Silver Bullet

So if you like these little pithy reviews I churn out to keep in the writing habit, well head over to SILVER BULLET COMICS because I will be reviewing comics for them. Pretty sweet.
Thanks to Jenny over at SBC for giving me the opportunity.

comic review : : : NEW COMIC SHORT REVIEWS 02-01-06

Captain America 14
Captain America has always been one of my favorite characters. When I was but a tyke I used to run around with the lid to the plastic hamper pretending it was Cap’s shield. It didn’t matter that the lid was square, it was light enough for me to throw at my brother and that was enough for me. The story of captain America is so interesting as it defines his persona but also allows him growth as a character. Under writer Ed Brubaker, Captain America has achieved the status due the character. Sure everyone in the Marvel Universe holds Cap in high-esteem, but until this current story arc, “The Winter Solider” fandom has not necessarily been eagerly awaiting the monthly Captain America stories. What is it about Brubaker’s Cap that makes the character more popular than ever before? For me it has to do with Brubaker’s ability to find the humanity in the icon. Like Superman, Captain America’s prestige comes before his actual character, and like Superman, Captain America’s supporting cast have always been there to lend the character humanity. Brubaker has keenly attached the more popular, long-time Cap allies, Falcon and Sharon carter into the mix, giving Captain America the human connections that keep him, as a man out of the past, a necessary and personal tie to the present. Brubaker also understands that Captain America is not always going to go toe to toe with garish villains. Cap is a soldier and Brubaker’s choice to reinstate the espionage/secret agent aura to Cap allows for storylines that can sidestep the usual super heroic narrative paces. Steve Epting’s pencil art is the best he ahs ever done, and his semi-realistic style and skill at giving his characters actual emotion really allow Cap’s current conflict with The Winter Soldier to strike both an exciting and emotional chord.
This issue wraps up the mystery of the identity of the Winter Soldier. The impact of the reveal and the process by which Captain America deals is an example of how good this book is.

Uncanny X-Men 469
I’m in a conundrum. I like the X-Men. I really do. I just can’t get into this current storyline. Nothing is happening. And I wonder why? Creative teams keep shifting, and the same plot points are reiterated over and over. Did I enjoy this issue? Sure. Claremont can write these characters, we know that. Billy Tan is a talented artist in the Jim Lee School, and while his art does not blow me to smithereens, it doesn’t exactly leave me flat. That’s the best I can say about this current batch of creators on the flagship X books – they aren’t knocking my socks off, but neither are they boring me. This shouldn’t be the case Marvel’s franchise book.
I think I’m going to have stick to the trades for these x-books. Even if the story isn’t the best, at least I get a whole story.

X-Factor 3
Here’s the flipside to the rest of the x-verse. A character driven, interesting story that not only sets up long term story arcs but also delivers enough each issue to justify my monthly purchase.
This issue continues the opening arc that sets up the characters and relationships as well as X-Factor’s place in the X-verse. Peter David’s writing is more nuanced in this title than it has been in years, and compliments that shadowed, bold art of Ryan Sook. It was just announced that Sook will be leaving X-Factor, with a regular penciller not joining the book until issue 8. This frustrates me as a reader, a storyteller. This lack of dependable artist who can meet their deadlines and essentially do their job is a giant thorn in the professionalism of the industry. As fans, we could do something about it and not buy late books, but the publishers know that we will, every month, so this fill-in trend continues and will do so until the next format change in the comic medium occurs and the monthly issues are eliminated and a new form takes over. Until then, just read X-Factor, because the story alone is worth it.

Detective Comics 816
I nominate Detective Comic 815 & 816 right now for whatever sort of Oscar there is for the comic industry. The Eisners? The Harveys? I don’t know, but dammit, these two issues showcase exactly what is wrong with the Batbooks today by doing everything right.
Top-notch writing, top-notch art, and good story, packed with details and plot that concludes in two issues. Wow. Recapturing the character and essence of Batman not seen since Timm and Dini’s Animated version of the character, these two issues of Batman made me realize why I like Batman…why I like THIS Batman and not the brooding, plot point that he has become in his own title, or in the big crossover.

Green Lantern 8
I liked it, but it can’t save this title from my chopping block.
(ahem)
In brightest day, in darkest night,
This book will escape my sight,
Until the creative teams set right,
The true power of Green Lantern’s light.

Aaaaand scene.

Athena Voltaire - Flight of the Falcon 1
As Red Sonja is to Conan, Athena Voltaire is to Indiana Jones. This book almost had me, and perhaps when collected it will read better, but as an introductory issue my desire to like the book was constantly held at bay by the inconsistent artwork and awkward pacing. I’ll take a look at the trade, but based on the first issue, this book just didn’t hook me in, despite my desire to let it.

Academy Awards

PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Philip Seymour Hoffman – CAPOTE; Terrence Howard - HUSTLE & FLOW; Heath Ledger - BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN; Joaquin Phoenix - WALK THE LINE; David Strathairn - GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK.

Who Should Win – Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s performance, as Truman Capote should not be overlooked by the Academy. Hoffman’s detailed, nuanced performance captures the troubled soul of Truman Capote that existed just below his broad personality. Hoffman emerges as an actor who truly deserves the accolades he is finally getting. Unfortunately, with Jamie Foxx winning last year for a biopic, and with the cresting wave of Brokeback fever, Hoffman may be robbed.

Who Will Win – Heath Ledger. While heath certainly emerged as the “Holy Crap” kid this season, and as good as he is in Brokeback Mountain, I think Hoffman and even Stathairn’s journeymen presence in this category would make Heath’s win a bit bittersweet.



PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
George Clooney - SYRIANA; Matt Dillon - CRASH; Paul Giamatti - CINDERELLA MAN; Jake Gyllenhaal - BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN; William Hurt - A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE

Who Should Win – Why is Matt Dillon not getting better scripts? After years of wallowing in “Last Night a McCool’s” and straight to video boobie flicks, Dillion finally captures a role worth his wasted years of potential. A fearless performance that encapsulates the internal dilemma of the film itself, Dillon deserves the statue.

Who Will Win – Paul Giamatti. Cuz he lost last year and beneath the god appliqué, Oscar is a cruel bitch.



PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Judi Dench - MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS; Felicity Huffman - TRANSAMERICA; Keira Knightley - PRIDE & PREJUDICE; Charlize Theron - NORTH COUNTRY; Reese Witherspoon - WALK THE LINE

Who Should Win – Felicity Huffman. I haven’t even seen the flick. I don’t care; she’s a brilliant actress who needs to teach the Kiera Knightley’s of the world what it means to be an actress.

Who Will Win – Reese Witherspoon, because Hollywood needs another Julia Roberts right now.



PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Amy Adams - JUNEBUG; Catherine Keener - CAPOTE; Frances McDormand - NORTH COUNTRY; Rachel Weisz - THE CONSTANT GARDENER; Michelle Williams - BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN

Who Should Win – Keener or Williams. Keener not only for her tender portrayal of Harper Lee, but also for a career of just being superb. Williams for shocking everyone for being the best thing to come out of Dawson’s Creek.

Who Will Win – Keener might pull this one out if Weisz doesn’t show up as a dark horse.



ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY
BATMAN BEGINS ; BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN ; GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK.; MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA; THE NEW WORLD

Who Should Win – Batman…cuz’ it’s a Batman movie that even jerks liked.



ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN; CAPOTE; THE CONSTANT GARDENER; A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE; MUNICH

Who Should Win – I’d like to see HISTORY take it, but I really want Capote to win something.

Who Will Win - Brokeback



ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
CRASH ; GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK; MATCH POINT; THE SQUID AND THE WHALE; SYRIANA

Who Should Win – Crash.

Who Will Win – Crash.



ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN; CAPOTE; CRASH; GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK; MUNICH

Who Should Win – Actually who shouldn’t win? Spielberg for Munich. Everyone else deserves this nomination but him. Munich was good, but compared tot eh emotional depths of Brokeback, Capote, and Crash it pales in comparison.

Who Will Win – Brokeback. Why? Cuz’ everyone who isn’t a bigoted republican loves it and Hollywood will make a point of that.



BEST MOTION PICTURE OF THE YEAR
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN; CAPOTE; CRASH; GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK; MUNICH

Who Should Win – Crash.

Who Will Win – I think Crash could take this if it doesn’t win for orginal screenplay. If Crash wins that category, Brokeback may take this one.