Longbox Junk - The X-Files part 1: Specials

Let's get this out of the way first. . .I'm a HUGE X-Files fan!

I'm even going to step outside of the box of nerdly comfort and openly declare that I even like the seasons with Agent John Dogget.  Yeah. . .I said it.  Not every episode was great.  I'll admit that there are a lot that are nothing but filler and "Monster of The Week", but when the show hit the mark, it NAILED it dead center.

But That's the T.V. show.  I'm here to talk about comics.  In particular, the 41 issue Topps run from 1995 to 1998, which coincided with the 2nd through 5th seasons of the T.V. show.  At the time, these comics were red-hot collectibles.  Today. . .they're pretty much Longbox Junk, as far as their value goes.

Before we get to the main ongoing series, let's start off by taking a look at 4 "Special" one-shot issues that precede the first issue: -2 (reprinting stories from X-Files Magazine), -1 (polybagged with Hero Illustrated), #0 (adapting the pilot episode of the T.V. show) and #1/2 (a Wizard Magazine mail in offer).

Let's do this!

THE X-FILES

(TOPPS - VOL. 1)

ISSUE -2

SCRIPT: Stefan Petrucha & John Rozum

PENCILS: Charles Adlard & Jean-Claude St. Aubin

These two short (8 page each) stories are reprinted from X-Files Magazine Issues 1 & 2 and came out in this "-2" issue about halfway through the ongoing series run (around issue 22)

Of the two stories, the first is the better. "The Pit" is about mysterious goings-on at Oak Island's famous money pit. There's not much to it, but the dark and moody art by Adlard (showing a definite improvement over early issues of the ongoing) sells it quite nicely.

The second story, "The Silent Sword" deals with a haunted samurai sword and is pretty forgettable, with art that is pretty much 90's superhero style and not really a good fit for an X-Files story.

ISSUE -1

SCRIPT: Stefan Petrucha

PENCILS: Charles Adlard

This short comic was originally polybagged with Hero Illustrated #21 back when comic companies did cool things like that. . .

It deals with Mulder and Scully investigating an artist whose models keep disappearing. He insists it's aliens but ends up in prison, where he himself is abducted.

Overall not a great story. It's all really a tie-in promotion for a set of new Mars Attacks cards Topps was putting out. Adlard's art isn't good here either. . .he completely fails to capture the likeness of Mulder and Scully.

ISSUE 0

SCRIPT: Roy Thomas & Chris Carter

PENCILS: John Van Fleet

In this adaptation of the pilot episode of the X-Files T.V. show, F.B.I. Agent Scully is assigned to assist/spy on Agent Mulder during his investigations of the "X-Files" (cases deemed strange and unusual by the F.B.I.).

Their first case together involves a series of unexplainable killings in the Pacific Northwest. Mulder believes extraterrestrials are to blame, while skeptic Scully believes a serial killer is responsible. Turns out both are right when the killer is revealed to be a comatose boy being controlled by extraterrestrials.

Unfortunately, there seems to be forces working against Mulder and Scully as all their evidence disappears.

Overall, a fine adaptation of the pilot episode, but nothing new to be seen, as it's pretty much copied scene for scene. The dark and surreal painted art by John Van Fleet is spectacular and fits the story perfectly. Too bad he couldn't have been the artist on the regular series.

ISSUE 1/2

SCRIPT: Stefan Petrucha

PENCILS: Ted Boonthanakit

This short comic was available as a special offer in Wizard Magazine (R.I.P.) #53 about a year into the ongoing series run (around issue #12) but takes place before the first issue of the regular series.

The story involves a series of murders that seem to have been committed by a comatose man. Mulder believes that he is projecting his spirit, or "Tulpa" by way of ancient Eastern mental meditation practices, but at the end of it all nothing is ever proven.

This story was pretty bad. It REALLY feels like something that was rushed out to take advantage of the huge popularity (at the time) of the X-Files comics and show. The art is terrible and the colors are way too bright for the subject matter.

Overall. . .weak story, crappy art, and garish colors. Not good.

CONCLUSION

As a big X-Files fan, I was pretty disappointed with this first handful of "special" issues, with the exception of the adaptation of the pilot episode in issue 0. Even that was pretty much just a by the numbers straight copy of the T.V. script supported by fantastically strange artwork, but it was definitely the best of the bunch.

The other three issues just felt like like there was hardly any effort put into them.  Maybe that was the case, seeing as they were giveaways from other publications, but still. . . a huge disappointment.

I can't really suggest any of these except the 0 issue to anyone but rabid X-File fans such as myself. A damn shame, and not a great way to start off.

Up Next. . .

More X-Files!

Now that the "specials" are out of the way, let's get into the regular series. 

Topps X-Files Issues 1-10.  Be there or be square!

Longbox Junk - Mother Russia

Except for the Walking Dead, I'm not really a fan of black and white comics at all.  But when I saw these three new issues sitting on the shelf of my local comic shop for the measly cost of $1.50 each, I HAD to get them.  $4.50 total for 3 new comics? Hell, son. . .the first issue of Doomsday Clock on the shelf at the same time cost me $4.99 by ITSELF!

So I bought these comics based on the cover price and not knowing a thing about what was inside.  Did I get my $4.50 worth? Read on!

MOTHER RUSSIA

ALTERNA COMICS (2017)

SCRIPT, ART, AND COVERS BY JEFF McCOMSEY

ISSUE ONE: NO BETTER FRIEND

The zombie apocalypse occurs during WWII in 1943 is the basic premise here.  A lonely Russian sniper (named Svetlana) holed up in a fortified bell tower's routine is interrupted by the sight of a baby among the walking dead below.  She leaves her safe place and manages to rescue the baby, but is prevented from returning.  They are saved by another human survivor, but he is revealed to be a Nazi officer. 

At this point, I'm thinking that Nazis and Zombies are about two of the most overused villains in ANY medium. . .but surprisingly, there's a lot to like about this comic.

First off, the setting of Stalingrad is a great idea.  Hell on earth made even more hellish.  Second, the art is fantastic.  It's in black and white, but very well done and it doesn't shy away from the gore.  Third, the story moves at a frantic pace due to the sparse dialogue and a "Show, don't tell" storytelling method.

But there's some bad as well. . .the art falters toward the back half of the issue, with a few pages being blurry (probably a reproduction or printing error. . .but still) and some panels looking sketchy and unfinished.  Also, the frantic pace of the book makes it an EXTREMELY quick read.  It literally only took me five minutes to read this comic.  In other words, it's very light on actual story.

All in all, this was a good comic.  There were a few issues, but if you're looking for fast-paced zombie action with an unusual setting and great art at a very nice price, you can't do much better than this.

ISSUE TWO: NO WORSE ENEMY

Svetlana's savior introduces himself as Major Otto Steiner and, after making their way to his safe house, tells her what he knows about the zombie apocalypse. . .which isn't much.  They agree on a plan to put aside their differences and try to make it back to her bell tower, which is a better position with enough food and ammunition to last until winter. . .

This issue slows down the extremely brisk pace of the story for a bit more storytelling about the onset of the zombie apocalypse.  It's still a pretty quick read, but I liked this issue more than the first.  Steiner's description of the collapse of his brigade, combined with the great artwork of the Nazi unit being decimated by the undead is fantastic.

But once again, it's not all good.  The baby is more of a plot device than an actual person , and despite the art being generally great, there are places where it looks rushed and unfinished just like in the first issue.  

Overall, there were a few flaws but I found this issue superior to the first.  As I read it, I was thinking that this story would make a great movie.  The writing and art are both very cinematic in nature.

And finally. . .

ISSUE THREE: BALLROOM BLITZKREIG

During a desperate rush for Svetlana's sniper nest, Major Steiner sacrifices himself so that Svetlana, the baby, and Steiner's beloved dog can live. . .

This final issue was pretty much one long running battle as Svetlana and Steiner push their way through a zombie horde blocking their way back to Svetlana's fortified bell tower.  The art is utterly brilliant and carries most of the weight of the issue as there is very little dialogue.  It's an extra-sized issue, but I could hardly tell because of the extremely fast pace.

Steiner's explosive sacrifice at the end was a bit predicable and the "after credits" epilogue (that looks like it's setting up future stories in the same setting with different characters) seems unnecessary for the story at hand, but those were really the only small things I could find wrong with this issue.  All in all a great ending.

CONCLUSION

I'd definitely say I got my money's worth on this three issue mini.  I've never heard of Jeff McComsey before, but this series was pretty much a one-man show, with him wearing ALL the hats.  His art was cartoony, but detailed at the same time, and a great fit for the story.  The overall impression I got from this series is that the art and the storytelling are both very cinematic and that this story could easily be translated to the screen.  There's an economy of dialogue and a fluid motion to the art that makes me want to keep an eye out for more of McComsey's work.

But be warned. . .that same economy of dialogue and cinematic artwork leads to an EXTREMELY fast reading experience.  It literally only took me 20 minutes to read all three issues. . .and I mean literally in the literal sense.   It only took me 20 minutes to read this series.   Also, there's no character development to speak of and the generally fantastic art does occasionally fail, looking sketchy and unfinished in several places.  

Despite a few small flaws, I'd say overall that Mother Russia is a VERY nice little piece of Longbox Junk and I highly suggest it if you like Nazis, Zombies, or Nazi Zombies.  And really. . .who DOESN'T like Nazi Zombies?

Up Next. . .

How about we tip a sacred cow here at Longbox Junk? 

Batman: A Death In The Family - A.K.A. "The one where Robin gets killed by Joker"

Yeah, yeah. . .I know.  It's 4 issues in the middle of an ongoing run, but at this point it's pretty much considered as a story on its own when anybody talks about it.

Classic or Crap?  Be there or be square!

Longbox Junk - Captain America & Iron Man

So what we have here is a relic of the time when Marvel brought back the original Captain America after a fairly lengthy absence (about 4 years) when Bucky Barnes (AKA Winter Soldier) took over as Cap.  For a short time, both Steve Rogers AND Bucky Barnes were Captain America.

Marvel returned to the original numbering, but ALSO wanted a nice, shiny, collectible Captain America #1, so they ran the original numbered series AND a new series starting at #1 at the same time.  Here's one of the handful of team-up series they ran before Marvel decided they didn't need two Captain America's.

CAPTAIN AMERICA AND IRON MAN

ISSUE ONE (CAPTAIN AMERICA VOL. 5 #633)

ONE NIGHT IN MADRIPOOR

Marvel (2012)

SCRIPTS: Cullen Bunn

PENCILS: Barry Kitson

COVERS: Kalman Andrasofszky

Captain America and Iron Man team go undercover to infiltrate a high-tech weapons show after hearing rumors that something extremely rare and dangerous will be up for bid. . .the Harvester Virus, which not only infects and shuts down any technology, but also downloads the details of any tech it comes in contact with.

 The auction is interrupted by an attack from Batroc and his B-list supervillain team (Batroc's Brigade) and the story goes from James Bond to punching everyone in sight real fast. Unfortunately, Iron Man's armor is infected by Harvester and the issue ends with the heroes at a severe disadvantage.

Overall, I'm half and half on this issue. I really liked the first half, with Cap in disguise and Iron Man as Tony Stark infiltrating the weapons show and working their separate angles on the information they have. There's some nice banter between them and there's a smooth heist movie/ James Bond vibe to it.

But then Batroc and his gang attack and it quickly turns into a typical superhero/supervillain quip-filled punchfest.

The art throughout was very nice and the cover was very well done. I was only familiar with Kitson's 90's work at DC (on JLA and Azrael) and was pleasantly surprised to see something more recent by him.

All in all, not a bad issue. . .a fantastic opening half and a ho-hum back half with great art throughout.

ISSUE TWO (CAPTAIN AMERICA VOL. 5 #634)

 BATTLE ROYALE

The fight between Batroc's Brigade, Captain America, and Iron Man comes to an end as Iron Man battles against his own armor and Cap is outnumbered. The high-tech science thief who hired Batroc and Company ( Kashmir Vennema) orders her team to retreat, allowing Cap and Iron Man the chance to regroup.

While Iron Man tries to find a solution for the Harvester Virus, Cap goes to a safe house and suits up, but is interrupted by Batroc and his team, who feel that since Cap has been gone a while (this story takes place after the end of the Winter Soldier Saga), they need to kick his star-spangled butt for old times' sake.

Iron Man shows up to save the day in a suit of armor cobbled together from things he found at the weapon show. After some punching and quipping, the heroes discover that M.O.D.O.K. and A.I.M. are behind all the shenanigans and the issue ends.

This issue was pretty much a running battle from start to finish. There were some decent moments here and there. . .Iron Man reviewing one of Cap's fight quips and telling him to stop trying to be hip when he's about 100 years old, for example. . .but other than a few moments here and there, it was pretty much one long tiresome superhero/supervillain punch party that's been done over and over since. . .well. . .since the beginning of comic books.

Kitson shares art duties this time with Jay Leisten on inks, but the art was still good from end to end, with the fantastic cover and the design of Iron Man's patchwork military-style armor standing out.

Overall, this issue was pretty weak, compared to the first. It follows a well-worn "middle issue" path of resolving the first issue conflict and setting up the final issue conflict with an extremely "by the numbers" feel that a great cover and decent interior art can't hide.

ISSUE THREE (CAPTAIN AMERICA VOL. 5 #635)

 M.O.D.O.K. ATTACK

The battle to recapture the stolen Harvester Virus from Kashmir Vennema continues, with M.O.D.O.K. joining the fight and Captain America having to carry most of the weight with minimal assistance from Iron Man while he reboots his armor.

 In the end, Cap recovers the virus and captures both Batroc and Kashmir while Iron Man neutralizes the virus and takes down M.O.D.O.K and the rest of Batroc's B-listers. All's well that ends well.

Once again, this issue was almost nothing but fighting. There were decent moments scattered here and there. . .Captain America telling Batroc he's not even on his top ten villain list after Batroc was bragging about being Cap's arch-nemesis, for example. . .but really, this was 99% punching and quipping.

Overall, this final issue was okay and not more than okay. It's a perfect example of a by the numbers comic book. It's not BAD, it just doesn't really try to elevate itself past an average level.

CONCLUSION

All in all, this mini was okay.  If you like a lot of fighting with a little story instead of the other way around, then you'll probably like this more than I did.  The writing is brisk and I blew through all three issues in about 30 minutes.  The art was surprisingly good throughout.

For what it is, this is a pretty inoffensive and by the numbers mini. A Captain America team up book running alongside a regular solo series was a solid idea, but with extremely average and mostly-forgettable efforts like this one, it's no big surprise that it didn't last very long.  It just seems like they weren't trying very hard.

Up next. . .

Zombies! Nazi's! NAZI ZOMBIES!

Mother Russia 3 issue mini.

Be there or be square!