This is it. The moment you’ve waited for. The last set of reviews until Phil comes back!
Spider-Woman #7 Writer: Brian Michael Bendis Artist: Alex Maleev
So everything finally comes to a head, it’s a very good ending to the first arc, and it’s cancelled. Gee Thanks Marvel! This was the best issue of what had been a lackluster series, but it’s surprising to see the axe this quickly. They blame it on motion comics, but shouldn’t they have known that was a problem a couple issues in? Lame.
Brave and the Bold #32 Writer: J. Michael Straczynski Artist: Jesus Saiz
The story itself is ok. The art is what really takes this up a notch. To start with, Straczynski writes coherent rhyme scheme for the Demon, which is easier said then done. But overall, Saiz steals the spotlight with his amazing renderings of both the undersea creatures, and the demonic problems they are facing. Overall, this is the first really good issue of the latest Brave and the Bold run, and here’s hoping it gets better from here.
Joe the Barbarian #3 (of 8 ) Writer: Grant Morrison Artist: Sean Murphy
Morrison is toeing a fine line here. As always, his work is on the verge of being incoherent, but I find myself strangely amused by it. This is another issue that is ultimately saved by the art. Murphy pulls out all the stops for this issue, much like he has done for all the others. This book could be amazing, or terrible, or amazingly terrible, ask me when it’s over, and you’ll get my final verdict.
Hercules Fall of an Avenger #1 (of 2) Writers: Greg Pak, Fred Van Lente Artist: Ariel Olivetti
This was just a bizarre little issue. Hercules is dead; so many people have come out to mourn. In the process we get the ridiculous eulogies of many of the Marvel U. It’s surprisingly hilarious, and I found myself actually laughing at certain character bits (The Elven Tickler? Really?) I’m interested to see if this turns all serious next issue, but this one was a very fun and good start.
American Vampire #1 Writer: Scott Snyder and Stephen King Artist: Rafael Albuquerque
Worth noting because it’s being hyped as the first time King has actually written a comic as opposed to being part of an adaptation. The two stories involved are both good, better than I had anticipated in fact. But now when I think about it, I don’t find myself remembering them that much. Is it because I read this first, or because it wasn’t memorable? Interesting question…
Nation X #4 (of 4) Writer/Artist: various
Peter Milligan and Mike Allred do a Doop short story. If that doesn’t have you drooling, then we aren’t friends anymore. Everything else in this was not very good, but c’mon. Doop. That is all.
Echo #20 Writer/Artist: Terry Moore
Still one of the best Indy books out there right now. Moore is really one of the best storytellers in the business, and this book is no exception. Ignoring the atomic theory issue (the professor may get it, but the student sure didn’t), Terry Moore has really been putting out some great stuff. I look forward to every issue.
Time Lincoln #1 Writer/Artist: Fred Perry
Amidst the T&A that Antarctic Press puts out, they drop something like Time Lincoln. Really? Yes. Just as awesome as it sounds. Lincoln, Einstein, Franklin, Newton and Carver all have to work together to defeat the likes of Void Stalin and MepHitler. No seriously, the most amusing thing I have read in a long time. It’s like the comic was made specifically for me.
Quick List of things that came out that you either already know is how good they are or you should buy the trades and find out:
Fables #93 Writer: Bill Willingham Artist: David Lapham
Green Lantern Corps #46 Writer: Pete Tomasi Artist: Patrick Gleason
Amazing Spider-man # 625 Writer: Joe Kelly Artist: Max Fiumara
Battlefields #4 Writer: Garth Ennis Artist: Carlos Ezquerra
And that’s it! As always it’s been a pleasure. Don’t forget to heckle the Professor about how much better my reviews are then his the next time you see him in the store!
“The” Dan Jacka
