2008 Woodie Awards
Bags and Boards
comic book and graphic novel reviews
The Edge Staff
Issue date: 4/4/08 Section: The Edge
The Edge staff decided to keep their capes and spandex hidden for the debute of the nerdiest, most pocket protected section in the Western Courier. So you tape your glasses and strap on your calculator watch and enjoy our comic book and graphic novel reviews.
Dave Hodge’s reviews
GRENDEL BREAKSOUT ON HIS OWN
Ever heard of the superhero/assassin Grendel? Neither have we, but he’s been in the comic world for the past 25 years, likely due to the fact that he’s never had his own series.
Over the last quarter-century Grendel has appeared in more than 10 mini-series, and his newest adventure, the eight-part “Behold the Devil,” has the mercenary up against some supernatural forces.
The newest story by Grendel’s creator Matt Wagner, follows a journalist as he searches for the true identity of Grendel as he stalks and sleeps his way to the truth. The tale also follows Grendel himself as he hunts for a way to kill an evil preternatural being with the assistance of a voodoo master.
Both issues are well written and the art is reminiscent of the “Batman Animated Series” we all know and love, but for they are good for different reasons.
Issue No. 4 delivers the cliffhanger ending of Grendel discovering a set of bloody footprints walking out of an apartment building that was blown to pieces the panel before. While issue No. 5 has Grendel pairing up with the voodoo master to find a way to stop the force.
After reading the issues it is apparent why Grendel has been around for time he has. The stories are multi-layered, detailed and always moving forward. The book never ends the same way it starts like some bigger titles do.
8.2/10
NAZIS, HOLY GRAILS AND REX MUNDI
I’ve never heard of “Rex Mundi,” and I’m happy to say I have now.
Not to sound like an “Indiana Jones” rip-off, the story follows Dr. Julien as he hunts for the Holy Grail, while trapped in — you guessed it — Nazi territory. However, the comparison ends there.
We join Julien as he finds himself in a little barn under the close watch of enemy dictator, the Duke of Lorraine. The locals find him and are unsure of whether to protect him or give him to the enemy. Hot on the trail of Julien is Isabelle, the Duke’s promiscuous daughter infatuated with doctor. Isabelle meets a stranger in an alley who turns out to be her old babysitter. The decrepit old woman tells Isabelle there’s more to her family then her father has led her to believe. In a strange (and always awesome) twist the babysitter attacks Isabelle and we see she is actually a vampire. Isabelle kills the monster then continues on her way.
The first page of the book also features a plot synopsis starting at the beginning, allowing any newbie to join in on the fun.
Nazis, forbidden love, the Holy Grail and vampires — sounds like a winner to me.
8.5/10
Andrew Thomason’s reviews
SERENITY NOT SO PEACEFUL
Based on a movie that was based on a television show, “Serenity” the comic sounds destined for mediocrity. Well, it might not be the greatest piece of writing or art ever conceived, but the first issue of a three-part series is at least a step above average.
The storyline moves along at a good pace (not so fast that the reader becomes confused and not so slow he or she loses interest). However, the actual plot is a bit scrambled and those not familiar with the “Serenity” world will be disoriented a majority of the time.
Pastels and hard, dark outlines make up the artwork. Like the rest of the comic, it is nothing unique, but good enough to enjoy.
Overall, this book should be reserved for die-hard fans of the “Serenity” world and comic book geeks.
7.2/10
SECRET INVASION CONQUERS ALL
“Secret Invasion” is another of Marvel Comic’s Limited Series that bring together all the popular characters in its universe.
In issue No. 1, everyone from Iron Man to Reed Richards of the Fantastic Four are affected by the shape-shifting aliens know as the Skrull. The Skrull have come to take over Earth, and no one is sure who is Skrull and who is not, creating a paranoid fear among most of the characters.
What makes this issue great is its ability to introduce stories for all the main characters interesting enough to bring readers back for issue 2. Additionally, like any good drama, issue 1 has a twist likely to blindside a reader, in a good way.
The artwork is in line with standard Marvel format: smooth colors and no scratches of other pencil drawings. It is nothing special, but for fans of Marvel, its familiarity will be comforting.
9.5/10
THE DEAD RIDER LIVES ANOTHER DAY
For those who can’t get enough spaghetti westerns, and also a touch of the supernatural, “The Dead Rider No. 2” is a great read.
A cowboy is on the run when he hears of a witch who can make him invisible for the price of his soul. As far as plot devices, it isn’t ground breaking, but combine magic and the desert of the Wild West and you have an interesting story.
But it is the artwork that sets this comic above others. Lots of pencil lines crisscross to make up the design, giving it an anxious feel perfectly matched to the story. Additionally, the borders are not left white and unused like most comics. Instead they are filled with artwork designed to portray the death the comic book represents.
The “Dead Rider” series is a great one and anyone who appreciates notable artwork and/or writing should check it out.
8.7/10
Brent Busby’s reviews
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER DOESN’T QUITE KILL
The “Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8” comics continue the story where the popular television show left off, but that doesn’t mean everything is familiar. Just a few pages into “Wolves at the Gate, part 1” and Buffy’s sexuality is now in question as she finds herself in bed with another woman. To make matters worse, a pack of wolves has made its way to the castle where Buffy and the rest of her gang are located. The artwork fluctuates between being visually interesting to very plain and basic. Overall, part 1 leaves room for improvement, but is not without some interesting concepts.
6/10
CONAN
Conan’s 50-issue run is slowly coming to a conclusion, with issue No. 49 featuring some unique artwork. The saturated colors create interesting backgrounds, while the characters feature a sketchy, yet appealing style. The dialogue works for a Conan comic, although still manages to come off a little cheesy. The comic picks up with Conan emerging after an epic battle, on his way to deal with an evil king. With just one issue left in the run, it will be interesting to see how the story is tied together.
7/10
THE GOON HITS YOU IN THE FACE WITH GOODNESS
From the first page, “The Goon” comes out hitting, literally, with explicit violence and language. The issue manages to be funny, dark and morbid all at the same time, with this issue introducing a menace from The Goon’s past that he thought was long dead. As The Goon tries to discover what is going on, mind games cloud his search for answers. The artwork, while rather simple, still manages to stay interesting as it uses washed-out shades of blue and yellow to create an eerie backdrop. Sick, yet always entertaining, “The Goon” is worth checking out.
8/10
Cody Boland’s reviews
STAR WARS: LEGACY, ALMOST LIVES UP TO NAME
“Star Wars: Legacy,” a Dark Horse Comics graphic novel, treads where few Expanded Universe writers have traveled by venturing into the distant future of the Star Wars Universe. The 20th book in the series, “Last Stand of the Galactic Alliance,” draws from a vast cast of characters and puts them into a conflict involving an Imperial trap. The plot is not necessarily fluid, as it jumps from character to character to set up a finale that is not reached by the end of the issue. This comic seems to just be filler in a larger story that takes place in an expansive time frame. It is meant to be read by someone who is already involved in the many past issues and is willing to pay the $3 price tag for a scant 22 pages of content with a “to be continued” non-conclusion.
6/10
“Star Wars: Legacy” issue 21, “No Surrender,” picks up the story from issue 20, and manages to be everything that the past issue is not. While issue 20 felt like a nonstop string of dialogue and setup, issue 21 is where all the action takes place. Well-drawn pictures of Star Wars action fill the pages in a layout that conveys the intensity of a large-scale battle as best as the still-image medium can. This issue manages to convey a story rife with urgency, battle and death in a way that does not get boring. Comic book fans that enjoy action in their reading will not be disappointed if they check this one out.
8.7/10
STAR WARS: REBELLION, NOT SO DANGEROUS
The “Star Wars: Rebellion” graphic novel takes the heroes and main plot points of the original three movies and tells stories of what happened in between those times. The 12th comic of the series, “Alone with the Enemy,” casts focus on minor characters in the Star Wars Universe and expands on their roles. Storytelling uses dark colors and shadows to attempt to add a gritty realism to the world of lightsabers and blasters. The story presents an interesting plot revolving around a rebel mission gone wrong, but campy dialogue takes away from getting truly immersed in the world. “Star Wars: Rebellion” should entertain fans of the Star Wars Expanded Universe, but leaves the rest of comic book readers looking for a more poignant read.
7/10
Dave Hodge’s reviews
GRENDEL BREAKSOUT ON HIS OWN
Ever heard of the superhero/assassin Grendel? Neither have we, but he’s been in the comic world for the past 25 years, likely due to the fact that he’s never had his own series.
Over the last quarter-century Grendel has appeared in more than 10 mini-series, and his newest adventure, the eight-part “Behold the Devil,” has the mercenary up against some supernatural forces.
The newest story by Grendel’s creator Matt Wagner, follows a journalist as he searches for the true identity of Grendel as he stalks and sleeps his way to the truth. The tale also follows Grendel himself as he hunts for a way to kill an evil preternatural being with the assistance of a voodoo master.
Both issues are well written and the art is reminiscent of the “Batman Animated Series” we all know and love, but for they are good for different reasons.
Issue No. 4 delivers the cliffhanger ending of Grendel discovering a set of bloody footprints walking out of an apartment building that was blown to pieces the panel before. While issue No. 5 has Grendel pairing up with the voodoo master to find a way to stop the force.
After reading the issues it is apparent why Grendel has been around for time he has. The stories are multi-layered, detailed and always moving forward. The book never ends the same way it starts like some bigger titles do.
8.2/10
NAZIS, HOLY GRAILS AND REX MUNDI
I’ve never heard of “Rex Mundi,” and I’m happy to say I have now.
Not to sound like an “Indiana Jones” rip-off, the story follows Dr. Julien as he hunts for the Holy Grail, while trapped in — you guessed it — Nazi territory. However, the comparison ends there.
We join Julien as he finds himself in a little barn under the close watch of enemy dictator, the Duke of Lorraine. The locals find him and are unsure of whether to protect him or give him to the enemy. Hot on the trail of Julien is Isabelle, the Duke’s promiscuous daughter infatuated with doctor. Isabelle meets a stranger in an alley who turns out to be her old babysitter. The decrepit old woman tells Isabelle there’s more to her family then her father has led her to believe. In a strange (and always awesome) twist the babysitter attacks Isabelle and we see she is actually a vampire. Isabelle kills the monster then continues on her way.
The first page of the book also features a plot synopsis starting at the beginning, allowing any newbie to join in on the fun.
Nazis, forbidden love, the Holy Grail and vampires — sounds like a winner to me.
8.5/10
Andrew Thomason’s reviews
SERENITY NOT SO PEACEFUL
Based on a movie that was based on a television show, “Serenity” the comic sounds destined for mediocrity. Well, it might not be the greatest piece of writing or art ever conceived, but the first issue of a three-part series is at least a step above average.
The storyline moves along at a good pace (not so fast that the reader becomes confused and not so slow he or she loses interest). However, the actual plot is a bit scrambled and those not familiar with the “Serenity” world will be disoriented a majority of the time.
Pastels and hard, dark outlines make up the artwork. Like the rest of the comic, it is nothing unique, but good enough to enjoy.
Overall, this book should be reserved for die-hard fans of the “Serenity” world and comic book geeks.
7.2/10
SECRET INVASION CONQUERS ALL
“Secret Invasion” is another of Marvel Comic’s Limited Series that bring together all the popular characters in its universe.
In issue No. 1, everyone from Iron Man to Reed Richards of the Fantastic Four are affected by the shape-shifting aliens know as the Skrull. The Skrull have come to take over Earth, and no one is sure who is Skrull and who is not, creating a paranoid fear among most of the characters.
What makes this issue great is its ability to introduce stories for all the main characters interesting enough to bring readers back for issue 2. Additionally, like any good drama, issue 1 has a twist likely to blindside a reader, in a good way.
The artwork is in line with standard Marvel format: smooth colors and no scratches of other pencil drawings. It is nothing special, but for fans of Marvel, its familiarity will be comforting.
9.5/10
THE DEAD RIDER LIVES ANOTHER DAY
For those who can’t get enough spaghetti westerns, and also a touch of the supernatural, “The Dead Rider No. 2” is a great read.
A cowboy is on the run when he hears of a witch who can make him invisible for the price of his soul. As far as plot devices, it isn’t ground breaking, but combine magic and the desert of the Wild West and you have an interesting story.
But it is the artwork that sets this comic above others. Lots of pencil lines crisscross to make up the design, giving it an anxious feel perfectly matched to the story. Additionally, the borders are not left white and unused like most comics. Instead they are filled with artwork designed to portray the death the comic book represents.
The “Dead Rider” series is a great one and anyone who appreciates notable artwork and/or writing should check it out.
8.7/10
Brent Busby’s reviews
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER DOESN’T QUITE KILL
The “Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8” comics continue the story where the popular television show left off, but that doesn’t mean everything is familiar. Just a few pages into “Wolves at the Gate, part 1” and Buffy’s sexuality is now in question as she finds herself in bed with another woman. To make matters worse, a pack of wolves has made its way to the castle where Buffy and the rest of her gang are located. The artwork fluctuates between being visually interesting to very plain and basic. Overall, part 1 leaves room for improvement, but is not without some interesting concepts.
6/10
CONAN
Conan’s 50-issue run is slowly coming to a conclusion, with issue No. 49 featuring some unique artwork. The saturated colors create interesting backgrounds, while the characters feature a sketchy, yet appealing style. The dialogue works for a Conan comic, although still manages to come off a little cheesy. The comic picks up with Conan emerging after an epic battle, on his way to deal with an evil king. With just one issue left in the run, it will be interesting to see how the story is tied together.
7/10
THE GOON HITS YOU IN THE FACE WITH GOODNESS
From the first page, “The Goon” comes out hitting, literally, with explicit violence and language. The issue manages to be funny, dark and morbid all at the same time, with this issue introducing a menace from The Goon’s past that he thought was long dead. As The Goon tries to discover what is going on, mind games cloud his search for answers. The artwork, while rather simple, still manages to stay interesting as it uses washed-out shades of blue and yellow to create an eerie backdrop. Sick, yet always entertaining, “The Goon” is worth checking out.
8/10
Cody Boland’s reviews
STAR WARS: LEGACY, ALMOST LIVES UP TO NAME
“Star Wars: Legacy,” a Dark Horse Comics graphic novel, treads where few Expanded Universe writers have traveled by venturing into the distant future of the Star Wars Universe. The 20th book in the series, “Last Stand of the Galactic Alliance,” draws from a vast cast of characters and puts them into a conflict involving an Imperial trap. The plot is not necessarily fluid, as it jumps from character to character to set up a finale that is not reached by the end of the issue. This comic seems to just be filler in a larger story that takes place in an expansive time frame. It is meant to be read by someone who is already involved in the many past issues and is willing to pay the $3 price tag for a scant 22 pages of content with a “to be continued” non-conclusion.
6/10
“Star Wars: Legacy” issue 21, “No Surrender,” picks up the story from issue 20, and manages to be everything that the past issue is not. While issue 20 felt like a nonstop string of dialogue and setup, issue 21 is where all the action takes place. Well-drawn pictures of Star Wars action fill the pages in a layout that conveys the intensity of a large-scale battle as best as the still-image medium can. This issue manages to convey a story rife with urgency, battle and death in a way that does not get boring. Comic book fans that enjoy action in their reading will not be disappointed if they check this one out.
8.7/10
STAR WARS: REBELLION, NOT SO DANGEROUS
The “Star Wars: Rebellion” graphic novel takes the heroes and main plot points of the original three movies and tells stories of what happened in between those times. The 12th comic of the series, “Alone with the Enemy,” casts focus on minor characters in the Star Wars Universe and expands on their roles. Storytelling uses dark colors and shadows to attempt to add a gritty realism to the world of lightsabers and blasters. The story presents an interesting plot revolving around a rebel mission gone wrong, but campy dialogue takes away from getting truly immersed in the world. “Star Wars: Rebellion” should entertain fans of the Star Wars Expanded Universe, but leaves the rest of comic book readers looking for a more poignant read.
7/10
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
John Hughes
Anonymouse
posted 6/13/08 @ 5:41 PM CST
You guys need to write more of these.
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