|
Quick Critiques for 12/3
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.
THE AUTHORITY: VOLUME 2 #8
by Robbie Morrison, Dwayne Turner & Sal Regla
(DC Comics/Wildstorm Productions)
 Morrison opens this issue up with a strong comdemnation of the Catholic Church and the Pope, though it's hidden behind a ficitious church leader who just resembles the Pope. I can't help but wonder if the art and the script were doctored to hide an original intent to incorporate the Pope himself into the story. By the issue's end, the plot degenerates into a typical super-hero storyline -- heroes versus would-be world conqueror -- which is too bad. This accessible script's exploration of faith versus religion was intriguing. The artwork here is capable at best and sketchy at its worst. I don't care for Turner's portrayal of the Doctor's as a typical super-hero hunk type, and Reverend Clay's generic appearance is a bit disappointing, to be honest. 5/10
HAWKMAN #22
by Geoff Johns, Rags Morales & Michael Bair
(DC Comics)
 Though I think the writer's decision to provide a definitive origin for the Headhunter robs the villain of a key air of mystery, Geoff Johns impresses with his exploration of identity as a core theme of this book. Is Hawkman a savage warrior from a long-dead era, or is he a refined paragon of knowledge and culture? The character's inability to see himself as both makes for a sharp and violent inner conflict that's even more interesting than that with the Headhunter. I can relate to the notion of one's life falling apart around oneself, of losing control of baser emotions. Morales does an excellent job of bringing out the title character's savagery, using Hawkman's mask to depict him as something animalistic and alien. 7/10
MERIDIAN #41
by Barbara Kesel, Vincenzo Cucca & Don Hillsman II (CrossGen Comics)
 The good news is that this issue serves as an excellent jumping-on point for new readers, providing a look back at the series as a whole. That's not good news for those of us who have been following the book since the first issue, though. I also question what the point is, given that this book is slated to end in another three issues; I suspect this issue was written before that decision was made. In any case, Kesel's script touches upon the themes of the series and demonstrates just how much the main character and the world in which she lives have grown. The artwork is in keeping with the graceful and quietly fantastic qualities of the title as well, though it's lacking in the same level of detail readers have to expect. Cucca's portrayal of Ilhan was a bit disappointing, as it made him appear to be much younger than he has before, and that takes away from the idealism-versus-establishment vibe that the Sephie/Ilahn conflict elicited. 5/10
SENTINEL #10
by Sean McKeever & Udon Studio (Marvel Comics)
 While I'm disappointed that this series is cancelled as of its 12th issue, I have to admit this wasn't the strongest chapter in the life of Juston Seyfert and his giant, mutant-hunting robot. Still, even a subpar issue of this book is a good one. While the exposition is laid on pretty heavily in the opening sequence and one character's behavior is far to transparent, most of the characters here still shine. Jessie is just about the cutest thing ever, and Juston's anger with the Sentinel made for another strong scene. Eric Vriens's pencils here are wonderful, combining a simpler style with sharp detail. His work, reminiscent of Steve (Mek, One Bad Day) Rolston's style, is thoroughly emotive, and it's emotion and friendship that serve as this book's greatest strength and allure. 7/10
THANOS #3
by Jim Starlin & Al Milgrom (Marvel Comics)
 I'll admit... Starlin has me intrigued. I can't wait to learn the secret behind Galactus's mysterious mission. Thanos's intellect and deviousness nature make him a fascinating and unconventional protagonist. Unfortunately, Starlin goes awry in his efforts to humanize Galactus. He works as a cosmic force of nature, but the writer makes the celestial figure something of a weepy type who's tired of being alone. That works against the enormity of his power and being, which are keys to the success of the character concept. The art here is stunning. Starlin conveys the alien and powerful nature of the main characters quite adeptly, and Christie Scheele's computer-color effects bring more energy to the storytelling and enhance the sense of the cosmic. 6/10
THE ULTIMATES #12
by Mark Millar, Bryan Hitch & Paul Neary
(Marvel Comics)
 This issue is all about the visuals. Millar offers up a script that focuses on action, bringing out brutal moments in the middle of a war. The fight between Captain America and Kleiser is so vivid one can hear bones breaking and imagine the wetness of blood against the characters' skin. And then there's the immensity of the displays of poewr put on by Thor and Iron Man. Hitch manages to bring the unimaginable to life on the page here. These images are beyond the scope of anything Hollywood has come up with so far; Michael Bay, eat your heart out. The plot doesn't advance all that far here, but Millar's script paints a convincing picture of a crisis situation while still finding the time to humanize the larer-than-life figures at the heart of the story. 8/10
WAKE THE DEAD #2
by Steve Niles & Chee (IDW Publishing)
 Niles continues to impress with his modern take on Dr. Frankenstein. Victor is a chillingly cold character, but Niles is careful to still portray him as human. Iggy is an even stronger character when it comes to bringing a grounded tone to the story. The dialogue gets a little stilted at times, though. Chee tells the story clearly and brings an EC-like quality to the horror elements. Still, the art pales in comparison to the meticulous and realistic linework of Milx. The unreliable Malaysian artist provides the cover here, and it serves as a reminder of the strong, shocking visuals he brought to the first issue. Such a detailed, more realistic vision would definitely serve this story much better than Chee's solid, Sam Kieth-esque art. 6/10
Email Don MacPherson with your comments about this review.
|
