Hellboy: Darkness Calls

Written by Mike Mignola, Art by Duncan Fegredo

Comic Mini-Series

The first of a three part story arc in this omnibus entitled “The Wild Hunt”, also I think the first non single-issue story not drawn by Mignola which is interesting. Duncan’s art is definitely an interesting complement to Mignola’s usual work, a lot more linework provides more definition to the images, but not nearly presenting as unique a vision and Mignola’s signature expressionism. I haven’t been the biggest fan, while still rather enjoying, the direction the narrative has been taking post-Conqueror Worm; a much more whirlwind tour of mythologies that doesn’t have the consistent grounding of those beforehand. Even still there are interesting moments and revelations in this ~180 page series and I’m still looking forward to reading more, even if the direction is kinda wonky.

Still reading the Book Thief but kinda getting really annoyed with how what could be classified as verbal abuse is kinda of just entirely sidelined, which could be part of the point, so we’ll see how that turns out. Still loving the perspective and writing style but not as much as before.

Played a ton of Legend of Grimrock 2 today and last night and it rules. This will probably prove the spark for me finally playing the assorted other blobbers I have – either that or I lose steam and play a bunch of random indie titles.

No film because of the aforementioned too much gaming. Tomorrow I’m supposed to be rewatching Casablanca alongside my mom which should be lovely.

I also deliberated and flip-flopped while making changes trying to pick between singular and plural for medium names and it’s all fucked.

I somehow forgot I finished off something so I’m adding it quickly

Reinventing Comics: How Imagination and Technology are Revolutionizing an Art Form

Scott McCloud

Comic

A follow up ~7 years after his seminal Understanind Comics, essential reading for anyone interested even slightly in comics, McCloud returned to instead discuss the ways that he saw that the medium was and should be chaning towards. While not being anywhere near as essential as the previous volume, McCloud brings up many interesting points about the nature of art, particularly in the modern(eh 20 years ago) age, while providing enough humor and examples to stay thoroughly engaging throughout. I don’t know what else to say but it’s a good read even if dated by the fact is was making predictions about the internet age before the dot com bubble burst.