Archive for the ‘Matthew Sturges’ Category

Power Girl #26 Review

Posted: July 20, 2011 in Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Hendry Prasetya, Matthew Sturges, Power Girl
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Writer: Matthew Sturges

Artist: Hendry Prasetya

Colorist: Jessica Kholinne

Letterer: Travis Lanham

Cover Art: Sami Basri

Before I Begin….

Wow!  It’s a miracle!!  Having a good number of comic book subscriptions has taught me that I will always get my comics a week (and sometimes two weeks) after they hit the comic book stands.  Yet, Monday evening I stood amazed at the fact that, after I got the mail and opened the plastic wrapped comic book, I was holding Power Girl #26…two days before it was supposed to be in comic book stores for sale.  This is a first!  If only the subscription service was always this prompt.

In The Meantime…

This issue of Power Girl finds us in the midst of a new writer, JSA All-Stars superstar Matthew Sturges!  Power Girl has now reached the ultimate point of superherodom…by making a special guest appearance at the first ever Power Girl convention!  Of course, in perfect tradition of comic book folklore, no superhero can have a little bit of fun without a little bit of chaos trailing close behind.  So what does Power Girl do when her biggest fan is an alien trespasser who wants to kidnap Pee Gee to be her planets personal body guard?

Elsewhere…

It wasn’t until I opened to the first page when I realized Judd Winick wasn’t going to finish out the Power Girl run before the DCnU revamp kisses her goodbye.  I took me a little bit before I got over this sad and unfortunate fact and relished in the knowledge that a just-as-capable writer is taking over the final two issues of one of my favorite titles.  And Sturges doesn’t disappoint as he continues the humorous and hokey approach that started when Jimmy Palmiotti was in charge of the literary duties.

Sturges has a little fun by taking the world of cosplaying and integrating it into the DC Universe.  Smart move as I’m sure cosplaying will be at its all times highest with ABC and NBC filming the upcoming Comic-Con to be broadcasted on national television.  I’ve always enjoyed a good, well-made costume, especially when those costumes represent the heroes I adore the most.  I’ve never actually had the privilege of attending a major comic book convention before (something I hope to rectify very soon) but I can only imagine that the amount of star struck fans is exactly like this…multiplied by 100!

But this issue wasn’t truly about how awesome Power Girl is, but more about how much confidence she instills in her loyal fans, promoting the concept of “Girl Power,” as Pee Gee so puts it.  And in the corniest way possible, Sturges allows this to come to life by providing the perfect opportunity for three of her most loyal fans to save Power Girl from the clutches of a new alien enemy.  We all love a story where the unlikely hero saves the day, and even better when it’s the cute preteen (I am NOT a pedophile) who plays the most significant role.

I was a tad bit confused as to where in the world (is Carmen Sandiego) those magical alien clayfaces came from.  I’m certain Sturges wants us extend our notion of disbelief and accept it for what it is…science fiction…which means it doesn’t need explanation.  But I can’t help but wonder why the Hell they popped out of nowhere and said BOO!  But, this is me, a fan boy, unable to let things go and get so nit-picky that I allow it to dictate my entire opinion and perception of the entire issue.  I shall step back and just accept it for what it is and enjoy the unrealistic fun that comes along with Power Girl.

Hendry Prasetya, as always, puts his best effort out there and delivers some outstanding pencil work.  Page one shows us a Power Girl with a black curtain behind her delivering a moving speech that’s bound to have a punch line at the turn of a page.  I swear, it doesn’t matter who the artist is, Power Girl has the best serious glare of any superhero in the DC Universe.  Something about her brings out the best in any artist.  I’m perfectly content and happy with Prasetya finishing up this series as its main artist.

With only one issue left to go, I’m not sure how to deal.  I’ve been on board with power Girl since the beginning.  It’s been the most consistently awesome title published by DC Comics…right after the Secret Six.  Ugh, my sorrows are only going to grow from this point.

9 out of 10 stars

JSA All-Stars #18 Review

Posted: May 5, 2011 in Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Freddie Williams II, Joey Cavalieri, JSA All-Stars, Matthew Sturges, Pat Brosseau, Richard Horie, Tanya Horie, Uncategorized
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Written By: Matthew Sturges

Penciled & Inked By: Freddie Williams II

Coloring By: Tanya & Richard Horie

Lettering By: Pat Brosseau

Edited By: Joey Cavalieri

The Plot

The world has seemingly gone loopy as no one really knows if their universe is real or fake!  The superhero currently known as Prince searches for his old nemesis, Dr. Hate, but ends up finding his mother instead.  Now the All-Stars must figure out who their allies and enemies are before millions of innocent people perish in a worldwide explosion to be detonated by Prince.

My Awe Inspiring Opinion

JSA All-Stars has been a fun ride.  I’m sad to see it end so soon – not even reaching its two year mark.  Sturges created such out of this world storylines that were both smart and quirky at the same time.  Like most spin-off series, the All Stars had trouble finding its footing…all it took was kicking ‘ol mister Magog out of the picture and the series began its upward slope into greatness. It’s so sad to say goodbye to a series that was only beginning to see its potential.

That being said, I knew the title wasn’t going to last.  Matt Sturges came to my local comic book store towards the beginning of the title’s run.  I had asked him of the longevity of the All-Stars; he began talking about the numerous ideas he had planned for the book, but even then I didn’t hear a lot of certainty in his voice.  The title has so much baggage involved with it that it’s hard to imagine even the best writer bringing it out of the JSA’s shadow, allowing it to become its own entity.

This final, 18th issue, while maintaining that same fun, cataclysmic storytelling, had a rushed feel to it.  Maybe Sturges was rushed or a little unmotivated having his book yanked from him.  But regardless, it wasn’t my favorite All-Star’s installment.

I would have liked to see DC take this title to a good 24 issues, allowing Sturges the right amount of time to conclude this arc and begin the process if giving the team an ending worthy of who they are.  I never quite understood this “other world” that the Prince came from, nor was any of the explanation about the Prince’s origin clear.  And maybe it’s just my inability to understand psychotic behavior, but I can’t comprehend how blowing up an area of a 500 mile radius will bring back the world he remembers.  Along with this comes a lot of dialog which doesn’t represent the quality that Sturges has set with previous issues.

#18 does have its good points however with incredible action sequences and humorous detours.  It’s always nice when a writer recognizes a title’s typically tendencies and plot devices, and Sturges lets the entire world know that the JSA really does tend to bring down the unknown baddies…

I was glad to see Roxy get one last moment in the spotlight. I love her and her annoying mannerisms and jokes.  Why did everyone hate her so much?  She’s cute, funny, and has so much potential as a character that I hope she is carried on into the regular JSA title.  But that also begs the question, “how many of the All-Star heroes will be utilized in the Justice Society from now on?

Williams has always met my eye with a lot of negative criticism, but I have to recognize talent where it’s due.  He’s not my favorite artist, but Williams does have more talent in his pinky finger than most artists do in their whole body.  That final page where Power Girl stands triumphantly on the rocks is a sight for sore eyes!

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

I really am sad to see this title end and wonder how in the world the JSA writer is going to handle such a big amalgamation of the two teams? Oh well, at least Power Girl won’t have as many back problems with Williams not being put in charge of her bodily functions anymore.

8 out of 10 Stars

Zatanna #12 Review

Posted: April 25, 2011 in Amanda Conner, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Matthew Sturges, Pat Brosseau, Stephane Roux, Zatanna
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Nettirw Yb: Wehttam Segruts

Tistra: Einahpets Xour

Tsiroloc: Nhoj Zsilak

Revoc Tistra: Adnama Rennoc

Rerettel: Tap Uaessorb

Rotide: Yeoj Ireilavac

Eht Yllacigam Gnitevir Tolp

A wanna be thug and rapper, named Backlash, takes it upon himself to utilize his time reversing device to assist him in his dastardly and murderous deeds.  After slaying a group of mer-people, this simple minded jerkwad takes his blood-thirsty agenda to San Francisco where Zatanna practices her backwards enchantments.

While taking a stroll through the city, our fish-net wearing heroine finds herself doin’ the mystical tango with the Backlash. (Original name huh?)  As time runs backwards, and Zatanna’s spells are spoken correctly, (making them useless) she must now use her mighty wit and outsmart our rhythmless evildoer and save Tinkerbell!

Wait…What?

Ym Ewa-Gniripsni Noinipo

I have now decided to go back eleven issues and play catch up with the Zatanna series.  I’ve always loved her, but never did I imagine that she had enough potential to have her own title.  Finally, one year later, I decided to pick up issue #12 and see what all the excitement was about.  And I told myself I wasn’t going to pick up any more titles to help save a few bucks…this was a bad way of sticking to my comic book diet.

The interesting thing Sturges does with #12 is the play on the reverse aspect of Zatanna’s world.  How could a writer put a twist on Zatanna’s spells without seeming to unoriginal?  I got it!  Force her to say the spells forwards instead of backwards!  And I’ll be honest, as corny and stupid as the new villain Backlash is, the idea propelling this story is quite creative.

I liked Sturges’ portrayal of Zatanna having to constantly practice her magical spells.  Sure, she’s been around since the late 60’s, but everyone gets rusty right?  She doesn’t seem inept to me, just staying on top of things.

I can only imagine how much fun Sturges had in thinking up as many Palindromes as he could for Zatanna to spout out.  For those who loves word games, comics, and action, this is the ultimate storyline.  I wonder if Sturges decided to challenge Stephanie Roux and create some difficult artistic situations through the dialog that only the best artists could render.

Maybe it’s my problem having hopped on board with Zatanna 12 issue after it began, but I wasn’t fully sure where this thug came from, where he got his “wicked sword,” and where this green fairy came from.  It all seemed very random to me and out of place…but thus is the nature of comic books.  So all I have to say is “give me more randominity!”

It was nice to see Stephane Roux back on board with the art on a title.  I haven’t actually seen her work for some time which is quite sad.  We very rarely see Zatanna out of her magician’s uniform and in regular clothing.  But even then, Roux gives a very modern and exotic look to her, even as she flies over the city of San Fransisco.

Speaking of which, I hear rumors around the World Wide Web that Sturges’ description of San Francisco was a spot on match to what it’s actually like in the real world.  I’ve never been to the magical city, but if what Zatanna says is true, I might need to pay it a visit one of these years.

Ym Yllacitsejam Citcamilc Noisulcnoc

Overall, this was a very well thought out book.  It had its confusing and out of place points but, eh, nothings perfect.

Oh, that the cover by Amanda Conner is freaking amazing!!!!

7 out of 10 stars

Zatanna #12 – Amanda Conner Rocks!!!

Posted: April 21, 2011 in DC Comic Book Cover, Matthew Sturges, Zatanna
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Without a doubt, the best cover of the month!

JSA All-Stars #16 Review

Posted: March 12, 2011 in Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Freddie Williams II, JSA All-Stars, Matthew Sturges, Uncategorized
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Written By: Matthew Sturges

Artist: Freddie Williams II

Colorist: Richard & Tanya Horie

Cover Artist: Freddie Williams II

Letterer: Pat Brosseau

Editor: Joey Cavalieri

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Arthur Pemberton reveals all in this 3rd and final issue of the Puzzlemen story arc.  Although it’s hard to imagine anything as rough and tough as the rock hard Puzzlemen being able to out punch Citizen Steel.  With the All-Stars doing all they can to bring down Pemberton and his band of rock soldiers, something rather unexpected, and kind of morbid, lurks it’s into the path of the unsuspecting villain…you’ll be horrified and chuckle at the same time.

Honestly, I was clueless as to how this story was going to end, but I knew it was going to rock my world. (No pun intended) Sturges didn’t disappoint as he presented an all-out brawl against Pemberton’s Puzzlemen and the All-Stars that kept me glued to the action.  If I were to pick Sturges’ strongest literary aspect, it would be his ability to write incredibly riveting action stories.

I had to do a quadruple-take at the end however.  “What do violins have to do with any of this?” I asked myself.  It wasn’t until I decided to go back to last month’s issue when was reminded of the fleeting interest Roxy had in human emotions and playing the violin.  So logic would also tell you the very first page threw me for a loop as well.  Thus lies the daunting dilemma with comics published on a monthly basis; if you forget to go back and look to remind yourself of what happened in the previous issues (unless you have a friggin’ awesome memory) the latest issue will be lost to you.  But it tied in really well and gave Roxy an incredibly glorious moment to shine as the hero.

Just a side note – Maybe it’s just me and my ability to find the utmost morbidity in the smallest things but isn’t it kinda creepy that Roxy’s consciousness is swarming around in a dead body?  We can take it even further though (can’t we?) since Roxy decided to keep that body for centuries following the battle with the Puzzlemen.

As much as I enjoyed this issue, it almost seemed TOO easy of a fight for the All-Stars.  Almost immediately the heroes had an arsenal of weapons at their hand, with Pemberton left holding his stick yelling at everyone with an uncertain demeanor about him.  And just when you thought Citizen Steel was about to be taken out, we’re shown just how powerful and relentless he truly is!  This was the All-Stars moment of glory that showed the rest of the DCU that they are a superhero team not to be underestimated!

Freddie Williams II…what can I say?  I hated him in the beginning, thought he was a lot more tolerable somewhere in the middle of the run, and now I think he’s awesome!  The body structures he draws are still a bit too pruney for my tastes, but the art has an explosive approach too it which I really like.  Not to exclude the coloring team of Horie who bring me the closest to understanding what the fire and brimstone might look like.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

It’s a real shame DC decided to pull the plug on the JSA All-Stars.  This title had finally reached a point that makes me believe it could stand the test of time.  Oh well, I guess the bright side will be that I’ll spend $2.99 less than what I had been spending on a monthly basis.

7 out of 10