Amazing Spider-Man # 595 – Review

By Joe Kelly (writer), Phil Jimenez (pencils), Andy Lanning (inks), Chris Chuckry (colors)

The Story: The living specter of the Green Goblin bears down into Pete’s life as Norman Osborn tries to play father-of-the-year by offering a job to Harry. Speaking of screwed up family issues, Peter and JJ, soon-to-be brothers, attend the celebration of Aunt May’s and JJ Sr.’s engagement at the mayor’s mansion.  Peter decides to take a hands-on approach to Norman and during his smack-down, he receives disturbing news as his worst fears are realized.

What’s Good: This issue effectively sets up what the arc American Son, will be dealing with. While this issue isn’t groundbreaking or outrageously good, I’m excited for this 5 issue run by Joe Kelly. The characters are in place, the momentum is laid down, and the many plot threads are in the loom.

I am thrilled to report that Peter’s supporting cast actually helps this story along, rather than bring it into the mud, like in the past issues when you were getting mere attempts of injecting the rag-tag team of Brand New Day associates into this series. Joe Kelly does a great job of making Peter’s friends, family, and associates seem important and interesting. The soap-opera angle of ASM is starting to click, finally. Also, Kelly has a natural take on Peter that works very well, as the character stays consistent and entertaining.

Phil Jimenez is handling pencils on this arc, and minus a few action scenes that take place in a vacuum of setting and form, this comic is drawn great. I appreciate his character designs that stay true to form while still retaining some subtle difference that make the same old characters unique and fresh. There is no doubt that Jimenez was the right man for the job, as his work — specifically the characters’ facial expressions, were  more telling than the text.

What’s Not So Good: I have a personal message for comic book creators: Barack Obama won the election—months ago! I got it, your guy won, America might be better for it, congrats! Can we not move on? Seriously, the scene with Wolverine and Spidey dissing Bush and then fist-bumping as if we are in the middle of an election (or Obama even ran against Bush) was probably the most irritating and corny thing I’ve read this year. Not to mention the fact that  Wolverine strikes me as a Republican, no? Unlike Kelly, I’m not trying to make a political point here about who is good or who is bad, I’m just saying, its time to move on. Anyway, aren’t comics supposed to challenge the status quo, no matter who is in office, rather than playing cheerleader to any political party?

As far as the story itself, without giving too much away, Harry’s change of heart seemed to be a little contrived. The thing he was so emotional about is something that he has and has been through before already with Liz (hint, hint). So, why is he all mushy now? Additionally, some of the dialogue was a bit too terse and quick, and I had to reread certain panels a couple of times to really get what was being said.

Conclusion: A nice start to an interesting and exciting arc that is poised to make substantial changes to Spidey’s world. I recommend to anyone who is waiting to jump into this series to make the plunge now. I expect good things from the creative team, as I’m already looking forward to seeing how things play out.

Grade: B

-Rob G

Hulk #11- Review

By Jeph Loeb (Writer), Ed McGuiness (pencils), Dexter Vines (inker), Guru Efx (colors)

Here is a statement about Hulk #11, and about the Jeph Loeb’s Hulk series in general, that you won’t read on any other comic book review web site: I like it. Incredulous, you say? Well, here is an even more radical statement: Hulk is a good comic book.

All right, now I have to back up my opinion, but before I get to the reason why I think the book is indeed quite good, let me make a statement about those who are slamming this comic in their reviews. I think many reviewers come at the comic with a faulty and one dimensional- dare I say snobby- perception of comic books. There seems to be the prevalent opinion that comics need to have layers of depth and work like good novels of short stories, with symbolism and multi-level plot threads. While I’m not saying that comic books shouldn’t be as such, this is only one type of a comic, and is it really necessary for all comics to be literary masterpieces? Can’t a comic just be dumb fun, like Hulk? Why are we as comic readers so uptight and defensive about a simple (very simple) and amusing read?

This observation, that Hulk is a simple, fun, and non-assuming comic, connects to another point I’d like to make. Comic books are lacking a crucial audience, one that will support and allow the medium to be viable in the near and far future: kids. Kids do not read comics anymore. Why? Because there are not enough comics for kids (and the kid in all of us). Are kids going to read Final Crisis? No. Would an 11 year-old enjoy the pacing and the terseness of Secret Invasion? No. Would these same youth enjoy Hulk? Yes. Would life long comic reader who thinks he “knows” what comics should be or do enjoy Hulk? No. But I bet if that very same reader was reading Hulk as a twelve your-old he would be loving every panel of it.

Listen. I’m not saying Hulk is a perfect comic. I’m not even saying that the internal logic that the story runs on makes sense. But it works. It’s good fun. Hulk # 11 brings great battle scenes and decent dialogue to an interesting story that has no other agenda than simple entertainment.

Also, you should buy this comic simply for the art. I challenge someone to find a comic with better art than what Ed McGuiness treats us to in Hulk. You can find its equal, but not its superior. Every panel is something to behold. The expressions on the characters faces are more telling than the text. Great stuff.

As far as this particular story, I give Loeb a lot of creative credit for choosing the settings for the given battles. I found it really interesting that the “over lords” of every setting interjected themselves in the events that transpire in their individual realms.

Overall, Hulk #11 won’t change the hearts and minds of comic book readers who are committed to their opinion of this comic. I for one enjoy this genre of comic and though some might loathe me for saying this, but I hope more comics emulate this type of story, I am pleased with one title helming this style.

Grade: B

-Rob G