Off The Racks 7/17/19

thwhtguardian
CCF Mod Squad

Posts: 10,340

Off The Racks 7/17/19 Jul 19, 2019 19:26:12 GMT -5

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Post by thwhtguardian on Jul 19, 2019 19:26:12 GMT -5

Jul 19, 2019 17:08:49 GMT -5 md62 said:

Jul 18, 2019 8:58:04 GMT -5 thwhtguardian said:

Immortal Hulk #21
written by Al Ewing
Art by Ryan Bodenheim

Summary: Shadow base invades Gamma-Flight and takes back the husk of the Abomination.
Plot: I don't want to say it...but this issue was a bit of a filler. The leader of Shadow base was never very interesting to begin with and learning his back story did nothing to change it. While a good supporting cast is important and villains with personality move the story along the main draw here is the Hulk punching stuff so when he isn't featured it's more than a little bit of a drag. On top of that, the way the general just mowed down the heroes just wasn't interesting, it was death just to build him up as a bad guy but when you're that transparent about what you're doing it just doesn't work. In a brilliantly fun series that has none the less had its ups and downs this just might be the lowest point, hopefully it rebounds next month.
Art: Contributing to the filler feel is the use of a guest artist. Bodenheim's art isn't terrible...but it is bland which is the opposite of Bennett's work making this issue all the more disappointing.
Grade:4/10

This issue was a letdown. First I dislike these breaks in a story to flesh out a new character. This is an annoying practice that has become popular in the last few years. Second since this title is published 18x/year it would be fine to skip an issue or two and it wouldn't be that noticeable. Third the art and story were just mediocre.

Yeah, I usually dislike these types of "bottle episode" issues; the focus on a characters backstory to the exclusion of advancing the plot really kills the momentum in a story. For an annual it can be okay to take it slow and give us a new look at a character, but even then it only works if the character that readers like and that's not the case here.

A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP

hondobrode
The Power Cosmic!

Posts: 8,266

Off The Racks 7/17/19 Jul 23, 2019 0:31:39 GMT -5

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Post by hondobrode on Jul 23, 2019 0:31:39 GMT -5

Strangelands # 1 by Magdalene Visaggio & Darcie Little Badger with art by Guillermo Sanna

Two strangers find themselves inextricably tied together by inexplicable superpowers. Fighting their connection could mean destroying the world. Opposites attract? Elakshi and Adam Land aren’t married. In fact, a month ago, they were perfect strangers, dwelling in lands foreign to one another. But now, they’re forced to remain by one another’s side, for their separation could mean the planet’s demise. Their greatest challenge is to stay together — even if they have to tear the world apart to do so.

This is the second title from Heavy Metal's superhero imprint H1.

The entire creative team is new to me. Both of the writers have done some small press / indie stuff and artist Guillermo Sanna has done some stuff for Marvel.

Ok

We jump right in to the two main characters, Elakshi (Chinese) and Adam Land (American), who both happen to have the same last name ? and this ignited power that if they touch or get too far apart, some big disaster happens. We know this cause on the first page before the story starts we're told this in 4 panels, which sort of annoys me : Why aren't you giving us this in the first issue instead of a prologue ?

"Elakshi and Adam Land are on the run. They're the most wanted "ignited" people in the world.

The British government in particular has sent its best agent to bring them to justice. Their power is so destructive that they can be a hazard to themselves (and the rest of the world).

They were last spotted in Shanghai, trying to escape MI6's finest.

But they were separated in the process. They're now racing against time to avoid causing chaos. Hundreds of lives are at stake..."

I don't mind jumping in cold, but having to explain to me what's going to makes me feel like I'm reading # 2. I seriously looked to make sure it was # 1.

Somewhat interesting premise though this sort of feels like amateur hour, I'll be back for # 2. Not thrilled, but willing to see where it goes from here.

Last Edit: Jul 23, 2019 0:33:35 GMT -5 by hondobrode

Icctrombone Fortress of Solitude member Posts: 22,730	Off The Racks 7/17/19 Jul 27, 2019 6:37:41 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Icctrombone on Jul 27, 2019 6:37:41 GMT -5 I went to my LCS yesterday and picked up Superman Year one. I was surprised to ee it was an oversized, not yet a tabloid, book. They were sold out of the History of the MU.
	The strong must always protect the weak

Post by thwhtguardian on Jul 19, 2019 19:26:12 GMT -5

Post by hondobrode on Jul 23, 2019 0:31:39 GMT -5

Post by Icctrombone on Jul 27, 2019 6:37:41 GMT -5

Off The Racks 7/17/19