Prowler #2
(W) Sean Ryan (A) Jamal Campbell (CA) Travel Foreman
Rated T+
In Shops: Nov 23, 2016
SRP: $3.99
CLONE CONSPIRACY TIE-IN!
Hobie Brown, a.k.a. The Prowler, believes in what The Jackal is doing, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. It definitely helps having Madame Web and her precognitive powers. But can he trust her?
“CLONE CONSPIRACY” TIE-IN! Even a super hero’s life can get boring. Double-check your gear. Patrol the city. Save the innocent. Report back to your boss, The Jackal. Wait, what? Why is Prowler working for The Jackal? What does the resurrected Madame Web have to do with him? And what has Prowler already done that may have compromised him?!I haven’t been paying much attention to the major crossover going through the Spider-Man books – hell, I haven’t paid much attention to Spider-Man since the latest first issue – but there was something about this book that looked intriguing to me, although I couldn’t pinpoint what that was even after reading the comic. Y’see, I realized half way through that I knew nothing about the Prowler from the 616 Marvel Universe, but did that stop me from enjoying the tie-in?
Hell no.
First thing’s first, this is a wonderfully illustrated comic. The artistic team of Javier Saltares and Jamal Campbell layout artist and artist respectively do what the Toronto Blue Jays couldn’t do enough during the ALCS, and knock it out of the park. There’s a wonderful quality to the colouring in this comic that feels very much like a classic painting in comic form, elevating the line work a step above what you’d usually see in comics.
While I understand the need to promote the series, billing it as a tie-in to the Clone Conspiracy arc may work against the overall success of the series as there’s really very little to tie it to the previously mentioned story besides the fact that The Jackal is here, and so are a whole bunch of clones – which is the perfect reason for the tie-in, eh? Of course, I could be off base here, and the Clone Conspiracy tie-in could very well pull in more readers than the comic would otherwise attract.
Which would be a good thing, because The Prowler #1 is a very well written comic that explores what a former villain turned hero would do with a second chance at life. Sean Ryan has a brilliant way of delving into the psyche of the cloned characters within the comic, giving the often used expendable narrative devices a real personality.
Do you need to read Clone Conspiracy to enjoy this? No. The Prowler #1 is a solid comic about a man finding his place in the world that happens to also be a tie-in. Whether you’re reading the Spider-Man story or not, this is worth a look.
Story: Sean Ryan Art: Jamal Campbell Layout Art: Javier Saltares
Story: 8 Art: 9.5 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy a FREE copy for review
Prowler #1
(W) Sean Ryan (A) Jamal Campbell, TBD (CA) Travel Foreman
Rated T+
In Shops: Oct 26, 2016
SRP: $3.99
“CLONE CONSPIRACY” TIE-IN!
Even a super hero’s life can get boring. Double-check your gear. Patrol the city. Save the innocent. Report back to your boss, The Jackal. Wait, what? Why is Prowler working for The Jackal? What does the resurrected Madame Web have to do with him? And what has Prowler already done that may have compromised him?!
Even a super hero’s life can get boring. Double check your gear. Patrol the city. Save the innocent. Report back to your super villain boss, the Jackal. Wait, WHAT? You read that right True Believer, Hobie Brown is in the employ of one of Spider-Man’s greatest villains. And it’s all happening in the can’t-miss debut issue Prowler #1 – launching as part of The Clone Conspiracy event! Sean Ryan and artists Jamal Campbell and Javier Saltares bring you an action-packed debut chapter that will redefine the Prowler!
But…why is The Prowler working for The Jackal?! And what does the recently resurrected Madame Web have to do with it all? More importantly – what will happen when Spider-Man learns one of his most trusted friends has defected to the enemy? Those answers and more on October 26th!
PROWLER #1 (AUG160760)
Written by SEAN RYAN
Art by JAMAL CAMPBELL & JAVIER SALTARES
Cover by TRAVEL FOREMAN
Variant Cover by JAMAL CAMPBELL (AUG160761)
Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER (AUG160762)
Teaser Variant by MIKE DEODATO (AUG160763)
Champions Variant by BOBBY RUBIO (AUG160764)
Hip-Hop Variant by RAY-ANTHONY HEIGHT (AUG160765)
Classic Variant by BOB HALL (AUG160766)
FOC – 10/03/16, On-Sale – 10/26/16
Sam Alexander has led a busy life as Nova, but after all of his intergalactic gallivanting, is it time to hang up the helmet?
I’ll confess I haven’t read the new Nova series and barely know Sam Alexander as a character. What little I’ve read I’ve enjoyed, but it’s never been a series that has really been one thats stood out in the avalanche of weekly releases. From what I’ve read, it’s completely enjoyable and there’s a niche it absolutely fills.
So, with that being said, I dove in to Nova #11 with a pretty clean state not going what was going on. There’s a lot in there that new readers will like and there’s a lot there for long time fans of the Nova character, especially with a twist and reveal at the end. I’m not going to reveal what that twist is, but it’s one aimed at fans of classic Nova… read between the lines with that.
Writer Sean Ryan has done a good job giving us a character who feels like he’s really struggling with his role. Sam is wondering can he balance being a hero, not having his mother worrying about him, and also having friends. It’s a twist on the same sort of angst that we’ve seen in classic Spider-Man stories. And that’s what this issue felt like, Spidey sitting down and talking things through with the ghost of Uncle Ben. In this case Sam is talking to the computer that houses all of the knowledge of the past Nova Corps. It’s a cute story, but nothing that feels really new, it’s just a semi-new thing for this character. And with how it’s presented it feels like it might be a good entry point for new readers.
The art by Cory Smith is solid. This really stood out to me. The art jumps and really takes on the youthful feel of the main character. There’s a certain energy about it that flies off of the page.
This one is definitely one for Nova fans, especially classic Nova…
Story: Sean Ryan Art: Cory Smith
Story: 7.15 Art: 8.05 Overall: 7.35 Recommendation: Read
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
TWO NOVAS?!?! Sam Alexander’s missing father is finally back and the two are making adventure a family business. With their Nova helmets that enable them to fly and shoot energy beams, they’re policing the Milky Way with their Nova Corps of two. But is everything what it seems? And if that weren’t enough, Sam is also now an Avenger!
Sam’s father is back? When did that happen? Going in to NOVA #1 from writer Sean Ryan and artist Cory Smith, I couldn’t help but feel like I was completely missing something.
The issue is more like a rather mundane life of Sam and Jesse, and mundane is the key word. Nothing really happens. A few mysteries are set up for down the road, but there’s a gas main explosion and that’s about it. The comic is just, boring is the the best word for it.
I remember reading the beginning of the previous volume and there was some youthful energy to it. With this newest volume, and the introduction of Sam’s dad, the story has gotten really boring taking on a suburban vibe to it all. If done up for laughs, or commentary about the monotony of life, things may have been better, but the story just is and gives me very little reason to return. The end is about it for me.
Cory Smith’s art is decent with the best part being the use of movement and angles in panels. Smith also mixes up the shapes and sizes of characters giving a nice variety of looks that feels diverse. But, there’s some shaky parts for me that had me take some second looks at panels. It’s good though generally.
Overall, the comic just lacked excitement for me. That’s it really. For a first issue, I’m hoping for something to grab me, and make me want to come back, and other than that last panel, the issue lacked it for me. The suburbs have a reputation of lacking excitement, and this superhero family in the suburbs embodies that.
Story: Sean Ryan Art: Cory Smith
Story: 6 Art: 7 Overall: 6 Recommendation: Pass
The Suicide Squad finds themselves in Rio De Janeiro, trying to find a new drug that gives users superpowers. Being the Suicide Squad, things quickly fall apart and mass violence and chaos ensues.
This is the type of issue where the Suicide Squad really shines. The Squad attempt to complete a drug deal that goes poorly. Captain Boomerang acts as the main point of contact. The problem is, he wants to actually see the drug because that is how he always sees it done on TV. This ends in a large gunfight and Amanda Waller, who has joined the team on this mission, is not too happy. This comic is just fun. Each member of Task Force X is equally hilarious at how poorly, yet calmly, they handle being in an all out gunfight with a drug cartel.
Aside from the killing, there is a lot of good story set up and character moments. Harley Quinn continues to be the highlight of the series. Her struggle to really identify if she is the killer everyone claims is fascinating. Deadshot’s story is also very well done, focusing on his body forcing him to accept limitations he has never had to face before. The main mystery of the story centers less around the actual drug and more about the company who looks to be working with the cartel. Not to give anything away but, Amanda Waller’s own dealings seem to be coming full circle and it creates a very interesting set up for both her and the Squad.
The artwork does not live up to the fun of the main story. None of it is particularly bad but, sometimes faces look bland and the powers that the drug users get end up being nothing more than different colored beams shooting out of their hands. The gunfights do look good though. The physical humor of seeing the Squad’s calm demeanor in all the disorder is really well drawn as well.
Overall, this issue is a large improvement over the last arc. The story is full of funny moments and good character interaction. For the first time in a while, Suicide Squad finally has a grasp of who these characters are. This, coupled with the new direction of the team, creates a really exciting future for this comic.
Story: Sean Ryan Art: Phil Briones
Story: 9 Art: 6 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
What’s that? TWO NOVAS?! Your eyes do not deceive you, True Believer. It’s a double dose of Human Rocket this November in the all-new NOVA #1 – the explosive new ongoing series from writer Sean Ryan and artist Cory Smith! Sam Alexander is still an Avenger and the Human Rocket, but these days he’s got his old man, Jesse, by his side! For the first time in years, there’s more than one Nova in the galaxy and things are finally starting to go Sam’s way! But what really happened to Jesse while he was stranded out in space? The answers begin here! Don’t miss a fresh start for the whole Alexander family as they blast headlong into All-New, All-Different Marvel!
NOVA #1 (SEP150662)
Written by SEAN RYAN
Art by CORY SMITH
Cover by HUMBERTO RAMOS
Variant Cover by CHRIS SAMNEE (SEP150665)
Hip-Hop Variant Cover by ERIC CANETTE (SEP150663)
Cosplay Variant by CAP SANTIAGO (SEP150664)
FOC – 10/12/15, On-Sale – 11/04/15
The Suicide Squad makes its final push against the League, an offshoot of the League of Assassins, with each member of Task Force X at a cross roads of who they are, and who they want to become.
The most interesting thing about the Suicide Squad is the interactions between characters. These are inherently not good people. Each of them is a violent criminal, forced to do good. This creates an incredibly interesting dynamic as each person struggles to find their own sense of identity in a world where they are told what is right and wrong; causing them to question their own beliefs. The most interesting of the dynamics comes between Harley Quinn and the Reverse Flash as they fight through the League’s base. Their struggle comes from trying to find out if they can become more than their violent past has led them to believe they are. It is this search for understanding of oneself, that author Sean Ryan truly shows his grasp on who these people are. Moments such as watching Deadshot struggle with his physical limitations, making him rethink who he is, or Black Manta searching for some larger purpose he feels he has been missing as he battles with the League ideals after he infiltrates their ranks, are the high point of this story. The actually story involving the League is less important, as it mainly serves as background to who the Squad is becoming, but, it still wraps up very nicely and the ending is both captivating and creates an interesting set up for the next issue.
The only real problem with this issue is the price point. New Suicide Squad #1 Annual feels like just another comic book wrapping up a long arc. The story comes in at 42 pages but, the story never uses the full extent of that to turn this from a slightly longer comic book finale, into an actual one time event like an annual should be. It does not seem like a story that is fully worth the $4.99 price tag despite how well it is put together.
The artwork does exactly what it needs to here and does not distract from the story. It is a very clean style that allows the story to flow smoothly and at no point is there a panel that seems off or in any way unnatural in the course of the narrative. Artist Phil Briones does a very commendable job switching from character to character and scene to scene, considering the vast array of events and emotions on display.
Overall, this is one of the stronger recent issues of Suicide Squad with the entire arc coming to a very satisfying close however, it just does not quite feel unique enough to warrant the annual label.
Story: Sean Ryan Art: Phil Briones
Story: 8 Art:7 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
An unstable, violent group has broken away from the League of Assassins! Only the Suicide Squad stands a chance of stopping them – if they’re willing to get even more unstable and violent!
DC Comics might not have let Frank Miller have Batman fight Al-Qaeda, but the comics publisher is giving us the Task Force X Suicide Squad take on a group that’s clearly ISIS (or ISIL or Daesh, depending on where you are). Writer Sean Ryan takes on real world events in veiled form with New Suicide Squad #9. The story sees a violent belief driven terrorist organization called The League taking over areas of what is assumed the Middle East in a move reminiscent of ISIS. And just like the real world terrorist group, the League is splintered off another group they felt weren’t hardcore enough. In comics its the League of Assassisns and in the real world, it’s Al-Qaeda. Enter Task Force X who is tasked with infiltrating and finding out what weaponry and capabilities the group has.
Writer Sean Ryan pulls no punches with this new direction giving as a thinly veiled reflection of things that are going on. The focus on weapons capabilities is appropriate in a week that ISIS’ capturing and obtaining left US military equipment is making the news. It’s pretty damn good timing. He also pulls no punches, giving us torture and a twist on the beheading video. The set-up there should be fascinating to see played out in future issues.
But, part of the fun of this type of motley crew is their interaction with each other. The dysfunction is in full display as Deadshot and Captain Boomerang are at each other’s throats as expected with Black Manta playing the serious straight man of the trio. The only thing that really stuck out to me as weird is the fact Black Manta is part of this group. This looks to be a desert like climate. He’d be good, how? Maybe that’ll be coming up, but in this first issue it did stand out to me.
Will the interior art by Philippe Briones isn’t as cool as the cover art by Juan Ferreyra, Briones does bring a certain flair to it all, especially when it comes to the positioning of the images of the characters in panels, and his depiction of the war torn area. The art is solid, though doesn’t jump out to me as amazing.
For the brazen and gutsy storyline alone, I’m recommending this one a buy. While it might not use the real world names, it’s clear who Ryan is writing about, and what he’s getting at. In doing so, he also might be giving us a potential serious threat in the DC Universe, one I’d like to see expanded beyond this storyline. You don’t see creators getting this close to something relevant and in the news, so to see it here is beyond awesome.
Story: Sean Ryan Art: Philippe Briones
Story: 8.25 Art: 7.25 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
