Tag Archives: elmer santos

WildC.A.T.S. #12 wraps up a fun ride

Posted on by
WildC.A.T.S. #12

In a final, climactic battle for control of HALO and all its secrets, it’s the WildC.A.T.s versus the Seven Soldiers versus the Court of Owls! Winner take all! WildC.A.T.S. #12 wraps up a wild run that finally brought the Wildstorm characters into the DC Universe in a way that makes sense and works.

WildC.A.T.S. #12 delivers a satisfying ending to Matthew Rosenberg‘s run on the classic characters. As I said in my early reviews, the series has done a solid job of integrating the Wildstorm characters into the DC Universe, giving them opponents that make sense and encounters that don’t feel out of place.

While WildC.A.T.S. #12 doesn’t really stand on its own, it does wrap up the series bringing various plots together and connecting those final dots. As a finale, it works well, though at times it feels rushed.

What Rosenberg nails, and it shows in this issue, is the connection of the team members to each other. This is a dysfunctional team that butts heads and argues with each other but the second some outside force comes for them, they rally around their brothers and sisters. There’s a love there that’s only present in a squabbling family. And, it leaves things open in a fun way where we’ll hopefully get more of that dysfunction and fun.

The art by Danny Kim and Tom Derenick slips a bit in the issue. Not sure what’s up but the early half of the comic doesn’t have the usual polish and splash we’ve seen delivering a little but of bump in an otherwise fun ride. They’re joined by Elmer Santos and letterer Ferran Delgado. WildC.A.T.S. #12 isn’t the flashiest comic, in that it doesn’t deliver moments that stick with you, but it does deliver fun visuals and small details that pop. Grifter lighting up a cigarette while facing down Halliday and the Court of Owls is as cool as you can get, encapsulating the character in one panel. Maul going on a rampage is fun in a “Hulk Smash” sort of way. And the ending pages… they tease a lot for what might come delivering the mental state of the characters through images alone.

I’ve enjoyed the entire run and a bit bummed to know WildC.A.T.S. #12 ends the current run. There was a fun aspect of the series remixing these characters a bit as they get folded into the DC Universe more. Hopefully, it has laid the groundwork for more of that and this isn’t the end but only the beginning for something more down the road.

Story: Matthew Rosenberg Art: Danny Kim, Tom Derenick
Color: Elmer Santos Letterer: Ferran Delgado
Story: 8.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Wild.C.A.T.s #10 continues the action and twists and turns

Posted on by
Wild.C.A.T.s #10

Locked, loaded, and ready to roll…Grifter’s back, and the WildC.A.T.s are going to war! Wild.C.A.T.s #10 is packed with action as we get some dots connected and some twists and turns. The issue continues the series’ mix of over the top moments, humor, and surprises.

Written by Matthew Rosenberg, Wild.C.A.T.s #10 is another solid issue in the series as it bounces around a few aspects of the story. In the past, we get to see what went down with a clash between Spartan and Peacemaker. Good action, funny moments, it’s a lifting of the veil a bit. But, in the present Spartan is dealing with Maul in his attempt to protect Voodoo. That of course escalates as these things do with some surprising moments that should be really interesting going forward.

But, the real surprise is who made the offer to the WildC.A.T.s that are presumed dead. In the previous issue, they’ve been given the opportunity for some work and to take on the HALO Corporation but the offer has been given by an unexpected person which is absolutely going to set up some conflict. But, the real conflict is between the team and Batman, Arsenal, and Black Canary. It’s borderline superheroes misunderstanding each other and fighting first with questions later but it’s fun to see the team go against some pretty big DC heavy hitters. It’s a battle that doesn’t go quite as expect which is par for Rosenberg’s take on this series. As usual, the story keeps readers on their toes.

And, that’s what’s been fun about this run with the team. You never know who’s going to show up and what their role in everything will be. What’s clear though is the WildC.A.T.s aren’t quite heroes and not quit bad guys, though they are willing to do bad things to achieve their goals.

The art by Stephen Segovia and Tom Derenick is where issues are here. With color by Elmer Santos and lettering by Ferran Delgado, the art usually packs a punch to match the story. But, there’s some stumbles with this issue with characters that the detail isn’t quite there and fight scenes where the art doesn’t feature the crispness that we usually see. Overall, there’s an art change here and it’s noticeable unfortunately.

Wild.C.A.T.s #10 is another piece of the bigger picture dance that’s going on and it’s a hell of a lot of fun. The series continues to entertain with every issue delivering so much with every one. As a fan of the characters within, it’s great to see this new mix and see it working so well. Here’s to hopefully more Wildstorm in the DC Universe, especially if it’s this quality.

Story: Matthew Rosenberg Art: Stephen Segovia, Tom Derenick
Color: Elmer Santos Letterer: Ferran Delgado
Story: 8.0 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.85 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

WildC.A.T.s #9 continues the fun action

Posted on by
WildC.A.T.s #9

Grifter is still making his way back to his Earth while the rest of the team is made an offer they can’t refuse. WildC.A.T.s #9 makes things really interesting as three stories bounce around adding to the threat and delivering the fun action the series has been delivering since its debut.

WildC.A.T.s #9 continues its trio of focuses. Matthew Rosenberg delivers solid time to each moving things along in entertaining ways and making sure to deliver some surprises for each.

Grifter delivers the emotion of the comic as Rosenberg has done so much for the character. To make it back to his world he must kill someone but in doing so, he condemns another world. That world features his brother and his former lover, both want him to not do what he needs to. All of it is a bit tragic and is sure to haunt Grifter as the series continues.

The WildC.A.T.s team itself is being made an offer by a mysterious individual who promises them support. It’s clear there’s others who really want the team on their payroll and a surprising name is dropped, one that could open up the characters for a very interesting future. This part of the story delivers the humor the series has packed in.

Then, there’s Voodoo who’s capture by the Court of Owls and their superhero team. It’s interesting to see where it goes and the friction there but it also delivers a great ending full of action. It’s a bit of been there, seen that overall, but the scene is entertaining in its own ways.

The comic continues its solid visuals from Danny Kim and Tom Derenick. There’s such a great balance of drama, action, and humor when it comes to the visuals. A line is delivered with a great look on a face or body language, it helps deliver each punch. The duo is helped by Elmer Santos‘ coloes and lettering by Ferran Delgado.

WildC.A.T.s #9 continues a great story and integration of the characters and series into the greater DCU. It’s been fantastic and delivered with each issue nailing key moments and doing a solid job of folding so many classic characters.

Story: Matthew Rosenberg Art: Danny Kim, Tom Derenick
Color: Elmer Santos Letterer: Ferran Delgado
Story: 8.15 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.2 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purhcase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

WildC.A.T.s #8 delivers alternate world action

Posted on by
WildC.A.T.s #8

Another world is dying. Grifter may just be its last hope, but things aren’t looking too good for him either. Luckily, his trusty teammates will stand by his side until the end. Meet the new WildC.A.T.s: Green Arrow, Robin, Savant, Scarecrow, Maul, and Midnighter. WildC.A.T.s #8 mainly focuses on Grifter’s journey as he must do battle for the slim chance he can make it back to his world.

Written by Matthew Rosenberg, WildC.A.T.s #8 continues the wild ride mainly focusing on Grifter’s story. Lost on another world, he’s now part of a resistance fighting against the Halo Corporation and hoping he’ll be able to find a way home. Rosenberg delivers a lot of action as the battle begins and is able to pack a lot in as well. We quickly learn a lot about these alternate world versions of familiar characters, each slightly different than what we know. And we get some fun surprises and twists as the battle progresses.

What’s great about WildC.A.T.s #8 is the fact there’s the opportunity to shock and do anything. These aren’t the heroes we know, so they can die if need be or just act a little out of character. But, what Rosenberg impressively delivers is heart. There’s a punch at the end of the issue as the mission sort of reaches its goal. But, there’s also more than enough pages to deliver twists on our world as who has been “attacking” the Halo Corporation becomes clear and the masks come off… or really get put on in this case. The series has been a fantastic build in this way with every issue filled with action, humor, heart, and surprises.

The art by Danny Kim and Michele Bandini is solid. With Elmer Santos on color and lettering by Ferran Delgado, the issue delivers every beat so well. The humor really gets punctuated by body language while the action is a bit of a throwback to classic Image. It mixes old and new in a way but feels very at home in DC.

WildC.A.T.s #8 continues a series that’s one of the most fun on the shelves. It’s able to mix so much together and make it work. After years of what feels like false starts, this series has cracked the code of folding in the Wildstorm Universe and the DC Universe and make it seem like it was always the case. A comic to look forward to with every release.

Story: Matthew Rosenberg Art: Danny Kim, Michele Bandini
Color: Elmer Santos Letterer: Ferran Delgado
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

WildC.A.T.s #7 begins the search for Grifter

Posted on by
WildC.A.T.s #7

Grifter is dead? Yeah, we know that’s not the case, well, not likely, but his teammates don’t know what’s happening. WildC.A.T.s #7 not only kicks off the search for Grifter but also shifts the series a but making it clear that the the call is coming within the house. Something’s rotten with the Halo Corporation.

Written by Matthew Rosenberg, WildC.A.T.s #7 tells two stories. The first is what’s happening to Grifter. Having killed Void, he’s now being shuffled throughout the multiverse being sent from world to world where he’s fighting to survive. Then, there’s his teammates who know he’s not dead, they just don’t know where he is. They also know something is up with their former employer.

Rosenberg does a great job of balancing the two stories. There’s some good action throughout, but what stands out is Rosenberg’s focus on the characters and their personalities. Each stands out in their own way and between the situations they’re in and their banter, you get a comic that’s fun to read. There’s a pacing to the dialogue and what’s said that’s hard to not enjoy the comic. There’s a level of comedy that really emphasizes who this team is, who these characters are, and makes it stand out from the other DC team comics.

Rosenberg also does an amazing job of making characters who really are shitheads be likeable. There’s a sense that the team doesn’t necessarily like each other but will still defend each other when attacked. They’re dysfunctional family and in a way, the readers are sucked in to be a part of that family.

The art for WildC.A.T.s #7 is a bit off this issue though. Danny Kim and Christian Duce trade off on the art and the two styles are very different and it’s noticeable. One handles the team’s story while the other handles Grifter’s and Grifter’s segment feels… off. There’s something that doesn’t quite pop to it, it’s an issue with the entire comic where the art doesn’t quite have the energy that we’ve seen in other issues. With color by Elmer Santos and Tony Aviña and lettering by Ferran Delgado, the comic has a look that feels more thrown together than flowing. There’s some panels and moments that are great but overall, something about the flow and how it all comes together doesn’t quite work as it has.

WildC.A.T.s #7 continues a great series. It’s done a fantastic job of working in classic elements in new ways and folding the characters into the greater DC Universe. It’s also willing to throw some wild ideas and moments out there that keeps readers on their toes and create a reading experience that continues to be fun with every issue.

Story: Matthew Rosenberg Art: Danny Kim, Christian Duce
Color: Elmer Santos, Tony Aviña Letterer: Ferran Delgado
Story: 8.3 Art: 7.5 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

WildC.A.T.s #6 delivers a hell of a pivot to the story

Posted on by
WildC.A.T.s #6

With much of the team and personalities established and all the players in place now, WildC.A.T.s #6 is a hell of a pivot for the series. The hints, the teases, it all comes together here as a the bigger picture begins to unfold. It’ll leave the readers asking one question really, are we the baddies?

Written by Matthew Rosenberg, WildC.A.T.s #6 wraps up the first trade arc with the team somewhat scattered and reeling from the death of Cole, aka Grifter. But, not everything is at it seems as the issue delivers a whirlwind of twists and turns that’ll propel the series in its next arc which promises to be a hell of a new direction. It further cements the series and characters’ place in the DC Universe, making it one of the best integrations of the Wildstorm universe yet.

Up to this point, it’s clear something isn’t quite right. Halo Corporation, while seemingly benevolent, clearly has something up its sleeve. All of curtains begin to be pulled back as what’s left of the team smells that something is rotten.

What’s great about Rosenberg’s work as well is his integration of the DC Universe as a whole. Not only have the Court of Owls been the villains behind the scene but the use of Superman, and now Clark Kent, has been excellent as well. Another pretty big hero shows up here too adding to the intrigued of where things are going from here. It’s been a solid folding in of new and old.

The art by Stephen Segovia and Tom Derenick has been great. With color by Elmer Santos and lettering by Ferran Delgado, the comic has looked fantastic with a mix of action, mystery, and humor. The interactions of the characters has been key and the art has conveyed not just the humor of the series but also the relationships between each character as well. The body language and facial expressions have been key throughout.

The series as a whole has felt like it has cracked the code of how to bring Wildstorm and DC together and WildC.A.T.s #6 delivers a launch for the wild ride to come. The series has been full of nostalgia as well as forging its own path. A welcome return of the characters has me excited to see where things continue to go and evolve.

Story: Matthew Rosenberg Art: Stephen Segovia, Tom Derenick
Color: Elmer Santos Letterer: Ferran Delgado
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

WildC.A.T.s #5 builds on the mystery and action

Posted on by
WildC.A.T.s #5

Five issues in and WildC.A.T.s has quickly become one of the most entertaining superhero action comics on the shelves right now. There’s been a fantastic mix of humor, action, and heart, updating a 30 year old property and properly integrating it into the DC comic universe. For the past few issues, tensions have been rising as a new Seven Soldiers have been introduced, stealing the spotlight and glory from the WildC.A.T.s team. WildC.A.T.s #5 builds in that further throwing out more questions and leaving a lot of head scratching.

Written by Matthew Rosenberg, the series has done a fantastic job of keeping a lot of classic elements of these characters, and the Wildstorm Universe, and mixing it up just enough for something that feels knew, different, and at the same time familiar. Cole is dead with his teammates trying to figure out what happened and if it even really is Cole’s body they saw. Then, there’s the issue with the Seven Soldiers who are clearly wildcards where something is… off.

WildC.A.T.s #5 takes all of that and just adds to the insanity as the Seven Soldiers, and especially Majestic, dealing with Superman who is interested in the hero who claimed he was from Krypton. Then there’s a certain classic character donning his costume adding to the bigger question as to what exactly is going on with the Seven Soldiers. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s the ending!? It all comes together for an issue that delivers a lot of action and throws in a lot of questions.

Where Rosenberg’s story really stands out is the ability to just nail every scene and situation with exactly what it calls for. The WildC.A.T.s and Seven Soldiers are two very different personalities of a team and each is on full display here. One is a dysfunctional team but still a team and “friends”. The other is just a team where you can sense a seriousness and tension within. It all plays perfectly on the page making you like one so much more and want to boo the other.

So much is helped by Stephen Segovia and Christian Duce who provide the art and make an appearance by Superman seem completely normal. With color by Elmer Santos and lettering by Ferran Delgado, the comic is great to look at delivering a lot of swift action and surprises. There’s also a solid delivery of jokes through body language. How characters stand, their face, their body language, all punctuates the moments and makes everything feel so natural.

WildC.A.T.s #5 is another fantastic issue that just has so much packed in. There’s shock appearances, good fights, lots of humor, a bit of everything coming together to entertain. There’s so many directions the series, and characters, can go, it’s a series that keeps readers on their toes playing off of nostalgia but plotting a new path.

Story: Matthew Rosenberg Art: Stephen Segovia, Christian Duce
Color: Elmer Santos Letterer: Ferran Delgado
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

WildC.A.T.s #3 is a hell of a lot of fun

Posted on by
WildC.A.T.s #3

WildC.A.T.s #3 continues the upward momentum of the series with its best issue yet. As the previous issue ended, Halo was introducing its group of superheroes… the Seven Soldiers of Victory. Wait, what!? While the WildC.A.T.s do the actual work, it looks like this new team is going to get all of the credit, and you better believe that’s not going to sit well.

Writer Matthew Rosenberg delivers a beyond entertaining issue as we get to know this new superhero team with some great commentary from the WildC.A.T.s. It’s just perfectly played out that brings the larger than life feel of 90s comics but to the line where it all doesn’t feel eye-rolling comical. Rosenberg’s writing delivers a natural reaction that we can all see ourselves doing. Snide remarks lead into some tense moments and a few fists flying but it never crosses that silly line of two superhero groups fighting due to a misunderstanding. And through it all, Rosenberg delivers lines and moments that are hard to not laugh at. There’s a perfect delivery and comical timing that creates a comic that’s almost a superhero action comedy. It’s just… fun!

But, it’s not the WildC.A.T.s without some messed up mission and lots of action and Rosenberg delivers that as well. Grifter continues his mission to figure out what’s up with the Court of Owls, again with some amazing comedic timing and the rest of the team has to rescue a diplomat’s kid. It all goes spectacularly wrong as it always does with the team. But, at least it’s off the rails entertaining.

A lot of the timing and comedy as to do with Stephen Segovia‘s art. With Elmer Santos on color and Ferran Delgado‘s lettering, it’s all laid out on the page and delivered perfectly. Jokes about falling out of a window are played so well with a balance of what’s shown and what’s not. The reactions to the introduction to the Seven Soldiers is about what is said as much as the look on a face and body language of who said it. This is a great example of story and art perfectly aligned. Then there’s the action. The team delivers that with such great visuals, it feels like watching a summer action film. The sequences are over the top but delivered with such confidence and such a way that again it’s just… fun.

WildC.A.T.s #3 is exactly that, fun. It continues a series that takes what worked so well in the 90s but refines it. Much like the re-launches of this team throughout the years, this latest volume focuses on certain aspects and does them so well delivering a new take that has the DNA of what was but mixes it up just enough to deliver something new but familiar. After years of false starts, this is a series that might have finally cracked the code of re-introducing the world of Wildstorm into the DC Universe proper.

Story: Matthew Rosenberg Art: Stephen Segovia
Color: Elmer Santos Letterer: Ferran Delgado
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Review: WildC.A.T.s #2

Posted on by
WildC.A.T.s #2

When I think of 90s Image Comics, I think of comics that are more flash than depth. While they looked great, the stories were often muddled, disjointed, or incoherent gibberish. Things were up and down for a while with the publisher and overall it felt like art was the priority over story. In reality, you need a solid balance of both for a successful comic and even today some comics struggle. So, it was interesting to dive back in the world of WildC.A.T.s with a debut issue that launched the team into the spotlight once more after lurking in the background. The first issue was entertaining full of action and humor but overall it leaned heavy into the action end of things. WildC.A.T.s #2 finds that nice balance with action, humor, some solid character interaction, and a lot of surprises.

With their latest mission gone wrong, Cole and Zealot are stuck in the basement with a knocked out teammate and a mysterious cult around them and the security forces of the place they just hit in pursuit. But, what could be worse? How about the Court of Owls’ Talons! Yeah, it’s Grifter and Zealot versus Talons in what feels like the perfect nemesis for the team and the Halo Corporation.

Written by Matthew Rosenberg, WildC.A.T.s #2 is a solid second issue building off of the first and really getting things going. We get hints as to where this team came from and what their mission is with an ending that’s quite a surprise. But, Rosenberg delivers a perfect foil. The Halo Corporation, as presented, is a semi-benevolent corporation set on protecting this Earth and dimension. They have their hands in all sorts of goods but also a strike team to get their hands dirty. They manipulate things on a consumer scale. The Court of Owls manipulate things from the shadows, also with their own strike team to do battle. The team are solid adversaries and Rosenberg gives the first encounter a nice wtf aspect of it. He expands upon it with a debate as to what to do next about it all that hints there’s more going on.

The art by Stephen Segovia is fantastic with color by Elmer Santos and lettering by Ferran Delgado. There’s an interesting aspect to the art style with a lot of action but also a lot of more “straight” moments of boardroom meetings. The fact both can be done without it feeling a bit weird and no change in style is great. Zealot gets the spotlight during a sequence dealing with would-be assassins and the choice of panel use and art is great with Zealot looking like she pops off the page. The art too feels like it emphasizes the humor with moments that are both silly and straight at the same time.

WildC.A.T.s #2 improves on the first issue giving a solid villain for the team to go against and delivering surprises. This is a comic that delivers action but also the ramification of those actions. It takes what worked well with the original and updates things a bit with the team finally fitting in nicely with the DC Universe and delivering a bit more personality beyond how cool they look when they do battle.

Story: Matthew Rosenberg Art: Stephen Segovia
Color: Elmer Santos Letterer: Ferran Delgado
Story: 8.4 Art: 8.4 Overall: 8.4 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Review: WildC.A.T.s #1

Posted on by
WildC.A.T.s #1

I’m old enough to remember the launch of Image Comics all those decades ago. Each creator brought excitement with their launch titles. The look of each was so unique and interesting, a massive shift during that time period. Jim Lee launched WildC.A.T.s and I remember being disappointed. With most of Image’s initial titles I felt that way. They looked great but the stories lacked and were rather a bit disjointed. Over the years there’s been different takes and my view of the property changed. Wildcats 3.0 was a take on the team that I still think is fantastic and underrated. While DC has teased some of the characters of the years, they’ve never really fit and integrated well. So, I was intrigued by WildC.A.T.s #1 and by the end, I want to see more.

Written by Matthew Rosenberg, WildC.A.T.s #1 takes a lot of the elements of the classic team and brings them into the DC Universe. In recent months, we’ve seen more of the characters, particularly Grifter, showing up in mainstream DC stories. Now moved the Star City, the Halo corporation is up to something, and that something has to deal with the WildC.A.T.s team who are on various missions, that never seem to go right.

Rosenberg feels like he’s nailed the balance of the classic testosterone driven takes in the past and the current DC Universe. With a team featuring Deathblow, Zealot, and Grifter, they’re on a mission to get a scientist which goes off the rails. Grifter does what he wants. Zealot is the serious member dealing with the idiocy and Deathblow, well, read the comic. There’s a fun 90s action vibe about it all delivering humor along with the bullets flying.

The art by Stephen Segovia nails it all down well. It has the over the top aspect of the 90s but a bit more in today’s style. Along with color by Elmer Santos and lettering by Ferran Delgado, the comic looks solid with the characters having their looks updated a bit. The characters’ reactions stand out as they let their emotions fly yelling at each other and dealing with the insanity. There’s a lot of humor in Segovia’s details, enhancing the laughs Rosenberg bakes into the action.

WildC.A.T.s #1 is a fun debut that shows off a lot of potential. It brings back the nostalgia a bit but also does a good job of integrating this world into the ongoing DC Universe. It has me wanting to see more and even with this being a limited series, here’s hoping we do.

Story: Matthew Rosenberg Art: Stephen Segovia
Color: Elmer Santos Letterer: Ferran Delgado
Story: 7.95 Art: 7.95 Overall: 7.95 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

« Older Entries