Hey there readers, writer/editor Kevin S. Mahoney here with a quick note about my reviews this week. Some of these books came out this week. One of them did not. Call it a delayed reaction. Call it a response to OYL or a precursor to Civil War. Call it a result of my inept comics retailer’s ability to correctly stock my pull list. Just don’t blame me. A review is a review, provided there’s enough thought behind it. Maybe next week will involve only current books. Even a blue-fonted editor-savant cannot foretell the future. Onward!
Batman #651
DC Comics
Writer: James Robinson
Artist: Kramer, Champagne, Kalisz
This is the second installment of the inaugural OYL Batman/Detective Comics story written by Tony Harris. So far, things seem to be more back to normal than out of whack. Gordon is back. The Bat-signal lights the skies for the first time in months (to mixed reactions). And Batman and Robin save the day against one of their classic foes, Poison Ivy. There are minor differences like Jack Ryder’s move from Metropolis media to Gotham television. While the Creeper is clearly a better fit for Gotham, not even a hint of an explanation is given. No real interaction occurs between Batman and Robin, Batman and Alfred, and Bruce Wayne makes no appearance. So while the new Batman rumor cannot be substantiated this issue, it can’t be disproved either. The manner in which Kramer tends to make his male characters all seem to look alike is no help in that regard, but it’s the only snag in the issue’s art (save Robin’s new togs which will most likely be explained eventually). The nuanced narrative and last page shocker makes this chapter’s failings a bit more forgivable.
Score: B
Batgirl #73
DC Comics
Writer: Andersen Gabrych
Artist: Mhan, Delperdang, Wright
So the Batgirl series is over. And Cassandra Cain may never be heard from again. But between Infinite Crisis and OYL, there’s no telling what might happen in the next few weeks. That usually doesn’t count for much in this status quo obsessed industry, but both Jason Todd and Bucky were recently resurrected! So the finale of this series, which resolved both Batgirl and Shiva’s origins before they fought to the death, might turn out more important than one initially surmises. Sufficed to say, this was a well-rendered exciting issue with more than one surprise in it. It’s worth tracking down, despite its rarity.
Score: A
She-Hulk #6
Marvel Comics
Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Will Conrad, Dave Kemp
This series is rollicking fun. The blending of legal battles with wacky Marvel characters and a side of soap opera subplots is a winning combination. This issue is no exception. Readers learn about Awesome Andy’s secret mission, the new boss’s role in the universal order, and even Jen’s favorite schmaltzy movie! Oh, and Starfox of Titan is on trial for sexual assualt. To make matters even more slapstick and hectic, Starfox’s inherent ability to throw people into the throes of passion is interfering with everyone at Shulkie’s law offices. The second and final issue of this arc is sure to be a hoot; this book is fun for everyone. The art in this issue is less fun and far more realistic than the title deserves. Special and unfortunate minus points are withdrawn for yet another bad rendition of Augustus “Pug” Pugliese; he’s not supposed to be attractive and Will Conrad gave him too athletic a build out of court and too sophisticated a look inside of it. The Foggy Nelson of this generation just shouldn’t ever look all Brian O’Donnell-y.
Score: B
X-Factor #5
Marvel Comics
Writer: Peter David
Artist: Dennis Calero, Jose Villarrubia
Admittedly, I was a late arrival to this title, sitting out the whole first arc (money problems). But this issue both surpassed and subverted my expectations. With Peter David back covering these characters, the tone could have been much lighter. This issue is frenetic, suspenseful, graphic, and very little fun. But it is dramatic and engrossing. David’s noir is extremely reminiscent of the dearly departed DC title, H-E-R-O. It’s a weird fit for some of Marvel’s wackiest characters, but it works. Something that isn’t really working for me is the art team. It’s over-inked, with almost no color palette to speak of. Even given the intent and story style of this title, the art team pushes too hard, to the point where things are ugly to look upon. A balanced color scheme would enhance the art’s one excellent element: unconventional and intriguing layout.
Score: C
