Weekly Comic Book Review

FIRST IMPRESSIONS 8/25/10

Science Dog Special #1

By Robert Kirkman & Cory Walker
Price: $3.50

Brief Thoughts: I’m conflicted about this comic.  On one hand, I enjoyed the fun, in-media-res introduction to the title character.  There’s a lot of fun to be had with the concept introduced here, and Science Dog alone is actually a likable protagonist.  The tone and style of adventure reminded me of Kirkman’s popular series, Invincible, which isn’t a bad thing.  On the other hand (and speaking of Invincible), the problem with this issue is that it not only ends on an unexpected cliffhanger (this being billed as a one-shot was a bit misleading), but said cliffhanger continues in an upcoming issue of Invincible, not Science Dog!  Fans of both might be fine with that, but the lack of warning or foreshadowing at the sudden turn of events makes me feel a little bit tricked into picking up a series I don’t usually buy.  That doesn’t affect the enjoyment to be had here, but it does sour it a bit.

Verdict: Give it a shot (but beware).

Dracula: The Company of Monsters #1

By Kurt Busiek, Daryl Gregory & Scott Godlewski
Price: $3.99

Brief Thoughts: BOOM! never fails with their series to, if not knock it out of the park with their first issues, at least entice you enough to come back for seconds.  Busiek’s & Gregory’s Dracula series is intriguing.  The story tells of a modern day corporation that seeks to resurrect the most famous vampire of all, while we simultaneously get bits and pieces of Vlad Dracul’s life as emperor of Wallachia in the past.  It’s also interesting to note that this issue features absolutely no vampires whatsoever, showcasing Dracula before the transformation, and it still works.  Godlewski’s artwork is also rather nice.

Verdict: Give it a shot.

Star Wars: Blood Ties #1

By Tom Taylor & Chris Scalf
Price: $3.50

Brief Thoughts: Bobba Fett reminisces about how he was turned into the ultimate badass by his “father”, Jango Fett and while doing so, proves that there is still life left in the Star Wars universe of stories.  Taylor tells a pretty straightforward tale of father and son (or cloned and clonee) going on a mission together, and it’s that straightforwardness that sells it.  Funnily enough, just as you’re enjoying that action-packed simplemindedness, the tale takes a twisty turn and you’re loving that as well.  As good as Taylor’s script is, it’s Scalf’s painted artwork that makes this issue a must-buy.  It’s downright beautiful and every creature and alien who shows up is exceptionally visualized.  While Scalf does have some weaknesses when it comes to drawing actual human faces, he more than makes up for it with his renditions of the Fetts (with their helmets on) and their tech.  A completely unexpected surprise, this one.

Verdict: Give it a shot.  Definitely.

The Darkness: Four Horsemen #1

By David Hine & Jeff Wamester
Price: $3.99

Brief Thoughts: Four Horsemen basically takes the plot of  B-movie and runs with it, while mixing in Darkness owner Jackie Estacado to the mix.  Some of it feels forced, ranging from Jackie’s involvement just happening to coincide with the Four Horsemen’s attack on a small town to the inclusion of a character who is the most convenient walking font of exposition I’ve witnessed in a long, long time.  That said, there is fun to be had here, especially if you enjoy a good amount of gore and supernatural violence.  I just don’t know that it’s worth four bucks.  Wamester’s artwork is solid, by the way, although I’m not convinced it’s right for the tone of this series.

Verdict: Save your dough.

Guarding the Globe #1

By Robert Kirkman, Benito Cereno & Ransom Getty
Price: $3.50

Brief Thoughts: I’m not a regular reader of Invincible and I think to enjoy this to its fullest potential, you need to be.  There are a lot of characters running around in this issue, and even more mentioned in passing.  To make matters worse, it takes several pages in which we watch the Guardians battling an alien race for Kirkman and Cereno to get around to actually naming the characters for you.  Would it have killed them to have the heroes’ names show up with some background info under it, similar to what the X-books do these days?  At least for this first issue?  Meanwhile, the plot is somewhat interesting, although it does suffer from feeling a bit familiar for the superhero genre.  A super team wants to expand its ranks and fill out their roster with a more international grouping?  Meh.  Seen it.  Overall, this will probably be a blast for Invincible fans but it’s a bit crowded for a passer-by.

Verdict: Save your dough.

Tank Girl: Hairy Heroes #1

By Alan C. Martin & Rufus Dayglo
Price: $3.99

Brief Thoughts: Rufus Dayglo is a revelation.  I’ve never seen any of his work before, and I’m inclined after picking up this issue to go seek out other examples of his art.  He’s that good and I’d be eager to read something that he’s worked on that’s a bit more my speed.  Martin’s Tank Girl script is, to put it mildly, all over the place.  I’m fully aware that this is pretty much what you should expect from a Tank Girl comic, but it just didn’t work for me. It’s oddly paced and the set ups lead to disappointing punch lines.  This comic is definitely for someone, just not this someone.

Verdict: Save your dough.

All-New Wolverine Saga

By Jeph York & Various artists
Price: FREE!

Brief Thoughts: Sure, this one-shot simply summarizes the past few years of events that have occurred in the Wolverine family, but sometimes having everything explained neatly and succinctly in one handy floppy is just what the doctor ordered, especially with a character as complicated as Wolverine.  Didn’t read Wolverine Origins or X-Force when they were coming out and don’t really have interest in doing so now?  Maybe despite that you want to check out the new X-23 or Daken series?  Maybe the new Uncanny X-Force?  Then this is perfect for you.  You can easily catch up on all things Wolverine from the past few years and it will cost your nothing.  You might even read something that piques your interest.  And I mean, really, why the heck not?

Verdict: It’s FREE! Give it a shot.

-Joe Lopez

Other First Issue reviews on WCBR:

X-MEN CURSE OF THE MUTANTS BLADE #1
X-MEN CURSE OF THE MUTANTS STORM/GAMBIT #1
NAMOR THE FIRST MUTANT #1
PUNISHER MAX HAPPY ENDING #1

Filed under: Dark Horse Comics, DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Picks of the Week Tagged: | All-New Wolverine Saga #1, Guarding the Globe #1, Star Wars: Blood Ties #1, The Darkness: Four Horsemen #1