Anastasia's Comic Reviews

Origins #1 & #2 (Six-part mini-series) Paul Jenkins (W), Andy Kubert (P), Richard Isanove (digital painting)

Even if youve never read comics, you may still be familiar with the infamous character of Wolverine if only through the X-Men movie, where the delicious Hugh Jackman portrayed the rough-and-tough fighter with a chip on his shoulder.

In the comic world, people are clamoring for this book because it finally tells where Wolverine came from and why he became what he is. His origin, I believe, has been told a few times already, but whats one more? Paul Jenkins, who has taken many popular titles and turned them on their ear (this one being no exception), pens the story.

The first issue of Origins sets up a great tale, introducing the players but not moving too slow, and creating the sympathy needed for some characters so he can then punch you in the heart in issue #2. Which he does. I wont lie to you, I cried (but I still cry when Old Yeller gets shot and Bambi loses his mom). Before you hit the middle of issue #2, youll see what brought on the tears. Although I see the necessity of the violence in the story, it doesnt break my heart any less. Yeah, its a damn comic, but thats the brilliance in Pauls writing: He makes you care about fictional characters. When you couple that with the amazing art from Andy Kuberts pencils, its well worth the rather high cover price of $3.50. With Isanoves digital paints, its a feast for the eyes.

Good luck finding issue #1, though: Bids on eBay have already hit $100 and more. Since Marvel Comics no longer does overprints, what a store initially orders is all it can get. There arent even second prints to be seen. Issue #2 was just released on Oct. 3, and reports are, its selling out quick and going for almost $20 on eBay. But dont jump on the bidding bandwagon quite yet; stores should still have copies of #2 if you call soon!


Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose #10 Ongoing Series Jim Balent (W, A) Holly GoLightly (colorist, letterer)

If youre a fan of luscious artwork, but still want a plot to go with your healthy dose of shapely women in skimpy costumes, this is your book. Jim Balent (most known for his extensive run on Catwoman) has woven an in-depth tale of the Wiccan religion with one womans personal quest for spirituality. The best portrayal of the Wiccan religion Ive seen without pandering to societys misconceptions, or throwing it in with the horror movie genre and coating the pages with gore, blood and spells that make no sense.

You may be a bit lost picking up with issue #10, but not completely out of the loop. I urge you to track down all previous issues. If youre unable to locate them at the local comic shop, you can visit them online at http://www.jimbalentstudios.com. Each issue offers with two different covers.


Hopeless Savages #1-3 four-part mini-series Jen Van Meter (W), Christine Norrie (A), Chynna Clugston-Major (flashback sequence artist) Covers by Andi Watson

Witty dialogue, dry humor and great artwork. Zero, the product of punk rock parents, wakes up one morning to find theyve been kidnapped. She enlists the help of her older brother and sister, who decide the only way to find their missing parents is to find their missing brother first. But hes traded in his leather jacket to become a clone at the World Domination Coffee Company. Can they instill the punk rock attitude in him once again? Or will they be lost to find their parents on their own?

The story is smooth, with cue-card narration from Zero taking the reader from the present-day tracking of the parents kidnappers, to a music mogul whos trying to claim the rights to an old song he wants to remake into a hit, to flashbacks of Zeros parents meeting for the first time. A great read, especially for those who thought comics were just for kids and geeks.

Powers, Vol. One Trade paperback Brian Michael Bendis (W), Micheal Avon Oeming (A)

This series has garnered great critical acclaim, but I had yet to pick it up and give it a read. The first six issues, which had sold out, were finally collected into a convenient readers version trade paperback. The readers version differs from the previously released volume mainly by price; the previously released volume gives you additional script material and a sketchbook for $21.95. Nice, but if you just want the story, pick up the readers version for $15.95. Youll get what you want: A smooth, flowing story, cliffhanger chapter endings, great character development and amazing dialogue. The storys like any good cop show; good cops doing their job in a tough city. But this city is filled with superheroes.

Two homicide detectives, Christian Walker and Deanna Pilgrim, are called to the crime of the century -- the murder of the much-loved Retro Girl. No leads, a body impossible to autopsy because of her superpowers, Walkers secret, and Pilgrims insistence to discover that secret makes for a page-turner. This is one book that actually lives up to its hype. I would have gone insane waiting for each issue to come out; Im glad I was able to read it all together.

Anastasia