• February 2026
    S M T W T F S
    1234567
    891011121314
    15161718192021
    22232425262728

  • On Facebook

    On Facebook

  • Archives

  • Categories

  • Comic Blog Elite

    Comic Blogs - BlogCatalog Blog Directory

The Sandman: The Dream Hunters #1 [Review]

Posted on November 8, 2008 by Walt

Original Words by: Neil Gaiman
Graphicplay and Art by: P. Craig Russell
Coloring: Lovern Kindzierski
Lettering: Todd Klein
Associate Editor: Pornsk Pichetshote
Editor: Karen Berger
Covers by: Yuko Shimizu and P. Craig Russell
Published by: Vertigo/DC Comics

As this story begins, a Badger and a Fox make a small wager, that whoever can drive a young monk from the temple can claim the temple as their own home. While each puts on an impressive show, the young monk sees through each, and remains. However, the fox finds herself in a bit of a predicament–she has fallen in love with the monk. Having done so, when she learns of a plot hatched by demons to kill the monk, she seeks some way in which she might save this monk, and finds herself encountering the king of dreams–Morpheus–The Sandman. She gets an answer to her dilemma…and wakes.

The art here is quite good. There’s a certain charm to it–it’s fairly simplistic, but not overly so. There’s plenty of detail where necessary. Other than the fact that the art fits and simply works very well for the story, I don’t have much to say on it.

The story is by Neil Gaiman, and was originally published as a novella a decade ago. This is the first of a four-issue comic adaptation of that novella. The story maintains its strength, and having the panel-by-panel visuals to chronicle the story gives a much different feel to the story while staying extremely true to the original.

I don’t always find adaptations of anything to be all that wonderful–but I have to say, just as a first issue, this is probably the best adaptation of a written work I’ve come across–at least in recent memory. Curious from the start how closely this would follow the original source material, I actually pulled the original from my shelf to compare…and was very much impressed. Virtually word for word, this is identical to its source. The difference is in the format. Narration in the original that describes a setting doesn’t have to be prose–we see it in the visuals. We also don’t have narration telling us that the Fox said this or the Badger said that–we have the word balloons showing who says what, and what they ‘re saying. Though I recall enjoying the original well enough–the art was certainly beautiful to look at–the story itself never really stuck with me all that much. Somehow, the way it is presented here, it sticks, and thus puts this at least in equal footing with the original–if not surpassing it in its own way.

This comic adaptation brings something new and fresh to the table–enhancing the original, without displacing it. Neil Gaiman fans, P. Craig Russell fans, Sandman fans–all ought to find plenty to enjoy here, if only for nostalgia’s sake. You could certainly do far worse with a prose-to-comics adapted work.

Story: 8/10
Art: 9/10
Whole: 9/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, DC, Sandman: The Dream Hunters, Vertigo | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Adventure Comics Special featuring The Guardian #1 [Review]

Posted on November 6, 2008 by Walt

New Krypton part three: The Worst Night of His Life

Writer: James Robinson
Artist: Pere Perez
Colorist: David Baron
Letterer: John J. Hill
Editor: Matt Idelson
Cover: Aaron Lopresti (variant by Victor Ibanez)
Published by: DC Comics

This issue takes place between-pages of the Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen Special from several weeks ago. In short, it details exactly what the Guardian Jimmy tracked down told him, and brings readers up to speed on further details hinted at or sped through in that special.

First off, I think I’m thrilled to see the return of classic characters to the Superman continuity. Agent Liberty last week, more Guardian this week, the revelation that Cadmus’ impact is still being felt after largely being ignored for so many years…

Robinson seems to be quite good at digging into comics’ past and dredging up old characters, working them into the present, and making the whole thing just simply work. This seems to be no exception. Unfortunately, there’s something to this issue that doesn’t quite ring true, and seems like characters have been dealt with as they have for shock value more than anything else…though there’s definitely potential here. The main drawback is in the ambiguity of elements of Superman since Infinite Crisis, and I honestly do not know if this Guardian is the one I remember reading in the Superman books from the early to mid/late 1990s…or if the identity of that character is being mucked with. As it seems there is a lot of mucking about going on lately I fear the latter, and am thus a bit skeptical here.

The art doesn’t blow me away–but it is quite solid, and serves the story very well. I have no real complaint with it, nor any out of the ordinary praise.

What actually makes this issue stand out–and ups the enjoyment factor–is that it is actually part of the New Krypton story going on in the Superman family of books right now. I’d have to look to see if there are any more of these specials lined up…but for now, this issue marks the FIFTH week in a row with a new comic in the Superman corner of the DC Universe…essentially, the fifth week of an ongoing Superman story that continues from one book into the next. I may not be entirely sure the status of certain characters…but the fact that I’m getting so much of a single, ongoing narrative of Superman and his supporting cast–elements all playing into a single, ongoing story…that takes me back to the 1990s and the sheer enjoyment of a new “episode” in the Superman mythos each and every week.

If you’re following New Krypton, you’ll probably want to pick this up given it’s got the trade dress and “triangle number” making it part 3 of the story. If you read that Jimmy Olsen special, this will flesh it out more for you. And of course…if you’re a fan of The Guardian, again…you’ll probably want to check this out.

Story: 7/10
Art: 8/10
Whole: 7.5/10

Filed under: Adventure Comics, Comic Reviews 2008, DC, Superman: New Krypton (Event), Vertigo | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Justice Society of America #20 [Review]

Posted on November 6, 2008 by Walt

Earthbound

Story: Geoff Johns & Alex Ross
Writer: Geoff Johns
Penciller: Dale Eaglesham (Earth-2 Sequence: Jerry Ordway)
Inker: Nathan Massengill (Earth-2 Sequence: Bob Wiacek)
Colorist: Hi-Fi
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Michael Siglain
Cover: Alex Ross (variant by Dale Eaglesham & Mark McKenna)
Published by: DC Comics

Without a “previously…” page, I don’t recall EXACTLY how the previous issue ended…but this seems to pick up on a cliffhanger of the Justice Society of Earth-2 busting in on the New Earth JSA seeking the “rogue” Power Girl imposter. Accusations (and punches) fly, and ultimately several New Earth JSA members are dragged (along with Power Girl) back to this Earth-2, where elements of the Multiverse are re-revealed and discussed…while painful memories are dredged up as people who have died on New Earth are still alive on Earth-2. The two Power Girls have it out, before the nature of Earth-2 is revealed, and both find information to make their lives a little bit easier.

The art here is just fantastic. Perhaps because it just really fits the story–even down to having a different art team on the Earth-2 sequence (an art team that I vaguely recall has some significance to the characters). I have zero complaint with the art, and really quite enjoyed it. The cover by Alex Ross is quite cool as well…if slightly on the inappropriate side given the viewer’s angle.

The story continues to overall story that’s been going on the entire time (since #10 or so) that I’ve been reading this title, and I’m enjoying that. There’s real progression here that resolves old threads, opens some new ones, and just really holds my interest. I’m interested in the character interactions–in what happens to Power Girl and how her interaction with Earth-2 will affect her. I’m interested in Starman and his character’s evolution. I’m interested in the team dynamics–the old and young and the cross-generational stuff. I’m especially interested in the unfolding story of Gog–and even though this issue seems to be an “aside” from the ongoing Gog/Magog saga–it takes us aside to explore ongoing story elements and I don’t feel that this issue is at all out of place–it’s a great spot for such an aside after so many issues following Gog.

All in all, simply another very strong issue of a solid series. This truly seems to me to be if not the flagship, then certainly a flagship title of the DCU. Fan of the Justice Society, or of Johns, or Ross, or Earth-2, or Power-Girl…I see no real reason to skip this issue. New readers may not get a whole lot out of this given the ongoing arc–but at the same time, there’s a roster at the issue’s opening that will get new readers brought up to speed on the WHO (if not the why/what or ‘previously’) necessary for the issue at hand.

Story: 8/10
Art: 8.5/10
Whole: 8.5/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, DC, Justice Society of America | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Secret Six #3 [Review]

Posted on November 6, 2008 by Walt

Unhinged part three: A Run of Misfortune

Writer: Gail Simone
Penciller: Nicola Scott
Inker: Doug Hazlewood
Colorist: Jason Wright
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Editor: Nachie Castro
Cover: Nicola Scott
Published by: DC Comics

Having obtained the first part of their objective–acquiring Tarantula–the Six next seek the whereabouts of the card-device she was supposed to have. After “convincing” her that she really ought to lead them to it, the Six do find a bit of a surprise–and fight–at their destination. What they did not bargain for is what the card actually means, and what makes it so very valuable to so very many.

I have to admit–writer Gail Simone manages to write some strong characters here, and keeps my interest up when it comes to the Catman character. Still, I have to admit that it was the realization that Bane was part of this group that sparked my interest in the series. Having read that character’s debut, the buildup to Knightfall, that event, the Vengeance of Bane II special, and subsequent stories (seeing Bane on a cover often drew me back to picking up a Batman-family book)…I definitely like the way the character is portrayed here. We see that there has been change and growth, and the character is more than just some thug hopped up on drugs.

The characters are all written believably, with subtle (and often not so subtle) moments showing their personalities. It’s interesting to see the way they interact under Simone’s pen, that they are not just two-dimensional characters chucked together in a book for the sake of “wow, these villains all exist in the same universe!” The revelation at the end of the issue goes a long way in explaining events from the first two issues, and what it is that has everyone so stirred up.

Though interesting, I’m not particularly engaged. I can’t remember exactly how either of the first two issues ended, and picked this issue up because I’d read the first two and they didn’t turn me OFF to the series. THIS issue’s cliffhanger has me a bit more curious as to where things are going…but there’s still quite a ways to go yet before I’m firmly hooked on this book.

Art-wise…I really enjoy the way this book looks. There’s a certain detail–sometimes in linework, other times likely the coloring–that makes these characters come across as quite realistic in a still-in-a-comic-book sort of way. Offhand I’m not all that familiar with the artists (Hazlewood’s name I recognize), but the work here indicates I should be keeping an eye out for future work–this is good stuff!

All in all, definitely a strong issue, and I’ll be back for the next issue, most likely.

Story: 7.5/10
Art: 9/10
Whole: 8/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, DC, Secret Six | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Spawn #185 [Review]

Posted on November 2, 2008 by Walt

Endgame part one

Writers: Todd McFarlane, Brian Holguin
Pencils: Whilce Portacio
Digital Inks: Todd McFarlane
Color: Jin Han
Lettering: Tom Orzechowski
Editor: Todd McFarlane
Cover: Todd McFarlane, Whilce Portacio, Greg Capullo

Thankfully, there’s a “recap” on the inside cover of this issue, explaining recent events leading to where this issue opens. Having followed this title only on an extra-textual “meta” level and not actually reading any issues of this in probably a decade, something like that is definitely good for providing just a little bit of context.

We open on a man deciding that it’s time to do something, and after witnessing some energy manipulation/show, he sets off some sort of green energy flash that lights the sky above the city. Meanwhile, a comatose patient–apparently of some importance–finally wakes, which triggers a flurry of activity and possible conspiracy (Someone is angry at not knowing in advance the man would wake). Finally, we have a clown/demon tracking Al Simmons and the discovery of what that green energy display did.

This is a fairly unique spot for me to be in as a reader. I’ve been aware of Spawn since its earliest issues, but have never particularly “gotten” it. I’ve read the first issue, the 25th issue, an annual, and the first issue of what I believe was the first Violater mini-series (not sure if there’ve been multiple), and I’ve seen the live-action film. So for most intents and purposes, I’m a new-reader for this 16-year-old well-known/recognizeable title & character. The issue’s number gives a sense of history (how many titles in comics these days have actually hit the 185 mark and seem on-target to make 200+?) Yet, this seems to be a breaking-point issue, a potential “bridge” and fresh start.

Spawn creator Todd McFarlane is back on the writing end as a co-writer, which is largely what spurred me to pick this issue up. After so many years of knowing the character’s creator to not be on the book and now returning, I thought it’d be interesting to see what he’d do with the character. Looking at the issue itself, I’m not impressed with the writing. It’s not bad….but it’s not good. We get a lot of vagueries, and not being familiar with details, I don’t know if it’s from lack of previously-read issues, or setup of mysteries to be revealed in coming months. I was able to determine from the end of the issue that the man at the beginning of the issue is Al Simmons–Spawn–the title character…but I in no way recognized him as such with confidence from the start.

The art was not bad–I have no real point of comparison for it in terms of this title. I think it fit, and from a visual standpoint never felt lost. Something about the tone put me in mind of reading a Vertigo title–perhaps for the grittiness and fact that the story was dealing with people interacting with people with no superheroes nor super-powered entities to be found in much of the issue.

My thoughts on the end of the issue might be able to be expressed through that character’s own dialogue re-applied to McFarlane. There’s potential here, and depending on what the follow-up is, there might be just enough of a hook to keep me checking this title out. That follow-up will also determine a retrospective view of this issue, as I’m hoping that this might be a good jump-on point for new(er) readers and those deciding to check the title out.

This issue is priced at $2.95, making it one of the cheaper comics out there in an age of $2.99, $3.50, and $3.99+. If only for remaining at this lower price point, and the potential that this is a decent jumping-in point…this issue is above average, given my average expectation is the title’s too convoluted and long-running to be accessible. I think this is as good a point as any to check the title out if you’re so inclined.

Story: 7/10
Art: 8/10
Whole: 7.5/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, Image, Spawn | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Superman #681 [Review]

Posted on October 30, 2008 by Walt

New Krypton, Part Two: Strange Meetings and Chance Encounters
Writer: James Robinson
Penciller: Renato Guedes
Inker: Wilson Magalhaes
Colorist: David Curiel
Letterer: John J. Hill
Editor: Matt Idelson
Cover: Alex Ross (variant by Bernard Chang)

We open amidst numerous news reports all over the world in varying languages, announcing to the world the arrival of a hundred-thousand Kryptonians. Breaking to the Daily Planet, Perry has determined that on this day, there IS no other news story. The only sports, the only juicy gossip, the only anything–is this Arrival. Superman is confronted by the Justice League about bringing the Kryptonians to Earth, especially after what happened the last time Kryptonians came to earth (Superman: Last Son). Superman flies on to meet his aunt and uncle to lead them to Metropolis for a meeting with the President of the United States. A brief interlude shows us Ma Kent and the arrival of a possible comfort. Lois confronts Agent Liberty, questioning him on being back after having been gone so long. Finally, the Kryptonian delegation arrives…but before long, an extremely unwelcome intruder arrives, throwing things into chaos by its mere presence.

This entire package–from cover and a “triangle number” to a direct continuance of a story that feels more like a single story than a chapter of a cross-over–serves as a fine example of why I can never stay away from the Superman books. Now more than ever since partway through my college years, it is an awesome time to be reading not only this book, but the entire family of titles.

The art here is–for me–the only weakness. Yet, if it’s a weakness, this book is still far above many other titles out there. I’m not a huge fan of the art. Something about it just doesn’t seem entirely consistent…some panels seem to almost be painted, while others seem much less detailed and slightly differently stylized. Still, it more than gets the job done–everyone is totally recognizeable, and I’m never lost visually with what’s going on.

The writing is just fine, as well. For the moment it seems hard to separate Robinson as the sole mind behind this, as this is but one chapter of a larger three-title saga involving other writers and a nice, close continuity. I suppose that’s a strength–at the moment, I love that I’m more engaged with the story and characters than with noticing any particular writer out of a group/over another.

To me, this is how the Superman books work best: a single, ongoing story that flows from one issue to the next, regardless of the title or creative team…while allowing the individual creators to insert their marks within the overall story.

I’m chomping at the bit for the next installment of this story. This is hitting so positively on multiple levels…and while elements of the story are rich with continuity, if you’ve ever considered checking in on the Superman comics…now is the time to do so. This story looks to play with elements from all throughout Superman’s history, impact the entire Superman mythos…and give you the important information you need as you go along.

Highly recommended.

Story: 8.5/10
Art: 7/10
Whole: 8/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, DC, Superman, Superman: New Krypton (Event) | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a comment »

Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns [Review]

Posted on October 30, 2008 by Walt

Rage of the Red Lanterns Prologue: Blood Feud
Writer: Geoff Johns
Pencils: Shane Davis
Inks: Sandra Hopoe
Colors: Nei Ruffino
Letters: Rob Leigh
Associate Editor: Adam Schlagman
Editor: Eddie Berganza
Covers: Davis, Hope, Ruffino

This one-shot opens with the “birth”–an origin of sorts–of the first of the Red Lanterns, in a sequence taking place between the first two issues of Final Crisis. We then cut to Hal Jordan reeling from the deicide, spending time with family…when he receives word that Sinestro’s execution orders have been handed down. Feeling unable to share thoughts on this with a new friend, Hal seeks out his old friend–Carol–who was actually part of his life when he first met Sinestro (as particularly revealed in the recently-concluded Secret Origin arc in the main GL title). While this is going on, we see Green Lantern Ash finding the upper husk of the Anti-Monitor, relaying the info to the scarred Guardian, and pursuing the trail. The Red Lanterns rise, recruited by Atrocitus, to feed their hatred and rage. As several Green Lanterns ‘escort’ Sinestro to his homeworld for execution, the group is ambushed…just before the Red Lanterns debut, ambushing the ambushers and ambushees alike. Finally, yet another player arrives in the thick of things, revealing to Hal a key ingredient to the survival of the Blackest Night.

Other than an editorial note indicating this issue’s timing in the Final Crisis series, and the references to events within that series that involved Hal (but nothing of his detention by the Alpha Lanterns?), this issue would have been perfectly titled had it been titled Green Lantern: Rage of the Red Lanterns or Rise of the Red Lanterns or some such–aside from whatever interaction crops up regarding Final Crisis and ties to the Blackest Night, this seems to deal a whole lot more with Green Lantern than Final Crisis itself.

The art is quite good here…I rather enjoyed it, and it has a certain tone that made it perfectly believable as something fitting into the current Green Lantern series. Aside from some questionable-looking blood placement, I have no particular complaint visually.

The writing being by Geoff Johns is certainly why this feels so much like a special issue of Green Lantern, as he is the writer of that book, and writes this with plenty of purpose and eye toward the ongoing title and how it plays in the greater DC Universe. This story picks up on certain seeds sown throughout the last couple years, and moves key points along as if it were anything but a one-shot tied to an event. We get some good moments between various characters, and I found it especially interesting the exploration of Hal’s feelings regarding the impending execution of his old friend and mentor.

While I fail at present to see what bearing this issue will actually have on Final Crisis, it very much is important to what’s been unfolding in Green Lantern and setting things along the course to the Blackest Night. As such, I don’t recommend this as a tie-in to Final Crisis…I recommend it to anyone keeping up with the GL books and reading with an eye toward next summer’s event.

Story: 8.5/10
Art: 8/10
Whole: 8/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, DC, Final Crisis (Event), Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Tales of the TMNT #51 [Review]

Posted on October 23, 2008 by Walt

Posted to comixtreme.com.

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, cxPulp.com, INDEPENDENT/SMALL-PRESS PUBLISHERS, Tales of the TMNT (Mirage) | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Superman: New Krypton Special #1 [Review]

Posted on October 23, 2008 by Walt

New Krypton

Writers: Geoff Johns, James Robinson, Sterling Gates
Penciller: Pete Woods, Gary Frank, Renato Guedes
Inker: Pete Woods, Jon Sibal, Wilson Magalhaes
Colorist: Hi-Fi
Letterer: Steve Wands
Assoc. Editor: Nachie Castro
Editor: Matt Idelson
Cover: Gary Frank (variant by Renato Guedes and Wilson Magalhaes)

This is the way “events” should be done. And with the (temporary, at least for this storyline?) return of the “triangle-numbers,” this issue immediately feels like “classic” 90s Superman–in its highest quality.

The issue opens with the fairly immediate aftermath of Action Comics #870 with a particularly powerful “silent” sequence–if you’ve ever been to a funeral, if you’ve ever lost a loved one or seen someone else having lost someone they loved–you know that there ARE no words…and what words there are, tend often to be private and unique to those involved. The way this sequence comes off, one can fill in their own words, their own feelings–and it is that much more touching. Any words the writer could put on the page would not measure up to what I, as the reader, can imagine…which makes the scene that much more personal. Even when we get to the flashbacks and words, the scene is still very effective…I was almost in tears at the full-page of Clark in the barn.

After the funeral, we see that the story of Brainiac is actually far from being “over,” as the military has a certain interest in our alien friend. And as is cliche…they don’t quite know what they’re getting themselves into. Meanwhile, after a moment with his mother–Martha Kent–Superman visits Kandor where he gets some time with his Uncle and Aunt–actual living, breathing, genuine blood-relatives. He also has the honor of reintroducing them to their daughter Kara–and the Family of El gets to have their first dinner together in many years.

Lois and Lucy have a sisterly reunion at their father’s grave, and later at the Planet, Jimmy returns with information he needs to share about what he found out on his recent leave of absence. Finally, we’re introduced to the folks pulling the strings behind the scenes in a cliffhanger with the potential for major ongoing ramifications for the entire Superman family.

We have three creative teams collaborating on this book. Where often I don’t notice much difference in sequences, here I felt there were several distinct pieces. The “Action Comics Sequence” seems obvious–dealing with Jonathan’s death. The “Supergirl Sequence,” too, seems obvious with the reuniting of daughter and parents. The “Superman Sequence” stood out for me more for the art. As such, this issue felt a bit like it contained several mini-issues of the regular ongoing books, probably largely for the differing art to go with their respective writers.

Despite that, the overall story works quite well, and on assumption that the entire story will be told in this fashion–one overarching story with individual creative teams going “deeper” into certain characters/interactions–this is some good, solid stuf.

There were a number of great “moments” in this issue, stuff that sets up elements for all three of the “core” Superman books as well as setting the foundation for this specific New Krypton event.

As a reader who remembers and enjoyed the days of the triangle numbering–when all the Super-books were essentially a massive ongoing weekly story, with the quarterly special often starting or bookending particular arcs–this feels like a return to form. Though the Brainiac arc worked really well for me in terms of the writing and art–this special issue has me actually excited for the first time in nearly a decade for the multiple Super-books as a whole.

While you’ll almost certainly “appreciate” things a bit more if you’ve been reading the books for awhile, this is also a strong jumping-on point if you’ve been curious about the Superman family of books. And if you’ve any interest at all…I’d recommend jumping in now–this story/event looks to be for Superman what the Sinestro Corps. War was for Green Lantern…and well worth getting in at the start!

Story: 8.5/10
Art: 7.5/10
Whole: 8/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, DC, Superman: New Krypton (Event), Superman: New Krypton Special | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

G.I.Joe (IDW) #0 [Review]

Posted on October 23, 2008 by Walt

“One Word”, “In or Out”, “Deep Cover”

Writers: Chuck Dixon, Larry Hama, Mike Costa and Christos N. Gage
Artists: Robert Atkins, Tom Feister, Antonio Fuso
Colorists: Andrew Crossley, Tom Feister, Chris Chuckry
Design & Lettering: Neil Uyetake
Editor: Andy Schmidt
Covers: Robert Atkins, Chris Sotomayer, Jonboy Meyers, Tom Smith, Scott Kester, Ben Templesmith

I have to admit–I nearly did not get this issue. Oh, I saw it there at the store, but I’m not thrilled with the sudden departure from Devil’s Due and that the franchise is being rebooted to a new beginning–I liked the rich history of the series! Additionally, I’ve never been fond of the high price tag the publisher puts on their books–I simply do not care about cardstock covers and high-quality glossy-paper pages. I want to read a story…and $4 for a standard-size single issue is above my threshold. BUT…for $1, I could pick this up to check stuff out.

I was prepared to dislike this. I’d forgotten that IDW had announced they were doing not one, not two, but THREE Joe titles. One core book, an origins book, and a book looking moreso at classic foe Cobra. This issue offers prologue sequences for all three.

“One Word” involves a routine mission and Duke questioning a prisoner, who gives him one single word for his trouble–a word that means nothing (yet) to these characters, but will mean a great deal to anyone who knows anything of the GI Joe series.

“In or Out” provides an interesting look at how Duke was recruited, which in itself adds a certain depth to his character as well as General Hawk that leaves me honestly interested in their relationship as well as what it means to the tone of the overall Joe team.

Finally, “Deep Cover” introduces us to a character that apparently is headed–as the story’s title suggests–into deep cover with an enemy organization, after being met by representatives of said organization who could have killed him, but wish to talk instead.

All three of these stories seem so brief as to not really have enough room to discuss writing, characterization, and all that. Much of my interpretation and expectation is based on what I know of the (recognizeable) characters from their Devil’s Due (and prior to DD, Marvel) incarnations.

I’m a bit mixed on the art. I think my favorite is Atkins on the first story. The others had a certain look to them that at the moment doesn’t quite say “GI Joe” to me. At the same time, Feister’s art does have a slight surreal quality about it which fits the sequence quite well–though I wonder how it’ll fit long-term for full-size issues and changes of scenery. Fuso’s art–while it doesn’t have that GI Joe feel to it–has a certain grittiness to it that actually fits the tone of the story–a story that doesn’t seem like it will necessarily even be anything resembling a “classic” Joe story but more of a modern take on a story type.

After reading this issue, these three previews–and the “back matter” character sketches with reasoning for costume updates, as well as a brief interview with the three writers–IDW’s done most of what it probably set out to do. After all, I’m interested. I’m intrigued. I want to follow these characters as they follow that one word to its obvious source, and see the fight struck. I want to see how the team came together, how the recruitment of Duke plays out and how similar the recruitment of other Joes is, and how that will affect the team dynamics. I’m also interested in the character going under cover to infiltrate this enemy organization, to see how it affects him as a character, and what it might mean for the rest of the team.

But this issue has two standard covers, as well as two retailer-incentive covers. The images provided for the covers of each debut issue of these three series show that clearly, there will be multiple variants for those as well…

The stories look to be interesting and worthwhile for long-time GI Joe fans as well as those interested in checking ’em out for the first time. However, I am one reader who will probably be kept away by the high cover price and annoyingly numerous variant covers. (Whatever happened to pinup pages in the back of an issue, or as Devil’s Due would do, put a second full-size image on the back cover).

Story: 8.5/10
Art: 6/10
Whole: 7/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, G.I.Joe (IDW), INDEPENDENT/SMALL-PRESS PUBLISHERS | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

« Previous Page — Next Page »