A comiXologist Recommends…
Jen Keith recommends:
Thrilling Adventure Hour Presents: Sparks Nevada: Marshall on Mars #1
Kids, shine your astro-spurs and don your robot fists ‘cause its time for…Thrilling Adventure Hour Presents: Sparks Nevada: Marshall on Mars #1!
Justice rides his rocket steed across the crimson plains and into the debut issue of Ben Acker and Ben Blacker’s adaptation of their beloved live show and podcast. Sparks Nevada: Marshall on Mars is one of the favorite ongoing stories featured on the The Thrilling Adventure Hour, a stage show recorded before a live audience and styled off of old-time radio. It’s a space western about a lawman dealing with robots, aliens, and emotional unavailability with a delightfully colorful cast. As a fan of the podcast, I’ve been eagerly awaiting reading about Sparks catching varmints and saving youngins since the new series was announced, and I was not disappointed in the least.
It’s a different experience having visuals for characters who were only voices before, but those voices remain clearly intact due to Acker and Blacker’s writing. Between Sparks’ muttered asides and his banter with Croach the Tracker and other familiar faces, it feels more like the actors are reading along than just me reading by my lonesome. This issue explores the story of the Widow Johnson, the origin of Croach’s onus to Sparks, and Sparks’ ever-present lady troubles. If you’re a fan of the stage show already, you’re going to recognize bits that were mentioned in episodes but are being fleshed out now; if you’re not a fan, then congratulations, you’re going to be.
This isn’t the first time The Thrilling Adventure Hour has been in comic form. Archaia released a collection featuring a cartoony, albeit slightly grittier, look to Sparks a while back. The art in this looks like something I’d want in an animated series, with a decidedly boyish and younger Sparks. I can’t wait to see how more of the characters are portrayed in upcoming issues, and how well they translate into visual instead of aural storytelling. Not to mention Sparks isn’t the only one getting his own book; Beyond Belief, another favorite, is coming out with its own #1 next month.
Sparks Nevada promises to live up to its name of being a thrilling adventure. Be sure to pick it up and help Sparks right the outlaw wrongs because he’s…from Earth, and now he’s…in a comic.
[Read Sparks Nevada: Marshall on Mars #1 on comiXology]
Jen Keith is a Digital Editor at comiXology, comic artist, music addict, and reckons she’s…from Earth too.
A comiXologist Recommends:
Jen Keith recommends Casanova: Acedia #1
“What else have I forgotten I remember?”
Once upon a time, Matt Fraction (mattfractionblog), Gabriel Bá, and Fábio Moon (10paezinhos) came together and created a cross-dimensional sci-fi spy story featuring thief turned double-crossing secret agent, Casanova Quinn. In Casanova: Acedia #1, Casanova Quinn returns as…Quentin Cassiday?
If you haven’t read the first two volumes or don’t remember what happened, then…don’t worry! Casanova doesn’t remember either. He’s a stranded amnesiac in Los Angeles, working for a rich criminal with a past, or lack thereof, similar to Casanova himself. Some things haven’t changed: Casanova still loves his job even if he doesn’t exactly recall why he’s so good at it. With mysterious occultists claiming the world is about to end, familiar faces showing up, and the secret to his and his benefactor’s lives still mired in mystery, Casanova will have plenty of chances to prove he’s still the man he doesn’t remember he is.
Writer Matt Fraction, to the surprise of no one, writes an engaging, rhythmic and playful story from page one. There are two distinct voices, the bodiless narrator and Casanova himself, giving us insight into the inner goings on of both characters and scenes, and Dustin K. Harbin’s lettering does a great job of delineating the two for a smooth read. Artists Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá create a beautifully graphic noir atmosphere for LA, and colorist Cris Peter is the cherry on top of setting the mood with careful thought to the gorgeous color palettes of each scene. This perfect storm of talent is rounded out with Pulitzer Prize winning author Michael Chabon writing the backup story about a rock band of fierce ladies known as The Metanauts.
As a sucker for word play and surrealistic sci-fi, I plan to stick around for more multi-dimensional shenanigans. Casanova Quinn aka Quentin Cassiday has a new job, and I can’t wait to find out how he’s going to love it.
[Read Casanova: Acedia #1 on comiXology]
Jen Keith is a Digital Editor at comiXology, comic artist, music addict, and regularly stays up way too late reading comics even after looking at comics all day.
A comiXologist Recommends A Comic That Brings Them Joy:
Jen Keith recommends Justice League International
Plenty of people have a comfort food, but there can also be comfort comics – a book to give you joy when you need it most. I offer up my recommendation to this comic potluck, and that dish is Justice League International.
In 1987, Keith Giffen and JM DeMatteis along with artist Kevin Maguire set out to make a Justice League book, but there was a condition: due to conflicting story lines, they couldn’t use most of the regulars like Superman, Wonder Woman, or Aquaman. Thus the controlled chaos of a bunch of second-string heroes came together to form a cast that operated more like an episode of Friends than a straight-laced superhero team.
JLI presents a lighter side of the increasingly grittier superhero genre. With an abundant supply of pop culture jokes and political jabs, it offers charmingly dated humor and references. Batman cracks Star Trek jokes. The Martian Manhunter stocks his beloved Oreos by the crate. Mr. Miracle with Barda and Elongated Man with Sue are some of the sweetest DC married couples to date.
Sure, they fight monsters, dictators, and even each other, but they also take French classes, go on dates, and attempt doomed get-rich-quick schemes. Things do veer towards the dark, perhaps all the darker in the face of the comedic overtones, but however inept, the team proves time and time again that they were the stuff of heroes.
With a wide cast of rotating characters, there’s a favorite for everyone. It has no shortage of strong ladies; characters like Black Canary, Fire, Ice, Big Barda, Power Girl, and Dr. Light take charge and often leave their male Leaguers cowed in the face of their fierceness.
Now’s a great time to go back to the roots as Giffen and DeMatteis are still at it with the ongoing Justice League 3000. They recently brought the infamous Blue Beetle and Booster Gold team-up back, and Fire and Ice are soon to follow. The JLI portrayal of these characters is still loved, and that reflects the joy JLI gave its fans, not to mention the joy it seems to give Giffen and DeMatteis themselves. When a creator loves what they’re working on, it’s pretty easy to tell.
Reading JLI is hanging out with your ridiculous friends without having to chip in the cost of property damage. It’s bwa-ha-ha-ing over inside jokes and taking the good with the bad. Justice League International is a great series, and I wish you all the joy these Superbuddies can provide.
[Read Justice League International on comiXology]
Jen Keith is a Digital Editor at comiXology, comic artist, music addict, and has not stopped bwa-ha-ha-ing over JLI since she read it.
A comiXologist Recommends:
Jen Keith recommends Flash Gordon Holiday Special
Tis the season for holiday specials – that most wonderful time of the year when your favorite characters leave the world saving on the back burner for a well deserved vacation…they hope. The halls are decked, the candles are lit, and it’s time to pick up the Flash Gordon Holiday Special for some festive fun.
If you’re more familiar with St. Nick than you are Flash Gordon, he’s a pulp hero originating in the 1930s that adventures through space with a booze-guzzling scientist named Dr. Zarkov and Dale, a tough as nails science reporter. They stand together against the ruthless dictator Ming as he conquers peoples across the universe. But even heroes enjoy a glass of eggnog, and Flash is ready to don the white beard and red suit to bring joy to Arborians everywhere. (Meanwhile, Zarkov is just ready for another glass of eggnog).
The Flash Gordon Holiday Special is truly a holiday extravaganza spanning beyond Christmas and Santa “Jungle Jim.” We are treated to the story of Hanukkah with a wise little boy, his family, and an alien that, while strange, is no stranger to their struggles and a New Years Eve showing how you’ll never know where you’ll end up and who you’ll end up with come next year. It’s a trio of feel-good stories to warm the heart as the weather gets colder.
This issue celebrates the holidays without slapping you with the holly jollies and mistletoe. It explores cultures, both familiar and far from home, to highlight an overall sense of togetherness for the season. Each story retains its own look and feel with a different creative team working to showcase how each character spends the holidays. You might recognize writers Dan McCoy, Elliot Kalan, and Stuart Wellington; McCoy and Kalan are writers on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and all three are known for their work on the hit podcast The Flop House.
If you’re enjoying the ongoing Flash series, are curious about what a Beast-man ala King’s Watch is up to, or like fun, adventure-filled sci-fi, then make sure to fill your digital stocking with this book. So full of good cheer, this issue’s a delight. Happy reading to all, and to all a good night!
[Read Flash Gordon Holiday Special on comiXology]
Jen Keith is a Digital Editor at comiXology, comic artist, music addict, and cannot NOT sing Queen’s Flash theme song every time she talks about the character.
Comics We're Thankful For:
Jen Keith is thankful for Green Arrow: Quiver
My desk has a lot of Green Arrow swag on it; it’s no secret that he’s my favorite, and I owe that to a serendipitous discovery of Green Arrow: Quiver during college. It’s also no secret that it can be difficult to know where to start with superheroes. I offer up Quiver as someone who went blindly into a superhero book and came out a fan for life.
First off, you don’t have to know anything about Green Arrow to read this book. For Arrow fans, it’s a great place to start because it has many of your favorites. Arsenal, Black Canary, and the Flash make appearances as well as other members of the Green Arrow family like Connor Hawke, Oliver’s multi-ethnic son, and the first appearance of future Speedy Mia Dearden. With Justice Leaguers like Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman, and even some Vertigo/supernatural characters, it’s an easy jumping off point.
As for the plot: Green Arrow is back from the dead (like many superheroes before him), only he’s not the same as when he left; this doesn’t stop him from hunting down the child-killer known as the Star City Slayer.
Quiver manages to show Oliver’s progression from ranting about “fat-cats” and “blue fascists” to the still hotheaded and liberal, though hopefully more responsible. old coot he grew to be all in one book. Kevin Smith does a fantastic job of summarizing the continuity and telling a compelling story while still fitting in humor and character development. Better yet, Smith and art team Phil Hester and Ande Parks stuck around for more.
Fighting with a bow and arrow seems outdated, but Oliver Queen is a character for today. When everyone is taking down the Lex Luthors and Jokers of the world, Oliver Queen fights for the little guy. He’s a moral compass for the Justice League, and about as non-powered human as you can get. His books have covered issues like homophobia and racism, political and corporate corruption, and even tackled HIV and drug addiction.
Quiver isn’t as groundbreaking as, say, The Longbow Hunters, which is entirely deserving of its own review. Nor is it the amazing 1970s road trip Green Lantern/Green Arrow team up. It is, however, near and dear to my heart as the book I am thankful of for broadening my comic horizons when I didn’t know my Wally Wests from my Kyle Rayners, and I’m glad to share the book that helped make me the comic fan I am today.
[Read Green Arrow: Quiver on comiXology]
Jen Keith is a Digital Editor at comiXology, comic artist, music addict, and is eagerly awaiting the day Ollie gets his Van Dyke back in the comics.
A comiXologist Recommends:
Jen Keith recommends The Deep: The Vanishing Island #1
“Nekton family, set sail!”
Ant is right: it could totally catch on.
The Deep: The Vanishing Island #1 is an all ages, three issue mini-series featuring the multi-ethnic Nekton family as they endeavor to solve the inexplicable way the island of Tartaruga managed to escape a tsunami unscathed.
Perhaps it’s the family that saves the day together, stays together, since I’m immediately thinking of shows like The Wild Thornberrys or The Incredibles when reading the endearing way each family member plays off each other and holds their position on the team. Speaking of those well-loved cartoons, James Brouwer’s (debrouwerij) style showcases his animation background with bright colors, expressive characters, diverse designs, and playful silhouettes that would work well in an animated TV show (which was announced in 2013 to be in the works).
Tom Taylor (tomtaylormade) , writer on the new Superior Iron Man series, portrays a believable and lovable family while ensuring that the questions pile as high as the jokes. Nereus, the old man with a penchant for being cryptic, plays off the family well as they journey in their submarine, the Aronnax, under the ocean waves.
The Vanishing Island is the second part of the Aurealis award-winning series with The Deep: Here Be Dragons (being the first volume. As someone who only just discovered this delightful romp, I had no problem diving right into The Vanishing Island despite it being the second mini-series in the collection. The fun logo design for the series had me immediately, and the characters kept me submerged in the mysteries surrounding the island.
Set sail with this charming family, and discover the mystery behind Tartaruga today!
[Read The Deep: The Vanishing Island #1]
Jen Keith is a Digital Editor at comiXology, comic artist, music addict, and likes the word spelunking too.
A comiXologist Recommends:
Kate, Jen, & Kara recommend Harlequin Comics
Alluring emerald orbs glistening in the moonlight, lustful looks beneath fluttering eyelashes, and unfathomable passion burning in hearts that can’t contain themselves…now get a Japanese manga artist to illustrate all of these feelings, and you will have Harlequin in a rose-scented nutshell. Released weekly in our backlist, Harlequin manga are a hidden treasure chest of desire, chivalry, and—of course—drama. Out of the many titles that make the entire library shine, here are just a few of our personal faves:
Kate recommends The Sheik and the Bought Bride:
While it might sound typical, The Sheik and the Bought Bride is anything but thanks entirely to the strength of its leading lady. After being sold to Prince Kateb by her own father, Victoria, instead of playing the victim, uses the bid as an opportunity to take charge of her own life. As the leader of the prince’s harem, she fights for the rights of the less fortunate and strengthens the economy of their village. Even the romantic aspects of this story are balanced well: Victoria and Kateb discover their feelings organically throughout the story, demonstrating desire fortified with compassion. Despite the story’s whimsical nature, it’s nothing short of brilliantly progressive.
Jen recommends Domesticating Luc:
Julie only has eyes for Primus, the handsome and grey-eyed Italian that captured her heart. Too bad Luc, Primus’ owner, would rather Julie, the dog trainer, threw him a bone instead. It’s going to be a lot of trouble training both Luc the playboy as a pet owner and the oddly contrary Primus as an obedient pet in Domesticating Luc.
Domesticating Luc departs from a lot of typical Harlequin tropes with a focus on humor and a female lead holding the reins (or the leash, in this case). Packed with expressive characters and a spotlight-stealing pooch, it veers towards romantic comedy rather than bodice-ripping romance. There’s underlying heart to the story of a boy, his dog, the loss of his recently deceased grandmother, and the growing love between Julie and Luc, and it makes this tale of puppy love a special treat in Harlequin’s library.
Kara recommends Mistress Bought and Paid For:
Mistress Bought and Paid For is my go-to Harlequin recommendation for both first time readers and long time romance fans. We jump right into the action on the first page: Our heroine is a supermodel who has fallen on hard times and is accused of stealing from the charity she is supposed to be working with, our hero is her billionaire ex-boyfriend seeking revenge for her apparent cuckolding ways. Right off the bat, he offers her a solution to her plight: become his mistress for a year, and get the money to repay her supposed debt to the charity. Their levels of manipulation and miscommunication are only matched by their level of differences. He has a yacht, she’s afraid of the sea—will their love sink or swim?
Harlequin publishes a plethora of stories about philandering princes, scandalous sheiks, beautiful billionaires, and naughty nobles. The drama is unparalleled, and the narratives are as engrossing as they are turbulent. If you like romances, shojo manga, or early-Aughts romcoms, chances are you’ll love what Harlequin has to offer.
Jen Keith and Kate Kasenow are digital editors tasked with preparing Harlequins for comiXology Guided View. Kara Szamborski, supervisor of the International Production team at comiXology, was destined to read them from afar. Despite all obstacles, these three have found their way to one another and have made it their mission to spread the love of Harlequin throughout the universe.
A comiXologist Recommends:
Jen Keith recommends Sabrina #1
Double double toil and trouble; fires burn and cauldrons bubble in the chilling new horror comic, Sabrina #1 from Archie Comics.
Inspired by the success of the zombie-ridden Afterlife With Archie, Sabrina is not a spinoff of her Lovecraftian plotline set up in Afterlife but a whole new terrible take on the young witch’s adventures taking place in the 1960s (when the character first appeared!). This first issue leads us on a dark journey through Sabrina’s birth, childhood, and her entrance into the greatest horror of them all: high school.
Sabrina isn’t the only one walking a darker path– the spine-tingling backstory of her parents and their involvement in the local coven give way to hints of Sabrina’s destiny as a half-breed of human and witch. Anyone familiar with the comics or the TV show from the 90s may recall Sabrina’s adoring aunts Hilde and Zelda. Though still loving, pity those who dare cross them for fear of hexes and murmured curses finding you from the depths of their home sweet funeral home. And of course we can’t have Sabrina without the bitingly sarcastic familiar Salem as he questions the terrible influences of her cousin Ambrose. Even then, Greendale isn’t the only something wicked this way coming; I look forward to more of Riverdale’s familiar faces showing up in future issues.
Readers of Afterlife with Archie will recognize writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s touch of poetry and subtle way of throwing in an underlying suspense to even the most casual of conversations. Robert Hack pairs terrifically with his scratchy inks and watercoloring giving every page the pulpy feel of old horror comics. A lot of ground is covered in this first issue, but the timeline is artfully done and keeps the story well-paced. The final treat in all the tricks is the first comic appearance of Sabrina from 1962 showing a great juxtaposition of Sabrina Spellman’s origin to the horror they’ve created today.
Out of the cauldron and into the fire, Sabrina’s first issue is already a spellbinding addition to the Archie Universe.
[Read Sabrina #1 on comiXology]
Jen Keith is a Digital Editor at comiXology, comic artist, music addict, and still can’t decide what her Halloween costume should be this year.
A comiXologist Recommends:
Jen Keith recommends Nenetl of the Forgotten Spirits #2
Introduced in Nenetl of the Forgotten Spirits #1, Nena is the mischievous forgotten spirit chased by Bastian, an exorcist, through the streets of a city in Mexico on the Day of the Dead when the barrier between the world of the living and the world of the dead is thinnest. The only way to truly be dead is to die the third death and be forgotten, and Nena seeks her family so that they might once again light a candle for her. We find out in this issue why Nena, though unremembered, walks again, and we meet Father Eduardo with his group of young exorcists.
Now is the ideal season to start reading this series with its perfect fall atmosphere and palette echoing the colors of Autumn. Nena’s dress and bursts of golden and fiery leaves are shockingly bold against cool evening blues, creating a gorgeous contrast and pop. The overall movements of the characters, especially Nena, flow beautifully across the page. Artist Laura Müller does a wonderful job creating sumptuous illustrations interspersed with graphic work in the style of the famed sugar skulls of the Day of the Dead.
Writer Vera Greentea jumps right into the story with endearing characters that all feel like they have some intriguing story behind them. Each one, though only two issues in, feels very human and natural when making trouble with each other, and there is no short of trouble to be made when the spirits are walking again. There are more mysteries yet to be revealed, and Greentea built a strong foundation early into this tale.
Check out Greentea’s Papa for more of her work, and get ready to dive into the spirit world with Nenetl of the Forgotten Spirits #2!
[Read Nenetl of the Forgotten Spirits #2 on comiXology]
Jen Keith is a Digital Editor at comiXology, comic artist, music addict, and is already made of pumpkin spice even though the season only just started.
A comiXologist Recommends:
Jen Keith recommends Booster Gold: Futures End #1
With the Futures End event thrusting the DC New 52 universe five years into the future, it’s about time they bring the megalomaniac hero from the future, Booster Gold, back into the fray. We saw our favorite glory hound fade into nothingness in JLI Annual #1 after his future self suddenly appeared and said that he had to stop…what? Superman and Wonder Woman from becoming the new power couple (maybe he’s more of a Batman and Wonder Woman fan)? The mystery of this strange message and Booster’s sudden disappearance still stands, but it seems we’re finally getting some answers.
Booster Gold: Futures End #1 is a smorgasbord of cameos sure to delight long-time DC fans (hint: yes, pre-New 52 fans, this means you). We get to see what’s going on with Booster since he disappeared, including a visit to the Gotham By Gaslight Elseworld, Earth 4, and more! Going by the hints and nods to previous histories, I keep wondering what impact this will have and just what his current torturous captors are plotting. I’ve been psyched about what plans DC has for Booster since the announcement of Blue Beetle and Booster Gold in December’s Justice League 3000 written by the original Justice League Internationalwriters, so this new book was an instant must-read that did not disappoint my needing a Booster Gold fix.
Hopping between multiple universes in one story could get confusing, but the large creative team eases this by swapping every time Booster changes locations. There’s a lot of talent packed in this issue, including Moritat, Brett Booth, Will Conrad, and many more; Dan Jurgens, creator of Booster Gold and veteran creative team member on Booster’s solo books, wrote this one-shot and even drew a portion.
Can one comic truly contain the massive ego of multiple Booster Golds? Will he tell his captors what they’re willing to go as far as murder to find out? No time traveling needed – find out in Booster Gold: Futures End #1.
[Read Booster Gold: Futures End #1 on comiXology]
Jen Keith is a Digital Editor at comiXology, comic artist, music addict, and needs to watch that Justice League Unlimited Booster Gold episode “The Greatest Story Never Told” again because it’s so good.
A comiXologist Recommends:
Jen Keith recommends Magneto #9
The Marvel universe approaches its next big event in the “March to AXIS” with the dreaded Red Skull’s crimes against mutantkind in Magneto #9. Cullen Bunn’s (cullenbunn) intense writing and Gabriel Hernandez Walta with art as gritty and brooding as the title character provide a series not to be missed.
Following the aftermath of the Avengers vs. X-Men event, Magneto lost much of his ability as “Master of Magnetism” upon being hit by the Phoenix force possessing Cyclops. With only a shadow of his immense power remaining, Magneto sets out to discover and conquer the widespread injustices plaguing his fellow mutants. This series is a great jumping off point for newcomers, fans of the movie universe’s X-Men: First Class, or seasoned readers looking for a great insight into a fascinating character.
When faced with intolerable cruelty and the blind eye of S.H.I.E.L.D., do the violent ends justify the means? We see much of the story through Magneto’s gray area point of view with near constant inner monologue; the ofttimes villain and enraged hero of his story waxes poetic without illusions as to his own failures. In this issue, Magneto’s self-loathing guides us through intermittent and hauntingly blue-washed flashbacks of his horrific experience in the Holocaust’s concentration camps (see his origin story in the excellent Magneto: Testament that parallel the hideous prison in Genosha of the Red Skull’s making. Red Skull’s horrors know no bounds when he reveals his use for (part of) Magneto’s deceased friend, Professor Charles Xavier.
While there is plenty of action, I really appreciate Magneto’s struggle to overcome his opponents through subterfuge, strategy, and the infamy of his reputation. This combined with the introspection and quiet moments balancing the dark and gruesome tone make this one of my favorite ongoing Marvel series right now, and I couldn’t recommend it more.
Jen Keith is a Digital Editor at comiXology, comic artist, music addict, and held herself back from a lot of magnet puns while writing this.
A comiXologist Recommends:
Jen Keith recommends Buffalo Speedway: The Deep Dish Omnibus
A little vulgar and a lot of fun…so a bit like pizza, really. I hope you’re hungry because Buffalo Speedway: The Deep Dish Omnibus is serving up comedy and the importance of pizza, two things we all should prioritize in life.
Buffalo Speedway’s six issue series details the adventures of the hero of the hungry, the lazy, the lonely housewife, and the otherwise occupied: the pizza delivery boy. Our story begins with a lively cast of characters working at the local pizza joint, Turbo Pizza, on an extraordinary delivery day; it’s June 17th, 1994 and there’s a trifecta of pizza-ordering pandemonium as hungry TV-watchers everywhere buckle down for the infamous OJ Simpson white Bronco chase, the World Cup, and the NBA finals. All of this topped with their own worries of mysterious pizza boy murders, business woes, and sizzling romance.
It’s not all pepperoni and extra cheese though. Buffalo Speedway delves beyond tomato sauce jokes into racism in everyday life and the relationship between the main character, Figgs, and the police. I was quickly rooting for Figgs’ success in both wooing his crush and finding his way as the potential of becoming “a lifer” as a pizza boy approaches. The rest of the cast is speedily endearing, from boss Mr. B, best friend Super Cheese, the brooding Dragon, and the love-to-hate bigoted Chance. As “Speedway” suggests, the plot takes quick twists and turns as more always arises in the wacky antics of Turbo Pizza’s boys.
Creator Yehudi Mercado’s animation background shines through with great facial expressions and an abundance of energy. On top of this he provides soundtracks before every chapter to really amp up the reading experience. If you enjoyed this title, try his kid’s comic Pantalones, TX: Don’t Chicken Out on for size.
Call up your local pizza place, remember to tip well, and enjoy Buffalo Speedway, a literal slice of life.
[Pick up Buffalo Speedway: The Deep Dish Omnibus here!]
Jen Keith is a Digital Editor at comiXology, comic artist, music addict, and loves white pizza with chicken and pineapple the most.
A comiXologist Recommends:
Jen Keith recommends The Odyssey
Nowadays the word “epic” is overused slang — a shadow of it’s former meaning, much like “awesome” and actually being awe-inspired. Today we go back to the original meaning of epic with Gareth Hinds’ The Odyssey.
Homer’s ancient epic poem, The Odyssey, follows the woes of Odysseus trying to return to his homeland, Ithaca, following the Trojan War while his wife faces scores of suitors greedily feasting upon their livestock and Odysseus’ son’s inheritance. Both hindered and helped by the gods of Olympus and various creatures of myth, Odysseus treks through ten years of adventure and hardship in the hope of returning to his family after battling for ten years prior in Troy.
Gareth Hinds’ (garethhinds) abridged comic adaptation, with no promise to be completely historically accurate (though doing a wonderful job by being well-researched and calling upon multiple versions of the source material), builds the tale with strikingly rich visuals and respect for the original. His use of pencil and watercolor builds a great atmosphere, with airy and colorful illustrations balancing image to word. For those unfamiliar with Greek mythology, color-coded gods ease the reader through the complexity of the cast, and for those sticklers to accuracy, Hinds’ writing takes some creative license as he smoothly transitions from his own representation to direct quotes from various translations.
Hinds is no stranger to creating compelling, faithful, and fresh adaptations of classics such as Romeo and Juliet, King Lear,and Beowulf. If you’re looking for more comics and myth combinations, check out Bacchus for entertaining twists on Greek mythology, or for a Norse fix, try Gods of Asgard and Siegfried.
Whether ensconced in your own journey or taking a breather on the couch, check out The Odyssey to get your awesome epic fix today.
Jen Keith is a Digital Editor at comiXology, comic artist, music addict, and grew up with Greek mythology for bedtime stories so this was right up her alley.
A comiXologist Recommends:
Jen Keith recommends Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland #1
Walking long-legged beds and menageries of strange creatures, a face in the moon and candy-made kids! Nemo is back and walking the dreamscape, however reluctantly, in Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland #1.
First published in the New York Herald in 1905, Winsor McCay’s celebrated strip Little Nemo in Slumberland is a classic. It’s been adapted into various media including an animated film in 1989 that, I admit, terrified me as a child. The story follows young Nemo’s fantastic adventures when called into Slumberland by King Morpheus. Here too is where we meet Nemo afresh as he’s commanded to become the playmate of Slumberland’s princess. However, it’s not easy to get to the land of dreams when all of your progress is lost upon falling out of bed.
Locke & Key’s artist Gabriel Rodriguez’s (gr-comics) detailed architecture and stylization remains faithful to McCay’s art nouveau influences with decorative flourishes and nods to the original jaunty layouts. Meanwhile, writer Eric Shanower is a wonderful fit what with his work on Marvel’s Oz books; he’s no stranger to giving a great voice to kids finding themselves in bizarre new lands. This team works well together in bringing their own touch while keeping that quintessential Nemo look and feel. The story is a whimsical ride with surprises around every corner and as unpredictable as our own dreamtime escapades. Its unfettered pacing flows surreally as it never would in waking hours.
While sure to be a hit for all ages and a great jumping off point for new and old fans alike, if you need more journeys into imagination then try Marvel’s Figment.
Don’t wait for bedtime to explore dreamland when you join Nemo on his nightly romps through Slumberland. Happy reading and pleasant dreams!
[Read Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland #1]
Jen Keith is a Digital Editor at comiXology, comic artist, music addict, and could really use a nap herself right about now.