The Sunday Pages #33
This feature written by James Hunt on Nov.02, 2008.
This week: An interview with Marc Ellerby and capsule reviews of 1985 #6, Amazing Spider-Man #575, Kick-Drum Comix #2, Secret Invasion: X-Men #3, Superman #681 and X-Force #8.
Interview: Just in case you haven’t seen it (and if you’re only reading on RSS) then take note that we recently posted an interview with Marc Ellerby, comics artist and writer. The interview was conducted by Seb and me at the Birmingham International Comic Show. We’re both big fans of Ellerby’s work, so check out the article and then go follow the links for more Ellerby-spawned goodness! [JHu]
Review: 1985 #6
There’s been plenty to like about this series, but it does feel like it’s dragged on a bit too long, when perhaps four issues might have told the same (as it turned out, fairly slight) story a bit more effectively. It still looks terrific, mind, and there are some good moments – including a lovely ending (Jerry’s “perfect girl” being Jane Foster is a terrific touch). Perhaps not everything it could have been, but it’s been a pleasant change of pace for Millar, and a decent if ultimately inconsequential story. [SP]
Review:Amazing Spider-Man #575
Joe Kelly’s long-awaited return to Marvel comics sees him unfortunately paired with Chris Bachalo in “experimental” mode. As a result, potentially classic moments, such as the opening 6-page “Spidey rescues a hobo” sequence, are reduced to barely-comprehensible mush. The issue sees sometime mob-boss Hammerhead getting an overhaul. His return is welcome, but after 6 straight issues of fan-pleasing characters and attempts to move some of the book’s major plots along, it can’t help feel like a bit of a step down. Only Peter’s visit to the “Front Line” offices really carries its weight in the larger scheme. [JHu]
Review: Kick-Drum Comix #2
While the first issue left me slightly concerned about Mahfood’s new direction, the second of this lushly-produced (and proportionally expensive) miniseries contains two stories I enjoyed far more than the first issue. That said, it is largely a matter of personal taste – the two stories, one set in the 90s, the other a sci-fi extravaganza – represent the “classic” Mahfood I enjoywhile retaining the more progressive edge of his recent work. It’s still not perhaps the work I’d introduce new readers to first, but then the chances are that he’s netting an entirely new audience with them anyway. Wherever he takes things next, it’ll be interesting to watch his career develop. [JHu]
Review: Secret Invasion: X-Men #3
After a lacklustre start, things are definitely picking up here, as the book diversifies away from the main Secret Invasion story. Nightcrawler’s clichéd adventures with an alien indoctrination device are thankfully discarded in favour of a more interesting plot. Mike Carey has obviously decided to test the new Cyclops in an actual wartime setting, gradually escalating the moral dilemmas the character faces. He’s shown himself willing to risk Emma’s life to restore the X-Men’s communications, but the decision required at the cliffhanger is a step above such a sacrifice. A welcome improvement. [JHa]
Review: Superman #681
The Man of Steel continues to be rather blindly optimistic while the rest of the world worries about the effect of a hundred thousand newly-powered Kryptonians. The story’s building nicely, if along slightly predictable lines – and it would be remiss of me, since I’m always eager to point out mistakes by writers I don’t
like, to ignore giving Robinson a wrist-slap for the section of dialogue that sees Perry and Lois talking alternately of “Antarctica” and “the North Pole”. But also worthy of a special mention are the artwork, as Renato Guedes ups his game further to arguably career-best levels, and a moment in which Krypto manages to once again steal the entire comic. [SP]
Review: X-Force #8
Kyle & Yost’s clairvoyance act continues here, as they once again predict unfailingly which aspect of their book will be niggling X-Fans, and quickly resolve it. Keeping the narration from Archangel’s perspective, even when off-panel, is a risky move, but justified by the need to clarify the character’s state of mind. Otherwise, it’s business as usual here. Beautiful art, pitch-perfect characterisation and a plot that keeps being just that little bit smarter than you’re expecting. [JHa]
Shameless Plug: Seb’s latest comics column over at NTS, entitled Same Bat-Time, Same Bat-Channel takes a look at the sometimes-strained relationship between TV and comics. Read it! [JHu]
November 3rd, 2008 on 1:00 am
ASM 575 is easily my favorite issue post-BND so far.
It’s got humor that isn’t cringe-worthy like you see with certain writers. (The opening sequence is probably one of my favorite sequences of the year)
It’s got a familiar face with a much needed update who isn’t claiming to be anything new (Not being another case of Menace or Anti-Venom is a plus in my eyes).
And most importantly it was the first time while reading ASM that I wasn’t forcefully reminded a dozen times per issue (and three times a week as a result) that the status quo was shaken up. It was a complete breath of fresh air to see a writer actually DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT instead of saying it ad naseum like the rest.
November 3rd, 2008 on 2:14 am
Joe Kelly’s humour is definitely as good as it was during his Deadpool run all those years ago (though I don’t hate Slott’s jokes at all). I think Bachalo’s art that really lets the issue down, though. I’m all for a bit of variety, but I could barely understand the cover, let alone the actual comic.