SmartMarks Comic Reviews 8/7

[Guest raptor]

Soundtrack: Fozzy, Happenstance. I’m a huge Jericho mark and I love Heavy Metal. It’s really a no brainer.

Standout Tracks: To Kill A Stranger, L.O.V.E. Machine, Crucify Yourself

 

X-Men Evolution #9

Story Title:: House Party

Creators: Jay Faerber, J.J. Kirby

Publisher: Marvel Comics, G

Auxiliary Facts: Final Issue

Plot: The X-Men have a party when Professor X, Beast, Storm, and Wolverine are away.

Comments: All I’d heard online was that Marvel editors loved this story, so decided to pick it up. It’d also mean that I would have the entire series, so that’s another reason to get it. After reading the story, I have come to the realization that Marvel editorial are a bunch of monkeys with mental problems. The story is passable at best, and Faerber seems to have never read an issue or watched the show. The characterization of key characters (Nighcrawler, Kitty) that Devin Grayson has layed out for eight issues was tossed out the window. Also, could anybody tell me a good reason why all the senior members would leave the mansion unattended? I didn’t think so. *

 

Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again #3

Creators: Frank Miller

Publisher: DC Comics

Auxiliary Facts: Final Issue, 1st:Saturn Girl; IR: The Joker

Plot: Batman and his new JLA make their last attempt to liberate the world from the tyranny of Lex Luthor and Braniac, all while Catgirl is stalked by the mysterious Joker.

Comments: If this wasn’t the sequel to The Dark Knight Returns, fans would be drooling over it. As it stands, it’s a fitting sequel, but not near the quality of DKR. Miller crafts a very interesting tale, and his art seems to have gained clarity over the series’ run. Some parts were predictable, like The Joker’s identity (when Saturn Girl revealed his presence, I instantly guessed his identity. I also found the final scene quite touching, and it also showed that Miller might be thinking trilogy. I think this will benefit from it’s hardcover presentation later this year, as well. ***

 

Ultimate Spider-Man #25

Story Title: Plasmids

Creators: Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Bagely

Publisher: Ultimate Marvel Comics

Auxiliary Facts: N/A

Plot: We see last issue’s confrontation from the demented view of the Green Goblin, and a familiar bridge scene plays out in the Ultimate universe.

Comments: I still don’t know how I really feel about this issue yet. One the one hand, the big event kind of shocked me. On the other hand, it’s the first time I felt that Bendis wasn’t really doing anything creatively different. The true test of the event’s impact will be on how Bendis follows up in later issues. This issue was very good, however, as the bulk of it is centered on the delusional mind of the Green Goblin. Bendis’ work on this section is fantastic. Sorry for the vague review, but I’d rather not spoil the comic for you guys. ***

 

Uncanny X-Men #410

Story Title: Hope (Part I of III)

Creators: Chuck Austen, Ron Garney

Publisher: Marvel Comics, PG

Auxiliary Facts: N/A

Plot: The Austen era kicks off as the X-Men are assaulted by the Juggernaut!

Comments: Since the X-Men relaunch, Uncanny has seemed to be the bastard child of the line. Morrison and Peter Milligan were converting more diehards to their vision, and people looking for traditional X-Men stories could find such stories in X-Treme X-Men. Uncanny was out in the cold, and Joe Casey’s uneven plots did little to help that stigma. Thinks are looking much better, however. Chuck Austen doesn’t present a perfect issue, but he shows a lot of promise. For everything bad (using Monet when she is supposedly dead in New X-Men), he presents something that tips the scales (his hilarious role call). He seems to have a definite love for the characters, and it comes across really well. ***

 

Alias #13

Creators: Brian Michael Bendis, Michael Gaydos

Publisher: Marvel Comics MAX, M

Auxiliary Facts: C: Ant-Man II

Plot: Jessica delves deeper into the abduction of a girl who may or may not have been a mutant.

Comments: For the most part, I have found this storyline to be underwhelming. I’m enjoying the series, but there really hasn’t been an issue where I thought it was anything better than good. Bendis’ schedule was bound to hurt one of his titles, and it seems as if that title is Alias. This issue is a little better than the last, as it carries a fairly brisk pace throughout. I believe that all Alias storylines may be best read in one sitting, as this issue definitely sets up a great ending to the storyline.

 

Rising Stars #19 (of 24)

Story Title: Terminal Error

Creators: J. Michael Straczynski, Brent Anderson

Publisher: Image: Joe’s Comics

Auxiliary Facts: N/A

Plot: After learning of Jerry’s death, Poet avenges his death and sets the Special’s fail-safe into action.

Comments: This series is the perfect example of what lateness can do to a comic. When it first hit shelves, it was the toast of the comic community, and the recent mainstream acceptance of “the new superhero” genre can be arguably traced back to it. Now, nobody seems to remember it exists. I’m not saying scheduling was the only factor, though, since the quality has suffered as well. This issue was better than more recent ones, but it hasn’t been as mind blowing as the Born in Fire arc was. **

 

eXiles #16 Uber-Book of the Week!

Story Title: Nocturne and Evensong

Creators: Judd Winnick, Jim Calafiore

Publisher: Marvel Comics, PG

Auxiliary Facts: N/A

Plot: A special stand alone issue centered on the turbulent relationship between Nocturne and Thunderbird.

Comments: eXiles is officialy back. After being comparitively bad for the last to issues, this one renews my faith in the fact that it is the best comic on the market. Winnick’s in rare form here; funny, touching, dramatic. Nothing seems beyond his reach. If you can read this issue and not feel like crap, then you’re a better man than I. *****

 

X-Men Icons: Chamber #1 (of 4)

Story Title: The Hollow Man: Chapter One

Creators: Brian K. Vaughn, Lee Furgison

Publisher: Marvel Comics, PG

Auxiliary Facts: C: Cyclops

Plot: Chamber enrolls at Empire State University (as part of the genetic diversification program) to investigate the murders of other mutant students.

Comments: Although Joe Casey’s Uncanny X-Men run wasn’t stellar, he did one thing right. He made me care about Chamber enough to by a limited series based on him. This is my first time reading Brian K. Vaughn’s work, and I must say he does a very good job of keeping my interest in a character inexperienced at being a lead. I’ve never heard of Lee Furgusen, but I enjoyed his pencils immensely. Vaughn wrote the most well recieved of the last batch of Icons (Cyclops) and seems to be on his way to delivering the best of the bunch in Chamber. ***1/2

 

Spider-Girl #50

Story Title:Forgiveness

Creators: Tom DeFalco, Pat Olliffe

Publisher: Marvel Comics/m2, PG

Auxiliary Facts: Double-Sized Anniversary Issue

Plot: The entire years worth of story lines are tied up in this anniversary issue!

Comments: If this title were to have gone through with the cancellation, this would have been the last issue, so it makes sense that all the subplots are tied up neatly. DeFalco seems to have a renewed sense of life, as the past couple issues have been as excellent as the opening arcs. My only problem (and the only thing keeping it from being perfect) is the “cliffhanger” ending. It’s already tread territory to have May seemingly giving up her super heroic exploits, and it just seemed really tacky. ****

 

Spider-Man/Daredevil #1

Story Title: Neighbors

Creators: Brett Matthews, Vatche Mavlian

Publisher: Marvel Knights, PG

Auxiliary Facts: N/A

Plot: Daredevil and Spider-Man race to save a kidnapped girl.

Comments: After buying this, I feel kind of dirty. The story was very fun, and the artwork was passable, but it just smells of a money making scheme. This could have easily taken place as a fill-in of either star’s title, or even as a part of the upcoming Double Shot anthology series. It just didn’t seem like it warranted it’s own #1, since it’s a one-shot. I do like the fact that Marvel is using this strategy to showcase new talent, though. This was an light, entertaining read, and nothing more. ***

 

Buffy The Vampire Slayer #47

Story Title: Notes From The Underground (Part I of IV)

Creators: Scott Lobdell, Cliff Richards

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Auxiliary Facts: A: Faith, Angel, Cordelia, Gunn, Fred

Plot: Scott Lobdell joins the title as Angel and Faith make their way to Sunnydale to save the town!

Comments: To say that I approached Lobdell’s run on this title with trepidation would be an understatement. His early run on the X-Men titles was what got me into comics in the first place, but looking back, they lacked the depth and character of Claremont’s or Morisson’s run. He seems to have started off on Buffy very well, by pulling out all the stops in his first arc, by bringing almost every former cast member back into the book. Looking at the big picture, however, it seems as if he may be leaving little for the rest of his run. ***

 

Thundercats #0

Story Title: A Cat’s Tale

Creators: Ford Lytle Gilmore, J. Scott Cambell

Publisher: Wildstorm Comics

Auxiliary Facts: Prelude to the new ongoing series, Sketchbook/Pin-Up Section

Plot: Lion-O teaches Wilykat what it means to be a hero.

Comments: I seem to like this a little more than Starvenger, but not much. This and Masters of the Universe are the only nostaligia properties that I have fond memories of, but to say that I remember much about them would be a lie. This means that an apparent lack of characterization is lost on me, as I quite enjoyed the little story in this issue. Ed McGuinness’ (sp?) art look much better suited for the title though, as J. Scott Cambell’s titlation heavy art seemed...wrong (especially in reference to Cheetarah). ***

[Guest starvenger]

Listening to a compilation of Can-Con as I write this. From BNL to the Hip to Tuuli to Maestro Fresh-Wes to Swollen Members...

 

Uncanny X-Men #410

Creators: Chuck Austen, Ron Garney

Plot: The Austen era kicks off as the X-Men are assaulted by the Juggernaut!

Comments: Since the X-Men relaunch, Uncanny has seemed to be the bastard child of the line. Morrison and Peter Milligan were converting more diehards to their vision, and people looking for traditional X-Men stories could find such stories in X-Treme X-Men. Uncanny was out in the cold, and Joe Casey’s uneven plots did little to help that stigma. Thinks are looking much better, however. Chuck Austen doesn’t present a perfect issue, but he shows a lot of promise. For everything bad (using Monet when she is supposedly dead in New X-Men), he presents something that tips the scales (his hilarious role call). He seems to have a definite love for the characters, and it comes across really well. ***

Kev's ratings:

Writing: 7/10

Art: 7/10

Cover: 6/10

Overall (not an average): 7/10

 

I didn't know that M was dead. I'd call that an editing gaffe - you can't expect the rookie to know EVERYTHING that goes on in Morrison's mind (and I'm not sure he'd want to). Funny that they got the Chamber thing right, though. The subplot showing the Prof actually recruiting a mutant that has no useful powers was nice as well - we don't see that very often. Beast should be in Avengers, though.

 

Anyways, based on Kia Asimiya's sketchwork, we should be seeing an Alpha Flight-er on the team soon, so that should be interesting.

 

eXiles #16 Uber-Book of the Week!

Creators: Judd Winnick, Jim Calafiore

Plot: A special stand alone issue centered on the turbulent relationship between Nocturne and Thunderbird.

Comments: eXiles is officialy back. After being comparitively bad for the last to issues, this one renews my faith in the fact that it is the best comic on the market. Winnick’s in rare form here; funny, touching, dramatic. Nothing seems beyond his reach. If you can read this issue and not feel like crap, then you’re a better man than I. *****

Kev's ratings:

Writing: 9/10

Art: 9/10

Cover: 9/10

Overall (not an average, although they're all 9's): 9/10

 

Rumour has it that regular penciller Mike McKone is going to go exclusive with DC, and if so, I hope Calafiore stays on as regular penciller - he's done a great job as the regular fill-in artist. As with the "nuff said" issue, Winnick does a great job with the standalone story, giving us a lot of characterization on Nocturne, and her relationship with T-Bird.

 

BTW, has anyone noticed that eXiles is rather similar to Sliders?

 

Thundercats #0

Plot: Lion-O teaches Wilykat what it means to be a hero.

Comments: I seem to like this a little more than Starvenger, but not much. This and Masters of the Universe are the only nostaligia properties that I have fond memories of, but to say that I remember much about them would be a lie. This means that an apparent lack of characterization is lost on me, as I quite enjoyed the little story in this issue. Ed McGuinness’ (sp?) art look much better suited for the title though, as J. Scott Cambell’s titlation heavy art seemed...wrong (especially in reference to Cheetarah). ***

Kev's ratings:

Writing: 4/10

Art: 3/10

Cover: 5/10

Sketchbook/Pinups: 5/10

Overall (not an average): 4/10

 

I tend to remember stupid trivial things. I couldn't tell you what I did at work 2 days ago, but I remember those weekday cartoons, yessir. One of the problems with the writing is glaringly obvious in the plot. By the time the 'Cats leave Thunderra, 'Kit and 'Kat are already trained warriors, and would have a much better idea of what it meant to be a hero than the less experienced Lion-O.

 

The art, as well, was quite bad. Lots of poses that probably aren't possible, even for biped felines, And the faces were especially bad. It reminded me of when they showed movies on TV with the widescreen squished to fit onto the screen - everything was tall and thin. I think EMC will do a better job with the art, but I don't know that Gilmore will get better. I'll give him a chance, though.

 

Other stuff I picked up (although it may not be recent)

Battle of the Planets 1&2:

 

Writing: 7/10

Art: 8/10

Cover: (Campbell, #1) 6/10; (Ross, #2) 9/10

Overall (not an average): 7/10

 

Of the 4 licensed books that I've bought (TF, GIJoe, BotP and T-Cats), this one was probably the truest to the book. But then, it pretty much follows the first episode of the show (Attack of the Space Terrapin... or was that the Gatchaman episode?). Anyways, you get the BotP names with mostly Gatchaman-style action - and no 7-Zark-7, thank goodness. I'm shocked that they didn't make Princess/Jum more, um, "bouncy" though - it seemed to be a major selling point in the Gatchaman OAV, I thought.

[Guest Vyce]

Did M officially die in New X-Men? I remember her being in the subway with the Weapon XII project, but I don't really remember if her actual death was shown.

 

Even if she did kick it - it's Marvel. I'm surprised she didn't pop up again a page later.

 

I agree about Thundercats #0. Just disappointing. If the miniseries is like that, I may just forgo picking it up.

[Guest raptor]

What I meant by the Monet comment was that the mystery surrounding her death is now kinda' solved. They could still kill her in New X-Men, but she's obviousley part of the Hope storyline for two more issues.

 

P.S. Could anybody tell who was impaled at the end of Uncanny? Process of elimination suggests Wolverine, or Monet, but the art wasn't clear.

[Guest starvenger]

P.S. Could anybody tell who was impaled at the end of Uncanny? Process of elimination suggests Wolverine, or Monet, but the art wasn't clear.

It's Logan. It's hard to see, but on page 26, panel 3 you can see that that stake goes through Logan's upper left side - probably his lung. On page 27, panel 5, the character is in the same position as Wolverine on the previous page, but the view is rotated 180.

 

Also, if you think about it, the only two people on the team that could survive that kinda impalement are Logan and Bobby (in his ice form). M is supposed to be invulnerable, so if something manages to pierce her, she's likely dead.

[Guest raptor]

Thanks, Starvenger.

On another note, no News Report this week, due to lack of news and the fact that I'm moving.

[Guest DrTom]

Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again #3

Creators: Frank Miller

Publisher: DC Comics

Auxiliary Facts: Final Issue, 1st:Saturn Girl; IR: The Joker

Plot: Batman and his new JLA make their last attempt to liberate the world from the tyranny of Lex Luthor and Braniac, all while Catgirl is stalked by the mysterious Joker.

Comments: If this wasn’t the sequel to The Dark Knight Returns, fans would be drooling over it. As it stands, it’s a fitting sequel, but not near the quality of DKR. Miller crafts a very interesting tale, and his art seems to have gained clarity over the series’ run. Some parts were predictable, like The Joker’s identity (when Saturn Girl revealed his presence, I instantly guessed his identity. I also found the final scene quite touching, and it also showed that Miller might be thinking trilogy. I think this will benefit from it’s hardcover presentation later this year, as well. ***

 

You're a generous man. I HATED #3 in this series. It's an awful sequel to one of the best miniseries ever. The art declined in quality throughout, and even at its best, isn't as good as TDKR. As long as we had to wait for #3, I was expecting something mind-blowing, or at least good. Instead, I got $8 worth of offal. The Joker's identity was indeed easy to guess. I liked the Flash and Lara, but didn't care about the rest of the returned heroes at all. Interesting, though, that in 3 years, we went from a clear parody of the Reagan 80s to a dystopian futuristic society. I also didn't like the idea of Bruce Wayne as an agent and catalyst of social change. If I were going to give star ratings for the individual books, they'd be (out of 5):

 

#1: ****

#2: **1/2

#3: *

 

The series on the whole is probably around **1/2, which is nowhere near the quality of TDKR. At this point, a trilogy is the LAST thing I want to see. Give it up, Frank.