Author Archives: Paul Manzato

Review: Champions #7

Posted on by

untitledTHROWDOWN WITH THE FREELANCERS!

Well, we finally get the showdown that was promised in issue #6, but the Champions aren’t ready for what they’re about to find out and I think it hurts them a lot more than any punch could.

The Champions have to deal with the events from the last issue, and Mark Waid brings us a story that really deals a bad blow to the team and really shakes them up. This is especially felt through Ms. Marvel and Waid does a fantastic job of showing the gravity of the situation through this character. From the get go of this title, she was easily the strongest, most positive voice of the team. Her optimism and determination has definitely been a huge influence to her teammates, and it’s really hard to watch as all of that slowly starts to crumble after the events of this issue. I also enjoyed how this issue showed her naivety after discovering what the Freelancers had been a party to. It’s great to want to go out there and give people something positive to believe in, but this issue shows how easily it can be distorted to work against you. And through Ms. Marvel we see how devastating this can be; how the fear of losing it can really take a hold of you, and I think these events are going to stay with her for some time.

And as I have mentioned in my other reviews for Champions, I absolutely love Humberto Ramos‘ art on this book.  His style really gives this book the fresh, youthful feel it deserves for these characters, and his action scenes are big and bold, which is also due to the great coloring provided by Edgar Delgado. I will never get tired of seeing their work and I really hope they never leave this title. I really think this title would lose something important if the art was to change.

Overall, I really enjoyed this issue and if it wasn’t too obvious, I am a huge fan of this team. This entry really dealt them a blow, and I am very interested in seeing how or if they can overcome and rise above it. The writing is solid, the art is fantastic and this book continues to deal with subjects and issues that are relevant and have an impact on us today. If you aren’t reading this book, what the heck are you waiting for? And if you are, I really hope you are enjoying it as much as I am.

Story: Mark Waid Art: Humberto Ramos Colors: Edgar Delgado
Story: 8.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE issue for review

Review: All-New X-Men #19

Posted on by

5763406-anxmen2015019_dc11_lr-0Together at last! In the aftermath of the X-Men’s war with the Inhumans, the original five X-Men are reunited once more…but will they walk into an uncertain future together or apart?

Dennis Hopeless gives a final issue that definitely isn’t goodbye, as we know the original five members will be starring in their new book X-Men Blue, but rather a “see you soon” issue that, to be honest, feels a little rushed and leaves things rather shaky for the team.

It’s by no means a dark, down issue though. It’s nice to see the original five back together again and talking about their future, and Idie and Evan dropping some ideas on where we might see them next. The issue may have gotten a little corny at the end, but overall it definitely kept up the fun feel that this book has had from the start.

Paco Diaz does a fine enough job on the art in this issue. The characters are front and center and the action moves fluidly. In a couple panels, the faces looked a little strange, but that’s just me really getting picky.

Overall, this is a good issue that sets this team forward into their unknown future. And given what unfolds, they truly have no idea what lies ahead of them. The big revelation had me scratching my head and made me go back and read it a couple of times, but is also got me really interested to keep following this team and see how things play out in the forthcoming X-Men Blue.

Story: Dennis Hopeless  Art: Paco Diaz
Story: 6.5  Art: 7.5  Overall: 7  Recommendation: Read

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE issue for review

Review: U.S.Avengers #4

Posted on by

471323._SX1280_QL80_TTD_Do you HATE tie-ins with a fiery passion, True Believer? Well, this isn’t one! It’s a compete epic event – in 20 pulse-pounding pages! In the wake of Monsters Unleashed – even more monsters!! Because you probably will have demanded it! RED HULK! AMERICAN KAIJU! VANDOOM, the man who made a creature! And wouldja believe – DEDD-PUUL, THE MERCENARY THAT WALKS LIKE A MAN?!?

That was a lot of build up for a so-so issue. Al Ewing and Paco Medina bring us a stand-alone issue featuring Red Hulk (the new one, General Robert L. Maverick; not General Ross.. there seems to be so many Hulks these days..) being sent in to handle a situation quietly for the American government. He runs into Deadpool, and things don’t exactly go as planned. Deadpool does give us some funny moments through this story, but it doesn’t do much to save this issue from just being ‘ok’. I was rather bored and found the villain to be a little cheesy. Maybe that was what they wanted from this issue, and with Deadpool in it you know it isn’t going to be gravely serious. But it just didn’t do anything for me.  Also, having the book break into what looks like different covers for a tie in didn’t really add anything to the story, I just found it distracting.

I do really like Medina’s art on this book. His pages have a great flow and the action moves well with the story. I may not have been caught up with the story, but I really did take a moment on each page to take in the art, which really is the winner in this issue.

Overall, not a very exciting issue. It does have some humorous moments and as I said, the art is very good. But it isn’t just this issue, I’m just not really enjoying this book as a whole. When it was New Avengers and Roberto had taken A.I.M and turned it into something good, that was an interesting concept. Yes, that title had it’s problems too, but it was a new idea that could have been taken a lot further. Instead, the organization got rolled in with SHIELD and is now just a cog in that machine. And I’m sure with Secret Empire coming up this title is going to get a shake up with the direction Steve Rogers wants to go in, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this team reacts. I’m hoping Roberto doesn’t jump into formation with his new fuhrer, and maybe this team can go back to being something new and exciting rather than following its current course.

Story: Al Ewing Art: Paco Medina
Story: 4.0 Art: 8.5 Overall: 6.25 Recommendation: Pass

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE issue for review

Review: All-New Wolverine #18

Posted on by

5726464-0+anwolv2015018_dc11_lr-0With her allies at her back, Wolverine will face off against her oldest enemy…one last time. It’s Laura versus Kimura, and only one will walk away.

Tom Taylor brings to a close the “Enemy of the State II” storyline and we see Wolverine close a very dark and brutal chapter of her life.  I wish I could say this was a satisfying ending to this story arc, but unfortunately, it fell rather flat with me. The issue felt rushed, like it was just trying to end this already, which is what I was admittedly thinking as I read it.  There are a couple of good moments where you can really feel for Laura and her struggles to finally put an end to the darker aspects of her life, but for me at least, it wasn’t enough to make this the closing I was hoping for.

Nik Virella‘s art in this issue is alright, though some if the faces and body proportions are really off in some panels which just makes the characters look weird.  But Wolverine is depicted well in the more emotional scenes that really make you feel for her situation, as mentioned above.  Her emotions are clearly displayed and it helps this story plod along.

Overall, this was just an okay issue. Yeah, we got the showdown between Laura and Kimura and I was happy to see that all play out, but the issue just lacked any real punch. It felt like it was just slogging along to the ending I’m sure everyone saw coming. I really hope the next arc takes Wolverine in a more exciting direction as I am a big fan of Laura taking up the mantle and I’m not ready to write this title off.

Story: Tom Taylor Art: Nik Virella
Story: 5.0 Art: 5.0 Overall: 5.0 Recommendation: If you’re a fan of the character, read.

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Champions #6

Posted on by

untitledVersus their counterparts, the Freelancers! And you’ll be surprised to see who’s left standing at the end of the battle!

Unfortunately, the preview for this issue is totally wrong.  I mean we see the Champions and the Freelancers in this issue, but there is no versus and definitely no battle for us to see who is left standing.

However, Mark Waid does give us a good start to a story arc that will probably lead up to the above promised battle.  This issue gives readers a look at the positive things that can happen when people are given a positive example to inspire them. And on the flip side, we are shown how greed and a lack of compassion can bring out the ugly in people and how that can become all they stand for. We see the Champions together, working on their team work but having fun with each other and further demonstrating that these kids are becoming more then just teammates.  On the opposite side, we are shown more about the Freelancers and the corporation that keeps them on the payroll. It is an effective comparison of these two groups of young people and shows us that a small seed of negativity can easily grow into something worse, just as easily as a positive example can lead people to do good.

And as I said with the last issue, I am really enjoying Humberto Ramos‘ art in this book.  He really brings these characters to life, giving each their own personality and the style really works with the youthful tone of this book.  I really hope that he is planning on staying with this book, because I really think his art just matches with the writing perfectly, and I personally think the book would lose something if it was to lose him.

Overall, I liked this issue. It didn’t blow me away like the last issue did, but this does set up something that we are going to see come to fruition down the line and really test the team and their resolve. I like the Freelancers and their contrary position to our heroes and I am looking forward to seeing the two teams comes face to face. I’m sure any fan of the Champions will enjoy this issue and I hope they are as excited for what’s to come as I am.

Story: Mark Waid Art: Humberto Ramos
Story:6.5 Art: 9 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Scarlet Witch #15

Posted on by

5712144-15Witchcraft has been saved. Now Wanda has an even harder thing ahead of her – planning her life now her task is done.  But first she must face a witch-demon who possesses a young boy with a bloodline connection to witches of yore.  Join us as Wanda must battle evil both in present-day New York…and Havana, Cuba in 1954!!

Scarlet Witch was a title I was very excited about when I heard of it’s debut, and Wanda has always been one of my favorite Marvel characters.  Over the years, writers have taken liberties with her powers; some focusing on her mutant ‘hex’ power, others delving into her ‘chaos magic’.  This series took Wanda’s abilities more in a supernatural direction, really showing this character as a witch.  It was an intriguing endeavor, Wanda out on her own to fix witchcraft and find the person or persons who were destroying it.  The series definitely had its high points and low points, but I think any fan of Scarlet Witch would say they enjoyed the ride.

James Robinson gives a nice ending story to close out this series.  It really shows how the character has changed as a result of her journey, and how she’s ready to face her future.  We see a more confident Wanda, not second guessing herself or apologizing anymore for past mistakes.  On the road to fix witchcraft, Wanda has also managed to heal herself and Robinson ends this series showing us that Wanda knows what she wants for herself and she is going after it, promising that we definitely have not seen the last of the Scarlet Witch.

Vanessa Del Rey’s art definitely adds to the supernatural feel of this issue.  Most panels are very dark and muted, except for Wanda and her signature color, which conveys her power and presence thanks to color artist Jordie Bellaire.  The art has a very “sketch” feel to it, but really lends itself to the mood of the issue, even though some of the faces look awkward in some panels.

Overall, this was a good story to send Wanda off onto the next chapter of her adventures.  It shows us Wanda is more confident in her powers and how she has come into her own, no longer relying on her brother Quicksilver to be her protector and no longer being weighed down by the guilt of things that happened in her past (her mental breakdown in Avengers Disassembled; her uttering ‘no more mutants’ in House of M).  Wanda’s story that begins this issue, the ending of her tale and who she is with at the end of the story shows us that Wanda knows exactly what she wants her life to be and she is no longer going to hide away but embrace who she is.  I am very excited to see where Wanda turns up next, and I look forward to seeing her in action again.

Story: James Robinson Art: Vanessa Del Rey Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25 Recommendation: Read

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Uncanny X-Men #18

Posted on by

uncanny-x-men-18

It’s the occupation of New Attilan!

In this Inhumans vs. X-Men tie-in, with the mutant invasion of the Inhuman capital city now complete, Magneto seeks to lock it down by deploying his newly-acquired army of mutant sleepers. But will he take his mission a step too far?

With Uncanny X-Men #18, Cullen Bunn brings us a very good tie-in story to Inhumans vs. X-Men. The main issues have shown us the all-out battles between the two sides, but stories like this one show us what’s happening to those being affected by the battle, and where loyalties lie. Xorn and Shaw could not be more opposite, and Bunn uses them perfectly to show two very different points of view to this conflict, but both coming from the same side.

Edgar Salazar‘s art definitely brings this story to life, and can only be described as beautiful. You feel the sadness and fear and rage that are conveyed by the characters and the action scenes, though contained in smaller panels and not splash pages, are really well done.

Overall I really enjoyed this issue. Inhumans vs. X-Men has been a fantastic event from the first issue.  As I’m sure some would agree with me, it’s usually the tie-in issues where some major story events stumble in giving us the whole story. But issues like this really flesh out the event and give us a glimpse not only at how the main characters are affected, but how those caught up in the conflict are affected by their actions.

Story: Cullen Bunn Art: Edgar Salazar
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: All-New Wolverine #17

Posted on by

5681502-anwolv2015017_dc11-0In issue #16, Wolverine was captured by her former handler, Kimura, and was set loose in Madripoor to go after Tyger Tiger, who was laced with the infamous trigger scent that sends Laura into a berzerker rage. Kimura doesn’t want Tyger Tiger to continue working towards making Mardipoor a legitimate, respectable place so Wolverine is unleashed. But Gambit arrives on the scene and the issue ends with a playing card being launched at an advancing Wolverine. So here is All-New Wolverine #17, and as the cover hints, we’re going to see one heck of a show down….right?

Wrong. In this issue we have Laura waking up after being hit with said playing card, blowing up and healing. We have Gabby, Gambit and Warren looking after her and explaining to her that Tyger Tiger is fine and the three of them are going to help her get over her being controlled by the trigger scent. And, to her surprise, Jean Grey has been called in to help her. So Laura is locked in a room with Gabby and a vial of trigger scent that she douses herself with. Laura attacks, Gabby evades and Jean goes into Laura’s mind to help unlock the parts of her mind that keep her slave to the scent.

Meanwhile, Angel and Gambit keep watch for anyone coming to attack their hideout, and are surprised to see SHIELD on approach. Angel intercepts and find out that Tyger Tiger went to SHIELD about the attack by Laura, wanting to keep everything legitimate. They didn’t think, however, that Kimura would be keeping an eye out and following them and she blows their aircraft out of the sky. While this is going on, Jean is inside Laura’s mind, talking to her younger self where she hides when the trigger scent takes over. When all is said and done, it would appear that Wolverine is cured of her hold the trigger scent has on her.

So yeah, if you were hoping for a throw down with Gambit, or this issue picking up where the last one ended, you are in for disappointment. Tom Taylor gives us a rather boring, disjointed issue that really has a ‘been there, done that’ feel to it. Oh no, Laura is captured again; oh no, the trigger scent has her again.  And really, Kimura again? I could have sworn Emma Frost pulled a mind whammy on her and had Kimura go back to The Facility and take care of those in charge (New X-Men Vol. 2 issue #36). But here we have a tired plot device and Kimura controls Laura again. Djibril Morisette-Phan does a fine enough job with the art. Some of the faces look a little strange in some panels, but overall the art is alright. Nothing groundbreaking, but not terrible either.

Overall, I have to say I am disappointed in where this title has gone. When it was launched, we had Laura out as Wolverine, starting a new life and carving a new future for herself. And seventeen issues in and we’re back to the same old story of Laura being under the control of Kimura. Like throwing in the Phoenix Force, or mutants being killed off or time travel, this is a tired, stale plotline that I wish would just end. Sure, the Weapon X program always reared it’s ugly head towards Logan every now and then, but it was always in new ways; it wasn’t the same single guy always showing up to capture him. All-New Wolverine started off being fresh and full of potential, but now this book needs a real improvement to make it feel ‘all new’ again.

Story: Tom Taylor Art: Djibril Morisette-Phan
Story: 4.0 Art: 5.0 Overall: 4.5 Recommendation: Pass

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Riverdale S1E1 “Chapter One: The River’s Edge”

Posted on by

riverdale I remember Archie and the gang from when I was younger; my uncle had a few Archie books on his shelves and I would go through them every time I was over there.  They were light and funny, showing a simpler time. Riverdale, a more modern take on Archie and the gang, is anything but light and funny.

The town of Riverdale has been shaken by the death of Jason Blossom, twin brother to Riverdale high’s queen bee Cheryl Blossom (Madelaine Petsch), over the summer break. This casts a dark cloud over the return to school, but as we are introduced to the characters in this show, we soon find out that there is a lot more going on with the residents of Riverdale.

Archie Andrews (K.J. Apa) has had an awakening over the summer, and wants to pursue his new found passion in music, rather then work for his father (Luke Perry) in the family business.  Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart) has come to the realization that her feelings for her best friend Archie have grown into more, and she is struggling to let him know. And new girl in town Veronica Lodge (Camila Mendes) is trying to shake off the person she used to be and start a new life away from New York and the problems following her after her father was arrested for fraud.

We also get introduced to supporting players that will bring out the mysteries hidden in this sleepy town; Kevin Keller (Casey Cott) is Betty’s good friend, nudging her to Archie; Josie McCoy (Ashleigh Murray) is the no-nonsense lead singer of the Pussycats, and isn’t going to let anyone take focus of her journey to stardom.  We also get quick nods to other known characters Reggie Mantle (Ross Butler) and Moose Mason (Cody Kearsley). Miss Grundy (Sarah Habel) has been radically changed from the original comics and plays an interesting role in the life of Archie Andrews. And the whole story is being laid out by Jughead Jones (Cole Sprouse), working on a novel of the events of over the summer. He is seen as being more of a loner, not really being part of any group, or the best friend of Archie as most know him to be in the books.

For a premiere episode, Riverdale does a good job of introducing us to the characters, but as mentioned, this is not the Archie many of us remember. This is a more dark and brooding rendering of these characters, dealing with more grown up issues. I haven’t read the revamped Archie comics that have been released, so to those who read them, this may be more true to the characters they know.  But to someone new to this ‘new’ Archie, it took a little getting used to.

About 15-20 minutes into it, part of me was thinking “oh yeah, just another teen drama”, but as the episode went on, and plot lines were established, I was like “ok this is going somewhere”.  I really enjoy the cast and their portrayal of their characters. It was hard to shake away what I thought of them originally, but I think that played into me getting more drawn into it. Archie having a secret romance?  Veronica and Betty kissed? A murder mystery in Riverdale? Not the Archie I remember…but one that I am looking forward to seeing again.

Overall Rating: 7.5

Review: Champions #5

Posted on by

champ2016005_int2-4Champions has been a breath of fresh air after the fallout of Civil War II.  These teen heroes had enough of dealing with their adult counterparts and what they were exemplifying, so they banded together to set out into the world and show it that superheroes can be more than taking sides and fighting among themselves. And five issues in, these kids are definitely getting the job done.

This issue was particularly powerful as we open to the scene of a burning mosque. Fire crews are standing around, not doing anything about the fire, as the police sheriff is explaining that it’s far too dangerous to risk any lives just yet.  Our heroes then come bursting from the flames, having rescued people who were trapped inside. Once they are out, the team asks if the sheriff is enjoying the show, to which he replies to Cyclops “You’re the mutie one. Did you set the fire?”  And this sets up the story for this issue. Our Champions are dealing with an issue that we know is all too real, but given the current political climate, is something we are seeing every day in the news.

It is laid out very clearly that the sheriff is a very narrow-minded, bigoted man. And him being very outspoken about his opinion is fueling the fire that is creeping through this town. Our team of heroes are at a loss on how to help with this when all of a sudden Gwenpool arrives on the scene, and makes things even more difficult for them.  The heroes make a quick get away with Gwenpool and try to question her on her actions.  She believes that this town must be under some kind of mind control, or they are a villain group like HYDRA, or are a bunch of villains in the making.  Ms. Marvel and Cyclops try very hard to explain to her that not all evil stems from a super villain, but Gwenpool can’t seem to grasp that.

The kids find a reluctant ally in the sheriff’s deputy, who explains how hard it is for him to fight back, with the sheriff having so many supporters and top notch lawyers that will get him out of any mess.  After some talking with the kids, and a racial slur laden rant the deputy receives from the sheriff, he finally takes the first step in trying to fix the town.

This issue could not have been more timely, and given the current political climate in the world, really makes you want to hand it to someone and say ‘THIS!’. Mark Waid has presented a clear and very accurate view on the world today as we see scenes similar to this being reported every day. We have a small county, under the authority of a sheriff, who does not hide his contempt for anyone different then his idea of ‘normal’. The sheriff has taken his position of authority, and instead of being the figure of ‘justice for all’ has turned it into one of ‘my way or no way’ (this is sounding familiar, isn’t it?). And for me, the best part of this issue was how Waid uses Gwenpool. I am not familiar with this character, and we get a little background on the earth she is from. Gwenpool is convinced that this town is being controlled by some evil threat; there is no way that people could hate and act like this without any evil influence. The Champions try their best to explain to her that this kind of evil doesn’t only come from super villains, but Gwenpool has a hard time accepting it, and wants to go out and punch out the bad guys. The simplicity of her thinking hit me so hard. There HAS to be a super villain making this happen, people just don’t act like this. If only that were the case.

And I’m sure I’ve said this before, but I will again; I love Humberto Ramos‘ art. Whether in action, or just standing around, each character has their own personality and are the focus of every scene.  Even the scenes with several characters, or groups, there are distinct expressions for all of them without having the faces look similar. And the action scenes are big and bold, and you can really see how this team has come together and work so fluidly as a unit. I really hope he stays on this book as long as possible, because I can’t honestly see anyone else drawing this team.

Overall, WOW. As I said earlier, this issue could not have come out at a better time. The world is a crazy, scary place right now and this issue shines a light on one of the major, if not THE major issue facing the world right now. I hope that everyone reads this. Even if you are not a fan of Champions, please just read this issue and the message it is sending. We may have powerful authority figures trying to get us to see their way of thinking. They may be telling us that we are wrong and they are right and they may take extreme measures to prove their point.  But we don’t have to agree because they say so. We don’t have to lose our voice. If anything, speak up louder. Shout it at the top of your lungs. Don’t show them we will back down and obey…show them we are Champions.

Story: Mark Waid Art: Humberto Ramos
Story: 10 Art: 9 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy!!

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

« Older Entries Recent Entries »