Punisher: War Zone #5 – Review

Garth Ennis (writer), Steve Dillon (pencils), Matt Hollingsworth (colors)

The Story: Shot to hell, and on the run from Elite 2, The Punisher makes a stop to patch himself up. Unfortunately the location of the stop lands him right into the cross-hairs of a mob hit-squad.

What’s Good: After the weirdness of the Ma-Bots, the story has seemed to find it’s footing once again. It’s still far-fetched that Elite would use them as part of a plan to kill the Punisher, but the focus has shifted away from them and back to the vendetta. This is good because I feel like this is the kind of tone that would be needed if there was ever a successful Punisher film franchise. The violence and action is there to appease the MAX fans with a slightly lighter tone for a wider audience. That tone is shown really well with Castle’s bleak matter-of-fact humor which always hits the mark.

What’s Not So Good: I’m concerned about the pacing. It’s not that each issue hasn’t been a good read, but we’re coming up on the final book and the story feels somewhere in the middle. The Ma-bots haven’t played much of a role in the story so far, and I’m concerned that they won’t pay off. If they do, great. Sorry for ever doubting Ennis; but if not, it would feel more like a marketing ploy than an attempt to tell a good story.

Conclusion: As goofy as parts of it are, I love this story. The deadpan humor of Castle’s inner monologue is fantastic. The lighter tone of a Marvel Knights Punisher makes the character more accessible to fans with a weaker stomach, but Ennis’ chops as a writer keep it hardcore for the diehards. Punisher fans new and old should give this a read.

Grade: B

-Ben Berger

Punisher War Zone #4 – Review

Garth Ennis (writer), Steve Dillon (pencils), Matt Hollingsworth (colors)

The Story: The Punisher takes a drugged Charlie Schitti around town, as he searches for the truth about Ma Gnucci

What’s Good: Issue three threw me for a bit of a loop. Not that I’d expect a Punisher story to be completely grounded in reality, but parts are getting a little far-fetched. Elite taking on the mission of his father makes sense, but the nine times more elaborate “Plan B” was a bit much. It’s believable that he’d use Ma as a way to get to Frank. But are we really to believe that Elite has the ability to build ultra-realistic “Ma-bots?” Thankfully, things have shifted away from that and back to the more realistic side of things. Since Frank spends most of the comic driving, I think the best scene shows Molly trapped in the mob-bathroom. Her day-dream about what they’re saying is pretty funny, and that’s topped only by what’s actually happening.

What’s Not So Good: There isn’t as much story progression as I’d like. Frank spends most of the issue in the car driving from place to place, and whenever he gets to his destination he’s only there for a few panels. It’s not that any of it was bad, it’s just a situation where I feel this part of the story could’ve been told in a few tight pages. It’s more disappointing because last week’s issue was overflowing with good stuff. With two issues left, I’m just hoping this was a momentary slip and not a sign of things to come.

Conclusion: It’s a slow one for the Punisher this week. I’m not sure this issue was entirely necessary, but we’ll know in a few weeks at the arc’s conclusion.  The content is good, but you’re not missing too much if you skip this issue.

Grade: B-

-Ben Berger

Punisher War Zone #2 – Review

Garth Ennis (writer), Steve Dillon (pencils), Matt Hollingsworth (colors), VC’s Cory Petit (letters)

The Story: Several years ago The Punisher’s war on crime brought him head to head with the Gnucci family. The result was the now classic Punisher tale: Welcome Back Frank. War Zone is the direct sequel to Welcome Back Frank and a lot of familiar faces are back. Most notably, Ma Gnucci who when we last saw her, had her limbs chewed off and had “burned to death” in her own home. But lately, Frank’s been seeing what’s left of her around town. Could it really be her? Or is this some sick ploy of the mob? Only time will tell.

What’s Good? Garth Ennis’ take on The Punisher for most fans is the definitive version, so any chance to read new stories of his is great. Since this is a return to his Marvel Knights run, it makes for a lighter story than the MAX series required. I’ve always felt Ennis’ sense of humor is underrated. It may be an acquired taste, but once you get it, (see the zoo scene) it’s hilarious.

I also like that this mini-series is a weekly one. Since it took so long for the sequel to get made, it’s nice not to have to wait four weeks between issues. Another positive is the reunion of Ennis and Dillon. I normally can’t get into Steve Dillon’s art, but somehow I love his Punisher. Yes, everyone still looks the same. And yes, I may only tolerate that since WBF is one of the first Punisher/Steve Dillon stories I’d read. No matter how you cut it, it just works.

What’s Not So Good? There’s been a pretty big gap in time between War Zone and Welcome Back Frank. Sequels can do well many years later and this one’s off to a great start, but this is a big jump from the MAX series. Ennis’ work on Marvel Knights was just as good if not better than his MAX run. But this is a return to the realm of PG-13 after being R-rated for so long. It’s a hard PG-13 but it’s undeniably lighter than Born, or In The Beginning. That tonal shift might be tough for some readers.

Conclusion: I don’t think Garth Ennis will ever truly leave The Punisher. His run on the character was defining for both his career and character. Valley Forge was his final arc, now it’s War Zone, and I’m sure there will be another “ending” down the line. But, Ennis writing Punisher isn’t something anyone should complain about. The resurrection of Ma might seem like a stretch from a story perspective… her death appeared pretty final. But, that hasn’t stopped these two issues from kicking ass.

Grade B+

-Ben Berger

X-Men: Magneto Testament #3 (of 5) – Review

By Greg Pak (Writer) and Carmine Di Giandomenico (Pencils)

The Story: Magneto and his family barely survive the Polish countryside by seeking refuge in Warsaw, where they end up as prisoners of the city’s infamous ghetto. The Germans escalate their violence against the Jews and their true intentions become increasingly more transparent. Faced with little options, Magneto and his family sneak out of the Warsaw Ghetto, hoping for safety and shelter. Unfortunately, they find neither. Magneto’s mutant power remains untapped and his unrealized potential to “save the day” is a continuous haunting frustration that is effective in capturing the pity, anger, desperation, and sadness that pervades this book.

What’s Good: Pak lets historical events tell this story, which allows Magneto to be a passive but effective character. Pak shows a few key details about Magneto’s personality, such as his selflessness, his ability to lead, and his courageousness– characteristics that fit in with the Magneto that Marvel readers have gotten to know over the past few decades.  The art is solid and has an indie feel to it. The coloring revolves between pale and hopeless to dark and terrorizing.

What’s-Not-So-Good: I understand that this book has a pedagogical aspect to it, but it goes a little overboard when text boxes full of facts, numbers, and dates appear. I think the encyclopedic side of the Holocaust would be better served if it were reserved for a page at the end of the story. Besides, the story is so powerful, educational, and realistic even without the cold, dry facts.

Conclusion: I am a big proponent of comics teaching and tackling real issues. So I am enthusiastic of Marvel addressing the Holocaust, or the Shoa, especially as it recedes into the annals of modern memory.  The fact that this is a great read with great art even makes the case even stronger. Additionally, this series will bring some added depth to Magneto that hasn’t been present in this specific regard, since the “God Loves, Man Kills” arc in the 80’s.

Grade: A

– Rob Galinsky

Sub-Mariner: The Depths #2 – Review

By Peter Milligan (Writer) and Esad Ribic (Artist)

Don’t let the title fool you, this certainly isn’t a mini-series about Namor, the Sub-Mariner. Rather, he isn’t “the star of the show.” Instead, this is the tale of scientist who not only disbelieves the existence of this legendary figure, he also intends to disprove it. After setting off in a solo pod last issue, Dr. Stein and the submarine’s captain have a very “close encounter” with something. Of course, Dr. Stein is certain that whatever occurred and whatever he saw has a perfectly logical and scientific explanation.

What follows is a wrestling of the mind between science and the unexplainable as Dr. Stein slowly begins to question what is truly happening. Does everything truly have a scientific reason? Are there conditions in the depths of the sea that affects one’s mind? How does one know when they begin to drift into insanity? And how can insanity be defined? These are only a few questions that he begins to ponder. If anyone picking this up looking for a deep sea tale with plenty of action, I’m afraid you’ll be quite disappointed. But if you seek submergence not just into the depths of the ocean, but also into the depths of the human mind, you’ll find plenty of both in this tale. I don’t recall having read anything by Peter Milligan before this, but you can be certain I’ll look with interest on his future works.

We also are graced with the beautiful art of Esad Ribic. He was last seen doing the wonderful Silver Surfer: Requiem mini-series where he brought us the beauties of space, and the emotions of dying. Here, his work compliments the story just as well. He keeps the ocean scenes murky enough to make us also truly wonder what is out there, but doesn’t hesitate to add life to the characters.

I never thought I’d really enjoy a Sub-Mariner story, but because this concerns the mystery more than the man, I’m truly engrossed. (Grade: A-)

-M. Staples

Sub-Mariner: The Depths #1 – Review

By Peter Milligan (Writer) and Esad Ribic (Artist)

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect heading into this Marvel Knights mini-series and after reading the first issue I still don’t. My confusion stems from two main things: the exposition heavy nature and the incredibly unique (horror-like) tone.

The story begins by introducing Marlowe and Dr. Rudolph Stein, two very different men whose paths in life looked to be intertwined by the mystery surrounding the mythic city of Atlantis. Marlowe, seemingly on the brink of insanity in the opening pages believes that Atlantis exists and has driven himself to the very extreme in order to find it. Dr. Stein, known worldwide as “The Great Debunker,” is a man of science hired to find the missing Marlowe and, if possible, Atlantis. The set-up is extremely weighty and well done, but by the time things really get rolling (with creepy dialogue about the deep and the Sub-Mariner), the issue comes to an end. I look forward to what is coming next and hope that subsequent chapters can keep up the eerie tone.

The writing by Peter Milligan and the artwork by Esad Ribic really come together to make Sub-Mariner: The Depths something of a complete package. Milligan’s story carries a historical weight that fits the realistic nature of the book and Ribic’s extremely impressive, cinematic artwork makes a good read even better. My only worry is that the high quality of the artwork may begin to suffer as deadlines for the series approach – which would be a shame considering how this could turn out to be one of the best looking comics to come out in quite some time. To be honest, I think it would look more at home as a Radical series than a Marvel one.

Overall, I really enjoyed the first chapter of this unique Namor story. Good writing and great artwork come together to make for a compelling book, but I can’t shake the feeling that this one might end up working better as a trade. My recommendation? Check out this first issue and see if it’s something you would rather read all at once or as a monthly series. (Grade: B)

-Kyle Posluszny

Angel: Revelations #1 – Review

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Writer), Adam Pollina (Art), and Matt Hollingsworth (Color Art)

On sale 5/29/08

Before I get into the review, let me say that this series grabbed my interest when the solicitation revealed the unique, religiously inspired cover. Angel has always been an interesting character to me and the prospect of a series highlighting his religious connections definitely grabbed my interest. I admit that I have some hopes built up for this miniseries, but I find myself disappointed by how things have started. Angel: Revelations #1 left me with a number of mixed feelings due to the equal number of high and low points present in the issue.

The bulk of Angel: Revelation #1 has to do with Warren Worthington III’s senior year at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School for Wayward Boys. The guy who will eventually become Angel is a popular track star dealing with girlfriend issues, a jealous teammate, and a coach who is suspicious about how his student has improved so much in so little time. What makes this familiar story unique is Warren’s sense of confusion about the change his body is going through as he finds himself rapidly becoming more athletic. A letter to his parents offers some nice insight into the character and the confusions of growing up. This sets the stage on how Warren’s story will most likely progress. The issue also introduces a priest who seems to perform exorcisms and while his work is only shown briefly, it threatens to overshadow anything told in Warren’s portion of the story. Another issue or two will decide whether this subplot is a good or a bad idea, but at least I can say with certainty that the scenes are incredibly effective.

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s writing is quite strong at times, but overall I found it to be frustrating. The problem is that Warren comes across as a thoroughly unlikable, angst-ridden, teenage cliché at one point, than a sympathetic, complex character the next. I can appreciate the complex inner feelings of a character, but when every interaction that Warren takes part in leaves him looking like a moody jerk. It is hard to care about the guy.

It will be interesting to see how Warren is written in the coming issues. As I said, the letter to his parents was excellent, but outside of that, Warren came across as a tired cliché. The rest of the characters don’t fare much better; they come across as a generic stereotypes. The priest and his client are the only characters that truly grabbed my attention, but to avoid spoilers I will just say that the priests dialogue is incredibly effective.

Adam Pollina’s artwork also frustrated me because his people look like bizarre caricatures. The look is quite fitting for the surreal exorcism scenes and it actually adds quite a bit of atmosphere, but everything with Warren just looks incredibly odd. The look for the characters is unique, that’s for sure, but I found it to be more sloppy and ugly than satisfying. That said, Pollina knows how to create some nice scenery and architecture. The color work by Matt Hollingsworth is easily the visual high point as everything has an appropriate tone, especially the darker scenes. His use of color in darkness impressed me quite a bit and it helped create some interesting imagery.

Overall I found this issue to be quite disappointing and inconsistent. I’ll keep reading simply because I find the priest character to be compelling, but I don’t think I could recommend this to anyone that has little or no interest in Angel. This one is probably best for fans only. (Grade C-)

– Kyle Posluszny

Logan #3 (of 3) – Review

Brian K. Vaughn (writer), Eduardo Risso (art), and Dean White (watercolors)

Logan has been an odd miniseries right from the start. The whole story, while extremely interesting in concept, has been a letdown for me and probably could have been told in one double-sized issue as opposed to being stretched out. I understand why it was done, but that doesn’t let anyone off the hook in this case. The conclusion here is satisfying enough, but the story as a whole feels unnecessary since Lt. Warren is little more than a bad mutant tainted by the war and Atsuko’s not much more than a window into Logan. Let me explain both the good and the bad now that the series has, thankfully, wrapped up.

First with the good: Brian K. Vaughn’s take on Wolverine has been solid enough to keep me reading, although hardly breaking new ground. Jason Aaron is doing a better job with the “Logan in pain” monologues in his fun “Get Mystique” arc and I mention this mostly because this final issue has a good amount of “Logan in pain” moments (with good reason, I have to add). Lt. Warren is a decent enough villain. The contrasts between he and Logan are the most interesting parts of the story early on. If the dialogue between Logan and Atsuko weren’t so wooden at times, I would even say a nice, if short, relationship was developed here also.

Another nice high point is the Dean White watercolors which give the whole book a surreal feeling that permeate through the entire story. They fit the story well and had Eduardo Risso’s art been stronger, I think we’d have a nice looking book on our hands.

The final thing I enjoyed was the sufficiently brutal resolution to the Warren and Logan conflict. It lifts the book as whole, if anything, because it plays off the healing powers of both men well. And the monologue given as the battle comes to a close is excellent as well. A few lines were powerful enough that they will probably stick with me as a prime example of how to write of death.

And now the bad: As I said before, the book as a whole feels somewhat unnecessary and, at times, phoned in. Eduardo Risso’s art also brings the book down, simply because it came across as either sloppy or thrown together. It seems like everything could be stronger if the surreal aspects of the story were integrated into the artwork more.

Overall, the Logan series is extremely underwhelming. It has it moments, but not enough of them. It has a great concept, but just doesn’t run with it enough to keep it interesting. Other than a couple of nice looking scenes and a few bits of memorable dialogue, I see myself quickly forgetting I ever read this story. (Grade C-)

-Kyle Posluszny