Archive for March, 2006

La Perdida

March 27, 2006 | Trades

La Perdida Jessica Abel Pantheon Books $27.95 (Hardcover) **** 1/2 (out of five) Her eyes are wide and filled with wonder as she takes her first walk through Mexico City. The stereotypical stranger in a strange land, Carla Olivares is filled with a hunger to discover both her roots and herself. If only she knew what kind of person she would be after one year in this sprawling third-world metropolis. From the mind, and pen, of creator Jessica Abel (Artbabe) comes this long-awaited collection of the five-issue series originally published from 2001 to 2005. Carla, an American whose Mexican father walked out on her family when she was just a girl, heads south of the border to try to connect to her forgotten heritage — and to run away from her Anglo one. She moves in with Harry, a former fling named from back in Chicago now living there, and slowly starts to try to shed herself of her American skin. As her life with Harry sours, she makes two close Mexican friends, Memo — the leftist elitist — and Oscar — the pot-selling, pretty-boy DJ wannabe. Immersing herself not-so-much in Mexican culture, but in the small, sometimes shady, world of her new friends, Carla goes through a roller-coaster of emotions as the two sides of her identity do battle. But after Harry gets kidnapped, Carla’s idyllic Mexican façade comes crashing down and her perceptions of herself quickly go from blurry to black. La Perdida is a true triumph. Abel’s thoughtfully constructed characters, authentic perceptions about Mexican life (based on her two years living there) and artistic flair add up to a near-perfect example of the term “graphic novel”.

Green Arrow: Moving Targets

March 27, 2006 | Trades

Green Arrow: Moving Targets Judd Winick, Phil Hester, Ande Parks DC Comics $23.99/$17.99 US (Paperback) **** (out of five) A new villain has killed off all the high-ranking members of the Star City underworld and even whacked the mayor and the district attorney. But all that’s secondary in Green Arrow’s mind. His ward, 17-year-old Mia Dearden, has tested positive for HIV. With no punches pulled, writer Judd Winick brings the issue of HIV and AIDS home for comic fans by revealing Mia’s illness and hammering home the reality that while this is a disease to be feared, the people who have it aren’t — and that people who contract HIV aren’t dying from it, they’re living with it. Oh don’t worry fanboys, there’s still lots of great action, clever quips and all that stuff readers of this series have gotten used to in this mammoth 11-issue collection, but this one’s a little heavier than just that and kudos to DC and Winick for making it so.

Flash: Rogue War

March 27, 2006 | Trades

Flash: Rogue War Geoff Johns, Howard Porter, Livesay DC Comics $23.99 (Paperback) **** (out of five) It was the perfect ending — and it should have been. It is not an exaggeration to say that The Flash has been one of, if not the best, super-hero comic in the world since the autumn of 2000. That, by not coincidence, was when relative newcomer Geoff Johns took over the writing chores of this long-standing DC Comics series and quickly turned it into something special. It was his love of villains, you see. Johns loves the bad guys. And he can write bad guys — ones that you hate and ones that you love — better than almost any other scribe in the industry. For over five years, Johns brought out the best in the Flash’s Rogues Gallery and so when he was ready to end his run on his signature series, he went out with a bang. Tying up all the loose threads he’d left out there, some as old as his first story arc, Johns runs the Flash right into two teams of divided Rogues — and a wildcard. As ever, the action is as fast as the series namesake and, unlike so many modern-age comics, it even has a happy ending. Unfortunately, while any fan of the DCU knew the end of this series (and the inevitable relaunch) was coming with the mega-crossover Infinite Crisis, the series went on without Johns for five more forgettable issues, slightly diminishing a great conclusion for this incarnation of the Scarlet Speedster. But thanks anyways Geoff. It’s been a great ride.

The Superman Chronicles Vol. 1

March 27, 2006 | Trades

The Superman Chronicles Vol. 1 Joel Siegel, Joe Shuster DC Comics $19.99/$14.99 US (Paperback) **** (out of five) Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! Hey, what’s with the yellow boots! DC Comics continues its efforts to make some of its golden age classics accessible with this moderately priced chronological collection of The Man Of Steel’s earliest adventures by writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian artist Joe Shuster. As with last year’s The Batman Chronicles, this volume takes readers right back to the beginning of a long-standing hero’s adventures, and those not up on their comic’s history may be in for a shock. There’s no flying for this Superman, just leaping really high, and the modern outfit is a little rougher, in one issue the usual red footwear in replaced with a bright yellow! These volumes really are a steal given how unfathomable price the original issues would cost and even the slightly pricey, albeit worth it, price of the comparable DC Archives editions. They are also a great way to connect to some Canadian comic book history through Shuster’s art.

Tales Of Colossus

March 27, 2006 | Trades

Tales Of Colossus Mark Andrews Image Comics $17.99 US (Paperback) *** 1/2 (out of five) It’s new and improved — just don’t call it Colossus Redux. Six years after this book was first published, writer/illustrator Mark Andrews has decided to go back and do it right. He felt his initial attempt at telling this story — about a medieval knight magically trapped in a hulking metal body — was rushed, and as a result sloppy. Well, he was right. And while the new result still might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it is a nicer read. This isn’t Lucas making Greedo shoot first or Speilberg removing the guns from E.T., it’s more like taking an analog cartoon from the 1980s and digitally remastering it. Andrews, an Emmy Award-winning director/story supervisor who has worked on such projects as The Incredibles, Star Wars: Clone Wars and Samurai Jack, has a pretty good story to tell and if he’s happy with it, chances you will be too.

DC: One Year Later

March 27, 2006 | Comics

One Year Later. That’s where we find the DC Comics Universe this month in the fallout of the ongoing Infinite Crisis miniseries. Over 20 DCU titles are blinked 365 days ahead, to a world where Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman have all been missing. Catwoman is pregnant, Green Arrow is the mayor of Star City, the JSA has disbanded and the Outsiders are gone — or are they? DC piles hot writers on top of hot artists in this bold new direction for some of comics’ most familiar names. One thing to remember though: this is One Year Later, not Year 1, so it’s not about retelling origins; it’s about catching up with missed time. Here’s a look at some of the first month of One Year Later issues: WARNING: These reviews may contain spoilers! Detective Comics #817/Batman #651 $3.50/$2.50 US **** (out of five) It’s been over a year since anyone’s seen Batman. But don’t worry, someone’s got Gotham City covered. The return of the super-villain Poison Ivy prompts newly reinstated police commissioner Jim Gordon to fire up the old Bat-signal and the Dark Knight finally makes his return. But as Batman and Robin return to stop Ivy, a mystery is brewing: someone is murdering members of his rogues gallery, starting with the KGBeast in Detective #817 and continuing with Magpie in Batman #651. Written by James Robinson, with layouts by Canada’s Leonard Kirk and finishes by Andy Clarke (the underrated duo who stood out on a recent stint on Aquaman) who hit real heights with Part 1 of the eight-part, Face To Face, while Don Kramer and Keith Champagne do likewise in Part 2, in one of the best relaunches of the new DCU. Superman #650/Action Comics #837 $3.50/$2.50 US **** (out of five) The missing year was a good one for Clark Kent. He’s back in the good books with his boss at the Daily Planet — getting all the best assignment again, and most importantly, he’s back on the good side of his wife, the lovely Lois Lane. Only one thing’s missing: Superman’s powers. This issue of Superman marks a number of milestones, as it returns to its original name and numbering (back in 1987 it was redubbed Adventures Of Superman and a new series began at #1), marks the debut of the (temporary) creative team supreme of writers Kurt Busiek and Geoff Johns and the art team of Pete Woods on the interiors and Terry and Rachel Dodson on the covers for both Supeman and Action. I’ve got to say: it’s a heck of a debut for all of the above. This new direction for the Man Of Steel will have you hooked faster than a speeding bullet. Green Arrow #60 $3.50/$2.50 US **** (out of five) When last we saw the Emerald Archer, his city lay in ruins. The Secret Society Of Super-Villains has set off a chain reaction of explosions that toppled building after building in Star City. One year later, the city has still not recovered and is slowly decaying thanks to all the foul elements — criminal and otherwise — that come out of the woodwork in tough times. A corrupt collective of corporations (say that five times fast) have plans to save the city by basically bulldozing and starting over and the only person standing up for the impoverished local citizens is new Mayor Oliver Queen — Green Arrow! Writer Judd Winick, well known for tackling American social issues such as homophobia and AIDS through comics, gives us his thinly veiled spin on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana by inserting Star City in New Orleans’ place. Joined by new artist Scott McDaniel, Winick lines up the soapbox for what will no doubt be another provocative, if slightly preachy, storyline. Blue Beetle #1 $4/$2.99 US **** (out of five) You can’t keep a good hero down. And so… introducing the new Blue Beetle! While we got a brief intro to Jaime Reyes through Infinite Crisis, this debut issue shows us a little more about who he is and how he came upon the enchanted scarab that imbues the Blue Beetle with his powers. Complete with an old-fashioned knock-down, drag ‘em out super-hero misunderstanding brawl with Green Lantern Guy Gardner, this series opener really gets off on the right foot. Now let’s see if this Beetle can fly. Catwoman #53 $3.50/$2.50 US **** (out of five) Catwoman… and kitten? This is the series that gets the highest “what the ----?” honours as it opens with Selina Kyle giving birth to her new baby daughter, Helena. Perhaps “Nine Months Later” would have been more appropriate for this series? Making matters stranger is the appearance of a new Catwoman on the streets of Gotham City. But that mystery is dwarfed immensely by the one lingering in every Cat fan’s mind: Who’s the daddy? No answers here, but figuring it out who the mystery dad is is likely to keep readers coming back to this purrrrrfect One Year Later book for months. Robin #148 $3.50/$2.50 US **** (out of five) Batgirl is dead and Robin is wanted for murder — and that’s only the first three pages! Robin’s One Year Later story opens with a murder mystery. An old acquaintance of the Boy Wonder’s has been killed and dressed up as Batgirl. Now the Gotham City Police is targeting him as the main suspect. Can the young detective figure out how he’s been set up without getting stuck in jail? New writer Adam Beechen and art team of Karl Kerschl and Wayne Faucher have a tough legacy to live up to after a great run by Bill Willingham, Damion Scott and Scott McDaniel, but they get off to a great start. Robin One Year Later has energy, intrigue and excitement aplenty. Hawkgirl #50 $3.50/$2.50 US *** 1/2 (out of five) It’s one year later and I don’t know what’s freaking me out more — that Hawkman’s monthly series now stars Hawkgirl or that two comic industry legends are teaming up on it. Walter Simonson (Thor) and Howard Chaykin (American Flagg) fast-forward us to find Kendra Saunders living alone in the southern U.S. city of St. Roch, with Carter Hall A.K.A. Hawkman missing in action. Making matters worse for Kendra are some very vivid dreams about her former ...

Truth, Justin, And The American Way #1

March 27, 2006 | Comics

Truth, Justin, And The American Way #1 (of 5) Scott Kurtz, Aaron Williams, Guiseppe Ferrario Image Comics $3.50/$2.99 US **** (out of five) The opening page of Truth, Justin, And The American Way features Daisy Duke, Alex P. Keaton and Axel Foley. The 80s references just keep on coming — and so do the laughs — in this homage to both a decade and, not so subtly, the classic TV show, The Greatest American Hero. The fun begins when a Russian spy on the run from the FBI hides a stolen Alien space suit in Justin’s car. Thinking the outrageous outfit is a gag being played on him by his buddies for his bachelor’s party, Justin grudgingly puts in on and unknowingly gains the ability to fly, super-strength and who knows what other powers. PVP creator Scott Kurtz and Aaron Williams (Nodwick, PS238) team up with talented Italian artist Guiseppe Ferrario for this funny and fabulous tribute to a bygone era.

Hellboy: Makoma #1

March 27, 2006 | Comics

Hellboy: Makoma #1 (of 2) Mike Mignola Dark Horse Comics $2.99 US **** (out of five) Mike Mignola and Richard Corben in the same book? Mmmmm… boy! It doesn’t get much better than that! Mignola, the big red dude’s creator, is back with this two-part lead-in story for the next major Hellboy series, Darkness Calls, set to arrive this fall. Joining him in this effort is the gifted Corben, best known for his work on Hellblazer, as they tackle an ancient African legend starring — you guessed it — Hellboy! The art is sublime and the story is the same cryptic, engrossing fare reader’s have come to expect from Mignola. The only bad thing about it is you’ll have to wait a month for the conclusion.

War Of The Worlds: Second Wave #1

March 27, 2006 | Comics

War Of The Worlds: Second Wave #1 Michael Alan Nelson, Chee Boom! Studios $2.99 US *** 1/2 (out of five) Reaction No. 1 to hearing Boom! Studios was unveiling a new monthly comic based on last year’s War Of The Worlds: No… more… Tom… Cruise! Thankfully the actor formerly known as Maverick isn’t the star of this new book and it’s actually pretty decent. Written by Michael Alan Nelson and illustrated by Chee, this first issue is basically a recap with a new man, referred to only as Miles, in place of Cruise. It’s mainly just a setup for the catchphrase of the series: “The second wave landed on a Tuesday.” Whether or not this batch of aliens thought to get their flu shots before invading remains to be seen, but there’s certainly plenty of hopeful signs this series could be a good one.

Doll And Creature #1

March 27, 2006 | Comics

Doll And Creature #1 (of 4) Image Comics $3.50/$2.99 US *** 1/2 (out of five) Wow, is Rick Remender that guy already? You know, the guy whose new stuff is so darned good that publishers are willing to go back and reprint all the stuff they did back when they were nobodies? From the writer of Sea Of Red, Strange Girl and Fear Agent comes the newly colourized Doll And Creature, a slightly tongue-in-cheek vision of the future where Goth culture reigns supreme. As a designer drug called Gray Matter spreads through the streets, threatening to turn all who use into “Hydes”, their most evil inner selves, only the mysterious Gristle is willing to take a stand and start bashing heads. But what happens when he catches Doll’s best friend “getting gray” in a dark alley. Not exactly Remender’s finest work, but still pretty entertaining, Doll And Creature is totally worth a shot.