Hepcats, Hip Flask, The Hire, Incredibles

Hepcats 3-10

This comic was a big name in the black and white indie comic scene back when I first started collecting, and its reputation is completely justified.  Martin Wagner’s art is superb, an amazing extension of the admitted Gerhard influences. The story is engrossing too, focusing on a woman who’s forced to confront her repressed past after years of suppression.  I wonder how well the psychology of her depression/suicide attempt passes muster, but it certainly rang true during the reading. 

It’s a shame that Wagner wasn’t able to complete this story, due to a combination of economic and personal issues.  I would have kept reading it if given the opportunity.

Regret buying? No

Would buy again? No

Would read again? Yes

Rating: Pretty good

Hip Flask: Unnatural Selection

Hip Flask: Elephantmen

This is all about the Ladronn art.  There’s a Katsuhiro Otomo Akira vibe mixed with Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner, wrapped up in a European comic art style.

I love the Big Brother nature of the nonstop exhortations and commandments.  Richard Starkings’ writing is note-perfect there.  

I might have a stack of unread Elephantmen stashed away somewhere, now would be the time to dig it up.

Regret buying? No

Would buy again? No

Would read again? Yes

Rating: Pretty good (Entirely for the art.)

The Hire 1, 3

There was a time when BMW commissioned a bunch of shorts made by famous directors and a miniseries of comics with top notch creators.  The two I have are written by Matt Wagner and Mark Waid. They’re basically The Transporter in comic form.  Not the worst, but not memorable in any way.

Regret buying? No

Would buy again? No

Would read again? No

Rating: Fine (Cutting)

The Incredibles 1

I bought this because I love the movie so very much.  But even written by Mark Waid, this couldn’t live up to the awesomeness of the source material.  It feels phoned in.

Regret buying? Yes

Would buy again? No

Would read again? No

Rating: Didn’t suck (Cutting)