New Comics, 10/22/03

[Merova]

Hi all!

So what are you reading this week? My stuff:

Hawkeye #1: This was a darn good issue. It's got a solid plot, kind of like a modern day Western with a noirish feel. Clint's taking a break from the "supers" scene, but his "professional troubleshooter" nature overcomes any hopes for a quiet vacation. Good characterization, smooth pacing, interesting setting, and playful yet gritty mood, this is a very strong start to the new series. The art was also top-notch, with dark, strong inking and tight compostions; the color was muted, but fit with the books mood. (5 out of 5)

Wonder Woman #197: Another fine issue. Rucka's writing flows with a steady pace, expertly cranking up the storyline's tension. Characterization is solid, from Diana's strong political/social opinions to Dr. Psycho's icky creepiness to Ares' understated malevolence. I love the artwork, but YMMV. (4.5 out of 5)

Birds of Prey #60: Gail is a superb writer. Although this issue is relatively action-lite, the plot is compelling in its quirky situations and witty banter. The characters are vivid and humorous. The artwork has a bit too much T & A for my preferences, but I like the overall compositions. (4.25 out of 5)

Avengers/JLA #2: Whew! Talk about busy! I liked it, but it was dense with action. Perez's artwork is amazing, as always. (4 out of 5)

Batman #620: I liked it, but it felt a bit too "Sin City." Nothing's wrong with that, but it is definitely an abrupt change from the high-"supers" feel of the "Hush" storyline. The plot is solid, but the noir was laid on a bit too thick for me. Still, it's a good issue. (4 out of 5)

Route 666 #16: Cassie and Cisco travel to an Amish-style community, where the "simple life" is enforced with the type of creepiness one expects out of this title. An enjoyable issue. (3.75 out of 5)

ICandy #2: Hmm, still not feeling compelled to read this book. The plot and situation are interesting, but just not gripping. I enjoyed this issue, but it felt a bit too thin. (3 out of 5)

Lady Death #9: Well, it's interesting. The plot has potential, but the pacing is atrocious. Situations are tossed off with disregard to deeper development. Characterizations? Err, well, y'know, it's about a deep as cardboard. (2 out of 5)

That's it for now. Still reading.

---Merova

 

[Merova]

More Stuff

Hi all!

Got a bit more reading done.


Liberty Meadows #34: "Stormy Weather Ahead" collects the picnic by the lake storyline. Bikinis, ants, and a hungry wiener dog make for many laughs as Frank's difficult relationship with Jen comes to a crisis point. Not as good as the previous "Mad Cow" storyline, but that's a tough act to follow. (4 out of 5)

Fantastic Four #505: Another good issue. Reed's never been this interesting, IMO. However, the "made-for-trade" pacing is tiresome; I want a longer read!! (3.75 out of 5)

Superman #198: Why do I read this garbage? How can I cure myself of this awful addiction? In this issue, we get to see "Supergirl" throw a tantrum, Superman is sick again, and much stupidity abounds. The art is ugly. The story is not only incoherent but has stretched out way too long. I don't care anymore. Hopefully, this will be my last issue of Superman until the new creative team comes on board next year.(1 out of 5)


On a positive note, Hawkeye #1 got a much deserved good review at Silver Bullet Comics. Here's a link if your interested:

http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/reviews/106691586492737.htm

Well, that's all for now. I'm still reading.

---Merova

 

[Alzrius]

My thoughts on a couple of the comics Ive been reading:

Thanos #1: Thanos has to be one of my favorite Marvel characters, and its great to see him in a new series. He seems to be the most defined evil character, actually being fleshed out in regards to not only why he does what he does, but also in how he grows and changes as his schemes take shape and then fall apart. This issue did not disappoint, as Thanos truly seems to be trying to move on with his life, in the only manner he can think of. Wonderful development here.

Gold Digger #45: I love this comic, I really do, but they say the ones you love always hurt you, and it shows here. It's not anything bad about the comic itself, its just that, as per his style, Fred Perry has, again, moved on from the previous issue, giving us no immediate resolution. While I think its this ability to juggle multiple character-based happenings at once is great, the fact that only one per issue is dealt with, and the relative infrequency of issues, make this something of an exercise in patience.

This issue sees Gina leave with Monty (the big readheaded guy who flattened Daishi from back in issue #4 or so) to go explore a volcano, at his urging, to uncover the truth about his past. She leaves behind the entourage supposed to protect her, trusting in Monty and Joe to protect her. Brianna, Seance, and Genn choose to follow.

It's nice to see Monty fleshed out a little more, since the fact that he utterly thrashed Daishi so easily hinted at some odd incredible power he had. However, its odd that Gina was so easily talked into leaving the others behind. They're the ones who came along deliberately to protect her after all. Even if Monty said it would be that dangerous, Gina should realize her friends can protect themselves. Likewise, why isn't Brianna apparently doing anything about the fact that her eye-stripe as returned, and she can apparently use sorcery now? This tidbit had been hinted at for a while and finally came to the fore two issues ago, but has yet to be expanded upon or even mentioned so far! I am glad, though, to see that Genn and Seance are deepening their relationship. Those two deserve to be happy together.

On the plus side, this issue had the most beautiful artwork Ive seen in the series so far...quite possibly ever seen in a comic. The two double-page spreads we see are nothing short of breathtaking. Looking over the entire series shows how much Fred's art has improved over time, and its still obviously on the rise.

All of this will just lead me to continue with this series, since I just can't let it go. My one comment to Antarctic Press: Stop wasting so much space on advertizements! Why, why do you think that the last eight pages of the issue must be filled with ads for other products you produce?! Let those pages be used for the comics!

 

[Welverin]

This issue did not disappoint, as Thanos truly seems to be trying to move on with his life, in the only manner he can think of. Wonderful development here.

Conquer the universe? When will he ever learn!

 

[Viking Bastard]

Oh, we all know he'll eventually grow tired of the Marvel
Universe so he'll move to greener lands (universe) to
become Darkseid.

 

[Alzrius]

Conquer the universe? When will he ever learn!

It's quite ironic that you say that, since this series seems to be about that he has learned. Incidentally, conquering the universe is now the last thing on his mind...

 

[Welverin]

Well I'll soon find out for myself (assuming I did ask Bob to hold it for me), since I plan on picking my books up on Tuesday.