This Week In Comics 8/27/08

Sorry about getting to this so late. I had a hell of a night at my job. But they’re here – this week’s new release reviews.

We start the reviews off with Nova #16. This issue ties the Centurion, while investigating a possible Phalanx infestation, is pulled right into the Secret Invasion storyline. The space trooper must team up with one of the enemy, Kl,rt – the Super-Skrull. However, can he be trusted. And, sure, Nova’s been outnumbered before, but he stands against an entire fleet of Skrull warships. Oh, and did I mention Worldmind seems to be out of action for good?

Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning wrote this issue, kicking off Nova’s run in the Secret Invasion story. The story is solid and the dialog is strong. I should also mention the great character building work they did on Kl’rt. The artwork was provided by Wellington Alves and Geraldo Burges. Action packed and filled with great hero shots.

This is the first “cosmic” character I have ever been into and this issue is yet another reason why. Nova #16 gets 4/5 stars.

 

This weeks indie title comes from indie giant Dark Horse with Star Wars Legacy #27. Now, I am a Star Wars fan and could not pass up the opportunity to check out two Sith dueling to the death. Traveling into the Deep Core, master of Sith lore Darth Wyyrlok must find the knowledge needed to keep his master alive. And he must battle Lord Adeddu, an ancient who once kept himself alive through sheer force of will alone.

John Ostrander wrote the script and, as a fan of Star Wars, I can say he puts me right back into that immortal universe. Furthermore, he manages to turn a story about a Sith into an inspirational tale about confidence. The art by Omar Francia is top-notch and detailed extremely well. Brad Anderson colored the issue and did an equally spectacular job. Details added to Darth Wyyrlok’s ship remind me of the detail on the X-Wings when I first watch A New Hope (complete with rust and dirt).

A good read and an excellent exploration into Sith philosophy with very talented art and colors earns this issue 4/5 stars.

Finally, we have our DC title, Final Crisis: Superman Beyond #1 of 2. As Louis is dying in a hospital bed, Superman is approached by a super god seeking to recruit the man of steel in a fight against a “reality-spanning menace.” In return, the super god offers Superman the chance to save the life of the woman he loves. It is then that we embark on an adventure that spans across the various Earths of the DC Universe and are introduced to a disfunctional team of Supermen.

Written by Grant Morrison, he juggles the various versions of Superman well, though the dialog can get kind of cheesy. However, that’s part of the fun. Doug Mahnke penciled the art and though a few panels seem off, the action shots and most of the panels with Ultraman are intense. Colors were done by David Baron and he makes sure to use them to bring the story alive with everything from divinity to crazed anger.

A fun read, especially with seeing Supermen of so many Earths coming together. I give the first installment of this two part mini 4/5 stars.