Showing posts with label Superior. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Superior. Show all posts

July 24, 2016

Huck - Mark Millar & Rafael Albuquerque

It’s been over a decade since I read Superman: Red Son for the first time, an Elseworlds project written by Mark Millar that turned out to be one of the best Superman stories ever written.  Red Son is up there with Alan Moore’s “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow” or John Byrne’s “Man of Steel”, it really is that good. And that shouldn’t come as a surprise, given the fact that Millar has often explained how much he loves Superman. But, save a few issues here and there, he was never a frequent Superman writer back when he was still working for DC Comics.

So as the smart man he is, Millar found the way to scratch this literary itch in the form of Superior and now Huck. Both works complement each other rather nicely, so I think it would be fitting to read them (or re-read them) at the same time. Huck is a friendly approach to the superhero genre with a nice touch of brightness and candor. In the words of Antony Delfini “we live in a world of cynicism, materialism, vanity, and selfishness. Huck is a breadth of fresh air because he’s the opposite of that mentality”.

Huck is a big guy –with an even bigger heart– from a small American town. He does at least one good deed a day, and he has become a blessing for all the people around him. But as soon as he decides to expand his radius of influence, and help men and women outside the US, his secret is now out in the open. No longer the town’s mysterious Samaritan, Huck is now a reluctant celebrity who must fight against hordes of newspaper journalists and TV reporters… and in the process he’s offered the possibility of finding out who his real mother is. 

There is something deceptively simple about Millar’s concept. This isn’t just a homage to Superman’s roots, it’s also an insightful portray of who we are as a society and what we expect, as readers, from our heroes. Huck is the guy who will help others asking for nothing in return. Some might consider that an odd behavior, why work so hard for others when he could become the richest man on Earth? Why is he so modest when he could be worldwide famous? Why bother to intervene when he could be much better off by simply abstaining from the conflicts of his nation? Perhaps because he believes he can make a difference, and because he everything he does is for the right reason. 

So instead of mindlessly fighting against supervillains like Superman does in his monthly titles, Huck lives a quiet life, preventing conflicts instead of going into battle, helping others in time so that he won’t have to worry about them later. There is something absolutely charming about this resurrection of the classic superhero. 
Huck
Of course, there is also plenty of action in Huck, as he will be forced to fight against a powerful android who keeps his mother in prison. The action scenes are adequate, but personally I think they betray a little bit the essence of the protagonist. Perhaps it would’ve been more interesting to focus more on Huck’s everyday life and, just for once, forget about the evil villain lurking in the shadows.

To be honest, it took me a couple of issues to warm up to Rafael Albuquerque’s style but I ended up enjoying his contribution. An accomplished penciler and inker, Albuquerque rose to prominence after his collaborations in Vertigo’s American Vampire. He doesn’t seem to be too keen on details or realistic anatomy, but that doesn’t detract from the evident value of his work. In fact, it’s thanks to his loose lines, his dynamic composition and his kinetic pages that we can appreciate the true nature of a character like Huck. His lines are wonderfully enhanced by Dave McCaig’s coloring, who provides the right mood in every scene with just a touch of the right pigment.
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Ha pasado más de una década desde que leí por primera vez “Superman: Red Son”, un proyecto Elseworlds escrito por Mark Millar que resultó ser una de las mejores historias de Superman de los últimos 75 años. Red Son es comparable con “¿Qué pasó con el Hombre del Mañana?” de Alan Moore o Man of Steel” de John Byrne. Y eso no debería ser una sorpresa, teniendo en cuenta que Millar ha explicado a menudo lo mucho que le encanta Superman. Pero, salvo algunos números desperdigados, él nunca fue un escritor habitual de Superman en la época en la que todavía estaba trabajando para DC Comics.
visiting a rough neighborhood / visitando un vecindario peligroso

Millar, con la astucia que lo caracteriza, encontró la manera de rascarse esta picazón literaria bajo la forma de Superior y ahora “Huck”. Ambos trabajos se complementan entre sí bastante bien, así que creo que sería adecuado leerlos (o re-leerlos) al mismo tiempo. Huck es un enfoque amigable sobre el género de los superhéroes, con un toque de optimismo y sinceridad. En palabras de Antonio Delfini “vivimos en un mundo de cinismo, materialismo, vanidad y egoísmo. Huck es una bocanada de aire fresco porque es lo opuesto de esa mentalidad”.

Huck es un sujeto grande –con un corazón aún más grande– en una pequeña ciudad norteamericana. Él hace por lo menos una buena acción al día, y se ha convertido en una bendición para todos los que lo rodean. Pero apenas decide ampliar su radio de influencia, y ayudar a la gente en otros países, su secreto sale a flote. En vez de ser el misterioso samaritano del pueblito, Huck es ahora una celebridad que debe luchar contra las hordas de periodistas de la prensa y reporteros de televisión... y en el proceso podrá descubrir quién es su verdadera madre.

El concepto central de Millar es aparentemente muy simple. Esto no es solamente un homenaje a las raíces de Superman, también es un retrato perspicaz de lo que somos como sociedad y lo que esperamos, como lectores, de nuestros héroes. Huck es el sujeto que va a ayudar a los demás sin esperar nada a cambio. Algunos podrían considerar que ese es un comportamiento extraño, ¿por qué ayudar a otras personas cuando podría convertirse en el hombre más rico de la Tierra? ¿Por qué es tan modesto cuando podría ser mundialmente famoso? ¿Por qué preocuparse por intervenir cuando podría abstenerse de los conflictos de su nación? Tal vez porque él cree que puede hacer la diferencia, y porque todo lo que hace es por una buena razón.

Así que en lugar de luchar tontamente contra supervillanos, como hace Superman en su colección mensual, Huck vive una vida tranquila, previene conflictos antes de que desemboquen en algo peor, ayuda a otros en el momento adecuado para no tener que preocuparse por ellos más tarde. Hay algo absolutamente encantador acerca de esta resurrección del superhéroe clásico.
Trapped / atrapados
Por supuesto, también hay un montón de acción en Huck, sobre todo cuando se verá obligado a luchar contra un poderoso androide que ha aprisionado a su madre. Las escenas de acción son adecuadas, pero personalmente creo que traicionan un poco la esencia del protagonista. Tal vez hubiera sido más interesante centrarse más en la vida cotidiana de Huck y, por una vez, olvidar al malvado villano que acecha desde las sombras.

Para ser honesto, me tomó un par de números acostumbrarme al estilo de Rafael Albuquerque pero terminé disfrutando su contribución. Albuquerque es un buen dibujante y un sólido entintador; él saltó a la fama después de sus colaboraciones en American Vampire de Vertigo. No parece estar demasiado interesado en la anatomía realista o en ser detallista, pero eso no le resta valor a su obra. De hecho, es gracias a sus líneas sueltas, su composición dinámica y sus vibrantes páginas que podemos apreciar la verdadera naturaleza de un personaje como Huck. Sus líneas están maravillosamente realzadas por el coloreado de Dave McCaig, que proporciona la atmósfera adecuada en cada escena con el pigmento apropiado.

April 28, 2016

Superior - Mark Millar & Leinil Francis Yu

In the eyes of many adults, superhero comics are disposable entertainment aimed primarily at teenagers. A cruel preconception, certainly, but one that still carries weight to this day. For decades, entire generations of readers have enjoyed watching their favorite heroes fighting against endless hordes of villains. This never-ending battle for justice began 78 years ago in the pages of Superman, and it soon multiplied and prospered in many other superhero titles.

These “adolescent power fantasies” continue to be just as effective today as they were in 1938, although nowadays it would be impossible to keep track of how many new super-powered characters are created each month. So what happened to the original superhero? Has the Man of Steel thrived or is he slowly rusting and falling into oblivion? A few years ago, Mark Millar and Filipino artist Leinil Francis Yu decided to answer that question with an impressive miniseries titled Superior (originally published from December 2010 to March 2012).  

The Scottish writer reminds us that these teenage power fantasies can go beyond the basic confrontation between good and evil. Superheroes are so powerful because we want them to be invincible, if we fail they do not, if we surrender they persevere; they’re the best version of ourselves, and that’s why we can never get enough of them. 

“Superior had been created in the nineteen-thirties, a symbol of hope for the hardest of times. The banks had failed, unemployment was soaring, and America was on its knees when two cartoonists put pen to paper and helped us forget our worries for a while”. However, some superheroes can become outdated. Simon Pooni and his best friend Chris discuss about the relevance (or lack thereof) of Superior, a classic superhero that is no longer popular with comic book readers or moviegoers. For Chris, Superior is “too much of a boy-scout” and he should be “more bad-ass”, for Simon, Superior is intrinsically better than anyone else simply because he’s always willing to do the right thing. 

Nonetheless, when Simon reads Superior comics or watches the movies it’s purely about escapism. And how could it be any other way if we consider his current condition? “Multiple sclerosis breaks the link between your brain and random motor functions.  Some say it’s like being buried alive in your own skin”. He needs crutches to stand on his own feet, and his body is deteriorating rapidly; Simon may be only 12, but he is already doomed to a lifetime of pain and paralysis.

In this desperate scenario, Simon accepts the proposal of a mysterious creature named Ormon. And in the blink of an eye, he is transformed into a real version of Superior. In addition to Superman, the Scottish writer cleverly draws inspiration from two other sources: Captain Marvel comics and the movie “Big”. When 12-year-old Billy Batson utters the word Shazam he is magically transformed into a powerful hero and, at the same time, he becomes an adult. The ultimate adolescent power fantasy may explain Captain Marvel’s huge popularity in the 40s, as it combines the two greatest wishes any kid could have: to gain superpowers and to be respected as an adult (if only momentarily). 

But having the body of an adult and the mind of a child can be quite difficult, and that’s why a movie like “Big” explores the complicated relationship between the protagonist (a young boy who has been magically transformed into an adult) and the world around him. How does Simon deal with aging 20 years overnight? How can he relate to his school friends? How can he understand what’s expected of him now that he is an adult?
Simon Pooni: past and present / Simon Pooni: pasado y presente

Millar takes this fascinating premise even further. Simon Pooni is now Superior. And he’s ready to live up to his new name. So Superior starts doing the things Superman could never do in the comics: solve the problems of the real world. Superior finds a way to stop the war in the Middle East without a single casualty, he gets rid of the world’s nuclear arsenal, he promotes pacifism and tolerance, and he does everything he can to help impoverished African countries. In addition to saving thousands of lives, Superior also defends his friend Chris against the school bullies, proving that there is no such thing as a ‘small’ problem. Certainly, Superior is not a typical superhero simply because he’s ready to take a political stance in a way that no corporate-owned character could. 

Billy Batson would become Captain Marvel for a few hours. Simon Pooni can only be Superior for a week. But during that week he manages to accomplish more than any other fictional hero in decades. Superior was “dedicated to Christopher Reeve and Richard Donner with love and admiration”, and it’s one of the finest examples of what a superhero could or should be.  

Finally, I must say that graphically, this miniseries is a real delight. All 7 issues (plus the covers) were penciled by Leinil Francis Yu, an artist famous for his dynamism and his incredible visual energy. In order to avoid delays, Yu’s frequent collaborator and Filipino inker Gerry Alanguilan was assisted by Jason Paz and Jeff Huet; Dave McCaig was replaced by Filipino colorist Sunny Gho (assisted by Javier Tartaglia). Truly, a magnificent miniseries that everyone should pay attention to.
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A los ojos de muchos adultos, los cómics de superhéroes son un entretenimiento desechable dirigido principalmente a los jóvenes. Un cruel prejuicio que todavía no ha desaparecido. Durante décadas, generaciones enteras de lectores han disfrutado viendo a sus héroes favoritos luchando contra interminables hordas de villanos. Esta interminable batalla por la justicia comenzó hace 78 años en las páginas de Superman, y rápidamente prosperó y se multiplicó en muchas otras colecciones de superhéroes.
Superior (Simon Pooni) and his friend Chris / Superior (Simon Pooni) y su amigo Chris
Estas “fantasías de poder adolescente” siguen siendo tan eficientes ahora como lo eran en 1938, aunque hoy en día sería imposible hacer un seguimiento a la cantidad de nuevos personajes súper-poderosos que son creados cada mes. ¿Y qué pasó con el superhéroe original? ¿El Hombre de Acero prosperó o está oxidándose lentamente y cayendo en el olvido? Hace algunos años, Mark Millar y el artista filipino Leinil Francis Yu decidieron responder esa pregunta con una impresionante miniserie titulada “Superior” (publicada originalmente entre diciembre del 2010 y marzo del 2012).
Superior learns how to fly / Superior aprende a volar
El escritor escocés nos recuerda que estas fantasías de poder adolescente pueden ir más allá de la confrontación básica entre el bien y el mal. Los superhéroes son tan poderosos porque queremos que sean invencibles, ellos jamás fracasan, nosotros sí, y si acaso nos rendimos ellos perseveran; son una mejor versión de nosotros mismos, y es por eso que nunca nos cansamos de ellos.
Ormon and Sharpie (the school bully) / Ormon y Sharpie (el abusivo del colegio)
“Superior había sido creado en los años 30s, un símbolo de esperanza para la época más difícil. Los bancos habían caído, el desempleo se había disparado, y Estados Unidos estaba de rodillas cuando dos historietistas emplearon la pluma y el papel y nos ayudaron a olvidar nuestras preocupaciones por un rato”. Sin embargo, algunos superhéroes se vuelven obsoletos. Simon Pooni y su mejor amigo Chris discuten acerca de la relevancia (o irrelevancia) de Superior, un superhéroe clásico que ya no es popular entre los que leen cómics o van al cine. Para Chris, Superior es “demasiado boy-scout” y debería ser “más temible”, para Simon, Superior es intrínsecamente mejor que cualquier otro simplemente porque él está siempre dispuesto a hacer lo correcto. 
Superior versus Ormon

No obstante, cuando Simon lee cómics de Superior o ve las películas es por puro escapismo. ¿Y cómo podría ser de otro modo si tenemos en cuenta su condición actual? “La esclerosis múltiple rompe el vínculo entre el cerebro y las funciones motoras. Algunos dicen que es como ser enterrado vivo en tu propia piel”. Él necesita muletas para sostenerse, y su cuerpo se deteriora rápidamente; Simon apenas tiene 12 años, pero ya está condenado a una vida de dolor y parálisis.

En este desesperado escenario, Simon acepta la propuesta de una misteriosa criatura llamada Ormon. Y en un abrir y cerrar de ojos, se transforma en una versión real de Superior. Además de Superman, el escritor escocés se inspira en los cómics de “Captain Marvel” y en la película “Quisiera ser grande”. Cuando Billy Batson, un niño de 12 años, pronuncia la palabra Shazam se convierte mágicamente en un poderoso héroe y, al mismo tiempo, en un adulto. Esta definitiva fantasía de poder juvenil explica la enorme popularidad de Captain Marvel en los 40s, ya que combina los dos mayores deseos que cualquier chico podría tener: ganar superpoderes y ser respetado como un adulto (aunque sea momentáneamente).

Sin embargo, tener el cuerpo de un adulto y la mente de un niño puede ser muy difícil, y es por eso que una película como “Quisiera ser grande” explora la complicada relación entre el protagonista (un chico que ha sido transformado mágicamente en un adulto) y su entorno. ¿Cómo encara Simon el hecho de ser 20 años mayor de la noche a la mañana? ¿Cómo puede relacionarse con sus compañeros de escuela? ¿De qué manera entiende lo que se espera de él ahora que es un adulto?


Simon loses his powers / Simon pierde sus poderes
Millar lleva esta fascinante premisa aún más lejos. Simon Pooni es ahora Superior. Y está listo para honrar su nuevo nombre. Así que Superior empieza a hacer las cosas que Superman jamás podría hacer en los cómics: resolver los problemas del mundo real. Superior encuentra una manera de detener la guerra en el Medio Oriente sin una sola baja, se deshace del arsenal nuclear del mundo, promueve el pacifismo y la tolerancia, y hace todo lo posible para ayudar a los países africanos empobrecidos. Además de salvar miles de vidas, Superior también defiende a su amigo Chris contra los matones de la escuela, lo que demuestra que no hay tal cosa como un problema ‘pequeño’. Ciertamente, superior no es un superhéroe típico simplemente porque él está listo para asumir una postura política que los personajes establecidos no podrían asumir.

Billy Batson se convertía en Captain Marvel durante algunas horas. Simon Pooni sólo puede ser Superior por una semana. Sin embargo, durante esa semana se las arregla para lograr más que cualquier otro héroe ficticio de las últimas décadas. Superior está “dedicado a Christopher Reeve y Richard Donner con amor y admiración”, y es uno de los mejores ejemplos de lo que podría o debería ser un superhéroe.

Por último, hay que decir que gráficamente, esta miniserie es una verdadera delicia. Los 7 ejemplares (además de las portadas) fueron dibujados a lápiz por Leinil Francis Yu, un artista famoso por su dinamismo y su increíble energía visual. A fin de evitar retrasos, Gerry Alanguilan, entintador filipino y colaborador frecuente de Yu, fue ayudado por Jason Paz y Jeff Huet; David McCaig fue reemplazado por el colorista filipino Sunny Gho (ayudado por Javier Tartaglia). Verdaderamente, una magnífica miniserie que todos deberían leer.

February 7, 2012

January comic books / cómics de enero

I got my January comic books on record time! And I think I read them even faster. Icon is still producing some of the most interesting titles such as Brilliant and Superior, while Avatar keeps catering to the horror fans like no other publisher could… this month Caligula ends, but Ferals begins. Unwritten and Morning Glories continue to be some of my favorite ongoing series, while Luther Strode and Severed are the best Image miniseries right now. I’d like to emphasize the quality of the first issue of Whispers, a very promising title. And now, without further ado, January issues are here as per solicitations. Which one of these should I review first?


And also, a couple of panels from an old X-Factor issue. How could you not love Madrox, the Multiple Man?

BRILLIANT #2 (MR)
Created by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS & MARK BAGLEY Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS Pencils & Cover by MARK BAGLEY Variant Covers by DAVID MACK & MICHAEL AVON OEMING How do Bendis and Bagley follow up their record-breaking, award-winning run on the million-selling ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN? With another chapter of their new creator-owned series BRILLIANT. The challenge has been set: a handful of?genius college students have taken it upon themselves to crack the mystery of superpowers. Can it be done? Can science fiction again become science fact? Find out in this crackling thriller sure to entertain fans of SCARLET and POWERS. 40 PGS./Mature  Copyright 2011 Jinxworld Inc.


CALIGULA #6 (OF 6)
The streets of Rome run red with blood as David (CROSSED) Lapham brings a startling conclusion to the story of the most feared Emperor of time, Caligula!  Felix has endured the brutal slaughter of his parents, the intrusive savage needs of a nightmare steed, and the hedonistically maddened ravings of his beloved and despised enemy.  Having been tasked to record the gospel of Caligula, can a mortal man decipher the supernatural secrets of Rome's most despised despot and put an end to the insanity® David Lapham drags fans into the darkest corners of Rome's history and dares you to stare down the madness within.  German Nobile illustrates this final gruesome chapter in the Caligula epic.  Caligula #6 is available with a Regular cover by Jacen Burrows, a Wraparound cover by series artist German Nobile, and a special Golden age of Rome retailer incentive cover.


FERALS # 1
Cover: Gabriel Andrade Writer: David Lapham Art: Gabriel Andrade Lapham unleashes a new on-going horror series! David (CROSSED) Lapham returns to his Stray Bullets roots with a brutal supernatural crime drama that features the grueling horror of a new type of werewolf! Officer Dale Chesnutt has a big bloody problem - slaughtered civilians are turning up in the sleepy town of Cypress and now it's on him to figure it out. But while he is discovering more carnage, and his violent passions for a sexy mysterious woman, a vicious creature strikes again, this time at Dale's own family. The horrific mystery begins to unfold with Gabriel (LADY DEATH) Andrade illustrating the on-going Ferals epic. Available with a Regular, Wraparound, Gore, and special Slashed Retailer Incentive cover by series artist Gabriel Andrade.


LORD OF THE JUNGLE #1 (MR)
The original Lord of the Jungle returns! If you thought you knew the story, think again! For the first time in its 100 year history the classic Edgar Rice Burroughs story, Tarzan of The Apes is told UNCENSORED! This series will capture the savagery and action of the original while expanding on it with new elements! The story begins in the late 1800s, John Clayton, Lord of Greystoke, and his wife, the Lady Alice, are left stranded on a remote African coast. They must fend for themselves in this savage world, and the fact that Lady Alice is pregnant doesn't make things any easier! The violent saga of Greystoke begins in December written by Arvid Nelson and illustrated by Roberto Castro, and featuring covers by Alex Ross, Lucio Parillo, Ryan Sook, and Paul Renaud!


MORNING GLORIES #15 (MR)
P.E. Part Two


SEVERED #6 (MR)
story SCOTT SNYDER & SCOTT TUFT art / cover ATTILA FUTAKI  'PERMANENT TEETH' In 1916, a boy runs away from home in search of his father. But along the way he meets a salesman with sharp teeth and a hunger for flesh. SCOTT SNYDER (AMERICAN VAMPIRE, BATMAN, SWAMP THING), SCOTT TUFT and ATTILA FUTAKI (NYT Best-Selling-Artist: PERCY JACKSON) comes the most terrifying horror series of the last year.


STRANGE TALENT OF LUTHER STRODE #4 (OF 6) (MR)
story JUSTIN JORDAN art / cover TRADD MOORE Luther versus The Librarian, Round One! The truth is revealed as Luther meets the Librarian for the first time and finds out the origin of his abilities and what the pinstriped madman has planned for him. All your questions are answered as the countdown to the end begins.


SUPERIOR # 7
Written by MARK MILLAR Pencils & Cover by LEINIL FRANICS YU DOUBLE-SIZED FINALE to the best new comic in years as the first volume of Superior draws to a close and the creators promise is the best fight-scene they have ever achieved on the printed page. It's Superior versus Abraxas in the middle of New York and thousands of innocent people dying every time someone throws a punch. Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass) has already snapped up the rights for this book meaning Millar has yet another movie franchise he can boast about. Buy this now while it's still cheap. Plus: An exclusive 6-page lettered preview of the new Supercrooks series by Mark Millar and Leinil Yu, launching in January. 40 PGS./Mature


UNWRITTEN #33
Recovered and recharged, Tom is ready to invade the cabal's inner sanctum as 'Tommy Taylor and the War of Words' continues. And the Cabal are more than ready to receive him into the charged narrative space of the Grid. As Pullman's trap closes, revelations about the Cabal's true aims come thick and fast.


WALKING DEAD #93 (MR)
story ROBERT KIRKMAN art / cover CHARLIE ADLARD & CLIFF RATHBURN  'A LARGER WORLD' begins here! As we ramp up to the release of our monumental 100th issue, the world is changing.  Rick and his band of survivors are faced with new threats - and new opportunities.  Nothing will ever be the same - and with this book, you know we mean it!


WHISPERS #1
story JOSHUA LUNA art & cover JOSHUA LUNA A mentally troubled man is suddenly empowered with the ability to leave his physical body in 'ghost' form and manipulate people in strange and disturbing ways. With this incredible power, will he control his demons...or discover even more® JOSHUA LUNA of the Luna Brothers (ULTRA, GIRLS, THE SWORD) makes a solo debut with a dark, supernatural thriller that questions free will and explores the obsessions, addictions and urges we all have and may not have control of at all.

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Recibí mis cómics de enero en tiempo récord. Y los leí aún más rápido. Icon sigue produciendo algunos de los títulos más interesantes como Brilliant y Superior, mientras que Avatar sigue engriendo a los fans del terror... este mes finaliza Caligula pero comienza Ferals. Unwritten y Morning Glories siguen siendo algunas de mis colecciones regulares favoritas, mientras que Luther Strode y Severed son las mejores miniseries de Image actualmente. Me gustaría hacer énfasis en la calidad del primer número de Whispers, un título más que prometedor. Y ahora, sin más preámbulos, ahí van los cómics de enero. ¿Cuál debería reseñar primero?
X-Factor

Y finalmente un par de páginas de un número viejo de X-Factor, ¿a quién no le encanta Madrox, el Hombre Múltiple?

BRILLIANT #2 (MR) 
Todos conocen el reto. Ahora, un grupo de jóvenes genios, estudiantes universitarios, deciden investigar científicamente los súper poderes. ¿Podrá la ciencia ficción convertirse en ciencia a secas?


CALIGULA #6 (OF 6)
Las calles de Roma se llenan de sangre. Félix ha resistido el brutal asesinato de sus padres, las intrusivas necesidades salvajes de un corcel de pesadilla, la locura de su hedonística de su amado y odiado enemigo. Su misión es registrar el evangelio de Calígula, pero ¿podrá un mortal descubrir el secreto sobrenatural del más odiado déspota?


FERALS # 1
Llega una nueva raza de hombres lobo. El oficial Dale tiene un grave problema: civiles masacrados empiezan a aparecer en su pacífico pueblito. Y mientras descubre la carnicería, su propia familia es atacada.

Multiple Man

LORD OF THE JUNGLE #1 (MR)
El rey de la jungla original regresa. Por primera vez, la historia de TARZAN de los simios es contada sin censura. En 1800, John Clayton y su esposa Alice se pierden en la costa africana. Y ella está embarazada.


MORNING GLORIES #15 (MR)
‘Educación Física’, segunda parte.


SEVERED #6 (MR)
Dientes permanentes. El horror de verdad está en 1916.


STRANGE TALENT OF LUTHER STRODE #4
Luther versus el Bibliotecario. La verdad se revela en este primer encuentro, y Luther descubrirá el origen de sus extraordinarias habilidades.


SUPERIOR # 7
Superior versus Abraxas pelean en medio de New York, y miles de inocentes mueren cada vez que uno de ellos lanza un golpe.


UNWRITTEN #33
Recuperado y recargado, Tom está listo para invadir el santuario interno de la Cábala. La guerra de los mundos continúa.


WALKING DEAD #93 (MR)
El mundo está cambiando. Rick y los suyos se enfrentan a nuevas amenazas y nuevas oportunidades. Nada volverá a ser lo mismo.

Madrox

WHISPERS #1
Un hombre mentalmente inestable repentinamente gana el poder de salir de su cuerpo físico como un fantasma, manipulando a la gente de extrañas y perturbadoras maneras. ¿Podrá controlarse a sí mismo?

November 15, 2011

October comic books / cómics de octubre

Rodin Esquejo
October comic books are finally here! First of all I wanted to thank Mr. Robert Kirkman, the creator of The Walking Dead for publishing my letter (and replying to it) in issue 89. Besides The Walking Dead, I also read two first issues from Image (Last of the Greats and The Strange Talent of Luther Strode) and I’m absolutely thrilled (so much that I’ll write a review on them). Same goes for The Theater, Severed and Caligula. I’m also glad to see two issues of Superior in the same month, and I’m impatient to see how the series ends in the seventh and final installment of Millar’s creation. And now, without further ado, October comics as per solicitations: 

BOYS #37 (MR)
High in the French Pyrenees lies the little mountain village of Franglais, as quiet and peaceful a place as you could imagine... until her favorite son comes home. The Frenchman's origin is finally revealed, in a pulse-bounding tale of seething passion, vile betrayal and classic Gallic melancholy. Who is Black Pierre? Why is the lovely Marie not there to welcome her beloved Frenchie home? And how can one croissant change everything? Find out in The Boys #37!


CALIGULA #4 (OF 6) (MR)
Cover: Jacen Burrows Writer: David Lapham Art: German Nobile  David (Crossed) Lapham unveils a new tale of  ancient Rome and the most feared emperor of all time.  The one name that still speaks volumes of how absolute power can corrupt - Caligula.   Assassination attempts against him have failed and Caligula now demands blood vengeance.  Can Felix keep his focus and sanity in the face of so much misery and horror® A modern master of horror, Lapham digs deep into the world of Rome 37 AD and offers a unique epic of sin.  Joined by new talent German Nobile who promises to serve up fully-painted pages dripping with blood, this all-new, full-color series will be six issues of evil that will make any Crossed fan smile with glee.  For in the age of Caligula, all roads lead to Hell.  Caligula #4 is available with a Regular cover by Jacen Burrows, a Wraparound cover by series artist German Nobile, and a special rare Golden retailer incentive.


GENERATION HOPE #10
Written by KIERON GILLEN Penciled by SALVADOR ESPIN Cover by RODIN ESQUETO SCHISM TIE-IN! Generation Hope take part in the X-Men event of 2011! The mutants of the future finally come to understand the real sad meaning of mutantkind's past as a day trip from Utopia takes a tragic, bloody turn. In the wake of SCHISM's first casualties, can Generation Hope even exist anymore? 32 PGS./Rated T+ $2.99


KIRBY GENESIS #4
(W) Kurt Busiek (A) Jack Herbert, Alex Ross (C) Alex Ross (main), Ryan Sook (1-in-10) Who - or what - are The Primals? As Kirby - trapped on the Phantom Continent with Reptar and Thunderfoot - battles the Life-Eaters to understand, alliances are made back in the United States: Alliances of heroes, as Silver Star, Captain Victory, the Glory Knights and Galaxy Green come together. And alliances of villains, as Roag, the Lightning Lady, Sundance and Darius Drumm make a devil's bargain. And if the wrong side reaches the Proto-Seed first - it may spell the end, for all of us.


LAST OF THE GREATS #1  
There were seven, possessing the power of gods, and representing all that could be right with the world. But now... he is the Last.  As humanity stands on the brink of annihilation, he is our only hope.  And he hates us for what we've done. From the Eisner and Harvey Award-nominated writer of ECHOES, Tumor and Elk’s Run comes a dynamic new take on how far mankind will stoop to survive.


MORNING GLORIES #13 (MR)
story NICK SPENCER art JOE EISMA cover RODIN ESQUEJO  P.E.  'MORNING GLORIES is a miraculous title?, Nick Spencer has found the perfect balance between mystery and character and delivers a riveting comic that also has believable characters with realistic motivations.' - Benjamin Birdie, CBR.com

   
SEVERED #3 (OF 7) (MR)
“IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE" Things heat up as our cannibalistic salesman meets the kids and invites them over for dinner.


STAR TREK/LEGION OF SUPERHEROES #1 (OF 6)
Chris Roberson (w) o Jeffrey Moy (a) o Phil Jimenez, Keith Giffen (c) The pairing you never thought could happen! IDW Publishing and DC Comics are proud to present the greatest tale of the 23rd century! Or is that the 31st century? As you'll see here, it's both. Eisner-nominated writer Chris Roberson and Star Trek and Legionnaires veteran artist Jeffrey Moy partner up to bring you the most bizarre partnership of any century! In this first issue, a group of Legionnaires end up lost in the 23rd century, but it's a universe that isn't familiar to either the Legion or the crew of the USS Enterprise!


STRANGE TALENT OF LUTHER STRODE #1 (OF 6)
Luther Strode is just your average nerd until he sends away for a bodybuilding course from an old comic book, one that works a whole lot better than he ever imagined. His newfound strength and strange talents make school a lot easier, but they’ve also caused some very, very bad people to take a very, very keen interest in him. Things will never be the same for Luther Strode…if he survives.


SUPERIOR # 5
The President has asked him to win the war in Afghanistan, the UN has asked him to feed the starving and the world needs saving 24/7. But Superior doesn't even break a sweat. He can handle all this in stride until his past comes catching up with him and he finds out why a 12-year-old boy with special needs was given these powers in the first place. This is a must-read issue where the mystery that has been plaguing fandom for the past twelve months is finally revealed in a shocking twist.


SUPERIOR # 6
The fall-out from last issue continues as Superior discovers the secret behind his powers. Does he remain a superhero and meet his terrible destiny? Does he give up his amazing powers and go back to life in his wheel-chair? A word to the wise: This issue contains so many shocks that more gentle readers might be unable take the pace. It also contains art which writer Mark Millar fears will make other artists go impotent. But as the story of America's number one new hero builds toward a conclusion, one guarantee is that you won't be disappointed.


THEATER #1 C CVR RODIN (MR)
(W) Raven Gregory (A) Martin Montiel, Michael Garcia (C) Artgerm [a], Tyler Kirkham [b], Rodin [c] In a quiet New Jersey town there sits a small, old-fashioned movie theater. But this unassuming theater holds a deep dark secret, one that threatens the lives of anyone who dares enter it. An when an unsuspecting couple decides to visit the old movie house to watch some horror films, they soon will find that something full of horror is also watching them. From the writer of the Wonderland trilogy and The Waking comes a whole new world of fear unlike any that has been seen before! Featuring 29 pages of content and covers by superstar artists Artgerm and Tyler Kirkham. Don't miss the brand new horror series unlike any you have read before.


WALKING DEAD #89 (MR)
Story: Robert Kirkman Art/Cover: Charlie Adlard & Cliff Rathburn  He has gone too far.


WALKING DEAD #90 (MR)
Glenn will soon regret his decision.


WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #40
The BEGINNING is near…


WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #41
Death surrounds them.


WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #42
The time has come.


WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #43
Living safely among the dead for so long can make you let your guard down. You forget how dangerous they truly are. Mistakes are made... lives are lost.

______________________________________________

¡Los cómics de octubre están finalmente aquí! Pero antes que nada quería agradecer a Robert Kirkman, creador de The Walking Dead por publicar mi carta (y responderme) en el número 89. Además de The Walking Dead también leí dos primeros números de Image (Last of the Greats and The Strange Talent of Luther Strode) y he quedado encantado (tanto que escribiré una reseña sobre los dos). Lo mismo se aplica a The Theater, Severed and Caligula. Por cierto, me alegra ver dos números de Superior el mismo mes, y estoy impaciente por leer el desenlace de esta serie de Millar. Y ahora, sin más preámbulos, aquí están los cómics de octubre:

BOYS #37 (MR) 
En los Pirineos franceses hay una villa, pacífica y tranquila. ¿Pero qué es lo que oculta esta melancolía gálica?


CALIGULA #4 (OF 6) (MR) 
Los intentos de asesinato en contra de Calígula han fallado, y ahora él demanda venganza. ¿Podrá Félix mantener la cordura en medio de la miseria y el horror? Se ha dicho que en la era de Calígula todos los caminos llevan al averno, y este relato de corrupción así lo demostrará. 


KIRBY GENESIS #4 
¿Qué o quiénes son los PRIMALS? Mientras Kirby, atrapado en el continente fantasma, combate contra los Devoradores de la Vida, Estados Unidos se alía con SILVER STAR, CAPTAIN VICTORY y GLORY KNIGHTS.


LAST OF THE GREATS #1
Hubo siete, y poseían el poder de los dioses. Representaban todo lo que podía estar bien en el mundo. Pero ahora… él es el último. La humanidad se encuentra al borde de la aniquilación, y él es nuestra última esperanza. Pero nos odia por lo que hemos hecho.


MORNING GLORIES #13 (MR)
El balance perfecto entre el misterio y los personajes.


SEVERED #3 (OF 7) (MR)
 “Hay una jungla allí fuera”. Las cosas se salen de control cuando el viajante caníbal se encuentro con un grupo de niños y los invita a cenar.


STAR TREK/LEGION OF SUPERHEROES #1 (OF 6)
El encuentro que nadie había imaginado será el más grandioso relato del siglo XXIII ¿o del siglo XXXI? ¿O ambos? Un grupo de legionarios terminan perdidos en el siglo XXIII, pero es un universo que no resulta familiar ni para ellos ni para la tripulación del USS Enterprise.


STRANGE TALENT OF LUTHER STRODE #1 (OF 6)
LUTHER STRODE es el típico nerd hasta que decide hacer un curso de fisicoculturismo que encuentra en un viejo cómic. Y funciona mucho mejor de lo esperado. Con una nueva fuerza y extraños talentos, el colegio se hace más fácil, pero hay gente que de pronto está muy interesada en él.


SUPERIOR # 5
El presidente le ha pedido que gane la guerra de Afganistán, las Naciones Unidas que alimente a los que se mueren de hambre. El mundo necesita ser salvado las 24 horas del día. Y Superior ni siquiera tiene que sudar para conseguirlo. Hasta que su pasado lo alcanza y descubre por qué estos poderes fueron concedidos a un chico de doce años.


SUPERIOR # 6
Superior descubre el secreto detrás de sus poderes. ¿Seguirá siendo un súper-héroe para enfrentar su terrible destino? ¿O entregará sus asombrosos poderes para regresar a su vida en una silla de ruedas?


THEATER #1 C CVR RODIN (MR)
En un tranquilo pueblo de New Jersey hay un viejo y destartalado cine. Pero en su interior habita un oscuro secreto, que amenazará las vidas de todos los que se atrevan a entrar. Cuando una ingenua pareja decide ir al cine para ver una película de terror, pronto descubrirán que el horror los observa. 

my final version / mi versión final

WALKING DEAD #89
Él ha ido demasiado lejos.


WALKING DEAD #90 (MR)
Pronto, Glenn se arrepentirá de su decisión.


WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #40
El comienzo está cerca.


WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #41
La muerte los rodea.


WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #42
La hora ha llegado.


WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #43
Vivir a salvo entre los muertos por tanto tiempo puede hacerte bajar la guardia. Olvidar lo peligrosos que son. Así empieza… la tragedia.