Comics: Something to Believe In
by Dee. 5/18/2023
Hello friends!This is Dee, with your monthly forecast of comics. Coming in from the west, we have a torrential downpour of comics: Gryffen from WhatNot Publishing, Guardians of the Galaxy from Marvel Comics and another G- title, Green Arrow from DC Comics.
Gryffen (WhatNot Publishing): This three issue series has much to say, and very little time and space to say it in. Not only has mankind spread throughout the galaxy, it's also created a fascist empire with which it rules with a mighty fist. Gryffen is a captain who disappeared six months ago and, as of one week ago, is now ready to take down the empire they once served. They are set to recruit others to the cause and dismantle as much of the empire as possible.
Sounds familiar as a concept, but let's see how they execute it. Layla Gryffen is a brash loudmouth with Han Solo/ Peter Quill vibes, with more swearing and quirky humor. There's so many neat details hidden within the panels about how this universe is different from our own, but still references actual Earth history.
The color palette has bright pink tones, with a bold swath of reds and oranges during the prison riot (because of course there's a prison riot). In stark contrast, many sci-fi comics usually go with a green or blue futuristic look.
I can't talk about this book without mentioning the captain pointedly making sure that people use their right pronouns. The creator Ben Kahn is bringing a non-binary representation to this science fiction story. Overall, I was entertained and isn't that the goal, really?
Guardians of the Galaxy (Marvel Comics): Your friendly neighborhood Guardians are back, just ahead of the ominously called "Grootfall". With some really excellent character designs and a heavy western feel, Gamora, Peter, Mantis, Drax and Nebula are a delight to watch as they lean into the campy atmosphere.
As you would expect from a western themed book (especially a Guardians title), there are plenty of memorable quips in this issue. The issue starts out strong visually as well as establishing the narrative thread from the previous series: it has been one year since our heroes escaped with their lives.
There are absolutely gorgeous splash panels during the obligatory fight scenes, and the action moves quickly. One of my favorite panels says "Drax" in the background while he's being his awesome self.
Green Arrow (DC Comics): The super-family team is being ripped apart by "dangerous forces''. This story is directly coming out of Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths from Joshua Williamson (DCoIE, Superman) and artist Sean Izaakse (Thunderbolts), so they know what they are doing. This is a DC universe expanding book, which DC is greenlighting through the "Dawn of DC" focus.
Let's get into the meat of the book: Sporting some serious face scruff, Oliver Queen washes up on an alien shore. Backtracking to get the audience up to speed in media res is a modern storytelling trope, but it's at least a good hook. The flashback brings us to Gotham crime-fighting with Red Arrow, Black Canary and his son, Connor Hawke. Splitting the party is never a good idea, and it's on a multiversal scale this time.
I am consistently impressed by the splash pages, as modern books are forgoing the traditional panel-to-panel layout. These are especially cool looking pages, with spotlights on the different characters with visual references to the Justice League without having to cover so much backstory.
Described as a mega-series, there's a checklist in the back for the variety of titles following in this storyline. This started back in January and is running at least until August including an issue of The Penguin and Hawkgirl.
That's a wrap, folks,
Dee