SEAGUY #3 REVIEW

[Mitch Brown]

<a href="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/dc/0704/SeaguyCVR3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src=" http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/dc/0704/SeaguyCVR3t.jpg" align=left alt="Seaguy #3"></a>Reviewer: Mitch Brown, mitchbrown@comixfan.cjb.net
Story Title: Mummy On The Moon
Quick Rating: Good

Seaguy’s adventures come to a bitter end....for now?

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Cameron Stewart
Colors and Separations: Peter Doherty
Letterer: Todd Klein
Assistant Editor: Pornsak Pichetschote
Editor: Karen Berger

What!! Da!! Fug!?

Seriously, say it with me now.

One…two…three.

What!! Da!! Fug!?

Seaguy is dragged kicking and screaming to its conclusion this month in what is either the singlemost infuriating and painful conclusion to a story I have ever read, OR the most inventive, zany, original, touching, fantastic and completely off-the-wall comic book I have read in a very, very long time. I truly do not know.

If you thought that the past two issues of Seaguy were strange, just wait until you see what Grant’s mined out of his head for this outing! Carrying on from the tragic events of Seaguy #2 our hero finds himself abducted by a cadre of humanoid Jackal-man from the moon and brought face to face with an ancient Mummy who, it appears, is the original architect of that very same lunar satellite. You see folks, what we know as the moon is, according to Morrison, actually a eons-old tomb for a senile old Pharaoh named Aten-hut. Here, Seaguy uncovers the truth behind the mysterious meteorites that have been bombarding New Venice since #1, and its far more sinister than this reviewer imagined, leading to an incredibly unexpected climax, a revelation that raises more questions than it answers, followed up by a highly suspenseful and somewhat disturbing cliffhanger ending.

Yes, you did read those last two words correctly. Seaguy #3 is the final issue of this mini-series and, yes it does still end on a cliffhanger. There is more to come. The only problem is that we may not get to see it.

Seaguy #3 closes out with “It can’t just be over can it? Demand the return of Seaguy in: Slaves of Mickey Eye!”. Morrison and Stewart’s plans (or rather, hopes) for Seaguy are to follow this introductory mini series up with a further two, three-issue chapters in the saga of Seaguy. The only problem is, as has been indicated by Cameron, Grant and even Vertigo editor Karen Berger, the release of the following chapters of this series is dependent – quite understandably - on demand from fans and retailers. So please, for the love of Xoo, if you’re a fan of this series start sending in letters, emails, bug your retailer, whatever you can do to make sure that the following chapters of Seaguy are released, because as a standalone mini-series, Seaguy does not make for a particularly satisfying experience.

Can you imagine if Tolkein had just stopped after Fellowship of the Ring? Or maybe if George Lucas had just ended with Empire Strikes Back? Of course not. We, the audience need to know what happens to Frodo and Sam, whether Han Solo is alive or dead, whether the Rebels will ever overcome the Empire. Therein lies the problem with Seaguy #3.

As far as closing off the opening chapter in a larger epic, this issue does its job exceptionally. I am absolutely itching to find out what happens next and see if Grant can make sense of the madness on display here, but the knowledge that Seaguy’s adventures may never be completed really has hampered my enjoyment of this first mini-series, and #3 in particular. Morrison leaves us on a rather bitter and inconclusive note that feels more like a beginning than a conclusion. If I knew for certain that in a few months time we’d be seeing Slaves of Mickey Eye, that Quick Rating at the start of this review would be far more likely to read “Excellent!”. Unfortunately though, Seaguy #3 offers no sense of resolution to most of the threads started in the first two issues, leaving this series feeling agonizingly incomplete (which it is).

On a more positive note, we have this issue’s art. All I can say is “Wow!”. Over the course of these three issues, Cameron Stewart has elevated his craft to outstanding heights. I can honestly say that Seaguy #3 is the single greatest piece of comic book art that the man has produced. If Stewart’s talents weren’t in demand before, they certain will be after this. Each page is a lovingly-crafted expression of the fantastically mad script, sharing a number of similarities with Morrison’s New X-Men and Flex Mentallo collaborator, Frank Quitely, and I mean that in the best possible way.

Overall, Seaguy #3 is a highly enjoyable read that lives up to the high promise set by the previous two issues, but let down by the sad possibility that our hero’s adventures may not continue. Please DC, for the sake of my sanity (and also for Cameron and Grant), bring on Slaves of Mickey Eye!!!!

ART:
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STORY:
http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vhalf.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vnone.jpg

OVERALL:
http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vhalf.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vnone.jpg

Buy issues of Seaguy online now at X-World Comics and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=773&amp;cat=SEAGUY+)

[Joel Phillips]

I think you're being kind when you say "as a standalone mini-series Seaguy does not make for a particularly satisfying experience". The first issue made me think "this is weird, let's see where it goes". The second issue made me think "this is weird, let's see how it ends". The third issue made me think "this is weird... I could have sworn I had nine dollars just a little while ago".

I would hope that future series, if there are future series, would make the larger story of Seaguy better. But I can't justify throwing another nine bucks at this in hopes that it's better after the second series. I hope for the sake of those who do buy the second series that it does in fact improve on what we have here.

[scrappy]

Wow. A-freakin-mazing! This book knocked my socks off. The whole thing is great in that "everyone's out to get you" kind of way but I especially liked the opening sequence in this issue. It was disturbing and touching all at the same time. Cameron's visuals of a decaying Chubby made me uneasy but Seaguy's undying desire to take care of his pal brought a sad smile to my face. Cameron's artwork is pretty amazing throughout as well. I hadn't seen any of hs work previously but I am definitely a fan now. I'll admit this issue does leave a number of questions unanswered but that's Grant's style and I didn't really expect anything else. I am definitely on board for another mini-series if DC and Vertigo see fit. I'm sorry if someone feels like they wasted $9 on this mini. Personally it's the best $9 I've spent on comic books in a while.

[Ryan Day]

I loved this.

My initial reaction was "what the hell did I just buy?", but on a second read it all makes sense. At least, more sense than the first time. It's just such a wonderful combination of gleeful insanity and social cynicism. The juxtaposition of the exciting and colourful superhero world with the brutal and unopposable corporate world makes for a great concept. The ending may be brutally cynical and depressing, but that's just the kind of guy I am.

I'd disagree that there's a real cliffhanger, though. It certainly allows for a sequel, but it also works as the final chapter. My impression, actually, is that this happens every time: Seaguy goes on a quest and ends up opposing Mickey Eye. Seaguy loses and is brainwashed. Seaguy goes on another quest... ad infinitum. This reminds me of something, but I can't place it.

And yeah, Cameron Stewart rocks. Very impressive stuff.

[Mitch Brown]

Originally posted by Ryan Day
I'd disagree that there's a real cliffhanger, though.

That's the impression I get from the "wink" at the end, and also Seaguy's color selection for his chess game. We do not know whether he remembers Chubby or not, what exactly Lotharius game is... there's so many unanswered questions right there.

As to the idea that this has happened before, I get that impression as well, but from the slight variance in events this time around I have the feeling that the cycle has now been broken.

[James Groves]

This was the best comic iv'e ever read where i have no idea whats going on or what happened.

THe artwork was excellent, Stewart does a great job conveying Grants "army of ideas" on the page. Great Job. Best ive seen from him.

The story was confusing, but fun and i enjoyed it.

I think a number of re-reads r in order to figure out what this series is going on about!

I relly want SeaGuy to continue cuz the ending just made me wanting more.

Great review!

[Ryan Day]

Originally posted by Mitch Brown


That's the impression I get from the &quot;wink&quot; at the end, and also Seaguy's color selection for his chess game. We do not know whether he remembers Chubby or not, what exactly Lotharius game is... there's so many unanswered questions right there.


I think it's more vaguely open-ended than it is an actual cliffhanger. It reminds me of those stories that says "To be continued???" at the end. There's obviously more that could be told - and I suspect it will be, given that DC will want to keep Morrison happy - but it also stands on its own pretty well. The ending allows us to draw our own conclusions about what's really going on: Is it a happy ending, or have the forces of evil won?

In a way, it kind of reminds me of Brazil. And from that idea, would a Terry Gilliam directed film of Seaguy not be the coolest thing ever?:cool:

[bravelybravesirrobin]

okay my interpretation of this book, and for the record I found the ending to be perfectly satisfying


essentially the whole sea captain/mickey eye thing is Morrisson's view of how you take over the world. considering Morrisson's mindset and experiences it comes as no shock that how you take over the world is

crush ideas, originality and a sense of adventure

and most importantly crush the heroes, the symbols of originality and the bright tomorrow

Doc hero is the guy to watch to interpret this, at the start we are told that he has lsot his ability to fly. at the end we see the eyeballs telling him that he cannot fly and brainwashing him to go ride the ferris wheel again. what i fell is that Doc Hero thnks he can't fly, gets sad, learns he can fly, gets happy and before he can do any damage is taught he can't fly again.

these three issues demonstrate the cycle as it applies to seaguy and as it has been interpreted by Ryan Day. Seaguy goes on an adventure and as he's about to succeed is brainwashed and put back into "normal" life.

the various tools used to keep seaguy locked into his dull existance are the games with the gondolier and his pet. Look at Chubby in the first issue who serves to keep seaguy going to the park EVERY DAY i.e. locked into the cycle. Chubby hates the water to STOP seaguy going into the water and now chubby's dead along comes a new partner to accomplish the same goals.

the screwup is she-beard as the old sailor acknowledges, she keeps inspiring sea guy to try and go on adventures, but it is her "quest for a man" conditioning that has locked her into her own cycle, the same thing that migh send seaguy off on his boat is what stops she beard having exotic adventures.

xoo.... another mind control technique

mickey eye.... grants rather unsubtle satire that it is TV and the media that enforce the lack of thinking.

incidentally the silver age costume and drawing styles and daft ideas serve to enhance this message as the freedom of imagination that morrisson loves about the silver age contrasts with the old sailor's goal of eradicating free thinkers.

as for anti-dad... what is a dad, a protector, imparter of knowledge and enforcer of laws. Dad is the one who came before he is th establishment and the old sailor is the dad (+ he's old) whereas anti-dad is the free thinker, the creative force and the rebel and his destruction is what has led to the safe, happy but ultimately tyrannical world of sea guy.

[plewis]

For the record, I'm a Grant Morrison fan from his work on X-men.

That having been said, I'd have to say "What the Fug?"

This is clearly a book that pushes the envelope perhaps it pushes it a bit to far.

The pacing of this project was absolutely manic. You didn't get placed in the world as much as you had it dropped on you. If Vertigo had signed on for more issues garunteed, this sort of "ok now, what's going on?" type of whiplash wouldn't be so distracting. But they didn't, and it is.

Now that the world is built for us, it' possible that there are some grand stories to tell here. I'd like to see them, but not enough to start a petition drive and demand them.

Perhaps we can get vertigo to put up or shut up and just release a trade of this once they have a story that actually has a story in this wonderfully imaginitive world that has been created.

In a nutshell, the tallent is clearly there but the hand of business being quite so obvious kind of puts me off, especially at the end. All in all, I'm dissatisfied, but willing to go back for more.

[Gat0r-ManX]

Not a huge GM fan, only got in after the New X-Men thing. But i enjoyed his 3-issues-miniseries. This ending seems remarkably "true" and not too... "cliche." It just seems like what would really happen, if one man is facing such a huge conspiracy.

[Erika Santiago]

Grant Morrison is certifiably mad for even conceiving this minseries. I liked it. :D I didn't understand a single bit during my first read (and only a little more during the subsequent reads), but I really liked it. The sight of Chubby's decaying corpse was heartbreaking. I was really hoping he'd make a miraculous recovery between issues. Yeah, I'm a sad, sad sucker.

[Ashwin Pande]

I want to know what inspired Grant Morrison to write this. Was he on some kind of drugs or hallucigenics when he wrote this? And if so... where do i get them to get me to write like this?

Yes... i found it weird. (in fact weird is an understatement)

Yes... I didn't really understand it.

But

It's one of the most amazing comics I've read. Morrison is one of the best writers around today. I dabble in writing myself and there is no way I can write anything remotely like this. That makes me insanely jealous... but also reminds me how much i need to improve.

Thanks Mr. Morrison... you are truly an inspiration for writing.

[Alex Groff]

Funny.

I really enjoyed this miniseries. Like Ryan, I felt it was concluded, simply in a depressing way. Here's a guy who wants to live, to simply enjoy life, and his friend winds up dead and he winds up brainwashed. It was a mini-1984, or a mini-Brave New World, with bright splashes of color and superheroes. With huge, fun ideas.

I'm amazed at the number of people who enjoyed this while stating they didn't understand it... and you know, that reminds me of a couple of comics I read a while ago. Uncanny X-Men #246-280. My favorite Claremont run. No, I have absolutely no idea what the body shoppe is, and I still want Claremont's explanation of Spiral, not the currently trite incarnation we've been left with.

But the thing is, sometimes comics are great not because they make perfect sense, but because they're bright and full of ideas and really just make you open your eyes and say "wow." That's what I love about comics: that sense of wonder.

So yeah, I enjoyed this book a lot. I can see how others were put off, but I truly enjoyed it.