Pop Mythology Pop Mythology: Movie, Book, Comic reviews & commentary
What’s on deck for this week’s pick has a few sparklers that you definitely need to pick up.
So without further ado, let’s get right to it!
Image Comics
The Fuse #3
Lazarus #8
IDW
Star Slammers #2
Marvel Comics
Guardians of the Galaxy #14
Elektra #1
DC Comics
Justice League United #0
The Fuse #3
In two words: wonderful mystery. This is an amazing book that truly conveys a sense of televised drama. The characters are treasures of information yet to be revealed and this is a comic that begs to be read in a series to capture that feeling of a detective story being slowly revealed. It’s a near-future science fiction that’s near enough for us to relate to, yet far enough in time to be truly fantastic. Don’t settle for the hardcover when it comes out – buy this now and go look for the last two issues.
Lazarus #8
One of the coolest concepts in comics out there right now. A believable post-apocalyptic scenario where the governing authority of North America is divided amongst ruling families. Each house has a Lazarus – a warrior champion in charge of its security/military groomed to be completely obedient to the family. Forever Carlyle is the Lazarus of House Carlyle, genetically conditioned to serve loyally and without question – even when those questions suddenly arise.
Again – another awesome story from Image Comics. Greg Rucka is a pure and unadulterated talent, demonstrated again in this fantastic book. If you’re not reading this, you can’t call yourself a comic reader.
Star Slammers #2
A no-brainer: an amazing story that stands the test of time. Simonson’s first graphic novel re-mastered for a new generation. If you don’t know this book, then this is something you need to remedy.
Guardians of the Galaxy #14
Getting better. The last few issues of this comics have somewhat floundered, despite the impending film release and the recent introduction of much-hyped appearance of Angela. Still, it looks like there might be a new start for Peter Quill and his hapless band of mis-matched heroes. I think the real problem for this title is that with the absence of the cosmic Annihilation series in the early 2000’s, there really hasn’t been a true focus for these guardians. I mean, what do they have to guard? Earth? Well, that’s all well and fine, but it really doesn’t make a galaxy, does it?
Still, without giving too much away, the additional back-story of Groot makes this an interesting comic to pick up – and I’ll hold out hope for the rest of this storyline – but if it doesn’t pick up any heat soon, it’ll be one less on my list.
Elektra #1
The art in this book is enough to make me sit up and take notice. I’m not a Bill Sienkiewicz fan, but it definitely reminds me of his painted style. My complaint about Sienkiewicz was the clutter and lack of discernibility in his action. In this comic, Michael Del Mundo has given us a similar style but allows for cleared movement and action. W. Haden Blackman has also found a way to introduce Elektra to new readers that doesn’t get bogged down in all the back history this legendary character has. This was a great first issue and hopefully there will be many more like it.
Justice League United #0
It’s a bit of an abrupt introduction and a little out of continuity with the rest of the DC Universe but … who cares? It’s set in Canada and offers a new Canadian super-hero! Whoo-hoo! Of course, if you’ve been reading my previous reviews, then you’ll know how much continuity matters to me but in this case, what an incredible addition to the Justice League franchise!
Other than being set in Canada, the major Canadian draw is Jeff Lemire; a Toronto artist and writer who is known for his work on titles like Animal Man, Swamp Thing, Sweet Tooth, Trillium (under the Vertigo imprint) and his own The Underwater Welder. Lemire has a real gift for dialogue. His characterizations are loaded with believability and realism. I also loved the inside references that only those in the Toronto Comic-Lovers Scene would get (FanExpo, anyone?). This title is a winner and the cosmic angle to this title is a draw for non-Torontonians as well. To see Adam Strange and Hawkman back in the game again is just pure joy.
So, the pick of the pulls for this week is:
The Fuse #3
Again – a hard call given the competition. I’d be sorely pressed to put Justice League #0 up there but I’d be afraid that someone would call me on my Canadian patriotism. As much as I’d love to list JLU as my pick of the week, it doesn’t have the same track record as The Fuse. Granted, we’re only talking a matter of three issues here, but The Fuse has a real sense of flow that’s just a joy to read. Give JLU a few more issues and we’ll see where it goes, but of course, with Lemire writing it, it’s a sure bet it’ll do well.
Anyway, looking forward to next week’s pulls. I’ll be making some time to spend at my local comic shop in a couple of weeks with Free Comic Book day. Make sure you have the first Saturday in May penned into your calendar to pick up some free books and support your local comic shop!
