Hello Darkness- Comic Series Review

I love anthology series myself, having reviewed Goosebumps, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Love, Death and Robots, Hammer House of Horrors, Junji Ito's Maniac and many more besides on this very website. However, anthology comic books have had a trickier path to follow as the received wisdom has been that there isn’t a market for it anymore… or is there?

I heard of Hello Darkness, published by those fine fiends at Boom! who seem to specialise in the horror, sci-fi and mystery genres, from writer and artist Becky Cloonan on her Insta. I have followed her work since her Demo days, through By Chance or Providence to Gotham Academy and, more recently, the multi-Eisner award winning Somna. Generally, when she speaks I listen and she has yet to steer me wrong in comics. I met her about a decade ago in Orbital Comics in London and she signed my hardback of By Chance or Providence. I also have a moody limited number signed print too which I bought from Gosh! about 10 years ago. So when she mentioned that there was going to be a monthly horror anthology series with a rotating carousel of creatives my interest was piqued. With anthologies, variety is a key strength that keeps you interested as you get a diversity of voices, genre-bending and find hidden gems of stories and artists.

At the time of writing, just two comics have been released but I do have to say that they are just as wonderful as I imagined the to be.

#1 had a smorgasbord of talent including James Tynion IV, Garth Ennis and Becky Cloonan herself. We have 7 stories, 5 of which are short and complete and two that seem to be ongoing concerns. Contagious is the story of kids turning against adults in a horrific way whilst Stay in Your Lane is about a one-time pro bowler who goes full Falling Down crazy when he is passed over by professional bowling scouts. The two continuing stories are The War Part One about the current geo-political issues going on in the world and the fear that nuclear annihilation is close whilst Something is Killing the Children: A Monster Hunter Walks into a Bar Part One has a mysterious woman walk into a bar after a bus fails to show up. She hears about the strange case of children killing their parents and hunkers down at the bar for the night.

#2 has a few creatives I do not know but their works are still impressive. The Clown by Azam Raharjo is a Junji Ito like tale of a malevolent party clown who entrances children Pied Piper style. We also have Stargazers by Frederik Hornung, a tale of two adults meeting up through an online dating app only to reveal their true monstrous selves. Apocalypse in Slow Motion by Wes Craig is a biting satire of late state capitalism and the blood price that will have to be paid by the elites once things start to go wrong. Finally, The War Part Two continues the story of a geouo of friends deciding what to do after the Russia-Britain nuclear war.

Overall, I really enjoyed the comic as it was like a selection box of goodies. There was a little bit of everything but the highlights for me were the stories I have highlighted but Im sure another reviewer would have a different opinion. I cannot wait to see what else in store as the series continues and the talent pool gets ever wider.

Moominvalley- Season 3 Review

I have a deep love for the Moomins which only came around in the mid 2000s with the release of the comics. Tove Jansson's comics were published in the 1950s in the Evening Standard and it was here that the characters became popular, however the collected volumes weren't released until 2006. As a comic collector I noticed the first 4 volumes on sale and decided to buy the set and it was here that the whimsical stories with heart and street philosophy entered my life. I have previously watched the creepy stop motion animation in my youth and it haunted my dreams with its jerky style and strange music (which I purchased and have a new-found appreciation for), but I did watch the 90s animated show occasionally and liked that just fine.

Sky and Finish Channel YLE released two series of Moominvalley in 2019 and 2020 and I enjoyed the shows with my family- my two young daughters and my wife. They knew the characters from the various items strewn around the house, the children's books and our visit to Moomin World in Finland several years ago. They loved it but I thought the show was attractive enough but not remarkable. I felt at the time that whilst the lush vistas of Moominvalley and the crystal clear rivers and lakes were wonderfully realised in computer animation, there was something lost in translation as the texture and expressive lines that bring comic characters and the world were missing. However, over the past few years as my family and I have had many multiple viewings of the show, my appreciation and affection for the show has grown and I have grown to love it and judge it less harshly.

So, it was with bated breath that we waited for the drop of season 3. Covid delayed the release, for obvious reasons, but the show finally came out in 2022. The first thing to note is that the voice of Moomintroll has changed from Taron Egerton to Jack Rowan but it’s not that noticeable as they both sound similar enough.

Another big change is the flow of the stories; this season unexpectedly shifts from late summer to Autumn, with Winter episodes in between, and now concludes with the start of summer. I could be reading too much into this but I think this change shows how the characters have grown. Initially, they followed predictable paths, but now they're stepping out of their comfort zones. No-one illustrates this growth as much as Snufkin who usually appears in Spring and leaves in Winter, sticking to this routine in the first two seasons. This season however he remained part of the story throughout, even during Winter. In fact, by the end, he chooses to stay with the group, showing personal growth despite his past social anxieties. It’s unclear if this growth means he has overcome his anxiety or simply feels more comfortable in Moominvalley with the community he has become a part of.

The Moomins themselves have also changed; they don’t hibernate this time and are active throughout Winter, adding to their character development. So what we have is a Moominvalley that has truly undergone some change and matured.

There is real growth in character this season, especially for Snufkin.

Here are my synopses of the episodes and my reflections:

Homecoming- When the Moomins return back to the Valley they see their home in a state of decay. They realise that a false prophet is selling easy solutions to problems and it is causing conflict. Moominmamma comes up with a very simple solution, after all "Talking is all we have... We all have more in common than naught. We shouldn't allow petty differences to divide us... We wouldn't have to create sides if we didn't create borders."

This is a deep and pertinent episode after the stratified discourse we have had across the world with Covid, Brexit, Climate change and the various conflicts playing out.

Moomintroll's Grand Adventure- When Moomintroll falls overboard he lands on an island. He meets Snork, the inventor, and proceeds to play out a great adventure in the style of Robinson Crusoe. Unfortunately, Snork is practical and reveals that the island is not what Moomintroll was expecting. So, Moomin makes up tall tales to impress the creatures in the valley but this has repercussions on his relationships.

This is a super sweet episode as when Moomintroll reunites with Snufkin we get a huge hug. This shows the personal growth that the man in green has undergone and the payoff is huge. Also, we learn lots about being honest and being true to yourself.

Brisk and Breezy- We are reintroduced to the chauvinistic Mr. Brisk as he is a camp leader leading our menagerie of characters. Through a plot device, Little My finds out that Brisk may, in fact, be her dad. She puts him through trials and challenges to gather if he has the mettle. When a storm puts the life of the group in danger they work together to stay safe.

I liked this episode a lot as we get to see the more emotional side to Little My. Usually, she's a sneaky agent of chaos but here she needs validation and seeks approval. It's a sweet episode with heartfelt moments with Little My and Moominpappa.

Inventing Snork- We meet Snork and realise that he is quite a eccentric character, probably on the autistic spectrum. Moomintroll endeavours to befriend him and introduce him to the characters of Moominvalley, unfortunately his directness rubs people up the wrong way. Snork leaves the valley and the crew try to get him back.

This is a really sweet episode as Snork stays true to himself. He makes friends by being his authentic self. As a teachable moment it is lovely.

The Stinky Caper- When the scoundrel Stinky comes to Moominvalley and steals a painting from Mrs. Fillyjonk, the Moomin's try to get him to see the error of his ways. The newly formed crew create a plan to unheist the painting.

I loved this episode as it played with the genre stereotypes. It's cute and places Moominmamma as the arch matriarch

Toffle's Tall Tales- With Winter approaching, the Moomins are getting ready for hibernation but they need to make sure Toffle is sorted. However, they live far away so Moomintroll and Sniff decide to take them there. However, Toffle is reluctant to be alone and delays them on their journey.

This is a cute story about the worry of being alone. Toffle doesn't like being alone and, as they open up, they show their more vulnerable side. I like how the series has made the character non-binary, they/ them, and how it doesn't change the story in any way but it is representative. Representation matters.

Winter Secrets- Stinky breaks out of jail (as the jail door wasn't even closed) and the fuzz are after him. Moominpappa gets a posse to round up the criminal whilst Moominmamma harbours the criminal. It is a tough balancing act as she tries to keep the guests that keep visiting her house happy alongside Stinky.

The episode looks at the justice system and if it rehabilitates or punishes. Moominmamma sees the good in people but people take advantage of her good nature. She and Stinky team up to gather belongings of her visitors to make their stay more acceptable. It's a fun vibe and very cute.

Lonely Mountain- Moomintroll goes on an adventure in the wintertime, during the period he should be hibernating, to climb the Lonely Mountain to join Snufkin on his annual migration. Snufkin and Moomintroll are great friends but the latter is a bit much and disturbs the peace, much to Snufkin's annoyance. In the b-story, Little My connects with a squirrel and learns that friendship is important and that magic is real.

This episode is very sweet as it's all about connecting but also reflecting. It's a chance for Snufkin and Moomintroll to start being honest about their feelings and for Little My to see that friendship and opening up is not a weakness.

Miss Fillijonk's Last Hurrah- After nearly choking to death, Mrs. Fillijonk is confronted with her own mortality and decides to do away with her worldly possessions. She creates a bucket list and experiences many of life's adventures, with hilarious consequences.

This is a hilarious episode about living life to the full and not regretting anything. What makes it more special is that the b-story, about carefree but selfish Sniff finding a new toy he truly loves, is a good juxtaposition to uptight Mrs. Fillijonk finally living life to the full. I like the musical number-a first for this show that is full of whimsy!

Snufkin and the Fairground- When a storm endangers life at a fairground, Snufkin and the Hemulen save the lives of the people there. However, after seeking a new path and quitting the carnival life, the Hemulen passes on responsibility to Snufkin- which he struggles with.

This episode shows Snufkin undergoing real growth, having to accept the responsibility he initially tried to delegate out to Moomintroll. Also, we see another side to the Hemulen, a kinder, more sweeter side.

Call of the Hattifatteners- When a hattifattener is found without his spark, the Moomin crew look to reunite the creature with his family and reignite his electricity. They go to sea and undertake an epic adventure. Meanwhile, at home the ancestor wreaks havok and draws all over the house.

This is a sweet adventure where Moominpappa, Little My and the Fisherman look to save the hattifattener. The fisherman and the hattifattener develop a close bond and Stinky pays a visit.

Moominmamma's Flying Dream- When Moominmamma develops a cold, Mymble takes over the house. This leads to chaos in the house as Moominmamma recovers and remenesces about her hot air ballooning past.

This episode is about the dreams of our youth, how life happens and how we should never give up on them. The sight of Moominmamma when she sees the hit air balloon is delightful and filled me with joy, kinda making me teary-eyed.

Midsummer Magic- When there is a solar eclipse, the residents of Moominvalley don't understand what is going on. They fear it has been stolen so Moomintroll, Snufkin and Sniff go on a journey to find it. They encounter the Hobgoblin who has stolen it for his enchanted garden and uses his wiles to get the group to stay with him forever.

The b-story is the main draw here for me as the group left behind deal with the fear of not having the festival occur or the adventuring party not coming back. The main story is of being true to yourself and not being tempted by false dreams and idols.

I very much enjoyed my time with the third series of Moominvalley as I felt that it offered even more dynamic animation and intricately woven complex stories, showcased prominent b-stories and showed notable character growth throughout the episodes. Fan-favourites such as Stinky and Snork finally made their much-anticipated debut, with Stinky bringing an exciting edge to the narrative and Snork providing warmth and empathy, particularly for those on the autistic spectrum.

Overall, it was an excellent series with a real humanist touch. I highly recommend this series to both fans of the original work and newcomers alike.

LINK- Moominvalley Season 1 Review

LINK- Moominvalley Season 2 Review

LINK- Moominvalley Soundtrack

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Somna: A Bedtime Story (for adults) - Graphic Novel Series Review

I have loved Becky Cloonan's artwork since Demo and By Chance Or By Providence, which I have a signed copy of. I had a chance to meet her several years ago at Orbital Comics in London and she was wonderfully gracious as she signed the graphic novels and several of my Gotham Academy books. I also have a signed print from her and, which my wife isn't a fan of as it looks quite emo, but I love her gothic horror influenced style which is sexy and exciting.

When I heard that Cloonan was working with another artist to create an erotic gothic horror book I was in. At the time, I was not aware of Tula Lotay but, having read the Somna series, I really do appreciate her painterly ethereal style which complements Cloonan's extremely well... It really is a dream team.

The story of Somna is quite simple: In an English village in Stuart times, around 400 years ago, a young woman named Ingrid is married to a sexually repressed witch hunter. Whilst he is constantly on the lookout for witches and kills many women, Ingrid is left with repressed desires that manifests in nightmares. Her childhood friend Maja, a strong and independent woman, supports Ingrid and helps her as best she can but the Shadow Man from Ingrid's nightmares seems to be gaining power and influence over her. Can Ingrid survive the paranoia of the era and prevent herself from being cast as a witch?

Somna is a very effective read as it carries the themes of much folk horror; a person who is not a part of the community finding out about the horrors that exist within the community. What makes Somna so interesting is that Ingrid, the protagonist is from the community but doesn't feel like she is a part of it as she has suppressed desires as her husband is not fulfilling his husbandly duties so she is repressed. This creates a space for a darker force to exert its influence over her. The story of female subjugation and abuse by the patriarchy is an old one but the backdrop of the witch trials is a good one as it looks at how society blames the powerless and weak through methods of social control.

I loves the 3 part comic series as it is stunningly beautiful with lyrical layouts that make you swoon over the artistry on show. Cloonan takes the lead on the main scenes but Lotay's dream scenes complement the work as they oresnrt the Shadow Man gaining in power and influence over Ingrid.

The story is powerful and incredibly erotic but in the best possible way. This is definitely for adults but is tasteful and classy in its erotica - think Company of Wolves, Midsommer, The Witch or The Witchfinder General (which they cite as influences)  rather than Urotsokidoji and you'll get the idea. This book is a big recommend from me.

Three Shadows- Graphic Novel Review

I got this graphic novel way back in 2008, I remember as it was in the 'new releases' section of a comic book shop that no longer exists. I remember the owner was upset due to the landlord putting the rent up extortionately and so the shop was replaced by another faceless 'touristy crap' shop that exist everywhere in the city.

The book is beautifully presented on good quality stock paper.

Anywho, from the time I vaguely remember the graphic novel being beautiful; the art sketchily drawn and the story affecting but now it hits much harder due to where I am in my life. I have a young family now and have two young daughters and the possibility of something bad happening to them haunts me, as I'm sure it does to every parent and so once again, I delved back into the work of Cyril Pedrosa.

Three Shadows plays almost like a faerytale, a mother, father and young son like an idyll life in the woods when, one day, the boy sees three dark riders watching him from the distance. At first, they simply seem to ride off, and the threat is waved off but, upon their subsequent return, the family grow concerned about their presence and what it portents. Lise, the mother, is petrified and seeks guidance from a wise old woman whilst Louis, a strong man, does not want these figures near his son. And so, one foggy night father and son try to escape under the cover of darkness and the story descends into a thrilling game of survival. As the book reaches its powerful denouement, it delves into magical-realism, where the mission to save his son from the shadows is an existential crisis for the father.

Three Shadows is an exploration of how parents might react to knowing a dreadful truth about their child's impending death and the extent to which they will go to to protect them at all costs. As I said earlier, as a father this story hit harder this time round. There is a high probability that my daughters will live a full and happy life yet, at the back of my mind, there is a nagging thought that this could be the last day I get to enjoy my children. Don't get me wrong, the thought is only fleeting and I don't spend my days weighed down in existential gloom but the fear is real enough to assert its presence; the black dog is indeed over my shoulder.

Overall, Three Shadows is a powerful story and it's allegorical qualities are memorable as they concern the human condition and the knowledge we all have that everybody we know and live will die. However, its ending is one of hope in its poignancy. This graphic novel is well worth a read.

Surveying My Kingdom (Of Graphic Novels).

I'm a longtime comic book collector and I first started collecting when I was 7 which was way back in 1988. Iron Man and Spiderman were my first loves as certain aspects of the comic book worlds I could identify with; Peter Parker struggling with the travails of High School and striving to achieve against all odds like Tony Stark often did, but then this is a common comic book trope. However, I think a huge part of why comics appealed to me was because of the sheer imagination and creativity on show. Comics were an escape as they spoke a universal language that could appeal to anyone, a fantasy world that you could project yourself in to.

Surveying My Kingdom (Of Graphic Novels).

I have quite an extensive collection of graphic novels.

Now don't get me wrong, not all comics and graphic novels are created equal. In fact, some of the manga I was reading was not always relatable but just plain awesome. Often, the stories had elements of truth and heart, like Alita finding her humanity just as she collapses after saving the scrapyard, Soichiro revealing his true self and breaking free of the cycle of abuse in Kare Kano (His and Her Circumstances) and Onizuka doing his all for the student who he comes to mentor and love (GTO).

Art is of its time but it can have a long-lasting cultural and societal impact and comics are an excellent medium for showing or even introducing that change. I remember that I wanted to go to parties, go out clubbing and have relationships. Usually I'd go to indie comics to find this sense of identity and so I gravitated towards these as I grew older. In mainstream comics this was covered but it was only when Kamala Khan and the Ms. Marvel series came out in 2014 that the issues she had in balancing her home and life outside rang true for me; I found myself really represented on the page. It was the first time that a mainstream, popular comic had truly spoken to me, not by proxy but actually really spoke to me and my cultural heritage.

I have quite an extensive collection of comics and graphic novels from the past 35 years of my life and, when my wife ask I get rid of many of them, I baulked at the idea; these comics and graphic novels were like my personal tree rings showing my growth a evolution over the years. Some of these graphic novels are of their time and may prove to be problematic now- I’m looking at you various ‘harem manga’- but I thought I’d revisit them now as the time seemed good as my collection is all set up on the Billy bookcases.

So when my wife asked, 'When are you going to read them ever again?' I thought I'd endeavour to read them all again to see how they speak to me now, many years after purchase and after the life I've lead. Maybe they'd speak to me in new or different ways.

So why not join me as I journey thought my graphic novel collection?

Hellblazer: The Best Version of You- Graphic Novel Review

This is the second, and sadly last, run of this iteration of Hellblazer by writer Simon Spurrer and artists Aaron Campbell, Matias Bergara and Jordie Bellaire. I'm really disappointed by this as I thought the first graphic novel, Marks of Woe, was solid return to form for Constantine. It managed to balance the new set of characters and had a cohesive story arc which did its own thing whilst also paying respect to what had gone before in the original Vertigo Hellblazer run.

I have loved this version of Constantine.

I have loved this version of Constantine.

In the same way Delano offered social critique and a dark commentary on Thatcherism and the 80s, this Hellblazer is very much of the moment and all the more searing in its indictment of society. The overarching theme running over the trade is that change is occurring and can be unsettling but hatred leads us nowhere.

The first story, Britannia Rule the Waves, is a dark story about the fishing industry and how a lowly fisherman makes a deal with the devil (old Constantine) that leads to a monkey paw situation. In the case of Hellblazer, there's always a monkey paw/hubris cautionary tale but this is a great political criticism about how the French are blamed for diminishing catches as we exhaust the fishing supply.

The second story, The Favourite, features a British Prince with a prediction for very young ladies who is given a boon with which to redeem himself in front of his mother's esteemed and privileged eyes. It's doesn't go well as an offer of a special steed goes awry and a monstrosity is released.

The final story arc, This Sceptured Isle, sees the young and old Constantine battle it out and it gets all magical and weird. As usual, the fallout is tragic as Constantine loses another colleague but isn't that always his way?

I loved the return of the Constantine we all know and love and in the hands of writer Spurrer, we got a little of what made the original graphic novel run so phenomenal. The artwork is varied in style but stunning in all its forms. We have the darkly drawn panels with sketchy art from Campbell which creates a pervading sense of dread but then we also have Bergara and Bellaire giving the book a more comedic look. The shift in art style and colours is never jarring and is thematic to the stories.

I'm sure Constantine will return again but until then, it is sweet sorrow as we part on such a high.

LINK- Hilda- Complete Series 1 Netflix Review

LINK- Comics in the Classroom

LINK- What Comics Have Taught Me

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Guts- Comic Book Review

Raina Telgemeier may not be a familiar name, even amongst comic fans, but she’s an extremely accomplished writer and artist in the medium. On May 10, 2015, Raina’s works took all of the top four spots on the New York Times bestseller list for paperback graphic books- a first in the medium but because Raina's books are mostly for teens and young adults many of the older comic fans will not know her.

I do love Raina’s work as it is accessible and honest without being edgy for the sake of it.

I do love Raina’s work as it is accessible and honest without being edgy for the sake of it.

It’s a shame for them though as they are missing out. Since reading her award winning memoir-ish book Smile a few years ago and the follow up Sisters I have been a big fan. She talks with honesty and candidly about matters but always at an appropriate level which isn’t patronising or edge-lordy. She created Drama, a very human story which dealt with issues such as identity, sexuality and friendship and also Ghosts, a tale about a family moving to a haunted town where the ghosts are not scary spooks but rather ancestors who offer the living a connection to their past. Drama and Ghosts showed that Raina could flex her muscles in tales based on wider aspects of life but with her latest book, Guts.

With Guts, the author delves into her past again to look at the trials and tribulations of youth, specifically anxiety and stress and the impact this can have on your life. The story doesn’t feature much of a storyline but there is the over-aching theme of dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, developing food intolerances, having a very sensitive stomach, and connecting with the ‘mean girl’ in her class . Through various vignettes we see that she ends up in therapy, which the book makes clear is no big deal and nothing to be ashamed of.

I liked the book and the underlying message is sweet and well executed- we all have our fears and we have to be brave to face them. The personal reflections of the author at the end, which discuss how she still has many of the same problems- even as an adult, will be valuable to many people who read it as it is honest and heartfelt. That’s why so many people connect with Raina’s work as it speaks to us.

I really liked the book and, whilst not my favourite, it is definitely worth a read.

LINK- Comics in the Classroom

LINK- What Comics Have Taught Me

By Night- Complete Comic Series Review

I’m a huge fan of John Allison’s ‘Giant Days’ and have all the graphic novels in the series. I eagerly await each new arrival like an old friend, which is kind of what it is about, the power of friendship in university. ‘Giant Days’ has a very likable trip of quippy young women and a couple of easily identifiable male characters too. The interplay between the ensemble is dynamite and it was their endearing personalities that made them so wonderful. So, I'd hoped to see similar bantery Whedon-esque wordplay and British-isms on show in Allison’s 'By Night' a new limited series comprised of 3 graphic novels, but this is a very different beast indeed.

It’s only 3 graphic novels long but the comic is strangely too long yet not long enough…

It’s only 3 graphic novels long but the comic is strangely too long yet not long enough…

The story is quite simple; two friends in their late teens/ early 20s friends find an inter-dimensional portal to a fantastical world with trolls, goblins and a creepy mountain with one eye… What to do? Why make a documentary about the place, of course! However, plans go awry and there is a larger conspiracy involving an old industrialist, a conglomerate and the rust belt town. 

There is potential here but having read the complete series it’s all really ... bland and lacking something.  I think a big part of that is that the characters are a bit meh, there are no real character quirks or individuality that makes you root for the characters, in fact, some are just plain annoying and unlikable. Also, the issue of a decaying town in thrall to its industrial past has been covered extremely well in video game 'Night in the Woods' and the fantastical alternate world has done extremely well across media, especially cartoon series like 'Adventure Time', 'She- Ra' and 'Over The Garden Wall' but what's on show in this comic series is so generic that I felt disappointed.  Don’t get me wrong, the artwork by Christine Larsen is solid overall but again, there is nothing really standout to rave about. The town is presented in hue of blacks, greys and oranges so there isn't much potential for flourish or embellishment. The Otherworld is a little more creative but nothing to write home about. 

So, overall 'By Night' is an okay read but I'm disappointed with the whole thing as it had potential. The conclusion is not very conclusive and it felt like a rushed ending. Much like this review!

LINK- Comics in the Classroom (article)

LINK- What Comics Have Taught Me

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The Sandman Vol. 1- Audible Review

The Sandman by Neil Gaiman is a critically acclaimed original comic series which ran for 75 issues from 1989 to 1996. Over the years the DC Vertigo won 26 Eisner Awards, topped various ‘Best Comic Series’ lists and has been called the 'Shakespeare of comics,' due to its lyric wordplay, sophisticated storytelling arcs and dramatic characterizations (including, funnily enough Shakespeare himself)-not due to its love of iambic pentameter. Guess who studied Shakespeare in Secondary... this guy.

There have been many spin-offs, side projects and divergent series since the original run but rumours of a Sandman movie or TV series have been swirling since time immemorial without success. That is, until now. Audible have released The Sandman series as audio books, however this is not a simple retelling of the comics but a more complex affair with full orchestration, a complete cast and narration by Gaiman himself. 

The first part of the audio book released mid-July 2020 and over the course of a few days I have been listening to it intently. The audio drama covers the first three volumes of the graphic novel collections- Preludes and Nocturnes, The Dolls House and Dream Country and is very faithful to this source material, with just a few tweaks and additions to help the flow in the audio format. 

The epic saga begins with Morpheus, Lord of Dreams, captured by occultists and kept imprisoned for many years. When he breaks free he realises that his objects of power have been taken and he journeys across different realms to reclaim them. Along the way he meets various characters from the DC universe including Batman, The Martian Manhunter, John Constantine and more niche characters. 

The next story arc concerns the Dream Vortex and a young lady called Rose Walker, who threatens the very existence of the Dreaming, the 'land' where Morpheus' kingdom exists.

The Audible ends with the anthology tales from Dream Country. There are 4 different stories including a really uncomfortable tale about the muse Calliope being imprisoned by a writer. This is followed by the award winning single comic story of Shakespeare creating a play for an extraordinary audience, unlike any he has met before. I remember reading this about 20 years ago and thinking how this graphic novel was peculiar as there wasn't a single story arc but rather, characters and themes that would pervade the rest of the series. 

The whole Audible experience is expertly crafted as the cast, including including James McAvoy (playing as Morpheus), Michael Sheen (Lucifer) , Taron Egerton (a haunted John Constantine here but also excellent as Moomin Troll in the brilliant Moominvalley), Kat Dennings (Death) and Riz Ahmed (The Corinthian) all bring their A-game to lend proceedings an air of authenticity and gravitas. The music is suitably brooding but there are moments of crescendo, where the organs go full throttle, the choirs voice rises and the trumpets blare, it's moody and unsettling stuff which adds weight to the whole affair. 

The Sandman stories themselves are intriguing and soulful, with a particular favorite of mine being chapter 8 when Dream travels with Death as she does her work. It is very philosophical yet also deeply sad. I also loved chapter 10, in which Dream meets at the same inn every 100 years with Hob Gadling, who Death has granted an extention to his life, to see how he fares through the centuries. The music and sounds of the times brings the centuries to life. 

I disliked '24 hours' in which Dream tracks down rogue dreams and horrific nightmares created by John Dee, a psychopath who has escaped from Arkham Asylum. The story is an interesting one of depravity and uncontrolled desire let loose but it all made for uncomfortable listening and the grotesque sounds made me uneasy, and I'm no shrinking violet. 

Overall, when I read these stories in comic form years ago, I was taken with them but hearing them performed aloud added further depth. The Sandman is a masterclass in audio storytelling and is well worth the 10 + hours of engagement required. It isn't always easy listening with some vividly voice-acted scenes of horror and terror but then, that's what The Sandman does best... haunt your dreams. 

LINK- Dead of Night: Cult TV Review

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LINK- Children of the Dogstar: Cult TV Series Review

LINK- Comics in the Classroom

All's Faire in Middle School- Comic Review

I am a huge fan of comics and believe that it can help promote reading, especially among the more reluctant readers. A couple of years ago I placed several graphic novels (collected comics) in my book corner at a school in England and saw many children take an interest in the medium. I've moved school (and country) since then and at my current school the library has an impressive graphic novel selection and so, I've been jumping in.

One of my favourite young adult graphic novels was Victoria Jamieson's Roller Girl. I reviewed it a couple of years ago and thought it was a well written and illustrated graphic novel, so since then Jamieson has been on my radar. I was pleased to find her sophomore effort, All’s Faire in Middle School, and read it over a couple of days.

The story is pretty straight forward stuff; Imogene is a home-schooled girl but at the end of grade 5 decides to go to middle school. So far so basic, but what makes this a more interesting premise is the fact that her family are part of a Renaissance Faire and quite eccentric.

And so, over the course of the graphic novel we see Imogene struggling to fit in at school. There's a lot of stereotypical high school drama stuff but this graphic novel definitely owes a lot to Mean Girls, especially when Imogene gets in with the 'cool girls' and draws unflattering drawing of less popular people in the school. When things go south with her pals these drawings are revealed to all of the school, with devastating consequences for Imogene. So far so trope-y, but the twist in all this is the Renaissance Faire stuff. It is here that we get Imogene's redemptive arc as she makes amends and realises that she isn't the hero of the story.

Overall, Jamieson has written another solid graphic novel with a twist on the usual trope-y high school shtick but it's no Rollergirl. The artwork is bright and friendly but won't set the world on fire.

This is a good graphic novel overall and well worth a read but not a classic.

End of an Era As Ms Marvel Co-Creators leave After 5 Successful Years

After 5 years, 50 comics and numerous comic and cartoon crossovers, two of the co-creators of Ms. Marvel, G. Willow Wilson and Sana Amanat are leaving. For those not in the know this is kind of a big deal.

Since her debut Ms. Marvel has become a pop culture icon and a voice for hope. She received a lot of hype in 2013, primarily due to her status as the first Muslim character to headline a Marvel series, but 6 years on and the comic series has become one of the industry’s best titles because it is simply, an excellent superhero comic book, which is written with wit, pathos and heart.

Ms. Marvel has had a 10 graphic novel run, an impressive feat for a series that was only supposed to be a 10 comic limited run series.

Ms. Marvel has had a 10 graphic novel run, an impressive feat for a series that was only supposed to be a 10 comic limited run series.

Superhero stories featuring teenage characters are notoriously difficult to write for but to create a monthly comic with a teenage girl of faith was something nearly unheard of in mainstream comics, let alone the religion in focus being Islam. Islam features quite prominently in the comic series as Ms Marvel, Kamala, is Muslim and as such it forms a major part of her narrative; it greatly influences her behavior and decision-making, adding tension to her life that doesn’t come from the more traditional sources like romantic interests or the masked super villain of the current story arc.

In a medium that has been pretty hegemonic in portraying powerful white heroes, the recent wave of real world representations in mainstream comics has been exciting. It is explained well in the very first Ms. Marvel comic when Kamala first meets Captain America, Iron Man and Captain Marvel. She is surprised to hear them speak Urdu, but Captain Marvel replies,

"We are faith. We speak all languages of beauty and hardship."

This is a real nice touch that speaks to the universal humanity in us all, with the underrepresented now being represented in a medium supported by the diverse community invested in these characters.

As a longtime comic book fan (I first started collecting when I was 7 in 1988 and Iron Man and Spiderman were my first loves) the fact that the main protagonist, Kamala, was the child of immigrant parents from Pakistan, Muslim and a millennial changed the hitherto well tilled soil of fertile comic tropes. I had loved comics for years and certain aspects I could identify with; Peter Parker being picked on by Flash Thompson in High School, the various aspects of loss in the Death of Superman and striving to achieve against all odds, which was a common comic book trope but with Ms. Marvel it was different. I could identify with her, even though I'm not a millennial teenage girl I am a Millenial Muslim comic book geek who enjoys pop culture. I remember what it was like as a young teen trying to find my way through school and life where balancing my home life and religious beliefs and practices with those of my mostly white Christian friends was difficult. I wanted to go to parties, go out clubbing and have relationships. Other comics have covered these aspects but the fact that the struggle Kamala has in balancing her home and life outside rings true for me.

In issue 6, Kamala seeks guidance from Sheikh Abdullah, an Imam. Fearing she will be told off for not following her parents will, she is surprised to be told,

"... do it with the qualities befitting an upright young woman: Courage, strength, honesty, compassion, and self-respect.”


This message is one of positivity, which against the current media obsession with violence done in Islam's name is interesting and challenging.

Another scene in the graphic novel 'Mecca' has Kamala's brother, Aamir, placed in detention after being accused of not conforming to 'societal norms'. It's a powerful scene as he explains how, just because he is brown and wears traditional dress, he isn't to blame for all the ills in the world but because he stands out, its easy to target people like him. This storyline was in direct response to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency's policy of separating children form their parents at the border, an extremely controversial policy.

It's for these reason that I wanted to give thanks to Wilson et al. for creating a comic character that speaks truth against power, something I'd normally have to go to indie comics to find. The fact that such subjects have been broached in the biggest comic company and in one of the most popular series in the world is heartening; there is a sea change in the representation of BAME people and that has been long overdue. I feel a connection to Ms. Marvel in the same way that Miles Morales speaks for another, often underrepresented or unfairly represented demographic. Ms. Marvel speak to me in a profoundly deep way.

Art is of its time but it can have a long-lasting cultural and societal impact on the world. By encouraging a sense of community and a forum for discussion change can occur, and comics are an excellent medium for showing or even introducing that change.

Even though I'm sad that after 6 years the original team is breaking up, I'm excited to see what the next team do with such a well loved and respected character. Now roll on the Ms. Marvel movie!

My daughter likes Ms. Marvel too.

My daughter likes Ms. Marvel too.

Moominvalley- Complete Series Review

I have a deep love for the Moomins as many of you may know. I've discussed the Moomins multiple times before, either when talking about the creepy 80s stop motion animation, the recent vinyl soundtrack release or my visit to Moomin World in Finland.

Moomin World was a great place to visit.

Moomin World was a great place to visit.

What many people may not know is that my love for the Moomins is all pretty recent. When the Japanese animated show came out in the early 90s I was already too old for the show and was busy being an edge lord  with the X Men cartoon. No, my love for the Moomins came in the mid 2000s with the release of the comics. Tove Jansson's comics were published in the 1950s in the Evening Standard and it was here that the characters became popular, however the collected volumes weren't released until 2006. As a comic collector I noticed the first 4 volumes on sale and decided to buy the set and it was here that the whimsical stories with heart and street philosophy entered my life. I fell in love with these hippo-like creatures that spouted aphorisms and enjoyed the simple things in life:

“I only want to live in peace, plant potatoes and dream!”
 – Moomintroll (Moomin: The Complete Tove Jansson Comic Strip - Book One)

“The world is full of great and wonderful things for those who are ready for them.”
 – Moominpappa (Moominpappa at Sea)

“You must go on a long journey before you can really find out how wonderful home is.”
 – Snufkin (Comet In Moominland)

“When one’s dead, then one’s dead. This squirrel will become earth all in his time. And later on still there’ll grow trees from him, with new squirrels skipping about in them. Do you think that’s so very sad?”
 – Too-Ticky (Moominland Midwinter)

When a comic and book series speaks such profound truths, how can one not fall in love with the world.
With the Easter release of 13 Moominvalley episodes I had an opportunity to enjoy the show with my family; my two young daughters and my wife. They knew the characters from the various items strewn around the house, the children's books and our visit to Moomin World but had never seen the show so this was exciting for them. So how was it? Well, the CGI reinvention was attractive enough but not remarkable. The lush vistas of Moominvalley and the crystal clear rivers and lakes are wonderfully realised in computer animation but I do always feel that there is something lost in translation when a comic undergoes a CGI movie transformation, although the recent Charlie Brown movie did have texture and expressive lines to bring those characters and world alive. Here, it's quite difficult to bring large white hippopotami to life as they are quite a basic shape and have tiny mouths at the side of their face.

The voice acting is very strong and Taron Egerton shines as young Moomin troll. Matt Berry voices Moomin Papa but with his distinct voice and cadence I found it hard to take his character seriously, he does pompous and self-aggrandising well but does subtlety less so. The music is sublime, all slow acoustic sounding stuff with lush vocal from Tom Odell, Mo, First Aid Kit and many more acoustic musicians that suits the mood of the show well.

Overall, the show isn't going to set the world alight but it is a slow, meditative half hour of animation with interesting stories to tell; they are heartfelt and gently affecting.

The highlights for me were episode 5, The Secret of the Hattifatteners and episode 10, Ghost Story. The Secret of the Hattifatteners is quite spooky and sets up an interesting mystery and the finale really does leave you in awe and wonder while Ghost Story is sweet and the conclusion of that is a bit of a tear-jerker, when the credits rolled I was blinking quickly as it really got to me.

Moominvalley is a slow, meditative half hour of animation that is a tonic in this golden age of media. With the hyper-kinetic energy of other shows often being an assault on the sense, Moominvalley is a slow paced oasis of calm. It is a sweet and wonderful show that can be enjoyed by all the family.

Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle- Comic Review

So, after 28 years we have reached the final arc of Alita’s story in Mars Chronicle but has it been worth the wait? I've spoken at length about how the initial 9 graphic novel run of Battle Angel Alita was one of the finest sci-fi tales of all time but the sequel, Last Order, was meandering and overlong at 19 graphic novels. So, does Mars Chronicle return the series to greatness or does it end on a whimper, continuing the downward trajectory with a creator past his best and out of cohesive ideas?
Well, we will have to wait a while to find out but I've read the first graphic novel of the Mars Chronicle, which has been finally translated from the Japanese some 3 years after its initial release, and based on this novel the last arc shows signs of promise.

The novel begins by taking us back to Alita's origin as a young orphaned 80% cyborg child named Yoko living on the war-torn surface of Mars. Yoko and firm friend Erica are brought to an orphanage and start to make friends after a hostile start with young Queen Ninon. The town comes under attack by an army and a battle ensues. All that Yoko and Erica know is destroyed and their friends are killed. It’s exquisitely paced and dramatic, as well as tragic and heartbreaking as the frequent deaths are accompanied by genuine pangs of loss and heartbreak. It’s a real skill for the author to have the reader empathise with some of the characters, who we may only have had the briefest of introductions to.
As this is a flashback to Alita’s origin, we know that she and Erica survive, which removes some of the tension, but Yukito Kishiro ensures that no-one else is safe so anyone can die. He also cranks up the mystery behind how Alita learnt her Panzer Kunst skillset and through the political intrigue on Mars, created an interesting multi-layered story.

The original run of Battle Angel Alita is one of my favorite manga ever. Last Order was a sprawling mess which lost its momentum but still had some great ideas. Mars Chronicle could be a return to form; the setup is all there, a child prophesied for greatness, an alien landscape which is hostile and strange, and the promise of closure at finally finding out who Alita/ Yoko actually is and why she fights in the legendary martial art style. The first volume of Mars Chronicle is good but not extraordinary but I am pleased to be back in the Battle Angel Alita universe, I just hope it keeps its focus and provides long term fans with the closure they want and need. After what will be probably over 30 years I so hope Kishiro sticks the landing of this often masterful series.

DC: Art Of the Brick Review

Lego has been enjoying a resurgence in the past decade, very nearly bankrupt in 2004 the company now has a multi-media empire, including video games, an Academy Award Winning film (for Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, for Everything Is Awesome by Shawn Patterson) and many, many playsets. Now artist Nathan Sawaya has used more than two million Lego bricks to create art pieces inspired by the comic book world of DC. Over the course of exhibition you will find numerous Lego models and dioramas of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and Flash as well as the rogues gallery containing, amongst others, the Joker, Harley Quinn and the Riddler. The exhibition has many different art pieces and the level of detail is astonishing. The level of patience and craft shown is immense and I doff my cap to the artist. 

The standout piece for me was the Batcave section of the exhibition as the music from the animated series played and a screen projection of Gotham looked impressive against the Lego made Bat signal.

The exhibition is being held in a  purpose-built tent, just minutes away from Waterloo Station and whilst this is fine, the fact that I went on one of the hottest days of the year made the whole thing uncomfortable to walk around. It was warm and there was very little fresh air in there

 If they couldput some ventilation that'd be great but otherwise this is well worth a visit at £16.50.

Comics in the Classroom

I introduced comics and graphic novels into my classroom at the beginning of the calendar year to promote reading. I am a huge fan of the medium and believe that it promotes reading, especially among the more reluctant readers. I had several pupils in my class who I believed would benefit from immersing themselves in the comics and now, as we approach the end of the year, I decided to have a chat with my children to find their opinions on the media.

All Star Superman- not a comic I had in my classroom but I feel that he is a good role-model and shows that heroes can be pure and good (ignore the killing of Zod in the awful 'Man of Steel)

I purchased a wide variety of graphic novels including The Lumberjanes, The Babysitters Club, Adventure Time and a range of Silver Age Spiderman, Ironman and Hulk collections.

The Lumberjanes graphic novels were extremely popular with the boys and girls, even though the protagonists are all female. My pupils said that they liked the characters and that they were really appealing. They loved the 3 trade paperbacks and were eagerly awaiting the 4th.

The Baby Sitters Club was popular with the girls. I found that the quieter girls liked this as the story took more time to develop and it was a much longer graphic novel to read.

The smattering of Silver Age Spiderman, Ironman and Hulk were popular with the children, most of who have watched the films and enjoyed learning more about the Marvel universe. A lot of the boys especially stated that they were surprised that some of the stories in the comics, which were over 40 years ago, had stories which they recognised from the movies.
Overall I think that the comics and graphic novels have converted quite a few of my pupils to reading and introduced comics to a wider group, some of who assumed that comics were 'geeky' or 'nerdy'. I hope to introduce more comics with my next class and will look at what books the children liked.

Baby Sitters Club Volume 1: Kirsty's Great Idea Comic Review

I am trying to engage some of the more reluctant girl readers in my class and came across this book by Raina Telgemeier. I've been a fan of Raina for a years now, enjoying her graphic memoirs Smile and Sisters as well as her original story Drama.
I remember that my younger sister used to absolutely adore the Baby Sitters Club series when she was younger so I am pleased to see they have been re-released for a younger generation to enjoy, in a more concise comic version. I read the comic myself to check for suitability and have to say that it reads well and tackles a few different issues like divorce, diabetes and friendship but never anything too adult or risque in theme.

When I took this into class the graphic novel was read by a couple of girls and they were very excited at the prospect of comics being introduced in the classroom; it was lovely to see this level of engagement.
The boys also wanted to read this so it just goes to show, comics can appeal to all genders and ages irrespective of the theme of the comic.

This comic is suitable for all ages but the pupils in my class, aged 7 and 8, really enjoyed it.

Ms. Marvel Can Change the World

Ms. Marvel received a lot of hype due to  her status as the first Muslim character to headline a Marvel series, but a year on and the comics series has become one of the industry’s best titles because it is an excellent superhero comic intelligently written with wit and pathos.

Superhero stories featuring teenage characters are notoriously difficult to write for but to create a monthly comic with a teenage girl of faith is something nearly unheard of in mainstream comics, let alone the religion in focus being Islam. Islam has not talked about a great deal in the comic series so far but Kamala is Muslim and as such it forms a major part of her narrative, it greatly influences her behavior and decision-making, adding tension to her life that doesn’t come from the more traditional sources like  romantic interests or the masked supervillain. In a medium which has been hegemonic in portraying powerful white heroes, the recent wave of real world representations in comics is exciting.

In the first comic of Ms. Marvel when Kamala first meets Captain America, Iron Man and Captain Marvel she is surprised to hear them speak Urdu, to which Captain Marvel replies,

"We are faith. We speak all languages of beauty and hardship."

This is a real nice touch that speaks to the universal humanity in us all, the underrepresented now being represented in a medium supported by the diverse community invested in these characters.

As a longtime comic book fan (I first started collecting when I was 7, Iron Man and Spiderman were my first loves) the fact that the main protagonist, Kamala is a child of immigrant parents from Pakistan, Muslim and a millennial changes the hitherto well tilled soil of fertile comic tropes. I have loved comics for years and certain aspects I could identify with, Peter Parker being picked on by Flash Thompson in High School, the various aspects of loss in the Death of Superman and striving to achieve against all odds, which is a common comic book trope but with Ms. Marvel it's different. I can identify with her, even though I'm not a millennial teenage girl I am a Muslim comic book geek who enjoys pop culture. I remember what it was like as a young teen trying to find my way through school and life where balancing my home life and religious beliefs and practices with those of my mostly white Christian friends was difficult. I wanted to go to parties, go out clubbing and have relationships. Other comics have covered these aspects but the fact that the struggle Kamala has in balancing her home and life outside rings true for me.

A moment that touched me occurs in issue 6, Kamala seeks guidance from Sheikh Abdullah, an Imam. Fearing she will be told off for not following her parents will she is surprised to be told,

  "... do it with the qualities befitting an upright young woman: Courage, strength, honesty, compassion, and self-respect.”

This message is one of positivity, which against the current media obsession with violence done in Islams name is interesting and challenging.

 For once I feel represented in a mainstream comic, usually I have had to read Indie comics to feel a connection but Marvel have changed all that. Ms. Marvel has been used to fight racism in the real world, Anti-Muslim adverts on the sides of buses in San Francisco have been defaced with posters of the Pakistani-American teen superhero. The adverts were run by the notorious right wing anti-Muslim organization, the American Freedom Defence Initiative (AFDI). Ms. Marvel author, G. Willow Wilson, tweeted,

“Some amazing person has been painting over the anti-Muslim bus ads in San Francisco with Ms. Marvel graffiti. Spread love.”

Who said comics can't change the world? By encouraging community and discussion change can occur as Kamala has shown. This is a well written comic story with a great character who has dynamic stories to be told and I look forward to reading more. Roll on the Ms. Marvel movie!

British Library Hosts 'Comics Unmasked: Art and Anarchy in the UK'

Comics Unmasked is the UK’s largest ever exhibition of mainstream and underground comics, the exhibition is being held at the British Library and ends in just 4 weeks.

For many years comics were seen as childish then dangerous, (for a great article on this look at the Guardian article in the links below) but this time the message is positive, singing the praises of comics as a legitimate art form which addresses serious issues as well as being entertainment.

I finally got around to seeing the exhibition a few days ago and was pleasantly surprised by the breadth and depth of information presented. The atmosphere inside the exhibition was dark and moody, with V for Vendetta masked figures watching you across the exhibition. This sense of unease added to the idea of comics as a powerful and transformative media. Seeing Nazi propaganda comics alongside Young National Front strips was interesting, as a comic fan I have read hundred of comics but this was something new to me.  I began to understand how comics could be demonised and shown to be morally questionable in the eyes of the general population. However I was reminded of comedian Frankie Boyles quote,

"I still think that comics are one of the quickest ways to encounter alternative ideas. If all you've done is watch mainstream media, or read the books that get publicity, comics will blow your mind."

I got into comics at a young age, my friend had a few comics but the one that really appealed to me was Iron Man. As I consumed American comics I realised that there was a whole world of British comics that I hadn't engage with (except The Beano and Dandy of course). So I began reading Alan Moore, Bryan Talbot, Neil Gaiman and many more. I was hooked. Looking through the exhibition I was excited to see original Watchmen art alongside the original annotated script and the Arkham Asylum script with annotations. The exhibition showcases work which addresses politics, gender, violence, sexuality and altered states. If you are interested in comics then this is a definite must see.