Comics for 8/30/06
Here’s how I spent my lunch money this week:
- 52 #17
- All-Star Superman #5
- Action Comics #842
- Cable & Deadpool #31
- Justice #7
- Superman/Batman #29
Continue reading for my impressions.
52 #17
We get a quick and pointless glimpse at the life of Lex’s super heros, and then we go back to our lost in space crew, who run into Lobo. I’ve seen some resentment toward Lobo’s appearance. I know he’s a “comedy” character, but apparently to the point that most people would rather him not exist at all in their normal DC continuity. He seems ok here though. I mean, lecherous and opportunistic, but he doesn’t feel out of place. A lack of aversion doesn’t translate to interest though. This was pretty much a filler issue for me, interesting only for some beautiful art (Lobo’s full-page introduction in particular) that’s still largely held back by the lousy framing and layout. I don’t know if it’s by design, or a limitation due to scheduling, but 52’s identical square panels make me feel like I’m reading the comics in the newspaper. Booooooooring.
All-Star Superman #5
The past couple issues would stand alone better than this one, but honestly I’m glad for the return to the overall plot for this title. Mind you, the plot isn’t really advanced, but it’s addressed in entertaining fashion as Lex relates the scheme he set in motion for Superman’s impending demise to none other than Clark Kent, while Clark has to bumble through accidentally saving Lex at every turn. Frank Quitely’s artwork is lively and fun, if you can deal with some fairly simple backgrounds. I’d feel completely safe recommending anyone to pick up not only this issue, but the four preceding.
Action Comics #842
Meanwhile, back in one of the two “real” Superman titles, we’ve got Superman vs. some aliens who want to capture the heros of Earth (along with noteworthy landmarks) and set them up for auction on the intergalactic eBay. I didn’t start reading any monthly Superman titles until the “One Year Later” relaunch after “Infinite Crisis.” The first story arc was dealing directly with the fallout of IC, so this is my first experience with a Superman comic that’s not part of some bigger story. I guess this is what Superman does, huh? Fight the larger than life villians and threats to humanity. It’s not doing much for me, but I’ve come away with a complete adoration for the art of Pete Woods. I’ll be buying this at least as long as he’s drawing it.
Cable & Deadpool #31
Thirty-one issues? Seriously? It’s amazing that this title has lasted so long. For the most part, I’m glad, but its lost the art team I enjoyed, and Nicieza’s writing just isn’t all that great here. I’ll give them the benefit of a doubt for now (and the next issue) since this is all a “Civil War” tie-in, but if things don’t shape up afterward, my loyalty to the character of Deadpool might be tapped out.
Justice #7
Gorgeous, obviously. It’s what Alex Ross does. I think they’re behind schedule (hard to remember when it’s already bi-monthly), but we’re moving slow enough that I can pick it back up easily. I hope the pace doesn’t work against it when it’s all said and done, because it’d be a shame to see something so good this far end on a sour note.
Superman/Batman #29
I just don’t know about Ethan Van Sciver. He’s a great guy; Richard (another great guy, owner of the comic shop I frequent) brought him in for sketches and a signing once. He told funny stories, drew lots of sketches (for free), and signed lots of stuff. Something about his work is just a little bit off though. I don’t know what it is, or why I can’t put my finger on it. He seems inconsistent from page to page, and sometimes character to character, but I can’t clearly articulate how. When he’s on, he’s fantastic (Green Lantern: Rebirth, for example), but he’s not doing it for me on Superman/Batman. Neither is the story, but I remain optimistic that Sciver will hit his stride, so I’ll stick with it for now.