Saga #12

Prince Robot IV makes his move. The Romeo and Juliet in space series takes a bit of a breather this issue focusing on Prince Robot IV and his pursuit of Alana and Marko. The series for the most part has focused a lot on those two and their attempts to flee with their newborn child. Part of that main story is Robot’s pursuit.

So we get to learn a bit more about the character, who has generally been a second tier story. Instead, he goes on a hunch and pursues a lead, the writer of the book that brought Alana and Marko together. It’s an interesting spin and much of the story just involves Robot talking to the writer in a fantastically written interrogation. This is very much the detective using his skills to figure out the truth. Did his prey also visit the author?

There’s also some more fleshing out of Robot’s motivation and back story. It’s welcome as the character has largely been in the back of the cast. The concept as a whole for him and his race has been an interesting one and an aspect brought the comic some attention this week as rather odd images crop up on the screen.

As a whole Saga is a sci-fi epic with amazing ideas and really everything is on the table. At first it felt too crowded with too many ideas, but writer Brian K. Vaughan‘s brilliant writing has focused the story and melded such variety of characters and worlds. It’s a pretty impressive result.

Add in Fiona Staples art, which is always beautiful and a treat to look at. It’s easy to understand why this series has been a favorite among comic fans and critics.

Story: Brian K. Vaughan Art: Fiona Staples
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Invincible Universe #1

In the aftermath of Invincible #100 and The Death of Everyone, Dinosaurus has left his mark on the world. Can heroes from across the universe – Invincible, the Guardians of the Globe, Tech Jacket, the Astounding Wolf-Man and more – contain the damage done? Or are the end times of the Invincible Universe ahead?

I’m fairly new to Invincible and Guardians of the Globe. I’ve only started recently to regularly read the comics and have caught up a little bit with what has come before and overall, the universe and series have been great. This is a solid super hero universe that gives the big two a run for their money when it comes to pure entertainment and what can be told with so few series to be told in. It’s very fleshed out and done so in a way where you pick up bits here and there without being overwhelmed.

This spin-off series deals with the ramifications of the major events that occurred in Invincible #100, that is needed. I’m just a bit baffled why this is the series to do it. To me, it makes sense to launch of new volume of Guarding the Globe, since that’s mainly the characters we see, with a beat that’s not all different from what has come before.

And that is really what has happened, a new volume of that series under a rebranding. Much like the world they inhabit there’s change in the series, but while the universe it inhabits saw death and destruction, here we just get a title change. My guess is it’s more to show the series’ and characters are all tied together much more so than in the past.

But, overall the story doesn’t change up what we’ve seen before. This is Guarding the Globe the latest volume. The writing feels the same. The characters are the same. The art looks the same. And that’s a good thing.

I’ve liked what’s come before. It’s been fun entertainment. Here’s hoping that with a new name, more people are willing to give it a chance and find what they’ve been missing out on.

Story: Phil Hester Art: Todd Nauck and John Rauch
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Buy

Sex #2

Simon Cooke’s journey into the underbelly of Saturn City continues. Think about it… how repressed would YOU be after waging a war on crime for the entirety of your adult life? What happens when the superhero power fantasy finally ends?

The first issue of the series had me very intrigued. The art and tone reminded me of some of the best of the “gritty” super hero comics. The series had an interesting take, delving deeper into the sexuality of heroes and villains running around in tights beating each other up.

Two issues in and the series is still solid, but the title seems to be more about shock value, because what’s inside isn’t quite as much of a new voice as I was hoping.

Sex is a solid read. It’s a new “adult” comic that makes an attempt to give a new voice and take to the super hero deconstruction. It’s fun in a way, but while there’s scenes of sexual depravity, the psychological breakdown of its main character is too internal. We see his actions and he makes some comments about this new world, but we haven’t delved deep enough into Cooke’s psyche.

The series is just two issues in. It is good and worth a read if you’re into this type of comic series. Its just not quite showing the intelligence I’d hope. Instead we get the shock, but the real substance underneath isn’t deep enough… yet.

Story: Joe Casey Art: Piotr Kowalski
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

The Walking Dead #109

Maggie and Sophia pick up the pieces and continue their lives at the Hilltop. It’s been nine issues since the tragic events of issue 100, and Maggie and Sophia have both been M.I.A. living their somewhat peaceful life at Hilltop. This issue picks up, with Maggie being shown around by Jesus as we get a bit more incite into that community. Like Maggie, we’re strangers there, so it’s through her eyes we get to see this new world.

But, though this is a break, it is still very involved with the machinations Rick and Jesus have been planning in their taking on Negan. Jesus isn’t just at Hilltop to show Maggie around, he’s also there in an attempt to get recruits. Rick and Jesus have found an ally in Ezekiel, but that’s still not enough to take on Negan.

I really thought the series had gone off the rails with its hundredth issue. The over the top violence was shocking, but not in a good way. It was violence for violence sake, a departure from the series usual tone of being shocking but never to the point of it being comical and over the top.

In these last nine issues, instead we’re given behind the scenes maneuvering and planning. Lying and deceit that has been missing in the series. To the point it looks like friendships will be hurt going forward.

It’s been a while since this story arc got rolling and things look like a conclusion is around the corner. Expect sparks to fly and I’m not sure everyone is making it out alive. The Walking Dead is 109 issues long at this point and as good as its ever been.

Story: Robert Kirkman Art: Charlie Adlard and Cliff Rathburn
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.35 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review