Hellboy, Vol. 4, “The Right Hand of Doom” (Dark Horse) [collects a whole bunch of stuff I’m not going to type]
w/a. Mike Mignola
| Writing |  | New reader? | |
| Art | | Non-comics reader? |  |
Ah, the golden days of the mid-to-late 90s, when Mignola was first introducing Hellboy to the world (I was there at one of his first Comic-Cons, and picked up one of the first Hellboy t-shirts). This book collects a lot of those early stories, both dark and light (Pancakes!), and demonstrates why Hellboy got so popular to begin with — and why the book isn’t the same when Mignola’s not drawing it (let alone writing it). Highly recommended.
John Constantine, Hellblazer: “Bloodlines” (DC) [collects #47-50, 52-55, 59-61]
w. Garth Ennis; a. Will Simpson, et al.
| Writing | | New reader? |  |
| Art |  | Non-comics reader? | |
Some early tales by Ennis showing, as well, how it is that Constantine became such a popular figure at his hands. The intro of Kit Ryan is here, as are demons from hell, and a disturbingly familiar serial killer … The artwork is a bit of a mess (save for when Steve Dillon fills in), but Constantine’s at his con-the-devil best. Good stuff.
Hulk Visionaries: Peter David, Vol. 5 (Marvel) [collects #3564-372, Annual #16]
w. Peter David; a. Purvis, Keown, Kieth, Medina
| Writing | | New reader? |  |
| Art | | Non-comics reader? | |
David’s run on the title was an amazing one, and this volume from around 1990 spans two important eras: starting with the Gray Hulk (and the Count-Down story line), segueing quickly to the revelations of the multiple Hulks in Banner’s head, and return of Betty Ross as a novitiate. The folks from the Mount begin to make an appearance, too.
Good fun, and some finally getting to the heart of David’s concept of the Hulk’s multiple personalities. That’s about a dozen retcons ago of what’s going on inside the Hulk’s brain, but that’s comics for you. Recommended as part of a reread of the whole era.
Listening to: Gold, Murray, “Rose’s Theme” (Doctor Who – The New Series – Original Television Soundtrack))
How ya doing? Looks great! As your monitor I just want to make sure you’re doing ok. Let me know if you need anything.
Thanks, Judy — doing okay, and going to pursue a little change of pace for the next half-hour. Stay tuned!
Countdown was one of the first titles in comics collection as a teen. Fantastic stuff.
I found Purves’ artwork offputting, but the whole Gray Hulk era was a lot of fun.