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Worst to First: 4/11/07

We’ve got an eventful week here in comicdom, with a couple of new books added to the pull list and a couple that are gettin’ the axe. Yep, it’s chopping time. So, who’s making the jump? Who’s taking a dive? Read on, my good sirs and madams…

Seven: Wonder Woman #7

Heh, it’s fitting that this seventh issue comes in at seventh place. It’s also fitting because I bought seven books and this was the worst of the lot. You may remember that last month I explained how hard it can be to transition from novels to comics. At the time, I was willing to give Jodi Picoult some leeway, seeing as it was her first issue. Now, though, especially after hearing Picoult isn’t long for the title, I’m kicking her and ol’ Wonder Woman to the curb. It’s just not that good, and if anything, the latest issue is even worst than the last.

This issue is a rambling mess, either too cute or too confused, with nary a wink of logic to intervene. Bad times.

Six: Green Arrow #73

A few months back, this was our Book of Doom. At the time, I really dug Judd Winick’s action-y take on Ollie as mayor of Star City. While this incarnation of the series always seemed like a bit of a ripoff of Ex Machina, up until this week I was on board. I think I’ve figured out the problem here. The series has been working as a straight action book, accentuated by Scott McDaniel’s over-the-top art. But, it transitioned into more of a political tale of late, and this writer-artist combo just isn’t a good fit for that kind of story. So, so long, GA.

Five: Nova #1

This is our Book of Doom for this week. Come on back on Saturday, y’hear!

Four: Uncanny X-Men #485

Some people are really dogging this book, and a lot of that has to do with Vulcan, the third Summers brother and total jerkoff. Yeah, he’s a prick and not very interesting, but every other character that Brubaker has pulled from the toybox is plenty engaging. Most are also thrust into new roles, and it’s been fun seeing them on their toes through a space adventure that reminds me most of that early ’90s Shi’ar storyline (I can’t remeber what it was called, if anything, and I don’t have the issues at hand).

A couple things: One panel shows Xavier with his legs blown off. Then they’re back shortly later. Weird. Also, the M’kraan crystal? Wha? Why do the Shi’ar have this? Are we heading into another Age of Apocalypse shandingo? Don’t get me wrong, I actually liked that whole mess. Just seems like a weird plot element to jump out of thin space.

Three: 52 #49

If you haven’t read Doom DeLuise’s weekly roundup, get over there now. I’m not kidding. Do it. I’ll be here when you come back.

Two: The Immortal Iron Fist #4

Does it seem strange that my top two books actually came out last week? Probably. In my defense, I’m dumb. So, I missed a couple books on the shelf last week. But, that just made this week even more enjoyable. You catch that? It’s called being an optimist, my friends.

Now, I should probably actually say something about this book I’m reviewing, right? Well, it’s good. Like, real good. Through three issues, this series had been pretty good but a bit uneven, and now it’s finally reached a strong plateau. Brubaker and Matt Fraction blend three narratives (both Iron Fists and Davos) with skill and all the artists work together to blend heavy action in the present and flashbacks. The scary thought is that things might just keep on getting better.

One: Madman Atomic Comics #1

I swear, my shop didn’t get this last week, so I couldn’t read it till now. Honest. Mike Allred’s latest was well worth the wait, though. I know Jim Doom wasn’t completely sold, but I’m more in line with Fin Fang Doom. I really loved this first issue, perhaps because I needed a refresher on the character’s background. Also, it’s just freaking well done. It’s a very, very good thing for the world of comics that Allred is working on new Madman material.

If you missed it, make sure to check out my interview with Allred. And, as always, come back next week!