Pop Culture Chronicles

My Pull List (September 2009)

So here is what I'm reading these days:

Marvel Comics

Marvel 70th Anniversary One-Shots

I've really enjoyed this retro return to the Golden Age era. Each issue includes a new story, usually set in the World War II era, and back-up reprints providing a good history of Marvel Comics and of the state of popular culture in that era. 

Marvel's Project

A retelling of Marvel history written by Ed Brubaker. The first issue blew me away. The Human Torch, the Sub-Mariner, and the Angel. Classic characters with story and art that are up to modern standards of excellence.

Torch

An eight-parter co-written by Alex Ross who proved that he could write with the publication of JSA Kingdom Come Special: Superman (one of the best comics I may ever have read). It seems that this all new tale might be bringing the Golden Age Human Torch and sidekick Toro back together again. This will pick up some threads of sub-plot that were introduced in Avengers/Invaders, which had plot and covers by Ross.

DC Comics

Justice Society of America

This remains the only ongoing title I collect. The characters continue to fascinate me and the stories are still good despite the departure of Johns. I hear that a new title will be spinning off from this one as the JSA divides into two different teams. The other series will be called JSA All Stars. I don't know that I'll be getting both, but I was of the impression that the JSA was getting too big. If the teams are divided evenly between older and younger members, I'll go with the more established team.

Dynamite Entertainment

Project Superpowers, Chapter Two

While the first mini-series left much to be desired, it did set the tone for the excellent spin-off mini-series Black Terror and Masquerade. This one seems to be as good so far.

As usual the comics I collect are typically either revivals of Golden Age heroes or are set in the Golden Age era. I'm wondering if the final issue of Marvels: Eye of the Camera will ever be released. But maybe there's more hope for that than there is for the completion of The Twelve limited series. Anyway, I'm not holding my breath.

Kid Colt One-Shot

Western action at its best with an intriguing story by De Falco including suspense, unexpected plot twists, and a flashback to Kid Colt's origin. I hope this character I recall from my childhood makes a full comeback. While rough in spots, this is a comic I would let my kids read. Although it came out a few weeks ago, and I've been too busy to blog, I did want to give it an honorable mention. You might still find a copy at some comic shops.

I did not realize until recently that the Kid Colt character has been around since 1948 when his own title Kid Colt Outlaw appeared. I believe it ran through the 70s.  

And BTW, have you ever noticed how the Western comics genre was so populated by "kids" during the Silver and Bronze Ages? Marvel had Outlaw Kid, Kid Colt, Two-Gun Kid, and Rawhide Kid. Charlton had Billy the Kid and Cheyenne Kid. I'm sure I've missed someone.