Comic Book Review: Terra Obscura v2 #2
by R.J. Carter
Published: September 11, 2004
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"S.M.A.S.H. of Two Worlds" |
Alan Moore
Peter Hogan
Yanick Paquette
Karl Story |
DC |
$2.95 US
$4.50 CAN |
C+ |
For more information: DC Comics link |
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(Warning: reviews at The Trades contain plot spoilers.)
Alan Moore has aptly named this series, as things become "obscura" and "obscura" as the pages progress. Which, usually, in Moore terms, means you're in for the most pleasant kind of mind-screwing.
So why do I feel like I didn't even get kissed?
On the surface, there's a lot of Moorian subplots to work with: Tom Strange prepares to fly into outer space to intercept the errant Captain Future's twisted rocket that disappeared decades ago. Diana plans to leave for Invertica to meet up with her old boyfriend, Tim, former partner to the Black Terror (something Di's lesbian girlfriend, the Fighting Yank, isn't keen on.) And, oh yes, a routine meeting of S.M.A.S.H. is "smashed" up by the members of S.M.A.S.H. from 1940 who believe the modern day heroes are "Japanazi imposters."
 And, uhm... that's it. Really. Oh, there's a little bit more of time running oddly amok that doesn't seem to disturb anyone, and an attempt at a shocker ending intended to hook readers in to the next issue (which actually comes closest to some of the weird superhero wonder that Moore cranked out in his prime--yes, I uttered the words "in his prime.") But overall, the issue seems to be only a sequence of events, and that's it.
Full of sound and fury, signifying a loss of three dollars. Which is tragic because there's just so darned much potential to be tapped in these characters. The only real question is: is co-writer Peter Hogan dragging Moore down to mere reality, or is he (shudder) propping him up?
 One thing that can't be knocked, though, is Yanick Paquette's artwork, neatly inked by Karl Story. It's the thing that makes Terra Obscura worth looking at.
Recommendation: Read a friend's copy.
In stores Wednesday, August 11, 2004.
Advance comics are provided courtesy of The Comic Book Store of Little Rock. Michael Tierney, proprietor, even has his own book out, Wild Stars. Check it out.
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