Thothblog

One of the many nerd and geek prevailing tendencies is that of reading.  Nerds and geeks read… a lot.  It probably works into that whole pursuit of knowledge thing.  This love of reading manifests in many ways, some enjoy the field of science fiction and fantasy, some have a fondness for technical manuals and other instructional media, and still others delve into magazines and subscription works.  Most geeks and nerds I know tend to fit into multiple categories and normally tend to read within multiple categories.  I myself have a healthy dose of online material, novels, technical works, monthly publications and of course, comics.

Comics are an amazing literary art form.  They provide a wealth of visual and literary stimulation (can, not necessarily do)  and are amazingly underrated in the subject material they can represent.  Because I love comics and their ongoing tales, I should of course have some postings regarding them, a review of sorts (maybe even weekly), and that way we can get the word out about comics that are tearing it up and those that are… well not.  Couple of different segments will be involved I think, quick shout out to my comic of choice and then those that deserve some props mixed with those that don’t.

Favorite Comic:  Fables
What to say about this book besides read it.  If for no other reason than to see Pinocchio drop the “Mother F-er” bomb.  Now the current issue, 82, is by no means a good starting point to begin reading as you will be amazingly lost.  Not to mention the art is a bit lacking, as the usual artist is absent, but this book is always strong.  Willingham continues to knock it out of the park and I think we are all wondering who Mr. Dark is.

Knights of the Old Republic - Grade: C-
Here is the issue with this book, and really it might be mostly an issue with my current feelings towards the Star Wars Universe, but this is the only Star Wars book I am currently reading (have to get my fix somewhere) and they just began a new story arc a few issues ago so it is understandable that the story may not be at its prime.  However, while I appreciate wanting to get the book out on time Brian Ching has got to go, in fact he could not leave the book quickly enough.  His aliens look decent enough, but we shouldn’t they, their aliens and he has some wiggle room in that area.  Humanoid characters are amazingly bad.  His consistency between panels for characters is poor and while his female faces are ok, the main character, Zayne, being a male, is treated to his lack of correct facial detail.  Worst part about his characters are the eyes, which at times, look freakish and no amount of shading or coloring will fix them.  Here’s a travesty; whoever did panel design actually has a panel 1/3rd the page which is a close up on Zayne’s eyes.  While the art has been lacking in this book for some time, Ching was a move in the wrong direction.

Justice League - Grade: C+
What sucks about this book is that should be good.  Between Shane Davis and Sandra Hope the panels in this book are good and definitely work for a hero book of this magnitude.  McDuffie is a strong writer and paired with the artist team this book has, Justice League should be flying high.  Sadly, the Final Crisis turd has infected this book like so many others and the current issue, an interlude issue (read - filler), is a yawn of a story, if it can be even called a story.  My hope is that it gets back on track once the ripples of Final Crisis get sorted out and we start seeing some solid story lines.  This book also shows a current weak spot in both DC and Marvel books, editing.  Look, I am resolved to the fact that DC and Marvel couldn’t find continuity if it was gift wrapped for them, but for God sakes, on the first damn page of this book you have Zatanna speaking to Wonder Woman, but calling her by Black Canary’s name.  Seriously?!  DC editors can you please pull your collective head out of your collective ass.  Christ, you won’t bother yourself with the little things but what’s next, are we going to see Batman holding up a building by himself because it is supposed to be Superman but neither the editor nor the artist could be bothered to read the writer notes?  Let’s get it together people.

OZ (Wonderful Wizard of Oz) - Grade: A-
Pick it up, go buy these issues.  If you don’t consider yourself a comic reader, wait for the trades.  This is just old school comic retelling fun and you will enjoy the books.  Go buy them!

POLL QUESTION:

This is a little unofficial poll question, but it does have to do with comics so I am putting it here, let’s comment and see how people feel about this.  Recently a Bustin Chops entry touched on the topic of the Watchmen movie and graphic novel.  My personal feeling is that this IS a book any self respecting geek/nerd should have read, but I can sorta understand if they didn’t.  A buddy of mine stated today that in his opinion, anybody who considers them-self a geek has to have read Watchmen.  I can definitely see his point as well.  She who had her chops busted feels that geekyness is more about personal passion, which I can also respect.

So, fellow Thother’s…

How big of a cred hit does someone take for not having read Watchmen until it became the trendy thing to do?