Been a while since I did one of these.
Review code format: [writing (3-1, faboo to mediocre) / art (3-1) / suitability for jumping on as a new reader (3-1) / suitability for hooking a non-comics reader (3-1) / and and eagerly waiting the collected TPB (Y/N). ] All reviews in 40 words or less.
Teen Titans/Legion Special #1 (DC) w. Geoff Johns, Mark Waid; a. Ivan Reis/Joe Prado, Barry Kitson [2/2/3/1/Y]
Wraps the Superboy-in-the-Future arc, as well as the end of the current Legion incarnation. (Huzzah for Waid on Legion, but, gads, another reboot? Oddly anticlimactic for such a big cosmic issue. Too many cooks, but still fun.
Loki #4 of 4 (Marvel) w. Robert Rodi; a. Esad Ribic [3/3/1/2/Y]
Loki finally admits success isn't happiness, and decides to break out of his (and Thor's) destiny. Alas, it's too little, too late. Nice (non-canonical?) story, fabulous art. A must for any Thor fan — better than the recent Jurgens work.
Queen & Country #27 (Oni) w. Greg Rucka, a. Mike Norton [2/2/1/2/Y]
Relatively dull second chapter of "Saddlebags." The plot thickens ... slowly. Politics at home, international scandal (industrial espionage, or military?), and conflicts between field agents dominate a tale more cinema-worthy than suited for comics. More excitement next time, one hopes.
Green Lantern #181 (DC) w. Ron Marz, a. Luke Ross [2/2/1/1/N]
Hal Jordan's coming, so we have to clear away Kyle. A "final" confrontation with Major Force provides a way — but haven't we seen this angsty whining before? Bookends well with Marz' intro to Kyle, but not a good era change.
Wonder Woman #208 (DC) w. Greg Rucka, a. Drew Johnson/Ray Snyder [2/2/2/1/N]
Medusa attacks Diana at a Washington function, making an interesting mix of magic, combat, and dignitary schmoozing. A bit of politics, some slowly plodding C plots, and threats to the moderately loved supporting characters makes for a decent, if undistinguished, issue.
Daredevil #65/445 (Marvel) w. Brian Bendis, a. Diverse Hands [2/2/3/2/N]
It's DD's 40th Anniversary, so let's ... recap Bendis' tenure. Ho-hum, with mixed art. It's okay, but we've had so many recaps already, the overall plot feels tired even while Bendis does his usual sterling work with dialog.
Runaways #18 (Marvel) w. Brian Vaughan, a. Adrian Alphona/Craig Yeung [3/2/1/3/Y]
A "last" hurrah from this "fugitive mutant kids" title, as the remaining Fugies adjust to life with foster parentage. No longer on the run, can they find happiness? Three guesses. Can't wait for the next chapter in 2005.
PvP #9 (Image) w/a. Scott Kurtz [3/3/3/3/Y]
One of the most consistently funny web comics around, this earlier chapter includes Skull as an experimental gorilla and a "panty raid" on a not-quite-sorority. *Snork* There are few geeky topics that don't get loving lampooning here. Triffic fun.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
excellent, very helpful to a comics outsider such as myself - thanks!