More comic book goodness? That’s right; they come thick and fast – although like the title of this column Irregular Reconnaissance sometimes the publishing schedule does seem a little irregular.
In this catch up I offer my untalented, non-obsessive, comic book fan view into the series I’m currently splashing the cash on. Do you agree with the assessment? Leave your thoughts in the comments box below.
Unity
Episode: 1 (Comixology | TFAW)
This was billed as a chance to dive into Valiant’s world. I leapt.
I’m not %100 sure I landed on my feet. Sure; there’s a clever thing they do with the formation of the super team that’s designed to trick you and suck you into the conflict. I get that the angry Visigoth is angry.
It’s just that I am entirely new to this world and there’s a lot to catch up on. I guess from the cover that Sneaky McNinja is a headline hero and will work out. I also pick up that the grim face fellow with the busted arm is a big name and very old. He’s been less than impressive so far though.
Despite my concerns and the heavy weight of “why should I care?” I’ll agree that Unity does have some promise. I know some of these questions will find answers shortly.
Status: Okay, tempted; will keep reading.
Enormous
Episode: 1 (Comixology | TFAW)
I dug this up when I was looking for a one shot with impact. It looked impressive but I’m a little disappointed. For a start the headline idea – enormous creatures barely got a look in.
The point where the ball dropped for me was when the baddies attacked the goodies secret hideout. I don’t understand what the good guys did, why they did it and I could barely follow the action. It didn’t really make sense.
I don’t mind plot holes but I lost track of which characters were worth paying close attention too. The result? The final punch missed its mark because I’d didn’t care.
Status: Unless you’re a big post-apocalyptic fan give this one a miss.
The Phantom Stranger
Episode: 12 (Comixology | TFAW)
God’s a Scottish Terrier? Satan is a Doberman? I fear canine stereotyping is in play here.
I did wonder how on Earth this series could continue. Now I know; pull out the big guns. I suppose you could say it’s not so much deus ex machine as it is deus ex canis. Nevertheless, The Phantom Stranger has always been about the big cosmic stuff, the religious stuff, and how the intertwine. This is very much the series getting back to what I expected it would be – and I’m a new reader with just a few episodes to my name.
Status: Keep on reading
Swamp Thing
Episode: 24 (Comixology | TFAW)
This is a pick me up episode of Swamp Thing. After mixed feelings from the Scottish trip, Charles Soules delivers some typical Swamp Thing twists. The Parliament seems to be a thorny bunch, so to speak, and the role of the Avatar of the Green a political one – or is this just nature, test after test and the survival of the fittest?
Regardless of how fickle Swamp Thing’s allies are; this issue is a reminder of why I’m following the series.
Status: Recovered to recommended.
Justice League Dark
Episode: 24 ( Comixology | TFAW)
I’m trying to read Justice League Dark but it’s not being made easy for me. I had
It’s not just that I don’t enjoy the mixed power levels of Constantine – is he a supernatural con man or a cosmic level wizard? It’s because I struggle with the whole idea that there’s a dimension out there that evil comes from? Does that mean there’s a dimension out there that good comes from? Didn’t we see the White House in the evil dimension in one of the Justice League titles? Was that a political point?
Status: Losing faith with the Justice League arc
