|
MAJESTIC LS 1 (OF 4)
PUBLISHER: DC COMICS
WRITER: Dan
Abnett & Andy Lanning
ART: Karl
Kerschl
This limited series spins out of a three issue story arc from earlier
this year, “Strange Visitor.” The concept is that a
hero of the Wildstorm Universe, Mr. Majestic, is transported to
the DC Universe. The creative team here, Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning,
do a wonderful job. The art is by Karl Kerschl, a name I don’t
recall seeing before. His art is good and solid; however, I find
that the way he draws noses, especially on the men, constantly distracts
me. Other than that one issue I like his style.
I’m not entirely sure where exactly
this story is headed; it appears that the main point is Majestic’s
quest to find his way back home while trying to fit in with the
residents in the DCU, both heroes and civilians. The story opens
with a really funny sequence in a diner, and a visit from Superman,
who sits and has coffee with Majestic. I found this sequence very
entertaining, especially the end where they leave the diner separately.
I actually laughed out loud when I read it. I wasn’t sure
if I would like this series but ordered it because of the link to
Superman; now I’m glad I did, because if the book stays like
this it will definitely be a very enjoyable read. -TMC-
|
Army of Darknes:Ashes 2 Ashes #1
PUBLISHER: Devil’s
Due Publishing
WRITER: Andy
Hartnell
PENCILS: Nick
Bradshaw
COLORS: Etirnne
St-Laurent
First I would like to start off by saying that although I am aware
of the storylines of the Evil Dead movies and I own the first version
of Evil Dead on DVD, I’ve never fully seen the rest of the movies
but I am aware of the storey line. I know, I’m not doing my
job but perhaps one day I’ll get around to watching them. In
the meantime, we have the latest series out from Devil’s Due
called Ashes 2 Ashes. It chronicles the story of the “hero”
Ash after he returns from his fight with the Army of Darkness. It
turns out that the spell that Ash was supposed to recite was a bit
off (more or less) and he returned to his own time frame before he
even had his first encounter with the Necromonicon, which cost him
his girlfriend and his hand. Now he is charged with making sure that
these events transpire or else the world will be destroyed. Save his
girlfriend or save the world? Decisions…decisions. Our reluctant
hero starts his adventure. I will admit that when I first read the
issue, I didn’t think much of it, the art was cartoony and the
story didn’t do much for me, but after I went back to it and
re-read it, I actually quite enjoyed it. It’s not everyone’s
cup of tea, but it’s not bad. I wouldn’t recommend it
for kids since it’s got some blood and guts in it, but otherwise
it is an enjoyable read. The one thing that I don’t like is
the growing trend of releasing the same book with multiple covers,
it reminds me of the 90s and one thing the comic industry does not
need is for that to happen again. I do think that variety is nice
and all but they should be careful. OK, I’m off my soap box
for now. I’ll probably follow this series, I like the little
touches of humor and it actually improves my chances of having an
Evil Dead marathon. -KEVIN-
|
FIRESTORM (VOLUME 3) 4: “EVERYBODY WANTS
YOU” PART 1
PUBLISHER: DC Comics
WRITER: Dan
Jolly
PENCILS: Chriscross
INKS: Rob
Stull
Well,
Dan Jolly managed to draw me back for another issue. And I’m
kind of glad he did. As I mentioned in my last Firestorm review,
I had serious doubts / concerns when I found out that it would be
someone other than Ronnie Raymond as Firestorm. I’m glad to
say that I appear to have been wrong, as this book looks like it
could definitely be something special.
This issue starts a new story arc in which Jason,
the new Firestorm, meets the JLA. for the first time. This issue
he meets GL John Stewart and J’Onn J’Onzz, who inform
him that they are fully aware that he’s not the Firestorm
that they know. Next issue will feature his meeting with Superman
and Flash. The idea of these meetings is probably to establish Firestorm’s
presence in the bigger picture of the DCU, regardless of whether
he’ll be interacting that much with the rest of the pantheon
of heroes.
The other story in this issue revolves around a
teenage “hero stalker” (for lack of a better way to
put it). The issue’s cliffhanger is a pivotal event between
her and Firestorm. Also in the mix is the homeless gentleman currently
sharing the Firestorm persona with Jason (this version of Firestorm
can combine with literally anyone within a certain distance from
him).
I have to say that I’m surprised at
the fact that I’m enjoying this new Firestorm, even though
I was dead-set not to. That says something about the creative team,
I think. I know for sure that I’ll be back next issue to see
how this is going to play out. -TMC-
|
Astonishing
X-Men #3
PUBLISHER: Marvel
Comics
WRITER: Joss
Whedon
ARTIST: John
Cassaday
COLORS: Laura
Martin
I’ve not enjoyed the tone of a comic book like this since Formerly
Known as the Justice League. Granted the tone of the book isn’t
the same as the X-Men, but my point is that they are both great reading
experiences. It’s been too long since we have had an X-Men book
that people could just pick up and read without being saddled with
a lot of continuity. This is not to say the Whedon ignores continuity,
he respects and uses it to his advantage, but does not overwhelm the
reader with having to know what went on 57 issues ago just to have
a clue as to what is going on. Couple that with art that comes from
one of the cleanest artists working today and you have a darn good
book, one that I think that goes a long way to illustrating what a
comic book can be. Granted it’s not something as thought provoking
as Watchmen or Maus, but it’s accessible, something that can
be lacking in today’s books. That being said, the lowdown, the
X-Men are currently dealing with a threat, one that could change the
face of the world, one that would rid the world of all the mutants-
a cure…literally. Dr. Kavita Rao (a acquaintance of Hank McCoy-
the Beast) has discovered a cure for the mutant gene, reversing the
mutants powers and effectively making them “normal”. This
sends a shockwave through the mutant population setting up some interesting
paths that this story could take. The cure would be a choice that
each of the group would have to make for themselves, not one thrust
upon them by an enemy, bringing conflict form within. I like where
this is going and if you are new to the mutant world, go back and
find the first 2 issues catch up and enjoy where this is going. I
certainly am. -KEVIN-
|
EXILES 50: “THE BIG ‘M’”
PART 1 OF 2
PUBLISHER: Marvel
Comics
WRITER: Tony
Bedard
ART: Mizuki
Sakakibara
Tony
Bedard has earned my respect as a writer. He is definitely beginning
to hit his stride and get a feel for the characters in this book.
I like his style more with every issue, and he has already shown
improvement as far as I am concerned. Sakakibara’s art is
even beginning to grow on me; I didn’t like it at first but
I find I like it a bit more with each issue that he does.
The story this time revolves around the Brotherhood.
There’s a lot going on in this issue, almost too much to cover
without somehow spoiling something. Let’s just say that there
are numerous twists, turns and surprises in this issue and leave
it at that. And then there’s the final revelation…a
very intriguing set up for the conclusion of this arc next issue.
It’s gonna be a long wait for the next issue…I am DEFINITELY
hooked. -TMC-
|
SPIDER-GIRL 77: “A
TASTE FOR TREACHERY!”
PUBLISHER: Marvel
Comics
WRITER: Tom
DeFalco
PENCILS: Ron
Frenz
INKS: Sal
Buscema
This
is the first issue of Spider-Girl that I have picked up since somewhere
in the first few issues of the book. And I can honestly say I regret
the oversight. This book has had a ton of hype surrounding it and
has been saved from cancellation several times by its small, but
loyal (and obviously formidable), fan base. Tom DeFalco has made
this book into a labor of love, and it shows. He and Ron Frenz have
been the creative team on this book for the entire whopping 77 issues,
a run unheard of in this day and age.
This is apparently the third part of a story arc
involving the aftermath of the death of Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin,
which must have happened in the book recently. The underworld in
New York City is now without a head, and as always happens in Marvel’s
books in this situation it is a free-for-all between the top crime
bosses in the city for who will control the syndicates.
This looks like a really solid book, and
I regret not having picked it up before now. If it stays this solid
over the next couple of issues for me, I may have to add it to my
permanent list. -TMC-
|
|
Al n'
Ann's Collectibles
Store Hours:
Mon-Thurs
11:00am - 7:00pm
Friday
11:00am - 7:00pm
Saturday
10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday
Closed
Location
3819 W. Main St.
McHenry,IL 60050
Phone
(815)344-9696
  |
