THE CAT'S MEOW: What's Good on the Shelf This Week- #174 ____________________________________________________________________
Reviews by John Norris, January 28, 2010

CARS: RADIATOR SPRINGS #3 (All Ages)

Alan J. Porter (w); Silvio Spotti/Magic Eye Studios (p/i); Flavio B. Silva/Magic Eye Studios (c); Deron Bennett (l); covers by Allen Gladfelter

Publisher: BOOM! Kids

Format: four-issue miniseries

Concept:

In this issue : Issue #3 explores Luigi and Guido's journey from Italy to America !

Review: The spotlight is on Italians Luigi and Guido in this issue, and how their love of racing brought them to America , and specifically Radiator Springs. This issue is proof of the fact that BOOM! Kids titles are a cut above other all-ages titles. Porter shows respect for the reader's intelligence by having the two characters converse in their native Italian—there are four consecutive pages that have no English dialogue—with no translation provided. That no translation is really needed to understand what's going on is proof of the talents of Spotti and the Magic Eye Studios crew. Mater makes an appearance at the end and provides a hilarious James Bond in-joke.

MARVEL ADVENTURES SUPER HEROES #17 (All Ages)

Paul Tobin (w); Ig Guara (p); Sotocolor (c); Dave Sharpe (l); cover by Niko Henrichon

Publisher: Marvel

Format: monthly series

Concept: A living legend. A divine warrior. An armored knight. A synthetic man. A cosmic woman. A spy. A rookie. Separately, they are some of the most powerful beings on the planet, but when a great tragedy brings these seven together, they will become far more than individuals, they will become something more.

In this issue: Join up-and-coming writer PAUL TOBIN and artist IG GUARA (LOCKJAW & THE PET AVENGERS) for this newest launch in the revamped Marvel Adventures line! (from marvel.com)

Review: The cover says it all: IT BEGINS NOW. I didn't understand what that meant at first, but I do now. Just as Tobin has taken MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN in a new direction, he and Guara are now doing the same thing with not only this title, but the Avengers as well. When an entire town goes nuts, Captain America , Iron Man and Thor investigate, only to find Sue Storm there. But why is she so mad? Can the Vision help stop all of this? I won't reveal the answers here, but I look forward to seeing what Tobin and Guara have in store for the new team.

UNCANNY X-MEN FIRST CLASS #5: “The Knights of Hykon”

Scott Gray (w); Nelson DeCastro & Scott Koblish (p/i); Val Staples (c); Nate Piekos (l); cover by Roger Cruz & Sotomayor

Publisher: Marvel

Format: monthly series

Concept:

In this issue: The world trembles as the sky begins to boil! Professor X attempts a desperate rescue mission on the Starcore One satellite but a threat from galactic legend is waiting! Who are Burning Moon, Cloud Runner and Sky Song, and how are their fates tied to the X-Men? Earth faces destruction as the mutant heroes battle an unstoppable enemy… The Knights of Hykon! (All this and Nick Fury too!) (from marvel.com)

Review: The X-Men have fought for their lives a lot in the past, and they're doing it again here. There's really nothing to say about the plot; action clearly takes over, as the Knights prove to be VERY formidable opponents who seem to have no problem taking the X-Men down. And boy, do they love doing it. It is NOT a dull read by any means.

By thy side,

John “Figaro” Norris

------ Discuss this review on The Cat's Meow section of the Comics in the Classroom Forums ----- 

Note: The age ratings and opinions featured in these reviews are those of reviewer, John Norris, and may not be shared by the administrator of this web site.