Shark-Man #2 – Review

By Michael Town, David Elliott, Ronald Shusett (story) Steve Pugh (script & art)

It seems that a couple of weeks have passed. Commissioner Raymond asks Gaskill for help regarding the sea monster that’s been terrorizing local waters. She’s thinking that Gaskill’s father has a stealth sub in the shape of a giant shark. But who’s driving it? Is it in auto pilot? Is the giant shark even a vehicle? Gaskill’s girlfriend died (or was killed, it’s not clarified), sometime between issues and the great monstrosity, Gynplaine, is back in prison again. What a let down. I wanted answers!

We get to know a couple of new, weird characters in the meantime.While on the first trip of a casino-sub, pirates lead by the Sea Witch begin their attack. She’s merciless and power-hungry. The finger deal she does with Capone is a nice touch. I have a feeling that the Sea Witch is Gaskill’s “dead” girlfriend! One oddity I ran across was on page 12. On this page I either got censored text or a print error. The Sea Witch says: “If It’s in our ocean, then it’s ours to steal, kill, or ___ !”, What was that? I wonder if it’s only on a few copies or it was intended that way. Why censor a book like this when it’s already too bloody for kids? I don’t get it?!

The sum of this story is that it feels short (probably because it has seven less pages than the first), and contains a lot less tension. The biggest crime is I only got to see Shark-Man in two pages. For a three issue mini-series, this middle chapter feels weak. The art is still great – I just hope the story picks up for the final issue. (Grade: C+)

– Daniel Yanez

A Second Opinion

My issue was censored, too, Daniel. And yes, it makes no sense. This is not a book for kids, so why hold back? This issue didn’t hit me as hard as the first issue, but it’s still a solid read. Some of the dialogue was a bit wonky – especially the Sea Witch’s monologues, but the story advances very quickly as she makes her move against Capone. What disappoints me is we don’t get much of Gaskill or Shark-Man, which I presume are the main characters of the book. The pirates are a menacing bunch, but they’re no where near as terrifying as Gynplaine or the creature who can some out of people’s monitors. It’s still a good issue, but I wanted more.

Thankfully, the art remains jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Making a book of this quality has got to take a lot of time. The increased paper stock is most likely the culprit for the higher price of the book ($3.50), but believe me, it’s worth every penny. (Grade: C+)

– J. Montes

Shark-Man #1 – Review

By: Michael Town, David Elliott & Ronald Shusett (Creation & Story), Steve Pugh (Design, Script & Art)

What a great surprise this comic turned out to be. I picked it up joking about the name, and thought that the story would be lame and ridiculous. My preconceptions were totally wrong. Shark-Man rocks! Shame on me.

The story follows Shark-Man in the middle of a crisis. The bank at his utopian city (New Venice) is being drawn out of funds and a near by cruise is being attacked by pirates. Shark-Man does what any hero does: Help those in need. To his dismay, he’s unable to rescue any survivors. When he returns to his shark cave, he finds out the city government is after him, blaming him for the theft! The problems escalate from here, but I’ll let you find out for yourself.

The script is full of action and the bad guys are ferociously designed. Pugh does an excellent job in the art department – especially with his coloring. Hats off to him. With retooled story and art, this issue is a remake of the same book released two years ago by an independent publisher. The company sunk after #2 was published.

People are buying a comic about a bat man, and nobody is joking or mocking about it. This hero needs to be where it belongs, with the high rollers. (Grade: A)

-Daniel Yanez

A Second Opinion

I totally agree with Daniel on this one. In fact, were it not for his recommendation, I would have skipped this book altogether. Don’t be fooled by the name, Shark-Man is an intriguing title packed to the gills (pun intended) with some of the best comic art you’ll ever see. And then there’s Gynplaine – this villain is the stuff of nightmares!

Steve Pugh is one hell of a talent. I can’t wait for issue #2! (Grade: B+)

– J.Montes