Iron Man #9 – Review

By: Kieron Gillen (Writer), Dale Eaglesham (Artist), Guru eFX (Colorist), VC’s Joe Caramagna (Letterer)

Review: I’d call this issue a return to form if, as has sadly not been the case, any previously appreciable ‘form’ had yet been enjoyed during Gillen’s Iron Man run. It’s just lacked something. Greg Land’s artwork has been a sticking point for many (though I thought some of the criticism was unnecessarily harsh) but really it’s the stories that have failed to ignite. Unlike, say, Matt Fraction’s one-two punch of opening awesome on Invincible Iron Man (with The Five Nightmares followed sharply by World’s Most Wanted), there’s been nothing so far to convincingly set the series’ tone. When part of a new series sees its main character relocated to Space, yet still fails to achieve distinction? That’s when you know there’s a problem.

Guardians of the Galaxy #0.1 – Review

By: Brian Michael Bendis (Writer), Steve McNiven (Penciler), John Dell (Inker), Justin Ponsor (Colors), Cory Petit (Letterer)

The Review: The following things will occur during the course of this review. First, I’ll obviously be giving my heartfelt opinion on Guardians of the Galaxy #0.1 – my treatise on the best flavour of Ramen Noodles will have to wait for now (in brief though: Chicken). Second, I will muse somewhat on how awesome it is to have Bendis back on such winning form – when he’s writing like this, the Marvel Universe is a much better place. Thirdly, I will use the term “cosmic restructuring” again and again and again – because this series is undoubtedly the keystone of that process, the linchpin of Marvel’s interstellar ambitions.

This cosmic restructuring has its beginnings elsewhere. Iron Man #6 technically kicked things off by relocating the Armored Avenger to Space (not that this changed much other than the landscape and the suit, but hey, it was a start). Nova #1, released last week, was far more integral to the

Detective Comics #860 – Review

Batwoman by: Greg Rucka (writer), J.H. Williams III (artist), Dave Stewart (colors)
The Question by: Greg Rucka (writer), Cully Hamner (artist), Dave McCraig (colors)

The Story: For the lead story, this is the final issue of Batwoman’s origin and it pulls together the last three years of her life, from her moment of epiphany, to now. In the Question back-up feature, the Question and the Huntress talk about things and drive a Lamborghini.

What’s Good: Williams and Hamner are both effective artists for this book. William’s rough, scratchy lines in the flashbacks continue to contrast to the slick, textured realism of his present-day scenes. Both are great and they work to make clear the temporal divisions of the story. Hamner’s art is more cartoony, but does the job. On writing, Greg Rucka has become one of my favorite writers, and he caught a lot of emotion and character in the Batwoman story, especially in the way she and her father interact.

Kick-Ass #6 – Review

By Mark Millar (Writer), John Romita Jr. (Art), Tom Palmer (Inks), and Dean White (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: I’ve enjoyed the hell out of Kick-Ass so far. The concept is rock solid, the characters are engaging, and the situations that drive the story forward successfully straddle the line between gloriously over-the-top and uncomfortably realistic. However, and this is a big “however,” that doesn’t mean that I can simply ignore the disappointingly long wait between issues. It’s not only frustrating as a reader (and fan), but also downright irritating as a reviewer because the wait just adds another factor I must consider when writing about and grading each new chapter of the series.

The Story: The origin of Hit-Girl and Big Daddy is revealed in the latest issue of Kick-Ass. In addition, Hit-Girl asks Kick-Ass and the Red Mist to join them on their next night out. Is a new superhero team in the works?

What’s Good: As usual, Kick-Ass delivers in a way that only Kick-Ass can. Though it’s not necessarily in the way that you might expect. That said, the latest issue of the series still has all the nerd-fantasy graphic violence, John Romita Jr. artwork, hip/lewd Mark Millar dialogue, and cool ideas that you pick up the series to experience. Because let’s face it, that’s the stuff that makes you a better person. But it’s the relationship between Hit-Girl and Big Daddy that makes the book linger in the mind. Both disturbing and incredibly sweet, the relationship is able to help the team’s origin story transcend it’s more generic elements.

What’s Not So Good: The sixth chapter of Kick-Ass requires some serious suspension of disbelief. While I have no real problem with that, it is bound to irritate some readers. Couple that with Millar’s (occasionally annoying) idealized dialogue (would Hit-Girl really be ready with a Silver Age quip?) and you have one divisive comic.

Another thing that I must mention is that I can’t really decide on whether Kick-Ass #6 was worth the wait or not, especially considering how fast it reads. The brisk pace does a nice job of moving the plot along and delivering information, but it also makes the ending hit like a brick wall. Sure it’s a pretty solid cliff-hanger, but what good is a cliff hanger if all the momentum is lost while waiting on the next issue?

Conclusion: Kick-Ass #6 isn’t really going to change any minds about the series, but it delivers for the fans. And that’s what matters most sometimes.

Grade: B

-Kyle Posluszny

Hack/Slash #1: Halloween Treat – Review

By Tim Seeley (Writer), Emily Stone (Art), Courtney Via (Colors), Stefano Caselli (Intro Pencils), Sunder Raj (Intro Colors), and Sam Wells (Journal Entries)

The Story: A re-print of the very first issue of the Hack/Slash ongoing series, this “Halloween Treat” is an origin tale loaded with special features. In addition to the the full #1 issue, the book features a peek into Cassie’s diary (useful for catching up on some Hack/Slash history), a “slasher” checklist,” and more.

The origin tale is told as Cassie is bound to a chair and tortured while her skinless captor assesses her psychological state and how she came to hunt down “slashers.” If you ever wanted to know about Cassie’s family, her first meeting with Vlad, or how she became the character she currently is, this is the place to look.

What’s Good: This is how you make a re-print worthwhile for both new and current readers. The #1 issue alone is worth the price of admission thanks to a smart, compelling plot scenario and great artwork, but the special features are what push this one into must-buy territory.

What’s Not So Good: There is no denying that Cassie’s past follows a very familiar trajectory. For a series that succeeds in differentiating itself from the more conventional hero stories, the origin of Cassie is surprisingly predictable. Also, on a more personal note, this re-print made me realize how much I miss Stefano Caselli’s Hack/Slash work.

Conclusion: A perfectly executed re-print, Hack/Slash #1: Halloween Treat is a must have for fans and a great read for those that have yet to give the series a shot.

Grade: B+

-Kyle Posluszny