It is the first Irregular Reconnaissance: Comics catch up of 2014 and there’s more than half a dozen micro-reviews. In Irregular Reconnaissance I look back of recent reading to share opinion, insight but mainly opinion.
The goal? There’s a wealth of comic book goodness out there and it can be hard to decide when to start a new series. It can be hard to decide which new series to start. Equally, it can be awkward working out whether you really should move on from a series you have started to like less.
Are you reading any of these? Have any recommendations? Share them in the comments below.
The Unwritten: Apocalypse
Episode 1 (Comixology | TFAW)
Urg. I was really keen when I read the blurb and downloaded the comic. The flame of interest faded pretty quickly. The art failed to grab me and I was struggling with the story. By the time the flow of the plot had been cleared up it was equally clear that I wouldn’t like it.
It’s a shame. I really think there’s room for a comic book like this; not superheroes, high in plot and with a high fantasy element. I could even do one that’s wonderfully surreal. But not this.
Status: Put it down and walk away.
Shadowman
Episodes 12 to 14 (Comixology | TFAW)
New writer syndrome, I think. Shadowman now finds himself wrestling with his inner demons. In this case that’s not a metaphor.
I’ve flipped flopped on this arc of Shadowman. I’ve gone from not liking it to being won over. The new direction promises to be darker, less uber-powered and more personal. With a bit of luck Shadowman will dabble more with occult power and rather less with superpowers with zombies.
Status: Hopes rising, looking forward to more.
Swamp Thing
Episodes 25 to 27 (Comixology | TFAW)
A plot twist – and I like it. Seeder looks to be a real problem for Swamp Thing and the Green isn’t helping much. In fact, since the reboot it has been clear that the Parliament of Trees was a bit of a pain in the bush. It was only the world destroying threat of the Rot that made their demands seem balanced.
Now there’s a three-way power crisis; Swamp Thing, Seeder and the Parliament we’ve got some juicy action. The problem Swamp Thing faces is that he’s just a puppet. He’s not the source of his own power. It’s given to him.
Status: Enjoying the new twists.
Unity
Episode 2 (Comixology | TFAW)
How to deal with a barbarian warlord with a really powerful suit of armour? We find out in Unity 2. I suppose it’s a sensible conclusion and perhaps something of a twist. I wondered how much of a dramatic finale it was, though.
I think it’s the art that keeps Unity on my radar. The plot keeps on hinting at what could be. This could be a superhero team with a twist. I can’t tell; we’re only two episodes in but the characters are coming thick and fast. Not all of them are hanging around. ALl of this makes it rather hard to workout whether there’s any unity in Unity. What am I getting by reading on? That’s why the art matters. A new character appears and they look interesting. Let’s see how they playout.
So that’s where I am with Unity; waiting for the promise to come good.
Status: Waiting
T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents
Episodes 3 to 4 (Comixology | TFAW)
Thunder Agents manages to feel charmingly retro. I wouldn’t have guessed a retro feel to a superhero group would be a reason to read. It seems to do something for Thunder Agents though. In particular, I’m keen to findout about the baddies. Are we going to have 60s style Batman villains with crazy themes? I think we might!
I suspect the charm of Thunder Agents might start to fade though. I’m not engaged with the plot at all. The characters haven’t yet reached me. There needs to be a turn around on both fronts.
Status: Interest waning
Pathfinder
Episodes 10 to 12 (Comixology | TFAW)
As far as I understand I’ve reached the end of the series but it’ll restart again later. If so; I enjoyed it! In fact, the Pathfinder comic book series has done more to lure me into the world of the RPG than any gamer has in talking about the game.
I like the characters although the party size seems a little too large. I like the concept – the Pathfinder Society – and I like the world. I’m not too clear on the power levels. On reflection the singing goblins seemed to be more of a threat than a dragon. Maybe there are weak dragons in Pathfinder.
Status: Looking forward to the next series
Infinity
Episode 6 (Comixology | TFAW)
I’m sad that this has finished. It shows it is possible to write a really high powered, multi-world, multi-group plotline without it all becoming a huge mess. Just about.
Infinity was a great way to ready up the Universe for whatever is coming next. In particular, Thanos’ cast of supers are superb. At times Infinty rolls from great cinematic moment to great cinematic moment. Given Marvel’s current strengths it is easy to see why that’s important to them.
Status: Recommended
