Rapid Reviews - 4 August 2004 - Part III

A western, a sci-fi tinted western, and pure 1960s science fiction. THIS is what comics can be. Not all superheroes, but just about anything the imagination can pull off. I love superheroes, but I love seeing good books in other genres, too.

The Ballad of Sleeping Beauty #2: The first issue was enough to pull me in to getting the second issue, and I think I'll stick with it. It's good. Not much about the sleeping beauty part in this one, but enough to get me to come back for more. I like the art a lot, it fits the story well. All-in-all, very good.

Daisy Kutter: The Last Train Chapter One: Is it really a western? I don't know, but it definitely is good. The story of a woman who has "quit the life" but misses it deeply. This is just wonderful. The artwork is expressive and neat, reminding me mostly of Mark Crilley's Akiko, but the subject matter is more serious... and the humor is still there. Worth getting.

Star Trek Key Collection Vol 1: The giggling started on page 8 of the collection, which happened to be the first real story page of the book, when Captain Kirk says, while looking at a vegetation-covered planet, says "If there's life in this galaxy, we'll find it there." Duh Captain. Vegetation IS life. Still, I understood what he really meant. It was just incredibly funny. As were a lot of the goofs in this book. Heck, the ending of the first story alone is guaranteed to appall most modern audiences. The introduction makes it very clear that the publishers of this collection are aware of the goofs and funky science, but those goofs are part of what makes this book so cool. I agree. It's a wonderful little time capsule, and well worth getting for either Star Trek fans or fans of the history of comic books. The first eight issues, including slightly reduced images of the covers, are included.

I don't have next week's shipping list handy, so you'll just have to wait to see what I'm picking up this time 'round.

And on other topics, I seem to have missed Rick's Eleven. Shame on me.

Also recently posted is Bill Sherman's Eleven.

It has also been noted that my opinion on the subject that started the whole thing hasn't been seen. That's because I didn't feel like repeating myself. But, if you insist: There are lots of comics for kids out there, but marketing is still the problem. Comics for kids aren't seen where kids can get at and read them. Manga is changing this, and if other publishers follow that trend I think we might have an opening. But the trick is getting the good American stuff into the hands of Manga readers... and convincing them that it IS good enough to try. I'm watching, and I'm doing my part by spreading news of good comics for kids around to people near me in real life. If I even come up with a brilliant idea that will definitely work, I'll be sure to share it.