Hellblazer #250 (DC Vertigo- $3.99)
 
In a comic-book world where most of the important characters are not only older than today’s readers, but older even than their parents, it’s nice to see the “new kids” continue strong. John Constantine is, along with Wolverine, one of the few post-Silver Age characters to maintain hold on readers’ interests, and for a non-spandex book from DC to prosper in the monthly format for 250 issues is no small achievement. In honor of that number, DC presents this 40-page Christmas-season short-story collection that both reunites Constantine with some of the key creators in his series’ history, as well as bringing aboard a few new faces that seem very well-attuned to the exploits of London’s most rumpled modern magician.
 
Having recently heard the gentlemanly Dave Gibbons on a podcast, I was surprised to see that his contribution is the one that makes the most use of Constantine ’s colorfully profane language. With fine art from Sean Philips, it’s a typical Hellblazer confrontation, where immortal evil runs up against Constantine ’s wry  no-nonsense pragmatism. It’s a good read, and a good leadoff for the book (despite taking place on New Year’s Eve instead of Christmas).
 
Jamie Delano and David Lloyd are next with a Christmas parable about doing the right thing no matter the cost. It’s a downbeat tale, with Constantine mostly an observer; Lloyd’s pencils are spare and bleak.
 
Brian Azzarello and Rafael Grampa give us a sanguinary tale that reminds me more than a bit of the Warren Ellis-Juan Jose Ryp team. Those who like their Christmas cheer bloody and on the rocks will take to this.
 
Peter Milligan and Eddie Campbell present The Curse of Christmas, in which John learns how family quarrels can be real killers; Campbell ’s line work is always so crisp and to the point, it’s a joy to look at, even if the tale’s another downer.
 
Finally, novelist China Mieville offers what is the first comic work I’ve seen from him, with a compelling mystery and nice plot twist condensed into eight pages of vivid art from Giuseppe Camuncoli and Stefano Landini.
 
Anniversary issues, and holiday short-story collections, can be hit-or-miss affairs, particularly in the continuity-heavy world of superhero comics; but John Constantine’s wry view of the follies of mortality and immortality seem made for this approach. This book’s a great reunion of some of the character’s most important contributors, and would also make a great introduction for new readers.


FOUR OUT OF FIVE VIKINGS



[Raided] Atomic Robo: Dogs of War #5 (of 5) (Red 5 - $2.95)
By Graig Kent

Last year Atomic Robo broke out as one of the best new characters that comics has seen in years.  This year he came back, whole hog, in Dogs of War, a five issue mini-series of interconnected yet ostensibly stand-alone stories by creators Brian Clevinger and Scott Wegener (as well as a back-up short story each issue by different artists), and it’s as enjoyable, perhaps even more so than the first mini-series.  In this issue after falling into a trap, Robo has found himself captured by Nazi scientists who are using him to power their new engine of mass destruction.  What the Nazi’s didn’t count on was a Scottish adventurer whose wisecracks are just as sharp as his aim, and an accent as thick as his biceps intervening.  Like the Scotsman from Samurai Jack, James Milligan steals the show from the title character, making this a bit of an unfortunate finale for this mini-series, depriving Robo the big hero role.  Though thick with action, there’s not a lot of closure in the main story, instead it is relegated to the back-up story, that while satisfying still leaves the reader wanting more… as if that’s a bad thing.  It is a testament to the strength of Clevinger and Wegener’s creation it’s that he inspires such a feeling, and frankly, the way this series was constructed and executed it feels more and more as if it should be an ongoing title rather than a series of mini-series.  All we can do, however, is hope that more Robo is on the slate for ’09, and wait in anticipation.  If there’s a single book on the stand that every action-adventure fan should be reading, hands down this is it.


FOUR AND A HALF OUT OF FIVE VIKINGS



The Remnant #1 (Boom Studios - $3.99)
By Graig Kent

Alec is on 30 Rock, while William was mocking David Caruso in Forgetting Sarah Marshall earlier this year.  Daniel was a noted participant on Celebrity Rehab while Stephen… well, Stephen created a comic book. Those Baldwin boys are everywhere, and while they’re of varying levels of notoriety and talent, they’re seemingly always good for a punchline.  But seriously, The Remnant, created by Stephen, developed with Eureka creator Andrew Cosby and written by Caleb Monroe is far from a joke. It’s a pro forma espionage story sure, complete with the metaphysical twist ala dozens of shows and movies of the past two decades, but it’s also well-conceived, well-written, and thanks to the incredible pen of Julian Totino Tedesco, well-executed. 

In New Orleans, in the midst of tragedy, a grey haired, suited man whispers in the ear of a dead man, raising him to his feet.  Sometime later, David Sacker exits the Los Angeles Federal Building, seconds before it explodes behind him, blowing him off his feet.  When he returns to consciousness, his new wife is there by his side.  Days later the feds show up at their door and take them in for questioning, his wife a thin connection to recent events.  David, a federal employee, makes a phone call and he’s in to see her, but he’s not sure what’s happening and obviously there are questions that still need answering.  He returns home, only to be assaulted by a dead man… they mystery deepens.

Filled with solid characterization, more than a few engaging hooks, and action (plus explosions), the Remnant is off to an impressively strong start.  It has a cinematic feel, in scope and pacing, but it’s Tedesco’s art that gives the book that comic sensibility.  His layouts and paneling are superb, and his framing of a foot chase make it one of the most kinetic sequences I’ve read in recent comics memory.  His figure and facial work is loose and expressive, like an early Adam Hughes or Alan Davis.  I’m not familiar at all with his work but he’s a star on the rise, and you can bet Marvel or DC is going to poach him at the earliest opportunity.

A definite surprise, but it catches you right out the gate.


FOUR OUT OF FIVE VIKINGS