Quick Takes

Because it?s Easter, and it?s a day meant for family, I decided to do quick take reviews designed to keep you away from your loved ones a shorter amount of time.

The New Avengers #4 ? This book is starting to grow on me. Despite my irritation at the way the team was taken down to make way for this title, the characterization by writer Brian Michael Bendis is right on the mark. David Finch?s art is his best to day as well. As long as the focus stays on the characterization and the story arcs don?t get drawn out, this book should thrive and grow for the long haul.

JLA Classified #5- Part two of the ?I can?t Believer It?s Not the Justice League? Saga brought to us by the creators behind the late 80?s sensation Justice League. The blatant humor and sense of fun in this story arc cannot be denied. I have especially enjoyed the inclusion of Mary Marvel and her interaction with Fire. Keep stories like this coming and I will line up to buy them.

100 Bullets #59 ? The first issue after the death of a major character. Pay off for the first 58 issues starts here as the Minutemen start to gather. Best read in trade paperback form, this book pleases with gritty realism and a crime noir that Brian Azarello excels at. This book has me hooked in a way that reminds me of my obsession with Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon?s run on Preacher.


Hawkman #38 ? This is a great book that people aren?t reading. The character evolution done since Geoff Johns left the title is underrated and deserves a second look. The mysterious presences of Golden Eagle and the underlying drama between Carter and Kendra make this book a gripping read. If you dropped the title after Johns left, it?s time for a second look.

New X-Men: Academy X #11 ? The current storyline is especially compelling. Through the clever use of short story arcs, this title has rejuvenated the younger generation of mutants. I especially like the clever mix of the old guard with the new characters. There is a sense of urgency to this book that especially draws my attention to it. I came into the book not wanting to like it but have ended up growing into a fan.

Daredevil #71 ? My least favorite of Bendis? titles. This book has lost its focus in the last story arc and needs a one-two punch to refocus it. I am hoping that this latest story arc ?Decalogue? will bring several loose ends together and re-energize a character I am rapidly losing interest in. The title is a bit self-obsessed in its feel, and that alone irritates me.

Amazing Spider-Man #518 ? I really loathe this book right now. I was going to drop it, but the next story arc, which will address Peter?s joining of the Avengers, is its last chance for me. The Gwen Stacy children drama didn?t work for me, and this last four part arc doesn?t do it for me either. When can we move forward without alluding to Peter?s bad luck in the past? It is time to break new ground and leave the past behind.

Comic Reviews