Quick Take Reviews for July 1: The Females in Charge Edition

Wonder Woman 10
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley

This week it is my distinct pleasure to present a group of quick take revews that are devoted to comics starring a female character. I tried to be as forthright as possible, and unfortunately, that has led to some not-very-flattering reviews along with some thumbs-up reviews. I wanted to be fair, so as I reviewed each book I tried to find both the negative and positive. I start out with my favorite character and end with a new star.

Let's get started, shall we?

Wonder Woman #10: I haven’t commented much on Jodi Picoult’s run on Wonder Woman because I wanted to wait until it was all in the can to make a decision. As a fan of Picoult’s books, I sit here today sorely disappointed with her work here. I can hardly stand it! Picoult is an amazing writer of depth and knowledge. To see her resort to buzzwords and contrived dialogue here kills me. Maybe part of the problem is the “Amazons Attack” aspect of things. If left to her plot devices, and not made to throw Diana into battle, maybe things would have been different. As it stands now, the book just didn’t work for me. As much as I had been anticipating Diana’s big moment with her mother, I just can’t get the over the bitter taste left in my mouth. The reason this book isn’t getting an “F” is because of the decent art. Grade: D.

Amazons Attack #3 (of 6): I am not too thrilled with Amazons Attack either. As the main book involved, it feels more cohesive, and I appreciate Will Pfeifer and Pete Wood’s synergy, but the story itself is so damn contrived. There’s that word again. Why is this event happening now and what is the big payoff? That is the question I am waiting to have answered. In for a penny, in for a pound, I will pick up the next issue and see where it takes me. Grade: C.

Teen Titans #48: Wonder Girl and Supergirl are pissed off super teen chicks with an axe to grind. Oh God, I can’t stand it! Cassie wants to get her mom out of a prison camp and Supergirl is along for the ride. Fighting fiercely against the Titans and the army, things get really out of hand. This leads to an ill fated meeting with Hyppolyta that doesn’t bode well for mankind. I am sure things are going to get much worse before they get better, and I am going to take this trip to see where it goes. I am still up in the air about writer Adam Beechen, but liked artist Al Barronuevo and inker Bit’s work. Grade: C.

Witchblade #107: After trying to absorb the entire Amazons Attack story, Witchblade felt like cool lemonade on a hot day. Part two of a two part story finds new bearer Dani taking the gauntlet in a more hostile, more precise direction. She is more aggressive and less thoughtful then Sara Pezzini, and that gives a fascinating twist to the weapon she wields. Also, a question that has been plaguing me is answered, setting things up nicely for the First Born saga. I appreciated Ron Marz’ story and artist Stjepan Sejic’s work very much. Grade: B.

She-Hulk Vol. 2 #19: Jen is back for some interaction with her law office, and it is about time. Making for a nice interlude in the World War Hulk saga, Jen finds herself running up against Mallory and having a sweet reunion with a friend. The fact that the Leader is in the mix just adds to the hijinks. I really enjoyed this issue, and am going to miss Dan Slott on the book. The only reason I am not inconsolable is because Peter David is taking over. Grade: B+.

Legion of Monsters: Satana #1: after putting the cover up in the “Is this gratuitous” section of my blog, I felt it only fair to check out the book underneath. As is typical of a cover like this, the art inside was completely different. Satana was still evil but she didn’t look like a Pam Anderson clone anymore, so I was appreciative of that. I quite enjoyed the story, which had a clever, evil twist. It was a nice surprise after not being too thrilled with her lack of ribcage on the cover. Grade: C+.

Fallen Angel #17: This was a book I usually love, but the flip book aspect of it turned me off. I am a fan of both Shi and Fallen Angel so I figured it would be awesome. Instead it was a bit confusing. I am really hoping that after all the set up here that next issue will be full of action and ass kicking. I trust ya, Peter. Grade: B-.

Snakewoman: Tales of the Snake Charmer #1: I am not quite sure why Snakewoman has been retitled and started over at number one, but at this point I am not going to question it. Snakewoman remains my favorite Virgin title, and I am mesmerized by the turn of events here. Jessica Peterson is in hiding, and as she races away from destiny, it catches up with her again. Also, a compelling new storyline and character are introduced, and I am eager to see where it takes her. I am really enjoying this book. Grade: A.

That's it for today. Do you agree? Any suggestions?