By Daniel Cole
Daniel Cole brings you episode #008 of the Six Shooter!
Welcome to the Six Shooter! This is a weekly column that will review six specific comics. Big new releases, small interesting titles and random curiosities. All will be looked at. The way it works is that there will be a brief review of the comics followed by our rating system. Our ratings are:
Headshot (Best of the week)
Hit (Read)
Miss (Don’t Read)
Misfire (Worst of the week)
This week DC Comics begins its restoration of its Vertigo Imprint, as two new comics hit the shelves. Are they any good? Find out below! (Also other comics were released this week)
TOM STRONG AND THE PLANET OF PERIL #1 – VERTIGO (DC COMICS)
Hogan’s intentions maybe to deliver a tongue-in-cheek play on pulp science fiction heroes, but he doesn’t succeed.
Written by Peter Hogan
Art by Chris Sprouse, Karl Story & Jordie Bellaire
Alan Moore’s science hero returns for an all new adventure. Co-creator Chris Sprouse is back on art and is joined by frequent Tom Strong writer Peter Hogan.
As a first issue Hogan does do his best to get everyone up to speed on the characters, but the book seems to place the reader halfway through the story. Of course a lot of Tom Strong stories have been published since he first appeared in 1999, but it may have been helpful to cater for the new reader as well as the long time fan. Key character points seem to be missing.
The actual narrative isn’t bad, but doesn’t really do anything outside of set the plot of the series in motion. The stakes are only there because Hogan tells you to care, but he doesn’t give the characters enough depth to connect to them, which is surprising as the book is one hell of an exposition trip. But Hogan’s dialogue is stilted at best (especially everything Val says) and although it maybe intentional on his part, it drags the book down.
Also when the book goes all meta it really hampers the narrative progression. Although it is a nice idea of having Terra Obsucra in the book as a chronicle for another planet, the way in which Hogan presents it is more akin to self-promotion. And the less said about what he thinks about comic book writers the better.
Chris Sprouse has little to do here. But his pencils are still extremely expressive and visually compelling. The characters look like action figures and although the world isn’t fully formed, Sprouse at least tries to detail what he can. It is his pencils that are the comic’s redeeming feature.
Hogan’s intentions maybe to deliver a tongue-in-cheek play on pulp science fiction heroes, but he doesn’t succeed. Aside from the art this is a book that has flat characters and a mediocre plot.
SIX SHOOTER RATING – MISS
COLLIDER #1 – VERTIGO (DC COMICS)
Written by Simon Oliver
Art by Robbi Rodriguez & Rico Renzi
Collider is a science fiction comic that has a solid concept, detailed characters and some mystery.
Sometimes it seems hard for a new book to actually come across as a compelling read. But Simon Oliver effortlessly makes Collider a book you take notice of. Of course it isn’t all Oliver as Robbi Rodriguez’s dynamic art and Rico Renzi’s colours add layers to the book.
Oliver creates his world, defines his characters and sets his plot in motion with such nuance that it is impressive. Granted the exposition heavy moments of dialogue can become too much, but they are at least necessary. The characters are the most impressive things in the scripts as they walk onto the page as complete people with motivations, likes and dislikes. There is definitive effort on Oliver’s part to get the reader behind these characters; especially the books lead Adam Hardy. Hardy maybe a familiar character type, but Oliver makes him compelling as opposed to cliché.
Rodriguez gives the book a distinct look and his character work is detailed and unique. There is a lack of background detail, but Renzi deals with that. His colour work makes the book pop. It’s vibrant and gives the art a sense of depth. Renzi enhances Rodriguez’s art, and together they have created a great visual place for Oliver’s story to take place.
It has a few problems when it comes to exposition, but on the whole this is a successful book that manages to accomplish everything an issue one needs to do. Definitely a comic you should keep your eye on.
SIX SHOOTER RATING – HIT
HIGH CRIMES #4 – MONKEY BRAIN COMICS
It is more than just a simple mystery tale; it is an exploration of character.
Written by Christopher Sebela
Art by Ibrahim Moustafa
High Crimes has been an intriguing comic from day one. It is more than just a simple mystery tale; it is an exploration of character.
Christopher Sebela does a lot with Zan and Mars this issue. Zan continues to be a well-rounded female protagonist. She’s intelligent, has guts and it’s refreshing to read a strong female character in this type of tale. Of course the title also looks into Mars and in this issue he comes to some realisations about his life. There is a lot of powerful emotional scenes that deal with Mars here and Sebela allows Ibrahim Moustafa to subtly depict them.
The deepening mystery of the plot continues to intrigue. A lot of elements are still in play and Sebela actually has his characters inform the plot as oppose to having the plot become the main focus. This gives the narrative a sense that there is danger and risk around the corner for Zan and co.
Moustafa is a great character artist, but his detailed backgrounds and world building are what impress the most. He is an excellent visual storyteller and the way in which he positions his panels evokes the look of a television show. This TV-esque presentation actually lends itself well to the story and gives the book an aspect of realism that is interesting. However the best piece of art is actually the front cover, which literally depicts Zan travelling in the footsteps of Mars. It is a gorgeous image and is the best cover of the week.
So, High Crimes continues to be a satisfying comic. Its character work is excellent and the narrative is engaging. The art continues to impress as well. This is definitely a book that people should checkout.
SIX SHOOTER RATING – HEADSHOT
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #5 – MARVEL COMICS
After all the hype Angela finally makes her debut in Guardians Of The Galaxy.
Written by Brian Michael Bendis (with Neil Gaiman as a consultant)
Art by Sara Pichelli & Justin Ponsor
After all the hype Angela finally makes her debut in Guardians Of The Galaxy. Was it worth the hype?
The quick answer to that question is no. But that is only a snap judgement taking into account what is presented to the readers in this issue. She does little more than fight and beat Gamora, but her worth to the title will probably become evident in the next few issue. As for now her big arrival is more of a whimper than a bang.
This is actually a good thing as Bendis gets to have more time with the actual Guardians. Bendis script is extremely witty this issue and Rocket Raccoon gets some great one liners. The interplay between Rocket and Tony Stark is the best part of the issue. Bendis plays on the fact that Stark’s famous technology is light years behind anything Rocket has. It makes for some great humour. Peter Quill is still getting some great depth from Bendis, but his part in the book is to move the overall plot forward. Unfortunately Drax and Groot are neglected a bit. The appearance of Mantis was a nice addition to the comic and her scene with Quill was in keeping with the lighthearted tone of the book.
The plot directly addresses events from Age Of Ultron, which at least contextualises the importance of time being abused. The final page reveal will entice fans back, but isn’t really a surprise. But this issue is more to do with character development than plot, which isn’t a bad thing when the characters are this fun.
Sara Pichelli’s pencils are quite simply beautiful. From the little facial expression to the action poses the book just looks excellent. It’s clean, clear and dynamic. Pichelli’s art does a lot of characterisation on its own without Bendis’ script, such is the depth to her art. She is one of the best artists working at Marvel and this issue is a showcase of her talents.
With Pichelli on board Guardian’s has become an A-List book. Chocked full of character and charm, Guardians is an entertaining read from start to finish. Angela may do nothing of note here, but it doesn’t damage the book. This comic looks great and delivers action, character and above all fun.
SIX SHOOTER RATING – HEADSHOT
SKYWARD #1 – ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT
The main problem about the book is that there is nothing to care about here.
Written by Jeremy Dale
Art by Jeremy Dale & Steve Downer
This is a comic that is clearly aimed at younger readers, but it has the potential to be engaging to all. But it never fully realises it.
The problem is that this tale is so by the numbers that anyone could guess the outcome. From child to adult, there is little here to surprise any reader. A young man’s life is changed due to the brutality of his fathers past. It is a concept that is in many stories. Even the dog companion isn’t anything new. This would be fine if Jeremy Dale attempted to at least put his own spin on the proceedings.
The characters are little more than archetypes of this sort of tale. They lack depth due to poor dialogue choices. The script just falls flat and the plot is quite dull.
Dale’s art is a little better than his script. There is a cartoonish style to the art that is in keeping with the all-ages feel of the book. Its serviceable, but nothing more.
The main problem about the book is that there is nothing to care about here. It isn’t that it is aimed at a younger audience either, because one would assume that children would want more from their comics. It is basically a forgettable tale that uses well worn ideas.
SIX SHOOTER RATING – MISSFIRE
3 GUNS #1 – BOOM! STUDIOS
3 Guns just doesn’t seem to entice the reader into caring about what is going on.
Written by Steven Grant
Art by Emilio Laiso & Gabriel Cassata
This is the 2 Guns sequel comic that coincides with the release of the 2 Guns film. Which perhaps explains its quality.
The thing about 3 Guns is that it reads like a TV show. The concept, script and art direction wouldn’t seem out of place on the picture box. This isn’t a bad thing by any means. Grant does a good job in setting up his narrative and reintroducing his characters. There are plenty of criminal shenanigans, double crosses and intrigue to be had. But it isn’t exactly the most satisfying read.
The characters don’t really have much in the way of characterisation and the plot constantly points out elements that we should pay attention too. The use of exposition is heavy handed at times and the villains of the piece are little more than caricatures.
This isn’t helped by Emilio Laiso’s average looking art. His layouts are the reason the comic seems more like a TV show than a comic book. The art looks like a more detailed storyboard for a film. Even the colour work is a little flat.
3 Guns just doesn’t seem to entice the reader into caring about what is going on. The presentation is mediocre and the script lacks a hook. It isn’t terrible, but ultimately this seems like more of a cash-in title than an actual sequel to the original comic.
SIX SHOOTER RATING – MISS
Verdict
So Vertigo’s return is both good and bad. Much like the week. A split down the middle in quality, but two HEADSHOTS means that we can declare this a more positive week.
Do you agree with the reviews? Did we get them wrong or right? Have you got any suggestions on what we should review next week? Get in touch in the comments section.
For more comic views and reviews follow Dan on Twitter at @gizmo151183
Posted on August 1st, 2013
Category: REVIEWS, SIX SHOOTER
Tags: 3 Guns #1, Collider review, Comic Reviews, Daniel Cole, Guardians of the Galaxy review, High Crimes #4, Monkey Brain Comics, Six Shooter #008, Skyward #1, Tom Strong, Vertigo