Week of May 30th, 2007
Man, comics coming out on Thursday throws off the rhythm of my week in a strange way…At least there was plenty of solid titles to pick up this week: I bought a lot of books, and while few of them blew me away, none of them made me moan too much either. Anyway, with tons of good titles and the return of The Boys, we've got a lot to talk about. Onward!
SPOTLIGHT REVIEW:
The Boys TPB/The Boys #7:
Until this week, I'd never read a single issue of The Boys; not for any reason other than the fact that there's like a jillion comics out there, and I don't read them all. When I heard that it had been cancelled for being too "anti-superhero" (pardon, but it's fucking Garth Ennis, DC, did that surprise you?), I started paying attention. Now it's found a home at Dynamite comics, who did the relaunch right: they released a trade with issues one through six on the same day they released issue seven. It's the perfect way to catch readers like myself, who had read about it but never checked it out. Having absorbed all seven issues, I was pretty damn impressed; a quick flip through revealed a number of pages that had me…curious as to whether this was going to be a comic, or a collection of overblown sex and murder scenes (not that I mind; I just prefer a good story to go with it). Ennis does a good job of selling the "this is what superheroes would be like in the real world" vibe, and the admittedly overblown scenes are backed up by some nice subtle flashes of emotional depth. Honestly, this is a comic I'd recommend on the sole basis of it being generally pretty damn cool. Darick Robertson's art can be uneven at times, but it's always supported by great dialogue, including the most realistic accents in comics. This book isn't for everyone; if you're squeamish or you like the company line on your capes and tights, you won't like it very much. But if you're open-minded and you like seeing a talented duo toy with the conventions of the genre, this is one of the finest of its kind.
FUN SIZE REVIEWS:
Silver Surfer: Requiem #1:
This book is published in the Marvel Knights "Spider-Man Reign" style, with a similar cover and the same kind of iconic writing. I'll be honest: I thought this was the best thing JMS has written for Marvel in quite some time. I've always said he seems to have about a years worth of great ideas, and it appears he's going to try and get them all out for the Surfer in four issues. Ribic's art is stunning, and his posing of the Silver Surfer makes you forget that he's, you know, a silver guy riding a surf board through the universe. Check this one out.
Daredevil #97:
Brubaker's first arc was shaky, but this Gladiator arc has things back up to the Bendis-era pitch. Don't miss the last few pages of this one: similar situation as we saw at the end of Amazing a little while back, but despite the fact that Matt Murdock's wife is a younger character than Mary Jane and Aunt May, it's a much more affecting scene in this book.
Spider-Man Fairy Tales #1:
I'm a fan of books like this, which seek to be a bit more creative with the genre, and C.B. Cebulski has been a perfect guy to head it up for Marvel. However, it's the art in this book that makes it worth checking out, at the very least. The story isn't great, but the Gorillaz-esque art is something I haven't seen in comics to date.
JSA #6:
The sometimes entertaining but oft-muddled Lighting Saga continues, with this issue that, frankly, I had a lot of trouble following. I think maybe I'm just not well enough versed in the DCU to understand all the references to JSA and Legion lore, but…shouldn't that be okay? I don't feel like this story has been accessible enough. We'll see how it wraps up in JLA, maybe they'll prove me wrong.
Countdown #48:
I continue to find this book more enjoyable on a weekly basis than 52. This issue ties in some more "real-time" content, with Duela Dent's funeral (there's even a tag in Teen Titans that directs you to this title to see the whole scene, which I think is really cool). There's also the beginnings of a Superman New Gods mystery, more intrigue with Jimmy Olsen, a continuance of the jaw-dropping Black Adam stuff from last ish, and more super lame Monitor stuff in the back.
Teen Titans #47:
No title got more screwed up by the reshuffling of the DCU than Teen Titans (except maybe Wonder Woman…or Nightwing). In any event, TT continues to be the "Guess what larger story is messing with our title?" book, as the Titans mourn Duela Dent in a very cursory way here, before the last page warns us that we can prepare for an Amazons Attack issue next month. I'll pass. I liked this book for the excellent relationships between the young characters. Since they're mostly smaller versions of bigger heroes, all the shakeups with the big boys have muddled this book beyond recognition. A real shame.
Silent War #5:
David Hine, in a very low-key way, has been writing some of the best miniseries at Marvel right now. His Son of M book was the only readable Decimation title, and featured the only interesting writing about Spider-Man's fallout from House of M, and his Silent War book is one of my favorite Inhumans stories ever. Aside from the current political parallels, this is just a great book about how our government would react to a sovereign power like the Inhumans. Next issue should be wild.
New Avengers: Illuminati #3:
This is currently, for my money, the best Avengers title out right now. This issue's story-behind-the-story focus is on the Secret War, as we find out how the Illuminati dealt with the Beyonder after that book. Very cool, with more believable versions of these characters than you can find in other Avengers books.NEWS BRIEFS:
One of the most bizarre and hilarious news stories in a while: the U.S. Mint has informed FOX and the Franklin Mint that the Silver Surfer quarters they'd made and put into circulation are, like, totally illegal. Surprisingly, our government doesn't want our national currency converted into movie advertisements. The studio potentially faces some stiff fines, which of course they probably figured into their advertising budget from the start.
Vertigo has announced that it has a few new writers, who are producing brand new original graphic writers. Namely, they've signed horror writer (and a childhood favorite of mine) Peter Straub, and screenwriter Michael Easton; they'll be collaborating on an OGN entitled The Green Woman, so keep your eyes open for that.
Obviously there isn't much more information about this, but Warner Bros. has announced that they are developing a Teen Titans film, with Mark Verheiden attached as a possible writer at this point. Stay tuned for details.
Thanks for reading, chums. Next week is a bit slower, but we do have the debut of the New Warriors book and a new Dark Tower to look forward too, so at least that's something. If you have any questions, comments, compliments or complaints, the email address remains skio84@mac.com. Otherwise I'll see you next week! Thanks for reading.
<TOP>Week of May 23rd, 2007
Welcome to the slowest week in comic book history! Or at least, my comic book buying history…Between my fiancée and I, we managed to find three monthly titles to buy, a record low since we've been operating as a unit. The magnificent Dr. Strange trade almost saves this week, but…aw, who am I kidding? Nothing could save this week. I guess we'd better trudge onward all the same…
SPOTLIGHT REVIEW:
Dr. Strange: The Oath TPB:
This is the last time I get to sing this mini's praises in the (virtual) pages of the mania, and given that it's by far the best things to come out this week, it's getting the Spotlight all to itself. Entertainment Weekly gave this book miniseries of the year, and I'm going to one-up them by calling it one of the best books of the millennium. Yes, Brian Vaughan wrote it, so it wasn't going to be crap, and I'm an enormous fan of Marcos Martin, who should be considered among the industry's finest talents, but…Dr. Strange? Really? As BKV himself said, this is a book for all the people who didn't realize they were Dr. Strange fans. He manages to completely revitalize a forty year old character without changing his origins, or really anything about the good doctor except for how he was presented. Martin's art is amazing throughout, but the man who needs more credit is colorist Javier Rodriguez, whose work with Marcos Martin was the entire reason I read every issue of Breach. His pastel-y and beautiful color pallet fit the realms of magic in a stunning way that actually left me wanting more "Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth" nonsense. Add in that it becomes a touching story about Dr. Strange's love, both for Wong and a new woman in his life, and that it's got some subtle jabs at the insurance industry, and I'm super sold. Little details, like the way that BKV tells the recap of the miniseries in a different, innovative way each issue (thankfully included in the trade) make this book stand out from the rest. This trade is a must-own, and even includes some cool extras, like the usual sketch pages, and the can't-miss four page preview to the series done by BKV and Martin. That's right, a bonus (if brief) story for everyone out there who can't get enough. This book is proof that Brian Vaughan shouldn't only be working on creator-owned titles; I hope Marvel is smart enough to snag him into some more work on their ancient characters, made fresh again in the hands of a great writer.
FUN SIZE REVIEWS:
Captain America #26:
It's a special kind of book and a special kind of writer that can keep a title interesting without featuring its main character. I approached this "World Without a Cap" book warily, but I thought it was good. It has a great cover, which emphasizes the new main cast of the book, at least until Cap is resurrected. Brubaker writes Falcon, Sharon, and the Winter Soldier well enough, and as strong enough characters, that I don't mind watching them interact for a few issues. After that, though…Who am I kidding, Cap will be back by 2008. I mean it's Cap!
Countdown #49:
This book isn't doing so well, which I don't really understand; everyone is comparing it unfavorably to 52, but 52 ended up being one of the most disappointing experiences I've had with comics in a long time. Countdown isn't nearly as weird and all over the place, true, but I thought that was a good thing? The Monitors seems like an interesting thread to run through a year of stories, a thread missing from 52, and the two page spread of Killer Croc attacking Jimmy Olsen plus the surprise (and creepy) return of a hunted character provide more excitement in this issue than in the last month of 52. Give it a shot, people! I'm giving it ten issues before I pass final judgment and decide whether or not to keep buying.
I know what you're saying to yourself; yes, these books did come out last week. But after a glance over this week's pitiful release list, I figured I'd save a few to pad this one out a bit.
Spirit #6:
Darwyn Cooke is perfect for this title, which asks its writer to reinvent a whole new story every single month. No decompression to be found in these stand-alone stories, which is a refreshing change of pace. This issue, about a meteor-junkie punk rocker, showcases all of the things that make Cooke great, from snappy writing to his clean, crisp pencils. Slow workers take note: Darwyn is writing and drawing a brand new story every month, and it's on time!
Mighty Avengers #3:
This may be the last time I can convince myself to read the Mighty Avengers…last issue was one of the worst comics I've read in a while, and though this one is better (at least someone attempts to fight the villain for chrissakes), it still just seems all over the place. The Mighty Avengers are being better written in the New Avengers title…now if only someone would write the New Avengers well somewhere…
NEWS BRIEFS:
All quiet on the western front…no news to report. Send it to me if you've got it, because frankly this week's left be a little bit bored. I'm sure there will be something to talk about next week.
Next week will be a bit better, which isn't saying much since statistically it kind of has to be. Still, a new Silver Surfer series and the first 52 trade should make our local shopkeeper a happier man. Don't forget books ship on Thursday thanks to Memorial Day. If you have any complaints, compliments, or suggestions of what to do with my leftover comic cash from this week, email me at skio84@mac.com. Otherwise, I'll see you in seven. Er, eight.
<TOP>Week of May 16th, 2007
Welcome to Hell Freezes Over week here at the Mania. This week we'll be taking a close look at the long-awaited issues of Ultimates and All-Star Batman, as well as asking the all-important question: were they worth the wait? There's also a handful of other interesting news to talk about, a fresh trade review, and some DC news. We'd better get onward!
SPOTLIGHT REVIEW:
Ultimates #13:
Mark Millar and Brian Hitch's Ultimates debuted a little over five years ago, as the fourth title in Marvel's Ultimate Universe. Since then, we've seen crises, sales spikes, Civil Wars, and the death and resurrection of some of comicdom's biggest heroes. But through all that, no title was more clearly destined for comic's hall of fame than Ultimates. Many have said it's the finest title Marvel has ever produced, and most have thought it was at least a level above everything else coming out. This issue, the last in the Millar/Hitch 2-volume run on the book, marks the end of an era. And, while it isn't quite as exciting or breathtaking as most previous issues (with the exception of an 8-page fold out that is truly stunning), it is a fitting end to the series. It manages to set up the next volume, by Jeph Loeb and Joe Mad, while not feeling like its glossing over the significance of the recent story a bit. Was it worth the wait? Few things are worth the kind of waiting Ultimates has put us through. Ultimates is, however, one of those things. I can't wait for the hardcover.
All-Star Batman and Robin #5:
AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! Ahem. Now that I have that off my chest, allow me to step back in line with
the thousands of readers who hate this book, but continue to buy it. It's becoming more and
more clear that something is intentionally amiss with Batman and the city of Gotham, and that maybe
at root they're not as crazy as they've been appearing. BUT! Comics is a serial nature, and
All-Star has been an annual book as of late. That means that unless they're putting this book
out as a graphic novel, they have to take into consideration that for the last two years, we've
only seen one kind of Batman: an overblown, boring one. Miller even takes a shot at fans who've
criticized the book by having Batman say "I'm the goddamn Batman," a line rivaled in
lameness only by the Dark Knight's thought, "Another storm. Cool." Jim Lee's
pencils looked really good, back to top form since he's had so much time to work on them, but
the writing continues to blow. The ending of the book didn't feel like an ending; I turned the
page expecting to see more comics, and getting only an ad.
Was it worth the wait? God, no.
FUN SIZE REVIEWS:
JLA #9:
The Lightning Saga, as they've dubbed the JSA/JLA crossover, has been very hit or miss so far, and this issue is no different. I found Ed Benes' art to be scratchy to the point that it was hard to look at, and Meltzer's dialogue didn't seem up to its usual level. There are still a few great moments (Red Arrow is in most of them), but this one left me flat.
Batman #665:
I wish Grant Morrison could write every book at DC. His Batman has been the antithesis of Frank Miller's, and this issue, with Batman and Robin going for round two against that Bane-esque villain from last issue, hits the mark again. We find out what the Black Casebook is, as well as start seeing some over-arching threads of the Morrison run with Damian and Jezebel making appearances. And, since its Grant Morrison, next month's issue 666 should feature Damian in a fairly awesome way, I'd bet.
Fallen Son: Captain America (#3 of 5):
This is by far the best issue of this series to date, as Iron Man hunts for a replacement for Cap to soothe his conscience, and finds someone…well, someone I'd be okay with. I don't want to give anything away since it was a cool story, but I'd recommend this one to all Marvel fans; just keep in mind that there isn't a definitive new Cap at the end of the book.
Countdown #50:
This issue definitely gets the nod for cover of the month, as Andy Kubert gets another page delayed from his Batman series to draw a wonderfully creepy Joker. The different story threads are starting to become clear, as is the cool potential of this book touching on "real-time" events happening in the DCU, as we get an extended version of the Batman/Karate Kid fight from the last JSA issue. This one's definitely worth buying for the Joker/Jimmy Olsen scene, which has me hooked for another week.
TRADE REVIEW:
Mouse Guard Hardcover:
Mouse Guard has been placed in that vaunted territory of Fables and Y: The Last Man as a "comic for people who don't read comics," the hope then being that it will be a gateway into more comics fans. I actually hadn't gotten a chance to read any of the previous issues since most of them sold out so quickly. I have to say, it lives up to the hype for the most part, managing to stand out in a genre (fantasy mice stories) that is surprisingly full, from the Secret of NIMH to Brian Jaqcues' Redwall books. The writing in Mouse Guard is sparse, but the world that David Petersen has created is believable in a fantasy-mouse kind of way, and his art is absolutely perfect for that world. My only real complaint is that the book reads too quickly, given its $25 price. He'll begin publishing monthly stories again in 2008, so I guess I'd better learn that least-prized virtue of comic fans: patience.
NEWS BRIEFS:
It was recently announced that Sean McKeever, a new transplant from Marvel, will be taking over Teen Titans as regular writer beginning with issue fifty. McKeever had already been named the next writer of Birds of Prey, and is currently working as a collaborator on Countdown. I don't blame him for switching teams, with the obvious faith that DC has in his abilities, and the freedom they're giving him to play with relatively big guns.
I've got a few days to recover from the shock of seeing DC and Marvel's most-delayed titles; fortunately, next week looks like one of the weakest in a while, so I won't be straining myself. Send any grumbles, gripes, or gift baskets to skio84@mac.com. Otherwise, I'll see you in seven. Thanks for reading.
<TOP>Week of May 9th, 2007
Welcome back to the Mania once again. We've got a few goodies, plus a run down of some Free Comic Book Day handouts. Sounds like a handful; we'd better get onward!
SPOTLIGHT REVIEW:
Countdown #51:
Reaction to this 52 sequel has been mixed. Like 52, there were plenty of good and bad things about it, and I found it to be underwhelming overall. The story, which thankfully seems to be one main thread unlike the scattered and often-confusing 52, is about the Monitors policing our continuity, dreadfully complicated again thanks to the rebirth of the multiverse at the end of 52. They've earned my three bucks for another week; I'd suggest picking this up so you won't be the only one who hasn't read it, and because the fold-out cover is easily the best thing either of the Kuberts has done thus far at DC.
FUN SIZE REVIEWS:
Y: The Last Man #56:
Since this isn't a superhero book I usually don't mention it here, unless to tell readers that it's a significant issue. Well…this is a significant issue. All you folks who read it in the trades are going to want to have read this one as soon as possible.
New Avengers #30:
Leinel Yu's art on this book is getting scratchier and scratchier every issue, to the point where he looks like a parody of himself. The story continues in the flashback/present structure that Bendis seems to love using with Avengers books, but it gets kind of confusing this issue. Not a great one, and not worth reading unless you're a big fan.
Ultimate Power #5:
Maybe I'll feel different after reading them all together once issues 6-9 are out, but thus far I'm kind of "meh" on this series, which I had high hopes for. An anticlimactic fight between Thor and Hyperion is the highlight of issue five. Rates a flip through at best.
Amazing Spider-Man #540:
Like most people, I loved the beginning of JMS' Spidey run, and have had plenty of issues with the last few year's worth. I'm really enjoying this latest arc though, with Spidey wearing his dark duds again, and avenging Aunt May's potential death. Dark stuff, with broad strokes of heavy emotion. That's what makes him a great character.
FCBD Extravaganza:
Astounding Wolf Man #1:
This was probably the biggest release of the day for me, since it's the complete first issue of a brand new series with an interesting premise, written by a big name creator. End result? It's nothing amazing yet, but it's interesting enough that I'll buy another issue or two, just because it's Kirkman. The basic plot, if you're interested, is that an upper class family man gets bitten by a werewolf. The story is told in thirty day jumps, which I thought was cool. Stay tuned on this one.
Amazing Spider-Man Special:
I'm impressed with Marvel for putting fan favorite Dan Slott and Phil Jiminez on a book that doesn't cost four dollars. The actual issue wasn't amazing, but it was pretty cool, primarily because Jiminez hit about every other panel of Spidey in costume out of the park. It may be hit and miss, but when it hits, it hits. Perhaps a taste of things to come…
Legion of Superheroes #1:
I wish DC would give grown ups something to enjoy on a FCBD every now and again, but I guess it is designed for the young ones. This was a pretty boring issue that made me neither want to watch the show nor buy another issue of the series. Oh well, at least I can't say I didn't get my money's worth.
NEWS BRIEFS:
Bit of a slow news week, but Gary Frank did sign exclusive with DC, a big snatch since he was looking like he was going to become a go-to at Marvel. Also, Alan Moore and Melinda Gebbie got married. You can go to Neil Gaiman's blog at NeilGaiman.com/journal for photos and a brief account. Even though they won't ever read this, congrats and best wishes to both.
Everyone get your snow boots out, it might get awful cold downstairs with the supposed release of a new issue of All-Star Batman and Robin and the final issue of Ultimates. I'd better go start holding my breath. See you in seven; till then, you can reach me at skio84@mac.com with any comments questions or wagers on the likelihood of the aforementioned releases. Thanks for reading.
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