Nightcrawler-a whole new can of worms! OK, the new Nightcrawler #1 from Marvel Comics is not actually about those big, icky worms that come out after the rain. It has absolutely nothing to do with worms at all, I just had to get that joke out of my system.
So, what is Nightcrawler about? It is about mutants, particularly the blue teleporting Kurt Wagner AKA Nightcrawler of X-Men comics and movie fame. This is the first time Kurt has had his own ongoing solo series, and he is off to an interesting and intriguing start. Even though he has been an X-Man for decades, Wolverine's "Fuzzy Elf" buddy has had relatively few chances to get the spotlight. (There's a whole mess of mutants fightin' for story time in those X-books!)
In the first issue of Nightcrawler, writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa sets up a classic locked room murder-mystery scenario. A truly gruesome fate befalls a group of kids, who just happen to be patients in the Pschiatric Ward of the General Hospital. The killings take place in just four minutes, in a locked room, with no way in or out. There is only one survivor, and it seems natural (in the Marvel Universe, anyway) to suspect some mutant involvement. Considering the locked room aspect of this puzzle, a teleporter like Nightcrawler makes a natural investigator.
Darick Robertson's art really brings across the darker aspects of this story. His Nightcrawler blends into the shadows nicely, the crime scene is just barely seen but still manages to be disturbing, and the evil-doers of the piece look appropriately creepy. The art isn't all dark though. There are some hilarious background scenes at the X-Mansion, and the lovely nurse Palmer, to lighten the mood. (There really should be more white nurse uniforms in comics. Maybe someone should make that a rule?)
Nightcrawler #1 is a great start to an intriguing new series. If you like the X-Men, mysteries, evil psychiatrists, or cute nurses, there is something in this book for you. You can't go wrong! Nightcrawler #1 is Four ColorFantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week. Don't make Kurt Wagner cry. He's a sensitive guy.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Adventures of Superman #632
THE GRIEF OF SUPERMAN
"Read all about it! Lois Lane shot in the line of duty!" I know it sounds like I'm giving away spoilers, but since the cover of Adventures of Superman #632 clearly gives away that Lois is shot in this issue, I feel safe telling you that much.
This story, by Greg Rucka, is not really about who shot Lois or how it happened; it is about how Superman deals with a crisis that is much more personal than usual. In a story that echoes current events, Lois is shot while reporting from a war zone in a foreign land. The rest of the issue shows us how Supes, with a little help from his friends, handles the crucial five minutes after the event.
The other plotline in this issue gives readers a glimpse of what happens when Superman's attention is forced away. By rushing off to help Lois, he leaves a couple of evil-doers (most importantly a not-very-nice-guy named Ruin) in the hands of the police and bad things happen. Ruin is not a nice man.
Greg Rucka's script is very tense, and the counter he uses to record each vital second passing is a neat way to show readers how fast the action is moving. This issue also has great art by Paul Pelletier that really lends the story a sense of urgency, and adds to the moodier moments. Pelletier is also going to be the new artist on She-Hulk soon, which gives me an excuse to plug that great book too. (Read She-Hulk!) But I digress.
Adventures of Superman #632 has Superman in very unusual circumstances, Lois in peril and Ruin ruining things. The only other incentive you should need to try this out is the fact that it is Four Color Fantasies guaranteed Book of the Week!
"Read all about it! Lois Lane shot in the line of duty!" I know it sounds like I'm giving away spoilers, but since the cover of Adventures of Superman #632 clearly gives away that Lois is shot in this issue, I feel safe telling you that much.
This story, by Greg Rucka, is not really about who shot Lois or how it happened; it is about how Superman deals with a crisis that is much more personal than usual. In a story that echoes current events, Lois is shot while reporting from a war zone in a foreign land. The rest of the issue shows us how Supes, with a little help from his friends, handles the crucial five minutes after the event.
The other plotline in this issue gives readers a glimpse of what happens when Superman's attention is forced away. By rushing off to help Lois, he leaves a couple of evil-doers (most importantly a not-very-nice-guy named Ruin) in the hands of the police and bad things happen. Ruin is not a nice man.
Greg Rucka's script is very tense, and the counter he uses to record each vital second passing is a neat way to show readers how fast the action is moving. This issue also has great art by Paul Pelletier that really lends the story a sense of urgency, and adds to the moodier moments. Pelletier is also going to be the new artist on She-Hulk soon, which gives me an excuse to plug that great book too. (Read She-Hulk!) But I digress.
Adventures of Superman #632 has Superman in very unusual circumstances, Lois in peril and Ruin ruining things. The only other incentive you should need to try this out is the fact that it is Four Color Fantasies guaranteed Book of the Week!
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
X-times the Fun: Madrox #1
If having one of something is good, having more must be better! That is the great thing about Jamie Madrox, the Multiple Man. Jamie can have as many duplicates of himself around as he wants. Why have just one mutant when you can have 2, or 50, or 100?
The new Madrox #1 sees the return of Peter David as the man behind the Multiple Man. Many moons ago, David chronicled the life of Jamie Madrox, along with Wolfsbane, Strong Guy, Havok, and others in X-Factor. One of the great things about that title was the cool ways David found to use Multiple Man's unique powers. Any time Jamie bumps into anything hard enough, a perfect duplicate of himself is created. These dupes have their own freewill, and are able to go away by themselves and do whatever they want, or whatever Jamie tells them to. When the dupes return, Madrox reabsorbs them (Ewwww!) and gains all of their memories and experiences. Pretty cool trick, huh? Madrox can be his own party, and work would be a breeze if you could send a duplicate every day!
In this new series, Jamie has started up his own detective agency, with the suggestive name "XXX Investigators." He uses his dupes to gather information, learn handy skills, and generally help out around the place. He is assisted in the business by former X-Factor team mates, Rahne Sinclair (AKA Wolfsbane) and Guido (AKA Strong Guy). In the first issue, a shocking fate befalls one of MM's dupes, and sets him on the trail of a new case.
Peter David, famed writer of many comics and best-selling novels, is known for finding unexpected ways to approach existing characters. Madrox definitely continues that tradition with Jamie's new career, and the many unique uses for his dupes. David's story, and his excellent dialogue, are complimented by moody art from Pablo Raimondi. The art really complements the film noir style of this story.
If you like mutants, Peter David, detectives, or old Humphrey Bogart flicks, you just can't go wrong by picking up the first issue of Madrox. Even better, it's guaranteed this week as Four Color Fantasies Book of the Week. Though if you want multiple copies, you'll have to pay for them separately. (Smacking people with your comic in an attempt to create copies is not recommended!)
The new Madrox #1 sees the return of Peter David as the man behind the Multiple Man. Many moons ago, David chronicled the life of Jamie Madrox, along with Wolfsbane, Strong Guy, Havok, and others in X-Factor. One of the great things about that title was the cool ways David found to use Multiple Man's unique powers. Any time Jamie bumps into anything hard enough, a perfect duplicate of himself is created. These dupes have their own freewill, and are able to go away by themselves and do whatever they want, or whatever Jamie tells them to. When the dupes return, Madrox reabsorbs them (Ewwww!) and gains all of their memories and experiences. Pretty cool trick, huh? Madrox can be his own party, and work would be a breeze if you could send a duplicate every day!
In this new series, Jamie has started up his own detective agency, with the suggestive name "XXX Investigators." He uses his dupes to gather information, learn handy skills, and generally help out around the place. He is assisted in the business by former X-Factor team mates, Rahne Sinclair (AKA Wolfsbane) and Guido (AKA Strong Guy). In the first issue, a shocking fate befalls one of MM's dupes, and sets him on the trail of a new case.
Peter David, famed writer of many comics and best-selling novels, is known for finding unexpected ways to approach existing characters. Madrox definitely continues that tradition with Jamie's new career, and the many unique uses for his dupes. David's story, and his excellent dialogue, are complimented by moody art from Pablo Raimondi. The art really complements the film noir style of this story.
If you like mutants, Peter David, detectives, or old Humphrey Bogart flicks, you just can't go wrong by picking up the first issue of Madrox. Even better, it's guaranteed this week as Four Color Fantasies Book of the Week. Though if you want multiple copies, you'll have to pay for them separately. (Smacking people with your comic in an attempt to create copies is not recommended!)
Friday, September 10, 2004
Marvel Knights Spider-Man #6
It ain't easy being a super-hero. And being Spider-Man is tougher than most. Don't believe me? Then just check out Marvel Knights Spider-Man #6 by Mark Millar and Terry Dodson.
The trademark of the Marvel Knights Spidey series has been telling classic, Stan Lee-style Spidey stories with some modern twists. These stories are a bit more gritty, edgy and "realistic" than the early Spidey classics, but the other ingredients are all there: traditional recurring villains (Green Goblin, Vulture, Doc Ock, Electro, and the Shocker to name just a few), JJJ offering a reward for Spidey's identity, Aunt May in peril, lots of Marvel Universe guest appearances, and many more. Plus, though things do get a bit dark at times, there is still quite a bit of Spidey humor in the mix.
In the "Venomous" story running through this issue, Peter is trying to track down his missing Aunt May. In desperation, he turns to an imprisoned Green Goblin for help. Needless to say, Norman is not very helpful. But their conversation really spotlights the Goblin's icky and disturbing evil-ness. (Evility? Evilocity?) Logically, Spidey turns to some of the X-Men's telepathic folks for help. Meanwhile, something is going down involvingVenom and a huge gathering of the super-villain underworld that just can't be good----
Mark Millar's excellent scripts are also well-served by gorgeous art fromTerry and Rachel Dodson. The Dodsons' art is both moody and emotional. Plus, they draw a cool Spidey and a gorgeous Mary Jane. And if that isn't enough, the fill-in artist on this series has been Frank Cho of Liberty Meadows fame!
Classic Spider-Man stories with a modern sensibility and great art! What's not to like? If you've ever been a Spidey fan, or if you have ever wanted to give the spidery one a try, you should really check out Marvel Knights Spider-Man. And now is the perfect time, since Spider-Man is Four Color Fantasies' Book of the Week! (It's guaranteed!)
The trademark of the Marvel Knights Spidey series has been telling classic, Stan Lee-style Spidey stories with some modern twists. These stories are a bit more gritty, edgy and "realistic" than the early Spidey classics, but the other ingredients are all there: traditional recurring villains (Green Goblin, Vulture, Doc Ock, Electro, and the Shocker to name just a few), JJJ offering a reward for Spidey's identity, Aunt May in peril, lots of Marvel Universe guest appearances, and many more. Plus, though things do get a bit dark at times, there is still quite a bit of Spidey humor in the mix.
In the "Venomous" story running through this issue, Peter is trying to track down his missing Aunt May. In desperation, he turns to an imprisoned Green Goblin for help. Needless to say, Norman is not very helpful. But their conversation really spotlights the Goblin's icky and disturbing evil-ness. (Evility? Evilocity?) Logically, Spidey turns to some of the X-Men's telepathic folks for help. Meanwhile, something is going down involvingVenom and a huge gathering of the super-villain underworld that just can't be good----
Mark Millar's excellent scripts are also well-served by gorgeous art fromTerry and Rachel Dodson. The Dodsons' art is both moody and emotional. Plus, they draw a cool Spidey and a gorgeous Mary Jane. And if that isn't enough, the fill-in artist on this series has been Frank Cho of Liberty Meadows fame!
Classic Spider-Man stories with a modern sensibility and great art! What's not to like? If you've ever been a Spidey fan, or if you have ever wanted to give the spidery one a try, you should really check out Marvel Knights Spider-Man. And now is the perfect time, since Spider-Man is Four Color Fantasies' Book of the Week! (It's guaranteed!)
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Cosmic Storytelling: Jim Starlin's Cosmic Guard
Cosmic, dude! If you have any read any of Marvel Comics star-spanning outerspace sagas, you have probably bumped into the work of Jim Starlin. He is probably most well-known for writing, and often drawing, almost anything that ever had to do with Thanos or anything with "Infinity" in the title. Starlin's sci-fi sagas usually involve huge fleets of mightily beweaponed ships, world-destroying weapons and lots of cool looking aliens.
Starlin is playing to his strengths in his latest series from Devil's Due Publishing, Jim Starlin's Cosmic Guard. All the aforementioned elements are there, but now Starlin does not have to worry about fitting his grand-scale ideas into someone else's toy box. With this first issue, Starlin is obviously setting out to create an epic story on his own terms.
The story begins with a young orphan named Ray Torres. Ray, at twelve, seems to have had way more than his share of bad luck. He is about ready to give up on life, when a twist of fate connects Ray to the Dark Paladin. Dark P is an alien warlord, struggling to defend the universe from an (as yet) unknown enemy, whose forces seem to be winning. This is where the giant fleets of spaceships and world-destroying weapons come in, by the way.To tell you any more would give too much away!
If you are familiar with any of Jim Starlin's other work, you will recognize what you see in Cosmic Guard. His detailed art style really helps bring to life the alien worlds where his story takes place. The aliens, their clothes, and their sci-fi hardware are all realized with amazing detail which keeps the story visually interesting. (Though one alien character does look a bit like a literal butt-head!)
If you have enjoyed any of Marvel's cosmic tales, if you like aliens, sci-fi, or watching planets blow-up, then you will love Jim Starlin's Cosmic Guard! And you can't go wrong giving the first issue a try, since it is this week's Guaranteed Book of the Week!
Starlin is playing to his strengths in his latest series from Devil's Due Publishing, Jim Starlin's Cosmic Guard. All the aforementioned elements are there, but now Starlin does not have to worry about fitting his grand-scale ideas into someone else's toy box. With this first issue, Starlin is obviously setting out to create an epic story on his own terms.
The story begins with a young orphan named Ray Torres. Ray, at twelve, seems to have had way more than his share of bad luck. He is about ready to give up on life, when a twist of fate connects Ray to the Dark Paladin. Dark P is an alien warlord, struggling to defend the universe from an (as yet) unknown enemy, whose forces seem to be winning. This is where the giant fleets of spaceships and world-destroying weapons come in, by the way.To tell you any more would give too much away!
If you are familiar with any of Jim Starlin's other work, you will recognize what you see in Cosmic Guard. His detailed art style really helps bring to life the alien worlds where his story takes place. The aliens, their clothes, and their sci-fi hardware are all realized with amazing detail which keeps the story visually interesting. (Though one alien character does look a bit like a literal butt-head!)
If you have enjoyed any of Marvel's cosmic tales, if you like aliens, sci-fi, or watching planets blow-up, then you will love Jim Starlin's Cosmic Guard! And you can't go wrong giving the first issue a try, since it is this week's Guaranteed Book of the Week!
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