Welcome back, friends of all ages and races and sizes and species! We’ve got a great round-up of comics for you this week, and an exciting book for our BOTW slot. I’d also like to remind you, we’ve got this brand new rating system up:
0: Uwe Boll will direct the adaptation of this comic
0.1 – 1: Burn upon touching
1- 1.9: Abysmal
2.0 – 2.9: Art. Writing. Editing. All bad.
3.0 – 3.9: You’d be a masochist to pick this up.
4.0 – 4.9: “I’ll give it another month…but that was not good.”
5.0 – 5.9: “Really? The Watcher? In the face? I guess it was fun.”
6.0 – 6.9: “Hmm. That was decent.”
7.0 – 7.9: Well made but a few problems
8.0 – 8.9: Nearly flawless
9.0 – 9.9: Outstanding
10: Perfection. Issue of the year contender
For those wondering, Pass would be anywhere from 0 to 3.9, Browse would be 4 to 6.9, and Buy would be from 7 to 10. So what are you waiting for? Hop on past the jump and enjoy! And we hope you’ve been enjoying our decade lists. It wraps up tomorrow!
Book of the Week: Daytripper #1
Matt’s Thoughts: Recorded in 1965, Day Tripper was quite an unusual song for the Beatles at the time. According to lore, it was written around Christmas time to help push Beatles merch for the holiday season. A rather tongue in cheek song that is, in it’s own right, rather humorous, it was written by Lennon and McCartney in a short time span. Regardless, the song would become rather famous and a popular one at that, with the opening riff becoming more famous than the song it opens.
The comic is pretty good too!
While that may seem like an odd form of a review, I suppose that if I left you confused in that write-up, that would easily sum up how I felt about Daytripper. I rather enjoyed the artwork, and thought it was a well written story, but I can easily say I have no idea what the book is about. I also am rather curious as to how we can have a book beyond the first issue when the “main character” is shot by the end of it? Unless there is much more to it than I understood. Nonetheless, I must say it makes for a very good read from Ba and Moon, both of whom are known primarily for their artwork. I’ll definitely be back for the next book regardless.
David’s Thoughts: I honestly could not have fathomed naming something besides this issue being the book of the week. To me, the debut of a Vertigo book is a day of celebration. In a similar regard, I greatly anticipate the release of a new title featuring Gabriel Ba or Fabio Moon participating in some form. That this title is the convergence of all three is an absurd gift, and after reading it, I can say for sure that this is a gift that should be treasured.
This debut issue tells the story of Bras, a Brazilian obituary writer on a big day for his father and himself. For his entire life he’s lived in the shadow of his literary giant father, but as he tells his friend Jorge it isn’t what he imagined for himself. “I wanted to write about life, Jorge, and look at me now…all I write about is death.”
Like all good pieces of literature, this issue is not about what lies at the end of the journey, but the journey itself. What a beautiful journey it is, with Ba and Moon collaborating to create a newly toned down and even more powerful version of their art than ever before, all the while pairing it with a beautifully written story that feels real and heartfelt. It’s about life, love, family, and everything inbetween. When I preach in my Multiversity 101 columns about how comics should be good and how you should support those titles that try for something a little more and different, this is the type of comic I’m referring to. Don’t miss the opportunity to pick up the next big thing in comics.
Continued belowGil’s Thoughts: To be honest, I was pretty unaware of this book until this week. When it was time to pick the book of the week, I decided to pick it up, because I could get something new that was indie oriented. And it was by the artists from Casanova? Cool! But I was actually a bit disappointed. I don’t really see what the point to the issue was, as it was a guy largely feeling sorry for himself because he’s a writer who languishes in print writing obituaries. In all honesty, it reminded me of Jude Law’s character in the movie “Closer”. But I digress.
The story itself feels stale. It’s another story about a writer whose work is taunting him, and he can’t get over it. It’s pretty self-indulgent, and is there a point? Not really. The ending pretty much precludes any chance of getting more out of the main character. I will say that I love the art. It was the best part of the book, and it’ll be the reason I keep up with it, if at all.
Brandon’s Thoughts: Hold on, he’s thinking!
MATT’S REVIEWS
God Complex #1
I had quite literally no idea what this book was when I grabbed it. All I knew was Michael Avon Oeming was in charge of it, and that’s enough to pull me in. The man is the co-creator of Mice Templar and Powers. What more do I need to know? So when I picked up the book, read it, and realized that this was a new book reinterpreting the Greek Gods into a modern era, I knew I had found a book that I could greatly enjoy.
God Complex is, quite simply, about the god Apollo, referring to himself as Paul, slumming it in our world. He is sickened by something going on with the Greek god world and wants to hide from everyone. However, Zeus is just not having this. He sends one of his witchy goons after Paul to bag and tag him, and this is where the book gets interesting. Of course, Paul just wants to stay under the radar, and having recently thrown down with a local gang who is hassling his employer, the neighborhood suddenly realizes that there’s something not so ordinary about this local mountain of a man…
Right from these alone, I believe it’s enough to give the book a good grab and read. And with Oeming on scripts, partnered with Dan Berman (who he has worked with in the past), you’re sure to get a good story. And if you’re wondering if you do, well, you do. The story, for one issue, is really good. A little slow in the middle, but the beginning and the end are incredibly strong. Enough to pull me back to see another issue. As for the art with John Broglia, I’ve gotta say – he’s really doing his best Oeming impression here. In fact, it’s done to the point where I almost wish Oeming had just drawn it himself! But assuming that his time is being taken up by artwork elsewhere, I’ve gotta say, it’s somewhat enjoyable for the next best thing. Having Oeming-esque art without actually having Oeming do the art is good, but a tad bit of a drawback.
So I’d say God Complex is a good start to a new series. I could see it going down many roads, and I’m rather interested to see where it goes from here. I would definitely say if you didn’t grab it yet, you should. It’s a strong start to a brand new Image series.
Final Verdict: 8.0 – Buy
SWORD #2
Kieron Gillen is Marvel’s current golden boy. He’s getting books like Ares, Thor, and the launch of SWORD. And rightfully so. You know why Gillen is getting to write this book? Because it’s a spin off of an amazing story line in Amazing X-Men, and Marvel knows that they need a GREAT writer to write it in place of Joss Whedon. And in selecting Gillen, Marvel has made an EXCELLENT move in trusting this new book in the hands of such a capable writer.
The last issue of SWORD, the inaugural issue, was full of humorous little moments and high flying spacey fun. This issue? It ups the ante. This issue is even more funny than the previous one, has even more action, and definitely acts as the definition of how the book will be in the future. In fact, I believe that this issue shows exactly why anyone who loved Whedon’s run of Astonishing should definitely be picking up this book. It’s an amazing continuation what Whedon started, and a wonderful way to bring new readers into the space age of Marvel. From the opening scene to the dialogue with the “bounty hunter”, SWORD #2 is full of great moments to thrill and excite.
Of course… all this is being said when I get past the artwork. Now, it’s not that I HATE the artwork. I don’t! In many cases it looks really good. Steven Sanders draws a great Abigail Brand. For the most part, his slightly cartoonish take on the book really fits it. However, then I take a look at Beast… and I’m sorry, but Beast does not have a snout, and it bugs me every time I see it. In fact, if only he could fix how he draws Beast, I would give the book a much higher rating. But with his huge shnoz and the whole “I’m angry, check out my teeth” scene, it really drags down a big part of the book for me.
That aside, I’d say that two issues in SWORD has me as a fan. I look forward to where the series moves in the future, and I’m definitely sticking around.
Final Verdict: 8.0 – Buy
REBELS #11
I’ve only read two issues of REBELS, and that’s just because of Blackest Night. I’m being an ubernerd and trying to follow along with the entire crazy saga of Black Lanterns as they rage through the universe. So before the last issue, I hadn’t read a single issue and had no idea what had happened or what was going to happen. With these two issues, though, I can easily say I’m curious to continue reading the book beyond this point. Not only does it have good writing, but the artwork works rather perfect for the book, and I’m pretty interested to see what goes on from here.
In this issue we have the continued adventures of Dox as he is inducted into the Sinestro Corps. It’s easy to see how he spreads fear! While the book doesn’t bring in a lot of new elements into the overall Blackest Night saga, it does present an entertaining romp as Vril battles Harbinger. And of course, there is the TOTALLY awesome moment at the end where Dox is given the opportunity to save his son, and instead tosses him into a portal to be killed by the Black Lanterns. I’ve gotta say, even as a new person to the book, I let out a rather hearty chuckle at that. There’s no denying the awesomeness of the character.
While the other members of the Sinestro Corps in this issue are kind of pushovers, overall it’s a pretty good issue. I mean, I’m coming from the point of view as a reader who is just here because there are Black Lanterns, but even so I found myself very into the story I was reading. I’d like to go read some trades and see what came before, and based on the preview at the end I’d like to see where the book goes from here. While it’s not the supreme standout of the week or anything, it’s definitely a book I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I did. I’ll casually follow from here on out, if only to see Brainiac vs Brainiac 2 vs Brainiac 3.
Final Verdict: 7.0 – Buy
Deathlok #2
I bought this book because it was by Charlie Huston, and Charlie Huston is the man who totally made Moon Knight a top tier character in my book. His run on the relaunch of that title before Benson ruined the book with his bro’s and his lame plot threads was absolutely phenomenal. This book? Not so much. I enjoyed the first issue enough to want to continue reading, but I’ve gotta say – nothing happens in this issue. We see that the Deathlok we’d been teased at from the first issue is much different than we expected, and this isn’t so much a character story (yet) as it is just an allegory for the crap that is big corporations. Eh.
So the hot-shot Lt from the previous issue? Well, he’s knifed and not in great condition, but his Captain is the real soldier here. He’s the real person to be looking out for, despite the whole last issue using him as more of a footnote than anything else. And what’s that? Roxxon is building some kind of crazy war machine? Ok. Makes sense enough. But it’s just for a marketning gimmick? There’s no real character development to it? Oh. Ok. Does Deathlok show up at the end? Yes, yes he does. Does it make sense with all the crazy mental intercuts? Not so much…
Ok. I guess my main issue here is that we’re looking at Marvel Knights book, right? By definition, these are some of the best singular Marvel stories. Two of the books rated best mini of the decade were from Marvel Knights books, and I can think of many more Marvel Knights stories off the top of my head that also fit this mold. Deathlok? This really isn’t much of anything right now. It’s not a character piece, and it’s not really a moving story either. There is plenty of time to grow, and I still have faith in good ol’ Huston, but as of right now I’m not impressed. And while I’ll still keep powering through the book, I can’t honestly say that I feel I should recommend this.
Final Verdict 4.2 – Browse
DAVID’S REVIEWS
PunisherMAX #2
I read somewhere recently that if Garth Ennis couldn’t write the Punisher, then it’s good that we at least have Jason Aaron.
Never have truer words been said, as through two issues we have a fresh start to the world of the Punisher. One without Frankencastles, without Punisher: Angel of Death, without superheroes, without anything besides hard crime and the harder deaths Frank Castle will bring to you if you choose that path.
The most interesting thing so far is that it isn’t a title so much about reimagining The Punisher as much as it is one about the creation of The Kingpin. Aaron assumes that readers know the story of Frank Castle and how his family died, turning him into the scourge of the underworld and the most unforgiving crime fighter the world has ever seen. What he assumes that we do not know is how Wilson Fisk became The Kingpin of all mob bosses, a man whose gargantuan size is matched in size by his intellect. These two issues have effortlessly and gruesomely depicted that rise, as Fisk uses his brawn and towering intellect to position the New York City underworld as the pawns that they are to him.
Powerful, gritty, and fearsomely intelligent work by Aaron and work only matched in quality by The Punisher artist of the decade — Steve Dillon. His clean lines, unique character models, and expertly rendered violence have made him the only artist I see when I think of The Punisher. His work in this issue, from the horrific flashback of a young Wilson Fisk torturing his father to the parallel scenes of Castle interrogating a goombah and Wisk creating a Kingpin paper trail, is uniformly superb and every bit as stellar as his work with Ennis.
Two issues in and the verdict is already in: Jason Aaron and Steve Dillon belong on The Punisher. If you like crime titles or The Punisher and you aren’t picking this up, you are missing out on the beginning of something truly special.
Final Verdict: 9.5 — Buy
Terry Moore’s Echo #17
This issue of Terry Moore’s creator owned title Echo finds Dillon Murphy and Dan Backer (an almost comically intelligent member of a local biker gang) visiting with Dr. Dumfries, Dillon’s dead ex-girlfriend Annie’s former boss at the Phi Project. This issue is almost entirely exposition, as Moore uses Dumfries to get us all caught up on what exactly the Phi Project is and what exactly is at stake for Julie, Dillon, and everyone else in the world.
This issue is a very necessary one, as in just one issue Moore bridges the first act of the story (or so I assume what was the first act) with the second act that we’re about to jump into with the information he gives us here. While some creators would insist on muddling an issue with as many plot threads as possible, Moore used issues 16 and 17 to give everyone involved a little bit of understanding by focusing on the two primary plot threads in standalone issues. Hardly an innovative idea, but something very few writers actually do, and it’s a breath of fresh air for me as a reader.
As a new reader to this title, this issue would be a waste. As someone who has been reading it since the beginning it accomplishes everything it set out to do and did so with the style and substance we’ve come to expect from the Moore. For comic fans out there, I highly recommend catching up with this title so you can understand the value in what Moore accomplishes here.
Final Verdict: 8.0 — Buy
Unwritten #8
Mike Carey and Peter Gross’ creation The Unwritten has been one of the best of 2009. In fact, I’d say it’s the best new Vertigo title since Jason Aaron and R.M Guera’s Scalped, as it has built on what some people perceived as a Fables Lite concept and developed it into a beautifully complex world of literature, magic, and reality effortlessly combining into truly stellar fiction.
With this issue, Carey gives us an interlude to their current arc titled Inside Man. With Tom Taylor now in prison in France with the forces of evil (not to be overly dramatic, but it’s true) closing in, Carey gives us…a story about the warden and his Tommy Taylor obsessed children? I’m not going to lie; I did not see that coming. Of course, I’m also not going to lie when I say that this is a damn good issue that by the end shows us that it is not a mere respite in the midst of an intense arc. This issue is setting us up for the rest of arc itself. Carey gives us exceptional character work throughout, establishing the warden as not a hard man but a man suffering through a severe case of dissonance, and his children as innocent wonders who have fallen under the spell of the Boy Wizard. The pacing is brisk throughout, covering a lot of ground without ever burying the reader. It’s also nothing if not an enjoyable read, as Carey always seems to have fun in every issue.
Carey’s confederate Gross provides his standard chameleonic pencil work, jumping from style to style as quickly as Matt writes love notes to Grant Morrison (I kid!). I often find diverging styles in a single issue frustrating, but with Gross and his blog page interjections and the entirely different look of story book sections versus reality sections, well, I make an exception. He’s just too good not to accept.
This is another exceptional addition to a title that’s greatness is only compounded with each additional release. If you like more literate and challenging comics and you aren’t reading this, well, get on that now.
Final Verdict: 8.8 – Buy
BPRD: War On Frogs #4
When I first read the mini-series BPRD: War on Frogs, I was incredibly perplexed. “This issue has nothing to do at all with the first issue! What gives?!” Then I found out that it was a series of one shots and it all made sense, as each issue looks the the main characters of BPRD before we head into the final act of the Scorched Earth trilogy in January – BPRD: King of Fear. This issue takes a look at the poltergeist-y expert of the Occult, Johann Krauss.
This issue puts us back in time when Krauss was off roaming killing frogs, Daimio was still alive, and all was well at the offices of the BPRD (well enough at least). After a mission where they kill a nest of frogs, something odd occurs: Krauss can see the ghosts of the six frogs they killed. It leads to a very interesting and oddly entertaining issue in which the ghostly frogs follow Krauss everywhere, wrecking havok on the poor members of his team until he helps them find the afterlife. It’s a very good character issue with an oddly ominous finale that could be played up later on.
Continued belowPeter Snejbjerg does what all artists on BPRD/Hellboy that aren’t Mignola do – craft their artistic style to better match Mignola’s work. His work is already one of clean lines and dirty inks, so he’s a naturally good fit. While he’s no Guy Davis or Duncan Fegredo, he’s a great fit and does some fine work here.
Another nice sampler from team BPRD, and one that just whets my appetite for the coming storm. Looking forward to the return of Mignola and Davis, but this was solid work.
Final Verdict: 7.5 – Buy
DMZ #48
The United States of America army is taking a road trip. That road trip leaves them at the center of DMZ, looking everywhere for Parco Delgado’s nuclear device and wrecking havoc everywhere they go. As Radio Free DMZ says, these soldiers have scores to settle, so they do not mind pausing their search for a summary execution or two. Of course, our youthful and cynical protagonist Matty Roth is taking this time to get drunk with his crew until Parco beckons him to do his bidding.
This the set up for another issue of Brian Wood and Ricardo Burchielli’s DMZ, and it’s another great issue. I’ve been pretty hard on Matty lately, and he doesn’t give me a whole lot of reason to make me think he’s on the verge to a turn back to his old self where he used his almighty press pass as a sword against injustice as opposed to a shield against physical violence (for all the good it does him in this issue). This issue finds him getting back in contact with his old flame and confidante Zee at the exact wrong moment, at which point she responds in much the same way as I did as a reader. It’s an intriguing dynamic to me, and it still reads as a downward spiral for the character for me (even if I may have found out my perspective on the character may be a pinch off recently). It’s a powerful issue though, and one that feels like it will have lasting ramifications and perhaps be leading to a huge change in the title. Of course, that last bit could describe each and every issue of this rather intense series.
Ricardo Burchielli…this guy is so uniformly great, I can hardly even review him. His renderings of the DMZ make it one of eerie reality, with horror of the executions at street corners and the middle of the street beatings leaping off the page on every turn. When pairing Burchielli with a creator like Wood, you get a title like this one. One that creates a living, breathing society that is frightfully real and impossible to resist. In that regard, my interpretation of Matty is unimportant. While reading this title, I am for all intents and purposes just another citizen of the DMZ, and that is an extremely odd and fantastic thing to understand as a reader.
Verdict: 8.4 – Buy
GIL’S REVIEWS
Invincible Iron Man #21
Matt Fraction continues his acclaimed run of Invincible Iron Man, and I must say, I don’t ever want him to leave the book. It’s so deliciously nerdy, that it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite books. But I do have some problems with it, with no fault to Matt Fraction himself, but more to editorial mandates and scheduling issues. But I’ll get to that in a bit.
First off, the book is incredibly well paced. It’s a little on the slow side, but that’s not a bad thing at all. This is an intensely personal journey by Tony’s pals to save HIM, not the other way around. From Pepper to Rhodey to his friends in The Avengers, Tony is the one in clear distress there. Also, the art is incredibly well done. Larroca captures the spirit of Tony and company just as well as the writer, and it’s well laid out to be incredibly engaging.
But about editorial, I’m a little annoyed with the inconsistencies in their releasing. For instance, we all know Steve Rogers is coming back in time for Siege. That’s a no-brainer. But just because we KNOW he’s coming back doesn’t mean he should appear in regular continuity until after Reborn is done. This issue marks the THIRD book where he’s made a cameo before he’s actually come back into the main Marvel Universe officially. This is of course NOT Fraction’s fault, nor is it Bendis’. I just want a little bit of consideration for the shared universe so it doesn’t feel so cussing stilted. But alas:
Continued belowFinal Verdict: 9.0 – Buy
Adventure Comics #5
I liked this issue of Adventure Comics. I really did. It was a fun romp through the lives of both Superboys and I had a lot of fun with it. I’ve been getting my fair share of event fatigue, but this tie-in to Blackest Night, while a little unnecessary, was really amusing. One of my favorite moments was a fight in the real life DC Offices where you see comic book versions of Dan DiDio, Gail Simone, and if I’m not mistaken, even the E-I-C of The House of Ideas himself, Joe Quesada. For some it might be a bit jarring, but I loved it. I especially enjoyed the open ending which harkens back to Hitchcockian twist endings. While I think it could very well come back into the main event. I was still satisfied with the ending.
Conner returned in the pages of his book in the back up story. It was a return to his arc, even featuring the mega talented Francis Manapul. While I like the Blackest Night tie-in in the main story, I love Manapul’s quirky artwork is just perfect for the tone of this book. I know he’s leaving soon to restart Flash, but I’m really looking forward to that too. I love this book.
Final Verdict: 8.1 – Buy
New Avengers Annual #3
For starters, I feel the need to mention that if you picked up Dark Reign: The List — Avengers, and enjoyed it, you need to pick up this book. It follows the thread left hanging after that one shot with regards to Clint Barton/Ronin going after Osborn. He’s in deep doodoo, and it’s only the Lady Avengers who can save his well sculpted rear (did I just say that?)
I can totally see why the art might not sit well with some. The super-realism can be a tad hit and miss (McNiven = hit, Bianchi = MISS), and here it’s a bit of a hodgepodge of both. Sometimes I was blown away by the character models. Norman was a dead ringer for Julian McMahon (from Nip/Tuck and the Fantastic Four movies), and Jessica Jones looks exactly like Alyson Hannigan (from Buffy and How I Met Your Mother)…well, most of the time. Other times it can be a mess, and doesn’t look anything like anyone, just, well, a mess.
The plot though, is classic Bendis. The interpersonal relationships are perfect, and seeing Clint and Bobbi together is actually really sweet. I love it. Again, I have a problem with a certain cameo on the final page of the book. But I’ve already covered my pet peeve with that. Just make sure you read this before you read Iron Man…or even the Dark Avengers Annual…which came out last week (oi…).
Final Verdict: 8.5 – Buy
Deadpool#18
I don’t believe it. I really don’t. This was…good? I’m glad because I like Deadpool, and I want him to be good, but lately, they seem to be mutually exclusive! But no longer, and the wrap-up to his tenure with the X-Men almost makes the entire arc worth buying. Daniel Way scripted an ending that saved the arc from being a total let down. We find this issue Redeeming Deadpool from being a madcap idiot into a madcap idiot who can actually be a decent tactician.
We all knew that Deadpool wasn’t going to stick around the X-Men. He’s too much of a wild card to be trusted. But his plan comes not only works, but actually further besmirches the Osborn and makes the X-Men look good.
Speaking of looking good, the art improved a lot. Deadpool actually looks disfigured and ugly, for instance, and the X-Men themselves look more like the X-Men. Colossus looks a bit…rectangular, but otherwise he looks great.
Considering the rest of the arc, I can’t give it a solid “buy,” but it worked enough to where you could at least look through it.
Continued belowFinal Verdict: 5.9 – Browse
BRANDON’S REVIEWS
Nation X #1
Love the cover! That is a topic for another time and place though.
Nation X is a X-Men Unlimited style anthology book that revolves around the new home for mutants on the recently raised Asteroid M. The various stories are written and drawn by different writers and artist but all come together to form a compelling tapestry that gives the reader a sense of life in “Nation X”. It explores the connections of some characters and the beliefs and positions of others.
I personally have had my reservations about this whole storyline as it rings too true of Magneto’s beliefs and methods. This is touched on by a couple of the stories in a way that left me with a better feeling about the situation our favorite mutants find themselves in. All of my reservations seem to have been touched upon by the various stories and I gotta admit I’ve been won over.
Where this issue really succeeds in my opinion is the way in which the creators involved have laid the book out. There is less a feel of individual stories that overwhelm or underwhelm each other as the case may be. Instead we’re given stories that individually are entertaining but as a whole provide a culture to the newly formed sanctuary. Some stories will stand out to each individual reader and their tastes of course.
Three of the stories were great and one was good. I found the first story with Magneto really helped to establish Magneto’s place on the island in a way that was extremely satisfactory. It’s everything I’ve said about the characters choice to join the island peacefully and why it makes sense all wrapped up with a New X-Men bow of goodness. The second story featured Mike Allred art, which is a guaranteed positive from me, and when paired with a road trip story involving Nightcrawler and Wolverine…well you get the point.
The final story is the one most fans will be looking to. It is the story that finally gives us some Colossus and Illyana interaction, which is something that geekdom has been clamoring for. It’s done well but not in the way that everyone was probably hoping for. Instead of seeing a heart-warming interaction between the two we instead get a story involving two conflicted siblings who have seen more turbulence and strife in their life than anyone deserves. One sibling ends up helping the other to potentially move beyond the dark cloud they’re under but not necessarily the sibling you’d think and not necessarily in the way you’d think either. I think there will be some complaining that we weren’t given the long talk about Illyana’s return that people want to see but I think we got something better. Instead of dealing with past issues we get a nice look at who the characters are now and where they should be heading. Interestingly enough the whole story deals with precisely this premise. Moving on and into the future instead of being bogged down by the past. Some fans should take this advice to heart I think.
Final Verdict: 9.2 – Buy It!
Secret Six #16
Where can you find child molesters/killers, strippers, suggested torture and the killing of authority figures? Secret Six of course silly. This title continually has some of the raciest concepts and stories but this issue tops them all. I say this in a good way mind you. The issue like the others is a gem that I feel isn’t appreciated by enough people. This is a title that pushes boundaries and presents a great villain title. Again, VILLAIN title. Not a heroic villain title but a straight-up villain title. Bad things happen here and are performed by disturbed bad people.
Gail Simone’s Secret Six has been a favorite of mine since it’s inception as a brilliant tie-in to Infinite Crisis. This issue helps to push it upward and onward in the right direction which is the wrong direction on the moral compass of most. The art is dark the story is dark and villains are abound. Not sure if anyone has noticed yet but I keep harping on the villain thing. I feel it’s kind of important. Rarely is a title made starring villains where they actually get to be villains. This title is surely the exception and unfortunately not the rule. Simone provides us with a group so shady that they actually are considering allowing a teenager to join their merry band of naughtiness.
In this issue in particular Black Alice takes the forefront and is able to showcase her abilities like no one but Gail Simone could handle. Simone presents Black Alice to the Secret Six in a way that they can’t just shrug her off. Instead they are actually taken aback by her methods and ability to slide into their evil little world. It makes for a great dark humor read. Oh and speaking of dark humor, Ragdoll has a small presence in this title but still manages to steal the show as usual from the others.
If you aren’t reading this title by now you’re either too morally just or you hate yourself. What other reasons could there be for not picking up one of DC’s most consistently excellent reads?
Final Verdict: 8.0 – Buy It!
X-Necrosha: The Gathering
While I hoped this title would give some great insight into why the characters surrounding Selene joined her I didn’t get that. I instead was given multiple stories following the same formula. Character + Situation = murder cause murder is sweet revenge. I understand this is an over generalized statement but it still remains close to the truth. This issue is more filler than killer though.
While I have tremendous respect for the duo of Yost and Kyle I found this one-shot to be lacking in many areas. One such area being good characterization. For anyone who reads these guys work that is not a statement that is usually attached to them. No matter how much one loves their combined efforts on such titles as X-Force and the dead too early New X-Men this title is just plain bad. It has too many stories featuring the same concept. Couldn’t atleast one of the stories have been tonally different? Would that have been asking too much?! I understand Selene has manipulated these characters into helping her but all of the stories seem too similar to need an entire issue dedicated to them. I got the point after the second story.
Speaking of the second story what the hell happened there? Blink was pulled from the mist out at sea?! WHAT?! How does one go from sacrificing their lives to defeat the Phalanx to hovering in the unknown? Bad, just plain bad.
The highlight of this issue for me was the art on the Senyaka feature. It was creepy and compelling. Alas the story accompanying it was the worst of the issue. Will you kill for me? Sure why not! Great, now kill everyone. Sweet, sure will! Blah…
Not much more to say…
Final Verdict: 2.0 — Oh Hell no!
What If? World War Hulk
The first story in this issue of What If? was the best of the bunch. Mike Raicht’s writing and Lucio Parillo paintings do a wonderful job of giving us a tale that makes you think, “Wouldn’t it have been awesome if that was the way it went down!”. The seamless blending of Secret Invasion and World War Hulk made for fanboy dream event that sadly never really happened. It’s stories like this one that have provided the old What If? style of story such great success as a weekly event of one-shots once a year for the past few years. They are special stories that play on fans wants and desires for alternate endings to events that were highly speculated on at one time or another.
Outside of this initial story there isn’t really anything that good. The second story has the unenviable task of following the enjoyable primary story. Even without something to be compared to it still falls really short of the good line. The dialogue is painful at best and the ending is really hokey and weak. It seems like really bad filler more than anything. What could have been an awesome story of two or three of the strongest the Marvel Universe has to offer squaring off instead becomes a hugfest of the worst kind. The Say What? portion of the book had its positives but was for the most part fairly weak in content and laughs as well.
In the end, this title could have stood on it’s own two feet with just the initial story. Adding extra stories didn’t help the issue but only hurt it to a point where I couldn’t help but look at the cover to see how much I had been charged for the issue.
Final Verdict: 6.0 – Browse
