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 DEATHMASK
#1 & #2
Future Comics
www.futurecomicsonline.com
Michelinie/Giordano/Layton
In the latest title to debut from Future,
the avenging Deathmask battles his enemy Dulac's henchmen, although
his victory may ultimately result in defeat. Meanwhile, FBI agent
Dillinger arrives in Vegas, hot on Deathmask's trail.
Okay, I admittedly have the worst memory,
but I feel like I've missed something here. I think I remember reading
Deathmask's origin in another Future comic, but since there was
no recap in DEATHMASK #1, I was a little lost here. Perhaps I would
have cared more for the character if I could recall his motivations.
Still, DEATHMASK is off to a breakneck start.
A beautiful "painted" sequence opens the first issue,
and the colors by Brad Nault are superb - probably the best of any
Future title. Nault's work contemporizes the sharp line art by Dick
Giordano and Bob Layton, providing a "best of both worlds"
fusion.
The writing, too, is a combination of old
and new. David Michelinie's script is a throwback to a time when
comics were more innocent - although a generous helping of gore
sets the book firmly in the new millennium.
So far, DEATHMASK features a tragic antihero
and an interesting supporting cast, helped along by strong art and
fantastic coloring. Despite lacking an origin recap, the first two
issues of DEATHMASK are entertaining, and I'm interested in seeing
where the title will go.
 FREEMIND
#5 & #6
Future Comics
www.futurecomicsonline.com
Michelinie/Leeke/McLeod (#5), Michelinie/Layton/Frenz/Breeding (#6)
FREEMIND's probably my favorite title from
Future Comics. It reminds me of when I first started regularly reading
comics - when my own problems were small, and my heroes' problems
were bigger than life. David Michelinie's work gets stronger and
more engaging with each issue of FREEMIND as he spins the tale of
a man getting to know a new body for the first time.
These two issues of FREEMIND set up subplots
that will undoubtedly wind into upcoming issues, and introduce a
new adversary in Chayne, a mercenary with high-tech bullets. Michelinie
deftly handles shifts in tone, from deceptively light to touchingly
dramatic.
That said, I'm disappointed with the merry-go-round
of artists that hop on and off FREEMIND. In six issues, the title's
had FOUR different pencillers - Dick Giordano, Bob McLeod, Mike
Leeke, and Ron Frenz. And FREEMIND #7 features pencils by Bob Hall.
I have no complaints with any of the art teams - all turn in strong
efforts and maintain a fairly consistent look for the book. But
I can't help wanting a regular art team, can I?
I'd also love to see a "what has gone
before" recap on the inside cover of each issue, to accompany
the current "who's who" pictures. Nevertheless, quibbles
aside, FREEMIND has definitely grown into the title of Future's
"flagship title."
Reviewer: Doug Giffin
--
Doug Giffin is the creator/writer of Harlow's End: Elijah's Tale
(as previously seen in Digital Webbing Presents #3). To see more
of Doug's work, visit his website at www.psychoengine.com
Any publishers that would like Doug Giffin
to do a review, please feel free to contact
him or you can contact Ed Dukeshire on the contact
page.
--
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