, published by Image Comics. I was blown away by the first issue of this tremendous series. Within the first panel or two you were caught up in a whirlwind of action, gaining background bits and pieces of the characters and story as we followed Grant McCay through a strange and deadly world of amphibian creatures. Issues two through four found our “heroes” of the Anarchist League of Scientists trapped in a world of techno Native Americans, fighting the under-equipped Germans; those issues were also a heck of a good read. Characters were killed, Grant almost died, we had treachery, desperation, a literal ticking clock, and the curiosity of the unknown to carry us forward. Now with this issue, we take one quick breath as the whirlwind that is Black Science kicks up once again.

Some love the anarchist scientist Grant McKay. Others hate him. Ask Grant McKay what he loves and he will answer without hesitation…science…errrrr, his kids. Yes, definitely his kids, which is the truth, but science is an incredibly close second. As Grant and his crew take a moment to relax and prepare for their next involuntary jump to an unknown world, the mysterious costumed stranger makes his appearance known by snatching Grant's kids. Rushing against the clock before the next world jump, Grant gives chase to retrieve his kids, even at risk of becoming stranded on the current parallel world. He also learns a tidbit of information that won't make him happy.

No doubt about it, this series is a blast. One moment you think you know what's going to happen, but then the creators do something completely unexpected. Is there any better indication of how enjoyable a comic is than reaching the final panel on each right facing page and muttering, “Oh man, what's gonna happen next?” It also doesn't hurt to have cool characters (a couple of whom have already died for Pete's sake), an awesome premise, and a story that can go anywhere. Throw in Scalera’s beautiful sequentials, his intense action scenes, a three-headed robotic bird thing, and White’s gorgeously insane coloring palette and there’s plenty to love about this book. Just have a look at the page with the amorous alien couple getting “Blazzatted” in their parked beetle thing, or the final two-page spread of the next world with its lush blues and you will completely understand just how well Scalera and White’s art looks together. I am more amped than ever for the next issue. 

This is a must read book, denizens. There is far too much going on to adequately describe all the intricacies of the story…you just need to read it. If you haven't yet picked up the series or you can't find the multiple reprints of the first couple issues, you are in luck. Amazon.com slates the $9.99 retail trade as being available on June 10, and is listed as having 152 pages, which I believe will cover issues 1–5; each issue is longer than your average comic book. So, I guess what I'm saying is you need to be reading this sci-fi adventure that will remind you with every issue just how great it is to be a comic book fan. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Rachel Rising #24

Rachel Rising #24 - Everthinged by Terry Moore, published by Abstract Studio. I have loved every page of this series since it first started, and it only continues to get better and better with each issue as we learn more about what happened with/to Rachel/Bryn Erin, Lilith, and the town of Manson. The series is a mixture of the Twin Peaks television show, the creepier stories from The Twilight Zone, and a crime drama, all while maintaining the feel of a Terry Moore work (Strangers In Paradise, Echo…each a must-own series in its own right). 

The first story arc comes to a conclusion as Rachel/Bryn Erin, James (trapped in Jet's body), and the murderous Zoe face down Lilith, the witch who wishes to destroy the town of Manson once and for all after the hangings of 100 supposed “witches” from over a century ago. It is an eerie scene as 97 bodies hang by the neck, suspended in the nothingness, both as testament to what happened and as a distraction. But where are the other three bodies? It's witches, wolves, snakes, killers, and the dead risen as this chapter comes to an exciting conclusion.

<puff> <pah> That's the sound of me “smoking” my candy cigarette and taking a sip of rye after reading this darn-fine issue. Moore satisfactorily answers many questions with this first-chapter conclusion, all while leaving plenty of situations looming for the next story arc; namely, the identity of who killed Rachel in the first place. Moore gives his all in this issue (doesn't he always?): some truly bone-rattling scenes of horror—the hanged women screaming <brrrrrr>; clever quips from Zoe that made me laugh between my nervousness; intense action; gruesome scenes of vengeance; a bone-chilling fate for the villain; and so much more. This is just considering the elements of the story. 

The art is some of Moore's best work to date. The sense of scope as Rachel/Bryn, James/Jet, and Zoe stare up at the night’s sky as the snow falls all around them in the opening silent panel is utterly haunting. The character acting is phenomenal, and the action as sharp as Zoe’s knife, Jack. Whether we see the reactions to a couple of wolves charging down a hill, a snake springing from someone’s mouth, or one person admonishing another who said something truly awful, you know exactly what each person is feeling…you can't help but feel it, too. Again, all of this happens during a tremendous snowstorm, and Moore refuses to let the intensity subside, until that moment the snow finally stops.

Most important of all, Moore has me so excited for the second arc, that I want to reread all 24 issues so I can experience this series again to better prepared myself what comes next; it's also just a joy to read. If you haven't been following this must-read series, then you can buy the first three trades easy enough—I'm sure the fourth is on the horizon, and it wouldn't surprise me to see a compendium of some sort before the end of the year. Beautiful to read, beautiful to look at, I can't wait to see what happens next as we continue our search for Rachel’s killer. Oh man! What about Aunt Johnny!!! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Swamp Thing #30

Swamp Thing #30 - Written by Charles Soule, illustrated by Jesus Saiz, finishes on various pages by Javi Pina, colored by Matthew Wilson, lettered by Travis Lanham, published by DC Comics. Dang, denizens, I thought it was a really bad idea for the Swamp Thing (Alec Holland) to give up his Avatar status to those “Serene” hippies who showed up out-of the blue, all so Alec could once again, for a brief period, walk in a man’s shoes. To be honest, I thought it was kind of dumb on his part, but then I started thinking—you know what happens when I start doing that—he failed to realize just how much he missed being human. To quote the rock band Cinderella, "You don’t know what you got till it’s gone," which is the case with Alec. His desperate attempt to reclaim what he lost, even if just for a moment, might very well be his doom.

The body of the Avatar is long gone from the bayou, and is in the corrupt hands of an evil corporation. Speaking of bodies…the Lady Weeds is sporting some new ink as she and the Wolf continue their scheming after Alec had changed them from former Avatars into humans. But when they, Brother Jonah and Capucine find Alec in a human body and near death after the fake Serene members poisoned him, Capucine calls on a surprise friend of hers from way way way back. Armed with new information, Alec and Capucine travel to Italy to find the Serene, but what they find there is shocking, especially when it comes to what the mysterious Miki has to say.

This issue is highly enjoyable as all the characters involved play their games to achieve their goals, but it is the final four-panel page that leaves me desperate to see what happens next. I really want to spoil what is going on with this girl, Miki, but I'm going to bite my tongue and commend Soule on taking these Serene characters and their abilities to places I never suspected, and opened the story to some interesting possibilities. 

The art is beautiful as ever and Wilson's colors are perfect for this title which was the New 52 book I was most excited to read, and the one that continues to be one of my current favorites. Definitely a book to watch. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Pretty Deadly #5

Pretty Deadly #5 - Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick, illustrated by Emma Rios, colored by Jordie Bellaire, lettered by Clayton Cowles, edited by Sigrid Ellis, published by Image Comics. The first chapter of Pretty Deadly comes to a close as we join Bones Bunny and Butterfly as they continue the tale of Ginny (Death's daughter), Sissy (the vulture girl with the mismatched eyes), Johnny (the “coward”), Fox (Sissy's guardian), Sarah, and Molly the raven as they attempt venture into Death's domain. Death's time has come and Sissy is slated to take his place…so long as Death doesn't kill them all first. First, they must get past Big Alice and the Shield Maids. It's daughter against father in this exciting conclusion.

If you have not been reading this series, then I suppose the first two sentences are going to leave you scratching your head as to what the heck I'm talking about. That said, if you've read the book—and you're like me—then you were probably still scratching your head until you took a hit of coffee, thunkeded your brain stuffs real hard, and reread the book until you got what was going on. That's okay. We don't need to be spoon fed every detail of what is transpiring. DeConnick and Rios have crafted a highly intelligent, beautifully written, and elegantly illustrated fairytale of the West whose past five issues were heavy, yet rewarding for those who stuck through to the end.
With the last few pages leaving me questioning whether or not the series would continue, I was more than pleased to see the final caption “Deathface Ginny will return in Pretty Deadly Volume 2.” The story can go anywhere from here on out, but if one thing is for certain, I know I will be there for each precious word that is to come. The first trade will release in mid-May if you missed this series the first time around, and it will retail for the very low price of $9.99. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Slice Into the Woods

Now This Is Just Getting Stupid—Still no @#$% The Sixth Gun or Undertow. Dang, denizens, I tell you, by the time I get March’s issues, April’s issue will be coming out. Of course, the brighter side of this is that I can read two issues of these series back-to-back and that's kind of cool. Still, I hate having to wait. Another plus is that I think I only have East of West in my pull next week, so if I get both books next Wednesday, the timing will be perfect for FSoH/SitW. Speaking of the next post, I might just have to pull out a trade or two to talk about next week as well. We'll see. Anyhow, go on now…git…go make ol’ Donist proud and see some Captain America: Winter Soldier.

Friday Slice of Heaven, Slice Into the Woods 4/4/2014

Micronauts Monday 3/31/2014

Hey there, Donist World denizens. Welcome back to Micronauts Monday, where I talk about my longtime favorite comic book series The Micronauts. You'll get a summary of the issue, my remembered reaction/experience with the comic book as a kid, and my thoughts as an adult after rereading the issues over the past week. The Micronauts is the book that introduced me to the wonderful world of comic book addiction. The sad thing about this amazing series is--as I explained in the first post here--is that if you haven't read the comics, doing so is going to be a bit of a hunt, since reprinting rights are firmly wedged into a Prometheus Pit of a printing-rights purgatory. But don't despair, it can be done, you can find them. Mycomicshop.com has most of the main series for a fairly inexpensive price. If you want to dip your toe into the glory that is the Microverse before committing to a hunt for individual issues, then you could also check out the five "Special Editions," which I believe had two or three issues included in each. Or, better yet, if you have an opportunity to do some longbox diving into the $.50-$1.00 bins at your LCS, then I'm sure you can find many issues there. My only caution here is that the story has a tremendous narrative that builds over the course of the series, one that deserves to be read in order, but that said, any Micronauts is good Micronauts! 

I'm not going to lie to you, Donist World denizens. The next eight or so issues are a little rough. As I said last week, Young Donist lost track of his beloved The Micronauts after issue 37 when the book went exclusively to the direct market. What this meant was that the comic book I used to be find on spinner racks at 7-11, K-Mart, or the grocery store (in other words, everywhere) were now only sold in comic book specialty stores, of which I did not know one existed in my town for about a year…hey, I was 12 and the internet didn't even exist yet. I would not see my next issue of this fantastic series until issue 50, and then had to chip away at the back issues box (held behind the counter) for issues 38-49 all while having my eyes opened to the world of MANY other comics outside of Marvel and DC, such as Eclipse, First, Epic, Pacific, and not much later than that...Mirage Studios. Anyhow, I think it was a good thing that I initially missed out on issues 38-49 as at least half of those issues might have scared me away from the series all together. Stick around, though, things get insanely better by around issue 48!

Micronauts Monday

***Possible Spoilers Below***

The Micronauts #39 - Written by Bill Mantlo, illustrated by Steve Ditko, inked by Danny Bulanadi, lettered by Jim Novak, colored by Bob Sharen, edited by Al Milgrom, published by Marvel Comics. In a failed attempt to warp back to the Microverse, the Micronauts' ship, the Endeavor, mistakenly appears out of the front cover of an issue of none other than The Micronauts #1 at a comic book specialty store. How crazy is that?! Our heroes find themselves assaulted by a cigar-chomping store owner, toys (not living or animated toys, just normal toys) that look like Baron Karza or their current enemy the Force Commander. Meanwhile, back in the Microverse, King Argon denies Huntarr (the menace from the awesome issue 37 starring Nightcrawler) his request to be put to death, as Duchess Belladonna—an elderly, wicked woman—sees her request for a new body approved…unfortunately, that body belongs to former rebel leader Slug. Not only that, Acroyear’s old love, Cilicia, is working with Argon and sends an Acroyear assault team to Earth to capture the Micronauts.
Young Donist - What…the…hell…is…this?! Let me get this straight. You take my favorite comic, move it to something called a “comic specialty store,” leave me with over a year-long absence, and this is your second issue for this move? A fight in a comic book store, when they come out of their own comic book?! Man! Brutal! Ugh..., although I did like seeing Huntarr again for all of three panels. Micronauts versus Acroyears was okay, and I liked the art, but dang…if this wasn't sealed in a bag by Andromeda Book Store (RIP), I would have not picked it up. I would not recommend this issue to anyone.
Current Donist - <sigh> Yeah, I still do not like this issue. Supposedly Steve Ditko was the illustrator, but if you are familiar Ditko's art style, or have read The Micronauts Annual #1 and 2 (which I have not yet talked about), then only a few panels will strike you as being his. I'm not totally certain, but my guess is Ditko did the layouts with Bulanadi providing the finishes, but I will say that I did enjoy the art. It’s just the story that grinds my gears, with the exception on the three pages with King Argon, Huntarr, Belladonna, and Cilicia to spark my interest. Yeah, I still cannot recommend this issue.

The Micronauts #40 - Written by Bill Mantlo, illustrated by Gil Kane, inked by Danny Bulanadi, lettered by Jim Novak and Albers, colored by Bob Sharen, edited by Al Milgrom, published by Marvel Comics. In this issue, as the cover clearly tells you, The Micronauts meet up once again with the ever-lovin’, blue-eyed Thing! The Endeavor has fallen into a sewer and is sinking fast, as our heroes attempt to save the battle damaged vessel. Bug needlessly endangers his comrades, but directs them to the Baxter Building, home of the Fantastic Four and the chance for a way home. There they meet Franklin Richards, an evil host of antrons (alien bug creatures), and the Thing who would like nothing more than to get back to his nap.
Young Donist - <shaking his head> Why me? If I didn't already know that issue 50 is a fistful of awesome, I might have been done after this issue. It doesn't need a Marvel super guest-appearance (The Thing), and more than that, it doesn't need a freakin’ toddler (Franklin) to be the hero! Plus, talking, lots and lots of talking. The 1.75 pages of King Argon were great and I wanted more of that. Okay, I will admit that the antrons look really cool, but other than those two things…barf. I would not have recommended this issue to anyone.
Current Donist - Is this where my dislike of the “guest-appearance” first began to grow? Possibly. Like the issue before, I do not see the listed artist, Gil Kane, as being the primary artist on this issue. Kane has a very distinct style—just look at the cover—and the art inside is more like the previous issue than the cover. I'm guessing Kane did mostly layouts and Bulanadi finished, but despite who did what, I like the art, especially on Bug, Devil and the antrons. I also wish that Sharen could have done more of his intense coloring like he does on a page of the antrons and on Argon's scientist, Degrayde. The story is filled with exposition, and for a series flagged for specialty stores only, it sure has a lot of ties to the regular Marvel Universe. Wasn't the move so the creators could do more edgy stories? Thank goodness I kind of remember what is coming. I cannot recommend this issue unless you are an obsessive hoarder like me.

The Micronauts #41

The Micronauts #41 - Written by Bill Mantlo, art by Gil Kane and Danny Bulanadi, lettered by Jim Novak and Albers, colored by Bob Sharen and Warfield, edited by Al Milgrom, published by Marvel Comics. In this issue…Doom! The Endeavor has fallen into a sewer and is sinking fast, as our heroes attempt to save the battle damaged vessel (yes, the exact same sentence as the previous review, but it happens again). This time they lose and the ship is lost. Thankfully they have their hovering Astrostation to get around. Back on Homeworld in the Microverse, King Argon's madness escalates as he has swapped the minds of the young, strong Slug—to whom he was once engaged—with that of the aged Duchess Belladonna. To make matters worse, he becomes more and more like the deceased Baron Karza, as he is no longer a man, but rather something more, as he has transformed his body into living energy. Lady Slug (in Belladonna's aged body) and the beaten Prince Pharoid begin to plot. Back on Earth, The Micronauts travel to a US bound Castle Doom (Huh?) where they find a miniaturized village, where none other than The Puppet Master is shrunk and held captive by a miniature puppet of Dr. Doom!
Young Donist - COME ON! Give me back the stories I love! Okay, yes, I want to see Acroyear kick Dr. Doom's butt, but this isn't the real Dr. Doom and this bald Puppet Master guy is about as threatening as my eight-year-old cousin. Those gripes aside, the stuff about King Argon becoming energy…can we just see that, please? That is awesome, and that look of vengeance in Slug's eyes is more along the lines of what I wanted. I like most of the art. I would not have recommended this issue to anyone, except my eight-year-old cousin or brother…they totally used to bug me.
Current Donist - Hmmm...okay, I agree with some of my younger self in that the Homeworld based storyline—all five pages of it—is the best part of this book, but I actually like this issue more than I did as a kid. Despite the Doom "guest-appearance" and the use of a regular Marvel Universe villain, this issue creeps back into the Warren Magazine (Creepy, Eerie, etc.) style territory that I love so much. The five pages with King Argon are fascinating and still interest me far more than what is happening on Earth.
It doesn't move the story forward that much, but I did enjoy the House of Wax influence and the creepiness of the village. Again, despite the Kane cover, little in the way of his art is within the actual pages, but this time Kane and Bulanadi are credited as "artists." Young Donist might not have liked this comic, and even though I would have preferred to NOT see Doom in this issue, it regained some of the feel of the book I fell in love with. RECOMMENDED!

The Micronauts #42

The Micronauts #42 - Written by Bill Mantlo, art by Gil Kane and Danny Bulanadi, lettered by Leferman and Albers, colored by Bob Sharen, edited by Al Milgrom, published by Marvel Comics. In this issue a guest-appearance by…The Wasp! <groan...ahem> Devil is becoming more unhinged, more feral with each passing day. After the death of Fireflyte, the absence of her song has caused the once amiable Micronaut to return to his buried animalistic side. Music does calm the savage beast. We catch up with the story—again—and somehow Bug finds himself psychically linked to none other than Janet Van Dyne (the Wasp), and he rushes off to her rescue placing his teammates in harms way—again. It turns out that one of Hank Pyms old enemies, Dr. Nemesis, has broken in and stolen a miniaturized adamantium suit that can shrink things out of existence…like the Wasp's clothes. Can the Micronauts save the Wasp, and does Dr. Nemesis have the means to return them home, or to destroy them?
Young Donist - <drops the issue on the floor and kicks it under the bed> At least half of the team might be back in the Microverse. I'm going outside to play. I would not have recommended this issue.
Current Donist - Whoa. Young Donist really has nothing more to say about this issue, and I'm pretty sure he only read it once. This book is just whatever. It has more panels that look reminiscent of Kane's work, and some of the action scenes are pretty cool, but this Dr. Nemesis clown didn't stand a chance when he faces the people responsible for taking down a tyrant who threatened not one but two universes. In fact, the only thing at risk in this issue are The Wasp's clothes, which get shrunk out of existence; she spends half of the issue naked but "covered" by strategically placed things like laser blasts, arms, and wings. This issue isn't as bad as 39 and 40, but without a glimpse into what is happening back in the Microverse, I think I'll just flip through it when my next reread pops up in a couple years. I don't recommend this one.


<sigh> There you go. Nothing all that great, on one of my all-time-favorite comic book series. But that's okay, I know what is coming, and trust me, it is going to be mind blowing. Hey, you can't expect to make an omelet without dropping an egg on the floor and having Tulip eat up that egg before you can pick it up…or however the saying goes. Although I did not enjoy these comics as much as I enjoyed most of the previous 37 issues that came before, please understand that they are not bad—#39 comes close—just not as gripping as what came before. Next time, things begin to look up as half of our heroes are back home, but even though half are still trapped on Earth, I'm still excited to see what happens next. Thank you for reading.

While writing this entry, I listened to Tycho's albums "Awake" and "Dive" each of which are perfect for writing or getting into the groove of whatever it is you are doing. I especially like the song titled "Dive."

Micronauts Monday 3/31/2014

Friday Slice of Heaven, Slice Into the Woods 3/28/2014

(Sung to the tune of The Handsome Family's "Far From Any Road")

In a remote book store, your anticipation grows
Tons of new comics, what to buy? Ol’ Donist knows

The Wake’s a must read surely, Satellite Sam adult time fun
And Sandman Overture’s beauty shines next to none

In your eager hands a book to make your heart swoon
Deadly Class is sure a gas, in heaven's grasp you now loom

1st Monthly & Mandatory
Donist World Corporate Sleepover

Such a haunting, beautiful song…and what better reason to listen to “Far From Any Road” than after completing our second viewing of True Detective, which is right up there as one of my all-time favorite television shows. But I digress…welcome to Donist World. I'm joined as every by Donist World CFO Obie (my friends’ Boston terrier) and by our marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/true detective Tulip (my dog, Obie’s sister). Currently, the dogs are wiped out after not sleeping so well after rewatching the final episode of the season after last night's viewing. You see, most Fortune 320,000 companies have corporate retreats, or outings, some even have pow-wows (snicker), but here at Donist World we are pioneers of innovation. Thus we give to you, the Donist World denizens…the corporate sleepover. Yes, Obie slept over last night and we powered through the show, ordered in tacos, treated ourselves to a three hour marathon of Power Point presentations, and of course ended the evening with a pillow fight with Donist World branded pillows, of course. There was one odd point in the evening where I woke up to see Obie standing over me whispering, "Carcosa. Carcosa. Carcosa," which was unnerving, but that just goes to show you what happens when you are the first to fall asleep at a sleepover. Anyhow, I'm going to take a nap since I hardly slept because of my terror-filled dreams, so please enjoy this week's…


Friday Slice of Heaven


***Possible Spoilers Below***

The Wake #7

The Wake #7 - Written by Scott Snyder, illustrated by Sean Murphy, colored by Matt Hollingsworth, lettered by Jared K. Fletcher, published by Vertigo Comics, a DC Comics imprint. Issue 6 of The Wake can be considered the start of the “second season” of the series, and it is one that grabbed me by the front of my shirt and sat me up straight. The first five issues of the series are kind of creepy and a great read for sci-fi/horror comic fans, but that sixth issue...criminy, denizens, the game changed and a really good comic became a fantastic comic book. But does this issue continue the shock, the awe, the unexpected moments that leave me going “well, I never expected that!”? Gosh darn it, you bet your sweet patootie it does. Whoa, boy howdy! I’m not even certain I totally understood what happened at the end, but I’ll tell you this, I cannot wait for issue 8!
Leeward’s use of the ear (communications device) actually delivered a message she wanted to hear...something about defeating the mers once and for all. Too bad the Arm—what passes for law enforcement—found out about what she was up to and threw both her and the man who sold her the ear, Pub, into the bowels of a repurposed cruise ship where they will spend the next six months rowing the vessel across the seas; that is if they don’t die first. Not one for being told what to do, Leeward plans (poorly) to escape but all plans are interrupted by a mer attack. All seems lost until an odd turn of events occurs.
<Arggh> I so want to spoil the ending of this issue, as I see two possibilities for what actually happened and I’m not totally certain as to which it is. I could also be totally wrong. Just know that I was not expecting this shocker of a cliffhanger in any way, and however the creators explain this...<ack>...situation...it’ll be fine with me. As truly bonkers as this ending is, I am biting my nails to see what happens next; it's gonna be a painful wait for issue 8. (Okay, deep breath, Donist. Chill out and get on with it.)
Despite the final two pages that left me calling for more more more, Snyder and Murphy’s submerged apocalyptic future is completely fascinating, and therein lies my problem with The Wake. The first half of this maxi-mini-series of what is to be a 10-issue comic progressed just fine. At issue four, I could envision how the comic would round out the next six issues, but then issue five slammed the door shut on that chapter, and issue six introduced a whole new world of wonders. We have three issues left in the series, and that is not going to be enough. Don’t get me wrong, I have no doubt that the creators will wrap up the story in a satisfying manner, but I am going to want more...I know this. Issue six and seven have opened up so many potential areas in this world beyond Leeward's current plight that I want to travel to every corner of this fascinating world. Yes, I’m dying to see how Leeward handles what just happened, but I want to see her go from the West Coast to the East Coast as well as inland. I want to see her first meeting with Dash. I want to experience the training programs with the whales, and the capture of the first “king” mer. A common problem I see in many stories is a meandering when things just need to progress, but that is not the case here. I want to meander and take up residency in this story, and I mean that as the highest of compliments.
I don’t need to go into detail about how much I love the dialogue, or character development, or how striking Murphy’s art is—I will say  the splash of the giant mer attacking the cruise ship is worth the price of admission—or for Hollingsworth’s beautiful world building through color. I’ve discussed all that before. The only other thing you need to know about The Wake is that it is a book you need to be buying. I do see a hardcover solicited at Amazon.com with a November release date, but that is a long ways away. With any luck we will see this title extended to 20 issues, or a new mini will be announced, or screw that noise...I'll gladly stick around for an on-going. It's safe to say I like this comic book. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Deadly Class #3

Deadly Class #3 - Written by Rick Remender, illustrated by Wes Craig, colored by Lee Loughridge, lettered by Rus Wooton, edited by Sebastian Girner, published by Image Comics. This comic, like The Wake, has a moment that I fully was not expecting...not in the slightest. The difference being that the previous review threw something outlandish—yet consistent with the story—while this one sucker punches you in the best of ways.
Some homework assignments are murder. Unfortunately for Marcus and his classmate and potential new friend, Willie, their homework assignment is exactly that...murder. The two are assigned to kill a vagrant and document the experience as well as the removal of the corpse; such are the disciplines taught at Kings Dominion, a school for assassins. Thankfully, Marcus's old acquaintance might have a lead on a bad man, but will either boy have the killer instinct to solidify a passing grade? What happens will shock you. Also, little do they know they are being watched by an outside party.
By the half way point of this issue, I was enjoying what I was reading and I liked the budding friendship between Marcus and Willie, which alone kept me interested in this title, but it’s what goes down later in the issue that has my grimmer side anxious to see more. Again, I’m not going to spoil what happens, just know I was not expecting the event in the slightest and that I was stunned afterwards. Dang, everything changes, but thankfully the creators at least give you insight into why things play out the way they do.
The characterization and dialogue are fantastic—no surprise there—and Loughridge’s coloring, although not realistic by design, packs a punch that drives the emotional beats of the story. Craig’s art continues to showcase storytelling grace as he glides your eyes from panel to panel. He even throws in a cool comic within a comic moment when detailing Willie’s past. The panel counts are again high, but they hammer home the intense moments, while easing you through the calmer ones; each page is worth taking time to appreciate.
Three issues in and I am still loving this series, as each provides a new level of excitement and opens the door just a sliver wider as we look in on these characters’ past lives. I can’t wait to see what happens next. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Satellite Sam #7

Satellite Sam #7 - Written by Matt Fraction, illustrated by Howard Chaykin, lettered by Ken Buzenak, digital production by Jed Dougherty, designed by Drew Gill, edited by Thomas K., published by Image Comics. <phew> give me a second, denizens. Let me just fan myself and cool off a little as some of the imagery of this issue is a bit racy. Then again, once you start to delve into just what a mess Mikey is and how much more so he is becoming, that takes a bit of the punch out of the more titillating imagery. Still, that Chaykin sure knows how to draw ’em.
Libby Meyers, the assistant director for the hit children’s show Satellite Sam, has been keeping a secret for quite a while. Unknown to Michael at the time, Libby used to run a weekly errand for his father, where she would make deposits to a peculiar storage facility. Now, if he can get his head together and stop letting his daddy issues dictate his life and dalliances, he might be able to appreciate the enormity of what it is Libby has to show him. Of course, he should probably try not to implode his career by giving poorly-thought-out and inappropriate gifts to the Satellite Sam crew. Change is a coming.
I love this book. Not just because of the aforementioned Chaykin-lady steaminess, but because of his command of body language, facial expressions and the storytelling of his sequentials that keep you gliding through the story while also stopping to linger, to appreciate. Fraction’s dialogue is distinct to each character and the situations that arise, whether part of the overall mystery or not, each word is simply engrossing. If you are a fan of the television show Mad Men, or of either creators’ non-superhero work, then this is the book for you. The good news is that if you have not yet picked up this series, then you can get the trade (issues 1-5) for under $8 at MyComicShop.com (and support me in the process!) and then easily grab these two issues for this unique and authentic look at television showbiz in the ’50s. Satellite Sam is not for the kiddies, but if you are looking for a break from super heroes and villains punching each other in the face, then you know what you need to do. Satellite Sam is an amazing work. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Sandman Overture #2

Sandman Overture #2 - Written by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by J.H. Williams III, colored by Dave Stewart, lettered by Todd Klein, published by Vertigo Comics, a DC Comics imprint. I’ve said it before, but let‘s just get this out of the way. “I may not know art, but I know what I like.” Well, I know a little about art, but for the latest issue of The Sandman Overture I don't completely understand what the heck is going on, yet I still like what I’m seeing.
We begin the tale with the current manifestation of Dream, he who was once known as Daniel, as he prepares to go for a walk where he encounters Mad Hettie and discusses the intricacies of time. Meanwhile, in 1915, the previous incarnation of Dream, Morpheus the Shaper, meets a host of different versions of himself, some more alien than others. Each aspect of Dream sees themself as the only aspect that exists as others fade and appear and...wait, where was I? Anyhow, the Dreams have gathered because one of their own has died and they want to know who is responsible, so they consult the first Dream, a creature reminiscent of the “Old Gods.” Dream then goes into his ruby gem to consult with “The First Circle”…something something somebody named Glory. Uh…something something a mad star…blue lady made out of stars…Morpheus and an aspect of himself venture forth to meet with someone unexpected.
I understood roughly 65–70% of what went down in this issue, but that's okay. The Sandman Overture is lyrical in its lovely dialogue and captions. Gaiman’s words are mesmerizing and just as magical as the tale being told. Couple the exemplary writing with Williams III’s stunning imagery, and there is absolutely no excuse for skipping this issue. Ignore the lengthy delay, you will forget all about it the very moment you see the ghostly Daniel, with his complete lack of a hard black line, or when you see the many aspects of Dream, or when you wander through the crimson landscape of the mystical ruby.  You will want to stay on each panel of each page as Stewart’s coloring style shifts along with the change of each location; every page is worthy of mounting in your home for all to adore. Even the lettering is something to appreciate in this issue as Klein gets the workout of his life with each Dream aspect—and trust me, denizens, there are many—receive their own distinct word balloon, and most of the aspects speak; lettering is something that is usually designed to be invisible, yet Klein's work here is a triumph of the lettering art form.
Neither the wait between issues, nor my inadequate Donist mind should discourage you from checking out this gorgeous comic book—mom always claimed you were the smarter ones anyways, denizens. You need to see this. You need to read this. Come to think of it…rereading issue one and two back-to-back might not be such a bad idea for this comic book from another plane of existence. I won't even guess as to what might come in issue three, as Dream(s) journeys to meet he-who-I-won't-name, but I can tell you I am excited to see what happens. Hopefully the wait won't be too long. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!


Slice Into the Woods


Still Missing Some Books - Gosh darn it. Dag nabbit. Geez Louise. Where’s my The Sixth Gun? Where's my Undertow? Awwww Sugar! Hopefully these missing comics show up next week. Cripes, I hate waitin’ when I shouldn’t have to wait…that goes doubly so when we are talking comics.

Friday Slice of Heaven, Slice Into the Woods 3/28/2014