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| Suspended Animation, March 12, 2004 |
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Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Published by Marvel Comics
248 pages
$19.95
A couple of years ago, I reviewed Marvel's Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. - Scorpio trade paperback. A collection of the first six issues of that Silver Age series, I touted the art and story by then-newcomer, now-comics-legend Jim Steranko. I should also have mentioned his prequel work in Marvel's companion trade; a collection of S.H.I.E.L.D. stories from the long-running mag Strange Tales, simply entitled Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
This book collects some of Steranko's first comic work, and demonstrates his amazing adaptability as an artist, taking the pencil roughs of the legendary Jack Kirby, and giving them an added flare, influenced by modern art and advertising styles. Highly entertaining stories about espionage, and would-be world-dominators, up against the premiere spy force, S.H.I.E.L.D., along with Steranko's art and story-telling prowess, make this book a great way to spend a few hours.
Recommended for everyone.
Now for something a little different...
Not long ago, in an online column, a comics professional lamented the lack of "criticism" in the field, and the proliferation of "reviewers." His basic premise was that a review told readers what was good, worth buying, entertaining, while criticism told us why it was those things. My immediate reaction was pretty much what it is today; "So what?" This gentleman (whose column I very much enjoy) seemed to believe that the industry needs criticism. Maybe I'm thick-headed, but I wonder why. Why do we have to know the reason we are entertained? I don't know how my computer works, or why my car runs, or how they fit those big movies onto those small dvd's. But, then again, I don't really care. All of those things work, and that's what matters. To me, anyway. And, I believe, to the average reader.
Is this man taking comics, a form which I dearly love, too seriously?
Perhaps.
Am I over-thinking the issue?
Probably.
But, at least I'm thinking. And, I could be wrong.
Mark Allen
Shudder at Vance's Light's End horror short stories narrated by actor William Windom at www.plan9.org.
Questions? Comment? E-Mail Suspended Animation at vance@digitalwebbing.com
Any statements made, expressed or implied are solely those of columnists or persons interviewed and do not represent the editorial position of the administration, who does not accept responsibility of such statements. All characters and artwork shown are trademark and © of their respective owners.
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