While we may not always have the time to review all the comics we get every week, we do try and provide a snapshot of the latest releases, mixing the good with the not so good.
Matt C's Byrne FF project continues this week.
Please note: the Boom! Studios titles The Incredibles and The Muppet Show reviewed below are unfortunately unavailable in the UK, presumably for licensing reasons.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #48
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Art: Butch Guice, Luke Ross & Steve Epting
Marvel $2.99
James R: Right, I’m starting to run out of superlatives for Ed Brubaker – this was the final part of the Old Friends & Enemies arc, which has been top-draw; there were no surprises, just a well-crafted tale. Particular note to Brubaker’s writing of Namor – a character, who often comes across as a sulky tosser, is transformed into a funny, rock-hard and merciless character here. I hereby demand the Brubaker Invaders miniseries now, and will be buying my Namor green-scaled speedos in anticipation… Imperious Rex indeed! 8/10
Matt C: Even an – albeit brief – appearance of the ridiculously ubiquitous Dark Avengers can’t dampen my enthusiasm for Captain America. This issues rattles along at such a pace that you may well be left breathless when you put it down! Expertly choreographed action sequences that really do set the pulse racing – the credits aren’t clear about who did what out of the three artists, but the visuals are so consistently outstanding the whole way through that they all deserve whatever credit is heaped upon them. When you see Brubaker handle some of the supporting cast – Black Widow and, in particular, Namor – you kind of wish all the other writers who patently don’t get the characters in question are told to keep their hands off while Bru’s utilizing them. An awesome comic, but surely you know that already, right? 8/10
NEW AVENGERS #51
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Art: Billy Tan, Chris Bachalo et al.
Marvel #3.99
Stewart R: While the Mighty Avengers are off dealing with supernatural beasties and the Dark Avengers are busy ripping the heads off of sorceresses (see #2 for that treat) the New Avengers are having a Chinese takeaway and discussing team-related issues. Some would raise an eyebrow to this but personally I’m loving it. With the superhero world in disarray - thanks single-handedly to Bendis - it's good to have a central Marvel title where the fallout of the past year is being cogitated over by the characters. The sorcery element is obviously going to be a big part of this book in months ahead and it's been a long time coming. The combination of artists here - Tan dealing with the team and Bachalo handling Dr Strange - works for the most part, though is it me or does Wiccan look like he's either a) had botox injections or b) is suffering from constipation? It's still an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to finding out where this is going. 7/10
CROSSED #4
Writer: Garth Ennis
Art: Jacen Burrows
Avatar $3.99
Matt C: I guess on the surface this can be viewed as standard zombie/apocalypse fare with the added bonus of Ennis’ penchant for pushing the boundaries of taste, but the man never got to where he was today by being a hack, so its best to dig a little deeper to see what he’s really getting at. What I think I found is an allegorical commentary on the way society’s values and morals have been slowly degraded and debased to a point where the population has become desensitized against great horror; an inescapable wave eroding the ethics of the population to the point where the well-being of their fellow man means nothing. Dropping this kind of idea inside the horror genre enables Ennis to take plenty of risks with what he presents – you could even say he’s gone all postmodern on us, commenting on how much it takes to get a strong reaction out of people these days while delivering – with the help from the brutal and twisted pen of Burrows – imagery that is grotesque enough to elicit such a reaction. Well, that’s what I read into it anyway. Either I’m right, or Ennis is just writing a book where a bunch of pervy zombies kill and mutilate folk for shits and giggles. I’d like to hope I am right though! 8/10
James R: Last month I commented that this miniseries was good fun (in a horribly pervy way) but I felt that it was just more of the same every month – with Ennis publicly declaring that this was a ‘real world’ apocalypse – there was no salvation for the survivors, just day-to-day pandemonium… and while that’s all well and good, it makes for a horribly predictable comic. Apply this formula: every issue, there will be a) a flashback that shows how one of the group was killed (as a result of i) naivety or ii) misfortune) and this will be combined with b) a sequence where the survivors question their humanity and future against a backdrop of c) nefarious murder/rape. Hmm. I expect more invention for my cash than this. 4/10
WOLVERINE: FIRST CLASS #13
Writer: Peter David
Art: Ronan Cliquet
Marvel $2.99
Andy H: Now this is better. The earlier issues of this title just didn't seem quite right; this issue appears to be heading in the right direction. Logan and Kitty are visiting the 'American Japanese Institute and find themselves separated and involved in a face off with the Hand. Being in New York, if there are naughty ninjas about Daredevil can't be far away, and he isn't! All we need now is the ‘lady in red’ and we've got a full house. Peter David handles all the characters well and the plot is not a complicated affair. The art is fine, nice big in-your-face pages, without being too in your face. All in all a good old fashioned Wolverine romp, which I will continue to follow. Also, love the next issue blurb 'more ninja fighty stuff' - you just can't go wrong with that! 6/10
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #12
Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Art: Wes Craig
Marvel $2.99
Stewart R: We get a good finish to the Phyla and Drax centred mini-arc as the duo - with a little help from a special guest - take on the diabolical Maelstrom and the Dragon of the Moon. I wasn't quite sure where Abnett and Lanning were headed with this particular jaunt but the payoff may make this book incredibly interesting over the year ahead. Phyla's future with the team is now intriguing and the machinations in the other space-based books have allowed the writers to go down this route. Having two writers working so well across so many titles should be giving other scribes (ahem, Mr Bendis!) an idea of how to handle a universe of characters successfully. Craig's work is decent for a second issue in a row and I'd like to see him given further duties on this or a similar title. 8/10
TOP 10 SEASON TWO SPECIAL #1
Writers: Zander Cannon & Kevin Cannon
Art: Daxiong
DC/Wildstorm $2.99
James R: After the fantastic Season Two mini-series I was hoping that this special would tie up some of the dangling ends from Zander Cannon’s detailed plot. There was some sense of continuity, but sadly this courtroom drama, designed to give Top 10 even more of a cop show feel, was a bit of a non-event. Pointless, I’m sorry to say. 4/10
X-INFERNUS #4
Writer: C.B. Cebulski
Art: Giuseppe Camuncoli and Jesse Delperdang
Marvel $3.99
Stewart R: I'll look back at the X-Infernus mini and remember that it was a good read overall but this final piece of the puzzle wasn't as enjoyable as the instalments before it. Witchfire makes her final gamble to release the fiends of Limbo and Nightcrawler's X-Men are still fighting for their lives - or so we're supposed to believe. This book is so focused on the connections between Illyana and Pixie that many of the other characters' roles are made redundant. Rockslide and Mercury's foray into Limbo is almost, almost pointless and even Wolverine and Colossus are simply 'along for the ride' by this time. This wouldn't be a bad thing if the ending weren't somewhat confusing with some strangely written reactions from various characters. 6/10
THE MUPPET SHOW #1
Writer: Roger Langridge
Art: Roger Langridge
Boom! Studios $2.99
Matt C: You have to be of a certain age to remember The Muppet Show in its classic incarnation (the ‘90s comeback had its moments but failed to take hold and sank very quickly) and the format of sketches interspersed with backstage shenanigans was strong enough that you’ll feel in very familiar surroundings with this book. I have to admit I did get a massive nostalgic kick from reading it, and Langridge has a definite knack for replicating the mix of clever moments and so-bad-its-good comedy. I'm not sure if I’d come back to it on a frequent basis – nostalgia can only take you so far – and I’m not sure if there’ll be enough “kids” out there familiar enough with the Muppets in this scenario for it to gain a sizeable audience. It’s a blast when reading it but I don't know how much of that’s down to the memories it triggers of the old TV show. 7/10
MIGHTY AVENGERS #23
Writer: Dan Slott
Art: Koi Pham & Danny Miki
Marvel $2.99
James R: …or Avengers: The Losers! as Marvel would never dream of calling it, but it’s clear that at the end of this story arc Dan Slott has got a ‘lucky dip’ of Marvel characters that are currently not in their own books (the Young Avengers, U.S. Agent) or are about to have their titles re-shuffled (Hulk, Hercules & Amadeus Cho) and it’s all a bit so-so. Slott always injects a welcome shot of humour to his books and the action is nicely handled, but what can I say? With the fantastic Young Avengers on permanent vacation, and the Hulk books wandering aimlessly, this reads like a fill-in issue rather than an exciting new direction. 5/10
PROOF #18
Writer: Alex Grecian
Art: Riley Rossmo
Image $3.50
Matt C: The previous Savage-Dragon-guest-starring arc didn’t really float my boat and I did worry whether this once great title was beginning to slip. First indication that Proof was back on form was when I got a proper look at Rossmo’s gorgeous cover for this issue. Simple, evocative and sending out a clear signal of what to expect when you turn the page. The contents are exactly what I was hoping for: Grecian captures a sense of time and place perfectly while Rossmo continues to impress with his rich, unique artwork. On this evidence, if the creator’s suddenly decided to set this book solely in the 19th century I don’t think I’d have any major problem with such a decision at all! 7/10
NOVA #23
Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Art: Andrea Divito
Marvel $2.99
Stewart R: It's as if the DnA boys read my previous review! Here are H.A.M.M.E.R knocking on the door of Project Pegasus! Let normal play commence! This is a solid issue that reminds us of the distance Richard Rider has travelled from young, arrogant hot-head to wise, burdened hero. Even faced with his unpowered demise he still sticks to his principles and does what he believes to be right, even if it seals his end. The revealing of a supporting character's allegiance is interesting and further highlights Rider's ethical standing. While this issue is somewhat action-lite it still shows that Abnett and Lanning have sculpted this book and character over the past 23 issues with a good amount of care and it must, MUST be considered one of the most consistent reads in Marvel's canon. 7/10
CAPED #1
Writer: Josh Lobis & Darin Moiselle
Art: Yair Herrera
Boom! Studios $3.99
Matt C: Oh great, yet another Batman analogue! This one has an added dash of a Clark-Kent-style-secret-identity but you quickly realise this ground has been covered plenty of times already. The twist here is that all the major superheroes have personal assistants taking care of all their everyday requirements that don’t involve slapping around super-villains, from dry-cleaning capes to ensuring Christmas cards are sent out each year. There is a smattering of mirth to be found with this but nowhere near enough, and while Herrara’s art is very impressive its look is pitched more towards realism rather than the goofy tone the book requires. 5/10
X-MEN: KINGBREAKER #4
Writer: Chris Yost
Art: Dustin Weaver, Paco Diaz et al
Marvel $3.99
Stewart R: Marvel's scheduling over recent months has hit some turbulence meaning that some of the plot reveals here will already be known to readers of the War Of Kings title. The Kingbreaker finale is a fine read, allowing us to find out just how the Starjammers escaped their perilous situation on the prison planet and this four-issue run has certainly fleshed out the drives and motives of certain characters who will play a major part in WOK. There's a brutal dust-up between the Starjammers and the various versions of the Imperial Guard and Yost writes a clever little play for Havok's powers. There are enough unanswered questions here without leaving readers feeling it was all for nought and could help people on their decision to pick up the main War Of Kings book. 8/10
UNKNOWN SOLDIER #6
Writer: Joshua Dysart
Art: Alberto Ponticelli
DC/Vertigo $2.99
Matt C: I can’t fault this book for its intelligence, its research, its passion, its humanity, nor can I fault the effectiveness or the edgy intensity of the illustrations. Where this book has fallen down for me is its inability to make me care or understand the central protagonist. If there’s been an attempt to explain why a pacifist doctor has become a violent force of vengeance it was too subtle for me. Without great knowledge of the Unknown Soldier prior to this series, the hows and whys are just way too vague for me. I admire it and can’t deny it’s very well written, but it’s managed to keep me too much at a distance. I’m done for now but will keep an eye on it for a potential trade paperback purchase down the line. 6/10
DAREDEVIL #117
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Art: Michael Lark & Stefano Gaudiano
Marvel $2.99
Matt C: Following the news that Brubaker is leaving this title to be replaced by Andy Diggle I’m guessing we could be beginning his final arc here as he brings the Kingpin back into the fold. Although the title dipped in quality slightly during the middle of the writer’s run, recently its picked up steam again as he’s introduced some of the kung fu energy he employed so well in Iron Fist. All the signs point to this being a ‘big’, ‘important’ storyline, and Bru has delivered so many times in the past I can’t see him dropping the ball here. That goes for the art team as well: the few pages with Izo taking out Hand flunkies in a snowstorm are beautifully rendered. 8/10
THE INCREDIBLES: FAMILY MATTERS #1
Writer: Mark Waid
Art: Marcio Takara
Boom! Studios $2.99
Matt C: Another “unavailable in the UK” title from Boom! and while it provides about the same level of enjoyment as The Muppet Show ultimately I think it will prove to be the more successful. It’s more skewed to a younger audience than the Pixar movie, not exhibiting the same kind of smarts, but it still brings a smile to the face with Waid tapping into the same irreverent vein of humour that made the film so satisfying. Takara wisely avoids trying to copy the look of the animation and instead captures the spirit of the characters in his own style. A lot of fun and hopefully young readers in Great Britain will get a chance to sample it one day soon! 7/10
DARK REIGN: ELEKTRA #1
Writer: Zeb Wells
Art: Clay Mann & Mark Pennington
Marvel $3.99
Andy H: When we last saw Elektra she'd just been released after being a captive of the Skrulls. She was taken to a SHIELD facility to be cared for and given time to heal. Time moved on, SHIELD has gone and been replaced by HAMMER and Norman Osborn. Elektra is now a captive again. She must escape but even if she does, there's a price on her head, so maybe the outside world may not be any better for her. The opening issue didn't grab me the way the first of Wells’ Venom mini did but there's enough there to get me back. Elektra, when handled properly, is a great character and deserves to be brought back into the Marvel Universe. Plus if you are a fan of multiple covers there's a choice of two quite stunning ones for this issue. 6/10
X-FORCE/CABLE: MESSIAH WAR PROLOGUE #1
Writers: Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost
Art: Mike Choi and Sonia Oback
Marvel $3.99
Stewart R: I don't quite understand why Marvel isn't just doing a dedicated Messiah War series and putting the respective Cable and X-Force titles on hold for a couple of issues until the story has reached an impasse or conclusion. That way they could charge $3.99 for issues as good, if not better, than this and get everyone involved. And this is a very good one-shot in terms of presentation, plot progression and reveals, and will be essential to anyone jumping on this time travelling merry-go-round having not read an X-title for the past three years. Those who are aware of what has happened in and since Messiah Complex may however feel like half of this book was unnecessarily treading over the ground of what’s gone before. Not essential but worth getting if you're a completist. 6/10
UBU BUBU #4
Writer: Jamie Smart
Art: Jamie Smart
SLG $3.50
Matt C: It’s the kind of comic you put down and wonder what the hell it was all about, but not in a bad way. The “plot” has something to do with the apocalypse brought on by the titular daemon trapped in a pussycat and contains enough profane humour to utterly offend your mother, but while there are moments of inspired genius here it’s not one of Smart’s best creations. His work is most successful when it features solid, memorable characters (Looshkin & Bear from, er, Bear, Space Raoul) that worm their way into your hearts, but unfortunately Ubu Bubu himself didn’t have any endearing qualities to manage that trick. Amusing, but no classic. 6/10
FANTASTIC FOUR #244
Writer: John Byrne
Art: John Byrne
Marvel $0.60
Matt C: Johnny an emotional wreck, Reed whipping up an impossibly complicated piece of machinery within a matter of seconds (or so it seemed!), Galactus wondering aloud if he’s finally found on Earth “those he might dare name… friends”, and of course the fate of Frankie Raye! She always seemed a bit unhinged and morally challenged so her career-changing decision in this issue shouldn’t have come as a surprise to the foursome… but it does, of course! Not the knockout we had last time but with two prologues setting up future storylines there’s blatantly plenty more excitement on the horizon. 8/10
Review by Matt C
WATCHMEN
Cast: Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, Jackie Earle Haley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Patrick Wilson
Director: Zack Snyder
Runtime: 163 mins
Certificate: 18
Release Date: 6 March 2009
It’s taken me a little while to get my thoughts down but I needed a second viewing of Zack Synder’s adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbon’s seminal tome to really wrap my head around what I’d seen, and in certain respects, to allow myself to separate the movie experience from reading the book (I re-read it about a month ago after not giving it a proper look in about a decade). It was the right move because, while I was sure I liked it following my initial viewing - just not sure to what degree due to the almost overwhelming surrealistic jolt of hearing Moore’s words and seeing Gibbons’ images as though they’d been pulled straight out of the pages - second time around I could absorb the film as its own entity. Having done so I’m now confident that I’ve nailed down my opinion, and while there are a smattering of flaws, Watchmen is an astonishing adaptation of the classic comic: faithful to the source, uncompromising in its translation, and successful as a piece of contemporary cinema. Synder has taken what many deemed an unfilmable novel and turned it into an intelligent, gripping, enthralling and discomforting motion picture.
If you’re reading this review I’m guessing I don’t need to summarise the plot here as most fans of the medium are intimately familiar with the contents of the comic and, by extension, the film, and will know – more or less – how it plays out (if they’ve not seen it already). Suffice to say, it’s a deconstruction of the superhero genre that postulates what the world would be like if masked vigilantes existed and how the course of history would change should a genuine super-powered being appear on American soil. Obviously there’s far more to it than that but essentially that’s the foundation, and Synder has transformed it into a film that’s incredibly faithful to the source material. So faithful in fact that some have suggested because it sticks so doggedly to the comic it doesn’t ever stand a chance of developing an identity of its own. Bullshit, I say. Synder patently understands the difference between the two mediums and is fully aware of what each is capable of and how they both differ. Comics can do things film is unable to replicate, and Moore and Gibbons pushed the boundaries of the medium in ways never seen before. But Synder understands film, knows what translates to the screen and, more to the point, knows what cinema can do that can’t be achieved on the printed page. Movement. Performance. The combination of music and imagery. It’s reason enough to adapt any piece of literature, but Synder’s obvious love of the material has guided his choices to create something that warrants consideration as a piece of art in its own right. He may have had to strip away some of the layers and subtext from the book to make it more manageable in the time-constrained movie format, but by and large he's picked the right things to jettison and the right things to retain.
The casting was obviously going to be something that could completely derail the project if the wrong decisions were made but Snyder avoided big names and went for people who not only looked the part but had the acting chops to ensure the fantasy world their character’s existed in seemed real enough to hook an audience. Jeffrey Dean Morgan as The Comedian: immoral but magnetic. Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach: psychotic but strangely persuasive. Billy Crudup as Dr Manhattan: whispering detachment hiding genuine humanity. Matthew Goode as Ozymandias: arrogant and misguided. Patrick Wilson as Nite Owl: honest but naive. All these characters are brought to vivid life. Only Malin Ackerman as Silk Spectre provides a weak link – serviceable in the role but straying too close to daytime soap opera performance on occasion. It’s distracting but is easily overlooked as part of the ensemble cast that also includes numerous supporting players who manage to make solid impressions though their appearances may be brief. On top of that is some strikingly accurate set design, evocative cinematography, some bold musical choices (not including the rather misjudged sex scene!) and of course, Snyder’s assured direction. There were worries that he would rely heavily on slo-mo as he did in 300, but here it’s used sparingly to punctuate action scenes in a way that nods to the source material; a momentary freeze frame creating a single image that brings to mind a comic book panel. It’s an aesthetic choice, and for me, it works. The only thing he gets wrong is the amping up of the violence in certain scenes to somewhat ridiculous levels, lessening their impact rather than increasing it, but again, it’s not something that hampers the overall impressiveness of the film.
At the time of writing the movie is being written off as a flop due its failure to break any box office records and it’s noise dive during successive weekends. It was strange to see some of the critical opinions too, many coming across as somewhat kneejerk reactions to something that, because of the subject matter, was never going to have an easy time with mainstream audiences. We held out hope that it would somehow crossover, but with it’s relatively unconventional narrative, it’s regularly bleak view of humanity, it’s ugly brutality, and lack of starpower, it was always going to be a hard sell, in even a post-Dark Knight world. But, having said that, I firmly believe that the journey for this movie has just begun. We know Synder has planned not only an extended edition (possibly up to half and hour of extra footage) but also a super-extended edition that slots the Tales Of The Black Freighter animation into the film. Clearly he’s not messing about here, and clearly, with a little hindsight, it’s a near miracle that he managed to get the film to the cinemas in this form. With the amount of money involved (estimated between $150 - $200 million) I’m left with nothing but total admiration for the man; he stuck to his guns, brought Moore and Gibbons’ vision to the screen without any drastic, catastrophic changes. The altered ending works in this context, and if you hear some of the suggestions Synder had to bat back from the Warner execs (a Rorschach and Nite Owl buddy movie; no Manhattan on Mars), you wonder how it’s possible he managed it at all.
So, it may not have raked in the cash at first, but I can see this film seeping into popular culture in the same way the comic did, starting with the core fanbase at first and then flowing outwards to snare others with its power. It will find its legs on DVD/Blu-ray and grow in popularity – I’ve heard comparisons to the likes of Blade Runner and Fight Club thrown around, movies considered flops originally but that are now regarded as classics. Watchmen, the film, will be with us for a long time to come. Just like the book it has so brilliantly adapted, it will endure. 9/10
While we may not always have the time to review all the comics we get every week, we do try and provide a snapshot of the latest releases, mixing the good with the not so good.
Matt C's Byrne FF project continues this week.
WOLVERINE #71
Writer: Mark Millar
Art: Steve McNiven & Dexter Vines
Marvel $2.99
Matt C: After last issue’s misstep this is definitely an improvement but somehow – for me at least – it fails to get fully back on course. Logan’s scene with Emma Frost felt completely off considering not only their previous relationship as team-mates but also the events witnessed in the previous instalment of the story. Millar seems to have reached a point where he’s recycling his ideas within a couple of issues: the Pym Falls scene might have worked better if we hadn’t seen something incredibly similar featuring Loki not that long ago. There are still plenty of B-movie type thrills packed in but my interest has waned rapidly. Fortunately McNiven’s pencils and Vines’ inks are pretty incredible and more than enough to hold my attention as this arc head towards it conclusion. 6/10
James R: The other week I made the point here that there were two Grant Morrisons – one that writes We3 and All-Star Superman and one that writes New X-Men and The Filth. It must be a Caledonian thing, as I think there are two Mark Millars – the one that crafts The Ultimates and Chosen and the one that lazily hacks out Fantastic Four and Wanted. I’m pleased to say that his second bite at Wolverine has been written by the former. From part one, this story has been told with verve and inventiveness, and McNiven has brought his usual high-quality pencils to each issue. It’s a romp from beginning to end, and knowing how Millar normally writes, were due at least another big twist and a big ol’ action scene. Corking cover too! 8/10
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #588
Writer: Marc Guggenheim
Art: John Romita Jr, Klaus Janson & Tom Palmer
Marvel $3.99
Stewart R: And so the Character Assassination arc ends in a whimper rather than a bang. Well OK, maybe a small crisp-packet 'pop' but still, this could have been so much better. Guggenheim appears to have run out of ideas somewhat with the final issue of this run, having given us surprises and twists galore previously. For all of the positioning and story weaving that’s been done by the 'Braintrust' to build up the Mayoral election over the past year Guggenheim instead opts to finish it all in a close and claustrophobic manner and it's something of a disappointment. The art change in the later half of the book, this time on inking duties, manages to make a mockery of Romita Jr's pencils and not for the first time has me questioning Marvel's scheduling. To top it off any new shoots of creativity springing from this arc have 'Osborn' written all over them which may prove to be tiresome in the coming year as well. 4/10
HOTWIRE: REQUIEM FOR THE DEAD #2
Writers: Steve Pugh & Warren Ellis
Art: Steve Pugh
Radical Comics $2.99
Matt C: There’s an emotional disconnect that features in some of Warren Ellis’ work that keeps the reader at a distance, and even though this has Pugh adapting a story by Ellis, that disconnect is present here too. The central character is too much of an Ellis stereotype: a cocky, kooky, somewhat crazy chick who's smart enough to put the guys in their places, and unfortunately too annoying to really care deeply about. A shame because the idea is 'out there' in a good way (only Ellis can come up with the concept of turning ghosts into bombs!) and Pugh’s distinctly British art is rather splendid. 6/10
X-FORCE #13
Writers: Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost
Art: Clayton CrainMarvel $2.99
Stewart R: As we creep nearer to the imminent X-Force/Cable crossover and the time-travel madness to come it seems that Kyle & Yost know exactly what they're doing: the Messiah War is going to fall right at the spot where the single X-Force title is on an interesting high point, but because we're going to be led down a side path of chronological carnage we can of course come back to that exact same point and pick it all up later. I have to say that I can't wait. Wolverine's growing frustration with Scott's decision-making is providing some great reading and the appearance of three former members of the New X-Men/Hellions in this issue means that when we do come back to Bastion and the Leper Queen's plans we're in for some excitement. Rahne's storyline seems to be treading water currently and doesn't quite fit with what the rest of X-Force are doing, but the writers must be sticking with her for some reason. We'll just have to see how this little 'war' turns out first and then find out! 7/10
POTTER'S FIELD: STONE COLD #1
Writer: Mark Waid
Art: Paul Azaceta
Boom Studios $3.99
Stewart R: The mysterious John Doe goes about his detective duties trying to locate identities for the many nameless dead that turn up around New York. It's an interesting crime story premise and Mark Waid combines it well with a post-9/11 twist that doesn't stick in the throat like so many others before it. The 'nameless dead' has also been a commonly used concept in recent years through various media but here we're spared the usual forensic-science bombardment in favour of good old-fashioned betrayal and mistrust. This is deep, gritty detective writing and Waid keeps the story clipping along at a fair lick aided by Azaceta's triumphant offering on pencils and inks. There are some terrific panels here and Azaceta captures a cold and brooding New York that suits the story perfectly. A great 20 page read and I'd like to see some more if it's coming... 8/10
Matt C: Great to have this back – possibly Boom!’s most appealing comic project – even if it’s only in the form of a one-shot. John Doe’s investigations this time around take in identity fraud and corrupt cops and Azaceta’s moody art vividly nails down the tone of the story. Good to see Waid hasn’t forgotten about this book and hopefully it’ll make more a frequent appearance on the stands – the concept certainly has plenty of mileage. More please, Mr Waid. 8/10
DARK AVENGERS #3
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Art: Mike Deodato
Marvel $3.99
James R: After giving this title a bit of a kicking last month for being a re-tread of Mighty Avengers, this month’s issue is a definite improvement. It starts with a neat scene between the Sentry and Norman Osborn – both men with dual personality issues. On top of that, the action gets taken up a notch. Finally, the issue finishes with what every good episodic comic should have – a final page that makes you want to read the next instalment. Now! Fingers crossed that Bendis actually manages to write a decent Doctor Doom this time… 7/10
BAD DOG #2
Writer: Joe Kelly
Artist: Diego Greco
Image $3.50
Stewart R: This is pure, crude, hilarious fun and I highly recommend that you at least read through several pages when you next step into a comic shop. It won't be to everyone's taste: debauchery-led Werewolf Bounty Hunter stories tend to be a niche market - especially where they involve Neo Nazi's getting forced to parade around naked and the female boss discussing the many sexual methods that she wants our hairy protagonist to subject her to - but if there are other titles in that market then they need to look here to see how it should be done. Kelly's writing is superb with some of the best tongue-in-cheek banter I've read in a long time, while under the in-your-face humour there is a deeper heart to the tale of Lou and Wendall which promises to make this series a classic. Fantastic. 9/10
SPIDER-MAN NOIR #4
Writer: David Hine & Fabrice Sapolsky
Art: Carmine Di Giandomenico
Marvel $3.99
Matt C: A stronger conclusion than X-Men Noir, probably because it takes a more formulaic storytelling route which, while it makes for a satisfying read, it leaves a nagging feeling that a little more originality could have been squeezed out of the concept. It was a fun Elseworlds kind of twist on the Spidey mythos, and Di Giandomenico’s frenzied, dynamic art bought the whole thing to life in style, but I don’t think I’m sufficiently excited enough to be looking into any more of these Noir books from Marvel. 7/10
KULL #5
Writer: Arvid Nelson
Art: Will Conrad
Dark Horse $2.99
Matt C: Solid storytelling from Nelson has sustained this mini throughout – even though conceptually it’s not far off from Conan, the writer has brought a distinctive flavour to the proceedings that makes it stand out. Conrad’s art seems to have become bolder and more detailed as the series has progressed, and considering his work was in pretty damn good shape to begin with, that’s no bad thing. I have my doubts whether a Kull ongoing book would work alongside Conan, but further miniseries would certainly be welcomed. 7/10
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: EXTRA! #3
Writers: Phil Jiminez, Marc Guggenheim & Joe Kelly
Art: Phil Jiminez, Fabrizio Fiorentino, Patrick Olliffe & Dale Eaglesham
Marvel $3.99
Stewart R: The Extra side to Spider-Man this week offers up a better quality $3.99 read than the main title. Guggenheim actually produces a nice piece in the aftermath of Character Assassination arc, here focusing on the impact that Spider-Man has on the people in Peter Parker's life and reminding us that every person, even a superhero, can be susceptible to rage and anger. The second story takes us back to Harry Osborn's childhood and reminds us what the relationship between father and son was like back before the green masks and pumpkin bombs made regular appearances. I tend to enjoy it when writers flesh out the troubled backgrounds of characters and while Norman and Harry are constantly sniping and snapping at each other, this brief tale gives those battles some body. The final story, written and drawn by Jimenez, concentrates on the new Kraven and gives us a tantalising hint at where Amazing Spider-Man is likely to be taking us at some future point...seems it might be someplace Sinister....! 7/10
STRONGMAN GN
Writer: Charles Soule
Art: Allan Gladfelter
SLG $9.95
James R: Every now and then I like to try something a little left-of-centre, and Strongman certainly falls into that category. A black & white one-shot about a washed up Mexican wrestler living in present day New York City who gets called out of retirement for one last battle for justice and a shot of redemption. What’s impressive is the sheer number of tropes and themes Soule packs into 56 pages – Noir Detective, Mexican Wrestling, Exploitation Movies… it’s all here! It’s not revolutionary, and it’s not redefining comics, but it’s a breath of fresh air. Soule could certainly be a name to watch, as I can’t remember another writer who has such a wide scope of interests, or one who tries to blend them up in such a way. It’s the kind of comic I know I’ll be telling people about in a year’s time, which is more than I can say for something like Secret Invasion. This is a walk on the wild side that you won’t regret. 7/10
FANTASTIC FOUR #243
Writer: John Byrne
Art: John Byrne
Marvel $0.60
Matt C: Terrax uses the threat of Manhattan’s destruction to sic three members of the Fantastic Four against a weakened Galactus, but as Marvelites know all too well, a weakened Galactus is still infinitely more powerful than your common-or-garden foe. Byrne’s take on the Big G is second only to the Lee/Kirby template: an omnipotent but melancholy being propelled by an insatiable hunger; beyond good and evil and aware of his cosmic necessity. He also provides one of the best renderings of the character ever seen on the printed page (again, only Kirby topped him), his linework encapsulating the fearsome majesty of the World Devourer. Taking that into account, the cover isn’t all that hot (looks a bit rushed) but the interior more than makes up for it: high stakes action, a plethora of guest stars and a highly unexpected but utterly pleasing conclusion. Byrne's best issue so far. 9/10
While we may not always have the time to review all the comics we get every week, we do try and provide a snapshot of the latest releases, mixing the good with the not so good.
Matt C's Byrne FF project continues this week.
I
NVINCIBLE IRON MAN #11
Writer: Matt Fraction
Art: Salvador Larroca
Marvel $2.99
Stewart R: We're into segue territory with this issue of Invincible as Tony Stark and his fellow Most Wanted fugitives go about their various missions and discoveries. I like the fact that Fraction has not forgotten about Henry Hellrung (you remember him right? Nice guy, used to lead The Order when the Initiative knew what it was all about. No?) and the flashback to Stark's planning is well handled, but the inclusion of War Machine here is baffling. Since James Rhodes has his complete autonomy because of Tony, it doesn't make sense that he'd try to get Tony to surrender to H.A.M.M.E.R. This meeting is blatantly the only way Fraction could see to facilitate next issue's Dark Reign dust-up and highlight the level of tech that Iron Man has at present, but it's certainly a dip in his form to force it in like this. Larroca gives us some lavish touches here with the HUD displays of various suits being the highlight and the cover is one of the best to date this year. Not bad overall but not brilliant. 6/10
Matt C: There are plenty of clever ideas and cool concepts flying around in this book at the moment, but for some reason it’s not really been clicking with me much over the last few issues. Maybe it’s the direction Fraction’s taking the title, having Stark on the run, Bruce Banner style (although to be fair he just playing the cards he’s been dealt); there’s only so far he can take it, only so many things Osborn can throw at Iron Man and his alter ego before it starts getting tedious. Pepper Potts as Iron Woman isn’t working for me either – just feels unnecessary. Still, I like that Fraction hasn’t forgotten about his Order characters, and the covert email communication trick is pretty neat, so there’s still stuff there to keep me interested. Just about. 6/10
SUPER ZOMBIES #1
Writer: Markn Guggenheim & Vince Gonzales
Art: Mel Rubi
Dynamite Entertainment $3.50
Matt T: One day, in the distant future, I hope I won't be instantly enticed by any comic with 'zombie' in the title. It's almost become the ultimate lazy writers ploy to inject some sudden dramatic impact and switch genres without really working that hard at it. This isn't to say that Super Zombies is lazy crap, anything but. In fact the zombie element only makes an appearance toward the end, and is more of a result of the 'Super' part of the title. Guggenheim has crafted a decent plot here, and the only real worry is that so many characters from an unfamiliar universe being introduced rapidly means a few may get lost along the way. 7/10
CITY OF DUST #5
Writer: Steve Niles
Art: Bradon Chng, Zid & Garrie Gastonny
Radical Comics $2.99
Matt C: How could a title that started off so well descend so quickly into utter drivel? The initial funky idea of a dystopian future where books and religion are banned seemed to get quickly sidelined in favour of a tiresome horror-tinged plot line that felt like it belonged in another book entirely. There was no cohesiveness to the whole thing and you get the suspicion Niles didn’t know what to do with the story so fell back on the trusted genre he made his name with. The result has been pretty execrable to say the least, and the inconsistent art didn’t help matters. If you missed out on this one, well, lucky you. 1/10
X-MEN MANIFEST DESTINY: NIGHTCRAWLER #1
Writer: James Asmus
Pencils: Jorge Molina and Adrian Syaf
Marvel $3.99
Stewart R: Bizarre. Truly bizarre. There was a great opportunity here to do something definitive, actually have a one-shot issue that changed something in the X-universe, no matter how small or character-based that change, and for some reason the creative team have bailed out (or had the rug pulled from under them?) at the very last second. Because of that decision you end up with $3.99 of pointlessness that covers ground trampled over so many tired times before and come away ever so wary of future one-shots with a similar title. Nightcrawler should have been a lynchpin of the Messiah Complex considering his faith plays a huge part in any of his storylines, but that was overlooked at the time, and the brooding, troubled characterisation seen recently in the Secret Invasion mini and Uncanny that offered promise has now been nipped in the bud in the space of 40 pages. Even Molina's great artwork gets replaced in the final six pages which smacks of further decision changing at the eleventh hour. Oh so poor. 2/10
BOOSTER GOLD #18
Writer: Dan Jurgens
Art: Dan Jurgens & Norm Rapmund
DC $2.99
Matt T: Ever since the writer change on this title, Booster has taken a slightly more serious tone, which seems a bit odd considering how ridiculous the stories are half the time. For example, in this issue Booster has to recruit himself from the past to recover a time travelling knife to prevent an energy being from bringing time to an end. It's not exactly Gone With The Wind, is it? Instead what we have is an enjoyable romp through time that needs a sizeable fun injection before it starts to take itself far too seriously. 7/10
Matt C: I think I should have jumped off when Johns and Katz left the book because, while it’s had its moments since, it’s not come anywhere close to matching the wit and energy of their run. I was keen on the idea on Jurgens taking on writing chores as his art on the book has been a joy, but he’s delivered some rather pedestrian time-travel adventuring that, while passable, is light years away from essential. Another DC title off the pull-list then. 5/10
X-MEN NOIR #4
Writer: Fred Van Lante
Art: Dennis Calero
Marvel $3.99
Matt C: At the end this just didn’t hang together. It was confusing trying to keep up with the characters (and that’s even taking onboard most are variations on well-known faces), trying to figure out who’s doing what to who, and what everyone’s endgame was. It looked great, Calero’s art tonally perfect, but again perhaps everything was bathed in too much shadow, making it difficult to recognise various individuals at different times. It’ll probably read better in one hit when you don’t get a four week gap to forget what’s going on; even though it failed for me, taken as a whole it was something of a worthy failure, an experiment that didn’t quite work. 5/10
30 DAYS OF NIGHT: 30 DAYS TIL DEATH #4
Writer: David Lapham
Art: David Lapham & Len O'Grady
IDW $3.99
Matt T: I was hoping last issue syndrome wouldn't befall this book, but annoyingly enough the conclusion didn't quite match up to the rest of the run. Although it was bound to be a bit bleak - this is 30 Days after all - so many characters who'd actually built up some semblance of an identity were offed in such a short space of time it almost became comedic. People being turned to vamps left, right and centre and a slightly random Aliens homage fill the final pages, and the last panel was a bit of a disappointment. A shame, but I'll still remember this mini-series fondly. 6/10
EX MACHINA SPECIAL #4
Writer: Brian K Vaughan
Art: John Paul Leon
DC/Wildstorm $3.99
Matt C: I’ve been losing interest in Ex Machina recently, which is a pity since the series used to be compulsive reading. I made a vow to see it through based on the great work Vaughan put in initially, and that includes picking up these (sometimes unnecessary) specials. Having said that, this issue was for the most part the best Mayor Hundred story I’ve read in quite some time, dealing with a murdering whackjob who believes Hundred gave him the ability to talk to plants(!). Enjoyable, that is, until Vaughan derails the whole thing at the end when it seemingly turns into discourse on why fanboys aren’t doing their bit for the environment since they bag up their comics rather than popping them in the recycling bin. What the hell?! I may be way of base with my assumption here, but it just threw me right out of the story and kind of pissed me off. I’m beginning to wonder whether, rather than have various ideas tossed around for discussion and different viewpoints, Vaughan is now using the book to force his political views on an unsuspecting readership. We’ll see if this turns into a trend – I pray it doesn’t because this used to be an outstanding series. 6/10
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #11
Writers: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning
Art: Wes Craig
Marvel $2.99
Stewart R: With the various team members spread out across the galaxy at present, Abnett and Lanning are doing the sensible thing and giving an issue or two over to each of the different plot threads. In this issue we catch up with Quasar and Drax as they search for Moondragon, previously believed to be dead although anyone who reads Marvel knows that death can be a temporary lifestyle choice when necessary. Drax and Quasar work well as a partnership as both are the "what next?" Guardians: Drax having fulfilled his life's purpose and Phyla possibly having to face a future without her true love. The writers also show that they know their cosmic Marvel universe well and are free to play with it how they see fit, digging out an old foe from the archives for some 'fun'. Craig's art suits the setting well although he occasionally makes Phyla look much younger than she has been portrayed previously and the cover is just slightly misleading. Still a quality read though, and the next issue promises to be even better. 7/10
SOUL KISS #2
Writer: Steven T. Seagle
Art: Marco Cinello
Image $3.50
Matt C: I imagine unintentionally killing your boyfriend following a deal made with the Prince of Darkness and then having to make another deal with him in order to get your loved one back isn’t a situation anyone would be happy with, but that’s where Lillian finds herself in this enjoyably off-centre mini. Although Seagle’s story is solid enough, it’s Cinello’s art that really makes this book so enticing: from semi-caricature, to semi-realism, to semi-abstract, both the illustrations and colour scheme enliven each and every scene, pushing them places many other artists wouldn’t even think to take them. Recommended for those looking for something off the beaten track. 8/10
SCALPED #26
Writer: Jason Aaron
Art: Davide Furno
DC/Vertigo $2.99
Matt C: Another month, another issue of Scalped where Aaron zooms in on another fucked up individual, the kind you’d never want to meet in a dark alley. Where last month we were introduced to a totally new character, this time we hook up with the wholly unpleasant Diesel; he’s previously been a secondary player but is now obviously set for bigger things. Not sure where Aaron is headed with this though since it’s the second part of a five-issue arc but comes across like one of those single-issue character studies he does so well, and it has no discernible links to the first part of the story. Still, it’s not like the man doesn’t know what he’s doing, and recurring guest artist Furno is always a welcome presence, so I’ll just sit back, enjoy, and look forward to seeing how it all slots together. 8/10
FANTASTIC FOUR #242
Writer: John Byrne
Art: John Byrne
Marvel $0.60
Matt C: Byrne ratchets things up to a cosmic level as former herald of Galactus, Terrax, arrives on Earth bringing with him a huge dollop of destruction and mayhem. His endgame isn’t made clear until the final page of the issue, but the reveal’s a doozy. The writer proves he can bring a full-scale epic dimension to the proceedings as we get a host of familiar guest starts joining in the fun as things go from bad to worse. Bryne’s art easily copes with the subject matter and you do get a sense that he’s beginning to open things up and start playing on a broader canvas. Fantastic stuff, as it should be. 8/10
CAPTAIN AMERICA #48
NEW AVENGERS #51
CROSSED #4
WOLVERINE: FIRST CLASS #13
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #12
TOP 10 SEASON TWO SPECIAL #1
X-INFERNUS #4
THE MUPPET SHOW #1
MIGHTY AVENGERS #23
PROOF #18
NOVA #23
CAPED #1
X-MEN: KINGBREAKER #4
UNKNOWN SOLDIER #6
DAREDEVIL #117
THE INCREDIBLES: FAMILY MATTERS #1
DARK REIGN: ELEKTRA #1
X-FORCE/CABLE: MESSIAH WAR PROLOGUE #1
UBU BUBU #4
FANTASTIC FOUR #244
