Wanted by Mark Millar

[direstraits]

I know the movie's out, but still I've had a strange habit of hunting down books/graphic novels of the shows I want to see, and read them (if I haven't already).

So, Wanted the movie looks good, and I saw Wanted the graphic novel. I bought the book, and had no expectations (because I really don't know much about the movie, and less about the book).

And I was blown away.

Far and away one of the best graphic novels I've read in recent memory, for the following reasons:
1. It's outrageously funny, and outrageously violent. It's so over the top that it's reminiscent of the Kill Bill movies where the gratuitous scenes serves as a counterpoint (a reverse homage, in a way) to your standard superhero action, where nobody dies.
2. Because it so over the top, it doesn't take itself seriously, and so the whole thing works. Hard to explain (because I'm not good at expounding), but needless to say this book would suck if Frank Miller wrote it.
3. A different angle, a nice What If (or Elseworlds, if you're in DC-land) in the whole superhero comics genre. Fresh and interesting.
4. It's in your face, introspective comic, Millar knows it, and takes opportunities to rub it in your face. Makes you think a little about the rat-race you're in.

Anyone else read it?

 

[Perpetual Man]

I'm in the same situation as direstraits, thought the movie looked a lot of fun, so tracked down the comic and read it. Normally I would have broken it up into issues and read it issue by issue, interspaced with other comics and it would have taken me months to read.

In this instance though I read them virtually back to back. It seems that Millar has grown into a writer that everything he touches turns to magic these days. (I can remember a time that I did not think this was so!)

I've no read the comics and seen the film and they are very, very different animals, but both of them are excellent. If you know your comics (especially DC then you will love it even more) otherwise it is still an extermely high octane read. The film follows the gist of the first issue quite well but then goes in a totally different direction, which makes it enjoyable in a different way.

Both are really good fun and worth a look.

And while on the subject of Millar his current limited series KICK ASS with stunning John Romita Jr art is worth a look as well.

 

[direstraits]

Thanks Perpetual Man! When I read Wanted I immediately knew that the movie will have to be different... there's no way they could have done Sucker or that **** dude!

I've been out of the comics scene for quite a while but I love graphic novels and collected trades of interesting comics, and I'm always on the lookout for things that are different, interesting, thoughtful and fun.

I'll check out KICK ASS, although I may not cash in as I'm not exactly a fan of JRJ. His work on Gaiman's Eternals was ok, though, but still, I'm wary.

I also loved The Ultimates, and that's the only time I really enjoyed the Avengers.

 

[Perpetual Man]

Without giving too much away (I hope) artwork aside Kick Ass is well worth a read, and is very different. It asks the question what would happen if someone, normal in the real world were to try and become a superhero. Personally I don't quite agree with the conclusions that Millar has come to, but it does not matter really because the story is just stupendous!

 

[direstraits]

Well, yet another book added to the To Be Purchased list. The list is already a mile-long... looks like it's going to have to hit another mile.

Thanks, will check it out.

 

[imls1978]

I knew about the graphic novel but i never pay attention until I saw the movie. I think it was a pretty good movie, the book rocks and millar's writing as well.
I really hope dc hires him to write the new superman flick. Thanx to wanted i'm looking into other comics written by millar, kick ass is really good too.