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Quick Critiques for 2/18
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.
BIRDS OF PREY #64
by Gail Simone, Ed Benes & Alex Lei (DC Comics)
 Much to my surprise, the Black Canary/Shiva plotline doesn't advance at all in this issue. All that happens is that the pair of skilled women warriors see its numbers expand by one. The one advantage of this storyline, though, is how it reinforces Black Canary as a force to be reckoned with in the DC Universe. The Oracle plotline, though, is quite strong, and it spotlights the sheer force of will that makes her such a fascinating character. Benes's art tells the story clearly, but there are elements that are distracting. Casting one character's eyes in deep shadow just to show what a badass he is, for example, looks silly rather than intense. And the cover gives away what happens on the final page. 7/10
DC: THE NEW FRONTIER #2
by Darwyn Cooke (DC Comics)
 Cooke achieves a nice balance between the awe-struck wonder of the Silver Age, which serves as the foundation of this series, and a darker, more mature take on classic characters. As the cover indicates, this issue spotlights the Flash, and while Cooke pays tribute to Silver Age storytelling of writer John Broome, he adds a nasty streak -- but an understandable one -- to the Scarlet Speedster. I was also impressed with Cooke's more intense incarnation of Wonder Woman, which is surprisingly easy to accept. Superman's naivete here is comparable to Frank Miller's take on the character in the classic The Dark Knight Returns. The artwork is a delight, of course, but the real appeal of this series is for the reader to discover the slightly different takes Cooke offers of our favorite super-heroes. Mind you, this limits the appeal of the book somewhat to those of us who can pick up on the references. 8/10
FANTASTIC FOUR #510
by Mark Waid, Mike Wieringo & Karl Kesel
(Marvel Comics)
 The story in this second chapter of "Hereafter" isn't quite as innovative or edgy as the first, but the storytelling is solidly entertaining. Waid strikes the perfect balance between the wonder of the title characters' adventures and characterization. The heavenly manifestations the characters encounter are surprisingly conventional, though, but I love the additional character that's brought into the mix in this issue. Wieringo's bright style is as pleasing to the eye as ever, and he handles the fantastic qualities of the divine landscape quite well. The angel design is a striking one, and it conveys an appropriate level of meance while also coming off as rather graceful and beautiful at the same time. Overall, the creators offer up yet another solid issue of this delightful series. 8/10
UNCANNY X-MEN #440
by Chuck Austen, Salvador Larroca & Danny Miki (Marvel Comics)
 The Xavier School for Gifter Youngsters production of Romeo and Juliet continues, and the direction and performances still leave a lot to be desired. The climactic scene featuring the fate of the "star-crossed lovers" lacks any real sense of tension, and the notion that the bigots have suits of armor that aren't made of metal is just too ludicrous a plot point. The one aspect of the script that did work, though, was Archangel's conversation with Husk's mother. For the first time, I buy into the romantic connection between the two mutants. Another romantic subplot comes from out of nowhere, though, further robbing the script of whatever iota of credibility it has remaining. Larroca's artwork boasts an airy feel that's in keeping with the more lovelorn elements of the script, but it never really grabs me either. We never get a clear sense of the armored suits in this issue, for example, and as a result, we never get a clear sense of the threat they pose. 4/10
WOLVERINE/CAPTAIN AMERICA #3
by R.A. Jones & Tom Derenick (Marvel Comics)
 The non-sensical plotting continues in this penultimate issue, but I have to give the creators credit where credit is due. They maintain a sense of energy and excitement throughout this issue. The climactic faceoff between Rapture and Captain America is particularly effective, if cliched. The explanation as to Wolverine's malfunctioning powers makes little sense, given the X-Men's history with enemies with magnetic powers. Derenick's pencils here remind me of th exaggerated style of Ron Lim, which is fine. But the textured colors seem to be trying to establishing a more mature and realistic look, which doesn't work at all with Derenick's efforts. This is far from sophisticated super-hero storytelling, and there's still a place for that. But some of the storytelling here is sloppy as well, and that's not OK, even if the book is aimed at a younger audience. 3/10
WONDER WOMAN #201
by Greg Rucka, Shane Davis & Ray Snyder
(DC Comics)
 Rucka takes a more conventional, super-hero genre approach with this issue. I'm still interested in the plotlines he has on the go, but this isssue focuses on action and arch-enemies more than anything else. And that's fine; there's certainly a place for it in this title. To be honest, I love the mythological elements that take center stage at the end of this issue. Where the script disappoints a little is in its use of the Wonderdome "character." Rucka seems to be trying to tie up a loose plot threat from past Wonder Woman stories, but he doesn't provide enough exposition for those readers who might not be familiar with it. Shane Davis provides some solid fill-in art, bringing a sense of consistency to the visual end of things. Still, his work pales in comparison with the softer linework of regular penciller Drew Johnson. This stands out as the weakest issue in Rucka's run on the book so far, but it certainly doesn't come off as the beginning of an ongoing slide. 6/10
Email Don MacPherson with your comments about this review.
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