Tag Archives: irredeemable

Graphic.ly, iOS 5 and Newsstand Could Be a Raw Deal For Comic Book Fans and Publishers

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This week saw the latest update to the Apple operating system dubbed iOS 5.  The latest software update brought numerous software improvements and new features like the magazine subscription feature called Newsstand.  Graphic.ly, one of the numerous digital comic services out there was quickly to hop onto the latest technology.

Graphicly is proud to announce that many of its leading digital comics titles, including The Walking Dead, Invincible and Irredeemable are now available on Newsstand, a key feature of the newly released iOS 5. By working with leading publishers, including Image Comics and BOOM! Studios, Graphicly is making it even easier to subscribe to some of the best comic books on the market.

Utilizing Newsstand in iOS5, Graphicly is able to deliver comics directly to readers without the need for downloading additional applications and searching for titles. Now readers can easily browse for and subscribe to their favorite titles in the Newsstand, and have new issues delivered to their devices immediately. New titles will be released the same day as print and delivered seamlessly to users. This is a bold new way for readers to discover and enjoy stories, making it easier than ever to never miss an issue.

“The leading publishers and creators understand that developing a relationship with their fans is the most important thing,” said Micah Baldwin, CEO of Graphicly. “Newsstand ensures that relationship continues and grows each time a comic is released.”

The titles launched on the Apple Newsstand, powered by Graphicly, and available immediately include such hit comic books as:
• The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard from Image Comics
• Savage Dragon by Erik Larsen, from Image Comics
• Irredeemable by Mark Waid and Peter Krause from BOOM! Studios
• Invincible by Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley from Image Comics
• Morning Glories by Nick Spencer and Joe Eisma from Image Comics
• Near Death by Jay Faerber and Simone Guglielmini from Image Comics

Graphicly has partnered with the top publishers to ensure individual comics are released for purchase on a regular schedule.

It’s that last part that gave me pause.  Let me highlight it:

Graphicly has partnered with the top publishers to ensure individual comics are released for purchase on a regular schedule.

That’s a rather odd item to throw into a press release and why is it important?  Here’s how the service works.

  1. Purchase the App – this is new.  While old comic book programs were free and PDFs on iBooks is free, the apps right now.  As you can see, currently that’s $2.99 out of your pocket JUST FOR THE APP.  Though Irredeemable from BOOM! Studios is listed as $1.99 for the APP.
  2. There’s a $1.99 a month charge (yay cheaper than print) and back issues are available without $1.99 and just with the initial $2.99 purchase.  But there’s mention of $8.99 for bundles.  That’s a bit confusing right there.  So, what’s included in a bundle?  Not quite sure but it sounds rather odd.
  3. Each month, you will be charged another $1.99 for the newest issue and you must cancel the subscription at least 24 hours before the end of the current period.

So here’s where I see this all going bad with the current production habits of comic book publishers and how comic book digital readers may get screwed.

  • A publisher misses a month – remember that quote about them working the make sure issues come out on time?  That $1.99 monthly auto-charge is why.  They miss a month, tough shit, as a reader, you’re charged.  Now, they can fix this by always being a month behind to “bank” an issue.  But, if 11 issues come out in a year, you’re still missing out on one and there goes your $1.99. – Loser – Customer
  • Currently there is no way to “own your purchases” – remember, most digital comics are licensed.  You want to use that new HP tablet, no porting the purchased comics for you! – Loser – Customer
  • A publisher double ships – there’s now no incentive for a publisher to release two comics a month.  They’d lose out because all you’ve purchased as a customer is the $1.99 a month. – Loser – Publisher
  • Special $1 issues – A publisher decides to sell a comics for $1, congrats you just bought it for $1.99. – Loser – Customer
  • A steal at $1.99 – Comics today are a bit more than $1.99, remember DC holds the line at $2.99.  So will all of these be cheaper? – Loser – Publisher, Winner – Customer
  • A series is cancelled – Do I still have to pay $1.99 a month to access my comics?
  • Yet more apps to manage – More apps = more space. Each time an app service is made for a specific company or series, I die a little inside – Loser – Everyone

The terms of service for Graphic.ly even muddles the idea of subscriptions further.  From their website:

Certain Products may be available for download on a subscription basis. A subscription includes all currently available (if any) and future issues of a Product (“Subscription”). Not all Products may be available by Subscription. We will charge you the full price of a Subscription when you subscribe. Such Subscription is non-refundable; except that, if a publisher delivers fewer issues for a Subscription than specified through the Service at the time of your payment transaction), we will credit to your Account an amount equal to the pro-rated price of the Subscription.

So, do I get the back issues with the App purchase?  Seems like a bad deal for publishers.  And what’s with the mention of $8.99 and $9.99 bundles in the description of the App?  Though the terms for BOOM!’s entry for Irredeemable is different, with no mention of back issue bundles.  Looking around a the various Apps available, some mention the amount and others don’t.

While I applaud the overall move and quick implementation of the new technology, there’s still a lot of questions to be answered.  We’ll be following up with Graphic.ly at New York Comic Con this weekend to hopefully get answers.

Preview – Irredeemable #30

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IRREDEEMABLE #30

Written by Mark Waid
Drawn by Diego Barreto & Damian Couceiro
SC, 24pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
COVER A: Trevor Hairsine
COVER B: Felipe Smith
Diamond Code: AUG110911

This is the issue that IRREDEEMABLE fans have been waiting for since the very beginning. Where did the Plutonian truly come from, and where is his real home? Do his parents hold the key to stopping his mission of revenge on the world that turned their back on him? You can’t miss this epic issue of Mark Waid’s multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-nominated superhero series!

Preview – Definitive Irredeemable Vol. 1

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DEFINITIVE IRREDEEMABLE VOL.1

Written by: Mark Waid
Drawn by: Peter Krause
SC, 336 pgs, FC, SRP: $74.99
ISBN13: 9781608860715
Diamond Code: APR110881

First time in a deluxe slipcase oversized hardcover edition! A gorgeous definitive edition of the acclaimed fan-favorite juggernaut! The first twelve issues of the ongoing superhero series from Mark Waid all in one collection! IRREDEEMABLE took the comic industry by storm in 2009 and is now celebrating its second year. With nothing like it on the market, Mark Waid’s IRREDEEMABLE has been a recipient of multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-nominations. If you are a long time fan of the series or someone who has been sitting on the fence, the DEFINITIVE IRREDEEMABLE EDITION is the book for you. So don’t miss your chance to dive into the series that dares to ask the question: what if the world’s greatest hero decided to become the world’s greatest villain?

New Releases From BOOM! Studios! – 10/5/11

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Official Press Release


10/5/11 Releases!

ROGER LANGRIDGE’S SNARKED #1
FIRST ISSUE! Roger Langridge is back! The Harvey Award winner behind THE MUPPET SHOW and THOR: THE MIGHTY AVENGER returns for an all new side-splitting adventure that can only be explained as…SNARKED! Journey with Langridge as he pulls the carpet out from under such Lewis Carroll classics as The Walrus and The Carpenter, Through the Looking Glass, and The Hunting of the Snark, creating an all new world of humorous grandeur. Join Princess Scarlett as she and her baby brother Rusty outwit the villainous royal advisors and team up with the infamous Walrus and Carpenter to set sail in search of their father, the Red King, who has been lost at sea for six months. It’s a rip-roaring industry event you won’t want to miss, featuring connecting covers by Roger Langridge, and a special 1:10 THOR:THE MIGHTY AVENGER homage variant by fan-favorite Chris Samnee!
THE RINSE #2
Acclaimed crime novelist Gary Phillips (THE JOOK, VERTIGO’S ANGELTOWN and COWBOYS) returns to BOOM! with a new brand of crime! Money launderer Jeff Sinclair has $25 million in stolen casino cash that must be cleaned — whether he likes it or not! But with grisly Vegas enforcers breathing down his neck, and his legitimate (and not-so-legitimate) resources drying up, not to mention IRS agent Della Dash anticipating his every move, will Jeff survive long enough to initiate the rinse? A grounded, gritty look at the world of money laundering in the vein of Elmore Leonard, THE RINSE is a modern crime classic in the making! For fans of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’ CRIMINAL!
STAN LEE’S THE TRAVELER #11
STAN LEE’S THE TRAVELER #11 (LIMITED EDITION)
With the horrific plans of The Inheritors finally revealed, it’s up to the Traveler and Soldier Zero to find the source of their power before the entire planet is sucked into the cataclysmic fray! The crossover event of the year continues as Tom Peyer joins comic book icons Stan Lee and Mark Waid to bring you more time traveling mind benders!
28 DAYS LATER: GHOST TOWN VOL.5
After everything that has happened, Selena has London in her sights. But what is waiting for her there? Is there a part of her past lurking in the shadows, capable of destroying all she has worked for? The series that connects 28 DAYS LATER to 28 WEEKS LATER continues here!
DARKWING DUCK: F.O.W.L. DISPOSITION VOL. 3
“Revenge” is a dish best served cold, but “Double-Cross” turns out to be a dish best served…with duck? In this epic installment of the Disney Afternoon juggernaut, nothing is as it seems…or is it? Tune in and find out as Part 3 of Darkwing Duck’s “F.O.W.L. Disposition” charges on!
DEFINITIVE IRREDEEMABLE VOL.1
First time in a deluxe slipcase oversized hardcover edition! A gorgeous definitive edition of the acclaimed fan-favorite juggernaut! The first twelve issues of the ongoing superhero series from Mark Waid all in one collection! IRREDEEMABLE took the comic industry by storm in 2009 and is now celebrating its second year. With nothing like it on the market, Mark Waid’s IRREDEEMABLE has been a recipient of multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-nominations. If you are a long time fan of the series or someone who has been sitting on the fence, the DEFINITIVE IRREDEEMABLE EDITION is the book for you. So don’t miss your chance to dive into the series that dares to ask the question: what if the world’s greatest hero decided to become the world’s greatest villain?
FARSCAPE: RED SKY AT MORNING VOL.5
Pilot’s home planet is under attack! The crew of Moya gets a close-up look at the world that birthed their trusted navigator. But Moya is not the only ship that has come to help. Aeryn gets a shocker when she sees who else is in their corner. Another red hot collection of the new ongoing FARSCAPE series written by the show creator Rockne S. O’Bannon!
GRANDPA WON’T WAKE UP
This is not the children’s book your mother read to you! Best known for TOO MUCH COFFEE MAN and I THOUGHT YOU WOULD BE FUNNIER, Eisner Award-winning talent Shannon Wheeler brings you this Li’l Golden parody that takes a look at the lighter side of discovering a cadaver in your living room. See what ridiculous lengths will be reached in trying to wake up Grandpa…and were those fishnets really necessary? A hilarious send up from new writing talent simon max hill and Shannon Wheeler! “
THE SHOW MUST GO ON TPB
Harvey Award Winner Roger Langridge has been lauded for his work on THE MUPPET SHOW COMIC BOOK, THOR: THE MIGHTY AVENGER, and his groundbreaking FRED THE CLOWN. This month while you are checking out his new KABOOM! series SNARKED, make sure you grab this collection of Langridge’s best, uncollected works. So come one, come all! Feast your eyes upon such marvels as Fred the Clown’s Flying Parsnip! See the Devil get outfoxed by the one and only Leppo! Behold the world’s greatest swordsman, the Kabuki Kid! Cower from our strobe-light-loving Undead Revue! Don’t miss the show-stopping song and dance of Frankenstein Meets Shirley Temple! All this and the first time all of his MUGWHUMP strips have been compiled under one cover! Don’t miss this capricious collection of uncollected comics from Roger Langridge!”

New Releases From BOOM! Studios! – 9/28/11

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Official Press Release


9/28/11 Releases!

INCORRUPTIBLE #22 (A)
INCORRUPTIBLE #22 (B)
Max’s efforts at rebuilding Coalville and redeeming himself to the world have suddenly been cut short by the return of The Plutonian —and Max finds he’s woefully unprepared. What lengths will he go to in order to be ready to take Plutonian on —and what sacrifices will he have to make to ensure Earth’s survival? The showdown you’ve been waiting for is here! Don’t miss this game-changing issue of Mark Waid’s stirring superhero saga!
IRREDEEMABLE VOL.7 TPB
Plutonian has been banished by the Paradigm to an off-world insane asylum… but it’s proving too weak to hold him. Meanwhile, upon seeing a darker side of Survivor, Qubit has entered into an uneasy alliance with Modeus, the Plutonian’s arch-nemesis and one of Earth’s most feared supervillains to figure out how to stop the Plutonian once and for all. But what will happen when the Mad God returns to Earth? From Eisner Award-winning writer Mark Waid (KINGDOM COME, EMPIRE) comes the latest volume in this epic superhero series!
JENNY FINN: DOOM MESSIAH
Before Troy Nixey directed the Guillermo Del Toro movie “DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK” he drew HELLBOY creator Mike Mignola’s script for a new tale of the macabre with acclaimed OMEGA THE UNKNOWN artist Farel Dalrymple! Singularly impressed by Nixey’s horrifying and creepy art, Mignola created a whole new character and mythology outside the HELLBOY universe with JENNY FINN. Now, catch this new, updated and redesigned edition of this lost horror classic, which Booklist calls “Good, creepy stuff!” and ComicMix says has “Mignola’s trademark spirit mediums, ghastly tentacles, and general all-around weirdness.”

Preview – Irredeemablde Vol. 7 TPB

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Official Press Release

IRREDEEMABLE VOL.7 TPB

Written by: Mark Waid
Drawn by: Peter Krause, Diego Barreto
SC, 128 pgs, FC, SRP: $16.99
ISBN13: 9781608860555
Diamond Code: JUL110940

Plutonian has been banished by the Paradigm to an off-world insane asylum… but it’s proving too weak to hold him. Meanwhile, upon seeing a darker side of Survivor, Qubit has entered into an uneasy alliance with Modeus, the Plutonian’s arch-nemesis and one of Earth’s most feared supervillains to figure out how to stop the Plutonian once and for all. But what will happen when the Mad God returns to Earth? From Eisner Award-winning writer Mark Waid (KINGDOM COME, EMPIRE) comes the latest volume in this epic superhero series!

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 9/7/11

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It’s the first big release week for DCnU.  Was it worth it and how many of these series will be around for the long run?  Find out my thoughts below.

Action comics #1 – The big behemoth of a title of the DCnU launch has a very green and new Superman dealing with a Metropolis and world that’s just discovered him.  The issues here is this Superman comes off as arrogant and cocky and just an overall dick.  He’s not the icon anymore, he’s just another snot nosed punk.  Add in some questionable artwork and a story that doesn’t totally makes sense at times and this first issue just has a lot of issues.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.5 Overall: 6.75

Animal Man #1 – I didn’t know a whole lot about the character, but this excellent put together comic book has enough story to get you caught up on the characters and any powers, put you into a dangerous situation, but the majority of the book is focused on Buddy Baker and his family.  It’s a great comic for that reason.  Quiet, focused and more about a family dealing with the father’s powers more than anything else.

Story: 9 Art: 8.25 Overall: 9

Batgirl #1 – Gail Simone takes over the reigns on Barbara Gordon’s return to wearing the cowl.  There’s some issues of how they dealt with her previous condition/situation, but it’s better than forgetting what happened and adds some depth to the character.  Overall, it’s a decent read and more than enough to get me to come back for more.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Batwing #1 – A series I went in hoping it’d be good comes out the other end as a solid read with fantastic art.  The story has more than enough there to make me want to come back, but so far it’s just “Batman in Africa” with not enough there to really make it stand apart.  The art though is fantastic and the comic overall is one of the surprising solid debuts.

Story: 8 Art: 9 Overall: 8.25

Detective Comics #1 – I can’t say everything in this first issue makes sense, but all of the right notes are hit.  In general though, the story is too quick, dumping you in the middle of the action and with no build up.  The highlight of the issue is the end, which goes for shock value more than anything.  I’ve always been a Batman fan, but this comic seems to be more of the same than something really new.  But, more of the same is still entertaining.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Green Arrow #1 – If there was a write by numbers, this would be it.  The hero fighting bad guys and dealing with personal issues.  The monologue as to why he’s doing just that.  The comic isn’t bad in any way, but it’s also not particularly good either.  It’s ok, it’s average, but worst of all, there’s not much reason for me to come back for the second issue, let along the third or fourth.  This is Iron Man with an arrow, not the character we know.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.75

Hawk & Dove #1 – The issue’s writing isn’t what I have problems with, it’s Rob Liefeld’s mismatched style.  It doesn’t fit for the book and odd positioning, too many pouches, and a lack of mixed emotions for the characters makes me wonder who thought this would work?  The issue itself sets a lot up, but overall, I kind of feel like this is “white people problems the comic book.”

Story: 6 Art: 6 Overall: 6

Heroes for Hire #11 – The new lame bad guy has a name now, and it’s about as solid as the character itself (not so much) and the fight with Purple Man continues.  I can’t wait for this series to get back on track, cause it’s been derailed since it’s been a part of Fear Itself.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Irredeemable #29 – Plutonian is back and continues to lose his shit as some of the remaining Paradigm do what they can to plan to take him on.  The remaining world leaders also make a deal to end the madness.  There’s also one hell of a twist at the end.  Mark Waid continues to break down the super hero mythos.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Jennifer Blood #4 – Jennifer continues her war against the mob and checks off a few other bad guys, but not before she takes care of some paid assassins too.  the series is over the top violence with a strong female lead.  The ending also brings a twist that should make the comic stand out from being a female version of The Punisher.  The comic is so wrong in so many ways, but it’s entertaining.

Story: 8 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75

Justice League International #1 – The tenuous relationship between the members of the team has made the series somewhat interesting, but it’s not enough to really blow me away to the point I want to come back for more.  The ending also seems like a poor copy of something the X-Men might fight.  Again, this is a comic that there isn’t really anything that’s wrong, but nothing that blows me away either.  The series does seem like it has a lot of potential though.

Story: 7 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7

Mega Man #5 – With the first arc over I wasn’t sure where the comic would go from there.  The original robots have been defeated and Dr. Wiley is in jail, but sure enough, the world seems to be expanding with a fun action comic aimed at kids and their nostalgic parents.  A fun read.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Men of War #1 – An attempt to update Sgt. Rock, the series has potential but falls a bit short.  The military sends Rock and a squad in to retrieve a Senator when it looks like superhumans get in their way.  There’s also a back up story that’s a bit of a throwback and feels like propaganda.  Both together are just ok.  There’s so much potential in this series, but it doesn’t meet it in any way.  The art even is a bit of a let down with figures that seem too boxy and fat.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Moon Knight #5 – Moon Knight has to deal with the cops now as his presence on the west coast isn’t appreciated.  Bendis does a great job of a character who has lost his mind, but at the same time has kept it somewhat together.  One of the best Marvel comics on the market right now.


Story: 8.5 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.5

The New Avengers Annual #1 – The Revengers come calling and put the beat down on this team.  I can’t say that Wonder Man doesn’t have a bit of a point.  What’s more impressive is this is the first annual I’ve enjoyed in a log time.  Just a brutal fight and some great art.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

O.M.A.C. #1 – When you say the name Jack Kirby so many would give you the impression the man could do no wrong.  While I appreciate his contributions and his art style, I’ve never been the biggest fan of a lot of the characters he’s created.  O.M.A.C. comes off as two people attempting to do Kirby, and it’s not done very well.  I’m sure there’s people who will gush over it, but it’s just not for me.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.5

The Punisher #3 – The Punisher versus the Vulture in a forgettable third issue.  There’s nothing horrible with the issue, but there’s nothing that makes it stand out or makes it a must read in this story arc.  The art is really good though, but it’s just one part in a much larger story and it seems like a non-vital one.

Story: 6.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7

Static Shock #1 – There’s some I liked and some I didn’t.  The issue is ok, but the tone, the story just didn’t work for me.  It was rushed at points, not explaining enough and other scenes dragged on for too many pages.  There’s also a few spots that made me pause and linger to figure things out.  This isn’t the launch I’d have hoped for with this series.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Stormwatch #1 – A first issue that’s all set up.  Characters are set up as to how powerful in relation to one-another they are.  Powers are explained.  Mysteries are thrown out there.  It’s all set up, and for that, it doesn’t really blow me away.  This is 3 or 4 short scenes as opposed to a long coherent narrative.  Even with that though, there’s enough here that I want to see what the second issue holds.  Hopefully, it’s more of a narrative than scenes played out.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25

Swamp Thing #1 – See the expand review here.

Thunderbolts #163 – The Thunderbolts in the present reflect on their screw up while the Thunderbolts in the past figure out that’s where they are.  Along comes an interesting pair.  There’s something fun, campy and retro about the comic, like it’s back to focusing on bad guys being somewhat bad.  Fun overall.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Wolverine #15 – Fifteen issues in and the series is finally getting good.  Logan is dealing with the damage he’s caused and his actions in the last arc.  The story has a lot of heart and ok art.  Hopefully this is the beginning of an uptick in the series.

Story: 8 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7.75

X-Factor #224.1 – If the point one comic’s goal is to introduce new readers to a series, this one does it’s job.  You get a rundown of the team, a good sense as to what the comic is like, but my issue is I’m not convinced it’s enough to bring in a new reader.  Overall, a decent comic, but nothing special.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

X-Men #17 – The X-Men and FF are in another dimension and learn the evil bad guy’s plan.  I yawn.  It’s a pretty average story with some solid art.

Story: 6.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7

X-23 #14 – X-23 is still with the FF and weirdness is going on.  There’s some great moments here as she has to deal with the FF and children, but the story overall is only ok.  the art I also think has taken a dip from the beautiful last issues.

Story: 7 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Preview – Irredeemable #29

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Official Press Release

IRREDEEMABLE #29

Written by Mark Waid
Drawn by Eduardo Barreto
SC, 24pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
COVER A: Trevor Hairsine
COVER B: Eduardo Barreto
Diamond Code: JUL110939

Hope is slipping from society as Plutonian returns to earth and lays waste to Earth’s protectors. With all opposition broken and all defenses shattered —what’s left of the Paradigm is scattered across the globe. Now the only beings in existence that may stand any chance of taming Plutonian are…his parents? Don’t miss this stunning issue of Mark Waid’s multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-nominated epic superhero series!

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 8/3/11 and 8/10/11

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Two weeks down of reviews and two more to go.  Expect some more later today and hopefully I’ll be totally caught up by week’s end.

Alpha Flight #3 – Alpha Flight is on the run and this series at this point would be ho-hum if it weren’t for the fact I’m interested in seeing what the Unity party is really up to.  The limited series is close to the half-way point and so far, it’s ok, but hasn’t made it’s case to be an ongoing comic book.  The art too is off at times with odd positions of the bodies and art that just doesn’t do it for me.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #3 – Scott Snyder and Sean Murphy’s offshoot comic about Nazi Vampires just keeps getting better and better expanding the world we already know.  Amazing stuff and I can’t recommend it enough.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Avengers Academy #17 – There’s parts of this comic I liked and a lot I didn’t.  The art is inconsistent, and overall the comic feels like the “B” coming to the other Avengers “A.”  I know the series gets a lot of praise, but I was a much bigger fan of it’s previous incarnations, and it hasn’t quite lived up to the potential of it’s first few issues.

Story: 7 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7

Black Panther: The Man Without Fear #522 – I had my doubts when I first saw the American Panther sketches, but using Fear Itself to bring back the Hate Monger has worked really well, mainly because it doesn’t deal with the terrible story that Fear Itself is, and instead treats it as a backdrop.  The last story arc was ok, but this one has kicked it up a lot dealing with hate, fear and immigration, a lot of issues being debated today.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Booster Gold #47 – The art is my issue with this particular issue.  It’s very, very off.  The story is ok and there’s some cool moments, especially the ending, but the series clearly went out with a whimper and not the bang I’d hope for DCnU.

Story: 7 Art: 6.5 Overall: 6.75

Criminal: The Last of The Innocent #3 – Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips latest entry in their noir comics is as amazing as you’d expect.  Instead of following the do-gooder who gets caught up in a bad situation the focus is on the bad guy.  It’s enough to inject massive life in a series that’s far and above the rest to begin with.  Absolutely  mastery.

Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10

Daken: Dark Wolverine #12 – Daken’s plan for the armored car robbery continues and that’d be just ok, but Daken is now having an issue with addiction, and that is getting interesting.  The character doesn’t get the respect he deserves and this series is proving why he stands apart and isn’t just a second rate Wolverine.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Deadpool #41 – Deadpool is still in the crazy asylum and the series, which has been having issues lately with quality, has bounced back for at least this one.  The art is back on track and I’m starting to like the move away from slapstick.  It’s a big improvement.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Fear Itself #5 – This summer event by Marvel has been underwhelming and this comic is the perfect example of the issues it has.  Thor dropping his usual speech, Spider-Man turning and running, and a simple solution when it comes to saving Ben Grimm.  There’s attempts at cool moments here and it all falls flat.

Story: 6 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.25

Fear Itself: Uncanny X-Force #2 – X-Force does it’s part in Fear Itself and I can’t say it adds anything to the storyline.  They’re on the move to stop the Purifiers who are trying to take advantage of the situation and not even art by Bianchi can save this mess of a comic that doesn’t need to exist.

Story: 6.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 6.75

Fear Itself: Wolverine #2 – Too many places at once is the issue of this not needed comic tie-in.  The art and character design is inconsistent and other than the parts with Wolverine’s girlfriend, I can’t say any of this is needed or important.  A clear cash-in that adds nothing to the story and in fact causes bigger issues with it.

Story: 6 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.5

Flashpoint #4 – It’s the second to last issue of the event that’s forced DC to grow up.  In a five issue limited series DC comics has not only reshaped their entire universe, but they’ve also brought their comics into modern times.  The fourth issue moves the story along with some great moments and a cliffhanger for the fifth and final issue that makes me count down in anticipation of the next issue.

Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

Flashpoint: Batman – Knight of Vengeance #3 – As a single issue, I can’t say I’ve enjoyed this final one as much as the previous two, but as a whole, all three are a solid read.  This issue jumps back and forth between the past and present which fills in some of the blanks.  Overall a solid three issues, even though this is the weakest of the bunch.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Flashpoint: Citizen Cold #3 – A pretty cool ending to the three issue limited series that just fits the feel of a world ending.  The art is solid and story entertaining.  A solid comic overall and very good limited series.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons #3 – An interesting comic, but the issue is it doesn’t wrap anything up, in fact it ends as an origin comic.  The story is ok, but nothing too special, but I do think the last quarter was much better than the first three fourths.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Flashpoint: Deathstroke and the Curse of The Ravager #3 – An interesting story that adds to the world of Flashpoint, but doesn’t add anything to the Flashpoint story.  It’s a decent three issues, but I can’t say I came away with having to read them at all.  Decent, but not great.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #3 – Wow, did this third issue go off the rails.  There’s lots of twists and turns and even more that’s just not explained.  Why’s the doctor dressed as a mummy?  Why are they on horses when they had a plane?  Just such silliness that an ok idea crashes and burns in the end.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.5

Flashpoint: Secret Seven #3 – Out of all of the books, this one is my least favorite.  I really don’t understand what was going on, and I honestly didn’t care to figure it all out.  The issue is too much backstory that if you didn’t know the characters, you didn’t know what was going on.

Story: 6 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.5

Flashpoint: World of Flashpoint #3 – A pretty sappy ending.  The good about this series is it tied directly into the great Flashpoint story, but it didn’t add anything to it in the end, except show off a bit more of the world.  But, that’s about it, it’s a three issue glorified travel guide.  It’s not bad in anyway, but not really a must read.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Ghost Rider #2 – I’m still not quite sure what I think about this comic.  It’s not bad in any way, but also doesn’t quite grab me like I’d hope.  I’m sure die-hard Ghost Rider fans will appreciate it more, but to me, it’s missing that hook that gets me really excited.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25

Hero Comics 2011 – A comic book to benefit the Hero Initiative, it features work by some greats.  For $3.99 you get some awesome stories and it goes towards a good cause.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Heroes for Hire #10 – The once great series has been sidelined to deal with the underwhelming Marvel event Fear Itself.  The team is split between the chaos on the Raft and what’s going on at Yancy Street and neither of it is particularly entertaining.  This just slows down the momentum the series had.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Iron Man 2.0 #7.1 – If the point one comics are supposed to be a jumping on point for new readers, this didn’t achieve that.  Instead it’s just a continuation of the ongoing storyline which continues next issue.  So the question remains why does this comic exist and why wasn’t it just the eighth issue?  The issue is good in that it continues the Palmer Adley storyline, but, it doesn’t need to exist as a point one.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25

Irredeemable #28 – Plutonian is back and the world and The Paradigm react to his return.  But what happens to the people who lied when they said they’d protect you.  It’s an interesting issue and I have no idea what Mark Waid has in store next for this series.

Story: 8 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75

Mega Man #4 – A cute ending that’s perfect for younger kids.  The story is entertaining and has enough nostalgia for adults to appreciate it.  It’s a decent first arc, but a bit rushed overall.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Moon Knight #4 – Moon Knight and Echo check up on each other and have their first date, sort of.  The series is beyond solid taking Moon Knight’s crazy to a whole new level.  The series is fantastic with great writing and amazing art to match.  This should definitely be on your pull list.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

The New Avengers #15 – The issue’s focus is Squirrel Girl and her time during Fear Itself.  It’s really entertaining with a great voice to the story telling and solid artwork.  It might seem silly at first, but it’s a really good issue.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

New Mutants #29 – After a solid last issue, this one seems to run into the issues we’ve seen with Fear Itself tie-ins.  The story just seems out of place and the characterization is off.  Along with a new art style (which grew on me throughout the issue) the series seems to have swerved again.  This series gets a lot of praise and I’m still not quite sure why.  It’s not bad, but clearly the weakest of the “X” books.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25

Rachel Rising #1 – The first issue of Terry Moore’s new series brought with it a lot of buzz and I can see why.  It’s all tease though and I think I can see where it’s going, but not 100% sure.  There’s enough there though to get me to check out the next issue.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Secret Six #36 – So sad to see this series go.  It’s been a great ride and this final issue has so much going for it.  It’s not perfect, but it hits every note reminding us what made the series so special.  It’s been great, and unfortunately we won’t be seeing it in the relaunched DCnU.  Thank you Gail Simone for giving us thirty-six fantastic issues.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Severed #1 – Scott Snyder puts together another amazing horror series, which he’s shown he’s a master of.  This one also takes place at the early onset of the 20th century, a time period he seems to enjoy writing about.  We’re teased a lot and it’s more than enough to get me to check out the second issue.

Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

S.H.I.E.L.D. #2 – The series continues and I continue to scratch my head.  I want to like it, and the ideas seem very interesting, but to say I really understand what the hell is going on here is a lie.  This is one I know I need to go back and reread the entire thing through again.

Story: 7 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.5

Supreme Power #3 – A series that continues to mix super heroes and politics, I’ve been finding what it’s been doing is interesting.  There’s only one more issue left in this volume, and I’m a bit perplexed how it’s going to wrap up everything that needs to be.  It’s a very interesting book though and I can’t wait to see what the fourth issue holds.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Thunderbolts #161 – The team is focused on saving Chicago, and overall the story is decent with some good interaction between the characters.  I can’t say it’s great though.  But, a fun read.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

the Unwritten #28 – Huh, is really all I can say.  The comic series about stories and myths begins to set it’s sites on Biblical tales.  How this comic didn’t cause more of an uproar, I’ll never know.  But it’s continuing to bring up interesting points in ways I can just barely comprehend.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25

Vengeance #2 – I seriously don’t get this series.  It’s supposed to focus on the next generation of heroes and villains, but we’ve seen this exact same story done before, and better.  I’m waiting for the big reveal, but so far, pretty unimpressed.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.75

War of the Green Lanterns Aftermath #2 – The war is over and Sinestro still has a ring on his finger.  The corps is rocked and everyone is in doubt.  If anything this is an attempt to bridge the new Green Lantern series we’ll be seeing in DCnU.  It’s interesting and does it’s best to set up what’s coming next.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

Wolverine #13 – One more issue and this story arc is over thank god.  Wolverine continues to run the gauntlet as we get to see the pain he’s caused from the view of his victims.  Yawn.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

X-Factor #223 – The story focusing on Rahne’s child continues and hopefully it ends soon.  I can’t say this is the best of stories involving this team lately.  It has it’s moments, but right now, it’s only ok.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

X-Men #15.1 – I’m so confused as to what the point of these point one comics are.  I thought they’re supposed to be easy entry points to get new readers pumped and interesting about the comic and characters?  This is a self contained story, but it has nothing to do with what makes the X-Men interesting.  An utter failure.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

X-Men; Legacy #253 – How come Magneto’s helmet keeps coming going?  Where does he put it when he’s not wearing it.  Other than that weird art issue, the story is cool and we get to the meat of what we want.  The return of Havok and Polaris and Rachel.

Story: 8.25 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

X-23 #13 – Laura, meet Spider-Man and the FF, FF and Spider-Man this is Laura.  While that’s interesting and has potential, it’s the hint we might see the NYX crew back that gets me more excited.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7 Overall: 7.25

Pick of the Week – Severed #1

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Scott Snyder has been kicking ass lately, especially with his work on American Vampire (I haven’t been reading his take on Batman).  This week sees a new series by the hot upcoming writer when Image comics releases Severed #1.  The blurb is a bit vague, but it seems like we can expect another horror series.  Snyder’s writing it?  Yes please!  My prediction is this series is going to be hot and blow up and I’m betting it’s the pick of the week.

  1. Severed #1 – see above
  2. Flashpoint #4 – Do I need to explain the reason for this one?  It’s the second to last issue of the mini-series event that’ll forever change the DC universe.
  3. The Punisher #1 – The Punisher is back!  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  Written by Rick Remender, this series should kick ass.
  4. Petrograd – A graphic novel set during the first World War with a British spy tasked with killing the Tsarina’s adviser.  Um, sounds awesome to me.
  5. Irredeemable #28 – Mark Waid has been kicking ass in this series and with Plutonian returning back to Earth, who knows what’s going to happen next.
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