Markley’s Fevered Brain: First Glance

Wayne Markley

Wayne Markley


by Wayne Markley

In the world of comic books there has been a very long tradition of titles coming and going. In fact, it is becoming increasingly rare that a title sticks around for any length of time. At one time, a comis would be published consecutively for 50, 60, 70 years, with some tiles reaching well over 700 issues, or in the case of Dell Four Color well over a 1000. (Dell Four Color was a slight exception in that it was a catch-all title for any number of different titles or characters and at times would publish multiple issues a month with different numbers and different features). Alas, in recent time with the advent of the Direct Comic market system, the number one on an issue has become a neon sign for fans so that the first issue will almost always sell better than anything other issue. So publishers keep going back to the well and re-issuing number ones, often when it is continuing the same storyline for the prior series, but the number boosts sales. Publishers have even been known to start their entire line over with number one for this reason. Unfortunately, all of them are as guilty as the other when it comes to this. So, this time I am going to looks at a series of recent number ones. No, I am not promoting this money grab ideology, but I am looking at #1 of new series that are not re-launches of previous storylines. These are going to be short as there are a lot of number ones these days. I have picked books I have really enjoyed so far, alas it may only be an issue or three.

Imperial

Imperial


Imperial is by Steve Seagle and Mark Dos Santos. Only the first issue is out so far but I thought it was great. To be honest, I have always thought Steve Seagle was one of the most creative writers our there with his concepts and execution. This is no different as it tells the story of a young man who must choose between the love of his life and becoming the world’s only superhero. A very Shakespearian story with beautiful clean art by Mark Dos Santos. The first issue drew me in and surprised me and I had no idea who wrote it till the last page. Highly recommended. Published by Image.

Outcast

Outcast


Robert Kirkman’s newest book is Outcast. Unlike Invincible or The Walking Dead, this story is a slow build about a man who deals with demonic possession. It does not have the gore (at least not yet) of Kirkman’s other work, yet it does have his characterizationand excellent plotting. The art by Paul Azaceta is stylized and perfect for this story. I found the first issue to be really creepy, the second less so, but this is obviously a long term build towards something. Also from Image.

Spread

Spread


Spread is a post-apocalyptic tale by Justin Jordan and Kyle Strahm. At some point in the future, man drills too deep and unleashes something that almost wipes out mankind. A lone wanderer finds the one thing that can stop the creeping end to mankind. A baby girl. Part sci-fi and part Lone Wolf and Cub, these early issues (first two) have been great reading. Also of note is the cover to the second printing of number one is great. A third title from Image.

The Empty Man

The Empty Man


The Empty Man is a dark and strange book from BOOM! Studios. It tells the tale of the Empty Man disease. It is spreading across America and is causing people to basically lose their minds; meanwhile the murder rate is soaring. Are the two related? A fascinating miniseries mixing horror and crime by Cullen Bunn and Vanesa Del.

Harley Quinn

Harley Quinn


Harley Quinn has once again been brought back by writers Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner with art by Chad Hardin. This book strikes me as DCs attempt to do Deadpool. There are lots of gags and breaking of the forth wall, and Harley is surrounded by an odd mix of friends and sidekicks. Iit is so different from the rest of the DC Universe it seem out of place, although it is clearly set in the present day DCU. This book is filled with mayhem and violence and occasional laughs, but it is not really my cup of tea. I much preferred Palmiotti and Conner’s Power Girl. This is not a bad book, it is just not for me.

Star Spangled War Stories: G.I. Zombie

Star Spangled War Stories: G.I. Zombie


G.I. Zombie is the lead feature of DCs newest attempt to revive an old war title, Star Spangled War Stories. As you can tell based on the title, GI Zombie it is an attempt to captilize on the zombie craze that is still going on at the moment. The first issue was very good with particuarly nice art by Scott Hampton. The story so far is about a zombie detective and his partner. I got the impression that he is an ex-GI but based on the first issue, I am not clear why this is a war book, not that this is a negative. I enjoyed this book but it did not draw me in like the first three books discussed. I did enjoy it enough to stick with it for a while. Written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti.

Legendary Star Lord

Legendary Star Lord


Legendary Star Lord and Rocket Raccoon from Marvel were clearly launched to capitalize on the very popular (and deservedly so) Guardians of the Galaxy movie. Legendary Star Lord follows on with the Star Lord from the current Guardians of the Galaxy comic by Brian Bendis (which I greatly enjoy) and is your basic space opera with the snarky humor that was in the movie. Creators Sam Humphries and artist Paco Medina have done a nice job with the first two issues, but again they have not really caught my fancy and made this a must read book. I am going to give it a chance as there is a great deal of potential here, but I am waiting to see where they are going with the character before I pass any further judgment.

Rocket Raccoon

Rocket Raccoon


Rocket Raccoon by Skottie Young is a sci-fi romp mixed with humor and action for all ages. This is a fun book that is an enjoyable read. I do have a hard time with the art though. I love Skottie Young; his Oz work is some of my favorite of all time and I love the writing on this book. But somehow whenever I read it I feel as if the art should be less cartoony. But if that is my worst criticism, then this book is well worth your time.

Well, that is it for this time. I hope you take the time to try out a few of these books. Do you like them? What are you reading that you do like? Is there something new out there you are really enjoying? Please let me know. As always, everything written here is my opinion and does not reflect the thoughts or opinions of Westfield Comics or their employees. I look forward to hearing from you and I welcome your thought and comments at .

Thank you.

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