Captain America #36
Yes, it really good. You know it, I know it, and everyone knows it. This issue is just more good stuff as the new Captain fights the Serpent Squad (or is it Kobra, no that’s Checkmate, or is it COBRA, no that’s G.I. Joe), as well as Sin and Crossbones. That’s a lot of people to take down, but Bucky proves he’s up to the task. Then we get a scene showing that Bucky still has some work to do on his public speaking, but at least he gets some action from Black Widow. Then finally we get the big reveal of the issue, which should set up the next batch of stories. It’s hard to say whether this reads better in trades or single issues, you could argue for both, the wait just got too painful for me. Art for this issue comes from Butch Guice again, and his style matches regular artist Steve Epting so well, you’d have a hard time telling the difference if you didn’t read the credit page. The realistic style that has been used since this series restarted under Ed Brubaker really fits with the tone, and just helps to make this the best book Marvel is selling right now. Really, this is just a phenomenal book. —5 out of 5

PULL LIST 03-19-08 Captain America #36 Checkmate #24 Fables #71 Thor #7 Wasteland #15

Checkmate #24
As good as this book is it’ll definitely be on life support after next issue. To be honest, I’m not sure why DC is bothering to continue it without Greg Rucka at the helm, although I guess regular co-writer Eric Trautmann would have made a good replacement. Instead they went with Bruce Jones, a writer who’s had a tough time lately with readers, yet still gets plenty of high profile jobs. I don’t know if I’m going to bother picking it up after he starts. I was reading mostly because of Rucka, so there’s not much reason for me to stay. But we still have this issue to talk about, as part 2 of the “Castling” arc amps up the action and then explains Kobra’s big plan, which turns out to be kind of creepy. The big reveal at the end is the existence of the Rooks, something I’ve been wondering about since the start of the series. I’m not sure if I’m supposed to know who they are (I didn’t) but I’m sure we’ll see why they were hidden next issue. Art for this issue comes from Joe Bennett, who turns in his usual serviceable job. He does a good job with one particular creepy scene, and he handles the action well enough, there’s just not much that makes his work standout. Still, and exciting story, and I’m looking forward to see how it wraps up. —4 out of 5

Fables #71
Oh boy, does a lot of stuff happen this issue. We get another look at Cinderella, action heroine as she travels to South America to retrieve a very important tool for the coming war. There are gun fights, fist fights, and the threat of torture before Cindy reveals a huge plot point with ramifications for the whole series. Much like Captain America, it’s hard to talk about the single issues in this series as they are all chapters in a much bigger story, and each issue tends to be so well done, they blend together in the mind. Credit is due to series writer Bill Willingham for creating a wide tapestry to tell his story. Mark Buckingham returns to art duties this issue, and does his usual job, telling the story effortlessly, and making the book look great. Again, I can’t wait to see the next issue, and to see how the whole next story goes. It should be exciting. —4 out of 5

Thor #7
Since I had so few books last week, I decided to pick this up on a recommendation. I’m not a huge Thor fan, and I’m not a big fan of J. Michael Straczynski, but I’m not opposed to either, and I had heard good things about the art for this issue, so I figured what the heck. Was it good? Eh, it’s not bad. The set up for the story is that Thor has been weakened because of his efforts to rebuild Asgard so he goes into a kind of mystical hyperbaric chamber to get a recharge. In his recharge he goes to the land of the dead and has a heart to heart with his father, the now dead Odin. The issue does a decent enough job catching new readers up to speed, although there is a scene with I assume Don Blake going back to New York to investigate something, that part wasn’t explained very well. It’s a decent interlude story, so if you’ve been thinking of checking out the series, this is as good a place as any. The art on the issue is good enough to give it a read. Guest art is by Marko Djurdjevic, who uses a style very suited for this book, and this story in particular. It’s got a nice fantasy look to it and works well enough for me to check out the next issue, which will also feature his art. If you haven’t been reading this series so far, but have wanted to give it a try, I’d recommend this issue. If you’re just not interested though, this probably won’t change your mind. —3 out of 5

Wasteland #15
Artist Christopher Mitten returns for art duties this issue as the story continues from the previous story arc, with the city of Newbegin under attack by the sand-eaters (think Star Wars Tusken Raiders mixed with your classic apocalyptic zombie). The issue is mostly told from the sand-eaters perspective, which is kind of interesting, but also a shade on the annoying side. All their dialogue is in a kind of English, so you can understand it if you work it out, but it takes a while. Imagine reading a whole issue of Bizarro Superman speak, or a whole issue of Zatanna spell speak. It works okay in small doses, but by about the fourth page, I was done, and started skimming for actual English. I can understand the point of it, and it certainly rewards the serious reader, but for me it just got old quick, and I’m sure I missed important info. The art work still looks great, and the action is really getting started so I’ll keep reading. I just ask the creators to limit the sand-eater soliloquies. —2 out of 5