Adventures in Sound — Part 6

Panel from Action Comics #560
Letterer: John Costanza

The Pull List (8-27-08): Plugging into the Family Dynamic

Let's pretend I said something here, and then let's pretend I said ... to the list!

(Oh, wait ...)

Family Dynamic #1: I had no intention of buying Family Dynamic #1.

For one thing, I think comics geared specifically toward younger readers is a great idea, but I'm not a regular visitor to the Marvel Adventures or Johnny DC side of the street myself. I enjoy them when I come across 'em, but I don't make a point of seeking them out.

Plus, I'd never even heard of it. That's probably my fault, but I don't think you can say DC has really been pushing Family Dynamic very hard, either. And once I did try to find out a little more, the cover art hit me as flat and really video gamey (not a pun! OK ... a little bit of a pun). I had pretty much decided I was going to pass on this one.

Sometimes I'm a dumb-ass.

After poking around a little more I found this preview on writer J. Torres' blog and, well ... I kinda dug it. The inside art is much different than the cover art, less stylized and more detailed, with a fluidity that lends itself well to bursts of action. Torres' writing, especially the dialogue, also trots along at a nice pace and does a good job of introducing what seem to be interesting, likeable characters. Not bad when you consider that preview's just four pages long.

It's too early to tell yet, but the concept seems to give off the vibe of a family-friendly Noble Causes or Dynamo 5, not to mention the super-powered fun of Blue Beetle. And I love me some Blue Beetle. Unfortunately, the title was supposed to be a six-issue mini series but was cut down to a measly three thanks to low pre-orders. That's too bad, because Family Dynamic looks like a title that deserves at least a decent shot at finding an audience — give it a try and see what you think.


The rest ...

Ambush Bug: Year None #2 (of 6)

Blue Beetle #30

Daredevil #110


Maybe ...

Guerillas #1 (of 9): Between Army @ Love and Special Forces, I've got all the war comics I need; I don't have a burning desire for another story set in the Vietnam War (unless it features crazy-ass R. Lee Ermey). But dammit — monkeys!

Immortal Iron Fist #18: I'm still on the fence about Iron Fist. The writing has been getting fair reviews, but I'm still spoiled by Fraction's work on this title. Also, the artwork in the last issue left me drowsy and slightly irritated for some reason. If I'm just being cranky and am missing out, let me know in the comments.

Reign in Hell #2: Trying to drum up enthusiasm for this so-far lackluster spook-story and it's slightly ridiculous Sam-Spade-as-a-sorcerer back-up story? Now that's hell! (Thank you, I'll be here all week.)


Trading up ...
(Titles I either am, or will be, picking up in trade)

The Brave and The Bold Vol. 2: The Book of Destiny (hard cover): Fun stuff in the classic B&B style, though forking out the dough for a hard cover should depend on how much you're a fan of either writer Mark Waid or legendary artist George Perez.

Foundation Vol. 1 (trade paperback): An interesting take on the Nostradamus/Illuminati-style conspiracy angle, with solid action sequences and a plot that gets you there without making you feel like you've just been on the blunt end of a movie pitch.

Haunt of Horror: Lovecraft #3 (of 3): Adaptations of H.P. Lovecraft drawn by Richard Corben is one of those things that should be considered natural and right, like breathing and monster truck shows. I'm tempted every time I see it on the shelf but I'm trying to hold out for a collected edition.


Recommended ...

All Star Superman Vol. 1: The best Superman stories I've read in years, all being tied together in that quirky Grant Morrison way and supported by self-assured art from Frank Quitely. Get it.

Arsenic Lullaby: Pulp Edition: I cannot, in good conscience, give a general recommendation for this book. It's often disgusting, morally repugnant, and an assault on what most people would consider basic good taste. It also makes me laugh my ass off like nothing else. So if that sounds like your sort of thing, you definitely need to get this. But ... y'know ... don't blame me.

Favorite Panel Friday never misses the hamper

The next round of Friday Night Fights doesn't start for another week, so it seems like a good time to revive an old, neglected feature here at Great Caesar's Post — Favorite Panel Friday!

OK, so you might not be familiar with Favorite Panel Friday (I wasn't kidding when I said it's been a while). Basically, it's my favorite panel from the stack of comics I bought this week ... not necessarily a panel from the best comic of the week, just the one that stuck with me most.

So what was it this week? Something highlighting the excessive pinkness of Atlas in Superman #678? (Because seriously, dude is pink.) A riveting scene of people talking in an office from Daredevil #109? Not this time, fans of watching people order take-out!

No, this week belongs to Ambush Bug.

A fan from way back, I've been waiting for Ambush Bug: Year None #1 ever since it was announced. Surreal, absurd and an antidote to comics taking themselves too seriously, the character is one of my favorites, and after his appearance in 52 I was happy to hear he would be getting some solo attention (not as dirty as it sounds, though I am hoping for a happy ending).

So far, it's not quite the book I was expecting: The ha-has are fast and frequent, but most of them are very insidery and I had to hit Google more than once just to get the joke. I can only imagine how frustrating (or worse, unfunny) it would be to someone who hasn't been reading comics for years. And seeing Ambush Bug playing the straight man was a little jarring and, for me at least, out of character.

But! All of that is forgiven because this book also gives us the return of Ambush Bug's greatest nemesis, Argh!Yle!, an irradiated, deformed and maniacal sock that believes he was long ago abandoned by the Bug. And of course, where Argh!Yle! goes, his evil army of socks is sure to follow.

Behold — the dreaded peoplepult of Argh!Yle!

So damn evil ... and yet, so darn adorable.

Panel from Ambush Bug: Year None #1
Keith Giffen, plot and pencils; Robert Loren Fleming, dialogue