by Don MacPherson

Quick Critiques for 6/1/2005 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. MARVEL TEAM-UP #9 by Robert Kirkman & Scott Kolins (Marvel Comics) I love team-up comics. I love Scott Kolins's art. Kirkman's script is light, fun and strong on characterization. So why don't I like this series more? The problem is with poor pacing and a lack of focus. This title of this story arc indicates it's about the Ringmaster and his new powers, but we haven't seen anything of him in two months. Instead, Kirkman explores what's going on in New York at the same time as the villain's confrontation with Spider-Man and Moon Knight, and it does nothing to advance the story. Daredevil and Luke Cage's encounter with Stilt-Man is entertaining, but it's also rather fluffly and pointless. In fact, it seems as though they have more trouble with the goofy villain than they should. Kolins's art is as strong as ever. I'm reminded a bit of Ron Lim's stronger work in the 1990s, and Kolins even manages to make Stilt-Man look kind of cool. This is standard super-hero fare overall, and what's frustrating about it is how it fits into the broader context of the series. 6/10 VILLAINS UNITED #2 by Gail Simone, Dale Eaglesham & Wade von Grawbadger (DC Comics) Gail Simone's tale of underworld intrigue with a super-hero genre flair remains not only entertaining but riveting thanks to a fast pace and unexpected plot developments few could have guessed. Ultimately, Simone is telling a mystery story, but it's not so much a whodunnit as whoisit and whysithappenin'. Simone has trasnformed Catman into a fascinating figure, and she's managed to do so by enveloping him in myster (there's that word again) instead of just throwing an implausible explanation for his transformation our way. Eaglesham handles the expansive cast of characters with seeming ease. He lays out the opening scene perfectly and really shows the reader the intensity and force of will of Deadshot and Catman. I love the dynamics that are developing among the Secret Six, and while she provides plenty of action and intrigue, Simone also manages to incorporate some nice bits of characterization. Another bonus is how accessible the story is. One needn't be intimately familiar with this wide array of characters or the inner workings of the DC Universe in order to follow along. 8/10 X-MEN UNLIMITED #9 by Matt Fraction & Sam Kieth/Damon Hurd, Mark Brooks & Jaime Mendoza (Marvel Comics) I don't think there's another comics website or publication that's a bigger booster of both Matt (Last of the Independents) Fraction and Damon (A Sort of Homecoming) Hurd. Randy and I both love their work in the small and independent comics press. When I heard they were bringing their talents to the more conventional side of the industry, I looked forward to what these talented writers would do with mor familiar characters. Sadly, this work pales in comparison with their other writings, and I suppose it's no great surprise. I loved their work for the freshness of it, and when dealing with corporate cash cows such as the X-Men, there's no way they can do much new with the characters. Fraction's story of yet another old pal of Wolverine's is effective but terribly familiar. The Sam Kieth art was a treat, although it lacked the detail and depth we've seen from the artist on previous projects. Hurd's premise is pretty difficult to accept. I can imagine a seasoned X-Man wanting to quit and find a normal life, but the notion that he never takes the final step to make it happen just doesn't make sense. Furthermore, Brooks's cartoony, exaggerated tone just doesn't reflect the introspective and sad tone of the script, a tone the writer fosters effectively despite the flawed idea behind the story. Brooks also makes Iceman look like an albino rather than a man made of ice. 5/10 Email Don MacPherson with your comments about this review.