Dan reviews The Clouds Above by Jordan Crane before Justin has a chance

The Clouds Above by Jordan Crane is one of those wonderful books that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. It tells the whimsical story of Simon and Jack who go through a fantastic journey in their search for fun. Along the way they meet malicious birds and a sentimental cloud named Perch who takes them for a wild ride among storm clouds.

Between Crane's seemingly simple linework and the gorgeous production values of the book, I don't expect it to stick around very long. Perfect for fans of Goodbye Chunky Rice or the work of Walt Holcombe. This one's a keeper and gets an A rating from me.

If you like The Clouds Above we'll also soon be getting Crane's long out of print The Last Lonely Saturday back in stock at Hijinx thanks to a wherehouse find at Fantagraphics.

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Justin G really didn't read many comics this week

I really want to like this book, but Johns and Pacheco are making it difficult. Pacheco's art is beautiful in terms of individual panels. They are simultaneously very clean with smooth like work, while boasting some impressive details. Some of his panel to panel storytelling makes my head hurt though. I had to repeatedly go back and study how one panel transitioned to another and try to comprehend which character was taking what action and how that subsequently got us to the next panel, not very intuitive at all. At a macro level, I really like how Johns is setting up this run of GL. I like his social commentary with the citizens of Coast City, the tension and big reveal between Hal and General Stone, the sad demise of the lone Manhunter, and seeing the Manhunters as an organization gear up for what promises to be a big showdown. That last panel is really exciting. But some individual moments just leave me scratching my head. The Manhunter slams into the cockpit canopy and then the two of them just stand there? Super powers or not, wouldn't the speed of say, mach-whatever, blow them right off? The Raptor is a supersonic jet with alien hybrid technology after all. Then, right when GL's power level reaches 0% and he's most vulnerable as regular Hal Jordan, the Manhunter conveniently leaps off the plane instead of just killing him? Next scene, when the Manhunter sends a blast of energy at the plane to destroy it, he conveniently hits himself on the head with a chunk of aircraft shrapnel which distracts him long enough for Hal to recharge the ring on the guy's face? Ooookay. Being generous here, Grade B.

Godland #2
Image

It's just campy fun! I find myself smiling a lot when I read this book. So hokey, but so enjoyable. Some really nice nods to the Fantastic Four and other 1960's Marvel tropes, as well as Kirby's 70's DC work with Mister Miracle and The New Gods. The depth of self-awareness that this book demonstrates makes it thoroughly entertaining. It's almost as if it is so intensely and deliberately representational of the genre that it borders on satire or self-parody. I nominate Basil Cronus as the villain of the year! Grade A-.

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more comic reviews by Justin G

I literally winced in pain when I saw the damage that had been inflicted to Tony's hand and leg underneath the Iron Man armor. I'm really eating up the way Ellis is portraying Iron man as being quite vulnerable here and still working out some problems with the different iterations of the suit. It really makes the super-soldier-biological-compiler-as-villain concept that much more menacing. Adi Granov's art is also "beautifully dirty" for lack of a better term. Beautifully smooth and soft lines with a very used and worn in feel that seems just right in capturing the dichotomy of high technology ideas with very base motivations and altercations. I'm afraid that with all of the tomfoolery going on in the Marvel U right now, not to mention this title's lackluster publishing schedule, this book will be overlooked as a real hidden gem. Perhaps the smartest superhero comic around. Grade A.

Supergirl #1
DC

Gosh, I don't know. My confusion started when I saw a #0 issue right beside #1 on the rack. Why would DC release both on the same day, I asked myself? Why wouldn't they price a #0 issue cheaper? Oh, it's a reprint of the Superman/Batman ish that intoduced the new Kara Zor-El. Then why didn't they clearly label it as a reprint? Then, just when I think I'm sold on Ian Churchill's art, he goes and adds these wacky bell-bottom wings to Power Girl's boots and makes her look like an over-muscled man in some panels. Just when I think Jeph Loeb has mastered the voice of Supergirl, she says that the whole "Girl of Steel" thing prevents her from getting a piercing. Really? Why? How does she cut her hair or her nails then? Doesn't make sense. Assumably she does it herself with super-strength or a power, which would be the same way she could inflict a piercing. On top of that, there just seems to be too much crammed in here, JSA, Lex Luthor, Superboy, etc. Also seems that Power Girl and Superboy aren't terribly helpful (which is out of character) and serves only to create conflict to advance the plot. I guess I can buy the "suspended animation" while-stuck-in-a-clump-of-exploding-planet line explaining why Supergirl has just now shown up on Earth when her ship was launched from Krypton at the same time as Kal-El's, but couldn't quite swallow the explanation of "two positives" offered by Mister Terrific - and how the heck would he of all people know this anyway? My guess is that Power Girl may not make it out of Infinite Crisis alive, but I doubt I'll stick around with this title that long to find out. Grade B-.

Ultimate Fantastic Four #22
Marvel

Lots of jibba-jabba here about alternate universes and infected vampire-like hero dudes that wasn't terribly interesting. It all just felt like a bunch of white noise that is inconsequential. And once I figured out that they lured Reed into their world only to open a portal to the Ultimate U, it got even more boring waiting for that to play out. Will probably read better in collected format. Based solely on Greg Land's luscious art, Grade B.
(Dan's note: They're not vampires, they're Marvel Zombies!)

Zatanna #3
DC

Though I can kind of see the overarching Seven Soldiers story beginning to coalesce here with the Sheeda appearances and Castle Revolving references, this is still pretty obtuse and non-linear. In other words, typical Morrison. I dig some of this concepts, like "obsolete thoughtforms," but the rest feels a little inaccessible. Breathtaking cover and interior art from Ryan Sook. Grade B.

Hero@Large
Speakeasy

Pretty insightful commentary on the industry embedded in the narrative and sort of mildly entertaining in random spots, but not particularly funny, which is what I think the creators were going for. Grade C+.

The Winter Men #1(of 8)
DC, Wildstorm

I was really enjoying the high concept of this book and the regretful tone of the first few pages, then it turned all dialogue heavy and became really dense. The who's who and what are their motivations foothold became a bit convoluted in spots, but overall I'm intrigued as to where this is going. Really enjoyed the representational art of John Paul Leon that seemed to intentionally lack detail off in the distance. Grade B.

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Justin G. and the comics factory

I'm so happy that this book won an Eisner for Best New Series and Best Writer (for Vaughan) at the recent San Diego Con, hopefully generating more buzz and sales ensuring it will be around for a long time. Vaughan's ear for dialogue, crafting of interesting plots, and unique characterization continues to impress. Some may question the plausibility of the Mayor of NYC actually making it past the voir dire phase of jury selection, but suspending that disbelief aside, this is a rockin' book. Top-of-his-game pencils from Tonny Harris and beautiful coloring and panel rendering. Also some interesting commentary on the industry embedded here with the comic shop, Clark Kent style reporter, and some of the archetypes of the supporting characters going against type. Anxiously anticipating the wrap up of this 3-issue arc with The Automaton. Grade A.

Astonishing X-Men #11
Marvel

I've said it before and I'll say it again. This is the absolute best and only X-Men comic I've bought and thoroughly enjoyed for at least the last 10 years. Cassaday's pencils are their usual hauntingly beautiful selves, and we must mention the brilliant coloring of Laura Martin. The amber and violet hues in a devastated Genosha cityscape and the subtle striations in the X-costumes are a sight to see. The overall plotting, dialogue, humor, and personal relationships (Kitty and Peter!) are wonderfully presented by Whedon. Grade A.

JSA Classified #1
DC

The long awaited origin story of Power Girl finally arrives and there is some really entertaining stuff here. Johns pulled off a real dichotomy of tone. There are some hilarious and fun beats and there are also some very insightful and introspective remarks in the narrative. Dig the cover logo. I dig that Power Girl is not presented as a dimwitted blonde bombshell here, but she is very self-aware regarding her looks, abilities, and how to play those strengths against the perceptions of others. Amanda Conner's pencils are amazingly strong here, the looks of some of the JSA members (Dr. Mid-Nite, Sand, and Stargirl to name just a few) and particularly the Legionnaires are breathtaking. I haven't seen a cuter rendition of Saturn Girl. Continuity-laden, but not inaccessible. Johns has a knack for "cleaning up" projects like this, so I'n on board Grade B+.

Conan #18
Dark Horse

The boys at "Cheval Noir" sure know what they're doing with this title. Allowing Cary Nord some space to get ahead on the art chores, they enlist veteran and top end talent like John Severin and Bruce Timm for the fill-in issues so they don't even feel like fill-ins, are portrayed as special treats. The two for one approach with the comical back up story was quite a riot also. Pleased to see that a second hardcover was recently solicited. This issue also solidly delivers a wonderfully thoughtful letters column. Grade B+.

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Justin G is a comics addict

I think it's ironic that this book came out the same day as Spielberg's War of the Worlds opened in theatres. Both feature some of the H.G. Wells tripod contraptions. The movie boasted a vaguely interesting script with unoriginal visuals. This book just blows it away, we knew from the opening shots of Mars that we were in for something special here. Don't let the price tag fool you, this is a special pedigree well worth the price of admission considering the grand scope, craftsmanship of both scripting and art, as well as the extra features. Grade A.

Shining Knight #3 (of 4)
DC Comics

This book is getting really good. I wasn't bothered by the Arthurian bits that irked me before, in fact they've grown to be really interesting. The art remains very strong with striking panel choices. Throwing the term "antiquities" around gave it sort of a vague Indiana Jones feel in spots and I'm looking forward to the wrap up. One of the strongest supporting casts I've seen in quite a while. B+.

Albion #1 (of 6)
DC Comics, Wildstorm

Pity that Moore never got to do his follow up project to Watchmen, Twilight of the Superheroes, due to his ever festering fallout with DC. All of his projects seem to have a hint of it present which never has come to fruition. Albion feels and looks like that, like it's trying to connect with that energy, particularly with the "play within a play" feature that Moore borrowed from Shakespeare's Hamlet. While some might think having Moore's daughter Leah handle scripting is nest, it just comes off as kitschy to me - it's just not very good dialogue and I think it's in poor taste. I glossed over from the less than engaging story about half way through and just enjoyed the art which starts as an odd blend of Sean Phillips and Phil Hester, and ends up with a heavy Eduardo Risso influence. Grade C.

Young Avengers #5
Marvel Comics

Still solid superhero comics. I refuse to get sucked into the debate about the questionable sexuality of Asgardian and Hulkling. I don't care. Whether the characters are female, black, gay, or time-traveling warlords, I'm in as long as they're written in an entertaining manner, and they are. Questioning whether they belong in this medium in the first place means we haven't truly accepted them as a part of mainstream society. I'd like to believe that our beloved medium's stance of tolerance is better positioned than that. This is a great books for kids because not only is it fun superhero comics, but it doesn't dwell on issues of race, gender, or sexual preference. It just lays them out there as givens and moves forward with a good story. Grade B.

GI Joe #1
Devil's Due Publishing

Not bad at all. I'm digging the look of Scarlet and the wildly different personalities and opinions of the team members. The book also just feels really weighty, maybe it's the thick paper, the dark colors, or the Casey dialogue, but finally a $2.95 comic that I don't feel cheated by. It feels like we're getting our money's worth of entertainment here. Grade B.

Green Lantern #2
DC Comics

Reminiscent of the old 80's Green Lanterns that I grew up on. Johns has definitely found his groove and is channeling the sound and feel of the fast moving action and thoughtful dialogue that a GL book should offer. There is lots going on here to take in with all of the various sub-plots and Pacheco's solid art is very easy on the eye as it welcomes you around the page. Grade B. Solo #5, Darwyn Cooke
DC Comics

DC's Solo series is such a great idea. What a wonderful spotlight on the modern masters of the medium. Cooke pulls off a great diversity of vignettes that reads more like a really great anthology book. His pieces are also interspersed with an uncredited story about a bar scene with some wonderful background cameos. Really good stuff. Grade A.

Planetary #23
DC Comics, Wildstorm

Planetary is the best work of Warren Ellis by far. The individual story arcs that are vaguely familiar, the cover designs hosting different genres, and the superstory which seems to tie together the canon of all comic continuity is simply amazing. Though it narrowly misses the A+ grade for a laughable publishing schedule, still one of the greatest comic achievements of the modern age. Grade A.

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Justin G reads too many comics

Hellboy: The Island #1 (of 2)
Dark Horse Comics

I have really enjoyed the various BPRD series, but it's quite a treat to see Mike Mignola return to author and pencil his creation that started it all. The often teased "next chapter" in Hellboy's life seems to be gearing up here after his two year long slumber at the bottom of the ocean. Impressively open and expansive panels with a nice yellow wash. I'm assuming that the next Hellboy trade will collect "The Third Wish" story arc along with this two issue tale of "The Island" which begs the question, will the Hellboy shorts from the Dark Horse Books of the Dead, Witchcraft, etc. ever be collected anywhere? Grade A.

Conan #17
Dark Horse Comics

Not much to say here except that Conan is just good comics. Barbaric cunning, thievery, flirtation, and fighting. Busiek has the "sound" of Conan down pat and Cary Nord's art is stunning. As the beginning of the "City of Thieves" arc, this is a great jumping on point for new readers. Grade B.

Queen & Country Declassified: Volume 3 #1 (of 3)
Oni Press

Whew! That title is a mouthful, which is a nice segue to my main concern. And let me say that I am deeply concerned for my favorite title. Queen & Country is now chronically late, I don't remember where the last issue of the main series left off and there doesn't seem to be any hope on the horizon for when the next ish is due out. This is now the third spin-off series, the second of which is also very late and lingers unresolved. Rumors of movie deals and more novels abound. This issue marks the first in the title's history not written by master scribe Greg Rucka. Nick Poole, a second tier character at best, is supposedly the headliner of this spin-off, yet is hardly seen at all. No complaints on the art as fans have all grown accustomed to the wildy different styles of the rotating artists. On the writing front, I didn't feel very engaged by the story or any of these characters, which was further hindered by the lack of the usual roster page. What's going on here guys? Let's get Q&C back on track with some focus. Grade B-.

Shaolin Cowboy #3
Burlyman Entertainment

I'm almost speechless, this is simply breathtaking. Darrow's detailed and eclectic style is an absolute joy to wander through and find little hidden gems. I so look forward to this book, which is really picking up steam and not losing a bit of quality along the way. Buy it today. It's guaranteed fun. Grade A+.

Supreme Power #17
Marvel Comics, MAX

This series is the most intelligent analysis of the superhero paradigm that I've seen since Watchmen. Yeah, it's that good. Flawless execution of writing, penciling, inking, coloring, and a general sense of dramatic plausability. This book has tremendous attitude and a dark tone, yet is simultaneously thoughtful and insightful with a twinge of hope. Probably my favorite Marvel Comic in the last 10 years. Grade A+.

Girls #2
Image Comics

My fault for missing the first issue and not knowing what's going on here, but... I don't know what's going on here. And shouldn't the mark of a good comic be that it passes the test of "any issue of any series could be somebody's first and should thus be accessible?" That aside, I do have a general concern with this series based solely on what I've seen here. I'm really not digging the nudity. Surprising, I know. But it just seems so intentionally unrevealing. As if the figures are deliberately drawn so that an out of place wisp of air or oddly posed arm will cover up a nipple or some razzle dazzle. It's distracting. Either keep it PG or go straight for the R, this in between pseudo-titillation is not clicking. However... based on the stregnth of their Ultra series, I will bear with the Luna brothers and see what happens here. Grade C.

Ultimate Fantastic Four #20
Marvel Comics

After some hiccups last issue, we're back on track here. Characterization? Check. Humor? Check. Action? Check. Creepy Villain? Check. Mining past continuity with a modern twist? Check. Big brother Dan here at Hijinx totally called this one a couple weeks ago; Ultimate Mad Thinker, complete with Android! All in all, a fun little arc from Mike Carey and Jae Lee. They absolutely pulled this one out. Grade B+.

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