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Quick Critiques for 1/28
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.
CAPER #4
by Judd Winick & Farel Dalrymple (DC Comics)
 The first story arc in this 12-issue series comes to an explosive climax with a script that reminded me more than a little of the crime genre and father-son dynamics that were at the heart of Road to Perdition. Winick manages to portray the Weiss brothers as both fearsome underworld figures and vulnerable, emotional human beings, and Boss Cohen's rage gets right in the reader's face. The climax makes the most of the historical setting, and again, it was a pleasure to learn of the cultural divides in San Francisco's underworld. Dalrymple's sketchy style captures both the period in which the story is set and the dark, ugly world in which the characters exist. I'm honestly curious about and impressed with Winick's decision to completely transform this story only a third of the way through the series. 8/10
DEMO #3
by Brian Wood & Becky Cloonan (AiT/Planet Lar)
 One could argue that Wood's storytelling thus far in the series has been somewhat formulaic. Again, we're presented with a story about a disillusioned teen with a superhuman secret. But when reading this third issue, nothing seemed repetitive at all. the secret revealed at the story's climax isn't the point here; if anything, Wood is offering up fascinating and credible character studies. The narration and dialogue here are remarkably genuine; the main character's secret confession that she found her long, long half-brother attractive set a realistic and grounded tone right away. Cloonan's artwork is as effective as ever. She captures the characters' youth quite well, as well as their sense of isolation, their anger and their confusion. 9/10
EMMA FROST #7
by Karl Bollers, Carlo Pagulayan & Dennis Crisostomo (Marvel Comics)
 Bollers continues the dark coming-of-age story here with a new focus and direction. I have to admit, though, that I'm going to miss the family dysfunction that was at the heart of the first story arc. Here, Emma tries to make her way in the real world without the family fortune, and her desperation is something to which it is easy to relate. Bollers's wisely limits Emma's mental powers so she doesn't have an easy way out of all of the obstacles she faces, but his depiction of those powers is well done, quite plausible for an implausible character trait. The artwork tells the story clearly, but what I really appreciate about it is that it doesn't gratuitously sexualize the title character. Emma looks a bit older here than she did in the first arc, but that's in keeping with the slight jump ahead in time. Overall, Pagulayan still maintains a youthful look in the main character. 6/10
GLOBAL FREQUENCY #11
by Warren Ellis & Jason Pearson
(DC Comics/Wildstorm Productions)
 It's a treat to once again visit the world of private-sector, action-oriented philanthropy that is Warren Ellis's Global Frequency. This issue delves more into the inner workings of the organization, focusing specifically on one of the two characters who have been the only two constants throughout the series, and that's operations manager/IT geek Aleph. Her dedication to Miranda Zero's vision shines here, but the opening scene featuring her initial recruitment really brings her down to earth. My one qualm with the plot was the conflict between the script's emphasis that Aleph was not equipped for combat and the apparent ease with which she embraces it. Pearson's artwork captures the main character's youth and edgier qualities adeptly, and I love the detail with which he brings the antagonists' demises to life. 8/10
VENOM #10
by Daniel Way, Paco Medina & Juan Vlasco
(Marvel Comics/Tsunami imprint)
 I'll admit that the conspiracy-theory direction on this title piqued my interest a little, but it's just not holding my attention. This story arc isn't so much about the Venom symbiote running amok on Earth, but about combining him with Wolverine for a Kewl teamup/visual. The mysteries at the heart of the story are no closer to any answers, and I honestly don't see how the story has advanced much from the first issue of the series. I do enjoy Paco Medina's more traditional artwork as compared with the original penciller's far too exaggerated style, but there are still problems with the visuals here. Chief among them is how the three female players in this story are pretty much interchangeable, at least when it comes to their appearance. 3/10
X-STATIX #18
by Peter Milligan, Mike Allred & J. Bone
(Marvel Comics)
 Well, Milligan and company bring their story of a dead European celebrity to a close, and I'm left with one overwhelming question: "what was the point?" I realize that the story had its teeth pulled when the creators had to fictionalize the central character rather than using an undead Princess Diana, but I don't see how this story arc was a more pointed commentary on pop culture than any that came before it. The surreal tone of these image-obsessed super-heroes is still pleasing, as is the Allred/Bone artwork, as is always the case. It seems to me that Henrietta is a rather redundant component given Deadgirl's far more interesting and entertaining role. For an edgier statement on super-heroes, this issue seemed a little routine. Furthermore, the shift fro the Mr. Code plotline to the haunting of Henrietta Hunter isn't the smoothest. 6/10
Email Don MacPherson with your comments about this review.
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