Friday, June 25, 2010

Comic Reviews June 23rd 2010

Well, better late than never. I've been away from the computer quite a bit this week, so I'm behind. But, here are reviews of the books I picked up this week.

Predators #3--Dark Horse
Writers--Marc Andreyko, David Lapham
Artists--Guilherme Balbi, Gabriel Guzman

Photobucket

So, let's just get this out of the way. Predators continues to be just okay in it's third issue, trying to push for the upcoming conclusion. Welcome to the Jungle makes strives to make the characters likable for once, but it comes across flat. I wonder what makes Andreyko give such stereotypical dialogue to his characters. Instead of engaging what is actually an interesting scenario for this series (a four year survivor of the predators and the headstrong newcomer who will probably get them killed), and deliver it so lifelessly. Perhaps the fourth issue leads into the film with an ending ready to get us ready for the upcoming film. However, I'm leaning towards doubt, as that would imply that this book has some intelligence. David Lapham's A Predatory Life seems too short for the story it's trying to tell. I appreciate his efforts though, as he is doing more in his six pages than Andreyko is in his fourteen. Royce is an intriguing character, but there isn't enough of him on the page. All of his characterization has been done in subtitles, as he tactically performs his violent acts. Perhaps the prequel series would have been served well if the films main character had gotten a book of his own in lieu of a twenty four page snapshot of the character? Anyway, I will not be sad to see this book go following it's conclusion.

2.5/5

Air #22--DC/Vertigo
Writer--G. Willow Wilson
Artist--M.K. Perker

Photobucket

Like Greek Street, Air is a book that has had it's ups and downs with me. It started strong, with a satirical edge and smart dialogue, and descended into a story about romance and drug addiction during it's teens. Now it's reached issue twenty-two, and the series will be ending after two more issues. Luckily, Wilson has written a great issue playing off of many of the good aspects of the past eleven issues. Sure, the delicious post-9/11 satire of the first story arc is completely lost now, but Air still has a story to finish. Blythe is running into an antagonistic streak, fighting back against a lot of things in this issue, showing some backbone for the first time in the series. Honestly, it's about time she had some real strength, rather than falling on every one of the support characters or her aforementioned drug addiction. Also, the Amelia Earhart section was one of the most poignant moments of the series to this point. Perker's art is light on style, but perfect for Wilson's writing, focusing entirely on the characters rather than backgrounds or unnecessary details. Despite this, there was one or two moments where a couple of side characters looked a little off. This doesn't take away from the fact that this was a stellar entry in a series that isn't long from an ending. Consider this a recommendation for the entire series, with a warning of the middle. It's not as good as the series is capable of.

4.5/5

The Amory Wars: In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3

Writer: Claudio Sanchez with Peter David
Artist: Chris Burnham

Photobucket

"Ambitious" is probably one of the most overused words when it comes to art of any kind. Surely, I've used to too often. However, there aren't many other words I can think of when it comes to Claudio Sanchez's Coheed and Cambria story. Using the mediums of comics and music, he's planning to tell the story of the Keywork, Heaven's Fence, and the characters Coheed and Cambria. This is the second series associated with The Amory Wars. The first, The Second Stage Turbine Blade, was published by Image, and will soon be reprinted in hardback by Boom. They are handling the publishing duties for this series, based on Coheed and Cambria's (the band) second studio album of the same title.

When I read the first issue, I had great hopes for this series. I'd read the first volume of The Second Stage Turbine Blade, and found it a bit clunky, but ultimately entertaining. While I missed the second volume, I can honestly say that Claudio Sanchez has grown immensely as a story teller. The writing has been strong throughout, and the characters interesting. The scenario rings with just enough personal desperation for the main character, Claudio. If this is getting confusing, I'm sorry. The entire work is slightly autobiographical, so I hope you don't mind the nature of this review. Using the framework of an ongoing conversation with his dog, Apollo, Claudio (character) reveals the story of Wilhelm Ryan and Inferno with an honest voice and clear form. The only downside to the book is the art. It shifts from having wonderful environments and a great attention to detail, to being absolutely hideous. Wider shots are handled well enough, but close ups of any character tend to be so jarring to the eye that I questioned how the work passed muster with the editors. I'm not sure if this is just an issue of personal aesthetic, but I'm just going to leave it at that I don't like it. The lush visuals of the Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV graphic novel released parallel to the album of the same name were far more appealing, and further set my disappointment with this book's art. However, the story is worth grimacing at the art for, and I fully approve of where Claudio (the writer) is going. If you are a fan of the band, check it out, and the same goes for if you just like sci-fi comics.

4.75/5 (I really wanted to rate it full score...)

Joe the Barbarian #6--DC/Vertigo
Writer--Grant Morrison
Artist--Sean Murphy

Photobucket

This is the latest in the series that has sold me on Grant Morrison. However, this isn't the strongest book in the run. This issue definitely feels like a transitional chapter, moving the characters into position for the final two issues that will wrap up the series. Don't let this fool you. It's still the best mini-series going right now. Joe's journey to find a soda and end his hallucinogenic nightmare is still as engaging and creative as it was in issue one. Since the book seems to be in setup mode, the art gets all of the chance to shine here. The series has played around the idea of imagination a lot, using Joe's toys and how he uses his own home to play with those toys as the central point for how the visuals work, and how he trips around his house trying to reach the basement. So, there are many splash pages dedicated to setting vast scenes in the beautiful Hearth Castle (Joe's real world fireplace), and the juxtaposition of these fantastic realms and his own simple home still make an incredible impact. If you aren't reading this series, I can't stress enough how empty your collection is without it. If not now, pick it up when it goes to trade. It's worth every second of your attention, and is probably the best mini-series running this year.

4/5 

Next week I'm going to finish reviewing the Predators mini-series, and I've got three Star Wars books coming out. I know, I know, you probably wish I would shut up about Star Wars after this week. Anyway, the penultimate issue of SW:Legacy is coming out, as well as the last issue of SW:Dark Times' Blue Harvest arc. Rounding them out is second issue in the Rescues arc of SW:Invasion. It's going to be a good week for me if nothing else.

3rdstar

No comments:

Post a Comment