One-sentence summary: More fun, but this time with some continuity, from X-Men: First Class.
I love this series. This isn't the best book from it, but it's still a far cry better than most the X-books out there. I have a real soft spot in my heart for the fun books, but this one is particularly well-done. I'm almost glad they didn't put this in the Marvel Adventures category, though it really is where it fits, because it opens it up to a wider audience (and maybe that was their intention).
I like seeing this sort of story. Still very fun, but it's pushing the boundaries on what the First Class heroes have accomplished so far, and that's ok. It's still an excellent comic, fun, monster-filled, and action-y. Yeah, I said action-y. Also, evil butterflies! And hearing about Robbie's nightmares was pretty hilarious. A good book where all the elements mesh together very well.
Monday, July 30, 2007
X-Men #201
One-sentence summary: At least it has Endangered Species in the back.
I have nothing good to say about the current X-Men storyline, or the book in general. It's just bad. Everything about it is bad. The story's dumb, the dialogue is just poorly written, the characters don't act anything like they should, and the art is very far from what I like. I don't understand how wide the range of Mike Carey's quality; Crossing Midnight is this beautiful, well-plotted book, but everything else he's doing currently is abhorrent.
The Endangered Species back-up was pretty good. I liked the twist end to that, and the art's very good for that. It was a very nice bit of comic, but probably didn't justify the crap-storm that was the rest of the issue.
I have nothing good to say about the current X-Men storyline, or the book in general. It's just bad. Everything about it is bad. The story's dumb, the dialogue is just poorly written, the characters don't act anything like they should, and the art is very far from what I like. I don't understand how wide the range of Mike Carey's quality; Crossing Midnight is this beautiful, well-plotted book, but everything else he's doing currently is abhorrent.
The Endangered Species back-up was pretty good. I liked the twist end to that, and the art's very good for that. It was a very nice bit of comic, but probably didn't justify the crap-storm that was the rest of the issue.
Sensational Spider-Man #39
One-sentence summary: Eddie Brock steals the spotlight in this conclusion to the last couple of issues, which is also one of the better mainstream Spidey issues in awhile.
This was a very good issue. You feel bad for poor, crazy Eddie, but you also feel for, well, his victims. I could care less about the seance, but Brock definitely steals the show in this book as a pathetic ex-supervillain. Good job, book!
This was a very good issue. You feel bad for poor, crazy Eddie, but you also feel for, well, his victims. I could care less about the seance, but Brock definitely steals the show in this book as a pathetic ex-supervillain. Good job, book!
Wolverine #55
One-sentence summary: What, did that just happen?
This is an issue with a truly surprising two-page spread. I'm somewhat intrigued by the Romulus story, though I'm sure it will ultimately disappoint. I more or less hate Wild Child, but then again I never really liked Sabretooth. The plot's a bit half-baked, but it's not so bad right now. Maybe it's because the other Wolverine title is Origins, which is awful on a brand new scale, but I sort of like Wolverine since Loeb and Bianchi took over.
Have I mentioned that Bianchi's stuff is amazing? Honestly, the hyper-realism of his art is what sells this story. As this story is just so ridiculous, anything but Bianchi's gorgeous art would really just make the story campy, or at least far-fetched at best, but somehow it's grounded by the painted panels. Very rarely do I credit artwork with so much, but in this case it definitely deserves it.
All in all, not too bad at all. A bit out-there, but the artwork really does make it worthwhile.
This is an issue with a truly surprising two-page spread. I'm somewhat intrigued by the Romulus story, though I'm sure it will ultimately disappoint. I more or less hate Wild Child, but then again I never really liked Sabretooth. The plot's a bit half-baked, but it's not so bad right now. Maybe it's because the other Wolverine title is Origins, which is awful on a brand new scale, but I sort of like Wolverine since Loeb and Bianchi took over.
Have I mentioned that Bianchi's stuff is amazing? Honestly, the hyper-realism of his art is what sells this story. As this story is just so ridiculous, anything but Bianchi's gorgeous art would really just make the story campy, or at least far-fetched at best, but somehow it's grounded by the painted panels. Very rarely do I credit artwork with so much, but in this case it definitely deserves it.
All in all, not too bad at all. A bit out-there, but the artwork really does make it worthwhile.
Ultimate Fantastic Four #44
One-sentence summary: More Silver Surfer goodness as the Ultimate version is revealed to serve an entirely different master with some morally mixed-up motives (heh, alliteration).
Not too bad an issue. I'm off and on on Ultimate Fantastic Four, and I like that the Ultimate Silver Surfer seems to have a very different backstory from the 616-universe. However, the actual story was just meh, and, honestly, despite how much plot happened, no one did anything that interesting. It was sort of interesting to see the FF get the crap beaten out of them by the Surfer, but that was about it. I do want to see where this story goes, but the ending was, well, a bit sudden, really. I wish they had let a bit more suspense build before this issue ended.
All in all, not too bad. Not the best the series has produced, but at least the villain is more interesting than Ultimate Alchemist (though I'll admit that actually turned out to be a bit of an interesting storyline).
Not too bad an issue. I'm off and on on Ultimate Fantastic Four, and I like that the Ultimate Silver Surfer seems to have a very different backstory from the 616-universe. However, the actual story was just meh, and, honestly, despite how much plot happened, no one did anything that interesting. It was sort of interesting to see the FF get the crap beaten out of them by the Surfer, but that was about it. I do want to see where this story goes, but the ending was, well, a bit sudden, really. I wish they had let a bit more suspense build before this issue ended.
All in all, not too bad. Not the best the series has produced, but at least the villain is more interesting than Ultimate Alchemist (though I'll admit that actually turned out to be a bit of an interesting storyline).
Silver Surfer Requiem #3 (of 4)
One-sentence summary: Straczynski's obsession with death continues here, the latest installment of the Silver Surfer's alternate-universe swan song, here embodying themselves in a comic book diatribe against relgious wars (and almost against religion).
I've been alright with this series so far. It's been a bit, well, sentimental (?) so far, but it hasn't been too bad. I liked the last issue the best. This one? I could have done without.
This issue was either too blatant in its rants (does anyone who read comic books really support religion-fueled wars?), or too confusing in its conclusions. It ends with Surfer being worshipped as some sort of humanist God (which seems to be one step away from a oxymoron) after destroying established religious headquarters. Not sure really what to think of that.
The art was very nice in this, and the story wasn't really bad, I'm just not sure I was a big fan of how it got its point across. No, I'm sure of it: I disliked how they got the point across.
I've been alright with this series so far. It's been a bit, well, sentimental (?) so far, but it hasn't been too bad. I liked the last issue the best. This one? I could have done without.
This issue was either too blatant in its rants (does anyone who read comic books really support religion-fueled wars?), or too confusing in its conclusions. It ends with Surfer being worshipped as some sort of humanist God (which seems to be one step away from a oxymoron) after destroying established religious headquarters. Not sure really what to think of that.
The art was very nice in this, and the story wasn't really bad, I'm just not sure I was a big fan of how it got its point across. No, I'm sure of it: I disliked how they got the point across.
Onslaught Reborn #4 (of 5)
One-sentence summary: I wonder how many people even realize/care this title exists?
I don't even understand the purpose for this title. Did Liefeld come by, hobo-hat in hand, fingerless gloves extended in bowl shape hoping for some change, worn pencil tucked behind his ear, ratty trenchcoat almost hiding incredibly tiny ballerina feet? That is how I see this comic coming to be; between the overly-Lefield art, the horrible material, and the plodding story being told by Loeb (which I would describe as surreal in that there's no explanation given for how it started, but it's not so much surreal here as it's just bad writing), this has to be a contender for one of Marvel's worst titles. Thankfully it's almost over.
Seriously, what inspired this? Were there picket lines of angry fans demanding to see more Onslaught, to know what became of the Heroes Reborn planet (wasn't it in Exiles the other month?), to see Franklin Richards in a comic-form that's not entertaining? I only hope this isn't Marvel's awkward introduction to a whole new line of Heroes Reborn/Onslaught comics, because that would be stupid beyond words.
I don't even understand the purpose for this title. Did Liefeld come by, hobo-hat in hand, fingerless gloves extended in bowl shape hoping for some change, worn pencil tucked behind his ear, ratty trenchcoat almost hiding incredibly tiny ballerina feet? That is how I see this comic coming to be; between the overly-Lefield art, the horrible material, and the plodding story being told by Loeb (which I would describe as surreal in that there's no explanation given for how it started, but it's not so much surreal here as it's just bad writing), this has to be a contender for one of Marvel's worst titles. Thankfully it's almost over.
Seriously, what inspired this? Were there picket lines of angry fans demanding to see more Onslaught, to know what became of the Heroes Reborn planet (wasn't it in Exiles the other month?), to see Franklin Richards in a comic-form that's not entertaining? I only hope this isn't Marvel's awkward introduction to a whole new line of Heroes Reborn/Onslaught comics, because that would be stupid beyond words.
Iron Man #20
One-sentence summary: An alright World War Hulk tie-in.
This issue was better than the last, but still not great. We get very little of Iron Man or Tony Stark, but we do learn Tony's back-up plan in this issue, which I'm sure will come back in later issues of World War Hulk. In fact, I'm so certain of this that I'm sure that that important plot point will be rehashed in a main WWH title, or prove to be completely unimportant. At best, it will come back later in Iron Man as an important point against/for Tony Stark as the head of SHIELD, though I do think it'll be back later in WWH.
This wasn't too bad of an issue. I don't like how every other storyline in Iron Man has come to a grinding halt for WWH. That's not even good business; new readers to Iron Man, reading for WWH, now have no incentive to keep buying the book after WWH peters out/ends. Just my thought. Anywho, it's ok for a tie-in, but it's nothing else.
This issue was better than the last, but still not great. We get very little of Iron Man or Tony Stark, but we do learn Tony's back-up plan in this issue, which I'm sure will come back in later issues of World War Hulk. In fact, I'm so certain of this that I'm sure that that important plot point will be rehashed in a main WWH title, or prove to be completely unimportant. At best, it will come back later in Iron Man as an important point against/for Tony Stark as the head of SHIELD, though I do think it'll be back later in WWH.
This wasn't too bad of an issue. I don't like how every other storyline in Iron Man has come to a grinding halt for WWH. That's not even good business; new readers to Iron Man, reading for WWH, now have no incentive to keep buying the book after WWH peters out/ends. Just my thought. Anywho, it's ok for a tie-in, but it's nothing else.
Immortal Iron Fist #7
One-sentence summary: The non-stop action of the last six issues has taken an issue break to do a filler issue about a past Iron Fist, which is bad and good.
I've really found myself liking this run of Iron Fist. The dialogue's good, the character's been made interesting, the story's decent, the art's good, and the action's great. So, it can be understandable how I wouldn't really want a break from this.
I didn't dislike this issue. I just hope this character is important later on, otherwise this issue's a waste of an introduction. While this issue had some big flaws (didn't really like the protagonist), lots of little touches made up for that (the narration was good). Overall, not too bad, but not as good as the rest of this series has been, but that's ok.
I've really found myself liking this run of Iron Fist. The dialogue's good, the character's been made interesting, the story's decent, the art's good, and the action's great. So, it can be understandable how I wouldn't really want a break from this.
I didn't dislike this issue. I just hope this character is important later on, otherwise this issue's a waste of an introduction. While this issue had some big flaws (didn't really like the protagonist), lots of little touches made up for that (the narration was good). Overall, not too bad, but not as good as the rest of this series has been, but that's ok.
Heroes for Hire #12
One-sentence summary: Heroes for Hire continue their World War Hulk escapades, this time facing off against Hulk's Warbound, in what's surprisingly one of the more interesting tie-ins.
I don't really care about Heroes for Hire. I don't really care about World War Hulk. Why is it, then, that I enjoy this issue?
Maybe it's the interesting plot; Humbug going nuts certainly is interesting, and the entire dealing-with of the Brood intrigues me (though I'd never really thought of them as insects before, though I suppose it makes sense). It'll be interesting to see how the non-heavy-hitters of the Heroes for Hire gang deal with the Warbound, as, excepting Shang-Chi, I can't see how any of them can stand up for even a few seconds against them.
The back-up story with Paladin is pretty uninteresting, but that's forgiveable with the rest of the issue being, well, interesting.
I actually want to see this story through. I'm impressed that Heroes for Hire managed to put out a rather interesting issue, all while under the World War Hulk tie-in editorial rules (no major plot developments that would affect WWH, etc). Even the characters stay somewhat true to themselves (I don't quite know why Black Cat stuck around, but at least that's a relatively minor issue). Good job, issue.
I don't really care about Heroes for Hire. I don't really care about World War Hulk. Why is it, then, that I enjoy this issue?
Maybe it's the interesting plot; Humbug going nuts certainly is interesting, and the entire dealing-with of the Brood intrigues me (though I'd never really thought of them as insects before, though I suppose it makes sense). It'll be interesting to see how the non-heavy-hitters of the Heroes for Hire gang deal with the Warbound, as, excepting Shang-Chi, I can't see how any of them can stand up for even a few seconds against them.
The back-up story with Paladin is pretty uninteresting, but that's forgiveable with the rest of the issue being, well, interesting.
I actually want to see this story through. I'm impressed that Heroes for Hire managed to put out a rather interesting issue, all while under the World War Hulk tie-in editorial rules (no major plot developments that would affect WWH, etc). Even the characters stay somewhat true to themselves (I don't quite know why Black Cat stuck around, but at least that's a relatively minor issue). Good job, issue.
Crossing Midnight #9
One-sentence summary: The latest story comes to a heartening end, though with plenty of implications for future stories.
I like Crossing Midnight. I think the light colors give the artwork a perfect feel for the book, a cross among fairy tale, comic book, and oriental art. I like the dialogue, which could have been pulled out of a Ghibli film (although it's darker than any Ghibli film too). I like the stark images of violence among the rest of this, standing out all the more because of it. I like the almost relaxed story-telling, that, though it's plotted incredibly well and moves along at a fine pace, feels like you're drifting down a river watching these events happen.
Crossing Midnight is probably the best Vertigo book out there (maybe Exterminators, but both are great). I love it. As the reader gets more and more a feel for this detailed, complicated universe, the more interesting it becomes. Crossing Midnight is truly an excellent book.
I like Crossing Midnight. I think the light colors give the artwork a perfect feel for the book, a cross among fairy tale, comic book, and oriental art. I like the dialogue, which could have been pulled out of a Ghibli film (although it's darker than any Ghibli film too). I like the stark images of violence among the rest of this, standing out all the more because of it. I like the almost relaxed story-telling, that, though it's plotted incredibly well and moves along at a fine pace, feels like you're drifting down a river watching these events happen.
Crossing Midnight is probably the best Vertigo book out there (maybe Exterminators, but both are great). I love it. As the reader gets more and more a feel for this detailed, complicated universe, the more interesting it becomes. Crossing Midnight is truly an excellent book.
Wonder Woman #11
One-sentence summary: Though I like the end, the rest of this issue is the same mediocre crap that all of Amazons Attack is.
Why is Superman forcefully pulling Wonder Woman away from possibly ending the war, or at least dealing with one of the major conflicts in it? Why is Wonder Woman, the off-and-on symbol of girl power, completely fine with this? Why is this maintained as such an important storyline to the DCU, despite the fact that it's horrible?
I will say, I like the end, though I'm interested to see where it's going. The art's ok for the book; I just really, really dislike Amazons Attack.
Why is Superman forcefully pulling Wonder Woman away from possibly ending the war, or at least dealing with one of the major conflicts in it? Why is Wonder Woman, the off-and-on symbol of girl power, completely fine with this? Why is this maintained as such an important storyline to the DCU, despite the fact that it's horrible?
I will say, I like the end, though I'm interested to see where it's going. The art's ok for the book; I just really, really dislike Amazons Attack.
Teen Titans #49
One-sentence summary: Oh good, more Amazons Attack tie-ins.
There's nothing I have to say about this that I haven't said about other Amazons Attack tie-ins. It's an overly forced thing that forces the characters involved to act rather out of character. Here there's so much frantic side-switching that nothing makes sense by the end of the issue.
Blugh. I'm just so tired of these stupide tie-ins, particularly ones for series I dislike. I'll say that this has more plot to it than, say, Incredible Hulk #108, but it still is a dumb tie-in. I have more or less nothing good to say about the Amazons Attack story.
There's nothing I have to say about this that I haven't said about other Amazons Attack tie-ins. It's an overly forced thing that forces the characters involved to act rather out of character. Here there's so much frantic side-switching that nothing makes sense by the end of the issue.
Blugh. I'm just so tired of these stupide tie-ins, particularly ones for series I dislike. I'll say that this has more plot to it than, say, Incredible Hulk #108, but it still is a dumb tie-in. I have more or less nothing good to say about the Amazons Attack story.
Superman #665
One-sentence summary: Just in case you didn't know, Jimmy Olsen sure is Superman's pal!
Is it really necessary to have an origin story for Jimmy Olsen? I mean, I guess it flushes out his character some, but I think Countdown's doing a good enough job on that itself, and if you really needed more, you could've picked up the last Action Comics. This was nice, and it showed us the niche Jimmy fit early in Superman's career, but it really felt rather superfluous. I guess they decided that everyone reading Superman should also know that Jimmy Olsen sure is important in Countdown.
Tie-ins just burn me out. As this is the second Jimmy Olsen tie-in this month, I just stopped caring. I like his story in Countdown, but I really didn't need to hear about him so much. It just makes me reflect on how little sense it makes to me that Jimmy doesn't buzz Superman about his powers in the present day and ask him.
The lesson learned? If you're going to do a tie-in, make it one that's relevant and don't make one that makes your readers question the basic premise of what's going on in the main book.
Is it really necessary to have an origin story for Jimmy Olsen? I mean, I guess it flushes out his character some, but I think Countdown's doing a good enough job on that itself, and if you really needed more, you could've picked up the last Action Comics. This was nice, and it showed us the niche Jimmy fit early in Superman's career, but it really felt rather superfluous. I guess they decided that everyone reading Superman should also know that Jimmy Olsen sure is important in Countdown.
Tie-ins just burn me out. As this is the second Jimmy Olsen tie-in this month, I just stopped caring. I like his story in Countdown, but I really didn't need to hear about him so much. It just makes me reflect on how little sense it makes to me that Jimmy doesn't buzz Superman about his powers in the present day and ask him.
The lesson learned? If you're going to do a tie-in, make it one that's relevant and don't make one that makes your readers question the basic premise of what's going on in the main book.
Supergirl and the Legion of Super Heroes #32
One-sentence summary: As this new storyline gets started, we see more into the background of Lightning Lad and his community, complete with suspenseful ending that genuinely leaves me looking forward to the next issue.
I'm pretty neutral, currently, on the Legion. They're a neat concept, and sometimes they're pretty cool, but I haven't read anything yet that currently just blows me away. I liked the interactions between everyone here. I'm looking forward to hearing the tie-ins between the cult and the current story, and the issue just generally felt solid.
The art fits the characters well, and the storyline seems to be progressing well. I hope we hear more from the other teams of Legionnaires sent out, but if we don't so be it. Overall, this was a good issue. The Legion characters acted like themselves, it seemed, and their interactions were definitely a big plus for me.
I'm pretty neutral, currently, on the Legion. They're a neat concept, and sometimes they're pretty cool, but I haven't read anything yet that currently just blows me away. I liked the interactions between everyone here. I'm looking forward to hearing the tie-ins between the cult and the current story, and the issue just generally felt solid.
The art fits the characters well, and the storyline seems to be progressing well. I hope we hear more from the other teams of Legionnaires sent out, but if we don't so be it. Overall, this was a good issue. The Legion characters acted like themselves, it seemed, and their interactions were definitely a big plus for me.
JSA Classified #28
One-sentence summary: Hot on the heels of the pretty good storylines about Doctor Midnight and Wildcat we get this mediocre story about Jakeem Thunder, a rather hokey hero who should've been allowed to stay dead.
I guess I just think the character of Jakeem Thunder is sort of dumb. I mean, the idea worked alright in the old humorous, campy comics of the 40s, but if you're going to be putting a character in a modern day comic, there really should be more to them than "has a magic genie." I know that now it's a 5th dimensional creature or whatever, but it's still a freaking genie as far as I'm concerned. The issue's big moral lesson seems to me to indicate that, in actuality, he's useless. In case you're curious, the twist (I'll ruin it for you because this isn't a great issue) is that for everything the genie does an equal and opposite thing happens elsewhere, so that for every person he makes a home for, someone loses theirs. This would indicate, to me at least, that in every fight every blow he lands is just a super-powered punch someone else is going to have to deal with, or something similar. Can he only wish for things with relatively no consequence now?
I just don't like this character, really, so seeing a comic that includes him and Green Lantern acting like Batman all of the sudden doesn't do much for me.
I guess I just think the character of Jakeem Thunder is sort of dumb. I mean, the idea worked alright in the old humorous, campy comics of the 40s, but if you're going to be putting a character in a modern day comic, there really should be more to them than "has a magic genie." I know that now it's a 5th dimensional creature or whatever, but it's still a freaking genie as far as I'm concerned. The issue's big moral lesson seems to me to indicate that, in actuality, he's useless. In case you're curious, the twist (I'll ruin it for you because this isn't a great issue) is that for everything the genie does an equal and opposite thing happens elsewhere, so that for every person he makes a home for, someone loses theirs. This would indicate, to me at least, that in every fight every blow he lands is just a super-powered punch someone else is going to have to deal with, or something similar. Can he only wish for things with relatively no consequence now?
I just don't like this character, really, so seeing a comic that includes him and Green Lantern acting like Batman all of the sudden doesn't do much for me.
Hawkgirl #66
One-sentence summary: So, Hawkgirl's over.
I never got into this title. Some issues were just bad, and I just didn't follow this last arc. I thought the Hawk-people were now aliens, or something? But I guess they're resurrected Egyptians cursed by an ancient sorcerer? Eh, whatever. The big point here is that the issue had a fair amount of action and seemed to wrap the storyline up nicely, leaving thing's open for a new Hawkman book if it's ever needed.
I can't give a very great review to this issue simply due to never getting into the series. Sorry, all you die-hard Hawkgirl fan.
I never got into this title. Some issues were just bad, and I just didn't follow this last arc. I thought the Hawk-people were now aliens, or something? But I guess they're resurrected Egyptians cursed by an ancient sorcerer? Eh, whatever. The big point here is that the issue had a fair amount of action and seemed to wrap the storyline up nicely, leaving thing's open for a new Hawkman book if it's ever needed.
I can't give a very great review to this issue simply due to never getting into the series. Sorry, all you die-hard Hawkgirl fan.
Green Lantern Corps #14
One-sentence summary: More Sinestro Corps goodness as this epic-sized callback to an old Alan Moore story continues.
I loved the Sinestro Corps special. Loved. That the two last installments of the saga haven't created the same enthusiasm in me doesn't really speak badly of them, it just shows how good the start was. All the same, this is a good issue, with action and some plot development, as well as an amazing end that has me hyped up for the next issue. I think the writing team is doing a good job of revving things back from the initial special in order to build some tension and suspense, and I think it's going to pay off before the summer's over.
This issue showed a bit of Sinestro outside the action, which was nice, as well as more of the Green Lanterns themselves regrouping and preparing for the retaliation. They've collected themselves now and are striking back. Awesome.
This is just a good series. I was liking Green Lantern Corps before the Sinestro Corps saga started, and now it's just that much more incentive to read. Great job to Geoff Johns and Dave Gibbons on their work here.
I loved the Sinestro Corps special. Loved. That the two last installments of the saga haven't created the same enthusiasm in me doesn't really speak badly of them, it just shows how good the start was. All the same, this is a good issue, with action and some plot development, as well as an amazing end that has me hyped up for the next issue. I think the writing team is doing a good job of revving things back from the initial special in order to build some tension and suspense, and I think it's going to pay off before the summer's over.
This issue showed a bit of Sinestro outside the action, which was nice, as well as more of the Green Lanterns themselves regrouping and preparing for the retaliation. They've collected themselves now and are striking back. Awesome.
This is just a good series. I was liking Green Lantern Corps before the Sinestro Corps saga started, and now it's just that much more incentive to read. Great job to Geoff Johns and Dave Gibbons on their work here.
Blue Beetle #17
One-sentence summary: Though a one-shot issue, this gives us a pretty good story, a bit of good dialogue, and a nice look at the new Beetle developing as a hero.
What can I say? This is a title that's grown on me. I used to be negative about it, but whether my outlook changed or the book just started get better writing, I'm much more in favor of it now than before. The action is fun, the dialogue is great, and the subplots are numerous but handled well. This one's no exception, though it slacks off (somewhat) on the subplots and focuses mostly on Jamie becoming a more experienced hero, dealing with some failure all the while.
It's nice to see a fun book like this deal well with a darker issue of heroism without losing its tone. There are still jokes being made, there are still things to make you smile, but it also deals succinctly with the consequences, and proper reactions, to failure. Good stuff.
I liked this issue. The art was clean, the writing good, and generally a good issue for the growth of the new Blue Beetle.
What can I say? This is a title that's grown on me. I used to be negative about it, but whether my outlook changed or the book just started get better writing, I'm much more in favor of it now than before. The action is fun, the dialogue is great, and the subplots are numerous but handled well. This one's no exception, though it slacks off (somewhat) on the subplots and focuses mostly on Jamie becoming a more experienced hero, dealing with some failure all the while.
It's nice to see a fun book like this deal well with a darker issue of heroism without losing its tone. There are still jokes being made, there are still things to make you smile, but it also deals succinctly with the consequences, and proper reactions, to failure. Good stuff.
I liked this issue. The art was clean, the writing good, and generally a good issue for the growth of the new Blue Beetle.
Green Arrow: Year One #2 (of 6)
One-sentence summary: The revamped origin of Green Arrow continues, this issue giving a more complete portrait of his months spent on the deserted tropical island, involving more intrigue than in prior origins.
First off, the covers on these have been good so far. I have a soft spot for covers that decide to go against the grain (but without overdoing things, ala Marvel Zombies), and these definitely qualify. But, that's a pretty unimportant thing, so I won't dwell on it.
The story we're given is good in this. I mean, it's pretty standard fare of the Green Arrow origin, but the writing is well-done, and it's definitely nice they put more into the island and the going-ons of it. The artwork was good for what this demands.
I do like this book. Due to the 2-week shipping schedule it moves along at a brisk pace, which is good as this is a story we mostly know. It's still a pretty enjoyable read.
First off, the covers on these have been good so far. I have a soft spot for covers that decide to go against the grain (but without overdoing things, ala Marvel Zombies), and these definitely qualify. But, that's a pretty unimportant thing, so I won't dwell on it.
The story we're given is good in this. I mean, it's pretty standard fare of the Green Arrow origin, but the writing is well-done, and it's definitely nice they put more into the island and the going-ons of it. The artwork was good for what this demands.
I do like this book. Due to the 2-week shipping schedule it moves along at a brisk pace, which is good as this is a story we mostly know. It's still a pretty enjoyable read.
Friday, July 27, 2007
All-Star Batman & Robin #6
One-sentence summary: Frank Miller gives us another installment of his overly grim-and-gritty Batman storyline.
I'm not really a huge fan of this book. I know Frank Miller is single-handedly responsible for Batman's regeneration as a franchise, as well as breaking censorship boundaries for years. I like Frank Miller, generally. I just think this book is, well, too Frank Miller-y, if that makes sense. The dialogue is just heavy-handed, even for Miller.
"Crazy kid. She'll get herself KILLED , here. She'll get herself KILLED."
And there's a dozen lines like that.
Jim Lee does a good job with the art; I'm just not into this book. Maybe I'm alone on this one, but I'm just not interested in this book. Sorry Frank Miller fans.
Also, as a very rare aside, I'm probably a bit bitter towards Frank Miller for doing the Spirit movie, as I think he's all wrong for that character.
I'm not really a huge fan of this book. I know Frank Miller is single-handedly responsible for Batman's regeneration as a franchise, as well as breaking censorship boundaries for years. I like Frank Miller, generally. I just think this book is, well, too Frank Miller-y, if that makes sense. The dialogue is just heavy-handed, even for Miller.
"Crazy kid. She'll get herself KILLED , here. She'll get herself KILLED."
And there's a dozen lines like that.
Jim Lee does a good job with the art; I'm just not into this book. Maybe I'm alone on this one, but I'm just not interested in this book. Sorry Frank Miller fans.
Also, as a very rare aside, I'm probably a bit bitter towards Frank Miller for doing the Spirit movie, as I think he's all wrong for that character.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Incredible Hulk #108
One-sentence summary: Hey, great, maybe some plot will develop here since, you know, it's the Hulk's own title...nope, no such luck.
Oh goodie, another pointless World War Hulk tie-in. This one's even more irritating to me because it's actually in Hulk's comic...you'd think they'd allow something to happen, but, no, nothing.
Did you know: Rick Jones is Hulk's friend. Oh, wait, even if you've never read the Hulk outside of World War Hulk you know how this ends. Woo.
Did you know: Miek is also a friend of Hulk. Also, apparently there's some other giant bug with him? That one I didn't know, but it doesn't seem at all important.
I'm tired of World War Hulk. I'm more tired of pointless tie-ins that add nothing to it. Annhilation has the right idea on how to do a huge arc. I guess World War Hulk's successful, though, so we get to look forward to plenty more similar events in the future. Woo.
Oh goodie, another pointless World War Hulk tie-in. This one's even more irritating to me because it's actually in Hulk's comic...you'd think they'd allow something to happen, but, no, nothing.
Did you know: Rick Jones is Hulk's friend. Oh, wait, even if you've never read the Hulk outside of World War Hulk you know how this ends. Woo.
Did you know: Miek is also a friend of Hulk. Also, apparently there's some other giant bug with him? That one I didn't know, but it doesn't seem at all important.
I'm tired of World War Hulk. I'm more tired of pointless tie-ins that add nothing to it. Annhilation has the right idea on how to do a huge arc. I guess World War Hulk's successful, though, so we get to look forward to plenty more similar events in the future. Woo.
Fantastic Five #2 (of 5)
One-sentence summary: Defalco brings another fun MC2 mini-series on the heels of Avengers Next, this issue providing more Doom-sponsored destruction as well as a good ending page of the Thing.
I don't know exactly why I like the MC2 stuff as much as I do. There were periods of time where I enjoyed Spider-Girl without liking the current Spider-Man run. Maybe because Spider-Girl still tries for the fun style of the '60s, with several one-shot issues with a running subplot leading to a brief story arc (or at least it did -- I know it's a bit more contemporarily paced now). Maybe it's because, in general, it just does a good job of capturing an older feel for the comics which wouldn't be good if it were all that were available, but as a selection next to modern comics, offers a pleasant dose of fun. Maybe it's because usually the stories are pretty solid, superior in some ways to their models from the old days.
Long story short, this is pretty fun. It's fun to see characters who are new to us interacting, figuring out who they are as things progress. And, like most the MC2 stuff, it's a basic but good story: Dr. Doom has escaped, supercharged with the Power Cosmic, and is currently out to conquer the world, but wants to rub it in the faces of the Fantastic Five first. I particularly like the line, as he chases after Johnny Storm, "No! No! You mustn't spoil my grand entrance!" Good stuff.
I don't know exactly why I like the MC2 stuff as much as I do. There were periods of time where I enjoyed Spider-Girl without liking the current Spider-Man run. Maybe because Spider-Girl still tries for the fun style of the '60s, with several one-shot issues with a running subplot leading to a brief story arc (or at least it did -- I know it's a bit more contemporarily paced now). Maybe it's because, in general, it just does a good job of capturing an older feel for the comics which wouldn't be good if it were all that were available, but as a selection next to modern comics, offers a pleasant dose of fun. Maybe it's because usually the stories are pretty solid, superior in some ways to their models from the old days.
Long story short, this is pretty fun. It's fun to see characters who are new to us interacting, figuring out who they are as things progress. And, like most the MC2 stuff, it's a basic but good story: Dr. Doom has escaped, supercharged with the Power Cosmic, and is currently out to conquer the world, but wants to rub it in the faces of the Fantastic Five first. I particularly like the line, as he chases after Johnny Storm, "No! No! You mustn't spoil my grand entrance!" Good stuff.
Cable Deadpool #43
One-sentence summary: Cable/Deadpool is back to being funny with this installment bringing back wave after wave of really immature jokes, as well as a character from Deadpool's past.
This was my favorite issue of Cable/Deadpool in a little while. We're back to Bob from Hydra, Deadpool, Agent X, and even Weasel. I love the fact that they use Deadpool's team-crush on the X-Men as a motivating factor. And the immature sex jokes? I loved each and every one of them (all night long?).
This was a good issue. The art worked for what you have, the end was hilarious, the dialogue was back to being moderately sparkling, and, in general, I haven't enjoyed an issue of this as much in a little while. I think one of my favorite moments is at the very front where Bob can't figure out how to correctly break the fourth wall -- just awesome.
This was my favorite issue of Cable/Deadpool in a little while. We're back to Bob from Hydra, Deadpool, Agent X, and even Weasel. I love the fact that they use Deadpool's team-crush on the X-Men as a motivating factor. And the immature sex jokes? I loved each and every one of them (all night long?).
This was a good issue. The art worked for what you have, the end was hilarious, the dialogue was back to being moderately sparkling, and, in general, I haven't enjoyed an issue of this as much in a little while. I think one of my favorite moments is at the very front where Bob can't figure out how to correctly break the fourth wall -- just awesome.
Black Panther #29
One-sentence summary: More Marvel Zombies in this tie-in that I can't help but feel was an effort to boost sales for what was a decent title, though it really isn't too bad.
I've got some qualms with how they're doing this tie-in with Marvel Zombies. For one thing, it's just barely Black Panther anymore; it's Black Panther, and Storm, and half the Fantastic Four, and also Marvel Zombies. As is, I don't think T'Challa gets a full half of the comic anymore, which is a shame because he's a good character if done correctly. I also don't like that it's four-issues. It was sort of fun in the first issue, since it was different, but I was hoping for it to wind down in the second issue, not just-barley get half-through it all.
The other big thing is that it's sort of missing the point of Marvel Zombies. Part of what made the original book such a big hit was that it was dark, and it ended darkly, but it was hilarious too. Now the humor's gone and you're left with some plain-out dark images (Spider-Man taunting a woman and child before devouring them), really bad dialogue from the zombies themselves, and you know it's going to have a, at least somewhat, happy ending. It's like it's taken everything that made Marvel Zombies sell so well and remove as much as possible without actually removing the zombie aspect.
I'm looking forward to them getting back and T'Challa getting back to Wakanda and dealing with problems there. I'd much rather have that then have him wandering through dimensions fighting zombies. I'm sure that's not what the numbers support, though.
I've got some qualms with how they're doing this tie-in with Marvel Zombies. For one thing, it's just barely Black Panther anymore; it's Black Panther, and Storm, and half the Fantastic Four, and also Marvel Zombies. As is, I don't think T'Challa gets a full half of the comic anymore, which is a shame because he's a good character if done correctly. I also don't like that it's four-issues. It was sort of fun in the first issue, since it was different, but I was hoping for it to wind down in the second issue, not just-barley get half-through it all.
The other big thing is that it's sort of missing the point of Marvel Zombies. Part of what made the original book such a big hit was that it was dark, and it ended darkly, but it was hilarious too. Now the humor's gone and you're left with some plain-out dark images (Spider-Man taunting a woman and child before devouring them), really bad dialogue from the zombies themselves, and you know it's going to have a, at least somewhat, happy ending. It's like it's taken everything that made Marvel Zombies sell so well and remove as much as possible without actually removing the zombie aspect.
I'm looking forward to them getting back and T'Challa getting back to Wakanda and dealing with problems there. I'd much rather have that then have him wandering through dimensions fighting zombies. I'm sure that's not what the numbers support, though.
Batman #666
One-sentence summary: Wait, what?
So this issue breaks out of the story in order to visit a possible future in which Damian Wayne has become the Batman. It's not a bad story in all considerations, I just didn't like how they took a break from the story in order to have this one-shot just because of the issue number (and they really forced the demonic stuff into it to make that justification). I think this was a very oddly placed filler, and a very odd filler at that, so I'm not sure what to think of it.
I like Morrison's writing, and I did like the story in this issue, it just seemed out-of-place. It's good for a one-shot, but, again, just awkward in placement.
So this issue breaks out of the story in order to visit a possible future in which Damian Wayne has become the Batman. It's not a bad story in all considerations, I just didn't like how they took a break from the story in order to have this one-shot just because of the issue number (and they really forced the demonic stuff into it to make that justification). I think this was a very oddly placed filler, and a very odd filler at that, so I'm not sure what to think of it.
I like Morrison's writing, and I did like the story in this issue, it just seemed out-of-place. It's good for a one-shot, but, again, just awkward in placement.
Amazing Spider-Man #542
One-sentence summary: Peter seems to have taken a page from Penance's book and broods and threatens through this dark Spider-Man story.
So, thus far we have Spidey tracking down the Kingpin because Aunt May was shot on his orders, alright? This issue is the showdown between Spidey (or, rather, Peter Parker) and Kingpin, and it goes, in what was a pleasant surprise to me, exactly as makes sense. During the fight, Peter guarantees that he will kill the Kingpin, just not yet.
I don't like this storyline. Spidey's always been emotional, but never this angry. He could've just left the fight as is and not guaranteed the death (which I'm sure he won't go through on for some reason, but still). Why now? He's never struck me as a selfish character, really -- whiny, sure, but never selfish -- so why after seeing loads of other innocents die because of Fisk does this one make him so much angrier than the others and pushes him to a level he's never approached before? I don't know, really, but I'm not sure I agree with it. It doesn't feel right for Peter's character.
This was an alright issue, overall. The art's fine, I just don't like having such a dark Spider-man comic, and so consitently. I realize they need to be dark sometimes, but it's been this way for awhile now, and I just want a fun Spidey comic again. Hopefully in the upcoming stories we see some return of the character of Spidey.
So, thus far we have Spidey tracking down the Kingpin because Aunt May was shot on his orders, alright? This issue is the showdown between Spidey (or, rather, Peter Parker) and Kingpin, and it goes, in what was a pleasant surprise to me, exactly as makes sense. During the fight, Peter guarantees that he will kill the Kingpin, just not yet.
I don't like this storyline. Spidey's always been emotional, but never this angry. He could've just left the fight as is and not guaranteed the death (which I'm sure he won't go through on for some reason, but still). Why now? He's never struck me as a selfish character, really -- whiny, sure, but never selfish -- so why after seeing loads of other innocents die because of Fisk does this one make him so much angrier than the others and pushes him to a level he's never approached before? I don't know, really, but I'm not sure I agree with it. It doesn't feel right for Peter's character.
This was an alright issue, overall. The art's fine, I just don't like having such a dark Spider-man comic, and so consitently. I realize they need to be dark sometimes, but it's been this way for awhile now, and I just want a fun Spidey comic again. Hopefully in the upcoming stories we see some return of the character of Spidey.
Annhilation Conquest -- Starlord #1 (of 4)
One-sentence summary: Beginning with the recent history of Starlord, this book lays out the foundation for the Dirty Dozen-esque sci-fi story set in the Annhilation arc.
I do have a soft spot for the Annhilation stuff, so that should be kept in mind. I liked this issue. I thought the art was a bit weird for the setting, but it wasn't bad, and so far it's worked alright. The story is pretty basic, but that's not a bad thing, really, just means it won't be breaking literary ground (which I wasn't expecting anyway). The dialogue's been fun so far, and the characters are certainly interesting. I'm not sure what to think of the return of Rocket Raccoon, but I'm pretty sure I'm happy about it. In general, this looks like it will be the fun Annhilation side-story, but that could rapidly change -- we'll just have to wait to see what they have in store for the characters.
I'm looking forward to the rest of this story. With fun dialogue, interesting characters, a solid story (so far), and a setting I've thoroughly enjoyed over the last year, I'm looking forward to the rest of the Starlord series.
I do have a soft spot for the Annhilation stuff, so that should be kept in mind. I liked this issue. I thought the art was a bit weird for the setting, but it wasn't bad, and so far it's worked alright. The story is pretty basic, but that's not a bad thing, really, just means it won't be breaking literary ground (which I wasn't expecting anyway). The dialogue's been fun so far, and the characters are certainly interesting. I'm not sure what to think of the return of Rocket Raccoon, but I'm pretty sure I'm happy about it. In general, this looks like it will be the fun Annhilation side-story, but that could rapidly change -- we'll just have to wait to see what they have in store for the characters.
I'm looking forward to the rest of this story. With fun dialogue, interesting characters, a solid story (so far), and a setting I've thoroughly enjoyed over the last year, I'm looking forward to the rest of the Starlord series.
Mighty Avengers #4
One-sentence summary: Bendis and Cho deliver an issue of high quality, with plenty of story, fighting, and some beautiful art.
I like this series, and I liked this issue maybe the best of any so far. The art was fantastic (who knew Cho could draw robots so well?), and the story didn't just progress, but had multiple major events happen. The shot of Sentry's wife...that was so well done. I really hope it has a major point. I really like how Bendis is making the Avengers global again; by that I mean that he's having them face problems which are affecting everyone, and not just, say, targeted specifically at them. Having Ultron, with conviction, threaten the entire world? Pretty cool.
Cho really does just a fantastic job. I'm in love with the backup Iron Man suit. Also, Ares is awesome. As he was brought on because he was a Wolverine-Thor, it's funny that I like him better than either of those characters. His fight choreography at the end of the issue was probably some of the best I've seen in quite awhile (certainly up there with Karate Kid and Batman's flying martial arts fight from Brave and the Bold last week). Just awesome.
I thought the though bubbles were briefly overused at the beginning, but only for about a page or two, then it slacked off on them. Not a horrible complaint, really, but I felt I shouldn't just call the book perfect, because it's not. Still, though, the fact I had to go to that for a complaint should tell you how good this issue is.
I like this series, and I liked this issue maybe the best of any so far. The art was fantastic (who knew Cho could draw robots so well?), and the story didn't just progress, but had multiple major events happen. The shot of Sentry's wife...that was so well done. I really hope it has a major point. I really like how Bendis is making the Avengers global again; by that I mean that he's having them face problems which are affecting everyone, and not just, say, targeted specifically at them. Having Ultron, with conviction, threaten the entire world? Pretty cool.
Cho really does just a fantastic job. I'm in love with the backup Iron Man suit. Also, Ares is awesome. As he was brought on because he was a Wolverine-Thor, it's funny that I like him better than either of those characters. His fight choreography at the end of the issue was probably some of the best I've seen in quite awhile (certainly up there with Karate Kid and Batman's flying martial arts fight from Brave and the Bold last week). Just awesome.
I thought the though bubbles were briefly overused at the beginning, but only for about a page or two, then it slacked off on them. Not a horrible complaint, really, but I felt I shouldn't just call the book perfect, because it's not. Still, though, the fact I had to go to that for a complaint should tell you how good this issue is.
Countdown #40
One-sentence summary: More storylines barely progress, but, in total, a fair amount of plot occurs.
See, this is what happens every time I read an issue of Countdown: I get to the last page and my brain thinks "Surely this can't be the last page already!" It's not even that there's not enough going on; it's just that every individual storyline only progresses a teeny bit each issue, but the actual progression is decent.
Anywho, this issue. Nothing particularly bugged me in it, and I was glad to see the newcomer to the Rogues story. Also, the fight scene with Donna and Jason was fun, and it was nice to see some solid action in this. Zatanna was a nice surprise -- I like her, so I hope she's around for a couple more issues, hah. Also, it was nice to finally see Apokolips, since it's supposed to be the focal point of all this.
Pretty decent issue, really. Things are starting to fall into place well.
See, this is what happens every time I read an issue of Countdown: I get to the last page and my brain thinks "Surely this can't be the last page already!" It's not even that there's not enough going on; it's just that every individual storyline only progresses a teeny bit each issue, but the actual progression is decent.
Anywho, this issue. Nothing particularly bugged me in it, and I was glad to see the newcomer to the Rogues story. Also, the fight scene with Donna and Jason was fun, and it was nice to see some solid action in this. Zatanna was a nice surprise -- I like her, so I hope she's around for a couple more issues, hah. Also, it was nice to finally see Apokolips, since it's supposed to be the focal point of all this.
Pretty decent issue, really. Things are starting to fall into place well.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Legion of Monsters -- Morbius
One-sentence summary: This final (I think) issue from the series of one-shots gives us decent art, an interesting take on Morbius, and another few pages of scheming Dracula.
This was alright. The art was pretty decent throughout, but nothing spectacular. I can't say I really enjoyed either story; they weren't particularly bad, I just didn't enjoy them.
Again, small reviews generally indicate my apathy towards a comic. Pretty indicative here.
This was alright. The art was pretty decent throughout, but nothing spectacular. I can't say I really enjoyed either story; they weren't particularly bad, I just didn't enjoy them.
Again, small reviews generally indicate my apathy towards a comic. Pretty indicative here.
Mystic Arcana -- Black Knight
One-sentence summary: Marvel's magic mini-series continues in its second part with a generally interesting story involving rarely seen characters.
I wasn't a huge fan of the Ilyana issue in June, but I really enjoyed this. I thought the art for the Black Knight portion was great, and what was used in the Ian McNee subplot was fitting. His glasses were the highpoint of the art for me, just due to the contrast they presented with clear-cut, basic images against the almost-blurred reality around them.
The storylines were interesting. I liked reading the Black Knight background -- I thought the * call back they used to reference an old Tomb of Dracula was good, almost like a reminder you're reading a comic book, or at least one that's a part of the Marvel universe. I liked how with the Ian McNee subplot you have things not directly tie in with the Black Knight story, but you do have thematic connections.
I'm intrigued to see if this is going to last past just the four issues, or if not. I think it's kind of cool, but I've never been a good judge of the best-selling comics. This is pretty interesting, but I'd probably recommend waiting on the trade paperback for it, just due to the fact most the issue is background stories.
I wasn't a huge fan of the Ilyana issue in June, but I really enjoyed this. I thought the art for the Black Knight portion was great, and what was used in the Ian McNee subplot was fitting. His glasses were the highpoint of the art for me, just due to the contrast they presented with clear-cut, basic images against the almost-blurred reality around them.
The storylines were interesting. I liked reading the Black Knight background -- I thought the * call back they used to reference an old Tomb of Dracula was good, almost like a reminder you're reading a comic book, or at least one that's a part of the Marvel universe. I liked how with the Ian McNee subplot you have things not directly tie in with the Black Knight story, but you do have thematic connections.
I'm intrigued to see if this is going to last past just the four issues, or if not. I think it's kind of cool, but I've never been a good judge of the best-selling comics. This is pretty interesting, but I'd probably recommend waiting on the trade paperback for it, just due to the fact most the issue is background stories.
Shazam! -- The Monster Society of Evil #4 (of 4)
One-sentence summary: How can Jeff Smith be so good?
I won't lie about it; I love Jeff Smith. I loved Bone since I was a kid and it was relatively new, and it's one of the few comics I'm pretty certain I have every issue of, even if a couple here and there aren't the original printings (that weird time period with wizard, you know), and it's definitely the only comic where I own the individual comics but have still bought all the hardcover trades. It's a beautiful story beautifully told. But this isn't about Bone; this is Shazam! And, as a sidenote, kudos to DC for giving Jeff Smith pretty much free rein on this; it shows, and it works.
Captain Marvel is the perfect character for Jeff Smith to do work on; someone who's a classic superhero, but possesses all the innocence of a child because, well, he is one. Reducing his age even further, or at least his height, Smith's created a version of Billy Batson who's being overlooked by society in every way, the only adult in the world who notices him (initially) the vile Dr. Sivana. Size plays a vital (almost said big) role in the storytelling in Shazam, and never is that made clearer than in the last issue.
This is the final chapter of the Shazam series, but I highly recommend the trade on this one, or just buying the issues. Seeing Smith's work with color is somehow even better than I'd think; he's just an artist who has perfected his style and can seemingly do anything with it. The final fight scene is, well, ridiculous and remarkable and reality-ripping. He has the right ingredients in it to make a good, anyone-can-enjoy-this superhero story. Are there explanations given? Sure, for some things; but they're not always good ones, and that's part of it. I don't need to know where Mr. Mind comes from, or how he built these machines, or anything like that -- it's happened, and now Billy Batson has to deal with it. Jeff Smith knows the right mixture of explanation and ignorance that makes it a magical superhero tale (literally, I mean). Simply fantastic.
This book's highly recommended to pretty much anyone. There's a lot to say about it, but suffice to say that it's very, very good.
I won't lie about it; I love Jeff Smith. I loved Bone since I was a kid and it was relatively new, and it's one of the few comics I'm pretty certain I have every issue of, even if a couple here and there aren't the original printings (that weird time period with wizard, you know), and it's definitely the only comic where I own the individual comics but have still bought all the hardcover trades. It's a beautiful story beautifully told. But this isn't about Bone; this is Shazam! And, as a sidenote, kudos to DC for giving Jeff Smith pretty much free rein on this; it shows, and it works.
Captain Marvel is the perfect character for Jeff Smith to do work on; someone who's a classic superhero, but possesses all the innocence of a child because, well, he is one. Reducing his age even further, or at least his height, Smith's created a version of Billy Batson who's being overlooked by society in every way, the only adult in the world who notices him (initially) the vile Dr. Sivana. Size plays a vital (almost said big) role in the storytelling in Shazam, and never is that made clearer than in the last issue.
This is the final chapter of the Shazam series, but I highly recommend the trade on this one, or just buying the issues. Seeing Smith's work with color is somehow even better than I'd think; he's just an artist who has perfected his style and can seemingly do anything with it. The final fight scene is, well, ridiculous and remarkable and reality-ripping. He has the right ingredients in it to make a good, anyone-can-enjoy-this superhero story. Are there explanations given? Sure, for some things; but they're not always good ones, and that's part of it. I don't need to know where Mr. Mind comes from, or how he built these machines, or anything like that -- it's happened, and now Billy Batson has to deal with it. Jeff Smith knows the right mixture of explanation and ignorance that makes it a magical superhero tale (literally, I mean). Simply fantastic.
This book's highly recommended to pretty much anyone. There's a lot to say about it, but suffice to say that it's very, very good.
Monday, July 23, 2007
The Goon #19
One-sentence summary: Eric Powell's long-awaited return to the Goon is slightly, well, disappointing, but it's still a very good comic on its own.
I love the Goon. Not too many non-Marvel/DC comics are going to get reviews here, but the Goon will always have a space here because, all the way back to the Albatross print and before, it has been a great comic. It continues to be good, too, but this issue should just not be approached with the level of excitement I had. In my own mind, Powell was hitting a great stride around Goon #17 and #18, involving a large cast of characters, each one fleshed out very well. Here we open up with a random rant about Oprah, then a sort of catch-up issue to get reacquainted with the world of The Goon.
I'm moderately certain the break in the Goon was to allow Powell to work on a Goon graphic novel, exploring his past, particularly Chinatown. I'm really, really looking forward to this, along with all future issues of the Goon. I heartily recommend all of the Goon, even if this issue is a bit lackluster compared to the shining awesomeness that is the norm.
I love the Goon. Not too many non-Marvel/DC comics are going to get reviews here, but the Goon will always have a space here because, all the way back to the Albatross print and before, it has been a great comic. It continues to be good, too, but this issue should just not be approached with the level of excitement I had. In my own mind, Powell was hitting a great stride around Goon #17 and #18, involving a large cast of characters, each one fleshed out very well. Here we open up with a random rant about Oprah, then a sort of catch-up issue to get reacquainted with the world of The Goon.
I'm moderately certain the break in the Goon was to allow Powell to work on a Goon graphic novel, exploring his past, particularly Chinatown. I'm really, really looking forward to this, along with all future issues of the Goon. I heartily recommend all of the Goon, even if this issue is a bit lackluster compared to the shining awesomeness that is the norm.
Superman Batman #38
One-sentence summary: The newest issue of Superman/Batman offers little in form of collaboration between the title heroes, but it does have some intriguing plot developments on the villain side.
While not a ground-breaking book by any stretch, the first scene with Desaad is awesome, and the rest is alright. The art works in context and I'm looking forward to seeing where this plot goes. I hope for some more actual interaction between the main heroes, but we'll see. Even now it's not bad, just not great either.
While not a ground-breaking book by any stretch, the first scene with Desaad is awesome, and the rest is alright. The art works in context and I'm looking forward to seeing where this plot goes. I hope for some more actual interaction between the main heroes, but we'll see. Even now it's not bad, just not great either.
World War Hulk: Frontline #2 (of 6)
One-sentence summary: Probably the best of the World War Hulk titles, this is a rather bland issue of Frontline.
I just wasn't all too enthused with this. I liked Civil War: Frontline, and I'm looking forward to the directions WWH: Frontline will take, I just didn't think very much happened in this issue. I might be forgetting something major, but I don't think so. Of course, this could be due to editorial constraints from not much having happened in World War Hulk.
I'm looking forward to where this goes, but not because of this issue, but because of my trust in the Frontline titles.
I just wasn't all too enthused with this. I liked Civil War: Frontline, and I'm looking forward to the directions WWH: Frontline will take, I just didn't think very much happened in this issue. I might be forgetting something major, but I don't think so. Of course, this could be due to editorial constraints from not much having happened in World War Hulk.
I'm looking forward to where this goes, but not because of this issue, but because of my trust in the Frontline titles.
Ultimate Spider-Man #111
One-sentence summary: A cool departure from the normal format, we have Peter explaining everything to Aunt May one one-half the page while his day goes by on the other half of the page without dialogue, and the whole issue is generally well-done and a good wrap-up of this mega-saga.
Ultimate Spider-Man again doesn't disappoint, giving us a very different issue that succeeds on all levels as a touching moment between Peter and the aunt that raised him explaining the who and why he is, as well as why he will continue to be who he is. This is the last issue for Mark Bagley, who's done a great job, but Stuart Immonen will do a good job too. Bendis continues to do a great job on this title, and this issue's no exception.
This was a pretty good issue of Ultimate Spider-Man. I loved the format, just due to it being novel. The issue served well to segue to the next portion of Ultimate Spider-Man without being too tied to what has already occurred; a new reader wouldn't be too lost in this. This was a good issue of a good comic.
Ultimate Spider-Man again doesn't disappoint, giving us a very different issue that succeeds on all levels as a touching moment between Peter and the aunt that raised him explaining the who and why he is, as well as why he will continue to be who he is. This is the last issue for Mark Bagley, who's done a great job, but Stuart Immonen will do a good job too. Bendis continues to do a great job on this title, and this issue's no exception.
This was a pretty good issue of Ultimate Spider-Man. I loved the format, just due to it being novel. The issue served well to segue to the next portion of Ultimate Spider-Man without being too tied to what has already occurred; a new reader wouldn't be too lost in this. This was a good issue of a good comic.
Super-Villain Team-up: MODOK's 11 #1 (of 5)
One-sentence summary: The verbose title hides what might shape up to be a fun team-up of B- and C-list villains in a villain's variation of Ocean's 11.
MODOK's 11 contains much of what can be expected by the title; MODOK is gathering fairly forgotten villains (it was weird to see the Spot in two different titles in a week, particularly after what can only be years of inactivity) in order to pull off some sort of heist, more of which will be explained in the next issue. This issue consists mostly of the gathering of the villains, which in it of itself was pretty amusing.
Possibly by borrowing directly from Ocean's 11, this has been pretty well-progressed so far, with a good introduction to most of the characters without spending too much page-space on them. It also contained a flashback sequence in order to illustrate that, yes, MODOK is truly evil, and we shouldn't forget that. All in all, pretty good, and I'll be looking forward to the next installment; I'd recommend this pretty easily.
MODOK's 11 contains much of what can be expected by the title; MODOK is gathering fairly forgotten villains (it was weird to see the Spot in two different titles in a week, particularly after what can only be years of inactivity) in order to pull off some sort of heist, more of which will be explained in the next issue. This issue consists mostly of the gathering of the villains, which in it of itself was pretty amusing.
Possibly by borrowing directly from Ocean's 11, this has been pretty well-progressed so far, with a good introduction to most of the characters without spending too much page-space on them. It also contained a flashback sequence in order to illustrate that, yes, MODOK is truly evil, and we shouldn't forget that. All in all, pretty good, and I'll be looking forward to the next installment; I'd recommend this pretty easily.
New X-Men #40
One-sentence summary: I should really remember more of what happened, but I don't; I think it was ok?
Alright, I'll fess up: I don't really care about New X-Men. I really don't feel the artwork, I got into it too late to like any character but Santo (and occasionally Dust), and I barely remember half the characters. Combine that with this latest storyline about Ilyana Rasputin, a character I only remember as a child for having died, and I really don't know what's going on in the plot. They're in limbo? It looks like Hell, but I think it's limbo (they keep saying that). A character who's a devil, but not the devil or anything, has huge amounts of power and they need to beat him, so they need a soulsword, which can only be made from yakity smakity, blah blah blah. It's just such a convoluted storyline where things are happening all over the place, with characters dying and being brought back from the dead like nothin', involving characters that I didn't think we'd seen for 15 years, all with confusing artwork that does not facilitate easy understanding.
I just don't really enjoy New X-Men; they die so often even their own self-pitying speeches have turned to self-referential mockery.
On a good note, though, this issues does contain the latest Endangered Species bit, which I'm enjoying more than most X-books (excluding [X-cluding?] X-Factor). This one was ok; I didn't know the character he was talking to, so I couldn't connect with that, but it was still interesting. I'm hoping this mini-series answers the question that's been bugging me that I don't know an answer to: why the 198? What's special about them, or that number, that prevented them from being hit by Wanda's curse (that's actually part of the story and not an obvious story-telling device to prevent Marvel's most lucrative characters from disappearing)? I do look forward to this.
Alright, I'll fess up: I don't really care about New X-Men. I really don't feel the artwork, I got into it too late to like any character but Santo (and occasionally Dust), and I barely remember half the characters. Combine that with this latest storyline about Ilyana Rasputin, a character I only remember as a child for having died, and I really don't know what's going on in the plot. They're in limbo? It looks like Hell, but I think it's limbo (they keep saying that). A character who's a devil, but not the devil or anything, has huge amounts of power and they need to beat him, so they need a soulsword, which can only be made from yakity smakity, blah blah blah. It's just such a convoluted storyline where things are happening all over the place, with characters dying and being brought back from the dead like nothin', involving characters that I didn't think we'd seen for 15 years, all with confusing artwork that does not facilitate easy understanding.
I just don't really enjoy New X-Men; they die so often even their own self-pitying speeches have turned to self-referential mockery.
On a good note, though, this issues does contain the latest Endangered Species bit, which I'm enjoying more than most X-books (excluding [X-cluding?] X-Factor). This one was ok; I didn't know the character he was talking to, so I couldn't connect with that, but it was still interesting. I'm hoping this mini-series answers the question that's been bugging me that I don't know an answer to: why the 198? What's special about them, or that number, that prevented them from being hit by Wanda's curse (that's actually part of the story and not an obvious story-telling device to prevent Marvel's most lucrative characters from disappearing)? I do look forward to this.
Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #22
One-sentence summary: In this issue, the Arrow/Ero story arc finally closes with some ridiculous goodness/dumbness, hopefully leaving this series to move on to a more interesting story for the last few issues.
Not sure what to say about this issue. It doesn't really read like Peter David's style; he's usually such a careful plotter, not quite to the point of leaving clues around or anything like that, but usually the end of a story at least makes sense. I sort of wonder if he just got bored with this and tacked on some ending he figured no one would care about (and he's sort of right about that).
I try not to give away plot details (thus the spoiler-free guarantee of these reviews), but I will say that the end of Ero in this book is just dumb, especially considering she's been leading up to be this moderately to very powerful enemy.
I won't say I was massively disappointed by this issue or anything. I wasn't expecting much of it, honestly; this hasn't been the best Spider-Man story (what has the best been recently?). Still, though, this has just been dumb.
I won't ruin much by saying this one last detail: Flash openly talking about having tantric sex with Betty Brant was one of the most disturbing exchanges in recent memory of comics, particularly as they just started dating, in comicdom, about a week ago or so. There's just so much of that that's gross to me.
The art was fine for the issue, though; nothing fantastic, but it was probably the highpoint of the issue. The half-spider, half-woman Arrow was pretty cool looking, I'll give easily. Can't heartily recommend this one, but I have faith enough in Peter David that I'm looking forward to his portion of the Amazing Spider-Man coming soon.
Not sure what to say about this issue. It doesn't really read like Peter David's style; he's usually such a careful plotter, not quite to the point of leaving clues around or anything like that, but usually the end of a story at least makes sense. I sort of wonder if he just got bored with this and tacked on some ending he figured no one would care about (and he's sort of right about that).
I try not to give away plot details (thus the spoiler-free guarantee of these reviews), but I will say that the end of Ero in this book is just dumb, especially considering she's been leading up to be this moderately to very powerful enemy.
I won't say I was massively disappointed by this issue or anything. I wasn't expecting much of it, honestly; this hasn't been the best Spider-Man story (what has the best been recently?). Still, though, this has just been dumb.
I won't ruin much by saying this one last detail: Flash openly talking about having tantric sex with Betty Brant was one of the most disturbing exchanges in recent memory of comics, particularly as they just started dating, in comicdom, about a week ago or so. There's just so much of that that's gross to me.
The art was fine for the issue, though; nothing fantastic, but it was probably the highpoint of the issue. The half-spider, half-woman Arrow was pretty cool looking, I'll give easily. Can't heartily recommend this one, but I have faith enough in Peter David that I'm looking forward to his portion of the Amazing Spider-Man coming soon.
Avengers Initiative #4
One-sentence summary: Probably one of the best World War Hulk tie-ins yet, it both advances the plot behind Initiative as well as giving significant details on World War Hulk.
I've been on the fence about Avengers Initiative for awhile. It seems like a pretty logical idea to me as far as a comic goes, and I have a soft spot for any comic which introduces main characters who can actually die (seems dark, I know, but it just usually makes a better comic). I've so far enjoyed Iniative, so I was a little dismayed to see that this was a World War Hulk tie-in, which, in my mind, immediately changed the title to "Read about the Iniative getting smashed by Hulk!" Imagine my pleasant surprise when that wasn't what it was, really.
This issue barely involves the hulk, directly at least. There's one interesting plot twist it details which, rather than affecting WWH, explains an incident in greater detail, which I thought was neat. It makes it so you don't feel the book was absolutely pointless to the main story (e.g., Ghost Rider), but it doesn't really change anything for those who are only following the main story. I really liked this, and I hope more tie-ins pick up on that (as they're probably told by editors they can't do anything radical).
It also, rather logically, did not have the Initative going after the Hulk. This would just be dumb; instead, they have them helping regular people, each using their powers appropriately. The end, yes, seems to be leading into next issue being "Hulk's Friends Smash," but, hey, at least it's not the Hulk smashing -- I could do with the variety.
Also, the regular story of the Iniative was advanced at least somewhat, even if to a slightly lower extent than a regular issue would do. All in all, this was my favorite tie-in in recent memories, as it actually read like a tie-in and not a 22-page filler issue of ads for whatever the current saga is.
I could pretty easily recommend this to people who are buying the Initiative, as well as people buying what they can of World War Hulk stuff. Not a bad issue at all -- a good job to all involved.
I've been on the fence about Avengers Initiative for awhile. It seems like a pretty logical idea to me as far as a comic goes, and I have a soft spot for any comic which introduces main characters who can actually die (seems dark, I know, but it just usually makes a better comic). I've so far enjoyed Iniative, so I was a little dismayed to see that this was a World War Hulk tie-in, which, in my mind, immediately changed the title to "Read about the Iniative getting smashed by Hulk!" Imagine my pleasant surprise when that wasn't what it was, really.
This issue barely involves the hulk, directly at least. There's one interesting plot twist it details which, rather than affecting WWH, explains an incident in greater detail, which I thought was neat. It makes it so you don't feel the book was absolutely pointless to the main story (e.g., Ghost Rider), but it doesn't really change anything for those who are only following the main story. I really liked this, and I hope more tie-ins pick up on that (as they're probably told by editors they can't do anything radical).
It also, rather logically, did not have the Initative going after the Hulk. This would just be dumb; instead, they have them helping regular people, each using their powers appropriately. The end, yes, seems to be leading into next issue being "Hulk's Friends Smash," but, hey, at least it's not the Hulk smashing -- I could do with the variety.
Also, the regular story of the Iniative was advanced at least somewhat, even if to a slightly lower extent than a regular issue would do. All in all, this was my favorite tie-in in recent memories, as it actually read like a tie-in and not a 22-page filler issue of ads for whatever the current saga is.
I could pretty easily recommend this to people who are buying the Initiative, as well as people buying what they can of World War Hulk stuff. Not a bad issue at all -- a good job to all involved.
The Spirit #8
One-sentence summary: Honestly one of the best books on the market, and if you're not reading it, start.
Darwyn Cooke is one of my favorite guys in the comic book industry right now. New Frontier was simply phenomenal, and his work on the Spirit is fantastic. He's the perfect fit for it, too.
I sincerely can't think of enough good things to say about the Spirit. You have these wonderful one-shots, many connecting through specific character interactions, all of which tell well-plotted stories with art that I adore more than, yunno, words and junk. And, on top of all this, you have a nice dollop of old-fashioned humor that fits the book (and the characters) perfectly.
This is a great book. There aren't too many other books out right now I would claim that of; maybe none. This, however, is great. This is the sort of comic that could get people into comic books, or the sort they enjoy without ever reading another comic.
The Spirit #8 doesn't disappoint in that regard, reuniting our masked protagonist with his secondary romantic interest (which is all sexual tension and nothing else, which makes it all the better), both of them (indirectly) facing off against the main villain, it seems, of the series. It's just a spectacular issue in an incredible series. Highest recommendations for this book.
Darwyn Cooke is one of my favorite guys in the comic book industry right now. New Frontier was simply phenomenal, and his work on the Spirit is fantastic. He's the perfect fit for it, too.
I sincerely can't think of enough good things to say about the Spirit. You have these wonderful one-shots, many connecting through specific character interactions, all of which tell well-plotted stories with art that I adore more than, yunno, words and junk. And, on top of all this, you have a nice dollop of old-fashioned humor that fits the book (and the characters) perfectly.
This is a great book. There aren't too many other books out right now I would claim that of; maybe none. This, however, is great. This is the sort of comic that could get people into comic books, or the sort they enjoy without ever reading another comic.
The Spirit #8 doesn't disappoint in that regard, reuniting our masked protagonist with his secondary romantic interest (which is all sexual tension and nothing else, which makes it all the better), both of them (indirectly) facing off against the main villain, it seems, of the series. It's just a spectacular issue in an incredible series. Highest recommendations for this book.
Robin #164
One-sentence summary: An interesting lead into what looks to be a rather large-scale story for Robin.
It seems a fair number of folks really dislike the book Robin; while I don't share that, I can see where they're coming from. And I can see why they might dislike this upcoming story, with the collection of pretty horrible villains (Tapeworm?) trying to go Bart Allen all over Robin. Somehow, though, I want to see it. I don't have a great explanation why -- maybe I just have a penchant for heroes facing long odds, particularly when those odds include a pair of villains named Micro and Macro. It's just so comic book-y, something young in me loves it. And maybe that's what we should realize with Robin -- is this a book being picked up by folks wanting to see the '80s era giant dick-Batman come back, or is it being picked up by tweens who are going a couple steps farther after watching the Teen Titans cartoon? If it's the latter, then not only does this book make sense, but it succeeds wonderfully. It's not a PG book, don't get me wrong -- Dodge took off, moderately graphically, a guy's hand in this issue. But maybe it has that sense of fun, that art style that just occasionally borders on the cartoonish/animeish, that opens it up to that audience without being a separate brand of comic from those on the shelf around it.
I'll keep reading Robin. I'll look forward to the next issue, not because I really am worried about what will happen (I'll assume Robin will win), but because I'm wanting to see it happen. I want to see how it happens, because I bet it will be fun.
It seems a fair number of folks really dislike the book Robin; while I don't share that, I can see where they're coming from. And I can see why they might dislike this upcoming story, with the collection of pretty horrible villains (Tapeworm?) trying to go Bart Allen all over Robin. Somehow, though, I want to see it. I don't have a great explanation why -- maybe I just have a penchant for heroes facing long odds, particularly when those odds include a pair of villains named Micro and Macro. It's just so comic book-y, something young in me loves it. And maybe that's what we should realize with Robin -- is this a book being picked up by folks wanting to see the '80s era giant dick-Batman come back, or is it being picked up by tweens who are going a couple steps farther after watching the Teen Titans cartoon? If it's the latter, then not only does this book make sense, but it succeeds wonderfully. It's not a PG book, don't get me wrong -- Dodge took off, moderately graphically, a guy's hand in this issue. But maybe it has that sense of fun, that art style that just occasionally borders on the cartoonish/animeish, that opens it up to that audience without being a separate brand of comic from those on the shelf around it.
I'll keep reading Robin. I'll look forward to the next issue, not because I really am worried about what will happen (I'll assume Robin will win), but because I'm wanting to see it happen. I want to see how it happens, because I bet it will be fun.
Checkmate #16
One-sentence summary: An issue that begins a new story, it seems, while wrapping up others, all with an understandable romance -- done well!
Checkmate's an interesting book. I generally really like it, and this issue is no exception. Sometimes, above all things, it's a well-plotted book. This issue does an enormous number of things, and it does them all well. It features flashbacks to flesh out the character of Sasha Bordeaux a bit more, if for nothing else to show us just how horrible what's occurred to her is in the previous issues. At the same time, it shows the background and current developments in her relationship with Mr. Terrific, also wrapping up a storyline from Birds of Prey with the introduction of Ice, and with an end which hints at the directions this story's going next.
Checkmate can be a bit confusing for a new reader, due to the number of characters (particularly if you're unfamiliar with the characters outside of the book). But, I'd say it's worth getting into. The world of superhuman espionage and politics is, well, fantastic. Each development is interesting and has implications.
The art works well for the book; nothing fabulous, but good nevertheless.
Checkmate's an interesting book. I generally really like it, and this issue is no exception. Sometimes, above all things, it's a well-plotted book. This issue does an enormous number of things, and it does them all well. It features flashbacks to flesh out the character of Sasha Bordeaux a bit more, if for nothing else to show us just how horrible what's occurred to her is in the previous issues. At the same time, it shows the background and current developments in her relationship with Mr. Terrific, also wrapping up a storyline from Birds of Prey with the introduction of Ice, and with an end which hints at the directions this story's going next.
Checkmate can be a bit confusing for a new reader, due to the number of characters (particularly if you're unfamiliar with the characters outside of the book). But, I'd say it's worth getting into. The world of superhuman espionage and politics is, well, fantastic. Each development is interesting and has implications.
The art works well for the book; nothing fabulous, but good nevertheless.
Black Canary #2 (of 4)
One-sentence summary: Black Canary's mini-series is better than I expected, and is generally pretty decent.
I'll admit: I'm liking this book so far. Maybe I'm softening with age or something, but I find Sin's occasional cuteness, well, fun. Followed by her hideous bursts of violence, well, that's what makes it a comic book. The art works for this title, and the story is crisp and fairly sensible. No great lengths are being taken so that what's going on is reasonable; rather, it's pretty easy to see a longtime Green Arrow foe taking advantage of this situation, as it gives him an opportunity to hurt Green Arrow while taking advantage that he's in close proximity to a person of large importance to the assassin community.
It helps that they're pushing this book out once per every two weeks. A story like this might lose momentum with a month's wait (maybe), but as is is pretty brisk and enjoyable.
I'm not a long-time Black Canary/Green Arrow fan, so maybe there are some greivous character errors happening here, but as far as I'm concerned it's all good. I generally like this title, if not that enthusiastically. Good job, comic book.
I'll admit: I'm liking this book so far. Maybe I'm softening with age or something, but I find Sin's occasional cuteness, well, fun. Followed by her hideous bursts of violence, well, that's what makes it a comic book. The art works for this title, and the story is crisp and fairly sensible. No great lengths are being taken so that what's going on is reasonable; rather, it's pretty easy to see a longtime Green Arrow foe taking advantage of this situation, as it gives him an opportunity to hurt Green Arrow while taking advantage that he's in close proximity to a person of large importance to the assassin community.
It helps that they're pushing this book out once per every two weeks. A story like this might lose momentum with a month's wait (maybe), but as is is pretty brisk and enjoyable.
I'm not a long-time Black Canary/Green Arrow fan, so maybe there are some greivous character errors happening here, but as far as I'm concerned it's all good. I generally like this title, if not that enthusiastically. Good job, comic book.
Birds of Prey #108
One-sentence summary: Birds of Prey wraps up the Spy Smasher storyline in a very satisfactory way, as well as offering a fantastic 4-page spread, as well as offering a bit of nice epilogue.
I like Birds of Prey; I didn't initially, but it has definitely grown on me. Maybe that's due to the fact that you can't help but slowly grow to like most the characters due to Simone's crisp dialogue, or maybe just because it's a good book. In this issue you get a great end to Spy Smasher (anyone who's been following the storyline will be muttering "bitch had it coming," guaranteed), followed by some likable aftermath with no awkward attempts to bridge to the next storyline (which I appreciated). Again, while this is obviously not an issue to start reading on, the storyline is worth the trade paperback.
I might rave about the writing, but the art for Birds of Prey is excellent too, in such a way that it's just that right level of great that it complements the story in such a way it blends. The art team did great work on this issue.
I just checked and found out this is Simone's last issue (that and the cover to the next issue is absolutely abhorrent). This is a sad, sad thing.
I'm sad to see Simone's run end, but I'm glad it ended on a pretty good note.
I like Birds of Prey; I didn't initially, but it has definitely grown on me. Maybe that's due to the fact that you can't help but slowly grow to like most the characters due to Simone's crisp dialogue, or maybe just because it's a good book. In this issue you get a great end to Spy Smasher (anyone who's been following the storyline will be muttering "bitch had it coming," guaranteed), followed by some likable aftermath with no awkward attempts to bridge to the next storyline (which I appreciated). Again, while this is obviously not an issue to start reading on, the storyline is worth the trade paperback.
I might rave about the writing, but the art for Birds of Prey is excellent too, in such a way that it's just that right level of great that it complements the story in such a way it blends. The art team did great work on this issue.
I just checked and found out this is Simone's last issue (that and the cover to the next issue is absolutely abhorrent). This is a sad, sad thing.
I'm sad to see Simone's run end, but I'm glad it ended on a pretty good note.
Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #54
One-sentence summary: A new, and final, chapter of the new Aquaman is beginning, with what looks to be lots of revelations packed into the last 3 issues of the series.
Aquaman has never been one of my favorites; this has continued to be true since the One Year Later rehash that is the new Aquaman. In brief, I think they missed one of the key points of a rehash when they did this, and that's to help introduce new readers to the series. I hadn't followed Aquaman before OYL, and, due to entirely coincidental reasons, that's more or less when I started reading it. As a new reader coming into the book at a new beginning, I should have been able to feel like I was on the same page with everyone else, like someone reading The Mighty Avengers #1 who didn't read the other Avengers runs. Instead, I'm thrust into this story about Sub Diego, replete with loads of characters from the original series I was unfamiliar with but clearly should have known. All in all, I couldn't enjoy it, and so it came as no shock that it's being cancelled.
That being said, though, I was intrigued by the storyline going on and wish that could have gotten more fully told. Instead, I'm sure they'll just retcon the original Aquaman back into things and end the series with that. This issue, though, isn't too bad at all. The story moves in interesting directions, and the art fits it in parts, which is nice.
I will say this about the art: I really do like the style, I'm just not sure if it fits this book with this story. It's a good style, but it just feels a bit cartoonish at times for this story. I hope McManus finds a good project after this; it'd be a shame to see him just drop off the radar.
I'm interested to see how they end this series. I hope they manage to wrap up the storylines, but I somehow really doubt that occuring, at least to a satisfactory extent. We'll see, though. Hopefully.
Aquaman has never been one of my favorites; this has continued to be true since the One Year Later rehash that is the new Aquaman. In brief, I think they missed one of the key points of a rehash when they did this, and that's to help introduce new readers to the series. I hadn't followed Aquaman before OYL, and, due to entirely coincidental reasons, that's more or less when I started reading it. As a new reader coming into the book at a new beginning, I should have been able to feel like I was on the same page with everyone else, like someone reading The Mighty Avengers #1 who didn't read the other Avengers runs. Instead, I'm thrust into this story about Sub Diego, replete with loads of characters from the original series I was unfamiliar with but clearly should have known. All in all, I couldn't enjoy it, and so it came as no shock that it's being cancelled.
That being said, though, I was intrigued by the storyline going on and wish that could have gotten more fully told. Instead, I'm sure they'll just retcon the original Aquaman back into things and end the series with that. This issue, though, isn't too bad at all. The story moves in interesting directions, and the art fits it in parts, which is nice.
I will say this about the art: I really do like the style, I'm just not sure if it fits this book with this story. It's a good style, but it just feels a bit cartoonish at times for this story. I hope McManus finds a good project after this; it'd be a shame to see him just drop off the radar.
I'm interested to see how they end this series. I hope they manage to wrap up the storylines, but I somehow really doubt that occuring, at least to a satisfactory extent. We'll see, though. Hopefully.
Amazons Attack #4 (of 6)
One-sentence summary: Another issue of Amazons Attack offers more of the same, though the plot does move along well.
I think I'm getting Event-Burnout, to some degree. No, I guess I take that back; I'm getting Amazons Attack/World War Hulk burnout. For Amazons Attack, my main complaint with it is just that, well, it didn't get my interest. I'm the sort of guy who reads every single mainstream comic so, really, if you can't get my interest there's something supremely wrong. I think it's because the event seemed so forced -- you have these gigantic, horrifying things happening with no effects in other, non-tie-in books, and it came with no build-up. Just seemed hastily put-together to me.
I will say, the plot moves along quite well in this issue. I will say the biggest revelation in the book was almost missed by me, just due to no real details around it. But, the book moves the story along, which is nice to see, and the art's all fine. I'm by no stretch warming up to the previous issues of Amazons Attack, but this one has made me slightly more curious to see how they'll deal with the aftermath. Will there be actual changes in the DCU due to this? Will this at least seriously affect Wonder Woman's future? Who knows, but Amazons Attack looks to be wrapping up in a better way than it began, at least.
I think I'm getting Event-Burnout, to some degree. No, I guess I take that back; I'm getting Amazons Attack/World War Hulk burnout. For Amazons Attack, my main complaint with it is just that, well, it didn't get my interest. I'm the sort of guy who reads every single mainstream comic so, really, if you can't get my interest there's something supremely wrong. I think it's because the event seemed so forced -- you have these gigantic, horrifying things happening with no effects in other, non-tie-in books, and it came with no build-up. Just seemed hastily put-together to me.
I will say, the plot moves along quite well in this issue. I will say the biggest revelation in the book was almost missed by me, just due to no real details around it. But, the book moves the story along, which is nice to see, and the art's all fine. I'm by no stretch warming up to the previous issues of Amazons Attack, but this one has made me slightly more curious to see how they'll deal with the aftermath. Will there be actual changes in the DCU due to this? Will this at least seriously affect Wonder Woman's future? Who knows, but Amazons Attack looks to be wrapping up in a better way than it began, at least.
Action Comics #852
One-sentence summary: A decent tie-in with Countdown with nothing particular going for it or against it.
I really liked the sequence with the Kryptonite Man, giving Jimmy that final push to become a hero, but, really, this was just a useless tie-in issue trying to push the sales up of Countdown. That's fine and everything, but it just leaves a meh-filler issue. It's not bad, just not great, either.
Why's the review so short? There's really just not much to say about this one. It's fine.
I really liked the sequence with the Kryptonite Man, giving Jimmy that final push to become a hero, but, really, this was just a useless tie-in issue trying to push the sales up of Countdown. That's fine and everything, but it just leaves a meh-filler issue. It's not bad, just not great, either.
Why's the review so short? There's really just not much to say about this one. It's fine.
Friday, July 20, 2007
World War Hulk: X-Men #2 (of 3)
One-sentence summary: Wow, Hulk sure can smash.
Is it showing yet that I'm just getting irritated with the World War Hulk tie-ins? It makes complete sense that Xavier, who didn't participate in the voting but was involved with the Illuminati, would feel guilty and be honest with Hulk. I don't quite understand why he's so passive in watching his students and friends get torn apart, but, hey, not my tie-in book to write.
In other news: Hulk smashes mutants! I particularly like how they're bring in some international mutants for 3 extra panels of smashing.
My conclusion for all zero of you? Pick this up if you haven't grown tired of Hulk smashing and you would like to see said smashing in X-Men flavors. Also available: every other character in the Marvel universe.
Is it showing yet that I'm just getting irritated with the World War Hulk tie-ins? It makes complete sense that Xavier, who didn't participate in the voting but was involved with the Illuminati, would feel guilty and be honest with Hulk. I don't quite understand why he's so passive in watching his students and friends get torn apart, but, hey, not my tie-in book to write.
In other news: Hulk smashes mutants! I particularly like how they're bring in some international mutants for 3 extra panels of smashing.
My conclusion for all zero of you? Pick this up if you haven't grown tired of Hulk smashing and you would like to see said smashing in X-Men flavors. Also available: every other character in the Marvel universe.
Wolverine Origins Annual #1
One-sentence summary: While definitely better than the normal Wolverine Origins issue, it's still just another Wolverine story.
This wasn't too bad of a comic, really; the art was not my thing, and the story was just mediocre, but that's so far above the par for Wolverine Origins I've gotta give this issue a compliment for that.
Why was it better? Possibly because it didn't feature much from Wolverine Origins. While it's a flashback issue dealing with some random aspect of his past (which I stopped even trying to make sense of 7 years ago), the present-day story portion seems much more relevant to the main Wolverine book, which is currently fathoms better than Origins.
Is that a bad thing for a title? For the annual to be the best issue in -- well, probably ever -- because it shares few if any characteristics with the main book? Probably so; still true, though.
This wasn't too bad of a comic, really; the art was not my thing, and the story was just mediocre, but that's so far above the par for Wolverine Origins I've gotta give this issue a compliment for that.
Why was it better? Possibly because it didn't feature much from Wolverine Origins. While it's a flashback issue dealing with some random aspect of his past (which I stopped even trying to make sense of 7 years ago), the present-day story portion seems much more relevant to the main Wolverine book, which is currently fathoms better than Origins.
Is that a bad thing for a title? For the annual to be the best issue in -- well, probably ever -- because it shares few if any characteristics with the main book? Probably so; still true, though.
Thunderbolts: Desperate Measures
One-sentence summary: While I'm uncertain of the purpose of this one-shot except to show how very deep Speedball -- uhh, Penance -- is, it's not bad.
For those of us who aren't content with once-a-month doses of our favorite Osborn-ran team, here's a one-shot. There's nothing particularly amazing about this issue, but the art's alright and the story's not too shabby, centering around Penance going slightly closer to "edgy" from his current "absolutely crazy."
On a slightly off-topic bit, I think it's a bit funny how this comes out the week after the GLI Summer One-shot with Squirrel Girl ridiculing Speedball, including an amazing appearance of his now-deep and dark cat, Niels. I can imagine them planing this release entirely to reinforce Penance's "bad-ass" reputation after the GLI special.
Man, I really over-used quotation mark-ed adjectives this time. I guess it's because Penance still isn't established solidly in my mind, so any sort of characteristics he has seem sort of temporary or forced to me; I'm sure that'll fade.
In total, though, this isn't too bad of a one-shot. There are definitely some good moments. Not too bad at all.
For those of us who aren't content with once-a-month doses of our favorite Osborn-ran team, here's a one-shot. There's nothing particularly amazing about this issue, but the art's alright and the story's not too shabby, centering around Penance going slightly closer to "edgy" from his current "absolutely crazy."
On a slightly off-topic bit, I think it's a bit funny how this comes out the week after the GLI Summer One-shot with Squirrel Girl ridiculing Speedball, including an amazing appearance of his now-deep and dark cat, Niels. I can imagine them planing this release entirely to reinforce Penance's "bad-ass" reputation after the GLI special.
Man, I really over-used quotation mark-ed adjectives this time. I guess it's because Penance still isn't established solidly in my mind, so any sort of characteristics he has seem sort of temporary or forced to me; I'm sure that'll fade.
In total, though, this isn't too bad of a one-shot. There are definitely some good moments. Not too bad at all.
Ghost Rider: Trail of Tears #6 (of 6)
One-sentence summary: What a horrifyingly depressing end to an already dark and broody story.
I don't know what to say about this one. I'm tired of giving bad reviews to these comics, but I just didn't enjoy a single bit of Trail of Tears. For one, on a monthly basis, there were an awful lot of names to remember as most the art was so dark (literally, in this case) that I couldn't actually pick out faces to remember characters by.
I don't have much to say about this comic that isn't expressed by simply saying it was too dark, too depressing, and too long. Garth Ennis disappointed with this one, his usual mixture of dark comedy with a darker undercurrent gives way entirely to the undercurrent. I couldn't recommend this title to anyone.
I don't know what to say about this one. I'm tired of giving bad reviews to these comics, but I just didn't enjoy a single bit of Trail of Tears. For one, on a monthly basis, there were an awful lot of names to remember as most the art was so dark (literally, in this case) that I couldn't actually pick out faces to remember characters by.
I don't have much to say about this comic that isn't expressed by simply saying it was too dark, too depressing, and too long. Garth Ennis disappointed with this one, his usual mixture of dark comedy with a darker undercurrent gives way entirely to the undercurrent. I couldn't recommend this title to anyone.
Ghost Rider #13
One-sentence summary: Hulk smashes, then doesn't smash.
I guess I can buy that Ghost Rider (or, as the issue states, Johnny Blaze) would want to go fight the Hulk to protect people. I can buy that he would get his butt handed to him because, well, he's Ghost Rider and he's trying to take on a suped-up Hulk. So far, this all makes sense to me. What doesn't make sense is the mid-act "Ghost Rider has boundless power" thing. I'm not going to pretend to be a long-time Ghost Rider fan; I have no idea what his previous levels of power were, nor am I going to pretend that in Comic Book World such things are ever concrete. However, on an issue-to-issue basis Ghost Rider deals with, well, zombies, bad super villain zombies, and very weak incarnations of the devil. While he doesn't have a particular problem dealing with them, he does not show god-like strength either.
Here's what I'm getting at: it's really dumb and forced to have a Ghost Rider tie-in to World War Hulk, at least one in which he tries to take on Hulk. This story has no impact on either the Ghost Rider story arc, nor the World War Hulk story arc. It is not a particularly compelling story on its own, and the art, which works well for Ghost Rider's genre, does not work so well here with Hulk.
I guess I can buy that Ghost Rider (or, as the issue states, Johnny Blaze) would want to go fight the Hulk to protect people. I can buy that he would get his butt handed to him because, well, he's Ghost Rider and he's trying to take on a suped-up Hulk. So far, this all makes sense to me. What doesn't make sense is the mid-act "Ghost Rider has boundless power" thing. I'm not going to pretend to be a long-time Ghost Rider fan; I have no idea what his previous levels of power were, nor am I going to pretend that in Comic Book World such things are ever concrete. However, on an issue-to-issue basis Ghost Rider deals with, well, zombies, bad super villain zombies, and very weak incarnations of the devil. While he doesn't have a particular problem dealing with them, he does not show god-like strength either.
Here's what I'm getting at: it's really dumb and forced to have a Ghost Rider tie-in to World War Hulk, at least one in which he tries to take on Hulk. This story has no impact on either the Ghost Rider story arc, nor the World War Hulk story arc. It is not a particularly compelling story on its own, and the art, which works well for Ghost Rider's genre, does not work so well here with Hulk.
JLA #11
One-sentence summary: It's a brave move to do a stylistically different filler issue featuring two of the more minor characters this early in a book's lifetime, but with the JLA they can get away with it without the result being too bad.
I'm not sure what I think of this one. I've been very much a fan of the first ten issues of JLA, so on one hand I definitely wanted more of the same; however, a mix-up here and there is good, and for a filler/standalone issue, this is actually pretty good. The art is definitely what makes it; without it, this would have been just another disaster/trapped story. However, the art, or lack thereof in some scenes, sets the proper mood for the issue. I also liked the touch of Red Arrow using trick arrows; too often in out of the normal stories, the characters tend to act out-of-character and forget about their individual bags of tricks.
I'm pretty neutral to Red Arrow, and have at times actively disliked Vixen, but I will give this story credit that I like them both a bit better, for different reasons, now. Red Arrow showed some grit, which is usually a plus for a character, and I was intrigued by the reveal on Vixen's powers.
Not too bad for a standalone. Definitely worth a look, even if it's just a brief one.
I'm not sure what I think of this one. I've been very much a fan of the first ten issues of JLA, so on one hand I definitely wanted more of the same; however, a mix-up here and there is good, and for a filler/standalone issue, this is actually pretty good. The art is definitely what makes it; without it, this would have been just another disaster/trapped story. However, the art, or lack thereof in some scenes, sets the proper mood for the issue. I also liked the touch of Red Arrow using trick arrows; too often in out of the normal stories, the characters tend to act out-of-character and forget about their individual bags of tricks.
I'm pretty neutral to Red Arrow, and have at times actively disliked Vixen, but I will give this story credit that I like them both a bit better, for different reasons, now. Red Arrow showed some grit, which is usually a plus for a character, and I was intrigued by the reveal on Vixen's powers.
Not too bad for a standalone. Definitely worth a look, even if it's just a brief one.
Catwoman #69
One-sentence summary: An Amazon Attacks tie-in -- woo...
I guess this is all biased because I'm just not into the Amazons Attack stuff, but I really didn't care much for this issue. Nothing was that bad about it; just very neutral.
I did like seeing Selina's bad side a little more than we normally do, as the book seems to want her to be a hero more than an anti-hero, but that's a personal preference of mine I suppose.
It seems to me everything having to do with Amazons Attack has a sort of weaksauce story (yes, I said weaksauce -- thanks Dino Comics). Here the second act (stop the evil Amazons with the bomb!) has almost no correlation with the plan of the first act (infiltrate the Amazons to stop them). It's like the writer knew what he wanted to happen in both acts, but just couldn't think of any really good ways to connect them, so just, well, slapped some stuff down and called it a day.
I hate to be so negative, but, yeah, this wasn't very good. It wasn't awful, but I wouldn't recommend the title to anyone.
I guess this is all biased because I'm just not into the Amazons Attack stuff, but I really didn't care much for this issue. Nothing was that bad about it; just very neutral.
I did like seeing Selina's bad side a little more than we normally do, as the book seems to want her to be a hero more than an anti-hero, but that's a personal preference of mine I suppose.
It seems to me everything having to do with Amazons Attack has a sort of weaksauce story (yes, I said weaksauce -- thanks Dino Comics). Here the second act (stop the evil Amazons with the bomb!) has almost no correlation with the plan of the first act (infiltrate the Amazons to stop them). It's like the writer knew what he wanted to happen in both acts, but just couldn't think of any really good ways to connect them, so just, well, slapped some stuff down and called it a day.
I hate to be so negative, but, yeah, this wasn't very good. It wasn't awful, but I wouldn't recommend the title to anyone.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Captain America #28
One-sentence summary: Brubaker continues to deliver a solid book, even lacking its title protagonist, though this is a bit of a slow issue compared with others.
Captain America has been a pretty quality book while Brubaker has ran the show, and it continues to be good. This issue steps back the pace some and allows us to catch up to the status of the title's various characters and see where they're headed. Though slow compared to some issues, it's a necessary and appreciated slowness right now, giving the characters a bit of time to talk outside of fighting. The art continues to be absolutely excellent. While this isn't a good issue to pick up if you haven't been reading the arc, it's a good issue that flows things along and prepares the way for the next couple issues.
Captain America has been a pretty quality book while Brubaker has ran the show, and it continues to be good. This issue steps back the pace some and allows us to catch up to the status of the title's various characters and see where they're headed. Though slow compared to some issues, it's a necessary and appreciated slowness right now, giving the characters a bit of time to talk outside of fighting. The art continues to be absolutely excellent. While this isn't a good issue to pick up if you haven't been reading the arc, it's a good issue that flows things along and prepares the way for the next couple issues.
Annhilation Conquest: Quasar #1 (of 4)
One-sentence summary: Annhilation continues to produce good comics, exploring forgotten characters now in the spotlight, along with good art and an interesting plot.
I won't hide it -- I'm a fan of the Annhilation stuff. Honestly, I'm liking it every bit as much as any other mega-event going on in the major comics, more than the vast majority of them. There certainly is quite a bit of potential in all these characters, and as the vast majority of the Marvel universe has been dubbed "expendable," these are issues with plot developments that can include the destruction of populated planets, the mass-slaying of an entire race, etc. Anything can happen on any scale; consequently, some pretty cool things actually happen, and probably will have a lasting effect.
Now, this is just one of the several Annhilation titles out, so I should review it individually now that I've given my speech about the coolness of the whole arc. I'm liking the character of the new Quasar, Captain Mar-vell's daughter, now stuck with two legacies. My only complaint in this was that her relationship with Moondragon was almost over-emphasized, but that's a pretty minor point overall. Also, well, I'm pretty sure you can see Moondragon's nipples in every shot where it's at all possible, which was a bit, well, dumb in my opinion, but that's what happens when you have an artist from Vampirella.
All in all, I've consistently liked the Annhilation titles. I imagine that not all of the titles coming out this summer for it will be absolutely necessary to understand what's going on in the overarching story, but they'll probably be good fun all the same. I gotta say that I liked this.
I won't hide it -- I'm a fan of the Annhilation stuff. Honestly, I'm liking it every bit as much as any other mega-event going on in the major comics, more than the vast majority of them. There certainly is quite a bit of potential in all these characters, and as the vast majority of the Marvel universe has been dubbed "expendable," these are issues with plot developments that can include the destruction of populated planets, the mass-slaying of an entire race, etc. Anything can happen on any scale; consequently, some pretty cool things actually happen, and probably will have a lasting effect.
Now, this is just one of the several Annhilation titles out, so I should review it individually now that I've given my speech about the coolness of the whole arc. I'm liking the character of the new Quasar, Captain Mar-vell's daughter, now stuck with two legacies. My only complaint in this was that her relationship with Moondragon was almost over-emphasized, but that's a pretty minor point overall. Also, well, I'm pretty sure you can see Moondragon's nipples in every shot where it's at all possible, which was a bit, well, dumb in my opinion, but that's what happens when you have an artist from Vampirella.
All in all, I've consistently liked the Annhilation titles. I imagine that not all of the titles coming out this summer for it will be absolutely necessary to understand what's going on in the overarching story, but they'll probably be good fun all the same. I gotta say that I liked this.
The Order #1
One-sentence summary: All-in-all, different, but not in a bad way, from normal first issues, The Order starts what could be a pretty interesting comic series.
Not a great summary, I know, but that's because my feelings aren't quite settled on this book yet. On one hand, it's an interesting concept, reminding me of one my favorite Marvel comics of recent years, X-Statix. The concept for the Order: California's superhero team will consist of a selection of volunteers given superpowers for one year, and based on public voting, the final initiative team for California will be chosen. If this is handled with a good balance of comedy and drama I could come to like this series (and it helps that the art's pretty good, enough to almost make up for the boring character designs). The writer, Matt Fraction, is doing amazing work with Brubaker on Iron Fist, but he's also doing abysmal work on Punisher: War Journal, so can't judge from that. This issue doesn't really give us a good feel for the characters or team dynamics, so it's tough to tell how that will all pan out. This will be a title to watch for and see how things develop.
Honestly, the reason I would give this title a recommendation instead of just a meh? The last page reveal of communist supervillains, in particular a bear (not a guy in a bear suit, but an actual bear). Awesome.
Not a great summary, I know, but that's because my feelings aren't quite settled on this book yet. On one hand, it's an interesting concept, reminding me of one my favorite Marvel comics of recent years, X-Statix. The concept for the Order: California's superhero team will consist of a selection of volunteers given superpowers for one year, and based on public voting, the final initiative team for California will be chosen. If this is handled with a good balance of comedy and drama I could come to like this series (and it helps that the art's pretty good, enough to almost make up for the boring character designs). The writer, Matt Fraction, is doing amazing work with Brubaker on Iron Fist, but he's also doing abysmal work on Punisher: War Journal, so can't judge from that. This issue doesn't really give us a good feel for the characters or team dynamics, so it's tough to tell how that will all pan out. This will be a title to watch for and see how things develop.
Honestly, the reason I would give this title a recommendation instead of just a meh? The last page reveal of communist supervillains, in particular a bear (not a guy in a bear suit, but an actual bear). Awesome.
Countdown #41
One-sentence summary: Countdown continues to be a few interesting plots and a few not-so-interesting plots with decent, if inconsistent, art.
It's tough to do a review of Countdown without separating out the plots, at least at this point. I thought the Jimmy Olsen stuff in this one was pretty amusing; even if it didn't advance the story much, I liked it. It's a weekly title, so they get a "Get out of me complaining about slow plot development free" card (I have several overly specific cards). The Trickster and Piper plot is really growing on me. I began the series not really caring about the characters, but I've already grown to enjoy them -- I probably look forward to their plot as much as any other. I also like Mary Marvel, but she's just barely in this issue, so not much to say about her.
With the good, however, is the bad. The search for Ray Palmer is just, well, boring. Jason's dialogue with the Monitor was good, but I'm sort of sad that Ryan Choi has quickly gone from headlining a potentially great series to headlining a potentially canned series that contains little but adulations for Ray Palmer. I've yet to be interested in a single thing having to do with Amazons Attack, and that includes the Holly/Harley plot in Countdown.
If there are any plots I'm missing, well, I'm sort of sorry, but it also means they're probably boring. I like Countdown, really, and it gives me hope that certain storylines are growing on me; maybe by the end I'll be enjoying this totally. The title is definitely growing on me.
It's tough to do a review of Countdown without separating out the plots, at least at this point. I thought the Jimmy Olsen stuff in this one was pretty amusing; even if it didn't advance the story much, I liked it. It's a weekly title, so they get a "Get out of me complaining about slow plot development free" card (I have several overly specific cards). The Trickster and Piper plot is really growing on me. I began the series not really caring about the characters, but I've already grown to enjoy them -- I probably look forward to their plot as much as any other. I also like Mary Marvel, but she's just barely in this issue, so not much to say about her.
With the good, however, is the bad. The search for Ray Palmer is just, well, boring. Jason's dialogue with the Monitor was good, but I'm sort of sad that Ryan Choi has quickly gone from headlining a potentially great series to headlining a potentially canned series that contains little but adulations for Ray Palmer. I've yet to be interested in a single thing having to do with Amazons Attack, and that includes the Holly/Harley plot in Countdown.
If there are any plots I'm missing, well, I'm sort of sorry, but it also means they're probably boring. I like Countdown, really, and it gives me hope that certain storylines are growing on me; maybe by the end I'll be enjoying this totally. The title is definitely growing on me.
Brave and the Bold #5
One-sentence summary: Brave and the Bold is a comic which I think is usually underrated, and even though this is a bit of a slow issue, I still enjoyed it quite a bit.
Mark Waid is usually a good writer to look for if you're looking for a fun read. Brave and the Bold continues its tradition of combining characters with Batman and the Legion of Superheroes this time. Nothing universe-shaking, generally, just good ol' fashioned comic book fun, really, and that's what BatB (as I shall now refer to it, even though I just negated the times-saving offered by the acronym by typing this lengthy explanation of it) is. The art is fine for the book, and it was fun to see Batman give the Legion a run for their money. I think Waid's Brainy was probably the highlight of the issue for me, honestly, though I did like the triple-charged Supergirl.
The nice thing about BatB is that Waid takes these characters I have no real fondness for (Blue Beetle, Supergirl) and somehow makes them enjoyable for me. Maybe it's just nice to see characters who rarely get exposure out of their own book thrown into a new situation; seeing Blue Beetle go fanboy on Batman in an earlier issue may be the highlight of the entire series for me. Though this wasn't my favorite issue, I still highly recommend BatB for anyone (like me) who likes a break from the giant, hero-destryong events of Marvel and DC.
Mark Waid is usually a good writer to look for if you're looking for a fun read. Brave and the Bold continues its tradition of combining characters with Batman and the Legion of Superheroes this time. Nothing universe-shaking, generally, just good ol' fashioned comic book fun, really, and that's what BatB (as I shall now refer to it, even though I just negated the times-saving offered by the acronym by typing this lengthy explanation of it) is. The art is fine for the book, and it was fun to see Batman give the Legion a run for their money. I think Waid's Brainy was probably the highlight of the issue for me, honestly, though I did like the triple-charged Supergirl.
The nice thing about BatB is that Waid takes these characters I have no real fondness for (Blue Beetle, Supergirl) and somehow makes them enjoyable for me. Maybe it's just nice to see characters who rarely get exposure out of their own book thrown into a new situation; seeing Blue Beetle go fanboy on Batman in an earlier issue may be the highlight of the entire series for me. Though this wasn't my favorite issue, I still highly recommend BatB for anyone (like me) who likes a break from the giant, hero-destryong events of Marvel and DC.
World War Hulk #2 (of 5)
One-sentence summary: Gorgeous Romita Jr art is the highlight of this continuation of "Hulk Smash Everyone" story, which has almost no plot development except, well, Hulk smashes more people.
Let me put it on the record that I really liked Planet Hulk and am still looking forward to see how this whole WWH thing turns out. However, for the second issue of what is Marvel's big summer event, I really expected more plot instead of just more people trying to hurt Hulk with no success. At this point, yes, I get that Hulk is very, very strong. Thank you for telling me again, though.
It's really not a bad book. I'm loving Romita's art in this, so that's a definite plus, and, really, everyone likes a good dose of "Hulk Smash" now and again. I just wish we had some smashin' that occurred outside of city limits instead of just watching a stream of superheroes fail for two issues. I haven't read the satellite titles for WWH that came out this week yet, so maybe there will be more in them.
Let me put it on the record that I really liked Planet Hulk and am still looking forward to see how this whole WWH thing turns out. However, for the second issue of what is Marvel's big summer event, I really expected more plot instead of just more people trying to hurt Hulk with no success. At this point, yes, I get that Hulk is very, very strong. Thank you for telling me again, though.
It's really not a bad book. I'm loving Romita's art in this, so that's a definite plus, and, really, everyone likes a good dose of "Hulk Smash" now and again. I just wish we had some smashin' that occurred outside of city limits instead of just watching a stream of superheroes fail for two issues. I haven't read the satellite titles for WWH that came out this week yet, so maybe there will be more in them.
All Flash #1
One-sentence summary: even w/multiple artists doing this, the story stayed cohesive as a way to introduce Wally West back into the DCU as the Flash, but not much more.
All Flash (sort of an odd name for a one-shot introduction, but, hey, whatever) wasn't a bad comic by any stretch, really, it just didn't do much for me. I think that's mostly because I grew up w/Impulse and the Flash from the cartoons; my Flashes are usually jokesters with the books having a generally light-hearted feel. This is so far from light-hearted it borders on down-right horrific with the fate of Inertia; Waid definitely does a darker job on this than most his stuff. I'm not complaining that this book wasn't jokey; I didn't really expect that, as Bart Allen is dead because of Wally's return. I was just hoping for something even moderately more upbeat than this for the Flash. As is, what I got was a mostly vengeful and depressing comic with an end foreshadowing what look to be some of the worst Flash characters since...ever, really.
However, I should stay positive. The art can definitely be nice in the book, and the story, as one that had to be told, is pretty well done. Wally West is back, and this book cements him back in place.
All Flash (sort of an odd name for a one-shot introduction, but, hey, whatever) wasn't a bad comic by any stretch, really, it just didn't do much for me. I think that's mostly because I grew up w/Impulse and the Flash from the cartoons; my Flashes are usually jokesters with the books having a generally light-hearted feel. This is so far from light-hearted it borders on down-right horrific with the fate of Inertia; Waid definitely does a darker job on this than most his stuff. I'm not complaining that this book wasn't jokey; I didn't really expect that, as Bart Allen is dead because of Wally's return. I was just hoping for something even moderately more upbeat than this for the Flash. As is, what I got was a mostly vengeful and depressing comic with an end foreshadowing what look to be some of the worst Flash characters since...ever, really.
However, I should stay positive. The art can definitely be nice in the book, and the story, as one that had to be told, is pretty well done. Wally West is back, and this book cements him back in place.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Intro Post
Hey folks. If you're reading this...well, I'm not all too sure why you're reading this. I'll go ahead and lay out what I want this little blog to become:
I hope to review, if not all, most the new comics published each week by Marvel, DC, and then a variety of others. My hope for these reviews is just to help guide anyone who reads to a comic they might like, possibly helping to support all those excellent titles which, regretfully, fall short on sales.
I'll be posting these reviews as soon as I can, which will probably end up being some on Wednesday evening with some on Thursday. Hopefully the first review will be up in less than 24 hours after posting this. Hopefully!
I hope to review, if not all, most the new comics published each week by Marvel, DC, and then a variety of others. My hope for these reviews is just to help guide anyone who reads to a comic they might like, possibly helping to support all those excellent titles which, regretfully, fall short on sales.
I'll be posting these reviews as soon as I can, which will probably end up being some on Wednesday evening with some on Thursday. Hopefully the first review will be up in less than 24 hours after posting this. Hopefully!
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