Tuesday, September 21, 2004

Quick GN Reviews

Marvel Age Spider-Man, vol. 2: Everyday Hero
by Daniel Quantz, Todd DeZago, Mark Brooks, Jonboy Meyers, Michael O'Hare, Pat Davidson & Derek Fridolfs
I know, I'm supposed to be offended by the mere existance of these retellings of early Lee & Ditko Spider-Man stories. But I'm not. I really don't have any strong affections one way or the other regarding early Spider-Man tales, so seeing them retold doesn't really bother me. As each issue is done-in-one, I'm sure that using a modern storytelling approach required a lot of the original plot to be jetisoned, but it makes for a streamlined reading, and the use of a modern art style is sure to appeal to youngsters. This volume includes Spidey's first battles with The Lizard, Electro, and The Living Brain, along with a rematch with The Vulture. The Lizard, Electro and The Vulture are rendered just as long-time readers will remember, while The Living Brain is thankfully updated to a modern look.
Rating: 2.5 (of 5)




A.I. Love You, vol. 2
by Ken Akamatsu
In the first volume, a freak electrical accident teenage computer geek Hitoshi's female fantasy program--program no. 30--to come to life as Saati, an A.I. with physical form. Saati is cute, virginal and subserviant, and programmed to want to please Hitoshi--eveything a teenage boy wants. Or is she? In volume two, another freak accident causes an older program--no. 20--to come to life as well. Toni is tall, buxom and aggresive, and she will do anything to steal Hitoshi away from Saati. Thus Akamatsu sets up a virgin-whore dichotomy through which he is able to explore the often baffling nature of the teenage male's search for sexual identity... Oh hell, who am I kidding? It's all just an excuse for teenage male fantasies and copious fan service. But in true Akamatsu fashion, it somehow manages to come off as mostly innocent.
Rating: 2.5 (of 5)

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