Strange Ruminations #5: Titanic Toddlers and Alien Antics

Hey there, weirdos! 

I've got some seriously exciting stuff to share with you in this month's newsletter. You know how sometimes reality and fiction start to mirror each other in the weirdest ways? Well, that's exactly what's happening with Brian K. Vaughan's "We Stand On Guard" right now. The current U.S.-Canada trade tensions have sent this dystopian gem's sales through the roof, especially north of the border. Talk about life imitating art!

But that's just the beginning of what's cooking in our comic world. I've got the inside scoop on the upcoming Green Lantern Corps series (spoiler alert: it's looking amazing!), some crucial news about TwoMorrows Publishing that needs our attention, and a deep dive into the incredible legacy of Jean Frisano - a artist who brought Marvel's heroes to life for French readers in ways you wouldn't believe.

Plus, I'm getting personal with you all once again by sharing one of the comics that shaped my love for the medium - Atari Force #8. Trust me, this issue is something special, and I can't wait to tell you why it means so much to me.

So if you're ready, let's wade into all the latest happenings in our beloved comic book multiverse. 

In the News

Canada vs USA...in comics!

As hinted in the introduction, I recently came across some interesting weird news about the graphic novel "We Stand On Guard" by Brian K. Vaughan and Steve Skroce. It seems that sales have skyrocketed at Image Comics, especially in Canada, thanks to the recent chatter about tariffs and potential trade wars between the U.S. and Canada. In fact, Amazon orders in Canada for this book have outpaced all of last year's sales in just one week!

For those who might not know, "We Stand On Guard" is a dystopian tale set 100 years in the future, where a group of Canadian civilians turns into freedom fighters to defend their homeland from a technologically advanced U.S. invasion. It’s been critically acclaimed since it first came out, and with the current political climate, it feels more relevant than ever.

Interestingly, it’s not just this title that’s seeing a boost; other graphic novels like "Calexit" and Joe Sacco's works are also gaining attention due to the current events. It’s a wild time for comics, and I can’t help but think that these stories are resonating with readers looking for some perspective on recent events in the real world. Definitely worth checking out!

No GL Corps Series Shall Escape my Sight

There's a preview for DC's "Green Lantern Corps #1," which is set to hit stores on February 12, 2025, and I couldn't be happier. I've been a fan of the GL Corps since the mid 1980s, so I'm always chuffed when they get some much needed time in the spotlight.

Apparently this new ongoing series brings back our favorite Lanterns, including John Stewart, Kyle Rayner, and Jessica Cruz, as they team up to stop a villain named Sorrow from creating a dangerous power battery. The creative team behind this exciting comeback includes Jeremy Adams and Morgan Hampton, with art by Fernando Pasarin. It looks like a thrilling ride with a fantastic ensemble cast, and I can't wait to see how they tackle this new fractured spectrum saga. If you're a fan of the Green Lanterns, this is definitely one to keep an eye on.

TwoMorrows SOS

I also wanted to share some extremely important news about TwoMorrows Publishing, a fantastic publisher that has been a staple in the comic book community, especially for those of us who love diving deep into comic history. Recently, they’ve been hit hard by the bankruptcy of Diamond Comic Distributors, which has left them in a tough spot financially. John Morrow, the head honcho over at TwoMorrows, has reached out to fans for support as they transition to a new distributor, Lunar Distribution.

What does this mean for us? Well, it’s a great opportunity to show our love for TwoMorrows by ordering directly from their webshop. They’ve got some amazing titles lined up, including the much-anticipated "Marshall Rogers: Brightest Days & Darkest Knights." Plus, if you’re a fan of their magazines like "Back Issue" and "Comic Book Creator," now is the perfect time to subscribe or grab the latest issues. 

To make it even sweeter, they’re currently running a Rainy Day Sale, where you can snag full eight-volume sets of "American Comic Book Chronicles" at 30% off, along with some rare hardcovers and complete runs of their magazines. If you’ve contributed to any of their publications, you can also get copies of your work for just $3 each for magazines and $5-15 for books, depending on the cover price. 

I highly encourage you to check out their full range of offerings at twomorrows.com. Every purchase you make directly helps them stay afloat during this challenging time and ensures we continue to get the quality content we love. 

Let’s rally together and support TwoMorrows Publishing, weirdos. They’ve been a vital part of our comic community, and with our help, they can come out of this stronger than ever.

Artist Spotlight: Jean Frisano

Bio: Jean Frisano was a French artist born on May 6, 1927, in Gagny, France, and he passed away on August 8, 1987, in Velleron. His work is cherished for its vibrant and realistic painted covers, which played a significant role in introducing American superheroes to French audiences. Frisano is best remembered for his contributions to the Marvel Comics universe through his iconic cover art for French editions of Marvel publications like Strange, Titans, and Nova. These covers became a gateway for many French readers to discover the world of Spider-Man, the X-Men, and the Fantastic Four.

Frisano's artistic journey began in the late 1940s when he illustrated covers for Parisian publishers. Initially focusing on adventure and western genres, he transitioned to superhero comics in 1969 when he started working with Editions Lug. This collaboration marked a turning point in his career as he began creating painted covers for Marvel Comics' French editions. His first superhero cover appeared on Fantask #7, and after the magazine's cancellation due to censorship, he continued his work on Strange and other Marvel-related titles.

What set Frisano apart was his use of gouache painting to bring superheroes to life with a sense of realism and grandeur that was rare at the time. His bold colors and meticulous attention to detail gave characters like Spider-Man and Iron Man a mythic quality that resonated deeply with readers. Unlike the flat inked covers typical of American comics then, Frisano's painted illustrations added depth and texture, making them stand out on newsstands. His style balanced faithfully adapting American designs while infusing them with his unique artistic sensibilities.

Beyond Marvel superheroes, Frisano also created covers for other pop culture phenomena like Conan the Barbarian, Star Wars, and Planet of the Apes. His versatility extended to genres like science fiction and fantasy, showcasing his ability to capture diverse worlds with equal mastery. Over his career, Frisano produced thousands of covers across various genres, leaving an indelible mark on comic art.

Jean Frisano's legacy endures not only through his art but also through exhibitions like the 2020 Angoulême Festival’s tribute, "De Tarzan à Marvel, l'Amérique Fantasmée," which celebrated his contributions to popular culture. His work remains a testament to the power of visual storytelling and its ability to transcend borders and generations.

The Comics that Made Me: Atari Force #8 (1984)

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Andrew Helfer

Artist: José Luis García-López

Inker: Riccardo Villagran

Colorist: Tom Ziuko

Letterer: Bob Lappan

This incredible issue of Atari Force completely changed my perspective on sentimental stories in comics and sci-fi. Back when I was totally immersed in all things science fiction - from movies to novels - finding this comic was like unearthing an alien artifact on a forbidden moon. What makes this issue particularly special is how it manages to tell such a deeply moving, human story with barely any human characters in sight. The dream team of Andrew Helfer's writing (with Jerry Conway assisting) and José Luis García-López's stunning artwork (you might know him from his amazing Superman work) created something truly unforgettable. I must have read this issue hundreds of times as a kid, and honestly, it's one of those comics that really cemented my love for both the science fiction genre and comic books as a whole.

An Introduction to Atari Force for Newbies

*Atari Force Vol. 2* (1984-1986) is a DC Comics series that blends space opera, multiversal exploration, and character-driven drama. Set decades after the events of the original mini-comics that accompanied Atari 2600 games, this series tells a standalone story filled with action, intrigue, and a diverse cast of human and alien characters.

The story begins in a future where humanity has resettled on "New Earth" after Earth’s ecological collapse. The peace of this new world is shattered when the Dark Destroyer, a multiversal threat, resurfaces. Martin Champion, the original leader of the Atari Force, assembles a new team to stop this menace. The team operates aboard the starship *Scanner One*, navigating dangerous dimensions to protect their reality.

Main Characters

- Martin Champion: The veteran leader of the Atari Force. Haunted by his past battles with the Dark Destroyer, Martin is determined to protect humanity at all costs.

- Tempest (Christopher Champion): Martin’s son, who possesses multiverse-based powers. His strained relationship with his father adds emotional depth to the story.

- Dart (Erin Bia O’Rourke-Singh): A skilled mercenary and daughter of two original Atari Force members. Dart is a fierce fighter with a tragic love story involving her lover and co-mercenary Blackjak.

- Blackjak: Dart’s aforementioned one-eyed lover and partner. His relationship with Dart brings both tension and heart to the team dynamic.

- Morphea: An empathic insectoid alien who provides emotional support to her teammates while battling her own struggles.

- Babe: A towering alien toddler with immense strength and an innocent personality that contrasts with the chaos around him.

- Pakrat: A rat-like thief who serves as comic relief but proves resourceful in tight situations.

- Hukka: A semi-sentient alien mascot whose loyalty and charm make him an endearing presence.

- Taz: A late addition to the team, Taz is a short alien warrior with surprising secrets.

Synopsis of Issue 8:

Our tale begins with a life raft crash-landing in a swamp on an alien planet. Two unlikely companions emerge: a small alien named Hukka and her friend, a giant alien toddler called Babe. They're immediately confronted by a three-headed water serpent, which Babe effortlessly swats away with his incredible strength.

Babe, overcome with emotion, begins to cry. We learn that he and Hukka borrowed the life raft to search for his adopted alien mother, Morphea, a psychotherapist who's significantly smaller than him. She had been involved in rescuing Christopher (also known as Tempest) from the Atari Force vessel. While Morphea was on her rescue mission, Babe and Hukka were left behind on the main ship.

Concerned for Morphea's safety, they took the life raft, accidentally entered a wormhole, and found themselves stranded on this alien world. As they wade through the swamp searching for both a way off the planet and Morphea (whom Babe believes might be here, despite the lifeboat's malfunctioning navigation), they're being watched by an unseen presence.

Meanwhile, aboard the main ship, Christopher blames himself for their disappearance, while his adopted sister Dart dreams of her deceased former lover, Black Jack.

Back on the planet, as Babe and Hukka enter a jungle, Hukka is suddenly captured by a heavily armed, white-skinned dwarf-like creature. When Babe attempts to help, the creature threatens him with a laser gun, which proves ineffective against Babe's invulnerable body. After a brief confrontation, the creature recognizes Babe's gentle nature. Their interaction is interrupted by an attacking alien ship, which the white-skinned alien skillfully destroys with his laser rifle. The creature then retrieves his fallen comrade and leads the way, with Babe and Hukka following.

That evening, they share a meal and bond, but their rest is interrupted by an attack from horned wolf-like creatures. While the alien fights effectively with his laser gun, it's Babe who ends the battle by hurling a massive stone wall, eliminating all the wolves in one throw. The white alien, impressed, shows affection toward Babe.

The next day, they reach mountains that remind Babe of his biological parents - giant, comatose creatures. Excited, he runs toward them, only to discover they're actually hiding places for red-skinned hostile aliens armed with massive laser cannons. These enemies are apparently at war with the white-skinned aliens, who have been reduced to very few in number.

When Babe is shot at, he realizes these aren't his family members and retaliates, using his strength to collapse the mountain and defeat the red-skinned aliens. The group eventually reaches the red aliens' main camp, revealing the white alien's true mission: revenge for his friend's death.

As the Atari Force's Scanner One closes in on their location, Babe, Hukka, and their new companion launch an assault on the camp. The battle culminates in Babe destroying the camp's power source, causing an explosion that eliminates all the red-skinned aliens while they shelter behind his invulnerable form.

In a touching moment, they witness the white alien mourning his fallen friend. Scanner One arrives just then, with Morphea rushing out to embrace Babe. The story concludes with Babe requesting to bring along their new friend, whom they name Taz. The Atari Force welcomes this addition to their diverse crew, and they depart for their next adventure.

I hope you enjoyed that, folks. Trust me, this comic is sure to twang your heartstrings, so go look for it in the back issue bins, ASAP.

Weekly Panel of Weirdness:

Got milk?

And that's it for this issue of Strange Ruminations, weirdos. Take care of yourselves, and for the love of all that's unholy, stay weird!