Thanks to our reader Jacob Mounter’s suggestion, we’ve devised a new rating system for reviews that is a bit more fleshed out than our simple “Buy, Browse, Pass” system. We’ll now have a numerical breakdown with the numbers representing the opinions located below. 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.
Also, please note that these are the opinions of each individual reviewer. There is no such thing as a uniform opinion, but we do our best to represent these titles in the most accurate way possible, but quite often opinions diverge (i.e. Mark Waid’s Strange…liked by Matt and Gil, vehemently depised by Brandon and myself).
If you have any suggestions about ways to improve this system, we’re all ears. Please leave those in the comments.
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
Book of the Week: Siege – The Cabal
Matt’s Thoughts: I’ve gotta say – while I’m REALLY looking forward to Siege, all I could say beforehand was “How is he going to pull this off?” It’s not that I don’t have faith in Bendis – I do. I have quite a bit of faith, actually. But even so, it’s such a huge move, and it’s going to bring about a brand new status quo. All in 4 issues? How could this work?
Well, technically that 4 issues is now 5. This issue is the exact start of all of it that I was looking forward to. In fact, I can say without a doubt that I am now more excited for this event than ever. The prologue alone is great, and I was clearly wrong in the Saturday Showdown when we discussed who could be Norman’s secret weapon. I can’t wait to see who that really is. And all the previous speculation on what exactly is going on in Siege is not what I expected at all. In fact, the most interesting thing I thought is how Bendis tied this to Civil War – the main Marvel U event he didn’t write.
Of course, I do have one comment I feel I must make, and I hope that people who read our site can comment on this – am I wrong, but isn’t Asgard in Latveria right now? When Thor was banished, Loki tricked Balder into moving it, but when Loki’s treachery was revealed in the Giant-Size Finale, they didn’t make any mention of moving it back to the states. So… what’s up with that? Anyone? Anyone?
Aside from that though, great issue. And a great start to Siege. This event is going to be awesome.
David’s Thoughts: As groups of this sort are always quick to find out, parties of like minded, world conquering individuals are always destined for destruction. Of course, when you combine powers like Norman Osborn, Doctor Doom, and Loki, you typically find out quite a bit faster. Such is the subject of this issue, which kicks off our path to Brian Michael Bendis’ Siege; the event that all have his work in the Marvel Universe over the past seven years has led to. We now know how it will all start, but questions still remain. Who is Norman’s secret weapon? What will all of the heroes’ roles be in this? How will we get to the point where all the good guys are in fact good guys again?
All of that and more is coming as this issue promises. Bendis and Michael Lark provide an excellent issue to kick the whole thing off, but my only complaint is this: from my understanding we were supposed to be told who Norman’s secret weapon was in this issue. Yet we received only shadows. Alas, I should have expected it, but it is hard to argue that this was not disappointing. Still, one disappointment in an issue of this sort is still a victory, as they made a damn fine issue that really escalates the excitement for Siege. So in that regard, it really accomplished what it set out to do.
Continued belowGil’s Thoughts: The Siege is well on its way to starting, and you can see why. Norman has lost it, and the veneer of sanity is fading. His outspoken feud with Namor and Emma Frost, along with his general hatred for mutants seems to be guiding his actions more than he’d care to admit. And now, he’s starting to piss off the leader of Latveria? My Goodness, it’s really hitting the fan. I did like the reference to Civil War, as well. The book overall was well written, and the art was pleasing to the eye. I wish they had gone more into his secret weapon, but why would they?
Brandon’s Thoughts: Awesome stuff here! Doom vs. Norman was spectacular. The way the fight goes down is a lot of fun. I absolutely loved the Doombot shooting techno flies. It was great to see Doom standup and basically lay it out for Norman that he’s nothing but a piss-ant. Doom is a king and Norman is nothing more than the head of a governmental agency. Huge difference. It was great seeing Doom assert himself as the main man instead of a background lackey.
I did hope though that we would find out the secret weapon of Osborn’s. While I understand this is just the beginning and leaving people hanging keeps people interested I was really stoked that we might find out here. While we didn’t find out I did love the reactions of the Cabal to the mysterious strangers presence. The Hood’s especially made me die inside that I still don’t know who it is.
Siege: Cabal is a fantastic start to this event. I walked away from this issue really wanting to get into the event as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the first issue of the event itself doesn’t hit till next month. I guess the build up issues of Thor and Dark Avengers will just have to suffice for now. Shame on Marvel for wetting my appetite so and then leaving me hanging till next month.
MATT’S REVIEWS
Haunt #3
I’ve gotta say, (almost) everything Kirkman touches is gold. I had severe doubts about Haunt at the beginning because I know Mcfarlane’s opinion on creating too many flagship character. However, after three issues I can easily say that this book is off to a great start, and it really shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.
While I do believe the first two issues were a little slow (in comparison to the starts of other Kirkman books), this book definitely brought the story into full gear. Now not only do we have somewhat of a tangible villain, but there are people aware of Haunt who can help him. There’s also a legitimate definition of what Haunt “is.” While we all basically understood the concept (brother is possessed by dead brother and the two become super “hero”), there wasn’t an explanation in the book that existed. Now we know, in the realm of this universe, why he is what he is, and that greatly helps to enhance the story.
Of course Kirkman’s writing is top notch. I am really amazed because this, in all honesty, is such a break from his other Image super-title, Invincible. We all know that Kirkman can write a great horror book with Walking Dead and he can write a great superbook with Invincible. In this he has truly managed to combine the two elements into a furious force that grabs you as a reader and sucks you in fully to the story. I am continuously impressed by Ottley’s art as well because it is such a different direction than his work on Invincible. I think it’s interesting to note the clear color scheme that is apparent after three issues, and it’s actually quite close to Mcfarlane’s Spawn books. It works as a great addition to the Mcfarlane legacy all things considered.
Of course – I am a little bit withdrawn to see how the story may continue beyond the initial arc. While I do have high hopes and definitely plan to keep reading, I’d like to see some sort of counterpoint to Haunt’s super abilities soon. Either way, knowing Kirkman’s writing style, there are a few lines of dialogue that leave me with high hopes for the future, so I can say that right off the bat we’re having a great start with Haunt.
Continued belowFinal Verdict: 8.6 – Buy
Supergod #2
My goodness this title is kicking ass. I mean, it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. It’s Warren freaking Ellis! But the man continues to amaze me in his story telling techniques and what he’s able to come up with as a writer that somehow I am still surprised, yet eternally grateful I bought this book.
My biggest fear was that, with this being five issues not set as a volume (i.e. Ignition City, which is supposed to continue soon with a new mini (supposedly)) that the story wouldn’t be fulfilling enough. Oh how I was wrong. This is Warren Ellis we’re talking about, and we should never doubt (not to put the man up on too high of a pedestal or anything). As the story continues to unfold, we’re given an incredibly story of science and politics told only as Ellis can tell. In fact, in reading this I’m honestly curious why Ellis didn’t give a shot at going into science as his primary field! The story technique that Ellis uses, in not actually having any dialogue and having the story all being told as a recap with pictures of certain events, make for such an interesting and unconventional approach that you are quite easily drawn into the world as if you are being told a history lesson.
Of course, I would be remiss not to note the artwork by Garrie Gastonny. I am completely unfamiliar with his work outside of this book, but judging just from the pages of this issue and the one before it, I’d be absolutely fine with picking up any comic or trade just because it has his name on it. In all honesty, it kind of reminds me of a much more reformed Bryan Hitch. Gastonny has done a fantastic job bringing Ellis’ twisted creations to life and creating such a horrific world around them, all rendered in top notch form. His figure form is fantastic, and all his characters end up being incredibly realistic given the circumstances. Considering this book is very much image driven as much as it is a paragraph explaining, it would be hard pressed to succeed without consistent artwork. Thank (super)God for Garrie Gastonny, then.
All in all, Supergod is yet another incredibly exciting tale from Warren Ellis. I always love reading the creations of his warped mind, and am very happy with what I’ve bought in just two issues of Supergod. I can’t recommend it enough.
Final Verdict: 9.4 – Buy
Fall of the Hulks: Alpha
To be perfectly honest, I’m not entirely sure why I do this to myself. I’ve never really been a fan of the Hulk. I like the Hulk as an Avenger, but that hasn’t been the case for a long time. Then you have Greg Pak’s run of Hulk, with Planet Hulk and World War Hulk, and it’s really quite good! I mean, it’s still the Hulk and all, but it’s quite an enjoyable read. …and then came Loeb. And Loeb changed that. And now we have the “third act” to the re-invention of the Hulk (supposedly), and that’s the Fall of the Hulks event. And how do you start it off? By having Jeff Parker write it.
I want to get this out clearly: I have nothing against Jeff Parker. I will read a book if it has his name on it without assuming it will be bad, like I do with a certain other Hulk writer. That being said, every single book I’ve ever read by Parker I haven’t enjoyed, and this is absolutely no exception. I think the writing is incredibly poor, and I don’t think it flows well at all. In fact, reading it becomes more a chore than anything else. On top of that, I thought that the art for this book was even worse. Let’s look at the art of the other two Hulk books. Even Hulk looks better than this, and it’s a McGuinness imitation. I think it’s telling when the best looking character in your book is MODOK.
Continued belowYet I keep buying these books. I keep waiting for Pak to fix the Hulk books, but no matter what I don’t think that’s a viable belief anymore. While on one hand I will admit that the explanation for certain things about the current Hulk stories is interesting, and I actually did enjoy the “explanation” of the Red Hulk, ultimately these books are just as bad as I remember them being when I was little. While I still plan to read the Incredible Hulk that Pak is writing (because so far it’s been good), everything else just feels like a waste of time.
Final Verdict: 2.0 – Pass
Strange #2
Oh, Strange! Around the Multiversity “offices,” Strange is a topic of much contention. Some of us are vehemently against it. Others, like me, find it’s “quirkiness” amusing. And that amusing nature remains present in the second issue of Mark Waid’s exploration into the odder side of Doctor Strange’s newfound life.
Now, I can understand why certain people dislike this title. In all honesty, it’s kind of easily a throwaway. Dr. Strange has certainly been a love him or hate him character for some time now, but recently I feel a lot of people grew to love him more as Bendis used him and threw him in the Illuminati. Now Strange is reduced to jokes, sly commentary, and very few actual magics. I can see the inherent humor factor in it though, and I don’t take it so seriously as I might other work by Waid, like Kingdom Come. I still believe that Waid is a talented writer, and as much as this isn’t a great book, it’s still very much an enjoyable one.
For me, the reason I would keep coming back is the artwork. I really enjoy it and feel that, for the story being told, it is the main selling point. It’s kind of like the art in (what I’ve seen of) Runaways, Young Avengers, or even David Lafuente’s Ultimate Comics Spider-Man. It’s very much an “anime” style, and I enjoy it. Seeing as the book actually features Strange as the secondary character to his unlikely ward, she and her goofy blue hair are very fitting in this particular art style. I’ve gotta say, the art is what originally led me to pick up the book, and the art is what will keep me here for the last two issues.
I know some of us expected a dark and gritty Strange based on the cover art. To be honest, I would like it more. This book, while enjoyable to a certain extent, still doesn’t amount to anything special on the grander scale of comics to buy. I can easily say I was looking more forward to the latest issue of X-Babies than this! But I love Mark Waid’s body of work, and the art is really good. It’s not a fantastic book, but I trust in it to at least deliver an overall enjoyable story by the end.
Final Verdict: 4.1 – Browse
DAVID’S REVIEWS
Blackest Night: Flash #1
This is a really frustrating title to read. With the massive delays that are so abundant on Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver’s Flash Rebirth, this title feels incomplete. It’s following the end of that series, yet we’re nowhere near it as that doesn’t look to wrap up until January 27th of 2010. By then, we’ll be in the second issue of this series that immediately follow the finish of Rebirth. In short, this issue is starting with three quarters of a deck and an annoyed reader.
Thankfully (and frustratingly in its own right), Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins work so well together that this issue is still a success. I mean come on…you have Rogues going to confront Rogues, you have Barry Allen versus a Black Lantern-ized (we need a verb for that) Solovar, and you have the assembling of the speedster forces. This is an action packed issue from arguably the best writer in the business today, handling one of the characters that he has a better grip on than perhaps anyone. This issue is a success, but the order of operation issues effect the storytelling to the point where it hinders the release a good amount.
Continued belowScott Kolins of course has no fault in these delays, so he just manages to do what he normally does in creating some of the most kinetic and action packed speedster work around. While as per usual his normal complaints do stand out — his work is sketchy and line heavy — it’s hard to argue against his work in terms of enhancing dramatic tension and making the speed really leap off the page.
Overall, this title is not as big of a success as it should have been, but that isn’t because of the issue itself mostly. I’m still very excited about the rest of it, but I kind of wish it was just a Rogues series from the beginning.
Final Verdict: 7.5 — Buy
Thor #604
Kieron Gillen and Billy Tan have a tough act to follow. Having to follow J. Michael Straczynski and Oliver Coipel/Marko Djurdjevic’s run on the title is rough for anyone as it was critically acclaimed and a top seller. Yet, while reading this issue I was constantly thinking about how clever Gillen’s scripting was (I especially enjoyed the section where Donald Blake talked to Reed Richards on the phone) and how much Billy Tan’s art has improved since his run on Uncanny X-Men with Ed Brubaker. In fact, after the disappointing finale to JMS’ run, I’d say that I’m now extremely excited for the future of this title thanks to Gillen and Tan’s run.
Gillen has a tough first job regardless of who he was following, as he essentially has to start in the middle of an arc JMS started and wrap it up without giving up his own voice. He effortlessly covers all of the story beats, starting with the final fate of Kelda and wrapping up with the beginning of an epic showdown, and manages to capture the rhythms and tone of the title with expert precision. Even his handling of a perpetual goofball like Volstagg was spot on, and it is that type of attention to detail that makes me think this title will just continue to improve.
When I first saw Billy Tan’s work, I must admit, I was underwhelmed. His character models and faces were sub-par and generic and most of his action scenes felt glacial in their energy. In this issue however, he gives us an odd amalgamation of Coipel and Djurdjevic’s art styles, creating an emotive and powerful palette that fits the subject matter stunningly.
They had a similarly difficult act to follow like Jonathan Hickman and Dale Eaglesham did when following up Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch on Fantastic Four (or Andy Diggle and Roberto de la Torre following Ed Brubaker and Michael Lark on Daredevil). Just like those creators though, they managed to knock this one out of the park and say “JMS who?” Great work to the both of them, and I’m already excited for future issues.
Final Verdict: 8.8 – Buy
28 Days Later #4
This issue finds Selena and the crew of journalists she is taking to London face to face against a veritable fleet from the American Navy, and then it finds them with a very surprise visitor. I really do not want to say much else about what happens in this issue because it is fairly shocking, but let me just say that even with the subject matter of this title (comic book sequel to a particularly bloody zombie flick) this issue is particularly dark.
Of course, series writer Michael Alan Nelson clearly has a grip for this type of writing, as he pulls no punches and has no aversion to an exceptional body count. This issue he pulls out all the stops in streamlining the count of characters, but he doesn’t do so in a particularly intense way, but in a way that feels organic to the story. That is paramount to your success in survival horror stories, and he handles that type of storytelling with ease. Overall, the biggest complaint about this issue from a writing standpoint is that a breezy pace and a thinner plot leads to a quick read. While it’s better than something that is a chore to sit through, it is frustrating to pay $3.99 for a five minute read.
Continued belowSeries artist Declan Shalvey handles the events in appropriately dim and gruesome fashion, and his work continues to be atmospheric and well drawn. The primary complaint from the artistic standpoint has to do with his anatomy. What about it? Well, at a certain point it is almost impossible to tell exactly what the extent of a character’s injury is. While the detail can be forgiven if it is a particularly hard to render scene, this one should not be all that difficult.
Minor complaints though, as overall this issue is another success. All I have to say is this: if you enjoyed the movie, you should be picking up the comic. While it has yet to have any of the moments of restrained emotion from the film, it’s starting to move that direction I can feel. That is exciting in its own right.
Final Verdict: 7.2 – Buy
North 40 #6
Can I go ahead and get a hell yes for the most underrated mini-series of the year? This title wrapped up the series quite well, giving us not only wrap up to the conflict at hand, but also character development and an open ended finish. Aaron Williams and Fiona Staples have crafted a horror tale that touches on good versus evil as well as any title on the stands, yet never ceases to entertain or excite you as a reader. By the end of this series, you find yourself caring for the characters deeply and really pulling for their success, yet without too much success so we can make sure to have a sequel. Williams accomplishes this in spades.
Fiona Staples is the true revelation here though, creating art that is action packed, expressive, filled with tight characterization and clean lines, and just damn exceptional work. Her character models are unique and stunningly drawn, yet she never cheats with every bit of detail to each of them. Nor does she rob us of any background visuals, as every layer in sight is rendered in its full glory. Very few artists really go all this way, and Staples is part of that select group.
All in all, I greatly enjoyed this title. I really hope Wildstorm decided to provide us with a sequel, and when they do (not if, I’m a wishful thinker), I hope they manage to get the same creators back on board. I know either way that I’ll have to keep my eye out for these two creators going forward.
Final Verdict: 8.2 — Buy
GIL’S REVIEWS
The Sword #20
This issue kind of saddened me when I finished it. Not because it was a terrible book, or that it was disappointing. Not in the slightest. I was upset because I realized that after this book, there are only 4 more issues left. This really is one of my favorite series’ out there, because of its brilliant storytelling.
The Luna Bros. have an innate ability to make things worse than we can imagine, and then make it worse. It’s really quite amazing, and not a bad thing at all, from a creative standpoint. I just hope I never end up being a character in one of their books. Or maybe I do. I should find a way to be a minor character to be killed (early on, mind you) in their next project.
But I digress.
As if you couldn’t tell, I LOVE this book to death. The pacing is quite brisk, and is over before you know it, but that’s not because the plot is missing, but because the action is so engrossing, it’s over before you realize it. There’s even a flashback into Dara’s childhood, but it works perfectly with what’s going on in the present, you get a real sense of her motivation for her actions.
The story is almost over, but I can’t deny how special it is. Pick this up. Go back and read the trades if you need to.
Final Verdict: 9.0 – Buy
Continued belowPsylocke #2
I love me some Psylocke, which means I was so jazzed for the beginning of this book. I loved it too. The second issue, however, was a bit of a disappointment. I wanted this to be a story focused on Psylocke, and while it is; there is a random vignette starring Wolverine (again) and I don’t understand why. Unless this has something to do with the story (but why should it?), do not want.
That’s not to say I hated it. The action was up to the standard that befits a ninja like Betsy (Or Wolverine for that matter), but some of the art was…wonky. Faces looked really inhuman, especially as they were being knocked senseless. But these mostly belonged to nameless henchmen and background characters. Psylocke herself looks great, but so does Yukio (yeah, she finds herself in here too) and Wolverine.
I really can’t wait for the final battle with Betsy and Matsuo. But has he even shown his face? Not really, except in flashbacks. I almost feel like four issues isn’t enough to tell the story in hand. Unless the final issues is completely devoted to him, and even then, I don’t think that’ll be enough.
Final Verdict: 6.9 – Browse
Cinderella: From Fabletown With Love #2
I think this book shares a lot in common with Psylocke. Both star heretofore underutilized characters that finally get to shine by themselves. Both have the necessary ally tagging along for the ride, and both seem to have really unnecessary subplots weaved throughout the main story. I think the difference is that I like the addition in here (who doesn’t love Aladdin?) whereas I don’t care about Psylocke’s.
Something that seems to be missing here is some art consistency. I don’t think it was as good as last issue. The writing was still great, however, and I love the chemistry between Aladdin and Cindy. I actually hope they stick together in a Spy/Spy relationship. It’d be fun. The part that isn’t terrible but isn’t necessary either is the bit about her shoe shop. Her assistant wants magical shoes, and it’s just so…random. I can see how Cindy would want some, but her assistant? I don’t know, man.
Did I like it? Of course I did, but I did have some problems with it, as you can see.
Final Verdict: 6.3 – Browse
Superman: World of New Krypton #10
Continuing the West Wing on another planet that is New Krypton, here’s issue 10. I think that’s my favorite part about this series. It’s not about Superman dealing with Zod, no. It’s the political intrigue of a new planet having to meet its new neighbors for better or worse. This issue is no different, with the first murder on New Krypton, being committed on a member of the Council. Adam Strange is initially implicated, but is later exonerated due to not enough evidence.
The mystery itself isn’t solved, but I do think that it was sufficiently scripted to where I actually CARED. The art was not up to the level of other artists, but that’s not a bad thing in this case. When you compare to some of the artists on Superman lately, that’s a really high bar.
In no way was it perfect, but it was a fun little excursion into Superman playing the detective. Kudos goes to Robinson.
Final Verdict: 6.5 – Browse
BRANDON’S REVIEWS
JSA All-Stars #1
The first issue of JSA All-Stars is finally here. It’s a new direction for the JSA with two teams and two titles. For a first issue it sells the title and the concept fairly well. It still stings of similarity to the concept of New Mutants turning into X-Force though. The funny thing is there is even a joke in the title that pokes fun at this very comparison.
Matt Sturges’ seems to have a solid direction for the title and has scored himself a great assortment of characters to use. The Stargirl as a non target of villains plot continues in this title and seems to be the main plot outside of the formation of the new team and it’s need to gel as a unit. The first issue works well to sell me on why I should get the title, whom I’ll see, where they’re based and what kind of vibe to expect. I enjoy all of them.
Lastly, the artist of the title Freddie Williams II is an artist who has worked on such titles as Robin in recent years. This is a large step up in stature as far as I’m concerned. I feel the JSA is one of the elite groups and titles in the DCU. So having seen his work on Robin I wasn’t too excited to see him take on this title. In the past I have been critical of his work and it’s cartoonish look. Here I feel that he has stepped up his game to match the level of the JSA. While still slightly cartoonish he has reigned it in a bit. It still maintains his look and is distinctively him but has more of the good aspects of his work than the bad. Many more goods than bads. To be honest I was pleasantly surprised to see such good-looking pages. The cover to the issue is one of my favorites of the week nonetheless.
All in all as a big JSA fan I feel the characters and title are in more than capable hands. Now it’ll be fun to see if the JSA title can keep up. It’d be great to see the two titles work well together like GL and GLC do. A nice symbiosis between the titles where you can never be sure which title is going to top the other on any given month would be just fine by me. Go pick this baby up and get in on the ground floor for a new beginning for the JSA, DCU’s most prestigious team.
Final Verdict: 8.0 – Buy
Dark Avengers Annual
For the first few pages I really wasn’t to into the issue. I really enjoyed the Bachalo art but other than that it seemed like the issue was going to be an introspective look at the naive alien Noh-Var. Following a girl to ask her about her argument with her boyfriend? Really? Weak.
This issue turns around shortly after this as Sentry blows onto the scene and a throw down quickly ensues between he and Noh-Var. It’s a scuffle that Bachalo lays out for us in his unique style. As soon as the two get it on the issue picks up and ends up being an enjoyable read. You even come away from this with a new status quo and mission for Noh-Var. I won’t say what for fear of spoiling the cool turn of events for someone.
As I’ve mentioned, I really enjoyed the art. It’s truly great art from beginning to end. Well except for one thing. The new costume for Noh-Var looks awful to me. I’m not sure if it’s Bachalo’s interpretation of it or if it’s just bad. I honestly think it’s Bachalo’s interpretation unfortunately. Aside from that one issue with the art it is really a strong work by Bachalo.
In all I’d say this is a good read. Not great but it looks really pretty that’s for sure. I’d say if you can eat the cost of this pricey annual it’s worth your money. If you’re really tight on cash it might be worth it to decide how much you care about Noh-Var as the whole issue focuses on him and his future.
Final Verdict: 7.0 – Buy
Blackest Night: Wonder Woman #1
Greg Rucka has finally returned to Wonder Woman. While I do like Gail Simone on Secret Six I am not a fan of her Wonder Woman. Rucka I feel had one of the best runs on the title and he clearly still has the chops to write the character. While it was not the best issue out there it still felt like I was reading a Wonder Woman book as it should be done. The art is gorgeous as well.
The return of Greg Rucka to Wonder Woman would not have been complete without an appearance or mention of Max Lord. We get the closest thing we’re likely to get anytime soon in the appearance of Black Lantern Max Lord. It’s a fun interaction that results in more Wonder Woman on Max Lord violence.
While fun and good looking I did have a problem with the issue. That problem is that this tie-in succumbs to the age-old tie in to make money and not progress the story paradigm that so often haunts comic companies. This issue is a great nostalgic trip for those who remember the Rucka Wonder Woman run but it does nothing at all for anyone who just wants to read a Blackest Night story that moves the plot along. This is honestly an issue that could be missed by all but the hardcore Rucka Wonder Woman fans.
Final Verdict: 5.6 – Browse
X-Force Annual
Who knew Robert Kirkman was writing the main story with Wolverine taking on a whole host of Hydra? I know I didn’t when I selected this issue that’s for sure. Once I saw who it was that was writing it I was very surprised and instantly knew I was in for a treat as I love just about everything that Kirkman does.
Then I started reading the thing. I found it to be terrible at best to be honest. I found the whole thing so out of touch with the X-Force ongoing and more in step with the Deadpool books. It was way too goofy and the art didn’t help it one bit. There was no relevance to this issue at all in regards to what’s going on in the ongoing either.
Having complained that the Wolverine issue was too much like a bad Deadpool comic I gotta admit that the backup story featuring Deadpool was by far the best part of the issue. It had me rolling the entire time I read it. Especially excellent was his way of dispatching some baddies using one of the younger mutants. Great stuff.
So if you can find a copy to thumb through at your LCS then I suggest doing so just to read the backup. Skip the whole front section if at all possible.
Final Verdict 3.5 – Pass (only gets that thanks to the Deadpool backup)
