Chrononauts
Written by Mark Millar
Art by Sean Gordon Murphy
Image Comics
While dark and gritty comics which drip realism, Scalped comes to mind, are of course great reads.
But comics are also supposed to be, at least at times, just plain, old-fashioned, fun.
And that is just what Chrononauts is.
Created by the team of writer Mark Millar and artist Sean Murphy, the story ran over four issues before being collected in a single book.
The story centres on two buds who are the first to time travel.
Like a couple of college kids on spring break they decide not to just observe, but to become rich and famous throughout the ages. They jump from one era to the next amassing wealth and fame and frankly mucking about the timeline in a major way.
Tanks and jet fighters are at play hundreds of years in the past.
Now a lot of time travel ‘canon’ would suggest the ripple effect would be devastating, but here the only downfall is that it all catches up to the daring duo.
A disgruntled mob boss who is not pleased with his wife being trifled with, an ancient trusted army leader wanting power himself and a few other twists lead to a battle out of time. There is a panel with a gang of samurai riding a tank, which pretty much encapsulates the coolness of the story.
The pair of course finally decide to jump around setting thinks back to normal, but that is almost the anticlimax.
The story is just too fun not to pick up.
Oh yes, and I do love Murphy’s art. I’ve been digging it in the new Rick Remender book Tokyo Ghost, and this early work shows the same cool style.
Great book.
Copperhead Vol II
Writer: Jay Faerber
Artist: Scott Godlewski
Image Comics
The first volume of Copperhead was a rollicking good time, as a story combining western and science fiction, which frankly is always a favourite, especially as a fan of Firefly.
Anything that can make me remember that great series is worth reading as a comic.
Jay Faerber isn’t exactly writing a startlingly original story, but in this kind of a tale that isn’t the key is it. You are reading Copperhead for the sheer escapism of the story.
You just want to ride shotgun with Sheriff Bronson, the tougher than a sandstorm leader.
And then there is deputy Budroxifinicus, the sheriff calls him ‘Boo’ not that he likes it. He takes a lead in this volume when he is captured, and of course Bronson has to search for the big bipedal capybara to save the day.
Scott Godlewski’s art is wonderful in depicting alien planet vistas, and strange aliens.
This is a book you enjoy for the flavour, the fun, the escapism.
I like the book a lot, so check it out.
