WLG #147: Return To Form!

By Michael A. Diaz

Ahhh...

I apologize for no column last week, but sometimes people just need a break. I didn’t know it at the time but I needed to take some time off and recharge my batteries a bit. I’m still adjusting to my new work schedule, but like I said a couple of weeks ago I’d rather have the stress of a new job than the stress of worrying where my next paycheck is coming from.

But enough about me and my job.

Before I go much further I would like to offer up a warning as well: Ultraviolet is one of the worst movies that I have ever seen in my life so don’t see it unless you like wasting your time and money. Though it’s not technically a comic book movie it is certainly being marketed to appeal to our comic book loving demographic. If the anime-esque action shots in the trailer weren’t enough to convince you the movie’s introduction certainly will: the credits are done on the covers of several Ultraviolet comics, manga, and even a couple of European “albums.” It’s blatantly clear that Wimmer (the director) wants this to be a comic book movie, but take my word for it, it’s best to just stay away.

I went to go see it because I am a big fan of the cult-hit Equilibrium, which was also written and directed by Kurt Wimmer, so believe me when I say that I really tried hard to find something, ANYthing, about Ultraviolet that I liked. I didn’t go in expecting to hate it, I went in wanting more than anything for any part of it to be good.

I was let down.

Don’t let this happen to you.

Now this:

Standard Disclaimer: For those of you new to the WLG experience, here's how it works: Every week I check out the release schedule from the Diamond Comics Shipping List and decide which comics that I am going to spend my hard-earned money on. Yep, my money. That's good, because it helps to maintain my objectivity. If I spend money on a comic book and it turns out to be crap I'm going to be upset.Another thing about comic book movies: I noticed in this week’s flier that Circuit City is selling Batman Begins for $9.99 this week, or at least they are in my neck of the woods. Double check the Circuit City in your area but if you haven’t bought it on DVD yet (which I haven’t) then $9.99 is a pretty good price.

I’m done rambling on about comic book-themed movies; let’s dive into What Looks Good…

DC

CAPTAIN ATOM ARMAGEDDON #6 (OF 9) $2.99 (Will Pfeifer / Giuseppe Camuncoli)

I am beginning to really start sounding like a broken record here, but the simple fact of the matter is that this book is the start of something big for the WildStorm Universe, potentially something that might deal with the connections between it and the DC Universe.

If it really is the end of the WildStorm Universe as I know and love it (which I hope that it’s not) this should prove to be a nice way of saying good-bye. One of the reasons I got back into comics a few years back was because of WildStorm, specifically Warren Ellis’s take on StormWatch. Because of his run WildStorm was able to spawn some of my favorite books, including The Authority, Planetary, Wildcats, and Sleeper. To think that all of that might be quickly erased from continuity troubles me a touch, so here’s to hoping that whatever cataclysmic event follows Captain Atom remains at least respectful of what came before.

Also, more specific to this particular issue, the budding relationship between Atom and the Engineer (if indeed that is what it is) raises an eyebrow. It’s not something that I would have foreseen yet it makes a lot of sense.

I keep getting the feeling that this is the series that occurs right before everything about the WildStorm Universe changes. Being that the WS Universe is so dear to me I have to be there to see what happens.

IMAGE

FELL #4 $1.99 (Warren Ellis / Ben Templesmith)

This book is such a wonderful experiment exploring the conventions and forms of the conventional comic book while at the same time being a compelling page-turner. Who knew that such good stories could be packed into such a short book without ever leaving the reader feel shorted. In fact, that pages and commentary at the end of every issue are a nice addition, like the extras on a DVD.

$1.99 is cheap for a book of this quality; besides, this is the beginning of a new arc, so here’s you chance to jump on. That is, unless $1.99 wasn’t a cheap enough selling point for you as it was.

RETRO ROCKET #1 (OF 4) $2.99 (Tony Bedard / Jason Orfalas)

I have NO idea what this book is but it really caught my eye as I was going through this week’s releases. I’ve been poking around online to see what else I could find out about it but if you know anything or could point me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it (you now where to find me).

I don’t know why, but I feel drawn to that cover for some reason.

Given that I’ve really liked Bedard’s work in the real of horror (Route 666) and science fiction (Negation and Exiles) I’m more than willing to give him the benefit of the doubt when he tries his hand at Ameri-manga (if that is indeed what this is).

Like I said, if you know anything more about this book I’d love to know more about it. Thanks!

MARVEL

NEW X-MEN #24 (Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost / Mark Brooks)

Actually, I’m really not all that geeked about this book this week, but I had to point it out because of that striking cover. I just know that if I was perusing new comics on the stands some Wednesday and I saw this cover I would definitely stop to check it out.

Seriously, that’s one SHARP looking cover.

Nice job Mr. Brooks, et al.

POWERS #17 (MR) $2.95 (Brian Michael Bendis / Michael Avon Oeming)

What the heck are Bendis and Oeming on? Seriously, because when it comes to twists and turns this book is chock full of them.

First there are rumors that Det. Walker was a superhero, then we found out that not only was he a hero, but nearly a god (which included scenes of monkey coitus – don’t ask). If that wasn’t enough we found out that he was engaged to another hero, who died, and later ALL powers were declared illegal. He faced his nemesis and vanquished him, leaving the possibility open that his powers might once retunr. Then he became the guide and mentor to a new “Retro Girl” while his partner harbored more a couple of secrets.

And then the last issue happened.

Where this book is going is anyone’s guess, but instead remaining constrained within its original premise of “cops that handle super-powered crimes” the book has been allowed to morph, mature, and grow with the stories that formed it over the past few years. In the end this book could be about anything which makes reading it that much fun: no one knows whatever is going to happen from one issue to the next, yet none of it seems forced or unnatural. Like I said, this book just continues to grow, like a living, breathing thing.

The ride is getting more and more interesting so if you’ve been thinking about jumping on this issue is the start of a new arc so here’s your chance.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #91 $2.50 (Brian Michael Bendis / Mark Bagley)

As much as I have enjoyed how emotionally “real” Peter’s relationship with Mary Jane has been I have to admit that I really like his current relationship with Kitty Pryde, aka Shadowcat of the X-Men. Sure, in the end (whenever that is) I know that Peter is going to end up with Mary Jane (it’s a scientific certainty; Superman always ends up with Lois just as Batman’s most significant relationship will always be with the Joker), but for the time being Peter and Kitty just make sense.

I know I’ve been raving about this book since day one, but it’s usually the issues like these, that highlight the human side of relationships, that are usually the best.

Anything else that caught your eye this week? If so, please stop by the What Looks Good message boards (see link below) and let me know what you are geeking out about.

Oh, and remember: stay away from Ultraviolet.

Until then,

Peace!

-Diaz