Comic Book Reviews 2/7/07 & 2/14/07
I didn't get around to posting comic book reviews last week, so I made up for it this week by smushing two weeks worth together. As always, beware of spoilers.
Uncanny X-Men #483
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Penciler: Clayton Henry
This is the third and hopefully final “Catching Up With Vulcan” chapter. This issue our homeboy, Gabe, hooks up with Deathbird, they share a similar bloodlust and some good ol’ fashioned regular lust, and she’s able to postpone his whole “Kill D’Ken” plan. If the Vulcan plot had been developed and spread over the other chapters instead of being surrogated in its own issues, this change in plan may not have seemed so sudden. But, as I’ve said before, what’s being done in twelve issues seems like it could have been taken care of in six or eight. Thankfully, we’ve got only three issues to wrap up this blotted saga. I still have faith in Brubaker, because his Captain America work is amazing. As it were, I’m ready to see what he can do with a smaller, tighter Uncanny X-Men arc. Overall: C+
X-Men Annual #1
Writer: Mike Carey
Penciler: Mark Brooks
Marvel has been trying to make their Annuals “count” in last two years. They wised up to the idea that if they expect us to pay a dollar more for an extra issue, it better have a purpose. This is no exception. X-Men writer Mike Carey delivers a tale that builds on what he’s already developed and fits snuggly between the stories of the regular series. There’s some reasonable resolution to the Aurora and Northstar story, Rogue and Mystique’s relationship is re-examined, and Exodus returns to plant some seeds for future stories. Mark Brooks delivers some great work visually. Also, he’s the first artist to work with Carey on the title able to translate the story with the least amount of confusion. Bachalo and Ramos are dynamic, but, as stated before, their storytelling is really confusing. Overall: B+
Fantastic Four: The End #5
Writer & Penciler: Alan Davis
This has just been a fun ride. Alan Davis is firing on all cylinders and he’s presenting one hell of a Fantastic Four tale. This will probably make one sweet collected volume. The characters are spot on and the series has been chock full of guest that have been major players in the world of the Fantastic Four (the Inhumans, Super Skrull, Annihilus, Namor, etc.). Overall: A
Ms. Marvel #12Writer: Brian Reed
Penciler: Roberto De La Torre & Patrick Zircher
Thought I’d comment real quickly about the latest issue in the ongoing series after my criticism of the one-shot special. This is a good action issue and closing chapter for the first year of stories. The regular series is still really entertaining. The Greg Horn cover was pretty aweful, though. Overall: B
X-Men: Phoenix – Warsong #5Writer: Greg Pak
Penciler: Tyler Kirkham
Simply awful. What started out as some insight into the origin of the Stepford Cuckoos has devolved into nonsense. I’m so over the Phoenix, especially if Marvel uses it as an excuse to create this kind of garbage. Stay away, please. D-
Astonishing X-Men #20Writer: Joss Whedon
Penciler: John Cassaday
This has to be the best issue of the series so far. It pushes the story forward. The character moments are spot on and great. Plus, there's a lot of great action. Maybe, we are finally reaping the fruits of all of Whedon and Cassaday's labors from the past nineteen issues. Everything seems to be coming together amazingly with this issue. The balance of the prophecy and the tension between Kitty and Peter was well handled. The confusion and the inevitability of his role in the fate of the Breakworld is beginning to have an effect on Colossus. I can't wait to see how it plays out. Other great moments:
New X-Men #35Writers: Craig Kyle & Chris Yost
Penciler: Paco Medina
This chapter is pretty similar to the last issue. X-23 and Hellion are running around, shaking down bad guys so they can find their missing teammate, Mercury. Mercury continues to get tortured and experimented on for some yet-to-be revealed reason. And, the O*N*E Sentinels continue to look like a bunch of idiots. Seriously part two and part three could have easily been combined into a single issue. Overall: C+
Y: The Last Man #54Writer: Brian K Vaughan
Penciler: Goran Sudzuka
This is another one of those “done in one” issues that come between story arcs in this series. This time the focus is on the theater troupe that found Ampersand a couple years back. They’re still creative people trying to find ways to express themselves and make a difference in this post-man world. Nice enough, but the resolution comes across a little self-indulgent. I’m ready for the next story arc. Overall: B-
Green Lantern Corps #9Writer: Keith Champagne
Penciler: Patrick Gleason
This is the conclusion of the three part “The Dark Side of Green” story by guest writer Keith Champagne. It’s been a decent enough story, but I wonder if it will have any effect on the greater scheme of things when Dave Gibbons comes back as writer next issue. The idea of a black ops, Section 31-esque division of the GLC is intriguing, but I miss the rings. I’m also looking forward to catching up with GL newbie Soranik Natu. I find her to be the series most interesting character, besides Guy Gardner. Patrick Gleason continues to give the series a really dynamic look. Overall: B
2 comments:
ha. had to throw in the Section 31 reference. seeing your Y:TLM review reminds me how far behind the curve i must be on the storyline since I only pick it up in trade... ah well.
Y lends itself to be read in trade form. Also, Vertigo is quicker than most at putting out the trade.
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