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Quick Critiques for 3/26
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.
BATMAN #613
by Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee & Scott Williams (DC Comics)
 Month Six of the uber-popular Loeb/Lee run on this title has arrived, and the plot continues to come off like a car stuck in neutral. Harley Quinn is a fun character, sure, and checking out Lee's take on new Gotham characters is always entertaining. But we've seen the Batman deal with Killer Croc, Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Superman and now Harley, and nothing's happened. We haven't even seen the antagonist of the story arc outside of silhouette. This issue offers plenty of action, but no substance. The highlight of the book, though, is Lee's depiction of the Joker. He's poured an inordinate amount of detail and effort into it, and it's paid off. It's a chilling visual, and I'm reminded of the styles of Brian (The Killing Joke Bolland and Butch (Ruse) Guice. 5/10
EXILES #24
by Judd Winick & Kev Walker (Marvel Comics)
 This two-parter gets a bit stronger in the second chapter. Though this focus on Weapon X lacks the same strong characterization with see with the regular cast, I have to admit I enjoy seeing Winick's new spins on familiar characters. On the other hand, I really don't see that Winick did anything particularly new or different when it comes to the Angel. Those readers who are somewhat new to the Marvel Universe ought to steer clear, though, as familiarity with mainstream continuity helps with this story arc. Walker's gritty, dark artwork suits the edgier tone of the story quite well, and I enjoy the alternate character designs. 6/10
GREEN LANTERN #161
by Judd Winick, Dale Eaglesham & Rodney Ramos
(DC Comics)
 Pay no attention to the cover. No torches are passed. Alan Scott and John Stewart make no appearances here. Winick wraps up the story begun in the previous issue here, and the story strikes me as being far too neat and tidy. The grounded, character-driven subplot introduced in #160 disappears as suddenly as it was brought up. Eaglesham tells the story clearly, but the adult Lianna design just doesn't work for me. Why would a being who still thinks like an innocent child he so exposed and provocatively clad? It just doesn't make sense. The script features some standard but entertaining super-heroics, though, and the down-to-earth tone in the dialogue is still there. 6/10
PETER PARKER: SPIDER MAN #54
by Zeb Wells, Michael O'Hare & Wayne Faucher (Marvel Comics)
 It seems Zeb Wells and editor John Miesegaes are now managers with the Department of Redundancy Department. Wells offers up a light story here, with some obvious but amusing gags. Unfortunately, we've already seen this material in the previous issues. The writer needs to explore something other than the loser super-villain schtick, and the "Rules of the Game" story arc hasn't advanced at all. O'Hare's artwork -- a cross between the styles of Humberto (Crimson) Ramos and Craig (Batman Beyond) Rousseau -- tells the story clearly and suits the lighter tone of the script. 4/10
THREE DAYS IN EUROPE #4
by Antony Johnston & Mike Hawthorne (Oni Press)
 There are times when too much coincidence makes for awkward storytelling that stretches suspension of disbelief too far, but this isn't one of them. Johnston plays with the notion of coincidence to great humorous effect. He's offered up a delightful adventure that takes an adult yet tongue-in-cheek look at the dark side of fantasies, and Hawthorne's light but sexy artwork reinforces an amusing, lively atmosphere. I have to admit, though, that I miss the more character-driven moments of the book. It's Jack and Jill's relationship -- not art thieves and rock stars -- that interests me. 7/10
WOLVERINE #188
by Daniel Way, Staz Johnson & Danny Miki
(Marvel Comics)
 Way is an up-and-coming writer at Marvel, and this comic book will stand out for me as the moment when he really showed what he could do. This story about an alcoholic cop on a quest to rid the department of a crooked, killer cop rivals Garth Ennis's recent "Brotherhood" story arc in The Punisher in strength. The main character -- Detective Lester Brown -- is a thoroughly believable, sympathetic yet pitiable figure. I'm also impressed with Staz Johnson's work here. This is stronger than anything I ever saw from him on Robin or Catwoman. Miki's inks add a gritty tone to Johnson's detailed depiction of urban life. Wolverine keeps surprising me; using the character as a supporting cast member in his own title was a smart move. 8/10
WONDER WOMAN #190
by Walt Simonson, Jerry Ordway & P. Craig Russell
(DC Comics)
 And in this issue... Wonder Woman gets a haircut! Well, it's a big deal, sure. First one in 60 years, I believe, so I guess it was time. This milestone made news this week -- even my paper ran a short wire item on it -- but it's too bad that the story doesn't merit the extra attention. Simonson is so focused on developing an air of mystery and mysticism that he's offered up a nebulous plot that fails to hold the reader's attention. The dialogue doesn't boast a natural tone at all, and the new supporting character that's introduced isn't fleshed out well at all. Ordway's artwork is capable, but none of the visuals really stood out for me either. I'm surprised, to be honest. Given Ordway and P. Craig Russell's talents, I'd expect to be blown away. 4/10
Email Don MacPherson comments about this review, or discuss it on the Fourth Rail message board.
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