BEST SHOTS: 'TEC #822; THE CREEPER #1; AGENTS of ATLAS #1

[MattBrady]

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

Welcome back to the big column. This past weekend, team members The Rev. OJ Flow, Koben Kelly, and I hit WizardWorld: Chicago. I’ll provide some photos from Chicago later in the week, though thankfully there will be none of that the one dude in the Silver Age Robin costume (those briefs will continue to haunt us all). Also, Jim Beard and the rest of our crew had a chance to sit down with DC Direct’s Georg Brewer, Jim Fletcher, and DC PR guru Alex Segura; expect to see that meeting covered in a new Super-Articulate in the very near future (two bits I can confirm: Booster Gold and Animal Man figures in a new 52 assortment).

In the next couple of weeks, you can also expect to see us covering a number of things that we checked out and picked up at the show. Koben’s got Raven Gregory’s The Gift in hand, and I have books to spare from Silent Devil, Markosia, and Dabel Brothers, just to name a few. But for this week, let’s start with Caleb.

AGENTS OF ATLAS #1
From: Marvel
Writer: Jeff Parker
Artists: Leonard Kirk and Kris Justice
Review by J. Caleb Mozzocco

Well, they can’t all be Captain America. Or the Human Torch. Or Namor. Or hell, even Bucky and Toro.

Plenty of pre-Marvel characters currently in Marvel’s catalog didn’t prove to be quite as adaptable as Cap and the rest of his fellow Invaders. In some cases, it’s not hard to see why.

Take Gorilla Man for instance. He’s not a man with gorilla powers, like Spider-Man has spider-powers, nor does he dress up in a gorilla costume, like Batman does with his theme animal. No, Kenneth Hale is just a gorilla with the brain of a man. Back when Atlas was in the comics business, of course, apes were pretty much as big a deal as capes. Now? Not so much.

Or, let’s see, Marvel Boy. Not the one Grant Morrison created for his Marvel Knights miniseries, but the original. While he has all the trappings of a superhero, he’s also painfully dated, from his flying saucer to his costume that would be laughed at anywhere outside of a Prince Valiant strip to the simple fact that he’s from—get this—Uranus! (“You…sure are, kid,” Captain Marvel sarcastically responds to an alternate timeline Marvel Boy in Kurt Busiek’s Avengers Forever)

The Human Robot, so named because the name Robotman was already taken, was a robot that looked much like the sort of robot costume an eight-year-old could fashion on the night before Halloween.

And then there’s Venus, the goddess of love, who fought for good using the power of…love? At least Cupid had a bow and arrow to fall back on.

Taken as a group, they make for a collection of heroes so strange that they make the Doom Patrol look like the Superfriends, particularly when put in a contemporary setting and context. But while it’s easy to see why none of this quartet ever became Marvel mainstays along the lines of Cap or Namor, the same dated strangeness that marks them as the good ideas of a decade long gone can also be a great selling point in the right hands.

Writer Jeff Parker seems to possess just such a pair of hands. Parker (who’s also currently writing the best Avengers book on the stands not drawn by Bryan Hitch with Marvel Adventures Avengers) is writing the new Marvel miniseries Agents of Atlas (Get it? Of Atlas? Eh?), which unites these four heroes as a team under the leadership of SHIELD agent Jimmy Woo (recently seen fighting Godzilla in the pages of Essential Godzilla).

Gorilla Man, currently working for S.H.I.E.L.D., is asked to recount an adventure with this secret, pre-Avengers super-team, in which they rescued President Eisenhower from a massage parlor under the control of the nefarious Asian stereotype, The Yellow Claw (Hey, it was the ‘50s!).

Why does S.H.I.E.L.D. ask? Seems Woo went rogue, went missing and almost went to the big helicarrier in the sky, judging from the severity of his injuries when S.H.I.E.L.D. does find him.

Gorilla Man seems to know more than he lets on though, as before the issue ends a killer robot and a flying saucer help him rescue and resurrect Woo him using technology from Uranus (snort!).

This is one of those comics you probably either decided to buy or not buy the minute you heard about; the words “Gorilla Man” and “Human Robot” either elicit an ejaculation of “Awesome!” or any eye-rolling “lame.” So saying this is a great, fun read probably isn’t going to sway you one way or another.

But if you’re in that former category and haven’t picked it up yet, I would certainly encourage you to do so, as Agents of Atlas is every bit as awesome as it sounds. It can be pretty goofy and cheesy at times, but that’s a virtue here. Kirk’s pencils aren’t the least bit cartoony, either, giving the whole book a sort of deadpan feel, like a late ‘50s sci-fi B-movie with a modern blockbuster budget.

Plus, there’s a scene where the Human Robot lifts Gorilla Man over his head and runs down a hallway, with Gorilla Man holding a machine gun in each hand and each foot. That, my friends, is what I like to call comic book gold.

Caleb’s apartment was so hot last week that he was actually on fire while writing the above review. Any spelling or grammar errors can be attributed to his having to stop, drop and roll between each paragraph.

THE CREEPER # 1
From: DC
Writer: Steve Niles
Art: Justiniano, Walden Wong
Review by Koben Kelly

Many of you may disagree with me, but I have to admit The Creeper was the only story I actually became inspired by when I read the Brave New World one-dollar special. Something just clicked for me, and I became interested in the future of this book.

The Creeper, himself, has been a part of the DCU for quite some time, although this version is a whole new incarnation that I'm assuming has been inserted into continuity via New Earth. The original incarnation always seemed goofy to me, mostly due to the fact that the red ornamentation around his neck and head was originally intended to be a rug. That's right, a rug. That little fact has become ignored over the years, as artists have evolved his look into something more suitable for a crazy, scary character. Justiniano has taken the Creeper's appearance deeper into the supernatural realm than ever before, and it works quite well.

This issue is the origin story and the set-up for the remaining five parts of the series. Jack Ryder is the titular host of a television show that features him blasting out confrontational arguments with his guests, much like Hardball or other point/counterpoint styled shows. He is a powerful and confident man who backs down for no one. Our first look at his show (if you discount the BNW feature) has him pounding his viewpoint into the conservative, assumedly Christian guest on the issue of cloning and artificially generated life. Being the admitted lefty that I am, I have to say I actually enjoyed the premeditated abuse. Sue me. Ryder is a man who knows how to work his audience, giving them the conversational slaughter they're dying to see.

Later in the evening, Dr. Vincent Yatz, a genius in the field of artificial nanocell technology, is to unveil the results of his current experimental success to the public, but that's not good enough for Jack Ryder. Wanting first dibs on the scoop, he arrives early to the location of the doctor's labs, in what might have established greed as his fatal flaw had things gone differently. Organized criminals are already on the scene, and they want to use Yatz's winning results for their own money-making purposes. These serious criminals are not above using fatal means to achieve their goals. In a skirmish between Ryder and the wiseguys, Jack becomes the recipient of the only remaining sample of the doctor's lifesaving work. Unfortunately, in an unsuccessful play to call what is assumed to be Yatz's bluff, Jack is fatally injured... or is he?

Luckily, The Creeper arrives on the scene to put the dark and creepy smackdown on the killers. Using a laugh that is murder on the ears, and a supernatural knack for kicking ass, he tells the men to take his message of warning to their boss... The Creeper will be watching!

For an introductory issue, this book was tight from beginning to end. Niles does a fabulous job giving the reader a feel for Jack Ryder. Of course, I'm assuming that over the span of the series, Jack's experiences will better mold him as a well-rounded man with more respect for others. On the other hand, it was indicated in Brave New World that he will remain an asshole to the public eye to further mask his hidden exploits.

Justiniano really seasons this series with his wonderful sense of the dark and creepy. This new incarnation of The Creeper really works for me due to his shadowy artwork. While his efforts to make this a horror-based series won me over, his attention to detail and smooth character moments gives the book an evenly balanced vibe. While I enjoyed his earlier work on the book that became Shadowpact, his pencils on this collaboration with Niles show Justiniano to be a constantly improving artist on the rise. His depictions of the our feature character are the best I've ever seen. The rug idea never worked for me, and the new flowing look lends itself to the overall menacing appearance.

I give The Creeper issue one seven and a half Zanes out of ten.

Koben Kelly likes his Vault, the soda that kicks like an energy drink. Yes he does.

DETECTIVE COMICS #822
From: DC
Writer: Paul Dini
Art: Don Kramer and Wayne Faucher
Review by The Rev. OJ Flow

Well the J.H. Williams era of Detective Comics was fun while it lasted, eh? One issue? I understand, though. Last I heard, Williams is working hard on the conclusion to the Seven Soldiers series, infamous now for maybe being the most delayed release for a #1 issue. I'm sure we haven't seen the last of this talented artist of this Batman book, but I appreciate editorial at least assigning an art team that's had good recent experience with the characters and landscape. Plus you can't go wrong with yet another sumptuous Simone Bianchi cover. Man, I'm gonna miss this guy when he goes Marvel full-time.

Right out of the gate, in Detective Comics #822, we're reminded that this is now a title scripted by Paul Dini when we see Batman (benefited by an inner-monologue narrative) having a productive albeit rough night at the office thanks to Roxy Rocket, a fixture during the writer's time on Batman: The Animated Series. What's neat is that Dini shows restraint and avoids shoehorning the mischievous villain into a full-length story since she's clearly not A-list, no matter how much they're trying to take a certain edge off of the Dark Knight after years of being comicdom's #1 sourpuss. But in four quick panels Dini manages an interesting sidebar, and it's a smooth transition into the real story here.

And you don't get more A-list than the Riddler who shows up at Wayne Manor in surprising fashion. Edward Nigma, as he's first to address himself as now, is more benign, something quickly explained as the end result of recovering from a months-long coma that we're to assume occurs sometime during 52, and he's not the threat to Bruce those familiar with the "Hush" storyline might be wondering about. Nigma has appeared unannounced, along with police and media, to declare himself reformed and available to assist Bruce as he's a lead suspect in the murder of a local socialite with whom he was acquainted. If Dini is playing for keeps in having the Riddler serve as a sort of mystery-solving competitor to the Dark Knight Detective, color me interested. I'm not a huge fan of well-known bad guys arbitrarily becoming heroes, but the role he has here makes a lot more sense if he's not full-on evil. Nigma's interaction with Bruce as well as his costumed alter ego is a kick to follow. It would've been predictable to find Batman as unaccommodating as can be working a case with an old enemy, but he swallows his pride in recognizing that the Riddler, for all of his past crimes, has a great analytical mind plus he brings experience to a criminal investigation.

This book is an entertaining read, and again I'm big on them producing stand-alone issues for this title, but it does come up short as a genuine whodunit. When all is revealed, you can't exactly say that there were clues throughout the story that could've been picked up as a reader. Though I already give Dini & Co. all the credit in the world for clearly putting the "detective" in Detective Comics, and I'll continue to follow this as long as that holds up. I was a little surprised with some kinky turns that the story took as an underground S&M club is the centerpiece of Batman and Riddler's investigation. I'm by no means a prude, and they never really cross the line in terms of content, but I'm curious as to how this issue earned its CCA stamp on the cover. Yet another sign of the Code's uselessness, I suppose. What's not useless is this title in DC's high-profile stable, and I couldn't be happier. Oh, and I found out that the next issue has another art team, but if that's the book's only inconsistency (especially with one-off stories) things aren't so bad.

The Rev’s life has always been “Suggested for Mature Readers”, baby.


Pellet Reviews!

Marvel Team-Up (Marvel; by Caleb): This issue, the spotlight shines on those rarely seen, obscure Marvel heroes Spider-Man and Wolverine. The pair are back in action yet again in MTU, doing battle with alternate dimension Tony Stark, the Iron Maniac (Hmm, wonder who’s side he’s on in the civil war?). In an interlude of the “Freedom Ring” story, penciler Roger Cruz draws this battle, which comes complete with a Aunt May/Logan argument over his kitchen etiquette, some excellent Spidey fight chatter, and more overly defensive insistence on Spidey’s part that his new costume isn’t stupid (“See? The metal arms are cool—very useful!”). Meanwhile, Freedom Ring gets back in the saddle, thanks to an unlikely new partner/mentor. It’s too bad that this book’s being cancelled, but at least Kirkman managed to add some interesting new characters to the Marvel Universe before cancellation caught up with him.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man # 11 (Marvel; by Koben): Now that Spidey's identity is public knowledge, the poop has certainly hit the fan. Parents of the students he teaches congregate in front of his alma mater, protesting the perceived danger he constantly puts them in. When the newest threat to take up the Mysterio mantle shows up, the point is validated spectacularly. The art in this issue seems to indicate that Nauck is attempting to maintain the visual feel of the book established by Ringo. The result of this influence has produced my favorite work by Nauck ever. If Ringo decides to leave the book, Todd would make a wonderful replacement. I still don't care for the scarlet suit, but we all know it won't last forever. My favorite moment in the book had to be Peter's interaction with Flash. The result of the two's impromptu dodgeball match has greatly satisfying results. This book is my favorite Spidey title month-after-month, even though PAD almost committed FNSM suicide with the last storyline. If those last issues turned you off, give the book another chance with this issue.

Ex Machina # 22 (Wildstorm Signature; by Koben): As far as I'm concerned, this is BKV's best series. I can't remember an issue I didn't like. While Hundred tries to keep everything under control in the face of a horrible self-immolation incident, the media wants to know his views on marijuana laws. Priorities, people. In the midst of it all, a man dressed in a legitimate FDNY uniform is committing extreme acts of theft, and a groom from a marriage that Hundred presided over is a suspect. Add to that a bizarre gasmask fetish and a gory death by shotgun, all in one issue. Tony Harris' art just gets better with each issue. The man is producing brilliant storytelling work, and his character's faces are all unique. One thing that stuck with me after finishing this issue was how I was taken aback by the wonderful colors of J.D. Mettler. They have a simple watercolor style of grace to them. Honestly beautiful stuff.

The All New Atom # 2 (DC; by Koben): This series is an uneven oddity for me. I dig Gail Simone's writing, and I think she adds a touch of competency to whatever title she's working on. This book is no exception as she brings unity to the many out-there Morrison-isms in the storyline. (Don't get me wrong... I love Grant's work.) Ryan Choi, the man in the Atom suit, is fun and extremely likable. The strange antagonists with their mixed up style of speech annoy me a bit, but the pacing and characters are quite enjoyable. I especially like Panda and his goofy observations. Here's where it gets sour. The art Byrne is producing for this is terribly sub-par. This issue, in particular, is the worst, scratchiest, sketchy work I have ever seen from him. I don't even feel like it's a good match for the book. Maybe when Byrne moves on (and he plans to) cover artist Ariel Olivetti can take over. I'll stick with this series for Gail, but I'm eager to see who's next in line for the illustrative portion of the creative team. Extra points to Gail for quoting Dr. Alec Holland this time around.

Justice League Unlimited #24 (DC; by Kevin Huxford): This book has really captured everything about the Martian Manhunter character that I fell in love with as a youngster. OK...so they display him as being uber-powerful...but they also manage to show him struggle, both internally and externally. The writer really does a great job here...let me see if I can get his name through the profanity filters here: Adam Beechen. What did you say? Well...yeah...I know his name isn't a display of profanity, but some people seem to think it is since his first arc of Robin completed. Adam and Carlo Barberi do a great job aping the feeling of the show. I can honestly see this as an episode. My mind can hear Carl Lumbly voicing J'Onn in each panel. The story just works that well. J'Onn runs the gauntlet of JLU members attacking him. It makes for good, compelling action. Maybe it is just my love for J'Onn, but I can feel his desperation in each additional attack. Adam uses nice touches in every step, including the slightest of conversation between Batman & J'Onn at the end. I don't often find myself buying JLU, except for the rare times that the cover really strikes me. This week...it was J'Onn and a small pull list week for me. Maybe I should take more chances and pick up the book more often, because I can't recall ever feeling letdown.

52: Week Thirteen (DC; by Jeff: I’ll get my gripe out of the way first: those last two “Origins” pages? Definitely an improvement over the “History of the DC Universe” waste of space, but it’s like asking who you’d rather have at your side in combat, the French or Susan Sarandon. Both are equally useless. The Powers That Be at DC should just cut the chaff and give us a full feature of story. If we’re shelling half a Lincoln EVERY WEEK, you’d think the least they could do is indulge us the full value of our money. Either that, or next time don’t plan an event of this magnitude if you can’t deliver a complete issue. As for the rest of the issue (Black Adam interlude aside), you’ve gotta feel for ol’ Ralph Dibny. He’s a man adrift and flailing about for something, anything that will give him anchor. This issue, he infiltrates the Cult of Conner on Bring Your Wife To Life night, armed with friends who’ve been there and done that, frat brothers of Alpha Omega Alpha: Hal, Ollie, Zauriel, and Rex. Sure, they all know this is L. Ron Hubbard-level nutty, but the world’s second best detective (sorry, Mark Waid) isn’t quite so embossed. When the heroes break up the party, it would have been nice for the writer to make the results not quite so predictable: anyone who’s watched The Twilight Zone will be one step ahead. When the smoke clears, though, and the curtain falls, it’s a poignant moment written well enough that one can’t help but wonder how far gone Ralph has become and if he’ll ever find his way back (the other thing to wonder is who’s standing by the fence in that last panel?). Grade: B.

Uncanny X-Men #477 (Marvel; by Troy): I have to admit to being a bit let down this issue. That’s not a knock on writer Ed Brubaker, who does solid work in establishing Kid Vulcan’s motives, machinations, and history. Rather, it’s a tribute to the fact that I’m enjoying the intra-team dynamics on this recently formed team, and shifting the spotlight from them to another locale (while sensible in terms of the larger story) is a bit of a disappointment. The art by Clayton Henry is fine, but it lacks the crackle that Tan has brought to the last two issues. Still, it appears to be a minor bump in a much smoother road.

Ultimate Spider-Man #98 (Marvel; by Troy): The “Clone Saga” continues as Peter makes a rather paranoid visit to the Fantastic Four, gets his ass kicked by a girl, and makes a shocking discovery (almost sounds like solicitation copy, doesn’t it?). The FF is played in fine form, particularly the bit where Reed offers Johnny a drink. Peter’s subsequent hysterics and later, anger, are completely in-line with the young man that Bendis and Bagley have built for years. As for those last few pages . . . clearly there are plenty of turns left. The creators still have a lot in the tank, and if the past couple of books are any indication, #100 should really be something to see.

Y: The Last Man #48 (DC/Vertigo; by Troy): An excellent character-building issue from Vaughan, Sudzuka, and Marzan Jr. reveals much about Israeli-badass Alter. Timely and socially relevant almost to the point of discomfort, the tale demonstrates how a life spent in a near-perpetual state of war can affect your perceptions and emotions. With only a year left on the finite run of this title, Y once again proves its absolute worth.

Spawn #158(Image/TMP; by Troy): The recently-building Armageddon storyline reaches a head in this issue as the mystery behind Wanda’s twins is finally unveiled. Not for the theologically sensitive, this one has a lot of wild imagination fluidly realized by the balls-out art of Philip Tan. After the crazy ride of the last few issues, we see that this is really only the beginning; next issue kicks off a build-up to war on a previously unseen scale. And the ending? Definitely guaranteed to stir debate.

Scatterbrain #1-3 (Maroksia; by Troy): Writer Brendan Deneen and artist Szyman Kudranski are fashioning an interesting tale that plays in the same neighborhood as Spawn without stealing his house. We’ve got mob bosses, conflicted cops, and a costumed character that works on fear. The art holds some Ashley Wood/Stuart Sayger quality, giving the whole thing a different vibe. I could see this going in a number of directions. If you like things of a dark, gritty supernatural nature, this one’s a solid pick-up.

Warning Shot: Advance Review
Martian Manhunter #1 of 8
From: DC
Writer: A.J. Lieberman
Art: Al Barrionuevo and Bit
Review by Troy Brownfield

I’ll admit that I didn’t have the highest of hopes for this one. I wasn’t that taken with the Brave New World short, and I certainly didn’t dig Lieberman’s run on Gotham Knights. That said, the first issue is an interesting look into the mind of post-IC J’onn J’onzz, and a lot of the approach makes good sense. I do have to say that I have one issue with the new MM design, and it’s not the fact that he’s gone with the “Gumby head” as they used to call it in JLI; it’s the chin wrinkles, which I find kind of off-putting considering that there are green-skinned alien shape-shifters elsewhere in comics who sport that particular feature. Overall though, it’s an interesting little issue, with a shady conspiracy, some revelations regarding the presence of Martians on Earth, and a good strong look into the psychology of the Manhunter. His emotions are, though possibly extreme, certainly understandable. Barrionuevo and Bit turn in some nice art (though J’onn himself, the famous stone face, could be a little more expressive; stoic leads can be hard to show). In terms of pacing, this is a fast-moving book, completely aware that it has little time (8 issues) in which to tell a broad story. The intro that turns on the story of Cain and Abel is handled well, and a lot of good pieces are there. It definitely has potential to be a sleeper hit.


Troy Brownfield writes for Newsarama, Fangoria Comics, and runs ShotgunReviews.com. He’s a professor of English, journalism and communication and a freelance writer. Anyone wishing to submit their titles for review can contact Troy at psikotyk@aol.com. If you’re interested in taking a class with Troy via the miracle of Distance Learning, check out the program here http://www.smwc.edu/cgi-bin/site.pl?futureDistance , and specifically mention him or his areas (Journalism, Professional Writing, Creative Writing, Film Studies) when you call. The other plugs: www.shotgunreviews.com and www.myspace.com/shotgunreviews

[Rod Odom]

Some examples of John Byrne's "sub-par" pencils on the Atom (now includes issue #2)

http://jbgallery.ourbunch.net/cgi-bi...pl?SEARCH=atom

[Duca]

[quote=but it’s like asking who you’d rather have at your side in combat, the French or Susan Sarandon. Both are equally useless. [/QUOTE]

Will you stop with this kind of joke? Despite being Italian, I find it frankly tired, offensive and gratuitous. I love this feature of Newsarama... let's keep politics out of it, huh? Thanks in advance.

michele.

[Mr Wesley]

Originally Posted by Koben Kelly

Jack Ryder is the titular host of a television show that features him blasting out confrontational arguments with his guests, much like Hardball or other point/counterpoint styled shows.

You said 'titular.'

Heh.

[J.D. Lombardi]

I can see it now....grabbing Agents of Atlas #2 and seeing on the front cover,

"elicits an ejaculation of awesome!!!"
--Newsarama.com

lol

What a way to describe something.

[Rod Odom]

Originally Posted by Duca

Will you stop with this kind of joke? Despite being Italian, I find it frankly tired, offensive and gratuitous. I love this feature of Newsarama... let's keep politics out of it, huh? Thanks in advance.

Given how lovely and intelligent Susan Sarandon is, I'd say France is in good company.

[Duca]

I hadn't thought of it that way... You may be right!
:-)

michele.

[Uncle Jawa]

Originally Posted by Rod Odom

Some examples of John Byrne's "sub-par" pencils on the Atom :

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/cgi-bi...=atom01pencils

I still wouldn't say they are up to the standards of Byrne's greatest work, but I've long felt they made a poor choice for an inker on this Atom series. Not that the inker isn't talented, as well. Just not a good mix with Byrne.

[KaijubotX]

I have to disagree about the 2 page origin back-up's in 52 being a waste. They're great catch-up's for new and old readers alike who may not know, or have forgotten, how these characters came to be. Plus DC has lined up some fantastic artists for them. I compare them to all the old pin-up pages that used to pop up in the old days, they don't contribute to the main story but are cool to see anyway.

[caleb]

Originally Posted by J.D. Lombardi

I can see it now....grabbing Agents of Atlas #2 and seeing on the front cover,

"elicits an ejaculation of awesome!!!"
--Newsarama.com

lol

What a way to describe something.

Ha! I wrote that sentence with you in mind. Well, not you personally, but I deleted and rewrote it a couple of times, thinking "Man, you just know someone is gonna say something about it on the boards below."

I meant it in the loud, forceful exclamation way, of course, not the, um, other way. BUt hey, I figure a potentially dirty double entendre goes well with a book starring a superhero from Uranus. (Heh!)

It'll be worth it if I get blurbed on AoA #2 just like you said, though!


Re: Susan Sarandon and the French, I'll take Ms. Sarandon by my side. Me in combat pretty much equals me ending up a casualty anyway, so at least that way I'd die happy.

[Koben Kelly]

Originally Posted by caleb

Re: Susan Sarandon and the French, I'll take Ms. Sarandon by my side. Me in combat pretty much equals me ending up a casualty anyway, so at least that way I'd die happy.

For the record: Bull Durham and Dead Man Walking are kickass.

Thanks
---Koben

[Duca]

Hey! Dan Didio! We're mixing metaphors here!
Hire Susan Sarandon to write the backups in 52! Hurry!

michele.

[hugo]

Originally Posted by Jeff

but it’s like asking who you’d rather have at your side in combat, the French or Susan Sarandon. Both are equally useless.

So, can I make jokes on big fat stupid Americans to maintain the balance of subtlety ?

[Duca]

Hugo, welcome to the whackiest discussion of the day, here on NRama. What's your opinion on Susan Sarandon?

[Troy Brownfield]

Originally Posted by Rod Odom

Some examples of John Byrne's "sub-par" pencils on the Atom :

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/cgi-bi...=atom01pencils

Rod,

He didn't like it. He doesn't have to like it. And he's talking about issue #2. How does showing pencils from issue #1 contribute to the discussion of issue #2?

I know you like Byrne's work. We all know you like Byrne's work. And when he's done with this book, you'll tirelessly argue with anyone who finds a flaw in any of his further work. Offering unfinished pencil examples from the wrong issue isn't a defense of Byrne's art. If you want to talk about the particulars (like why page 7 of issue #1 has no backgrounds), that's fine. But sarcastic quoting and links . . . why bother?

Thanks,
Troy

[Troy Brownfield]

Originally Posted by hugo

So, can I make jokes on big fat stupid Americans to maintain the balance of subtlety ?

Done. And you can take a shot at our reality television programming while you're at it.

Note to Team Members: Let's leave the broad sweeping nationalist jokes out of further reviews, all right? That one is just gratuitous and doesn't play with the topic. I plead post-Chicago exhaustion as to why I missed it, but I'll be watching in the future.

Everyone Else: Let's move along past France and Susan Sarandon. Nothing to see here. And that means you too, Burt Lancaster.

[Garth Rockett]

The All New Atom # 2 (DC; by Koben): The art Byrne is producing for this is terribly sub-par. This issue, in particular, is the worst, scratchiest, sketchy work I have ever seen from him.

You don't think that's due to Trevor Scott having a scratchy ink line? Personally, I think the art's the best thing about the book so far, although Gail has written some interesting characters and the plots have been good. I'd recommend this book.

[Duca]

On a more serious note, and to show my goodwill towards letting go of Susan, I have left Agents of Atlas on the shelf of the only comic book store in Milan that carries American comics outside of regular pull lists (the market for English-language publications in specialty stores in Italy has shrunk considerably, almost to non-existence, in the past decade), and have left it there due to lack of time to properly sift through it. This review made me make up my mind, and I'll go back there tomorrow to see if a copy is still available. Thanks.

michele.

[Doc Holiday]

I really like this column too, but I found the unfortunate anti-French line really stupid. Provincial, gratuitous, and unworthy of the writer. The french did not support the American invasion of Iraq. They were right. The invasion was staged under false pretences; Mr. Bush' OWN people told him so repeatedly and they were done in by the administration they supported. There were and are and never were any weapons of mass destruction." The UN repeatedly announced this, but Mr. Bush ridiculed Hans Blix and the others for saying so. Now we have murdered tens of thousands of Iraqis, thousands of American soldiers have been killed, the country is in civil war...

The French were right.

And please don't forget that the American Revolution would likely have failed had it not been for the aid we so gratefully received from the French.

I don't mind if politics comes up in these reviews, but stereotyping and ethnic slurs are of no value and should not be here.

[Rod Odom]

Originally Posted by Troy Brownfield

Rod,

He didn't like it. He doesn't have to like it. And he's talking about issue #2. How does showing pencils from issue #1 contribute to the discussion of issue #2?

The quality is the same between the two issues.

[s*p rules]

Originally Posted by hugo

So, can I make jokes on big fat stupid Americans to maintain the balance of subtlety ?

As long as you thank those same big, fat, stupid Americans for saving your asses back in WWII, sure.

[Rod Odom]

Originally Posted by Troy Brownfield

Rod,
But sarcastic quoting and links . . . why bother?

Not meant to be sarcastic. It was simply the precise quote.

[MicroZone]

Originally Posted by hugo

So, can I make jokes on big fat stupid Americans to maintain the balance of subtlety ?

Yes, but do so in a language still used in modern times. Like English. :P

[Rod Odom]

Originally Posted by Troy Brownfield

Everyone Else: Let's move along past France and Susan Sarandon. Nothing to see here. And that means you too, Burt Lancaster.

Maybe an apology to your French readers are in order.

[KyleV]

Some examples of John Byrne's "sub-par" pencils on the Atom :

http://www.artofjohnbyrne.com/cgi-bi...=atom01pencils

Yep. That's them.

Who's the official new artist on the book? I liked #1, but I don't know if the writing is enough to overshadow the artwork for me.