The Dead Hand

 Review of The Dead Hand by Kyle Higgins, art by Stephen Mooney.

I had read good reviews of this comic, so bought the single issues, but somehow, I missed one, so ended up waiting for the trade to be published. And then it sat on a shelf for a while. To take my mind off other things, I read it last night. It wasn't what I expected, and I certainly hadn't expected to tear up at the end. This is a Cold War era espionage thriller about preventing nuclear war after the fall of the Soviet Union, with a near future science fiction twist, and it's kinda brilliant. The art is lovely, and I've been a fan of Kyle Higgins' writing for a while now. I would definitely read more of the story if there is more to read, but it stands on its own as is.

Reading Comics in the Time of COVID-19

 It's been a year since my last post, and what a year it's been. I broke my arm soon after my last post here, and soon after I finished physical therapy for it after the brace was removed, the virus hit. I started self-quarantining in February; a few weeks later, my LCS closed, along with all other non-essential businesses here in NYC. Just because I think comics are essential doesn't mean the government does.

After two months, Forbidden Planet NY resumed mail service and my pull list titles started to arrive. I took a break from catching up on book reading, to read my new comics. I also started on the stacks of unread graphic novels and collected comics trades. I finally read Brian K. Vaughan's Y: The Last Man and loved it. I enjoyed G. Willow Wilson's Air, a rather quirky fantasy-esque tale. 

I don't know if anyone is still reading this blog, but I thought I'd post an update.

What I'm Reading

I'm still here. I have so many interests, that I don't seem to make the time to blog much, anymore. I've also run out of things to say. I find it easier to review books, over on my book blog than to review ongoing comics.

So I thought I'd post some comments about some comics I'm currently enjoying, for anyone still reading/following this blog. My comics reading has evolved/changed over the last few years. I tired of DC's events and got tired with Nightwing. I got annoyed with Titans. I got bored with Flash. I'm also deeply missing Saga and hope it returns soon.

But I'm being entertained by an interesting mix of comics. Ascender is an intriguing follow-up to Descender. The current Captain Marvel is keeping me reading, though the current Magnificent Ms. Marvel is on the cusp of being dropped. It just doesn't seem as good as when G. Willow Wilson was writing it. And as often happens, much as I love Wilson's writing, I found her take on Wonder Woman kind of dull. Some writers are better with some characters than others, for me, at least.

Web of Black Widow 1 is a decent start to what I hope will be a good story, one with some meat on it and not just another decent yet forgettable one as I felt the just concluded Black Widow title was.

Catwoman continues to be fun and despite going on for 9 issues and counting, Mavel's Invaders is keeping me reading, thanks to Cap and Bucky.

But the title that's got me really hooked is DC's Lois Lane 12-issue series. Only three issues in, Greg Rucka has me eager for the next issue. Lois is in her element -- being an investigative journalist -- and despite my not reading the current Superman titles, I'm having no trouble following along. Including Renee Montoya/The Question is most welcome, and I'm so happy Lois is getting the star treatment. I loved her now-silly-seeming series published back in the '60s, and can't believe it's taken this long to see her name on covers again. I'd love her to get an ongoing title.

Not Quite Reviews

I like reading comics by new creators and DC's New Talent Showcase provides a nice sampling of new folks. These short stories can be a mixed bag, but this edition -- 2018 #1 -- is a nice compilation. Featured characters are Batman, Constantine, Catwoman, John Stewart (I didn't read this one since I currently have no interest in Green Lanterns), Zatanna, and Wonder Woman. The stories are fairly light on plot, mainly being character pieces, but they adequately conveyed what they set out to do: explore a facet of known characters. The art is really nice and fairly polished looking. I look forward to seeing more from these new creators.

The Winter Soldier mini concluded in a satisfactory way. Kyle Higgins did a nice job exploring an element of Bucky's psyche and road to redemption and the art by Rod Reis was lovely throughout.

Random Thoughts

First, for anyone still reading.... My apologies for the lack of posts here. My comics reading is more behind than ever.

Second, the anonymous spammy comments submitted for approval are getting more bizarre than ever. The ones complimenting me on making a difficult subject understandable -- submitted comment on my post about George Perez retiring -- are laughable. I don't see links, either, so I'm not sure what Anonymous Spammer hopes to gain by having comments posted. But rest assured, "Anonymous," I will not approve your comments for publication here.

Third, some noteworthy comics. My love of Bucky Barnes has been rewarded by the first comic to feature him in a long while. (I'm not counting his guest turn with Hawkeye in what was actually a Black Widow story in the recent, and excellent, Tales of Suspense.) The new Winter Soldier comic has Bucky trying to help others escape a life of crime as a way to atone for his dark acts. The art is nice and the writing is heavy on character development. Just perfect. The first issue of The Invaders was good, too, even if Bucky just has a cameo this time. The PTSD plotline re: Namor  is intriguing.

Catwoman, Captain Marvel, and Black Widow are worth reading, too, and I'm eager to see what the new creative team brings to Ms. Marvel.

George Perez Retires

George Perez has retired from making comics and I thought that was worthy of a post. I was fortunate to meet him a few times, including the two times he gave "How to Break into Comics" programs aimed at teens at the library where I was the young adult specialist. They were the most popular programs I ever held and he was as gracious and friendly as one could hope, patiently looking at and evaluating the art the attendees brought with them.

So, enjoy your retirement, George. You've more than earned it.

Also, I'm behind on reading, behind on reviewing, not sure when I'll catch up with either. And I still wonder how many folks actually read this blog and/or care.

Very Belated Reviews

I've been such a bad comic book blogger. I'm also way behind on my reading. I hope someone is still reading this blog. Here are some very short reviews.

Heroes in Crisis 1
I have the second issue but haven't read it yet. The art is stunning. The story is intriguing. With the deaths, though, including my favorite character, Arsenal, I'm treating this as an Elseworlds story.

Ms. Marvel 34-35
Kamala and Bruno working together again! Yay! As delightful a comic as ever.

Flash 55-57
Flash takes on the other forces. This storyline has been fascinating, including Barry rethinking a lot of things. Not as much fun as the TV show, but quite readable.

Catwoman 3-4
I'm really enjoying this comic, and I'm really happy to see the return of Selina's sister in what clearly is a continuation of sorts of the pre-New 52 Catwoman comic.

Nancy Drew 4-5
This really captures the spirit of the old books, both in writing and art, and while the first story has a clear conclusion, there's a cliffhanger to leave me eager for the next arc.

Lazarus 27-28
I read this so long ago now that I've forgotten the details, but I know I enjoyed this, as usual.