I haven’t been a huge fan of writer Brian Azzarello. I didn’t really enjoy his take on one of my favourite characters, John Constantine, in the pages of the dark Vertigo series, Hellblazer at the turn of the millennium. Because of that experience, I didn’t read his Eisner Award winning, hard-boiled monthly series, 100 Bullets, although I was aware of the critical acclaim that title received.

His Wednesday Comics Batman run, however, caught my attention and became one of the best superhero serials that series produced in it’s 24-issue run. His Joker graphic novel with artist Lee Bermejo read like a sequel to Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight film. And I have to say that, although early in the game, his current Greek-mythology influenced Wonder Woman holds much promise too.

Azzarello can be a particularly prickly fellow at comic book convention panels, which doesn’t necessarily endear him to everyone. Still, when DC/Vertigo Comics announced a new science fiction based series by the writer, my eyebrow was quizzically raised. He had already tackled so many genres in comics – and science fiction is currently not the most popular of those varieties. But Azzarello, if nothing else, enjoys a writing challenge.

Spaceman #1
Written by: Brian Azzarello
Illustrated by: Eduardo Risso
Published by: Vertigo Comics

Teamed once again with amazing artist Eduardo Risso (of 100 Bullets fame and the Batman serialization in Wednesday Comics), the nine-issue monthly series, Spaceman, tells the story of a hulking loner loser, affectionately named Orson. Although the comic is set in a future time where space-travel and genetic engineering is a way of life, the seeds of Orson’s desires are sown in the oldest of character arcs: the protagonist dreams of a star-trekking existence away from his scrap metal collecting job; a life replete with pirates, celebrity child kidnappings, dirty drugs and, of course, other planets! The series is called “Spaceman” after all!

Yeah. The themes sound incredibly Azzarello. Only the century – or should that be the millennium? – has changed.

If you’re looking for character-driven, take-no-prisoners grit and violent storytelling, all set in a futuristic time, Spaceman is the comic book you’re looking to read. The fact that it will last a manageable nine monthly issues is a bonus for anyone looking to start reading the sequential comic book format for the first time. But don’t put the reading of Spaceman too far off into the future. The debut issue is specially priced at a buck!

Now that’s the kind of comic book candy that should see everyone make the Wednesday Run this week with an eye towards grabbing a copy of Azzarello and Risso’s Spaceman!

Every Wednesday, JP makes the after-work run to his local downtown comic book shop. Comics arrive on Wednesdays you see and JP, fearful that the latest issue will sell out, rushes out to purchase his copy. This regular, weekly column will highlight a particularly interesting release, written in short order, of course, because JP has to get his – before someone else does!

A week ago, DC Comics announced the cancellation of Hellblazer.

Bullshit was my first thought.

There are certain instances where, in comics, because you’ve read a particular title for so long, because you’ve enjoyed the stories so much, you grow an affinity for a character as if they were, well, a friend. That’s how I felt about John Constantine, the English protagonist of the series. And there are many other Hellblazer comic book readers out there that feel the same way.

Hellblazer – nay, John Constantine: Hellblazer, the publication’s true, long-form title – is currently the longest running, uninterrupted, monthly series from either of the big two comic book publishers, DC Comics and Marvel Comics. Indeed, it’s the longest running title from Vertigo Comics, DC’s mature imprint, in the history of that offshoot. That’s something the company, the editors, and the various writers and artists on the series, should be quite proud about. And in many ways, it’s not damn well surprising.

John Constantine: the occult antihero, created within the pages of Swamp Thing in 1985 by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette and John Totleben. John Constantine: the con man, the bastard mage, the working class magician. John Constantine: the mate at the pub. John Constantine: the popular character with the solo series in 1988.

John Constantine: Hellblazer. Cancelled. It’s like learning a long time friend had just passed. Bullshit.

Constantine, when he first appeared within the pages of Swamp Thing, was a mysterious character possessing knowledge of the arcane arts. To read back on those issues, he was a character that appeared fully formed. Alan Moore wrote him as a secretive manipulator, a supernatural advisor and a rogue with his own agenda, a charismatic know-it-all warlock wearing a suit and blazer and bearing the likeness of Sting from the rock band, The Police. Interesting, so incredibly real was the Constantine character, that Moore has previously stated that he actually met the man in a bar. Twice. Once from afar, locking eyes and smiling at the acclaimed writer and once stepping out from shadows whispering to Moore, “I’ll tell you the ultimate secret of magic. Any cunt could do it.” A now famous phrase, to be sure. Strange machinations, indeed, but that was John Constantine.

Of course, there have been many iterations of the character over the years. Jamie Delano, the first writer on the Hellblazer solo monthly series wrote the character in tune with British 1980’s politics and the Thatcher era. Here, Constantine battled Threadneedle Street demons, cults and his own history come back to haunt him. Under writer Garth Ennis, he grew a little more ragged, a little more tired and dirty. Even though it was always there, Ennis was the writer that made the trench coat such an integral part of Constantine’s character, as he battled the machinations (and revenge) of the devil himself! Brian Azzarello took the mage to America and Mike Carey brought him back to London. Denise Mina took him to World Cup footie matches and Andy Diggle brought back the suit and blazer. Peter Milligan gave him a scar, lost him a thumb but also found him a wife. Yes, Constantine is the everyman because he’s been every man – and all writers who took him on used him to say something about the world as they saw it. I’d argue that John Constantine might just be the one of the greatest fictional creations in the last three decades. His stories are timeless and they could go on and on, shedding light on some dark aspect of humanity for years to come. But the truth is, every fan of the character, every reader of the book, knew that the cancellation of John Constantine: Hellblazer was coming. It was only a matter of time.

With DC Comics’ New 52 publishing initiative, and the company taking a stronger hand in decisions made by Vertigo Comics, changes were bound to occur. Vertigo, for a number of reasons, publishes great, acclaimed books of sequential storytelling with sales that aren’t generally as healthy as those from comics published by DC. Some of the Vertigo characters have already been reabsorbed into DC Universe continuity. Although John Constantine was originally born in that continuity, he’d pretty much lived within his own, superhero-less world, for the entire duration of his monthly series.

Now, with the cancellation of his book at issue #300 in February next year, we’re told that Constantine himself will be brought back under the wing of the in-continuity DC Universe, starring in a new monthly series called, appropriately enough, Constantine. It’s an attempt to capitalize on the possibilities of film and television, to be sure.

A version of the character is already appearing in the monthly Justice League Dark series, not to mention appearances in Sword of Sorcery, Swamp Thing, Animal Man and, from a few years ago, Brightest Day Aftermath: The Search for Swamp Thing. I shudder at the thought of that last one. You see, the character appearing in these other titles is not the same character from Hellblazer. He’s visually younger, for starters. But, more importantly, the voice, the personality, is not the same. Not at all. Sure, it’s fun watching him magick his way out of the traps of the evil wizard Felix Faust, but my Constantine, the real Constantine, wouldn’t be involved with extra dimensional shenanigans. He’d be busy in fog-lit streets with screams in the dark and the evil that resides in all men. He’d be down the pub having a pint, occasionally trying to prevent the denizens of hell from seeping into our world.

If you’ve read any John Constantine: Hellblazer, you know what I mean: English horror. Gothic. Dark. Wet. “Riveting, spine-chilling stuff,” as Alan Moore’s introduction called it in that very first monthly issue in 1988.

If you haven’t read any of the real Constantine, you should. Abandon hope, then, all ye who enter, for this here is your absolutely essential and glorious John Constantine Hellblazer Recommended Reading Guide:

Original Sins

Written by Jamie Delano with scratchy, foreboding art by John Ridgeway, the trade paperback collection called Original Sins compiles the first nine issues of the monthly series. Here, Constantine travels to New York, enlisting the help of voodoo priest Papa Midnight to battle a hunger demon named Mnemoth. Some of this story would find it’s way into the Constantine film starring Keanu Reeves.

The Devil You Know

This compilation is written by Delano and featuring artwork by Richard Piers Raynor. Not only does it continue plot threads from the previous collection, but it also contains the legendary Newcastle story from Constantine’s past – his first encounter with the demon known as Nergal. Recent publications also include the two part mini series simply called The Horrorist – brilliantly illustrated by David Lloyd (V for Vendetta). These are stories to read late at night. As a bonus, The Devil You Know includes the music video of “Venus of the Hardsell” by late 1970’s punk band Mucous Membrane – a band our John Constantine was lead signer of. The video is serialized by Canadian writer/artist Dean Motter.

Dangerous Habits

There are many that feel this particular compilation to be Hellblazer’s finest. Written by Garth Ennis and illustrated by Will Simpson, the story details Constantine’s attempt to save himself from terminal cancer. This plot was used as the basis for the Constantine film. Here, John is a harder personality, but Dangerous Habits also introduces us to the one true love of his life, Kit Ryan, who although loving him back, deserves none of the insanity that follows the protagonist. It’s doom, right from the start.

Rake at the Gates of Hell

Once again written by Ennis with art by Steve Dillon, this compilation ties up all of the loose ends started in Dangerous Habits, including a final confrontation with the prince of darkness himself!

Pandemonium

Jamie Delano returns to the character he helped create, this time with artist extraordinaire, Jock. Released to coincide with the 25^th anniversary of the creation of the Constantine character, Pandemonium sees the magical rogue on the front lines of the Iraqi war. It’s demons and politics here – and what better setting is there than amongst bullets, motor shells, tanks, intelligence agencies and a harsh climate?

Joyride

Writer Andy Diggle was able to breath a sense of freshness back into a tired and worn out Constantine, returning him to his conniving, manipulator roots, battling barristers and tribal warlords. Along with illustrator Leonardo Manco, who truly brought a sense of darkness to the art, Diggle writes a Constantine who has lost his mojo but actively attempts to retrieve it. The blazer is back – as is the Hellblazer from those early issues.

Everybody at Biff Bam Pop! is talking about Top Fives, so I guess it’s my turn. Put on your seat belts, because as the regular readers around here know already, my tastes are not normal. I liked Santa Claus and hated Dark Knight. It’s going to be a bumpy ride. Next, after the jump, my top fives in film, music, television, and comic books. Look out.

Film

I’ve written about the films I loved this ad nauseam both here and other places on the interwebs. I loved John Carter a lot, and was much dismayed by the reception it got. I did however notice that once it hit DVD and Blu-Ray, some folks began to come around. It was just a matter of folks making fun of what they don’t know, and haven’t seen. I thought it was a brilliant production of the pulp hero I loved as a kid. Whether it happens of not, I want to see more.

In the class of movies being far better than I expected would come SkyFall, the best Bond flick in years, and a hardcore straight ahead action movie with a fantastic Paul Leonard-Morgan industrial soundtrack – Dredd. That last one is another, like John Carter, don’t listen to the critics, and just see it, amazing guy flick.

I would kick in an honorable mention at Life of Pi for visuals, and Les Miserables for musical soundtrack, but my favorite movie of the year 2012 should be a no-brainer for anyone who knows me. It’s Marvel’s The Avengers. Yeah, baby. A dream come true, my favorite superhero team from my favorite comic book, on the big screen, and done right? Yeah, of course this was my favorite movie. Love love love it.

Music

A lot of the music I’ve listened to this year and enjoyed has been influenced by my friend Andy Burns, editor-in-chief here at Biff Bam Pop!. We share musical tastes, and I have to refer to him and his earlier article on the music of 2012, and say I agree. It was refreshing to hear new yet retro sounds from KISS, the Rolling Stones, Rush, and the Beach Boys. The last one’s album actually lent a song title to the name of BBP’s short story anthology, Strange World. That’s how inspiring the music was around here.

Andy also turned me on to the new live Led Zeppelin album, and I’m not usually a fan of live stuff. We also both listened to the Bob Dylan album together as we talked about it the same day through the magic of the internet. 2012 was also the year I discovered The Heavy, and yeah, I know I was late to that party and I regret it. I also got into an amazing local Philly band called Radium Angels, sort of a glam rock Bowie meets superheroes concept. Maybe Marie Gilbert, our resident steampunk granny, will talk more about them when she sees them later in the month. They are definitely an experience.

Television

Everybody loves “The Walking Dead” and “Doctor Who,” so those are a given. I caught up on Showtime’s first season of “Homeland” before watching the current season. Against my better judgment, I have been enjoying the heck of that, despite Claire Danes’ crazy eyes. “The Hour” and “Downton Abbey” are both highly recommended BBC programs from across the pond as is “Copper.”

I have to let my geek flag fly and mention these last two. “Arrow” was sure to be a disaster, as a non-spin-off of “Smallville” featuring a revamped Green Arrow, and not the one we had all grown to love on that show. It turned out to be much much better than I ever thought it could. I’m hooked. And then there’s “The Legend of Korra,” the fun, dangerous, and decidedly adult sequel to “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” It is spectacular animation on a show built for all ages, yet talking down to none. I can’t wait for its return.

Comics

This is the one you’ve been waiting for, right? The top five comics from the crazy comics guy. High on my list from Marvel Comics is Hawkeye by Matt Fraction and David Aja. Told in the Marvel style, it is incredibly cinematic, and also very human. I love this book, it’s one of the best designed and visually stunning comics on the shelf right now.

Notice how I said one of – the best designed, and the most visually stunning comic out there is The Flash written and illustrated by Francis Manapul among others, and published by DC Comics. Want to know what comics will look like in the future, pick up an issue of The Flash. Not only does it look fantastic, the stories are great too. I’m an old school Silver Age Barry Allen Flash fan, and a relentless curmudgeon when it comes to altering continuity – but I am enjoying the reintroduction and reimagining of these concepts. Hawkeye and The Flash get my highest recommendations for the best comics of 2012.

I have also been enjoying Dynamite’s rendition of The Shadow, and even more so been digging the pulp crossover event Masks, wherein The Shadow teams up with the Green Hornet, the Spider, and other pulp heroes. Great stuff. In the underrated category, I also loved James Robinson’s The Shade, a book that slipped by most folks but was a very satisfying read – the best book you didn’t read this year. Go seek it out.

Rounding out my top five would be the startling new vision of Wonder Woman by Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang. Not the Amazon princess I necessarily want to be reading, but I devour the book each month wanting more. I sooo dig the world they have created for her, and now they are reintroducing Jack Kirby’s New Gods into the mix. It can only get better.

Speaking of only getting better, I can’t wait to see what 2013 has to offer!

If you’re a regular to Biff Bam Pop!, John Constantine, everyone’s favourite mystical hellblazer, needs no introduction. We’ve written about the character a number of times here, most recently with the news of the cancellation of his long-running Vertigo Comics series called, appropriately enough, John Constantine: Hellblazer. You can read that article here.

I don’t need to reiterate my disappointment, which actually verges on anger, over that particular decision. The monthly Hellblazer title is the longest standing comic book that I have continuously read. I was there when Constantine first appeared within the pages of Saga of the Swamp Thing (issue #37) in June 1985 under the pen of writer Alan Moore. And I was there when the popular character received his own series in 1988, written by the great Jamie Delano and foundationally illustrated by John Ridgeway.

That was twenty-five years ago, the series continuing each month, uninterrupted. Until now.

Hell has finally frozen over for our trench coat-wearing, silk-cut smoking, demon-slaying hellblazer.

Dammit.

Hellblazer #300

Written by: Peter Milligan

Illustrated by: Giuseppe Camuncoli and Stefano Landini

Published by: Vertigo Comics

Peter Milligan, the current writer of John Constantine: Hellblazer, has been relaying the tales our con-artist mage since issue #250. That’s longer than any other distinguished writer on the series including Mike Carey, Brian Azzarello, Garth Ennis and Jamie Delano. During that time, Milligan gave Constantine a scar, cut off his thumb, had him married, discovered him a half brother, made pacts with demons, devils and desperados and then, two issues ago, killed him. And that’s where our current storyline, the final instalment of the affectionately named “Death and Cigarettes”, concludes.

Constantine has always been a conniver. He’s the master of second chances – and he’s had a whole host of those over the years. But the question is, to come back from death itself, does he have one more second chance left in him? The cover of the double-sized issue #300 looks ominous enough.

Truly, this is the end of the Vertigo Comics imprint as we know it. The publishing company, a mature and sophisticated off-shoot of DC Comics proper, that gave rise to Sandman, Preacher, Shade the Changing Man, The Invisibles and Fables, always had John Constantine as its caretaker. How John went, so, too, did Vertigo. Alas, all that’s to end now. But the final issue of John Constantine: Hellblazer isn’t the end of John Constantine the character.

Next month, he gets a brand new monthly series. This time, it’s published under the DC Comics name, hopefully to a wider comic book audience. And to make things easier for that audience, it’ll be called, simply enough, Constantine. I smell a play for a film sequel here. Bring the character back, front and centre, into the minds of the general public – not the niche that Vertigo was – in order to market John as a viable Hollywood property.

That’s cool. Guillermo Del Toro has been kind of attached to the character for a long time now.

But make no mistake. This new Constantine series will not be our old John. Nope, he’ll be watered down quite a bit for a broader and younger audience, mixing it up with the masks and capes like he did, from time to time, in those early Saga of the Swamp Thing issues. This John will be under duress from editors who want to fit the character into summer tent pole comics. He won’t be buggering demons, nor uttering the word “bollocks”, nor flipping two fingers at his enemies.

This move just finishes what the publishing company started a year and a half ago with their “New 52” initiative. Hell, John’s already the leader of a mystical super group in the pages of Justice League Dark! I mean really! Constantine? Justice League? Yes, the series is a fun read, but it’s a read that would give our Constantine absolute fits. Leading a group of paranormals would ruin his time down the pub!

That said, there are always possibilities of greatness, and I’ll be there for the first issue of Constantine in March. Biff Bam Pop! will let you know how it is.

Until then, though hell has frozen over and the lights in the Vertigo realm grow dimmer still, let’s raise a glass for that foul-mouthed scouser, that blue-collar mage with the bad nicotine habit, John Constantine. If he were any more real, you’d hate him. But you’d still love him to be your mate.

Cheers, John! As always, this pint’s on us!

Every Wednesday, JP makes the after-work run to his local downtown comic book shop. Comics arrive on Wednesdays you see and JP, fearful that the latest issue will sell out, rushes out to purchase his copy. This regular, weekly column will highlight a particularly interesting release, written in short order, of course, because JP has to get his – before someone else does!

After making the game-changer move of ending all of their monthly series in August 2011 and, calling it the “New 52”, re-starting them with brand new first issues, DC Comics continues to evolve. This year, the publishing company has definitely been shining a light on the darker corners of its universe. The mature, sophisticated publishing arm of Vertigo Comics is still undergoing changes as well, with flagship title Hellblazer recently ending it 300-issue run. The main protagonist of that series, the beloved chain-smoking English occultist, John Constantine, has been folded up into the DC universe proper, continuing his supernatural adventures in a new ongoing monthly series called, appropriately enough, Constantine.

Ray Fawkes has worked for both DC Comics and Vertigo Comics along with a host of other publishers including Oni Press, Image Comics, Top Shelf Comics and Marvel Comics. The Eisner, Harvey and Shuster Award nominee is now writing some of his most high-profile work to date at DC Comics, namely Justice League Dark and Constantine as well as having a hand in DC’s upcoming Trinity War summer blockbuster storyline.

JP Fallavollita met with the Toronto-based writer and artist at the 2013 edition of the Toronto Comics Arts Festival (TCAF) and had a chance to speak with him over the phone about his recent writing responsibilities. In the first part of this interview, Fawkes talks about his experiences with fan-favourite character, John Constantine, the history and responsibility of writing him in both a solo series and a group series, and his story plans for the near future.

JP Fallavollita: Ray, there’s been a lot of the esoteric, the eerie, the mystical, and dark elements in much of your comics work. What is it about the supernatural that interests or inspires you?

Ray Fawkes: You know, it’s hard to say. I think I’m just a person who’s always been into that stuff ever since I was a kid and fascinated by supernatural stories and ghostly stories – it just stuck with me. The things you’re into turn into the things that you spend the most time with, which turns into the things you know the most about, right? So, it’s sort of my zone of fascination and I just can’t get myself away from it.

JP Fallavollita: I think it makes for a great fit with the Constantine ongoing series that you’re writing. I’m curious in terms of what your first experiences with that particular character were. What was it about him that maybe even appealed to you?

Ray Fawkes: My first experiences reading the character?

JP Fallavollita: Yeah, absolutely. 

Ray Fawkes: Well, my first experiences reading the character, this is going to date me, but I was reading Swamp Thing back when he first showed up. I was buying it off of the newsstand and was instantly, totally, captivated by the character. He was this mystery man. There was so much more to him than you even knew you were seeing – you could tell that there was so much movement below the surface. He’s the con artist. He’s the trickster. Right off the bat, back in Swamp Thing, you could see he was playing a larger game than everyone else in the story, more of a chess player and a lot of the people in the story, the characters, didn’t even realize that they were pieces on the board and that’s something that’s always held true for John Constantine. He’s always been this character who looked at the big picture and was willing to make moves that perhaps no one else was willing to make, especially with regards to sacrifice, and I think that adds a really amazing human quality to him and it also adds a touch of darkness that I just love.

JP Fallavollita: When we were talking at your table at TCAF last weekend, he’s a bit different now, under the New 52.

Ray Fawkes: Well, he’s a little bit different, yeah, in that he’s younger and more impulsive than the character that a lot of people have gotten used to, especially since the Vertigo run of Hellblazer. He’s aging, he aged quite a lot, and he became quite experienced and quite cynical and so, with the New 52, we were given the opportunity to scroll him back sort of into a younger time where he’s more impulsive and more active and you can kind of get to see maybe he’ll do things that perhaps he might not have been willing to do in the Vertigo version.

JP Fallavollita: In the Vertigo version, there had been so many different iterations of that character and now, like you said, scaling him back and bringing him into a wider universe, there’s probably more stories there for him, isn’t there? 

Ray Fawkes: Well, there certainly is because one thing that he never had in that universe was to find himself plopped down in a world full of superhuman characters. There was always the element of magic and mysticism in those stories but in this story, we had to bring him back, in essence, bring him back to his origins where he was this sort of underground operator in a world full of superheroes.

It’s funny, I actually just tweeted today that last night I was re-reading Crisis on Infinite Earths to check something out and I actually found the scene with John Constantine in it. He’s in there! He’s in there!  

JP Fallavollita: Not many remember that! Its fantastic that he’s actually there, right?

Ray Fawkes: Yeah! It’s just a short scene but he’s in there and then in the big sort of climax of the story, where all the mystics of the DC Universe are getting together – and we’re talking about characters like Dr. Fate and the Spectre. John’s in there with them, and so this is our opportunity to tell the stories about John operating in that world, in a world of the superheroes and the metahumans and the Justice Leagues.

JP Fallavollita: So, going from a reader of Constantine and now becoming his writer in both the Justice League Dark series and the Constantine series, he’s obviously got a larger audience now, I think, coming under the DC banner rather than the Vertigo banner. Do you find that your approach to the writing of him is any different now for this larger audience?

Ray Fawkes: Not at all. No. There’s nothing that I would want to do with John that I can’t do. I love the challenge of what being in this new world poses for him. So, no. It hasn’t really changed the way I would want to write him.

JP Fallavollita: I think that even for me, reading this series, your voice for that particular character has developed in great leaps and bounds over the first three issues. I really enjoyed that last issue. And part of him being that loner with the sidekick in that first issue – I know there were some people upset that he was so cold when that one character passed away (sorry about the spoiler for anybody who hasn’t read it) but the voice is right! Even his diction, that sort of Liverpudlian accent, you got that right for him.    

Ray Fawkes: Well, thank you. If anything was the most daunting about that, it’s making sure that John’s voice rings true. The thing about John coming off a little too cold, I thank the readers who stuck with me after that because, obviously with John, nothing is as it seems. He may act cold but he may not feel that way or vice versa. So, yeah, keep reading.

JP Fallavollita: Absolutely. Well, you’ve come to the sort of close of that first brief story arc, but there’s a sense there that there’s a lot more to be told with these characters going forward with the storyline and the Cult of the Cold Flame. What’s it like with John Constantine, pulling his strings in his own monthly book and also in a team-up book in Justice League Dark. How does he act differently in each of these different titles, Ray?

Ray Fawkes: Well, with the Justice League Dark, John is aware that he’s in the milieu of people who think of themselves as more traditional superheroes even if they are a bunch of weirdoes. He sort of speaks their language. One of John’s core, best abilities, is his ability to manipulate, so he knows that when he’s with that team, if he wants to get things done, he kind of has to be the quarterback, he has to be the guy who gets the team excited and working together and all that. Because of that, he puts on a face that is perhaps a bit friendlier, perhaps a little bit funnier. And then, when you see him alone in Constantine, you get to see him more unfiltered. You get to see that he doesn’t have to motivate people like Deadman or Zatanna, so he can speak more directly with his own voice rather than trying to keep things light and calm.     

JP Fallavollita: Does it re-energize you going from script to script for the two different titles as well?

Ray Fawkes: Oh totally! In fact, I feel like it probably re energizes me in almost the same way it re-energizes John, you know? He goes out with the team, he has to be “on”, then he goes home and he’s like, “Oh thank God I’m by myself!” And then he has all these troubles, so he’s like, “Oh, you know what, I need the team!” Yeah, it totally re-energizes.

JP Fallavollita: You’re already creating a rogues gallery for Constantine. You’ve got the Cult of the Cold Flame, you’ve got Sargon, Zatara, Mister E, Tannarak – actually, the new Sargon, daughter of the original. You’ve got a whole new universe that opens up for you with this character, don’t you?

Ray Fawkes: Oh yeah, absolutely. And there will be more characters to see and some of them will be sort of reimagined or returned versions of older characters and some will be brand new. Some old readers of Hellblazer may recognize the name Papa Midnight.

JP Fallavollita: Right!

Ray Fawkes: He’ll be showing up and he, well, he’s not exactly John’s enemy and he’s not exactly his friend.

JP Fallavollita: Right. Perfect! It’ll be good to see him. He’s a fan favourite character.

Ray Fawkes: (Laughs) Well, I hope that you like this new version!   

JP Fallavollita: With Constantine, for me, that particular character has become synonymous with runs by acclaimed writers and artists: the magic and mystery of Moore, like you talked about, in the mid 80’s and how he wrote him in the pages of Swamp Thing, the politics that Delano was writing at the beginning of the Hellblazer series, the fiendish action of Ennis. Do you feel there’s a sense of responsibility for the history of that character and the people that have come and written him before? At this early point in your storytelling, what do you want to bring to this particular character if you were to look back, years from now?  

Ray Fawkes: You know, it is daunting because a lot of the people that have dealt with this character and written this character are among my favourites. I mean we’ve pretty much covered the bases. Alan Moore worked on him. Jamie Delano worked on him. Neil Gaiman worked on him. Grant Morrison did some. Warren Ellis, Brian Azzarello. You list the name and you get this list of top-level creators. It would be my great hope that after this run is done, I could just be proud of my contribution. As far as the political side of things with this John, I do want to get a little political with it but in a different way. We’ll see…we’ll see how. This John has to deal more with the politics of metahumans than the politics of the streets of London.

In part 2 of our interview, published tomorrow, Ray Fawkes talks about making personal connections in his stories, Constantine and the new, mysterious character called Pandora as they relate to the upcoming DC Comics summer blockbuster storyline, Trinity War.

Many thanks to Ray Fawkes for taking the time to talk to Biff Bam Pop! and thanks to the folks of DC Entertainment for helping set up the interview. The fourth issue of the monthly Constantine series will be published on June 12. The long-waited for Trinity War storyline, slowly building over the last two years, begins in earnest this July within the pages of Justice League, Justice League of America and Justice League Dark. 

You can visit Ray Fawkes at his website: www.rayfawkes.com or follow him on Twitter at: @rayfawkes

Ever since DC Comics implemented their “New 52” initiative wherein they rebooted all of their monthly titles as new first issues, nearly two years ago (God, “New” is not so new anymore is it?), a select group of hard-core fans have patiently been waiting for only one thing:

The return of the DC Comics Fourth World.

It seems that the Fourth World has been teased, periodically, within the pages of the Wonder Woman title. But today, those teases triumphantly end. Today, the Fourth World is finally in the here and the now, an integral part of the new and ongoing Wonder Woman mythos and part and parcel with DC’s (somewhat) “New 52”!

But what is the Fourth World, you ask?

Oh, it’s something special. Something with lots of history…

Wonder Woman #22

Written by: Brian Azzarello

Illustrated by: Cliff Chiang

Published by: DC Comics

In 1970, after a falling out at Marvel Comics, Jack Kirby, the single greatest comic book creator in the short history of the medium, left for DC Comics. There, the man who had successfully created or co-created Captain America, Fantastic Four, X-Men the Hulk and many others for the “House of Ideas”, plied his trade at his one-time competitor.

At DC, Kirby produced his Fourth World series of characters and stories through connecting comic book titles. In many ways, it could be viewed as the beginning of a shared and tightly interwoven comic book universe – the same philosophy that the major two publishers follow, perhaps too intently, to this day. The Fourth World dealt with the battle of good versus evil between two distinctly different planets: the war-torn, abused and ugly Apokolips and the beautiful garden world of New Genesis.

Shakespearean in scope, Apokolips was ruled with an iron fist by Darkseid, a character most comic book and/or animation fans would recognize, and New Genesis was lead by the character known as Highfather. To complicate matters, Highfatehr raised Orion, Darkseid’s very own son, in order to oppose the tyrant who sought the Anti-Life Equation which, when found, could control the thoughts of all living beings.

There were never greater stakes in literature, never mind 1970’s comic books!

The Fourth World series of titles and characters never took off the same way Kirby’s Marvel creations had, but it was always an unpolished jewel in the DC crown. A dedicated group of fans awaited the day that the characters would stand shoulder to shoulder with Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.

A few months ago, under the pen of writer Brian Azzarello, Orion showed up within the pages of Wonder Woman as a burly and roguish male chauvinist – but absolutely compelling and likable at the same time. A great trick by the writer, indeed! While Wonder Woman is off smooching Superman in the pages of Justice League (which premiered a mysterious Darkseid in the early issues), in the pages of her own monthly comic book, readers are wondering if she might be developing a “thing” for this impossible “New God” named Orion.

Issue #22, released today, goes to some lengths to beg that question some more. Here, Orion takes the daughter of Zeus to his home world of New Genesis where she meets Highfather for the first time.

Old Gods, New Gods, “New 52”.

Wonder Woman is one of the best comic books out there right now. Introducing the Fourth World set of characters, potential storylines, and tropes within those pages only makes it even more mandatory reading.

Make the run to your local comic book shop today. Seek out Wonder Woman #22, New Genesis and a whole new world!

Every Wednesday, JP makes the after-work run to his local downtown comic book shop. Comics arrive on Wednesdays you see and JP, fearful that the latest issue will sell out, rushes out to purchase his copy. This regular, weekly column will highlight a particularly interesting release, written in short order, of course, because JP has to get his – before someone else does!

Everybody at Biff Bam Pop! is talking about Top Fives this week, and I’ve already hit you with my thoughts on 2013′s film offerings. There were a lot of cool things going on in the comics world this year, so it’ll be difficult to narrow them down to five, but I’ll try, or maybe I’ll just talk five movements in comics, we’ll see. Next, after the jump, we’ll look at my top fives (give or take) in comics for 2013.

1. Biff! Bam! Pow!

I’m not sure what this is about, whether it’s the reemergence of the 1966 “Batman” TV series on The Hub Network, the release of show-specific action figures, or if finally enough time has passed – but the Adam West Batman is hot again, and the Batman ’66 is its creative legacy. This digital first comic takes the characters and situation s from the TV show and adapts them to a comic book continuity.

Besides the go-go checks sixties vibe of the book, the creators also manage to integrate classic TV villains like King Tut, the Bookworm, and The Sandman (Michael Rennie not Neil Gaiman) into the comics universe. Written by Jeff Parker, and illustrated by a variety of artists including Mike Allred, Jonathan Case, Sandy Jarrell, Christopher Jones, and Ruben Procopio, among others, Batman ’66 is my pick for the best comic of the year.

It’s just fun, and a delight to read, and in a comics market where the mainstream Batman comics feature a Joker without a face and multiple dead Robins, I’ll take Batman ’66 any day of the week. Also in line with Batman and fun, you should check out L’il Gotham, another digital first that might seem like it’s for kids at first, but is actually pretty cool.

2. The Return of Pulp

I am a long time hardcore pulp guy. Give me some Doc Savage, Green Hornet, and especially The Shadow, and I’m down. The problem is, that most of the time, the comics don’t know how to handle these characters. Just look at DC’s disastrous First Wave from a few years back. It had some nice moments, but overall, not good.

This year, and last, Dynamite Entertainment has been doing it right, for the most part. Let’s just forget about their attempt at a massive pulp crossover, Masks, and Dynamite has a nearly perfect record. The Shadow regular series has been wonderful, as has their Year One mini by Matt Wagner, and the Dark Knights mini where The Shadow teams with the Green Hornet, apparently ignorant of the events of Masks are superior. More on the Hornet later.

This has been the year of The Shadow, and hopefully 2014 will be even bigger. And if you’re as big a fan of The Shadow as I am, I have to recommend The Shadow Fan’s Podcast, a terrific resource on all the versions of the original avenger of the night, by super-fan, and an accomplished pulp writer himself, Barry Reese.

Spinning out of The Shadow, the character find of the year may well be the Black Sparrow. This villainess stole every issue she previously appeared in and made writer Victor Gischler bring her back in the mini-series Noir that also guest-stars Miss Fury and The Shadow. Speaking of Miss Fury, also very good on the pulp vibe and on the shelves this year were that very dangerous time-displaced lady, as well as Dark Horse’s Black Beetle, The Spider, and Howard Chaykin’s revamp of Buck Rogers.

3. Wave of the Future

Now I talked about a couple of these comics in last year’s best of 2012, bbut the simple fact is – they are still damned good, and still head and shoulders above most of the stuff out there on the shelves today. The Flash by Francis Manapul, Hawkeye by Matt Fraction and David Aja, and Wonder Woman by Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang rock this year just as they did last. These are comics and creators who are taking chances, finding new ways to tell stories, and making new legends. And I love ‘em.

Speaking of new worlds of storytelling, I spent a good deal of my time on Biff Bam Pop! this year reviewing the Marvel Comics crossover event called Infinity by Jonathan Hickman. Now I’m not big on crossovers, it’s a fact I made clear in my very first piece for the site, about Fear Itself, but Hickman made me like this one. Here, with Infinity and Avengers, as with his Fantastic Four, Hickman plays the long game, not writing for the trade, but writing for the long story, the character evolution, the over-arcing pay-off. He’s made me a believer.

4. Give Us What We Want

As comics readers, and yes, as fanboys and fangirls, we are often told that we don’t know what we really want. Sometimes, and I don’t believe this for a second, the comics publishers know what’s better for the characters and their universe(s). Riiiight. All I know is that I understood the DC Comics Multiverse at the age of five, a feat that most of the DC staff couldn’t accomplish before they did the Crisis on Infinite Earths. So they simplified it, and we mourned.

We have been wanting our Earth-Two back ever since, and while we haven’t gotten what we were asking for, DC has given us a wonderful present – Earth 2. Created by James Robinson, we are given a whole new parallel Earth, and new origins of our favorite Earth-Two heroes and villains. In a world ravaged by Darkseid and the forces of Apokalips, where Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman have all perished at that enemy’s hands – we meet a new generation of heroes… a new Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Solomon Grundy and more… and of course new secrets. Has any other comic this year had more shocks?

As far as getting what we want, the Godzilla comics by IDW has featured not only all of the Toho daikaiju, but also more battles, and match-ups we have never seen in the films. And then there’s Mark Waid. I think ‘anything by Mark Waid’ should be a category in any best of comics list for 2013. He has given us amazing new spins on Daredevil and made the Hulk into an agent of SHIELD. And low on the radar, from Archie Comics, is a Waid book you should all check out – The Fox, also featuring the work of Dean Haspiel.

5. Bad Ideas Done Well

There have been a number of comics this year, that quite honestly, when I heard the premise, I groaned. But I have to rescind those groans, because more than a few of these comics are pretty darn awesome. Kill Spider-Man and put the mind of Doctor Octopus in his body? Thank you, Dan Slott for making me read the web-crawler again, your Superior Spider-Man is an incredible ride, and the best Spidey story in years. Bring Jonah Hex to the present? Time travel has never been good to Hex, but All-Star Western this year once again proves me wrong.

How about Dial H for Hero? This is an old Silver Age concept that even an old school guy like me disliked. Novelist China Mieville took this Dial H idea, twisted it, and ran with it, creating one of my favorite series of the year.  The man managed to out-Vertigo Vertigo.  Riverdale overrun with zombies? Oh yeah, that’ll work – but it did, check out Afterlife with Archie.

You want more bad idea theater? Brian Michael Bendis took the original X-Men and time traveled them to the present, making his All-New X-Men one of the most fascinating books on the shelves. This worked so well that rumor has it Jonathan Hickman will be throwing the original Avengers at the current day team soon. And then there’s Superman/Wonder Woman, a series concentrating on the ill-advised romance between the two title characters. Relationship aside, Charles Soule has made this one of the best Super-titles out there. You just never know what will work.

2013 was a great year for comics, and I can’t wait for 2014. Now if we can only get the Legion of Super-Heroes back…

For a myriad of reasons, it’s tough to find a great Wonder Woman comic book storyline run.

You get lots of them with Batman and Superman and Flash and Legion of Superheroes and Justice League and so many other great characters and superhero team-ups. But with Wonder Woman, it’s all shoulder shrugs. There are reasons for this, but I’ll save that discussion for another time.

For me, the character’s greatest run might very well be the one under writer/artist George Perez in the late 1980’s.

And now this, more recent one, under Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang.

But all good things…all good things!

Wonder Woman #35

Written by: Brian Azzarello

Illustrated by: Cliff Chiang

Published by: DC Comics

Three years ago (has it been that long already?), DC Comics re-launched every comic book title they were publishing under the New52 moniker. If I paint it with a large brush, every title kind of shared the same universe where an action in one title should have a repercussion in another. Most, but not all, of the titles had nothing to do with their old history (or storylines), pre New52.

It can be said that the stronger titles, story wise, were the ones that were left to their own devices and not burdened by crossovers. Wonder Woman, written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Cliff Chiang (for almost the entire three year run) was one of those titles.

Here was a new Wonder Woman, with a mythology that firmly intertwined Amazons and the Greek pantheon of Gods, and, of course, their effect on mankind. Despite the sizable threats, “superheroes” other than Wonder Woman, were nowhere to be found.

And that made Wonder Woman great.

Here was a monthly comic book series that had room to breathe, where Wonder Woman could make mistakes, err in judgment, and find herself and her role in the world whilst protecting the baby of a human woman – and not be encumbered by other writers (and editors) “blockbuster” storylines. As readers, we discovered Wonder Woman as she discovered herself: first as a warrior princess, then as a divine protector, the God of War, and finally, an emissary of love.

It’s been a special story that will certainly go down as one of the most long-standing, and best, Wonder Woman storylines ever told. And issue #35, out today, is the final chapter. Next month, a new creative team will take over and Wonder Woman will take a new direction.

Today, however, make the run to you local comic book shop and pick up Wonder Woman #35, the bookend to a special series about a special character that deserved a special story – and finally got her due.

Every Wednesday, JP makes the after-work run to his local downtown comic book shop. Comics arrive on Wednesdays you see and JP, fearful that the latest issue will sell out, rushes out to purchase his copy. This regular, weekly column will highlight a particularly interesting release, written in short order, of course, because JP has to get his – before someone else does!

Strange Adventures
Written by: Various
Illustrated by: Various
Published by: Vertigo Comics

It’s no secret that I like my anthologies and my Vertigo Comics. Put those two things together, and you’re sure to find that mash up on a Wednesday Run.

Well, how about this Wednesday Run?

In a move that seems more out of parent company DC Comics’ playbook, Vertigo Comics, the mature, sophisticated redheaded stepson of the old publisher, is releasing a one off, 80-page homage to…science fiction!

Yes! You read that right! Strange Adventures, which borrows its name from DC’s classic sci-fi comic beginning in 1950 (which advertised “Amazing Science Fiction Tales!”) and ended in a weird, but storied run through to 1973 (giving us memorably strange characters like Deadman, Animal Man and Captain Comet, while showcasing the emerging artwork of the legendary Neal Adams), returns under the Vertigo banner this time.

And what a treat it will be for comic book fans old and new!

The Eisner Award winning writer/artist team of Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso (100 Bullets) are here with a sneak peek at their upcoming, highly anticipated, new series, Spaceman. They’re joined by other writers and artists, both tried and true and up and coming, including: Peter Milligan (Shade the Changing Man, Greek Street, Hellblazer), Scott Snyder (American Vampire, Detective Comics), Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth, Essex County Trilogy, Superboy) and Kevin Colden (Fishtown, I Rule the Night) among others, tackling stories featuring fringe characters like Captain Comet and…Ultra, The Multi Alien.

Yeah. It’s weird. But it’s wonderful stuff.

Make the run this Wednesday – and keep it weird!

Off the top of my head, I’m having trouble remembering what the very first first issue comic I bought was.

Of course, I was there for the first issues of Watchmen, Sandman and Hellblazer. I had seen ads of those comics in an industry leaflet and thought that their respective stories sounded interesting – that they were right up my ever-growing imaginative alley.

And they were.

Although I stated collecting comic books in the mid 1980’s, I, along with what could have been the rest of the world, got crazy with comic collecting in the 1990’s. That’s when I remember lots of “first issues” showing up on the stands; where multiple covers of the same publication reared their multi-pictorial heads; where I would go to my local comic book shop and buy three issues of Justice League #1 and three issues of the bagged version of Spider-Man #1 (not to mention multiple copies of the silver and bronze cover versions). I did the same with X-Men #1 too: one copy to read, one to collect and file away (in mint condition) and one copy to sell for loads of money in the not-too-distant future.

I spent a lot of hard-earned cash as a kid and later as a teenager on comics in the early nineties, thinking I’d be making a lot of money off of selling that collection in the late nineties.

I was duped. We all were. For various reasons, the artificially inflated sales of the comic book industry, in the mid 1990’s, simply blew-up. Titles blew up. Companies blew up. The industry blew up. Speculators left when they realized those inflated gains were never going to come. And the comic book readers walked away from the mess of multiple covers to singularly disappointing comic book issues. There’s a gap of about ten years in my collection from where I walked away from all comic book reading.

And you see, that’s the rub of it!

My habits around comics changed from lovingly reading these pieces of graphic fiction to coldly collecting them, speculating on their future worth, meticulously filing them away, alphabetized and numbered, in long, white boxes.

These days, I read comics again. Sometimes lovingly. And with the advent of DC Comics’ new 52 titles, launched with “#1” on their covers this month, here’s the next installment of my Top 10 to look forward to. (You can read the first part here.)

5. Swamp Thing (September 7)

In the mid 1980’s, Swamp Thing, written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Steve Bissette and John Totleben, showed the world exactly the types of stories the comics medium could produce: character-driven, socially conscious, tender and horrific – but always based on human narrative tropes. The image of the muck-encrusted monster that the title elicits broke the bounds of the medium and became a herald for mature, sophisticated storytelling. The publisher, Vertigo Comics, was created because of what the award winning Swamp Thing had done. And now, under acclaimed writer Scott Snyder, there is hope that lightening can strike twice. Over twenty-five years later, Swamp Thing exists within a new comic book age – and Snyder is the new type of comic book writer that can return the title to greatness. I eagerly anticipate this one.

4. Wonder Woman (September 21)

Woe is Wonder Woman! It seems that no writer can get her quite right. And many have tried. Over the years, the character, created by William Moulton Marston, psychologist and feminist theorist, has never had the acclaimed run of stories as her fictional contemporaries Batman and Superman. Sure, everyone in the world knows of Wonder Woman, but believe me when I say that the character meant to inspire women and men alike demands little respect in the comic book industry. The celebrated writer (often of noir comic fiction), Brian Azzarello, aims to change that dim view. He has an ability to bring real character and real sensibilities to his leading men and women – aspects that Wonder Woman has been missing all these years. He’s gone on record that this title is as much horror story as it is superhero. Strange, I know, but definitely new. If there’s anyone that can usher the Amazon Princess into the pantheon of heroes to which she is entitled, it’s definitelyAzzarello. I look forward to seeing what he will bring to the table on a monthly basis.

3. Batwoman (September 14)

I’ve been waiting a long, long time for this. First solicited for the fall of 2010, wherein a “0” issue was released, the true Batwoman monthly series was to arrive in stores this past February. Then spring. Finally, after much confusion and re-soliciting of premiere dates, artist J.H. Willaims’ seminal turn on the character can commence. He blew minds, working from Greg Rucka scripts in Detective Comics when it starred Batwoman in 2009-2010, challenging the perception of what visual information a comic book page could contain. Williams is an artist’s artist and a designer’s designer. He has made the character of Kate Kane (Batwoman’s true identity) as real as any strong, female character that currently exists and there are men and women of all ages eager to return to the Scarlet Bat’s heroic exploits. Without a doubt, this will be the most beautiful comic book series you have ever laid eyes upon – and the literary storytelling should prove to be just as wondrous as the visual.

2. Batman (September 21)

Another comic book written by Scott Snyder. Another comic book on the Top 10 list. Snyder had one of the most important and consequential story runs on the recently defunct Detective Comics, writing the character of Dick Grayson under the bat cowl for a full year. Now he flips to the more action-oriented Batman title, writing the one and only Bruce Wayne as the titular hero. Fan favourite artist Greg Capullo joins him here and this newly formed dynamic duo promise copious amounts of intrigue, action and dastardly villains, new and old, to the series. If you love Batman in his proving grounds of Gotham City, this is the series you should be reading.

1. Action Comics (September 7)

A number of years ago, writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely gave us the beloved 12-issue series, All-Star Superman. In the past, I’ve proclaimed it the greatest Superman story of all time. (You can find it in a wonderful Absolute Edition at your local comic book shop or as a cartoon DVD at your local video store. The comic is much better.) While All-Star Superman showcased the well-establish Last Son of Krypton in his final days, the monthly Action Comics aims to present the iconic hero in his early days: learning the limits of his powers whilst adapting himself to life in the big city of Metropolis. This is a young Superman, and he’s feared, not adored by humanity. Morrison, with artist Rags Morales, promise to bring a version of the Man of Steel “so different that no one can expect what will happen next!” Morrison has always been good to his word and I anticipate a story that will be the perfect bookend to what was his All-Star take on the character. Superman is the cornerstone of the DC Universe. It’s from here that all else revolves. Expect nothing short of brilliance!

So there you have it. The top 5 of the top 10.

So far, in this series of three “Reboots and Recollections” columns, I’ve described my early love for comics, gave some rationale behind DC’s relaunch and shedded some light on what the most eagerly anticipated new comics might be this September – while simultaneously describing a comic book fan’s excitement behind the reading (and collecting) of a “first issue”.

There’s one part left to write, but that part takes a little hindsight in the crafting. I hope to see you here next week for that fourth and final column in this series. In the meantime, enjoy the reading of your comic books. It’s that pleasure that makes a first issue or, in fact, any issue memorable – not the number on the cover.

Numbers, after all, are transient. Good stories stay with us forever.

A near-mythical legend returns to right the wrongs of the present day. Does he have the means, the will and the strength to triumph in this overwrought, and exceedingly negative time now that age, reputation and criticism stand alongside both his new and old antagonists?

And that’s just writer Frank Miller!

Never mind his most famous and critically acclaimed fictional version of Batman, found in 1986’s Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.

No, we’re focusing on the main draw here, Miller and his third instalment in that three decades old franchise, Dark Knight III: The Master Race #1 – released today!

Follow me after the jump for the dark and stormy tell-all.

Dark Knight III: The Master Race #1

Written by: Frank Miller and Brian Azzarello

Illustrated by: Andy Kubert and Klaus Janson

Published by: DC Comics

In 1986, Frank Miller’s (along with inker Klaus Janson and colourist Lynn Varley) dark, moody and violent four-part, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns changed comics. Along with Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, it’s held up by fans and critics alike as the high watermark of the comic book medium, challenging expectations and ushering the genre into a fiction rooted in, if often exaggerated, late twenty-first century realism.

For a while, that sense of hard-hitting realism killed comic books for an entire generation of readers who were drawn to the genre for some semblance of escapism and fun.

Miller returned to his dour, older Batman figure with the three issue The Dark Knight Strikes Again in 2001, this time bringing back that late nineteen sixties and early nineteen seventies sense of adventure and fun to the story. Strangely, it wasn’t well taken and many thought that the aging visionary had lost his fire.

Now, nearly thirty years after the original mini series inspired so many writers and artists and readers, Miller returns with Dark Knight III: The Master Race. And this time, he’s brought friends.

In truth, no one is too certain how involved Frank Miller is with Dark Knight III: The Master Race. Brian Azzarello, himself a critical and fan favourite writer, shares storytelling chores, while Andy Kubert, one of the industry’s best, is on art duties. Klaus Janson returns to ink Kubert, helping to keep some semblance of artistic continuity on the series. Interviews and reports suggest that Miller had a hand in crafting the story, but it was Azzarello who was the impetus to even begin the tale – as well as move it forward. How heavy is Miller’s hand with Dark Knight III: The Master Race?

Of course, DC Comics, the publisher, is looking at shipping as many copies of the eight part series as possible, and Miller’s name across the top of the front cover still holds much cache.

There’s a lot of mystery surrounding the new story and it looks like DC has built a number of tie-in’s to move units and create revenue around it. Still, Dark Knight III: The Master Race is an important book, chiefly because of Miller – and because of how important Batman: The Dark Knight Returns remains in the vast library of comic book art and sequential storytelling.

Make the run to your local comic book shop today and pick up Dark Knight III: The Master Race. Good or bad or in-between, it’s going to be a fascinating read.

And be back here first thing tomorrow morning for our review of the first issue, as we discover if the new series, created firmly in the twenty-first century, lives up to all the excitement surrounding it.

Let’s start with the most important question this week: was it any good?

If you didn’t already know – and really, we all already knew – Dark Knight III: The Master Race #1 was released yesterday, the first issue of an eight-part series from DC Comics starring their most marketable character, Batman. It was, of course, our pick of the week yesterday.

For good or for bad, acclaimed comic book creator Frank Miller was commissioned to return to The Dark Knight Returns character and the story line that helped define a whole generation (or two) of comic book publishing nearly thirty years ago: grim, gritty, realism, that was an abject departure from the majority of 1960’s and 1970’s comic book storytelling that featured heroic science fiction and flights of fantasy by colourful costumed characters.

There is much riding on the new series including the reputation of the creators involved, the glowing legacy of the original series, and the under-scrutiny leadership of the publishing company that green-lit the project.

So, was it worthwhile? Was the first issue any good?

The answer to that question is yes. Yes, it was. And in many ways, it was very good. Here’s why:

Admittedly, most were skeptical. And why not? DC Comics, the second largest comic book publisher, seems somewhat wayward these days in both their pop-culture direction and the comic book titles they are publishing.

In an attempt to make ground on market share, they’ve revamped their entire line of comic books dubbing their shared universe as “The New 52” in recent years and even re-mined the award-winning and industry changing series, Watchmen, which, like The Dark Knight Returns, was also published in 1986. The latter contained a series of spin-off comic books starring secondary characters and affectionately titled After Watchmen. Written and illustrated by a bevy of leading comic book creators, that cynical business decision went against the judgment of the original Watchmen creator, Alan Moore, a leading figure in the industry and a man who has refused to work for the company due to rights and compensation issues, amongst other issues, for over two decades. The After Watchmen series of comic books, which contained some interesting and worthy work, was released with more of a soft whimper than a bang, and seems mostly forgotten only a few years after publication.

And now, DC Comics mines their other crown jewel series.

No one is too sure how involved Frank Miller, The Dark Knight Returns writer and illustrator, is with the latest installment of that original storyline. Although his name has top billing, the series is being co-written by Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets, Wonder Woman), himself a well-regarded comic book writer, and illustrated by Andy Kubert, another star in the industry. Klaus Janson, the inker over Kubert’s pencils brings a sense of artistic continuity to the visuals on the page as he was Miller’s inker on the original series. Through various interviews, it seems that the genesis of Dark Knight III: The Master Race came from Azzarello and DC Comics, who pulled Miller in to consult on storyline and dialogue. It’s been speculated how collaborative the collaboration really is, but Miller’s fingerprints are, indeed, all over the first issue.

To set the stage, it’s best to know that Dark Knight III: The Master Race (in shorthand, DKIII) is being billed as the third and final part of a trilogy of stories that showcases an older and more grizzled Batman in a return to crime fighting after an extended “retirement” . The second installment by Frank Miller, The Dark Knight Strikes Again, published in 2001, aimed to get away from the dark and realistic tone the first installment established in favour of a return to the more fun silver ago of comic book publishing. That three-issue series was not well-regarded.

If you have yet to read the comic, be warned that spoilers ensue:

In DKIII #1, we discover that Batman has once again disappeared from the public realm, this time for nearly half a decade – but the opening scene showcases the characters abrupt return. This time, our nimble and never aged hero is beating up police officers instead of crooks and, by the final cliffhanger scene, we discover that this Batman, finally captured by the police, is in fact, Carrie Kelly, the Robin from the previous two chapters. More shocking than that, she admits that Bruce Wayne is dead. It’s a fantastic way to end a first issue – and a terrific lead for audiences to want to pick up the second.

Throughout DKIII #1, Miller and Azzarello give us glimpses into the larger plot: the earth’s greatest and strongest hero, Superman, has retreated into his Fortress of Solitude, embedded within a thick layer of ice, seemingly deliberately. His only visitor is his teenage daughter, Kara, whose mother also happens to be Wonder Woman. She has the same powers as her parents and is the only one who still takes an active interest in her father. While at the Fortress, Kara notices the famous bottled city of Kandor – an entire Kryptonian city and all of its inhabitants, shrunk down to the size of a table-top diorama. Its inhabitants send out a mysterious message for help.

We also know that Diana, Wonder Woman, is back at home with her Amazonian people, passively raising a second child while battling a giant Minotaur and leading as Queen. She has little interest in the outside world, except a curiosity over her eldest daughter, who does seem to have interest in mankind and society.

The title of the series has been widely speculated by fans and critics alike. Who, exactly, is the “Master Race”? From the plot points, it seems that the answer is two-fold. Writers Azzarello and Miller point to the trinity of DC’s superheroes: Superman, Wonder Woman, and the seemingly deceased original Batman as the world’s true “Masters”. They are (or were) shining examples of strength, hope, justice and love – the best qualities found in all of mankind. It’s a theme that has run throughout the various The Dark Knight Returns stories – from part one to part two. But the “Master Race” could also point to the bottled city of Kandor, thousands of microscopic Kryptonians that, if returned to regular size, would have the exact same powers as the currently frozen and removed from human society, Superman.

In an interesting twist to the publishing of DKIII, each of the eight issues of the series will contain a short mini comic, with the first one written and penciled by Frank Miller. Not only is this more evidence of his involvement with the project, but these mini comics provide added story elements to the main series. In issue one, it’s an extended scene where Kara takes Kandor to the old Justice League scientist-hero known as the Atom, stating that the bottled city’s inhabitants wish to return to regular size. The request could very well be the set-up to the story’s conflict-to-come.

Although the scene is endearing, and although it appears to be an important one, having it placed as a mini-comic within the comic itself, comes across as a promotional stunt. It could easily have been included within issue #1 proper. Still, that seems to be DC’s modus operandi with this particular title: each issue will include a “mini comic” illustrated by a different, top, artist. Getting Frank Miller to draw the first one lends a sense of credibility to his overall contribution to the project. (Plus, every fan wants to see more of Miller’s art.)

Azzarello’s writing, dialogue and scene structure, (dismissing the inherent speculation of the level of Frank Miller’s involvement in it) seem very Miller-esque. Azzarello, like Miller, has always had a preponderance for tight, terse, dialogue, so there’s really no identifiable way to discern each creators level of involvement except through interviews with the them. Miller has admitted that much of the writing work is, in fact, the product of his co-author.

Of course, there are panels that infer television show broadcasts as well as celebrities, which harkens the visual storytelling of the original series, all those years ago. These are merged with layouts of cell phone text conversations that remind readers that the book is new, is its own entity, and is being published in the here and now. Splash panels further echo the artistic sensibilities of 1986’s The Dark Knight Returns, especially as Batman battles Gotham City’s police force (where the character gets brutally beat up!), as well as in Wonder Woman’s fight with a Minotaur – after which  she calmly breast feeds her baby. The shock of those two disparate visuals is exacting to Miller’s own visual sensibilities. It’s a testament to Andy Kubert’s pencils and Klaus Janson’s inks that DKIII #1 feels so tightly interwoven with the other two parts of the trilogy.

DKIII #1 was a great first chapter into this particular series. Any well-earned skepticism was quickly allayed by the quality of the storytelling and the desire to want to read the next issue.

Where does the story go from here? We’ll be following the series closely, reviewing each issue as it’s released. Be back next month for an assessment of DKIII #2.

In the meantime, what did you think?

With all the action surrounding the holiday season, you can forgive me for not actually reading last week’s release of Dark Knight III: The Master Race #2 until last night. Yes, I was anxious to read it. I loved the first issue – our review of which you can find here. I just wasn’t able to get to it sooner. Chalk it up to life’s obligations.

Which is a fitting obligation, I suppose, as that is also Batman’s pre-eminent responsibility: fighting crime. Until his bitter end.

Which, we’re told in last month’s issue, already happened.

Bruce Wayne is dead. Carrie Kelly is now wearing the cowl and cape. Superman and Wonder Woman have a super-powered (and willful) teenage daughter. And there’s a rising threat.

Follow me after the jump for a brief review of Dark Knight III: The Master Race #2 and to discover some answer to last month’s oft-asked questions!

So far, Dark Knight III: The Master Race (better, or more quickly, known as DKIII) has been an enjoyable, if slow burn. It has much to live up to, of course, with the mid 1980’s publication of the four-part Batman: The Dark Knight Returns being a high watermark in the pantheon of sequential storytelling. Truly, the series of “Dark Knight” stories from writer/artist Frank Miller, has become a sort of series of else-world tales – reimagining’s of classic characters, put into different times, or predicaments without the drowning food of decades of continuity (and marketing) to hold them back from further interpretation and characterization.

Aided by writer Brian Azzarello and illustrator Andy Kubert, Frank Miller’s DKIII, is an examination of a future world where superheroes are Gods and mankind is something beneath them. At least, that’s the way the story seems to be headed. It’s in the title, after all: “The Master Race”. And, truthfully, no one is very certain at how involved Miller is in this work, other than story ideas and his name in the book’s credits. (But that’s an editorial for after the work is fully published.)

In issue #2, we see Carrie Kelly (who was once a young Robin and now seems to be Batman), escape from police custody using all of the tricks that Batman would be known to use: precise planning, knowledge of enemy activities and proclivities, explosives, and, of course, the giant, larger-than-life Bat-tank from the original Batman: The Dark Knight Returns series. It was great to see this particular vehicle in action again. And it’s with no less awe that artist Andy Kubert draws it, launching, crashing and staring down police cruisers, than how Frank Miller employed those visuals in the original series, all those decades ago.

Meanwhile, at the request of Kara (Superman and Wonder Woman’s daughter), Dr. Ray Palmer (better known as the superhero, the Atom) is working on restoring the miniaturized inhabitants of the bottled city of Kandor to their rightful size.

This particular Supergirl is already one that seems aloof and willful and it’s interesting to hear Dr. Palmer mention her as being notably less human than her alien father. She responds to his half-veiled jest by reminding him that she was raised by her mother, an Amazon – a statement that deepens a mystery and begs a question: who is “The Master Race” in this story? One begins to wonder if Kara may not play the antagonist in future issues.

In any case, the hubris of the Atom succeeds in finally restoring the Kandorians to their normal size – but he soon realizes the grievous mistake he made. Most of the thousands of friendly alien Kandorians are restored dead, murdered at the hands of a religious sect who are now whole and, under a yellow sun, have the same powers of the Kyrptonian Superman! “Oh God” says Palmer and the cult’s leader, Quar, acknowledges that designation. The shrunken Atom then dies under the boot of a once-friendly Kandorian and Quar astonishingly incinerates the rest of the bottled city of Kandor with his newly acquired heat vision.

The Master Race indeed. That leaves at least one question answered.

As for the elephant in the room: whether the original Batman is alive or dead – that question is shockingly and thankfully answered in the last panel of the issue.

At his bat cave console, an aged Bruce Wayne is indeed alive – and like when at his crime-fighting peak, he’s certainly been planning.

DKIII #2 was an engaging second chapter of a larger story. It’s interesting to compare the original against this new series, as each 48-page issue of the original series was a sort of self-contained story, full of characterization and a larger plot. That’s not happening here in DKIII. As already mentioned, its story is a slower burn, drawn out over a number of issues, and, although it’s relatively less artistically successful than the mid-eighties tale (what could possibly be better?) it’s still a fascinating, page turning read. I know I want to know what’s going to happen next. Battle lines, surely, will be drawn. The superhero “Gods” of earth, Superman and Wonder Woman, will surely be intrinsically involved. As will the original Batman: nothing but a man, but omnipotent in his desire for justice.

Still, why did Carrie Kelly allow herself to be captured? And why lie about the death of Bruce Wayne?

The mini-comic inserted inside this particular issue showcases the relationship between Wonder Woman and her teenage daughter, Kara. As you’d expect, the Amazonian legend has just as many problems with parenting as any non-powered human. Also written by Brian Azzarello and Frank Miller, and illustrated by Eduardo Risso, it fits into the overall story in every visual sense – not only because Risso’s style employs the heavy use of shadows and light, which is akin to Frank Miller’s artwork, but he’s also inked by Klaus Janson, the unifying art force throughout the DKIII visuals. It’s a really nice chapter, a sort of Director’s Cut scene that adds any perceived missing characterization of the larger story.

Next month brings us issue #3. More questions I’m sure, will be answered as the plot, and the enemy, moves forward with full force. See you then for another review!

We’ve been waiting a long time for this one. Literally…and somewhat figuratively.

If you’re a regular comic book reader, or a regular visitor to this website, you’ll know that legendary creator, Frank Miller, has returned to the character and series of stories that changed the comic book landscape in the mid 1980s: The Dark Knight Returns.

That series, it turns out, is a trilogy.

After The success of The Dark Knight Returns, which was a standalone tale, Miller returned to the story, continuing the crime-ridding escapades of an aged Batman with The Dark Knight Strikes Again in late 2001. Admittedly, it wasn’t as universally acclaimed as its predecessor. But this year saw the final chapter of a grand tale with The Dark Knight III: The Master Race (otherwise known as DKIII).

But there’s always been one story missing, hinted at in the first issue of The Dark Knight Returns, over thirty years ago.

Today, we finally get it with the one-shot issue: The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade #1

Follow me after the jump for its significance!

The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade #1

Written by: Brian Azzarello and Frank Miller

Illustrated by: John Romita Jr. and Bill Sienkiewicz

Published by: DC Comics

Biff Bam Pop! has been running, intermittent, semi-regular reviews, of each DKIII issue, as they’ve been published this year. We’re a little behind schedule with tardiness due entirely to yours truly. But I have an excuse for that sluggishness! And it’s got to do with momentum.

You see, DKIII itself has been regularly late. I’m talking months! And, although the series has been a really good read, it has totally lost any thrust and any energy it had due to constant lateness.

So the one-shot story tie-in of The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade #1 fits right in: It was due to be released in March of this year – nearly three months ago!

Still, because it’s a standalone tale, and takes place decades before the DKIII story – in fact, it takes place before the story of 1985’s The Dark Knight Returns, it should still be accessible to any reader, new or returning. And, as I mentioned earlier, it’s been a long time coming.

There’s an infamous scene in The Dark Knight Returns that shows an older Bruce Wayne, in his Batcave, forlornly looking at an empty Robin costume that he keeps preserved under a glass trophy case. This Robin, you see, Jason Todd, the second Robin, is dead, murdered at the hands of the Joker. That event was the reason for Batman’s retirement before The Dark Knight Returns. And readers have forever been wondering what that particular story was.

Teamed with writing partner Brian Azzarello and fan-favourite artists John Romita Jr. and Bill Sienkiewicz, Miller now turns to finally tell us that tale! At 64 pages in length, it’s gonna be a doozy!

Make the run to your local comic book shop today and pick up what amounts to the “first” chapter – the inciting force – of the Dark Knight saga with The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade #1!

If you live in and around the Toronto area, or enjoy travelling to the city, there are two certainties that the summer is very nearly over:

The Canadian National Exhibition opens its doors for two weeks and pop culture fans everywhere lose sleep in anticipation for the annual extravaganza that is Fan Expo Canada!

Celebrating its 22^nd year, this year’s version of Fan Expo Canada looks to be the biggest and greatest one yet – and that’s truly saying something! Currently the third largest pop culture event in North America, the ever-growing 4-day celebration aims to host over 140,000 convention goers ambling through a sprawling 750,000 square feet of floor space at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, chock full of pop culture exhibitors, symposiums, industry talks, fans and stars!

That’s right.

Comic books. Movies. Television. Sci fi. Horror. Gaming. Anime. Art. Crafts. Costumes. And much, much more. Toronto comes alive with pop culture this coming weekend, and we here at Biff Bam Pop! couldn’t be happier!

Here are a few things we’re looking forward to between Thursday, September 1 and Sunday, September 4. Come on out and join us in pop culture nirvana – it’s just one more sleep away!

COMICS

Admittedly, this is my main attraction to Fan Expo Canada: comic books and all that surround them. With their greatest line up of comic book creators yet, the organizers of this particular edition of the convention have gone out of their way to plan amazing industry guests and talks. In addition to the multitude of sellers booth of books and toys, here are the some of the comic book related events that have caught our eye.

Frank Miller & The Dark Knight III Team

Batman is front and centre at this year’s Fan Expo! You’ll get to meet and participate in talks with the team of creators behind the recent Dark Knight III: The Master Race comic book series. These are legends, each and every one of them: Frank Miller, Andy Kubert, Brian Azzarello and Klaus Janson. Some of these meet and greets and signings are ticketed events, so be sure to check out the Fan Expo website first to avoid disappointment. (Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4)

Margaret Atwood Debuts Her Angel Catbird Graphic Novel

Beloved Canadian author Margaret Atwood (The Handmaid’s Tale, Alias Grace, Oryx and Crake) launches her first graphic novel, Angel Catbird, along with illustrator Johnny Christmas. It’s a world premiere event! What? You didn’t know Atwood was a comic book fan? Here’s your chance to meet her, ask questions, and get a signing of her new graphic novel! (Saturday, September 3)

Stan Lee’s Final Canadian Appearance

I, along with Biff Bam Pop’s Editor-in-Chief, Andy Burns, were lucky to be at a Stan Lee event a few years ago – and it was, undoubtedly, one of the best times we’ve had at a comic book convention. The man was open, involved, funny, and a real trooper for hanging around and making a point of talking to everyone that had come out to see him. Father time might be creeping up, and Fan Expo is billing this as the industry legend’s last Canadian appearance. Let’s hope not…it’s always great to meet the guy who created so many of the wonderful comic book characters we adore today! (Thursday, September 1 – Sunday September 4)

GAMING

It seems the gaming portion of Fan Expo gets bigger and bigger each year…especially the video gaming portion of it. This year is no different, with a few events that have definitely caught our interest.

Floor space for video game designers seems to get more widespread and more intricate each year. We’ve got signing booths for developers and level artists now – unheard of just a few years ago! The entertainment industry is changing and gaming, whether it’s the digital kind or the cards, dice and figurines kind, is at the forefront. Here’s what we’re digging!

 Northern Arena E Sports Championship – Toronto LAN Finals

Ok. This is definitely something to see…whether on location at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, or from the comfy confines of the sofa in front of your console or computer. Presented by Bell, Northern Arena will host three tournaments including the CS: GO Final and $10,000 prize pools for both Hearthstone and Clash Royale (you must have seen the ads)!  Gaming as a sport…a most outrageous sport! (Room 718 South Building on Thursday, September 1 – Sunday September 4)

Read more about Northern Arena at: NorthernArena.ca

Watch the epic battle live from September 1-4 on Twitch: Twitch.tv/northernarena See highlights from past tournaments on: YouTube

For updates find Northern Arena on Facebook and Twitter at: Facebook.com/NorthernArenaEsports and @NorthernArena

Batman: Arkham VR Demo

Just when you thought there wasn’t enough Batman at Fan Expo, this weekend, you can actually be the Batman in the EB Gamer Zone! You can be among the first to experience Batman: Arkham VR in a playable demo. Definitely worth checking out if you love the Dark Knight, video games, or the future! (Thursday, September 1 – Sunday September 4)

Table Top & Role Playing

I know. I know. There are a lot of you table-top and role–playing gamers out there as well. Fan Expo hasn’t left you in the dust. I got a hot tip from Biff Bam Pop’s own Justin Mohareb that there is plenty on offer for you guys and gals as well. Justin, you see, is the Lord Commander of gaming at Fan Expo, so although he’s not directly involved in each of the events, he’s kind of omnipresent. This year will see the continuation of programming from previous years, but keep a watchful eye out for all-time faves like D&D and Pathfinder events. There are also YuGiOh! and Magic tournaments happening every day…including one YuGiOh! tournament where the winner gets a PS4. Sweet monsters! (Thursday, September 1 – Sunday September 4)

MOVIES & TELEVISION

Photo ops, signings and meet and greets. I don’t even know where to start here…there are so many celebrities and stars of film, television and other media at this year’s Fan Expo, certainly too many to list.

It’s this aspect of Fan Expo that usually sees the longest of the line-ups and for good reason: everyone wants to have a moment with a pop-culture celebrity!

Well, there are plenty here this weekend to choose from. Make sure you check out the Fan Expo website for tickets to some of these. That said, here are some of our highlights.

William Shatner in the Captain’s Chair

For the first time ever, you can take your photo with William Shatner, the one and only Captain James T. Kirk, from the original Star Trek – next to him in the Captain’s Chair of the U.S.S. Enterprise! Oh, this is boldly going! (Friday, September 2)

Mark Hamill

Return of the Jedi indeed! There are actually two events featuring Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker, in case you didn’t know) that every fan should seek out. First, you can catch him live at a ticketed event, along with autograph signing and photo op. (Friday, September 2)

But you can also see him at a special Batman & Joker Live event alongside Kevin Conroy! The voices of the animated Joker and Batman, together in the same room…in real-life! That laugh! That menace! Oh man, this is going to be awesome! (Sunday, September 4)

Batman & Robin & The Batmobile

The Batman fun continues! Here’s a chance to meet and take a photo op with Adam West (Batman), Burt Ward (Robin) and their 1960’s television series Batmobile! It’s a pop culture hat-trick! (Friday, September 2 – Sunday, September 4)

Fan Expo Canada runs from Thursday, September 1 to Sunday, September 4 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. For schedules, tickets and information, visit their web page at: www.fanexpocanada.com  

We at Biff Bam Pop! will see there!

Over the last few weeks, we’ve highlighted a series of comic book collections that would make ideal gifts for your comic book loving friends and loved ones this season.

You can find the first part of our trilogy of lists here, which showcases a number of more affordable trade paperback collections.

Last week, the second installment focused on hardcover collections, although slightly more expensive. You can find that list right here.

Today, we’re getting into the crème-de-la-crème of comic book collections. Save these for someone you really care for…or for even someone like yourself! Who wouldn’t want these tomes wrapped up?

With only a few days to go before Christmas, and without further ado, here is the final installment of our list of comic book collections for the 201 6holiday season!

Aliens 30^th Anniversary: The Original Comics Series

I got into the Alien film franchise right after James Cameron’s seminal 1986 Aliens film. And it was comic books that fed me what I wanted – a visually horrific sequential art sequel to that cinematic sequel. So I, along with many, many other comic book fans, have fantastic recollections of the Dark Horse Comic book 6-issue miniseries, Aliens, that picks up directly after Cameron’s flick and follows the further adventures of the Hicks and Newt characters.

The Aliens 30^th Anniversary: The Original Comics Series is a beautiful compendium collection of the Mark Verheiden and Mark A. Nelson story. Beautiful and frightening, this hardcover reproduction is oversized and unabridged and full of extras. This is where you get to see the origins of the space jockey before the Prometheus film was ever thought up!

Whether you’re a comic book fan, or just a lover of the Alien film series, this book is a must have! Find it at your local comic book shop or an Amazon for $25.30.

Guillermo del Toro: At Home With Monsters: Inside His Films, Notebooks and Collections

Although this is not a comic book, acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro is an avid fan of the artistic medium and has continuously influenced it over the life of his own works.

Guillermo del Toro: At Home With Monsters: Inside His Films, Notebooks and Collections is a scrapbook of sorts inside the dark fantasy imagination of the man. Here you’ll find extracts from his journals, clippings, his ideas for stories and his vast collection of art and pop culture. It’s a book of a man’s creativity that you can’t help but be inspired by. And it’s a perfect companion to the current travelling art exhibit which started at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and will make it’s way to my hometown of Toronto at the Art Gallery of Ontario. (Any of you want to meet me there in late 2017?)

If you have a friend or loved one who is a fan of del Toro’s work, the dark or the fantastical, this is the book to get them this holiday season. Find it at your local bookstore or on Amazon for $19.49.

The Art of Atari

Again, not a comic book, but still so awesome! One of my pals is getting this for an early January birthday present. Shhhh…don’t tell him!

If you’re a pop culture fan, or a gamer, or a lover of art, or marketing, or a lover of those late 1970 and early-to-mid 1980 video games from Atari like Asteroids, Missile Command and Centipede, you’re going to love the Art of Atari.

This is an exhaustive tome that looks at the art process for crating all of those fantastic early video game covers as well as the stand-up machines that those of us of a certain age spent quarters on at local pool halls during grade and high school. Full of behind the scene details and artist showcases, it’s a wonderful recollection of a burgeoning entertainment industry featuring the titan gaming company of the time.

Find the Art of Atari at your local bookstore or at Amazon for $25.46.

The Flash By Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato Omnibus

OK! Back to comic books!

When DC Comics launched their much-ballyhooed “New 52” series of publications a few years ago, few titles were as successful as Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato’s monthly series of The Flash. Here was, finally, a great return to form for the character of Barry Allen, police scientist transformed into the world’s fastest man! Perhaps even more interestingly, the series also provided the means to watch writer/artist Francis Manapul (A Toronto-based Canuck, it must be said!), grow into such an acclaimed talent. It’s in these pages that Manapul pushed the visual boundaries of comic book storytelling – every page is a wonder, every panel is a treat and the 480 pages that make up this hardcover omnibus is a tale of growth as much for the fictional protagonist as it is for the real-life storyteller.

The Flash By Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato Omnibus is a wonder for any comic book fan – and would make a wonderful gift this holiday season. You can get a copy at your local comic book shop, bookstore that carries collected comics or on Amazon for a great price of $59.68.

Flash fact: this book should be flying off of store shelves…in a flash!

Gotham Central Omnibus

I’ve already got this series collected in various hardcover book and they’ve been featured on this website in the past.

But that’s not going to stop me from suggesting (and totally wanting!) this brand new hardcover omnibus collection of the entire award-winning Gotham Central comic book series!

At 957 pages, this is the one to have on the shelf! Just make sure you reinforce that shelf!

Written by the acclaimed Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka and illustrated by Michael Lark, Gotham Central tells the story of two sets of police shifts in Gotham City and the very human face of how they deal with crime in a town where Batman exists.

It’s absolutely compelling reading. Get this for yourself and for a loved one this holiday season!

You can find the Gotham Central Omnibus at your local comic book shop, better bookstore or on Amazon for $69.17.

Absolute Wonder Woman By Brian Azzarello & Cliff Chiang Vol. 1 

Well, since we seem to be on a DC Comics kick right now, let’s keep it going with one more, shall we?

I already mentioned that the “New 52” re-launch of various DC Comics series a few years ago wasn’t entirely successful over a sustained length of time. One of the best titles from that endeavor was already listed in this column. Let me now turn your attention to one of the other great “New 52” series: Wonder Woman, as written and illustrated by the acclaimed team of Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang.

This is a completely different and entirely fresh take on the Amazonian hero, steeped deep in Greek mythology but still contemporized for a modern time. At 484 pages, the Absolute Wonder Woman covers the fist eighteen issues of the monthly series. It’s oversized, which really lets Chiang’s visuals breathe, and is chock full of nearly fifty pages of character designs, sketch material and much more.

2016 is the 75^th Anniversary of Wonder Woman. If you have a loved one in your life who loves that character, myths or super heroics, you can’t go wrong by wrapping up and giving the Absolute Wonder Woman By Brian Azzarello & Cliff Chiang!

Again, you can find it a your local comic book shop, bookstore or on Amazon for $100.

So that’s it for comic book gift guide lists this year! Remember, all of these books are great for friends or loved ones… but remember to always look for number one! If not today, then how about on Boxing Day when the price discounts hit? If you live in the North American snow belt, I understand that the winter of 2017 will be a cold and snowy one…best stay indoors, reading!

If you’re in sunnier climes, why not do the same?

Regardless, happy holidays and happy reading!

Who doesn’t like a good, cutting edge, shocking, comic book anthology in their hands during an early Spring season?

Did I say good? I meant great.

Shocking: there’s a long history of me (and a lot of you) loving the comic compilation. From Wednesday Comics to Solo to Strange Tales – not to mention all of the other horror, sci-fi, and fantasy tales that have been published in handsome, hardcover tomes by a plethora of great publishing companies. Where else can you get such a variety of story by such a diversity of writers and artists, than in an anthology?

Today sees the release of AfterShock Comics’ best foot forward in the mouth-watering world of the compilation.

And like tamazing publishing predecessors before them, it doesn’t get any better than this particular front foot.

Behold! The shockingly great Aftershock SHOCK Anthology!

Aftershock SHOCK Anthology H/C
Written By: Various
Illustrated By: Various
Published By: Aftershock Comics

One important element of a great comic book anthology is to fill it with a variety of stories created by some of the industry’s best talents.

The 160-page Aftershock SHOCK Anthology hardcover, the first that the company has ever published, has got them. And it’s a veritable who’s who of writer and artist names including: Neil Gaiman (Sandman, American Gods), Michael Zulli (The Puma Blues, The Last Temptation), Charles Vess (Stardust, The Books of Magic), Jim Starlin (Dreadstar, Infintiy Gauntlet), Mike Carey (The Unwritten, Lucifer), Bill Willingham (Fables, The Greatest Adventure), Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets, Moonshine), Francesco Francavilla (The Black Beetle, Afterlife With Archie), John Cassaday (Planetary, Star Wars) and many, many more.

These are all Hall of Fame names. Hall of Fame talents. And the Aftershock SHOCK Anthology is chock full of their short tales of horror, suspense, science fiction and fantasy.

Really, there’s a story for every comic book itch you might have – and plenty that will scratch the itch you didn’t even know you had! With titles like “The Mountain Pass”, “Dumb Bitch” and “Live or Die”, every storytelling genre is represented. They’re mature reads, to be sure, but they’re ones you’re going to want to experience.

Printed in the “European Album format” – which is a size that is a bit bigger than your usual comic book format, allowing art and visual storytelling to really breathe, the Aftershock SHOCK Anthology is your must-read for the spring season. Or any season, really.

Make the run to your better comic book shop or bookstore and pick it up! How shocking!

The post Shocking! It’s the ‘Aftershock SHOCK Anthology’ on the Wednesday Run appeared first on .

Every Wednesday, JP makes the after-work run to his local downtown comic book shop. Comics arrive on Wednesdays you see and JP, fearful that the latest issue will sell out, rushes out to purchase his copy. This regular, weekly column will highlight a particularly interesting release, written in short order, of course, because JP has to get his – before someone else does!

Strange Adventures
Written by: Various
Illustrated by: Various
Published by: Vertigo Comics

It’s no secret that I like my anthologies and my Vertigo Comics. Put those two things together, and you’re sure to find that mash up on a Wednesday Run.

Well, how about this Wednesday Run?

In a move that seems more out of parent company DC Comics’ playbook, Vertigo Comics, the mature, sophisticated redheaded stepson of the old publisher, is releasing a one off, 80-page homage to…science fiction!

Yes! You read that right! Strange Adventures, which borrows its name from DC’s classic sci-fi comic beginning in 1950 (which advertised “Amazing Science Fiction Tales!”) and ended in a weird, but storied run through to 1973 (giving us memorably strange characters like Deadman, Animal Man and Captain Comet, while showcasing the emerging artwork of the legendary Neal Adams), returns under the Vertigo banner this time.

And what a treat it will be for comic book fans old and new!

The Eisner Award winning writer/artist team of Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso (100 Bullets) are here with a sneak peek at their upcoming, highly anticipated, new series, Spaceman. They’re joined by other writers and artists, both tried and true and up and coming, including: Peter Milligan (Shade the Changing Man, Greek Street, Hellblazer), Scott Snyder (American Vampire, Detective Comics), Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth, Essex County Trilogy, Superboy) and Kevin Colden (Fishtown, I Rule the Night) among others, tackling stories featuring fringe characters like Captain Comet and…Ultra, The Multi Alien.

Yeah. It’s weird. But it’s wonderful stuff.

Make the run this Wednesday – and keep it weird!

The post The Wednesday Run – May 25, 2011 appeared first on .

If you missed part one of our Comic Book Collections Holiday Gift Guide earlier this month, no worries – you can find it right here!

Part one had a great list of fantastic comic book compilations, all at affordable prices.

Today, we’re kicking it up a notch or two to more mid-priced compilations. You know, the bigger, thicker, hardcovers. We’ve got selections for superhero enthusiast, as well as fantasy and spy story lovers….from mainstream books to indie favourites.

Let’s waste no time – you’ve got shopping to do!

Batman: Damned

DC Comics

In 2018, DC Comics announced their new Black Labe publishing imprint – a place to tell more sophisticated, darker stories, outside of “normal” continuity tales featuring their cast of superheroes.

The three-issue, oversized, Batman: Dammed series was the first under this banner.

If it sound like Black Label was begot of the now defunctVertigo Comics, you wouldn’t be far from the truth. To that end, DC put together the comic book Hall of Fame duo in writer Brian Azzarello and illustrator Lee Bermejo, who so famously worked on the Joker graphic novel a number of years ago.  The publisher gave them their number one selling character, Batman, as well as one of Vertigo Comics founding creations, John Constantine.  Here’s a story of supernatural horror and detective fiction. Ghosts loom large, as does identity…and of course, the Joker is omnipresent.

You can find the hardcover of the wonderfully vivid and truly frightening Batman: Dammed at better comic book shops and bookstores or via Amazon, for around $20.

House Of X/Power Of X

Marvel Comics

The truth is: I haven’t read this series yet. But I’m excited to!

Earlier this year, Marvel Comics tapped writer Jonathan Hickman on the shoulder, giving him the go-ahead to reboot their entire world of mutant superheroes and villains.  A big undertaking, to be sure.

If anyone, Hickman was the man that could do it. He was the one responsible for revamping the Avengers earlier this past decade with one of the most sense-shattering long-form tales that has ever been published in comic book form. Much of that story was adapted into the Avengers series of movies that billions of people have loved.

This website’s Editor-In-Chief, Andy Burns can attest to House of X/Power of X. He’s been reading the monthly stories and has been loving them. I trust Andy, and I trust Hickman.

House of X/Power of X, the compilation of everything that has come thus far (and there’s still so much more to come!) has got to be required reading for any superhero comic book fan in your life!

You can find the 448-page hardcover of House of X/Power of at better comic book shops and bookstores of via Amazon for around $42

The Green Lantern Vol. 1: Intergalactic Lawman

DC Comics

Superstar writer Grant Morrison on an intergalactic series featuring the emerald space-cop?

Superstar artist Liam Sharp, fresh off of one of the best Wonder Woman storylines in recent memory, along for the ring slinging ride?

Yeah, I’m there! And you should be, too!

The Green Lantern, a new 12-issue monthly series featuring GL Hal Jordan began publication late in 2018. It was billed as a space-cop procedural, where each issue was a standalone tale (pretty niche for comic books these days), but with an overarching backdrop of evil galactic supremacy that must be foiled (ah! There it is!).

What The Green Lantern is, is truly a phenomenal, and truly psychedelic story, of what it’s like to fight crime in space with a badge. You’ve never read anything like it…and it was so good, DC Comics gave Green Lantern a second season of twelve issues, about to published in early 2020.

The Green Lantern Vol. 1: Intergalactic Lawmanis the hardcover compilation of the first six issues of the series. If you have someone in your life that loves science fiction, superheroes, cops and robbers…and Green lantern, this is the series for them!

You can find the 178-page hardcover of The Green Lantern Vol. 1: Intergalactic Lawman at better comic book shops and bookstores or via Amazon for about $15.

Books of Magic: 30^thAnniversary Deluxe Edition

DC Comics

You want fairies and magic and wondrous locales? I’d say move over, Happy Potter, expect that Timothy Hunter and the Books of Magic came first!

That’s magic, isn’t it? That more than one person can share an idea, taken from that collective creative ether, and come up with two different versions of the same base idea.

Timothy Hunter has the inherent ability to become the world’s greatest magic-user. Here, in The Books of Magic, he’s smack dab in the center of the DC Universe, sharing adventures with the publishers more…magical folk. The original four-issue mini series, written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by the luminous talents of John Bolton, Scott Hampton, Charles Vess and Paul Johnson, tales the adolescent hunter through the dark, mysterious and entirely magical corners of DC Comics publishing lore.

Guided by John Constantine, Tim can become the greatest force of magical good – or the world’s most evil warlock.

The Books of Magic: 30^thAnniversary Deluxe Edition comes with plenty of extras like never before seen preliminary texts and sketches form the creators. It’s a wonderful gift for those that love magic and art and the stories that bind them.

You can find the 208-page Books of Magic: 30^thAnniversary Deluxe Edition hardcover compilation at better comic book shops and bookstores or via Amazon for about $26.

Mind MGMT Omnibus Part 1, 2,3

Dark Horse Comics

Aw, yeah!  Mind MGMT, one of this writer’s favourite comic book series of all time, is now compiled in an omnibus format – perfect for binge reading in front of the fire this holiday season!

There are three of them, collecting the complete forty+ issue series – all at affordable prices. So, you can either gift a loved one Mind MGMT in one volume to set them off on a path of skies and espionage and superpowers, or grab them the entire set. Believe me, they won’t leave their reading chair until the books are read…and probably re-read!

There’s a lot going on in Mind MGMT where you’ll find plenty of subtext and between-the-panel sort of storytelling. Writer and artists Matt Kindt really pushed the envelope of what the comic book medium can be used for as a storytelling mechanism. You need to check it out, if not for the riveting story, than for the artistry behind the storytelling.

You can find the Mind MGMT Omnibus at better comic book shops and bookstores or via Amazon at a fantastic price of about $13 a pop.

Check back with us later this week when we look at premium priced comic book compilations and graphic novels – all fit to be gifted to a friend or loved one this holiday season!

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If you’re still looking for a gift for that comic book lover in your life, fear not. Although shopping deadlines are beginning to loom large, we’ve got you covered. In a year defined by COVID-19 concerns, delayed released schedules, inherent long lines at physical comic book shops and bookstores and even closed-up shops, both temporally and permanently, there were still plenty of books published that beg attention. And gift-giving!

Here, then, is a list to help you find that perfect book for that family member, friend or loved one:

The Oracle Code & Shadow of the Batgirl

Over the last two years, DC Comics has been specifically publishing a line of books aimed at a younger demographic, featuring superhero characters that you know and love in fresher, deeper character dives that resonate with a pre-teen and teenage audience. The line has been a big hit, featuring characters such as Harley Quinn, Catwoman and Raven. The books are all written and illustrated by out-of-the-box, but award-winning and fan-favourite, authors and illustrators. It’s been an enormous success, really, bringing in in new readers to comic books while also serving long-time fans. 

This year sees more publications in that line, including The Oracle Code, written by New York Times bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp (This Is Were It Ends, Before I Let Go) and illustrated by Italian artist and designer Manuel Preitano (Destiny NY) and Shadow of the Batgirl, written by Sarah Kuhn (Heroine Complex novels) and wonderfully illustrated by Nicole Goux. Biff Bam Pop! actually reviewed the latter book earlier this year, so click that link to get a sense of what these graphic novels have to offer.  

Both paperback books can be purchased at better comic book shops and bookstores for under $20 and make a great and exiting gift or stocking stuffer for the young reader and/or comic book lover in your life.           

Something is Killing the Children (Volumes 1 and 2)

How about a little horror in your holiday stocking this year?

There’s plenty of fright to go alongside the yule log with the 128-page first and 148-page second volume of Something Is Killing the Children. Isn’t that a great title? Written by the award-winning James Tynion IV (The Woods, Detective Comics) and moodily illustrated by fan favourite, Werther Dell’Edera (Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys: The Big Lie, Aliens: Colonial Marines, Dark Entries), it’s a story of mystery, monsters and small town terror in the heartland of America.

In Archer’s Peak, kids are going missing – and those that return are damaged, telling impossible stories of creatures and death. And only the mysterious stranger named Erica Slaughter, monster killer, believes them. The story and art here is wonderful in its sense of unease and deep, delicious, horror. Any fan of television and film productions like Twin Peaks and Signs and comics like Wytches and Gideon Falls will love Something Is Killing The Children, which should be available at your local comic book shop, bookstore or online retailer. 

Bowie: Stardust, Rayguns & Moonage Daydreams

If you or someone you love misses David Bowie, and let’s face it, who doesn’t? then you’ll be elated to find yourself in the possession of Bowie: Stardust, Rayguns & Moonage Daydreams. It’s the comic book biography of Bowie’s ascent from folk singer to larger-than-life musical artist and legend, full of rock and roll and glam and human pathos throughout.

The book also has the equally brilliant storytelling of Michael and Laura Allred (Silver Surfer, FF, Madman, iZombie) and Steve Horton (Satellite Falling). It’s the perfect team to showcase Bowie’s life journey and his art, while interacting with other musical luminaries such as Elton John, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones and Marc Bolan.

If you needed any further convincing, Biff Bam Pop! has already reviewed the glorious book here and as that review succinctly states, Bowie: Stardust, Rayguns & Moonage Daydreams perfectly melds comics and rock and roll. Don’t miss this story.

You can find the hardcover version of Bowie: Stardust, Rayguns & Moonage Daydreams at better comic and bookstores, everywhere – from ground control all the way to Major Tom.       

Superman Smashes The Klan

Amidst all our glorious, every day, pop culture chaos that is comic books, cartoons, video games, television, and film, it’s easy to sometimes forget Superman’s importance, his history and his inherent symbolism. The Man of Steel means different things to different people and different cultures and all these perspectives are equally significant.

Superman Smashes The Klan returns Krypton’s only surviving son to his mid-20^th century roots, steeped in national politics, xenophobia, racism and violence. Written by bestselling author Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese, Boxers and Saints) and wonderfully illustrated in a manga style by Gurihiru (Avatar: The Last Airbender, the Unstoppable Wasp), the 240-page graphic novel crosses the Chinese-American immigrant experience with the immigrant experience of an otherworldly super hero. It’s an important work with an important and personal message for young and old readers alike and sits on the pantheon of great Superman stories.

You can find the paperback version of Superman Smashes The Klan for close to $20at better comic and bookshops everywhere, or online if you can’t. it’s a perfect gift for lovers of comic  books, American history, truth, justice and, of course, Superman.      

Swamp Thing: Roots of Terror H/C

Who doesn’t love a good compilation book during the holiday season, especially when it’s horror-centric and starring everyone’s favourite muck-encrusted mockery of a man, the Swamp Thing?!?

The Swamp Thing: Roots of Terror 168-page hardcover carries a long list of great creators, whose stories reproduced here come from various DC publications over the last few years. Within these pages you’ll find stories featuring Brian Azzarello (Batman: Damned, Joker, 100 Bullets) and Greg Capullo (Dark Knights: Metal, Batman); Eisner nominated Mark Russell (The Snagglepuss Chronicles) and Frazer Irving (Batman and Robin, Uncanny X-Men, Xombi); Tim Seeley (Grayson) and Kyle Hotz (Incredible Hulk, The Goon); and Eisner Award-winning Tom King (Mister Miracle, Batman, Omega Men) and Jason Fabok (Detective Comics, Justice League).

Told you it was star-studded!

Of special note, you’ll also find the final story from Swamp Thing co-creator, Len Wein, before he passed on the great Green. Joined by the acclaimed Kelley Jones (The Sandman, Batman, Deadman), together they present the wonderful “Spring Awakening” story.

You can find the approximately $20 Swamp Thing: Roots of Terror at your favourite comic or bookstore, or online, of course. It’s a perfect gift for horror, swamp monster buffs, or lovers of great story and art. In the meantime, hopefully this list helps you check off gifts for the special someone in your life this holiday season.

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