devolve into a corporate entity, and join
the ranks of mediocre publishers. One
problem was enterprising illustrators, who
at the time were seen as the major selling
point for comics, ignoring the contribu-
tions of writers to the medium. As sales
declined, Image, Marvel, and DC drew up
a new strategy: get those really cool indie
writers working for them. Now, comic
readers are living in a writer-dominated
arena, as luminary figures like David
Lapham (Stray Bullets) and Brian Michael

rs

Bendis (Jinx) enter corporate culture and
help churn out comics. The cycle begins
anew.

For your reading interest, here’s some
related titles I’ve been enjoying:

Brian Michael Bendis’ Daredevil

Bendis got his start writing and illustrating
his own line of crime comics like Torso
and Jinx. His flair for gritty, realistic dia-
logue that reflects the rhythms of the
street suits a title like Daredevil. This char-

acter, who is undoubtedly my favourite
superhero, has had his ups and downs
with different writers. Bendis takes the
potential that lies in Daredevil, he gathers
up all the grime and pulp, mixed with
bloody street fighting and courtroom
drama, and shakes it all up in a world pop-
ulated by superheroes.

Mike Mignola's Jenny Finn: Doom
Although he’s not a prolific “under-
ground-to-aboveground” figure, Mignola

F ]

 

is often associated with Dark Horse and
his Hellboy series. However, Atomeka
Press, a small creator-centered publisher,
released his long-lost venture Jenny Finn.
Mignola takes a stab (no pun intended) at
H.P. Lovecraft, weaving a story about a
strange fish disease that spreads through
the underbelly of Victorian-era Britain.
Troy Nixey’s art lends a soft, watery tex-
ture to his characters, emphasizing the
aquatic menace looming over the entire
narrative.

 

CHECKERBOARD NIGHTMARE

_United Nations Brunch Council

I™ Suc amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
 
     

WE JOIN TODAY
‘TO MOURN “THE
PASSING OF...
*MIR, POOPYPANTS,"

 

 

 

june 8/2005

WHO SADLY DIED AFTER
HIS LONG, BRAVE BOUT
WITH... SIGH..." THE FARTS’

C

 

  

 

 

 

 

HE WAS A “TANGY” MAN
WHO ALWAYS GAVE “TO
HiS “SPERM BANK",

 

 

 

 

 

MAD LIBS EULOGIES
AND 1S SURVIVED

"MS. PEE-PEE. HEAD”

 

BY HIS WIFE,

 

 

 

 

www.theotherpress.ca | 15