Witchblade Annual – Review

Some Thoughts Before The Review: I’ve been a fan of Witchblade for a long time. It’s surprising that the annual is the first one the series has ever had. It’ll be interesting to see what one of my favorite writers, Jay Faerber, does with one of my favorite characters.

“If Looks Could Kill” – Jay Faerber (Writer), Eric Basaldua (Pencils), Rick Basaldua (Inks), Dulce Brassea & Alix Minjarez (Ink Assists), and John Starr (Colors)

The Story: A beautiful woman commits murder and then has no recollection of the event. As it turns out, she’s not the only one suffering from a case of the murder and amnesia combo. The only thing the ladies have in common is that they all had work done by the same respected plastic surgeon. Coincidence? Sara Pezzini doesn’t think so.

What’s Good and What’s Not So Good: The first story in the Witchblade Annual, “If Looks Could Kill” is a classic Witchblade story in every way. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is something that I’d rather leave up to you, the reader, to decide. If you miss the days when Witchblade was a T and A fest with some action and supernatural mystery thrown in, then you’ll definitely find a lot to like about the first part of the Annual. If you prefer how Witchblade is now, a cop story/supernatural epic that stays in touch with it’s roots thanks to a small side of T and A, then you will probably find “If Looks Could Kill” to be pretty basic (and probably somewhat obnoxious).

Personally, I prefer how Witchblade is now as opposed to how it used to be. That said, I have to give credit where it is due. “If Looks Could Kill” is definitely a success on a technical level. The writing is sharp and the visuals do a nice job of taking advantage of the story being told (even if the all supermodels populating the story do look a bit inconsistent and interchangeable).

“Ned” – Joshua Cozine & Joe Henderson (Writers), Sheldon Mitchell (Pencils), Rick Basaldua (Inks), Dulce Brassea & Alix Minjarez (Ink Assists), and Blond (Colors)

The Story: Number thirteen, that’s how Ned is known in the prison he has been sent to. Why number thirteen? Because Ned is the thirteenth cellmate Mr. Ian Nottingham has had. But all is not as it seems with the timid Ned…

What’s Good and What’s Not So Good: “Ned” is an odd story, especially in comparison to “If Looks Could Kill.” The first story works as a standalone read, but “Ned” seems to be all about laying the groundwork for future Witchblade stories. Longtime readers will no doubt recognize the name “Nottingham” and all the rest will no doubt be intrigued by the introduction of the mysterious inmate Ned. So, I guess what I’m trying to say is that “Ned” is an interesting read that features some compelling dialogue and sufficiently moody artwork, but it seems like the story would be better suited as a backup story in a regular issue of Witchblade as opposed to the Annual.

Conclusion: The first Witchblade Annual presents two very different, though quite decent stories in a way that should please both new and longtime fans. I recommend checking it out if you like Witchblade or have wanted to give it a try.

Grade: B

-Kyle Posluszny

Dynamo 5 #18 – Review

By Jay Faerber (Writer), Mahmud A. Asrar (Art), Marcio Takara (Art), and Ron Riley (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: While I found the last issue of Dynamo 5 to be enjoyable, it really didn’t amount to a whole lot. As with the other hit or miss chapters of the third story arc, the character work was strong, but the overarching plot seemed to be moving at a snail’s pace. With that in mind, I came into Dynamo 5 #18, hoping that the series could regain some of the momentum that made me enjoy the first two trades so much.

The Story: A team of super-villains targets the “new” Dynamo 5 team in an effort to destroy Tower City’s last line of defense. During the ensuing battle, the mysterious Vigil’s identity is revealed. Meanwhile, a disappointed Maddie Warner looks to re-establish herself as the guiding force behind Captain Dynamo’s children so that Tower City can be protected.

What’s Good: I am usually against splitting up art duty for a standard-sized issue, but Mahmud A. Asrar and Marcio Takara (with Ron Riley’s help) do a pretty good job making the book look consistent and visually entertaining. Takara’s cartoony style isn’t quite as impressive as Asrar’s more detailed work, but it does a nice job of filling in the dynamic action sequences. As for the story, it sets up the arc’s conclusion well while bringing a slightly darker edge to the series.

What’s Not So Good: While it is good to see the series finally getting back on track, I can’t help but feel disappointed with how fast and predictably the issue reads. The whole thing just feels like a very standard “heroes being overwhelmed” story that offers few surprises and very little plot advancement. Also, while I suppose the Vigil reveal is something of note, I am fairly certain every Dynamo 5 fan saw it coming months ago.

Conclusion: Dynamo 5 #18 is a solid chapter in a good series, but not exactly the shot in the arm I was hoping for. Most of you will be better off just reading this arc as a trade because, quite simply, too little happens from issue to issue.

Grade: C

-Kyle Posluszny

Dynamo 5 #17 – Review

By Jay Faerber (Writer), Mahmud A. Asrar (Artist), and Ron Riley (Colors)

The Story: Scatterbrain enters Maddie Warner’s unconscious as she lies comatose as a result of the attack she suffered at the hands of Brains, a Tower City super-villain. By exploring and confronting the past, Maddie gains new insight into the decisions she made that lead to the relationship she had with Captain Dynamo.

What’s Good: Jay Faerber’s character work in this issue is fantastic as it features some surprisingly poignant dialogue. It is Faerber doing what he does best for an entire issue and that, my friends, is a good thing. The rich characterization is made even better thanks to some strong artwork highlighting Maddie’s past and Scatterbrain’s mental projection. Also, as a stand-alone story, the issue works well within the larger scheme of things by adding depth to the two characters that (I believe) have needed it the most.

What’s Not So Good: That this feels like every bit the filler story it is supposed to be. It seems like most of what is presented here could have been broken up between the last few issues instead of having an entire issue devoted to it. I love the character work here, but as far as the overall plot goes, it didn’t really advance it in any significant way. With the price of comic books these days it hurts to spend money on something that seems to go nowhere.

Conclusion: It is possible to skip this one without missing anything but some great character work. Far from essential to the plot and lacking action, pick this one up only if you have some spare cash after grabbing everything else from the week.

Grade: C-

-Kyle Posluszny

Dynamo 5 #16 – Review

By Jay Faerber (Writer), Mahmud A. Asrar (Art), and Ron Riley (Colors)

I got hooked on the Dynamo 5 series by reading the first two trades. Realizing I couldn’t possibly wait months for the next book, I started hunting for the individual issues. Now, a few months later, I have come to the realization that Dynamo 5 is simply better read as a trade.

First off, let me just say that there is nothing technically wrong with the latest issue of Dynamo 5. The “new” team is entertaining, the artwork is fantastic, and the always reliable Jay Faerber continues to write impressively well-rounded characters. The problem is that when considered alongside the last few installments, it becomes apparent that very little has actually happened since the team disbanded months ago. Tower City is still a mess, the Dynamo kids are still at odds with one another, and I find myself wondering if maybe the creators are beginning to run out of steam. While I have no doubt that the team will eventually get back together, I am beginning to wonder if I’ll even care at that point. Sure, there are a few plot threads that continue to hold my interest, but currently the story is severely lacking momentum.

If you have been buying the series as it comes out, as I have, you might just want to pick this one up as well. It is a fun read and actually moves the plot forward a little bit (not enough, but still…). All others would be better off just waiting till this arc is collected into one book. I have a feeling it will be much more entertaining that way. (Grade: C)

-Kyle Posluszny

Dynamo 5 #15 – Review

By Jay Faerber (Writer), Mahmoud Asrar (Art), and Ron Riley (Colors)

This latest chapter of Dynamo 5 is a bit difficult to review. It hits all the right notes that makes me a fan of the series while at the same time leaving me disappointed by the direction the story seems to be taking. I have a feeling that I would have gotten more out of this one had I been more into the Jay Faerber’s superhero universe.

Picking up where things left off last month, the latest Dynamo 5 is all about the action. The bulk of the issue follows Scrap and the mysterious heroine Vigil as they work to control the chaos that has enveloped Tower City since the team disbanded. There is a short segment featuring a confrontation between Scatterbrain and Visionary, but, in all honesty, it feels tacked on just to break up the action scenes.

As is the norm, the writing is sharp and the artwork is a treat. Faerber’s writing takes a bit of a back seat due to the constant action, but he still manages to do what he does best. The dynamic between Scrap and Vigil is a lot of fun to read, though I wish the scene at the football game had been saved for another issue. Visually, I really don’t have any complaints, though it surprised me how much fan-service Asrar provides (not that I mind!). The costumes of the female characters aren’t exactly subtle in this series, but it seems as though this issue is more heavy on the sexuality than normal. Also, props to Ron Riley for his fantastic color work. Everything really jumps off the page.

I’ll openly admit that I was late to the Dynamo 5 party, but am I ever glad I decided to show up. While I am a bit disappointed with where things may be headed, this is still one of the best reads out there. Jay Faerber’s story about the illegitimate children of Captain Dynamo is a great combination of clever writing, slick art, and lots of heart. The characters have depth, the action is well done, and the concept alone is worth the price of admission. If you haven’t been reading it, do yourself a favor and pick up the two trades so you can see what all the fuss is about. (Grade B-)

-Kyle Posluszny

Pilot Season: Urban Myths #1 – Review

Jay Faerber (Writer) and Jorge Molina (Art)

When I saw the Pilot Season schedule, I couldn’t help but feel that Top Cow saved the two titles with the most potential, Urban Myths and The Core, for last. Jay Faerber, author of Urban Myths, and Jonathan Hickman, author of The Core, are personal favorites of mine and I have been looking forward to their contributions to the Pilot Season for quite some time.

Let me start by saying that one of the greatest compliments I can give an author and artist is that their book tells a fantastic, visually impressive stand-alone story that leaves me wanting more. Urban Myths is that type of book, a perfect blend of great writing and unique, vibrant artwork. Jay Faerber and Jorge Molina have truly created something special and it will be a shame if this series isn’t given a chance to continue.

Urban Myths tells a fairly simple story about a private detective, Jack Kaklamanis, and his search for a missing girl. What makes the story stand out is that it takes place in a very modern world where Greek mythology is literally a part of everyday life. You see, Jack Kaklamanis is usually known by another name, Jack Medusa, because of two traits, snakes for hair and a gaze of stone, that he inherited from his mother’s bloodline. The story opens a few days into Jack’s investigation as he finds himself on the receiving end of a beating by two cyclopian thugs trying to kidnap a girl, but not the one he is looking for. He dispatches the two would be kidnappers using one of the traits his mother gave him and heads home for the night. Talking to his blind father gives Jack an idea and soon he realizes that he has a solid lead on where the girl may be. I won’t reveal what happens from that point on, but I will say that the surprisingly touching story makes great use of a number of aspects of Greek mythology.

As far as the writing goes, Jay Faerber really knocks this one out of the park. He takes a simple story and turns it into something memorable thanks to great main character, a strong supporting cast, some humorous dialogue, and an unexpected amount of heart. Jack Medusa is already in my mind as one of my favorite comic characters of all time, so here’s to hoping that he is the star of an ongoing series in the near future. Mr. Faerber could have easily just thrown together a bunch of cool scenarios about what might happen if mythological creatures coexisted with us today and I probably would have been fairly happy just based on the concept alone. But instead, he chose to tell a small, intimate story about a detective looking to do what’s necessary to find a runaway girl and the book is infinitely better because of it. Stellar work all around by Jay Faebrer.

The artwork by Jorge Molina deserves just as much praise as the writing. Molina truly brings Faerber’s world and story to life with an incredibly unique, distinct, and cohesive visual style. The character design is top-notch, the color work is some of the best I’ve seen, and everything is extremely well directed. I have absolutely no complaints about this book from a visual standpoint, though I will say that the style may not appeal to some.

I flat out love Urban Myths and hope that I get to see more of Jack Medusa and company sooner than later. Make sure to vote for this one when polls open in August at www.myspace.com/pilotseason so that it can be greenlit for a full run. (Grade A+)

– Kyle Posluszny

Dynamo 5 #11 – Review

By Jay Faerber (writer), Mahmud A. Asrar (artist), Ron Riley (colors)

How long has it been since we’ve had an issue of Dynamo 5? Because it feels like it’s been months! In fact, it’s been so long that I’ve completely forgotten who the characters were and what they did. Thankfully, Jay Faerber supplied a small synopsis at the beginning and gave the characters just enough expository dialogue to get me back on track. Still, if delays like this continue to plague this book, I’m going to drop it and just wait for the trades.

Anyway, to recap, Slingshot’s father has been captured by a bunch of bad guys who want her to do some dirty work. In exchange, they’ll release her dad and that’ll be that. Maddie refuses to let Slingshot go causing the her and the rest of the team to almost come to blows with their adopted mother. And so, for the first time, the team is on its own, without guidance or a watchful tactician. Luckily, they successfully rescue Slingshot’s father but it’s not without horrible consequences. The ramifications of this incident, will, I’m sure, come back to bite the kids in the butt.

While the kids are out on their mission, Maddie’s underwater stronghold is infiltrated by Widowmaker (the woman who killed Captain Dynamo) and her newly formed gang. Apparently, she has some unfinished business, with intentions to kill the rest of the Captain’s offspring. With no one around to defend Maddie or Visionary’s mother, the gang takes control of the base, setting a trap to kill the Dynamo 5 upon their return.

Faeber delivers another solid issue and sets up an interesting plot that’ll most likely plague the kids in the future. This newly freed villain with “death touch” like powers is a fascinating character, and I’m very much interested to see how he plays into this story down the line. The surprise turnabout of Visionary’s mother was unexpected, but in a way, realistic. Mahmud Asrar brings his usual repetoire of excellent pencil work to the book. There’s no hard hitting double-page splashes to be found, but his interpretation of Faeber’s script makes for a lot of eye candy (especially Scrap). Mahmud, if you’re reading this, I intend to get a sketch from you someday! The good fun continues, but the lateness is making this book lose some of its luster. (Grade: B)

– J. Montes