Welcome back, friends of all ages and races and sizes and species! We’ve got a great round-up of comics for you this week, and an exciting book for our BOTW slot. I’d also like to remind you, we’ve got this brand new rating system up:
0: Uwe Boll will direct the adaptation of this comic
0.1 – 1: Burn upon touching
1- 1.9: Abysmal
2.0 – 2.9: Art. Writing. Editing. All bad.
3.0 – 3.9: You’d be a masochist to pick this up.
4.0 – 4.9: “I’ll give it another month…but that was not good.”
5.0 – 5.9: “Really? The Watcher? In the face? I guess it was fun.”
6.0 – 6.9: “Hmm. That was decent.”
7.0 – 7.9: Well made but a few problems
8.0 – 8.9: Nearly flawless
9.0 – 9.9: Outstanding
10: Perfection. Issue of the year contender
For those wondering, Pass would be anywhere from 0 to 3.9, Browse would be 4 to 6.9, and Buy would be from 7 to 10. So what are you waiting for? Hop on past the jump and enjoy!
Book of the Week: X-Factor #200
Matt’s Thoughts: X-Factor is the one book that consistently pulls the rug out from under my feet. It is by far and large one of the best books I have the pleasure of having on my pull and never ceases to be one of the most entertaining reads every week it comes out. This week is absolutely no different. As we jump forward in time after the insane events of the last issue, we’re treated to new costumes, new artwork, and a return to the basics – all of which I welcome with open arms. I am glad that this was simply named book of the week, because all I can do is praise it as some sort of deranged fanboy.
If you aren’t currently buying X-Factor, now is most definitely the time to start. As we head forward into the exciting and mysterious future, I have without a doubt in my mind the responsibility to tell you that this book is by far and large one of the best books on the market, and most definitely the best X-title out there. Are you not entertained?!
David’s Thoughts: I’ll keep this brief because I have a feeling Matt and Brandon will go into a lot of detail here. I love Peter David’s scripting and plotting once again, as he has an incredible grasp on these characters and the universe around them. It’s full of humor, huge moments, great action, mystery, and a lot more. The writing is the uniform excellence that we’ve come to expect from this title.
However, the art is just as mediocre as we’ve come to expect, as Bing Casino doesn’t do much to improve the mediocrity that has harmed this series pretty much whenever Pablo Raimondi or Ryan Sook weren’t on art duties. Even worse than Casino was the poor work in the Siryn back up, which ranged from adequate to terrible. Throw in truly odd coloring choices (what ethnicity are Darwin and Guido at this point? Does anyone know?), some layouts in which thought bubbles go to the wrong people, and you have another X-Factor issue with messy visuals as per usual. I also found it frustrating that it came in at $4.99 for a thick comic that featured only half new material. I’ve read Madrox #1 Marvel…I don’t need you to include it so you can charge me a dollar more than I’d be spending already for this comic.
Besides that big second paragraph of complaining, it was great as per usual!
Gil’s Thoughts: One of two books I started picking up again, this one was for obvious reasons. Being an “unrebooting,” it made it easier to jump back into a title that I had to drop a long time ago, and wished I could pick up again, but for various reasons, never did.
Well, I’m glad I did. While it was a little strange at times, and I still think precocious kids are for the most part irritating, I really enjoyed the exchanges between all the various characters. Well, there was a joke I either didn’t get or just didn’t find funny, but other than that, I loved it. The art, while not as bad as David described it, is not nearly as good as the art I was used to for a book called “X-Factor.” But of course, the books I read were pre-Stroman. Yeah, it’s been a long time. I also didn’t really appreciate the reprint of an old book to justify the $4.99 price tag. It’s annoying, and not worth it. The book itself is though.
Continued belowBrandon’s Thoughts: I’m a big fan of seeing comics brought back to their original numbering. So to see X-Factor go back I must say that I’m pleased as piss. When I title can get to a point like it’s 200th issue it’s a shame not to give it credit where credit is due. So kudos to Marvel for doing X-Factor justice and giving it the issue number it should have.
Now when it comes to the issue itself I am also extremely pleased. I thought the issue was fantastic. Both the art and writing were great. This issue provided both action and character development and did so in a fluid way that seems to be Peter David’s specialty. PAD as fans love to call him is a brilliant writer and provides fans of this title with an issue that does the prominence of a 200th issue proud.
Some great twists here as we find where Layla is. If you’ve been paying attention to the story it makes sense but isn’t spelled out for you. There is still some mystery involved and that makes it so much fun. We also get Guido and Shatterstar vs. the ever lovin’ blue eyed Thing! This matchup is everything you’d hope it would be and more.
While it does pack a hefty price of $4.99 it is worth it. Trust me you’ve probably spent the same amount on less deserving comics in the past or even possibly this week even. All I ask is that after reading this issue you ask yourself, Are you not entertained?!
MATT’S REVIEWS
Incorruptible #1
Incorruptible is the companion piece to one of my favorite books of this year – Irredeemable. In it, Mark Waid asks the opposite question of what he asked from the first story: “What happens if the world’s greatest villain goes good?” Apparently, upon witnessing the chaotic rage of the Plutonian, Max Damage decided it was time to go legit. Interesting enough, and the immense amazingness of Irredeemable has me right at the gate.
How did it play out? Well, it’s a good read, but it doesn’t hit the intense starting notes of Irredeemable. Irredeemable started off buy grabbing you by the junk and hurling you across the room. Incorruptible starts off with an intriguing heist as well as a grand entry by Max, but it doesn’t quite hit those notes. That being said, it’s still a fine start. Mark Waid’s writing is still strong, and the story told within the entry is by far and large very entertaining. Damage’s appearance is fantastic, and his story has a lot of promise. The new artwork by Jean Diaz is a perfect companion to Peter Krause’s style, and the books go together like peanut butter and jelly.
Needless to say, I feel that Incorruptible is an exciting start to a good companion to one of my favorite new titles of last year. A bit of a slow start to it, but I have the utmost faith in Waid. Irredeemable has been beyond fantastic so far, and I expect no less from Incorruptible.
Final Verdict: 7.9 – Buy
Astonishing X-Men #33
When Warren Ellis came onto Astonishing X-Men following Whedon’s fantastic run, he was off to quite a poor start. Ghost Boxes was a very disappointing arc, and with terrible artwork to boot. However, with his second run, met with some delays, we have a much better story with MUCH better art. Ellis has fully brought in his crazy technocratic brain, full of insane theories, improbably technical advances in science, and all around ass-kicking.
My favorite thing about the issue is how much it calls back to much older X-Men stories. With this we have a reference to Krakoa in an amazing two-page spread, and when I saw that I immediately said “Wow, really?!” I haven’t heard mention of Krakoa in YEARS. And as the explanation of the Bio-Sentinels and the Brood resurfacing comes about, I find I’m even more enamored with the arc then I previously was. While it’s still not the touching character piece that Whedon’s run ended up being, it’s still a much better start than Ghost Boxes.
Continued belowThat being said, I do have one slight issue with the book. While I greatly enjoy it, I feel that Ellis has put too much of himself and his quirks into the characters. I notice this from bouncing between this and Uncanny, the more “canon” book of X-Men. While Ellis does amazing things with the characters (Cyclops’ freak-out being the first thing that comes to mind), all of the characters are overly snarky and the dialogue is incredibly humor-laden. It’s not that I necessarily mind, as I actually find that the story and the dialogue are very free flowing. But the nerd in the back of my head can not help but pop up and note, “But Emma Frost would never say that…” It’s kind of in parallel to S.W.O.R.D., with Beast being written completely out of character – but the somewhat more apparent humorous nature of that book makes me play it off as more “excusable.”
Never the less, Astonishing X-Men continues to be… well, astonishing. I love the work being done by Phil Jiminez, and his use of full pages are magnificent, especially in the aforementioned Krakoa scenes. Warren Ellis continues his job as a magnificent writer of the fantastical, and I would go so far as to say that anyone unhappy with the events transpiring in Uncanny would certainly find a comfortable home in Astonishing.
Final Verdict: 8.0 – Buy
Captain America: Reborn #5
I’m a very big fan of Brubaker and everything that he’s done with Captain America. Upon his admittance that Steve was coming back, I grew even more excited. Some people are unhappy that he’s been popping up elsewhere despite Reborn not being completed, but I’m not bothered by it that much. The only thing that bothers me at all about Steve’s return is that I feel like it’s going by too quickly, and I’m not sure why I think that.
Let’s look at it this way – Brubaker has taken 6 issues to bring Cap back, and we’re at 5. We know the how, we know the why. In all continuities sake, the whole crazy conspiracy story now makes sense, and it is ready for an explosive climax. But after that, I feel like every time I pick up the book, the story flies by way too quickly. It’s not that it is in anyway bad, but it’s also not at all what I expected to get out of it. In this issue we have Cap trapped in his body with the Red Skull, fighting for dominance as the Red Skull sends out his new insane MODOKSH at our Avengers. The story is good – great even. But the whole thing still feels rushed for some odd reason. Perhaps it’s that, if I didn’t know this was Brubaker, I would swear to you that the story was written by Mark Millar. But that’s just one speculation.
That aside, Brubaker and Hitch are doing fantastic jobs. As much as I feel odd about the story, I can’t deny Brubaker’s natural writing abilities. The dialogue is great, and the Red Skull is even more maniacal than ever. The world Cap is trapped in, owned by the Red Skull, is wonderfully diabolic. And Hitch is quite literally doing some career defining work on this issue. Being given the responsibility/honor of drawing the book to bring Steve Rogers back to life is no small feat, and he has done it with great aplomb. Great performances all around.
Final Verdict: 8.0 – Buy
Justice League of America #40
Justice League: Cry for Justice and the previous two issues of Justice League of America have all been great. This one? The one that closes of this portion of the Blackest Night? Yeah. Not so much. Really underwhelming actually. I’ve read every single Blackest Night tie-in so far, including the ones of books I’ve never read before, but this is one of the few ones I was actually excited about, mainly due to the return of Dr. Light, one of the most twisted villains in the DCU. But when the dust settles? Eh.
So let’s break it down – last time, we had a set up for a large amount of battles of crazy proportions. This time, we have … not so much. Vibe’s return is incredibly annoying, Steel’s return is underwhelming, and Doctor Light’s return is incredibly disappointing. While the return of the heroes being poor is relatively understandable, Doctor Light? Come on now. Doctor Light is CRAAAZZZYYY! There is so much to do with the character, yet all that Robinson prays on his is sexual perversion. While I suppose that’s appropriate considering that is what caused the good Doctor to be axed out in Final Crisis, the whole scene comes off very underwhelming. As for Mark Bagley’s artwork… I mean, did something happen that I missed? I know Bagley’s work mainly from his PHENOMENAL run on Ultimate Spider-Man and Batman.. and then there’s this. I mean, I don’t mean to be so harsh, but could you work with a color besides black and white, maybe? The book is so lacking in any vibrant colors that we’d seen just one/two issues ago.
Despite all this, I still plan to follow the book. I trust Robinson, and I don’t see why anyone wouldn’t considering his previous work with JLA, JSA, and Starman, as well as Justice League: Cry for Justice, but this issue was really weak. Despite all the set-up of the previous issue, this one absolutely failed to deliver for me.
Final Verdict: 6.0 – Browse
DAVID’S REVIEWS
Cable #21
I’ve long been a fan of this title. I’ve thought that Duane Swierczynski has had a great grip on Nathan Summers and his surrogate daughter Hope for the entire run, and frankly couldn’t imagine anyone else writing these characters together. Yet 21 issues in, we’ve basically only had one villain: the insanely motivated Lucas Bishop. While it makes sense and I understand why they are keeping him around, 21 straight issues with the same story tension (Cable + Hope vs. Bishop, Cable + Hope vs. Time) is starting to wear a little thin. By the end of this issue, which promised to return the prodigal pair to the right time frame, I had pretty much had it with this book.
Which brings me to another point: once they are back in the present day, does this title get cancelled? What purpose does it serve at that point? It’s an interesting thought and I really have to wonder what purpose this title would serve.
Throw in the fact that the art was from two different artists (Humberto Ramos and Carlos Cuerva) whose quality wavered within their own sections and didn’t sync up with each other that well to begin with, and you have a disappointing issue for something that was supposed to be a momentous one. Here’s hoping they pick it up next month, in which Cable and Hope fight Bishop in the 1600’s.
Of course they do.
Final Verdict: 5.5 – Browse
Dark Avengers #12
Sigh. I have a serious love/hate relationship with this book. When it’s on (i.e. last issue) I’d stack it up with almost any comic Marvel has going. When it’s not (i.e. this issue), I start contemplating dropping it.
This issue finds the Molecule Man arc wrapping up, with The Sentry gaining more understanding of his power set but being no less crazy (god I hate The Sentry), a semi-hysterical showdown between Molecule Man and Victoria Hand (who is predictably spared of her clothing by him), and in true DA fashion, a completely inexplicable and bewildering finale. To be honest, if it weren’t for Hand, I would have disliked almost every aspect of this issue’s plot, as it is all hysterics and The Sentry becoming more and more powerful.
Well, besides the art. I really like Mike Deodato, and his work on this title has been exceptional and underrated. To be fair, people mostly dislike the fact his Norman Osborn looks like Tommy Jones. Deodato’s handling of everything from Osborn’s fractured psyche to The Sentry’s new powers to the emotive and bizarre scenes between Hand and Molecule Man were fantastic. He’s proven himself as someone who can handle pretty much anything a writer will throw at him and then some, and in that regard he redeems this issue a good amount.
Continued belowBut not too much. God help us with the next two issues being Sentry-centric. I may drop this title yet.
Final Verdict: 5.8 — Browse
Amazing Spider-Man #615
I must admit, after my first two reads of this week I was pretty disappointed. Starting with two mediocre issues is never good, but following it up with a title that ranges so heavily based off who they throw on it week to week is tough. Thankfully Team Spidey gave readers one of my favorite Spider-Man writers around for this arc — Fred Van Lente. To me if you could have Van Lente and Joe Kelly writing this book week in and week out, you’d have one of the best books around. Van Lente’s grasp of Peter Parker’s snarky voice and his understanding of the character dynamics within the title truly is exceptional, and he proves it within this issue. This is especially evident in a scene that Spidey shares with Betty Brant and another with JJJ and Robbie Robertson.
Not only that, but they pair him with probably the best non Marcos Martin Spidey artist of the past couple years — Javier Pulido. This is a guy who so effortlessly recalls Tim Sale and John Buscema that it really feels like you’re looking at a classic Spidey story while reading it. Take page 11 for an example. Spidey swinging through the snow with a scarf and ear muffs on is an absolute visual feast when in the hands of Pulido. He even gives us some wonderfully emotive scenes, like the one between J. Jonah Jameson and Robbie Robertson in which they go over old memories of the Daily Bugle.
Van Lente and Pulido do something very few creators have been able to do on this title: bring back the golden years of Spidey while creating new lasting memories for readers. Their ability to do that is something I wish more creative teams could grasp when taking on this title, and one that ensures that I will pick up any Amazing Spider-Man issue with Van Lente and Pulido on the cover.
Final Verdict: 8.5 — Buy
Ex Machina #47
I can hardly believe that there are just three issues remaining of this series after this issue. Three issues remain of Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris’ instant classic series. Three issues until BKV is officially doing nothing in comics.
How depressing is that last fact?
Well, at least they are going out on top, as this arc is shaping up to be the best yet. From the art imitating life intro that wonderfully dovetails with the central plotline of the comic, to Bradbury finding Hundred in the water, to the political talk between two childhood friends, to the showdown between Padilla and Hundred’s mother, this is an issue that captures a lot of material without suffering from pacing issues. It gives us huge moments on nearly every page that are handled with the sense of grandeur and the feel for storytelling that we’ve come to expect from these two wondrous creators.
Tony Harris is bringing his A game especially, as his photo referencing art is seemingly more sketchy than usual (reminds me more of his old work on Starman more than Ex), which gives the visuals a lot more depth and power than we’ve come to expect from even him. That in itself is worth the price of admission, as it makes certain scenes even more devastating or momentous (whichever it may be at the time).
Another top notch effort from one of the best teams in the game. Just three issues remain, and it looks like this series will go out on top, just like it started at.
Final Verdict: 9.2 — Buy
Chimichanga #1
When I was perusing new comics at my local store, I came across Chimichanga.
“What the hell is Chimichanga? Who names a comic that?” I said.
Continued below“I don’t know. It looks weird.” Said one of the employees.
Then I quickly recalled that it was the new Eric Powell title and threw it on my pile.
“You really buy everything, don’t you?” said one of the employees, snarkily.
Well, I probably would buy anything Powell would put together. He may be demented and bizarre, but he’s my type of demented and bizarre. I mean, think about it — how many creators could possibly come up with a concept of a little bearded girl from a circus going off to buy a chimichanga, and then trading a snip of said beard hair for an egg…which just so happens to turn into a big monster that she names Chimichanga. If you answered zero, you were correct. Well, before today. Then Eric Powell happened.
The story in itself is one of pure set up for the rest of the series, but rest assured, if you like The Goon, you’ll like this. It already has a great list of bizarre characters (the talking fish is a favorite), Powell’s art is superb as per usual (if not less dynamic due to the lack of color), and it’s already damn funny. He’s one of the few creators I would actually buy anything from, and he makes me happy for that fact once again.
Support this title, as this is a true, 100% creator owned and published work. Powell is one of the best and deserves it.
Final Verdict: 8.0 – Buy
GIL’S REVIEWS
Green Lantern Corps #43
Well, it finally happened. Guy went nuts. After the death of Kyle in the previous issue, Guy’s rage got the best of him, and now we have the Red Lantern of Earth. And in case you didn’t realize, an angry Guy is a scary Guy.
But speaking of Kyle, he really wasn’t going to stay dead for long. And while I usually hate those death that don’t last, as if to cheapen their deaths; this one actually makes the connection between Kyle and Natu that much stronger and more profound. It’s a really nice moment in an otherwise dark event. The last line even made the book one of the most exciting in a long time. The appearance of another well known Green Lantern was a great scene, and caused a nerdgasm for more than just me, I know that for a fact. To quote David “it was almost comically badass!” I’d go further to say it WAS comically badass (it IS a comic book, after all). I mean, for me it’s the event maker, as I think this book has outshined both the tentpole event and the anchor title in terms of writing and sometimes even art. It’s just the perfect superhero team book.
Is there any more to say? Even if you have event fatigue, this book is just too good NOT to read. It’s totally worth it, I promise.
Final Verdict: 8.9 — BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY
Mighty Avengers #32
Damn, I really don’t think I’ve had so much fun with a comic…ever. Dan Slott put together one of the most enjoyable Avengers books I’ve read. While the New Avengers are having mostly street level adventures and the Dark Avengers, well, they’re just plain crazy, The Mighty Avengers are having classic Avengers stories, and this one is no exception. The first few pages drag a bit, mostly because they’re tying up the loose threads from the previous arc. But after that, it’s just high octane action from top to bottom. Jet setting across the world, fighting the battles the American-Sanctioned Avengers don’t do, and upstaging them in every way. Even the end puts both the International Avengers and the American Avengers into a pickle that is honestly something that puts a former C-list villain in a whole new threat level. I’m honestly really looking forward to picking it up now.
If there has to be a downside, it is the artwork. Khoi Pham’s pencils are sloppy and I’m not really sure how this guy is on such a tentpole title. It sucks some of the momentum out of the book, and is a bit of a drag. I can live with it though. The weaknesses in the art are supported by the strength of Dan Slott’s character interactions between Hercules and USAgent or even Norman Osborn and Hank Pym. Even Cassie Lang, who was largely an unknown character even a few years ago (it’s truly amazing how much growth she’s undergone since Disassembled) has a fully fleshed out personality and has some truly funny interactions with the team, even going so far as to annoy the wrong person.
Continued belowDid I mention how much fun it was?
Final Verdict: 7.9 – Buy
Fables #91
Another month, another fantastic Fables issue.
There’s not much to say other than that. But if you want details, I shall give them to you.
The brilliant thing about this is despite Willingham’s admitted conservative leanings, Gepetto’s becoming a pretty convincing analogue for the last president. Using the Fable’s fear of Mister Dark, he’s attempting to seize power by being elected the new leader.
One of the other sorcerers, a little girl named Ozma (presumably from the Oz books) isn’t having any of it. So she does what she can to stop our newest exile before he truly gets a hold of the populace.
As usual, the story is brilliantly paced and told, and the subplot with Bufkin and co. is a really decisive battle which elevates the former assistant to a new level. It’s a true sight to see, and it also spells the end of a certain character.
Buckingham’s art is still one of the best things going, and while I understand sometimes he needs time off, it’s still sad to see someone else do it. I’m glad he’s back. It’s beautiful.
Final Verdict: 8.0 Buy
Angel #28
You may or may not know this, but Angel just happens to be one of my favorite shows of all time. But I wasn’t reading the canon sequel sixth season because of monetary constraints and only recently decided to pick it back up. It’s another book put together by Fables scribe Bill Willingham with art contributed by Brian Denham and David Messina. Yeah, the keywords “Bill” and “Willingham” were the key points. But that’s not the whole reason I did. I really want to love this book.
Well, I didn’t LOVE it. Did I like it though? Of course I did. The script was more of a set up than anything, with not much plot going on except for exposition into the character of Connor. We’re seeing him rise in the absence of his father, who is missing for unknown reasons (well, until the end of the book.)
Speaking of the artist formerly known and Angelus, the cliffhanger at the end shows he’s in quite the predicament, trapped in the hands of what looks like a biotech company. The cage he’s in, while not as physically torturous as his time in Hell, or the bottom of the ocean, looks like it’s more mentally exhausting, and could do a lot to the psyche of our vampire with a soul. I think there is more plot development in the small bonus feature which is part of the main story too (I think), but I’m looking forward to these two roads intersecting at some point.
I haven’t even mentioned the art yet. I found it to be absolutely incredible. Some people might think the overly realistic tone is a little off, but I enjoyed Denham’s use of facial expressions when the character interacted. If there’s one thing I love about the characters, it’s how they communicate with one another, and I think it’s translated perfectly.
In the end, I think you should definitely be reading this if you love Angel as much as I do, but if you’re not as much of a fan as I am, definitely at least browse for Willingham’s writing and the lovely artwork.
Final Verdict: 7.9 – Buy
BRANDON’S REVIEWS
Brave and the Bold #30
Do you like smart comics? Do you like superhero comics that transcend the usual slugfests and flashy events? Well this is the issue for you. In this issue of Brave and the Bold by JMS you get an intelligent comic with a great philosophical debate.
JMS pits two great characters and obvious ideals of life life against each other in a philosophical debate. He takes Green Lantern the avatar of willpower and the ability to make things happen for oneself vs. Dr. Fate the avatar of fate and the idea of determination. He focuses the two characters beliefs and gives us a great philosophical debate disguised as a superhero comic book. It is compelling and fun to see two great characters debating their beliefs in a life and death situation.
Continued belowIt doesn’t come off as contrived as these things tend to in superhero comics. Instead the story is built rather well and the beginning pays off the end and vice versa beautifully. It leaves the reader with a great confrontation that requires no fists.
After reading this title I am yet again reminded that JMS is not just a great comic book writer but also a great writer in general. While I have been shortening my pull list of late I think I may be adding one thanks to JMS.
Final Verdict: 7.8 — Buy It
Deadpool: Merc With A Mouth #6
Of all the Deadpool comics currently flooding the market this one has been my favorite. The comedy and action haven’t been great per se but they have been good. The art fits the title and I think Victor Gischler gets the character far better than the other writers currently working with the character. Bong Dazo’s art also fits the character and his exploits quite well.
This issue though is spotty at best. The art is good in places and terrible in others. The hicks in a boat and the way Lord Falcon looks are the two most dismal examples of the bad. The writing is also very spotty. I liked the recap and some of the beginning but as the title moved along I slowly lost interest to the point where I had to remind myself to pay attention. You know when you read something and find yourself thinking about how you need to do laundry and then find yourself thinking about Gemma Atkinson and how she’d be a perfect Power Girl only to realize you’re reading and don’t know what you’ve read? Well that was how the last half of this book was for me.
While I wouldn’t say this book was bad it also wasn’t great. Not as great as Gemma Atkinson as Power Girl would be. Can she act? Does anyone know? Cause that would be an important thing I suppose…
Final Verdict: 4.6 – Pass
Daredevil #503
Great title. Not going to fluff it up or say anything clever here. This title is just brilliant. Andy Diggle has legitimately picked up the reigns of a title and continued its greatness without skipping a beat. This title just reads so well you almost can’t tell the writing has changed.
For anyone who has read Diggle’s work in the past and enjoyed it like I have this is no surprise. For those of you just discovering this talent you are in for a treat. He is a writer who seemingly delves into the character and brings out the best attributes of not only the character but it’s supporting cast and environment. He is very talented and will surely be a long-term player in the comic’s game.
This issue provides us with more of Daredevil’s dilemma as the leader of the Hand and more great character development for his supporting cast. A true sign of a great title is that you come to care for the supporting cast as much as the title character. The characters here are as real as real gets. They are three-dimensional and worth the feelings you’ll surely generate for them upon being immersed in their lives.
This title is that kind of book. This is one of those money back guarantee kinda books oh mighty geekdom.
Final Verdict: 8.0 – Buy It
Batman #694
Tony Daniel comes to the game here with himself as the both pitcher and hitter. He contributes both the writing and art and in my opinion does a splendid job. I love his dark Batman and I think he writes one of the better Penguins out there.
This issue is packed with emotional issues as well as high-octane action. Dick has to deal with a failure and the last couple of pages and in particular a couple of panels present this so well. We also see more of Dick and Damien and how their relationship works. Dick using Damien as his data analyst made me chuckle but yet it makes sense as Damien truly is his father’s child.
Continued belowI truly believe that those that can do both write and draw are blessed. Daniel proves this here as the synergy the art and words have is clear. Being able to write something and then draw out the pages based on how you envisioned it in the first place surely must be some kind of legal cheating.
While this isn’t the best Bat title on the shelves currently it is a fun read and is worth the money spent to read it. If you liked Battle for the Cowl, which was done by Daniel, you’ll also love this. If you didn’t you probably wont but you should. 😉
Final Verdict: 7.4 – Buy (in trades)
