Two helpings of Flash Gordon plus some Marvel-ous books

Hawkeye: Blindspot#1 (Published by Marvel Comics; Review by Lan Pitts): In many Avengers fans, Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye has always been "the man". He's brash, cocky, has one of the best costumes in comics, and in a world of high-tech machinery and sorcery, he's still manages to take bad guys down using a bow and arrow. Though what happens when the world's greatest marksman learns he is losing his sight? That's what we dive into in this mini-series. Jim McCann has been striking gold with these Hawkeye minis as of late. He captures the glory days of the Hawkeye series back in the 80's with bold adventures that remind somebody like me why I still love comics. McCann backtracks a little with some of Barton's circus days as we see the Swordsman and Trickshot and Barton learning the ropes, so to speak. We see his reformation and joining the Avengers, which leads to another encounter with an old ghost from the past. Pico Diaz is just marvelous here. I'm not too familiar with any previous work of his, but I'm officially a fan. He has that 70's vibe in the vein of Neal Adams and Gil Kane, with a slice of George Perez in his rendering. I just wish Tomeu Morey's colors wouldn't have dampened the art. IT's not bad per se, but everything seems to have an extra bit of orange to everything and just looks not as sharp as it could be. Hawkeye: Blindspot hearkens back to a simpler age of storytelling, but is hardly "simple". If you're itching for something that the current Avengers books might not be scratching, look no further than this.

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New Avengers #9 (Published by Marvel Comics; Review by Lan Pitts): These days I tend to lean towards more Vertigo and independent titles, but I found it hard to turn down a chance to read something with Howard Chaykin's name attached to it. Especially when his art pertains to Nick Fury hunting Nazis in the 1950's. Going back and forth between Nick's backstory and present day with the Avengers surveying a small remainder of HAMMER are looking to make more trouble. As usual, Bendis gives a solid read with bits of humorous dialog that he's known for that always gives the impression that these people aren't just team mates, but actual friends. It's an interesting contrast to see Chaykin and Mike Deodato work together because of their contrasting styles, but nothing distracting that takes one out of the story. Since this is the beginning of a new arc, it's not quite clear on what to expect, but I am sure Bendis and company will deliver

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The Wheel of Time #8

Written by Robert Jordan and Chuck Dixon

Art by Andie Tong and Nicolas Chapuis

Lettering by Bill Tortolini

Published by Dynamite

Review by Lan Pitts

"Whatever the Dark One wants I oppose , so hear this, and know it's true -- before I let the Dark One have you, I will destroy you myself." -- Moiraine Sedai

Nothing spoils an adventure more than pesky Draghkar following you.

Leaving their home of Emond's Field, after it was destroyed by a Trolloc invasion, Rand al'Thor and his friends Mat Cauthon, Perrin Aybara and his somewhat unofficial girlfriend Egwene head towards the to mystical nation of Tar Valon, guided by Moiraine, and her Warder, Lan. Along the way, the boys learn how to use a bow as Lan trains them to fight Trollocs and other shadowspawn. Rand finds himself in a sort of adventure he has only read about in stories or told as tall tales. The realization really hits home is when Egwene decides she wants to become an Aes Sedai.

I think it would be helpful for anybody unfamiliar with the franchise, for Dynamite to include a glossary. Then again, these books are made for the fans, and I feel at times, would be hard to get into, especially if you look at the sheer volume of the actual books themselves. Then on the other hand, I'm sure that is how it is with most comics these days. I digress.

Dynamite was fortunate enough to nab this title from the Dabel Bros line, and from what I've read, have done a good job with it. Chuck Dixon's years of experience guides the story well and doesn't throw too much of you at once. I love how he includes excerpts from the books themselves, giving that feeling of the books and you can see how true to the source material he's making it.

As long as the book has been around, I've been a critic to Chase Conley's style and how he handles the characters. Here, we have artist Andie Tong (Tangent: Superman's Reign, The Batman Strikes!) and I find his style more suiting and appealing on how the "Rand Band" look. You can definitely see an almost-anime influence with how the characters stand and talk, but Tong reels it back just when you think he's gone too far. I guess the odd fact of the matter is that, when I think "Wheel of Time", I think high-concept fantasy, not just comic art. The thing is though, Tong can be really good. I don't think he's there yet with these characters.

I guess my biggest complaint are the colors. Half the time, Nicolas Chapuis soaks you up in this realm with it's lovely shades of green and other miscellaneous earth tones, but when he works on the purples and darker colors, it looks muddy and rushed. I'm not saying you need a Laura Martin-like coloring job on the book, but the separations towards the end come across as incomplete and flat.

The Wheel of Time series means a heck of lot to this reviewer, and while I am grateful that there is a comic adaptation, the art department needs to kick it up a notch.

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Flash Gordon: The Mercy Wars

Written by Brendan Deneen

Art by Paul Green

Lettering by Richard Emms

Published by Ardden Entertainment

Review by Lan Pitts

"Please...enough. I've had enough. There's only one person who can find Zarkhov...a professor at Yale...Gordon..."

Now before I continue, I need to make something clear: I know very little about Flash Gordon. I know there was a movie made in the 80's about him, he was in a cartoon with the Phantom and Mandrake (Defenders of the Earth), and that he was once a comic strip. That being said, I can honestly say I am open to any interpretation of the character since I have seen him handled in a few ways. Ardden's take is something more up my alley, playing up the sci-fi/fantasy angle and making Flash not so muscle-bound and unintelligent, though Flash still appears as athletic as ever.

Other characters appear from Flash mythos, including sometimes love interest Dale Arden and Dr. Zarkhov, the latter having gone missing and is being looked for by the former as he is suspected to be building a WMD. The story goes back and forth between Flash and the rebellion on Planet Mongo against Ming the Merciful (yes, there was a time he called himself that). Eventually, Flash, Dale, and Zarkhov become separated. Dale is seduced by Ming's wiles, Flash lands in the jungle and befriends Eldun, a jungle warrior who is not who she appears to be, while Zarkhov is taken prisoner by Ming. The three stories culminate to a fierce battle with all allied forces standing together for Mongo.

At first, Paul Green's style seems like J. Scott Campbell, but a bit more rounder and not as sharp. You can see the influence definitely, especially in the way Green constructs women's eyes and heads. While the art is easy on the eyes, some conversations seemed boxed in and restrained. Panels are made to where it feels as though it's constantly made of close up shots of eyes and mouths and soon becomes pages of "talking heads". It doesn't start off this way, in the beginning there is a sense of being open, but later while more characters are introduced, it just feels claustrophobic.

Green's use of colors and designs are something great as well. The colors have that perfect level of saturation that gives everything a smoother and polished look. Ming reminds me of Mr. Sinister from the X-Men, but with a more gothic flair (if that's possible). Though, going back to the Campbell influence, I kept doing a double take for Dale as Sydney Savage from Danger Girl.

Brendan Deneen has taken a classic character and relaunched it for a new generation. Some of the dialog comes across as bit cliche at times, but isn't too far out there to not warrant a read. He handles Flash like I've always seen him, and put a nice twist on Ming. For some reason I heard Jason Isaacs when I read Ming's dialog in my head. This is my first real foray into the world of Flash Gordon, and I can easily say I'd check out more. This mini-series is a few years old, but finally collected into one trade, and for Flash fans, a new way to experience and old favorite.

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Flash Gordon: Invasion of the Red Sword #1
Written by Brendan Deneen
Art by Eduardo Garcia and Jok
Lettering by Richard Emms
Published by Ardden Entertainment

Review by Lan Pitts

Flash Gordon is not having the best of days.

When a planet Mongo's Universal Translator goes out, it's up to Flash Gordon and Professor Zarkhov to repair it. Too bad Dale Arden's former commandos have the idea to strike a rebellion against the kingdom. And just when you think Flash and CO. have figured it out, Ming comes along to spoil it.

With Flash Gordon and the Mercy Wars fresh on my mind, I didn't mind a second helping of what Brendan Deenan brought to the table. Now while, Deenan does mention past adventures and occurences, I feel as though a "Previously On..." page would have been helpful. I can see where a new reader might feel lost or confused on things. Especially character relationships. While it's obvious of Flash and Dale's connection, other relationships might not be so understanding.

Eduardo Garcia brings the best of what Paul Green did in Mercy Wars. There's definitely still a J. Scott Campbell vibe, but not as much here. The panels aren't so concentrated on close ups and allows the page to breathe. Garcia still has a cartoonish look to the world, yet definitely has a strong grasp of action shots and motion.

Deenan still the same problems that he had in Mercy Wars which is concept of pacing. The pages come across as very busy at times and I feel it would have been slightly better if there wasn't something happening everywhere. While the dialog is still strong and interesting, I found myself just rushed the entire time. The last few pages of the book is where it finally got to a better speed and not crammed. Flash Gordon: Invasion of the Red Sword was a strong crash course in the world of Flash Gordon and company, and it is a good read. Though some parts of the story, I feel, could have been executed better.

This week in trite reviews.

Daredevil: Cage Match -- One Shot
Written by Antony Johnston
Pencils by Sean Chen
Inks by Sandu Florea
Colors by Matt Hollingsworth
Letters by VC's Joe Caramagna
Published by Marvel Comics
Review by Lan Pitts

"You and me, Fogwell's Gym, tomorrow night. A grand each, winner names a charity. What do you say?" -- Matt Murdock, Daredevil

This issue harkens back to some nice 1970's nostalgia, so readers who aren't reading the current series under Andy Diggles direction, fear not. Though saying that, this isn't the brooding rooftop hopping, ninja clan-leading Daredevil now, the one in Cage Match is bit more fun-loving, but still street tough.

So, on a nightly routine, Daredevil and Power Man Luke Cage quickly take down a gang of street kids, but Luke feels Daredevil has lost a certain edge and feels like he needed the help. Daredevil being on the defensive, challenges Luke to a boxing match and the loser pays the winner's charity of choice. Matt confides to his partner Foggy about the deal, as Luke tells Iron Fist (in the middle of a brawl no less) about the situation and both partners agree it's a bit odd to do that, but Luke and Matt understand there's a bit of pride at stake.

The notion that these two heroes would duke it out paints both characters as something different from what they are perceived now, especially Daredevil. It's nice to see his portrayal as not just a Batman archetype but as something not so brooding and to see him do an act like this is a nice change of pace. It's neither better or worse than what Diggle is doing on the main Daredevil title, it's just great to see what the character can also be.

Sean Chen does a great job with the posing and showcases old Hornhead's flexibility and agility and makes Luke Cage come across as the powerhouse he is. Sandu Florea's inks are touch and go, but for the most part excels in making Chen look good with crisp clean lines. Matt Hollingsworth is on coloring duty and adds a playful tone to the book by using a brighter pallet in contrast to the main title. Even in the night scenes, nothing is overshadowed and feels like a breath of fresh air.

All in all, it's a it's a solid book, but nothing outrageous. It would be a good introductory book for a young reader to the characters since Daredevil is a bit heavy at times. Johnston shows us that a man without fear isn't exactly a man without some fun.

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Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time #2
Written by Robert Jordan
Script by Chuck Dixon
Art by Chase Conely
Colors by Nicolas Chapuis
Letters by Bill Tortolini
Published by Dynamite Entertainment
Review by Lan Pitts

"A locked door. No one in the Two Rivers had ever locked their doors. There had been a need...until now at least." -- Rand al'Thor

Coming from a perspective as a "Wheel of Time" fan, I'm really liking the series so far, especially with Chuck Dixon gets to do his stuff and is just let loose. This issue sheds a bit more light on Rand al'Thor's and his father's, Tam, home life. In addition to things to come, such as the revelation of Tam's heron-marked blade and how he uses it so well against a talking Trolloc.

How this read in the book is again pretty close to what happens in this issue. Dixon might have added a bit of dialog here and there to expand the events, but nothing outrageous where fans will cry foul. I think Dixon improved a few things, especially when trying to paint a picture on Rand and Tam's relationship, as not just father and son, but how they have just each other. Especially when their house is destroyed by hellish beasts and monsters. Nothing says father and son bonding like endangerment.

I'm still not sold on the art. The page layout reminded me of somebody just dropping random photographs on the ground and just traced the design from there. It's a bit scattered. In addition to the fact that I feel that sometimes the facial expressions were a bit either over done and cartoonish, or just too flat and boring. In contrast, the backgrounds are great, and the coloring detail is the perfect partner for Conley's style. Also, as a fan, I have to praise Conely for nailing down the imagery I've had in my mind for the past sixteen years of my life.

I'm enjoying the book so far, and since it's just the beginning of the series it might seem slow, but it's about to get into some good stuff.

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The Unwritten #13 (Published by Vertigo; Review by Lan Pitts): What can one say that hasn't already been said about this series? Hell, what can I say that I haven't already said? In my opinion, page for page, it is the best series on the shelves these days, and after a year it still holds true. I've questioned Mike Carey's direction of the story from time to time since it seems to be going multiple places at once, but in fact he's just layering like a club sandwich. So, in this issue we have Tom, Liz, and Savoy hiding out at an apartment downtown so they can keep an eye out for Tom's father who may, or may not, appear at the debut of the new book...that he did not write. It's all a trap and Tom and Co. are none the wiser. New revelations are revealed, a cliffhanger ending, and a trap set in motion. Simply put, the story never stops until you put it down. Peter Gross is back on full art duties, colors aside of course. The layouts remain sharp and with a dialog-heavy book like this can be at times, Gross always makes sure the pages are still interesting and never boring. It's creative and inspiring without being avant garde. Chris Chuckry does a great job on colors, as usual, with his muted tone that adds a layer of realism to a fantasy story that makes it all that more intriguing and captivating. Everything is lining up for this book to be the stuff of legend and is already my "must-read" book.

Interview with Chuck Dixon about The Wheel of Time

The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages comes to pass...

For those unfamiliar with Dynamite's newest acquisition, Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time, it is an epic medieval fantasy series that evokes Arthurian legend and Celtic myths with a touch of Star Wars. Sadly, the original author of series died in 2007, but luckily left the finale in good hands. Rand al'Thor is a sheepherder whose life is changed forever after meeting the mysterious Moiraine and her Warder, Lan. His destiny could bring the end of the Dark One, but possibly the end of the world as well. Now, as Dynamite continues the adaptation of the series, we spoke with writer Chuck Dixon about his history with the project, and what to expect going forward.

Newsarama: Chuck, are you a fan of The Wheel of Time yourself?

Chuck Dixon: I wasn’t before I started this project. I was initially offered [the prequel] New Spring on the strength of the adaptation of The Hobbit I had done for Del Rey.

Nrama: So let's talk about the prologue, "Dragonmount". That issue already came out, are you going to continue with the series from that issue or do another relaunch?

Dixon: That’s a question for Dynamite to answer. If I were to guess, I’d say they’ll include it in whatever collection is down the road. The material is Dynamite’s to do with what they will. No need to re-launch as the collected hardcover or paperback is the goal here.

Nrama: With such an epic story, what has been the greatest challenge so far?

Dixon: These books are pure prose. They are not written with comic book adaptation in mind (unlike Dean Koontz who writes in a form friendlier to comics). There’s lots of internal dialogue and character exploration via dialogue. What I have to do is telescope a bit a re-order some events to balance action and plot advancement. Sometimes I have to contort the prose a bit to do this. Like, if a past battle is mentioned in passing I’ll create a scene flashing back to it. I don’t break what’s written but bring more visual weight to what Jordan was evoking. Eye candy is important in project like this. Fans want to see this world.

Robert Jordan was very forgiving considering some of the cut and paste I had to do to make it comics. But I was always mindful to keep 99% of his dialogue and descriptions as written. The readers want his work not mine.

Nrama: Since Jordan wrote in quite detailed paragraphs, are you going to do EVERYTHING from the books?

Dixon: I believe that Dynamite is continuing the program as it was started so this will be a very close adaptation of the novels. Not quite page-for-page but close. So, it’ll be a literal translation and include as much of the book as we can.

Nrama: Do you feel like you're leaving anything out?

Dixon: Not so far. It’s all in there. Of course, everyone has a scene or character that’s their favorite and there’s a chance I’ll either leave them out or not place the desired emphasis on them. I’m still bummed that Beorn didn’t make it into the Lord of the Rings movies.

Nrama: How do you think you're going to handle some of the more adult stuff later on? I mean it gets pretty sexual especially with Mat and Tylin.

Dixon: I look forward to some telephone conference calls on this. But there’s ways to handle this kind of material without getting pornographic.

Nrama: Is there a favorite character you've liked writing so far?

Dixon: I fell in love with Moiraine when I was writing New Spring.
Currently I’m writing lots of Rand so he’s the guy I’m identifying with the most currently.

Nrama: Are you using the The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time guide, or what we fans call the "Big White Book" for the imagery or are you creating your own for certain things?

Dixon: I’m using everything. I’m using stuff you’ve never seen and no fan’s been privy to. The imagery I leave to the artists and editors and estate. It’s thin ice creating lasting imagery of characters and locations that so many readers have imagined on their own. My end is pacing and dramatization.

Nrama: Will the art team stay the same? Will there be a consistent artist you're being paired with or will it be a rotating team?

Dixon: Nick at Dynamite is still sorting all of this deal out. Once he does, I’m looking forward to improved communication as well as seeing the art as it progresses. The same working relationship I have with Dynamite on the other stuff I’m doing with them. You know, being allowed to proof the finished product and getting jpegs of the art. Believe it or not, I still have no copies of the comics published up to now.

Nrama: What are you looking forward to writing? I can't wait to see how the invasion of the Stone of Tear comes to life on the page.

Dixon: Long, extended action scenes are what I’m waiting for. That’s where I get to stretch my storytelling muscles. There’s lots of tremendous action set pieces coming up.