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.
Aquaman #23
Written by Geoff Johns
Illustrated by Paul Pelletier
Review by Vince Ostrowski
Continuing the ‘Death of a King’ arc, issue #23 sees a number of subplots converge into a single, violent conflagration. This is pure, balls to the wall action, with Arthur and his people caught between Xebelian forces, the Old King of Atlantis, and the Scavenger. Even though we’re five issues into this arc, none of these groups seem particularly well developed, making the altercation feel somewhat shallow. Converesly, the issue is a visual treat, with Paul Pelletier’s work being brilliant as ever. His rendering of underwater realms are almost mythical. Occasionally his characters are a little lacking in detail, but Rod Reis’ colors help bring them into perspective. It’s not a perfect issue, but the surprising cliffhanger will definitely make the two month wait for resolution a bit unbearable.
Final Verdict: 7.3
Batman/Superman #3
Written by Greg Pak
Illustrated by Jae Lee and Yildiray Cinar
Review by Brian Salvatore
This is the least successful issue of the series thus far, if only because Jae Lee is a little off his game here. The backgrounds in his sequences are basically just clouds, so it gives the impression that the story is taking place in heaven, and his subtleties between the New Earth and Earth 2 Supermen and Batmen have dulled, so sequences are a little confusing unless you’re concentrating totally on deciding who is who. The Cinar-drawn flashback sequence is the best part of the issue, as it pretty much perfectly captures the Golden Age relationship between Bruce and Clark (which makes sense, as Earth 2 is where the Golden Age heroes popped up). Greg Pak manages to be one of the best writers at managing to sneak humor in without it appearing out of place and not losing the serious tone of the story. There is also a nice dig at/reference to Man of Steel which made me chuckle. Unfortunately, this is a “putting the pieces in place” issue, and hopefully having next month off will get Lee back on track for this arc’s finale.
Final Verdict: 7.0
Deadpool #15
Written by Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn
Illustrated by Declan Shalvey
Review by David Harper
The Good, The Bad and the Ugly begins here, and this arc is set to bring a little seriousness into the heretofore mostly comedic run on Deadpool Duggan and Posehn have had. So far so good, as they pair with artist Shalvey to tell a lively, spirited story that gets into the strange sadness of Wade’s sociopathic behavior. When Captain America shares he is terrified because Wade is actually making a salient point, it underlines the severe issues he has in a humorous way. The main demerits from this issue stem from some moments where under-formed character models taint a page and the narrative gets a little hard to follow at the close of the issue, but overall, this is rock solid storytelling from three guys who get the character quite well.
Final Verdict: 7.5 – A good start that hopefully builds to something more
The Green Team: Teen Trillionaires #4
Written by Art Baltazar and Franco
Illustrated by Ig Guara
Review by Brian Salvatore
I’ll be straight with you guys – I really disliked the first issue of this series. It was slow paced, dull, and without memorable characters. While it is nowhere near perfect now, it has improved considerably since its debut. Each issue has a theme that permeates throughout it, and allows the story to work in a way different than the issue before it. This issue’s theme is humanity, and just about each conversation or action taken displays just how far someone’s humanity has eroded. Even the heroic actions don’t come without some sort of disassociation from morality. Ig Guara does his usual thing here, which is to say unspectacular but solid work, and Art and Franco tone down their usual humor and heart to bring a story that is different from anything they’ve done in the past. While still not a must-buy, the book has improved enough to be given a sporadic chance. Let’s hope it lasts long enough to see that promise fulfilled.
Continued belowFinal Verdict: 6.0
Knuckleheads #3
Written by Brian Winkeler
Illustrated by Robert Wilson IV
Review by Matthew Meylikhov
What if I told you that instead of whatever big event game changer comic you’re reading this week, you can read a comic about an overweight guy fighting Godzilla in his bathrobe with magic powers brought to him by what is easily confused with a low-calorie powdered beverage mix? Because if you ask me, I think that sounds a lot better — and it actually is. Irreverent and hilarious, “Knuckleheads” from Brian Winkeler and Robert Wilson IV is absolutely ridiculous, perhaps a touch degenerate and even demented — but it’s easily one of the most enjoyable comics out there. Wilson and Winkeler have found a way to offer a new but never the less entertaining take on the superhero deconstruction trope in a way that isn’t a slave to anything this book takes a stab at, and the seemingly effortless synergy between the writing and art makes it easy to read and enjoy this. For $0.99 an issue, it’s the definition of a “can’t miss” comic.
Final Verdict: 9.0
The Mysterious Strangers #3
Written by Chris Roberson
Illustrated by Scott Kawalchuk
Review by Matthew Meylikhov
While Oni doesn’t have too many ongoings at the moment, we should thank them immensely for putting out Kowalchuk and Roberson’s “The Mysterious Strangers.” While the first two issues of the series were both strong, it’s not until this issue that the series really hits its stride in terms of format and execution; the issue offers an immense cultural riff circling late 60’s pop culture, yet seamlessly interweaves it within the cult exploration narrative. Scott Kowalchuk’s art in particular has never looked better, as he illustrates the period this issue takes in rather sharply and distinctly, creating a wonderful and visually evocative issue; if you weren’t sucked into the book before, you certainly will be now. With wry humor and killer art, “The Mysterious Strangers” is an excellent new addition to Oni’s line-up of titles that will hopefully be running for years to come.
Final Verdict: 9.0
New Avengers #9
Written by Jonathan Hickman
Illustrated by Mike Deodoto
Review by Brian Salvatore
“New Avengers” is, perhaps, my favorite Marvel title of the moment, and this issue shows exactly why. In no other book are the stakes routinely so high, nor is there as much drama or perfectly constructed dialogue. This book has some absolutely brilliant sequences – from Namor showing just how much he hates T’Challa, to the great scene at the Jean Grey School, not to mention the amazing ending. I know that there are many among us who are not exactly fans of Mike Deodoto’s artwork, and while I won’t be running out to buy a sketchbook anytime soon, I don’t think the guy exactly does the issue a disservice either. I greatly enjoy his layouts, and while his finishing may need some work, I think his overall tone works well for the book, at least during the “Infinity” event. I don’t know if people picking this up because it is an “Infinity” tie-in will necessarily be a fan, but for those who were already reading “New Avengers” and is picking up “Infinity,” this is pretty much the best possible tie-in you want.
Final Verdict: 8.0
Uncanny Avengers #11
Written by Rick Remender
Illustrated by Daniel Acuna
Review by James Johnston
Rick Remender and Daniel Acuna continue their expansion of the Uncanny X-Force in this issue and to be honest, it’s pretty great. However, a lot of the cool aspects (The Apocalypse Twins, The Four Horsemen of Death, Sunfire) get overshadowed by everyone’s speeches. If you’ve been reading the series up to this point, you probably know that it’s about Mutant-Human relations. Not to say that’s not an interesting storyline to go with, just that Remender is honestly a little too verbose at points. Acuna’s art is good, but mostly for the “Uncanny X-Force” portions of the book. Scenes with the Apocalypse Twins, for example, are great while some other characters just don’t seem to fit his style. It’s nothing too drastic, but there’s a drop in quality between say any scene with the Horsemen or one with The Wasp. Seriously, her new costume is just weird. Overall, it’s a really entertaining title, but the dialogue needs to be cleaned up a bit as well as some of the art.
Continued belowFinal Verdict: 7.4 – Browse, buy if you liked UXF.
Young Avengers #9
Written by Kieron Gillen
Illustrated by Jamie McKelvie w/ Mike North
Review by David Harper
What else can I say about this book? It continues to build into one of the most consistently superb books in comics, as Gillen and McKelvie develop the cast and their relationships within the arc of a devastatingly effective story concept. Especially notable are the moments with Prodigy talking about his realization that he’s actually bi-sexual. It’s handled with the care and logic you rarely get on the subject in any medium, and it adds weight to the moment and a nice layer to the character. Throw in a bevy of absolutely fun story beats (the alternate dimension Young Avengers attacking Mother was brilliant), continued excellence in artistic storytelling by the completely unique talents of McKelvie, and the subtle brilliance of letterer Clayton Cowles in the lead up to the final page, and you have one dynamite book.
Final Verdict: 9.0 – Buy it or I’ll tell Noh-Varr you deleted his Gram Parsons collection
