C2E2 Report: Different Perspectives – An Interview with Russell Dauterman

Some of you may not have heard of Russell Dauterman yet, but that’s likely about to change. Dauterman was the artist on the excellent Supurbia, closed out the last two issues of Kyle Higgins’ Nightwing run with a bang, and is now going to be launching the new Cyclops title for Marvel.

Russell has a unique and beautiful style and such a wonderful love for the material that I knew I had to talk to him and, thankfully, he was gracious enough to give us a bit of his time this past weekend at C2E2. Join me as we discuss character, representation, and working in the industry.

X-Men #6 – Review

Brian Wood (Writer), David Lopez, Cam Smith, Terry Pallot (Artists), Laura Martin, Matt Milla (Colorists)

The Story: The real X-Men from the future warns the current X-Men about the other mutants from the future as some mutants from the present fights the impostor.

The Review: One of the major problems of huge crossovers is the incorporation of the major themes in the ongoing books touched by the bigger story. When themes which aren’t necessarily touched upon or characters who aren’t always featured appears in a book, it can sometimes kill the pacing or the subplots that drive it forward. It’s an evil that doesn’t seem that necessary in some case, which makes it all the more disappointing when it occurs in the worst of ways.

It’s a mixed blessing then that Brian Wood is really able to use some of the characters and themes brought by Battle of the Atom to his own ongoing in a way that surprises, but also make sense. Despite the whole time-travelling characters being pushed in this book, Wood is successful in moving forward both his own plot as well as the larger one of the crossover.

X-Men #1 – Review

By: Brian Wood (Writer), Olivier Coipel (Penciler), Mark Morales and Olivier Coipel (Inkers), Laura Martin (Colorist), VC’s Joe Caramagna (Letterer)

The Review: As the old saying goes the female of the species is more deadly than the male, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to Marvel’s mutant community. While it’s often down to the guys to cause the conflicts and draw the battle lines, it’s usually the girls’ power sets that prove more decisive in a fight. Jean Grey’s daunting telekinesis, Storm’s mastery  of the weather, Emma Frost’s diamond form/psionic powerhouse double-dip…they’re hardly what you’d call a bunch of shrinking violets. Which is perhaps why the X-franchise is best placed to launch a title whose core team is comprised solely of women; there’s so many great, well-established female characters to choose from. The real challenge though was for Brian Wood to make this book about more than just gender politics, to make it great read for either sex by concentrating first on just making it a great comic book. On that front it’s most definitely a case of mission accomplished.

X-23 #10 – Review

By: Marjorie Liu (writer), Sana Takeda (art), Jody Leheup (assistant editor), Jeanine Schaefer (editor)

The Story: Laura’s having a hard time absorbing some of the things she’s discovered about her past. She starts cutting herself, as useful as that can be for someone with her powers, but it certainly points dramatically to her pain and inner conflict. Then Wolverine and Jubillee arrive, each carrying a mirror of a kind for Laura to see herself in.

What’s Good: I was blown away by Takeda’s art. I’d only seen it before in Ms. Marvel and it hadn’t seemed to me to be the right fit for him. But here, the dreamy, ethereal tone of his art works absolutely perfectly for the cutting scene with its slow-mo water clock of a dripping faucet. The color combinations he picks are stark and dramatic, and the mistiness that suffuses his environments makes the reality of his foregrounded characters that much stronger. Laura’s eyes throughout are haunted, despite the foil she has in Gambit, who seeks to pull her free of what she’s found out about herself. The action moments, juxtaposed so neatly with moments of zen-quiet are shockingly clear and violent, revealing a conflicted soul, at once in action and reaction.

The writing was subtle, in that Liu wisely gave stage directions to her artist and let his powerful art tell the story she wanted. Where the story absolutely needed dialogue, she wrote what she needed and not a letter more. This was very tight writing. Wolverine’s appearance, while triggering my cliché-meter, actually surprised me by strengthening the story. I feel that Marvel is throwing a few popular characters into pretty much every book to shore up weaker-selling titles (see his lackluster appearance in Avengers #13 this week). That wasn’t the case here. Wolverine totally needed to be part of this issue, as did Jubilee. Wolverine, in many obvious senses, has been where Laura has been, and his wisdom, so far from the superficial uses writers seem to make of him, was touching and powerful. I bought what he was selling to Laura and the Remi. And Liu surprised me with the ending.

Wolverine #8 – Review

By Jason Aaron (script), Daniel Acuna (art), and Cory Petit (letters)

The Story: The girls get some much-needed back-up in the battle for Logan’s mind, as Dr. Nemesis and Cyclops get ready to pull the trigger.

The Review:  Celebrate!  The interminable possessed Wolverine/hell/demon stuff is over!  That alone made me enthusiastic, as this story has felt endless.  Worse still, by Jason Aaron’s standards, this arc has been “just ok,” particularly when compared to some of the ripping stuff he wrote in Weapon X.  Not only does the arc end, but it ends in a fashion that promises bloodshed and violence, as Wolverine is left very, very pissed and entirely dedicated to revenge.  Now THAT’S a Wolverine story I can get behind!

But back to this issue.  Much like the rest of these demon-related comics, while not spectacular, it’s not bad either.  Indeed, Aaron has some fun with the X-characters he brings in for cameos this month.  In particular, Dr. Nemesis and Fantomex shine with Aaron having a firm grip on both characters.  The good doctor is as much of a dick as ever, while Fantomex is his usual fun self.  It’s clear that Aaron quite likes writing these characters.

However, while humor works well here, in other places, that isn’t the case.  Given how grave this arc is, Aaron’s insertion of some comedy in the girls’ exploring the hidden corners of Logan’s mind (Emma finds his “sexual fantasies”) is jarring and terribly out of place.  Oddly paced, it feels very awkward

Though he never does or says anything earth-shattering, Aaron also does good work with Nightcrawler.  It’s a shame that Aaron’s entered the X-verse at a time where Kurt is dead, because it’s clear that Aaron not only likes the character, but has a good ear for him as well.  Aaron’s Kurt is incredibly likable and, even when he’s only in a comic for fleeting moments, it’s instantly clear why the character has the fanbase that he does.  I truly wish he was a live, if only so that Aaron could use him more.  Kurt’s really been a highlight the past couple of issues, with Aaron using the character very well.  In fact, I just wish this issue was longer so that we could see more of him.  Better still, I love how Aaron continues to suggest that while the other characters in Logan’s mind are parts of Logan, Kurt may very well be the real Kurt, back from the dead.  The ambiguity is excellent.

Quick Hit Reviews Week of Feb. 16, 2011

Some weeks it is just insane how many comics get published.  Despite the intrepid efforts of our writing staff here at WCBR, we simply can’t do a full review of every comic.  Thus, we bring you the quick-hit reviews where we say a few words about some comics that were pretty darn good and some others that are not so much…

Silver Surfer #1 – The story here is pretty good stuff.  It isn’t the best story ever regarding the Surfer, but a very solid story involving Earthly affairs with a surprising guest starring role from the High Evolutionary.  This action seems to dovetail with the High Evolutionary story occurring in the Iron Man – Thor miniseries from Abnett & Lanning.  What really puts this issue over the top is the art.  Stephen Segovia and Victor Olazaba do an awesome job drawing and inking (especially inking) the Surfer and Wil Quintana contributes great cosmic colors.  I am trying to pare down my “non-essential” Marvel titles, but this display of art will probably have me sticking around.  Grade: A-  — Dean Stell

Wolverine & Jubilee #2 – This is a great series so far that casts Wolverine in his best role: as mentor to a younger hero.  Not only is this my favorite role for Wolverine, but it has always been the best way to bring new members into the X-universe.  Jubilee isn’t new, but she is in a new “role” as she adapts to her vampiric powers (which we learn more about in this issue).  Kathryn Immonen even works in some very funny bits such as Wolverine’s revelation that one can apparently get one’s tongue stuck to Colossus if it is really cold outside.  I DEMAND that that story be in the next Strange Tales!  This issue is also telling a neat story that shows Logan and Jubilee finding zombies in Siberia and it would have gotten a better grade if not for a wholly confusing final page.  Seriously, the final page made me wonder if there was a printing error and I’d missed something.  Phil Noto’s art is again wonderfully pretty.  He draws such pretty eyes on his women.  Grade: B+  — Dean Stell

Venom/Deadpool #1 – No character but Deadpool could pull off a comic like this, and I highly doubt that many writers other than Remender could have written it. This fourth-wall slaughtering romp through the Marvel U is a great deal of fun, with in-jokes, creative references and absurdity to spare. The artwork is big and bold (as well it should be for this kind of a tale) and the story itself–Deadpool is on a quest to find the Continuity Cube, thus making himself the single most relevant character in the Marvel Universe–is a very funny concept that both Remender and Moll execute very well. I must admit, I’m glad I bought the single, $2.99 comic rather than trying to piece together the four mini-chapters that were spread out over four different books. The story is good enough, and fun enough, that $2.99 feels just about right. Any more cost–or effort–than that would be a little much though, even for a ‘Pool-addict like myself.  Grade: B    — SoldierHawk

Justice League of America #54 – What a difference new art makes!  Bagley’s time on this title was pretty drab, but I really, REALLY like the work that Brett Booth is doing in this issue.  Booth’s classic figures (with a beautiful fine line from inker Norm Rapmund) combines really well with Andrew Dalhouse’s understated colors.  I so enjoy this muted color scheme to brilliant and shiny colors.  The story is pretty good too showing Eclipso coming “back” and beginning to recruit shadow-powered villains.  Very little actual JLA in this issue, but that’s fine.  Hopefully this is the arc where James Robinson’s turn on the series finds its footing.  Very promising.  Grade: B  — Dean Stell

Captain America: Man Out of Time #4 – This series continues to be a wonderful character showcase for Steve, and a more overarching look at his current relevance to the Marvel Universe. I especially like Cap’s being forced to face the less-savory parts of American history he’s missed (rather breezily–or perhaps, very calculatingly–passed over by Tony Stark’s version of the temporal tour.) I am and always will be a huge Tony Stark fan, so the contrast we see between his America, and General Simon’s America, was fascinating, and a lot of fun to read. My only complaint is that, in this issue especially (and mostly for the sake of pushing the story along), Steve seems awfully naive. I understand that both he and the 40s are supposed to represent a more innocent and morally straightforward time, but…c’mon. Cap’s a soldier. He fought the Nazis for crying out loud. He’s seen the absolute worst of what humanity has to offer…and he’s really THAT shocked by the fact that, yes, crime and Bad Things still exist in America today? I do understand why he might be disappointed, but Waid and company spend far too much time milking that for the sake of a larger message.  Grade: B-   — SoldierHawk

X-Men #2 – Review

By: Victor Gischler (writer), Paco Medina (pencils), Jan Vlasco (inks), Marte Gracia (colors) & Joe Caramanga (letters)

The Story: The war between the vampires and the mutants is joined in full.

What’s Good: If you’re willing to suspend disbelief and logical thinking (more on this below), the plan that the X-Men come up with to combat the vampires is kinda cool in a teenage fanboy kind of way.  That may sound like a lot of qualifiers, but if you can’t suspend disbelief, go with the flow and enjoy the sheer spectacle, you probably are going to have a lot of problems with most superhero comics.  So, the concept is cool and kinda dumb all at the same time……and that’s okay.

I do like that the mutants seem hard pressed here.  When they reconfigure Cerebro (groan) to see vampiric DNA, they are pretty much surrounded.  It can get a little old seeing the X-Men about to be wiped out, so this was a bit of a wrinkle: The vampires want to incorporate the mutants to strengthen their ranks now that the vampires are united and out to rule the world.