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Quick Critiques for 8/3/2005
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.
FANTASTIC FOUR: HOUSE OF M #2
by John Layman, Scot Eaton & Don Hillsman II
(Marvel Comics)
 I enjoyed the first issue of this limited series, pitting two factions of bad guys against one another. A good part of the entertainment stemmed from seeing writer John Layman's new interpretations of familiar characters, but there just wasn't as much of that sort of thing to be found here. Obviously, the plot has to get moving, given that this is only a three-part series. The plot and characters are also lacking in gray areas. Doom and his family seem to delight in the suffering of others a bit too much, so much that it's a bit hard to swallow. Furthermore, we've seen so little of Magneto and his family in this crossover event, we don't really get a sense of who they are in this alternate world. Eaton's storytelling is clear and capable, and I really like his interpretation of the It. But again, I found myself want to find more of the new visuals offered in the first issue, but there wasn't much new added to this second chapter. Furthermore, Layman's plot is hindered by the fact that the reader knows Magneto's ultimate fate won't be decided here but rather in the main House of M title itself. 6/10
FIRESTORM #16
by Stuart Moore, Jamal Igle, Rob Stull & Keith Champagne (DC Comics)
 Stuart Moore has breathed new life into this title while respecting the new character and ideas introduced by writer Dan Jolley when he relaunched the property. Moore has softened circumstances in which the main character finds himself a little bit, and he's taken Firestorm back to roots a bit more while still keeping a fresh, new quality. I'm struck by just how accessible this issue is as well. This may be the second part of the "Secret Origins" story arc, but those new to the series -- and even new to the character in general -- should have no trouble following the story. Igle brings a more grounded look to the characters as well, but the designs are still modern and striking. I love the look of the Pionic Man, and the unusual lettering by Rob Leigh for the villain reinforces the monstrous, creepy quality of the relentless foe. This is a strong, traditional super-hero story. It's not going to set the industry on fire or anything, but it's solid and entertaining. 7/10
GIMOLES #1
by Mike Bullock & Theo Bain (Alias Enterprises)
 The writer of Lions, Tigers & Bears brings another fantasy title aimed at younger readers to life, and it's really a charming book crafted in the tradition of some of the more saccharine holiday animation specials. It's cute, it's simple and while its core audience is much younger tykes, it's not dumbed down, allowing all ages to appreciate and enjoy it. The book features the adventures of Gimoles, nymphs responsible for springtime. They get nature warmed up, wake up and feed the hibernating animals and pave the way for summer. They're called into action when the crooked elf responsible for winter decides he doesn't want to step aside. Like I said, it's simple, but it's charming. The art puts one in mind of animator Don Bluth's style. In fact, the whole book reads like a pitch for an animated movie as opposed to a comic book. Of the three 75-cent books the publisher released this week, this is definitely the strongest, and it stands out as one of Alias's most focused and successful endeavors thus far. 7/10
IMPERIAL DRAGONS #1
by Sean J. Jordan, Vitor Ishimura & Flavio Hoffe
(Alias Enterprises)
 I've got to hand it to the folks at Alias... they keep doling out these 75-cent introductory issues, giving a wider audience an incentive to check out their offerings. I woudn't normally give a title such as this one a second glance, but at this price, I'd be willing to try out just about anything. The overall tone of this book is Street Fighter set in feudal times, but as the plot progresses, an interesting espionage plot -- one that bridges the gap between the almost alien historical setting and the reader's experience -- emerges. A number of plot developments are a bit hard to swallow, such as how poorly guarded a symbolic token of power is. The script is awkward as well, as it gets repetitive. The art is capable but unengaging. it lacks the flash and edge that's called for, though it strives to achieve it. Also frustrating is the fact that were often told who the Imperial Dragons are but not what they can do. There's a hint of magic in the opening scene, but it's never explained. 4/10
Email Don MacPherson with your comments about this review.
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