November 12, 2004
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I enjoyed Marvel's 1602 tremendously. 1602 is a satisfying read and ranks up there with the best of graphic novels and comics miniseries. The visual treatment, plot, and language are stellar, and they only affirm my belief that comics are valid works of art and literature. I like the way Neil Gaiman (Sandman series) has transposed familiar Marvel superheroes back to Elizabethan times. It’s a brilliant extrapolation of the genre, breathing even more life into familiar 2-dimensional characters. You know what they say about character – throw someone into unfamiliar territory or some trying circumstances, and you’ll see the stuff he’s made of. Jean Grey’s death in particular was sensitively written. Familiarity with the Marvel universe goes a long way to double your reading pleasure. And if the way the story is resolved goes over your head, think Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time.
Some other graphic novels and miniseries I’ve enjoyed:
Watchmen: Alan Moore’s big stab at immortality changed the way people looked at comics. A redefinition of superheroics and an exploration of mortality. Okay the panels are rather, er, flat, when you consider how far we’ve come. As Gaiman said in 1602, Watchmen was a lesson in what NOT to do when drawing comics.
V for Vendetta: A vigilante dressed as Guy Fawkes is loose in totalitarian England. Moody and claustrophobic. Probably the most political of Alan Moore’s graphic works.
Batman Hush 1 & 2: Heroes and villains step into the arena in a bold, gritty, brawl. Although essentially an excuse for a big punch-up (with a slightly disappointing conclusion), it stays close to the Batman mythos and qualifies as an interesting read.
Batman Knightfall/Knights End/Sword of Azrael: I know there’s a bunch of comics here, but they’re interrelated. Almost three years in the telling - Batman breaks his back, Azrael steps into Batman’s shoes, Azrael goes berserk (well, almost), Batman reclaims his mantle. Some parts get draggy, (also the multiple-artwork style gets distracting), but the story is engaging nevertheless. The Sword of Azrael arc to me is the high point and I think the writing (Quesada) and art (O’ Neil) made the difference.
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (Vol 1): This anachronistic tale of 19th century characters of literature in modern superhero mode gets high votes from me. Now why didn’t anyone think of this before? Of course it takes the genius of Alan Moore to pull this off with wit and flair. Pity about the big screen treatment though. (And don’t get me started on the crappy comics sequel).
Of course I couldn't leave out Maus by Art Spiegelman and Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, but I've written about them earlier.
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