Showing posts with label Sam Kieth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sam Kieth. Show all posts

November 24, 2022

Common Grounds # 6 - Troy Hickman, Dan Jurgens & Sam Kieth

If we’re lucky some comic books come to us exactly at the right moment in our lives. Over a year ago, I was visiting Davis comic book store, and I found the first 5 issues of Common Grounds (the sixth and last one, I had to track down on my own). As soon as I started reading issue # 1 I was hooked. Troy Hickman is an amazing writer and what he did in this Image / Top Cow miniseries is an accomplishment worthy of the best days of Busiek’s Astro City.
Rodolfo Migliari


It sure took me a while to review the whole miniseries, but what I started many months ago it’s coming to an end now. In “American Pi” (July 2004), Hickman works with famous artist Sam Kieth, whose notable work not only includes Sandman but also other more personal creations such as The Maxx. So far, in the Common Grounds universe we haven’t seen a hero akin to Captain America, someone who upholds the ideals of the nation and not the divisive politics. However, even if she has her heart in the right place, some people don’t seem to agree. 

In an inspired speech, the protagonist of this story tries to convince an angry mob of the fact that the US, with all its flaws and problems, is still the land of opportunity, it’s still the place where you get a chance to improve your life. I’d say that when writing this story Hickman was probably thinking of John F Kennedy’s popular quote: “do not ask what your country can do for you, but what can you do for your country”. Although it’s difficult to delve deep into superheroes, patriotism and politics in a handful of pages, I’d say the result here is pretty good.

In “Loose Ends”, the second story, we get to see a TV show in which Michael O’Brian, the founder of Common Ground, is about to be interviewed. In a heartfelt confession, O’Brian recalls his past as a superhero and how proud he felt when his son, despite the lack of superpowers, donned a superhero costume to carry on with the family tradition; unfortunately, a tragic accident cost him his life. The grieving father then decided to start with the concept of a coffee shop that would always be a symbol of truce and an oasis of peace for superheros and supervillains. 
Sam Kieth

The last story was illustrated by Dan Jurgens, a man responsible for drawing the main Superman titles for almost a decade. Here Jurgens proves again why he’s one of the best superhero artists in the business. The cover of Common Grounds # 6 is by Rodolfo Migliari, an Argentinian artist whose stunning images channelize the best of Alex Ross. And this is the end. Hopefully one day soon Troy Hickman and the fantastic creative team that worked with him will return to Common Grounds. We definitely need more comics like these! 
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Si tenemos suerte, algunos cómics nos llegan exactamente en el momento adecuado de nuestras vidas. Hace más de un año, estaba visitando la tienda de cómics de Davis y encontré los primeros 5 números de Common Grounds (el sexto y último, tuve que buscarlo por mi cuenta). Tan pronto como comencé a leer el número 1, quedé enganchado. Troy Hickman es un escritor asombroso y lo que hizo en esta miniserie de Image / Top Cow es un logro digno de los mejores días del Astro City de Busiek.
Sam Kieth

Vaya que me tomó tiempo reseñar toda la miniserie, pero lo que comencé hace muchos meses ahora está llegando a su fin. En “Pi americano” (julio de 2004), Hickman trabaja con el famoso artista Sam Kieth, cuyo notable trabajo no sólo incluye a Sandman sino también otras creaciones más personales como The Maxx. Hasta ahora, en el universo de Common Grounds no hemos visto un héroe similar al Capitán América, alguien que defienda los ideales de la nación y no las divisiones políticas. Sin embargo, incluso si tiene el corazón en el lugar correcto, algunas personas no parecen estar de acuerdo.
Dan Jurgens

En un discurso inspirado, la protagonista de esta historia trata de convencer a una turba enfurecida del hecho de que Estados Unidos, con todos sus defectos y problemas, sigue siendo la tierra de las oportunidades, sigue siendo el lugar donde tienes la oportunidad de mejorar tu vida. . Diría que al escribir esta historia, Hickman probablemente estaba pensando en la cita popular de John F. Kennedy: “no preguntes qué puede hacer tu país por ti, sino qué puedes hacer tú por tu país”. Aunque es difícil profundizar en los superhéroes, el patriotismo y la política en un puñado de páginas, diría que el resultado aquí es bastante bueno.

En “Cabos sueltos”, la segunda historia, vemos un programa de televisión en el que Michael O'Brian, el fundador de Common Grounds, está a punto de ser entrevistado. En una sentida confesión, O'Brian recuerda su pasado como superhéroe y lo orgulloso que se sintió cuando su hijo, a pesar de la falta de superpoderes, se vistió de superhéroe para continuar con la tradición familiar; desafortunadamente, un trágico accidente le costó la vida. Entonces, el afligido padre decidió comenzar con el concepto de una cafetería que siempre sería un símbolo de tregua y un oasis de paz para superhéroes y supervillanos.
Dan Jurgens

La última historia fue ilustrada por Dan Jurgens, un hombre responsable de dibujar los principales títulos de Superman durante casi una década. Aquí Jurgens demuestra nuevamente por qué es uno de los mejores artistas de superhéroes de la industria. La portada de Common Grounds #6 es de Rodolfo Migliari, un artista argentino cuyas impactantes imágenes canalizan lo mejor de Alex Ross. Y este es el final. Con suerte, algún día Troy Hickman y el fantástico equipo creativo que trabajó con él volverán a Common Grounds. ¡Definitivamente necesitamos más cómics como estos!

December 25, 2013

November Comic Books / cómics de noviembre

It’s time to say Merry Christmas. There’s an old saying that goes “the more the merrier”, and that applies perfectly to comics! I read two wonderful Young Avengers issues, and I was nicely surprised by Jason Aaron’s high level of quality (Wolverine & X-Men, Thor God of Thunder and Thanos Rising have been very good). Velvet # 1 was such an extraordinary comic (and it had some of the most beautiful Epting pages I've ever seen). This month we say goodbye to Unwritten, Vertigo's finest ongoing series (there will be one final miniseries next year, though). And I loved Guardians of the Galaxy. Kick-Ass was amazing but if I had to choose my two favorite books of the month they would be Sandman Overture and Alex + Ada (both first issues). And now, without further ado, here are November comics as per solicitations:

AGE OF ULTRON #2 (OF 10) 
(W) Brian Michael Bendis (A/CA) Bryan Hitch For years the heroes of the Marvel Universe have lived in fear that the artificial intelligence known as Ultron would one day evolve to fulfill its desire to wipe out all organic life and take over the Earth -- that day has arrived. This massive 10-part Marvel Universe-spanning event is brought to you by Eisner award-winning writer Brian Michael Bendis and comics legend Bryan Hitch. 

ALEX + ADA #1
(W) Jonathan Luna, Sarah Vaughn (A/CA) Jonathan Luna From JONATHAN LUNA (GIRLS, THE SWORD, Spider-Woman, ULTRA) and SARAH VAUGHN (Sparkshooter) comes ALEX + ADA, a sci-fi drama set in the near future. The last thing in the world Alex wanted was an X5, the latest in realistic androids. But when Ada is dropped into his life, will Alex keep her® This will be JONATHAN LUNA's return to comics after three years off since the end of THE SWORD! 

AMAZING X-MEN #1 
(W) Jason Aaron (A/CA) Ed McGuinness An AMAZING new era for the X-Men starts here! Ever since his Nightcrawler's death in X-MEN MESSIAH COMPLEX, the X-Men have been without their heart and soul. After learning that their friend may not be gone after all, it's up to WOLVERINE, STORM, BEAST, ICEMAN, NORTHSTAR and FIRESTAR to find and bring back the fan favorite fuzzy blue elf! Super star artist ED MCGUINNESS (HULK) joins master X-Writer JASON AARON (WOLVERINE AND THE X-MEN, X-MEN: SCHISM) to bring you the most exciting comic on the stands! 

CABLE AND X-FORCE #8 NOW 
(W) Dennis Hopeless (A/CA) Salvador Larroca • Cable and his team go into space facing down an armada! • Will this put them face-to-face with the UNCANNY AVENGERS, who are still hot in pursuit? 

DCE ESSENTIALS THE SANDMAN #1 (MR) 
(W) Neil Gaiman (A) Sam Kieth, Mike Dringenberg (CA) Dave McKean. A chapter from the issue that launched the most acclaimed comics series ever is reprinted! Morpheus is introduced when the Order of Ancient Mysteries attempts to summon Death but instead seizes Dream. Freed after 70 years of confinement, Morpheus emerges in the present day and exacts a terrifying vengeance upon his captor… 

DCE ESSENTIALS V FOR VENDETTA # 1 (MR) 
(W) Alan Moore (A/CA) David Lloyd. In a dystopian future London, young Evey Hammond is rescued from officers of the law called Fingerman by a mysterious, Guy Fawkes mask-wearing man called V. And while the government tightens its grip on the people of London, V wages a one-man war against its reign. Reprinting a chapter of the groundbreaking first issue.  

GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #0.1 NOW 
(W) Brian Michael Bendis (A/CA) Steve McNiven. Move over Avengers…the Guardians got this. Star-Lord. Gamora. Drax. Rocket Raccoon. Groot. …and the Invincible Iron Man?! The Marvel Universe just got bigger as the legendary cosmic epic returns in the hands of superstar creators Brian Michael Bendis (Avengers, All-New X-Men) and Steve McNiven (Civil War; Old Man Logan). In this special prelude issue meet the man behind the Guardians: Star-Lord… and discover how this child of Earth became the leader of the rag-taggiest of teams in all the Galaxy. All setting the stage for next month's historic Guardians of the Galaxy #1. This is the start of something big, Marvel fans. 

HAWKEYE HC Deluxe Edition
Matt Fraction (W), David Aja (A/CA). Includes Hawkeye 1-11.

JUDGE DREDD CLASSICS #5 
(W) John Wagner, Alan Grant (A) Carlos Ezquerra (CA) Jim Fern. 'Apocalypse War' rages on in vibrant new color! Will East-Meg One release the citizens of Mega-City One from the clutches of Block Mania? And will Dredd be able to cut the Sovs off in time to keep them from infiltrating the south?  

KICK-ASS 3 #4 (OF 8) (MR) 
(W) Mark Millar (A/CA) John Romita. Dissension in the ranks! Kick-Ass has had it up to HERE with the newest (and laziest) member of Justice Forever. But when he finally takes a stand…will the rest of the team back him up? Also, the super-villain formerly known as Red Mist faces an education from the most terrifying crime boss in the Genovese family. 

KIRBY GENESIS #5 
Covers: Alex Ross (main), Ryan Sook (1-in-10) Writer: Kurt Busiek Artist and Painter: Jack Herbert, Alex Ross Colorist: Vinicius Andrade. The stakes are already high in a battle royale pitting Silver Star, Captain Victory and the Glory Knights versus Darius Drumm, the Lightning Lady and Roag over the Proto-Seed -- and when Sigurd Dragonsbane and the Mythics join in, the results will shake he heavens themselves. Meanwhile, Kirby's only hope for survival on the Phantom Continent lies in the Primals, whose secrets are rooted deep in the history of mankind itself. 

SANDMAN OVERTURE #1 (OF 6) CVR A (MR) 
(W) Neil Gaiman (A/CA) J. H. Williams. Twenty-five years since THE SANDMAN changed the landscape of modern comics, Neil Gaiman's legendary series is back! THE SANDMAN: OVERTURE heralds New York Times best-selling writer Neil Gaiman's return to the art form that made him famous, ably abetted by artistic luminary JH Williams III (BATWOMAN, PROMETHEA), whose lush, widescreen images provide an epic scope to The Sandman's origin story. From the birth of a galaxy to the moment that Morpheus is captured, THE SANDMAN: OVERTURE will feature cameo appearances by fan-favorite characters such as The Corinthian, Merv Pumpkinhead and, of course, the Dream King's siblings: Death, Desire, Despair, Delirium, Destruction and Destiny. 'People have often asked me what happened to Morpheus to make it possible for him to be captured in THE SANDMAN #1,' Gaiman said. 'And now they get to find out. And finding out, they get to learn secrets of the Endless that I've kept to myself for 25 years. Family secrets. And I should warn you: one of the Endless dies on page five.' The first issue of this 6-issue, bimonthly miniseries features a stunning double-page interior foldout. 

SCARLET #7 (MR) 
THE REVOLUTION IS HAPPENING NOW. SCARLET TAKES CITY HALL WITH HER LIST OF DEMANDS, AND THE CITY'S REACTION WILL SURPRISE YOU. THE CREATOR-OWNED HIT OF THE YEAR IS BACK AND BOLDER THAN EVER! FROM THE EISNER AWARD-WINNING TEAM OF MALEEV AND BENDIS! 

SECRET AVENGERS #4 NOW 
(W) Nick Spencer (A) Luke Ross (CA) Tomm Coker 'Tehran' • The Scientist Supreme and the new High Council of AIM ignite global war! • The Secret Avengers welcome their newest recruit: The Indestructible Hulk! 

SNAPSHOT #4 (OF 4) 
(W) Andy Diggle (A/CA) Jock script ANDY DIGGLE art / cover JOCK MINISERIES CONCLUSION! It all ends here as the awful truth behind a multi-million dollar conspiracy is revealed, with deadly consequences. If young Jake is to survive , what kind of man must he become? And is it worth the price? 

THANOS RISING #3 (OF 5) 
(W) Jason Aaron (A/CA) Simone Bianchi • The Mad Titan flees his home in search of true love. • But how many lives will he have to take to find it? • The book so blood-soaked you'll be glad it's a mini-series. 

THREE #2 
(W) Kieron Gillen (A) Ryan Kelly, Jordie Bellaire (CA) Jordie Bellaire, Ryan Kelly. Three slaughter survivors race towards the free city of Messene. Pursuing them are 300 Spartans. Why? What makes Sparta think that unleashing this isn't massive overkill? What makes a Spartan king agree to lead them? And what secrets do the Helot workers hold that changes everything... 

UNWRITTEN #54 (MR) 
(W) Mike Carey, Bill Willingham (A) Peter Gross, Mark Buckingham (CA) Yuko Shimizu. The big finale of 'The Unwritten Fables' is here! The survivors of Fabletown have launched their final assault on Castle Dark-and been broken. Their king is dead and their champions defeated. But the battle's not over until the wicked witch says it is, and Frau Totenkinder still has plans for Tom Taylor and Boy Blue. Unfortunately, the cure she has in mind is even worse than the disease... 

VELVET #1 (MR) 
(W) Ed Brubaker (A) Steve Epting, Bettie Breitweiser (CA) Steve Epting. ED BRUBAKER and STEVE EPTING redefined Captain America with the 'Winter Soldier' saga... and everything they've done so far has been leading to VELVET!  When the world's best secret agent is killed, Velvet Templeton, the Personal Assistant to the Director of the Agency, is drawn off her desk and back into the field for the first time in nearly 20 years... and is immediately caught in a web of mystery, murder and hi-octane action.  Sexy and provocative, with a dark twist on the spy genre, this EXTRA-LENGTH first issue by two of the industry's best-selling creators will knock you out! 

VERTIGO ESSENTIALS FABLES #1 (MR) 
(W) Bill Willingham (A) Lan Medina, Steve Leialoha (CA) James Jean. The first issue of Bill Willingham's Eisner Award-winning series is reprinted in this new edition. Don't miss the issue that introduced the Fables of legend into New York City-and asked the question 'Who killed Rose Red?' 

WOLVERINE #4 
(W) Paul Cornell (A/CA) Alan Davis • The conclusion of Hunting Season! • New York City is under biological attack. Can Wolverine save it before it's too late? • Guest starring Nick Fury! 

WOLVERINE AND X-MEN #31
(W) Jason Aaron (A/CA) Nick Bradshaw HELLFIRE SAGA PART 1! • Welcome to the Hellfire Academy, there's little chance you'll survive the experience. • The most villainous school you've ever seen has its grand opening. With teachers like Mystique, Sauron, Mojo, Wendigo and Master Pandemonium there's no limit to the terrible things you'll learn. • Can Wolverine and the X-Men find the school before their kidnapped students are turned into villains? 

X-MEN #1 NOW 
(W) Brian Wood (A/CA) Olivier Coipel. Because you demanded it! The X-Women finally get their own book, from critically acclaimed superstars Brian Wood (X-MEN, ULTIMATE X-MEN, DMZ, The Massive) and Olivier Coipel (AVX, HOUSE OF M, THOR)! An old enemy shows up at the X-Men's door, seeking asylum from an ancient evil come back to earth. Meanwhile, Jubilee has come home, and she's brought with her an orphaned baby who might hold the key to the earth's survival…or its destruction. Against a backdrop of what seems like an alien invasion and an eons-spanning war between brother and sister, Storm steps up and puts together a team to protect the child and stop a new threat that could destroy all life on earth! 

YOUNG AVENGERS #11 
(W) Kieron Gillen (A/CA) Jamie McKelvie • They say you can never go home. For the Young Avengers, it's not true. They can go home. It's just that if they do, the universe may end. Better not go home then, eh® • WHAT ARE YOU DOING, YOUNG AVENGERS? YOU'VE DECIDED TO GO HOME? GAHHKKH! YOU GUYS!  • Is Kate Bishop an enemy in waiting? Is this the last we see of the loveable/strangle-able Kid Loki? • Are rhetorical questions a cheap device when writing solicits? All answers revealed, except the last one, which you'll  have to work out by yourselves.  

YOUNG AVENGERS #12 
(W) Kieron Gillen (A/CA) Jamie McKelvie • The Young Avengers versus 'The Young Avengers'. The stakes? What have you got? • Loki's scheme reaches its final twist. Expect the team's jaws to just hit the floor and lie there, twitching for the rest of the comic. • A tempting offer for Noh-Varr may get an arrow through his head. Other romance based drama too, as kissing is the new planetary extinction event. 
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Es hora de decir feliz navidad. Y además de buena compañía también he tenido muchos buenos cómics. Leí dos maravillosos números de “Young Avengers” y Jason Aaron me sorprendió favorablemente con un alto nivel de calidad (“Wolverine & X-Men”, “Thor God of Thunder” y “Thanos Rising” han sido muy buenos). Velvet # 1 fue un cómic extraordinario (con las más hermosas páginas de Epting que he visto). Este mes decimos adiós a Unwritten, la mejor serie continua de Vertigo (aunque habrá una miniserie final el próximo año). Y me encantó Guardians of the Galaxy. Kick-Ass fue asombroso pero si tuviera que elegir mis dos títulos favoritos del mes serían “Sandman Overture” y “Alex + Ada” (ambos primeros números). Y ahora sin más preámbulos, aquí van los cómics de noviembre.

AGE OF ULTRON #2 (OF 10)
Durante años, los héroes han vivido con el temor de que la inteligencia artificial conocida como ULTRON evolucionaría hasta exterminar toda la vida orgánica y conquistar la Tierra… ese día ha llegado. 

ALEX + ADA #1
Lo que Alex no quiere es una X5, lo más reciente en androides realísticos. Pero cuando Ada entra a su vida, Alex decidirá quedarse con ella.

AMAZING X-MEN #1
Cuando NIGHTCRAWLER murió, fue como si los X-MEN perdieran su corazón y alma. Pero al enterarse de que quizás no esté muerto, dependerá de WOLVERINE, STORM, BEAST, ICEMAN, NORTHSTAR and FIRESTAR encontrar y rescatar al elfo azulino al que tanto aprecian. 

CABLE AND X-FORCE #8 NOW
Cable y su equipo van al espacio y enfrentan a una armada. 

DCE ESSENTIALS THE SANDMAN #1 (MR)
Cuando la Orden de los Antiguos Misterios intentan invocar a la Muerte terminan atrapando al Sueño. Liberado luego de 70 años de confinamiento, Morfeo emerge en el presente y se venga de sus captores.

DCE ESSENTIALS V FOR VENDETTA # 1 (MR)
V de Vendetta se enfrenta a un gobierno totalitario.

GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #0.1 NOW
¿STAR-LORD, GAMORA, DRAX, ROCKET RACCOON, GROOT y el invencible IRON MAN? En este preludio especial podéis conocer a STAR-LORD, el hombre detrás de los Guardianes y descubrir cómo este hijo de la Tierra se convirtió en el líder de la pandilla más extraña de la galaxia. 

HAWKEYE HC 

Matt Fraction & David Aja.

JUDGE DREDD CLASSICS #5
Mega-City del Este versus Mega-City Uno.

KICK-ASS 3 #4 (OF 8) (MR)
Disensión en las filas. KICK-ASS está harto del más nuevo (y más flojo) miembro del equipo, pero ¿el resto del grupo lo apoyará?  

KIRBY GENESIS #5
La batalla continúa. Mientras tanto, la única esperanza de Kirby para sobrevivir en el continente fantasma yace en los primates.

SANDMAN OVERTURE #1 (OF 6) CVR A (MR)
Desde el nacimiento de una galaxia hasta el momento en que Morfeo es capturado, ‘Obertura’ traerá de regreso al Corintio y a los hermanos de Sueño: Muerte, Deseo, Desesperación, Delirio, Destrucción y Destino.  

SCARLET #7 (MR)
La revolución es ahora. SCARLET se apodera del ayuntamiento y hace sus demandas. Y la reacción de la ciudad será sorpresiva.
I drew this in 2011 (page 1 of 7) / dibujé esto el 2011 (página 1 de 7)

SECRET AVENGERS #4 NOW
El Científico Supremo y el nuevo Alto Consejo de AIM promuevan una guerra global. Y los Vengadores Secretos reciben a un nuevo recluta.

SNAPSHOT #4 (OF 4)
Se revela la verdad detrás de una millonaria conspiración, con fatales consecuencias. ¿Podrá sobrevivir el joven Jake? ¿Y a qué precio?

THANOS RISING #3 (OF 5)
El Titán loco huye de su hogar en busca de un amor verdadero. ¿Pero cuántas vidas extinguirá para poder encontrarlo? 

THREE #2
Tres sobrevivientes de la masacre huyan a la ciudad libre de Mesina. Los persiguen 300 espartanos. ¿Qué secretos guardan los ilotas?

UNWRITTEN #54 (MR)
El gran final de las Fábulas No Escritas está aquí. Los sobrevivientes del pueblo de fábulas han lanzado su ataque final al Castillo Oscuro. Su rey está muerto y sus campeones derrotados.

VELVET #1 (MR)
Cuando el mejor agente secreto del mundo es asesinado, VELVET, la asistenta del director de la Agencia Secreta, saldrá de su despacho al campo de batalla por primera vez en años… y de inmediato quedará capturada en una red de misterios y asesinatos. 

VERTIGO ESSENTIALS FABLES #1 (MR)
Las Fábulas están en New York. 

WOLVERINE #4
La conclusión de temporada de caza. New York está bajo ataque. 

WOLVERINE AND X-MEN #31
Bienvenidos a la Academia Fuego Infernal. Aunque hay pocas probabilidades de que sobrevivan. La más villanesca escuela abre sus puertas. Con profesores como MYSTIQUE, SAURON, MOJO, WENDIGO y MASTER PANDEMONIUM no hay límites para el aprendizaje de la maldad. 

X-MEN #1 NOW
Porque lo habéis demandado, las Mujeres X finalmente tienen su propio título. Un viejo enemigo aparece, buscando asilo de un mal antiguo que ha regresado a la Tierra. Ahora Storm deberá liderar un nuevo equipo.

YOUNG AVENGERS #11
Dicen que no puedes ir a casa. Para los Jóvenes Vengadores eso no es cierto. Ellos pueden ir a casa. Pero si lo hacen el universo podría llegar a su fin. Entonces, lo mejor es no ir a casa. ¿Qué están haciendo? ¿Han decidido ir a casa? ¿Veremos por última vez al adorable-entrañable LOKI? ¿Son estas preguntas retóricas un recurso barato? Pronto lo sabrán.

YOUNG AVENGERS #12
Los Jóvenes Vengadores versus los Jóvenes Vengadores. ¿Qué está en riesgo? La estratagema de LOKI se retuerce. Esperen a que las mandíbulas del equipo se caigan hasta el piso, retorciéndose por lo que queda del cómic. Una tentadora oferta para MARVEL BOY pondrá una flecha en su cabeza. Besarse será el nuevo evento de extinción planetaria.

September 20, 2011

Hero Comics 2011 - Neil Gaiman

Ralph Reese
I think we all know that the comic book industry hasn’t been too kind with creators in past decades. As a result, many comic book creators have struggled to obtain that which is a given in any traditional line of work, such as medical insurance. “The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays' creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It's a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment”.
Every year, Hero Initiative puts together a comic book anthology that features the work of some the most prestigious writers and artists of the industry. Hero Comics 2011 reunites the original Sandman creative team for the first time in over 20 years: Neil Gaiman, Sam Keith & Mike Dringenberg. This dream team (no pun intended) come up with “My Last Landlady” a very poetic story fueled by the impressionistic art of two professionals that are way above your average penciler. It’s a mixture of horror and sadness, conformism and ordinary life; in only a handful of pages Gaiman, Keith & Dringenberg create a broody tale that deserves our attention.

In subsequent pages, and sort of like a “behind the scenes”, Sam Kieth illustrates the process of reuniting with Gaiman and Dringenberg to work together. Copying paragraphs from e-mails, Kieth creates a visual journey jam-packed with symbolism and experimentation. It’s such a delight to read the crazy emails these talented people send to each other. It truly complements “My Last Landlady”.
Kieth & Dringenberg

We also have a fantastic page by legendary artist Ralph Reese, famous for his marvelous works in titles like Creepy (I’ve always been a huge fan of his work and I think he was one of the best artists in the 70s). John Layman and Rob Guillory share their most beloved creation, Chew, in a very funny story about experimental drugs. And also from Image, comes Elephantmen by Richard Starkings and Doug Braithwaite; this is a short story about the way that society deals with elders.
Doug Braithwaite

For 3.99, this is a real bargain. Besides getting an awesome comic, you’re also helping creators in need. I’m glad to help and to be a part of this. For more information visit www.heroinitiative.org and make sure to donate a few bucks.
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cover / portada

Todos sabemos que la industria del cómic no ha sido del todo amable con los creadores de décadas pasadas. En consecuencia, muchos de estos autores han tenido que luchar para obtener beneficios que son garantizados en trabajos más tradicionales, como seguros médicos. La Hero Initiative es la primera organización sin fines de lucro dedicada estrictamente a ayudar a los creadores de cómics que así lo necesiten. Hero ofrece apoyo económico para ayuda médica de emergencia, o para necesidades básicas. Es una oportunidad de devolver algo a aquello que tanto entretenimiento nos han dado.

Todos los años, Hero Initiative reúne a diversos autores para una antología que incluye a algunos de los más prestigiosos escritores y artistas de la industria. Hero Comics 2011 reúne al equipo creativo original de Sandman por primera vez en 20 años: Neil Gaiman, Sam Keith & Mike Dringenberg. Este equipo de ensueño, realiza “My Last Landlady” una poética historia reforzada por el arte impresionista de dos profesionales de primera línea. Es una mezcla de horror y tristeza, conformismo y vida ordinaria.

A modo de un "detrás de cámaras", Sam Kieth ilustra el proceso de reunirse con Gaiman y Dringenberg. Copia párrafos de los e-mails y crea una viaje visual cargado de simbolismo y experimentación. Es una delicia leer la alocada correspondencia de estos talentosos autores. Un gran complemento para “My Last Landlady”.

También hay una fantástica página del legendario artista Ralph Reese, famoso por su maravilloso trabajo en títulos como Creepy (siempre he sido un admirador de su obra, y lo considero uno de los mejores dibujantes de los 70). John Layman y Rob Guillory comparten su más querida creación, Chew, en una divertida historia sobre drogas experimentales. Y también de Image llega Elephantmen de Richard Starkings y Doug Braithwaite; en una corta historia sobre cómo la sociedad trata a los ancianos.
My layouts / mis bocetos

Por 3.99, esto es una verdadera ganga. Además de conseguir un cómic estupendo, también ayudas a los creadores que lo necesitan. Me alegra contribuir y formar parte de esto. Para más información visiten www.heroinitiative.org y asegúrense de donar unos cuantos dólares.