Broken Frontier

Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #43

Words: Kurt Busiek Pencils: Butch Guice Inks: Tony DeZuñiga Colors: Jose Villarrubia

Story Title: Conversations With Vulko Publisher: DC Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: July 19, 2006

The brand new direction continues as the new Arthur Curry befriends the Seadevils in their floating sea-castle (my god that thing is cool), discovers the fate of his missing uncle, unravels a startling but baffling connection between himself and the original Aquaman, and talks at length about Atlantean history with the very real, dead ghost of Vulko.

Out of all the One Year Later titles, only Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis has been brave enough to institute honest and jaw-dropping change. With perhaps one of the most inspired and twisty bouts of creativity that Busiek has had since the inception of the Thunderbolts, readers are treated to a completely new Arthur Curry (?!) yet with the original taking up a completely unexpected role as a supporting lead. The story progresses to allow this fresh faced Arthur to find his place within the tangled mess of past Aquaman continuity, yet Busiek does so in a clever enough way that new readers are able to enjoy the mystery of the new protagonist and learn as we go. Guice and DeZuñiga put forth some gorgeous pages to complement the script, looking like a Dan Jurgens/Bill Sienkiwicz hybrid.

This is pretty much the only DC title I’m happy with since the ballyhooed Infinite Crisis crossover, and new-Curry may just be the first to follow in Kyle Rayner’s footsteps as outright replacing a major DC icon. Busiek and Guice offer up a darker, moodier, more epic world of undersea adventure, and anyone not reading this series is going to have to give up all rights to whine about how good all the other DC titles should be.

- Dave Baxter

Archaic #4

Words: James Abrams Pencils: Brett Marting Inks: Brett Marting Colors: Brett Marting

Story Title: N/A Publisher: Fenickx Productions Price: $2.99 Release Date: July 26,2006

Sixty seasons have passed, and a young prince pursued by a tyrannical king reaches the age of his awakening. It may not last long, however, as a group of ruthless assassins are on his trail. While the prince’s protectors are just as ruthless, they’ll need much more than attitude to keep the prince safe.

Writer James Abrams develops and balances three storylines with aplomb. The tension builds and drama deepens until young prince Kolsice, Genosik, tracking him with his band of professional killers, and Justinian Corvo, personally sworn to protect Kolsice, meet up in a small town. Abrams draws the reader in with distinct character voices and dialog that sounds natural though it’s clearly the sort one finds in the fantasy genre. And he makes the build-up pay off with a dense but well-choreographed fight scene that concludes with a bracing cliffhanger. Along the way we see great flashes of his fertile imagination in both the story itself and its structure, but it would fall flat without Brett Marting’s exquisite art. Abrams is a talented writer getting better with every issue, but Marting already illustrates with the fluidity, texture, emotion, and story-telling chops of a superstar.

The first three issues of Archaic were a prelude to the main story. Issue #4 is a great jumping on point for anyone who wants to check out one of the best indy comics published today.

- Dexter K. Flowers

Bomb Queen vs. Blacklight

Words: Scott Wherle Pencils: Jimmie Robinson Inks: Jimmie Robinson Colors: Jason Embury

Story Title: Catfight! Publisher: Image Comics Price: $3.50 Release Date: August 2, 2006

Blacklight heads to Vegas to attend a comic book convention. Meanwhile, Bomb Queen heads to Vegas for a weapons convention. Inevitably, sparks fly when the two run into each other.

The fact that the cover portrays the two title characters in an embrace and a warning that nothing like that actually occurs in the book should clue the reader in on what type of story to expect. There are some genuinely humorous moments throughout the book, and it is filled to the brim with innuendo. The visuals and language are kept in check, and the humor turns out better for it. Plus, some of the sight gags are the best scenes in any comic this year. Wherle has done a great job keeping the book light and fun as the two characters confront each other repeatedly. While the art is simply average, the feel of it fits in perfectly with the fun of the book.

Even if you are unfamiliar with the characters, you won’t need any background to smile and laugh as you read your way through this fun tale of two completely different personas.

- Adrian f. Zettlemoyer

Casanova #2

Words: Matt Fraction Pencils: Gabriel Bá Inks: Gabriel Bá Colors: Gabriel Bá

Story Title: Pretty Little Policeman Publisher: Image Comics Price: $1.99 Release Date: July 19, 2006

Casanova Quinn takes on his first mission for the alternate-reality E.M.P.I.R.E. by infiltrating the sexpot town of Agua Pesada.

At this point, it can safely be said that Matt Fraction is one of the best new comic writers, and Casanova goes a long way to support this statement. At only $1.99 and 24 pages, Fraction packs more story in this single issue then a lot of the 32 page books manage in three issues. What really amazes is that with so much story, a complex story that is absolutely NOT for kids, Fraction does a great job of summing up the action periodically throughout the issue. It’s nice to have a guide to keep from getting lost throughout. And what a story it is. Fraction continues his James Bond lost in space epic, keeping the humor running throughout the dense tale. All the while, Ba’s pencils do a great job of conveying everything that is going on, while capably handling the word-heavy story.

What Fraction and Ba have delivered is a continuation of a story that is so mind-blowingly original and intriguing – and just fun - that it becomes required reading every single month.

- Adrian f. Zettlemoyer

Civil War #3

Words: Mark Millar Pencils: Steve McNiven Inks: Dexter Vines Colors: Marry Hollowell

Story Title: N/A Publisher: Marvel Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: July 19, 2006

Iron Man’s federally backed heroes and Captain America’s underground resistance at long last square off, as the first major volley of the war is thrown. The drama runs high, and so does the action, with a shock ending that may not defy description, but certainly defies explanation.

Millar’s scripting for Civil War continues in the vein of a true blockbuster, with an admirably choreographed score of action and event, yet even so this third installment of the epic left me with only one thought: Captain America is a big fat jerk. I have no idea why he’s being depicted like the absolute bully that Millar wants him to be (is this a Brit’s take on American machismo patriotism, like Ennis’ version of the cowboy in Preacher?), but the fact that Rodgers was so absolutely brutal when Stark asks for five minutes to state his case and with the offer of complete amnesty if the rogue heroes like said case and switch sides…well, it beggars the mind. Captain America was offered the chance to simply listen another solution to a high-tension situation besides violence, and without hesitation he rejects it, with the lame explanation: “You shouldn’t have taken down two of my men, Tony…” – two men who were merely knocked unconscious and which Iron Man took out only for the sole purpose that they wouldn’t teleport Cap away before the talking could begin.

Add to this Hercules talking like a modern day teenager during the battle and I’m not sure that I like where this title is going anymore. I’m personally anti-registration, but holy hell it’s wrong on every level conceivable to do what the rogue heroes did here, not to mention out of character, and the morality of the entire situation is explored only on the vaguest of terms, and all together this makes for a very weak read, indeed, no matter how gorgeously drawn or dramatically enacted every single panel might be.

- Dave Baxter

Dusty Star #1

Words: Andrew Robinson & Joe Pruett Pencils: Andrew Robinson Inks: Andrew Robinson Colors: Andrew Robinson

Story Title: Ain’t Got No Friends Publisher: Image Comics/Desperado Price: $3.50 Release Date: August 2, 2006

Dusty works her way through a band of outlaws trying to exact revenge for the death of a friend.

Dusty Star opens up in the desert, with the title character being ambushed by a bunch of rouge characters. If unfamiliar with the story, it would seem that this is a tale that is taking place in the wild west of yore. However, six pages later you see motorcycles and signs of technology. Overall, the story plays out like a noir western, with the technology existing for the sole purpose of creating large explosions. Robinson and Pruett spin an interesting plot, and the character comes off as a female Clint Eastwood. The art makes the book feel even more like watching a classic western, as the action is conveyed perfectly.

Dusty Star is a great action western, and the underlying technology promises that there will be more to come from this world then simple horses and guns. This is one adventure you’ll want to ride along with.

- Adrian f. Zettlemoyer

The Exterminators #8

Words: Simon Oliver Pencils: Chris Samnee Inks: Chris Samnee Colors: Brian Buccellato

Story Title: Interlude Publisher: Vertigo Price: $2.99 Release Date: August 2, 2006

Henry, Page, and Rebecca face the changes that are occurring in their lives, all with the help of their mothers.

While a lot of comics out there are all about the action, Oliver presents us with an issue that is much more about the human spirit and dealing with life’s changes. Comparing this title to a series on Showtime or some other pay-per-view channel is spot on. Since they have the license to show nudity and foul language, the creators can ignore these factors and get on to the story. And it works, as though the story doesn’t advance a lot this issue, the writing is superb and really feels like these conversations could be going on somewhere in the real world.

This issue can sit alongside many others that deal with relationships that are in a constant flux of beginning and ending. The easiest title to compare this work to is Strangers In Paradise – a comparison that is not given lightly. While there are strange occurrences occurring in the life of Henry James and all, the real interest in the characters. Read this book, and you’ll care less about bugs, and more about the lives on display.

- Adrian f. Zettlemoyer

Family Guy #1

Words: Matt Fleckenstein Pencils: Ben Phillips & Rich Koslowski Inks: Clayton Brown & Robert Grabe Colors: Yesflat & Rudy Hall

Story Title: 100 Ways to Kill Lois by Stewie Griffin Publisher: Devil’s Due Publishing Price: $6.95 Release Date: May 17, 2006

Thanks to Devil’s Due, the Family Guy makes the leap from TV to the comics in a 3-issue series. Written by Matt Fleckenstein, who joined the animated show as a writer in 2005, the debut issue is a Stewie themed book, but primarily features a full-length “episode” staring the Griffins.

“100 Ways to Kill Lois by Stewie Griffin” is actually somewhat misleading, as Stewie’s list actually only fills about ½ a dozen pages, as largely unfunny interludes in the full-length story. Fortunately, this turns out to be a good thing, as Fleckenstein offers a fun, twisted tale involving Peter getting involved in the plight of the homeless (which naturally ends up with the Griffin’s living as bums). The art team captures the look and feel of the TV series perfectly, although some of the cut away scenes that work so well in animation fall a little flat with this static medium. Bound nicely between glossy covers, the biggest flaw with this issue was the high price point – I think non-comic reading Family Guy fans will be more likely to pick-up the October releasing trade paperback collection to get better value for their money.

Despite a few minor challenges, Family Guy #1 has the look, feel and twisted humor of a “lost” episode of the TV series.

- Fletch Adams

Fantastic Four #539

Words: J. Michael Straczynski Pencils: Mike McKone Inks: Andy Lanning, Kris Justice, & Cam Smith Colorist: Paul Mounts

Story Title: Decisions Made Publisher: Marvel Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: August 2, 2006

This issue, which ties in directly with Amazing Spider-Man #534, shows Ben Grimm caught in the middle of a Civil War conflict.

While it is initially disappointing that Reed and Sue Richards are no where to be found in this book, and therefore there is no advancement on the impending feud between these two, Straczynski does a great job of showing the Thing’s feelings on the conflict. By the end of the tale, Ben Grimm has made up his mind, and it’s a decision that no one was really expecting. JMS’s story is a good read, though half of it has already been seen if you have read the afore mentioned issue of Amazing Spider-Man. However, it’s interesting in that we see there was a bit more then meets the eye then first thought. The art remains as consistent as ever, not becoming anything too extraordinary. However, this book is all about the story anyway.

While the plot of the Civil War doesn’t advance too much in this issue, it is an important piece of the overall puzzle as it shows the feelings of both heroes and civilians. It remains a must read for any fan of the Fantastic Four, as the war takes it’s toll on one member of Marvel’s first family.

- Adrian f. Zettlemoyer

G.I. Joe: Declassified #1

Words: Larry Hama Pencils: Pat Quinn & Valentine De Landro Inks: N/A Colors: Rob Ruffolo

Story Title: N/A Publisher: Devil’s Due Publishing Price: $4.95 Release Date: June 7, 2006

In the style of Snake-Eyes: Declassified, this new series features a look back at an untold early adventure of the G.I. Joe team. Leading the original Joe duty roster is man behind the launch of first series back in the early 80s, Larry Hama.

Unlike the somewhat uneven tale back 2002’s G.I. Joe: Frontline, this comic felt like a classic Hama story from page 1. Whether it be the interactions between Stalker and his squad in Sierra Gordo, or Steeler and the gang back on Staten Island, each of the characters and their dialogue has dimension and weight to them. This gave the issue a personality and human-ness that the current America’s Elite series seems to struggle with. While the story is set prior to the 1982 Joe series, Hama is able to make use of established continuity to foreshadow the events and relationships that would develop over the years. Whether it is the use of the nosey chaplain’s assistants or the appearance of Fred, the 48 pages of this book feel like they cane drop seamlessly into the ongoing Joe saga. The art also harkens back to the sensibilities of the early 80s, skewing away from the more cartoonish/manga inspired feel of the Devil’s Due era.

Reuniting a creator with the classic characters he made famous, G.I. Joe: Declassified #1 is a prequel that works – it looks, feels and reads like it could have been released in 1982.

- Fletch Adams

G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 #6

Words: Andrew Dabb Pencils: Chris Lie Inks: Ramanda Kamarga Colors: Rob Ruffolo

Story Title: N/A Publisher: Devil’s Due Publishing Price: $2.95 Release Date: May 10, 2006

Based on the re-imagined G.I. Joe cartoon and toy line, the Sigma 6 team is a group of operatives with highly specialized capabilities and innovative technology called Sigma suits. In the done-in-one finale of this mini-series, Snake-Eyes squares off against Storm Shadow in order to retrieve a stolen microchip.

In terms of clearing the board of continuity and presenting each issue as a stand-alone tale, Dabb succeeds admirably. The story, somewhat appropriately given the protagonists, has a Street Fighter/Mortal Kombat kind of feel to it, albeit without any of the blood or excessive violence. The simple and linear story doesn’t have any complications or twists to engage adult or older youth readers, but would give kids a fun adventure with cool ninja action. A quick read (given the mute nature of Snake-Eyes) this issue provides plenty of opportunity for Lie and Kamarga to let their art take a dynamic fluidity that propels the adventure.

G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 #6 is a quick, simple yet fun ninja battle. Dabb and company know their audience and offer a comic geared directly at the pre-teen boy audience.

- Fletch Adams

Jeremiah Harm #4

Words: Keith Giffen and Alan Grant Pencils: Rafael Albuquerque Inks: Rafael Albuquerque Colors: Imaginary Friends Studio

Story Title: N/A Publisher: BOOM! Studios Price: $3.99 Release Date: August 2, 2006

The fourth issue in BOOM! Studios' popular Jeremiah Harm title finds Jeremiah locked in a showdown with creepy gas villain Brune S'Maze while Dak Moira enters The Well of K'shak to locate the carefully hidden primal shard. Harm forms an alliance with a small band of Earth citizens ready to save the universe.

The characters and dialogue in this comic are so cliché that the reader suspects it is done purposefully. As a result, the comic is laugh-out-loud funny with cracks like, "You chumps just don't get it. I work alone. A-L-O-N-E," uttered by an anti-hero bounty hunter in a trench coat. The story moves quickly, primarily between villainous posturing and fist fights. Characterization is not a concern. The coloring is rather strange, with an emphasis on drab olive green that almost never changes through 23 pages of comic. The fights and explosions are dynamic and lively, so the reader never gets bogged down.

If you like simple plots and funny jokes, you'll enjoy this comic. But beware! This is entirely disposable humor. You won't read it again and again.

- Beth Davies-Stofka

Mouse Guard #4

Words: David Petersen Pencils: David Petersen Inks: David Petersen Colors: David Petersen

Story Title: The Dark Ghost Publisher: Archaia Studios Price: $3.50 Release Date: August 2, 2006

While Lieam hides among “the Axe’, Kenzie and Saxon are interrogated by a mysterious stranger.

Petersen’s world of Mouse Guard is a fantasy world in which the action takes place amongst a mouse civilization. Instead of coming off cute and childish, the story can be more realistically compared to the work of J.R.R. Tolkien. It has all the trappings of a phenomenal fantasy tale, with young heroes and older legends fighting against a tyrannical giant. The art is a bit murky in some situations, and most of the mouse expressions stay the same throughout, making the artwork seem a bit under whelming. Not to say the art is terrible, and a few panels work rather well, but overall it feels like something is missing.

The best fantasy tales have always hidden a deep and intelligent story beneath the veneer of a children’s tale, and Mouse Guard is no exception. Even though at first look, the book seems like it would target younger readers, the complex tale of war and oppression makes this story a story for everyone.

- Adrian f. Zettlemoyer

Revved: The Beginning #1

Words: Jeremy Hall Pencils: David Nakayama Inks: David Nakayama Colors: Blond

Story Title: N/A Publisher: Image Comics/Top Cow Price: $2.99 Release Date: July 26, 2006

Jack James, an ex-race car driver steals a car to help pay off a debt that his father accumulated, but finds himself with more then he bargained for.

The first issue of a series should be a comic that grabs the reader, endears them to the reader, and makes the reader want to invest in the future installments of the story. Revved really does none of this. It is true, there isn’t really anything out there like this comic, which is a basically “The Fast and the Furious” with a twist of the supernatural, but the creators don’t really capitalize on this originality. Instead they adopt the tried and true formulas that we’ve seen in countless movies and television shows. Hall keeps the supernatural undertones light in the first issue, so the story seems more realistic. This in turn makes the action much less unbelievable then if the mysteriousness were reinforced. The art is par at best, though the colors remain beautiful, as is expected from Top Cow.

Hopefully future installments of this title will build on the original premise that lies underneath the book, but after the first issue, it looks like the title stalled before it ever left the garage.

- Adrian f. Zettlemoyer

Rush City #1

Words: Chuck Dixon Pencils: Timothy Green II Inks: Timothy Green II Colors: Jose Villarrubia

Story Title: Running the Clock, Part 1 Publisher: DC Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: July 19, 2006

Rush is a specialist: he finds people. Lost someone? A child; a beloved spouse; a cheating, thieving, bastard? Then call his number and Rush will find you, and once you’ve filed him in, he’ll track down anyone, anywhere, and especially if the clock is ticking against him. Armed with an ultimate car that James Bond would and probably does envy – and equally haunted by a suitably tragic past – Rush is a hero for the destitute…and a man with a whole lot of enemies.

Rush City is an almost perfect book; it has an indelibly likable and impressively talented protagonist, a writer who knows how to give balls-to-the-walls action and keep the scripting fast paced, and an artist with a penchant for weird technology and pulsating, dynamical devastation. Sadly, this self-contained first issue lacked any truly thrilling choreography or innovations. The beginning is enticing, and preps the reader for what is sure to be a damned fine thrill-ride, but then the action presented after this primer is uninspired to the point of being gingerly, and the plot is simply too thin to hold any allure beyond the promise of the inadequately suppurated, super-cool violence. Timothy Green II wields a captivating art style, that should, by all means, fit snugly with the series’ concept, but unfortunately he wasn’t given a script to truly shine through (there are, thankfully, a handful of moments, but not nearly enough to satisfy in full).

The ending presents the possibility that the second issue will contain all the bravura bloodshed this first issue lacked, and so it’s definitely a series worth watching. If it does, indeed, escalate in creativity and brutality, it could wind up being a memorable mini in the similar realm of Darrow’s Hard Boiled or Ellis’ Strange Kisses (minus the magic).

- Dave Baxter

War of The Worlds: Second Wave #5

Words: Michael Alan Nelson Pencils: Ong Chee-Yang Inks: Ong Chee-Yang Colors: N/A

Story Title: New America Publisher: BOOM! Studios Price: $2.99 Release Date: August 2, 2006

In the fifth installment of BOOM! Studios' imaginative exploration into what came next when War of the Worlds ended, our small group of survivors encounters more trouble than they can handle as they search for medicine for a sick child. A sickening confrontation with local law enforcement ends violently.

In this issue, we see American society disintegrating in violence and cruelty, starkly expressed in a nasty encounter between a sheriff's department and a group of men searching for insulin. The recklessness and anger of the men is also in stark contrast to the simplicity of the children and the nurturing natures of the women. These conflicting contrasts are visually reinforced by the choice to render the entire comic book in black and white. With little to no background in the panels, the reader's eye is drawn to the violence in the faces of the characters. The atmosphere is oppressive.

For fans of the H.G. Wells novel or the movie remakes, this comic is a treat. For others, the stereotyped characters and the lack of thoughtful reflection could leave a chill.

- Beth Davies-Stofka

She-Dragon

Words: Erik Larsen Pencils: Franchesco! Inks: Franchesco! Colors: Erik Larsen, Bill Crabtree, & Val Staples

Story Title: She-Dragon: Baptism of Fire Publisher: Image Comics Price: $5.99 Release Date: July 26, 2006

The Sensational She-Dragon tries to find her way out of Dimension X where evil Mr. Glum trapped her.

This issue could fit right in as a normal issue of Savage Dragon, if Larson drew it, and if it featured the Savage Dragon at all. In fact, the story picks up from Savage Dragon #117, and leads directly into the next issue. Because of this, anyone who has read Savage Dragon knows what to expect: light dialogue and fun action mixed in with an alternate reality heavy plot. It’s great to see the comic sticking to the quality we’ve seen from Savage Dragon. What we haven’t seen so much is another artist at the helm besides Larson. Fortunately, Franchesco! gives us an artist whose style fits right into the colorful world, at times surpassing Larson’s visuals. This is a beautiful addition to the world of Savage Dragon.

While the price is a bit steep, there are some trade paperback-like extras to add to this fun and gorgeous tale. A Franchesco! drawn She-Dragon is welcome on the racks anytime.

- Adrian f. Zettlemoyer

Paul Jenkins’ Sidekick #2

Words: Paul Jenkins Pencils: Chris Moreno Inks: Chris Moreno Colors: Len O’Grady

Story Title: N/A Publisher: Image Comics/Desperado Price: $3.50 Release Date: July 26, 2006

Eddie deals with the repercussions from taking on the role of sidekick to four different heroes.

In this issue, Jenkins wonderful start to the mini loses some steam. While the world he has created is still fun in a ridiculous manner, full of wacky and clueless heroes, some of the jokes he fills the tale with don’t hit the mark. It should be a rule among writers to retire the Ebonics jokes, they have definitely run their ground. The situations Eddie finds himself in, however, do lead to some genuinely laugh out loud moments. The artwork by Moreno is just perfect for this book, conveying all the wackiness that exists in the world of the Sidekick.

While the humor hasn’t hit the funny bone as often as the first issue, the colorful characters and crazy situations still propel the story forward and makes the reader excited to see just how everything will eventually blow up.

- Adrian f. Zettlemoyer

X-Men #189

Words: Mike Carey Pencils: Chris Bachalo Inks: Townsend, Holdredge, Irwin, et al. Colors: Studio F’s Antonio Fabela

Story Title: Supernovas – Part 2 (of 6) Publisher: Marvel Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: July 26, 2006

The X-men try to get to the bottom of the recent appearance of Sabretooth, while elsewhere, new enemies The Children revive an unlikely ally to fight against the X-Men.

The first arc of the creative team of Carey and Bachalo continue in this issue, which is a bit dense and confusing. Carey’s plot is difficult to follow as it jumps around, and the action and dialogue make it confusing to understand exactly just what the X-Men are feeling. By trying not to tip any of the mysteries too early, the reader gets lost a little. Bachalo’s work is as stunning as is expected from his talented pen, but the dense artwork seems to only add to the confusion in this case.

While the new enemies are definitely interesting, and some of the actions are shocking, as a single issue the story can’t stand-alone. However, by the end of this series, a lot of the action may prove relevant. In the meantime, Bachalo’s art alone makes this comic worth a look.

- Adrian f. Zettlemoyer