Where most internet era writers/critics/entertainers go wrong (Chris Harwick, Harry Knowles, are you listening?) is that they talk about themselves to a criminal degree. The solution is NOT to “Think of the reader first.” That’s impossible. All writers are narcissists, that’s why they write. No, the ACTUAL solution is having a bigger arsenals of word boomerangs. For example:
Out of the pages of Dark Horse Presents comes this week’s Buddy Cops one-shot, a sci-fi fantasy crime comic reminiscent of Quantum and Woody, the “classic” era JLA of Booster Gold and Blue Beetle and to a lesser extent Nextwave. Written by Nate Cosby, a former Marvel editor and Harvey Award winner, Buddy Cops would SEEM like the adventures of a drunk Buzz Lightyear with a traffic cop version of Kryten form Red Dwarf. It would seem that way because it is. Sometimes a banana is yadda yadda yadda. Derivative or not (and it is) it is still the only alcoholic sci-fi cop comic out this week, and the cover does seem to imply they’ll fight giant monsters. Sounds great, Mr. The Kid!
JOB WELL DONE
A fine, professional piece of reviewing that says the exact same thing as this, more honest if less palatable, write up: I like humor comics, so I’m going to buy Buddy Cops this week. Hope it doesn’t suck. The subject matter is the beginning of the end for impartiality. You, the reader, would rather hear about this week’s BIG books, Batman #18, The Walking Dead #108 and Age of Ultron #2. Instead I’m writing about obscure Dark Horse comics that weren’t on your radar, books that could fail. Lookit, you’re going to buy hit books whether I plug them or not. They’re going to be great, don’t worry (well, except for Age of Ultron #2. Phew!) You don’t need me to tell you that good comics are good. My job as a comics reviewer is to try and expose you knuckle heads to fun stuff that might spark other interests. If you like Uncanny X-Men #3 (it’s been good, so far!) I can only hep you kids to stuff already on your radar. MORE Bendis (Powers) MORE Bachalo (Can’t beat his run on Generation-X or Vertigo’s Death) and more x-titles. If you like Buddy Cops (and I feel that’s a 50/50 proposition) THEN I can show you an entire genre of comics you might not know but could love. Ever Hear of D.R. and Quinch, the crazy Alan Moore/Alan Davis sci-fi comedy? It’s fun! Have you ever read Judge Dredd? Phil Folgio’s Girl Genius, The Change-o-Bots?
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YOU love comics and I love comics. You’re probably reading this column because A)It came free with your purchase, B) you’ve read your comics and your bored on the subway/toilet or C) you’ve occasionally read this in the past and besides the weird jokes about mummies, cave life and the Penguin I’ve mentioned comics you MIGHT like. Some hot picks this week include Constantine #1 (Could be good, we’ll try!) Batman and Robin #18 (Damn well better be good after all this hype,) Star Wars #3, GI Joe #2, All New X-Men #3 and the Adventure Time Hardcover reprint. Explore, search, try new books. Listen to others recommendations. Figure out YOUR tastes. I always want you gals and guys to get the most out of your trips to the Forbidden Planet. Hopefully you catch some sparks. Till then, I’ll keep writing and reviewing. NEXT WEEK: More mummy jokes in a cave with some Merpeople, we promise!
