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Snapshots for 3/12
There's no way that Don 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.
AGE OF BRONZE #16
by Eric Shanower (Image Comics)
 As usual, the new installment of Age of Bronze brings lush and detailed artwork, an immense cast that Shanower somehow manages to make clear and another small step towards what is sure to be a truly epic collection when it's finished. The faith in gods that defined the Greek culture has been present and very important throughout this series, but there are some very interesting elements in this issue that point to how faith used to serve for science, notably in a twisted bit of logic that results in the healing of Telephus and a powerful cliffhanger ending that speaks to the power that someone who claimed to speak to the gods could hold over even a king in these times. Amidst all of this history and epic war, there are also the smaller stories of Achilles's friendships and love and the ancient Greek equivalent of a fight between bitter divorcees, and the result is the same blend of strong characterization, fantastic artwork and gripping plot that makes Age of Bronze such a unique and ambitious project. 8/10
BLACK PANTHER #55
by Priest, Jim Calafiore & Mark McKenna (Marvel Comics)
 Damn, but this book has gotten complicated again, as Priest introduces street and business politics that rival the actual politics and economics that were the spine of the book previously. As before, though, those who are willing to wade through and figure out the story when all is revealed are rewarded with deep characterization, solid action, imaginative plots and some great dialogue and humor as well. I'm not that enamored of Calafiore's fill-in pencils, which look rushed and stiff, especially when it comes to the look of Triage or anyone else out of costume, and the ending is completely confusing, giving me a general impression of what's going on but mostly leaving me confused. But I've learned that the confusion tends to pass when all is revealed, and while I miss the old Panther stories, the new ones are certainly as good. 8/10
CLOCK MAKER #2
by Jim Krueger, Matt Smith, Zach Howard, Michael Halbleib & Brett Weldele (Image Comics)
 Clock Maker is being dispersed in maddeningly small chunks, but there's so much here that intrigues me that I can't help but anxiously awaiting the next issue, just as I was awaiting this one. The double-fold format, while it does cause some damage to the book, results in a unique storytelling experience, and I think the artwork really shines in this format, particularly when it comes to the double-page splash that opens the book or the lovingly designed clockwork and nanotechnology that runs the clock at the center of the story. The story remains somewhat slight since Krueger really only gets about eleven pages to play with, but the sense of wonder is definitely there, and this whole thing will make an amazing trade paperback if it gets that far. 8/10
FABLES #11
by Bill Willingham & Bryan Talbot (DC Comics/Vertigo imprint)
 After two mid-length story arcs, it's time for a one-issue story for Fables, and if you've been uncertain about whether or not the book is for you, this is a good issue to sample. It's not a completely fair comparison, as it's the first time the story has gone back in time rather than focusing on the modern world, and it's got spectacular guest art from Bryan Talbot, but it's fair to say that if you like this issue, you'll like the series. And vice versa, as continuing readers will no doubt enjoy this tale of eternal troublemaker Jack as he comes across a lovely lady and plays games with death to win her... well, let's just call them affections in a manner that reads like a bawdy fairy tale. 9/10
G.I. JOE: FRONTLINE #5
by Dan Jolley, Drew Johnson, Tom Feister & Ray Snyder (Image Comics)
 I'm starting to get a "Special Missions" vibe off of G.I. Joe: Frontline, and that's no bad thing. The specialized and smaller teams allow for more characterization, and the self-contained nature of the arcs seems to result in tighter plotting. Or at least, that's the case this time out, as Jolley turns in a story that reads like a cross between Predator and The Thing, as a small combat unit infiltrates an abandoned military research factory only to find that something dangerous and monstrous lurks within. Making things more interesting is that Duke, the leader of the unit, has a history with the place, a nice use of his "black ops" history that was inserted into the canon by Josh Blaylock. The artwork is solid if unspectacular, and while I'm a little wary about the "abominable snowman" tendencies displayed by the adversaries in this issue, I'd say this arc is off to a good start. 7/10
INCREDIBLE HULK #51
by Bruce Jones & Mike Deodato Jr. (Marvel Comics)
 The build-up to the Hulk/Abomination confrontation continues, as we learn that Nadia's involvement wasn't such a coincidence after all and that there are seemingly two organizations vying for a mysterious gold disk which has something to do with the Hulk. The former is a good thing, since I was having a hard time swallowing all these coincidences. The latter is a further complication that just reminds me even more of X-Files and how badly a promising conspiracy beginning turned into a muddled, directionless mess, which the Hulk is very much in danger of doing. While the story continues to lose my attention, though, the artwork tends to regain it, and Deodato has really hit a new plateau here, with a photorealism and evocative style reminiscent of Bryan Hitch's work on The Ultimates. A shame that the art has peaked just as the story is starting to sputter, but at the very least the book remains an interesting read on a single issue basis, even if the overall story direction is disappointing. 7/10
IRON MAN #66
by Mike Grell, Robin Laws, Sean Ryan & Rich Perrotta (Marvel Comics)
 The second chapter of "Manhunt" offers some of the same strengths and weaknesses as the first one. When the story is focused on the more action- and espionage-oriented aspects, such as the opening gunfight, Iron Man's arrival at the hospital or the backstory revelations of who is behind it, the book is a solid read. When it is focused on the melodramatic character reactions of Pepper, Rumiko and the rest of the supporting cast, it's dead boring. Still, this story has taken the book into a more political arena, somewhere that Iron Man belongs more than working as some kind of street level social worker. 6/10
WOLVERINE #187
by Daniel Way & John McCrea (Marvel Comics)
 One of the classic Wolverine stories is playing him as the mysterious loner who gets involved with criminals and gives them their just desserts. Claremont did it. Hama did it. Tieri did it. Rucka and Robertson's first issue follows that pattern. And now, guest writer Daniel Way and guest artist John McCrea have done their take. Which is a long-winded way of saying that the plot of this story is familiar at best, a hoary old cliche at worst. However, the relationship of Wolverine and the villain of the piece comes with an unexpected tone and with some great dialogue and a sense of humor, and McCrea's somewhat twisted style of artwork is ideal for the story. There's not a lot that's new here, but the story is told in an entertaining fashion, letting the characters and the story unfold at a natural pace. 7/10
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