Customer Reviews

Common Grounds Volume 1 (1st Printing)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In one of the more unique superhero titles I've read in a long time, Top Cow presents "Common Grounds" written by Troy Hickman. Originally conceived by Hickman as a self-published mini-comic called Holey Crullers, it's been re-created by Top Cow as Common Grounds and features such stalwart artists as George Perez, Al Vey, Sam Keith, Dan Jurgens, and Chris Bachalo. Common Grounds is a chain of doughnut and coffee shops that caters especially to super types, both heroes and villains. It's a kind of neutral territory where they can kick back, relax, and small-talk, always observing the no fighting policy in the shop. Hickman gives us a glimpse at heroes in their downtime, putting a true-to-life spin on characters that have been glamorized for over sixty years. This 144 page trade paperback presents a baker's dozen of humorous, tragic, and always poignant stories of what it's like to be a superhero.

Among the stories in this volume are:

"Beyond the Speed of Life" A reporter who always dreamed of being a superhero gets a chance to interview the Speeding Bullet inside Common Grounds. He soon sees that the life of a superhero is not so glamorous as the hero's rapid metabolism forces him to eat almost constantly and spend an equal amount of time in the toilet. His life is one of loneliness and boredom as he finishes books in a few seconds. The reporter leaves cherishing his mundane life.

"Head Games" Mental Midget and one of his arch-enemies the Man-Witch happen to enter the bathroom at Common Grounds at the same time and sit in neighboring stalls. While doing their business they reflect on life with super powers and share thoughts on everyday life. Very funny story!

"Roles" Jenny is a waitress at Common Grounds and an aspiring actress whose just been told she can't act by a casting director. When she stops to help a stranded motorist, Jenny has to play the role of the lifetime when the man turns out to be a psychotic murderer.

"Time of Their Lives" Two old foes meet in the streets outside the Common Grounds. One the good looking, retired Commander Power, the other the down and out, and living on the streets Blackwatch, who went to prison when he accidentally killed a superhero. Appearances are not what they seem in this story of redemption.

"Fat Chance" Several extremely overweight heroes hold their regular support meeting at the Common Grounds and give their "Weight Watchers-esque" testimony about their weight problems.

"Glory Days" A hero named Lift-Off attends the 30th anniversary of the forming of "Liberty Balance" the greatest super team ever. He uses old trading cards to recognize and remember his former comrades but there's one in particular he's waiting to see...

"Where Monsters Dine" In a magnificent tribute to those off the wall Marvel sci-fi books of the late 50's and early 60's comes this hilarious story of gigantic monsters named Grondar, Crittor, and a dragon named Wang Dang Doodle, who live far from man, lamenting what their lives have become when they no longer are able to terrorize men. Just a great tribute to those wacky Kirby creations.

Common Grounds is a fabulous book filled with stories of side-splitting humor and deep sadness. Troy Hickman has given us a glimpse into the lives behind the superheroes. And while his heroes are unknown to comic fans, you'll see quite clearly many of the heroes that Hickman based his creations on such as Speeding Bullet and The Flash. This is an exceptionally well done book and highly recommended!

Reviewed by Tim Janson

Phenomenal book! I've been quoting and explaining scenes from this book to friends all week. In five pages these characters are given more depth than many new characters have in 5 years. Many twists, different genres of story telling. This is more than just a superhero book, it's a great book, period. Every story (or chapter) has a different artist as well, which gives each character their own feel. Each character could support their own book. Sometimes when many heroes are introduced quickly like this, the stories fall apart soon after (Ultraverse, early Image); but these characters are so well rounded you actually care and can't wait for the next issue.

The sad thing is this could have been a great graphic novel if the stories just weren't so short ... the one about the waitress who wants to be a famous actress was good but the others ..... basically this is way too many short stories that have the POTENTIAL to be good if they were only explored in more detail. The stories are too short and end too quickly - a bit like getting a bite of a good meal then having the rest of it suddenly whisked away from you .. as far as the "average day in the life of a superhero/superheroine" type comics/graphic novel feel that this book strives to accomplish, the "astro city" books do a far better job of this sort of thing, which I would strongly recommend to any readers interested in that kind of story... to be honest I'm really surprised this graphic novel received all the hype that it did from various famous persons in the comics industry.

Troy Hickman's COMMON GROUNDS is a truly unique look at the world of comic book superheroes, and a must buy for anyone even slightly interested in the genre. Going beyond the "SMASH!" "BANG!" "POW!" stereo-types, Hickman's wonderfully witty and insightful stories show the people underneath the masks at there most human, and humane.

Expertly illustrated by a variety of gifted artists, the strength of this collection is Troy Hickman's wonderful writing; which is humorous, touching, and completely unique.

I can't recommend this collection enough. Enjoy!

This comic / graphic novel was shipped quickly and packaged well. Outstanding artwork and creativity throughout the book. This was a gift for my adult son and he especially loves the Acidic Jew character (along with tons of other hilarious / tongue-in-cheek comedic characters.)

This is one of the very best graphic novels that I have ever read. Each story is a stand alone story but they all tie together to paint a picture of the world of "Common Grounds" a coffee and doughnut shop that is neutral ground for superheroes and super villains. If you pay close attention you will see that the stories are connected but in a very subtle way. I found the story "Where Monsters Dine" to be the best of the bunch. The tale revolves around four super large monsters that discuss just who the real monsters are. I give this book five stars!

I can't say enough about this book. Don't read anything about it, or any of what the stories are. They are just amazing if you dive in and read it blind. I was so touched by this I was shocked. There is a perfect blend of humor and meaning in each story. If you are familiar with the superhero mythos, I think it may be a bit more powerful, but I sent it to several friends who don't read comics and they loved it. Get it. Get it NOW!!;)