What no Luke Cage?!?!?!?

Yep, I’ve put off reading another issue of Mr. Cage, my excuse/reason is that I’ve got two books on the go, and they’re too good to interrupt. The first is The Conversations by Michael Ondaatje (the author of the English Patient) and Walter Murch (editor of the English Patient movie, as well as several others and the director of Return to Oz). This is a brilliant series of interviews/conversations between the two artists as they discuss there respective art forms. Now I hate hate HATE the English Patient but that’s just one film of many that is discussed in this book. What’s interesting is Murch’s theories on storytelling almost have a chaos theory intricacy to them. He’s worked with Francis Ford Coppola on a number of films that I love, so its interesting to see him explain the reasoning behind certain scenes. Essential reading for filmmakers and a damn good read for anybody else.

My second book is Michael Chabon’s The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, which has no doubt been discussed on a billion more interesting websites than mine, but I picked it up on the weekend for £1.99 (thank you The Works!) and I’m already halfway through it (an impressive feat when you consider its 640-odd pages, and my available reading time is on the bus, before I get motion sickness). It’s a gripping read, full of Golden Age flavour and tells the story of Jewish immigrants settling in New York before and during World War II.

So I’ll review another issue of our Hero for Hire soon! (Promise).

I’ve also forgotten to review my two comic purchases from last week:

House of M 3: Despite getting a panning for its last issue, I’m enjoying this series immensely (which surprised me greatly, I was expecting this to be the “Event” that made me give up comics again, like the original Age of Apocalypse before it). Last issue contained little plot, but had page-long snippets which re-introduced the characters in this new world. I was fine with this, I’m not one of these people who needs every issue filled with plot and fight scenes, I was happy to let Bendis slowly introduce the world to us. Now that’s out of the way, we find that Wolverine (or “James” as he’s now known) remembers his past life, so tries to trackdown answers (and allies) in this new world. Another strong issue, this new reality is one which, I can’t believe Marvel hadn’t thought of before. Unlike Age of Apocalypse, this reality seems more fully though out, I always found it hard to believe that the death of Xavier, would alter the world that much. It also highlights the racism issue (one that the X-comics claim to explore, but often don’t) by placing the usually trusted characters into a minority.

Villains United 3: Gail Simone brings intelligence and humour to an issue which is all about torture. I’m not sure why I don’t buy Birds of Prey regularly, having read a trade collection of her stuff, its funny, sexy and exciting. One of the prime factors in my enjoyment of mainstream DC at the moment. Thank you, Gail!

New Comics I’ll probably buy:

All Star Batman and Robin The Boy Wonder: All the hype has finally gotten to me. To be honest Jim Lee’s Art is not a big enough draw for me (I’m not thirteen years old anymore!) and I can take or leave Frank Miller as a writer, buuuuuuuuuuuuut I read this interview at newsarama, and I like the ideas for the character interaction between Batman and Robin. So I’ll check out the 1st issue and see how I like it.

New Avengers: I’m still intrigued to see where Bendis takes this team, although I do have issues with Cap’s decision to keep Wolverine on the team BECAUSE he’s a killer, rather than in spite of his murderous acts. Plus its got Luke Cage and Jessica Drew in it! How bad can it be?

Desolation Jones: Love JH Williams art in this series, the story keeps me intrigued, although I’m not a die-hard fan of Warren Ellis. ( Don’t misunderstand tho’ I do LOVE Die Hard!)

Gravity: Loved the first issue, its putting the fun back into comics, just by seeing the difficulties of a teenager becoming a superhero in the modern world.

Hercules: Not sure why I’m buying this series, I like the character of Hercules, but I find the humour in this series crass, the reality tv show-hook tiresome, may not pick this up on the day.

JLA: More Allan Heinberg goodness, although its very Identity-Crisis based (a series I still have not read, will wait-for-trade), I am intrigued by what was set-up in the 1st issue.

New Warriors: A reality tv show-hook again?!?!? And yet I enjoyed the 1st issue, so I’ll give this book another chance, plus I have some fondness for the New Warriors.

Seven Soldiers, The Guardian: Grant Morrison, ‘nuff said!

"Avoid London. Area closed. Turn on radio"

Above is the sign greeting motorists attempting to enter London via the motorways. No posts yesterday as I spent a dread-filled morning ringing round friends who work in the centre of London, checking if they’re unharmed. My thoughts and sympathy go to the friends and families of the victims.

Soundtrack of my Skull:

Here’s what I’ve been listening to (or what my brain has been insistently playing during my waking moments):

Do Me Bad Things: Time for Deliverance – a great British band, that I had the pleasure of seeing live many moons ago, imagine Gladys Knight and the pips and Dr. John and the Ramones and Brett Anderson (from Suede) all up on stage playing together, literally this band has 6 different singers, combining Soul, gospel, glam, punk and swamp rock all in one heady mix, go get the debut album Yes! Today.

Bonsai Kittens: Poor Johnny – So damn good!

SWEET MAMA MARIAH!

And so we come to issue five of Luke Cage Hero for Hire, the debut issue of writer Steve Engelhart. After last issue’s battle with a ghost (in fact a midget strapped to circus strongman, jinkies!), Steve tries to go more urban with Black Mariah! A four hundred pound lady crime boss who talks like Gambit.

In this issue Luke interrupts a knife fight between a black cinema-goer and a couple of racists, who end up killing the movie lover. Luke calls the widow of the film fan and tells he the bad news. Meanwhile an ambulance takes away the body, even before the police get there. Luke smells something fishy, so after being hired by the dead cinephile’s wife, tracks down his missing body.

But what starts as maybe an interesting conspiracy thriller, along the lines of Eric Roberts-cinematic masterpiece The Ambulance, turns out to be a simple theft. Black Mariah is the criminal mastermind, who steals dead bodies and then picks heir wallets for cash. And that’s it.

Then Cage and her fight, and its embarrassing Luke Cage vs. a really fat woman. That’s Entertainment!

Engelhart tries to save the whole mess, by having the widow walk away disgusted by Luke’s apparent greed, but its so contrived it fails.

I’ve just read this great interview with Engelhart, Isabella and Wein (all early writers on Luke Cage) on Pulse, so I hope that the stories will improve.

Sweet Sister, Scooby!!!!!

Luke Cage Hero for Hire Issue 4:

Archie Goodwin bid farewell to the Hero for Hire with issue 4. Goodwin had written Luke’s origin and faced him against a villain with a mace for a hand, so for his fourth and final issue as writer, Goodwin had Luke Cage battle a ghost. That’s right, a ghost. Archie just didn’t give a fuck did he? He was leaving the title, so what the hell, let Luke battle a ghost. As this was the 70s the whole thing plays like an episode of Scooby-Doo with Luke (uttering such startled phrases as “Sweet Sister!”) trying to find out who’s pretending to be the ghost haunting him at night. Turns out it is a circus strongman and a midget strapped together (like Master-Blaster from Mad Max beyond the Thunderdome, but without Tina Turner). Oops sorry, spoiler alert!

The reason this issue isn’t a total shambles is thanks to the atmospheric art by George Tuska, who saw this supernatural issue as an excuse to go full-out with the weird angles and moody shading. Plus any comic that ends with a knife fight with a midget can’t be all bad. The ending also hints at Luke’s moral grey area, as he lets the killer midget and the corrupt businessman plummet to their doom, not really bothering to get involved. Here’s hoping that Steve Engelhart’s debut, next issue, is better (although the cover shows a fat black woman as a villain called Black Mariah, so I don’t hold out much hope.)

He is... THE LAW!

Brodie’s Law

And so we come to review the 6 part mini-series produced by Pulp Theatre Entertainment, who were the two polite fellas I met at the London Film and Comic Con, just over a week ago.

The story as quoted by the Pulp Theatre site:

“The story revolves around Jack Brodie, an East London thief with a temper and attitude, who possesses the power to "suck your soul dry" by stealing a person's thoughts and identity before returning it tainted with his own evil deeds. Framed for a murder he did not commit, Brodie embarks on a thrilling non-stop mission to find his kidnapped son.”

That concept sounds familiar doesn’t it? And that’s one of the prevailing feelings you’ll get throughout the series, one of déjà vu. It seems like a concept straight out of a 90s American adventure TV series. However the comic does explore the concept in some interesting ways. Jack picks up the thoughts and feelings of those he absorbs, and eventually they all merge like a psychic cocktail inside his skull, each flavour vying for control. At one point he absorbs his wife’s killer, as part of his plan, but finds himself conflicted. On one hand he’s grieving her death and on the other he’s aroused by the memories of killing her. It’s a concept which has also been explored in Kathryn Bigelow’s film Strange Days, where a rapist shares his feelings and emotions with his victim as he rapes her. Later on in the series, Brodie absorbs the DNA of a female lawyer who is sexually attracted to the man ultimately for his wife’s death. Jack finds himself about to have sex with this man. This sequence is handled maturely, no last-minute bouts of homophobia to “free” Jack.

Of course it can be argued that the science displayed is more than a little dodgy. It argues that by absorbing someone’s DNA, Jack can able to access their memories, but for the most part I’m able to suspend my disbelief.

The downside of the writing is the pacing of the series overall. This six-issue miniseries is clearly modelled on the formula for a pilot of a TV show. Therefore the 1st two issues are a standard crime/thriller story, with the sci-fi/fantastic elements of the story relegated to McGuffin-status, as the character’s chase after this mystery disc containing an all-important formula. Issue 3 rushes through the sci-fi set-up/hook, explaining the concept through lengthy expository dialogue, developing the technology and the formula, using it on Brodie and then Brodie absorbing his first batch of DNA. After the slow build-up of the 1st two issues, issue three appears rushed. The last three issues hurtle through the action and violence as Jack attempts to save his son and bring down the men who “done ‘im wrong!” The ending itself seems to be directly from Sam Raimi’s Darkman but leaves the fate’s of these characters up in the air. The effect of this is similar to watching a pilot show where the last ten minutes of the show have been taped over. The abrupt ending short-changes the supporting characters of the book, especially Brodie’s son, whose fate we’ve been expected to care about for the past 5 issues.

The art combines animation-cel style pencils with muddy inks, which suits the tone and world of the story. Only occasionally does the art fail to convey the story, leaving the reader confused and taking him/her out of the action. But the art does give the book a strong visual identity, unlike anything else on the shelves at the moment.

Overall the book has a lot of potential for exploring the concept but also the strong supporting characters and their relationships with Brodie. The pacing issues may be resolved if read in a collected format rather than in individual issues. If I see any further miniseries I will definitely take another look.

When irony wears thin...

Another Movie review from a film I watched on the bus, rented from those robots at Lovefilm.com:

Teenage Caveman

No not the original Roger Corman classic B-movie starring Robert Vaughan, but the 2002 remake directed by Larry Clark (yes, he of Kids, Bully, Ken Park (in)fame). With the tagline “THE FUTURE SUCKS”, how could I avoid this piece of cinematic gold?!?! The film itself, is not a strict remake, its clear from the opening scenes that the filmmakers have brought forward the shock twist-ending of the original that the world we’ve been following is not a prehistoric one, but in fact a post-apocalyptic one. This is obvious from the opening shots, littered with debris from the twentieth century.

The central characters in this film are a group of teenagers living in a puritanical, corrupt tribal system hidden away in the caves. The group act like normal teenagers, curious about the outside world, curious about drinking, reading and fucking, all things frowned on by the authority figures of the tribe. Eventually when one of the group kills his own father for abusing his girlfriend, the group are cast out and wonder the ravaged desert planet. Eventually they come upon an abandoned city. Knocked out by a fierce storm the group wake to find themselves to clothed in clean, modern (i.e. our era) underwear. They are now guests of Neil and Judith, two genetically modified “teens” who have lived in the city since before the war, 120 years ago. The pair introduce the group to the pleasures of drink, drugs and sex, but it all comes at a deadly price.

This film had the potential to ask some interesting questions and explore some of the same subtextual territory as Clark’s other films, teenage self-harm/self-destruction, but in sci-fi genre trappings. And if you work really, really hard you can find some of those ideas, beneath the twenty minute drug/sex orgy (believe me, its not as exciting as it sounds). The idea that the Teenage Caveman of the title is not the rag-swathed teens seen living in the caves, but the 120 year old teenager trying to keep the spirit of the twentieth century alive, is expressed in the character’s dialogue, “We’re the fucking dinosaurs, man, we’re extinct.”

But on the surface, the film reeks. Overacting vs. non-acting models, rubbish sfx and the aforementioned sex+drug marathons, which the film focuses on, damage any chance this film at being redeemed.

SWEET CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Luke Cage Hero for Hire Issue 3:

Hmm... after a strong start for this blaxpoitation-infused series, it starts to skirt towards the more traditional superhero fare of the age. Last issue saw Luke carry out his revenge against his former friend now enemy Willis Stryker, this issue sees the formula of the series set in place. A man on the run stumbles into Luke Cage’s office, tells him of a plan to hold Manhattan Island hostage by Vietnam Vets (veterans not veterinarians, tho’ that would be cool), and then ends up killed. Luke having been paid by the dead man (remember, he’s a hero for hire) goes to find his killers and bring them to justice.

This issue is like many other 70s comics, particularly those Amazing Spiderman issues featuring the Punisher. The villain of the piece is no longer a scientist who has been mutated in some experiment and goes on a robbing spree for little reason or an evil communist. During this period the motives for the villains tend to be a bit more socially relevant or urban realistic, like the Tarantula (a revolutionary terrorist and government operative, who was his South American country’s answer to Capt. America)from those 70s Spiderman tales, Mace is a man that on the surface has a legitimate gripe against the authorities and wishes to make the public at large aware of the difficulties faced by veterans returning home to an indifferent (and sometimes hostile) nation. He seems to believe that by holding Manhattan Island hostage it will help his cause, he has managed to enlist the help of other disgruntled vets. However we soon learn this is just a cover for Mace to rob Wall Street (in a plan weirdly reminiscent of Die Hard with a Vengeance, coincidence? U-Decide!).

Cage at the end, returns the money to the dead vet’s family, taking us further into familiar superhero territory. Although I’m a little disappointed that Luke seems to be losing his mercenary edge in this tale, the comic still contains enough excitement and 70s social relevance to be an entertaining read.

Dealers keep dealing.

There are currently five locations in Cardiff that I get my comiccrack from (used to be six but “Journey into Mystery” in Cardiff Market closed, a nation mourns).

First up is Forbidden Planet, yes I know, big, evil chain/should support local comic shop, yadda yadda yadda. But for a small store, they’ve got a great range of TPBs, get in a lot of the indie titles and have a good merchandise/greeting card section, so while I’m there I can pick up cards+prezzies for anybody’s birthday/wedding/anniversary/funeral I may have forgotten. Also the staff are very friendly and happy to suggest new titles if you’re a regular (that’s how I got hooked on The Walking Dead) and as a bonus the shop does not stink of Body Odour, unlike-

Comic Guru – The indie store in Cardiff, honestly I would hop hear, if the guy who owns it didn’t model himself so religiously on the Simpsons’ Comic Clerk. Overweight, stinky, snarky, unhelpful, wow I really want to shop at your overpriced, understocked store!

Troutmark Books – Actually a really bitchin’ 2nd hand book shop, with an amazing horror/sci-fi/western section. The top floor is dedicated to comics/magazines etc. Amazing prices, the people who run it aren’t huge comic fans, so they price the comics depending on the age of the comic, so if the comic looks old it’ll be more expensive, which has lead me to pick up Miracleman issues 22, 23 for 50p each. Great selection which seems to replenish itself every time I go there. But the best part is outside the store in the 7 books/comics for £1. The comics themselves are in good nick, obviously put out there to clear some room for new stock. I’ve picked up some absolute gems out there including early Swamp Thing, Marvel Comics Presents and Image titles. Also introduced to the joys of Rick Veitch’s Maximortal, where I picked up 4 issues! God bless you Troutmark!

The Works- Ah book remainders shops, you have saved me much money when it comes to buying presents for people I don’t like very much! Now you also supply me with comics from 1993, 1996 or 2003. 99 pence for 3 of them! You are too kind. Although much of your selection is rubbish. (There was a Mission Impossible movie spin-off comic from Marvel Comics with art by Rob Liefeld???) Loads of Zero Hour-era DC, and stuff from just before I started collecting comics again. Educational! If not very good.

Jacob’s Antiques – Tucked away behing the train station and a burnt-down hotel, Jacob’s Antiques is a huge 4-storey antique/bric-a-brac shop with its own little comics shop, more expensive than Troutmark but less smelly than Comic Guru, good selection of videos tho’.

This is just a modern rock song...

Baadasssssssssssssss Cinema

This documentary is a great introduction to the history of Blaxpoitation film, with comments from the directors and actors of the period, contrasting with theories from modern film critics, actors and directors. The level of information is quite basic and will contain few surprises for those who have already read books/articles on Blaxpoitation, however it is fun hearing anecdotes from the directors/actors themselves. And its always fun hearing film academics squabble of the relevance of Blaxpoitation, and whether the genre did more harm or good to Black Civil Rights in America. Overall it’s a good place to start if you’re interested in the genre, but those less vital for those who know their blaxpoitation history.

New Comics 30/06/05

Albion: I picked this up based on Alan Moore’s name and the idea that obscure British heroes would be getting a meta-textual treatment. Now I’m not that familiar with the characters that Moore (and Moore) are using, but that didn’t stop my enjoyment of the series. There is a real sense of dread as the events in the comics (within the comic) appear to be predictions of what is to come. The idea that a Beano-type villain, in the real world would be a mass-murdering pervert is definitely chilling for those who grow up on the adventures of the Bash Street Kids and Desperate Dan. The dialogue is a bit off, too consciously “British-slang” to sound authentic, but the characters reactions to the events were well played. The art itself is great, meticulously representing the art of comics gone-by and presenting an angular perspective on the modern world. This series definitely has me intrigued and unless something very wrong happens, I’ll be sticking through till the end.

JLA Classified: I take back the comments in my Pull list; this issue redeems itself and the entire series. Perhaps the only problem with the series is that Giffen and Co. knew this was to be the last time they were going to be able to play with these characters, and tried to fit too many ideas into the arc they were given. In this the jokes were back to being funny, there were genuine moments of character revelations and development. And the art by McGuire is amazing, equally adept at detailed blockbuster/widescreen images of a giant rabid G’Nort attacking skyscrapers, as well as the expressions on a character’s face in a reaction shot, “timed” for comedic precision. This was a great send-off to a much maligned era of Justice League history.


Young Avengers: Still a great read, but not a lot took place in this issue. It was more of a knockdown/drag out fight between Kang and the kids; and Kang and the Avengers. Still it had great in-between moments. I do love Jim Cheung’s art but all his characters look the same age. Captan America despite a bit of stubble-fuzz looks the same age Iron Lad, Kang (sans mask), despite facial hair, looks like he could go to school with Hulkling. Still enjoying the story, and it was interesting seeing the team trying to save the day, but showing their inexperience. Probably the weakest issue yet, but still a great comic. The letters page of the comic (Yay letters page!) is still in a debate at the Hulkling/Asgardian love-thang, which I totally missed out on at the time. Not that debating isn’t healthy (you won’t go blind!), but surely they got some other mail?!?! What about the rest of the story? I want to hear what other fans have to say!


The OMAC Project: Enjoyed more of Rucka’s paranoid conspiracies within the DCU until I found out I would have to buy 4 issues of Superman comics so that I could understand the next issue. No Fair, DC! You fuckers! I don’t have the money for that!!! Will pick up issue 4, but if it doesn’t make sense I’m gonna be mighty pissed at Johnny DC and The Mole, I’ll drive by their shared studio apartment and throw a brick at their window. Anyway where was I? Oh yeah OMAC, great art, with a cool looking Batman. The tense scenes with the DC trinity were interesting just to see these three former friends straining to be civil to each other. It was also seeing the division between 1st and 2nd stringer heroes, separate even further, with Beetle shunning Wonder Woman to work with fellow also-ran, Guy Gardner! I mean, christ almighty I know I’d rather work with Wonder Woman, but the level of mistrust between the usually clean-cut heroes is what is finally making DC an interesting place for me. At the moment Rucka is walking a tightrope, with what he has done to my favourite Justice League line-up (the Giffen one) I should be mad as hell, but the story is so well written, I’m willing (at the moment) to give him the benefit of the doubt.


7 Soldiers Shining Knight: Still my least favourite 7 Soldiers mini, this time due to heavy, heavy expository dialogue. But with the end of this mini, I can’t deny that the plot still has me gripped and I can’t wait to see how this fits in to the Grand 7 Soldiers Scheme of Things!


The Flash: Rogue war continues, and I’m still pretty clueless, not the best jumping on point, but I am intrigued by the character of Zoom, who has become a villain to make Flash the best possible hero he can be. That’s some fucking weird justification, dude. Will pick up the rest of this run, and maybe the 1st issue of the next arc and see where we go from here.