Spotlight Week of September 15th, 2004 By Roger Burks September 27, 2004 - 10:16 These rankings are compiled from the top 3 vote-getters of 23 different voters on the Internet for comics released on September 15th, 2004. 1. Identity Crisis #4, 34 pts Not much going on this issue, except for slight episodic development of the several story lines. The sensitivity towards the characters is still there, but more holes in Meltzer's armor are evident. The issues are starting to appear formulaic. It is a relatively good formula, but still repetition is not always a good thing. 2. Hawkman #32, 15 pts Nice stand-alone issue, with a retro Hawkman/Atom teamup better than any previously published. The humor was good, and for the first time I think Palmiotti got the atmosphere right. (tied for 3rd) Birds of Prey #74, 14 pts Simone fleshes out the character of the birds a bit better. Her sarcastic humor has returned, and it was very much missed! Savant's character gets developed a bit too, and it all happened without a hitch. The art was improved, cute at times. (tied for 3rd) Adventures of Superman #632, 14 pts "While a Superman in a dark moment where they fail to save someone they love may not seem like such an original idea in an age of Identity Crisis's, after reading Rucka's latest take on the Man of Steel, I wouldn't have the heart to count that as a minus. I don't read character-driven stories like this today. They just don't happen enough, without being navel-gazing or preachy. But this isn't. I hope it goes down as one of the Super-highlights of the year. And Ruin? While he bored me a bit in his first appearence, and while Xlim did most of the work in #631, Ruin shines here all on his own. He's got a long way to go, but as long as he can pull more tricks like the SCU van out of his sleeve, it looks like Superman might actually be in trouble." creepingterror, DC Message Boards 5. Human Target #14, 10 pts "Peter Milligan once again explores those hidden niches of society that are so effed up, its scary we live and let live with them. Christopher Chance gets involved with the uber-religious with media manipulation cults. I'm thrilled that Milligan grabs his readers and spins them around for action, but for the first time I'm worried about the hero. Cliff Chaing, whose artwork rivals Michael Lark as one of the best DC has, makes the script come alive. This comic makes any television show and action flick look like a papercut. Well worth the read." DubipR, DC Message Boards 6. JSA: Strange Adventures #2, 7 pts Very charming retro story, as it was intended to be. The plot isn't exactly stellar, but I don't think it was meant to be. It would be nicer to see the characters show more competence. 7. JLA Secret Files 2004, 6 pts "Ok, I liked both stories, but the one with the Elite had me a little confused at a couple parts. Was the German guy's head really in that box or not? If not, what was that? Also, what happened to the mouths of Circe's followers? Did Manitou's magic seal them up? And, why did Flash need Circe's hair on the skin ball? And how was Flash able to be in 2 places at the same time & change costumes at the same time? I mean, I'm sorry, I can only "suspend belief" so much. Now the CSA story was better. It was pretty cool to see the good versions of different villains, though they were no match for the CSA. I can't wait for JLA 107 & the upcoming story arc. Hmm, I have to say, I did expect more from a $5 Secret Files." garthling, DC Message Boards (tied for 8th) Fantastic Four #518, 4 pts "We find out why the aliens have attacked and what they want - or should I say whom? WOLVERINE #19 - a brutal end to a great run from Rucka. I'll miss him here; he did a better and more consistent job here than on other Titles I need not mention." darklaw14, DC Message Boards (tied for 8th) New X-Men: Academy X #5, 4 pts "This series is still mostly on the fence. I'm liking it, but not really loving it. I'm going to decide after the next issue if I'm going to continue reading it or not. But I will give this series on thing. When I read issue 1 I really really wanted to hate the new Guthrie brother, Jay. But he has grown on me over the past few issues till he is one of my favorite characters in the book...even if he is still Archangel-lite. :)" Jack the Knife, DC Message Boards (tied for 10th) Owly (gn), 3 pts "Every now and then, a book by a totally unknown creator comes along and just overwhelms me. Owly is one such book. Andy Runton has a winner on his hands with this lovable little owl. This graphic novel contains two stories, both of which will endear the reader to Runton's lead character and his surroundings. Runton starts his stories by making his readers relate with and feel horrible for this lonely owl, only to put a huge smile on everyone's face by the end of the story. Whether Owly gains a friend or loses a friend, this book displays the absolute beauty of friendship in its purest form. This book may be suitable for all ages, but it certainly isn't juvenile. Runton tells his story beautifully with his art, conveying so much with each simple drawing. I cannot thank Top Shelf enough for publishing this book, nor can I thank Andy Runton enough for creating it. Owly just might be the best graphic novel of 2004." Tek3311, DC Message Boards (tied for 10th) Cable/Deadpool #7, Terra Obscura Vol. 2 #2, Wanted #5, Daisy Kutter: The Last Train (gn), Daredevil #64, 3 pts 17. A Few Perfect Hours and Other Stories from Southeast Asia and Central Europe (gn), Fierce #3, Batman: Gotham Knights #57, Wolverine #19, 2 pts 21. Invaders #2, Red River Vol. 1, 1 pt © Copyright 2002-2026 by Toon Doctor Inc. - All rights Reserved. All other texts, images, characters and trademarks are copyright their respective owners. Use of material in this document (including reproduction, modification, distribution, electronic transmission or republication) without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.