Secret Invasion #2 ( of 8 ) — Writer: Brian Michael Bendis; Penciler: Leinil Yu; Inker: Mark Morales
Almost all the action takes place in the Savage Land, and it’s… interesting, I suppose, without getting too spoilery about it. I’m not a big fan of Yu’s art — he can draw and pose superhero bodies, but his grasp of concepts like, oh, foreshortening, perspective, backgrounds (you know, the stuff people who’ve actually learned to draw from life are able to use) is slippery at best. The broad sweep of the story, though, and its everything-you-know-is-suspect jolts, have deep fanboy hooks; they’ll insure that readers will keep coming back, and make this a success.
Rann-Thanagar: Holy War #1 ( of 8 ) — Story: Jim Starlin; Pencils: Ron Lim; Inks: Rob Hunter
Starlin’s the reason to buy this, and the “story” credit suggests that he’s supplying layouts for Lim, as well as doing the script. Not only did the man invent “cosmic,” but he has a cynical science-fiction writer’s grasp of the ways that business, politics and religion can cut across worlds, and reflect universal truths that apply to plain old Earthmen too. There are shoutouts to most of the space characters in the DC Universe, including recent Starlin contributions like Hardcore Station and the “new” Captain Comet, along with the space-alien Starman, the Omega Men, and others: more than enough to keep readers entertained.
The Mighty Avengers #13 — Writer: Brian Michael Bendis; Artist: Alex Maleev
As with last week’s New Avengers, the actual title characters are barely discussed; this is actually another supplement/prologue to Secret Invasion, involving What Nick Fury’s Been Up To (gathering newby troops he can trust, mostly). Maleev’s art, all shadows and expressionism, is a good match for the proceedings, and fans should get this because it features the first appearances of a number of characters who will, presumably, be important to the resolution of the mini-series (unless they’re all cannon fodder…).
Detective Comics #844 — Writer: Paul Dini; Penciller: Dustin Nguyen; Inker: Derek Fridolfs
The title is “Curtains,” and it feels like an ending — for the Batman/Zatanna relationship, for the Scarface storyline, and maybe for Dini, too; he’s covered all the major villains by now, said pretty much what he had to say, and it’s hard to see where else he can go with Bruce Wayne, especially with the big Batman: RIP crossover looming in a month. If so, it’s a good ending, typical of his run in the way it’s taken old situations and characters and found new angles to them, combining the comfortably familiar with the refreshingly different.
American Splendor #2 — Writer: Harvey Pekar; Artists: Lapham, Haspiel, Emerson, Templeton, Innes, Marzan, Dumm, Budgett, Neufeld, Baldus
Same old Harv, in terms of the small slice-of-life stories, although a number of them are about how he’s mellowed: in one final panel, he says “it took years before I could be so diplomatic,” and he means it, too. It’s not quite as entertaining as watching him rant, but Lord knows he’s earned a little Zen perspective, and the all-star lineup of artists is more than enough to make this worth buying.
The Invincible Iron Man #1 — Writer: Matt Fraction; Art: Salvador Larroca
A very smart first issue, easily accessible to new fans drawn in from the movie without sacrificing continuity, solid scripting and art, and with enough assorted jolts, blasts and special effects to feel entertaining and bring them back for more. Now, if only Marvel’d managed to get it out last week….
Joe Kubert’s Tor #1 (of 6) — Writer/Artist: Joe Kubert (duh…)
Ten pages of (mostly) house ads in the back, and DC couldn’t spare one for a text page on the 1950s origins of Kubert’s prehistoric barbarian wanderer, and an explanation of why the reader should care about him? Oh, well: get this because Kubert’s been drawing for 70 years, and his rock-solid storytelling offers a tutorial on how to create effective, clear, entertaining comics that a lot of today’s aspiring artists should buy and ponder.
Stuff I liked enough to buy, but have nothing new to say about, so read past reviews in the archives if you really want to know….
Crossing Midnight #18 — Writer: Mike Carey; Pencils: Jim Fern; Inks/Colors: Jose Villarrubia
Amazing Spiderman #558 — Writer: Bob Gail; Pencils: Barry Kitson; Inks: Mark Farmer
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Eight #14 — Writer: Drew Goddard; Pencils: Georges Jeanty; Inks: Andy Owens
The Boys #18 — Writer: Garth Ennis; Art: Darick Robertson
Omega the Unknown #8 (of 10) — Writer: Jonathan Leiihem; Art: Farel Dalrymple
Madman #8 — Writer/Artist: Mike Allred
Phil Mateer
