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Quick Critiques for 8/6
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.
BATMAN: DEATH AND THE MAIDENS #1
by Greg Rucka & Klaus Janson (DC Comics)
 Greg Rucka provides a surprisingly emotional and fresh new take on a classic Batman villain in this first issue, and he does so in two different ways. He points out that one of the Batman's tactics against him is a cruel one, and he introduces a new character that enlightens the reader as to how immortality can be seen as a curse, how death is a natural thing and unending life is not. Janson presents a Frank Miller-esque vision of the main title character. His gritty linework suits the dark, mature tone of Rucka's story perfectly, and I hope this series helps newer readers to discover Janson's work and the strong influence he had on some of the landmark comics oeuvres of the 1980s. 9/10
ELEKTRA #26
by Robert Rodi, Sean Chen & Sandu Florea
(Marvel Comics)
 Rodi is falling into a dangerous pattern here, showing the target's side of an assassination and the following it with Elektra's viewpoint in the subsequent issue. Mind you, I find it difficult to begrudge him the development of such a formula when the storytelling is as strong as what we find here. I love seeing how the process of Elektra's work unfolds. His characterization of the spoiled, snivelling son of an African dictator was convincing and entertaining, and the introduction of further political elements and manipulation was sharp as well. Chen's crisp yet gritty art continues to impress. It suits the title character's exploits quite well. 8/10
HUMAN TARGET: FINAL CUT softcover graphic novel
by Peter Milligan & Javier Pulido
(DC Comics/Vertigo imprint)
 Peter Milligan is known these days for his celebrity satire and youth angst of X-Statix, but he explores darker and more riveting themes in this graphic novel followup to a limited series from a few years ago. On the surface, this is a delightfully noir tale of murder and betrayal in Hollywood, reminiscent of Azzarello ad Risso's 100 Bullets: The Counterfifth Detective. But the real hook here is the disturbing psychology behind a man who willing immerses himself in the identities of others. Javier Pulido's artwork could be described as simple, even cartoony, but it's more than equal to the task of bringing this mature tale of ugly people in a fairytale town to life. The one problem with the story is its references to events in the original limited series without the proper context. It was a nice treat for those of us who read it, but it could confuse those who haven't. 9/10
JSA: ALL-STARS #4
by Geoff Johns, David Goyer, Mike McKone & Wayne Faucher/James Robinson & Tony Harris (DC Comics)
 This issue stands out as the strongest of the series thus far, but that could be my bias -- my love for the Robinson/Harris Starman series -- talking. In a short backup story, the creators capture the delicious noir atmosphere of Opal City incredibly well. It's also clear just how important Wade von Grawbadger's inks were in that series. Harris's artwork here is lovely, but it lacks the gritty edge that von Grawbadger's inks brought to the book. The main story is also revisits an entertaining but no-longer-published DC series: Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E. It was great to catch up with those characters, but again, the restrictive length keeps the creators from getting too in depth. The plot gallops along, but it's exciting. And with Mike (Teen Titans) McKone on pencils, you know it's going to look good. 7/10
MIRANDA #1
by Lance Parkin & Allan Bednar
(Comeuppance Comics)
 It's amazing what one can find while tidying up one's apartment. For example, I found this small-press comic book, one I should have read ages ago. I'm glad I rediscovered it while spelunking the depths of the chaos in which I live, as the creators offer a fantastic sci-fi comedy that still manages to establish some conflict and suspense. The story of a young, 21st century woman being whisked off to the far-flung future to assume command over the entire universe works surprisingly well. The title character's personality comes shining through, and the action is exciting and entertaining. Bednar's linework reminds me of the styles of Daniel (Superman: Metropolis) Zezelj and Karl (Route 666) Moline. He tells the story clearly and doesn't let the black-and-white format hold the storytelling back in the least. 8/10
Note: This comic book was not among this week's new releases.
ONE BLOODY YEAR: FALL
by Michel Lacombe
 Lacombe, playing with an idea from Dan Villeneuve, presents a vampire story that's far darker than what we've come to expect from the genre in the age of Buffy. The story is a supernatural take on a small man trying to act big, to exact petty revenge over perceived transgressors of the past. The artwork is the book's greatest strength, though, reminds me of the styles of such detailed artists as J.H. (Promethea) Williams III and Tony (Starman) Harris. There's a strong sense of realism at play here, but a dark, moody atmosphere as well. The storytelling is a little difficult to follow in a couple of scenes, but overall, Lacombe delivers a chilling supernatural story that's quite grounded. 7/10
THOR #67
by Dan Jurgens, Max Fiumara, Cam Smith & Rich Perrotta (Marvel Comics)
 Jurgens continues his epic "Spiral" story arc, and its grand scope and ethical themes remain as impressive as ever. The writer is doing something truly different with Marvel's God of Thunder, and I have to admit that the character is far more interesting in the role of misguided villain than lofty hero. "Spiral" leads me to believe that Jurgens could offer an interesting take on Dr. Doom, a classic Marvel villain with motivation similar to what Thor exhibits here. The problem with this issue lies in the artwork. Fiumara's work here reminds me of P. Craig Russell's, but his work lacks detail at times. He seems to hide elements in shadow, but instead of reinforcing the tense mood, it's just distracting and even somewhat confusing. 7/10
Email Don MacPherson with your comments about this review.
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