Review: Uncanny X-Men by Kieron Gillen Vol. 2

Having survived an assault on San Francisco orchestrated by Sinister, Cyclops' Extinction Team is ready to face a new threat. Writer Kieron Gillen drops the X-Men into an unknown environment and tests their ability to work together. Even if they survive that, will they be able to stop an intergalactic jailbreak? You can be sure that Gillen cranks up the drama in this second collection of his run on Uncanny X-Men.

After the events of the previous volume, Emma Frost is out and Psylocke is in. The fan-favourite psychic ninja had been covorting around with the morally unsound X-Force squad and her sins are close to being aired out for all the X-Men to see. She was partly responsible for the making of a new environment on Earth and the X-Men have been sent to investigate. The threats seem very real at first and the team is split up into pairs. While Colossus and Magik seem predictable as a duo, Gillen gains traction when he teams Namor up with Hope and Magneto with Psylocke. Namor is a major standout in this arc and there are many humorous moments involving his character. He is a complex individual who keeps Hope on her toes. Of course, her obvious attraction to the Atlantean King makes things all the more complicated (and hilarious). Magneto's knowledge of Psylocke's activities with X-Force proves to be an interesting plot point and seemingly helps bridge the gap between the two characters. Though Magneto had been going through the motions with a rather dull relationship with Rogue, it's quite clear there's some interesting tension between he and Psylocke. Following this adventure, the X-Men plunge head first into a mission to retrieve escaped aliens after the space prison known as The Peak is destroyed. The action here is stronger and there's a greater sense of urgency as the reader witnesses the atrocities committed by Unit (the arc's villain). Character development is lighter than the previous arc but the tension is more intense.

Greg Land and Carlos Pacheco serve as the artists for this collection. As per usual with Land, the pencils are expressive yet gratuitous. The seemingly traced art appears at times beautiful and others overtly sensual. His penchant for drawing "porn faces" has been toned down and the panels are practically bursting with colour. Pacheco's lines, by comparison, seem hopelessly too simple and it lacks the character of Land's. Nevertheless, at least he doesn't draw the females as if they're wearing weaves.

With this second volume of stories from Gillen's Uncanny X-Men, the X-Men are shown to be powerful but fatally flawed. The interpersonal drama that has followed them around is escalating and interfering with their capability to protect the Earth. It's also quite clear that Earth is certainly not safe from threats. Gillen's writing has improved and the characters feel much more human (so to speak) this time around. He's particularly to be applauded for giving each of them an opportunity to shine. With a healthy heaping of Namor and Psylocke, this is one adventure X-fans should consider checking out.

Grade: B

Review: Uncanny X-Men by Kieron Gillen Vol. 1

After the divisive event known as "Schism," the X-Men were split into two factions. Wolverine was the figurehead for one group while Cyclops was the other. Both iconic heroes took their individual groups in different directions but both had the same goal -- to protect the world and preserve mutantkind. Writer Kieron Gillen was tasked with handling Cyclops' team in the then-newly relaunched Uncanny X-Men title. The result was an interesting assemblage of powerful mutants responsible for stopping the most dangerous threats. Their first mission? Take down the deadly Mister Sinister.

In recent years, Cyclops has been a much-maligned character whose moral fibres have been fraying. His questionable behaviour has made him unpopular among some groups but Gillen seems to be interested in rescuing the character from this dark path. When Cyclops assembles his team (known as the "Extinction Team"), he does so not as a general but as a peacekeeper. Despite the fact that his teammates can bring the world to its knees, Cyclops simply wants the X-Men to be the best heroes they can be. In the first volume of this run, Gillen tells the story in a brisk fashion that easily captures the reader's attention and his refocusing of Cyclops' intentions gives the narrative a purpose. That said, the team consists of eight members and, as such, many of the characters get lost in the shuffle. Emma Frost is a standout. Her voice is clear and she is essential to the plot. Likewise, Hope has a distinct personality and purpose. Some of the most memorable moments in this collection involve her character. Unfortunately, the rest of the characters fade into the background. Most regrettably, Storm is underused and contributes very little to the narrative. Nevertheless, Gillen's interpretation of the volume's villain Mister Sinister is interesting. He takes him in a different direction, removing him from the androgynous S&M look the character had previously sported. Sinister proves to be a more interesting foe than the seeming Big Bad known as the Dreaming Celestial. Perhaps this is because he raises the stakes and seems so unbeatable.

Carol Pacheco handles the art chores for the first three issues in this collection. First rising to prominence during the late-1990s, Pacheco had a distinctive and clean style that was stunning. His art was some of the best from that particular era. However, none of that flare and uniqueness is present in this volume. His pencils are practically unrecognizable and the art seems extremely rushed. Unfortunately, it does the writing no favours. Brandon Peterson drew the fourth and final issue in this collection. His art is much more distinct and palatable. It's much more detailed and springs to life on the page. He should particularly be commended for his expressiveness.

The X-Men have been around for five decades so it's hard to come up with something new and exciting when it comes to Marvel's Merry Mutants. Kieron Gillen does an admirable job here. He doesn't get trumped up by Marvel's penchant for events and he seems most concerned with telling a great story. Though the team assembled is interesting but not utilized to its full potential. Nevertheless, it's a decent start to this particular era and it leaves the reader wanting more.

Grade: C+

Review: Oz the Great and Powerful

Ever since it was first published in 1900, L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has captured the imaginations of children and adults alike. Though its most famous adaptation still remains the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, several writers and directors have tried their hand at adapting and re-envisioning the iconic book. In 2013, the wonderful world of Oz was reinvented by Disney in Oz the Great and Powerful.

Oz the Great and Powerful tells the origin of the infamous Wizard of Oz. James Franco plays Oscar Diggs, the aforementioned Wizard. Oscar is a con man driven by greed, seemingly unable to care about anyone but himself. Franco plays the role flawlessly and with charm in a vaguely Johnny Depp-ian way. However, it quickly becomes clear that Franco cannot hold his own in this fantasy world. He disappears into the background the moment the female characters are introduced. Rachel Weisz vamps it up as Evanora, the Wicked Witch of the East. She is deceptive and commands attention simply by cocking her hips to the side. Likewise, Michelle Williams steals her scenes with her undeniable poise and incredible vulnerability. However, the real star of the show is Joey King who voices China Girl. Spunky and courageous, China Girl provides plenty of comic relief while maintaining the emotional core of the film. Unfortunately, the film's premise falls flat. Despite this being the Wizard's origin, his character seems uninteresting in comparison to his female counterparts. In fact, it's almost impossible not to compare Oz the Great and Powerful to another Oz origin story -- Wicked. Much of the film depends on Mila Kunis' character Theodora. She is ultimately the lynchpin that holds the narrative together. Unfortunately, Theodora comes across as naive and lacks depth as a character. By comparison, her Wicked counterpart totally obliterates Theodora in terms of characterization and personality. This isn't the fault of Mila Kunis, of course, as she acts the part beautifully. It's the fault of the writers and producers for thinking that the Wizard could be half as interesting as the Witches. Acting and narrative aside, the film is absolutely gorgeous. The colours are lush and the costuming is absolutely brilliant, especially the costuming chosen for Theodora. The one nitpick? Weisz's Evanora should have been given more than one outfit.

As far as adaptations go, Oz the Great and Powerful is visually one of the more beautiful. The art direction is fantastic and the costuming is to die for. The cast is fantastic but the obviously scene-stealing on the part of the women makes the film feel lacklustre since it doesn't spend enough time elaborating on their origins or personalities. As such, Oz the Great and Powerful really just leaves the audience wondering, "When are they going to adapt Wicked for the big screen?"

Grade: C+

Review: Koda Kumi, BEST~second session~

Released in March of 2006, BEST ~second session~ was Japanese pop star Koda Kumi's second single collection. It also did double duty, acting unofficially as her sixth album. Selling nearly one million copies in its first week, the compilation proved to be a high point in her career. Spanning a variety of genres, BEST ~second session~ is a treasury of unique songs that showcase Koda Kumi's chameleon-like abilities as a songstress.

As far as Japanese balladeers go, Koda Kumi is chief among them. Her rich vocals lend themselves nicely to the downtempo songs on BEST ~second session~. "you" is a gorgeous piano ballad that is accentuated with a chorus of strings while "feel" is a swaying R&B ballad with a warm acoustic sound. A major standout on the collection is the ballad "KAMEN" featuring Ishii Tatuya. It is a simple torch song that blends the singers' vocals together beautifully. It's certainly one of the more memorable tracks on the album. The syrupy ballads are fantastic but Koda Kumi also shows she can have fun as well. "WIND" is a catchy pop song that is wispy and lively. Likewise, "Birthday Eve" is a neo-disco dance track that is punctuated by a bevy of horns. It is cute and 100% ear candy. The Latin-flavoured "Shake It Up" is another great upbeat song that is danceable and infectious. Despite the album's buoyancy, it has a tendency to feel dated like its predecessor BEST ~first things~. "Ima Sugu Hoshii" sounds suspiciously like it could be a leftover track from the Spice Girls' debut album Spice, "No Regret" plays like a J-Pop tune from the late-1990s and "Lies" is equally as outdated. That said, Koda Kumi makes remarkable strides by furthering her image as a seductress on tracks like "D.D.D." and "Candy." The former is one of the best songs on BEST ~second session~. It features Japanese urban duo SOULHEAD and is a multi-genre track that blends hip-hop, pop and rock. It is criminal in its catchiness and is bursting with sex appeal. "Candy" is a more straight-up hip-hop song that utilizes a vaguely Middle Eastern sound and features a memorable rap verse courtesy of Mr. Blistah. It is sensuous and provocative, making it a come-hither kind of number.

Likely considered Koda Kumi's magnum opus, BEST ~second session~ solidified the singer's place in Japanese pop music history. A critical and commercial success, the album is a must-have for fans of the sexy star. It is brimming with catchy pop tunes, beautiful ballads and scintillating dance tracks. Though it may have its share of filler, BEST ~second session~'s production value is high and Koda Kumi's vocals are near flawless. It should be added immediately to the collection of every J-Pop connoisseur.

Recommended Listening: "D.D.D.," "you," "Candy," "Shake It Up," "feel," "WIND," "Birthday Eve," "KAMEN," "Someday."
Grade: B+

Review: Frozen

A sheltered princess and a handsome adventurer set off on the journey of a lifetime. Danger and romantic tension ensues. Sound familiar? It's the basic premise for Disney's mega-hit Tangled. It also happens to be the same formula used in their most recent animated masterpiece Frozen. It would be easy to write this family-friendly film off as an unoriginal cash-grab but Frozen is so much more than that.

Based off the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale "The Snow Queen," Frozen tells the story of a courageous princess who goes off in search of her older sister after she has imprisoned their kingdom in eternal winter. Kristen Bell is marvellous as Princess Anna. Bell's voice has incredible range and she makes the character lovable. Anna can be a bit dippy and naive but she has a good heart. Unlike most Princesses under Disney's umbrella, Anna acts selflessly in the name of love for a family member rather than for a handsome prince. Jonathan Groff plays the rugged (yet somehow incredibly dorky) Kristoff, an ice trader who joins Anna on her quest. It goes without saying that some sparks fly between Kristoff and Anna. That places the film dangerously in the realm of predictability. So what is it that makes Frozen so special? Two words: Idina Menzel. Menzel plays the elegant ice-wielding Queen Elsa. The film comes across as a run-of-the-mill G-rated action-adventure with so-so musical numbers but it is the presence of the stunning snow queen that elevates the film to a new level. The show-stopping "Let It Go" is one of the best moments of the film and the song itself stands out as being on-par with other great Disney numbers. Menzel's vocals are flawless and she belts it out like no one but the Queen of Broadway can. While Anna will be dogged by Rapunzel comparisons until the end of time, Elsa is so unlike all other Disney characters. She is stoic and regal yet devastating in her self-sacrificing loneliness. Additionally, the dynamic between Elsa and Anna is interesting. It's one that feels fresh and unique due to the lack of familial emphasis in previous Disney films. By the end, we are reminded that sometimes you need look no further than your closest family member to find true, unconditional love.

In essence, Frozen is a delightful blend of what would happen if you tossed Tangled and Wicked together and sprinkled it with ice. That's not a bad thing. The themes in the film are varied and are appealing to people of all ages. While the music may not be on-par with Disney greats like Beauty & The Beast or The Lion King, Frozen features some of the best singing found in an animated film. Furthermore, Jennifer Lee is to be commended for managing to pull off some rather unpredictable plot twists and the animators should be applauded for the gorgeous, glittering landscapes they created. This more than makes up for Anna's resemblance to a certain heroine with 70-foot long golden hair. There's action, comedy and one hell of a fierce ice queen. If there's one movie to take your family to see this holiday season, it's Frozen.

Grade: A-

Review: Ayumi Hamasaki, Secret

In many ways, Ayumi Hamasaki's eighth studio album Secret plays like a sequel to her 2006 effort (miss)understood. It operates within the genres of pop and rock, with a sprinkling of ballads thrown in for good measure. This particular album was an important one for Hamasaki. She was expanding further into the Asian market and Secret acted as the touchstone for what she wanted to present to her international fans. With messages of unity, empowerment and personal growth, Secret is an immaculate album that serves as a showcase for Hamasaki’s unique talents.

The Empress of J-Pop puts on her rockstar crown for the first section of the album. “until that DAY…” is a satisfying rock cut that sees Hamasaki channelling the Rolling Stones. It is an arena ready composition with a singular stuttering guitar boosted by electronic sounds. “1 LOVE” is sexy and fierce. A major standout on the album, Hamasaki’s vocals are rife with attitude and are only enhanced by the electric guitar-led arrangement. The single “Startin’” is a unique addition to the album. It blends rock elements with hip-hop. It features an underlying scratching rhythm and has a vaguely danceable chorus. The album’s best rock offering, however, comes near the end. “kiss o’ kill” is an ambitious song that utilizes a gothic organ as part of its arrangement. Reminiscent of the work found on Memorial Address, “kiss o’ kill” is dark and imposing, showing a much different side to the pint-size pop star. Despite the abundance of rock songs on the album, there quite a few feel-good songs as well. With “Beautiful Fighters,” Hamasaki crafts another inspiring tune about female empowerment. The track features elements borrowed from marching bands, namely whistling and cheering, making it upbeat and uplifting. It is incredibly catchy and is arguably one of her most underrated songs to date. Equally as cheerful is “Born To Be…” It plays like a theme song for the Olympics with its over-the-top arrangement. It is celebratory and serves as a joyful anthem on the record. The fan-favourite “BLUE BIRD” is another delightful cut. Its airy arrangement and summery appeal makes it effortless and timeless. Hamasaki should also be commended for her restraint on Secret. On previous albums, she had a tendency to indulge on ballads. This time around, there are only a couple of downtempo tracks. “JEWEL” is a beautiful and elegant piano ballad. Despite the wintry sound of the song, Hamasaki’s vocals are warm and inviting. The song is simple but effective. Likewise, the titular track “Secret” is controlled to a mostly acoustic arrangement. It is whimsical and graceful. This is enhanced further by her full, evocative vocals. It is a flawless way to conclude the album.

Secret continues to be one of Ayumi Hamasaki’s most fascinating albums to date. While some would say it sticks to a familiar formula for the J-pop superstar, it is remarkable for its simplicity and structure. It provides a sampling of everything she is capable of in one collection. Secret lacks filler and features some of the most interesting songs in her illustrious career. This is a must-have for fans of J-pop!

Recommended Listening: “until that Day…,” “1 LOVE,” “JEWEL,” “Beautiful Fighters,” “BLUE BIRD,” “kiss o’ kill,” “Secret

Grade: A-

Review: Ayumi Hamasaki, (miss)understood

In January of 2006, Ayumi Hamasaki released her seventh studio album (miss)understood. The album proved to be another #1 smash for the pint-size Japanese pop star as it topped the Oricon charts for two weeks in a row. Recorded in Tokyo and New York, (miss)understood features Hamasaki's trademark rock sound and pairs it with a more contemporary pop aesthetic. Though known for her originality and tight creative control, Hamasaki utilized demos from the group Sweetbox as the basis for six tracks on the album. With a strong focus on female empowerment, (miss)understood is yet another solid and cohesive collection by the Empress of J-Pop.

On her previous studio effort MY STORY, Hamasaki fashioned herself as a rock goddess. The influence of this can still be felt on (miss)understood. "alterna" has a halting rock composition with underlying electronic arrangements, while "criminal" pairs Hamasaki's breathy vocals with a lamenting piano melody that gives way into scratching guitars and pounding drums. "is this LOVE?" takes a similar approach. Its verses are vulnerable and softly sung while the choruses feature a harder edge with electric guitars leading the arrangement. The titular track, "(miss)understood," is a satisfying rock composition as well and it serves as a standout on the album. Hamasaki's brand of balladry is also present on (miss)understood. The piano-heavy "HEAVEN" is a ballad featuring airy vocals rife with anguish that builds into an impressive finish. "Pride" is operatic in its chorus of voices and orchestral arrangement. It is one of Hamasaki's more stirring ballads and stands out as one of her strongest tracks to date. The downtempo "rainy day" is an impressive song on the album. With its ticking ambient composition, it is a serene ballad showcasing Hamasaki's gentle vocals. That being said, Hamasaki had previously proven herself as a capable singer in both rock and soft rock genres. As such, (miss)understood shines brightest on its more pop-oriented offerings. The electronic-infused "Ladies Night" is a girl power anthem that lends itself nicely to being ear candy. "fairyland" is whimsical and summery in its arrangement, while its lyrics reflect on childhood and growing older. Another great cut is "Will." Its acoustic composition is infused with traditional Japanese elements and features beautiful vocals on Hamasaki's part. The strongest tracks on (miss)understood, however, are "Bold & Delicious" and "STEP you." The former crosses genres by blending R&B, funk and gospel together to create one of Hamasaki's most maddingly infectious songs to date. It is boisterous and lively, making it an easy feel-good cut off of the album. "STEP you" is equally as catchy. The single itself was Hamsaki's best-selling from 2005 and is a pop-rock masterpiece. It is peppy and features a playful Hamasaki delivering an incredibly spirited and infectious chorus.

(miss)understood is a varied album with many distinctive sounds. It sees Hamasaki staying true to her rock roots while delivering satisfying ballads and memorable pop cuts. Arguably one of her most iconic albums, (miss)understood received many accolades and is recognized as one of the best selling albums of that year in Japan. While it may not be one of her strongest, it is one of her most ambitious. The album is worth a listen especially since there are several songs that could easily be considered among her best.

Recommended Listening: "Bold & Delicious," "STEP you," "is this LOVE?," "(miss)understood," "Pride," "Will," "HEAVEN," "fairyland," "rainy day"
Rating: B+

Review: X-Men - Age of X

The X-Men are no stranger to re-imaginings. Since their inception, they have been taken to alternate realities and adapted into movies and cartoons (which are never even remotely close to being like the comics). In 2011, Mike Carey tried his hand at re-envisioning the X-Men with his X-Men: Legacy/New Mutants crossover Age of X. In a world where Professor Xavier never formed the X-Men, mutants have dwindled down to a small army who fight for their lives every day against the humans who hate them.

As far as alternate realities go, Age of X is one of the more interesting ones. The cast of characters is large and features almost every notable X-Man. Their new designs are fresh and exciting, some better than their canon counterparts. Jubilee and Dazzler, for instance, are brilliantly designed and would translate well into the official 616 universe. Carey makes a valiant attempt at making the readers care about the characters. Basilisk (a re-envisioned Cyclops) is among the standout characters. His narrative is harrowing and he is the character with the most depth. Likewise, Carey does interesting things with Frenzy. In this reality, she is a hero and is Basilisk's lover. As can be expected from anything written by Carey, Rogue (named Legacy in this crossover) gets her fair share of panel time as do Gambit, Magneto and Cannonball. While it's easy to empathize with Rogue in this particular reality, not enough is done to flesh out her background and she lacks the depth Basilisk has. In fact, this is the most common issue with Age of X. Carey fails to develop the vast majority of the characters and this storyline is entirely dependent on people's knowledge of the characters from the canon universe. He spends too much time on the generic characters (namely his pets Rogue and Gambit) rather than focusing on the more interesting dynamics he had at his disposal. Storm and Namor are lovers in this reality but this pairing is relegated to background status. Similarly, much is made of Basilisk and Frenzy's liaison early on but it is dropped in favour of focusing on Carey's pets. In fact, there is a constant shifting in terms of where he places his focus so the reader never fully settles on a character to root for. He transitions from character to character without ever resolving any of their plots. Even more unfortunately, the entire crossover is resolved by a deus ex machina-style plot device. It's neither interesting nor surprising. Overall, the uneven tone and lack of focus buried the potential Age of X had.

Age of X has its moments of brilliance. The premise is fresh and the various pairings Carey works into the narrative are actually quite fascinating. The designs created for this reality are to be commended and the overall tone was satisfying. Unfortunately, Carey's favouritism towards certain characters and the relative shortness of the crossover squashed the true potential of this alternate reality. Age of X is a decent crossover to be read in an afternoon especially for those who are fans of Rogue or Cyclops. If neither character does anything for you, you may want to skip it.

Grade: C

Review: Captain Marvel - Down

It isn't easy being a superhero. They have to juggle meetings, doctor's appointments and having a social life in between saving the day. Welcome to a day in the life of Carol Danvers. In Captain Marvel: Down, Kelly Sue DeConnick and Christopher Sebela deal with the realities of being a superhero with surprising realism and much-needed humour.

Much like its preceding trade paperback, Captain Marvel: Down is a brilliant portrait of the woman known as Carol Danvers. She is ambitious and hard working as well as compassionate and intelligent. DeConnick and Sebela's familiarity with the character is to be commended. It's obvious they've done their research. Together they weave characters and narratives from Carol's past together with newly created ones. It's refreshing to see writers acknowledging the past while working towards the future. The first two issues in this collection feature Carol teaming up with former Captain Marvel Monica Rambeau. The dynamic between the two women is fiery and portrays them as pseudo-rivals. Monica's no-nonsense attitude contrasts nicely against Carol's more laissez-faire demeanour. The dialogue is strong and the action that surrounds it is even better as the pair come together in order to battle a giant robot. It's pretty epic. The issues that follow are more grounded. We get a fast-paced glimpse into Carol's life and the struggles she faces every day in order to maintain a semblance of normalcy. Highlights of these issues include some cute moments involving Carol's cat Chewie and some pretty hilarious interactions between Carol and her best friend Jessica Drew (AKA Spider-Woman). DeConnick and Sebela raise the stakes for Carol as her doctor reveals some devastating news just before she must contend with the seeming re-appearance of an old foe. The art in this collection is spectacular. Dexter Soy handles the first two issues while Filipe Andrade pencils the rest. Their art is atypical for a superhero title and, as such, it adds incredible interest to the title. Each page appears as if it has been hand-painted, giving off a soft yet expressive feel to the images. Carol looks beautiful and the action is impressive.

Once again, DeConnick delivers the goods. Captain Marvel: Down is a fantastic read with well-written characters and pulse-pounding action. Carol continues to impress as Captain Marvel. She's easy to relate to and comes across as a flesh-and-blood hero who is attainable in her characterization. Pick up this collection while you can!

Grade: A-

Review: X-Treme X-Men, You Can't Go Home Again

Typified by its frivolous and adventurous tone, X-Treme X-Men took a displaced D-list heroine (Dazzler) and made her the leader of a ragtag group of heroes whose sole mission is to find and assassinate ten evil Xaviers. Its first collection (Xavier Must Die) was fun but lacked depth. The second collection, X-Treme X-Men: You Can't Go Home Again, is darker than its predecessor. Greg Pak digs deep to deliver a more heartfelt series of stories and offers a much more intimate portrait of the characters he has in his title.

In this second volume of stories, Dazzler has taken to her role as leader rather well. She cares for her teammates and shows herself to be a very resourceful strategist. Her cheesy one-liners have been dramatically reduced but she's still the fun-loving Lightengale readers will recognize her as. Still, Pak has evolved her into an edgier character whose beliefs are put to the test. Thankfully, Dazzler remains more or less unchanged. The supporting cast of this collection are fleshed out more fully. Kurt's backstory is elaborated upon as is Howlett's. In fact, Howlett's boyfriend Hercules joins the cast. This relationship became a major selling point for the title and one conversation Dazzler has with Howlett reveals how little progress has been made in terms of gay rights. It is a standout scene. Unfortunately, Pak never quite gets the opportunity to develop Howlett and Hercules' relationship. Nevertheless, it had potential if only because of the unusual aspects of the pairing. Pak adds Sage and an alternate universe Cyclops to the title as well. The latter is a rather brilliant re-imagining of the character and is written as a former slave who became a government agent during the Civil War. Even more interesting is the fact that Pak nominates this version of Cyclops to be Dazzler's love interest. He's more rugged and stoic than most of Dazzler's boyfriends so it's a nice change of pace (I'm just grateful he doesn't have a mullet). The narrative itself is merely a continuation of the previous trade paperback but its pacing has quickened. There's a whole lot of action and it's almost all non-stop. It should be noted that Pak deserves credit for coming up with creative ways to re-imagine the various evil Xaviers too. When it comes to the art in this collection, it's even more inconsistent than in the previous issues. Aside from the two issues pencilled by Paco Diaz, the art lacks any real style and dynamism. It's all fairly generic.

What is most disappointing about X-Treme X-Men is that it was cancelled before it could reach its true potential. The narratives and character development was improving dramatically as the series went on so it was really cut down before its prime. Pak was doing interesting things with the lead heroine and obviously respected her. The supporting cast was refreshing in their differences, perhaps moreso than their mainstream counterparts. X-Treme X-Men: You Can't Go Home Again is a good read for fans of alternate universes and re-imaginings. It's a little darker and more mature than the previous trade paperback but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. An added bonus of this particular collection is getting to see Dazzler in one of her better costumes. Too bad it didn't carry over into the 616 universe.

Grade: B

Review: X-Treme X-Men - Xavier Must Die

When it comes to D-list comic book characters, there is no one quite as underrated as the X-Man known as Dazzler. Once Marvel's 'It Girl' during the early '80s, Alison Blaire slipped into apparent irrelevance after being exiled from comics during the 1990s. Despite stints in New Excalibur and Uncanny X-Men, Dazzler still struggles to shake her disco-inspired image and find resonance with today's comic book audience. Greg Pak tried his hand at returning Dazzler to prominence with his quirky multiverse-hopping title X-Treme X-Men.

Collecting the first five issues of this Dazzler-centric adventure book, X-Treme X-Men: Xavier Must Die follows Alison Blaire as she navigates her way through the multiverses on a mission to "kill" the various Evil Xaviers that exist throughout the universes. Sound complicated? It can be. Dazzler is joined by alternate versions of Wolverine and Nightcrawler, further adding to the confusion and mystery. Even still, the title is remarkably accessible. A casual comic book fan would be able to pick up the title and enjoy the action. Pak's dialogue is energetic and his enthusiasm for Dazzler is evident. She's spunkier than she's been in a long time and it's refreshing to see. Pak even hints at Dazzler's penchant for adventure, adding in the potential that she's more thrill-seeking than she'd like to admit. At times, the dialogue can be a bit cheesy (Dazzler makes one too many musical puns) but overall it's lively and captivating. The supporting characters on the title are broadly drawn so they lack the depth they require. Pak scratches the surface of each character but fails to really get to the meat of who they are. That said, the title is more action-oriented and reads like a good old-fashioned adventure story (only with mutant powers). The art in this trade paperback is fairly uneven. Stephen Segovia serves as the penciller for the first three issues. At its best, his art is expressive and exquisite in its detailing. However, it can also be muddy and haphazard. Paco Diaz takes over the art chores for the remaining issues. His art is cleaner and more streamlined. The characters appear more youthful and the title seems more playful because of this. Dazzler looks gorgeous and the effects used for her abilities are particularly noteworthy.

Dazzler fans (what few of us there are) are likely to enjoy X-Treme X-Men: Xavier Must Die. It's fun and doesn't take things too seriously. It's also a great read for anyone who isn't overly familiar with the X-Men. Its cast of characters is small and it doesn't require any previous knowledge from any comic events to make sense. Its accessibility is sure to go over well with the most casual of readers. X-Treme X-Men has its share of faults but Dazzler's badassery more than makes up for it. She's one '80s baby you don't want to put in the corner!

Grade: B

Top 5: Graphic Novels Women Will Love

Comic books have long thought to have been a boys-only hobby. Testosterone-laden bad boys and damsels in distress fostered a largely male audience but times are changing. More and more women are flocking to comics, as evidenced by the growing numbers of female cosplayers at conventions. Still, it’s often a daunting challenge to get into comics so here’s a list of five amazing graphic novels that are perfect for starting off your comic book collection.

5. Captain Marvel: In Pursuit of Flight, Kelly Sue Deconnick

If there’s one superheroine who gives Wonder Woman a run for her tiara, it’d be Captain Marvel. Originally created as Marvel’s first feminist heroine, Carol Danvers saved the world on a monthly basis as the cosmically-gifted Ms. Marvel. Decades later, Carol received a spiffy makeover and name change that announced her presence as a truly modern superhero. Kelly Sue Deconnick’s first collection of these new adventures, available in the trade paperback Captain Marvel: In Pursuit of Flight, features a sassy and witty Carol Danvers in an array of truly unique narratives. For anyone looking to get into superhero comics, this is the perfect in.

4. Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi

An atypical memoir, Persepolis details author Marjane Satrapi’s life growing up during the war between Iraq and Iran. This monochromatic graphic novel presents an intimate portrait of both Satrapi and the culture that surrounded her. It has been well-received across the world and has even been adapted into an Academy Award-nominated animated film. Persepolis is a delightful and engaging read that shouldn’t be missed.

3. Skim, Mariko Tamaki & Jillian Tamaki

With its stunning artwork, Skim is a masterful graphic novel that is accessible in its relatable narrative. Written by Canadian author and artist Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by her cousin Jillian Tamaki, Skim is a beautiful portrait of the life of Kimberly Keiko Cameron, otherwise known as “Skim.” Skim has to navigate through her adolescence and learn how to survive life as a high school student. This graphic novel earns extra points for being so distinctively Canadian (Swiss Chalet gets a shout-out!).

2. Ghost World, Daniel Clowes

This much-loved cult classic follows two social misfits – Enid Coleslaw and Rebbecca Doppelmeyer – as they attempt to find themselves in a faceless American town. Ghost World speaks to every teenager who has ever felt like an outsider and does its job of accurately depicting female characters as realistically as possible. It was even adapted into a critically-acclaimed feature film starring indie darling Thora Birch and a pre-Avengers Scarlett Johansson.

1.Batwoman: Elegy, Greg Rucka & J.H. Williams III

Gorgeous artwork and captivating storytelling are what elevate Batwoman: Elegy above all other superhero graphic novels. Written by former Wonder Woman scribe Greg Rucka, Elegy is an origin story that details Kate Kane’s life from disgraced soldier to proud lesbian vigilante. J.H. Williams III’s art is haunting and devastatingly beautiful, while Rucka’s treatment of Kate makes her one of the most well-written queer characters in comic books at the moment. This one is a must-read – regardless of whether you’re male or female.

Review: Jessie J, Who You Are

With her feisty attitude and unique style, Jessie J burst onto the scene in the winter of 2011 with her debut album Who You Are. The record is a diverse collection of songs, blending elements of R&B and pop to create a sound she can call her own. Beyond the slick production values of the album, Who You Are strives to be a showcase of Jessie J’s powerful vocals and songwriting skills.

 

First and foremost, Who You Are is an accessible album that seems eager to please. Its lead single, “Do It Like A Dude,” takes inspiration from R&B superstar Rihanna. With its grinding guitar and thumping beat, Jessie J lays into the track with satisfying but predictable sassiness. The smash hit “Price Tag” fares better. Its laid back composition and smooth vocals are infectious. Its message is simple and clichéd but remarkably relevant. She also uses her music to fight back against critics. The most biting track in this collection is the anti-hater track “Who’s Laughing Now.” The song is a standard pop track but its lyrics and Jessie J’s attitude make it a standout. “Abracadabra” is another radio-friendly tune with a breezy pop arrangement. A major standout on the album is the Dr. Luke-produced bonus track “Domino.” It is sugary in its infectiousness, illustrating Jessie J’s mainstream appeal perfectly. While many tracks on the album seem intent on becoming hits, Jessie J refuses to ‘sell out’ and stands strongest on the downtempo songs. The acoustic ballads “I Need This” and “Who You Are” serve as affecting showcases for Jessie J’s husky vocals and incredible range. The latter is a particularly poignant anthem about embracing oneself. The message of self-empowerment filters throughout the album and it is illustrated no more beautifully than on this simple ballad. That said, Jessie J is at her best on the live track “Big White Room.” Stripped of the magic of the studio, “Big White Room” is the perfect marriage of an acoustic guitar, a big voice and a receptive audience. Jessie J’s range on the track is impressive and it proves that she is more than just some disposable pop diva.

It’s safe to say that Jessie J goes all-out on her debut album. Who You Are is impressive in its ability to adapt to mainstream trends as well as to more unusual sounds. While it has its share of filler, the album does its job of showing off Jessie J’s incredible vocals and unique persona. This singer/songwriter is singularly talented and Who You Are serves as a welcoming introduction to the British pop diva known as Jessie J.

Recommended Listening: “Price Tag,” “Abracadabra,” “Big White Room,” “Who’s Laughing Now,” “Do It Like a Dude,” “I Need This,” “Who You Are,” “Domino”

Grade: B

Top 5: Mariah Carey Songs to Listen to After a Break-Up

As one of the most successful artists of all time, Mariah Carey has built an empire for herself as a peerless vocalist and songwriter. Known for her emotional ballads, Mariah has documented love in all forms over the course of her illustrious career and has crafted some of the most heartrending break-up anthems within the past twenty years. She's helped a generation of music lovers through the trials and tribulations of love with her songs. For anyone looking for a musical remedy to heartbreak, here are the top five Mariah Carey songs to listen to after a break-up.

“Love Takes Time”

An old school ballad with a simple message, “Love Takes Time” speaks of the post-break-up pain with incredible honesty and relatability. It features Mariah at the top of her game and is one of her most evocative ballads to date.

“Can’t Let Go”

It’s inevitable that at some point we find ourselves unable to move on after a break-up and “Can’t Let Go” summarizes this occurrence perfectly. Mariah is wounded and vulnerable on the ballad while the lyrics are resonant in their frankness.

“Butterfly”

Even though it sucks to be dumped, sometimes it’s just as hard to let someone go. “Butterfly” is one of Mariah’s most personal records to date with its heartfelt lyrics of allowing a loved one to depart. The sweeping ballad can be favourably compared to the iconic break-up anthem “I Will Always Love You.”

“We Belong Together”

A return to form for Mariah Carey, “We Belong Together” is one of her most stirring ballads with its flawless vocals and devastatingly honest lyrics. The track is made all the more affecting due to the impassioned note Mariah holds during the song's conclusion.

“Someday”

Though she may be known for her weepy ballads, Mariah Carey can stand her ground and dish out sass like any good diva. On her classic track “Someday,” Mariah puts an ex in his place. The track proves nothing is better than the satisfaction of knowing who the ‘winner’ is in the game of love.  

Review: Villains United

When Lex Luthor and a handful of villains decided to take it upon themselves to form a secret society to protect criminals from the Justice League, there were inevitably a few stragglers who weren’t interested in playing by Luthor’s rules. Forming under the leadership of Scandal Savage and her enigmatic director Mockingbird, Catman, Deadshot, Ragdoll, Parademon and Cheshire set out to undermine Luthor and his cohorts in their nefarious schemes.

In the world of comic books, superheroes reign supreme so it is rare to come across narratives focused on the foes they face. Gail Simone’s Villains United combines an eclectic mix of rogues with suspenseful twists and witty comedy. There is an air of mystery about the narrative and Simone keeps the reader guessing. The characters are multi-dimensional and Simone masterfully fleshes out all six members of the team. Chemistry is palpable between the characters. Parademon and Ragdoll share a unique bond while there is some rather brilliant underlying sexual tension between Catman and Deadshot. Simone specifically places a focus on Catman and rescues him from the D-list by re-inventing the character as an expert tracker with the sculpted physique of a Greek God. He shines brightly over the course of the mini-series and acts as the linchpin for the narrative. Another standout character is Cheshire. She is devious and deceptive, playing the role of the femme fatale to a tee. Her capricious behaviour and manipulative machinations make her a character the reader cannot take their eyes off of. While Simone has always been known for her solid character work, she fumbles a bit with some of the characters. Her treatment of Doctor Psycho is inconsistent with the then-recent portrayal of the character in Greg Rucka’s Wonder Woman. She also fumbled with Scandal Savage. The character, while interesting, deserved more attention than she ultimately received. The reveal of her being Vandal Savage’s daughter was haphazard and random, in essence de-emphasizing the surprise element to it.

Dale Eaglesham’s art has its moments of brilliance. The way in which he illustrates Cheshire is nothing less than spectacular. Her slick hair and revamped costume are great but the grin is the best as it distinguishes her from the others. It’s also a nice little nod to the Cheshire Cat. Eaglesham does a good job differentiating many of the characters and most feel like unique individuals. Catman stands out with his flawless physique and Deadshot with his swashbuckling appearance. Unfortunately, the art also looks rushed at times and certain panels lack the details other panels are brimming with.

Villains United is a fantastic prelude to Gail Simone’s critically-acclaimed run on Secret Six. Her character work is incredible and she is to be commended for the way in which she re-invented Catman. The chemistry between the six main stars is palpable and the narrative itself is intriguing. There are some minor issues here and there but ultimately they do little to detract from the overall story. For anyone who enjoys villains or loved Cheshire in Young Justice, this is a must-read mini-series.

Grade: B+

Review: Wonder Woman v2 #170

After an epic crossover with the Batman family in Gotham City and a bloody civil war on her home turf of Themyscira, Wonder Woman takes a break from the drama in the one-off “She's a Wonder” story in issue #170 of her second series. The issue itself is a beautiful summation of who Wonder Woman is and offers a multi-faceted view of the character that has largely been ignored by most writers.

Told from the perspective of intrepid reporter Lois Lane, “She's a Wonder” sees Lois spending the day with Wonder Woman as she performs her duties as hero and ambassador. Far from being objective, Lois is looking for the cracks in Wonder Woman’s metaphorical armour from the get-go. Her slightly icy reception of the Amazing Amazon offers a fresh perspective and heightens the tension between the characters. Phil Jimenez writes Lois impeccably and her wittiness is on full display in this issue. Additionally, he takes advantage of Wonder Woman’s role as an ambassador to explore the Amazon’s life outside of superheroics. We see Diana meeting with dignitaries, devoting time to charities and giving speeches on her beliefs. Diana is met with antagonism wherever she goes. People are suspicious of her beliefs and she is unfairly criticized for desiring peace. The issue, in essence, holds up a mirror to society and highlights the cynicism with which people lead their lives. Also on display is her intelligence and generosity. Lois observes Diana as she familiarizes herself with alien technology that could lead to curing diabetes and Diana later spends time stuffing envelopes for a charity. Highlights from this issue include a brief sojourn at the Trevor household where Lois interviews Steve and Etta as well as the scene in which Diana meets with Lex Luthor, who was President at the time, after which Diana is notably upset. The most heartrending scene of the issue, however, features Diana lending her aid to an orphanage in Africa where she cradles the ailing infants until they pass away. Phil Jimenez truly paints Wonder Woman as someone who is a relatable role model. She acknowledges her imperfections and embraces her flaws. As can be expected, his art is just as fabulous as his writing. The characters are vividly depicted within a certain realm of realism and the expressiveness he uses is near unmatched. He also flexes his style muscles by depicting various characters in an array of casual and professional attire. Bravo, Mr. Jimenez!

For those interested in familiarizing themselves with Wonder Woman, they need look no further than Wonder Woman #170. It is an accessible story that provides a well-rounded cross-section of the character and effectively answers the question of “Who is Wonder Woman?” For fans of Lois Lane, this is a must-have issue as well. She is at the top of her game and her narration throughout is flawlessly rendered. The best thing about issue 170 is that it is a comic that has something to say. It leaves room for discussion and clearly shows that Diana is unique in her pursuit of peace in that she’s not just about busting bad guys but about inspiring change with her words. If anything can be learned from this issue it is that Diana of Themyscira is a true Wonder Woman.

Grade: A+