livefromthedmz:

“Free States Rising” runs from issue 60 to 66, and is comprised of two smaller arcs and a single spotlight issue. The first arc chronicles the birth of the movement through the eyes of one man’s induction into the FSA, as he turns from being an arms dealer riding the profitable tide of war to full-fledged FSA leadership. Shawn Martinbrough delivers this two-parter in his dark and ominous style. Issue 60 is aptly titled “Middle America,” and touches on the disenfranchised American Heartland, while “The Jersey Shore” in issue 61 depicts the takeover of the Lincoln Tunnel. Brian Wood’s trademark newsfeed informs us that the US has nearly one million troops deployed in the Middle East, including places like Yemen and Syria, entrenched in a campaign of 39 years of combined war on 6 fronts around the world. Riccardo Burchielli returns to the series he helped launch with the “Free States Rising” arc, captured in issues 62 through 65. In his newly minted role as official UN Observer, Matty witnesses the aftermath of some of his actions and reaches a mental tipping point, as the final surge to Broadway opens with an air strike, and is followed by an intense ground war. We learn definitive revelations about the Indian Point nuclear detonation, as well as the final fate of Parco Delgado. Issue 66 is the last solo issue focusing on Zee Hernandez, recapping the story of her corporeal existence in the DMZ, but also solidifying the figurative notion that she is the physical manifestation of New York City.

Brian, seeing the title of this arc, it’s impossible for me not to think of the Bruce Springsteen song “The Rising,” which he wrote as a response to 9/11. Any subconscious connection there? Does your musical taste even swing toward The Boss? C’mon, tell me you’re over there hammering out the guitar riff from “Born To Run.”

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livefromthedmz:

Collecting issues 35 through 41, Volume 07 is comprised of two smaller arcs and a special issue focusing on the character of Zee. The first story in this volume witnesses the return of artist Kristian Donaldson for a two-issue tale in issues 35 and 36 called “The Island.” The short divergent arc follows Matthew Roth to Staten Island, the forgotten borough with a peculiarly high concentration of US Army soldiers. It offers a brief respite as Matty returns to pitching and reporting stories for Liberty News as the entire world awaits the outcome of the recent election. Riccardo Burchielli provides art for the “War Powers” arc proper, spanning issues 37 to 40, and addressing the action immediately following Parco Delgado’s rise to power. “War Powers” witnesses The Delgado Nation boldly attempt to position Manhattan as a fledgling sovereign state. In a startling move, Parco orders out all FSA, USA, and UN troops, while attempting to consolidate the power base of the new administration with the local factions. The last issue of the arc, 41, is a special spotlight issue on Zee, with art by Nikki Cook.

Brian, issue 35 marks the first cover designed by John Paul Leon, who first caught my attention on a WildStorm book called THE WINTER MEN. We talked previously about the reasons behind the transition, but let’s discuss artist selection. Were any others considered and how was JP finalized?

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I just found out there’s another DMZ blog, and it’s being run by someone far more intelligent than I with way more resources. I’m thinking I should go ahead and delete this blog, because what’s the point of having two blogs for one topic? What do you all suggest?