Living Up To Expectations: Being a Criminal Never Felt So Good

Criminal 2 #7
Written By: Ed Brubaker
Art By: Sean Phillips

I think we are all in agreement that comics are good. Some of course are better than others, just like movies and TV shows. But every once in awhile, a comic comes along that simply captivates you and blows away the competition. Tell me if you have heard this one before….READ CRIMINAL! Written By Ed Brubaker and art by Sean Phillips, Criminal is, as stated before, the best book on the shelves. I don’t think a book has received more praise on the ComicDorksCastTM than Criminal. For those unfamiliar with this fantastic series, Criminal is a series of short stories and vignettes with characters whose lives are loosely based upon each other. In short, Criminal could be considered a more realistic Sin City. With this issue (Criminal 2 #7), the “Bad Night” story arc comes to a close. This is one of the best issues thus far. The comic is split up into three parts: The Cop, The Nurse, and the main character, Jacob Kurtz (and his sidekick/imaginary friend, Frank Kafka). This issue breaks down all the events we have seen in the past three issues and gives more context as to why things happened in the story the way they did. This multiple point-of-view approach really fills out the story and has you wondering how you didn't see it coming. We also get the startling reveal about the true nature of Jacob’s comic character, Frank Kafka. Sean Phillips continues to absolutely draw the S#&% out of this book. Sean Phillips creates excellent dark and dreary panels that this comic creates. I really cannot find anything wrong with this book. The characters, the script, the art, the lettering, and the coloring are all amazing. There are two seasons of this great series. The first season was traded into two volumes: “Coward” and “Lawless”. The first three issues of the second season were also traded into “The Dead and the Dying”. These three trades bring you up to date with “Bad Night,” which concluded with this issue. In the Comic Hall of Fame, Criminal has its spot reserved.

What I'm Reading Now: Will the Real Darren Please Stand Up?

Gotham Central
Written By: Ed Brubaker & Greg Rucka
Art By: Michael Lark

Sorry for the late post y’all. Just spent the last 12 hours at an Obama rally but I got to shake his hand and get his autograph so I’ll make a check in the W column for the day. So now I guess it’s time for the true “What I’m Reading Now” post (there are some posers up in here). This week has been pretty hectic but I have been able to fit one great title in my very crazy schedule: Gotham Central. Written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka (can I just end the article there) and art by Michael Lark, Gotham Central is the story of Gotham’s finest. With a great cast of characters, Gotham Central is some of the best reading of crime fiction I have read in a long time. This story represents a vital importance in the current events of Final Crisis also. Crispus Allen (currently The Spectre) and Renee Montoya (Currently The Question) develop their relationship throughout these pages. This relationship is what makes Final Crisis: Revelations a true emotional roller coaster. With an all-star cast, Gotham Central has a lot to offer. Brubaker and Rucka together… who could ask for more. The pencils of Michael Lark also add to this story a great deal and the dark tones and heavy lines give a great sense of Gotham City. But perhaps the most fascinating part of this story is the view it takes. Everyone knows Gotham’s vigilante protector but what about the five-o? Readers get to see the rules and laws to igniting the bat-signal and also see the views of other cops about Batman, be it good or bad. With a great cast and story, Gotham Central will definitely leave you wanting more.

P.S. – I have no idea who that person in the flash costume is but it’s not me and yea cosmo does have great sex advice….GET OVER IT!