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Quick Critiques for 7/9
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 #5
by Judd Winick & Tomm Coker
(DC Comics/Vertigo imprint)
 Winick brings his rather grounded vampire story to a satisfying conclusion, but it's a sudden one as well. Just about all of the action is crammed into this final issue, leaving little room for the strong characterization that makes the title so fascinating. Winick has wisely left the door open for another look at these rather likable and down-to-earth bloodsuckers, and I hope DC/Vertigo invites him to walk through again. Coker's fine linework and dark atmosphere achieve a nice balance between a grounded realism and supernatural feel, and Wright's colors reinforce the eerie side of the story. 8/10
FANTASTIC FOUR #500
by Mark Waid, Mike Wieringo & Karl Kesel
(Marvel Comics)
 Waid brings "Unthinkable" to a satisfying conclusion, and the real nature of the story arc's title comes into focus. Clever. The edge brought to Dr. Doom in this tale has really made the character's pettiness come to life, but the character who really gets picked apart here is Reed Richards. His intellectual confidence does border on pomposity, really, and Doom's machinations turn out to be not only a lesson in horror, but humility as well. Waid and Wieringo also successfully communicate the intensity of the rage of the heroes, especially the Invisible Woman. Paul Mounts's colors also add an eerie and tense edge to the story, making for a nice balance with Wieringo's bright style. 8/10
INCREDIBLE HULK #57
by Bruce Jones & Leandro Fernandez (Marvel Comics)
 Continuity buffs might not be so taken with this story, as Jones portrays the antagonist -- the Absorbing Man -- as far more devious and well-spoken than he has been in the past. Personally, I don't have a big problem with it, as it opens the door for a chilling story. Instead of a mindless brute, Creel comes off as more of a ruthless, manipulative killer. The script is a little awkward at times, providing exposition in a rather overt manner. It interferes with the tension in the story somewhat. Fernandez's exaggerated artwork is well suited for this plot, as its inky and edgy quality is in keeping with Jones's chilling ideas. 7/10
LOVE FIGHTS #2
by Andi Watson (Oni Press)
 Watson's story about a burgeoning romance in a city full of super-heroes continues to tickle my brain. I find it remarkably easy to relate to Nora's ambition and wide-eyed wonder over beginning the career of her dreams, and Jack's trepidation and self-esteem problems are ones just about anybody can understand. I find it interesting that Nora represents everything that Jack wants... and everything from which he's trying to distance himself. The quirky twist at the end of the issue is funny and charming, and it reminded me a little of the unusual quality that the Stewie character brought to The Family Guy. Watson's simple style reinforces the universal quality of the plotting and characters, and as always, it's thoroughly expressive. 9/10
Email Don MacPherson with your comments about this review.
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