Dark Horse Presents #1 Commemorative Edition (2024 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

Having been formed only a couple of months prior, the editors at Dark Horse Comics made the brilliant decision to highlight all of their properties in a bi-monthly anthology. Due to the popularity of the creations, Dark Horse Presents soon became a monthly series in less than a year and ran for 157 issues before being discontinued in September, 2000.

There are 4 different stories and properties introduced to readers in the premiere issue. Although the cover features Chris Warner's futuristic Black Cross about an United States of America divided by a Civil War between various factions, the star of this issue is Paul Chadwick's massive hero with an even more gigantic heart, Concrete.

Kidnapped by aliens, Ron Lithgow's brain is transferred into an huge artificial body made of a substance similar to concrete. Issue #1 of Dark Horse Presents is the first appearance of Concrete. In this story, Concrete has already been established in his new form as well as the newest darling of the Hollywood media. Concrete's origin won't even be explored for another year! Here, fresh off an appearance on the Johnny Carson show, Concrete is fooled by a soccer mom to provide entertainment for her little boy's 8th birthday party.

Readers then meet the smarmy Mr. Garrett in a story called 'Mindwalk'. Garrett has the ability to enter people's dreams and in his introductory story, forced to probe the secrets of a Jewish doctor who knows more than his fair share of dangerous experiments on germ warfare conducted by the Nazis. This story was written by Randy Strandley. Art by Randy Emberlin

Paul Chadwick returns to finish the issue with a story called 'Brighter' about a young woman who has the ability to make her dreams a reality. With a little bit of artistic flare, the woman hopes to make a go in Hollywood. If this feels a little bit like Marvel's Dazzler, you might not be far off. Chadwick wrote several late issues of the mutant's first series run.

In 1992, Dark Horse produced a pair of commemorative editions of the debut of Dark Horse Presents. One with a green border. Another with silver. This should read as a 5th anniversary issue except that this special edition 2nd printing debuted in stores in 1992. This release could also be considered a facsimile edition as all of the original ads and previews for forthcoming (low number) issues of DHP are still contained inside. The only change is found on the back page column titled 'Winner's Circle.' In 1986, editors used it as a vehicle to introduce readers to the talent behind the stories. For the re-release, readers are instead given an update on what has happened to the writers and artists since their works debuted in issue #1.

Completing this review completes Task #16 (Comic/Graphic Novel Published by Dark Horse) of the 2024 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Paul Chadwick's Concrete #3

Sorry, I couldn't find an image of issue #3. Here's a great
  portrait of Concrete instead.

   

 Concrete is or was a human named Ronald Lithgow, whose brain has been placed into a gigantic concrete body. 

   The last time I read a Concrete story was a graphic novel or trade collection called 'Think Like a Mountain.' It was sappy, it was far left extremist environmentalist, and it was boring. I read that book several years ago and haven't dipped my toe back in those waters since.  That is until one day recently, when I couldn't for the life of me decide on what to read next. On a recommendation from someone on Facebook, I decided to give Concrete another try. 

   I happened to have an issue of Concrete on hand that I got out of a grab bag. So with suggestion and praise from a fan, I gave Paul Chadwick's creation another try and this time I       was pleasantly surprised.

  The issue might be marked #3 but if you are going to give Concrete a try, this is actually your best starting point. It establishes Concrete's origin; something I wish I had when I read 'Think Like A Mountain.' In this issue, we learn that Ronald was going through a rough divorce and that a buddy of his decided to take him camping. 

  On the trip, the friends end up getting kidnapped by aliens and have their brains transplanted into large concrete bodies similar to that of the aliens. On the mother ship, the guys are subjected to numerous tests that most border on torture. Seeing that their time as living guinea pigs is growing short, the men must make a mad dash for freedom, even if it means being stuck in a body of Concrete forever.

    This is the Concrete I wish I was introduced to all those years ago. The characters were much more interesting and I felt more pity for Ronald and his friend than I did in my previous encounter. The art was very clean and comes through in brilliant black and white. Only the dialogue was the only thing I had a problem with as it was at times B-movie fodder at best.

    Though new Concrete isn't on my radar anytime soon, I am currently searching out the complete original series of Dark Horse Presents. Concrete just happens to star in several issues of that innovative anthology series. So I will be following his adventures again in the near future. Only, I won't be looking at having to read those tales with dread anymore.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.