February 21st, 2007 Reviews
Civil War #7
This issue shows exactly why the end of every story is so important. What happens in this issue really kills all the build up that had occurred up to this point. I really hoped for the ending of this series to be a truly classic and monumental event. It was monumental, but in a sort of anti-climactic way. From all the solicits, I knew the registration side ends up winning, but the way in which the big, final battle ended was a huge let down. It made Captain America look really bad, since he went from nearly killing Tony Stark in order to further his cause, to giving himself up to the authorities in only one page. Blood had been shed many times already in this war, and Captain America makes all that blood meaningless in only a page. It seems too easy, and quick. I would have rather had Cap dragged off like a raving lunatic, instead of what actually happened. It would have fit better within the events that had already occurred. Cap had been becoming more and more violent as the mini series went on, so it doesn't fit that he would all of a sudden have a change of heart and let himself be taken away in cuffs. That's my biggest gripe with this last issue.
The other glaring (at least to me) problem was the use of three different inkers. Steve McNiven's art is stellar in the previous six issues, but in seems like Marvel might have been short on time and they had to pass the inking chores out to multiple parties. McNiven's art is really excellent for about half the issue, but in other parts, it doesn't even resemble his smooth style that I have become accustomed to. So even the art, which had been a constant positive aspect of the story, wasn't as good as usual.
The Marvel Universe is a much different place now, so at least that was achieved. I think that this change might stick for awhile, but I'm not, and no other comic book fan is naive enough to believe that the new status quo will be maintained for a long long time. My only hope is that while the new status quo is in place, that good stories are told. The only bigger disappointment than the final issue of this series, would be if Marvel squanders this huge opportunity to do something great. Even with the weak final chapter, this series has really opened up some doors, and hopefully Marvel will capitalize.
Grade: 6/10
Review by Christopher Hoerdemann
Amazing Spider-Man #538
This was a purely “looking to the future” (albeit the near future) purchase. I am planning on picking up this series regularly starting with Back in Black, and I thought it would be foolish to not pick up this issue since it will lead right into that story.
I already knew the big shocker of this issue thanks to the Internet, but this was still a really well done issue even though I was spoiled. I read some of JMS’s earlier Spidey work recently (thank you library card), and really enjoyed his writing. He does a good job of making Peter a real guy, even though he is constantly in these unreal situations. I wasn’t even that turned off with the Sins Past arc (I could have done without it though). So going into this issue, since it was the first time I had picked up a new Amazing Spider-Man issue off the rack, I was expecting it to be quite good. I wasn’t disappointed. Even though it was just another look at the final battle of Civil War, JMS found a way to not be redundant. Plus, all the character moments between MJ, Peter, and May seemed to be really well written, to the point that I actually cared what was going to happen (rare for me, since I usually try to keep from being to affected by my funny books). Plus, it would be strange to not mention the last page, where Aunt May takes a bullet for the team. I think that even though May has already died once, this time is going to be different.
Ron Garney continues to provide art for the series with this issue. He seems to be trying to do his best John Romita Jr. Impression in some spots, while his style differs in others. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but I would like to see him go one way or another, instead of bouncing back and forth. Other than that slight annoyance, I still enjoyed the art. It’s clear, crisp, and not too complicated. That’s the way it should be for a Spider-Man story.
This issue functioned just as I thought it would; as prelude to Back in Black. JMS’s writing on this issue, and the other work he has done on this title gives me a really good feeling about the upcoming arc. I hope that he, and Mr. Garney prove me right.
Grade: 8.5/10
Review by Christopher Hoerdemann
Immortal Iron Fist #3
A year ago, if someone told me that one of the best books I purchase would be Iron Fist, I would have scoffed. Why would I buy an Iron Fist book? Why would there even be an Iron Fist Book? Well, good thing there is an Iron Fist book, and it's also a good thing that I buy it. To be honest, the character didn't appeal to me at first, but the creative team did. Ed Brubaker, is Brubakin' (the worst pun ever, but I've been looking to use it somewhere) a wonderful, and intriguing story along with his partner in crime, Matt Fraction. Those two guys are good, but the man that brings the secret ingredient to this book is the artist, David Aja, who is a wonderful mix of Alex Maleev and Michael Lark.
So what exactly happens this issue? Well, the book leads off with another flashback to an Iron Fist bearer of the past. From there, we get some more info on the villain of this arc (a man named Davos, along with the Hand), and then Orson Randall, the missing former Iron Fist gets into some more shenanigans (another word I have been looking to use). Finally, Danny Rand, the current Iron Fist, seeks out Randall, because when two people are accessing the power of the Iron Fist at once, it isn't a good thing. Plus, Randall has a bit of a connection to Danny's past that he wasn't expecting. So this was another issue packed with cool advancements of the story.
I hope that this first arc doesn't go the way of Civil War, by coming in like a lion, and exiting like a lamb. As of right now, this series is roaring like a lion.
Grade: 9/10
Review by Christopher Hoerdemann
Check out Christopher Hoerdemann's review of the first two issues of Immortal Iron Fist by clicking this link
52 #42
The best issue of 52 yet! Hands down! This is the payoff that I have been waiting for in the Ralph Dibny arc of the story. For those who don't know, Dibny was cooperating with the helmet of Fate in order to try and resurrect his dead wife, Sue. Well, it turns out that the helmet is not all that it seems. Felix Faust, magical villain of the DCU, used his skills to pose as the helmet, and try and save his soul from Neron (the devil) by taking advantage of Ralph Dibny. Well, Dibny is obviously still a keen detective because he knew all along, and was even forming a counter attack. So, when the time comes, Dibny shows his hand, and Faust is forced to cower in the corner. Neron soon appears, and Dibny even fakes out the devil himself. Now, Dibny seems to die in the process, but you never know with this series. Plus, before all is said and done, Dibny returns to his Elongated Man roots, and whips the crap out of Faust in his stretchy form. It turns out Dibny wasn't downing booze from his flask all these months, but Gingold, the source of his super powers. So, this was a wonderful end to Dibny's story. I think that if he is truly dead, then it was a fitting end, ala the classic death of Captain Marvel (Oops! marvel messed that up a bit now too!). Renee Montoya's destiny of becoming the new question is hinted at even more this issue as well. It looks like next issue we will get some Marvel family action, as well as some new developments in the Animal Man story.
Darick Robertson does some really good work on this issue. His art isn't cluttered, and it works very well with the darker tone of this issue. From what I've heard, he might be doing some more issues on the series, and if that's true, then I am really excited. After a couple of slow issues, 52 really rocked this week. Every time I start to doubt this story, my mind is changed when another awesome issue hits the stands.
Grade: 10/10
Review by Christopher Hoerdemann
The Brave and the Bold #1
This series fits in the same category of Nightwing. It doesn't try to hard to be more important than it is. It is a team up book. Therefore, I expect a couple of characters to team up, fight crime, and then go home. Thank heavens that that is what happened in this issue.
I'm not going to inform you on the plot, because it isn't all that important (that might sound weird, but let me explain). The important thing is that I enjoyed this story. It was cut, dried, and simple, and it was fun. Batman and Green Lantern team up to solve a murder, and they end up in Las Vegas. The story continues to move at a wonderfully brisk pace, and more light is shed on what the heck is going on. Some action scenes ensue, and then the issue ends, and it looks like Green Lantern is going to get a little bit of help from the big blue boy scout next issue.
George Perez does his usual wonderful work. He continues to give us renditions of characters that are classic looking, but not dated. I'm glad he has a place to show off his work monthly now. I, and I bet I'm not alone, can't get enough of his art.
This is the book to pick up if you're looking for a fun read, with good art, and a comic that provides lots of story for your three bucks. I should never have even wondered about the quality of this series going in, seeing as Mark Waid, and George Perez are at the reins. This title has earned a place on my list of must have books each month.
Grade: 9/10
Review by Christopher Hoerdemann
New Avengers: Illuminati #1
As of late, I've become what might be referred to as a New Avengers fiend. I can't get enough of them. Therefore, I couldn't pass this issue up. This mini-series tells the story of the secret history of the Illuminati (the group pictured on the cover), and how their actions have had an affect on the Marvel Universe.
This first issue takes place way back during the Kree-Skrull War. The Illuminati confront the Skrulls, and tell them that what has happened is unacceptable, and would not happen again under their watch. So the Skrulls proceed to capture them all, and experiment on them. Well, to make a long story short, they find a way to escape. The Skrulls chase them down until Dr. Strange projects an image of the fear inspiring Galactus in the middle of space. The issue ends with the Illuminati discussing the events that had transpired, and the Skrull king uttering some ominous words.
Jim Cheung provides the pencils for this issue. I really like his art. It fits the big, high octane, action thriller style that this story needs. His page layouts were excellent as well, since they were not cookie cutter, yet they weren't distracting and unclear.
I liked this issue, but I didn't love it. I get the feeling that Brian Bendis and Brian Reed are both credited with writing this series, but only Reed is scripting, and Bendis plotting. I say that because Bendis's trademark snappy dialogue was absent. So this was a solid read, with good art, and it looks to be the start of a promising mini-series.
Grade: 7.5/10
Review by Christopher Hoerdemann
New Avengers: Illuminati #2
In the second issue of this mini-series, things shift to the events surrounding the all-powerful Infinity Gauntlet. The Illuminati obviously gets involved, but not how you would assume.
Reed Richards, unbeknownst to his fellow members of the Illuminati, has collected some of the Infinity Gems, which power the Infinity Gauntlet (which he also possesses). Reed seems a bit taken by his newfound power, but he doesn't let it control him. From there, the group ventures to find the remaining three gems, so that they don't fall into the wrong hands. Finally, after some complications, they do. However, they decide that not one of them was suited to hold onto the Gauntlet, or the Gems. Therefore, each of them would get to guard one gem, so that even if one were to be lost to the enemy, the other five would still be safely hidden.
Jim Cheung once again does a great job of providing blockbuster art that fits the bill for this story. I really hope that after this mini-series, he could get some work on an ongoing series (Spider-Man comes to mind).
This was another solid issue. I can't say that I was blown away, but I was entertained. Next issue should be awesome, since it involves the events of the Secret Wars. Maybe that issue will be the turning point for this mini-series, where it goes from good to great.
Grade: 7.5/10
Review by Christopher Hoerdemann
Ultimate Fantastic Four #39
Come one, come all to the unavoidable fill in arc! Mike Carey is still the writer (as he was on the previous arc), but it seems like he might be mailing this one in. Plus, even though the inside of the issue was drawn nicely, the change in style between the two artists working on this issue is kind of distracting. All of that, combined with a cookie cutter story adds up to a sub par issue. This arc is the first time that we will encounter the ultimate version of the classic Fantastic Four villain, Diablo. This issue gives us a look at the origins of said bad guy. It’s nothing spectacular. It follows the basic, “good sorcerer turned bad sorcerer = big villain” formula. The rest of the issue deals with Diablo taking a loved one from each member of the fantastic four, and telling them to come and get them as a challenge. Wow, that’s only been done about ten times before. The one interesting thing in this issue is the plot thread left dangling from the last issue of the previous arc. It appears that Thanos has gotten inside Reed, and is influencing Reed into creating the all-powerful Cosmic Cube. Apart from that tid bit, the story lacked excitement since I’ve seen this basic story line before.
I mentioned the art problems earlier. I love Mark Brooks’s art, and I love Scott Kolins’s art. However, the styles that they use differ too much. I know that the styles needed to be different in order to represent the difference in time in this story (Kolins provided art for the parts of the story taking place in the present day, and Brooks did the art for scenes in the past), but they were just a little too different. I would have rather had one artist or the other do the entire issue.
So in conclusion, this arc doesn’t look like it has much promise. I think Carey is waiting to get Pasquel Ferry back on the book to do art before he really kicks everything back into high gear. I still have faith in this title because of the quality of the last arc, and the arc after this (featuring the Silver Surfer) looks promising as well, but this issue seems to be signaling that a filler arc is upon us.
Grade: 5.5/10
Review by Christopher Hoerdemann |
