Donny Cates

I'm more than a little shocked to realize that this is actually my 450th read—and review—of the year. Thanks, COVID-19!

And, if this was going to be a milestone read, I'm glad this was the one. I know I go on and on about Donny Cates, and how he's the greatest thing to comics in years. Having said that, the first two volumes in this series, while building and improving, never quite delivered that Cates magic.

Until this one. It's not often I'll finish reading something, close the back show more cover and just sit there, considering what I've read. Even more infrequent is for me to utter a little, "wow" as I close that cover.

But this time, I did both. The thing I like about Cates? His stories have consequences. A lot of comics these days (yeah, I'm looking at you, Marvel) set up these grand events, put your longstanding characters through their paces, maybe kill off a C- or D-level character that no one really cares about and most have forgotten, but by the end of it, very little has changed.

But Cates? Yeah, he ain't scared of creating something new and different, then burning it to the ground, just to see what happens.

What happens in my case is, I close the back cover, say "wow" and then marvel at what I've just experienced. show less

So here's my conundrum. I really don't like Venom whatsoever, but I really freaking love Donny Cates' writing.

And throughout this entire collection, there was that constant push/pull thing going on. Decent art, verging occasionally on spectacular. And while I still didn't like Venom or Eddie Brock or pretty much anything about this series, Cates' writing transcended my dislike more often than I expected. He's got a way with making observations about human nature that simply cut through the show more crap and hit you right in the heart. And, as I've said elsewhere, he's got a better grasp on the cosmic than any writer working in the field. Possibly the one that might have come close would have been Jim Starlin or Chris Claremont in their glory days, but I still think Cates kicks both their asses in that regard.

In the long run, I followed all the twists and turns of this story. I wasn't crazy about the story overall, but the level of excellence Cates brings to the table elevated this tale to the point where I could dig it far more than I expected. show less

This is sort of a dark reimagining of Marvel's Thor with a weapon of the gods coming into the possession of a mere mortal. In this case that mortal is pissed off elderly Texan with Alzheimer's who has a thing or two to say to gods who'd come between him, his memories and his family. This borderline two-star book won me over by sheer attitude and a persistent reverence for the Lone Star State.

I honestly don't believe I'm smart enough to fully understand exactly what I just read, but goddamn, the trip was worth it.

I've never seen art like Tradd Moore's before and, quite frankly, I should hate it. It's entirely too complicated, it's stupidly fluid with virtually no straight edges or sharp corners. His people look ridiculous. Galactus' helmet looks like it's as tall as the Empire State Building, fer shitsakes.

And yet, no one, and I truly mean no one else could have pulled this story show more off. He draws like the lovechild of Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko. But it's not just the art. It's rare that I ever notice the colouring in a comic, because most of the time, you kinda shouldn't. The colour should be a seamless extension of the art. Yet here, in this visual orgasm of a book, the art enhances the already insane art to a whole new level.

To put a finer point on it: This book is gorgeous. I'm so glad they collected it in an oversized format, to let your eyes feast on every flowing line. Sumptuous was constantly the word that came to mind as I read it.

And then there's the story. Donny Cates...dude, where the hell did you come from, exactly? Cates is hands down, my favourite comic book writer right now. And this...well, he indicates toward the end that he had the goal of writing a story around Stan Lee's favourite creation. To me, at least, he succeeded. This is an absolute mindbending story that shouldn't work...and yet, it works.

You cannot defeat the dark.
But you can find the light inside of you. Protect it. Keep it from harm. Care for it, for it will be fragile.
And then, when it is strong...share it. Give it away.
Shine it down upon those still trapped in the shadows.
And in time...perhaps...the brilliance of your light will outshine the void within.

And there, bathed in flame, you will be forgiven.

Damn. show less