Ares #1 (Marvel)

By Mike Oeming and Travel Foreman

Mike Oeming once again shows off his considerable knowledge of classic mythology as the opening sequence explains Ares’ role in the pantheon of Greek gods and why his presence is both necessary and abhorred. The switch to what I assume is the modern day Marvel Universe is done effectively as we encounter the god of war in hiding, trying to raise a son (who’s presence is unexplained) and live a normal life. But being who he is, events are soon set in motion that mean he must take up his mantle of destruction. Overall the book and concept work well, but I found myself put off by an ending that makes it look as if this interesting concept is heading into cliched territory.

Daughters of the Dragon #1 (Marvel)

By Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray and Khari Evans

B-grade storytelling and C-grade art make this book a disappointment. Colleen Wing and Misty Knight always had the potential to move from second-tier supporting characters to major players in the Marvel Universe. The idea of a pair of bail bondsmen-bounty hunters hunting down the lower-level supervillains has the making of a fun series, but this isn’t it. The story bounces between overt exposition, logic jumps and scenes of unnecessary violence. It is not helped by an art style makes everyone look as if they have contorted faces and limbs that have minds of their own.

Elfquest: The Discovery #1 (DC)

By Wendy and Richard Pini

Beautifully drawn in the Pinis’ distinctive cartoonish style and true to the 25-year-plus legacy of Elfquest, this new series opens up a new chapter in the lives and development of the various tribes. You don’t have to be steeped in Elfquest lore to understand the story, although I’m sure it would help in appreciating the subtleties and references. I must admit to getting a little lost partway through, but by the end I had the hang of the basic plot and the various characters. In truth probably one for the existing Elfquest fans only.

Hawkman #48 (DC)

By Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray and Chris Batista

Even though this is the second half of a story arc and ties into both the Infinite Crisis and Rann-Thanagar War “mega events” dominating the DCU, it is remarkably accessible. This issue centers on the Hawks as they question their role in the recent war and their effectiveness at saving lives. It ends on a romantic interlude as the two review some of their past lives and consummate a relationship that has been simmering for years. The action scenes are well paced, and executed in such a way that they give an idea of the frenzy of battle while keeping the storytelling clear and progressing the narrative effectively.

TMNT: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #25 (Mirage)

By Peter Laird and Jim Lawson

Oh dear . . . this was a mess. It seems like there are several disconnected storylines running here, only two of which appear to have any connection to the Turtles themselves. Not being a TMNT aficionado (no, that’s not the fifth turtle), it was difficult for me to work out who was whom from the art, and the text didn’t help either. A large part of the book was taken up by one character talking into her cell phone and leaving voice mail that was brazen exposition for what had been happening in previous issues. It’s lazy writing and did nothing to advance the plot or action. When I pick up a TMNT book I expect to see them working as a team, and judging from many of the letters at the back I am not alone. If even the hardcore Turtles fans are complaining about the direction and content of the book, then what chance does a newcomer have?

X-Men: 198 #1 (Marvel)

By David Hine and Jim Muniz

The House of M spin-offs continue as the creative teams at Marvel redefine the role of the surviving mutant population. Here Scott Summers and Emma Frost open the Xavier mansion as a last refuge for any of the 198 who want one, be they friend or former foe. Can they contain the emotions and personalities as they deal with the new situation? And what does the mysterious Mister M have to do with it all? Overall this is a fairly routine example of the current X-Men titles, and carries a lot less emotional impact than some of the other House of M follow-up stories from recent weeks.