G.I. JOE: HEARTS & MINDS #4: Not all of the new G.I. Joe books are up to snuff (the ones based in the world of the movie are particularly bad), but this one, penned by Max Brooks (WORLD WAR Z), continues to blow me away. Each issue is comprised of two stories, one from a member of Cobra, the other from a Joe. This one takes a look at Dr. Mindbender and Doc. These stories are really character studies, delving deep into the psyche of each subject. They’re not objective; they are told from a first person perspective. As the old saying goes, no one ever believes that they’re the bad guy. Hitler thought he was a good guy. So does Dr. Mindbender, and as one looks at his thoughts and turns them over, they make sense. In fact, maybe Dr. Mindbender isn’t totally out of line. The G.I. Joe profiles are a bit blah, if only because they make overly-emotional entreaties to the reader. Doc’s story is no exception. If you loved the Real American Hero when you were a kid, you should get into this series. It’s perfect for the adult fan, for those more interested in the whys and wherefores.
YOURS TRULY, JACK THE RIPPER: Joe and John Lansdale (Lansdale Squared, according to the cover) bring their adaptation of Robert Bloch’s most famous short story to an end. Granted, they’re true only to the premise of the tale, but their mojo storytelling sense of humor shines through and makes up for their lack of loyalty. Given Bloch’s own idea of wit, I think he would have liked this series. The art is too empty, though. It’s clear that Kevin Colden is trying for a Sin City-type aesthetic, but the bland, nearly colorless style fails to leap off the page. Still, it’s a small complaint.
JONAH HEX #59: Fuck the movie. I haven’t seen it, but I’ve heard about where it goes wrong. Come to the source. Read the new(ish) Hex series and get the good stuff. As always, it’s true to the original Hex comics, although these new books are a bit darker. Hex is the same bastard he always has been, and as usual, the body count is high. The Gray Ghost returns (kind of) in this issue in a MAGNUM FORCE sort of way. The first Dirty Harry offended a lot of people, so they brought in the Magnum Force for the second one, to show that Inspector Callahan is actually kind of sensible. The Gray Ghost is here to make Hex look a bit softer. Unlike with Dirty Harry, this doesn’t work. Hex is too mean, tough, and violent for most readers to identify with. Thank you, DC, for continuing to let a guy like him roam your universe.
THE BOYS #46: Are you reading THE BOYS? Why not? It’s one of the best books on the market right now, and it’s only halfway through, according to writer Garth Ennis. There’s still time to get on board. In this one, Wee Hughie unburdens his new-found secret to Butcher, and he surprisingly doesn’t get his ass kicked. Why? Because the guy just has the strangest luck Butcher has ever seen. However, he can’t let the new guy get away with stupidity, and he does something to the poor Highland laddie that might be unforgivable. Guiltily, he tells his dog, “Cruel to be kind, Terror. Gotta be cruel to be kind.” By the way, have you ever imagined what it would be like to find pornographic pictures of Wonder Woman? The equivalent of this happens in this issue of THE BOYS. Get the trades, get back issues, do whatever it takes to get caught up. You’re welcome, in advance.
No comments:
Post a Comment