Miles’ Book
Army of Darkness #14
Written by James Kuhoric and Mike Raicht
Art by Scott Cohn
Dynamite Entertainment, 2008
Confession time — I have not seen all the Evil Dead movies. I’ve seen the first and third ones, and I’ve only seen them once each. I did however, see the Evil Dead musical, which is so very awesome. Anyway, I do know a bit about Ash and the Necronomicon but I’m by no means an expert. With that in mind, let us go forward with this review.
This is what a comic book set in the Army of Darkness world should feel like. It’s got a lot of ironic one-liners, a little bit of gore, some sexual tension, and a dash of demons. What else could you want? It’s a self-contained romp that also moves the plot of the series along nicely, while providing its own beginning, middle, and end. I’m actually tempted to buy the next issue to see where this soft cliffhanger picks up — because it looks awesome.
Art-wise, Cohn is a good fit. His exaggerated style matches both the humour and horror of Evil Dead. On the first read through, I didn’t notice how solid his composition is, but it’s pretty good. I think it’s only a matter of time before we see him on something that’s a little more high-profile. And by that I mean something that could win an Eisner — sorry, but I just don’t see this book getting nominated.
If you’re a fan of the movies, I think you’d have a lot of fun with this book. It captures the feel of the series and proves itself to be a fun comic.
Isaac’s Book
Thunderbolts #125
Written by Christos Gage
Art by Fernando Blanco
Marvel Comics, 2008
Considering the Thunderbolts series is about a cynical manipulation of the mass markets to spin a bunch of villains into the quintessential heroes of a nation, it’s no surprise that the issue begins with Norman Osborn planting an American flag through an alien Skrull’s chest. But to then be interviewed by a reporter and hear a pitch perfect example of pandering to the masses — it’s just too obvious. Has Gage’s entire run been like this?
I do like the Skrull Queen/Spider-Woman’s reply to Mr. Fantastic: “You should have thought about that before you found it funny to turn our brothers into cows.” Anytime you can reference the time Mr. Fantastic hypnotized Skrulls to take the form of cows, well, I enjoy it.
But it’s just a page showing a perfect divide between the good guys and the Skrulls. I’m glad both sides are disciplined enough to wait for the order to attack the other guy — who’s waiting a foot in front of them for the battle to begin.
Oh, wait, the Thunderbolts guys are here? Yes, okay, that’s what we were waiting for; we can have our huge fight scene now. Sorry for the inconvenience.
We turn the page and there’s the fight scene the Thunderbolts should have just walked in on, but it isn’t very good. There’s no focus to the image. Iron Man is stuck down in the bottom left saying “Avengers Assemble!” because someone has to do that… I just keep looking at this picture of the Bucky Captain America silently shooting one bullet into a Power Man and Iron Fist Skrull mix, while that same Skrull ineffectually punches at Cap’s shield. I see Ms. Marvel getting blasted up in the top left of the page, so there’s ONE good thing about this fight scene.
Bullseye is set loose to grab any weapon he wants, and he sinisterly chuckles and points the thing at Daredevil and Spider-Man, before doing what he’s supposed to do and shooting a Skrull. We’re not given any real struggle or character in this comic, just hints of such. Moments of silence with dramatic close-ups on their faces.
Yeah, I wasn’t happy with this issue, and you know what else? I could have reviewed Thor: Truth of History — but I didn’t find out until too late that it was by Alan Davis. Alan Davis!!
Yeah, I haven’t seen much of the evil Dead stuff either, though you’ve managed to see much more than myself. I’m pretty sure I’d love the movies too… you can’t really go wrong with Bruce Campbell.