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Post by D. Golightly on Aug 1, 2007 11:41:29 GMT -5
Written by Mark Walsh Link: m2k.omegacen.com/sef/SEF05.htmlI've been very impressed with how the Alternate Branch has bounced back in the last couple of months, and I'm even more excited to see this particular title back in action. WHAT I LIKED: The basic setup of this issue lets new readers come in with little to no problems. We get a HUGE dose of characterization for Creed, something I hope was going to be touched soon in the series. This book successfully blends two Marvel genres - spies and mutants. It's really cool to see how mutants are treated in this world that Mark has created, all the while waiting for their next mission to really get the adrenaline pumping. Also, Mark's visuals really make certain elements jump out, particularly the scene with Laynia. WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: There's a lot of build-up, and not just in this issue, so I find myself still waiting for that "really big thing" to happen. I get the sense that there's an ice cream truck just around the corner, filled with wonderful treats, and I can even hear the truck's music playing...but for some reason the truck isn't showing up yet. Weird metaphor, I know. This latest issue is the beginning of a new arc, however, which alludes to something big happening in the very next issue. OVERALL: A must read by any means. Not only is this title a highlight in the Alternate Branch, but I'll go so far as to say that Mark Walsh is bringing some very professional style to the site in general. I'm loving this ride, and I'm going to keep reading with anticipation.
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Post by Mark Walsh on Aug 2, 2007 12:45:31 GMT -5
Thanks for the kind words, David.
I agree, of course, that it's a fine balancing act between leaving readers wanting more and doling out enough of the good stuff to keep them believing there will eventually be payoff. See ABC's "Lost" for both good and bad examples of that balancing act. Unfortunately, I have the distinct feeling my... "leisurely" release schedule is really contributing to knock that balance out of whack. There should be much more regular output from SEF in the coming months, though.
I think 2007 has really seen the Alternate Branch ascend from its former "ugly stepsister" status at M2K. I know this was one of the goals people had when it was relaunched last year. Amalgam Revisited, the Ultimate line, the 2099 line... it's encouraging to see a fanfic site that, when it says it's going to revitalize a section of their content, can actually pull it off. Kudos to the EiCs for that.
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