May 23 - June 6 Reviews

Scalped #6
Vertigo
4/5

This issue is part one of six in a new story arc for Scalped, and if this installment is any indication of how the rest of the arc is going to go then we're in for a treat. The action and vulgarity of past issues remain, but a new emphasis is placed on the espionage and mind-play between the various competing interests on the reservation.

While I'm excited about the thickenings of the plot, I'm less enthusiastic about the lack of character development in this issue, and in the series in general. Bad Horse is essentially a soulless vessel from the readers' standpoint. We've seen his history and know how he's perceived by the various people around him, but there hasn't been any moments of connection or insight into what's truly driving him and what he does or doesn't value. To a point you could claim some of this is probably intentional, as he's clearly a lost soul, but there's still something deeper I need to be seeing before I'll feel any connection or investment with the character.

Overall though, one of the strongest installments from this series if only because it indicates Aaron has more in store than a mindless thug-fest. This early in the story my concerns are minor (premature?) and I'm excited to see where things go from here.



Detective Comics #833
DC
4/5

Let me start by saying that this is the most fun I've had reading a new Batman comic in a long time. What you've already read on different sites around the net about this issue is true. It is spectacularly paced, never boring, and refreshing in a sense. Basically, if you enjoy Batman, pick this up.

That said, at this point I have to agree that I was upset with the reveal at the end. I felt it immediately destroyed a great deal of what the issue had done a wonderful job developing and setting up. Unless the follow up installment manages to be just as engaging and, I say again, refreshing as this one was until the end I will be extremely disappointed, and I'm having a hard time seeing how Dini is going to manage that given the position he's now in with this plot.

Despite my personal objections to the twist, this is a phenomenal Batman story, something which I don't think I've said in quite a while.



Criminal
Marvel
5/5

If I was excited about this series before, I'm just plain giddy now. This is an example of everything comics are capable of being. Flat out tremendous execution on all fronts. Reading Criminal you get the impression that Brubaker and Phillips are still just getting their feet wet in this title, and yet it is utterly captivating and one of the best examples of graphic storytelling available right now. Once they commit to a story and a direction - Criminal may just manage to get even better, though there's not a whole lot to complain about at this stage anyway. Just how good can a good thing get? I have a feeling we're about to find out. Read this.




The Dark Tower: Gunslinger Born #5
Marvel
4/5
This series continues with another solid, though again short, installment of Stephen King's wonderful fantasy saga. Jae Lee and Richard Isanove continue to deliver absolutely beautiful art, making each issue of this series feel like more than a comic.


Hellblazer #232
Vertigo
4/5
This is only my second experience with Constantine, but it was an enjoyable one. I was expecting dark paranormal activities but was instead treated to some well scripted dialogue and posturing between Constantine and a nervous casino manager.


Jack of Fables #11
Vertigo
2.5/5
If Fables didn't hold such a special place in my heart there is no way I would still be paying any attention to this series. Frankly, Jack's tales are just flat and without consequence. I love Bill Willingham, but this series needs to restructure or conclude.


Uncanny X-Men #487
Marvel
3.5/5
The 'core'-est of the X titles finally comes back to Earth after Ed Brubaker's poorly paced year long space odyssey. Having the team back on solid ground is a comfortable and welcome return, and the new storyline seems decent, we'll see.


X-Men #199
Marvel
3/5
The Red Data arc concludes and with somewhat of a 'meh,' and a shrug. Conceptually the conflict in these issues has been fascinating and fun, and Rogue is getting some good scenes, but none of it seems to particularly matter.