THE CAT'S MEOW: What's Good on the Shelf This Week- #180 ____________________________________________________________________
Reviews by John Norris, April 29, 2010

MARVEL ADVENTURES SUPER HEROES #19 (All Ages)

Paul Tobin (w); Rob Di Salvo, Scott Koblish, Jacopo Camagni, Derec Donovan & Terry Pallot (p/i); Sotocolor (c); Dave Sharpe (l); cover by Niko Henrichon

Publisher:  Marvel

Format:  monthly series

Concept:  There are dangers that mankind cannot conquer.  A mighty few would risk their lives to defend us all.  They are SUPER HEROES.

In this issue :  The Avengers have barely moved into their new mansion before they have their first visitor, the super villain known as the Plant Man. But Plant Man isn't crashing the party, he's asking for help in his battle against a violently berserk Silver Surfer, an interstellar powerhouse intent on planting the Plant Man. How much will the Avengers put on the line to protect a super villain, and can even the assembled Avengers stand against the Power Cosmic?  (from marvel.com )

Review:  There's a problem, and for once, Plant Man is on the receiving end instead of the giving end. The problem?  He's being attacked by the Silver Surfer!  Plant Man is well drawn, and the art is quite good in this issue.  But what I really like is the writing.  Tobin seems to be establishing a sense of continuity that the book didn't have before.  Things that have happened since the book's revamp—outbreaks of insanity and a manuscript that the Vision read and understood—are still referred to.  And I think the book is better for it.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #208:  “Iron Dominion, part 1” (All Ages)

Ian Flynn (w); Tracy Yardley! (p); Terry Austin (i); Matt Herms (c); John Workman (l); cover by Patrick “Spaz” Spaziante

Publisher: Archie

Format:  monthly series

Concept:   Follow the adventures of Sonic and pals, based on the hit video game.

In this issue:  The unthinkable happens as the Iron Queen finds a way around New Mobotropolis's defenses! It's a full-scale invasion by the forces of evil, and it's up to Sonic and Tails to save the day! But what hope do they have when yet another of their friends falls prey to the Iron Queen's powers?  (from archiecomics.com )

Review:  New Mobotropolis is a city built by nanites and controlled by Nicole, which means that the Iron Queen will have no problem getting through…which, in turn, means BIG trouble for Sonic and friends.  This issue is total action peppered with great character moments.  There's the look of pride on Tails' face as he talks about repairing the Tornado, there's Snively gloating in front of his uncle, there's a wonderful scene with Antoine and Bunnie, and last but not least, there's Amy Rose taking it to the Iron King.  Lots of fun!

SPIDER-MAN & THE SECRET WARS #1 (All Ages)

Paul Tobin (w); Patrick Scherberger (p); Terry Pallot (i); Brad Anderson (c); Dave Sharpe (l); cover by Scherberger & Strain

Publisher:  Marvel

Format:  four-issue miniseries

Concept:  Paul Tobin and Patrick Scherberger revisit the classic story.

In this issue:  How do ten heroes end up buried alive beneath one hundred and fifty BILLION tons of rock? And is the Hulk mad enough to do anything about it? What were the events that led up to this catastrophe? What are the heroes thinking? And with the weight of an entire mountain range above them, how do they go about their desperate fight for survival? All the answers are in the first issue of the series that takes you deeper into the classic events of the Secret Wars, and pulls the lid off stories that were left untold!  (from marvel.com )

Review:  The SECRET WARS saga remains one of Marvel's definitive crossover events.  Now, Tobin and Scherberger revisit the events of that story and allow us to see them through Spider-Man's eyes.  If you haven't read the original SECRET WARS, Tobin does a nice job of bringing you up to speed.  The issue mainly deals with Spider-Man's feelings toward the Hulk, who now has Bruce Banner's mind.  Tobin's characterization of the Hulk is great; with Banner's smarts, he really has a no-nonsense attitude toward everyone.  But he can still be counted on to come through in the end, especially when the team has an entire mountain dropped on them.  Scherberger's art beautifully reflects the Hulk's personality, and his take on the now-classic image of the Hulk holding up the mountain—his greatest feat of strength, I believe—is fantastic.  I can't wait to read more.

USAGI YOJIMBO #124:  “A Town Called Hell!  Part 1” (Teen/Young Adult)

Written and illustrated by Stan Sakai; cover by Sakai & Tom Luth

Publisher: Dark Horse

Format:  monthly series

Concept:  Once a loyal retainer until his lord's death in battle, Miyamoto Usagi is now an unemployed ronin walking the warrior's pilgrimage, in search of harmony.

In this issue:  Of all the towns in all the provinces in all Japan, Usagi's wanderings have to bring him to this one . . . 

Boss Higa has controlled his town with a stone fist for as long as anyone can remember. But a new gang has arrived intent on driving him out, and as backup they've brought along the best swordsman money can buy. All Higa's got on his side is some puny, long-eared ronin as a bodyguard. If this new gang can't be beaten through force, it may be time to resort to trickery.  (from darkhorse.com )

Review:  Despite warnings from two people, Usagi walks into a town in which a major gang war is going on, and the only cop in town is nothing but a drunk. I just love Usagi's no-nonsense attitude as he attempts to get himself hired by both bosses.  Sakai also shows us the effects alcohol can have on one's judgment, as the drunken cop goes to great lengths to show everyone he's not a useless coward.

By thy side,

John “Figaro” Norris

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