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Quick Critiques for 10/15
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.
DAREDEVIL #53
by David Mack (Marvel Comics/Marvel Knights)
 If one were to pick up this issue cold without having followed the title recently (or even at all), the reader would be blown away by the unique approaching to comic storytelling here and the cultural elements that are an integral part of the main character of this story arc, Echo. For those of us who have been following the book closely, this was another somewhat frustrating issue. Mack advances the story a little here, but not much. The character's introspection really isn't leading anywhere, it seems. Still, the spiritual tone at play here is a soothing one, and the character remains a unique and interesting figure in the world of Daredevil. Furthermore, the multimedia artwork is something that I doubt will ever get old, at least in the context of conventional comic artwork in mainstream super-hero comics. 7/10
HUMAN TARGET #3
by Peter Milligan & Javier Pulido
(DC Comics/Vertigo imprint)
 The Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States were horrific events, but they sparked a brief but shining period of American pride and global kinship unlike anything we've seen in decades. Milligan looks beyond the veil of that pride and tragedy to examine the ugly side of the human heart, to look at a different kind of crime. I love that there are no real heroes to be found in this story. The "victim" is as corrupt as the corporate villain. Pulido's simple style nevertheless captures an intensity and darkness in the characters that's fascinating. I love the movement he brings to the panel layouts as well. I also appreciated the shorter form Milligan takes here. We've grown accustomed to the four-issues-or-longer story arc format and the occasinal standalone issue, so this two-parter was a nice change of pace. 9/10
JSA #53
by Geoff Johns, Don Kramer & Keith Champagne
(DC Comics)
 OK, DC needs to set up a Crimson Avenger series, and I mean now. The character's potential really shines here. Her tortured existence and the inexact nature of her powers/curse make for some truly compelling storytelling. I like that the character isn't a cold, emotionless avenger like the Punisher, but someone who is struggling with the mission with which she's been tasked. The unusual pairing of Wildcat and Power Girl was a lot of fun as well. Don Kramer's storytelling is clear and effective here, but I have to question why the former regular penciller, Leonard Kirk, was let go from the title. My understanding was that DC was looking for a new, different style, and I can understand that. But Kramer's work here is more than a little reminiscent of Kirk's. Maybe Champagne's inks are the root of the similarities, but the overall visual style here has changed little. 8/10
MERIDIAN #39
by Barbara Kesel, Vincenzo Cucca & Don Hillsman II
(CrossGen Entertainment)
 This is an unusual issue that focuses on a relationship that exists yet doesn't. Kesel explores Sephie's and Jad's feelings for one another by following their radically different adventures. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of the serenity of Sephie's journey with the frantic and dangerous nature of Jad's travels through Cadador. Unfortunately, this issue's not the most accessible one I've happened upon. I follow this series regularly, and even I was a bit thrown off at times. Cucca's artwork boasts a consistent tone with the style of previous regular penciller Steve McNiven, but it doesn't quite boast the same polish and level of detail. I look forward, though, to seeing his work develop here, as I did McNiven's. 6/10
TEEN TITANS #4
by Geoff Johns, Mike McKone & Marlo Alquiza
(DC Comics)
 This series is deeply rooted in the continuity of previous Titans stories, notably the Marv Wolfman/George Perez run during the 1980s. And on top of that, Johns has already managed to construct some intricate and intriguing subplots, but together, they make for an occasionally inaccessible story. However, there's no denying that the intensity of the main plot and the tense and angry atmosphere that looms over all the characters is riveting. Johns writes one of the best Impulse stories I've ever seen -- perhaps the best period -- and it's one in which the character rarely appears. McKone's detailed artwork and Alquiza's subtly gritty inks reinforce the dark, mature and reflective tone of the story quite well. The move to bring these characters more in line visually with their television counterparts is a little distracting, but understandable. 8/10
WOLVERINE #6
by Greg Rucka, Darick Robertson & Tom Palmer (Marvel Comics)
 Greg Rucka explores how the title character feels about himself in the wake of his slaughter of dozens of evil men. The angst is fairly typical of Marvel's mutant characters, but the conversation between the title character and his X-Men teammate, Nightcrawler, works quite well, even if it is more than a little familiar. The real highlight in the writing in this issue is ATF agent Cassie Lathrop's obsession with the mysterious man-beast who saved her life. Rucka maintains the character's strength while some twisted desires into the mix. Robertson wisely keeps the Logan/Kurt conversation lively by moving the viewpoint around the scene, but again, it's in Cassie's dreams about Logan in which the artist really gets to show off the intensity in his style. 8/10
Email Don MacPherson with your comments about this review.
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