Comic Reviews for January 3, 2002
Welcome to a new year of reviews, and hopefully with this week, it'll be an omen for a good year. Then again, things aren't what they seem.
By the way, new letter grade system starts today.
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Alias 18
The Underneath Part 3 of 6 - By Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos; published by Marvel Comics/MAX imprint
Jessica, through more detective work - and info from her possible new assistant - has found where the latest Spider-Girl is hanging out, and the guy she's dating. Another splendid issue, with a lot of great dialogue coming from Bendis.
Score: A-
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Captain Marvel 4
Uriah - By Peter David , Ivan Reis and Chris Sotomayor; published by Marvel Comics
Well, this is a bit of a strange one. Captain Marvel goes out to a presumable ambush and preaches something about this emperor person. Then he comes back and kills his commanding officers before killing himself.
Did I mention that this was a strange one?
It all kind of works too, as it gives some personality to a character, from which I've heard, never really had one before. Of course, he is a bastard now, but at least it's something. Oh, and Rick Jones discovers the identity of this 'Mr. No-One'. Interesting bit of writing, though some could have seen the connection with him and that strange chick a mile away. Still, it is another good issue, and I am still enjoying this series.
Score: B+
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Exiles 21
Legacy: Part Two - By Judd Winick, Jim Calafiore and John Holdredge with Eric Cannon; published by Marvel Comics
Part two of the Vi-Lock storyline, which works slightly better than the first one. It's works because the development of the team is there, as well as some interesting tidbits with the Avengers team being setup (Spider-Woman is actually Mary Jane Watson). The ending is a bit of a refresher too, as they decide on something else besides going back to the Mainframe and taking another shot at getting Cypher out of there. Calafiore's art remains good, although his Vi-Locks are beginning to look a bit iffy. But then, I wouldnt want to draw all those lines every other page. It is a solid issue though, overall.
Score: B
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Eden's Trail 3
Act 3: The Central Ravine - By Steve Uy and Chuck Austen; published by Marvel Comics
Well, with Chuck Austen writing, all we really get is a bunch of subplots moving about, without much of the main plot moving along. What was the main plot anyway? *Flip, flip* Oh yeah, that adventure to look for that mine full of treasure. Okie doke. Back on track though, as there are some subplot stuff being rounded out a bit, like the possible romantic interest between Latch and Tila. A couple of new people are introduced as well. The art remains the books strongest point, although the writing is making a strong comeback. A solid book again.
Score: B
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Lone Wolf 2100 6
The Language of Nature - By Mike Kennedy and Frandcisco Ruiz Velasco; published by Dark Horse Comics
Itto and Daisy end up in a nomadic tribe while keeping one step ahead of the Vapor Fist soldiers. Trouble ensues when the tribe learns of the enemy tracking Itto. Nice little story here, with some solid, though occasional uneven art this month from Velasco.
Score: B
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Punisher 20
Brotherhood 1 of 3 - By Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon; published by Marvel Comics/Marvel Knights imprint
New arc, as serious Ennis takes over with the Punisher investigating a pair of cops who may be running some kind of corruption ring. He finds out that it's true for one of them. What's really interesting is how down to earth the cops are, as they act more human than some other cops that are written (like Hollywood movies). In essense, I like Serious Ennis better than Funny Ennis, even if both are really good.
Score: A
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Spider-Man: Blue 5
If I Had You - By Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale; published by Marvel Comics/Marvel Knights imprint
Well, it's late, but not that late. This was out two weeks ago I think. Either way, it's the same old story. Just to remind viewers from what I've said the last review, it's good history filler, but what's the point?
Score: B-
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Ultimate Spider-Man 34
Inheritance - By Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Bagley and Art Thibert; published by Marvel Comics/Ultimate imprint
Hmm...deciding on whether or not to reveal this issue's cliffhanger...fine, I won't. Let's see, Eddie asks Gwen out on a date, and MJ and Peter still have some sort of feelings for each other. Well, that was obvious, the latter part. Oh yeah, and Peter decides to continue the research that his father never completed. All that without giving away the cliffhanger. Damn I'm good.
Score: A-
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Uncanny X-Men 416
Dominant Species Part One - By Chuck Austen and Kia Asamiya; published by Marvel Comics
Ah, a lot to say about this one, mostly because it's a bunch of subplots. Mainly, they're focus on Warren and Paige. Warren, because he finally gets around to the loss of Betsy, who he his still hopelessly in love with, and because of his inheritance of his company properties from his father. It's kind of strange that he doesn't know about this, but at least it's duly noted when Northstar and Husk have their say about it. Paige, meanwhile, is tied into that because she has a crush on Warren. Soap opera-y, huh?
Elsewhere, Stacy continues to distance herself from the rest of the team by trying to take advantage of some of the other team. This months target: Kurt. A bit odd about her "reading" his pheromones even though Kurt clearly doesn't want anything to do with her. Core was complaining about this little scene, and so was I for a moment. But then it kind of goes with what Austen is doing with the character. It's a nicely written scene besides that little mistake. Also, that nurse still has the hots for Alex, and Cain plays catch with the kids.
The main plot takes up the first three pages, as a new species of mutant, that wolf-like thing, decides to make mencemeat out of a few humans. It looks real nice, thanks to Asamiya's art. He's much better this month, although he has that thing with the eyes and all of the females having the same type of face. His Northstar costume is freaky looking too. Besides that though, not much complaining, and there are more good spots than bad this month. Probably the best issue Austen has done so far.
Score: B+
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Not sure what's shipping next week, but I'll find out soon enough. Until then, peace.