Marvel Comics Reviews for 3-5-2014
MOON KNIGHT #1
Writer: Warren Ellis
Artist: Declan Shalvey
Color Art: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
What I Liked: For someone that wasn’t entirely familiar with previous Moon Knight work, Warren Ellis was able to make his rendition accessible to new readers. The first few pages explained Marc Spector’s past, what he had been up to in previous volumes, and led all the way up to the present. I remember not being fond of Ellis’ writing during my teenage years (when he took over Stormwatch and launched Authority), but here he was tolerable.
I enjoyed Moon Knight’s interaction with the police department. I’m not sure if Detective Flint and Moon Knight share history, but Flint could become Moon Knight’s version of Commissioner Gordon. Some cops are welcomed to Moon Knight’s involvement, while others are wary of this crazed man who dresses in white so villains can see him coming. The way Moon Knight systematically took down the bad guy was stunning.
The art team of Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire are receiving many accolades for their stunning work here. I remember seeing Shalvey on Venom and not being too impressed. It appears his work has improved here. It could be from having Bellaire add her coloring talent to his pencils.
What I Didn’t Like: It seems every Marvel comic nowadays has to incorporate S.H.I.E.L.D. into its storytelling. Having the issues’s antagonist be an ex-S.H.I.E.L.D. agent wasn’t offensive, but I’d like to see more originality. I can see why Ellis decided to get rid of Spector’s multiple personalities, but that seemed to be one of the few things that made Moon Knight stand out from other vigilantes.
Rating: 4 out of 5
MAGNETO #1
Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Gabriel Hernandez Walta
Color Artist: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
What I Liked: I was hesitant when it was announced Magneto would be receiving a solo book. How would this co-exist with Magneto being a member of Cyclops’ outlaw X-Men? However, those worries quickly dissipated once I started reading. Cullen Bunn took us inside Erik Lehnsherr’s mind to find a man driven by vengeance. To right the wrongs committed against his people. Even if it puts him in jeopardy of being apprehended by S.H.I.E.L.D. The mystery of who is turning people into walking weapons is something to keep an eye on.
Gabriel Hernandez Walta has the potential to really break out with his work on Magneto. The one panel displaying the man who faced the wrath of Magneto is just one example how this isn’t your run-of-the-mill Marvel kiddie book. Plus how Walta focused on metallic objects that Magneto could use as weapons, to the amount of expressionism on faces, I came away a new fan. Again, Jordie Bellaire lends her coloring talent to another #1. I liked her coloring more here than in Moon Knight. The extra dark pallets to Erik’s wardrobe gave him a Victor Newman vibe (fans of Young and the Restless will get that reference).
What I Didn’t Like: I can’t think of anything that stood out for me to dislike. Magneto showed how much of a badass he is, the issue ends with a lingering question to follow, and artistically each panel leapt off the page with energy.
Rating: 4 out of 5
WOLVERINE AND THE X-MEN #1
Writer: Jason Latour
Artist: Mahmud Asrar
Color Artist: Israel Silva
Lettering & Production: VC’s Clayton Cowles
What I Liked: Art by Mahmud Asrar and Israel Silva really stood out to me. Silva has popped up in many Marvel books recently providing colors. It seems his colors are even more bright than the colors in other books. Asrar does a good job of distinguishing the students from the adults. It can be tough for some artists to differentiate age gaps. Speaking of aging, I noticed that Asrar seemed to age the Bamf’s into adolescence. At least they appear to be teenagers now instead of little kids. Plus I loved how the one that was with Wolverine the entire issue was mimicking his look.
Jason Latour is taking a different approach with this second volume of Wolverine and the X-Men. Jason Aaron‘s series was more lighthearted, not that Latour’s has gone dark and gritty. But Latour is already delving into Quentin Quire’s psyche of possibly becoming a host for the Phoenix Force in the future. Along with all the changes taking place with Wolverine.
What I Didn’t Like: If Wolverine is fated to leave the Jean Grey School (story currently taking place in the solo Wolverine series), then the titling of this comic will be false after a few months. Marvel will want to keep Wolverine’s name on the comic of course, because his name sells. I just worry how involved he will be in the school and the comic.
Rating: 4 out of 5
This review is written in partnership with Pop Culture Network. They can be found at their website http://www.popculturenetwork.com/
Timdogg
#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE
