expatNERD

Tag: Fantastic Four

  • 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

  • Terrax the Tamer

    Another Thursday, which means another recommendation! The Fantastic FOOOOOOUUUURR is coming out this week. Last week I recommended the wonderful Son of Doom storyline, and this week we’re going to head right into John Byrne’s very famous and legendary run on the world’s most famous super-hero family.

    This is such a legendary run and it is still being talked about and dissected. So where to start? I like to start with a beautiful three issue trilogy of sorts, that also featured Galactus and a bunch of Marvel characters. These issues are Fantastic Four #242, #243, and #244. The quick synopsis is that Galactus’ new herald, Terrax the Tamer, decides to double cross the big guy, since Galactus is in a weakened state.

    Of course Terrax battles the Fantastic Four, but in these three issues a lot of really cool stuff happens:

    Manhattan goes to outerspace.

    Spider-Man shows up.

    Thor shows up.

    Daredevil shows up.

    Doctor Strange shows up.

    Get the picture? It’s basically three glorious issues with a huge Marvel team-up, featuring the Fantastic Four, Galactus, and Terrax. Also, the resolution is very satisfying and might be something you would not expect. But Byrne laid it out nicely and by the time you get to the end, you believe it.

    These issues are usually sought after so they can be quite pricey. But they are definitely worth it. Seriously, not only is this a great Fantastic Four story, but also for anyone who wants to be introduced to the world of Marvel Comics, these are a great way to start. It’s basically Marvel’s greatest hits in three issues.

    I hope you enjoyed this week’s recommendation and as always…

    bleib kühl,

    -Franka