Could the New Moon Knight Series “Fix” the Character?

By WALLY MONK – Paint Monk’s Library Editor When I heard that Moon Knight was being relaunched this summer (followed in a month or two by my favorite Jungle Lord, Ka-Zar), I was filled with excitement but also with much […]

Comics Unlimited Reprints PM Library Glut Interview

My interview with Donald Glut was reprinted in the latest issue of Comics Unlimited! If you haven’t read this new bi-monthly yet, it’s one of the best comic mags I’ve enjoyed since Comics Journal was on the shelves years ago. […]

INTERVIEW: Jim Zub’s Conan #19 Coming Out March 10

(AUTHOR’S NOTE: It has been no secret that I have had issues with Marvel’s relaunch of Robert E. Howard’s Conan. The one bright spot has been the writing of Jim Zub. I was a fan before he took up the […]

EDITORIAL: Ka-Zar’s Death? Sorry, No Apology Is Due

“This editorial is full of spoilers for all three issues of Empyre: Avengers. If you haven’t read them or had your fill of modern comic book plots that have been beaten to death, go read the comics and come back […]

EDITORIAL: Please Don’t Break The Toys in the Sandbox

“As children, we all grew up and played together. Sometimes we even shared our toys, our bicycles, and our skateboards. But the cardinal rule was to take care of the toys or bicycle that you borrowed. Woe unto the kid […]

 

REVIEW: An Origin Retold, Added Material in Warlord #11

“It’s time to take a more in-depth look at DC 1st Issue Special #8, which featured the first appearance of Travis Morgan as the Warlord. This issue reprints the first appearance of the titular hero. The good? There’s new material in this issue. The bad? It cost 5 cents more the second time around (and is a less valuable comic today for collectors!)

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Into Skartaris! is a weekly feature tackling the chronology of Travis Morgan in DC Comics. This is a review of The Warlord Vol. 1, #11.)

By DEAN PLAKAS – PM Library Copy Editor

Travis Morgan and his companions escape a triceratops attack by ditching their horses in favor of a cave high above ground. As his friends make camp and sleep in the cave, Morgan keeps watch and recounts how he arrived in the savage land of Skartaris…again.

This is something that we have … (Read More)

Could the New Moon Knight Series “Fix” the Character?

By WALLY MONK – Paint Monk’s Library Editor

When I heard that Moon Knight was being relaunched this summer (followed in a month or two by my favorite Jungle Lord, Ka-Zar), I was filled with excitement but also with much trepidation.

Those of you who have followed this blog for the last few years know that I am a classic comic collector; I have little love of today’s sequential art or the way in which it is assembled. To say that the last iteration of Moon Knight turned me off immensely is an understatement. Max Bemis and Jacen Burrows, although very talented, phoned in a bizarre and surreal version of Moon Knight and his world that was unrecognizable and alien, at least to my middle-aged sensibilities.

But after reading Moon Knight #1 today, I am pleased to say that readers are in for a fun and familiar – yet subtly(Read More)

Comics Unlimited Reprints PM Library Glut Interview

My interview with Donald Glut was reprinted in the latest issue of Comics Unlimited! If you haven’t read this new bi-monthly yet, it’s one of the best comic mags I’ve enjoyed since Comics Journal was on the shelves years ago. Check it out on Amazon today. I think you’ll agree it’s a publication worthy of a subscription, or at least, worthy of picking up on Amazon every two months when new issues arrive! https://www.amazon.com/Comics…/dp/1838329331/ref=sr_1_1…

If you’re unfamiliar with Don Glut, he’s a man of many talents. In the comics world, he’s the creator and writer behind many 1970s comic book staples, including Gold Key’s Tragg & The Sky Gods, Dagar the Invincible, and The Occult Files of Doctor Spektor.

As always, I am – Wally (AKA Paint Monk)… (Read More)

INTERVIEW: Jim Zub’s Conan #19 Coming Out March 10

(AUTHOR’S NOTE: It has been no secret that I have had issues with Marvel’s relaunch of Robert E. Howard’s Conan. The one bright spot has been the writing of Jim Zub. I was a fan before he took up the challenge of being the Cimmerian’s primary scribe, particularly of the comic adventures of Pathfinder’s iconic characters.

He has done an admirable job with Conan and I am thrilled to share with you this short interview as we lead up to the next exciting arc in the adventures of Conan the Barbarian.)

By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

***

BOB FREEMAN

Thanks for being patient with me, Jim. The world sort of got turned on its ear in March of 2020 and we’re still not out of the woods quite yet. No one has felt the brunt of this, creatively, more than you, I suspect. With your run on … (Read More)

REVIEW: Red Sonja #19 a Good “Jumping Off” Point

“JUMPING-ON POINT FOR NEW READERS. Sonja The Red, victorious. But ruling is impossible. And a young, old foe returns with a plan, to Kill Red Sonja… By MARK RUSSELL (Swamp Thing) and ALESSANDRO MIRACOLO (Zorro). The saga of Red Sonja continues at Dynamite Entertainment!”

By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

Jumping-on point? More like jumping-off.

I have championed Mark Russell’s run on Red Sonja from the start. While less than thrilled with the comedic undertones, I like the political intrigue and seeing Sonja in this light, as a fish out of water.

She handled herself well, but over two arcs, it began to grow stale. I had hoped that perhaps a proposed “jumping-on point” might mean a fresh start and new direction.

I was wrong.

Instead, we’re still mired in the same old “intrigue”, with a child’s revenge fetish coming to the fore, propelled there by the mini-series … (Read More)

EDITORIAL: Ka-Zar’s Death? Sorry, No Apology Is Due

“This editorial is full of spoilers for all three issues of Empyre: Avengers. If you haven’t read them or had your fill of modern comic book plots that have been beaten to death, go read the comics and come back when you’re done. Or, if you’re indifferent like I am at this point, read on. The resolution of this story fundamentally changes a major character and points out more problems in today’s comic industry than you might imagine.”

By WALLY MONK – PM Library Editor

Ka-Zar the Savage is dead. Long live Ka-Zar the Savage!

Wait a moment, monk. What are you talking about? Kevin Plunder is alive and well, now plugged full of the magical power of the Savage Land! How can he be dead?

I suppose you’re correct. Kevin Plunder is indeed alive, but he’s not the savage that Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created – the … (Read More)

EDITORIAL: Please Don’t Break The Toys in the Sandbox

“As children, we all grew up and played together. Sometimes we even shared our toys, our bicycles, and our skateboards. But the cardinal rule was to take care of the toys or bicycle that you borrowed. Woe unto the kid in the neighborhood who returned that toy broken or the bicycle with a flat tire. You didn’t want to be the one who couldn’t borrow any more.”

By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

I have long referred to a comic creator’s role on an established property as that of a child being invited to play in someone else’s sandbox. While there, their imagination can flourish. They get to have fun — real fun, but while playing with someone else’s toys. And when playtime is over? Well, a good child leaves the toys where he found them. Unbroken. Largely unchanged, save for a little more wear and tear.

More … (Read More)

EDITORIAL: How I Learned to Hate Jim Zub and Marvel

“He’s a nice guy. He even provided a wonderful and in-depth interview for this site. He’s a talented writer, one of the more promising new talents to come out of Marvel along with Jason Aaron and Donny Cates. But alas, it’s true. Both Mr. Zub and the House of Ideas can kiss my grits, as Flo would say at the old diner. Now that I have your attention, let me explain.”

By WALLY MONK – PM Library Editor

OK, so hate – as in the headline – is a really powerful word. How about we use ‘strongly dislike’ instead?

One need not be a Harvard graduate to know that 2020 has been a roller coaster of a year and it’s not likely to end soon.

Divisive politics. COVID-19. Isolation. Lockdowns. Inexcusable police brutality. Riots. Occupied zones in American cities. Joe Biden (or Donald Trump, depending on your political leanings(Read More)

REVIEW: It’s Time For Sonja to Get Back to the Battlefield

“A Children’s Crusade.” Hyrkania’s food stores are empty. The king of Khitai has the ability to save them, but he will not. But what he has not considered, is that to save her people, Sonja The Red will do ANYTHING. Year Two continues, by MARK RUSSELL (DC’s Year Of The Villain) and BOB Q (Captain America).

By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

Finally, this arc comes to an end. It has had its moments. Far more ups than downs, but I’m glad it has closed. For all the value I’ve taken from it, I prefer a different thread for Sonja the Red. I long to see her away from politics and in the throes of wild adventures across the kingdoms of the Hyborian Age.

That said, I’ll not be holding my breath for that any time soon.

Review: Red Sonja Vol. 5 #18

In … (Read More)

REVIEW: The ‘Countdown to Dark’ Concludes in Hulk #14

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Paint Monk’s Library, in collaboration with the enthusiastic staff over at the Into the Knight Podcast, is tackling the Moon Knight chronology!

Regularly, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Fist Of Khonshu in a series of reviews, all in order of character appearance! These reviews will appear on Monday each week until we’ve covered them all, or until the enthusiastic Loonies get too exhausted to write. Whichever comes first!)

By JUSTIN O. – Guest Writer

Here we go, fellow Loonies! After a classic debut appearance in Werewolf By Night and then a few clunky guest-appearances, we’re now treated to a long string of legendary stories helmed by co-creator and writer Doug Moench and the masterful artwork of Bill Sienkiewicz.

These appearances in the Hulk magazine were crucial for Moon Knight, as his popularity in these stories laid the ultimate groundwork for what would eventually … (Read More)