Comics Commentary: Judge Dredd Megazine #418-419 and 2000 AD Sci-Fi Special

 

Unscripted, unedited. Just a guy talking about comics.

Audio only.

Transcript below...

Comics Commentary: Warhammer 40,000: Marneus Calgar #1-2

 

Unscripted, unedited. Just a guy talking about comics.

Audio only.

Transcript below...

Comics Commentary: Dungeons & Dragons tie-in comics

We'll see what we think of this little experiment! Little video comics reviews, unscripted, unedited.

Audio only.

Transcript below...

Stay On, Target

This morning, I went out to run errands and to run the car a little. I didn't really have any errands I needed to run, but I wanted to get out of the house, into another neighborhood, and do something that involved other people—other than my immediate family and coworkers. Such are my needs occasionally, at this stage in the pandemic. It seems that going out into the world is a source of comfort, because this hour sojourn was just that, a search for comfort.

First stop, Burger King, for two egg and cheese croissanwiches and a large coffee. This is total comfort food, and a standby. I've enjoyed them since the early '90s, when you could still get them on "bagels" at the Burger King on the edge of campus in Evanston. I'd do my early morning radio show, go to Burger King afterward before going home, and then start my day—all before 8 a.m. as a college student. Back then, I preferred the "bagels"—and I use the term advisedly—but today they don't offer "bagels" any more, and I quite like the croissanwich itself. Usually, it's an early-morning breakfast before mustering for a Scout outdoor activity with the troop, but since the pandemic, I've popped out maybe two or three times to indulge myself on my own. Secret, silly breakfast eating in the car.

Then I went to Target. This stop had a purpose of sorts. I wanted to send a birthday card to a relative for her sixteenth birthday. We do have birthday cards at home, but this need was my excuse to get out of the house. I trawled the trading card aisle by the checkouts (sparse pickings, but some Ikoria and Zendikar Rising Magic cards), then hit the greeting cards. I tend to like getting superhero license cards when I can to help support such licensing—and thereby, comic books—but there weren't many options for women. Luckily, there was one Wonder Woman birthday card that shared a pleasant sentiment: We are all born to change the world. Happy birthday, Becca! The card is in the mail.

When I go to Target to just walk around—something I sometimes do as an adult, a form of retail pedestrianism, having done something similar with my parents growing up; we'd all go to Shopko or the mall as a family, not really needing anything in particular, just to walk around and browse—I usually spend most of my time in the games section on the edge of toys, and in the CD, DVD, and book section. For the last few years, the games section has been improving immensely, with the inclusion of card games such as Cards Against Humanity, stocking Eurogames and adjacent options such as Catan, Pandemic, and Ticket to Ride.

Meanwhile, the CDs are fewer and farther between. Now down to maybe 15-20 titles, and with LPs now, as well, for the people who like "vinyls," rather than records, I suppose. Today's options included the new live Eagles record, Roger Waters's latest, Bon Jovi 2020, and records by Deftones and Linkin Park. Middle aged man rock and nu metal, with the occasional K-Pop like BTS. But the book section was rocking—and that even with the magazine section no longer existing! 

There are maybe three aisles of books now, mostly focusing on children's books, but with an OK mix of recent notable genre and tie-in fiction, including the Game of Thrones prequel, a Star Wars novelization, and a couple of Stephen King recents. But the coolest thing to see in the book section was the wide range of antiracist writing, including Ibram X. Kendi's book. Given the heightened racial tensions leading up to and following the recent election—and our country's systematic inequality and still largely unaddressed widespread racism—I am pleased that a retail chain like Target is stocking such books. Right on.

I was also pleased to see Dungeons & Dragons in public. Not only did they have the D&D Starter Set and Essentials Kit in the game section, they had the Player's Handbook in the book section! They also had The World of Critical Role: The History Behind the Epic Fantasy. I've never watched Critical Role. I love playing roleplaying games, but the idea of watching other people play roleplaying games for four hours isn't interesting to me. (Although the involvement of voice actors makes it slightly more compelling—like RPG radio; alert, Big Finish!) I don't even really like playing on Roll20 (sorry, gang!)—I'd rather play on RPOL. But the idea of a book about people playing D&D, making their own world, preparing for their own game sessions... that's a book I can get behind. I look forward to reading it.

And it's inspired me to start a new game on RPOL: Darwell's Tower. (I'm also currently running a Conan game, but it'll be wrapping up soon.) This new game will be for four to six characters levels levels 3-4—let's say 5E just for simplicity's sake. If you'd like to join in, I'd love to play online—text only, folks!—with some Media Dieticians. Just request to join on RPOL, and I'll see you there!

Daddy Issues and Tampering with Time

Action Comics #962, 984, 989, 991-997 (October 2016 to April 2018)

#962: "Path of Doom: Conclusion" Writer: Dan Jurgens, Penciller: Stephen Segovia, Inker: Art Thibert, Letterer: Rob Leigh, Colorist: Ulises Arreola.

Lois and her son Jon are safely sequestered on the Watchtower with Wonder Woman while Superman struggles to contain Doomsday. During the battle, Superman lures Doomsday to a fortress similar to the Kryptonian one, but is hard pressed to defeat his foe until Wonder Woman intervenes. Together, they succeed in sending Doomsday to the Phantom Zone.

Part of Rebirth, this comic includes multiple supermen: Clark Kent out of costume, the Superman with Lois and their son Jon, and a super Lex Luthor. There's also a cloaked scythe-wielding stranger who somehow "intercepted the projection" and captured Doomsday en route to the Phantom Zone.

The issue includes ads for Snickers (Woman Woman is as cranky as Doomsday when she gets hungry!), Midtown Comics, DCBS, action figures, and NC Comicon. There are also several house ads: Doom Patrol, Shade the Changing Girl, Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye, Mother Panic, Blue Beetle, Teen Titans, and Cyborg, as well as a checklist of comics on sale Sept. 7-28, 2016.

The Comic Reader #92 (December 1972)

I really miss fanzines and newszines like this. The Internet and Web sites just aren't the same, and the kind of research required to compile an issue like this is far beyond what goes into most Web writing. When reading this issue last night, I was struck by two things. At the time of this issue's publication, editor Paul Levitz was 16 years old. And this specific issue was published in the very month in which Levitz got his first freelance work at DC—when Joe Orlando hired him to write text and letter pages. Working on the zine helped him not just become known by the DC staff, but also to develop relationships with them. That in turn led to a career in comics; Levitz eventually became editor, vice president, executive vice president, and president of DC.

This zine is awesome in and of itself, regardless of what kind of career it led to. In a digest with relatively small typesetting, Levitz collects and compiles a snapshot of what was going on in comics in late '72. The news columns include items about new and planned titles, staff assignment changes, creative assignments, lineup changes, promotions, cancellations, and health concerns. "Coming Comics" details—and in some cases speculates on—the contents of upcoming comics, including storylines, writing and art assignments, and cover art reproductions courtesy of the publishers. And "Late News and Corrections" announces Howard Chaykin's nuptials, new books of note, and recent newspaper coverage of comics—with fans offering photocopies at cost.

"Et Al" offers a slighter wider range of fandom-related news and notes, addressing media, fan deaths, zines, conventions, and books. Liam O'Connor reviews relevant fanzines, including Fandom Spectacular 1972, Comic Crusader #13, Funnyworld #14, and The Comic Detective #2, as well as other items. Steve Utley reviews Southwesterncon; Manny Maris reports on National Lampoon, Lancer Books, Swank, Ace, Ballantine, and other related markets and publishers; Tom Greeniones reports on the state of comics in Rumania; and Paul Hugli reports on the first ever Fantasy Film Con—given that that took place in Los Angeles, I might have to recreate its lineup while quarantined!

I cannot think of a single periodical or Web site today that captures the breadth, depth, range, or energy of this 36-page digest. And it wasn't produced by a staff or a company, but by a teenager. Such a good zine, with plenty of rabbit holes to explore.

The Creeps #24 (June 2020)

Editor: Rich Sala; Associate Editor: Don Glut; Cover: Jeff Easley; Artists: Nik Poliwko, Benito Gallego, Santos Zaballos, Reno Maniquis, Martin Peniche, and Mansyur Daman; Writers: Don Glut, Nicola Cuti, Billy Grim, and Artie Goodwin.

I was relatively late to arrive at the joys and wonders of magazines such as Creepy, Eerie, Vampirella, and even Famous Monsters. When I was younger, I was much more interested in the humor magazines—perhaps edging into the Conan and Marvel magazines—but didn't spend much time on the spooky side of the street. Now that I'm older, I realize what I was missing... though I wouldn't trade my youthful reading for a single minute.

This magazine, published by Yucca Valley-based Warrant Publishing, is a modern-day appreciation of those older horror black and whites... and it's amazing. Drawing on the still vibrant talents of artists and writers who actually worked on the original Warren publications, this is a loving modern take on a very comfortable and creative magazine approach to comics. More than an homage, it's a direct descendent of those magazines—and a lively force of its own. (And, it seems that Warrant plans to launch a Vampi homage of sorts later this year: Vampiress Carmilla.)

Conan Saga #20 (December 1988)

Editor in Chief: Tom DeFalco, Editor: Craig Anderson, Assistant Editor: Sue Flaxman, Traffic/Production Coordinator: Virginia Komita, Technical Advisor: Glenn Lord, Cover: Earl Norem, Frontispiece: Dave Simons, Soul and Inspiration: Robert E. Howard

P. 4: "Jewels of Gwahlur," Script: Roy Thomas, Art: Dick Giordano, Adapted from the story by Robert E. Howard. The original Conan short story "Jewels of Gwahlur" appeared in the March 1935 issue of Weird Tales and was originally titled "The Servants of Bit-Yakin." This comics adaptation first appeared in Savage Sword of Conan #25 in 1977 and is reprinted here.

Cracked #146 (November 1977)

Editor and Publisher: Robert C. Sproul; Associate Editor: Bill Sproul; Writers: Joe Catalano, George Gladir, Eugene Parnell, Elaine Ozimok, and Peter Hansen; Artists: Howard Nostrand, Sururi Gumen, Don Orehek, and Warren Sattler; Preuf Reider: Errin Spelin; Janitor: Sylvester P. Smythe.

P. 4: "Lettuce from Our Readers," 12 letters of comment from readers in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia,  Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia; and Manitoba, Canada. The best letter was sent in by Mrs. Elenore Palmer, of Old Lyme, Conn.: "I believe I am your oldest reader. I will be celebrating my 86th birthday in November and have enjoyed your magazine for many years. ... Grey power and my love to you all!"

P. 6: "Star Warz," film parody drawn by John Severin. Highlight includes comic strip- and science fiction-related graffiti throughout: "Sally Forth was here," "Wilma—I miss you! Buck," and "Dale, come home—love, Flash."

Three Tie-In Titles

Jonny Quest #2 (Comico, July 1986, $1.50)
"Enter Race Bannon" Writer: William F. Messner-Loebs, Penciller: Wendy Pini, Inker: Joe Staton, Letter: Joe Pinana, Colorist: Rick Taylor, Editor: Diana Schutz.

Be sure to take a look at that credit line again. I found the creative team of this issue to be mind-blowingly spectacular, and if that group of three doesn't make up some kind of independent comics power trio, I don't know who would. This Hanna-Barbera cartoon tie-in comic was written and drawn by some of the more impressive independent comics creators of that era. Thank you, Diana Schutz, for bringing those creators together!

In her editorial, Schutz says a little about the intent behind the issue: "In the original run of Jonny Quest, ... we never did learn how Race Bannon came to be a part of the Quest team -- nor was mention ever made of Jonny's mother." Messner-Loebs's stort amends those gaps.



Jonny's mother is introduced as a lively counterbalance to his more sober and studious father. She becomes ill and lapses into a coma, and Bannon is an agent assigned to protect the family from terrorists. There are several extremely touching scenes in the comic focusing on Judith Waterston and her relationship with her husband and son, particularly pages 7, 11, and 17. Bannon's first impression, then, though heroic, is as sympathetic and comical as it is strong or powerful in its intent (p. 19).

For the most part, Pini and Staton's artwork stays true to the cartoon character designs and overall style, but occasional glimpses of their other work pops through here and there. This isn't Elfquest or E-Man, but I love that those two creators had their hands at this series.

The issue also includes a pinup by Adam Kubert and a two-page letter column containing seven letters of comment. One of those letters was penned by T.M. Maple.

Availability: This comic has not been collected. We also recommend the original cartoon.

The Story Thus Far...

Captain Thunder and Blue Bolt Vol. 2 #2 (Hero Graphics, November 1992, $3.50)
"Hard Targets" Writers/Creators: Roy and Dann Thomas, Artist: E.R. Cruz, Letterer: Jean Simek, and Editor: Dennis Mallonee.

This is an impressive comic book published by a Long Beach, California-based imprint that also published Windraven Adventures, Tigress, Murcielaga She Bat, and Flare. The "Back Issue Department" on the inside back cover suggests that there were 10 issues in the first volume of this series, and the inside front cover is dedicated to a full page of text, "The Story Thus Far..." so a lot has come before this issue.



Story aside -- and I'll return to that below -- this comic book is beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Cruz's black-and-white artwork is crisp and stunning, a real find in a little-known (to me) comic like this. His extremely finely inked illustrative style would be at home almost anywhere: commercial and book illustration, pulp fiction magazines, sf digests, even the horror magazines of the '70s. What a wonderful surprise. Cruz is a Filipino artist who did a lot of mystery and war comics for DC in the '70s and '80s. Most of his work seems to be centered on G.I. Combat, House of Mystery, and The Unexpected. He is a wonderful artist, and this book is worth checking out just for that -- astonishingly detailed black-and-white comics. Pages 13, 19-20, and 26 are particularly impressive.

The story by Roy and Dann Thomas, a husband and wife team, then, is worthy of Cruz's artwork. Captain Thunder and his son are after the Merchants of Menace, causing the villains' plane to crash and catching its leader as he parachutes to safety. He leads the two heroes to a secret compound, where he bargains away the other Merchants before unleashing some sort of monstrosity, a "living vacuum cleaner," an energy-siphoning Mantis-Tank dubbed the Critical Mass.



Blue Bolt's energy is drained and Captain Thunder trapped in the construct. The issue ends with Blue Bolt revitalized and about to attempt a rescue. Even newcomers to the series and involved plot line will be impressed by Cruz's artwork, the highlight of the issue. Apparently, there was no #3.

Availability: This issue has not been collected. We recommend Alter Ego: The Best Of The Legendary Comics Fanzine and The Best of Alter Ego Vol. 2.

Science Fiction and the Supernatural

Forbidden Worlds #65 (American Comics Group, April 1958, 10 cents)
"There's a New Moon Tonight" Pencils and inks: Ogden Whitney, and Script: Richard Hughes.

While the main story in this issue is squarely science fiction, the other short pieces are more supernatural in scope. The 15-page lead piece tells the tale of aerospace scientist and MIT alumnus Ben Widdemer, who leaves behind the mechanical toys of Precision Plastics Inc. to respond to the Soviet launch of Sputnik and "reach for the moon." He falls for liaison agent Mary Simmons, in reality a Russian operative named Olga Kurilenko.



Widdemer's satellite New Moon can accommodate him as a passenger, and Simmons declares her love for him while holding a bomb in her hand. The satellite goes out of control and lands on a strange, bleak planet, where Widdemer meets the survivors of an alien race who plan a mass invasion of Earth. Their invasion is not successful.



The one-page "Wartime Episode" (Pencils and inks: John Forte) reunites a 2-year-old boy with his parents many years later. In the uncredited four-page "No Place to Hide," perhaps the best story in the issue, an erstwhile embezzler is kept from committing his crime. The uncredited one-page "What's the Answer?" is a time-traveling tale of ghostly medical attention. And the five-page "Return of a Hero" (Pencils and inks: John Forte) brings a Hungarian hero back from the dead to lend a hand in the rebellion against Communism.

The issue also includes a two-page letter column.

Availability: Dark Horse offers several collections (Forbidden Worlds Archives Vol. 1, Vol. 3), as does PS Publishing (Forbidden Worlds Collected Works Vol. 4, Vol. 5, Vol. 6) and Gwandanaland (Forbidden Worlds Readers Giant #2 and Forbidden Worlds Readers Giant #3).