Hey, everyone. "Moriarty" here with some Rumblings From The Lab.
And now here’s Chris Allen with GrayHaven’s weekly review column, stepping in for the absent Andrew:
Hi, it's Chris Allen, Managing Editor of GrayHaven. You may also have seen my Breakdowns column running here at AICN every couple weeks. I'll be filling in for Andrew for a while as he finally tries to quit huffing paint thinner cold turkey. Well, that's not the real reason he's not herel, but it sounds more interesting than the truth.
Before we get to the reviews, an announcement:
On May 4th, the major comics publishers like Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Image, Oni and more will each be providing a free issue of one of their comic books to shops nationwide. It's the day after Spider-Man opens, so, like Batman in '89, it should be a good time for new readers to discover, or rediscover, what's cool about comics. Go to www.grayhavenmagazine.com to find out some more about Free Comic Book Day, as well as read an interview with the guy who thought it up. But wait, there's more. GrayHaven is also getting involved with a FREE downloadable, printable magazine designed for both new and current comics readers, featuring pieces on Crime Comics, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Comics for Kids, Comics for Women, the 50 Best Graphic Novels, Comics and the Movies, and Shocking Things You Didn't Know about the Comics Industry, as well as bios on the various publishers and what they publish, and quite a bit more. It's shaping up to be at least 60 pages, in fact, so it's not the kind of thing that takes longer to download than it does to read. We've all put a lot of work into it and I hope you read it, enjoy it, and distribute it to both your local comic shop, and to non-comics stores like bookstores, music stores, surf and skate shops, etc. Not for us, for the industry. And now, the reviews.
Lucifer #25
Written by Mike Carey and Illustrated by Peter Gross
Published by Vertigo
Reviewed by Elliot Kane
The Basanos – evil manipulators of fate – reign triumphant over Lucifer's world, whilst the Lightbringer himself – hideously burned by his own power – lies close to death. Elaine Belloc desperately seeks Lucifer, to try to help him if she can, but can even the universe's only teenage Archangel have any effect on the ultimate plans of the Basanos? And when Death of the Endless turns up, does it mean that an immortal can die?
For anyone who reads Lucifer, Mike Carey's recent 'golden handcuffs' deal with DC comes as no surprise. Lucifer is one of the best-written and most intricately plotted comics on the market right now. While it could use a CrossGen style introduction page for the benefit of new readers, the title is otherwise flawless.
This issue develops a number of major plots, including revealing the ultimate plan of the Basanos and the part played in it by Jill Presto, the Lilim war host's advance, and the development of Elaine into a more competent and capable character. Lucifer himself is, even in his absence, a powerful force around which events gather momentum.
Gross' artwork is perfect for this title, capturing both oddity and
otherworldliness with exceptional skill. His characters' faces are distinct
from each other and expressive in their range of emotions, making this comic
an exceptional story all round.
Overall - Highly Recommended
Ruse #7
Written by Mark Waid and Illustrated by Butch Guice
Published by CrossGen
Reviewed by Elliot Kane
Master detective Simon Archard and his assistant Emma Bishop go to the reputedly haunted town of Telestroud in search of the local gypsies, who may or may not hold the answer to the mystery of Simon's ex-partner, Malcolm Lightbourne. But a trip to the continent can hold many dangers for even the most seasoned traveller, and some things may seem inexplicable to anyone, great detective or not...
A large part of this story is taken up with the journey, providing Waid with an excuse to create some hilarious banter between Simon and Emma. There is clearly an underlying attraction between the two characters that neither is willing to admit, which always adds interest to a story. Emma's cosmetics case almost becomes a character in its own right, becoming a central bone of contention – or flirtation – between the two characters.
Butch Guice seems determined to create some truly gorgeous landscapes to complement his beautifully drawn characters, and manages to make the areas outside of Partington look suitably different that they are clearly foreign. His steam train is a true work of art in and of itself, looking to this reader almost real. And it’s treats like this that we get as readers that make us keep coming back.
Great job all around for this talented cast of creators.
Overall – Highly Recommended
Scion #23
Written by Ron Marz and Illustrated by Jim Cheung
Published by CrossGen
Reviewed by Elliot Kane
Heron prince Kai and princess Ylena lead the tiny remnant of the Heron expeditionary force back towards the Raven ports and home, Ethan and Ashleigh begin to put their plans for a Lesser Race sanctuary into operation, and both Raven king Bron and Heron king Dane prepare their forces for what could well be the final battle.
Marz manages to weave a lot of different plot strands into this issue, and while matters are clearly building towards a climax, the outcome is wholly uncertain. He does not neglect character development either, with Ethan clearly being troubled by some of the things he has to do, and the greater closeness between Ethan and Ashleigh being clearly portrayed.
Ethan also finds the time to talk to Nadia, whose evasiveness clearly indicates a woman with much to hide. I have a feeling the next story arc will tell us a lot more about both her and the far off country she comes from.
Cheung's art is, as usual, an integral part of the story. Everything from
Ethan's determination to do what he knows is right to the obvious love
between Ethan and Ashleigh is portrayed through the art as much as it is
through the writing. Cheung creates some excellent backgrounds and
characters, but his greatest strength is still in his lifelike portrayals of
body language and facial statement. Most of the time it is easy to tell
what is happening without having to read a single word of the dialogue, which
is surely the ultimate aim for any illustrator.
Overall – Highly Recommended
Elektra #9
Written by Greg Rucka and Illustrated by Joe Bennett
Published by Marvel Comics
Reviewed by Chaos McKenzie
Ahh, another week at the comic store where I pick up the latest issue of Elektra with a mild humdrum smile, though a consistently well-written comic book tormented with horrendous, unproportioned artwork. I’ve been really into the direction of the book, but have debated never touching it again since issue one, plagued with nightmares of oblong breasts and lap top computers the size of suitcases. Imagine my surprise when a casual breath through showed some striking and different artwork. I was floored with excitement, and though I feel bad to rag on the regular artist’s work, it’s amazing how much more I enjoyed the issue while illustrated by someone else.
After Elektra collects four men for a sum, she finds a rich, powerful, and insane Greek woman is after revenge for a rape from many years ago. Elektra is forced to weigh out the consequences of what she has done as it becomes increasingly apparent that her current employer is loony and dangerous.
Rucka brings a real heavy sense of consciousness to this book, not just with Elektra but with the entire supporting cast, we really get a sense of how they feel. Things just don’t happen in this story. With Rucka at the helm, they happen with substance. I think that Rucka is a little less traditional to Elektra’s character, which I feel is strongly needed to break her out of the Miller comparisons that plague this book. Rucka’s Elektra is instantly cold, but with a slight glimpse of the emotional girl from long ago. She isn’t a sadist, as she points out this issue, and I like the direction Rucka is taking which is revealed to be more than the sum of its parts.
And the art… well good lord, it sure was pretty. Bennett’s pencils mixed
with the inks and color made for a really nice looking book. It the
sensation that if it were a motion picture it would have the same visual
quality of "Lost Souls" gritty, grainy, emotional. In the end, I was left
thinking how nice it was to see this book have some artistic flavor to equal
its words.
Overall: Recommended
Felon #4
Written by Greg Rucka and Illustrated by Matthew Clark
Published by Top Cow: Minotaur Press
Reviewed by Chaos McKenzie
This issue of Felon, kind of threw me for a loop and I had to go back and read it a couple of times before I declared my love for it. Felon has been a consistently incredible read, but this latest issue -- which I believe may be its last -- with its shift of focus and lack of color, reads a lot like Obergiest’s Locket special from last month which contained missing links from the regular series.
This issue of Felon focuses on the FBI agent from issue #1 who greeted our felon when she got out of jail, bearing the Grecian curse of "see you back here soon". The events of this issue follow the agent’s adventures as she tracks the felon down in time with the events of the last three issues. My only complaint would be why Rucka did it this way and didn’t instead weave the tail of the agent within the tale of the felon? Perhaps to avoid that typical felon/agent cliché of getting in both heads, or perhaps to give a larger story a bit of an interlude (or is it an epilogue in this case), who knows? Because honestly that’s really the only complaint to be found as this issue continues with some kick ass storytelling.
One of things I really like about this story, is the artwork, and again
Matthew Clark showcases some incredible talent for small facial detail, which
adds up for some superior storytelling. Surprisingly, this issue was in
black and white but I found the lack of color really helped show off Clark’s
artwork.
Overall: Highly Recommended
Spider-Man's Tangled Web #13: Double Shots
Written by Ron Zimmerman and Illustrated by Sean Phillips
Published by Marvel Comics
Reviewed by Victor Destefano
The whole issue takes place among a super villain bar in New York City. The Vulture, Kraven and a mysterious man spend the night with drinks, jokes and stories of Spider-Man fumbling their plans, making their crime ventures a living hell.
As the night goes on, we see super villains on the verge of getting into drunken bar fights, macho bravado and everything else you'd expect to see in some dark, dirty bar. Ron Zimmerman managed to capture some really impressive, very often humorous dialogue with each character really creating a story that was a pure pleasure to read.
When the Tangled Web series first came out, I took it that it was supposed to be a look at people besides Spider-Man demonstrating how their lives have changed due to Spider-Man, good or bad. If any issue has captured that perfectly, this is it. From each featured super villain’s perspective, we see a view towards Spider-Man and his success that goes beyond, "That blasted Spider-Man! He foiled my plans again". No, here we see villains who honestly think they were doing no wrong when they met up with Spidey and we see, among criminals, a code of ethics that Spider-Man just doesn't follow. From an almost unbiased view, we see how the Vulture, Kraven and others see Spider-Man as the bad guy and it's all shown in an original light.
Although that aspect would be quite entertaining in itself, there are two other directions the book takes. We see how the old, rather ugly looking Vulture acts towards a young, strong, good looking Kraven who seems to have no problem with the ladies and the jealousy and resentment that breads in a harmless, barroom scene. Secondly, we await learning the identity of the mysterious, trenchcoat-clad figure's identity. I won't spoil it for you, but I will say that a few ideas ran through my head while trying to figure it out and I was both surprised and amused at the end.
Solid story, solid dialogue and to make the package even more complete, Sean Philips delivered some incredible art. The gritty, down town bar really comes to life as all of its patrons become incredibly animated as the night passes. Along with incredible artistic storytelling, little extras are thrown in the background that really are quite entertaining. We see Whirlwind oogling the attractive waitress, Timber. We see the verge of drunk en barroom fights and even Doc Ock playing pool. Almost subtle and charming, but never distracting as the well animated characters featured always manage to grab the attention first and foremost.
Definitely one of my favorite Tangled Web issues thus far and a pleasure to
read, Spidey fan or not.
Overall: Don't Miss
Suspension of Disbelief #2/3
Written & Illustrated by Paul Quinn
Published by Lone Horseman Press
Reviewed by Mike Gagnon
In this special edition we pick up where issue #1 left off. Davis, our main character, is in deep crap with Alison for showing up to her art show out of sympathy more than anything else. To an extent you know they will reconcile, with Davis being the one to step forward and make amends, but watching things unfold is reason you read this book. The new twist is that Alison has canned her neglecting boyfriend, which leaves the two of them to explore an innocent social date as "friends"….right?
This story was very well written. Just like the first one, you'll feel like you're watching a slice of life shown in ink. Paul Quinn is an amazing writer and his talent really shines with this series, exploring more than just the surface of why each of his characters acts the way they do. This is honestly the kind of comic that brings new readers into the industry.
One thing to note is that it’s a truly independent comic, so if you compare it to anything by the big Three artwise, you’re going to leave a bit jaded. In and of itself, the artwork is very good though and is a realistic human interpretation with an edge of cartoon/caricature added..
I also was a fan of the extra features thrown in, like unused pages,
sketches, etc. This book honestly needs more press as it is a true diamond in
the rough.
Overall – Highly Recommended
2 Guys Little War Book #1
Written & Illustrated by Memo
Published by Kumquat Comics
Reviewed by Mike Gagnon
In this independent mini-comic the author really deals with a lot of his introspective feelings about the entire September 11th incident and the actions taken by the United States following the attacks on the World Trade Centre.
The Author quite cleverly employs the use of two generic (and crudely drawn) guys who are spending their time discussing the issue to portray his own mixed emotions towards terrorism and the war on terrorism. The entire story takes place in a limbo where the two characters continue to state a con for every pro that the other points out.
I mentioned earlier that this is and independent mini-comic which has a very crude artwork. That is in no way a slap or even a detractor because that is what works for this book and getting the point across. These could be two average Joes from anywhere. If this was a regular scripted comic it wouldn’t work, but with this issue it does. Also notice that on each page there is a faint background picture that is related to the topic they are discussing on that page.
All in all, it is a well thought out comic with a real and serious message
behind it that still manages to use humor and entertain. Above all else,
it’s a great value because it’s free! Take the time yourself to go
www.foolfactory.com and order this one for nothing. It’s definitely worth
the time.
Overall – Recommended
Mongrel #1
Written by Ed Dunphy Illustrated by Andrew Kudelka
Published by Northstar
Reviewed by Mike Gagnon
It’s been said that if you buy the premise you can buy the bit – so in this comic you need to understand one thing - werewolves exist. Not only do they exist, but also they live in covens and tend to rip apart other werewolves or people who violate their territory. Law of the wild I guess. Problem is, one of them seems to think he’s got a score to settle with everybody and is killing every werewolf and human in site!
On top of the werewolf culture, Wil Solomon is the detective working all of these new dismemberment homicide cases trying to figure out what in the hell’s going on. Like most normal people, Wil’s going to expect werewolves as much as a normal person would expect the crew from Star Trek to land in their front yard! The strange thing is that this psychotic werewolf somehow has a connection to Wil and knows who he is. And if that doesn’t make Wil’s day it also looks like he may find out that his wife may be cheating on him!
Kudelka’s artwork and inks are amazing. This book looks great and the artwork is so graphic and terrifying that you’ll actually wince and cover your eyes as if you were watching a horror movie at times.
I have to say that I truly liked this book, but there were some things that
got to me. It was a little gory and some of the mysteries/subplots aren’t
quite clear which could have been improved. I also find myself wanting to
pick up the next one, but hesitating because I don’t want to be disappointed
by the predictability of what’s going to happen. This book just shies away
from being a really good story.
Overall – Mildly Recommended
Boneyard: Volume 1 TPB (Issues #1-4), Boneyard #5 & #6
Written and Illustrated by Richard Moore
Published by NBM Publishing
Reviewed by Aaron Weisbrood
If you’re a fan of the rapid-fire and offbeat comedy of Frank Cho’s Liberty Meadows or The Simpsons, you owe it to yourself to seek out copies of Boneyard.
The story is centered around Michael Paris, a young man who has just learned that he has inherited a cemetery from a grandfather he hardly knew in a far-off town that he’s never heard of. Upon arriving in Raven’s Hollow, Paris quickly finds out that the shifty town-leader Mayor Wormwood is willing to do whatever is necessary to get Paris to sign a demolition order so he may level the cemetery. Why? Because it houses a host of miscellaneous monsters, of course!
Naturally, however, the monsters don’t want to lose their home. As a result, Abbey - their cute, elfish-looking vampire ambassador - approaches Paris and offers him a tour of the "Boneyard," hoping to show him that there’s nothing dangerous or vile about the cemetery’s residents.
On his tour he meets a host of instantly identifiable and charming characters, including Ralph (a leather jacket/sunglasses wearing werewolf), Sid (a skeleton who’s addicted to gambling and porn), Nessie (a voluptuous and nymphomaniac swamp monster), Brutus (Nessie’s silent Frankenstein-like boyfriend), Edgar (a wise-cracking raven), and a host of other quirky creatures of the night.
Not surprisingly, Paris realizes that the monsters aren’t a threat to anyone and decides that he’s not going to have their home bulldozed, regardless of what the Mayor tries to use to bribe him. Action, drama, a few surprises, and hilarity ensue throughout the rest of the first four-issue story arc as Paris tries to save the monster’s home. Granted, it shouldn’t be too tough since he owns the lot lock stock and barrel, but a few surprise elements (none of which I will spoil in this review) that come into play complicate matters…
The first story arc, which is also still available through single issues, wraps-up fairly nicely and leaves the door open for more of the situations unearthed - no pun intended - to be revisited later.
Issues #5 and #6, the latter of which just hit the stands this week, deal with the aftermath of Paris’s battle with Mayor Wormwood. Yes, he’s saved the cemetery, but now he’s being faced with an even more powerful opponent: the IRS. Completely broke, Paris reluctantly turns to his newfound friends to help him raise the funds. You see, the residents of Raven’s Hollow would really like to see some of the monsters duke it out in a celebrity boxing match.
When all is said and done, Boneyard continues to prove itself a hell of an entertaining read month after month. The art is gorgeous and easy the eyes, the swift pacing never misses a beat, and there has yet to be an issue that hasn’t made me laugh.
However, the biggest draw of the book is the characters. Even though the book focuses on close to a dozen characters per issue, they all remain interesting. Watch as Nessie attempts to seduce the IRS man in Issue #5, or read how Sid and Ralph drag race through town in Issue #6. It’s great stuff, as rapid-fire dialogue that is easily on par with such recognized greats as Brian Michael Bendis or Kevin Smith is dotted throughout the books.
Furthermore, as the story progresses Moore also manages to slip in hints about the bigger picture behind several of the characters. As a result, I find myself becoming more and more curious about not only the issue’s current storyline, but also the characters themselves and what brought them all to this particular cemetery. Now if only it acme out more often than quarterly…
In the end, Boneyard is book that never fails to entertain and enthrall me
with every issue. If you’d like to read a book chock-full of monsters and
rapid-fire comedy that doesn’t sacrifice story for laughs, ask your local
comic book provider to order you two copies of Boneyard: one for you, and one
for a friend.
Overall: Can’t Miss
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