|
|
Post by thwhtguardian on Feb 28, 2018 8:42:10 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2018 10:58:31 GMT -5
Hoping to have reviews of the Terrifics & Mera tomorrow...
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2018 19:32:33 GMT -5
Wonder Woman #41 by James Robinson, Stephen Segovia, Romulo Fajardo Jr:
I enjoyed this issue more than the last several issues, however the book is still on very shaky ground. After a droll scene with Darkseid being Darkseid and lamenting how Earth has no interest for him since he can't find Paradise Island, Wonder Woman and Steve are front and center. I liked how they caught up with each other, much like a normal couple talking about their day at work. Very interesting reintroductions of some Golden Age villains such as Zara, Blue Snowman, and Angle Man (now female and known as Anglette) and Veronica Cale is thrown into the mix. Of course, Jason has to show up and ruin everything (now he seems to have a super hero suit). The art was ok, the colors too. Wonder Woman seemed a bit out of character with how she dispatched of the villains, especially Blue Snowman. The cover, while dramatic, had nothing to do with the contents of the book. Overall, the book read like a rough draft, but I used my imagination to enjoy it more (the pages with Darkseid would have been better served showcasing WW and Steve or the Golden Age villains).
5.5/10
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2018 20:27:38 GMT -5
The Terrifics #1 by Jeff Lemire, Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, and Marcelo Maiolo:
I was not going to pick this up, but I flipped through it at the store and wanted to read it based on the art. The story takes a bit go get going, but I loved seeing Java, Simon Stagg, and Sapphire again. Metamorpho, Plastic Man, and Mr. Terrific go through a portal opened by Stagg into the dark multiverse. There was a reference to Metal (which I didn't read, but there are scenes that caught me up) regarding Plastic Man's status at the beginning of this story. Also, a quick explanation about Mr. Terrific's reasons for visiting Simon. Phantom Girl just sort of shows up and I loved the last page which featured someone I was not expecting. True, the characters are random and I didn't quite get the Fantastic Four feel. Mr. Terrific is serious, Plastic Man provides humor, Metamorpho is a good balance between the two, and not sure what Phantom Girl will bring. The art is gorgeous. Big splash pages that don't feel like filler--the scenes deserve big pages. Reis and Prado can actually draw and don't rely on gimmicks. There is lot packed into several of the pages. While the book didn't quite live up to the hype, I did enjoy it very much and may add this to my pull list. Why do I have a horrible feeling the book will be good for 8 or so issues and then derail with fill in art and writers.....I usually like Jeff Lemire (his Superboy is one of my all time favorites) and I hope he and the current creative team are able to keep this story going. Seems like it will be a fun ride!
8/10
|
|
|
|
Post by Hoosier X on Feb 28, 2018 20:51:06 GMT -5
Wonder Woman #41 by James Robinson, Stephen Segovia, Romulo Fajardo Jr: I enjoyed this issue more than the last several issues, however the book is still on very shaky ground. After a droll scene with Darkseid being Darkseid and lamenting how Earth has no interest for him since he can't find Paradise Island, Wonder Woman and Steve are front and center. I liked how they caught up with each other, much like a normal couple talking about their day at work. Very interesting reintroductions of some Golden Age villains such as Zara, Blue Snowman, and Angle Man (now female and known as Anglette) and Veronica Cale is thrown into the mix. Of course, Jason has to show up and ruin everything (now he seems to have a super hero suit). The art was ok, the colors too. Wonder Woman seemed a bit out of character with how she dispatched of the villains, especially Blue Snowman. The cover, while dramatic, had nothing to do with the contents of the book. Overall, the book read like a rough draft, but I used my imagination to enjoy it more (the pages with Darkseid would have been better served showcasing WW and Steve or the Golden Age villains). 5.5/10 I didn't dislike it as much as usual. But those one-page throwaway super-villain fights were super-annoying. We get issues and issues and issues about a much-over-exposed villain like Darkseid. And issue after issue about boring Jason. And then three issues for the Silver Swan. And some new versions of some potentially interesting revamps of Golden Age villains get about three panels each. I'm much more interested in Giganta, Zara, the Blue Snowman and Anglette than I am in Darkseid or Jason. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2018 21:51:17 GMT -5
Action Comics 998 by Dan Jurgens, Will Conrad, and Ivan Nunes:
Great conclusion to an arc that has been stretched about as far as it can go. Booster Gold shines in this story and I would like to see more of him, especially teamed with Superman. We see just how evil the Zod Family is...and they aren't quite the tight family they seemed to be. Superman finally confirms the truth about his father in a very emotional scene as he witnesses Krypton's final moments. The cliffhanger from the previous issue is resolved, thanks to Booster. I loved the final page with Flash, Booster, and Superman. There's also a quick joke from Booster about Marvel comics that I liked. The art is very well done.
With all the talk in this arc about time being fluid, I wonder if that is foreshadowing some sort of reboot or at least some changes (please restore Conner to the cast!) to the current Superman status quo.
8.5/10
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2018 23:52:51 GMT -5
Mera Queen of Atlantis #1 by Dan Abnett, Lan Medina, Richard Friend, and Veronica Gandini
I've always liked Mera and Aquaman. I have followed his comics off and on through the years and ultimately stopped during the new 52. I am not very familiar with the current Aquaman title, but this issue recaps what I am guessing to be the high points. I didn't realize Aquaman and Mera aren't married anymore, although Mera dreams of the day they will marry. The opening and closing sequence featuring Ocean Master was quite a surprise, but I liked seeing him at peace (seemingly that won't last) with his new found family.
Mera shows that she is a more than capable heroine when she takes down the Eel. Currently Mera is injured by magic and can't breathe underwater until she completely heals. Tula is along for the ride too, although I am guessing she is no longer Aquagirl and no longer was in love with Garth. Despite not being up to speed, I followed the story. Lots of political intrigue and a nice cameo by Superman and Wonder Woman. The art is great. The scenes where Mera is fighting the Eel on the dock are well done and I could "feel" the atmosphere Medina was going for. Definitely adding this to my list...and fingers crossed that Mera will get the happy ending she longs for. Some may say she comes across as mooning over Aquaman too much, but I felt she was depicted as well-rounded--strong, regal, feminine, and loving. Wonder Woman creative team, take note.
9/10
|
|
|
|
Post by Hoosier X on Mar 1, 2018 2:23:23 GMT -5
It's about time Lockjaw had his own #1! I liked this a lot. As long as they get Lockjaw right, this wouldn't really have to otherwise be very good for me to like it. I guess they decided that four issues of just Lockjaw phasing in and out and bringing back dinosaur bones and barking at other dimension-hopping dogs wouldn't be that popular. (I'd read it!) So this comic has people in it! Black Bolt, Medusa and Karnak appear in a few panels. And at the end - Ka-zar! (With Zabu, of course.) But the main human character is the guy who used to be D-Man ... who I only vaguely remember. He's lost his powers and he gets mixed up with Lockjaw because D-Man's neighbor has a thirty-year-old dog that looks just like Lockjaw except that he probably weighs about 30 pounds. Lockjaw comes to visit the little fellow and accidently transports D-Man with him when he leaves. That Lockjaw! It's a lot of fun. D-Man doesn't bother me. But I admit I secretly wish that the writer had the confidence to tell this story without dragging a human along to think out loud a lot and spell it out for the readers. |
|
|
|
Post by thwhtguardian on Mar 1, 2018 9:38:54 GMT -5
It's about time Lockjaw had his own #1! I liked this a lot. As long as they get Lockjaw right, this wouldn't really have to otherwise be very good for me to like it. I guess they decided that four issues of just Lockjaw phasing in and out and bringing back dinosaur bones and barking at other dimension-hopping dogs wouldn't be that popular. (I'd read it!) So this comic has people in it! Black Bolt, Medusa and Karnak appear in a few panels. And at the end - Ka-zar! (With Zabu, of course.) But the main human character is the guy who used to be D-Man ... who I only vaguely remember. He's lost his powers and he gets mixed up with Lockjaw because D-Man's neighbor has a thirty-year-old dog that looks just like Lockjaw except that he probably weighs about 30 pounds. Lockjaw comes to visit the little fellow and accidently transports D-Man with him when he leaves. That Lockjaw! It's a lot of fun. D-Man doesn't bother me. But I admit I secretly wish that the writer had the confidence to tell this story without dragging a human along to think out loud a lot and spell it out for the readers. I've been contemplating this one, but with your review it just became a must buy. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2018 13:07:23 GMT -5
 The Terrifics #1. Written by Jeff Lemire. Art by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado. Cover by Ivan Reis. We start with the team coming together. Mr Terrific goes to Stagg Industries because Stagg stole Terrifictech while Terrific was in the Dark Multiverse. We get to see Stagg, Java & Sapphire. Stagg is using Metamorpho to breech the Dark Multiverse. Terrific, Metamorpho & Plastic Man (in a dormant state) get transported into the DM. There they find Phantom Girl (from the Legion trapped there). While exploring they find a beacon left by Tom Strong... First off while there are similarities between this team & Marvel's Fantastic Four (4 "explorers" with similar powers to the FF) this book has a very different feel & dynamic. These characters have no connection to each other like the FF do. I like these characters together & it makes for an interesting dynamic. Lemire does a great job setting up the team & getting them started on their first adventure together. Reis' art is always a delight. Just a beautiful job. Will this book succeed in today's market? I hope so. Not sure if the Tom Strong connection will hinder or enhance the book. I guess we will find out. 8/10. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2018 13:26:56 GMT -5
 Mera #1. Written by Dan Abnett. Art by Lan Medina. Cover by Nicola Scott. Following recent events in Aquaman Mera is back in Amnesty Bay recovering from the magical attack that drained her powers when she fought King Rath's forces. It also ties into how she will be Queen of Atlantis once Arthur deposes Rath. With Tula's aid she tries to adjust to her new life which she hopes will be temporary. There was a fight with the Eel. Appearances by Superman & Wonder Woman. There is also a subplot with Orm the Ocean Master who seems to have found happiness in a "normal" life on land with a family. Abnett does a great job keeping this book tied to Aquaman & giving Mera her own spotlight. Readers of both titles will get an enhanced story while readers of only one of the titles will get a complete story that can be enjoyed on it's own merits. Medina's art had similarities to artist like Tom Grummett & Paul Ryan. Nice job. I look forward to the rest of this 6 issue mini series.
8/10. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2018 13:41:17 GMT -5
 Flash #41. Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Carlos D'Anda. Cover by Carmine Di Giandomenico. Barry is without his powers after the events of last issue. Wally I is protecting Central City that has become frozen in time from Grodd. Barry is obsessed with getting his powers back so no one else will be hurt fighting Grodd. He gets so desperate that he goes to the villain Godspeed (dumb name) for help. Williamson does a great job showing Barry's concerns & frustrations that are motivating him. He also does a fantastic job on getting Wally I's personality & "voice". He definitely has a great perspective on the differences between Barry & Wally I & what makes each them unique as the Flash. Even if you have not been reading this title but are a fan of Wally I as the Flash you will want to read this arc. Hopefully after this arc Wally I will stay a part of this book. 8/10. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2018 13:55:56 GMT -5
 X-O Manowar #12. Written by Matt Kindt. Art by Ryan Bodenheim. Cover by Lewis LaRosa. For the past year I have sung the praises of this title's re-launch. And this issue continues the great storytelling. The bounty hunters have Aric's armor. One dies trying it on. The hunters go to Gorin's council to collect their payment however Aric has managed to survive & also appears. A fight ensues between the hunters & the council that leaves most of the council dead or wounded. Aric is poisoned by the hunters. As he lies dying he calls out to the armor who saves him as we see Aric suit up in the armor enraged at the events that are happening around him. An epic. I have no more superlatives to describe how much I have enjoyed this run of X-O. 9/10. |
|
|
|
Post by Slam_Bradley on Mar 1, 2018 14:03:15 GMT -5
The Terrifics #1. Written by Jeff Lemire. Art by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado. Cover by Ivan Reis. . Not sure if the Tom Strong connection will hinder or enhance the book. I guess we will find out. It hindered it for me. Made it so I won't buy the book. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2018 14:15:30 GMT -5
 Spectacular Spider-Man #300. Written by Chip Zdarsky. Art by Adam Kubert. Cover by Marcos Martin. First a big sprawling anniversary sized story involving Spider-Man vs the Tinkerer with JJJ, Betty Brant, Teresa, Torch, Doom, Avengers...whew. Basically the Tinkerer has been messing with some alien AI that now wants to destroy mankind. In a back up story Zdarsky & Goran Parlov tell a Black Cat tale that parodies recent events in DC's Batman. Wow. That was a blast. Zdarsky crammed in a lot of story that was worthy of being an extra sized anniversary issue. Kubert's art was just icing on the cake. 8/10. What a great week for me! |
|
