Another week, another stack. But before we get to this week’s books, let’s briefly shine a light on the last pile. The Wednesday previous was a big one, but I’ll try to make it quick.

Dynamite Publishing brought us the first issue (well, technically, #0) of the new Alex Ross venture, Superpowers. It’s a re-imagining of some Golden Age heroes who fell into the public domain…a revival story that’s similar to the first issue of The Twelve in some ways, but maybe slightly less compelling. This was a decent first go, but I buy Alex Ross books for the covers (two this time), which were of course a knock-out.

DC came through with Green Lantern #27, and it was a decent read. Nice art, intriguing (if not overly so) new direction for the Lanterns. I almost always enjoy Geoff Johns’ writing…he’s nothing if not consistent. But this story doesn’t grab me that much anymore now that the Sinestro event is over. I could see myself dropping this, even though overall this always-solid book is much better than a lot of the stuff out there on any given week.

The Distinguished Competition also finally tied up the story of Teth Adam in Black Adam #6. I guess I’d lost momentum on this one…I enjoyed it, but I was happy to see it end. I thought the conclusion lacked impact, since it didn’t really seem to set up anything definite for this character’s future (other than his returning powers, which was kind of inevitable anyway). But I bet it’ll make a good re-read.

I got a bunch of Marvels this week, including three separate Spider-Man books! I am excited to be able to jump on a new arc of Ultimate Spider-Man, which was entertaining and in keeping with the well-defined tone this book has always maintained. Amazing Spider-Man: Swing Shift is a repress of a book that was basically a prequel to Slott’s Brand New Day arc. That said, it isn’t that eventful, but the art is great, and for those who missed this book the first time around (like me) and wanted an extra bump of Slott Spidey to hold you over ’til he comes back in May (also me), this did the job. Lastly, we had Spider-Man…With Great Power, another book that–while it may not have lasting impact because it takes place outside of continuity–was certainly a good read and brilliant to look at. The whole issue takes place between two panels from Amazing Fantasy #15 (the first appearance of old Webhead), and as such this territory hasn’t really been covered before. It’s kind of a Year One story…Spidey is still wrestling for dough using his newfound powers, and Uncle Ben isn’t dead yet. Pretty fun stuff, but the star of this series is the art of Tony Harris. Harris regular book is the terrific Ex-Machina (written by good-writer-guy Brian K. Vaughn of Runaways fame), and his pencils here are just as clean and effective. By the way, if you haven’t read Ex-Machina, pick up the first trade. It’s about “the world’s first and only superhero, who, in the wake of his actions on 9/11, is elected mayor of New York City”–thanks, Wikipedia!

I also picked up Ultimate X-Men #90, which is supposed to be the start of a new arc, but I was kind of baffled. Meh. Too bad, too, ‘cuz I really like Robert Kirkman’s writing in general. When Marvel launches the Ultimatum event and does a clean sweep of the Ultimate Universe, I wouldn’t be surprised if this book (and Ultimate Fantastic Four) bit the dust or got seriously overhauled. This issue threw a lot of classic X-themes and X-folks around, but the result was kind of a mish-mash.

Daredevil #104 was good…Daredevil is always good. But this story is sagging a bit due to pacing problems. The best thing about Bendis’ run and the first Brubaker arc is that they never let up. Just when you think it can’t get worse for Double D, it does. Compared to those stories, this arc’s been a little sluggish. Still of much higher-quality than most books, still probably gonna make a good read in trade form. But issue to issue, it doesn’t sizzle quite as much.

I really like Avengers: The Initiative, and this last week’s issue was no exception. Slott is doing good work here. And who doesn’t love Taskmaster? There aren’t a lot of big name characters in this book, and maybe that’s what keeps it fresh. No stale retreads.

Two other books that were, like The Initiative, good as always–The New Avengers and Captain America. If you’re up on the current Marvel world, you probably read these, so I won’t say much. Both were entertaining. This issue of Captain America saw the debut of the new (for now) Cap. No real surprises here, but the change-over was handled well. Brubaker continues to tell a riveting story that started in issue number one and has never let up…now that’s impressive. As for the New Avengers, my only complaint is that the Mighty Avengers keep letting them get away…but it’s probably for the best. The development at the end of this issue should make things interesting for Luke Cage in the months to come. I’m looking forward to it.

Know what else I’m looking forward to? New comics tomorrow!

Here’s the scoop:

A couple of DC’s for me this week. First up is Justice Society of America #12, continuing the Kingdom Come tie-in arc. Another nice cover from Alex Ross.

Also, Teen Titans: Year One #2 is out. The first issue didn’t slay me, but I like the cartoony art on this one (not my usual cup of tea, but it’s cool), so I’m staying tuned for now.

Fables #69 finally drops this week from Vertigo. This is consistently one of my favorite books, but it’s much better in trade. Still, I always pick it up. A modern classic.

From the House of Ideas, we have Amazing Spider-Man #549, which begins a new arc by Marc Guggenheim and Salvador Larroca. Of course I’ll buy it, but I’m slightly apprehensive.

Moon Knight #15 is also coming out…I definitely dug the first two arcs, but issue 14 didn’t grab me as much. We’ll see. The Arthur Suydam cover, a take on Norman Rockwell, may be worth the cover price alone.

Omega: The Unknown #5 is out. If you’re not already reading this, you ain’t startin’ now.

The Twelve #2 also releases tomorrow, and I’m really looking forward to it. The first issue struck all the right notes.

Lastly, Uncanny X-Men #495 begins the post-Messiah-Complex event, Divided We Fall. Since I missed out on Messiah and have to wait for the trade, I’ll start picking this up and setting the issues aside to read when they’re all collected. Or something like that.

Well, that’s all for now. Join me again next week for more four-color funnies! Until then…

Keep it bagged and boarded,

Grip

Posted by Grip Grand on Tuesday, February 5th, 2008 at 1:05 pm.