Here are today's Guest Reviews by Anj from Supergirl Comic Box Commentary for DC's; Action Comics #23.4 (Metallo #1), Batman/Superman #3.1 (Doomsday #1), and Superman #23.4 (Parasite #1). I have also added my rating after each review. If you have any questions about my rating or want to discuss anything just leave me a comment.
Action Comics #23.4 - Full Metal Jacket
Before he became Metal-Zero, John Corben had two great loves: his country and Lois Lane. Awakening from a coma after the events of ACTION COMICS #8, Corben finds himself betrayed by both—and now his Kryptonite heart beats only for revenge! And when he joins up with the Secret Society, there’s no limit to the destruction he can cause!
Preview
Metallo #1
My coverage of Villains' Month comes to an end with this review of Action Comics #23.4 Metallo.
I have to say I was looking forward to this issue a lot as it brought together a couple of my favorite creators. Sholly Fisch shined in the Action Comics back-up stories during Morrison's run and picked up where he left off with the Bizarro one-shot earlier this month. And artist Steve Pugh's murky style was dazzling years ago in the Jamie Delano Animal Man and continued to shine in the New 52 Animal Man.
Now this is a fine story, a look into the mind of John Corben and how it became twisted into the cyborg Metallo. There some great character moments that helped make this character more three-dimensional, even faintly sympathetic (faintly faintly). And the art is very solid.
But maybe these guys are victims of their own success. I read the book and thought 'nice little story'. Unfortunately, I am used to being wowed by Fisch and so even though I was entertained I felt a little let down. I just didn't feel the energy, the small extraordinary stuff, that usually elevates the issues into 'great' rather than 'good'.
Let me reiterate this. I was entertained by this book. And that means something.
My Rating
Cover & Solicit - 4
Art, Colors & Inking - 3
Layout & Flow - 3
Story - 3
Verdict - 3.1 (6/10) - (Buy Action Comics #23.4) SAVE 10%
Batman/Superman #3.1 - Tales of Doom
Long before Superman fought the unstoppable monster known as Doomsday, the beast’s reputation for death and destruction haunted The Man of Steel’s home world of Krypton.
Preview
Doomsday #1
Batman/Superman #3.1 Doomsday came out last week and was one of the more intriguing books during Villains' month. Written by Greg Pak and drawn by Brett Booth, the book isn't necessarily about Doomsday as much as it is about the El family and General Zod.
Sure, we see Doomsday, hear how he earned his name, even learn a bit about his origins. But he seems more like a plot device than a character, something to move the plot along ... like a bomb threat or a natural disaster.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about the book is the setting, Krypton several years before its destruction. We hear from all the Els about what Doomsday meant and how he effected their world. We see a loving Zor-El (something I didn't think existed anymore) and strong Lara. And then, in a sort of story curve ball, we hear about a prophecy for the El family, one which struck me as the most beautiful segment in the issue. It weaves some of the problems I have with the current DCU in with some nice Reign of Superman homages.
Booth brings his usual style to the book, a kinetic feel to the action sequences, a soft touch to the personal moments. But the prophecy pages stand out, drawn as a sort of 'stained glass' giving it a mythic feel. Wonderful.
My Rating
Cover & Solicit - 5
Art, Colors & Inking - 5
Layout & Flow - 4
Story - 3
Verdict - 4 (8/10) - (Buy Batman/Superman #3.1) SAVE 10%
Superman #23.4 - Parasite
Parasite: Noun.
An organism that lives in or on another organism.
Preferably Superman.
Preview
Parasite #1
Superman #23.4 Parasite came out this week and was a very interesting read for me. Unlike many of the one-shots I have read this month which have been unbelievably dark, there was a sense of dark humor in this issue, a welcome sort of palate cleanser after seeing Deadshot's parents and baby sister gunned down, Harley Quinn kill countless people with bomb-laden gaming systems, and the Cheetah eating the heart of her victim.
Aaron Kuder does the writing and the art in this issue and brings a new take on the Parasite as a sort of slacker super-villain.And with that basis for the character, you know there will be some sarcasm and irony soaked in. It should be obvious from the cover where a chibi-style death skull floats in the bright background. That isn't blood or viscera.
But on top of the new origins, Kuder's approach to the art is excellent as well, giving us vertical panels, splash pages, and inset panels which add so much of the story. His Parasite certainly seems to be modeled on the Frank Quitely bloated tick in All-Star Superman and any time I am reminded of that book it is a good things. But perhaps the best effect is his use of words floating amongst the art to add to the tone.
My Rating
Cover & Solicit - 4
Art, Colors & Inking - 3
Layout & Flow - 3
Story - 4
Verdict - 3.6 (7/10) - (Buy Superman #23.4) SAVE 10%
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