Geekshow

The Five – Comics for February 11, 2009

Captain Wednesday takes on the God of Thunder, a Batman-less Outsiders, some Fables and more in this week’s installment of The Five!

They say variety is the spice of life. Who are they you ask, good question? That’s not what I am about right now. It’s about the spice. And the variety in my top five books of the week – a little Marvel, a little DC, some Icon (although that is Marvel) and some Vertigo (ditto DC) and a big ol’ IDW to finish things off … enjoy.

First rule about Fight Club is you can’t talk about Fight Club. Second rule about Fight Club don’t fight the God of Thunder. Thor is one bad dude and no more is that evident than in the milestone issue #600 this week. All of J. Michael Straczynski’s slow-burning plotlines come to a head as Odin’s son is outshone by the God of Lies – Loki (she’s back or he, depending on where Loki is).

Thor #600 is a big-budget epic that does not disappoint. Plus, there is more as Straczynski and artist Oliver Copiel (with Marko Djurdjevic) deliver a true spectacular with surprising guest stars and a stunning conclusion. Asgard and Thor will not be the same after this one.

There are a lot of Batman stories floating around in the DC ‘verse right now. And most of them are hard to decipher (with apologies to the brilliant Grant Morrison and Neil Gaiman). That is why this week I am going to recommend Batman and the Outsiders Special #1. This book is a perfect segue way to the comic becoming just plain-old Outsiders (starting with issue #15).

Peter Tomasi (with Adam Kubert on pencils) tells a tale that has been needed since all of this Batman R.I.P. nonsense began so many months ago. Batman is dead, long live the Outsiders. The Special is basically a putting-the-team together book, but it’s a fun one to see who has been placed in charge of Batman’s secret team. And the roster looks like it could be a blast.

Two issues up for Ed Brubaker’s Incognito, and for the second month in a row, I found myself wanting more as Incognito #2 furthers the story laid out in the premiere issue of Zack Overkill and his dreary life in witness protection. Brubaker’s nourish storytelling is perfect for this off-beat tale of a super villain looking to get back in the game, without anyone being none the wiser.

The second issue further develops Overkill while also giving us additional new mysteries like that show on television about the island and plane crash. Brubaker’s partner-in-crime from Criminal, Sean Phillips, art work is a superb compliment and paints a seedy picture that Phillips is quickly becoming the go-to-guy for in comics.

Back in the land of fairy tales, the Fables are still reeling from the events of the War in issue #81. Fabletown has been destroyed and one of their own is not faring too well. On top of that, one of the bad’s which shall not be spoken of is on the loose with only one thing on its mind – fables. Bill Willingham’s story is only getting stronger as it approaches its seventh birthday.

Fables #81 is also notable as it is the last James Jean cover. Jean even adds some dialogue for the first time in this issue (its not what you think) and leaves us with another superb cover that tells a tale within a tale, as only a fable can do.

Last but not least is a guilty treat from Chuck Dixon (take that DC Comics) and Robert Atkins as IDW’s reboot of G.I.Joe #2 arrives this week. The mystery surrounding the final cylon, I meant box, deepens as more characters from Joe lore begin to get introduced.

Dixon has done a nice job two issues in of reimaging the G.I.Joe franchise and fans of the original book and cartoon should not be disappointed. All I can say is I can’t way for the next issue to see what happens with that box, and who else we get to meet.

Until next week, don’t forget to tip your dog walkers on the way out – Peace!