Comics Fondle

Werewolf by Night has, with his third and fourth appearances (the latter starting his solo book), a clear problem… his adventures involve guest-stars. Werewolf by Night #1 features–in addition to some of the most beautiful Ploog panels I can remember (it’s like he was holding out on sequences for the solo book, particularly the transformation scenes and the werewolf in the woods scenes)–a fight scene very similar to Marvel Spotlight #2… and, well, #3. Marvel Spotlight #4 might very well feature one of those fight scenes too, but it at least ends on a crazy cliffhanger….

Then Werewolf by Night #1 quickly resolves the cliffhanger and rushes in to a sequel to the previous issue rather than a continuation. If Marvel wasn’t sure Werewolf was going to be a solo book, it makes some sense, but it seems like they did by then… and the cliffhanger begs for a cool resolution and instead, Conway just wipes the slate clean.

There’s so much bullshit (having read the resolution to lots of the current mysteries) hampering going on with the series, so many McGuffins, it’s hard to see any sort of narrative flow any more (and I’m making that comment after four issues). Instead of covering all three nights of the full moon, Marvel Spotlight #4 and Werewolf by Night #1 each cover one (one and two, respectively) and it ruins Conway’s pacing. Conway’s a very commercial comic book writer, one who knows how to appeal to the new reader (old Marvels… every issue is a jumping on point), but it makes for a jarring read. A few hours have passed for the characters, but Conway’s writing suggests a disconnect (you know, a monthly or bi-monthly one).

The Werewolf by Night setup is fantastic–a Southern Californian werewolf, Ploog’s art, even Conway’s writing is very personable–but the (literal) mutant bad guy of the month kills momentum. And then there’s the introduction of Jack Russell’s sidekick, Buck Cowan… who’s contrived and useless….

Somehow, Conway manages to pack in the content, but it’s not the right content. The most interesting elements–seeing Jack Russell from month-to-month with his friends and family, slices of a strange life–take a backseat. Thank goodness it’s Ploog drawing those fight scenes.

B

Technorati Tags: Comic Book, Gerry Conway, Marvel Comics, Marvel Spotlight, Mike Ploog, Review, Werewolf by Night

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