Marvel Noise

This week in selecting comics to review, I picked books that I would probably not read under normal circumstances. The first book I read was the new Venom mini and I was pleasantly surprised. Next I selected NYX. I had no knowledge of the previous series and had no idea what to expect. Having just finished the first issue, I think I get the general idea. It’s to be about some down on their luck kids with superpowers trying to get by in New York City. And that is where they lost me. I feel fairly certain this book was not written with me as part of its intended demographic; however, it was a professionally done book. Now you’re probably asking yourself if I have to be part of an intended demographic in order to enjoy something. The answer to that is, without a doubt, no. However, based on the way it was written, I’m not sure it’s intended for new readers. There were several times while I was reading that I felt as though the writer was assuming I already felt a connection to these characters, so instead of trying to develop that connection it was glossed over. All the hooks intended to create some kind of connection between reader and story seemed to rely on what has come before. Again, this may have to do with demographics; I’m not a 15-year-old girl living on my own in New York city. The narrator, Kiden, is exactly that. I remember being a 15-year-old boy and thinking 15-year-old girls were great, but now at over twice that age I’m not really that interested in the daily life and culture of the female teen world.

The writer, Marjorie Lui, captured the voice and attitude of a young girl very well, and Kalman Andrasofszky did wonders capturing and showing the body language, facial expressions, and movements of not only of Kiden but all the other people in the story. The way Lui sets up the scenes and moves the plot along is great. The transitions from scene to scene worked well, and there was no point in the story that was bogged down or confusing. Andrasofszky’s art was a high point for me. It was very realistic without going over the top. He didn’t render each hair or fill in every detail, but everything was carefully detailed giving just enough to make everything feel solid and real.

So where does this leave you, the potential reader? Well, if you’re a fan of the previous mini series, pick up this one. I think you’ll be pleased. If you didn’t read the previous series, pick it up only if the premise is interesting to you. However, I would not recommend this book as an impulse buy.

COVERS BY: ALINA URUSOV and JO CHEN
WRITER: MARJORIE LUI
ARTIST: KALMAN ANDRASOFSZKY
COLORS: JOHN RAUCH
LETTERS:JOE CARAMAGNA
EDITOR: JOHN BARBER
Parental Advisory …$3.99