It’s Gil here, with some late reviews. I’ve had some issues,but I did my best to get them to you. This week I’m giving you Birds of Prey, Batman Beyond, Steve Rogers: Super Soldier, and Astonishing Spider-Man & Wolverine. The scoring system is as follows, and the reviews are behind the cut.
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
Astonishing Spider-Man & Wolverine
WRITER: JASON AARON
PENCILS: Adam Kubert
INKS: MARK MORALES
COLORED BY: JAYPO LLC
LETTERED BY: ROBERT STEENWolverine and Spider-Man have gone from the dawn of time to the end of time. Now they’re stuck in the future, which would be so bright were the sun not eclipsed by DOOM: THE LIVING PLANET! Not only did Dr. Doom conquer our planet, but he also conquered Ego: The Living Planet and is back to finish the job on Earth. Only Wolverine and the Phoenix Gun stand in his way. All this, plus a shocking end that will change the way you look at the two biggest Marvel characters, thanks to Jason Aaron (WOLVERINE, PUNISHERMAX) and Adam Kubert (ULTIMATE X-MEN, HULK).
I’m starting to hate filler. This issue seemed like it was nothing but filler. As it doesn’t really go anywhere nor do anything, this whole series is turning into a non-story of them trapped in time. Nothing really happens, except they run into problems at the end, and it’s solved by the beginning of the next issue. They argue, they fight, they threaten to kill each other, but then another menace shows up to distract them.
So far that’s how all the books have run. To say its irritating is an understatement as this book. Thank God for Adam Kubert though. His pencils have elevated this book from utterly unreadable to merely disappointing. This
This IS really disappointing though because Jason Aaron is such a talented writer. He currently writes one of the best series out there at the moment in Scalped. I’d hate for his books to suffer like Bill Willingham’s did.
At least this book introduced me to DOOM THE LIVING PLANET.
Final Verdict: 5.5 — Browse
Birds of Prey
WRITER: GAIL SIMONE
ARTIST: ALVIN LEE
COVER: ALINA URUSOVJoin writer Gail Simone and guest artist Alvin Lee as two Birds track down a missing team member in Thailand…where someone is hunting them to make sure they never return! Plus, the shocking events of BRIGHTEST DAY continue to rock Hawk and Dove, the newest recruits to Oracle’s organization!
This is an incredibly hard issue to review. It’s mid arc and there is a bit of filler, with some moments that were built up to be awesome but then quickly resolved as an afterthought. Savant and Creote, two characters of whom I was unaware before this book, were teased as this major plot point for Barbara, but they were quickly taken care of before I could say spit.
Otherwise, the book is a blast. The White Canary storyarc is a lot of fun to read, and the addition of the Penguin was a lot of fun. Sure he’s a rat bastard, but who cares? He’s THE PENGUIN! The White Canary story culminates in a twist that I certainly didn’t coming, which was appreciated. It sucks to see twists coming and you just feel underwhelmed afterwards.
Continued belowAnd then there’s the art. Alvin Lee and Adrienne Melo are worthy replacements for Ed Benes, as they’re Justas good of storytellers, and the art is almost indistinguishable from Benes. Everyone is sexy here, even The Penguin. The line work is stunning. I actually didn’t realize it wasn’t Benes until a second read through.
This book, while not being as good as Secret Six, is still a cut above a lot of DC’s stable. Check it out.
Final Verdict: 7.0 — buy
Steve Rogers: Super Soldier
WRITER: ED BRUBAKER
PENCILS: DALE EAGLESHAM
COVER: CARLOS PACHECO“Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Steve Rogers: Super-Soldier #3 (of 4) from Eisner Award-winning writer Ed Brubaker and superstar artist Dale Eaglesham! The sequel to the chart-topping Captain America: Reborn continues as a depowered Steve Rogers finds himself face to face with his newly revealed enemy. Stuck deep in the heart of his opponent’s lair, Steve has fought long and hard to unveil a global conspiracy, but can the 98-pound former Sentinel of Liberty make it out alive?
I think Ed Brubaker is a better Steve Rogers writer than a Bucky writer. This book has been worlds better than the main Cap book in my mind, and there are so many reasons why.
First, Ed Brubaker seems to get Steve more than any other character. His character work on Cap could have been cheesy in a lesser writer’s hand, but he made him like an American James Bond, nearly complete with an Aston Martin. I half expect him to ask to kick Machine Man’s ass shaken or stirred.
Espionage is really in his wheelhouse. If it’s crime or spies, Brubaker has it on lock. He also can write stories that still feel fresh, even if they’ve been done before. Look at Steve. He still kicks ass even without his serum, he utterly owns people three times his size. It makes me love him that much more.
Then there’s Dale Eaglesham. Arguably the best artist on the Marvel roster not named Stuart Immonen. His Cap is as iconic as his Fantastic Four and I truly think he is the heir to Jack Kirby’s crown. Steve is bad ass looking, and he still looks powerful in his weakened state. It’s just a gorgeously rendered issue, and probably the best of the week.
Flat out, this is one of the best books by Marvel and you should check it.
Final Verdict: 8.0 — Buy
Batman Beyond
WRITER ADAM BEECHEN
ART: RYAN BENJAMIN and JOHN STANISCI
COVER: DUSTIN NGUYENThis is it! The mystery killer is unmasked! The secret of the new Catwoman is revealed! Gotham City is under siege! Terry McGinnis and Bruce Wayne are at odds! And Batman is torn between duty, doubt, and a vengeance-crazed super-villain!
I like this book. A lot. Aside from Batman & Robin, it’s the best Batman book. It’s a great way to introduce Terry to the modern continuity like The Legion of Super-Heroes is a part of Superman’s. And I like the character of Terry and his relationship to Wayne.
There was a bit of a controversy in the comic community of which I’m a part. The twist at the end seemed to do the same to Dick that it did to Tim, but I see it a different way, especially seeing as how who the main villain is. I think the reveal is a red herring to blow minds, and it sure did. I really think the ending is not as bad as everyone thinks it is.
One problem I had was with the art. It’s a little sloppy at times, and it does detract. To its credit, however, it does follow the same themes as the old cartoon. It’s almost dystopian in its own way, and it does at least deserve that much credit.
The book is still worth it though. It’s a lot of fun. Fans of the old cartoon will definitely enjoy it.
Final Verdict: 7.0 – Buy
