OLD MASTER

Are comics circling the drain or climbing the mountain?

To whom do modern comics appeal? Is comic the appropriate term given the fantastic subject matter of most American comics? Superheroes are an American phenomenon born of enthusiasm, wish-fulfillment, desire to entertain, and the medium itself. People like to complain about the unrealistic depictions of comic book superheroes, but in this case, the medium is the message. American superheroes have been drawn to look like Michelangelo’s David because (A) they can, and (B) they’re fun. Ask any dedicated graphic literature artist. Would he rather draw a realistic model, or a hyper-muscular adonis that pops off the page. Speaking as a half-assed artist, I’d rather draw something that resembles Kelley Jones’ Batman, Jim Starlin’s Warlock, or Jim Steranko’s Nick Fury.

The trad Big Two Plus comics are in trouble. Sales are down, comic shops are closing. A perfect storm threatens. The primary elements are the rise of the internet. We have a generation of kids who don’t read. They don’t read Moby Dick, they don’t read Batman. They would rather play video games and who can blame them? The average video game delivers more bang for their buck than the average five dollar corporate comic. Or used to. The woke mind virus now threatens video games.

Diamond Distributors declared bankruptcy and carnivores are fighting over the corpse. Alliance has stepped in to save the day, but they don't seem that concerned about comics necessarily.

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59306/bankruptcy-court-approves-diamond-sale-price-terms

Corporate comics no longer entertain. They’ve been taken over by activists to push an agenda. Entertainment is job one. Same reason movies are in trouble. There’s good stuff out there, but you have to look for it. There’s a movement to replace the idealized hyper-muscular superhero with the average-looking Jane, Joe, and what’sit.

Many of the field’s greatest artists no longer produce continuity. They draw commissions or covers. Very few young guns continue to grow throughout their careers, getting better and better. One of them is Pat Broderick. I have always admired Pat’s work and always wanted to work with him. A couple years ago, when the opportunity presented itself, I asked Pat what he wanted to draw. He wanted to draw a supernatural Western. Bronze Star was born. Pat cocreated Creature Commandos with J.M. DeMatteis and worked on Batman, Micronauts, Firestorm, and Swamp Thing among other titles.

Very few artists continue to improve throughout their lives. The work Pat is producing for Bronze Star would be astonishing for an artist of any age. But to do his greatest work at age seventy is mind-blowing. He penciled and inked the above page, which is from Bronze Star 2, launching this summer. Bronze Star #1 sold out almost immediately and garnered stellar reviews.

“I have no doubt that Bronze Star by Baron and Broderick will go down in history as the greatest western graphic novel ever penned and drawn. Every panel, every bullet jumps right off the page and into eternity.” Peter Brandvold

“This is a great story… Mike Baron knows how to write dialogue and Pat Broderick’s art is so good and fits the story magnificently. I love this comic. I was so happy to have read this – 5 out of 5, a masterpiece.” Ethan Van Sciver

“Bronze Star by Mike Baron and Pat Broderick is a weird western thriller with a compelling story that mixes the grimness of the era with simply stunning artwork. There is humanity mixed with horror. Highly recommend.” Tony Isabella

Pat is finishing Bronze Star 2. His work is improving. He draws every board in the wall. Every tile on the roof. The mountains in the background. The book contains three connected stories involving the supernatural. Every part of the earth has its legends and monsters. Search for “whatever region in which you live + supernatural legends.” I did, and you will see the results in the book. Since Pat has already posted this, I will too. Remember, it’s only part of the story.

To sign up for Bronze Star 2, grab volume one, or just look at my library, go to baroncomics.com