PICK OF THE WEEK: DETECTIVE COMICS #30
DC COMICS / WRITERS & ART Francis Manapul & Brian Buccalleto
After a fantastic two-year run on The Flash, the critically acclaimed team of Francis Manapul and Brian Buccalleto have switched from the Scarlett Speedster to the Caped Crusader with a dynamic, intriguing and thoroughly entertaining opening issue. The move from Central City to Gotham isn’t as startling as you might expect, and the duo set the feel of the story right from the opening panels.
Part one of the Icarus storyline is mostly set-up, introducing characters, ideas and locations, but it’s pulled off with ease. Bruce will have to take on a new set of challenges, including financial/reputation struggles, a unique new villain and one hell of a cliffhanger. As of yet, this is a self-contained mystery that will, hopefully, increase in scope as it progresses.
Visually, it’s spectacular. Manapul and Buccalleto have made a name for themselves with their inspired layouts and every single panel is a wonder to behold. There’s plenty of action, with rescue missions, head bashing and an absolutely thrilling Chinatown chase. This is a very strong debut issue, and who knows - Detective may become the must-read Batman title.
VERDICT: ★★★★ (Awesome)
INHUMAN #1
MARVEL / WRITER Charles Soule ART Joe Maduereira (pencils & inks) Marte Gracia (colours)
After a three-month delay and a change in writer, Marvel’s next epic Inhuman has finally landed on shelves. It promises to be a game-changer in the Marvel Universe, but how does it live up to the hype? As first issues go, it’s a little… slow. Charles Soule kicks things off with a relatively low-key starter that could’ve benefited from a bit more variety.
The book mainly focuses on the Inhuman Queen Medusa (who is gorgeously illustrated by Joe Mad), and two major aspects - her quest to find Black Bolt, her husband, and her reaction to the emergence of new super-powered people across the globe. Chances are, if you haven’t been following along with Marvel’s big events in the last few months - mainly Infinity and Inhumanity - then you’re going to be a little lost. Now, it’s not a deal-breaker, but Soule doesn’t exactly provide an easy jumping-on point for new readers, which was the point of this event in the first place.
What completely saves this book is Maduereira’s artwork. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but his excellent, lively lines are, in my opinion, just beautiful. The characters have this slightly exaggerated personality and while the new faces aren’t the most memorable or original, they do pose an interesting possibility. I’m very keen and excited to see where this goes and exactly what effect it will have on the Marvel U.
VERDICT: ★★★ 1/2 (Great)
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #200
MARVEL / WRITER Brian Michael Bendis ART David Marquez, David Lafuente, Sara Pichelli, Mark Brooks, Mark Bagley & Andrew Hennessy (pencils & inks) Justin Ponsor (colours)
Nearly 14 years ago, Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley launched into a modern retelling of Spider-Man’s origins, taking the story in new directions with a bold spin on the mythos and the characters. This month, the title reaches a landmark issue and it’s undeniably impressive, whatever your stance on the series.
Ultimate Spider-Man #200 sees the second anniversary of Peter Parker’s death, with his closest friends and loved ones gathering to celebrate his legacy and contemplate what could have been. It’s a simple premise, executed wonderfully. Bendis, as always, handles the characters with plenty of heart and juggles the ensemble with ease. While I hoped there would be a little more to this issue, I was satisfied with the nice sense of closure.
David Marquez's art is simply stunning. He captures the intimate moments with delicate emotions and the movement with fantastic energy. He is joined by five artists (David Lafuente, Sara Pichelli, Mark Brooks, Mark Bagley & Andrew Hennessy) for the imagination sequences, all of which do a fine job. Before we might be launching into All-New Ultimates, this is a mighty fine send-off for Peter Parker and great wrap up of this chapter of the story.
VERDICT: ★★★★ (Awesome)