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Quick Critiques for 1/29
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.
AVENGERS #63
by Geoff Johns, Alan Davis & Mark Farmer (Marvel Comics)
 Despite being told by three different writers in three different titles, the "Standoff" crossover -- which comes to a conclusion here -- made for a surprisingly coherent story. Ultimately, this is not an Avengers story, but a story about how Thor's new position, power and political outlook has impacted on his relationship with two old friends, and as such, I wonder if it should have been limited to just the ongoing Thor title. Davis's artwork is stunning, of course, bringing out the grace, nobility and power of the three main characters quite well. 7/10
CAPTAIN MARVEL #5
by Peter David & ChrisCross (Marvel Comics)
 Peter David's story of Captain Marvel in the role of insane super-villain is surprisingly engaging. The protagonist's confusion and rage have overwhelemed him, and the tragedy makes for entertaining reading. The dialogue maintains a grounded tone in the middle of such a cosmic story. ChrisCross's artwork is stunning, and he brings the weirdness, energy and emotional intensity of the story really come to life. His designs for twisted visions of the title character and of a new cosmic entity in the Marvel Universe are imaginative and convey the immensity of power. 8/10
THE FILTH #8
by Grant Morrison, Chris Weston & Gary Erskine
(DC Comics/Vertigo imprint)
 This issue stands out as the weakest and most confusing one of the series, but Morrison still offers some eye-opening, cynical commentary on politics, human nature and the great equalizers that are plastic surgery and illict drugs. What's unclear here is the actual plot. Weston's eye for detail and bizarre design shines here, though, as sleek, gleaming visions of the futre collide with the psychedelic mish-mash of color and form that makes up the elements of the Filth and the Hand. I remain interested in this exploration of super-consciousness and corruption, but seemingly by design, it's not always as accessible as it could be. 7/10
GLOBAL FREQUENCY #4
by Warren Ellis & Roy A. Martinez (DC Comics/Wildstorm Productions)
 After last month's twisted but touching love story, Ellis shifts gears and gives his readers some good, old-fashioned gratuitous violence. The rapid body count puts one in mind of the most recent issue of Mark Millar's The Ultimates. Ellis mocks cults, wanna-bes and little men who cannot imagine anything beyond their own experiences in a cynical and fast-paced script. Martinez's name is a new one to me, but I hope we see more of his work in American comics in the future. His style reminds me of John (Captain America) Cassaday's and Frank (New X-Men) Quitely's styles with its intensity and detail. 9/10
THE LEGION #16
by Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning & Kev Walker (DC Comics)
 Though this is far from the most clever script in the series thus far, it's a fun, action-packed one, and serves as a nice rest after the epic tone of the first two story arcs. Timber Wolf's solo battle with the Fatal Five gives the reader a chance to get to know the character a lot better. Walker's exaggerated style suits the feral character quite well. His artwork reminds me of that of Bart (The Path) Sears. It is a bit inconsistent here at times, but he tells the story clearly. 8/10
PETER PARKER: SPIDER-MAN #52
by Zeb Wells, Francisco Herrera & Wayne Faucher (Marvel Comics)
 This story seemed to be set up as something of a new spin on doomed, lame super-villain team-ups, but all we're presented with a stereotypically lame super-villain team-up. The characters claim to be doing something different this time around, yet they don't. Herrera's uber-exaggerated art does not tell the story clearly at all, and Studio F's almost dayglo colors make it even harder to follow the action. The issue boasts no suspense, and it's not even that funny either. 2/10
Email Don MacPherson comments about this review, or discuss it on the Fourth Rail message board.
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