Frontline 4 & 5
A spin-off limited series from Civil War that features three stories. The first parallels two journalists from different newspapers each with a different take on the war. Story two shows what happened to Speedball after the disaster that led to the new goverment Act. The tale that most alludes to the 'war on terror' is "Sleeper Cell" with a hidden agent of the Sub Mariner being activated. The art on all three tales is up to scratch and Paul Jenkins gives you just enough of each story to keep you hooked. The last few pages each issue illustrate how the civil war parallels events in real world history, here we get Vietnam and the American Civil War. Some of these work, some don't, but as they only run to five pages it's no big deal when they don't.
Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man 10 & 11
Comic writer extraordinaire Peter David gives us a futuristic Green Goblin (10) and the return of Mysterio (11.) David's gift for snappy dialogue is on display, particularly in the scene where Peter meets with the school principle to resign as teacher due to the publicity his un-masking has generated. On the art front, Mike Wieringo does a passable job and at least does a good Aunt May, far better than Ron Garney's version in Amazing where she looks the same as she did in the 70s.
Heroes for Hire 1
After the Daughters of the Dragon limited series I had high hopes for this but it's turned out to be a major letdown. Perhaps it's because of the tie-in with Civil War or it could be the increased cast. Whatever it is the sparkle has gone. It's also annoying that Iron Fist has been replaced with Shang-Chi with hardly any explanation why. Marvel have other plans for the slipper wearing kung-fu superhero (see the forthcoming titles section above). Billy Tucci is the new artist and his work is ok if a little cluttered at times. Another veteran inker makes an appearance - Tom Palmer has always been a favourite of mine and he does a good job with what he has to work with.
The Incredible Hulk 78-85
I'm currently working my way through a backlog of this title in the hopes of getting up to date before issue one hundred. These were all written by Peter David who, for me, is the best Hulk writer since Stan 'The Man' Lee. This is his second run on the title but sadly this time he only stayed for a year or so. Lee Weeks does the art for 78-81, the "Tempest Fugit" storyline and does a stonking job also providing the covers. I particularly liked the Frazetta inspired 81. Jae Lee does some truly atmospheric work for David's lovely ghost story set in London in issue 82. And 83-85 feature a bald Hulk for the "House of M" as depicted by Jorge Lucas.
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.