Morning Glories 3

Morning Glories

What you need to know: Morning Glories is a private school full of danger, mystery and deceit, in this issue the plot thickens as students continue their first day of classes.

What you'll love you

Art: My view of artist is similar to way sports referees are viewed, if you've noticed them they haven't done their job. (Sorry, I'm a writer so sue me) Joe Eisma defies this rule, his art is spectacular, not only is it beautiful and eye catching, but it masterfully conveys the emotion and mystery of Morning Glories.

Catchy slogan: With these kinds of stories it's critical that the foundational slogans and catch phrases work. Spencer knocks it out of the park with "the hour of our release draws near" It's catchy and appropriately cryptic and most of all it makes me want to know more(which is the point)

Cinematic: Morning Glories reads like a movie or TV show. It's an appealing approach that serves this book well. When I'm reading Morning Glories I'm completely ensconced in the world that Spencer and Eisma have created. Their cinematic approach is a big reason why.

Characterization: The ensemble cast format has its pitfalls,(I'll hit that later) but one thing it has the potential to do is create favorites among the audiences. So far for me it's the head strong Casey and the pathological Ike. It'd be very easy for these characters to become cliched but Spencer breathes life into each archetype.

What you won't

Ensemble cast: Done well the ensemble format can be better than any other story telling vehicle, done poorly and you have New Avengers(I'm joking,lol) Large casts are a juggling act and its impossible to please everyone. I enjoy Casey and Ike, but what if I didn't? I'd be stuck with them for an entire issue.

Depth: So far this the only true weakness I can find. The difference between a story that's very good and great is in it's emotional resonance, is it's ability to connect with to connect with its audience. It's still very early but Morning Glories isn't strong on big themes, or exploration of the human condition. Maybe it won't be that kind of book, maybe it will, but depth is the trait that creates greatness and this book definitely has the potential to be great.

Bottom Line: Nick Spencer is well on his way to becoming comics next superstar and Morning Glories could be the vehicle that takes him there. It's a must read every month.

Grade: A