In a continuity obsessed genre like comic books, the stand-alone graphic novel is a fascinating art form onto itself. Indeed, the stand-alone must achieve two goals: be open enough to invite in any reader, but tight enough to provide a clear beginning and a satisfactory end. (Of course, this means we’ll have to tack on a few misfits at the end) [Read more…] about Best Standalone Graphic Novels Of The Decade
Metal Men Reading Order!
The Silver Age was a very strange time. A time of rampant science fiction, where anything was possible and nothing was adequately explained. Where Superman could turn into a tree in Lois’ yard one day, then trying to kill her in space the next. The silver age was a time completely free of consequence. And the Metal Men were perfect for that age, right down to their creation. [Read more…] about Metal Men Reading Order!
SUPERPOWERS REVIEWED: Transformation (and Marvelman)
A series in which we attempt to find the single, perfect superpower by reviewing each one on a five-star scale.
Previous Superpowers reviewed:
This Installment: Transformation
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Lies Made From Light and Fire – The Essential Comics Reading List for Mike Carey
About Mike Carey
Background:
Mike Carey trained at St. Peter’s College, Oxford and spent 15 years as an English teacher before deciding to write comics full time. Like all good English comic creators, Carey got his start writing for 2000AD. [Read more…] about Lies Made From Light and Fire – The Essential Comics Reading List for Mike Carey
Magic’s a Nasty Game – Best Starting Places for Hellblazer
About John Constatine
History:
There was a time where every famous wizard was a member of the aristocracy, from Merlin on Arthur’s court to Prospero being an archduke in the Tempest.
Then came Alan Moore, who wanted to throw a brick through the windows of Camelot. Moore created John Constantine in The Saga of Swamp Thing #37 as an act of class warfare. Constantine was a working class magician, a grifter barely getting by in Thatcher’s England.
The Character Himself:
The first and only thing that you need to know about John Constantine is that he is a con man. It is critical that you know that John Constantine will trick you, personally. Worse yet, knowing he’ll do that only makes it easier for him to do so. Hell, he does it to his creative teams.
This makes Constantine hard to do right. People get tangled up in his trademark coat, cockney swagger, and cigarette smoke. Or else they get charmed by his magic, criminality, and sexual promiscuity. But these are just cons, tricking people into playing “Spot the Red Queen,” all the while John’s behind them picking their pockets. Even Brian Azzarello, one of my favorite authors at the time, got his pants pulled down on that title.
This makes him a hard hero to start reading. Which is why we’ve gathered up the perfect places to start, no matter if you’re brand new to the character or an old salt looking start at the beginning.
[Read more…] about Magic’s a Nasty Game – Best Starting Places for Hellblazer