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Quick Critiques for 5/31/2006
There's no way I can cover all of the material I have for review in full reviews, so these capsule reviews will offer some brief comments on other recent releases.
ACTION COMICS #839
by Kurt Busiek, Geoff Johns & Renato Guedes
(DC Comics)
 This issue boasts some exciting action, iconic visual representations of the first super-hero and really advances the story. And yet, I found I was a bit disappointed. First of all, I think the writers have moved along the re-powering of Superman far too quickly. I would have liked to read the action-packed adventures of Clark Kent for a while, but alas, it seems that's not to be. But what was really distracting about this issue was that the story seems to mirror plot points we're seeing in the various ads and trailers for the upcoming Superman Returns movie. It's a safe bet that the "Up, Up and Away" story arc will be ready for the trade-paperback treatment shortly after the film's release, so I can see the reasoning behind the parallel plotting. But do people want to read/see the same story twice? Renato Guedes's richly detailed art reminds me of Gene (Top 10) Ha's work. At first, it seemed a little stiff, but as the issue progressed, a stronger sense of movement definitely emerged. 6/10
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #532
by J. Michael Straczynski, Ron Garney & Bill Reinhold (Marvel Comics)
 I've been intrigued by the political ideas that have crept into this title as a buildup to Marvel's Civil War crossover, but the execution and art have been lacking. With the return of Ron Garney as penciller, the book's visual strength is boosted considerably. I really like the sleek look he brings to the new Spidey outfit, and his take on the traditional Spidey costume at the end of the issue puts me in mind of the strong work John Romita jr. did on the title not so long ago. At its heart, this plot flies in the face of the typical Spider-Man story; at least, on the surface, it does. But Peter's ethical quandry and the apparent impossibility of separating his masked life and his public life is compelling. No one can relate to the choice he's forced to make, but we can all relate to struggling with a life-altering decision. I'm genuinely interested to learn what comes next, even though I know any changes to Spidey's status quo will be fleeting. 7/10
ELSINORE #5
by Kenneth Lillie-Paetz & Mark Sparacio
(Devil's Due Publishing)
 The first issue of this title -- released by a different publisher, if memory serves -- didn't hold my attention. I was intrigued, but the surreal quality of the plot and art ultimated alienated me. Well, this return to the bizarre sanitorium was far more fulfilling. It seems a mix of the surreal with the real was quite intentional. This is a thoroughly accessible issue, summing up the cast of characters and the dark, conspiracy-theory atmosphere perfectly. The art is appropriately moody as well, and I like how the puzzle motif referred to in the narration is reflected in the panel layouts. I found the lettering for the narration -- presented as the psychiatrist's notes -- to be a little difficult to read; the font is rather small. 7/10
Note: This comic book was not among this week's new releases.
EMISSARY #1
by Jason Rand, Juan Ferreyra & Clayton Brown
(Image Comics/Shadowline imprint)
 This issue is all about introducing characters and setting the mood. The premise really takes a back seat, and that's OK. The larger picture is about what kind of effect a superhuman would really have on society, but the first half of this issue is about exploring the smaller problems that the central cast of characters has to contend with along with the bigger conflict presented by the arrival of the Emissary. I like the panicked, frantic mood that dominates this issue, but I found the overall issue to be a little light on content. Despite the mature tone of the script, the book reads rather quickly. The art is what it should be: realistic in its depiction of everyday people and an impossible development. Ferreyra's style reminds me a little of the work of Darick (Transmetropolitan) Robertson. Overall, I liked what I found in this inaugural issue, but it just felt as though there wasn't enough to completely draw me in. 6/10
SUPERMAN/BATMAN #26
by Sam Loeb & various/Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale
(DC Comics)
 This special issue has been promoted a great deal in recent months, and for good reason. Written by the late son of comics and TV writer Jeph Loeb, it celebrates a life taken too soon. But the question is: is the story itself any good? The answer is a definite yes. Loeb's Superboy/Robin story fits in nicely with the ending of Infinite Crisis, but more importantly, it has a strong sense of fun. Even better is that the very nature of the plot lends itself to illustration by a variety of artists. Furthermore, the participation of multiple scripters isn't the least bit apparent. The issue closes with a poignant short Superman story from Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale that's in keeping with their Superman For All Seasons work but incorporates a far more personal subject. I honestly don't know how someone can craft such a touching, personal story so soon after such a loss, and I commend not only Jeph Loeb for doing so but Sam Loeb's many friends for contributing to this delightfully entertaining, traditional, super-hero romp. 8/10
Email Don MacPherson with your comments about this review.
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