Archive for the ‘Guillem March’ Category

Catwoman #8 Review

Posted: April 21, 2012 in Adriana Melo, Catwoman, Comic Book News, DC Comics, Guillem March, Judd Winick
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Written by: Judd Winick
Pencilled by: Adriana Melo
Inked by: Mariah Benes
Cover Color by: Guillem March
Lettered by: DC Lettering
Colored by: Guillem March, Tomeu Morey

Sing it with me, “LOVE IS IN THE AIR!”  

Or maybe it’s lust, I can’t really tell at this point.  Catwoman gets so hung up on the thrill of the moment that it’s hard to know when she’s compensating for her REAL emotions and when she’s being truly genuine.

Bats is definitely on hiatus from pursuing anything with Catwoman, but new partner in crime, (literally) Spark, (again, literally) so far, seems to have an interest in Catwoman that stems beyond thievery and hijinxs.  Whether that’s a good or bad omen has yet to be seen. He seems to be a nice enough guy though, saving people before they’re blown to bits.  Hero, villain, or just plain thief with a kind heart.  (Oh man, I think I have a crush!)

There simply isn’t a lot to go on right now to make an honest judgement of Spark.  Welcome to the mind of Selena Kyle, blindly trusting anyone who makes her purr with ecstasy.  But I guess that’s the theme of this issue, the unknown.  In addition to the mystery of Spark, we’ve also been introduced to a new hooded villain who prowls the night streets, looking for prostitutes, and killing them…or at least that’s what we’re to assume.  And the Court of Owls is invading this titles as well, targeting Oswald Cobblepot!  So much is unknown.

Artistically I’m still missing Guillem March, but I still love Adriana Melo.  There’s a certain amount of playfulness she puts into our lovely feline kleptomaniac, giving her a equal balance of flirt, sex appeal, and girlish attitude, juxtaposed with her athleticism, womanly charm, and fervor…

aaawwwww, She's so cute!

The only real complaint I have about the art is how loose it feels, but that’s simply my personal taste and doesn’t speak towards the actual quality of Melo’s art.  I’m thankful March is still doing the covers, however; his work is gorgeous and exciting.  (If I ever see him at a convention, I’m totally going to ask him to do a commission for me!)

Winick is certainly serving Catwoman well by making this more than just about the sex appeal.  With a new heist partner (because he’s definitely not a mere sidekick) and a brainy counterpart, there’s a real purpose and focus that’s driving this title forward, attempting to give Catwoman an interesting and vibrant supporting cast.  The Court of Owls inclusion doesn’t seem to weigh the story down either.

However, with all that being said, this issue doesn’t go above and beyond;  never providing any jaw dropping moments or deep, meaningful bits of oratory worthy of an Oscar nomination.  (Because comic books can be nominated for an Oscar?  Nice thinking Jimmy :S)  This is nothing more than a fun installment of Catwoman filled with stealing, sex appeal, action, and fun.  You’ll enjoy this issue if that’s your thing!

More to come in 30! (Well, I guess it’s less than 30 days by this time, but you get my meaning right?)

7 out of 10 stars

Catwoman #6 Review

Posted: February 22, 2012 in Catwoman, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Guillem March, Judd Winink
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Written by JUDD WINICK
Penciled by GUILLEM MARCH
Colored by TOMEU MOREY
Lettered by DEZI SIENTY
Edited by RICKEY PURDIN & RACHEL GLUCKSTERN

I can’t be certain, but it seems like #6 marks the end of Catwoman’s first story arc, there was quite a bit left open for that to be determined yet.  The thing I CAN be certain of is how controversial Catwoman has been among the entire line of new 52.  It’s such a fun and engaging title, yet everyone picking it up month after month has been so preoccupied with all of the sex and violence that they allowed it to dictate their opinions of both the literary and artistic quality of the book in general.  As for me, you can say the sex and violence is over the top, but I say Catwoman is one of the more intelligently planned out titles in DC’s entire line.

Ever since issue #1, Guillem March’s art has either been extremely violent, or extremely sexual, and sometimes both at the same time as well.  March has done wonders in complementing Winick’s scripts, showing Catwoman as one of the most resilient women in comic’s history.  Faced with unbeatable odds, Catwoman is still able to land some killer blows against an enemy far more powerful than her, ripping off the ear of Reach in the process.  Despite the abuse that comic women suffer through, both visually and artistically, it’s clear that the characters in Batman’s universe are some of the toughest ever created.

The interrogation sequence is intense enough, but Winick decides he can push the boundaries even further as Batman makes his entrance.  The issue is prefaced by its cover, making a non-verbal claim that Batman is bound to show up.  Of course he doesn’t make his entrance until half way through the book, and it’s definitely a confrontation between Bats and Cats that’ll rock you to your core!

Unlike the shocking ending to issue #1, this meeting is much more heated with yelling, kicking, and punching…no sex. The question, “Why is Selina always risking her life for thrills and excitement?” is answered.  This second meeting between the two proves what I said back in my review of issue #1, that Catwoman does have a death wish, in which case frees up her spirit to enjoy the thrill of almost dying.

As much as I liked how Batman and Catwoman ending their first meeting in that shocking coupling, this meeting was much more satisfactory, doing what a good “noir” story should do.  Catwoman was finally forced to show her inner demons, revealing how much she actually hates herself.

Catwoman still remains one of my favorite titles thus far.  Winick is blowing it out of the park, and March is continually improving on his already awesome talents.  One arc down, success!  Looking forward to the next one!

10 out of 10 stars

Catwoman #4 Review

Posted: December 21, 2011 in Catwoman, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Guillem March, Judd Winink
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Writer: Judd Winick
Artist: Guillem March
Colors: Tomeu Morey
Letters: Sal Cipriano
Editors: Rickey Purdin, Rachel Gluckstern

#4 is here!  I had a blast reading half way through…but then things kind of went down hill.  Certain things that made Catwoman awesome three issues ago vanished, only to give us a mediocre issue during the second half of the book.  I’m not completely sure what Winick is trying to do, but there’s definitely something missing in this issue.

The sex appeal is still there, I don’t think anyone’s going to deny that.  Guillem March takes the seductive nature of this book to a whole new level, putting Catwoman in positions that will make ANY man’s bulge go wild.  But while the visual attractiveness of Catwoman is a major driving force behind the appeal, one cannot deny that Catwoman’s confidence boosts that appeal even further into a whole new level of likability.  This version of Catwoman is so much like Starbuck from Battlestar Gallactica…she’s sexy, smart, stealthy, and with a confidence that outdoes any character in the DCU.

However, what makes this title stick out is the amount of humanity that lies within Catwoman’s veins.  Let’s not forget that Catwoman, deep down inside, is a thief.  She isn’t really a profound character if you get right down to it.  She cares very little for the value people place in their material possessions and allows herself act accordingly.  But when it came to the death of her long time friend, Lola, She admitted to herself the disdain she had for her own life and blamed herself for Lola’s death.  Both in the written dialog AND in the artwork we see the amount of hurt Selina suffers from believing to be the cause of Lola’s passing.  It’s an amazing soliloquy of suffering that will have you emotionaly exhausted before the end.

I was most impressed by the fact that Winick made us care about a character that died within the first three issue of her existence.  The way Selina described their relationship and how Lola basically put up with Catwoman through the years made me want to know more about her.  She certainly had Selina’s love. I want to go back in time and learn more about this cute, red headed fence that forced Selina to spill her soul to us via inner monologue.

But then the entrance of a new character, Selena’s old buddy in crime Gwen, and the further development of Detective Alvarez and his sleuthing against the mysterious criminal jettisons the comic into a whole new focus very quickly.  Selina became quite happy again and went right back to thievery at the drop of a hat.  Maybe I just have no idea since I’m not a crook, but if I had just lost my best friend in the worst way, I might take a few days off and mourn…but that’s just me.

One thing a dislike even more than unrelatable characteristics within the protagonist is the creation of really bad villains.  Enter “Reach,” who uses the power of technology to reach for people and throw them all over the place, shooting out what looks like blue lightning bolts that doesn’t hurt the person it touches.  To be honest, I could care less about this villain and how she “knows” Catwoman.  Hopefully “Reach” will be tossed out sooner rather than later.   Although I am interested to see how Catwoman is going to save herself from falling from a couple hundred feet in the air.  It’s a nice little cliff hanger that redeemed the bad villain choice.

50% good, 50% not so good.  What happened with ol’ rock face?  Is he going to get his just deserts?  C’mon Catwoman, go back to fighting the bigger fight and leave the everything else behind.

7 out of 10 stars

Catwoman #3 Review

Posted: November 18, 2011 in Catwoman, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Guillem March, Judd Winink
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Writer: Judd Winick
Artist: Guillem March
Colorist: Tomeu Morey
Letterer: Sal Cipriano
Editors: Rickey Purdin & Rachel Gluckstern 

Batman will most certainly be at front of the hits via internet reviews, with Catwoman tailing way behind…regretfully.  It seems people have gotten over the initial shock of issue #1 and moved on to the more “popular” hero of the DC Universe.  But for those of you who decided to drop Catwoman like a pan of hotcakes after issue #1, you’re definitely missing out one of the better titles in the DC Universe.

Now don’t mistake, this issue doesn’t have a lot of content; Catwoman is tapped down by bones, escapes her captures, (blowing out a few knees in the process) beats Bones over the head with a baseball bat, shares a passionate moment with Batman, (minus the sex) and then finds a crawl space to curl up in and cry over the loss of her friend.  it’s a fairly quick read but loaded with some of the most emotionally moving scenes I’ve seen in one comic.

Guillem March may receive  lot of criticism for the overly sexual way he draws his women, but one thing I don’t think anyone can deny is how masterful he is at giving each character life, both in body and face.  This is where the book shines and is a clear representation of the new Catwoman and how she values her friendships and loved ones…and will stop at nothing to avenge them.

SHEESH!! This is talent! Click To Enlarge

Yet there is a bitter sweet end to all of this too.  Catwoman admits (via inner monologue) that even though she was torn part by the loss of Lola, she is still willing to burn all of Lola’s work to save her own skin.  Selina feels terrible about it, but in order to continue living in the shadows, she must do all she can to conceal Lola’s involvement and her research.  Too bad the cops came in at the last minute with Catwoman over her best friend’s dead body huh?

Catwoman was driven by her kleptomania, which only got her in trouble with the gang and also led to the death of her friend.  Even beating Bones to a bloody pulp didn’t do much for her as she was still caught in an exceptionally incriminating position where she will now, undoubtedly, be wanted to murder. Everything’s simply going to Hell for Selena!  Is Judd Winick trying to say something?

Don’t hesitate, pick up this issue!  Even if you haven’t been following the series thus far, this issue stands on its own without any trouble.

10 out of 10 stars

Catwoman #2 Review

Posted: October 20, 2011 in Catwoman, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Guillem March, Judd Winink
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Written By: Judd Winick
Art By: Guillem March
Colors By: Tomeu Morey
Letters By: Sal Cipriano
Cover By: Guillem March

A Fresh Look At Catwoman
Last month Winick provided us with one of the most sexually controversial moments in the history of DC…a shockingly visual and provocative sex scene, a la carte style!  This issue opens up with the breaking of furniture and some violent sex-tossing.  Was Winick compelled to tone down the sexual nature of the rebooted Catwoman?  Not in the least; taking full advantage of March’s unequaled ability to draw the sexiest men and women in the superhero genre.

But as I stated lasted month, this title isn’t JUST about sex and seeing how often March can show off Catwoman’s breasts and legs, there is a tension in Selina that’s released through theft, danger, and sex.  In the same degree that Tony Daniel is bringing the detective side of Batman back to the pages of DC, Judd Winick is giving Catwoman back her kleptomaniac persona that has been sorely lacking in the last few years.  Not only do we find her stealing from the wealthy after the wealthy, we also see a bit of an emotional attachment to her thievery. It’s as if her life as a criminal is more than just an aphrodisiac, it’s an extension of her emotions…love, hate, despair, envy, vengeance, and everything the Sandman series represented…I’ll bet the kind of dreams and his family are having a field day with Cats!  She isn’t just a thief because she needs to make ends meet, she’s a thief because stealing is the fifth limb of her body.

From what I can see, Winick is also diving into Bruce Wayne’s character development within the rebooted DC Universe.  Mr. Wayne is back to his old playboy self…or at least it’s a lot more visible this go ‘round.  For the last decade, Bruce Wayne hasn’t really had a chance to show off his “smooth-talking” self, but now we’re reminded that while Batman is one of the most serious heroes in comic books, his playful, womanizing characteristics are still well intact.

I HATED seeing Lola die this way!  She had such potential as a side character!  What a way to throw in a monkey wrench Winick!  While I loved this issue and consider it to be top notch, I don’t think I can forgive you for killing off Lola so early.  Ugh!  But, her death was a visually captivating and devastating at the same time…mission accomplished Guillem!

Speaking of Guillem March, the artistic level was uped about ten notches with the terrifyingly sad and gruesome image of Lola, duct taped to a chair, beaten, bruised, and shot through the forehead…with Catwoman’s bewildered shadow hovering in front of her.  March tightens up the art even more with Catwoman’s scared and teary face as she looks at her dead friend’s mangled body.  It’s one of the more emotionally devastating moments I’ve seen in any superhero comic in a long time.

It doesn’t stop there as Catwoman is quickly thrown around like a rag doll, with blood splattering and bits of her costume flying everywhere.  March wasn’t holding anything back and made sure to let Selina “have it” with every violent trick in the book.  Truly, this might be one of the most excruciating and painful fight scenes I’ve ever seen in a comic book…and it only lasted three pages.  It’s amazing how good art work is effective no matter how many pages it is.

There is so much going on with this title right now, and it’s only been two issues.  THIS is the Catwoman DC Comics NEEDS to have in its repertoire.  The one from the Sirens was good, but the rebooted Catwoman has so much more life and energy to her.  Keep up the good work Judd and Guillem, you’re doing one Hell of a job!

10 out of 10

Catwoman #1 Review

Posted: September 22, 2011 in Batman, Catwoman, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Guillem March, Judd Winink
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Writer: Judd Winick
Artist: Guillem March
Colorist: Tomeu Morey
Letterer: Sal Cipriano
Cover Art: Guillem March

The Plot
Danger around every corner!  Some of it instigated by Catwoman, some of it by the evil doers around her.  Either way, Catwoman has a knack for attracting danger.

Of course what does one do when their home is attacked by men in skull masks who blow up your domicile shortly afterwards?  Catwoman is filled with a series of events that are seemingly unconnected, yet give us insight into the persona one of DC’s sexiest villainesses.  And it’s only the beginning!

My Heretical Opinion
Ok, let’s get it out of the way, this is a sexually driven comic book.  Guillem March is just as notorious as Ed Benes for making all his women slender, athletic, boobaliscious, and as ass-tastic as possible.  But let’s not concern ourselves with that at this very moment, because while #1 definitely shows off Catwoman’s exceptional features, the story definitely has more meat on its bones than that and it simply uses sex as the catapult into a darker and more disturbing arc that is bound to deliver sweet results, both literary, figuratively, and visually.

Catwoman #1 hits the ground running with amazing action and riveting suspense.  The first four pages succeeded in causing my anticipation muscle to tense up and beg for more; something Catwoman wants out of me, I’m sure,  as this issue dives into her mentality, giving us a picture of what makes her tick and why she acts the way she does.

It’s her love and flare for danger that gives Catwoman a rise.  The little public disturbances aren’t even worth the effort in her mind.  It’s almost as if she lives for the BIG, daily risks that life provides.  She says it herself doesn’t she?

“I’m not sure I like doing anything unless it puts me out on a limb.  ‘Cuz that’s where the fruit is, right?

This issue describes Catwoman in the best way possible.  She isn’t simply a thief and public menace because she’s desperate for money, she leads this kind of life because…well…it turns her on!  March gives us a perfect display of this from the very beginning as Catwoman jumps out of her window, bullets chasing after her, with a smile on her face…

I can't smile like that under pressure, can you?

Now we haven’t gotten to the point where this sexual undertone is clearly defined (with exception of the art) as we get a brief interlude into Catwoman’s social network.  She still has friends who are willing to help her and look beyond her life as a criminal.  Her friendship with Lolo clearly illustrates that, while Catwoman is undoubtedly all women, she still has a little girl deep inside her (get your minds out of the gutter)  who desires personal connections with friends.

No doubt that this issue is one of the raunchiest that DC has ever produced as it’s almost pornographic!  The last scene where Batman enters into the story brings the ultimate climax to the mix.  If I were a betting man (and I’m not) I would say Winick and March were trying to see how far they could go without making this first issue a porno comic.  Violence and sex make for a great read!

But even in her successful quest in obtaining a job and a temporary place to live, her life in normalcy is brief, interrupted by a ghost of her past.  We can only assume, based on the sepia toned flash back sequence, that the woman murdered in front of Selina’s very eyes by the bastard, Renald, was her mother.  If not her mother, then someone she cared for deeply.  We are then, of course, presented with an unforgettable image that I’m sure every guy fantasizes about in hopes that something like this would one day happen to them…

Moments before I die, I get to see this...totally worth dying for right??

Guillem March does a fantastic job with every single panel of this issue.  Each page is filled with color and detail, with every panel as lively as the next.   One of my favorites in on page 13, with March giving us a violently detailed and graphic four panel page that is completely in black and white, with exception to Selina’s red wig and Renald’s splattering blood; beautifully reminiscent of Frank Miller’s “Sin City” cinematography. Of course, afterwards, what happens?  Selina leaves with a smile…another wonderfully “happy” moment in the life of the danger magnet, Catwoman.

With all of this violence and tension buildup, Selina is most definitely ready for some type of physical release.  Enter Batman to help with that.  Judd Winick presents the same type of idea that Alan Moore presented with his masterpiece, Watchmen.  The danger and thrill of what comic superheroes and supervillains have to endure (whether by choice or no) on a daily basis has never been truly described as a type of aphrodisiac, except with Watchmen, and now with Catwoman.

It’s certainly true that Batman can now enjoy the results of Catwoman’s obsession at the end of each day.  But the interesting thing is, Catwoman and Batman leave their costumes on, only removing the parts of clothing necessary to have intercourse.  Symbolic me thinks! But for you concerned readers, know that this reboot of Catwoman is definitely NOT G rated.

This is an appropriate representation Catwoman.  She doesn’t seem very different in how her character is represented, but more so in her motives, desires, and needs.  Catwoman should be shown as a lively person who thrives under the thrill of danger…as well as getting very excited by it all.  With all of this, however, Judd Winick adds in a bit of sympathy intermingled with it all.  And I suspect that this sexually driven title will emerge into something bigger and better than it already is in future issues.

10 out of 10

Gotham City Sirens #21 Review

Posted: April 4, 2011 in Andres Guinaldo, Batman, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Gotham City Sirens, Guillem March, Harley Quinn, Peter Calloway, Uncategorized
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Written By: Peter Calloway

Artist: Andres Guinaldo

Inker: Lorenzo Ruggiero

Colorist: JD Smith

Cover Artist: Guillem March

Letterer: Dave Shape

Editor: Mike Marts

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Last month we were left at a standstill between Harley and Sergeant Aaron Cash; Harley dead set on getting her hands on the Joker, an Cash refusing to let her into the madman’s cell.  But with one twist of the plot thickening doorknob, Harley reveals a terrible truth to Cash as to what REALLY happened in his son’s death.

Giving her the keys to the Jokers cell, Harley’s plans to kill her former lover are on the cusp of completion.  But is her will strong enough to go through with it?  Can Harley actually murder the Joker?

The answer of course is no, the Joker is too popular and very much a defining feature of Batman folklore.  DC would be in big trouble if they actually pulled the plug on the Clown Prince of crime.  So it’s vital that the climax works and doesn’t feel like some cop-out.  And one would think that Harley getting back together with the Joker is a cop-out, but I would argue that it defines the control Mr. J has over Harley incredibly well…but it can’t be as cut-n-dry as that now can it?  So the kicker is going to come down to issue #22 and how the Sirens deal with this little snag in story.

In the meantime, Catwoman and Poison Ivy have it out and reveal how they really feel about each other.  Ivy has never liked Catwoman and has always shunned her the majority of the time.  I wonder about this though since Catwoman has saved Ivy’s life on numerous occasions (very recently in fact) which gives Pamela no real reason to continually show disdain for Selena.  Maybe next issue will help bring the two women together in a bond of friendship.  It’ll be nice to see these two come to terms with one another and finally start working WITH each other.

This issue was a joy for me in that we finally get a glimpse of just how smart Harley truly is deep down inside. As twisted as it may sound, through Harley’s desire to kill the Joker, we see her humanity poor out of her.  It’s almost as if she was retaining her sanity as she worked her way towards the Joker.  She was determined to break free of the control the he has over her by ending his life.  This is a human quality that, while still qualifying someone as insane, shows Harley was on the right track to reclaiming her own humanity.  And while it’s obvious that Harley has fallen prey to the Joker’s “swooning,” I certainly hope next issue gives Harley an ending worthy of this story arc.

The cover by Guillem March is astounding!  Of course, pretty much everything he does is astounding and is certainly the highlight, artistically, of GCS #21.  But Ruggiero and JD Smith bring out an incredible display of visuals that I haven’t seen by the artistic team yet.  I am, as most of you know, not one who favors a shift in artistic styles, but the way this art-duo changes things up with the flash-back sequences gives me chills of delight.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

#21 signifies something of an end for the Sirens doesn’t? Harley is back with the Joker, Catwoman and Ivy leave each other…the Gotham City trifecta has parted ways with no shimmering ray of hope to be seen.  Of course we all know it’s virtually impossible to keep the cancellation of titles  a secret, so we can assume that this isn’t the end of the Gotham City Sirens.  But one thing is for sure, if Calloway doesn’t deliver with a bang-up ending next month, the Sirens will truly make its way into the comic shredder.

10 out of 10