Holy wow. We’ve certainly had some big changes around here this week, haven’t we? Two new writers that start next week, re-tweets from industry people all around the world, and our site meter broke on Monday. That was awesome. And I finally got to start reading my definitive hardcover of Powers! Awesome! So for those who are new to our site, welcome welcome welcome, and what follows are some of the best new comic book day reviews you can find on all of the interwebs! Let’s just click behind that jump cut and get started, shall we?
BOOK OF THE WEEK: The Walking Dead #66
Matt’s Thoughts: Every time I pick up a new issue of the Walking Dead, I usually have to prep myself. “How is Kirkman going to shatter expectations this week?” And amazingly enough, the man does it time and time again. The book just keeps getting darker and darker and darker, pushing our heroes who started off on such an innocent quest for survival into such a desolate hole of despairing humanity that I am positive that, after this issue, their is really very little chance for redemption for anyone. Everyone is now a modern day monster, and it’s both horrifying and amazing at the same time. I actually read the first few pages over and over again because I just had to make sure that I was really seeing what I thought I was seeing. Does anyone else remember when Rick was just waking up in the hospital, trying to survive a la 28 Days Later? Life used to be so simple.
All that being said, I’m beginning to really wonder where we can go from here. Don’t get me wrong, I think this is one of the best books I’ve ever read, and DEFINITELY the best zombie book on the market. But… it’s just so depressing! Every arc, something worse happens and the characters continue to become even more unrelatable because there is no way I can even imagine what’s remotely going on in their heads as they travel the destroyed country side. I can’t wait to see where things go in future issues and I am without a doubt hooked, but my God – the book needs a little sunshine in it. Something, anything, to give our characters a bit of hope! I know that Kirkman made note that there was a legit cause to the plague, and I’m sure that will bring in an awesome new storyline in, but of course that will probably mark the end of the series. Even so, I believe it’s time we get in a new storyline that doesn’t end with our characters losing all sense of morality and humanity they had left.
David’s Thoughts: Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard wrap up their Fear the Hunters arc (surprising mostly for the fact that they actually titled an arc on the cover for once) with this issue, and predictably it’s full of violence, mental anguish and emotional torment. Par for the course once again from The Walking Dead, a book so uniformly great that I’ve officially decided I hate reviewing it because there is nothing bad to say about. Hmmph.
Gil’s Thoughts: Man this book kills me. At first I was a little hesitant, as I thought that this title was veering into gimmick territory. There had never been a story title emblazoned on the front of the book. It was just a book that went along with the survival of the some unfortunate people in a zombie apocalypse.
But I have to admit, this was probably my favorite issue in the longest time. It hit me remarkably hard. But should I expect any less? A long time survivor met their end today, and I’d be lying if I didn’t have a physical reaction to the death.
Also notable here is that the characters seem to slowly be losing their humanity. Our hero Rick went to an extreme. I’m not sure you can come back from that, either. And his son Carl seems to be doing the same. It’s truly heart breaking. But that’s what this book does. It breaks hearts. It’s so bleak, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Continued belowWhen it came time to choose the book of the week, I was originally torn between this and Fables. Both are among my favorites. But after an issue like this, I have no regrets with my decision.
MATT’S REVIEWS
Uncanny X-Men #516
This is it, guys. I know that Walking Dead was the general “book of the week” for us, but this was my personal book of the week. One of my favorite current writers plus one of my favorite current artists plus one of my all time favorite characters equals an instant win for me, and this is something that has been coming for a very very long time, some might argue since the end of House of M! And I love pretty much everything Fraction has done with Uncanny X-Men since taking over for Brubaker, so I was positive this would please me even more. And did it? Oh heck yes it did.
The return of the king, as it were, is something that I believe is handled quite well. Not only does Fraction take the time to explain all the little bits and pieces that have been leading up to this moment (Magneto’s attack in issue #500, the odd Celestial in the park just hanging around, the little bits and blips of Magneto and the High Evolutionary), but he doesn’t just throw in Magneto as some sort of pompous villain. Magneto shows up to join in on the fun with Nation X and be a help, which is actually what I prefer to see. Magneto has often been an on/off villain per se, but I really like when he acts more as a hero and a help to the X-Men then a hindrance, especially as of late. And his whole speech, for me as a comic nerd and a bit of a fanboy to Magneto, was really amazing, especially the point where he falls to his knees. That is something I’d NEVER expect to see Magneto do of his own free will, but Fraction handles it very well in a way that doesn’t make me an angry fanboy, hopping on the internet to complain that his character would never really do that.
Meanwhile, we’ve got this other story brewing in the background that began last month and is being explained very quickly. Nation X is a long arc, and it was all up in the air as to what it would really centralize around. What we have, fortunately, is somewhat of a brand new villain taking the stage here, trying to sabotage Nation X while at the same time claiming they’re doing it to help. You gotta love it, honestly. Fraction’s creativity in continuously pushing the story of the X-Men forward is really something to behold and I believe he’s taking the story where it needs to go. I absolutely love the way he writes Cyclops as a leader, and ever since Xavier was outed as (pretty much) an asshole, Fraction has maintained a good atmosphere to Cyclops and his ability to man-up and lead a nation of mutants.
I really love the direction the book is heading in. “Utopia” was rather meh, honestly, but I feel like the book can easily return to how good it’s been since Brubaker first started, then teamed up with Fraction, then left it to Fraction. In fact, I would go so far as to say that it already has. If we’d skipped the whole Utopia premise and just given the X-Men Asteroid M, it would’ve been better, but the goods of a gift like the return of Magneto are never as sweet if we don’t earn them, and the wait was well worth it. The main X title is back in full force, and I couldn’t be happier.
Final Verdict: Buy it
Web Of Spider-Man #1
When I was a kid, there were a million Spider books. Spectacular, Amazing, Web, Peter Parker: Spider-Man, etc. etc. That and the biggest storyline I remember is the Clone Saga. Well, it looks like the 90s are back for Spidey! It’s interesting – there’s a whole write-up in the back about why they decided to bring Web back, and it all makes sense – every decade of comic readers have their own first issue of Spider-Man. My Spidey #1 is a Spectacular Spider-Man issue where Eddie Brock says he has cancer. Aside from that, all my Spidey comics are random numbers. Now I have another #1, and it’s the return of Web of Spider-Man.
So, maybe this was common knowledge, but I can certainly say I didn’t know – Web Of Spider-Man essentially is acting as a companion comic book to the main story in Amazing. While we’ve got all the normal everyday life stuff of Parker over there, in Web we have a series of back-ups, written by the industries finest of course, which help to flesh out characters for readers who may have forgotten. I don’t know how I could ever forget anything about the Sinister Six, but nevertheless I find myself intrigued by the overall concept of it all. This week we’ve got a tale fleshing out the return of Kaine, the first and worst clone of Spider-Man created by Miles Warren. Kaine, who has been MIA for some time now, is revealed to be holed up in some unknown facility, drugged out of his mind and waiting to die. As this issue progresses, we’re given an interesting look at the history of the character told in a non-conventional format that I really enjoyed. I read comics back when Kaine first appeared (I think) and I remember him murdering whatsherface and framing Parker for it, and I even have an issue with “The Death Of Kaine” plastered on the front (that obviously didn’t take). I knew Kaine would be coming back, but this is even better than I thought. A lot of people hated the Clone Wars because “it was the ’90s”, but for me it was the comic to read growing up! So having Kaine back… well, I think it’s an interesting maneuver, and I’m enjoying where this is going.
As for the rest of the book, though, I can’t say I’m too crazy about it. The book features the return of Spider-Girl stories, which I never cared for. I never read any of the Spider-Girl books at all, so having this book pick up where they left off is pretty pointless for me to read. I’ll read it just because I want to read the other main stories, but I can’t say I really know anything about where it came from. Spider-Girl just never did it for me. And after that was an absolutely silly story featuring Frog Man. I won’t lie, I giggled, but we know that the whole point of that story was just a joke, so I didn’t have to take it seriously.
However, noting that I only actually enjoyed a third of the book, I can’t really recommend it. I love the idea of having a back up to the Amazing Spider-Man stories, but in this scenario I just don’t really go for the rest of the book, meaning that outside of being a huge Spider-Nerd, it’s kind of pointless. And it’s on that note that I give this book a,
Final Verdict: Browse
Titans #18
I have an odd fascination with the Titans (and Teen Titans) as of late. I was never really a part of “Titan mania,” so to speak, back when Johns was totally killing it with the book and there was a TV show on Cartoon Network. I think a good way to describe it is, I didn’t “get it.” Of course, now that it’s after the fact and all of the best stories have already happened, I’m left to back track and slowly catch up with what is really quite a good character series.
Of course, that leads straight into my thoughts about this week’s book: ever since Deathtrap ended, the book has all been about the characters. Each issue deals with a different member of the Titans and why he or she feels estranged from the group, or perhaps what they’re doing in order to find their place in the new world. It’s an odd choice for an arc, so to say, as while every other book on the market is really pushing forward with their characters, these characters are all basically at a stand still (outside of the Blackest Night tie-in). What’s the big reason for this? I couldn’t tell you. This week’s issue focuses in on Raven and her never ending struggle to prevent Trigon from entering and destroying the realm as she battles her estranged family. At the same time, she feels absolutely alone in the Titans, and with Gar on his way out to lead the Teen Titans, she begins to question her role on the team. It’s an interesting story and you really feel for the character, and I’m sure that those who followed Titans since she was a Teen Titan feel for her even more as they’ve really watched her story go from bad to worse.
Continued belowHowever, the whole single character stories really aren’t doing it for me. It’s an interesting concept over all, and I’m still enjoying the series, but I wish we could move past this and get on with a new plot. A new villain, or a new journey or adventure. Something that really pushes the characters forward. I am all for the idea of fleshing out characters, and the stalling in the book sure does give me ample time to catch up. But if you look at the next two solicits, it’s still just single character centric stories. The reason I started reading Titans is because I wanted to read a good team story, and right now they aren’t acting as a team. So while it’s an interesting read, ultimately I find it doesn’t meet my expectations.
Final Verdict: Wait for trade
Deadpool #900
Because if anyone was going to hit issue #900 first, it HAD to be Deadpool! That’s right, Marvel’s latest show pony has decided one, two, skip a few, eight hundred ninety nine, nine hundred! And this issue is freaking HUGE. I mean it. It’s practically an OGN. But seriously, enough with my slapstick (I’ll be here all week, tip your waitresses). This issue is so freaking ginormous I have to review it in bits and pieces so you can get a good run down on the insane amount of things in it. So let’s go:
First up we’ve got a story by Jason Aaron with art by Chris Staggs, Juan Vlasco, and Marte Garcia. It’s short and sweet. Deadpool is kidnapped by aliens, so Deadpool kills the aliens. It’s not as good as the short story Aaron concocted for Wolverine before that series became Dark Wolverine, but it’s got a great sense of humor to it, and he gets a bit carried away. It’s fun to watch, so to speak.
Second is by our favorite Fred Van Lente with art by Dalibor Talajic. I have to say this (and not just because we totally love Fred), but this was ABSOLUTELY fantastic. Easily one of the funniest things in this book. It’s a completely silent piece as Deadpool fights a bunch of mimes. It’s extreme violence on mimes who can use mime powers for evil mime-dom! Honest to God, this should have been a full 23 page issue. I would have loved that. I found it to be absolutely hysterical. A lot of it clearly relied on Dalibor’s art, and while I’m not familiar with his work, he handled it really well, especially the flashback. Great stuff.
Next we have a story by Mike Benson, with art by Daimon Scott and Lee Loughdridge. I must say, I haven’t been a fan of most of Benson’s work in Deadpool or Moon Knight or Luke Cage Noir, but this was actually really good. The different aspects of the ‘Pool’s insanity were discussed, and I think it was handled really well. These are all elements that Benson has played up as much as possible since he’s been writing, yet others have not, and he has a pretty good grip on that. The only thing I didn’t care for was the art. I like my art more sleek and found this, with the ever changing body shapes, to be too disconcerting to really enjoy.
Now we have a story by Joe Kelly and Rob Liefeld. I’m going to pass on discussing the art in great length for obvious reasons, but I will say it’s not his worst! As for the story, I half love it and half don’t love it. Here’s why: it’s one of the longer stories (and means I had to deal with that art longer), and at first you’re all like, “Woah, what the heck is going on?” and then you’re all like, “Woah, that’s hilarious!” Know what I’m saying? I thought so. Either way, this is definitely one of the funnier ones in the book as well, and to be honest, I believe it’s one of the stories that absolutely 100% makes sense for Deadpool’s character. This is just so him.
Continued belowNext up is a story by Duane Swierczynski, with art by Shawn Crystal and Lee Loughride. I can’t say I’ve been a big fan of Swierczynski’s work like others of this site, and this story has tons of hints of cleverness, but never really quite hits the mark for me. Part of that really could just be the artwork. As I said earlier, I like a particular style of art, and when art is done in a messy fashion, it has to be a “specific” messy for me to really like it. This just wasn’t that kind of messy. To me, it was just plain messy, and in that it really took away from it for me. The story is essentially a parody story, and I just didn’t care a whole lot for it.
Next up is a story written by Victor Gischler with art by Sanford Greene, Nathan Massengill, and Dave McCaig. This story is downright ridiculous and I love it. Seriously – I don’t want to spoil too much about it. All I will say is it involves the most epic ping pong battle ever, and the only thing it was missing was a good Love Boat reference. Seriously. This story? Hilarious.
Next is the story that was teased about originally (at least from what I saw) by Charlie Huston with art by Kyle Baker. It’s an odd little thing, with the art being done by computer graphics and imposing real life objects into the imagery. It’s both very off putting and cool looking at the same time. The story is really good in this one, and it basically deals about WHY Marvel puts him everywhere and how it’s all our fault. Not gonna lie – the meta-ness of this one really got to me in a good way.
And after all that is a reprint of Deadpool and Widdle Wade. I didn’t read it. Know why? Because I’ve been collecting Deadpool long enough that I actually have this rare and incredibly odd gem. Yeah – that’s right. I own the actual Deadpool/Widdle Wade team-up. I even own Deadpool’s First Baby Book. Who wants to touch me?
To make an INCREDIBLY long story short?
Final Verdict: Just buy the damn thing, you nerds.
The Marvels Project #3
I’ll start by saying that I don’t think I can sing the Marvels Project’s praises enuogh. What was billed as a story that recaps for a modern audience the first days of the Marvel U as it was historically is turning into quite an epic saga, and by far one of the best books out this week. I found myself absolutely gripped to the book as I turned from page to page, fully engrossed in the world Brubaker and Epting had created (or recreated?) in front of me. It’s just that damn good.
This issue recaps one of the oldest Marvel memories I have (thanks to Kurt Busiek’s Marvels), and that is the first fight between Namor and the Human Torch. One of the oldest historical moments of Marvel, this issue really fleshes out the importance of why Namor attacked Coney Island, and exactly why the Human Torch was able to stop him. It’s really wonderful to see all these little moments in the two character’s lives bring them so forcefully into one another in a way that 100% makes sense, and for a guy like me who obviously wasn’t around to read the original fight issue, nor has been able to find a copy, it’s pretty awesome to now have my own copy of the fight in such a new and prestigious format.
On top of that, Brubaker is easily taking all these different stories and SEAMLESSLY weaving them into one another, and I can’t stretch that enough. Brubaker has always been great at noir writing, and this issue essentially opens with a scene that looks like it was lifted from Chinatown‘s deleted scenes. We’ve got references to Electro (who we of course now know from the never-to-be-finished The Twelve), we’ve got Fury and Hargrove running around Europe kicking ass, the return of John Steele, and all the markings for the “birth” of Captain America. With all these different and intense stories, you’d think that at some point Brubaker would become a bit jumbled and miss a beat, but it never happens.
Continued belowThrow in Epting’s amazing artwork style and you have a sure dynamo of a read. I absolutely love the shading used in the book, and the whole thing has a realistic feel as if they were telling the history of the actual world and not the comic world. It’s a veritable sight to behold, in all honesty, how these two have managed to put together such a wonderful tale, and one that already feels like such a classic in modern-day storytelling.
Final Verdict: Oh, you BETTER not be waiting for trade on this one…
DAVID’S REVIEWS
Green Lantern Corps #41
Blackest Night continues its rampage throughout the galaxy, as Green Lantern Corps brings us back to Oa for more intense action between the entirety of the devastated Green Lantern Corps and the Black Lanterns. Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason have done an incredible job with this title, somehow making it a perfect fit with Green Lantern proper and juggling an enormous cast with incredible skill and ease.
Tomasi finds the perfect sparring partner for each character in this issue, as Arisia battles her family, Kilowog fights Ermey (the old Kilowog, back when Kilowog was but a poozer himself), Guy Gardner gets his thigh dominated by a horn and the only character with a bigger head than himself, and Kyle deals with returned Jade, newly zombie-fied and as kooky as ever. Throw in Soranik Natu bringing her A game (as she’s known to do — Soranik is the champ!) and figuring out what to do with the injured Lanterns, and we have an action packed issue. My only issue stems from the fact that for the third straight issue we essentially have one big battle on Oa. Not that I don’t like fights, but after Sinestro Corps War I developed the expectation that events could be free flowing stories that aren’t just prolonged fist fights.
Patrick Gleason continues to be one of the most unheralded and ridiculously talented artists out there. Every page is rendered with incredible detail and impeccable care, and he never ceases to make a big moment that much bigger. His Lantern clashes are just stunning to look at, and every page is a roaring success. One of the best talents in the industry in my book.
Of course, with Tomasi and Gleason bringing their A game and the only thing bringing the title down being the pacing issues of the event it is covered by, it’s hard to complain. This is still a massively entertaining issue that wouldn’t have any negatives if it weren’t weighed down by the two words at the top of the cover.
Final Verdict: Buy
Adventure Comics #3
In some ways, this title is a bit of a disappointment. So far, there isn’t a lot happening. Through three issues we have Connor Kent rolling around Smallville and beyond trying to come to terms with his Superman side and his Lex Luthor side, and to decide whether or not he is ultimately in control of his own fate. At the same time, this gives him ample opportunity to reacquaint himself with old friends, with this issue presenting the opportunity for Connor to visit with Tim Drake, old friend and the currently incredibly tormented Red Robin. That this series can be so enjoyable has everything to do with two people: Geoff Johns and Francis Manapul.
Johns showed in the last issue that he had a great grip of the relationship between Connor and Cassie, and with this issue he does an even stronger job with Tim and Connor. With both characters going through an incredibly tough time, Connor’s support of Tim (when no one else is supporting him besides Ra’s Al Ghul — tough times for ol’ master Drake) is handled with expertise and deep emotion by Johns. Of course, we’re also given massively entertaining set ups with Connor’s very own junior Lex Luthor and Krypto.
Francis Manapul is one of the best artists in the industry right now, and this issue shows that as well as any has. I can’t even think of any real artistic analogues, besides freaking Norman Rockwell. I can tell you that the bottom right panel on page 8 depicting Krypto’s reaction to Connor’s anger is alternately heartbreaking and heartwarming. It pretty much makes you want to adopt a dog immediately, as another more talented writer pointed out at CBR. His Krypto is probably the most dog like Krypto has ever been, and that is extremely complimentary given the amount of artists who have depicted the character. Everything Manapul depicts feels real (or comic book real, if you will).
Continued belowThis team is now leaving for the Barry Allen ongoing, but we at least got these three exceptional issues. A little said, but it was a great start to a new series. Plus, the Legion backup was top notch, with Johns and Clayton Henry depicting a team up between Sun Boy and Polar Lad. Makes me want those two to make a Legion title, ASAP.
Final Verdict: Buy
DMZ #46
This issue picks up where the last issue left off, as the ramifications of Parco Delgado’s worldwide announcement that “Delgado Nation” is now armed with nukes was received with…well, predictably the world was not exactly pleased by this. In fact, everyone in the DMZ was not pleased by this, as roars of “we didn’t vote for this” ring through the DMZ. In fact, when the leaders of the Free State Armies look at you like you’re crazy, that means you’ve officially gone into the Tyson Zone (to take a line from Bill Simmons). That all of this comes out as intense, gritty, and scarily realistic is once again thanks to the deadly duo of Brian Wood and Riccardo Burchielli.
Wood’s decision to not only give the DMZ a clear cut leader in Delgado and to give main character Matty Roth someone to rally behind has been a brilliant one, as the dramatic tension is palpable on every page. Of course, Matty’s motivations are very uncertain right now, as it makes absolutely no sense for him to support Parco at this point. Parco was clearly lying to Matty and was using him for the legitimacy he gave his campaign, as even the Free States leader calls him on it and how Matty has effectively assassinated his own character with this. This is the first time where myself as a reader has had a discrepancy with the choices Roth has made, but I trust Wood to take him back to where he belongs: as the DMZ’s Gahndi. Using the DMZ’s sole radio station “Radio Free DMZ” as the narrator for the issue was a sharp decision as well, as it gave us more of the “at the front” perspective which Wood has perfected in this series.
Burchielli really is the perfect partner for Wood on this title, as his Eduardo Risso by way of Ryan Kelly art style really fits the grit and grime of the series. As per usual it was fun playing the “what type of facial hair will Matty Roth have this issue?” game, and to my surprise he was clean cut. It was bizarre, but still fun to play.
DMZ is one of the top titles Vertigo has going right now, as well as one of the more underappreciated ones. The thing that makes it so scary isn’t the reality Wood imagines, its how real Wood’s imagination feels. When Wood says “we’re all in this together, remember” towards the end of the issue, it feels as if he’s speaking to the real America with that.
Final Verdict: Buy
Unwritten #6
While this issue is the first issue of a new arc titled “Inside Man”, I personally nicknamed it “Tommy Taylor and the French Federal Prison.” Perhaps not as catchy as the titles from the book series from this comic, but it fits as protagonist Tom Taylor finds himself being tried and sent to a French penitentiary for the murders nemesis Count Ambrosio committed in the last issue. Not only that, but we find Tom struggling with his grip on reality as the scar/tattoo from the book appeared on his hand at the end of the past issue, along with a winged, flying house cat. Pretty bizarre stuff, but told with expertise by Mike Carey and captured lavishly by the chameleonic skills of Peter Gross.
Month in and month out Matt and I rave about this book, singing its praises as a two man choir of the comic world. This is the next Fables, the next Y the Last Man, the next Vertigo giant. It’s everything you want from a comic series and more: mystery, intrigue, uncertainty, danger, Harry Potter analogues (okay, maybe that part is just me), and flying mother flippin’ cats! Come on now. If you aren’t reading this book by now, you deserve to be locked out of your local comic store for negligence. I’m series. Banish thyself, reader, for you do not deserve the wonders of comics without this title in your hands.
Continued belowFinal Verdict: Buy
Ender’s Game: Command School #2
This title is a really well made one. You have Mike Carey adapting Ender’s Game quite well and Pasqual Ferry depicting everything with his shimmery, glossy, vaguely computerized artistic style. Yet, with this and Ender’s Shadow: Command School covering each other’s ground from different angles and both originating from a story that is quite well read, you often read this title and think: what’s the point?
Reading this title is sort of like reading an abridged cliff’s notes of Ender’s Game, tackling all of the important bits and still capturing a lot of the emotion from the story, but ultimately feeling redundant if you’ve read the book. I’m enjoying what I read and see, but I guess I was looking for a bit more from this series. Musings on aspects we didn’t get from the book (we get that in Ender’s Shadow at least), grand renditions of the battle room clashes…something. An enjoyable read for Ender’s fans and newbies alike, but ultimately, one that feels like it is without a core point of existence.
Final Verdict: Browse
GIL’S REVIEWS
Fables #89
“She’s shown herself to be a real witch–with a capital “B!”
That was probably my favorite line of the issue. As with the last few issues, this has had a focus on Bufkin and the rest of the Fables stuck in The Office with the evil Baba Yaga. I must say, after so long as comic relief, it’s nice to see that flying monkey get a shot in the spot light. He’s shown himself to be a real capable, if slightly nervous, leader. There are flashes of his true brilliance in his actions, and it makes me wonder why he hasn’t done this earlier.
Bill Willingham, the co-creator of Fables, is a true master at story telling. He tells three intertwining but separate stories and none of them feels tacked on in the slightest. I loved the short vignette with Mister Dark, who, while being evil, also showed a merciful side, even if it is a twisted sort of mercy. And Frau’s journey took an interesting turn. She’s quickly turned into one of my favorite characters, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
The other co-creator, Mark Buckingham, proves that he should be the one to provide the pencils. His pencils are the defining art for the book, matching the personality of Willingham’s script. If somehow you’re not reading this, I really don’t know what’s wrong with you. You should be reading this. Really.
Verdict: Buy
Secret Six #14
I’ve said before that Secret Six is the best team books on the market right now. And this issue is no exception. It’s wrapping up one of the more disturbing arcs of the series, and it definitely provides a real sense of closure, along with a moment at the end that shows it coming full circle.
One of my favorite things in the book is Scandal and Bane’s relationship. It’s so beautifully complex, and I love Gail Simone for it. She recently said on her twitter that people are asking if they’re going to hook up, and I agree with her when I say “WTF?!” Unless Bane is actually Ben Affleck in disguise, that’s just not going to happen. I’m sorry. Doing that goes against Scandal’s character, being a lesbian and all.
And the art! Oh my goodness, the art. Nicola Scott and Carlos Rodriguez rendered some stunning visuals, with great actions scenes and beautiful emotional moments. Gail Simone and the editors made a great choice when they chose Scott for the job. It’s absolutely gorgeous. I find it absolutely stunning that more people were reading the awfully boring Trinity over this gem. Pick up this book, or Deadshot will find you.
Continued belowVerdict Buy
Action Comics #882
When DC started with the second features in the back ends of some marquee books, I was cautiously optimistic, because it’s nice to get two for the price of one, but the higher prices can be a bit of a drag. Thankfully, the second feature here isn’t simply a Captain Atom story; it’s a Captain Atom story that fits directly into the current “World against Superman” storyarc. The link was just revealed in this issue, and it was very organic, after the actions of another soldier, General Lane.
I was also generally unaware of Reactron before this mess started. But he’s turning into a top shelf bad guy, and one I can’t wait stick around. His actions were amusingly over the top, and completely irredeemable, to borrow a phrase from another book. And speaking of villains, another military villain showed up in the Captain Atom feature, I thought he was dead, but it’s nice seeing such a bad mamma jamma return in the end. You can probably guess who it might be, but it’s still a nice twist.
The art in both features are well drawn, and are colored quite well. My only issue with the art is the questionable character design for the uniforms the members of Squad K wear in battle. It’s an odd mix of Iron Man and urban fashion. Their capes/scarves remind of those scarves that were all the rage a few months ago. It’s quite awkward and I’m not sure why anyone would go for a uniform like that.
Final Verdict: Browse. Check it out, even though it’s hip deep mid arc.
Incredible Hercules #136
My Gods! I mean that literally as this book is literally crawling with them. From Hercules to the Heroes Three, there are more immortals than you can swing a hammer at.
This book was probably the most fun I’ve had reading a book all month. From the cover, which features Hercules in Thor gear fighting Thor in Hercules gear, to the battle itself, is an absolute blast. There were many moments I laughed out loud. And it’s well written and drawn to boot. In all honesty, I’m running out of compliments for this book. It’s probably the best solo book on the market at the moment. Everyone should read this. But I’ll try:
Fred Van Lente and Greg Pak put together a fun arc, as per usual. The art is absolutely gorgeous, and clearly shares the sense of humor that comes from the writing. And the best sound effect since VJOMMMMMMMVVVBBBB. And it’s small, just something added for humor. All I’ll say is “nurp!”
Haha! Pick this up, I promise you won’t be sorry.
Final Verdict: BUY!
Blackest Night: Batman #3
After the reviews I gave it the past couple of months, I guess I can only be disappointed with this. It’s not the fact they fought their dead parents, who were all Black Lanterns. That was surprisingly well handled and I really felt for Batman and company. It’s the poor resolution to the series. Instead of facing them head on, Tomasi, who was clearly written into a corner here, had a cheap plot device that ended the battle with little to no satisfaction.
As I said, the parents were all well done, despite the parents of Bruce being nowhere to be found, after breaking out of their graves. I can only hope that thread is tied up in the greater scheme of things, perhaps when Bruce’s non death is revealed.
Also, I hate Red Robin’s costume. I love Tim Drake, but that costume is ugly. It worked in Kingdom Come, but I wasn’t a big fan of it then. I don’t mind Tim not being Robin, but I would hope that the costume gets a makeover after Bruce comes back. I hate it so much.
Continued belowDespite my reservations with the art, the book is well drawn, and a lot of fun to look at. The interactions with the parent lanterns look good, they just don’t play out as well as I would have liked. It’s a shame too. Oh well.
Final Verdict: Pass
The Anchor #1
When it came time to check out the books ready for review, one book stood out. I looked it up, and sure enough, I had to read it. I read the preview and it looked unique and fun, but I wasn’t expecting something THIS good.
First off we have an unnamed hero who battles dozens, if not hundreds of demons. And then we cut to a city in Iceland under attack from an Ice Creature. Then we meet the same unnamed hero stumbling into a triage center with flaming hands and random injuries popping up. Well, it turns out this guy has one of the most unique status quos in comics today. His body is here on Earth, but his soul is in Hell, battling demons. When his soul suffers injuries at the hands of one of the demons, it affects his corporeal body. It’s an absolutely fascinating twist on a lead. He also spouts the same verse over and over again, and while it’s from The Bible, he has no idea what it is.
He’s paired with one of the most affable sidekicks in recent memory, a volunteer named Hofi. She even names our Hero Clem, because he wears the Cross of Saint Clement, “The Anchor” on his belt, hence the name. And the newly named Clem is one of those old school style heroes like Conan. He’s noble and brave, with no notions of “real world” problems to weigh him down. He has Hell to worry about after all.
What follows is a truly epic battle that ends in one of the most…unsettling ways possible. That’s putting it mildly, anyway. It’s something you need to see to believe. But it’s gross, but hilarious. I loved it.
Phil Hester, who I’ve only known as an artist, put together a promising story that will most definitely keep me reading. The art, while offbeat, is incredible. It’s reminiscent of a book like The Goon, while having its own unique Identity. This book is a must have for anyone interested in books that are unique and not ho-hum. Check it out ASAP.
Final Verdict: BUY
