Irredeemable 19 review

What you need to know: Even as the living members of the Paradigm fail to stop the Plutonian's rampage, salvation may be found in fallen comrades... and from a place none of them expected

What you'll love

The Art: At this point raving over Peter Krause's art has become tedious but I'll do it anyway. Krause illustrates Waid's world perfectly. He captures action scenes as well or better than anyone in comics.

The Plutonian: From the moment I heard that Waid was doing this book, I never expect too much depth from the main character. Early on I was right. Lately though, Waid has made the Plutonian into a three dimensional character. In this issue, he takes a beating and feels fear for the first time I can remember.

Alliens: I'm not much of a sci-fi guy and most of the times, the insertion of aliens into a story is a cop out, used by writers that have run out of ideas. That's not the case here, the aliens serve as the devil collecting on a deal that was made long ago.

Weaponized teleportation: It would have been easy for Waid to make the Alien race stronger than the Plutonian, instead they use their brains and superior technology. Plus weaponized teleportation is cool to say.

Unpredictable: I'm pretty good at suspending disbelief but most of the time anyone can see where things are going in a given story. Irredeemable keeps me on the edge of my seat because I never know what's going to happen when I turn the page.

What you won't

Nothing: Read it damn it.


The Bottom Line: This is one of the best books on the shelves. I'm not sure why more people aren't reading it.

Grade: A+

Incorruptible #11 Review

What you need to know:The super-villains of the world are galvanizing in the wake of Plutonian's rampage on earth. Only one man can stop them. Formerly one of their own, Max Damage turns up the heat against his one-time criminal colleagues, and teaches them what it means to be INCORRUPTIBLE!

World creation: Mark Waid has created a solid, realistic(as far as superheroes go)post apocalyptic world. When I read this book, I always think, yeah if this were real that probably would happened. Characters make logical decisions based on their surroundings. Not to mention that so much of this world plays off the beats in its sister book Irredeemable. I'm yearning for a crossover at some point.

Alana Patel: Alana Patel is the former girlfriend of the Plutonian, who helped push him over the edge by revealing his secret identity. Alana has been captured by a group of white supremacist that believe that Plutonian has spared them because he thinks them they are the master race. The guilt that Alana feels is palpable and her reaction to seeing Max Damage use his powers is spot on. She's a very non stereotypical woman in a story that could easily turn her into cannon fodder.

Balance: So many times when I write a review, the writer has tried to cram too many plots into one book, for one reason or another it doesn't work. This isn't mark Waid's problem, in fact he thrives when he has several plot threads working at the same time.

What you won't

Art: I've got to say I'm more than a little disappointed with the art. The facial expressions and thus the character acting is very weak. Too often background characters aren't filled in properly as a shortcut. It wasn't awful, it was serviceable, but mediocre at best.

Bottom Line: You should be reading this book. In eleven issues it's yet to disappoint.

Grade: B

Incorruptible #10 Review

What you need to know: Incorruptible is the story of former super villain turned hero Max Damage. It is a spin off of the Irredeemable series.

What you'll love

Realism: I also read Irredeemable so I have a firm grasp of the world that Mark Waid has created. Even if you haven't read Irredeemable, it is still very easily to slip right into Waid's world. This is a post apocalyptic story with a super hero twist. Instead of a natural disaster the world has been attacked by a powerful superhero gone mad know as the Plutonian. The fear, chaos, and all around madness is palpable throughout the story.

Clever: On the heels of last issues Cliffhanger, Max Damage goes off on a wild goose chase, subsequently leaving his side kick(Jailbait) to fend for herself. The whole issue is very smart and well thought out, there is a solid plot, and near perfect character motivations and reactions.

Great plot: This issue has a group a white supremacist who worship the Plutonian, the Plutonian's scorned lover and a killing machine sent to destroy the city. Max Damage is taking it from all sides and the reader is better for it.

Page Turner: It's underrated in comics, but this book is immensely readable, everything flows and each page leaves you wondering what will happen next.


What you won't

Confusing: It's minor, but its also reoccurring. Every few issues there's a point of confusion with the art. I'm not sure if this is a function of the script or if it's on the artist. But this is not the first issue I've had to go back to figure out what's going on.


Bottom Line: Another Solid offering for Mark Waid on this title.

Grade: B+