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Men of Mystery Comics #49
pp. 59
$6.95
various artists and writers
If Bulletman, Captain Wings, Wildfire, Minute Man, and Atoma don't ring a bell, your bell is relatively new. All of these comic book characters were running and jumping and clenching their fists in the fight for truth, justice and the American Way in the 1940s and 1950s. They are doing so again in Men of Mystery Comics.
For those who embrace post-modernism (the belief that right and wrong are just subjective opinions) Men of Mystery will seem quaint and trivial. Why should anyone fight for anything? This review is for those who laugh at such foolishness. Appreciated by the latter reader are the aforementioned super heroes who battle spies, Communists, a mal-functioning giant robot, jewel thieves, and "criminal activity" with their fists and some fun gadgets. They do so with a clarity of purpose and courage that makes this reviewer ache for the 1940s and 1950s.
Most of the art, though, does seem crude and rushed by today's standards despite the fact that several of these artists became masters during their time. Of particular historical importance are the work of artists Bob Powell and Jim Mooney. Much of the dialogue may seem stilted or trivial, and the plots are all straight-forward, linear, adventure yarns. Characterization is better defined by each costume and situation than by careful exposition.
Then why are these stories so much fun? Oops, did the word fun slip in? Sorry. Fun is a value judgement, isn't it, and, therefore, unacceptable. Odd how post-modernism destroys all value.
Recommended for those readers who enjoy a history of comic books and who still believe in right and wrong.
MINIVIEW: Blood Orange #2 (Fantagraphics) A mix of reality-based and surreal observations about life drawn in the doodles that characterize 'avante garde' and underground comic books. Some like "Eighteen" are thought provoking, and some like "Funny Bunny" are gross.
Michael Vance
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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