Welcome back, friends of all ages, races, 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!
Matt’s Thoughts: Once again, Layman proves to us that Chew is a powerhouse of a new comic, and it absolutely deserves every continuous sell out that it gets. Chew is a smart and funny comic book that time and time again surprises and amuses us with great story telling and … CLIFFHANGER!!! The only other writer who has as good of a mix of serious story telling and comedic overtones is Peter David with X-Force, and I can already say that I’ve recommended Chew many more times in it’s short 9-issue run than I have X-Factor (no offense, Peter David! I still love your book!).
With this issue, we have a great blend of Chu finally stepping up and becoming the master of his own life, really ramping up the action segment of the book that had been only mildly used before. Chu is actually the one causing it too, which is a great change of pace as he is usually a timid character. I love that we’re only 9 issues in and he’s already beginning to man up a bit in order to rescue his brother and the woman he’s in love with. It’s interesting to watch a character grow like this, because often times that character growth will take much longer. But, given Chu’s circumstances, it makes perfect sense that he would really step up to the plate.
Plus: Cliffhanger. Cliffhanger! CLIFFHANGER!!! I haven’t really laughed that hard since “Are you not entertained?!” (That’s an X-Factor reference.)
Needless to say, I’m greatly enjoying Chew. While I hadn’t heard of the book before David came and forced us all to go find it, I really love it now. It definitely helps to solidify Images stance with great new and easily accessible titles for all audiences.
David’s Thoughts: This issue helps further solidify this title as one of the most well put together and cleverly designed books on the market, using prologues, flashbacks, story cuts, and artistic subtleties to tell a devestatingly effective story. John Layman and Rob Guillory are working together about as well as any two creators are right now, as Layman’s scripts give Guillory opportunities he wouldn’t get elsewhere and Guillory’s art makes Layman’s job easier.
Not only that, but the story pushes the plot forward and further develops all of the main characters. We get some great bits with Amelia Mintz, Tony’s brother Chow and Colby, plus the furthering of the ongoing vampire plot. This is just a well oiled machine right now, and I’m proud to call it our book of the week.
Gil’s Thoughts: What a book. Flat out, this book is one of the best on the market. It’s incredibly imaginative and fun to read, and while it might be out there, it’s also incredibly easy to follow. John Layman and Rob Guillory put together and fantastic little world where chicken is outlawed and people can read the history of food just by eating it, and yet…it’s fully believable, and most importantly…FUN.
Continued belowChu is a really likeable character. He is a normal guy who is put upon by his ability. But he’s making the most of it, working for the government, investigating odd murders and solving them with this special power of his. Layman made a truly 3-dimensional character that you can’t help but root for and Guillory’s art is, as someone on twitter put it, inspired by Shoe and Chan from the old EGM issues. I can really see it too. And it made me love it even more. You should be reading this flat out.
Brandon’s Thoughts: Yet another fine issue. The crazy level appears to be increasing as well. In another book far less excellently written this amount of crazy just wouldn’t work. John Layman though is able to give food centric abilities to some characters, Cyborg parts to others and now we’ve got vampires. That’s not even all of it because there is still the King Cock and a fruit that tastes like Chicken.
This really is a ridiculously creative title with a great team behind it. While Layman’s writing is brilliant the art is equally integral to this books necessary feel and vibe. While Layman can find a straight path to awesome with his ideas Rob Guillory does the amazing and makes them work visually. One without the other and it just wouldn’t be as great of a book as it is.
If you aren’t reading this book you are missing out. That is the bottom line. No jokes no quips. You are just plain missing out.
MATT’S REVIEWS
Green Hornet #1
It seems like lately, a lot of characters who haven’t been popular in years are finding a new audience. Characters like Doc Savage and the Spirit are being rebooted by DC in First Wave (out today, see David’s review), and Green Hornet is being rebooted by Kevin Smith on Dynamite! And Kevin Smith has been talking about writing Green Hornet for forever and a day now, so it’s finally to see his idea in action.
Well, it’s not quite what I expected or wanted. Kevin Smith is very much introducing a new Green Hornet for a new generation, and what I mean by that is he’s actually pulling a classic mistake that a lot of writers try and do with poorly done reboots: make the son of the character the new character. This is a formula that, more often than not, comes out incredibly poorly, and by the end of the issue I’m not convinced that this won’t turn out in a similar fashion.
As far as the writing goes, it’s alright. I really enjoy Kevin Smith, but with this and Widening Gyre, I am losing a bit of faith in his ability to write a comic. He has done some great work in the past, and this has an entertaining opener, but outside of that it’s really not a comic I feel I would invest in if it weren’t for the big name behind the title. The opening action sequence is the last fight Green Hornet and Kato ever participate in, and flows rather smoothly (drawn absolutely wonderfully by Jonathan Lau), but after that it’s exposition until the “twist” end, which is really not that much of a twist and a bit predictable.
I like Kevin Smith, and I’m a casual fan of the Green Hornet, and I think that introducing him to a new generation is a good idea. I would have rather had a comic like the Spirit, though, and taking the book in a too modern direction seems like a bad move to me. Only time will tell though!
Just as a side note, Dynamite is apparently going crazy with the Green Hornet title. Seriously. The entire issue is full of ads for just OTHER Green Hornet books! We’ve got Green Hornet: Year One, Green Hornet and Kato, Kato: Year One, the new Kato: Year One, a Green Hornet mini… it seems anyone who wants to write about the Green Hornet can! So if you have a great Green Hornet idea, you better call Dynamite while the getting’s good.
Continued belowFinal Verdict: 6.5 – Browse
Ultimate Comics Avengers #5
One thing I should honestly never be surprised about is that a book written by Mark Millar is delayed. It’s pretty much a fact of life, to be honest. And honestly, it really hurts the enjoyment of the title for someone like me who collects in single issues and not in trade. Why? Because Mark Millar’s stuff is so crazy that, in all honesty, I forget it by the time I go into the new issue. Like today. I completely forgot where we left off with the last issue. This one is no different.
That being said, it’s not like it’s very hard to pick up where Millar left off. I think it’s fun to rag on him, but the man does write an entertaining action packed adventure. If you can get past some of the crazy-ness of the characters (remember, this is the Ultimate universe), the book becomes highly entertaining. The Red Skull has the cosmic cube, which leads to some great violence, and Nick Fury recalls some fun with conspiracies. Plus: Hawkeye! I don’t like how Jeph Loeb changed the character from an insane bad ass to an angry dark broody character, and I’m glad Millar brought him back to his assassin routes.
On top of that, I can say that the artist, Carlos Pacheco, is the real star of the book. You may remember his art from a while back, but even if you look at the first issue of this book, you can see a clear arc of improvement. Perhaps the reason the book is taking so long is Pacheco is trying to be a better artist, and if that’s the reason then it’s showing. I love the way this issue looks, and I think it’s definitely the most outstanding of the entire run. I will greatly miss him after the next issue, especially after the scene with the Red Skull blocking bullets with his cosmic cube. That was just great.
So Ultimate Comics Avengers is an ultimately “dumb” book, but it’s a lot of fun. It doesn’t come even as close to the greatness of the Ultimates, but all in all it’s nice to have Mark Millar back in the Ultimate Avengers title, and as the arc comes to a close I’m sure people are reminded why.
Final Verdict: 7.4 – Buy
Adventure Comics #8
Adventure comics was a relatively odd read this week. Normally I’m insanely positive about the book, and I think those that have been following it know why. The work by Francis Manapul and Geoff Johns was great, but now the book is in brand new hands. Only thing is, it’s in multiple hands, and it appears Adventure Comics has gone from being a fun book about the clone of Superman and Lex Luthor to a book that is really just filling in some gaps in time for Last Stand of New Krypton/War of the Supermen.
The opening story is by my favorite up and coming writer at DC, Sterling Gates. He handles the Legion portion of the story, I role I assume he inherited from the other biggest Legion fan at DC I can think of – Geoff Johns. In this story, Gates focuses on Braniac 5, who along with several Legion members, discover some space/time rips that Brainy attributes to his great ancestor. It’s a very short story, but it sets the precedent for next week’s Last Stand book (also penned by Gates, as well as the next author). The artwork is done by Travis Moore, and it fits. I’ve seen better Legionnaires in my day, but all things considered, this was the best art of the book.
The second story is a continuation of last week’s Superman, which I didn’t read it. In it, we focus on Connor, whose teacher reveals himself as a member of the Legion. With Mon-El, we begin to see how many people in the comics had been Legionnaries all this time, but it’s ultimately underwhelming, and the reason of why they were there wasn’t all to special. Even with Starman returning, I wasn’t overly enthused. A lot of people have a stigma about James Robinson, but I don’t have anything against him. I can’t say I really cared about this story though because, unlike the previous one, it relied heavily on you following the previous super-stories for the past couple months. And at this point we start going downhill in the art category, so there’s that.
Continued belowFinally, the last story is by Eric Trautmann with art by Pier Gallo, and it’s obviously a prelude to War of the Superman. Someone is revealed to be an agent of Zod, and they spend the rest of the issue talking. I don’t necessarily have anything against exposition, and I can enjoy a good talky, but I also don’t care about General Lane or his side of the story, so ultimately this story was lost on me.
See, I enjoyed the past issues of Adventure Comics because I wanted Connor Kent stories. I was really excited for this issue because I’ve been getting into the Legion a lot recently and am really pumped for the new book. So with the Legion on the cover, I assumed Id really like this issue. Unfortunately, I can’t really say I got into it outside of the Sterling Gates story, which I look forward to seeing more of. Other than that though, I’m at a loss here.
Final Verdict: 5.4 – Browse
Demo #2
Demo is an odd book, in that it’s really about nothing. Each issue is a stand alone in the complete stand alone sense. There is no over arcing plot, just a theme, and I’m not really sure what that is yet. The theme appears to be wayward souls, and there is no more wayward soul than this.
In the second issue, we focus on a young man who has a very picky taste. While Chew may have been book of the week, I’d say no one appreciates food more than the protagonist of Demo issue 2. Or rather, no one has a more refined taste. See, he only likes a special kind of meat, and it’s not a meat you and I would normally eat (i.e. it’s like Soylent Green…). His addiction is so bad that he can’t eat other food even if he tries. The issue mainly focuses around him trying to cope as a normal person despite his sick obsession, and the ending leads to a nice sense of dark optimism, though I can’t really assume that it bodes well for anyone else but him (although David contests my reading of the ending, as well as Becky Cloonan!).
I enjoy Brian Wood’s writing. I’m not very used to him outside of Demo, but as far as volume 1 is concerned as well as this, I’m pretty use to it. I really enjoy his ability to tell a full story with such a small amount of space. When it comes down to it, you could probably read this issue in 5 or 6 minutes, when the average comic book is usually about a 15 minute read. However, what’s great about Demo is that you really need to sit and READ it to actually have read it. There are so many little things to dig in to as you go to help get the full scope of the tale that, by the end of it, it doesn’t feel like you’ve read a one shot at all. That shows some title.
However, the real star of Demo for me is and always has been Becky Cloonan. My god, this woman can draw. The main difference between this volume and the second is that her style is much more streamlined, but I don’t mind. In fact, I like this current style a lot, and the preview for the next issue looks amazing, like something out of the Phonogram sketch book. I could read this book for her art alone, and it takes a really great to have me pull out a compliment like that.
Needless to say, Demo is a fun read and a nice change of pace to the rest of my books this week. Definitely a recommended read.
Final Verdict: 8.3 – Buy
DAVID’S REVIEWS
First Wave #1
I remember last year when I was putting together a write-up on the Diamond Retailers Summit, and amidst all of the news (Siege! Blackest Night! Doomwar! Okay, maybe no exclamation point there) was something perhaps more exciting than them all: Brian Azzarello’s resurrection of DC’s pulp history in First Wave. The concept was astoundingly perfect, as Azzarello seemed like a perfect fit to work with Doc Savage, The Batman, and The Spirit (assuming Darwyn Cooke was permanently out of the way…sadly).
In execution, it is very well done. It’s a good balance between Doc Savage and The Spirit, with their stories seemingly being entirely disconnected yet you know deep down they dovetail perfectly. We even get an awesome reveal at the end (Blackhawks!) and a new villain (or at least new to me) in Mr. Sunlight. It’s a solid start that features only one slight mix up (we don’t really understand at all as to what is going on in the jungle, which is mostly fine for now) to its name.
When I heard that Rags Morales was on art duties, I was a bit skeptical. I was uncertain as to whether or not he was a good fit for the style of book, but he handled the mood and atmosphere like an absolute champ. While it still made me miss Cooke’s work on The Spirit, he still pretty much nailed this first issue.
This was a promising debut, and one that I hope can honestly build up The Spirit and Doc Savage as characters with true legs and modern fanbases. Azzarello gave us a good start…here’s hoping he can take us the rest of the way.
Final Verdict: 8.5 – Buy
Invincible Iron Man #24
Just like previous arc America’s Most Wanted, Matt Fraction and Salvador Larocca’s Stark: Disassembled arc on this title is perhaps too long for its own good. While the concept and story surrounding it are well done, the pacing is glacial at times and there is simply too much time spent within Stark’s head. The elongation metaphysical aspects of the story are perhaps tied to properly timing the conclusion with Iron Man’s return in Siege, but either way this easily could have been a three or four issue arc instead of five.
Yet, there is still a lot of good here. The showdown with Ghost, Stark’s mental/spiritual showdown with his parents, and his eventual defeat of Ghost himself are classic Iron Man, eventually being more about the perseverence of the human spirit and intelligence than anything else. Really, when you get down to it that is what Stark is about, and it’s good to know Fraction understands that. The conclusion with Steve Rogers wanting to speak to Stark and the revelation that Stark’s backup brain may have been pre-Civil War (now THAT is a twist) is phenomenal, and one that should have shockwaves going forward in the (many) Avengers titles.
Larocca is really a love him or hate him artist, and in this book he has shined through and through. He handled everything Fraction asked him to do with deft skill and powerful imagery, although I must admit, his Stark really looks like Josh Holloway to me. To the point of distraction.
This book continues its steady hold on being one of the most consistently well crafted titles in Marvel’s arsenal. I’m really hoping going forward that Fraction can tighten his arcs up to not suffer from those pacing issues I mentioned earlier.
Final Verdict: 8.2 – Buy
Nemesis: The Imposters #1
I’m not going to lie, I didn’t put in my due diligence before picking up this book. When I did a quick google of this title during out Multiversity draft, I saw that it was Ivan Brandon and I signed up for it. I like Brandon, he puts in some good work, and I thought this was going to be a brand new independent work by him. Then I saw it at the store, saw that it was DC and immediately realized: oh crap, this is that kind of lame character from Wonder Woman books.
Sigh. I guess I did it to myself.
There are elements of good here, such as the scene where Nemesis successfully infiltrates the Council and the revelation of the cover shot, but overall it’s a bit of a mess as a non-fan of Nemesis. Why is he with the Joker? Why does he randomly get transported to some world called Electric City that is governed by Brother Eye? What exactly is going on?
Continued belowAs a fresh reader, I’m partially to blame for picking it up. While technically solid, Brandon fails at making this accessible to new readers however. I simply have no grasp on the events that are unfolding, nor is it ever clear when events are happening. While I’m sure if you asked Brandon he’d say that it is to reflect Nemesis and his state of mind (as he says on the first page “I’ve been wrong before about when things happened”), but to me it is lazy and mediocre storytelling.
Cliff Richards on the other hand a good enough job, ably telling the story visually and designing scenes in a high quality way (particularly the look at Electric City). While nothing about it jumps off the page, it’s solid work that reminds me of a darker Clayton Henry.
While I’m obviously not their target audience, to me, this is just not a well told story and something that is incapable of drawing in fresh readers. In that regard, it fails.
Final Verdict: 4.1 – Browse
Prelude to the Deadpool Corps #1
I bit the bullet on this one. I knew someone had to review it, and I took it even though odds are I was going to think it was terrible. I mean come on…it was a completely unnecessary title starring characters that are creatively bankrupt, written by someone who is a regular contender for our “Worst Writer of the Month” award, and illustrated by maybe the single most reviled creator in comics.
Then, I read it and I was completely shocked.
Okay, that’s a lie. It was bad. It was really bad.
Without a doubt, the biggest criminal in these pages was Rob Liefeld. Whether it was the nine foot tall Lady Deadpool he illustrates on page two with her four and a half foot gun, the apparent black hole that exists on the face of all masked characters, or the gun without a handle he illustrates on page 15, his art exemplifies that this book should have actually been called “How to Not Draw The Marvel Way”. This book is positively laden with physical impossibilities, objects rendered in the most minimal way possible, and some completely horrid visual storytelling.
The only part of the issue that isn’t abysmal visually is Dave Johnson’s cover and the explanation of the concept in the back of the book. I liked that.
I’ll give the story this credit: it does what it set out to do. This five-issue mini-series is designed to bring the Deadpool Corps together as Deadpool travels through various dimensions, and in that regard it accomplishes what it was set out to do. Besides that, the dialogue is all homeless man’s Joe Kelly and 1980’s action movie script writing. It is effective, but it isn’t good by any way, shape or form.
But the art is honestly the worst I’ve seen since Larry Stroman was trying to singlehandedly murder X-Factor. This was not quite as bad as I thought it could be, but it was still the worst comic I’ve read all year.
Final Verdict: 2.4 – Burn Without Reading
GIL’S REVIEWS
Mighty Avengers
It’s really strange that this book doesn’t have a SIEGE band going across the cover, especially considering that Thor is on it, and he and Loki are IN it. In this we have the fallout from Loki impersonating the Scarlet Witch in order to keep an eye on the Mighty Avengers. Hank Pym has captured Loki and is trying to get answers. And since Loki has asked for help, Thor is bound by Asgardian honor to save his brother if he needs it.
If you weren’t reading it, Dan Slott is a really talented writer who should continue writing the exploits of the World’s Mightiest Heroes, especially since he seems to be the one who writes books most like the old Avengers styled stories.
The art, on the other hand is a killer. Pham isn’t on it, which is a good thing, but the art is still pretty bad. I’d even compare Dan Slott to Peter David on X-Factor. Really good stories coupled with really bad art. It’s just a shame to behold.
Continued belowPossibly the biggest shame though, is that the book is being canceled post Siege. And it’s starting to show with USAgent out of commission and Hercules and Cho off doing their own thing, even Quicksilver is leaving to find his incest-y sister. And it seems like things are getting real for Hank Pym, as Ultron is returning. Oh crap.
Final Verdict: 7.0 – Buy
Ultimate Comics New Ultimates #1
I’m not really sure why this book exists. I mean, it’s sort of a continuation of the Ultimates series’ that Loeb and more importantly Millar started some time ago, but at the same time, it really isn’t because we already have Ultimate Comics Avengers which is written by Millar.
But this…was boring. I’m not really sure what happened with it, other than the members arguing with each other and then fighting some formerly powerless superheroes that are now some serious heavy hitters. I hope it’ll be explained soon, but I’m not sure I want to stick around to find out.
But if I did, you why I would? Frank Cho. I seriously love his art, and wanted to buy it based solely on his pencils. My only problem with it so far is that Clint Barton looks exactly like Steve Rogers. But really, the art is utterly gorgeous. And the boobs are large. But would you really expect anything less from a book drawn by Frank Cho?
Final Verdict: 5.0 – Browse
Amazing Spider-Man #623
Seriously…The Vulture? Ugh. I guess this Gauntlet was going to literally run the gamut of Spidey’s entire Rogues Gallery, but I was not looking forward to The Vulture. Anyway, here we have the reappearance of Electro as he busts the new, younger, and much creepier Vulture out of prison, which doesn’t really work as this rogue doesn’t want so much to commit random acts of violence, but find out who mutated him into a freak of nature. But the answer might be a little close to home as we find out who might have caused this guys pincer-like mouth and constant projectile vomiting….ew.
I’m not really a fan of the new Mark Waid stuff for Spider-Man. It’s written alright, it just seems like this Vulture is just a retread of another Spider-Villain who is shockingly not Adrian Tommes. But it does feel like more of the same. At least Waid has the decency to reference the fact this is a retread.
That being said, I really love the art. Paul Azaceta is one of the best pure Spider-Man artists out there, and as long as he’s doing it, it’s all too enjoyable. Please keep him on it as much as possible. Please Marvel.
Overall, you have a sort of weak plot combined with an awesome penciller. The art alone makes it worth it, I just wish I cared about the story as much.
Final Verdict: 6.5 – Browse
Girl Comics #1
They laughed. They laughed at me! Well, Matt did. He’s a jerk. Be sure to send him lots and lots of hate mail. Oh, I’m only kidding.
Girl Comics is a very interesting concept. In a supposed attempt to court the allegedly elusive female fanbase, Marvel made a book where everyone involved in the creation of the book are female. As a concept, it’s a welcome one. Even if this wasn’t courting the female audience, it gives a spotlight on women in an industry that is more often than not dominated by men.
But onto the comic itself. It’s an anthology book similar in setup to the book, also published by Marvel called Nation X. There are six short stories that don’t necessarily STAR female characters, as most of the stories star male characters. The stories are all whimsical and aren’t really meant to be taken seriously. The best of the stories, written by Valerie D’razio, is about The Punisher substituting for Chris Hansen in an episode of To Catch a Predator. OK, so I’m sort of lying, but it runs along the same lines the art was also impressive and it reminded me of old Runaways issues. My least favorite yarn features the kids of Mr. and Mrs. Fantastic (That’s Reed and Sue Richards) going on a sort of steam punk Hansel & Gretel story. The concept itself is pretty ok, but the execution left much to be desired in my opinion. The art was really nice and it almost reminded me of art I’ve seen in Fables, but the lettering made it hard to read at times, and it just served to give me a headache.
Continued belowThe rest stories art falls in between those two on the scale. There is one that is a lot of fun and reminds me of Tiny Titans that stars everyone favorite Spidey-Villain that was played by Alfred Molina in Spider-Man 2, Doctor Octopus. Here he’s just going about his day and reacting to those around him. It’s a lot of fun, and a joy to read.
If you’re a fan of anthology books, and want to give some new creators a shot, I say pick this up. It’s a decent book, but hardly something that will change the landscape of comics forever.
Final Verdict: 6.5 Browse
BRANDON’S REVIEWS
Wolverine: Weapon X #11
Jason Aaron told us this would be an issue full of Wolvie and Cap getting drunk. This is not what we got. This was much more so on the tame side of what I’d like to see happen to these two Marvel greats on a night where they have the Blackbird and Nightcrawler as a designated driver. Despite that it was still a good read.
I would really like to point out that Ron Garney’s art has really made such an amazing transition from a little over a decade ago when he was on Uncanny. I loved the work he did there but this is by far better. His style provides the essential grit that stories such as the ones told by Aaron requires. His Deathlok look pretty sweet too.
While finding this to be an enjoyable read I did not find it to be spectacular. I also did not find it as enjoyable as the last few issues. There were some decent character moments between Cap and Wolvie but outside of those, I’m looking at you Deathlok portions, I really wasn’t to enthralled by the story.
Rating: 7.0 — Buy
Justice League: Cry For Justice #7
I struggled through most of this series because I hoped it would get good. This was a series that had so much promise considering the team behind it. The art looked gorgeous most of the time but the writing unfortunately didn’t hold up so well. This issue was a lot of the same.
The good parts included the death because it wasn’t something I thought would happen and did. This is a great setup for the upcoming Green Arrow/Arsenal event type deal coming down the pipe. Well, now that I think of it that was the good parts. Outside of that this issue was filled with some serious head scratchers.
The main head scratcher for me was the ending. So Prometheus is so smart and has thought of everything but then Green Arrow can find him and do that without a problem?! Pardon my French but why the fuck didn’t Green Lantern just do that earlier? Having said how ridiculous the end was it still was my favorite part because the art portion was executed brilliantly. It looked damn cool even if it didn’t fit with the whole of the story logically.
If I could wrap this up and leave you with one thing it would be this. $3.99 x 7 issues = INJustice.
Rating: 3.9 — NO
Sweet Tooth #7
I would like to start this with a question if you all don’t mind. Is it just me or does the art on this baby seem to get better every issue? This issue had the best art the title has offered us thus far in my opinion. I still don’t thing the emotions of the characters is presented to full effect but I think even that is getting better. I feel like this is a title that started out good and is getting better every month.
This time around the post-apocalyptic animal child world we are shown a little more of the world and the horror show that it’s become. We are also treated to a little more of Jeppard‘s back-story and for the second month in a row he becomes more realized. I find myself actually enjoying his portion of the story much more than Sweet Tooth’s to be perfectly honest with you. I find him and his situation much more compelling; especially after the end of the issue.
Continued belowOne thing I will say about this title is that I am interested to see where it goes. For now the story and concepts are fresh and new but given a few years this could become stale and boring. It will be interesting to see what Jeff Lemire presents us with. For now though I am enjoying this title and the animal children who live there.
Rating: 7.8 — Buy
JSA All-Stars #4
I really dig this this book. I don’t think it is as strong as Johns and Eaglesham’s work but it’s enjoyable nonetheless. I think it has a great cast and Matthew Sturges seems to understand the connections between the team and even their villains very well. He provides us with all kinds of nit bits that make the JSA fanpeeps squeal with delight.
Let’s also not glaze over the fact that Sand is back! That’s right not Sandman and not Sandy but Sand! He looks as cool as ever and I think he could be a breakout character for this title over the course of the year if given the time he was given in this issue. I really enjoy the character and was stoked to see him get the respect he deserves.
I also want to quickly give a nod to Freddie Williams II as he again has given a great cover for this title. This cover is so whacked out and awesome. I mean how could you not look at that cover and think, “That’s fucking righteous!”? That’s right, you can’t. Just love it and dive into the book. I did and I was not disappointed.
Rating: 8.0 Buy
