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Quick Critiques for 6/2
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.
ALPHA FLIGHT #4
by Scott Lobdell, Clayton Crain & Mark Morales (Marvel Comics)
 Lobdell makes a couple of smart moves in this issue. He brings a darker quality to the annoyingly upbeat Major Mapleleaf character, and he splits the team up into pairs for their first mission. That allows us to get to know them better in those smaller groups. Unfortunately, the plotting here is completely non-sensical. I feel as though I must have missed an issue, or that pages must have been omitted here. Lobdell fails to tell the reader how the characters got from the end of the previous issue to this point. I realize he's aiming for a goofier tone here, but that doesn't mean the plot can skip a few beats in the process. Crain's artwork is appropriately light, but it fails to establish settings clearly. Mind you, the script does the same thing, so perhaps the artist's lack of clarity stems from the directions he was given. 2/10
FIRESTORM #2
by Dan Jolley, ChrisCross & Dan Green (DC Comics)
 There was a fair bit of buzz about Firestorm even before the title was officially announced, so I surprised there's not more being said about the book now. It certainly merits attention, as Jolley has dusted off the core concept and added a new twist. More importantly, though, he grounds the characters. They're flawed, living an rough little corner of the world, but no so far removed from our own that we can't relate to Jason, the protagonist. Jolley continues to set up the new premise behind Firestorm, and he adds a little touch of the supernatural and creepy to it. ChrisCross brings an edge and energy to the character that helps to balance the more fantastic story elements here. The linework lends itself to a darker atmosphere, which reinforces the tense, urban drama that unfolds, and the colors bring out the intense science-fiction qualities of the book nicely as well. Together, they achieve an interesting visual balance. 8/10
MARVEL KNIGHTS 4 #6
by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Steve McNiven & Mark Morales (Marvel Comics/Marvel Knights)
 Six issues of a regular, ongoing series in five months, with no sign of slowing down... yep, Marvel should look upon Steve McNiven as one of its greatest assets. McNiven's richly detailed, flowing artwork never fails to amaze and ensorcel the reader, and this issue doesn't see a change in that trend. His work here reminds me of Kevin (Tomorrow Stories) Nowlan's style and that the amazing work we're seeing from Leinil Francis Yu on Superman: Birthright. I love how he and colorist Morry Hollowell distinguish between the scenes set in the present and those that take place in the Silver Age. I also enjoyed the new spin on Mr. Fantastic's powers that Aguirre-Sacasa comes up with here. Unfortunately, the overall plot seems a bit on the generic side, and the FF reacts in a rather extreme fashion, given their experience in such matters. I get what the writer's doing; he's trying to place these characters in the middle of an Alien-esque horror story. It's just that picturing these characters as being horrified and terrified is a bit of a stretch (pun intended). 6/10
RICH JOHNSTON'S HOLED UP #2
by Rich Johnston & Gonzalo Martinez (Avatar Press)
 Johnston's send-up of a militia mentality and extremist right-wing mindsets continues here, and it takes off in an unusualand unexpected direction. The most entertaining and surprising aspect of the book is the ongoing role that Zebra's African-American boyfriend plays here. He not only gets entangled in the Holed family's insanity, but there are times when he seems to actually enjoy it. It's the most telling aspect of this book; the book is about letting go, embracing insanity and having fun with it. Johnston's comment on suicide bombers is not only amusing but points out that we Western folks just can't wrap our minds around the zealotry of the foes who have been painted as the New Enemy. Gonzalo's art, which puts me in mind of Batton (Supernatural Law) Lash's work, captures the zaniness and goofy tone of Johnston's satirical script perfectly. I really wish we could see more of his work in color, though; the cover(s) just isn't enough. 7/10
UNCANNY X-MEN #445
by Chris Claremont, Alan Davis & Mark Farmer
(Marvel Comics)
 Claremont's script leaves me a little cold this month. The opening scene featuring Wolverine and Nightcrawler's disastrous mission is a rather familiar one, leading to the typical X-angst. Furthermore, Bishop, Cannonball and Marvel Girl's trip to England comes from out of nowhere, and for those who are unfamiliar with Rachel Summers's adventures in Excalibur v.1, the plotline is a rather inaccessible one. Mind you, I did enjoy the development of a stronger connection between Storm and Nightcrawler, and I hope Claremont continues to foster a more intimate relationship there. My favorite aspect of the issue, though, is the return of a threat from the Marvel UK Captain Britain comics from the 1980s. Those who haven't read those stories will likely miss out on that thrill, but for those of us who remember the chilling descriptions of the menace, provided by Alan Moore and Alan Davis himself two deacdes ago, it brings a great deal of promise and excitement to this story arc. Davis's art is effective here, but it's much softer in tone today than it was on Captain Britain in the '80s. Some of the harshness in the villain is lost, but it remains an intimidating figure. 6/10
Y: THE LAST MAN #23
by Brian K. Vaughan, Goran Parlov & Jose Marzan, Jr. (DC Comics/Vertigo imprint)
 Vaughan delivers some solid action as Agent 355 faces off against a group of Arizona survivalists in the concluding chapter of "Widow's Pass." She and Dr. Mann really get to shine as likeable characters. But what really helped to set this issue apart is the turning point that the title character reaches in this issue. By the issue's end, he harbors a secret -- the role passes from Dr. Mann to Yorick, in a fashion -- and it's easy to relate to him, even if he is making an emotionally damaging decision. Again, Vaughan sets up some rich, personal storytelling potential in the midst of a premise already rife with sociological relevance and promise. I'm honestly astounded by just how consistent Goran Parlov's linework is in style with regular penciller Pia Guerra's work. His style is a soft one, though, and the violence in this issue calls for a harsher tone. Still, he maintains the tension and darkness in the atmosphere looming over these characters well. 9/10
Email Don MacPherson with your comments about this review.
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