August films / películas de agosto

In August, while moviegoers were attending film festivals, I had a festival of my own. So let’s begin with While We're Young (2014), Noah Baumbach’s return to greatness (especially after a couple of somewhat irregular productions). Ben Stiller (Greenberg) and Naomi Watts (The Impossible) are turning 40 and they refuse to accept society’s demands; they’ll feel revitalized when they meet a young couple, Adam Driver (Girls) and Amanda Seyfried (Les Misérables). Deeply introspective and meaningful, Baumbach’s proposal echoes the concerns of many intellectuals. I, for one, was absolutely fascinated by the way the filmmaker explores the nature of documentaries, the generational gap and the lack of communication in a hyper-connected world. The cast also includes talented young actor Brady Corbet (famous for his role as a sexually abused kid on Mysterious Skin).

Doug Liman’s Edge of Tomorrow (2014) is an action-packed, sci-fi adventure about time travels and alien invasions. Tom Cruise (The Last Samurai) is a soldier doomed to relive the same day over and over, constantly defeated by the aliens, until he meets Emily Blunt (Wild Target). I just loved all the alternative timelines and the complex plan the protagonists must come up with to win. This one really kept me on the edge of my seat. It’s that good.  

Luc Besson writes and directs Lucy (2014), a sci-fi odyssey about humanity and the power of the mind. Scarlett Johansson (Lost in Translation) unwillingly receives an experimental drug that exponentially enhances her brain capacity, and in her quest for answers she runs into Morgan Freeman (The Shawshank Redemption). There are some very interesting concepts here and some remarkable scenes, but Lucy isn’t nearly as good as Léon or The Fifth Element.

Randall Miller’s CBGB (2013) is a wonderful biopic about Hilly Kristal, masterfully played by Alan Rickman (Gambit), founder of a very peculiar bar in one of the poorest areas of New York in the 60s. Against all odds, the bar becomes a magnet for talented musicians, and many famous bands start playing there. CBGB is hilarious, wild and heartbreaking too. Like the best music, CBGB is something you feel in your guts instead of something you simply watch. The cast includes a lot of famous young actors such as Kyle Gallner (Red State), Rupert Grint (Harry Potter) and Keene McRae.

Seven Psychopaths (2012) is an explosion of humor, blood and viscera, courtesy of director and screenwriter Martin McDonagh. Colin Farrell (Fright Night) is an alcoholic writer trying to finish his latest script about 7 dangerous psychopaths. He’s assisted by Sam Rockwell (The Way Way Back), antagonized by Woody Harrelson (True Detective), accompanied by Christopher Walken (Jersey Boys) and ignored by Michael Pitt (Boardwalk Empire). Clever ideas, very emotive moments and original narrative resources turn this into a must-see. 

It’s A Disaster (2012) is a dark comedy written and directed by Todd Berger. Julia Stiles (Dexter) goes to a friend’s house for a Saturday brunch. Dysfunctional couples, bickering and jealousies are the preamble for something far more sinister: the end of the world. I really enjoyed Berger’s highly satirical production.

Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Micmacs à tire-larigot (2009) is French surrealism at its finest. Dany Boon, a homeless man, is befriended by a group of clochards and misfits. Together they fight against weapons manufacturers. Although impeccably filmed and creatively crafted, Micmacs would’ve been better with a more solid script.

The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989) is a remarkable British film written and directed by Peter Greenaway. A very sophisticated mise-en-scène, impressive soundtrack and exquisite costumes by Jean-Paul Gaultier come together in this shocking and brutal portray of the vilest aspects of society as seen from the perspective of a crime boss, played by Michael Gambon (Harry Potter), and his tormented wife, Helen Mirren (Woman in Gold). The acting is magnificent and the scenes are truly unforgettable. I definitely recommend this one.

Steven Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) was a fan-favorite hit, and although I had fond memories of it, watching it again after 20 years or so just proves that some movies do not age well. There are so many plot holes and bad moments here, but despite all that Harrison Ford (Cowboys & Aliens) makes the movie work.

This month I also had the chance to watch a dozen of short films: Surprise (2015) is a sweet and funny story about coming out of the closet, focusing on high school student Austin Fryberger and his mother.

Written and directed by Samuel Leighton-Dore, Showboy (2014) is an astonishing Australian short film.  Lucas Pittaway (famous for his role as a rape victim in Snowtown) is a teenager constantly abused by Matt Levett (who was also a rape victim in Grammar Boys), but despite all the beatings and physical pain, he still manages to sneak away from home to perform at a drag queens show. The protagonist faces homophobia but he’s a strong fighter, relentless and courageous; and that’s the spirit of this cruel and yet subtle story. 

Christopher R. Brown writes and directs Remission (2014), a somber post-apocalyptical tale (set in England) about a gay couple (Cai Brigden and Teddy Nicholas) trying to survive after a deadly virus has infected the population. When the two guys find Antony De Liseo, a seemingly defenseless boy, everything changes. And what was once harmless becomes lethal. I’d consider this an innovative approach to LGBT cinema. 

Good Morning (2014), directed by Stephen Dunn and Peter Knegt, is a revealing chronicle about loneliness, immaturity and homosexuality centered on Peter Knegt, a 30-year old man that wakes up next to Oliver Skinner, an underage teenager. Insightful and spontaneous, Knegt aptly depicts the concerns of his protagonist. 

Dominic Haxton had already surprised me with We Are Animals. Tonight It’s Me (2014) is another example of Haxton’s ability to titillate and scandalize. Jake Robbins (Teens Like Phil) is a kid trapped in the prostitution business; he lives a miserable life until one day, after cleaning his cum-covered t-shirt, he falls in love with a transgendered client. Here, sex exploitation is dramatic and at the same time thought-provoking.

Philip J. Connell’s Kissing Drew (2013) is a lighthearted take on high school crushes. Eden Ocean Sanders is constantly daydreaming about kissing his classmate Ben Hargreaves. An amusing and cheerful tale about early gay romance.

From the Netherlands comes Uitgesproken (2013), written and directed by Dylan Tonk and Lazlo Tonk. Joël Mellenberg is a heterosexual boy who discovers his friends Josha Stradowski and Leendert de Ridder are actually gay; at first he rejects them, but in the end he understands why he must be tolerant. Skillfully filmed and superbly acted, this is the kind of short film I value the most. 

Anna Nolskog writes and directs Boygame (2013). Charlie Gustafsson and Joakim Lang are a couple of horny teenagers who can’t wait to lose their virginity, unfortunately, girls don’t seem to pay attention to them. So they decide to “practice” on each other; they go from mutual masturbation to fellatio until they’re ready (or at least they think they are) to have anal sex. Nolskog explores the notion of friendship, sexual confusion and innocence in a delightful, honest and highly erotic manner. An outstanding Swedish production.

Ett sista farväl (2013) also comes from Sweden. Director Casper Andreas shares with us a moving story about old age and the need for a last farewell, and it cuts right to the chase, avoiding unnecessary melodrama. 

Diego Carvalho Sá’s Antes de palavras (2013) is a very creative Brazilian retelling of the boy meets boy storyline. Maurício Destri and Henrique Larré are high school students who slowly start feeling attracted to each other. Too shy to strike up a conversation, they eventually meet at the school library. 

From Argentina comes Lucas Mac Dougall’s Anochecer (2012), an intimate reinterpretation of friendship and sexuality. Leandro Gauto and Juan Yarcho are two teenagers that spend the night together, except that instead of sleeping they end up doing something else. The final scene is delicate and tender. I liked it.

At last, but not least, from France comes Mon copain Rachid (1998), written and directed by Philippe Barassat. Jonathan Reyes (Juste un peu de réconforte) is a young boy who becomes obsessed with the penis of his best friend, Nordine Mezaache (who, in exchange for money, allows himself to be touched). The pains of growing up are paired with feelings of inadequacy in this short film that seems to pay homage to Lacan’s concept of the phallus and the floating signifier. Sexually suggestive and provocative at times, this is one of the best French short films I’ve seen in a long time.
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En agosto, mientras algunos asistían al festival de cine, yo organicé mi propio festival. Así que empecemos con “While We're Young” (2014), de un Noah Baumbach nuevamente en forma (especialmente después de un par de producciones algo irregulares). Ben Stiller (Greenberg) y Naomi Watts (The Impossible) son un par de cuarentones que se niegan a aceptar las demandas de la sociedad; ambos se sienten revitalizados al conocer a una pareja de jóvenes, Adam Driver (“Girls”) y Amanda Seyfried (“Les Misérables”). Profundamente relevante e introspectiva, la propuesta de Baumbach hace eco a las preocupaciones de muchos intelectuales. Yo, por ejemplo, me sentí absolutamente fascinado por la forma en la que el cineasta explora la naturaleza de los documentales, la brecha generacional y la falta de comunicación en un mundo híper-conectado. El reparto también incluye al joven y talentoso actor Brady Corbet (famoso por su papel como un chico abusado sexualmente en Mysterious Skin).

“Edge of Tomorrow” (2014), de Doug Liman, es una aventura de ciencia ficción sobre viajes temporales e invasiones alienígenas, con mucha acción. Tom Cruise (The Last Samurai)  es un soldado condenado a revivir el mismo día una y otra vez, constantemente derrotado por los extraterrestres, hasta que conoce a Emily Blunt (Wild Target). Me encantaron todas las líneas temporales alternativas y el complejo plan urdido por los protagonistas; todo esto me mantuvo en vilo. Y eso siempre es bueno.

Luc Besson escribe y dirige “Lucy” (2014), una odisea de ciencia ficción sobre la humanidad y el poder de la mente. Scarlett Johansson (Lost in Translation) recibe involuntariamente una droga experimental que aumenta exponencialmente su capacidad cerebral, y en su búsqueda de respuestas se encuentra con (The Shawshank Redemption). Hay algunos conceptos muy interesantes aquí y algunas escenas notables, pero “Lucy” no está al mismo nivel de cintas como “Léon” o “The Fifth Element”.

“CBGB” (2013), de Randall Miller, es una estupenda biografía de Hilly Kristal, magistralmente interpretado por Alan Rickman (Gambit), fundador de un bar muy peculiar en una de las zonas más pobres de New York en los 60s. Contra todo pronóstico, el bar se convierte en un imán para los músicos talentosos, y muchos grupos famosos empiezan a tocar allí. “CBGB” es hilarante, salvaje e incluso desgarradora. Al igual que la mejor música, “CBGB” retumba en las entrañas. El reparto incluye a una gran cantidad de reconocidos actores jóvenes como Kyle Gallner (Red State), Rupert Grint (Harry Potter) y Keene McRae.

“Seven Psychopaths” (2012) es una explosión de humor, sangre y vísceras, cortesía del director y guionista Martin McDonagh. Colin Farrell (Fright Night) es un escritor alcohólico que intenta terminar su último guión acerca de 7 psicópatas peligrosos. Él es ayudado por Sam Rockwell (The Way Way Back), antagonizado por Woody Harrelson (“True Detective”), acompañado por Christopher Walken (Jersey Boys) e ignorado por Michael Pitt (“Boardwalk Empire”). Ideas ingeniosas, momentos muy emotivos y recursos narrativos originales hacen que esta película sea imprescindible.

“It’s A Disaster” (2012) es una comedia negra escrita y dirigida por Todd Berger. Julia Stiles (Dexter) va a la casa de una amiga para un brunch sabatino. Las parejas disfuncionales, las riñas y los celos son el preámbulo de algo mucho más siniestro: el fin del mundo. Disfruté mucho esta producción sumamente satírica.

“Micmacs à tire-larigot” (2009), de Jean-Pierre Jeunet, es una buena dosis de surrealismo francés. Dany Boon, un hombre sin hogar, se hace amigo de un grupo de clochards e inadaptados. Juntos luchan contra los fabricantes de armas. Aunque está impecablemente filmada y creativamente elaborada, Micmacs hubiese sido mejor con un guión más sólido.

“The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover” (1989) es una notable película británica escrita y dirigida por Peter Greenaway. Una mise-en-scène de gran sofisticación, impresionante banda sonora y exquisitos trajes de Jean-Paul Gaultier convergen en este retrato impactante y brutal de los aspectos más viles de la sociedad, vistos desde la perspectiva de un jefe del crimen, interpretado por Michael Gambon (Harry Potter), y su atormentada esposa, Helen Mirren (Woman in Gold). La actuación es magnífica y las escenas son realmente inolvidables. Definitivamente la recomiendo.

“Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981), de Steven Spielberg, fue un éxito en su momento, y aunque tenía buenos recuerdos del Arca perdida, mirándola nuevamente después de 20 años demuestra que algunas películas no envejecen bien. Hay tantos huecos argumentales y momentos flojos, pero a pesar de todo Harrison Ford (Cowboys & Aliens) hace que la película funcione.

Este mes también tuve la oportunidad de ver una docena de cortometrajes: “Surprise” (2015) es una dulce y graciosa historia sobre "salir del closet", centrándose en un estudiante de secundaria, Austin Fryberger, y su madre.

“Showboy” (2014), escrita y dirigida por Samuel Leighton-Dore, es un asombroso cortometraje australiano. Lucas Pittaway (famoso por su papel como un muchacho violado en Snowtown) es un adolescente constantemente abusado por Matt Levett (quien también fue víctima de una violación en Grammar Boys), pero a pesar de todas las palizas y el dolor físico, él se las arregla para escabullirse de casa y presentarse en un espectáculo de drag queens. El protagonista se enfrenta a la homofobia, pero es un peleador fuerte, incansable y valiente; y ese es el espíritu de esta historia cruel y a la vez sutil.

Christopher R. Brown escribe y dirige “Remission” (2014), un sombrío relato post-apocalíptico (que transcurre en Inglaterra) sobre una pareja gay (Cai Brigden y Teddy Nicholas) que intentará sobrevivir luego de que un virus mortal ha infectado a la población. Cuando los dos hombres encuentran a Antony De Liseo, un muchacho aparentemente indefenso, todo cambia. Y lo que antes era inofensivo se convertirá en algo letal. Considero que este es un enfoque innovador para el cine LGBT. 

“Good Morning” (2014), dirigida por Stephen Dunn y Peter Knegt, es una crónica reveladora sobre la soledad, la inmadurez y la homosexualidad centrada en Peter Knegt, un hombre de 30 años que se despierta al lado de Oliver Skinner, un adolescente menor de edad. Con perspicacia y espontaneidad, Knegt representa adecuadamente las preocupaciones de su protagonista.

Dominic Haxton ya me había sorprendido con We Are Animals. “Tonight It’s Me” (2014) es otro ejemplo de la capacidad de Haxton para incitar y escandalizar al público. Jake Robbins (Teens Like Phil) es un chiquillo atrapado en el negocio de la prostitución; vive una vida miserable hasta que un día, después de limpiar su camiseta embarrada de semen,  se enamora de un cliente transexual. Aquí, la explotación sexual es dramática y al mismo tiempo invita a la reflexión.

“Kissing Drew” (2013), de Philip J. Connell, aborda de manera desenfadada los enamoramientos colegiales. Eden Ocean Sanders fantasea constantemente con besar a su compañero de clases, Ben Hargreaves. Una historia divertida y alegre sobre el romance a temprana edad.

“Uitgesproken” (2013), escrita y dirigida por Dylan Tonk y Lazlo Tonk, fue producida en los Países Bajos. Joël Mellenberg es un muchacho heterosexual que descubre que sus amigos Josha Stradowski y Leendert De Ridder son gays; en un primer momento él los rechaza, pero al final entiende por qué tiene que ser tolerante. Hábilmente filmada y con actuaciones de primer nivel, este es el tipo de cortometraje que siempre valoro.

Anna Nolskog escribe y dirige “Boygame” (2013). Charlie Gustafsson y Joakim Lang son un par de adolescentes cachondos que están impacientes por perder su virginidad; desafortunadamente, las chicas no les prestan atención. Así que ellos deciden "practicar" el uno con el otro; van desde la masturbación mutua a la felación hasta que están listos (o al menos creen estarlo) para tener sexo anal. Nolskog explora la noción de la amistad, la confusión sexual y la inocencia de una manera agradable, honesta y erótica. Una producción sueca excepcional.

“Ett sista farväl” (2013) también es de Suecia. El director Casper Andreas comparte con nosotros una conmovedora historia sobre la vejez y la necesidad de un último adiós, y va directo al grano, evitando melodramas innecesarios.

“Antes de palavras” (2013), de Diego Carvalho Sá, reinterpreta el argumento "chico conoce a chico". Maurício Destri y Henrique Larré son estudiantes de secundaria que poco a poco comienzan a sentirse atraídos el uno por el otro. Demasiado tímidos para entablar una conversación, eventualmente se reúnen en la biblioteca de la escuela. Un creativo cortometraje de Brazil.

Desde Argentina llega “Anochecer” (2012), de Lucas Mac Dougall, una mirada íntima a la amistad y la sexualidad. Leandro Gauto y Juan Yarcho son dos jovencitos que pasan la noche juntos, excepto que en lugar de dormir terminan haciendo otra cosa. La escena final es delicada y tierna. Vale.

Por último, pero no menos importante, “Mon copain Rachid” (1998), escrita y dirigida por Philippe Barassat. Jonathan Reyes (Juste un peu de réconforte) es un chico que se obsesiona con el pene de su mejor amigo, Nordine Mezaache (quien, a cambio de dinero, acepta ser tocado). El paso de la infancia a la adolescencia se combina con sentimientos de inadecuación en este cortometraje que parece homenajear el concepto de Lacan del falo y del deslizamiento del significante. Sexualmente sugerente y cautivador, este es uno de los mejores cortometrajes franceses que he visto en mucho tiempo.

May comic books / cómics de mayo

May is always one of my favorite months, and I think it is because I get free comics. I’m talking, of course, about Free Comic Book Day, and now, for third year in a row, my favorite was 2000AD, with 48 thrilling pages plus free digital comics, this certainly has been the most generous offering of the season. Another great FCBD title was Mercury Heat, I’ll certainly be reading the next issue in a month or so. And I loved Alex Ross cover for Secret Wars! Jupiter’s Circle continues to impress me, but perhaps the biggest surprise this time was All-New X-Men #40, an issue that made it into the headlines of every comic news website, the reason? Bobby Drake, AKA Iceman, founding member of the X-Men, admits that he’s gay, we owe this wonderful coming-out-of-the-closet issue to Brian Michael Bendis. Finally, the best issue of the month was Alan Moore’s Providence. And now, without further ado, here are May comics as per solicitations:

ALL-NEW X-MEN #40 
BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (W) MAHMUD ASRAR (A) ANDREA SORRENTINO (CA) Who are the Utopians? And what secret do they hold that pertains to the future of mutantkind? The All-New X-Men may regret finding out!

CHRONONAUTS #3 (MR)
(W) Mark Millar (A/CA) Sean Murphy. From ancient Rome to the roaring twenties to the 1980s music scene, Corbin and Danny-the world's first time travelers-continue to wreak havoc with the time-stream, and get into more hijinks with some of history's most notorious figures! And it's all happening while the world-and their bosses-are watching! 

FCBD 2015 SECRET WARS #1 
Prepare yourself for the final days of the Marvel Universe as you know it as the march to the biggest comic event of the year continues! From the ashes of a decimated cosmos rises…Battleworld! Amid the strange, patchwork realm, refugees from thousands of obliterated universes struggle for survival. Even if they can endure the horrors of Battleworld - the home they knew has been destroyed! Time has run out, and the opening salvo of Secret Wars has been fired. But can anything restore the Marvel Universe that once was?

FCBD 2015 2000 AD SPECIAL
The galaxy's greatest Eisner-nominated SF anthology returns to Free Comic Book Day with a 48 page zarjaz line-up of stories. In Through the Out Door, a brand new story from Matt Smith and Norm Breyfogle, Judge Dredd uses the iron fist of the law to settle a block dispute; in 3000 AD some jobs are murder, as proved by The Traveller from Mick McMahon; galactic frontiersman Ajax Bloodthirsty meets his match on the astronomical object of oblivion known as the Death Rock in a new tale from Ben Willsher and Barry Krishna; the Grand Master of Termight is sickened to find that his final resting place has been defiled by the legendary alien freedom fighter, Nemesis the Warlock in Tomb of Torquemada by Pat Mills and Kevin O'Neill; wizened master of the occult, Doctor Sin returns to pass on his mantle (and battle a demon) in Don't Call It A Comeback by Rob Williams and Luca Pizzari; pilot of the future, Dan Dare, discovers an alien satellite in Star Slayer by Dave Gibbons and Gerry-Finley Day; Celtic warrior Sláine acquaints more enemies with his axe in A Simple Killing by Pat Mills and Simon Davis; Judge Dredd upholds the law in some classic Dredd newspaper strips by John Wagner, Alan Grant and Ron Smith; and Prepare your mind to be melted by Tharg's Alien Invasions from supreme craz-o-naut Henry Flint. If this wasn't enough each strip comes with a FREE digital story attached!

FCBD 2015 LADY JUSTICE  
Back in print for the first time in two decades! Lady Justice FCBD edition reprints issue #1 of Neil Gaiman's lost comics classic.

FCBD 2015 LEGENDARY COMICS SAMPLER 
Working with industry-leading talent such as Grant Morrison, Frazer Irving, Matt Wagner, Simon Bisley, Judd Winick, Geoff Shaw, Jonathan Hennessey and Shane Davis, we've created an ever-growing library of thrilling sagas including Annihilator, Epochalypse, A Town Called Dragon, The Harvester, The Tower Chronicles: DreadStalker and more, alongside cinematic tie-ins such as Godzilla: Awakeningand the best-selling Pacific Rim: Tales from Year Zero. Join us this Free Comic Book Day as we unveil an exclusive first look at the exciting next chapter of Legendary Comics.

FCBD 2015 MERCURY HEAT DEBUT (MR) 
Kieron Gillen blasts into Free Comic Book Day with an exclusive preview introduction to his all-new sci-fi series, Mercury Heat! Over the last few years, Gillen's work has gained a massive following from titles like Uber, The Wicked and the Divine, and Iron Man. Now Gillen takes you to Mercury, a slow turning planet where you can outrun the sunrise. Along with the blistering heat it brings. This is the new frontier of space, where humanity's insatiable need for energy is being fueled by Mercury. It's a tough environment and it attracts a rough crowd. So Luiza is bringing her own heat as a cop on Mercury, since she's just a bit too intense to be one on Earth. This special issue features the first chapter of this ongoing saga, a special introduction to the World of Mercury Heat, and a look at the ships, designs, and making of this epic. The future is here with this primer and first chapter of 2015's biggest sci-fi title!

INVINCIBLE #111 (MR) 
(W) Robert Kirkman (A/CA) Ryan Ottley. THE WALKING DEAD CREATOR ROBERT KIRKMAN WRITES INVINCIBLE!!! A new beginning for INVINCIBLE as things take a turn down a dark path. Everything changes as Invincible is betrayed by one of his own. You won't want to miss this explosive issue #1... 1... 1! It packs the punch of THREE relaunched number one issues! IN ONE BOOK!

JUPITER'S CIRCLE #2 (MR)
(W) Mark Millar (A) Wilfredo Torres (CA) Frank Quitely. It's 1958 America, and Dr. Richard Conrad is a superhero and celebrated surgeon...with another identity that he struggles to keep hidden from his trusted teammates. When the director of the FBI threatens to reveal his secret, Richard is forced to make an impossible decision, all while his team battles to keep the world safe.

PROVIDENCE #1 (of 12) (MR)
(W) Alan Moore (A/CA) Jacen Burrows. The most important work of 2015 begins here with the long-awaited arrival of Alan Moore's breathtaking epic PROVIDENCE with his artistic partner Jacen Burrows. In his most carefully considered work in decades, Moore deconstructs all of Lovecraft's concepts, reinventing the entirety of his work inside a painstakingly researched framework of American history. Both sequel and prequel to NEONOMICON, PROVIDENCE begins in 1919 and blends the mythical visions of HPL flawlessly into the cauldron of racial and sexual intolerance that defined that era on the East Coast of America. Every line from artist Jacen Burrows is perfectly honed to complete this immersive experience. The result is a breathtaking masterpiece of sequential art that will define modern horror for this generation. Invoking a comparison it to a prior literary masterpiece is not something to be handled lightly, but in scope, importance and execution: Providence is the Watchmen of horror. Moore has designed every cover, every single page, and every nuance of this work to create his most fully-realized vision to date. There are no ads, all 32 pages are written by Moore, and Jacen Burrows has spent the past two years slaving over the finest detail possible on the pages. The entire work is already written, intricately crafted to tie the most nuanced threads together over the breadth of the series. Painstakingly researched, meticulously produced, this is a sequential masterpiece that will serve as important a call to the next generation of comic book writers as Watchmen did 30 years ago: this is a definitive demonstration of just how good a comic book can be. Available with Regular, Pantheon, Portrait, Dreamscape Wraparound, Women of HPL, and a special Ancient Tome Incentive cover, all by collaborator Jacen Burrows.

SANDMAN OVERTURE #5 (MR) 
(W) Neil Gaiman (A/CA) J. H. Williams. The fate of the entire universe hangs in the balance when Dream finally gets his mother's full attention. Magic, joy, war and heartbreak are brought to life on the pages with epic luminosity in the penultimate issue of THE SANDMAN: OVERTURE. This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

STAR WARS #4
(W) Jason Aaron (A/CA) John Cassaday. THE GREATEST SPACE ADVENTURE OF ALL TIME CONTINUES! • Luke Skywalker is NOT a Jedi-not yet, at least. • He's only ever met one Jedi in his life...and he died. • So, Luke's quest leads him back to Obi-Wan's hut...on Tatooine. Rated T Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd.

STAR WARS #5
(W) Jason Aaron (A/CA) John Cassaday. • The Empire is rounding up fugitive Alderaanians... • ...that doesn't sit well with their Princess. • But what can one woman do against an Empire?

THE WICKED + THE DIVINE #10 (MR) 
(W) Kieron Gillen (A/CA) Jamie McKelvie, Matthew Wilson. Ragnarock is finally here. The show to end all shows promises to be a lovely experience for all the gods... wait. Oh noes! Jamie and Matt have drawn Baphomet drenched in blood on the cover. What a hilarious internal communication error. I'm sure it's a mistake and nothing to do with the story whatsoever.
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Mayo es siempre uno de mis meses favoritos, y creo que es porque recibo cómics gratis. Estoy hablando, por supuesto, del Free Comic Book Day, y ahora, por tercer año consecutivo, mi favorito ha sido “2000AD”, con 48 emocionantes páginas y además cómics digitales gratuitos, sin duda este ha sido el ofrecimiento más generoso de la temporada. Otro gran título del FCBD es “Mercury Heat”, de todas maneras leeré el próximo número en un mes, más o menos. ¡Y me encantó la portada de Alex Ross para “Secret Wars”! “Jupiter’s Circle” continúa asombrándome, pero tal vez la mayor sorpresa en esta ocasión fue All-New X-Men #40, un número que apareció en los titulares de todas las páginas web de cómics, ¿la razón? Bobby Drake, también conocido como Iceman, miembro fundador de los X-Men, admite que es gay, le debemos esta tremenda salida del closet a Brian Michael Bendis. Por último, el mejor número del mes fue “Providence” de Alan Moore. Y ahora, sin más preámbulos, aquí están los cómics de mayo:

ALL-NEW X-MEN #40 
¿Quiénes son los Utópicos? ¿Y cuál es su secreto? 

CHRONONAUTS #3 (MR)
Desde la antigua Roma hasta los vibrantes años 20, pasando por la escena musical ochentera, los primeros viajeros temporales continúan causando desastres en la corriente temporal, y se meten en problemas con algunas de las más notorias figuras históricas. Y eso no es todo.

FCBD 2015 SECRET WARS #1
De las cenizas de un cosmos diezmado se alza… Mundo-Batalla. En este extraño reino, refugiados de miles de universos aniquilados luchan para sobrevivir. El tiempo se acaba, y la primera ráfaga de las Guerras Secretas ha sido disparada. Pero, ¿podrá el universo ser restaurado?

FCBD 2015 2000 AD SPECIAL
JUDGE DREDD de Matt Smith y Norm Breyfogle, THE TRAVELLER de Mike McMahon, AJAX BLOODTHIRSTY de Ben Willsher and Barry Krishna, NEMESIS THE WARLOCK de Pat Mills y Kevin O'Neill, DON'T CALL IT A COMEBACK de Rob Williams y Luca Pizzari, DAN DARE de Gerry-Finley Day y Dave Gibbons, SLÁINE de Pat Mills y Simon Davis, más JUDGE DREDD de John Wagner, Alan Grant y Ron Smith, y THARG'S ALIEN INVASIONS de Henry Flint.

FCBD 2015 LADY JUSTICE  
El clásico perdido de Neil Gaiman. 

FCBD 2015 LEGENDARY COMICS SAMPLER
ANNIHILATOR, EPOCHALYPSE, A TOWN CALLED DRAGON, THE HARVESTER, THE TOWER CHRONICLES: DREADSTALKER y más obras de Grant Morrison, Frazer Irving, Matt Wagner, Simon Bisley, Judd Winick, etc.

FCBD 2015 MERCURY HEAT DEBUT (MR)
Mercurio, un planeta que gira lentamente, donde no puedes dejar atrás al atardecer. Junto con el intenso calor. Esta es la nueva frontera del espacio, donde Mercurio satisface la insaciable necesidad de energía de la humanidad. Es un ambiente duro y atrae a hombres rudos. LUIZA es policía en Mercurio, porque es demasiado feroz para serlo en la Tierra.

INVINCIBLE #111 (MR)
Un nuevo comienzo: las cosas dan un vuelco hacia un camino oscuro. Todo cambia cuando INVINCIBLE es traicionado por uno de los suyos. 

JUPITER'S CIRCLE #2 (MR)
Estados Unidos. 1958. El doctor Richard es un superhéroe y un afamado cirujano… pero tiene otra identidad que debe ser ocultada a sus colegas. Cuando el director del FBI amenaza con revelar su secreto, Richard se ve obligado a tomar una imposible decisión sin pensar en sus camaradas.

my drawing (color version) / mi dibujo (versión a color)

PROVIDENCE #1 (of 12) (MR)
Deconstrucción de los conceptos de H.P. Lovecraft, reinventando su obra a lo largo de una historia de los Estados Unidos meticulosamente investigada. Todo empieza en 1919, al combinar las míticas visiones de H.P. con un escenario de intolerancia racial y sexual que definieron una era. 

SANDMAN OVERTURE #5 (MR)
El destino de todo el universo pende de una balanza. Sueño finalmente recibe toda la atención de su madre. Magia, alegría y guerra son llevados a la vida en las luminosas páginas de este penúltimo capítulo. 

STAR WARS #4
LUKE SKYWALKER aún no es un JEDI. Sólo ha conocido a un JEDI en su vida. La búsqueda de Luke lo llevará al hogar de OBI-WAN en TATOOINE.

STAR WARS #5
El Imperio está capturando a los fugitivos de Aldebarán… y eso no le gusta a la Princesa. Pero, ¿cómo puede ella enfrentarse al Imperio? 

THE WICKED + THE DIVINE #10
El RAGNAROCK finalmente está aquí. El show definitivo que promete ser una experiencia adorable para todos los dioses… esperad. Oh no. Han dibujado a BAPHOMET todo ensangrentado en la portada. Qué hilarante error interno de comunicación. Seguramente es un error y no afecta la historia.

April films / películas de abril

The Zero Theorem (2013) reflects Terry Gilliam’s eccentric approach towards cinema; in a bizarre future, Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained) works for an inscrutable company; and his mission is to decipher the Zero Theorem. Gilliam combines elements of the absurd, strange settings and a certain nihilism in this very peculiar production. The cast includes talented young actor Lucas Hedges (who has some memorable scenes with Christoph Waltz), Ben Whishaw (Perfume: Story of a Murderer), Matt Damon (Behind the Candelabra), Tilda Swinton (We Need to Talk About Kevin) and David Thewlis (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows). 

Based on the novel by Orson Scott Card, Gavin Hood directs Ender’s Game (2013), an outstanding sci-fi odyssey and a coming of age tale about space cadet Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield). With a clever script, the filmmaker explores the ideological motivations of mankind, while bringing to the spotlight questions about the survival of a species and the need to understand one’s adversary. Ender’s training is a lucid look on endurance and strategy, but the best part comes in the end, when the protagonist has to decide whether to exterminate an entire alien race or grant them the gift of life. I really enjoyed watching it.

300: Rise of an Empire (2014) is a somewhat unsatisfactory sequel. I won’t focus on the historical inaccuracies or in the excessive imitation of Snyder’s style, but suffice to say, the script is uninspired. But I must admit that I was rather delighted by Eva Green (Dark Shadows) and Lena Headey (Game of Thrones).

Parkland(2013) is a very interesting historical reconstruction of John F. Kennedy’s assassination, and how it affects those who are present at the time. The cast includes Zac Efron (The Paperboy), Paul Giamatti (Cosmopolis), Marcia Gay Harden (Someday this Pain Will Be Useful to You) and Tom Welling (Smallville).

Written and directed by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, Burn After Reading (2008) has long ago won a place amongst my favorites. Strong doses of black humor, satirical irreverence and a complete disrespect towards authority and traditional institutions, turns it into one of the most awe-inspiring comedies I’ve seen in my life. What starts simply as a whimsical story about a retired CIA analyst that decides to write his memoirs soon turns into a hysterical series of confusions, mistakes and misunderstandings. In addition to a brilliant script, we also get some of the best performances from actors like Brad Pitt (World War Z), George Clooney (The Ides of March), John Malkovich (The Great Buck Howard) and J.K. Simmons (Whiplash).  

There are only a few filmmakers that I admire as much as Stephen Daldry (THE HOURS, BILLY ELLIOT), and certainly The Reader (2008) reminds me why I respect him so much. David Kross (Krabat) is barely a teenager when he meets Kate Winslet (Titanic, Carnage), they fall in love, they have sex over and over again, but more importantly, he reads to her; he reads novels, short stories, theater plays, and even Tintin comics. Years later, she’s sent to prison after allegedly committing immoral acts as a guard in Auschwitz. Daldry begins with the passion of love and the sensuality of raw desire, and then slowly and masterfully evokes the pain of loss and frustration. This, however, is an example of how time does not heal all wounds, which can be seen in terms of lost love as well as the reaction of survivors of the holocaust.

Brad Anderson’s The Machinist (2004) is full of suspense from the opening sequence to the very last. I’d say that if Hitchcock were still alive, this is the kind of projects he’d be involved in. Christian Bale (American Hustle, Velvet Goldmine), an extraordinary actor, is a skeletal man working in a creepy factory, plagued by nightmares and constantly threatened by ominous surroundings. When a man loses a hand in the factory, the protagonist starts feeling persecuted. And slowly but surely, he’ll lose his mind. The Machinist is absolutely fascinating and it kept me at the edge of my seat. I really recommend it.

Carlo Carlei’s Romeo & Juliet (2013) is an appropriate reinterpretation of William Shakespeare’s immortal play. Juliet is played by Hailee Steinfeld, and Romeo by Douglas Booth (Noah); Carlei captures the intensity of teenage love and the sadness of tragedy. The cast includes Stellan Skarsgård (Nymphomaniac Vol. 1), Paul Giamatti (12 Years a Slave) and Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Road), among others.

Othello (1995), directed by Oliver Parker, is an adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays. The English playwright created a dramatic story of envy and jealousy, which translates well to the big screen: Othello (Laurence Fishburne) is married to Desdemona (Irène Jacob), however, the treacherous Iago (Kenneth Branagh) patiently poisons his mind.

The only European film this month comes from Spain: A escondidas (2014), written and directed by Mikel Rueda. This is a bittersweet, powerful and surprising love story about two boys (Germán Alcarazu and Adil Koukouh), but at the same time it’s also a deep analysis about sexual and racial discrimination, about poverty and illegal immigrants, about unfair laws and the hardships of life. Rueda portrays the relationship between teenagers with honesty, and we see the progression from friendship to romance in such a natural way that, once the final scenes take place, one cannot help but to feel heartbroken by the outcome. Really extraordinary.
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“The Zero Theorem” (2013) refleja el enfoque excéntrico de Terry Gilliam hacia el cine; en un estrambótico futuro, Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained) trabaja para una inescrutable compañía; y su misión es descifrar el Teorema Cero. Gilliam combina elementos de lo absurdo, escenarios extraños y un cierto nihilismo en esta peculiar producción. El reparto incluye al talentoso y joven actor Lucas Hedges (que tiene algunas escenas memorables con Christoph Waltz), Ben Whishaw (Perfume: Story of a Murderer), Matt Damon (Behind the Candelabra), Tilda Swinton (We Need to Talk About Kevin) y David Thewlis (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows).

Basado en la novela de Orson Scott Card, Gavin Hood dirige “Ender’s Game” (2013), una asombrosa odisea de ciencia ficción y a su vez un relato sobre el crecimiento y aprendizaje del cadete espacial Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield). Con un guión bien planteado, el cineasta explora las motivaciones ideológicas de la humanidad, mientras que nos interroga sobre la supervivencia de una especie y la necesidad de entender al adversario. El entrenamiento de Ender es una lúcida mirada en relación a la resistencia y la estrategia, pero la mejor parte viene al final, cuando el protagonista tiene que decidir si debe exterminar a toda una raza alienígena o concederles el don de la vida. Me gustó mucho verla.

“300: Rise of an Empire” (2014) es una secuela poco satisfactoria. No me centraré en las inexactitudes históricas o en la imitación excesiva del estilo de Snyder, basta con decir que el guión es flojo. Pero debo admitir que me entusiasmó ver a Eva Green (Dark Shadows) y Lena Headey ("Game of Thrones").

“Parkland” (2013) es una interesante reconstrucción histórica del asesinato de John F. Kennedy, y cómo afecta a los que están presentes en ese momento. El reparto incluye a Zac Efron (The Paperboy), Paul Giamatti (Cosmopolis), Marcia Gay Harden (Someday this Pain Will Be Useful to You) y Tom Welling (“Smallville”).

Escrita y dirigida por Ethan Coen y Joel Coen, “Burn After Reading” (2008) hace mucho tiempo que se ha ganado un lugar entre mis favoritas. Fuertes dosis de humor negro, irreverencia satírica y una total falta de respeto hacia la autoridad y las instituciones tradicionales, hacen de esta una de las más inolvidables comedias que he visto en mi vida. Lo que comienza como una simple historia irónica sobre un analista retirado de la CIA que decide escribir sus memorias, se convierte luego en una serie de hilarantes confusiones, equivocaciones y malentendidos. Además de un brillante guión, también vemos las mejores actuaciones de estrellas como Brad Pitt (World War Z), George Clooney (The Ides of March), John Malkovich (The Great Buck Howard) and J.K. Simmons (Whiplash).

Hay muy pocos cineastas a los que admiro tanto como a Stephen Daldry (THE HOURS, BILLY ELLIOT) y, ciertamente, “The Reader” (2008) me recuerda por qué lo respeto tanto. David Kross (Krabat) es apenas un adolescente cuando conoce a Kate Winslet (Titanic, Carnage), ellos se enamoran, tienen sexo una y otra vez, pero lo más importante, él le lee novelas, cuentos, obras de teatro, e incluso cómics de Tintin. Años más tarde, ella es enviada a prisión después de la presunta comisión de actos inmorales como guardia en Auschwitz. Daldry comienza con la pasión del amor y la sensualidad del deseo crudo, y luego poco a poco evoca magistralmente el dolor de la pérdida y la frustración. Este, sin embargo, es un ejemplo de cómo el tiempo no cura todas las heridas, algo que podemos ver en términos del amor perdido, así como la reacción de los sobrevivientes del holocausto.

“The Machinist” (2004) de Brad Anderson está llena de suspenso desde la secuencia inicial hasta la última. Yo diría que si Hitchcock estuviera vivo, este es el tipo de proyectos en los que estaría involucrado. El extraordinario actor Christian Bale (American Hustle, Velvet Goldmine), es un hombre esquelético trabajando en una fábrica espeluznante, acosado por pesadillas y constantemente amenazado por su entorno ominoso. Cuando un hombre pierde una mano en la fábrica, el protagonista comienza a sentirse perseguido. Y va perdiendo la cordura lentamente. “The Machinist” es absolutamente fascinante y me mantuvo en vilo. La recomiendo de verdad.

one of my old drawings in ink / uno de mis viejos dibujos a tinta

Romeo & Juliet (2013), de Carlo Carlei, es una adecuada reinterpretación de la inmortal obra de William Shakespeare. Juliet es interpretada por Hailee Steinfeld, y Romeo por Douglas Booth (Noah); Carlei captura la intensidad del amor adolescente y la tristeza de la tragedia. El reparto incluye a Stellan Skarsgård (Nymphomaniac Vol. 1), Paul Giamatti (12 Years a Slave) y Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Road”), entre otros.

“Othello” (1995), dirigida por Oliver Parker, es una adaptación de una de las obras más famosas de Shakespeare. El dramaturgo inglés creó una historia dramática sobre la envidia y los celos, que se traslada bien a la pantalla grande: Otelo (Laurence Fishburne) está casado con Desdémona (Irène Jacob), sin embargo, el traicionero Yago (Kenneth Branagh) envenena pacientemente su mente.

La única película europea de este mes viene de España: “A escondidas” (2014), escrita y dirigida por Mikel Rueda. Esta es una historia de amor agridulce, con mucha fuerza y llena de sorpresas centrada en dos chiquillos (Germán Alcarazu y Adil Koukouh), pero al mismo tiempo es también un análisis profundo acerca de la discriminación sexual y racial, la pobreza y los inmigrantes ilegales, las leyes injustas y las dificultades de la vida. Rueda retrata la relación entre los dos adolescentes con honestidad, y al ver de una manera tan natural cómo la amistad progresa hasta llevarlos al romance, uno no puede dejar de sentirse desconsolado con las escenas finales y el doloroso desenlace. Realmente extraordinaria.