This is a very huge week in terms of comic hual. Next week will be almost barren. Got to love wonky shipping schedules (massive dumpload some week, almost nothing the next). Granted, this includes one notorious late book.
As always, heavy spoilers.
DREAD'S BOUGHT/THOUGHT FOR 8/22/07:
BLUE BEETLE #18: In an age when a lot of covers can be vague at best, this one sums up the issue pretty well; Blue Beetle teams up with the Teen Titans to fight Lobo. Considering how DC overdoes tie-in's, I'm surprised we didn't see a "FROM THE PAGES OF 52!" on the cover since that was the last notable book to feature Lobo. While the cover credits current series regular Alberquerque for the pencils, a good chunk of the art is provided by David Baldeon & Dan Davis, who provide 6 pages of art in a 22 page story. It seems unfair not to credit them on the cover, much as IMMORTAL IRON FIST does. While it may be unfair to compare this or many books to the greatness that is IMMORTAL IRON FIST, I will note that IIF handles the transition of two artists in one issue very, very well, and MUCH better than this story does. They weave in contributing artists into flashbacks or otherworldly scenes, with Aja doing "the present". There is some attempt at that as Baldeon & Davis handle mostly "indoor" pages and Albuquerque the "outside", but it clashed more. Imagine Roger Cruz and Maleev sharing an issue and you are on the right track. At any rate, this team-up shows how presumptive DC is that anyone who reads any one book is likely reading the rest; there is little or no attempt to name all of the Teen Titans nor an idea on their powers; while for characters like Robin, Supergirl, and Wonder Girl this is forgiveable, Kid Devil, Miss Martian and Ravager are rather obscure (and quite frankly, C-Listers in the eyes of most compared to many other Titans). On top of that, either Miss Martian chooses to have her cape magically appear and disappear, or Albuquerque was in a rush because it fades in and out, and some panels did seem rushed. Only some star earrings keep Wonder Girl and Supergirl seperate in civvies and how the heck did Supergirl disguise them all? Since when did Supergirl or ANY version of her have psychic powers? The plot of the issue is simple, as the last few "find threat, fight it" stories have been; Jamie, Paco, and Brenda are at the launching site of a rocket as a school trip, which happens to also be where Batman has ordered the Teen Titans to gather to investigate it's connection to the Reach, as well as defend it from them. Naturally the Blue Beetle arrives and after a quick superhero misunderstanding (that doesn't go nearly as far as superhero misunderstandings in the Marvel Universe), they unite to protect the rocket from Lobo, who has been hired to scuttle it. The biggest problem with Lobo is he is an empty shell of a character who exists to fight, make crude jokes and never die. He was used well in 52 because he was given an "I found God" quirk, which I presume was Morrison's idea, as well as somewhat of a redesign. This issue features status quo Lobo, making the same jokes, wearing the same basic duds, and really being little more than something to punch until the end. Which is what the team does. Robin, Ravager, and Kid Devil (along with Paco and Brenda) evacuate the station and get the rocket launched, while the rest essentially slug at Lobo and occupy him. Afterwards, everyone parts ways and all is well. In many past Lobo stories (and there are a damn lot of them; in the 90's he had an ongoing that lasted over 60 issues), if anyone dared keep Lobo from accomplishing a mission, he'd likely slaughter them and their entire planet, but here he just rides off because he got to see pre-teen meta-boobies and because this isn't a Lobo book. Whatever, that probably fits him too, he's so shallow. So, what saves the issue? Rogers' fun dialogue. The lines range from smirk to chuckle worthy the whole way through and despite the issues with it, it's a solid superhero adventure and I can always appreciate that to some degree. Many books are mired in over-the-top self-importance but it's not BLUE BEETLE right now, and that can be refreshing. Paco & Brenda get in some especially good banter (loved the "belly shirt" discussion). Giffen, who co-launched this book with Rogers, either taught his co-writer well or chose one who had a simular vein, because he's very good at this sort of thing. It also is good to see Blue Beetle included with the Titans to some degree, even if they're half filled with C-Listers it seems. I mean I could look on Wikipedia for more about them, but when it comes to that for basic information, I have zero interest in the effort. Not my favorite issue but still a stress free read. Some of the last two or more issues were stronger, IMO.
THE SPIRIT #9: The core plot with El Morte/Mortez that has carried on since the beginning of the series, with roots into Spirit's origin, gets the full court press this issue. The crook behind Spirit's creation comes back and is revealed to have become a sort of zombie, rebort via the same chemicals that "revived" the Spirit as well as his mother's voodoo arts. Ebony White and Mortez get the lion's share of the focus as Spirit is laid out early on, and his arch nemesis starts revealed. As always, this work and their simplified, old time characters work best as a showpiece for Cooke, Bone & Stewart's talents more than as characters themselves, and in this issue Cooke shines as always with a lot of atmosphers and that feeling of pulp horror. It is good to see the main subplot start to evolve as Cooke's run nears the final stretch (issue #12 will presumably be his last issue). This is always one of DC's overlooked gems and it continues to be, unfortunately. El Morte evolves into a true arch-nemesis; dangerous, cruel, and emotionally connected to the hero, willing to strip all from him. It's a motive we've seen a billion times before with villains, but it's pulled off right here. Shame Cooke can't stay on forever as few seem to have his flair with the universe of these characters, and I doubt anyone could replace it for me.
INVINCIBLE #45: The ride to the pivotal issue 50 continues here and in a way the anticipation for the issue from the cover, solicts, and cliffhanger was better than the issue itself, which is mostly about developping the clash to come. But that's not a bad thing. The Lady Viltrumite, who still doesn't have a name (Kirkman seems to have a bad habit of not naming them) tries to make her point with Mark, who actually jokes with her after a bodyslam, Spidey-style. Either because of her personal philosophy, or the fact that the Viltrumite Empire is stretched thin as is, she doesn't waste Invincible and allows him to live, telling him that if he doesn't comply within a period of 5 months to 5 years, his replacement will, erm, replace him. Her ship happens to pass Allen, on his way home from Earth, when he turns being noticed into an advantage to explore the Viltrimute prison (and presumably scout potential allies to use against them). In a subtle way his new physical prowess is showcased; Invincible was no challenge to her, but Allen was able to clearly rock her and draw blood, and merely faked losing consciousness from her haymaker. Back at home, Mark talks to his mother and William again, losing more interest in college and settling into a preferred life of being a government paid superhero for the rest of his life. Even without some of those WIZARD sneak peaks, you can easily tell that the status quo of the book is being due for a rock. The moment Cecil chose to secretly employ the Reanimen creator behind Invincible's back (who naturally was appalled at his lack for value of human life, much less hurting his friends), that line was drawn and a showdown over it was inevitable. Kirkman is timing it for his 50th issue and I can see the simple logic of that. Of course the great thing about this book as it is creator owned so it can change. Will Mark turn his back on humanity and begin to side with the Viltrumites over Cecil's sins? Or will both sides merely end up creating a far more independant Invincible (and possibly other heroes who may agree with him?). Plus, you know the Mark/Eve situation is due for more exploration. The book is a universe unto itself and yet in the old school fashion it has REMAINED one good book, rather than, say, the Global Guardians in one book, and Allen in another, linked by endless crossover like the Big Two, commercially locked in cyclical stories. This book has a freedom many mainstream superheroes lack and uses it for great effect. Ottely's art seemed rushed in places, or at least sometimes his figures seemed "gummier" than usual, but it wasn't by much and it wasn't a major issue. The more issues of Invincible that ship, the better, and Ottley's their core artist. What makes the book tick is ramfications and reactions, the sense that everything that happens will be touched upon and explored as it moves along, and every story leaves many threads for further stories. I can't wait to see this story develop and then explode in a climax. Yet there never will be sense of bridges so burnt that they can't make for even more compelling stories that feel very organic. INVINCIBLE is my favorite book, and hardly anything comes close.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #543: In a way, in retrospect, it is amusing that myself and others feared the death of May when the cover and solict to this issue were made, because they don't happen here. Peter basically pulls every string he has left to get May out of the hospital as the police start to swarm in, resulting in punching out a cop, withstraining him, then impersonating a medical person with a forged signature to move May to another hospital. His dose of "spider-blood" has had little effect but have radiation traces noted as May built a "resistance" from the last attempt in the 60's, and she shows no signs of recovery. MJ tries to talk about the reality that May may die, which Peter refuses to see. It's accurate as he loves her, but it'd have been nice if there was any mention of the period of time, YEARS in real time, when Peter & MJ believed May died of a heart attack and was laid to rest (before that genetically altered actress working for Osborn was retconned in by Mackie). One would think that would come up, the last time they had to deal with May Parker dying and the months, possibly a year of Marvel time they spent with her presumed dead by all rights. Nope, nada. That was too close to the Clone Years and guess is supposed to be forgotten, much as the fact that "himbo" Johnny Storm was once faithfully married. The tone is naturally tense, dark, and suspenceful but in all honesty as well as JMS is writing it, I am starting to really lose interest. The things that stick out to me now are how Peter bemoans his fate while failing to do basic things that would keep it perhaps less terrible. Dreading the fact that your fingerprints are all over? Wear gloves, dumbass. You only did for every costume except various ad-hoc Bag-Man incarnations and your first brawl with Crusher Hogan. Hospital workers need to wear scrubs all the time, it'd fit. And Peter has seen how his exposed identity has ruined his life, yet makes no further attempt to muddle it. He barely cares about a mask anymore, or blabbing his name out or confirming it whenever anyone says it. Marvel is inevitably going to remask him, I am as sure of that as I am of Joe Q's fantasies of swimming in vats of money like Uncle Scrooge, but stuff like this makes it harder. And ASM has reached a point of perpetual angst that despite it all being understandable, I am growing weary of it. The mood's seemed the same on this book since forever and it is getting old. There is yet anoter unresolved cliffhanger as ASM tries to make it 3 years in endless crossover pocket event to maintain it's sales domination, but I don't know if I want to last One More Month. I can wait for Slott, and the Internet will tell me what I miss. Imagine a dozen of your favorite dark war movies, but having to watch them one after the other. Eventually no matter how good they are, they blur and you will want something else. ASM has reached that point for me.
ASTONISHING X-MEN #22: Making a rare appearence from whatever planet Whedon and Cassaday think X-Fans live on (probably the planet Sucker in the Milk 'Em Galaxy). Another issue of AXM, a mere 4 months late. And not just any issue, but yet another SET UP issue with very little oomph until the cliffhanger, which can only work if in any way, shape, or form you honestly believe Cyclops is dead. But he isn't. AXM exists out of continuity; all it has contributed to the X-Universe is Colossus' return, back when it tried to ship monthly (over 3 years ago). We know the next X-Event is budding and we know Cyclops is playing a vital role according to solicts. So, essentially, it is like a cliffhanger promising the death of a character from X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, only with none of the stress-free humor. Yeah, Whedon gets in some trademark snarky dialogue, and Cassaday at times presents good art; some of it bares extreme rush, and when you average one issue per sales quarter, that is unacceptable. Also unacceptable is a slow paced story that offers nothing original. It is the X-Men vs. Stock Savage Aliens, Take 1,099.5 (really, are they much different than the Z'Nox?). We learn Danger cannot kill the X-Men, but we knew that when she failed to kill them before. Even worse, it dawned on me how much like PLANET HULK this story was; a planet in a far off galaxy where a race of aliens believe a Marvel tanker will either destroy their planet or save it. Yes, I know, Whedon planted the seeds for this years before PH. But Pak's PLANET HULK was better paced, more exciting, had a better range of aliens, and a gut wretching finale that has now shook the entire line. AXM, by contrast, is the best selling X-Book whatever month it shows up, but offers little that will make deep impact, because the schedule is out of wack with reality. So reminding me of a far superior work that is simular that began AFTERWARDS and ended BEFORE this did is not a good thing. Cassaday continues to realize Piotr is a foot taller than Kitty, at least. Powerlord Kruun suffers from so many alien cliches he wouldn't even be allowed to CAMEO in ANNIHILATION CONQUEST. I find it amazing that a race that so shuns cooperation that they think hospitals are evil or tear limbs off of underlings for errors beyond their control could come together to create basic computers, much less planet-busting rockets and artificial moons. I know countless writers have presented warlike aliens this way, much as countless writers have made an Atlantis that avoids common sense (people swim, buildings that showcase a levitating populace, corpses float, etc), but this is an A-List team for cryin' out loud. And that is the biggest problem. On it's own merits, it is fine. Good, standard X-Men as Superheroes entertainment with some snappy lines and sometimes explosive action. But the pacing is too drawn out, and outdated as many comics don't go for the "6 issues at any cost" attempt anymore. It also is amazingly mediocre for a writer whose anus continues to be slurped for TV shows he did that were long gone by the time the last Presidential Election started. On top of that, both Cassaday and Marvel care not one whit for the fans of this book, who continue to buy it, mostly likely because they've made it this far. Marvel yanked Cassaday off to draw for some Avengers thing, thus dooming the book to extra months of delay when it already has many. That alone was shameless because X-Fans have carried Marvel on their wallet-bled backs for a good decade or longer before Marvel boosted anything other than Spider-Man for long, and now all of a sudden for the last 2 years they've been ignored like they never mattered, and dooming AXM to another 4 month delay was a sign of that. Secondly, Cassaday is an artist who has never let a pencilling gig on an A-List book with an A-List writer interfere with him doing art for competing companies, like WIZARD, Top Cow, MAD (which is DC), or whoever the hell prints LONE RANGER. In any other job in real life, if you let a project for your employed company lapse and be late to do side gigs for competing companies, your ass gets docked, or fired. But not in comics, and it is that precise lack of professionalism that is eating away at the Big Two like maggots to a cadaver. Many fail to realize how much of a cottage industry it is and that even the biggest names are big fish in small ponds, except for a very few. Outside of comicdom, no one gave a damn about 'Ringo's passing, and Cassaday is no 'Ringo. A book like this and it's fans deserve a story that is above C+ calliber, and a timely release schedule. I didn't miss it and I'll only continue because, hell, I'm 2 issues from daylight, which at this rate will finish in August 2018. ULTIMATES 3 actually ended and ULTIMATE WOLVERINE VS. HULK too distant in memory, and that leaves AXM as the lingering reminder of underwhelming and overhyped late books. Far from being trash, it lacks the ernest of Whedon's RUNAWAYS (despite him botching Chases's character). I feel no energy in this story, merely some great attempts to go through the motions. The lateness is just the icing on a wobbly cake. The bitterest pill is it will outsell nearly every book on the list, and nearly all of them, especially IRON FIST, INVINCIBLE, STARLORD, etc. are so much better, the light from them would take a hundred years to reach AXM.
STARLORD #2 This issue clinches it; despite some good work being put out in ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST, this is probably my favorite title. Reason? It is the only one in the midst of the overly dramatic event to have some fun, and sometimes that is required to pop the balloon. Quill's ragtag "suicide squad" continue on their mission to thwart the Phanalax and along the way, many a barb is thrown, many a misunderstanding is made and the issue number is also the amount of characters who die. It was a shame about one (the largest one) and I didn't care much about the second (the angry lady). Rocket Raccoon is still mighty entertaining without going overboard or not reacting appropriately to losing allies, which is a good thing. Industry vet Giffen knows how to deliver that amount of action and amusing dialogue, as well as forgotten characters, to amuse fans. There is a page or two of clunky technobabble from some Phanalax talking heads, but that is about the only negative to the issue. Captain Universe, usually a dues ex machina sort of thing, actually is coming off as interesting. Quill, the Starlord, was lost in this issue as most of his teammates got the stage, but again, that isn't a bad thing because they are all interesting characters with good interbanter. Solid space adventure comics here. If they could all be this good, it wouldn't have taken so long to revive it. ANNIHILATION CONQUEST may not be able to quite capture the magic of ANNIHILATION, in much the same way a sequal is more of a "planned installment" than the gutsey original picture that lacked lofty expectations, but even a potential repeat performance beats out most of what Marvel and DC do. Keep up the good work, fellas. The art is fine, sometimes awkward at times but mostly suitable.
I should've written it in the smallest type and in white in my previous post.
