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The Ettatorial for the Week of 4-23-08
By Etta | April 26, 2008
A very good week of releases this week, even with the fact that I couldn’t get two books. Diamond apparently thinks that when it ships books to stores that what a store orders is more like a suggestion than an order (hence why Batman isn’t going to have the chance to make book of the week status), and Godland sold out at my store. But even with all that, we had a very good week, highlighted by no less than 3 books-two of them by DC!
The first pick this week is Checkmate #25. The last part of “Castleling” and it definitely goes out the right way. While the story has been a three-parter, part three by itself is really what the whole story needed to be, with the Rooks taking the stage. An almost action packed story, there still is plenty of character moments, especially for the Rooks, letting us into the heads of these obscure character now under the employ of Checkmate. Not only that, we’re also treated by an appearance of Batman (yes, the rest of DC heroes have been here for the rest of the story) at the right moment for a nice bit with between him and Sasha. Since this is the last issue of Checkmate by writer Greg Rucka, I probably won’t be purchasing the book anymore, as I don’t feel incoming writer Bruce Jones can continue the superb work and tone that sets this series apart. So it’s nice to see the creative team go out on a high note, showcasing why Checkmate is such a unique and important part of DC’s universe, and giving such an intelligent and entertaining read.
The second pick for this week is Justice League of America #20. Finally, a full issue told by regular writer Dwayne McDuffie, and it pays off. Feeling like an episode of the award-winning and vastly undervalued JLU animated series (which McDuffie wrote and directed for) in all the right ways, this issue finally was the Justice League style story this book has desperately needed in the last 5 months or so. A done-in-one story (a strength of the animated series, natch) focusing on just the recently returned Flash and Wonder Woman, it gives some nice moments all around. And to make it even better, this issue’s pencils are from Ethan Van Sciver (of Green Lantern Rebirth and the Sinestro Corp War fame) who does an incredible job on the art. This is exactly how the Justice League book should be, with a focus on it’s characters and their interactions and some creative action pieces, all done with beautiful art. I’d recommend this book to just about any fan of the superhero genre as an example of how enjoyable they can be.
The final pick for this week is Mighty Avengers #12. Don’t let the title fool you however, the title should actually be Nick Fury: Agent of Shield. While certain Avengers do make small appearances, the focus here is totally on the long missing Fury and where and what he’s been up to. It’s also a tie-in to Secret Invasion, broadening the tapestry of the cross-over without seeming forced. I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for a good spy story, and Nick Fury when done properly can always fulfill that role. The art is done by Alex Maleev, collaborating here again with Bendis. His art here is probably the best I’ve seen from him, and his Spider-Woman depiction within is truly inspired. As a side note, this could possibly be a precursor to Bendis and Maleev’s long talked about Spider-Woman series, and in that case, I’m totally sold on the duo doing the book. So while I think that Mighty Avengers may have been the wrong title to place this story in (I think honestly either a special one shot or barring that, even New Avengers may have been more appropriate), the story and art were excellent, and the issue truly was very good.
Well, there you have it. Three books this week is a pretty good indicator of how excellent this week’s releases were. We’ll see you back here next week for more.
Topics: Comics, The Ettatorial |
Tags: checkmate | justice league of america | mighty avengers.