Robocop #2

Writer – Joshua Williamson
Artist – Carlos Magno
Colours – Marissa Louise

Robocop, Officer Lewis and the rest of the force are doing their best to round up all the firearms in the city according to the new law that was put in place.  There is some resistance to say the least, also not being helped by Killian rallying up everyone and their fears into a frenzy.  Killian of course has his own plans for Detroit including calling in some old friends, plans that Robocop and the police force are unaware of, but will be soon enough.  All the while Robocop is going about his job, unable to do anything at least for the moment as his protocols will not allow him to break the law.  Joshua Williamson delivers another solid issue with a new threat to our armoured hero that seems to mean serious business.  Williamson must have watched the first movie a few times over as he really nails down the characters perfectly, from the way they speak to the way they act and it is probably the one thing that makes this book work so successfully.  Having the characters actually feel like they are supposed to is an important factor when putting out a licenced property.  Thanks to our creative team, that is exactly what we get.  Working with Williamson is Carlos Magno of Planet of the Apes fame, and his detailed pencils are a wonderful fit for the book.  They are both gritty and electric and really make Williamson’s words come alive upon the page.  Riveting and exciting stuff.

4 out of 5

Iron Fist #5

Writer – Kaare Kyle Andrews
Artist – Kaare Kyle Andrews

K’un Lun is in shambles and so is Danny Rand, the Iron Fist.  The abomination that wears his father’s face has destroyed almost everything in the hidden city, including Danny’s own fists.  While Danny faces down the monstrosity, Brenda and Pei face down enemies of their own and we are also treated to some more of Danny’s past as he is growing up in the hidden city.  Andrews has really been delivering some solid storylines in the current volume, exploring not only the present but his Iron Fist’s past as well.  Both are equally interesting tales, and having them run concurrent is a good thing as they obviously tie into each other.  Seeing the Hidden City as it is, is heartbreaking but it looks as if there is a little hope, some making itself known in the most unlikeliest of places so when everything is all said and done, it would be great if the people and the city could make a comeback.  Brenda is showing us a side to her that we have never seen before and she is turning out to be a nice addition to the new status quo.  Andrews has always been a fantastic penciller and he continues to prove that on every page of this book, mixing up his styles a little when dealing with the different timelines presented in the book.  His writing is spot on and he really has a great concept for the character and the book that is quite different from what has come before, but is really working here, making it quite the fascinating ride.  A truly beautiful title.

4.5 out of 5