Friday, September 3, 2010

Comics this week

Brightest Day #9- This issue was dominated by a pretty pointless fight between Green Arrow and the Martian Manhunter. Normally, J'onn J'onnz would crush Oliver Queen like an ant but “he was out of control” so they both survived the encounter. I know, sounds stupid to me too. However the saving grace of this issue is the origin of the new Aqualad. Aquaman’s story has currently been the weakest of the lot but the twist of Aqualad’s origin is so interesting it may save that story yet. That is if (big IF) writers Geoff Johns and Peter Tomasi managed to keep the momentum going.

Secret Six #25 – Ever since writer Gail Simone got the gig for “Birds of Prey”, Secret Six has been on the backburner. The steady decline in quality continues as Bane’s Six finally showed up on a mission. Scandal’s Six are still trying to help Catman (I thought that storyline was done with) and Deadshot did a favor for Black Alice. To be fair, this is a setup issue and much better than the Wild West nonsense from last issue, but Secret Six seems to have lost its magic.

Taskmaster #1- After climbing to the top of the supervillain world and having a seat in the Cabal, Taskmaster has come down to earth in the new Heroic Age. I always thought Taskmaster was an interesting character with a cool and very useful power. The simple story of Taskmaster being framed and having to fight off bounty hunters after his head is nothing to write home about but writer Fred Van Lente made it work. The teams after Taskmaster ranged from famous organizations like AIM and Hydra to obscure groups like Cyber Ninjas, the Lords of the Living Lightning, Trenchcoat Mafia, Black Choppers and the Militiamen. Yes, some of the groups are as stupid as their name sounds but this wacky, action-packed issue works! Jefte Palo's art has a lot to do with that as energy practically leap out of the pages. Wild, crazy, nutty; this is great.

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