Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Chris Bachalo
Company: Marvel Comics
Well, you never go into a comic expecting mediocrity and disappointment, but unfortunately that's what we got with this eighth issue of the crazy antics of Wolverine running his own school. If I had to point at one thing that was the cause, I'd have to say that it had a lot to do with Bachalo's art. His craziness on the page, the experimental touches and flourishes that he can use don't always create a cohesive
tapestry that delivers on the punches and bouts of cool. There were things happening on the page, things such as Beast going claw to toe to teeth with Sabretooth in space, but the action is so muddled that it becomes a disinterested treasure hunt. Aaron still writes the kids well though and the idea of them banding together to help out Logan, who's in a state after the events of the last issue, works rather well and shows that they can band together as a team. Really though, a problem laden issue all around what with the art and our resident Kid Hellfire Club back on the front lines.
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Rags Morales
Company: DC Comics
Indestructible super suits, miniaturized combat with artificial intelligences, declarations of superheroics...This is what Grant Morrison does best. It's true that Action had been on the decline for a few issues there in the middle, but Morrison and Co. pulled out of it and delivered an ending to the opening arc that felt satisfying and fresh. The explanation of the new suit that Clark wears makes perfect sense and the continued threads that are being woven between him and Lois and Jimmy and Lex feel grand and ripe for great stories to come. I wish that Rags Morales had been able to do the entire opening arc, as I think the rhythm that these two creators have is so spot on. The movement that he's able to capture in his depiction of the Boy of Steel is impressive and the sense of fun that he imbues in the page can't help but make you smile. A great ending to what will probably read as a tremendous collection.
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Khoi Pham
Company: Marvel Comics
Hands down, one of the prettiest, most illustrative covers that I've seen. Marcos Martin, as a designer and an artist is top notch. That said, I was very impressed with Khoi Pham's work in this issue. He's done many a Marvel title, with things like Mighty Avengers and Chaos War under his belt, but he really stepped up his game with his work here. He seamlessly fits into the world that Martin and Rivera have created, keeping Matt's radar the expressive and visual striking piece that it has become. He also does a great job with the action. Waid makes it easy for new readers, people who are only now hearing about the book, to jump in. This Point One sets up the Omega Effect story arc and sees Daredevil go on offense as he takes the fight to the people who are coming after him. This book is a constant breath of fresh air on all fronts. Amazing.
Writer: Ann Nocenti
Artist: Harvey Tolibao
Company: DC Comics
Upon reading this, it almost feels as if a tab of acid is somehow involved. Whether it's in a good way or not, that's in the eye of the beholder. Or at least I think that's how the saying goes. Anyways, while fans were clambering for a change from J.T. Krul's arrow filled antics, Ann Nocenti's start is a bit scatter-shot. There's humor and monologuing as Oliver deals with trio of women and there Dad who seems to not really care for him. Or does he? It's all wrapped up in a very large blanket of strange. The weird threesome angle, the constant innuendo, and a Green Arrow that decidedly doesn't feel like Green Arrow. It all adds up to something that would make Arsenio Hall state, "Things that make you go hmmm." Tolibao's art is another head shake. There are things that stand out as being solid, but when the action takes place, the more rough pencils take over and the story begins to feel out of control. Hectic is the best word that I can come up with to sum up this issue.
I use to love Chris Bachalo, back in the Shade the Changing Man and Generation X days. But in recent years his art has gotten so cryptic, that I have trouble making heads or tails of what is going on most of the time.
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