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Reviews and commentary by Tony Isabella
"America's Most Beloved Comic-Book Writer & Columnist"
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TONY'S ONLINE TIPS
for Wednesday, August 6, 2008
I've a problem with Mystery In Space Volume Two [DC; 17.99], but it doesn't have anything to do with the material contained within the trade paperback. I'll get to said problem in a bit.
Reprinted in this collection are the concluding three issues of the eight-issue series by Jim Starlin, Ron Lim, and Shane Davis and The Weird mini-series from 1988 by Starlin and Bernie Wrightson. In the more recent story, a back-from-the-dead Captain Comet investigates his incredible resurrection and clashes with the malevolent Church of Eternal Light Corporation. In the older tale, we see the origin of the strange being who plays a key role in the resolution of the current Comet adventure.
Despite not having read the first five issues of Mystery In Space, I had no trouble following and getting into the story's conclusion. Between a handy "Our Story So Far" page and Starlin's ability to slip background information into his script without slowing the action and drama, I was good to go. And what's not to like about a tale with a courageous hero, vile villains, and some wry commentary on big business, big government, and big religion? The material might not be as fresh as when Starlin first explored such issues in his Warlock stories for Marvel, but his sure hand delivered an adventure that was exciting in its own right and with art that matched the fun and quality of the writing beat for beat. I liked it.
It's been over a decade since I first read The Weird and, even then, I'd never read the four issues back to back. An alien being comes to Earth and moves into the body of a recently-deceased man to save us from its alien masters. It's a story with enormous heart, lots of super-hero action, and a great payoff. I like it even more now than I did in 1988.
My one "problem" is with the trade paperback comes on the marketing end. DC should have released an one-volume collection of all eight issues of Mystery In Space and a separate book of The Weird. That would have been far more attractive to this reader.
Mystery In Space Volume Two was great fun. It earns an impressive four out of five Tonys.
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COMICS IN THE COMICS
Veteran TOT readers know Guy and Brad Gilchrist's Nancy is among my favorite contemporary comic strips. It's beautifully drawn, often poignant, and always amusing. Here are some examples of recent strips that also fit our theme of "Comics in the Comics." They're all from this year: June 6, June 30, July 11, August 3, and August 4. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
Thanks for spending a part of your day with me. I'll be back tomorrow with more stuff.
Tony Isabella
<< 08/05/2008 | 08/06/2008 | 08/07/2008 >>
Discuss this column with me at my Message Board. Also, read Heroes and Villains: Real and Imagined.
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THE "TONY" SCALE
ZERO: Burn your money before buying any comic receiving this rating. It doesn't *necessarily* mean there's absolutely nothing of value here - though it *could* - but whatever value it might possess shrinks into insignificance before its overall awfulness.
ONE: Buy something else. Maybe I found something which wasn't completely dreadful in the item, but not enough for me to recommend it when there are better comics available. I only want what's best for you, my children.
TWO: Basic judgment call. I found some value, but not enough to recommend it. My review should give you enough info to decide if you want to take a chance on it. Are you feeling lucky today, punk? Well, are you?
THREE: This denotes something I find perfectly respectable. There are better books out there, but I wouldn't regret buying this item. Based on my review, you should be able to determine if it's of interest to you. Let the Force guide you.
FOUR: I recommend anything earning this rating. Unless you don't like the genre, subject matter, or past work of the creators, I believe you'll enjoy this item. Isn't it uncanny how I can look right into your soul that way?
FIVE: Anything getting this rating is among the best comicdom has to offer. You should buy/read this, even if the genre/subject matter doesn't appeal to you. It's for your own good. Me, I live for comics and books this good...but not in a pathetic "Comic-Book Guy" sort of way.
Please send material you would like me to review to:
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Medina, OH 44256
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