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Snapshots for 4/21
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.
CHOSEN #2
by Mark Millar & Peter Gross (Dark Horse Comics)
 There's a little movie in some of the arthouse theatres that you might have heard of called The Passion of Christ. It's stirring up a fair amount of passion, both for and against, and you'd be hard-pressed to find much that the pro and con forces of those arguments agree on. However, I think that those who enjoyed the Passion and those who worry about its implications would both be entertained by Chosen. Millar's story of a teenaged messiah features a very believable, very flawed human being as the resurrected Jesus Christ, struggling with his burgeoning sexuality and self-doubt even as he embraces the powers and the role he's been given. And the story explores the notion of what might happen if Christ actually returned, not by going the apocalyptic shit-fit route but by telling a smaller story of shaken faith and rising belief that is interesting to the faithful and the disbelievers alike. Gross's artwork maintains the reality of Jodie's small town, and he does a great job on the realistic teen physiques that make up most of the characters, as well as impressing with the way miracles intrude on the mundane. If I have any complaint about Chosen, it's that there seems so much more to this story than Millar can possibly tell in three issues, but we'll see in the next issue I guess whether he can wrap it all up in satisfying fashion. 9/10
FANTASTIC FOUR #512
by Mark Waid, Mike Wieringo & Karl Kesel (Marvel Comics)
 I've always been a fan of the Spider-Man/Human Torch friendship. I don't know why, really, but I like their rivalry/friendship, which is different than but similar to the relationship shared by Spidey and Daredevil or the Torch and the Thing. It's based on a certain amount of humor, which means that this creative team is one of the best to handle it, and it's no surprise to me that this issue is a lightweight but fun read with a perfect take on the relationship. Waid also continues to deal with the FF's image problems (and related money difficulties) in a manner that is far more believable and entertaining than the similar plot in Knights 4, and Wieringo, Kesel and Paul Mounts match the fun, breezy and energetic script with equally bright and energetic artwork, as well as one of the coolest depiction of third-tier villain Hydro-Man that I've ever seen. Everything in this book, from the credits/intro page to the brief backup tale at the end, carries a spirit of fun without being overly goofy, and while it might not be "The World's Greatest Comic Magazine" anymore, Fantastic Four is still one of comics' most fun reads. 9/10
HAWKMAN #27
by Ed Brubaker & Sean Philips (DC Comics)
 The "Past Lives" concept is one I liked when Robinson and Johns first announced their intention to use it, and I've liked the few stories we've seen that explored that aspect of the Hawks, even though I felt that the series as a whole pushed the reincarnation angle too hard. This issue is bookended by a modern-day Hawks sequence that proves Sean Phillips more capable of straightforward superhero work than I would otherwise have thought, but the meat of the book is what Brubaker and Phillips have perfected, the noir detective thriller. There's not a lot of surprises to be found in the plot if you know the Hawkman reincarnation tale, but it's a solidly constructed little plot, and more importantly, it reads for all the world like a classic noir flick, with Phillips doing stunning period work on the rain-soaked setting, the trenchcoated Pinkertons and the elaborate mansion where the villain of the piece lives. Fans of noir storytelling should definitely check this one out, and even a trade paperback fiend like myself might be tempted to add this one-shot to the collection for rereading. Hawkman fans who are lucky enough to happen on this issue because they've been collecting the series, meanwhile, should give these creators a chance on Sleeper. While this issue is terrific stuff, it's nothing compared to the modern noir that Brubaker and Phillips are cooking up in that underrated book. 8/10
HELLBOY: WEIRD TALES #8
by Jill Thompson, Evan Dorkin, Sarah Dyer, Kia Asamiya, Akira Yoshida & John Cassaday (Dark Horse Comics)
 Hellboy: Weird Tales ends as it began, as something of a mixed bag, but also as something that will probably read much better in the larger chunks of trade paperback form. This issue is actually a pretty strong offering, from Kaluta's intricate cover painting to Bermejo's gothic back cover. I loved the artwork on Jill Thompson's "Fifteen Minutes..." as well as her take on Hellboy in general, but the whole concept of her story, the "set dressing," was presented in something of a weird fashion that took the punch out of the joke. Asamiya and Yoshida present a story that draws on Japanese icons that have made their way into American pop culture, including the central figure, child ghosts, which is not an uncommon manga or anime staple, and though the story isn't superb or anything, it's solidly told and illustrated. By far the best story in the issue, and maybe the best in the entire anthology, is Evan Dorkin and Sarah Dyer's "Professional Help," focusing on Roger the Homunculus. With a terrific mix of weird supernatural elements, some hilarious moments and a lovely last-minute surprise, Dorkin packs a lot into his 10 pages and tells a story that feels right at home with both the tone of Hellboy and the style of work that he usually does. As with any anthology, Weird Tales hasn't always appealed to me, but it has been a fascinating experiment that let a variety of creators show their stuff, and this final issue is a pretty good read all on its own, even if I think it'll read better when remixed with other stories into a trade. 7/10
OUTSIDERS #11
by Judd Winick, Will Conrad & Sean Parsons (DC Comics)
 I have to say that in general, I'm a bigger fan of "sister book" Teen Titans than Outsiders, but these one-off character development issues might be the exception to that general rule. A few issues back, Winick had Arsenal shot by a Blood cultist, and this issue explores the ramifications of that near-death experience. The result is an interesting glimpse into Roy Harper's life outside the Outsiders, looking at his relationship with his daughter (still the most endearing little girl in comics), his "relationship" with Grace and what happens when a superhero gets gunshy. Literally. I'll be disappointed if the moment with Nightwing at the end, powerful as it is, turns out to be an easy answer to Roy's troubles and we don't see a little bit of field nervousness in the future, but otherwise, this is a pretty good example of how to spotlight a character in the wake of a big changing point. I'm disappointed to once again see Tom Raney's monthly work ethic slipping, with guest art on this issue and the next, but Will Conrad and Sean Parsons do some very nice work here, especially in showcasing Roy's anxiety and anger. 8/10
LUCIFER #49
by Mike Carey, Peter Gross & Ryan Kelly (DC Comics/Vertigo imprint)
 When a series runs as long as Lucifer has, especially when it has garnered critical buzz from early on, there's a danger of that buzz dying out to some extent. I've noticed that we don't see (and I don't write) Lucifer reviews as often as we used to. It's not because the book has declined in quality, it's just that there's a consistency to the quality and style of the book that makes it hard to repeatedly review. So, in the interest of reminding those who maybe haven't heard me say it before, Lucifer is an excellent book. This issue is the culmination of a story that sees some of the unusual supporting cast (including fallen demons, a half-angel and a mortal ghost) hunting down immortals, and it's an interesting tale of the downsides of serving Lucifer as well as a somewhat uplifting tale of unusual friendship, with Peter Gross and Ryan Kelly serving up their usual strong artwork. In amidst this story of angry spirits and moral dilemmas, however, Carey hints at some bigger doings, such as the end of all creation (via a neat little idea) and the current status of Lilith, whose appearance will give way to the big anniversary issue next time out. 9/10
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