D.S. Randlett Comic Reviews

All New X-Factor doesn't feel quite as fresh as its predecessor did at first blush, and its voice isn't quite as assured, but there's more than enough here to entice one to see what David and company will be driving at in this series' future. Long may it run.

Amazing X-Men is not terrible, but not particularly good. I hope that Aaron's departure and the arrival of Chris Yost and Craig Kyle as the writing team brings this book the narrative voice that it so sorely needs. They've got a great artist, and some great characters to work with. Let's hope that the series, like a certain blue elf, comes to life.

There are some flaws, to be sure. The story starts off maybe a little too much in the deep end, but that's part of the point here. This does come at the expense of character at certain points. A human antagonist comes out of nowhere near the end to announce his presence, for example, and we as readers have no idea what his position is exactly besides a vague vibe of "corporate show runner asshole," and I hope that there's more to him than that given some of this issue's successes. Still, the adventure is just beginning, and this is a very strong start. Pick it up to hang pages on your wall if nothing else.

I really wanted to like Doc Savage and be able to recommend it as a fine adventure series, but as it stands I can only recommend it as a soporific. Man of Bronzzzzz.

Even if you mainly follow writers, Rossmo proves once again that he's an artist that anyone can connect with. If you're not on his bandwagon yet, now's a good time to start.

While the first issue doesn't blow the doors off, it does introduce us to a different kind of superhero series in a different kind of superhero line. I keep being surprised by the quality of Valiant's output, which really is a lesson in everything the New 52 should have been, but I suppose it's about time to start taking it for granted. Like much else of the company's output as of late, Eternal Warrior is worth your time.

So, in some pretty significant ways, these books probably aren't worth your time, but strong artists make them worth a look. Use caution.

Forever Evil is a nice bit of something fun with the hints of something a bit stronger beneath the surface, but if you're at all fed up with Geoff Johns or DC's direction, it probably won't be the thing to put you at ease.

Magnus definitely has room to grow and a voice to find, but it at least has narrative places to grow into. As it stands, fans of the character will likely be satisfied, but others might want to wait a few issues (or for the first trade) to see if the series fills itself out.

Rai does the first issue thing very well, but looking back on it it's hard not to ask for more. Kindt's story has some great ideas and moments, but it makes very little impact. Of course, this may change as the series progresses. The art more than makes up for any shortcomings, which feel like shortcomings simply because one gets the sense that there's more thought here than the series is letting on at this point, in the writing. Rai is simply yet another good book from Valiant, and those are always welcome.

Sex Criminals is hilarious, but more than that it is intelligent and honest. Much has been made of the fourth wall breaking in this title, but it serves the goals of the story much like the narration in Wong Kar Wai's Chungking Express. Instead of feeling like a gimmick or an easy way to spin jokes, it serves as a means to let the book commiserate with the reader's own experience. While the adults only tag certainly applies to the content on a surface level, it's also an expression of intent on the part of Sex Criminals. This is a book for adults and what they feel, a book about memory and the parts of us that, once awakened, can never rest.

The team behind this book found an approach to Solar that just flat out works. He's not a superhero: he's a character in a science fiction story. Strong writing and great art make this an easy recommendation.

I would hesitate to put Superman/Wonder Woman on the shelf next to Green Arrow or Wonder Woman, but all told it's a solid experience that (so far) manages to do what has evaded an entire comic book line: make a romantic entanglement between two of superhero comics' biggest icons feel like an actual story rather than a simple gimmick.

Three's first issue shows some great promise, but it's hard to recommend as a single issue purchase. It's a book that will leave you wanting more, for certain, but with this particular book it cuts both ways. Will you want to see what happens in the next issue? Most definitely. Will you wish that there were a little more meat on these bones? Also, most definitely. As a narrative, I have no doubt that this will be a fine companion to 300, and possibly serve to elevate it, but I will be very pleased if Three grows more into its own with subsequent issues.

Transmeet isn't terrible, exactly, it just tries too much not hard enough. As a result there's nothing to grab on to. Nothing to love, or hate. Like Paycheck, it's just the trappings.

It's not perfect, but the new Turok is a fascinating entry into the history of a compelling character within the genre canon. Highly recommended.

Unity is a new step for a bold line of comics, and well worth checking out. Even for new readers.