Weekly Comic Book Review’s Top Picks

Ray’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week – Superman: World of New Krypton #3
Most Anticipated for this Week – Green Lantern Corp. #36
Other Top Picks for this Week – Young Liars #15 and Action Comics #877

Kyle’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week – Exiles #2
Most Anticipated for this Week – Secret Warriors #4/Unwritten #1 (Tie)
Other Top Picks for this Week – Umbrella Academy #6, The Walking Dead #61, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz #6, Captain Britain & MI:13 #13, and Fusion #1

Rob’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week – Irredeemable #2
Most Anticipated for this Week – Battlestar Galactica: Final Five #2
Other Top Picks for this Week – Ultimate Spider-Man #132, Dark Tower: The Fall of Gilead #1, Green Lantern Corps #36, War of Kings: Ascension #2, Secret Warriors #4, The Walking Dead #61,and Unwritten #1

Alex’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week – Shrapnel #5
Most anticipated for this Week – Secret Warriors #4
Other Top Picks for this Week – Unwritten #1, The Sword #18, The Green Lantern Corps. #36, The Walking Dead #61, Fables #84,

Irredeemable # 2 – Review

By Mark Waid (writer), Peter Krause (pencils, inks), and Andrew Dalhouse (colors)

The Story: Irredeemable is a comic about a Superman, name the Plutonian, going postal. In this issue we learn more about the Plutonian’s life and some light is shed on the events, which could’ve turned him into the mass-murderer. There is also heavy character development of the other heroes that populate the Irredeemable Universe.

What’s Good: I love when literature, and especially when comics, tell us something about our culture and ourselves. The best is when these insights come from good and natural story telling, rather than artificial plot devices and preachy, ranting dialogue.  In Irredeemable, by Mark Waid plucking silver-age Superman, in all his innocence and fluff, and placing him into our present society, he has succeeded in concocting and interesting and entertaining comic that also sheds light on who we are.

I’m not saying that Waid is revealing deep and novel observations in this book that will help you become a better person or help change our world. Rather, its the juxtaposition of an iconic cliché’, i.e. the Plutonian (or Superman), and the pragmatic or “real” world that produces an archetype of human nature.

For example, this issue focuses on the Plutonian’s self-revelation of his secret identity to his lover. Rather than the results being the typical Louis Lane “I’ve really always loved Clark Kent as well as Superman” formulaic response, we see something more natural and truthful. Instead of seeing loyalty, honor, and trust from the Plutonian’s girlfriend and his coworkers, we witness selfishness, confusion, and stupidity.

I was much more impressed with the art this issue than last. The Peter Krause really seems to capture the moment and the tone that Waid is going for. The character designs are basic yet effective and there is a really vibrant world created in these pages.

What’s Not So Good: I’m not sure if this is a fair complaint, but this issue goes by too fast. I’m not sure if it is the pacing or lack of pages, but this comic zooms by. Another small gripe is the beginning scenes with the Plutonian and another hero. The dialogue seem forced and I think that Waid was trying to show that the Plutonian was a great guy before he went bad, but because of the contrived tone of the dialogue, he came off creepy and odd.

Conclusion: Irredeemable has quickly become one of my favorite reads. There is a ton to like here. Each issue, because of the theme of the series, carries a sense of importance and drama not typically found in comics. I am really interested to find out more about both the Plutonian and the supporting cast. Highly recommended!

Grade: A-

-Rob G.