Comic Book Reviews - Week of 12/28/06

Looks like I'll be handling most the geeky side of this blog. Other than posting about my oh-so-exciting life, I'll be presenting my views and insight on all things comic books, sci-fi, music and whatever else turns my crank. So, without further ado:

Astonishing X-Men #19











Writer: Joss Whedon
Artist: John Cassaday


This is quite the interesting issue: an epilogue and a prologue all rolled into one. After the sudden finish to the sixth and concluding chapter of the “Torn” story arc, Joss Whedon simultaneously deals with the consequences of the Cassandra Nova plot, as well as moving the pieces into place for remaining five issues. The result is rather pleasing.

Whedon touches on recent developments in Kitty and Peter’s relationship. Unfortunately, he’s dealing with a pairing that is made up of his best-utilized character (Ms. Pryde) and his least realized one (Mr. Rasputin). Due to events, both recent and historically ancient (by real world calendars), we can understand Kitty’s hesitation. John Cassady’s beautiful choreography of her speech to Peter, further drives the point home. She loves him, but he has such a capacity to hurt her, whether intentional or not. Hopefully, before the “Unstoppable” arc is concluded, Peter will be given a rebuttal scene. Sure, Colossus is the strong silent type, but he has rarely been given much to say since his resurrection. His poor attempt at humor later in the issue was a welcome change, though.

Emma is still a bit shaky after her treatment at the hands of Cassandra Nova, both physically and emotionally. Give the timeframe of events this is understandable. The fact that no one knows where Nova disappeared to will comeback to haunt the X-Men before this story arc concludes, seems to be a given. My money is on Hisako being her “carrier”.

Wolverine doesn’t get much to do this issue, but Cyclops and Beast step up to their roles as tactician and scientist, respectively. Though he can’t access his powers, I’m hoping that when they do come back, Scott will be able to control them. This would be an interesting development for the character, but the visor is such a defining visual statement for the character and the X-Men.

Speaking of visuals, this has to be one of John Cassaday’s finest issues on the series. From the panoramic alien environments to the confines of the S.W.O.R.D. starship, Cassaday delivers beautiful detail. The characters are given environments to inhabit instead of blank spaces and the facial expressions provide as much characterization as Whedon’s dialogue. Too bad the abundance of ads break up the flow of the design so frequently.

In conclusion, a solid wrap-up-come-set-up issue. If this is any indication, than Whedon and Cassaday’s swan song on the title will be one great ride.

Overall: A+

X-Men #194











Writer: Mike Carey
Artist: Humberto Ramos

I’ve come to the conclusion that I would be enjoying Mike Carey’s run on the Adjectiveless X-Men if the art on the title was less stylized than that provided by Chris Bachalo, the regular artist, or Humberto Ramos, the artist on the current three issue arc “Primary Infection”. Don’t get me wrong, Bachalo has an amazing visual design ability and his characters are beautiful. Unfortunately, his storytelling has usually left something to be desired. Ramos is a little clearer in the storytelling department, but his cartoony visuals are more distracting than dynamic. I found Clayton Henry’s fill-in issue a while back to be very functional to Carey’s script as well as visually entertaining. Oh, well.

Carey continues to succeed in finding his characters' voices. Rogue hasn’t been this confidant and realized in almost fifteen years (i.e. before she became Gambit’s girlfriend). I’m starting to get used to her having Sunfire’s powers instead of the Ms. Marvel ones she held for so long. The floating template (or lack of one) she was saddled with during the X-Treme X-Men years was too open-ended. Her power siphoning became the character instead of… well the character being the character. Making her the squad leader doesn’t seemed forced and she is fully able to back up her decisions. Rogue’s handling of Lady Mastermind was delivered quite well. Though, what would be the point of sending Regan packing in the buff when she’s practically halfway there?

Speaking of Lady M, she’s been given some welcomed development this issue. In fitting with some of the other members of this X-Men team, she is certainly no angel. She’s there for revenge, and Rogue seems completely aware of that. If only they could get her a better costume, the current one is unnecessarily distracting. Tandy Bowen called and she wants her wardrobe back.

Karima (I’m sorry, but I like the name “Cybergirl” better than “Omega Sentinel”) is given a little bit more to do this issue. However, instead of proper character development, she, like Cable in the previous storyline, is given the role of Geordi LaForge, the walking tricorder. So far, she’s been there only to offer tech evaluation and resolution. Hopefully, this will change.

In conclusion, Mike Carey continues to please in the area of characterization and plot movement. Guest artist Humberto Ramos, despite fair storytelling, is a bit over the top design wise, but that’s a personal aesthetic matter. In all, a decent start to a new story arc. On a side note, I’m still very happy about having the corner box on the covers on most X-Men books, again. It’s a great place to put the arc name, creator credits and those adorable little headshots.

Overall: B+