EA's Weekly Comic Book Reviews - Week 24

[Everlost_MI]

Welcome to week twenty-four of Evil Avatar’s Weekly Comic Book Reviews.

The Evil Avatar’s Comic Book Review Weekly giveaway for week twenty-four is Justice #1 courtesy of BCBcomics (http://www.bcbcomics.com/). The deadline for entry submissions for week twenty-four is Sunday, August 21st. The selection of the random winner for the August books will occur on Sunday August 28th. Click here (everlost_mi@evilavatar.com) to submit your entry and don’t forget to include your Evil Avatar screenname. Remember, you can submit one entry each week to increase your chances of winning.

The list of books that are going to be given away for the month of August are:

· Giant Size Spider-Woman #1
· Justice #1
· Supergirl #1

If you’re tired of missing out on your regular or new comics then you’re in need of a reliable comic book subscription provider. Evil Avatar’s Comic Book Review Weekly giveaway provider, BCBcomics (http://www.bcbcomics.com/) offers comic book subscriptions (http://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=7
) with many fringe benefits including no hidden costs, 20% off of cover price, all issues are bagged and boarded PLUS free* shipping for orders over $14.99 and cheap* shipping for orders under $14.99 (*see BCBcomics’ website (http://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=7
) for the details).

Remember, these are NOT spoiler-free reviews.

The books that have been reviewed are JLA #117, Supergirl #1 and The Ultimates Annual #1.

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/jla.jpg http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/supergirl.jpg http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/ultannual.jpg

[Everlost_MI]

Week Twenty-four:

JLA #117 (An ongoing series)

Publisher: DC Comics
Writers: Geoff Johns and Allan Heinberg
Penciller: Chris Batista
Inker: Mark Farmer
Colorist: David Baron
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Editor: Mike Carlin
Price: $2.50 US/$3.50 CAN

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/jla.jpg

This issue is the third part in the Crisis of Conscience storyline that deals with the aftershocks of Identity Crisis and leads into the Infinite Crisis. I am going to save the long and twisted story of Identity/Infinite Crisis for you to read at your own leisure at Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infinite_Crisis) and at Comics.IGN. (http://comics.ign.com/articles/598/598330p1.html) This issue/storyline details the Secret Society trying to exact revenge upon the JLA after regaining their memories and their first target is Lois Lane.

Geoff Johns and Allan Heinberg do a decent job on the characterization and dialogue, especially how Batman reacts to the Daily Planet being attacked and Superman admittance of having knowledge of the various mind wipes. This issue stands well on it’s own, bringing new and longtime readers up to speed without losing or boring anyone in the process. Chris Batista’s artwork is clean and enjoyable but some of the panels vary in the level of detail and quality especially in the depiction of the characters themselves.

Bottom Line:
If you’ve been following the Identity and/or the Infinite Crisis this issue is another important part of the storyline. If you’re new to this DC universe wide event and this issue sparks your interest then check out the Identity Crisis miniseries or the Countdown to Infinite Crisis issue. The Identity Crisis miniseries is slated that to be collected in a hardcover book due out in October 2005.

7/10

Supergirl #1 (An ongoing series)

Publisher: DC Comics
Writes: Jeph Loeb
Pencils: Ian Churchill
Inks: Norm Rapmund
Letterer: Richard Starkings
Colorist: David Moran with Beth Sotelo
Editor: Eddie Berganza
Price: $2.99 US/$4.00 CAN

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/supergirl.jpg

Supergirl’s back. Well, this incarnation of Supergirl has been back for a while as she was introduced in the pages of Jeff Loeb’s other title, Superman/Batman. This first issue retells the (re)introduction of Supergirl as she retells it to Stargirl while watching the JSA attempt to take down Solomon Grundy. Power Girl, who was/is supposed to be Superman’s cousin, shows up to serve the coup de grace only to find herself suddenly weakened. Power Girl’s superpowers have been on the fritz since Supergirl appeared on Earth and being this close to Supergirl has some explosive and interesting results.

The story really didn’t get off the ground as most of the issue was a recap of what has happened to Supergirl but the pacing was decent as was the characterization and dialogue. The seeds of future plots have been sown in this initial issue and hopefully will bear fruit sooner than later. The artwork created by Ian Churchill is perfect for the title as his forte is larger than lift fight scenes. In addition, his panel creation and layout mesh well with the script that Loeb has crafted. However, Churchill’s work could really shine if another inker could make a heavier impression on his pencils.

Bottom Line:
If you’ve been following and enjoying Supergirl’s exploits in the Superman/Batman series then this book is for you. If you’re expecting or looking for Peter David’s incarnation of Supergirl then keep going and pick up Fallen Angel that ended up at IDW after DC cancelled the title. If you’re a casual fan of the Superfamily, take a look through this issue and see if the recap awakens any interest in you.

7/10


The Ultimates 2: Annual #1 (One shot?)

Publisher: Marvel Comics
Story: Mark Millar
Art: Steve Dillion
Colors: Paul Mounts
Letters: Chris Eliopoulos
Editor: Ralph Macchio
Price: $3.99 US/$5.75CAN

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/thumbs/comics/ultannual.jpg

Retro is in this year at Marvel between the reintroduction of the Giant Sized Marvel books and now the Annuals. Initially Marvel Annuals were a way to tell a bigger story that wouldn’t necessarily fit in the existing flow of storylines but would have some form of impact and connection to the regular issues that were being published. Eventually the Annuals became a way to have major crossovers between titles and milk more money out of the readers. Evidently the sales must have been lower than what Marvel was looking for because they stopped producing Annuals in the last few years.

Well, the first Marvel Annuals that have made it back to the sunlight are the Ultimate Universe Annuals and with The Ultimates 2 Annual being the first to ship. This issue was written by Mark Millar and tells an interesting story of The Ultimates Reserves while filling some background on Fury, the status of the Defenders, as well as Iron Man’s previous armor designs and his upcoming marriage plans to Black Widow. This story wouldn’t exactly have fit into the present Ultimates 2 storyline but it does enrich the ongoing Ultimates storyline and the rest of the Ultimate Universe.

The plot, pacing and dialogue are top shelf as Millar who’s been the Ultimates writer since day one. The artwork is created by Steve Dillion, who many may recognize from DC/Veritgo’s Preacher series or Marvel’s Punisher or Bullseye: Greatest Hits, is excellent as it provides great dialogue and battle sequences. If Bryan Hitch isn’t available or doesn’t wish to draw the rumored Ultimates 3 story arc then my vote is to have Dillion fill the roll.

Bottom Line:
The issue is definitely worth the money if you’re an Ultimates or Ultimate Universe fan. If you’re not up to speed on the Ultimates skip this issue for now and snag the various TPBs.

9/10


What else is worth reading this week…
· Ultimate Fantastic Four #22 – Interesting story and great artwork. By the way, was that Sentry who was the original carrier?
· Abadazad #1-3 – This series came out in 2004 but it was cancelled when Crossgen went under. It’s a cross between the Chronicles of Naria and Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere. The series was created and written by J.M. DeMatteis whose work included the new Defenders miniseries and various JLA/JSA work. If you can get a hold of this unfinished but gem of a series do so as only three issues were ever publish.

The Evil Avatar’s Comic Book Review Weekly giveaway for week twenty-four is Justice #1 courtesy of BCBcomics (http://www.bcbcomics.com/). The deadline for week twenty-four entry submissions is Sunday, August 21st.

If you’re tired of missing out on your regular or new comics then you’re in need of a reliable comic book subscription provider. Evil Avatar’s Comic Book Review Weekly giveaway provider, BCBcomics (http://www.bcbcomics.com/) offers comic book subscriptions (http://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=7
) with many fringe benefits including no hidden costs, 20% off of cover price, all issues are bagged and boarded PLUS free* shipping for orders over $14.99 and cheap* shipping for orders under $14.99 (*see BCBcomics’ website (http://www.bcbcomics.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=7
) for the details).

Click here (everlost_mi@evilavatar.com) to submit your entry and don’t forget to include your Evil Avatar screenname.

Remember, you can submit one entry per week to increase your chances of winning.

[Kefkataran]

I liked JLA a bit more than you, but only because I'm a Geoff Johns fanatic. That said, I'd still probably give it a 7 or 8 at the highest. To be honest, I really hated Superman's dialogue when he owned up to knowing about the mindwipes. It seemed really 'eh'. Hopefully that's a bit better in the conclusion. Oh, interesting stuff, too: the last two parts of "Crisis of Conscience" will BOTH be released next month.

OH! And I almost forgot, I picked up a copy of Justice #1 on your recommendation when I realized our store had an extra. Since it's bi-monthly, I don't think I'll feel as bad about adding it to my pull list late. And thanks for the rec! What a great issue it was! Can't wait to see where it goes from here.

[Cupelix]

I was quite pleased with the Ultimates 2 Annual (though I am continually annoyed by the title Ultimates 2). I remember that the Annuals had really just degraded into useless side adventures, so I was somewhat skeptical about this issue, and really only picked it up because it was actually written by Millar. I think this fits what an Annual should be perfectly - enhances the background and continuity of a title, while not really being "necessary" material for the casual reader. Millar continues to make Fury a remarkably intriguing character - much more so than the 616 universe's version. The issue's "twist" seems so cold-hearted...and yet... completely understandable at the same time. Fury's detachment from how he perceives the existance of Captain America was also somewhat chilling.


And yes, I do think Sentry was intended as the original carrier in this week's Ultimate FF. I can't decide if I'm upset or not at the teased connection between the Ultimate and 616 universe being a total farse.

[Kefkataran]

really only picked it up because it was actually written by Ellis

Er... isn't it by Millar?

I've been meaning to get into Ultimates at some point... I'll be checking out the old TPBs soonish.

[Cupelix]

Er... isn't it by Millar?

I've been meaning to get into Ultimates at some point... I'll be checking out the old TPBs soonish.

Yes, yes it is. Brain fart! I'll edit that little mistake out. The wonders of forums, we can re-write history!!

[mister_slim]

Er... isn't it by Millar?
Shhh... but they're actually the same person. I can never remember which one is supposed to be the good twin, though.

[Kefkataran]

Heh. I've honestly not read a thing by Millar yet. Does he compare to Ellis?

[thecrazyd]

No one compares to Ellis.

[Kefkataran]

True enough.

[Spigot]

I've really enjoyed reading the TPB's of the various Ultimate series. Very neat take on the Marvel universe.