This isn't a news site, but you probably heard that
Sam Kieth passed away over the weekend. The next day I dug this one out, and while he only did the cover, I maybe should've tried it earlier. From 2002, (the Craptacular)
B-Sides #1, featuring "Points of Interest" Written by Brian David-Marshall, art by Brett Weldele; and "Graduation Day" Written by Brian David-Marshall, pencils by ChrisCross, inks by Caesar.
Along with the Kieth cover, two other somewhat surprising credits: the book was "Bill Jemas presents: Stan Lee presenting" which feels weird? Like Jemas was involved in trying something different, but, uh, this series would only run three issues, so...Don't let that put you off, though; as the characters were designed by Evan Dorkin! This was set in the Marvel universe, but at Raven's Perch, NJ; which still featured multiple familiar staples like Kree, Skrulls, a Silvermane...part of the Fantastic Four also make a brief appearance, setting up something for later. The leads were three super-powered youngsters: Fateball, Jughandle, and Mize. They were all basically aimless troublemakers, but a local huckster approaches them with a pitch, for a local super-hero team: "You'll be the X-Force of Raven's Perch!" The kids are dumb enough to think 'sure, why not,' especially since he worked at a bar and was getting them beer...
The threesome had another friend, Feeva, who on the night of their graduation, took them on what seemed like a wild goose chase to find "the Nazi Sleeper of New Jersey," which they do; which leads to a fight with a bunch of little "Piney" monsters. But, they then find out this had been Feeva's final exam to join something called the Pegasus Institute. (Presumably, related to the Project: Pegasus of old
Marvel Two-in-One stories.) Feelings are hurt, as you would expect. I found the first two issues of this in an actual, twenty-five cent quarterbin Sunday; but finding that third issue might be a hassle.
1 comment:
I’m still shocked by his passing. It’s definitely been a slow burn, like a hot pepper that doesn’t immediately hit you until a couple minutes later.
I’ll never profess to be a HUGE Sam Keith fan or bought everything he ever did, but I did appreciate his early work on Sandman & of course The Maxx. His other, more less publicized works deserve just as much love and attention as his those I just mentioned, so thanks for showing this one love. I honestly never heard of it until now, but I’m definitely going to track it down and read it online. I will say tho, as much as the art here is ok, it undoubtedly would’ve been better if he’d had drawn it
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