Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #8

Writer – Kaare Kyle Andrews
Artist – Kaare Kyle Andrews

Danny Rand, the Iron Fist, takes a trip through the Randall Gate in the hopes of seeking answers.  The problem is that it is like going to hell or his own personal version of it where everything is twisted there, yet when he emerges out from the other end, many days later, he believes that he knows what it is he has to do.  While this issue did not really advance the main story so much, it did give the reader a glimpse inside of Danny’s mind and thanks to the deftly written words by Kaare Kyle Andrews and the fantastic artwork he also provides, it was a completely engrossing trip to take.  It is fascinating to see just how far Andrews’ style has changed and evolved over the years.  He has always been a good penciller, but his work is so far ahead of what it used to be, and not only in figure-work, but design and layout as well.  The book is inventive and beautiful and one of the best books that Marvel puts out where you can simply enjoy it for what it looks like, never mind the added bonus of the story.  The only downside of this particular issue is the fact that we still have to wait even longer for Iron Fist to start taking the fight to the Big Bad and his henchmen.  Everything up until now has been a lot of fun, and it continues to be, but we need to see Fist get into the thick of it as only he knows how.  To top it off, Iron Fist’s new supporting cast gets better with every passing issue.  Sparrow is especially intriguing and it would be great to see her continue on being a constant presence in the book.  The same goes for Fooh, who provides some much needed comedic relief as at times, the book does tend to get a little morose.  Ultimately, great stuff with an awesome new costume redesign as well.

4 out of 5

Robocop #7

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

Killian is unable to keep control of his men as they go out and try and pull a job all by themselves.  Problem is, Robocop is on the scene and thanks to his new, enhanced limbs, he is now better than ever and proceeds to make short work of them.  OCP soon realizes their mistake and gives Robocop his sidearm back and with a confession stating they were wrong.  The cops then head out to make sure Killian never causes any trouble again, yet things do not go quite as expected.  Joshua Williamson continues to chronicle the adventures of everyone’s favourite cyborg and it is like the sequel to the film we deserved now in comic form.  Seven issues in, the characters and the situations still ring true and the book continues to be pleasantly surprising month in and month out.  Carlos Magno provides the book with its distinctive, true-to-the-movie look with the best scene in the book where he has Robocop literally kick a villain’s head right off to send it flying.  It was a little shocking to see at first, and though it has featured violence before, the book has not seen something like this yet it fits right in with what has been happening of late.  Detective Lewis continues to be as headstrong as always, refusing to take no for an answer or to be satisfied with what is presented, always thinking there is more to the story.  It is actually this tenacity that proves why Lewis would be a great detective even if there are few on the force who believe it.  This is definitely the best licenced property that Boom! has going for it right now, at least based on a feature film.

4 out of 5