fear itself: the home front Archives

It’s the third week of DC’s reboot which I reviewed on Friday. There’s also some great indie books and Marvel’s Fear Itself continues. What’s worth it? Find out below.

A Game of Thrones #1 – The debut of the comic series based on George R.R. Martin’s popular books reads like an adaptation of the television series that spun from the books. But sanitize the television show a bit. It’s only the first issue, so it’s hard to tell if that’s just this particular issue, or overall. I watched the tv series and enjoyed it, but had trouble following the vast cast and propensity to rattle off names, that happens here too. The comic is decent though, and might help me understand exactly what I watched.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Avengers #17 – The Avengers take on Sin/Red Skull just after Avenger’s Tower fell. This really is just one small part of the bigger picture and while it adds a little to Fear Itself, it’s a pretty flimsy issue by itself. It looks like we get to move on from Marvel’s epic event disaster as the team gets shaken up once again.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7.25

Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #7 – So we get a big more of the reasoning as to why Wanda went nuts, killed a bunch of Avengers and almost the entire Mutant race. The reason given comes off as a bit of a cop-out and retcon, but it’s enough to move the story forward. The big point here is the fall out between the X-Men and Avengers and I’m sure what will be the big event for 2012. My problem with the series is it doesn’t jive with some other series, like Wonder Man who recently attacked the Avengers and you have Doom helping the FF. Delays in the series I’m sure haven’t helped in that department.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

The Bionic Man #2 – The story picks up a bit as we learn more about the bad guys Steve Austin will be up again and the fallout from his crash starts. It’s a slow start overall, but the series is top notch so far and it looks like Kevin Smith will do for the Bionic Man what he did for the Green Hornet, bring him into modern times.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Captain America #3 – The plan is a bit convoluted, but really fun. Cap fights an 18 foot robot version of himself while Sharon Carter takes on Baron Zemo, which seems really out of place. Not quite as good as the first two issues, but still a lot of fun with amazing art.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8

Daredevil #4 – The vast majority of this fourth issue focuses on Murdock and his new law practice. It’s a nice and slow pace that show off the human side of the character and gives us a good idea of where he stands with that. At the end of the issue we get the beginning of the next arc which seems like it could be interesting. Mark Waid as usual has put together a comic that breathes new life into Daredevil and puts his series dead center as one of Marvel’s top comic books like it should be.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

DMZ #69 – The post war tour of New York continues as we get to see the ramifications of the war and how some of the people are dealing with the peace. It’s also beginning to sink in for Matty as to what he’s really done and the weight of what he’s experienced starts to rest on his shoulders. It’s a shame the series is ending but Woods is putting a fantastic end-cap on it all.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Fables #109 – The story in Oz continues and I have no idea where that’s going, but more importantly who will be the next King of the North Winds? The cubs are put through trials to figure out which should take over the mantel as we learn about a prediction concerning their futures. It’s interesting to see where the series goes post Mr. Dark and there’s so much right now, it’s impressive it’s all being kept together so smoothly.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25

Fear Itself: Fearsome Four #4 – Wow, just so bad, and why did I keep up with it? Another pointless offshoot of Fear Itself that added nothing to the greater storyline. Man-Thing was alson in Thunderbolts where he was handled much better. This, just was a money grab.

Story: 6 Art: 7 Overall: 6.25

Fear Itself: The Home Front #6 – A mix of serious and silly, only the story featuring Speedball will likely have long term impact. It’s an ok issue, but forgettable and not really worth it in the end.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7 Overall: 6.5

Fear Itself: Youth in Revolt #5 – Out of all of the limited series and tie-ins, this one looks like it’ll be the most important and have the longest impact. Vegas is still shaking as the heroes rush to save survivors.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Generation Hope #11 – A Sentinel is bearing down on Utopia in an issue that doesn’t make much sense unless you’re also reading Schism. There’s some great internal conflict here and arguments that’s just leading up to what’s coming next. The series is finally getting it’s own legs and finding it’s voice, and here’s hoping that post Schism it continues with that.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Green Hornet #18 – We get the full scoop on Redhand and his dislike of the Katos. It’s a simple story but still very entertaining. The plot overall for this arc is simple, but it introduces a good villain for them all and the action is entertaining. Some of the art is a little off in the proportions and contortions, but it’s not too distracting.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75

Heroes for Hire #12 – The series took a nasty detour due to Fear Itself, but it’s back to form as we dive right back into the Hook plotline. Even taking a break, the series goes right back into form with pure entertainment that acts like a 70s C-grade movie. Fun, entertaining, a great read.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Invincible Iron Man #508 – Stark continues his issues in Asgard as the battle rages in France. The art is great as expected, but this isn’t a story, it’s on part of a longer arc. On it’s own, it’s not much, but is fun as part of the whole.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.5

Marvel Universe vs. Wolverine #4 – There’s a few scenes in here that are awesome and that ending is fantastic. As far as final issues, this one actually ends better than the series as a whole was. The fourth issue packs a hell of a punch and is filled with awesome moments. Beyond solid.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2 – We learn more about the Turtle’s origins as Raphael meets Casey Jones. The series has a nice mix between the dark gritty feel of the original series and some of the more modern takes on the property. It’s perfect for old and new fans alike.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Thunderbolts #163.1 – This point one issue does exactly what it should do, give you a good history of the series and where they’re at right now. In this case we see enough to get an idea as to why the Thunderbolts was founded and some of what they went through. The team in the modern time also figures out where the fugitive team is as well. I’m not the biggest fan of time travel stories but two teams, one of which is fugitive sounds very interesting to me.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Ultimate Comics Hawkeye #2 – The situation in Thailand is deteriorating and Hawkeye is doing his best to get all of the information. There’s a new group trying to run things and he needs backup to take care of them and to that I say, “Sheeet, you’re sending the Hulk? That’s all you needed to say.” I’m still pretty new to the Ultimate universe, but so far, I’m digging it.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

Ultimate Comics X-Men #1 – The fourth and final series of Marvel’s relaunch of the Ultimates line focuses on the X-Men whose world comes unraveled in this one issue. We learn the truth about Mutants and see a world that’s gone beyond just hating them. If you read the first few pages and immediately don’t get sucked in, there’s something wrong with you. A hell of a start.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Uncanny X-Men #543 – Out of all of those taking part in Fear Itself, the X universe took the best advantage by now having Colossus taking over as Juggernaut, but also seeing how far Cyclops has come. The end of this issue is fantastic, because we get a great sense that this is a man who will do everything he needs to, to protect his people, but is fiercely loyal at the same time. His evolution has really driven where the X line is going and you better believe I’m looking forward to where it’s heading.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

X-Factor #225 – A nice quiet moment starts the issue as we get some reflection on how everyone is reacting to recent events, but then as seems to be the recent norm, something from their past comes back and drags them into a new mystery. The character interaction is great and there’s so much hinted at here, I’m only expecting great things as we go forward. X-Factor is one X title more people should be paying attention to.

Story: 8.25 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

X-Men #18 – The latest arc is interesting and the bad guys are a nice change of pace, but there’s something about it that’s just not really clicking with me. The art is good, but there’s some off panels. Overall, meh.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

X-Men: Schism #4 – Well this is it. It’s been brewing for a long time now, but Cyclops and Wolverine have finally come to blows over their philosophy. It’s a logical progression for the characters, Cyclops being the soldier turned general who had his childhood taken from him and Wolverine who has always acted as the mentor to at least one younger character. This is it, and it’s fantastic, welcome back to the quality that’s been missing for a while.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

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

Around the Tubes

Posted on August 19, 2011 by Brett

It’s Friday, nuff said. So, tomorrow is Baltimore Comic Con, so follow our Twitter account for updates and our YouTube page to check out the videos as we upload them. Until then, here’s the news you might have missed.

Around the Blogs:

CBR – Top Cow’s 2011 “Pilot Season” is On the Air – Details on this year’s Pilot Season by Top Cow. There’s always solid books coming out of this, well worth the pick up.

Around the Tubes Reviews:

IGN – The Avengers #16

IGN – Avengers Academy #18

IGN – Batman #713

CBR – Captain America #2

IGN – Captain America #2

IGN – Daredevil #2

IGN – Deadlands: Death Was Silent

IGN – Fear Itself: Deadpool #3

IGN – Fear Itself: Fearsome Four #3

IGN – Fear Itself: The Home Front #5

IGN – Flashpoint: Abin Sur – The Green Lantern #3

IGN – Flashpoint: Legion of Doom #3

IGN – Flashpoint: The Outsider #3

IGN – Flashpoint: Wonder Woman and the Furies #3

IGN – Gladstone’s School For World Conquerors #4

IGN – Green Lantern Corps #63

IGN – Hulk #39

IGN – Invincible Iron Man #507

IGN – Justice League of America #60

IGN – Ka-Zar #3

IGN – Legion of Super-Heroes #16

IGN – Spider-Island: The Amazing Spider-Girl #1

IGN – Star Wars: Knight Errant – Deluge #1

IGN – Ultimate Comics: Fallout #6

IGN – Uncanny X-Men #542

IGN – Venom #6

IGN – The Walking Dead #88

IGN – X-Factor #224

IGN – X-Men: Schism #3

Examiner – Picks Of Comic Book Week for 8/17/11: Where’s Speedball When You Need Him?

IGN – Comic Book Reviews for 8/17/11

Around the Tubes

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 – 6/15/11 Part 1

Posted on June 20, 2011 by Brett

It’s a thick stack of books this week dominated by event tie-ins. What’s worth your hard earned dollars and what should be recycled? Find out below. This is the first part with the second running tomorrow.

Alpha Flight #1 – Much like the #0.1 issue, this first one shows a lot of promise, but doesn’t quite blow me away like a first issue should. I definitely ended the book with a “what the hell?” and want to see what comes next, but this definitely isn’t a comic I’d enthusiastically recommend.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Avengers #14 – A Fear Itself tie-in continues the interview story telling technique as the Avengers tell their take on Ben Grimm’s transformation and the Red Hulk’s role on the team. It’s a decent story if a bit brief in substance.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Avengers Academy #15 – A Fear Itself tie-in as the students head to war but are they too young, too inexperienced? The teachers have to split from the students to take on other threats in a decent tie-in to Marvel’s summer event.

Story: 7 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7

Cinderella: Fables are Forever #5 – Ok, so that was a twist ending that was a bit much, even for a series based off of our favorite fairy tales. Something was just off with that part, but it’s definitely entertaining to think about.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.25

Daken: Dark Wolverine #10 – Daken heads to LA to take over another city and this first part of a new arc is a bit choppy in the story telling, but as usual holds a lot of promise for a character that doesn’t get the respect he deserves. It’ll all come down to see how this unfolds, but so far so good.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

Fear Itself: The Home Front #3 – Four more short stories about the goings on with Fear Itself. The main one is Speedball’s experience during the event with the second main story about the Agents of Atlas. The one pages about a woman’s move to Paris is the best of the bunch with the story about Cardiac coming in a close second. Out of all of the tie-ins for the event. This one is consistently one of the best.

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

Fear Itself: Youth in Revolt #2 – The C list characters are put to the test but really the point on this limited series is to see what happens to Thor Girl with her Asgardian connections. The story is one of the better series having to do with Fear Itself, but still not as good as events past.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons #1 – As seems to be the case with the Flashpoint tie-ins, quality is the name of the game. For DC’s summer and world changing event, the art and story has been kicked up a notch and for the first time ever, got me excited about the DC world. This one has a bit of a twist combining numerous characters we will recognize and I don’t want to give away too much as this first issue is very fun.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Flashpoint: Grodd of War #1 – After conquering Africa was is a leader to do. Conquest is about recognition and accomplishment, it’s a challenge and when Grodd has finished his main quest he gets rather, well, bored. What’s a leader to do. This one shot focuses on the would be ruler of the world, and his slice of the world of Flashpoint. Quite good.

Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

Flashpoint: Legion of Doom #1 – Another Flashpoint tie-in and another quality mini-series. This issue focuses on the villains of the world and a prison they are housed in. It’s pretty damn cool, and it’ll be interesting to see how this all comes together with the main story.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5

Flashpoint: Wonder Woman and the Furies #1 – What caused the rift between Wonder Woman and Aquaman? This first issue has all of the answers and it’s much more Shakespearean than imagined. A fantastic first issue that’s right up there as one of the best.

Story: 9.25 Art: 9 Overall: 9.25

Generation Hope #8 – A pretty decent issue for a series I’ve generally been down on. The X-Men go to court to keep Teon and we learn more about his powers and not all is what it seems. It’s a really good issue for the series, now, if only they can keep the quality up.

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

G.I. Joe: Snake Eyes #2 – A slice of the “Cobra Civil War” storyline, Snake Eyes and a few Joes are on a mission to find a mysterious member of Cobra. The story and all three G.I. Joe comics have been fantastic. I can’t wait to see where it all goes.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

Graveyard of Empires #1 – What starts off as one hell of a war comic turns into something totally different by the end and now I have no idea what to expect with the second issue. All I can say is wow. This is a comic that just knocks you on your ass in so many ways.

Story: 10 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.75

Around the Tubes

Posted on June 17, 2011 by Brett

It’s the end of the week, yay! How many are going to go see Green Lantern this weekend?

Around the Blogs:

Bleeding Cool – DC Comics Ad At End Of Green Lantern Movie Has Malformed Web Address – Fail DC, fail.

The Mary Sue – The Wolverine Has A Director – I can see this being a good fit.

Around the Tubes Reviews:

IGN – Avengers Academy #15

IGN – Batman #711

IGN – Captain America Corps #1

IGN – DC Universe Online: Legends #10

MTV Geek – ELDRITCH! #1

IGN – Fear Itself: The Home Front #3

IGN – Fear Itself: Youth in Revolt #2

IGN – Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons #1

IGN – Flashpoint: Grodd of War #1

IGN – Flashpoint: Wonder Woman and the Furies #1

IGN – Graveyard of Empires #1

IGN – Invincible Iron Man #505

IGN – Supergirl #65

IGN – X-Men #13

IGN – X-Men: Prelude to Schism #3

IGN – Comic Book Reviews for 6/15/11

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 5/4/11

Posted on May 8, 2011 by Brett

Free Comic Book Day was yesterday and for some reason it was a light weak for comic book releases. Not like there was going to be heavy traffic or anything. Here’s the regular comic releases for the week. Expect a special edition of reviews for Free Comic Book Day!

Weekly Comics

Annihilators #3 – The main story featuring the Annihilators hits a bit of a lull until that last page where everything changes and makes you rethink what you know. There’s only one issue left, and I have no idea how they’re wrapping it all in one issue. The Rocket Raccoon and Groot story is somewhat entertaining if not goofy, filled with tons of retcon history that attempts to flesh out Rocket Raccoon. I could of done without that part.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

Avengers Academy #13 – The kids have a prom and work through a lot of their issues. The story is boring and really not needed. There’s so many other ways for everyone to start to work through the personality issues than this rather unexciting “prom” issue.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.75

Avengers Academy Giant-Size #1 – Wow was this pointless. Save the $7.99, trust me. Some of the Avengers and the Young Allies take on Arcade in a comic that has little point to it other than to suck $8 from your wallet.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

Deadpool Annual #1 – Another annual I wasn’t paying close enough attention to and bought. This is part two of a three part story that started in the Amazing Spider-Man Annual. The problem is, if you didn’t read that issue, you won’t get this one. So unless you’re buying all three parts, just skip this. It’s not funny or entertaining.

Story: 6 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6

Fear Itself #2 – The story’s choppy, the art inconsistent and overall, I can’t say I’m blown away by the first two issues of the series. The concept is interesting enough, but I haven’t had the “holy crap” moments like other Marvel events. There’s five more issues to go, hopefully things will pick up.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Fear Itself: The Home Front #2 – A few short stories surrounding the goings on surrounding Fear Itself. The story of Speedball’s return to Stamford, CT is the best of the bunch filled with a decent amount of emotion and the final story which feature’s average people also stands out. It’s actually better than the main series but still nothing that blows me away.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25

Fear Itself: Spider-Man #1 – The best of the bunch this week when it comes to Fear Itself, we not only get the chaos through Spider-Man’s eyes, but also some other short scenes featuring others. It all adds up together to paint a solid picture and setting. If only the other series featured this quality of work.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Heroes for Hire #6 – The reputation of Heroes for Hire is a bit tarnished but Misty and Paladin aren’t giving up on it. The issue of narcotics still lingers and they’re going to do their best to put a stop to the drug trade, with a little help from Spider-Man. This is one of those series that’s tons of fun and definitely should be picked up and read.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Irredeemable #25 – We learn the basis on Plutonian’s powers while things on Earth continue to not go too well. Plutonian’s past also is shown a bit with a nice twist that’s expected. I have no idea where Mark Waid is going with some of these plot points, but it’s sure interesting.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75

Moon Knight #1 – Bendis and Maleev put together a relaunch of Moon Knight and the story starts off decent, but it’s that last page that hits you. Hopefully the series picks up on the pretty brutal events in Shadowland, but it comes off as a fresh, but interesting re-start.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Secret Six #33 – The team continues to battle hell, and I continue to want this story arc to end. Thankfully it sort of does with not much of a resolution. Pretty bad in my opinion.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.75

Uncanny X-Force #9 – A hell of a line is crossed when Magneto has a favor to ask of the team. This one I think will have some repercussions, much like many of their missions. Such a solid, yet simple story.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5

X-Men: Prelude to Schism #1 – Something is coming for the X-Men and Cyclops has to make a decision. Do they stand and fight and possibly die? Or do they run and fight another day? This first issue is a reflection on the past that is leading to a rocky future.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Around the Tubes

Posted on May 6, 2011 by Brett

So, how many of you stayed up late and caught the midnight screening of Thor? I did, so expect a review later today (if I’m awake and coherent). While you wait to get out of work and to the theater for opening night, here’s the news you might have missed.

Around the Tubes Reviews:

IGN – Annihilators #3

IGN – Astonishing Thor #4

IGN – Avengers Academy #13

IGN – Avengers Academy Giant-Size #1

IGN – Axe Cop: Bad Guy Earth #3

IGN – Blue Estate #2

IGN – Captain America: The First Vengeance #1

Mouth Lonfon – Dreams and Everyday Life

IGN – Fear Itself #2

Comic Book Resources – Fear Itself #2

IGN – Fear Itself: The Home Front #2

IGN – Fear Itself: Spider-Man #1

IGN – Gladstone’s School for World Conquerors #1

IGN – Herc #2

IGN – Intrepids #3

IGN – iZombie #13

IGN – Marvel Zombies Supreme #4

Comic Book Resources – Moon Knight #1

IGN – Moon Knight #1

IGN – Secret Six #33

IGN – Sweet Tooth #21

Cambridge First – Ultimate Thor

IGN – Uncanny X-Force #9

IGN – X-Men: Prelude to Schism #1

Comic Book Resources – The Buy Pile

IGN – Comic Book Reviews for 5/4/11

Comicvine – Comic Book Reviews For The Week of 5/4/11

Around the Tubes

Posted on April 23, 2011 by Brett

Some more reviews and other interesting articles. Check out below what you might have missed!

Around the Blogs:

The Beat – Avatar hires Kuhoric as VP-Publishing/Managing Editor – This site has become much friendlier with the company over the past week (thanks Twitter!) and it’s great to see any company hiring a talented person.

Kotaku – Raise Your Expectations For The Captain America Video Game – I’m not usually the biggest fan of video games based off of comic books, but here’s hoping this one’s decent.

Around the Tubes Reviews:

Now Read This – The Agents

Good Comic Books – Fear Itself: The Home Front #1

Graphic Novel News – The Finieous Treasury, Vol. I

Seattle PI – Jack and the Zombie Box