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Comic Book (sort of) Weekly Reviews – 3/21/12

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Brett

Another week down, hopefully I’ll speed things up and get caught up with reviews.

Avengers: X-Sanction #4 – Wow, just so bad. Why is Spider-Man in his black costume and Wolverine in his X-Force when they don’t wear it at all?! And that ending? This is the lead up to the war between the X-Men and Avengers and if it’s goal was to get me excited, I’m not.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.5 Overall: 6.5

Batman #7 – Batman suffers from the trauma he experienced from the Court of Owls and we discover the truth behind Talon. This is some of the best Batman I’ve read in years and Scott Snyder’s writing with Greg Capullo’s art is just beyond so much of the other material being put out there. Fantastic.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Captain Atom #7 – The concept of time is explored as we learn the origin of Captain Atom. Such a fantastic issue, I hope this series finds the audience it deserves. The art is fantastic, story top notch. A great series.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

DC Universe Presents #7 – Well, well done DC, another series I don’t have to buy. Hopefully the next arc is more worth it than this one. I just don’t care and I’m just not entertained about the Challengers of the Unknown.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Dominique Laveau: Voodoo Child #1 – Taking place post Katrina in New Orleans this is a pretty interesting story full of Voodoo, Vampires, Werewolves, Witches and who knows what else. There’s an interesting vibe to the series, but I’m not totally sold. It’s a decent start, but not quite the kick I was hoping for.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Fables #115 – Another chapter in the war in Oz, the toys of Discardia and the events going on in Castle Dark, so many stories, so much to keep track. Maybe too much to keep track? The series is still solid, I just think there might be too many storylines weaving about.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Fear Itself: The Fearless #11 – Is it just me or does Hellstrom’s actions and depictions not add up in the three different series’ he’s been depicted in this past month? As far as the rest of the story… yawn.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.5 Overall: 6.5

Generation Hope #17 – And that’s the end of the series. It ended much better than it’s been for quite a bit, but it still feels very junior league to me. The ending was ok, but I think Kenji was a waste of a character even though he was so stereotypical. Oh well….

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Green Lantern Corps. #7 – Stewart deals with his actions in an ok story that throws out a lot of possibilities in the future. We’ll see what all of this might lead to in the future, here’s hoping some decent emotional long term repercussions.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

Hoax Hunters #0 – It’s Scooby Doo and all of those ghost reality shows mixed together in an entertaining series collecting the short stories that’ve appeared before. The series is entertaining and fun mixing some light horror and humor with original ideas. The series will be kicking off into an ongoing soon and it’ll be great to see what they do with the ability to pull off a story over multiple issues.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

The Invincible Iron Man #514 – Tony is presented an option instead of facing a trial and like a game of chess so many moving parts are going on. It’ll be very interesting to see how this all plays out because as Tony hints towards the end, he’s a few steps ahead of the rest.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Justice League #7 – The main story was pretty damn bad. The quiet moments when the team is talking to Trevor is good, and the Shazam short story is interesting enough, but overall, this is supposed to be a top line DC title?

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.5

Kick-Ass 2 #7 – And that’s the end of the second volume. There’s some good stuff here, but it’s still mostly violence for violence sake. There’s a bit of character development and the third volume has potential to be much better than this second one.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.75

New Mutants #39 – If you need more evidence that Warlock in large doses is annoying… well here you go.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.5

Nightwing #7 – Seven issues in and it was all a lead up to a crossover with Batman and his Court of Owls storyline. Overall, we really still don’t get the why of it all, it just seems like an empty lead up to me.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

Rebel Blood #1 – Another hot series from Image that fills a nice horror niche. The series is great and left me not totally understanding everything. The story looks great and left me wanting more.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Supercrooks #1 – Why do criminals always commit crimes in cities where super heroes are? That’s the question this new series from Mark Millar and Leinil Yu asks. The series’ first issue is a solid start with some great action, great characters and solid art. The concept is good and this is a more subdued comic compared to Kick-Ass. This very well might be Millar grown up a bit.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.5

Supergirl #7 – Supergirl fights the Worldkillers and it’s all a set up for Doomsday to eventually show up. The art is great but story flimsy.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7

Thunderbolts #171 – Songbird goes on vacation and of course that goes wrong. The story is very meh, but I guess the point was to get Songbird to a certain point in her powers….

Story: 6.5 Art: 7 Overall: 6.5

Uncanny X-Men #9 – There’s an escape of aliens that make an otherwise boring day exciting, except the writing is bad, the dialogue laughable. The art is decent though.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7

Wolverine #303 – The battle between the Hand and Yakuza wages on in what I can only assume is a way to shake some things up when it comes to those entities in the Marvel universe. The story is ok, but I hate hate hate hate hate the switching of the art in the different chapters.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Wonder Woman #7 – Wonder Woman prepares for a trip to Hell and meets Eros and finds out a truth about the Amazons and any boys born. The story is ok, but not quite the quality we’ve seen from the series, depicting men as victims instead of strong women.

Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.25

X-Factor #233 – The team thinks Jamie is dead so they’re out doing some work for Val and Havok is in charge. The series veers from it’s usually noir feel with more of an action story, but the writing is solid as always.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7 Overall: 7.5

Comic Book (sort of) Weekly Reviews – 2/15/12

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Brett

I haven’t been catching up in my reading as much as I’d like… but I’m putting a big effort in this week…

Avengers #22 – Osborn’s actions are noticed by more than just the media. The President has to get in on the action and decide how he’ll react to Osborn’s rise. There’s some solid stuff here, but the political end of things falls flat.

Story: 6.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7

Avenging Spider-Man #4 – Spidey and Hawkeye team up for a pretty decent story. It’s a nice self-contained issue, but the art isn’t quite up to snuff. Not bad, just not great.

Story: 7.25 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7

Batman #6 – Batman’s battle with Talon and Court of Owls continues. So freaking good. Scott Snyder’s writing and Greg Capullo’s art is a team up from heaven. Amazing stuff.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Captain Atom #6 – A man or a rat? And does it matter? Captain Atom fights the being and contemplates how he was experimented on and became what he is. On top of that we’re flash forwarded twenty years to one hell of an event. The series is very good, I just wish more people recognized that.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

Daredevil #9 – Daredevil is going to take on the Mole Man, for some reason. The issue is solid, especially because of the art and how it plays with what Daredevil sees with his radar and what really awaits him. There’s a reason that Waid’s series has gotten so much praise. This is a perfect example.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

DC Universe Presents: Challengers of the Unknown #6 – There’s something old school about the issue and series, but I really don’t have much interest in the story.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.5

Fables #114 – There’s a lot of stories going on here. The Northwind training continues, there’s the story of a demented evil toy, folks check out Castle Dark and then there’s the revolution in Oz. So much going on and some is good and some gets the short shaft. Still, a solid series that always pays off.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Fear Itself: The Fearless #9 – We get a better sense of Valkyrie is up to, but as a whole, the series is a bit boring and rather long.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

Generation Hope #16 – Kenji and others plot against Hope…. I actually hope they kill her. Such a wasted character.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.5

Green Lantern Corps. #6 – The Lanterns take on an army and Stewart makes a tough choice to save Oa. There’s some items here that’s likely to have long term impact for the series and Corps.

Story: 7 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7

The Invincible Iron Man #513 – Stark and War Machine fight to protect the Chinese and Stark realises he’s caught in something bigger as it becomes clear to him that Stane and Mandarin have teamed up. But, it’s that last page that made me smile as we get a hint as to what’s to come.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

The New Avengers #21 – The other part of Osborn’s plan. We see him take on Cage’s team and I have to say a Wolverine vs. Clor fight is pretty damn cool.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Nightwing #6 – Dick learns who Saiko is as a benefit performance for his parents takes place. The story is ok, but overall, the story hasn’t hooked me quite as it did in the beginning.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Supergirl #6 – Anyone else feel like this whole Worldkiller thing is a bit too much like Doomsday? There’s some solid stuff here, but overall the story is so-so. I really wish the series focused again on Supergirl discovering her new world and figuring things out instead of this distraction.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

Thunderbolts #170 – The team escapes and there’s a glimpse of the future. The story is ok, but I’m not a huge fan of the time travel device. It’s a bit better of an issue than the last few.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

Ultimate Comics X-Men #7 – The issue is ok and I’m sure there’s much more to it for long time readers. The story plays a lot in what came before this current volume and for new readers, there’s just nothing there to really hook you or make you care about it. There’s something about Pietro’s actions, but what comes after is meh.

Story: 7 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7

Uncanny X-Men #7 – The fight in Tabula Rasa continues and a lot happens, not much I really care about. The follow up to the events in Uncanny X-Force has been a big disappointment.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

Venom #13.2 – The team takes on the denizens of hell. The story is drawn out and some of the art is great, but overall, this could have been a two or three part story.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

Winter Soldier #2 – The story involving sleeper agents and a gorilla wearing a jet pack and machine gun is fun and entertaining, but the art, while solid, is also a bit hectic, making it difficult to figure out all of the action like a movie with too shaky a camera. Overall a decent series, but there’s something not quite clicking from the usual quality I’d expect from a Brubaker book.

Story: 8 Art: 7.25 Overall: 8

Wolverine #301 – Wolverine continues to fight the Hand… again… and Sabretooth is there. The art keeps switching in the issue, which actually hurts the book. The story is ok, but nothing special.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Wonder Woman #6 – So much going on, just so much. Something isn’t clicking for me. The series is interesting but there’s just something I’m not following. A shame, because the series started so clear and was so good….

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

X-Factor #232 – Madrox’s journey ends, thankfully. Can’t say I was a fan of that storyline. But that ending could be interesting, or not….

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Comic Book (sort of) Weekly Reviews – 1/18/12

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Brett

Getting closer to being caught up with reviews….

Avenging Spider-Man #3 – So much fun and entertaining. The art is fantastic and the story got me laughing. If this is what all Spider-Man comics are like I definitely am missing something. Everything clicks here.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

the Avengers #21 – Norman Osborn takes on this team as well and kicks the crap out of them. Not a stand alone issue, it’s just a small sliver of the bigger story.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Batman #5 – The story has Batman captured by the Court of Owls and he’s being broken down mentally. The story is interesting, but mix it with the presentation and you have the best single issue so far this year. Absolutely amazing in it’s presentation and package.

Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10

Captain Atom #5 – Captain Atom is struggling with who he is and what he can do. He flies around and fights a thing. The art is still solid, but the story is not quite as good as previous issues.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.5

Chew #23 – As usual, the comic had me roaring with laughter. So twisted and so entertaining at the same time. There’s so much win in this one issue. One of the most unique comics on the market and a must read for everyone every month.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

Daredevil #8 –

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

DC Universe Presents: Deadman #5 – Deadman stands up for himself and holds all the cards. Will he be able to get out of the quests he must live through? The story is a decent ending, but overall, not sure what I think of the series as a whole. I think I’d rather have an anthology with shorter stories.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.75

Fables #113 – Speaking of short stories…. this one has a bunch of lessons to be learned with various short stories acting as the entertainment. It’s a break from the usual plot line, but that takes away from a rather complicated story. It’s a not needed distraction from the usual story.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Generation Hope #15 – Hope is standing up for Sebastian Shaw as others on the island don’t really like that there’s some mutants who are treated better than others. Overall, an ok issue.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7 Overall: 7.25

Fear Itself: The Fearless #7 – A lot of fighting and a big twist I didn’t see coming. Now I’m interested in seeing where this goes.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.25

Green Lantern Corps. #5 – We get the story behind the Keepers as Guy puts together a team to take them on. Lots going on in the Green Lantern world and a lot of history being revealed.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

The Invincible Iron Man #512 – Tony is dealing with his issues as so many people are out to get him. On top of that a war is breaking out he needs to help stop. The series isn’t quite as good as it was pre-Fear Itself, but it’s still damn good.

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Moon Knight #9 – Moon Knight takes on a big baddie as his mind continues to shatter. It’s awesome cutting back and forth between the fight and his preparation and that ending is awesome.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

New Mutants #36 – The team fights a being from another world and I yawn.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Nightwing #5 – Um, what the hell did I read. There’s some ok stuff, but the story with a demon falls flat.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.75

Supergirl #5 – Supergirl heads to Krypton to get answers. The story is ok, and doesn’t have quite the emotional impact it should, but there’s some great art at points. There’s definite quality here, it’s a series that’s trying to find it’s role right now.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

Superior #7 – And that’s the end. With one hell of a fight scene and a rather touching post fight wrap up, Mark Millar shows he doesn’t have to dip to the lowest level to tell a good story. The series is great and I can’t wait to see this on the big screen, should be one hell of a movie because it’s one hell of a comic.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

Thunderbolts #169 – The team is now in Camelot times. The story is ok, but there’s something about the time travel arc that just doesn’t click with me. The story is good, I’d imagine many will like it, but I’d rather have them in the present and move on with the story of the team dealing with their being on the run.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #6 – I still dig this series as Miles Morales deals with being the new Spider-Man. His uncle heads to Mexico and there’s a lot of foreshadowing. The art takes a dip, but the story and the enthusiasm that oozes from it is so much fun.

Story: 8.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 8.25

Uncanny X-Force #20 – Hmmm, so much I want to praise and so much wrong. The series is very much deep in “X” continuity with a concept only hardcore fans will enjoy. The story has Fantomex put on trial and the team needing to go save him in Otherworld. There’s a lot that’s good, the team interaction and ideas, and lots that’s wrong, the story is a bit muddled. Not a good start for the next story arc.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Uncanny X-Men #5 – The fallout from Archangel’s decent into madness is being investigated and there’s a lot that’s interesting here. The art doesn’t fit at times, nor does some of the characters’ statements. It’s good though, better than what’s come before. That ending was interesting, not sure what to expect.

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

Venom #12 – We find out what Venom is supposed to steal and he loses his shit when it becomes clear. Lots of fighting all to get him to a different spot and in Vegas. We’ll see where the next arc takes him, this one started out solid, but ended a bit flat.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.25

Wonder Woman #5 – What the hell did I just read? The story is off, the art is off. Something just didn’t sit right with me this issue. Not the best it’s been in the past. I know this creative team can do better, we’ve seen it in the four previous issues.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 12/21/11

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Brett

It’s the second last week of comics for the year. What was worth it? Find out below! A bit late, but better than never.

Avengers #20 – Osborn and his band have come out of the woodwork and get the Avengers off their game. As they attempt to kick up some leads, Osborn has some other plans. The story is really just a sliver of what’s going on as there’s more in the other Avengers title. Overall though, it feels like a solid threat for them to face and it’s pretty entertaining so far.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Batman #4 – Bruce and Dick have a conversation and we learn some earlier detective work Bruce did concerning the Court of Owls. Overall, these first four issues are a solid start and mystery that seems worthy of Batman and it’s a nice beginning for new and old fans alike.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

The Bionic Man #5 – It’s a new Bionic Man for a new century and Steve Austin has a whole new bag of tricks. Austin also meets his nemesis. It’s Bionic Man 1.0 versus Bionic Man 2.0, fight! The action is great, tech is cool, story and art top notch. I was never a big fan of the television show, but Kevin Smith and Phil Hester have done here like they’ve done for the Green Hornet, got me interested in an updated and fun property.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Captain Atom #4 – Captain Atom still attempts to figure out his role and tries on a military one for a bit. There’s also a bad guy moving around, looks like we have the first villain, whatever it is. The series is unique and I think amazing to look at. The art and coloring is so cool. Definitely a series I’m happy came out of DC’s shake up.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25

Daken: Dark Wolverine #18 – Daken seeks out the Runaways for help as the series begins to wind down. Daken’s battle with Roston continues, but the art seems to have dropped a bit. Sad this series never really took off, because when it was firing on all cylinders it was quite good.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7 Overall: 7.25

Daredevil #7 – It’s a Christmas issue as Daredevil takes some kids out on a field trip, but of course that can’t go right. The art is fantastic and story pretty good. It’s a good single issue to check out to see what the buzz is all about. Mark Waid has made this one of the top series that Marvel is putting out.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

DC Universe Presents: Deadman #4 – Boston Brand wants to know the point of it all and to figure that out he has a chat with the Son of the Morningstar. This issue is one long philosophical debate about the meaning of life, death and our relationship to God. If you’re interested in those things, it’s a top notch issue that leaves you with more questions.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Fables #112 – In this Christmas theme issue, Rose Red must decide what type of avatar of hope she’s to become as she travels around A Christmas Carol style. There’s a lot set up here in an issue that for most would just seem like a holiday tie-in. The series is a slow build, and the latest arc is just getting under way.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Fantastic Four #601 – Wow, this issue puts the epic in galactic. The Kree decide to annihilate Earth, the Inhumans are pissed and Johnny Storm is in control of the Annihilation Wave. Jonathan Hickman has been leading up to this for what seems to be like years and it’s been completely worth it. Absolutely jaw dropping and exciting.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Fear Itself: The Fearless #5 – Um, that was a bit easy. Crossbones gets yet another hammer, this one was ridiculously easy to get. The follow up to Marvel’s stinker even Fear Itself, is turning out not much better.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7 Overall: 6.5

Generation Hope #14 – The team finds Sebastian Shaw and fight some really random enemy that’s not fleshed out at all. It might have been just better to have them find the “new light” and deal with Pakastani military, especially with what’s going on. Overall, just ok.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

Green Lanterns Corps. #4 – The Corps. has had to retreat and try to figure out what they’re up against when a being decides to help them out. Looks like this enemy might be part of a much bigger storyline. Can’t say I dig the eventual reveal as to what they sort of are, but it’s all pretty interesting.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

the Invincible Iron Man #511 – All hell is breaking loose for Stark. It’s gotten out about his drinking, he’s dealing with getting the crap beat out of him and Stark Resilient is under assault as well. Matt Fraction keeps up the heat and the series is running strong after it’s slight distraction from Marvel’s summer event. He’s used that to make Stark’s life even crazier and set up more obstacles for him. Just excellent.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Justice League #4 – The team continues to get together as Cyborg gets rolling. It’s just a slice of the bigger story and doesn’t stand on it’s own, but there’s a lot here to enjoy. Darkseid makes his appearance and we learn their goal (but can’t say I generally like it). The team dynamic is getting there though. As a single issue, it’s a skip if you haven’t read the previous three but it’s good as part of the bigger storyline.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.5

New Mutants #35 – It’s the New Mutants versus a band with powers. Um yeah… can’t say the series is getting me really pumped.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

Nightwing #4 – Barbara Gordon pays a visit to Dick and they take on a bad guy trying to sell some microchips. The story is ok, but it’s really about the interaction with Babs and Dick. The rest you can skip.

Story: 7 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7

Supergirl #4 – Supergirl is captured and is still figuring out her new world and powers. The story is pretty good to start off the series and the fish out of water aspect is a nice twist. She doesn’t know who Superman is, what happened to her world or why she’s on Earth, all of it creates a mystery that’s entertaining and makes me want to stick around.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #5 – An interesting story that flashes back and forth between the modern day and feudal Japan. The stories I guess are tied together, but I don’t quite pick it up. There’s also a nice Christmas theme about it all as well, with the Turtles finally getting something we’ve been waiting to see. A perfect jumping on point for new folks.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Thunderbolts #167 – The Thunderbolts, through time! I’m just not feeling this storyline, though their arc dealing with Jack the Ripper is done with. There’s nothing bad about the comic, but can’t say I’m really enjoying it either.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #5 – Miles is wearing Peter’s costume and some folks think that’s a bit disrespectful. It’s Miles Morales versus Nick Fury, Spider-Woman, Hawkeye and Iron Man… sort of. The group has to decide what to do with the new Spider-Man and Fury has a bit of a chat. I’ll admit by the end I had a smile on my face. Instead of disrespecting what’s come before Miles and writer Brian Michael Bendis are honoring what’s come before.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Uncanny X-Force #19 – With the epic story closed, where does X-Force go from here. There’s Genesis to deal with and that leads to Logan and Hank having a tense conversation. There’s also now a goal for X-Force. It’s going to be the fighting force to make sure the kids don’t have to. Through evil deeds, good may come. There’s also the question as to why Fantomex did what he did. That’s discussed and turns pretty interesting as well. Rick Remender has given us the best “X” series hands down.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Venom #11 – Hmm, that was certainly interesting. Jack O’Lantern and Venom are doing the comic book version of a buddy road trip and a good chunk of the comic has the two of them in a diner. That’s the part that just blew me away. Discussion of Jack O’Lantern’s origin is just twisted and that ending made my jaw drop. This is a solid issue when it slows down and focuses on the characters and what makes them.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5

Wolverine #20 – Wait, what the hell just happened? How is HE back!?

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Wolverine & the X-Men #3 – The team continues to fight Krakoa and Sauron and Wendigo as the Hellfire Club watches. The issue is kinetic fun and just over the top. I found myself laughing and enjoying the action. The characters are fun and entertaining. Out of the two factions now the “X” series has split, Wolverine’s has the edge.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

Wonder Woman #4 – Wonder Woman gets away and Hera pays a visit to Paradise Island. It’s all very interesting backed up with some fantastic artwork. Wonder Woman has become one of the best series of DC’s new 52.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

X-Factor #229 – Um, what the hell is going on? Looks like Madrox is being pulled to different worlds as other versions of himself dies. It could be interesting or it could make no sense, like it does right now.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

X-23 #19 – The art is absolutely fantastic, story… not so much.

Story: 6.5 Art: 9 Overall: 7

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 11/16/11

Posted on November 20, 2011 by Brett

A thick stack of books this week. We’re coming up on the end of the year, what’s going to make our best of list? There’s only a few weeks left for comics to qualify. Find out if any of this week’s comics stand a chance below.

The Avengers #19 – This continues the transition as we find out who is going to be a member of the new Avengers team. Unfortunately, while there’s a lot of discussion of who might be on, we’re not given tons of reason of the why. The team though seems interesting. The other focus is Osborn’s escape. There’s a twist at the end as well that I didn’t expect, that’ was pretty damn interesting. Overall a ho-hum issue that looks to set up a decent upcoming story arc.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

Avengers Academy #22 – With the academy on the West coast close to Utopia it was only a matter time before Cyclops, Magneto and others paid a visit. That’s happened sooner than later with a rather silly fight breaking out. The issue could have had some great emotional impact with Magneto’s seeing Quicksilver, but a needless fight just dilutes the situation and makes it rather eye rolling.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Batman #3 – We’re dragged further into what exactly the Talon is and what it has to do with Bruce’s relatives. It feels like a bit of a stretch as far as the family connection, but I like the pacing and some of the ways the story is laid out. The art is fantastic as well. Out of all of the lines DC has, the Bat one is definitely the strongest and this series is a good example of that.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

The Bionic Man #4 – I’m not sure if the “we can rebuild” it refers to the actual making of the Bionic Man or Kevin Smith and Phil Hester’s ability to breath new life into this franchise. The build up is fantastic and there’s tons of winks and nods throughout the comic, including why the nu-nu-nu happened anytime Steve Austin does something. There’s a lot of explanation of the process which makes it seem that much more plausible and adds a bit of realism (especially that the writers have thought it through). The series has been a slow start and it’s taken four issues to get to this point, but it’s well worth.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Captain America #4 – Cap is still stuck in the dream world as we get to see some of the bigger plan as well as the motivation. The issue is interesting, but there’s too much “Inception” in it without really using that movie’s landscape bending abilities. The story is decent, but it actually doesn’t go far enough to show us the entertainment that a world without rules could be.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.5

Captain Atom #3 – Some amazing philosophical questions are thrown out there as far as Captain Atom’s powers and his ability to “play god.” What should he do? What’s the difference between his actions and miracles? That’s all thrown out there. Also, he meets up with the Flash in Libya dealing with that situation. DC promised heroes dealing with real world situations and it looks like they’re doing just that. An amazing issue.

Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

Deadman #3 – Really this is Quantum Leap in comic book form, but there’s certain parts of this issue that are heart wrenching. The comic has an emotional impact and it’ll be interesting to see this story arc through completion. So far so good in what’s been one of the standout series of the DC relaunch.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5

Fear Itself #7.3 – During Fear Itself, what happened in Paris opened up a storyline that could have been explored for years. Unfortunately, in this one issue, that pretty big act has been undone. That’s the bad part. The good part is that Tony decides to see the Grey Gargoyle and discuss what it is to be a God and what happened. That part is an interesting conversation. Overall, hopefully we see the PTSD impact I’d expect from what Tony has gone through and here’s to some decent stories in the future even if the horrific act committed is undone with a flick of the wrist.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.5

Fear Itself: The Fearless #3 – Generally not feeling this twelve issue limited series that follows the chase for the hammers left on Earth. The story is meh and there’s some poor attempts to tie in the past and the present. The follow up mini-series is of the same quality as the event that proceeded it.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

Generation Hope #13 – The series has only glimpsed what it could be in the short year it’s been around. I haven’t praised the series too much and with this first issue of it’s new creative team it also shows what could be. The art is improved in spots, but is still inconsistent. The story is also inconsistent. I’m sticking with the series in hopes it sees improvement, but so far I’m weary.

Story: 7 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7

Green Hornet #19 – This is the first issue I haven’t liked a whole lot. We learn the origin of the Red Hand and the way he’s defeated is meh. Something is off with this issue, both in story and the art.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Green Lantern Corps. #3 – It’s a last stand as the team dispatched to fight a mysterious enemy hold out for the cavalry to arrive. The story is interesting, but it’s a small part of a larger story. The larger story is really a draw, this one issue doesn’t stand on it’s own.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

Justice League #3 – Darkseid is looming as the team continues to gather. There’s an interesting dynamic going on and I can’t say I’m a fan of all of the depictions of the characters, but overall the series is pretty damn solid and gives the feel of that big story you’d want and expect.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

New Mutants #34 – The team begins to settle down and see what a normal life is like, but at the same time they’re on the lookout for Blink who is hopping around where strange weather phenomena are occurring. The issue is interesting and series has potential, but I remain skeptical to see if it ever finds it’s own voice.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Nightwing #3 – Hmm, it’s interesting to see them try to flesh out Dick’s life in the circus, and it’s interesting to see where the series goes, but the idea of a killer going after Dick, for something, just doesn’t seem to jarring to really get me excited. These first three issues have been one big set up. We’ll see what’s actually used going forward after this arc wraps up.

Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7

The Punisher #5 – An interesting issue that’s supposed to make you think of what a soldier doing their duty is. It could stand on it’s own, but is a follow up to the previous issue. The story takes place 100 days since his ass whooping and the Punisher is on the mend healing his wounds. Not the best of the series, but not too bad either.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

Supergirl #3 – Kara is still getting acclimated to her new world as Superman attempts to give her the rundown. We also get to find out who the bad guy is. It all really doesn’t have much interest in me. What does seem interesting is Supergirl’s learning of her new world and coming to grips with her new reality and the fantastic art.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.75

Thunderbolts #165 – Generally an enjoyable comic, but there’s something missing about it. I generally don’t like time travel stories, and this is really just that. Overall, not bad, but not great.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.25

Ultimate Comics X-Men #3 – Stryker continues his plan as the X-Men are on the run and the team begins to form up a bit. It’s all very interesting, enough to make me want to go back and see everything I’ve missed. Overall, this has the danger and excitement that’s been missing from the 616 X-Men for some time.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Venom #9 – The emotional trauma has been building up for some time and a villain attempts to take advantage of the chaos post Spider-Island. During the crime spree he kills a few pedestrians which sends Venom over the edge. The series has a nice feel of a man living on the edge which I hope it plays up more as it gets back to standing on it’s own.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

The Walking Dead #91 – It feels like the usual calm before the storm. The group is dealing with winter and dwindling supplies as Carl learns to live with his injury. Tensions are mounting and I’m sure it’ll explode into something big knowing Kirkman.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Wonder Woman #3 – We get the truth about Wonder Woman and her lineage as some Amazon’s aren’t too happy with what’s occurred. The first three issues have been interesting, setting up the new status quo. The art is fantastic and overall this series is one of the better DC is putting out there.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

X-Factor #227 – Lots of fighting, kind of silly, but that was an interesting ending….

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

X-Men #21 – A small nation is gathering Sentinel technology to defend itself from anything. That’s interesting but would be even better if compared with the right of Utopia to protect itself.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

X-23 #17 – Laura gets a call from the Future Foundation, to babysit. The story is cute and fun, but it’s the art that stands out, back to the anime inspired look we saw a few arcs ago.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.5

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 10/19/11

Posted on October 29, 2011 by Brett

A week behind in comics, but I’ll be caught up with reviews this weekend. What stands out? What’s not worth the read? Find out below!

The Avengers #18 – The battle is over and Avengers Tower has fallen, so everyone has gathered in the mansion. There’s also a back story about a former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. That’s all that really happens. The cover asks who will be a part of the Avengers, and it’s not answered in this issue.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7

Batman #2 – A pretty solid second issue. There’s a nice mystery here and we still don’t quite know who or what the villain is. Unfortunately, an interesting character is done away with and part of the comic stretches belief a bit, but an entertaining comic.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

The Bionic Man #3 – Steve Austin is a broken man and an offer is made to him that’ll change his life. But, the world thinks he’s dead and he wishes he was. The series isn’t as straight as the original and seems that it will focus a bit on a man whose life is shattered and has to deal with not being the man he once was.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Captain Atom #2 – This second issue gives us a bit of the origin for Captain Atom and we learn a little bit more about his powers. I like how the issue slows it down a bit having the character taking on a very real opponent instead of some grand villain. It’s a quieter issue for the series and I think it actually improves upon the first.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

DC Universe Presents #2 – The second issue sees Deadman attempting to figure out what the hell is going on and what his mission is. Not quite as good as the first issue and I can’t say I was a big fan of the denizens of the club he visits, but I like the overall direction of the comic. An interesting take on the character and fun to see a non-superhero comic be a part of DC’s new 52.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Fables #110 – The debate as to who will be the next North Wind continues as the other three winds plot about how to handle the situation. Meanwhile a revolution is brewing in Oz as more and more allies join the team. The series has a lot going on, and I can’t help but feel what’s going on in Oz isn’t similar to things we’ve seen before. Still, an excellent series.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Fear Itself #7 – The final issue of the main story would work much better as an animated movie with such action, but it’s the numerous endings that steals any emotional impact at all. This isn’t really an ending at all, but the beginning of what comes next. For such an event, it feels hollow in a way as it just leads into an even longer story. No real conclusion steals any impact that might have been had.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7

Fear Itself: The Fearless #1 – The first of the series to spin out of Fear Itself picks up right where the event ended with the decision as to what to do with the hammers being made, others would disagree or try to gain them. Interestingly enough, this first issue is better than the series it spun out of.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Fear Itself: The Homefront #7 – Generally forgettable, the final pages to Speedball’s story is ok, and the last story is actually pretty decent, but overall this miniseries, like so many tied into Fear Itself, wasn’t a must read and added little to the overall storyline.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Fear Itself: Youth in Revolt #6 – That last little bit with Prodigy was awesome, really funny. The rest of the comic, especially Thor Girl’s bit, what the hell!? Especially Thor Girl’s part! I’m just totally confused.

Story: 6 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.25

Green Lantern Corps. #2 – Looks like Guy and his team have bumped up against a bunch of other folks who use willpower. The story is pretty crazy and entertaining and that ending was really solid. It seems quite a few of the DC revamp second issues haven’t lived up to the first, but this one remains solid.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Invincible Iron Man #509 – The back story of how the heroes got their weapons from Odin ends here and that part is forgettable. What’s great is Tony struggling with his drinking and what happens to Pepper. Not as solid as past issues, but the story works, even if it’s tied into Fear Itself and that’s primarily due to it’s focus on the human aspect of it all.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Journey Into Mystery #629 – The first half of the story I wasn’t the biggest fan of but the end where Loki discusses what he’s done and what the reaction might be is fantastic. I can’t say I’ve gushed over the series, but I’ve really appreciated it’s style and what it’s doing. Now that it no longer has to deal with Fear Itself, I’m expecting some big things.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Justice League #2 – The team is still coming together and I can’t say the character portrayals is all that good. Superman is still a dick and Batman like a dad, but Green Lantern and The Flash have a nice thing going and hints there’s been interaction before. The story slowly is revealed and it’s ok. If this is the lynchpin of the new DCU, it still needs some help.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.75

Nightwing #2 – Nightwing/Dick Grayson seems to be getting back to his roots with the circus in this series. It’s nice to see him getting pulled back to that and that makes him unique from Batman. I’m not quite totally sure where the series is going, but so far so good. I really like Dick being the playboy he should be, there’s something fun about his version of it, like you get a sense he’s having fun versus Bruce’s brooding. Not great, but an entertaining second issue.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Superboy #2 – An interesting second issue, what might keep me going with the series is it’s tie in with the Teen Titans. I really like Superboy’s attitude and what they’re setting the character up as, but the rest is meh. I feel like I’ve seen it before. It’s all interesting, and the question of where it’s going may keep me around, but none of it is totally original or stands out.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25

Supergirl #2 – We learn Kara/Supergirl’s connection to Superman, but not the why she’s now on Earth. I’m digging the story. Her reaction seems natural and there’s a slow progression I dig. This is a series I’ll be sticking with for a bit I think, cause I really like what I’ve read so far.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Superior #7 – Become a super hero at the cost of your soul, that’s all one handicapped kid has to do to become god-like. This second to last issue is utterly fantastic in the type of series Mark Millar should constantly be writing. There’s a few holy shit moments and some great personal ones as well. Beyond top notch.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.5

Ultimate Comics Hawkeye #3 – Hawkeye and his team assault the two cities. There’s some cool moments, but this third issue isn’t quite as tight as the first two. Still, entertaining.

Story: 7.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.5

Uncanny X-Men #544 – A pretty solid look back at the X-Men with some great interaction and discussions between various folks. There’s also a lot of hints as to what’s to come as we see the next villain the X-Men will face. A bitter sweet end.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Wolverine #17 – Ok, now this is the type of Wolverine story I like. Before heading back East, there’s still some things Wolverine needs to take care of in Chinatown. A great mix of humor, action and a touch of heart. After a few arcs of Wolvie I haven’t enjoyed, it seems we’re getting something I can finally get behind.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Wonder Woman #2 – We’re given a story about Wonder Woman’s origin, but I’m not convinced that’s the whole story. Overall, a really entertaining second issue that has this series standing out as one of the best of the DC relaunch. Great art and a solid story.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

X-Factor #226 – The team is back in all of their entertaining form. Great banter and interaction and some things I wasn’t expecting. After a few issues that seemed very off in tone the team is back on track it’d seem.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 9/21/11 DCnU Week 3

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Brett

It’s the third week of DC’s reboot, filled with some great issues and a few stinkers. What’s worth picking up and what should you skip? Find out below.

Batman #1 – Scott Snyder seems to be the future of DC comics and this issue is the perfect example why. Perfect in every way, the story sets a tone and introduces the characters for new readers, but adds more than enough for the vets. Add in Greg Capullo’s amazing artwork and it’s easy to see why, so far, this is the best of DC’s relaunch. Absolutely fantastic.

Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5

Birds of Prey #1 – A decent comic focusing on two tough women (so far) that gets you right into the action. The story keeps you on your toes, but it’s just a small slice, and I’m torn as to whether or not there’s enough there to get me interested in the long run. Basically, someone is gunning for Black Canary and EV, but we don’t know who. There’s a few holy shit moments. If a movie opened like this, it’d absolutely get me hooked to see what happens next, but for a comic, it comes off a bit empty. I’ll stick around for at least one more issue to see where it goes.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Blue Beetle #1 – A comic that relies to heavily on stereotypes, this is an origin story of the Blue Beetle, which raises the question as to whether anything in the past is continuity. I’m guessing no. I can go on and on why this is a bad comic, but like Mr. Terrific, it’s a comic that wants to be about minority characters, and places WAY too much emphasis on that, to it’s detriment.

Story: 6 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6

Captain Atom #1 – Some very interesting stuff here. The art is pretty cool and the story and character a lot of potential. Captain Atom lives up to his name, and can control atoms. As he’s still new to it all, we’re learning as he’s learning. There’s also this clock tick down going on. My guess is that this is the clock ticking down until he dissipates. A similar plot device was used for Spawn, and here it should seem fairly fresh. Overall, enough to get me to come back for a second issue.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

Catwoman #1 – We were told to expect sex and really that’s all there is here in this rather shallow relaunch title. The first panel is a shot of Catwoman/Selina’s breasts which pretty much sums up what you’d expect. The end also attempts to have a Mr. and Mrs. Smith moment between Catwoman and Batman, but in the end it comes off as a cheap ploy that cheapens the character. Instead of a strong female anti-hero, we’re left with big boobs in skin tight leather and not much else inside.

Story: 6 Art: 6 Overall: 6

DC Comics Presents #1 – The anthology comic that seems like it’ll focus on one character for a few issues focuses on Deadman. The story feels like a mix of Ghost, Hinduism and Quantum Leap. That’s not a bad thing. The story is fantastic and I really like the art. The first issue got me to care about Boston Brand and his mission and want to come back for more. This issue has heart, and a lot of it. A fantastic story and issue that I hope finds an audience.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Green Lantern Corps. #1 – The Corps. opens up with a mystery, which seems to be a popular plot device with the DC relaunch. There’s a lot I liked, and it has a feel of the previous volume when it was a bit slower, but very entertaining. What I really liked is the quiet moments featuring Guy Gardner and John Stewart as they discuss trying to have a normal life. Though it’s also being done in the main series, it’s something that needs to be addressed and humanizes the characters.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Legion of Super-Heroes #1 – What the hell did I read!? Too many characters, too much going on, and way to much referencing the past. I though the DC revamp was about new beginnings, this just seems to be the continuation of a very complicated and continuity filled past.

Story: 6 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.25

Nightwing #1 – Dick Grayson is out of the Bat suit and back as Nightwing. The issue really focuses on his past and how it affects him in the present and while he’s born out of tragedy, he takes a positive spin as to how it makes him stronger. The baddie seems interesting enough too. This is the first time I’ve ever picked up a comic featuring Grayson as Nightwing, and I’m definitely coming back for me.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Red Hood and the Outlaws #1 – Hmm, what to say here. Rocafort’s art is awesome as expected, but boy do I have mixed feelings on the rest. The three folks on the team have an interesting dynamic, and where I have an issue is how Starfire is depicted. She barely wears anything, but she’s absolutely an object. An object to use in war. An object used for sex. It’s a continuation of the issue that DC seems to have with women in this revamp/relaunch. I want to continue reading this for Rocafort’s art, but not sure if I can bring myself to do it.

Story: 6 Art: 8.5 Overall: 6

Supergirl #1 – And there’s that whole mystery thing again. Supergirl has crash landed on Earth, but who is she? Where’d she come from? The set up and how it’s presented is pretty cool, really playing off the alien from another world aspect. It’ll be interesting to see how she fits in the new continuity and what her story really is. The first issue hasn’t blown me away, but piqued my interest enough to come back for a second issue.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Wonder Woman #1 – What if Wonder Woman was done as a Vertigo comic? This would be pretty damn close. Brian Azarrello isn’t the person I’d think of to pick up this series, I tend to think of him as a crimer/noir writer, but he does a solid job in this first issue. It’s full of mystery (there it is again) and a lot of weirdness, but maybe this is normal in a Wonder Woman comic? The comic is really good, helped with Cliff Chiang’s art. Here’s looking forward to the second issue. This is the one comic that bucks the trend and presents a strong female lead.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Around the Tubes

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Brett

The weekend is almost here, yay! There’s lots of comics to read and our Sunday radio show. Here’s some news for you to waste the day away.

Around the Blogs:

Counter Punch – Graphic Foreign Policy – A pretty interesting read.

Press Citizen – Comics studied at UI?! – Comics being taken seriously by academia.

CBLDF – NYC: Volunteer Recruitment Party on Sep 27! – If you’re in the NY area, get involved!

Con Coverage:

Bleeding Cool – Free Retailer Swag At New York Comic Con

Spandexless – SPX Pulls: House of Twelve Comics, Number Three

Spandexless – SPX Talks: Adam Dembicki

Fantagraphics Books – Hey, Remember Comic-Con 2011?

Around the Tubes Reviews:

CBR – Birds of Prey #1

MTV Geek – Catwoman #1

Divanee – Code Word: Geronimo

Fear Net – J.N. Williamson’s Illustrated Masques

CBR – Wonder Woman #1

MTV Geek – New 52 Review: Batman, Captain Atom, Deadman, and Legion of Super-Heroes

The Mary Sue – The New 52 in Review: Week 3

IGN – Comic Book Reviews for 9/21/11

MTV Geek – New 52 Reviews: ‘Green Lantern Corps,’ ‘Red Hood and the Outlaws,’ ‘Nightwing,’ and ‘Blue Beetle’

London Free press – Graphic-novel review: There’s no reason for DC relaunch

52 Reviews, Part 3

Posted on September 22, 2011 by

So, for the fun of it, I’m going to be collecting all 52 DC #1 issues. And I’m going to review them all. Keep in mind, though, that I’m generally a Marvel fan and, while I’m working may way through DC’s recent big events, I’m only up through the middle of Countdown and I haven’t read any of DC’s non-event comics in a long time, so I’m coming at these stories with a bit of a disadvantage in terms of chronology and character knowledge. Since DC is certainly trying to attract new readers, though, this makes me come at them with a perspective similar to their hypothetical new fans…

Batman #1 (DC) – Maybe DC should just stick to stories about Batman or written by Scott Snyder. They seem to do well with those. I’ve liked all of the Batman issues of DCnU and this one is no exception. Greg Capullo does a great job on the pencils on this one. This story gives us a great intro to many of Batman’s enemies, reaches out to Batman’s wider universe of allies, gives a great nod to his past and leaves us with a great mystery at the end. This is a very good comic.

Story: 10 Art: 9 Overall: 9.5

Birds of Prey #1 (DC) – Unlike some of the other creative teams this week, Duane Swierczynski and Jesus Saiz at least try to balance the “hotness” of their female characters with a good story and clothing that is functional. Sure, they’re still models and there is still some titillation, but the costumes are legit for superheroines and the women are well-written characters in a well-written story.

Story: 8 Art: 7 Overall: 7.5

Blue Beetle #1 (DC) – So far, this is DC’s best attempt at diversity. There have been a number of other minority characters in the new comics, but they all seem to be colorblind attempts at diversity, with the black characters not being stereotypical, but also not being distinguishable from white characters beyond the visual elements. In this issue, Jaime Reyes is written as a real human being and his Hispanic heritage is not ignored and he doesn’t descend into a characature, either (although a few of the other characters come dangerously close). There is also a great Spanglish joke that was my favorite moment of the week.

Story: 9 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5

Captain Atom #1 (DC) – The art is a bit too loose for my tastes and I’m not sure that I like this particular take on Captain Atom, but J.T. Krul does commit to a particular vision of the character and does a good job of being consistent and creating a coherent narrative and personality for Captain Atom and his supporting cast. Definitely worth a continued look.

Story: 7.5 Art: 6.5 Overall: 7

Catwoman #1 (DC) – The art by Guillem March is bad enough to sink it (near-Liefeldian body proportion problems mixed with Macfarlane-esque contortions). Tht title of the story is “most of the costumes stay on,” which has to be ironic, since in the three pages before we learn that title, we see five separate panels showing Selina’s bra-covered breasts. The rest of the issue has naked hookers and a throwaway woman who is beaten and killed for no particular reason. The story seems like a man’s revenge fantasy of what a woman would do to a man who had brutalized and killed another woman. Sort of like his heart’s in the right place, but he doesn’t quite understand women. And the concept is undercut by the wall-to-wall TNA and the uncomfortable Batman sex scene. One positive note: through 39 DCnU issues, Catwoman’s contact Lola is the first female character I’m aware of who isn’t skinny. She’s still in skin-tight clothing and is somewhat sexualized, but it’s something

Story: 1 Art: 4 Overall: 2.5

DC Universe Presents #1 (DC) – Another issue where there is a coherent vision for the character and an attempt at creating a style and tone for the series that, while I may not love it, I can appreciate the quality of what is being done. This issue has some interesting things in it, including a possibly unintentional homage to the movie Fallen, with Denzel Washington, that works well.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Green Lantern Corps #1 (DC) – This issue isn’t perfect, but it’s still very entertaining. The Guy Gardner-John Stewart team-up works well. Artist Fernando Pasarin’s strength appears to be the big, epic shots. In a GL story, there are a lot of those and most of them in this issue are breathtaking. Definitely a series to keep reading. So when I said above that DC is really getting it right on Batman, I’d add the Lantern stuff to that, since I think all of the Lantern issues have been well done, too.

Story: 8 Art: 9 Overall: 8.5

Legion of Super-Heroes #1 (DC) – Not surprisingly for a Legion comic, there are too many characters here to really grab on to any of them. It’s not a bad issue, it’s just not something that is really interesting. Good, but not great.

Story: 6 Art: 7 Overall: 6.5

Nightwing #1 (DC) – It’s a little confusing at times and the art isn’t my favorite, but it’s very good, if necessarily derivative of Batman comics.

Story: 8 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75

Red Hood and the Outlaws #1 (DC) – This comic is very sexist. It’s all about objectifying Starfire, her having sex with random people in the perfect male fantasy, and spying on her and posting pics of her in a bikini on the Internet without her knowledge. I think Jason Todd and some kind of plot are in there too.

Story: 1 Art: 7 Overall: 4

Supergirl #1 (DC) – The issue is all action and the action is pretty good. The art isn’t great and I keep getting the feeling that if she turned the wrong way, Supergirl would accidentally be bottomless, that’s how skimpy the bottom of her costume is. Also, it seems like DC is relying too much on the “reveal” of a major character guest appearing in another issue, despite it not really being a surprise most of the time. This is at least the fourth or fifth time that Superman or Batman has shown up on the last page of a comic starring someone else. This one does have a lot of potential, though, so I’ll be back.

Story: 7.5 Art: 6.5 Overall: 7

Wonder Woman #1 (DC) – I’ve never cared for Wonder Woman since I’m not a huge mythology fan and I was prepared to really dislike this comic. I couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised. While this issue has some of the same wardrobe problems and male fantasy takes on what women should be like that other issues this week have, they are minor here compared to other issues and this one is superior because of a very good story. The comic is almost cinematic in its tone and Diana is clearly established as a strong female character, something we can’t say for Catwoman or Starfire.

Story: 9 Art: 7.5 Overall: 8.25

Around the Tubes

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Brett

I’ve really got nada right now but…. Friday is a cool interview with a comic book writer that’ll be written up after or for Saturday and at 3pm EST we’ve got some news we’ve had to sit on, so come back then…. Until then, here’s the news you might have missed.

Around the Blogs:

Kotaku – See Arkham City’s Batman Without his Mask On – The toys look pretty decent, the game looks amazing.

Death and Taxes – Batwoman Is the Black, Gay Sheep Of Batman’s Comic Family – Great interview.

Vancouver Sun – Comic books in schools lure reluctant readers – Another article about how comics are promoting literacy.

Con Coverage:

Bleeding Cool – And Finally… Going On A Date With Marvel Comics

Spandexless – SPX Pulls: Healed, George O’Connor & S. Griffin

Spandexless – SPX Talks: Alex Robinson

Comics Alliance – RedBubble’s New York Comic Con T-Shirt Design Challenge [Contest]

Fantagraphics Books – SPX 2011: Now With Even More Photos!

Spandexless – SPX Pulls: Darryl Ayo Roundup

Spandexless – SPX Talks: Aaron Diaz/Dresden Codak