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Quick Critiques for 2/12
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.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #9
by John Ney Rieber, Chuck Austen, Trevor Hairsine, Danny Miki & Allen Martinez
(Marvel Comics/Marvel Knights)
 The more this story arc progresses, the more the plot is obfuscated. Splitting the writing chores on this title has not strengthened it in the least, and my interest in a renewed direction for Captain America has quickly waned, only to be replaced with frustration. The script is vague, and every new issue in this book seems almost unrelated to the one that came before. The one shining light is Trevor Hairsine's artwork, which is stronger here than ever before. His vision of a much more intense and frazzled Captain America is a welcome one, and I look forward to seeing other efforts from him under the Marvel Comics banner in the (hopefully) near future. 4/10
FABLES #10
by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham & Steve Leialoha (DC Comics/Vertigo imprint)
 The "Animal Farm" story arc ends on a surprising note that further delves into the unique society referred to in the book's title and the magical nature of the characters. The accelerated timeline of this issue is a nice change of pace, and it helps to wrap the story up nicely while not pushing suspension of disbelief any more than necessary. The conflict between sisters that started this story off serves as the focus of the wrapup as well, and it sets up an interesting new parallel. Buckingham's art achieves a nice balance between the more fantastic characters and the casual, everyday tone that serves as the book's dichotmous appeal. Most of all, what I enjoyed about this issue is that Willingham shows us just how different these characters are from everyday folks, which makes for a nice contrast with the first story arc. 9/10
FIREBREATHER #2
by Phil Hester & Andy Kuhn (Image Comics)
 This surreal story of dysfunctional teen years remains thoroughly entertaining and one of the more unique takes on super-heroes to come out of Image's new line. At its heart, the concept is ludicrous and boasts innate comic potential, but Hester still treats the everyday teen angst elements with sensitivity, honesty and realism. Kuhn's sharp, exaggerated art reminds me a little of Tim (Spider-Man: Blue) Sale's, and I love his inventive designs. Super-hero spoof meets slice-of-life storytelling in an entertaining book with a lot of heart. 8/10
GOTHAM CENTRAL #4
by Ed Bruabaker & Michael Lark (DC Comics)
 The core plot doesn't really advance all that much in this issue -- the second chapter of "Motive" -- but it makes room for a bit more in the way of color and atmopshere. The interplay between Driver and Romy remains one of the story arcs greatest strengths, but I'm pleased that Brubaker is making room for the other characters as well. The dialogue boasts a natural sound and pacing. Lark's gritty style suits the police-drama genre well, and I enjoy the fact that few people in this world exhibit the paragon physiques so common to super-hero comics. 8/10
GREEN LANTERN #159
by Judd Winick, Dale Eaglesham & Rodney Ramos
(DC Comics)
 Winick's plot proves to be far less predictable than what seemed to be the case in the previous issue. Both the title character and Jade have some excellent character moments, as does a long lost Green Lantern who turns up in this issue. The problem with the story is that despite some exposition, it calls for the reader to have a fairly extensive knowledge of the Green Lantern concept and its history since the Silver Age. It's not completely inaccessible or anything, but for the story to really have an impact, that recognition factor is a key element. Eaglesham's artwork continues to impress. Despite their fantastic circumstances, Eaglesham presents GL and Jade as acting naturally. Those two characters also shine visually against the backdrop of the far more generic alien characters. 6/10
INCREDIBLE HULK #50
by Bruce Jones & Mike Deodato, Jr. (Marvel Comics)
 This issue is the strong jumping-on point that Marvel made it out to be. It carries on with the previous stories quite well, but it's accessible at the same time. Under Bruce Jones's direction, this book is all about atmosphere. There's a dangerous, exciting and sexy mood looming over the book now. Jones pushes credibility too far with a major coincidence and Bruce Banner's transformation into a ladies' man, but the mood wins the reader over. Deodato's artwork is stunning here. Like Stuart Immonen before him, he maintains a shadowy, mysterious and tense mood. There's a realistic tone at play that really makes the drama come to life. I'm pleased to see that the shift in his style -- which we first saw in last year's Tigra limited series -- is here to stay. 8/10
JSA #45
by David Goyer, Geoff Johns, Leonard Kirk & Keith Champagne (DC Comics)
 Goyer and Johns offer up another solid script, full of strong characterization, a different perspective on super-heroics and the justice system, and some startling but logical new developments. They juggle the extensive cast of characters quite well while instilling a great deal of personality at the same time. The problem with the story, though, is its basis in a number of complex points of DC continuity. This issue is a payoff issue for fans who have been with the book from the first issue, but it keeps newer readers at a distance. Kirk's softer style suits the more realistic aspects of the plot nicely, and it captures the volatile emotions of the characters quite well. 7/10
VENTURE #2
by Jay Faerber & Jamal Igle (Image Comics)
 Faerber brings an Astro City-type flair to the archetypal Superman-Jimmy Olsen relationship here, and the realistic tone makes for some enjoyable reading. The downside of it, though, is that the Jimmy character -- Reggie -- comes off as far too opportunistic and, as a result, unlikable in the process. Igle's artwork is thoroughly impressive. I'm reminded a great deal of the expressiveness that George Perez and Phil Jimenez bring to their characters; Igle is hitting the same note here. His detailed work here reinforces the element of realism that's key to the story's success. 7/10
Email Don MacPherson comments about this review, or discuss it on the Fourth Rail message board.
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