Resurrection Man #4
Years ago, when $oss and I had the pleasure of working in the same office together, a fellow employee of ours learned we were into comics and tried to get us interested in the world of Joseph Michael Linsner's Dawn. Despite the title character being super hot and having giant jubblees this was the most homoerotic craziness I've ever experienced. In any medium. It was a straaaaange book and I couldn't hang.
What does this have to do with Resurrection Man? Well, the newly introduced angel Suriel looks an awful lot like Dawn. Oversexualized complete with tear tattoo on her face. Now, I love me some T & A. F'reals. But there's almost too much T & A going on in this book. More even than Ed Benes' constant drawings of female rump roasts in Red Lanterns. The chicks in this book are too sexualized and it takes away from their characters. My penis is screaming in protest at my desire to play down naked ladies.
All I know about this book is that it was originally a product of the 90s where substance was thrown out the window in favor of flash, leg bands, pouches and T & A. If that's what writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning are going for, a recreation of the original product, then mission accomplished. If this is their attempt to update a character in order to give the modern comic-reading audience a more robust and fulfilling read? Fail.
Superboy #4
Part of what makes Superboy such an interesting read is the way its written compared to Teen Titans. Scott Lobdell writes both books, both about super-powered teens. But Superboy is good and Teen Titans, well... isn't.
Superboy seems to come from a more mature level, where Teen Titans is juvenile. Each book makes you feel the opposite for the other. By reading Superboy I think, "why can't Teen Titans be this good?" Different characters and elements I guess. But regardless Lobdell gets it right on Superboy.
I'm sure the artwork of R.B. Silva doesn't hurt either. Its clean, crisp and well thought out. It creates a smooth, flowing story. He also draws the hell out of Rockefeller Center this issue.
Superboy is a clear example of a reboot that's working.
Batman & Robin #4
This issue didn't feel like there was a lot going on. But what it provided was a deeper look into who our three main characters in this story are. Peter Tomasi writes a smooth story highlighting some of the inner motivations and machinations of Bruce, Damian and Morgan Ducard, aka NoBody.
Where Tomasi's skill really comes through is in his writing of Damian. He writes him as hard and cold, but doesn't write him as unlikeable. He makes you feel sorry for Damian despite all of his psychoses and shortcomings. And makes you say, "Damn, Bruce, quit being such a dick!"
Patrick Gleason's heavy black pencils continue to match Tomasi's story perfectly. Much like how $oss really appreciates the new Spider-Man title over at Marvel, I really appreciate a Batman title that I can't wait to read every month.
Green Lantern #4
When Geoff Johns gave Sinestro a first name, it could have been anything he wanted. He could have used a play on an evil word, like "Sinestro" for example. But he showed restraint and named him Thaal. Somewhat regal and fitting the character's personality. And just weird enough to be from another planet.
Johns and Green Lantern continue to roll on nearly flawlessly. The many facets of emotion and personality that Johns has imbued in these characters has really grown them from who they used to be.
Doug Mahnke, Christian Alamy and Keith Champagne do a great job with the art. Though someone played a little fast and loose with the inks on page 5.
This current arc IS about Sinestro. Its been a good story, but I'm looking forward to the focus turning back to Hal.
Panel of the Week:
If it was Doug Mahnke's goal this issue to give me nightmares, well played Mr. Mahnke.
-Gint
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