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Quick Critiques for 6/23
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.
EXCALIBUR #2
by Chris Claremont, Aaron Lopresti & Greg Adams (Marvel Comics)
 I thought the first issue of this series was surprisingly strong, one of Claremont's more grounded and intriguing efforts in some time. But he's lost me with the second issue. Claremont seems to openly critique Grant Morrison's take on Magneto here, bringing the character back incredibly soon and dismissing the events of "Planet X" as the actions of an "imposter." It makes no sense, and Claremont's script doesn't even suggest the slightest hint of mystery or suspicion that all is not as it seems. Furthermore, it's not an accessible script at all, drawing upon the events of not only "Planet X," but from recent issues of Uncanny X-Men and X-Treme X-Men without providing much in the way of exposition. Callisto's sudden arrival doesn't do much for me either. Claremont obviously has some fondness for the character -- after all, he created her -- but I don't share it. She and her new tentacles make for a rather goofy visual, not an intimidating one. Lopresti's art is fairly strong all around, but setting and circumstances of the story call for something a little darker and edgier. 3/10
THE FLASH #211
by Geoff Johns, Howard Porter & Livesay (DC Comics)
 Johns wraps up a story arc with an action-oriented sequence that potrays Gorilla Gross in a deliciously animalistic and vicious light, granting him a far more intimidating quality than the brainy ape of the Silver Age. Johns's script sets this fight scene apart from the sort of routine and ordinary action one usually sees in super-hero comics. The heroes sustain some real damage and trauma here, and it adds a real tension to the story. I also love the developing Rogues versus Rogues plotline; Johns wisely doesn't transform ex-villains into heroes here, but into mercenaries. That leaves them with an edgy and dangerous quality. What's disappointing about this issue is Porter's art. It doesn't always correspond with what Johns tells us in the script. We're told the blood is flowing long before we ever see it, for example. Furthermore, the climax of the Flash/Grodd fight is off, as the wrong moment is emphasized. Instead of presenting a huge panel depicting the final blow, Porter emphasizes the buildup before that explosive moment. It robs the climax of some of its impact. 6/10
HENCH original graphic novel
by Adam Beechen & Manny Bello (AiT/Planet Lar)
 Astro City meets The Tick in a fun but surprisingly emotional and grounded story about one of the faceless characters who's more of a prop than a player in the super-hero genre: the henchman for the villain. The creators offer up a diverse array of heroes and villains that take a playful approach with the iconic nature of the various archetypes of the genre. They're both goofy and threatening at the same time, heroes and villains alike. The dominant element in the book, though, is the examination of the henchman as a regular guy, a blue-collar, working-class joe who makes bad decisions for good reasons. It's remarkably easy to relate to him, and that's thanks to the genuine tone of the narration, which is in the main character's voice. The black-and-white art suits the quietly melancholy tone of the story nicely, and the character designs are a lot of fun. I also loved the various cover tributes to be found throughout the graphic novel. The linework is a little rough at times, though, and I found the artist's penchant for rendered the characters with black eyes a bit distracting. It seems as though the art could use a little polish, but overall, the visual flow of the storytelling is strong. 8/10
Note: This graphic novel was not among this week's new releases.
ROBIN #127
by Bill Willingham, Damion Scott & Robert Campanella (DC Comics)
 Overall, this is a solid issue. The super-hero plotlines and the emotion-driven subplots are advanced at a brisk pace, and the developing connection and trust between the Batman and his new Robin is convincing. I also enjoyed the brief look at a new villain here, and I hope we see more of her in the future. The character concept and design are striking ones and merit further and more extensive use. My problem is that this issue never really grabbed me. Everything unfolds here in a rather ordinary and by-the-numbers manner. There's a lot of promise in the notion of a new Robin, especially a new female dynamic in the Dark Knight's world. But for some reason, this issue didn't get me excited about it. Everything here just seems so ordinary and conventional. Willingham has definitely strengthened the book by shaking things up, but this particular issue doesn't really make the most of his decision to uset the status quo. 6/10
STREET ANGEL #2
by Jim Rugg & Brian Maruca (Slave Labor Graphics)
 I suspect the creators behind Street Angel might be fans of Andrew Boyd and Ryan Young's Scurvy Dogs, as this issue -- filled with pirates, ninjas, ancient gods and space adventurers -- really puts me in mind of that AiT/Planetlar title. The best description for this book is "zany." The title character isn't even one of the main players here. The creators just let loose with a number of over-the-top ideas. They mix a variety of goofy genre elements in one boiling pot, and they stir things up to the point that the cauldron is set to explode. Street Angel stands out as the one voice of reason in a world of time warps, a culturally confused astronautand an Incan god who behaves more like a corporate executive than a divine power. The art reminds me of the styles of Mike (X-Statix) Allred and Cameron (Seaguy) Stewart. The urban backgrounds are surprisingly convincing and well realized. 9/10
Note: This comic book was not among this week's new releases.
SUPERMAN #206
by Brian Azzarello, Jim Lee & Scott Williams
(DC Comics)
 I really want to enjoy this Azzarello/Lee run on this title. The writer makes important points about the nature of war herere, and in the process, offers biting commentary on the political climate in which the world is immersed at the moment. There's a reflective tone in the characters' dialogue that's appealing as well. Unfortunately, it's not at all clear what's going on. At first, we're led to believe that the story is about the Vanishing, a mysterious event that apparently claimed the life of Lois Lane and millions of others. But instead of trying to solve that mystery, Superman immerses himself in a war. The plotting just doesn't draw me in. Furthermore, Lee's design for a new superhuman foe leaves me uninterested. Equus resembles an Authority villain named Seth, but ultimately, he comes off as a generic villain that combines Hulk and Wolverine elements in order to come off as intimidating. The character design is as vague as the plotting here. 5/10
WONDER WOMAN #205
by Greg Rucka, Drew Johnson & Ray Snyder
(DC Comics)
 Drew Johnson's efforts on this title continue to stand out as the finest work of his career. His work here reminds me of a cross between the styles of Adam Hughes and Stuart Immonen. The Circe/Gorgons scenes are deliciously dark, and Johnson effectively conveys the nature of Dr. Psycho's illusion powers. Johnson also does a great job when it comes to the depiction of the title character. Wonder Woman exudes strength, power and confidence when she enters the picture here. Rucka comes up with an inventive application of Dr. Psycho's powers as well when it comes to the villain's efforts to escape from the title character and to manipulate the fears of denizens of the DC Universe. Rucka continues to make Psycho seem like the creepiest little villain, and an incredibly dangerous one at all. I also like how he's taking his time with the Veronica Cale plotline. Rucka also captures a sense of the mythic and classic in the dialogue in the Circe scenes, but at the same time provides the characters with personalities and voices that sound grounded and not at all alien or stilted, as one might expect. 7/10
Email Don MacPherson with your comments about this review.
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