Unity #4 – Review

by Matt Kindt (Writer), Doug Braithwaite (Artist), Brian Reber (Colorist)

The Story: The team of Ninjak, Livewire and Gilad Anni-Padda tries to retrieve the X-O Manowar armor from Harada’s grasp.

The Review: Taking risks as a necessary thing in comics. With many titles having very similar premises and using tropes that are unfortunately the norm these days, a book needs to have an identity of its own and most of the time, it passes through risks in terms of its concepts and execution.

For all its marketing and its qualities, Unity is still, at its core, a super-hero team book. With so many on the market right now, the quirks and original ideas need to be emphasized further to make itself stand out in a wave of other such titles. Thankfully, Matt Kindt seemed to have a pretty good idea for the title, which has been executed in a manner that made the title rather interesting. With Unity not being a team per se, with each members having their own agenda and their own affiliation, this was more something akin to Defenders than Justice League or Avengers. The story, acting upon that fact and the manner in which the Valiant universe treat super powers made for an interesting story, which reached a point that was decidedly captivating by the end of the latest issue. However, with this one being the concluding issue of the first arc, does the ending satisfy and provide a good launch pad for the rest the series?

Unity #3 – Review

by Matt Kindt (Writer), Doug Braithwaite (Artist), Brian Reber (Colorist)

The Story: As the Unity Squad continues their mission against Aric, Livewire gains control of the X-O armor and gets a view of the big picture.

The Review: As readers, it is normal to hope for good books on the market. It may sound like the most obvious of lines, yet not all series released can actually attain that general positive comment from everybody. With personal tastes and all accounting to this, the search for such books is something that is always the key for most comic enthusiast. It is, however, usually attached with the possibility of great books, those that aren’t just competent, but excellent in the ways that really count. Most readers would certainly enjoy to have only great books in their pull list, but to really have so is something rather hard to achieve.

In such situations, what’s usually pretty rare is to see a good book actually reach a new level, going from very competent to thoroughly enjoyable, as if the creative team had upped their game in order to really raise the stakes. Understanding that the best way to impress readers is to really go all the way, books like these are always a very pleasant surprise for fans.

It is what Matt Kindt has achieved with Unity, a book that had begun strongly and then went on to struggle a bit, only to get much better with this third issue, giving surprises, actions and plenty of goodness for fans of Valiant, a universe that is constantly growing.

Unity #2 – Review

by Matt Kindt (Writer), Doug Braithwaite (Artist), Brian Reber (Colorist)

The Story: With the defeat of the Unity squad, Toyo Harada decides to lead an attack on Aric himself, helped by others along the way.

The Review: The opening issue of this title did a lot of things right. It presented every characters, its conflict, its setting in a concise and smart way without relenting in its actions and pacing. There were a few minor tweaks here and there, but for the most part is was quite enjoyable. However, debut issues aren’t everything, as while something may start quite well, it needs to sustain a certain level of quality in order to actually warrant an investment in its story and themes. Does Matt Kindt continue the quality writing that he had established prior?

In some way, he does as Kindt continues with plenty of actions as he raise the stakes of the conflict with Aric of Darcia. Opening with a catastrophe scenario, the issue continues then smartly with the problems made clear and concise as Kindt uses his characters well in most action scenes. Introducing Livewire to new readers as both a continuation of the ongoing narrative of Harbinger and the general Valiant universe, Kindt intelligently puts forth her ability in this issue, resulting in a rather nice sequence in the mainframe of Aric’s spaceship. In terms of tension and rising up the conflict, Kindt does very well here.

Storm Dogs #1 – Review

By: David Hine (writer), Doug Braithwaite (art), Ulises Arreola (colors), Richard Starkings & Jimmy Betancourt (letters)

The Story: Inter-planetary cops show up on a planet to investigate a murder.

Quick review: This isn’t a bad comic, but I doubt it’ll light anyone’s socks on fire either.  It’s actually comics like this one that make one realize what a broad term “science fiction” is.  Alien, Blade Runner and Star Wars are all “science fiction”, but they’re very different types of stories that have different appeals.  One of those is horror, one is crime and the other is a western.  Depending on the type of science fiction you enjoy, you may or may not enjoy this comic somewhat, but I doubt you’ll love it.

The set-up for the comic is pretty simple and something we’ve seen before.  We start out on an alien planet and meet a few of the local miners and local officials.  A murder has occurred and representatives from “the union” are there to investigate.  The planet has indigenous, intelligent life and that means the union investigators are forced to leave some of their high-tech toys behind.  You can probably guess other elements like the locals aren’t very happy to have the union representatives there and the union folks are a little fish-out-of-water without their technology and the aliens are surely involved somehow.

Journey into Mystery #626 – Review

by Kieron Gillen (writer), Doug Braithwaite (pencils), Ulises Arreola & Andy Troy (colors), and Clayton Cowles (letters)

The Story: Loki cuts a deal with the biggest, toughest demon in limbo before seeking the aid of a very shiny resident of Asgard.

What’s Good:  One thing I’ve really appreciated about Kieron Gillen’s Journey into Mystery has been it’s pacing.  Each issue is a full experience, seeing Loki get himself into a scrape, cut a deal with a megapower or two, and achieve an objective.  Each issue then leaves us with a prelude for next month’s issue, showing where Loki’s going to be heading to next.  It’s a really great format that makes each issue comprehensive and satisfying, while also leaving the reader desperately wanting the next installment.  It’s a fine balance, and Gillen rides it well.

Meanwhile, Loki remains as endearing as ever as we once again watch his machinations unfold as he constantly seems one step ahead of the big boys of the Nine Realms.  Gillen makes it easy to see suggestions of how exactly Loki is manipulating the great powers he runs up against, Surtur in this case, yet that the big demon seems unaware of any foul play ends up forging a kind of link between Loki and the reader and makes us all the more attached.  Loki’s escape route was also a really nice touch of comedy and mischief.  Similarly, it’s just so easy to root for Loki as he runs from a vengeful Hel-Wolf or dodges giant demon swords, as the character manages to be crafty and lovable, but also vulnerable.  As witty and smart as Loki is, Gillen is aware of his physical fragility and how most readers will react to a kid in danger.

Meanwhile, Doug Braithwaite is as epic and generally awesome as ever and despite the extra colorist, there’s really not any noticeable difference from previous months.  I remain impressed at how Braithwaite is able to produce detailed, impressive work like this month after month without any delays.

Also, that ending…  Wow.  Just wow.  It’s as though Gillen sat back and thinks to himself each month “how can I make Kid Loki more awesome?”

Journey into Mystery #625 – Review

by Kieron Gillen (writer), Doug Braithwaite (pencils), Ulises Arreola (colors), and Clayton Cowles (letters)

The Story: With war in hell on the horizon, Loki brokers a deal with Mephisto and Hela.

What’s Good:  In case you didn’t know, Kieron Gillen’s Journey into Mystery is among Marvel’s very best books.  It’s witty, charming, funny, dramatic, and epic, just like its lead character.  It’s also remarkably consistent in its quality and so, once again this month, we get a fantastic outing from Kid Loki and friends.  As ever, the little guy oozes charisma and carries the book with ease.  His machinations are a joy to watch, his jokes are consistently funny, and he’s all-around adorable and naturally likable.

This month in particular, it’s really good fun-seeing Loki play the mega-powers off one another, manipulating beings far beyond him in power to suit his ends.  He also does it with such grace and humour that it’s a joy to watch and the dialogue is eloquently written by far, far ever ever being dry.  Loki’s humour is also often edgy in its wit.  One line he delivers in particular to the Tongue of the Serpent really got a laugh out of me.  Gillen’s clearly quite a funny guy, and the humour isn’t just extended to Loki; Hel-Wolf’s grumpy, murderous demeanor is great and there’s a fantastic sight gag Gillen delivers near the end of the issue when Loki, Ikol, and Hel Wolf get beamed to a backyard in New Jersey.

Mephisto, Hela, and new character Leah are all excellently written.  I cannot stop heaping praise on Gillen’s dialogue, which carries this issue.  Mephisto is as slimy as ever (he even gives us the recap page!) and Leah’s playing the straight man to Loki makes me very happy to see her as an addition to the cast.

Journey into Mystery #624 – Review

by Kieron Gillen (writer), Doug Braithwaite (pencils), Ulises Arreola (colors), and Clayton Cowles (letters)

The Story: “Have fun!  Don’t get killed!  I’ll be back soon!”

The Review:  It’s one thing for a series to be capable of putting out awesome issues, but it’s another thing entirely for it to be consistent, and now, in it’s third issue, that’s exactly what Kieron Gillen’s Journey into Mystery is proving itself to be.  Nothing that made the first issue so fresh and generally fantastic has been lost and, in fact, most of what I praised the last two issues for can be applied just as aptly to this month’s work.

Once again, the heart and soul of this series is kid Loki, upon whom Gillen anchors the issue with a near unwavering focus.  That’s a good idea given that kid Loki remains an absolutely charming character who also proves to be one of a kind.  Loki’s voice is incredibly unique; writers often are guilty of writing kids unrealistically, making them too smart-mouthed, witty, or otherwise super-capable.  With Kid Loki, Gillen gets the rare opportunity to get away with this and, in fact, profit from it.  Kid Loki has the innocence and excitement of any child protagonist of a fantasy yarn, but he also has the roguish intelligence and humor of the god of mischief.  Indeed, there’s a constant sense that Loki’s gears are constantly turning and that intellectually, everyone else is two steps behind him.  He’s a bloody smart kid and it’s impossible not to love him for it.  He’s also still capable of creating laughs, particular with the chemistry he shares with his grumpy and generally evil Hel-Wolf companion.

Gillen also gets the chance to write Mephisto again, which he did so wonderfully in his run on Thor.  The big red dude is perfectly slimy and devious and seeing he and Loki chat is a real treat, one that I could’ve read for pages upon pages.  It’s fantastic stuff.  Better still is how kid Loki manages to play Mephisto and Hela off one another, using these two mega-powers as, essentially, pawns.  It’s great fun to read.

Journey into Mystery #623 – Review

by Kieron Gillen (script), Doug Braithwaite (pencils), Ulises Arreola (colors), and Clayton Cowles (letters)

The Story: Loki is faced with decisions as he begins his epic adventure.

The Review:  Well, I can now say that Kieron Gillen’s Journey into Mystery certainly does not fall into “first issue syndrome.”  In other words, the second installment is still awesome.

Much of this is due to the fact that, perhaps even moreso this time around, Gillen really has his main character, kid Loki, all but completely carry the weight of this comic.  That can be a risky move, but thankfully, kid Loki has proven to be an awesome concept that Gillen is executing to perfection.  For starters, he’s absolutely adorable in a way that’s impossible to dislike.  He’s the sort of protagonist that one can’t help but love and root for and is a perfect mix of beyond-his-years wit and intelligence  and childish glee, innocence, and humour.  It’s a fascinating paradox for a child character to carry such a heavy burden while still being, most definitely, a kid at heart.  It also makes for great reading.

But it’s not just in the character-work that Gillen excels; his storytelling and issue structure is also top-notch.  Even portions of the issue that seem like a digression end up being thematically crucial.  For instance, this month, we get a really cool tale about how Loki challenged Thor into taming his fire-breathing goats.  It’s a neat story that doesn’t seem especially relevant until kid Loki tames a mount of his own.  While details from the flashback play a role in how Loki does this, more interesting is the manner in which Loki unconsciously follows the words of his older self to Thor in choosing a ridiculously hard beast to tame.  It’s a neat little narrative circle that is both elegant and subtle.

Gillen also continues to use the rest of the Asgardian cast to good effect.  His Thor remains an excellent big brother figure, a stalwart and unwavering heroic figure that merits Loki’s looking up to him.  Volstagg is similarly well-done; he’s funny and he’s most definitely still Volstagg, but he’s also not the one-note running joke of a character that he’s often reduced to.  In both protecting Loki and messing with him, it’s a relationship that’s quite fun to read.  There’s also a new character introduced in Hel Wolf who looks like he’ll have a wonderful dynamic with Loki as the disgruntled and unwilling ally.

Chaos War: X-Men #1 – Review

By: Louise Simonson & Chris Claremont (writers), Doug Braithwaite (art), Dave Sharpe (letters), Rob Schwager (colors) & Mark Paniccia (editor)

The Story: Some dead X-Men find themselves brought back to life and thrust into the Chaos War.

What’s Good: The art looks very nice.  If you’re not familiar with Doug Braithwaite, he’ll remind you a little of Alex Ross.  He definitely falls into the more realistic school of art and what strikes you most about his linework is how anatomically correct his characters are.  All of the muscles, contours, facial wrinkles, etc. are all as they’d appear on real humans.  Then he combines that with a very nuanced inked shading.  These inks combine with Schwager’s colors to give some pages an almost painted look.  The end result is very nice.

What’s Not So Good: This issue is credited to Claremont, Simonson & Braithwaite without any indication as to who wrote and who handled art duties.  I’m assuming that means that Braithwaite had some input on the story and that one or the other of Claremont and Simonson only helped in the most conceptual manner.  But, it could also be that no one really wanted to take credit for this story because it is not very good.

The general concept of Chaos War is that the Chaos King has destroyed death.  This allows all of the dead to come back to life.  At the same time, the Chaos King has struck down all mortal heroes into a coma of sorts.  So, while the godly characters of the Marvel U are fighting the Chaos King in the main part of the event, some of these back-from-the-dead heroes are trying to do little bits to help here on Earth.  This formula has given us a really good Dead Avengers miniseries and a fun Alpha Flight one-shot.  But, that magic was missing from this issue.

X-Men: Curse of the Mutants – X-Men vs. Vampires #1 – Review

From Husk til Dawn by: James Asmus (writer), Tom Raney (art) & John Rauch (colors)

I’m Gonna Stake You, Sucka by: Christopher Sequieira (writer) & Sana Takeda (art)

Rue Blood by: Peter David (writer), Mick Bertilorenzi (art) & Lee Loughridge (colors)

Survivors by: Rob Williams (writer), Doug Braithwaite (art) & June Chung (colors)

Letters by: Dave Sharpe

The Story: A series of short stories showing various X-Men coming into conflict with vampires.

What’s Good: Anthologies can be a lot of fun.  They give the reader a chance to see short stories centering on characters that are rarely front-and-center in the main X-books (Husk, Dazzler) or give us a chance to explore story ideas that (for whatever reason) were not selected to be the central theme of the main Curse of the Mutants story line.  Anthologies are also a great opportunity to see new writing and art talent playing with characters you love OR a chance to see a big name (Peter David) spend a short amount of time in a different part of the comics world.

This anthology features four short tales.  Two focus on misadventures of Husk and Dazzler and were quite enjoyable because they are both useful characters in their own way.  The Husk story was almost interesting enough that I wouldn’t mind seeing a writer try to use her a little more.

The last two stories in this anthology focus more on the eternal nature of a vampire.  Are they alive?  Do they yearn for the same things that they wanted in life?  Do they still recognize old friends?  If you are remotely interested in the overall vampire mythos, you’ll enjoy these two stories.

And what a variety of art you are exposed to in this book: Everything from Doug Braithwaite’s very realistic style, to Sana Takeda’s fuzzy realism to Mick Bertilorenzi’s more cartoony characters.  All of the art is solid in this issue.

Thor #612 – Review

by Kieron Gillen (writer), Doug Braithwaite (pencils), John Rauch & Andy Troy (colors), and Joe Sabino (letters)

The Story: Thor and Tyr rush to the rescue as the Disir lay siege to Hela.

What’s Good: In heading to hell to battle zombie valkyrie, Kieron Gillen’s Thor has managed to regain its identity, distancing itself from Siege and giving a story and atmosphere directly opposite to the big event storytelling of earlier this year.  The result is a comic that is entirely unique from anything else currently being released by Marvel and, for a book like Thor, that’s a very, very good thing.  It’s a natural move for Thor to fully indulge itself as a book based in mythology.  Having a sword and sorcery adventure in hell just feels right, offering a fantasy yarn in a medium often more influenced by science fiction.

While I love the tone and the setting, what sets this issue far above last month’s is the character-work.  Take the Disir, for example.  Gillen has already made them into a credible threat and continues to do the same this month, fashioning them as Asgardian bogeymen who are nigh-on invulnerable.  What makes them more compelling, however, is that this month Gillen makes one among their number, Gondul, not only lack confidence but actually be fearful of Thor, constantly predicting the failure of the Disir’s plans and their inevitable doom.  This added a refreshing layer to villains that would otherwise risk becoming the typical, cackling, overconfident sort.

Thor #610 – Review

by Kieron Gillen (writer), Doug Braithwaite (art), Andy Troy, Doug Braithwaite, & Paul Mounts (colors), and Joe Sabino (letters)

The Story: The heroes of Asgard come to grips with Siege’s aftermath, while Thor concludes his unfinished business with his clone.

What’s Good: This issue of Thor does what needs to be done in positioning the series, and the Asgardian status quo, moving into the Heroic Age as a time of rebuilding.   I like where this series is going.  Partly, it’s because not everything is being reversed; for instance, I like the fact that Balder is going to remain king.

Then there’s Kelda, who’s left in a very interesting position after this month’s issue.  This is most particularly due to the painfully “sort of, but not quite” return of a much beloved character.  Just seeing this character in an issue of Thor that isn’t a flashback was a heartwarming moment that’ll fill any reader with a desperate kind of hope.

I’m also pleased that Thor’s clone is dealt with.  This is a piece of history that needs dealing with and this resolution is perfectly timed by Gillen.  The character is a clear representation of Civil War and the past and thus, having this character dealt with is a symbolic step forward, away from the past and into a fresher, brighter new era.

Thor: God-Size Special #1 – Review

By Matt Fraction (writer) Doug Braithwaite (art) Dan Brereton (art) Mike Allred (art) Andy Troy (color) Laura Allred (color) Frank D’armata (Color)

The Story: After realizing that their collective memories of their former compatriot Skurge the Executioner have been manipulated, Thor, Balder and Loki travel the nine worlds to uncover who or what is behind this treachery. After a run in with Hela, the Mistress of the Dead, and battles with a horde of dark elves and a grumpy storm giant, the team finally learns who’s behind their maligned memories. But they quickly realize that not just their memories are at stake, but rather the fate of all creation.

What’s Good: Well, I’ve been sitting here for a few minutes thinking and flipping through this comic to recall or find something that I thought was good and nothing is really surfacing. The beginning and the end of this comic that deals with the fate of Skurge are the best parts of this read. Matt Fraction does a good job of painting him as a tragic hero. But this is only about eight pages of this oversize issue, which brings me to….

What’s Not So Good: This one-shot suffers from relying on strong characterization, rather than an actual good story when the former relies on the latter. The retelling of Asgardian family dynamics while Thor and his siblings  fight enemies that seem to come from nowhere and have no connection to the task at hand is tedious and boring. Fraction’s characterizations come off as pretentious and drain any sense of adventure that might arise in this story.

The idea of bringing in different artists to tell different parts of this story is novel, but doesn’t really bring anything to the over all tale. Sure, there are some pretty panels, but not pretty enough to save this comic.

Concussion: I’ve enjoyed all of Fraction’s Thor one-shots save this one. There’s too much back story and retelling of Asgardian personalities and not enough action and adventure. In the previous one-shots we were shown something novel about Thor’s persona, like his rebelliousness for example. But here we’re just treated to Thor the cliche, rendered by different artists.  Pass on this one.

Grade: D+

-Rob G.

Secret Invasion: Thor #3 – Review

By Matt Fraction (Writer), Doug Braithwaite (Artist), and Brian Reber (Color Art)

The Story: With the baby safely delivered as promised, Dr. Donald Blake returns to Asgard to find a Super-Skrull on the rampage. Blake soon touches the hammer and the Skrulls quickly find themselves on the defensive as Thor teams with Beta Ray Bill as they fight to restore peace to Asgard.

What’s Good: The conclusion to Thor’s Secret Invasion story proves that there is still a little bit of life left in the tired tie-in formula. The whole book aims for an epic feel and absolutely nails it. Matt Fraction’s writing gives the battle some much needed narrative weight, while Doug Braithwaite’s visuals (with color work by Brian Reber) prove to be a perfect compliment.

What’s Not So Good: For those that are completely sick of the Secret Invasion, there is little chance that this book is going to change any minds. It follows a fairly familiar formula and has very little impact on the larger scheme of things.

Conclusion: Secret Invasion: Thor #3 is pretty much everything you might expect from the title alone. That said, it proves to amount to more than the sum of it’s parts, thanks to the writing and artwork. It works for me, but it is far from essential.

Grade: B

-Kyle Posluszny

Secret Invasion: Thor #2 – Review

By Matt Fraction (Writer), Doug Braithwaite (Artist), and Brian Reber (Color Art)

I have to admit, this issue is a bit disappointing since it fails to hold up to the potential promised in the first chapter. Yes, we get battle sequences between the Super-Skrulls and the Asgardians, and yes we’re treated to well written narration during the sequences, but I can’t help but feel that some of the dialogue seems somewhat forced. A lot of the words from characters are either random battle cries, or awesomely bad memorable lines like, “show them mercy at the end of your blades!” With phrases like, I’d rather have everyone in this book with their mouths shut. But we don’t get that, instead we can only enjoy the little action that this book offers.

The battle scenes in this issue are good enough to pick up much of the slack. It is just too bad that they only take up about half the issue. Most of the “civilian stuff” focuses on Don delivering the baby. I understand what the birth is supposed to mean for the story, and I understand how Don’s tension of where he should be adds to the element of suspense. But was it really necessary to dedicate a big chunk of the issue to Don delivering a baby? Likewise, we get a good side-story showing the courage and heroics of three townsfolk as they decide to go help the Asgardians. But I’m left wondering “what was the point?” when they arrive, discovering that there is nothing they can do, and leave.

As for the art, Doug Braithwaite does an excellent job of conveying the violence and action in the all-out-battle, up until the “big baddie” shows up. I’ve quite enjoyed Braithwaite’s work, but the female Super-Skrull he presents is just plain ridiculous. His sorry-looking villain fails miserably, looking like a joke rather than the ultimate villain.

However, despite these flaws, this issue really wasn’t that bad. With the story entertaining enough, the issue just seemed a little too stretched out, with too much going on and not enough focus on the moments that matter. Despite all that, I’m still left excited, as the final page really looks to set up a great conclusion. If this is true, the strong first and last parts will certainly make up for a little weakness for this middle. (Grade: B)

-M. Staples

Secret Invasion: Thor #1 – Review

By Matt Fraction (Writer), Doug Braithwaite (Penciler), and Paul Mounts (Colorist)

So far, the Secret Invasion tie-ins have been fairly entertaining, but none of them come close to rivaling what is occurring in the main title. If this first issue is any indication, Secret Invasion: Thor may be the best non-core series to come out yet. It begins with the return of Beta Ray Bill. The Skrulls capture and study him, and then send him to Asgard as a harbinger of their imminent attack. As Thor prepares his people for war, Loki, even in this desperate time, is already spreading her seeds of discord. Soon, even the Asgardians are asking “who do you trust?” Now, this could actually be because Loki is a Skrull (after all, she has changed much since the rebirth), but I highly doubt that J. Michael Straczynski is planning to work it in to his Thor ongoing, so it is more likely that she is being her usual master of deceit.

Of course, what I am looking forward to most, is the upcoming Skrull-Asgard battle that opens in the closing panel of this issue. Is it just me, or is it going to be insanely awesome watching Norse gods armed with magical weapons taking on green-skinned aliens armed with blasters and powers of their own? If his Invincible Iron Man hasn’t convinced you yet, than Secret Invasion: Thor will serve as further proof that Matt Fraction is a master story teller. He deals with the Secret Invasion’s theme of mistrust, as well as the happenings of Asgard extremely well. While other Secret Invasion tie-ins such as Fantastic Four and X-Men aren’t nearly as enjoyable as their main titles, the story in Secret Invasion: Thor #1 stands level with any other issue in the Thor series. I absolutely love JMS’ current tale, and will probably cry the day he leaves the title, but Matt Fraction will be a more than adequate replacement when that day comes, and he gets my vote to take the helm.

As for the art, the Doug Braithwaite’s penciling is fairly well done; at least there is certainly nothing to complain about. No, the art complaints in this issue come from the inks and colors. The complaint about inks is simple: there are none. Granted, Braithwaite does some great work, he is in severe need of inks – almost everything looks way too sketchy. Likewise, most of Paul Mounts’ colors are way too muted. The colors don’t necessarily need to be eye-poppingly vibrant (indeed, that may have harmed the issue), but they needn’t be so dull either. So while this may have a great story, the art could use a bit of improvement. Nonetheless, I definitely think this deserves a buy, especially if you are reading Secret Invasion or Thor. (Grade: A-)

-M. Staples