DARK ANGEL SAGA CONCLUSION
Don’t miss the shocking conclusion to the critically acclaimed Dark Angel Saga this December in the polybagged Uncanny X-Force #18!
Think you know the outcome? Join the conversation on Twitter with #XForce!
UNCANNY X-FORCE #18 (OCT110676)
UNCANNY X-FORCE #18 SPOILER VARIANT (OCT110677)
Written by RICK REMENDER
Art by JEROME OPENA
Colors by DEAN WHITE
Cover by ESAD RIBIC
FOC – 11/14/11, ON SALE – 12/7/11
Uncanny X-Force hasn’t just been one of the highlights of Marvel‘s “X” universe, it’s actually been a highlight for Marvel period. The series has been focused on the rise of Apocalypse and Archangel’s role in that. The team is getting it’s ass kicked and the action and art is amazing. This will go down as a classic arc for the entire “X” line due to the look, epic story and great writing. Out of all of the changes coming to the mutant side of the Marvel universe, I’m hoping this is one series that’s not changed, it doesn’t need it in any way, just beyond solid.
A little late for these reviews. Was it worth it? Find out below!
Alpha Flight #5 – The team pulls in Taskmaster to help train their army as the Unity government continues to push their agenda. The art is really off, Taskmaster just doesn’t look like himself. The story is getting better, but it all feels a bit rudimentary instead of the complicated political story it should be.
Story: 7.25 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7
American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #5 – And that’s a wrap for the limited series. It’s a big action sequence that’s very Indiana Jones at times. I really liked the series overall, and it added a lot to the overall American Vampire story. The ending was solid and fun and a nice way to wrap up the story line. Here’s hoping we’ll see some more limited series and graphic novels based in this universe in the future.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Batgirl #2 – The second issue is pretty solid. The fight scenes are really good and I like how Babs has PTSD from being shot. The more I learned about the villain Mirror the more I dug him. It’s an issue that grew on me, but didn’t grab me like I’d of hoped. It’s a solid read though, and it looks like this’ll be one of the standout series of DC’s new 52.
Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75
Batman and Robin #2 – I really like Bruce and Damian, one struggling to be a father and the other struggling being a kid. That dynamic is great and watching Bruce having issues with doing and saying things a father would is great. The bad is this villain. There’s clearly history and if you don’t know what that is (like me) that section falls short. Half of the comic is fantastic, the latter half falters.
Story: 8 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75
Batwoman #2 – Pretty solid story that stumbled only on a few pages, the art is just amazing. The look, the layout, it’s beyond unique and unlike anything else out there. The art alone is enough to buy the comic. Just amazing in that department.
Story: 7.75 Art: 9.5 Overall: 8.25
Black Panther #524 – A Spider-Island tie-in that’s really not needed. It does nothing to add to that story, but really this is just a bridge to the next arc which involves the Kingpin. The story is pretty bad and art isn’t as good as usual. Pretty sure you could skip this issue and miss nothing.
Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7
Daken: Dark Wolverine #15 – I was hoping the whole Daken being a drug addict would of lasted longer. I liked the art, but story seems a bit convoluted. We’ll see how it ends, but the lead up has been better than this issue.
Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7
Deathstroke #2 – I’d hope the second issue would give a bit more than over the top violence. But with little plot the second issue of the series continues it’s attempt to make Deathstroke the bad-ass character he used to be. I myself need a bit more to my characters other than over sized swords and lots of stabbing.
Story: 6.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75
FF #10 – A quieter moment for the FF, everyone is scattered to where they were “needed” and that’s really the reflection here. This is the quiet before the storm as Hickman starts weaving all of the threads he’s set up together in what looks like one colossal story that’s leading up to Fantastic Four #600.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.5
Generation Hope #12 – A choppy story, very uneven art and a reprint from another comic, sigh. The series was getting good, but this just kind of slides back to the second class X comic it was emerging from.
Story: 7 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7
Green Lantern #2 – This issue sets up a dynamic that’s pretty damn interesting. It looks like Jordan gets his ring back, but with a twist that should lead to some fun stories in the future. There’s still a lot of questions about continuity, but I like where the series is going.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Grifter #2 – Hmm, I’ve decided the whole Daemonites story running in Grifter and Voodoo is a bit too They Live for me. The story is jumbled and too jumpy for me. It’s not quite a clear linear plot and something is very off. It just doesn’t feel very DC and not revealing info in a way that makes the story entertaining. The series is very off to me.
Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75
Jennifer Blood #5 – We get a lot more of the history and one ending I didn’t need to see. The words “bring out the gimp” come to mind. The comic is pure torture porn, but there’s something fun about it. Garth Ennis knows how to tip-toe that fine line keeping you entertained, but hating yourself for being so.
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75
The New Avengers #17 – Osborn is back and playing on even a bigger scale. The plot is just starting and if the Green Goblin is involved, it’s going to be good. There’s never been a better time to hop on the bandwagon, cause this looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun.
Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8
The Punisher #4 – The Punisher is broken and it looks like the new Vulture is dead (we’ll see how long that lasts). A reporter struggles with the story and cops are chasing a killer. Lots going on in Rucka’s interesting take on the classic character. It’s a good start and I especially like the different perspective this issue has. We’ll see where it continues to go.
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75
Resurrection Man #2 – Huh. The series feels like a riddle mixed in an enigma. I’m willing to stick around a while to see where the series goes, but it’s definitely interesting so far. There’s a mix of Vertigo and over the top action, a bit Preacher feel too. It’s an interesting mix overall. A decent second issue, but not absolutely amazing.
Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75
S.H.I.E.L.D. #3 – I am so lost as to what’s going on. The series is a bit hard to follow as individual issues and would read much better as a trade or graphic novel.
Story: 6.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.25
Suicide Squad #2 – The villain is laughable but interaction in the team is great. Everyone is expendable which makes this anything is possible comic. That’s the good part. The characters are no Secret Six when it comes to banter, and there’s a line in there that negates that entire series. So glad I got into it… Not a bad second issue, but not great.
Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #3 – Miles still learns about his powers and comes to terms with them a bit. He also has his first few days at school which is interesting. But, most importantly, we learn when this is all occurring which is very interesting and pretty smart writing. So far so good.
Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8
Ultimate Comics X-Men #2 – A second solid issue that finds the Mutants of this world hunted and persecuted. It’s a great mix of some of the latest solid plot lines from the regular 616 Marvel universe mixed a bit and just different enough to be original. It’s familiar yet totally new and I’m hooked.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Uncanny X-Force #16 – When it comes to “X” story lines, this is it. A mix of everything that’s good, full of action and packed full of “holy shit” moments. Archangel is the new Apocalypse, X-Force keeps getting their asses beat and it all looks pretty damn hopeless. I have no idea how this is going to end.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
X-Men: Legacy #257 – The battle is space continues for about two issues too long. Can’t wait for this to be over.
Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7
X-Men: Regenesis – The sides are chosen and we get to see the various pitches. The “X” universe has shifted again and it’s looking like for the better right now.
Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8
It’s a thick stack of books this week with DC still releasing their number one books. What’s worth it? What should be skipped? Find out below!
Alpha Flight #4 – The team is on the run from the government who has been taken over through an overly complex plan. There’s a lot I like about the series, but also so much that just seems blah. Overall it’s getting much better, but there’s definitely some things strange things that don’t jive. The brutality of one particular character just doesn’t fit in with the relative niceness of Alpha Flight.
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7
American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #4 – It’s the second to last issue of this series that delves into the myths of the vampires. It adds a bit to the world and the story is really entertaining, but as usual you have to question why the bad guys just don’t kill the good guys right away. That’s about the only flaw I find, for what’s turned out to be a hell of a limited series.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
Batman and Robin #1 – The good here is Damian’s depiction. The mysterious bad guy also has me intrigued. The bad is the story itself which just seems silly to me. Also, how old is Batman supposed to be in the DC revamp/reboot/relaunch? If Damian is still around, he obviously can’t be younger than he was in the previous world. I’m a bit confused about that part.
Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75
Batwoman #1 – A beautiful comic book, the art alone is enough to get me to come back for more. The story on the other hand is a bit week, but still intriguing enough to get me to overlook it. What is very strong, like the art is the characterization. The various characters in the comic are well written and there’s some great female leads. It’s been a long wait for this first issue, and while I can’t say it blew me away, I’ll definitely be back for the second issue.
Story: 7.75 Art: 9 Overall: 8
Black Panther: The Man Without Fear #523 – Out of all of the Fear Itself tie-ins this one is the best, though it’s competition isn’t that great. As a whole though, I really like the American Panther storyline. There was a solid ending to it, and a great mystery left at the end that seems like it’ll lead to something more interesting going forward. With the next issue, it’ll get a new subtitle, the series is quality and a definite recommendation to make a monthly read.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
Criminal: The Last of the Innocent #4 – Wow, that was one hell of an ending. This is a crime story of the best caliber. Brubaker’s story telling seems to get better and better and this one’s ending is just amazing. Another fantastic volume in the best noir on the market. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9
Daken: Dark Wolverine #14 – What the hell did I read. The heat part is great as usual, but the art seems to have taken a dip and it won’t be until next issue that’ll I’ll truly understand what’s going on. This is one part of a bigger story and by itself the issue doesn’t make too much sense or keep my interest. Hopefully the next issue will do it some justice as the “set up” issue.
Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75
Daredevil #3 – Some great pulp fun as Daredevil fights Klaw and helps a man in court. The entertaining ending is a nice end cap for the first story arc and this issue sets up a bigger bad guy that’s only hinted at. The action is good and there’s some great writing in the issue. Mark Waid has returned Daredevil to his roots and it’s fantastic so far.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Deadpool #43 – Deadpool is on the loose as he’s escaped from the mental institution, though how he’s done that isn’t really explained very well. There’s also some other plot points that seem to have been dropped. The issue is entertaining enough, but falls into the campy end of things way too much.
Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7
Deathstroke #1 – Wow, that was a hell of a start. The issue feels more A-Team than anything else, but then that ending throws you for a spin. Pretty impressive as it gives you a good idea as to who Deathstroke is and does it all in a self-contained issue. Really solid beginning.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Demon Knights #1 – I appreciate what DC is doing here, taking some of their characters and throwing them into a world similar to one you’d find in a D&D campaign. The story is ok, but I’m not really one for straight up fantasy. My concern that it stars Etrigan and his speaking habit was not founded as that seems to have gone away, which is odd, since that was something that made the character very unique. It’s not a bad comic, but can’t say I really look forward to the second issue.
Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.25
Fear Itself #6 – There’s lots of dramatic moments and some big speeches in the second to last issue of Marvel’s disappointing summer event. There’s some great moments and a lot of characters manning up, but overall this feels like that “big moment” that’s a few issues too late for me to really care or save this event from smelling like a stinker.
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7
Fear Itself: Hulk vs. Dracula #1 – Not quite sure what the point of this limited series is as it doesn’t add a whole lot so far to the overall event. Also, isn’t the Hulk fighting in a few other places and against a few other heroes? Fear Itself has been a mess of an event, and this is another example of that.
Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75
Fear Itself: The Monkey King – A decent enough issue, but again, it doesn’t add anything to the Fear Itself storyline. I’d of much rather seen a three issue limited series come out of this than this one-shot that’s not really needed. But, even though it doesn’t add anything to Fear Itself, it’s still a good comic and hopefully we see more of this character than this one-shot.
Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8
Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #1 – A Hellboy wannabe I figured this was what to expect of the series after seeing it’s Flashpoint tie-in. It’s not the story is is bad, I think Hellboy is better in every sense, so there’s nothing new or interesting to keep me coming back for more.
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7
Green Lantern #1 – Sinestro has a green ring again and Hal Jordan must go back to a normal life. Just when you think there isn’t anything more creative Geoff Johns can do with Green Lantern, this comes along. A great new start that’s fresh and interesting. The series has had some issues of late, but this first issue breathes new life into the series and again has me excited.
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75
Grifter #1 – Huh!? Where’s the Grifter I came to know and love from Wildcats? What is this crap?!
Story: 6.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75
John Carter: A Princess of Mars #1 – With Roger Langridge’s name on the comic I had to pick it up knowing nothing about this beloved story. Can’t say I’ll be coming back for the second issue. It’s not Langridge’s fault, the story just doesn’t interest me at all.
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7
Legion Lost #1 – Hmm, a lot is interesting here, but the story is too much tied up in mystery and the action too choppy to get me to want to come back for more. I was never a Legion fan before, and can’t say this series has done anything to get me to change my mind.
Story: 6.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.75
Mister Terrific #1 – The beginning of the comic was interesting enough, but that ending made me not at all interested in the second issue. It was too abrupt and comes out of nowhere. There’s also the very blatant playing off that Mr. Terrific is a black hero and there’s event a rather stereotypical issue of his interest in a white woman. I’m sure the series will find it’s pace and feet after a bit, but I don’t think I’m sticking around for it.
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7
Mystery Men #5 – A ho-hum ending to the series that attempts to mix real life events with a comic book and doesn’t pull it off too well. The series was ok, and probably will read better as a trade paperback, but the finale isn’t anything special.
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7
The New Avengers #16 – We get to see what Daredevil was up to during Fear Itself and the issue is actually really solid. I like the interview aspect of the issues and the story in this one is really good too. It’s Daredevil’s acceptance into the crew and it’ll be interesting to see how that goes considering his recent past.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Red Lanterns #1 – In short, this is DC’s version of Ghost Rider. It has potential, and I’ll stick around to see what that is, but the characters kind of started off as a one note gimmick and adding a bit to them will be a tough task. We’ll see how it all goes though, but so far it’s pretty decent.
Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75
Resurrection Man #1 – A lot I really liked here. I can’t say I know a lot about the character and this first issue gives you a hint about him. There’s enough here that will get me to come back. The issue though is it seems like I’ve seen this all before in a movie or television show. Heaven and hell after one man’s soul, it seems too familiar.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
Suicide Squad #1 – So much I like and at the same time it makes me miss Secret Six. There’s so many costume changes that are so unnecessary too. Still, there’s more than enough to get me to come back for the next few issues and see where it goes from here.
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8
Superboy #1 – More than enough here to get me to come back for the second issue. The story is interesting and unique enough to stand out from Superman and there’s enough mystery here with numerous characters to keep me intrigued. This might be the first “Supes” comic I get into.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25
Supreme Power #4 – Just one piece of a bigger puzzle. By itself the actions of folks makes me scratch my head, but this seems to be the end of the middle chapter of a three act play. Interesting, but it doesn’t blow me away as much as that first issue did.
Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1 – An origin story that’d normally have taken an issue to get through looks like it’ll be spread out a bit. But there’s a lot here that makes Mile Morales stand out from Peter Parker. Bendis has made some interesting choices here and it’ll be interesting to see where he goes. I’ve never been an Ultimate Comics fan, but this relaunch of the line has gotten me very interested.
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8
Uncanny X-Force #15 – The team is trying their best to take on Archangel and his new horsemen before they transform the world. Deathlok has also lost his shit in the process. The trio of Deadpool, Fantomex and Deathlok is a team I want more of. So wrong yet so right.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25
The Unwritten #29 – The story of Wilson the the Tinker grows deeper and that ending kind of came out of nowhere. The story is s bit easier to understand but no less interesting. This is one of those sleeper series more people should be reading. It challenges you in every way. Solid as usual.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
X-Men: Legacy #255 – Magneto attempts to bring a peace between the two warring armies while Rogue takes over command of a familiar bunch. The story is really just a way to get Havok, Polaris and Rachel back into the fold, the stroy I could do without.
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7
Official Press Release
X-MEN: REGENESIS – Choose Your Team!
After the cataclysmic events of X-Men: Schism, all of mutantkind will be forced to make the biggest decision of their lives. What team will you choose?
Join the conversation on Twitter with #XMenRegenesis!
WOLVERINE & THE X-MEN #1 (AUG110653)
Written by JASON AARON
Art & Cover by CHRIS BACHALO
Variant Cover by NICK BRADSHAW
FOC – 10/3/11, ON SALE – 10/26/11
X-MEN LEGACY #259 (SEP110604)
Written by MIKE CAREY
Art by KHOI PHAM
Cover by CLAY MANN
Variant Cover by NICK BRADSHAW
NOVEMBER 2011
UNCANNY X-FORCE #19
Written by RICK REMENDER
Art by ROBBI RODRIGUEZ
Variant Cover by NICK BRADSHAW
DECEMBER 2011
X-FACTOR #230
Written by PETER DAVID
Art by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Variant Cover by NICK BRADSHAW
JANUARY 2012
Official Press Release
X-MEN: REGENESIS – Choose Your Team!
After the cataclysmic events of X-Men: Schism, all of mutantkind will be forced to make the biggest decision of their lives. What team will you choose?
Join the conversation on Twitter with #XMenRegenesis!
WOLVERINE & THE X-MEN #1 (AUG110653)
Written by JASON AARON
Art & Cover by CHRIS BACHALO
Variant Cover by NICK BRADSHAW
FOC – 10/3/11, ON SALE – 10/26/11
X-MEN LEGACY #259 (SEP110604)
Written by MIKE CAREY
Art by KHOI PHAM
Cover by CLAY MANN
Variant Cover by NICK BRADSHAW
NOVEMBER 2011
UNCANNY X-FORCE #19
Written by RICK REMENDER
Art by ROBBI RODRIGUEZ
Variant Cover by NICK BRADSHAW
DECEMBER 2011
X-FACTOR #230
Written by PETER DAVID
Art by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Variant Cover by NICK BRADSHAW
JANUARY 2012
It’s a good week to finally catch up on reviews. The DC universe is totally changed with two comics, but are they worth it? Will the gamble pay off for DC comics? We can’t answer that this week, but here’s the reviews for the week.
Fear Itself: The Deep #3 – A lot of talk about Undying Ones and me yawning. The comic and limited series isn’t bad in any way, but there’s nothing to grab me. It’s one of the numerous Fear Itself tie-ins that’s so far hasn’t shown me any reason that it was needed and couldn’t be done in the main comic with a tweaked storyline.
Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7
Flashpoint #5 – One hell of an ending. The story might have had some faults, but for all of the over the top action, it came back to the heart of the characters. The ending with it’s tender, quiet moment is perfect in every way. Flashpoint will easily go down as a classic event in DC and comics in general. Beyond solid and as an end cap for the DC universe that was it’s great, but more importantly it’s the messenger of what’s to come.
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5
Iron Man 2.0 #8 – The story is cool as part of the mystery is solved, but the coloring for this issue is so off. Why is Jim Rhodes a white guy for a good chunk of it? The Palmer Adley story continues and overall it’s a decent story, but it looks like the last quarter of this issue kicks it up a notch. The low art score is for the messed up coloring which does take away from the issue.
Story: 7.5 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7
Journey Into Mystery #626.1 – The point of Marvel’s point one is to introduce us to the comic and the characters and this one does so well at achieving that. It would seem that this indicates that this comic’s Fear Itself tie-in is over, which is good, because it can now move forward to telling the tales of the young Loki who stands out a lot from his previously older self.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Justice League #1 – This comic had to come out running and instead of something pumped full of energy, it’s a slow burn. Taking place five years ago it really chronicles Batman and Green Lantern meeting. It’s decent enough and there’s some great back and forth but Hal Jordan seems a bit more flippant and a smart ass than the serious and cocky character we’ve known. There’s also some moments I outright question, especially in the beginning action scenes. It’s an ok start, but I don’t think it’s quite the knock it out of the park DC comics needed.
Story: 7 Art: 8.75 Overall: 7.25
The Mighty Thor #5 – Interesting…. but I’m still confused as to when this takes place in continuity. Is this before Fear Itself? Is it after? I’m at a loss here.
Story: 7.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.75
Secret Avengers #16 – And with that Warren Ellis takes over for the series. It’s an interesting comic and the story is disposable, but it’ll be interesting to see what he does with the series. The characters are a little off, and I hate the art, but here’s hoping future issues and his run is as solid as ones he’s done for other series.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7 Overall: 7.25
Ultimate Comics Hawkeye #1 – I haven’t been much of a fan of Marvel’s Ultimate line, but this comic is pretty damn cool. Full of action and a very cool concept, it’s got me hooked to check out the second issue. This is an action comic on steroids, and fun to boot.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Uncanny X-Force #14 – Can I just say holy shit. This story has gotten tense, and I have no idea how they come back from it. Archangel is now in full control and X-Force has gotten jacked up. What’s Archangel up to and how will the team stop him? We still don’t know, but it’s interesting some team members still haven’t been shown off in the teasers for what comes next in the “X” line of comics.
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75
Just need to finish this week’s books and I’m totally caught up reviewing purchased books, and you get to see those reviews later today.
American Vampire #18 – Pearl and Skinner duke it out as time ticks down until the island goes boom. There’s some nice action and great art with a very solid ending to this story arc. Here’s hoping the next one is just as solid. Snyder has been continuously improving as the series has gone one.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Astonishing X-Men #41 – The story switches back to Mentallo. The ending is ok, but overall, I can’t say I cared about the story or it’s conclusion. The art was also a bit inconsistent at times. The arc was forgettable to me, but it was nice to see Roxxon play a bigger role.
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7
The Bionic Man #1 – Kevin Smith blows the dust off another classic series and gives it a bit of a modern spin. All the basics are there and this issue is full of set up for what we know is coming. It’s more than enough to get me to come back for a second issue and here’s hoping he does for this as to what he did for The Green Hornet.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
Brightest Day Aftermath: The Search for Swamp Thing #3 – What a cop out crap ending. Absolutely nothing is resolved and the ending just feels so convoluted and a waste. I’m absolutely baffled as to the point of this three issue limited series other than bringing Constantine into the DC universe. There’s so much wrong with this last issue, I don’t even know where to begin.
Story: 6.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.75
Captain America & Bucky #621 – The early adventures of Captain America and Bucky don’t feel wedged in like they should and the focus on the beginning of their partnership, void of over the top villains, is a great change of pace from the bigger stories that have been occurring lately in their other and past series. It’s a nice “retro” comic whose focus is on character.
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8
Chew #20 – The series continue it’s mystery as to what the strange writing in the sky is. I really have no idea what to expect, but the humor is great as usual, I love the art and I always walk away being entertained with a smile on my face. This is consistently one of the best comics out there.
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9
Daken: Dark Wolverine #13 – The idea that Daken is “The Claw Killer” is thrown into question in this issue and now I don’t know the answer myself. The series continues to show it deserves a lot more respect than it gets and has improved throughout it’s run. A solid comic that keeps you on your toes.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
Fear Itself: Youth in Revolt #4 – Gravity and Hardball fight it out over Hardball’s actions in the last issue, while everyone else reacts to it, but none really do anything. There’s some things I really like, but the fact so many stand around and just talk about their fighting, as opposed to reacting to it, the overall issue is a bit silly.
Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7.25
FF #8 – Who are the good guys and who are the bad guys? It’s pretty damn unclear at this point, cause it’s pretty obvious there’s a lot more going on than we’re aware of and the story we’re being given isn’t all of it. Jonathan Hickman continues his guiding of Marvel’s first family and while single issues might falter here or there, the overall vision is solid.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
Flashpoint: Hal Jordan #3 – Am I supposed to have mixed feelings about the Hal Jordan of this world? In one way he’s a hero, but in other ways he’s a complete coward and shit head. Not the best of endings, but it’s a piece in the bigger puzzle of the story.
Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7
Flashpoint: Kid Flash Lost #3 – I liked the final chapter more than the first two and wish the first two had Kid Flash doing more of what he’s doing here. There’s also a nice homage to the White Lanterns. Another piece of the Flashpoint puzzle that’s kind of cool and feels like an end chapter to the convoluted story that is The Flash.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
Flashpoint: Lois Lane and the Resistance #3 – Released a week later than it should have been, this issue has a key part of the Flashpoint storyline and it makes it a good one to read for that. Overall though, it’s not so much a story as a series of events that all tie into Flashpoint and it can’t really be enjoyed without that.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5
Flashpoint: Project Superman #3 – I’m a bit mixed on this one. There’s a lot more potential in this than three issues and a Superman created out of torture and grief instead of love and ideals is an interesting idea. Too bad the story was so short and often not as focused as it should of been.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5
Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #13 – Guy Gardner and Batman team up to solve a murder. I can’t say this was the best way to end the series. A lot to be desired, but at least it’s a self-contained story. It’s just one that didn’t need to be told.
Story: 6.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.75
Incorruptible #21 – Max Damage is building something, no one knows what and someone has shown up from Plutonian’s past that’s scaring the crap out of all of the loose villains. It’s an interesting story that’s starting to focus more on Damage atoning for everything he’s done and out of everyone, he’s stuck to the straight and narrow.
Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8
Kick-Ass 2 #3 – Long delays have taken the shine off of this series. The super villains make their move though, and there’s the over the top violence you’d expect. This feels like Tarantino doing a super hero movie, except the violence is just for violence sake. Not quite sure what I think, but it just doesn’t feel as much fun or interesting as it used to.
Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7.25
Mystery Men #4 – There was a fun pulp feel to the comic, but it just feels really slow paced now and a bit boring. The story is ok, but I can’t say I’m blown away by it at this point. It’s not what I was hoping for, but it’s not really bad in any way.
Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7.25
New Mutants #30 – Yawn. Another Fear Itself tie-in that derails the progress a series was making. The team is in Hell while Dani is trying to help Hela in Hel. And even with all of that, it’s still boring.
Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7
The Punisher #2 – Greg Rucka mixes a noir crime drama with a traditional super hero comic which is pretty cool. The focus of the comic is more on two detectives figuring out a wedding massacre, instead of the Punisher dispensing justice, and it works really well. A great comic that welcomes back a much missed character.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 – It’s great to see the Turtles back in action, and the comic has a great feel towards the grittier version of the comics. There’s some nice digs at the slapstick version of them, but it looks like the series is the welcome return I’ve been waiting for. There’s enough there that makes the comic feel like it’s classic version, but also a lot hinted at that gives me a reason to come back for more.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
The Ultimates #1 – Are the past volumes like this? The first issue of this relaunch packs a punch right from the start as global crisis light up and Nick Fury and his team must respond. It’s enough to get me to come back for more. One hell of a start.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Uncanny X-Force #13 – The team scrambles to save Warren and lots of sacrificing happens. It’s all action this issue that doesn’t really stand out by itself, but it’s a solid addition to the great story that’s being told.
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8
Wolverine #14 – While the lead up hasn’t impressed me at all, that ending was one hell of a twist I didn’t even think about. This story arc and the one that preceded it haven’t impressed me at all, but this issue finally puts the pieces together and lifts up what’s come before a bit. It’s not the best Wolverine, but, in the end it packed a punch.
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75
X-Men #16 – The FF and the X-Men have to team up to save a friend. The story is ok so far, but the interaction between everyone is great. Some pretty good stuff so far, but not great.
Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75
X-Men Legacy #254 – The team is trying to figure out what the hell is going on as they attempt to rescue Havok, Rachel and Polaris. The story is ok and there’s a nice build up of mystery and also a tie-in to a past story arc. Overall decent, but not quite the exciting return I was hoping for with these characters. But thankfully they’re back.
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75
Official Press Release
X-MEN: REGENESIS – Choose Your Team!
After the cataclysmic events of X-Men: Schism, all of mutantkind will be forced to make the biggest decision of their lives. What team will you choose?
Join the conversation on Twitter with #XMenRegenesis!
WOLVERINE & THE X-MEN #1 (AUG110653)
Written by JASON AARON
Art & Cover by CHRIS BACHALO
Variant Cover by NICK BRADSHAW
FOC – 10/3/11, ON SALE – 10/26/11
X-MEN LEGACY #259 (SEP110604)
Written by MIKE CAREY
Art by KHOI PHAM
Cover by CLAY MANN
Variant Cover by NICK BRADSHAW
NOVEMBER 2011
UNCANNY X-FORCE #19
Written by RICK REMENDER
Art by ROBBI RODRIGUEZ
Variant Cover by NICK BRADSHAW
DECEMBER 2011
X-FACTOR #230
Written by PETER DAVID
Art by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Variant Cover by NICK BRADSHAW
JANUARY 2012
It seems like a no-brainer as to what this week’s pick should be. Flashpoint #5 gets this week’s honor as it ends DC’s solid summer event and we’ve been hinted that there’s more going on and at least one shocker remains at the end. We also get DC’s relaunch as well which of course makes the list. Flashpoint hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been a lot of fun and really has gotten DC to grow up and enter modern comic book storytelling full of action, over the top scenes and use of the real world, which makes it all relate-able.
