The Amazing Spider-Man 533 & 534
Heavily tied to Marvel's current multi-part Civil War series these issues feature the aftermath of Peter Parker revealing to the world he's Spider-Man. Spidey is currently pro the government Superhero Registration Act that requires all superheroes to register but if there is one hero I'm expecting to switch sides before the war is over it's him. These two issues culminate in a terrific confrontation between Spider-Man and Captain America, and it's clear Peter isn't happy about having to fight the living legend. Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski has been writing this title for several years now and has a perfect grasp of all the main characters. Sadly, Ron Garney's artwork is a disappointment, not up to the standard set by previous J.M.S. collaborators notably John Romita Jr. and Mike Deodato Jr.
Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis 43
Given a change of direction after the recent DC 'Crisis' series this title now seems, pardon the pun, to be treading water. Kurt Busiek either has no idea where he's going with the new Arthur Curry/Aquaman or if he does, he's in no hurry to get there. Thankfully Butch Guice's art makes up for the meandering story. It looks incredible due in no small part to the living legend that is inker Tony DeZuniga.
Black Panther 18
Not a title I usually pick up, not since John Romita Jr's departure after the first story arc anyway, but it's a Civil War crossover title so I took the plunge. It's T'Challa's wedding day and his bride to be is non other than the X-Men's Storm. Hollywood writer/director Reginald Hudlin presents us with one of the most uneventful Marvel weddings ever. The cover shows Iron Man and Captain America, the leaders of the opposing sides in the current war, but they only appear for a couple of pages and are there purely as a marketing ploy to get Civil War readers to buy the book and in my case at least, it worked. Scot Eaton's pencils are competent but uninspired even with the help of another legendary inker, this time Klaus Janson.
Blood of the Demon 16 & 17
The final two issues of this series manage to tie up all the loose ends even if it does feel somewhat rushed. And rushed is a good word to describe John Byrne's pencils, it looks like he wanted to be done with it and concentrate on The All New Atom instead. Will Pfeifer's script from Byrne's plot feels dated; it's almost like an 80s comic book with added blood and gore.
Article comments
1 - moebiusgraphics.com
RE: Frank Miller's BATMAN VERSUS AL-QAEDA
After finishing 120 pages prior to the premiere of SIN CITY in the spring of 2005, Miller's only completed about ten pages of the book in the past year. And with other, more lucrative movie work ahead of him outside of comics (300, SIN CITY 2, THE SPIRIT), plus STILL not having yet finished the abortion that is ALL-STAR BATMAN, don't count on seeing this comic any time soon.
2 - Ian Woolstencroft
I’m not even convinced it will get released even if he does finish it. Have DC confirmed they will publish it? As far as I’m aware there hasn’t been an official announcement from them.
I take it you’re not a fan of All Star Batman? From a story point of view I think it’s one of the worst things Miller’s done. Still at least Jim Lee’s art looks great. I hadn’t heard the news about The Spirit film so thanks for that. While I’m certainly excited about it, once again I’m not convinced it will happen. Has there been any confirmation from other sources than Miller? He’s certainly the perfect choice though so I’ll keep my figures crossed.
3 - yenrag
"Ron Garneys artwork is not up to the task." You're wrong.Instead of making blanket sttements that hurt peoples careers, list reasons that can help them. Its called a critique. Otherwise your review is worthless.
Best,
Ron Garney
4 - yenrag
"Ron Garneys art isnt up to the standard" Your wrong Ian. It most certainly is. Instead of making blanket statements about someones work that potentially can damage a career, try making constructive comments with reasons attached. Its called a critique, otherwise your review is worthless.
Best,
Ron Garney
5 - Ian Woolstencroft
Yenrag I see you needed two attempts to get your point across.
Firstly, telling me I’m wrong just because you don’t agree with me is far more a blanket statement than the one I made. In my opinion, Garney’s art isn’t up to the standard of the other artists I mentioned, that’s not to say it’s bad, just workmanlike. Not everyone can be a superstar artist whose name on a book will help to sell it. For every Jim Lee there are ten Ron Garney’s but every army needs soldiers as well as generals. My point was that in recent years Amazing Spider-Man readers have been spoilt by Marvel, with some of there top talent working on the book.
If only I had as much power as you seem to credit me with! The first of my regular monthly columns and I’m already damaging someone’s career. And if you were indeed Ron Garney (instead of his number one fanboy) I think your ego is big enough to take my criticism, after all I’m wrong and you are as good as John Romita Jr. and Mike Deodato Jr, at least according to your comment.
6 - Garth
Ian, I saw your comments about Edgar Rice Burroughs and I'm betting like you that anticipation will be high for a Mars series.
I know this at least anectdotely because I'm seeing a lot of activity on an older Edgar Rice Burroughs book at the auction site. A lot of people appear to have a lot of pint-up emotions about getting their hands on his materials.