Top of the Pile - 6/27/2012

I have subscriptions at two comic shops in my area. I like to think of it as helping both shop owners out with my $20 a week. So that means that there is a lag with some titles I get. So my list this week has several “top” worthy titles including FF #19, Fatale #6, and Fables #118. But I went instead with one of the most consistent book in recent years, Daredevil # 14. Though it was released last week, I only picked it up today on my dinner break from work. Written by Mark Waid, this renumbering of Daredevil has restored my faith in the character. The previous volumes of Daredevil were convoluted at best and just bad storytelling at worst. But thankfully, the plots are now much more fun and exciting.

For the past several issues of Daredevil, the story dealt with a quantum hard drive that contained data on 5 major crime syndicates. Daredevil had it in his possession and there was a very uneasy stalemate between all parties concerned, keeping ol’ Horn Head relatively safe. In issue #13, The Avengers help dispose of the quantum drive and on the last page, Daredevil is teleported into a glass cage the size of a coffin right in the middle of Dr. Doom’s country of Latveria.

As issue #14 starts we learn that the country of Latveria was relying on funds from the sale of the quantum drive to help their economy. Sentence was passed and executed where Daredevil was doused in some type of gas. Upon release, he beats up a bunch of guards, which is, “an unprovoked attack against the royal army,” which carries the penalty of death.

The artwork by Chris Samnee is good. There isn’t anything too daring or out of the norm about his style. In fact, on a couple of pages, it seems he has channeled some Jack Kirby. This is especially noticeable in the uniforms of the Latverian army. And I have to also admit, the colors by Javier Rodriguez was noticeably good. Normally, the color is just a part of the story that’s beneath my notice. But with this book, the high contrast in the palette seems very effective.

I really like Mark Waid’s work. He keeps things on a human level. Daredevil’s inner dialog stays within the character and enhances the story greatly. Also, he portrays Foggy as a real person too. He is worried about his buddy and partner Matt, but you can see that he’s at the end of his rope. I look forward to this book every month and so far it hasn’t disappointed me yet.

Top of the Pile - 6/20/12

I’d like to keep writing reviews of comic books, but unfortunately don’t have the time to review all the books I get each week. I usually pick up about 8-12 issues each Wednesday and of course put the pile in order from the one I’m most interested in reading to the least. The one catch however is the limited series. Those I usually sit on and wait till all of the issues come in where I can read the entire story in one sitting.

This week’s top of the pile was Batwoman #10. This issue was written by J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman with art by Trevor McCarthy and color by Guy Major. Batwoman has been an interesting character in the New 52 DC Universe. She was one of the first super-heroes to be openly gay despite the press last month about gay marriage in the Marvel universe and the gay Green Lantern. Also, the artwork has always been a little avant-garde for mere “funny books”. With strange page layouts, and fantastically baroque double page spreads, if nothing else Batwoman has been pretty to look at.

With issue 10, we have a new artist for this new storyline. Trevor McCarthy keeps with the same unique designs. Though not quite as dreamlike as J.H. Williams III art, he maintains the visual continuity while adding what seems his own style to the characters. The story however is a little convoluted. Jumping from character to character from past to present, the narrative can be confusing. Thankfully they clearly let the reader know whose point of view were looking at and when by stating outright what we’re looking at. (ie. “Maggie’s Story – 18 Hours Ago.”)

With that said, I don’t think the next issue will be at the top of my pile. I was really curious about the new artist and the new story arc. Though this issue ends with a cliffhanger, I think Batwoman could wait an extra day or two for me to read some other comics next time.