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[Jackpot]

It was enjoyable but not amazing.

And as someone who hates brutality, like say the Wanted comic series, this was ok. There were 2-3 detailed panels that were too much, offset by the 5-6 non-gore panels that looked amazing and will stay in my memory. The violence is all psychotic-break lashing-out type rather than the (worse imo) planned sadism.

Protagonist was a poor-mans's Constantine.

 

[Corpsepyre]

It was enjoyable but not amazing.

And as someone who hates brutality, like say the Wanted comic series, this was ok. There were 2-3 detailed panels that were too much, offset by the 5-6 non-gore panels that looked amazing and will stay in my memory. The violence is all psychotic-break lashing-out type rather than the (worse imo) planned sadism.

Protagonist was a poor-mans's Constantine.

People keep mentioning Constantine on various sites and how the protagonist was like him, but I don't see any real comparison. :/

 

[UnemployedVillain]

Edgy

I wouldn't go as far as him, but this (Morrison) is a guy who's works are heavily influenced by growing up idolizing grunge bands, embodying Scottish cynicism and numerous drug trips on various substances around the world

 

[Secret Fawful]

I enjoyed the story, and the occult elements Morrison pulls from are disturbing, but I did think that one specific scene in the story was so on the nose and ridiculously delivered I burst out laughing at it. It's

Spoiler

the scene where the main character says "What entity could be so cruel. So childish. So sadistic. So manipulative. So evil? Why...you're talking about....DUN DUN DUN....GOOOOOOOOOOD." Like, I don't think a theme has hit me that hard in the face in a long time. Come on, Morrison, can't you be just a BIT subtle about it? Did you have to spell it out that hard?

 

[Fury451]

I enjoyed the story, and the occult elements Morrison pulls from are disturbing, but I did think that one specific scene in the story was so on the nose and ridiculously delivered I burst out laughing at it. It's

Spoiler

the scene where the main character says "What entity could be so cruel. So childish. So sadistic. So manipulative. So evil? Why...you're talking about....DUN DUN DUN....GOOOOOOOOOOD." Like, I don't think a theme has hit me that hard in the face in a long time. Come on, Morrison, can't you be just a BIT subtle about it? Did you have to spell it out that hard?

I just read this series yesterday because of this thread, and yeah, I fully agree. Subtlety flew out the window, and that concept never really came up again in any meaningful way.

It's a highly interesting concept, but I guess I don't see what everyone else does in this. I found it more clunky and confusing than layered and complex- but because I think it felt rushed rather than due bad writing, though there were also a lot of gaps that seemed like they needed fleshing out too so maybe it was both to me. This seems like it needed to be an 8 or 10 issue series IMO. It kinda putters out right as it starts to do some interesting things.

I will check out those links elaborating on the occult symbols and the like though. Could be worthwhile.

 

[Ivan Amiibo]

Took a chance and got first issue of the kindle version. Unreadable on paperwhite. Manga is usually fine, guess the format of this isnt.

Oh well, preordered the hardcover one.

 

[Venus Van Dam]

Those asking for more sci-fi/space horror-ish material, check out 'Annihilator' by Grant Morrison.

I need that in my life, thank you. Morrison's page at Wikipedia is so outdated that I find things like Nameless and Annihilator almost by accident.

 

[Gattsu25]

Fair enough, I used to be a bit like that but I've done a full 180 and now I reckon my old paper comics just look like crap next to their digital versions - if you don't have the right size tablet there's no point trying though.

You're trying to guilt me into buying an iPad Pro aren't you?

 

[karasu]

I'm in. Grant Morrison is always must read.(Best JL ever)

 

[HStallion]

I just read this series yesterday because of this thread, and yeah, I fully agree. Subtlety flew out the window, and that concept never really came up again in any meaningful way.

It's a highly interesting concept, but I guess I don't see what everyone else does in this. I found it more clunky and confusing than layered and complex- but because I think it felt rushed rather than due bad writing, though there were also a lot of gaps that seemed like they needed fleshing out too so maybe it was both to me. This seems like it needed to be an 8 or 10 issue series IMO. It kinda putters out right as it starts to do some interesting things.

I will check out those links elaborating on the occult symbols and the like though. Could be worthwhile.

I thought the same exact thing after finishing the series. It really needed a few more issues to not just flesh out the themes and ideas but the characters especially.

It felt like they introduce you to people only for them to die a few pages later and some scenes came off as comical because they had some really over the top horrible things happen to chargers characters we had no investment in.

Still was a decent mind Fuck if a bit muddled and rushed.

 

[Secret Fawful]

Reminded me of Junji Ito at times when

Spoiler

people had their evil counterparts and such

, though I think Ito could have done the visuals much better.

Spoiler

Also, the deity having one of its faces be like a clown face and stuff was just...more weird than scary. I like the Aztec-ish look of it, but then that particular choice just made me think....why?

 

[HStallion]

Reminded me of Junji Ito at times when

Spoiler

people had their evil counterparts and such

, though I think Ito could have done the visuals much better.

Spoiler

Also, the deity having one of its faces be like a clown face and stuff was just...more weird than scary. I like the Aztec-ish look of it, but then that particular choice just made me think....why?

Homage to the book/movie It perhaps? There are a ton of references to other works with cosmic horror elements including Berserk, Lovecraft, etc.

 

[Secret Fawful]

Homage to the book/movie It perhaps? There are a ton of references to other works with cosmic horror elements including Berserk, Lovecraft, etc.

Well, that's a pretty good point. If it's using the characters' fears against them, what better time to drop a King reference than to reference an ancient evil that takes the form of people's greatest fears. I hadn't even considered King while I was reading this.

Also, I'm eating pasta while reading this thread, and I've suddenly lost my appetite. lol

 

[Corpsepyre]

I enjoyed the story, and the occult elements Morrison pulls from are disturbing, but I did think that one specific scene in the story was so on the nose and ridiculously delivered I burst out laughing at it. It's

Spoiler

the scene where the main character says "What entity could be so cruel. So childish. So sadistic. So manipulative. So evil? Why...you're talking about....DUN DUN DUN....GOOOOOOOOOOD." Like, I don't think a theme has hit me that hard in the face in a long time. Come on, Morrison, can't you be just a BIT subtle about it? Did you have to spell it out that hard?

I thought it was interesting. The fact that

Spoiler

God, as people know Him, is nothing more than this outer-dimensional warring entity who has defrauded humanity for so long, and who has fed on everyone's fear of Him and gotten a kick out of it...

I just found that compelling.

 

[Corpsepyre]

People looking for more space horror should look up SOUTHERN CROSS as well.

Also published by Image, like 'Nameless', and is fucking sweet!

'Now boarding: Southern Cross, tanker flight 73 to Titan. Alex Braith is tracing her sister's steps to the refinery moon, hoping to collect her remains and find some answers. The questions keep coming though—and they lead her down a path of intrigue, betrayal, and galactic horror.'

 

[Secret Fawful]

I thought it was interesting. The fact that

Spoiler

God, as people know Him, is nothing more than this outer-dimensional warring entity who has defrauded humanity for so long, and who has fed on everyone's fear of Him and gotten a kick out of it...

I just found that compelling.

It should be. By itself it is, but the execution was terrible.

 

[Ophelion]

Also published by Image, like 'Nameless', and is fucking sweet!

They really have become the new Vertigo, haven't they? I feel like everything new and exciting coming out of comics has an Image imprint on it anymore.

 

[Baconsaurus Rex]

Gonna check out Southern Cross as well. Keep 'em coming.

 

[Corpsepyre]

They really have become the new Vertigo, haven't they? I feel like everything new and exciting coming out of comics has an Image imprint on it anymore.

The only two awesome titles coming from Vertigo right now are Clean Room and Sheriff of Babylon.

Shot from Clean Room:

 

[Brakke]

Space & occult & horror is everything I want but this just didn't land for me. Definitely not a "mindfuck", the events are straight forward, just presented all jumbled up.

I enjoyed the story, and the occult elements Morrison pulls from are disturbing, but I did think that one specific scene in the story was so on the nose and ridiculously delivered I burst out laughing at it. It's

Spoiler

the scene where the main character says "What entity could be so cruel. So childish. So sadistic. So manipulative. So evil? Why...you're talking about....DUN DUN DUN....GOOOOOOOOOOD." Like, I don't think a theme has hit me that hard in the face in a long time. Come on, Morrison, can't you be just a BIT subtle about it? Did you have to spell it out that hard?

Yep. A fine concept but embarrassing in execution.

 

[AsfaeksBR]

So, Amazon is selling a hardcover 164 pages version of Nameless.

I remember reading that Nameless would have 6 editions, so I'd like to know if this Hardcover contains the whole series and, if so, if they plan on releasing more Nameless comics.

Thanks.

 

[Marvel]

Wow, I need to get this.

And any other good Space Horror, my favorite genre of media.

 

[Corpsepyre]

So, Amazon is selling a hardcover 164 pages version of Nameless.

I remember reading that Nameless would have 6 editions, so I'd like to know if this Hardcover contains the whole series and, if so, if they plan on releasing more Nameless comics.

Thanks.

That is what you should buy. The hardcover has all 6 issues.

 

[Atrophis]

The hate for The Filth on the first page of this thread makes me sad. It remains my favourite Morrison story although I haven't read a huge amount of his stuff.

 

[WGMBY]

Just read Nameless yesterday on OP's recommendation. I will never get some of those images out of my head. Overall I liked it, though I'm still thinking over some of the scenes because I feel like I missed a lot of details..

 

[Corpsepyre]

Just read Nameless yesterday on OP's recommendation. I will never get some of those images out of my head. Overall I liked it, though I'm still thinking over some of the scenes because I feel like I missed a lot of details..

Yes, that's normal. It's best if you come back to the comic and re-read it after reading up more on it. Will be clearer for you relatively.

Some recommended reading:

http://shawnbaker.blogspot.com/2015/02/grant-morrison-chris-burnhams-nameless.html

http://joup.co/beneath-panels-2-nameless/

 

[Corpsepyre]

The hate for The Filth on the first page of this thread makes me sad. It remains my favourite Morrison story although I haven't read a huge amount of his stuff.

He has had so many excellent stories!

 

[boinx]

People looking for more space horror should look up SOUTHERN CROSS as well.

Also published by Image, like 'Nameless', and is fucking sweet!

'Now boarding: Southern Cross, tanker flight 73 to Titan. Alex Braith is tracing her sister's steps to the refinery moon, hoping to collect her remains and find some answers. The questions keep coming though—and they lead her down a path of intrigue, betrayal, and galactic horror.'

I read the first issue of this but the dialogue is pretty awful. Something I would write, doesn't sound natural at all. When does it get good?

 

[SJRB]

I tried the first episode of Nameless but it's kicking my ass. First ten or so pages make zero sense to me, I have no idea what's going on.

Should I just plough through and eventually things will "click"?

 

[Lombaszko]

I tried the first episode of Nameless but it's kicking my ass. First ten or so pages make zero sense to me, I have no idea what's going on.

Should I just plough through and eventually things will "click"?

That's how my early Morrison reading went, wondering if it would eventually click. The first few issues are confusing, but not only do the other issues get easier to understand but if you re-read the earlier ones they usually will give new context. Nameless didn't click for me until issue 2 or 3, I was reading it monthly. It's worth sticking with for Burnham's art, damn dude! I hope he gets a new DC title for Rebirth.

 

[Syder]

Just finished reading all 6 episodes, finished it all in two sittings. I really liked the art and the overall themes of 'Nameless'; it felt very unique in the sense that it combines Satanic occultism and cosmic horror.

However, the disjointed plot was very confusing. On several occasions I found myself going back to the front cover to make sure I hadn't picked up the wrong issue. The sudden changes from setting to setting and conversation to conversation that happen as pages go by is so jarring. I can usually follow unconventional plot threads without much trouble but I struggled with this a little bit at times.

Also..

Spoiler

Marduk

?

Spoiler

That must be the most typical 'space planet' name anyone could think of LOL

...Just bothered me a little bit.

I wouldn't be against reading more from this story.

 

[Imp the Dimp]

I just installed the Comixology app for this and I can't seem to buy it, merely wish list it. What am I doing wrong?

 

[Gattsu25]

I just installed the Comixology app for this and I can't seem to buy it, merely wish list it. What am I doing wrong?

I don't think you can buy from the comixology app anymore.


Go to the comixology site (or amazon.com and buy the digital version)

 

[Imp the Dimp]

All right thanks

 

[Tesseract]

good shit, thanks

 

[abstract alien]

Just got a notice from Amazon saying my hard copy shipped. Guess it's rolling out.

 

[Tesseract]

Just got a notice from Amazon saying my hard copy shipped. Guess it's rolling out.

me too!

 

[KOMANI]

I'm starting a cult in honor of Grant Morrison.
First act of business, to shave Alan Moore's beard. Second? Give him the credit he deserves on Red Son.

 

[abstract alien]

Just read the first page. Literally the first page. What in the fuck lol

As far as the hard cover goes, I really like it. It's bolded in all of the right places and has a good size and weight to it. Definitely worth it in that regard.

 

[abstract alien]

Read the first chapter.

Am I supposed to be lost? I am.

 

[Corpsepyre]

Read the first chapter.

Am I supposed to be lost? I am.

Yes, you are. Keep reading. Chapter 2 and onwards will be clearer, till it fucks you up again.

 

[abstract alien]

Yes, you are. Keep reading. Chapter 2 and onwards will be clearer, till it fucks you up again.

Ha, I can't wait to jump back in tonight. I'm really digging it so far, and the artwork is on point.

 

[Corpsepyre]

Ha, I can't wait to jump back in tonight. I'm really digging it so far, and the artwork is on point.

Oh, it gets better, and way way more gruesome.

 

[Jill Sandwich]

I got the TPB on the recommendation in this thread, and blasted through it in a couple of hours. I felt dizzy at the end. I will go through it again... slowly.

 

[Corpsepyre]

I got the TPB on the recommendation in this thread, and blasted through it in a couple of hours. I felt dizzy at the end. I will go through it again... slowly.

Haha, do that. Also, how would you rate the book and its binding? Did you get the hardcover?

 

[DataStream]

Haven't read anything by him in a long time but those panels immediately sold me for the art alone.

 

[Jill Sandwich]

Haha, do that. Also, how would you rate the book and its binding? Did you get the hardcover?

Yep got the hardcover. It's sturdy and there are a wealth of Grant's notes at the end, a kind of glossary of the occult and magic within the story. It's quite helpful and shows how much research went into it, which compels me to give it a few re-reads.
I agree that the malevolent force didn't need to be spelled out as God, but it didn't tarnish the book at all as there's so much else going on, the story jumping around so much you don't have any time to grip what's going on until near the end. The gore is sparse but rendered with loving care! It made me think that this is what Event Horizon would be if we had followed the first crew through the portal.

 

[Draft]

Space & occult & horror is everything I want but this just didn't land for me. Definitely not a "mindfuck", the events are straight forward, just presented all jumbled up.



Yep. A fine concept but embarrassing in execution.

Embarrassing is a little harsh. But I agree that some of the allegory is a a little heavy handed. Balancing deliberately obtuse storytelling with satisfying reveals is very tricky. I don't think Nameless completely succeeds but it's still a pretty fun experience. I've been reading a chapter a night and I'm on book six and really don't think it's going to get wrapped up in a satisfying way, but I'm still glad I read it.

 

[Combichristoffersen]

I read it earlier today, but I'm not sure I quite got the hang of the plot. Was all the space stuff basically just

Spoiler

a figment of imagination implanted in the mind of Nameless by God when that experiment where they tried to contact God went tits up? What actually happened?

 

[Corpsepyre]

I read it earlier today, but I'm not sure I quite got the hang of the plot. Was all the space stuff basically just

Spoiler

a figment of imagination implanted in the mind of Nameless by God when that experiment where they tried to contact God went tits up? What actually happened?

Hi. I'm sorry, I'm replying pretty late here. Hopefully you will read this. This is taken from reddit, and it's an interesting take on what went down. Though, ofcourse, it's all up for debate.

Spoiler

There never was a space mission. Ten years before the story Nameless engaged in the seance with Paul Darius and the other paranormal experts at Razor House which resulted in him coming into contact with the God-Being trapped in Xiabalba. He cracked under the strain, was possessed and killed all the rest of the team before being discovered and captured by Darius' daughter Sofia.

Afterwords he recovered from his psychotic episode and volunteered for a procedure which would wipe out his personality in the hopes that it would destroy the God in his head, this parallels the voluntary planetary suicide that the titans underwent to destroy the outsiders. In both cases something went wrong, and Nameless lost his name and his memories but the God-thing survived, and Nameless escaped from the hospital and went on the run for the better part of a decade.

Eventually Sofia found Nameless and subjected him to an exorcism with the goal of purging the God-Thing from his mind. To us this exorcism appears as the space-mission, with the murdered occultists becoming astronauts, the God-Thing becoming Xiabalba, and the pathway of madness that the God-Thing would use to escape from Nameless' mind becoming Ixaxaar stone. This is a comforting fantasy which allows Nameless to imagine himself as an action hero tasked with saving the world, rather than a pawn who's lack of mental fortitude is endangering it. I'm not exactly sure what happens at the end but I think Sofia succeeds in purging the being from Nameless' mind, but kills him in the process, as symbolized by Xiabalba striking the moon.