Comic Book Postgame week of 02/10/10

Reviews, analysis, and general thoughts on this week in comics. Mild spoilers ahead.

I didn't read anything I hated this week, pretty awesome right, so I'm just going to talk about a few books that really stood out.

DAYTRIPPER #3

So we all knew this guys could draw but who knew they were also talented writers as well? Each issue thus far has grabbed me with a very human and genuine story and then killed the protagonist on the last page. Here's the thing though, each issue has had the same protagonist. In a rather brilliant bit of story construction Moon and Ba have created a series of books that are at once both completely self contained and yet also connect in the telling of this man's life(s) and the possibilities that it/they contain. Each issue is also thematically built on a particularly important relationship or moment in a relationship. The first issue focused on Bras' relationship with his father, the second on meeting what seemed like the love of his life, and this issue, set 7 years latter, focuses on his breakup with that same woman. It goes without saying that the art is stunning and some credit should go to colorist Dave Stewart who is earning his Eisner Awards once again. Because of the way it's structured you can jump on at any point but each issue has been so good I suggest you get them all are at least pick up the trade when it becomes available.



Speaking of great comics...



The Unwritten #10

This issue Tommy and company find them self in Nazi Germany...kind of. They're sort of like hosts wandering the city until they meet up with Josef Goebbels.



He has some rather interesting ideas as to the uses of propaganda.



So it seems Carey and Gross are adding yet another layer to this history filled literary exploration and I for one am excited to see this ever deepening story unfold. This guys really understand how to build a world and structure a story in such a way that each issue makes older issues that much better as plot lines and character arcs are built.

Of course when one talks about peppering in clues and moments that build upon each other to create a complete work, one has to talk about Grant Morrison.



Batman and Robin #8

Speak of the devil.



That is awesome. Who comes up with satanic, ninja, chimney sweeps? Morrison that's who. Then there are other ideas that are a bit more obvious but then you have Cameron Stewart draw them and well...



As everyone knows the only way to beat Batman is by being Batman. So yeah, this issue was pretty sweet. Batman (Dick Grayson) has put what he thinks is Bruce's dead body in a lazareth pit causing it to reanimate and attack Dick and company. We find out in this issue that that's not Bruce Wayne's body at all but one of the clones that Bruce destroyed in Final Crisis ("What kind of man can turn his very memories in to a weapon?"). Of course we know that he's trapped in time (or possible his own mind based on Morrison's Mister Miracle series) after being hit by Darkseid's Omega Sanction. Of course Dick doesn't know this and doesn't want to hurt what he thinks is Batman. Clone Batman has no such reservations.

This is from Batgirl not B&R but I wanted to includ it because I thought it was a great panel.



Damion's trying so hard. Also love the way he and Stephanie have developed this playful rivalry, it kind of reminds me of Robin and Batgirl in The Batman cartoon from a few years ago.

Random thought...



...I love that comics can have dialog like that and it actually makes perfect sense.




Amazing Spider-Man #620

I love how Martin's and Pulido's art shows the ease and fluidity that Spider-Man moves with. Even in simple panels like that above the just capture how cool it would be to have those powers and how completely comfortable he is hundreds of feet in the air. Slott's script here is solid as well as ASM continues to be one of the best books Marvel has to offer. We're now knee deep in The Gauntlet story line in which a bunch of Spider-Man's old enemies are returning, generally with upgraded schemes and abilities. This issue Spider-Man finds himself in a gang war between Mr. Negative's men and the Maggia lead by Silvermane, or so it would seem. In reality the Maggia are being controlled by classic Spider-Man foe Mysterio. Which leads to pages like this:



Fantastic. The end of this issue also sees the return of the now very frightening Cameleon as he attempts to recruit Mysterio into the group the new Kraven and her mom are putting together. Thing's are not going to get any easier for old Peter Parker.

Meanwhile other Steve Ditko designed characters are performing surgery on the Universe.



Strange #4

Before he can though he needs a little help due to his recently broken hands (World War Hulk)



That is adorable. I really dug Rios's art in this series and this issue is no different. Meanwhile Mark Waid shows his mastery over superhero stories with the conclusion to this miniseries. Since Dr. Strange's body is helpless while he attempts this surgery his new apprentice Casey has to use a forbidden spell (that was explained and explored in issue 2 so both Casey and the reader understood the consequences) to save his life. In doing so she sacrifices herself...or so it would seem.



This is the perfect "conclusion" for a superhero story. One that has an ending and is simultaneously a beginning for a new story that Waid or future writers can explore. Well done sir.

And now on to a man who says his 'sirs' and 'thank yous':



The Mennonite in...

Punishermax #4

What do you get when you combine Jason Aaron, Steve Dillon, and Frank Castle? Great fucking comics. When I went to San Diego Comic Con in summer of '08 everyone was saying look out for this Jason Aaron guy he's going to be great, and you know what, everybody was right. In this issue the mob hires a retired hit-man known only The Mennonite to kill Castle which leads to a fantastic fight scene that has panels like these:





And while the mob might have The Punisher on the ropes the real winner here is...



Wow. If you're the kind of person that likes The Punisher it really doesn't get any better.


That's it for this week, comment below with your thoughts/musings/accusations.

-egs

edit:

The preview for X-Factor Forever...



...has some great art. You're telling me this guy is only good enough to do a five issue mini that only older hardcore fans care while Greg Land is on the flagship book. I'm calling bullshit on that Marvel.