Mark Chiarello

If you ever find yourself jonesing for some Batman - not by a particular artist or author, not featuring a specific villain or plotline, but just "I wanna read some Batman stories damn it!" then THIS is your series. Veteran artists and writers are paired up to deliver one great self-contained chapter after another. A few of the stories didn't quite hit their mark for me, but even so, none of them were wasted space, and I would instantly hand this collection to anyone wanting to read some of the caped crusader without wading through thick patches of mythos.… (more)

While this Elseworlds has a similar feel to Gotham by Gaslight, it's set about 20 years later in 1907, and isn't related to that earlier story. This one has the huge draw for me of featuring Harry Houdini, and then the huge negative of Chaykin using racial slurs and misogyny in a way that comes across as "naughty boy saying naughty words" rather than as (unnecessary) historical accuracy. It's a disappointment, as is the plot that shoehorns in a Renfield-ish Joker and vampires. It has the makings of a great story, spoiled by a hamfisted execution. 3🦇 solely for the very good watercolour artwork.… (more)

Story of Hellboy's origin. Magnificent omnibus edition containing story of Hellboy's conjuring and follow up stories in which Hellboy tries to find more about himself while constantly tripping over Rasputin and his machinations.

My first contact with Hellboy was a little bit weird - art was pretty much reduced, at some points it seemed like you had to look at it from a distance to figure out what happens on the page. It was interesting approach and tone and pacing of events was excellent. But then it always seemed bit off - when it comes to art I prefer golden-age comics, for newer art I enjoy Frank Miller for example (not that far from Mignola's black&white-shadow-plays), but for Hellboy it seemed like drawings and paintings lost basic definitions and were just shapes that up close made no sense.

But I enjoyed the story a lot. So after reading omnibus vol #4 (I know, I know but it was a gift and I like to read :) ) I finally got opportunity to read omnibus vol #1. Art is beautiful, much more structured but story-telling and page flow are as always flawless.

After reading omnibus vol #1 it is visible that author was always experimenting with his drawings and coloring and it is clear that later stories show artists skill evolution (albeit little bit radical for my taste).

Excellent story, beautiful art - treat yourself and read it :)

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