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Quick Critiques for 1/7
There's no way that Randy and I can cover all of the material we have for review in full reviews, so these capsule reviews will offer some brief comments on other recent releases.
DETECTIVE COMICS #790
by Anderson Gabrych, Pete Woods & Cam Smith/A.J. Lieberman, Jean-Jacques Dzialowski & Dan Green
(DC Comics)
 Gabrych turns in a rather generic plot for the main story in this issue, and what's worse is that it's generic on two fronts. The story dares to posit the ever-so-controversial notion that "hard drugs are bad," but also presents the Dark Knight as this guilt-ridden figure who regrets allowing young people to join his crusade yet does little to prevent it. Furthermore, it's not at all an accessible story, as it refers often to the Spoiler, a character who's never seen in this issue. The backup tale is a little strong though rather conventional in tone, though I like the idea of a costume specialist operating in Gotham. The art in the book is rather unremarkable as well. It's standard super-hero fare, but it never really grabs the eye either. 3/10
EXILES #40
by Chuck Austen, Jim Calafiore, Mark McKenna & Rick Ketcham (Marvel Comics)
 There were several Chuck Austen-penned comics released this week, and this was the best of them. While I was enjoying "King Hyperion," I thought I had the ending of the story arc all figured out, assuming it would involve a typical heroic sacrifice to send the bad guys on their way. To my surprise, I found a far darker resolution. While the dialogue is a little heavy on the exposition at times, it does make for an accessible read. Calafiore's style suits the harsh tone of the plot. I was particularly impressed with his depiction of one character's grisly, charbroiled demise. But the greatest strength here is Austen's decision to disregard conventional super-hero plotting, and in the process, he's spotlighted a great deal of future storytelling potential in Weapon X, the corrupt counterparts of the title characters. 8/10
SENTINEL #11
by Sean McKeever & Udon Studio
(Marvel Comics/Tsunami imprint)
 You had me going, McKeever. The mutant misdirection worked not just once, but twice, and it transformed a rather exposition-loaded, dialogue-ridden issue of this series into another thoroughly entertaining episode. And sadly, it's the penultimate episode at that. The writer leads the reader to believe a number of things about several characters and then turns them all on their ears with some surprises. It makes this issue stand out as inventive and it certainly boosts the entertainment level. The artwork is as light as we've come to expect from the book, and the Sentinel still boasts its detailed and intimidating design. I get the impression Eric Vriens didn't handle the pencilling chores solo here. The art takes on an even more cartoony look than usual at times, bordering on distracting. Like the script, though, the art packs a powerful punch by the end of the issue. 8/10
STAR WARS: EMPIRE #14
by Paul Alden & Raul Trevino (Dark Horse Comics)
 It's my opinion that there are way too many Star Wars comics out there. Of course, I also feel that Lucas should have called it quits with Return of the Jedi. With that in mind, one should take special note of how much I enjoyed this standalone Darth Vader story. Alden's script really brings the character's will, power and personality to life. Here, the dark-cloaked figure is more than just the menacing bad guy he was in episodes IV and V, and he's not the repentant softie we got to know in Jedi. Here, we meet a man of accomplishment whose greatest assets are his determination and his desire to lead. Trevino's art, boasting a strong European influence, brings a rich texture and array of detail to the without sacrificing the imagination and wonder of the science-fiction hallmark property. 7/10
Note: This comic book was not among this week's new releases.
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #52
by Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Bagley & Art Thibert (Marvel Comics)
 Though this is a solid issue of the series, it's far from the strongest, but that doesn't come as much of a surprise. This issue focuses on action, not dialogue and character, and it's in the latter areas that the book shines. Still, the chaos of the Elektra/Black Cat fight comes off as genuine, as do Spidey's reactions to the whole. The highlights of the issue are those moments in which we get a glimpse at the Kingpin's anger and humiliation. While Bendis shines more when it comes to character-driven dialogue, Bagley is quite at home when it comes to super-hero action. He brings energy and real tension to the fight, and the depiction of Spidey's fall off of a building being far more than a hum-drum event was a great idea. 7/10
WOLVERINE: THE END #2
by Paul Jenkins & Claudio Castellini (Marvel Comics)
 Only two issues in, Wolverine: The End is shaping up to be a fairly typical Logan story. Old enemies lurk in the shadows, and the hero's past has come back to haunt him. Exotic travels and bloody battles abound. Back when I first read Chris Claremont and Frank Miller's original Wolverine limited series, it was interesting. Such is not the case anymore. Mind you, there are a couple of clever plot developments here, and they tend to involve the more grounded charactrer, George. He serves as our gateway into the title character's mysterious and intense world. Castellini's art lacks the edge and darkness that's called for here, and it's surprisingly rough and sketchy at times. His depiction of Tokyo from the harbor did serve as an impressive visual, though. 5/10
Email Don MacPherson with your comments about this review.
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