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May
Comics
by Mike-oh
Here's a quick review of the comics I'm reading this month. Updated
each week. Descriptions are pulled from Midtown
Comics' web site (New York City's finest comic book shop). Editorial
is what I write.
Week
of May 24
52
Week #3
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Description:
After the INFINITE CRISIS and before One Year Later, the DCU spent
a year without Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. A year in which
those heroes were needed more than ever as the fate of the world
hung in the balance. Who stood up in their absence? And who sat
out?
Editorial:
Lex Luthor is innocent of all charges. You see, a body was found.
A dead man who looks exactly like Lex Luthor. Who is an exact DNA
match as a matter of fact. Luthor is able to credibly pin all of
his past crimes on this doppleganger and walk away squeaky clean.
Genius. Black Adam is turning into that scary example of a super
power that will "fix" everything despite people's civil
liberties. And Booster Gold is having more bad luck with aligning
his future with his present. It's pretty entertaining. This series
is being treated a lot like the TV show "Lost" in that
each of these different characters are all experiencing little stories
within the story. The cast is great. And you really end up caring
about what's happening with each of them. I have fallen in love
with "Lost" and I'm so happy that DC has decided to make
someof their own magic with this formula.
Blue
Beetle #3
DC
Writer: "Keith Giffen, John Rogers"
Artist: Cynthia Martin
Editorial:
Guest artist. Crappy guest artist. I have been interested in this
new title but that is waining. I'll pick up the next issue to see
if it's just the absence of the artist or if it's really the story's
fault. I'm hoping for a better issue next month.
Secret
Six #1
DC
Writer: Gail Simone
Artist: Brad Walker
Description:
They’re a mysterious team — with a confidential roster
— that walks the line between good and evil...and takes on
the dirtiest, craziest missions in the DCU. And their first mission
is to rescue one of their own from a North Korean prison before
he’s executed!
Editorial:
The Secret Six is a spinoff title from the Infinite Crisis spinoff
series, Villains United. Gail Simone's writing on Villains United
was absolutely masterful. She took some "B" list villains
and turned them into very compelling characters with chemistry.
And in Secert Six, she has continued the joyride with our new favorite
villains. One problem. She didn't bring artist Dale Eaglesham along
for the ride this time. And Brad Walker is not up to the challenge.
Brad's art is very inconsistent from one panle to the next. I'm
sure after he's done this for a while longer, he'll smooth out his
rough spots. But I don't think I'll be waiting around for that to
happen. The first issue ends with four of the six each being attacked
seperately but simultaneously a la Godfather. It's a good cliffhanger.
I'll pick up the next issue just to see how it goes. But I'm hoping
the art picks up or I'll end up dropping this title like a bad habit.
Annihilation
Ronan #2
Marvel
Writer: Simon Furman
Artist: Jorge Lucas
Editorial:
Ronan and Gamora mix it up in this story arc that feels more an
more disconnected from the Annihilation event. This issue also seems
a little heavy on the dialogue and usually has Ronan just standing
around and talking. Simon Furman could take a few pointers from
guys like Mark Millar, Warren Ellis, and Michael J Strazenski who
each do a great job of telling the story and keeping the action
moving all at the same time. This annhiliation force is wreaking
havok and the universe and in the middle of all this chaos is a
boring story about standing around and talking. This isn't the pause
that refreshes. It's the pause that dies. Where's the chaos? Where's
the desperation? Where's the drama? Why does Ronan wear a utility
belt and a pistol holster?
Daredevil
#85
Marvel
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Michael Lark
Description:
With all the prison gangs against him, Matt Murdock turns to unlikely
allies in his quest for the truth. And as Kingpin returns to Gen-Pop,
Ryker’s Island teeters on the edge of an explosion, and Matt
can either give it a push, or remember the man he used to be. Meanwhile,
Ben Urich and Dakota North hunt whoever is running around Hell’s
Kitchen pretending to be Daredevil!
Editorial:
I have really enjoyed this story so far. But now it's time for some
action. Brubaker has been building the tension. He's added the Punisher
to the mix. He toyed with him a bit in this issue. But nothing major
has taken place since Foggy got killed and Matt opened a can of
whuppass on Hammerhead. Now he has all of his pieces in place: Matt
Murdock mad as hell, the Punisher incarcerated to join the fray,
Bullseye recently inducted in to the hall of pain, and the Kingpin
back in general population. This issue ends with the promise of
an all out prison riot in the next issue. Which lead me to this
plea to Ed Brubaker in the form of an open letter.
Nextwave
Agents Of HATE #5
Marvel
Writer: Warren Ellis
Artist: Stuart Immonen
Editorial:
Trying to describe what it is that I like about Nextwave is like
trying to describe what's great about bubble gum after you've tried
it for the first time. It's really great and amazing. It's not like
anything you've ever experienced before. Unlike other things you've
chewed and eaten, this stuff doesn't break down. You don't really
feel like you should swallow it even though logic is screaming for
you to swallow it. You see someone blow a bubble with it and you
teach yourself how to do it. Watching a bubble appear just below
your nose is amazing. It's all fun and delicious and interesting
and entertaining and long-lasting and it changes your life from
that point onward just by having done it. Nextwave is like that.
Week
of May 17
Conan
#28
Dark Horse
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist: Eric Powell
Editorial:
It's the Robert E. Howard Centennial. Conan pays tribute to the
old man on the cover, and Eric Powell (the Goon) pays tribute on
the inside. A compelling story by Kurt Busiek gives Powell all he
needs to bring the barbarian to life. I really like Powell's Conan.
He is rugged and ferocious. And very scary.
52
Week #2
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Description:
After the INFINITE CRISIS and before One Year Later, the DCU spent
a year without Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. A year in which
those heroes were needed more than ever as the fate of the world
hung in the balance. Who stood up in their absence? And who sat
out? Also, starting in Week #2: “The History of the DC Universe,”
a 10-part backup feature by Dan Jurgens and Art Thibert that takes
you on a tour through the legendary past of the DCU.
Editorial:
The Question is cool. Booster is a dope. This was a terrific second
issue. It's going to be hard to review these issues until the story
line starts to more completely unfold. But I like where it's going
so far. And I like the History of the DCU backup story, too. Good
stuff.
All
Star Batman And Robin The Boy Wonder #4
DC
Writer: Frank Miller
Artist: Jim Lee
Description:
ALL STAR excitement abounds as Frank Miller, Jim Lee & Scott
Williams continue their adventurous retelling of the partnership
between the Dark Knight and the Boy Wonder!
Editorial:
What is Frank Miller thinking? Batman's dialogue is just absurd.
He asks Dick Grayson what he thinks about the Batcave.
BATMAN:
Pretty cool, huh?
GRAYSON:
...
BATMAN:
Whatta you say, Junior? Is this cool or what?
He
goes on to desert Grayson, leaving him to feed himself on the Batcave's
rats. Alfred ruins Batman's sadism by feeding the boy a bacon cheeseburger
which angers Batman to the point of grabbing Alfred by his lapels.
He shoves him into the cave wall. This is ridiculous. And as much
as I really like Jim Lee's art (his Batcave is masterful), he can't
draw a teenage boy to save his life. Dick Grayson, especially his
physique, looks like a wet cat.
Batman
Year One Hundred #4
DC
Writer: Paul Pope
Artist: Paul Pope
Description:
How can a man who isn’t supposed to exist be in two places
at once? Batman continues to baffle both federal agents and GCPD
officers as he pursues his mysterious endgame. This action-packed
tale reveals the motivation behind the Dark Knight’s return
in the year 2039.
Editorial:
I will be writing a full review of this entire series in the next
week or so. In the meantime, suffice it say that this is one of
the best Batman stories ever and is certainly one of the best comic
books available today. Grab all four issues and enjoy.
Sgt
Rock The Prophecy #5
DC
Writer: Joe Kubert
Artist: Joe Kubert
Editorial:
Last month, I said that this was a terribly predictable Sgt. Rock
story. Not any different than all of the other predictable Sgt.
Rock stories before it. Basically, every issue of this series has
been a repeat of the Sgt. Rock formula of Easy Co. marching through
enemy territory, getting ambushed by the nazis, fighting back hard
and coming out on top. They always lose a guy named "Shorty"
or "Willie" or something. The art totally redeems the
story's shortcomings. And Kubert is so great, he deserves to have
everything he publishes bought and enjoyed, just to pay back all
of the great work he has thrilled us with during his long career.
Annihilation
Nova #2
Marvel
Writer: Andy Lanning
Artist: Kev Walker
Description:
To protect the legacy of the Xandarian culture, Nova must escape
from the burning ruins of the homeworld. But can he trust himself
to use his new power wisely, or will he lose control again and pose
a threat to the cosmos greater than the invasion itself? And on
the subject of trust, how far can he trust his new ‘friend’...Drax?
Editorial:
If this is going to be an essential part of this overall story,
it's going to have to get it in gear. Annhilation Super Skrull rose
to the challenge last week. Annhilation Nova shrank from it. Just
don't miss the Annhiliation Silver Surfer issues. That's where the
real action is.
Haunt
Of Horror Edgar Allan Poe #1
Marvel MAX
Writer: "Richard Corben, Rich Margopoulos"
Artist: Richard Corben
Editorial:
Creepy. Just like you expect Edgar Allen Poe to be. And nobody is
more appropriate for bringing Poe's stories to life than Richard
Corben. His art is so emotional. His people look absolutely terrified
when they are scared. His monsters look savage and deadly. His environments
are super gloomy. I love this. And if you are a Poe fan, you're
going to love it. He has written and drawn stories based on Edgar
ALlen Poe classics and brought more life and meaning to poems that
are otherwise ambiguous and difficult to interpret. In addition
to illustrating these gems, he also includes the original poems.
It is an awesome example of literature and should probably be picked
up by high schools for their students to use to better understand
the potential of Poe's style of storytelling. Do yourself a favor
and grab a few copies to share.
Week
of May 10
52
Week #1
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Description:
After the INFINITE CRISIS and before One Year Later, the DCU spent
a year without Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. A year in which
those heroes were needed more than ever as the fate of the world
hung in the balance. Who stood up in their absence? And who sat
out?
Editorial:
Great art. Really great art. Great writing. Really great writing.
Great story. Really great story. We're off to a really great start.
I'm not sure how this is going to work for 52 weeks straight but
I'm not about ready to sit on the sidelines during one of comics'
most ambitious events ever. Pick up this issue and consider if the
Elongated Man could really blow his brains out with a pistol even
if he wanted to, marvel at the cheese that is Booster Gold, gawk
at the swift justice of Black Adam, gaze in wonder at the Question,
and be amazed at Renee Montoya's ability to consume mass quantities
of alcohol (it must be her secret power).
Nightwing
#120
DC
Writer: Bruce Jones
Artist: Joe Dodd
Description:
Two Nightwings are on the prowl in New York — and one is a
murderous madman! Now the twin crime bosses — the Pierce Brothers
— want the head of Nightwing, and they don’t care which
one!
Editorial:
When I was a kid, I wanted to be Batman but I felt like
I was Robin. Even though I felt so close to the character,
I always considered him to be Dick Grayson. Batman was Batman, not
Bruce Wayne. Bruce Wayne was just some kind of trick that Batman
pulled everyday. But Robin was never Robin. He was always Dick Grayson,
dressing up to be Robin becasue that was the way that Batman wanted
it. I remember reading Justice League of America and being introduced
to an adult Robin. He had a cool Batmanesque costume and was all
grown up. I thought that was a cool idea. The thought of Robin being
an adult had never really crossed my mind before that. It was just
a few years after that, when Robin left Batman in the regular series
to go to college. I always thought it was strange to see Robin without
Batman. Even when he was with the Teen Titans. Although it made
perfect sense that he was the Titans' leader. But I missed it when
Robin first became Nightwing. This was during a period when I decided
I was too cool for comics. I didn't miss a whole lot but I did miss
Robin officially becoming man. At first, Nightwing was a little
hard for me to approach but over time I finally got with the program.
Nowadays, I realize that Dick Grayson was never destined to be Batman
anymore than he was doomed to stay as Robin. Dick Grayson is Nightwing.
And I think it's really cool that Jason Todd wants to be Nightwing,
too. Dick Grayson is probably the coolest guy in comics so it figures
that a nut like Jason Todd would be trying to cut in on his action.
I had read somewhere that DC was planning on making Nightwing one
of the most significant characters in the DCU. Hopefully, that wasn't
just a bunch of 52 hype but is for real. So far, it hasn't happened
yet. But it's early still. If Dick will quit playing around with
Jason and the Pierce Brothers and get down to some serious butt
wuppin' then maybe. But it can't happen soon enough for me.
Annihilation
Super Skrull #2
Marvel
Writer: Javier Grillo-Marxuach
Artist: Greg Titus
Description:
The Fantastic Four’s enemy may prove the galaxy’s savior
as Super-Skrull crusades against the Annihilation Wave! Pitted against
an enemy superweapon, Super-Skrull’s quest takes him behind
enemy lines, where an evil scientist and a planet of alien scum
may be his only hope for victory!
Editorial:
Better. Better than last month. The art is becoming a little more
bearable. Truth be told, I'm probably just getting used to it. But
I like this Super Skrull. Except for his pointy chin. And everyone
calling him "Super Skrull" instead of by his name, K'lrt.
It seems a little hokey. At first, I tried to tell myself that it's
like humans calling out "Superman" instead of CLark Kent.
But I don't really think Super Skrull's identity is a secret, so
why the cheesy name. He's K'lrt.
Ares
#4
Marvel Knights
Writer: Michael Avon Oeming
Artist: Travel Foreman
Editiorial:
This has turned into a total epic. The whole kidnapped-son-being-trained-to-be-the-weapon-of-destruction-of-his-father
thing feels so much like the film "Excalibur." Oeming's
story is awesome. The art keeps getting better with each issue.
Actually, that's not really true. I just got up and checked issue
1 and it looks just as good as issue 4. I guess I am growing in
my appreciation for Travel Forman's art. The best part of this issue
is when it jumps ahead five years later. Man, I love that.
Week
of May 3
BPRD
Universal Machine #2
Dark Horse
Writer: "Mike Mignola, John Arcudi"
Artist: Guy Davis
Description:
Captain Daimio tells the B.P.R.D. the story of his own death in
the jungles of Bolivia. Meanwhile, Dr. Kate Corrigan, searching
rural France for a clandestine text with the secret to bringing
Roger back to life, finds herself a guest in a strange shop on the
site of a castle that was destroyed over half a century ago.
Editorial:
Just the other day, I was telling Richard at Zeus
Comics how much I admire Batman Year 100 artist and writer Paul
Pope for his ability to render his illustrations in such a loose
manner but still include incredible detail. It only looks sloppy
until you look closer. Something that Guy Davis also excels at.
As a matter of fact, he's the master. Case in point: issue 2 of
the Universal Machine story arc -- open it up to the center spread
and check out the bottom two panels on the right hand page. In the
first of the two panels, the black guy is behind the right shoulder
of Daimio. Daimio is looking over his left shoulder and firing in
that direction. Then in the next panel, Guy spins the viewpoint
around 180 degrees as the black guy gets his left arm and most of
his back blown away. Daimio turns to his right to see the carnage.
Now notice the detail in the positions of the characters, the way
they are holding their weapons, and even the background noise. All
of it is so continuous that you might think Guy was there, drawing
the scene from multiple angles as it happens. What makes it so amazing
is the loose style that everything is rendered in. It's slapdash
3-D.
Annihilation
Silver Surfer #2
Marvel
Writer:Keith Giffen
Artist:Renato Arlem
Description:
The ex-heralds of Galactus unite to combat a common foe. But can
even the combined powers of the Silver Surfer, Firelord, Terrax
and Red Shift stand against the Annihilation Wave and it’s
mad master? And what dark ambition motivates Thanos to strike a
dark alliance with the invading force?
Editorial:
Now that we're going around now for round two, I think that this
book with the Silver Surfer is the one to read. I'm still going
to pick up Super Skrull, Ronan, and Nova, but I can tell that this
is the real lynch pin of these stories. It has Thanos and Annihilus
looking like they will be teaming up (which is cool) and the Surfer
hooking up with a couple of other heralds. I'm reading all of it
'cause I'm a sucker for getting "every issue." But if
you take my advice, just follow this Silver Surfer arc and the Annihilaiton
series later this summer and you'll get all you need to follow this
cosmic rollercoaster ride.
Civil
War #1
Marvel
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Steve McNiven
Description:
THE LANDSCAPE OF THE MARVEL U IS CHANGING AND IT’S TIME TO
DECIDE: WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON? A conflict has been brewing in the
Marvel Universe for over a year, threatening to pit friend against
friend, brother against brother--and all it will take is a single
misstep to cost thousands their lives and ignite the fuse! As the
war claims its first victims, no one is safe as teams, friendships,
and families begin to fall apart. Civil War, a Marvel Comics event
in seven parts, stars Spider-Man, the New Avengers, the Fantastic
Four, the X-Men and the entirety of the Marvel pantheon! Civil War
– the cross-over that rewrites the rules - begins here in
this double-sized first issue!
Editorial:
I was all set to hate this book before I ever got it. But Mark Millar
has totally changed my mind in the first issue. He's great at these
big, summer blockbuster type stories and so far it looks like Civil
War will be another one of his smash hits. Although, be warned,
as skillful as Millar is at weaving these explosive thrillers, he's
like a bad Saturday Night Live sketch writer when it comes to ending
them. Basically, his endings bite. Consider Wanted, Ultimate Namor,
and Spider-Man as lamely ending stories that quickly come to mind.
Of course, with talent like his, it's totally conceivable that he
won't ruin the ending any more than he's ruined the beginning. And
Civil War is off to a great start. The best part is watching how
Cap is turned against the government and has to bust out of SHIELD
taking apart their elite superhero hit squad in the process, landing
on a jet and "then he landed the jet in a football field before
taking the pilot for a hamburger and fries." Zing.
Action
Comics # 838
DC
Writer: Geoff Johns and Kurt Busiek
Artist: Renato Guedes
Description:
Neutron and Radion strike, Luthor's scheme is unveiled, and a mystery
from space rears its ugly head!
Editorial:
This story is continuing the Up Up and Away story arc. I'm having
a problem with the way DC is promoting their upcoming stories. We've
already seen in Wizard Magazine that Superman has his powers back
by the end of this story arc. And that kind of spoils it for me.
It's not that I really thought that the new Superman would be powerless.
It's just that I like being teased by the possibility. Now that
I know he's going to get his powers back, what's the purpose of
the story? For Superman to suprisingly regain his powers right at
the last minute when he needs them most -- probably to save Lois
or the entire staff of the Daily Planet. Manuel Ramos quoted Brian
Azarello in the Introduction of Azzarello's 100 Bullets, Strychnine
Lives as having said, "The worst things you can read are things
you don't have to read because you know what's going to happen already."
And you probably think I'm being a jerk but I'm not. The problem
with this story arc is that the only really compelling plotline
is Superman being powerless. And we already know he's getting his
powers back. It might be different if that was somehow part of the
sub-plot. But it's the main story. We also have Luthor building
a giant kryptonite machine but it's not that threatening since he
doesn't have a Superman to use it against. This story works better
if, first we have a problem that doesn't have anything to do with
Superman's disappearance but it has the attention of all of our
main characters. And then, just to complicate the story, Superman
is missing or powerless. Oh, but I really love the art in this issue.
Infinite
Crisis #7
DC
Writer:Geoff Johns
Artist:Phil Jimenez
Description:
The awe-inspiring conclusion to the miniseries event of the year!
Editorial:
There's this hamburger joint in Plano, Texas called Country Burger.
It's at the intersection of 15th and Custer for anyone who is a
local. Anyway, they make a double meat cheeseburger that is perfect
in every way. The Double-Double. It's extremely large. Extremely
cheesy. But very well balanced with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and
pickles. I prefer mine with jalapenos. It is truly awesome. One
problem. Every time I get my hands on one, the first bite makes
me crazy for the next bite. I plow my way into the center where
the best bite is located only to be reminded that the very best
bites are at the end of this thing where all of the grease and melted
cheese have been collecting in the few brief moments that I have
been eating the thing. Suddenly it's all gone. Over too soon. I
tell myself every time I order one that this time will be different.
I'll take small bites. I'll stretch it out. Make it last. It never
happens. The only difference between a Double-Double and the Infinite
Crisis is that I can re-read the Infinite Crisis after I completely
devoured it the first time. If I did that with a Double-Double I'd
be fatter than the Simpsons' Comic Book Guy. And now that the Infinite
Crisis is over, I plan to do exactly that. Spend a little more time
re-reading each of the 7 issues and then giving a full report here
in the Reviews section of PositiveBrand.net. Be looking for it later
this month.
So,
what do you think? Agree? Disagree? Let us know. All comments welcome.
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