Mars Attacks #2
IDW Publishing 2012
Written & Lettered by John Layman
Art by John McCrea
Colour by Andrew Elder
After a disastrous recon mission in 1962, Martian scout Zar has returned to Earth a half-century later as a general with an invasion force in two, the likes of which have never been seen by humanity.
I have to say that while the humor here is perfectly delightful it’s also expertly blended with a sense of realism to balance it out. So while the imagery is Kitsch a more serious tone in dialogue makes this even more fun. John has managed to find just the right balance and tone for this series to be tons of fun while not going too far in either direction. It isn’t too kitschy and it doesn’t try to take itself too seriously either so we’re left with a purely fun book to read.
I love how the captured alien from 1963, which with his buddies went ballistic at a country fair, lied to his tormentors. He managed to trick his captors into building a device they thought was a weapon and when used it blew up in their faces giving him the last laugh. I shouldn’t laugh since the White House was kind of in ruins but it was funny.
McCrea and Elder do such a nice job doing the balancing act as well. The art here is wonderfully detailed and brightly coloured giving that kitschy feel as well with a serious undertone to it. I’ve not seen the movie or read anything else related to this franchise as I’ve thought it too much stupid humor for me but from what I am experiencing here it’s an intelligent humor that has me smiling and looking forward to more.
Star Trek TNG/Doctor Who Assimilation2 #3
IDW Publishing 2012
Written by Scott & David Tipton with Tony Lee
Art by J.K. Woodward and the Sharp Brothers
Captain Picard has requested that some members of the crew test a recent upgrade to the holodeck, a program that simulates life in 1941 San Francisco. There, they run into three mysterious strangers, on claiming to be a “Doctor,” and they take them to the Captain. At that moment a transmission comes in informing the team of the Borg/Cybermen attack casting suspicion on the Doctor who knows a little too much about the new enemy.
Oh my stars and garters is this series ever so much more fun than I was expecting it to be. Their personalities are all spot on perfect and I just hear Matt Smith’s Doctor talking during his dialogue. The boys have done more than a superb job thus far.
I also have to say that while they have run from their enemies to regroup and figure out a strategy Data finds evidence that the Enterprise has once before come into contact with Cyber-Men. However it was Captain James T. Kirk and his crew who encountered them at an archeological dig. So it seems that we are going to get a flashback to Kirk, Bones and company, William Shatner cast, and the Doctor, Tom Baker and his colourful scarf version.
It is times like this that I curse IDW for their limited previews they send out because I’m dying to see more of this. Any fan of either or both franchises will know that this is a must have for its writing and art are just that incredibly good and reminiscent of their respective series. It really doesn’t get any better than this.
Kiss #2
IDW Publishing 2012
Written by Chris Ryall
Art by Jamal Igle
Colours by Romulo Fajardo Jr.
So we kind of get a few answers in the beginning of this the second issue. Though we do have to listen to “wicked” Lester’s rant and make threats before getting to them.
Lester has the four of them captured and in his ramblings we learn that their power, from their talismans, is closely related to the power of his master and that this master can absorb that power for his own. Which is why they aren’t dead yet, Lester wants to prove he’s a good disciple and well wants more power of course.
Also the four of them are avatars, the Catman, the Celestial, the Demon and the Starchild. Each one powered by their talisman. There is also a force that is there to guide them, She, who seems to be an almost heavenly being or that type at least.
Chris’ mystical take on the characters is a fantastic one. I like how each characters personality is closely tied into their avatar. So the Demon is brash and impulsive, the Celestial is thoughtful and more peaceful and so on and so forth. The Catman has empathy with any animals, creatures what have you and that is interesting as well. So far this is beyond expectation of it being a rocker book and has taken on more of the mystical super-powered save the universe type of book and I have to admit I’m behind this one hundred percent.
Then there is Jamal’s art which is pretty frakkin fantastic as well. Romulo’s colours set it all off nicely. This is a nice example of how well words and pictures can work together to make an exceptional book.
Danger Girl/G.I. Joe #1 (of 4)
IDW Publishing 2012
Written by Andy Hartnell
Pencils by John Royle
Inks by Philip Moy
Colours by Romulo Fajardo Jr.
First thing you notice is that the art here is pretty darn good. Very highly reminiscent of the Real American Hero comic, thank goodness too that it isn’t the cartoony style we’ve seen in recent Danger Girl mini’s.
The book opens with the Joe’s running an op and Cobra attacking. It’s an aerial battle between the two which will reveal which version of the Joes’ this is.
We don’t get to see how they meet in the first nine pages but I can hazard a guess that somehow Scarlett and Lady Jaye know the girls from some kind of past training. That is the most logical explanation but then again both organizations are so covert they don’t even know the other exists.
From what I can see this is going to be one hell of a fun ride so buckle up and get ready for the adventure to begin! Forget the summer box office the biggest event is happening here at IDW.
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