REVIEW - Identity Crisis

Review by Brian Grindrod

DC Comics' Identity Crisis has been acclaimed by critics and fans. The rationale for its success can be attributed to the following main reasons;

1) an engrossing plot line that is skilfully written
2) beautiful art work
3) a gripping story that has impact on the characters

The pacing is over-the-top while the passion of the characters is felt with emotions running high in their search for the culprit(s). Meltzer makes us care about Elongated Man's pain, Robin's helplessness as well as The Atom's poignant reaction in the final chapter.

While the script contains strong elements, it is Meltzer's ability to manipulate the reader with the heroes and villains' characterization that makes him capture our imagination. After battering our senses with death and tragedy, Meltzer hits it out of the ballpark with the final act. Life and the human spirit endure for our heroes despite the loss of their loved ones. They all come to terms with it in their own time and manner with the aftermath of the situation. The interaction between Superman and his mother, Nightwing attempting to reach out to Robin in his hour of need or Elongated Man coping with his grief gives the story the proper closure that makes this series an instant classic.

Many argue that visual is not important or secondary to which I have to wonder why they bother with comic books instead of a novel in the first place. While Meltzer's ability as a comic book writer is the revelation, it is Rags Morales' artwork that brings the story to life. With inspired styling from the likes of Neal Adams and John Buscema, Morales has developed his own that brings authenticity to the characters. Every range of the human expression is to be found here and his rendering is as much to be credited for the series' success as Meltzer's writing.

This is not about the fancy costumes or gimmicks but rather the brave men and women who wear them. Specifically, the possible dangers, consequences and regrets that await for committing themselves to be noble with their gifts.

REVIEW - Queen + Paul Rodgers - Return of the Champions

Review by Brian Grindrod

Brian May and Roger Taylor could have taken any singer that could accurately imitate Freddie Mercury's vocal range to perform their vast repertoire. However, it is the legendary Paul Rodgers that embarked with them to sing their classics as well as some of his which he recorded with Bad Company & Free.

Rodgers does not emulate Freddie Mercury in stage presence or vocal performance. A wise course of action since it would have led to justified critcism while perhaps alienating many of the die-hard Queen fans that do not take kindly to seeing somebody else sing with the remaining members of the band. In fact, some of the songs are not played in the key in which Freddie and the band originally recorded them in.

Thus, instead of the powerful voice of Freddie arousing the crowd, it is Paul's blues-driven style that brings about a soulful melody to some of greatest all-time rock'n'roll hits. From the power chords of Tie Your Mother Down to the spine chilling The Show Must Go On, these musicians deliver a performance that you will enjoy every time.

Of note is Brian and Paul's intro of Hammer To Fall and an awesome rendition of John Lennon's Imagine. While Roger and Brian's voices always complimented Freddie's in their studio works, it is quite particular to hear them in the forefront with Love of My Life, These Are The Days Of Our Lives and Radio Ga-Ga.

The concert is not without its flaw. I do not quite understand what the band was trying to accomplish with a concert recording of Freddie performing Bohemian Rhapsody. The people who attended their shows would have certainly preffered the band doing it themselves instead of paying for something they could have easily inserted in their DVD/VHS players at home.

If you're an anal retentive Queen fan who will not accept any singer, no matter how good they are, singing their classic songs alongside Brian Or Roger, then this DVD is not for you. But if you're looking for a high octane show that will rock your socks off and hearing some interesting versions of your favourites, go ahead and enjoy this guilty pleasure.