Some very quick final reviews for this week. I'm happy that I caught up on a lot of books I have been behind in reading. This next week, though, I've got three series to try and catch up on. Unwritten and Dresden Files, which I'm both 7 issues behind on (8 with what's coming out today), and Birds Of Prey, which I'm 5 issues behind on (6 after today).
50 Girls 50 #1
Of the two new Image series I bought this week, Shinku was definitely the better of the two. This wasn't bad; but, I guess I was hoping for something better. I was excited that Cho was doing it...but, he's only a co-writer and doesn't do any of the interior art. (Plus, his cover is nothing spectacular.)
This series is about a group of female space explorers from Earth who, five years previously, had gone through a wormhole..only to be set to return to Earth as this series kicks off. (It's briefly explained that y-chromosomes are incompatible for travel through the wormhole, thus telling the reader why this is an all-female crew of astronauts.) Naturally, something goes awry, and the ship doesn't make it to Earth at the scheduled time..and, they must figure out how to get back, while making a stop on a mysterious planet that is fraught with danger.
The issue kept my interest; but, I was expecting something more.
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DC Universe Online Legends #9
I've gotta look up the sales figure on this book, especially compared to the previous bi-weekly/weekly series DC has done in the past. I'm glad DC got Marv Wolfman back; but, using this as a promotional device for their online game and making it last for 24 issues just seemed like an idiotic marketing idea. (Even 12 issues, like with Tangent's last maxi-series, would have been better.) I don't think I've ever heard another single person who is reading this...not even when the first issue came out. It's not a bad series; but, since it has no relevance to the regular DCU, I can see why most people decided to skip it. (Heck, I don't even see anyone hyping the online game any longer...and, whenever I go into a store, like Best Buy, they have an overabundance on their shelves.)
This series continues to jump from current time to the future..with the future always being a bit more interesting. The problem is while the earlier issues focused a bit more on the future, these current ones seem more interested in the current time. In this way, I feel like this story just isn't progressing, and that Bedard and Wolfman are just giving us filler until the end is finally here.
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Superboy #8
Reading this, I'm wondering if various storylines are going to be rushed now with the big DC relaunch. (Obviously, Batwoman's delay might be an indication that DC realized that it wasn't going to be a good idea to start a new comic, only to have their world being totally realigned.) Out of all the Superman titles, this is probably my favorite right now. Supergirl is usually a decent read, too; but, there is a constant shifting of writers and artists...so, it just feels like that title is spinning it's wheels.
A good issue that has me waiting for the next issue; but, it does contain one of my comic pet peeves. It makes certain characters more important by having past family members be intrigal to the storyline. In this case, in 1871, we learn Nate Kent was sheriff on Smallville..and, for me, that just distracts from the story. I tolerate it with Batman and all the Wayne backstories; but, to now make the Kents more than they are...ridiculous!
Still, I enjoyed Lemire's story more than the two previously reviewed issues.
Jonah Hex #68
Sometimes I wish more from this title; but, really, there is a beauty in being able to read a western that has a done-in-one story. Sure, a reader never gets the sense of urgency that they must get the next issue right away; but, any comic reader can pick up an issue and walk away satisfied they got a completely entertaining story without feeling the slightest bit lost.
What can I saw about this issue? I liked it just as much as previous issues. It didn't stand out, but it didn't disappoint, either. It's like having your mash potatoes with your meal. Mash will never be the standout...but, it's a good side that will fill you up.
X-Factor #220
I think so much of JH when I'm reading this book. So often, Peter David touches on religion; but, never in exactly a positive way. And, just like with homosexuality, David dabbles here and there with a controversial theme; but, it's all handled in a PG way, without making a big statement. There is a chance for some great stories; but, then, he tends to back off. (Kind of like the whole Rahne/Shatterstar/Rictor triangle has been swept under the rug in such a light-hearted fashion.) This was a better issue than most; and, seeing Feral appear in the end (back in her old X-Force attire) struck up some interest for me...but, still, I wouldn't cry if this book got cancelled.
Abattoir #5
I really like the Radical line of comics. They've slowed down in recent months, as they are only putting out about only one comic a month now...but, it gives a reader something different than superheroes and supernatural monsters. (Ok, this story has a bit of the supernatural in it...but, not with zombies, vampires or werewolves, at least.) In it, a mysterious old man, Jebediah Crone, comes around to buy houses that have had someone killed or murdered in them. After buying these houses, he'll rip up a certain part, like the driveway, and then quickly resell. Each house has a different structure taken away...so, obviously, he's taking the areas where someone has died and building a house elsewhere from all the murderous locales. In this story, the main character (a realator) is unwilling to sell to Mr. Crone, and while researching the case, ends up being accused of murder.
Really interesting, and I can't wait for the final issue. As I said, I appreciate having something different to read each month; and, Radical always gives me that. A solid
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