bran
Full Member
Posts: 223
|
Post by bran on Mar 14, 2021 17:55:06 GMT -5
I am completely up to date with Attack on Titan. I think the last chapter comes out next month. Wow. So many twists and turns. I have no idea who is good or bad, right or wrong. The story became so big that it could have easily spiraled out of control, but it was gripping up until the penultimate chapter. One of the great manga series.
Indeed, it's a wrap. There were some unforced errors in last 10 chapters by Isayama (you don't expand the Universe/add new rules at 11th hour, and especially since it's not necessary) but overall satisfactory conclusion.
On a side note, I was checking anime-related clips on youtube and these came out (and many other) - it's amazing what talented people are capable of doing when they like some fiction.
That Levi vs Beast titan battle was epic. I thought he was sending Levi off, but had a change of heart. Either way, that was just spectacular, the highlight of the entire series, when it comes to action/battles.
The entire vertical maneuvering is very well very well thought of, and very iconic/figurine friendly, especially because of scaling/you can place smaller figurines on larger ones/titans. McFarlane was wise to license that thing.
She is playing all that in a single take, and all ready for vertical maneuvering too.
|
|
bran
Full Member
Posts: 223
|
Post by bran on Mar 2, 2021 9:15:16 GMT -5
Last year I collected Akira again (that's what happens when you borrow), and that called for the 2nd read, nearly 20 years after the 1st read. It was absolutely worth to keep, and I can recommend Akira not just for reading but owning as well. Here are couple of comments: - Intro scene/exposition, first few pages (that were added to TPB issues) are somewhat misleading, but makes sense considering the big picture/later chapters. WWIII is over and done with, years past by, state, civilization and everything else is restored - except there are still some big sites where nothing was rebuilt (just a rubble) and there are other sites where new, huge military-scientific complexes were built, mostly underground (presumably on several levels in depth). Gang of juvenile delinquents that we follow does not care much about the past, just like their predecessors - the youth in 1930s (after WWI), and 1960s (after WWII); They are however drawn, you can guess, to only 2 places where they are not allowed to be - destroyed sites and military sites (which are in some cases one of the same). Otomo of course grew up in the 1960s, so he is familiar with all that. - Second volume takes place almost entirely in one of those humongous underground complexes, our characters are sneaking through ventilator shafts, elevators, side corridors, you've seen it in video games. The only things is - these games drew from Akira, we are talking 3rd generation of first person shooters, those that came in the 90s (Half-Life comes to mind, I'm sure many other, very iconic scenery). - Central character in Akira is not the guy from the cover (Kaneda; Kaneda is more like vessel for us to use, someone to identify with with) and it ain't the guy from a title (Akira), it's Tetsuo! - Action is done exceptionally well and in samurai tradition - everything is a weapon - standard guns, automatic rifles, huge laser guns, craw bars, doors, tanks, even the puke LOL. Weapons - Another aspect widely adapted, or just coincidentally developed as well, in FPSs, except for the puke.
Here are our ESPN-like commentators, but for comics, and they are spot on:
|
|
bran
Full Member
Posts: 223
|
Post by bran on Mar 1, 2021 1:51:07 GMT -5
TMNT - The Last Ronin
Something that could be interesting - Eastman and Laird reunion and The Last Ronin. I just glanced through the 2nd issue and there is a flashback story drawn by Eastman/Laird and it's looking really good, just like in the old days (main interior art is top of the line too). Granted, Miracleman-type sequels became almost obligatory/requirement in super-hero comics, and people are probably fed up by now with yet another Miracleman or Dark Knight Returns imitation (so dark and gritty, and gritty and dark, and dark and gritty...; when in fact not really, and the originals where never dark nor gritty to begin with), nevertheless this time around it's done by the original creators of the series.
|
|
bran
Full Member
Posts: 223
|
Post by bran on Feb 23, 2021 14:24:58 GMT -5
Stray Bullets is one of those comics that came out in the 90s that was the perfect break from superhero comics I was reading. This book, along with his work on Valiant, made me a huge Lapham fan. I was a fan of noir films and prose (still am), this was the perfect continuation. As much as Brubaker is the one everyone likes to read, Lapham's world is majorly unflinching and just so bleak. No character comes out smelling like roses. It's so good. bran , Did you read the first series prior to reading Sunshine and Roses? Just want to make sure you're reading it in proper order....
Yes I know, I bought them all. Sunshine & Roses #1 is #50. It's ongoing, they announced new story arc - Virginia (presumably for this year). Now if we get Saga too, both steady, I am all set.
|
|
bran
Full Member
Posts: 223
|
Post by bran on Feb 21, 2021 14:14:04 GMT -5
David Lapham man, belongs to a small club of those natural-born writers-artists. It's almost entirely different discipline from writing or drawing, it looks like. You gotta have a camera in your head for that, that's for sure. You gotta have a life to write, and you gotta not have life to draw. So how the hell you do that? Who cares, because it's possible, and we know it since there are: Stray Bullets This is a mashup of a period piece (USA, Somewhere Out West, 70s & 80s), coming-of-age story and crime. There is also embedded personal fantasy of one of the prominent characters - Virginia Applejack, a super heroine also known as notorious Amy Racecar. 2 things about crime here: If you are expecting all crime all the time, this is not for you - avoid. Second, the type of crime here is not based on movies or comic book tropes (and there ain't nothing wrong with that, when done well, as say in Sin City) - So there are no Italian style 30's crime syndicates super-imposed on 70s/80s, hard boiled detectives etc, rather - it's like grassroots/reality-based set of activities, in your school/neighborhood, of which some may or may not be entirely legal. We follow characters that are partially or fully involved in all that. There are also re-occurring characters who are career criminals. Even those professional criminals have their personal lives, and not everything they do is illegal. Often times they are more honest than "honest people", it's complicated like that. Characterization in this book is just excellent. Graphically, this book could be described I guess as a cross in between Sin City and Love n' Rockets. I would rate it, in overall, better than the 2 (who I also rate high).
(I would give Sin City and Love and Rockets 8+ each and this is 10-. Your mileage may vary.)
Found this on youtube, sounds about right:
On more quality:
I am 40 issues in right now, the thing is very much re-readable.
EDIT: These close-ups on smaller panels (where people are "cut-off"), that's not so much Sin City/L&R, that's more Pratt thing, he was using it all the time:
When person is in motion you can easily make it dynamic, but how do you do it when sitting/in static position - with extreme close-ups. (I believe Sergio Leone pioneered same technique in movies.)
Masterful use of the same technique in Attack on Titan (Reads from right to left): Armin is about the obliterate bunch of war ships (and the port). Very calm, we can see upgraded gear. Solders, who were ordered to clear the area, yell "Hey kid, get out of there", and for a second he is scared (he is exposed). It looks dynamic and dramatic, even thought Armin is sitting/rowing in a small boat. (The entire scene is a reveal, they were mounting the offensive off pages, we just see how it rolls out.)
Another reveal, we see Annie (who can't move much) after a long long while (and there is a visitor too):
|
|
bran
Full Member
Posts: 223
|
Post by bran on Feb 19, 2021 15:54:18 GMT -5
'Sara' is about a small, tightknit group of female fighters in the Soviet army who are stationed in the snowy Western block. They strategically take out Nazi platoons and officers via covert tactics and their infamous sniper Sara. But more than that, it is about relationships and family and duty to country and duality and betrayal and honor. I had a hard time putting it down due to the structure and style. And Steve Epting's art really suits the material, as it somehow enhances the feel of time and place. Highly recommended to history buffs and Ennis fans.
Yes, Sara was created as character-amalgamation of several Russian/Soviet female snipers from WWII, most notably the lady who had over 300 confirmed kills for just about couple of years. Personally I like Ennis's war stories, but most definitely not for everyone. There are no elaborate plots, twist and turns on every corner and it reads fast. They are much like this recent movie 1917 - Simple story, high production value, historically accurate (for the most part), that's it. I got hooked on war stories by early Pratt/Oesterheld collaboration - Ernie Pike, and I am always searching for similar books. The closest thing I found so far are Ennis's war stories, published as: War Story (Vertigo), War Stories (Avatar), Battlefields (Dynamite) and this here Sara (TKO).
|
|
bran
Full Member
Posts: 223
|
Post by bran on Feb 15, 2021 10:14:13 GMT -5
Yeah I heard good things about Demon Slayer. Hopefully it will be translated and released in English entirely, we know it passed 150 million mark is sales (including digital versions), manga alone (150 million issues sold). So if that figure does not include English-markets, what are they waiting for? With the single translation they can reach US, Canada, Australia and GB, they can triple it.
|
|
bran
Full Member
Posts: 223
|
Post by bran on Feb 15, 2021 3:29:52 GMT -5
Attack on Titan, Volumes 1-20
First thing that got me interested in this saga is the universe it takes place in. It's reminiscent, maybe inspired by, early RPG's from the 90s (Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy and such). Buildings are almost neutral/timeless, wooden and brick structures, you can place them anywhere in between late 19th century and a present day. Among those structures there is a huge fn' wall. Wall is there to protect against giant humanoid creatures (titans) that appear to be aggressive. The second thing that got me interested were those creatures - their looks is not menacing but rather benevolent. They are docile, and their facial expressions are almost like those of tourists. Even thought they look like grown ups they are mentally like babies - all they care is to eat, shit and sleep. The problem is of course - it's humans they like to munch. Then we follow bunch of kids, who are out on the streets, they can't see well because crowd gathered to greet Survey Corps. Survey Corps - a branch of human military that goes outside the Walls to gather information (about the outside world and titans) and confront titans when necessary. They were devastated and badly defeated (yet we don't know what exactly happened out there), and we can see they are quite popular among kids. What's not to like - battle hardened veterans who have the knowledge of the outside world and who experienced great adventure. They also wear cool vertical-maneuvering equipment and best insignia. Maybe this: If you enlist - you'll go through vigorous training and you'll go out there and die. If you are lucky - you'll be crippled. If you are extremely lucky you'll be just mentally scarred for life. In first 4 volumes we are about to find out more about the main characters, Survey Corps, walls, cities inside the walls and this universe in general. Experienced manga authors often plan early/alternative ending, round around volume 1, in case book does not sell well, the ending that wraps up everything. That's understandable, who would in right mind dedicate 5 or more years of life to saga that no one reads. That planned early ending derails overall quality a bit but it's necessary price to pay since it's very practical. Due to inexperience and/or fanaticism Hajime Isayama just goes for it, from the get go. No early endings, it's properly mounted saga with it's own storytelling rhythm and pacing from chapter to chapter. Single volume usually includes 4 chapters. Recommended 100%.
|
|
bran
Full Member
Posts: 223
|
Post by bran on Feb 10, 2021 1:22:16 GMT -5
Marvel Conan CB 1-15; SSC 1-15
First story arc starts with the mosaic of images from Marvel's 1st (mostly) Roy Thomas run, and it's goal apparently was to do exactly the same thing - to re-cap "past events". That through reader's digest type quick re-telling of the stories and some flashbacks. It's nice that they decided to avoid yet another crappy re-boot, however it's like editorial recap that lasts, no less than 12 full issues, poorly written, drawn fine, in short - total waste of good art. They could just include that same mosaic and move to Zeb Wells stories from Savage Sword (in a single publication), those were written better. Just "better" fortunately doesn't cut the mustard here since we have Glenat Conan, plus Mark Russell's Red Sonja over at Dynamite. I would not recommend this. Glenat Conan Beyond the Black River, Red Nails, The Frost-Giant's Daughter What a nice way to treat a property in public domain. They assigned different creative teams to do their adaptations of existing REH stories, so those books not only compete with whatever is out there, but with other Glenat issues as well. Granted we can nitpick here and there but there is such a huge gap in quality, in between the source material and comic-book pastiches, that it's almost irrelevant. Smokes Marvel's Conan, like you wouldn't believe it.
Red Sonja by Mark Russell (Dynamite) Issues 1-23 Finally - a guy who has writing chops and who actually read the source material (which would be Conan novels in this case). Here is the thing - Hyborian World is open-ended (unlike most other fantasy-books that have a quest of some sort, linear storytelling and resolution that wraps it all up neatly; which ain't a bad thing just different), has it's own lore, history and even ancient history, ready to go. In short - it provides a perfect backdrop for new stories; Russell gets it all, good for him.
There are details that you notice right off the bat: Here, Sonja is no longer a virgin Mary Sue (she is having sex like normal people do) who slays countless men all twice her size on an open battlefield, in bikini (bikini, in addition, reveals cute little baby stomach).
She has a six pack (thanks to all horseback-riding and sword-wielding), wears additional clothing items, eastern armor, chain-mail shirts (and everything else imaginable), thinks strategically, sometimes she wins, sometimes loses - in short she is a character, and what a character! There are 23 issues in regular series (1 more to go), and one-shots Lord of Fools and Killing Red Sonja. Cons: This story would benefit from longer introductions of characters and longer resolutions. Can't fault writer and artists for that, since it's a corporate property (that will fall back to same old, same old, as soon as they move to other projects). That type of mounting I do expect from Russell when he creates his own saga (the length we have in, well, Saga, and Attack on Titan). There appear to be 3-5 covers for every issue, most of the covers are generic but there is always at least 1 content-based cover. Here are some samples. Generic: Classic Sonja is posing for the cover. We know as a fact her saliva is exotic (and she poops gold). Content-based: Bikini is still in use on some days, but with additions, not half as bad. This Sonja is not pre ordained to win every battle, and her forces are in retreat. She is using the knowledge of the terrain, river in this case and the bridge, to keep enemies at bay (and live another day). In short, she is struggling, that, if anything makes her a real badass. Mary Sue Variant (but not entirely generic, there are fires in the background, read on) Content-based: Here Sonja executes Scorched Earth policy. She would rather burn the crops of her own people, than to allow advancing enemy to benefit from the conquest. It's a toughest decision for her, and a heartbreak. She just sentenced her people to years of famine, regardless of the outcome on the battlefield. I like the colors here - Red flames in the background are of the same color as her hair, fury and hell on Earth. Now notice on Mary Sue variant, radiant Sonja is celebrating a "victory" and making a toast, yeah.
|
|
bran
Full Member
Posts: 223
|
Post by bran on Feb 2, 2021 2:08:32 GMT -5
Resident Alien is another one, it's televised on SyFy (1st episode aired on January 27th). I didn't watch it yet but there is no way they can capture atmosphere/tone, pacing, characters and dry humor of that exquisite book. Perhaps they'll do a good job and use advantages of a medium, make it every bit as good, if different.
Resident Alien I would rate in all categories 10/10, except for originality, since it's pretty much E.T. for adults. Now ET is not the original here - it's of course Skizz. Way back when Alan Moore was a young lad he wrote Skizz (could be his very first full-length graphic novel) as a sort of his take on ET, his version of ET. Resident Alien is very much in the same vain. Now there is thing about Skizz that you need to figure out, when you do - you'll want to re-read it, with that in mind, since it's different book then, real fun one. Resident Alien doesn't have that but it expands the story in different and interesting directions.
|
|
bran
Full Member
Posts: 223
|
Post by bran on Jan 31, 2021 16:26:51 GMT -5
Is this due to finish soon? I've heard lots of praise for the series but have been waiting to read it all in one go.
Announced for April this year, 34 volumes apparently.
|
|
bran
Full Member
Posts: 223
|
Post by bran on Jan 31, 2021 0:47:07 GMT -5
Absolutely. I am reading that Japanese comic "Attack on Titan". It burns no less than 4 volumes (over 700 pages) for basically introduction. Boy does it pay of, with dividends, when you get into the second story arc (volume 5). Of course it's not only due length, but the quality in it. Characters are memorable, they talk and act like real people, you feel like you know them, quite excellent.
|
|
bran
Full Member
Posts: 223
|
Post by bran on Jan 30, 2021 21:45:01 GMT -5
and Frost Giant's Daughter #2 is out, so far so good. Quite good.
May be slightly off topic, but I have to recommend Mark Russell's take on Red Sonja (Dynamite series), there are 23 issues so far, and there will be one more (plus Killing of Red Sonja 5 issue mini-series, takes place in between issues 12 and 13). I expected something close to this style and level of story telling from Marvel/Disney for Conan, but no - all we got was good old "one-man band, on the road". You know the drill: Conan in every single frame, he arrives, encounters the wizard or a witch, defeats the witch and on and on it goes; awesome Hyborian world exist in form of cardboard cutouts only (mostly throughout names of cities and kingdoms).
Russell, he creates on a dime new characters, local customs, micro-geography matters (location changes are frequent, roads and bridges and distances are very relevant), there is geo-politics, strategy, dynasties, alliances, betrayals etc etc. Good sense of humor as well - for example on Hyrkanian court there is a position of Tongue of Fire LOL. Tongue of Fire's sole responsibility is to tell the ruler the truth no matter how ugly or uncomfortable it may be. :-)
BTW, they resolved bikini issue quite elegantly just by adding other peaces of clothes on top of it, and by frequent changes in her wardrobe (after all she is not a man to wear one outfit weeks on end...). Don't get me wrong, nothing wrong with a bikini - in 20th/21st century story that takes place on the beach!
|
|
bran
Full Member
Posts: 223
|
Post by bran on Dec 3, 2020 16:12:06 GMT -5
... The pin-ups at the end include this lovely one by Mark Schultz, who also illustrated the Del Rey book The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian. I absolutely adores Schultz’s Conan, and it would be an absolute treat to have the man do a full comic.
Now that's some proper shadowing. It's like "old" school. Well there is nothing really old about it, it's just - artists in the 70s/80s had to do it rich like that, since coloring was separated from art, and there was no "shadowing with colors" back then. That was pure magic:
|
|
bran
Full Member
Posts: 223
|
Post by bran on Nov 26, 2020 13:34:16 GMT -5
People of the Black Circle is drawn in style that is... er.. odd combination of manga-ish and super-hero styles (say 90s flavor). So for example when Conan jumps, that jump is way above human standards, sometimes he takes two or more opponents with a single stroke (with ease) and so on. Yet, unlike in super-hero comics there is blood splashing all over the place. So battles look like a total carnage. (I suppose the exaggeration was originally created in coded comics to overcompensate for the lack of blood and broken limbs, and other unpleasant things, yet to maintain bad-ass look on the surface. Now when you have both.. this is what you end up with.) Artist Park however draws facial expressions quite well and architecture/buildings is spot on (exotic and beautiful, familiar yet not from this Earth's history). Very much in vain of Barry Smith. Overall I am satisfied with it, it's nice to have different takes and no in-house style. ---- When opponent calls Conan "Cimmerian!", I am sure it was supposed to be "localized" version of "Roman!" from Gladiator, but yeah it doesn't work. If Conan is wearing, say, Aqualonian armor, "Aqualonian!" would work all right.
|
|