Hey, everyone. "Moriarty" here with some Rumblings From The Lab.
As always, exemplary work by our buddy Andrew over at Gray Haven Magazine.com in putting together this week's comic reviews column. In particular, I like the change they've made in their grading system. It addresses a common and legitimate gripe of many readers, and makes the column stronger. So, with that in mind, here we go!!
Hey Gang, Andrew from GrayHaven Magazine here with a bunch of reviews for you. First up is a change in format for the grading of the books we review. Since it's our policy to not review books we don't like, a 1-10 scale seemed more than a bit silly so we've adapted a 4 tier rating system which is as follows:
Don't Miss - A flawless example of a comic book. From writing to art, there is nothing that could be improved upon.
Highly Recommended - While not absolutely perfect, a grade of Highly Recommended goes to books that are a cut above the rest. These are essential reading for any fan of comic books
Recommended - A book that is a bit better than average. A few shortcomings, but otherwise a very good effort.
Mildly Recommended - Average. Books with this rating aren't terrible but they may fall short in one area or another and while they aren't to be discounted, most likely these issues appeal to only the die-hard comic fans.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Haunted #1-4
Written by Jane Espenson and Illustrated by Cliff Richards
Published by Dark Horse
Reviewed by Elliot Kane
Set between the end of series three and the beginning of series four of the Buffy TV program, this mini-series has a rather intriguing concept: what if Richard Wilkins, ex Mayor of Sunnydale (and ex-silly rubber snake of course) survived his death as a disembodied spirit given power and purpose by his hatred of Buffy.
Finding that he is capable of possessing any dead - or undead - form, the Mayor sets about avenging himself and the still comatose Faith. Meanwhile Buffy is plagued by her dreams, and still traumatized by Angel's departure and the last climactic battle with the rubber snake. She feels weak and traumatized, and in no fit state to handle a major threat.
As a regular writer for the television series' Jane Espenson knows the characters very well, and it shows. Their dialogue and interactions are totally in character throughout, and it reads just like an episode of the show in terms of pacing and overall structure.
It is an enjoyable story overall, but the ending was a little anti-climactic, and I felt that it was lacking in the kind of drama that makes for the best Buffy episodes.
Cliff Richards' artwork is solid throughout, capturing the essence of the characters well. His Faith is especially good in that he perfectly conveys the wildness and sheer vitality of her character.
Overall - Recommended
Digital Webbing Presents #2
Written by Various and Illustrated by Various
Published by Digital Webbing
Reviewed by Jeffery Stevenson
This book really lives up to its goal of showcasing new and developing talent. Forty-eight pages containing eight different stories are stuffed in between a gorgeous wraparound cover. It's no wonder the cover artist Skott Young was picked up by Marvel a while back to pencil the third book in the Iceman mini-series. That definitely goes a long way in validating this project's eye for talent. Here's a recap of some of my favorite stories from the collection.
Perceptions written by Bryan Imhoff and illustrated by Brad Green. This had to be my favorite story in the anthology. This tale takes us on a psychological joyride through the mind and fears of an aging, small-time boxer. The narrative lets us bear witness to the thoughts bouncing around inside his head as he's battling in the ring. Thoughts turn to worries and these soon become fears. The visuals to portray those fears also give us a hint at something more, and we begin to question whether his fear is stumbling into the realm of the delusional or just a higher perception of reality. Those visuals and the rest of the artwork reflected the dark mood of the story beautifully, and both writing and pencils combined to bring to life a story that I found wonderfully thought provoking.
Jonah Faraday - Demonhunter written and illustrated by Gary Lister. During a time when demons are trying to make their way into our world, one man was blessed with the power to be able to battle them. Of course, if he were the only one, you'd begin to wonder if that wasn't really a curse. The beginning of this piece will probably be a bit rough for some people due to its wordiness, but at least when you make it through all that, you're rewarded with four pages of action. There's also some nice, clean line work to guide our eyes through this story, and it showed some really good potential. My biggest problem with the artwork though was the fact that Lister seemed to skimp a bit on the backgrounds. There were a couple of them shown, but lots of speed lines, smoke and faded backdrops make you wonder about his skill there. Just a little more detail on those could have really set this story above the rest.
Got I.D.? written by Mike Scigliano and illustrated by Scott Morse. This was definitely a refreshing change of pace in this book. The simple four-panel layout and comic strip humor had me reminiscing back to days when my entire Sunday morning revolved around the funny pages. It almost felt as if there were some minor Bloom County influences in it, and it definitely had the nice subtle humor where you find that surprise chuckle leaping forth from you as you read. Morse, who wrote and drew Oni Press' Magic Pickle series, did a wonderful job with the artwork here, and this is another fine example of the pencils matched up with the story really well. This is the kind of stuff I'd like to be able to open up my Sunday comics and see every week.
Well, variety is the spice of life. Within these pages also lies a tale of a comedic superhero team, a chilling story of evil and gore, an intriguing vampiric fiction, an action-packed robot battle, and a comic book version of the cinematic kung fu genre. Even though every story didn't appeal to me, the spectrum of stories hit so many different genres and styles that I was bound to find some I liked. At twice the size of a regular comic for the same price, this anthology was well worth taking a chance on. Besides, I might be able to tell my children stories one day about where their favorite artist or writer got their start.
Overall - Highly Recommended
JSA #34
Written by David Goyer & Geoff Johns and Illustrated by Leonard Kirk
Published by DC Comics
Reviewed by Aaron "Vroom Socko" Button
You have to respect a villain like the Ultra-Humanite. Plenty of megalomaniacs talk about taking over the world, but he's done it. The world is his plaything, as are the minds of its inhabitants. Of course, there are still a half dozen heroes who aren't imprisoned or zombified. And of course, they have a plan to restore the world to normal.
Yes, this kind of story has been told about a thousand times before. So far though, this version has risen above its clichés. First, there's the narration provided by reluctant JSA'er Icicle. This is a man who has nothing but contempt for super-villains that help out heroes, and hates himself for having to join the good fight. Second, one of the other new members is Rick Tyler, taking over his late father's persona. He's popping Miraclo once again, but this improved Hourman also has a few other abilities up his sleeve.
There are one or two little things that stick out as off. The new Crimson Avenger hasn't done anything but stand around looking cool. Also, if you haven't read the previous two issues of this series, you'll want to pick them up first or you might be completely lost.
This is only the second issue with Leonard Kirk on the art chores, but I'm already hoping he sticks around for a while. The mark of a good artist, in my opinion, is the details. Things like Icicle spitting up blood only to have it freeze on his lip, or the timer built into Hourman's glove tell me that JSA is in good hands art-wise.
Normally I don't pay any attention to what Wizard says, but when they proclaimed this book the Best of 2001 they got it right.
Overall - Highly Recommended
Luba #6
Written and Illustrated by Gilbert Hernandez
Published by Fantagraphics Books
Reviewed by Alan David Doane
A delightful surprise, this, given the recent resurrection of Love and Rockets. All's the better for us, though, as we get even more of the delightful and affecting writing and art of Gilbert Hernandez.
This time around, the focus is on Hector, who meets and begins sleeping with the irresistible and apparently albino Fritz, a lisping psychiatrist who moonlights as the proverbial "girl who can't say no." Clearly she likes Hector - she wants to set him up with her beloved sister Petra, after all - but she continues to bang Hector, and another guy, and another guy...
The unexpected angle that develops over the course of the issue is the recent tragedy in Hector's life, masterfully laid out in a series of non-explanations, so that you could read the entire issue without considering his background, just seeing him as Fritz's latest sex-toy, but suddenly the true direction of the story comes clear, and it has little to do with sexual politics or comedic family moments (thought both are present in spades).
Anyone who's been following Luba's story in various titles over the past few years knows there's a depth and humanity to the tale that leaves a mark on your consciousness long after you're done absorbing the latest chapter. That's as true of this issue as any other, as Gilbert illuminates his characters through farce, slapstick, tragedy and dirty, dirty sex.
Luba's family is as fascinating as any you've ever known or heard about in real life, with all the complexity and drama and laughs that implies. Check out this latest issue, get up to date on the goings-on, and see if you can resist following this series for as long as Gilbert is willing to give it to us. It's a gift, and he is a treasure
Overall- Highly Recommended
Outlaw Nation #19
Written by Jamie Delano and Illustrated by Goran Parlov
Published by Vertigo
Reviewed by Elliot Kane
And so one of the best and most offbeat series on the market comes to an end, with this, the final issue.
All this time, Story Johnson has basically been drifting about without any idea of how to beat his father, Asa Johnson, and reclaim his life from under the shadow of that utterly evil old man. Fortunately, the utterly adorable and formidably intelligent Dolores is there to take charge.
If you were to ask me who the best female character in comics is right now, Dolores would get my vote. She has no special powers, but she is determined, focused, and cool under pressure. She may look like a bimbo, but in reality she is anything but that. In short, she is a very dangerous lady indeed.
The overall story climaxes well, with all loose endings tied up and all plot threads resolved. Jamie Delano keeps his characters firmly in character, and throws in a few unexpected twists to boot. I am really going to miss this series.
Goran Parlov's art is excellent, and quite unique in that he tends to create minimal backgrounds but put a lot of detail into his characters, which serves to draw greater attention to them, and thus to the narrative. Every character is unique and distinctive, from the wide-eyed and innocent looking Dolores to the decrepit Asa Johnson.
Overall - Highly Recommended
Peter Parker: Spider-Man
Written by Paul Jenkins and Illustrated by Mark Buckingham
Published by Marvel Comics
Reviewed by Drew Haverstock
The return of Doctor Octopus to the mainstream Spider-Titles is complete, and I for one am a happy man. For too long Otto has been portrayed as an angst riddled wuss, cowering in fear from Spider-Man whenever he appeared. I don't even want to touch on the whole Master Programmer / Death of Ock / Resurrection of Ock tripe. I loved Skroce's art at the time, but the character had lost his edge to say the least. Otto had been reduced to nothing more than a vehicle for some ill-conceived grand plan hatched by the creators of the past.
No longer.
Jenkins and Buckingham do a great job of making their buck-toothed bad guy "bad" once again. Once Fusion's fate is secured, the story focuses on Peter and how he works against the criminal mind. The little give and take sessions between Peter and Doc Ock are quite well done. As each new encounter takes place between the two, Peter's barbs force Ock to tip his hand. I love seeing how Jenkins uses the characters, especially when he's playing off Otto's need to show his mental acuity and superiority over Spider-Man.
Which, of course, is far from the truth. Once again Jenkins' finds a way to work Peter's keen mind into the storyline. Rather than having him just move from point A to point B blindly, the thought processes behind Peter's actions are put on display. The wit and deductive skills Jenkins shows speak well of his respect for a long forgotten part of the character.
The issue plays out well as the conclusion of this three-part arc. Otto's motives are revealed throughout the book in little bits and pieces. While I never saw him as a money hungry guy, Jenkins does a nice job of placing him back up towards the top of the bad-guy food chain. Nick Fury's presence, along with the John Hancock system, is also tied up nicely.
Overall, combined with Buckingham's clean art, this little three-parter will make a nice TPB for the future. A Christmas gift for future comic fans? It always has to start somewhere. Why not here?
Overall - Highly Recommended
Scion #22
Written by Ron Marz and Illustrated by Karl Moline
Published by CrossGen
Reviewed by Elliot Kane
The Raven and Heron armies lock horns in a battle that is sure to have repercussions for some time to come, whilst Ethan and Ashleigh return to the surface world with a very interesting idea of how to create a new safe haven for the Lesser Races.
Once again, Ron Marz effortlessly develops several plot threads at once, without any of them feeling forced or neglected. The battle between the Ravens and the Herons is given the importance it deserves, yet Ethan and Ashleigh 's group is also given time to develop characters and relationships.
This is also an excellent jumping on point for new readers, as Skink gives Nadia a brief rundown of events in the title so far.
This issue is also the first work Karl Moline (of Fray fame) has done for CrossGen, and while he is not the equal of regular penciller Jim Cheung in overall terms, his action sequences are superb. No other artist I know of can convey the same sense of all-out action and brutal combat as effectively as Moline does here, particularly in a duel between Heron prince Kai and Raven king Bron. The sense of motion and the sheer power of both combatants give the whole sequence a film-like quality that suits the scene perfectly.
Overall - Highly Recommended
Star Wars Tales #11
Written and Illustrated by Various Creators
Published by Dark Horse Comics
Reviewed by Aaron "Vroom Socko" Button
This issue of the Star Wars anthology book is focused on the life and times of one Han Solo. Four of the five stories presented in this book feature an appearance from the old scoundrel, some set before the movies, others after.
The best of these is Prey, written and drawn by Kia Asamiya. Here, we're treated to a terrific brawl between two men after Solo's hide. Yes, Boba Fett and Darth Vader lock it up. This is one of the best fights I've seen in recent history, starting with an amazing two-page spread of these two badasses staring each other down. This story is almost worth the cover price all on it's own.
The one non-Solo story, The Princess Leia Diaries, was written by Jason Hall and drawn by Chris Brunner. Perhaps it's because I was never a thirteen-year-old girl, but this one didn't draw me in. However, if you want to read about Leia's teenage years I'm not going to stop you. Just be warned, Governor Tarkin does get hit with a water balloon.
The rest of the stories are worth reading, with the exception of In the Beginning, written by Garth Ennis and drawn by Amanda Connor. This piece just seems like six pages of pointless filler. It's obvious who the characters hidden in shadow are, and the story feels like the tail end of a much longer narrative.
Still, this is the Star Wars comic to buy. It provides a welcome variety of perspectives on the characters and incidents from the films, and always is worth its cover price. Also, the first page has a great joke at the expense of those guys in Seattle who are waiting in line for Episode II.
Overall - Recommended
The 3rd Degree
Written by Chris Rowley and illustrated by Justin Norman
Published by NBM Publishing
Reviewed by Alan David Doane
The implications of the Internet when considered over the next few decades, as more and more people get online and computers become ever faster and more efficient, are fairly mind-boggling. Those implications are also easy fodder for mediocre speculative fiction, especially in comics. Tons of amateur comics creators are online, and are as in love with computers and the Internet as they are with comics. Believe me, I have seen some goddamned bad comic books either about computers or created on them or both. In a word, gak.
So The 3rd Degree, a new bi-monthly science-fiction/noir from NBM, is a pleasant surprise, given my unfamiliarity with its creators and its subject matter, the aforementioned implications of a world in which everyone is online, and the powers that be paint that as a rosy picture of gleeful modernity with few if any negative consequences.
I don't want to spoil the surprise that makes the end of this issue so intriguing and gratifying, but suffice to say it involves a rescue mission that decidely is not what I was expecting, or probably what you will either.
I was reminded a bit of Brian Wood's Channel Zero at points here - this is good thing, mind - but The 3rd Degree is a bit more accessible and linear, and as such should be of interest to readers looking for a thought-provoking science-fiction story that will, by the end of this first issue, take you to places you aren't expecting as it delights you with its convincing setting and premise.
The art is strong, evoking Frank Miller and Walter Simonson, but with an individual character that serves the story well and is professional and quite pleasing to the eye.
The dialogue and characters could be a little stronger and more memorable, but hopefully as we see more of their world and the struggle they wage within it, that will come. I'm certainly game to give it a chance and see what develops
Overall- Recommended
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
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