Outcast #1

I always give Robert Kirkman’s new series a chance. Hundreds of great issues of Invincible and Walking Dead have certainly earned him that. Thief of Thieves started slow and has gotten better (at least according to the trades I’ve read) and it seems Outcast might be on a similar path.

Kirkman plays around with time and our expectations of storytelling as the issue launches. There is some hopping around between time and locations that sort of throw the reader off. I assume that was the intention; that we would be unsure of which damaged kid we’re seeing in the opening pages is the child-version of our protagonist. It’s funny; I had ZERO expectations coming in to this comic. I literally had no idea what the book was about.

It takes a few moments, but eventually it becomes clear what kind of comic this is. It’s a book dealing with demonic possession in rural West Virginia. Our lead, Kyle Barnes, is the survivor of not one, but two demonic episodes in his past. One occurred when he was a child and the other as an adult as he tried to lead a happy life. These experiences have led Kyle to become a broken man, hiding in his childhood home avoiding contact with the world. Events in this issue conspire to get him back out there.

Kyle is what is known as an “outcast,” something the demons seem to at least recognize, if not value. His blood has unusual properties, and it seems Kyle is also good at punching kids in the face. It seems that Kyle will be teaming up with a local reverend to assist in demonic exorcisms.

Kirkman is ably supported by the moody art of Paul Azaceta. I’ve long had affection for Azaceta’s work; I got some commissions from him years ago at a con that blew my socks off (Taskmaster and Baron Zemo, if you are curious). The art is effective in setting the mood, and most upsettingly, the kids look like kids. Many artists have a hard time getting that look down, but Azaceta doesn’t. It is really upsetting seeing the spiritual and physical damage these kids endure as the book goes on. This is a horror comic; it is supposed to be upsetting.

There have been a fair amount of demonic possession stories over the years, and Kirkman’s holds up fine. Azaceta’s work is very strong, and I’m happy to see him on a high-profile monthly book. But while I love Kirkman’s survival horror and super-hero books, I’m only starting to come around on his horror and crime. I think I’m giving this the “Thief of Thieves” treatment and I’ll check out the next issues from the library.

This comic is GOOD for horror fans who like exorcist style stories, especially if you want those stories in a rural setting.

Invincible #101-109

There is pretty much no way I will ever drop this title. Maybe there is something Robert Kirkman could do to get me to drop it, but I can’t think of what that might be. Heck, I would have been OK if Bulletproof had taken over as Invincible permanently. After getting a few issues of his subplots, I’m still bummed that we aren’t seeing much of that guy anymore. (Maybe I need to pick up Invincible Universe? Is it any good?)

Part of what makes this book so fascinating is Kirkman’s willingness to shatter the status quo every few issues. After months of foreshadowing, Kirkman finally pulled the trigger on Robot’s turn two months ago. Robot had been my favorite supporting character for a long time, so I basically kept forgiving him each of the suspicious, dangerous decisions that he kept making. I figured he had it covered. That lasted until two months ago when Robot stranded Invincible in an alternate reality. What’s especially nice about this setup is that Kirkman has been very liberal in his use of alternate realities and dimensions. They’ve been appearing in the title since the single digits, and we’ve even seen multiple Invincible’s before, so this is right in line with the established “world” of the book.

Robot was cool about it, at least, leaving Invincible in charge and explaining why he was stranding his friend in a hostile world. I always say that Kirkman has the most reasonable characters in comics, and once again, I totally get why Robot thinks his actions are necessary. The though process turns Robot into an antagonist instead of an ally, but I can see how he got there. I’ll probably still be rooting for the guy in the upcoming face off.

I appreciate Kirman’s use of time too. Invincible spent a year trying to figure out how to get home. A year! Want to know how many comics that year took up? One. Marvel would have done a 10-issue maxi-series and tie ins to tell the story Kirkman knocked out in one month. I appreciate the heck out of that type of economical storytelling. Now we get to see the stuff we WANT to see in the very next issue. Why waste the reader’s time doing anything else? (The answer, of course, is selling more individual issues that accomplish no plot movement.)

Ryan Ottley. That guy is a machine. He has been delivering whatever is asked for years now. Ultra-violence, strong acting, and pin-up shots, he can do it all. His character designs are new, but feel classic even on a first appearance. He is also the ONLY artist in comics that draws super-women with different body shapes. Atom Eve’s zaftig look would never appear in a comic from Marvel or DC.

This would be one of the last comics I would ever drop. Heck, I might like it more than Walking Dead.

SAFE

Thief of Thieves v2: Help Me TPB

I dropped Thief of Thieves after one issue because I felt like Kirkman expected us to care a lot more about these characters than we did. After one issue, who cares if people are double crossing each other?

I grabbed this trade to see if things have improved. To the surprise of no one, they really have. Kirkman knows how to spin a good yarn, and Thief of Thieves has really taken shape into a good one. I barely knew who the players were when I opened this book, but I found myself rooting for most of the conflicting players by the end of this.

It is interesting that Kirkman is joined by James Asmus, a writer I’m starting to notice. How is the work split exactly? This pairing seems very effective, both in the amped up plot and in the rich characterization throughout the book.

Conrad Paulson is the star of the book. He’s a professional thief respected by his peers and the police alike. He plans jobs carefully, sets things up perfectly, and never gets caught. Unfortunately, he has a bozo son who keeps messing up. Augustus Paulson is a decent thief, but man, he gets himself into one spot of trouble after another, and he needs his dad to bail him out.

It’s a classic noir set up; the master criminal who is untouchable with no weak spots except for his family. And the family is always full of them.

I thought this read like a TV show in the first issue, and it still does. But by reading the issues in trade format, the pacing doesn’t bother me at all. I found myself anxiously turning the page to get to the next issue. This is definitely a book that benefits from the trade format.

Shawn Martinbrough doesn’t get the credit he deserves. His super-hero work has been fine, but I was never a super fan. But the acting in this comic is superb. With no costumes or other shortcuts, Martinbrough has to sell everything though well drawn facial work and “acting.” He knocks it out of the park; there is never a moment where the direction of the art is unclear.

This is a GOOD crime comic. It is no Sleeper or Criminal, but it would be a great crime show on network TV. 

Walking Dead #109

So Jesus is human after all. Not only does he make a pretty huge mistake misjudging the character of one of his old acquaintances, Jesus isn’t even his real name! Sure, he gets to show off his bad-ass sneaking skills, and everyone on the Hilltop clearly likes him, but he may have really messed things up for Rick and Ezekiel’s plan for the saviors.

This is a building issue; leading up to the assault on the Saviors that I assume will start next month. Not only do we see Jesus trying to ready the Hilltop in spite of itself, we get to see the Community too. Rick is finally going around telling folks the real deal. Andrea and Carl react as expected, keen to get some revenge on Negan. Michonne reaction makes sense; she’s been a driven, zombie-killing machine for so long, she just exhausted. Rick gets some great lines as he tries to psych her up. And Spencer? I don’t like your chances, kid. You know what happens to people who cross Rick?

Charlie Adlard has a bit easier of a job this month. Kirkman actually includes characters’ names in the dialogue! Adlard actually has created a fair amount of distinctive looks amongst the world’s grubby survivors, but it sure makes it easier when I know their names!

Good

Walking Dead #108

This comic already asks you to suspend your disbelief about zombies and overcoming grievous bodily injury. This issue, Robert Kirkman is going to ask you to go a bit farther. You need to accept that a guy can have a pet tiger that walks around and obeys what he says. If you are OK with that, then you are going the dig this issue. Cause King Ezekiel has a tiger.

Kirkman continues lining everything up for the big confrontation that has been building in the series for months. Negan continues to be a jerk to his underlings; he beats them at ping pong then boasts about how he’s going to hook up with his stolen women. The guy is plain unlikable, but you have to respect that he doesn’t hide just how cruel he really is. He might be treating his people too badly, based on this issue, but again, I’m not sure I buy the issue’s cliffhanger quite yet.

Charlie Adlard has to stretch his muscles this month. Lots of different locations and storylines get a check in. We see Michonne and Carl team up against some zombies. It felt a lot like a scene from the TV show, so much so that I even felt like the characters resembled their on-screen counterparts. That’s probably me projecting.

The Community’s resident bonehead, Spencer, is taking time to pray about his upcoming choice. I have no doubt he’s planning no killing Rick. He’s been jealous ever since Andrea decided she preferred Rick over him. I was also surprised to see Father Gabriel still alive. I was sure he was dead!

The bulk of the issue shows Rick and Jesus as they gain an audience with Ezekiel. He’s not taking Negan’s protection racket lying down either. I loved the whole tone of the meeting; Ezekiel feels he has the situation so well in hand that Rick’s info is honestly all he needs. Rick has to repeatedly offer to help in the upcoming battle. It’s nice to see someone who might actually be a competent good guy!

Ezekiel’s design is a lot of fun too. He’s got a sweet star shirt, a feather in his dreads, and a wicked cane. Hail to the king!

Good

Walking Dead #107 and Walking Dead on AMC

The Comic:

I love it. Once again, Kirkman plays with our expectations and has Negan actually act like a sane guy, for once. I also wonder if he’s starting to realize just who he’s messing with in Rick. I mean, Rick surely gets some good licks in during their couple-page fight. Negan comes out on top, but he better realize that Rick is one angry man who usually gets his revenge.

This is a good issue because we’re starting to see the cracks in Negan’s armor. He has fewer men than he’s let on, he’s got basically no weapons, and he actually has to be reasonable or else he’d face a revolt from those under his thumb. Combining that with the Community’s new discovery, I think Rick’s guys might have a chance. Gunpowder and bullets go a long way…

I really like that so many of the other folks in the Community are getting some panel time. The problem is, I seem to be incapable of remembering anyone’s name. I’m always like “Abraham’s girlfriend” or Abraham’s ex-girlfriend” or “weird scientist guy.” I’m not sure if this even needs to be fixed; the book is plenty dramatic and fascinating even with a lack of truly defined second-tier characters. I still care if they live or die, but man; I need them to call each other by name when they first appear in an issue!

Charlie Adlard continues to deliver brutally effective artwork. The fast-moving fight is fascinating for the wild feeling that fills it. Negan is totally surprised, and the constantly switching momentum really drives that home. My favorite panel, though, is a silly one. When Carl steps out with his hat off, there is a ridiculous looking guy with a gold chain that just cracks me up. He looks so smug. Let’s kill that guy too, Rick!

Good

The Show (Minor Spoilers)

Ugh! Tyreese has done nothing since he got there! Are you kidding me? He is everyone’s favorite character in the comic, and eagerly anticipated on the show. So now he just sits there until he’s dismissed by crazy Rick? What the heck?

And Rick. Oh man. The show has extrapolated crazy phone talk to an amazing degree. Honestly, I don’t think Rick would ever be able to take over as group leader again. He is fully insane, and has endangered the group while wandering around after his friend. Ridiculous.

I can’t get a read on the Governor, either. The guy’s dialogue is written totally differently than his actions. That would be one thing, but you can’t be too subtle on TV, you know? It is like the actor doesn’t know how to play the guy. Is he actually somewhat apologetic? Is he simply hiding his insane side? It’s too hard to tell, and I’m afraid it is weakening a fantastic villain.

Basically, I’m worried the show is changing the comic too much. I’m not sure if the rumored split between Robert Kirkman and the show runner Glen Mazzara are over content or what, but I can understand why Kirkman might be interested in re-focusing the show a bit closer to the comic.

That said, Sunday’s episode did deliver some decent action after the snoozefest on Feb 9^th.

Fair

Invincible #100

I’m pleased that Robert Kirkman’s shocking issue 100 didn’t have quite as upsetting a shock as it seemed. I knew when the preview pages were released that it couldn’t be as bad as it seemed; I actually think Kirkman did a nice job giving clues too. When Dinosaurus was battling Invincible in full costume, then Dino blasts out of some rubble with Invincible just in his underwear, I suspected shenanigans.

Things aren’t quite as dire as they seem, although Dinosaurus does succeed in killing a whole lot of people. I really enjoyed seeing Dino rationalize everything he’s done, and do it in perfect confidence. Mark Grayson succeeds in poking some holes in Dino’s theories, and in a wonderful scene, we see it shake Dino’s foundation. If there are angles he hasn’t considered, then he may be wrong, and if he’s wrong, then he is a monster. How many villains have that epiphany? Now I’m not certain that Invincible actually does kill Dinosaurus, as the even happens off panel. I wouldn’t put it past Kirkman to bring back the big lug at a later date.

This 100th issue is about refocusing the book in a new direction, while still retaining a lot of what made the series great in the past. Much like Marvel’s Ultimatum, the Earth in Invincible is now recognizably different from the “normal” world. Tides are gone, and two giant artificial moons now control the planet’s oceans. Even better, it sounds like those two moons will serve as the base of operations for an expanded Guardians of the Globe. That is a pretty radical change in direction.

But Mark Grayson is still Invincible; he’s still tackling relationship issues with Atom Eve and his parents. Best of all, he’s back working for the US Government. So he’s back as an adjunct to the Guardians of the Globe, hearkening back to what I think was the strongest era in this title. There are a lot of familiar elements to keep the long-time fans happy.

Ryan Ottley’s art is once again, stunning. The guy knocks it out of the park every month. I mean, did you know it was even possible for a Tyrannosaurus Rex’s face to show regret? Well Ottley can draw it. Just wonderful. Kirkman is so lucky to be blessed with gifted artistic partners on his flagship titles.

It says quite a bit that this was the first book off my stack this week, even beating out Avengers. That’s what 10 years of excellence earns you! How about 10 more?

Excellent

Walking Dead #106

Boy, I’m getting desperate for some comeuppance! I know Robert Kirkman only introduced Negan a few months ago, but the new villain is so despicable, I already want to see him get what he deserves.

Last issue, Carl attacked Negan’s headquarters, killing some of his flunkies. After a demeaning tour and a confusing conversation, Negan promises that he has more in store for the kid. The reader isn’t privy to that punishment yet, but I’m worried. I don’t think Kirkman will kill Carl off like this (off-panel), but I worry that he will be in even worse shape now. 

The focus switches back to Rick and the Community. I’m grateful for the change, because as I’ve mentioned, I can’t remember who anyone is. Jesus is awesome, of course, but he’s the only new cast member to make a big impression. This guy Nicholas who goes out with Rick, Andrea, and Michonne might as well have a red shirt on. Other name-checks include Spencer, the entitled kid who is still pining for Andrea, and Aaron and Eric have different views on Rick’s current approach to leadership, which is worrying. There don’t seem to be a ton of competent people around the Community anymore, so those two scouts are pretty important. 

Charlie Adlard has been on this book for a long time. This is his 100^th issue; that’s an awesome achievement. He’s still doing neat things with the characters; look at how Negan dominates that closing page, while Rick seems smaller, but angry and feisty. Spencer’s “acting” is a bit obvious, but this is a comic, so I don’t have a problem with that. I am a little curious about Carl’s mangled face. Could someone actually live with exposed skull like that?

Good

Invincible #99

Wow. Robert Kirkman is obviously best known for Walking Dead these days, but I hope he always finds time for his super-hero creation. Invincible continues to deliver shocks and thrills bigger and better than most other super-comics on the stands.

After Dinosaurus flooded the Earth last month, the Guardians of the Globe are overtaxed trying to deal with it. We get some pages of the Guardians dealing with the West Coast flooding, and we hear about other Kirkman-verse creations like the Actioneers, the Wolfman Corps, and others trying to make a difference. It’s pretty cool hearing about the world-wide super response; I’d love to see more of it on the page if there is time. As cool as that variety of heroes is, hearing about Robot piloting 30 bodies at the same time is the highlight of the issue. And that’s WHILE he’s coming up with a more long-term solution to the coastal flooding.

Alternating with the Guardians’ rescue efforts, we get a fantastic throwdown between Invincible and Dinosaurus. Ryan Ottley makes it clear this is a brutal, violent battle with huge stakes. Every page of this issue is a splash page, and yet a ton happens. Kirkman does provide a fair amount of dialogue, and the book does feel like quite a bit is happening. But the action has a lot of room to stretch its wings. These two Superman-level characters have a destructive battle worthy of a hundredth issue (and this is only #99). I am curious about Mark Grayson’s lack of costume on the last couple pages. Any hope for a clone situation?

Is it too much to hope that “Everybody Dies” won’t actually have any death in it? All these characters have too much potential for any of them to leave the book now. Who doesn’t want to see more of Bulletproof? Or Atom Eve? Allen the Alien is a fan fave (at least to me).

Excellent

Walking Dead #105

No Rick at all this month. Instead, we get to worry for Carl as Negan leads him around through the Savior’s HQ. And what a headquarters it is. Negan has built himself a nice cult of personality, full of scared underlings and obedient women. Robert Kirkman hasn’t shied away from showing what some people would do with apocalyptic freedom. Negan is a great example of what a bully can accomplish without any societal reigns.

Negan really might be insane. His personality fluctuates wildly from page to page. He flatters, threatens, and boasts to Carl in panel after panel. There is no way for Carl (or the reader) to get a good read on this guy. Sometimes he almost seems charismatic, but then he shows his evil motivations for almost everything, reminding us he is after all, a big bully. I think that is clearest when one of his flunkies returns his “vampire” baseball bat. Negan terrifies and confuses the guy just for fun.

Good work Kirkman, I cannot wait to see Rick and company kill this guy. It’s gonna be sweet.

Charlie Adlard has a lot of new faces to introduce in this one, and he does a decent job. Most of the speaking roles are filled with people who stick out at least a bit. Glasses, hairstyles and awful scars go a long way in differentiating characters. Things might get rough if these guys start interacting with our leads, though!

Good

Invincible #98

Invincible remains a fun, fast-paced comic that delivers everything I want from a superhero comic. But I also have to admit that the history and continuity are getting daunting. I don’t remember where we left off with Angstrom, the mad teleporter. Robert Kirkman gives us some background and helpful dialogue with Dinosaurus and Bulletproof, but man, when the Guardians show up; a new reader wouldn’t have a chance. There are a lot of folks who pop up and don’t get name-checked. 

That said, I love seeing the Guardians showing up and being so effective for the bulk of the issue. Did anyone else notice Shapesmith signing autographs and saving hot ladies in the background of a couple panels? Nice work, Ryan Ottley! 

Speaking of Ottley, seeing the two costumes on the cover really lets me appreciate both. The “Dark Invincible” suit Mark is wearing is a great look for his current proactive attitude. But I can’t be alone in thinking Bulletproof is in trouble during this story, right? 

Seriously, everybody dies is looking like a mighty accurate story title. I’ve got to think this is going to end with Bulletproof dead and Invincible reclaiming his heroic mantle. At least, that’s what I’d expect in a normal comic from Marvel of DC. This being a Kirkman book? I’m just looking forward to the next issue.

Good

Walking Dead #104

This might be the middle of my weekly reviews, but this is still the first book I read when I bring home a stack of new comics. Can’t resist!

Hoo boy, Carl. I hope you survive into being the successful psychopath we’ve all been dreaming of. The problem is, I think getting into Negan’s camp might actually make that MORE likely. Negan could be a darn good mentor if Carl is going to end up as a villain. Fortunately, I think Rick’s influence should be strong enough for Carl to stay strong.

I also absolutely love the way Kirkman toys with our emotion during the Jesus fight and capture. I figured he could handle four on one, and he probably could. While Jesus may not have planned what happened, its mission accomplished time for him now. But what the heck can Rick do about it? Carl has offed a few more baddies, but does Rick have enough of an army to take on this group? I’m not sure.

Charlie Adlard does a fantastic job with the introduction of Negan’s base of operations. It’s a horrific looking industrial complex, surrounded by chained up walkers. These guys are pretty sick. I’m looking forward to seeing them get what they deserve.

I’m not sure, but it seems Kirkman is laying the seeds for some unhappiness amongst Negan’s crew. All his guys seem to hate him, and clearly Negan is living higher on the hog than they are, with nice mattresses and multiple wives. Maybe some of these folks can still be turned good?

I will say Kirkman has got to start using the minor characters’ names more often. I can’t remember anyone in the Community except for our original cast members and Jesus. I recognize them, but it would be nice to use names the first time they appear each issue.

Good

Invincible #96

Ahh, Kirkman. Nicely played. You gave us saps the happy ending we’d been pining for, but then you poisoned the well with a good cliffhanger. Sure, Monster Girl and Robot are going to stay together and commit to their relationship, but we know that Robot is still harboring a pretty jerky move in his recent past. Well played.

Ryan Ottley gets a bit more action this month as the Guardians of the Globe take on the alien invasion head on. Once Robot gets involved, it seems like just a matter of time before the aliens get taken out. And as for Monster Girl’s forgotten, warlord-baby? He’s an easy target for a focused Monster Girl and Robot. (I thought Robot usually controlled his armor remotely? Seems unnecessary to risk life and limb at the actual scene.)

I’m not sure I agree with all the job assignments Robot lays out; I might have sent a couple more heroes to guard the refugees. I’m also hopeful that Bulletproof gets some time front and center next month. He’s had an eventful run as Invincible, and I maintain it is a brilliant idea to replace the man in the suit. Change is almost always good in these long-running titles.

Change is not good for Atom Eve when she and Mark try to get intimate with his powers gone. Once again Kirkman comes up with a reasonable, original spin on super-heroic characters; a hero using his powers as a crutch in the bedroom. So silly.

Good

Invincible #95

So I’m just a tad fuzzy on something. I guess when Monster Girl switches into her monster body… it’s a fully-functioning male body? Cause she’s got a son, and she’s not the mother, you know what I mean? I’m reading that correctly, right?

Like all good couple fights, Robot and Monster Girl both bear some of the blame for their breakup. Now, I’m impressed they stayed together for centuries before hitting such a rough patch, but it is still sad. I do have hope that maybe they can work things out.

Most of this issue takes place in the Flaxan dimension. I like Robot’s sweet Thor-looking costume and beard, while MG gets some great alien-queen costumes too.

Ryan Ottley only gets a few pages at the close of the issue, but I like where the story is headed. Putting the Guardians of the Globe under Robot’s command should give the guy a confidence boost AND actually make victory possible.

Fair

Walking Dead #102

Rick Grimes, you sneaky bastard.

Once again, Robert Kirkman has me excited for the next issue. Negan is a great new foil, and I sure hope that Rick hands out some revenge for what happened in issue 100. That said, this feels like a story that went on too long.

While Andrea didn’t experience the trauma of issue 100, the reader did. So having Rick spend pages re-describing what happened seems kind of pointless. We check in with quite a few of the supporting cast, including a few new faces. Michonne sure sounds like she needs a bit of a vacation, so perhaps Rick’s new attitude might be just what she needs. I love seeing Eugene so angry and hungry for revenge. He had a weird relationship with Abraham, but he’s obviously upset that his friend is dead. And if he can do what he says he can… if he can make bullets… hoo boy.

Charlie Adlard does a wonderful job with the cast’s faces. There are a lot of silent panels where the storytelling is purely in the art, and Adlard pulls it off. At the close of the issue, the anger in Andrea, Carl, and that other gal’s face is crystal clear. Yet Michonne looks accepting with a tinge of sadness. There is subtlety there that is extremely hard to nail in a drawing.

It says a lot that a disappointing issue of Walking Dead is still pretty darn good.

Good

Guarding the Globe #1

So clearly, I’m a sucker for team books. From the first time I picked up an issue of Uncanny X-Men, I’ve always loved the value of a funny book packed with characters. The best part is, if you like the characters, then no matter what happens in that particular issue, you always want more. Robert Kirkman has created a well-rounded, fun team in his Guardians of the Globe, and I’m more than ready to shell out $2.99 to see the expansion of Kirkman’s universe.

The book focuses on Brit, and as one of the few members to carry his own series in the past, that makes sense. Then there is his robot pal Donald, Bulletproof/Invincible II, and the cast from Kirkman’s Capes series. Only a few of the folks in the lineup are new-ish, and they’ve been around since the Guardians’ last series.

I have to admit, I know nothing about Samson, Outrun, or Kaboomerang. Heck, Blind Tiger and the rest of the cast are just as mysterious. They’ve had a few lines of dialogue, but that’s it. It’s a great opportunity for Phil Hester to come in here and give these guys more personality. I am hoping he puts the spotlight more on Bulletproof, Robot, and Monster Girl, our more established Guardians, but I don’t mind new folks like Tiger getting some panel time too.

Hester takes an interesting tack, revealing that Brit’s young son has autism. This is an extremely sensitive subject for a lot of people (my family included). I imagine that someone involved in this book is drawing on personal experience; the dialogue seems pretty personal. If family is going to be one of Brit’s defining characteristics, I’m interested to see how it develops from here.

Todd Nauck isn’t my favorite artist when it comes to big, iconic characters. I don’t love his Spider-Man, or his Wolverine. However, when he’s drawing crowds of new heroes? No one does it better. His storytelling is clear and I dig his take on the Invincible costume. This is a solid debut. It’s not revolutionary or world-changing, but it is entertaining and packed with heroes.

Fair

Invincible #94

Aw man, Kirkman is still tugging at my heartstrings with the lost romance of Monster Girl and Robot. I want to see it work out for those two! I finally have some hope, after this issue’s confession from Robot. We also have a possible reason for the difficulties between the two of them, and boy, it’s a doozy. I won’t ruin that last page, but it does shed some new light on Robot and MG’s issues.

Bulletproof as Invincible really doesn’t get much screen time in this one. He’s on maybe, three pages? It’s too bad, I’ve made my affection for the concept clear, and I hope we don’t get to Mark Grayson’s triumphant return too quickly. I’m now holding out hope that Mark comes back in issue 125 rather than the much more likely #100.

I am happy that the Guardians of the Globe are featured so prominently. I’m already planning on picking up their spin-off in the fall.

Cory Walker does the heavy lifting in this issue, with a lot more detail about Robot and MG’s time in the alien dimension. (He also gets to do one of the best cameos ever for Kirkman-creation Tech Jacket.) Walker is solid; he’s a good storyteller with lots of emotion on the page. But I love Ryan Ottley’s dynamic, cartoony pencils. I’m OK with a timeshare as long as Ottley keeps up with the “current” segments of the book.

Good

Walking Dead #101

Hoo doggies! I think it’s time for Andrea to be put in charge, don’t you?

Man, Kirkman sure didn’t wait long to slap another moral quandary in front of our leads, did he? I really appreciate the pacing in this book, I mean, after last issue’s heart-wrenching death, it would be easy to sit around and mourn. But no, Rick is still tearing stuff up on the Hilltop, and burning rubber to get back home.

I love that Jesus is joining up with our crew, too. He’s clearly a huge bad a$$, and it makes Abraham’s death a few issues ago easier to take. There is only one spot for #2 tough guy in our cast, and with Tyreese and Abraham gone, Jesus clearly saw an opening. I hope he sticks around for awhile.

Kirkman also does a nice job with Sophia, Carl, and Maggie. They all react in realistic ways to the loss last month. I appreciate how quickly Maggie is able to get herself back under control and start making reasoned choices. I don’t think we’ll see her as much, but that’s OK. It’s nice having someone leave the cast without dying! And as for Carl, I finally have some hope that he’s not a junior sociopath after all. He shows a lot of understanding and emotion with Sophia.

One favor: Kirkman, please name dreadlock dude in the dialogue, please. I can’t remember his name, and he’s sticking around for at least a bit, right?

Charlie Adlard kicks it with the pencils again. One concern this time: am I supposed to recognize that guy at the end? Cause I don’t. That’s the problem with too many folks looking similar; and this guy has a burned face and I still can’t recognize him!

All this, and NO ZOMBIES! Amazing!

Excellent

Walking Dead #100

Wow. I'm really upset by this comic. And frankly, the thought that this is going to be one of the highest-selling comics of all time is quite the statement for our pet art form. This comic is absolutely brutal. Just an awful experience for those of us who have spent years with the characters.

I was enraged when Tyreese died. I was saddened when Lori died. I was disappointed when Abraham bought it. But this death here... man, it just crushes your heart, huh? I mean, these are made up characters, but wow, this one is going to stay with any real fans of the Walking Dead for a long time. For the first time, this world feels like it is too far gone to try to survive in. It may be that some of those dead folks got off easy.

And this jerk Negan, I absolutely can't wait for whatever comeuppance he's got coming. I know he's got all the cards right now, but so did the Governor, and even if Rick doesn't make it, I have faith that someone else in our cast is gonna make this guy pay. I'm already anxious for it. In one issue, Robert Kirkman has created a guy I hate as much as the Governor.

And Charlie Adlard. I read an interview how he turns off his brain to draw this, how after he gets over the shock of reading the script, he just turns into a pencil robot. I'd think he had to, because this is just crushing artwork. That one panel, the splash after the initial hit. Ugh. Almost made me sick reading it.

So c'mon Rick. Start working out a plan to kill a whole lotta people, cause I think all these guys gotta go.

Excellent

Invincible #93

I haven’t counted pages, but this felt like a really short issue. Perhaps it’s the multi-splash page battles with the Flaxans, but this was over in a jiffy.

I appreciate Kirkman’s novel approach to the Robot and Monster Girl story, but is it me or is this dragging on a bit? I suppose that’s how the plan must have felt to our heroes while they were trapped, but man! I’m also having a hard time remembering how Monster Girl’s powers worked while she was exiled. I thought Robot had stabilized her back in her adult form, but she’s clearly kiddie-sized on that cover. And we still don’t know what exactly happened during the decades the two lovebirds spent together, but I still hold out hope they can get back together.

I think part of my lack of enthusiasm for this issue is the lack of a voice for the Flaxans. Kirkman excels at writing his villains, and the Flaxans really don’t have much detail to them. They need a Super-Skrull type champion to give them a face I can root against. Maybe that last page is giving us someone like that?

I still love Bulletproof as the new Invincible. The whole “screw-up brother” ostracized by his family is a neat idea, one I don’t remember seeing before. Bulletproof/Invincible II has a “public” ID, it’s just the wrong brother! I’m not sure why Zandalle is putting himself through all this torture, but it’s hard not to pull for the guy when you see these glimpses of his life.

This book belongs to Ryan Ottley. I love the way he draws the entire cast. Cory Walker still does a nice job, but I’ll be happy when Ottley is handling the whole thing again. Maybe give Walker a spin-off?

Fair