Hey folks, Harry here and daaaaammmmnnnnn, look at how this baby is coming together.. Andrew was inspired by a damn lot of books. So pull up a chair and sit back, he's going to peel back the pages and let ya know what to fork over the Greenbacks for... Good stuff all around...
The Week In Comics
By Andrew Goletz
Hi Gang. Andrew from GrayHavenMagazine here to tell you about one of the best weeks in comics in a long time. I’m covering 7 of the most notable from last week, two ‘must have’ Trade Paperbacks and Exclusive Previews of 2 upcoming comics: Tangled Web #4 (by Greg Rucka and Edwardo Risso) and Thunderbolts #54 (by Fabian Nicieza and Patrick Zircher) The eagerly awaited Rucka/Risso installment of Tangled Web is so good, in fact, that we have 3 different people reviewing the book. Go read. Now.
Amazing Spider-Man #33
Written by J Michael Straczynski and illustrated by John Romita Jr and Scott Hanna
Published by Marvel Comics
Reviewed by Andrew Goletz
Writing: It took me until recently to get into JMS ‘Rising Stars’ series. I still haven’t picked up any more issues of Midnight Nation after not liking the first couple. So it was with some trepidation that I awaited Straczynski’s run on this title. Spider-Man is my favorite comic character and he’s been handled so poorly in recent years (with the exception of Ultimate Spider-Man) that I couldn’t see myself rallying to get excited about this latest creative change, especially when I wasn’t impressed with the writer’s previous comic or television (Babylon 5) work.
It’s taken 4 months for Straczynski to shake fans of this title out of their rut, present a shocking possibility for the true nature behind our hero’s origin and complete one of the best core title Spider-Man stories of the past 5 years. Some may regard this issue as simply a ‘fight issue’, one of those classic comic book installments where the characters do nothing but beat on each other for an entire issue. Well, Spider-Man and his nemesis, Morlun do beat on each other for the entire issue, but it’s so much better than it sounds. Spider-Man has used variations on his webbing, web ‘stingers’ and his awful humor to trip up opponents in the past. Here, he has to use brute strength. Spider-Man’s one of the strongest characters in the Marvel Universe so even when he’s fighting a super villain he holds back sometimes. Not here. Every punch and every kick take everything he has. Spider-Man is fighting an opponent who won’t stop. Morlun’s mission, his destiny, is to kill Spider-Man, whether our hero is in costume or out of it. It’s the fight of their lives. JMS is able to convey the emotion of the situation perfectly. You can sense Spider-Man’s fear in realizing how strong Morlun is and you can sense his rage when Morlun begins to target innocents to draw him out. The essence of who Spider-Man is and what he stands for comes out all within these 22 pages of a slugfest.
Grade: A
Art: John Romita Jr has been one of my favorite artists ever since I started to read comics. He was the artist on Amazing when I first started reading the title during the Roger Stern era in the early 80s. He’s been largely over-looked, as the ‘flavor of the month’ artists seem to take center stage with their gimmicks and flair over substance methods. No one who picks up this issue will be able to criticize JRjr any longer. He’s able to really let loose given the content of the issue, a sprawling battle through New York City. The detail in his panels and the expressions on the faces of the characters are amazing. Up and comers should take note of how good superhero comics are supposed to look.
Grade: A+
Overall: Rumors abound at how this initial storyline will conclude. What does JMS have planned for Spider-Man? Is he really going to change the origin? Fans will debate whether or not (and how) Straczynski will put his ‘mark’ on Spider-Man, but they’ve been given the answer within this very issue. Regardless of how the story plays out, readers have finally been given an issue of Spider-Man worthy of the memorable and classic runs of a seemingly bygone era.
Grade: A
Cerebus #268
Written by Dave Sim and illustrated by Dave Sim and Gerhard
Published by Aardvark Vanaheim
Reviewed by Andrew Goletz
Writing: He’s been called a pioneer, a jerk, a legend, a misogynist and more. Dave Sim certainly knows how to get a reputation. Most of it’s earned, particularly the parts about him being a pioneer and a legend. More than 20 years ago, Sim set out to do this series. He wanted to self publish 300 consecutive, monthly issues of the title and tell a complete, epic story in the meantime. We’re now only 32 issues away from the end. He’s never been late. He’s provided special issues and guest shots countless times over the years. Oh, he happens to draw the book, too. Nothing like this was ever attempted before and it will probably never be duplicated. In a time where creative teams skip from book to book after a couple of months, the fact that Sim has been able to write and draw Cerebus on his own for over 20 years is nothing short of amazing. Oh, the series is one of the best stories to ever be told in the comic’s medium, too.
This issue begins the first of the final 2 storylines. We’ve flashed forward about 15 years as Cerebus, calling himself ‘Fred’ now, has opened a Tavern (called Fred’s Tavern) featuring ‘girls, girls, girls, no women, women, women’ in the middle of Cirinist territory. This is a move that will surely get him noticed and not in a good way. Cerebus is wallowing in self-pity after recent, or is that not so recent, events and his path to destruction is as hysterical as it’s ever been. For a series that everyone knows the ending to, the journey to get there is certainly the fun part.
Grade: A
Art: Is the art ever bad in this book? Even at times when the story seems to drag and you wonder how the hell 10 issues of seemingly nothing fits into the overall picture, the book has always been gorgeous. Gerhard seems to get better and more detailed with every panel he illustrated and Sim’s work has seen some positive tweaks in recent months, as well. How he manages to make the three-guest stars look exactly like the 3 Stooges yet at the same time creating a more maniacal image for them is impressive. Gerhard’s backgrounds have always brought Sim’s characters more to life and now it looks like Sim’s returning the favor. It’s a beautiful book to just look at and appreciate for artistic quality.
Grade: A+
Overall: In addition to the welcomed return of ‘Aardvark Comment’, the best letters page before ‘Powers’ came along, the story is finally starting to get back into being about something. These are the final 2 storylines that readers will ever get to read featuring Cerebus and company. It’s been an incredible run. With storylines focusing on religion, politics, feminism, sexuality and love, Cerebus has always been more than just the simple tale of an aardvark barbarian in a man’s world. It’s a series that has dared to say something about the times, regardless of whether you agree with what you’re reading. There’s a quote from Robert Langridge’s ‘La Journee Parfait’ that opens this issue/storyline:
"Everyone dies in the end."
"No. In the end, Everyone is dead. It’s not the same thing At all."
Bring it on Dave and Ger.
Grade: A
Hunter: The Age of Magic #1
Written by Dylan Horrocks and illustrated by Richard Case
Published by DC/Vertigo
Reviewed by Andrew Goletz
Writing: The young wizard, Tim Hunter, created by Neil Gaiman years ago gets another chance at his own series after mini-series, a failed ongoing series and then another mini-series. This may be the team and the time for the character to really hit it big. The Names of Magic mini-series that came out earlier in the year helped to age Tim a couple of years, tie up some loose ends from his long running series and bring the storyline into a new dimension for a newer audience. This first issue picks up not too long after the mini-series, with Tim still training at the ‘White School’ to gain a deeper understanding and control over his powers and himself. A lot of the new characters are set up and established and we’re brought up to speed with what Tim and his owl guide have been up to. Not much happens yet, but there are enough moments to provide some assurance that we’re going to be in for a great story.
Grade: B
Art: The art is nothing special, but there’s nothing particularly wrong with it, either. It’s just that in a week where you get some great looking books, this one didn’t seem to stand out as much. The style is more non-offensive than anything daring or unique and while that may be a good thing, I was hoping for a little more in the way of detail with the series, especially since a good portion of it will be taking place in a mythical realm where it’d be appealing to see a lot of effects.
Grade: C+
Overall: This series has the potential to be one of the anchors for the Vertigo line. It’s not quite there yet, but all of the elements that are needed are there. Tim Hunter is already one of the most interesting characters in the DC Universe. Someone is going to need to fill John Constantine’s shoes when he dies and Tim’s a perfect candidate. This is a perfect title for the Harry Potter fan. Since comic companies, particularly DC/Time Warner, have foolishly let the concept of a Harry Potter comic go to waste (a Potter comic would set sales records), Hunter is a worthy substitute.
Grade: B
Powers #12
Written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Michael Avon Oeming and Peter Pantazis
Published by Image Comics
Reviewed by Andrew Goletz
Writing: The dialogue is as sharp as ever and the new storyline promises to be as compelling as always. ‘Groupies’ opens with one of the cities most popular heroes, Olympia, found dead in what people believe to be his apartment. Most of the issue is spent in the interrogation room where Detectives Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim talk to a young woman who knew Olympia on an intimate, if not personal level. Deena’s over exuberance with some of the questions and answers regarding Olympia’s sex life are hilarious, as are the reactions of Walker. The issue is a bit of a change of pace since the interrogation scene takes up most of the book, but that ends up being one of the high points of the series run so far. The way Bendis writes his characters’ dialogue, it’s entertaining to open up to a scene like this and watch him work.
Grade: A
Art: Mike Oeming is showing that he deserves that cheesy picture in Wizard Magazine’s Top Ten Artist list. He’s earned it. Oeming, who is also doing the great mini-series ‘Hammer of the Gods’ has a unique artistic style that you don’t find much in comics nowadays. His art has an animated feel, which is appropriate since he worked on the animated Jinx movie for Thrave.com with Bendis. Typically, ‘cartoony’ art means less detail and a more childish feel. This isn’t the case with his work on Powers or any of his other work as a matter of fact. Oeming layers his backgrounds with information and you tend to have to give panels a second or third look to make sure you’ve caught everything he’s thrown in there. The style works very well, too, for a crime comic. Reading the dialogue and looking at Oeming’s work, there’s never a moment where you would even consider this book or art ‘cartoony’. vGrade: A
Overall: The first issue of this new storyline is a great jumping on point for new readers who’ve heard about how good this book is but were afraid to try it in the middle of a storyline. While there are different subplots and references, which longtime fans can enjoy, the issue itself is a clean slate for people who want to give this title a shot for the first time. One of the most enjoyable things about this series is the way that the storylines examine certain ideas and motifs that haven’t been fully explored in comics before. The first storyline was a murder mystery, complete with investigation, which was unique in the fact that the victim was a superhero. The second storyline focused on the idea of role-playing. If superheroes were real, odds are they’d inspire young people to dress up and try an emulate them. Hell, fanboys do that now. And the current story is very promising, with the concept of the superhero groupies. With one of the absolute best creative teams in comics, Powers is a title that every comic fan needs to be reading. The trade paperback collection of the first storyline, ‘Who Killed Retro Girl’ is also on sale for those of you who want to start fresh.
Grade: A
Punisher #2
Written by Garth Ennis and illustrated by Steve Dillon and Jimmy Palmiotti
Published by Marvel Comics/Marvel Knights
Reviewed by Andrew Goletz
Writing: Garth Ennis’ main characters have killed vampires, screwed over the Devil, and fought against God him/herself, but none of them have been as fun to follow as his version of the Punisher. The Punisher is still Frank Castle, who went off the deep end after his family was violently killed, and started hunting down and killing criminals. He’s still the guy the horrible movie was based on and who was turned into some agent of the angels years ago in the comic series. But with last year’s mini-series and now the ongoing series, Ennis has revitalized the Punisher. He’s back to his vigilante ways, the angel storyline long forgotten, and taking care of criminals in the most interesting, ultra violent and funny ways imaginable. Ennis has always shown this warped sense of humor in his characters. Herr Star in Preacher was subjected to humiliating acts every few issues and while the acts themselves were horrific, one couldn’t help but laugh at the way it was handled. The same goes for Punisher.
This issue features a guest appearance by Spider-Man. In his Tangled Web story, Ennis was able to capture the personality of Peter Parker/Spider-Man wonderfully. He treated the character with respect and crafted a story Spider-Man fans could be proud of. It’s a different situation here. This is one of those classic Spider-Man appearances and Ennis treats it as if he has utter disdain for the very idea of team ups. It makes for some of the most hilarious issues scenes he’s ever written and concludes with a line uttered by the Punisher that fans will be quoting for a long time. After witnessing Frank’s war on the mob and his murder of just about every character to appear in the issues (of the first mini), people wondered if Ennis would keep up or if the gag would run out of steam. If the first 2 issues of the ongoing are any indication, none of those things are going to happen anytime soon.
Grade: A
Art: Steve Dillon is one of the most under-rated artists working in comics. He had a great run on Hellblazer and Preacher and the first Punisher mini-series but some people still don’t think his art is diverse enough. One day they may take their heads from their posterior and realize that Dillon is one of the most talent artists working in the business. His rendition of Spider-Man alone in this issue should be enough to prove that. A lot of artists try to stylize Spider-Man but adding twice as many webs, increasing his lenses (or making them blink, gah), but Dillon has the classic Spider-Man here: John Romita Sr and Jr Spider-Man. There are no fancy tricks or changes to the costume, just a believable rendition of the suit. Considering he’s one of the first artists to be able to do that in a long time, I think he deserves at least some credit for it. Maybe critics will come to their senses and recognize his ability soon.
Grade: A
Overall: I’m sure that there are a ton of Punisher fans that preferred the dark, grim, no holds barred version of the character from the height of his popularity. I prefer Ennis’. You can’t take this character seriously, even with the suspension of disbelief. With the Marvel Universe populated by powerful heroes, mutants and gods, the Punisher would be out of commission in about two panels. It’s ridiculous to think any of them would turn a blind eye and let him roam freely, even if he was only killing criminals. Ennis doesn’t worry about reality, continuity or what fanboys will think. He’s telling the story of a pretty insane individual, who takes the law into his own hands in the most extreme ways, but with a humorous and sadistic twist. Just when you think he’s discovered the most out there way to kill a person, the next issue comes out and he tops himself again. The Punisher is like a summer blockbuster. It’s not going to make you think, but you’re gonna have a hell of an experience anyway. This is the most fun you can have with a comic book, unless you’re into those ‘bad girl’ series and I really don’t want to get into that. The Trade Paperback, ‘Welcome Back Frank’, which collects the first 12-issue mini-series by this creative team is currently on sale.
Grade: A
Randy O’Donnell Is The M@N #2
Written by Tom DeFalco and illustrated by Ron Lim and Robert Jones
Published by Image Comics
Reviewed by Andrew Goletz
Writing: Tom DeFalco knows how to write stories featuring young adults aimed for the young adult crowd. He isn’t telling kid stories. He’s just not telling stories that have swear words or violent outbursts every 2 pages. Randy O’Donnell is a comic featuring Randy O’Donnell, a young boy who loves video games and comic books and wishes he could get a chance to date the prettiest girl in school. His world is pretty much average until one day he is summoned to the mystical world of Bollucidar by Edrice, the Wizard. Edrice has somehow mistaken Randy for a great hero, and recruits him to fight for his people against the evil Malok. In the latest issue, Randy is once again summoned by Edrice to help assist the Wizard and his warrior, Gemel, in rescuing the beautiful Tesca, who was captured by the Malok. Randy’s whole identity is based on one of his popular video game characters, Dirk Danger, although no one else knows this. He’s still an unsure hero, worried about when and how he’ll eventually screw up, while trying his best to get the job done in the meantime. The interplay between Randy and Gemel and Tesca, who still don’t really trust him, is very well done and comes off quite believable if you’re putting yourself into the story.
Grade: A
Art: I wasn’t a fan of Ron Lim’s art during his days at Marvel but something must have happened during that time, because it has improved a lot. His rendition of Randy in costume is great and he creates a sort of quiet energy with his characters, while not over-doing it as he’s done in the past. The world of Bollucidar is interesting, visually, and Lim provides subtle nuances that help to paint the area all the more vividly.
Grade: B
Overall: This is another one of those fun books. RODITM is geared towards a younger crowd, probably the type of crowd that grew up reading DeFalco stories years ago and not necessarily for the Punisher or Vertigo fans. But even if you’re one of those readers who prefers more ‘mature’ themed comics, I’d still recommend going out and picking up a copy or two of this book. It’s a great action adventure story set in a fantasy world with many great subplots and soap operatic dramatic twists. Like he’s done with his run on Spider-Girl, DeFalco is showing that a good writer can make comics that are well done and interesting, while aimed at a younger audience. In a time when many publishers still worry that their readers are getting older and young fans are staying away from comics, Randy O’Donnell is one of those books that’s a perfect example of how to capture those people’s imaginations and hold their interest.
Grade: B+
Swamp Thing #17
Written by Brian K Vaughan and illustrated by Giuseppe Camuncoli and Cameron Stewart vPublished by DC/Vertigo
Reviewed by Andrew Goletz
Writing: The 7 part ‘Red Harvest’ storyline comes to an end and the new Swamp Thing comes into its own as a series. People expecting to see the big green monster from the movies or the title of the same name from the last few decades will be in for a surprise when they pick up this series. The Swamp Thing of this series is Tefe’, daughter of the original Swamp Thing. Tefe’ is in a unique position since she is the perfect balance between the human world and the plant world. As such, both sides seek to control her and use her for their own purposes. The storyline that just wrapped up dealt with the daughter of a Senator who was going to possibly run for President, seeking the aide of Tefe’ and her friends to kill her father. The girl’s claim was that her father had not only abused her, but plans to bring about an eco disaster. Would Tefe’ go through with such a thing just on the word of a stranger or is there more to the story. There were a lot of terrific moments and questions to ponder like this. You’ll have to go to your local comic store and dig them up for yourself if you want to know what happens. Tefe’ also has to deal with the fact that she’s on the run from everyone. The government wants to take her in. Her parents want her back safe with them and everyone she meets wants to have her stay to help them with their own needs. Tefe has the appearance of a young woman, but her mind is still like that of a child. It just so happens that this child could be the most powerful being on the planet.
Grade: A
Art: I’m not really familiar with Camuncoli’s work aside from this title. While his work isn’t exactly bad, there’s nothing striking about it, either. This is a title that could do well on name recognition alone and I would think a stronger visual presence on the book would better its chances at longevity. Great painters like David Mack and Glenn Fabry have been contributing covers to the series. Their work has been outstanding, as usual, and I would hope for something just as moving within the book.
Grade: C+
Overall: The book was always a quiet favorite, but the recent appearance of John Constantine may have attracted a few new readers to the book. With the conclusion of the ‘Red Harvest’ story, issue 18 will be a very good jumping on point for new readers to try the book out. Issue 18 will also be worth checking out for the long awaited confrontation between Tefe’ and her father. If it is half as good as the appearance of Constantine, it’ll be quite a memorable issue. With themes ranging from environmental issues (naturally) and the relationships between families, the series is grounded in a very real environment, even if the very concept is more of a fantasy element. Swamp Thing is just another jewel in the expanding Vertigo crown.
Grade: B
TRADE PAPERBACKS:
Breakfast After Noon:
Written and Illustrated by Andi Watson
Published by Oni Press
Reviewed by Andrew Goletz
BAN tells the story of Rob and Louise, a couple engaged to be married, going through some rough times before the wedding. Rob loses his job through no fault of his own (simple economics...the company closed its doors) and settles into a funk. Louise meanwhile is trying to do whatever she can to make the situation better for the both of them. She wants to move forward with the wedding and with their life together. Rob doesn't think that he can do anything but work in the pottery field. Instead of going on job interviews, he rejects opportunities because they aren't what he's looking for.
While Rob starts to sink into depression because of the situation, Louise becomes more and more aggravated with him. Rob starts trying to find any excuse not to take a new job. Whether Rob is feeling guilty about his inability to provide or if he's just lazy, Louise does her best to cope, but it eventually becomes too much. They start to drift apart. Certainly it's too early in the relationship to be having these types of fights, but Rob doesn't appear to want to change and Louise can't just 'hope for the best' when she sees no effort on Rob's part.
I had no idea how this story would end and I was on the edge of my seat with every turn of the page. The story works because we’ve all been there. We've all had relationships where for one reason or another you had a fight and one of you wants their space while the other can't deal with the separation and the uncertainty. You want to call or visit the other person, but you know that by doing so it will only make things worse. You know what you did. The question here is 'what will Rob' do. Will he be patient and let things take their course or will he try and make Louise see what he feels?
When 'relationship stories' are written well, they can provide more humor than the best comedies, more anxiety than the best thrillers and more depth than the best dramas. Breakfast After Noon is all of these and more. Watson succeeds in every way that a creator can in this medium. We don't really know what Rob and Louise were like before they got engaged and this series started, but we don't necessarily need to, either.
The characters are so well written and defined that we just accept the fact that we don't know every single detail about them. I think the story works better like this, anyway.
200 pages. $19.95
Grade: A+
For more on Andi Watson, click here out interview with him here: CLICK HERE
Wolverine: Blood Debt
Written by Steve Skroce and illustrated by Steve Skroce and Lary Stucker vPublished by Marvel Comics
Reviewed by Andrew Goletz
Wolverine: Blood Debt collects Wolverine 150-153, which was a very impressive run on a title featuring one of the most popular creators in the Marvel Universe. For those of you who don’t know, Skroce was a storyboard artist for the film, The Matrix. His cinematic experience is evident both in the pacing of the plot and illustration of the book. It’s one of the more exciting action comics to be published in the last year and one of the best Wolverine stories in recent memory. Fans of the X-Men movie who want to know more about the mysterious Logan and can’t wait for Origin to start in September should pick up this Trade for a quality Wolverine fix.
The story opens with Wolverine finding himself back in Japan, at the grave of the only woman he ever truly loved, Mariko Yashida. He then runs into the Silver Samurai, who is the half-brother of Mariko and the current leader of the Yashida clan and current leader of the clan. After a brief argument, Logan goes back to the city and meets up with an old acquaintance of his, Yukio, who has been taking care of Logan’s adopted daughter, Amiko. There is a great moment where Logan gives Amiko a present. It’s something that he thought would be appropriate, but when we’re talking about the ultimate tough guy, they may not be in touch with what kids really like. They witness a fight, which angers Logan because he doesn’t want his daughter hanging out in such a rough neighborhood.
That evening, at Yukio's apartment, Logan runs into the Silver Samurai again. The Samurai tells Logan about how the clan has been overthrown by Haan Kaishek, the leader of the oldest and most powerful clan of Mongolia. The only reason the Samurai is still alive is because he agreed to kill the son of a Japanese industrialist. The father didn’t want to join with Haan in some business ventures, so the punishment was death. As it turned out, the Silver Samurai wasn’t able to bring himself to kill the son so Haan wants revenge. Before they can continue, Haan’s men burst into the apartment and the roller coaster thrill ride of a story begins.
The action here is uncharacteristically violent and bloody for a mainstream title, but considering the star of the book, it isn’t inappropriate. Skroce has brought Wolverine into a more real world. The guns fire bullets, not lasers and the explosions are loud and destructive.
All of the incidents have consequences and it reads like a typical action story that just happens to feature a superhero. There are more than a few hyper action packed scenes that involve Wolverine getting shot in the head and a very nicely illustrated sword fight, among other things. The trade is very much eye candy for the bullets and blades minded reader. As a bonus, there are some extra pages with sketches and outlines of the comic with comments by Skroce himself.
Skroce had an all too brief run as artist on Amazing Spider-Man years ago. With Blood Debt, he’s honed his artistic talents even further and has also shown that he has an ability to craft a good story as well as illustrate it. This is a Trade ideal for a fan of Wolverine or stories with relentless action and the art is top notch. v112 pages. $12.95
Grade: B+
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