Thursday, January 27, 2005

This Week in Comic Books

Black Widow #5: Natasha learns more about the "Black Widow Program" and doesn't like what she learns. While I'm still on the fence about tossing out the Widow's Bite, I feel that Richard K. Morgan continues to write a competent and gritty spy thriller, resisting the temptation to turn the Black Widow into another Sydney Bristow. My only complaint is that this idea of the Black Widow program seems like a poor copy of Cap's Super Soldier serium (enhanced strength, etc.) and Wolvie's Weapon X (fake memories) and the typical angst that ensues. B

Fantastic Four #522: New herald Johnny Storm confronts his new master Galactus, while Reed and gang finally show up to rescue Johnny. I like the parallels Waid addresses between Galactus' origin and the FF's origin, but I was hoping for more philosophical debate between the World Devourer and the power cosmic-enhanced Storm. But the cliffhanger just makes me want more. B+

The Flash #218: Another of Johns' Rogue Profile, this time focusing on "reformed" Rogue, Heat Wave, a pryomaniac with a history of arson. I felt this was better written than the Mirror Master profile and much more disturbing, especially considering that Heat Wave thinks of himself as a "hero." A

Planetary #22: Another retrospective issue focusing on the history of William Leather, the evil Human Torch. This issue at least moves forward the story a little as Snow is obsessed with taking down Randall Dowling. I especially liked the references to the Lone Ranger, Green Hornet, and the Shadow/Spider. Ellis and Cassaday are a perfect team. A

Spectacular Spider-Man #24: Where's Paul Jenkins? It doesn't really matter, because even he couldn't make this story interesting: Peter Parker in Paris with Gwen Stacy's illegimate daughter, Sarah Stacy. Basically a filler story until Jenkins comes back (for the final issue) and a crossover to the worst story ever written, (The Gray Goblin?!?) it's nothing more than a waste of space, time, and talent. D

Ultimate FF #15: Warren Ellis dusts off his Dictionary of Science Fiction Terms for our first look at the Ultimate Negative Zone. Clearly, Ellis' strength is science fiction, and I enjoyed everything from the giant skeleton in space to the first exchange with the aliens. Best issue Ellis has written yet. I almost forgot that they're all annoying teens. B+

WE3 #3 of 3: Grant Morrison's mini-series comes to its gruesome end as our heroes, the biorgs, fight off against the terrifying Weapon 4. This is still the most original comic book series you'll read this month, and Frank Quitely makes it all the more enjoyable. I just wished that it was a longer series so that Grant could have fleshed out the story more. B+

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