The New Avengers 20-22
Issue 20 is the conclusion to the storyline that returns Magneto to earth by Brian Bendis and Mike Deodato Jr. Deodato provides some good old fashioned epic superhero battles. 21 and 22 sees the Civil War storyline reach The Avengers; each issue spotlights a different character. First up Bendis takes us inside the head of Cap, a man torn by what he believes is right and what his government wants. Comic old boy Howard Chaykin is on art duties and does a great job on the action scenes but doesn't seem to know what to do when the characters aren't beating hell out of each other. I've never really been a Luke Cage fan but with issue 22 Mr Bendis has won me over. Luke is another man torn this time by what he believes in and the safety of his family (Luke's a dad now in case you didn't know.) The dark brooding work of Leinil Yu is perfect for the dark brooding Cage. Next issue Spider-Woman!
Finally a quick word about a few new titles I've picked up but only had a quick flick through so far.
Mystery in Space has Jim Starlin doing what he does best - epic outer space adventure and newcomer Shane Davis' art had me drooling (that's probably why the store made me buy it.)
Rush City 2 looked so good I picked up the first issue as well, just hope the story matches the art.
Wetworks by Mike Carey and series creator Whilce Portacio starts the Worldstorm ball rolling so that should be interesting.
Union Jack gets his own limited series after a successful guest spot in Captain America. With the team of Christios Gage and Mike Perkins promising to carry on where Cap left off taking the hero away from hunting vampires to the more real threat of terrorists.
Blade is a new ongoing series featuring the vampire slayer. With the TV series currently airing this is the perfect time for a new Blade series and with a first issue that will feature both Dracula and a vampire Spider-Man this could be hot. Marc Guggenheim teams with artist Howard Chaykin and the first issue features a breathtaking cover from Marko Djurdjevic.
Finally Samurai Detective combines samurai action with a hard boiled detective story and being a bit of a nut for samurai action I couldn't resist particularly as the lead character reminds me of Edward G. Robinson. Edward G. the samurai, how could I resist. Sorry, I'm drooling again.
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.