Angel #4

Written by: Christopher Golden
Art by: Eric Powell
Cover by: Jeff Matsuda

In Los Angeles, things aren't always what they seem. Angel tries to help a woman caught in an abusive marriage, never suspecting where the real danger lies. They say no good deed goes unpunished, and Angel is about to learn that firsthand.

Kristina says:
    Art: 4.5/5  I like the change in style Powell introduced into this comic. Doyle is fairly decently drawn, and the emphasise is on outlines. Good use of colour, although I found the changeling wife looked very similar to the shapeshifters in comic #1.
    Cover: 4.5/5  Great use of colour, and as always, Matsuda's covers are excellent. He definitely captured the desperation of the husband really well, but what's up with Angel appearing all ghostly?
    Story: 3.5/5  As always, Golden does an amazing job tying Angel's inner issues to the storyline; however, it seemed very cliched in parts, especially with Lockley in the police precinct. There was very little involvement from Cordy and Doyle as well - I wish they had a larger part in this comic.
    Overall: 4/5
 

Angel #5

Written by: Christopher Golden
Pencilled by: Christian Zanier
Inked by: Andy Owens
Cover by: Christian Zanier

Finding the vilest lawyer in L.A. sounds like a pretty tough job, but Angel has done it. Kicking off a new three-issue arc, Angel, Doyle, and Cordelia face off with a new gang of demons, and allies that prove even less trustworthy.

Kristina says:
    Art: 4/5  This issue, there are some panels where Angel ends up looking like Patrick Swayze. Is this a recurring theme to make Angel look like movie stars, or just bad drawing? I haven't decided yet. Fortunately, the colours balance very well between light and dark in this issue, and the colouring also reflects the tone of this story: somewhat dark, and at this point, enigmatic.
    Cover: 3.5/5  The cover does match the darkness of the story, and Cordy and Angel look alright, but Doyle still seems to be off. Honestedly, take a look at a picture of Glenn Quinn!
    Story: 4.5/5  Golden definitely comes through with an interesting story arc. Little details, such as Doyle's demon heritage, are woven into the plot well, and subtle hints about Noe are planted, just to get the reader wondering. I'm looking forward to the rest of this arc.
    Overall: 4/5
 

Angel #6

Written by: Christopher Golden & Tom Sniegoski
Pencilled by: Christian Zanier
Inked by: Andy Owens
Cover by: Ryan Sook & Galen Showman

A string of possessions among the L.A. rich and famous lead Angel to team up with an exorcist. With his sidekick dead, Angel needs the help. Even a crime-fighting vampire has a tough time learning that the lines between good and evil are never so blurry as in Los Angeles.

Kristina says:
    Art: 4/5  Wow. I loved the last page of this issue - so much detail, and colour. It definitely sparks many questions that will hopefully be answered in the conclusion of this arc. Sadly, Zanier finally seems to have gotten the hang of drawing Doyle. Angel looked downright ape-ish in a lot of panels. Going for "Planet of the Apes" this time?
    Cover: 5/5  Wow! Definitely the best cover yet (even better than the foil one!). The orange and teal really set each other off well, and the cover definitely tells a story about the mid-point of this story arc.
    Story: 4/5  Still a dark storyline, but unfortunately, Doyle's death seems to be thrown in halfway through. It acts partially as motivation for Angel's reluctance to having a partner, but, in my opinion, it cheapens Doyle's worth to the series. Again, the subtle hinting at Noe's motivations continues, but all tact is thrown aside in the last panel, which was fairly predictable. I'm still interesting in finding out the conclusion of this arc though.
    Overall: 4/5