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Just how much has Warren Ellis been writing over this last year?

I’m suspending Zombie Watch (sort-of) for this column, just to draw attention to Mr Ellis’ prodigious output, mainly from Avatar.

Last week saw the release of No Hero #7, a story of super-powered men controlling the planet clandestinely, until they invite what is revealed to be a complete sociopath into their midst. Dripping with Ellis’ traditional warped sense of humour, he has engineered our sympathy for the lead character, only to rip it to shreds in the last two issues. You don’t want to see what the lead does with a teammates spine. If it weren’t so horrifying it would be funny. But as a finale to the series, I was blown away, with a remaining sensation of satisfied melancholy that stayed with me hours after reading. (God, that makes me sound emo!)

Now I do feel it is a shame there is no ‘Mature readers only’ label on the cover, for this is not a story that I would want a child of mine reading, but then maybe I am becoming more conservative in my old age. Still, Warren Ellis has been around long enough for anyone to realise this is not for a fourteen year old, and to strike fear into the Concerned Mothers Of America. (Are they still going by the way?)

If you have missed this, I highly recommend seeking out the back issues or grabbing the trade when it finally comes out.

Another helping of Ellis can be found in Avatar’s Gravel. There’s a little less gross-out in this storyline, and a lot more intrigue, and again the central character offers up surprises for the reader. When all the characters seem jaded in attitude, it is a nice surprise that as a reader, I do not feel the same way. Ellis seems to have a handle on mercenary attitudes, twisted with displays of compassion that only become apparent later. Then again, the contribution from Mike Wolfer may make all of the difference here.

Gravel has twelve issues on the stands so far, well worth a look.

Oh, and just a quick note on Zombie Watch. The conclusion of Marvel Zombies Return, and the next issue of Blackest Night: Titans hit the stands later today. As much as I am looking forward to them, I have just about had my fill of zombies already. Still, not long until the X-Babies return.