No, I still haven’t cleaned out my pull folder. However, I did have to get sneakers and backing boards, so that did limit my budget this week. Also, I forgot to upload the spoiler-blocked reviews to ComiXology last week, which I should do. But first let me go through the comics I picked up this week and forget to put them all up together.

Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan #2

IDW Publishing (June 2009)

SCREENPLAY: Jack B. Sowards

STORY: Harve Bennett & Jack B. Sowards

ADAPTATION: Andy Schmidt

ART: Chee Yang Ong

COLORIST: Moose Baumann

LETTERER: Neil Uyetake

EDITORS: Chris Ryall & Scott Dunbier

COVER “A” (shown): comic art team (assisted by Jennifer Baumann)

COVER “B”: photo cover with Leonard Nimoy as Spock, possibly a scene from the movie

RETAILER INCENTIVE COVER: David Deitrick

This covers the movie from the Project: Genesis file viewing up until the time it’s stolen by Khan. Again, if you haven’t seen the movie, do so.

What they got right: I’m going to complain about the painting style being a poor choice for comics again, but there is one area where it actually works in this comic: the Project: Genesis file viewing. Unless Chee cheated, it looks just like the movie footage was used (except for all the computer control thingies on the side). It is nice work. Schmidt also hits every important scene (except for two minor points) and manages to make the dialog come out in your head.

What they got wrong: The two minor points. Granted, I’m not sure they could give the rookie’s death any more than they did in a comic format, so I’ll let that slide. However, the famous scene where Kirk screams Khan’s name (after doing a great job with Khan’s “buried alive” scene just prior) really needed a big panel of the planet with “KHAAAAAAAAAN!” or something as dramatic. Instead it’s just Kirk with his clenched fist holding the communicator bracelet (remember those?) and a simple “Khan!” like he just took the last piece of cheesecake and left a “haha” note behind. That’s probably the most quoted scene from the movie and it deserved more. Oh, and outside of the Genesis video, the art is still distracting even if the emotions do come out better this issue.

Recommendation: I was worried about fitting the movie into three issues, but Schmidt seems to be doing a good job thus far. Hopefully I can finally get the last issue out of Pull Folder Hades next week and make a final judgment.

Doctor Who (ongoing) #2

IDW Publishing (August 2009)

WRITER: Tony Lee

ARTIST: Al Davidson

COLORIST: Lovern Kindzierski

LETTERER: Chris Mowry

EDITOR: Denton J. Tipton

COVER “A”: Paul Grist (art) and Phil Elliott (colorist)

COVER “B” (shown): Al Davidson (RI is just the same cover without the white background)

The Doctor is rescued by Matthew and Emily (who’s mad as heck that her hopes and dreams were sucked out of her). The trio head back to the set to rescue Archie. After the Doctor succeeds in taking down their machine, he and Archie begin chasing Leo in quite possibly the best chase scene in comics ever!!!!! straight out of a Charlie Chaplin Archie Malpin movie. Leo and Max are caught, but the Doctor refuses to take Matthew and Emily with him after what’s happened to previous companions (most recently Donna). Not that it matters, because the Shadow Proclamation shows up, and they’re not happy with the Doctor interfering with a “static point” in time and promptly arrests him.

What they got right: Tony Lee proves once again that he was born to write Who. His Tenant is spot on. The chase scene ripped from slapstick comedies is probably the best chase scene in comics ever! I really like Matthew and Emily, and I’m hoping they find a way to join the TARDIS. The Doctor really does need his companions just to keep him sane. Finally, there’s the cover. If they ever (finally) ditch the variant covers, I hope Davidson is charged with making them. It should make you curious to pick up the comic to see what’s inside, and somehow connect to the story within. His “movie poster” last issue and the “Film Lovers Almanac” this issue really capture what a modern comic cover should look like, rather than what resembles a pin-up page with credits like other comics use these days.

What they got wrong: The fact that I forgot to write this part before it posted should tell you something. Pretty much just the same stuff as last issue, but I’m more used to it.

Recommendation: You should already be getting this comic.

The Middleman: The Doomsday Armageddon Apocalypse

Viper Comics (July 2009) that’s rare: The date coming a month early rather than two months before

WRITER: Javier Grillo-Marxuach & Hans Beimler

ARTIST: Armando M. Zanker

ART LAYOUTS: Les McClaine

COLORIST: Digikore Studios

LETTERER: Gary Beatty

LAYOUTS: Jim Resnowski

(note: This story is an adaptation of the unproduced final episode of The Middleman tv show, and is not set in the comic universe.)

When the Middleman and Wendy look into stolen pineal glands of succubi (I needed spell check to find out the plural of “succubus”), the trial leads to Manservant Neville, the boss of Wendy’s boyfriend, Tyler. MM’s off his game because of the connection with Lacey and the “other woman he loves”. All secrets of the Middleman’s past (even his real name) come to light as Manservant Neville now has the power to remake the world in his image. However, the power goes to his head and drives him insane, with the world following behind him. In the end, the Middleman makes the ultimate sacrifice (besides his life) to bring back all the past Middlemen (including the woman who trained him to become a Middleman) in an all-out final battle with Manservant Neville and restore the world.

What they got right: Everything minus 1, unless you count the character models not always matching up to the actors, but they may not have had permission for that. Just like the TV series (I really need to get my hands on the original comics), this story is just one fun moment after another. It’s ridiculous in it’s insanity, and makes me wish even more that ABC Family had kept the series going. Heck, they could make it into an animated series and I’d sit in front of my TV every time to watch it! The show isn’t even on their website anymore, but I’ve really got to find the funds to get the DVD. From the inside jokes to unwillingness to take itself seriously as if under penalty of death, there is only one complaint I can make about this comic.

What they got wrong: What is with the totally lame SFX fonts? It’s not just because it was part of a recent Art & Story podcast topic, because they still look like someone grabbed a bunch of fonts and put it up, and forgot to use dynamic ones. It’s the single flaw in an otherwise perfect jewel.

Recommendation: That one flaw means using it in a death ray cannon won’t end well for you, but at least the comic will keep you entertained while your in prison or on the run from super hero secret agents.

Transformers: All Hail Megatron #14

IDW Publishing (August 2009)

COLORIST: Josh Burcham

LETTERER: Chris Mowry

EDITOR: Denton J. Tipton

COVER “A” (shown): Emiliano Satalucia (art) and Josh Burcham (color)

COVER “B”: Andrew Griffith

INCENTIVE COVER: Trevor Hutchinson

The rest of the credits will be divided between the two stories.

“Replay”

WRITER: Shane McCarthy

ARTIST: Emiliano Santalucia

A few brief instances of Sunstreaker’s life; when he’s first assigned to Earth, when he’s a prisoner of the Machination, and when he’s freed from Headmaster status. The story ends with his lifeless (or is it) body at the bottom of a pit full of Swarm mechs.

What they got right: I like the original Autobot designs. McCarthy pulls off what he was trying to do…

What they got wrong:..but not why he was doing it. If this story is about “vindicating” Sunstreaker, all we get is a Leslie Thompkins moment. Passion of the Christ this isn’t, except for the “torture porn” part.

“Rebirth”

WRITER: Andy Schmidt

ARTIST: Andrew Griffith

In the Dark Universe, Galvatron, Cyclonus, and Scourge are reborn, with their sparks restored and a mysterious new mission in mind.

What they got right: I like the visual and “sound” effects. They really give power to the scene.

What they got wrong: With all of the Transformers characters from the original toyline that NEVER had any characterization in the various medias, do we really need the Unicron 3 back in the series? The “Dark Universe” saga was told, and outside of whomever is doing the ongoing wanting to use these three, I don’t see the point in bringing them back. Their story was done. Unless it’s Furman doing the ongoing, because Galvatron is one of his favorite playthings, but I was kind of hoping it would be McCarthy, even after the sad first story in this issue.

Recommendation: The art’s pretty, but storywise the “Coda” follow-up tales have been disappointing, and still aren’t connecting the pre- and post-AHM stories. There’s still no good reason to get these, and I’m a TF story sheep.

Marvel Adventures: The Avengers #39

(Final issue?)

Marvel Comics (October 2009)

WRITER: Paul Tobin

PENCILER: Horacio Domingues

INKER: Craig Yeung

COLORS: Sotocolor

LETTERER: Dave Sharpe

COVER: Jones & Soto

PRODUCTION: Paul Acerios

CONSULTING: Ralph Macchio

EDITOR: Nathan Cosby

Spider-Man gets a call from the Rhino that he’s an unwilling member of the Leader’s attack on a military base, along with a willing Abomination. Using plans for the satellites Wolverine “obtained”, Spidey comes up with a plan to take down the Leader and allow Rhino to get out of the crime game.

What they got right: Sadly, not a lot. The characterizations are classic Tobin, which makes them fun. If MA:A Spidey and  Tigra aren’t a couple, they should be. They would make a cute one.

What they got wrong: Speaking of Tigra, this art team should never draw her again. She doesn’t come off as a fuzz-covered girl at all. She just looks like she has a tan and cat-mark tattoos (which go missing in at least one panel), and Storm’s facial expressions just seem off. (Also, if that general isn’t supposed to be General Ross, and he doesn’t really act like him, he sure could be his underweight twin.) While the story isn’t bad, it’s really a low note to end a series on. However, there’s no way to even know the series is ending. No goodbyes. No final issue notes. Nothing! It’s just kind of disappearing, with Marvel Adventures: Super Heroes preparing to create a new Avengers as if this series never happened! That’s the biggest crime here.

Recommendation: While not Tobin’s worst story (that was a few issues ago), it’s hardly his best. It’s as if he just got bored with his toy. Marvel really should treat the entire “Marvel Adventures” line far better than it does.

DC Super Friends #18

DC Comics/Johnny DC (October 2009)

WRITER: Sholly Fiseh

ARTIST: J Bone

LETTERER: John J. Hill

COLORIST: Heroic Age

EDITOR: Rachael Gluckstern

With everything a total mess on Bizarro World, the Bizarro Super Friends decide to help the Earth Super Friends out, just as Amazo returns to cause trouble. At first the Bizarros get in the way, until Wonder Woman figures out how to use the Bizarro mentality to their advantage, and Superman uses them against Amazo. After getting the heroes reward, the Bizarros know when they’re welcome, which means it’s time to get go………

Goodbye. Me am Bizarro ShadowWing. Me think me do better job reviewing comic than boring normal ShadowWing Tronix. You not expecting this bit, me sure and it definitely not get old.

What they get not wrong: Writer give good idea of how life like on Bizarro World, and Bizarro mentality hard to write for. Perhaps it because kids comic more believable and not burdened by strict adherence to “real world” stuff, which make hard to figure out Bizarro mindset. Many writers not sure what should be backwards and what shouldn’t. Sholly get right, which is very bad thing.

What they get not right: Me like how even Bizarro Wonder Woman still not look good as the alleged toy look. Maybe if there actual Wonder Woman toy in the DC Super Friends line, character model would look better, so me glad there not. Me also not grade on curve for oddities that not work in “normal” comic, but work fine for fun kids comic. Where am angst and “grim and gritty” parts that all little kids love.

Recommendation: This am fun, silly story with Bizarro Super Friends, as it should be. This is why me say avoid like double chocolate cake.

OK, sorry about that. I chased him off by offering him a permanent article. Won’t happen again.

Best Scene of the Week

Doctor Who #2

The entire scene is three or four pages, so I just scanned the best part

With no sneakers or comic supplies to buy next week, maybe I can liberate some more comics. Now to go upload all those reviews.