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Quick Critiques for 7/5/2006
There's no way I can cover all of the material I have for review in full reviews, so these capsule reviews will offer some brief comments on other recent releases.
DETECTIVE COMICS #821
by Paul Dini & J.H. Williams III (DC Comics)
 Paul Dini realizes that the key to a successful Batman story in Detective Comics is to focus on a detective story. The script holds out the promise early on that this plot could introduce a new addition to the extensive gallery of colorful and creepy villains of the Batman, and it both fulfills that promise and uses it to lure the reader into false expectations. The real star of this issue, though, is the artwork by Desolation Jones and Promethea contributor J.H. Williams III. Some of his work puts one in mind of Jae (Inhumans) Lee's dark, haunting style, but what really captures the eye is Williams's ability to be inventive in his comics storytelling. It's always a delight to see Williams experiment with perspective and with "effects" unique to the medium. Despite the use of colors -- both bright and muted, dark tones -- Williams captures a wonderfully noir feel throughout the issue. 8/10
FAMILY GUY
by Matt Fleckenstein, Ben Phillips, Rich Koslowski, Clayton Brown & Robert Grabe (Devil's Due Publishing)
 This first-ever Family Guy comic book can only be seen as a resounding creative success in that it replicates the tone, pace and humor of the animated sitcom perfectly. The price point -- $6.95 US -- is a bit hefty, though, and I would think that the Devil's Due guys might want to think about cheaper, thinner magazines, a la traditional comics, or heftier, graphic-novel-sized volumes for their future forays into Quahog, R.I. The cartoonists capture the house style of the cartoon with seeming ease, although I did find the backgrounds to be lacking at times. Long story short, if you're fan of the TV show, you'll enjoy this book. If you're not a Peter Griffin fan, then you're not going to pick up the comic anyway. 7/10
Note: This comic book was not among this week's new releases.
TALENT #2
by Christopher Golden, Tom Sniegoski & Paul Azaceta (Boom! Studios)
 With its second issue, Talent once again proves itself to be the finest publication issued by Boom! Studios thus far, and I'm not just saying that because this website is mentioned on the cover of the issue in question. My comments about the first issue stand for this second episode as well. This is a riveting thriller with colorful, chilling villains and a grounded hero and supporting cast. The core premise -- that an air-disaster survivor inherents all of the talents and knowledge of those who died -- is really touched upon only lightly, allowing an odd religious conspiracy to run wild through the streets trying to eradicate all evidence of the divine. Azaceta's art is thoroughly effective at reinforcing the tense tone and bringing the characters down to earth. His style reminds me of that of Michael (Daredevil) Lark and Tommy Lee (The Question) Edwards. I haven't heard nearly enough buzz about this title among fans of the medium, and I'm hoping that just means many are waiting for the inevitable trade paperback collection to discover the strength of this creative team's efforts. 9/10
Email Don MacPherson with your comments about this review.
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