This Week In Comics

Before I start this weeks new release article, I would like to inform you that this blog will now be focusing on comic books and comic book related topics. This includes reviews, opinions, and even some how-to posts. Later on down the line, I’ll be able to provide you with interviews and coverage of events. Our entertainment products will still be largely diverse though, Including: comics, web shows, serial novels, and more. That said, here are your reviews.

Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds #1: DC’s final crisis reaches the 31st century in the first issue of five in this miniseries. Carrying a grudge against the Legion of Superheroes, the Time Trapper has found the ultimate weapon to destroy them – Superboy Prime, an evil version of the boy of steel from a parallel Earth.

The there are various plots going on here at the same time, spanning from the United Planets aiming to disban the Legion to Superboy Prime coming to the 31st century and finding he’s been placed at the bottom of Superman’s list of villains. With everything going on, it is kind of confusing. However, writer Geoff Johns pulls it all together at the end and, instead of promising us four issues of royal rumble, he sets us up for what looks to be a strong character driven story. The artwork is very lively and detailed, with even small panels delivering a sense of grandeur. George Perez is at the top of his game here. I give this issue 4 out of 5 stars for strong writing and excellent art.

The Incredible Hercules #120: The “Sacred Invasion” continues in this “Secret Invasion” tie-in. Here’s the lowdown directly from Marvel: “Hercules leads the ragged remains of his God Squad into desperate battle with the unimaginably powerful Skrull pantheon — and if they lose, Earth dies!”

While writers Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente do well at depicting the fanaticism and arrogance of the Skrull. However, the portrayal of Herc and the other gods seems a little melodramatic and forced. Rafa Sandoval provides the pencils and I am actually left wanting. I mean Hercules is an epic level character and the art should reflect that. However, it lacks the majesty of titles like Thor or the epic levels of The Incredible Hulk. I therefore rate this issue 3 out of 5 stars even though, with a little work it could reach constant 4s.

 

The Helm #2: Every comic fan has fantasized about having some great superpowers. In fact the most popular superheroes are usually branded for geeks through their average lives. Examples include Superman and his geeky cover identity Clark Kent or Spider-Man and his science nerd “normal life” as Peter Parker. The Helm also brands itselfto this crowd, but I think it is more accurate as to what would actually happen if one of us got powers. Here’s the synopsis from Dark Horse: “The Helm, an enchanted artifact of countless legendary heroes, has learned that its latest Chosen One is a chubby, unemployed fantasy addict . . . who lives in his mother’s basement. Defying all odds, however, Matt Blurdy managed both to defeat a bloodthirsty hobgoblin and thwart the Helm’s scheme to have him killed. Now the hero’s training begins in earnest: workouts, retrieval of a magic flaming sword, battles with wraiths, and a showdown with a sorcerer in mortal combat. But when the media starts reporting Matt’s victories as murders, an old flame reenters the picture, and true darkness looms on the horizon, even a replica Highlander trench coat might not be enough to save Matt’s hide!”

Jim Hardison is writing this series and writing it well. Filled with action, humor, and fantasy – it leaves little to want. The relationship between Matt and the Helm is probably one of the best love-hate relationships I’ve read. Furthermore, the fact that the main character happens to be a geek instead of being forced into the part, makes it all the more endearing. Bart Sears draws the book and his style works well with the story being told. I especially like the talent he displays when utilizing facial expressions to add to the story. The colors by Dan Jackson work well with the art, despite their lack of great detail, creating a neat little package with the writing and drawings. I give this issue 4 out of 5 stars, and hope that this is not the last mini about Matt and the Helm.