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Quick Critiques for 9/8
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.
FABLES #29
by Bill Willingham, Tony Akins & Jimmy Palmiotti
(DC Comics/Vertigo imprint)
 A wolf man. Nazis. A secret Allied mission during World War II. And a literary (and articulate) monster. There are a bunch of elements here that should make for an entertaining adventure, and Willingham certainly delivers on that potential. There are some problems, though. First of all, the character interaction and politics of the fantastic that serve as the core appeal and strength of this series aren't to be found in this story arc. Furthermore, there's a lack of freshness as well. This material seems familiar. I'm reminded of the recent Van Helsing movie in particular. On top of that, this reads more like a super-hero story than the more mature, Vertigo feel one usually expects from the title. The art suits the playful tone of the story. Bigby really doesn't look fearsome, but I liked the personality Akins brings to the monster the Nazis reanimate. Overall, this is another entertaining issue, but it's just not doesn't boast the same original and edgy qualities that grabbed my attention in the first place. 6/10
FALLEN ANGEL #15
by Peter David, David Lopez & Fernando Blanco
(DC Comics)
 This series has been running for more than a year, but it's only been recently that the promotional push, beginning at a grassroots level and widening to include the publisher's efforts, has really driven forward. This is an excellent jumping-on point for new readers. All of the book's strengths are to be found here. The surreal and mystical tone of the setting and characters is in the forefront, but so are the more grounded qualities. And therein lies the book's greatest appeal: its dichotomies. That's what makes Fallen Angel unique. I loved the creeopy atmosphere David builds up around the ironically named Mr. Kind. And opening the arc with a focus on Shadow Boxer's past gives the reader someone to connected with. The art is simple in tone but it's thoroughly effective as well. Lopez and Blanco immerse key scenes in darkness and reinforce the tension and maturity of the script. The explosive climax on the final splash page struck me as being remarkably realistic and convincing as well. 9/10
HARD TIME #8
by Steve Gerber & Brian Hurtt (DC Comics/DC Focus)
 That the main character in this series has the power to convert his consciousness to energy and leave the confines of his prison cell is far from the most interesting thing going on in this book. In fact, the fantastic elements really aren't needed that much, save to act as the catalyst for more grounded plotlines. It's the social structure of the prison, the interaction and the choices the characters make that draw the reader into the harsh setting. Gerber's script is well balanced. He's telling much more than just Ethan's story here. It's compelling drama, perhaps the strongest prison fiction I've read or watched. Hurtt's soft-edged style makes it easy to relate to the characters, but he still injects plenty of darkness, maturity and ugliness into the backdrop. The monochromatic color scheme has been abandoned, and I'm surprised I don't miss it. The atmosphere remains an uncomfortable as ever. 9/10
POWERS #4
by Brian Michael Bendis & Michael Avon Oeming
(Marvel Comics/Icon imprint)
 If there's one thing you can count on when reading Powers it's that you can never predict what radical direction the plotlines will take. Deena's unfortunate circumstances are sudden and jarring, and they throw the reader off-balance. There's also a harshness to how she's treated and how the villains are portrayed that bring credibility to this setting of a city full of villains and former heroes. Speaking of which, the grocery store encounter between to former super-heroes rings incredibly true while providing some much-needed humor as well. Walker's detective work at the scene of his partner's abduction combines brains with sci-fi fun and wonder incredibly well. Oeming's art immerses the characters in a world of inky shadows, and his dark, less-is-more technique really develops a strong, mature mood. The cover is wonderful as well. It tells the reader everything s/he has to know about what to expect. 10/10
X-FORCE #2
by Rob Lifeld & Fabian Nicieza (Marvel Comics)
 Liefeld and Nicieza seem to be gearing up a good guy versus good guy sort of plot here, as Cannonball is recruited by someone who claims Cable's actions will be detrimental to the world around him. The next issue blurb promises a Cable/Cannonball fight. Nothing cliched about two heroes fighting one another, is there? OK, it's horribly cliched, but what's really irksome about this issue is that the plot, which has its foundation in Cable's future, is almost unintelligible. Nicieza's script tries to flow from one perspective in the flashback to another -- from Jon Spectre's to Cable's -- but the cues to the shift aren't the least bit overt. Further adding to the confusion is that three other cast members simply appear; no time is spent on establishing how they signed up for Cable's new mission or why. Furthermore, the art is surprisingly dull. Liefeld's new costume designs for the heroes are remarkably bland. The coloring motif used to distinguish the flash-forward from the main action of the story is interesting, but it doesn't suit Liefeld's extremely exaggerated linework. 1/10
Email Don MacPherson with your comments about this review.
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