Weekly Comic Book Review

Book of the Month: Ex Machina #50

Despite a really solid month of comics, it’s impossible for me to give this award to any other book.  This was the perfect conclusion to one of the greatest modern comics of all time.  It was heavy, tragic, and effective in essentially very arena that a comic can be effective in.

This final issue is only so powerful because of the harshly bittersweet taste Brian K. Vaughan leaves us with, while also making a statement upon both the medium and the superhero genre.  It’s Vaughan’s statement on a lot of things, and the end result is a truly significant comic book that will be remembered for years to come.

Tony Harris is also at his best this month, showing all the strengths of his style and none of its weaknesses.

Best Writing: Ex Machina #50 by Brian K. Vaughan

Normally, in future editions of this feature, the book of the month is by no means a shoe-in for the best writing award, but with Ex Machina #50, it’s impossible not to give both prizes to the same contender.

This is wonderful work by Vaughan, one where we get to know Vaughan himself as well as the world he has crafted.  Better still, he daringly goes completely against the grain by refusing us a happy ending.  He also completes a dramatic transformation of his lead character, Mitchell Hundred, in this final issue, when he could just as easily have coasted to a conclusion.  But this is as much transition, however shocking and tragic, as much as conclusion, and that makes it all the more perfect of a finale.

Best Artwork: Madame Xanadu #26 by Chrissie Zullo (art & colors)

In her first appearance on interior artwork, Chrissie Zullo has cemented herself as an artist to watch.  Considering the industry veterans she was up against this month, the fact that she takes this prize with ease is testament to that fact.

In Madame Xanadu #26, Zullo crafts a world all her own.  She transforms Madame Xanadu into a children’s storybook world for adults, one that is equal parts wonder, fancy, and oppressive sadness.  Her art is stunningly beautiful and unlike anything currently on the stands, distinctly modern while wear its late 70s-early 80s anime influences on its sleeve.  It’s not quite like anything I’ve ever seen.

Zullo may not have the sheer artistic horsepower and maddening level of content or detail of a Cassaday or Darrow, but that is made up for with a look that is completely unique amidst today’s hordes, and that says quite a lot.

Most Anticipated: Morning Glories #2

Were it not for the unstoppable behemoth that was Ex Machina #50, Morning Glories #1 would’ve taken the book of the month award.  It’s a great cast of characters and there are mysteries aplenty.  However, despite all the questions, the comic managed to suck me in more than it did confuse me, and that’s an achievement.  Usually, when weirdness abounds like this, I find it only puts me off.

I think that’s largely due to the anchor that is the awesome cast, each of whom Nick Spencer fully realizes and clearly defines in this landmark first issue.

While the art is touch and go, the central style is great and the book also drops one hell of a bizarre cliffhanger.  Give me more!

Biggest Disappointment: Superman #702

Despite Shadowland’s best effort to get this award, stink triumphs over mediocrity for this category and there’s little getting around the fact that Superman #702 most definitely stank.

It’s hard not to have had high expectations for this book, or this run for that matter.  It’s done by a big name writer and fairly big artist.  Said writer, J. Michael Straczynski, also hyped the series quite well, writing a public essay avowing his longstanding love for the character.

So when I read an issue like this, I can only scratch my head and wonder how this is the story JMS has so long wanted to tell.  This is the sort of issue that immediately makes you reassess and adjust your expectations.  A moronic attempt to be politically “relevant,” a painfully elementary social metaphor, and amateurish, not to mention outdated, racial stereotypes abound here.  Ugh.

Best Character: Franklin Richards

In Fantastic Four #582, we get to see Franklin as something approaching god-status, attempting cosmic acts of creation that boggle the mind.  As a character, we see a sense of humour and the courage and self-sacrifice that defines the greatest of heroes.  We also get to see the tender relationship he shares with his sister Val, even as the years have passed.

Yet, Franklin’s also pretty darned smart this month.  So much so that at different points in the issue, we can’t figure out whether he’s a good hat or black hat and when it finally becomes clear, we end up feeling just a little guilty for ever doubting him.

Better still, the letters page has a hilarious interview between Jonathan Hickman and child Franklin that needs to be read to be believed.   It even features a Franklin-drawn image of his sister– as a pig.

-Alex Evans