Random Comics Theatre
The Judas Coin [2012]Walter Simonson did this hardcover collection of six original short stories looking at various DC characters throughout history, thematically linked by the presence of a cursed silver coin, one of the thirty that Judas was paid to betray Christ, as seen in a short prologue.
The book has its genesis in the 2004-2006 DC series SOLO from editor Mark Chiarello, where every issue a single artist was given the 48-page book to create a solo anthology (sometimes with other writers, letterers and colourists, other times living up to the title). The series only lasted twelve issues, although reportedly many other creators were approached to contribute to it. Not sure if any evidence of other issues ever showed up, but Walter Simonson's plans persisted, grew to over twice the page count and a considerably upscaled format by the time it came out in 2012, with collaborators John Workman and Lovern Kindzierski.
Following the biblical prologue, the first story goes to 73 AD and a tale of an aged version of the Golden Gladiator, a short-lived feature from the earliest issues of THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD.
Jumping ahead to 1000 AD, the second story features another longer-lived character from the same B&B issue, the Viking Prince. Obviously Simonson's affinity for that subject matter can be seen in his earlier work on THOR, and continues on his subsequent work in RAGNAROK. Gorgeous looking epic story.
Pirate adventures next in the 1720 AD story of Captain Fear. This is a short-lived 1970s feature which Simonson had some history with in a few 1981 backups. Some great naval adventures here.
A western next, with popular scoundrel Bat Lash in 1881 AD. Only western I know of Simonson drawing, and it's some great stuff, my favourite in the book. Clever story very much in keeping with the original series, which I'm quite fond of.
Back to a character Simonson has some history with, Batman, set in "The Present" and with the only choice for a story about a coin, Two-Face. Fun little story presented in a newspaper strip format in black and white with some red highlights.
Finally we jump to 2087 AD with an unexpected revival of Manhunter 2070, an obscure never-reprinted feature by Mike Sekowsky in a late-period run of SHOWCASE. I've never read any of those, but if this is any indication, it's very strange. Of course Simonson has some history with the Manhunter name, but this is a completely different character, and Simonson's art has an odd Japanese animation influence melded with his usual style.
Very enjoyable concept for a book and well realized, with Simonson exploring a lot of different genres.
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