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COMICS! |OT| October 2016. Capes, Crime, Bondage, and sometimes Overwatch.
- Thread starter Messi
- Start date
Idiots.
Donniewahlberg
Banned
Review time! Reading some good stuff this weekend. Read a bunch of Abe Sapien which I might bring up later & some BPRD, but what I really want to write about, because it's a volume 1 and it hasn't been discussed too often around here, iiiiiis...
Harrow County vol.1 - I really liked this! Bunn may not be loved currently for his superhero work, but he knows how to spin a creepy yarn that has a lot of heart. The story, a coming of age tale told under the shadow of the legend of a witch whom is said to have been hung 20 years ago on the hill overlooking the lead character Emmy's family farm, is pretty much like the initially fairytale-esque woods the lead character roams. Bar the prologue which is admittedly pretty creepy, it starts out pretty light and whimsical as it introduces us to Emmy's life with just a few inkling of what's to come. However, the deeper down the path Bunn leads the reader, the more twisted and weird the creatures are uncovered get, and the more unsettling truths are dragged into the light of day. Over the 4 issues collected, a lot of strange things are encountered, some explained here, some set up for later, but it's all in service of the core narrative, exploring the corner of maturity that Emmy & we all turn at some point where you realise that maybe you shouldn't have been in such a rush to shed your innocence (& ignorance); that somethings can't be unseen or taken back; that your parents aren't these black and white figures before you that always make the right decision, and so on.
One thing worth mentioning is that there is a fair deal of narration from Bunn, and not everyone is going to love it. I can be put off VERY quickly by comics where I feel like the writer is using narration or inner monologue to tell where they could have shown, or where the artist has shown, but the writer was too overbearing to leave well enough alone. Now I personally think he has an ear for this style of writing and that he manages to weave in and out of the art, backing off when need be, and adding to the story when he does step in, but I'm just saying I wouldn't assume it to be everyone's cup of tea. The trade was a meaty trade with a lot of reading as a result, and I know not every goes in for that.
I haven't mentioned the art at all so far, and for good reason. Tyler Crook in my mind, was a good artist. I've enjoyed his stuff on the BPRD but nothing mind blowing. His move here to handle the whole art process by himself - pencils, inks, colours and even the lettering - is somewhat of a revelation. I'm not a great art buff, so it's hard for me to break down the actual technical aspects, but I just know the end product is literally stunning, particularly because of the use of watercolours, and how vivid they are. He pours detail and mood into every panel, and it's just exceptional stuff. He makes Harrow County a real breathing world that you can settle into , and over 120 odd pages despite the horrible things that are lurking around the edges, he makes it a place you don't want to leave.
In terms of the actual trade paper back collection, it's the usually high high quality I've come to expect from Dark Horse, and easily worth the cash.The actual paper stock is of great quality, nice and thick with no warping of anything. Binding is perfectly adequate for a paperback, no danger of the pages falling out. There is a really nice sketch section at the back with features comments from the team, showing some of the art process, initial character designs. There eventual a map sketch with a funny anecdote from Tyler Crook about how he started a map to build a sense of place for himself as to where the various locations are in relation to each other, but quickly gave up as he was effectively planning himself into a corner. On the next page, Bunn declares how much he's like a fully illustrated map now haha. it's definitely the kind of book you might expect a map to be on the inside cover. I bought volume 2 & 3 alongside this volume, and can also say they have maintained a really nice consistent trade dress over the three books, and they look really nice as a set on the shelf. Overall, if you've bought a Hellboy trade before, you probably have a pretty good idea of the quality on display.
Overall, the book is just a really great engaging read, and worth your while if you're a fan of this kind of stuff. I don't think it's necessarily the kind of book that will convert people that the description of a "southern gothic fairytale" does nothing for, but if that does entice you it's the perfect type of book to pick up this time of year when the autumn leaves are falling and the nights are getting earlier. It's a really nice volume in it's own right but also set-up pieces that hint towards a larger mythos to be unveiled as the series goes forward. Looking forward to reading the other two books
Bonus shot: One of the first proper looks at the farmstead in the book by night, and just gorgeous. Also, Crook does some real fun drops of the title card into the art.
Harrow County vol.1 - I really liked this! Bunn may not be loved currently for his superhero work, but he knows how to spin a creepy yarn that has a lot of heart. The story, a coming of age tale told under the shadow of the legend of a witch whom is said to have been hung 20 years ago on the hill overlooking the lead character Emmy's family farm, is pretty much like the initially fairytale-esque woods the lead character roams. Bar the prologue which is admittedly pretty creepy, it starts out pretty light and whimsical as it introduces us to Emmy's life with just a few inkling of what's to come. However, the deeper down the path Bunn leads the reader, the more twisted and weird the creatures are uncovered get, and the more unsettling truths are dragged into the light of day. Over the 4 issues collected, a lot of strange things are encountered, some explained here, some set up for later, but it's all in service of the core narrative, exploring the corner of maturity that Emmy & we all turn at some point where you realise that maybe you shouldn't have been in such a rush to shed your innocence (& ignorance); that somethings can't be unseen or taken back; that your parents aren't these black and white figures before you that always make the right decision, and so on.
One thing worth mentioning is that there is a fair deal of narration from Bunn, and not everyone is going to love it. I can be put off VERY quickly by comics where I feel like the writer is using narration or inner monologue to tell where they could have shown, or where the artist has shown, but the writer was too overbearing to leave well enough alone. Now I personally think he has an ear for this style of writing and that he manages to weave in and out of the art, backing off when need be, and adding to the story when he does step in, but I'm just saying I wouldn't assume it to be everyone's cup of tea. The trade was a meaty trade with a lot of reading as a result, and I know not every goes in for that.
I haven't mentioned the art at all so far, and for good reason. Tyler Crook in my mind, was a good artist. I've enjoyed his stuff on the BPRD but nothing mind blowing. His move here to handle the whole art process by himself - pencils, inks, colours and even the lettering - is somewhat of a revelation. I'm not a great art buff, so it's hard for me to break down the actual technical aspects, but I just know the end product is literally stunning, particularly because of the use of watercolours, and how vivid they are. He pours detail and mood into every panel, and it's just exceptional stuff. He makes Harrow County a real breathing world that you can settle into , and over 120 odd pages despite the horrible things that are lurking around the edges, he makes it a place you don't want to leave.
In terms of the actual trade paper back collection, it's the usually high high quality I've come to expect from Dark Horse, and easily worth the cash.The actual paper stock is of great quality, nice and thick with no warping of anything. Binding is perfectly adequate for a paperback, no danger of the pages falling out. There is a really nice sketch section at the back with features comments from the team, showing some of the art process, initial character designs. There eventual a map sketch with a funny anecdote from Tyler Crook about how he started a map to build a sense of place for himself as to where the various locations are in relation to each other, but quickly gave up as he was effectively planning himself into a corner. On the next page, Bunn declares how much he's like a fully illustrated map now haha. it's definitely the kind of book you might expect a map to be on the inside cover. I bought volume 2 & 3 alongside this volume, and can also say they have maintained a really nice consistent trade dress over the three books, and they look really nice as a set on the shelf. Overall, if you've bought a Hellboy trade before, you probably have a pretty good idea of the quality on display.
Overall, the book is just a really great engaging read, and worth your while if you're a fan of this kind of stuff. I don't think it's necessarily the kind of book that will convert people that the description of a "southern gothic fairytale" does nothing for, but if that does entice you it's the perfect type of book to pick up this time of year when the autumn leaves are falling and the nights are getting earlier. It's a really nice volume in it's own right but also set-up pieces that hint towards a larger mythos to be unveiled as the series goes forward. Looking forward to reading the other two books
Bonus shot: One of the first proper looks at the farmstead in the book by night, and just gorgeous. Also, Crook does some real fun drops of the title card into the art.
ElBoxyBrown
Banned
CBR forum users love to make "feel good" threads whenever their franchise, character, company, etc. is being attacked.
Freezasaurus
Member
:O
Are we talking reprintings or brand new material?
Well, I can help you with X-Men ponies.
God damn, that's some seriously random shit.
RIP Dillon
echoshifting
Banned
What the fuck! How horrible.
The implication is a new something SiP
echoshifting
Banned
Terrific review of Harrow County Donnie! Just read it. Going on the list!
Bunn can be great sometimes. He's hit or miss for me.
Bunn can be great sometimes. He's hit or miss for me.
Some people refuse to let themselves be happy when it comes to comics and it happens on other sites as well.
Donniewahlberg
Banned
Cheers man. Oh yea, I totally agree. I think he's much more suited to the characters that originate inside his own head, over work for hire. He's similar to Lemire in that regard, in my mind. His stuff at Oni Press has been pretty great, especially The Sixth Gun. A complete 50 issue run is none too shabby at such a small publisher, and Harrow County feels like a natural progression on from that work.
Donniewahlberg
Banned
Watching Crimson Peak tonight. Girlfriend won't let me put the lights out haha. Pan's labyrinth last night, it was ever bit the masterpiece I remember it being, literally a 10/10 movie. Really wish we got the criterion editions here.
Donniewahlberg
Banned
Oh damn I meant to say man, I just got approved the other day haha finally. I'm still with no phone though so haven't been on fb much but ill need to dive in and have a look around
Coriolanus
Banned
fb group?
it's probably an anime thing.
I heard its the place where everyone shows of their weird furry fetish
I am a full body shaver.
Coriolanus
Banned
That only means the fursuit fits more snugly.
But you had a beard
ElBoxyBrown
Banned
Is that where I can meet hot female comic fans?
Donniewahlberg
Banned
Having spontaneous sex in the late 1900s must have been a chore. Not just because of all the ghosts out to get you, but also taking off all of your 15 layers quickly.
My hot takes live from crimson peak.
My hot takes live from crimson peak.
This poor movie is awful by the way. I might try to re watch it now but it put me right to bed.
Edit:
Trinity may be one of the best Rebirth "tie in" books I've read. Lot of coordination between a bunch of creative to get those story beats down.
BuddyJoeHooker
Member
RIP Steve Dillon
Always loved his art and storytelling style.
Always loved his art and storytelling style.
It's a group for collected editions (trades, OHCs, omnis, etc.). Let me know if that is something you're interested in. It's not my group but it is great and very active.
Could you send me the info Van Winkle? I'd be interested
Future Foundation
Member
I didn't know Dillon was still doing Punisher work.
Sadly, that's the main takeaway. No one knows how far he was in the current series.
Gavin Darklighter
Banned
They have valid points though. You can't deny the X-Men have been marginalized at Marvel. If its BS why were the X-Men (and FF) removed from iconic group shots for t-shirts and merchandise, why did they completely stop making X-Men cartoons (when they've been consistently had a show since the 90s) and cancel several X-Men statues that were due for release? The reason Resurrection is happening and why its getting announced so soon is because sales are starting to suffer at Marvel and people are getting frustrated and loosing interest (the same thing happened to DC in the last year of the new 52 and after that with the whole DC YOU initiative). In fact everything Marvel is saying about Resurrection sounds exactly like DC Rebirth probably because they saw what a 180 DC was able to do sales wise when they finally threw the fans a bone.
Donniewahlberg
Banned
just finished bprd end of days....
Varvara! She's free! God damn. So many good moments in that volume. One of the seven free on earth, Liz and Johann killing the black flame, shonchin making another appearance so soon...
Btw I have a basket made up on comixology, it's all abe and BPRD issues that have been already been released bar one...I take it the smart thing to do here is to just wait and see if there's a dark horse halloween sale this week? It's only around £15 but still, if I can get around £8, that would be swell.
Coriolanus
Banned
Ah well, that is somewhat less interesting. All digital here. Thanks tho o7
I love how Abe is this very meditative thing on the nature of his existence, destiny and so on...and BPRD is just this balls to the wall crazy rollercoaster.Varvara! She's free! God damn. So many good moments in that volume. One of the seven free on earth, Liz and Johann killing the black flame, shonchin making another appearance so soon...
Btw I have a basket made up on comixology, it's all abe and BPRD issues that have been already been released bar one...I take it the smart thing to do here is to just wait and see if there's a dark horse halloween sale this week? It's only around £15 but still, if I can get around £8, that would be swell.
Yarp, brpd so good it's almost Valiant tier. And yarp, so close you might as well, even though it is somewhat unlikely.
Brian Fellows
Pete Carroll Owns Me
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
Brian Fellows
Pete Carroll Owns Me
!
Primethius
Banned
Scalped - Vol. 9 - Knuckle Up
[5/5]: What a tense volume through and through. Everything finally came to a head and it was really quite sad and tragic the way a lot of the stuff finally played put.
Damn good stuff by Aaron.
[5/5]: What a tense volume through and through. Everything finally came to a head and it was really quite sad and tragic the way a lot of the stuff finally played put.
Dino killing the cop Shunka changing his mind only to be killed by Red Crow. Red Crow essentially let compassion be his downfall. But probably what was the most tragic is how inopportune the timing of Dash finally arresting Red Crow all seems to be. Finally a man in charge who decides to make a difference brought down by a character who doesn't much care for the location to begin with.
Damn good stuff by Aaron.
OniBarubary
Banned
There are 9 volumes of Scalped? Shit, I really need to catch up
nekroseven
Member
I'm looking to get into digital comics. Mostly interested in mainstream stuff to kill time. Should I go for Marvel Unlimited or Comixology? If I go for the annual membership, pricing is about the same.
Which one has better content? Does Comixology Unlimited give you access to all of their content or is it only select titles?
I have Android. Which app is better?
Which one has better content? Does Comixology Unlimited give you access to all of their content or is it only select titles?
I have Android. Which app is better?
Primethius
Banned
10 actually in all. I'm almost done. Been such a great and intense journey.
Comixology Unlimited only gives you about a volume or so of select books while Marvel Unlimited gives your Marvel's whole collection, with some exceptions, but there's a six month delay on the newer stuff.
Freezasaurus
Member
10 paperback volumes, or 5 hardcovers.