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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 – 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

Around the Tubes – It’s Friday, Friday…

Posted on July 29, 2011 by Brett

So, I care that it’s Friday just because that means I can sleep in tomorrow and attempt to catch up on the lack of sleep from San Diego Comic-Con and also gear up for next week’s Gen Con. While you were slaving away, working for the man, here’s the news you might have missed.

Around the Blogs:

The Mary Sue – The Hard Numbers Say There are Less Female Characters in the DCnU As Well – Some good number crunching.

Comics Alliance – Answering Dan DiDio: The Problem With Having Only 1% Female Creators at DC Comics – While I generally agree with DiDio that you want quality writers and artists no matter their race, age, gender, etc., some of the choices are questionable and DC is in the difficult task to explain themselves and at the same time not diminish the creative teams chosen.

Con Coverage:

The Beat – Comic-Con 2011: Perception vs. Reality

The Beat – SDCC, A Look Back: The Beat

The Beat – The Comic-Con Virgin Diaries: Ali C. — Final Report

Around the Tubes Reviews:

IGN – Action Comics #903

IGN – The Amazing Spider-Man #666

IGN – American Vampire #17

IGN – Avengers Academy #16

IGN – Brightest Day Aftermath: The Search for Swamp Thing #2

IGN – Captain America and Bucky #620

IGN – Criminal: The Last of the Innocent #2

IGN – DC Retroactive: Justice League of America – The 70’s #1

IGN – DC Retroactive: Superman – The 70’s #1

IGN – Detective Comics #880

IGN – Fear Itself: The Worthy #1

IGN – FF #7

IGN – Flashpoint: Hal Jordan #2

IGN – Flashpoint: Kid Flash – Lost #2

IGN – Flashpoint: Lois Lane and the Resistance #2

IGN – Flashpoint: Project Superman #2

IGN – Green Arrow #14

IGN – Green Lantern Corps #62

IGN – Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #12

IGN – The Incredible Hulks #633

IGN – Intrepids #5

IGN – Invincible #81

IGN – Justice Society of America #53

IGN – Last Mortal #3

IGN – The Mighty Thor #4

IGN – Nordguard Book One: Across Thin Ice

IGN – Secret Avengers #15

IGN – Ultimate Comics: Fallout #3

IGN – Uncanny X-Force #12

IGN – Venom #5

IGN – Wolverine/Deadpool: The Decoy #1

IGN – Wonder Woman #613

IGN – X-Men Legacy #252

IGN – X-Men: Schism #2

IGN – Comic Book Reviews for 7/27/11

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 6/22/11

Posted on June 26, 2011 by Brett

It’s a thick stack of books dominated by some that made headlines. Flashpoint and Fear Itself continue their march on our wallets. What’s worth it, and what should you skip? Find out below.

Black Panther: The Man Without Fear #520 – It’s the Black Panther and Storm versus Kraven the Hunter. The story was ok and there’s a decent resolution but overall the story left me wanting more, especially due to the fact Kraven has had some classic stories in the past.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.25

Brightest Day Aftermath: The Search for Swamp Thing #1 – I know of the character John Constantine a bit and not really familiar with Swamp Thing at all, but this follow up to Brightest Day seems to fit the role of properly inducting the both of them into the DC universe. The first issue is fun and interesting enough to make me want to check out the second issue.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Captain America #619 – The story of Bucky’s incarceration continues as his friends work on getting him out and figure out exactly what’s going on. We find out what the Russians have been looking for and the transition of Steve Rogers becoming Cap again continues. It hasn’t been the smoothing transition back with Fear Itself in full swing, but it at least makes sense in moving the story forward.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

Dark Horse Presents #2 – Dark Horse’s second issue continues the quality we saw in the first with a mix of styles both in stories and art and though not everything carries over from that first issue, it’s still high quality. Some things work better than others, but it’s well worth the purchase.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Deadpool #39 – To me the series has dropped a bit in quality falling way too much in the slapstick side of things. I prefer the X-Force Deadpool versus this one that just comes off like a goofball. I think this is it for me. I really haven’t enjoyed the series in a while.

Story: 6 Art: 7 Overall: 6.25

DMZ #66 – A self contained story focused on Zee who has played the role of second fiddle for most of the series. Instead we get inside of her head as to why she saved Matty on that day and her thoughts on her role in the DMZ. It’s a powerful story that just shows the amazing narrative of this series. Sadly, it also means we’re heading into the final story arc of the series.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

Fables #106 – It’s the end of the story involving Mister Dark which comes not with a bang, but much of a whimper. A lot of the issue is left for reflection more than anything and while it’s solid, it also feels like something was missing.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Flashpoint: Kid Flash Lost #1 – Whatever happened to Kid Flash? I’m pretty sure this is the future of the Flashpoint world and it’s pretty cool as the series sets up even further mysteries surrounding this new world. The art is nice and gets you right into the action slowly revealing what’s going on. As usual, a solid Flashpoint tie-in.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Flashpoint: Lois Lane and the Resistance #1 – We get a better sense of what’s going on with the Amazon’s new world as Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen get caught behind enemy lines. The story is a little forced at times and there’s some potential here that’s hinted upon, but unfortunately can’t be followed up on. Not the best of the Flashpoint tie-ins, but still better than a lot of what else is out there.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Flashpoint: Reverse Flash #1 – Wow and holy crap. We get a real good sense as to what the Reverse Flash has been up to and this first issue just knocks it out of the park. So evil, and so messed up, we get motivation, action and chills throughout. Such a solid issue and I can’t wait to see what the rest of this three issue limited series has up it’s sleeve.

Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

Flashpoint: The Outsider #1 – While set in the world of Flashpoint, this first issue doesn’t initially seem to have a major impact in the overall story like other series. Even so, it’s a great comic with a hard edge and a main character I’m hoping to see more of post DC relaunch/reboot. Just a badass first issue.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

G.I. Joe: Cobra #2 – I’ve become a huge fan of all three G.I. Joe series as the action and consequences have kicked up from what I remembered. All three series takes different looks at the leadership void in Cobra and the scrambling to fill it. It’s a solid story and plot that seems rather relevant in today’s world.

Story: 8.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8.25

Iron Man 2.0 #6 – The Immortal Weapons and War Machine are called in to take on two of the hammer wielders. As expected the issue is a bit of a let down, but there’s twist at the end that I’m interested in seeing where it leads. A so-so issue that’s killing the momentum the series had by forcing it to tie into Fear Itself.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

Mystery Men #2 – The second issue of the series is entertaining and fun and overall I think this five issue limited series will be a fun read, but there’s one moment in this issue that just comes out of the blue and seems really forced and a bit too convenient. I think in the end this will be a good pulp read, but don’t think it’ll be Earth shattering.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Namor: The First Mutant #11 – And that’s a wrap for the series. I can’t say it ever really lived up to it’s potential, but the finale has a decent ending to it. There’s a lot of open threads and a lot is left on the table, but it’s good to see this series put out of it’s misery.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

New Mutants #26 – There’s a bunch that works here and also so much that doesn’t. Overall this new direction isn’t feeling so much as new, as it’s what we’ve seen before. The art is off and dialogue a bit unimpressive. Here’s hoping the series gets a major shake up post “X” event.

Story: 7 Art: 6.5 Overall: 6.75

Secret Avengers #14 – A Fear Itself tie-in that focuses on Valkyrie and how she got that role. The story is predictable and doesn’t have the emotional oomph it should, a forgettable issue overall.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

Thunderbolts #159 – Three stories and all are actually pretty good. They involve different aspects of the escape from the Raft and all three are entertaining, which is not expected since they’re Fear Itself tie-ins. A good read even on it’s own.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #160 – There was a lot of media coverage and hype of this issue and I can say I was underwhelmed. There was a way more emotional impact that could have been done but instead we get the vast majority of the issue being a so-so fight and then just a few panels dealing with Peter’s “death” and the reaction to it. Maybe those more vested in the series would have enjoyed it.

Story: 7 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.25

Wolverine #11 – This particularly back story as to why this person wants revenge on Wolverine is good, but overall the plot is pretty blah. Add in some really odd art that looks like ink thumbprint smudges all over. This Wolverine series hasn’t quite lived up to it’s past glory.

Story: 7.5 Art: 6.5 Overall: 7.25

X-Men: Legacy #251 – The team takes on two more of Legion’s personalities and there’s some cool moments here. Overall, the series is showing a lot of improvement with it’s new direction.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Around the Tubes

Posted on June 24, 2011 by Brett

It’s Friday, Friday, Friday…. Sorry, that never gets old. But, while you were looking forward to the weekend, here’s the news you might have missed.

Around the Blogs:

Bleeding Cool – Julia Ormond Wanted For The Man Of Steel – So, what’s the point a movie cast is too good looking? I’m pretty sure this one is approaching that.

Con Coverage:

The Mary Sue – Marvel Among the Major Studios Not to Stage Movie Presentations at This Year’s Comic-Con

Bleeding Cool – Three New San Diego Comic Con Exclusives – Marksmen, Samurai’s Blood And Heavy Metal

Around the Tube Reviews:

IGN – Action Comics #902

IGN – Batman: Gates of Gotham #2

IGN – Black Panther: The Man Without Fear #520

IGN – Brightest Day Aftermath: The Search for Swamp Thing #1

IGN – Captain America #619

IGN – Deadpool Vol. 4 #39

IGN – DMZ #66

IGN – Fables #106