expatNERD

  • Franka Avatar

    Nightwing

    I hope you all managed to grab a screening of Fantastic Four last week. I sure did, and I loved it. I won’t get into any spoilers but the highlight for me was definitely Michael Giacchino’s soundtrack. The theme is an instant classic, and would I dare to say it stands next to John William’s Superman theme? I think I just might say that. Doch? Doch!

    So switching gears to the other side, this week’s recommendation is Nightwing from Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo. The Eisner winning series I might add. I’m scratching my head as I write this and I am trying to pinpoint a series that really challenged the medium of comics or at least tried to innovate its storytelling…and I can’t think of anything. Not only did Taylor and Redondo produce some really strong and solid storytelling, but they did it in interesting ways. Whether it was an issue complete with one page splashers, depicting Nightwing literally moving through buildings and scenes, or a story drawn in the first person from Nightwing’s perspective, it was hella-entertaining (voll cool in Denglish but the English just works better.)

    Plus, Redondo’s depiction of Barbara Gordon is probably my favorite and not because she shares the name of my girlfriend. Redondo instilled that charm in her smile and her face and body language just makes you want to be her best friend.

    Finally, Redondo must have had a ton of fun doing some gesture drawings of Nightwing because what really makes this stand out is how free he looks while jumping and launching himself in the air and off buildings. Which makes the last storyline an achievement. Redondo does jump off for a bit during the run but thankfully he jumps back on at the end.

    The issues are Nightwing (2017) #’s 78-118 and are very affordable. DC will release a big fat Omnibus but I personally have the collected storyline versions in hardback, which are just waiting for Tom and Bruno to sign. And they have beautiful jackets and colorful prints of the big moments in each story.

    I hope you enjoyed this week’s recommendation and if you want these first thing in your inbox on Mondays along with the comic for the week, be sure to sign up to the weekly newsletter!

    Bis bald,

    -Franka

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  • Marv Avatar

    29 – Preparations

    Welcome back fellow expatNERDs as we see a glimpse of Curt’s past, from his perspective of course, as he prepares to undertake an…err undertaking.

    I do know Garth Ennis was at the San Diego Comic Con in 1999 before it became THE San Diego Comic Con of today. Many people do forget or do not realize, that even before the comic book movies and other pop culture megaliths invaded the con, it was one of the trademark cons to visit back in the day. If you have any doubt, head on over to Rob Liefeld’s Robservations podcast who speaks fondly of it and discusses conventions as a whole. From when he was a child when his father took him to them to the current time as an established comic book artist and creator. It’s a fascinating and insightful episode from one of the legends in the biz. I linked to the Spotify listing but you can also find the same pod on Apple and other places as well.

    Finally, this will ramp up to some pretty interesting places. We are looking at Garth Ennis’ work after all. Some of the upcoming strips will have to be indicated as 18+ when we post them on our socials so please keep that in mind as we move forward.

    As always, hope you’re rocking the summer and I will give this to Franka on Thursday for her weekly recommendation.

    Ciao,

    -Marv

    P.S. Yes, Panel 3 is a direct swipe from the How the Grinch Stole Christmas Special. But Franka told me when she created this comic and though about Curt actually making his own costume, the Grinch just kept popping her head, so what a great opportunity to sneak in a tribute to something that we both love.

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