Comic Book Journal

Batman Confidential #29 by Andrew Kreisberg and Scott McDaniel is a spirited story introducing a former good cop who goes to Arkham, meets the Joker, then becomes a bad cop and starts killing other cops at the Gotham City Police Department. This is at least a two-part story so there is no definitive ending, but with this type of scripting, I’d like to actually finish it up. What I like about reading this issue is it flowed like the older Batman animated series cartoons, plenty of mystery and adventure to keep the pages turning. The only thing I didn’t enjoy so much in the story was McDaniel’s artwork. If DC were indeed trying for that animated feel, then it works, if not, well they missed their mark by pairing this duo together. McDaniel’s pencils are skilled, don’t get me wrong, but the style and feature exaggerations, in my opinion do not belong in a Batman book, and never have. Personally I feel Batman should be drawn as Neal Adams did wonderfully in his hayday. Batman should be bold, crisp, dark, and above all else–detailed. On a whole the issue was a good outing for the Batman pile. I’d have to give this one a solid seven out of ten for effort more than anything. For more reviews see http://www.comicbookjournal.net/category/reviews/

From the Ashes #1 by Bob Fingerman in a romp into society after the apocalypse through the eyes of an artist and his wife. They are the only remaining couple in the world. While its more of a commentary on the wasteland of pop culture and the effects of technology on communication, it doesn’t really grab me as being a book that average Joe or Jane will want to pick up. There are some humorous moments with his wife lamenting the loss of Jimmy Choo shoes over the loss of friends and relatives, but in my opinion the story falls flat. Maybe the adventure will pick up after meeting the cannibals (a traditional hook in post apocalypitical literature), but I’d have to say overall the book is just decent at best. The artwork is definitely distinct and stylized, and the colors work well for setting the grim tone of the story, but I still felt as if something was missing. Perhaps the small-press feel of the book, and the unfinished look of the artwork was altering my interpretation of the text, but like with most Eisner works, I didn’t really see true genius in the pages. Overall, I’d have to give this one a six out of ten, it’s just average, not extraordinary. For more reviews see http://www.comicbookjournal.net/category/reviews/

I have made an error in assumption once again. After looking through some FCBD samplings, I stumbled upon Thom Zahler’s Love and Capes. Glancing at the artwork, I had assumed this was another small press title, which would be a few pages of cheesy, over exaggerated black and white art, which little plot, nonsensical dialogue, and characters with nothing to love about them. I was wrong an all accounts. After giving the cartoony artwork a chance, I discovered that this book is a little-known gem. I’m glad it was part of the FCBD offerings because I did have the chance to discover a title I would not have ordinarily read. The story was paced well and kept my attention throughout, while the artwork, while cartoony, seemed to fit just right with this comic romp. The characters are instantly likable and there is plenty humor to go around. Would I buy this next issue? Absolutely. Should you? You betcha. I’d give this book a solid nine out of ten. I think that Thom Zahler’s wit would be extremely refreshing on a mainstream title like the Flash or perhaps he could even add a touch of merriment to Marvel’s mighty mutants again. As far as self-published/small press books go, this is tops! For more info on Free Comic Book Day and other fantastic reviews see http://www.comicbookjournal.net/category/reviews/

I went last night to see Wolverine and here’s the skinny. Be wary of the critics, the bottom line is the movie is not as bad as some might say. The fact is it was a good adaptation of Logan’s origin story with Jackman clearly running the show. Albeit the “romance” is a little overdone and the acting is over-the-top here, it is a solid story with lots of action and the story keeps moving continuously. Without revealing any spoilers, the ending promises to keep more origin stories coming, possibly the original X-Men. I for one, would like to see a Beast origin. Oh my stars and garters! What makes this movie work, aside from the great stunts and special effects, is the actors and actresses. The acting is not top notch for sure, but the cheesiness one expects from a comic book adaptation is not there. The downside is, unfortunately, the plot as there really isn’t much meat the to story, but I actually commend the writer on some level for this. Wolverine, even throughout his comic book career, never has had stories heavy in plot, just action. And the action is well done, so I think it achieves it’s goal. On a scale of one to ten I’d have to give this movie a six out of ten. It’s not just for Wolverine fans, but other action fans too. As far as comic book movies go it’s pretty middle ground, not as awful as Superman Returns, but not as great as Iron Man.

I will be out and about today celebrating free comic book day. See my finds later, and if you’re still not ready, go here for the details–http://www.comicbookjournal.net/its-like-christmas-in-may-how-to-gear-up-for-free-comic-book-day/