Comics - April 17, 2002
Aria: Summer's Spell 1
"A Summer's Spell" - By Brian Holguin, Marc Pajarillo, and Lan Medina
May 1966, UK. 900 year old lady fairie (looks 23) meets 900 year old knight (looks 23, is 23), rekindles love, leads to obligatory sex scene. Not too graphic. Actually, I believe this would require further knowledge of the series. Holguin did a good job of introducing the cast and getting some personalities off the bat. The knight was very amusing when he became introduced to the mid-60's. The art complemented the story very well. All told, a good, solid package.
Score: 8/10
Midnight, Mass 1
"Bluebeard's Castle" - By John Rozum, Jesús Saiz and Jimmy Palmiotti
This is part 1 of an 8 part mini-series from Vertigo, a DC imprint. I picked this up under some pretty decent preliminary reviews and saw that this is actually a nice little book, although it really doesn't say much about the plot. This serves as just a expository comic, and only goes to explain the characters, not enough of their motives. The cover is somewhat misleading, but I'm not here to do that, now am I? The interior art is a little mixed bag. The latter part of the issue is the strongest part of the issue. So far though, not bad, and hopefully this will pick up next month.
Score: 7/10
New X-Men 125
"Losers" - By Grant Morrison and Igor Kordey
The "Imperial" arc continues. The Shi'ar prepare to strike back at Charles/Nova and Xavier has been transfered into Jean's mind. I'm enjoying the little subplot with the students helping out against the Shi'ar. Beast's little moment was also brilliant, though I hope what he said was just sarcastic and to get rid of Tilby. Time to bitch, though. Marvel is really having a tough time getting their damn layouts down. Pages 4-5 are spread across two pages and it's interrupted by an ad. Kordey's art is better this month, though there are still some rough spots. Next month it's 30 pages with Quietly and the conclusion. Another good chapter, expecting greatness next month.
Score: 7/10
Punisher 11
"Cabattoir" - By Tom Peyer and Manuel Gutierrez
Part 3 of the "Taxi Wars" arc, or so I think it's called. Punisher takes out a couple of the Medallion's henchmen in his usual humorous ways. The running subplot with Detective Soap is really making good progress, and I'd like to see where this ends up. The art is rather well. Hopefully after next month, this won't be the last time we see Peyer and Gutierrez.
Score: 8/10
Startling Stories: The Megalomaniacal Spider-Man 1
By Peter Bagge
Well this was a quirky and plesant surprise. Indie comics legend Peter Bagge has his own take on Spider-Man in which Uncle Ben wasn't a good person but rather a con man, which in effect makes Parker rethink what his words really meant. Basically a 'What If' story, but done pretty well with how Peter became a arrogant bastard and just took craps in everyone's faces. I enjoyed the art a lot, though there were some awkward moments with the movements and stuff. I'd recommend this to people, but a lot will be turned off by the art and what is actually taking place in the story. None the less, it's still getting a high grade and is probably the best pick of the week.
Score: 8/10
Next week looks to be the last short week before May, when it will probably get real hectic. Look for Elektra 9, Deadpool 66, Captain America 1, and X-Men Evolution 6. I might review Wolverine 175, but it only depends on if it's here when I get home next week. Late comics right now looks like Ultimate X-Men (now two weeks late after missing next's week shipping date), X-Force (I think missing next week), and I believe Blade is also going to be late a week. Nothing from DC or Image I believe, though Defiance looks like it's going to be late. Popbot might show up though. Look for that up here. I'm also awaiting Cla$$war. Till next week then.