Beavis and Butt-Head #12

So I started off the 2014 Holiday Comics reading season with this one. It was unexpected until just last Friday when I bought this in a buy-one-get-one-free dollar comics sale for Black Friday. I'm always on the hunt for holiday comics but I must admit, this one is one that I had no clue about.

 I had no idea that they made a Beavis and Butthead comic. If you'd ask me to put money on whether or not Marvel made it, I would've bet no and lost! Even more shocking is the fact that this comic is exactly like the TV show and there wasn't any kind of parental warning on it. The book released from 1994 to 1996 was issued without the Comics Code. Still, with references to masturbation, drugs, and sexual deviancy, I'm really surprised this thing got published at all, based on my extensive knowledge of comic book censorship.

So, what's this issue all about? The stars of the book are two goofball high schoolers named Beavis and Butthead from an MTV series of the same name. They're slackers to the Nth degree looking for fast cash and faster women. In this issue, the boys take a job as a mall santa and his helper elf. IT was perhaps the best story of the book because the guys wind up bribing kids to give them nachos from the food court if they want Santa to fill their wish lists.

   The next story involves Beavis and Butthead and their class Christmas party. The boys attempt to take advantage of the situation and up their chances of scoring with 'chicks' by being in charge of the mistletoe. In typical selfish fashion, the boys end up ruining the secret santa grab bag and are forced to compose an essay on the true meaning of Christmas or receive an F.

      On the show, the boys would watch heavy metal music videos and comment on them. The same goes for here, but instead of videos, they give they are mixed up opinions on comic books. It's actually pretty smart marketing because according to the 'bullpen's bulletins' page, the books they reviewed came out that same month. Talk about free advertising.

    I'm not really sure about this book. Yes- this issue meets my requirements of a holiday comic- it takes places leading to and/ or during Christmas. The's festive hijinks and the Christmasy cover does match the material inside it. But this book was crude. It started out pretty good but went down hill fast. Even the letters page was insipid and gross.

    This is in no way a comic for kids. Thankfully, despite being vulgar and stupid, it wasn't blasphemous. Other than a funny running gag that Santa's wife is named 'Mary Christmas' there wasn't anything that seemed pointed at the Christmas story. Why even their search for the true meaning of Christmas was balanced with A Peanuts Christmas nativity and A Christmas Story commercialism.

  Bottom line, if this wasn't a Christmas comic (or other holidays) I wouldn't have bought it and I  can most definitely say this series is not going on my wishlist anytime soon.

Rating: 5 out of 10 stars.

All-New X-Men, Volume 4: All-Different (Marvel NOW!)

Let's start with the cons, as we can cover that fast. In previous reviews of books in this series as well as Uncanny X-Men, I've been eagerly anticipating the team-up between the original X-Men and the Guardians of the Galaxy. Already, I've read Uncanny X-Men volume 3 where the team has been whisked away to the furthest reaches of the universe and then volume 4 where the team has returned. So, I thought this volume of All-New X-Men would tell me that missing story.

(HEAD SLAP) I forgot, I hadn't got to the point when the original X-Men joined up with old Cyclops' team.  Issues 16 and 17 are reprinted in the Battle of the Atom trades, so, the conflict that leads the original X-Men to leave the Jean Grey school isn't covered in these books.

No worries, the Guardians are coming.

Now let's get to the good stuff.

2013 was the 50th Anniversary of Uncanny X-Men #1, so this volume is jammed pack with anniversary special events. First, the time stranded mutants face an enemy heir of their eventual replacements- The Giant-sized X-Men. When the clone of Wolverine, X-23 is rescued by a group religious zealots with hi-tech armor by the original team, they all come face to face with the son of William Stryker and learn who is the mysterious benefactors of his legacy of hate.

God Loves, Man Kills was a ground-breaking graphic novel published in the 1980s. It introduced William Stryker to the Marvel Universe and changed the scope of mutant persecution from people who were different from to branded them spawns of Satan. It's a philosophy that's carried over in such X-Men storylines such as Age of Apocalypse, Onslaught, and more.

Then, it's a reprint of X-Men: Gold. Many of the writers, artists, and inkers from the 50-year history of the X-Men join forces to pay homage to some of the most popular incarnations of the team. The main story is written by the man who literally brought the team back from the dead, Chris Claremont, in a story that pits the 80s X-Men up against a Sentinel android factory. X-Men co-creator, and comics legend Stan Lee (along with the late Jack Kirby) crafts a lighthearted tale starring the original team. The Simonson's craft a prequel to Giant-Sized X-Men #1 starring Banshee and Starfire on the streets of Memphis.

All of these stories were really well crafted. But it was the final story that bummed me out a little bit. In the short story closer by Fabian Nicieza, Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr are about to celebrate a new day in mutant- human relations when Magneto begins to claim he's having trouble remembering little details.  We soon find out that this utopia is actually a psychically induced rouse by Professor X to neutralize his longtime foe. I didn't like this story because 1) I'm not sure if it's canon or an imaginary tale and 2) it just seems out of character for Prof. X.

Aside from this lousy tale, volume 4 was excellent. I loved the story. The addition of X-23 was clever and throws a nice twist into the Cyclops- Jean Grey- Beast love triangle. And the art was fantastic with an uncanny cover gallery that included some 50th anniversary cover variants.

So, I didn't get my X-Men Guardians team-up. But what I did receive was another great volume by Brian Michael Bendis full of 50 years of the mutant legacy  not of a professor but of a Man and a King.

Worth Consuming.

Peanuts #23 (Family Comic Friday)

Two years ago, Kaboom studios (sometimes referred to as Boom! Studios) obtained the rights to publish the first ever comic book to devote itself to all new stories and adventures of the Peanuts gang. You’d think that this series wouldn’t be able to capture the magic of series creator Charles Schulz. But the writers nad artists at Kaboom have done an incredible job.

The artwork is drawn in the classic style. However, the coloring and inking is a little more modern. I would bet money that these stories are being created on digital art programs and that would explain the more modern feel to it.

Using modern technology to craft comics isn’t an unforgivable sin. If anything, it helps the industry be able to produce more work quickly. Instead of having to wait every other month for a beloved comic to come out, you can now purchase new comics monthly, bi-monthly, or even weekly without the art suffered for the sake of time.

In regards to how different the Peanuts look compared to the original strips, you have to look no furPther than the page after each new tale. Here, Kaboom publishes a classic Peanuts strip that captures the theme of the previous story. The Schultz strips holdup very well. They are funny, smart, and classic, but the inking is more 2-D than the modern almost 3-D style of the new tales.

I liken this example to how similar but different classic and new episodes of the Simpsons look.  Those first 3 or 4 seasons were rough, but they were so well crafted that you don’t mind how archaic the citizens of Springfield look in them.

In this issue, the Peanuts gang star in 3 tales. First, Charlie Brown must turn to his therapist, Lucy to help him kick his addiction to biting the erasers off of his pencils. Then Peppermint Patty decides that the best way to improve her grades is to wear glasses. So, it’s the rest of the class who suffers when the tomboy commandeers Marcy’s eyewear. Lastly, is a Snoopy tale with his Beagle Scouts. When their camping trip is hindered by a sudden snow storm it’s up to Woodstock to save the day.

This comic was worth the $3.99. Along with these great tales was a small article written in Schulz’ own words on his view on the character of Peppermint Patty.  With a winter tale starring Snoopy and Woodstock and a focus on a character named after the main flavor of candy canes, this issue, out in stores now, is the perfect opening servo to starting the holiday comic reading season.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Tis the Season to Read Holiday Comics...

Some people wait until the day after Thanksgiving to put up their Christmas tree. For me, it’s the day I allow myself to start reading holiday comics. So, starting today and peppered throughout the month, I’ll be reviewing a plethora of holiday related comics. From Christmas to Hannukah, from scrooges to Kwanzaa, or if it just takes place during the cold and snow, I will be reading and reviewing holiday-themed comics.

While there are still Christmas-themed comics being published, it’s growing increasingly rare to have holiday-only specials published by the big two- DC and Marvel. Many of the books I will review this season will be several years old. However, they can be easily found for sale online or if you are like me, these festive gems can be dug out of a dollar box.

But before I take a trip with the Comics of Christmases Past, I’m be started the season off with a winter-themed comic: Peanuts #23, out now in stores. So, grab a cup of cocoa, a thick blanket, snuggle into your favorite chair, and get ready to celebrate the holidays Madman style.

Legends of the DC Universe #21

The western saga of Abin Sur continues with the Green Lantern and his human friend trailing an intergalactic madman.

A couple of cool notes about this story:

• The American Marshall Sur teams with is a descendant of Hal Jordan.

• Marshall Jordan’s first assignment was with Sheriff Nathaniel Kent, an ancestor of Jonathan Kent, who first appeared in the DC Universe two years prior in 1997’s The Kents miniseries.

Not only is this comic a thrilling western, it’s a dynamic tale of racial prejudice. The alien Sur has reddish skin. Though it’s more of a purple hue, he’s mistaken for an American Indian. Dressed in the part, Sur faces lots of bigotries and attempts on his life. Though by the end of this story, his heroic actions will inspire many in this story to change their views on people with different skin colors and ethnic backgrounds. Once again, comics tackles an issue that many ‘serious’ mediums won’t even touch.

I loved this two-parter. It was so much better than the previous issue and that speaks volumes to the quality of work; because I thought the first part was darn near perfect. Even better- this issue’s cover wasn’t lame unlike the rock star space cowboy striding a horse on the front of issue #20.

Worth Consuming

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Being Thankful When Things aren't perfect...

Though my birthday was Monday, I still consider every Thanksgiving as my ‘unofficial’ birthday. I was born on Turkey Day, 1977. The day I was born, doctors gave me a less than 50% chance to make it through the day. My lungs were under distress and I was put on a ventilator or inside an oxygen chamber. (I’m not sure which. But for the first 48 hours of life, it was bad.) I had only a day of life basically, but despite the possibility of tragedy, my family looks at that day as good, not bad.

Not every Thanksgiving for me has been a good one since that tricky first one. There’s the year I got sick off of flavored popcorn and my father made me clean it up without using hands. There was the year we won a turkey during a turkey shoot competition and everyone got food poisoning. Oh, and the Thanksgiving we spent at Burger King because people got in a fight over whether to call it stuffing or dressing. (BTW- Stuffing is when it's put inside the bird. Dressing can be made of the same stuff, but it's baked in a pan. I'm a chef, I should know.)

But there’s been some great ones like the year my wife took me to New York to see the parade in person. My birthday was on Thanksgiving that year and I had always wanted to good on a year when my day and Turkey day coincided. That day I got to see 2 heroes of mine in person- Grover and Franco Harris.

Thanksgiving isn’t a great time for everyone. My wife’s family has gotten so bad with their celebrations, they decided to give up and do something else that day. So, we’ve started serving at local shelters. Every Thanksgiving Eve my wife and I and many of our friends make an event of stripping turkeys to prepared them for the masses that will enjoy them the next morning. IT’s a frigid event but so much fun. Just last night, we got to see 2 great girls step up into our roles after 7 years of watching us and their parents help out. The baton was passed and hopefully, now they’ll carry this tradition to their future boyfriends, husbands, and children.

I know with the events that have happened in Missouri and the nation this week has caused many to not feel very thankful. Well, I think to let those events taint today defeats the true meaning behind this holiday. The whole event was a tragedy. But it doesn’t mean that life is ruined for everyone.

Think of it like this- if you make more than $19K, you are in the top 1% richest people in the world. If you make $15K, you’re still in the top 15%. If you have running water, you’re actually in better shape than 70% of the world’s population. Ownership of a car, TV, laptop, or home keeps you in the better 25% of the global pop. What I’m saying is is that there’s still things to be thankful for even though the world is burning. People were still thankful for something in 1963 even though our 35th President had just been murdered less than a week before the turkey was carved.

Every Thanksgiving means to me that I managed to survive another 365 24 periods. It’s a time to be thankful that I continued to beat the odds, not matter how crappy my year may have been. There’s something to be grateful for no matter how terrible the world may be. So please, this year, try not to let the bastards get you down. You don’t have to be thankful for Ferguson. You can be disgusted about it. That’s human nature. Just don’t let it steal your joy on this Thanksgiving. Something good can come from tragedy- but sometimes, you have to be the one to make it happen.

Legends of the DC Universe #20

The first issue of a two-part Green Lantern western starring Abin Sur. For those of you not in the know, Abin Sur is the Green Lantern who bestows the power ring to Hal Jordan, making him earth’s first member of the Green Lantern Corps.

In this issue, Sur comes to earth in search of an intergalactic terror. The terror looks Czarian, like the bounty hunter Lobo. He’s big, bad, and brutal like Lobo but his origin of species isn’t revealed (yet?) so I’m not sure. I’ve not been able to find out via an Internet search either. Most entries just talk about his brief appearance in these two issues of DC Legends, if at all.

The story and art were very good. It looks a lot like the classic 70s series based on the character Bat Lash. It’s got a Joe Kubert quality to it. Artist Mike Zeck has a lengthy resume, but I’ve not been able to find any link to him working on any DC western title before.

Just about the only thing not going for this issue is the cover. It looks utterly ridiculous. For one thing, I don’t picture the usually even-keeled Abin Sur acting like a groupie to an 80s hair band. Secondly, my initial assumption is correct as Sur is very zen-like when he teams up with a US Marshall that has some surprising ties to the Green Lantern Corps.

The next issue show be a treat. It’s been really good with lots of elements taken from Clint Eastwood spaghetti westerns and the classic TV show “Have Gun Will Travel.” Hopefully, the cover is much more subdued and we’ll find out what race Abin Sur’s prey is from.

Worth Consuming

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Legends of the DC Universe #19

I'm torn. I usually hate it when you read a book and then you find out that the cliffhanger is in the pages of another title. In this case, the cover explicitly states that the JLApe storyline starts here. (JLApe was a cross-over event in which members of the JLA were turned into various types of primates by Gorilla Grodd.) Then at the end of the book there is a checklist of the other books in the story arc. So, I applaud those steps to keep the reader in the know.

However, Legends of the DC Universe is supposed to tell untold tales of the best and brightest of the DC Universe. To me, that means stories from their early days. Here, we get Impulse, a 90s creation. Okay- you can still operate within the realms of this series premise with this. You can expound on Bart’s life in the 30th century. But to tell a story that occurs in the ‘present’ seems to defeat the concept of telling the backstories of the DCU.

The story itself was very good. It was funny, exciting, and made me want to read more

Impulse. Also, I am not on the hunt for the rest of the JLApe annuals.

However, this story does not operate within the established parameters set by the editorial staff in the letters pages of issue #1.

So, I will deem this story worth consuming but I must knock it down a peg because it didn’t stick to the essence of Legends of the DC Universe series.

Worth Consuming

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Batman, Volume 4: Zero Year- Secret City (The New 52)

Zero Hour: It’s the New 52 equivalent of Year One. Many of the back stories of the characters of the DC Universe changed after Flashpoint. This DC event tries to explain those changes by staying true to the timeless legends we’ve grown up with while trying to be new and trendy for the next generation. Many long time readers hate these reboots. I for one am often in that boat. But, I’ve really liked the New 52’s Batman titles, so I decided to give this a try.

  In this volume, the main course of events occurs 6 years prior to the storylines that began in the very first issue of New 52’s Batman #1. Here, Bruce Wayne’s been declared legally dead, having disappeared 7 years earlier to go on his pilgrimage, training to become a master detective. Now he’s back in Gotham and operating as a vigilante while wearing rubber masks and plain clothes. Upon his return to his home, Wayne finds a that a gang of red hooded thugs have taken over, conscripting the citizens of Gotham into the Red Hood’s army whether they want to join or not.

   

  If you are familiar with the Red Hood’s origin, you’ll know that the Hood is what will become the Joker. Writer Scott Snyder does a fantastic job building from Alan Moore’s the Killing Joke to tie the origins of Batman and the Clown Prince of Crime ever so closer together. Snyder also does a fair job expounding on the manipulative exploits of Edward Nygma, AKA the Riddler, casting him as a rogue financial analyst for the corrupt heads of Wayne Enterprises.

While we see Bruce Wayne taking steps to becoming Batman, we also see a lot of rough edges. For example, Wayne flips off the Red Hood, definitely something the ice cold Dark Knight wouldn’t have stooped too. In another scene during Wayne’s first adventure as the Bat, a foe says that his will “gore him like a bull” to which the Caped Crusader jumps on top of the criminal and proceeds to yell out “Yee-ha!” It’s a funny moment but not characteristically Batman.

There’s still more of the Zero Hour story left to tell. I’m expecting to find it in the next volume of this title. But I would not be surprised to find it played out in the pages of Detective Comics or Batman: The Dark Knight. I’ll have to research more as to where to find the next chapter…

(Goes to Amazon)

(Returns) Okay got my answer. The next chapter to the Batman: Zero Year story is already out in Batman, Volume 5: Dark City. I guess somebody checked it out at the library. So, I may not have to wait very long.

Overall, this first volume was very good. The Red Hood was done superbly as was Riddler. It’s the rough edges on Bruce Wayne/ Batman that’s a little hard to adapt to. But, in previous volumes, Batman is his usual bad-ass self. So, I am sure that it’s going to take some spit and polish to get Bruce Wayne into proper crime-fighting shape.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Legends of the DC Universe #18

This issue is a prequel to the groundbreaking New Teen Titans 
#1 by Marv Wolfman and George Perez. Once again, we get the original series writer crafting an ‘untold tale’ but for some reason Legends just can’t seem to capture the services of the original artists. I’m not sure why the editors of these series just couldn’t achieve this feat. Yet if there ever was an issue that demanded the original artist’s touch- it’s this one!

In this issue we learn more about the mysterious Raven’s heritage and life before arriving on earth. Determined to defeat her father, the Demon Trigon, she makes the first attempt to create the New Teen Titans. Meanwhile, Wally West is experiencing growing pains of sorts. He’s coming of age, but as Kid Flash, he’s not quite his own person and still very much in the shadow of his Flash predecessors. Having trouble balancing personal life with heroic duty, it seems like everything is falling apart for the junior speedster.

Thus, we learn why Raven and Kid Flash have such a bond in the pages of New Teen Titans. I must admit, it’s weird seeing Wally and Raven as lovers. I’m more used to Beast Boy pining for the demoness. I don’t mind this, it’s just weird like watching your divorced parents kiss or something that odd.

I mentioned earlier that George Perez was sorely needed for the artwork. Well, that’s not 100% true. Yes, I would’ve liked to have seen his handiwork here. But I must give props to Butch Guice who does a superior job. Raven never looked more exotic and seductive while also showing an air of weakness as she’s not quite ready to face the real world. So, if I must have a substitute artist for the Titans, my money will now be on Guice from now on.

Worth Consuming

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars

Fables, Volume 20: Camelot

Somewhere around issue 60, the character of Bigby was temporarily written out of the series. I felt that minus the Big Bag Wolf, the series suffered considerably. Well, Bigby’s gone again and I just wasn’t so enthralled by this otherwise great series.

Not having the character of Bigby in Fables is like an episode of Walking Dead without Daryl or a James Bond movie without 007. Something’s missing to the chemical makeup of the cast. In this case, it’s the mundane embodiment of the Three Little Pig’s arch enemy.

Don’t get me wrong, I still like Fables and even without the Wolf, this is still one of the best current series being published today. It’s just that instead of tearing through this book in a day or so, I would only pick this volume up from time to time to read. That’s how much I think of Bigby Wolf and it speaks volumes as to how droll the series can be without him. Something in these residents of Fabletown is missing. I’ve read several issues in a row where Bigby didn’t appear in the series. Yet, the characters were engrossing in their adventures. Without the Wolf, it’s like the wind’s been removed for everybody’s sails.

In this volume, the concept of Hope’s chosen vessel, Rose Red, has been inspired to revive King Arthur’s Camelot. The premise behind this series was that these characters are the living breathing versions of their fairy tale counterparts. With this new Camelot, each major player is now embodying both their make believe selves but figures in the Arthurian legend as well. For example, since Rose is running the thing, she’s Arthur! I’ll let you figure out who's her Guinevere, Merlin, Mordred, and Morgan LeFay. But I will say some of these placements are shocking.

I can’t wait to see where this series is going. Mostly because it’s hinted that Bigby will return. Just that little glimmer of hope has me eagerly anticipating the next volume.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Teen Titans Go! #1 (Free Comic Book Day Reprint Edition) (Family Comic Friday)

Today’s review is not only about a great comic book but one of my all-time favorite cartoon series. Teen Titans Go! started out as a Cartoon Network series that ran from 2003-2008. The series was designed to be like a Manga with experimental angles, mind blowing animation, and a range of genres and themes used to underline themes. But the show at the time was more serious and aimed at teens.

  When the series ended in ‘08, that seemed to be the end to the Titans on TV. Then in 2012, Cartoon Network started a new block of shows based on DC Comics properties called DC Nation. In between half hour shows, the network aired 3-5 minute vignettes the started some of the lesser known stars of the DC Universe. One set of minisodes featured the Teen Titans original line-up of Robin, Beast Boy, Cyborg, Raven, and Starfire. The voices were also by the actors in the first series. Only this time, the adventures of the Teen Titans were funny and revolved around the everyday mundane events of the team.

   The reboot proved so popular, Cartoon Network brought the show back. It now airs in 15-minute segments multiple times a week. New Episodes usually air first run on Thursday nights but with this week next being Thanksgiving, I don’t see it on the schedule. So I don’t know if it’s on hiatus and only airs in reruns right now.

    The show and this comic in which it’s based is a hoot. My favorite character is Beast Boy. His childish antics mixed with a Zen-like laziness is both absurd and thought-provoking. The normally dark character, Raven, still has her literal demons but it’s offset with her secret love of My Little Ponies. Cyborg is a master mechanic and he’s the perfect partner  to go on off-beat adventures with his best bud, Beastie. Starfire is an alien whose grasp of English colloquialisms is in serious need of work. But it makes for some great lines.

 Perhaps my least favorite character is the most well known of the bunch: Robin. The Boy Wonder is so uptight, he brings everyone and everything down. He’s such a drag, except when he’s near Starfire, whom he secretly pines for. When he’s near her, he’s a tongue-tied goof ball.

The comic captures this formula perfectly. The only thing missing is the soundtrack. Both the show and comic are all-age friendly. However, sometimes Raven can get a little intense and it may scare little kids. Her father is the demon Trigon, you know.

The show is top notch. Not only will kids love this show but so will fans of the Titans and the DC Universe. There’s so many great easter eggs and guest appearances by superheroes from other teams and comics that makes this show offer just a little bit of everything for everyone. I highly recommend, even if things too get a little silly from time to time.

But as a wise Doctor once said, “What’s the point of being a grown-up if you can’t be childish from time to time.”

Worth Consuming

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Legends of the DC Universe #17

The final chapter to this Flash saga starts off with the Fastest Man Alive racing to save his beloved Iria West from a violent assault by a mystery villain. This same monster is behind the baffling crimewave of Central City that’s resulted in the very laws of physics being upended. As for the baddie, his identity both secret and public are revealed. I won’t divulge who he is, but I will say that this character is a mutant.

Here’s my thing about this, in my opinion, mutants are Marvel’s thing. The whole metahuman bit in which humans are granted special powers by cosmic benevolence or magical/ scientific mishap is DC’s thing. So, I feel like the powers that be at DC decided to take the easy way out in revealing who and what the antagonist of this storyline is instead of crafting a very creative origin story.

Yes- I am saying to Marvel tends to overuse the ‘mutant’ card instead of crafting a unique origin story for many of their characters.

One bright spot in the team-up between the Flash and Captain Cold. I love that Barry needs the rogue’s help to bring the main villain down. Not only that, I adore that Flash welcomes his arch enemy's help after he’s admitted to the Scarlet Speedster to having broken out of jail to provide assistance and the Flash accepts it!

But despite this, I feel like what could’ve been a very tribute story to the Allens wound up losing gas in the final act. Legends is a hit and miss series. Unfortunately, it’s the golden age homages that aren’t up to snuff in this series. It’s like DC’s signature era and yet these modern day writers can’t quite make it to the finish line in first place. It’s a testament to the men and women who made the DC superheroes of the 1950s the icons they are known as today.

Rating: 5 out of 10 stars.

Essential Rampaging Hulk, Volume 2

I was sorely disappointed with this volume. I loved volume 1. It was a recap of the Hulk’s earliest adventures mixed in with the exotic alien artist Bareet. Her and her cosmic magic bag of tricks were a delight as she sought the Hulk and Rick Jones’ help to defeat a hideous race of invading aliens. Sadly, Bareet was written out of this magazine after it was decided to make Rampaging Hulk more like the hit live action television show starring Bill Bixby.

Since the series was written and published as a magazine, it wasn’t subject to the Comics Code. So, some more adult themes were up for grabs in this book. For example, in one story, Bruce Banner takes refuge at a Manhattan Y, he’s nearly gang raped by a pair of homosexuals. In another story, Banner juggles an abused drug addict and a suicidal single mother. There’s some very frank story lines in this volume that you wouldn’t have seen in a normal 48 page monthly. It’s just really weird to see such mature themes in a 70's comic dealt with such grittiness. Did Martin Scorsese craft these?

The biggest thing this volume has going for it is the art. The magazine was originally published in stark black and white. It made for some fantastic experiments with shadow. Graphite has never come in so many shades.

But while the art clearly benefits from the black and white of both the original format and the newsprint reprinting, one areas that was overlooked was the lettering. I’m not sure how it looked back in 1981, but using dark letters on a charcoal gray shaded letter box is very hard to read in a black and white reprint. Why the editors at Marvel did not retouch these is beyond me. But it also meant that several stories were difficult to follow as the lettering was unreadable.

Speaking of editing, in the next to last story, I found a big typo. A woman who picks Bruce up in her truck refers to both her betrothed and her new suitor with the same name. However, the new paramour’s name was referred to just a couple of panels earlier as a different name. I bet if I had found this when the magazine was originally, I would have won a coveted Stan Lee ‘No Prize” which was a honorary accolade given to astute Marvel Comics readers back in the day.

I did enjoy reading this volume. The art is some of my favorite in all of my years of reading comics. Yet with it’s new format of no holds barred material and poor lettering, this wasn’t as good as volume 1. Things did pick up towards the later issues, but the series was cancelled before these improvements were implemented to win back readership. Oh, well.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.