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Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 9/14/11

Posted on September 18, 2011 by Brett

It’s a thick stack of books this week with DC still releasing their number one books. What’s worth it? What should be skipped? Find out below!

Alpha Flight #4 – The team is on the run from the government who has been taken over through an overly complex plan. There’s a lot I like about the series, but also so much that just seems blah. Overall it’s getting much better, but there’s definitely some things strange things that don’t jive. The brutality of one particular character just doesn’t fit in with the relative niceness of Alpha Flight.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #4 – It’s the second to last issue of this series that delves into the myths of the vampires. It adds a bit to the world and the story is really entertaining, but as usual you have to question why the bad guys just don’t kill the good guys right away. That’s about the only flaw I find, for what’s turned out to be a hell of a limited series.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Batman and Robin #1 – The good here is Damian’s depiction. The mysterious bad guy also has me intrigued. The bad is the story itself which just seems silly to me. Also, how old is Batman supposed to be in the DC revamp/reboot/relaunch? If Damian is still around, he obviously can’t be younger than he was in the previous world. I’m a bit confused about that part.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Batwoman #1 – A beautiful comic book, the art alone is enough to get me to come back for more. The story on the other hand is a bit week, but still intriguing enough to get me to overlook it. What is very strong, like the art is the characterization. The various characters in the comic are well written and there’s some great female leads. It’s been a long wait for this first issue, and while I can’t say it blew me away, I’ll definitely be back for the second issue.

Story: 7.75 Art: 9 Overall: 8

Black Panther: The Man Without Fear #523 – Out of all of the Fear Itself tie-ins this one is the best, though it’s competition isn’t that great. As a whole though, I really like the American Panther storyline. There was a solid ending to it, and a great mystery left at the end that seems like it’ll lead to something more interesting going forward. With the next issue, it’ll get a new subtitle, the series is quality and a definite recommendation to make a monthly read.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Criminal: The Last of the Innocent #4 – Wow, that was one hell of an ending. This is a crime story of the best caliber. Brubaker’s story telling seems to get better and better and this one’s ending is just amazing. Another fantastic volume in the best noir on the market. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Daken: Dark Wolverine #14 – What the hell did I read. The heat part is great as usual, but the art seems to have taken a dip and it won’t be until next issue that’ll I’ll truly understand what’s going on. This is one part of a bigger story and by itself the issue doesn’t make too much sense or keep my interest. Hopefully the next issue will do it some justice as the “set up” issue.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

Daredevil #3 – Some great pulp fun as Daredevil fights Klaw and helps a man in court. The entertaining ending is a nice end cap for the first story arc and this issue sets up a bigger bad guy that’s only hinted at. The action is good and there’s some great writing in the issue. Mark Waid has returned Daredevil to his roots and it’s fantastic so far.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Deadpool #43 – Deadpool is on the loose as he’s escaped from the mental institution, though how he’s done that isn’t really explained very well. There’s also some other plot points that seem to have been dropped. The issue is entertaining enough, but falls into the campy end of things way too much.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Deathstroke #1 – Wow, that was a hell of a start. The issue feels more A-Team than anything else, but then that ending throws you for a spin. Pretty impressive as it gives you a good idea as to who Deathstroke is and does it all in a self-contained issue. Really solid beginning.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Demon Knights #1 – I appreciate what DC is doing here, taking some of their characters and throwing them into a world similar to one you’d find in a D&D campaign. The story is ok, but I’m not really one for straight up fantasy. My concern that it stars Etrigan and his speaking habit was not founded as that seems to have gone away, which is odd, since that was something that made the character very unique. It’s not a bad comic, but can’t say I really look forward to the second issue.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.25

Fear Itself #6 – There’s lots of dramatic moments and some big speeches in the second to last issue of Marvel’s disappointing summer event. There’s some great moments and a lot of characters manning up, but overall this feels like that “big moment” that’s a few issues too late for me to really care or save this event from smelling like a stinker.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Fear Itself: Hulk vs. Dracula #1 – Not quite sure what the point of this limited series is as it doesn’t add a whole lot so far to the overall event. Also, isn’t the Hulk fighting in a few other places and against a few other heroes? Fear Itself has been a mess of an event, and this is another example of that.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

Fear Itself: The Monkey King – A decent enough issue, but again, it doesn’t add anything to the Fear Itself storyline. I’d of much rather seen a three issue limited series come out of this than this one-shot that’s not really needed. But, even though it doesn’t add anything to Fear Itself, it’s still a good comic and hopefully we see more of this character than this one-shot.

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #1 – A Hellboy wannabe I figured this was what to expect of the series after seeing it’s Flashpoint tie-in. It’s not the story is is bad, I think Hellboy is better in every sense, so there’s nothing new or interesting to keep me coming back for more.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Green Lantern #1 – Sinestro has a green ring again and Hal Jordan must go back to a normal life. Just when you think there isn’t anything more creative Geoff Johns can do with Green Lantern, this comes along. A great new start that’s fresh and interesting. The series has had some issues of late, but this first issue breathes new life into the series and again has me excited.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Grifter #1 – Huh!? Where’s the Grifter I came to know and love from Wildcats? What is this crap?!

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

John Carter: A Princess of Mars #1 – With Roger Langridge’s name on the comic I had to pick it up knowing nothing about this beloved story. Can’t say I’ll be coming back for the second issue. It’s not Langridge’s fault, the story just doesn’t interest me at all.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Legion Lost #1 – Hmm, a lot is interesting here, but the story is too much tied up in mystery and the action too choppy to get me to want to come back for more. I was never a Legion fan before, and can’t say this series has done anything to get me to change my mind.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.75

Mister Terrific #1 – The beginning of the comic was interesting enough, but that ending made me not at all interested in the second issue. It was too abrupt and comes out of nowhere. There’s also the very blatant playing off that Mr. Terrific is a black hero and there’s event a rather stereotypical issue of his interest in a white woman. I’m sure the series will find it’s pace and feet after a bit, but I don’t think I’m sticking around for it.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Mystery Men #5 – A ho-hum ending to the series that attempts to mix real life events with a comic book and doesn’t pull it off too well. The series was ok, and probably will read better as a trade paperback, but the finale isn’t anything special.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

The New Avengers #16 – We get to see what Daredevil was up to during Fear Itself and the issue is actually really solid. I like the interview aspect of the issues and the story in this one is really good too. It’s Daredevil’s acceptance into the crew and it’ll be interesting to see how that goes considering his recent past.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Red Lanterns #1 – In short, this is DC’s version of Ghost Rider. It has potential, and I’ll stick around to see what that is, but the characters kind of started off as a one note gimmick and adding a bit to them will be a tough task. We’ll see how it all goes though, but so far it’s pretty decent.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Resurrection Man #1 – A lot I really liked here. I can’t say I know a lot about the character and this first issue gives you a hint about him. There’s enough here that will get me to come back. The issue though is it seems like I’ve seen this all before in a movie or television show. Heaven and hell after one man’s soul, it seems too familiar.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Suicide Squad #1 – So much I like and at the same time it makes me miss Secret Six. There’s so many costume changes that are so unnecessary too. Still, there’s more than enough to get me to come back for the next few issues and see where it goes from here.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Superboy #1 – More than enough here to get me to come back for the second issue. The story is interesting and unique enough to stand out from Superman and there’s enough mystery here with numerous characters to keep me intrigued. This might be the first “Supes” comic I get into.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25

Supreme Power #4 – Just one piece of a bigger puzzle. By itself the actions of folks makes me scratch my head, but this seems to be the end of the middle chapter of a three act play. Interesting, but it doesn’t blow me away as much as that first issue did.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1 – An origin story that’d normally have taken an issue to get through looks like it’ll be spread out a bit. But there’s a lot here that makes Mile Morales stand out from Peter Parker. Bendis has made some interesting choices here and it’ll be interesting to see where he goes. I’ve never been an Ultimate Comics fan, but this relaunch of the line has gotten me very interested.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Uncanny X-Force #15 – The team is trying their best to take on Archangel and his new horsemen before they transform the world. Deathlok has also lost his shit in the process. The trio of Deadpool, Fantomex and Deathlok is a team I want more of. So wrong yet so right.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25

The Unwritten #29 – The story of Wilson the the Tinker grows deeper and that ending kind of came out of nowhere. The story is s bit easier to understand but no less interesting. This is one of those sleeper series more people should be reading. It challenges you in every way. Solid as usual.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

X-Men: Legacy #255 – Magneto attempts to bring a peace between the two warring armies while Rogue takes over command of a familiar bunch. The story is really just a way to get Havok, Polaris and Rachel back into the fold, the stroy I could do without.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

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 – 7/13/11

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Brett

It’s a thick stack of books dominated Flashpoint tie-ins and the debut of some high profile series. What’s worth the money and what can you skip? Find out below!

Alpha Flight #2 – There’s definitely something appropriately “Canadian” about this series both in it’s topics and it’s voice. We get a better sense as to exactly is going on and somewhat the Unity Party is up to. The series hasn’t blown me out of the water yet, but it at least has a unique voice and feel.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #2 – I said after reading the first issue whether we really needed a mini-series of the still very young and fresh American Vampire, but the answer is yes. Both series are showing off a quality that justifies and any chance to speed up the story telling is much appreciated and wanted.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

Black Panther: The Man Without Fear #521 – For all those that laughed and moaned when they say sketches for the American Panther, I guess they get to eat their words. Sadly the story is tied in a bit with Fear Itself, but if it didn’t have to be, the story would be very solid dealing with hate and fear in America. If anything, the story so far doesn’t go enough, but it’s still a great read.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

Booster Gold #46 – Booster continues to fight Doomsday and the story is ok, but really is one extended fight scene that doesn’t move the story along or give us a greater glimpse into the world of Flashpoint. The art too seems to have slipped a little. Not as good as the first two entries.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Captain America #1 – And a new Captain America series is launched almost jettisoning Brubaker’s previous run. The first issue though is beyond solid with great action, interesting mystery and a great look. This is everything I hoped for and more. Very great read and a must buy.

Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

Daken: Dark Wolverine #11 – Daken has turned into a drug addict which is a bit of an interesting story line. I like the art style switching between him being normal and being high and as always the twisted sexual games he plays is something you don’t see in too many other series. This is one that’s flying under the radar and worth the read.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Deadpool #40 – This probably could also be called “When Deadpool Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest.” Deadpool gets sent to a psych ward, though it’s in England, which doesn’t really make sense, but oh well….

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Fear Itself: Spider-Man #3 – Probably the best of the Fear Itself tie-ins, the story sores because it focuses not on Spider-Man and his rather uphill battle, but instead of average people suffering from the madness of the world around them. A solid three issue limited series that’s much better than the event series it’s tied into.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75

FF #6 – So much that’s very cool, but if feels wrong for Black Bolt to return under anyone’s guidance other than DnA. At the same time, I’m forced to say “huh?”

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Flashpoint: Citizen Cold #2 – The issues starts off strong enough with the Rogues out to take on Cold, but the end is a bit confusing as to what’s exactly going on at times with the action not being clear enough. Overall, still entertaining.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Flashpoint: Deathstroke – And the Curse of the Ravager #2 – The fight between Aquaman and Deathstroke’s crew continues in another issue that’s mostly fight. Again, not much movement and showing the world that is Flashpoint. For a great setting sail, the story seems to have lost it’s momentum.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Flashpoint: Emperor Aquaman #2 – The origin of Emperor Aquaman and it’s a very good read. We get a good sense of who he is and why he is the way he is due to this issue and…. it moves the overall story forward.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #2 – Something was a bit uneven about this issue. It wasn’t bad, but wasn’t particularly good either. I guess overall, I feel like it just doesn’t fit into Flashpoint and doesn’t add anything to the overall universe.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Ghost Rider #1 – I wasn’t too impressed by the #0.1 issue and the first issue didn’t blow me away either.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.75

Green Lantern #67 – Now that was an ending, but we’re left with tons of questions as to what to expect in the relaunch of this series. The War of the Green Lanterns was uneven at times, but the ending made up for it all.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Green Lantern Corps. #61 – A nice throwback issue that takes on a social issue and addresses it at a galactic level. At the same time we’re introduced to all of the new Lanterns recruited during the war. It’s a decent issue, but the series just seems to be killing time until DCnU kicks off.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.25

Journey Into Mystery #625 – While I will say the series is solid, it’s a bit too convoluted in it’s dealings and double dealings. The story isn’t straightforward and you need a chart to keep track of all of the wheeling and double dealing. The series is interesting though and this issue does give us a glimpse as to the origin of the Serpent.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Mystery Men #3 – We’re a little over the half way point and the series introduces some more “heroes” to the fold. The story has a modern pulp feel to it that’s entertaining, but doesn’t quite meet the quality of The Twelve which it resembles. It’s a good series, but might be best to read in trade form.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

The New Avengers #14 – I’m a bit mixed on the issue. It focuses on Mockingbird and her new status as well as some issues Spider-Man is having and also what’s going on with Fear Itself. There’s one scene in particular that’s very reminiscent of 9-11 that really caused a mixed stir of emotions that I’m still processing while I write this. Is it over the top? Maybe? Is it one hell of a statement in one page? Yes. Is it beautifully drawn? Absolutely.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

New Mutants #27 – Really a convoluted way to get Nate Grey back in the fold the story is so-so and the art actually sub-par for an “X” book. Even with a reboot, the series isn’t what it should be. It comes off as second class in many ways.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

The Red Wing #1 – Jonathan Hickman is a brilliant writer and this series is an interesting start. I can’t say it’s quite up to snuff as his past indie series, but those are some of the best comics ever written. An interesting start though.

Story: 8.25 Art: 7.5 Overall: 8

the Unwritten #27 – The series gets a bit more meta as the shift comes into how comic books have shaped the modern myth. It’s definitely interesting to read and I wish I had someone to discuss it with.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Wolverine #12 – Folks still want revenge on Wolverine and this arc just doesn’t hold up either. I like the idea of focusing on the folks that Wolverine has hurt through his actions, I’m just not sure this is the best way to go about it.

Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.25

X-Men: Schism #1 – And in one issue everything ramps up as the latest “X” event kicks off. We’ve seen the prelude and we’ve gotten hints as to what expect, but now it’s game on. Jason Aaron has had mixed results in my opinion of his handling of various “X” titles, but this limited series kicks off with a solid start.

Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

Around the Tubes

Posted on July 15, 2011 by Brett

The weekend is so near and that just means last minute planning for those of us heading to San Diego Comic-Con 2011. Have to say I’m very excited and hopefully we do you all proud as far as news. Well, while you contemplate what you hope to see and hear, here’s the news you might have missed.

Around the Blogs:

Business Wirew – G4TV.com Teams with Graphicly to Give Fans Free Digital Comics – Be interesting to see how this goes.

Con Coverage:

Bleeding Cool – San Diego Debut: Octobriana

Bleeding Cool – San Diego Debut: Neil Gaiman In Hero Comics 2011

Kotaku – The Big Games and the Can’t Miss Events of Comic-Con 2011

CBR – Hero Initiative Announces Auctions for Comic-Con International in San Diego

Bleeding Cool – Trade In Your Copies Of Twilight For 30 Days Of Night At San Diego Comic Con

Bleeding Cool – San Diego Debut: Epoch #1 by Kevin McCarthy & Paolo Pantalena

Bleeding Cool – Marvel To Announce The Defenders At San Diego Comic Con

Bleeding Cool – San Diego Debut: Ties: A Chronicle Of Letters by Emily McGuiness

Culture Mob – Comic Con 2011 – 6 Days And Counting

MTV Geek – SDCC 2011: Animation Round-Up

Comics Alliance – The San Diego Comic-Con Exclusives Worth Standing In Line For

Bleeding Cool – San Diego Debut: Echoes HC by Joshua Hale Fialkov and Rahsan Ekedal

The Mary Sue – Steven Spielberg to Descend on Comic Con to Promote Tintin

MTV Geek – Manga at San Diego Comic-Con

MTV Geek – See ‘Gantz’ and ‘Gantz II: Perfect Answer’ At SDCC

MTV Geek – Places You Don’t Want To Be At SDCC

Bleeding Cool – San Diego Debut: Stripperella #1 Actually Written By Stan Lee

Around the Tubes Reviews:

IGN – The Amazing Spider-Man #665

IGN – American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #2

IGN – Batgirl #23

IGN – Batman: The Dark Knight #3

IGN – Detective Comics #879

Mouth London – The Dylan Dog Case Files

IGN – Fear Itself: Spider-Man #3

IGN – FF #6

IGN – Flashpoint: Citizen Cold #2

IGN – Flashpoint: Deathstroke – The Curse of the Ravager #2

IGN – Flashpoint: Emperor Aquaman #2

IGN – Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #2

IGN – Ghost Rider #1

IGN – Gladstone’s School for World Conquerors #3

CBR – Green Lantern #67

IGN – Green Lantern #67

IGN – Green Lantern Corps #61

IGN – The Incredible Hulks #632

IGN – Journey Into Mystery #625

IGN – Loose Ends #1

IGN – Mystery Men #3

IGN – The New Avengers #14

IGN – The Red Wing #1

IGN – Star Wars: The Old Republic – The Lost Suns #2

IGN – Superman #713

IGN – Ultimate Comics: Avengers vs. New Ultimates #6

IGN – Ultimate Comics: Fallout #1

CBR – Ultimate Comics: Fallout #1

ICv2 – Uncouth Sleuth

IGN – Wolverine #12

IGN – Comic Book Reviews for 7/13/11

Pick of the Week – Captain America #1

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Brett

This week the pick seems to be a no-brainer. Marvel releases it’s pseudo Captain America reboot/relaunch with Ed Brubaker‘s Captain America #1. His run with the character has been damn near flawless and is easily one of the best ever with the character. This issue also sees Steve Rogers returning to the role of the living embodiment of the US and all it’s ideals.

Captain America #1 – see above
Flashpoint tie-ins – DC’s event has really invigorated the entire universe and in this other world setting there’s been very few issues that haven’t stood up. Well worth the purchase.
X-Men: Schism #1 – The big “X” shake up is here and after many months of lead up, we finally get to see what it’s all about and if Marvel can win back the summer event with this.
Lady Mechanika #2 – It’s been too long since the first issue’s release, but I did love it alot.
Mystery Men #3 – The Twelve is no where in site, so I’ll take what I can get in this series that seems to evoke a similar feel to it.

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

IGN – Flashpoint: Lois Lane and the Resistance #1

IGN – Flashpoint: The Outsider #1

IGN – G.I. Joe Cobra #2

IGN – Green Arrow #13

IGN – The Incredible Hulks #631

IGN – Infestation: Outbreak #1

IGN – Iron Man 2.0 #6

IGN – Justice League of America #58

IGN – The Mighty Thor #3

IGN – Mystery Men #2

IGN –Secret Avengers #14

IGN – Sigil #4

IGN – Silver Surfer #5

IGN – The Spirit #15

IGN – Star Wars: Jedi – The Dark Side #2

IGN – Superman #712

CBR – Superman #712

IGN – Thunderbolts #159

IGN – Ultimate Comics Avengers vs. New Ultimates #5

CBR – Ultimate Spider-Man #160

IGN – Wolverine #11

IGN – X-Men Legacy #251

IGN – Comic Book Reviews for 6/22/11

Around the Tubes

Posted on June 14, 2011 by Brett

It’s a new week and the news has been interesting today, but nothing crazy like the last few weeks. Here’s the news you might have missed while you caught up at work.

Con Coverage:

The Mary Sue – The New York Times Discusses Comic-Con, Expects Many Fewer Movie Presentations

Entertainment Weekly – Marvel might skip Comic-Con. Is this the beginning of the end for the Geek Era in Hollywood?

The Beat – Are movie studios finally over Comic-Con?

Bleeding Cool – Cowboys & Aliens To Get World Premiere At San Diego Comic-Con, Fans Welcome

Around the Tubes Reviews:

Comicsgirl – Life with Mr. Dangerous

CBR – Mystery Men #1

The Book Rat – Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Book Addict – Storm Born Issues 1 and 2

CBR – X-Men Legacy #250

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 6/8/11

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Brett

It’s a decent stack of books last week dominated by summer events. What’s worth it? Find out below.

American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #1 – With the main series a little over a year old, I questioned whether an offshoot limited series was needed. This one flashes forward to World War II as a team of vampire hunters must head to occupied Nazi territory to retrieve a scientist. The story is solid and art fantastic, I can see why this was given the green light and looking forward to the rest of the issues.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Annihilators #4 – Both stories are decent, but neither blew me away. It’s the end for this limited series and we get another chapter in a few months to see where the cosmic section of the Marvel universe goes. A decent limited series but not quite to the quality we’ve seen in the past.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Black Panther: The Man Without Fear #519 – Panther is on the hunt to save his friend Brian, but Kraven stands in the way. What happens when two solid warriors such as these are pitted against each other? This story arc will let us find out. A decent read, but not great.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Booster Gold #45 – We get a better sense of the world of Flashpoint as Booster does some investigative work to figure out what’s going on. This, I’m sure is the Flashpoint tie-in everyone’s missing. The first issue was great, this one was just good, entertaining though.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Deadpool #38 – Deadpool continues to piss off the Hulk in hopes of getting killed. I keep getting pissed off by how slapstic the series has gotten.

Story: 6 Art: 7 Overall: 6.5

Fear Itself: Deadpool #1 – Wow, just when I thought Fear Itself tie-ins couldn’t get any worse, this comes along.

Story: 5 Art: 7 Overall: 5.5

Fear Itself: Fearsome Four #1 – Just slightly better than the Deadpool entry. What the hell is up with Marvel’s summer event?

Story: 5.5 Art: 6 Overall: 5.75

Fear Itself: Spider-Man #2 – The bright spot in the rather underwhelming Fear Itself. The story focuses not just on Spider-Man but how others are gripping with fear. It’s a solid story telling technique and really stands out in a pretty poor summer event.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Flashpoint: Citizen Cold #1 – Just when you think a Flashpoint book can’t get any better, this one comes along. A solid story and great art, this one just makes me want a Rogues focused comic post Flashpoint (can we at least get some in the anthology book?!). Beyond good.

Story: 9.5 Art: 9 Overall: 9.25

Flashpoint: Deathstroke and the Curse of the Ravager #1 – A pretty simple pirate tale following Deathstroke and his crew as he hunts for his daughter. The story is good and Flahspoint acts more as a background than anything. An entertaining read that plays off of the world it’s set in quite well.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Flashpoint: Emperor Aquaman #1 – What lead up to Atlantis’s attack on the surface world and the war with the Amazons? You get a good idea in this book, though I’m not completely convinced and there’s definitely holes and questions left to be answered.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #1 – A somewhat updated take on the Frankenstein and the Warner monsters. The story is ok, but there’s some issues with parts of the story taking place in theory before the world shifted. We’ll see if that piece of story plays into the switch back.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Ghost Rider #0.1 – Ghost Rider is getting a reboot and that seems to be complete. I used to be a die-hard Ghost Rider fan, but it seemed Marvel never quite knew how to handle the character. We’ll give this a chance to see if they can get it right this time. This first issue has promise, but doesn’t quite blow me out of the water.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

The Iron Age Alpha – Really not quite sure what to think. It’s another time travel story that seems to be unnecessary, or could be handled in the main series. Not sure I’ll be getting the first issue as this prelude did so little for me.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.5

Journey Into Mystery #624 – Loki does what he knows best and schemes to get hell and hel on the side of Asgard in the battle to come. There’s a lot going on and the chess of it is somewhat fascinating. The new direction of the series is solid and very entertaining.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Mystery Men #1 – Though it feels a bit like The Twelve there’s some magic from that series is missing. This first issue is fun and I think the complete series will be a fun read, but the first issue was just ok. Maybe the complete whole will be greater than the sum of it’s parts.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

The New Avengers #13 – The team keeps taking on Superia and we finally learn what connects the story in the past with the story in the present. Also a major decision is made about Mockingbird. The issue has some great moments, but the arc as a whole was a bit uneven. A solid ending though, with a twist I didn’t see coming.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Supreme Power #1 – I read the first volume of the series many years ago and clearly I’ve missed a lot and will need to go back and catch up. A series that looks at the geo-political ramifications of nations controlling super powered beings!? Yes please!

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.75

the Unwritten #26 – We learn a bit more about the history and origin of Tom Taylor and with those reveals come even more mysteries. The series is thick and at times hard to understand but very rich at the same time as well as unpredictable.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25

Wolverine #10 – People Wolverine has wronged over the years band together to kill him and I roll my eyes at what seems to be the next piss poor Wolverine arc. Seriously this series is having some major issues.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

X-Men: Legacy #250 – For such a momentus issue the three stories presented are a bit blah. The first seems to be the new direction of the series and second shows us what’s sort of going on with some space faring mutants. The third is a reprint of the first meeting with Legion by the New Mutants. The art is so-so, but there’s a lot of potential here as far as story. Here’s hoping the series gets back on it’s feet.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75