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Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 8/31/11

Posted on September 4, 2011 by Brett

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

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 8/24/11

Posted on September 4, 2011 by Brett

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

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 8/17/11 Part 2

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Brett

Getting close to catching up with reviews, and here’s the second batch of reviews from two weeks ago. Last week’s comics will be reviewed over the next few days.

Journey Into Mystery #626 – Loki continues to weave his plan to deal with Odin and the Serpent. The end of the comic shows who his big gun is and it’s interesting. The series is pretty heavy in the planning, which is interesting to see all of the dots being connected, but sooner or later the story needs to really get moving, and it looks like we’ll finally get that with the next issue.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Marvel Universe vs. Wolverine #3 – Wolverine and the heroes make a stand against the infected. There’s some great moments here and as a whole this series is a lot more fun and exciting than it should be. This second series by Jonathan Maeberry has been entertaining and here’s hoping we get a third volume.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Punisher #1 – The Punisher is back and it looks like the detectives from Se7en are involved. The series is so solid that the main character doesn’t even show up until the last few panels. Greg Rucka can write crime and it looks like his “A” game is being brought to the table for this one.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Thunderbolts #162 – The team is dealing with the chaos that is Chicago in this Fear Itself tie-in. The story is interesting since the “B” team decides to make their move too. A lot is going on here and thankfully it uses Fear Itself as a backdrop instead of the main point of the story.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Uncanny X-Men #542 – It’s been hinted at, but here’s the point where Colossus goes through some changes. The story is actually kind of cool and it should be really interesting to see where it all goes in the future, because it looks like the changes are going to last well after Fear Itself. The scenes of their attempting to stop the Juggernaut is pretty entertaining as well. I solid comic.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Venom #6 – The series kinds a bit side tracked with Spider-Island, but it’s an interesting story. Hopefully the next two issues that deal with it will make sense on their own. It’s a shame that so many series are being side tracked and some derailed due to their being dragged into sub-par comic events as tie-ins.

Story: 7.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.25

The Walking Dead #88 – The shock and aftermath of events are clearly hitting everyone. The series has dealt with horror and what happens after, but it now looks like the psychological drama is finally being looked at. As usual, Robert Kirkman knocks it out of the park mixing horror, suspense and human emotion.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

X-Factor #224 – The whole story arc with Rahne is over, which is good, I wasn’t a big fan of the story. We’ll see where things pick up from here cause it looks like there’s going to be a shake up to the team if the teasers are any indication.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

X-Men: Schism #3 – This third issue of the “X” event shows a bit of where the latest issue of Generation Hope dovetails in. There’s a bit that contradicts each other, but overall the issue is solid and I have to say, I love the new Hellfire Club. We also get the real beginning of Cyclops and Wolverine’s fall out and it’s interesting to see what the issues are going to be that divide the two.

Story: 8 Art: 7 Overall: 7.75

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 8/17/11 Part 1

Posted on August 28, 2011 by Brett

Getting close to catching up with reviews, but here’s the first batch of reviews from last week. Hopefully the second batch will be up later tonight.

Avengers #16 – Bucky is dead (again) and Steve is on the trail of Sin. The issue continues the ongoing interviews that tell the story, which is a solid and different way to do it. The issue is solid in it’s story telling and you get a good sense of remorse.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Avengers Academy #18 – The kids still need to fight Titania and Absorbing Man and there’s some fun moments in the issue. It’s not bad, but not great either. It does have a pulp sense to it, a throwback to old school super hero days.

Story: 7 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7

Captain America #2 – A pretty cool comic with a great look to it, but a bit too Inception for me. There’s some great stuff here though and it’s clear Ed Brubaker hasn’t missed a step with this relaunched series.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.5

Daredevil #2 – A cool second issue that focuses on Daredevil getting resettled in the Marvel universe and the repercussions of his meltdown. The issue also reveals the baddie that he’ll face in the first arc and I have to say, this one should make it pretty interesting.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

DMZ #68 – The war is over and in these last few issues Brian Wood focuses on what it takes to keep the peace. It’s an interesting discussion and shows how important this series is in reflecting on the past decade of wars. It’s sad to see it winding down and here’s hoping Wood will again put together such an important discussion about our modern times.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

Fables #108 – There’s a vacuum up North as someone needs to take charge as the North Wind. Everyone else also begins to figure out what’s waiting for them post Mr. Dark and the adventure in Oz picks up again (which I forgot about). There’s a lot going on here and the who knows what the series has in store next.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Fear Itself: Deadpool #3 – So fucking bad, I want my money back.

Story: 5 Art: 6.75 Overall: 5

Fear Itself: Fearsome Four #3 – Did this really need to be four issues? I understand Man-Thing should play a big role in Fear Itself, but there’s better ways to do it than this.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.5 Overall: 6.5

Fear Itself: The Home Front #5 – It’s a mixed bag here. Some of the stories and art is good, some of it is pretty bad. But, we’ve learned Fear Itself will be solved with flipcams….

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Flashpoint: Legion of Doom #3 – Hmmm, not sure what to think about this one. It’s not bad in any way, but has a feel of forgettable 80s comics. It didn’t add much to Flashpoint in the end and not sure it was really needed.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Flashpoint: The Outsider #3 – Unlike a lot of the other tie-ins, this limited series directly goes into the main Flashpoint series as we learn what motivates The Outsider to get involved. The story is interesting, but it’s not a vital read. If nothing else, it opens up some possibilities if the world is ever revisited.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Flashpoint: Wonder Woman and the Furies #3 – The truth about the conspiracy is revealed as a lot of back story is filled in and this issue goes directly into the fifth and final issue of Flashpoint. The art and story telling are decent and the fact this does add a bunch to the main storyline makes it a worthwhile read if you’re interested in that.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Generation Hope #10 – Now the series gets to the point I think it should have hit a while ago. There’s so much power here. A story about hate, race, history and what some must do to confront evil. It’s easily the best issue of the series, very powerful and a must read, even if you’re not a fan of the series and have never read an issue.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Green Lantern Corps. #63 – A nice wrap up to everything that’s been going on and that last panel is solid. It’s a few short stories that focus on the aftermath of the war and gives a nice lead up into whatever comes next.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Invincible Iron Man #507 – However the good guys will win, it looks like it all starts here. Tony has a plan and it looks like it It might involve his modifying himself as well. But during it all, someone is out to stop him. It’s interesting and the fact that Tony is drinking again is the real highlight.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

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

Posted on August 28, 2011 by Brett

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

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 7/27/11 Part 2

Posted on August 20, 2011 by Brett

I’m still a bit behind in my reviews. Here’s the second part of reviews from releases weeks ago. Hopefully I’ll be caught up this week.

Green Hornet #17 – Phil Hester continues to move this action packed comic forward. It’s some great pulp action that shows how bad the movie was. Too bad quality like this couldn’t represent the Hornet on the big screen. Tons of fun and a definite read for fans of Batman or pulp hero comics.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25

Incorruptible #20 – This series along with it’s sister title is about taking the villain and hero dynamic and archetypes and breaking them down. What’s interesting with this issue is that so common villain soliloquy is used and of course things go wrong for the bad guy. For a series that makes us rethink about the typical super hero comic, in this issue it falls upon such a common writing tool.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Kirby Genesis #2 – This series is for Kirby die-hards. The ideas are very much him and the designs mimic his style quite well, but overall, I give it a big meh. It’s interesting but a bit too much too quickly I think.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

The Mighty Thor #4 – Thor vs. Silver Surfer, Odin vs. Galactus, it’s big battles here. But, when does this take place? Pre-Fear Itself it doesn’t make sense, but post may not have a Thor around. So confusing…. but still entertaining.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

New Mutants #28 – To me, this is the quality I expect from the series. Faced with doubt and the after affects of everything they’ve been through an outside shrink is brought in to help them deal. It’s a solid story, worth the read. Here’s hoping the quality keeps up.

Story: 8.25 Art: 7.25 Overall: 8

Secret Avengers #15 – An issue that gets very meta discussing “death” in comic books. Even though it has Fear Itself on the cover, it’s more a statement about the recent deaths of comic book characters and the reaction by the public. A very interesting read if you take it that way.

Story: 8.75 Art: 7 Overall: 8.5

Secret Warriors #28 – Not a thing I would change, a perfect ending to the series. There’s so much hope, so much advice, and so much left out there. It’s a shame it couldn’t continue. But a big thanks goes out to the team that brought twenty eight pages of awesome. Bravo.

Story: 10 Art: 9 Overall: 9.75

Uncanny X-Force #12 – Wow, that was certainly interesting. A hell of an issue that really dives deep into the characters and focuses on them instead of the action, and then wham, one hell of an ending. So, so good. The art surrounding Wolverine was a bit off and inconsistent, but otherwise, a solid issue.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25

Venom #5 – After all of the action, all of the swinging around, this issue quiets it down and instead focuses on Flash the man. It’s interesting that the two books in this batch by Rick Remender focused not on the action and instead focused on characters. It’s a solid book about a man who’s haunted by the past which is guiding his present.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

X-Factor #222 – The issue with Rhane’s unborn child continues. I can’t say I’m too crazy about the plot, but it has it’s moments and a few times the art is really good. There’s a style that sneaks through that’s solid, but overall the art is ok.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7 Overall: 7

X-Men #15 – Overall a decent story arc that introduces a pretty cool villain. It seems a bit odd to have such a solid story before a big event, and it’s a bit choppy with Schism occurring now. But as a whole, I’ll give it high marks.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

X-Men: Legacy #252 – Legion seeks out Styx with an ending I’m not quite sure I understand, but there’s clearly more going on involving Rogue, so we’ll see where this series goes next.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

X-Men: Schism #2 – The major shake up to the “X” universe continues as the world reacts to terrorist acts and the X-Men must assemble to take on antiquated Sentinels. Meanwhile the Hellfire Club continues their movies. This is the event us X-Men fans have been waiting for.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 7/27/11 Part 1

Posted on August 14, 2011 by Brett

I’m a bit behind in my reviews. So, instead of waiting to post all of the reviews, I figured I’d get it out in pieces.

The Amazing Spider-Man #666 – The prelude to Spider-Island, there’s enough here to get me interested, but it also plays off a lot of back story which makes me hesitant. I will say, I can understand why everyone is saying Spider-Man is back to form and this is one of the best runs in a long time.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

American Vampire #17 – Scott Snyder continues to show why he’s one of the hottest writers out there. His “Ghost War” story pitting American vampires versus Japanese ones has been through so many twists and turns with moments you just don’t expect. This issue mixes action with a lot of character development to the point I felt emotion on what happened to a few of them.

Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

Astonishing X-Men #40 – The X-Men and Agent Brand battle the Brood and I yawn. There’s some things I really like and others I scratch my head and wonder what they’re thinking. The story is so-so and the art I could pass on. This series doesn’t quite fit it’s title of “astonishing.”

Story: 7 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7

Avengers Academy #16 – Half of the issue I disliked and half of it I liked. Pym continues to fight Absorbing Man and Titania. My issue with this is the inconsistent art as well as the fact the two possessed villains are speaking in English when at other times these Asgardians speak in another language. The second half dealing with Veil is so much better and actually somewhat touching. Overall, I don’t see why so many praise this series as it’s the weakest in the Avengers family.

Story: 7 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7

Brightest Day Aftermath: The Search for Swamp Thing #2 – An interesting read, but I’m not sure I understand the real need for the series other than to give a real bridge bringing these Vertigo characters into the greater DC universe. Some inconsistent art and the story is ok.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7 Overall: 7.25

The Cape #1 – Wow, to say this series knocks it out of the park with the first issue is an understatement, beyond solid with a great story and fantastic art. I have no idea what to expect, but it’s set up what looks to be one hell of a story.

Story: 9.5 Art: 9 Overall: 9.5

Captain America & Bucky #620 – How Bucky met Cap. I’m not sure if Bucky’s back story has been delved into this much, but it’s a solid beginning for this “new” series.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

Criminal: The Last of the Innocent #2 – When I think of noir, I picture dames and detectives in the 20s or 30s. Brubaker has fast forwarded that formula for the 60s, and instead of his protagonist being a rough anti-hero, we’re focused on a main character that’s as bad as the villains. It’s a throwback to the Eerie crime stories of the 40s and 50s with the focus on crime and murder, and boy is it good.

Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10

Fables #107 – A pseudo one-off story that follows up on a plot point that was made a long time back. It’s entertaining but something is slightly off. Not quite the best foot forward after the previous epic storyline.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Fear Itself: The Deep #2 – Hmm, I’m a bit torn on this limited series. There’s a lot of potential with the characters and the interaction is good, but it’s one fight after another with explanations thrown in between as to what’s going on. Kind of a snoozer and overall it doesn’t add a lot to the Fear Itself storyline.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Fear Itself: The Worthy – Some background on all of the characters that are currently ravaging the Marvel universe. Some of the writing is quite good, some of the art is quite blah. It’s a decent comic to give some depth to the characters, but I wonder why it took five months for it to be released. It should of been out with the second issue of Fear Itself.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75

FF #7 – And in one issue, all that was built up in the cosmic end of the Marvel universe is undone. I’m a bit torn about it, as I feel Abnett and Lanning should have the honor of returning Black Bolt to the Marvel universe.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Flashpoint: Hal Jordan #2 – Definitely one of the weaker entries in Flashpoint. Something is just off with it, I don’t really like the characters, the art is not consistent and overall, I kind of want them to lose. Hal Jordan just comes off as a dick.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Flashpoint: Kid Flash Lost #2 – To me, this seems like it’s leading up to the end of the Kid Flash in DCnU. There’s a lot I like here. The art is cool, the story flows nicely and keeps me on my toes. It’s good and seems to add a bit to the overall Flashpoint story.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Flashpoint: Lois Lane and the Resistance #2 – Interesting story, but a bit choppy. It adds something to the overall story, but isn’t a necessity to read. It’s still fun to see this motley team working together.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Flashpoint: Project Superman #2 – A lot I liked here. The idea of attachment and how Superman might have turned out without it is explored, but as a whole the story is a bit choppy and not sure it’s the way I would have gone. It feels as though it was done to explain what happened to this world’s Superman instead of adding something to the overall Flashpoint story.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Green Lantern Corps. #62 – As a whole the series seems to be on autopilot until the major DCnU shake up. The story is ok, but the art is so-so. We’ll see how much what happens matters in the future DC universe.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #12 – A single story about yet another evil being the Guardians put away and hoped to never see again. The story is ok, but nothing special. Overall, it’s just treadng water until DCnU begins.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 7/20/11

Posted on July 31, 2011 by Brett

We’re a week late with these reviews due to San Diego Comic-Con, but never late than never!

Avengers #15 – I really like the story telling through interview style the last few issues have had and the tie-in to Fear Itself isn’t totally bad, but as a whole the series feels like it’s a bit on hold with a bigger story while it waits for Marvel’s summer event to end. Thankfully it’s continuing it’s character development while it’s forced to participate in an otherwise underwhelming bigger story.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25

Cinderella: Fables are Forever #6 – The six issue limited series has been fun with Cinderella taking on Dorothy Gale and while it expanded the Fables world and showed a little more of what’s out there, the series seems to be for naught if all that it opened up isn’t used further. But, overall the six issues are fun and entertaining and worth the read.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Daredevil #1 – And like that Daredevil is back. The series has an old school vibe to it and that’s very welcome as Matt Murdock returns to New York City and attempts to put his life back together.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

DMZ #67 – This is it, the final story arc for Brian Wood’s brilliant series about war and what we do for the truth. This series has been some of the best political commentary out there, and is an absolute must read. When it’s over and done, you better believe I’ll be more than disappointed and will miss reading it every month.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Fear Itself: Deadpool #2 – Wow is this limited series bad. It adds nothing to the great Fear Itself storyline and comes off as a blatant cash grab to suck more money out of people during an event. The story doesn’t even make much sense. Just horrible.

Story: 6 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.25

Fear Itself: Fearsome Four #2 – Nighthawk, Howard the Duck, Frankenstein and She-Hulk have to deal with Man-Thing in a Fear Itself tie-in that doesn’t do a whole lot to add to the story. That seems to be par for a lot of the tie-ins being released.

Story: 6 Art: 7 Overall: 6

Fear Itself: FF – So, in all of the other Fear Itself tie-ins those affected by the hammers are depicted as mindless monsters who speak in a foreign tongue. In this series the Thing is speaking coherently in full sentences. Hmmmm.

Story: 6 Art: 7 Overall: 6

Fear Itself: The Home Front #4 – A mish-mash of stories that revolve around Fear Itself and one of them barely does. While this series has been one of the better tie-ins, something is just off with this particular issue. Dialogue and some of the plots just are off, with me laughing for all the wrong reasons. Marvel has really missed the mark with this event.

Story: 6 Art: 7 Overall: 6

Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons #2 – The Amazons have attacked the circus to retrieve and item and people are dying left and right. It’s great when you know anything can happen in a series and anyone can die. It keeps you on your toes.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Flashpoint: Legion of Doom #2 – The perfect example of a comic where anything can happen. There’s so many holy shit moments here and so much action that’s just brutal.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Flashpoint: The Outsider #2 – While off to the side, the series adds to the distrust the world’s meta humans have towards each other and helps explain why they haven’t ended Atlantis’s and Amazon’s war. The story is full of deception and twists and turns that’s pretty entertaining.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Flashpoint: Wonder Woman and the Furies #2 – The build up to war is all chronicled here. This is the back story that shows why the world is the way it is.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Generation Hope #9 – I think the sub-title of this issue is “It Gets Better.” The issue is clearly a moral story speaking to all those who get bullied for being different and letting them know it’s only a phase and there’s a better world out there. Pretty interesting.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Invincible Iron Man #506 – Tony calls out Odin and offers his help to build weapons to win the war. Meanwhile his crew figured out what to do about the situation in France. The story is ok, but what’s important it Tony breaking sobriety.

Story: 7.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.5

Iron Man 2.0 #7 – Another Fear Itself tie-in that adds nothing to the bigger story and actually derails the momentum the main series had. Such a waste.

Story: 6 Art: 7 Overall: 6.25

Lady Mechanika #2 – Such a long span between the first and second issue hasn’t helped. The art is amazing but story suffers from such a long span. I’d recommend going back and rereading the first two issues before diving into the second issue.

Story: 7 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.5

Marvel Universe vs. Wolverine #2 – Wolverine is on a mission to find the cause of the outbreak and the Punisher is involved. The series is fun and entertaining, just like the first volume.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Mega Man #3 – There’s something so much fun about this series that captures the innocence of the animated series based on the hit video game. Such a great comic for people of all ages. My only issue is it’s very fast paced and we’re going through robots too quickly.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Uncanny X-Men #541 – The team must deal with the Juggernaut who’s bearing down on San Francisco in a Fear Itself tie-in that’s ok. Nothing bad, but nothing great either.

Story: 6.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7

The Walking Dead #87 – The aftermath is beginning as the town begins it’s post invasion preparation and Rick deals with his failure to protect everyone and what happened to Carl. The series continues it’s amazing move forward and hasn’t lost steam in 87 issues.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

War of the Green Lanterns Aftermath #1 – It’s the aftermath and follow up to the War of the Green Lanterns. Everyone is shaken and no one knows where the corps. goes from here.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 7/13/11

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Brett

It’s a thick stack of books dominated Flashpoint tie-ins and the debut of some high profile series. What’s worth the money and what can you skip? Find out below!

Alpha Flight #2 – There’s definitely something appropriately “Canadian” about this series both in it’s topics and it’s voice. We get a better sense as to exactly is going on and somewhat the Unity Party is up to. The series hasn’t blown me out of the water yet, but it at least has a unique voice and feel.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #2 – I said after reading the first issue whether we really needed a mini-series of the still very young and fresh American Vampire, but the answer is yes. Both series are showing off a quality that justifies and any chance to speed up the story telling is much appreciated and wanted.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

Black Panther: The Man Without Fear #521 – For all those that laughed and moaned when they say sketches for the American Panther, I guess they get to eat their words. Sadly the story is tied in a bit with Fear Itself, but if it didn’t have to be, the story would be very solid dealing with hate and fear in America. If anything, the story so far doesn’t go enough, but it’s still a great read.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

Booster Gold #46 – Booster continues to fight Doomsday and the story is ok, but really is one extended fight scene that doesn’t move the story along or give us a greater glimpse into the world of Flashpoint. The art too seems to have slipped a little. Not as good as the first two entries.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Captain America #1 – And a new Captain America series is launched almost jettisoning Brubaker’s previous run. The first issue though is beyond solid with great action, interesting mystery and a great look. This is everything I hoped for and more. Very great read and a must buy.

Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

Daken: Dark Wolverine #11 – Daken has turned into a drug addict which is a bit of an interesting story line. I like the art style switching between him being normal and being high and as always the twisted sexual games he plays is something you don’t see in too many other series. This is one that’s flying under the radar and worth the read.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Deadpool #40 – This probably could also be called “When Deadpool Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest.” Deadpool gets sent to a psych ward, though it’s in England, which doesn’t really make sense, but oh well….

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Fear Itself: Spider-Man #3 – Probably the best of the Fear Itself tie-ins, the story sores because it focuses not on Spider-Man and his rather uphill battle, but instead of average people suffering from the madness of the world around them. A solid three issue limited series that’s much better than the event series it’s tied into.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75

FF #6 – So much that’s very cool, but if feels wrong for Black Bolt to return under anyone’s guidance other than DnA. At the same time, I’m forced to say “huh?”

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Flashpoint: Citizen Cold #2 – The issues starts off strong enough with the Rogues out to take on Cold, but the end is a bit confusing as to what’s exactly going on at times with the action not being clear enough. Overall, still entertaining.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Flashpoint: Deathstroke – And the Curse of the Ravager #2 – The fight between Aquaman and Deathstroke’s crew continues in another issue that’s mostly fight. Again, not much movement and showing the world that is Flashpoint. For a great setting sail, the story seems to have lost it’s momentum.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Flashpoint: Emperor Aquaman #2 – The origin of Emperor Aquaman and it’s a very good read. We get a good sense of who he is and why he is the way he is due to this issue and…. it moves the overall story forward.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #2 – Something was a bit uneven about this issue. It wasn’t bad, but wasn’t particularly good either. I guess overall, I feel like it just doesn’t fit into Flashpoint and doesn’t add anything to the overall universe.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Ghost Rider #1 – I wasn’t too impressed by the #0.1 issue and the first issue didn’t blow me away either.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.75

Green Lantern #67 – Now that was an ending, but we’re left with tons of questions as to what to expect in the relaunch of this series. The War of the Green Lanterns was uneven at times, but the ending made up for it all.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Green Lantern Corps. #61 – A nice throwback issue that takes on a social issue and addresses it at a galactic level. At the same time we’re introduced to all of the new Lanterns recruited during the war. It’s a decent issue, but the series just seems to be killing time until DCnU kicks off.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.25

Journey Into Mystery #625 – While I will say the series is solid, it’s a bit too convoluted in it’s dealings and double dealings. The story isn’t straightforward and you need a chart to keep track of all of the wheeling and double dealing. The series is interesting though and this issue does give us a glimpse as to the origin of the Serpent.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Mystery Men #3 – We’re a little over the half way point and the series introduces some more “heroes” to the fold. The story has a modern pulp feel to it that’s entertaining, but doesn’t quite meet the quality of The Twelve which it resembles. It’s a good series, but might be best to read in trade form.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

The New Avengers #14 – I’m a bit mixed on the issue. It focuses on Mockingbird and her new status as well as some issues Spider-Man is having and also what’s going on with Fear Itself. There’s one scene in particular that’s very reminiscent of 9-11 that really caused a mixed stir of emotions that I’m still processing while I write this. Is it over the top? Maybe? Is it one hell of a statement in one page? Yes. Is it beautifully drawn? Absolutely.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

New Mutants #27 – Really a convoluted way to get Nate Grey back in the fold the story is so-so and the art actually sub-par for an “X” book. Even with a reboot, the series isn’t what it should be. It comes off as second class in many ways.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

The Red Wing #1 – Jonathan Hickman is a brilliant writer and this series is an interesting start. I can’t say it’s quite up to snuff as his past indie series, but those are some of the best comics ever written. An interesting start though.

Story: 8.25 Art: 7.5 Overall: 8

the Unwritten #27 – The series gets a bit more meta as the shift comes into how comic books have shaped the modern myth. It’s definitely interesting to read and I wish I had someone to discuss it with.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Wolverine #12 – Folks still want revenge on Wolverine and this arc just doesn’t hold up either. I like the idea of focusing on the folks that Wolverine has hurt through his actions, I’m just not sure this is the best way to go about it.

Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.25

X-Men: Schism #1 – And in one issue everything ramps up as the latest “X” event kicks off. We’ve seen the prelude and we’ve gotten hints as to what expect, but now it’s game on. Jason Aaron has had mixed results in my opinion of his handling of various “X” titles, but this limited series kicks off with a solid start.

Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 7/6/11

Posted on July 10, 2011 by Brett

It’s a new week of books dominated by even tie-ins. Is it the status quo, with one clearly outshining the other? Find out what’s worth it and what you should skip below!

Chew #19 – The series by John Layman and Rob Guillory continues to be one of the most original and entertaining comics on the market. Consistently fun, always keeping you on the edge, never knowing what to expect, the series is fantastic in every way imaginable. It should be on everyone’s pull list.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Fear Itself #4 – It’s taken four issues, but the story has finally kicked up and started to be coherent. If only it started out this way. The art doesn’t blow me away, but the site of Steve Rogers as Captain America was too long in the making.

Story: 8 Art: 7.5 Overall: 8

Fear Itself: Uncanny X-Force #1 – There’s some slight art issues, but overall the story is great with a good angle of a group of Purifier offshoots reacting to the end of the world. Hopefully the limited series keeps it’s focus and doesn’t get too distracted.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25

Fear Itself: Wolverine #1 – The story is ok, the art not bad, but it seems a bit silly that there’s this mini-series as well as the Uncanny X-Force one. Wolverine I’m sure will also play a big role in the main series, so along with Deadpool, as usual we get overkill and over use of a character.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.25

Fear Itself: Youth in Revolt #3 – This issue sees one of the deaths Marvel hyped. It’s an ok series but doesn’t add a whole lot to the overall story which is what you hope the tie-ins would do.

Story: 7 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7

Flashpoint #3 – If Flashpoint is any indication DcNu is going to give Marvel a run for their money. The story continues to be solid and entertaining with great moments peppered throughout. We finally get to see what happened to Superman and Grifter is officially folded into the DC universe.

Story: 8.75 Art: 9 Overall: 8.75

Flashpoint: Abin Sur – The Green Lantern #2 – Well that was a pretty shocking and unexpected twist. A lot of questions are raised though, and hopefully we get some answers. I also notice the comic is tied into the movie a bit more as far as the look, will we see the other series do the same?

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.55

Flashpoint: Batman – Knight of Vengeance #2 – Wow, just wow. Brian Azzarello shows off how much of a solid writer he is. So damn good. Do everything you can to avoid finding out about this issue’s twist. It’s a great one.

Story: 9.25 Art: 9 Overall: 9.25

Flashpoint: Secret Seven #2 – I wasn’t the biggest fan of the first issue and the second also just doesn’t do it for me. The weakest of the series for this event. Part of the issue is I’m very unfamiliar with the character at the center of it, so really don’t understand what’s going on at times.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Flashpoint: The World of Flashpoint #2 – One of the weaker of the Flashpoint tie-ins. The story is ok and you get a smattering of the world this event is set in, but again, I don’t think it adds a lot to the main series. Maybe that changes in the next issue, but so far, meh.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Heroes for Hire #9 – Fear Itself seems to be taking what were once solid comics, distracting them from their decent stories and forcing them to participate in sub-par stories that add little to the overall Fear Itself plot line. This issue for a great series is exactly that. Everything is off, especially the art. A definite skip.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Irredeemable #27 – For issues now we’ve seen Plutonian attempting to escape the insane asylum he was sent while a few also tried to rescue him. We thought he was reformed but at this point I have no idea what to expect. Mark Waid continues to keep the readers on their toes with a series that pushes the hero/villain relaitonship/roles.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Moon Knight #3 – The cover alone makes the comic worth purchasing, but there’s a fantastic story in there too as the series continues to shake out and we’re introduced to the main characters who will play some roles. Just beyond solid and such a great series so far.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Red Skull: Incarnate #1 – An attempt to copy the magic of Magneto: Testament and show the flip side of the coin. The series “historical” roots really just sits in text talking about the cost of items at the store. The series first issue doesn’t have the emotional depth as Magneto’s tale and instead just comes off as pornographic violence.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

Secret Six #35 – The series had taken a turn with distractions such as a trip to Hell, but Bane is a focused man again and is on a mission and he needs the rest of the team to help. It’s good to see villains acting the sort again and the series to return to it’s proper form.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Supreme Power #2 – The first issue was great as it was Marvel’s look at what super powered beings would really do in a modern world. The second issue picks up on that but delves a bit further into the previous volumes which I haven’t read. This makes it a bit more difficult to appreciate and understand. It’s good, but just not as accessible as it should be.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Thunderbolts #160 – A Fear Itself tie-in that again drags down the series. The issue is they take on the Juggernaut in Chicago. But, in another series we see him in Vegas, which means they obviously failed in their mission. Well, if Wolverine can be in like six tie-ins, then I guess so can the Juggernaut.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

Uncanny X-Men #540 – And again it’s the Juggernaut taking center stage as the villain. In one week of comics he’s gone from Chicago to Las Vegas and now San Francisco. That’s a lot of mileage covered and more appearances than Wolverine and Deadpool. Congrats Juggernaut, you now have the title of most overused character of the week.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.25

Vengeance #1 – I really don’t get it.

Story: 6 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.25

X-Men #14 – It’s funny when a retcon works and when it doesn’t at the same time. Some secret history is being wedged into continuity and it sort of works. It’ll be the end before we know how well, but overall, it’s somewhat entertaining.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

X-23 #12 – The issue continues the whole “trigger scent” plot and the individual issue is ok, but I think the overall arc will be a lot better than any of the individual issues. The art though is fantastic with just a wonderful anime feel to it.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.75

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