Broken Frontier

Amazing Spider-Man #568

By Lee Newman

Poor Peter Parker, just when he gets one or two things in order, everything else falls apart. Also, Eddie Brock explores his inner demons.

Marvel isn’t dumb. They knew they lost some readers after "One More Day" and they knew that "New Ways to Die" would bring some back. If not for the teases of Venom and the Green Goblin, then for the return of a fan favorite artist. John Romita, Jr. is the real star here, with a cross between his old school look and the new style he has been showing off of late. Dan Slott is not one to be outshined though and he brings a great book. Again, not a dummy, he uses the opportunity of newish readers to recount the origin and give a big beat recap of "Brand New Day". The fact that he does so seamlessly, and unobtrusively, as part of the bigger story is all the better. Waid and Granov also showoff with a back-up exploring Eddie Brock and leaving hints that Venom might not be done with our cancer-ridden antihero just yet.

Did I say JR Jr. was the star here? Well he is upstaged by the kind of fan service "to be continued" page that makes all of Spidey’s fans get their spider sense a buzzing. Solid and fun, the opening chapter to "New Ways to Die" is probably the best book in a week of good books.

Dan Slott & Mark Waid (W), John Romita, Jr. & Adi Granov (P), Marvel Comics, $3.99

Conan the Cimmerian #2

By Steve Kanaras

The old stranger continues to recount the tale of Connacht, grandfather of Conan, to the mighty Cimmerian, and mysteries are unraveled in the tale, and ultimately about the teller himself.

Connacht's journey with his two charges, children he rescued in the previous issue, turns bloody as a nocturnal predator devours his horse. A wolf-like beast stalks the traveler, and death follows the troupe as they take a night's rest with a local farmer. The quieter of the two children keeps a dark secret that may spell doom for Connacht. Conan, meanwhile, suspects that this storyteller may have a secret of his own.

This is classic stuff that Tim Truman is treating us to. Whether it is Conan or his grandfather in the lead role, he transports us to the wondrous Hyborian Age of Robert E. Howard's invention. Truman is not only writing comic stories, he is adding to legend. This is one of the best books on the racks.

Both artists are wonderful, and so incredibly different, that it would seem impossible for the book to maintain coherence with the contrasting styles. The storytelling theme however, allows them to coexist in the confines of the book. Corben is perfect for the mythic tale from the past, and Giorello has the definitive look for Conan. Throw in a Frank Cho cover for good measure, and you've got a perfect sword and sorcery comic.

Tim Truman (W), Frank Giorello & Richard Corben (A), Dark Horse, $2.99

1985 #4

By Lee Newman

The army realizes that they are no match for super-villains, we find out that Toby’s dad may have a few skeletons in his closet, and that when the going gets tough... most people just wimp out.

Mark Millar is writing one heck of a fun book here. Explosions, the Lizard trying to rip apart vehicles, Bullseye doing his thing with a nightstick, etc. … There is everything you want out of a big event type book here. Only thing is, it’s not an event. Heck, it probably isn’t even important in the grand scheme of things... although the internet is abuzz with rumors of some big baddie (last time they did that though we got the half-hearted Hood from Bendis). What is even more remarkable is that Millar is just knocking these characters out of the park. He is ably assisted by Edwards who is doing his best storytelling here. Of course, the reality might be helped out by me recognizing half the characters, but how did Millar know how to make my brother sound or did Edwards just realize that Jon was perfect for the role. Or is the Marvel Universe really invading the real world?

With a spectacular cliffhanger that will prove to be a lot of fun given next issue’s cover, this book just gets better and better. Who needs Monster Squad 2, when we’ve got 1985?

Mark Millar (W), Tommy Lee Edwards (A), Marvel Comics, $3.99

The Punisher #61

By Andy Oliver

A small Mexican border town finds itself helpless to prevent the abduction, brutal mutilation and murder of the young women and girls within its borders. Their only hope in solving the mystery is the Punisher. But is Frank Castle far too deeply ensconced in his own self-pity and angst to respond to their delegate’s pleas…?

Forget the predictable post-Ennis backlash that seems to have seeped across the net for a moment, because Gregg Hurwitz crafts a chilling and effective opener here to the new direction for the MAX imprint’s flagship title. The ordeal of a small community under siege, and powerless to end the attacks on its innocents, is terrifying enough and Hurwitz ably captures the climate of fear and paranoia this evokes. But combined with Laurence Campbell’s stunningly gritty and stark visuals the tension is ramped up a hundredfold. Somebody in Editorial must be giving themselves a very hearty slap on the back for matching two creators whose styles complement each other so perfectly…

The Punisher #61 is the stuff of real world nightmares. Full of brooding, horrifying menace this is compelling crime noir at its very best.

Gregg Hurwitz (W), Laurence Campbell (A), Marvel MAX, $2.99

True Believers #2

By Lee Newman

Drunken Reed Richards was pulled over and True Believers has the tape. What happens when the investigators find out that there may be something else going on?

Mavis shows her humanity in this issue. Not just through her sessions with the Sentry’s head shrink, but by being human. When she studies the tape of Richards being pulled over she finds some fishiness and is not only man (oh get over it) enough to apologize but to help the Fantastic Four redeem themselves and get a little vengeance, all in the same movement. Bates is writing the heck out of this off shoot miniseries combining the best of the Frontline concept with a more noirish approach. Gulacy is not my favorite artist, but he conveys the story well even through the muddy colors of Beredo’s night scenes.

True Believers is actually making a believer out of this reader. Who knew that pointless miniseries could be so much fun?

Cary Bates (W), Paul Gulacy (A), Marvel Comics, $2.99