There is a lot to cover on Wednesdays. We should know, as collectively, we read an insane amount of comics. Even with a large review staff, it’s hard to get to everything. With that in mind, we’re back with Wrapping Wednesday, where we look at some of the books we missed in what was another great week of comics.
Let’s get this party started.
Earth 2 #18
Written by Tom Taylor
Illustrated by Nicola Scott
Reviewed by Brian Salvatore
It is a pleasure to be able to say that this comic still has its charms, and works far better than it probably should be at this point. Sure, it feels little too much like “Injustice,” but Tom Taylor has introduced some clever elements (his reveal of whose mind is inside of Red Tornado, for instance), and Nicola Scott continues to bring her incredible artwork to these pages. My fear, which was greatest when reading this particular issue, is that any connectivity between this world and the “main” New 52 world would be completely severed. There was talk in the past about a “Justice League”/”Earth 2” crossover, and Taylor’s writing has made that seem less likely. That isn’t an insult or a judgement call; it simply seems like he is more comfortable in his own corner of the DCU. I’m sticking with this book for a least a few more issues, to let Taylor start to introduce more of his own ideas, instead of a hodgepodge of his and James Robinson’s ideas filling out the end of this arc.
Final Verdict: 7.0 – If you enjoyed Robinson’s run, it’s not too far off. If you didn’t, you might still want to stay away.
Superior Spider-Man #23
Written by Dan Slott and Christos Gage
Illustrated by Humberto Ramos
Reviewed by Zach Wilkerson
With his solo series cancelled, it’s fallen on Dan Slott and Christos Gage to determine the fate of Agent Venom, a.k.a. Flash Thompson. True to form, Slott delivers a major change in the character’s status quo. However, that just one of the many threads woven through the intricate fabric of Slott’s ongoing Spider-saga. While the Spidey/Venom fight (fantastically rendered by Ramos) takes center stage, Slott and Gage also juggle the growing Goblin army, Peter’s increasingly erratic personal life, and the scheming machinations of JJJ and Alchemex. The issue never feels bloated or segmented, however, as each plot point flows organically into the next. That synergistic storytelling makes Slott’s “Spider-Man” consistently one of the most fun and rewarding books on the stand, and issue #23 continues the trend.
Final Verdict: 8.5 – Buy.
Young Avengers #13
Written by Kieron Gillen
Illustrated by Kieron Gillen
Reviewed by James Johnston
Endings can be tough, especially for books that have rabid fan bases like “Young Avengers” does. In any other case, I’d say I was surprised by how “Young Avengers” #13 completely stuck the landing but with the talent and passion Gillen and McKelvie have it’s really not a shock. Gieron brings most of the threads from his run (not just on “YA” but “Journey Into Mystery” too) together in an engaging climax that’ll satisfy everyone from hardcore Marvel fans, shippers, and those who just love to watch Loki suffer. The real (five-pointed) star of the book, however, comes from McKelvie who seriously kills it this issue. Every other page in this issue skyrockets McKelvie to being a contender for artist of the year. Well, even more so. Seriously, the two page spread in this issue is beyond genius and McKelvie continues to redefine art in comics every time a new “Young Avengers” issue comes out. Also, “YA” still manages to have the best letter column in all of comics.
Final Verdict: 9.1 – Buy with all the passion your heart and wallet can muster.
