BEST SHOTS: RUNAWAYS #5, GL #2, ANGEL, FLASH & MORE

[MattBrady]

by the Cast and Crew of ShotgunReviews.com
Your Host: Troy Brownfield

Welcome back to Best Shots. This weekend, we remembered the words of the great philosopher Apu, who urged us to celebrate the birth of our country by blowing up a small part of it. Still, when I consider the Fourth of July, I always fixate on one aspect of the American Revolution: you knew that American was going to be a country of smartasses when one of our first acts of rebellion was dressing up like Indians and vandalizing tea.

Also, for the record, last time I said that I had a bunch of indie stuff for review. Due to teaching and vacation and time, I have to save some of that for next week; however, it will be worth it. We’ve got Clowes, Hurd, R. Smith, and our special long-distance request and dedication, a review of G.R.A.V.E. Grrrls #1 & 2.

And now, Casey, on with the countdown . . .

Runaways #5
From: Marvel
Writer: Brian K. Vaughn
Art: Adrian Alphona and Craig Yeung
Review by Corey Henson

In the latest issue of this excellent series, the Runaways finally confront Victor Mancha’s villainous father, revealed to be one Victor Von Doom, Ph.D (that’s Dr. Doom to you and me). Of course, this being a Brian K. Vaughan comic, there’s a surprise or two in store for our heroes, and this issue delivers a couple of major shocks, including a hell of a cliffhanger that‘s guaranteed to bring readers back for the next issue. And if, for some reason, the last page isn’t enough to get you to plunk down your hard-earned $3 next month to find out what happened, there’s the promise of yet another confrontation with Excelsior, and the impending unmasking of their mysterious benefactor (the signs may all point to former Runaway Alex, but I’m betting BKV has something less obvious in store for the big reveal).

In case you couldn’t tell, I’m totally loving this book. With both Marvel and DC seemingly in the midst of crossover addictions, all I want is a few good superhero comics that I don’t need years of obscure continuity burned into my synapses to understand. Runaways definitely qualifies, thanks to Vaughan’s stellar characterization, snappy sense of humor and uncanny knack for writing irresistible cliffhangers. And when you’ve got one of the best writers in the business bringing his “A” game month in and month out, you need a stellar art team to compliment the story. Penciller Adrian Alphona, inker Craig Yeung, colorist Christina Strain, and cover artist Jo Chen combine like Voltron to create what is arguably Marvel’s best-looking book.

It warmed the cockles of my heart to see Marvel chief Joe Quesada call Runaways a “certifiable hit” in the latest edition of Joe Fridays. Marvel should be commended for their commitment to helping this tremendous series find an audience, even during the times when the sales may not have warranted such love.

Corey Henson really wishes Tom Cruise would just shut up and go away. And take the Black Eyed Peas with him.

Green Lantern #2
From: DC
Writer: Geoff Johns
Art: Carlos Pacheco & Jesus Merino
Review by The Rev. OJ Flow

Above all else, I have to say that if Geoff Johns & Co. can maintain the tone found in Green Lantern with the first two issues, I’ll be sticking with this book for the duration. For all the action, drama, and a fair amount of carnage, this book is exuding an almost calming pace that prior Hal Jordan solo tales of the last 20 years lacked. I think some of it has to do with the west coast vibe the Coast City locale is giving off. I tend to mentally prepare myself for a certain sort of story depending on the primary setting. If it’s nighttime and the story takes place in a gritty urban landscape, a la Gotham City, I get an almost claustrophobic feel, especially if it’s well told. But you get a lot just out of the very first page of Green Lantern #2, what with a strange extraterrestrial being ruthlessly laying waste to a bus full of dozens of passengers, yet the fact that it took place in the middle of nowhere out west with nary a cloud in the sky somehow had me at peace as a reader. Looking back over the years, I can say that daytime setting have always had that effect on me. It’s probably why I always gravitated toward the Hulk stories that were set around his original stomping grounds (no pun intended) where he originated.

Don’t mistake this Celestial Seasonings moment of mine for boredom, though. I am absolutely digging what is being laid out in the new Green Lantern series. I’m always going to feel a connection to this GL I grew up with, it’s only natural, but I have always embraced the idea of a force of Green Lanterns. Because the essence of the concept is a man with a powerful weapon, it stands to reason that there’s room for more than one person to wield such a device. And since the last couple of decades for me as a Justice League fan have seen Jordan relegated to no better than third or fourth place in the Earthbound Green Lantern food chain (either behind Kyle Rayner, Guy Gardner, or John Stewart), I see this series as a fresh start in GL Corps lore with an A-list creative team at the wheel.

So in GL #2, back-in-the-saddle Hal Jordan is trying to uncover a mystery involving an alien spacecraft that appears to be the property of the U.S. Air Force. This wayward jet has been grounded by GL and in scanning it with his ring finds an integration of earthly and extraterrestrial technology. The Air Force authorities show up to sweep the matter under the rug claiming it’s all classified, but that only makes things more suspicious to Hal and the pilot of the jet, a potential love interest for our hero (her discovery of the makeup of Hal’s costume was very cool). Oh, and that alien who stopped the bus with lethal force is on his way to Edwards Air Force Base where this investigation is taking place, so you know the answers Hal is looking for can’t be all good.

Throughout this story, the reader is given several opportunities to see Hal’s life redevelop after having been lost to the world in both his identities. He’s got a younger brother with his own family who is trying to steer Hal toward a more normal livelihood (a scenario eerily similar at times to my own), and he’s trying to get back into flying after a flashback reveals that he burned some bridges years earlier when he served in the Air Force. Oddly enough, going back to what I said about the soothing tone of this book, in every instance that Hal interacts with old colleagues and his brother, he seems to be incredibly calm with minimum to say (yet another reason why I’d pin writer Johns as the anti-Bendis).

Of course there has to be a threat somewhere in this book, and there is, from a couple directions. While our mystery alien is walking toward Edwards with a potentially murderous agenda, a military truck is headed there with something (or someone) that’s emitting an unknown energy signature. Hal happens to be back at the base to witness all hell breaking loose when the truck’s cargo reveals itself to be an old Manhunter android in rough shape, but not enough that it can’t dust several servicemen in announcing its presence (“Nooo… Man… Escapes…”). Of course the alien finally arrives to bring gasoline to the bonfire. Johns does here what he does best, bring back dormant threats with lots of history behind them and make them even more bad-a$$. The action heats up full blast for literally the entire second half of the book, not that there was anything lacking in the first, but it is more set-up. It’s great to see John Stewart make an early appearance and productively interacting with Hal as “co-GLs,” plus I expect to see more of him in #3. I think Johns would do the character a great service in keeping him active in this book and perhaps have him lead the occasional story arc or one-shot, like how he’d insert Rogue’s Gallery stories into The Flash. Regardless, this book is shaping up nicely, Carlos Pacheco’s art is excellent, and there is great promise for even better things in the future.

The Rev. OJ Flow shall be at Wizard World Chicago, as shall Troy. Maybe they’ll try to organize a gathering of regular Best Shots readers. Barring that, they will urge you to see Indy’s own The Fuglees (featuring Andy Kuhn of Rex Mantooth and Firebreather on bass) at Gunther Murphys on Friday, August 5, the first day of the show. And just to make this more relevant to OJ, his girlfriend also plays bass, but in Chicago’s own The Naysayers.

Angel: The Curse #1
From: IDW
Writer: Jeff Mariotte
Art: David Messina
Review by Troy Brownfield

Normally, I’m not the world’s biggest fan of media tie-in comics. I was a huge Star Wars fan as a kid, but could never totally get into the Marvel series (I did enjoy Dark Empire, though). And frankly, inasmuch as I’m a big fan of both Buffy and Angel from TV, I never really got into those regular series in a big way either. Still, the move to IDW made me curious, and up-front publicity that indicated that this story takes place after the cataclysmic season 5 finale forced me to pick it up. With all that in mind, Angel: The Curse is one of the strongest tie-ins I’ve read in a long time. Mariotte has a good handle on the character’s voice, and Messina’s art captures a number of actor likenesses while still leaving interpretive room.

If you’re familiar with Angel at all, then you know that he’s (almost) unique among vampires because he has his mortal soul. He was afflicted by a gypsy clan, and if he ever experiences a “moment of perfect happiness”, his soul will vanish and he’ll revert to his old heartless-killer persona, Angelus. This is one of the key elements of the character, and why his tortured relationships with the likes of Buffy and Cordelia could never ultimately succeed. During the fifth season, Angel began seeing Nina, a striking young lady who also happens to be a werewolf (hey, it’s L.A.). Angel’s now had enough, figuring that all of the fighting for good that he’s done since regaining his soul should carry some weight, and perhaps by undertaking a mission for the Rom, he’ll be able to shake the curse. Of course, shenanigans ensue.

What makes this issue work is that it feels like the show. We’ve got Angel’s character conflict, we’ve got the requisite flashbacks and references, and we’ve got action. I think the move to IDW for the Angel properties is a good one; while IDW is reaching beyond their horror rep, they’re still a solid publisher for a book that is by definition horror, but inclusive of other genres. Perhaps this series works best if you’re a fan, but I believe that there’s enough recapping and appeal for the newly-minted Whedonverse visitor.

The Flash #223
From: DC
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artists: Howard Porter and Livesay
Review by Troy Brownfield

I told OJ that I seriously thought of only giving this a two-word review, with those two words being “HOLY S#!+”. As funny as that may have been (and lord knows there are some readers who can’t stand humorous reviews of comic books), I felt that the issue needed a longer write-up if only to reiterate that Geoff Johns knows what the hell he’s doing.

To recap: Geoff Johns knows what the hell he’s doing. There were several surprise appearances sprinkled throughout this furiously active chapter of “Rogue War”, but none that equal that last page. While I figured that the specific device that also appears on that page would show up, given the interaction between Hunter Zolomon and Jay Garrick a few issues back, I was totally surprised by the other. Silly me; I should have seen that coming. Still, it wouldn’t have been any less cool.

If you haven’t been following The Flash, it’s been Rogues-a-go-go. New Rogues and classic Rogues alike are brawling with Wally (and each other) and other classmates of the old school continue to pop up. The going is so rough that Bart finally enters the fray, taking the fight to a particular antagonist with a hilarious and doubly-appropriate Nintendo-themed diss. It’s in the final few pages that things take a massive turn, and we’re reminded, “Hey, Johns is probably the prime architect of the DCU right now, and he’s had this on the burner for months.” What’s more, you can possibly see a huge potential event on-deck for #225 that could have massive, or even infinite, implications.

Porter and Livesay continue to do champion work, especially with the huge cast. Porter cemented his rep on JLA, but I daresay he’s even better here. People who speak well of Rob Liefeld talk of his “energy”; well folks, Porter and Livesay have “energy” and little things like backgrounds and anatomy. This is great super-hero art.

If you’ve never read the Flash at all, you may be a bit lost coming in among the many characters. Still, the book has always been fairly accessible. It’ll definitely entertain you. And quickly.

And now, the rabble-rousing Pellet Reviews!

Wonder Woman #217 (from DC; review by OJ): I must’ve read the solicitations wrong, because I totally thought this was a 4-part story with two issues each for two months. So it’s kind of a pleasant surprise when a perfectly good story wraps up seemingly ahead of schedule, and this one on many high notes. The THREE-PART tale, “The Bronze Doors,” concludes with some shifts in power in the Greek gods’ hierarchy, we finally find out who Wonder Girl Cassie Sandsmark’s father is, and another loving family gets a second chance. Oh, and something that DC has kept “under wraps” is finally revealed, wink-wink. The team of Greg Rucka and Rags Morales is awesome with Wonder Woman and her ever-growing supporting cast, and this is probably as good a rendition of the Amazing Amazon as you going to get. They have really set the bar high on what can be done with this title and it’s soaring atop my personal Top 5.

Outsiders #25 (from DC; review by OJ): Eddie Berganza or somebody at DC needs to explain what was so top secret about the cover of Outsiders #25. Considering what we got from the first three parts of “The Insiders” and what we already knew from the cover of #24, this was not a big surprise. But what a lot of people considered a letdown in Part 2 as opposed to what was done in Part 1 & 3 in Teen Titans, Judd Winick and especially Carlos D’Anda made up for their earlier stumble out of the gate and delivered a fairly satisfying conclusion to this crossover. I loved that we essentially got Luthor and Brainiac in all their Super Powers glory, and the art was far more expressive and emotionally charged in this second Outsiders part. While the crossover worked in getting me to pick up this book for a couple, I have to say they did not get a new convert in me, but this book and Teen Titans compliment each other very well, and they are two of the better team books that DC has going right now.

Young Avengers #5 (Marvel; review by Troy, who is actually following the Pellet part): Good action, great art, twist ending, and I still believe that Asgardian and Hulkling are Scarlet Witch and Vision’s kids.

Batman #641 (DC; review by Troy): Batman and Red Hood (yeah, it’s him) finally have it out, both physically and verbally. Winick chose to emphasize the “why” more than the “how”, and that’s fine; I am utterly convinced that the “how” awaits in the pages of Infinite Crisis, along with explanation of why so many other formerly dead DCers are now showing up.

Shining Knight #3 (DC; review by Troy): While not as out and out fun as the other Seven Soldiers books, SK has some amazing art by Simone Bianchi. Solid effort all around.

Planetary #23 (Wildstorm; review by Troy): A new Planetary ships, and there is much rejoicing. This is the kind of tale that Ellis executes especially well; he couches an extended flashback with a framing sequence that’s a teaser for next time. That flashback is the origin of The Drummer, and the tease is a pretty respectable twist. I know that the end of this is drawing nigh, and that’s a fair disappointment. Despite delays, it’s always been consistently enjoyable.

The OMAC Project #3 (DC; review by Troy): While there’s some strong action at the outset and a decently surprising last page, the real gem moment here is the scene in which Booster Gold and Guy Gardner show Diana what it feels like to be excluded. When I positively reviewed Countdown and wistfully review the initial chapter of ICBINTJL in JLA:Classified, I was unfairly characterized by some as to my feelings about the JLI. People, I loved that run of the book, and Beetle was my favorite character therein. That said, the actions of Booster and Guy make perfect sense, and it was nice to see one of the mighty icons feel, just for a second, like the fat kid looking for a table at junior high lunch.

JLA Classified #9 (DC; review by Troy): And speaking of wistful. The last page of this one landed like a punch in the gut. Overall, I enjoyed this arc; it was light-hearted, fun, and very well drawn. There were a few times that it seemed so old-school that I felt some disconnect, but it still maintained a great tone. It was pleasant, enjoyable, and worthwhile. That last page though felt a lot like the last lines of The Body by Stephen King (or, if you prefer its movie counterpoint, the end of Stand By Me). What’s past is past, and though we can occasionally look upon fondly, it’s in moments that can’t always be recaptured. Giffen and the gang actually did manage to capture (twice!) what made their JLI run special, and even though the DCU has gone to different places, I’m glad that they were able to remind us why a cast of second-stringers and also-rans remain beloved by their fans today.

Troy Brownfield founded ShotgunReviews.com and serves as the Editor-in-Chief. He’s a professor of English, journalism and communication and freelances for a number of print and online sources. Anyone wishing to submit their self-published or small press titles for review can contact Troy at psikotyk@aol.com. On the book-book tip, Troy recommends the recently released “True Story” by Michael Finkel, which is a great study in the cost of fake reporting and the intensely disturbing nature fathers who kill their families. Wow! That ends things on a down note. Try this: who likes puppies?

[Deathangel]

great reviews guys, as usual.

one question: im pretty new to the DCU and was wondering what hal jordans costume is made out of etc.?
could someone help me out?

thanks.

[DrCool976]

Green Lantern #2 was boring and completely by the numbers.

Disappointing.

[zilla31]

can't stop reading good things about runaways... seems i need to catch this train before it sails.

[Gordon McAlpin]

Originally posted by zilla31
can't stop reading good things about runaways... seems i need to catch this train before it sails.

There's going to be a hardcover collecting the complete first series coming out soon. Or, you can get the three digests that are already out. Either way, you'll be very very happy.

[xdemon]

Originally posted by DrCool976
Green Lantern #2 was boring and completely by the numbers.

Disappointing.

Amen, Brother!!!

If #3 doesn't impress the hell out of me, I am going to drop it. I was expecting a lot more from this series and have been disappointed by it. I wouldn't be surprised if this first arc ties into Crisis somehow, which I am already sick of.

[DrCool976]

I second Demon's emotion on dropping Green Lantern if it doesn't pck up soon.

I expected more out of Johns after the Rebirth.

After this and Hawkman, I am finding he is hit or miss with me.

[x23nocturne]

OMG Flash and Runaways were so good this month! I love the Runaway's new moves.... Brian K. Vaughan bringing in Ultron was a great move in trying to connect the team to the Marvel Universe, and Doombot was a good addition (lol). Excelsior needs an ongoing! And I hope Flash doesn't end up killing all the Rogues. Looks like Top, Plunder, Girder, and Tart Pit are down, and I'm sure there are more to go...

[HeX111]

Originally posted by x23nocturne
OMG Flash and Runaways were so good this month! I love the Runaway's new moves.... Brian K. Vaughan bringing in Ultron was a great move in trying to connect the team to the Marvel Universe, and Doombot was a good addition (lol). Excelsior needs an ongoing! And I hope Flash doesn't end up killing all the Rogues. Looks like Top, Plunder, Girder, and Tart Pit are down, and I'm sure there are more to go...

How about a spoiler warning buddy!!!

[x23nocturne]

Originally posted by HeX111
How about a spoiler warning buddy!!!

Oh um ok um..... *^spoiler^*

[xdemon]

Originally posted by DrCool976
I second Demon's emotion on dropping Green Lantern if it doesn't pck up soon.

I expected more out of Johns after the Rebirth.

After this and Hawkman, I am finding he is hit or miss with me.

I dropped Hawkman after the fourth issue. Man, was it boring!

[EmeraldGuy32]

Great reviews. I can't wait for that Angel Curse dealio to come out. Isn't that the only sure shot that isn't on the stands already? Weird.

[Julio Diaz]

Originally posted by EmeraldGuy32
Great reviews. I can't wait for that Angel Curse dealio to come out. Isn't that the only sure shot that isn't on the stands already? Weird.

Got my copy this week. Might want to check with your retailer and make sure he didn't do something silly like not order it. It's good comics.

[Fazhoul]

Originally posted by Deathangel
great reviews guys, as usual.

one question: im pretty new to the DCU and was wondering what hal jordans costume is made out of etc.?
could someone help me out?

thanks.

I believe that he just conjures it up out of energy from his ring.

[Darth Tigris]

Young Avengers #5 (Marvel; review by Troy, who is actually following the Pellet part): Good action, great art, twist ending, and I still believe that Asgardian and Hulkling are Scarlet Witch and Vision’s kids.

Say what???!!! Wow, I've never even considered that before. I wonder why? Oh, I know! Maybe ..... Because it makes no sense?

[rogue_tomato]

Originally posted by HeX111
How about a spoiler warning buddy!!!

Yes, and how about *SPOILER WARNINGS* in the Best Shots Reviews as well?! ...Didn't need the big reveal of Runaways #5 spoiled for me... while other potential spoilers IE: Wonder Woman #217 were not revealed... I realize that there are different people writing these reviews, but please be consistent.

[Deathangel]

Originally posted by Fazhoul
I believe that he just conjures it up out of energy from his ring.

thanks man.

[Lex]

Best books of the week: Solo #5, Runaways #5, Young Avengers #5 and Shining Knight #3.

Besides those, there were some okay books and some bad, unfun books.

EDIT: Oh, and I was surprised by your Outsiders #25 review. It was one of the first positive reviews of that issue I've seen online.

[Aaron]

Originally posted by MattBrady
I am utterly convinced that the “how” awaits in the pages of Infinite Crisis, along with explanation of why so many other formerly dead DCers are now showing up.

Yup, I totally suspect that virtually every character who has died since Crisis on Infinite Earths had something happen to them similar to Donna Troy. That is, wake up in another place (another universe?) with little to no memory of their past life. Only somehow, now, things are starting to come into focus and we've got all these previously dead characters coming home to roost. Only they aren't telling their story... yet.

I suspect that the universe the characters have been living in since Crisis is, in fact, a pocket universe. The *real* MULTIverse is still somewhere out there and only a few characters know about it (Spectre, Nabu, etc.) I bet the Legion now exists in the "real" universe (they were shunted out of the pocket universe in the Titans/Legion crossover.)

Anyway, that's what I think/hope. If I'm right, it would explain why they killed Beetle. He likely woke up somewhere else, remembers that he was originally from a completely different Earth and is now going about making things right. I wouldn't be surprised if Max Lord even knows about it and is actually going to turn out to be a good guy in all of this.

Aaron

[BillReed]

I like puppies.

[halflingsinger]

I'm completely positive that Planetary will finish strong (in the year 2008, of course) for the simple reason that since there is so much time to perfect each script, Ellis CAN'T screw it up...famous last words.

People, check out our comic website...it blows all others away...except for Newsarama or course!
www.sequart.com

[jasamcarl]

These reviews....suck. They seem to be almost entirely devoid of actual criticism while showering most of their praise on the latest lame superhero crossover. Inane....

[Deathangel]

Originally posted by jasamcarl
These reviews....suck. They seem to be almost entirely devoid of actual criticism while showering most of their praise on the latest lame superhero crossover. Inane....

then... dont read them.

[jasamcarl]

Originally posted by Deathangel
then... dont read them.

No worries on that front. Just food for thought.

[khuxford]

Originally posted by jasamcarl
No worries on that front. Just food for thought.

The title of the review is BEST SHOTS...so maybe they're picking the best books, in their opinion, of the last week? I've seen pellet reviews be a lil more critical. Plus...the Outsiders review wasn't glowing praise...and it was critical of the first Outsiders issue of the crossover.