 |
|
 |
| |
Posted on Feb 26, 2006 - 10:53 PM by Admin |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 
More new comics and more new reviews! Supergirl on Supergirl action in Supergirl #5! The debut of a new costume and a new partnership in Amazing Spider-Man #529! Jason Todd seeks revenge on the Joker in Batman #650! The return of the Middleman! The end of the line for Wonder Woman! And the long awaited return of Joss Whedon, John Cassaday and Astonishing X-Men!
Supergirl #5 (DC) -
Now, this is more like it! It was just last week that I read and reviewed Supergirl #4, and now…a super-sized Supergirl #5 lands on my desk! What can I say but…super!
Writer Jeph Loeb and artist Ian Churchill wrap up their all-too-short tenure with this issue, bringing their run to a thundering conclusion. For those who have been following this short-skirted character since her first appearance in Loeb’s Superman/Batman, you will be thrilled to know that Loeb does not leave this title without delivering some big time answers about Superman’s cousin. Loeb also shows us that Batman’s initial suspicions of this Supergirl were very much warranted!
Confused about the two Supergirls on the cover? Loeb clears up that mystery, too, and it all ties into Supergirl’s origin. However, the truth about this native Kryptonian may surprise you. Yes, Kara is Superman’s cousin, but that’s all I’m spoiling for you.
Another big surprise in this issue lies with Supergirl’s strategy to stop Dark-Supergirl. Kara keeps referring to “him”, and the reader just naturally assumes that Kara is recruiting the help of her Super-cousin. However, Kara has another savior in mind…who’s not even super-powered! It’s this unique twist that makes this issue read like a lost issue of Superman/Batman.
Before all is said and done, Supergirl fans will understand and love what Loeb has done here. More importantly, Supergirl fans will love the path Loeb has set this character on.
As for the art, Churchill illustrates another incredible issue. Shorter skirts and tons of big-screen action set to paper. I’m not sure who I am going to miss more on this title…Loeb’s incredible writing or Churchill’s stunning art. It sure was fun while it lasted.
Suggested for teen readers and up due to language and violence.
Overall grade = A+
____________________________
Amazing Spider-Man #529 (Marvel) -
I am a lifelong Spider-Man fan. As such, I shouldn’t like the events and changes that have been taking place in Spider-Man’s life over the past few months. I should be outraged. I should have already dropped all Spider-Man comic books cold turkey. But I haven’t. Why? Quite simply…I can’t put these books down. I couldn’t stop reading Amazing Spider-Man now, even if I wanted to…and I don’t. And that’s a testament to the great stories being told by J. Michael Straczynski…including this one, debuting the new, controversial costume!
Although I don’t like to admit it, I am old enough to remember the days when Spider-Man donned a new costume…the classic black costume. Now, back then we didn’t have the internet, so we didn’t have hordes of angry fanboys inciting flamewars and calling for the cyber-deaths of creators involved, but we did have plenty of comic shop talk involving angry fanboys who loathed the new black costume, claiming it spit in the face of tradition. But even those real, live debates paled in comparison to the heated opinions about Spider-Man’s latest “new” costume.
So, let’s talk about the costume…
At first, the costume didn’t appeal to me. I chalk that up to the color scheme. It’s different…unlike any other Spider-Man costume before, so the traditionalist in me naturally began to grumble. But it grows on you…especially after you see Spider-Man wearing it in action.
The reason for the costume change? Believable and acceptable to Peter Parker, his wife and Spider-Man fans. Tony Stark is wanting Spider-Man to wear something that offers more protection than the simple cloth costume he has been wearing for years. Makes sense. I mean what are the odds Peter will die and be resurrected AGAIN?!
Upon reading this issue, you will see that Tony’s reasons for upgrading Spider-Man go a little deeper than extending Peter’s life expectancy. Tony offers Peter a deal he can’t - and doesn’t - refuse that more or less gives Peter a new mentor and partner. This premise alone sets up tons of promising possibilities for the future of both Spider-Man and Iron Man. Oh, and as the cover suggests, this little offer ties VERY heavily into Marvel’s upcoming “Civil War” event!
My only real concern about the new costume is that it might take away some of Spider-Man’s vulnerability. Despite the spider-powers and spider-sense, Spider-Man has always been a character who could and often did get injured. In other words, Spider-Man has never been invincible. But with this new armored costume, Spider-Man’s vulnerability isn’t quite so vulnerable anymore. Spider-Man is now able to withstand gunshots and…get this…Spider-Man can fly! But, in a surprising way…it works! In fact, this whole issue works…in a big, enjoyable way! Truth be told, this may be one of the best Spider-Man comic books that I have read in years!
JMS pulls out all the stops in this issue, from demonstrating Spider-Man’s new costume and its abilities, setting up Tony and Peter’s new partnership to loads of old school humor. A little dialogue between Tony and Mary Jane left me rolling, but nothing compares to the long-awaited explanation of how MJ’s broken arm healed almost instantly during “The Other” storyline. JMS offers up a long-winded, scientific, aimed-directly-at-us-griping-reviewers-who-pointed-it-out explanation, which - when aided by the amazing art of Ron Garney - even manages to break down that unbreakable wall. Very cute. And I could have sworn that Peter and Tony were looking right at me for saying what I said about that particular incident!
Garney’s art has never looked better and JMS is taking Spider-Man in an all new, unpredictable direction. Strap yourself in and hang on for what could be one of the most exciting Spider-Man rides ever!
Suggested for readers ages 9 and up due to violence.
Overall grade = A+
___________________________
Pariah #1 (Revolution Comics) -
While I was stacking up books for this week’s edition of “Making The Grade”, this little gem landed on my desk. The stunning art on the cover lured me in and the even more stunning interior art and amazing story hooked me enough to decide to add this beauty to the stack!
Without a doubt, the first thing that will grab your attention here is the stunning art. David Miller is a new name to me, but judging by his incredible work, this is a name Comic Fanatics will know in no time at all!
After I flipped through the entire book enjoying Miller’s art, I went back and discovered that there was an equally incredible story to back up the art. Orlando Harding - another new name you will be hearing more about soon - delivers a gripping tale that will take hold of you from the opening panel, refuse to let go until the final panel and leave you wanting much more!
A simple tale involving a trip to the ER turns into something unexpected. EMTs call in a report of a girl who has suffered multiple amputations, but is no longer bleeding and has no heartbeat or pulse. Dead, right? Wrong! There is much more to this “helpless victim” than meets the eye!
Harding offers up a tale of good vs. evil and Miller delivers equally impressive, dark art that should appeal to fans of The Gift and Spawn. One word of warning…you will not be able to read just one issue. Pariah is the Pringles of the comic book set…you won’t be able to stop at just one!
Suggested for mature readers due to violence, language, drug use and a little demon nudity.
Overall grade = A
_____________________________
Captain America #15 (Marvel) -
The “Winter Soldier” storyline has come and gone, so where does writer Ed Brubaker take this title now? Expecting things to calm down? Maybe things will be a little ho-hum boring? Nope. Brubaker takes the momentum of “Winter Soldier” and kicks this title into overdrive!
Brubaker’s first post-“Winter Soldier” issue stars one of my favorite villains in the lead role - Crossbones. This isn’t even really a Captain America comic book! Minor spoiler - Captain America is only featured in the first four pages of this issue in a flashback! So…why is this such a good comic book? Well…Brubaker!
This stand alone issue is a real treat to us longtime Cap fans and fans of Cap continuity. Following the shocking death of the Red Skull, Crossbones has sought out and retrieved the Skull’s long lost daughter, Sin. In fact, Sin has been so lost, even she doesn’t know who she is…so it’s up to Crossbones to remind Sin of her legacy…by any and all means necessary!
Brubaker delivers a brutal tale - possibly the most brutal Captain America comic book ever - that retells and explains Sin’s origin. Not only does this issue refresh addled memories like mine, it completely catches new readers up on what should be a major character in Cap’s very near future.
Artist Mike Perkins provides the art that makes this book feel like a Captain America comic book. Very Steve Epting-ish and very Michael Lark-ish. Dark, detailed and - in this issue - a sadistic joy to look at.
If you were expecting Brubaker to slack off following the epic “Winter Soldier” storyline, you‘re in for a treat. Captain America is still the best superhero comic book on the shelves today…and it’s getting better with each new issue!
Suggested for teen readers and up due to violence, gruesome torture scenes and language.
Overall grade = A+
__________________________
Batman #650 (DC) -
It’s the rematch years in the making! Jason Todd vs. the man who supposedly murdered him, the Joker! The only fly in the ointment? Batman!
Fanboys may scream, but I have been enjoying writer Judd Winick’s run on this title, especially his decision to bring Jason Todd back under the guise of the new Red Hood. Little known fact - Jason’s death back in the late 80s was the one event that brought me back to comic books after a few years’ absence.
I had briefly left comic books for a couple of years for a much more expensive hobby…girls. Then one day, I had stopped into a local convenience store to gas up the ride. While standing in line to pay for the gas - believe it or not, less than $1.00 a gallon back then! - I noticed a couple of Batman comic books in the midst of a horde of magazines - the first two chapters of “A Death In The Family.” I quickly discovered that there was a distinct possibility that DC was about to kill off the Boy Wonder, and I simply couldn’t pass up such a colossal event.
So, Jason Todd has always been a character who has held a special place in my comic-book-loving heart. Were it not for Jason Todd, I may have never picked up another comic book, and I know my life would have been noticeably poorer because of it.
Winick’s resurrection of Jason has been welcomed -rather than cursed - by this Comic Fanatic. But that’s not to say I am absolutely happy with Winick’s handling of this long-awaited Jason Todd/Joker rematch. Chalk up the slight disappointment to the “One Year Later” event…
Jason has captured the Joker with the intent of making the grinning ghoul pay for his sins. However, there’s a twist…Jason gives Batman the choice of allowing him to kill the Joker or to keep the Joker alive, Batman must kill Jason. One way or the other, Batman has to do the unthinkable. And when faced with a no win situation, what does Batman do? Well…Batman creates a third option…
Think you know why Jason has returned as a villain with a gigantic mad-on for Batman? Think again! Comic Fanatics have assumed that Jason has been angry at Batman for not saving him from the Joker. Not so. Winick reveals the real reason for Jason’s deep-seeded anger here…and it’s a shocker!
Now, everything works in this issue except for two things. The first of those is the art. The art is not as sharp as previous issues, and Jason seems to go from being an adult in some panels back to the angry teenager he was years ago when he was Robin in other panels.
The other problem I had with this otherwise excellent issue was the ending. Batman makes a decision that allows the Joker to make a move that will leave Batman fans wondering who - if any of these characters - survived to make it to “One Year Later.” Nothing is safe with Infinite Crisis and the upcoming “One Year Later”, and this issue’s ending very well could spell the end of all three characters. But…thanks to that one year jump…we will be left wondering what happened to the Joker, Jason and Batman for a long time…
Suggested for teen readers and up due to violence and language.
Overall grade = B+ (Points deducted because enquiring minds want to know NOW, rather than “One Year Later”!)
______________________________
Astonishing X-Men #13 (Marvel) -
Here’s the big one of the week! Joss Whedon, John Cassaday and Astonishing X-Men are back…and folks, this creative team doesn’t miss a beat! It’s like Whedon and Cassaday have never left…and Astonishing X-Men is better than ever!
Whedon kicks this issue off with a big bang, and never looks back. Wondering about Emma Frost, her relationship to the new Hellfire Club and how Astonishing X-Men #12 came to an end? After the opening pages of this issue - that’s right…right off the bat with NO waiting - you will wonder no more! In fact, this revelation casts everything Emma has done over the past several years - including her marriage to Scott Summers - into serious doubt! If you’re a fan of Emma Frost, this issue will shock you to the core!
Whedon also shines the spotlight on Kitty Pryde, a character he writes better than any other writer period! Cassaday’s art makes this mutant cutie even cuter and Whedon’s writing brings an amazing amount of life to this character. If you’re a fan of the Kitty/Colossus pairing, you will especially love what Whedon does in this issue!
Whedon also brings a surprising breath of fresh air to Wolverine in this issue. In what is possibly the funniest moment in this issue, “Professor” Wolverine takes some of the younger mutants to school. The results? Somewhat frightening, terribly funny and totally in character for the gruff Canadian!
The big action is back, the characterization has never been better and the X-Men have never looked better! Make no mistake about it, the X-Men are astonishing again!
Suggested for teen readers and up.
Overall grade = A+ (Despite the fact that this series is bimonthly!)
__________________________
The Middleman #2.1 (Viper Comics) -
Creator Javier Grillo-Marxuach debuted this incredible concept in 2005 - a square-jawed hero coupled with one of the cutest, tough-girl sidekicks to ever grace a comic book panel. Two unlikely partners brought together to do battle with the forces of evil in a book best described as “The X-Files” meets “Men In Black”. Well, Grillo-Marxuach, the Middleman and the lovable Wendy Watson are back for new adventures in the new year, and if you thought The Middleman Volume 1 was something…oh, you ain’t seen nothing yet!
After going toe to toe against an evil talking monkey, Wendy and The Middleman are faced with what appears to be a simple burglary…the theft of the world’s most precious diamond. However, when a horde of Mexican wrestlers enter the picture and Sensei Ping is kidnapped, it’s clear that like with everything else in The Middleman’s life - and now, Wendy’s life - this is anything but simple!
Grillo-Marxuach shines with his characterization and snappy dialogue. It’s quite clear that while this may be a comic book I look forward to reading each month, it would also make for a great TV series that I would be sure to Tivo each week!
Artist Les McClaine gives this sci-fi/adventure/comedy a real pulp feel. And McClaine brings Wendy to incredible life in her new, cute, “dorky” uniform!
If you missed out on The Middleman Volume 1, don’t you dare miss this one! Grillo-Marxuach provides you with a handy recap page that will effectively catch you up with everything you need to know. From that point on, just strap yourself in and enjoy the thrilling ride!
Suggested for readers ages 9 and up.
Overall grade = A (Check out that price tag! 99 cents! This book is a bargain at 10 times that price!)
______________________________
Wolverine #39 (Marvel) -
It’s been a long time since this title has been such a complete package. Great story, fantastic art…Wolverine has it all right now, and it appears that this series is just getting better with each new issue!
Wolverine regaining his memories as a result of “House Of M” may have been the best thing to ever happen to this character, at least from a Comic Fanatic’s point of view. With his memories rushing back, Wolverine has gone on the hunt, leading him to some surprising destinations and characters, such as the character he runs into in this issue…Captain America’s new villain/old partner the Winter Soldier, a.k.a. Bucky Barnes!
Apparently, Wolverine and Bucky have a history together…a history we learn about on this issue’s final page in a revelation that will leave Wolverine fans in total shock! While this revelation isn’t explored in this issue, writer Daniel Way does show just how evenly matched the Winter Soldier and Wolverine are. While writer Ed Brubaker may have introduced us to the Winter Soldier and gave us a taste of what this guy is now capable of, it’s Way who shows us just how tough Bucky Barnes is now!
Way’s stunning story is brought to incredible, brutal life by two of my all time favorite artists, Mark Texeira and Javier Saltares, two of the best Ghost Rider artists ever! As excited as I was to see more new work from Tex and Saltares in this issue, that excitement was overshadowed by this weekend’s announcement that Tex and Saltares would soon be joining Way on another ongoing series…Ghost Rider! Check out the penciled cover image to the right! (Yeah, I was just looking for an excuse to post this!)
Suggested for teen readers and up due to language and lots of violence!
Overall grade = A+
____________________________
Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk #2 (Marvel) -
This issue of Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk has a little bit of everything…comedy, tips of the hat to the classic Hulk TV series, action, we learn that Bruce Banner is a vegetarian and the Hulk isn’t, stunning art and we learn that you don’t call the Hulk “impotent!” In fact, the only thing missing from this issue of Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk is one of the title characters! That’s right…no Wolverine at all until the last page, which is more or less a recap of a page from the first issue! But as an issue of Ultimate Hulk, this is a very good comic book!
Writer Damon Lindelof uses this issue to fill in the blanks and reveal what happened to the Hulk following his “execution” in the pages of The Ultimates. At long last, we know how the Hulk escaped certain death and we know where the Hulk went afterward and what he has been doing since. Still, it all works - aside from maybe the Hulk’s trip to the top of the mountain to talk to the Panchen Lama.
But…there’s no big Wolverine vs. Hulk showdown. In fact, there’s barely even a Wolverine showing. I couldn’t help but to agree with next issue caption at the end of this issue: “Enough with the chit-chat -- let’s get to the damn fight!!!”
Suggested for teen readers and up due to language and violence.
Overall grade = B-
____________________________
Green Lantern #9 (DC) -
This was truly a surprising issue…not surprising that writer Geoff Johns delivers another great Green Lantern story, but surprising because of what Johns does in this story between Green Lantern and Batman.
Since Green Lantern’s turn as the villain Parallax, Batman has held a major grudge against his one time friend and teammate. When Hal Jordan returned as Green Lantern, he was welcomed by nearly everyone except for Batman, who continued to keep a cautious eye turned toward Hal. Well, in this issue the beef between Batman and Hal hits the fan…and the relationship between the two heroes changes once again!
This unlikely team-up between Batman and Green Lantern is brought about by a new villain with an old name. A new Tattooed Man has shown up in Gotham City, causing all kinds of bizarre trouble. Hal is summoned to the Batcave by a none too friendly Batman by way of Green Arrow, and once their score is “even”, the two heroes work together to bring down this villain once and for all.
The payoff of this tale comes after the big brouhaha when Hal makes Batman an unexpected offer…an offer that breaks the ice between these two heroes once and for all, and changes their relationship for the better. One of the best feel good endings I have read in a long time!
Artistically, this issue is a joy to behold from cover to cover. Ethan Van Sciver’s interiors are comic book perfection, and once again artist Simone Bianchi delivers another stunning cover…although it does kind of look like Batman and Green Lantern are about to french…
Suggested for teen readers and up due to violence.
Overall grade = A+
__________________________
X-Men #183 (Marvel) -
Maybe I’m not looking in all the right places, but for the life of me, I can’t see why more X-fans aren’t talking about what is going on in this series. Two chapters into the “Blood Of Apocalypse” storyline and there are some BIG things going on in the X-universe! The biggest things since “House Of M”…maybe even bigger!
Following the mutant decimation after “House Of M”, Apocalypse has returned as a “savior” for mutantkind. A former X-Man has joined Apocalypse as one of his Horsemen - Famine - and lives up to his name in this issue by attacking everyone at the Xavier Institute - human and mutant - instantly starving them, with the only cure safely in Apocalypse’s hands!
In the midst of the chaos, a fan-favorite X-Man makes a surprising decision…a decision that may turn this hero into a villain and produce the most surprising Horsemen since Warren Worthington was transformed into Archangel! If you are an X-Men fan, miss this one at your own risk!
Writer Peter Milligan makes it two in a row, producing his strongest work on this title to date. Some of the dialogue is a little hokey in places, but this is an otherwise perfect X-Men comic book, complete with a big shocker and some gorgeous Salvador Larroca art!
Suggested for teen readers and up due to language and violence.
Overall grade = A
__________________________
Wonder Woman #226 (DC) -
Now we come to the final issue of the latest volume of Wonder Woman. To be honest about it, I thought the previous issue was this series’ final issue. Sadly, it would have been a better final issue than this one.
Writer Greg Rucka concludes his incredible run on this title with this issue - wrapping up one of the best Wonder Woman creative stints in years. While most of Rucka’s run has been a big blast, his final issue ends his run with a whimper.
If you were expecting some sense of closure with this final issue, you will be sadly disappointed. Instead of tying up any loose ends and setting Wonder Woman on the path for a new series, this issue serves as a recap of key moments in Diana’s life over the past several years, including her rumored affair with Superman, the time when Artemis took over the Wonder Woman mantle, the death of her mother, the events of Identity Crisis and the most recent events of Wonder Woman’s life, including the murder of Max Lord.
While the scene between Superman and Wonder Woman following the death of her mother was somewhat touching, the rest of this issue was a great disappointment. Perhaps if you have just started reading Wonder Woman, these recaps would be of some interest to you...they do show a few previously unseen events, but nothing really earth-shattering. However, if you have been with this book over the course of these events, you - like myself - will be vastly sorry you spent $2.50 on this comic book.
Suggested for readers ages 9 and up.
Overall grade = C+
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
