Good day, fellow comic fans. We have a lot to get to today, so let’s not waste any time!
Ultimate X-Men #69
“Phoenix?” Part One
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Penciller: Ben Oliver
Inkers: Jonathan Glapion with Jay Leisten
Colorist: Jason Keith
Published by Marvel Comics
I’ve gone on record saying that since Robert Kirkman started writing, this book has been one of the most enjoyable books on the stands. And this issue just solidifies that fact for me. We are given all the elements of classic X-Men stories, but done with a fresh twist. And honestly, isn’t that what the “Ultimate” line has been all about from the beginning? While I miss Tom Raney on art, British artist Ben Oliver gives us a clean, yet stylish issue, and I hope he sticks around for a while.
In terms of story, the mystery around the new mutant Elliot deepens. We don’t really know if he is to be trusted with his powers or not. Angel is undercover at Emma Frost’s school, all because Xavier says so. Meanwhile, back at X-mansion, Jean Grey is being all but forced to surrender herself to the X-Men’s new fundraisers. Oh, and we even get a hint as to how Wolverine found himself in the “Ultimate Hulk” miniseries.
Once again, another great issue. Kirkman has the ability to juggle a dozen character, without it feeling rushed or overstuffed.
Grade: A
Young Avengers #11
“Family Matters: Part Three
Writer: Allan Heinberg
Penciller: Jim Cheung
Inkers: Livesay, Jay Leisten, Dave Meikis, Matt Ryan, and Jaime Mendoza
Colors: Justin Ponsor
Published by Marvel Comics
While this series was very well hyped last year, it still kind of came out of nowhere for me. I, like many others, was ready to write the book off as a “Titans” rip-off, but from the first issue, the writing intrigued me. And it continues to.
This issue really delves into the Marvel history books, giving us tidbits on the Kree/Skrull war from years ago, as well as fallout from more recent events like “Disassembled”. And while it delves back to those stories, Heinberg never loses focus, and is always propelling the story forward. This is still a very accessible story to those who are coming in cold. While the story is great, Cheung’s art is just as powerful. He always makes the most of the big action scenes, as well as the smaller, character moments.
I believe there is just one more issue before this series goes on “hiatus”, and they have a lot to cover in that time, but since there has not been a truly weak issue yet, I’m looking forward to it.
Grade: B
Moon Knight #1
“The Bottom” Chapter One
Writer: Charlie Huston
Penciller: David Finch
Inker: Danny Miki
Colors: Frank D’Armata
Published by Marvel Comics
I have to admit, I have never read an issue of “Moon Knight” before. But I bought into the publicity, and therefore, bought this issue. And it was good. While it was a bit confusing towards the end, it was compelling nevertheless.
Most of the issue, as written by novelist Charlie Huston, is simply Moon Knight patrolling the streets, venting to us his frustration about the superhero community. It’s not a point of view we hear much of in the Marvel Universe, so it’s sort of exciting that way. Huston portrays Moon Knight as somewhat of a bitter, yet funny hero.
But then the issue takes a sudden turn, and it’s revealed (I think) that this was all in some guy’s head (sort of like the last episode of “St. Elsewhere”). And the man who once was Moon Knight is now just guy in a wheelchair, who desperately wants his old life back. It’s rather heartbreaking if you think about it.
David Finch, who did some great work on “New Avengers” really tops himself here, with amazingly moody, yet detailed art. He’s the perfect artist for a book like this.
While Moon Knight has always been unfairly compared to Batman (albeit in a white suit), this first issues really give him his own identity. So, the publicity worked, I’m hooked.
Grade: A
Planetary #25
“In From the Cold”
Writer: Warren Ellis
Art: John Cassaday
Colors: Laura Martin
Published by Wildstorm
I’m sure some think of this book as perpetually late, since it…well, is. But I don’t look at it like that. I like to think of every issue as a special occasion. To me, it’s easier to think of “Planetary” as a pleasant surprise rather than anything else.
This epic series has been going for years, and this may be its best issue yet. While every issue takes apart the conventions of a different genre, the key to this book is that at the same time, it’s telling an amazing story. And that’s all becoming more and more clear. The pieces from the first few issues are falling together as the book reaches a climax, and we can almost see Ellis’ true agenda.
Everyone knows this book has pitch perfect writing and art, so I will say no more about that. I have no idea how much longer this book can and will go on for. But until then, I’ll continue to find it as one of the best examples of the comic medium.
Grade: A
Teen Titans #34
“New Teen Titans” Part One
Writer: Geoff Johns
Penciller: Tony Daniel
Inks: Kein Conrad, Art Thibert
Colors: Ricahrd and Tanya Horie
Published by DC Comics
Any comic book that starts out with an homage to the movie “Robocop” can’t be all that bad, so this one already scored some points with me. The issue is done from Cyborg’s point of view, and on the first three pages, we get a glimpse of the past year, at least the little that Cyborg saw. Then, he wakes up to find Titans tower to be a very different place. He’s got bad guys (and bad girls) living in his place, so obviously, he’s going to be a bit upset.
But then Robin comes in and tries to straighten everything out. We get some insight as to who these new Titans are, including old, old favorites like Wendy and Marvin. We also learn the fate of some other Titans. Some are lost for good, and some are wanted back.
What we have here is a team very much in flux, and Robin is at the head, trying to make it all work out. Johns sprinkles the issue with many inside jokes, while at the same time, attempting to provide a good story. While he may have tried to do too much with this one issue, it’s admirable. Tony Daniel’s art works very well here, he does great superhero work.
While the issue started on a very cool note, it ends on a disappointing one. It’s revealed that Robin is attempting to bring a friend back to life, even though he just passed away this week in another comic. While this issue is “one year later”, it sort of diminishes that loss.
Grade: C
Outsiders #35
“The Good Fight” Part Two
Writer: Judd Winick
Penciller: Matthew Clark
Inker: Art Thibert
Colors: Guy Major
Published by DC Comics
This issue continues the more politically-based story that started last month. I really think this is the kind of story that Winick wanted to tell from the beginning of his run on the book. “Outsiders” feels right at home with a more realistic tone.
Once again, the fighting within the group is far more interesting than the fighting the team actually does. This is a unique book because it is about a team of characters that doesn’t necessarily like one another. The conceit that Winick has, is that the cause they have is greater than their petty squabbles. And it works.
While the story is more real, of course we have to have some sort of superheroics involved (this is s comic book, after all). So are also given plenty of cool, death delfying moments, all the way up til the end, where the team is attacked by a very scary (yet cool) looking super-speedster.
I have no doubt the Outsiders will get out of this alive, but this is a book just different enough from other comics that makes it worth picking up.
Grade: B
Detective Comics #818
“Face the Face” Part 3
Writer: James Robinson
Layouts: Leonard Kirk
Finishes: Andy Clarke and Wayne Faucher
Colors: John Kalisz
Published by DC Comics
I’ve liked this new Batman story thus far, and with this issue, I continue to. It’s not quite as good as the first two parts, but it’s still a great mystery. Robinson hints that the newly reformed Harvey Dent is the one behind the recent killings in Gotham, but that’s almost too easy. Plus, Dent is written as almost a likable character, so we kind of don’t want him to be evil again. Time will tell.
The real joy in this story is seeing how Batman works. He is not the loner he once was. Even Harvey Dent comments on how Batman and Robin work well together. And in the backup story, Batman reaches out to another outsider for assistance. While I liked solo-Bats, he is a far more interesting character when he has someone to play off of.
When I reviewed this book last month, I commented on the art of Leonard Kirk. I have to once again compliment him, because this is the best of his work I have seen, and I have every issue of “Bloodhound”!
Anyways, more solid Batman this issue, looking forward to the next chapter.
Grade: B
The OMAC Project: Infinite Crisis Special
“The Lazarus Protocol”
Writer: Greg Rucka
Art: Jesus Saiz
Colors: Hi-Fi Design
Published by DC Comics
I was very much looking forward to this particular issue, since “OMAC” was my favorite of DC’s mini-series leading up to “Infinite Crisis”. But I have to say, I was a little disappointed in this special. It takes an awful long time for events to unfold here, and there is almost too much filler in the scenes.
But the good stuff is very good. Once again, Rucka gives us his trademark strong female characterization, in Sasha Bordeaux. She is somewhere in between the heroes and villains, and she’s a little sensitive about that fact. She also is very sensitive about Batman, who she used love. Ultimately, this is her story. And that’s what makes this issue worth it. She sacrifices it all, but at a pretty big cost.
The art by Jesus Saiz is very nice, and I look forward to his next project, “Checkmate”. Another reason for this issue is that it’s very much of a prelude to that series. While it was not a bad story, it just seemed to go a long way to bridge the gap between the two series. Overall, I’ve been somewhat disappointed in these “Infinite Crisis Specials”. I wanted this one to transcend the others, and be a little more than a tie-in, but that just wasn’t the case.
Grade: C
Infinite Crisis #6
“Touchdown”
Writer: Geoff Johns
Pencillers: Phil Jimenez, Jerry Ordway, George Perez & Ivan Reis
Inkers: Andy Lanning, George Perez, Ivan Reis, Oclair Albert, Marc Campos, Drew Geraci, Sean Parsons, Norm Rapmund, & Art Thibert
Colors: Jeromy Cox, Guy Major & Rod Reis
Published by DC Comics
You didn’t think I was going to forget about the biggest release of the week, did you? Of course not!
Well, in the penultimate issue of this mega-series, we finally get to what comic fans have been looking forward to; the showdowns! Batman faces off with Brother Eye, and neither one is excited to see the other. All the magic folk in the DCU (including some of the Seven Soliders!) face off with the Spectre. A lot of other heroes face off with Alexander Luthor. And of course, finally, we get the rematch of the year, Superboy vs. Superboy. All the while, there are thousands and thousands of earths, literally hanging in the balance.
Now, in terms of comic book masterpieces, “Infinite Crisis” is probably not where the historians will look. Though come to think of it, “Crisis on Infinite Earths” was a bit of a mess. What I’m trying to say, is that this is not amazing storytelling. This is good storytelling. It’s cool, plain and simple. This event, from it’s inception, was created to get comic book fans excited about comics again. And it did, no doubt. This is exciting stuff. This issue is filled with cool moments. And this issue wants to be nothing more than that.
We see the sort of moments and pages that as a fan, you’ll come back to over the years. This is an epic story, and it’s coming to a close soon. DC is throwing in everything they have to make it a big big big story, and, for the most part, they’re pulling it off.
This is by far, the biggest, most memorable, and simply best company-wide story in years.
Enjoy it.
Grade: A
