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Off the Beaten Path

Welcome to '"Off the Beaten Path", a column reviewing comics you might not have heard about, and some you may have overlooked. As the title suggests, I have a tendency to read comics that do not fall into the general 'Super Hero' genre. No Marvel or DC standards will be reviewed here (unless it is drawn or written so well I cannot overlook it). I will do my share of bashing current comics and storylines that piss me off. Ultimately the last word is yours, 'the reader'. Enjoy...

This week’s column is a short one (Due to my currently hectic stand up comedy schedule, and my constant procrastination). I will be reviewing one book. The catch, you may ask…it’s a compilation Graphic Novel, compiling stories from various artists and writers to fill in the blanks and add to the storyline already in place. I have previously touched on the 2 volumes before this one; I suggest you pick those up before reading this one. Onto the review.

Title- Dead@17 Roughcut Vol. 3

Publisher-Viper Comics
Script-Various
Artist-Various
Format-available now
Age- 14 & over

The Basics- Nara, Nara, Nara…what can I say, my love for her (yes I know she is ‘only’ a comic book character, let me fantasize a little will ya!) grows with each installment. This edition of Roughcut has 5 individual stories, 2 are stand alone, 1 is a prequel (Dead@17 Protectorate) and 2 fill in the blank spots in Nara’s and another character’s timeline. Five artists and five writers lend their heads and hands to the legacy of Nara and her unique story. While the other creators provide very interesting and fun stories, the best tale of this graphic novel is the story illustrated by Josh Howard. It ties up all the loose ends in the Dead@17 universe and features artwork by one of my favorite artists.

The Art- Well, Josh Howard is on his game; the only story I found to be a little lacking in the art was the Protectorate prequel. Each story is black and white, and well illustrated. It’s interesting to see other artists take’s on a particular character, or in this case a particular idea.

The Verdict- If you like the Dead@17 universe, this is a must have; with Nara’s fate answered in Josh Howard’s story, the universe is complete.

That's it.

Anthony Dominguez
www.anthonydominguez.com
myspace.com/anthonydominguez

The second edition of my weekly column and it’s late (editor's note: no it's not, we promised to have it up on Monday, and we made it with two hours to spare :). Hopefully this reaches you only one day late, I have no excuse, except to say that my current Pocky addiction is ruining my life. This week’s column is the ‘anti hero’ column. We will focus on three characters that do not fit into the standard hero category. In fact two of them are downright criminals. The third is very homegrown and apple pie in appearance, however his true self is very different from the norm. Be sure to pick up these books in their Graphic Novel, available now (except Silent Dragon).

Title- Brodie’s Law

Publisher-Pulp Theatre Ent.
Script-Alan Grant
Artist-David Bircham
Format- unsure (Trade is available)
Shipping- From England
Age- 15 & up

The Basics- The storyline revolves around a job gone badly, and a bad man trying to figure out why he got set up. This is a six part series (collected into a trade recently) which promises to be ongoing. The main character is Jack Brodie, a badass with a reputation that precedes him. In his line of work, this is a huge advantage. This story moves fast; it feels similar to the writing in Trainspotting, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels or Snatch, clever and quick, moving you from one harrowing scene to the next. Nothing goes right for Brodie, unless he’s whooping some ass. Then all is well. What makes this character interesting is his ability. I won’t tell you what it is – what I will say, it is one of the most unique abilities in a comic character. Not only is the ability unique, the effects upon the wielder, physically, mentally and emotionally make for a fascinating story. Imagine a power that with each use could potentially drive you closer to insanity… however without using it, you and those around you would surely die. Hmmmmmmm….

The Art- Think Sin City the Movie. Very, very stylized, everything from the characters to the backgrounds are drawn in a heavy black and white style. Solid reds are thrown in (like Sin City or Grendel) with hues, tints and washes used for general effect. The feel is solid, gritty and very underworld. This series runs on emotion. The characters portray each emotion with great accuracy, in fact with very little dialogue the story is moved along through the these characters emotions and reactions to the events around them. When they need to be, the backgrounds are detailed, when they don’t, they’re not.

The Verdict- This book is a great, fast read… a look into what they are doing on the other side of the pond. Be sure to pick up the graphic novel and read it before the next installment (which I’ve been told is on its way).

Title-Silent Dragon

Publisher- Wildstorm
Script-Andy Diggle
Artist- Leinil Yu
Format- 6 issue mini
Shipping- complete
Age- 13 & up

The Basics- This story takes place in 2063 AD, Tokyo Japan. Renjiro (or Reizo as he is later known) is the right hand man to the undisputed leader of the Yakuza underworld, Takara is the leader’s wife and Hideaki is the clan leader. Together they form a love triangle, a power struggle and a murder plot. The book opens with Renjiro coming back for his love, Takara, in the middle of a battle for control of the underworld. By now, most humans are genetically and mechanically enhanced, sometimes in very strange ways, all in the pursuit of power. Renjiro has changed his body and his name he is now Reizo, a lone gun and technology smuggler, infiltrating the Hideaki Clan for reason which become clear at the end of the first book. The story is full of twists and turns, many wild characters, and an ending you wouldn’t expect.

The Art- Vividly detailed down to the scratches on each sword blade. Each character has strong features used to convey their place in the story and in the clans. You could say that each character wears their personality and history on their face. The coloring is very light, almost like a wash, subtle like many of the early Japanese masterpieces. The backgrounds are well done, and the fight scenes move like a Sunday morning Kung Fu flick.

The Verdict- A well written story with great art, a non traditional look at a traditional culture.

Title-Fade from Grace

Publisher-Beckett (Image)
Script-Gabriel Benson
Artist-Jeff Amano
Format- Graphic Novel (5 Issues)
Shipping-
Available Age- 12 & up

The Basics- Originally Jeff Amano created this story for his wife, a tribute to the love he shares with and for her. The main characters are John and Grace, an average couple, until fate brings out the hero in John. His undying love for Grace propels him to do the impossible to save her life. Once he realizes his powers, what is his next step? Live a normal life with his wife, or use his power to help others? Not an easy decision when you take the risks into account. This is a dynamic story; don’t let the simple dialogue and basic premise fool you. Fade from Grace plays on many levels, from the trials and tribulations encountered as a result of John’s powers, to the undying love John and Grace feel for each other, and ultimately the decisions that come with a power to help. Love, honor and sacrifice… Grace said “My husband was a hero. But he never cared about the fame, and I never loved him because of it. I just loved him. And I’ll love him till the end of time.”

The Art- When I spoke to Jeff about the art he said that he set out to create something completely different. He wanted to do something pop art style, like Warhol’s early works, using simple shapes and colors. Like the old movie posters from the 50’s, or the A HA video, Take on Me. You may look at the art and feel like you’ve seen it before, and you have… this style is very prominent in the art world, and since the success of Fade from Grace it has sprung up in other comics across the industry. The style is simple to the point of being childlike, and herein lies the greatness, with the simplicity of design, every facet of emotion is displayed, each nuance of the story is portrayed clearly while each scene plays smoothly to the next.

The Verdict- First off, I have to say what a great guy Jeff Amano is. I met him at WizardCon last year in Long Beach; he signed all of my Fade and Kiss and Tell issues. I was able to speak to him for quite awhile about his comics and the company as a whole. Now, the verdict, in case you couldn’ t tell, this is quite possibly my favorite comic book of all time, next to Frank Miller’s Batman Year One, J. Obar’s The Crow and Josh Howard’s Dead @17. I say it’s worth the search for the original issues, not to mention the Graphic Novel; this is one you will read over and over.

<< An unprecedented Pulp Fiction offer: Get any Beckett Graphic Novel for 1/2 cover price this week when mentioning Anthony's column - sale ends February 18th >> That's it.
Anthony Dominguez
www.anthonydominguez.com
myspace.com/anthonydominguez

I’m back! Look for my column to be posted weekly. Gone is the mish mashed schedule and the double and triple postings. Once a week, from now on, barring any computer explosions in my editor’s office or the unforeseen hurling of said computer out the front door you will see a column from me.

A quick note before I begin, if you’ve read my review of Down by Warren Ellis, you know I did not recommend it; after reading the last two issues I have to admit it has taken a turn for the better. I would tentatively say pick up the latest issues and give this one a second chance. If it keeps going in this direction, I will be happy to say I was wrong.

I’ve done a ‘column of death’, a ‘good the bad and the ugly’ column and recently, a ‘girls gone mad’ column. It’s time for some religion! All religion all the time I say. Okay, the third title has nothing to do with religion but what can I say, I’m a sinner.

Title-Testament

Publisher-Vertigo
Script- Douglas Rushkoff
Artist- Liam Sharp
Format- Ongoing
Shipping- good
Age- 16 & older

The Basics- Douglas Rushkoff wrote a book and I quote “presenting the Bible as‘open source’ collaboration.” As if that alone didn’t piss of the fundamentalist’s, try this quote on for size, “Now don’t get the wrong idea, The Bible has been framed as a sanctimonious tome just to keep you from reading it! It’s the ultimate handbook for psychic revolt, with temple prostitutes, incantations, incest, inter-dimensional travel and even ritualized anal rape.” Ritualized anal rape! How’s that for an endorsement! If that was on the inside cover of every Bible…This story follows Jake Stern and his ‘friends’ as they defy the ‘System’ and rebel in a world where greed, war, and ‘big brother’ are one in the same. Simultaneously, stories from the bible are playing out on another plane, or perhaps another time, and we are shown how stories repeat themselves throughout history. Don’t worry, this book doesn’t try to push any ideologies upon the readers, it just explores one man’s theory about the evolution of story telling.

The Art- Is amazing; the panels are used in very inventive ways, lots of background art (outside of the panels’ sort of like Fables) and designs. Each cover looks as though it’s a photograph, wrought with pain and suffering - why do happy covers never look as good? The details and emotion within each character are surprisingly deep and convincing.

The Verdict- Throw out the ‘religious’ aspect (unless your religious) and enjoy the greatest story ever told, from a completely different perspective. It doesn’t hurt to piss off a few fundamentalists at the same time.

Title-Revelations

Publisher-Dark Horse
Script-Paul Jenkins
Artist- Humberto Ramos
Format- 6 Issue mini series
Shipping- good
Age- 16 & older

The Basics- If you were a fan of Crimson, or the anime/manga Case Closed, you will be interested in reading this latest outing by Ramos (who co created and handles the art). Charlie Northern is a detective, an incredibly astute detective with a stellar record of solving difficult cases. He’s no nonsense, and no bollocks! His newest case centers on a murder at the Vatican, which is perfect for an outsider with no faith to investigate, or so he believes. The details and procedure concerning an outsider within Vatican City are fairly accurate, which gives this story solid footing. There is political intrigue, a strangely compelling murder mystery and lot’s of witty, sometimes biting dialogue. Throw in some great plot twists, a sexy woman, random murders and English slang for good measure, stir and waa laaa, out pops Revelations.

The Art- Strange, strange, weird and yet still amazing. It takes some getting used to, but after the initial sensory overload, look closely at the mosaics and the intricate backgrounds where details are often overlooked. You will not be disappointed; in fact you may find yourself mesmerized for long periods of time by the intricacy of this book. I was, as each issue found me scrutinizing every panel from cover to cover. Set aside and extra 20 minutes to read this book and appreciate the art.

The Verdict- The ending alone makes this book worth reading. If you can’t read, just look at the pretty pictures.

Title-Spellgame

Publisher-Speakeasy Comics
Script- Dan Mishkin
Artist- Ramon Perez
Format- Ongoing
Shipping- good
Age- 13 & older

The Basics- The first issue was good; new, unique and inventive; the second issue was complete shat! Old, cliché, unimaginative and dull, dull, dull! Really how could things go Sooo wrong? John Dodge is the main character, a magician/con man, who comes to find out magic is real, and he is one of the few who can truly control it - in fact he may be one of the most powerful magicians in the realm. Sadly he doesn’t believe this and by the second issue you the reader are forced to follow his slow, almost snail-like procession to accepting the existence (even after witnessing countless demonstrations of said mystical powers) of magic and other realms. It is excruciatingly painful to read, especially when the reader can probably guess with 90% accuracy what is coming from page to page.

The Art- Some pages are good, others are bad, very bad. Occasionally a panel will have a great character or amazing detail, then the next looks as though the artist was in a rush and decided to cut some corners. Sadly most of the book looks as though it was rushed and many, many corners were cut. The backgrounds are very poor, no detail; some look as though a child drew them, along with several panels on either side.

The Verdict- Disappointed is an understatement. Thoroughly pissed off would be a better way to describe my current state of dislike towards this book. Challenge me as a reader…just a little bit!

That's it.
Anthony Dominguez
www.anthonydominguez.com
myspace.com/anthonydominguez

(editor's note: look for a new Off the Beaten Path every Monday from now on)