This week’s comics felt like a breath of fresh air for the most part, followed by a bit of staleness that I tried hard to shake. As mentioned earlier this week, I was pleasantly surprised by Green Arrow/ Black Canary #1 and Wonder Woman #13. Both books have my attention and I am eagerly waiting next month.
The rest of the books I got came with a wide range of emotions. Here is the skinny.
Wonder Girl #2 (of 6): I am really vibing on J. Torres’ scripting. He has a good feel for Cassie, and has done his research. The exchanges between Hercules and Cassie were very well done. The art grew on me as I read the issue, and I think Sanford Greene and Nathan Massengill have a unique style. I can’t wait to see more. Grade: B.
Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #24: This storyline has no soul or heart. It feels so contrived that it leaves me cold. “One More Day” may have good intentions, but it just isn’t working for me. I also wish Joe Quesada would have put someone else on art chores. Grade: D.
Stormwatch PHD #12: The final issue of a series I really enjoyed. It figures. Christos Gage did an excellent job fleshing out the characters in this book and I am sorely disappointed to see this end. Ably assisted by Andy Smith on pencils, this was a book I always looked forward to. I am really bummed. Grade: A.
The Punisher Max #51: Holy Crap. This book rules! I love the fact that Barracuda has become such a fitting villain for Frank. Writer Garth Ennis has given the Punisher the fight of his life, and has never let him off the hook easy. I doubt Frank would want it any other way. How he gets out of this one is beyond me though. Artist Goran Parlov brings the darkness and it works well. This book is one of my “must reads” every month. Grade: A.
First Born #2 (of 3): Though very late, First Born is a book I have been eagerly awaiting as it is supposed to redefine the Top Cow universe as we know it. Because of my lack of interest in the Darkness video game, I have mostly been unaware of Jackie Estacado’s place herein for quite sometime. It was great to see him back in action. Yes, I am a sucker for the Top Cow characters. Seeing them done well is always a bit of a high for me. I have to subtract points for severe lateness and am reserving a high grade for the finale. Grade: C.
Black Adam #3 (of 6): This is the kind of book that pushes the envelope in all the right ways. Peter Tomasi and Doug Mahnke have given Black Adam the horror edge that he has always so desperately needed. It works well here. I am completely hooked on this title for the quality work and fresh feel it brings to the DC Universe. It hasn’t taken away from continuity nor done a character reboot to work. It uses what is available and brings an edge to a villain that has always had to play it a bit safe. Grade: A.
Spider-Man Red Sonja #3 (of 5): Mike Oeming has done a nice job of bringing Red Sonja to the readers in his Dynamite Entertainment reboot. Artist Mel Rubi comes along with him to tell the tale of Spider-Man’s team up with the She-Devil with a Sword. Interestingly, I keep thinking back to the old school team up and seeing similarities. It is part flattery and part homage, I think, so I am going to treat it that way. All in all, this book is a fun read that takes my mind off what is happening in current continuity with Peter and Mary Jane. Grade: B-.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
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4 comments:
Punisher Max! Yes - it does indeed, rule. Was looking at the Marvel site upcoming previews and wonder if the next ish will reference the Born GN, which was a great story. And for some odd reason I love the cover of the upcominig #53 - so incredibly simple, yet so Punisher. :)
That's pretty bad when a storyline called "One More Day" has no heart and soul. Without that, it's just manufactured drama.
Once again, excellent quick take reviews!
You're correct about the Spiderman story. There is no heart in the story. I really don't care what happens to the characters, because that's all they are...characters, they are just card board cut outs as far as I'm concerned.
And I'm afraid it's not going to get any better. The rumors seem to point towards Peter making a deal with the devil to save Aunt May.
Eaglewing, I am really loving Punisher Max right now! Ennis is firing on all cylinders, and Frank Castle is beautifully defined as a character. It just doesn't get better then this for me. The last "widows" storyline ripped my guts out, and this current one featuring Barracuda is unreal. You have great taste!
Spider-Man just isn't doing it for me. Maybe they need to give Ennis a call and he can Frank come down and straighten things out! :-)
John, you speak true here. The story is on autopilot. I just don't feel anything when I read the story. You are very apt when you say Peter will sell his soul for Aunt May, because more then likely that is the road he is on.
What a bummer to end a key relationship for the sake of short term gains.
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