Tag: review

Sparta U.S.A. #5

(Possible SPOILERS)
If this series had started out the way this issue did, I might be enjoying it more. In fact, I feel like I’m reading a completely different comic now.

The one thing that’s frustrated me the whole way through this series is that Lapham has spent so much time setting up mysteries, he’s waited too long for the pay-offs. Even knowing he only had 6 issues to tell the story, he kept the mystery of Sparta going for more than half the mini-series. We don’t have all our answers in this issue, but it was definitely a much more exciting issue than any of the previous.

The Authority #24

“Mondregon-Part 2” (No Spoilers)
I’m glad this was labeled as a “Part 2” because you really have to read the previous issue to understand what’s going on here. I think the old “every issue could be someone’s first” thing can be fudged a little when you outright number the parts of your story.

The issue heralds the return of artist Al Barrionuevo who had been off the title for two issues. We originally thought he’d left with the previous writing team but it seems they just brought in artist Mike S. Miller for the past two issues to give Barrionuveo a chance to get some issues in the can (especially since the solicits for the next two issues list him as the artist). It is bittersweet because I love both Barrionuevo’s and Miller’s artwork. Their style is way too different to pick one over the other. But Barrionuevo returns in full force with some amazing work.

Wildcats #24

“The Protectorate 2 of 3: Inside Men” (No Spoilers)
I cannot believe how much story Beechen and Seeley pack into each issue. There is so much going on in these 22 pages I don’t know how they’re not making me feel cheated. But somehow, they’re doing it every month!
If there is one story that gets more screen time than the others, it’s Midnighter’s investigation of Zealot and her activities. During the parts of the issue that constitute Midnighter and Zealot’s story, we get a quick fight between Midnighter and someone (if you saw the preview you know who it is), we get to see Midnighter show some great emotion when he learns Zealot’s true plans, and finally we get a great cliffhanger which is going to set up an amazing fight next issue.

Garrison #3

(No Spoilers)
Garrison is undoubtedly Wildstorm’s summer blockbuster. I can’t say I’m blow away by the story by any means but Francavilla’s art and visual storytelling are keeping this comic more fun for me.
This comic is really banking on the mystery surrounding the title character. But fortunately, we do get some answers to his origins even though it’s only partial. Without Francavilla’s art, I’m not sure if I’d be enjoying this comic as much. He draws some incredible action scenes! One thing I really appreciate about his action is that the fights aren’t cookie-cutter. So far, every fight Francavilla has illustrated is unique from the last. It’s as if he was the fight choreographer in a movie and he was doing his best to keep each fight interesting. So far, I think he’s succeeded.