Babs reviews 'Psylocke' #2, 'The Boys' #37, 'Cinderella' #2 and 'Batman Unseen' #5
Written by: Chris Yost
Penciled by: Harvey Tolibao
Cover by: David Finch
Published by: Marvel
My first thoughts on the cover were "my, what a small waist she has," followed by, "since when did Psylocke become a contortionist?" Also, by enlarging the image on the left, you can draw a comparison between the width of her arm and the width of the katana. Her body in this image is not well proportioned.
Reading this issue feels like you are watching a movie. Yost segue's between scenes and settings effortlessly and Tolibao's art is completely captivating. The colors are rich and vibrant making this issue a page turner. This is a great issue to read if you are unfamiliar with Psylocke's history as well as how Ravanche fits into her continuity. Not only does Yost recount her history, but he does so really clearly. The scene with Yukio is great. The way the art plays out in the later scenes reminds me a lot of the final fight sequence in the first Kill Bill film. The issue lives up to the first and ends with a bang, leaving the reader with an abundance of questions as well as a desire for what will come next.
3 out of 5
Written by: Chris Roberson
Penciled by: Shawn McManus
Published by: Vertigo
While the second issue of Cinderella: From Fabletown With Love may not be written by Fable's creator Bill Willingham, it references the Fables series enough that a new reader (someone unfamiliar with "Fables") would not likely understand. The story is very "Bond-esque," and while it does manage to entice the reader enough with it's storyline, the language and dialogue is somewhat cliche in some scenes. Writer Chris Roberson has a firm understanding of Willingham's Fables Universe. The problem with taking over writing a universe you did not create is the the inevitability of having your work compared to that of your predecessor. Roberson delivers a well structured and enticing story, but he is no Bill Willingham. The art by McManus is solid and reminiscent of Mark Buckingham's distinct style. I recommend this story to anyone interested in Fables, but I caution that new readers may have some difficulty understanding a lot of the references.
3 out of 5
Written by: Garth Ennis
Penciled by: Darick Robertson
Published by: Dynamite
I bet you guys never thought I would review ' The Boys,' huh?
The "mature readers" label on the front cover is to be taken seriously. While I love Darick Robertson's artwork, I felt that some of the images in the comic were hard to stomach. Additionally, I also felt that some of the scenes did not match the dialogue as well as I would have liked.
I would have preferred a better image to go along with the dialogue on this page. The scene was a bit too oversexed for my taste. If you have ever considered reading 'The Boys' this may be a good issue to read to determine whether or not it is a series you want to delve into. This issue acts as both an introduction to Frenchie's character by explaining his backstory to readers both old and new. The story is sad, dealing with issues that explain aspects of the character's personality in addition to his path to becoming a member of 'The Boys.' The narrative at some points is a great reflection of Ennis' capabilities. It is, however, graphic (sometimes uncomfortably so,) yet serves to shock and entertain, (which I presume is the purpose of the book in general). Ennis has fantastic comedic timing, and intertwines comedy and tragedy really well. The art, of course, is brilliant; gritty, graphic, shocking; and compliments Ennis' writing well. The shock effect you may miss in the writing, you are sure to get from Robertson's art. The story is well structured and entertaining and manages to capture and retain the reader's attention."When innocence gave way to the greater purity of passion."
4 out of 5
Written by: Doug Moench
Penciled by: Kelley Jones
Published by: DC Comics
Some of the best Batman stories were written during the bronze age of comics, the 1980's and early 1990's; particularly those penned by Doug Moench. If I had to pick my top three Batman writers I think that there is a pretty good chance that Moench might be up there. There are few writers, I feel, that capture the very essence of Bruce Wayne, something that Moench seems to do rather perfectly. Written in a classic style , this characterization of Batman is seemingly perfect. There is very little I do not like about this issue. Moench's dialogue is complimented by Kelley Jones' gritty pencils and fantastic style, making this issue stand above several of the other Batman titles.
Lovers of the classic Batman stories are sure to enjoy the final issue in the five part series. There is enough momentum in this issue to keep the reader wanting more. My only complaint is that the ending seemed somewhat rushed.
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Overall if it was not Moench writing Batman, it probably would have received a lower score.
4 out of 5