3.14.12 Reviews (Part 1)

Conan The Barbarian #2 (Dark Horse): Wow. This thing is utterly perfect in pitch, tone, intent, and execution. It’s like Brian Wood is channeling the spirit of REH in the dialogue. From the first real look at Belit, to Hyrkanian bow strategy, to a decisive naval battle, to the sexual tension between Conan and Belit, to the “tmp tmp tmp” sound effects of footfalls, it is simply flawless. Becky Cloonan’s art has never looked better, it’s like it’s getting this symmetry between a manic Guy Davis sense of detail, with the clean precision of someone like Cliff Chiang. I’m sure Dave Stewart colors don’t hurt that dynamic one frickin’ bit. Wow. Just… Wow. Grade A+.

Saucer Country #1 (DC): Paul Cornell and Ryan Kelly turn in an enticing first issue that can only be described in elevator pitch style as “X-Files meets The West Wing.” It has the otherworldly mystery and intrigue of the former, with the behind the scenes political machinations of the latter. Kelly’s art has the clean effervescent feel that you’d expect. Though, I did spot one little gaffe where a caption box says “La Hacienda Bar” and the art puts us in “Silv’s Saloon,” but otherwise Kelly’s work is effortless and his depiction of women is considerably strong, calling back fond memories of The New York Four and The New York Five with Brian Wood. Cornell’s free-flowing dialogue feels completely natural, driving toward an in your face cliffhanger confessional that’ll likely have the audience back for more. Grade A.

Northlanders #49 (DC/Vertigo): Man, Danijel Zezelj just slays this stuff; this guy should be a superstar artist already. Look at those close-ups of the eyes! You wrap that aesthetic up in a rousing Brian Wood script that’s been building for months and drench it in Dave McCaig’s colors, and it’s really something special. The penultimate issue of the series sees Oskar plunge the Haukssons into war, to the chagrin of papa Godar, who shares a devastating prediction for the future. Can Freya’s strength and perseverance bridge the generational gap between these two men? Find out next month! Grade A.