|
Quick Critiques for 12/8/2004
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.
NIGHTCRAWLER #3
by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Darick Robertson & Wayne Faucher (Marvel Comics)
 Nightcrawler is a devout Catholic. He once trained to become a priest. He routinely visits his ex-girlfriend in an other-dimensional realm known as Limbo. His father claims to be the devil himself. What I don't get is how a guy with a background like that can have such a hard time believing in the story of Lucifer and the other angels who fell from Heaven. The opening scene isn't an encouraging one either, as it features friends who enjoy watching other friends hurt one another. The main plot spells itself out way too clearly, as Aguirre-Sacasa's script hammers home the numbers 13 and 14 over and over and over again. This stands out as the weakest script of the series thus far, but fortunately, Robertson's art redeems the book somewhat. Sadly, his lithe figures, convincing movement and detailed backgrounds aren't enough to make for a good read overall. This series started out on a strong note, but that strength is quickly waning, quickly joining other generic titles featuring the solo adventures of various X-Men in the realm of the easily forgettable. 4/10
NIGHTWING #100
by Devin Grayson, Mike Lilly & Andy Owens
(DC Comics)
 The story that began when Chuck Dixon and Scott McDaniel launched this title several years ago comes to an end, and for those who followed it all the way along, it boasts the sort of air of finality that's fitting. For casual readers such as myself, though, there's just not the same connection, and that's no one's fault. I don't think anyone realized the large scope of the story that this title's writers were presenting here. I am pleasantly surprised to discover that this 100-issue story ends on such an ugly, sour note. There's no happy ending to be found here, and Grayson's script is quite effective at conveying what a downer everything here is to the title character. The writing is accessible and emotional, but the art leaves a lot to be desired. Lilly's sketchy style just doesn't capture the raw emotion that's called for here. His attempt to depict Nightwing's injuries is less than convincing, and the torment just doesn't come through in the art as well as it does in the script. 5/10
X-MEN: THE END VOL. 1 #6
by Chris Claremont, Sean Chen & Sandu Florea
(Marvel Comics)
 OK, two things have happened in this first of three six-issue limited series: one, Jean Grey/Phoenix was resurrected once again, and two, everyone who was ever an X-Man finds himself or herself under attack by old foes and Warskrulls. The first element unfolded in the first issue, and the latter is pretty much covered here. This could have been the second issue of a six-issue series as opposed to the sixth in an 18-issue series. Claremont is padding this thing out way too much for the sake of giving "screen time" to every minor character that ever graced the pages of an X-Men comic book. Having read every X-Men comic publishing since the 1980s helps as well, as Claremont's action-oriented script doesn't take the time to enlighten newer readers as to the many characters and story elements that pop up here. There are a lot of characters running around this book, and unfortunately, many of them are clad in regular clothes as opposed to the colorful costumes that distinguish them so clearly. The action is dizzying, but it's never clear how a small invading force causes so much damage. 2/10
Email Don MacPherson with your comments about this review.
|
