Hey folks,
Brian Wood has become a powerhouse of comics writing. He has written an amazing variety of books and has not sold out. No Marvel or DC, he will only work on original series. This guy has the talent and ability to do whatever he wants. His versatility is impressive. I am hooked on his series Northlanders which features vikings, blood, and cursing. Like Jason Aaron's Scalped, it's not for the weak of heart. I've already written about Northlanders here.
I recently finished Vol. 3 which is a series of 1 shots and 2-3 issue stories. As interesting as these shorter character studies were, I think I prefer this series in longer arcs. The previous volumes were more epic in scope as we focused on one saga thru 6-8 issues. It's like the subject matter requires it. However I did enjoy the return of Sven from vol. 1. It was fun to have a continuity of characters which was a first for this series.
This volume is definitely a good jump on point for new readers, which is a good commercial move for Vertigo. Vertigo has a robust business in trade paperbacks and I think that is the reason for the switch up in story format. There was also a change up in artists in these issues which must also be a catalyst for the change.
I can't wait for the next volume and I urge you guys to check out this series. Book Slave.
Showing posts with label Brian Wood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brian Wood. Show all posts
2010-04-21
2008-12-02
Vikings and Essex County
Hey folks,
How are you? It's been a very family oriented week as we kick off the holidays. Gentle readers I'm throwing out a small plea: Don't trample people in the name of cheap buys. Instead head down to your local bookstore and buy some books this year. Reading is good. Books can last a lifetime. Can you say the same thing about a $100 HDTV? Not necessarily. I'm just saying. Anyway Onward!
Reviews
Northlanders Vol. 1
This book is awesome. I never thought that writer Brian Wood, known for DMZ and Local, would do a series about Vikings. So I hesitated taking this series on but now I wish I'd been reading it since the beginning. This series begins with Sven returning to his kingdom which he's been exiled from to take on his evil Uncle. This isn't a new premise, but Wood throws us a curve. Sven actually accepts the idea that he has to earn the right to rule. Sven is obviously meant to be on a "heroes journey" but with a medieval brutality. This series is incredibly violent and the art reflects that. Artist Davide Gianfelice lends an original look and page layout to this series. The coloring and violence is very in-your-face. That exactly reflects the subject matter and tone that Wood writes in. These vikings are brutal and visceral. I can't wait for the next volume.
Other Reviews
i love rob liefeld|Comics Should Be Good|Pop Syndicate
Essex County 2 & 3
After reading Vol. 1 I had to check out the rest of the trilogy. Writer/Artist Jeff Lemire finished up the last of the series this fall so I read vol. 2 & 3 back to back. These books feature interlocking characters in the fictional world of Essex County, Canada. Each book features stories full of loss and regret. I have this to say: If these books don't effect you then you don't have a soul. Lemire creates an amazing group of realistic human characters who will break your heart. In my opinion the best book of the trilogy is Volume 2 subtitled Ghost Stories. It begins with 2 brothers, Lou and Vincent who end up playing hockey in Toronto. Lou, the older brother, loves Toronto and playing hockey, whereas his brother Vincent is intent on going back to the family farm. Is Lou selfish for wanting his independence? Perhaps, but it's realistic and creates a wedge between the brothers that lasts 30 years. This story is juxtaposed with Lou's present story where he is isolated and lost. He has gone deaf but his mind is still just as sharp. Lemire blurs the past and the present storyline in such a way that the reader can become as unsure as Lou is. These books should not be missed. They are masterpieces of the original graphic novel genre.
Past Review
Essex County 1
The Reading List
Magazines
Newsweek
Comics
Trinity #26
Books
In Our Time
Loser's Guide to Life and Love
Check Out Count: Heavy Loaded.
Comic Pull List:Batman #682, Criminal 2 #7, New Avengers #47, Secret Invasion #8, Trinity #27
Have a great week! Book Slave.
How are you? It's been a very family oriented week as we kick off the holidays. Gentle readers I'm throwing out a small plea: Don't trample people in the name of cheap buys. Instead head down to your local bookstore and buy some books this year. Reading is good. Books can last a lifetime. Can you say the same thing about a $100 HDTV? Not necessarily. I'm just saying. Anyway Onward!
Reviews
Northlanders Vol. 1
This book is awesome. I never thought that writer Brian Wood, known for DMZ and Local, would do a series about Vikings. So I hesitated taking this series on but now I wish I'd been reading it since the beginning. This series begins with Sven returning to his kingdom which he's been exiled from to take on his evil Uncle. This isn't a new premise, but Wood throws us a curve. Sven actually accepts the idea that he has to earn the right to rule. Sven is obviously meant to be on a "heroes journey" but with a medieval brutality. This series is incredibly violent and the art reflects that. Artist Davide Gianfelice lends an original look and page layout to this series. The coloring and violence is very in-your-face. That exactly reflects the subject matter and tone that Wood writes in. These vikings are brutal and visceral. I can't wait for the next volume.
Other Reviews
i love rob liefeld|Comics Should Be Good|Pop Syndicate
Essex County 2 & 3
After reading Vol. 1 I had to check out the rest of the trilogy. Writer/Artist Jeff Lemire finished up the last of the series this fall so I read vol. 2 & 3 back to back. These books feature interlocking characters in the fictional world of Essex County, Canada. Each book features stories full of loss and regret. I have this to say: If these books don't effect you then you don't have a soul. Lemire creates an amazing group of realistic human characters who will break your heart. In my opinion the best book of the trilogy is Volume 2 subtitled Ghost Stories. It begins with 2 brothers, Lou and Vincent who end up playing hockey in Toronto. Lou, the older brother, loves Toronto and playing hockey, whereas his brother Vincent is intent on going back to the family farm. Is Lou selfish for wanting his independence? Perhaps, but it's realistic and creates a wedge between the brothers that lasts 30 years. This story is juxtaposed with Lou's present story where he is isolated and lost. He has gone deaf but his mind is still just as sharp. Lemire blurs the past and the present storyline in such a way that the reader can become as unsure as Lou is. These books should not be missed. They are masterpieces of the original graphic novel genre.
Past Review
Essex County 1
The Reading List
Magazines
Newsweek
Comics
Trinity #26
Books
In Our Time
Loser's Guide to Life and Love
Check Out Count: Heavy Loaded.
Comic Pull List:Batman #682, Criminal 2 #7, New Avengers #47, Secret Invasion #8, Trinity #27
Have a great week! Book Slave.
2008-04-29
Skrulls and More!
Hello,
It's been a good week. I hope y'all are doing well also. Onward!
Reviews
DMZ Vol. 1
Picked this up on strong reccommend from a fellow co-worker as well as Comic Geek Speak. It definitely lived up to my expectations as a very thought provoking read. The story involves a future where the US has going through a civil war. The two sides have agreed to create a DMZ out of NYC which has become a scary hell as a result. An intern Matt finds himself abandoned in NYC with only his camera equiptment, press pass, and survival skills. Writer Brian Wood and artist Riccardo Burchielli use strong post-9/11 overtones as well as striking imagery to shock the reader. This is not for the weak. I found myself highly invested in poor Matt's hellish situation as he descends into a modern Dante's Inferno. I also like how it showed a very positive view of the role of the press in our society. Matt decides to tell the real stories of what is going on in the DMZ outside of war-created propaganda. I definitely reccomend it to those looking for a mind-turning read.
Secret Invasion #1
Prince of Marvel Comics writer Brian Michael Bendis has been given the reigns to this major 2008 event and he delivers! I was swept up in this issue that kicks off an 8 issue arc that involves the Skrull infiltration of Earth. FYI Skrulls are a race of shapeshifters who can also absorb the powers of the person that they imitate. There is no known way to tell who is real and who is not. In the history of the Marvel Universe Skrulls have attempted to take over Earth several times but have been stymied. It looks like this time they might have a shot. The action is definitely kicked off in this issue. My favorite panel has to be the blowing up of the Baxter Building and the arrival of the spaceship full of superhero doppelgangers. Can't wait for the next issue.
What's in My Bag
Books
Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned
Dealing with Difficult People
(look for a review on Thursday, I know, can't wait!)
Comic
The Goon #23
Magazine
Comics Now!
Check Out Count: Crazy
Have a great weekend! Book Slave.
It's been a good week. I hope y'all are doing well also. Onward!
Reviews
DMZ Vol. 1
Picked this up on strong reccommend from a fellow co-worker as well as Comic Geek Speak. It definitely lived up to my expectations as a very thought provoking read. The story involves a future where the US has going through a civil war. The two sides have agreed to create a DMZ out of NYC which has become a scary hell as a result. An intern Matt finds himself abandoned in NYC with only his camera equiptment, press pass, and survival skills. Writer Brian Wood and artist Riccardo Burchielli use strong post-9/11 overtones as well as striking imagery to shock the reader. This is not for the weak. I found myself highly invested in poor Matt's hellish situation as he descends into a modern Dante's Inferno. I also like how it showed a very positive view of the role of the press in our society. Matt decides to tell the real stories of what is going on in the DMZ outside of war-created propaganda. I definitely reccomend it to those looking for a mind-turning read.
Secret Invasion #1
Prince of Marvel Comics writer Brian Michael Bendis has been given the reigns to this major 2008 event and he delivers! I was swept up in this issue that kicks off an 8 issue arc that involves the Skrull infiltration of Earth. FYI Skrulls are a race of shapeshifters who can also absorb the powers of the person that they imitate. There is no known way to tell who is real and who is not. In the history of the Marvel Universe Skrulls have attempted to take over Earth several times but have been stymied. It looks like this time they might have a shot. The action is definitely kicked off in this issue. My favorite panel has to be the blowing up of the Baxter Building and the arrival of the spaceship full of superhero doppelgangers. Can't wait for the next issue.
What's in My Bag
Books
Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned
Dealing with Difficult People
(look for a review on Thursday, I know, can't wait!)
Comic
The Goon #23
Magazine
Comics Now!
Check Out Count: Crazy
Have a great weekend! Book Slave.
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