Wednesday's Finest: 'Morning Glories' #7

By Don M. Ventura

Morning Glories #7

Image Comics

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After last month’s Morning Glories #6 and an inaugural issue of Iron Man 2.0 that just didn’t grab me, I was beginning to wonder if Nick Spencer had overextended himself. After all, he is quickly on his way to becoming the go-to writer with a hefty amount of books on the comic shelves with more on the way.

Then I read Morning Glories #7 and remembered immediately that this guy has, for the most part, done nothing but excelled in his craft. The latest issue offers up more mystery (gasp!) and the great dialogue that we have come to expect from Spencer.

The story focuses on Zoe and her past, which is more unusual than anyone else’s we’ve seen in Morning Glories. I’ve likened Spencer’s storytelling—full of wtf-moments—to Lost, and it has filled that series’ gap in my heart. This issue presents some more mystery and leaves you with a is she or isn’t she a bad guy scene at the conclusion. If you’re read it, you might say “Well duh, she’s bad.” I get the sense, like most things in this wonderful book, nothing is what it seems.

I have a feeling that Spencer’s sprawling mystery may read better in trade, but I don’t think I could wait that long to get my fill of this head-scratching wonder. If you haven’t jumped on the Morning Glories bandwagon, do yourself a favor and pick up the first TPB (collecting issues 1 through 6).

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Cape Town Capsule Reviews, 1/19/11 Releases

Well, our first podcast took up a lot of my time over the past week, but I expect to have more time for writing my regular weekly reviews. That said, we’re going to handle last week’s reviews in spitball fashion.

Here we go.

Supergirl #60

DC Comics

Nick Spencer and James Peaty have written a solid opener to this new arc, and kept from besmirching the work of former series writer Sterling Gates. Add to this, the gorgeous art of Bernard Chang who seems instantly at home on the book. Spencer and Peaty have created a truly vile new villain who might just be the “other son” of the Man of Steel’s bald nemesis. This was the best thing I read all week.

Morning Glories #6

Image Comics

Unfortunately, this is the weakest entry yet of the series. We jumped ahead about 20 years and found that life at Morning Glories Academy was just as confusing as ever. This was hopefully just a brief misstep in what has been an otherwise strong run by series writer Nick Spencer.

Iron Man #500

Marvel Comics

Matt Fraction tells an engrossing one-shot future-story in which Mandarin seems to be on the brink of world-domination as Tony Stark’s children attempt to stop the villain’s doomsday weapon. This is a great story in which Fraction establishes the resilience of Tony Stark’s character in the face of utter defeat. We also revisit Tony and Peter Parker’s relationship as it has been on rocky ground since Civil War.

Superman/Batman #80

DC Comics

This is one throwbacky story. You’ve got Bronze age Robin in his old speedos and wisecracking as he fights, Lois Lane with a thin striped tie, Batman smiling more than once, and a time travel story straight out of DC Comics Presents. The dialogue and story are all tongue and cheek and seems to be in writer Chris Roberson’s comfort zone.

Memoir #1 (of 6)

Image Comics

Memoir reminded me of 27 in that it didn’t really feel like the book that was solicited. The book’s dialogue was somewhat stiff and might have benefited from another draft or two. The plot was intriguing from afar, but in the end it did not grab me. John Cassaday has illustrated a mesmerizing cover.

Amazing Spider-Man #652

Marvel Comics

Dan Slott is really seeming a lot more comfortable with the world he’s established in this issue, the first part of his second arc on the title. Alistair Smythe, the Spider Slayer, is out for revenge on J. Jonah Jameson and plans to take out everyone he loves with the help of his insect army and Mac Gargan, the original Scorpion. This is a really strong story by Slott, but the surprise hear is the gorgeous art by Stefano Casselli. The last few pages with Spider-Man scaling the side of a rocket to save John Jameson are quite stunning.

Wednesday's Finest: 'Morning Glories' #5

By Don M. Ventura

Morning Glories #5

Image Comics

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Whether it is in movies, books, or television, I think some writers have a difficult time writing a really good bad guy who the viewer/reader can get behind hating. I always use the first appearance of Darth Vader in Star Wars as a shining example of badassery. Sure, Grand Moff Tarkin does the unthinkable and orders the destruction of Alderaan.  However, the scene when Vader first appears and chokes the Rebel soldier as he interrogates him is, for my money, a truer scene of evilness.

It isn’t easy to relate to a villain who wipes out a city or planet, but there is something frightening about a bad guy who is willing to commit murder or inflict great suffering on a person, while an audience watches, and not show a sign of remorse for the gravity of his crime. It’s these smaller scenes of unconscionable acts that have always made my favorite villains.

Nick Spencer brings Mr. Gribbs to the forefront of the story in Morning Glories #5 and the instructor demonstrates that he is fully devoid of a moral compass—by normal human standards at least. Gribbs would beg to differ. This issue presents a long monologue by him in between the story’s action and we learn that he is one bad egg who is firm in his beliefs in the goals of Morning Glory Academy—a seemingly very nasty place.

But this is not the only reason that Morning Glories #5 was the best book published this week. Spencer continues to flesh out his well drawn characters and illustrates that their situation, while almost totally hopeless, is not totally hopeless. Especially for the Glories’ leader Casey, who exhibits her ability to think several steps ahead of her captors; this is not lost on Gribbs.

Spencer continues to pile on the mysteries, with zero resolution to the predicament these kids are in, and I have enjoyed this series for the writer’s topsy turvy approach to storytelling; it is reminiscent to the most confounding moments of Lost.

In last month’s issue, three of the Glories (Casey, Hunter, and Zoe) have gone rogue within the school grounds to rescue their captured friend Jade when Ike turns them in to Ms. Daramount. While Hunter causes a distraction, Casey and Zoe are on the run and eventually separated. The mysterious spirit that lobotomized a student in the first issue of the series beheads a guard and comes face to face with Zoe; she recognizes him and calls him David. That may be considered a hint of resolution in your book, but for me it’s just another head scratching moment—albeit an enjoyable one.

The Glories are eventually all rounded up and we learn that this was the plan the entire time. Casey and Zoe distracted the administration so that they could successfully free Jade which impresses Gribbs to no end. He admits to Casey that she is one of the most gifted of all of the students at Morning Glories Academy (though we have no idea how these gifts will be used). But he muses whether or not her cohorts similarly gifted.

To express the expendability of the lesser students on campus Gribbs chokes Jason, one of the Academy’s shining stars, right in front of Casey. The whole time Gribbs explains how he raised Jason since the student was five and that a similar fate might befall the other Glories should they fail to prove they are as invaluable as Casey. Jason struggles and cries until his lifeless body is slumped across Casey’s desk. That Gribbs is one evil dude.

Series artist Joes Eisma handles the artwork nicely as always. He draws a squirm-inducing scene as David (the spirit) slowly beheads the guard; the eyes hanging from their sockets was a nice touch.

Morning Glories #5 was an excellent example of Spencer’s ability to flesh out his characters. We learn that Casey and Briggs are both forces to be reckoned with, both of them have a strong will and determination that will make them formidable adversaries. I am eager to see their rivalry unfold over the course of the series.

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Wednesday’s Finest, 10/20/10 Releases

By Don M. Ventura

Kick-Ass 2 #1
Icon

Of the books listed in this post, there was not a bad one in the bunch. This caused a night of internal debate for me.

After much deciding, Kick Ass 2 was the finest Wednesday had to offer. For everything I feared Superior might be, I was already prepared for in the sequel to Kick-Ass. The shock of foul-mouthed Hit-Girl is gone. We are now allowed to just enjoy the progression of Dave Lizeski’s story. The question that should be asked with any sequel: Is there a story to be told?

The answer is yes. Kick Ass 2 does a little moving back and forth as a means of exposition. It’s just enough to show us where the story is heading, before moving back to the beginning of the tale midway through this first issue. As usual Millar understands pacing. He moves from scene to scene effortlessly, catching us up quickly with the characters.

John Romita, Jr. is perfectly suited for a story like this. His work can be dynamic and he draws movement incredibly well, but I’ve found his strength to be the somberness he brings to panels. For example, there is a scene where Mindy is telling her adopted father Marcus that’s she’ll quit the heroics and violence. Romita Jr. brings so much “acting” to both of the characters in this scene. I haven’t been a fan of Romita Jr.’s work on The Avengers, but I am reminded here why he remains one of my favorite artists. Dean White’s colors are exquisite and bring both grittiness and vibrance where it is required.

And where had the story progressed? Kick-Ass started a revolution at the end of the first series with other would-be vigilantes donning costumes and wild monikers. Kick-Ass 2 opens with Dave being trained in hand-to-hand by Mindy at the YMCA; Dave believes the next step is to form a super-team. Kick-Ass befriends another costumed avenger, Dr. Gravity, who has just the proposition that Dave is looking for. By the end of the issue, Dave brought face to face with the world he inspired.

I was not as enamored with the original Kick-Ass book as I was with the film, but I enjoyed what Millar and Romita, Jr. put together. Kick-Ass 2 feels like the evolution of the characters and the “real” world they inhabit. Both Mindy and Dave, besides the costumed-adventuring, have the weight of the world on their shoulders in this issue. They are both lost without the costumed alter-egos.

As expected Millar brings his strong (in every sense) comic dialogue. Whether it’s Doctor Gravity explaining the origins or his gravity pole, Dave and Mindy practicing at fighting skills in the ring, or when Dave’s friend argues the sexiness of May Parker in her night dress in the first Spider-Man film.

This is a great beginning to a story that asks “What happens next?” At the end of the last page I wondered the same thing.

That’s the sign of a good comic book.

Hulk #26
Marvel

Jeff Parker and Gabriel Hardman charged out of the gate last month on their inaugural issue of Hulk and they continue to charge this week.

Man oh man, Hardman draws an incredible Hulk. Actually, he draws an incredible everything. Thor appears midway through and a battle of testosterone ensues—and you don’t want it to stop. Hardman’s action sequences are nothing short of sensational. First we get Hulk with a Mjolnir to the stomach and then Thor ends things with a spectacular lightning bolt. The colors by Bettie Breitweiser are nothing short of exceptional. The blue-green background during the Thor and Hulk face-off was vibrant and striking.

Parker has brought great passion to this book. This could have become a throw away title after Jeph Loeb left, but Parker is writing Hulk exactly as he should. This is a tough a nails Hulk who’d die before he backed down. Not because he’s necessarily a hero, but because he’s a soldier.

If you’re thinking, “Wait, didn’t Iron Man and Hulk just go at it last month as a result of a misunderstanding?” Just wait. There’s an excellent payoff.

Parker, Hardman and Breitweiser continue to soar on this book. Let’s hope for a long run.

Superman/Batman #77
DC

Last month Supergirl teamed up with Batgirl in Batgirl #14 and the pairing was great. I wrote then that I was a sucker for just about any Batman-family and Superman-family characters joining forces and I got exactly what I wanted from Superman/Batman #77.

Supergirl enlists the help of Robin to solve a mass murder in Metroplois and, even with this dire backdrop, there is no shortage of comedy. Josh Williamson has written an exciting and fun one-shot that has Supergirl continuing to deal with the guilt over the fate of New Krypton, which brings a strong sense of continuity to the character. Williamson does equally well with his interpretation of Damian Wayne; the character is as full of hubris and as snarky as he is in Grant Morrison’s Batman and Robin.

Ale Garza has drawn a dynamic book, starting from the opening page as Supergirl floats over the horrific crime scene being pelted by raindrops. There is a lot to love on the pages of this issue.

Morning Glories #3
Image

Nick Spencer is amazing me with each succeeding issue of Morning Glories, and issue #3 is no different. It is exceptionally well paced; I was flipping through the last pages so quickly because Spencer and artist Joe Eisma created an amazingly suspenseful third act to this book.

The book opens with opens 500 years in the past with an eerie scene in a dungeon as two presumably innocent prisoners attempt to figure out why they have been taken captive. Another mystery is presented to the readers of Morning Glories in the form of the cryptic messages written on the walls of the dungeon: “The hour of our release draws near.” The message is revisited inexplicably at the end of the issue.

Morning Glories is shaping up to being the Lost of comic books. Like last month, I tossed this book on top of my large pile of comics, read it immediately, and was immersed in the growing mystery. Spencer continues to drop small hints at what is happening at the school and with the kids, not enough to figure anything out, but enough to keep speculation blooming.

Power Girl #17
DC

I picked up Power Girl on a lark when Judd Winick was took over the reigns. I wanted to read something with a good jumping on point and I’ve always enjoyed Winick’s writing. Power Girl is always solid and this issue may have been my favorite.

The first half of the story co-stars Batman as he helps Power Girl resolve the mystery of the creature she fought in the last issue. After reading Winick’s take on Dick Grayson Batman I wondered why the writer couldn’t get a crack at one of the many Bat-titles coming in the next few months. I fully endorsed Power Girl’s sentiment of the new Dark Knight in this issue: “I digs me some Dick Grayson scooting around in the Kevlar pajamas.”

Sami Basri has illustrated one gorgeous issue after another. I am shocked that he is able to do a monthly series because his work looks terribly time-consuming. The coloring by Sunny Gho and Jessica Kholinne is equally superb; I love the depth they bring to the flesh tones and costumes.

Winick closes the issue with a WTF scene and an excellent final panel. Power Girl says: “What the Hell is going on here?” and the caption for the next issue reads: “Next: What the hell is going on here!”

Skull Kickers #2
Image

While I was not completely won over by the first issue of Skull Kickers, I found the title to grow on me with this second issue; Jim Zubkavich’s script demonstrates again a knack for both broad humor and subtle humor.

There are priceless sound effects incorporated in this book. The dwarf jumps towards a giant with the words “powerful leap” above him (instead of “Whoooosh!” perhaps). The giant brushes him away violently: “powerful smack.” Later the dwarf is trying to keep up with his tall accomplice. The sound effect for the dwarf: “run, run, run, run.” For the giant: “stride, stride” It is so ridiculous and charmingly clever.

We still don’t learn much about the two anti-hero protagonists in this book other than they live for violence and earn a living in a less than respectable manner. Zubkavich offers a couple of pages of FAQ’s at the end of the issue to explain a little more about the book (very little).

I think I’m now well invested in Skull Kickers.

What Does it All Mean?!?: Morning Glories #3 Teasers

Do you have a comic book that you start reading on the way home because you can't wait to see what happens next? Studies have shows (I'd bet) that reading and driving is more informative than texting and driving.

Anyway, we're only three issues in and Morning Glories has quickly become the book that makes its way to the top of my "read" pile.  Nick Spencer (recently announced Supergirl scribe) and Artist Joe Eisma have created a creepy atmosphere for this new series and skillfully introduced a fleshed out group of characters.  Rodin Esquejo has also been knocking it out of the park on the covers.

Image has been teasing tomorrow's third issue, each with the cryptic quote "The hour of our release draws near." Add this and the tiny purple morning glory that appears in all three teasers to the growing pile of mysteries this series has wrought.

Wednesday's Finest, 9/15/10 Releases

By Don M. Ventura
Titles released on September 15th.

Morning Glories #2
Image

Two issues in, and Morning Glories has quickly become the most exciting new book on the shelves. Writer Nick Spencer has produced a non-superhero comic book with all the thrills, suspense and mystery any reader could want from a book. While we are only at issue #2, I am reminded of Matthew Vaughn’s thrilling opening to Runaways, another book about a group of kids in a seemingly hopeless situation.

Morning Glories is the story of six teenagers, all sixteen-years old, who have been recruited to attend the prestigious Morning Glory Academy, a prep school with what appears to be the most sinister of intentions. In the inaugural issue we were introduced to the Glories (a nickname for the group assigned by Image I presume): Casey, Ike, Zoe, Hunter, Jade, and Jun. Spencer quickly established each of his main characters and gave them a voice as they made their way to school for the first day.

The second issue opens with Casey finding it difficult to forgive Miss Daramount and the rest of the faculty for their unacceptable behavior in the last issue—I’m opting not to spoil it here. Casey is sent to detention with the rest of the Glories, who are secretly being observed by Miss Daramount. The action takes place in the detention hall with a series of flashbacks to show what the Glories did to receive punishment, each demonstrating that Morning Glory Academy is one truly effed-up school.

Morning Glories goes to some wonderfully dark places, but the book is not morose. Credit the lightness of Spencer’s characters and their teenage sensibility. Spencer has given each of them a voice and, for the most part, they all speak and make decisions like teenagers, a craft many writers do not have an easy time doing.

When Ike and Hunter go traipsing around the campus after hours, they observe some occultish-looking activities. Ike tells Hunter, “You should probably run. They definitely sacrifice virgins down here.” Later in the issue, with the Glories in seemingly mortal danger, Zoe, the last to admit there is something dubious about Morning Glory Academy says, “Do you really think the last thing I’m gonna do before I die is admit someone else was right?”

Spencer has created some wonderful villains: faculty member Miss Daramount will not spare the rod at the expense of academia, an unnamed spectre that wanders the halls, and my favorite, Resident Advisor Pamela. Spencer is having fun turning this seemingly sweet-as-pie R.A. into a callous monster who speaks to everyone in a sing-songy voice and assigns obnoxious nicknames to the students. Isn’t it those people who are in a constant state of happiness the ones we are certain we can trust the least?

Joe Eisma’s artwork is fantastic. His character expressions are spot-on and compliment Spencer’s dialogue. He draws the action and there is never a question of who is who, a problem a book without characters in costume can face. Rodin Esquejo gets cover duties on the book, and this issue’s is stirring. The Glories are submerged in water with little space remaining to breath—the book’s masthead and the Image logo appear to be sinking as well.

Highland Laddie #2
Dynamite
Garth Ennis takes readers, and his Boys’ character Wee Hughie, back to his Northern Ireland roots with this crime/family/friendship drama about a group of friends who, at one time, fancied themselves young detectives ala the Hardy Boys.

In the last issue we were introduced to Wee Hughie’s childhood mates, which was an exercise in oddness that felt like it was done for the sake of being odd. That said, the story of a man coming home and reflecting on his past is was what I responded to. We are treated to more of the same as Hughie spends time with his old chums, Bobby and Det, and a paternal new friend named Alastair Vigor.

A crime is beginning to brew in the background involving drugs, and gives Ennis an opportunity for some garishly violent happenings involving pruning shears. If you’ve read any of his work on The Punisher, you’ll be comfortable with the events that transpire. I enjoy Ennis’s sense of humor to a point—there is a disturbingly humorous flashback of the boys, so full of whim and wonder as they discuss a foiled criminal plot with a detective as a couple of officers mercilessly beat the suspect out of his daylights.

There is enough charm inside to recommend this little tale, but non-Ennis fans may have grown tired of the writer’s violent tones long ago.

Steve Rogers: Super-Soldier #3
Marvel
I have been enjoying Ed Brubaker’s take on the newly returned Steve Rogers in both the Secret Avengers and this title. This four-issue mini returns the former Captain America to the world of espionage as he attempts to uncover who is behind the apparent replication of a new Super Soldier serum.

At the end of the previous issue, Steve has his powers taken away and is reverted to the 90-pound weakling he originally was prior to being injected with the serum during World War II. Steve comes face to face with the one of Marvel’s more obscure villains, the Machinesmith, who plans to sell his new Super Soldier serum to the highest bidders.

This issue is heavy on action, as Brubaker firmly establishes that Steve Rogers does not need to be a heavyweight fighting machine to be a hero. This is a solid superhero story with the classic comic book feel that Marvel has strived for with its Heroic Age line of books. Dale Eaglesham’s pencils also add to that classic Marvel feel to the characters.

Time Bomb #2
Radical
Time Bomb continues the story of a Special Ops Team sent back in time to stop the spread of a Nazi-generated virus that is quickly spreading across the globe after the accidental detonation of the Omega bomb. Initially expecting to travel back two days to prevent the virus from being exposed, the team finds itself outside a concentration camp surrounded by Nazi’s.

Though warned in the last issue of the Butterfly Effect, the team throws caution to the wind and immediately takes down the Nazi’s and frees the Jews. “Die you fucking Nazi fucks!” yells science expert Peggy Medina as she blasts the soldiers to bits. Butterfly-shmutterfly.

Writing team Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray have written a fun time-travel yarn and introduced us to some strong action characters. While there is not much in the way of character development, the story’s strength is in its tension as the team is ripped apart and each working independently to locate the Omega Bomb. Paul Gulacy’s artwork and Rain Beredo’s colors fit the tone perfectly; much of the action takes place in the dark, but even the tones of the lit scenes are muted and drab.

This prestige-format book rings in at five bucks, but it’s a bargain considering it’s 56 pages without ads interspersed between the story.