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Off The Shelf: Dark Matter and New 52 Batman
Issue #3 of Dark Matter was released this week and this still new franchise continues to grow in scope as the story of a crew of mercenaries, each with a case of amnesia continues. The quality of the writing and illustration continues to be high and we get to see a little more action here than in previous issues. As a result of this we also get see the darker side of some of the characters as their situation rapidly deteriorates and one character is forced to make a pretty tough call. The reasons behind the crews Amnesiac state remain hidden at the moment and I look forward to seeing how their individual arcs progress. I recommend picking it up for sure.
Also out this week was issue #7 of DC Comics The New 52! Batman. This issue is available as a regular comic or as a combo-pack that comes with a code for a digital copy which is pretty awesome. This relaunch of Batman continues a fantastic story line involving the Talons, an ancient and deadly secret society that has after many years decided to turn its attention onto Batman. I have not missed an issue of this comic book yet and I don’t intend to. The story is deep and intriguing while the art style is suitably dark without being dull. Writer Scott Snyder has also done an admirable job of setting up our main protagonist as while he is certainly physically imposing, strong and very smart he is neither infallible or indestructible. As with Dark Matter this one come highly recommended, be sure to pick up the back issues if you have missed any too as they are well worth reading too.
Off the Shelf: Avengers Assemble!!
Its been a busy not to mention expensive week this week but most importantly it has been a very good week for comic books. Today’s installment will revolve around two of this weeks big Avengers releases, Avengers Assemble #1 and The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week #1 of 4.
First of all comes issue one of Marvels Avengers Assemble title which has been timed to release just in time to build up yet more anticipation for the forthcoming Avengers movie. The story is reasonably interesting if a little familiar with the by now well established ‘current’ Avengers line up facing off against the shadowy organisation of super powered criminals known as Zodiac. Those with long memories will know that Zodiac first appeared in Avengers #72 way back 1970 and they have cropped up a few times since.
Zodiac c.1970
Zodiac Today
I like the stories main conceit, writer Brian Michael Bendis has created a good solid story with plenty of room for him expand the narrative. The art is great, creating a nice balance between some Silver age era influences and more modern sensibilities so props go out to Bagley, Miki and Mounts.
Continuing the Avengers theme is The Avengers: Prelude, Fury’s big week which is definately tied into the forthcoming movie. Samuel L Jackson is present and correct though he is not having a good day. The story basically revolves around the ‘secret’ scenes that appeared at the end of the Iron Man, Incredible Hulk, Thor and Capt. America movies in an attempt to tie it all together.
Fury is the star, as he should be and while the story isn’t particularly exciting it gives us a few interesting glimpses into the backroom politics of Shield and the World Security Council. The art is good though there is not much depth to some of the panels but it is still well worth a read.
Watch this space for more news tomorrow when I will be talking about Dark Matter #3 and New 52 Batman #7.
Comic book spotlight: Dark Matter
Dark Horse Comics
Written by Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie
Illustrated by Garry Brown
Colouring by Ryan Hill.
HI all, I just picked up the first 2 issues of Dark Horse Comics new sci-fi title Dark Matter and I thought I would share my first impressions
Written by Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie, the story so far revolves around a small crew who awaken on what appears to be a transport ship that is rapidly losing power. To make matters worse none of them have any recollection of who they are or why they are there. I won’t go into further detail on the story but it suffices to say that the action soon picks up with the plot rapidly thickening.
The artwork is rough and edgy complementing the grim setting with splashes of colour and electric highlights creating a nice contrast that draws the eye into the action. This artwork is only rivalled by the extremely cool cover art, its flash, poppy even a little garish, buts its gorgeous! #1 is my favourite (so far), the juxtaposition of the ship over a shadowy figure is complemented further by the whited out figures of our crew symbolising their currently mysterious identities. Oh and the font is pretty sweet too!
I look forward to seeing how the this story unfolds and where it takes its protagonists.
