MARVEL #5 MARVEL COMICS
It feels like old home week as Alex Ross collects a few close friends to help tell some tales in this issue. With Steve Darnall at his side (when does Darnall find the time to host the Those Were The Days radio program?), such notables as Gene Ha, Zander Cannon, Adam Hughes, Mark Waid, and Lucio Parrillo jump aboard to visit little tales from the history of the Marvel universe. With Nightmare poised on taking over everything while Doctor Strange hopes his mysterious plan works. And while that is happening, Nick Fury throws up on Hitler! But the highlight (aside from that wonderfully Golden-Age-ish cover by Ross himself) has to be Gene Ha’s magnificent tale of Wong and the Distress Channel. Wong’s patience and insight while dealing with two younger (and rather self-important young “magicians”. Pompous and arrogant, young and intolerant of the old way of doing things, these youngsters get taught a valuable lesson that only one learns. Comedic and thought provoking, this one gets a 9 out of 10 Grahams.
VAMPIRELLA THE DARK POWERS #3 DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
Initially, I have to admit that the premise of the story has begun to wear a little thin. It is blatantly apparent that Vampirella does not belong in this group of multi-dimensional super-heroes. But being the good heroes they are they just can’t cut her loose. But then, Dan Abnett’s story suddenly takes a very dark turn and really begins to make you think. Abnett’s take on the age old question, “You know the villain is just going to escape again, why don’t you just kill him and be done with it?” is fresh and really makes you think. Just the review of all of the lost sidekicks of the Flame is heartbreaking. And the blinders that prevent the unthinkable from happening, make you want to just shake the Flame and Flame Girl violently. This one will make you think! I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.
YOUNG HELLBOY #1 DARK HORSE COMICS
A good old fashion romp with a young (and somewhat annoying) Hellboy and the Professor. Take one part Indiana Jones movies, add in some Godzilla vs the Sea Monster, and toss in some King Kong and you’ve got this delightful tale! And did I mention the guest appearance of Scarlett Santiago! For children from 7 to 70, this is one Mike Mignola tale you don’t want to miss! I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.
