This Week In Comics: Mar. 7, 2007

Bullet Points #5
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Artist: Tommy Lee Edwards

I don't know what to say about the end of this mini-series. At some points it seems as if it's nothing more that a glorified What If...?, and at others it seems like it's own beast capable of standing on it's own four legs. Thanks to scribe J. Michael Straczynski, this tale never really feels hackneyed or played-out, but the possibilities for this story seemed endless, and JMS merely took a detour through the road less traveled.

While there were quite a few "shocking" twist as a result of the one bullet that killed Dr. Erskine (the man who invented the super-soldier serum), by this point, the only ones that matter are Reed Richards being the head of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Peter Parker turning into the Hulk. As you can probably tell by the cover, big bad Galactus comes a callin', and of course, everyone's scared shitless. Here's were I begin to disagree with JMS' storyline. If you're trying to craft a tale with the premise that one bullet can change the world, let Galactus win (read: earth buys the farm). Instead, we get the standard "all of earth's heroes and villains team-up to take that big, purple headdress as a trophy, turns out they're still powerless to stop him, and random hero saves to day. Sure, it's a cop out, but like I said, it's still not a bad read.

Captain America #25
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Steve Epting

I could sit here and write about all the media attention this story is getting. I could sit here and write about this issue going for over $30 on eBay. I could even sit here and write about the fact that people are freaking out over nothing, because we all know Captain America will be back sometime in the next two years, if not sooner. But I'd rather not. Instead, I've decided to write about how well-written and well-orchestrated this issue is.

Nipping on the heels of Civil War, Captain America's death couldn't have come at a better time. Quite frankly, there seemed to be very little that Brubaker could do in it's wake. Sure, he could have busted Cap out of prison, but that would have torn down all that was built-up during Civil War. Or he could have done another "hero in prison" story, but I don't think that would have worked out so well in the Negative Zone. Instead, we get a fitting end to the legacy that is Captain America.

In an exceptionally well written story, we get to see the importance of Captain America from the two most important people in his life, both past and present. Rather than seeming forced, their emotions come of as genuine. Given that this is a death issue, we also get the right amounts of action and intrigue, and we're treated to one hell of a twist at the end. This is a real treat for anyone that's been reading the series since the first issue, because Brubaker has been laying the seed for this event since day one, and it couldn't have been pulled off in a more dignified fashion. This book is well worth the money, but only time will tell if it's well worth the media attention.

Detective Comics #829
Writer: Stuart Moore
Artist: Andy Clarke

There are not many things more annoying than opening up a new issue of Detective Comics and seeing that it wasn't written by Paul Dini. No offense to Stuart Moore, but well... he's not Paul Dini.

There's nothing inherently wrong with this issue, in fact I actually enjoyed some of the dialogue between Bruce and Tim. The problem is that there isn't anything fresh brought to the table. We're given yet another story where Bruce is unable to change into Batman because he's surrounded by civilians while the faceless bad guy rampages on. It's just played out. We know exactly how this story will end. Bruce changes in to Batman, beats the ever-loving crap out of Vox (said faceless villain), and Robin doesn't die (I'm not going to spoil it for you, but that crap on the cover isn't what you want it to be). Regardless, check back next month if you want to see if my predictions come true!

Fantastic Four #543
Writers: Dwayne McDuffie, Stan "The Man" Lee, Paul Pope
Artists: Mike McKone, Nick Dragotta, Paul Pope

It's normal for a reader to get nervous when a new writer takes over an already well-written series. But in the past two issues, Dwayne McDuffie has managed to thrive under the weight of JMS' recent run.

This issue succeeds in serving as an epilogue to Civil War and as the 45th anniversary for Marvel's First Family. McDuffie answers the lingering questions left over the war and sets up where we're going for the next few issues. Sure it may seem a little corny to have Namor and Doctor Doom commenting on relevance of the Fantastic Four, it works given the nature of the story. And while Marvel's been force-feeding us news that Black Panther and Storm would be filling in for Reed and Sue, the big "reveal" doesn't feel forced. Cheesy yes, but not forced. Given the state of the Richards' marriage and great writing by McDuffie, it actually feels like this fictional couple could use a little alone time.

Throw in some great artwork by Mike McKone, two great backup stories by Stan Lee and Paul Pope, and a little "foot meet face" thanks to Torch and Spidey, and you have four dollars well spent.

Justice League of America #6
Writer: Brad Meltzer
Artist: Ed Benes

There are a lot of things going on in this issue. Red Tornado proved that he's still the man, Solomon Grundy proved that he's still a dick, and Vixen finally proved that she's more than just eye-candy (but lets face it, that's what she excels at).

This is an enjoyable issue, but Brad Meltzer upped the confusion by having way too many things going on at the same time. I will admit thought, it is pretty cool to see the League operating as a well-oiled machine, but as with almost any team book, it's hard to give each player equal time in the spotlight. While I care a lot more about Red Tornado now than at the beginning of this arc, I still care a lot more about Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, and hell, even Red Arrow. Speaking of Red Tornado, I'm sure I'm not the only one that feels that he's back to square one. Sure he was baptized by fire, but dies it really matter if he's back to being a robot?

Oh well, it was a good issue, and next month we'll see the new "Hall of Justice," so that's a plus.