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CB Weekly Column: The Good Stuff #3, Available Now, No Charge! Click Here!
Posted: Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Posted By: Kevin Powers
The Good Stuff: Issue #3. Of course, that all comes down to personal opinion and what your general tastes are. Here at the Comics Bulletin, you can speak your free mind and discuss this blessed art-form with other individuals who are just as passionate about comics as you are. At Comics Bulletin, we pride ourselves on great reviews, fantastic features and a spectacular atmosphere for discussion. Our reviews are second to none covering every corner of the industry from the big guys to the little guys. But sometimes a comic book that doesn’t achieve a certain mark features a scene or a moment that really stands out. A 2.5 bullet book could have the best scene of the week’s stack, but the overall book could come up short in a reviewer’s opinion. So here it is, a column devoted to those moments, a “best of the week” type thing that acts as an addition to our extraordinary reviews. Feel free to agree, disagree, call for the tar and feathering of Kevin Powers, but take a second to check it out; maybe you missed some of the Good Stuff and you can grab it with this week’s stack.
Where is it? Damage Control #1
Written by: Dwayne McDuffie
Art by: Salva Espin
What is it? The Thunderbolts show up to check for Superhuman Registration Cards.
Dwayne McDuffie returned to his original creation last week with Damage Control. The original team won a contract from Tony Stark to handle the city clean-up and reconstruction following “World War Hulk.” This issue is very well done, capturing the tone and spirit of Damage Control and also blurring the lines of Superhuman Registration. Damage Control doesn’t care who is registered or not, they just want everybody to chip in and do what they can. However, this issue takes a surprising turn and becomes even better when the Thunderbolts show up on the very last page. What do they want? To check for Superhuman Registration cards, of course. Any unregistered hero, which includes the new Black Goliath, must answer to the Thunderbolts and proceed to jail. This scene came very unexpectedly and it really elevated the quality of this issue. This issue was definitely a surprise hit and a meaningful appearance by the fan-favorite whacko Thunderbolts definitely raises the bar.
Where is it? Hack/Slash #8, Seeley Cover
Written by: Tim Seeley
Art by: Rebekah Isaacs
What? I’m a guy! Seriously, did you know Megan Fox wants to be Cassie Hack in the Hack/Slash movie? Yeah, now this cover looks much more appealing. That is until you realized the hand below the key-hole is covered in blood. That’s not creepy or anything, just some crazy psycho with blood all over their hands watching two half naked girls make out. You know this cover is hot, and as the bloody hand suggests, there’s plenty of gore to go around in this issue. This is a great series, definitely one of the best non-superhero books out there and a great horror and horror-satire piece. This current story-arc is one of the best yet and this series has a lot to love.
Where is it? Marvel Adventures Iron Man #9
Written by: Fred Van Lente
Art by: Graham Nolan
What is it? A last message for Tony Stark from his father, Howard.
Believe it or not, the Marvel Adventures imprint isn’t just for kids. In the Marvel Adventures books, readers can find well done stories that are free of corruption away from the mainstream universe. The Marvel Adventures titles gives readers a more “classic” take on the heroes that appeals to all ages. In last week’s issue of Marvel Adventures Iron Man, a young boy falls into a hole leading to a long lost Stark Industries bunker. Iron Man investigates the mysterious underground bunker and discovers robots that look like his original suit. Eventually he learns of his father’s involvement in the bunker’s construction and when he finds a video tape featuring his late father, readers are treated to a very touching father/son moment. Tony doesn’t get a lot of respect in the mainstream universe and it’s rare to see his personal side these days. However, this issue offers a very touching father/son moment that should make you crack a smile.
Where is it? Star Trek: Year Four#6
Written by: David Tischman
Art by: Gordon Purcell
What is it? Guy in red shirt goes on away team mission. Guy in red shirt dies.
Remember the good old days of Star Trek where a non-regular character was sure to meet his or her demise if she/he were wearing a red shirt? I swear, Kirk may have more notches on his “ladies conquered” belt than any man in the 23rd Century, but he’s also got a lot of “crewmen lost” notches as well. In the latest issue of Star Trek: Year Four, we are treated to one of those classic deaths when “Mr. Mallard,” an away team officer in a red shirt, tries to recover his phaser after being captured by some strange robot nanny. I mean, you could see this coming a mile away; the away team consisted of McCoy, Kirk, the plot important female wearing a blue mini dress, and Mallard. Mallard didn’t stand a chance.
Where is it? Dock Walloper #2
Written by: Ed Burns and Jimmy Palmiotti
Art by: Siju Thomas
Who is it? Dock Walloper
Ed Burns’ Prohibition era character with the over-sized arm is one of the coolest characters to hit comics recently. He and his best friend Bootsy aren’t actively looking for trouble, they are just looking to live comfortably in a time when everything was uncertain. The boys have gotten involved with the mob, and a man the Walloper was supposed to have killed last issue pops back up looking to kill his assailant. While Smith (Dock Walloper) is trying to take care of business at the brothel, the man he thought he killed, Diamond Jack, raids his apartment across the street. Walloper sees this and goes over to defend his home. The fight that takes place is beautiful. Walloper starts beating the hell out of Diamond Jack’s men on the fire escape and then on the passing train. The fight on the roof of the train is really fantastic and it’s also got the type of violence that would make Garth Ennis proud.
Where is it? Star Trek Alien Spotlight: The Borg
Written by: Andrew Steven Harris
Art by: Sean Murphy
What is it? The Borg.
One of the best Star Trek movies ever, and a damn good movie Trek or not, was Star Trek: First Contact. There was always something massively appealing about the Borg. They took a lot of the bore out of Trek and were a catalyst for action, suspense and drama. In IDW’s Star Trek Alien Spotlight: The Borg not only are we treated to the Enterprise-E crew pre-Nemesis, but the way they are used as well as the characterization of Captain Picard is on point. Everything falls into place very well, the inclusion of Admiral Janeway, Picard’s short-temper when it comes to the Borg and Geordi’s love for technology. This issue also plays right into the Borg time travel idea first seen in First Contact when Borg from the future, in the form of Species 8472 (Trek fans, you know how wild that is) try to assimilate the ship. Writer Andrew Steven Harris most definitely knows his Trek lore and he puts it to good use here.
Where is it? Amazing Spider-Man #548
Written by: Dan Slott
Art by: Steve McNiven
I am an avid lover of Batman Begins but I still haven’t forgotten about Batman Forever and Batman and Robin. In fact, when I was much younger and more impressionable, I really enjoyed Batman Forever. I was about 10 years old so that kind of Batman action appealed to me. Thus it is safe to say I’ve seen it a few times in my life and catch it on TV every now and again. So, when Spider-Man made his way into a circus tent to stop Mr. Negative from killing a mob bosses’ child relatives, I began having Batman Forever flashbacks. Not only does Spidey battle ridiculous looking thugs, but he stops a bomb like device from harming the children. This scene played out much like that one from Batman Forever it’s too bad Val Kilmer wasn’t there to help out. Speaking of Val, check out his profile on IMDB, he’s been busy lately.
Where is it? Iron Man #25
Written by: Daniel and Charles Knauf
Art by: Rob De La Torre
What is it?Iron Man Everything!
Last week, I provided an advance review of Iron Man #25. One of the things I mentioned was how well the character was marketed not only in the story, but in ads and back-up features as well. With the mega-highly anticipated film coming in May, Marvel is no doubt beginning its massive push to promote Ol’ Shellhead. They got off to a great start in Iron Man #25. Not only does he finally come face to face with his arch-nemesis, The Mandarin, but he does it in his classic and original red and yellow armor. To go along with the regular story, there’s an “Iron Man Movie Preview” feature, an article by artist Bob Layton entitled “The Many Armors of Iron Man,” a preview of the Iron Man Omnibus Vol. 1 and a 6 page preview of Jon Favreau and Adi Granov’s Iron Man: Viva Las Vegas. I’ve got to commend the Marvel marketing team, this issue is a great way to show off Iron Man, both with what is out and what is coming out. It worked on me, my excitement for the film increased after reading this issue!
Where is it? Punisher MAX #54
Written by: Garth Ennis
Art by: Goran Parlov
What is it?The Punisher vs. Barracuda
Garth Ennis offered the final battle between the Punisher and Barracuda last week and it was everything you’d come to expect from Ennis. It was violent, grotesquely violent but amongst the blood and the missing teeth, there was powerful character development. Even though he had his nose ripped off with a pair of pliers, Barracuda still goes out with a bang. Ennis crafted much of this issue as a sort of love song for Barracuda, whom Ennis has spent the last two years exploring. Barracuda’s life flashes before his eyes in a chilling yet powerful sequence that leads to even more blood and gore. This fight has lasted the better part of 5 issues; there’s been excellent character narration and monologue from the Punisher and fantastic action. What’s next for Ennis’ Punisher? Who knows, but I will be there reading.
Where is it? The Order #7
Written by: Matt Fraction
Art by: Barry Kitson
Who is it? Namor explaining World War II to Anthem
It’s really too bad that The Order is getting cancelled. It’s got some great characters and I love Matt Fraction’s writing and Barry Kitson’s artwork. With that being said, the past few issues of The Order have been rather tense and dramatic as the team has come face to face with Namor. Namor’s always been a bit of a jerk, he’s not the first guy I would invite over for the Super Bowl. So when the Order’s leader, Anthem, is trying to understand Namor’s motivations and person after surrounding San Francisco with a tidal wave to protect Atlantis. In trying to understand Namor’s allegiances, Anthem reminds the Sub-Mariner that he was “on our side in the war.” Namor corrects Anthem by saying “I was against Hitler, there’s a difference, ask Stalin.” That’s just fantastic writing by Fraction. He does a great job capturing Namor’s, and even Stalin’s, sentiments. Namor cares only for his people and he knows he will always be remembered as a hero to them. He’s still not coming over for the Super Bowl.
Where is it? Legion of Super-Heroes #26
Written by: Jim Shooter
Art by: Francis Manapul
Who is it? Fruit Boy
Jim Shooter’s return to Legion of the Super-heroes has been a bit strange but I have found myself enjoying it. I never really got heavily into the Legion but I figured I’d give it a whirl with Shooter. There’s a great moment in this issue when the Legion is recruiting new members. These potential recruits are a bit outlandish and offer some comic relief. However, the character who stands out the most is Fruit Boy. Yes, sexual orientation jokes aside, Fruit Boy’s power is to cause fruit to ripen. My only reaction to this scene was “Wow, that’s fruity.” (Ba-Zing!) Seriously though, it was a little fruity.
Where is it? Wonder Woman #16
Written by: Gail Simone
Art by: The Dodsons, Ron Randall
Who is it? Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman has returned to her former glory courtesy of Gail Simone. Not only has Diana’s life as a Department of Meta-Human Affairs agent gotten a lot more interesting, but she’s got a few new friends in the form of super-gorillas from Gorilla City. Top that off with battling Nazis, great artwork and excellent character motivation and we’ve finally got our Diana back. Simone has also been fooling around with Diana’s past, creating a rift amongst the Amazons that circles around Hippolyta’s choice to bring Diana to life. There’s a lot of good stuff happening in Wonder Woman and she’s definitely a character to keep an eye on.
Iron Man #25
The Punisher MAX #54
Dock Walloper #2
There are a plethora of great books out this week. Check out the advance reviews of Captain America #234 by Dave Wallace and yours truly
Check out “What Looks Good” for just that for this week.
Check back next week to find out what was “The Good Stuff”
Also Support the Writer’s Guild of America. We all deserve our fair cut.
Thanks for reading,
KP
kevin.powers@comicsbulletin.com
kevinpowers70@yahoo.com
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