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Future Comics 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.
Future Comics 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 -- 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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DEATHMASK
#1 & #2
FREEMIND
#5 & #6