Reviews of 'Uncanny: X-Men' 518, 'Iron Man: Requiem,' and 'Thor' #604
Written by: Matt Fraction
Penciled by: Terry Dodson
Published by: Marvel
Terry Dodson's art returns to the X-Men, and I have to say that I could not be happier. No longer do my eyes have to be subjected to the porn tracing of his predecessor. I must admit, reading a comic is always easier to do when you can stomach the art- better yet when it is enjoyable. Emma Frost is presently stuck in her diamond form after having struggled to cure the Sentry from the influence of The Void. When in her diamond form, Emma becomes isolated from her teammates (both physically and emotionally). The only way to contain 'The Void' is to remain an "Ice Queen." As usual, Fraction does extremely well writing Emma Frost- I have not seen him write an "X" book this good in quite some time. Not only does he do a superb job with Emma's characterization, but he does a solid job in the scenes featuring ' Beast' and ' Magneto' as well.
Whether it is Fraction's writing that has improved with this issue, or the simple fact that Terry Dodson has replaced Greg Land on the title, the story seems to move with more fluidity than it had, and for once in quite some time I actually found myself entertained reading ' Uncanny X-Men.' This issue really explains just how powerful 'The Void' actually is, which is really clearly depicted in it's pre-emptive strike on Scott Summers. The momentum in this book remains consistent throughout which is really entertaining and ends on a high note.
The issue ends with suspense and I found myself anticipating what will happen next. I think that this is great example of Fractions abilities as a writer. When he is not writing an abundance of different characters, and focuses primarily on telling a story with a select few characters, his writing is much clearer and better organized. The pace and overall movement of this issue is easier to read than it's predecessors. I found that the movement from scenes between Scott and Emma to those between Beast and Bobby and Magneto were really easy to read.
4 out of 5
Written by Matt Fraction, Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, David Michelinie
Art by: Kano, Don Heck, Joe Brozowski
Published by: Marvel
The issue is split into three parts and is perfect for anyone who loved the first IRON MAN film, but that may not know anything about the character. This book serves as a great introduction into the character's back-story over the years and is organized rather well, predominantly due to Matt Fraction's framing sequences.
The issue is basically a reprint of older stories dating back to both the silver and bronze ages, respectively, and consist of 'The Tales of Suspense #39' as well as 'Iron Man #44.'
Stark questions his own origins; recounting that his life as Iron Man originally was provoked by communists in a jungle in Asia (Vietnam) rather than Middle Eastern terrorists (like we saw in the Iron Man movie,).
The issue reinforces the fact that events which occur in the story (and in comics in general,) often reflect current events and present socio-poitical issues. The second chapter, the reprint of Iron Man #144 by David Michelinie acts as an introduction to the relationship between James Rhodes ( War Machine) and Tony Stark."My memories are becoming hallucinations. False, weird, contradictory, nonsensical, chronologically aberrant."
While the issue may not be vital to anyone already consistently reading Iron Man- it does add fluff to Fraction's current Iron Man title, 'The Invincible Iron Man Stark: Disassembled' which is currently out. This one shot acts as a an addition to that present story-line, but is neither necessary nor vital to your reading.
While the comic itself is interesting and entertaining, the idea of charging so much for a reprint of two comic books is somewhat ridiculous.
2 out of 5
Written by: Kieron Gillen
Penciled by: Billy Tan
Upon discovering that her lover (Bill) had been killed by Loki, the Immortal Kelda goes to Latveria to confront Doctor Doom, who she believes knows where Loki is and who she speculates has sided with him. In a completely breathtaking scene- which showcases Doom's wrath as well as Billy Tan's jaw dropping artwork.
The way that this scene plays out is quite simply, incredible. Gillen does an incredible job with Doom's narrative and the art of Billy Tan compliments the writing perfectly.
The comic jumps around a bit from Latveria, to the Asgardian Camp in Latveria and then to Oklahoma, but the transitions are smooth, making the story generally easy to follow along. The issue showcases Gillen's brilliant characterizations. The interaction between Loki and Balder is so great that even I was swayed by Loki's prowess!
I love reading Doctor Doom here and I feel that all the characters mesh well together. Billy Tan's artwork is amazing. His consistency and details throughout this book pair perfectly with the overall story's tone of mysticism and mythology.
While it is the first of three parts, the story relies heavily on events that occurred in previous books and does not read like the first part of a new storyline. While the synopsis in the beginning is helpful, it may be in a new reader's best interest to pick up some back issues to have a better understanding of the plot.
5 out of 5
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