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Quick Critiques for 12/22/2004
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.
THE AUTHORITY: REVOLUTION #3
by Ed Brubaker, Dustin Bguyen & Richard Friend
(DC Comics/Wildstorm Universe)
 This is an exciting story that explores strong ethical themes and some solid character conflict among the title characters, but there's an inherent flaw in the storytelling. The plot clearly revolves around a malevolent and mysterious force manipulating heroes of yesteryear to do battle with the heroes of today. The problem is that if the reader can clearly see just how corrupt and conniving the unseen villains are, it's difficult to accept that the ressurrected heroes can't see it either. The rebelling Golden Age heroes come off as clueless, and that hurts the story. Ngyuen's art is appropriately dark and edgy, given the characters and content here. His figures remind me quite a bit of Yanick Paquette's work on Alan Moore and Peter Hogan's Terra Obscura comics, with a touch of Keith (Thanos) Giffen's silhouetted style showing some influence as well. The colors, by Wildstorm FX, really bring out an electric energy in the sci-fi elements, such as the "doors." 6/10
GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH #3
by Geoff Johns, Ethan Van Sciver & Prentis Rollins
(DC Comics)
 Geoff Johns is crafting an exciting ad foreboding tale full of cosmic action but tempered with some strong characterization. On top of that, he's done a nice job of incorporating the history of the Green Lantern Corps and making sense of a rather arbitrary weakness introduced in the Silver Age. There's just one problem: he doesn't get into much detail about how so much of that history came to pass. For those who are up on Green Lantern lore, this story will reignite the imagination while bringing a dark and mature atmosphere to the property unparalleled by any other GL story that has come before. For those who aren't, this story might be a bit arduous. There's no denying the fun, though, and there's no denying the power of the detail and explosive energy to be found in the art. Van Sciver's depiction of Kilowog is brilliant, definitely the best I've ever seen. The script and art converge to foster a real sense of drama here. 6/10
NEW THUNDERBOLTS #3
by Fabian Nicieza, Tom Grummett & Gary Erskine
(Marvel Comics)
 Nicieza offers up his strongest issue of New Thunderbolts yet, and perhaps his best TBolts story overall. This action-oriented issue really conveys the struggle that Atlas and Songbird have in keep their teammates and innocents alive in the middle of a battle. The strain and pressure come shining through in both the script and the art. Blizzard's self-doubt is a fascinating dynamic in the team. I love the notion that he's not trying to save his own skin, but has no faith in his abilities whatsoever. The Radioactive Man's inclusion in the story makes a lot of sense, and Spider-Man's participation is surprisingly unobstrusive. The high-profile character doesn't steal the show from the lesser known heroes. Grummett's art is a real treat. I love the mix of modern and Silver Age designs here. The opening At'Lan'Tique scene doesn't add much to this story, though, and the jury's still out on whether or not Joystick will make a good addition to the cast. 8/10
TEEN TITANS GO! #14
by J. Torres, Todd Nauck & Lary Stucker (DC Comics)
 This is an action-packed issue that's sure to thrill the younger audience to which it's geared. The story plops the heroes and the reader right in the middle of a big battle with a super-villain, and I'm surprised at how well Torres is able to stretch what would normally be a run-of-the-mill action sequence out over almost the entirety of the issue. I found that Speedy's and Robin's methods, weapons and personalities are far too similar, though, making for a redundancy, and the rules governing what works against the baddie and what doesn't change by the end of the issue. Nauck does an excellent job of capturing the look, energy and quirkiness of the cartoon's visual style, but at the same time, his own style isn't completely submerged. Teen Titans Go! isn't an all-ages title; it's just for the younger set, and that's a smart approach. It doesn't try to be all things to all readers. 6/10
X-FORCE #5
by Rob Liefeld & Fabian Nicieza (Marvel Comics)
 There's nothing wrong with a bunch of heroes teaming up to fight a big monster. It's straightforward and entertaining, especially for younger readers craving action and not so concerned with plot or character. But Liefeld tries to include a cataclysmic, cosmic tone to the crisis, and it fals completely flat. A threat more serious than the Phoenix? Why do Liefeld and Nicieza have to top a classic story in order to bring a sense of importance to theirs? The plotting is scattered, especially when the Thing and the Human Torch show up. They're included in this story... well, for no reason at all, save perhaps for the fact that Liefeld wanted to draw a big rocky dude (anyone remember Badrock?). The art is inconsistent and sketchy. Liefeld's eye for anatomy hasn't improved at all. Most distracting is a panel in which the central character's eyes are completely out of alignment. Had this been the submission from a tyro penciller, I'm sure editor Mike Marts would have sent it back for a polish. And a wax. And a buff. And plastic surgery. 1/10
X-MEN #165
by Chris Claremont, Salvador Larroca & Danny Miki
(Marvel Comics)
 The various mutants residing at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters celebrate the holidays with a flurry of good will, a snowball fight, the colorful arrival of a blue-furred Saint Nick and absolutely no discernible point. Why Claremont opts to suddenly have X-23 join the X-Men and room with two members of the school's faculty (who are sharing a room why exactly?) is not at all clear, but the unexplained shift in direction for the character is jarring. Claremont also incorporates characters and subplots from the New X-Men title without explaining who they are or what their roles are at the school. Larroca's art is inconsistent throughout this issue, and it looks a bit rushed, truth be told. The cover is no treat either. Larroca seems to try to emulate Adam Hughes or Terry Dodson with his portrayal of the impractically dressed Emma Frost, and the snowman that Wolverine's fallen into looks as though it's made of cloth rather than snow. Peter Milligan's debut as regular writer with the next issue is going to be a major success, considering how low Claremont sets the bar with this fill-in. 1/10
Email Don MacPherson with your comments about this review.
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