The Twelve #4 (of 12) – Review

By J. Michael Straczynski (writer), Chris Weston (pencils), Garry Leach (inks), Chris Chuckry (colors)

I’ll be keeping this review short, as my original draft was lost when my computer unexpectedly shut down. In a nutshell, The Twelve #4 is another fantastic issue by J. Michael Straczynski and Chris Weston. I wasn’t blown away by this issue like the previous, but that’s only because the “new-ness” of the series has finally worn off. But don’t take that, by any means, as a slight towards the issue. The momentum started by Straczynski continues with the first ramifications (of many, I’m sure) hitting the team.

Laughing Mask gets his guns confiscated when the police show up looking for evidence of the robbery he brutally stopped. Black Widow’s “sacrifice” or murder (seen last issue), may also come back to bite her in the butt as well. We also get more character development as Rockman delves into his own backstory. It feels completely like golden age pulp, but at the same time it’s fascinating. The concept is so much fun that I’d pay to see a Rockman solo book someday, and how his history fits into the Marvel Universe.

Dyanamic Man also makes a return. I can’t decide which version of this character is more interesting. The racist, almost Nazi poster boy version portrayed by this series or the visionary and robotic utopian builder portrayed in Project Superpowers. I find it interesting that both Straczynski and Jim Krueger decided to make their versions unlikeable. But Straczynski probably gets the edge by giving his version of Dynamic Man more complexities.

If you’ve been following this series, then you’ll find yourself completely immersed in another mature and engrossing installment. This is the best team book Marvel’s got going right now. And Chris Weston’s art is stunning. (Grade: A)

Project Superpowers #1 – Review

By Alex Ross (plot, art direction), Jim Krueger (writer), Carlos Paul (art), Debora Carita (colors)

Project Superpowers #0 was one of those books that came out of left field and surprised me. It was full of old Golden Age characters, a fantastic plot, and excellent art. Plus, is was only $1.00. If you haven’t picked up issue #0, I highly suggest hitting up your local comic store immediately. It’s such a treat.

With the foundation for the series laid down, issue #1 wastes no time getting the reader involved in the Fighting Yank’s quest. With his age catching up to him, Yank searches out the Green Lama in hopes of getting assistance with the Urn of Pandora’s retrieval. When he finds him, he’s surprised to see that he’s not aged in the 50 years they’ve been apart. Green Lama gives a sound explanation for this youthfulness and the two head to New York.

In New York, Dynamic Man sits atop a high skyscraper, admiring his handiwork. Clearly deluded, he claims credit for the progressions of society. When Fighting Yank and Green Lama come to visit, they pompously ridicules them, secretly knowing why they’ve arrived. He gives them them exactly what they seek, plus a little more than they bargained for. The only thing that bothered me is how the Black Terror, freed from his prison, seems a little more cheesy than seriously upset.

Krueger is careful not to introduce too many characters at once this issue. Because of this, we really get a grasp on what drives Dynamic Man and Green Lama. We’re also given a small dossier at the end of the issue giving us a little character history. Carlos Paul, working off of Alex Ross’ breakdowns produces some excellent. While this issue’s story is no where near as “epic” as last issue, it’s entertaining, nonetheless. I’m not *dying* to read the next issue, but I am satisfied with what I got out of this one. (Grade: B-)

– J. Montes