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Suicide Squad Most Wanted: Deadshot/Katana in January

Posted on October 1, 2015 by Graphic Policy Team

Two of Amanda Waller’s most lethal weapons get their time in the spotlight with this six-issue miniseries coming in January 2016!

In a story written by Brian Buccellato with art by Viktor Bogdanovic and Richard Friend, Deadshot is on the run after escaping Belle Reve Penitentiary, taking on a series of new contracts and reestablishing himself as the world’s deadliest marksman. But things are about to get complicated for Floyd Lawton when a figure from his past threatens to expose a dark secret… and Deadshot gets word of his next target : Lex Luthor!

Writer Mike W. Barr returns to the character he co-created in “Cult of the Kobra,” with art by Diogenes Neves! In this new tale, Katana endeavors to save an entire nation from takeover by the mystical threat of Kobra. But first, she’s going to have to learn the origin of her sword Soultaker, if she’s to maintain control over it instead of falling under its influence.

Deadshot-Katana-fix

Exclusive Preview: Batman: Arkham Knight #33

Posted on October 1, 2015 by Graphic Policy Team

Batman: Arkham Knight #33

Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Artist: Viktor Bogdanovic & Richard Friend

After saving a baby from the clutches of Calendar Man, Batman is left with more questions than answers. What happened to the Calendar Man? Has a new player entered the game?

The latest chapter will be available Friday for download via the DC Comics App, Readdcentertainment.com, iBooks, comiXology.com, Google Play, Kindle Store, Nook Store, and iVerse ComicsPlus.

BAK33_SF_Cover

The Week in Comic Reviews

Posted on May 25, 2014 by Brett

It’s been a while since I’ve done some quick comic reviews, but I do read a hell of a lot each week, and I don’t have time to do long reviews for each. So, I decided to bring back my quick reviews to give everything I read their due, and let you know what I think. These won’t be in depth, but you’ll get an idea of what I think of each.

The 7th Sword #2

In the aftermath of a vicious attack, Zenzion’s new leader, Kathleen Galway, seeks out battle-weary Daniel Cray to help defend her people and her home. But will the reluctant warrior pick up his Malathane blade one final time?

The series is two issues in and have been pretty interesting. This is a western/samurai tale set on an alien world. Each issues has been good, but I think the greater story together is what to measure this one by. Still, good for those who enjoy either genre.

Story: John Raffo Art: Nelson Blake II
Story: 6 Art: 5 Overall: 5 Recommendation: Read

Artifacts #37

When someone uses math to access an ancient and evil power, it’s up to Tilly Grimes to find the answer to stopping them. But even with Tom Judge and the Rapture on her side, this may be too big a problem for the Numeromancer to solve.

While I generally thought the story was ok (though resolved rather quickly), my biggest issue with this story arc has been the art, which is WAY too dark at times to figure out what’s going on. Artifacts has seen better days in story and art.

Story: Dan Wichline Art: ROM
Story: 6 Art: 5 Overall: 5 Recommendation: Pass

Axe Cop: The American Choppers #1

President of the World Axe Cop reunites with Super Axe, an old friend from college, and the two of them decide to start a superteam of axe-wielding heroes to defend America, called the American Choppers. They are joined by Captain Axe, Axe Girl, Axe Woman, Axe Dog, and other axe-wielding heroes. The only problem is that there are no bad guys left, but that all changes when mysterious giant creatures attack the city!

I’m very new to the whole Axe Cop thing. I watched the ADHD cartoon series, which lead me to this. My “first issue” and it’s enough for me to come back for more of the Axe family. For folks who are reading this after seeing the cartoon, does Axe Cop now sound like Ron Swanson?

Story: Malachai Nicolle Art: Ethan Nicolle
Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Buy

B.P.R.D. #119

As Manhattan erupts with Lovecraftian demons, a young psychic must lead the remaining B.P.R.D. crew through the monster-packed streets of New York back to headquarters for safety, as Liz Sherman goes supernova.

This arc comes to a close, and it’s a solid ending. There’s a lot here that gets wrapped up, and that’ll lead to what comes next. I think all those threads that are left hanging are partially why I have this as a read. There’s some plot points I wish were a bit more completed. B.P.R.D. fans should be happy though.

Story: Mike Mignola, John Arcudi Art: James Harren
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

Brain Boy: The Men from G.E.S.T.A.L.T. #1

Agent Price’s new mission pits him against a doomsday cult leader with a political agenda that poses a direct threat to the president. But a mysterious hive mind has more menacing plans for Brain Boy. He’ll have no choice but to go head to head—brain to brain—with the mysterious Men from G.E.S.T.A.L.T.!

To say Brain Boy is fun is an understatement. There’s a mix of pulp, there’s a mix of modern action. This second volume starts off with a bang and I’m sure this second volume will be as exciting as the first. I mean, the first part of the issue is really exciting, and what a twist.

Story: Fred Van Lente Art: Freddie Williams II
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

East of West #12

A last ditch effort is undertaken to avoid a war between the nations by the most unlikely person on the planet. The remains of the Chosen reassemble.

I’m not sure what I like more, the story or the art. So much happens in this issue, and those actions will reverberate for a long time. An amazing series if you haven’t had a chance to check it out. It’s not too late… though it might be for the nations.

Story: Jonathan Hickman Art: Nick Dragotta
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Flash Gordon #2

As Flash’s heroic reputation grows across the cosmos, his fantastic talents are tested by the Beast Men Of The Outer Lands Of Arboria!

The classic character is back and Parker is doing it with some retro pulp fun with an updated story. If you’re a fan of the character, do yourself a favor and check out the series.

Story: Jeff Parker Art: Evan Shaner
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Forever Evil #7

It’s evil versus evil in the shocking “take-no-prisoners” conclusion to Forever Evil! What will be the fate of Lex Luthor and his Injustice League? Who will live – and who will die? And why is The Hooded Man the most feared being from the Syndicate’s world? Do not miss this startling finale that will leave the DC universe reeling and reveal the secrets to the future!

The DC event wraps up. But something seemed a bit off. While there’s some cool moments, everything wraps up quickly, and the titanic battle I was expecting doesn’t happen. The ending is good, just not as great as it could have been… and we’re not going to go into the delay.

Story: David Finch Art: Richard Friend, David Finch
Story: 7.25 Art: 8 Overall: 7.25 Recommendation: Read

Invincible #111

A new beginning for Invincible as things take a turn down a dark path. Everything changes as Invincible is betrayed by one of his own. You won’t want to miss this explosive issue #1… 1… 1! It packs the punch of THREE relaunched number one issues!

Wow what a brutal issue. I know I’m late to the series, but holy crap is this issue good. It’s a brutal starting point that shakes up the Invincible universe.

Story: Robert Kirkman Art: Ryan Ottley
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Justice League #30

It all changes here with the first chapter of “Injustice League”! The next era of the Justice League begins as heroes quit, villains join and a Justice League roster you’ve never seen before emerges, led by the world’s greatest hero — Lex Luthor?! As the dust settles and the bodies are buried, the violent consequences of Forever Evil must be dealt with — while a mysterious new force sets its target on the League. But is this force friend or enemy? And why does he want Luthor dead? (If you ask Batman, it’s a long list.)

If you want to know where the DC universe goes post Forever Evil this is a good comic to start with. Villains are heroes. Heroes are villains. It’s very interesting, and a great issue to kick off where DC goes next.

Story: Geoff Johns Art: Joe Prado, Ivan Reis
Story: 8.25 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Justice League of America #14

In the wake of Forever Evil, the Justice League of America’s mission has come to an end – so where do they go from here? No one’s survival is assured!

As a follow up to the major event, there’s nothing wrong with the series, it’s a good bridge to what comes next. The issue is the fact we already have two issues of Justice League United out, so we know what has happened for the most part.

Story: Matt Kindt Art: Eber Ferreira, Eddy Barrows
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Magnus the Robot Fighter #3

How do you kill a robot fighter? Send a human. LEEJA CLANE: HUMAN HUNTER! Her guns are huge! Her car is fast! Her theme music is awesome! How’s Magnus possibly going to survive against an opponent with no robot parts?

The return of the classic character has been fun so far, but I’m waiting to figure out exactly what’s going on with this world and Magnus. It feels a bit like the Matrix, but with Robots, which is kind of cool.

Story: Fred Van Lente Art: Cory Smith
Story: 7.25 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Original Sin #2

WHO HOLDS THE EYE? WHO KNOWS ITS SECRETS? The cosmic manhunt for the Watcher’s killer continues. More bodies are discovered. The killer’s trail leads to the far corners of the universe and beyond. And just when Nick Fury and the Avengers think they’ve cornered their murderer… EVERYTHING EXPLODES, unleashing the Marvel Universe’s greatest secrets.

So far this new Marvel event has been interesting, and in the second issue we get one reveal. Overall, the series has been good, though it’s a bit choppy jumping around so much between the various investigative teams.The individual issue is good, I think the overall story will be much better.

Story: Jason Aaron Art: Julian Totino Tedesco
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: Recommendation: Buy

Saga #19

Saga returns! New planet, new adversaries, and a very new direction, all from the same old Hugo Award-winning team.

So, so, so, so, so, so good.

Story: Brian K. Vaughan Art: Fiona Staples
Story: 10 Art: 9 Overall: 9.75 Recommendation: Buy

Solar: Man of the Atom #2

In the stunning wake of Issue One’s shocking climax…where is SOLAR? What will massive doses of unstable radiation do to his family? And even if they survive, what horrors are lurking in the stars?

The first issue was good, this second issue has really caught my attention. Where this series goes from here, I’m game and want to see.

Story: Frank Barbiere Art: Joe Bennett
Story: Art: Overall: Recommendation: Buy

Transformers: Windblade #2

Cybertron UNDER FIRE! Someone is out to kill Windblade—but discovering who means turning to some less-than-savory ’Bots. Can Windblade trust her informants enough to stake her life on them? And who will she turn to when the events of Dark Cybertron come back to haunt them all?

A breath of fresh air for the Transformers comics. The look and style of the story are both very different from what’s come before. The style has a manga/anime feel about it, and the story is more of a detective story. Both are very cool, and that, along with such an interesting new character have created an awesome new Transformers series.

Story: Mairghread Scott Art: Sarah Stone
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Undertow #4

Anshargal and Ukinnu Alal dine with a cannibal god, but it’s more than Kingu can stomach. Zikia’s rescue team is closing in, and so are the deadliest killers ever indoctrinated by Atlantis. The secret origin of the Atlantean missing link as the exploration action roars on!

The excellent series continues into the second half of its miniseries. There so much going on including a discussion of god, country, and so much more. It’s been a fascinating read for four issues, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.

Story: Steve Orlando Art: Artyom Trakhanov
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

V-Wars #2

With the Vampire Wars burning hotter and bloodier with each new day, Reporter Yuki Nitobe is abducted and brought into the vampire underground. When Yuki is shown the world of these new species of vampires, she realizes no one has been telling the truth! Does she risk everything by exposing both sides or file the report that she knows gives her the biggest ratings?

This series, which is also a book, and soon to be television series, is an interesting mix of politics and action. Here, the vampires are a minority persecuted by normal humans. Are they as innocent as they claim? Is there some greater conspiracy? The second issue continues to look at that bigger picture, but it’s a bit disconnected from the first issue.

Story: Jonathan Maberry Art: Alan Robinson
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read

Velvet #5

The first arc draws to a shattering conclusion. This series has been absolutely been amazing from start to finish. The art, the story, the amazing female lead, all of it has been fantastic, and makes up one of the best series on the market.

Story: Ed Brubaker Art: Steve Epting
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Review: Forever Evil #1

Posted on September 5, 2013 by Brett

The first universe-wide event of The New 52 begins as Forever Evil launches! We’re teased that the Justice League is dead! And the villains shall inherit the Earth!

Building for quite some time, DC’s first universe-wide event starts with a building simmer as the action and stakes are raised. Told from some interesting viewpoints, the story flows directly from Trinity War as the Crime Syndicate move to conquer Earth. While doing so, they gather the DC universe’s worst villains to form an all new Secret Society.

The comic starts from the perspective of Lex Luthor, arguably DC’s greatest villain, as a more evil batch of characters moves in on his territory. And that to me so far is the most interesting thing about the fist issue and potentially this event.

For all the fantastic villains that DC has, they feel a little like the classic villain with some sort of scheme that gets foiled by the good guy. I never quite feel like the bad guy is going to off a hero, or someone close to them, it’s a bit Pollyanna-ish. But, to me, Forever Evil is chucking all of that out the window.

After gathering their army, the Crime Syndicate makes it clear that this isn’t your classic DC villain story. After quickly offing a voice of dissension, they go to town on a classic and loved character. They not only threaten him, but threaten his friends, family and anyone he knows. This is a shift to the more “gritty” villains we might expect from other publishers. It’s an interesting move and partially what I think this event is about, the old “safe” villains versus today’s “gritty” villains.

I fully expect some villains to rise up and take on the Crime Syndicate, saying their new way messes up the old dynamic, we get hints of that in the last panel. But, for seven issues, who knows what to expect, especially after this first one.

Is the comic perfect? Nope, there’s absolutely some flaws, but after quite a while of my being pretty down on events, DC seems to be giving us one that is a little bit of old, a little bit of new, and a lot of fun.

Story: Geoff Johns Art: David Finch, Richard Friend
Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Review: Green Lantern #21

Posted on June 9, 2013 by Brett

After an epic run, a new era for the ring slingers begins as Geoff Johns has exited the green world he crafted. The emerald torch has passed and a new era for Green Lantern starts here, a perfect jumping on point for new readers, something you tend to not see with the twenty-first issue. This brand new chapter sees a new creative team with writer Robert Venditti and art by Billy Tan and Richard Friend.

In the wake of the First Lantern’s devastating assault on the planet Oa, most of the Guardians of the universe lay dead and the Green Lanterns stand in disarray. In light of the instrumental role he played in saving his brethren from complete annihilation, Hal Jordan has been selected to rebuild and lead the most feared group in the universe: The Green Lantern Corps.

This new era starts off right, first wrapping up Johns’ classic and epic run, but also laying the groundwork for what’s to come. At the same time, he’s also made it easy to understand for new readers, giving glimpses and some idea as to this world and its many moving parts. But the key here is the promotion of Jordan. A person who has time and time again bucked leadership, as he points out he’s punched out superiors, is now thrust into that role himself. But, for as much as he dislikes leadership, time and time again he’s also shown it saving the universe many times and leading the Corps. It’s clear Venditti plans on focusing on Jordan and his unease with his real. While leading this galactic police, he also needs to rebuild a nation. Oa is destroyed. The Corps. decimated. Jordan must guide his team to do their job, but also rebuilding at the same time. Overall a great concept, and one I’m excited to see where it goes.

On top of Venditti’s writing is Tan and Friend’s art. It’s fantastic, the same excellence when it comes to the art of this series. And it’s a tough mix concerning you have alien worlds, humans, all kinds of stuff. Solid stuff that enhances an already really good story.

Overall, the comic is really good. It might not have grabbed to the point that if I was a new reader, I’d have gotten hooked and wanted more, but it’s a great point for new readers. Venditti had a tough task with this “first” issue, and he does a hell of a job balancing it all.

Story: Robert Venditti Art: Billy Tan and Richard Friend
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review – Wildcats Version 3.0 Year Two

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Brett

I never really got the original Wildcats series, I remember it being kinetic and all over the place, but the art and characters were pretty cool. With that being said, I was skeptical when I received Wildcats Version 3.0 Year One in the mail a few months ago. I was blown away. Here was a brilliant mix of the traditional action comic book, but also a mix of political and corporate intrigue.

The second trade paperback of the series, Wildcats version 3.0 Year Two, picks up where the first left off. However, it dives a lot more into the Wildcats lore with a pretty hefty side story featuring the Coda. It’s an ok side story, but the main focus is the political and corporate storyline. Jack Marlowe continues to build the Halo corporation. They have now moved into the automotive and entertainment sectors.

What’s fascinating is the political aspect of the book. What would happen if someone presented the ultimate solution to energy that occurs in this book? Corporate and oil interests would of course flex their political muscle. Washington would do everything they could to shut it down. As rightfully pointed out in this comic series, an unlimited source of energy that’s able to power everything would fundamentally change the world and nations would rise and fall.

But, there’s a subtler theme about corporate altruism. Can any corporation really be out for the greater good? Is it possible with so many people they need to support? Or the investors or stock holders that need to be kept happy? It’s an interesting question and one I’m hoping the next volume looks at even more.

These first two volumes have it all, they’re both an absolute buy.

Review – Wildcats Version 3.0 Year One

Posted on October 4, 2010 by Brett

I remember when Wildcats first came out so many years ago. It feels like a decade since the last issue of the series I read (and wasn’t much of a fan of). It actually might be a decade come to think of it. But this latest version of Wildcats I can get behind. Wildcats Version 3.0 Year One takes the super hero comic and brings a hell of a new twist.

Spartan decides it’s time to hang up the tights and do some real good as members of corporate America. With gun-slinging Grifter by his side and a host of new recruits, he aims to tap a source of unlimited power and disperse it to the masses.

The Wildcats go from super-heroes to corporate gangsters in Year One of this beloved and critically celebrated series.

From what I remember of the series it was a lot of folks in spandex fighting aliens, most of it pretty typical and not really a whole lot of originality. But, this third version of the series is beyond original. Gone is the spandex, instead we have corporate raiders and Machiavellian machinations.

Do you want folks running around shooting big guns and women in skimpy outfits? That’s there two, but there’s a lot more going on. Along with guns blazing we have talks of mergers and stock holder meetings.

This is comics for adults and with the recent axing of Wildstorm by DC, I’m hoping a still get a chance to read the second volume in 2011. But, for what it’s worth volume one is still very much worth the read.