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Snapshots for 6/18
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.
BATMAN ADVENTURES #3
by Ty Templeton, Dan Slott, Rick Burchett & Terry Beatty (DC Comics)
 In the mainstream DC Universe, Joker no longer works for me and Harley Quinn never has. But in the Batman Animated universe, where the characters are seen in much more limited doses and with much less oppressive continuity holding them back, they are almost always a joy to see. Templeton does a nice reversal in the lead story, with Harley as the prime motivator and Joker as the background comedy relief, and Slott's backup tale is also a clever take on Harley and Ivy, the other relationship that has defined her character. Templeton also continues the running story of Penguin as mayor and Ra's Al Ghul's assassins hunting down Batman's rogues' gallery, but it's less prominent here, as Joker and Harley take up more of the stage. Burchett, Beatty and Templeton provide the same clean, entertaining artwork that makes the stories work as kid-friendly but adult-engaging at the same time, and those who are passing up Batman Adventures because "Batman Adventures isn't real, it's just based on the cartoon" are missing out on a creative team that is truly in synch with these characters. 8/10
BEWARE THE CREEPER #3
by Jason Hall & Cliff Chiang (DC Comics/Vertigo imprint)
 More fun in 1920s Paris, as the Creeper becomes a lot more bold and inspires a movement and the interpersonal drama of Judith, Madeline, Mathieu, Ric and Didi continues in the background. Meanwhile, the mystery draws me deeper in, as I wonder, is the Creeper the most obvious suspect, or is there a switch coming? Either way, exceptional characterization that gives the feeling of living, breathing people provides a strong foundation for the book, and Cliff Chiang's spectacular artwork builds nicely on that foundation. His artwork, colored in a sort of watercolor style by Dave Stewart, brings the setting and the time absolutely to life and conveys the many and varied emotions of the characters as well. I especially love that Chiang can capture both the seedy nightlife of Paris and the beautiful, European sunny daily life, without making them feel like completely different worlds or making them too similar either. 9/10
CLOCKMAKER #4
by Jim Krueger, Zach Howard & Michael Halbleib (Image Comics)
 Clockmaker perfectly illustrates that dilemma that faces many of us in comics these days: Single issues or trade? There's no doubt in my mind at this point that I'd enjoy Clockmaker more as one big oversized trade, telling its intricate story without slow pacing and the ugly crease, both of which are results from the necessary evil of making the single issues fit into the comics rack. However, there's also little doubt in my mind that if this book doesn't get the minimal support needed in single issues, it will never see a trade paperback edition. At any rate, this issue, in addition to providing a fun action sequence, sheds some light on the dangers lurking in the clockworks and raises some interesting questions about Astrid's allies and enemies alike. Clockmaker is something different, a strange idea in a strange format, and I'm pretty sure that at the end the book will prove to be worth the headaches caused by its experimental format. Certainly this issue reinvigorated my enthusiasm for the story, even if it did hit the same problem of ending just as I was starting to get really pulled in. 7/10
THE CREW #2
by Priest, Joe Bennett & Danny Miki (Marvel Comics)
 The first issue of The Crew was all about Rhodey, and this one is all about Kasper Cole, a more familiar face that Priest has been defining in the pages of Black Panther. Since I knew the character already and have read his adventures fairly recently, I wasn't quite as grabbed by this second issue as I was by the first, but those new to the character will definitely learn to appreciate him after seeing him in action this issue. Part of that is the continuing interesting elements of Kasper's life, his dedication to his job, his unusual home-life and his matter-of-fact take on blurring the line between police business and vigilantism. Another part is new, the art of Bennett and Miki, as they give Kasper a more stirring visual than was managed for most of his run in Black Panther, showing him with the sort of cat grace and stealth that was probably always meant to be a part of his arsenal and really exploring the new senses and abilities that he has gained from "Ascension," the ongoing final arc of the Black Panther series. Quite a shift in lead character and plot for issue 2 of The Crew, but the same tone is maintained, and so is my interest in future issues of the book. 8/10
HUMAN DEFENSE CORPS #2
by Ty Templeton, Clement Sauve Jr. & Juan Vlasco (DC Comics)
 I was impressed with the first issue of Human Defense Corps, but remained uncertain about the direction of the series; a good first issue could be a fluke, but could the creative team follow up with a second? As it turns out, they can, as I think I liked the story in this second issue more than I liked the first. Templeton again touches on DC Universe familiar faces (Starro and Gorilla Grodd both make appearances here, sort of) but keeps the story mostly about new characters and how they react to the strange setting of the DC Universe. He also does this story from the point-of-view of another soldier who has a personal issue that is explored in the issue, and I found myself instantly engaged by his protagonist. Not to mention pleasantly surprised when Templeton pulls not one but two big reversals over the course of the issue, surprising the readers and characters alike. Meanwhile, Sauve Jr. and Vlasco turn in artwork that is also stronger than the first issue, with gorgeously-designed backdrops and great action, helped along by terrific color from Moose Baumann (the red light effect during the attack is great for giving a sense of the frenetic and confusing pace). 9/10
LUCIFER #39
by Mike Carey, Peter Gross, Ryan Kelly & Dean Ormston (DC Comics/Vertigo imprint)
 What more can really be said about Lucifer at this point? If you're not reading it, you should be, as it follows in the tradition of Preacher and Sandman as one of Vertigo's true masterpieces of longform storytelling. If you are reading it, you doubtless know the score, which is that the single issues can sometimes be a little confusing for those of us without photographic memories but they always contain several intriguing story and character developments, some beautiful visuals and intricate plots that come to perfect fruition at the end of each arc, advancing smoothly into the next. This particular issue features a new character whose interaction with Jill Presto makes for an engaging scene, a particularly nasty version of God who really puts you in Lucifer's corner on the whole rebellion thing and another haunting, dangerous demon with a score to settle with Lucifer and his allies and the smarts and power to settle that score. 9/10
MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE, ICONS OF EVIL: BEASTMAN
by Robert Kirkman & Tony Moore (Image Comics)
 I'm not what you call a fan of Masters of the Universe, but that cover by Moore drew me in, and I figured a story that occurred prior to events in the series might be pretty accessible even to a neophyte like me. As it turns out, the story is accessible, but it accomplishes this in part by being exceptionally simple, making it a little dull in terms of story. It's certainly a decent read, though, a pretty standard take on the "evil lord recruits his henchman" type thing, and I like the sinister and intelligent air that Kirkman gives his pre-Skeletor Keldor, Master of the Dark Arts. More than that, though, I love the artwork by Moore and colorists Val Staples and Mark Sweeney. The battle sequences with Keldor and Beast Man in particular are a treat, with a sense of Beast Man's brutish strength and Keldor's agility and power, and a special nod must go to Kirkman for his use of old-school, Simonson-esque sound effects. These days, I look for a bit more sophistication in my comics than Icons of Evil: Beastman has to offer, but for those looking for a good-old punch'em-up, you could certainly do worse. 6/10
ROUTE 666 #13
by Tony Bedard, Karl Moline & Drew Geraci (CG Entertainment)
 I read and enjoyed the first issue of Route 666, but haven't read any of the 12 issues since, so I found myself a little bit lost in trying to figure out the status quo of this issue. However, what I got, I liked, as it's clear that Bedard is blending 50s paranoia and monster movies with more modern inspirations like Buffy the Vampire Slayer to create an interesting blend of humor, horror and adventure that is quite different from most of Crossgen's line. The artwork by Moline and Geraci is top notch, reminiscent of the artwork on Image's Noble Causes but with the occasional touch of style from someone like Adam Hughes or Tony Harris making it stand out as a unique look. At thirteen issues in, it seems like more about what's pursuing Cassie and why she has her powers should have been explored, but it's possible I'm just not reading enough into it because I've missed important clues in prior issues. Like many of the Crossgen books, it strikes me as something that probably reads stronger in larger, trade-paperback sized chunks, but there's enough intriguing material here to make me curious about a trade paperback (or hopefully Traveler) sized edition. 6/10
SPIDER-MAN & WOLVERINE #1
by Brett Matthews & Vatche Mavlian (Marvel Comics/Marvel Knights imprint)
 I still remember the Spider-Man/Wolverine comic of the 90s, written by Priest (then Jim Owsley) as a near-perfect meeting between the two. So Matthews was up against fond memories and a strong impression, and he can't quite meet it, instead throwing Spidey into a story where he feels like a generic protagonist, and in the process turning Nick Fury into a... well, let's just say it... a dick. So already, I wasn't crazy about the characterization, and presenting Wolverine's presence as a surprise seemed kind of silly given that he's in the title and on the cover. It's not a bad story, it just feels like an awfully generic one so far. This is also a showcase for a new artist, though, and when I see Mavlian's work two things immediately come to mind: One, his Wolverine looks impressive albeit nothing like the actual character and two, he seems to be channeling the spirit of Todd McFarlane. While it's not an exact match, those with fond memories of McFarlane's Spider-Man (and I fall into that group too) will definitely want to check this out for some interesting McFarlane-esque art from a newcomer that I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot more of in the future. Only the die-hard fans of one or both characters need apply, though... casual fans will find stronger Wolverine and Spider-Man stories elsewhere in the Marvel Universe. 6/10
THE TICK: KARMA TORNADO #6
by Ben Edlund, Clay Griffith & Alan Hopkins (NEC Press)
 In this issue, the creators of The Tick: Karma Tornado take on the shadowy and controversial world of politics and special interest groups. Well, OK, not really, it's all a super-villain plot that resonates nicely with just about every "government turns against the hero" stories told in straight fashion in Marvel and DC comics. But it's hilariously funny, with over-the-top takes on news competition ("...The Action 11 Newsteam Hellfire Guided Missiles!"), special interest groups ("Dentists for manatees") and a little bit of Twinkie-ad style positive reinforcement in the form of a ghostly Neil Armstrong and phantom Tang. It's surprisingly coherent and enjoyable despite Griffith's grasp of the random nature of Tick's mind and the humor that makes the book work, and Hopkins work is solid, particularly so in the action sequences which have some nice energy to go along with their comedic storytelling ability. This is another self-contained issue, and another humorous find in the pages of Tick: Karma Tornado. 8/10
WOLVERINE #2
by Greg Rucka, Darick Robertson & Tom Palmer (Marvel Comics)
 Speaking of strong Wolverine stories, we have Wolverine #2. I was, to be honest, a little let down by the first issue of this series, but the second issue has got my attention a little more. Darick Robertson's uniquely brutish take on Wolverine has reputedly met with resistance from upstairs, and while he does come off as a little too troll-ish at times, my overall impression is that he looks great, like the compact powerhouse that he's supposed to be rather than the pretty-boy that some would prefer. Robertson's attention to detail shines in his artwork on this book, and I'm always a fan of Palmer's inks, and the book looks great. Rucka, meanwhile, is writing Wolverine into an action movie plot of sorts as the archetypal "man with no name" who rights wrongs because it's the right thing to do, and does it with smarts and a toughness that none of the villains so far can match. I'm sure there are surprises coming up (if nothing else, it's clear that Cassie Lathrop has a secret, and I'm guessing she's undercover for someone), but so far this is straightforward, Wolverine as badass type stuff. I'm not enough of a fan of the character to really get into it, but it's well done, and fans of the character should love it. 7/10
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