THE INTIMATES #7 REVIEW

[Stephanie Kay]

<a href ="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/dc/0505/IntimatesCv7.jpg"><img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/dc/0505/IntimatesCv7T.jpg" hspace=10 align=left alt="The Intimates #7"></a>Reviewer: Stephanie Kay, Children_Of_Paradise@hotmail.co.uk
Story Title: Untitled

Your students are obviously on the cutting edge of experience.

Story: Joe Casey
Art: Giuseppe Camuncoli
Inks: Sandra Hope
Colors: Randy Major
Lettering: Richard Starkings & Rob Steen
Assistant Editor: Kristy Quinn
Editor: Alex Sinclair
Publisher: Wildstorm, DC Comics
Intimates Created By: Joe Casey, Jim Lee & Giuseppe Camuncoli

Cast:

The Duke.....Henry Duke
Punchy.....Unknown
Destra.....Summer Swann
Sykes
Empty Vee.....Vee
Kefong

Principle Bigg
Miss Klanbaid
Mr. Dashnett.....alias. Dashman / Glenn
Mr. Hyde.....alias. Commander Presence
Prof. Bentley.....alias. Radical Bill
Miss M.....alias. Morning Glory
Sgt. Stomp
Mr. Baal
Duke’s Father.....Travis Duke
Syke’s Uncle.....Alvin
Della Cruz
Agent Stahl
Raythe.....Unknown
Long Tall Rebob.....Unknown
Density Belle.....Unknown

Casey and Camuncoli’s The Intimates has developed an avid following over the last half year, and it should come as no real surprise that both seem intent on widening the direction and setting of The Intimates in the upcoming issues. Suitably, #7 works as a ‘transitional’ issue, even more so than usual, for it appears to bring closure to the current arc (is it an arc?) - lets change that to ‘semester.’ Our pupils are now preparing themselves for the summer break, whilst struggling with the aftermath of the traumatic events they witnessed (and experienced) in #6. That the previous Sykes-centric-issue had an almost maniacal tempo and revealed several somewhat disturbing revelations about the silent character, it is perhaps suitable (and wise) that #7 is far less disorientating.

That isn’t to say that #7 is the drug-like come down, but its purpose is far more plot bearing than emotionally perplexing - although Casey has commendably taken the extreme events surrounding Sykes, to cause behavioural changes within the characters. Each of them has found their own niche, and hence Casey is able to juxtapose various subplots at once; Punchy is still in a philosophical (and kindly) mood coming to a cross-road in his attitude, Destra is full of plans to actually bind the group together to make a ‘superhero’ team (the horror!) - and to consequently discover the ‘real’ purpose of the school (after witnessing the bizarre-ness of the teachers in The Intimates, I can appreciate her concern) and Vee is involved in chaperoning a promotional-exec around the school, which provides some amusing highlights. The others are given tantalising prospective roles for the future, but I avoid giving too many details as not to spoil some conclusions.

After the extraordinary chaos of #6, I opened this issue with a mixture of complete anticipation and dread. Because in all honesty, I had absolutely no idea what events were to be hurled at me next. The last three issues of The Intimates have been crammed with so many deranged, hilarious, poignant and even disturbing moments, that I find myself bemused to remember it was once rebuffed by many for having ‘little action’. Whether the entire readership deems ‘variety’ in the same way I do is a completely different matter (and I doubt it) - but I will note that the comics ‘progression’ since questions many of the conclusions given to it originally. The criticism, of course, was that it fell into many high school clichés: although I must protest against even that, for it seemed to deliberately include them to parody. Casey has developed the six characters far beyond any of those initial reservations anyway, to formulate those more interested in the world than saving it. Vee comments that ‘aside from the obvious, we’re just normal’, and that thought is carried through both the weighty and ‘trivial’ incidents. The Intimates at worst is a pastiche, and at best, is one of the most effective ‘mainstream’ comics out to comment on the dubiously educated and constrained youth of today.

I will though say that The Intimates is a ‘slow-burning’ comic. Characterisation is obviously not planned to be sudden or quick; rather that it is subtly sewn into the book, with minor and often seemingly inconsequential panels holding the up-most importance. The characters are forced to gradually adapt and understand each other - and the reader him/herself has a similar relationship with them. One example would be the Destra / Vee friendship; although they are polar opposites in temperament, the two seem to have had a profound effect on each other, without Casey actually drawing attention to that moment which instigated it. Vee, no longer completely invisible, has surged in confidence and honesty - whereas Destra is slowly but very surely thawing. In fact Destra might well be more dependant on the friendship than Vee is. Casey has also developed a very effective way of revealing personality traits through the multiple plots without having to clearly ‘divide’ the scenes; by running a ‘current time’ next to brief ‘flashbacks’ enabling the reader to ‘know more’ information than the characters themselves do. Camuncoli’s art was sublime last issue, and perhaps by unfair comparison its down a notch or two in #7. Some panels are perfectly expressive, especially in the early ‘lecture’ scenes - whereas others come off slightly distorted. The inks and colors are universally excellent, providing the means to contrast moods when necessary. It manages to be both easy-on-the-eye and lovingly detailed.

Casey and Camuncoli have devised a clever individualistic comic - that will not be everyone’s sort of taste. For those who are looking for the Wildstorm’s Generation X, I sincerely doubt you will find that with The Intimates. Although I believe it was initially aimed towards the superhero enthusiasts, I’m in doubt whether the book should be classified as such - especially when you consider the frequency of power usage and villain participation (i.e. little to none) Logically its appeal would lie with those who prefer ‘character study’ comics (more in the veins of DarkHorse and Image). The direction of the various stories induced in #7 are intriguing- (especially the arrival of Punchy’s best friend Flora next issue). This issue, the last and next mark a new ‘era’; even those who found The Intimates to not meet their expectations formerly, should perhaps reconsider any notions of permanently dropping the book. And for those who've never picked up an issue - now would be a great time to.

ART:
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STORY:
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OVERALL:
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‘Buy this issue online now from X-WORLD and save!’ (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=1543&cat=INTIMATES)

[Anand Khatri]

I'll have to check this out, sounds really good.

btw...Great Review Stephanie! ;)

[Dylan McKay]

I just started this series last issue and it's really growing on me. It's so nice to see teens with powers acting like teens. I'm looking forward to the upcomming unauthorized superheroing.

And Kefong is totally bad ass.

[James Groves]

I didn't read it...but your review just sells it to me to give this title another chance. I wasn't particularly enamoured by it last time, but it may well serve to me to try it out again.

The review was exceptional.

[Anthony Devlin]

I love this series, I must admit I picked it up thinking it would simply be a wildstorm version of the new mutants/gen-x, I'm so glad it isn't :D

This is what teenage would be like brilliant.

This is one of two titles i get which i really cant wait for the next, the other being Authority :D

Brilliant review steph ;)

[Martin Dudek]

Great review Steph, it's massively detailed. Granted, when I read The Intimates it bored in a very new, strange, and irritating way, but I enjoyed the review. :)

[Stephanie Kay]

Thanks for the kind comments

I wasn't particularly enamoured by it last time, but it may well serve to me to try it out again.
Yeah I remember you weren't keen - but if you do give it another go, I'd say to go from where Dylan went from- #6 was completely different to the earlier issues - also to understand flashback/s in #7, you'd be as well to get #6 also.

If you dislike it still after those two, then, I apoligise whole heartedly for playing Mademoiselle Ventes :)

Granted, when I read The Intimates it bored in a very new, strange, and irritating way, but I enjoyed the review. :)
It doesn't suprise me - that it bored you (not that you enjoyed my review, although I'm glad you did heh)
I enjoy it a lot more now that the comic isn't so obviously a product of itself - that hindered and slowed it down far too much imo. Because previously all the characters had their own 'independent thing' going, there was very little interaction between them - which was perhaps needed in introductory issues. Many readers like to become endeared to the characters at the start. But now it's more subtle and has direction - it's become genuinely interesting to see them develop into more of 'a team', by their own willingness.
#6 imo turned the book around (although #5 was also v good) - having them all appear in the same plot, rather than them all behaving like a group of mismatched people who were previously not that interesting apart. It must be the 'familiarity' with them that also works.

Buy y'know I don't want to promote it too much- as I know it just won't 'work' for some people.

[Statham]

Great review there.

I find it interesting how this series seems to poke fun at the current state of mainstream comics in general -- In particular the 'Who lives, who dies?' part of the cover. There's so much death, rape, etc, etc, in comics as of late, and both Marvel and DC are guilty of it -- What with Identity Crisis, Countdown, and Avengers Disassembled, amongst others. With the Intimates, it's refreshing to see a book that has fun now and again.

Not that the Intimates can't do serious, of course. Last issue was proof of that, and though it was nearly more confusing than Grant Morrison's best ;), I still found it interesting.

I also find it interesting and amusing how Casey seems to have really tapped into how some kids act -- I have freinds who act like Punchy does, and I know girls that can be as bad as Destra -- minus the potential for explosive fingernails. He also seems to recall some of the more frustrating elements of being a teen, such as the part on the infoscrolls that reads something along the lines of 'If you ask an adult to repeat themselves, prepare for a condescending attitude' -- My mother acts that way to me all the time when I ask her what she just said.

But of course, this comic wouldn't be the same without Camuncoli's excellent artwork. He makes every character distinct, even those in the background, such as Raythe, Long Tall Rebob and Density Belle, and he has a wonderful style I could only hope to emulate, though I figure I'll be stuck with my manga-esque scrawling forever. It's a little sad to see Jim Lee jump ship, but I suppose he has work to do elsewhere (A certain caped crusader book debuting in July). But Lee didn't provide that much input, anyway -- The spy comics were somewhat jarring due to the change in style, and whilst the covers were nice, I actually like Camuncoli's art more -- It suits the book better. And I can't wait for next issue -- If Dead Kid Fred was anything to go by, Flora should be an interesting character.

So, in the tradition of Siskel (RIP) and Ebert, two big thumbs up. This book's earned a place on my shopping list alongside Young Avengers, Runaways and Batgirl, amongst others...

[mrpopstar]

I love this book! I can't figure out why...I just do. I actually look forward to it every month, something I haven't done for awhile. Art is great. Ideas are great. Story is great. S'ALL GREAT!

[Nick Costanzo]

Nice review. I love how this title seems to get a different reviewer almsot with every issue. It makes for a really well-rounded opinion of the title.

For me, this isn't a title that I'm desperate to get my hands on each month, but its certainly one that constantly leaves me satisfied. And its great to get my Casey fix until they give Wildcats back to him ^_^

[Jon Hancock]

This book isn't taking a break is it? Just got worried about the end at the end and the lack of a next issue blurb.

Loved this issue and the title. It's nice to see teens who aren't a team or all mates. This is better than Teen Titans imo (high praise) and miles better than Runaways blandness.

[Dylan McKay]

No, the book will continue to chronical the kids adventures, just outside the school environment.

[Statham]

I'm guessing that it sort-of tries to mirror the amount of time kids have off for summer holidays in real life, so I'm betting on one more 'Holiday' issue beyond the two that are already solicited, before we see a return to Seminary life in September?

Of course, I could be wrong, and Casey could be abandoning the Seminary entirely, to tell a wider range of stories. Unlikely, given that Destra has ambitions of bringing down the school's shadowy backing group....

[D4773T]

I have no interest in this book at all. Its just not entertaining to me.

[Alex Groff]

I'm guessing that it sort-of tries to mirror the amount of time kids have off for summer holidays in real life, so I'm betting on one more 'Holiday' issue beyond the two that are already solicited, before we see a return to Seminary life in September?

Of course, I could be wrong, and Casey could be abandoning the Seminary entirely, to tell a wider range of stories. Unlikely, given that Destra has ambitions of bringing down the school's shadowy backing group....I think what the story's building towards is a return to the school and a big school-wide conspiracy. A lot of what Casey's mentioned-- the food given to the students, the "secret" Destra held over the principal in order to get her dance, the person following Vee to study their lifestyle, the NPS connection-- these all seem like part of a bigger mystery being woven together slowly to create something much larger. Kinda like Wildcats-- there's a huge story here, but its told like a novel or film, on slow burn.