Comic Book Mutterings Killing time 'til NCBD

Just sitting here on a Tuesday night, eating perogies, having a beer listening to Polaris Prize winning Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Waiting for tomorrow's NCBD, which will see new Neil Gaiman "Sandman" work, which should be wonderfully drawn by JH Williams. 

Velvet #1 (Image)

She looks like Rogue, has a job like Jennifer Marlowe but operates like James Bond. Thus we enter the world of 1970's London. The Cold War, men in tuxs, murder most foul and smoking in the office. Actually, it's the details that makes this so interesting. This story could be told in many a setting but Ed Brubaker (W) has given us a period piece (as is his wont) which only works if the detail is there - and he succeeds to no small end. One issue is difficult to judge a series on, but this is going to be a very interesting ride. While there will be action galore, it's going to be the characters that are front and centre here. The personalities and motivations are going to be what keeps us coming back each month. Epting's art works well with this, which isn't a surprise given that this team has worked successfully together previously. The initial print run (approx. 54 000) has already sold out, so if you've not gotten your hands on this, no doubt a second printing is on it's way.

Aquaman #24 (DC)

I'd mentioned previously that I felt both Wonder Woman and Aquaman benefit greatly from the relaunch - both received "name" creative teams, but it's the commitment to the writing that's kept these books on my monthly pull list. I've long felt Aquaman received a bad rap for being a second rate super hero - something I never understood. Strength, speed, a reasonable vulnerability, combined with moderate personality failings (arrogance bred of a noble birth). All characteristics of a solid character worthy of talented writing. Which we're finally seeing. Geoff Johns (W) has reworked the character slightly while re-defining him and his origins. Atlantis plays a significant role as do it's citizens. Not reduced to bit parts, citizens of Atlantis are key players in the drama we see unfolding monthly. Two years on now and it seems that thankfully Johns has a plan and a commitment to presenting this long time DC character to his rightful place alongside such characters as The Flash and Wonder Woman as if not equals, at least closer to, The Big Two of DC.

Justice League #24 (DC)

I'm on record as supporting and enjoying Forever Evil. As a storyline I've enjoyed it - although it feels like it's been going on for a while now. I like what Johns (W) is doing and Reis (A) does a great job on any title he draws. Of late we've seen more of the IN-Justice League than our title characters, but hopefully all will be sorted out shortly. Being moderately familiar with how this will play out does take away some of my interest, but that's no fault of the creative team and I DO want to see if they follow the previous course (as I mentioned previous, this storyline is "influenced" greatly by something from a decade earlier) or take a different tact. Big shout out to Johns though for creating some truly despicable villains. Watching this guys get taken down will be very enjoyable. 

That's it for now...more, as always, later in the week. 

A BIG thank you to Silver Snail Ottawa for the passes to see the Ender's Game premier tomorrow night. Should be good - I'll try to get a few words up about it this weekend.