Butcher Than Leather

Thanks to Christopher Butcher at http://comics.212.net/ for plugging the blog. I'd call it damning with faint praise if there was any actual praise in it, but it's still appreciated. As he notes, I (and Movie Poop Shoot's/IDW's Chris Ryall) wrote some humorous pieces for From the Wire, a feature from Christopher's time at www.popimage.com that was essentially The Onion for comics. Matt Singer, who also went on to write for the 'Shoot, was kind of the editor/head writer, and Christopher oversaw the thing and rewrote pieces to his taste, often to attack Marvel Comics more bitterly. I wrote maybe half-a-dozen pieces before moving on. It was kind of a tough gig, coming up with the ideas, and I had a problem with having stuff changed without being consulted about it first. I don't think I made a big deal of it...just moved on. I like what Butcher does online now a lot, though. As far as his comments, I dunno--doesn't seem to me like I have all that much about my personal life, but when you have kids, that does take up a good chunk of your time and it's only natural to comment on it somewhat. Anyway, thanks to him again. Kept up with Day One of the NCAA b-ball tourney like a madman today--in second place in my office pool currently.

VIMANARAMA #2 - Comparisons are odious, as Celine said (no, I've never read anymore Celine than that quote, but I'm sure the rest compares favorably--kidding!), but this is kind of like one of those Warren Ellis three-issue minis with warmth and romance added. I like Ellis, but I'm just a little more in tune with the sweet nougat at the center of most Morrison works, I think. Nice to see Philip Bond draw some spaceships and architecture as well.

And the latest HUMAN TARGET is terrific, too. I've heard some say Milligan was running out of steam, but I haven't found that to be the case. Seems like a very logical step here--Christopher Chance has lost his own identity and it stands to reason someone might step in to take it over. Great scene with Chance's girlfriend pointing the gun at his head, too--tense, surprising moments like this set Milligan apart from most.