Comics: The Meaning

com-ics (kom'iks)n. plural in form, used with a singular verb. 1. Juxtaposed pictorial and other images in deliberate sequence, intended to convey information and/or to produce an aesthetic response in the viewer.

"If Comics' spectacularly varied past is any indication, comics' future will be virtually impossible to predict using the standards of the present.... Those of you who make comics for a living - or would like to someday, probably know that keeping up with all the advances in today's comics is a full-time job. However much we may try to understand the world of comics around us, a part of that world will always lie in shadow - a mystery.... As it is, it should be kept in mind at all times that this world is only one of many possible worlds!
Our attempts to define comics are an on-going process which won't end anytime soon. A new generation will no doubt reject whatever this one finally decides to accept and try once more to reinvent comics. And so they should. Here's to the great debate."

Excerpts and paraphrased from the amazing Scott McCloud's "Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art."

Friday, September 2, 2011

'NUFF SAID - A LOOK THRU MARVEL OCT. PREVIEWS

First we'll start with Marvel previews and then I will write a separate posting for DC and the other companies in the coming weeks.  At a glance, here is what I think is interesting in the Mighty Marvel Universe for the month of October 2011.  Matt Fraction is white hot at the moment.  He concludes "Fear Itself" with issue #7 of 7 and his "Mighty Thor" ongoing series reaches #7 (storyline precedes events of Fear Itself).  "Mighty Thor" has actually been better and issue #7 will tie into Fear Itself with the true story behind the relationship of Odin and the Serpent.  "Journey Into Mystery" #629 and #630 by Kieron Gillen add a must read storyline to Fraction's stories.  Journey is arguably Marvel's best ongoing series.  Kieron also ends "Uncanny X-Men" at #544.  Keeping with the X-Men thread Jason Aaron splits the X-Men with "Schism" #5 of 5, with a throw down between Cyclops and Wolvie.  My money is on Cyclops.  Mr. Aaron then launches into a new X-title, "Wolverine and the  X-Men", plus "Incredible Hulk" #1 from said writer should also be an interesting read.  One of my favourite reads every month is Punishermax and with #18 Jason Aaron introduces Elektra to the Max line.  Marvel's going to give this guy a heart attack.  Got to love how prolific a writer Aaron is though.

My favourite Marvel writer by far is Jonathan Hickman and after reading Ultimates #1,  he has sucked me into the Ultimate Universe.  For fans looking for an entry point into something new and a cutting-edge, checkout:  Ultimate Hawkeye (Hickman), Ultimates (Hickman), Ultimate Spidey (Bendis) and Ultimate X-Men (Spencer), because these titles will blow your mind.  All these series reach #3 during the month of October.  Find the 2nd prints of  #1 and #2 if you've missed getting into the new Ultimate line.  Mr. Hickman is also at it again in the regular Marvel 616 Universe with FF #10 , #11 and the best book Marvel has put out in years with the bi-monthly S.H.I.E.L.D. #3.

Enjoy what October has to offer from Marvel Comics!


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Labels: comics, graphic novels

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