Hey, everyone. "Moriarty" here with some Rumblings From The Lab.
Loads of reviews. Heaps, even. All for you, courtesy of Andrew, our good friend from GrayHaven Magazine.com Enjoy!!
Alias #7
Written by Brian Michael Bendis and Illustrated by Michael Gaydos
Published by Marvel Comics: MAX
Reviewed by Chaos McKenzie
The idea of sidekicks is something I've thought often leaned towards the side of strange. Think about it. To be a sidekick, you really have to be a special type of person. They aren't big-time super heroes, teaming up to build bridges of communication and/or save the world while doing it (ahh, networking). Instead sidekicks seem like refuge of the old life - a humanized reminder of that ordinary life left behind. Sidekicks spend all their time reminding their charges of the common man, an anchor of sorts to the real world. (My thesis on Sidekick and Superhero psychosis is being printed by an unknown third party and should infiltrate the stores before you know it… but lest we forget why I'm here.)
Alias #7 is a fun read, as it plays more the settings and themes that Bendis has been trying to establish with this book. We get a sense of where Alias and it's cast of characters fit into the world, and we see in this issue how that placement shapes it's stories.
In this issue our wayward hero begins her second official case since the series beginning. Hired by the wife of one Rick Jones, who believes her husband has been kidnapped -- or worse. (On a side note -- isn't he Captain Marvel now?).
Bendis borrows everyone's favorite sidekick to the stars, for a story that again only gives you as much as you need to enjoy it, but still littered with enough hardcore fanboy trivia questions that gives it a real multi-layered reach. Bendis plays with prose in moving the story forward, and throws in just enough scenery characters for you to be confused from a simple, playful, plot.
Cheers.
Overall: 9/10
The Authority #28
Written by Mark Millar and illustrated by Arthur Adams
Published by Wildstorm/DC
Reviewed by Michael Malcomb (m_malcomb@yahoo.com)
For those of you just tuning in--the 1% of wealth that really runs the world, an organization known as G7, sanctions a super powered hillbilly named Seth to kill The Authority because, after all, making the world a finer place would threaten the status quo.
After making short work of the team using only a few of his 1,204 super abilities, Seth reports that G7 can now begin the next stage of their plan by replacing The Authority with their own super powered individuals, loyal only to them. Although the original team seemingly dies at the hands of Seth, it is revealed later that they were captured and subjected to various forms of torture at the hands of G7. Only Midnighter and Baby Jenny escaped to fight another day. That's all you need to know and now on to the review…
I've always been impressed with Mark Millar's talent of packing so much action into a single issue. Not many people can pull that off--Warren Ellis and Grant Morrison are a couple examples that come to mind. But Millar has always been able to accomplish this with each issue of his Authority run without having to resort to using too many words to tell the story. And in this latest installment he has managed to out do himself.
Within these pages we see that the new Doctor has taken his exploitation of the Dreamscape to another level with the invention of Religimon-a religious Pokemon that everyone can worship, and G7 will have licensing rights to, of course. The "new" Authority is already falling apart at the seams, mostly because their leader, The Colonel, is a racist, sexist pig. If all that weren't enough, the Bleed is slowly seeping into the universe threatening to erase reality. So just as things start heating up for these usurpers, Midnighter sneaks aboard the Carrier and begins picking them off -- one by one.
Although I miss the pencils of Frank Quitely (the artist who began the storyline), Arthur Adams seems to have the same knack for capturing those details that will keep you staring at each panel long after you've finished reading the captions. And for some reason I love the way he draws Rush, Swift's replacement on the team. (It's too bad she had to go.)
It's a crime that we've had to wait more than a year for this story line to progress in some kind of way but it was well worth the wait. But I guess DC has taken the approach that if they've waited this long they can wait a little bit longer. The publisher recently announced that artist Gary Erskine (Vermillion, Hellblazer Special #1) has signed on to pencil and ink Authority #29. So now we're looking at a May release for not only the last issue of this fantastic story line but also the series as well. Although I'm sure Millar didn't foresee this as being the last issue of The Authority, I'm sure it's going to end with a bang.
Overall: 10/10
Avengers #51
Written by Kurt Busiek and Illustrated by Brent Anderson
Published by Marvel Comics
Reviewed by Aaron "Vroom Socko" Button
The current Avengers storyline is another example of how Marvel has improved in the past few years. The overthrow of the Earth by Kang would have, even two years ago, taken place in a massive crossover event. Either all the annuals would have been tied together, or a three month long "Acts of Vengeance" style infection would have taken place. Thankfully, this Avengers story stays in the Avengers comic.
This issue shows just what life under Kang is like, including a prison camp where Wonder Man and the Scarlet Witch are being held. Amidst the horror, the two Avengers plan not only their escape, but come to realize just where their relationship is heading. Kurt Busiek has written the most mature superhero relationship I've seen in a mainstream comic. Half the story is just these two people talking, and that's what they felt like; people.
I think the world of Geoff Johns work, but he's going to have a helluva' time living up to the run Busiek's had.
I've been really enjoying Kieron Dwyer's work, but that doesn't stop me from appreciating what Brent Anderson did in this issue. I also appreciated what he didn't do. There's quite a bit of violence occurring in Kang's camps, but most of it occurs off-panel. When Marvel decided to drop the code, I figured that some titles might up the gore to Evil Ernie level. Thankfully, both Marvel and Anderson know when not showing something can be more effective than showing it.
There's one other part of this issue that deserves mention. In lieu of a letter page, there are two pages of comments and remembrances of the great John Buscema. Quotes and anecdotes from a variety of people surround one of Buscema's most famous images from his Avengers run. I'll give you three guesses as to what it is.
Overall: 10/10
Black Panther: Enemy of the State TPB
Written by Christopher Priest and Illustrated by Joe Jusko, Mike Manley and Mark Bright
Published by Marvel Comics
Reviewed by Chaos McKenzie
The Black Panther is one of those series that I regretted not getting into when it came out the first time around, but I'm pretty sure that the series wouldn't have hooked me enough to run back month after month. It's in dipping into a full completed story, getting the set up and the punch all in one read that really snaps me in the ass with Priest's work.
The first Black Panther trade got me excited on the character and the ideas, Enemy of the State takes you on a deeper tour of the possibilities with a king, a country, and a whole lot of comic book history. It's a fast paced read, and at times it told me more than it showed me, but by the end I was in need of a cigarette. Eight issues, zoomed by at the pace of Armageddon and with all the content of…errr...I hate that that always happens, good set up, but I can never think of the punch…sigh…anyhow, insert a really good yet dense movie here!
It's important to note how Priest re-creates the legend of the Black Panther, how he is building it to become proud and strong, instead of another bad black cliché gone horribly wrong. He plays with some of the racial ignorance that built this character, and instead of being angry with all the back story, he legitimizes it.
The various artists on this story, each added a style and character entirely different from the other. It's interesting to note that the flow of artwork doesn't seem distracting as all three artists show to have an incredible sense of storytelling so they create a consistent pace and atmosphere despite the huge variances in styles.
Another good TPB for comic fans, thanks to Christopher Priest.
Cheers
Overall: 8/10
Exiles #11
Written by Judd Winick and Illustrated by Jim Calafiore
Published by Marvel Comics
Reviewed by Chaos McKenzie
So it's true that you often can't go home again, and perhaps I think of this now as it is the only weakness of the latest issue of Exiles, hindering it from being a near perfect tale.
Going backwards in the adventures of the Exiles, especially after the emotional impact of the last story arch and terrible ending, makes little sense. It felt almost uncomfortable to see them happy, without even the cliché benefit of a teary eyed flashback or some other such vice. Too bad too, because this is another well written, character driven issue of Exiles.
Perhaps, for those who know what sets me off, most will expect me to harp on about the way Winick gave us a surprising, couldn't see it coming character developments that really don't change the tale any. But here, I applaud him. Judd's written this type of character before (sorry for being cryptic… I've decided to only bait you and hope you go figure out what I'm talking about on your own), and frankly while they've been more realistic, they haven't been the strongest.
This issue shows us something about Sunfire that doesn't revolutionize her, but does enough to give us a reflective moment on past adventures, and give a supporting nod and grin where we see how this directed her to being such a realistic character. Hell, Winick should be just given an award for at least attempting to give Morph a sense of depth and plausibility, which will deepen him for us just enough to not have to dwell on it.
The artwork is a similar feel to the regular series artist, but Calafiore has enough charm of his own to make the issue stand out. Special nod to the soft panel of Nocturne on the beach, that was good to echo the events of the last arch.
All in all, this was a nice down-time issue. Maybe a little silly in its overall placement, but a strong and exciting read nonetheless.
Overall: 7/10
Hawkman #1
Written by Geoff Johns & James Robinson and Illustrated by Rags Morales
Published by DC Comics
Reviewed by Aaron "Vroom Socko" Button
Finally. Hawkman has his own book again.
One of my favorite subplots in JSA has been the relationship dynamic between Hawkman and Hawkgirl. Now that storyline is the main focus of it's own title, and I couldn't be happier. Having said that, reading JSA isn't required to follow the storyline of this first issue. (Although why someone wouldn't want to read JSA is beyond be.)
The story kicks off with Hawkgirl investigating a new clue in the murder of her parents. Hawkman, of course, sticks his nose in her business. Can you blame him? These two lovers have been reincarnated together since the time of ancient Egypt, but now she doesn't want anything to do with him. Soon one thing leads to another, and faster than you can say "Indiana Jones," the two of them are off to India after a missing archeologist.
Geoff Johns has a gift for characterization that's hard to beat. His Hawkgirl has been one of my favorites on the JSA roster for a while now. As for his rendition of Hawkman, well, he's the badass of the current team. Rags Morales artwork is probably the best possible for this title. The two protagonists have a visual confidence on the ground, and breathtaking majesty in the air. The splash page at the end of the two of them together is just beautiful.
If you read JSA - heck -- even if you don't, give this book a chance.
Overall: 8.5/10
Hellblazer: Good Intentions
Written by Brian Azzarello and Illustrated by Marcelo Frusin
Published by Vertigo: DC Comics
Reviewed by Chaos McKenzie
Hehehehehehehehehehe…. I'm contemplating saying nothing more than that, but I'm sure many of you will miscalculate the pitch of the laughter. This isn't a young, free spirited chuckle in the park. This is something lower, with more base and a hint of the maniacal.
Azzarello hasn't gotten much of my attention yet, as I still try to figure out the exact reasons to why I never think to read 100 Bullets. Hellblazer, though, is giving me orgasms of delight. The debate around the Silver Snail is that Azzarello is really pushing his limits with John Constantine, testing the waters with what he can get away with. Some have even suggested he's gone too far.
Not for me.
Good Intentions gave me all the required uneasiness, queasiness, and discomfort that a good Hellblazer story should. It is filled with just enough back-story to make it open to anyone to read, and enough character development to hook you in for another go. Special mention has to go to the incredible way that Azzarello creates a magic and mysticism based story without ever giving you a peek at the magic. It's a pretty f**ked up read, but I assume that was the point, and if it wasn't then why was it in Hellblazer.
This story follows John Constantine as he visits the small town of Doglick in a momentary lapse of guilty conscience over the death of man. A man who happens to be the brother to one of John's biggest fans, and brother-in-law to one of John's lost loves. It's always exciting to see how John attempts to rebuild bridges that he already burned once, now back to blow up the remains.
The art was a bit of a joy to me in this collection as well. Frusin has a dark cartooniness to his work that really ads to the atmosphere of the story. He has a simple, clean style, that wears thick lines like armor and still manages to give you that dark and dirty Vertigo style. Very good book, indeed.
Cheers.
Overall: 9/10
SteamPunk #11
Written by Joe Kelly and Illustrated by Chris Bachalo
Published by Cliffhanger! DC / WildStorm
Reviewed by Chaos McKenzie
I'm told this one came out last week, but I swear to someone's grave that I never saw it on the shelves… I mean I drool for this stuff.
I love this series for the shear fun of it all. Never too cliché, packing enough of a bunch to give a sense of the mainstream, with just enough quirk for it to transcend your average tights and stripes books, this book has a little something for everyone. Telling the epic love story of two souls lost in a sea of misconstrued time, centered around a Revolution of the Napoleonic Age on acid.
Warning: this isn't an easy series to climb into after missing the first 10, plus one preview issues, and it isn't exactly welcoming to newbies to comics in general. Bachalo's artwork often needs a trained comic eye to twist and flow with the swirls of action and scenery and atmosphere.
What SteamPunk is though, is a real treat to the old grizzled veteran of the comic boom era. Those of us who struggled through the dramatic war of editor versus talent in the late eighties and early nineties, who stood proud of their medium while over inflated egos saturated our world with tomfoolery, those who held on through almost ten years of "what the??!!" expressions in the X-office. For them this book is a treat and a half, it's complex, it's packed with characters with rich and cinematic backgrounds, it has a more intellectual bite with enough blood and gut to give you a quiver, it's got love and betrayal, and a nice little smattering of revenge.
And while I've completely avoided saying anything in detail about this story, I do recommend you keep your eyes above the water and on the look out for the back issues or perhaps the chance of a TPB. It'd be well worth your time.
Cheers.
Overall: 9/10
Strange Killings
Written by Warren Ellis and Illustrated by Mike Wolfer (with script assist)
Published by Avatar Press
Reviewed by Evan Meadow
Whenever Warren Ellis gets a chance to write creator-owned material, the fans rejoice. Why? Because we know we're usually going to be in for some of the strangest stories we've ever run across. Especially when the projects come from Avatar Press.
Here, Ellis especially gets to run wild. Able to come up with concepts that actually can make even his most hardcore fans blush, twitch, double take, and other bodily fluid motions best left unmentioned. But they (or should I say "we"?) do love it.
In this third story arc, Ellis brings his William Gravel character back home to England, after being in the US for an indeterminate time for undisclosed reasons because of a prison riot apparently needing his special touch. Course, Graves has a little bit of business to finish first...
This chapter doesn't start out as strong as the ones in the previous stories, but that probably works as a benefit. Ellis is letting us know that this won't be the exact same type of story as before therefore a little more time and pacing are necessary. But don't think his trademark sick humor isn't there. Just wait till you see the business he has to finish first. Vintage Ellis.
Mike Wolfer continues to do great black and white work. As always, I wonder when I will see him doing more work in the industry, perhaps for some of the larger companies. Good talent needs to be exposed to wider audiences always as soon as possible.
This book however is still another solid effort for Avatar as they continue to show the industry that they are not just a company known for drawing scantily clad women. They are constantly grabbing new creators and making headlines by showing them to be more than just "respectable".
Overall: 8/10
Ultimate Spider-Man #20
Written by Brian Michael Bendis and Illustrated by Mark Bagley
Published by Marvel
Reviewed By Michael Malcomb
Although most fans will argue that Brian Michael Bendis will take forever to wrap up a story arc, I'm sure all will agree that, once it is finally finished, it is well worth the wait. And as the Spider-Man/Doctor Octopus/Kraven the Hunter saga nears completion (the story line began with issue 13 and has been steadily building toward a climax), this issue is balls-out action, yet still manages to have Bendis' trademarked dialogue and humor.
Doc Ock has lured millionaire Justin Hammer, the man he thinks is responsible for Ock's multi-armed condition, out of hiding and into a confrontation as the news media broadcasts the event live. But Spidey comes to the rescue and puts the smackdown on Doc Ock in one of the best Spider-Man/Doc Ock confrontations ever depicted in comics.
The best part about it is that Spidey defeats him in a very creative way. One that makes you wonder why it has never been done before. I won't spoil it for you but I will say that the good Doctor prefers briefs over boxers. When the fight is over and the issue winds to a close, a winded and exhausted Spider-Man must still face an anxious and ready Kraven the Hunter.
Bendis and Bagley have done a great job of reinventing what I always thought were two of the lamest villains in the Marvel Universe. Making Kraven a reality TV show host and adding weapons to Doc Ock's arms made these guys a lot more interesting. And the layout of Spidey's fight sequence proves that Bagley is at the top of his game.
Now if only the story will reach it's conclusion by the next issue…
Overall: 9/10
Statement:
We don't review bad books.
"A lot of people have been wondering why there have been so many positive reviews on this section and on GrayHaven Magazine.
This doesn't mean that we like every single book that comes out. We're just not going to draw attention and waste time on the bad ones. What it does mean is that we're going to use the time and space we have in a given week to focus on the quality books...the books we think you SHOULD be reading.
We want to bring your attention to these great works, get a debate going and get your butts into the comic shops to check them out for yourselves. There are plenty of sites on the web where they do comic reviews that include both positive and negative looks at books. God speed, but that's not what we're about"- Andrew
Can't find a comic store in your area?
Call the Comic Shop Locator Service: 888-266-4226
And Don't Forget May 4th, 2002 is Free Comic Book Day
