Eternals #4 – Review

By Charles & Daniel Knauf (Writers) and Daniel Acuña (Artist)

I suppose I’m not the only person who’s noticed that Ajak is fighting Skrulls with the “God Squad” in Hercules at the same time he’s acting mysteriously in this book. Assuming it’s not a case of bad editorial direction, I guess that means he’s a Skrull, which would certainly explain why he’s trying to kill the other Eternals. But shouldn’t the real Ajak then be dead or incarcerated somewhere, instead of running loose? And if he’s not a Skrull, then what are the Skrulls’ plans for the Eternals anyway?

I wish I cared more about what’s going on in this book, but it’s hard to tell exactly what’s going on or what’s at stake. In this issue, Thena and Ikaris are still trying to waken Phastos; Druig is still trying to take over the world; Zuras is still oblivious that Joey is a spy for the alien Horde; and Sersi is still upset that Makkari is physically deteriorating due to his link with the Dreaming Celestial. We’ve seen all this before. In fact, Iron Man shows up this issue to reprise the role he played in the Neil Gaiman mini-series, standing around bitching that the Eternals don’t follow the Superhuman Registration Act rules (he’s fighting Ikaris on the cover, but inside he just stands there with his arms crossed, trying to look badass), so we actually seem to be moving backwards plot-wise.

The biggest chunk of the book is taken up with Sersi trying to communicate with the Dreaming Celestial, which of course goes nowhere. The best part of the story comes at the very end, when Druig and Legba try to recruit the Forgotten One, who has no interest in their schemes. The melee that follows is pretty cool, if brief.

It’s hard to say why this book doesn’t excite me. It’s certainly not lacking in plot. But there’s really nothing original or clever in the story, and not a lot of fun. Moments of playfulness are few, and when they are introduced (“Next month’s issue may very well render you a quivering, gutless husk!”), they seem forced. Similarly, the art, while quite nice, is still much too heavy in the browns and grays.

C’mon, guys, lighten up! (Grade: B-)

– Andrew C. Murphy

Eternals #1 – Review

Charles & Daniel Knauf (Writers) and Daniel Acuña (Artist)

How do you follow up a writer like Neil Gaiman?

The answer is, of course, you can’t. And you shouldn’t try. That’s why when Gaiman stopped writing Sandman, DC stopped publishing it. Unfortunately, with The Eternals Marvel didn’t have that option. When Gaiman stopped writing, the Dreaming Celestial had been awakened, Druig was trying to take over the world, and a nasty horde of… something… was coming to devour the Earth. Wisely, Marvel didn’t resume the book immediately; they took a year to regroup and try to find a team that might do justice to Gaiman and Romita Jr.’s run on the book.

Let’s start with the obvious: the Knaufs aren’t as good as Gaiman. (But that’s no surprise. There’s only once exception to the “Can’t Follow” rule, and that was Gaiman himself following Alan Moore on Miracleman.) They haven’t his wit, or his knack for seeing things from an alien perspective. Similarly, Acuña may technically be a better artist than Romita Jr. (the faces he draws actually seem three-dimensional) but he doesn’t have the same energy, and his colors are muddy, overburdened by browns and grays.

That being said, the Knaufs do a great job picking up and expanding on the plot threads of the last series. There’s a race going on: Ikaris and Thena are trying to reach and reawaken the Eternals mindwiped by Sprite before Druig can get his hooks in them. Their quarry this issue is a character I don’t believe we’ve seen before: Legba, the first Voodoo Eternal, who is currently a charismatic and less-than-angelic minister in Louisiana. Hopefully he’ll inject some much needed humor into the story, now that Sersi is stuck playing nursemaid to Makkari, whose link to the Dreaming Celestial is tearing him down, physically and emotionally. There’s also a sub-plot involving Thena’s son, who seems to be playing host to one of the nasty things that are bearing down on Earth.

All in all, it’s a good start to a promising series. The Knaufs and Acuña seem to be well poised to carry on the work begun by Gaiman and—judging by the over-the-top caption at the end of the book: “You have yet to read the ANCIENT AND SUBLIME COSMIC SECRETS OF THE CELESTIALS to be revealed in the next heart-stopping issue!”—the great Jack Kirby before him. (Grade: B)

– Andrew C. Murphy

A Second Opinion

As someone who’s read the entire run of Jack Kirby’s original Eternals series, I can’t say I was a big fan. The concept, blatantly ripped out of the old Chariots of the Gods novel, was poorly executed thanks to Kirby’s schizophrenic and convoluted storytelling as a writer. It was just too much, too ambitious, and felt out of place within the Marvel Universe. And then it ended abruptly. I know there’s stories about how Kirby was upset with Marvel’s failure to support the series and maybe that’s what led to the series ultimate demise. Whatever the case, The Eternals was not a very compelling or entertaining series for me.

Thankfully Neil Gaiman found some redeeming qualities, because his reboot worked very well for me. He modernized characrers, retooled their sense of purpose, and found a way to make them gel within the Marvel Universe – no easy task. In this newest series, the Knaufs have done a competent job in carrying the torch that Gaiman lit. And while the Dreaming Celestial’s dialogue feels trite at times, the race that’s going on between Ikaris an Druig seems interesting, especially with the cosmic threat at hand. Still, The Horde are not played up as much as they should, and unless Marvel has some big crossover plans in store with these creatures, they don’t seem to be much of an impending threat. Is it me or is The Horde a bit too reminiscent of the Annihilation Wave? Do we need another similar plot so soon? These aren’t complaints, but more so, reservations.

My real complaint is Daniel Acuna’s portrayal of action. After some of the gorgeous pages he did in Iron Man, it’s a bit disheartening to see him fumble around with what be best described as a run-of-the-mill confrontation between hero and villain. What gives? As for the rest of the issue, Acuna’s art quite good. His portrayal of the many characters of the Marvel Universe is a treat, and his coloring (particularly in Druig’s stronghold) is very mood driven.

To answer your question if this book’s worth picking up, I think so. Readers unfamiliar with The Eternals may still seem confused or lost despite the many recaps laden throughout the issue. There’s nothing mindblowing at work here, either, but as a debut issue it’s a solid story with a decent hook. This is not Jack Kirby’s Eternals and because of that the story may not work for some people. But I’m quite alright with that. This is actually much better. (Grade: B-)

– J. Montes

Iron Man #28 – Review

By Daniel & Charles Knauf (writers), Roberto de la Torre (art), Dean White (colors)

The Iron Man / Mandarin saga comes to a close after what I believe was about a whole year’s worth of story. Writers Daniel and Charles Knauf have done an outstanding job pacing this story out as a political thriller. What’s even more ironic, is how quick the United Nations turns their backs on Tony, branding him a terrorist for his extreme actions. And maybe for the first time since instating The Initiative, Tony understands why Captain America fought on the opposing side.

Everything comes to a close very nicely, though I do feel some of it was a bit rushed. Tony finally saves Maya from her incarceration, but the moment comes and goes so quickly that we don’t even see him drop her off somewhere safely. I mean, did he just break her free and tell her to run away or did he actually take her to safety? Because one moment they’re talking and the next he’s flying in the sky (by himself). Other than this little nagging problem, the rest of the issue worked well for me.

In some ways, this storyline reminded me of a good Tom Clancy novel. But, as I reached the final few pages it reverted back to its superhero roots. And what I got was another fantastic brawl fest care of Roberto de la Torre. This time it’s Iron Man (in his silver centurion armor), versus The Mandarin, and boy, does Torre make every punch hurt. Much like David Aja’s work on Iron Fist, Torre’s fight scenes are electrifying and intense. This is probably one of the most brutal fights I’ve seen with these two characters, and a couple of panels almost made me squirm.

If you’ve been following this book for the past year or so, prepare for a very gratifying conclusion. For the rest of you waiting to jump on, wait till next month when we’ll most likely get a Secret Invasion related story. Or, you could pick up this issue for the buttkicking alone. Either way, it’s a win-win situation. (Grade: B+)

– J. Montes

FIRST LOOK: Iron Man #28

COVER BY: GERALD PAREL
WRITER: DANIEL KNAUF, CHARLES KNAUF
PENCILS: ROBERTO DE LA TORRE
COLORED BY: DEAN WHITE

THE STORY:
Tony Stark is losing his mind and his freedom. Maya Hansen is becoming a pawn in the Mandarin’s genocidal game. And the leaders of S.H.I.E.L.D. are under house arrest, unable to take any action. With the international community about to decide their fate, Iron Man and his allies are in deep…so deep, we’ll need a double-sized issue to reveal what happens next!

Rated A …$3.99
IN STORES: April 16, 2008

Iron Man #26 – Review

By Daniel & Charles Knauf (writers), Roberto De La Torre (art), Dean White (colors)

Tony Stark’s a busy guy this week! In Avengers he’s sucked into a time vortex and in his own book, well, let’s just say he’s sucked into another kind of vortex. The story arc involving the Mandarin doesn’t conclude this issue, but we do finally get the confrontation we’ve been waiting for. Because Tony isn’t using his Extremis based armor, the playing field is pretty even. So what do we get? An all out slugfest that leads to one gorgeous piece of art in the middle of the book.

Once again, the Knauf brothers deliver a solid script that never chugs along. My only complaint is they get a little heavy with the techno jargon. I can see why a scientist may talk in this manner, but it’s something that we could have done without. It’s not that I want it simplified – the dialogue is just totally unnecessary. That said, I love the way they handle Maria Hill and Dugan. Finally, someone tells her to drop the “by the book” crap and just do her job. And she does step up and makes a gutsy call.

As far as art goes this is Roberto De La Torre’s best Iron Man work to date. He and colorist, Dean White hit a homerun are pure magic together. De La Torre really knows where to put the camera. His angles give the art so much more expression and drama. I’d really, really love to have the double-page splash they did in this issue made into a poster. (Grade: B)

– J. Montes

Iron Man #25 – Review

By Daniel & Charles Knauf (writers), Rob De La Torre (art), Dean White (color art)

At $3.99 this one’s meaty! I don’t just mean the page count, but the story as well. After dragging its feet in the mud for the past three to four months, issue #25 delivers some payoffs. The whole creative team is in top form this month – needless to say, I’m impressed.

I love the new direction they’ve taken with Mandarin. Much like what Ed Brubaker has done with the Red Skull, Daniel and Charles Knauf have made Mandarin more of a calculating villain with the foresight to challenge anyone in his path. Instead of being just plain evil, he’s more of an insane person who sees the world from a warped perspective. Like I said, this issue’s meaty. That means you’ll be doing a lot of reading. It’s not all meaningless dialogue either, everything finally comes together this story as Tony Stark connects the dots. Personally, I would have loved to have seen this story wrapped up this issue, but I can hang for one more.

The bonus stuff we get at the end of the issue is a nice touch, but not necessarily needed. We get a fun trip down memory lane as Bob Layton discusses the past revisions of Iron Man’s suits. Then there’s an excellent reprinting of Iron Man’s first appearace from Tales of Suspense #39 – always a gem. Lastly, we’re treated to a preview of Iron Man: Viva Las Begas #1 by Jon Favreau and Adi Granov! Sure, this issue’s a bit more expensive, but I think the bonuses justify the extra dollar. Plus it’s issue #25. Did you expect anything less from a milestone issue? (Grade: B)

– J. Montes