[quote]Comic Firsts, a feature where I talk about the first issues of comics that I’ve bought, received, or borrowed. It’s all about first impressions, what I like or didn’t like about the issue, and whether I would keep reading it beyond the first issue.[/quote]
It has been a while since I’ve done a Comic Firsts post. I haven’t actually picked up a new comic. I’ve been distracted by my beloved The Wicked + The Divine to focus on anything, but the time is now to branch out into new titles!
I’ve had a dry spell with reading comics, but I’m back—at least, I’m hoping this is the beginning of my comeback! Gonna be talking about two deadly comics—Gunning for Hits and James Bond 007. ;)
| GUNNING FOR HITS #1 |
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Gunning for Hits #1
Jeff Rougvie (writer) & Moritat (artist)
January 9, 2019
Image Comics
Everybody wants to be a Bowie—or somebody—in the music business. (Don’t let this cover fool you though.)
You meet Martin Mills, a talent scout in the music business in the 1980s. He is given a list of demands—six million dollar deal, Billboards in all the prime locations (like Sunset Boulevard and Time Square), Madison Square Garden on first tour, and so on—from Diane, a “pushy” (I call it being assertive) manager/girlfriend of the next voice of a generation, Billy (lead singer of Stunted Growth). He’s totally not phased at all; he’ll do what’s necessary. This is a man who’s seen it all.
These kids want the fame, the power, and the glamour, but the music industry isn’t all that’s cracked up to be when Martin Mills pulls the curtains and educates readers on what it’s really like (and it’s fucking brutal). These pages are extremely informative, and shows what Mills has to deal with and why. You can tell that the writer has worked in the music industry.
The art and colors has a punk-noir vibe that works perfectly with the story and the characters. I like the versatility of the art—the general art and the infographics—it showcases different techniques that differentiates between what kind of information we’re taking in.
What got me hooked was the unexpected clause Diane demanded before signing Billy. I won’t spoil it, but this equal opportunity clause would’ve had me comically spit-taking if I was sipping on a drink. And that ending? All I will say: I should’ve known from the title. And I’m liking where this is headed.
Gunning for Hits is an ode to the music industry (with a fun, deadly twist).
Would I continue to read this comic? Yes! With the way #1 ended, I’m hooked.
[note note_color=”#BFD1D1″ text_color=”#ffffff”]Deathbed #1 is out, so if you want to get add it to your TBR on Goodreads or get yourself a copy, go for it from your local comic book store, or from these online retailers: Comixology · Midtown Comics · TFAW.[/note]
| JAMES BOND 007 #1 |
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James Bond 007 #1
Greg Pak (writer), Marc Laming (artist)
November 7, 2018
Dynamite Entertainment
I only pick this first issue of James Bond 007 up because of Greg Pak.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS:
- Foreign languages!! I rarely come across comics that the first words of dialogue is not in English. James Bond 007 starts off between a blonde man in layers of clothes speaking Russian (or some Eastern European language) and a group of Korean men, speaking Korean. There’s Chinese and French spoken as well. You have no idea what they’re saying—unless you know either language—but you’re not supposed to know exactly what they’re up to. It kicks up the suspense. What business do these two parties have with each other?
- Mr. Lee! I’m so charmed by this mysterious man. When he interjects himself into James Bond’s poker game, you know something’s afoot. I can’t wait to see if he’s an ally or a hindrance on James Bond’s mission.
- The details in each character. I’m talking about the art, folks. It personalizes the setting and each character that steps into the panel. You know what and who you’re looking at.
Would I continue to read this comic? Maybe. If only for Greg Pak and the Mr. Lee character.
[note note_color=”#BFD1D1″ text_color=”#ffffff”]Lockjaw #1 is out. Add it to your TBR on Goodreads or get yourself a copy from your local comic book store, or from these online retailers: Comixology · Midtown Comics · TFAW. [/note]
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