Wednesday, August 15, 2007
A Quick Explanation
I hate to do this before I've written a full month of reviews, but the next two weeks are going to be pretty shaky as far as updates go. Work ended last week, I just moved, I don't have any internet from my apartment, my laptop's on the fritz, and I'll be about 500 miles from my hard drives, comics, laptop, and internet connection for all of next week. Things will be back on track in...two weeks.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Countdown #38
One-sentence summary: Quite a bit more action in this issue, a little bit of plot development, and (hurray) absolutely nothing about Amazons Attack.
Honestly, this was one of the best issues of Countdown yet. If I were to make a single complaint with it, I'd say that there wasn't a ton of plot to it, just scenes and action, but it still had more plot than the usual issue of Countdown. I really liked this issue; maybe it was just me, but the artwork even seemed to be a bit better.
First off, all the action with Zatanna and Mary Marvel was interesting and definitely was a cool way to show Zatanna how Mary's changed, as well as developing the Apokolips plot some (I had just been reading the Forever People, so seeing an Omega or Alpha bullet, whatever it was called, was cool). While it would be a disappointing end if that's all they did with the Question and Batwoman, the scene with them and Piper/Trickster was absolutely fantastic. The puppets, man, the puppets! The Karate Kid development was, at least for me, a bit surprising. Maybe I should've seen this coming, but I didn't.
Nothing really happened with Jimmy Olsen, despite the fact that he was on the cover of the issue. He got rejected from Titans, that was all. Woo. While I do like the cover, I think a better one probably would've been Trickster doing a puppet show for an irritated Question and Batwoman, but, hey, that's just my two cents.
No Amazons Attack plot! Woo! I hate that plot so much.
Also, however, no Ray Palmer plot. I guess this might be because The All-New Atom #14 had a fair amount of development on this storyline, so they figured people got their Atom fix last week, they can take a break on that. I accept this, particularly since they write Ryan Choi so poorly.
Good issue, all in all. They moved things along at a decent pace, that damnable "History of the Multiverse" section is finally over, and they had a good mix of action and comedy in it. For this, I'm pretty satisfied.
Honestly, this was one of the best issues of Countdown yet. If I were to make a single complaint with it, I'd say that there wasn't a ton of plot to it, just scenes and action, but it still had more plot than the usual issue of Countdown. I really liked this issue; maybe it was just me, but the artwork even seemed to be a bit better.
First off, all the action with Zatanna and Mary Marvel was interesting and definitely was a cool way to show Zatanna how Mary's changed, as well as developing the Apokolips plot some (I had just been reading the Forever People, so seeing an Omega or Alpha bullet, whatever it was called, was cool). While it would be a disappointing end if that's all they did with the Question and Batwoman, the scene with them and Piper/Trickster was absolutely fantastic. The puppets, man, the puppets! The Karate Kid development was, at least for me, a bit surprising. Maybe I should've seen this coming, but I didn't.
Nothing really happened with Jimmy Olsen, despite the fact that he was on the cover of the issue. He got rejected from Titans, that was all. Woo. While I do like the cover, I think a better one probably would've been Trickster doing a puppet show for an irritated Question and Batwoman, but, hey, that's just my two cents.
No Amazons Attack plot! Woo! I hate that plot so much.
Also, however, no Ray Palmer plot. I guess this might be because The All-New Atom #14 had a fair amount of development on this storyline, so they figured people got their Atom fix last week, they can take a break on that. I accept this, particularly since they write Ryan Choi so poorly.
Good issue, all in all. They moved things along at a decent pace, that damnable "History of the Multiverse" section is finally over, and they had a good mix of action and comedy in it. For this, I'm pretty satisfied.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Crécy
One-sentence summary: This unusual one-shot from Warren Ellis presents the battle of Crécy in a realistic, period-based narrative with stunning art.
I went into this book not really knowing what to expect, which turned out to be good as I never would have expected what I got. Crécy is a graphic novel written following one soldier as he tells us (directly speaking to us, a modern-day audience) the background, motivation, and effects of the battle of Crécy. Not only was it historically accurate, but I don't think it's too much of a stretch to say that this was educational. Now, don't get me wrong, it, being about a battle, has action in it as well, and as it tries to be true to the voice of a soldier, it's definitely explicit, so this isn't a kid's book; at the same time, though, I'd probably give this to a high schooler who's in world history.
I would have enjoyed just reading this book -- I'm a bit of a nerd, so simply reading about history's fun for me -- but what really set this apart for me as a quality read was the beautiful pencil/ink work of Raulo Caceres. Simply fantastic.
I went into this not knowing what to expect; what I got was a fantastic historical graphic novel that I'd recommend to both comic and history buffs, or those just wanting a good read.
I went into this book not really knowing what to expect, which turned out to be good as I never would have expected what I got. Crécy is a graphic novel written following one soldier as he tells us (directly speaking to us, a modern-day audience) the background, motivation, and effects of the battle of Crécy. Not only was it historically accurate, but I don't think it's too much of a stretch to say that this was educational. Now, don't get me wrong, it, being about a battle, has action in it as well, and as it tries to be true to the voice of a soldier, it's definitely explicit, so this isn't a kid's book; at the same time, though, I'd probably give this to a high schooler who's in world history.
I would have enjoyed just reading this book -- I'm a bit of a nerd, so simply reading about history's fun for me -- but what really set this apart for me as a quality read was the beautiful pencil/ink work of Raulo Caceres. Simply fantastic.
I went into this not knowing what to expect; what I got was a fantastic historical graphic novel that I'd recommend to both comic and history buffs, or those just wanting a good read.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Doktor Sleepless #1
One-sentence summary: Warren Ellis' new Sci-Fi series delivers a promising start, replete with interesting characters and a plain-spoken version of Ellis' futurism.
While a series can't really be judged well by a first issue, Doktor Sleepless certainly seems like it will be an interesting read. Its gritty art matches the story well. The designs on the various futuristic elements of the story grounds them in such a way that this future seems not just realistic, but near.
This is a well-done start to what hopefully will be an interesting new Ellis story. Hopefully a more complete review can be given for future issues, but, for now, things are looking very interesting.
While a series can't really be judged well by a first issue, Doktor Sleepless certainly seems like it will be an interesting read. Its gritty art matches the story well. The designs on the various futuristic elements of the story grounds them in such a way that this future seems not just realistic, but near.
This is a well-done start to what hopefully will be an interesting new Ellis story. Hopefully a more complete review can be given for future issues, but, for now, things are looking very interesting.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Justice League Unlimited #36
One-sentence summary: I post a review for this all-ages kid's comic because, well, it's good.
I have a soft spot in my heart for the fun comics. I think we all should, really, because as much as some things might make a person think otherwise, that is the source of the entire industry and generally remains a large portion of its income. To deny the place in the modern age of fun comics would be pretty ridiculous, as I think it's bad enough most of them are sold as more or less kids' only books. I may start posting reviews here of at least the really excellent titles that are coming out under this, and one of those is definitely JLU.
Based off the cartoon show, the art in this book maintains the cartoon's feel, which was something I grew up on and thus can appreciate, even if it doesn't fully work in a comic. The writers rotate on this, a new one writing about a new character every month who has the spotlight, while other characters are also involved in the story. In this month's issue, we get a Question who's much more Rorschach than he is any form of the Question, filled with paranoia and going days and days without sleep while solving the case, every sentence chopped off. His dialogue is absolutely perfect for a character; I would buy a comic starring him, certainly.
So, in this kids book, we get fun references to more or less every major conspiracy theory and monster in urban legend in a handful of pages, all the while being convinced of the Question's growing insanity until the last couple of pages where the reveal occurs.
This is a comic I would buy to make a kid fall in love with comics. You get them introduced to all sorts of characters every month, you have fun and accessible stories, and they've got good writing. If Dan Didio kills this title off due to his hatred of the DCAU, I'll lose one of my favorite titles and the industry will lose one of the most underappreciated titles out there.
I have a soft spot in my heart for the fun comics. I think we all should, really, because as much as some things might make a person think otherwise, that is the source of the entire industry and generally remains a large portion of its income. To deny the place in the modern age of fun comics would be pretty ridiculous, as I think it's bad enough most of them are sold as more or less kids' only books. I may start posting reviews here of at least the really excellent titles that are coming out under this, and one of those is definitely JLU.
Based off the cartoon show, the art in this book maintains the cartoon's feel, which was something I grew up on and thus can appreciate, even if it doesn't fully work in a comic. The writers rotate on this, a new one writing about a new character every month who has the spotlight, while other characters are also involved in the story. In this month's issue, we get a Question who's much more Rorschach than he is any form of the Question, filled with paranoia and going days and days without sleep while solving the case, every sentence chopped off. His dialogue is absolutely perfect for a character; I would buy a comic starring him, certainly.
So, in this kids book, we get fun references to more or less every major conspiracy theory and monster in urban legend in a handful of pages, all the while being convinced of the Question's growing insanity until the last couple of pages where the reveal occurs.
This is a comic I would buy to make a kid fall in love with comics. You get them introduced to all sorts of characters every month, you have fun and accessible stories, and they've got good writing. If Dan Didio kills this title off due to his hatred of the DCAU, I'll lose one of my favorite titles and the industry will lose one of the most underappreciated titles out there.
Jonah Hex #22
One-sentence summary: While usually a good title, I felt this issue of Jonah Hex was a bit off of the latest run, steering away from the gritty realism of the last several issues and going with a steampunk adventure starring Edison and Tesla from the sidelines.
I've been liking Jonah Hex, but part of the reason I've been liking it is because, as a friend put it, it's a Clint Eastwood movie put into comic form. Clint Eastwood movies do not revolve around automatons/robots (two very different things usually considered the same in any steampunk story).
I guess that's my real grief with this. It was just such a departure from the Jonah Hex that I've gotten used to, now I don't know if I should expect renegade cowboys or time travelers in the next issue. Hopefully the former. As its own story, it's not horrible. It exaggerates, obviously, the feud between Edison and Tesla, but I can deal with that. I didn't think it was as high of quality of story as you normally find with Jonah Hex, though. The art was still great, though, and the cover is pretty fantastic, even if I didn't like the subject matter of the story.
I've been liking Jonah Hex, but part of the reason I've been liking it is because, as a friend put it, it's a Clint Eastwood movie put into comic form. Clint Eastwood movies do not revolve around automatons/robots (two very different things usually considered the same in any steampunk story).
I guess that's my real grief with this. It was just such a departure from the Jonah Hex that I've gotten used to, now I don't know if I should expect renegade cowboys or time travelers in the next issue. Hopefully the former. As its own story, it's not horrible. It exaggerates, obviously, the feud between Edison and Tesla, but I can deal with that. I didn't think it was as high of quality of story as you normally find with Jonah Hex, though. The art was still great, though, and the cover is pretty fantastic, even if I didn't like the subject matter of the story.
Daredevil: Battlin' Jack Murdock #3 (of 4)
One-sentence summary: A fairly unnecessary mini-series, this issue doesn't deliver anything unexpected.
I don't really get the point of this series. They're giving us background on Daredevil's dad, which is nice, but I have no idea why it's four issues long. This very well could've been a one-shot, as far as I'm concerned, and just been paced more tightly. As it is, we have a pretty basic story -- old fighter gets back into ring only to learn that mob is fixing the fights so that he can take a big-time fall, thus disappointing his family and friends -- that's been stretched to ridiculous lengths. The art's gritty and bloody and begins to wear on you after an issue or two.
This isn't a bad idea for an issue, but it's a bad idea for a mini-series. Also, I have to question its timing -- is there any reason to push out a poorly conceived Daredevil mini-series right now? I think this book is just missing it in every way.
I don't really get the point of this series. They're giving us background on Daredevil's dad, which is nice, but I have no idea why it's four issues long. This very well could've been a one-shot, as far as I'm concerned, and just been paced more tightly. As it is, we have a pretty basic story -- old fighter gets back into ring only to learn that mob is fixing the fights so that he can take a big-time fall, thus disappointing his family and friends -- that's been stretched to ridiculous lengths. The art's gritty and bloody and begins to wear on you after an issue or two.
This isn't a bad idea for an issue, but it's a bad idea for a mini-series. Also, I have to question its timing -- is there any reason to push out a poorly conceived Daredevil mini-series right now? I think this book is just missing it in every way.
Spider-Man/Fantastic Four #4 (of 4)
One-sentence summary: This short, light mini-series comes to an end, with happy endings all around.
This was a pretty light series to review. I mean, it was fun, but it wasn't ground-breaking or anything, though that wasn't its intention, I'm sure. It did what it was trying to do, which was just give a bit of a nice story for all ages without it being a bad book. In regards to that, it did it well, with a line here or there that was good and an acceptable resolution to the plot. Not too bad, really.
This was a pretty light series to review. I mean, it was fun, but it wasn't ground-breaking or anything, though that wasn't its intention, I'm sure. It did what it was trying to do, which was just give a bit of a nice story for all ages without it being a bad book. In regards to that, it did it well, with a line here or there that was good and an acceptable resolution to the plot. Not too bad, really.
Irredeemable Ant-Man #11
One-sentence summary: In this almost wrap-up issue, Kirkman wonderfully delivers Eric O'Grady as he should be: a truly unlikable jerk of a character.
I've loved this comic. I've loved the fact that, yeah, Eric's a jerk. A huge jerk, for that matter, willing to do just about anything to save his own skin and come out ahead. That's why last issue, Obligatory Hulk Tie-In #10, didn't make any sense to me, but, eh, whatever.
I'll miss this comic. The art's bright and is soley responsible for this comic being fun; if the art were at all dark, we'd realize more fully what a plain out ass Eric is. The writing keeps things going, the dialogue crisp and the plot well-done, each revelation of Eric's shallowness more shocking than the last, whether it be breaking up with a woman loudly and painfully because she has a kid, playing with his dead friend's girlfriend's emotions so that she'll make out with him on the friend's still-fresh grave, or selling out a friend who just invaded a SHIELD Helicarrier for him in order to get his crappy old job back.
Ant-Man did what it did well, and that was a comic about a truly awful protagonist, accidentally thrust into the world of superheroes and doing anything he can to make some money and get some tail from it. For that, this was good. I think Kirkman wanted this comic to go on longer, as twelve issues is a pretty measly run for a monthly, but he's done a great job with it.
I've loved this comic. I've loved the fact that, yeah, Eric's a jerk. A huge jerk, for that matter, willing to do just about anything to save his own skin and come out ahead. That's why last issue, Obligatory Hulk Tie-In #10, didn't make any sense to me, but, eh, whatever.
I'll miss this comic. The art's bright and is soley responsible for this comic being fun; if the art were at all dark, we'd realize more fully what a plain out ass Eric is. The writing keeps things going, the dialogue crisp and the plot well-done, each revelation of Eric's shallowness more shocking than the last, whether it be breaking up with a woman loudly and painfully because she has a kid, playing with his dead friend's girlfriend's emotions so that she'll make out with him on the friend's still-fresh grave, or selling out a friend who just invaded a SHIELD Helicarrier for him in order to get his crappy old job back.
Ant-Man did what it did well, and that was a comic about a truly awful protagonist, accidentally thrust into the world of superheroes and doing anything he can to make some money and get some tail from it. For that, this was good. I think Kirkman wanted this comic to go on longer, as twelve issues is a pretty measly run for a monthly, but he's done a great job with it.
Outsiders: Five of a Kind #1 Nightwing/Boomerang
One-sentence summary: This just seemed like a poorly plotted story with decent writing.
Honestly, the writing behind this seemed decently thought out and certain points were made very well. If the rest of the story hadn't stunk, I think it would've been a pretty eloquent way to illustrate the relationship between Nightwing and Boomerang. However, it lost me from the get-go. The entire idea of sending two more or less normal people, in comparison to most the supehero world, off to fight a gigantic sentient batch of radioactive, deadly acid is so ridiculous that, even in comic book form, it comes off as unlikely. That's a challenge.
The art was varied in this, although was never really bad. I'm generally not as much an art guy as some folks (I've got the select few I really like, but mostly I don't notice) so I won't comment on art that neither impresses me nor horrifies me.
I want the new Outsiders to be good, I do. This was a sort of blah start to things, but hopefully things will pick up in the next few weeks with this title, but we'll see.
Honestly, the writing behind this seemed decently thought out and certain points were made very well. If the rest of the story hadn't stunk, I think it would've been a pretty eloquent way to illustrate the relationship between Nightwing and Boomerang. However, it lost me from the get-go. The entire idea of sending two more or less normal people, in comparison to most the supehero world, off to fight a gigantic sentient batch of radioactive, deadly acid is so ridiculous that, even in comic book form, it comes off as unlikely. That's a challenge.
The art was varied in this, although was never really bad. I'm generally not as much an art guy as some folks (I've got the select few I really like, but mostly I don't notice) so I won't comment on art that neither impresses me nor horrifies me.
I want the new Outsiders to be good, I do. This was a sort of blah start to things, but hopefully things will pick up in the next few weeks with this title, but we'll see.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Nightwing #135
One-sentence summary: A pretty superfluous issue, this spends an entire issue covering things from the last couple of issues while more or less not moving the plot at all.
This seemed pretty unnecessary to me. The entire issue focuses on Vigilante's interrogation of Dick Grayson after last issue's capture, but we don't really learn anything new. In fact, the entire issue has about as much plot as, say, 2 or 3 pages could have. In trade paperback form, I'm moderately certain that you could not even include this issue and the story would seem uninterrupted.
Top that off with the fact that the story that this issue is a part of is only barely more interesting than the last several Nightwing arcs (and that's far from a compliment), you really have a book that's not worth looking at. F--.
This seemed pretty unnecessary to me. The entire issue focuses on Vigilante's interrogation of Dick Grayson after last issue's capture, but we don't really learn anything new. In fact, the entire issue has about as much plot as, say, 2 or 3 pages could have. In trade paperback form, I'm moderately certain that you could not even include this issue and the story would seem uninterrupted.
Top that off with the fact that the story that this issue is a part of is only barely more interesting than the last several Nightwing arcs (and that's far from a compliment), you really have a book that's not worth looking at. F--.
Friday, August 3, 2007
The All-New Atom #14
One-sentence: Finally, a countdown tie-in that keeps the flavor of the original book while advancing a plot.
This was good. The last issue of the Atom was, well, not so good, really, but this one makes up for it. Not only do we have the best Countdown tie-in I've seen, but we have a very good story on its own. Honestly, any book featuring jet pack Hitler, let alone a panel featuring in-battle musings over punching out an evil horse, is automatically a gold-star book in my opinion.
Seriously, jet pack Hitler. Awesome.
The art really worked well for this out-there issue. And I liked that Ryan Choi had some chance to be his own character instead of just standing there occasionally muttering "Ray Palmer is sooo dreamy," ala Countdown. Nope, instead we get his character, the very defensive, logical Choi. I do hope this title sticks around; now with the Dr. 13 mini over, it's my favorite place for crazy antics in the DCU, and it happens to have a pretty good story on top of all that!
Oh, not just jet pack Hitler, but circus peanuts as a motif. Again, awesome.
This was good. The last issue of the Atom was, well, not so good, really, but this one makes up for it. Not only do we have the best Countdown tie-in I've seen, but we have a very good story on its own. Honestly, any book featuring jet pack Hitler, let alone a panel featuring in-battle musings over punching out an evil horse, is automatically a gold-star book in my opinion.
Seriously, jet pack Hitler. Awesome.
The art really worked well for this out-there issue. And I liked that Ryan Choi had some chance to be his own character instead of just standing there occasionally muttering "Ray Palmer is sooo dreamy," ala Countdown. Nope, instead we get his character, the very defensive, logical Choi. I do hope this title sticks around; now with the Dr. 13 mini over, it's my favorite place for crazy antics in the DCU, and it happens to have a pretty good story on top of all that!
Oh, not just jet pack Hitler, but circus peanuts as a motif. Again, awesome.
Uncanny X-Men #489
One-sentence summary: This mediocre storyline about the Morlocks plods on.
I like Brubaker normally, but I'm just not feeling this story at all. I really don't have a lot of critique or anything; it's just plain not very good. Sometimes you're reading something and it's laughably bad, but here it's just not enjoyable. The storyline didn't really go anywhere here, the only action occurred off-panel, and I care about none of the characters more or less than I did.
As an aside, I found the use of actual photographs in a comic book sort of unsettling (the big one was the TV screen near the beginning). It looks too out of place.
There really aren't too many X-Men titles I'm enjoying right now, and this isn't one of them. Hopefully once this ugly storyline's over things might pick up.
I like Brubaker normally, but I'm just not feeling this story at all. I really don't have a lot of critique or anything; it's just plain not very good. Sometimes you're reading something and it's laughably bad, but here it's just not enjoyable. The storyline didn't really go anywhere here, the only action occurred off-panel, and I care about none of the characters more or less than I did.
As an aside, I found the use of actual photographs in a comic book sort of unsettling (the big one was the TV screen near the beginning). It looks too out of place.
There really aren't too many X-Men titles I'm enjoying right now, and this isn't one of them. Hopefully once this ugly storyline's over things might pick up.
Thor #2
One-sentence summary: Thor's new book continues to be interesting, though these last two issues have really just served as a prologue (though a cool one).
I'm liking this new Thor. Straczynski is using his ability to make any character broody and detached for good here, as it works pretty well for Thor to seem detached from the world of man. I also like the new look for Thor; classic, but it has been changed a little. The chain mail's a nice touch.
I think Straczynski's the right guy to go about restoring Thor to the Marvel universe as something different than the average superhero. I mean, he is a god after all; his stories need to be different than "beats the Absorbing Man again."
Though nothing action-packed happened in this issue, cool things did happen; for one thing, we saw him summon Asgard in a patch of Oklahoma he bought for a deal of "all the gold you can carry." I'm looking forward to the next issue, as it looks like more action will be happening than in this one, and I'm hoping that this search for the gods arc goes well. I think it will.
I'm liking this new Thor. Straczynski is using his ability to make any character broody and detached for good here, as it works pretty well for Thor to seem detached from the world of man. I also like the new look for Thor; classic, but it has been changed a little. The chain mail's a nice touch.
I think Straczynski's the right guy to go about restoring Thor to the Marvel universe as something different than the average superhero. I mean, he is a god after all; his stories need to be different than "beats the Absorbing Man again."
Though nothing action-packed happened in this issue, cool things did happen; for one thing, we saw him summon Asgard in a patch of Oklahoma he bought for a deal of "all the gold you can carry." I'm looking forward to the next issue, as it looks like more action will be happening than in this one, and I'm hoping that this search for the gods arc goes well. I think it will.
New Warriors #3
One-sentence summary: Man, nothing really gets me excited like a comic featuring Night Thrasher AND Jubilee.
You know why this series is just a bad idea? The whole reason the New Warriors were used to start the Civil War is that they were a bad joke. They were very boring characters, with boring powers, with boring writers. So, as good an idea as it is to just add Jubilee into the mix to liven things up -- well, that's not a good idea at all. In fact, I think you can make a nice little chart showing how, in on-going titles, sales dip with Jubilee's presence, and books that always have her in them more or less always do poorly (e.g., Generation X).
So, as a bad idea, how is it? Unsurprisingly, it's a dull book. I'm not particularly drawn to any of the characters or what they're dealing with; also, I'm not sure we've actually seen a real fight yet. Also, why did Wolverine just appear? Isn't he busy? How is he there? Does every character in the Marvel 616-universe have the additional superpower of "Wolverine summoning" where he'll just pop-up to plug his crappy book?
This is a waste of a book. There was no demand for this, and they're not doing a good job with the material they do have; why does this title exist? I can think of series that got cancelled I'd rather read than this. I certainly hope it picks up soon.
You know why this series is just a bad idea? The whole reason the New Warriors were used to start the Civil War is that they were a bad joke. They were very boring characters, with boring powers, with boring writers. So, as good an idea as it is to just add Jubilee into the mix to liven things up -- well, that's not a good idea at all. In fact, I think you can make a nice little chart showing how, in on-going titles, sales dip with Jubilee's presence, and books that always have her in them more or less always do poorly (e.g., Generation X).
So, as a bad idea, how is it? Unsurprisingly, it's a dull book. I'm not particularly drawn to any of the characters or what they're dealing with; also, I'm not sure we've actually seen a real fight yet. Also, why did Wolverine just appear? Isn't he busy? How is he there? Does every character in the Marvel 616-universe have the additional superpower of "Wolverine summoning" where he'll just pop-up to plug his crappy book?
This is a waste of a book. There was no demand for this, and they're not doing a good job with the material they do have; why does this title exist? I can think of series that got cancelled I'd rather read than this. I certainly hope it picks up soon.
Metal Men #1 (of 8)
One-sentence summary: Hopefully this will make more sense next month?
I wanted to like this title, but as is I'm just a bit confused. Is this an elseworlds title, or is it regular continuity? My reason for the confusion is that it's being pulled, it seems, from both Superman/Batman and 52. I know Superman/Batman started off as a Earth-1 series or whatever, but it's definitely Elseworlds at this point, in that nothing that happens there matches up to regular continuity in any way, even given massive allowances for errors. So, I'm not sure which in the Metal Men line it is. Also, we haven't really gotten to the story yet; we've a flashback sequence with Dr. Morrow and Magnus (who I thought were colleagues, but apparently were mentor/mentee first?) and an appearance of not-flashback Magnus at the end. Also, an action sequence at the beginning which hasn't really tied into anything yet.
I like the dialogue between the Metal Men (poor Lead), but the confusion is the biggest aspect of this title for me, and the art doesn't really help it (I don't like the artist's style, personally). Hopefully next month will see a better review for this, as I like the Metal Men and want their comics to be good, but right now there's just not enough in this issue for a story; they're just events waiting to be connected.
Also, "based off ideas by Grant Morrison"? He now gets credit for the Metal Men? That seems odd.
I wanted to like this title, but as is I'm just a bit confused. Is this an elseworlds title, or is it regular continuity? My reason for the confusion is that it's being pulled, it seems, from both Superman/Batman and 52. I know Superman/Batman started off as a Earth-1 series or whatever, but it's definitely Elseworlds at this point, in that nothing that happens there matches up to regular continuity in any way, even given massive allowances for errors. So, I'm not sure which in the Metal Men line it is. Also, we haven't really gotten to the story yet; we've a flashback sequence with Dr. Morrow and Magnus (who I thought were colleagues, but apparently were mentor/mentee first?) and an appearance of not-flashback Magnus at the end. Also, an action sequence at the beginning which hasn't really tied into anything yet.
I like the dialogue between the Metal Men (poor Lead), but the confusion is the biggest aspect of this title for me, and the art doesn't really help it (I don't like the artist's style, personally). Hopefully next month will see a better review for this, as I like the Metal Men and want their comics to be good, but right now there's just not enough in this issue for a story; they're just events waiting to be connected.
Also, "based off ideas by Grant Morrison"? He now gets credit for the Metal Men? That seems odd.
Black Canary #3 (of 4)
One-sentence summary: Come one, come all to watch Green Arrow screw up his potential marriage through subterfuge in regards to her kid in this decent series.
Not a bad issue at all. While I'm not totally into this series, I definitely enjoy it for five minutes once every two weeks. The big highlight in this was just seeing Black Canary whoop on pretty much everyone. Good job, comic.
I do want to see how this series finishes, as the cliffhanger end on this would be really sad without a reveal. So far, the art's been fine and the dialogue's been fine. This isn't a particularly great comic, but it's not bad, and it's all part of DC's nefarious plan to have a Green Arrow comic out every week (?). Why is DC pushing Green Arrow so hard, so suddenly? They must want to kill him.
That, folks, was a very bad, overly dry crack at the DC editorial staff.
Anyway, Black Canary: not bad, but not great. A couple of good moments with the lead character, I will say, so that was nice to see.
Not a bad issue at all. While I'm not totally into this series, I definitely enjoy it for five minutes once every two weeks. The big highlight in this was just seeing Black Canary whoop on pretty much everyone. Good job, comic.
I do want to see how this series finishes, as the cliffhanger end on this would be really sad without a reveal. So far, the art's been fine and the dialogue's been fine. This isn't a particularly great comic, but it's not bad, and it's all part of DC's nefarious plan to have a Green Arrow comic out every week (?). Why is DC pushing Green Arrow so hard, so suddenly? They must want to kill him.
That, folks, was a very bad, overly dry crack at the DC editorial staff.
Anyway, Black Canary: not bad, but not great. A couple of good moments with the lead character, I will say, so that was nice to see.
She-Hulk #20
One-sentence summary: The big wrap-up for the last twenty issues of She-Hulk, it doesn't disappoint with plenty of self-referential jokes and general goofiness, as well as an excellent job of wrapping up loose ends.
Really, this issue does such a remarkable job wrapping up every loose end that you can tell that Slott isn't just a huge comic book fan (which the subject matter of She-Hulk really should've clued you onto), but also knows their weaknesses well too and avoids those mistakes. It makes me wonder how he would do on a more serious title; I hope I see more of his stuff soon.
But, back to She-Hulk. It's been a good run, but it's almost over. We hear in this how She-Hulk defended the Marvel universe from annhilation over the Ultimate due to the fact that the Marvel is "fun." Also, honestly, I think I would probably buy a book that was just Stu's adventures across the Marvel universe, desperately trying to avoid comic book characters.
This was a good issue. It'll be sad to see She-Hulk move on, but I accept it and I'm sure that a more serious take on the character could be nice too. We still have one more issue left, though I don't know what else they have to do. Also, I love the last panel reveal on this, and truly hope that that's all that's ever said about it.
Really, this issue does such a remarkable job wrapping up every loose end that you can tell that Slott isn't just a huge comic book fan (which the subject matter of She-Hulk really should've clued you onto), but also knows their weaknesses well too and avoids those mistakes. It makes me wonder how he would do on a more serious title; I hope I see more of his stuff soon.
But, back to She-Hulk. It's been a good run, but it's almost over. We hear in this how She-Hulk defended the Marvel universe from annhilation over the Ultimate due to the fact that the Marvel is "fun." Also, honestly, I think I would probably buy a book that was just Stu's adventures across the Marvel universe, desperately trying to avoid comic book characters.
This was a good issue. It'll be sad to see She-Hulk move on, but I accept it and I'm sure that a more serious take on the character could be nice too. We still have one more issue left, though I don't know what else they have to do. Also, I love the last panel reveal on this, and truly hope that that's all that's ever said about it.
Punisher #50
One-sentence summary: Barracuda's back in this bloody start of what could be a great Punisher run.
I think Ennis's Punisher is hit-or-miss, sometimes even issue to issue, let alone story to story. The last story arc I wasn't a huge fan of, as it really seemed stretched, but the one before that was good. I guess it just varies.
This, though, looks like it could be great. You have Barracuda, who's quickly becoming a surprisingly cool and resourceful villain, and a last page reveal that's actually important to Punisher. Overall, this looks like it could be a really good story, and the art all fits Punisher very well. Ennis does a good job writing the Baracuda as this crafty, ruthless man, willing to kill dozens of people to lure the Punisher out.
Great action in this, some emotions from the protagonist for once, a good villain, and an interesting twist; all of this could lead to a pretty good comic. I'd keep my eye on this story arc.
I think Ennis's Punisher is hit-or-miss, sometimes even issue to issue, let alone story to story. The last story arc I wasn't a huge fan of, as it really seemed stretched, but the one before that was good. I guess it just varies.
This, though, looks like it could be great. You have Barracuda, who's quickly becoming a surprisingly cool and resourceful villain, and a last page reveal that's actually important to Punisher. Overall, this looks like it could be a really good story, and the art all fits Punisher very well. Ennis does a good job writing the Baracuda as this crafty, ruthless man, willing to kill dozens of people to lure the Punisher out.
Great action in this, some emotions from the protagonist for once, a good villain, and an interesting twist; all of this could lead to a pretty good comic. I'd keep my eye on this story arc.
New Avengers Illuminati #4 (of 5)
One-sentence summary: Opening with some good "Oh women" dialogue, this issue of Illuminati's not too bad, with some great Namor scenes.
This wasn't too bad. The art was good, and the dialogue was, when actual dialogue and not monologues, pretty good. I like Bendis for that. However, the monologues seemed to be a large portion of the issue and, well, that doesn't make for much excitement. Still, though, seeing Namor beat the crud out of the kid was pretty good.
Pretty neutral towards this one. The debates on power use are really the best reoccurring part of this book, I will say. I didn't think it was as good as any of the other issues from the series, but it still had its moments.
This wasn't too bad. The art was good, and the dialogue was, when actual dialogue and not monologues, pretty good. I like Bendis for that. However, the monologues seemed to be a large portion of the issue and, well, that doesn't make for much excitement. Still, though, seeing Namor beat the crud out of the kid was pretty good.
Pretty neutral towards this one. The debates on power use are really the best reoccurring part of this book, I will say. I didn't think it was as good as any of the other issues from the series, but it still had its moments.
Fantastic Four #548
One-sentence summary: Pretty basic Fantastic Four story, but there's nothing wrong with that.
Honestly, change the art around, turn down the emotions some, this story easily could have fit in the original Lee/Kirby FF. Sure, it has Storm and Black Panther in a minor role, but it wasn't that unusual to have guest superheroes in the original run either. The plot's certainly a classic: Sue gets kidnapped by evil rival of Reed (why are they always rivals of Reed? Why can't we have a supervillain who wants to kill Johnny to win a race/get more girls? Kill Ben Grimm so that he can be pestered by the Yancy Street Gang?), FF goes to the rescue.
Nothing's wrong with this sort of story. I'll admit, I like a bit more plot to my comics usually, but I still enjoyed this. Now if only they were constantly spewing exposition in alliteration...
Honestly, change the art around, turn down the emotions some, this story easily could have fit in the original Lee/Kirby FF. Sure, it has Storm and Black Panther in a minor role, but it wasn't that unusual to have guest superheroes in the original run either. The plot's certainly a classic: Sue gets kidnapped by evil rival of Reed (why are they always rivals of Reed? Why can't we have a supervillain who wants to kill Johnny to win a race/get more girls? Kill Ben Grimm so that he can be pestered by the Yancy Street Gang?), FF goes to the rescue.
Nothing's wrong with this sort of story. I'll admit, I like a bit more plot to my comics usually, but I still enjoyed this. Now if only they were constantly spewing exposition in alliteration...
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Ms. Marvel #18
One-sentence summary: Machine Man's back -- awesome.
I've generally been positive about the new Ms. Marvel series; it's not always great, but it's usually decent, with some intriguing subplots and usually at least one really good hero or villain in each story arc. However, this issue was, far and away, the best to me. Based off the summary above, you've probably figured out why.
See, I was a huge Nextwave fan. When I saw it end, I was very much down. The fact that Machine Man's back, with all his flesh-hating goodness, is absolutely fantastic to me. His character remains just as snarky as before, and you may think he's over-the-top, but of course he is, he isn't bound by fleshy limits of tact. Awesome. I'm not going to lie; every issue he's in, he's probably going to steal the show. He's the comic book equivalent of a ham -- there's just so much ridiculous character to him you're forced to pay attention. Again, I'm pretty happy about his inclusion, and that the other hero introduced is laughably bad is pretty good too.
I don't think Puppet Master has ever been as danged creepy as he is here. Eww.
This, for me, was great fun. If you weren't a fan of the Machine Man from Nextwave, well, I imagine this story arc (at least) will be pretty irritating. Ms. Marvel continues to be a better-than-average read, picking up considerably with the introduction of the renovated Machine Man.
I've generally been positive about the new Ms. Marvel series; it's not always great, but it's usually decent, with some intriguing subplots and usually at least one really good hero or villain in each story arc. However, this issue was, far and away, the best to me. Based off the summary above, you've probably figured out why.
See, I was a huge Nextwave fan. When I saw it end, I was very much down. The fact that Machine Man's back, with all his flesh-hating goodness, is absolutely fantastic to me. His character remains just as snarky as before, and you may think he's over-the-top, but of course he is, he isn't bound by fleshy limits of tact. Awesome. I'm not going to lie; every issue he's in, he's probably going to steal the show. He's the comic book equivalent of a ham -- there's just so much ridiculous character to him you're forced to pay attention. Again, I'm pretty happy about his inclusion, and that the other hero introduced is laughably bad is pretty good too.
I don't think Puppet Master has ever been as danged creepy as he is here. Eww.
This, for me, was great fun. If you weren't a fan of the Machine Man from Nextwave, well, I imagine this story arc (at least) will be pretty irritating. Ms. Marvel continues to be a better-than-average read, picking up considerably with the introduction of the renovated Machine Man.
Justice Society of America #8
One-sentence summary: While I like JSA, this is a rather plain one-shot that has a major plot point which makes no sense to me.
This wasn't that bad of an issue, it just wasn't that interesting. I did like the flashbacks to Liberty Belle's upbringing and growth as a hero, and I liked the idea of Johnny Quick as a nut. My main beef, besides it being a one-shot, was that I can't imagine the JSA being so curmudgeonly to a police force that's just doing their job. I realize that, as a one-shot, it's unlikely to have many lasting effects outside this issue, but the actions of Damage were seriously wrong. If there's no follow-up on that, then this issue really should have been looked over more. That is what editors are for; perhaps DC needs more editors who do their jobs beyond just making sure certain characters die?
The art was fine in this issue, and I really did like knowing a bit more about Liberty Belle, as I really didn't know her prior to this issue. So it wasn't like this issue was all negative -- it's just that the negative was about the main plot of the issue, so it gets highlighted. Still, I like JSA, and I'm excited over this next story arc, which promises to be pretty great. This is just a rather forgettable issue of a good series.
This wasn't that bad of an issue, it just wasn't that interesting. I did like the flashbacks to Liberty Belle's upbringing and growth as a hero, and I liked the idea of Johnny Quick as a nut. My main beef, besides it being a one-shot, was that I can't imagine the JSA being so curmudgeonly to a police force that's just doing their job. I realize that, as a one-shot, it's unlikely to have many lasting effects outside this issue, but the actions of Damage were seriously wrong. If there's no follow-up on that, then this issue really should have been looked over more. That is what editors are for; perhaps DC needs more editors who do their jobs beyond just making sure certain characters die?
The art was fine in this issue, and I really did like knowing a bit more about Liberty Belle, as I really didn't know her prior to this issue. So it wasn't like this issue was all negative -- it's just that the negative was about the main plot of the issue, so it gets highlighted. Still, I like JSA, and I'm excited over this next story arc, which promises to be pretty great. This is just a rather forgettable issue of a good series.
Detective Comics #835
One-sentence summary: A decent Scarecrow story, adding a bit more fear back into the villain who's entirely based around it.
This was, in it of itself, a pretty good issue as it really did leave me wondering how Scarecrow's doing what he's doing. However, this is a risky story; by having Scarecrow raised to this magnitude of a villain, the writer better have a good explanation for it. If the explanation for all of it is that "He can be very scary if he wants to be," then the story falls into the realm of ridiculous. I'm also not a big fan of the fact that Batman's suddenly losing his cool. What makes him Batman is that he doesn't lose his cool; but, that's ok.
It's really a fairly thrilling story for a comic. I do want to know what happens next; however, I can also see this being a let-down. I'll stay optimistic, though, and hope that this two-issue filler will have a nice ending; it had a pretty decent opening.
This was, in it of itself, a pretty good issue as it really did leave me wondering how Scarecrow's doing what he's doing. However, this is a risky story; by having Scarecrow raised to this magnitude of a villain, the writer better have a good explanation for it. If the explanation for all of it is that "He can be very scary if he wants to be," then the story falls into the realm of ridiculous. I'm also not a big fan of the fact that Batman's suddenly losing his cool. What makes him Batman is that he doesn't lose his cool; but, that's ok.
It's really a fairly thrilling story for a comic. I do want to know what happens next; however, I can also see this being a let-down. I'll stay optimistic, though, and hope that this two-issue filler will have a nice ending; it had a pretty decent opening.
Action Comics #853
One-sentence summary: What I thought was just a Countdown tie-in has proven to be a pretty decent story starring Jimmy Olsen.
I thought this was pretty good. The fight between Jimmy, who's desperately trying to figure out his powers, and the Kryptonite Man was pretty hilarious, with Jimmy's absolutely terrible bantering and muttering. The end reveal is definitely awesome, so I won't ruin that. I haven't read much with Kryptonite Man, but I'm really liking his attitude.
This was a pretty good Superman story. Really, this was (outside of All-Star) one of the best Superman stories I've read in awhile. Busiek has a real talent for writing Kryptonite Man as an enjoyable villain, and I like the furthering of the mystery of Jimmy's powers. The issue has done a good job in not only giving me a story I enjoyed reading, but also has made me more curious about the Jimmy Olsen storyline which I'll assume will mostly take place in Countdown. In any case, it was a good comic.
I thought this was pretty good. The fight between Jimmy, who's desperately trying to figure out his powers, and the Kryptonite Man was pretty hilarious, with Jimmy's absolutely terrible bantering and muttering. The end reveal is definitely awesome, so I won't ruin that. I haven't read much with Kryptonite Man, but I'm really liking his attitude.
This was a pretty good Superman story. Really, this was (outside of All-Star) one of the best Superman stories I've read in awhile. Busiek has a real talent for writing Kryptonite Man as an enjoyable villain, and I like the furthering of the mystery of Jimmy's powers. The issue has done a good job in not only giving me a story I enjoyed reading, but also has made me more curious about the Jimmy Olsen storyline which I'll assume will mostly take place in Countdown. In any case, it was a good comic.
Countdown #39
One-sentence summary: Despite a lack of Mary Marvel, not too bad an issue, with Trickster/Piper stealing the show again.
I had the same deal with this issue of countdown I've had with the last; I reach the end and say "Is that all?" One gripe: I think the "History of the Multiverse" segment has gotten out of hand. 4 pages to introduce one tiny plot element and just rehash what's been said two or three times elsewhere in the series? But, a more minor gripe.
Simplified review: Holly and the Amazons? Meh. The Question and Batgirl's reveal? Also meh -- mostly because I never cared about Batgirl, no matter how much they wanted me to. Palmerverse stuff? Nothing really happened, so I guess meh.
Now, Trickster and Piper? That was great. They really are a great pair of characters together, and watching them run from the Suicide Squad while constantly bickering was great. Karate Kid and Oracle? I'm watching that storyline, as it seems to be pretty interesting; it's been good so far. Jimmy Olsen? Entertaining, at least
Overall, pretty fun. Not a ground-breaking comic by any stretch, but it was a fun issue, even if it lacked any follow-up with Zatanna, one of my favorite characters. I'm patient enough I can wait another week for that, hah. Beyond that, there wasn't much in pages given to the storylines I don't care about, which was nice, whereas there was quite a bit for Karate Kid and Trickster/Piper, which was much appreciated. Fun stuff.
I had the same deal with this issue of countdown I've had with the last; I reach the end and say "Is that all?" One gripe: I think the "History of the Multiverse" segment has gotten out of hand. 4 pages to introduce one tiny plot element and just rehash what's been said two or three times elsewhere in the series? But, a more minor gripe.
Simplified review: Holly and the Amazons? Meh. The Question and Batgirl's reveal? Also meh -- mostly because I never cared about Batgirl, no matter how much they wanted me to. Palmerverse stuff? Nothing really happened, so I guess meh.
Now, Trickster and Piper? That was great. They really are a great pair of characters together, and watching them run from the Suicide Squad while constantly bickering was great. Karate Kid and Oracle? I'm watching that storyline, as it seems to be pretty interesting; it's been good so far. Jimmy Olsen? Entertaining, at least
Overall, pretty fun. Not a ground-breaking comic by any stretch, but it was a fun issue, even if it lacked any follow-up with Zatanna, one of my favorite characters. I'm patient enough I can wait another week for that, hah. Beyond that, there wasn't much in pages given to the storylines I don't care about, which was nice, whereas there was quite a bit for Karate Kid and Trickster/Piper, which was much appreciated. Fun stuff.
World War Hulk #3 (of 5)
One-sentence summary: Wow, amazing, Hulk takes a little break from smashing in order to watch others smash.
I guess more happened in this issue than last, but it's still not an acceptable level of plot for a monthly mega-event. Dr. Strange has a larger role in this one than in any previous one, but I really didn't like how he was written. Dr. Strange should not ever feel threatened by some alien priest; he's effin' Dr. Strange, sorcerer supreme. He marches with Eternity and whatnot; he's one of the big guys, the guy that writers have to give really lame excuses when writing in non-solo titles as to why he doesn't just win automatically. And that's what Pak has done here. Also, the end? Come on!
I like Romita's art, but it's really just not enough to save this comic. World War Hulk is getting dumber with every issue. I'm just tired of this series dominating Marvel's main comics this summer. Also, did General Ross just die? I couldn't tell, honestly. Great job on that, too, creative team.
I guess more happened in this issue than last, but it's still not an acceptable level of plot for a monthly mega-event. Dr. Strange has a larger role in this one than in any previous one, but I really didn't like how he was written. Dr. Strange should not ever feel threatened by some alien priest; he's effin' Dr. Strange, sorcerer supreme. He marches with Eternity and whatnot; he's one of the big guys, the guy that writers have to give really lame excuses when writing in non-solo titles as to why he doesn't just win automatically. And that's what Pak has done here. Also, the end? Come on!
I like Romita's art, but it's really just not enough to save this comic. World War Hulk is getting dumber with every issue. I'm just tired of this series dominating Marvel's main comics this summer. Also, did General Ross just die? I couldn't tell, honestly. Great job on that, too, creative team.
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