La magia del COLOR

Monografía a modo de catálogo de la exposición celebra en Gijón durante la Semana Negra de 2001 dedicada a la obra de Loustal, con textos de varios autores.

Haikyu 3

Shoyo Hinata is out to prove that in volleyball you don’t need to be tall to fly! Ever since he saw the legendary player known as “the Little Giant” compete at the national volleyball finals, Shoyo Hinata has been aiming to be the best volleyball player ever! Who says you need to be tall to play volleyball when you can jump higher than anyone else? Karasuno has successfully defeated Tohru Oikawa and Aoba Johsai in their practice match, but the team’s future doesn’t look so bright. The match uncovered serious holes in Karasuno’s defense, which would be fatal in a real game! What they need is a defense expert, a libero, to cover their holes for them. It turns out Karasuno does have a libero named Yu Nishinoya, but he was suspended for one week for violent behavior! And he’s even shorter than Hinata!

Granvil – ljubavi moja

Šta je Granvil, grafička novela koja otvara novu Darkwoodovu ediciju „Supernova serijali”? Kratak, ali nimalo jednostavan odgovor bio bi: stimpank detektivsko-politički triler koji se odigrava u ukroniji i sa životinjama koje pričaju kao glavnim likovima. Nema sumnje da bi ovakva postavka dovela do stripa koji bi u rukama manje sposobnog autora bio prenatrpana, konfuzna i pretenciozna papazjanija. Ali ne i u rukama Brajana Talbota. Granvil prati avanture detektiv-inspektora Lebroka iz Skotland jarda i njegovog pomoćnika detektiva Pacija u kvaziviktorijanskom dobu. Lebrok je ogromni jazavac koji ima intelekt oštar poput Šerloka Holmsa, ali je skloniji akciji nego što je to slučaj sa čuvenim detektivom… a takođe i podložniji emocijama. I slučajevi kojima se bavi će uzdrmati čitav njegov svet… A u ovom broju… Sumanuti ubica „Besni pas“ Mastok beži iz zatvora, i na inspektoru Lebroku je da ga ponovo uhvati… ali koju mračnu tajnu krije Mastokova prošlost?

The Kite Runner : Graphic Novel

The perennial bestseller-now available as a sensational new graphic novel. Since its publication in 2003, nearly 7 million readers have discovered The Kite Runner. Through Khaled Hosseini’s brilliant writing, a previously unknown part of the world was brought to vivid life for readers. Now, in this beautifully illustrated graphic novel adaptation, Hosseini brings his compelling story to a new generation of readers.

The Mercenary : the voyage

The Voyage takes readers back to earlier volumes of The Mercenary, comprising two short pieces connected by a thin thread. Vicente Segrelles’ serene painted art maintains throughout, but the reading experience feels sparse due to some odd plot choices. In the title story, the Mercenary encounters giant spiders on an island, but instead faces humanoid insect creatures in armor after a detour involving exploitative depictions of naked women. While the art remains impressive, the plot disappoints. In ‘The Flight,’ the Mercenary tests gliding wings in a dream sequence, showcasing Segrelles’ skill in depicting aerial scenes. However, the dream element feels cliché. ‘The Lighthouse,’ the longest story at twenty pages, sees the Mercenary collapsing upon reaching an island with a lighthouse. The ensuing narrative is a jumble of improbable events, leaving readers questioning its coherence. Despite the beautiful art, the story falls short, lacking cohesion. Fortunately, Claust’s forced appearance and unlikely escapes are absent this time. Here’s hoping for improvement in Year 1000: The End of the World.

The Mercenary : the black globe

Painted to evoke Santa in his red robe, Vicente Segrelles introduces his chief villain Claust discovering an ancient hidden weapon, aiming to restore his dominance after setbacks. The weapon, a laser beam encased in protective metal emitting a perpetual bright light, severs anything in its path. Living among monks grants the Mercenary access to ancient scrolls, leading to a potential solution against Claust’s weapon. Segrelles seamlessly integrates Egyptian iconography into the fantasy world, creating tension as the characters navigate deadly traps reminiscent of ancient Egyptian tombs. Segrelles delights in showcasing reverse-engineered technology with ancient aesthetics, adding complexity to the story. Despite initial ambiguity, the Mercenary’s mission proves pivotal in saving the planet, culminating in a simple yet satisfying resolution. Notably, this volume veers away from gratuitous nudity, focusing instead on character development, particularly Nan-Tay’s portrayal as a capable warrior. The series continues with The Voyage.

The Mercenary : the fortress

We encountered Claust in The Formula, an alchemist seeking a bodyguard, feared by the Monks of the Crater. They strategize to infiltrate his fortress housing a vast arms cache, which he exploits to intimidate neighboring states. The monks believe they’ve found a weakness in his defenses, seeking someone brave enough to exploit it. The odds favor the Mercenary slightly, as the monks possess a form of cannon. Though the Mercenary may soar and dwellings may be ornate, the setting resembles Earth’s middle ages, reflected in attire and decor. Vicente Segrelles excels in portraying the impact of armor and scale, with Claust’s fortress looming large over ordinary dwellings. Segrelles typically eschews lettered sound effects, creating a serene atmosphere, fitting for scenes like dragon flights but less so in quieter moments like a foundry. His depiction of the Mercenary in the final panel bears resemblance to Dave Gibbons, prompting speculation. Despite static panels, Segrelles delivers breathtaking art, such as a wooden boat sailing into the night and fog, each panel a meticulously crafted painting, minimizing the need for movement in the story.

Dracula: a Symphony in Moonlight and Nightmares: A Symphony in Moonlight & Nightmares

A sparse retelling of the classic Dracula story, with changes to the original story of the sort comparable to a film adaptation. Muth’s version of the tale is accompanied by his fantastic watercolor paintings, which at times replace the text altogether and propel the story forward almost like a graphic novel without any word balloons.

Thunderbolts : Fear Itself

When the Fear Itself hammer falls, the raft is destroyed by one of its most powerful prisoners with a newfound weapon of the gods! Hundreds of the most powerful criminals in the world are now on the loose. But their threat is nothing compared to that of the one man who was already unstoppable, and now wields godlike power. Now the Thunderbolts will begin to learn the true meaning of FEAR ITSELF!

Annihilators

Because you – yes, you! – demanded it: Marvel’s all-star cosmic team – and cult faves Rocket Raccoon and Groot – in one massive story! The Silver Surfer! Beta-Ray Bill! Gladiator! Quasar! Ronan! When the Dire Wraiths strike, Cosmic Masters DnA (THE THANOS IMPERATIVE, THOR/IRON MAN) and Tan Eng Huat (SILVER SURFER, THOR: FIRST THUNDER) assemble the heaviest hitters in all the universe to save the day! And not to be outdone, the demented duo of Rocket Raccoon and Groot return for their own, reader-friendly adventure! What do you do after you’ve saved the galaxy? DnA and the fabulous Timothy Green II (ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST – STAR-LORD) answer that question with madcap sci-fi combat and swashbuckling, space-faring mayhem! Collecting ANNIHILATORS #1-4.

Heavy Metal : FAKK 2

F.A.K.K. 2 takes place 30 years after the events of Heavy Metal 2000. F.A.K.K. 2 stands for Federation-Assigned Ketogenic Killzone to the second level, and is the alias both of the heroine, Julie, and also her homeworld. Before the game begins, Julie has previously killed a tyrant and would-be God named Lord Tyler (during the events of Heavy Metal 2000), and brought the remnant of her people to a planet called Eden. The people of Eden have made a startling discovery: the waters of the planet grant an eternal life to those who drink it, and they have restored ti-rural paradise, pasturing ‘creepers’ (large bull-like creatures) and peacefully going about their business. This planet is camouflaged by a F.A.K.K. 2 beacon and made to look like a biohazard-strewn wasteland in the hope that it will remain hidden from any threat. However, a creature named Gith, who appears only as a disembodied cybernetic head, runs a hyper-corporation called GITH Industries whose employees are little more than slaves. He scavenges the universe in a ship composed of three-quarters of a planet, and is headed for a place called Na’ChThraThull, or the place of the soft machines, which turns out to be Eden. Julie resides in the town of Eden with her sister Kerrie, who is pregnant. She interacts with various citizens, including her brother-in-law, Germain St. Germain. Peace is suddenly disturbed by the appearance of hostile insect-like creatures called Vymishes. Julie springs into combat, killing many of the creatures and saving a pregnant creeper in the process. She also kills a Vymish Mama, a queen-like Vymish. Afterward, Julie heads into town and meets Otto, the town’s gunsmith, who she gives a glowing green asteroid to for examination. Another asteroid knocks out the shield, and Julie, accompanied by Jared and Eon, is tasked with resetting the shield generator. Underground, Julie’s accomplices are killed by creatures called Grawlix, and she is forced to continue alone. She eventually resets the shield generator, but is too late to discover that GITH has arrived, and he teleports troops in to destroy the generator. Julie returns to town to find it under siege by GITH’s forces. Many citizens are dead, while others are hypnotized. Julie finds Otto, who has recovered a mysterious object from the asteroid. It turns out to be a message for Julie from the Belphigoreans, warning her that Gith is seeking the Heart of the We. Otto tells Julie about the Heart of the We, and tasks her with finding a native of Eden named Gruff. Julie leaves the besieged Eden, then journeys through the Mooagly swamps to find Gruff, who unlocks the path to the Temple of the We for her. She then overcomes the four challenges of the We before entering the final temple where the Heart of the We is kept. GITH is waiting for her, and he steals the Heart and uses it to bring Lord Tyler back to life, so he could have his revenge on Julie. Julie fights and kills Lord Tyler and wins the Heart, banishing GITH. She returns to town only to find out that her pregnant sister is kidnapped by GITH, who returns in a giant space station.

Captain America: Sam Wilson – The Complete Collection Vol. 1

Condition: Like New. Collects Captain America (2012) #25, All-New Captain America: Fear Him (2015) #1-4, All-New Captain America (2014) #1-6, Amazing Spider-Man Special (2015) #1, Inhuman Special (2015) #1, All-New Captain America Special (2015) #1, Captain America: Sam Wilson (2015) #1-6. Sam Wilson takes flight as the soaring Sentinel of Liberty – Captain America! Handed the shield by Steve Rogers himself, the former Falcon is joined by new partner Nomad to tackle threats including the fearsome Scarecrow, Batroc and Baron Zemo’s newly ascendant Hydra! But stepping into Steve’s boots isn’t easy – and Sam soon finds himself on the outs with both his old friend and S.H.I.E.L.D.! Plus, the Sons of the Serpent, Doctor Malus – and the all-new Falcon! And a team-up with Spider-Man and the Inhumans! The headline-making Sam Wilson is a Captain America for today!

Avengers World Vol. 1: A.I.M. Pire

Ostali Autori: Rags Morales David Curiel Nick Spencer Stefano Caselli Opis: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes have returned from the stars – but on the world they left behind, new threats have emerged, and the Avengers will be tested like never before. In one cataclysmic day, the face of the Marvel Universe will change forever…and the fight for Earth’s future will begin. Smasher, Sunspot, and Cannonball find themselves trapped and prisoners of A.I.M.’s Scientist Supreme! Shang-Chi takes on the Gorgon in a fight to the death for control of the Hand! The City of the Dead will rise! And Starbrand must confront the ghosts of his past! Prepare for a globe-spanning epic of empires and armies, and the brave few who stand between them and us. The A.I.M. Empire has begun! COLLECTING: Avengers World 1-5, All-New Marvel Now! Point One!

Vision 2 – Little Better Than A Beast

Ostali Autori: Michael Walsh Gabriel Henandez Walta Opis: Once upon a time a robot and a witch fell in love. What followed was a tale of the dead and the dying, of the hopeful and the lost, of the wronged and the avenged. And in the end, after both had fallen, the witch and the robot rose from their dirt and eyed each other across a field of blood and bone. Forty-five years in the making, this is the story of Scarlet Witch and the Vision. Before family, there was love. And war. COLLECTING: VISION 7-12

Ms. Marvel 4 – Last Days

Ostali Autori: Adrian Alphona Opis: Collects Ms. Marvel #16-19, Amazing Spider-Man #7-8 (A stories). From the moment Kamala put on her costume, she?s been challenged. But nothing has prepared her for this: the last days of the Marvel Universe. It?s a very special guest appearance that fans have been clamoring for: Carol ?Captain Marvel? Danvers and Kamala ?Ms. Marvel? Khan face the end of the world side-by-side! Between teaming up with her personal hero to rescue her brother and trying to keep her city from falling into an all-out frenzy, Kamala has barely had time to come to terms with the fact that the world is literally collapsing around her. But the truth will catch up to her, and soon. When the world is about to end, do you still keep fighting? Kamala knows the answer. Let?s do this, Jersey City.

Ms. Marvel 2 – Generation Why

Ostali Autori: Adrian Alphona Opis: Who is the Inventor, and what does he want with the all-new Ms. Marvel and all her friends? Maybe Wolverine can help! If Kamala can stop fan-girling out about meeting her favorite super hero, that is. Then, Kamala crosses paths with Inhumanity–by meeting the royal dog, Lockjaw! But why is Lockjaw really with Kamala? As Ms. Marvel discovers more about her past, the Inventor continues to threaten her future. Kamala bands together with some unlikely heroes to stop the maniacal villain before he does real damage, but has she taken on more than she can handle? And how much longer can Ms. Marvel’s life take over Kamala Khan’s? The fan-favorite, critically acclaimed, amazing new series continues as Kamala Khan proves why she’s the best (and most adorable) new super hero there is! Collecting MS. MARVEL (2014) #6-11.

Ms. Marvel 3 – Crushed

Ostali Autori: Elmo Bondoc Takeshi Miyazawa Opis: Collects Ms. Marvel (2014) #12-15, S.H.I.E.L.D. (2014) #2. Love is in the air in Jersey City as Valentine’s Day arrives! Kamala Khan may not be allowed to go to the school dance, but Ms. Marvel is! Well sort of – by crashing it in an attempt to capture Asgard’s most annoying trickster! Yup, it’s a special Valentine’s Day story featuring Marvel’s favorite charlatan, Loki! And when a mysterious stranger arrives in Jersey City, Ms. Marvel must deal with…a crush! Because this new kid is really, really cute. What are these feelings, Kamala Khan? Prepare for drama! Intrigue! Romance! Suspense! Punching things! All this and more! The fan-favorite, critically acclaimed, amazing new series continues as Kamala Khan proves why she’s the best (and most adorable) new super hero there is! Plus, see what happens when SHIELD agent Jemma Simmons goes undercover at Kamala’s school!

Slike koje pričaju

Osim što su stručni i informativni, tekstovi Midhata Ajanovića su i osobni – jasno je da mu je stalo do teme o kojoj piše. Nije Ajanović među onim autorima koji hladno podastiru korisne činjenice i citiraju podatke do kojih su došli istraživanjem nego on iznosi vlastite dojmove i zaključke. Tako su tekstovi koji čine esejističku zbirku Slike koje pričaju kombinacija javnog i privatnog, uza skladno isprepletanje subjektivnosti i objektivnosti. U ovim digitalnim vremenima, kada neprestance raste broj samozvanih pisaca i bučnih, anonimnih mislioca, Midhat Ajanović piše pod punim imenom i prezimenom. Stoji iza svojih tekstova, a tvrdnje argumentira. Budući da ga krasi širok spektar zanimanja, Ajanović čitatelja uvijek iznenadi temom. Stripu i animaciji naoko je zajednička odlika jednostavnost. Oni koji nikada nisu pomnije istraživali te medije mogli bi reći da su stripovi i animirani filmovi zabavna djela kojima je temeljna svrha razveseliti publiku. I pritom će debelo pogriješiti. Ako se samo malo zagrebe ispod površine, može se naslutiti koliko su ti mediji složeni, moćni i vrijedni istraživanja. Animirani film nije ni po čemu manje vrijedan od ostalih filmskih rodova, baš kao što ni strip nije slabiji ili manje vrijedan oblik književnosti. Doduše, još uvijek postoje učeni neznalice koji tvrde da stripovi nisu književnost, ali i njih je sve manje. Neću pogriješiti ako ustvrdim da su upravo tekstovi Midhata Ajanovića jedan od razloga zašto se percepcija o stripu polako i sigurno mijenja nabolje. Iz pogovora, Miroslav Cmuk