CASTLEVANIA: NOCTURNE, s1 (2023)

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Loath to compare NOCTURNE to its predecessor, the Warren Ellis-scripted CASTLEVANIA, but I can't help it: while I enjoyed much of that run, everyone sounded like Warren Ellis doing his standard, world-weary and wearying schtick (as is the way in much of Ellis's work – though I will freely admit to loving some of it, FELL and MOON KNIGHT and, as I said, much of the original CASTLEVANIA series and his JUSTICE LEAGUE/UNLIMITED episodes, specifically, are utterly brilliant; when he's on, he's on); NOCTURNE, on the other hand, shows what CASTLEVANIA could have - should have – been from the start.

Guided by a fantastic cast of characters (including THE WOMAN KING's amazing Thuso Mbedu and LONGMIRE, WESTWORLD, and RESERVATION DOGS's Zahn McClarnon) – all of whom feel real –, their hopes and hurts and wants and desires and fears and loves and weaknesses and strengths and spirits colliding with the reality of a seemingly hopeless situation for which they are, one and all, woefully underprepared – but damn if they don't give it everything they've got (and then some).

As for that ending? One of the rare deus ex machinas that had me cheering. Sign me up for season two – I can't wait to see where this goes.

THE MYSTERIES (Watterson / Kascht, 2023)

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Strange, magical, mystical, beautiful: to reveal too much about it here is to take away the joy of discovery; it deserves the benefit of your unprepared eyes.

Of note: Even though it's the best discussion of collaboration I've seen, I wish (somewhat), in retrospect, that I hadn't watched the (amazing) behind the scenes video beforehand: what can I say, getting to hear Watterson speak was too tempting. That being said, that my that my eyes were not unprepared doesn't change how much I love the fruits of their collaboration.

Truly something special; I can only imagine what discoveries and layers await upon repeated re-reads.

"we were trying to make pictures that didn't show things for a story that didn't say things”

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This might be the best discussion of collaboration I’ve ever seen / heard, from two geniuses – Bill Watterson and John Kascht – unaccustomed to collaborating. The fruits of that collaboration, THE MYSTERIES, should arrive tomorrow; can't wait to dive in. Welcome back, Mr. Watterson.

last week's comics this week, 2023w40/41

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No new additions to the list this week, but:

  • G.O.D.S. was solid and beautiful and longer but $9.99 solid and beautiful and longer? Price point destined to be forever a mystery. 50/50 on whether I'll continue – though I do want to re-read this issue before I decide on picking up the next: can't shake the feeling that I missed something.

  • FANTASTIC FOUR and BIRDS OF PREY are utter delights and I can't wait for the next issues.

  • BATMAN 138: I've loved Zdarsky's run (Zur FTW / adore Jiminez's art) but the Vandal Savage / Ra's angle addition to GOTHAM WAR is unnecessary and, so far, makes an intriguing concept far less; each have great potential separately – especially the Bat/Cat war with Zur taking over the Bat and the familial fall-out – but the clunky combination (so far) dilutes both. Still want to see how it plays out but I'm growing dismayed with its unfolding and want to get on with whatever the next status quo that this arc is clearly setting up may be. That said, I'm most curious about where Jason ends up in the wake of what happened here.

  • Bill Morrison's YELLOW SUBMARINE graphic novel adaptation is STUNNING; K is thrilled to have it in her collection.