CSBG Archive
Phonogram #3 – Definitely Good…Maybe
The dread Formatitis rears its ugly little head with this issue of Phonogram, as the overall storyline of the series continues strongly within this issue, while we meet another intriguing character, Indie Dave. The formatitis in this instance is the whole “writing for the trade” concern, as the issue really feels like a chapter of one work rather than an individual issue, as if this was your first issue of Phonogram, you’d be completely lost. I know some folks argue that mini-series are held to a different standard than ongoing titles regarding “being able to understand what is going on,” and I think there probably is something to be said for that, but I think it’s more a matter of degree – a mini-series can be freer with the idea, but if you’re producing a work as an individual issue, then it should still work as an individual issue. If not, do it as a graphic novel (and yes, I understand that it is done this way mainly due to finances, but don’t try to let facts get in the way of my point!). Anyhow, this is a lot of negative-sounding talk about a book I ultimately enjoyed, so let’s get to the good stuff!
One of the funnest parts of writing books about magic (as opposed to writing Books of Magic) is that the very concept of “deus ex machina” is a natural PART of the story! I love the freedom that allows the more imaginative writers out there, and writer Kieron Gillen makes good use of this with the character of Indie Dave, and the notion of “memory kingdoms,” which are places set in the past where you are not travelling back in time not to a year, per se, but to the IDEA of that time period. Isn’t that an awfully clever idea? As Indie Dave describes it, “They’re the consensus memory of a time, a pure idea distilled from a million perceptions. With the correct ritual, you can attune and astrally project there. I spend much time holidaying in the older realms. The present offers me little. I prefer the vicarious thrills of the ghosts of London ’77 or Manchester ’89.”
This leads to a neat scene where our protagonist, David Kohl, enters the memory kingdom in a scene involving basically “dress-up.” Meanwhile, artist Jamie McKelvie continues his strong work with this issue. I love how he has this nice, clean style, as that makes the trippy stuff seem even TRIPPIER because it is being depicted in such a clean manner. It works very well.
Also, as usual with Phonogram so far, the issue has a number of other interesting characters, especially David’s “sidekick,” Kid With Knives. He’s a real hoot. When you are dealing with heady concepts, having a guy like Kid With Knives is great, because he just looks at things with the clarity of not beign too bright. Because he doesn’t overthink, he often distills notions to their most basic form, which is fun for the reader. And he’s goofy, too, which is fun.
In any event, while I would prefer that this issue pick us up on the story a bit more (not even a “previously” section!), the issue itself was fun, with good dialogue and characters. I would recommend it.
10 Comments
Paperghost
November 12, 2006 at 2:12 pm
Gotta love that cover. Mad fer it!
Jamie McKelvie
November 12, 2006 at 4:18 pm
“In any event, while I would prefer that this issue pick us up on the story a bit more (not even a “previously†section!),”
Count me as one of those who think that mini-series are held to a different standard than ongoings in this regard. We do have some minor recap in the opening pages of each issue (this time, Kohl thinking over the ghost of Beth while about to knock on her door), but we prefer to make it as natural and miminal as possible. Especially, as you say, with a mind to the eventual trade. If it was an ongoing, then I would agree some form of “previously” would be required. As it is, I would like to think that anyone picking up this issue as their first would hunt down the first two.
Anyway, thank you for the review! Glad you enjoyed it.
drew
November 12, 2006 at 4:22 pm
——-The formatitis in this instance is the whole “writing for the trade†concern, as the issue really feels like a chapter of one work rather than an individual issue, as if this was your first issue of Phonogram, you’d be completely lost.—–
UH… whatever, man. Who cares? Ultimately it’s PART of a WHOLE. It doesn’t have to stand alone. You SHOULD have to read the past issues to get the most out of it. Who the hell picks up an issue of ANYTHING (well except for JONAH HEX), with no prior knowledge of it, and isn’t full of questions? Formatitis yer ass.
Lynxara
November 12, 2006 at 4:39 pm
While I think heavy recap from issue to issue of any mini-series would be a bit ridiculous, there is one logistic element to consider. A reader who is going through a mini-series is reading one issue a month, probably as a deluge of other comics and entertainments. A few references in the opening pages to help refresh readers on important details would seem to be desirable.
Leaving this out in concession to inevitable TPB publication would strike me as a valid case of formatitis.
Brian Cronin
November 12, 2006 at 10:39 pm
Most definitely.
Brian Cronin
November 12, 2006 at 10:42 pm
I am undone!
To get the most out of it, perhaps.
To get the basic gist of the plot? I disagree.
Filled with questions is not the same as “not knowing what the basic plot is.”
Again, I am undone!
Brian Cronin
November 12, 2006 at 10:44 pm
Which is certainly a popular position, Jamie!
Kieron Gillen
November 13, 2006 at 3:51 am
I actually did try to do a recap of the primary relevant points before going into it (In this issue’s case, why Kohl is off to see an Ex) but clearly not enough.
Thinking about this, I’ll try and get a tiny recap on the contents page for next issue. I mean, it’s hardly hard to do. And I get to use the magical comics phrase “AND NOW READ ON!” in all seriousness.
(I got to use the phrase “TO THE DEATH!” in the solicitation for Issue 6 too. All my comics dreams come true.)
KG
Cheeseburger
November 13, 2006 at 9:46 am
Any idea if the trade version of Phonogram will contain all the anecdotes and lists of music the creators listen to whilst creating? or will it just be the straight-up 6 issues?
Kieron Gillen
November 13, 2006 at 12:29 pm
It’ll have its own glossary – as in an original one, written for it – but none of the longer form essays and assorted gibberish.
EP vs LP thing, basically.
KG