Books: Speaking of Superheroes Times Four

[woodwardiocom]

Astro City: The Dark Age by Busiek, Anderson, et al

The latest volume of Kurt Busiek's modern superhero classic is out. This one follows the lives of two brothers, a criminal and a cop, through the "Dark Age" of the 1970s. Neither one of them has much use for superheroes, a sentiment echoed by the world at large, especially when one of the shiniest crosses the line, killing a world leader. As the legends become tarnished and the world slips on its axis, the two brothers finally find the key to the moment that set them on their course. Highly recommended.

Fallen Angel: Red Horse Riding by David, Woodward (not me)

Speaking of "dark ages", in this volume the Powers Below decided that the current leaders of the Bete Noir (the city that is the world) are trying too hard to make the city a force for good. They invade in force, and our cast of dark and damaged protagonists get their asses kicked. If you like supernatural noir, recommended.

The Trials of Shazam!, Volume 2 by Winick, Porter, Cascioli

This is volume two of the reordering of the Marvel Family. Previously, the wizard Shazam was killed by the Spectre, and Billy Batson (ne Captain Marvel) ascended to take his place. Now, Freddy Freeman (ne Captain Marvel, Junior) must undergo trials set by the gods to gain the right to strike the "Junior" from his name.

(Except that DC Comics has apparently decided to retire the name "Captain Marvel", to avoid confusion with their competitors Marvel Comics who have their own "Captain Marvel". So Freddy ends up getting called "Shazam". I think it's a misguided choice, but, hey, I'm not a trademark lawyer. I just work for them.)

This was really better than it had any right to be, with brilliant reinterpretations of the assorted gods, a nifty villain, and a well-done resolution. Recommended.

Hellboy: Unnatural Selection by Tim Lebbon

A novel, not a graphic novel, in this book a madman sets loose a vast bestiary of mythical creatures, killing thousands, in the name of saving the world, and Hellboy & Co. must stop him. Honestly, it didn't do much for me. Not recommended.

Comments

[patricksmalone.livejournal.com]

Jon,

What's the publication scoop on Fallen Angel? I have vol. 1 of the DC trades that I read and liked. On seeing your review, I now go to the online version of my FLCS and see vols. 1 and 2 by DC, and vols. 1, 3, 4, and 5 (upcoming, presumably what you just read) by IDW.

Does IDW vol.1 follow DC vol.2?

Thanks.

[woodwardiocom.livejournal.com]

IDW v1 follows DC v3, technically, except that it doesn't look like DC will be publishing v3 in the near future. However, within a year or so the rights to the DC Fallen Angel will revert back to Peter David, and he will have IDW publish the bits that haven't been collected yet.

So, for today, pick up DC v2 and IDW v1, with the understanding that there's a gap in between them, to be filled at a future date.

[patricksmalone.livejournal.com]

Much appreciated.