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Quick Critiques for 6/11
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.
BLOOD AND WATER #4
by Judd Winick & Tomm Coker
(DC Comics/Vertigo imprint)
 This is one of two vampire comics I picked up this week (the other is Dark Days), and while I found the other to be more novel and riveting, Winick's dialogue and interesting vampire social structure made for a satisfying read all the same. I also rather enjoyed the misdirection provided by the dynamic and eye-catching cover. Given that this is the penultimate issue of the series, the reader is led to believe that the figure on the cover is the story's main antagonist, but he fulfills a much different role than one might expect. Coker's sketchy style suits the supernatural and mature tone of the story quite well, and Jason Wright's muted colors reinforce it. 7/10
GREEN ARROW #27
by Judd Winick, Phil Hester & Ande Parks (DC Comics)
 Whaddaya know... another Judd Winick comic and another solid, entertaining read. In the second part of "Straight Shooter," the plot really isn't advanced all that much, but the subplot -- a burgeoning relationship between the title character a much younger woman -- does. Though this new love interest was introduced only last month, Winick's dialogue and the emotiveness that Hester brings to the book make for some convincing characterization. Winick also handles the more extreme characters -- specifically, Constantin Drakon -- with seeming ease as well. He exudes menace. Hester's exaggerated style brings out the grotesque and powerful nature of the creatures lurking within Star City nicely as well.7/10
HUMAN TORCH #3
by Karl Kesel, Skottie Young & Joe Seung
(Marvel Comics/Tsunami imprint)
 Kesel continues to play around with themes of fame and regret here, and it's developed much more solo potential in the title character than I might have thought possible. Still, there's an awkwardness to the pacing of this issue. At the end of the opening scene, when the Torch and Mike Snow part ways, the scene suddenly shifts to their next meeting, and it made me think my issue was missing a few pages, or that they'd been printed out of order. Furthermore, the misconceptions about the Torch's powers are brought up time and time again, making for some redundant exchanges in the dialogue. On the other hand, a newly discovered aspect of his powers struck me as being particularly inventive, and timely, given pop-culture's fascination with forensics these days. Skottie Young's art, which is particularly Humberto Ramos-esque, is so exaggerated, the everyday quality of the characters is lost, but Studio F's vibrant colors really bring out the power of the fiery elements of the story. 6/10
JSA #49
by David Goyer, Geoff Johns, Leonard Kirk & Keith Champagne (DC Comics)
 Fans of Golden Age characters -- such as myself -- and non-stop super-hero will find plenty to enjoy in this issue, as the writers bring just about every character with a connection to the JSA and the All-Star Squadron into the fold this month. Unfortunately, it makes for an even greater level of inaccessibility than before. There are far too many balls being juggled at the same time. This reminds me of the "Rock of Ages" story arc from Grant Morrison's JLA stint a few years back. He was telling two stories, and both were inventive and interesting. But by merging the two stories, he weakened both of them. The same holds true here. In particular, I think the Eclipso plotline here would have made a much stronger -- and less drawn out -- story. 5/10
THE PUNISHER #28
by Garth Ennis & Cam Kennedy
(Marvel Comics/Marvel Knights)
 For the most part, this is typical Punisher fare. Tough-guy remarks, a casual attitude to violence... even gratuitous sex. And it's all tongue-in-cheek, I know, but after a while, it gets a bit tiring. One looks for something new, and this issue, fortunately, provides it in the form of a typical Texan sheriff. Polite but firm, tough but in control... but the bonus is the atypical element of the character: he's gay. Kennedy's sketchy and exaggerated style suits the arid setting and the extreme nature of the plot and characters, but it's a bit inconsistent as well. While entertaining, though, this book isn't the must read it once was when Ennis and Steve Dillon relaunched the property for Marvel a few years back. 7/10
ULTIMATE X-MEN #34
by Brian Michael Bendis, David Finch & Art Thibert (Marvel Comics)
 Bendis provides a sequel of sorts to Ultimate Marvel Team-Up #1, in which the Ultimate versions of Spider-Man and Wolverine met for the first time. Fortunately, this story is quite accessible for new readers and for those who missed out on that team-up tale. Somewhat surprisingly, Bendis successfully brings the intensity and edge of Wolverine together with the grounded and anxious nature of Spider-Man here. The plot has yet to reveal itself, but Bendis does what he does best with some down-to-earth, character-driven moments that examine the extreme elements of super-heroes through everyday eyes. Finch's richly detailed artwork is stunning. While it's better suited at conveying the nasty world of Wolverine, he nevertheless does a great job of capturing the youthful and universal qualities of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson. 8/10
Email Don MacPherson with your comments about this review.
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