The Pick - November 17th

Well, well, well; didn't I say I would be back to normal? Finals are looming in the distance but I'm a master procrastinator so I have no worries on that matter :P This week, I decided to do something a tad different. This week, I decided to review three titles from three popular indie distributors. With the direction some major titles have chosen to take, I think it's safe to say they're getting pretty desperate... I mean, Frankencastle? Really, Marvel? You already embarrassed yourself with The List: Punisher, but you had to take it one step further and go the route of Lame-Spoof-Garbage. And yes, despite what you might say, this piece of utter crap is shameful and a complete disappointment.

I have lost faith in you Marvel. First you sell out to Hollywood, and then you sell out to the mass market. Tsk, tsk.

1. Victorian Undead

Written by Ian Edginton
Art by Davide Fabbri
Colors by Carrie Strachan

Sherlock Holmes vs. Zombies! With the myriad of zombie-related media frenzy, it was only a matter of time before Wildstorm got their chance to make their point, and my, what a point it is. The issue begins with the strange meteor shower befalling London in March of 1854. Not sixth months later, an outbreak has killed over a hundred documented people. From there, we're fast forwarded to 1898 where Mr. Holmes and the ever-present Watson are taking down a Automata intent on taking advantage of its guests. When they're pulled aside to see a most unusual case, they're almost immediately distracted by the Queen's secret service. But as all things Sherlock Holmes go, he's far from butting out of this business.

Being the English major I am, I love a good story, and that is what this has started out as. Albeit it's a little slow starting, and if you're not used to accents or incredibly eloquent proper British English, you'll have a bit of a hard time reading this. But bear with it, because the story flows well, and there is no hidden meaning too deep to figure out. The art is by far some of the best I've seen in a while, but Wildstorm is famous for their easy-on-the-eyes art. The colors add just enough to keep your eye wandering, tracing the outline of a person's face, and moving into the next panel.

All-in-all, a very good read; one I look forward too again.

2. Deadlocke #1

Written by Arvid Nelson
Art by Nick Stakal

As the story begins, we find the titular character, Locke, having just experienced his first time with his girlfriend. From there, the sweetness continues as Renee looks through Locke's sketchbook and is introduced to Deadlocke, the reluctant villain he's created for his comic book. As the issue proceeds, we find Locke and Renee at a costume party hosted by Casey, a boy whom Renee warned Locke about fighting with. Things take a turn for the worst when Casey drops some bad gossip to Locke and they get into the fight Renee warned about. As things escalate, Locke leaves the party chasing after Renee, but ends up home and even more pissed off  than before. Not wanted to talk to his mom about what happened, he takes a walk, and who does he meet? Well, I won't spoil that for you.

This was interesting. It almost starts off as if we're in the middle of the story and goes from there. As the issue continues, we realize that maybe Locke's character isn't as made-up as we first imagined. Finally, as things begin to go very wrong, we're introduced to another side of Locke. I like how the story progressed. There wasn't a lot of speech, but what there was, was all very meaningful and forced you to think about what was being said. The art was strange, and I'll admit I wasn't used to it in the beginning, but as things moved, I realized that it suited the storyline very well.

A good read, one that leaves enough questions to pull you into the next issue.

3. Legion Prophets

Written by Scott Stewart & Tom Waltz
Art by Alberto Muriel

It's become commonplace to see comic book prequels and companions to some of the Hollywood giants hitting the big screen. The the influx of comic book movies making the rounds, the industry has taken a huge leap from ten years ago. Legion is one of the giants.  As a prelude, this issue offers a insider's look at what we're to expect from the movie in January. First, we're introduced to Jacob Heifitz, an Israeli research student making a run for it with what turns out to be an incredibly important Dead Sea Scroll. From there we meet Sami Samma, whose little sister has been diagnosed with cancer and the only way he can pay for it is to become a suicide bomber. Before he can carry out his mission, however, the airport is overrun with what see like zombies, but we never know for sure (they can think and speak coherently, after all). The first thing they decide--like smart people--is that they need to get out of there and make their way to flight leaving for the states

I liked this. I love anything relating to theology or mythology so this was my cup of tea. The story is narrated by someone we don't know, but they told us just enough that we knew what was going on. We still don't know what the reason is that the angels are after this child, and I suspect we won't know until the movie comes out, but nevertheless, it keeps you interested. The art has a sketchy quality to is that leads the eye in circles. It isn't beautiful, but it fits right in with the feel of the story.

Needless to say, this is a movie I'm looking forward too.


Well, now that I'm done with that, I'll be moving on to less pressing matters, such as my rough draft due tomorrow that I haven't even started. Anyone care to do it for me? No? Well, off I go!

-TCBC