Common Grounds #2
Author: HEIDI
February 22nd, 2004
Common Grounds #2
Top Cow/Image Comics
Writer: Troy Hickman
Pencils: Ethan Van Sciver, Dan Jurgens
Inks: Jon Holdredge, Roland Paris, Norm Rapmund, & Al Vey
Price: $2.99
Rating: 3 stars
Common Grounds is a book that has risen from the ashes of Holey Crullers!, a popular indie title published by writer Troy Hickman and his artist partner Jerry Smith. Picked up by Top Cow and renamed Common Grounds, Hickman now has the luxury of having his stories penciled by some of the best in the business, though it would be nice to have Smith along for the ride. Using a great concept, and having the business acumen of the Cow?s behind him, this is a book that should succeed in spades.
The title of the book is taken from the name of a donut shop (or chain, I can?t tell for sure) that caters to the super heroes and villains of the world. It is a place where there is no fighting allowed, and conversation and relaxation are encouraged. In this particular issue, waitress Jenny is absconded upon by a criminal and must act her way out of trouble. With just her brains and talent to keep her safe, she relies on herself to escape danger. The second tale focuses on Analog Kid, who is in a frantic search for his partner Digital Man, who has been missing for over six months. Told from both Analog Kid and Digital Man?s point of view, the story is as poignant as it is clever.
Ethan Van Sciver draws the tales focusing on Jenny, and his art has never looked better. Though he is inked by multiple people, his style is so incredibly detailed that it has a seamless feel to it. Much kudos to Jon Holdredge, Roland Paris, and Norm Rapmund for allowing Van Sciver?s work to stand out through their work. I would like to see Van Sciver back on a monthly sometime, and this work reaffirms his talent.
The second tale is drawn by Dan Jurgens a favorite of mine. Though Jurgens is probably better known for his scripting, his artistic skills make him a double threat. Here given free reign on Hickman?s script, his work focuses on the characterization of the men he is depicting. A look of despair and abject sadness on Digital Man?s face speaks volumes. Jurgens is another artist I would like to see back on a monthly title.
Common Grounds are a fresh, compelling concept. Focusing completely on the interpersonal relationships of the characters involved, it provides a dramatic look at the ups and downs of having powers that are out of this world. There is no gloss or glamour in these stories, just a hard reality, and a massive dose of humanity.
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One Response to “Common Grounds #2”
January 15th, 2005 at 2:54 am
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