April 25th, 2007 Reviews
Runaways #26
The Good: Whedon gets it. After finally getting fully caught up with this series, I realized what was missing from the last arc or two written by Brian K. Vaughan. The Runaways weren't really running. They had been stationed in one spot for so long, that things began to get stagnant. Thankfully, Joss Whedon gets the characters running again, and to someplace that you might never expect. Plus, Whedon writes some really good Molly dialogue. Is it as good as Vaughan's? No, but it comes very close.
The Bad: I'm still not digging Michael Ryan's art. It isn't bad, but it does lack the unique look of Alphona's pencils. Other than that, this book was awesome.
The Verdict: If you dropped the series when Whedon came on, then you need to hurry up and come back. With the exception of the mediocre art, this book is perfect.
Grade: 9/10
Review by Christopher Hoerdemann
Fallen Son #2
The Good: Ed McGuinness's art is awesome. I thought his DC work was okay, but since he's come to Marvel, I've really enjoyed the (few) things he's done. Half of the issue, the half that deals with the New Avengers, was interesting (I'll talk about the other half in a bit). Spider-Man, although portrayed in an extremely different manner here than in any of his other books, seems to be taking the whole situation very badly. I think it's the first time, aside from the last issue of Amazing Spider-Man, where Spider-Man is actually being portrayed as angry, and depressed after all that has happened.
The Bad: The half of the issue that deals with the Mighty Avengers is really pointless. The last couple pages try to make their involvement make since, but it doesn't work.
The Verdict: Had the whole issue dealt with the New Avengers, this might have been an interesting issue. The one undoubtedly positive thing about this issue was the art. Other than that, this was a very mediocre read.
Grade: 6/10
Review by Christopher Hoerdemann
52 #51
The Good: I was kind of worried that all of the hanging story threads in this series might not get tied up. All my worries have faded as of right now. I can't praise this series enough. It is proof that a good story, executed well, can be a critical and sales success. This is the series that event comics should be measured against from now on. Even though Infinite Crisis was flawed, I am so glad it came about, because without that event comic, we would never have gotten a chance to read this one. Well, I'm done rambling now, so I'll get to the point. This issue sets things up for a huge conclusion next issue. A huge reveal that pertains to the Booster Gold story is thrown out there, and the space storyline gets nicely tied up. All of the stuff that occurs doesn't feel cheap like conclusions do in some other event comics. Here are two words to describe this series: Absolutely Awesome!
The Bad: Come on, if you haven't already gotten the message, then I'll reiterate it for you: AWESOME! AWESOME! AWESOME! Nothing bad about this issue! BUY IT!
The Verdict: To avoid being redundant, I'll keep the verdict short and sweet. If you want a good comic, where story comes before gimmicks and hype, then this is the comic for you.
Grade: 9/10
Review by Christopher Hoerdemann
Wolverine #53
The Good: Simone Bianchi keeps plugging away with stellar art. The story is.......the story is kinda.....like....you know? Bad!
The Bad: Things looked so promising. Then, Loeb went cliche crazy, and things took a downward turn. Plus, Loeb couldn't leave the guest stars out of the equation. Not only do Black Panther and Storm show up, but some other heroes show up at the end of this issue as well. I really want to enjoy this book, but there are too many things that get in the way.
The Verdict: If you enjoy Bianchi's art, then you should probably stick with this series. However, if you're expecting a new and innovative Wolverine story, then you won't be happy.
Grade: 5.5/10
Review by Christopher Hoerdemann
Fantastic Four #545
The Good: The Fantastic Four are back to being cosmic explorers! Plus, the Silver Surfer and Galactus, together again?!?!?! To cool for words! The icing on the cake is how Dwayne McDuffie is taking an obscure character named Gravity, and turning him into a force to reckoned with.
The Bad: Yeah, not a whole lot really happens. There's a lot of talking, and a lot of standing. Plus, the Black Panther somehow uses a WWE wrestling move to subdue the Silver Surfer. The guy yields the power cosmic, and Black Panther can put him in a headlock? Yeah.......not buying it.
The Verdict: This was an enjoyable issue. I liked the few story progressions that occurred, and I love the fact that Galactus and the Silver Surfer are involved. The FF are back to being the cosmic explorers they are meant to be!
Grade: 8/10
Review by Christopher Hoerdemann
Amazons Attack #1
The Good: Pete Woods art reminds me a bit of Steve McNiven in a few spots of this issue. Plus, Will Pfeifer seems to be going for broke (the Amazons did pretty much obliterate Washington DC) with the story.
The Bad: I have the feeling that I missed something. All of these things are happening, and it feels like I missed a lot of the setup. I'm hoping that the rest of the series goes back and gives us some background info.
The Verdict: I'm kind of confused, and kind of intrigued at the same time. Will Pfeifer has proven that he is a dependable writer, so I'll definitely reserve judgment until I've read a couple more issues of this series.
Grade: 7.5/10
Review by Christopher Hoerdemann
Batman Confidential #5
The Good:..............................................................
The Bad: The art is inconsistent, and messy. The story is stretched out to a ridiculous degree as well. Yeah.......I think this title needs a kick in the butt, because if something durastic doesn't happen soon, then this one is getting dropped from the pull list.
The Verdict: Leave this one on the rack at the LCS. There are so many other good books out there that deserve to be purchased, so spend your three bucks on those.
Grade: 3/10
Review by Christopher Hoerdemann
Justice Society of America #5
The Good: JSA once again outshines JLA. This issue functions as the second part of the five part JLA/JSA crossover. Basically, the two super teams break up into smaller groups, and head out to figure out the mystery that involves the Legion of Super Heroes. Everything flows really well, and the dialogue is crisp. The art, not drawn by the exquisite Dale Eaglesham but rather by Fernando Pasarin, is a good fit for the story too. The best part of the issue is when Batman has to fight someone very familiar (being vague on purpose)............
The Bad: My knowledge of the Legion of Super Heroes is pretty much non existent. That's not completely the writers' faults, but I really wish that they would have made an effort to give us some important info about the Legion that might have made this story a little more new reader friendly.
The Verdict: This issue is a slight improvement over the solid first part of the crossover. Events have been set in motion, and I think if we get some more action, then this crossover will be one for the record books.
Grade: 8/10
Review by Christopher Hoerdemann |
