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Reviews and commentary by Tony Isabella
"America's Most Beloved Comic-Book Writer & Columnist"
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TONY'S ONLINE TIPS
for Monday, August 11, 2008
Reading Super Friends #2, Supergirl #29, and Superman #675 wasn't the "super" experience I'd hoped for when I pulled the three issues from my big box of DC Comics stuff. Super Friends #2 [$2.25] features perhaps the most hideous depiction of DC heroes ever. I can't believe it's not a felony to ask the talented Joe Staton to draw Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and the rest in the bottom-heavy, goo-goo-eyed manner of this series. If I were a member of the presumably very young target audience for this comic book, my first sight of these mutant monsters would send me running to my mommy in terror. Indeed, everything in the comic comes off as well-intentioned but dumb-as-a-doorknob adults trying to create something perfectly wholesome - I would characterize it as boringly antiseptic - for the little kiddies and, in that very process, failing to provide anything entertaining. For this mush, DC dropped its Justice League Unlimited title?
Your friendly online Tipster was a clever child who, at the tender age of four, taught himself how to read from comics like Superman. Had this comic been given to me then, I would not have been anywhere near as eager to read.
Super Friends #2 earns no Tonys whatsoever.
Supergirl #29 [$2.99] is, sadly, typical of too many DC super-hero comics of late. Supergirl has broken an evil scientist out of jail to save the life of a young boy dying from cancer and, surprise, the scientist betrays her trust. Because writer Kelley Puckett assumes the reader has read the previous issue(s), there is no attempt to introduce these characters to the readers who haven't read the previous issue(s) and, thus, no emotional weight to the story. The writing is journeyman at best, except for a very brief conversation between Supergirl and the Resurrection Man which ends abruptly when the now very powerful scientist attacks them. The Drew Johnson and Ron Randall art is a little better, but not enough to change my low opinion of this issue.
Supergirl #29 earns a disappointing two Tonys.
Superman #675 [$3.99] was the best of the trio. Though I hadn't read the previous issue, writer Kurt Busiek's captions and dialogue included enough information to get me into things without going full-blown exposition on me. The Man of Steel's battle with Paragon, an intriguing villain, is interrupted by religious zealots from Daxam, homeworld of Mon-El, who, in turn, threaten to lay waste to Earth. Paragon is perhaps the best element of the story, but there were nice moments with Superman and adopted son Chris, some exciting fight scenes, and a satisfying ending. However, I did find the art somewhat stiff, pose-y, and off-model in place and that diminished my overall enjoyment of the issue.
Superman #675 earns a respectable three Tonys.
******
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Tony Isabella
<< 08/08/2008 | 08/11/2008 | 08/12/2008 >>
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THE "TONY" SCALE
ZERO: Burn your money before buying any comic receiving this rating. It doesn't *necessarily* mean there's absolutely nothing of value here - though it *could* - but whatever value it might possess shrinks into insignificance before its overall awfulness.
ONE: Buy something else. Maybe I found something which wasn't completely dreadful in the item, but not enough for me to recommend it when there are better comics available. I only want what's best for you, my children.
TWO: Basic judgment call. I found some value, but not enough to recommend it. My review should give you enough info to decide if you want to take a chance on it. Are you feeling lucky today, punk? Well, are you?
THREE: This denotes something I find perfectly respectable. There are better books out there, but I wouldn't regret buying this item. Based on my review, you should be able to determine if it's of interest to you. Let the Force guide you.
FOUR: I recommend anything earning this rating. Unless you don't like the genre, subject matter, or past work of the creators, I believe you'll enjoy this item. Isn't it uncanny how I can look right into your soul that way?
FIVE: Anything getting this rating is among the best comicdom has to offer. You should buy/read this, even if the genre/subject matter doesn't appeal to you. It's for your own good. Me, I live for comics and books this good...but not in a pathetic "Comic-Book Guy" sort of way.
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