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Michael Vance
Mark Allen
Michael Vance Books
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Michael Vance
Mark Allen
Michael Vance Books
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| Men of Mystery |
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They are doing so again in Men of Mystery Comics. For those who embrace post-modernism (the belief that right and wrong are just subjective opinions) Men of Mystery will seem quaint and trivial. Why should anyone fight for anything? This review is for those who laugh at such foolishness. "Those" definitely include the afore-mentioned super heroes who battle spies, Communists, a mal-functioning giant robot, jewel theft, and other "criminal activity" with their fists and some fun gadgets. They do so with a clarity of purpose and courage that makes this reviewer ache for the 1940s and 1950s. Most of the art seems crude and rushed by today's standards despite the fact that several of these artists became masters during their time. Of particular historical importance are the work of artists Bob Powell and Jim Mooney. Much of the dialogue seems stilted or trivial, and the plots are all straight-forward, linear, adventure yarns. Characterization is better defined by each costume and situation than by careful exposition. Then why are these stories so much fun? Oops, did the word fun slip in? Sorry. Fun is a value judgment, isn't it, and therefore unacceptable. Odd how post-modernism destroys all value. Recommended for those who enjoy the history of comic books and who still believe in right and wrong. Men of Mystery Comics #49/$6.95 & 59 pgs/various artists and writers/ available at www.accomics.com and comics shops. Review by Michael Vance. For info on his work, send a query to MiklVance@Yahoo.com |
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| Blood Orange #2 |
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Review by Michael Vance. For info on his work, send a query to MiklVance@Yahoo.com |
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| Jon Sable: Freelance |
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Jon Sable was a "merc." A mercenary, or "gun for hire." You know the type. Someone who'll do just about any kind of job, as long as it's lucrative. What was different about Sable was that he led a double-life. You see, under the pen name "B.B. Flemm," he also wrote children's books (cue confused "Scooby" sound). He did that for the money, as well. At least, that's what he told people. This was just the tip of the iceberg where this complex character was concerned, folks. All thanks to creator, writer and artist Mike Grell. Grell quite possibly did his best character work in comics with Jon Sable. His character was "multi-layered," if you will, having suffered terrible tragedy in his past (typical in many classic comics characters) and having backgrounds in big game hunting, military service, and, of course, various mercenary endeavors. Over time, Grell began to chip away at the persona of the mercenary who did what he did purely for financial gain, giving readers a look at something else. Something deeper, and more hopeful. It was, indeed, a beautiful thing. Another beautiful thing was Grell's artwork. A thoroughly realistic style, in the tradition of the likes of Neal Adams and Dick Giordano, coupled with a fine sense of detail and depth make this book nigh irresistible. I bet you'll think so, too. Jon Sable: Freelance is recommended for those who enjoy action, adventure, political intrigue, and James Bond-style hijinks. Find it in your local comic shop's back issue bin, at conventions, and online auctions. Jon Sable: Freelance, published by First Comics, 32 pages, original cover price $1.00. Review by Mark Allen |
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©2006 Starland, PO Box
24955 Denver CO 80224-0955 Ph 303.777.6800 Fx 303.200.9009 |
If Bulletman, Captain Wings, Wildfire, Minute Man, and Atoma don't ring a
bell, your bell is relatively new. All of these comic book characters were
running and jumping and clenching their fists in the fight for truth,
justice and the American Way in the 1940s and 1950s. 
MINIVIEW: Blood Orange #2 [Fantagraphics] A mix of reality-based and
surreal observations about life drawn in the doodles that characterize
avante garde and underground comic books. Some like "Eighteen"
are thought provoking, and some like "Funny Bunny" are gross. 
Back in the eighties, there was a comic book publisher called First
Comics. Said publisher produced many different genres of comics, many of
which gained quite the loyal following. One of those titles, about to
make a comeback under the umbrella of a different publisher, is Jon
Sable: Freelance. It was special, in this reviewer's opinion. Let me
tell you why.