Comic Proportions

Doctor Voodoo: Avenger of the Supernatural No. 2
Published by Marvel Comics. Written by Rick Remender. Art by Jefte Palo and Gabriel Hardman.

The Deal: It’s the second issue of Marvel’s new magic-centric monthly superhero comic book, starring the new “Sorcerer Supreme of Earth” — Doctor Voodoo (replacing Dr. Strange, who previously held that position).

The Verdict: I liked the first issue better, where the book’s protagonist went head-to-head with Dr. Doom and worked to help human beings with human problems in his medical clinic. This time around, Remender falls into the classic “magical superhero” trap by showing Dr. Voodoo use a number of ill-defined powers while he’s in a series of ill-defined situations. Those are the main reasons why Dr. Strange never really worked — take a guy who can do … what exactly? … and put him on some bizarre astral plane battling ectoplasmic yadda yadda yadda. Yeah. I liked the first issue better.

Reviewed materials provided by Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find: www.heroesonline.com.

Dark Reign — The List: Punisher No. 1
Published by Marvel Comics. Written by Rick Remender. Pencils by John Romita Jr. Inks by Klaus Janson.

The Deal: Legendary artist John Romita Jr. teams with regular Punisher writer Rick Remender to tell this one-shot tale about Frank Castle’s final battle against the forces of Norman Osborn.

The Verdict: Rick Remender proves once again that he knows how to make the Punisher work in the Marvel Universe. Many writers have tried to pen Frank Castle adventures alongside the company’s spandex-clad characters, and most have failed. But Remender gets it; above anything, the writer always keeps things gritty and grimy, even in a world that’s populated with folks who can fly and shrink to the size of an ant. Combine that with equally gritty — and amazing — art by Romita, and you can’t lose with this book. PLUS: The ending of this comic (which is, by the way, the best of the Dark Reign: The List one-shots) is a shocker. Buy it for the last few pages alone.

Reviewed materials provided by Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find: www.heroesonline.com.