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 | Angel Comic: Is it good? The Angel comic is in stores now but are they really worth your money? We have the answer in a pretty nice review. |
Angel: The Curse #1
From: IDW
Writer: Jeff Mariotte
Art: David Messina
Review by Troy Brownfield
Normally, I’m not the world’s biggest fan of media tie-in comics. I was a huge Star Wars fan as a kid, but could never totally get into the Marvel series (I did enjoy Dark Empire, though). And frankly, inasmuch as I’m a big fan of both Buffy and Angel from TV, I never really got into those regular series in a big way either. Still, the move to IDW made me curious, and up-front publicity that indicated that this story takes place after the cataclysmic season 5 finale forced me to pick it up. With all that in mind, Angel: The Curse is one of the strongest tie-ins I’ve read in a long time. Mariotte has a good handle on the character’s voice, and Messina’s art captures a number of actor likenesses while still leaving interpretive room.
If you’re familiar with Angel at all, then you know that he’s (almost) unique among vampires because he has his mortal soul. He was afflicted by a gypsy clan, and if he ever experiences a “moment of perfect happiness”, his soul will vanish and he’ll revert to his old heartless-killer persona, Angelus. This is one of the key elements of the character, and why his tortured relationships with the likes of Buffy and Cordelia could never ultimately succeed. During the fifth season, Angel began seeing Nina, a striking young lady who also happens to be a werewolf (hey, it’s L.A.). Angel’s now had enough, figuring that all of the fighting for good that he’s done since regaining his soul should carry some weight, and perhaps by undertaking a mission for the Rom, he’ll be able to shake the curse. Of course, shenanigans ensue.
What makes this issue work is that it feels like the show. We’ve got Angel’s character conflict, we’ve got the requisite flashbacks and references, and we’ve got action. I think the move to IDW for the Angel properties is a good one; while IDW is reaching beyond their horror rep, they’re still a solid publisher for a book that is by definition horror, but inclusive of other genres. Perhaps this series works best if you’re a fan, but I believe that there’s enough recapping and appeal for the newly-minted Whedonverse visitor.
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Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, and the Buffy logo are the property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, the WB Television Network, and Twentieth Century Fox. Angel-The Series, its characters, and the Buffy logo are the property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, the WB Television Network, and Twentieth Century Fox.Other Series, their characters and logos are property of the proper right owners. (c)Slayerverse 2006 [Imprint] |