Fell # 9
Written by Warren Ellis
Art by Ben Templesmith
Published by Image Comics
I picked this issue for the cover art, as usual. This art is weird. Can I say that? It has this melted (or melded) quality to it. The tone of the art, color and form, matches up well with the story.
Initially, I didn't like the main character (Richard Fell.) He seemed really arrogant, and I assumed he was just as troublesome as he was being depicted by his boss in the first few pages. But what a great way of telling what I now know to be a pretty common comic story--the "cop as vigilante" tale. The story posits an innocent, victimized by a corrupt system beyond his control, and Fell becomes the only cynical risk taker willing to fight for that innocent's vindication. It's Fell's own corruption that makes him the hero. It's kind of like Batman-lite: no suit, no acrobatics or massive show of strength--but a willingness to break rules to right an injustice.
I enjoyed it. I learned all I needed to know by just reading this one story. I didn't miss any major background information, or need to know the history of the character--all i needed was in my hands. That's really good writing. Cheers!
Marvel Illustrated: Picture of Dorian Gray # 1
Written by Oscar Wilde & Roy Thomas
Art by Sebastian Fiumara
Published by Marvel Comics
Wowzers. I mean, of course I picked it. It's not superhero-y. It's Literature. Huh. Question: Is this the get-the-kids-to-read-the-classics-by-adding-pictures approach? Or get-the-kids-to-read-comics-by-turning-required-reading-into-graphic-novels approach?
Anyhow, I read the actual Dorian Gray in the 9th Grade. I wasn't a big reader at the time -- I was always at dance class or tending to my burgeoning social life. The book had the same impact that most of the required reading had on me when I finally got around to reading it: "Hey! That was actually good. I didn't know love and romance and intrigue could be in homework!"
I remember just loving the ending although I can't completely remember why. Something about the picture aging and Dorian stabbing it with a knife. So, I got a little excited to read this comic -- a little trip down Memory Lane.
Well....seriously? I don't remember any of this. None. The only part I read in this comic and was like, "Yeah, yeah, okay, I remember now," was when Dorian got upset that the picture would maintain his youth forever while he got older. Frankly, I don't remember him as a naive, gentle youth. I actually remember him being a bit of a player and glad he got what he deserved in the end. (Ah, High School) I could be wrong, of course. I mean, I was like, 14 and trying to get through it quickly so I could, well, go, ya know, do what 14 year olds do.
As comics go -- I wasn't exactly on the edge of my seat. The comic often took on the overly mannered dialog, characteristic of The Importance of Being Earnest. Thing is, all that manner is being cleverly mocked in Earnest; whereas here it was like reading a not so clever, out-of-date book.
What this comic did do for me was inspire me to finally learn about Oscar Wilde. I knew a little bit. I know that he's quoted all over the place; I know that gay culture lauds him; and I know that there was some big scandal toward the end of his life. Now thanks to this comic and Wikipedia, I am now more informed.
Knowing about Wilde's (read: pederasty) makes ...Dorian Gray more interesting, actually. And therefore, maybe they'd be better off doing an autobiographical comic about Oscar Wilde. ?? No. No. Nevermind. Maybe everyone should just do their required reading. And leave comic writing to the comic people.
-Nina Miller, 2008
u r a genius
Posted by: andre | 2008.01.22 at 14:00