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June12, 2004 - [ComicBooknet E-Mag] CBEM 476.07 >> |
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------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Yahoo! Companion Toolbar. Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free! http://us.click.yahoo.com/L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/bGIolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> CBEM 476 rolls on . . . --------------------------------------------------------------------- - [10] ComiX-Fan Reviews Eric J. Moreels X-Fan Editor-in- Chief x- fan@bigpond.net.au From ComiX-Fan: http://www.comixfan.com/xfan UNCANNY X-MEN #445 Reviewer: Scott Williams, yoda905@yahoo.com Quick Rating: Good Story Title: The End of History, 2 of 4 XSE rescue goes awry, and there are strange doings at Braddock manner. Written by: Chris Claremont Pencils: Alan Davis Inks: Mark Farmer Colors: Frank D'Armata Letters: VC's Rus Wooton Assistant Editor: Cory Sedlmeier & Stephanie Moore Editor: Mike Marts Editor-In-Chief: Joe Quesada Publisher: Dan Buckley Uncanny X-Men #445 follows through on last issue's promise of a classic X-Men feeling, and does so in the best possible sense. It giddily recalls classic Claremont X-Adventures where they go out, investigate, fight something weird, lose, and there's a cliffhanger ending. The first part of the issue plays up the usual angle of "Humans hate and distrust mutants," which is only natural that that'd be the take. I mean, if it was any other way, that wouldn't be much of a book, would it? Sure it's not original, but originality in an X-Book is like real breasts in an adult film - it'd be nice, but it's not expected, and it's not necessary. And, like a fake bosom, the usual product is still pretty good. I'm sorry if any of you out there find that comparison sexist or offensive in any way. Please send hate mail to me personally instead of posting it here on the board. I found that this issue rolled along quite peacefully, content not to upset things too much, although we do get a nice ambiguous half-death of a certain X-character who will be revealed to be OK (probably) in a later issue... possibly the next one. The new threat to the X-folks is your standard issue come-out-of-nowhere enigmatic techno-beast. Whatever happens, it happens in a tried-and-true formula that many creators - not just Claremont - have used. But before you throw your tomatoes and Boo and cry "Unoriginal!" remember that there's a reason that these formulas (formulae?) keep coming back, and that's that they're what works and despite constant use, they'll probably always work so long as writers like Claremont can at least think of different ways to apply it. It's like a Mad Lib - still funny when you change the verbs and adjectives. Personally, I liked the way the issue played out. Others may not, but I did, so that shows that I have a soft spot for classic straight-ahead storytelling even in this day of souped up swerve stories and shock factor. Not to mention the fact that the team of Claremont & Davis still shines in comparison to the way the book had been handled previously. I crave the simplicity this book offers. The dialogue is fairly crisp, though often will characters break into testimonials about this subject or that, mutant rights, or Nightcrawler's image inducer. It drags at these points, but tries to stay light. It really does ring of Claremont though, which is good or bad depending on your outlook. There's a kind of nice, sentimental moment in the middle, though, when Nightcrawler and Storm seem to get a little intimate. I know they've been friends a long time, but could there be romance a brewing? I don't know if that'd be wise, but then again I've been subject to so many sudden, inexplicable romances in the book recently that I'm probably just jaded. The art is quite vintage. It's clear and not extremely stylish, but that's OK. As long as it's good, which it is, not everybody has to be Salvador Larocca. Davis does his part well, especially in the parts concerning Storm and Kurt. All in all, this book is, not unlike the previous regime, likely to polarize the audience. Those who like it, like it a lot, and those who don't, don't. It'll be as simple as that and there'll be no convincing anybody. All I can do is try to keep order between the two sides. Me, I don't mind the nostalgia trip. I thought that was the whole point of Chris Claremont's initial return years ago. As long as we get some decent stories out of it, who's to say that the man shouldn't be writing the book? And so, I have given him this vague but assuredly positive review, to show that while I definitely am with him, I know that there are those who are not. Whichever side you're on, however, it's for sure that Claremont will be around for a while now, so get comfy. Or just, you know, stop buying the book. What are you, chicken? (Other notes: Note the references to Purity from Mekanix, Joss Whedon, and hey... did only one issue come out last month? This book is monthly again? Hip hip hooray!) STORY: 3.5 ART: 3.5 OVERALL: 3.5 ALPHA FLIGHT #4 Reviewed By: Michael C. Fisch Quick Review: Good Story Title: You Gotta Be Kidding Me! Part 4 It's a funhouse of horrors as Alpha Flight take on Escher! Writer: Scott Lobdell Artist: Clayton Henry Inker: Mark Morales Colors: Avalon Letterer: Richard Starkings and Comicraft Assistant Editors: Cory Sedlmeier and Stephanie Moore Editor: Mike Marts Editor In Chief: Joe Quesada Publisher: Dan Buckley It's not often that a comic book can take you by surprise. After all, given today's environment of internet sploiers, advance solicits, and chat rooms filled with detractors/fans who yearn for the next bit of knowledge to discuss/praise/condemn, its almost impossible not to know the secrets of a comic book before it's actual release unless you make a conscious effort to try. Although on some rare occasions, a comic can come out of nowhere, and in the midst of what might have been a rather unextraordinary tale, take you completely by surprise with an element that puts a new light on a character in ways never imagined and lays the groundwork for many stories to come. Such is the case of Alpha Flight #4. The highlight of the issue that I bring up is definitely the childhood of one Major Mapleleaf (II). To this point, the Major has only demonstrated a "Dudley Do-Right" characterization--the lovely doofus (in a movie, he'd be played by Brendan Fraser). Scott Lobdell does an excellent job in this unexpectedly touching flashback sequence as the new Major Mapleleaf recalls his memories of his father, the World War II hero who fought beside Captain America, Namor, and the Human Torch. The glowing praise he heaps upon his father belie the painful reality of his past. It's not at all unusual for children with abusive parents actually see their parents in such terms, and in fact almost deify them. To put such a characteristic in Major Mapleleaf brings him to a level that none of the other new members of this team can come close to, and the Major is quickly becoming the breakout star of this title. I can't wait to see where Lobdell goes with this, and it brought out a newfound respect for this character. I really enjoy his flying horse, too. Unfortunately the same can't be said about the rest of the issue. Through uneven storytelling, sloppy transitions, a few lame attempts at humor, and some rather bland characteriztations (except for Mapleleaf, who really stands out this issue, and a few tidbits from Rutherford Princeton), this made for a rather surreal reading experience. The thing is, I can't tell if this was the intent or not. It certainly caught the feel of the Escher painting that is parodied on the cover, and if that was intentional, I applaud Lobdell for this experiment in storytelling. However, it doesn't really translate that well to the printed page. There's a lot going on in this issue, almost too much. The team splits up--for absolutely no reason--into three groups to find the entrances of the Plodex lair. Dividing the team makes no sense here--it's their first mission, and they're untrained and undisciplined. Plus most of them were either forced or duped into joining in the first place, so why let them go on their own? Then there's the unique entrances to the hideout--an outhouse, a Dance Dance Revolution game, an old Chicago illusion--amusing but unlikely entrances, and they seem to be a bit of a stretch for some much needed humor. There's the unnecessary cameo appearance by the Mole Man--a character I enjoy but seems wasted here. And throughout it all, the characters themselves seem carbon copies of what they had demonstrated over the last three months. Nemesis' hard-core attitude is starting to become tiresome, and the new Puck has nothing to do but whine and complain. We are even cheated out of her one battle scene, something that would have been welcome as she's been the most neglected character to this point. Clayton Henry continues to evolve as an artist on this title. He's becoming more comfortable with the characters, and his battle scenes are crisp, clear, and well defined. Most of all, I like his facial expressions and body posture. It clearly defines the character's mood and attitude. With many artists, you get a stock image for "anger" or "happy" that is identical to every other character that artist draws. With Henry, each character is unique and realistic. One of the highlights of the issue is the "odd couple" way Major Mapleleaf and...the guy with sixteen syllables in his name...play off each other, and the expressive way Henry draws them supports Lobdell's script well. With this issue we have what could have been a rather average issue made better by a great scene. It's ultimately the characters that will decide the longevity of the title, and whether the readers feel for them or not. If Scott Lobdell continues to put such emotion into these people, then the prospects of this title look well indeed. ART: 3.5 STORY: 2.5 OVERALL: 3.0 EXILES #48 Reviewer: Jim Lemoine, jimlemoine@comixfan.cjb.net Quick Rating: Poor Story Title: Earn Your Wings - Part 3 of 3 It's the anti-climactic climax of the first Reloaded Exiles arc! Written by: Tony Bedard Pencilled by: Mizuki Sakakibara Colored by: JC Lettered by: Dave Sharpe Assistant Editor: Cory Sedlmeier & Stephanie Moore Edited by: Mike Marts Editor-in-Chief: Joe Quesada Publisher: Dan Buckley Exiles #48 rounds out the first story arc by the new "Reloaded" creative team of Tony Bedard and Mizuki Sakakibara. Sadly, I am not left with a positive first impression of this team, as the art remains substandard and the story, what there is of it, takes an obvious back seat to the desire of someone (it might be Marvel Corporate, or the Editors, or Bedard himself) to change the status quo for this team. Earn Your Wings won't be remembered as an exciting kick-off, or even as a great story... but simply as a means to an end. The thing is, I really, really wanted to like this issue. Exiles #47 showed promise, and I've heard great things about Bedard's scripting. But the more I read this issue, the sloppier and more unsatisfying it seems, despite a very neat twist ending. Why doesn't this issue work? For starters, the events of the issue are not really a big surprise to anyone who's kept up with Exiles. Yes, Nocturne leaves the team. Yes, Beak joins and Namora stays. It's exactly what we expected... not just because Bedard attempted to foreshadow it with a painfully transparent Tallus riddle, but also because Marvel Comics completely spoiled the new team lineup by releasing preview art of a future issue's cover. When an Exile leaves the team, it should be momentous, it should be huge, it should be surprising... one reaction the reader shouldn't have is, "Yeah, duh." Another reason the issue doesn't work is because it leans more towards two-fisted-action hero brawls than it does the intelligent reading that Exiles usually represents. Bedard plays to the "two-super-teams- meet-and-fight" cliche, even invoking the cliche through the mouth of Nocturne. Action junkies may enjoy this issue, but those expecting in- depth characterizations or deep and sophisticated plots will be disappointed. And through it all, the book leaves obvious questions unanswered and ignored while making several fairly glaring mistakes; some are admittedly anal, some aren't. Reed gets an Exile's name wrong... which could have been caused by his unfamiliarity with the team, but since nobody acknowledges the error, one has to assume that the fault goes to the writer and editor. Sue prevents Nocturne from firing her hex bolts by encasing her hands in small invisible force-fields, and it seems to work... despite the fact that the bolts go through a dimensional rift located well in front of Nocturne's hands (that's the anal one). Later, Reed is amazed when his computer can't detect someone standing right in front of him... except, looking at the art, he's not standing right in front of him. A coloring error toward the book's end has the reader confusing Nocturne for Blink. Then there are the things that just don't make sense. If it was so easy for the Invisible Woman to imprison the Exiles, why didn't she do so right from the very beginning of the battle? If Johnny Storm is one of the most experienced heroes in the Marvel Universe, why is he so one-dimensional and easy to beat during the battle? If Morph has the power to turn his body into anything he imagines, why does he foolishly limit himself to stretching, thus virtually handing the battle to the more experienced Reed Richards? If Nocturne stays in the Marvel Universe, does that mean she's no longer unhinged from time? Is there a reason she doesn't seem to care about returning to her own world? If the Timebroker's suddenly changed all the rules on the Exiles as far as what they're doing, why they're doing it, and how they can stop, why don't any of the Exiles seem to notice? There are some notable exceptions, a few moments of very high quality that help make the book worthwhile. Beak's reunion with his family is very well-written (even if the art fails to convey the emotion of the moment), and Bedard does a fantastic job of leaving the reader wondering with his ending. But those golden moments aside, the script is just sloppy. Where Bedard wrote the FF pretty brilliantly last issue, this issue they come off as idiot newbies without the first clue of how to function as a superhuman team. Namor quickly becomes a one-note caricature of himself, and Reed's only purpose seems to be dramatically stating what should have been obvious to everyone two issues ago. Nocturne plays off her subterfuge as Susan like a bad sitcom, and nobody seems to notice that the Timebroker seems to have suddenly become quite evil. Sadly, the art doesn't help things at all. On the surface, it's fine - the characters look adequate: two arms, two legs, et cetera. And the visual storytelling is decent. Once you get past the fact that none of these characters look anything at all like any other artist's interpretation of them, you get to the big problem: Sakakibara just isn't very good at infusing emotion into the art. Facial expressions don't match the story, postures don't coincide with what characters say... heck, most characters in the book seem to have the exact same look on their face in every panel. Morph doesn't have a single visual gag in the entire issue (a first, I believe, for this series), Nocturne's tail never appears, Nightcrawler appears to have gained the power of flight by the book's end, and the Exiles just look... generic. It seems like Sakakibara just isn't having any fun whatsoever drawing this issue of Exiles (although I have to admit, the scene where Blink hugs Nocturne is beautiful). In fact, my favorite part of Exiles #48 was easily the coloring by JC. This is a very talented colorist; JC's use of gradients and shading help to make average art look pretty darn good. Exiles #48 rounds out our introduction to the creative team of Bedard and Sakakibara, and may not necessarily leave the reader with all that positive of a first impression. It's obvious that the story wasn't written so much to tell a great story as it was to reform the status quo of the title, to transition quickly into what comes next; the past three issues have simply been a means to an end. Throughout these three issues, the storytelling has been inconsistent, both internally and externally, resorting to many painful cliches toward the end. The art is rather generic and lifeless. As I said, I really wanted to like this. I've become acquainted with some of Bedard's past work, and I know this guy has some major storytelling talent... which just leaves me confused by this Exiles arc. I'm hoping that we'll see better from him now that he's finally working with the characters he wants. ART: 1.5 STORY: 1.5 OVERALL: 1.5 _____________________________________________________________________ _ --------------------------------------------------------------------- - [11] Rich's Reviews Richard Vasseur richardv@sympatico.ca [Rich has been collecting comic books for about 25 years. He belongs to two comic book clubs Jazma and ORCA. He has been writing reviews for Jazma's paper newsletter for about 2 years and has his own review page at www.jazmaonline.com] Title: Brian Pulido's Belladonna Preview Publisher: Avatar Writer: Brian Pulido Artist: Clint Hilinski Inker: Di Amorim Price: $ 1.99 US Comments: The cover drawn by Hilinski is gorgeous with Belladonna holding a battle axe. Her irish kilt is ripped so it looks like a loin cloth. Skulls adorn her attire. Back in black, blood, violence, half-naked women with big breasts, fantastic art and a killer story about a heart-broken woman ordered to take vengeance by the goddess Morrigan. The goddess brings Belladonna back from the grave. If you liked what Brian Pulido did at Chaos! Comics you will love this new series. Belladonna's first act when she is brought back to life is to kill three vikings and she plans to kill all she can find in Ireland. The pin-ups in the back are stunning. Clint Hilinski knows how to draw a beautiful and deadly woman. So give this comic a try you won't be disappointed. Come swear allegiance to the Black. Its back and better than ever. So if your tired of those wishy washy comics and want something with bite and that just might bite back step right in. Sworn to the Black! Title: Banzai Girl (trade paperback) Publisher: Sirius Writer: Jinky Coronado Artist: Jinky Coronado Price: $ 14.95 US Comments: Jinky Coronado is not only the writer and artist but also the creator and model for this fun comic loosely based on her life and adventures. Jinky is young, exciting and cute. This trade collects the 4 issue series and annual. The art is beautiful as it shows off Jinky. The Shadow Whispers and the Snake Man are horrific. In the back you get a lot of extras; childhood pictures of Jinky, guest artists drawings, pictures of friends and family. The real life pictures do show off a gorgeous looking Jinky. There are even a few commission pieces shown that she has done for fans. Title: Superman/Batman # 10 Publisher: DC Writer: Jeph Loeb Artist: Michael Turner Price: $ 2.95 US, $ 4.50 Can Comments: Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman are surrounded by Doomsdays on the cover. What a battle this would make. Wonder Woman is looking really sexy as she spears one of the Doomsdays. The double page spread of Supergirl and Artemis sparring is breathtaking. Supergirl's young vibrant body is beautiful, Artemis has a more mature beauty that is still just as beautiful. The double page spread of Superman as he uses his heat vision to flash fry the Doomsday animates is a true showing of power. He is drawn magnificently. The attack was all a diversion to kidnap Supergirl by Darkseid. Harbinger is killed in the attack trying to protect Supergirl. Superman is going to Apokolips! To get Supergirl back and to make Darkseid pay. The story is exciting and promises more to come. Supergirl is shown as a strong willed young lady. Title: Astonishing X-Men # 1 Publisher: Marvel Writer: Joss Whedon Artist: John Cassaday Price: $ 2.99 US, $ 4.25 Can Comments: What better symbol to grace the cover of a new X-title than Wolverine's claws. Three long slender adamantium steel colored blades adorn the cover. Shadow Cat is back! She is a welcome site. She always adds to any team dynamic. Scott gives a pep speech about how they have to get out into the world and show the people that they are super-heroes. And for that they need one very important thing. Yes you know what it is! Its been missing for far to long. Costumes! They are back in costumes, finally. No more black leather. Blue and gold for Kitty, Scott and Hank, Logan gets his yellow and blue and Emma is all in white. Its great to see them back in costume, especially Wolverine. The costumes don't make the hero but they sure make them look more like heroes. Title: JLA # 99 Publisher: DC By: John Byrne & Chris Claremont with Jerry Ordway Price: $ 2.25 US, $ 3.50 Can Comments: The Doom Patrol and JLA work good together to take down Crucible. In the end Superman punches a cross through his heart. That was the end for him. And believe it or not Batman makes a joke. Yes he really does. And he even smiles slightly. The League was stunned. The Doom Patrol are done here, now they are going to their own series. All their past history has been forgotten. Its as if they never existed before encountering the JLA. So they are the new kids on the block. Negative Man's black skeleton is drawn beautifully and a bit eerily looking. The updated look is perhaps the best change to the group. Title: Amazing Spider-Man # 507 Publisher: marvel Writer: J. Michael Straezynski Penciler: John Romita Jr. Inker: Scott Hanna Price: $ 2.25 US, $ 3.25 Can Comments: Spiders overwhelm the city. The Gatekeeper is here but its not Peter he wants its Ezekiel. Only one Spider guy aloud at a time. So the Gatekeeper wants Ezekiel's blood but will take Peter's instead if Ezekiel gives him P's blood. Watching the Gatekeeper and his body made out of spiders will make your flesh crawl. The art is great and Spidey is drawn beautifully. His poses show off his agility well. The interplay with MJ is cute as Spidey saves her. Plus the story of her wanting to be a serious actress should add spice to the series as she fights for her chance to do so. Everyone thinks of her as just a lingerie model. She is going to prove them wrong. But it will take some effort on her part. Title: Iron Fist # 3 Publisher: Marvel Writer: James Mullaney Artist: Kevin Lau Inker: Alan Udon Price: $ 2.99 US, $ 4.25 Can Comments: Kevin Lau starts us off with a cool looking cover Danny is in an updated costume. His pose and facial expression say he is ready to take on anything. It is cute when Danny greets the intruders by tugging on ones robe. His snappy patter is entertaining. And his movements are poetry in motion. Danny decides to protect Mary from the Night Terrors and their leader Chi. Well Danny still isn't over not wanting to be a hero he needs to find himself and accept his destiny. That is the only thing holding this comic back. Title: Wolverine # 15 Publisher: Marvel Writer: Greg Rucka Penciler: Darick Robertson Inkers: Jimmy Palmiotti & Tom Palmer Price: $ 2.25 US, $ 3.25 Can Comments: Sabretooth tracks down Logan and the Native. He shoots them both. Now what happens next is perfectly done. The Native was playing possum. So as Sabretooth steps over her he gets a groin full of claws than the claws shoot into his eyes. That slows him down. The look on Creed's face as she pops him with her bone claws into his groin is priceless. Surprise and excrusating pain are very well conveyed. Now heres a surprise it turns out the Native and Logan used to live together in a log cabin. But like so much of his memory he can't really remember it. He remembers just enough to know its true. The Native is a fresh new character. Like a female Wolverine but more animalistic. Lets hope she sticks around the Marvel Universe. Title: Batgirl # 52 Publisher: DC Writer: Dylan Horrocks Penciler: Rick Leonardi Inker: Jesse Delperdang Price: $ 2.50 US, $ 3.85 Can Comments: Well Batgirl gets her first classic Bat villain to fight. Poison Ivy and its not much of a fight. Batgirl gets caught by vines than she blows up Ivy's tree and that's it. Nothing physical. But now this has opened up the doorway so she can go against other Bat villains. Its to bad Batman shows up at the end. She does not need him babysitting her. He has to let her go. We need a story were she goes against a major villain without Batman interfering. Poison Ivy is drawn with light green skin and leaves floating around her. Beautiful, naked and deadly describe her and it comes through in the art. Title: Conan # 4 Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Writer: Kurt Busiek Artists: Gary Nord & Thomas Yeates Price: $ 2.99 US Comments: Conan is being held prisoner in Hyperborea. He makes plans to escape with a slave girl. Really not much happens his issue. He kills a couple guys while looking for a escape route but that's it. This issue was kind of boring. The artwork is alright but it is not really showing off the characters much. There is nothing that really stands out. Title: Wolverine/Punisher # 3 Publisher: Marvel Writer: Peter Milligan Penciler: Lee Weeks Inker: Tom Palmer Price: $ 2.99 US, $ 4.25 Can Comments: The cover by C Brenner and Delgado has Wolverine's facial expression looking like he is going to the bathroom. The Punisher looks featureless. The artwork inside is just as bad. Lee Weeks is usually a great artist, so what happened? There is not much of a story. Some guys want to kill the Punisher that's about it. _____________________________________________________________________ _ CBEM 476 continues . . . Thanks for subscribing to the Comic Book Network Electronic Magazine (CBEM) --------------------------->Disclaimer<--------------------------- This is an ANNOUNCE only mailing list, only the Editor can send messages to the list. No one else has access to the subscriber list. Replies to these messages will be received by the Editor ONLY, so you must CC: individual contributors if you want them to get your E-Mail. The E-mail to the E-mag MAY be used in future issues at the Editor's discretion UNLESS you specifically request that they not be. It is our policy to withhold names and/or Addresses, by request only, from letters of comment. All contributors are required to use their real name and have a valid Email address for their columns to be published. Send Email comments to: ComicBkNet@aol.com Material for inclusion in the Emag - press releases, solicitations, column submissions, Letters to the Editor, guesses for the trivia contest should be sent to ComicBkNet@aol.com The EDITOR, not the submitter, has final approval and edit rights on ALL material. Printed comic books and advanced copies for review in the Emag should be sent via US Mail or UPS to David L. 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June12, 2004 - [ComicBooknet E-Mag] CBEM 476.07 >> |
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