|
Quick Critiques for 4/2
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.
100 BULLETS #43
by Brian Azzarello & Eduardo Risso
(DC Comics/Vertigo imprint)
 Azzarello's first story arc on Hellblazer a couple of years back was a prison story, and here, he demonstrates quite clearly that his ability to tell a story in that genre is as strong as ever. Loop Hughes returns, and he is our guide through the dangerous microcosm of the federal prison system. What's striking about the script, though, aren't the references to the danger the protagonist faces, but those touching upon the friendships he's made. Though the uber-plotlines of the series remain a little inaccessible, the more focused, immediate stories are fascinating. Risso's artwork, as always, is rich in its darkness and detail, and the grimy setting certainly plays to the strengths of Risso's gritty, quietly intense style. 9/10
ALIAS #21
by Brian Michael Bendis, Michael Gaydos & Mark Bagley (Marvel Comics/MAX Comics)
 "The Underneath" ends on an almost abrupt note. The Speedball appearance is totally out of character with the series, but it throws the reader off-balance in a rather entertaining way. I have to admit, though, that the action-oriented scene in the motel room wasn't the most clearly choreographed one. Bendis provides a little more insight into the title character's superhuman side, and I enjoyed how it made her seem special yet reinforced her rejection of that part of herself. The strongest moments in the issue come at the end, though, and not surprisingly, they're the more down-to-earth, character-driven scenes. The exchange between Jessica and Scott struck me as being particularly genuine. 8/10
DAREDEVIL #45
by Brian Michael Bendis & Alex Maleev
(Marvel Comics/Marvel Knights)
 "Lowlife" reaches it concluding chapter in this issue, but it's clear that the more traditional story-arc structure that had arisen over the past decade really doesn't apply here. The opening scene, featuring Sammy Silke, makes it clear that we're still in the middle of the same story begun in the "Underboss" story arc. Bendis has a grander vision for his stint on Daredevil, almost like an extended graphic novel, al Preacher or Transmetropolitan. What's amazing, though, is the strong degree of accessibility that Bendis maintains here. The end of the Owl's part in this story is a fitting one. Maleev's artwork is as strong as ever, and one can see a strong Bill Siewkiewicz influence at play in his work in the latter pages. This issue didn't boast the same strong characterization elements as other "Lowlife" chapters, but it was still a good episode in what is overall one of the finest super-hero books today, if not the best. 8/10
JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES #18
by Stan Berkowitz, Chris Jones & Dan Davis
(DC Comics)
 It was a treat to see the Atom introduced into the world of the animated Justice League. Berkowtiz delivers a story that reminds me of the charming Atom team-ups one could find on occasion in World's Finest Comics in the 1970s. The one problem with Berkowitz's script is that it's just far too obvious, and that's not aided by the fact that the cover gives away an important part of the plot. Jones's captures the charming simplicity and energy of the Justice League animated style with seeming ease. The Atom's classic Gil Kane costume design fits in perfectly in the Bruce Timm-inspired animated style as well. 6/10
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #39
by Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Bagley & Art Thibert (Marvel Comics)
 It's always the issues that set the action and super-hero costumes aside that stand out as the strongest in the series, and this chapter in Peter Parker's life proves it once again. Peter Parker has two very different conversations with two very different men with one thing in common: both have figured out that he's Spider-Man. Bendis's take on Nick Fury impresses once again, and his new take on a familiar Spidey enemy/ally is a strong one. This is a denouement to the Venom storyline, yet Bendis maintains a thoroughly accessible tone while telling a grounded, character-driven story that stands up well on its own. Bagley's art is sharp as well, clearly demonstrating the haggard nature of a couple of the characters while conveying the clean confidence of Nick Fury. He also maintains an appropriately dark, downtrodden mood throughout the issue. 9/10
Email Don MacPherson comments about this review, or discuss it on the Fourth Rail message board.
|
