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Quick Critiques for 4/30
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 #614
by Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee & Scott Williams (DC Comics)
 As a standalone Batman/Joker story, Loeb does a great job, exploring the almost inexplicable notion of how the Batman's rage hasn't overcome his strict moral code when it comes to the madness and murder of the Joker. The narration brings out the title character's cold, distant nature, but it's Jim Lee's art that lets the reader know of the level of intense hatred and rage that the Dark Knight is experiencing. Lee really impresses with the flashback sequences, though. He's using a much different approach there, achieving a dream-like effect that looks like painted artwork. While the Batman/Joker conflict impresses -- even with its all-too convenient catalyst for resolution -- "Hush," the larger story arc, has yet to impress. Loeb has kept readers in the dark for too long, and some advancement of the main plot is long overdue. 7/10
BATMAN ADVENTURES #1
by Ty Templeton, Dan Slott, Rick Burchett & Terry Beatty (DC Comics)
 Templeton offers up an intriguing main story that keeps the reader guessing as to who's really responsible for the assault on Arkham, and Burchett's artwork, not surprisingly, captures the charm of the animated Batman style and a darker atmosphere. The real treat in this issue, though, is the chance to sample Templeton's artwork on the backup story. Slott's script brings a lesser-known Batman foe into the animated continuity, but Templeton's artwork captures an energy and flair that only he could bring to Gotham City. Though I paid for my copy of this book, comics fans -- and new readers alike -- would be well advised to seek out the Free Comic Book Day version of this title this coming Saturday. 7/10
CATWOMAN #18
by Ed Brubaker & Javier Pulido (DC Comics)
 I recently finished reading Greg Rucka's Shooting at Midnight novel. It vividly explores the notion of drug addiction, and Brubaker does the same here, just as successfully. Holly's urge to escape from her emotional pain into a narcotic-induced haze is paralleled by Selina's and Slam's attempts at escape from themselves through each other. I also enjoyed the parallel between Slam and the desperate client whose wife has been running around on him. Pulido's simple artwork conveys the mature tone of the story surprisingly well. I'm reminded of Andi (Breakfast After Noon) Watson's minimalist approach. Matt Hollingsworth's colors bring out that dark, depressed atmopshere quite vividly too. 9/10
HELLBLAZER #183
by Mike Carey & Lee Bermejo
(DC Comics/Vertigo imprint)
 Despite the fact that this was the second part of the "Black Flowers" story arc, it is surprisingly accessible. Bermejo's gritty and detailed style suits the world of John Constantine quite well, and I loved his designs for the Celt shepherds of the dead was creepy and inspired. Tim Bradstreet's covers for this series continue to impress, as he conveys plot and atmosphere succinctly with unconventional cover layouts. The plot is entertaining, but it's surprisingly simple and lacks the main character's edge and deviousness. 7/10
NEW X-MEN #140
by Grant Morrison, Phil Jimenez & Andy Lanning
(Marvel Comics)
 Though I find the murder-mystery plotline to be quite interesting, this issue brings with it a jarring shift in focus. Suddenly, the spotlight is shone on Bishop, a character from X-Treme X-Men that has played no role in Grant Morrison's stint on this title until now. His appearance is jarring, and it's bound to be confusing for readers unfamiliar with X-Men history or the other current X-books. It's too bad, because at its heart, this is a story that's offered insight into this strong cast of characters that Morrison has assembled. Jimenez's artwork is impressive, though. He handles the large cast with seeming ease, and the Crisis on Infinite Earths fan in me enjoyed his George Perez-esque cover. 6/10
PETER PARKER: SPIDER-MAN #55
by Zeb Wells, Khary Randolph & Wayne Faucher (Marvel Comics)
 Wells had a fairly conventional but ultimately entertaining premise to play with here, but there's wasn't so much potential in it that it should have been stretched out over a three-issue story arc like this. Wells offers up a couple of fun moments with Reed Richards, though, but otherwise, this was, at best, a rather ordinary read. Khary Randolph's style -- something of a Mike (FF) Wieringo meets Humberto (Out There) Ramos kind of thing -- and the light suits the tone of the script. I'm surprised at how consistent it is with the style of the previous penciller. Consistency is good, but at the same time, Randolph didn't do much to make his work stand out as particularly unique either. But the storytelling is capable and clear. 5/10
Email Don MacPherson comments about this review, or discuss it on the Fourth Rail message board.
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