This week’s judgment on all things relevant in comics is regretfully late, due to, you guessed it, the holidays… and my irresponsibility. It was a bit of a lighter week of comics in terms of quantity for me, and also in terms of average quality. A couple of disappointments, but that was off-set by a couple of very high quality books. That’s enough babble, here it is, the absolute, inarguable truth about the quality of each comic book worth mentioning from the week of December 16-22:
Cognetic (#3 of 3)
James Tynion IV (Writer) Eryk Donovan (Illustrator) Juan Manuel Tumburus (Colors) Steve Wands (Letters)
This is the dark and desperate conclusion to Tynion and Donovan’s second apocalyptic horror story. Preceded by the similarly bleak and chilling series Memetic that wrapped up around this time last year. This story picks up on many of the same themes. As explained in the interview with Tynion and Donovan at the back of the comic, both series centered around the loss of individuality and using that theme to explore an “apocalypse of the mind”. Both of these series are highly recommended for anyone interested in horror, apocalypse stories, or psychological thrillers, therefore I will leave the description at that, as not to spoil it any further.
Although Cognetic’s ending is very well executed, in overall impact and lasting effect it falls a bit short compared to the ending of Memetic. Although the series takes a distinctly different approach to exploring the apocalyptic horror genre, it is a victim of it’s predecessor’s success. The second time around this realm of apocalyptic circumstances is certainly well worth the read, but is almost impossible to out shine the previous installation.
Aside from the continued high quality writing and believable dialogue written by Tynion, Donovan’s work is remarkably consistent between the two series. Although his art style is not my favorite, and in some ways seems like it would be an odd fit for a horror comic, his expressiveness, specifically in character’s eyes and faces gives the story a strikingly creepy mood that is exceptionally well fit for the cerebral nature of the series. This creative team seems to have found a synchronicity in their story telling that is fantastically realized on the page. The truly terrifying concepts that Tynion presents are expertly conveyed by Donovan, who has the unenviable task of drawing large swaths of humanity overtaken by the horrific forces depicted in the story. Even Tumuburus, and Wands are essential to the narrative that relies heavily on colors and lettering.
That is about as cryptic and vague as I possibly can be without spoiling this comic, because you REALLY need to read it for yourself, and while your at it, go pick up Memetic which is equally as awesome you will not be disappointed.
7 STARS
WEIRDWORLD #1
Sam Humphries (Writer) Mike Del Mundo (Illustrator/Colors) Marco D’Alfonso (Colors) VC’s Cory Petit (Letters)
I was desperately hoping that this comic was going to be all that I loved from the Jason Aaron and Del Mundo, Weirdworld series that ran as a Secret Wars tie-in. Unfortunately, this version did not hit the same chord as its predecessor. Humphries injects a heavy dose of playfulness, mixing the viking warrior aspects of Aaron’s Weirdworld, with a bombastic goofiness in the female warrior Goleta, who rides around Weirdworld in a suped-up sports car, slaying wizards, and drinking endless amounts of mead. Our main character, Becca Rodriguez, runs into the viking warrior after narrowly escaping death at the hands of an evil wizard. This wizard transported Becca and the plane she was riding to “Weirdworld” from earth using a mysteriously powerful stone. It is from here the story unfolds, revealing the villain and her minions who are carry overs from the previous installment of Weirdworld.
Except for the first page of this issue, the best of part of the previous Weirdworld volume, the character Arkon, is inexplicably absent.
Although I appreciate the largely female cast, including the young Latino main character, the dialogue and jokes didn’t land with me this time around. The goofiness of Goleta’s character came off as forced. Although I liked the main character Becca, her motivations to continue with Goleta were not well established. Although Becca’s arrival to “Weirdworld” was a necessary contrivance, it was executed quite unconvincingly to conveniently serve the narrative. Finally, the lighthearted introductions of our heroines, the reveal of the story’s antagonist seems out of place, and fails hold any gravitas.
The one consistency between this series and the previous, and a definite highlight is Mike Del Mundo’s artwork. The granulated color texture reminiscent of a 1970s reel to reel projection, and the chaotic line work is stunningly beautiful. Speaking of the colors, Del Mundo and D’Alfonso’s plethora of vibrant reds, greens, and blues and tasteful shading are quite exquisite. Not to be forgotten, Petit’s letter placement, and letter style work really well with the anarchal atmosphere of Weirdworld.
Although the addition of a more wacky warrior protagonist, who is more likely to get into hi-jinks rather than dark and brutal battles is not really what I was looking for. However, I think this light-hearted approach is not completely flawed. I salute them for diversifying the cast, and making this a fun teenage romp, with a female Latino protagonist, unfortunately the humor got lost on me. However, if your looking for something like what’s described above I’d suggest checking it out, if only for the great artwork.
5 STARS
The Amazing Spider-Man #1.1 (Amazing Grace Part 1)
Jose Molina (Writer) Simone Bianchi (Illustrator) Israel Silva (Colors) Joe Caramagna (Letters)
Apart from a somewhat touching moment between Spider-Man and a young girl he saves, where he shares a Piragua (Puerto Rican snow cone treat), this comic has very little to offer. Bianchi’s art is typically quite good, but the coloring did not do it any favors. A spin-off series that is probably ok to pass on.
4 STARS
The Goddamned #2
Jason Aaron (Writer) r.m. Guera (Illustrator) Giulia Brusco (Colors) Jared K. Fletcher (Letters and Design)
God Damn. This is comic is excellent, top to bottom. It looks and reads like the most badass metal video you’ll ever see, and if you enjoy that kind of thing or either of the creators on this book you need to be reading this.
8 STARS
The Mighty Thor # 2
Jason Aaron (Writer) Russell Dauterman (Illustrator) Matthew Wilson (Colors) Joe Sabino (Letters)
For my money, this book has the best art of any Marvel title on the racks. The triumphant heroism and absolute wickedness of Malekith and the other villains in The Mighty Thor make this book a treasure. This issue continues at a break neck pace moving forward a compelling plot line that questions Loki’s allegiances and motivations in the ongoing conflict between Thor and the dark elf, Malekith.
7 STARS
All-New X-Men #2
Dennis Hopeless (Writer) Mark Bagley (Illustrator) Nolan Woodward (Colors) Andrew Hennessy (Inks) Cory Petit (Letters)
Continued adventures of the teenage X-Men, half of which are time-displaced original X-Men of the 1960s. This book is doing a great job of exploring the dilemma facing the time-displaced Scott Summers (Cyclops) who’s older self (who has since died) has come to be known as one of the most evil mutants to ever live. The book performs an excellent balancing act by mixing the dark themes of Cyclops’ struggle with the wacky hi-jinks of the rest of the team. All in all, this is my favorite of the X-Men books being published currently.
7 STARS
We Are Robin #7 (Robin War Part 4)
Lee Bermejo (Writer) Carmine Di Giandomenico (Illustrator) Mat Lopes (Colors) Jared K. Fletcher (Letters)
Superb moments between Red Robin and Red Hood, and an enticing last page cliffhanger. Robin War continues to deliver as a worthwhile event.
7 STARS
Batman and Robin Eternal #11
James Tynion IV and Scott Snyder (Story) Ed Brisson (Script) Fernando Blanco and Christian Duce (Illustrators) John Rauch (Colors)
A fairly interesting premise for an issue that features Dick Grayson and Bluebird, which takes you literally into the mind of Bluebird. The series is seeming to slow down considerably, compared to the pace of the first 10 issues, which is yet to be determined as a bad thing.
6 STARS
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