Customer Reviews

Manhunter: The Special Edition

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Who knew Manhunter would turn out so well?

Archie Goodwin had a nice reputation when he began this series of backup stories, but really, he didn't stand out. He hadn't yet written the Star Wars movie adaptions and newspaper strip that made him one of the most read comics writers ever. He hadn't yet moved to Marvel to become the driving force behind the innovative Epic line that transformed comics into a genuine adult pursuit. No, at this time, he was just another writer, about to unleash his greatest creation.

Walt Simonson was still raw. He showed up here and there with some Batman assignments that, well, were still a tad rough in places, but possessed of an energy, a dynamism, that nobody else - not even Neal Adams or Gil Kane - really had ever done in the same way. He hadn't yet saved Thor from cancellation and made it one of the best- written and drawn Marvel comics of the eighties. He hadn't yet started an Orion series that, despite low sales, is still critically acclaimed as one of the best comics of the last decade by those "in the know".

No, Arhie Goodwin and Walt Simonson weren't the giants they are now back when this series of Manhunter stories were begun.

BUT THESE STORIES MADE THEM GIANTS.

You may have heard of the famed 1973 Manhunter mini-series. You may have heard it was a coup for Archie Goodwin and Walter Simonson. You may remember it from its original run in Detective Comics as an 8-page back-up feature. If you haven't, you should! The Manhunter tale is something every self-respecting comic book fan should know about, and should appreciate with every fibre of their being. No, I'm not being overly effusive, I'm talking FACT! Manhunter was without a doubt, a bejewelled crown that was rightfully recognized as the best during its own limited time, one that STILL holds up today! This is THE ONE that cemented the reputations of Archie and Walter. Quite frankly, I know of no other comic that has withstood the test of time so superbly. You owe it to yourself to own a copy. You WILL be blown away.

A couple of things that always strike me whenever I read these stories. 1)I'm always amazed at how good Walt Simonson was at the very begining of his career. This was the first major work that he had ever done for one of the "Big Two" and he was turning in work that looked like he had been doing this for years. Of course the scripts by Archie Goodwin weren't bad either. 2)Goodwin and Simonson were able to cram more action, drama, ideas and character developement into 8 pages than most other pros could in 30-40. 3)Considering that this title only ran for 8 installments it sure carried away a slew of Eagle Awards at the time. Still a minor masterpiece after all of these years.

Two legends of the comic field,Archie Goodwin and Walt Simonson have created a most masterful, stunning tale. Those who have read Manhunter know that every accolade it has earned is just. Short of Watchmen, Manhunter ranks as my second favourite. The pacing is incredible, packing a great deal of storytelling in a few pages, yet with out overloading us. This story has already become legendary. The art is dynamic, and vibrant. Simonson's pictures flow with Goodwin's words seamlessly. Nothing I can say can do it justice. Manhunter is simply brilliant.