This week in comics, the “Rise of the Vampires” crossover concludes, “The Omega Effect” crossover concludes, and probably some other event somewhere concludes.
If there's one thing DC knows, it's this: People like bats and sparkling vampires. Two birds? Meet one stone.
So, I didn’t get to any of the comics from last week – but, since this was an incredibly slow week of comics for me, I may revisit some from last week I didn’t have time for yet. It’s been a busy week at work, so hopefully posting will pick up again shortly.
All-Star Western #8
Palmiotti and Gray have never quite managed to perfect the formula that seemed so promising in All-Star Western #1, but there’s always something that keeps me coming back to the book regardless. The current story finds Hex and Arkham working together in New Orleans, teaming up with local vigilantes Nighthawk and Cinnamon (who also star in the back-up feature) to bring down a mysterious, powerful group known as the August 7. There’s a lot to like in this issue, and the current arc seems much stronger than the last one. Nighthawk and Cinnamon’s origin story is bland as can be, though. (B+. DC Comics, $3.99)
Daredevil #11 (“The Omega Effect” Part 3 of 3)
On the one hand, this issue highlighted the fact that “The Omega Effect” was a fairly random, largely unnecessary event that looks to have more significant fallout for The Punisher than anything else. On the other, Waid has a great handle on all his characters, and he makes a few points in this issue that are both completely accurate, particularly to his portrayal of Daredevil, and sure to raise to heckles of some of the less mature Marvel zombies. Not a great event, but not a bad way to take Waid’s still-building story. (B+. Marvel Comics, $2.99)
I, Vampire #8 (“Rise of the Vampires” Part 4 of 4)
Fialkov’s I, Vampire continues to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best DC has to offer in its final, status quo-shattering part of the “Rise of the Vampires” crossover. Though I’m mildly disappointed at one particular aspect of the book’s major plot twist, I have some faith that this book will remain aces with Fialkov, Sorrentino and Maiolo on board. Though this crossover had a muddied middle section that substituted ‘yelling worriedly’ for genuine action, it’s been brought to a pretty damn fascinating close. (A-. DC Comics, $2.99)
Justice League Dark #8 (“Rise of the Vampires” Part 3 of 4)
It pains me to say this, but Milligan’s run on Justice League Dark, while packed with good ideas, never quite worked. Justice League Dark #8 brings us just to the edge of the climax of “Rise of the Vampires”, but it feels half-formed at best. We bid farewell to Shade the Changing Man, an uneven character who never contributed much of interest to the book, and to Milligan, a gifted writer who wasn’t quite right for the title, and to this crossover. (C+. DC Comics, $2.99)
Secret Avengers: Run the Mission, Don’t Get Seen, Save the World
Warren Ellis’ work on Secret Avengers was too short by half. Sure, he wrapped up his story in six mind-bendingly good issues, but I want more! Seriously, fans of Ellis’ under-appreciated masterpiece, Global Frequency, may find a lot to like here – as well as fans of sci-fi action storytelling in general. Though it isn’t Ellis’ best ever work, it illustrates that no one does action quite like him… especially when he’s working with top notch artistic talent, like he is here. (A-. Marvel Comics, $24.99, premiere hardcover)
– Cal C.
read/RANT! 