Alan Rapp

Morning Glories #20

/ / Comics

morning-glories-20-coverThe latest issue of Morning Glories gives us a glimpse into the relationship of Ms. Daramount and Miss Hodge and their past together as children without revealing all that much about the broader themes and specifics writer Nick Spencer continues to keep close to the vest.

Although Joe Eisma’s art is beautiful to look at, and Spencer gives us another unexpected (and bloody) twist, the dialogue between characters, especially between the young Miss Hodge and the time traveling Vanessa feels far too intentionally vague (as if the characters themselves knew you were reading the story and didn’t want to give anything important away).

That said, we do get quite a long look at the sibling rivalry of the two sisters for the affections of their (still yet to be shown) father as well as why Hodge is content with her current role. We also get foreshadowing about which of the students Hodge sees as the most dangerous to her plans. Worth a look.

[Image, $2.99]

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21 Jump Street

/ / Uncategorized
  • Title: 21 Jump Street
  • IMDB: link

21-jump-street-blu-rayWhen the police revive a cancelled 80’s undercover program because “the guys in charge of this stuff lack creativity and are completely out of ideas” a stereotypical angry black captain (Ice Cube) drafts two of the force’s least decorated officers (Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum) and sends them back to high school to stop the supply of a new synthetic drug.

Based on the 80’s television show starring Johnny Depp and Richard Grieco (both of whom make cameo appearances) 21 Jump Street is a funny, if juvenile and ultimately somewhat forgettable, film along the lines of Step Brothers. We’re given two characters who no one, including the audience, is expected to take seriously in a movie that pokes at least as much fun at its concept as it does celebrate its cliched nature. 21 Jump Street isn’t a movie you’re likely to go back to very often, but it works as a cheap rental with its share of laughs (as well as groans).

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Worlds’ Finest #3

/ / Comics

worlds-finest-new-52-3-coverThe series rebounds from a somewhat disappointing second issue by focusing on the relationship between Power Girl and the Huntress that made the first issue of Worlds’ Finest work so well. The banter between the two heroines works very well here, and the (not-unexpected, but still fun) super-sizing of radioactive baddie gives us a Godzilla-level threat in the middle of Tokyo.

The flashbacks work a little better here by now trying to shove so much exposition and plot into the story. The issue also deftly explains Power Girl’s relationship with Mr. Terrific (as seen in his short lived New 52 series) without getting too bogged down in a storyline of a comic hardly anyone read. We even get a short sequence with cat that may make fans of the original Justice League International smile.

Except for still sticking Power Girl in that truly awful costume (seriously, something needs to be done) the series seems to be back on track after only a slight mistep last month. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Fairest #5

/ / Comics

fables-5-coverAs Ali Baba and Briar Rose dig themselves out of the wreckage caused by the battle of two powerful witches the Snow Queen and Hadeon (who was summoned by the number of times mentioned by Jonah Panghammer in telling the story of Briar Rose and the Snow Queen) begin round two.

Another really strong issues gives us plenty of action as the witches duel and Ali Baba and Briar Rose continue to bicker and we finally learn why Rose has been so cold to the thief since he awakened her with love’s first kiss.

What’s more interesting, however, is the change in the Snow Queen who has broken the shackles which Panghammer finally allowed her to see and, just as Ali Baba is considering it, begins to give a romantic tryst with the untrustworthy thief some serious thought.

Next issue’s opening arc finale promises more actions and “the consequences of pissing off seven faerie godmothers.” Count me in. Must-read.

[Vertigo, $2.99]

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