THE CAT'S MEOW: What's Good on the Shelf This Week-Year 2 - Week 39 _ _________________________________________________________________________
Reviews by John Norris, June 2 , 2008

ALETHEIA #1 (Teen/Young Adult)

Bob LeFevre (w/p); Kevin Conrad & Mostafa Moussa (i); James Offredi (c); Ed Dukeshire (l)

Publisher: Image

Format: three-issue miniseries

Concept: Mythological gods appear and wreak havoc on a town, and one woman vows to stop them.

In this issue : Thea's life as an adrenalin junky becomes a Greek Tragedy after mythological gods kill her boyfriend and destroy her town. Bewildered and heartbroken, she fights to avenge his death in a full-throttle confrontation... all while the balance of power between divinity and humanity rests in her making it out alive. (from imagecomics.com)

Review: I'm not sure where to begin. A friend of mine knows LeFevre, and I gave the book a try to see what the guy could do. His style is, as my friend put it, "sort of a postmodern American Manga look crossed with urban graffiti." I couldn't have said it any better. It's like Skottie Young's style (or maybe even Jason Howard's) but even MORE so. It's not bad, and I think that Moussa does a better job inking the second half of the story than Conrad does the first. The main problem is with the plot, or lack thereof. To me, the issue reads like a series of action sequences strung together with not enough story to explain things or make the reader care about the characters. While there is some backstory concerning the gods, Thea and her boyfriend Jer have none. This is a three-issue miniseries, so hopefully the next one will have more character development.

ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN #6 (Teen/Young Adult)

Robert Kirkman (w); Jason Howard (p/i/c); Rus Wooton (l); cover by Howard

Publisher: Image

Format: bi-monthly series

Concept: When Gary Hampton is mauled and left for dead, his life takes a drastic turn. Gary is cursed - when the moon is full he transforms into a beast of the night - a werewolf! But this curse will not be used for evil - witness the birth or the world's most unlikely new superhero - The Astounding Wolf-Man!

In this issue : Wolf-Man's greatest shame is the fact that he lost control of his powers and accidentally killed a beloved superhero, Sergeant Superior. Now Superior 's teammates, The Actioneers have learned of Wolf-Man's actions. They've come to return the favor. (from imagecomics.com)

Review: In this issue, things off with a bang-or should I say a hit-and one thing immediately becomes clear: the family ties are unraveling. And if that wasn't enough, the Actioneers locate Wolf-Man, and they really have it in for him for the incident with Sergeant Superior until.well, to reveal the ending would be a crime. Kirkman & Howard do a great job of showing the hurt between family members who have to face the fact that they're pulling away from each other, and also the unleashed anger in the team members whose team mate and friend was killed by their target. As usual, Howard's art is fantastic; you can feel the impact of every attack on Wolf-Man.

FIREBREATHER vol. 2 #1: "All the Best" (Teen/Young Adult)

Phil Hester (w); Andy Kuhn (p/i); Bill Crabtree (c); cover by Kuhn

Publisher: Image

Format: monthly series

Concept: Divorce is tough for any teenager, but when your mom is a normal human housewife and your dad is a 300-foot-tall, city-stomping monster, things get a little tougher. This is Duncan Rosenblatt's reality. His mom wants him to keep up his grades and go to community college. His dad wants him to ascend to his rightful place as king of all monsters.

In this issue: Back by popular demand, the adventures of Firebreather continue in this all-new monthly title. High school is tough enough for normal kids, but when your Dad is a city-stomping giant monster who expects you to follow in his footsteps it gets even tougher. PHIL HESTER (THE DARKNESS, The Irredeemable Ant-Man) and ANDY KUHN (Blue Beetle, Marvel Team-Up) deliver the high octane action, drama, and humor. (from imagecomics.com)

Review: I loved the original FIREBREATHER stories, and couldn't wait for the series to continue. Now, at last, the wait is over. Belloc (that's the 300-foot tall monster) sends his son a birthday present in the form of a sparring robot, which destroys a local restaurant.and then Duncan gets to visit with dear old dad himself. Thanks to Hester, the two have some great conversations, and Kuhn and Crabtree make them out to be both impressive creatures.

MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR #36: "Understudy Rumble" (All Ages)

Paul Tobin (w); David Hahn (p/i); Guillem Mari (c); Nate Piekos (l); cover by Dennis Calero

Publisher: Marvel

Format: monthly series

Concept: Irradiated by cosmic rays and transformed to possess superhuman powers, they joined together to fight evil. Mister Fantastic, the Invisible Girl, the Human Torch and the Thing. Together they call themselves the Fantastic Four!

In this issue: ALTERNATIVE FILM SCHOOL : The Fantastic Four help out a college film professor by volunteering their time for his top students. Want the FF to star in your disco film? No problem. Want the FF to headline your Jane Austen-influenced romantic comedy? Sure! That can be arranged. Want to use your anti-matter powered film projector to transform a group of cos-players into evil (though quite amateur) versions of some of Marveldom's mightiest heroes and villains, all in a bid to destroy the FF and take over the world? Uhh---now we got a problem... (from marvel.com)

Review: Lights, camera, ACTION! The Four have agreed to star in some student films, which include classic titles such as " Wuthering Heights and the Fantastic Four," "Fantastic Disco Fever," "Fantastic Four vs. the Wedding Ring" and "Ultimate Victory." (Hey, the last one sounds interesting, at least.) But they-and the group of excited cos-players volunteering as extras-are about to get far more than they bargained for out of this experience and the "filmmaker" of this little project. Yes, the plot is a bit farfetched, but it's enjoyable just the same, with Ben and Johnny once again exchanging remarks.

MARVEL ADVENTURES IRON MAN #13: "The Pursuit of Happy" (All Ages)

Fred Van Lente (w); Matteo Lolli (p); Christian Cornia & Christian Dalla Vecchia (i); Domenico Meziti (c); Virtual Calligraphy (l); cover by Nolan & Gracia

Publisher: Marvel

Format: monthly series

Concept: Billionaire inventor Tony Stark built a suit of armor that saved his life. He now fights against the forces of evil as the invincible Iron Man!

In this issue : Iiiiiiin this corner! Weighing in at 200 lbs. and wielding a microfilament whip that can cut through solid steel: the feared enforcer of the Maggia Crime Family, Blacklash! Aaaaaaaand in this corner! Weighing 500 lbs. (in armor) and defending Tony Stark's chauffeur, ex-boxer "Happy" Hogan, the Iiiiiiiiiiron Man! Ding-ding! Leeeeeet's get ready to.... Er, we can't finish that phrase because of potential trademark violations. But it rhymes with "grumble." (from marvel.com)

Review: Retired boxer "Happy" Hogan is something of a loveable oaf. He's also a rather proud man, and he doesn't need anyone to fight his battles for him, least of all that tin-plated bozo Iron Man! But when Happy's past catches up with him, Iron Man decides to help anyway. Turns out, they both need each other, although you have to admit that Happy does quite well for himself. Van Lente delivers another solid issue, with nice art from Lolli and company.

PERHAPANAUTS #2: "Triangle, part 2" (Teen/Young Adult)

Todd Dezago (w); Craig Rousseau (p/i); Rico Renzi (c); cover by Rousseau

Publisher: Image

Format: monthly series

Concept: There are places in this world where the fabric of reality has worn thin, where strange and terrible creatures have crossed over to lurk in the shadows and the night. There is an organization dedicated to finding these creatures and sending them back from whence they came, sealing the rift behind them, and maintaining the integrity of those borders. The organization is called BEDLAM. Its agents are.THE PERHAPANAUTS!

In this issue: Shocking revelations about Arisa's secret past give us further insight into the Perhapanauts' reluctant leader. What is she running from? And can she hide from it much longer...? Meanwhile, Choopie takes charge as King of the Gremlinls and tensions continue to mount between the Perhapanauts and the Clan of Mothmen as war brews in the Bermuda Triangle! Not kidding. (from imagecomics.com)

Review: This issue really showcases the things that make this title such a joy to read: humor, warmth, character development, and great writing and art. The team returns from the Perhaps only to find that BEDLAM has been breached twice, by two SVU detectives from Arisa's past and by an alien race known as the Gremn, who want to make Choopie their king (Yep). Wonderful moments abound in this issue, both hilarious and heartfelt. Dezago, Rousseau and Renzi do a nice job of recreating the "classic comics" feel as Karl (still unconscious) imagines his teammates Justice League-style. (Check out Big in Martian Manhunter attire!) And Choopie is simply hilarious as he revels in his new position. Warmth and character development are Arisa's, as her backstory is explored and we get to see a different side of her; relaxed and just plain happy. The wonderful backup story "The Other Arisa," featuring very nice art by Richard Case, allows her to go further in a very special relationship. Nothing bad to say about this one, folks; I highly recommend it!

POWER PACK: DAY ONE #3: "Hatchlings Gone Wild!" (All Ages)

Fred Van Lente (w); Gurihiru (p/i/c); Dave Sharpe (l); cover by Gurihiru

Publisher: Marvel

Format: four-issue miniseries

Concept: The Pack's origin is revealed.

In this issue : C'mon, do we even need to tease this cover? Seriously, just buy it. In the future, when comic books are valued solely on the basis of cuteness, Power Pack: Day One #3 will be worth more than Amazing Fantasy #15. (from marvel.com)

Review: The cover may be cute, but the situation isn't! The Power kids finally learn how to use their powers. Good thing, too; they're going to need them, because while Jack, Julie and Alex deal with grown Snarks, Katie finds herself surrounded by hatchlings! (And yes, they are cute, thanks to Gurihiru.) What does Carmody have to do with all of this? You'll have to find out for yourself. Also included is the enormously entertaining Power Focus #3, in which Julie explains her power of velocity in a very fun and educational manner.

TEEN TITANS GO! #55: "When There's Trouble." (All Ages)

J. Torres (w); Todd Nauck (p); Lary Stucker (i); Heroic Age (c); John Hill (l); cover by Nauck & Kanila Tripp

Publisher: DC

Format: monthly series

Concept: Follow the adventures of the Teen Titans, based on the hit cartoon.

In this issue : The team has expanded, there are Titans East, West, North and South with even more new recruits being trained.but when the Hive 5 resurfaces, only Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Beast Boy and Raven can take them down! (from dccomics.com)

Review: This is it-the final issue of TEEN TITANS GO! And what an issue to go out on! The Titans are stretched thin-Robin's taking care of Mr. Wolf, Cyborg's training new recruits, Beast Boy's back at Dayton Manor, Starfire's at Titans North, and Raven's visiting her mother.and something's wrong. They're not acting like a team. Torres does a great job getting inside each person's mind as they face the one thing they fear the most: losing their families. As always, Nauck delivers some very solid art. (Check out Robin fighting Mr. Wolf!) It's sad to see the series come to an end, but it was a blast while it lasted. Thanks to everyone involved for delivering great stories month after month.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #122 (Teen/Young Adult)

Brian Michael Bendis (w); Stuart Immonen (p); Wade von Grawbadger (i); Justin Ponsor (c); Cory Petit (l); cover by Immonen & Richard Isanove

Publisher: Marvel

Format: monthly series

Concept: The bite of a genetically-altered spider grants high school student Peter Parker incredible, arachnid-like powers.

In this issue : The worst day in Peter Parker's life! Spider-Man has been defeated and kidnapped! Wait till you see who did what the Green Goblin, the Kingpin and Doctor Octopus couldn't do! And can Kitty Pryde and Mary Jane team up to save him in time? (from marvel.com)

Review: Spider-Man has defeated the Shocker time and time again, but it looks like the Shocker may have the last laugh. Spidey may have made wisecracks before, but you can bet no one's laughing now. Bendis & Immonen make you feel every impact of those shockers. And as Shocker explains his situation, you get the feeling that he is clearly messed up. This is definitely a page-turner!

USAGI YOJIMBO vol. 3 #112: "Sakura, part 2" (Teen/Young Adult)

Written and illustrated by Stan Sakai; cover by Sakai & Tom Luth

Publisher: Dark Horse

Format: monthly series

Concept: The adventures of the rabbit samurai known as Usagi.

In this issue : Surrounded by a group of angry gamblers intent on capturing a young girl protected by Usagi and Gen, the rabbit ronin and his bounty-hunting friend are running out of options in this conclusion to "The Whip"! The female gambler known as "The Whip" has kidnapped a child from the local gang leader and given her to Usagi and Gen for safekeeping. Now, the gang has caught up with them. Trapped inside an inn, Usagi and Gen must create a diversion for The Whip and the girl to escape. However, escape is the last thing on The Whip's mind. (from darkhorse.com)

Review: Usagi and Gen are hiding Sakura and Momo from Boss Kaneko and his thugs. Not an easy task, but seeing how they do it is what makes this issue so exciting. The two samurai, of course, make a great pair, and Sakai delivers some great action scenes, including a climactic fight between Sakura and Kaneko.

WOLVERINE: FIRST CLASS #3: "The Last Knights of Wundagore, part 1" (All Ages)

Fred Van Lente (w); Salva Espin (p/i); Guru eFX (c); Simon Bowland (l); cover by Espin, Pallot & Guru eFX

Publisher: Marvel

Format: monthly series

Concept: Return with us again to the early days of the all-new, all-different, X-Men for all-new solo adventures of Wolverine and Kitty Pryde!

In this issue : "The Last Knights of Wundagore" (Part 1): Wolverine and Kitty Pryde travel to mysterious Mount Wundagore to seek a cure for Logan 's bestial rages from the High Evolutionary. But they soon discover they are Earth's last hope against the ravenous hordes of the Evolutionary's most fearsome creation -- the rampaging Man-Beast! (from marvel.com)

 Review: It begins with a tale of the High Evolutionary and the mighty warriors Shadra and Gulo, and ends with.well, I can't spoil THAT. Logan & Kitty are on Mount Wundagore looking for Magneto, but they find a whole lot more, to say the least. Van Lente contributes an entertaining story, and how he compares Gulo and Wolverine is clever. Espin contributes nice artwork, including some wonderful animal character designs, that are enhanced by Guru eFX's colors.

X-MEN: FIRST CLASS vol. 2 #12: "Fly Away" (Teen/Young Adult)

Jeff Parker (w); Roger Cruz (p/i); Val Staples (c); Nate Piekos (l); cover by Pagulayan & Strain

Publisher: Marvel

Format: monthly series

Concept: The next step in human evolution has arrived-Homo Superior. Mankind isn't sure whether this represents hope for the future.or the end of the human race. In a private school in upstate New York, one brilliant mutant is teaching a group of five such gifted students what they'll need to survive in this new world. These are the untold stories of Professor Xavier's first class of X-Men!

In this issue : "Hey! What's up with Cyke getting a whole issue to himself? Where's the Angel love?"
"Oh uh, yeah, Warren . We were just getting to you. A whole book, all you."
"Really?"
"Yeah, number 12. Oh, can we borrow a thousand bucks?"
"It's on my dresser! Woo-hoo, the ALL ANGEL issue!"

Review: Warren has a unique dilemma among the X-Men. Scott, Bobby, Hank, Jean and the Professor all look like, or can make themselves look like, normal human beings. Not Warren . But when he goes looking for his missing aunt, he finds a lot more than just her. What's nice about this issue is that there are no villains, no big action scenes, and no one getting in trouble. It's just a beautiful story about a mutant who finds happiness and acceptance, and how his teammates have to come to terms with the fact that his place may not really be with them. For their part, Cruz and Staples provide some gorgeous scenery.
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COLLECTIONS

INVINCIBLE vol. 9: OUT OF THIS WORLD TP collects INVINCIBLE #42-47.

To be reviewed in next week's column:

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #46

MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN #40

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #188

By thy side,

John "Figaro" Norris

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