Matt Price’s top 10 comic-book series of 2011
DC Comics regained the public’s attention — and the lead in market share — with a publicized revamp of its superhero line, but not all of the year’s best comics involved capes and tights.
The following are 2011′s best 10 periodical comic books.
RIP Eduardo Barreto
Former “New Teen Titans” artist Eduardo Barreto has died at age 57, Comic Book Resources is reporting.
The artist worked with Marv Wolfman on the popular “New Teen Titans” series starting in the mid-1980s.
He was also an artist for the “Judge Parker” newspaper strip from 2006-2010 and the “Phantom” Sunday strip.
Barreto, who was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, contracted meningitis in 2010.
Comics writer and critic Rob Vollmar, of Chickasha, said Barreto had versatility and a deft artistic touch.
“Eduardo Barreto was an artist who brought style and impact to the books that he drew,” Vollmar said. “He was able to retain the sexiness that George Perez had brought to the Teen Titans revival of the late-70s while making the figures more organic and less posed. Though he was probably best known for his superhero work, Barreto was capable of much more, as evidenced by his collaboration with Ande Parks on ‘Union Station.’ It is a shame to see talented artists like Barreto go so young.”
George Perez shared the following comment on the George Perez facebook fan page:
“I was totally stunned to learn of the death of former TITANS artist Eduardo Barreto, at the incredibly young age of 57 (which is the same age as me),” Perez wrote. “Eduardo was probably second only to me in the number of issues of THE NEW TEEN TITANS drawn during its initial run. He was an exceptional draftsman and, as I learned in my only meeting with him during a convention, a very nice gentleman. My condolences to his family, friends, and fans.”
Barreto was closely associated with DC Comics for much of his career, and was the artist on publications including “Action Comics” and “Atari Force.”
Oni Press, for whom Barreto drew “Union Station” and “The Long Haul,” released the following statement.
All of us at Oni Press were saddened to have learned of the passing of our friend and colleague, Eduardo Barreto. It was our absolute pleasure to have the opportunity to collaborate with this great artist. Eduardo fit the classic model of a working illustrator, and he particularly loved the wide variety of comics that he read growing up in Uruguay. He had a pronounced passion for space operas and horse operas alike, and though he made his name drawing iconic characters like Superman and the Teen Titans, his art truly shined when he was let loose to play with heroes whose abilities—and foibles—were far more human. Those who worked with him remember as a true professional, and everyone who met him could instantly call him a friend. Eduardo Barreto leaves behind a tremendous body of work, as well as a legion of fans, all of whom will miss him dearly. We join them in extending our deepest condolences to his family for their loss.
- Matt Price
G.I. Joe, Doomwar among recent comic book reviews
IDW’s reprint series of “G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero” begins in “Classic G.I. Joe vol. 1″ with issues 1-10 from the original Marvel Comics run.
Best comic-book series of 2010
Detectives, zombies and superheroes highlighted the best in periodical comic books in 2010. While most comics are eventually collected in graphic novels, the monthly periodical comic still drives most traffic in comic book stores.
The following are 2010′s best 10 periodical comic books.
Best graphic novels of 2010
Those looking for illustrated long-form fiction had much to choose from in 2010, with graphic novels from traditional book publishers and those from the comics field combining to make a wide selection. From crime to fantasy, from the distant past to the future, graphic novels in 2010 explored the human condition in a variety of settings with a wide range of characters.
Here are my selections for the best 10 graphic novels of 2010. I’ve limited the list to stories that first appeared in a graphic novel format, as opposed to collections of periodically released comic books.
Next week, return for the top 10 periodical comics of 2010.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World Blu-ray review
Scott Pilgrim Blu-ray
Edgar Wright adapts Bryan Lee O’Malley’s six-volume graphic novel series into “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” a hyperactive romance with layers upon layers of influences.
The film stars Michael Cera as the titular Scott Pilgrim, a 20-something Toronto slacker who plays bass in the band Sex Bob-omb. Scott is dating Knives Chau (Emily Wong), 17, to the dismay of his friends; Scott hasn’t gotten over his bad breakup with Envy Adams (Brie Larson), who has rocketed to rock stardom since their breakup.
Scott’s trying to use his relationship with Knives to dull the pain of his breakup. The film takes a turn for the surreal as Scott falls for Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a delivery girl using the subspace pathways in Scott’s head as a shortcut. In order to date Ramona, Scott discovers he must defeat Ramona’s seven evil exes.
The battle sequences draw influences from video games, anime, graphic novels and more. Each fight teaches Scott something about himself, but will it be enough to face Ramona’s final evil ex?
Excellent in supporting roles are Kieran Culkin as Scott’s gay roommate, Wallace Wells, and Anna Kendrick as Scott’s sister, Stacey, who plays something of a Jiminy Cricket to Scott’s Pinocchio. The music, including songs composed by Beck, accentuates the film’s caffeinated humor.
Scott’s labors of Hercules are a meld of 1980s and 1990s influences from “Battle of the Planets” to “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”; watching the four audio commentaries gives insight into the film’s many layers and visual metaphors.
Blu-ray extras: featurettes, preproduction footage, Scott Pilgrim animation for Adult Swim, deleted scenes, music videos and more.
— Matthew Price
Holiday gift ideas for comic-book fans include art books, anniversary titles
Paul Levitz with his book, "75 Years of DC Comics."
WORD BALLOONS
With Black Friday upon us, those with comic book fans in their lives might be considering what items relating to the hobby would make good holiday gifts. There are several items, from archival reprints to art books and histories, that might make good selections.
2010 marks the 75th anniversary of DC Comics, so several items are available celebrating that landmark. Paul Levitz has written the enormous “75 Years of DC Comics: The Art of Modern Mythmaking” ($200) from Taschen, recounting the company’s history with lots of beautifully presented art. The hardcover book “DC Comics Year by Year: A Visual Chronicle” ($50) takes fans on a chronological tour through important events in DC Comics’ publishing history.
For those who may be fans primarily of DC Comics’ artwork, “DC Comics: The 75th Anniversary Poster Book” ($40) provides a look at some of DC’s greatest covers, which can be pulled out as posters if desired.
Another DC Comics-related book of interest is “Icons: The DC Comics & Wildstorm Art of Jim Lee” ($39.95), which recounts the post-Marvel comics art of the DC Comics co-publisher, who has drawn story lines including “Superman: For Tomorrow” and “Batman: Hush.” Fans of classic comics may want to try out “Shazam!: The Golden Age of the World’s Mightiest Mortal” ($35), which looks back at the phenomenon of Captain Marvel from comics’ Golden Age.
Aspiring comic book artists might be interested in “Stan Lee’s How to Draw Comics” ($24.99), which covers essential elements in comic book creating, or “Bryan Hitch’s Ultimate Comics Studio” ($24.99), which shows the techniques of the popular comic book penciller.
If your comic fan’s taste runs more toward the indie, Oni Press has released a complete box set of all of the “Scott Pilgrim” graphic novels. Called “Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Box Set” ($72), this slipcased collection contains all six of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s “Pilgrim” graphic novels, in which a slacker must defeat all of his new girlfriend’s evil exes.
Marvel Comics fans may enjoy “Marvel Avengers: The Ultimate Character Guide” ($16.99), which gives a rundown on the various characters that were part of “The Avengers” over the years.
- Matt Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman
Jarrett Williams delivers knockout with “Super Pro K.O.” from Oni Press
Cartoonist Jarrett Williams grew up watching wrestling, and that fandom has inspired his first full-length graphic novel.
Williams, who wrote and drew the Web comic “Lunar Boy,” is the creator of the graphic novel “Super Pro K.O.,” which features wrestler Joe Somiano’s first day at the SPKO wrestling company.
The cover to Super Pro K.O.
“He comes into this company thinking it’s going to be super easy, but of course it’s not; that’s not the case at all,” Williams said. “He has to deal with all these crazy wrestlers (and) the politics backstage.”
The manga-influenced “Super Pro K.O.” has a wild cast of characters, including the luchador El Heroe; the second-generation star Mr. Awesomeness 2; and the world champ, the somewhat deranged King Crown.
“I’m from a generation of cartoonists that were influenced by so much, from Western comics (to) Japanese comics, and so I think ‘Super Pro K.O.’ is just like a hybrid of all those things,” Williams said. “It’s definitely an action story.”
Growing up, Williams said he watched wrestling Saturday mornings, including World Championship Wrestling and Mid-South Wrestling.
“And then as I got older, of course, I was a big fan of like the Monday Night Wars,” Williams said, referring to period in the 1990s that included World Wrestling Entertainment, WCW and Extreme Championship Wrestling competing for viewership.
“And so now it’s just crazy that I’m actually doing a comic about these things,” he said.
Williams said he’s surprised at the number of wrestling fans who have come up to him at conventions to talk about the sport.
“Since I’ve been doing this comic, a lot of people have been coming out of the woodwork, like, ‘Oh man, I’m a fan, too, and this is my favorite wrestler, and this is my favorite angle,’ and I love that,” Williams said.
“Super Pro K.O.” Vol. 1 is available from Oni Press.
- By Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman
Scott Pilgrim hits theaters; Rifftrax live event; Knuckleheads creators Brian Winkeler and Robert Wilson IV on Planet 46 Comics Podcast
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, starring Michael Cera and based on the graphic novels by Bryan Lee O’Malley, opens in theaters this week.
In “Scott Pilgrim,” the title character, a Toronto 23-year old bassist, discovers he must defeat his new girlfriend’s seven evil exes in order to date her.
Knuckleheads by Brian Winkeler and Robert Wilson IV
Excellent in supporting roles are Kieran Culkin as Scott’s gay roommate Wallace Wells and Anna Kendrick as Scott’s sister, Stacey. Ellen Wong is fantastic in her first feature film role as the high schoolgirl friend, Knives Chau. The music, including songs composed by Beck, is excellent throughout.
Rifftrax on Aug. 19
Rifftrax live event taking place at theaters throughout the country (and three in Oklahoma) on Aug. 19. There will be an encore presentation on Aug. 24.
The former “Mystery Science Theater 3000″ stars Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett will reunite on the big screen to live-riff the 1936 cult classic that warns of the dangers of marijuana. Audiences will also receive free digital items after the event.
Local Knuckleheads
Oklahoma comics creators Brian Winkeler and Robert Wilson IV are the creators of “Knuckleheads,” a “sitcomic” that explores what happens when a slacker is granted access to a superpowerful weapon. It’s Green Lantern mixed with the Big Bang theory, according to Winkeler, who writes the series.
Reviews
Matt Price and Kyle Roberts review Emerald Warriors #1, Archie and Friends #146, Incredible Hulk #611 and X-Men #2.
Movie review: Hyperactive “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” sure to entertain
Michael Cera in "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World"
“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” is a high-energy romantic comedy for the attention-deficit generation, and while it has its share of flaws, it’s entertaining and funny throughout.
Directed by Edgar Wright (“Shaun of the Dead”), “Scott Pilgrim” stars Michael Cera as Scott Pilgrim, “Rating: Awesome” a text box informs us. Scott is the 23-year-old slacker bassist of Toronto band Sex Bob-omb, who is dating a high schooler, much to the dismay of his friends. Scott’s still distressed over a previous bad breakup and is using the relatively simple relationship his “fake high school girlfriend” provides to attempt to heal.
But then, as the movie begins to get all the more surreal, Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), an Amazon.ca delivery person, begins appearing in Scott’s dreams. Scott falls for her, but to date her, he must defeat her seven evil exes.
The movie then becomes even more frenzied, as Wright uses techniques from video games, anime and even Bollywood musicals to create hyperactive action sequences. Wright also pulls several techniques directly from the graphic novels on which “Scott Pilgrim” is based, a six-volume set by Canadian Bryan O’Malley.
Scott uses skill and guile to combat the exes, each time learning more about his girlfriend and himself. But will what he’s learned be enough when he must face Ramona’s final evil ex?
Excellent in supporting roles are Kieran Culkin as Scott’s gay roommate Wallace Wells and Anna Kendrick as Scott’s sister, Stacey. Ellen Wong is fantastic in her first feature film role as the high school girlfriend, Knives Chau. The music, including songs composed by Beck, is excellent throughout.
The main problem with “Scott Pilgrim” is that the film is so frantic that it’s hard to get a feel for the relationship at the heart of it. Without much time to develop, the reason for all these battles kind of gets lost in the shuffle. Cera is a slightly different Scott Pilgrim from the books, but he makes the character his own. Perhaps anticipating some amount of comparison, Wright has a character mention in a crowd scene that the comics are better. And that’s true — the graphic novels on which “Scott Pilgrim” is based are transcendent, whereas the movie is simply entertaining and visually inventive. Nonetheless, “Pilgrim” is a fun movie with many great moments and certainly never bores its audience.
- By Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman
