Rocket Raccoon #5

Writer – Skottie Young
Artist – Skottie Young
Colours – Jean-Francois Beaulieu

Rocket likes to tell stories and he is doing just that to a few little tykes when he decides to let Groot tell the next one.  Of course, as Groot can only say three words, the children do not really get just what it is he is saying.  Skottie Young might write this issue with very few words, but it only takes three and some fantastic art to create the greatest issue of the series thus far.  This issue Young really shines as an artist with some great sight gags and an utterly compelling, visual story.  It is interesting to see just what Young can do to keep you hooked on a book that features little-to-no dialogue.  Simply put, the issue entertained completely, giving us a tale of the two heroes that would have been something else entirely had he just gone the normal route and scripted the whole book.  As it was though, the book was more compelling than most that had been released this week.  If Young can keep crafting stories this strong, this title is sure to last a long time to come.  Truly wonderful work.

5 out of 5

Robocop #5

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

Due to the efforts of Killian, Robocop now finds himself patrolling the streets without a weapon and to say that things are a bit harder because of it is an understatement, especially as he must face down an ED-209 with just a nightstick.  Officer Lewis, who has been newly promoted to detective, is now driving a desk and is also not having a good time with her predicament.  Both Lewis and Robocop want to take Killian down and being hampered as they are; making that goal a reality is going to be tougher than they thought.  Joshua Williamson continues to pull the strings tighter around our two protagonists, building the tension inside of them until it is almost boiling over.  Both Lewis and Robocop have strong, pro-active personalities and for them not to be able to do their job the way they think it should be done is driving them crazy.  Meanwhile, Williamson also keeps upping the criminal element in the book, so whenever the reins on our heroes are unleashed, they are going to have more than they will be able to handle.  Carlos Magno and Marissa Louise continue to do a great job on the artistic front, the work being very detailed and gritty and a perfect fit for a Detroit that is crumbling to the ground after years of abuse.  If you ever wanted to see or read more adventures about the armoured hero, this book is as close as you are ever going to get to the real thing.

4 out of 5