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Post by thwhtguardian on Mar 30, 2018 11:21:16 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2018 12:35:43 GMT -5
 Jessica Jones #18Bendis and company say goodbye to Jessica in a single issue story. I’ll preface this by saying that while I am not a big Marvel reader, I have soft spots for several characters, none more so than Jessica Jones. Jessica’s latest case follows her attempt to solve the mystery of why The Armadillo would rather get beat up by Marvel heroes than spend time with his girlfriend. We get cameos by Bendis characters like Miles and Riri. The end is very much a Jessica Jones type ending. It fits well in the bigger picture story Bendis has been telling about her, especially in this last series, and the drawback was that I don’t read the other titles that Bendis writes, so maybe I’m missing some even bigger cross-story stuff. It would have been a great regular stand alone story, but as a last story by her creators it was even better: 10/10 (because I am a sap). |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Mar 30, 2018 14:07:25 GMT -5
Mystik U #3Written by: Alisa Kwitney Art by: Mike Norton Summary: Finals are here and we learn which students studied and which students are evil sorcerers in the future.
Plot: It's the final issue of Mystik U and after three issues Kwitney not only reveals who the big bad is but also handily dispatches her and it's not who you'd think. With the focus on Zatana and the special treatment she was getting from the staff it seemed like she was the obvious choice and maybe that should have been the give away that it wasn't her but with only so many issues there wasn't a lot of room for other clues to point to another viable identity. It's that last point that proves to be the series down fall; three issues was simply too small a space for this story, the page count granted wasn't enough to sell us on the big bad, develop these young characters or really set up this world. This min-series gave us an interesting premise, a secret school where DC's magic heroes learn their craft, but it moved to quickly in too short a time to really deliver on that beginning.
Art: The art's been pretty solid in this book, but like the plot itself it feels a bit rushed here in this issue with the design of the big bad feeling very cliche which is seriously at odds with the effort put into designing the new look of Zatana for instance. Grade:6/10 |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Mar 30, 2018 17:04:04 GMT -5
The Highest House #2Written by Mike Carey Art by Peter Gross Summary: Cornered by danger on all sides Moth makes friends with a powerful entity called Obsidian that promises advancement and happiness.
Plot: Carey's story picks up right where he left us with Moth in his bed questioning a mysterious voice that only he hears. It's a staple of fantasy, the young boy with a special destiny hears a voice in the night that sets him on his quest, even the initial rejection of the calling is hardly new but Carey's world and character work easily stop it from feeling old and tired. The focus on character work and world building is an incredibly thin tight rope to walk with many writers more often than not producing stories where either one of those aspects suffers in comparison to the other with readers left either with a vast world no one wants to explore or with deep characters that seem to have nothing to do. “Highest House” escapes that trap by aligning Moth’s motivations with that of the world he inhabits: his journey seems to be very much the journey that will expand the knowledge of the aristocratic Highest House on itself giving us deep characters while exploring the world around him in a natural way, which is a beautiful balance.
Art: That kind of idea of form following function we saw in the plot continues in the art with the way Gross was able to craftily align panel layouts to the building structures that Moth was exploring. Whenever readers observe towers, panels loom more vertically, whereas when Moth takes us down into the catacombs in search of Obsidian, they lean horizontally. This matching of structure to plot adds to the sense of ambiance giving the reader a true sense of freedom, or claustrophobia that is called for in the situations as they are needed; which is a true master stroke.
Grade:10/10 |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2018 21:29:21 GMT -5
 Daredevil #600. Main story by Charles Soule and Ron Garney. Back up story by Christos Gage and Mike Perkins. Cover by Dan Mora. The good: The art in both stories was top notch. The back up was a nice history of Matt & Foggy's friendship over the decades. The ending of the first story. The bad: too many plot holes in the first story. Summary Main Story: DD gathers street level heroes to take down the Kingpin & the NYC crime lords at a meeting. However it is a setup & the police capture the crime lords & the heroes. Meanwhile Blindspot confronts Muse & stops him in an unconventional way. Fisk beats DD who is then thrown into a police van. The Hand then attacks Fisk leaving him near death. This means the deputy mayor (Matt) must become the mayor of NYC. As I said there were too many plot holes in the capture & set up of the heroes. I do like the ending. How will a captured DD fulfill his duties as mayor in his ID of Matt? Mixed feelings with this issue: 6/10. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2018 21:40:01 GMT -5
 The Terrifics #2. Written by Jeff Lemire. Art and Cover by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado. Part 2/3. The team of Mr. Terrific, Metamorpho, Phantom Girl and Plastic Man escape from the Dark Multiverse into Simon Stagg's lab. But there is a catch. Their body chemistry has been altered by the Dark Multiverse & they are now connected to the point where they must stay in close proximity to each other. This issue didn't thrill me as much as #1. But I think it suffers from middle chapter syndrome. The art was beautiful as always. I expect better storytelling from Lemire. This issue felt like it lacked something. I still like this team & this concept. 7/10. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2018 21:47:58 GMT -5
 X-O Manowar #13. Written by Matt Kindt. Art by Ryan Bodenheim. Cover by Lewis LaRosa. X-O Manowar concludes his time on the alien world of Gorin. After war & conquest he leaves Gorin a better place than when he first arrived. Thru his time on Gorin he has grown & realizes he has to return to Earth now that Gorin's government has stabilized. The year long arc on this title has been consistently well written. The art has been a bit uneven but overall it was pretty decent. Really loved this re-launch. Looking forward to Aric's return to Earth. 8/10. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2018 21:59:21 GMT -5
 Spectacular Spider-Man #302. Written by Chip Zdarsky. Art and Cover by Joe Quinones. Part 2 of Peter, Teresa & JJJ's trip to the past. Sorry but this story arc is just a little too silly for me. It doesn't make sense as Zdarsky breaks all the SCIFI rules regarding time travel. Their future selves co existing with their past selves & actively interacting to save the future? I am having a hard time accepting the premise of this story. Quinones cartoony style also detracts from the story (at least for me). I want this arc to be over with soon. 5/10. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2018 22:07:39 GMT -5
 Flash #43. Written by Joshua Williamson. Art and Cover by Carmine Di Giandomenico. Flash has to fight the mind controlled Flash Family. And he does. Wally I breaks thru Grodd's mind control for a short time & in a contrived comic book science scene Barry stops Grodd by curing him while stealing the Speed Force from him. This scene felt like a cheat to me as it just happened suddenly & felt forced. I was a bit disappointed with Williamson's writing this issue but Carmine's beautiful kinetic art was a joy as always. 6/10. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2018 22:14:33 GMT -5
 Mera #2. Written by Dan Abnett. Art by Lan Medina. Cover by Nicola Scott. The new Queen of Atlantis, Mera is challenged by the former king of Atlantis, Orm the Ocean Master. Mera continues to adjust to her life on land until her abilities fully return. Tula helps her until Orm returns to reclaim the throne & discovers Mera is in a weakened state. Just before he attempts to kill her his surface family confronts him causing him to hesitate... Part 2/6. Decent story & art. Felt a little light on story considering this is only a six issue mini series. 7/10. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 1, 2018 16:37:02 GMT -5
Thoughts on Mera and Terrifics
Mera: Great art and colors. Lots of the DC books I read tend to go darker on the colors, but Mera's world so far is full of bright skies and beautiful oceans. The issue seemed a little too heavy on Ocean Master, especially as this is supposed to be Mera's book. I was actually becoming more interested in his story rather than hers. I do see them as wanting the same thing though. They both want a simple life with a family, but keep being drawn into all the drama and upheaval in Atlantis. I loved the scene of Mera dreaming about Aquaman and the life she wants. Also enjoyed the scene of Ocean Master's family when they learn he has left. Mera shows she can be formidable even without her powers, but she is really going to need them if she has to go up against the likes of Ocean Master. The story was one long scene which I found odd for a limited series, but I enjoyed it--seeing just how alike and different Mera and Ocean Master art.
7.5/10
The Terrifics: Very fun 2nd issue. As stated in the previous review, the team finds they must stay close to each other after their trip to the dark dimension. We learn a bit about Phantom Girl and how she ended up there as well as some references LSH will get. Metamorpho and Plastic Man play well off each other (reminds me of Thing and Human Torch). Mr. Terrific comes across as bit of jerk, but he seems the most sensible. This book is fun--almost like a modern silver age book. Loved the pacing, the dialogue, and the art (didn't even notice the change in artists for the final pages until I read the credits).
8/10 and I think will add this to my pull list (I got the last copy)
I did officially drop Wonder Woman during my trip to the shop this week and noticed a big stack of unsold copies on the racks.
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Post by Hoosier X on Apr 1, 2018 17:35:26 GMT -5
Daredevil #600. Main story by Charles Soule and Ron Garney. Back up story by Christos Gage and Mike Perkins. Cover by Dan Mora. The good: The art in both stories was top notch. The back up was a nice history of Matt & Foggy's friendship over the decades. The ending of the first story. The bad: too many plot holes in the first story. Summary Main Story: DD gathers street level heroes to take down the Kingpin & the NYC crime lords at a meeting. However it is a setup & the police capture the crime lords & the heroes. Meanwhile Blindspot confronts Muse & stops him in an unconventional way. Fisk beats DD who is then thrown into a police van. The Hand then attacks Fisk leaving him near death. This means the deputy mayor (Matt) must become the mayor of NYC. As I said there were too many plot holes in the capture & set up of the heroes. I do like the ending. How will a captured DD fulfill his duties as mayor in his ID of Matt? Mixed feelings with this issue: 6/10. I had mixed feelings about this issue as well. So many things I liked, especially the twist where Matt is now the acting mayor! And it was nice to see Spider-Man, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Jessica Jones, etc. and also cool to see Hammerhead, Felicia Hardy (the Black Cat) and the Owl. It's a lot of characters I like who I haven't seen for a long time because it's been a long time since I read very many Marvel comics. But it's very disappointing to see everybody acting like such a bunch of idiots, all mindlessly and childishly getting caught in Mayor Fisk's not-particularly-subtle or -clever trap. Even Montana and Fancy Dan wouldn't fall for this. Jigsaw maybe. The Ox, sure. This is more like something you'd use on Solomon Grundy or Blockbuster. And it's a huge and not-easily-overlooked plot point. The scene with Muse and Blindspot was pretty cool. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 1, 2018 18:49:19 GMT -5
Daredevil #600. Main story by Charles Soule and Ron Garney. Back up story by Christos Gage and Mike Perkins. Cover by Dan Mora. The good: The art in both stories was top notch. The back up was a nice history of Matt & Foggy's friendship over the decades. The ending of the first story. The bad: too many plot holes in the first story. Summary Main Story: DD gathers street level heroes to take down the Kingpin & the NYC crime lords at a meeting. However it is a setup & the police capture the crime lords & the heroes. Meanwhile Blindspot confronts Muse & stops him in an unconventional way. Fisk beats DD who is then thrown into a police van. The Hand then attacks Fisk leaving him near death. This means the deputy mayor (Matt) must become the mayor of NYC. As I said there were too many plot holes in the capture & set up of the heroes. I do like the ending. How will a captured DD fulfill his duties as mayor in his ID of Matt? Mixed feelings with this issue: 6/10. I had mixed feelings about this issue as well. So many things I liked, especially the twist where Matt is now the acting mayor! And it was nice to see Spider-Man, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Jessica Jones, etc. and also cool to see Hammerhead, Felicia Hardy (the Black Cat) and the Owl. It's a lot of characters I like who I haven't seen for a long time because it's been a long time since I read very many Marvel comics. But it's very disappointing to see everybody acting like such a bunch of idiots, all mindlessly and childishly getting caught in Mayor Fisk's not-particularly-subtle or -clever trap. Even Montana and Fancy Dan wouldn't fall for this. Jigsaw maybe. The Ox, sure. This is more like something you'd use on Solomon Grundy or Blockbuster. And it's a huge and not-easily-overlooked plot point. The scene with Muse and Blindspot was pretty cool. I was very disappointed since I loved how Soule was building this story into an epic DD/Kingpin story. But with one scene it derailed. Hopefully Soule can salvage the story despite this issue. |
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Post by String on Apr 6, 2018 10:57:50 GMT -5
I had mixed feelings about this issue as well. So many things I liked, especially the twist where Matt is now the acting mayor! And it was nice to see Spider-Man, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Jessica Jones, etc. and also cool to see Hammerhead, Felicia Hardy (the Black Cat) and the Owl. It's a lot of characters I like who I haven't seen for a long time because it's been a long time since I read very many Marvel comics. But it's very disappointing to see everybody acting like such a bunch of idiots, all mindlessly and childishly getting caught in Mayor Fisk's not-particularly-subtle or -clever trap. Even Montana and Fancy Dan wouldn't fall for this. Jigsaw maybe. The Ox, sure. This is more like something you'd use on Solomon Grundy or Blockbuster. And it's a huge and not-easily-overlooked plot point. The scene with Muse and Blindspot was pretty cool. I was very disappointed since I loved how Soule was building this story into an epic DD/Kingpin story. But with one scene it derailed. Hopefully Soule can salvage the story despite this issue. Hm, for being #600, I felt rather underwhelmed by it all. Matt's plan here makes little sense. I can understand where he can take advantage of the new ruling about costumed vigilantes being able to testify but still, wouldn't what he is proposing here be considered hearsay? If you are going to take down the Mayor of NYC, I would think that you'd need more solid evidence that just that. Fisk's ruse here is simplistic but to be fair, Felicia and the others did smell it out. The street heroes suddenly bursting in only muddled the situation (though I did snicker over Moon Knight's dialogue, that was nice). The end between Matt and Fisk was interesting as is the cliffhanger (but nowhere near the shock and anticipation that Brubaker dropped in his cliffhanger in #500. That one I will always relish, this one not so memorable). The whole Blindspot/Muse ordeal fell flat for me. Sam is being hypocritical here, in how he escapes from Muse's clutches yet unwilling to seal the deal. His moral quibbling nags me in that you can't have it both ways. I'm beginning to think it it time for Sam to move on. The backup story with Foggy was nice...until the very last panel. A perfect opportunity to show Matt's strength and resolve for their friendship while Foggy was undergoing his cancer treatments. But for some reason, they switched the scene instead, makes no sense. A huge fail. 5/10 |
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