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Quick Critiques for 6/29/2005
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.
GREEN LANTERN #2
by Geoff Johns, Carlos Pacheco & Jesus Merino
(DC Comics)
 The first issue was strong, and there are moments in Green Lantern: Rebirth that came across as epic and special. So I'm a bit surprised that this new series has so quickly degenerated into a typical super-hero adventure. It's light, fun and full of energy and action, but the plot is predictable and seemingly generic. The personal problems that crop up in Hal Jordan's effort to re-establish his career as a pilot seem more than a little forced; the coincidence is a hard pill to swallow. I find the relationship between Hal and his brother to be down to earth and intriguing, but ultimately, Johns needs to spend more time on it to really establish a genuine tone so the reader can relate to it. The art is lovely, though. Pacheco and Merino make the title character seem as sleek and fast as the jets he wants to pilot once again. There's a real sense of movement and energy in the super-hero action sequences. I was a bit disappointed to see the more human-looking but cold design for the Manhunter cast aside for one we've seen time and time again, though. 6/10
MACHINE TEEN #2
by Marc Sumerak & Mike Hawthorne (Marvel Comics)
 I don't know why, but this series continues to spin its wheels, advancing the plot no further than what we saw on the front cover of the first issue. In that debut issue, Sumerak spent the entire issue gradually introducing the reader to the concept that the main character was a bit different, culminating in the revelation that he's a robot or android of some kind. But we already knew that. In this issue, he spends the whole issue introducing the characters, including the title character himself, to the concept that he's a bit different, culminating in his exposure as a machine. Like I said, the plot hasn't moved much. Hawthorne's art is more consistent in this second issue, and he captures Adam's confusion quit well without making his reactions seem too over the top. Adam's exposure at the end of the issue really called for a more detail look. By showing the weirdness and meticulous detail of his circuitry and servo-motors in his hand or whatnot, Hawthorne could have emphasized the strange, alien aspect of Adam's characters that he and others are just discovering. That detail isn't to be found, though. 5/10
SEVEN SOLDIERS: SHINING KNIGHT #3
by Grant Morrison & Simone Bianchi (DC Comics)
 Simone Bianchi's work stands out as this issue's greatest strength. This is a radical departure from the gritty but effective artwork of the first couple of issues. There's an almost photorealistic quality to the art in this issue, but not so much so that style is lost; I said "almost" photorealistic, after all. No, Bianchi instills a moody tension as well that envelops the characters. The antiquities investigator gradually becomes more and more mysterious, more and more menacing. Her eyes are often hidden from the reader. The writing's no problem either. FBI Agent Helen Helligan's dialogue boasts a thoroughly down-to-earth tone, yet her brilliance and confidence come shining through as well. Having her discuss the possibility of a time-travelling Arthurian warrior in the same breath as her mother's nagging about a family wedding is the sort of thing that makes for strong, entertaining characters. Morrison also sets up the larger plot of Seven Soldiers event, tying the approaching apocalypse into the Sheeda's arrival in the modern age. 9/10
X-MEN #172
by Peter Milligan, Salvador Larroca, Danny Miki & Allen Martinez (Marvel Comics)
 Now that's more like it. Peter Milligan's work on X-Men hasn't exactly been among my favorite samples of his comics writing, and this title hasn't really offered up a good issue in some time. So I'm pleased to see the writer finally hit his stride with some strong characterization and an entertaining plot twist. The tension in Gambit and Rogue's relationship is more convincing in this issue, and Foxx's unsettling nature works better now that we see it's more than just Gambit that she's messing with. Milligan's decision to develop the other members of Gambit's class is a wise one. I was surprised at how well I got to know these young mutants, as it seemed as though they'd end up just being throwaway characters. The Havok/Polaris/Iceman love triangle subplot doesn't interest much at all, I'm afraid, but the ending, with its incestuous overtones, really makes for an unsettling effect. Larroca's art boasts a much more polished and meticulous look than it has in the past, and he doesn't a good job of conveying the emotional nature of the conflict. The detailed and varied designs of Gambit's students helps to stimulate the eye as well. 7/10
Email Don MacPherson with your comments about this review.
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