Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #3 – Review

By Brian Bendis (writer), David Lafuente (artist), John Rauch (colors)

What’s The Big Deal? This is the much anticipated issue where Peter and Mary Jane deal with sex – and maybe have it. But this plot mechanism is quickly undermined by the emergence of Mysterio and his clever bank heists. The police employs Spidey’s help and together they work to take down the master of illusions.

What’s Good? David Lafuente is not only a hell of a storyteller, but a master of action. The stuff we get early in the issue with Spider-Man dealing with a runaway car is dizzying and exciting. This guy’s one to look out for, though haters of Manga art may be turned off.

Brian Bendis’ script is tight, entertaining, and full of sincere moments. Oh, and Mary Jane in panties will have fanboys aroused.

What’s Not So Good? Lafuente’s rendition of Spider-Man looks too goofy and too young for my tastes. Then there’s Mysterio who looks too much like Chamber from Generation X (remember that book?).

The deflecting of the big story at hand and the real reason everyone bought this issue is also unsatisfying.

Conclusion: Mary Jane and Brian Bendis not only cockblock Peter, but the readers as well. Peter takes it like the good guy he is; our lovable loser gets another night of blue balls. A wasted opportunity!

Grade: B-

– J. Montes

She-Hulk #28 – Review

By Peter David (Writer), Val Semeiks (Pencils), Dave Meikis with Victor Olazaba (Inks), Chris Sotomayor (Colors)

She-Hulk is in jail? What happened? Did I miss an issue? No, Peter David starts at the end and backtracks to how we got to this point,  which is an effective device. The book opens with a nice Byrne-esque splash page, too. She-Hulk and her Skrull colleague Jazinda head to Cleveland in search of Bran Murphy, wanted for blowing up a bar in a previous issue. The trail leads them to a Browns game and the hijinx ensue.

The scenes at the football game were good. Often I cringe when comics cross over into sporting events but this was well done with some amusing moments as our heroes ventured into the “dawg pound” in pursuit of their quarry. We have a bit of mystery established for the future as Bran seems to be not entirely himself.

I really like what Peter David has been doing here. She-Hulk has questioned and come to terms with her role as a heroine. She has been operating outside the normal confines of the law as a bounty hunter posing as an FBI agent while still standing for and upholding justice. With She-Hulk traveling as a bounty hunter the book does not have a permanent locale and this gives this gives the book a vibe somewhat reminiscent of the old Hulk TV series. The constant banter between She-Hulk and her Skrull partner Jazinda is always enjoyable and a highlight of the book. In this issue we are treated to a look into Skrull sexual mores, unless Jaz is exceptional among her people in her practices. The book promises a story arc that will reveal the reasons behind Jennifer Walters’ disbarment and a Hercules guest shot to follow that. I find plenty to like about this book at the moment and I am looking forward to continuing with it. (Grade: A)

– Arthur Cooke

Northlanders #3 – Review

By Brian Wood (writer), Davide Gianfelce (art), Dave McCaig (colors)

The third time’s a charm is what some say. Sometimes you just strike out, is what I say. After reading through the first two issues of Northlanders, I was ready to give up on the series. It’s full of unlikeable characters, awful dialogue, and a plot that’ll make you yawn. Yet, I decided to give this series one last chance before passing it off. After all, Brian Wood is just too talented to not give a benefit of a doubt.

I was wrong. Northlanders #3, while not as dreadful as the previous two issues, just doesn’t contain enough substance for me to spend my money on. Perhaps this 8-part story will be better served as a trade paperback, but on a monthly scale, it’s a waste of money. Like last issue, nothing happens. We see Sven hunt, have more sex, and kill some of his uncle’s men. The plot doesn’t advance and we don’t learn much more about Sven or his motivation for staying in this wasteland. This story is just too decompressed. Perhaps the only notable things worth mentioning are his uncle’s a bit more spooked now and he has somewhat of an unlikely ally. He also likes to wear stag heads (aren’t those heavy?!), while murdering soldiers who’re doing nothing more than hunting.

There’s not much writing in this issue – most of it is a showcase for Davide Gianfelice’s excellent storytelling skills. He does a phenominal job with the script he’s given, but to be honest, he deserves to be working on a better title. Northlanders is just a waste. If you love Brian Wood, support him by picking up DMZ. It’s okay not to like everything he does. No one’s perfect. (Grade: D)

– J. Montes