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Reviews and commentary by Tony Isabella
"America's Most Beloved Comic-Book Writer & Columnist"
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TONY'S ONLINE TIPS
for Thursday, July 10, 2008
In my first failed DC Challenge - I tried to read and review an entire month's worth of comics from DC and its various imprints - I reviewed two issues from Vertigo, the company's mature readers imprint. The Un-Men #8 [$2.99] continues the story of the grotesque creatures who appeared in the Len Wein/Bernie Wrightson SWAMP THING as creations of Anton Arcane. These days, they live on a federally-protected reservation name of Aberrance which they've turned into a sideshow carnival that thinks it's Las Vegas. It's an unsettling locale populated with disturbed humans and un-men, but writer John Whalen and artist Mike Hawthorne have made it interesting enough to hold my attention.
Unlike most titles I reviewed in my first "DC Challenge," I've been reading The Un-Men regularly, usually an issue or three at a time. Chief among the intriguing characters in the series is the albino Agent Kilcrop of the U.S. Department of Energy (D.O.E.), who does double duty as Aberrance Chief of Security Agent and who has a past with some of the town's creepier residents. In this current issue, the second part of the "Children of Paradox" arc, he's investigating a mysterious death, a pregnant man, and a snake-like un-woman gone missing. The beautiful proprietor of an upscale cathouse is involved, but, like most of the people and things in Aberrance, she's more than she appears.
The Un-Men isn't for kids and it's not the stuff of awards, but it's consistently entertaining. It earns a respectable three out of five Tonys.
The Vinyl Underground #7 [$2.99] is the first issue of the series I've read and I haven't a clue what's going on in this title, save for the cover blurb of "Cracking occult crimes in the UK." Written by 2000 A.D. alumnus Si Spencer, whose stories for that weekly comics have been hit-and-mostly-miss for me, the story did interest me enough that I might well read the trade paperback collection. There were some intriguing bits of sex and mayhem in this current issue and perhaps I'll appreciate them more if I read them in context.
On the visual side of the comic, penciller Simon Gene, inker Ryan Kelly, and colorist Guy Major all deliver decent work. If the issue had made even the slightest attempt to welcome a new reader, it would have had a chance of earning more than a disappointing two out of five Tonys.
******
ADDENDUM
I have one more set of reviews from my first "DC Challenge." They will run here tomorrow. Then, starting on Monday, if all goes according to plan, I'll be reviewing comic books and other items from my second, hopefully more successful attempt.
Also on Monday, full-length columns will resume. There will be six of these in a row, followed by a one-week hiatus while our wondrous web-wizard Justin is attending Comic-Com International in San Diego. However, as "Tony's Online Tips" is a reader-sponsored feature, the posting of new columns after the convention hiatus is entirely dependent on your donations. Right now, there won't be any, but you can change that be making use of the "Tip The Tipster" link elsewhere on this page.
Thanks for spending a part of your day with me. I'll be back tomorrow with more stuff.
Tony Isabella
<< 07/09/2008 | 07/10/2008 | 07/11/2008 >>
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THE "TONY" SCALE
ZERO: Burn your money before buying any comic receiving this rating. It doesn't *necessarily* mean there's absolutely nothing of value here - though it *could* - but whatever value it might possess shrinks into insignificance before its overall awfulness.
ONE: Buy something else. Maybe I found something which wasn't completely dreadful in the item, but not enough for me to recommend it when there are better comics available. I only want what's best for you, my children.
TWO: Basic judgment call. I found some value, but not enough to recommend it. My review should give you enough info to decide if you want to take a chance on it. Are you feeling lucky today, punk? Well, are you?
THREE: This denotes something I find perfectly respectable. There are better books out there, but I wouldn't regret buying this item. Based on my review, you should be able to determine if it's of interest to you. Let the Force guide you.
FOUR: I recommend anything earning this rating. Unless you don't like the genre, subject matter, or past work of the creators, I believe you'll enjoy this item. Isn't it uncanny how I can look right into your soul that way?
FIVE: Anything getting this rating is among the best comicdom has to offer. You should buy/read this, even if the genre/subject matter doesn't appeal to you. It's for your own good. Me, I live for comics and books this good...but not in a pathetic "Comic-Book Guy" sort of way.
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