WCBR Quick Reviews

Amazing Spider-Man #579 – Review (Marvel Comics)

Not much of a memorable story here, but it is a good one, nonetheless. Mark Waid does a great job in capturing some excellent character moments, pounding home the idea of Spidey’s selflessness and undying spirit. Marcos Martin’s artwork is no where near as complicated or brilliant as his previous outings, but he’s still ahead of his peers in terms of storytelling presence and sense of drama. There’s a lot of fun here not to be missed. (Grade: B)

Haunted Tank #1 (of 5) – Review (Vertigo/DC)

Here’s a book that completely took me off guard. I was expecting a serious story with a possessed tank that came to life. Instead, I got a hilarious romp through the Iraq War with hilarious racial overtones, lots of attitude, and beautiful artwork. The interplay between African American tank commander, Jamal Stuart, and his ghostly ancestor (completely dressed in Confederate garb) is priceless.  This is one of the best books I’ve read over the past week. Highly recommended. (Grade: A-)

Marvels: Eye of the Camera #1 (of 6) – Review (Marvel Comics)

As beautiful as his art is, Jay Anacleto is no Alex Ross. And this book shouldn’t have been made without Ross at the healm. Still, I tried hard to let myself be absorbed by Kurt Busiek’s story, I only found myself struggling. It’s not only bad that we don’t really see any superheroes in this first issue, but the disconnect I feel is enormous. I’m not sure what it is, but something in this book doesn’t feel right. Maybe Marvels didn’t need a sequel after all. I’m hoping the next issue will be able to grab hold of me. I hate the fact that I’m not enjoying this. (Grade: C-)

Solomon Kane #3 – Review (Dark Horse)

I’m still immensely enjoying this book, though the sudden turn of events seems to have happened very quickly. I was hoping for more of a slow boil with the plot, but now everything’s out in the open and all we’re left with is the inevitable confrontation. Nonetheless, there’s no denying Mario Guevara’s stunning artwork and Scott Allie’s talent with words. This is easily the best of Dark Horse’s Ron E. Howard line of books. (Grade: B)

– J. Montes

Conan The Cimmerian #2 – Review

By Tim Truman (story), Tomas Giorelo & Richard Corben (art), and Jose Villarrubia (colors)

The story of Connacht and the two orphaned boys continues as the trio tirelessly journeys out of hostile territory and into more friendly kingdoms. Here, they encounter a threat that could not only hamper their travel, but end their lives as well. To tell any more would spoil the story’s climax (though I’ll admit it’s a bit predictable). What did surprise me, however, is that the story of Connacht concludes this issue. And it wraps up quite nicely, leaving Conan once again on his own.

There’s some excellent art in this issue by Tomas Giorelo who works on Conan’s story and Richard Corben on Connacht’s story. Because this is Connacht’s story, a bulk of the work is done by Corben who  draws heavily on mood to get the story across. Colorist Jose Villarrubia’s colors effortlessly evoke emotions out of the reader and out of Corben’s artwork. There’s a genuine feeling of dread during the night time sequences that jumps off the pages. Unfortunately, some of this eeriness is lost when the story is thrusted into a fight scene that’s clumsily orchestrated. Villarrubia does his best to save it, but there’s a couple of panels that come out a bit awkward.

Tm Truman is settling in nicely with this new run. Connacht’s story definitely took me off-guard when first introduced, but seeing it completed makes a lot of sense. I give Truman and Dark Horse credit because it’s quite unorthodox to have a new series do little with its main character for the first two issues. But Connacht’s story touches on two important pieces of criteria: it sets the tone for the entire series, and gives the reader insight into Conan’s ancestry. This is not the fun-filled, jovial adventures (and sometimes creepy) adventures that Kurt Busiek and Cary Nord brought us five years ago. Conan’s world is colder, more brutal, and mature. It’ll be great to see how these series of tales unravel. (Grade: B)

– J. Montes