Many comic books ship to stores each and every month. While the weekly shopper may be in on scene, the average consumer may have no clue where to begin. Here are a few recommendations for what looks to be an exciting fall in comic books.
"Holy Terror"
By: Frank Miller
I should not have to recommend this, but here it goes.
"Holy Terror" marks Frank Miller's return to comics after an extended absence. Miller is simply a legend of the medium. His works, "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns," "Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again," "Ronin" and his run on Marvel Comics' "Daredevil," exist as remarkable touchstones.
Miller holds status as an innovator as well as an influence. You cannot get any bigger than Frank Miller.
He originally conceived "Holy Terror" as a "Batman vs. al-Qaida" propaganda piece, but later decided against using the Dark Knight. As Miller described in 2010, the idea "was not a Batman story" after all.
"The hero (in Holy Terror)is much closer to ‘Dirty Harry' than Batman," Miller said.
He did keep the idea though and moved forward on "Holy Terror," but he soon created his own character to carry the piece: The Fixer.
While some may question the subjective nature of such a work, it's not a first. Superman and Captain America have both seen time as propaganda pieces.
The Second World War almost made it mandatory that they send a swift impact to the face of Hitler.
If anything, "Holy Terror" plans to explore the notion of patriotism and help an artist cope with the events of September 11, 2001.
As Miller stated in 2006 at San Francisco's WonderCon, "That's one of the things they (superheroes) are there for."
It just feels good to know a new Frank Miller comic is on the horizon.
"Holy Terror" hits comic stores on September 14. It runs 120 pages for the price of $29.99.
"Casanova: Avaritia #1"
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Gabriel Ba
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the long-awaited follow-up to one of the best comics of the last decade.
Matt Fraction, Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon's "Casanova" sends my mind and spirit into overdrive.
One part spy fiction, another part pop celebration and another part complex, "Casanova" goes beyond a simple means of explanation.
On its surface, the comic follows the saga of a fledgling spy trying his best to keep his chaotic family life in check.
A time terrorist known as Newman Xeno enjoys taunting Casanova Quinn, the young spy, and has since made a mess of Quinn's life.
"Casanova" contains a mixed thematic palette, making it a comic worthy of multiple readings. It comments on the comics' medium as much as it does other works of art, and it somehow brings many elements of reference together to create linear statements as well as aesthetic pleasures.
Honestly, I'm not entirely sure what "Casanova" is at its core. The only solid understanding of its subtext I possess is its personal connection to writer Matt Fraction.
In a recent interview with www.Newsarama.com, Fraction noted that "Casanova" stands as "all autobiographical." Quinn acts as fictional analog for the very real writer, and what Fraction experiences, Quinn experiences.
"Casanova", at least to me, functions as a man making sense of his life as well as chronicling it through pop culture and fiction.
"I think maybe any writer worth his salt reflects their perspective at the moment they write. Otherwise ... what are you saying?" says Fraction in the Newsarama interview.
Do not allow the potential complexity intimidate you, though. "Casanova" works perfectly well on its surface as a wonderfully paced and sexy spy thriller. A larger cast of characters grab at your eye balls, and the illustrations by Gabrial Ba force you to whisper, "Wow."
"Casanova: Avaritia #1" hits comic stores September 7 for the price of $4.99.
"Butcher Baker, The Righteous Maker #7"
Writer: Joe Casey
Artist: Mike Huddleston
This comic book equals the hottest pamphlet on the stands. Seriously.
With Butcher Baker, writer Joe Casey observes the life of a retired superhero who suddenly finds himself back in the game and screwed over by the forces he works for.
Casey writes the book to reflect a fast pace as well as an "in your face" tone. The surface story absorbs its audience with its aesthetic charm, while Baker's subtext causes a reader's mind to stare from multiple angles.
It is a comic book manifesto on what superhero comics should be, as much as it is a meta-textual romp designed to convey Casey's own journey working in and creating comics. And, man, can Mike Huddleston draw and color and instill hope within you once more.
No need to find the first issue and start from scratch; jump in here and now, and just have fun.
"Butcher Baker, The Righteous Maker #7" hits comic stores September 28 for the price of $2.99.
"Action Comics #1"
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Rags Morales
Really quick – Grant Morrison and a fresh take on Superman. That is all you need to know.
This will be a great place to jump on as the inspirational writer takes the Man of Steel back to his social activist roots. Convinced that Superman appears too boring? Morrison's Superman is sure to cure that thought.
"Action Comics #1" hits comic stores September 7 for the price of $3.99.
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