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Posted on Nov 03, 2004 - 05:48 PM by Admin |
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Fresh from hospital room 3319, The Fan Man has returned with plenty of medication to find a huge stack from the last Comic Book Wednesday of October waiting atop my desk! “War Games” comes to a stunning end with TWO big losses for Batman! Green Lantern reborn?! More “Sins Past” revealed in Amazing Spider-Man! Wolverine goes rogue! And another shocking secret revealed in the pages of The Flash! These big events and more are all part of This Week’s 10 Best!
In case you missed the announcement last week, the reason why we didn’t publish This Week’s 10 Best then - and the reason why this week’s edition is running a little late - is because I was hospitalized for about 4 days. Against doctor's and wife's orders to rest and relax, I have not only written up this week’s edition of This Week’s 10 Best, but at the end of these reviews you will find the one review I managed to write last week before I was carted off to the hospital. Just consider it a DVD-like extra...
1. Daisy Kutter: The Last Train #3 (Viper Comics) -
The Fan Man’s Rave:
This is one of those books that’s not quite what you would expect…it’s much more! Part western, part sci-fi, part tough girl comic and 100% fun! Daisy Kutter is unlike anything on the shelves today! And, speaking for myself, I wish there were more Daisy Kutter-like books out there!
At one time, Daisy Kutter was the most feared gunfighter in the New West. After years of living up to that reputation, Daisy has decided to retire and follow the straight and narrow. However…this is Daisy we're talking about, and you'll soon discover that where Daisy goes, trouble and bad luck always follows!
Daisy’s plan to open a general store and lead a good life is derailed when she is unexpectedly drawn back into her old life of crime, much to the chagrin of Sheriff Tom. Due to the luck of the draw - or in Daisy’s case, the unluckiness of the draw - Daisy loses everything. Now, to get back on her feet again, Daisy reluctantly takes a job that appears to be a cakewalk. However, with Daisy…nothing is ever easy!
Daisy has been hired to rob a train…by the train’s owner! Apparently, Mr. Winters wants to test out his most lethal security robots - who make C-3PO look macho - against the great gunslinger, Daisy Kutter. However, Daisy soon discovers that there is more to this test run than meets the eye! In addition to the vacationing Tom, there is an unexpected guest aboard the train. And before all is said and done, death and destruction board this train, too!
Writer/artist Kazu Kibuishi has created one of the brightest, most lovable characters to hit the scene in years. Kibuishi’s Daisy Kutter is a tough cutie along the lines of a female Clint Eastwood with the luck of Barney Fife! Kibuishi’s art captures this essence perfectly, all the while giving this book a welcoming and comforting feel that can only be described as a breath of fresh air in an often stale industry!
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The Fan Man’s Rant:
Only some mild language keeps this from being an all ages read. No rants here. So far, each new issue of this miniseries has been better than the last. And they have all been incredible page turners! I’ve got news for Kibuishi and the folks at Viper: a miniseries won’t be enough for this character! I’m gonna need my Daisy Kutter fix on an ongoing, monthly basis!
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The Play By Play:
As this issue opens, Daisy Kutter presents her new partners Morris and the robot Bloom with a plan for holding up Mr. Winter’s train. Daisy’s surprisingly detailed and simplistic plan hits a snag when she goes to board the train…only to discover that Sheriff Tom is also climbing aboard! While Tom claims to be simply going on vacation, Daisy inadvertently gives away what she has planned.
Before boarding the train, Morris and Bloom show Daisy Mr. Winter’s most lethal security robots. These less than impressive robots make Daisy believe that she has signed up for a cakewalk. However, once the train leaves the station and the mission begins, Daisy and her pals discover that there is an unexpected guest aboard the train!
After Daisy handles the security robots, she finds a stunning surprise waiting for her in the train’s vault! And Daisy comes face to face with a powerful passenger, who soon shortens the train’s passenger list in a surprising way!
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2. Catwoman #36 (DC) -
The Fan Man’s Rave:
The now-epic “War Games” storyline nears its stunning conclusion in this penultimate chapter. With chaos erupting all over Gotham City, the police have orders to shoot any costumed characters - heroes or villains! Meanwhile, the lady who inadvertently started the war - the Spoiler - has gone missing. Now, it's up to Catwoman to track down Stephanie Brown. There’s just one thing standing in Selina Kyle’s way…the villain who nearly killed her the last time they met - Zeiss!
As with other “War Games” reviews, if you haven’t read the previous issues of this storyline, you might want to skip this review to avoid any possible spoilers.
This next to last chapter of “War Games” finds Catwoman hot on the trail of Stephanie Brown. However, before Selina Kyle can catch up with the wounded teen, she comes face to face with the deadly Zeiss! Meanwhile, the villain who tortured Steph to the point of death - the Black Mask - has made a shocking move…leading the Scarecrow, his gang members and a TV news crew into what he claims is the Batcave!
Writer Ed Brubaker delivers possibly the most pulse-pounding chapter of “War Games” with this issue. As Catwoman fights for her life, the reader finds themselves pulling for Selina to hurry and get to Steph before it is too late. Meanwhile, a greater sense of urgency will not be found anywhere in Comicdom than right here as the Black Mask and his crew make their way inside of Oracle’s lair, mistaking it for the Batcave. The reader begins to pull for Oracle to get her files downloaded before it's too late…and for Batman to come to the rescue!
Brubaker sets the stage for what could be a chaotic shakeup in Batman’s world in this issue. As the villains close in on Barbara Gordon, she pleads for help, only to be rebuffed by the busy Dark Knight. Couple this with what’s to come in Batman #633, and Batman’s war on crime may be in for some drastic changes…
The artistic team of Paul Gulacy and Jimmy Palmiotti illustrate a beautiful comic book! Despite instances of her gravity-defying chest - namely on the cover - Catwoman has rarely looked sexier or deadlier! And wait until you get a load of the Scarecrow and the Black Mask! Two of the creepiest looking super villains ever!
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The Fan Man’s Rant:
Due to mild language and violence, this is not an all ages read. No rants here. The creative team of Brubaker, Gulacy and Palmiotti have impressed me enough during this Bat-event to maybe stick around this title for the near future…something that I’m sure DC was shooting for from the beginning.
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The Play By Play:
As this issue opens, Catwoman has been dispatched by Batman to find the Spoiler. However, Catwoman’s search comes to a screeching halt when she runs into the villain who nearly killed her during their last encounter: Zeiss!
As Catwoman fights for her life, the Black Mask has made a bold move - leading the Scarecrow, his gang and a TV news crew into what he claims is the Batcave! In reality, the Black Mask is storming Gotham City’s Clock Tower, Oracle’s secret lair!
As the Black Mask and his crew close in, Barbara Gordon works frantically to download all of her files to another server. Babs also tries to summon Batman for help…however, the Dark Knight has problems of his own, and is unable to find the time to even hear out Barbara’s pleas for help!
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3. Batman #633 (DC) -
The Fan Man’s Rave:
This is it! “War Games” comes to a shocking conclusion! And if you thought this storyline has been epic up until this point…you ain’t seen nothing yet! Before this one is over, Batman and his allies will suffer two very big losses which will have a lasting impact on the Dark Knight and his allies for some time to come!
Once again, if you haven’t read the previous chapters of “War Games”, be aware that this review will contain some spoilers. However, I will try to keep the two biggest spoilers in this issue a secret…
This issue finds the Black Mask, his gang and a small TV crew inside of Oracle’s secret lair. By the time Batman realizes what has happened, the greatest information outlet in the DC Universe has already been shut down. Batman springs into action, taking on the Black Mask in a long awaited showdown. Meanwhile, the rest of the Bat-crew - minus the wounded Nightwing - have their hands full with the Scarecrow, who isn’t too happy that the Black Mask used him…and has unleashed the Scarecrow beast last seen in this series’ previous storyline!
Writer Bill Willingham brings the curtain down on this storyline in a shocking fashion. When Barbara Gordon can’t get through to Batman, she does the unthinkable to force the Dark Knight to focus on his priorities! However, Willingham saves the biggest shocker of all for later as Batman is forced to say goodbye to a member of his team…forever!
Without spoiling anything - unless you’ve read early “War Games” reviews and remember me calling this - this storyline wrapped up a lot like I expected. While I didn’t want to see this character die, Willingham handled it with class, and actually pulled off a touching, tear-jerking scene. What Willingham shocked me with was Oracle’s actions. That’s one I never saw coming…and I can’t wait to see how this will impact the Batman titles…as well as the entire DC Universe!
Artist Kinsun once again illustrates a great looking comic. This one name artist illustrates an incredible looking Bat-crew and some creepy villains. Kinsun’s Scarecrow beast is very Dustin Nguyen-like, while the rest of the characters come across as clean and crisp, even the not-so-dark Dark Knight. However, in this issue, Kinsun shines by bringing the emotion that Willingham writes to vivid life. From a single tear rolling down Oracle’s cheek to a heart-wrenching scene involving Batman and a dying ally, this is one emotion packed comic book…and much of that must be credited to this artist.
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The Fan Man’s Rant:
Due to mild language and violence, this is not an all ages read. A few rants here. The first of which is this book seems to wrap up a little too quick. I know, this is a 24 part storyline. Many Comic Fanatics may believe this storyline couldn’t wrap up quick enough. However, this Bat-fan felt that a few shortcuts were taken still, including the fate of the critically wounded Nightwing. How was Nightwing found and rescued? And I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was disappointed that Nightwing ended up being an incredible non-factor in this final chapter.
My biggest rant goes to the death of a character in this issue. If not for Oracle’s actions in this issue and the Black Mask’s elevation to an A-level villain, it would seem that this lengthy storyline was simply put together to kill off Orpheus and this character. While that is clearly not the case now, it doesn’t mean I like the outcome any better…
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The Play By Play:
As this issue opens, the Black Mask has broadcasted all across Gotham City that he is in the “Batcave”, when he is actually inside Oracle’s secret lair. With the police staked out outside the Clock Tower, Batman orders his troops to get to the scene as soon as possible.
With the police gunning for good guys and villains, Batman orders his troops to set up a perimeter, while he confronts the Black Mask. As Batman attacks the Black Mask, the villain’s former ally Scarecrow decides he doesn’t like being used…so he unleashes the Scarecrow beast! Suddenly, the Bat-team has to worry about the police and the super villain that may kill them all!
As the Bat-team fights for their lives and break a big promise to the police, Batman has decided to stop the Black Mask once and for all! When Oracle can’t stop Batman from killing the villain, she is forced to do the unthinkable to make the Dark Knight remember who he is and why he is needed!
When the smoke clears, Batman has little time to recover before he is contacted by Dr. Leslie Thompkins. Leslie has called Batman to inform him that one of his team members has been admitted to her clinic…and only has minutes to live!
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4. The Symbiotes #2 (Drive Comics) -
The Fan Man’s Rave:
This book has been one of the more pleasant surprises of 2004. With the collapse of CrossGen, there was a great void for hardcore sci-fi fans, and The Symbiotes came along at just the right time to fill that void and much more!
The Symbiotes is a rare book in that it is eye candy with substance…lots of substance! Most Comic Fanatics will be drawn to this book by photo-realistic digital art of George Lippert, and there is no shame in that. Go ahead and enjoy some of the most incredible and lifelike art to ever grace a comic book page. Just keep in mind that there is a complex, sprawling story that goes along with those pretty pictures!
Writer Davis R. Vaughn has created something here that realistically cannot be fully explored within the pages of an 8 issue miniseries. And while the digital art and the deep sci-fi story plays out like a motion picture put to paper, The Symbiotes could never be captured on the big screen…without a trilogy of blockbusters or two! Vaughn has created a vast, interesting and exciting story filled with intriguing heroes and villains that could run for years on television and still never touch on the full potential of this project!
While the first issue of The Symbiotes introduced readers to this vast cast of characters and delivered a promise of what’s to come, this issue delivers on that early promise! Vaughn fine tunes this issue into an action packed book that begins with a bang and never lets up!
Khalid and his fellow officers have been attacked by the horrifying Vah’Harts, digitally illustrated in all their horrific glory by Lippert! As the Vah’Harts close in and his friends begin to fall, Khalid prays for help…which arrives in the form of Raiders. However, when civilian casualties seem to be acceptable to these Raiders, it falls to another hero to step up and save the day…possibly at the cost of their own life!
Vaughn writes an action packed story that flows like a classic Star Wars film. There’s always action going on at some level, and Vaughn takes us from one scenario to the next, barely giving the reader time to catch their breath before the next action-packed event! Meanwhile in true Star Wars form, all of the subplots seem to be coming together into the overall story. Fine writing for a writer with only two books under his belt.
Enough cannot be said about Lippert’s digital art. Everything and everyone looks like it should be stepping right off the page. The space shots are breathtaking and the scenery is just gorgeous! Unlike a lot of digital art, Lippert’s work depicts believable emotions for these characters, who come across as real rather than stiff and computer generated. And I especially like how Lippert illustrates the speedster known as Blur. The WB pulls off a similar stunt week after week with “Smallville.” Lippert brings that Hollywood magic to the printed page here!
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The Fan Man’s Rant:
Only some mild language keeps this from being an all ages read. No real rants here. If you are a sci-fi fan, you will not find a better comic book on the shelves today. And the folks at Drive Comics definitely give Comic Fanatics more bang for their bucks! You get 48 full color pages - ad free! - for the unheard of price of $2.95! Marvel, DC, Image, Dark Horse and IDW, take note!
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The Play By Play:
As this issue opens, Khalid and his fellow officers have been attacked by the vicious Vah’Harts! As his friends and fellow officers fall, Khalid and his fellow survivors hold out hope for backup…but that doesn’t mean Khalid is going to leave the wounded behind!
As Trayred Vul has a change of heart about a “package” he is supposed to deliver to his employer, the Vah’Harts corner Khalid and his fellow officers! Just when it appears that the end is near, help arrives from the sky above in the form of a squadron of Raiders!
The Raiders attack the Vah’Harts, but seem to disregard the surrounding civilians. When Khalid and his fellow officers move to stop the Raiders, they find themselves with an all new world of trouble! Luckily, a new hero has raced onto the scene…but is she in time to save Khalid or join him in his fate?!
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5. Green Lantern: Rebirth #1 (DC) -
The Fan Man’s Rave:
Have you heard? Hal Jordan is on his way back as Green Lantern! Judging by the fact that this comic book is a complete sell out, more than a few Hal Jordan fans have heard the good news. Now, the question is “Does this book live up to the hype?” The answer? Yes, it does…for totally unexpected reasons!
Writer Geoff Johns takes on the unenviable task of returning fan favorite Hal Jordan to the ranks of Green Lantern. I say “unenviable” because Johns has to contend with finicky Comic Fanatics like myself.
Don’t get me wrong, I have always been a big fan of Hal as Green Lantern. Heck, much of my childhood was spent watching “The Super Friends”, and Hal was always THE Green Lantern to me. However, over the past few years, I've come to accept the fact that Hal was no longer Green Lantern. More importantly, I had come to accept the “rookie” Kyle Rayner as THE Green Lantern. To be quite honest about it, I had even accepted Hal as the new Spectre and would have been satisfied with the return of a Spectre ongoing series!
So, Johns finds himself in the position of pleasing not only the Hal fans, but also those of us who have moved on and accepted Hal as something other than a Green Lantern. Does he do it in this issue? Well, he’s off to a good start.
I picked up this comic book fully expecting it to be the glorious return of Hal as Green Lantern. That’s not what this book is. Instead, we find Hal trying to live life as a human with his friends, while trying to balance his identity as the Spectre. And the results are less than happy! We are quickly reminded of just how much power - and trouble - rests in the hands of Hal Jordan these days!
Meanwhile, Johns begins setting up a mystery that will no doubt lead to Hal taking up the mantle of Green Lantern once again. Kyle Rayner has mysteriously returned from space, crash landing in a spaceship carrying a coffin and he is unable to remove his Green Lantern ring. Elsewhere, it appears that the Spectre is completely taking over Hal’s personality, setting him up as both a savior and a harsh judge and executioner! Strange things are happening to Guy Gardner…and Coast City is magically reappearing!
I’m not sure where Johns is going with this story, but in a way I’m glad that he didn’t just bring Hal back as Green Lantern because Hal is the all powerful Spectre and could do that if he wanted to. I like how Johns has maintained the worry and conflict felt years ago by Hal’s former teammates - especially Batman - who no longer trust the former Green Lantern and are already wondering what Hal is up to now. Better yet, Johns touches on a little plotline that has been out there from Green Arrow’s series…a little something Hal left behind years ago for his pal, Oliver Queen. This one has a little bit of everything!
Artist Ethan Van Sciver illustrates the work of his career here. Mark my words, if Van Sciver isn’t already a comic book superstar, this miniseries will make him one! Everything about this issue is just amazing, from the haunting cover to one of the darkest Dark Knights ever and that chilling last page! And wait until you see this artist’s take on the Spectre…and what the Spirit Of Vengeance does to the Black Hand!
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The Fan Man’s Rant:
Due to some mild language and violence, this isn't an all ages read. No rants here, as long as Johns delivers before all is said and done, offering up a good, solid reason why Hal is back as Green Lantern, why Hal is no longer the Spectre and - hopefully - keep Kyle alive and well as a Green Lantern! And for extra points, let’s hope that Johns finds some way to bring Guy Gardner back into the Green Lantern fold without all the crazy Warrior stuff! Or maybe…Guy as the new Spectre?!?! Okay…that's the pain medication talking now…
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The Play By Play:
As this issue opens, a strange spacecraft crash lands in New Mexico. Crawling from the wreckage is Kyle Rayner, who is unable to remove his Green Lantern ring! As Kyle passes out, he tells two onlookers that “it has a name”…as he reaches for something that looks like a coffin!
In New York City, John Stewart and Guy Gardner debate as to whether Hal Jordan will show up for a planned outing at a baseball game. Hal does indeed show up in human guise, but soon the crowd at the ballpark see through the Spectre’s disguise. Suddenly, Hal is nearly overcome by sinners who want to repent their sins…including Guy himself!
In Star City, Green Arrow and his new sidekick Mia are suddenly attacked by one of Green Lantern’s old foes, the Black Hand. It seems that the Black Hand has come in search of a little gift that Hal left behind for Oliver Queen years ago. Instead, the Black Hand finds the Spectre protecting this object…in the most stunning way, leaving Ollie to question if it is time for him to use it…against Hal!
Elsewhere, Guy is rushed to the JLA Watchtower after his body undergoes a shocking change and everything at his bar is destroyed…except for a statue of Hal! Once Aquaman and the Flash confirm a strange reappearance in Coast City, Batman decides that Hal has just used up his third strike! Meanwhile, an old friend is in for a shocking reunion…
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6. Amazing Spider-Man #513 (Marvel) -
The Fan Man’s Rave:
As we near the conclusion of the “Sins Past” storyline, this is one Spider-Man story that is shaping up to be one of the most shocking status quo changing tales of all time! After last issue’s stunning revelations, this is one Spider-fan who is still in shock! But like with a horrific car accident…I can’t look away!
If you haven’t read Amazing Spider-Man #512, you may want to skip this review. The big revelation of that issue will be revealed here, in order to review this issue.
In the previous issue, we discovered the truth behind the mysterious twins who have been trying to kill Peter Parker over the past few months. It seems that Gabriel and Sarah are indeed the children of Gwen Stacy. But that wasn’t the big shocker! Their father? Not Peter Parker! Try Norman Osborn!
In one fell swoop, writer J. Michael Straczynski managed to take Spider-Man fans’ breaths away and forever change our opinions of Gwen Stacy. It seems that Gwen willingly had sex with Norman and then decided to go to Europe to have her children. Straczynski then went on to shine a new light on the death of Gwen. Instead of trying to hurt Peter, it appears the Green Goblin killed Gwen because she threatened to keep Norman from seeing his children!
Now, Peter and Mary Jane have to make some kind of sense out of this madness, all the while trying to save the twins. Why? Because it seems that Gabriel and Sarah have inherited some of their father’s Green Goblin serum. This magic potion has caused the twins to age quicker than normal - explaining why they appear to be too old to be Gwen’s children. However, this rapid aging is also unknowingly killing the twins!
In order to save the twins’ lives, Peter must convince them to trust him. However, the twins have had a lifetime of Osborne telling them that Peter was their father and he abandoned them and caused their mom to die! Still, one twin suspects the truth, even if the other doesn’t want to except that their lives have been one big lie. However, with the police moving in with weapons trained on our three players, the twins may never get the chance to believe Peter…or take him up on his offer to save their lives!
Straczynski continues to amaze me and blow me away with his writing on this title. I’m still surprised that I’m not more upset over the previous issue’s big shocker. In fact, I think the revelation about Gwen actually strengthens the character, bringing her from sainthood down to a normal person who makes bad choices and worse mistakes. If anything, I think this revelation will once and for all cement Mary Jane as THE woman in Peter’s life, and for that I couldn’t be happier.
If you are picking up this issue expecting another big bombshell like the previous issue, don’t get your hopes up. I’ll be stunned if this storyline - or any future Spider-Man storyline, for that matter - contains any bombshell that would be equal to that one! However, Straczynski does offer up one nice little surprise at the end of this issue, when one of the twins discovers what their real father had planned for their future!
Artist Mike Deodato, Jr. continues to take my breath away with his work on this book! This is an artist who has deserved the big spotlight for years! Now, he has it and Deodato is shining in the most impressive ways! Spider-Man has never looked better or more muscular and the fight scenes have never appeared so fluid. However, it’s the emotion that Deodato brings out in these characters that makes this artist truly shine. This is by far not a happy tale, and Deodato drives that point home with each and every panel!
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The Fan Man’s Rant:
Due to mild language and a little gunplay, this is not an all ages read. No rants here. Straczynski and Deodato have made Amazing Spider-Man fun again! It’s been ages since I have counted down the days until the next issue of this title, but I’m counting now…and already dreading when this storyline comes to an end in the next issue!
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The Play By Play:
As this issue opens, Peter Parker and Mary Jane sit down and discuss what they know about the late Gwen Stacy’s twins…and what they can do next. In order to save the lives of the twins, Spider-Man must do the unthinkable…he must conduct a televised news conference, in order to tell Gabriel and Sarah where to meet him before it is too late!
With reporters looking on below and police on the way, Spider-Man returns to the top of the Brooklyn Bridge…the place where Gwen died. Soon, Spider-Man is joined by the twins, who at first refuse to believe their father is Norman Osborne, the man who cared for them after their mother died. However, one of the twins has seen enough proof to become a believer!
Before Spider-Man can convince both twins that their lives are in danger unless they trust him, the police open fire! As one twin is thrown to the safety of the waters below, another ends up shot! Spider-Man rushes the wounded twin to the hospital, as the escaping twin makes a startling discovery that proves their entire lives have been one big lie…
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7. Chrono Mechanics (Image) -
The Fan Man’s Rave:
Now we come to this week’s unexpected and pleasant surprise! In fact, I had already decided on the lineup for This Week’s 10 Best when this unique book landed on my desk. Taking a break for some pain meds, I decided to put off writing this week’s reviews a bit and used that extra time to read Chrono Mechanics.
I soon discovered what any other Comic Fanatic would have found if they gave this book a chance. Chrono Mechanics was a fun, hilarious read unlike anything I have seen in ages. I knew that such a unique - and dare I say it, bizarre - book belonged among This Week’s 10 Best. So…a little bump of an X-book here, and Chrono Mechanics made the list.
Since this is a book that has likely sneaked below the radar of many Comic Fanatics, allow me to try and describe it to you. To be quite honest, Chrono Mechanics is one of those books along the lines of MVCreations’ Tales Of The Realm - it almost defies description. Imagine if you will, the folks at National Lampoon creating a Looney Toons cartoon ala “Quantum Leap”. Now, you’ve got a pretty good idea of what to expect!
I have to admit that the first thing that attracted me to this book was the name Art Thibert. I have been a huge fan of Thibert’s art for years, especially his work on Marvel’s Cable series. Most recently, Thibert’s name has been found as the inker for the highly successful Ultimate Spider-Man and Ultimate X-Men titles for Marvel. But this creator is more than just a talented artist and inker. After reading Chrono Mechanics, I’ve come to the conclusion that Thibert and his partner in crime Rich Birdsall are twisted geniuses!
It seems that Time is a big machine which is built into the very fabric of the universe. Like all machines, Time occasionally breaks down. And like all machines, a mechanic is needed to fix it! To keep Time running smoothly - or at least trying to keep it running smoothly - Chrono, Inc. employs individuals from different timelines called the Chrono Mechanics.
This book succeeds not on the adventures of these Mechanics, but rather on the Mechanics themselves. Thibert and Birdsall deliver a loveable cast of characters that readers will be wanting to revisit any chance they get. The Mechanics consist of a caveman named Oot, a Renaissance man named Caravaggio, an alien child philosopher named Zyn and a 70s era rock god who steals the show named Doug.
Doug is the rookie of the team, plucked from his timeline when a Chrono Mechanic meets an untimely demise. However, when Doug is unable to “suit up”, his new teammates don’t think he's worthy of being a Chrono Mechanic. When the timelines begin to merge, Oot, Zyn and Caravaggio find themselves unable to “suit up” and fix Time. It then falls to the rookie to step up and prove once and for all that he has what it takes to be a Chrono Mechanic and save the universe! After all, “it’s not just an adventure; it’s their job!”
The characters of this book will reel the reader in instantly for what will prove to be an entertaining and often humorous ride with endless possibilities. Even after the last page, you get the feeling that we’ve only seen the beginning of what’s to come for the Chrono Mechanics! Thibert and Birdsall have created a potential franchise here! Action figures, video games and a weekly television series are all possibile!
And if the characters don’t get you, the humor will! From the hilarious quotes from such famous people as Edgar Allan Poe and Midas on the back cover to the Chrono Elucidator breaking the fourth wall and my personal favorite, the B!tchasaurus, this is one of the more unique books on the shelves today - a sci-fi/action-adventure/funny book!
Thibert’s art is as amazing as always, although it's a different type of art than I’m used to seeing from my favorite Cable artist. Thibert illustrates this book in a cartoony style that fits the story to a tee. And with the black and white format, you can truly see and appreciate the amount of detail that Thibert puts into each and every line.
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The Fan Man’s Rant:
Only some mild language keeps this from being an all ages read. No rants here. This book was not what I expected, and in this day and time…that’s a good thing. It’s rare for me to be surprised these days, but Thibert and Birdsall did so with Chrono Mechanics!
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The Play By Play:
As this issue opens, reporter Geraldo Rivera is living a dream come true by finally getting an interview with the 70s rock god known as Doug. However, just as Geraldo is set to begin questioning his idol, Doug is mysteriously whisked away to a strange place in time…with even stranger characters!
Doug has been plucked from his timeline to replace a fallen member of the Chrono Mechanics. At first, his new teammates try to make Doug feel welcome. However, when it comes time to “suit up”, Doug fails to manifest his Chrono Mechanic suit, leading his teammates to believe the rookie is unworthy of his new gig.
The Chrono Mechanics leave Doug behind in the hope of repairing Time without him. However, due to a little bad luck - and some of Doug’s clumsiness - the Chrono Mechanics are left stranded in time, unable to “suit up.” Now, it is up to the rock god rookie to step up and prove he has what it takes to be a Chrono Mechanic and save his new teammates…and the universe!
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8. The Flash #215 (DC) -
The Fan Man’s Rave:
One of the most anticipated releases of the month certainly lives up to - and surpasses - the hype! Writer Geoff Johns continues to make The Flash one of the best superhero books on the shelves today by dragging this book into the events of the mega-hot event known as Identity Crisis. And if you thought Identity Crisis’ shocking revelation about the Justice League was something, wait until you see what Johns reveals about Barry Allen here!
Wally West's world has been turned upside down after he discovered that his mentor and father figure Barry Allen took part in a dark secret from the Justice League’s past. Years ago, in order to protect their loved ones, the League voted to use Zatanna to wipe the mind of Dr. Light. That decision - along with Green Arrow’s suggestion that it wasn’t the only time the League did such a thing - have been haunting Wally. Now, Wally finds out what Oliver Queen was hinting at.
Ollie has given Wally a letter written years ago by Barry. In this letter, Barry makes a shocking disclosure to Wally about another mind tampering the League performed on one of his villains. However, Zatanna didn’t lobotomize this villain. Instead, Zatanna tried to rehabilitate this villain and turn him into a superhero and one of the Flash’s allies! However, something went wrong…and now years later, Barry is reaching out from beyond the grave asking his nephew to right one of his greatest wrongs!
Johns shows his great respect for DC continuity with this trip back in time to one of my personal favorite eras in Flash history. Johns takes this hidden chapter from one of Barry Allen’s most troubled times and makes it fit seamlessly into continuity, thrilling fans of both the current and past Flashes. Meanwhile, Johns uses this tale from the Flash’s past to move this storyline into what should be the thrilling unknown!
Artist Howard Porter once again illustrates a great looking superhero comic book. Long one of my favorite superhero artists, Porter’s work on this title is among the strongest of his career. And while Porter excels at illustrating the Flash - both Barry and Wally - his Rogues and the JLA, it’s the little details that amaze me the most here. Porter captures the worry and concern of Barry Allen perfectly, making this ole Flash fan not only feel for this character, but miss him all over again!
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The Fan Man’s Rant:
Only some mild language keeps this from being an all ages read. No rants here. Johns’ The Flash continues to be one of the best superhero books in the industry, and I'm wonder how much better this book can get!
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The Play By Play:
As this issue opens, Wally West reads a letter written years ago by his mentor, Barry Allen. In this letter, Barry reveals that the Justice League tampered with another villain’s mind besides Dr. Light. One of Barry’s foes had died, but still found ways to return to life only to torment those closest to him.
This time around, Zatanna didn’t perform a mental lobotomy on the villain. Instead, Barry asked Zatanna to rehabilitate the villain, turning him into an ally and hero! However, something went wrong. And now, Barry is reaching out from beyond the grave to ask Wally to correct one of his biggest mistakes.
Before Wally can take off on his mission, he receives news from his best friend, Nightwing. Apparently, his missing wife Linda has been seen…within the vicinity of Sue Dibny’s murder. Meanwhile, Ashley Zolomon has finally come out of her coma…just in time to help the Flash?!
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9. Wolverine #21 (Marvel) -
The Fan Man’s Rave:
It’s been a long time since I have enjoyed back to back issues of Wolverine. Come to think of it, that hasn’t happened since Wolverine was restarted with this latest volume…until now! With writer Mark Millar and artists John Romita, Jr. and Klaus Janson on board, suddenly Wolverine is great again and for the first time in years, I find myself looking forward to each new issue!
When the new creative team took the reins of this book, they did so with a bang! Wolverine disappears after running into a new villain known as the Gorgon. A month later, S.H.I.E.L.D. is notified that Wolverine has been found near death in South America. Nick Fury, Elektra and S.H.I.E.L.D. recover Wolverine, unaware that he is secretly part of a Hydra plan to take down a number of high-profile superheroes!
Now, one of the Marvel Universe’s greatest weapons has been unleashed and is out of control! Millar does an excellent job of giving the reader insight to Wolverine’s mental struggle against his Hydra brainwashing. Meanwhile, Romita and Janson treat Comic Fanatics to one of Wolverine’s greatest battles against Elektra…and a shark! And before all is said and done, it looks like Wolverine is just getting started! Hydra’s hit list is made up of some of Marvel’s biggest superheroes…and it appears that Wolverine is more than willing to comply!
Millar is setting up a Wolverine story that has the potential to be one of the best yet, all the while getting this character back to his superhero roots! Factor in the edgy, classic art of Romita and Janson, and Wolverine looks and feels like the good ole days! It was also great seeing Romita illustrate Elektra once again, downplaying her sexiness and emphasizing her deadliness! And wait until you see Wolverine take on a shark!
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The Fan Man’s Rant:
Due to violence, this is not an all ages read. No rants here. Wolverine hasn’t been this good in awhile! I’m just glad to be along for the ride!
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The Play By Play:
As this issue opens, Wolverine - brainwashed by Hydra - has gone on a killing spree inside of a S.H.I.E.L.D. aircraft carrier. However, before Wolverine can hack and slash his way to freedom, Elektra steps in and paralyzes him with a pair of appropriately placed sais!
Wolverine is able to escape when a planned explosion shakes the carrier, knocking Elektra off balance! When the sea begins to pour into the ship, Elektra is nearly swept away while Wolverine swims away…only to come face to face with a school of sharks!
When the chaos clears, Wolverine has escaped S.H.I.E.L.D. custody. It’s then that Nick Fury learns exactly what Hydra has planned to use Wolverine for. And the rest of the Marvel Universe is due to make that discovery, too…as Wolverine is already stalking one of Marvel’s most popular teams…
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10. Wonder Woman #209 (DC) -
The Fan Man’s Rave:
I have always wanted to be a Wonder Woman fan. Much of my childhood was spent watching Wonder Woman on Saturday mornings as part of “The Super Friends”, and I won’t even tell you how many daydreams Linda Carter gave me thanks to the “Wonder Woman” TV series! However, when it came to Wonder Woman's comic books, I could never make myself stick around for more than a handful of consecutive issues…until now!
Since writer Greg Rucka came aboard, I have been unable to put Wonder Woman down. Sure, I’ve tried. Due to rising prices and less money in pocket, I’ve tried to make comic cutbacks. However, just when I think I can place this title on the “cut” stack, Rucka pulls me back in again with another page turner!
Rucka has once again made Wonder Woman the #1 superheroine in Comicdom. And this writer has strengthened this title by amping up some of Wonder Woman’s classic villains, making these bad guys and gals some of the most formidable foes in the industry! And the latest may be the deadliest of them all - Medousa!
For awhile now, Medousa has been part of a plan to take down Wonder Woman once and for all. In this issue, Medousa makes her big move! Medousa wastes no time moving against Wonder Woman in her own backyard - the Themysciran Embassy! And when Medousa comes a callin’, not everyone makes it out of this one alive! Just keep in mind, this issue is NOT the conclusion to this storyline! The BIG showdown between Medousa and Wonder Woman is still to come!
Rucka managed to surprise me with this issue. Not only did Rucka surprise me with how this one ended, he surprised me with the brutality of Medousa…and who paid the ultimate price for this villainess’ rampage! This one will definitely leave physical and emotional scars on Wonder Woman for some time to come!
Artist Drew Johnson illustrates a fantastic looking comic. Johnson’s Wonder Woman is a beautiful, exotic, yet still threatening individual, while Medousa has never looked deadlier! The battle between Wonder Woman and Medousa must be seen to be believed, as it ends up as one of the bloodier battles to ever involve Wonder Woman. If this is the warm up, I can’t wait until next month’s main event!
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The Fan Man’s Rant:
Due to mild language and violence, this is not an all ages read. No rants here. As long as Rucka continues to deliver such quality reading material, it looks like I’ll be hooked on Wonder Woman for awhile!
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The Play By Play:
As this issue opens, Ares is informed that someone will be invoking his name soon. Meanwhile at the Themysciran Embassy, Leslie arrives to inform Ferdinand that Vanessa Kapatelis has been freed from her life as the Silver Swan. However, the time for celebration is cut short when Medousa arrives unannounced!
Medousa immediately attacks and wounds Ferdinand! Before Medousa can move in for the kill, Wonder Woman tackles her. As Wonder Woman avoids looking into Medousa’s face, she orders Ferdinand to get everyone else to safety.
Medousa manages to get away from Wonder Woman, thanks to her poisonous snakes and their venom. Just as Wonder Woman catches up with Medousa, she realizes that Ferdinand hasn’t had time to get everyone to safety…and someone pays the ultimate price before Medousa finds the perfect way to escape!
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As an added bonus, here’s the one review that I had written for last week’s This Week’s 10 Best just moments before being hospitalized:
Manhunter #3 (DC) -
The Fan Man’s Rave:
The new Manhunter series has been one of the more pleasant surprises of 2004. I came this close to not even picking up this new series, because I wasn’t too crazy about a new female Manhunter. However, my all knowing comic book guy made sure I had a copy of that first issue…and now I can’t get enough! I find myself looking more forward to this comic book than many of the more popular DC Universe titles!
Writer Marc Andreyko has introduced us to a new Manhunter named Kate Spencer. By day, Kate is a federal lawyer and a divorced mother of one. Neither job proves to be easy for Kate, and she further complicates matters by taking on a "night job" as the costumed vigilante named Manhunter! If Kate can’t lock up the super powered criminals the legal way, Manhunter will take them out once and for all!
The first super villain to die at the hands of Kate was Copperhead. Now, it’s time for Kate to pay the piper! Copperhead’s old pal Shadow Thief has come straight out of the pages of Identity Crisis #1 looking for revenge, unaware that his friend’s murderer is a female. And Shadow Thief has picked the absolute worst time to confront Kate, as her son fights for his life in a hospital after discovering and triggering some of his mother’s secret superhero arsenal!
Andreyko writes a surprising issue here. Every time I told myself that I knew where Andreyko was going or I knew what he was planning, this writer pulled a swerve! The battle between Manhunter and Shadow Thief is brutal and absolutely stunning! Don’t try to guess the outcome of this one! And if you are hoping for a happy ending for Kate in and out of the costume, think again! Andreyko breaks all the rules here, and I like it! This bold writing style sets this comic book above the rest, and leaves me baffled as to what’s to come!
Andreyko’s characterization of Kate is strongly written. Comic Fanatics will either sympathize with this single mother who is trying to make a difference, or they will think she is the worst mother in the world! There are lots of unanswered questions about Kate and her role as Manhunter, and Andreyko has me hooked for the long haul in order to find those answers!
Jesús Saiz and Jimmy Palmiotti put together a great looking comic book! The action scenes are second to none! The battle between Manhunter and Shadow Thief has to be seen to be believed! Saiz and Palmiotti illustrate a sleek, sexy, but deadly Manhunter, and Shadow Thief has never looked more dangerous. Saiz and Palmiotti display some of Shadow Thief’s more creepy abilities that elevates this former B-level villain up to the A-list! And once again, artist Jae Lee illustrates an incredible cover!
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The Fan Man’s Rant:
Due to strong language and violence, this is not an all ages read. No real rants here, although some Comic Fanatics are complaining about DC soliciting this as an Identity Crisis tie in. The only real tie in here involves Shadow Thief, but Andreyko writes this story so well that even those who aren’t reading Identity Crisis - if there are any of those - won’t feel out of the loop.
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The Play By Play:
As this issue opens, Kate Spencer is trying to forget her troubles by suiting up as Manhunter. However, Kate gains an all new world of trouble when a friend of the late Copperhead comes looking for revenge! From the shadows - literally - steps the villain known as Shadow Thief! And the fight is on!
As Kate’s son fights for his life in a hospital, Kate fights for her own life on a rooftop against Shadow Thief. Kate loses the upper hand and ends up hanging by one hand from the edge of the roof! However, thanks to a little luck, Kate is able to get a hand - literally - before she plunges to the street below!
As Kate’s battle with Shadow Thief takes a shocking turn, we discover that things aren’t going any better back at the hospital. As her ex-husband watches over their son, the doctors make a shocking announcement…
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