Slowing down even more …
It’s 5 a.m., though. That means two hours. More importantly, that means four more posts (including this one). Three more, really, because the fourth is the wrap-up, sum-up, thanks-for-all-the-fish post close to 7 a.m., but it will basically write itself.
Review code format (ranked 1-5, blah to faboo): [writing / art / new reader? / non-comics reader?]
Lucifer #75 (DC) [4/3/1/4] (w. Mike Carey; a. Peter Gross)
The end of the series — and, so far as can be ascertained, the character. He closes up accounts, does his reminscences, bids his farewells, has one last encounter with his Father, and then … leaves. “The ultimate freedom … the freedom to leave.”
A fitting, quiet ending, to an intricate and tumultuous series. Well done.
Ms. Marvel #5 (Marvel) [3/3/2/1] (w. Brian Reed; a. Roberto de la Torre / Jimmy Palmiotti)
Sharon deals with unexpected press interviews and an unexpectedly competent Traveller, now wielding the Wand of Watoomb. Not to mention a world-eating insect plague. And, by the end, she’s getting ready to deal with the toughest situation of all: the Registration Act, and Captain America at her door.
Nothing spectacular or special, which is a shame, because I’d really like to see the character succeed, and her prominence in the Civil War event is a great stepping stone to that.
Next Wave #6 (Marvel) [4/4/4/2] (w. Warren Ellis; a. Stuart Immonen)
Ellis’ stylish supergroup spy satire. The agents fight improbable robots and the full power of a SHIELD-like helicarrier-like HQ craft. Quirky fun with obscure characters and Ellis’ trademark surrealism.
Runaways #18 (Marvel) [4/4/2/3] (w. Brian Vaughan; a. Adrian Alphona / Craig Yeung)
“One of these Runaways is about to die,” the cover text says — and they’re telling the truth. Big stuff, poignant, the whole nine yards. This is not a safe comic. But it is good.
(listening to: “The Banana Splits” from Television’s Greatest Hits – V)
(listening to: Webber, Andrew Lloyd & Tim Rice, “Pilate’s Dream” from Jesus Christ Superstar)
(listening to: Debussy, “Reverie” from Wedding Album, The)
(listening to: Kilbride, Patrick, “Patrick” from Undocumented Dancing)
(listening to: Moscow Symphony Orchestra, “Oriental Spirit” from Outcast)
(listening to: Sting, “Mad about you” from The Soul Cages)