Batman Vol.3 #5

Nov 2012. Cover price £2.99.
76 pages. Full colour contents.
Titan Magazines.

Cover by UNKNOWN.

Contents:

 2 Digital Comics Now Available!

 3 Contents Page

 4 Batman pin-up; p: PAT (Patrick Gleason), i: Mick Gray, colouring by John Kalisz.

r: cover from Batman and Robin (DC Comics) #07 (May 2012).

 5 Driven w: Peter J. Tomasi; p: Patrick Gleason, i: Mick Gray, lettering by Patrick Brosseau, colouring by John Kalisz.

r: Batman and Robin (DC Comics) #07 (May 2012).

25 The Fall of the House of Wayne, part 2, w: Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV; a: Rafael Albuquerque, lettering by Dezi Sienty, colouring by Dave McCaig.

r: Batman (DC Comics) #10 (Aug 2012).

32 All-New Superhero Sagas! In the DC Universe! in-house advertisement.

33 The Fall of the House of Wayne, part 3, w: Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV; a: Rafael Albuquerque, lettering by Dezi Sienty, colouring by Dave McCaig.

r: Batman (DC Comics) #11 (Sep 2012).

37 Missed an Issue? back issues

38 Batman poster; a: Andy Clarke, colouring by Tomeu Morey.

r: variant cover from Batman (DC Comics) #11 (Sep 2012).

40 Subscribe

44 Batman pin-up. p:

r: UNKNOWN.

45 Ghost in the Machine w: Scott Snyder & James Tynon IV (p22-28 only); p: Becky Cloonan (p1-21) & Andy Clarke (p22-28), i: Becky Cloonan (p1-7; p12-18; p21) & Sandu Florea (p8-11; p19; p20) Andy Clarke (p22-28), lettering by Richard Starkings & Comicraft's Jimmy Betancourt, colouring by FCO Plascencia).

r: Batman (DC Comics) #12 (Oct 2012).

73 A Mark Millar Mindgasm in-house advertisement for CLiNT.

74 Batman Letters readers' mail

75 Next Time!

76 Batman: The Dark Knight in-house advertisement.

Ah - I knew there was a reason I persisted with this title. Damian Wayne being tortured by Nobody is one of the highlights of the series so far, but unfortunately Batman arrives in time to save him from something worse than a few fractures - if we ask nicely, DC might give us a monthly "lets torture Robin" series, so I wait in hope. Actually, this version of Batman isn't quite there for me either, so seeing him tortured issue after issue would be welcome as well.

The first story collected here at least manages a decent line of dialogue to end the issue, and there's enough room for the "character" of Damian to develop some... well, character, mainly. His portrayal throughout the various reprints thus far has lacked a believability which is still undercutting any sense that this is an actual child. Even the most stoic character has to have a moment where the facade cracks slightly, otherwise they are forever held apart from any understanding of their inner life. Damian is extremely difficult to understand as a living, breathing person.

The best story is Ghost in the Machine, with some superb artwork by Becky Cloonan. Harper is the first character (in all five issues) to feel even remotely real, and is thus, by far, the most interesting individual to appear in the title - no mean feat for a single appearance. I'm still unimpressed by the relentlessly grumpy Batman, but with the poster and pin-ups at least there is some value to be had here, though the artwork is far from the heights of the Marshall Rogers run in the seventies.

While I hope the title keeps improving, there's simply too much baggage being dragged along to see things changing dramatically.

#04

Batman Vol.3

06

Batman Vol.3 #4

Oct 2012. Cover price £2.99.
76 pages. Full colour contents.
Titan Magazines.

Cover p: Greg Capullo, colouring by FCO Plascencia.
r: cover from Batman (DC Comics) #10 (Aug 2012).

Contents:

 2 Justice League in-house advertisement

 3 Contents Page

 4 Batman pin-up; p: PAT (Patrick Gleason), i: Mick Gray, colouring by John Kalisz.

r: cover from Batman and Robin (DC Comics) #06 (Apr 2012).

 5 The Real Me w: Peter J. Tomasi. p: Patrick Gleason, i: Mick Gray, lettering by Patrick Brosseau, colouring by John Kalisz.

r: Batman and Robin (DC Comics) #10 (Aug 2012).

25 Subscribe

26 Batman pin-up; p: Greg Capullo, colouring by FCO Plascencia.

r: cover from Batman (DC Comics) #10 (Aug 2012).

27 Assault on the Court w: Scott Snyder; p: Greg Capullo, i: Jonathan Glapion, lettering by Richard Starkings & Comicraft's Jimmy Betancourt, colouring by FCD Plascencia.

r: Batman (DC Comics) #10 (Aug 2012).

37 Missed an Issue? Back issues.

49 My Brother's Keeper w: Scott Snyder; p: Greg Capullo, i: Jonathan Glapion, lettering by Richard Starkings & Comicraft's Jimmy Betancourt, colouring by FCD Plascencia.

r: Batman (DC Comics) #11 (Sep 2012).

73 Win an Awesome Batman: The Dark Knight Rises Bat Vehicle competition.

74 Batman Letters readers' mail

75 Next Time! in-house advertisement.

76 Batman: The Dark Knight in-house advertisement.

Promising much yet, alas, delivering very little, The Real Me could have been a stellar story, though pulls back from anything radically different than we have seen dozens of times before in Batman narratives, falling into a rut when it should have been carving out a fresh path. It is pointless, at this remove from the character's inception, to expect any different, but the sheer level of carelessness in creating what should be a tense thriller is a sign that the era of the bat is well and truly over.

The pin-ups, here, are fine - while not displaying any true sign that there is something more than crass commercialism in mind, they fulfill their role in adding to an otherwise unimpressive collection of stories. Relaunching the Batman line could have been the impetus for a complete overhaul of the tired and redundant elements, bringing a freshness to the character, in line with the cinematic overhaul instigated by Christopher Nolan with The Dark Knight, though instead we are presented with material which is undistinguished.

While this might, superficially, feel like great value for money, it lacks a sense of vibrancy which really should be present in a new title.

#03

Batman Vol.3

#05

Batman Vol.3 #3

Sep 2012. Cover price £2.99.
76 pages. Full colour contents.
Titan Magazines.

Cover by UNKNOWN.

Contents:

 2 Mark Millar's Clint in-house advertisement

 3 Contents Page

 4 Batman pin-up; p: PAT (Patrick Gleason), i: Mick Gray, colouring by John Kalisz.

r: cover from Batman and Robin (DC Comics) #05 (Mar 2012).

 5 Mutineer w: Peter J. Tomasi; p: Patrick Gleason, i: Mick Gray, lettering by Patrick Brosseau, colouring by John Kalisz.

r: Batman and Robin (DC Comics) #05 (Mar 2012).

25 Batman: The Dark Knight #2 in-house advertisement.

26 The Call w: Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV; a: Rafael Albuquerque, lettering by Patrick Brosseau, colouring by Nathan Fairbairn.

r: Batman (DC Comics) #08 (Jun 2012).

33 Missed an Issue? back issues.

37 Batman pin-up.

38 Batman pin-up; p: Patrick Gleason, i: Mick Gray, colouring by John Kalisz.

r: cover from Batman and Robin (DC Comics) #05 (Mar 2012).

41 Subscribe

42 Batman

43 Night of the Owls w: Scott Snyder; p: Greg Capullo, i: Jonathan Glapion, lettering by Richard Starkings & Comicraft's Jimmy Betancourt, colouring by FCO Plascencia.

r: Batman (DC Comics) #09 (Jul 2012).

52 Missed an Issue? Back issues.

53 Batman pin-up; a: Greg Capullo, colouring by FCO Plascencia.

r: cover to Batman (DC Comics) #08 (Jun 2012).

54 Attack on Wayne Manor w: Scott Snyder; p: Greg Capullo, i: Jonathan Glapion, lettering by Richard Starkings, colouring by FCO Plascencia.

r: Batman (DC Comics) #08 (Jun 2012).

53 The Legend Ends advertisement for The Dark Knight Rises novelization.

64 The Fall of the House of Wayne, part one, w: Scott Snyder; a: Rafael Albuquerque, lettering by Patrick Brosseau, colouring by Dave McCaig.

r: Batman (DC Comics) #08 (Jun 2012).

74 Batman Letters readers' mail.

75 Next Time! in-house advertisement.

76 Star Wars Galaxy in-house advertisement.

The reprints are feeling increasingly haphazard and inconsequential, with shorter pieces which appear to be disconnected from one another. Although giving more story opportunities for the reader to discover, none of the contents are particularly satisfying - I find myself asking "Why should I care" instead of feeling as if the adventures are worth reading, and the bright spots within this collection are so few and far between as to negate their worth.

Adding to the problems is an incredibly messy cover design which clutters the main image with over-large lettering, making the title look more in line with something aimed at a much younger audience. Having the ongoing stories run concurrently is rather unfortunate, as complete stories would at least justify the page count, but given the numerous problems this is a title I simply cannot recommend.

In trade paperbacks the contents might be worth approaching once more, but in this format the stories are unsatisfying and irritating.

#02

Batman Vol.3

#04

Batman Vol.3 #2

Sep 2012. Cover price £2.99.
76 pages. Full colour contents.
Titan Magazines.

Cover p: PAT (Patrick Gleason), i: Mick Gray, c: Moose Baumann.
r: cover from Batman and Robin (DC Comics) #01 (Nov 2011).

Contents:

 2 Justice League in-house advertisement

 3 Contents Page

 4 Batman pin-up. p: PAT (Patrick Gleason), i: Mick Gray, colouring by Moose Baumann.

r: cover from Batman and Robin (DC Comics) #03 (Jan 2012).

 5 Knightmoves w: Peter J. Tomasi; p: Patrick Gleason, i: Mick Gray, lettering by Patrick Brosseau, colouring by John Kalisz.

r: Batman and Robin (DC Comics) #03 (Jan 2012).

25 The Dark Knight Rises official movie novelization advertisement.

26 Batman pin-up; p: PAT (Patrick Gleason), i: Mick Gray, colouring by John Kalisz.

r: cover from Batman and Robin (DC Comics) #04 (Feb 2012).

27 Matter of Trust w: Peter J. Tomasi; p: Patrick Gleason, i: Mick Gray, lettering by Patrick Brosseau, colouring by John Kalisz.

r: Batman and Robin (DC Comics) #04 (Feb 2012).

37 Batman pin-up; p: PAT (Patrick Gleason), i: Mick Gray, colouring by Moose Baumann.

r: cover from Batman and Robin (DC Comics) #03 (Jan 2012).

38 Batman pin-up; a: Jason Fabok, colouring by Peter Steigerwald.

r: variant cover from Batman (DC Comics) #08 (Jun 2012).

43 Subscribe

52 Missed an Issue? Back issues.

53 Batman pin-up; a: Greg Capullo, colouring by FCO Plascencia.

r: cover from Batman (DC Comics) #08 (Jun 2012).

54 Attack on Wayne Manor w: Scott Snyder; p: Greg Capullo, i: Jonathan Glapion, lettering by Richard Starkings, colouring by FCO Plascencia.

r: Batman (DC Comics) #08 (Jun 2012).

74 Batman Letters readers' mail

75 Next Time! in-house advertisement.

76 Batman: The Dark Knight in-house advertisement.

Continuing on, without any discernible personality or style, this reprint title presents absolutely no incentives for readers interested in the character of Batman, resorting to relentlessly churning through DC's relaunched line with no commentary. hoping that its insipid strips will, somehow, achieve a degree of sense by virtue of so many appearing in one publication. It is folly to assume that volume equates to quality, which this does.

With this issue I'm beginning to really like Morgan. More than Batman, even - and I think everyone knows by now that I want to see the Joker snuff out Damian just like he did with Jason Todd. Maybe an entire issue dedicated to having him slowly boiled to death. The character isn't merely depicted as a brat, but as an entirely unbelievable collection of stock traits, gathered together without a balancing degree of humanity to offset the more ridiculous elements.

Damian's fundamental cartoonishness drags the stories down to such a degree that it is difficult to remember that there was a time when Batman routinely enoyed top-tier creators and stories.

While there are highlights to savor (Damian being drugged, a few beautiful pin-ups, and one of the dumbest speeches Batman has ever given), the rather silly dialogue given to Alfred is beginning to annoy me. The Owls storyline ramps up in fine style in comparison with a rather poor main feature, and the addition of a page for readers' letters finally gives the title a little more value. Not much, but it is a start.

#01

Batman Vol.3

#03

Batman Vol.3 #1

Aug 2012. Cover price £2.99.
76 pages. Full colour contents.
Titan Magazines.

Cover p: PAT (Patrick Gleason), i: Mick Gray, colouring by Moose Baumann.
r: cover from Batman and Robin (DC Comics) #01 (Nov 2011).

Contents:

 2 Star Wars Galaxy in-house advertisement

 3 Contents Page

 4 Batman pin-up; p: PAT (Patrick Gleason), i: Mick Gray, colouring by Moose Baumann.

r: cover from Batman and Robin (DC Comics) #01 (Nov 2011).

 5 Born to Kill w: Peter J. Tomasi; p: Patrick Gleason, i: Mick Gray, lettering by Patrick Brosseau, colouring by John Kalisz.

r: Batman and Robin (DC Comics) #01 (Nov 2011).

25 Justice League in-house advertisement.

26 Batman pin-up; p: PAT (Patrick Gleason), i: Mick Gray, colouring by John Kalisz.

r: cover from Batman and Robin (DC Comics) #02 (Dec 2011).

27 Bad Blood w: Peter J. Tomasi; p: Patrick Gleason, i: Mick Gray, lettering by Patrick Brosseau, colouring by John Kalisz.

r: Batman and Robin (DC Comics) #02 (Dec 2011).

37 Batman pin-up; a: Dustin Nguyen.

r: variant cover from Batman (DC Comics) #07 (May 2012).

38 Batman pin-up; p: PAT (Patrick Gleason), i: Mick Gray, colouring by John Kalisz.

r: cover from Batman and Robin (DC Comics) #02 (Dec 2011).

43 Batman: The World of the Dark Knight competition.

52 Subscribe

53 Batman a: Greg Capullo, colouring by FCO Plascencia.

r: cover from Batman (DC Comics) #07 (May 2012).

54 Previously - Batman Vs. The Court of Owls recap.

55 The Talons Strike! w: Scott Snyder. p: Greg Capullo, i: Jonathan Glapion, lettering by Richard Starkings & Jimmy Betancourt, colouring by FCO Plascencia.

r: Batman (DC Comics) #07 (May 2012).

75 Next Time! in-house advertisement.

76 Batman: The Dark Knight in-house advertisement.

For a first issue, this is incredibly poor. Aside from the lack of profile pages (as the London Editions Magazines launch had), this also neglects to explain anything about the New 52 status quo, for those expecting material published prior to DC's perfect jumping-off point. A complete lack of text signifying that there are major differences in the background to the title is frustrating, and promotes the sense of this comic being little more than a chore for Titan, when it really ought to be a celebration of a long-lived character.

The primary villain encountered in the first story, for instance, isn't even named in the comic until over halfway through the issue, which is compounded by the problem of an entirely different storyline making up the final third of the issue. With the Joker or the Riddler, enough exposure across various media negates the necessity to tag the character for reader identification, but second-rate villains should always be named as early in the script as possible to prevent frustration. These lapses point to a sloppiness and disregard for the reader that is, in this day and age, completely unacceptable.

I keep six honest serving-men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who.
I send them over land and sea,
I send them east and west;
But after they have worked for me,
I give them all a rest.
                     Rudyard Kipling.

What is the diabolical plan Batman must overcome? Why is the villain undertaking such a plan? When, importantly, is this story set, in relation to material which the reader has possibly encountered? How does it fit in with the stories previously published, and how have we gotten to the point where the story picks up? Where, thankfully, is covered well, establishing Gotham as central to the continuing narrative. Who are these characters?

An abysmal entry-point for new readers, who should have been provided with a far cleaner and less convoluted tale.

There are a few positives here - notably the clean presentation of the covers as pin-ups - though the mish-mash of contents, and the unfortunate continuation of Damian Wayne's presence, mean that this is a chore to read rather than a piece of entertainment.

Batman Vol.3

#02

Star Wars Comic Vol.1 #7

05 Sep 1999. Cover price £1.25.
28 pages. Full colour.
Titan Magazines.

Edited by John Freeman.

Painted cover by Hugh Fleming.
r: cover from Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (Dark Horse) #04 (May 1999).

Contents:

 2 The Final Battle! text introduction (uncredited). / Contents / Indicia

 3 Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, part seven, w: Henry Gilroy, based on the story by George Lucas; p: Rodolfo Damaggio, i: Al Williamson, lettering by Steve Dutro, colouring by Dave Nestelle.

r: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (Dark Horse) #04 (May 1999).

11 Forbidden Planet advertisement.

16 Use the Force advertisement for Lego Star Wars sets.

22 All-Out Star Wars Action! in-house advertisement for Star Wars Comic, Star Wars Magazine, and graphic novels.

24 Have Darth Maul on Yer Back competition.

25 Communications readers' mail; illustrations by Nicholas Jones and Richard Fallon.

26 Coming Next Issue

27 Subscribe & Save

28 Galaxion '99 convention advertisement.

I'm not saying that Freeman was recalling the good old days of Doctor Who, but this issue begins a sequence of random cover dates which zip back and forth with no consistency.

Having dragged on for six issues already, Star Wars Comic gets the rest of the saga out of the way in one chunk. The strangely muted battle, in which Darth Maul takes on Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, lacks a certain something, and the coup de grâce is strangely absent - one might imagine, if the film was not referred to, that Qui-Gon merely fell over.

The destruction of the droid control ship is given a similarly too-brief moment, with two large explosions marring the surface, though there is no indication of the extent of the damage. A handful of panels charting the destruction over the following moments would have clarified that we are seeing its destruction rather than merely being severely damaged. It is a theme which has recurred throughout the series - stunningly beautiful artwork, marred by poor storytelling choices.

The final full-page image does the adaptation no favours, and as a conclusion there is a distinct lack of satisfaction to be had. Disappointingly, there is still no comedic flourish to offset the serious nature of the strips chosen. Levity, especially when dealing with such po-faced space opera, is required to keep from feeling drained at the relentless pomposity of it all. Star Wars is meant to be fun, and this exercise in repetition is hardly enjoyable.

#05

Star Wars Comic

#08

Star Wars Comic Vol.1 #6

12 Sep 1999. Cover price £1.25.
28 pages. Full colour.
Titan Magazines.

Edited by John Freeman.

Painted cover by Hugh Fleming.
r: cover from Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (Dark Horse) #04 (May 1999).

Contents:

 2 A Desperate Alliance text introduction (uncredited). / Contents / Indicia

 3 Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, part six, w: Henry Gilroy, based on the story by George Lucas; p: Rodolfo Damaggio, i: Al Williamson, lettering by Steve Dutro, colouring by Dave Nestelle.

r: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (Dark Horse) #?? (1999).

13 Forbidden Planet advertisement.

18 20 Phantom Menace Graphic Novels Must be Won competition.

19 Subscribe & Save

20 Star Wars: Episode I - Qui-Gon Jinn, part two, w: Ryder Windham; p: Robert Teranishi, i: Chris Chuckry, lettering by Vickie Williams, colouring by Chris Chuckry.

r: Star Wars: Episode I - Qui-Gon Jinn (Dark Horse) nn (May 1999).

26 Coming Next Issue

27 See and Read the Film advertisement for graphic novel.

28 Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Let the Slaying Begin... in-house advertisement.

Another great cover, and one of the finest images of the often cartoonishly evil Darth Maul.

This installment of The Phantom Menace begins with so much abysmal dialogue that it seems to deliberately highlight Lucas' deficiencies as a writer. None of Qui-Gon or Obi-Wan's speech feels in the slightest realistic, and it is a problem which can't be overlooked when reading - there is no repartee here, being a series of apparently random sentences shoved into the Jedi mouths:

"I feel the presence of the Sith."
"I'm sorry I've been so rebellious."
"You will become a great Jedi."
"Do you think the Queen will be successful?"

This isn't, despite appearances, a handful of choice quotes, but rather a conversation. Who talks like this? That the artwork is so good makes the lapse in scripting especially noticeable. A brilliant image of the army walking through Naboo's mists is as good as Goseki Kojima or Hugo Pratt, although in other places there appears to be difficulties with perspective, rendering Darth Maul as somewhat short in stature.

Qui-Gon's own story is a tad more refined, with beautiful artwork and superb characterisation throughout. I'm never going to get used to the naked C-3PO though.

#05

Star Wars Comic

#07

Star Wars Comic Vol.1 #5

22 Aug 1999. Cover price £1.25.
28 pages. Full colour.
Titan Magazines.

Edited by John Freeman.

Photo cover.

Contents:

 2 Escape from Tattoine text introduction (uncredited). / Contents / Indicia

 3 Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, part five, w: Henry Gilroy, based on the story by George Lucas; p: Rodolfo Damaggio, i: Al Williamson, lettering by Steve Dutro, colouring by Dave Nestelle.

r: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (Dark Horse) #?? (1999).

14 UNTITLED Yoda poster; photograph (uncredited).

19 Explore the Gungan Frontier! competition to win Star Wars Episode I - The Gungan Frontier software.

20 Use the Force advertisement for Lego Star Wars sets.

21 Star Wars: Episode I - Qui-Gon Jinn, part one, w: Ryder Windham; p: Robert Teranishi, i: Chris Chuckry, lettering by Vickie Williams, colouring by Chris Chuckry.

r: Star Wars: Episode I - Qui-Gon Jinn (Dark Horse) nn (May 1999).

24 See and Read the Film advertisement for graphic novel.

25 Communications readers' mail.

26 Coming Next Issue

27 Subscribe & Save

28 Forbidden Planet advertisement.

Of all the covers, it had to be Jar Jar.

While I don't mind CGI, per se, the overt artificiality of the character as perfectly illustrated here (dead eyes, tombstone teeth hanging in a gaping grin, and skin which appears to be modeled after a mummified corpse) is simply too far from anything believably moving around and interacting with human characters. Creepy doesn't begin to describe the character.

Thankfully the Yoda poster presents a more reasoned approach to the utilisation of CGI, showing the Jedi master deep in thought. This is the kind of quality poster which makes Star Wars Comic worth sticking with, as it really is a great image. This installment of the film adaptation isn't as action-packed, with a fair degree of talk, but the pictures are pretty enough to mitigate such a slow and deliberate sequence.

Qui-Gon Jinn, taking the back-up strip position, barely gets a chance to establish itself with a mere three pages included. I know there's a limited number of pages available, but really, three pages is simply begging for mockery. Opening with Anakin's victory at the pod-race, the strip shows what can be achieved with digital colouring, and gives a new slant to a scene from the film.

The appearance of a letters page, even one which has an appeal to readers for assistance with a name more appropriate than Communications, is a welcome sight, and the cing on top is a spectacularly singular vision of Darth Maul by Martin Spiers. Yes, Paul D. Bianco's home-made C-3PO is impressive, but it had already appeared in Star Wars Magazine, SFX, and likely elsewhere.

I've thought about the model a few times over the years, and occasionally pondered on what has happened to the majority of notable Star Wars fan-art. If there's one glaring omission in the celebration of the franchise over the years, it is a exhibition of all the weird things people have made to show their love for the series.

#04

Star Wars Comic

#06

Star Wars Comic Vol.1 #4

15 Aug 1999. Cover price £1.25.
28 pages. Full colour.
Titan Magazines.

Edited by John Freeman.

Cover painting by Hugh Fleming.
r: cover from Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (Dark Horse) #02 (May 1999).

Contents:

 2 Whisperings in the Force text introduction (uncredited). / Contents / Indicia

 3 Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, part four, w: Henry Gilroy, based on the story by George Lucas; p: Rodolfo Damaggio, i: Al Williamson, lettering by Steve Dutro, colouring by Dave Nestelle.

r: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (Dark Horse) #?? (1999).

 7 Forbidden Planet advertisement.

18 Star Toons - the Cartoon Art of Science Fiction advertisement for the British Cartoon Centre exhibition; a: Don Lawrence.

r: image from Storm.

19 Star Wars: Episode I - Anakin Skywalker, part four, w: Timothy Truman; p: Steve Crespo, i: George Freeman, lettering by Vickie Williams, colouring by Dave Nestelle.

r: Star Wars: Episode I - Anakin Skywalker Dark Horse) nn (May 1999).

25 Make a Date With Star Wars! competition to win Star Wars Episode I - The Data File.

26 Coming Next Week

27 Subscribe & Save

28 See and Read the Film advertisement for graphic novel.

A dramatic image of Anakin in his pod-racer is a much better use of the cover than photographs, and seems more appropriate for the title. For such a slim issue, and this is a very thin publication, every opportunity to catch the attention of possible readers needs to be taken. Opportunities such as the contents page, which is likely the first page consulted before purchase, which are elsewhere squandered. It's an incredibly busy contents page, with a couple of stills from the film set in an awkward circle which calls attention to the design elements rather than the images or - crucially - what is is in the issue.

The Phantom Menace always felt like a film which dragged on, rather than the pacy and attention-grabbing original, and this adaptation seems to follow in the film's footsteps by seemingly never ending. Finally at the point in the story where Anakin takes to his pod-racer for a race which could grant him his freedom, there are some effective panels showing off the attention to detail here. Black panel borders work well, and the reproduction is flawless.

Without a poster, though, there's a sense that the title has given up on attracting readers. Without even a single text feature, or look into the production of the comic adaptation, we can only wonder at the machinations behind the scenes to bring the project to completion. When looking at Star Wars comics of the late 90s, the striking cover paintings are the most identifiable trait, yet there hasn't been nearly enough written on their creation. Did the artists do versions of the paintings with characters who were later digitally altered, or was the film in the can once work began? It bugs me not knowing.

Anakin's story, which hasn't really felt important, plants seeds for the film, with his mother remarking "I just want to look at you, Annie. Sometimes I have the terrible feeling that I'll never see you again." So subtle. If readers hadn't taken the hint, only a couple of panels later she says (to no-one in particular) "There's a storm coming." Slegehammer-like storytelling aside, there is a real sense of the strip's location being alive with activity, and its ending, while not a surprise, is a suitably grin-inducing moment.

Not a brilliant issue, though given that one story concludes in this issue it is unlikely that latecomers would have been satisfied with the material on offer.

#03

Star Wars Comic

#05

Star Wars Comic Vol.1 #3

08 Aug 1999. Cover price £1.25.
28 pages. Full colour.
Titan Magazines.

Edited by John Freeman.

Cover photograph (uncredited).

Contents:

 2 Meet C-3PO text introduction (uncredited). / Contents / Indicia

 3 Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, part three, w: Henry Gilroy, based on the story by George Lucas; p: Rodolfo Damaggio, i: Al Williamson, lettering by Steve Dutro, colouring by Dave Nestelle.

r: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (Dark Horse) #01 (May 1999).

14 UNTITLED poster; photograph (uncredited).

19 Forbidden Planet advertisement.

20 Use the Force advertisement for Lego Star Wars sets.

21 Star Wars: Episode I - Anakin Skywalker, part three, w: Timothy Truman; p: Steve Crespo, i: George Freeman, lettering by Vickie Williams, colouring by Dave Nestelle.

r: Star Wars: Episode I - Anakin Skywalker Dark Horse) nn (May 1999).

25 No Time to Lose! competition to win a Star Wars clock.

26 Coming Next Issue

27 Subscribe & Save

28 See and Read the Film advertisement for graphic novel.

Scratch what I said about photographs not being effective. This is a dramatic cover, with the yellow background allowing the photograph of Darth Maul to really pop from the cover. Visual interest is maintained on the contents page with the wonderful "naked" C-3PO design looking appropriately futuristic and retro at the same time. This is an issue filled with wonderful images, and not exclusively throughout the strips.

The poster in this issue - Darth Maul once more - is a magnificent example of using promotional material inventively. Sure, the photographic element has appeared in a bunch of places, but rarely as impressively as here.

A step up in style, though it is difficult to generate suspense or thrills with the main story, having been driven into the ground with so much supplementary material during the release of the film.

#02

Star Wars Comic

#03

Star Wars Comic Vol.1 #2

01 Aug 1999. Cover price £1.25.
28 pages. Full colour.
Titan Magazines.

Edited by John Freeman.

Cover photograph (uncredited).

Contents:

 2 Against the Dark Side text introduction (uncredited). / Contents / Indicia

 3 Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, part two, w: Henry Gilroy, based on the story by George Lucas; p: Rodolfo Damaggio, i: Al Williamson, lettering by Steve Dutro, colouring by Dave Nestelle.

r: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (Dark Horse) #01 (May 1999).

13 Star Wars: Episode I - The Gungan Frontier advertisement for computer game.

14 UNTITLED poster; photograph (uncredited).

19 Forbidden Planet advertisement.

20 Star Wars: Episode I - Anakin Skywalker, part two, w: Timothy Truman; p: Steve Crespo, i: George Freeman, lettering by Vickie Williams, colouring by Dave Nestelle.

r: Star Wars: Episode I - Anakin Skywalker Dark Horse) nn (May 1999).

25 Be a Star Wars Insider! competition to win Insider's Guide software.

26 Coming Next Issue

27 Subscribe & Save

28 Collect it. Trade it. Play it. Use the Force... Anywhere advertisement for tar Wars Collectible Card Game.

A photo-cover isn't nearly as effective as the painting adorning the first issue, though it made sense to tie-in to the marketing for the film in such a manner. Less understandable is featuring Jar Jar Binks prominently on the contents page, looking rather gormless - although I'm not sure he had another look, so any image of the character is bound to be a puzzling inclusion.

The film adaptation continues in a remarkably stylish fashion.

Star Wars posters, throughout the history of the franchise, tend to fall into two categories - there are some beautiful, wonderfully evocative images, full of colour and minor details, and there are... well, posters such as Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Maul battling in a barren desert. It looks like a still from the film, with a softness to the reproduction which doesn't encourage readers to use the image as intended.

It's rather amusing to look at Star Wars comics, as with novels, or computer games, with an eye on what is being referenced. The call-backs, call-forwards, allusions, sly winks, and in-jokes throughout the stories are almost as entertaining as the storylines. In some cases more entertaining. Thankfully Anakin Skywalker, which fills in the life of the titular character prior to the events of the first film in the prequel trilogy, is a fine example good comics.

Art and script are in tune with what had previously appeared, and there are moments of character-development for most of the main cast. While there's nothing groundbreaking here, there are a lot of fine moments ("You're weird, Anakin Skywalker," being a favourite panel) and - of note - a background character who appears to be wearing clothes more often associated with Han Solo.

A perfectly fine, though unexciting, entry in the history of British Star Wars comics.

#01

Star Wars Comic

#03

Spawn #2

Nov 1997. Cover price £2.00.
52 pages. Full colour contents.
Titan Magazines.

Edited by Marcus Hearn.

Cover p: Todd McFarlane, i: Ken Steacy, coloured by Kiko Taganashi.
r: cropped cover from Spawn (Image Comics) #03 (Aug 1992).

Contents:

 2 Spawn text introduction (uncredited).

 3 Indicia

 4 Spawn Questions, part three, w:/a: Todd McFarlane, lettering by Tom Orzechowski, colouring by Steve Oliff, Reuben Rude & Olyoptics.

r: Spawn (Image Comics) #03 (Aug 1992).

26 The Official Tie-In to Spawn's Big Screen Deal with the Devil! in-house advertisement for Spawn: The Making of the Movie and graphic novels.

27 Spawn Questions, part four, w:/a: Todd McFarlane, lettering by Tom Orzechowski, colouring by Steve Oliff (as Olyoptics).

r: Spawn (Image Comics) #04 (Sep 1992).

49 Visually Effected Scott Leberecht interview by Brent Ashe.

51 Next feature.

52 Forbidden Planet advertisement.

An effective cover, which (wisely) promotes a sense of darkness through careful editing, though the distressed lettering atop the cover - continued in the introductory pages' headlines - is somewhat distracting. Effective enough, despite appearing rather dated (even at the time), with carefully chosen images taen from the strip to provide visual interest.

Spawn's memory comes back gradually, remembering his wife, Wanda, and he determines to discover what has occurred during his five-year absence. Transforming himself into a less attention-grabbing form, he visits her, learning that she is married with a child. Violator introduces himself to Spawn, who is still tormented after visiting his widow, and makes his true form known.

There is a lot of information about the characters presented, yet this somehow feels as if it is light on story. The manner in which things are presented to the reader, through internal monologue and, in the case of the devil, monologuing to thin air, feels more appropriate for some other medium. The visual storytelling isn't bad, but too many panels are depicted as if for an action-adventure story than brooding horror, giving the strip an odd juxtaposition which doesn't appear to be mellowing out. Far too stylised to feel as if we are looking in on events, the artificiality of the world surrounding Spawn is incessantly highlighted.

This is a story I am trying my hardest to enjoy, but finding the superhero conventions a barrier to fully appreciating.

For the past week or so, Lt. Colonel Al Simmons has been trying to cope with his so-called reality.

That reality includes him being brought back from the dead; selling his soul; being given what seem to be unlimited powers; and getting shot five years into his future, as a white man... When he is black.

Fate has not been kind to Mr. Simmons. With the advent of his death becoming a distant memory, his life continued forward. There's the irony.

His whole reason for returning from the grave was the unrelenting love he had for his wife. Earlier in the day he saw her again. The devil had kept his end of the bargain.

But while seeing his wife, he also learned that she was happily remarried. Worse than that... The one thing she had always wanted, the one thing Al could never give her, had been delivered.

A child.

That meant that Simmons had been the problem. Now he feels like less of a man.

No wife.

No identity.

No pride.

His heart had been torn apart both emotionally...

...and physically.

That's a lot of exposition, huh? Well, that's only from the first page of the next chapter. Admittedly, it is an effective summation of what has gone before, and accompanied by a rather striking illustration of his beating heart being held aloft by the Vindicator, but it is one of the weaknesses of these early issues. The tendency towards explaining and elaborating the narrative rather than depicting events, so the reader can accompany Al on his journey through the story, places events at a remove.

The other problem is how the few bolded words come across when being read - I have been struck by how it slips into the 'voice' of Bobcat Goldthwait when I'm not attempting to 'hear' Simmons' personality in the words. It's impossible for me to read Spawn without thinking of him now. All I need now is a story where Spawn is disguised as a police officer...

Restoring his heart to its rightful location, and without overtly referencing Monty Python, Spawn and Violator do battle. Violator tells Spawn - at considerable length - what is going on, and the status quo is restored - with severed limbs being replaced magically. By reinforcing links to the other Image titles, with Savage Dragon appearing on television screens, and discussion made of Youngblood, the horror nature is once again downplayed in order to appease superhero sensibilities. It isn't an effective sequence.

The Behind-the-Scenes interview, focusing on the Spawn movie's special effects, with Scott Lebrecht, art director for ILM, isn't exactly a ringing endorsement for the film. Focusing on superficial details so early in the title's life - with Spawn's cape getting special attention - should have been adequate warning. That the plot and acting came second place to the appearance of the effects was evident in hindsight, but hearing such lavish praise being heaped upon the film here is particularly worrisome.

You can't tell from an interview how such effects would appear, which is a slight drawback to the piece, and of the three photographs chosen to accompany it, two are incomprehensible without having seen the film. Why is there the upper half of a character floating amidst lightning, and what is that red smudge to the lower left? Questions, it must be said, which I don't care enough about to go checking.

Not a great promotion for the adaptation, but a fine comic.

Fantastic value for money, but without a sense of urgency which the story seems like it should have. Had Al Simmons' story been handled in a manner closer to Hellraiser, and with more of Se7en in the police procedural elements, it might have been a top tier strip. As it stands... Not really.

#01

Spawn

#03

Spawn #1

[Sep 1997]. Cover price £2.00.
52 pages. Full colour contents.
Titan Magazines.

Edited by Marcus Hearn.

Cover p: Todd McFarlane, i: Ken Steacy, coloured by Olyoptics.
r: cover from Spawn (Image Comics) #08 (Feb 1993).

Contents:

 2 The Beginning... text introduction (uncredited).

 3 Spawn Questions, part one, w:/a: Todd McFarlane, lettered by Tom Orzechowski, coloured by Steve Oliff.

r: Spawn (Image Comics) #01 (May 1992).

25 The Casting Call text feature by Todd McFarlane.

27 Spawn Questions, part two, w:/a: Todd McFarlane, lettered by Tom Orzechowski, coloured by Steve Oliff & Reuben Rude.

r: Spawn (Image Comics) #02 (Jun 1992).

49 The Official Tie-In to Spawn's Big Screen Deal with the Devil! in-house advertisement for Spawn: The Making of the Movie and graphic novels.

50 Music from the Darkside competition to win Spawn soundtracks.

51 Next Next issue information.

52 Forbidden Planet advertisement.

From award-winning writer/artist Todd McFarlane comes the newest, darkest hero of them all - SPAWN!

Spawn is Lt. Colonel Al Simmons, a former government agent altered beyond all recognition and possessed of dark and unearthly powers. No longer quite human, Spawn patrols the night-time streets of New York, driven by a love that knows no bounds and a terrible secret that may just cost him his very soul!

Join us as we begin our journey through Spawn's world... the very adventures that inspired this year's most exciting film!

Spawn feels weighty and impressive, helped by a slick card cover and beautiful, sharp printing throughout - I would go so far as to state that this is more impressive than the US edition. Unfortunately, this lavish attention is squandered on a tie-in to an epic turkey of a movie. The comic shouldn't, of course, be judged by association, as it represents far better value for money than a cinema ticket.

Casting Call reveals the difficulties faced in gathering a cast for the film, already green lit for production commencing in August 1996. While it is understandable that casting problems were inevitable, it is still difficult to understand some of the choices. Photographs from the production highlight one of the problems which was inescapable - Spawn is so very, very nineties. While some properties are able to slip into an almost timeless setting, there's no disputing the era which the character belongs to.

Spawn is the best the character has ever looked in print.

Star Wars Comic Vol.1 #1

26 Jul 1999; Cover price £1.25.
36 pages. Full Colour.
Titan Magazines

Edited by Marcus Hearn.

Painted cover by Hugh Fleming.

Free Star Wars stickers (x4).

Contents:

.2 The Servants of the Force must Prevail... advertisement for Star Wars action figures.

.4 Welcome to Star Wars Comic / Contents / Indicia

.5 Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace w: Henry Gilroy, based on the story by George Lucas; p: Rodolfo Damaggio, i: Al Williamson, lettering by Steve Dutro, colouring by Dave Nestelle.

r: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (Dark Horse) #01 (May 1999).

11 Collect it. Trade it. Play it. Use the Force... Anywhere advertisement for Star Wars Collectible Card Game.

17 Every Saga Has a Beginning... advertisement for Merlin Star Wars Sticker Collection.

18 Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace poster.

23 Forbidden Planet advertisement.

24 See and Read the Film advertisement for graphic novel.

25 Star Wars: Episode I - Anakin Skywalker w: Timothy Truman; p: Steve Crespo, i: George Freeman, lettering by Vickie Williams, colouring by Dave Nestelle.

r: Star Wars: Episode I - Anakin Skywalker (Dark Horse) nn (May 1999).

32 May the Bricks be With You! Lego: Star Wars competition.

33 Titan Talks - Jul 1999 in-house advertising feature.

34 Coming Next Issue / Subscription Coupon

35 Premiering on Video 2nd August 1999 advertisement for Babylon 5: A Call to Arms.

36 Use the Force advertisement for Lego Star Wars sets.

Turmoil has engulfed the Galactic Republic. The taxation of trade routes to outlying star systems is in dispute.

Hoping to resolve the matter with a blockade of deadly battleships, the greedy Trade Federation has stopped all shipping to the small planet of Naboo.

While the Congress of the Republic endlessly debates this alarming chain of events, the Supreme Chancellor has secretly dispatched two Jedi Knights, the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy, to settle the conflict...

The summation of events at the start of the story sums up everything that is wrong with The Phantom Menace. Trade routes? Taxation? Well yes, those sound like wonderful aspects to focus on in a science-fantasy epic. The biggest flaw in the script is with the Chancellor's complete lack of insight into Jedi psychology. He actively threatens his own plans in behaviour closer associated to Dr. Evil, and deserves everything he receives. The cherry on the icing is the utter incompetence of the Trade Federation in dealing with a simple problem.

Here's a hint: when there are two incredibly skilled combatants on your spaceship whom you wish to kill, you leave the ship immediately and have all your other ships open fire. But no, these geniuses send in wave after wave of robots in the hope that, somehow, the Jedi will grow bored and leave. Or something. This is, however, a beautiful adaptation. Luxurious to a degree that Star Wars Weekly could only dream of. Unfortunately, it is an adaptation The Phantom Menace, which makes it a desperately depressing read.

Talents as good as these should be put to task changing the face of comics rather than squandering their considerable abilities.

The Anakin story, however, is a welcome addition.

There will soon come a day when the future of the galay hinges on the fate of one boy... though he does not yet know it. Growing up a slave on the desert world of Tatooine, Anakin Skywalker never thought he he would venture beyond his small life, despite dreams of flying between the stars. Repairing his master's Podracer seems like the only thing he should be concerned with. But destiny has other things in mind...

Anakin sets a womp rat free from one of Watto's traps, then goes off to scrounge parts for his podracer. That is the entirety of his story thus far, yet the writing is far superior to what has come before - he sounds and acts like a little kid, and there's none of the pretentiousness which can tinge the Jedi lore.

Advertising choices, being laser-focused on Star Wars merchandise, makes me wonder who, if anyone, bought everything. Action figures, card game, stickers, a graphic novel, Legos... Which only accounts for a fraction of available tie-in products, as even a half-hearted flick through late-90s genre magazines will attest to. It is slightly surprising that there's no love for the wonderfully pointless Star Wars bubble bath figures, which come highly recommended. Perfect for target practice.

The most puzzling choice here is the advertisement for a graphic novel adaptation. Presumably readers would have seen the film, an adaptation of which opens this issue, and a few will have picked up the novelisation. Precisely how many times does someone have to consume the same narrative before they realize its story doesn't hold scrutiny?

Befitting a Star Wars launch, there is a dramatic poster of... droids running away from an explosion. Not the cool droids though - there are none of R2D2's poker buddies here, just the boring grey ones who get destroyed by the dozen throughout the film. It is a choice which is impossible to defend, especially as the official movie poster looks so good. It's difficult to imagine that there were no suitable images available of Obi-Wan, or Padmé, or even Yoda.

Disregarding the poster, what we are left with are free stickers, some nice art, and the opening of Anakin's story.