Views and reviews …
- Hammer of the Gods: Mortal Enemy TPB (Image)
This is the collection of the five-ish mini-series written and drawn by Michael Oeming, with copious support by Mark Whetaley. Oeming is best known for his work on Powers, but his cartoony style works well here, in this “new” Norse myth. Full of portents, fury, heroism, sacrifice, and lots and lots of battle scenes, it fits the bill perfectly. Great stuff, and it reads even better as a collection than as the original book. - Green Latern #155 (DC)
A follow-up issue to the widely-publicized hate crime of the previous issue, as Kyle discovers that even (violently) bringing the perps to justice doesn’t necessarily make everything all better. And it ends with a series-changing decision by Kyle — no, really. It will be interesting to see where Winick goes with this. - Way of the Rat #6 (CGE)
Jeff Johnson is back at the art, as Chuck Dixon wraps up the first story arc, leading to a major defeat of a bad guy, and what promises to be a major error on the part of Boon. Beautiful and a lot of fun, I am so waiting for the movie — and, in the shorter term, the first collection, so I can share this thing with all my friends - Legion #12 (DC)
The Legion dukes it out with the JLA. Well, not really, and it’s pretty obvious what’s going on, but it’s still kind of fun. The plot surrounding the the invasion of Earth by Robotica continues to thicken. This is really a good, solid comic. So why doesn’t DC collected it in TPBs so that folks could get enough context to make sense? - Black Panther #50 (Marvel)
A new direction! Well, a new artist (fine work by Dan Fraga), but the same old writer (Christopher Priest). Is Black Panther becoming the Punisher? Well, no, but Priest provides his usually (almost overly) complex/rich story, and we are left wondering what’s really going on. - Queen & Country: Operation Morningstar TPB (Oni)
A collection of issues 5-7, dealing with both Tara’s difficulty in recovering, psychologically, from the previous mission, and a new mission into Taliban-controlled Afghanistan (plotted prior to 9-11). Excellent stuff. - Killraven #1 (of 6) (Marvel PG)
A remake of a 70s oddball classic, as escaped gladiators battle to free a “War of the Worlds”-ravaged Earth. On the other hand, anything drawn by Alan Davis is worth the price of entry. - Strange Killings #2 (of 6) (Avatar)
Dangerous magic-users in comics are usually of the Dr. Fate or Dr. Strange type, wielding mega-powerful spells that can crack the world open. Warren Ellis demonstrates how much less powerful mages, armed with pistols and a killer attitude, can be equally dangerous. A cautionary tale, well-rendered.68 view(s)
>Green Latern #155 (DC)
>And it ends with a series-changing decision by Kyle — no, really.
Boy, does it! I did not see that coming! I assume this change will be reflected in JLA as soon as the current story arc is complete (speaking of which, how about that cover on #73?). I just hope they handle this well. I never liked…umm, how to avoid a spoiler here?…well, I never liked a certain character who makes a surprise appearance in this story.
>Black Panther #50 (Marvel)
>A new direction!
Yeah, but I’ll probably drop this book soon. I liked the silver age BP, but I just don’t know who T’Challa is anymore. Very unsettling.
Now, some books you’re apparently not reading:
Batgirl #33 (DC)
Cassandra’s relationship with her father is definitively clarified in the wake of the “Bruce Wayne: Fugitive” storyline. This book is consistently one of my favorites.
Captain America #5 (Marvel PG)
snore
Detective Comics #775 (DC)
Looks like all the loose ends from the “Fugitive” story are tied up. Rucka does a nice job (as expected) answering all our questions about Sasha and Bruce.
Harley Quinn #25 (DC)
Joker’s back! ‘Nuff said.
Nine others for me this week, but I have nothing interesting to say about them.
Actually, read each of the first three, just didn’t review them. Never picked up Harley Quinn (the comic could never match my love of the animated version).
I’m actually dropping Batgirl — it’s fun, but not fun enough to warrent another $3 out of my wallet. Cap I’m ambivalent over — love the art, the story is leaving me lukewarm. Detective … too much Bat-emotion, though I’m glad they wrapped up the storyline. And it will have ramifications in the future, I’ve no doubt.