Dark Horse Presents #1 – Review

By: Paul Chadwick, Howard Chaykin, Jesus Alburto, Ken Bruzenak, Neal Adams, Moose, Carla Speed McNeil, Jenn Manley Lee, Bill Mudron, Michael T. Gilbert, Frank Miller, Richard Corben, Clem Robins, Randy Stadley, Paul Gulacy, Michael Bartolo, Michael Heisler, David Chelsea, John Schork (assistant editor), Scott Allie, Rachel Edidin, Sierra Hahn & Diana Schultz (editors)

The Story: A great name in anthology comics comes back with pretty hot list of creators (see above) tossing a few pages each at the effort.

Anthologies: When I read an anthology, I am looking for something very specific: I just want one electric story that grabs me and makes me want to see more material from that creator NOW.  Other than that, I’m just looking for few nice stories, some nice art, etc.  And, I really don’t care that much if a few of the stories suck.  Just turn the page!  I think you score anthologies based on the high points, rather than the average of all the stories combined.

What’s Good: We have a winner!  In a comic that has a lot of pretty strong efforts from some creators who know a thing or two about creating comics, the best short-story is that of Michael T. Gilbert as he gives us a story of his character, Mr. Monster, fighting with a giant tree-alien calling himself Oooak (get it?).  This story has a very retro vibe both in terms of the language and the art, but it is just zany fun as Mr. Monster tries one thing after another to kill Oooak before he finally resorts to throwing a jar of “Acme Termites” at the bad guy.  This is the awesome sauce that made the whole comic worth buying.

There were a few other nice little stories in here too.  Paul Chadwick contributes a very nice story of his character Concrete.  I don’t even know the last time we got a new Concrete story, but this is some vintage stuff as we get to see the protagonist’s humanity filtered through this character that couldn’t look more different if he tried.  Neal Adams also tosses in a teaser for a new concept he has called Blood.  We get a singular image of the anti-hero Blood, but the rest of the story is recounted via a torture scene as some bad guys sweat the details out of one of Blood’s buddies.  It’s a very original way to lay out a story and Adams is on his A-game with the art too.

I’d absolutely like to see more of those three stories either in future editions of DHP or on their own.

What’s Not So Good: Considering the teaser on the cover for “Frank Miller’s Xerxes!”, it might be nice to have gotten more than 4 splash pages of art/story.  What we see is good, but it was a little disappointing when the name “Frank Miller” was one of the large attractions for the issue.  As if to compensate for the lack of story, we are treated to an interview with Mr. Miller.  I don’t know about you, but I have less than zero interest in reading an interview in my comic book.  For one thing, I pretty much don’t read interviews about upcoming projects; I’ll just look at the work when you get it done, thank you.  For another, in the year 2011, there are a bajillion places to find interviews online without having a few pages of a $7.99 comic devoted to them.

BREAKING: Watchmen Trailer Online!

Empire Online has the exclusive trailer for Watchmen now online. Go see it now. Like Zach Snyder’s previous effort, 300, this movie mimics a lot of the scenes from the comic book.

Go check it out now and come back here and let us know what you think? Personally? I think Alan Moore might actually be proud of this one…

UPDATE (3:09 PM PDT):

Trailer at YouTube (DEAD NOW) But this one works! (NOT ANYMORE)

Flash Versions (higher res) here and here and here

More mirrors will be posted as they come in.

UPDATE (7:45 PM PDT):

The trailer is now up at Apple.com in HD!

Hercules #1 (of 5) – Review

By Steve Moore (writer), Admira Wijaya (art), Imaginary Friends Studios (colors)

Radical makes a very strong debut with Hercules. I remember this book being advertised as “a re-imaging of Hercules along the lines of Frank Miller’s 300“. I think that statement’s completely wrong. This is nothing like 300. Perhaps the only thing it has in common with Frank Miller’s masterpiece is that it takes place in ancient Greece, too. If anything, this story plays more along the lines of the Beowulf movie released last year (and penned by Neil Gaiman).

The book is full of disbelievers who think the power Hercules brandishes is nothing more than a myth. Not helping matters is his size – which becomes an on-going joke throughout the book. Hercules is slightly larger than the average man, he’s restrained with his tongue, and keen on his surroundings. He wears the hide of a Nemean Lion, a rare and fierce creature, as a head dress (probably to command respect). Yet, his would be foes aren’t intimidated.  They see Hercules as just another bastard child of Zeus – some even believe his mother was just a whore who made up the tale. And after numerous taunts and insults, Hercules reaches the end of his rope. In a righteous, murderous rampage, he dispatches dozens and dozens of foes in an unapologetic fashion. Yes, the story is a bit light in this first issue, but it’s all about setting the tone of who Hercules is and what he represents.

With a retail price of $1.00 for the first issue, you’re getting a fantastic deal, not to mention a bloody start to what I’m hoping will become an epic series. The dark tone of Steve Moore’s story is further bolstered by Admira Wijaya’s stunning visuals. There’s some great textured work here that makes the world feel foreboding, yet real. If the creative team can maintain this quality of work, I’m definitely on board for the long term. I just need to know where this whole story is headed, because right now, it’s all a bit too mysterious. Fantasy buffs will most likely enjoy this first issue. (Grade: B)

– J. Montes