Blogs Tagged “1990s”
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Spider-view: "Downtown" (Spider-Man 2099, Part 3)Peter David introduces a fascinating villain and conducts more great character development in this three-parter
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Distinguished Critique: Batman: Shaman ReviewThis "sequel" to "Year One" provides a somewhat disjointed mystery, the plot paling in comparison to its multifaceted masked hero
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Spider-view: "Guilt by Association"A few B-list characters take center stage and receive some surprising development in what could have been a basic filler story
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Spider-view: Venom: Lethal Protector (Venom, Part 9)Venom's inaugural series relies too heavily on a popular co-star to allow its title character proper space to develop as a hero
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Random Reviews: Magnus, Robot Fighter: Steel NationAn infamous executive returns to the comics industry by reintroducing a Golden Age superhero in a surprisingly entertaining batch of issues
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Distinguished Critique: Green Lantern: Emerald Dawn II ReviewThis sequel to Emerald Dawn falls short of its predecessor, the series' villain and his downfall eclipsing Hal Jordan's personal narrative
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Spider-view: "The Bride of Venom" (Venom, Part 8)This anniversary two-parter has too many characters and controversial elements to feel like the celebration it should be
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Random Reviews: John Byrne's Next Men (Book One)Save for a fumbled twist, these first issues introduce readers to an original superhero series John Byrne controls every step of the way
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Distinguished Critique: Superman and Batman: Generations and Superman and Batman Generations 2 ReviewAn intriguing premise is clumsily executed at times, hampering these series' ability to work in tandem in telling an original narrative
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Spider-view: "The Specialist" (Spider-Man 2099, Part 2)Miguel O'Hara's second trip into superheroics contrasts his Spider-Man with Peter Parker's...while the art creates a contrast with earlier issues
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Spider-view: "Return to the Mad Dog Ward"A singular spectacular moment shines in an otherwise lackluster sequel to Ann Nocenti's original crossover arc
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Spider-view: "The Trial of Venom" (Venom, Part 7)This "special" one-shot can be confounding at moments, despite being fueled by engaging central conflicts between enemies and allies
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Spider-view: "Spirits of Venom" (Venom, Part 6)This next chapter in the Venom saga allows Howard Mackie to nicely synthesize some ongoing plots
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(Strand)om Stories: Spirits of Vengeance: Rise of the Midnight Sons ReviewThe sons may rise, but the day dwindles quickly on a volume filled to excess with cheesy 90s tropes
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Spider-view: "Invasion of the Spider-Slayers" (The Smythe Saga, Part 1)Though heavily action-oriented, this six-parter dials up strong characterization in back-up strips as a central mystery deepens
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Distinguished Critique: Batman: Birth of the Demon ReviewA taut trilogy of tales, these graphic novels centered on Ra's al Ghul work almost as well alone, if not better, than they do together
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Distinguished Critique: Deathblow ReviewA step up from its predecessors, these twelve issues of Deathblow tell a fairly well-constructed, complete narrative, even if one subplot is sorely mishandled
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Random Reviews: MausA singular accomplishment, Maus uniquely, poignantly shares a narrative which history should never forget
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Random Reviews: Pitt (vol. 1)Dale Keown's Image contribution should hold up better than it does, well-constructed panels surpassing the strengths of the narrative
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Spider-view: "Spider-Man 2099" (Spider-Man 2099, Part 1)This three-issue narrative definitively introduces an amazing (if not spectacular) version of Marvel's famous web-headed hero
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Spider-view: Spider-Man/Dr. Strange: The Way to Dusty DeathThis graphic novel pairs two unlikely heroes in a fun continuation of older continuity by a classic writer
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Random Reviews: Wetworks: Rebirth (The Image Review-lution, Part 7)Whilce Portacio's contribution to early Image is muddled, forsaking some interesting character development for an at-odds assortment of story concepts
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Spider-view: Amazing Spider-Man: Soul of the HunterThis powerful graphic novel brings closure to a long-standing enmity between two fierce foes
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Random Reviews: Cyberforce: The Tin Men of War (The Image Review-lution, Part 6)Violence and assorted characters diminish an intriguing central protagonist whose development is hastened by disappointing twists
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(Strand)om Stories: The New Warriors: Classic (vol. 1) ReviewThough exchanging some characterization for theming, this volume introduces a brand new team of socially-conscious heroes to the 90s Marvel Universe
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Spider-view: "Fathers and Sins"This four-parter introduces a controversial story arc, sidelining some surprise for genuinely intriguing character development
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Spider-view: "Spider-Man/New Warriors: The Hero Killers"These annuals provide Spidey a new character dimension, offering an entertaining main feature alongside some middling back-up narratives
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Spider-view: The Infinity WarThis sequel to Jim Starlin's famous crossover bolsters the stakes yet lacks the character-driven narrative which makes Gauntlet a classic
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Random Reviews: ShadowHawk: Out of the Shadows (The Image Review-lution, Part 5)A mediocre mystery offers some additional interest in a book about a Batman wannabe trying to figure out what kind of hero he is
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Random Reviews: WildC.A.T.S. Compendium (The Image Review-lution, Part 4)Jim Lee's Image Comics contribution has problematic pacing and vapid vocabulary, but it manages to tell a complete, compelling story
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Random Reviews: Savage Dragon: Baptism of Fire (The Image Review-lution, Part 3)While occasionally too quick and shallow, Erik Larsen's Savage Dragon starts off more competently than his fellow Image Comics compatriots
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(Strand)om Stories: The Infinity Watch (vol. 1) ReviewThis volume introduces a series laced with potential tension and characterization, becoming unbalanced as it dives deeper into cosmic events
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Random Reviews: Spawn: Origins Collection (vol. 1) (The Image Review-lution, Part 2)This series' clever concept and Todd McFarlane's striking visuals can't make up for a frenetic feast of lukewarm dialogue smothered in grimy darkness
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Spider-view: "Carnage" (Venom, Part 5)A new villain is unleashed in this dark trilogy, capitalizing on the character differences between Carnage, Venom, and Spider-Man
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Random Reviews: Youngblood (The Image Review-lution, Part 1)Image Comics' first series is a better representation of the company's enduring legacy than its own artistic merits
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Spider-view: "Death Toy"Cardiac's second appearance is better constructed than his first, even if it is adorned with some 90s excess
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(Strand)om Stories: Wolverine: Prehistory ReviewThis volume provides the best look at Logan's pre-X-Men years, offering fun, if not occasionally inconsistent, glimpses into the mutant's many adventures
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Distinguished Critique: Superman For All Seasons ReviewA remarkable examination of Clark Kent's transformation from boy to Superman
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Spider-view: Spider-Man: Fear ItselfA perfectly suitable graphic novel, Fear Itself is a familiar story for those seeking some comfort in the Spidey standard
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Distinguished Critique: JLA: Year One ReviewThis 1998 series serves as a very entertaining post-Crisis update of the Justice League's origin, finding strength in examining the core characteristics of its heroes
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Spider-view: “Revenge of the Sinister Six”Some poor characterization aside, this second return of the Sinister Six is an explosive, exciting first outing for new Spider-Man writer/artist Erik Larsen
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(Strand)om Stories: X-Men: Children of the Atom ReviewThis limited series reframes the original X-Men's formation, offering depth and characterization lacking in the inaugural Stan Lee/Jack Kirby issues
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Distinguished Critique: Green Lantern: Emerald Dawn ReviewHal Jordan's reintroduction to the post-Crisis DC Universe is notable for reshaping the pilot by offering him strong inner turmoil and conflict
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Distinguished Critique: "The Death of Superman" ReviewThis climactic showdown between man and monster can perhaps feel a tad bloated but emphasizes the heroic sacrifice of the Man of Steel
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Spider-view: "Round Robin: The Sidekick’s Revenge"This team-up tournament tells an entertaining narrative with decent heart, despite some clunky coincidences and few connections to recent history
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Spider-view: "Sabotage"Todd McFarlane's time on Spider-Man ends disappointingly, an action-packed crossover with not enough story to keep it moving
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Spider-view: "The Three Faces of Evil"A basic story is constructed upon two strong pillars: powerful connections to recent Spidey history and the impressive work of penciler Mark Bagley
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Spider-view: Avengers: Deathtrap: The Vault (Venom, Part 4)Though not extraordinary, this graphic novel presents some engaging character moments in its study of captive criminals
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(Strand)om Stories: Iron Man: War Machine ReviewEven though it fumbles an engaging twist, this slim volume provides a character-driven arc for James "Rhodey" Rhodes, letting him become his own hero
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Spider-view: "Vibranium Vendetta"Three 1991 annuals tell a somewhat standard if not entertaining team-up between Spidey, Iron Man, and Black Panther, cementing a stronger story than the lackluster back-up strips
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Spider-view: "Sub-City"This two-parter is wonderfully illustrated yet lacks the space necessary for McFarlane to properly play with potentially engaging themes
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(Strand)om Stories: Daredevil: The Man Without Fear ReviewMiller and Romita Jr.'s limited series wonderfully complements Miller's original Daredevil run, explaining some contrivances and offering depth to Daredevil's early days
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Spider-view: The Infinity GauntletThis famed limited series presents the culmination of Jim Starlin's Thanos arc in bombastic fashion, reshaping the then-current state of the Marvel Universe's cosmic corner
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(Strand)om Stories: Silver Surfer: Rebirth of Thanos Review (Infinity Prelude, Part 3)This small volume is a great lead-in to Infinity Gauntlet, even if it offers imbalanced characterization of a certain Mad Titan
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Spider-view: “Doom Service”A simpler anniversary tale sees Doc Doom and Spidey go head-to-head while trying to offer a minor rogue some additional credence
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Spider-view: “Righteous Sand”An engaging premise for potential character growth and unique parallelism is damaged by a weak, construed ending
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Spider-view: “The Deadly Foes of Spider-Man”Though not a perfect series, Deadly Foes is a fun glimpse into how the villains of the Spider-Man universe operate
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Spider-view: “Elliptical Pursuit” (Venom, Part 3)This neat two-parter starts off a little ho-hum, but the second half ratchets up the action with clever combat between two arch-enemies
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Spider-view: “Perceptions”Though his characterization is imperfect, Todd McFarlane handles this five-issue arc with more tact and tenacity that his previous Spider-Man narratives
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Spider-view: “Cardiac”A new anti-hero makes his dramatic debut, pushing Spidey to the side in a tale that weaves great combat with mediocre philosophical conflict
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Spider-view: “Masques”McFarlane's second Spider-Man arc fares as well as his first--wonderful visuals straining to carry a thematically lackluster story
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Spider-view: “Powerless”This arc's dive into deeper philosophical notions ends up shallower than intended, even if some of the premise's more practical applications are engaging
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(Strand)om Stories: X-Factor Epic Collection: Genesis and Apocalypse ReviewThis volume introduces an intriguing team concept that seems fun but is unfortunately based on a wobbly premise fueled by a massive, unnecessary retcon
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Spider-view: The Amazing Spider-Man: Spirits of the EarthSome odd narrative decisions do little to take away from the illustrated beauty of this original graphic novel
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Spider-view: “What If…Kraven the Hunter had Killed Spider-Man?”This alternate version of "Kraven's Last Hunt" toys with an engaging concept but fails to provide equally compelling characterization
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Spider-view: “Torment”The first arc in Todd McFarlane's Spider-Man title is gorgeously visualized yet narratively underwhelming
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Spider-view: “Spidey’s Totally Tiny Adventure”A main narrative stronger than prior annual stories is only the appetizer for several powerful back-up strips from acclaimed writers and artists
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Spider-view: “The Return of the Sinister Six”This six-part saga gloriously resurrects the Sinister Six, relying on nostalgia a bit too much even as it crafts a compelling arc
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Spider-view: “Sunday in the Park with Venom” (Venom, Part 2)Venom becomes a force to be reckoned with in a tale that's also a delightful return to good old-fashioned Spidey basics
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Spider-view: “The Powder Chase”This little two-parter plays with some fascinating concepts but fails to plumb the depths in exploring the ramifications
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Spider-view: “Power Prey” (Cosmic Spider-Man, Part 9)David Michelinie's conclusion to the "Cosmic Spider-Man Saga" is somewhat rocky, somewhat satisfying
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Spider-view: “Dragon in the Dark” (Cosmic Spider-Man, Part 8)This issue tries hard to string along some engaging ideas, tripping over a potentially engaging finale as it struggles to bring in some cathartic closure
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Spider-view: “Amazing Spider-Man: Skating on Thin Ice”This short two-part tale isn't perfect, but a surprisingly engaging narrative makes this story's message effortlessly impactful
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Spider-view: “The Fear and the Fury” (Cosmic Spider-Man, Part 7)Gerry Conway does his best to inject some unique, thoughtful concepts into this messy, meandering crossover arc
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Spider-view: “Shaw’s Gambit” (Cosmic Spider-Man, Part 6)A visually stunning brawl is slightly hindered by a narrative straining at its limited potential
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Spider-view: “The Harder They Fall” (Cosmic Spider-Man, Part 5)Some wonky philosophizing can't discredit an issue that ends up being one of the stronger "Cosmic Spider-Man" entries
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Spider-view: “Atlantis Attacks”Though an improvement over Marvel's 1988 crossover, this event arc still struggles to find solid footing as it bobbles some important plot points
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(Strand)om Stories: Black Panther Epic Collection: Panther’s Prey ReviewA few tepid tales are largely overshadowed by the next daring chapters in Don McGregor's Black Panther "saga"
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Spider-view: Cloak and Dagger (vol. 3) (Cloak and Dagger, Part 13)Old ideas jostle for supremacy with new plots, often winning out against these jumbled original concepts
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(Strand)om Stories: Weapon X ReviewBarry Windsor-Smith's seminal tale successfully explores how the man named Logan became the berserker called Wolverine