Adam Graham's Blog: Christians and Superheroes, page 26

Book Review: SpiderAmazing Spider-Man Vol. 2: Spider-Verse Prelude

Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 2: Spider-Verse Prelude by Dan Slott

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


The best thing about the Spider-verse prelude is a bit of story with Ms. Marvel at the start that has nothing to do with this event.

The rest of the book could have been replaced with a sentence with saying, "Someone's killing Spider-powered characters wants to kill them. A time displaced Superior Spider-man (Otto Octavius) begins recruiting Spider-men throughout the universe, with a special emphasis on Spider-men who are willing to kill." That's pretty much the plot. None of the characters are developed enough that you care when they die, they're just there. Some are from popular Marvel spin-offs, though, so you can watch characters who you loved in Universes like 1602 bite the dust. This book is bloody and at the same time dull as its just filling time to get to the end of the book, so we can get into Spider-verse and find out what will happen in the event.



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Book Review: Batgirl, Volume 4: Strange Loop

Batgirl, Volume 4: Strange Loop by Hope Larson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Lot of short stories in this one. Overall thoughts:

White Elephant: At a party, Harley Quinn poisons a sleezy businessman, Batgirl and a couple of Barabra Gordon's friends try to follow the trail to the antitdote and prove their own moral superiority.

Cold Snap: There's a sudden Blizard but Penguin's to the rescue. However, Batgirl senses something wrong. A callback to Volume 2. Overall, not bad but not remarkable either.

Father Knows Best: A sludge monster is coming out of the sewer to attack people in Burnside. There's a witness that gives them a clue and it leads to a team-up between Batgirl and her father (who doesn't know her identity.) Overall, a nice story with them interacting.

Strange Loop: Final written by Hope Larson. Barbara stops a woman's abusive ex, but finds old friends from her trip to Asia showing up in Volume 1 and then she gets a shocking reveal at the end of the first of the two issue story. This isn't ad, but I've seen better books using a similar plot device.

Choices: Batgirl is concerned about a young man and tries to stop him going down the wrong path. It shows her earnestness and personality which is good. Would like a it more reaction to the ending.

The Reason: A story of two halves. Batgirl deals with the death of a man in Batman: The Wedding that she'd saved in an off-panel story. She meets with the man's mother who's kind and conforming. It's a good and moving idea for a story. Unfortunately, we don't have enough for a full issue, so in the second half, Barbara rents a hotel room and meets Dick Grayson and spends the rest of the book philosophizing in her underwear until the issue ends.

Overall, while the smaller stories provided a chance to shine with some good quick stories like happened in Volume 3, but there weren't any great stories. The best stories in her were pretty good, leading to an overall mediocre feel, which has been true of every volume of this book in Rebirth except for Volume 3. Here's hoping the new writer produces something better in Volume 5.



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Book Review: Silver Surfer, In Thy Name

Silver Surfer: In Thy Name (Silver Surfer: In Thy Name by Simon Spurrier

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


In a four issue mini-series packed with enough plot for one entire issue, the Silver Surfer finally finds a planet that appears to be an ideal utopia but actually is oppressing another planet, populated by violent religious fanatics (who are the representative of all religious people in this book.)

The best thing about the book is the art. The art in this book mostly serviceable. It manages to make this alien world seem alien and like this is a picture of another. The art is rarely horrible, but it's also never majestic or beautiful as a good Silver Surfer book in space should be.

The story is pretty much your typical broadstorke "religious people are stupid and fanatical story," but with the twist that the government that hates them is equalized. Thus, I credit Spurrier for not having a specialized contempt for religious people but extending it to all human beings.

Of course, religious war and violence is tragic and you can tell a good thought-provoking story around it that emotionally engages the readers, particularly when you have the Silver Surfer as your lead character. For an example of how this is done well, see Silver Surfer Requiem #3 where writer JMS tells the story of a dying Silver Surfer coming on two feuding planets fightings a religious war. The Surfer's feelings reactions make this poignant and the story takes a surprising turn and leaves with a thought-provoking message.

This story has none of that. Throughout the entire book, it pounds home what tired points it makes with ham-fisted clumsiness. (Having one of the alien races say, "Crucify him!" in regards to the Silver Surfer was one of the cringiest bits.)

The characterization is awful. The Surfer feels out of character and is less like he has been in other comics and more like what the writer needs him to be for the story. We never connect with any of the alien characters or are given any reason to care about the alien planets. The Surfer never makes us relate him so strongly that we care because he does.

As such, while this book is cynical, I would not consider it depressing as that phrase gives it credit for being able to evoke an emotional reaction, which it never does. It's a shallow polemic written as a shallowed padded graphic novel that fails in every way but the art. It's not only an uninteresting story, it's an uninteresting story that for all its bluster has little interesting or original to say.



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Book Review: Flash, Volume 7: Perfect Storm

The Flash, Vol. 7: Perfect Storm by Joshua Williamson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


“Perfect Storm” begins with Barry trying to reuild a relationship with Iris after the events of previous books. However, in the midst of that, Grodd attacks the city and steals Barry’s powers. The question is what will Barry do to get them back.
In the first half, I thought Barry was actually acting a bit out of character. This was explained later on but still was a problem. Yet, both he and some other character are better developed by the end of the book and there’s real . At the same time, there’s a lot of action and some surprising plot twists.

Despite some problems, the book definitely fun and sets up future events in the DCU nicely.




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Book Review: DC Comics Presents, Superman Team-Ups, Volume 2

Showcase Presents: DC Comics Presents: Superman Team-Ups, Vol. 2 by Marv Wolfman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book collects Issues 27-50 of DC Comics Presents and Annual #1 featuring Superman team-ups during the 198s0. It is a bit of a mixed bag.

The good:

-The stories with Mongul. This book has Mongul's first four appearances. In Issue 27 and 28, he appears and we see him as this menace and get introduced to Warworld. Supergirl is epic in Issue #28 in the battle against Warworld. A later issue has him teaming up with the Bronze Age Starman Prince Gavin who has ascended to the throne after his sister's death.

-The psychological stuff. While I do have issues with their characterization of Superman, they do have some good stuff that takes a look at the Man of Steel's psychology. Issue #28 has a confrontation with the Specter after an adventure where his cousin Kara has gone missing as the Specter tries to make him face some facts. Annual #2 features a team-up between Bronze-Age Superman and Golden Age Superman as they fight both of their Luthors. It’s not only fun story but also allows an older married Superman to give him some advice. Than Issue #50 features Clark and Superman getting split It’s a much better than happened in Superman IIh.
-The stories with the Marvel family are good as Issues 33 and 34 have them dealing with swapped powers and a team-up between Mister Mxyzptlk and Mister Mind. It’s a really fun classic adventure. Then in Issue #49, you have a story featuring Earth-1’s Billy Batson who dreams of being Captain Marvel (Shazam) but faces a real crisis with Black Adam comes to our world and Superman has to help out the powerless Billy.
-The team-up with Hawkgirl in Issue 37. I wasn’t expecting to like this one as much as I did but the Pre-Crisis Hawkgirl is really good in this as Superman deals with proof that one of his ancestor’s visited Earth. Superman and Hawkgirl have to find out what happened to Sup’s ancestor without getting killed.
-In Issue #41, Superman (as Clark Kent) is out in Hollywood with Perry White, who is then kidnapped by he Joker and the Prankster. When the Prankster tries to doublecross the Joker, the latter teams up with Superman to stop the Prankster and hopefully save Perry White. Well done, including the much expected “twist.”
-I’d say that Issues 32 (with Wonder Woman) and Issue #38 (with the Flash) are both fine stories. They’re not great, but they are pretty good stories involving Superman teaming with some of the best known Justice League colleagues.
-The art is pretty good throughout the series with several issues being drawn by Curtis Swann and some of the space stories being drawn by Jim Starlin

Beyond the issues mentioned, I think most of the stories in the book are merely okay with pretty routine match-ups between and under-powered heroes against somewhat weak villains. These stories aren’t bad, but they’re forgettable.

Overall, the book’s stronger points make it worth reading, even though there are a lot of very ordinary stories in there.




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Book Review: Robin/Batgirl: Fresh Blood

Robin/Batgirl: Fresh Blood by Bill Willingham

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Fresh Blood is a crossover Batgirl, collecting Issue 132 and 133 of Robin and 58 and 59 of Batgirl. tween Tim Drake's Roin and Cassandra Cain's Batgirl. It comes from before the current practice where every comic book series and storyline gets a trade, and having read it, I wonder why anyone thought this was worth collecting, and even better why it was worth doing.

The story opens with the once-cheery optimistic Robin in a very dark place as he's had to bury his father and girlfriend within 24 hours. takes over crimefighting in Bludhaven after Nightwing left and acts in a very brutal way until he attracts the attention until he's overpowered by the assassin Shrike. At that time, Batgirl enters the story. We find that Batman thought she was almost ready for a city of her own and to fill Bludhaven, but that he also saw that she and Tim could help each other and be a well-balanced team. And throughout the second part of the story, we do indeed see how a Cain-Drake team could work and how they would make very strong crimefighting partners.

The next two issues totally blows the potential of that team in a dull and idiotic story that has one of Batman's most famous rogues acting like a total idiot and the team ending for stupid reasons. On top of that, the art is wonky.

This isn't completely horrible but it plays a nasty trick by really making something look promising and then pulling the rug out from under the read by executing in the stupidest way imaginable.



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Book Review: Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps Vol. 6: Zod's Will

Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps (2016-) Vol. 6: Zod's Will (Hal Jordan & The Green Lantern Corps by Robert Venditti

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


While on a routine investigation, Hal and Kyle are captured by General Zod. Will the Corps be able to come to rescue while they're trying to adjust to the return of the Guardians.

There's a lot to love about this story. Zod is totally arrogant and full of himself, so pretty much everything Hal says or does feels more or less justified and not especially arrogant. Hal has some amazing moments. While other Lanterns shine and do their thing with Kyle being particularly heroic,there's no doubt while Hal's name's on the masthead.

The return of the Guardians is more of a mixed thing. I didn't like the method of bringing them back in the final volume, but they do serve a purpose by making the Green Lanterns accountable. I thought John Stewart's handling them was a bit off times as he seemed passive aggressive.

Overall, it was a solid volume and a good outing all around.



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Book Review: The Prisoner, Volume 1, The Uncertainty Principle

The Prisoner Collection by Peter Milligan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This collect's Titan's four-issue Prisoner mini-series. Set in modern times, an MI-5 agent resigns in disgust when his partner (and romantic interest) is left behind on a mission in the Middle East and he finds himself captured and taken to the village.

There's some good things to say about the book and most of it has to do with the art. The art is pretty good throughout, with some really nice high points. The big two-page spread when he wakes up in the village is spectacular. The writing isn't bad. Each individual chapter throws our hero and the readers for a new loop, so there's some real cleverness behind these stories.

What doesn't work is more the big picture stuff. I think what writer Peter Milligan really fails to capture with the Village is the dissonance of it. In the TV show, it was a place that appeared to be the most pleasant place you can imagine, but it was contrasted by making a sinister secret. I n addition, the nice feel of the Village is designed to make it easy and comfortable to turn traitor. In this book, the Village never tries to make itself seem pleasant or alluring. Instead, it's full of people who do nasty things while wearing 50-year-old clothes for no good reason.

In addition, the book's explanation of who is Number 1 is not only nihilistic, it's also a bit daft. Overall, if you're looking for a psychological spy thriller comic, this is not a bad one to read. However, as a comic book take on the Prisoner, it leaves a lot to be desired.



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Book Review: Crisis on Infinite Earths Companion Deluxe Edition Vol. 1

Crisis on Infinite Earths Companion Deluxe Edition Vol. 1 by Marv Wolfman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


More than 500 pages of comics tying in to Crisis on Infinite Earth plus introductions to the state of each major series. This is the first of three volumes.

DC Comics Presents #78: Yes, this is the second part of a two-parter and there's only a brief cameo from the Monitor and Harbinger. However, I give this one a pass because not only hasn't this been reprinted, but it's got a ton: of rare gold and silver age characters. It's a blast.

All-Star Squadron #50-#60: Given that Crisis was a celebration of the entire DCU, the All-Star Squadron is a great tie-in because it features so many characters from the gold and silver ages of a wide variety of comic companies. We get to see a reprint/revision of a JSA Adventure, multiple direct conflicts that intersect with Crisis as well as some additional conflicts including a battle with Mister Mind with his first version of the Monster Society of evil, appearances by Captain Marvel (Shazam.) There are so many great moments. It's a shame that most of this series hasn't been reprinted, but it's treat to read these and Roy Thomas' obvious love for these characters.

Fury of Firestorm #41 and #42: In #41, Harbinger and the Pyscho Pirate arrive to recruit Ronnie Raymond and Professor Stein just as they're getting settled in a new collected. In #42, Firestorm's gone, so we actually get a book with Wonder Girl and Firehawk and they get thrown back in time to the Revolutionary War. It's good fun.

Green Lantern #194-199: This is an interesting period for the Green Lantern corps. Hal Jordan had resigned his as a lantern with John Stewart now being the Green Lantern. However in #194, he's called away to fight in the Crisis, leaving fellow Green Lantern (and love interest) Katma Tui to guard Earth, but while he's away, the Guardians are making a variety of moves that end up with Guy Gardener with a ring and leading a plan to stop the Crisis. Sinestro and Hal Jordan get done before it's all said and done. Overall, this is really fun story. I will say that unlike other stories in this book, this has been reprinted elsewhere.

In addition to the comics, you get an introduction to the book itself by Crisis Writer Marv Wolfman, and intros to the three series featured by Roy Thomas and Robert Greenbrier, there's some great background stuff here.

Overall, a really solid collection. Look forward to the next volume.



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Book Review: Ms. Marvel, Volume 9: Best You Can Be

Ms. Marvel Vol. 9: Best You Can Be (Ms. Marvel by Brian Reed

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The end of Brian Reed's run on Ms. Marvel that will be sure to leave you asking, "Is that it?"

This book has four issues in it.

First up is Carol Danvers' date with Spider-man that she promised at the end of volume 6. The story's not horrible, but this story brings home the point that post-OMD (One More Day) Peter Parker is a pathetic creature and not funny.

Then Carol solves the mystery of what happened at the Church of Hala and it runs her right into Mystique and a convoluted revenge plot involving a fake Captain Marvel.

After the conclusion of the battle, we get a final scene with Carol talking about how she realized how great she was and adjusted her perspective. This felt totally unearned, based on the story and the way she'd progress. It felt rushed, as if Brian Reed knew how he wanted to end the series and inserted his ending, even it doesn't make any sense.

Oveall, a lackluster end to a good series.



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