$oss' Pull-List Review 9-17-11

Two great books that reminded me how great & different comics can be: 

Wolverine: Enemy of the State

What would happen if Wolverine was a villain? That question is explored in this 6 issue arc as Logan is captured by Hydra and reprogrammed. Mark Millar writes in his usual theatrical style. These issues read like a well acted and expertly directed spy movie, fast paced and action packed. Millar lends some unexpected humor to a title that is usually too serious for it's own good. I laughed out loud when Emma Frost refers to Elektra as " that psychotic Greek assassin with the faint mustache." 

John Romita Jr. pencils are great on this arc. I love the blocky, stylized figures he produces. There are lots of cameos from all over the Marvel U in this book so the reader is treated to JRJR's take on the Avengers, X-Men, the Fantastic Four and many more. If you like James Bond or The Bourne Identity Wolverine: Enemy of the State will be a great read for you. 

Animal Man #1

The past few months I’ve set myself on a journey to read as many of Grant Morrison’s works as I can. A “Tour de Morrison” if you will. Last week I read Animal Man from 1989, his first mainstream American comic work. Issues 1-4 were very enjoyable and so good that I bought the follow up graphic novel. I found the character of Animal Man unique and engaging. With my new found appreciation for Buddy Baker I added the New 52’s Animal Man to my pull this week. 

Jeff Lemire is a talented writer, Sweet Tooth is one of the strangest books on the shelf today and that is what makes it great. While the majority of this first issue reads like a homage to Morrison’s Animal Man there is a tangibly darker tone in the second act. Buddy’s animal powers are beginning to go haywire, he is bleeding from his eyes and having visions of monstrous animals called The Rot in The Red. We also learn that his daughter has powers over animals as well, albeit dead animals. The image of Maxine sitting in the backyard surrounded by the deceased animals she summoned is eerie. This book reads like a horror book from Vertigo with a sprinkle of super heroics. I will definitely be adding this title to my monthly list. -$

Panel of the Week: Maxine is a big Pet Sematary fan.