Loners #4 (of 6) - "What You Don't Know" (Writer: C.B. Cebulski,
Artist: Karl Moline, Colors: Beth Sotelo)
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Julie Power tries to reconcile her desire to use her powers with her decision to stop superheroing, and comes up with a compromise when she gets an acting job. However, she also must face some truths about herself.
This issue, though better than the last one, is still a little mixed. The problem here is that it's occasionally painfully unsubtle. We're told things that might be better coming out in another way, and all but told other things.
Speaking of the latter, I have to roll my eyes and be a little disappointed at the 'all-but-revealed' development of Julie being a lesbian. While I have no problem with gay characters, it always rankles me a bit when they decide an existing, long established character is gay. And yes, sure there was a little potential sexual tension with Karolina when Julie appeared in Runaways, but it was subtle, ambiguous, and could have been one-sided (the same could have been said of the tension with Ricochet). Here? Not subtle at all. Here, the problem is also twofold. First, it's the usual problem... the event is something of a retcon as the character's had interest in boys since she was a child. One would suspect if they were going to make a change, it should be towards some level of bisexuality (this is strongly and unsubtly hinted not to be the case in the issue). Second... really? The character with rainbow flight powers is gay? I mean, okay, it worked okay with Karolina, but that's no reason to repeat the gag. It'd be like an Irish character having shamrock powers, or deciding that a character who controls maple syrup must therefore be Canadian (so long as the power itself was of a random source like mutation or alien gift that should not obey arbitrary distinctions). I'm not marking the story down for the decision, it just annoys me.
Slightly more deserving of a mark-down, there's still some blips in writing on the characters, like how Penance kissed Phil without cutting him (I realize that happened last issue, but they bring it up again here, and she also touches him). Also, Ricochet's questioning of Julie's healing... as that was part of her powers, and commented on and explained, since fairly early on in the original Power Pack series, it seems a little odd for Julie to leave it out there like it's some kind of mystery she doesn't want to think about. I'm also really not thrilled with the Phil and Penance plot in general. It still feels forced, both the story of his fear of madness and the connection brewing between the characters.
Now, let's move away from what annoyed me and towards what I liked. The basic story was good, and the idea of ex-superheroes getting jobs in the movies is a nice one, one that makes perfect sense. I also appreciate the nod towards Julie putting on an act as a dumb blonde, as she always was one of the smartest of the Power kids, certainly the most bookish. It's nice to see an acknowledgement for how and why that had seemingly changed.
Overall, it's not a bad issue. I can enjoy it for the most part, but I'm becoming less convinced I'd want it as an ongoing series. So in that respect it's not entirely succeeding.
Review: 3.25 stars
Sofia meets with the head of the New Warriors and learns a little
about what their mission statement is, even if she's a little reluctant
to join in. Meanwhile, the powers that be want to deal with the New
Warriors situation.
Overall I'm liking the series, the general concept, and the writing.
I can see where classic New Warriors fans might have a problem with it,
as right now, the concept seems to be depowered mutants who use other
means to become superheroes again, but to me that's a good concept and
one of the few worthy things to come out of Decimation.
My only problem is one of pace. We're two issues in, and we've met
3 members of the group, and given the real identies of 2, and very
limited idea of the powers of any of them. None of this includes
Sofia who will presumably become a member, but isn't one yet. We've
also seen, in shadows, at least 10 more members. This is going to be
a long introduction if they take their time introducing everybody.
I'd like to get a better idea of the team early on. Right now, it's
a worry, but if a few more issues keep the same pace it'll grow into
an annoyance.
Review: 3.25 stars
The Runaways find themselves trapped a hundred years in the past,
thanks to a gadget belonging to the Pride. But they soon learn that
despite this being before the age of Marvels, the world is not without
its wonders.
I'm going to make this one my Pick of the Week. This one is reading
a little more like the regular Runaways, and the story is going in
places I don't expect. I actually liked the introduction of the
Wonders, and the reveal on the last page is a nice one. There are
still some glitches (Chase's sudden seeming obsession with weed,
and the fact that Nico and Victor's relationship seems to have
gotten colder to the point that I almost wondered if it was there at
all save for a pointed comment or two), but I'm liking it.
The big problem is that, despite promises to the contrary, the
issue is running behind, and there appears to be even more of a gap
ahead. It's looking like we'll have to wait months for the next
half of the arc. Good thing he's only doing one.
Review: 3.5 stars
Well, that's it for this week folks. Next week, according to the
shipping list, there'll be three books. There's Ultimate X-Men #84,
X-Factor #21, and the Deadpool/GLI Summer Fun Spectacular.
See you next week...
Peter Dimitriadis
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New Warriors #2 - "Defiant, Part Two" (Writer: Kevin Grevioux,
Penciler: Paco Medina, Inker: Juan Vlasco, Colorist:
Marte Gracia)
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Runaways #27 - "Dead-End Kids, Part 3" (Written by: Joss Whedon,
Penciled by: Michael Ryan, Inker: Rick Ketcham with Jay
Leisten, Colorist: Christina Strain)
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