STORMWATCH #12

[ WHERES MY DISCOUNT? ]  

My God, this will be a major turning point. All because Martian Manhunter smokes a joint! Apollo is aghast. Jenny Quantum has a blast. Plus the Engineer desperately needs to oil her joints. True story, as told to me by Writer: Peter Milligan; Artists: Will Conrad and Ignacio Calero; plus Publisher: DC Comics in September 2012. Quick, pass the WD40!!!

So what’s the STORY morning glory?

Not so long ago I tried to drink a whole bottle of cider in one sitting, whilst watching a singing competition upon the television. Very funny experience that was. Just like this issue of Stormwatch entitled 'Nefertiti's Bust'.

• Just imagine if you will; our stormy gang of watcher are currently investigating why a sh*t load of Egyptian statues are suddenly appearing all over the Earth, although, behind the scenes, something else is going on with this group that is completely different.
• No. Don't worry. It does not have anything to do with Midnighter's ugly looking chin-spike. Mores the pity.
• It's that Martian Manhunter is tracking each and every stormy member down, and wiping their memories of him clean away.
• Worst still, is that the Stormwatch bosses, the Shadow Guard, catch him in the act.

 Oh! To be continued when a internal deal is struck, and a external plan is made.

What is the most memorable SENTENCE OR CONVERSATION spoken in this issue?

There was a lot of great stuff on offer whilst reading in this issue. Like Midnighters story about his chin spike for example, or J'onn's conversations with the Engineer or Jenny. But the zinger for me was when a member of the Shadow Cabinet said to J'onn '... and it would be the very thing you fear the most' whilst smirking at him at the same time.

Oh! What a b*stard!

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

There were two questions that kept on going round and around in my head whilst checking out this yarn. Firstly -- Why is J'onn doing this? And secondly -- will he succeed?

Now I personally found that these two very simple questions made this story all the more sweater to follow. Perfect even.

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

I would have liked a bit more of the sub-plot in this story -- that whole 'Nefertiti's Bust' ploy. Well, for such a strange concept to appear in this book, it would have been nice for some added depth to it.

Please note; this is only a small gripe though, nothing that major.

What was the most CREATIVE thing about this issue?

STORY: I did find the whole 'memory wipe' concept rather original in its execution, because this is the first time I've seen it in a comic book, where it comes across as a 'long term event' -- and not a throw away piece of titivation.   

Intriguing, isn't it?

ART: Now if you have been following my site, you most probably know how I feel about two artists on the same book -- they must complement, not clash. So I am very happy to say that both Will Conrad and Ignacio Calero complemented each other to such an extent, that their artwork was slightly differentiating, yet still managed to share a similar tone at the same time.

Bravo guys. Good job. You even made J'onn's head look less like a runway as well.

If you had to CAST TWO CHARACTERS in this comic book, who would they be and why?

J'ONN: OK, so who's the one person on the face of the Earth that can make you forget what they have said, just as soon as look at you? Correct. It's everybody's favourite bulky Austrian, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who would look lovely in green, don't you think?

BLANE MURPHY: Now I'm sure Jenny Quantum's idol is a no brainier for anyone to surmise. Heck, even Justin Bieber himself must know that this 'pop star' is actually him! Maybe?

If this issue had a MOVIE TAG LINE, what would it be?

With Friends Like These, Who Needs... Errr... What Was I Saying Again?

If this issue were a MOVIE, an OBJECT, or a piece of MUSIC, what would that be and why? 

There was a song that Elvis Presley sung during his '68 Comeback Special' that popped into my noggin' whilst reading this yarn. 'Memories' by the King of Rock of Roll. Say no more.

FINAL thoughts...

My God! What has gotten into this book? It started off so confusing that I was honestly contemplating dropping it. It then propped up a notch or two, making me really love its earthy nature and Stella cast. And now it has intrigued me so much, I can not help but wonder what has gotten into this book!

What do you think dear reader? What is J'onn playing at? And do you think that it's connected to 'Trinity War', plus what is going on over on the Green Lantern titles?

Something's happening, that's for sure.

MARKS out of 10? 9