Off-Topic: Comic Book Reviews

Zenescope's OZ #5
This book continues to deliver as one of Zenescope's better currently-running titles. Dorothy really comes into her own as a heroine and we get something of a "Lord of the Rings" feel as the witch advances with her army. I like the way some things have been inverted here. The witch sends Dorothy to the Wizard rather than vice versa, and things like this. There is a twist at the end that went really well, too. But despite all the positive, there just seems something missing here. Maybe it is because the book doesn't measure up to the other OZ book I'm reading, THE WICKED WEST. But the characters just seem under-developed. The ends result is still good, but not 'great'.

Storyline: 4 Stars
Dialogue: 3.5 Stars
Pacing: 3.5 Stars
Art: 3.5 Stars
Overall: 3.5 Stars


Marvel's GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #10
The writers did some experimentation with the paneling in this one. This can be a dangerous thing, as it can really add to a story or it can severely detract from it. In this case we get a little of both. The creative paneling works on some pages and fails on others. I liked the exploration of Gamora, who is one of my favorite characters in Marvel, and has been for some time. The dialogue is not as good as it usually is, but is still better than most books.

Storyline: 3.5 Stars
Dialogue: 4 Stars
Pacing: 3.5 Stars
Art: 3 Stars
Overall: 3.5 Stars

DC's SUPERMAN: UNCHAINED # 5
As Wraith and Superman search for Lois Lane, we flashback to Clark's early life struggling to navigate his powers. The introduction of Lana Lang was refreshing, as I've always been a fan of hers. The dialogue between Wraith and Superman is getting a little repetitive but I like the way Wraith is both hostile to Clark and yet seems almost desperate to take on a mentor role for him. There is depth in this character. Some of the story was a little derivative of MEN IN BLACK, but still this is a great book, with a lot of potential. The art remains one of the best parts, as every page is stunning in its beauty.

Storyline: 3.5 Stars
Dialogue: 3.5 Stars
Pacing: 4 Stars
Art: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars

DC's JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #26
Deadman is finally back, and boy am I happy about that. I'm missing parts of this story because I'm not following the "Blight" storyline in all the comics that include it (I am not a rich man, after all). This has an effect on pacing. But I like the turns that were taken here, and some of the individual scenes (like Ocean Master unleashing his full power) were pretty cool. The art is top notch and the dialogue is good.
Storyline: 4 Stars
Dialogue: 4 Stars
Pacing: 2.5 Stars
Art: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars