(note: sorry about the lack of new release lists lately. I spent the past two weeks moving and have been kind of scatterbrained. But all is well — I’m in a new apartment and loving it, so I should be able to get back in the flow of things within the next few days, and new release lists will resume next week)

Troll: Once a Hero #1
Writer: Eldon Asp
Art: Gabe Alberola

This comic was awesome. I don’t know why, but I love 90s indie comics. I hate Marvel and DC comics from the same time period (they’re just really boring), but comics like this bring back my confidence in the past decades of comics.

Troll is a scruffy, short lil’ guy, but he surpasses badassery in so many ways. He almost coached a team to a World Series, he was once on Mount Rushmore (or was he!?), and he always wins at billiards. At least, that’s what I learned about him reading this comic, and I can tell you, those would be pretty satisfactory accomplishments if I could pull them off.  

His way of tongue is wonderfully natural. He speaks like a guy like him should speak and is a perfect example of mastering the writing of dialogue.

I think the reason so many people have trouble writing dialogue is that they forget that it’s, well, dialogue. There are two people (or more) speaking, and they have their unique traits. This is why I often dislike early marvel and dc comics; all of the conversation is so laid out. There’s so little unique personality outside of actions. Lately, the big guys’ have cleaned this up by bringing in true writers to take the helm, and that’s why comics have been growing more successful over the year / are more entertaining. Comics should be like reading a movie, and that’s what a good writer does.

Now, this is especially important, when you’re someone like me who knows very little about Troll coming into the reading. He’s a not very well known character at all as you’ll see with further proof on wikipedia (And speaking of poor writing, check out that wikipedia entry — talk about typos, but I shouldn’t be talking because we aren’t exactly the most careful editors). So to use dialogue really well helps us identify with that character, enjoy that character, and understand that character. Then, if you’re like me, you want to know more, and you’ve only read one issue!

Unfortunately, I don’t think this was a continuing series at all because I can’t find anything else on Troll. If you know of another series or more comics of this one please tell me. I enjoyed it to the extent that I even also bought a few Youngblood comics after reading it (he’s a member of the superhero team), and I’m looking forward to getting my Troll fix on some more. You’ll be sure to hear about it!

By the way, also a tip of the hat to Image comics. I truly think they’re a pretty enjoyable comic company. I actually saw a panel of their writers once, and you can tell they’re having a ton of fun. Whenever I read a comic of theirs, I can see the passion that goes into it. I’ve said it before that I’m not a fan of Walking Dead, and I still would say it again if you were to ask, but I’m glad it’s helped put Image on the map because the company puts out some great comics.

Anyway, I’ll be back Thursday with some Youngblood, or maybe I’ll finally tackle this semi-trade by “Virgin Comics” that I’ve had lying around forever. The title? It’s a surprise. Will it be any good? I have absolutely no idea.