Hanging on The Wire

Everything is Connected

by David Uzumeri of Funnybook Babylon

HBO’s The Wire, co-created by David Simon and Ed Burns, finishes up its five-season run on Sunday. For its small but incredibly devoted viewership, this provides closure to over five years’ worth of emotional investment in an intricate serialized story about countless people from all walks of society and how they mingle, relate, love and kill. Propelled by a single artistic vision, five seasons, each with their own theme, build on each other to form a single complex and unified tale, manipulating existing genre conventions to create something wholly new and different.

Sound familiar?

It’s no surprise that television and comics have become kissing cousins over the past few years, sharing talent, ideas, and sometimes whole properties – they’re both serialized visual media that extend a story over a long period of time, creating a natural back-and-forth between the creators and the fanbase/viewership. They can be open-ended or finite, deliberately paced or created one at a time, episodically self-contained or continuity-laden.

So what makes The Wire unique? Largely its ambition. Meticulously plotted and incredibly complex, The Wire engages the viewer eloquently, trusting him/her to stay alert, put together the pieces and follow the narrative without the consistent recapping and handholding that often permeates network television. Each season introduces a new cast of characters that supplements rather than replaces what was already there and exposes a new layer of the interrelated machinery that runs the city of Baltimore.

So what does any of this have to do with comics? To look forward, we must first look back. In 1993, David Simon’s book Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets was published, leading to both considerable acclaim and the seven-season NBC police drama Homicide: Life on the Street, which Simon left journalism to work on himself.

In the late ’90s and early ’00s, a few hotshot young turks entered the comic industry with backgrounds in crime fiction: namely Brian Michael Bendis, Greg Rucka and Ed Brubaker. They didn’t all come in at the same time, or at the same place, but they fairly quickly found each other and started to collaborate. Their writing was detail-oriented, their dialogue as realistic as possible considering the context of the standard superhero comic, and their plots were always planned out far in advance. All of them, in terms of influence, were disciples of Simon.

In the Powers v2 #12 50th-issue blowout interview, Bendis states that “HOMICIDE: A YEAR OF KILLING on the Streets by David Simon … started my absolute love affair for the idea of a homicide detective and his life.” Brubaker and Rucka have both cited Homicide as a major influence on the dynamic and structure of the Eisner award-winning Gotham Central. These three would later go on to work on a variety of projects, both somewhat related to crime fiction (Daredevil, Crime Bible, Detective Comics) and not (Wonder Woman, Uncanny X-Men, Mighty Avengers). Wherever they went, however, the humanistic perspective and attempt at verisimilitude fostered by their crime work would go with them, no matter how bizarre or alien the project.

Additionally, particularly Bendis is often tagged with the reputation of being responsible for what’s known as “decompression”: which is seen as either dragging out scenes or giving them room to breathe, depending on your perspective and the quality of the work. Where before a particular story or conflict would tend to take up one or two issues, with plot threads leading from and to the next issue separate from the particular episodic story, runs would be built as successive arcs, usually four to six issues, which tell a single story, with plot threads running between them. Any attempt at making each issue immediately accessible was abandoned, a necessary sacrifice in the name of verisimilitude and narrative complexity.

This approach, rather than alienating readers, combined with the newfound proliferation of trade paperback collections to shoot Bendis, and later Brubaker, up to the top of the sales charts. These extended stories, heavy on realistic dialogue and character interaction, were hugely popular in collected form and drew tons of new readers in. Which brings us back to The Wire.

It’s interesting to note that, unlike comics, television hadn’t really – and still hasn’t – made that switch completely yet. DVD box sets are replacing trade paperbacks in the metaphor, and certainly shows like Lost or Arrested Development are far more enjoyable when watched in order, but they still make an attempt for each episode to tell its own story. They still act on the unspoken assumption that every episode could be someone’s first, and that as writers they have an obligation to hook them. This is an attitude very much encouraged by the networks. As a result, many shows get bogged down in episode-specific details to maintain the fractal nature of their storytelling – to serve the needs of that single episode’s story, the stories of the multi-episode arcs around it, and on top of that the main driving throughline of the show. This nearly crippled Battlestar Galactica during the back half of season three, as all momentum from the midseason climax was lost in a sea of forgettable one-episode stories with no impact slotted into the story just to fill out a schedule.

The Wire, despite being ostensibly an ongoing television drama (well, ongoing to five seasons, the same way you could consider Y or Ex Machina an ongoing comic) never went with that route. Each season had its own arc, but even though each episode had a different writer and director, they would flow together to create one cohesive story – no episode-specific crises, no tangents slotted in to make the series more “accessible.” It was full speed ahead from the word go, and to say it was critically lauded would be a fair understatement. Unfortunately, unlike Bendis – who got to prop his experiments with comic pacing on the marketing giant known as Spider-Man – David Simon had an HBO show with unknown actors and unknown characters, so that commercial success largely eluded him.

It’s going to be interesting to see how this relationship continues to develop. It’s easy to say that Simon, his writing partner Ed Burns and their staff are unaware of this connection, but considering the Ultimate Spider-Man shout-out in season two I’m not wholly convinced. People always accuse the comics market of being infantile and underdeveloped, but the aspects that made The Wire so unpopular with the general audience have been hugely successful in the comic industry, both inside and out of the corporate-owned superhero market. Does this speak just to the talent of the creators involved? Increased marketplace awareness within comics fandom? Or simply luck? I have no idea.

But I do know I’d kill to see Simon and Burns do a comic.

Alternate Current is a series of weekly posts on thought-provoking, or simply fun, topics from bright minds all throughout the blogosphere. We take submissions and responses, so if you’d like to get into the mix, send an email to David Brothers. This week comes courtesy of David from Funnybook Babylon.

Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips return to their best comic since Sleeper and give us a peek into Gnarly’s past. In both Coward and Lawless, Gnarly appears as the proprietor of the Undertow, a former speakeasy that has since become a favorite hangout for thieves, rapists, and murderers. The only rule in the Undertow is don’t start anything unless you feel like getting finished in return.

But that’s all in the present.

Brubaker writes another fantastic piece of fiction as we get the generational stories of two characters who have, until this point, been relegated as background characters: Jake “Gnarly” Brown and Sebastian Hyde. How they grew up together because their fathers, Clevon and Walter, owned the streets of the city in the fifties. How they grew apart because Gnarly wanted to be a boxer instead of live that life like Sebastian did. And the girl that drove the final wedge between.

But that’s not even as interesting as the familial aspect. Brubaker has been playing with how family informs almost everything his characters do in these crime stories. Leo Patterson and Greta, in Coward go along with Seymour and Jeff’s diamond heist because of Ivan, Leo’s father’s partner, and Greta’s daughter Angie. In Lawless, Tracy Lawless escapes from military prison and returns to the city after many years because his little brother Ricky has been killed, and he needs to find out who was responsible. Add to that that both Leo and Tracy’s fathers were into the game as well and you’ve got the latest Chinese melodrama, the latest Shakespearean play, the latest episode of Lost: it’s all about family, whether it be one you’re born with or the one you choose for yourself.

Brubaker continues his foray into family affairs in this first in a triptych of stories centering around a robbery of some of Sebastian Hyde’s property. Both Clevon Brown and Walter Hyde were hardcore gangsters, and they both had sons. But Clevon told his that nobody ever has “to grow up to be [their] fathers,” whereas Walter wanted his to take over the family business. Without giving anything away, Brubaker continues to show that even in the world of criminals, family is very important.

And can I just talk about the composition of that first page for a second? A wide expanse set in a field in the middle of the night with the comparatively small figures of Clevon and Walter in the lower right corner and the caption boxes in the upper left. That’s just beautiful. I kind of wish this was a double page spread with the grass and stars going left for another page. Nothing says you’re gonna get whacked in the middle of nowhere like a page like this. If you were unsure of whether or not Phillips knows what he’s doing, let me tell you that he does.

And don’t forget the backmatter in this issue, which features Duane Swierczynski writing about his love of all things David Goodis, a pulp noir novelist and screenwriter from Philadelphia.

THE NEW CAPTAIN AMERICA FIGHTS FOR THE HEART OF HIS COUNTRY IN A CITY GONE INSANE!
Last issue was just the tip of the iceberg, as the Red Skull’s master plan kicks into motion, and chaos begins to take hold of the US, with only one man to stand in its way, but is he up to the task? By Harvey and Eisner Award-Winning Best Writer Ed Brubaker with art by master storytellers Steve Epting and Butch Guice!

Rated T+…$2.99
In Stores: Feb 27, 2008

The Young Avengers Return!

Because You Demanded It! Spinning out of the critically-acclaimed Young Avengers, the hottest new super-team of the century is back in Young Avengers Presents #1 (of 6)! Eisner & Harvey Award-winning scribe Ed Brubaker (Captain America, Daredevil, Criminal), rising star artist Paco Medina (New X-Men) and cover artist Jim Cheung (New Avengers Illuminati, co-creator of Young Avengers) bring you a spotlight on Patriot, grandson of the black Captain America, as he deals with Steve Rogers’ passing. Seeking out the enigmatic Winter Solider (better known as Bucky Barnes), Patriot hopes to find some guidance in dealing with the death of Marvel’s greatest hero…but who he’s looking for and who he finds may be two very different things!

Beginning a six-part look at the roles of Patriot, Hulking, Wiccan, Vision, Stature and Hawkeye in the post-Civil War universe, Young Avengers Presents sets the stage for the future of these heroes—and the Marvel Universe will never be the same!

A Traitor Revealed In Messiah CompleX Chapter Nine & Chapter Ten!

For months, fans have known that one would rise to lead mutants, one might be their savior and another would betray them—and the traitor’s true identity will leave you speechless! In X-Men #206, featuring Chapter 9 of Messiah CompleX, the X-Men, Cable, The Purifiers and Reavers must all pick up the pieces from their recent conflicts. Who lives? Who dies? And just what does this all mean for the mutant child at the heart of this hunt?

Then in Uncanny X-Men #494, featuring Messiah CompleX Chapter 10, still reeling from the shocking revelations of Chapter 9, the all new X-Force does battle the Marauders. ‘Nuff Said, True Believer!

“This is quintessential X-Men; only these characters could be involved in this event. And that’s a testament to the guys working on it,” gushed Matt Powell of WizardUniverse.Com

Daniel Crown of IGN.Com called Messiah CompleX “easily the best X-Men crossover in over a decade.”

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on all issues of Messiah CompleX, as all five chapters released thus far, including X-Men #205, have sold out at Diamond (though copies may be available at the retail level). Please note that Marvel currently has no plans to go back to press on X-Men #205.

As one betrays the X-Men, X-Force must find a way to defeat the Marauders, while Layla & Madrox continue their crucial journey. Who walks away alive? Find out in X-Men #206 and Uncanny X-Men #494!

Don’t miss a single chapter of Messiah CompleX!

The Hunt Is On In Messiah CompleX Chapter 7

A new team of mutants has assembled and they have one mission—find the new mutant child before anyone else! It’s Messiah CompleX Chapter 7, featured in X-Factor #26, from the acclaimed creative team of writer Peter David and artist Scot Eaton. Featuring gorgeous covers by superstars Marc Silvestri and David Finch, this action-packed chapter of the first X-Men event in ten years will leave you breathless! As Layla Miller and Madrox learn the terrible fate of mutantkind, the new mutant must survive an assault by classic X-Foes!

With every chapter of Messiah CompleX, critics continue to heap on the praise for this x-cellent event! “I’m absolutely hooked as the story-telling is strong and the possibilities for what can happen are seemingly endless,” said Kevin Powers of SilverBulletComicBooks.Com. “I am super-excited about the

“So far, it’s been a great ride, and I look forward to what comes next,” said Adam Chapman of Comixtreme.Com. “David writes an extremely intelligent script.”

One side has the baby. One side is closing in. But only one will walk away intact. And just does this all mean for the team of Madrox & Layla? Find out in X-Factor #26, featuring Messiah CompleX Chapter 7!

Don’t miss a single chapter of Messiah CompleX!

MESSIAH COMPLEX – PART 1 of 13
X-MEN: MESSIAH COMPLEX ONE-SHOT NEW PRINTING (SEP078124)
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Penciled by MARC SILVESTRI
Wraparound Cover by SIMONE BIANCHI
Rated T+ …$3.99
On-Sale—11/28/07

MESSIAH COMPLEX – PART 2 of 13
UNCANNY X-MEN #492 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (SEP078145)
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Penciled by BILLY TAN
Cover by BILLY TAN
Rated T+ …$2.99
On-Sale—12/05/07

MESSIAH COMPLEX – PART 3 of 13
X-FACTOR #25 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (OCT078038)
Written by PETER DAVID
Penciled by SCOT EATON
Cover by SCOT EATON
Rated T+ …$2.99
On-Sale—NOW!
FOC—11/20/07, On-Sale—12/12/07
MESSIAH COMLPEX – PART 4 of 13
NEW X-MEN #44 (SEP072236)
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST & CRAIG KYLE
Penciled by HUMBERTO RAMOS
Cover by DAVID FINCH
Variant Cover by J.SCOTT CAMPBELL
Rated T+ …$2.99
On-Sale—11/21/07

MESSIAH COMPLEX – PART 5 of 13
X-MEN #205 (SEP072238)
Written by MIKE CAREY
Penciled by CHRIS BACHALO
Cover by DAVID FINCH
Variant Cover by J.SCOTT CAMPBELL
Rated A …$2.99
On-Sale—11/28/07

MESSIAH COMPLEX – PART 6 of 13
UNCANNY X-MEN #493 (OCT072133)
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Penciled by BILLY TAN
Cover by DAVID FINCH
Variant Cover by JIM CHEUNG
Rated T+ …$2.99
On-Sale—12/05/07

MESSIAH COMPLEX – PART 7 of 13
X-FACTOR #26 (OCT072135)
Written by PETER DAVID
Penciled by SCOT EATON
Cover by DAVID FINCH
Variant Cover by SIMONE BIANCHI
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—11/20/07, On-Sale—12/12/07

MESSIAH COMPLEX – PART 8 of 13
NEW X-MEN #45 (OCT072137)
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST & CRAIG KYLE
Penciled by HUMBERTO RAMOS
Cover by DAVID FINCH
Variant Cover by SIMONE BIANCHI
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—11/29/07, On-Sale—12/19/07

MESSIAH COMPLEX – PART 9 of 13
X-MEN #206 (OCT072139)
Written by MIKE CAREY
Penciled by CHRIS BACHALO
Cover by DAVID FINCH
Variant Cover by SIMONE BIANCHI
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—12/06/07, On-Sale—12/27/07

X-MEN MESSIAH COMPLEX POSTER (AUG072315)
24×36 Color Poster…$6.99
On-Sale—NOW!

MARVEL SPOTLIGHT: X-MEN – MESSIAH COMPLEX (OCT072141)
Written by JOHN RHETT THOMAS
Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—12/06/07, On-Sale—12/27/07

X-MEN: MESSIAH COMPLEX - MUTANT FILES (OCT072142)
Written by ERIC J. MOREELS, CHAD ANDERSON, STUART VANDAL, DAVID WILTFONG, SEAN MCQUAID, CHRIS BIGGS, MICHAEL HOSKIN, MIKE FICHERA, RONALD BYRD & MADISON CARTER
Cover by SCOTT KOLINS
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—12/06/07, On-Sale—12/27/07

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Tracy finally comes to the end of the line in his search for answers, but will he want them by then? Or has his entry back into the life his brother led changed who he is? And what about the hitmen on his trail? He’ll have to deal with that, too. The action-packed FINALE of the second Criminal arc from award-winning creators Ed Brubaker and Sean
Phillips. And every issue of Criminal is packed from cover to cover with content, from back-up stories to noir articles by Brubaker and many other big-name writers, so wise up and buy the single issues!

32PGS/Mature Content/No Ads… $2.99
IN STORES: November 7, 2007

The kung fu tournament to end all tournaments continues in this, the third part of THE SEVEN CAPITAL CITIES OF HEAVEN. Davos and Crane Mother’s conspiracy to crush K’un-Lun and the Iron Fist legacy once and for all springs to life. The Heroes for Hire continue tracking the rogue Hydra cell across the snow-swept Himalayas. The wicked Bride of Nine Spiders spins her terrible web. America continues to fall in love with Fat Cobra. And Danny Rand returns to the fight, armed now with the long-lost life story of Orson Randall, the Last Iron Fist. Will he be too late?

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
IN STORES: November 7, 2007

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Things couldn’t be going worse for Matt Murdock. Everything he thought he’d gotten back teeters on the edge of a precipice, ready to shatter all around him, as he fights a battle on both fronts of his life–in the courtroom and on the rooftops of Hell’s Kitchen! The searing second chapter of “Without Fear!”

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
IN STORES: October 24, 2007

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THE WINTER SOLDIER HELD PRISONER BY THE RED SKULL! While Sharon and the Falcon race to his rescue, about to cross paths with the Mighty Avenger that Tony Stark has sent hunting our rogue hero – THE BLACK WIDOW!
Will the Red Skull kill both Cap and Bucky? It’s anyone’s guess, as the second arc of the epic “DEATH OF CAPTAIN AMERICA” storyline opens with a bang!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
IN STORES: October 17, 2007

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