Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Invincible #89 review

Invincible is one of those books that are my go-to for recommending to new readers that want to get into comics. It's the perfect book for that. While I might have skipped an issue here and there, I think this one needs to be added again to my pullbox soon enough.
Invincible #89 Written by Robert Kirkman Art by Ryan Ottley, Cliff Rathburn, and John Rauch Lettering by Rus Wooton Published by Image Comics Review by Lan Pitts Robot Rating: 8 out of 10 I really need to get back into Invincible. I've always viewed this book as the best parts of Superman and the best parts of Spider-Man coming together to make something pretty amazing. I check in every now and then, but even with me out of the loop, Kirkman still can layout a comprehensive story that mostly anybody could follow along. I have no idea how Mark got infected with some sort of virus, but you get the idea it's serious and actually imposes a threat. He is in the care of a team of Viltrumites, and is soon aided by newly-made ally, Dinosaurus. Apparently in my reading absence, Mark established something called Invincible, Inc. It's briefly mentioned but the gist is that you pay for Invincible's protection and services. Kind of like a super-powered bodyguard and pest control, more than the actual police department. However, since he's in space it seems the business is on the verge of collapsing and Bulletproof dons Mark's costume as Invincible for a client in his absence. The last four panels give a pretty good summary of the setup for the things to come. This is the book where Kirkman still shines. This is a comic book that isn't afraid to be a comic book. Kirkman's brand of humor, edged with some dramatic flare he continues his tradition at being a great storyteller that's not bogged down by minuet details and captures what comics can do. He manages to concentrate on a few central characters, but Invincible's universe still seems large. Only a handful of characters actually have dialog in this issue, but the pacing keeps things along and it's never dull or unnecessary. The fact you have somebody besides Mark stepping into the Invincible costume is a milestone, but doesn't take itself too seriously or make a big deal about it. Bulletproof understands that Invincible has a job to do and he'll step in in the mean time. Ryan Ottley's still has that trademark modern day style that hearkens back to a simpler time in comics. Nothing is over rendered and everything comes out nice and polished. The layouts are solid and easy to comprehend. Though I'm curious on when Even became a lot more curvier. She looks great with them. I'm not too familiar with Cliff Rathburn's inking, though. He does a great job of fleshing out the details, without going crazy. Just adds more subtle layers to already great art. John Rauch on colors though? Man, this is just killer. I've been a big fan of his work for a long while, and his skills are in full effect here, without taking anything away from Ottley or Rathburn. It's layered accordingly, adding that extra pinch of oomph to the pages.

1 comment:

Jeremy said...

You can have my copy. Did not like.