Post by goldenfist on Dec 29, 2007 10:36:41 GMT -5
Here's a review from ign.com
The best way to describe this series is "chaotic." Sometimes that's a good thing and sometimes it's a terrible thing. You've seen Bryan describe his general frustration with the whirlwind of plotlines Dan Slott has introduced. I've been fairly patient with the preceding chapters, instead seeing a ton of potential with some great execution along the way. This issue is one of the first where I'm really starting to see this insane conceptual maelstrom finally start to settle into something very, very good. Yes, a million things are happening at once, but the core of this title remains centered and doesn't veer too far from our main cast. Finally I feel like I know some of the characters. This series works best when it spotlights a small group of the recruits while still touching upon the overall happenings at the camp.
Maybe it's Chris Gage's involvement here, but this issue finally gets the micro and macro levels of Camp Hammond correct. We have quirky Marvel trivia and details mixed with great comedic moments mixed with actual drama and character development all while advancing a larger narrative. The balance is nearly there. I honestly feel like the focus could be even more anchored on the initial recruits without much adverse effect on the series as a whole. There's also an effort to have some downtime so we can see how the crew interacts when it's not trying to save the world.
Several books this week impressed me on an artistic level. The Initiative is one such book. Stefano Caselli's work prior to coming to Marvel both irritated and impressed me. His style carries an inherent energy, but can often veer into a territory that is too quirky and too animated, particularly when it comes to facial expressions. With seven issues under his belt, I feel like Caselli is rapidly improving, eliminating eccentric qualities while still retaining individuality and power. The result is stunning, and this series is definitely the better because of it. I'll take some manic storytelling if I get art this solid.
Review Score:8.1 Impressive
The best way to describe this series is "chaotic." Sometimes that's a good thing and sometimes it's a terrible thing. You've seen Bryan describe his general frustration with the whirlwind of plotlines Dan Slott has introduced. I've been fairly patient with the preceding chapters, instead seeing a ton of potential with some great execution along the way. This issue is one of the first where I'm really starting to see this insane conceptual maelstrom finally start to settle into something very, very good. Yes, a million things are happening at once, but the core of this title remains centered and doesn't veer too far from our main cast. Finally I feel like I know some of the characters. This series works best when it spotlights a small group of the recruits while still touching upon the overall happenings at the camp.
Maybe it's Chris Gage's involvement here, but this issue finally gets the micro and macro levels of Camp Hammond correct. We have quirky Marvel trivia and details mixed with great comedic moments mixed with actual drama and character development all while advancing a larger narrative. The balance is nearly there. I honestly feel like the focus could be even more anchored on the initial recruits without much adverse effect on the series as a whole. There's also an effort to have some downtime so we can see how the crew interacts when it's not trying to save the world.
Several books this week impressed me on an artistic level. The Initiative is one such book. Stefano Caselli's work prior to coming to Marvel both irritated and impressed me. His style carries an inherent energy, but can often veer into a territory that is too quirky and too animated, particularly when it comes to facial expressions. With seven issues under his belt, I feel like Caselli is rapidly improving, eliminating eccentric qualities while still retaining individuality and power. The result is stunning, and this series is definitely the better because of it. I'll take some manic storytelling if I get art this solid.
Review Score:8.1 Impressive
