Michael Vance   Mark Allen   Michael Vance Books
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     Bob Callahan claims The New Smithsonian Book of Comic-Book Stories (NSBCBC) is the "definitive collection" of the "most celebrated comic book artists of our time".

     Editor Bob and I celebrate in different time zones.

     I only agree with eight of his 'best' artists and writers, Will Eisner, Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, Neil Gaiman, Steve Ditko, Bob Kanigher, Joe Kubert, and Rick Geary.

     Why?

     Of the forty-two cartoonists featured, twenty-seven work in under-ground or alternative comics. It's no secret that I dislike underground or alternative comics. In general, they are poorly written and drawn, and their central theme of excess (drugs and sex) and nihilism disgusts me.

     In fairness to Bob, if you asked a hundred comics fans to list the best work in the field since the 1960s, you'd get a hundred different lists. Here's mine from NSBCBC:

     I grudgingly admire the work of underground cartoonists Robert Crumb, Art Spiegelman and Gilbert Hernandez. Rick Geary is on my 'best' list although he has done work in the under-ground press.

     In general, expect to wade through tons of dreary hopelessness, graphic promiscuous sex, and profanity. Yawn.

     I unabashedly recommend Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons (Watchmen), Neil Gaiman's Sandman, Eisner's Izzy the Cockroach, and Lee and Ditko's Spiderman. I like to think as I'm entertained.

     I can't recommend Lee's Captain America or Fantastic Four selections with the same enthusiasm. They are nice stories, but not the best, and I weary of superheroes.

     Now go out and buy NSBCBC and make your own list.

     As you read, remember the editor's claims about the artistic success and influence of underground and alternative comics are overblown. Neither has ever reached a large audience, and when is the last time you saw Spiderman drawn in the style of Crumb or Clowes?

     New Smithsonian Book of Comic Book Stories: From Crumb to Clowes/ 400 pgs. & $39.95, Smithsonian Books/various artists and writers. Sold in book & comics shops.

     Review by Michael Vance. For info on his work, send a query to MiklVance@Yahoo.com.

     I've found a new comic to love!  I know "love" is a strong word, but Johnny Raygun was a very pleasant surprise. A few months ago, I opted for a bonus pack solicited in Diamond's Preview Magazine. The pack included four different Johnny Raygun comics, all of which were worth the cover price, much less the deal I got. (By the way, if you order through Diamond's catalogue, give an independent  publisher a break, and try their product. One untried independent every month or two is a good rule.)

     It's the far-flung future, and the universe is protected by an organization of intergalactic law enforcement officers called "Raygun Agents."  One of the most colorful, enthusiastic, and innovative of the lot is young Johnny Raygun. While sporting all of the afore-mentioned qualities, Johnny also, at times, fails to take dangerous situations as seriously as necessary. But, hey, that's because he's having fun!

     And so will you, when you take a gander at this sumptuous solicitation of sequential art! Johnny Raygun creator and writer Rich Woodall knows how to pen an entertaining all-ages tale, without sacrificing the fun. His characters are interesting and used very well to establish a sense of history in the Raygun universe. Actually, the main character is almost eclipsed by an engaging support cast.

     Artist Matt Talbot possesses a wonderfully unique style that combines highly expressive, somewhat "cartoony" art with an obvious understanding of human anatomy. He is also one of those artists who works well with black and white interiors; no visually "garbled" panels, a good sense of shading and depth, and nice thick, definitive lines. This is the most whimsical, enjoyable "futuristic space adventures" comic I've read since I first discovered Scott Conley's Astounding Space Thrills (check it out, too!).

     Johnny Raygun is recommended for any and all readers who love fun stories, fun characters, fun artwork, and....fun!  Find it at comic shops or at www.jetpackpress.com to order your copies today!

     Johnny Raygun, published by Jetpack Press, 32 pages, $2.95.

     Review by Mark Allen

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