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!
Also, are there any books you’d like to see us review? Let us know in the comments, and one of us will get right on it! We’ll also keep those books in mind for future weeks!
Book of the Week: Batman and Robin #8
Matt’s Thoughts: Grant Morrison, you sick twisted son of a gun. Without being too spoiler-y, this was probably his meanest issue yet, as far as both the treatment of the characters go as well as what he did to us, the readers. Don’t get me wrong – I am the biggest Grant Morrison fanboy on the gosh darn planet, but sometimes it just makes it so difficult for us to read his things in short form. Grant Morrison is a high concept writer and he never feels the need to really sit down and explain himself like other writers might. Not only that, but he does not care about the safety of your favorite characters at all. No one is ever safe. So when we get an issue like this, that is very Morrison-esque, it can be a little bit hard for even the most experienced Morrison translator to digest in one take.
Then again, that’s the beauty of his comics, isn’t it? They take more than one read to get, and as annoying as that could be, it also makes sure you get the best read out of it. The trick with this issue is not only does it make you want to read the previous issue, it makes you want to go back and browse a couple issues of Batman as well as Final Crisis, which helps to tie this whole big story Morrison has been telling for quite some time now together.
I should point out that this does raise some issues with previous continuity, though. In Seven Soldiers, Darkseid shot Mister Miracle with the Omega Sanction, which killed his body and shot his conscience through time. Of course, since he’s Mister Miracle, he escaped this rather easily and returned in his original body, clawing out from his grave. Then in Final Crisis, Darkseid did the same to Batman, and we saw Superman carry his shattered body out from the wreckage. But it was all a clone? Then how does this work in relation to Blackest Night? And how does this work in regards to Seven Soldiers? What?
Of course, I couldn’t go without saying something of Cameron Stewart’s art. For those that try and write him off as “cartoony,” I present to you this issue. It is off the walls awesome with tight violence that you can just get lost in staring at it.
David’s Thoughts: I thought this issue kicked a lot of ass, to be perfectly honest. It may not have been as dynamic visually as Cameron Stewart’s first issue, but he still brought some really damn good work. In fact, he just sold himself as one of the best action scene illustrators in the business with the Batman vs. Batman fight in this issue. The way he lays everything out and actually properly structures the logistics of the battle is astounding in its simplicity.
Continued belowPlus, throw Morrison is on his game here. I love that it’s one of Darkseid’s clones that Dick tries to reanimate, and that it’s basically a completely and utterly bonkers version of him. Apparently Bats is a very formidable foe working on pure instinct. No less, the issue is mostly comprised of the battle and the eventual departure of fake Batman, leading to his confrontation with old-as-hell Alfred and fresh-off-surgery Damien.
As awesome as this issue was, it appears that we’re going to be on our way to an even better one next issue. Sorry Damien, looks like you’re going to have to test that spine out even earlier than you thought.
Gil’s Thoughts: That was my reaction after reading the book. Which I’ve heard is quite common with Grant Morrison lately. His series is all but impenetratable now, and it suffers for it. I was not following the story at all, except that I think Darkseid is directly related to Batwoman’s whole deal with the Cult of Crime or whatever. I don’t really dig the supposed Batwoman in Refrigerator though. It’s lame.
It’s not all crap though. The art is really nice, and it actually fits with the theme of the book. It’s dark, but not too dark. But that’s it.
I guess it was mostly crap.
Brandon’s Thoughts: Not too impressed. Of all the Batman and Robin issues so far this is my least favorite. I thought both the writing and art were subpar when compared to all the other issues. I just wasn’t at all compelled by the story and found myself loosing interest constantly.
My favorite part of the whole issue is the interaction between Batwoman and Dick where she mentions their interaction in 52 where Dick gives her a Batarang for Christmas. I’m a huge 52 fan so seeing that referenced was steak sauce. Other than that though wasn’t impressed.
A big issue I have with this is the whole putting Bruce in a Lazarus Pit. Didn’t we see in an issue of Robin within the last couple of years a situation where Tim wanted to resurrect his father or Superboy using one and Dick said, “Oh hell no you don’t!”? I could be wrong but I vaguely remember that. If I’m remembering correctly it bugs me that Morrison now has Dick doing so with Batman and the whole situation is reversed where everyone else thinks it’s a bad idea and he doesn’t see the problem.
I’ll keep reading the title don’t get me wrong. It’s just that this issue and the last have not been my favorites of the run by a long shot.
MATT’S REVIEWS
Amazing Spider-Man #620
Good God. Seriously. I don’t even know where to begin… just… wow. When was the last time you remember Spider-Man being this consistently good issue per issue. Honest to God, I don’t think I’ve ever loved Spider-Man more, and this issue is a perfect example why. The wonderful writing by Dan Slott as well as the unbelievably great art by Marcos Martin just go to show you why Spider-Man is and always will be a flagship character of the Marvel universe.
More than anything, the entirety of Gauntlet has been proving why Spider-Man stories are so great, and this set of issues (as well as the arc immediately preceding it) have been phenomenal. The entirety of the Mysterio arc has been a great treat as well as a wonderful way to bring the character back into prominence post One More Day/Brand New Day. I’ve loved the concept from the beginning, but I believe Dan Slott is really helping to drive this whole thing home. Slott has a great mix between action and humor, which he’s proven on Mighty Avengers and which makes him absolutely perfect to write Spider-Man. More than anything I want to see Slott write more Spider-Man books after this arc (lucky for me he’s still on the next issue).
Of course, half of the greatness was the art by Marcos Martin. Martin has done a wonderful job of creating this great form of art that is a throwback to the most classic of classic Spider-Man. I feel like I’m reading the kind of comics that were being published when I was a wee young tyke who only barely understood the pretty pictures in the funny books, except they’re made for the older me. I absolutely adore it.
Continued belowNever the less, if you aren’t getting Spider-Man right now, then I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.
Final Verdict: 9.1 – Buy
Vengeance of the Moon Knight #5
I’m a big ol’ nerd sometimes, and I grew a great attachment to Moon Knight in recent years when Charlie Huston relaunched the title with David Finch. The title went severely downhill during the Benson arc, and was canceled and relaunched with a new writer that wanted to get closer to what Huston was trying to do. Well, Hurwitz? You’ve done it.
While the book started off strong with the first issue, it immediately started shaking in the second. As we moved into the third and fourth we were still on shaky ground but it was getting better, and now with the fifth issue I’m convinced. This was a rip-roaring, ass-kicking issue that is a perfect sequel to what Benson was trying to do. With Moon Knight seeking revenge, he finally learns that Bushman is alive again, and things begin to come to an explosive climax. Everything about the issue is wonderful, even including the odd cameo by Spider-Man at the end (which lead to one of my favorite last pages of this week).
Jerome Opena also does a wonderful job on the book. I wasn’t a huge fan of his work in the beginning, but he has really picked up his game as the series is progressing. This issue above all others stood out to me artistically, and was definitely the most aesthetically pleasing issue. With big fights, high flying escapades, and a great switcheroo sequence by Moon Knight (as well as, seriously, that last page!!), Opena is doing a fine job as a relatively new artist in my book.
Never the less, as a Moon Knight fine this book is incredibly satisfying. I’ve been following the character for a little while now and I love how he’s being handled. Hurwitz and Opena definitely have my trust when it comes to to this title and the future of one of my favorite minor league characters.
Final Verdict: 8.5 – Buy
Phonogram: The Singles Club #7
As I sit and write this, I am actually listening to “Wolf Like Me.” I feel like it will get me more in the mood to say goodbye to this title, but it doesn’t make it any easier. I was a fan of Rue Britannia, but the Singles Club as a whole has definitely blown it out of the water. All the things that didn’t make sense to me the first go around make so much more sense in retrospect post-Singles Club, and the final issue is just as good a proof as anything else.
In the final issue, we finally get the story of Kid-With-Knife’s night. KWK was one of my favorite characters from the first story because he was the most different. In fact, he’s the most likely kid you’ll meet out of the whole gang. As much as the various stories of Phonogram: The Singles Club rang true for me in experience, I can actually say that I knew someone like KWK, which makes the story even more hilarious. And seeing as the story is somewhat free of dialogue (it’s up for interpretation, really), it really is something else that it translates so easily, as well as provides a really nice cap to the over-arcing intertwining story throughout the volume.
Of course, seeing as Gillen’s usual verbose nature is not present in the issue, it really is McKelvie who is the true star of the final book. The art of this issue is absolutely beautiful, and it fits the mood of the character. Whether it’s the two-page spread of Penny dancing the night away, or Kid-With-Knife talking to David Kohl about his adventures before convincing everyone to get drunk and dance, McKelvie’s handling of both artist direction, story telling, and panel interpretation prove exactly how great an indie comic should always look.
Of course, now that “Wolf Like Me” has finished playing, and I’m getting ready to say goodbye, I kind of wish I’d read this song while reading the title the first time around. It would have made it that much better and have been the perfect blend of why Phonogram was the greatest blend of music and comic book literature that I’ve ever seen.
Continued belowFinal Verdict: 9.99999999999999 – If only because the DJ issue was the best
SWORD #4
And thus we are graced with the penultimate issue of SWORD. Can’t say I’m too thrilled about that. If SWORD has shown anything, it’s that the cosmic/alien side of Marvel needs to be done by more than just DnA, and with Gillen’s sass perfectly fitted to Beast’s brain and Brand’s brawn, knowing this is almost the end of this title made it rather hard to read with optimism.
With that in mind, this was a good issue. The dialogue was still sharp, the science fiction was still great, and the action sequences at the beginning were awesome. While it’s only been four issues, it was very easy to connect with this book and grow definitively attached to the story and the characters. Brand has quickly become a favorite, and I love seeing her in action. Plus, the way things have been paying off from the beginning of the story are really splendid. All of the little things that didn’t seem to make sense or matter in the first issue now make sense and matter in the second to last. It’s nice to have an arc so cohesive, even if it is unfortunately singular.
I do feel the need to point out that after four issues, Steven Sanders’ art style is (was?) beginning to feel right at home. Despite is unusual Beast, everyone else looks superb – Death’s Head, Brand, Gyrich. The book is easy to define by it’s art style alone, which I feel can be described as smooth and steady with quickly paced action sequences and perfect dialogue sequences. While there were a few scenes that made me raise one eyebrow (such as Beast shouting), I really can’t find a lot to complain about (outside of Beast, which I feel becomes redundant after a while).
Never the less, with one more issue to go, SWORD will be greatly missed.
Final Verdict: 8.5 – Buy
New Mutants #10
I think I begin every review or statement about the New Mutants with, “I can’t believe how much I liked it!” I read the first issue and really wasn’t impressed, and just barely stayed on throughout the first arc. I returned to the title during Necrosha out of curiousity and found that I REALLY loved the three issues that tied in, especially the first. I thought they were incredibly well written and drawn. The issue that followed was good, not great, but still I was surprised I liked it so much. With this current issue, the trend continues, and I find myself really enjoying this title for all that it gives.
Zeb Wells is an unknown writer to me outside of this title, but since I was unfamiliar with the characters outside of basic knowledge of who they were and are, I’ve found that his characeristics of them make them quite charming and endearing to me. I really enjoy the trials that he puts them through, and this issue (which feels like a one-shot to me) is pretty good. This and the previous issue do little more than to bridge the Necrosha arc with the Siege arc (which is odd to me, that the New Mutants would participate in that (but heck, it’s Kieron Gillen at the helm, so I can’t complain)), but for what they are they’re written well and provide an insight into the future of the title, as well as a slight peek at what we may expect from the New Mutant’s involvement in Second Coming.
The art in this issue is split between Paul Davidson and the combo of David and Alvaro Lopez, one taking the scenes with the New Mutants and the other with Cyclops and Emma discussing them. In all honesty, without actually looking at the artist roster, I wouldn’t have known, because they blend their styles so well to one another. The art is definitely the best part of the book, as Davidson and the Lopez brothers do fantastic jobs with their given scenes. The Lopez Brothers draw sort of like Terry Dodson if Dodson was a bit more refined and closer to someone like Cameron Stewart, and Cyclops looks fantastic throughout the book. The fight sequences by Davidson are nothing to scoff at either, especially Cannonball vs Sauron. That was great.
Continued belowMy only major gripe with the issue is that, as far as Cyclops goes and the general plot line, I’m minorly confused about how this really seems legit to Fraction’s plans for the X-Men. It seems to me that the whole point of X-Men lately (since before Messiah Complex, even) was to build up Cyclops and make him a much more stable and forward thinking character, yet in this he seems to not want the job anymore. Huh? I don’t think that adds up, Mr. Wells.
Never the less, New Mutants is steadily growing up on the X-Book ranks as far as I’m concerned. Once Second Coming is over and it is allowed to go off on it’s own tangent, I’m almost certain it’ll be a much better title that doesn’t have to rely on filler issues like this (as good as it may be) so it can tell it’s own story. I’m really looking forward to that.
Final Verdict: 8.0 – Buy
DAVID’S REVIEWS
Unwritten #10
The world Mike Carey and Peter Gross have developed is just getting more and more interesting. This issue finds our triumvriate of travelers inside of a story after using what I’ll call the magic doorknob. Not just any story, but the real world of Jud Süss. For those that do not know, Jud Süss was an antisemitic propaganda film crafted by the Nazi’s – this story finds Tom, Lizzie, and Savoy at the point of its creation in Stuttgart.
This shocking turn finds Tom at his wits end, as is tired of being utterly confused and having Lizzie play the “I can’t explain just yet” card on him. All of this leads to a lot of really important reveals for the title – Lizzie confirms that Wilson was the one that set herself and Tom free from their storybook origins, its confirmed that the person Lizzie is talking to when she opens books and receives messages is Wilson himself (alive!), and, perhaps most importantly and definitely oddly, Savoy and Tom meet Josef Goebbels using Wilson’s “focus effect.”
There’s a lot to take in here, but I’m glad to say this issue confirmed a lot of my running theories about the story. That speaks volumes about Carey and Gross and their ability to plot ahead and plant seeds throughout the series. Having these reveals both me surprising and make a lot of sense is the basis of good, organic storytelling. Carey’s pacing within the script is pitch perfect as per usual, as we’re given all of the events transpiring in Jud Süss and we still have time for an aside featuring Ambrosio/Chadron. Astoundingly effective work, and work that allows this issue to hit with the maximum amount of storytelling power.
The only negative here is Peter Gross and his visuals. While they are mostly very good, there are some bits where they feel a bit rushed. In fact, when I went back and noticed that breakdowns for most of the issue were finished by Jimmy Broxton (notable if only for the fact that he is not Peter Gross), it all made sense. However, for a title that is so superb visually, even the slightest of downturns is alarming. I do have to say that the backgrounds that feature Germany’s Stuttgart are exceptional – there is the pervasive feel that you are actually there throughout. Its a wonderful balance of apparition like quality and robust detail.
All in all, another exceptional issue from one of the best teams in comics today. While the art may have been off a bit for me, it still was well rendered overall and superbly told. Like we’ve come to expect from this book.
Final Verdict: 8.9 – Buy
DMZ #50
DMZ at 50. How cool is that? For a title I’ve been reading by trade since its inception (except over the last 6 or 7 issues, when I realized I could wait no longer), it’s a wonderful milestone to see hit. Brian Wood and Riccardo Burchielli’s tale has been uniformly superb since issue one, and after the insanity that transpired in the last issue, we’re given a series of vignettes that allows Wood to get back to the basics and to give some of his artist friends a chance to play in this sandbox he has created.
While each segment is short, each packs a lot of storytelling weight and touches on (almost) all of the important characters and story beats. Whether its “NGO”, a tale from Wood and Rebekah Isaacs in which the proxy of an opportunistic financier attempts to start profiting off the DMZ, much to the entertainment of his driver and Matty Roth himself. Or my personal favorite story, “Little Plastic Toy”, that finds Fabio Moon paired up with Wood in telling a wordless vignette about a child who finds a bomb, bu won’t give it up to the outsider bomb squad but will to Zee (the DMZ’s guardian angel of sorts).
These little stories may not progress the plot, but they brilliantly enrich the world Wood has spent the past 4 plus years creating. Aiding that goal are superb artists like the aforementioned Burchielli, Isaacs, and Moon, but also others like Jim Lee, Eduardo Risso, Dave Gibbons, Lee Bermejo, Philip Bond, Ryan Kelly, and John Paul Leon. Needless to say, this is a pretty issue. Part of the reason my favorite is Moon’s though is simply put, the guy is a phenom of an artist, and I loved their idea of making it black and white save a few simple objects (the girls dress and the little yellow toy, namely). It’s a wonderfully illustrated story, and is a great example of how the power of visual storytelling as it is entirely wordless.
While we may not get any resolution to the events from issue 49, this is a celebration of the notes from the underground. Whether it’s a grassroots green movements in the DMZ, discovering where all of the finest art from Manhattan went to, or establishing a guardian angel for this devestated world, this issue packs a lot of power into a lot of little stories.
We’d expect nothing less from Brian Wood.
Final Verdict: 9.1 – Buy
Dark X-Men #4
Alright, alright, this is going to be a big shocker. It was for me. It certainly will be for our readers as well.
Dark X-Men has been the best X-Men comic since its inception.
Weird to say, especially given that it should just be a throwaway tie-in to Dark Reign, but its phenomenal. The two biggest reasons for that are the cast and the creators, naturally. The cast is awesome – not only does it featured a fully rendered and three dimensional Norman Osborn (not a one note nutcase), but it also features an intriguing foursome of Mystique, Dark Beast, Mimic, and Michael Pointer (or The Collective, or whatever you want to call him). Throw in the antagonist/hero of the story, the newly returned (and awesome!) Nate Grey, and you have one awesome basis for the series.
Then you have the creators, and boy do I love these guys. Paul Cornell and Leonard Kirk may not be household names, but they should be. They were the team behind Captain Britain and the MI:13, and they’ve carried all the charm, personality, and awesomeness over from that exceptional and underrated book. They a firm grasp of every character in this series (even Dark Beast) and have managed to take a group of B-listers and fully realize their potential in just four issues.
This issue finds Nate and Norman wrestling over control of Osborn’s body as the team of Dark X-Men quickly try to help Osborn in the hopes of earning their freedom from his dark reign. The set up is phenomenal, and there is even a bit of misdirection that I did not see coming. Nate Grey’s plan is wicked and clever, and it is fantastic in its execution. Cornell does an exceptional job with organically plotting this issue, and by the very last page you’re grinning ear to ear about his work.
Leonard Kirk is oddly not an artist I enjoy when he’s not working with Cornell, but when they are they put together some damn fine work. I’m not sure what it is about their pairing, but they create some real fireworks together.
This is one of the most surprising mini’s to come out of Dark Reign. It’s wall to wall quality, and to say I’m enjoying it as much if not more than every X-book is not me overrating it – it is just me speaking the truth.
Continued belowFinal Verdict: 8.8 – Buy
Daytripper #3
Another month, another superb issue of Daytripper. This collaboration between dueling phenom creators and brothers Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon is just a delight. The honesty of the storytelling and the naturalistic feel is nearly unparalleled in mainstream comics today. This issue finds Bras, our protagonist, being dumped by the beautiful woman he met in Salvador in the previous issue and the ramifications that come from that. It leads to a touching vignette on the effect of loneliness and the emotional culling you undergo when someone breaks your heart, and how surprising it is when you escape it.
While I will readily admit that I am not entirely sure as to what exactly the brothers are going for with certain aspects of this series (he dies every single issue?), I can tell you that the individual stories that lead up to the death are always gorgeously illustrated by Moon and beautifully told by both brothers from a writing standpoint. The emotional acuity of the story is almost unmatched, and when Bras meets his fate at the end of this issue, it is especially tragic.
I think in a lot of ways, the brothers are illustrating a world of opportunity. How if you do not take those opportunities and reach for that oasis in the desert called love, we can find ourselves alone or, even worse, dead. The forks in the road and the choices we make can create divergences that leave us in the polar opposite of where we want to be. The bifurcation of our existence is created by the choices we make, and Bras sojourns of death teach us how to better live life.
It is a wonderful parable, and a particularly exceptional issue of this title.
Final Verdict: 9.3 – Buy
GIL’S REVIEWS
Adventure Comics #7
I don’t know where to begin. This book had so much back-story regurgitated at me, I got nauseous. Basically Conner, the second best superhero with the last name “Kent” (sorry Matt) is complaining about how he has mostly been a plot device throughout his near 20 year history (isn’t it amazing? He’s been around for the better part of two decades! Time flies…) from being manipulated by Cadmus Labs, or Lex Luthor, killed, brought back to life to fight Superboy Prime in the future, etc. etc. etc.
Kind of lame, no? Well, I didn’t dig it at least. Also, there seem to be some continuity issues, where here Cassie is alive and well trying to save her boyfriend, and a couple weeks ago in Blackest Night: Wonder Woman, she was (spoiler!) killed by Black Lantern Diana. I guess this can be worked together, but it’s similar to when Steve Rogers came back early. It ruined any and all suspense in his own title. It’s quite irritating.
It’s not ALL terrible; there are some legit emotional connections you can make with Conner as he tries to fight off the Black Lantern infection, whether it is with Krypto or Cassie. But it is a definite step down from the recently and DEARLY departed team of Geoff Johns and Francis Manapul.
Overall, I can’t say that it was worth a buy unless you’re a HUGE Superboy fan (Matt) or someone who loves the Blackest Night mythos (me).
Final Verdict: 5.0 — Browse
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #7
Man, I was late to the party. I was never really huge into the Ultimate Universe, and when I did get an interest, it had become the very thing it was trying to avoid. It was so mired in continuity, I had no idea what was going on. After Ultimatum, and hearing about how good this book was, I decided to give it (and Ultimate X) a shot, and lo and behold! I love it.
Yeah, I’m not going to go into too deep into it before I tell you I love it. It’s one of the most enjoyable books on the market right now, and I have no problem admitting I was kind of a jerk for doubting it. What we have here is (I’m told) a continuation of the Ultimate Origin storyline with the Fantastic Four and the Watchers (?). Oh man, my head is spinning again.
Continued belowAnyway, the art, provided by La Fuente, is spot on, and perfect for the tone of the book, but I can’t help but notice that his Fantastic Four looks just a tad wonk. I can’t even place it; but I think it was Reed Richards.
I think one of the best parts for me is the interaction between Peter, Bobby, and Johnny. They have such great chemistry as friends and even family that seeing them in costume is just a joy. It’s even more enjoyable when Aunt May is their own personal Professor X (if you will) sending them out on missions and doing “whatever it is that they do.”
When it all comes down to it, if you don’t enjoy this book, there’s something wrong with you, and you need to find your way to a new soul. Stat.
Final Verdict: 8.0 – Buy
PunisherMAX #4
Man, this is really how The Punisher should be presented; as raw as humanly possible with blood and gore left and right. I mean, he is The Punisher after all. But it still wasn’t as good as it should have been.
Don’t get me wrong. Jason Aaron is a great fit for the title, and Steve Dillon has a knack for the character. His character models are a bit limited (seriously, look at Kingpin, he looks like Herr Starr gained a few pounds). The violent scenes are a joy to look at (as gory as they are) and the Kingpin is the scariest he’s ever been. He’s brilliant and while still being really large, he doesn’t look like Marlon Brando plus about a thousand lbs. and some of the things he does are just really shocking.
One of the things that’s a real turn off is this new character in The Mennonite. I just don’t connect how a “man of God” would help the mob take out someone like The Punisher It just doesn’t grab me. I can’t put the two together at all.
One thing about The Mennonite that I did like was the fact that The Punisher used a taser on him. I loved the irony bout all that and the overall brutality between the unnamed assassin from the sticks and our buddy Frank Castle.
But did I love it? No. It was a fun romp, but it really wasn’t as awesome as it could have been or should have been. I was expecting better.
Final Verdict: 5.0 – Browse
Muppet King Arthur #1
Review pending, check back soon!
BRANDON’S REVIEWS
X-Men: Pixie Strikes Back #1
Review pending, check back soon!
Hit-Monkey #1
When I chose this to review in our draft I chose it for one reason. I thought that either it would be really awesome or really bad and thus provide me a great opportunity to have some fun with the review. Well…it was one of those but did not prompt me to enjoy the idea of writing this review.
So which of the two potential outcomes was it? Well let me just sum this whole thing up AND let you know which it was. This thing was stupid and a waste of cash. What we receive here is the worst example of monkey see monkey do. Monkey no like man. Man bring bad people. Monkey loses family. Monkey goes out to kill. That about sums it up. LAME.
Final Verdict: 1.3 — Smear it with excrement and flush this thing.
Booster Gold #29
I want to glow about this issue and say it was awesome. The thing is I can’t do that. While I enjoy it because I enjoy the character and the run so far it really has become a title that really doesn’t matter. I can’t find anything here that makes it a must read. It is good and the backup Blue Beetle stories are solid but it just isn’t compelling enough to warrant it being a necessity to anyone’s pull box.
When the title first launched out of 52 it was a great concept. It still is a great concept. It’s just the way it is utilized has made it fun but redundant. While the adventures are different the story has been the exact same since its inception. There has been nothing new and no big changes in quite some time. It’s become stagnant.
I do want to reiterate that I really enjoy this title. If you like Booster Gold or enjoyed 52 you’ll like this title as well. Though putting my personal feelings and likes aside for review purposes the title just isn’t a must read for the average reader.
Oh and the end of the Blue Beetle backup was great. The third wall breaking involving his friends discussing their favorite title being cancelled was pure gold.
Final Verdict: 6.4 — Get it in trades
Haunt #5
I just caught on with this title recently. I started from the beginning and caught up to this issue fairly quickly. I really enjoy the pair of Kirkman and Ottley. It to be perfectly honest was the main draw for me. This issue was a great example of why they work together.
Unfortunately, this is Ottley’s last issue of the series as he has decided to step away and focus on Invincible. I’m said to hear the news but after an issue like this and an arc like the one it was a part of I must say it wont deter me from continuing on with the title. This issue brought the first arc to such a satisfying conclusion and also set up the future of the title so well. Kirkman truly is a master of his craft.
If you aren’t reading this title I’d highly suggest picking up the TPB of this first arc to at least give it a try. I can’t guarantee moving forward it will be as good as it’s been but if you like your superheroes you’ll like this issue and this arc.
Final Verdict: 8.0 — Buy it!
