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Quick Critiques for 10/1
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.
ELEKTRA #28
by Robert Rodi, Sean Chen & Sandu Florea (Marvel Comics)
 I want to dislike this issue; really, I do. Rodi may connect all the dots that link each of his issues as one story here, but while the plot moves forward, the storytelling focus is the same. Elektra is a badass and scares the crap out of her targets before striking the killing blow. I get it, I've seen it and I'm looking for something new. But in and of itself, this issue is a strong one. He achieves the tense atmosphere required, and he convinces me of the supporting characters' fears. Chen does a great job of conveying the intimidating and focused nature of the title character, and the chase is a visually exciting one. Rodi has done a good job of establishing Elektra's professional routine, but it's time to introduce new elements, new atmospheres to the book. 7/10
EXILES #35
by Judd Winick, Clayton Henry & Mark Morales
(Marvel Comics)
 OK, the rapid-fire publishing schedule of this title is getting to be overwhelming. It's not just that there's an issue hitting the stands every week at this point, it's that there's little consistency from issue to issue. That jarring quality is enhanced by the frequency with which it's being released. This issue offers a slightly diverting new storyline, but a rather familiar one as well. Winick offers a slightly tweaked version of the Fantastic Four's origin here, but it's lacking in the more character-focused storytelling that I expect from this writer. Henry's artwork is capable, capturing the traditional super-heroics and action easily, but it lacks the darker and/or more mature tone in order to foster a tenser atmosphere and the critical nature of the Exiles' activities. 4/10
FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE JUSTICE LEAGUE #4
by Keith Giffen, J. M. DeMatteis, Kevin Maguire & Joe Rubenstein (DC Comics)
 The writers merge the action and intensity that made the previous issue such a standout with the laughs that sucked the readers into this series in the first place. This is the first time that Fire comes off as something more than a cynical sample of eye candy, and the writers hint at an unusual but developing bond between the two female members of the team. Maguire's artwork is as fun as ever. He captures the sillier aspects of the script perfectly, but his detailed approach also brings out the ferocity of the action with seeming ease as well. There's talk of an ongoing series arising out of this well-received limited series, and I hope that Maguire can maintain a pace that would enable him to stay on as the regular penciller on such a series. 8/10
JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES #24
by Fabian Nicieza, Tim Levins & Robin Riggs (DC Comics)
 Nicieza develops an interesting three-pronged structure for this story. Three heroes, three theories, three problems. The Martian Manhunter, Superman and the Batman represent different ideals in this story -- healing, responsibility and retribution -- and the writer's inclusion of those philosophical clashes as part of the story's conflict was well done. At the same time, it's not overdone to the point that the younger readers that serve as this book's target audience can't follow. It's always a treat to see Levins back in action. I loved his work on The Copybook Tales and Gotham Adventures, and his time on the former title serves the more grounded scenes in which story quite well. John Kalisz's colors are wonderfully vibrant as well, and he reinforces the cosmic quality of several characters. 7/10
NEW X-MEN #147
by Grant Morrison, Phil Jimenez & Andy Lanning (Marvel Comics)
 "Planet X" continues, as does my disappointment in the culmination of Grant Morrison's run on this title. Again, I admit that I could be falling for a ruse devised by the writer to make this only seem to conventional super-hero writing, but for the moment, I'm underwhelmed by plot developments. Magneto seems so clearly set up for failure here that it robs a climactic story of a large measure of suspense. I find that I don't have much of a vested interest in many members of the new Brotherhood, and Magneto's behavior here makes little sense. Either he was recovered and ready to re-emerge, or he wasn't. Jimenez's detailed pencils bring out the cataclysmic qualities of the story quite well, but I found Chris Chuckry washes out the art with some of his colors in this issue. 5/10
SUPERMAN: BIRTHRIGHT #4
by Mark Waid, Leinil Francis Yu & Gerry Alanguilan (DC Comics)
 While the first few issues of this limited series reminded me of an extension of the current TV incarnation of the character starring Tom Welling, this issue -- featuring a new take on Superman's first encounter with Lois Lane -- put me in mind of the first Superman movie of the 1970s. There's a more conventional tone at play here, but there are a few new elements -- including an unfortunately believable portrayal of an abusive employer -- that help to set it apart. Yu's artwork is as stunning as it has been in previous issues. The level of detail is overwhelming, and the European influence in his work shine through. Yu brings the power and presence of Superman together with the maturity and meticulous nature of Heavy Metal. 7/10
TOO MUCH HOPELESS SAVAGES #2
by Jen Van Meter, Christine Norrie & Ross Campbell (Oni Press)
 Now this is more like it. Van Meter plays a little more lightly with the international intrigue elements in this story, and she converges the separate plotlines by bringing the rest of the Hopeless-Savage clan to Hong Kong with Twitch and Arsenal. At first, I worried this issue would be difficult to pick up, but by the middle of the book, the plotlines were quite clear. I was pleased with the spotlight that was shone on Rat this issue, and the Arsenal flashback was brilliant. I also enjoyed Van Meter's sly wink to her husband's Oni Press title, Queen and Country. Norrie's artwork is appropriately light and flirty, and Campbell's contribution to the flashback was wonderfully Richard Corben-esque. 8/10
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #47
by Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Bagley & Art Thibert (Marvel Comics)
 Bendis launches a new storyline featuring the fallout of the title character's first encounter with the Kingpin. The parallels and contrasts drawn here, especially in the final scene, are deliciously cynical and critical of the U.S. justice system. There's plenty of Spidey action to be had in this issue, and as such, Mark Bagley's kinetic and frenetic artwork shines. As always, though, the strongest elements in the script are the scenes sans costumes and action sequences. Peter and Mary Jane's awkward and angry conversation here was the highlight of the issue for this reader. Peter's poor handling of the situation and MJ's patient counterbalance were delights to read. 8/10
Email Don MacPherson with your comments about this review.
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