Unknown Soldier #13

Written by Joshua Dysart
Art by Pat Masioni

I've been a big supporter of this iteration of the Unknown Soldier over the last year, but feel like my admiration for the title has reached a new level with this latest issue.

This is the first of a two-part story centred on Paul, the boy that Moses rescued from the rebels and dropped off at a re-education centre earlier. Paul is not happy there, and escapes. He returns to the place where he and Moses had camped, and meets up with him again. The two of them set out on a trip to Paul's village.

While this journey is being undertaken, Paul is finally also journeying back into his own experiences as a child soldier. Moses makes an uncomfortable confessor, and Dysart handles these scenes with sensitivity and care. This issue reminds me of books like 'Long Way Home' and 'What is the What', which mine similar ground. I like how Dysart works it all into his larger narrative.

This issue is drawn by Pat Masioni, whose work reminds me quite a bit of Alberto Ponticelli, the regular artist on the title. At times, I found his work a little stiff, but I like the simplicity with which he depicts the childrens' drawings at the camp, and the nobility he gives his characters.

It wasn't until I read the text piece at the back of the book that I learned that Masioni is from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and that some of his own personal experiences are not dissimilar to those of the characters in the book. I've felt from the beginning that Vertigo should be praised for bringing about a title like this, but to then actively seek out artists from the (general) region is especially admirable. I would never accuse Dysart of appropriation in writing this comic, but I think that including artists like Masioni does establish a level of authenticity in the work, that I hope to see continued.

If you've never read an issue of Unknown Soldier, go pick up this one. It's a good place to start, and it's an incredibly gripping read.

Northlanders #21

Written by Brian Wood
Art by Leandro Fernandez
Brian Wood's newest epic (and at 8 parts, epic is appropriate) is all about learned discussion of germ theory in millennial Russia. Just to keep things interesting, he's tossed in a plague that's killing tons of people, a widow who coming to terms with her own grief, medieval xenophobia, and a settlement that has committed acts of brutality.

Just as Wood's DMZ started out as a comment on Bush era American policy, 'The Plague Widow' feels very relevant in H1N1-obsessed 2009. I look forward to seeing how this story plays out.

Crate Digging: The Holocaust

by Blue Sky Black Death and The Holocaust

It had been a few years since I heard this, and I find that listening to this album today matches my memories of it perfectly.

It is clear from the beginning that this is Blue Sky Black Death's album, and that they did their best to accommodate the monotonous flow of their emcee. The production on this album is dark, yet lush and beautiful. They create brooding beats, deserving of a more versatile lyricist.

Holocaust seems to have only one style of delivery: monotone. His lyrics are repetitive, and are further marred by the slight sense of urgency in his voice, as if at any moment, he was afraid that the producers would fire him. He hits all the requisite nerdcore tropes, rapping about aliens, comic books, and how a hippopotamus can bite an alligator in half (I'm not making this up).

The weak and annoying lyrics do keep this album from shining. I see that it's possible to purchase this as an instrumental album; if only I'd known that at the time. In terms of production, this is a strong showing though, even if it doesn't anticipate the glory of Slow Burning Lights.

Jack of Fables #39

Written by Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges
Art by Russ Braun, Andrew Pepoy, and Jose Marzán Jr.

I find myself increasingly on the fence about this title. This issue was stronger than the last, but I can't escape a general sense of aimlessness in this book.

Jack's recent changes are explained in an amusing development at the end of the book. Jack Frost, meanwhile, displays some intelligence as he takes on two heroic commissions at once, but I think a big part of the problem with this book is that I don't much care about Jack Frost yet.

Babe the blue ox gets the best page in the comic again, although I'm not quite sure what's going on with him - did he just wander off from Jack and Gary?

Also - what's with the cover? I love Bolland's work, but this has nothing to do with the contents, or even the themes, of this issue. This title has two more issues to show me some promise, or I'm going to be saying goodbye.

Ignition City #5

Written by Warren Ellis
Art by Gianluca Pagliarani

The final issue of Ignition City is all revelation, exposition, and burning blasts from laser guns. This has been one of Ellis's better Avatar titles in recent years, and the conclusion does not disappoint at all.

I've been interested in the world (universe?) of Ignition City from the first issue, and I like that the ending leaves the door open to possible sequels.

There's not much that can be said about this issue without revealing how it ends, except to say that the characters Ellis built up in this series are memorable, even if they are pastiches on various famous space characters.

Recommended.

Phonogram: Rue Britannia

Written by Keron Gillen
Art by Jamie McKelvie
Seeing as I've been enjoying the new Phonogram series (when it comes out), I decided it was time to go back and read the beginning of the title. I remember picking up the first issue on the stands, and enjoying it somewhat, but for whatever reason, I chose not to pursue the title.

Strangely, I think that first issue is the strongest in this trade. Gillen created a wonderful character in David Kohl, yet in the rest of the book, he doesn't use him to his fullest extent.

The series begins with Kohl, a Phonomancer, tasked by his Goddess to figure out what is going on with the dead Britannia, who is the goddess of Britpop, so far as I can tell. From there, Kohl goes on a pretty standard fantasy quest, except that he is journeying through underground clubs and dealing with a lot of scenesterism.

The title never really lives up to its potential. In contrast, the current "Singles Club" series is much stronger, as Gillen and McKelvie focus more on character development. This reads like an attempt to update John Constantine for indie kids, and while that has merits based solely on the strength of the concept, I found it a little facile.

As an indicator of Gillen and McKelvie's strengths though, it does demonstrate that these two up-and-comers have it in them to become stars in the comics field.

Beasts of Burden #2

Written by Evan Dorkin
Art by Jill Thompson
The first issue of Beasts of Burden was a pleasant surprise for me. With this second issue, I had pretty high expectations, and they were met and surpassed. This is one of the best books on the stands today.

In this issue, the crew of Watchdogs have been working hard at investigating the paranormal around their area, and have apparently built up a reputation for solving problems, attracting any number of crackpot animals.

Then, a mother who has lost her pups comes looking for help, and the gang embark on a mission that is both heartbreakingly sad and disturbing.

As with the previous issue, Thompson's art is incredible, and the story has a perfect blend of funny and suspenseful moments.

Summer Suite

by The Last Electro-Acoustic Space Jazz & Percussion Ensemble

I know that summer's most definitely over, but it's kind of nice to throw on some jazzy Madlib goodness, and bask in the warm summer sounds, even if it's a little chilly outside.

On this half-hour or so cd, Madlib comes correct with some light and frothy summer jazz. This is not one of those sticky, torpid evenings; it's more a pleasant afternoon on the patio kind of vibe. You can hear the kids playing at the park down the street, and you don't have anywhere in particular to be for a few more hours.

I miss the summer....

Robotika: For a Few Rubles More #3&4

by Alex Sheikman (with David Moran)

Well, I'm really glad that I read the hardcover of the original book this week, as I definitely wouldn't have been able to follow this comic at all, which is strange since the first double issue went down quite smoothly on its own.

First, this is a lovely comic. Sheikman's art is terrific - it reminds me a little of Steve Skroce with a dash of Moebius. The problem tends to be one of pacing and exposition. The second half (issue 4) uses a three-tiered storytelling technique, which works quite well. I don't think we need the entire page explaining this though. John Byrne never explained when he did stuff like this back in Fantastic Four, and that was for a younger, and less comics-sophisticated audience.

I'm not sure if Sheikman is planning on continuing this series or not. It's a fun book - the whole cyber-samurai steampunk thing is cool. I think he needs a little more schooling in plot though....

Chew #5

Written by John Layman
Art by Rob Guillory

This issue puts me closer to deciding to stick with Chew. I haven't previously been able to make up my mind, as I couldn't quite get a handle on whether or not this was just going to be a 'gross-out' comic, or if it was going to have some kind of narrative purpose.

With this issue, Chu's partner goes rogue, and we learn that Chu probably is working for the bad guys. This makes things a lot more interesting to me, as I tend to be drawn towards comics that have more going on than some of the previous issues demonstrated.

The Last Resort #3

Written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray
Art by Giancarlo Caracuzzo

The Last Resort is a pretty wild comic. In this issue, the airplane crash survivors start to figure out what has been happening on the island resort they've landed on, as a few of their number get attacked. Also, the scientist types realize they're in trouble too.

This book is a fantastic blend of strong characterization, gore, randomness (body bags full of weed and zombie lions both fall into that category, I believe), and tight plotting. It's a great read.

The Walking Dead #66

Written by Robert Kirkman
Art by Charlie Adlard and Cliff Rathburn

I've made no secret of how much I love this book. It has been consistently one of my top-five monthlies for a few years now, and I always find it praiseworthy.

That all said, this is one of the best issues I've read in a while. The opening scenes have Rick and company stooping to a new level of brutality, and they are executed with a series of silent splash pages or large panels, which really show off Adlard's skill.

Later, Rick has a couple of important conversations. The first is with Dale, who is close to death. This scene is played perfectly; Kirkman is able to resist easy sentiment, and instead creates an emotionally powerful scene. Later, Rick bares his soul to Abraham, although that doesn't work out the way he expected.

Air #14

Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by MK Perker

The 'Pureland' arc is allowing Wilson to play with her theories about symbolism in a more practical way that previous arcs permitted. Heavy Metal Jihad is an organization designed to 'give new meanings to the old symbols - to take them out of the hands of the fundies.' With this, Mohammad the Sad explains his life work, while consistently referring to fundamentalism as a virus.

Blythe learns more about Zayn, and we find out why she's been able to fly so much without having anxiety attacks. We also see that Blythe's ability to use the Hyperprax engine is increasing - she's basically become her own deus ex machina.

I've been consistently impressed with Air, and I do feel that the book is continuing to improve with each new issue.

Underground #2

Written by Jeff Parker
Art by Steve Lieber

Parker and Lieber are basically conducting a master class in independent, non-super hero comics with this title. Their story of a crooked store owner's illegal attempts to open up a cave for tourism, and the park rangers who expose him, has all the best qualities of a good movie. The heroes are likable, the plot moves quickly, and things stay grounded in the realm of the plausible.

This is a great comic. It seems to be compared most frequently with Whiteout, which makes sense, as these two comics share an artist and have an exotic locale in common. However, this is a very different creature. It's a much smaller story, in terms of stakes and scale, and therein lies its strengths.

I'm loving this book. I already can't wait for the next issue.

Ex Machina #46

Written by Brian K. Vaughan
Art by Tony Harris
There are only a few issues left in this series, and I figure that by now, people who like it are all reading it, and those that aren't familiar with it are not about to start picking it up at this late date. Which is too bad, because Vaughan is sneaking one last political issue (abortion) into his big invasion story arc.

Padilla confronts Hundred in this issue, and we learn a tiny bit more about his ray gun.