Comics

The Shadow: Year One #1

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The Shadow: Year One #1The Shadow has been around, in one form or another, since 1930. A vigilante with the power to cloud men’s minds, a skill he picked up during his time in the Far East. Over the years different writers have added pieces to the character’s past, but with Dynamite Entertainment’s new series writer Matt Wagner and artist Wilfredo Torres delve into the origins of the character that have been largely shrouded in mystery for more than 80 years.

After a few panels of the mysterious Cambodian warrior Ying Ko, the series starts off in earnest with Lamont Cranston’s return to New York after several years abroad. The comic also introduces Margo Lane (and here Wagner takes a page out of Frank Miller‘s handbook making The Shadow’s faithful companion a high-priced whore for a New York gangster).

We also get The Shadow’s first appearance, and several mentions of how much Cranston has changed. The most interesting of these is Margo, who knew the man before his travels, mentioning that Lamont seems taller which could mean either he is more imposing or the man calling himself Lamont Cranston isn’t the same man she met two years before.

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Nova #1

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Nova #1Writer Jeph Loeb and artist Ed McGuinness give us a solid (although at times somewhat confusing) first issue as Marvel NOW! sets out to relaunch Nova with a new hero under the helmet. Part of the problem with Nova #1 is that it has to introduce not one Nova, but two. Had the Loeb been able to fit Sam Alexander‘s story into the already existing Nova history (rather than show us that his drunken father was once a member of the Nova Corps so forgettable he had never appeared in any issue in the Marvel Universe until now).

On the plus side Sam is likable enough (although does Marvel really need more angsty teenage heroes with parental issues?), and the comic does include an appearance by Rocket Raccoon and Gamora (that will nearly always earn you some points in my book).

The structure of the comic, though confusing given none of these characters are familiar, actually works well as Sam’s dad relates his experiences in space to Sam’s younger sister in a series of bedtime stories Sam has gotten too old to believe in anymore.

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Daredevil #23

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Daredevil #23With only hours left before Foggy hears his test results, Daredevil takes his friend on a whirlwind journey around the rooftops of New York City (which includes the hero’s favorite spot in the city). Attempting to brighten his friend’s mood is put on hold when Daredevil is forced to deal with a small army of thieves all of whom appear to have been experimented on in an attempt to recreate the exact events that gave Daredevil his powers.

The bad guys are an interesting, if a bit bizarre, addition to the mastermind attacking Daredevil from all angles. It’s the scenes between Matt and Foggy, finally out of the poorly conceived distrust for each other, that work the best. The comic ends with Foggy learning the truth of his condition which could mean serious ramifications for the lawyer in the months and years to come.

We’re still no closer to the reveal of who is behind the attacks on Daredevil, although knowing the exact details of the accident which caused his blindness and enhanced senses narrows the field considerably. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $2.99]

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Young Justice #25

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Young Justice #25Young Justice comes to an end with the final issue that wraps up the lingering stories of two different alien attacks on Earth at the same time, a political assassination involving Deadshot, Metropolis being cut-off from the rest of the world, and a closer look at Dick Grayson‘s relationship with Barbara Gordon.

As final issues go there’s a legitimate threat (or two) that concern the fate of the Earth and some nice personal moments thrown in for good measure to. The asssination attempts, which take place five years apart, continue to be the weak link (and the first attempt, which is finally abandoned here, is pretty much a complete waste of time).

Of the two alien stories, Braniac‘s works far better although both seem to reach rushed conclusions far earlier than either had planned. There are also plenty of threads left dangling with no hope of resolution. However, the scenes between Dick and Babs are pretty damn good, and the various stories continue to allow multiple characters to each find their moment in the sun. Is it a great finale? Not really, but fans should enjoy it.

[DC, $2.99]

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Red Hood and the Outlaws #17

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Red Hood and the Outlaws #17Set immediately following the events of Death of the Family, the latest issue of Red Hood and the Outlaws returns its main character (whose been conspicuous by his absence the last couple of months) as Jason Todd says his goodbyes around Wayne Manor before leaving with Starfire and Arsenal.

Not only does the Red Hood return here but the comic returns the focus of issue to Todd which makes quite a bit of sense as the former Robin talks with the current version, Dick Grayson, Alfred, and finally Batman himself before he’s finally ready to hit the road. I like all those conversations as well as Damian and Arsenal fighting to prove who is the more juvenile of the pair.

Red Hood has been a complicated character well before the New 52 in finding the right balance with the character’s deadly intentions and still honoring his past as Robin. For this issue writer Scott Lobdell gets it right which makes the comic’s twist all the more surprising as the Joker left our protagonist one final present which may have lasting effects on the Red Hood’s role going forward. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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