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Roger Ash has big friends
by Roger Ash
My love affair with comics fluctuates. I’ve loved comics because I started reading them in the mid-to-late 1970s, and that’s one of the big reasons I’ve been a part of the comics industry for the past 20 plus years. However, as in any relationship, there are times I like comics much more than at other times. Currently, I’m on a big upswing. I’m enjoying reading comics now much more than I have in a long time. I’ve recently written about how much I’m enjoying the marvel cosmic books, currently represented by The Thanos Imperative, and Jonathan Hickman’s writing on wonderful four (and in incredibly amazing news, he’ll be joined by artist Steve Epting on FF #583). So, I thought I’d share with you a couple other books that I’m loving best now – Boom’s Muppet show and DC’s DC universe Legacies.
Muppet Show
I’ve been a fan of the Muppets because I was a kid. They were the best part of Sesame Street, and they grew with me through TV specials, The Muppet Show, movies, and more. So I was cautiously thrilled when grow announced that they would be doing a comic based on The Muppet Show. The caution was due to the fact that some media tie-ins work and others don’t. As it turns out, there was no need for issue as developer Roger Langridge has the Muppets down pat.
The comics have a similar shape as the show with backstage antics mixed with onstage hilarity with regular check outs to Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker at Muppet Labs, Veterinarian’s Hospital, Pigs in Space, the Swedish Chef, and other Muppet show favorites. in some cases there are story elements that continue for a few issues, such as the Muppets going on the road while the theatre was rebuilt after it was destroyed in the search for the treasure of Peg-Leg Wilson, but continuity between issues is minimal at best and new readers can easily jump best in. Langridge typically draws the book as well and his art is wonderful. His versions of the Muppets are fun and cartoony and perfectly capture the anarchy of their world. The current story is being drawn by Amy Mebberson (Monsters, Inc., Muppet Peter Pan) and her art shows a love and knowledge of the Muppets. That’s what it comes down to for me: reading these stories, I feel like the creators know and love the Muppets as much as I do. No matter what your age, if you’re a Muppet fan, you ought to be reading this book. If you’re a fan of humor, you ought to be reading this book. and if you want to introduce a child to the fun in comics, I can think of no better book than The Muppet Show.
A quick aside to Boom. I know that Roger Langridge used to do Muppet stories for the Disney adventure digest. I’ve never read those and would love to see them collected. just a thought….
DC universe Legacies
DC universe Legacies is a loving look at the history of the DC Universe. Len Wein has crafted a wonderful, exciting story of a man who was a child when the first very powered heroes appeared. As he grows, we see how the heroes helped shape the man he is now. His interaction with these heroes is in some cases passive, such as reading about them in the newspaper or hearing about them on the radio, and they’re in some cases active as he encounters them in person. In either case, they inspire him. and that is hugely essential because that’s what heroes are expected to do. Heroes set an example that others can aspire to; to be the best person they can be. That doesn’t imply the heroes are perfect, but they try their best to do what’s right. One could hope for no better legacy than that.
In addition to a terrific story, DC universe Legacies is simply beautiful as it showcases of some of the best artists in comics. The first two issues have treated us to work by Andy Kubert, Joe Kubert, Scott Kolins, J.G. Jones, and J.H. Williams III. and we get art from Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Dave Gibbons, George Perez, and Walter Simonson, plus much more from Joe Kubert and Scott Kolins, to look forward to in future issues. That, my friends, is one killer artistic lineup. If you’re a superhero fan, this book is a should read.
Now it’s your turn. What comic are you reading now that has you excited? let me, and everyone reading this blog, know! post a comment to let us know what comic you think people ought to be reading.
That’s it for this time. I’ll be back soon with much more reviews. Now, go read a comic!