Justin G returns with reviews

Surprisingly, still a lot of fun. Great interpersonal dynamics and a lot of opposing views between the classic and new crop of Avengers. Loved the "Hawkingbird" moment and all the various story elements at play here. Grade B

Conan #16
Dark Horse Comics

Really enjoyed the return of the Prince and the Wazir from earlier in the series. Great in-between-arcs issue that sets up the next storyline without feeling like a wasted breath. Cary Nord's pencils are as strong as ever. Grade B+

The Omac Project #2
DC Comics

So, what's the big deal with this series? First ish must have sold out due to a combo of hype and DC's new books-sell-out-before-even-hitting-the-stands method of printing and accounting for orders, because it couldn't have been the strong storytelling. Really murky art that is inked too heavily. Pencils seem ok with the long shots, but get very odd and stiff on the close-ups. Still can't buy Maxwell Lord as the uber-competent power broker who runs Checkmate. Not very accessible for readers who don't know the Sasha Bordeaux history in the Bat-verse. And the JLA members don't seem to be characterized in a very, I don't know, mature fashion? Grade C-

Desperado Primer #1
Image Comics

Quite a mixed bag of previews here, some very interesting and some very boring, but priced just right at $1.99. Looking forward to solo Writer/Illustrator Tony Harris's two volume Roundeye for Love in which he has slightly modified his pencilling style. Also intrigued by The Stardust Kid from the creative team behind the much loved CrossGen late bloomer Abazadad. Dusty Star looks great as do the art books by Brian Bolland and P. Craig Russell. As for the Liefeldian art in World Traveler and just about everything else here, count me out. But not bad for a promo book. Grade B

Green Lantern #1
DC Comics

First impression was that this was kind of slow moving, lots of time spent on rehashing Hal's origin, which the key demographic for this book knows quite well. Hey, Ethan Van Sciver! Hey man, Image from 1994 called and they want their art back (I mean, why was including him as artist for 4 pages even necessary?). Pacheco's art also seemed a little off up front, but seems he found his usual strong groove toward the end of the book. By the end, I was getting into it though. Nice love interest, nice mysterious ship, and nice alien poking around. Lots of interesting seeds being planted here. Grade B

Ex Machina #11
DC Comics, Wildstorm

Excellent single issue story. Still one of the most original and socially charged books in the market. Strong scripting, penciling, and rendering. Highly recommended. Grade A

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