Just to take one of the particular criticisms I had for X-Men: Noir #1 as an example…when I buy a book, I want it to feel as though the author or artist took the time to make the book feel worth every bit of its cost…if there are corners being cut (such as reusing artwork repeatedly) I find myself a bit annoyed…as I am sure others do as well. I reported on that feeling.

I agree with you that the creators often have no say regarding the cost of the book they are working on…especially in the case of a company like Marvel. However, that doesn’t change the fact that price is a part of the comic package. As I mentioned in the last response, I look at a comic book as a complete package…Story, Writing, Art, and Price are all a part of that. To turn my review around a bit…If it was listed at the previously standard price of $2.99…I may have been a bit more forgiving of the overall package. A C instead of a C- for instance.

In short, to judge a book without taking into consideration the cover price would be ignoring a crucial part of the overall package…I am a consumer just like you are. And, as such, I want to be left with the feeling that the comic I purchased can be chalked up to money well spent for a slice of entertainment…in the case of X-Men: Noir, I felt a bit ripped off. My review reflects that.

I did misunderstand. I read your review though, and it does sound, because you’re making criticisms before the meat of the review, that those particular comments are being made before you actually read the cook.

As far as the art, I just don’t see, other than like Alex Ross or many others, it’s photorealistic, any connection to Greg Land’s stuff. I mean, it’s just not the dude I would think of. But if you do,t hat’s cool.

Going back, the reuse of art seems to happen primarily on two pages. If that’;s enough to bother you, it may just be a pet peeve of yours and shouldn’t color a review meant for others. That’s just my opinion on how reviews should be done.

But I also don’t see the point of a review, which supposedly’s talking about the creative merit of a comic, taking into account cost. (although rereading it, I do see you make the distinction, I just missed it) That’s a seperate issue, unless of course the creators decided it. So no.

This part of your comment “I mean how do you know that the comic “has no punch or urgency” before you read it?” bothers me because I wouldn’t be reviewing something if I had not read it. That would be a disservice to the readers of WCBR and the person in charge. I read X-Men: Noir #1, found myself quite disappointed, and reported on that.

Now if you are referring to the idea that maybe I shouldn’t judge a story until I see it all the way through, then that would completely eliminate the purpose of reviewing an individual issue…particularly a #1…sure I could do a few one-shots or something, but I hope you see my point. People come to this website for reviews of the latest releases…the vast majority of which are part of an ongoing (or new) series. As such, it is imperative that I judge each comic on its own merits or in relation to what came before if it is part of a longer narrative or series…with the Noir comic, all I have to base my review on is the single issue I currently have…and that single issue did not exactly impress me…especially considering what it cost.

Now as for the artwork…In all honesty Curtis, I had litte experience with Dennis Calero’s work prior to reading the comic…so it would be impossible for it to “color” any opinion I may have had going into the book.

If you re-read my review, clearly you will see my biggest issue with X-Men: Noir #1 is the price point. The comic simply didn’t hook me enough to warrant the investment it would take to follow the (seemingly) lackluster story. Sure it had some decent moments, as I mention, but it really didn’t make any sort of significant impact on me…My slightly below average score is a reflection of the problems I had with the book as a whole…the story, the artwork, and the price all factor into the C-.

I hope what I wrote clears things up a bit or, at the very least, provides a satisfying response.

Thanks for the feedback and keep reading.