Redartz: Hello again, and welcome to another look at the best comic tales of the year. The year 1983, that is! As you may recall, when last we featured a "year's best" post, we offered up ten titanic tales (individual issues, by the way; not arcs- although they certainly may have been part of a continuing storyline). Then it was up to you to discuss/critique/substitute/expand our list with your own thoughts and nominations. And since we all remember the routine, let's waste no more time and get right to the good stuff. In no particular order, here are my nominations for the ten best of calender year 1983 (cover dated Apr. 1983-Mar. 1984):
Amazing Spider-Man 248- "The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man" by Roger Stern, Ron Frenz and Terry Austin. I've said it before; possibly the best single Spider-Man story ever.
Saga of the Swamp Thing 21- "The Anatomy Lesson" by Alan Moore, Stephen Bissette and John Totleben. Moore's incredible run is just getting warmed up with this creepy masterpiece.
Thor 337- "Doom" by Walter Simonson. Walt introduces us to Beta Ray Bill, and to a whole new era of greatness for the Thunder God.
Captain America 281- "Before the Fall" by J.M. DeMattais and Mike Zeck. Very powerful, story and art both.
American Flagg! 1- "Hard Times" by Howard Chaykin. Socio-political commentary, sex, violence, and talking cats.
Legion of Superheroes 300- "The Future is Forever" by Paul Levitz, Kieth Giffen and Larry Mahlstedt (and a great group of former Legion artists). One of the best anniversary issues ever (and the pin-up is worth the 1.50 cover price alone).
Alpha Flight 6- "Snowblind" by John Byrne. Several issues of this series could qualify as greats, this one is notable for Byrne's sheer chutzpah in giving us several blank pages of art (?).
Fantastic Four 262- "The Trial of Reed Richards" by John Byrne. As above, many issues of this run could be selected; this issue is a perfect example of the strength of that run."
E-Man 3- "Dark Albatross Must be Rendered Inoperative, Lifewise" by Martin Pasko and Joe Staton. Some of the best X-Men satire you'll ever see.
New Teen Titans 38- "Who is Donna Troy" by Marv Wolfman, George Perez and Romeo Tanghal. A masterful tale of drama and friendship as Wonder Girl discovers her past, with some help from Dick Grayson.
So now it's up to you. What do you think of these choices? Winners or losers? How would you rank them; and are there other books from that memorable year you would see on the list? Have at it, folks!
Redartz: Greetings, fellow time travelers! Today (is that a relative term, all things considered?), we board our Metro bound for the late Bronze age; specifically Thursday, February 2, 1984. Ronald Reagan is in the White House, Yuri Andropov is in the Kremlin, Margaret Thatcher is in 10 Downing Street; Michael Jackson is everywhere. The rest of us are living somewhat less public lives. And what entertainments are grabbing our attention today? Well, to begin with, the top hit in the US is getting a lot of notice for the group and singer responsible; the press can't seem to say enough about Boy George's androgynous appearance: Top Hit on the US Billboard Hot 100: Culture Club, "Karma Chameleon"
And rounding out the top five: 2. Yes- "Owner of a Lonely Heart" 3. The Romantics- "Talking in Your Sleep" 4. Kool and the Gang- "Joanna" 5. Matthew Wilder- "Break My Stride"
Tops in UK- Frankie Goes to Hollywood- "Relax"
I am impressed that among the current week's top 40 (noted thanks to my regular listening to Casey Kasem and "American Top 40" on the radio), ten songs are representing the "New Wave" in pop music. All of us at art school are pleased. In particular, I'm excited about a unique new female singer by the name of Cyndi Lauper. Her debut song "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" is rising up the charts...
It's a busy day at school and work, but we take a moment to check tonight's tv listings:
US television schedule: ABC: Automan, Masquerade, 20/20 CBS: Magnum P.I., Simon and Simon, Knot's Landing NBC: Gimme a Break!, Family Ties, Cheers, Buffalo Bill, Hill Street Blues
BBC1: Top of the Pops, The Living Planet, Diana, Question Time BBC2: Open Space- Falkland Sound to Plymouth Sound, Out of Court, The Hello Goodbye Man, Forty Minutes, Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In
I'm not watching as much tv lately as I used to, but still always catch "Hill Street Blues", and occasionally "Magnum". This show "Cheers" seems to be pulling a lot of viewers.. Today being Thursday, it's time for a trip to the local comic shop! Our lcs gets books in on Thursday, so we want to be there to see what's new...
And there is a lot of new out there these days! Marvel has this "Secret Wars" starting up, promising many changes in the Marvel Universe. Not the least of which- check out Spider-Man's new costume debut today. Also, I'm loving John Byrne on the Fantastic Four; looks like She Hulk is replacing Ben Grimm!? Also, I'm picking up more independent comics now. "American Flagg" is a wild ride, Howard Chaykin has a winner here.
Ok, looks like it's time to re-board our Metro. Check your Ray-Ban's with the driver, and reserve your ticket for the next Retro Metro!
