Action Comics #869
by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank
Johns is getting somewhat trite in this penultimate chapter of the "Brainiac" arc. The characterization seems step-by-step, with no real, I dunno, heart to it. It seems as if he's just following a formula, so the comic actually was kind of boring to me.
Step 1) devote some panel time to quickly characterize the supporting chracters.Step 2) devote some page time to Supergirl getting retribution against the Brainiac sentries.Step c) show Superman in peril against Brainiac.Step d) make an ominous event in Smallville, to symbolize Superman's peril.Step 5) cliffhanger ending.
I mean, it's still jam-packed, which is more than you can say for some other books, but there just doesn't seem to be any real consciousness to it. It seems so. . . howdoyousayit. . . telegraphed.
Gary Frank is awesome as always, but his facial expressions are a bit iffy. For example, Supergirl's angry look at the Brainiac Sentries might also convey constipation. That's not a good thing.
In the end, if you're gonna get it, wait for the trade, and even then, wait for a discount.
Here's an example I remember from many issues back: Johns did a flashback to when Clark was in high school. There,the kids picked on him, and he sulked back to his mom and dad. In the middle of the walk, he saw a bird, who took flight with a bunch of other birds.
And so did he. You should have seen the happiness on his face then. Now that's characterization with some real heart. It powerfully conveyed Clark's loneliness, and that's what I wanna see more of.
Marvel Adventures: The Avengers #28
by Jeff Parker, Paul Tobin, Ig Guara and Rodney Buchem
This issue is wondeful. Luke Cage - Power Man, guest stars, and we get to meet his mama too! Doc Doom appears even!
CAN NO ONE STOP THE UNADULTERATED FURY THAT IS MOMMA CAGE?!?!?!
Like last ish, there's a back-up with Paul Tobin, and there's also some art by Rodney Buchemi, whose style meshes so well with Ig Guara. If this were fill-in art, I'd be praising how it fits in so perfectly.
Paul Tobin comes up with a really awesome premise, but the execution falls short. There aren't as many jokes.
All in all, a great issue!
