American Vampire #5 *****Writer: Scott Snyder and Stephen King
Artist: Rafael Albuquerque
Cover Artist: Rafael Albuquerque
Publisher: Vertigo
The first arc is over and boy did it go out with a bang. Both portions of the story tied up loose ends, while maintaing enough intrigue to allow for the series to move forward. Pearl Jones' portion of the story was filled with fast paced action scenes that pitted Pearl against some of the old guard of vampires. In the end she strolled off into the sunset with beau, Henry, with the threat of the old vampires and Skinner Sweet looming behind them. Meanwhile the second portion of the issue concluded the arc by catching up to the first story, with regards to the time period. James Book, who had recently come into contact with Sweet's blood, fought long and hard against his urges to drink human blood. Abilena gives him the gift of eternal rest, after Book gives her the gift of pregnancy. Only five issues in and this series is going great. The writing has been just amazing; the plot and the dialogue flow effortlessly in an effective manner. The art looks absolutely fantastic. Stephen King may be leaving the series, but I sure won't be.
Writer: Ron Marz
Artist: Michael Broussard, Rick Basaldua, Sal Regla, and Marc Silvestri
Cover Artist: Michael Broussard
Publisher: Top Cow
I picked up this issue on a whim, to be honest. In fact, if you take a look at my pull list it wasn't even listed as a maybe. I am not well versed in the Top Cow world; I haven't read Witchblade or any of the other series' that unite in this major event. The gist of it is, is that there are 13 ancient artifacts that have mystical properties and are in the possessions of different individuals. It is prophesied that if all the artifacts are brought together it would mean the end of the world. As a first time reader, I have to say that I was thoroughly impressed. The story telling was great and the art was fantastic. The details, the foreshadowing, the overall feel of the issue was great.
Writer: Matt Fraction feat. Allan Heinberg
Artist: Whilce Portacio and Edgar E. Tadeo feat. Olivier Coipel
Cover Artist: Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson
Publisher: Marvel
Coming straight out of Second Coming the X-Men are looking to rebuild their world. The appearance of the five lights, new mutant signals, has Scott scouting individuals throughout the world for the newly powered mutants. Hope talking about her deceased family and then meeting her grandma was a touching scene, even if the grandma looked creepy. I think that the direction that the series is going in is absolutely great. The five lights creates multiple situations and stories that is most likely going to be touched upon in the future. the artwork made a change as Whilce Portacio takes over for Terry Dodson. While not the best art, I'll admit I've been spoiled by the art in Second Coming, it was good enough to not detract from the issue.
The additional special feature at the end of the issue was great as well. it works as a prelude to Avengers: The Children's Crusade, as it chronicles Magnetos first awareness of the two boys that could be his grandchildren. The writing was good and the art was even better.
Writer: Mike Carey
Artist: Clay Mann and Jay Leisten
Cover Artist: Leinil Francis Yu
Publisher: Marvel
The messiah has arrived and now it's time for things to go back to normal. There's one thing that a part of me appreciates as well as dislikes with regards to the series. The issue follows Rogue's trip to India with the native Indra, Magneto, Anole and Loa. The fact that I have no history with these younger characters makes it hard for me to be completely engrossed by what happens to them. That being said, I appreciate the writer's choice to spotlight some lesser known characters, because the only way anyone will start to like them is if they appear in the comics. I think Rogue is perfectly suited to be in the counselor position, especially now that she has control of her powers. The introduction of the new realm, characters, and villains has me interested, as does the direction this series is being taken. sue.
As usual, my DC reviews can be found right here.
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