The Infinite Vacation

The Infinite Vacation #1

Written by Nick Spencer
Art by Christian Ward

Action Ash
I wasn't even aware that this was written by Nick Spencer, of Morning Glories fame when I purchased this book. I saw it was coming out and thought it looked interesting, but it wasn't until I picked it up to read it that I saw the name and recognised it. If you've read my praise of Morning Glories then you will not be surprised when I when I say that I liked this too.

Plot: Mark lives in a world where if you're bored of your life, it doesn't matter. You can just buy the life of a another you from an alternate reality. However, no matter how many times Mark makes a switch he still ends up in the same boring dead end situations. Also versions of him are dropping like flies and he's worried that there might be reason other than chance.

In my opinion the story is original and unoriginal at the same time. It seems like I've come across this sort of thing before but it's done in an interesting way and seems to be making a point about current Internet/phone application culture. The story unfolds in a nice way and in some ways reminds me of a film or TV programme.

Aesthetically this is an interesting book. The main reason I like the art is simply because it's different from what I'm used to in mainstream comics. Ward does a great job of giving the feel that this world is like ours but completely different at the same time. One way he does this is by mixing the literal depiction of what's happening in the story with abstract colours and shapes to help portray what the characters are feeling. There is a cut and paste element to the backgrounds which I think really works and the middle pages fold out into a fantastic two page splash panel that would make a brilliant poster.

TL;DR = It is a good read and looks pretty.

3 and a half alternate reality cruising me's out of 5

What I got and why

Action Ash
This week was a good one for purchasing comics. Some nice titles that I've been looking forward to came out.
Morning Glories #6 - The first story arc is over so I can't wait to see what's going to happen next.
Scarlet #4 - Seems like aaaaages since issue 3. Loving this series, reads great and looks better. Check out the sick cover Maleev cooked up for this issue. <<<

Superior #4 - Seems to be coming out on time each month, which is impressive considering it's by Millar.

Wolverine and Jubilee #1 - Thought I'd check this out because I like the Wolvie/Jubi tag team. Although last time I read a story about this duo one of them wasn't a vampire, so we'll see how it goes.

Infinite Vacation #1 - A new series that looks fairly interesting so I thought I'd check it out. Keep your eyes peeled for a review.

Thor #619 - I'm really liking this creative team's work on Thor. Still don't quite understand why old goldilocks was so desperate to get Loki back though.

Also I acquired a free DC poster, and guess what the image was. None other than the propaganda picture that I spoke of two posts ago. The only downside being it doesn't have the line "Keeping comics affordable for you!" across the bottom. Never mind, it was free.

Be Well citizens, I'll catch you on the flipside \m/

What I got and Why: The Return!

Action Ash
HAIL! All henchmen of Action Ash and Valhallahan.
Apologies for the lack of blog-age these last few weeks, I have been a busy little bad guy. Coursework, Fish mongering and generally being a bad guy takes up so much of my time. Never fear though droogs because now I'm back to tell you what I got... and why.

The Flash #6 - About bloody time! It feels like a year since I read issue 5. On a flick through it looks like a good issue so I hope that will make up for the wait.

Morning Glories #4 - Last issues events were intriguing to say the least so whatever happens next I'm itching to find out.

Knight and Squire #2 - I didn't manage to get a copy before they sold out last week, but luckily I managed to get one this week. More superhero hi-jinks from old blighty. Love it!


Superior #2 - The first ish was pretty damn good so I'm hoping Millar and Yu keep it up.

Delphine #4 - I know this is old but I've only been able to to get my hands on it recently. I love Richard Sala's work and this is text book Sala, however I think this book would have been better as a graphic novel.

Revenge of the Creature - It was seemingly impossible to find this film in the UK. Believe me, I tried. Imagine my surprise when I saw Gill-man staring back at me from the shelf in HMV on the cover of this classic sequel.

What I got and Why.

Action Ash
I braved the cold weather today for one reason. Wrapped in a hoody and my leather and armed with creds, I made my way to St Albans and the shop known as Chaos City comics to purchase this weeks hot titles.

Conan the Cimmerian #24 - I love Conan! I love the Cary Nord covers that currently grace this book each month. The creative team is changing soon, so that will be something for the 2 bad guys to talk about.

Carnage #1 - Clayton Crain is probably the perfect artist to draw the psychopathic alien symbiote. Should be good.

Shadowland: Powerman #3 - You all know what I think of this series, so I will bore you no longer. It's good though!

Morning Glories #3 - Issue two did not disappoint so I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next and how they resolve last issue's cliffhanger ending.

Chaos War #2 - I missed number one, and couldn't find a back issue, but I'm hoping to be able to hop on here. Looking god from what I've seen.

I also bought some DVD's, a new hoody and some Adidas Star Wars trainers!!! But they aint comics, so this post ends here =P

Morning Glories

Morning Glories#1
Written by Nick Spencer
Art by Joe Eisma

Action Ash
I've got to be honest, I'm still not entirely sure what this is about. Six kids start at a prestigious boarding school, where things aren't quite what they seem...

That's all I can really tell you. I know it seems like a fairly bare description but I honestly don't know what else to say. I read 44 pages of well drawn, beautifully crafted and thought out comic book and I can't really tell you about it.

What I can tell you is it's brilliant!

Such an enjoyable read and great value for money. You could call it a sci-fi mystery/Teen drama story, that, although hasn't revealed much of it's overall plot, probably has a lot to offer to it's audience. This issue is mainly for introducing the main characters I suppose, and this task can sometimes be a tough one to do well and keep the readers attention. However this is handled beautifully, and the cleverly woven in comedy elements help Spencer to achieve this in a way that makes you feel like you know them without giving away too much of their history.

Visually impressive without being too flashy and in your face is the best way to describe the books artwork. Subtleties like facial expressions and mannerisms are portrayed with skill and movement and action equally so.

From its explosive beginning to its cliffhanger ending this is an extremely enjoyable ride. This is a book that proves that comics don't have to be about superheroes, ninjas, or crime to be interesting, fun and worth reading.

Plus, it has an amazing cover by Rodin Esquejo.

5 exploding chemically doused blackboards out of 5

Super Geil!