Cleaning the Plate for 8/26/09
- Written by Brian Burchette on Monday, August 31 2009 and posted in Reviews
Another installment where I praise Johns, bash Morrison, and stay on the fence with Bendis. Just business as usual... {nomultithumb}
The Incredible Hulk #601
This issue, by writer Greg Pak, is another new turning point for Bruce Banner; one that seems to be on the right track. From the first couple pages we see Dr. Banner stop a father hitting on his child, and standing up to Reed Richards, Hank Pym, T’Challa, and Dr. Hank McCoy. This is not the Banner that I remember, and I like him. Through this whole issue Pak makes no bones to the fact that our lovable green giant will someday be back, but until then, this is Bruce Banner’s book. The doctor’s connection to the son of Hulk is fascinating as well; both having been hurt so deeply by Hulk. This is a wonderful change of pace for a character whose other book seems to have turned more into a joke than anything. Let’s hope it keeps going on this path. More Bruce is fine with me. My Score: B
Green Lantern #45
And Blackest night continues to roll on with many of the threads that Johns has been setting up for the last few years, coming to a head. This issue focuses on the battle between Carol Ferris (Star Sapphire) and Sinestro. The book is as solid as every other issue, with strong character moments blending into great action scenes that pop off the page thanks to Doug Mahnke and crew. Top it off with still another teaser that makes us wonder what the Indigo Tribe is all about and this is one of the most enjoyable events this summer. My Score: A-
Batman and Robin #3
Alright, it’s no secret that I’m less of a Grant Morrison fan than most. I really thought Final Crisis was the comic equivalent of Ishtar. So I’ve given this book three issue’s before I reviewed it and my opinion is just about what I figured it would be, with one huge exception – I love the dialogue between Dick and Damien! It’s some of the sharpest dialogue I’ve read in ages. Now if only Mr. Morrison would stop going on his acid trips during his work period, the book might actually be more entertaining. Quietly art is some of my favorite as well, but for Batman, I’m still not convinced it’s the right style. My Score: C+
Dark Avengers #8
Matt Fraction is using story that The Bendis Guru has brought to the Marvel world and used it to full advantage. Bringing Namor into the front lines of this arc, and into the arms of the X-Universe, is a great idea, and one that I hope has a lasting effect. This penultimate chapter cranks everything up to a 10 and leaves you wanting the finale in a bad way. But even more than that, it makes Scott Summers look like the Bad Ass he deserves. My Score: B+