What the heck was that? The cover is fantastic. Love it. But the direction of the comic? Huh? It starts onto a whole new direction of costumed heroes - and what in the world is going on now? It has a bunch of potential - and even addresses its RADICAL changes with an address from the editor at the end of the book. This may be the only real difference in the direction of Birthquake through the Valiant Universe. I need to set this as a re-launching point for the series - that will last about one more year... And perhaps pick it up again here in a few months when I figure what in the world is going on.
Beginning of Romita
The era starts whimpering. Assuredly, you can't launch the new era on the highest of notes. That's for next month. But the new art - and direction - start off emulating Ditko's style. Examine the pictures of Gwen, for example. Last month, she looked like a devil. Her hair was turned up at the corners - and at the corner of her temples - looked EXACTLY like little horns. Romita has taken the look of her face - but lost the horns. The story - and the cover - are simple. But again, they follow the Ditko style of late - and that isn't all bad. It keeps the line going. But the overtly subtle references to Ned Leeds - maybe a little heavy-handed - and that won't come a full circle for TWENTY years.