What Looks Good: April '04

By Sylvain and Mike

Welcome back to the monthly edition of What Looks Good! Each month we go through "Previews" for you and handpick a selection of titles that you should or shouldn’t be reading and tell you why. We try to focus on titles that are from new ongoing series, or the beginning of a new story arc or creative team, and of course, series that we feel are underrated.

April’s looking like a really good month for all us comic geeks. There’s a ton of new arcs, creators, and titles coming out that’ll definitely please your needs. Over at DC, it's Superman month. The three Superman titles are getting new creative teams and they will try to bring Superman back into the top 10. Azzarello and Lee, among others, will step up to the plate and will try to bring Big Blue back to his glorious days. Meanwhile at Marvel Joe Quesada makes his comeback in Daredevil mini-series and Mark Millar's first effort in the Marvel Universe begins with Spider-Man #1 from the Marvel Knights imprint.

Ok, well, you probably don’t want to listen to us going on and on forever so enough with the talking lets see What Looks Good!

DC

ACTION COMICS #814
Written by Chuck Austen; art by Ivan Reis and Marc Campos; cover by Arthur Adams.

Mike: Okay, I’ll admit it: I’m not a Chuck Austen fan at all. He’s done some good work, but not that much in my opinion. I’ve been reading Action Comics for about a year or two and I’ve really enjoyed the stories that have been told in it. I’m hoping that Austen can give us a great Superman story that’ll keep us satisfied from cover to cover. If that doesn’t happen then we can always gawk at Ivan Reis’ pencils and the spectacular Art Adams covers!
Sylvain:I’m really into this Superman revamp except for the part handled by Chuck Austen because I’ve never read anything interesting by him. I still can’t understand why DC and Marvel keep putting this guy on high-profile projects. DC has signed so many exclusive contracts over the last year they could have chosen a better writer than him. I won’t get this title even if it was offered to me free because I don’t want to bore myself to death with Austen’s stories anymore.

SUPERMAN #204
Written by Brian Azzarello; art and cover by Jim Lee and Scott Williams

Mike:You know what Brian Azzarello has done and what he can do. His stories are usually dark, edgy, gritty, and all that good stuff! Now Azzarello is taking on America’s icon, the lovable, noble Boy Scout who always does good, also known as Superman. So you have Superman, the image of “doing right”, and you have Azzarello who can write up some of the edgiest stories around. I wonder how this is going to turn out. Azzarello is one of my favorite writers and Superman is one of my favorite characters. I can’t wait for the book to come out!

Now that’s just Azzarello, I haven’t even gotten started on my life icon…Jim Lee! He’s drawing the book! One of my favorite writers, doing one of my favorite characters, and my ALL TIME FAVORITE artist Jim Lee is drawing it…I’m in heaven! The lines that Jim Lee lay down on paper are beyond comprehension. You look at his work and it’s just like “wow, how the hell does he do it?” I can’t wait for this book to come out. If you’re only going to buy one book in April, then make it Superman#204 because it is going to kick ass on so many levels that it isn’t even funny; did I mention Jim Lee’s drawing it!

Sylvain:With Superman it’s a different story. DC did their homework right with this title; they put Azzarello, whose writing is always top notch, and Mister Jim “Fix everything” Lee together. I strongly believe that Azzarello is capable of portraying Superman in a different light and making him cool again. Like Mike, I’m curious to see how his writing style will fit into a Superman title. With Jim Lee in the illustration department, we can be sure that is going to be amazing. So all of you Superman bashers should give this one a try and prepare to be blown away!

ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #627
Written by Greg Rucka; art by Matthew Clark and Nelson; cover by Gene Ha.

Mike: Well I decided to pick up Adventures of Superman with issue#624 because I was getting Action Comics and Superman and I didn’t want a hole in the Mr. Majestic story. Well now I’m hooked on Adventures of Superman. As soon as I read that one issue I ran out and bought a ton of back issues. Now Rucka is going to write it with Matthew Clark on pencils and some lovely Gene Ha covers. Man, if you’re a Superman fanatic this is definitely your month…hell your year once these titles start! Rucka is a great writer so I can’t wait to see what he does with Superman, but I will admit I don’t remember seeing anything by Clark. Well, from the preview pages he sure as hell looks like a great artist so this is a great thing.

Sylvain:More quality Superman coming your way. I’ve never read any Adventures of Superman before but with Rucka at the helm of this title it’s a different story. Greg Rucka’s strength resides in the writing of female protagonists just like what he did with Elektra or in his current run of Wolverine. For me he’s the perfect match for Lois Lane and since the three are into a different time stream I think Lois will have an important part in his story. Also, Clark Kent following Special Crimes Unit might lead to an interesting development. Matthew Clark’s art was top notch when he did Inhumans so I think he will be amazing on superman too. Superman fans, it’s time to celebrate; Superman is going to be cool again!

BATMAN #626
Written by Judd Winick; art by Dustin Nguyen and Richard Friend; painted cover by Matt Wagner.

Mike: Judd Winick and Dustin Dguyen are finally on Batman! Following Loeb and Lee, Azzarello and Risso, I’d be a little nervous but I’ve got a great feeling that Winick will provide just the story that Batman needs to keep up this knockout pace it’s been going on! Nguyen’s art is spectacular and I can’t wait to see the things that he is going to do on the book. I’m curious as to what villains this five-part story will contain. The title “The Crow Flies” leads me to believe it’s the Scarecrow but who knows…Winick will surely throw something in it. Come on, you know you should be getting Batman already, if not then now’s as good a time as any to start.

Sylvain:It’s sad to see that Azzarello and Risso are already leaving Batman; I liked what they did in their run but another interesting team will replace them: Judd Winick and Dustin Nguyen. I like most of Winnick’s work even if I was a bit disappointed by his Green Lantern run. For me Winnick’s strength is in team book like Outsiders or Exiles, but I think he can pull this one off and give us a good Batman story, especially if the villain is Scarecrow. Also, we’re in for a treat because painter Matt Wagner does the covers and from the preview I’ve seen they look amazing.

GREEN LANTERN #176
Written by Ron Marz; art by Luke Ross and Rodney Ramos; cover by Brandon Peterson

Mike: Green Lantern is a great character. Ron Marz, Luke Ross, and Rodney Ramos are great creators; and not to mention this AWESOME Brandon Peterson cover! It’s only Green Lantern’s hand and I’m amazed by how great it looks! Kyle Rayner is finally returning home to Earth after a long time in space. A lot of things have changed since his departure and he’s probably going to be surprised and not too happy with some of them. Green Lantern is a great book that’s really caught my interest in the past few years. I started picking it up around issue 125 and I’ve been enjoying practically every issue since. If you want to try out a good book with an old character look no further.

Sylvain:I dropped this book a bit after the Green Lantern/Green Arrow crossover. I liked the idea of Kyle going into space but I disliked Ben Raab’s writing. As much as I want to get back on this book, it won’t happen with this new creative team. Ron Marz did his run on Green Lantern already and it was nothing spectacular so I don’t see why this time it would be. Kyle is coming back to earth and I don’t find it’s a good idea. Green Lantern should be in space with the Green Lantern Corps and Grant Morission as the writer. Then I would be back on the title in no time.

H-E-R-O #15
Written by Will Pfeifer; art by Dale Eaglesham and Wade Von Grawbadger; painted cover by John Van Fleet

Mike:Okay, I don’t know how many times I can say it: start reading H-E-R-O! Every month I come here and co-write this little column and every month I tell you guys buy H-E-R-O. It’s one of the best new superhero books out there. It’s a refreshing take on the whole superhero thing that’s been around for so long. Every person that stumbles upon the H-E-R-O device uses it for some wacky reason or has a totally shocking thing happen as a result. Whether it’s a little girl using it, a man haunted by Superman, or just some construction guy who turns himself into a female superhero (funny issues), it’s always a great story. Pfier is a fantastic writer and Eaglesham’s a terrific artist.

WONDER WOMAN #203
Written by Greg Rucka; art by Drew Johnson and Ray Snyder; painted cover by J.G. Jones.

Mike: Greg Rucka, Drew Johnson, and J.G. Jones: what book wouldn’t be a fabulous one with these great names! Wonder Woman has been phenomenal ever since Ruka took over the reins. I’ve never really been a Wonder Woman fan, even though some artists make her look really good, but Rucka reeled me in when he took over and it was a great move! He’s doing some terrific things with the title that shouldn’t go unnoticed. If you want a new and good read look no further.

Y: THE LAST MAN #21
Written by Brian K. Vaughan; art by Goran Parlov and Jose Marzan, Jr.; painted cover by Aron Weisenfeld.

Mike: I made the decision to pick up Y: The Last Man a few months ago and it was THE BEST move that I’ve made in a long time, well, at least in comics. Vaughn tells stories like no other and I have faith in Goran Parlov that he’ll do a terrific job with the art! The adventures of Yorik, 355, Ampersand, and Dr. Mann get funnier by the issue! Whether the Daughters of the Amazon or just some nut are chasing them down trying to kill Yorik, Vaughn provides a story with action, drama, a cliffhanger ending in each issue, and some awesome dialogue. If you’re going to pick up a few new titles this month or whenever, make sure Y: The Last Man makes that list.

Sylvain: Y: The Last Man is my favorite book out there but I prefer to read it in trade format because I think the flow of the story is better suited for such. So, trade or monthly, it doesn’t matter as long as you pick up this book because if you don’t you’re missing out on a landmark in comic history.

GOTHAM CENTRAL #18
Written by Greg Rucka; art by Greg Scott; cover by Lark and Stefano Gaudiano.

Sylvain: I don’t know if this will be the start of a new arc but I do know that this book deserves more readers. A week ago I was like the majority of you; I didn’t care about this title for two reasons: I didn’t know who Ed Brubaker was and I didn’t care about the cops of Gotham City. I decided to give this book a try because I wanted to see what the buzz was really about. After reading the first issue I was already sold to the book. Why? Because of Rucka and Brubaker; they had found a way to make us care about the detectives of the G.C.P.D. and you can easily relate to them. It’s easy to feel the stress and the frustration that come from always being in competition with Batman. For me this book is all about emotion rather than action and it’s a welcoming change, after one issue you’ll be reading this book because you love those cops and not just to see them kick the butt of some third string villain.

BITE CLUB #1
Written by Howard Chaykin and David Tischman; art by David Hahn; painted cover by Frank Quitely

Sylvain: I can’t tell you much about this title other than it’s about vampires and the Mafia. I don’t know who Howard Chaykin or David Tischman are, so I did some research and realized they both have an impressive portfolio. They both look like they have a lot of experience in mature comic writing. I’m thrilled about getting this book now. The fact that this book is being released under the Vertigo imprint assures us that the creators will have more freedom to express themselves. Still not convinced? Just look at the cover by Frank Quitely and that should be enough.

IMAGE

INVINCIBLE #12
Written by Robert Kirkman, art and cover by Tony Moore.

Mike: How many more times to I have to tell you people that Robert Kirkman is the man and anything he writes you should buy? Invincible is a book that is too good for words. New series penciler Ryan Ottley has done a FANTASTIC job following Cory Walker and likewise for colorist Ron Reiy. Invincible is the BEST new book out there today. No matter what the case is, go out and buy Invincible, you’ll love it. If this book doesn’t meet all you’re comic standards, well it’s about time you lowered them because this book is made to please anyone who reads it. Buy it now!

Sylvain: I know that Kirkman is a good writer and that Mike really wants us to read it but I can’t. I have to draw a line somewhere because I think I read enough superhero comics involving teenagers right now, like Ultimate Spider-man, Teen Titans, or Runaways. I just can’t take any more teen drama! Also, my interest in this book is really low and it just doesn’t appeal to me. Maybe it’s just me being overly judgmental but I think there are more interesting stories than this one on the market right now.

THE WALKING DEAD #7
Written by Robert Kirkman, art by Ryan Ottley, cover by Cory Walker.

Mike: All right, a new arc for The Walking Dead! This book is one of the best zombie/adventure/action books of this time! Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore are a team that is unbeatable. If you’re looking for a great thriller book, with awesome art then this is for you. You won’t be disappointed to shell out you’re hard earned money on this title. It’ll keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Rick’s adventures in this strange new world keep getting better and better. You really don’t want to miss out on this. If you didn’t get issues#1-6 then the TPB is also coming out which collects all 6 issues for only $10. That’s right, $10; it’s a bargain! Just flip through the pages; once you see some of the awesome Zombie shots that Moore does you’ll be like “Damn! That’s awesome!”

Sylvain: As much as I want to read stories by Kirkman it seems that his best stuff does not fit into my interests. Zombies are something that I don’t care about unless they’re in video game format and called Resident Evil. I don’t see how decaying brainless human are really treat; they are BRAINLESS! Also, horror as a comic book style is not successful at putting me in a tense mood like horror movies do. If you’re a zombie fan or a Kirkman fan get this book, if not do like me and get you comic fix somewhere else.

MARVEL

DAREDEVIL: FATHER #1 (OF 5 LS)
Written, illustrated & cover by Joe Quesada, Inks by Danny Miki, color by Richard Isanove

Mike: Joe Quesada’s artwork is what got me interested in the Daredevil re-launch all those years ago. Now he’s writing and penciling the man without fear! I don’t read NYX so I’m not familiar with Quesada’s writing but from what I hear it’s really good and he should do a great job on Daredevil: Father.

Now not only are Quesada’s pencils on the book, he’s getting colored by Richard Isanove! I must admit I’m very excited to see how it will look. Isanove is one of the most distinct and most sought after colorists in the business. Man, I can’t wait for this.

Sylvain: If it wasn’t for the Superman revamp this would have been the highlight of the month. Joe Quesada on Daredevil doing both the story and the pencils; I couldn’t ask for more. If Frank Miller is the most influential writer on Daredevil I will say that Joe Quesada is the more influential artist on Daredevil. He just has a magic touch when it came to Daredevil, he knows how to give Daredevil a presence, a grace, and at the same time he looks terrifying. I think only David Finch has been able to do something similar with Daredevil so far. Normally, I would have been worried about him writing the story but since I’m reading NYX I think that he will be up to the task.

In this story Daredevil is after a serial killer during a very hot summer, I think this will be refreshing to see Daredevil back in action because even if Bendis’s Daredevil is amazing I miss an old billyclub brawl. Now let’s just hope that this Daredevil mini will not end up like that other DD project that we are all still waiting for.

FANTASTIC FOUR #512
Written By: Mark Waid, Cover and Pencils by Mike Weiringo

Mike: Waid and Ringo are the reasons that I started reading the Fantastic Four. I’m a pretty big fan of Mark Waid’s writing and Mike Weiringo has never let me down before on penciling duty. After what happened in “Authoritative Actions” this arc is supposed to deal with the results of it, besides bringing back Ben. The FF got themselves in some deep doo-doo in Latveria with what they attempted to do there. It’s going to be interesting seeing how they get pardoned and back in the public’s eye considering how they are seen as traitors. Waid’s done great things with the book and I hope that he keeps it up. Likewise with Weiringo.

Sylvain: I know that Marvel is flooding the market with Fantastic Four since there’s an upcoming movie but don’t be fooled by that and give this book a read. Waid has really nailed the family dynamic of the Fantastic Four and the stories he writes always challenge the status quo of the Marvel Universe. Right now the Fantastic Four are seen as traitors and a disgrace to their country. They practically lost everything after the Latveria incident. They are now trying to rebuild their image and they are going to ask for the help of Spider-man.

INCREDIBLE HULK #70-71
Written by Bruce Jones, Cover and Pencils by Mike Deodato Jr.

Mike: Well Incredible Hulk is a title that lost my interest many issues ago. I’m really just tired of all this Mr. Blue, Home Base, and “we want Hulk’s blood” stuff. One of the only reasons I’m sticking the title out this long is because Mike Deodato is a great artist and Incredible Hulk is moving to Marvel Knights. The cover to issue#71 looks awesome with Hulk battling Iron Man. I can’t wait to read that issue. I have a feeling that after the current four-issue arc Bruce Jones is finally going to give the story that he’s been doing forever a rest and start with something new.

SPIDER-MAN #1
Written by MARK MILLAR, Covers & pencils by TERRY DODSON

Mike: I’m a HUGE Mark Millar fan. The Authority, The Ultimates, Ultimate X-Men, Wanted, Trouble, whatever the hell this man is writing is going to be GREAT! Now Mark Millar is writing my favorite character, Spider-Man! Spider-Man is the character that got me into comics all those years ago and I can’t wait to see how one of the top writers in the industry will do on his title. A lot of people are calling this Spider-Man: Shush, because it’s similar to what Loeb and Lee did in Batman. Having someone discover Spider-Man’s identity then attack him with all his villains. I really don’t care where the idea came from, all I know is that Millar is going to do a fantastic job on the book. And here I am ranting about Millar but it’d be a shame to not mention the Dodson’s. Their work on Spider-Man/Black Cat and Trouble is awesome! I’m thrilled to see what they can do with all of Spider-Man’s rouges.

Sylvain: 2004 is shaping up to be Mark Millar’s most productive year ever. I’m a big fan of everything that Millar writes, especially Ultimates and Wanted. As I’m reading my previews I can’t help but be insecure about this new title because I’m asking myself this question: “Is Millar’s in your face style suited for Spider-Man?” Spider-Man needs some humor, which I know Millar is capable of, but it needs to be a subtle, geek, cocky humor, not humor like what he did with Authority or Ultimates. Also, Millar is good at writing over the top, violent action like a Jerry Bruckheimer movie, while Spider-Man needs to be more technical and strategic. Millar already showed us with Trouble that he’s a versatile writer. Sure, by writing this I might enrage a horde of Millar fans but this is not my goal. In fact, I want everybody to buy this title and wish this would be in the diamond top 10 for April. I’m sure after reading the first issues that all of this will go away but sometimes insecurities are just too strong.

WOLVERINE #13 & 14
Written by GREG RUCKA; Covers & pencils by DARICK ROBERTSON

Mike: Rucka is the man that got me buying Wolverine monthly when he started with this title and I’m glad to see how it’s progressed over this past year. Darick Robertson is back and I’m happy with that, his pencils look amazing! It’s going to be sad seeing Rucka leaving Wolverine, but we still have four more issues left and I’m going to enjoy them. Hopefully he’ll have some nice work over at DC so we can still enjoy his stories. I’m hoping that Robertson stays on Wolverine even when the new writer comes on but I can say one thing: please Marvel, don’t let Chuck Austen write this title, please.

Sylvain: Looking at this month’s solicitation for Wolverine for me there is both good and bad news. Let’s start with the bad news: there are only four issues left before Greg Rucka takes a bow and it’s definitely sad because Wolverine hasn’t been this interesting in ages. The good news is Darick Robertson will do the penciling and it’s good because he’s suited to illustrating Rucka’s story because he knows how to illustrate the feral and aggressive nature of Wolverine. Also, this month features the return of Sabertooth in a Wolverine story. Apparently he needs Wolverine’s help to catch a vicious creature in the Canadian wilderness. I don’t think there’s actually anything vicious in Canada, so this has to be a trap, but who knows.

ULTIMATES VOLUME 2 #1
Written by MARK MILLAR; Cover & pencils by BRYAN HITCH

Sylvain: A year has passed since the Chitauri invasion and much has changed for our heroes. With this in mind I think that we going to be in for a hell of a farewell ride by Millar and Hitch. I might have doubts about Millar on Spider-Man but with this title I know that we are with the leading authority on action-packed superhero comics. From what I read this year we are going to see Ultimate versions of Captain Britain and of The Defenders. I don’t think I need to elaborate anymore on this title, everybody is getting it anyway!

Mike: Like Sylvain said, it’s one year after the events of The Ultimates#13 and things have changed. Captain America and The Wasp are going out. Tony’s still trying to get with Black Widow, Pym’s off the team, and that’s about all that was told. Not to mention Ultimate Captain Britain and Ultimate Defenders. Still I’m not sure how Marvel can introduce Ultimate Captain Britain and Ultimate Defenders and still leave us without a monthly Ultimate Daredevil and Elektra, and Ultimate Hulk? Enough about me complaining. I am very psyched to read the re-launch and I know that Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch will do a fantastic job. The Ultimates is one of my favorite Marvel titles even though it can be a late on getting to the store.

IRON MAN #79 & 80
Written by JOHN JACKSON MILLER; Pencils by PHILIP TAN; Covers by ADI GRANOV

Mike: I’ve never read Iron Man before John Jackson Miller came on the book. His Iron Man stories have been great so far and I can’t wait to read this new arc. The only BIG downside is Phillip Tan on art. I just hope that his work is better than that stuff we had to suffer through on Uncanny X-Men. There’s really nothing more I can say about it. Buy the previous arc that Miller wrote and enjoy the art then buy this one solely for the story.

Sylvain: I don’t know if you’ve read this book since John Jackson Miller got on board because if you’re not reading it you’re missing a very interesting Iron Man saga. Defense contractors are using Tony Stark patent to create more powerful and deadly weapons, but they are also trying to mass-produce some Iron Man armor.

This book has a lot of potential since the creative team changed. The story is really engaging and hopefully will see more action in the upcoming issues. The lack of action is a minor setback compared to the really compelling story line of this book. My only complaint is that this month we have Philip Tan illustrating the book. I really disliked him on Uncanny X-Men. Maybe his style will look better with Iron Man but I have very little faith in that.

X-MEN: UNLIMITED #2
Written by David Hine, Robert Kirkman, Pencils by Adi Granov, Takeshi Miyazawa, Cover by Pat Lee

Mike:Robert Kirkman baby, that’s all I can say.

Okay I can say more: damn, I can’t wait to see what Kirkman has in store for the X-Men. Granted he only has 12 pages but man this is still going to be awesome. Buy it!

THE PUNISHER: THE END #1 (ONE-SHOT)
Written by GARTH ENNIS; Cover & art by RICHARD CORBEN

Mike: I’ve never read any Punisher before but I think that I’ll pick this one up just because it’s the last Punisher story. It’s going to be pretty neat seeing how Ennis will have the Punisher meet his fate. I’m not really sure how it will or could happen but I know Ennis won’t let us down.

Sylvain: Garth Ennis did a great job at resurrecting The Punisher with “Welcome Back Frank” and rewrote the origin of Frank Castle with Born. So it’s just logical that Marvel chose him to write the final tale of The Punisher. I hope that Ennis will give us the same type of story that Born was. I prefer Ennis writing when he writes stories that are grounded in life, just like when he was writing War Story which was better than those cartoonish Punisher tales he wrote. Darick Robertson was slated to the artist on this one before being replaced by Richard Corben. According to Marvel it’s “Castle's last stand! In a world gone mad.” So I guess then it will be a high-octane story with lots of body bags needed to clean the city after this.

X-STATIX#21-22
Written by Peter Milligan, Cover and Pencils by Mike Allred

Mike:Alright, well, Peter Milligan is one of my favorite writers. X-Statix is a great title, and Mike Allred is my top favorite artist (tied with Jim Lee). Now X-Statix is going to face off against the Avengers in their Marvel Knights debut. I can’t wait, I’m so excited. I love seeing Allred draw all of these characters that he previously didn’t and now he’s taking on the entire Avengers. I can’t wait! You guys all need to buy this title now! Go out and get it. Milligan’s story is second to none and Allred’s art is top notch. Buy it now!

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Well that’s all we have for this month! We hope you enjoyed the column and we hope that we helped you find new and interesting titles for the upcoming months.

Do you think we forgot something or that we were wrong somewhere? Come see us on the message board (see link below) and let us know. Until next month, and don't worry, we will be here, cause we're in it for the long haul.

-Mike and Sylvain

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