COMIC BOOK ROUND-UP- BIRTHDAY THOUGHTS ON JACK KIRBY AND DON PERLIN, JIM APARO AND BATMAN DAY, LUKE CAGE VILLAINS DONE RIGHT, THUNDERBOLTS 2012 REBOOT

(It's been awhile since I've written about comic books. They were a big part of my life as a teenage and I've rediscovered my love for them in the past decade so I will try to write more on that subject in the future. Here's kind of a round-up of my recent comic book thoughts)

Recently was the birthday of Jack Kirby one of the greatest figures in comic book history for the sheer number of classic characters he created or co-created for both DC and Marvel....I especially liked a lot of his early 70's DC creations - The New Gods (especially Mr Miracle), Etrigan the Demon, Kamandi, Omac, Kobra. I also think his work on The Black Panther Marvel solo series is underrated. Where do you start with Kirby? Maybe the first appearances of Galactus and the SIlver Surfer in Fantastic Four #48-50.

 

Speaking of comic book birthdays, also recently was the birthday of Don Perlin who was the artist who drew two of my favorite comics as a kid - The Defenders and Werewolf By Night. He also co-created another favorite character of mine - Moon Knight (who appeared for the first time in Werewolf By Night).

Yet another recent celebration - Batman day and I'd like to celebrate my favorite artist who drew Batman, Jim Aparo. Aparo drew the human body with great proportion and realistic looking form even when it was in a costume and could also render his characters emotions even when seen through a mask. He also drew great versions of Aquaman and the Spectre as well as all the guest stars in THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD team-up book.

Regarding the announcement that the Luke Cage Power Man Netflix miniseries (following Daredevil and Jessica Jones and to be followed by Iron Fist and the Defenders) has cast two of his villains, Cottonmouth and Black Mariah. One thing I always liked about Cage's villains was how exaggerated in physical appearance they were like Dick Tracy foes (Flattop, Pruneface etc.). Hopefully, the series follows this and doesn't go the wretched Gotham/Agents of SHIELD route - that would be tragic and sad.

 

Also recently read the 2012 Marvel NOW reboot of the THUNDERBOLTS series - The line-up is Red Hulk, Punisher, Elektra, Deadpool, and Venom (replaced by Ghost Rider later) with assistance from Red Leader. So far it's excellent with art from Steve Dillon who drew most of the issues of the awesome Punisher MAX title and great conflict chemistry - Heroes working together who hate each other. These particular characters were a good choice for a super team and the writers working on this series get what they are about and how to show them relating to each other also superb action sequences!