I am tired after sitting in the sun all day at the Tigers/Jays game. Well, not so much tired from that as the getting to and from the game via tunnel bus (none of the delays were Transit Windsor's fault). Just a hot and tiring day. But, it was also a lot of fun and a really great day nonetheless.
glamourpuss #26: I stopped reading this somewhere in the area of issue 12, I think. I still bought it every two months, but found that the release schedule made the Alex Raymond portion of this comic a little hard to follow properly. 11 (or so) pages every two months didn't exactly drill details into my head. So, I decided to simply save up the issues for a big reread and, now, the book has ended. I guess I get my chance. I did read Dave Sim's closing text piece and damn if that wasn't the most depressing thing I've read for some time. And it isn't him saying "Oh woe is me!" or expecting sympathy or pity -- it's just a man laying out how fucked he is and how fucked up the industry he works in can be. And he isn't blaming anyone either. It's just... sad. Sad that this is the reality of things. [TBD]
Scalped #60: The other big ending and it didn't blow me away. Too big of expectations? Too let down by the downer ending? I don't know... It just seemed like it didn't cohere entirely. Too much effort put in to making things ambiguous or left wide open for too many characters? In a sense, it felt like another issue of an ongoing, serialised story. Which is fine... but it doesn't necessarily make for the 'best' conclusion. I liked this issue and will no doubt grow to see it as the most appropriate ending for this series, but, right now... I'm not feeling it as much as I'd like to. [Not yet, no]
Secret Avengers #30: Ha ha ha... fuck you, Max Fury! You ain't no person! YOU AIN'T NO PERSON! [***1/4]
The Ultimates #14: "Hey, Sam, welcome on board The Ultimates. We know that you're following Jonathan Hickman and his run, with Esad Ribic and Dean White on art, has been highly regarded by some. We want to give you the best start possible by pairing you with artists that are vastly inferior and will make this book look like everything else on the shelf. That will help you win 'em over! Good luck, son!"
...okay, it doesn't help that Humphries's dialogue runs a bit too far towards the 'typical' superhero shit either. Hickman had a lighter touch, a way of making his different ideas seem different. If you look at what happens in this comic, it's not that different from what Hickman was doing it. How it happens, how it's presented, though, is very different and it's not as good. It's not as engaging, it doesn't have the same verve or energy. I hope it gets better, because, on a plot- and idea-level, it's still a good comic. On every other one, though... [**1/2]
Untold Tales of the Punisher MAX #3: A new exhibit for how, sometimes, self-contained single issue comics are just fucking boring. [**]
The Unwritten #40: Man, Tom's takedown of the crazy man was great. I'm glad that they held off on him showing up for a few issues. The best issue of the latest arc... But there still isn't a sense of what this book is about anymore and where it's going. I guess we'll have to wait and see on that end. [***3/4]
Wolverine annual #1: A great conclusion to this trio of annuals. Davis did a good job at making each self-contained but telling a larger story. Though, really, it seems like it should have just been a Dr. Strange/ClanDestine crossover mini-series or something. But, hey, if sticking these stories in annuals of other books helped make them happen, I'm not going to complain too much. Another big story to add to the ClanDestine group of titles. Lovely. [***3/4]
Later
Showing posts with label alan davis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alan davis. Show all posts
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Thursday, August 09, 2012
EXCLUSIVE! Chad Nevett's Comic Book Mini-Reviews and Star Ratings for the Week of August 8, 2012
Avengers Assemble #6: You fuck with Thanos, you get to die in space. He's already killed ya before, Avengers... why you wanna fuck with him again? [**3/4]
Captain America #16: This storyarc really isn't clicking with me. I understand mind control is involved, but it seems so lazy -- a way to justify a plot where, uh, a TV pundit turns Americans against Captain America by pointing out that he's not able to defeat everyone everywhere at all times? It's just dumb. Never mind that the art totally kills a central scene of this issue because Eaton can't make it clear what's going on. [**1/2]
Daredevil annual #1: The second of the three Alan David ClanDestine-centric annuals being done this year and I like how this one follows up on the first one, centring things around Vincent's death and showing the next step in that. Though it's not Davis's fault, how many more comics will we have to read where someone gets inside Daredevil's mind and freaks out at his enhanced senses this year? My favourite moment: "But I didn't win." [***1/2]
Frankenstein, Agent of SHADE #12: An unexpected approach to the storytelling in this issue. It's not quite as effective as you'd hope, mostly giving the whole thing a sped up, rushed through feel, like Kindt needed to cram it all in so the story wouldn't be broken up too much by next month's zero issue. Is that what happened? I don't know. I also don't care, because that's what it reads like. Which, of course, makes the decision to tell this story a poorer one if that's not the reason why he made it. [***]
Godzilla: The Half-Centry War #1: I don't really know much about Godzilla specifically beyond the most superficial of things. James Stokoe's visual depiction of the giant thunder lizard surprised me a little, but I rather like it. I love the fiery word balloon he does for Godzilla. The story is pretty basic, but the art is gorgeous. I'm glad I'm picking this one up. [***1/2]
The Massive #3: Man, I'd just rather read about Unalaska. Not really a negative thing about this comic since I enjoy it -- more that I think I'd rather read about Unalaska. Especially during the Cold War. Beyond that, I really like the idea of trying to be a pacifist group in this world and the struggles that would create. Clever stuff. [***3/4]
The Mighty Thor #18: More Alan Davis! How lucky are we this week? VERY. That's how lucky we are this week. A solid mood-setting issue for "Everything Burns." [***1/2]
Punk Rock Jesus #2: Oh shit, I didn't have time to read this yesterday. It was the only comic that I didn't read. Er... Be right back.
...
...
...
...
...back. Another great issue. I wasn't sure what to expect from Murphy as a writer, but he's quite good. Engaging, a little melodramatic at times, but also unexpected. He's taking his time getting to the 'punk rock' teenage 'Jesus' from the promo images, isn't he? And I don't mind one bit. The "I painted it pink" part was both hilarious and a clear window into how fucked up Thomas is. Damn good. [****]
Spider-Men #4: That cover is a total lie. But, most of this issue simply consisting of Peter, Miles, May, and Gwen talking was great. Bendis really knows how to write those scenes well. I could read a monthly comic called "Conversations" where it's like Marvel Team-Up except it's just two heroes in a room having a conversation if Bendis was writing it. [***3/4]
Later
Captain America #16: This storyarc really isn't clicking with me. I understand mind control is involved, but it seems so lazy -- a way to justify a plot where, uh, a TV pundit turns Americans against Captain America by pointing out that he's not able to defeat everyone everywhere at all times? It's just dumb. Never mind that the art totally kills a central scene of this issue because Eaton can't make it clear what's going on. [**1/2]
Daredevil annual #1: The second of the three Alan David ClanDestine-centric annuals being done this year and I like how this one follows up on the first one, centring things around Vincent's death and showing the next step in that. Though it's not Davis's fault, how many more comics will we have to read where someone gets inside Daredevil's mind and freaks out at his enhanced senses this year? My favourite moment: "But I didn't win." [***1/2]
Frankenstein, Agent of SHADE #12: An unexpected approach to the storytelling in this issue. It's not quite as effective as you'd hope, mostly giving the whole thing a sped up, rushed through feel, like Kindt needed to cram it all in so the story wouldn't be broken up too much by next month's zero issue. Is that what happened? I don't know. I also don't care, because that's what it reads like. Which, of course, makes the decision to tell this story a poorer one if that's not the reason why he made it. [***]
Godzilla: The Half-Centry War #1: I don't really know much about Godzilla specifically beyond the most superficial of things. James Stokoe's visual depiction of the giant thunder lizard surprised me a little, but I rather like it. I love the fiery word balloon he does for Godzilla. The story is pretty basic, but the art is gorgeous. I'm glad I'm picking this one up. [***1/2]
The Massive #3: Man, I'd just rather read about Unalaska. Not really a negative thing about this comic since I enjoy it -- more that I think I'd rather read about Unalaska. Especially during the Cold War. Beyond that, I really like the idea of trying to be a pacifist group in this world and the struggles that would create. Clever stuff. [***3/4]
The Mighty Thor #18: More Alan Davis! How lucky are we this week? VERY. That's how lucky we are this week. A solid mood-setting issue for "Everything Burns." [***1/2]
Punk Rock Jesus #2: Oh shit, I didn't have time to read this yesterday. It was the only comic that I didn't read. Er... Be right back.
...
...
...
...
...back. Another great issue. I wasn't sure what to expect from Murphy as a writer, but he's quite good. Engaging, a little melodramatic at times, but also unexpected. He's taking his time getting to the 'punk rock' teenage 'Jesus' from the promo images, isn't he? And I don't mind one bit. The "I painted it pink" part was both hilarious and a clear window into how fucked up Thomas is. Damn good. [****]
Spider-Men #4: That cover is a total lie. But, most of this issue simply consisting of Peter, Miles, May, and Gwen talking was great. Bendis really knows how to write those scenes well. I could read a monthly comic called "Conversations" where it's like Marvel Team-Up except it's just two heroes in a room having a conversation if Bendis was writing it. [***3/4]
Later
Sunday, June 22, 2008
The Sunday Open: Third Week of June 2008
[Yeah, this is a post of reviews of the comics I got in the past week. It is random (well, in alphabetical order, actually, but I meant random in what I have to say, not the order in which I discuss the books) and not any real attempt to review in any traditional sense of the word. Really, it's me looking through the stack and talking about what occurs to me. Not to be taken seriously by anyone.]
Anna Mercury #2
Not quite what I figured it would be after the first issue. Was expecting something along the lines of Grant Morrison jumping into a fictional world and shit like that. Not that this is worse, just not what I was expecting. It's an alright comic, but I strangely prefer the stuff in the real world to Anna Mercury's adventures on the moon or whatever. Backroom politics, secret government programmes... in this world, all of the G8 countries have stations like this, so I want to see them. I want to see the Canadian one, I really do. What?
ClanDestine #4-5
Rather enjoyed this series. It told a complete tale, but also didn't satisfy really. Mostly, I want to learn all about Vincent, I do. The end of issue five suggests future stories and I hope low sales don't kill that chance. Of course, I didn't get these last two issues until this week because the shops in Windsor are fucking sold out of the things. That happens with a lot of books I enjoy: can't find them here and can barely find them in London. Um, maybe some books are a little underordered maybe? (And yeah, I know I used the word "maybe" twice there.) Weird guessing game, I know, but when I'm not getting certain new books on Wednesday or Thursday... well, something isn't right. And, funny enough, big seller books tend to sit on the shelves, overordered. Not that I blame retailers, because who knows what people want really. But, yeah, good comics. When the trade if out, pick up the mini. Well worth your time, effort and money.
Doktor Sleepless #7
Things move to a head... hahahahahahaha... oh, I love horrible puns. Okay, I don't, but I didn't even catch that one until I wrote it. Ah well. Decent issue, we'll see what issue eight brings.
Ghost Rider #24
Motherfucker broke into prison and starts a riot indirectly. I love the brutality of the character here. Jason Aaron makes no attempt to give Blaze any redeeming characteristics, really. All we've got is a guy who got fucked over and wants revenge--and is brutal in getting it. Lovely comic.
Gødland #23
Alternate reality! Squeeeeeeeeeeeee! I love those alternate realities and about damn time one has shown up here. I am a little bothered that Adam can sense things are amiss since that's the oldest trick in the book, but he also has special cosmic superpowers, so... I love how goddamn selfish Neela is. Seriously, ever since issue one, she's just been focused on herself at the price of everyone else--and now she's rebuilt reality just so she's the hero and her brother isn't. That's messed up.
Guardians of the Galaxy #2
Gave this a second issue to win me over and it kind of has. Almost. Maybe. I dunno. It reads alright on the surface, just isn't getting me in my special areas is all. DnA aren't touching my special areas and that's a bad thing.
The Programme #11
The Russians are fucked. Fucking right. USA! USA! USA!
...er...Milligan will surprise us all I'm sure. A weird comic.
Punisher War Journal #20
Frank purposefully fighting unlike himself is a great touch. The rest of the issue was all kinds of meh.
Rasl #2
I strangely like this book. But, it does involve alternate realities, so... Alternate realities where Bob Dylan went by Robert Zimmerman and still somehow recorded Blonde on Blonde. What are the fucking odds? No, really, that is freaky. Since he wasn't called Bob Dylan, his life should be very different--probably still a musician, but even the time displacement of Zimmerman instead of Dylan should be enough to ensure that Blonde on Blonde never got made. Weird. But, yeah, good comic.
Scalped #18
Again, Tim, thank you.
Secret Invasion: Who Do You Trust?
I got this for the Noh-Varr story and it wasn't the horrible piece of shit I expected. It wasn't any good either, but it didn't piss me off. Nothing here pissed me off because it all so stupidly unnecessary and bland. Really, was there a point here? Any point at all? Because I sure as hell can't see one.
Gotta love the title's throwback to Civil War, eh? While I'm thinking about that, why is that new mini-series by Christos Gage called Civil War: House of M when it should be the other way around? That makes it sound like it takes place during Civil War when really it's a civil war during House of M. It's fucking backwards, you morons.
Oh, and Marvel is releasing Marvel Boy in hardcover come September, which is... oh, around eight months late. They should have had that fucker out before Secret Invasion and Final Crisis to capitalise on both. Yes, use DC to move books, fellas. I'm probably going to buy a copy because I love that series and, well, I said I would in a Splash Page. But, still, Marvel's release schedule of trades is fucked. They really botched the whole Eternals thing as far as I'm concerned. For one thing, the Gaimain mini's trade should have came out BEFORE the new series began, not the week after. That's dumb. And don't tell me a printing issue moved things around, because it should have been out several weeks before--or, ready to be out weeks before, but purposefully shipped one week before. But, you know, whatever, not my company.
Tiny Titans #1
Finally found an issue of this series after reading Tim's praise for a while. It's a cute little comic that had a few moments that made me laugh. Especially Robin asking Speedy if he can run fast. That name makes no fucking sense. Good little book. If I come across more issues, I'll buy them.
War is Hell: The First Flight of the Phantom Eagle #4
I do hope everyone notices that most of this book is people talking. The fights are short, brutal and utterly without glamour. This book lives between battles. It's a bit more subdued than most Ennis stuff I've read. But, it's good.
Young Liars #4
...Sadie was a virgin? Jesus. Freddie is a bit of a douche. I'm enjoying this book more with each issue.
And, yeah, I got some trades somewhere in there, I think, I dunno. I know I got a cheap copy of Pride & Joy and it was good. I reread Mike Carey and Denise Mina's runs on Hellblazer and enjoyed them for different reasons. They're both still the weakest writers on the book that I've encountered--but, well, maybe my love of Constantine blinds me and makes me unable to dislike the books. Although, the weird one-off issue in the middle of Mina's run is fucked up.
This upcoming week is big just as money is getting tight. Fucking hell.
Anna Mercury #2
Not quite what I figured it would be after the first issue. Was expecting something along the lines of Grant Morrison jumping into a fictional world and shit like that. Not that this is worse, just not what I was expecting. It's an alright comic, but I strangely prefer the stuff in the real world to Anna Mercury's adventures on the moon or whatever. Backroom politics, secret government programmes... in this world, all of the G8 countries have stations like this, so I want to see them. I want to see the Canadian one, I really do. What?
ClanDestine #4-5
Rather enjoyed this series. It told a complete tale, but also didn't satisfy really. Mostly, I want to learn all about Vincent, I do. The end of issue five suggests future stories and I hope low sales don't kill that chance. Of course, I didn't get these last two issues until this week because the shops in Windsor are fucking sold out of the things. That happens with a lot of books I enjoy: can't find them here and can barely find them in London. Um, maybe some books are a little underordered maybe? (And yeah, I know I used the word "maybe" twice there.) Weird guessing game, I know, but when I'm not getting certain new books on Wednesday or Thursday... well, something isn't right. And, funny enough, big seller books tend to sit on the shelves, overordered. Not that I blame retailers, because who knows what people want really. But, yeah, good comics. When the trade if out, pick up the mini. Well worth your time, effort and money.
Doktor Sleepless #7
Things move to a head... hahahahahahaha... oh, I love horrible puns. Okay, I don't, but I didn't even catch that one until I wrote it. Ah well. Decent issue, we'll see what issue eight brings.
Ghost Rider #24
Motherfucker broke into prison and starts a riot indirectly. I love the brutality of the character here. Jason Aaron makes no attempt to give Blaze any redeeming characteristics, really. All we've got is a guy who got fucked over and wants revenge--and is brutal in getting it. Lovely comic.
Gødland #23
Alternate reality! Squeeeeeeeeeeeee! I love those alternate realities and about damn time one has shown up here. I am a little bothered that Adam can sense things are amiss since that's the oldest trick in the book, but he also has special cosmic superpowers, so... I love how goddamn selfish Neela is. Seriously, ever since issue one, she's just been focused on herself at the price of everyone else--and now she's rebuilt reality just so she's the hero and her brother isn't. That's messed up.
Guardians of the Galaxy #2
Gave this a second issue to win me over and it kind of has. Almost. Maybe. I dunno. It reads alright on the surface, just isn't getting me in my special areas is all. DnA aren't touching my special areas and that's a bad thing.
The Programme #11
The Russians are fucked. Fucking right. USA! USA! USA!
...er...Milligan will surprise us all I'm sure. A weird comic.
Punisher War Journal #20
Frank purposefully fighting unlike himself is a great touch. The rest of the issue was all kinds of meh.
Rasl #2
I strangely like this book. But, it does involve alternate realities, so... Alternate realities where Bob Dylan went by Robert Zimmerman and still somehow recorded Blonde on Blonde. What are the fucking odds? No, really, that is freaky. Since he wasn't called Bob Dylan, his life should be very different--probably still a musician, but even the time displacement of Zimmerman instead of Dylan should be enough to ensure that Blonde on Blonde never got made. Weird. But, yeah, good comic.
Scalped #18
Again, Tim, thank you.
Secret Invasion: Who Do You Trust?
I got this for the Noh-Varr story and it wasn't the horrible piece of shit I expected. It wasn't any good either, but it didn't piss me off. Nothing here pissed me off because it all so stupidly unnecessary and bland. Really, was there a point here? Any point at all? Because I sure as hell can't see one.
Gotta love the title's throwback to Civil War, eh? While I'm thinking about that, why is that new mini-series by Christos Gage called Civil War: House of M when it should be the other way around? That makes it sound like it takes place during Civil War when really it's a civil war during House of M. It's fucking backwards, you morons.
Oh, and Marvel is releasing Marvel Boy in hardcover come September, which is... oh, around eight months late. They should have had that fucker out before Secret Invasion and Final Crisis to capitalise on both. Yes, use DC to move books, fellas. I'm probably going to buy a copy because I love that series and, well, I said I would in a Splash Page. But, still, Marvel's release schedule of trades is fucked. They really botched the whole Eternals thing as far as I'm concerned. For one thing, the Gaimain mini's trade should have came out BEFORE the new series began, not the week after. That's dumb. And don't tell me a printing issue moved things around, because it should have been out several weeks before--or, ready to be out weeks before, but purposefully shipped one week before. But, you know, whatever, not my company.
Tiny Titans #1
Finally found an issue of this series after reading Tim's praise for a while. It's a cute little comic that had a few moments that made me laugh. Especially Robin asking Speedy if he can run fast. That name makes no fucking sense. Good little book. If I come across more issues, I'll buy them.
War is Hell: The First Flight of the Phantom Eagle #4
I do hope everyone notices that most of this book is people talking. The fights are short, brutal and utterly without glamour. This book lives between battles. It's a bit more subdued than most Ennis stuff I've read. But, it's good.
Young Liars #4
...Sadie was a virgin? Jesus. Freddie is a bit of a douche. I'm enjoying this book more with each issue.
And, yeah, I got some trades somewhere in there, I think, I dunno. I know I got a cheap copy of Pride & Joy and it was good. I reread Mike Carey and Denise Mina's runs on Hellblazer and enjoyed them for different reasons. They're both still the weakest writers on the book that I've encountered--but, well, maybe my love of Constantine blinds me and makes me unable to dislike the books. Although, the weird one-off issue in the middle of Mina's run is fucked up.
This upcoming week is big just as money is getting tight. Fucking hell.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The Sunday Open: Second Week of April 2008
Welcome to another edition of me writing very short, unhelpful reviews! This week, I took a major step and created a pull list here in Windsor. This was the result of the shop sometimes being sold out of books I wanted (maybe one a week at most, often not) and me being sick of having to wait until I got back to London for some books. I still have the pull list in London, too. But, it wasn't a huge week (and next week looks even more slight), so let's get to it...
ClanDestine #3
I love that Alan Davis is revisiting his Excalibur run, even though I haven't read it. Great concept. As was Newton's sexual roleplaying. The rest of the issue is kind of iffy, but the suspense keeps growing as we're left wondering "What the fuck is going on?" Also, I'm a little annoyed that we only get two more issues as this is a very, very good comic.
Fantastic Four #556
While this is not. I'm sticking with this title through next issue, because I want to see how Millar and Hitch handle a complete story arc... and so far, it's horrible. What is the plot? No, seriously, what is goddamn plot? Okay, this issue kind of has one with the giant robot Captain killing people, because "Smart people create robot that then goes crazy and begins killing people" is ever so original. But, beyond that, what's the plot? What does any of this matter? Gee, "Mrs. Fantastic" was smart enough to make sure the robot wouldn't kill her, but not smart enough to actually have control over the fucking thing? I am loving how Millar is trying to present these people as being smart enough to build an exact replica of the planet Earth, but too stupid to build a robot that won't go crazy and kill people without at least one hundred different means of shutting it down instantly. And, I'm sorry, but this is the worst artwork by Bryan Hitch I've seen since before he came on board Stormwatch. I don't know if it's the colouring or the inking or just Hitch, but it looks half-finished and muddied and not at all up to his normal standards. Unless the next issue is quite literally THE BEST COMIC EVER WRITTEN, I won't read another issue short of someone handing me them all for free with the promise of a memory wipe at the end if I so choose. (Oh, and do you think my assessment is a little overboard, a little hyperbolic? Well, that's the only way to discuss a Mark Millar comic as he himself will tell you.)
Iron Man: Enter the Mandarin #6
A decent ending to a decent story. Iron Man and the Mandarin fight. Iron Man wins. The Mandarin will be back. Who didn't see that coming? But, Casey does a solid job and Eric Canete's art is fantastic. I really like this sketchier, more fluid style he used on this book.
The Last Defenders #2
Ah, Douchebag Iron Man is back as he disbands the Defenders after they cause a lot of property damage in Jersey fighting a giant fucking lizard. Of course, this is obviously meant to show Stark as a hypocrite and tool, considering the amount of property damage he alone has been responsible for is staggering. It's also an interesting attempt by Casey and Giffen to show that things have changed. Now that superheroes are all registered, the old shit isn't acceptable: if they're going to be professionals, then they're going to act like professionals. Nighthawk isn't that good a superhero, though, as demontrated here. He is a decent one, I suppose, but not in the same league as the big boys and probably shouldn't be running a team. The running commentary on the fight is solid, as is the rest of the issue. This is turning out to be a really good series that combines old and new styles to comment on the state of the current Marvel universe a little bit.
Wolverine #64
Didn't I see Logan's trick from this issue in Preacher? Heh. Doesn't change the fact that this is a pretty decent but brainless story. Logan does what it takes to try and kill Mystique, while she does what it takes to escape. Pretty simple and Jason Aaron is doing a great job. I'm even digging on Ron Garney's art here, which is odd since I'm usually not a big fan. Next issue is my last for this book (it's actually a fluk that I've been buying it almost for a year, really) since Millar and McNiven take over for that story about old man Logan or somesuchshit.
Young Liars #2
Oooooooooooooh-kay. This isn't a bad issue, but is hurt by our not knowing these characters better. We get one issue in the present and then a flashback issue right away? It seems a litle... off, unless it's going to be a back-and-forth story structure. Maybe this will look better in the context of a few more issues. As it is, it falls a little flat. But, I did enjoy parts of it--just not as much as I feel I should have. I am liking how the cover is the first panel of the issue--a technique that I'm surprised more people don't use. This series looks like it will either be very good or very bad. I'm looking forward to seeing which.
Army@Love: The Hot Zone Club
I picked up the first issue of this when it first came out and wasn't that impressed. I wish I could say that the trade changed my mind. Rick Veitch has some interesting ideas, but that's about it: they're interesting ideas... so what? I find the execution lacking here. There's not much substance despite the fact that these are dense comics. Maybe I'm not the target audience as it is very much a soap opera with the intricate plots of who is sleeping with whom (and did I actually get the who/whom thing correct there? You'd think as a writer and English grad student, I would know such things, but I don't...) and I really don't care. All of the characters are vapid, superficial and not really worth my time. The only sequence that really impressed me was when the mom of a mentally challenged soldier shows up during a firefight to ensure that he's being treated equally. It was a cheap book, though, only ten bucks. I do dig the art as Veitch and Gary Erskine make a great team. Anyone else paying attention to this book? Thoughts?
Batman: The Long Halloween
Finally picked this up as I've heard many good things... and it was okay. It was competent and did the job, but didn't really go above and beyond. I'm sure that this was one book that read better monthly in singles where the whole "Who is Holiday?" mystery could keep up the interest. In trade-form, though, it all goes by so fast that it isn't nearly as engrossing as it should be. As well, the story is so sprawling as far as a cast goes, you never really get a chance to latch onto anyone. We're supposed to feel for the Dents and I did--but just not as much as I feel I was supposed to. I've always thought that mystery stories work best when the narrative perspective is focused on one character--and Batman narrates the story, but we also get scenes that he didn't witness. Imagine if, during one of Raymond Chandler's novels, we suddenly got some scenes thrown in that Marlowe wasn't present for. It would fuck up the story. Now, Loeb does do it consistently enough that it doesn't become too much of a problem, but it took me out of the story at times. Tim Sale's art is great and I loved the pages where Harvey Dent is knocked out and Sale's layout on those pages.
Getting this also gave me a chance to read Steve's essay on the identity of Holiday, and he makes a really strong case--one I'd have to agree with--but, as I've said before, I'm not the type to care about the solution to a mystery, which could be another reason why this book didn't wow me. Where other mystery writers can engross you without making the solution of the mystery the only reason to keep reading, I'm not sure Loeb did that. He tried, but didn't succeed for me.
That said, I may pick up Dark Victory this week, because it was an enjoyable enough read. It just doesn't live up to the hype, for me.
And that does it for this week.
ClanDestine #3
I love that Alan Davis is revisiting his Excalibur run, even though I haven't read it. Great concept. As was Newton's sexual roleplaying. The rest of the issue is kind of iffy, but the suspense keeps growing as we're left wondering "What the fuck is going on?" Also, I'm a little annoyed that we only get two more issues as this is a very, very good comic.
Fantastic Four #556
While this is not. I'm sticking with this title through next issue, because I want to see how Millar and Hitch handle a complete story arc... and so far, it's horrible. What is the plot? No, seriously, what is goddamn plot? Okay, this issue kind of has one with the giant robot Captain killing people, because "Smart people create robot that then goes crazy and begins killing people" is ever so original. But, beyond that, what's the plot? What does any of this matter? Gee, "Mrs. Fantastic" was smart enough to make sure the robot wouldn't kill her, but not smart enough to actually have control over the fucking thing? I am loving how Millar is trying to present these people as being smart enough to build an exact replica of the planet Earth, but too stupid to build a robot that won't go crazy and kill people without at least one hundred different means of shutting it down instantly. And, I'm sorry, but this is the worst artwork by Bryan Hitch I've seen since before he came on board Stormwatch. I don't know if it's the colouring or the inking or just Hitch, but it looks half-finished and muddied and not at all up to his normal standards. Unless the next issue is quite literally THE BEST COMIC EVER WRITTEN, I won't read another issue short of someone handing me them all for free with the promise of a memory wipe at the end if I so choose. (Oh, and do you think my assessment is a little overboard, a little hyperbolic? Well, that's the only way to discuss a Mark Millar comic as he himself will tell you.)
Iron Man: Enter the Mandarin #6
A decent ending to a decent story. Iron Man and the Mandarin fight. Iron Man wins. The Mandarin will be back. Who didn't see that coming? But, Casey does a solid job and Eric Canete's art is fantastic. I really like this sketchier, more fluid style he used on this book.
The Last Defenders #2
Ah, Douchebag Iron Man is back as he disbands the Defenders after they cause a lot of property damage in Jersey fighting a giant fucking lizard. Of course, this is obviously meant to show Stark as a hypocrite and tool, considering the amount of property damage he alone has been responsible for is staggering. It's also an interesting attempt by Casey and Giffen to show that things have changed. Now that superheroes are all registered, the old shit isn't acceptable: if they're going to be professionals, then they're going to act like professionals. Nighthawk isn't that good a superhero, though, as demontrated here. He is a decent one, I suppose, but not in the same league as the big boys and probably shouldn't be running a team. The running commentary on the fight is solid, as is the rest of the issue. This is turning out to be a really good series that combines old and new styles to comment on the state of the current Marvel universe a little bit.
Wolverine #64
Didn't I see Logan's trick from this issue in Preacher? Heh. Doesn't change the fact that this is a pretty decent but brainless story. Logan does what it takes to try and kill Mystique, while she does what it takes to escape. Pretty simple and Jason Aaron is doing a great job. I'm even digging on Ron Garney's art here, which is odd since I'm usually not a big fan. Next issue is my last for this book (it's actually a fluk that I've been buying it almost for a year, really) since Millar and McNiven take over for that story about old man Logan or somesuchshit.
Young Liars #2
Oooooooooooooh-kay. This isn't a bad issue, but is hurt by our not knowing these characters better. We get one issue in the present and then a flashback issue right away? It seems a litle... off, unless it's going to be a back-and-forth story structure. Maybe this will look better in the context of a few more issues. As it is, it falls a little flat. But, I did enjoy parts of it--just not as much as I feel I should have. I am liking how the cover is the first panel of the issue--a technique that I'm surprised more people don't use. This series looks like it will either be very good or very bad. I'm looking forward to seeing which.
Army@Love: The Hot Zone Club
I picked up the first issue of this when it first came out and wasn't that impressed. I wish I could say that the trade changed my mind. Rick Veitch has some interesting ideas, but that's about it: they're interesting ideas... so what? I find the execution lacking here. There's not much substance despite the fact that these are dense comics. Maybe I'm not the target audience as it is very much a soap opera with the intricate plots of who is sleeping with whom (and did I actually get the who/whom thing correct there? You'd think as a writer and English grad student, I would know such things, but I don't...) and I really don't care. All of the characters are vapid, superficial and not really worth my time. The only sequence that really impressed me was when the mom of a mentally challenged soldier shows up during a firefight to ensure that he's being treated equally. It was a cheap book, though, only ten bucks. I do dig the art as Veitch and Gary Erskine make a great team. Anyone else paying attention to this book? Thoughts?
Batman: The Long Halloween
Finally picked this up as I've heard many good things... and it was okay. It was competent and did the job, but didn't really go above and beyond. I'm sure that this was one book that read better monthly in singles where the whole "Who is Holiday?" mystery could keep up the interest. In trade-form, though, it all goes by so fast that it isn't nearly as engrossing as it should be. As well, the story is so sprawling as far as a cast goes, you never really get a chance to latch onto anyone. We're supposed to feel for the Dents and I did--but just not as much as I feel I was supposed to. I've always thought that mystery stories work best when the narrative perspective is focused on one character--and Batman narrates the story, but we also get scenes that he didn't witness. Imagine if, during one of Raymond Chandler's novels, we suddenly got some scenes thrown in that Marlowe wasn't present for. It would fuck up the story. Now, Loeb does do it consistently enough that it doesn't become too much of a problem, but it took me out of the story at times. Tim Sale's art is great and I loved the pages where Harvey Dent is knocked out and Sale's layout on those pages.
Getting this also gave me a chance to read Steve's essay on the identity of Holiday, and he makes a really strong case--one I'd have to agree with--but, as I've said before, I'm not the type to care about the solution to a mystery, which could be another reason why this book didn't wow me. Where other mystery writers can engross you without making the solution of the mystery the only reason to keep reading, I'm not sure Loeb did that. He tried, but didn't succeed for me.
That said, I may pick up Dark Victory this week, because it was an enjoyable enough read. It just doesn't live up to the hype, for me.
And that does it for this week.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
The Sunday Open: Second Week of March
This week is a very Marvel-centric week. That's just the way the shipping schedule goes. Hell, the one non-Marvel comic I picked up this week actually came out last week. What's up with that, Other Comic Publishers?
Fantastic Four #555
I have no idea what the point of this comic is. I really don't. What is the goddamn plot? Why have Reed Richards's old girlfriend and her super-rich husband contacted him about this Nu-World project? What is it they need him to do? WHO KNOWS! Why, if Reed is so damn smart, did they not contact him sooner? Why do their really stupid ideas not get a "What the fuck are you talking about?" response? What is the disaster that will make the world uninhabitable within ten years? Why is Reed going to a wormhole on the other side of the universe? Since when do people meet, punch one another and then begin fucking? Why is there a giant splash of Reed's face? Why does this Alyssa girl always have her tongue sticking out? These are but a few questions this comic raises. The only way I'll pick up another issue is if it ships on another slow week where the effort of going to the shop along with the cost of bus tickets causes me to go "Aw, fuck it, I came all this way, I want more comics than this, dammit!" as happened this week.
The Mighty Avengers #10
I really enjoyed this issue. The Benday dots lost their charm quickly, as did the plugs for other Marvel books at the bottom of each page, but Bendis's Sentry made it all worthwhile with his freaking the fuck out in the past, not knowing what the hell is going on. Particularly when he sees himself fighting the Void. Bendis uses his psychological problems to his advantage really well. The solution for getting back to the present is pretty clever, using the Sentry's absence from people's memories as a way to avoid altering the past. Although, that does point out why the Sentry got sent back with Iron Man and Doom (at least from Bendis perspective). Nice little trick on his part to ensure some interesting moments and a resolution. Bagley's art is quite good here, too.
Thunderbolts #119
Issues are infrequent, but I love them when they do come out. "Everything falls apart" is a phrase overused, but really does apply here. Telepaths are fucking with everyone's mind and have set the Thunderbolts against one another. Venom is eating people, the Swordmaster is slicing them up, Norman Osborn is just fucking crazy, and Robbie Baldwin seems to actually be getting a little better with Doc Samson's help. I love the little touch of one of the telepaths being slightly obsessed with taking on Samson--which then fucks her over as he counters her probes. Plus, that showdown between Swordmaster and Venom at the end of the issue... Ellis continues to deconstruct the team and demonstrate why it was a totally retarded idea.
Wolverine #63
This issue didn't wow me as much as last. Wolverine continues his efforts to hunt down Mystique with the odd flashback to the two in the past. Some nice moments, but nothing terribly impressive. This is a good story, though, and I look forward to the last two(?) parts.
Young Liars #1
I picked this up partly because I meant to last week and didn't, and partly because of reviews I read online. The reviews were really mixed, but all seemed to suggest that this was worth looking at nonetheless. And it was. I'm not sure exactly what I think about it yet, though. The issue has both good and bad elements. I find the character of Sadie interesting as she has no impulse control and Danny's influence over her is intresting. But, honestly, not much else in the issue does anything for me. I don't find myself caring about anyone else--and even with Sadie, I don't care much, I'm more entertained. This book, though, seems very much about flawed types, rather than flawed characters. The supporting cast are all drawn very broad (and I don't meant picture drawn, just to be clear) with nothing really new or original about them. That, of course, could easily change. I'm torn on picking up the second issue. I guess we'll see what my mood is like when it comes out.
ClanDestine Classic
I picked up this hardcover collection of Alan Davis's original run on ClanDestine (and the two-issue crossover with the X-Men) while in London based purely on the first issue of the current mini-series. The quality is basically the same (although I'd argue Davis's art is better now)--so similar, actually, because the story isn't all that different. This collection has the family come together, but, mostly, not much happens. But, who cares, because the real focus is on the characters, not the plot. Davis has an amazing sense of who these people are and writes them better than a lot of writers would. It's nice to see a bit more of Pandora's character since she hasn't gotten much panel time in the current mini--one moment that's really well done is during the X-Men crossover where Rory is excited to move to the mansion and begin training and she points out that maybe she doesn't want to do everything Rory does.
Another great issue is a crossover with Spider-Man as he gives the twins a chance to be his sidekicks--if they can catch him before he catches them. It really shows off Spidey's character--that he's not much older than them and knows how to speak to them on their level--and sets up his teaching position, in a sense.
The good news is that you don't need this collection to follow the current mini-series, but these are some great issues and do provide some specific details that enrich the characters.
Punisher MAX Volume 4
The fourth hardcover collection continues on with the same direction as the previous three. Ennis continues to build on previous storylines as characters begin to bounce off of one another with the Punisher caught in the middle. His focus on his mission is evident here as he doesn't let personal feelings get in the way nor does the idea that he may die stop him. When the Russian general godes him in a very obvious manner, he tells the reader he knows it's a trap, but, fuck it, the man deserves to die and it's Castle's job to kill him. Ennis has really stripped the character down to the essential "man kills bad people" concept, eliminating anything that doesn't add to that. The second story has the widows of various members of the mafia try to kill Frank and has a woman bent on killing those women save him and give us a female Punisher... and one of the most fucked up endings to an Ennis story I've ever read. Seriously, it really bothered me... and still does. And if you've read a lot of Ennis, you'll know how big a deal that is. While I'm sad to see that Ennis is leaving the book after the current arc, I cannot wait to get the final hardcover collection so I can sit down and spend a day reading the entire MAX run. It's been a fantastic 60 or so issues.
DMZ: Friendly Fire
What impresses me most about this story is that Wood does his best to adhere to realism. You keep expecting some hidden conspiracy behind the Day 204 massacre of protestors by US soldiers, but there isn't. It really just comes down to whether or not a protestor had a gun--a fact no one will ever know for sure. This story is about Matty's struggle to find meaning and truth in a meaningless and truthless event, unable to find anyone to blame and an endless supply of people to feel sorry for (on both sides). I've been enjoying DMZ a lot, but this arc is, by far, the best work I've seen on the book so far by Brian Wood.
As always, not much to say about the things I like. I'm working on it.
This week, the standard posts. I'll be continuing my look at Joe Casey's run on The Incredible Hulk and Scott Lobdell's Wildcats (where Joe Casey scripts two issues).
Fantastic Four #555
I have no idea what the point of this comic is. I really don't. What is the goddamn plot? Why have Reed Richards's old girlfriend and her super-rich husband contacted him about this Nu-World project? What is it they need him to do? WHO KNOWS! Why, if Reed is so damn smart, did they not contact him sooner? Why do their really stupid ideas not get a "What the fuck are you talking about?" response? What is the disaster that will make the world uninhabitable within ten years? Why is Reed going to a wormhole on the other side of the universe? Since when do people meet, punch one another and then begin fucking? Why is there a giant splash of Reed's face? Why does this Alyssa girl always have her tongue sticking out? These are but a few questions this comic raises. The only way I'll pick up another issue is if it ships on another slow week where the effort of going to the shop along with the cost of bus tickets causes me to go "Aw, fuck it, I came all this way, I want more comics than this, dammit!" as happened this week.
The Mighty Avengers #10
I really enjoyed this issue. The Benday dots lost their charm quickly, as did the plugs for other Marvel books at the bottom of each page, but Bendis's Sentry made it all worthwhile with his freaking the fuck out in the past, not knowing what the hell is going on. Particularly when he sees himself fighting the Void. Bendis uses his psychological problems to his advantage really well. The solution for getting back to the present is pretty clever, using the Sentry's absence from people's memories as a way to avoid altering the past. Although, that does point out why the Sentry got sent back with Iron Man and Doom (at least from Bendis perspective). Nice little trick on his part to ensure some interesting moments and a resolution. Bagley's art is quite good here, too.
Thunderbolts #119
Issues are infrequent, but I love them when they do come out. "Everything falls apart" is a phrase overused, but really does apply here. Telepaths are fucking with everyone's mind and have set the Thunderbolts against one another. Venom is eating people, the Swordmaster is slicing them up, Norman Osborn is just fucking crazy, and Robbie Baldwin seems to actually be getting a little better with Doc Samson's help. I love the little touch of one of the telepaths being slightly obsessed with taking on Samson--which then fucks her over as he counters her probes. Plus, that showdown between Swordmaster and Venom at the end of the issue... Ellis continues to deconstruct the team and demonstrate why it was a totally retarded idea.
Wolverine #63
This issue didn't wow me as much as last. Wolverine continues his efforts to hunt down Mystique with the odd flashback to the two in the past. Some nice moments, but nothing terribly impressive. This is a good story, though, and I look forward to the last two(?) parts.
Young Liars #1
I picked this up partly because I meant to last week and didn't, and partly because of reviews I read online. The reviews were really mixed, but all seemed to suggest that this was worth looking at nonetheless. And it was. I'm not sure exactly what I think about it yet, though. The issue has both good and bad elements. I find the character of Sadie interesting as she has no impulse control and Danny's influence over her is intresting. But, honestly, not much else in the issue does anything for me. I don't find myself caring about anyone else--and even with Sadie, I don't care much, I'm more entertained. This book, though, seems very much about flawed types, rather than flawed characters. The supporting cast are all drawn very broad (and I don't meant picture drawn, just to be clear) with nothing really new or original about them. That, of course, could easily change. I'm torn on picking up the second issue. I guess we'll see what my mood is like when it comes out.
ClanDestine Classic
I picked up this hardcover collection of Alan Davis's original run on ClanDestine (and the two-issue crossover with the X-Men) while in London based purely on the first issue of the current mini-series. The quality is basically the same (although I'd argue Davis's art is better now)--so similar, actually, because the story isn't all that different. This collection has the family come together, but, mostly, not much happens. But, who cares, because the real focus is on the characters, not the plot. Davis has an amazing sense of who these people are and writes them better than a lot of writers would. It's nice to see a bit more of Pandora's character since she hasn't gotten much panel time in the current mini--one moment that's really well done is during the X-Men crossover where Rory is excited to move to the mansion and begin training and she points out that maybe she doesn't want to do everything Rory does.
Another great issue is a crossover with Spider-Man as he gives the twins a chance to be his sidekicks--if they can catch him before he catches them. It really shows off Spidey's character--that he's not much older than them and knows how to speak to them on their level--and sets up his teaching position, in a sense.
The good news is that you don't need this collection to follow the current mini-series, but these are some great issues and do provide some specific details that enrich the characters.
Punisher MAX Volume 4
The fourth hardcover collection continues on with the same direction as the previous three. Ennis continues to build on previous storylines as characters begin to bounce off of one another with the Punisher caught in the middle. His focus on his mission is evident here as he doesn't let personal feelings get in the way nor does the idea that he may die stop him. When the Russian general godes him in a very obvious manner, he tells the reader he knows it's a trap, but, fuck it, the man deserves to die and it's Castle's job to kill him. Ennis has really stripped the character down to the essential "man kills bad people" concept, eliminating anything that doesn't add to that. The second story has the widows of various members of the mafia try to kill Frank and has a woman bent on killing those women save him and give us a female Punisher... and one of the most fucked up endings to an Ennis story I've ever read. Seriously, it really bothered me... and still does. And if you've read a lot of Ennis, you'll know how big a deal that is. While I'm sad to see that Ennis is leaving the book after the current arc, I cannot wait to get the final hardcover collection so I can sit down and spend a day reading the entire MAX run. It's been a fantastic 60 or so issues.
DMZ: Friendly Fire
What impresses me most about this story is that Wood does his best to adhere to realism. You keep expecting some hidden conspiracy behind the Day 204 massacre of protestors by US soldiers, but there isn't. It really just comes down to whether or not a protestor had a gun--a fact no one will ever know for sure. This story is about Matty's struggle to find meaning and truth in a meaningless and truthless event, unable to find anyone to blame and an endless supply of people to feel sorry for (on both sides). I've been enjoying DMZ a lot, but this arc is, by far, the best work I've seen on the book so far by Brian Wood.
As always, not much to say about the things I like. I'm working on it.
This week, the standard posts. I'll be continuing my look at Joe Casey's run on The Incredible Hulk and Scott Lobdell's Wildcats (where Joe Casey scripts two issues).
Sunday, March 09, 2008
The Sunday Open: First Week of March Part 2
And so we march on with part two of our look at the books I got this past week...
The Boys #16
"Good for the Soul" is turning out to be a lovely little character arc where we get to see a bit more about the Boys. It's a nice change of pace from the strictly-superhero stuff the book has been up to this point. The main focus is still on Hughie, which makes sense as he's our perspective character and the one we're most likely to feel for. He gets closer to Annie and acts like a decent guy the entire time. There's also a bit about the Frenchman and the Female that doesn't provide a whole lot of insight, but is still nice. I really like this series.
ClanDestine #2
I'm actually in the middle of reading the hardcover collection of the last series, but I am impressed with how much info Davis did communicate in the previous issue as I'm learning more, but not a whole lot--more like specific details than broad strokes. I do wonder why Vincent is the only member of the family that's crossed out in the little family tree at the beginning of the issue since I know at least two or three other family members are dead, too.
Anyway, this series continues as the threat against the family builds with Adam seemingly killed and Dom lost in time, coming face-to-face with Excalibur. Another book that I'm really digging on as Davis really packs shit into these issues. And, as always, his art is fantastic.
Gødland #21
Adam Archer defeats the Triad finally. It seems like those guys have been around for-frickin'-ever. I rather like Archer as he's still very much a novice at this and doesn't always know what to do. The scene where he does special move after special move seemed very video game-ish to me (in a good way). Really this is the third in a series of books today that I don't have much to say about because it's really good and just continuing along at its own pace. I am interested in learning Maxim's secret, though. What will it be????
The Immortal Iron Fist: Orson Randall and the Green Mist of Death
Now, I don't know why, but this book didn't wow me as much as regular issues of the series do. It seemed more like a bunch of scenes thrown together than an actual story. There are some nice moments and I like how the art progresses to the style closest to that of David Aja, but, I don't know, something feels off. It does give necessary background to the current story in the series, particularly fleshing out the Prince of Orphans. We'll see how it reads as part of the story when I reread the whole thing.
Iron Man: Enter the Mandarin #5
Wow, Tony Stark is kind of stupid... he just shows up by himself and gets captured by the Mandarin. Okay, he planned it, but it's still something that could have gone very, very wrong. Particularly that whole execution thing where he barely escapes. But, this series has been really good in telling a focused story about the first fights between these two characters and next issue's final showdown should be great.
Omega the Unknown #6
Well, we've passed the halfway mark and it looks like Alex may find himself working for the enemy soon. Again, enjoying this book but not much to say about it. I'm a horrible critic sometimes.
The Programme #7-8
The introduction of the race war plot can easily fuck this book up, I think. Until now, Milligan has been walking that fine line between brilliance and horrible shit, and adding a new plot element could go either way. However, making it one of the Soviet's tactics to destabilise America helps it seem less random and irrelevent. CP Smith's art continues to baffle me as it also walks the same fine line as Milligan. So much will depend on the final four issues of this book.
Punisher War Journal #15-17
Normally, I don't bother discussing stuff Tim and I looked at in our column, but we only looked at one issue (well, more the whole series, but, you know, whatever). The conclusion to the Kraven story was odd, but sets him up as a foil for the Punisher, which makes sense in its own way.
Issue 16 is a follow-up to issue four, and is very, very good. I like the idea of a Punisher survivors group, and the look at the Gibbon's life since being blown up is pretty depressing. As Tim and I said, the book seems to work best when the Punisher barely shows up.
Issue 17 didn't wow me as much as 16. I do like how it adds more complexity to the Clarke/Castle relationship, though. Obviously something Fraction has an eye to do something with in the future.
And that does it for these books. Short little reviews, aren't they? Mostly "I dig this" or "Wait and see." Odd.
The Boys #16
"Good for the Soul" is turning out to be a lovely little character arc where we get to see a bit more about the Boys. It's a nice change of pace from the strictly-superhero stuff the book has been up to this point. The main focus is still on Hughie, which makes sense as he's our perspective character and the one we're most likely to feel for. He gets closer to Annie and acts like a decent guy the entire time. There's also a bit about the Frenchman and the Female that doesn't provide a whole lot of insight, but is still nice. I really like this series.
ClanDestine #2
I'm actually in the middle of reading the hardcover collection of the last series, but I am impressed with how much info Davis did communicate in the previous issue as I'm learning more, but not a whole lot--more like specific details than broad strokes. I do wonder why Vincent is the only member of the family that's crossed out in the little family tree at the beginning of the issue since I know at least two or three other family members are dead, too.
Anyway, this series continues as the threat against the family builds with Adam seemingly killed and Dom lost in time, coming face-to-face with Excalibur. Another book that I'm really digging on as Davis really packs shit into these issues. And, as always, his art is fantastic.
Gødland #21
Adam Archer defeats the Triad finally. It seems like those guys have been around for-frickin'-ever. I rather like Archer as he's still very much a novice at this and doesn't always know what to do. The scene where he does special move after special move seemed very video game-ish to me (in a good way). Really this is the third in a series of books today that I don't have much to say about because it's really good and just continuing along at its own pace. I am interested in learning Maxim's secret, though. What will it be????
The Immortal Iron Fist: Orson Randall and the Green Mist of Death
Now, I don't know why, but this book didn't wow me as much as regular issues of the series do. It seemed more like a bunch of scenes thrown together than an actual story. There are some nice moments and I like how the art progresses to the style closest to that of David Aja, but, I don't know, something feels off. It does give necessary background to the current story in the series, particularly fleshing out the Prince of Orphans. We'll see how it reads as part of the story when I reread the whole thing.
Iron Man: Enter the Mandarin #5
Wow, Tony Stark is kind of stupid... he just shows up by himself and gets captured by the Mandarin. Okay, he planned it, but it's still something that could have gone very, very wrong. Particularly that whole execution thing where he barely escapes. But, this series has been really good in telling a focused story about the first fights between these two characters and next issue's final showdown should be great.
Omega the Unknown #6
Well, we've passed the halfway mark and it looks like Alex may find himself working for the enemy soon. Again, enjoying this book but not much to say about it. I'm a horrible critic sometimes.
The Programme #7-8
The introduction of the race war plot can easily fuck this book up, I think. Until now, Milligan has been walking that fine line between brilliance and horrible shit, and adding a new plot element could go either way. However, making it one of the Soviet's tactics to destabilise America helps it seem less random and irrelevent. CP Smith's art continues to baffle me as it also walks the same fine line as Milligan. So much will depend on the final four issues of this book.
Punisher War Journal #15-17
Normally, I don't bother discussing stuff Tim and I looked at in our column, but we only looked at one issue (well, more the whole series, but, you know, whatever). The conclusion to the Kraven story was odd, but sets him up as a foil for the Punisher, which makes sense in its own way.
Issue 16 is a follow-up to issue four, and is very, very good. I like the idea of a Punisher survivors group, and the look at the Gibbon's life since being blown up is pretty depressing. As Tim and I said, the book seems to work best when the Punisher barely shows up.
Issue 17 didn't wow me as much as 16. I do like how it adds more complexity to the Clarke/Castle relationship, though. Obviously something Fraction has an eye to do something with in the future.
And that does it for these books. Short little reviews, aren't they? Mostly "I dig this" or "Wait and see." Odd.
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