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: Adventure Comics #6
Matt’s Thoughts: And thus ends a great but all too short run. Adventure Comics reminded us of why Superboy is such a wonderful character, and introduced the world to the genius art stylings of Francis Manapul. As Geoff Johns and Manapul move forward on to the new Flash book, you can’t help but look at the first major arc of Adventure Comics and lament the fact that the duo won’t stay longer. This book is exactly what Ultimate Comics Spider-Man is doing perfectly at accomplishing right now, i.e. introducing a new artist with a unique style to the mainstream while writing a book with teen characters who resonate stronger with an older audience.
So Adventure Comics was short and sweet, and the future for the title still looks good as Sterling Gates and James Robinson come aboard post Blackest Night for a Braniac centric arc. While I’ll miss Johns and Manapul, I’m glad they got to go out with such a great goodbye after only 4 issues.
David’s Thoughts: While there run was short, Geoff Johns and Francis Manapul did something that I didn’t think was possible on Adventure Comics: make me care in the least about Connor Kent. In fact I would say this is the single best arc about Connor Kent I’ve ever read (not that he’s a character fabled for an extensive quality story checklist). This issue finds us dealing with the events that transpired at the end of Adventure Comics #3, with Connor being confronted with the revelation that his new lady friend Lori’s uncle is Lex Luthor and that he has returned.
What transpires is an awesome adventure across time as Connor tries to help save Lori’s mother/Lex’s sister. We’re given a lot of entertaining set pieces and basically what amounts to Geoff Johns setting balls up on a tee for Francis Manapul to knock it out of the park. Whether it’s traveling to prehistoric time or going to Atlantis or even just showing the emotions of Krypto, Manapul puts on an artistic clinic here. His work is so expressive and powerful, while being very modern and respectfully classic at the same time. I can’t say enough about him, besides the fact that after seeing the ending with Bart Allen, Tim Drake, Cassie Sandsmark, and Connor, I really was wishing he’d take over Teen Titans.
It was a fitting conclusion to Johns and Manapul’s run, and one that saw the culmination of Connor Kent’s heroic return. They are a hell of a team, and I hope the next team that works with Connor handles him half as well. If so, we’ll be lucky comic fans.
Gil’s Thoughts: Lex Luthor is a bastard. But you probably knew that. This story just further proved it by seeing the levels of depravity he can truly stoop to.
Continued belowAdventure Comics is an interesting comic. Geoff Johns put together a story that made Superboy one of the most relatable characters in DC, or maybe even comics all together. He really is a heightened reality form of humanity. He’s caught between the best and worst in himself, as are we. Maybe I’m reading a little too much into it, but I don’t really care.
The upcoming arc looks amazing as well; I just hope it doesn’t somehow get lost in the shuffle between writers.
Brandon’s Thoughts: While I enjoyed the run of this title under Geoff Johns and Francis Manapul this issue wasn’t one I found overly enjoyable. I did enjoy seeing the Teen Titans together and a couple other things but overall I found the issue less than superb. To me it was sad to see this series go out like this.
The whole story concept was a mess to me. So Lex has family in Smallville and no one knew it? Really? That seems like a ridiculous stretch to me considering the celeb crazy society we live in. I know there was a throw away line about Lex spending mucho bucks to keep it hidden but what about the people who loved there? Ma Kent didn’t know? Clark didn’t know? Bah….
Outside of that serious plot hole I had problems with the running around gathering things and Lex just making things in a kitchen to cure his sister. I enjoyed the evilness of his end actions but outside of that again it was just too ridiculous.
MATT’S REVIEWS
Absolution #6
For those of you who have not discovered Absolution before now, you’re too late. This was the final issue of this mini series. And if you weren’t collecting it, I’m sorry, but you missed a great work.
Christos Gage’s Absolution is by far the best thing I’ve read from him. Granted, all of this has been just Marvel work, but I haven’t been a huge fan of Avengers: Initiative if we’re being honest. I took a gamble when I read Absolution #0, and it paid off. This issue especially. The story hasn’t been all that long, but Gage managed to create an amazing group of characters, all of which are compelling. And with this issue, as John finally comes somewhat clean, we learn what has been the driving force of the entire story, and it’s pretty great.
Now, as I said, it’s all over. I don’t know if you’ll be able to get this book. But if you’ve been reading as I have, then you know how good it’s been. The art is fantastic and the writing is sharp. Absolution is Christos Gage’s first great work since making a name for himself over at Marvel, and if I were you, I’d add it to your list of books to look for in trade at this point.
Final Verdict: 8.3 – Buy
The Power Of Shazam #48
I LOVE SHAZAM!
This is the way this review needs to start. You need to know I am biased when I entered reading this. The Shazam story was the one I was most excited for out of the announced resurrected titles, followed by Starman and Phantom Stranger (which was supposed to be out this week too…). So with that, I had high expectations for the book.
This issue focuses on Osiris following his death at the hands of Geoff Johns Sobek. Due to the magic given to him by Black Adam, Osiris is able to resist the rebooting we’d previously seen, and we get to see the point of view of a conscious Black Lantern. This is the main tie-in factor. Before now, all Black Lanterns had known up to when they died and they came back with hate in their hearts. Osiris, on the other hand, is confused as to why he woke, and it makes for an interesting character journey as he begins to learn what’s happened to the Marvel family.
Of course, if you’re not a fan of the series or the character, the book is a bit of a throwaway. It doesn’t add to the larger scheme of Blackest Night and it’s really just for fans of the book, like myself. And as a fan, I really enjoyed the issue. It was nice to see these characters again. But I’ll admit, you don’t need it.
Continued belowFinal Verdict: 6.0 – Browse
Strange #3
Strange is a book that is very much love it or hate it. David and Brandon, for example, hate it. I, on the other hand, don’t mind it. It’s silly and a fun little read. I’ve never been big on Doc Strange, although I participated his contributions to the New Avengers. What I am big on, though, is the writing of Mark Waid, especially as of late. Irredeemable has been amazing, and I’ve begun catching up on his earlier works, like with the Flash.
With that in mind, Strange is really fairly poor. It’s not like Waid’s other work, and it pretty much pales in comparison with what we’re used to from the author. Plus, this is where Strange goes post-losing his title? To a freaking pageant of the damned? I mean, I understand the humorous context that is laying underneath, but in all honesty, it all seems a bit forced and fairly poor.
However, Emma Rios shines as the artist. In fact, the whole reason I really bought this book is because when I browsed the book in the store, I loved the way it looks. Her take on a mix of Western world art as well as anime with hipster overtones looks wonderful, and captures the new character Casey wonderfully. I am going to go so far as to say that the artwork by Emma Rios makes the book worth reading, or at least looking at.
So what can I say? I’m a BIG fan of Mark Waid, and this is certainly a sassy book, but it’s not his best and definitely not something I’d recommend to people a) looking for an example of his work or b) looking to get into the character. In fact, I wouldn’t recommend it on really any levels. But with one issue left, if you got these three, just stick with it. If nothing else it’s just a sarcastic book to make your comic book collection a bit more light hearted.
Final Verdict: 4.1 – Browse
The Marvels Project #5.jpg)
The Marvels Project has been great way to retell the classic Marvel story, in a way similar to Kurt Busiek’s Marvels. This time, though, we’ve got superstar team of Epting and Brubaker on the book, and they are absolutely killing it. History has never been this fun!
This issue focuses on Captain America’s first time out as Cap, as well as his interaction with the Angel. In the background we see the Red Skull for the first time, as well as Nick Fury and Red Hargrove returning to America. It’s amazing to look at this with the knowledge of what comes out of each character’s actions. In fact, to be honest, a large part of the issue is just evil Nazi’s and foreshadowing. It’s almost like Star Wars 2: Attack of the Clones… except, you know, good.
Of course, it should really be no surprise that this is good. These sort of stories are what Brubaker is known for at Marvel. His work on Cap has been phenomenal, and his treatment of the history of the entirety of Marvel is very appropriate and keen. He clearly has a great deal of respect for the source material. Teaming up with Epting is of course a brilliant move, as the two work so well together. This book is flowing as smooth and delicious as caramel.
So what else can I say? If you haven’t been getting this book, I have no idea why. I feel like this title is an essential for Marvel fans, especially with it coming out in honor of their 70th birthday. It has made for a wonderful read, and it will be perfect when it’s all together. I’m lovin’ it.
Final Verdict 9.0 – Buy
DAVID’S REVIEWS
Daytripper #2
Just like in their stunning first issue, brothers Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon successfully craft a poetic and ambling story about protagonist Bras. This issue finds he and his best friend Jorge traveling through Brazil trying to find beauty wherever they turn, whether it’s in rural areas with stunning mountain vistas or on the beaches of Salvador (where most of this issue takes place). When Bras’ meets a stunning woman in a random boat out in the ocean, he’s asked to reexamine himself and those around him from a very philosophical standpoint, and from there a very spiritual and oddly mystical story unfolds.
In the world of double crosses, mutant powers, and Sieges, Daytripper doesn’t really fit. It’s a story of reflection and discovery, not being about plot as much as it is about characters and their development. The series began with Bras’ murder, and from his death we are going to have his life slowly revealed. This may be offputting to some readers to me it’s a delicious read, as each page is a savory study of life and the choices you make in it.
Ba and Moon are of course known first and foremost for their work as artists, as they are two of the more dynamic and unique artists in the industry today. This issue was more heavy with Moon’s work, and given the nature of the story it works. The looseness and mystical affectations within the story are a good fit with the more
laid back nature of his work. It is a beautiful book, rendered in just the right hues by the perpetually reliable Dave Stewart.
This is a damn good comic. While it may not be what you expect usually from your favorites, I think it offers a unique counterpoint and a more literary spin on the medium than we are used to. This, my friends, is a very good thing.
Final Verdict: 8.8 – Buy
The Unwritten #9
There are a few titles out there that are so uniform in their excellence that it is almost impossible to review them. The list used to be two comics in particular: Fables and The Walking Dead. How many different ways can you say that they are of the highest quality in terms of writing and art every month?
Well, that list has grown by one: The Unwritten has been the best comic on the stands ever since its inception, and I highly doubt that will be changing any time soon.
This issue finds Tom Taylor and Richie (The Inside Man blogger) trying to escape the prison as it erupts in complete and utter anarchy, all the while attempting to rescue Lizzie Hexam (who of course attached a note to Mingus, the adorable flying cat, to get them to rescue her). Meanwhile, the children of Governor Chadron, Cosi and Leon, get into the prison themselves attempting to rescue their hero Tommy Taylor. What transpires is a blend of plot development (ghosts and magical door handles!) and tragedy, with the ending being a truly shocking conclusion that I didn’t see coming from a mile away.
Mike Carey is an incredibly gifted writer. In just nine issues, he’s given us an intriguing protagonist in Tom Taylor and a pair of confederates in Richie and Lizzie Hexam that allow us to have our troika of adventurers, just like in the Tommy Taylor stories in the book within the comic story (or like in Harry Potter if you want to be a jerk about it). Not only that, but there are wonderful character moments at every turn, such as Tom’s scary inmate friend protecting him at the most surprising of moments. Throw in completely out of left field bits of misdirection like what transpires with Governor Chadron and his family, and we have an action packed and revelatory end to the second arc of this series. He conducts these events with the greatest of care, pacing the story briskly but never rushing through important moments for fear of mitigating their power.
His partner-in-crime Peter Gross isn’t given the varied work we’ve seen so far, as we aren’t given a blog roll moment or any flashback stories, but he still handles everything with all the skill and style we’re used to. Gross is one of those artists (like Mark Buckingham) whose work is so uniformly excellent that it’s hard to say much more than “he’s awesome as per usual” on a monthly basis.
To those who have not read this title yet, the first trade is out now (sadly without any pull quotes from myself). If I were you, I’d pick that up and catch up sooner rather than later. This is one of the best books on the market and it absolutely deserves more readership. Don’t miss out on one of the best new Vertigo titles in years.
Continued belowFinal Verdict: 9.4 – Buy
DMZ #49
This series is always fairly intense. I mean, it’s about a theoretical second civil war centralized on Manhattan…how could it not be intense?
So when I say that this issue kicks the intensity up another notch, you’ll know I mean what I say.
This entry into the series deals with the immediate ramifications of Matty Roth’s brutal beating at the hands of U.S. Soldiers and the return of Zee into his life at the end of issue #48. At the end of that issue, he’d boldly screamed for the deaths of those soldiers as his team prepared to attack as Zee listened on in horror. What transpires is predictably not at all what Matty intended, and we’re given the moment where Matty is confronted with the prospect of being completely and utterly alone. Broken and beaten both physically and emotionally, this is a huge turning point of the series and for the character.
Oh yeah, and we’re given the fallout of U.S. forces discovering the location of Parco Delgado’s EXTREMELY controversial nuke. The word fallout was used quite deliberately there.
Going into issue #50, I really couldn’t say I have a clue as to where this series goes from here. Matty is faced with a future where his life has to be affected by the decision he just made and the likely profound realization that his recent choices were…not strong. Not only that, but the world of the DMZ is likely changed forever with the stunning last page of the issue.
When I say stunning, I don’t just mean in what happened on it. I mean that, as per usual, Ricardo Burchielli gives us an absolutely shocking and indelible image. This whole issue is filled with raw emotion and disquieting moments, all of which are rendered with the ever reliable and incredibly talented Burchielli.
All in all, another superb issue from Wood and Burchielli. Where we go from here is unknown to me, but I can say I cannot imagine it not being of the highest quality as long as these two are involved.
Final Verdict: 9.2 – Buy
PunisherMAX #3
This was a very weird issue for me. I spent the first two issues of this series completely fawning over it, uttering claims of “Who needs Garth Ennis?!” and “Best Punisher Title Ever!” Okay, maybe I wasn’t quite like that, but I was very effusive. This issue though brought a huge change as I really didn’t feel all that positive about it. In fact, I feel like I spent the entire issue trying to like it, but couldn’t quite convince myself of that.
The issue focused on The Punisher and Wilson Fisk simultaneously going after Mamma Cesare, the matriarch of the Italian Mafia and the one person who had actually figured out the true identity of the supposedly fictional Kingpin of crime. With Fisk wanting to kill her to silence her oddly deductive ways, we’re given an old woman confronting two absolute scourges of the criminal underworld in Wilson Fisk and Frank Castle…entirely naked. I’m completely desensitized to anything of the sort, so I didn’t really flinch when I saw it. However, I can tell you that when I was reading it, I felt as if it pushed the enveloped strictly to do just that, not to push the story forward. To me, it read like Jason Aaron was being vulgar for vulgarity’s sake, which is something I never expected from him.
Overall, the story was decent. I must admit the opening and closing sections with the Amish hitman was rather confusing. I knew that Rigolotto (the head of the Italian Mafia) had a special hitman that he was going to use against The Punisher, but I must admit I never put two and two together. Given Steve Dillon’s occasionally repetitive character models, I actually thought this was a flashback to Frank Castle’s secret life as an Amish youth at first. I eventually pulled it all together, but this confusion is indicative of the general issues I had with this story.
Continued belowOverall, Aaron felt like he was really off his game. Dillon always performs exactly like he does – his work hasn’t changed in the past decade and I highly doubt it will over the next decade. Because of that, it’s sad to say given that this title earned my highest grade of the year for its last issue, that it’s dropped all way down to a…
Final Verdict: 5.8 – Browse
GIL’S REVIEWS
Secret Six #17
In the all encompassing event that is Blackest Night, we got to see the Secret Six tangle with Floyd Lawton’s former crew The Suicide Squad. But at the same time, the Black Lanterns show up to wreck havoc upon the prison Belle Reve.
In it, we get some truly spectacular showdowns; from Catman taking on The Bronze Tiger (not exactly the catfight I usually want to see, but I can accept it) to Scandal Savage standing up to Amanda Waller. Gail Simone can already write some of the best and brutal action scenes in comics, and her collaboration with John Ostrander, it only gets better. Not to mention the pencils provided by J. Calafiore make the story just pop off the page. It was a treat to read.
Some of my favorite moments come from Lawton himself, who is self effacing and sarcastic, even in the face of death. Even the Black Lanterns aren’t really sure what to make of him, even though his sociopathic veneer as the cracks of emotion started to break through his otherwise cool façade.
While I love the way Deadshot is being portrayed, and I love Ragdoll normally, I’m getting just a tad tired of his one note character jokes. Really Gail, I love your books, and especially Secret Six, but does Ragdoll really need to make jokes at the fact he removed his genitalia? It’s at least the third time. It was funn the first time, but the constant revisiting of that fact is tiresome at best.
Overall though, it’s a worthy title to read, and you SHOULD be reading Secret Six, if you’re not already.
Final Verdict: 7.6 – Buy
SWORD #3
In the woefully under read title that might already be on the verge of cancellation (what is this? FOX? NBC Late-Night?), we have one of the best and purest sci-fi books on the market doing what it does best; tell sci-fi stories in the vein of Men in Black, but in a more serious tone.
Gyrich is continuing his plan to rid the world of aliens, and we see various extra terrestrials getting exiled, from the New Mutants’ Warlock this issue to Adam X last issue. It’s a treat seeing mostly forgotten characters pop up again in continuity (I can’t be the only one who remembers and loves Adam X, can I?) It also ups the already badass quotient of Lockheed, who has thankfully gone from little more than wallpaper to a capable lead character in the pages of SWORD. Not to mention the bona fide creep in the robot named Unit. I get the heeby jeebies just looking at him. So creepy!
And while I do love this book, and I think it should be read by more people than it is, there are some things it can improve on, mainly in the area of Beast. I don’t particularly care for Beast’s character design, with a doglike snout, despite being feline in nature. I also think he’s a bit too cutesy with Abby, making ridiculous pet names every time they talk to one another.
That being said, it’s terrible that it’s possible for people to even joke that it’s being canceled, because it simply doesn’t deserve it. If Marvel is trying to lighten the load, about canceling one of the abysmal Deadpool books? Please?
Final Verdict: 7.0 — Buy
Amazing Spider-Man #617
In the continuation of The Gauntlet, we had the return of another famous bad guy, but one who has since gone the straight and narrow after being a joke for most of his criminal career, it really makes you want to root for the former Rhino Aleksei Sytsevich. He’s simply a bouncer at a casino, when a new and arguably improved Rhino shows up, looking to take his spot as the new Rhino.
Thing is, Aleksei doesn’t want to BE Rhino anymore. He’s married and in love and simply wants to be left alone. But he didn’t go looking for trouble for once, it simply found him. It’s sad really.
There are actually two stories in here, and both are very well written, and well drawn. The first one is quirky and unique, and the second one, which shows where Aleksei had been prior to working at the casino, reminds me of Steve Ditko or even Jack Kirby. It’s old school.
This Gauntlet arc seemed like it was going to be a little much, but it’s been fun seeing the old villains come back and be in places we might not expect. I for one wasn’t so hyped about a Rhino story since he’s pretty much the most dangerous loser ever) but I wound up really loving it. I think you would too.
Final Verdict: 8.0 – Buy
Angel #29
Man, three buys so far. It feels a little odd being so nice about reviews when I’m trying my damnedest to not be a so much of a fan boy. I will say this. I’m a BIG FAN of Angel, and I am a little more than mad about the news that was leaked this week with regards to the future of Angel’s role in the Buffyverse. It’s not right.
But if we’re talking simply about this comic, it’s pretty good. The art is fantastic, and Bill Willingham’s work fits the tone of the franchise to a T. I do have a few issues with how Angel go to the place he is. It seems odd that a guy so powerful can down out like such a chump. It was a little disappointing to say the least. The pacing seems to be a little on the slow side too when it’s not about Angel. When Angel is there, it’s a lot of fun. Coping with fame and inciting a riot all while simply wanting a cup of coffee. Poor guy. But when you see Angel’s Scoobys discussing things at the Hyperion. Yawn.
I do however think that the book is more about showing all of the supporting characters in their element, elevating Connor to a likely lead, along with Spike, who is already getting his own spin-off after Angel Season Six concludes.
The second feature is cool, but I haven’t really connected with the protagonist yet. He’s kind of cool, and he’s a bit of a badass, but do I really care about his story? Not really. I hope it converges with the rest of the book at large sooner rather than later so I can actually look forward to his story rather than simply read it because it’s there.
All in all, it’s a fun book, but is mildly frustrating simply because of business decisions on the part of a company that isn’t even IDW. But what can you do? As David pointed out, this is the most anyone has talked about the Buffy comic in ages.
Final Verdict: 6.9 – Browse
(you might ask why I’m giving it a browse while liking it so much, but while I think it’s good, it’s definitely more for the hardcore fans)
BRANDON’S REVIEWS
Invincible Iron Man #22
Awesome! Another great issue from a stellar creative team. This issue continued the ridiculously strong run of Fraction and Larocca. Has this series had a bad issue? I’m willing to say no. I dare you to prove me wrong.
The story while clearly a middle portion was a strong middle portion no doubt. We saw the plot moved further as the agents of H.A.M.M.E.R. descend and Tony continues his tech spirit journey. Add to that Dr. Strange as he should be and not how he is in his mini and you have a great issue.
I can’t wait to see Tony, Bucky, Strange, Thor and Steve get into action. I can’t help but feel this assemblage along with Maria, Black Widow and Pepper makes for a pretty sweet team. Wouldn’t mind seeing them stick together into Siege and even post. Only time will tell though whether that is in the cards. Until then I’ll continue to purchase this excellent title and suggest you do the same.
Continued belowNation X #2
I’m going to make this one short. Martha vs Quire was the best part of this whole issue without a doubt. It was fun and clever and was just plain good. When put in with the rest of this issue it comes across as even better.
The rest of the issue was characterized by subpar art and flimsy stories that succeeded in nothing. While the first issue in this mini was strong and had packed a punch of greatness this issue was more like the victim of an ass beating of terribleness. I understand that some will have enjoyed these other parts and that’s fine. As much as I didn’t like the art it’s still better than anything I can personally do. It’s just my opinion and tastes that the stories didn’t jive with.
Catwoman #83
I was a reader of this title and was sad to see it go. When they announced it would come back for an issue and tie-in to Blackest Night I was excited cause I figured it’d deal with Black Mask. I was right and happy because of it. So did the issue live up to my excitement? Well kind of.
While the issue was enjoyable it wasn’t anything amazing. Much like the recent Suicide Squad issue was basically an extension of Secret Six this issue was an extension of Gotham Sirens. I enjoyed seeing the ladies mix it up with a Black Lantern Black Mask. I had no issues with that part of the story at all. It was fun and action packed.
On the other hand the stuff with Selena’s sister was terrible. She starts out in a mental state of shock and utter inability to compose herself in a socially acceptable manner and then quickly is snapped back to reality. That was so sloppy I felt like washing my hands afterwards. Then to top it off she ends the comic essentially as another existing character from another company. Outfit and name at least. It just was lame.
So in the end this issue didn’t live up to the hype but it wasn’t terrible either. It was just somewhere in the middle of the road which isn’t necessarily a great place to be when you’re in the entertainment business.
X-Men Origins: Cyclops
Review pending, check back soon!
