Welcome to Tranquility begins its second story arc in this issue and it still has all the elements that kept me with it since issue 1. The characters in Gail Simone’s super-hero retirement community are very endearing, playing off of classic stereotypes about seniors and rebel teenagers. There is a charm about this book and its main players that keeps it at the top of my pile when I go pick it up every month. In this issue, Gail Simone does a good job of introducing new readers to the town of Tranquility while allowing for some plot build-up, action, and very good character interaction.
Gail Simone’s writing shows how well she knows how people interact, she is a master of dialogue. Her characters interact so naturally and fluidly, talking with each other rather than at each other. I was particularly fond of the discussion between Zeke and Bad Dog, as well as still loving Emoticon and Sheriff Tommy. My only complaint was the movie sequence could get a little confusing as it was broken up. Two different dialogues going on on the same panel can become very confusing. Other than that minor hiccup, the comic continues to shine as a fresh take on the super-hero genre.
Neil Googe continues to do a very good job for the art, the characters are all very expressive and display their age without having faces lost in a whole bunch of wrinkles. I hope this team stays together on this project for a long time as they compliment each other very well.
As for the story at the back of the issue, I enjoy these little tidbit stories that have appeared through-out the series so far, allowing for some nostalgic comic action as well as a hint into some of the character’s histories. The story is very quick, well written by Simone and pencilled by Stephen Molnar, and adds to the whole Tranquility experience.
9/10 Gail Simone’s characters continue to shine with the help of Neil Googe. Go Teamwork!
Always feel free to e-mail me at zak@comicbookbin.com with your own opinion.
Action Comics #883
Nighwing and Flamebird make their public debut and start the hunt for Zod’s most dangerous sleeper.
Blood and Water
Vampire stories are all the rage these days. Most are silly teenage romances, but every once in a while a vampire tale comes along that doesn’t, um…suck.
Secret Six # 15
Deadshot tries to come to terms with his homicidal impulses.
Blackest Night #4 (of 8)
Barry Allen does his best to rally the heroes, but will they be able to stand against the arrival of Nekron?
Superman: World of New Krypton #9
Jemm storms New Krypton’s High Council Chamber demanding an audience, Kal-El and Zod meet, and the first murder on New Krypton is committed.
Madame Xanadu #16
The return of series artist Amy Reeder Hadley also marks the start of a new, creepy, and great Matt Wagner story.
Superman #693
General Lane makes Mon-El an offer he has to refuse, but an unlikely ally might just save Mon-El’s life.
The Brave and the Bold # 28
The Flash travels back in time to World War II where he joins forces with the fabled Blackhawks.
Northlanders #21
A settlement along The Volga River in Russia deals with the onslaught of a plague in the start of a new story arc.
Superman: Secret Origin #2 (of 6)
Young Clark Kent experiences a bit of a super identity crisis, but manages to get by with some help from his parents and some new friends…Long Live The Legion!
Superman/Batman #65
The Scarecrow takes Superman, The Batman, The Joker, and Lex Luthor on a fear gas induced Halloween nightmare ride.
Azrael #1
The new Azrael’s ongoing series debuts with the death of a major character…
Supergirl #46
The Metropolis Three finally capture Reactron, Thara and Kara make up, and some more light is shed on Lana’s mysterious condition…
