Thoughts on Think Tank

Get ready to learn with this edition of Do You Even Comic, Think Tank.

Before you read the review here is a link to read issue one by Matt Hawkins from Top Cow, for free; Think Tank #1

Creator(s)

Matt Hawkins- Writer @topcowmatt

Rahsan Ekedal- Artist @RahsanEkedal

The Book

Published in 2012 by Top Cow and solicited as a limited series is now on its 4 volume by creative team Matt Hawkins and Rahsan Ekedal.

The story follows Dr. David Loren who is a wunderkind and brilliant young man of science on top of being inventor, genius, slacker... mass murderer. He is the military think tank’s smartest scientist and decides he can no longer stomach creating weapons of destruction. Dr. David Loren, employed by DARPA  and working as weapon designer, he has made him disillusioned.

Will he be able to think his way out of his dilemma or find himself subject to the schemes of a corrupt system and tool for absolute power.

You might have heard this before, our government can't be trusted and is secretly evil but never have you read a book like Think Tank .A plot driven by real science and possibilities where the question is asked, What if these weapons or technologies were misused?  Volume one has the series almost heading into world war 3 and it is a brilliant read. The books believability has you reading every word til the end.

To put it simply Think Tank is science, humor and an intelligent plot.

Why this Book?

I grabbed this because I saw a Top Cow panel at Emerald City Comic Con 2014 and saw Matt Hawkins talking passionately about this project. More than that I gave it a read since it was the supernatural element of Top Cow I had normally seen.

What made me enjoy this book was Dr. David Loren, he is kind of like Tony Stark without the frat ego or alcoholism, he's a nerd and owns it. The character is an inventor but not how the inventions are being used. While trying to get free from the corruption he is thrust into being a hero for his freedom and the lives of millions of people.

Yes, a few changes in characters happen between the issues might have you playing catch up but this is a minor gripe. I can connect to David’s life in the sense that he is stuck in a job that he no longer agrees with and I think we have all been there.

Ekedal’s art has a level of detail and care that has you looking and following every panel. The facial expressions and action scenes are especially worth paying attention to. On top of that there are pop culture references to Star Wars, Obi Wan with things like the “suggestion gas” which are a fun nod.

Matt Hawkins distills military and science is a digestible read and as the book suggests with it’s warning, “it might make you smarter,” I did feel smarter after having read this book.

Lastly I truly enjoy the fact that Matt Hawkins did this project simply because he wanted to, it has gone to be well received and my favorite Top Cow series.

I encourage you to check out the “Science Class” breakdowns at the end of the book where the technology referenced is discussed. Hawkins also leaves details to the sources of the technology weapons that already exist or have been tested. I love that a book based in heavy science is also very strong in detail as it should be.

Book:

• Think Tank Vol. 1

• Think Tank Box Set

• More comics at Top Cow @TopCow

Bonus

As a bonus  I (Logan) did and interview with one of the creators, and President of Top Cow Matt Hawkins and I truly felt like I learned so much from with brilliant and well spoken human.

Touring the comic of Teenage Switchblade!

Get ready for comics like you do for a gig cause its time to follow the band; Teenage Switchblade (a Fuck off Squad Story) in this edition of Do You Even Comic.
 

Creator(s)

• Dave Baker -@xDaveBakerx
• -Action Hospital, Suicide Forest
• Nicole Goux -@NicoleGoux
• -Fuck Off Squad, This Is Not A Girl Gang

The Book

Teenage Switchblade follows an electro-punk band at the end of their tour. Making their return home to Los Angeles the goal is simple finish the tour, and don't break up. Time wears on all the band members and life seems make them face plant as everything comes to a head at the in of the tour. There is also some great Deep Space 9 reference for those of you inclined to like Star Trek.

Why this Book?

I know Dave Baker and I original saw this book on Kickstarter, I had yet to read his work but was already interested when the pitch mentioned it follows the lives of kids in a band on tour. 

I was once a bass player in bands and before that I loved the idea of being in a band, in fact I owned the Blink 182 tour documentary and have watched it way too many times with my brother growing up. Along with many other music documentaries. Needless to say that always was something that caught my eye was traveling in a car going from show to show just having fun.

Now this book goes into the personal sides of as the small band traveling around meets love and loss. Teenage Switchblade fights to stay together on the last leg of their tour I found myself turning pages of amazing artwork by Nicole Goux. The tonality and paneling achieved in this book inspires me to push for creative layouts in my own work. I really dig this book and its well worth the read as well as supporting some awesome creative people.

Book:

Teenage Switchblade

More comics at HeyDaveBaker.com

Bonus:

I (Logan) did and interview with one of the creators, Dave Baker:

Understanding Underwater Welder

Grab your wet-suit as we take a deep dive into this month’s Do You Even Comic with The Underwater Welder.

Creator(s)

Created by Jeff Lemire (Artist/Writer) and released by Top Shelf Productions in August, 2012.

The Book

Described as an un-aired episode of the “Twilight Zone”, this graphic novel blends blue collar fatherhood with a splash of sci-fi.

Jack Joseph has a job welding pipes underwater for an oil rig off the coast of Nova Scotia, the small town he grew up in. Things should be great; he has a wife, a baby on the way, and a  good job, but things aren’t great. He is constantly distracted and haunted by the disappearance of his father, on Halloween night 20 years ago and never returned. Now with a son on the way, and Halloween drawing near, things begin to pull Jack deeper down as he gets lost in thought. Reality fades away when Jack passes out while working on an underwater rig. Jack is left to reflect on the loss of his father and the reality of becoming one himself.

Why this Book?

It’s important to note that Jeff Lemire created this book just after having a child of his own. It’s clear the trials and tribulations of fatherhood were on his mind during the creation of The Underwater Welder. The parallels to Jeff’s actual life only add to the work of a creator who is known for being personal. I know all artists and creators put themselves into their work to some extent, but in Lemire’s writing and art you can feel it and connect to it on a level that makes it feel familiar, even upon the first viewing.

The minimalist art of Lemire becomes visual poetry as you turn each page in this tale. The line work accompanied by the black and white creates a perfect atmosphere for a book about keeping the ghosts of the past and worries of the future at bay. This book compliments his work on DC’s Animal Man but also acts as a testing ground for paneling which would be put into practice in Trillium (another original story by Lemire released in 2015).

Typically these types of stories are something I would experience through TV or movies, but to be able to hold this book in my hands and be brought to tears is a unique and personal experience that cannot truly be explained. Lemire has always been a creator I have followed, but this book really stood out to me. I admit that I am the type that falls for parent/child moments. My heart strings still get tugged when a parent wants nothing but the best for their child while continuously fearing the worst. To this day my Mom still calls and asks if I put my jacket on in the cold weather (I am a grown man mom, but yes I did because it’s cold out and I live in a new state).

As we get older it’s easier to realize our parents didn’t know everything, but regardless, they became parents and did their best. So when I read or watch these stories I feel connected, and I am left wondering how I will be as a parent. Will I still be figuring it out or will I be haunted by the fears of my past as a dumb kid, not knowing anything.

Book:

The Underwater Welder

Do You Even Comic: Seconds

Grab your chef apron and remember don't eat the mushrooms because its time for this months Do You Even Comic with the graphic novel Seconds.

The History

Some people I am sure have already heard of this book or heard of Bryan Lee O'Malley or you know of his work. Bryan is the man behind the cult hit comic, Scott Pilgrim vs the World. His first work was back in 2003 a graphic novel titled Lost at Sea. He has gone on to win Eisner's and man Harvey Awards. Seconds was released in 2014 and received well by readers and critics.

The Story

Seconds follows Katie a talented young chef and proud owner of her restaurant "Seconds." Things are going well for Katie at first, her restaurant is successful but small and she wants to open a second bigger and better restaurant. She is excited and full of ego about her plans for a big bright future. But like in all stories something changes her plans. The new building hits problems with construction and she sees her ex-boyfirend and the, the fling she has with the new chef goes sour and the new waitress Hazel at work seems off putting. 

Now it seems things go from good to bad at at the same time, then one night while Katie is at home in bed a ghstly white girl name Lis appears and offers her a note pad with instructions and a small mushroom. The instructions allow for a do-over, some she feels she needs at the moment. She would get a chance to change things. She wants to fix things with her Ex but see isn't happy with just that ans she soon finds more mushrooms hidden under a floorboard, these magic mushrooms don't work in an exact science and Katie gets in over her head with lots of changes and weird reactions happening.

Katie has to now fix a lot more than she started with and the story continues.

Why this book?

So why this weird book about magic mushrooms and a chef full of problems? That is because Bryan Lee O'Malley makes a pretty book. This book is wonderful and fun. It feels like he was able to learn from the six volumes of Scott Pilgrim and distill his work into a tight graphic novel. This book offers heart and full characters that you like and attach yourself too, it also looks cute and fun, the colors pops with his unique art style it is a ageless book about learning to live and learn from mistakes and keep the things you love not just try to be bigger and better.

The Book

• Seconds

Do You Even Comic: Sweet Tooth

Prepare your heartstrings to be pulled in this month's Do You Even Comic with Jeff Lemire's "Sweet Tooth."

The History

In 2009 Vertigo, a branch of DC Comics, published a book by the Canadian writer/artist, Jeff Lemire. The book was given a logline of "Mad Max meets Bambi." This is of course, Sweet Tooth I am referering too. The book ran for for 40 issues from 2009-2013. 

Lemire only set out with plans for 20-30 issues, but the book became so much more. The story was influenced from other creators such as Garth Ennis (The Punisher: The End) and writer Harlan Ellison ( A boy and his dog). 

The Story

Starting in the fictional post-apocalyptic future of a rural Nebraska, Sweet Tooth is a story that follows Gus and other human/animal hybrid creatures.

Gus, a young boy/deer hybrid, has humble beginnings, taking after his ill father who rambles about religion and prophecy. Gus lives within his small farm like home until his father passes and men come to capture him.

The journey Gus embarks on truly begins when the men come, luring Gus out with candy (aka sweet tooth). Jeppard, a older rugged man comes to rescue Gus from these redneck captors. Jeppard offers to take Gus to "The Sanctuary" but it is not all that it seems. Once there, Jeppard is revealed to be operating for selfish means and dumps poor Gus into the hands of a strange and cruel scientist.

Jeppard does find out what is going to happen and his conscience cannot allow poor Gus or any other hybrid beings to be hurt like this.

From here the story is an escape on the road adventure with tragedy and triumph (it's cliche to say but its true). The book is an adventure with twists and turns that tug at your heart the whole time. I wont spoil anymore but you'l.  see what prophecy and science have in common with this grand story.

Why this book?

Why? Hmm, because I am a lover of all things Jeff Lemire. And, a book he was doing about human/animal hybrids? sign me up! I am always excited to see what Jeff Lemire will bring to each new original story he works on.

This is a man who writes emotional journeys with fantastical situations, It is both entertaining and inspiring.

Book:

• Sweet Tooth DLX Ed. 1
• Sweet Tooth DLX Ed. 2
• Sweet Tooth DLX Ed. 3

Do You Even Comic: Rat Queens

Time to band together and collect our rewards as we venture into this month's Do You Even Comic with Rat Queens.

The History

Released in September of 2013 by Image Comics, Rat Queens is written by Kurtis J. Wiebe with art by various artists. The book started with art by Roc Upchurch, followed by Stjepan Sejic taking over and now Tess Fowler is the current artist. The concept for Rat Queens was pitched and described like this "Lord of the Rings meets Bridesmaids." Its a book that blends fantasy with a modern twist. Since its release it has been nominated for Eisner Awards and GLAAD Awards. Unfortunately the book is currently on a hiatus but that doesn't mean we can't appreciate the story that is out there now.

The Story

The story takes place in the fantasy town known as the Palisades and follows the Rat Queens, a group of beer swirling, foul-mouthed, female mercenaries. They aren't the most popular bunch among their fellow mercs and they don't follow traditions, but that's all the more reason to love them.

The team: Hannah (Rockabilly Elven Mage), Violet (Hipster Dwarven Mage), Dee (Atheist Human Cleric), and Betty (Hippy Smidgen Thief).

The Rat Queens often finish quests, leaving their town in ruins while constantly pissing off the other mercenaries who quest in the surrounding area. The story sees the Rat Queens having to face Corrupt business men and assassins. As they face serious threats they don't seem to care too much about this Dungeons and Dragons lifestyle.

Why this book?

What brought me to this book was the word of mouth praise it had been receiving and by the time volume one ("Sass and Socery") hit the shelves, I had to check it out. The book did what a lot of books what to do, it took a genre and put a fresh new spin on it.

Seriously I laughed out loud at some of the lines and hey they play with tropes of fetching quests. I love that it is infused contemporary themes.

I enjoyed every issue that has come out and hope that after the creative differences are settled we will be able to read more Rat Queens.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes adventure/fantasy/jokes.

Book: Rat Queens Deluxe Ed.

Do You Even Comic: Locke & Key

Let's unlock our minds and hearts as we dive deep into the house of Lovecraft with this month's Do You Even Comic Locke and Key.

The History

Createdteam Joe Hill with IDW Publishing put released the series Locke & Key back in 2008. You might recognize the name Joe Hill based of his novel Horns whichs was turned into a movie staring Daniel Radciffe or the fact that his father is Stephen King. The art was illustrated but s Gabriel Rodiguez who doesnt have a long list of credits but was awarded the Eisner for his work on this book. I also want to point out Jay Fotos the talented colorist who helps make this book so beatiful.

The Story

Locke & Key is the story of the Locke family and is told in present day with flash backs to several other time periods. Tyler, Kinsey and Bode Locke move back with their mother to the family estate in Lovecraft, Massachusetts after their father is murdered. That event kicks off a mystery that continues to unfold for the entire series. 

Sam Lesser a teen in the juvenile detention speaks to a dark spirit in the water of his cell, while the Locke kids start to discover magical keys in there home. The Locke home becomes a center peice for the story as magically keys are found and the history of their family/ house is realized. The power of the keys is dark and strong while a curse was put on them to make adults forget as they grow older the teens of the Locke family have to stop the power of the keys from coming out and destorying everything.

Basically the pitch for Locke & Key is that teens discover these magical impossible keys in a house and must protect them/ use them to stop the black gate from being opened.

Why this book?

I discovered Locke & Keyn in 2011 during free comic book day. But I remebering reading it and not caring. The issue took place in the middle of action where the Locke kids had to use a key and fight a demon. I didn't know the story and felt lost. I actually thought the story was for a younger audience since everyone was so young in that free issue. So six minths later my brother is reading volume one of Locke & Key and tells me how its well written and very engaging. I gave it another shot and we both became hooked.

The teens and family elements used in the book are touching and you don't want to see your main characters get hurt but the book is dark and sometimes they do. Plus the use of impossible keys like one that opens your brain and allows you to store knowledge ( or take it away) is pretty amazing too.

I highly recommend this beautiful collection of books for anyone who likes adventure/horror/family.

Book: Locke & Key

Do You Even Comic: Criminal

Let's look at the dark and gritty underbelly of humans in this month's Do You Even Comic: Criminal (series) created by the masters of noir Ed Brubaker and Sean Philips.

The Story

The series follows self-contained story arcs in the same world with minor overlaps. The stories follow two generations of crime that can't escape the consequnces of their histories. Center City is the main foucus with a common bar that is frequented. The character driven series is all about dealing with the actions and situations that each person has been put into.  Each volume is different with its only main foucs and main problems but each is also a fantastic read that build a work of crime fiction that only Ed Brubaker can do.

Why this Book?

Why? Ed Brubaker, and Sean Philips that's why. But also the series was given to me by my brother after I read and was reading Captian America by Ed Brubaker. His run is famous for bringing back Bucky Barnes as the Winter Soilder. His run also had this tone and aesthetic that wasn't in the Capt. books before and it put real consequences into the comic. Anyway that got me into his noir and other writing and I havent stopped reading his work since.

Buy the Book: Criminal

Do You Even Comic: Nowhere Men

Do you even science on this edition of Do You even Comics: "Nowhere Men." This Image title, created by writer Eric Stephenson and artist Nate Bellegarde, first debuted back in 2012 for a single issue run. Fun fact, the book's name comes from the Beatles song "Nowhere Man," also the name is inspired by the fact that things seemingly come out of nowhere for the scientists in this story.

The Story

Dade Ellis, Simon Grimshaw, Emerson Strange and Thomas Walker are to science as what the Beatles were to music. In this universe "science is the new Rock'n'Roll." These scientist started on a journey that would culturally change and influence science for years to come. The story starts long after the four have gone there separate ways but while they were together they made "World Corp", and as Eric Stephenson put it," What if Apple and Microsoft weren't rivals but teammates." The group splits because of make a decision on a disaster in their R and D department. From this point the story weaves in a group of young astronauts infected with a strange virus on a space station created by WorldCorp.

The virus is infecting and affecting the crew in weird ways that transforms them, leaving the team desperately trying to get home. This story only begins as it comes to an end in its six issue run, Questions are asked and not answered. The book is a mystery worth reading.

Why this Book?

I discovered this book because of the covers, yes the art drew me in but can you blame me? I would wander into the comic shop pick up my books and see these covers by Nate Bellegarde and Jordie Belleaire and would pause to stare at them. Finally one day after the collected trade came out I picked up the book and was like "What!? Science is the new Rock'n'Roll? I gotta get this book." The colors by Jordie (Pretty Deadly and Zero) are so fantastic and eye catching I love the pallet he works with, it makes everything click as the story jumps between two time periods. I also love the art and aesthetics of the book, how its broken into articles and graphs mixed with traditional panels...it all works. Lastly the "mutations/creatures" are so original looking and intriguing. All these puzzle pieces led me to this book. My only complaint is that it just ends without a resolution.

The ending made me so upset that I went to the internet back in 2013 and I read an article about the story continuing in 2014. I was excited only to have those hopes let down because the book was not renewed. That is until now, 2016, the book and team are back to continue the series. Spoilers! Sina Grace is in it well his appearance. I am very happy to see this book return and do a second six issue arc. If you want to check it out click below to get volume one.

If this sounded like a book for you then get it here:

Book:Nowhere Men Vol. 1

Do You Even Comic: Daytripper

Hello and welcome to another edition of Do You Even Comic. This month we are looking at the wonderful title, "Daytripper" by Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba. The Vertigo title was printed in 2010 then hit #1 on New York Times Charts and won the Eisner Award for "Best Story Arc" in 2011.   

The Story

Enough awards and praise, lets get into the story of "Daytripper." The story follows Bras de Oliva Domingos, the child of a world famous Brazilian author, who wants to be an acclaimed writer himself. The story is beautiful as each chapter follows a different part of his life, but at the end of each chapter he dies. 

Daytripper is all about quiet moments and the journey of life, the reflections we take and the paths we go down, it looks at each path and says "what if that was it"? Its these quiet moments, these little moments that I love in stories. The story of a man living life, but told so magically. The book has rhythm and words like lyrics. The art is surreal at times and always amazing. 

Why this book?

This book was my first exposure to the twin brothers that created this story and my first time really seeing non american art. It would be a few years after reading this book that I could see the influence of Brazilian art style like Daytripper seep into American comics and I am so delighted it has. This art help capture the emotions and moods of a story like nothing I had seen before. Daytripper is for those of us that day dream and get lost in emotional journeys. Its for storytellers and all of us that think about the "what if."

Check out more by http://fabioandgabriel.blogspot.com/ 

If this sounded like a book for you then get it here:

Book: Daytripper

Do You Even Comic: Punk Rock Jesus

Fill those shot glasses with holy water as we dive into Punk Rock Jesus for this month's Do You Even Comic. Before discussing the comic book, I want to discuss the creator, Sean Murphy.

The History

Sean Gordon Murphy, 35, has worked as an artist on such projects as Joe the Barbarian, American Vampire, Outer Orbit, Off Road and Hellblazer. But his 2012 creator owned miniseries by Vertigo, Punk Rock Jesus was done solely by him (written, penciled, inked). I thought this was important to note, Sean's body of work is strong working with other creators like Scott Snyder and Grant Morrison working with companies all over the industry (OniPress, Vertigo, Dark Horse, DC). All these facts show how talented of an artist he is and that this book only prove he can write and draw amazingly. 

The Story

So, what is a "Punk Rock Jesus?"  The answer is in the not too distant future a clone of Jesus is created and given a reality TV show. "J2", as he is called, was created from the blood found on the  spear blade that pierced Jesus in the ribs. Things fall apart for the unhappy clone as he lives under lock and kept by a team in a mansion. Also around the world religious zealots hate the kid for being who he is. The story escalates as he escapes from the home, forms a punk band and is on the run from "haters."  Thomas McKael, Jesus's bodygaurd, has a troubled past but joins the adventure regardless. 

The story follows both Thomas and J2. It's a combination of both action and emotional journey as the concept reflects a lot on the current times we live in today.

Why this book?

Sean Murphay says this was a passion project for him and it shows. The book instantly grabs you with his black and white iconic art style and keeps you turning every page as you join J2 on a journey of self exploration in a politically correct society. I don't think it matters if you are religious or not, this book deserves a read and continues to be one of my favorite stories. I enjoyed every bit of the story and was left wanting more from this world.

If this sounded like a book for you then get it here:

Book: Punk Rock Jesus

Do You Even Comic: Black Hole

Hey! We are here for a, "better late than never" edtion of Do You Even Comic. This time I am talking about an alternative comic classic "Black Hole," by Eisner award winner Charles Burns. The story came out in 1995 and was released as a 12 issue series by Kitchen Sink, then re-released by Fantagrpahics.  

The Story

Black Hole takes places during the mid 70's in the suburbs of Seattle. The story follows four teenagers and switches between their lives as their summer goes on.  There is a mysterious sexually transmitted disease called "the teen plague" and "the bug," that gives people unique physical mutations.  The focus is on the lives and relationships of teens as reality hits them with issues that will only continue as they grow up in this world.

Why this book?

No, I did not read this is 1995 nor did I even know about it in 2005 when the hardcover came out. But  that didn't stop me from enjoying it. Black Hole felt like a sci-fi period piece that had ageless themes and didn't matter that it wasn't set in contemporary times. The art and writing are strong and immediately engaging. I like reading books about feeling and no matter what the metaphor is Charles Burns  nails it.

I picked up Black Hole because, well because I kept seeing it places. It was on lists of books to see it was on shelves of comic shops. I finally had to give it a shot and I am so glad I did. Charles Burns has both a unique voice and bold art style that grows on you the more you read. This was such a great path to finding a new dark writer.

If this sounded like a book for you then get it here:

Book: Black Hole

Do You Even Comic: The Alcoholic

Pick up a glass and cheers or maybe don't as we discuss this month's Do You Even Comic: The Alcoholic by Jonathan Ames. The 2008 Vertigo (sister company to DC) book chronicles the drunken misadventures of Jonathan A.

Jonathan A. is a drunken, coked-up, sexually curious and hopelessly romatic, he is only a coincidentally a warped mirror reflection of the aurthur Jonathan Ames.

The Story

 The intoxicating story we follow is one of hearbreak and relationships, it's about how far a person can fall and deal with tradegy. Starting on August 2001 Jonathan gets drunken with a friend every weekend and we see how he reacts to the events of 9/11 and his delusion of granduer as a writer. Yet continue to endure and find something to keep us going. I found the book to not be HA-HA funny but more a inside laugh funny as you can't help but laugh at the bizzare things that happen to Jonathan A. 

Why this book?

But I think what has me sitting down and writing about this book is the universal message it has for everyone as a person who finds struggles navigating careers, relationships and battling our personal demons. Jonathan Ames and Dean Haspiel capture struggle in a way that hasn't left me.  This was the next slice of life book I read after Essex County. It is books like these that can open your eyes to more amazing stories that aren't superheroes or fantasy.

I am also embarrassed to admit that I had no idea Jonathan Ames was the writer behind the book Extra Man and Bored to Death both of which have been adapted to the screen.

If this sounded like a book for you then get it here:

Book: The Alcoholic

Do You Even Comic: WE 3

Here we are on Thursday and it is time for Do You Even Comic with Logan Naugle. This month's book is We3 by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely. The Vertigo miniseries initially came out in 2004 and since its release has been optioned for a movie adaptation (but has yet to be produced). 

The Story

We3  takes place in a not too distant future by which the military is working to weaponize animals in robotic armor. The story follows 3 stray animals (dog,cat,rabbit) that get captured and encased in the armor. They then try to FLEA to freedom. Explaining anymore would spoil the short but impactful story. Plus who doesn't want to see animals in robotic armor.

Why this book?

The team that is Grant and Frank is a powerful one. When you look up the titles they have worked on together you see All-Star Superman, Batman and Robin and New X-men. It would seem that every time these guys work together they create something amazing and We3 was my first look into that amazing portfolio.

Grant Morrison is now a writer I can't get away from. He is constantly and consistently evolving his work, and every original book he works on strikes the emotional core of the readers and makes you think about what you're reading. Then there is Frank Quietly who self describes his art as "western manga". I'm not sure what that is but I like his style. There is this realistic but organic softness to his work.

Of course  I didn't realize I would love the work of this team when I picked up We3, nor did I think a short story like this would be so emotional for me. The book tugs at your heart and those are the stories I want to read. That is what makes discovery fun when someone else (my brother) shows you a story you haven't heard of and you are amazed but how much it affects you or how much you love it. 

If this sounded like a book for you then get it here:

Book: We3

Do You Even Comic: Challengers of the Unknown Must Die!

This month's Do You Even Comic with Logan Naugle is "Challengers of the Unknown Must Die," graphic novel by the dream team of character books Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale.

The History

The DC comics property 'Challengers of the Unknown' was created in 1957 by non other than Jack Kirby. The comic is about a quartet of adventurers who survive a plane crash and decide to do something more with there lives while living on "borrowed time." The series itself would go off in one-shot adventures in a very 1960's style of comic book  fashion. The team would often face paranormal cases and fantastical enemies.  They would often face unknown challenges from time to space and creatures from out of this world.

Please note: This was created before the Fantastic Four (1961) and Jack Kirby admits to using some concepts from The Challengers when he and Stan Lee created the Fantastic Four.

View fullsize

The Sory

The book got a soft relaunch (1991) by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale. This was the first book for the team who went on to do Batman: The Long Halloween along with several other acclaimed titles. 

This run sees the four man team as middle aged and retired, following a tragic and mysterious accident. The four main characters are Ace, Red, Rocky and Prof. It takes place years after their glory days of adventuring. Some still live in their mountain side headquarters called Challenge Mountain.  What set this story in motion is the reemergence of a former foe and what proceeds is unknown.

Why this book?

Let me admit that this book won't be for everyone, it has flaws, it was also intended to be ongoing and the end of the book will feel rushed. But I love the artwork and what made me love the story was the concept of living on borrowed time. This idea that you owe the world because you got lucky and survived a plane crash, and the way they play with that concept of time catching up, really stuck with me. Jeph Loeb doesn't hit his stride in this first book but it is one of his and Sale's most experimental, and I love the story of one last adventure.

It was my brother that recommended Challengers to me, I was already a huge fan of Tim Sale's artwork. My brother Introduced me to many books I would inevitably recommend and I still look to him for the next great book to read. Now I had already read  "Long Halloween", A book by this same team and one of the greatest Batman stories out there but when I picked this book something clicked and I was hooked.

If this sounded like a book for you then get it here:

Book: Challengers of the Unknown Must Die!

Do you even comic: Essex County

Do you even comic, with Logan Naugle. For this segment I recommend comics that I have read and enjoyed. I wanted to bring back the word of mouth approach, like when you tell your friends to check out a video game or movie, it's not about spoiling the book or recommending stuff everyone has heard of. No; This is me explaining how I discovered the comics and why I recommend them.

Alright, we got the intro out of the way, my first recommendation is Essex County, words and art by Jeff Lemire. The book is a collection of stories of a fictional eccentric farm community in Essex County, Ontario, Canada. They range from a young boy lost in  the world, a nurse revealing the scars of a whole community and two brothers that become estranged.  

The story

Essex County is a book someone let me borrow. This was four years ago and I was passing around the book "Y the Last Man"(by the way go read that too) to all my friends who hadn't already read it. At this point a friend borrowed "Y" and asked if I had read Essex County to which replied "No, what's that?" She handed me the book and said, "It's about people in Canada". I hadn't really read too many non-cape books at this point so I flipped through this book by a writer I had never heard of and art style I had never seen and I was intrigued.

Why this book?

Now this is going to sound a bit pretentious. I explained what Essex County is about, but that isn't all that this book is. This book is more than a few stories about a small town; It's about intimate moments in lives, really focussing in on what is happening at the emotional level, and that's something that made me fall in love with Jeff Lemire's work. Somehow, Lemire can strike the emotional chords of his characters and make you feel for them all. He has since gone on to write Animal Man, and the Justice League as well as several other creator owned projects. 

Essex County showed me that stories can be more than a concept and plot based, and that you can write something interesting without it being huge or grandiose. Jeff Lemire is a writer who inspires me and this book is what exposed me to him.

If you think this is something that interests you or if your open to non-caped comics then click the link below and give this a shot.

If this sounded like a book for you then get it here:

Book: Essex County by Jeff Lemire