Elephantmen #25 – Review

By: Richard Starkings (writer), art by various

The Story: In a recap of sorts, we follow the inner monologue of one of Hip and Ebony’s fellow agents at the Information Agency, as he reflects on the history of the Elephantmen.

What’s Good: I love Elephantmen, but this is the first really good “jumping on point” issue that has come out since the series started.  It gives a nice recap of the series to date, complete with lots of footnotes to previous issues if you want to know more.  Of course, you’d be better off buying the trades or tracking down the back issues, but if you refuse to do that, this issue will get you pretty well caught up before spending the last 2 pages introducing the ominous new story arc that will carry this series for the near future (which looks like a lot of fun, btw).

The other hook on this anniversary issue is that it is drawn with 25 splash pages, each by a different artist.  In some ways, this issue is a little like having an Elephantmen themed sketch-book.  Not surprisingly, my favorite page was by Ladronn who is probably most responsible for the look of the series.

The Weird World of Jack Staff #2 – Review

By: Paul Grist (writer & art) & Bill Crabtree (colors)

The Story: In a very non-linear and confusing way, we follow the story of of Jack Staff (“Britain’s Greatest Hero”) who seems to have forgotten himself right at a moment when his country needs him!  At least I think that’s what the story is about….

What’s good: This comic has a very hip vibe to it.  I kind of like all the various characters that Paul Grist is throwing at us, such as “Becky Burdock: Vampire Reporter.”  What’s more, I like the art, which is very reminiscent of Hellboy or BPRD.  I usually don’t like that artistic style, but I found myself really enjoying this comic from an art standpoint.  Perhaps it is because Hellboy/BPRD limit themselves to the colors brown and gray whereas Jack Staff has all sorts of bright colors that entertain someone such as myself who likes bright and shiny things.