ROGUE ANGEL: Teller of Tall Tales #4 (of 5)

The 4th issue of ROGUE ANGEL: Teller of Tall Tales is another super quick read, mostly because it’s action-packed and high on adventure!

So, it’s probably no point dwelling on the specifics of the issue, but again Annja Creed has to battle her way to save her friend and the overall quest for the truth and treasure.

I still love that cartoon-ish art, and this is probably the best issue yet, in terms of flow.

I believe there is only one issue to go, even though the information from IDW is kind of vague.

8 out of 10.

The WALKING DEAD Book Two hardcover

The second WALKING DEAD hardcover collection contains issues 13 to 24 of the ongoing Image Comics series.

Having stumbled across an “abandoned” prison, Rick Grimes and his crew set up base, hoping their gated communities will keep the zombies out long enough for some civilization to survive!

Unfortunately, many relationships of the group start to fracture, and poor decision-making from Rick results in more devastation and carnage. The zombies maybe on the outside, but inside the group seem to be tearing each other apart!

This is a superb series, I really love the dialog between our characters and the exploration of broken relationships as a result of the intense pressures of their situations.

Writer Robert Kirkman adds more characters, which adds to the dynamic of the enviroment, but also kills as many off, so as not to overwhelm the reader with too many things.

Overall, the first 24 issues could be easily done as a feature film, or even a short episodic TV series, with the finale of issue 24 a great epitaph to the entire series.

8 out of 10.

INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL

I saw Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull over a week ago, and I thought I’ll let the film gestate before commenting on it.

My initial reaction upon watching the film was “it’s a good film, but not a good Indiana Jones film”. Days after viewing the film, I actually felt more angry and disappointed about the movie. I honestly didn’t even have high expectations for the film, even though I’m a big fan of the franchise.

Nonetheless, I’ll start with the positives:

* John Williams film score is superb. But, his music ALWAYS is!

* Cate Blanchett was the best performance of the film, even though her character rarely used her abilities.

* I was very pleased to see Karen Allen back as Marion Ravenwood, even though she was sparingly used.

* Setting the movie in the 1950s was a good change for the characters and allows the series to progress in unlimited ways.

The negatives? Well, it’s not really an Indiana Jones film. I feel the archeology was weak, and it just seemed to be ANY characters going from A to B to C, etc. I don’t hate the Sci-Fi element of the story, but it just didn’t seem to make sense or be expanded to its’ possibilities.

I’m sure I’ll begin to like the film more upon repeat viewings. However, at this stage, I can’t see myself purchasing the DVD, nor would consider re-watching this film again for at least 5 more years!

6 out of 10.