Unsurprisingly we're all a little too busy today for writing reviews, but rest assured normal service will be resumed next week.
In the meantime, thank you to all our readers for their continued support and please allow the Paradox Comics Group team to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
See you in 2012!
25 Dec 2011
21 Dec 2011
Incoming... 21/12/2011
New comics are released Wednesday in the States and guess what, in the UK too! Here's a brief look at our expectations for the books we're picking up this week.
Stewart R: I’d been wondering about the December deliveries for a couple of months; in a year where I’ve picked up more DC and Image titles than ever before, dabbled with works from IDW, Oni Press and Aspen, and maintained a certainly plump, possibly overweight selection of Marvel titles there was always going to be the possibility that one or two weeks in mid-December were going to be classified as ‘mental’! This ladies and gentlemen, would be a week that quite clearly qualifies under that definition. It’s almost as if the publishers can smell the spending money in the air the week before Christmas and have decided they want a damn decent cut of the green action!
Oh ‘Ho Ho Ho’, here comes the forced segue people, for green action will of course feature heavily in that big, hard punching Marvel title this week... Invincible Iron Man #511! Everyone knows the Manadarin is green with envy over Tony’s success right? What, you were expecting another gamma-infused title to be mentioned?? (Har-de-har! Chortle chortle!) In all seriousness I’m really looking forward to seeing where Matt Fraction is going to be going with the plot now that he has brought three of Stark’s most dangerous and calculating foes together into one single co-operative, with the soul purpose of ruining him and destroying his life. Oh and they plan to take on the world while they're at it too! There are still some loose ends to be at least looked at following Pepper’s emotionally fraught entanglement with the Hammers and Grey Gargoyle in Paris, plus there’s still a mole lurking about amongst the workers as Stark Resilient to think about... exciting stuff all told and you just know that Salvador Larroca will make the whole thing look shiny!
Okay, so yes, Incredible Hulk #3 would actually be the comic that best fits under the description of ‘green action’ but it is a comic that is currently finds itself adrift in the sea that is my ambivalence. I have not been blown away by the first two issues and I’m thinking that this third instalment may be where I say goodbye. I’ve not been wowed by Silvestri’s scratchy art style and I’m finding manic, borderline-villainous Bruce Banner to be rather unappealing especially when taken as a double act with the disgruntled and isolated green Hulk.
The sassy female agent who’s been sent to request the Hulk’s help in capturing Banner has added an interesting element but I’m not sure that’ll be enough to see #4 on my list for next month.
Jason Aaron’s other big title of note however, is in a different position entirely! Wolverine and the X-Men #3 marks the end of the first chapter for Logan’s new endeavour at the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning and the last time that we’ll see Chris Bachalo’s epic art for a little while (he’ll return after the Nick Bradshaw run). Everything that Aaron and Marvel have said this comic would be has turned out to be the case so far and I’m certainly hungry for more. Wolverine is present but not hogging the limelight, Bobby Drake is obviously going to be getting more page time and there may be interesting romantic possibilities between some of the teaching staff at the newly opened(?)/destroyed(?) school. There’s definitely a over-riding sense of fun here which I was a little surprised about when Kade Kilgore and his Hellfire Club turned up on the grounds as Aaron seemed to be going along the serious-yet-creepy lines with these prepubescent terrors. Whatever direction he’s aiming in and mood he’s going for I dare say that we have the right writer on board for this title!
It seems that Image are looking to end their year as they started as we get yet another debut title from them in the shape of Nathan Edmondson and Mitch Gerads The Activity #1. These creators will be looking at the affairs and adventures of a secretive, advanced intelligence agency whose mandate is to remain flexible at all times to battle all threats, using the very best in bleeding-edge tech as they go. As we’re on the cusp of a new Mission Impossible film at the cinemas here in the UK - a few of you may have seen it in the States already - I’m in the mood for some espionage, cloak and dagger action and I’ve hopes that this title might provide. Failing that I can always trust Larry Hama to offer up something similar, although a little more bold and brazen over at IDW. GI JOE: A Real American Hero #173 is likely to look at the tragic events that befell a member of the Arashikage in the last issue and to this day I appreciate the way that any death realised in these GI JOE comics really feels like a loss despite such a wide and varied cast.
There’s a wide selection of DC titles in my pile this week but I’m not quite sure which books may only be sticking around to the end of the first arc. Nightwing is looking likely to be in that category at present and I’m not overly confident that #4 is going to elevate this from being ‘reasonable’ to ‘compulsory’. Kyle Higgins is doing a decent enough job with Dick Grayson but I’m just not convinced by the shift from wearing the Batman cape and cowl to going back to his days at the circus and essentially covering those small villainous gaps that Bruce Wayne can’t cover. It feels like there has been too much of a jump to steer Dick away from his time as Gotham’s Dark Knight so come #6 I’ll be making a decision. Immune from such choices are the works of Scott Snyder and Peter J. Tomasi and I have to end this week’s piece by saying how much I’m looking forward to discovering just how Bruce Wayne will have gotten out of the Court of Owls crafty and explosive trap in Batman #4, and just how John Stewart is going to get on as a prisoner of war in Green Lantern Corps #4.
Sooooo many good comics this week! What a delightful early present from the publishers!
Stewart R: I’d been wondering about the December deliveries for a couple of months; in a year where I’ve picked up more DC and Image titles than ever before, dabbled with works from IDW, Oni Press and Aspen, and maintained a certainly plump, possibly overweight selection of Marvel titles there was always going to be the possibility that one or two weeks in mid-December were going to be classified as ‘mental’! This ladies and gentlemen, would be a week that quite clearly qualifies under that definition. It’s almost as if the publishers can smell the spending money in the air the week before Christmas and have decided they want a damn decent cut of the green action!Oh ‘Ho Ho Ho’, here comes the forced segue people, for green action will of course feature heavily in that big, hard punching Marvel title this week... Invincible Iron Man #511! Everyone knows the Manadarin is green with envy over Tony’s success right? What, you were expecting another gamma-infused title to be mentioned?? (Har-de-har! Chortle chortle!) In all seriousness I’m really looking forward to seeing where Matt Fraction is going to be going with the plot now that he has brought three of Stark’s most dangerous and calculating foes together into one single co-operative, with the soul purpose of ruining him and destroying his life. Oh and they plan to take on the world while they're at it too! There are still some loose ends to be at least looked at following Pepper’s emotionally fraught entanglement with the Hammers and Grey Gargoyle in Paris, plus there’s still a mole lurking about amongst the workers as Stark Resilient to think about... exciting stuff all told and you just know that Salvador Larroca will make the whole thing look shiny!
Okay, so yes, Incredible Hulk #3 would actually be the comic that best fits under the description of ‘green action’ but it is a comic that is currently finds itself adrift in the sea that is my ambivalence. I have not been blown away by the first two issues and I’m thinking that this third instalment may be where I say goodbye. I’ve not been wowed by Silvestri’s scratchy art style and I’m finding manic, borderline-villainous Bruce Banner to be rather unappealing especially when taken as a double act with the disgruntled and isolated green Hulk.
The sassy female agent who’s been sent to request the Hulk’s help in capturing Banner has added an interesting element but I’m not sure that’ll be enough to see #4 on my list for next month.Jason Aaron’s other big title of note however, is in a different position entirely! Wolverine and the X-Men #3 marks the end of the first chapter for Logan’s new endeavour at the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning and the last time that we’ll see Chris Bachalo’s epic art for a little while (he’ll return after the Nick Bradshaw run). Everything that Aaron and Marvel have said this comic would be has turned out to be the case so far and I’m certainly hungry for more. Wolverine is present but not hogging the limelight, Bobby Drake is obviously going to be getting more page time and there may be interesting romantic possibilities between some of the teaching staff at the newly opened(?)/destroyed(?) school. There’s definitely a over-riding sense of fun here which I was a little surprised about when Kade Kilgore and his Hellfire Club turned up on the grounds as Aaron seemed to be going along the serious-yet-creepy lines with these prepubescent terrors. Whatever direction he’s aiming in and mood he’s going for I dare say that we have the right writer on board for this title!
It seems that Image are looking to end their year as they started as we get yet another debut title from them in the shape of Nathan Edmondson and Mitch Gerads The Activity #1. These creators will be looking at the affairs and adventures of a secretive, advanced intelligence agency whose mandate is to remain flexible at all times to battle all threats, using the very best in bleeding-edge tech as they go. As we’re on the cusp of a new Mission Impossible film at the cinemas here in the UK - a few of you may have seen it in the States already - I’m in the mood for some espionage, cloak and dagger action and I’ve hopes that this title might provide. Failing that I can always trust Larry Hama to offer up something similar, although a little more bold and brazen over at IDW. GI JOE: A Real American Hero #173 is likely to look at the tragic events that befell a member of the Arashikage in the last issue and to this day I appreciate the way that any death realised in these GI JOE comics really feels like a loss despite such a wide and varied cast.
There’s a wide selection of DC titles in my pile this week but I’m not quite sure which books may only be sticking around to the end of the first arc. Nightwing is looking likely to be in that category at present and I’m not overly confident that #4 is going to elevate this from being ‘reasonable’ to ‘compulsory’. Kyle Higgins is doing a decent enough job with Dick Grayson but I’m just not convinced by the shift from wearing the Batman cape and cowl to going back to his days at the circus and essentially covering those small villainous gaps that Bruce Wayne can’t cover. It feels like there has been too much of a jump to steer Dick away from his time as Gotham’s Dark Knight so come #6 I’ll be making a decision. Immune from such choices are the works of Scott Snyder and Peter J. Tomasi and I have to end this week’s piece by saying how much I’m looking forward to discovering just how Bruce Wayne will have gotten out of the Court of Owls crafty and explosive trap in Batman #4, and just how John Stewart is going to get on as a prisoner of war in Green Lantern Corps #4.Sooooo many good comics this week! What a delightful early present from the publishers!
20 Dec 2011
Cover To Cover: UNCANNY X-FORCE #18
UNCANNY X-FORCE #18Writer: Rick Remender
Art: Jerome Opeña, Esad Ribic & Dean White
Marvel $3.99
Stewart R: We’re a day before the new comics hit the stands, and even a new Uncanny X-Force comic will be amongst their number, but I couldn’t let us reach the new delivery without explaining why Rick Remender’s title made it into my ‘Book of the Week’ slot in that right hand column. As always I will keep this as SPOILER FREE as possible as I suspect many more of you will be picking this up in a monthly collection or perhaps trade hard/paperback form in the coming months...and well you should!
It certainly wasn’t for that glossy black plastic covering, though it did play a very small part. Sometimes I do feel that the polybagged delivery of a comic is just a gimic - honestly, how many digital codes are Marvel expecting to be stolen from copies of Avenging Spider-Man sat on the shelves? Sometimes however, sheathing the comic adds an extra level of excitement to an experience you were already expecting to be exhilarating and in this instance I thought it made more of a statement about this issue marking the end of things started nearly two years ago in #1.
Nearly all ongoing, long-running superhero titles tend to end each issue with some sort of punctuated, cliffhanger moment and they’ve been present in Uncanny X-Force through the run so far, not least in UXF #17 which paused moments before the the love-triangle battle that many of us had been anticipating for months. What I’ve enjoyed about this particular title is that the beginning pages of the following issues normally shift the focus elsewhere to another thread of the story rather than sating our appetites straight out of the blocks. Here, Remender chooses to flick back to the brilliant battle of the elemental forces from the Age of Apocalypse as the ‘alternate’
Sunfire and Iceman wage their ongoing battle across three simple, uniform panels. This is followed by a brilliant scene involving the currently mind-controlled Deathlok fighting the brainwashing of War with some brilliant reasoning.It’s then that we get to the proper ‘nitty-gritty’ of the fight that we paid the entrance fee for and it couldn’t be better. Opeña’s illustration of the deadly scuffle is succinct but for me the conflict was elevated by the psychological baiting and blocking that takes place between Archangel and Fantomex who are fighting over the future of the world while using their relationships with Psylocke as the ammunition. It’s evident that it’s a fight in which no one can possibly be a real winner and that’s where it really grips you; you’re waiting to see just how badly each character loses and whether any small glimmer of happiness is in store for the conflicted threesome.
Page after page you turn and more and more story hits you in the face, with Remender looking back to plot threads left hidden since the earlier arcs now laid bare, while also looking forward with equally troubling revelations that will surely vex this team in the years - by the gods of Asgard I’m hoping this writer remains with this title for that long - to come. When the surprises do pop out of the woodwork - there is a nice nod to a competing publishers ‘golden boy’ which made me offer up a wry smile - Opeña really gets to cut loose with his cinematic action stylings and I love the way that we get to catch small glimpses of wonder in the surroundings that make up the World. I’m not sure a colourist has been mentioned as often and with as much gushing praise as Dean White has been in the past couple of years, but if ever a
palette specialist was solely responsible for providing a series with it’s own distinctive atmosphere it’s him. For a team that gets carved up so often (and dishes out the cuts and bullet-holes while they’re at it) White is very careful to use the sanguine rouge at only limited key moments which make them all the more prominent.So what about the ending? Well, the last 9 pages really do offer up a little of everything and show the breadth of vision that the creative team have. From the intimate, heartfelt tenderness and remnants of hope that two individuals can find in the darkest of times (including a neat shift tot he art of Esad Ribic), through to the unending resilience that characters unused to being labelled as ‘heroes’ can have to make sure that the job gets done, we witness it all. Put simply, I believe that the first 18 issues of Uncanny X-Force has been one of the very best regular reading experiences I’ve ever had and this last instalment of The Dark Angel Saga is a fitting end to what I can only hope is an early chapter in a veritable tome of tales about this current X-Force embodiment. Essential and unmissable. 10/10
19 Dec 2011
Mini Reviews 18/11/2011
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.
CARNAGE U.S.A. #1
Writer: Zeb Wells
Art: Clayton Crain
Marvel $3.99
Stewart R: I’m not the biggest fan of Carnage. I didn’t get the previous miniseries by these creators about the same character who I’m not a fan of. I am however a big fan of these creators’ work in general and so I decided to take a punt and pick this up. Tell you what, it’s pretty darn good! Wells comes up with a rather creepy story that’s punctuated with moments of superhero comedy and it further cements my opinion that he’s one of the best Marvel writers for having fun with the ever-young, always recognisable ‘characters’ of the publishers’ canon. The early scenes here are genuinely freaky too thanks to his sparse use of dialogue and Crain’s brilliantly brooding style and one particular panel in the early stages is really quite horrific upon initial viewing - further thinking about it helps to explain that revulsion away thankfully. When the superheroes turn up, Wells talents really come to the fore with some entertaining banter amongst them about catchphrases and long-running gags and it gives this book a more dark humour feel than pure tense horror-fest. The only negative I have to raise is that while Crain was a perfect fit for the black leather-clad X-Force team back in the day, I’m not sure he’s the best fit for dealing with the more colourful looks of the Avengers but that’s just a small niggle in an otherwise darn fine debut. 8/10
S.H.I.E.L.D. #4
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Art: Dustin Weaver, Sonia Oback, Rachelle Rosenberg & Christina Strain
Marvel $3.99
James R: Jonathan Hickman, could, if you squint a little, be Marvel's Grant Morrison. Hear me out on this one: They are both creators of undoubted talent who bring interesting new perspectives on very well-established comics tropes, and use the medium to convey some mind-bending sci-fi concepts. Both men also seem to be increasingly divisive amongst the fanboys & girls - some say that the writers are geniuses, other say that they're authors who 'Lose the plot', or forget the narrative altogether. See, they are kinda similar! One thing I do know for sure is that when both writers get it right, the results are always a joy to behold. And step forward S.H.I.E.L.D. volume 2 #4, which is a frankly staggering issue. Unlike Hickman's Fantastic Four, this title has had a much greater sense of purpose and this month's instalment sees the protagonists pushed towards a jaw-dropping endgame. Leonid, Howard Stark and Nathaniel Richards et al. travel forward in time to confront an entertainingly barmy Isaac Newton. The real fun here is that we see the confrontation played out in three different possible futures and with each possibility, Weaver illustrates identical characters and dialogue in the foreground, but the backgrounds are different in each 'world'. It's one of those moments that I read comics for - when a creative team do something that I've never seen before and use the medium in a unique and brilliant way. The aforementioned Dustin Weaver and the colours of Sonia Oback and Co. are perfectly suited to the high ideas of Hickman's writing, and at the end of this issue, I didn't just want to re-read the issue, I wanted to re-read the whole series! Brilliant in every sense of the word. 10/10
SAMURAI’S BLOOD #6
Writer: Owen Wiseman
Art: Nam Kim, Matthew Dalton, Sakti Yuwono & Ifansyah Noor
Image $2.99
Stewart R: Quite the explosive finale to Wiseman’s tale of revenge this and it certainly gives the series a reasonable conclusion. With the pieces moved into place during the previous five issues Wiseman leaves a lot of the issue in the capable hands of artist Nam Kim to as the sword-swiping carnage unfolds. Kim’s done a great job throughout and he’s demonstrated a wide range of skills through the slower measured periods and moments of frenetic action and this title has had a feel all of its own. Wiseman’s writing has been tight too but, while he brings things to a head here I have to say I did come away feeling that for all of the preparatory character work, the three young protagonists seem to fade into the background for too long during this chapter. Then, all of a sudden, the odd opportunity arises for them to step into the role that they were groomed for over the previous five instalments and it just feels a tad forced in a few places, almost as if it could have done with a handful more pages to tie everything off nicely without feeling cramped. It’s by no means a crippling problem though and I come away from the series with a very positive perspective on the story as a whole and the creators who have crafted it. 7/10
UNCANNY X-FORCE #18
Writer: Rick Remender
Art: Jerome Opeña, Esad Ribic & Dean White
Marvel $3.99
James R: Oh Marvel, stop it already with this polybagging nonsense! I understand that in this internet-heavy world that 'keeping a secret' is a tough ask, but is there really a need for polybagging the last issue of an arc? It's a cheap gimmick that this classy book simply doesn't need. Once again, Remender and Co. come up with the goods, delivering a finale to the Dark Angel Saga that doesn't disappoint. Since the first issue of this title, Remender has teased that there may well come a moment when Betsy Braddock will have to deliver a fatal blow to the man she loves, Warren Worthington, now almost completely consumed by the Archangel aspect of his psyche. What's remarkable here is that when that moment is expected to unfold, what follows is not necessarily that, or any alternative we might have also pictured and clearly shows Remender to be a writer who can wrong-foot an audience at just the right moment. As the issues pass, I think what I'm enjoying the most about the book is, that despite being a grizzled and cynical old comics reader, I'm continuously surprised by the narrative here, and that's definitely bringing me back for more! It's also a feast for the eyes too, with Opeña's pencils beautifully offset by Dean White's distinctive colour palette. I'm amazed at how much I'm enjoying the X-universe at the moment - who says you can't teach a old geek new tricks?! 8/10
SUICIDE SQUAD #4
Writer: Adam Glass
Art: Fedrico Dallocchio & Val Staples
DC $2.99
Stewart R: For a DC New 52 title that I didn’t initially pick up, Suicide Squad is fast climbing up my list of must-read comics! Adam Glass is doing a superb job of delivering a script that keeps the reader as well as the desperate villainous protagonists on their toes. The team’s infiltration of a Basilisk terrorist cell brings up some neat twists, allows us to get to know the latest additions a little better and also see the odd bit of character development with those squad members who have been there from the very beginning. Unlike Marvel’s Thunderbolts, on which some may naturally look for comparisons, the fact that there is no proper sense of underlying heroism here makes for a harder and darker read as we’re essentially seeing different shades of manipulation and ‘evil’. This is a title about survival as opposed to redemption and Glass’ maintains a great variety of voice amongst these desperate governmental puppets that is consistently engrossing. For me, Dallocchio has been the pick of the artists involved during these four months and his full participation here is a shiny cherry atop a comic bun of goodness....about evil. 9/10
BATMAN & ROBIN #4
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Art: Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray & Jon Kalisz
DC $2.99
James R: Another month, another classy chapter in the saga of Bruce & Damian Wayne. This month sees Damian questioning Bruce's crime-fighting methods and parenting, then being tempted by an offer from NoBody (and yes, I know that sounds a bit dodgy. Sorry!) Every time I review 'Batman & Robin', I worry how slight it must sound, but trust me, this title is an intense read and is being perfectly handled by Tomasi. He's got a great grip on Damian's character, and despite the feeling that (as this is comics) it'll all turn out okay in the end, Tomasi is showing that Damian could easily step to the dark side and turn away from the mantle of the Bat. A special mention to the colours of John Kalisz, which are lush and atmospheric. As is fitting for Batman, the book seems to be taking place in perpetual night, starkly lit by neon, halogen and fireflies and Kalisz handles the palettes with aplomb, and gives Gleason's pencil's and Gray's inks a real cinematic polish. As an avowed Bat-fan, I can find nothing to dislike about this book, and an awful lot to enjoy. As I've said numerous times when talking about Snyder's Batman book, this is a brilliant time for we fans of Gotham's Dark Knight. 8/10
GREEN LANTERN #4
Writer: Geoff Johns
Art: Doug Mahnke, Christian Alamy, Keith Champagne & Alex Sinclair
DC $2.99
Stewart R: This is by far the strongest issue of the new run so far by Johns and that all hinges on his focus on the shift that has occurred in Sinestro. We keep getting glimpses of his doubt and indecision in himself and for a character normally known for his relentless drive and determination it’s certainly an interesting new perspective. Immersing him neck deep in the Corps that he created which now views him as a potential enemy and the homeland that has suffered greatly as a result of his machinations adds further weight to this too. The problem is that we’re still left wanting for an explanation as to why we’re now seeing this shift in Sinestro and Johns will surely have to look into that soon. The other obvious problem is that I haven’t mentioned Hal Jordan here when this is arguably his title and we’re 4 issues into a promotion intended to bring new readers in. Johns takes a look at what demons Hal is having to deal with but there’s no hiding from the fact that he’s clearly not the point of focus presently. It's not a major issue at all, just more of a puzzlement! The art as ever from Mahnke is very strong and I’m enjoying the time he’s getting to portray the various hideous members of the Yellow Lantern Corps these days. And a big ‘Hooray’ for DC only using two inkers this time out (even though something seems amiss on the fifth page of art in that department!). 8/10
CARNAGE U.S.A. #1Writer: Zeb Wells
Art: Clayton Crain
Marvel $3.99
Stewart R: I’m not the biggest fan of Carnage. I didn’t get the previous miniseries by these creators about the same character who I’m not a fan of. I am however a big fan of these creators’ work in general and so I decided to take a punt and pick this up. Tell you what, it’s pretty darn good! Wells comes up with a rather creepy story that’s punctuated with moments of superhero comedy and it further cements my opinion that he’s one of the best Marvel writers for having fun with the ever-young, always recognisable ‘characters’ of the publishers’ canon. The early scenes here are genuinely freaky too thanks to his sparse use of dialogue and Crain’s brilliantly brooding style and one particular panel in the early stages is really quite horrific upon initial viewing - further thinking about it helps to explain that revulsion away thankfully. When the superheroes turn up, Wells talents really come to the fore with some entertaining banter amongst them about catchphrases and long-running gags and it gives this book a more dark humour feel than pure tense horror-fest. The only negative I have to raise is that while Crain was a perfect fit for the black leather-clad X-Force team back in the day, I’m not sure he’s the best fit for dealing with the more colourful looks of the Avengers but that’s just a small niggle in an otherwise darn fine debut. 8/10
S.H.I.E.L.D. #4Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Art: Dustin Weaver, Sonia Oback, Rachelle Rosenberg & Christina Strain
Marvel $3.99
James R: Jonathan Hickman, could, if you squint a little, be Marvel's Grant Morrison. Hear me out on this one: They are both creators of undoubted talent who bring interesting new perspectives on very well-established comics tropes, and use the medium to convey some mind-bending sci-fi concepts. Both men also seem to be increasingly divisive amongst the fanboys & girls - some say that the writers are geniuses, other say that they're authors who 'Lose the plot', or forget the narrative altogether. See, they are kinda similar! One thing I do know for sure is that when both writers get it right, the results are always a joy to behold. And step forward S.H.I.E.L.D. volume 2 #4, which is a frankly staggering issue. Unlike Hickman's Fantastic Four, this title has had a much greater sense of purpose and this month's instalment sees the protagonists pushed towards a jaw-dropping endgame. Leonid, Howard Stark and Nathaniel Richards et al. travel forward in time to confront an entertainingly barmy Isaac Newton. The real fun here is that we see the confrontation played out in three different possible futures and with each possibility, Weaver illustrates identical characters and dialogue in the foreground, but the backgrounds are different in each 'world'. It's one of those moments that I read comics for - when a creative team do something that I've never seen before and use the medium in a unique and brilliant way. The aforementioned Dustin Weaver and the colours of Sonia Oback and Co. are perfectly suited to the high ideas of Hickman's writing, and at the end of this issue, I didn't just want to re-read the issue, I wanted to re-read the whole series! Brilliant in every sense of the word. 10/10
SAMURAI’S BLOOD #6Writer: Owen Wiseman
Art: Nam Kim, Matthew Dalton, Sakti Yuwono & Ifansyah Noor
Image $2.99
Stewart R: Quite the explosive finale to Wiseman’s tale of revenge this and it certainly gives the series a reasonable conclusion. With the pieces moved into place during the previous five issues Wiseman leaves a lot of the issue in the capable hands of artist Nam Kim to as the sword-swiping carnage unfolds. Kim’s done a great job throughout and he’s demonstrated a wide range of skills through the slower measured periods and moments of frenetic action and this title has had a feel all of its own. Wiseman’s writing has been tight too but, while he brings things to a head here I have to say I did come away feeling that for all of the preparatory character work, the three young protagonists seem to fade into the background for too long during this chapter. Then, all of a sudden, the odd opportunity arises for them to step into the role that they were groomed for over the previous five instalments and it just feels a tad forced in a few places, almost as if it could have done with a handful more pages to tie everything off nicely without feeling cramped. It’s by no means a crippling problem though and I come away from the series with a very positive perspective on the story as a whole and the creators who have crafted it. 7/10
UNCANNY X-FORCE #18Writer: Rick Remender
Art: Jerome Opeña, Esad Ribic & Dean White
Marvel $3.99
James R: Oh Marvel, stop it already with this polybagging nonsense! I understand that in this internet-heavy world that 'keeping a secret' is a tough ask, but is there really a need for polybagging the last issue of an arc? It's a cheap gimmick that this classy book simply doesn't need. Once again, Remender and Co. come up with the goods, delivering a finale to the Dark Angel Saga that doesn't disappoint. Since the first issue of this title, Remender has teased that there may well come a moment when Betsy Braddock will have to deliver a fatal blow to the man she loves, Warren Worthington, now almost completely consumed by the Archangel aspect of his psyche. What's remarkable here is that when that moment is expected to unfold, what follows is not necessarily that, or any alternative we might have also pictured and clearly shows Remender to be a writer who can wrong-foot an audience at just the right moment. As the issues pass, I think what I'm enjoying the most about the book is, that despite being a grizzled and cynical old comics reader, I'm continuously surprised by the narrative here, and that's definitely bringing me back for more! It's also a feast for the eyes too, with Opeña's pencils beautifully offset by Dean White's distinctive colour palette. I'm amazed at how much I'm enjoying the X-universe at the moment - who says you can't teach a old geek new tricks?! 8/10
SUICIDE SQUAD #4Writer: Adam Glass
Art: Fedrico Dallocchio & Val Staples
DC $2.99
Stewart R: For a DC New 52 title that I didn’t initially pick up, Suicide Squad is fast climbing up my list of must-read comics! Adam Glass is doing a superb job of delivering a script that keeps the reader as well as the desperate villainous protagonists on their toes. The team’s infiltration of a Basilisk terrorist cell brings up some neat twists, allows us to get to know the latest additions a little better and also see the odd bit of character development with those squad members who have been there from the very beginning. Unlike Marvel’s Thunderbolts, on which some may naturally look for comparisons, the fact that there is no proper sense of underlying heroism here makes for a harder and darker read as we’re essentially seeing different shades of manipulation and ‘evil’. This is a title about survival as opposed to redemption and Glass’ maintains a great variety of voice amongst these desperate governmental puppets that is consistently engrossing. For me, Dallocchio has been the pick of the artists involved during these four months and his full participation here is a shiny cherry atop a comic bun of goodness....about evil. 9/10
BATMAN & ROBIN #4Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Art: Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray & Jon Kalisz
DC $2.99
James R: Another month, another classy chapter in the saga of Bruce & Damian Wayne. This month sees Damian questioning Bruce's crime-fighting methods and parenting, then being tempted by an offer from NoBody (and yes, I know that sounds a bit dodgy. Sorry!) Every time I review 'Batman & Robin', I worry how slight it must sound, but trust me, this title is an intense read and is being perfectly handled by Tomasi. He's got a great grip on Damian's character, and despite the feeling that (as this is comics) it'll all turn out okay in the end, Tomasi is showing that Damian could easily step to the dark side and turn away from the mantle of the Bat. A special mention to the colours of John Kalisz, which are lush and atmospheric. As is fitting for Batman, the book seems to be taking place in perpetual night, starkly lit by neon, halogen and fireflies and Kalisz handles the palettes with aplomb, and gives Gleason's pencil's and Gray's inks a real cinematic polish. As an avowed Bat-fan, I can find nothing to dislike about this book, and an awful lot to enjoy. As I've said numerous times when talking about Snyder's Batman book, this is a brilliant time for we fans of Gotham's Dark Knight. 8/10
GREEN LANTERN #4Writer: Geoff Johns
Art: Doug Mahnke, Christian Alamy, Keith Champagne & Alex Sinclair
DC $2.99
Stewart R: This is by far the strongest issue of the new run so far by Johns and that all hinges on his focus on the shift that has occurred in Sinestro. We keep getting glimpses of his doubt and indecision in himself and for a character normally known for his relentless drive and determination it’s certainly an interesting new perspective. Immersing him neck deep in the Corps that he created which now views him as a potential enemy and the homeland that has suffered greatly as a result of his machinations adds further weight to this too. The problem is that we’re still left wanting for an explanation as to why we’re now seeing this shift in Sinestro and Johns will surely have to look into that soon. The other obvious problem is that I haven’t mentioned Hal Jordan here when this is arguably his title and we’re 4 issues into a promotion intended to bring new readers in. Johns takes a look at what demons Hal is having to deal with but there’s no hiding from the fact that he’s clearly not the point of focus presently. It's not a major issue at all, just more of a puzzlement! The art as ever from Mahnke is very strong and I’m enjoying the time he’s getting to portray the various hideous members of the Yellow Lantern Corps these days. And a big ‘Hooray’ for DC only using two inkers this time out (even though something seems amiss on the fifth page of art in that department!). 8/10
15 Dec 2011
Ten Forward: February 2012
Every month we spend an evening scouring the pages of the latest issue of Previews and pick the ten titles we are looking forward to the most. This month it's the December issue of Previews which includes comics scheduled to ship in February 2012.
CONAN THE BARBARIAN #1Writer: Brian Wood
Art: Becky Cloonan & Dave Stewart
Dark Horse $3.50
Rob N: If I were to draw up a short list of popular comic writers who’d be well suited to scripting Dark Horse’s Conan title, then Brian Wood would stand a good chance of being number one. His work on the Vertigo title Northlanders proves he can do fantasy of the pulp ‘blood and snot’ variety. Becky Cloonan as artist is rather more unexpected, but nonetheless very welcome from my point of view. I've always thought of Miss Cloonan as a very talented artist, though I’d be hard pressed to suggest she has the sort of style you’d naturally associate with Robert E Howard adaptations. But that point aside she does have a proven track record working alongside Brian Wood, no matter what they do. The chemistry is there, and that’s worth a great deal in any medium. This reboot corresponds with an interesting period in Conan’s chronology – his years spent on the high seas as a pirate, alongside the swashbuckling love of his life, Bêlit. Marvel managed to spin the original short story (‘Queen of the Black Coast’) out into 43 issues of their own monthly title, and it was pretty much a high point of the Roy Thomas/John Buscema years. I’m hoping the Wood/Cloonan team will produce something equally impressive here.
BATMAN BEYOND UNLIMITED #1
Writer: Adam Beechen, Derek Fridolfs & Dustin Nguyen
Art: Norm Breyfogle, Dustin Nguyen & Derek Fridolfs
DC $3.99
Stewart R: Over the past couple of years we’ve had a few Batman Beyond efforts come our way: the initial miniseries leading on to what appeared to be an ongoing series from Adam Beechen before that was quickly knocked on the head by some strange marketing relaunch by DC (Now what could that have been...?!). At that time it was stated that the futuristic crime fighting shenanigans of a young Terry McGinnis and an old Bruce Wayne were only being put on the backburner while the New 52 kicked in to gear and so come February 2012, Batman Beyond is back! However... the new twist is that this 48-page comic will be a monthly collection of digital comic strips released weekly in the preceding months AND include a strip focusing on Justice League Beyond created by Nguyen and Fridolfs. The fact that this endeavour is essentially a digital product first with print seeming to be the afterthought has me a little concerned on how it’ll feel collected, but Beechen’s writing was strong before so I’ll return for that alone and see how things pan out.
WINTER SOLDIER #1Writer: Ed Brubaker
Art: Butch Guice
Marvel $2.99
Matt C: A lot of us have been waiting for this moment since Brubaker did the impossible (the unthinkable!) and brought Bucky back to the contemporary Marvel Universe in such a way that you could do nothing other than applaud. His time in the Captain America costume had its high points but I know I wasn’t alone in wanting him to jump off the grid and deal with his shady past as the Winter Soldier. Fear Itself #7.1 (the only decent thing to come out of that entire event!) set the ball rolling, suggesting Bucky and the Black Widow will be out on the road, under the radar, with Bucky getting to grips with the crimes he committed at the behest of the Soviets. Hopefully the crack team of Brubaker and Guice will keep this book well away from any crossovers/events/cynical cashgrabs, and if that’s the case it will suit me just fine!
ALPHA GIRL #1
Writer: Jean-Paul Bonjour & Jeff Roenning
Art: Robert Love, Dana Shukartsi & Diego Simone
Image $2.99
Stewart R: Image have had such a good couple of years that I’m willing to take a punt on more of their new titles these days. Alpha Girl is one such comic that springs up in early 2012 offering flesh-eating zombie-women, the men who can’t help but desire/hunt them, and Judith, ‘the 17-year-old, chain smoking delinquent’ who could very well be the last salvation that the streets of 1984 are calling out for in their hour of need. The blurb in Previews and around the net seems to focus heavily on the more memorable events of that year so I expect quite the nostalgia-filled bloodbath and the art has that dark, humourous, cartoon vibe that has worked so well in books like Chew so I’ll certainly hand over the pennies for the first ‘bite’ of the action.
ROAD RAGE #1Writer: Stephen King, Joe Hill & Chris Ryall
Art: Nelson Daniel
IDW $3.99
Simon M: This February sees the release of Road Rage from IDW, a four-issue limited series based on two short stories. The first two issues are subtitled Throttle, which was written as a collaboration between Stephen King and his son Joe Hill in 2009. The story was a tribute to Robert Matheson's work and released in a limited edition anthology called He Is Legend. Issues #3 and #4 are subtitled Duel; this was originally written by Richard Matheson in 1971 and is the story that inspired King and Hill to pen their tale. Nelson Daniel will move up from colouring duties on Joe Hill's The Cape to pencil the two issues of Throttle and Rafa Garres will be pencilling issues #3 and #4. Chris Ryall has taken on the task of adapting the two stories to the comic medium. Both focus on a mysterious truck, in Duel it is a lone driver that is being antagonised and in Throttle it is a motorcycle gang that gets to grips with the big rig. The short stories were written by two of the modern day masters of prose and they should translate well to the comic form. So get your motors rolling for some high-octane action.
SECRET AVENGERS #22
Writer: Rick Remender
Art: Gabriel Hardman
Marvel $3.99
James R: I've been enjoying Warren Ellis' Global Frequency-inspired one-shots on Secret Avengers, but I'm absolutely psyched to see the new creative team - Rick Remender (who has being doing a superb job writing team dynamics on Uncanny X-Force) and Gabriel Hardman on pencils look as if they'll be giving this title something of a turbo-boost. Now sporting Hawkeye as team leader, and - yay! - Captain Britain in the ranks, this new era of Secret Avengers could well be some extra goodness for those of us enjoying the brilliance of Remender in the X-universe!
PETER PANZERFAUST #1Writer: Kurtis J, Wiebe
Art: Tyler Jenkins
Image $3.50
Stewart R: Kurtis Wiebe has been doing a terrific job on his Green Wake title, making it an intense, simmering look at a potential afterlife for those weighed down by their own insurmountable guilt... heavy stuff indeed! I’m certainly going to be happy to have the opportunity to see him do something a little lighter and a bit more madcap when Peter Panzerfaust hits the shelves! J.M. Barrie’s classic tale gets the World War treatment as Wiebe looks at Panzerfaust's and his ‘Lost Boys’ fight against the Axis of Evil. Wiebe has said that each arc will be based on the perspective of a different Lost Boy and how they remember the heroic lad named Peter Panzerfaust which should allow for the use of occasional Barrie ‘magic’ (I’m not expecting anyone to fly but you never know...) in and amongst the carnage of war without feeling out of place.
THE TWELVE #9
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Art: Chris Weston
Marvel $2.99
Matt C: No, you’re not imagining it, there really is another issue (two in fact!) of The Twelve coming out in Feburary 2012. That’s a gap of over three years, a well-publicised one which had many people (including me) wondering if we’d ever get to he end of this rather excellent series. Depending who you believe, both Stracyicski and Weston became distracted by other projects (although personally I’m of the opinion that the former was far more responsible for the delay) but have finally got their act together and promised the series will be completed. There are several questions that raise their heads here: will the quality still be present? Will the finale be worth the wait? Will I remember anything that’s happened before?! I imagine it will be a wise move to spend January rereading issues #1 to #8 and then start crossing fingers for a satisfying conclusion!
THIEF OF THIEVES #1Writer: Robert Kirkman & Nick Spencer
Art: Shawn Brough
Image $2.99
James R: Well, this one was a no-brainer for me! As a confirmed fan of both 100 Bullets and everything Messers Brubaker & Philips do in terms of modern noir, I'm excited about this: Robert Kirkman (of Walking Dead fame) teaming up with Nick Spencer (Infinite Vacation) on a modern crime tale. The plot centres on Conrad Paulson, a master thief forced to deal with the family he deserted before the Feds catch up with him... and that's just the start of his troubles. The preview pages look like storyboards from a classy HBO drama, and with the talent involved here, this should be another quality release from Image.
MALLEUS MALEFICARUM: A GUIDE TO CATCHING WITCHES GN
Writer: Heinrich Kramer, Jacob Sprenger & Mike Rosen
Art: Mike Rosen
SLG Publishing $12.95
Rob N: Latin for ‘Hammer of the Witches’, this was originally an infamous treatise on the nature of witches, how to spot them and perhaps most importantly, how to burn them, written in 1486 by a Church Inquisitor who, it is safe to say, wasn’t a very tolerant man. It was undoubtedly responsible for the murder of many thousands of innocent women who just happened to look a bit like Stevie Nicks circa 1981. Slave Labor Graphics has taken the basic principle and text of the Renaissance book and turned it into a satire on humanity, religion, paranoia and the brutal treatment of women both in the past and (sadly) the present day. Or, to quote the advertising blurb: 'nothing makes for a fun read like torture, murder, infanticide, and disembodied penises! Always fun and educational.' Quite.
14 Dec 2011
Incoming... 14/12/2011
New comics are released Wednesday in the States and guess what, in the UK too! Here's a brief look at our expectations for the books we're picking up this week.
Stewart R: Well, we find ourselves only a couple of weeks away from the true belt-busting festive fun and it seems that the comic publishers are keen to give us a creative warm-up with another fat turkey of a delivery today! Once all of the feather’s have been removed it’s quite clear that this is a healthy bird with plenty of tasty meat on the bones which, having taken a fair time to cook through (thanks to the hands of many chefs but no broth here so no worries!), should take a good portion of my day to devour!
Always good to give up some time for a new comic and even though it’s from Marvel...and it’s a mini-series...and it’s a focusing on a fringe character I still think that Zeb Wells and Clayton Crain’s Carnage USA #1 could be a winner. Only a few nights ago I was asked by other members of the Paradox Comics Group if I would be picking this up because I tend to take a closer look at Spider-Man related titles than most of the other guys but I was quite ambivalent about the endeavour. Taking a look down the release list though, I came across it again and decided to have a look at some of the preview art, and, well, Crain’s one heck of an illustrator! That cover alone is something special and it looks like the the coming four are pretty decent as well. Carnage has never been one of the Spider-Man rogues gallery that has really appealed but, once again, Zeb Wells is a very good writer who does get into the mind of a Spider-villain and the combination of positives surrounding this book has seen it shoehorn its way onto my pull-list.
One title that’s managing to play with the big boys on said list is a comic that I had at one time suspected would maybe only last a handful of issues before being dropped. Now, Tom Morello’s Orchid #3 is out and I find myself looking forward to what potentially lethal adventures the unlikely team of Orchid, Simon and Yehzu will find themselves neck deep in this time. There seems to be a wealth of history that Morello is yet to delve into in this dystopian wasteland and he’s done a good job of ending each issue with a tantalising question. Provided that level of tension and intrigue can be maintained for the most part, I do believe that Dark Horse could end up with a series of critical acclaim in their catalogue.
Praise and plaudits have been heaped upon many of the DC titles of late and I’m certainly glad to see just how much of that appreciation has been pointed in the direction of Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason for what they have produced so far in the crime fighting exploits of Bruce and Damian Wayne. Last issue ended on an almost unbearable cliffhanger as father and son found themselves in the clutches of NoBody who was about to give the pair a cinematic lesson of some sort. In Batman and Robin #4 I suspect some twisted truths and secrets to possibly be revealed and we’ll hopefully get more of an insight into a villain that poses a real threat to the dynamic duo’s partnership. I’ve done a little digging and it certainly seems that NoBody is another new villain brought into being by Tomasi and, following his previous success with White Knight, it seems that he’s got a magic touch when it comes to interesting character creations.
Image have had something of a magic touch themselves this year and one of their true successes comes to its conclusion today. Owen Wiseman and Nam Kim have produced some fine, fine work on their tale of betrayal and revenge in feudal Japan and things will finally reach a head when we all get to delve into Samurai’s Blood #6. The three teenagers, Jun, Katashi and Mayuko have had a torrid time of things since their family and clan were brutally cut down and while revenge is on the cards I’m wondering just how simple or complicated this final chapter will prove to be. Wiseman has shown that while he can deliver a straightforward, simmering tale of samurai vengeance well, he’s also demonstrated a knack for throwing the odd surprise into the mix. Whatever the outcome of the blood-letting to come, I’m expecting happiness and joy to be in short supply!
And while I’m talking of an absence of such ingredients, you can bet your bottom dollar (or any dollars you happen to have hanging around - bookies don’t seem to be fussy!) that Uncanny X-Force #18 is likely to be a marvellous display of sombre despair. The Dark Angel Saga has been once of the unmissable arcs of 2011 and there’s part of me that doesn’t want to see it end/ There’s just something so compelling about the Rick Remender and Jerome Opena combination and I’m positive that it’s been their collaboration that has earned Uncanny X-Force the prestigious Best Ongoing Title award at this years Paradox ‘Oscars’. Remender has certainly brought a level of phenomenal danger and tension into a book that by all accounts should be held back by the longevity and near-immortal status of its cast. He’s even managed to get me believing that Wolverine may not be able to pull himself together at certain moments and when a writer is accomplishing that sort of comic book feat then you know you’re in the presence of greatness!
Stewart R: Well, we find ourselves only a couple of weeks away from the true belt-busting festive fun and it seems that the comic publishers are keen to give us a creative warm-up with another fat turkey of a delivery today! Once all of the feather’s have been removed it’s quite clear that this is a healthy bird with plenty of tasty meat on the bones which, having taken a fair time to cook through (thanks to the hands of many chefs but no broth here so no worries!), should take a good portion of my day to devour!Always good to give up some time for a new comic and even though it’s from Marvel...and it’s a mini-series...and it’s a focusing on a fringe character I still think that Zeb Wells and Clayton Crain’s Carnage USA #1 could be a winner. Only a few nights ago I was asked by other members of the Paradox Comics Group if I would be picking this up because I tend to take a closer look at Spider-Man related titles than most of the other guys but I was quite ambivalent about the endeavour. Taking a look down the release list though, I came across it again and decided to have a look at some of the preview art, and, well, Crain’s one heck of an illustrator! That cover alone is something special and it looks like the the coming four are pretty decent as well. Carnage has never been one of the Spider-Man rogues gallery that has really appealed but, once again, Zeb Wells is a very good writer who does get into the mind of a Spider-villain and the combination of positives surrounding this book has seen it shoehorn its way onto my pull-list.
One title that’s managing to play with the big boys on said list is a comic that I had at one time suspected would maybe only last a handful of issues before being dropped. Now, Tom Morello’s Orchid #3 is out and I find myself looking forward to what potentially lethal adventures the unlikely team of Orchid, Simon and Yehzu will find themselves neck deep in this time. There seems to be a wealth of history that Morello is yet to delve into in this dystopian wasteland and he’s done a good job of ending each issue with a tantalising question. Provided that level of tension and intrigue can be maintained for the most part, I do believe that Dark Horse could end up with a series of critical acclaim in their catalogue.
Praise and plaudits have been heaped upon many of the DC titles of late and I’m certainly glad to see just how much of that appreciation has been pointed in the direction of Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason for what they have produced so far in the crime fighting exploits of Bruce and Damian Wayne. Last issue ended on an almost unbearable cliffhanger as father and son found themselves in the clutches of NoBody who was about to give the pair a cinematic lesson of some sort. In Batman and Robin #4 I suspect some twisted truths and secrets to possibly be revealed and we’ll hopefully get more of an insight into a villain that poses a real threat to the dynamic duo’s partnership. I’ve done a little digging and it certainly seems that NoBody is another new villain brought into being by Tomasi and, following his previous success with White Knight, it seems that he’s got a magic touch when it comes to interesting character creations.Image have had something of a magic touch themselves this year and one of their true successes comes to its conclusion today. Owen Wiseman and Nam Kim have produced some fine, fine work on their tale of betrayal and revenge in feudal Japan and things will finally reach a head when we all get to delve into Samurai’s Blood #6. The three teenagers, Jun, Katashi and Mayuko have had a torrid time of things since their family and clan were brutally cut down and while revenge is on the cards I’m wondering just how simple or complicated this final chapter will prove to be. Wiseman has shown that while he can deliver a straightforward, simmering tale of samurai vengeance well, he’s also demonstrated a knack for throwing the odd surprise into the mix. Whatever the outcome of the blood-letting to come, I’m expecting happiness and joy to be in short supply!
And while I’m talking of an absence of such ingredients, you can bet your bottom dollar (or any dollars you happen to have hanging around - bookies don’t seem to be fussy!) that Uncanny X-Force #18 is likely to be a marvellous display of sombre despair. The Dark Angel Saga has been once of the unmissable arcs of 2011 and there’s part of me that doesn’t want to see it end/ There’s just something so compelling about the Rick Remender and Jerome Opena combination and I’m positive that it’s been their collaboration that has earned Uncanny X-Force the prestigious Best Ongoing Title award at this years Paradox ‘Oscars’. Remender has certainly brought a level of phenomenal danger and tension into a book that by all accounts should be held back by the longevity and near-immortal status of its cast. He’s even managed to get me believing that Wolverine may not be able to pull himself together at certain moments and when a writer is accomplishing that sort of comic book feat then you know you’re in the presence of greatness!13 Dec 2011
The Paradox "Oscars" 2011
Every 12 months the regular customers at Paradox get the opportunity to vote for their favourites of the year from a list of nominations chosen by the members of the Paradox Comic Group. Because nobody could think up a catchy name we went with Paradox "Oscars" instead!
This year we decided to open up the voting process to our friends in the realm of cyberspace as well as those in the real world, and consequently we received more votes than ever before. There may be some surprises here, but that's the democratic process for you!
The winners were revealed in a glittering awards ceremony last weekend in the presence of a plethora of comics celebs... well, okay, that's a slight exaggeration - it was a curry house in Westbourne but we did wangle the appearance of one comics professional, the venerable Elephantmen cover artist Boo Cook!
And so, without further ado, we now present the Paradox "Oscars" winners for 2011:
Best Ongoing Title: Uncanny X-Force
Also nominated: American Vampire, Journey Into Mystery, The Unwritten
Best Miniseries: American Vampire: Survival Of The Fittest
Also nominated: Flashpoint, Halcyon, Marineman
Best New Title: Animal Man
Also nominated: All-Star Western, Butcher Baker, The Righteous Maker, Green Wake
Best Writer: Scott Snyder
Also nominated: Jason Aaron, Ed Brubaker, Jeff Lemire
Best Artist: J.H. Williams III
Also nominated: Chris Bachalo, Olivier Coipel, Jock
Best Cover Artist: Jock
Also nominated: David Aja, Sean Phillips, Alex Ross
Most Promising Talent: Sara Pichelli
Also nominated: Kyle Higgins, Jorge Molina, Christian Ward
Best Adaptation: Thor
Also nominated: Batman: Year One, Captain America: The First Avenger, X-Men: First Class
Best Publisher: DC/Vertigo
Also nominated: IDW, Image, Marvel
Best Main Character: Batman
Also nominated: Cyclops, Daredevil, Thor
Best Supporting Character: Fantomex
Also nominated: Commissioner Gordon, Damian Wayne, Nick Fury
Best Villain: James Gordon Jr
Also nominated: Professor Zoom, Sin (Red Skull), Skinner Sweet
Disappointment Of The Year: Fear Itself
Also nominated: Catwoman relaunch, Green Lantern movie, Moon Knight relaunch
Best Website: 13 Minutes
Also nominated: Bleeding Cool, Comic Book Resources, Newsarama
Most Looking Forward To In 2010: The Dark Knight Rises
Also nominated: Amazing Spider-Man movie, Avengers movie, Bristol Comic Expo
Click the following links for previous year's winners: 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
This year we decided to open up the voting process to our friends in the realm of cyberspace as well as those in the real world, and consequently we received more votes than ever before. There may be some surprises here, but that's the democratic process for you!
The winners were revealed in a glittering awards ceremony last weekend in the presence of a plethora of comics celebs... well, okay, that's a slight exaggeration - it was a curry house in Westbourne but we did wangle the appearance of one comics professional, the venerable Elephantmen cover artist Boo Cook!
And so, without further ado, we now present the Paradox "Oscars" winners for 2011:
Best Ongoing Title: Uncanny X-Force
Also nominated: American Vampire, Journey Into Mystery, The Unwritten
Best Miniseries: American Vampire: Survival Of The Fittest
Also nominated: Flashpoint, Halcyon, Marineman
Best New Title: Animal Man
Also nominated: All-Star Western, Butcher Baker, The Righteous Maker, Green Wake
Best Writer: Scott Snyder
Also nominated: Jason Aaron, Ed Brubaker, Jeff Lemire
Best Artist: J.H. Williams III
Also nominated: Chris Bachalo, Olivier Coipel, Jock
Best Cover Artist: Jock
Also nominated: David Aja, Sean Phillips, Alex Ross
Most Promising Talent: Sara Pichelli
Also nominated: Kyle Higgins, Jorge Molina, Christian Ward
Best Adaptation: Thor
Also nominated: Batman: Year One, Captain America: The First Avenger, X-Men: First Class
Best Publisher: DC/Vertigo
Also nominated: IDW, Image, Marvel
Best Main Character: Batman
Also nominated: Cyclops, Daredevil, Thor
Best Supporting Character: Fantomex
Also nominated: Commissioner Gordon, Damian Wayne, Nick Fury
Best Villain: James Gordon Jr
Also nominated: Professor Zoom, Sin (Red Skull), Skinner Sweet
Disappointment Of The Year: Fear Itself
Also nominated: Catwoman relaunch, Green Lantern movie, Moon Knight relaunch
Best Website: 13 Minutes
Also nominated: Bleeding Cool, Comic Book Resources, Newsarama
Most Looking Forward To In 2010: The Dark Knight Rises
Also nominated: Amazing Spider-Man movie, Avengers movie, Bristol Comic Expo
Click the following links for previous year's winners: 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
11 Dec 2011
Mini Reviews 11/12/2011
While we may not always have the time to review all the comics we get every week (a task made slightly more difficult with a hangover courtesy of the group Christmas night out hanging over our heads!), we do try and provide a snapshot of the latest releases, mixing the good with the not so good.
DEFENDERS #1
Writer: Matt Fraction
Art: Terry Dodson, Rachel Dodson & Sonia Oback
Marvel $3.99
Matt C: A year ago I would have been all over the title; Fraction was knocking it out of the park with Invincible Iron Man, I’d just discovered Casanova, and he generally just seemed to be bringing a level of creative intensity that was marking him out amongst Marvel’s roster. 2011 changed my perception of him somewhat thanks, largely, to the bitterly disappointing Fear Itself. I had high hopes based on Fraction’s potential but it was possibly Marvel’s weakest event in years, and that’s even factoring in the likes of Secret Invasion and Civil War. His Mighty Thor title started spectacularly but gradually went off the boil and while I’m nearly convinced Casanova is a work of genius and Invincible Iron Man seems to be returning to form, I’m no longer confident that he’s got any sort of Midas touch in the comics arena. Which, of course, won’t stop me checking out new stuff from him, such as this title, reforming a superteam that never really felt like a proper superteam to me, rather a collection of individual heroes that Marvel couldn’t find any communal home for in the ‘70s. I wish I could say this ‘reinvention’ clicked for me, but sadly, coming off the back of Fear Itself, it came across as forced and without any real purpose. I know it’s early, but there doesn’t seem to be a really valid reason for these guys coming together (again) and at $3.99, with so much other stuff out there at the moment, I’m not inclined to see if it improves. The Dodsons’ art is fine, if probably a little too ‘shiny’ for some tastes, and Fraction script does contain a few interesting character moments, but overall there’s simply not enough here to make me think it’s worth investing my time and money in. 5/10
James R: The Defenders have always been something of a comic fanboy punchline - if you've never seen the Twisted Toyfare Theatre's take on the team, I implore you to seek it out! However, Matt Fraction taking a tilt at this title (which features a couple of my favourites - Iron Fist and Dr. Strange) meant that I felt that this first issue was definitely worth a look. So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? Well, it depends on how much you have to spare, as there's a lot to like here but it's far from an essential purchase. This is the typical 'get the band together' first issue with the Hulk rounding up the misfit gang to battle Nul - the Breaker of Worlds. It's a handsome issue, with the Dodsons doing a fine job, and the retro page footnotes were a nice touch. I've read that Fraction has a great plan for this title; an examination as to why everything happens in the Marvel Universe? You can sign me up for that! But how long will Fraction take to get round to this? After his runs on Invincible Iron Man and Mighty Thor, which have run out of steam for me, I can't shake the worry that this title promises more than it can deliver. But as for this individual issue? Not a bad start, but in a year punctuated by some outstanding first issues, not the greatest first chapter either. 7/10
BATWING #4
Writer: Judd Winnick
Art: ChrisCross, Ryan Winn & Brian Reber
DC $2.99
Stewart R: As I predicted (well, it is stated plainly on the cover!), this fourth instalment is less about David’s attempts to track down and stop Massacre and more about the dark upbringing that he lived through as a child soldier. Winnick takes the decision to keep the current chase for the mass murderer ticking over though and there are some nice moments that give insight into just why Batwing is on his mission of redemption. I like the fact that we have a member of the Bat family with some real blood on his hands, albeit from a situation that was more or less out of his control, as it adds an interesting slant on things rather than the victim-turned-hero back stories that seem to crop up with the majority of the other Caped Crusaders. I’ll put it out there now and say that I don’t think we’ve seen the last of David’s family ties with this issue and I’m hoping that the obvious connecting-the-dots I’ve been doing with Winnick’s plot threads doesn’t prove to be the story we end up with. ChirsCross has the undesirable job of following up Ben Oliver’s brilliant artwork and while he doesn’t have the same 'wow' factor as Oliver he puts in a solid effort that captures the brutality of the flashbacks well. One of the new DC titles that’s still going strong. 8/10
SWEET TOOTH #28
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Art: Matt Kindt
DC $2.99
Matt C: Three issues without Gus or Jeppard have allowed Lemire to take us on a journey into the past and give us an insight into where the plague that decimated the human race may have originated. Told through the 1911 diary entries of Dr James Thacker we obviously have his perspective guiding us through the events which means certain aspects of the tale have a ring of superstition to them and science doesn’t get much of a look in. Essentially then, we’re not that much further forward in discovering the reason behind the existence of the Hybrids but that hasn’t stopped this from being an utterly compelling detour that expands on what we’ve seen up to this point in the series, revealing more of the scope of Lemire’s opus. The writer has relinquished artistic duties for this arc to Matt Kindt whose painted images successfully draw us back to the early 20th century – stylistically he’s close to Lemire, but his work has a potency all of its own. Powerful stuff, as always. 8/10
James R: There seems to be a new cycle in my comics reading life: every month I read Sweet Tooth, think "This is the best ongoing comic being published today!", and then by the end of the month, somehow, this knowledge fades from my mind... and then the next issue comes along and reminds me that this is the best ongoing comic being published! This month sees the finale of 'The Taxidermist' interlude in which the narrative has leaped back to the early 20th century to give us a few tantalising clues as to how the plague that has decimated the world of Sweet Tooth came about. Simultaneously, the book is also jaw-dropping insight into the dark heart of mankind - what happens when humans meet that which they don't understand, or that which is different to the norm? As always with Lemire's writing, the story is punctuated with incredible moments of emotion and incredible twists. Matt Kindt does a fine job of filling in for Lemire, but I can't wait for him to be back on pencil duties next month. Sweet Tooth continues to set the standards by which other comics should be judged for me - an essential read! 9/10
RED LANTERNS #4
Writer: Peter Milligan
Art: Ed Benes, Diego Bernard, Rob Hunter & Nathan Eyring
DC $2.99
Stewart R: There’s much to like about this series and the potential that it has as Milligan steadily expands the characters in the ranks of the Red Lanterns from mindless, near-unstoppable rage monsters to something with more personality and, essentially, something that you can use to ensure that an ongoing title has legs long term. Having already asserted that Bleez is going to play a very important part of the Red Lanterns’ future, Milligan starts to cast the net a little wider and invests some time into three different characters and their painful origins. To that end we get a couple of flashbacks which give us a proper introduction to Ratchet and Skallox and it’s a safe bet that Zillious Zoxx will get some page time next issue. Atrocitus’ continued spiral into paranoia, thanks to a lack of direction following Krona’s death, remains an interesting sight but once again things seem forced whenever anything related to Earth comes into view. I’ve concerns that a possible new recruitment that seems likely to occur soon may accentuate the one weakness this title currently displays. The art side of things is still in safe hands and Diego Bernard’s contribution with the flashbacks shows that he really has potential. 7/10
SWAMP THING #4
Writer: Scott Snyder
Art: Marco Rudy, Sean Parsons, Michael Lacombe & David Baron
DC $2.99
James R: So far on this book the illustration duties have been handled masterfully by Yanick Paquette, and the sight of a small army of replacements on this issue was a moment of concern. My worry was totally unfounded however as Messrs Rudy, Parsons and Lacombe do a fine job of keeping up Paquette's style. While we're talking continuity, it almost goes without saying that this is another fine instalment from Scott Snyder. As with Batman, where he shows a great love for the heritage of the character while taking him in a terrific direction, it's the same for Swamp Thing. So far, there's been many respectful nods to Alan Moore's classic run, while continuing to deliver a compelling (and disturbing!) new chapter to the big green fella! Along with Lemire's Animal Man (which you should really be reading too!) this is the reason why DC's relaunch has worked; ambitious and smart narrative storytelling, delivered with panache. A must read! 9/10
VOLTRON #1
Writer: Brandon Thomas
Art: Ariel Padilla
Dynamite Entertainment $3.99
Simon M: I was really looking forward to reading this, but it wasn't quite what I had hoped for. It might be down to the fact that I have such fond memories of the animated series from the '80s and if this is the case then it's possible that I would have been disappointed regardless. Don't get me wrong, it is a decent read and if I came to this with no preconceptions I'm sure I would have enjoyed it more. There is however a major change: in the previous TV series and comics there are five pilots that control five robot lions which have the ability to join together and form the giant robot Voltron. In this incarnation Voltron seems to either be a separate entity or piloted by a sixth member of the team as the five pilots are on the ground trying to save the people of New York while Voltron battles to save the city. We are also treated to a glimpse at the possible origin of the main villain Zarkon. Brandon Thomas has dived straight into the story without any real explanation of how we got there so hopefully he will be able to enlighten us sooner rather than later. The art by Ariel Padilla is good, but not spectacular, and is certainly more suited to the large scale action then the close up of the characters. The covers by Alex Ross are exceptional as always. There is just enough to bring me back for issue #2, but it will need to improve quickly. 5/10
DEFENDERS #1Writer: Matt Fraction
Art: Terry Dodson, Rachel Dodson & Sonia Oback
Marvel $3.99
Matt C: A year ago I would have been all over the title; Fraction was knocking it out of the park with Invincible Iron Man, I’d just discovered Casanova, and he generally just seemed to be bringing a level of creative intensity that was marking him out amongst Marvel’s roster. 2011 changed my perception of him somewhat thanks, largely, to the bitterly disappointing Fear Itself. I had high hopes based on Fraction’s potential but it was possibly Marvel’s weakest event in years, and that’s even factoring in the likes of Secret Invasion and Civil War. His Mighty Thor title started spectacularly but gradually went off the boil and while I’m nearly convinced Casanova is a work of genius and Invincible Iron Man seems to be returning to form, I’m no longer confident that he’s got any sort of Midas touch in the comics arena. Which, of course, won’t stop me checking out new stuff from him, such as this title, reforming a superteam that never really felt like a proper superteam to me, rather a collection of individual heroes that Marvel couldn’t find any communal home for in the ‘70s. I wish I could say this ‘reinvention’ clicked for me, but sadly, coming off the back of Fear Itself, it came across as forced and without any real purpose. I know it’s early, but there doesn’t seem to be a really valid reason for these guys coming together (again) and at $3.99, with so much other stuff out there at the moment, I’m not inclined to see if it improves. The Dodsons’ art is fine, if probably a little too ‘shiny’ for some tastes, and Fraction script does contain a few interesting character moments, but overall there’s simply not enough here to make me think it’s worth investing my time and money in. 5/10
James R: The Defenders have always been something of a comic fanboy punchline - if you've never seen the Twisted Toyfare Theatre's take on the team, I implore you to seek it out! However, Matt Fraction taking a tilt at this title (which features a couple of my favourites - Iron Fist and Dr. Strange) meant that I felt that this first issue was definitely worth a look. So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? Well, it depends on how much you have to spare, as there's a lot to like here but it's far from an essential purchase. This is the typical 'get the band together' first issue with the Hulk rounding up the misfit gang to battle Nul - the Breaker of Worlds. It's a handsome issue, with the Dodsons doing a fine job, and the retro page footnotes were a nice touch. I've read that Fraction has a great plan for this title; an examination as to why everything happens in the Marvel Universe? You can sign me up for that! But how long will Fraction take to get round to this? After his runs on Invincible Iron Man and Mighty Thor, which have run out of steam for me, I can't shake the worry that this title promises more than it can deliver. But as for this individual issue? Not a bad start, but in a year punctuated by some outstanding first issues, not the greatest first chapter either. 7/10
BATWING #4Writer: Judd Winnick
Art: ChrisCross, Ryan Winn & Brian Reber
DC $2.99
Stewart R: As I predicted (well, it is stated plainly on the cover!), this fourth instalment is less about David’s attempts to track down and stop Massacre and more about the dark upbringing that he lived through as a child soldier. Winnick takes the decision to keep the current chase for the mass murderer ticking over though and there are some nice moments that give insight into just why Batwing is on his mission of redemption. I like the fact that we have a member of the Bat family with some real blood on his hands, albeit from a situation that was more or less out of his control, as it adds an interesting slant on things rather than the victim-turned-hero back stories that seem to crop up with the majority of the other Caped Crusaders. I’ll put it out there now and say that I don’t think we’ve seen the last of David’s family ties with this issue and I’m hoping that the obvious connecting-the-dots I’ve been doing with Winnick’s plot threads doesn’t prove to be the story we end up with. ChirsCross has the undesirable job of following up Ben Oliver’s brilliant artwork and while he doesn’t have the same 'wow' factor as Oliver he puts in a solid effort that captures the brutality of the flashbacks well. One of the new DC titles that’s still going strong. 8/10
SWEET TOOTH #28Writer: Jeff Lemire
Art: Matt Kindt
DC $2.99
Matt C: Three issues without Gus or Jeppard have allowed Lemire to take us on a journey into the past and give us an insight into where the plague that decimated the human race may have originated. Told through the 1911 diary entries of Dr James Thacker we obviously have his perspective guiding us through the events which means certain aspects of the tale have a ring of superstition to them and science doesn’t get much of a look in. Essentially then, we’re not that much further forward in discovering the reason behind the existence of the Hybrids but that hasn’t stopped this from being an utterly compelling detour that expands on what we’ve seen up to this point in the series, revealing more of the scope of Lemire’s opus. The writer has relinquished artistic duties for this arc to Matt Kindt whose painted images successfully draw us back to the early 20th century – stylistically he’s close to Lemire, but his work has a potency all of its own. Powerful stuff, as always. 8/10
James R: There seems to be a new cycle in my comics reading life: every month I read Sweet Tooth, think "This is the best ongoing comic being published today!", and then by the end of the month, somehow, this knowledge fades from my mind... and then the next issue comes along and reminds me that this is the best ongoing comic being published! This month sees the finale of 'The Taxidermist' interlude in which the narrative has leaped back to the early 20th century to give us a few tantalising clues as to how the plague that has decimated the world of Sweet Tooth came about. Simultaneously, the book is also jaw-dropping insight into the dark heart of mankind - what happens when humans meet that which they don't understand, or that which is different to the norm? As always with Lemire's writing, the story is punctuated with incredible moments of emotion and incredible twists. Matt Kindt does a fine job of filling in for Lemire, but I can't wait for him to be back on pencil duties next month. Sweet Tooth continues to set the standards by which other comics should be judged for me - an essential read! 9/10
RED LANTERNS #4Writer: Peter Milligan
Art: Ed Benes, Diego Bernard, Rob Hunter & Nathan Eyring
DC $2.99
Stewart R: There’s much to like about this series and the potential that it has as Milligan steadily expands the characters in the ranks of the Red Lanterns from mindless, near-unstoppable rage monsters to something with more personality and, essentially, something that you can use to ensure that an ongoing title has legs long term. Having already asserted that Bleez is going to play a very important part of the Red Lanterns’ future, Milligan starts to cast the net a little wider and invests some time into three different characters and their painful origins. To that end we get a couple of flashbacks which give us a proper introduction to Ratchet and Skallox and it’s a safe bet that Zillious Zoxx will get some page time next issue. Atrocitus’ continued spiral into paranoia, thanks to a lack of direction following Krona’s death, remains an interesting sight but once again things seem forced whenever anything related to Earth comes into view. I’ve concerns that a possible new recruitment that seems likely to occur soon may accentuate the one weakness this title currently displays. The art side of things is still in safe hands and Diego Bernard’s contribution with the flashbacks shows that he really has potential. 7/10
SWAMP THING #4Writer: Scott Snyder
Art: Marco Rudy, Sean Parsons, Michael Lacombe & David Baron
DC $2.99
James R: So far on this book the illustration duties have been handled masterfully by Yanick Paquette, and the sight of a small army of replacements on this issue was a moment of concern. My worry was totally unfounded however as Messrs Rudy, Parsons and Lacombe do a fine job of keeping up Paquette's style. While we're talking continuity, it almost goes without saying that this is another fine instalment from Scott Snyder. As with Batman, where he shows a great love for the heritage of the character while taking him in a terrific direction, it's the same for Swamp Thing. So far, there's been many respectful nods to Alan Moore's classic run, while continuing to deliver a compelling (and disturbing!) new chapter to the big green fella! Along with Lemire's Animal Man (which you should really be reading too!) this is the reason why DC's relaunch has worked; ambitious and smart narrative storytelling, delivered with panache. A must read! 9/10
VOLTRON #1Writer: Brandon Thomas
Art: Ariel Padilla
Dynamite Entertainment $3.99
Simon M: I was really looking forward to reading this, but it wasn't quite what I had hoped for. It might be down to the fact that I have such fond memories of the animated series from the '80s and if this is the case then it's possible that I would have been disappointed regardless. Don't get me wrong, it is a decent read and if I came to this with no preconceptions I'm sure I would have enjoyed it more. There is however a major change: in the previous TV series and comics there are five pilots that control five robot lions which have the ability to join together and form the giant robot Voltron. In this incarnation Voltron seems to either be a separate entity or piloted by a sixth member of the team as the five pilots are on the ground trying to save the people of New York while Voltron battles to save the city. We are also treated to a glimpse at the possible origin of the main villain Zarkon. Brandon Thomas has dived straight into the story without any real explanation of how we got there so hopefully he will be able to enlighten us sooner rather than later. The art by Ariel Padilla is good, but not spectacular, and is certainly more suited to the large scale action then the close up of the characters. The covers by Alex Ross are exceptional as always. There is just enough to bring me back for issue #2, but it will need to improve quickly. 5/10
10 Dec 2011
Cover To Cover: X-CLUB #1
X-CLUB #1Writer: Simon Spurrier
Art: Paul Davidson & Rachelle Rosenberg
Marvel $2.99
Stewart R: I’d been looking forward to this title for several months since spotting it during one of our regular scourings of Previews but shied away from reading it first this week having had a quick scan of the opening couple of pages and had a mental ‘Hmmmmm’ about the artwork pass through my mind. It is unfair to judge a comic based on those initial impressions and as I grow as a comic lover and expand my horizons I am trying to move away from my love of the medium being biased towards the visual over the written elements. That said, the opening two pages of action that display a flashback to World War II shenanigans did have me take pause for a little while and then come back for the read later as there was just something about Paul Davidson’s art that didn’t feel quite right.
So what happened when I did return to X-Club? Well I really enjoyed it, all of it. Diving into the world of the X-Men these days is something of a daunting task what with the vast cast of characters who could be embroiled in a multitude of missions and personal entanglements at any given moment. Even when dealing with ‘fringe’ characters like this team of scientific boffins, Si Spurrier has had to take the political fallout of Schism into account while also looking at the continued rebuilding the Atlanteans have had to do in the wake of their society collapsing.
He manages to take all of these parts and wrap them up in a wholly entertaining story as Cyclops tries to use X-Club’s skills to repair the jaded reputation of his X-Men.
While Cyclops’ desire to get a PR win out of these efforts is maybe played a little too strongly it was fun to see him trying (unsuccessfully) to keep ‘the kids’ - Nemesis and Rao - from bickering amongst themselves and getting them to schmooze with the collected press, something that doesn’t come naturally to these patronizing brainboxes. Spurrier nails Dr Nemesis' delivery perfectly, the gruff exasperation at having to explain things to the gathered ‘cellwastes’ ringing out at every opportunity and the playful baiting between him and Rao could almost be taken as flirting. Keeping Madison Jeffries - a character some recent writers seem to have had trouble giving definition to I’ve noted - and Danger together also adds a few moments of fun as his attraction to the post-organic being becomes all the clearer to see. No doubt these little interactions may be developed as the series plays on and I certainly hope that is going to be the case.
So what of the artwork from Paul Davidson and colourist Rosenberg that had initially put me off? It actually grew on me very quickly indeed and Davidson has a terrific grasp of facial expressions. With Nemesis continuously sporting his face mask and hat, Davidson only has his eyes and brow to work with and the range of looks he manages to portray is fantastic. When the call to up the ante and bring out the action comes along he also manages to hold that together well and he certainly has a good handle on mutated Atlantean physiology! I should also like to give a nod in the direction of Rachelle Rosenberg’s colour work as her backgrounds and skies really stood out, especially as she seems to make a purposeful transition from daylight through to the red sky of dusk.
All told this is a great first issue and an interesting alternative X-Men story. Spurrier’s script is punchy and doesn’t delve too deeply into the science details of what these great minds accomplish which could have perhaps put a few off. Certainly there would’ve been the potential to have this spin off into meta-science principles and the deconstruction of the mutant genome in some kind of Jonathan Hickman-kinda way. Instead of filling the page with reams of sci-fi babble though, Spurrier elects to lead with character fun and it’s a triumph as a result. The mystery behind the disturbing events happening on Utopia adds entertainment as well as tension and I really am looking forward to seeing what the next four issues bring with them. 9/10
So what happened when I did return to X-Club? Well I really enjoyed it, all of it. Diving into the world of the X-Men these days is something of a daunting task what with the vast cast of characters who could be embroiled in a multitude of missions and personal entanglements at any given moment. Even when dealing with ‘fringe’ characters like this team of scientific boffins, Si Spurrier has had to take the political fallout of Schism into account while also looking at the continued rebuilding the Atlanteans have had to do in the wake of their society collapsing.
He manages to take all of these parts and wrap them up in a wholly entertaining story as Cyclops tries to use X-Club’s skills to repair the jaded reputation of his X-Men.While Cyclops’ desire to get a PR win out of these efforts is maybe played a little too strongly it was fun to see him trying (unsuccessfully) to keep ‘the kids’ - Nemesis and Rao - from bickering amongst themselves and getting them to schmooze with the collected press, something that doesn’t come naturally to these patronizing brainboxes. Spurrier nails Dr Nemesis' delivery perfectly, the gruff exasperation at having to explain things to the gathered ‘cellwastes’ ringing out at every opportunity and the playful baiting between him and Rao could almost be taken as flirting. Keeping Madison Jeffries - a character some recent writers seem to have had trouble giving definition to I’ve noted - and Danger together also adds a few moments of fun as his attraction to the post-organic being becomes all the clearer to see. No doubt these little interactions may be developed as the series plays on and I certainly hope that is going to be the case.
So what of the artwork from Paul Davidson and colourist Rosenberg that had initially put me off? It actually grew on me very quickly indeed and Davidson has a terrific grasp of facial expressions. With Nemesis continuously sporting his face mask and hat, Davidson only has his eyes and brow to work with and the range of looks he manages to portray is fantastic. When the call to up the ante and bring out the action comes along he also manages to hold that together well and he certainly has a good handle on mutated Atlantean physiology! I should also like to give a nod in the direction of Rachelle Rosenberg’s colour work as her backgrounds and skies really stood out, especially as she seems to make a purposeful transition from daylight through to the red sky of dusk.
All told this is a great first issue and an interesting alternative X-Men story. Spurrier’s script is punchy and doesn’t delve too deeply into the science details of what these great minds accomplish which could have perhaps put a few off. Certainly there would’ve been the potential to have this spin off into meta-science principles and the deconstruction of the mutant genome in some kind of Jonathan Hickman-kinda way. Instead of filling the page with reams of sci-fi babble though, Spurrier elects to lead with character fun and it’s a triumph as a result. The mystery behind the disturbing events happening on Utopia adds entertainment as well as tension and I really am looking forward to seeing what the next four issues bring with them. 9/10
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