Short Takes for September 25, 2005

Teen Titans/Outsiders Secret Files 2005: The fact that this came out before the already late DC Special: The Return of Donna Troy #4 just flat pisses me off. This was meant to be seen as an epilogue of sorts to that mini-series, and as a set-up to future stories in both the Teen Titans and Outsiders books. Luckily there aren’t many spoilers, but between having this and JSA #77 coming out before the conclusion of the storyline, I am furious. What happened to being surprised? This is the thing that worries me most about the upcoming Infinite Crisis- if the titles don’t come out in the right order, it will alienate and confuse the readership in general. At any rate, I read this Secret Files book once to see how spoiler ridden it was so I could warn you to wait until after Donna Troy #4 comes out to read it. If you can make yourself wait, do so.

Ultimate Fantastic Four Annual #1: Mark Millar went and made the Inhumans hardcore in this last of the featured Summer Ultimates annuals. Crystal loses the class she always seemed to have in the regular Marvel Universe, but gains a youthful appeal. The art by Jae Lee is perfect for defining this new generation’s version of the embattled Inhumans. My biggest complaint is that the color by June Chung did not have the desired intent of focusing the action; it actually made some pages rather murky. Otherwise, I would rate this and the other Ultimate annuals a B+.

Hunter Killer #4: I have had my doubts about this Top Cow title from veterans Mark Waid and Marc Silvestri. As you know, I hate it when a creator are chronically late on their deadlines, and was really concerned that Silvestri wouldn’t be able to deliver. The fact that there are four issues in the can and that they haven’t been too late relieves me immensely. I am starting to relax and enjoy the ride, and am glad I rolled the dice. Waid has really struck on an interesting concept, and the tale hasn’t stopped for breath yet. Pick it up if you get a chance.

Birds of Prey #86: Oracle moves to Metropolis in this special issue featuring art by three creative teams. The story is cleverly divided into three parts that intersect and give a spotlight to each of the three ladies featured (sorry Zinda!). I have been fascinated by the character development of this title and am relieved that the Birds won’t have to be involved in the Bat title crossovers anymore. Writer Gail Simone has got her finger on the pulse of these women, and continues to define them by their personalities and future hopes rather then the past.

The New Avengers #10: Finally the end of the Sentry arc! I enjoyed the storyline but am glad to see it is over so hopefully the focus can go back to the team. I plan to pick up the Sentry mini-series by Paul Jenkins and John Romita Jr. to see more back story on that character, but am waiting for another serious team story. I am also crossing my fingers for deadlines being made and Brian Michael Bendis working his magic on team chemistry and characterization. Overall, New Avengers has really worked for me.

The Ultimates #8 (of 12): Over in the Ultimate universe, the Avengers doppelganger the Ulitmates are in it deep. Once again Mark Millar shows his characters no mercy, putting them through hell after hell. After last issue’s cold blooded murder of Hawkeye’s family, I didn’t think things could get worse, but they have. How Captain America, Thor and the rest get out of this mess is anyone’s guess. I can see why readers wait for the trade paperback though, as it really feels that it is more meant for that medium.

Green Lantern Corps Recharge #1 (of 5): Yay! Kyle, Guy, and Kilowog are back in a new mini-series that highlights the new GL Corps. I was happy with the overall approach, and really enjoyed the art by Patrick Gleason. Great characterization and a great story work together here for a quality offering. I think this will be one of the pleasant surprises of the fall.

Comic Reviews