Redartz: Good day, and welcome! One of the great strengths of the medium of comics is the versatility it displays. No less than film, books or television, comics can entertain, educate, shock, inspire, tug at the heart and tickle the funny bone. It's the last two that we are dealing with this time.
More specifically, the subject is to consider the ability of our favorite characters to star in both stories of drama and stories of humor (hence our title above, with a nod to Steven Sondheim). I'm sure that all of us could , given a character, come up with a stirring dramatic story featuring said character. The challenge is to also recall an entertainingly humorous tale as well! As an example, I'll start off. And the subject of my picks are my old favorite, Spider-man.
Spider-man is ideally suited for this subject. At various times, and by different creators, the character has ranged from comic to tragic, usually blending both in the same story. Some of you may bring up other examples from Spidey's backstory, but I'm going with "The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man" as my dramatic entry. A short story, half of ASM 248; but with volumes of impact. Without spoiling anything (in case any of you haven't read it), the story tells of Spider-man's meeting with a young fan. The tale, by Roger Stern , Ron Frenz and Terry Austin, perfectly captures the essence of Peter Parker's heroism and humanity. And I defy you to read it without getting a lump in the throat before you're through.
On the other hand, my humorous pick is a comical gem. "Untold Tales of Spider-Man" Annual from 1996, by Kurt Busiek, Mike Allred and Joe Sinnott, is a perfect example of Spidey's capacity for fun. The story of Peter's date with Sue Storm caps a hilarious battle of egos between Pete and his friendly nemesis, the Human Torch. Some of you might recall that I did a full review of this book some time ago; the book is worth another mention. Brilliantly written, and perfectly illustrated, "A Night on the Town" is guaranteed to give the reader a giant size dose of laughs.
And that's just one (two, actually) example of a character who carries tears and laughter equally well. What others can you think of?
Redartz: Hello gang; are you ready to delve into some of the finest four color offerings of that vintage year 1982? I am too, so let's jump right in. As always, the choices are simply my subjective picks , based upon personal enjoyment, history, and whether I've read it or not. After all, can't really make a call on an unfamiliar book...
Here we go:
Amazing Spider-man 229- "Nothing Can Stop the Juggernaut", by Roger Stern, John Romita Jr. and Jim Mooney. One of the high points of Stern's admirable run on the title. A showpiece for Peter Parker's determination and self-sacrifice.
Dr. Strange 53- "The Land of the Pharoahs" by Roger Stern, Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin. A very clever, entertaining climax to the all-too-brief run by the Stern/Rogers team. The intertwining with the classic Lee/Kirby Fantastic Four tale is most engaging. And Doc never looked better.
X-Men / Teen Titans- "Apokolips...Now", by Chris Claremont, Walt Simonson and Terry Austin. Arguably the greatest inter-company crossover ever. Claremont voices both teams, and both mega villains, perfectly. And Simonson inked by Austin? Spectacular.
Marvel Graphic Novel: The Death of Captain Marvel- "The Death of Captain Marvel", by Jim Starlin. A poignant tale of loss and nobility, with many fine moments among the gathered individuals. Starlin gives Mar-vell a sendoff worthy of a warrior. And Starlin's writing and drawing carry it off in fine fashion.
Legion of Superheroes 293- "Within the Darkness", by Paul Levitz, Keith Giffen and Larry Mahlstaedt. Darkseid is revealed as the power behind the "Great Darkness", one of the Legion's greatest sagas ever. This spectacular tale reveals why the Levitz/Giffen/Mahlstaedt Legion was my favorite DC title back then, even more than the Titans.
Love and Rockets 1- Numerous stories by Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez. Fantagraphics' long running series starts here, and with great artistic and literary form. Great, great reading.
Fantastic Four 243- "Shall Earth Endure?", by John Byrne. Everyone vs. Galactus, indeed. One of Byrne's best FF stories, art and story definitely at the top of his game. Loved seeing Spidey and Daredevil sit back and watch.
Ms. Tree's Thrilling Detective Adventures- Several stories by Max Allan Collins and Terry Beatty. Terrific old-school detective fare with great characterization. Beatty's art at times makes me think of Ditko, and that's a high compliment.
Marvel Graphic Novel: God Loves, Man Kills- "God Loves, Man Kills", by Chris Claremont and Brent Anderson. A melodramatic, but affecting, tale of prejudice with Marvel's Mutants. Nice to see Brent Anderson's take on them.
Fantastic Four Roast- "When Titans Chuckle", by Fred Hembeck, Jim Shooter and just about everybody. Enough puns and visual jokes to fill a dining hall full of heroes, which is pretty much what happens. Absolutely, the "Just Plain Fun" book of 1982!
Another Marvel- heavy year, in my opinion. But the indies are really starting to make an impact, and DC still has a lot to offer. The new formats such as miniseries and graphic novels add some serious competition to the monthly newsstand titles. All things considered, it's a great year to be reading comics. Your thoughts and nominations?
Redartz: Recently our friend Marti guided us through a discussion on comics that had "jumped the shark". That led me to wonder, have there been instances where you have given up on a title, only to be pulled back into it by irresistibly skilled writing? Have you found yourself losing interest in a title or character, disillusioned by (in your opinion) less-than-ideal stories, only to find your interest revived by a new hand on the typewriter? Let's consider those writers who have 'rescued' some fading books.
The example I provide today is Amazing Spider-man. Most of you are aware that the web-slinger has always been my favorite character, and his signature title was the highlight of my collecting. Over many years and through many creative teams, I followed Peter Parker's adventures each and every month. However there was one Bronze age period in which buying and reading the book became a chore for me. I had (and still have) great respect for Denny O'neil, but I found his tenure on ASM difficult to enjoy (with the definite exception to his two excellent Spider-Man Annuals).
In my opinion, the scripts were a bit flat, and the familiar cast of characters didn't sound quite right. Worse, some of the stories just struck me as silly; particularly the "Fusion- the Twin Terror" book and the blending of Sandman and Hydro-Man ("Here's mud in your eye, Spidey"- to someone who grew up reading the drama produced by Stan Lee, Gerry Conway and Len Wein, it just felt wrong. As the months passed, I considered the option of dropping the title completely.
But events soon changed my outlook, or rather, a writer. That writer was Roger Stern. I'd followed and loved his work on "Spectacular Spider-man", and often pined that it was a better book than ASM. So when Sterno made the switch over to the banner title, I was thrilled. And I wasn't disappointed, either- tales with Black Cat, landmark stories with the Vulture, a cool Foolkiller story, and some notable issues involving Juggernaut.
Oh, and there was this Hobgoblin fellow, too. And topping off Stern's tenure, in my opinion, was his truly excellent story "The Kid who Collects Spider-Man". A story I consider to be, arguably, the best single Spidey story ever...
In short- what a turnaround. Roger Stern reignited the fires of my interest in the book, and kept it at the top of my purchase list. Which, of course, is the point of a good comic- keep 'em coming back for more.
Now then, it's time for your input. What books were on your 'endangered list', only to be saved by the intervention of a stellar scripter? Go ahead and chew the fat...
Redartz: Hello fellow comics connoisseurs, today we look at the illustrious year of 1981 for our "Best of " discussion. As always, the choices are subjective (i.e. my choices, heh heh) but based on the overall quality of the read. And as usual, the choices are difficult to make. Some really fine books were left off the list, but of course they may well make it among your nominations!
So, with no further delay, let's look at my picks for the ten best of 1981; in no specific order:
All Star Squadron 2- "The Tyrant out of Time" by Roy Thomas, Rich Buckler and Jerry Ordway. A packed issue, early in a good series I'm only recently discovering.
Avengers Annual 10- "By Friends-Betrayed" by Chris Claremont, Michael Golden and Armando Gil. A very powerful issue, the last few pages hit like a gut punch. Plus you get Rogue's intro and some absolutely beautiful artwork.
Fantastic Four 236- "Terror in a Tiny Town" by John Byrne. One of the best issues in the title's entire run, and exemplary of the great work by Mr. Byrne on Marvel's First Family.
Amazing Spider-Man 224- "Let Fly These Aged Wings" by Roger Stern, John Romita Jr. and Pablo Marcos. A rare chance for my favorite character to show up among the year's best; a great character study of the Vulture. Stern shows why he's among Spidey's top scripters.
Iron Man 150- "Knightmare" by David Michelinie, John Romita Jr. and Bob Layton. Shellhead, Doom, Camelot, extra pages, and fabulous artwork. A classic. And what a cover...
Dr. Strange 48- "The Power of Dr. Strange" by Roger Stern, Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin. The first issue in Stern/Rogers' all-too brief run. A great book, and Brother Voodoo shows up too.
Daredevil 172- "Gang War!" by Frank Miller and Klaus Janson. High drama, mob intrigue, Kingpin and Bullseye, by Miller and Janson. They were cruising at the top of their game here.
New Teen Titans 8- "A Day in the Lives..." by Marv Wolfman, George Perez and Romeo Tanghal. A very nicely done look at the personal lives of the Titans, with the typical fine work by the creative team. Oh, and there's a creepy marionette.
Justice League of America 200- "A League Divided" by Gerry Conway, George Perez, Brett Breeding and many, many others. This book sets the standard for anniversary issues. It has EVERYTHING; great art by many of the title's best. A cool story hearkening back to the book's early heyday. Loads of characters. One of the best ever.
Uncanny X-Men 153- "Kitty's Fairy Tale" by Chris Claremont, Dave Cockrum and Joe Rubinstein. This issue features a charming departure from the regular drama of super-powered mutants. Claremont spins a very special tale about Kitty spinning a very special tale.
Well, there you have it: take'em or leave'em. Either way, give us your impressions of the books above, and your suggestions for alternatives that should have made the list. Enjoy, be well and be happy!
Redartz: Today we present a variation on our 'Panel Discussion' theme. We shall consider a writer, in this case the admirably talented Roger Stern. And why shouldn't we address some scripters ? After all, if not for the writers there wouldn't be a panel to illustrate...
Roger Stern was responsible for many of my favorite comics in the 80's and beyond. He has been prolific, writing for most of the 'big guns'- Spider-Man, Avengers, Fantastic Four, Dr. Strange, Captain America, and over at DC he had a long run on Superman. His stories are dramatic, his characters believable and well-developed. Indeed, his characterization skills are among the best in comics writing. Whether giving voice to a hero, a villain, or a supporting cast member, Stern never failed to go a bit deeper than many.
One great example is this sequence from Amazing Spider-Man 224, between Adrian Toomes (The Vulture) and May Parker's then fiancee, Nathan Lubensky. One doesn't often find treatment of aging and infirmity in comics, let alone handled with this degree of sensitivity. Art, by the way, is courtesy of John Romita Jr. and Pablo Marcos.
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| Art by Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin |
Stern's writing skill is evident in everything he touches:
His classic Avengers run, with John Buscema and Tom Palmer (a run I'm only now discovering, as I'd dropped out by the time it first appeared).
His excellent work on Dr. Strange, including the fantastic six issues with Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin (his introduction and exploration of Morgana Blessing were engrossing).
His short but memorable stint on Captain America, with John Byrne ( boy, Sterno had the fortune to be teamed with some greats).
But I have two more personal reasons behind my fondness for Mr. Stern. An Indianapolis resident while working with Bob Layton in the 70's for a fanzine called Contemporary Pictorial Literature (or CPL), Roger would sometimes show up in a local comic shop, The Comics Carnival and Nostalgia Emporium. That was my shop of choice, and I had the pleasure of speaking with him on several occasions. He was always generous with his time, and patient with the teenage fanboy I was. He was very friendly, and very interesting to listen to.
And a couple years later, Roger won my admiration for rescuing my favorite title- Amazing Spider-Man. I'd enjoyed his work on Spectacular Spider-Man, and was thrilled when he took over ASM (following a rather forgettable period for the title). Stern didn't disappoint. His work on the webslinger puts him second only to Stan Lee as a Spidey writer, imho.
The list of great stories he gave us would be too lengthy for me to attempt here. But I must give him credit for what may be the single best Spider-Man story,period: "The Kid who Collects Spider-Man", from ASM 248. Doubtlessly most of you have read it, for any who haven't I don't want to spoil it. But it is a MUST READ, if you love Peter Parker. This single story strikes to the heart of Peter and his alter ego masterfully, and in only half an issue (the first half is the conclusion of a fun battle with Thunderball).
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| Art by Ron Frenz and Terry Austin |
And now, here are some covers from some of Roger's finest. Not a comprehensive array, but a few of my choice picks. Enjoy...
