Comic Reviews for December 18, 2002

Okay, okay...so I'm late. You try working thirty-four fucking hours in four days. I'm pooped. I'll try and make this your while though, so sit back and watch me fall asleep at the laptop.


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Battle Angel Alita 1:4
Phase 04: Thinking of You - By Yukito Kishiro, English translation by Fred Burke; published by Viz Comics

Alita gets into a battle with a replica model of herself, AR-6 (or 'Sechs' as the model refers to herself to) while Desty Nova watches from above. Meanwhile, Jim infultrates the central computer area in search of some computer chip program but runs into a heap of trouble. That's the plot, and I really don't have much to complain about. The action art this issue is incredible. I'm really enjoying this series.

Score: 7/10

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New X-Men 135
Riot at Xavier's Part One - By Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely and Tim Townsend; published by Marvel Comics

First part of the new arc as Quentin Quire and friends set themselves up for a revolution. The whole thing plays as pretty much a setup for the bigger picture to come. Nothin much to complain about here, although the Omega Gang's get up seems a bit...off, I guess. Quitely makes his return and does an exceptional job, like always. Who can complain about that? Overall, a very good start.

Score: 8/10

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Soldier X 6
The Askani Way - By Darko Macan and Igor Kordey; published by Marvel Comics

Well, this is an oddity. Nathan reveals that he doesn't understand his place in history and says that he is a madman because of the people around him. He goes and proves this by getting shot up repeatedly without his TK shield, rebuilding himself, and then scaring a bunch of locals by growing in size. Oh yeah...he's a madman. This also proves that this arc really hasn't accomplished much. Kordey's art still rocks, especially with the aforementioned 'growing in size' scene. Still, it's not enough for a story which has done nothing but went on for six issues and accomplished very little.

Score: 5/10

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Ultimate Spider-Man 33 *Pick of the Week*
Origins - By Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Bagley and Art Thibert; published by Marvel Comics/Ultimate imprint

Ultimate Eddie Brock is introduced as Peter's childhood friend, now in college. A rather different (and better) version of the character, as it can lead to a better conflict between the two as they are friends. There's also the new introduction to the Venom costume, as it was created by Brock and currently sits in a beaker. Nice stuff really, as Bendis does another excellent job with the dialogue between the characters. Great start to the arc.

Score: 9/10

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Ultimate X-Men 26
Return of the King: Prelude - By Mark Millar, Ben Lai and Ray Lai; published by Marvel Comics/Ultimate imprint

Beginning of the last arc on Millar's run, and not as strong as recent issues writing wise. It's basically a recapping of events which led up to present day events. It doesn't entirely work as Magneto, while preaching that he hates humanity and that mutants are the next species, there is no reason why for his thinking. That's the major flaw, and because of this, the issue is really lacking. Ben and Ray Lai do some nice work on the issue though for a pair of guys I've never scene do art before. Overall though, a step backwards from recent issues.

Score: 6/10

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Y-The Last Man 6
Cycles: Chapter One - By Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra and Jose Marzan, Jr.; published by DC Comics/Vertigo imprint

Start of the new arc, as Yorick and company begin their trip out West to Dr. Mann's back-up lab. Meanwhile, the Amazons continue their pursuit while a new group shows up, supposedly meaner than the Amazons. All nice setup for the continuing story. Nothing much to complain about.

Score: 9/10


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As I write this, 'South Park: Bigger, Larger and Uncut' plays on my TV. Ah, the greatness of it all. I hope to have reviews out on time this week, although I won't know until I get through this run of work. Christmas Eve is supposed to be really, really bad.

Pray for me.

Brief reminder that I will be changing the rating system come two weeks time. I will be using a letter grade system as I feel it's more accurate. Also, if I get the time, I will do a Year in Review piece. Look for that shortly after New Year's. Until next time, peace.