The June MKE Comicbook meetup at Anodyne Coffee had a new-to-us topic of discussion: NO SUPERPOWERS. People could share any book they wanted – as long as the main character wasn’t powered up. It made for some neat discussion, and brought up many books I hadn’t heard of before, as I have always been primarily a superhero fan.
Don shared an issue of Brian Wood’s “Northlander” – “The Hunt”, a one-and-done issue about a Viking hunting a deer. He also went to classic Denny O’Neil with The Question, who, while he wears a faceless mask, has no powers, but plenty of existentialism and fisticuffs. Issue 234 of the Fantastic Four raised the question, “If you have super-powers, but don’t know you have super-powers, do you have super-powers?” Avengers 201 featured a great cover showcasing Jarvis, the Avengers’ butler – “Stand Back, Avengers, Jarvis is taking over!” His last shared book was the recent “Dark Night” by Paul Dini and Eduardo Risso, telling the story of Dini and the time he was a victim of crime.
Emilio shared a mixed bag of mostly historical comics, like “Che” and “Cuba My Revolution”, “Arab In America”, and “Aaron and Ahmed”. He also shared some fictionalized bio-comics, like “Bruce Lee: The Dragon Rises”. My fave of his selections was the “Crime Does Not Pay Compendium”, a collection of old crime comics. “Reason For Dragons” is a story about …oh, just go read the description!
Shawn’s selections featured historical stories – past and future! “Rebels” – another Brian Wood book – is a limited series about the Revolutionary War. “Rough Riders” is like “an Americanized League of Extraordinary Gentlemen with LOTS of historical references.” “We Stand On Guard” by Brian K. Vaughn is a futuristic story of the United States invading Canada …for water! His final selection was Brian Michael Bendis’ “Alias”, about a hard-drinking, tough-talking, trouble-making female private investigator who used to be a super-hero.
Podkayne brought the strangest comic of the night – “Thoughtcrime Comics” – the story of a “RLSH” – real-life superhero”, who also happens to be a right-wing conspiracy nut, a veteran, and a criminal.
Kate brought an issue of Young Justice, wherein Bat-Girl (non-super-powered) manages to defeat Super-Boy, causing her to declare “Competence is my only super-power.” Kate also shared The X-Files comic, saying “If you liked the show, you’ll probably like the comic, too!”
Molly had one suggestion for the night – the new book by Neil Gaiman and Gabriel Ba/Fabio Moon, “How to Talk to Girls at Parties”.
Jony had her evergreen favorite, “Damage Control”, about the hardy folks who repair all the city blocks that Marvel’s heroes tear up. She also shared the hilarious “Hank Johnson, Agent of Hydra”, about a rank-and-file member of the terrorist group.
Her other good share was an issue of 1980s Uncanny X-men where team leader Storm, who can control the weather, in a dramatic story-twist had her powers violently removed. What was great in this twist though, is that the removal of her powers only made Storm an even more dynamic,and fan-favorite character!
Justin had some excellent shares – Hellblazer, featuring the incorrigible John Constantine, “He’s got no powers, but IS a manipulative, magical bastard.” Justin also shared a BKV book – “Y the Last Man”, an epic of speculative fiction – “what if all the male species …except one …died at the same time?” Shawn also shared the earlier-mentioned “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen,” singling out Captain Nemo and Mina Harker as fave characters.
Amber had a few great books to share, none of which I’ve ever read, but boy, do they sound good. “Dr. Blink, Superhero Shrink” – the title speaks for itself – how could that >not< be a funny, interesting book? “Nevermen” with the artwork of Guy Davis features strange villains and some bizarrely-mechanical heroes. “Cadillacs and Dinosaurs: Time In Overdrive” by Mark Schultz, an amazingly talented illustrator, features a few items I can have affection for – fast cars, dinosaurs, beautiful women and manly men! “Godzilla: The Half-Century War” got a good soundbite from Amber: “It’s not >really< about Godzilla – it’s about people fighting against Nature, itself!
I shared two crime comicbooks – 100 Bullets, specifically mentioning the chess-minded Agent Grave, and Kane, a great police-drama by Paul Grist.
Lost World of Wonders, a great local comicbook shop, again supported our trivia contest with some great prizes!
