Brawl Tells All #2
And we’re back. Sorry all! A busy semester plus wedding plans times new job equals little time for fic! I haven’t been able to read anything until this week, and what a week it was. Three reviews for the dedicated today!
Just a note- yes, these reviews are for two of the main sites I write for. I’m naturally going to read them first because of the intellectual investment I have at these sites. Please email me at brawl2099@yahoo.com or IM me at brawl2099 on AOL and Yahoo (but email me in advance because my privacy settings block everyone who isn’t on my buddy list) if you’d like to request a review elsewhere! I’m always willing to read!
The Swarm by Bowie Sessions @ DC Infinity
http://www.dcinfinity.ca/swarm/issue1.html
http://www.dcinfinity.ca/swarm/issue2.html
I hate when I have to include a disclaimer at the beginning of a review, but this is appropriate today. There was a very public falling out at DCI between myself and Bowie. I’m not going to give details. They’re not important. This review has nothing to do with that disagreement. I judged this story solely on its own merits.
That’s an encouraging way to start a review, eh?
Bowie came to me shortly after I started at DCI when I was writing Teen Titans (which featured the new Blue Beetle Jaime Reyes). He outlined an exciting story to me featuring the Beetle and his scarab at the center of it all. It excited me, and I passed it along to DCI EIC Mike Hintze. It excited him. So Mike approved it, and Bowie began plotting the Swarm mini alongside Blue Beetle.
So, I finally got an opportunity to read it… well… comments below…
Summary
Jaime Reyes, the new Blue Beetle, discovers that there’s more to the scarab that gives him his powers than he could have ever dreamed, while hundred, even thousands, more of them begin possessing humans across the globe.
The Good
Bowie displays one of his strengths here: character interaction. From the interaction between Jaime and Teth-Adam, to a convo between Fire, Booster Gold and Guy Gardner, great job.
The Bad
Where do I begin…? The first issue was one of the most difficult to read in a long time. It jumped into the story continuing straight from what I assume was the previous issue of Blue Beetle. I honestly had a difficult time understanding it completely. There are also several characters introduced in #1 that really feel like “what the hell does that have to do with anything?” My biggest problem with the issue I’ll show below though. The following is a scene between Black Adam and Blue Beetle. These two are the only characters present.
“He crossed his arms as he hovered there imperiously, with his vicious and righteous glower burned into Jaime. I am about to respond - agreeing with him and ask what he knows about the Scarab - but the Scarab itself has an entirely different set of ideas. Launching me skyward, we flew straight for the massive monolith of a man, the titanic figure of Black Adam. Jaime immediately wished they were still on the same page.”
Wow… that really… just wow. If you don’t see it, the paragraph randomly changes between third and first person and back again. Now I’ve done that before to create an internal dialogue, but I always bold or italicize it and never to narrate. It’s just jarring and took me completely out of the story. Editors- you’re as much to blame, no offense. This should have been caught in the editing stage and sent back with a big post-it that says “fix me!”
The second issue was better, without the jarring narration change but… ugh…
I could go on, but you get the idea.
Overall
I know Bowie could do better. This honestly felt like a rush job, and I was thoroughly disappointed. For a major event, it sure didn’t have the scope it needed to. Where were the character moments? Where were the major battles? Hawkman alone fighting scarabs could have filled an entire issue!
Could have been fantastic, instead a major let-down.
Rating
Issue #1: 1 punch thrown of five. Could have been higher if the narration problems were fixed.
Issue #2: 2 punches thrown. Better, but not much.
Overall: 2 punches thrown. A lot of potential, but not much fulfillment.
Amazing Spider-Man #37 by Bryan Locke @ M2K
http://m2k.omegacen.com/amazingspider/ASM37.html
I loves me some Spider-Man. I loves me some first issues or new writers. Put ‘em together… I love life. J
Bryan Locke makes his debut on M2K’s troubled Spider-Man title, and quite frankly, I hope it’s long term.
Summary
Peter copes with being a single father, while he’s attacked by a classic Iron Man foe hired by one of the greatest M2K creations.
The Good
Peter Parker is more difficult to write that some people think. Bryan doesn’t even miss a beat. He jumps right into the issue with a fantastic Peter, and great characterization from Betty Brant and Felicia Hardy.
I also love the choice of villain. I love mixing up villains not typically from a hero’s rogue’s gallery, and Bryan made a great choice with the Ghost. Just read the fight, it’s worth it.
The Bad
A lot of the usual first issue problems here, such as some choppy narration, but it’s minor.
One thing- Peter’s Spider-sense is not a danger radar. It’s like that sinking feeling in your gut when something’s about to go wrong times ten. There were a couple moments like that in the issue. (“It’s coming from my left!”)
Overall
Very solid first issue by a new writer with a great grasp on the characters and the continuity at M2K!
Rating
3.5 punches thrown. Great job Bryan!
Daredevil #16 by Barry Reese @ M2K
http://m2k.omegacen.com/dd/DD16.html
Barry, why do you have to keep releasing new stuff that I have to keep reading? Why?!
Another first from Barry. Long-time readers of mine know I have to read it. It’s like crack. Short and sweet review.
Summary
An old DD villain returns in an unexpected way, while several plot-lines are wrapped up.
The Good
Great characterization by Barry. He wraps up some of Jason Eberly’s plots ably, while introducing some of his own.
The Bad
The issue is almost all wrap-up, but that’s the be expected when a writer bows out mid-storyline.
Overall
Solid issue once more, and teases at some great things to come!
Rating
3.5 punches thrown. Can’t wait for next month (or more of your Ghost Rider!!!)