I've just read two books of this. Sometimes it seems to be trying much too hard to be cool and clever, other times it seems quite special. I really liked the ending to 'The painting that ate Paris'. I also like some of the super-characters he comes up with (like the woman who has every super power you haven't thought of). Than again, it makes me wish I were reading Alan Moore, who does that kind of thing much better.
what do the rest of you think?
I read it when it was new, and I was spellbound. I agree wholeheartedly about it being special. It seemed a lot more special than Neil Gaiman's Sandman, which I was reading at the same time. I never understood why so many soppy, female, American, goth-type English Lit. undergrads were so quick to suspend all critical judgement where Sandman was concerned and flood its letters page showering it with praise.
I guess the clue is in the phrase 'goth-type'. 'Soppy' goes some way to explain it too, I shouldn't wonder.
But yeah, Morrison's Doom Patrol was definitely my favourite comic when I got back into reading superhero titles again in my late teens, post-Watchmen.
"I read it when it was new, and I was spellbound. I agree wholeheartedly about it being special. It seemed a lot more special than Neil Gaiman's Sandman, which I was reading at the same time. I never understood why so many soppy, female, American, goth-type English Lit. undergrads were so quick to suspend all critical judgement where Sandman was concerned and flood its letters page showering it with praise."
[Round of applause]
Cheers!
Jim
Those Doom Patrols are among my all time favourite comics, and are indeed very special.
It was the first American comic I actively followed month to month, and the first time I ever visited a comic shop (Timeslip in Newcastle) was to look for DP back issues.
I also think it inspired Simon Bisley to produce the best work of his career on cover duties.
Please avoid the Rachel Bollock era after Morrisons run. The Ted Mckeever art their one redeeming feature.
Everything he just said.
I've got one of Ush's GNs that he was kind enough to lend me - they're good.
The final book (#6 - Planet Love) has just been released in trade - need to have a good read of the whole lot now.
I read that run of comics every couple of years. The Brotherhood of Dada & The Beard Hunter are fantastic.
Its my favourite Morrison stuff ever.
Hmm I might just have to unbox those when I get home.
For those new to Doom Patrol try to pick up the Flex Mentallo spin off with gorgeuous art by Frank Quitely (Only got this spoonerism recently)
Rats! Another thread inspires a re-read. My daughter is neglected again!
Yes, Morrison's Doom Patrol is bloody good. The issue that got me hooked was the return of Monsieur Mallah and The Brain.
The Beard Hunter was another highlight. In fact, pretty much the whole thing is brilliant.
- Trout
I picked up 12 or 15 random back issues at a comic fair years ago and there are bits which are really cool, but bits where I don't know what's going on because I'm missing so many. Keep meaning to give it a proper go: might pick up some of these trades now.
However, the Flex Mentallo miniseries is one of my least favourite Morrison things. It's still better than Book of the Dead, mind.
a bit too crazy for me but it does have its moments, I've got four of the trades, was this all Morrison did or are some of the stories after his too it just doesn't seem to wrapp up to well.
CU Radbacker
Ok I've just got the first 2 trades from the Library, if its no good & I waste a couple of precious hours of my life I'll know who to blame!
"Monsieur Mallah and The Brain"
That was my first issue too. I bought it from a petrol station when I used to work nights and would buy a couple of comics a night to help relieve the tedium of a really dull job.
It sticks in my mind because, although it had a great cover, I didn't like the artwork inside and I thought it was going to be really boring- so it was quite literally the last comic on the shelf when I bought it.
Needless to say, I couldn't believe how good it was and made a point of buying the back issues and placing a regular order for it from then on.
In my opinion, anybody who doesn't like this run is a big twat*.
*not really- but I do feel sorry for you.