Broken Frontier

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avengers: The Initiative #2

Words: Dan Slott Pencils: Stefano Caselli Inks: Stefano Caselli Colors: Daniele Rudoni

Story Title: Hero Moment Publisher: Marvel Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: May 2, 2007

The Initiatives continue their training while they wonder what happened to MVP.

After ending the premier issue on a high note, Slott flies a bit lower with the second issue. Really, what puts this issue off is that Slott – known for his fun issues of She-Hulk – seems to put the funny on the backburner. It’s not even the lack of funny, but that most of the dialog feels a bit stiff. Really, it feels as if during scripting, Slott decided that he was going to strip all instances of fun out of the issue. Of course, being that fun is his modus operandi, some of it still filters through into the issue, and its at those rare moments that the book really shines. The artwork fits in with the fact that most of the stars of the book are young adults, lending itself to the tone of the book.

It’s very promising that the book gleans away from the superheroes in boot camp to scenes that are immense and epic in scope. As long as Slott allows his natural eye for the entertaining to come through in future issues, Avengers: The Initiative looks like a top notch addition to the Marvel line-up.

- Adrian f. Zettlemoyer

Battlestar Galactica #8

Words: Greg Pak Pencils: Nigel Raynor Inks: Nigel Raynor Colors: Inlight Studio

Story Title: N/A Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment Price: $2.99 Release Date: April 25, 2007

Battlestar Galactica #8 continues a story that fits in between some of the story gaps in the TV series. With Cylons outside the ships and traitors inside, the Colonial forces are between a rock and a hard place. Can they find a way to steer a middle ground? More to the point, what happens to those who thought they were human once they learn the truth?

Writer Greg Pak has a good grasp of the characters and their situations from the TV series and this issue even reads like a TV episode. Pak hits all the right notes for emotion, drama, tension and action and he hits those notes in the right places to further action. Artist Nigel Raynor also does a good job particularly considering his duty includes making the characters resemble the actors of the TV series. His work has nice detail and a smooth style that is easy on the eyes.

The one drawback to this title is that it is predicated on a familiarity with the TV series. If you don’t like the new Battlestar Galactica series then nothing here will change your mind. On the other hand, if you like what you see on the small screen and want more then look no further.

- Tonya Crawford

Buffy: The Vampire Slayer Season 8 #3

Words: Joss Whedon Pencils: Georges Jeanty Inks: Andy Owens Colors: Dave Stewart

Story Title: The Long Way Home Part 3 (of 4) Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: May 2, 2007

Willow, in all her witchy glory, battles Amy while Buffy explores her dreams in the first half of this comic. We also see how advantageous a giant might be when battling a crazy woman bent on revenge. Oh, and an old enemy comes calling . . . .

Joss Whedon has said that Buffy is his baby. He is taking care of his baby very well. The players on this stage are the same ones from the television series, if a bit older and at times more mature. The same themes are running—love, loss, the complexities of friendship, sibling rivalry, and the unending battle against evil. Although Georges Jeanty’s art looks nothing like the television show, his loose, fun style is nonetheless appropriate. That is to say, if all the characters on the show were originally comic book characters, this is probably how they would have looked.

Whedon and the artists he works with are something of a group of Midases these days, turning everything into gold. With an opening story this good, my only worry is that the next one won’t be able to keep up the pace.

- Aaron Stueve

Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born #4

Words: Peter David & Robin Furth Pencils: Jae Lee Inks: Jae Lee Colors: Richard Isanove

Story Title: N/A Publisher: Marvel Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: April 2, 2007

Roland continues his quest to count things for the Affiliation, but takes a sidetrip to meet with the fair Susan.

Past the halfway mark of this landmark series, and things are progressing at a steady pac. Unfortunately, while that pace is steady, it feels a bit plodding. The pace David presents here creates a perfect atmosphere for the Dark Tower series, especially when it is combined with Jae Lee’s amazing artwork. In a full series, this pace would be an asset to the book, drawing the reader further and further into the mysticism of Roland’s world. But what worries a little is the fact that this is a limited series, and there are only 3 more issues that remain to complete the story. Obviously, Marvel has a lot riding on this series, and David is a skilled veteran that has so much respect for the subject matter that there is no doubt everything will be solid throughout. Still, we saw glimpses of gunslinging action last issue, and it’s sorely missed here.

It’s hard to get down on a series that everyone obviously devotes so much soul into, and by the end, this is another solid book that should be read by everyone. It’s just that the pacing is driving us mad with expectation – a truly remarkable feat for a comic.

- Adrian f. Zettlemoyer

Incredible Hulk #106

Words: Greg Pak Pencils: Gary Frank Inks: Jon Sibal Colors: Chris Sotomayor

Story Title: Warbound – Part 1 Publisher: Marvel Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: May 2, 2007

The Hulk and what’s left of his crew ride through space with one destination in mind: Earth.

It’s strange that this issue, which is the first of the regular Incredible Hulk issues to carry the World War Hulk banner, actually seems to take place BEFORE the prologue, but that doesn’t keep it from being an enjoyable read. This issue centers completely on the hulk’s surrounding cast, setting up who will land on what side of the coming war. It’s no surprise that She-Hulk favors the Hulk, and it’s nice to see her justifying her stance by explaining her origin. On the other side is Doc Samson, which takes a surprising stance, thought knowing his history it seems a natural choice. It’s really great to see how the Hulk’s past actions can be viewed from different sides, and it really shows how polarizing the War could turn out.

This is a fitting beginning to the war, as even though the action may not be what we wanted right away – the hulk’s still not here after all – it does set the stage very nicely for what will surely be a high octane adventure.

- Adrian f. Zettlemoyer

Marvel Illustrated: The Last Of The Mohicans #1

Words: Roy Thomas Pencils: Steve Kurth & Denis Medri Inks: Cam Smith & Denis Medri Colors: June Chung & Denis Medri

Story Title: N/A Publisher: Marvel Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: May 2, 2007

In the 1750s, during the colonial war between England and France Major Heyward, an English officer, is aided on a trek through the wilderness by a white woodsman named Hawkeye and the last two members of the tribe of the Mohicans. Their destination is Fort William Henry where they hope to safely escort Cora and Alice, the two daughters of the fort’s commander Munro. But the villainous Huron warrior Magua’s desire for revenge on Munro means the journey will not be an easy one…

Marvel’s line of new comics versions of classic novels begins here with Roy Thomas adapting James Fenimore Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans and, in a backup, one of the chronologically earlier stories of Hawkeye’s life. Thomas provides a refreshingly faithful adaptation that masterfully captures the essence of the original. There is, thankfully, no compromise made in depicting the brutality of the characters’ adventures and Steve Kurth beautifully illustrates the action and environment of the novel. With another five issues to go, Marvel have also ensured that the story should not suffer from the normal heavy editing required to fit such adaptations into the comics form.

This is a very promising start indeed to an extremely worthwhile project. All credit to Marvel for bringing this line to life. Definitely highly recommended.

- Andy Oliver

Red Sonja #21

Words: Michael Avon Oeming Pencils: Homs Inks: Homs Colors: Vinicius Andrade

Story Title: N/A Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment Price: $2.99 Release Date: April 18, 2007

Red Sonja and her traveling companions have been divided. While one group faces a harsh justice at the hands of a tribe of cat creatures, Sonja and her group seek the aid and advice of other feline mystics to save them. In the end, it may require more words than warrior arms to save the day.

Dropping in on the middle of this story arc is rather disorienting. There are characters galore and it is difficult to understand who is doing what and why. In fact, at the end of the story I still was confused about what it was about. While the basic gist of the plot was entertaining and writer Michael Avon Oeming proves he has a way with words, the story here is simply too dense for a new reader. The art by Homs, however, is beautiful. He imparts a lush, dreamlike quality to everything as well as capturing the true magic of the characters and situations.

While the work here is interesting and professional, Red Sonja #21 is definitely not an issue for a new reader to jump on with. However, from what little I’ve seen this may be a story to pick up in trade or at least to go back and find the previous issues for.

- Tonya Crawford

Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane #18

Words: Sean McKeever Pencils: David Hahn Inks: David Hahn Colors: Christina Strain

Story Title: The Nearness Thing Publisher: Marvel Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: May 2, 2007

The complicated relationships of high school life take ever more complex turns for Mary Jane and company. MJ has feelings for Peter. Peter’s been seeing Gwen but also dealing with Firestar’s crush on Spider-Man. And MJ is stuck with Harry who reminds us just what it means to be an Osborn this month…

Every so often a comics writer comes along who quietly, and consistently, produces excellent work on a monthly basis that seems to slip under the majority’s radar. I’m delighted then that Sean McKeever finally appears to be now getting the recognition he so richly deserves, even if it sadly means his involvement with the charming Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane will shortly come to an end. Despite its cumbersome title, this is a book that’s only peripherally about super-heroes. It sports some spot-on characterization with its soap opera style look at its teen cast’s lives and this month’s issue has a twist that is both unexpected and totally logical at the same time. David Hahn’s deceptively simple artwork is a treat throughout.

Don’t be put off by those who dismiss this as “a comic for girls”. This is a comic for everyone. Do yourself a favor and pick up one of the digest collections. You won’t be disappointed.

- Andy Oliver

Supernatural Origins #1

Words: Peter Johnson/Geoff Johns Pencils: Matthew Dow Smith/Phil Hester Inks: Matthew Dow Smith/Phil Hester Colors: JD Mettler

Story Title: Chapter One/Speak No Evil Publisher: DC Comics/Wildstorm Price: $2.99 Release Date: May 2, 2007

Everything has an origin, even CW television shows. In this comic we learn just what it was that made Sam and Dean into the men you know. Their mother died mysteriously, their father tries to find out why, and the boys grow, never fully understanding.

Though the boys have trouble understanding, the readers do not. There are two straightforward tales of terror here. Peter Johnson’s lead about the immediate aftermath of Sam and Dean’s mother’s murder is both tragic and scary while Geoff John’s exploration into their sometimes terrifying childhood is just as moving as it is frightening. Matthew Dow Smith and Phil Hester are great artistic fits for these sorts of stories that skirt reality. Their jagged edged characters and hard lines are a constant reminder of the surreal situations Dean and Sam have grown up dealing with.

Supernatural Origins is not what I expected; it is better. Fans of the show will enjoy it as well as fans of horror, Hester, Johns, Johnson, or Smith.

- Aaron Stueve

Tag: Cursed #3

Words: Mike Leib Pencils: Chee Inks: Chee Colors: Imaginary Friends Studio

Story Title: Tag Publisher: Boom! Studios Price: $2.99 Release Date: April 25, 2007

Ed continues to try to catch up with the zombie curse and eliminate it once and for all. Now, however, a stumbling block appears… Could Ed have a shot at true happiness and would he give up his quest for it?

Writer Mike Leib strongly begins moving this title in the direction of an old, Medieval Morality play… Ed begins to resemble a holy knight on a quest as temptations – both good and evil arise in his path to distract him from his ends. Leib also begins throwing doubt on the character also as this issue makes it clear that surviving the Tag curse leads many to madness. Could Ed be insane all along? Is his quest truly righteous or is it the unholy rambling of a madman? The art by Chee has tightened up a bit this issue but the colors by Imaginary Friends Studio still detract from the story by being entirely too dark and muddy.

After a bit of a slow start, Tag: Cursed is hitting stride and proving to be an interesting, psychological-horror story.

- Tonya Crawford

Wonder Man #5

Words: Peter David Pencils: Andrew Currie Inks: Victor Olazaba & Andrew Currie Colors: Rob Schwager, Sotocolor’s A. Crossley & A.Street

Story Title: My Fair Super Hero - Conclusion Publisher: Marvel Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: May 2, 2007

Simon Williams’ attempts to reform the super-villain assassin known as Ladykilller appear to have found some measure of success. But, with the mysterious criminal group known as the Nobility secretly manipulating events from behind the scenes, Wonder Man’s good intentions may just result in the deaths of the Avengers…

Peter David’s Pygmalion-inspired My Fair Super Hero story arc comes to its touching conclusion here. With each issue introduced by a Wonder Man who, in the far future, is the last surviving man on Earth, there’s been an impending sense of doom gathering each month. However, despite everything, the finale is surprisingly hopeful and inspiring. David’s characterization of Wonder Man and the Beast’s friendship has been a joy as the heroes have struggled to rehabilitate their charge. On a down note it’s a shame that it’s taken a small army of inkers, Colorss and pencillers to complete the visuals over the five issues.

Those who do the trade-waiting thing are well-advised to pick this one up. Peter David has done the near impossible for me and made a character I always found flat and one-dimensional into a complex and fascinating hero. Top stuff.

- Andy Oliver

World War Hulk Prologue: World Breaker

Words: Peter David Pencils: Al Rio, Lee Weeks, & Sean Phillips Inks: Scott Hanna, Lee Weeks, & Tom Palmer Colors: William Murai

Story Title: Casus Belli Publisher: Marvel Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: May 2, 2007

Intertwined with the first issue of World War Hulk, the story of Hulk’s cruise through outer space towards Earth is presented here, along with backup tales.

What David does here is set the stage by allowing the reader to see things through the eyes of the Hulk, driving home that the past year has done little to help tame the beast. Of course, as time goes on, we see that Hulk is forced to face these demons, and he may not have really overcome them. It really does a nice job of setting the tone for the rest off the series, showing that the Hulk may have been unreasonable in his rage in the past, but now his rage has become centered entirely on those responsible for his exile. The added bonuses of the backups really make this book worth the price of admission, as Giarusso’s take on the Black Bolt is some of the funniest work he’s truned out, and Pak’s tale of Mastermind Excello is vital information for the rest of the series.

The prologue is surprising in that it doesn’t just through some big action sequence as would be expected for tales of the Hulk in the past, but rather shows that there may be more going on underneath the smash – even when the smashing is in full effect.

- Adrian f. Zettlemoyer