moriarty@fluke.UUCP (The Napoleon of Crime) (01/26/85)
As it has already been astutely pointed out, Marvel's Graphic
Novel series has become a launching pad for Marvel Series, and
subsequently, the idea of a "graphic novel" seems to have evaporated a
good deal. However, I think tonight I'll just tackle the problems of
the latest two: STARSTRUCK and SWORDS OF THE SWASHBUCKLERS. Both of
these have excellent art (in Kaluta's case, probably great art). Both
have real problems with the script.
SWORDS OF THE SWASHBUCKLERS has some of the nicest opening artwork I've seen
in a while. There is no question that Guice was raised with good art
instincts, and he does a nice job here. Bill Mantlo, however, does a Bill
Mantlo job, which is to say, about as standard low-grade Marvel dialogue as
you can stomach. LG Marvelise is a phrase that sticks in your throat like a
croquet ball, and there are enough here to do it. I'm not talking about the
plot... sure, if I can suspend belief that all these intergalactic riff-raff
are given reruns of Errol Flynn movies to see all the time, I can do it
elsewhere. However, there are cliche's here that could derail Amtrak. I'm
hoping that Mantlo graduates to Gerry Conway's class soon... On the
Moriarty scale, a D (higher than F due to art).
As to STARSTRUCK... well, I love experimental stuff as much as
the next clown. Without experimental style we'd never have LOVE &
ROCKETS and NEXUS and lord knows how many good titles. I also think
that Kaluta is one of the finest artists on the face of the earth. I
also like some of the phrases in this book... they're weird, and that
scores big points with me. And, by George, I even figured out the
plot of the whole thing (or at least a vague idea of what was happening
with Dennis The Menance's dad). However, it took me two hours, and it
wasn't that entertaining after I'd figured it out. Rather like
translating a French passage and finding out it's and ad for Subaru. I
suggest that Mike finds another subject soon (maybe the Shadow, hint
hint?).
"It just doesn't make any sense, Penfold!"
"But our adventures NEVER make any sense, DM!"
Moriarty, aka Jeff Meyer
John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc.
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