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.
All-New X-Factor
Written by Peter David
Illustrated by Carmine Di Giandomenico
Reviewed by James Johnston
All-New X-Factor continues to be a really weird book for, well, all of us here at Multiversity. The last volume is universally considered amazing and while this volume hasn’t been anywhere near “bad” it hasn’t clicked the way it really should have. There’s definite improvement with Issue #3, with some developments with Quicksilver, Serval, and yet another character from the last volume. Di Giandmenico’s art is as kinetic as ever and even though it’s not quite perfect, it really kicks into gear for the last few parts of the issue. So while it’s hardly the X-Factor book we as a nation deserve, it might be on its way there.
Final Verdict: 6.4 – Browse.
That Cover of Gambit with Kittens
Illustrated by Kris Anka and Jared Fletcher
Reviewed by James Johnston
Look at that masterpiece.
Final Verdict: 10.1.
Avengers #26
Written by Jonathan Hickman
Illustrated by Salvador Larroca
Reviewed by Vince Ostrowski
“It’s an Avengers world.” That’s a phrase that Jonathan Hickman likes so much that he co-writes a different Avengers series named after it. But it’s in the title I’m talking about today that he really drives home that point. Never content to operate on just one level, Hickman is determined to explore the ghosts of “Avengers” past, present, and future. In the past, we see a familiar and classic-looking team operating in a very unexpected fashion. In the present, the snarky fun bunch that they’re known to be today thanks to Brian Michael Bendis, Joss Whedon, and Jonathan Hickman himself. And in the future, we see something harrowing. While Hickman’s “Avengers” work has been solid to this point, his post-“Infinity” work has more potentiality from a conceptual, era-spanning standpoint – though it doesn’t have that “oh, wow” moment yet. To boot, it’s also as slow a burn as it has been since its launch.
Salvador Larroca feels like the artist that the “Avengers” deserve at this point, as well. He’s doing inspired work in regenerating “Avengers” past look and feel and guiding the new team into the future. His has a particular knack for subtle comedic beats that the script affords him (something he pulled off quite well in he and Fraction’s “Invincible Iron Man”). If you’ve skipped Hickman’s “Avengers”, or jumped off at some point, it’s worth getting back on.
Final Verdict: 7.0 – Buy-rowse
Deadpool #27
Written by Gerry Duggan & Brian Posehn
Illustrated by Mike Hawthorne
Colors by Jordie Bellaire
Review by Vince Ostrowski
We’ve gotten three “types” of “Deadpool” issues since its Marvel Now! relaunch: the wall-to-wall hilarity of the flashback issues, the stunningly heartfelt and bittersweetly funny Declan Shalvey arc, and the rest of the issues, which tend to throw a lot of jokes at the wall with the hope that they mostly stick. The hit percentage of the humor isn’t bad, but there’s not much meat to the madcap otherwise. Some “Deadpool” fans will be happy to read this, but others will miss the delicate balance that ‘The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly’ arc had. In this issue, “Deapdool” dispatches a cadre of nameless, faceless guards and soldiers with a variety of bloody and humorous tactics in a light parody of the movie Alien – and that’s pretty much the issue.
Hawthorne’s art ably captures the madcap and random violence that “Deadpool” is known for, but doesn’t protect the humor from being, at times, a little much. That’s not really its job, of course, but the whole package would be a little stronger with the addition of some restraint by all parties involved. When the jokes are great, they’re really great though.
Continued belowFinal Verdict: 6.0 – Browse
Green Lantern Corps #28
Written by Van Jensen
Illustrated by Bernard Chang
Reviewed by Zach Wilkerson
It’s extremely impressive how the new Green Lantern creators continue to find new ways to shake up the franchise. Teaming up with villains classic lantern villains like Bolphunga and Hunger Dog, John Stewart sets out to find Von Daggle, the sole Durlan Green Lantern. Fans may remember Daggle from the black-ops themed “Dark Side of Green” arc in the previous volume of “Green Lantern Corps.” It’s great to see Jensen returning to what seemed like a forsaken character and concept. The Corpse isn’t the only aspect of the previous GLC volume that comes into play either. It’s great to see Jensen revisit these particular characters, which have been neglected for some time. Of course, it’s not all about the old, as Jensen continues to do great work with the Corps’ rookie members, who are a delight to read.
Although, the most interesting aspect of the book is arguably Bernard Chang’s fantastic art work. Chang’s angular, exaggerated style lends itself well to the various alien beings, especially the shape shifting Durlans. Colorist Marcelo Maiolo works wonders over Chang’s pencils, shifting color pallets in key panels for added effect. The artist even employs a few tricks from his work on “Green Arrow,” leaving high impact panels colorless, save for striking red highlights. With a team like this, “Green Lantern Corps” remains the best book in the Lantern line.
Final Verdict: 7.7 – Buy
Thor: God of Thunder #19
Written by Jason Aaron
Illustrated by Esad Ribic
Reviewed by Brian Salvatore
Perfect for Valentine’s Day is this tale of Thor courting a new love. At first, the issue was a little off-putting, if only because the tone was so different than the series has presented thus far. In fact, the first few pages felt a lot like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., heavens forbid. However, after our favorite god showed up, the issue improved immensely.
Ribic is back and, obviously, the issue looked like a million bucks, with every page being a masterclass on how to draw beautiful comics. He and Aaron took a few pages to get on the same page, but once they did, that old mojo was back. While I don’t find the story all that compelling from a plot standpoint just yet, I trust the creative team to do good things, and I’ll definitely be back for next issue.
Final Verdict: 7.0 – Buy
Review: Wolverine and the X-Men #41
Written by Jason Aaron
Illustrated by Pepe Larraz and Todd Nauck
Reviewed by James Johnston
As “W&XM” makes the home stretch to its finale, and eventual relaunch, there seems to be less of a focus on the grand epic finish and more on the personal moments. With that in mind, “Wolverine and the X-Men” #41 delivers in spades giving us a look into the life of Toad the Janitor, the book’s most underrated character. If you ever liked the guy who, with Larraz and Nauck on penciller duty straddles the line between adorable and grotesque, this book is going to be your second Christmas. Honestly, the entire feeling of this issue makes it all the more crazier that Aaron’s run will end soon as he’s definitely setting up some things for his successor Latour and the Marvel Universe in general.
Final Verdict: 8.3 – Buy!
