One-sentence summary: This Amazonian mini-series leaves too little to the imagination when it comes to story with acceptable art.
I seem to be coming down on all the comics I read lately. I promise, that's not the case, even if it seems so. Maybe it's just because I've been reviewing some mediocre comics.
Wonder Girl is a mini-series that hopefully will accomplish something. I've disliked the character ever since they decided to make her perky and blonde, so maybe this will change that. There are several good directions this series could take; personally, I'd really like to see this series, dealing with the huge personal crisis for Wonder Girl that was Amazons Attack, show our protagonist develop in some major ways, and possibly not in the friendliest, sun-shiniest ways.
However, from the major plot hints, what will happen is that Hercules will end up being against her the whole time after getting her to break against her other friends, she finally seeing the truth or some such stuff like that and fighting back, rejoining the side of good and having her faith in her friends and community restored, all on some large scale so that the public trusts her again. Woo.
This issue was ok. Obviously no big twists yet, and the set-up's not horrible, but just ok. I'd say wait on this to see if it's worth the trade paperback or not. Oh, and the art's just alright. I really don't have strong feelings about the pseudo-animated style that's so popular right now.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Superman #668
One-sentence summary: Following up on a development from over a year ago, a new story arc is introduced in this decent issue.
This issue wasn't too bad. It's always fun to see the various takes writers have on the relationship between Batman and Superman, and this issue was no exception, with those scenes being the highlight for me.
While this served as a good introduction to the story, it wasn't much more than that. It was sort of fun, which is always good. The art was decent, but that's about it. All in all, not too bad, but nothing to feel too strongly about.
This issue wasn't too bad. It's always fun to see the various takes writers have on the relationship between Batman and Superman, and this issue was no exception, with those scenes being the highlight for me.
While this served as a good introduction to the story, it wasn't much more than that. It was sort of fun, which is always good. The art was decent, but that's about it. All in all, not too bad, but nothing to feel too strongly about.
Green Lantern #24
One-sentence summary: Part 8 of the Sinestro Corps War is here, with plenty of action and plot progression.
I've been a big fan of the Sinestro Corps War since it started, so it's no surprise I've continued to enjoy it. I really think the overall plot has been really well paced, with a good presentation of the major battles as well as a series of important plot twists, each one impacting the story in a large way. For that alone I'd like this story-arc in comparison to some of the other major stories going on out there, but in addition to this we have good writing for the characters and just enough small touches to keep the book grounded (I'm, in particular, thinking of the Michigan emblem on Guy's power lantern).
The art continues to be good for the book. It's nothing I'll write fan letters over, but it does a good job of helping tell the story. The lanterns soaring through the air during the battles is always nice.
This story is being keyed up to what should be a pretty incredible conclusion. This is definitely a quality title, and I look forward to each new progression every two weeks.
I've been a big fan of the Sinestro Corps War since it started, so it's no surprise I've continued to enjoy it. I really think the overall plot has been really well paced, with a good presentation of the major battles as well as a series of important plot twists, each one impacting the story in a large way. For that alone I'd like this story-arc in comparison to some of the other major stories going on out there, but in addition to this we have good writing for the characters and just enough small touches to keep the book grounded (I'm, in particular, thinking of the Michigan emblem on Guy's power lantern).
The art continues to be good for the book. It's nothing I'll write fan letters over, but it does a good job of helping tell the story. The lanterns soaring through the air during the battles is always nice.
This story is being keyed up to what should be a pretty incredible conclusion. This is definitely a quality title, and I look forward to each new progression every two weeks.
Green Arrow/Black Canary #1
One-sentence summary: Picking up from where the Wedding Special left off, this series begins with a partial reveal over the cliffhanger delivered with a good conservative art.
I wasn't sure what to expect out of this series, but so far it's delivered fairly well. The dialogue goes along well with Black Canary and Green Arrow's coarse humor, and the story is actually delivering me something interesting using characters I normally don't care so much about.
The story progressed nicely for a first issue, not being over-burdened with introductions or flashbacks but moving along well while explaining what's happened already to the new readers. It leaves us with another bit of a cliffhanger, but not such a major one as last time. There are a few particularly nice scenes, the best (to me) being Dr. Mid-Nite explaining the autopsy he and Batman are about to perform as Batman powers up an electric saw in the background.
I really have a thing for the clean, crisp style here, somewhat similar to the pop-art style of Mike Allred's stuff, but less colorful, more conservative. I particularly like this style when applied to the older characters -- Batman, Dr. Mid-Nite, classic Green Arrow.
Good issue of what looks to be a pretty decent series. I'm definitely looking forward to future issues of this.
I wasn't sure what to expect out of this series, but so far it's delivered fairly well. The dialogue goes along well with Black Canary and Green Arrow's coarse humor, and the story is actually delivering me something interesting using characters I normally don't care so much about.
The story progressed nicely for a first issue, not being over-burdened with introductions or flashbacks but moving along well while explaining what's happened already to the new readers. It leaves us with another bit of a cliffhanger, but not such a major one as last time. There are a few particularly nice scenes, the best (to me) being Dr. Mid-Nite explaining the autopsy he and Batman are about to perform as Batman powers up an electric saw in the background.
I really have a thing for the clean, crisp style here, somewhat similar to the pop-art style of Mike Allred's stuff, but less colorful, more conservative. I particularly like this style when applied to the older characters -- Batman, Dr. Mid-Nite, classic Green Arrow.
Good issue of what looks to be a pretty decent series. I'm definitely looking forward to future issues of this.
Countdown #29
One-sentence summary: While, technically, things happened in this issue, nothing of any importance did, which is a bit irritating.
I've probably given Countdown more patience than the average comic book reader. However, between the three Countdown tie-in titles a week (Captain Carrot? Really now?) that serve no purpose (looking at you, Search for Ray Palmer), and issues like this, which I'll rant about more next paragraph, well, they wear a reader out.
This seemed like some sort of bizarro issue, where the main title did nothing but support the tie-in titles' existences, and even then fairly thinly. It reminds me of watching the Turtles (of the Teenage Mutant Ninja kind) as a kid and them having their annual hour-long special which, I would realize later, served no purpose except to introduce characters which had already been made as a action figures, or had molds in process. That seemed to be the logic behind this issue. We had the exhilirating conclusion to the Jokester's plotline in that, well, he died. We introduced Lord Havokk or whatever his name is in order to to sell that 8 issue mini-series starting next month.
However, it's not all bad. I do like how ridiculously evil Mary Marvel has become so instantly. The Amazon storyline still doesn't interest me, which is pretty impressive considering how easily interested I am. The Karate Kid storyline, however, is pretty great, even if they only gave it a page this week. I'm definitely looking forward to see how badly Batman has managed to eff the world up again through Brother Eye. I'm not particularly interested in this DC-wide subplot of metahumans being captured and stored (I guess Marvel has ripped off of DC enough that turnabout's fair play), although I could have my opinions quickly turned if they actually did something with it (as is, the Suicide Squad series is still pretty unfocused).
The art's improved in this issue, I'd say. I'm sure there are some who'd say otherwise, but from my quick read nothing stood out too badly, and that's a good thing for a weekly title.
All in all, not too bad, really, but DC is doing some marketing things that are done tactlessly enough that they're distracting, and that gets to me.
I've probably given Countdown more patience than the average comic book reader. However, between the three Countdown tie-in titles a week (Captain Carrot? Really now?) that serve no purpose (looking at you, Search for Ray Palmer), and issues like this, which I'll rant about more next paragraph, well, they wear a reader out.
This seemed like some sort of bizarro issue, where the main title did nothing but support the tie-in titles' existences, and even then fairly thinly. It reminds me of watching the Turtles (of the Teenage Mutant Ninja kind) as a kid and them having their annual hour-long special which, I would realize later, served no purpose except to introduce characters which had already been made as a action figures, or had molds in process. That seemed to be the logic behind this issue. We had the exhilirating conclusion to the Jokester's plotline in that, well, he died. We introduced Lord Havokk or whatever his name is in order to to sell that 8 issue mini-series starting next month.
However, it's not all bad. I do like how ridiculously evil Mary Marvel has become so instantly. The Amazon storyline still doesn't interest me, which is pretty impressive considering how easily interested I am. The Karate Kid storyline, however, is pretty great, even if they only gave it a page this week. I'm definitely looking forward to see how badly Batman has managed to eff the world up again through Brother Eye. I'm not particularly interested in this DC-wide subplot of metahumans being captured and stored (I guess Marvel has ripped off of DC enough that turnabout's fair play), although I could have my opinions quickly turned if they actually did something with it (as is, the Suicide Squad series is still pretty unfocused).
The art's improved in this issue, I'd say. I'm sure there are some who'd say otherwise, but from my quick read nothing stood out too badly, and that's a good thing for a weekly title.
All in all, not too bad, really, but DC is doing some marketing things that are done tactlessly enough that they're distracting, and that gets to me.
Black Adam: The Dark Age #3 (of 8)
One-sentence summary: Black Adam's series detailing his quest for his power and for Isis' resurrection continues here with a battle with Hawkman and a gathering of power against Adam.
I was pretty excited for the Black Adam mini-series, and while it hasn't quite lived up to my expectations, it certainly hasn't been too bad. This issue delivered with a mild amount of story, but mostly served to set up for what I imagine will be the rest of the series. We see the first open confrontation between Black Adam and another metahuman, thus revealing his return to the metahuman community, as well as his attempted use of the Lazarus Pit last issue not going unnoticed.
What I like about this story is that Black Adam is really being considered a major-level threat by many sides -- it really will end up being him against the world. It's an ambitious set-up for a mini-series, but I have faith that it can be lead to a good conclusion.
The art for this series is always just fine. I'm never blown away by it, but it does a better than average job of detailing the characters in a realistic fashion.
Overall, this was a pretty good issue, definitely leading me to look forward to the future issues of this series.
I was pretty excited for the Black Adam mini-series, and while it hasn't quite lived up to my expectations, it certainly hasn't been too bad. This issue delivered with a mild amount of story, but mostly served to set up for what I imagine will be the rest of the series. We see the first open confrontation between Black Adam and another metahuman, thus revealing his return to the metahuman community, as well as his attempted use of the Lazarus Pit last issue not going unnoticed.
What I like about this story is that Black Adam is really being considered a major-level threat by many sides -- it really will end up being him against the world. It's an ambitious set-up for a mini-series, but I have faith that it can be lead to a good conclusion.
The art for this series is always just fine. I'm never blown away by it, but it does a better than average job of detailing the characters in a realistic fashion.
Overall, this was a pretty good issue, definitely leading me to look forward to the future issues of this series.
Batman Confidential #10
One-sentence summary: The newest edition of the Joker's origin nears its conclusion in this darkly drawn tale from early in Batman's life.
Now, I'm not entirely certain that I support a new origin to the Joker, but at least I can lay back safe in the knowledge they'll never give him an absolute origin, just a variety of possible origins. However, this one's not been bad, though with some elements that are a bit off (Batman ordering a death?).
The story is fittingly dark and does a good job of establishing the Joker's physical abilities, as well as setting up the irony of Batman creating his own worst enemy, and, for that matter, the presence of superheroes creating the supervillain in general. For that, this is a pretty interesting comic.
The story is generally good, but the dialogue simply serves to get the job done. Nothing strikingly bad, but I can't imagine these lines being quoted. I actually like the art; heavily penciled, it manages to give a dark feel to the story without diminishing the brightness or contrast used with the colors.
Not too bad. I see that this story has several more issues left, which seems like a bit much, but this issue wraps up the first half of it very well and, including the last two issues, could serve as a good self-contained 3-part story.
Now, I'm not entirely certain that I support a new origin to the Joker, but at least I can lay back safe in the knowledge they'll never give him an absolute origin, just a variety of possible origins. However, this one's not been bad, though with some elements that are a bit off (Batman ordering a death?).
The story is fittingly dark and does a good job of establishing the Joker's physical abilities, as well as setting up the irony of Batman creating his own worst enemy, and, for that matter, the presence of superheroes creating the supervillain in general. For that, this is a pretty interesting comic.
The story is generally good, but the dialogue simply serves to get the job done. Nothing strikingly bad, but I can't imagine these lines being quoted. I actually like the art; heavily penciled, it manages to give a dark feel to the story without diminishing the brightness or contrast used with the colors.
Not too bad. I see that this story has several more issues left, which seems like a bit much, but this issue wraps up the first half of it very well and, including the last two issues, could serve as a good self-contained 3-part story.
The All-New Booster Gold #3
One-sentence summary: The new Booster Gold series continues to be entertaining with plenty of time-travel fun.
After a couple of start-up issues, the new Booster Gold title is really starting to get rolling. In this issue, Johns gives us a rather fun, if somewhat unnecessary, scene with Jonah Hex. The writing in this series has done a good job of bouncing between the more serious story of Rip Hunter and Booster trying to stop the time criminals and the relaxed, almost silly, dialogue between Booster, his ancestor, and anyone they encounter.
The art in this series works very well. Bright, colorful, and generally solid, it doesn't try to push the series to be anything it's not.
This is a pretty nice series. I've been enjoying its mix of some humor with a strong superhero story. Hopefully it doesn't delve too far one way or another, but so far it's been good.
After a couple of start-up issues, the new Booster Gold title is really starting to get rolling. In this issue, Johns gives us a rather fun, if somewhat unnecessary, scene with Jonah Hex. The writing in this series has done a good job of bouncing between the more serious story of Rip Hunter and Booster trying to stop the time criminals and the relaxed, almost silly, dialogue between Booster, his ancestor, and anyone they encounter.
The art in this series works very well. Bright, colorful, and generally solid, it doesn't try to push the series to be anything it's not.
This is a pretty nice series. I've been enjoying its mix of some humor with a strong superhero story. Hopefully it doesn't delve too far one way or another, but so far it's been good.
I'm back -- sorta
Alright, so, here's a quick return post:
Between school and the rest of life, things have been hectic enough lately that I've barely had enough time to read comics, let alone write about them. However, I'm going to try to start a little bit. At least intermittently.
Between school and the rest of life, things have been hectic enough lately that I've barely had enough time to read comics, let alone write about them. However, I'm going to try to start a little bit. At least intermittently.
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