52 Week 25
DC Comics
Writers: Johns, Rucka, Waid, Morrison
Artists: Giffen, Eaglesham, Jimenez, Olliffe
This week’s installment of the only weekly comics series EVER is a bit flat. It’s more about the villains (perhaps deliberately, for Halloween’s sake) than the heroes. Readers get another glimpse of exactly how Intergang is planning its pan-government take over. Between that, a bit of occult mayhem (guest starring both Marvel Families), madness on robot island, and a guided tour of hell, there isn’t a bright spot in this issue. Still, it does give readers a leg up on exactly what the heroes are up against, even if we don’t get to see our protagonists do much of anything this week. I guess this issue was more Trick than Treat, especially considering the panoply of artists involved in just a single issue.
Score: C
Secret Six #5
DC Comics
Writer: Gail Simone
Artist: Brad Walker
This segment of the best non-ongoing villain series picks up right where the previous issue left off, with infidelity between teammates. That particular wrinkle takes some time to iron out, and the revelations that result propel the plot forwards for the remainder of the issue. Readers also get confirmation of exactly what’s been going on with the Mad Hatter, and it’s both funny and twisted. Vandal Savage (and his evil army) hasn’t been vanquished yet, but there’s still one more month for this storyline. The art still can’t quite measure up to Eaglesham’s previous run, but it’s a good enough rendition of the cast and exotic locales to rate just under wonderful.
Score: B
The Trials of Shazam! #3
DC Comics
Writer: Judd Winick
Artist: Howard Porter
What’s the matter? Were you afraid to read my LONG review? Shame on you!
Stan Lee MEETS The Thing #1
Marvel Comics
Writers: Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, Johnny Ryan, Stan Lee (separate stories)
Artists: Weeks and Nelson, Scott Kolins, Johnny Ryan, Jack Kirby (separate stories)
This issue, one of several similarly themed one-shots teaming Stan Lee the comedian pitchman with characters he created, is a bit strange. The lead story (written by Stan) is short on plot or pathos, but goes miles for even the simplest in-joke, like the Three Stooges as inept bank robbers. It’s entertaining, as is the cartoon and semi-biographical pastiche also contained in the one-shot. The effort wraps up with an old Fantastic Four issue written by Stan. So there’s not only nostalgia, but vintage sixties comics content. It’s certainly a bargain at $3.99, but it’s neither inventive nor momentous, just lots of fun.
Score: B
JSA Classifed #18
DC Comics
Writer: Tony Bedard
Artist: Scott McDaniel
The action-packed second half of the Bane/Hourman arc is a satisfying conclusion provided it is treated as the lark it is. There are probably half a dozen simpler denouements that could have been in character for JSA member Rick Tyler, but this one works because it’s high energy and more than a bit clever. The art by Scott McDaniel certainly helps sell the whole adrenaline-soaked thing. This arc doesn’t have the depth the two-parter in JSA did, but there’s still enough to the father-son dynamic to keep this tale from becoming ham-fisted pap.
Score: B
