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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2016 13:21:14 GMT -5
 Unstoppable: Part 2. Written by Dan Abnett. Art by Scot Eaton and Wayne Faucher. Cover by Brad Walker and Andrew Hennessy. The Shaggy Man heads for Amnesty Bay. In order to prevent war with USA Aquaman orders the Atlantean military to stand down. He then fights Shaggy Man by himself. He defeats Shaggy by using the JLA transporter to beam Shaggy into space. However Aquaman ends up severely beaten. Abnett continues to write Aquaman (& Mera) well. This was an action packed fight issue. I like Eaton's old school style art. Aquaman continues to try & be king/superhero/Atlantean/human all at once. This puts him in conflict with himself. Mera is portrayed as strong & independent & a source of great support for Arthur. I also like the fact that DC has increased Arthur's power level in the last several years. Grade: 7/10. |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2016 13:30:23 GMT -5
 Rise of Raptor: Part 1. Written by Tim Seeley. Art and Cover by Javi Fernandez. With the Monster Men crossover done...Nightwing returns to the Raptor storyline. Pros: Intrigued that Raptor knew Dick's Mom before she was married. I like a new villain unique to Nightwing. Cons: Raptor's motivations. He is like Zoom is to Flash. He respects Dick & wants to make him a better hero. How? By taking away everything that is important to him. I'm not a fan of this trend in establishing villains. Basically more glimpses into Raptor's past as we see him stalking Dick thru out his whole life. The issue ends with Raptor kidnapping Bruce Wayne (who Raptor knows is Batman). Grade: 6/10. I like the art & I like parts of Raptor but not liking the obsession he has with Dick. |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2016 13:42:58 GMT -5
Two quick reviews of the best issues this week:
Superman #9: The conclusion of Dinosaur Island. This was just plain fun! I really am loving Superman as a dad! This adventure with Jon & Krypto reminded me of why I love comics. This was good clean entertainment. Respect was shown to DC's rich history. Characterization was perfect. The art was beautiful. It wasn't "realistic". This was pure escapism into another world for 15 minutes. Thanks DC! 10/10.
Trinity #2: This version of the World's Finest team (plus WW) is great. I'm glad Manapul revealed what is happening on the last page. Great use of past DC creations. This book is all about relationships...between father & son, between friends...and it is beautifully illustrated. I can't really describe what is happening in this book without spoiling it so I will stop here. Buy This Book! 9/10.
Dropped Titles: Batman. Green Arrow. Iron Man.
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Post by thwhtguardian on Oct 22, 2016 12:56:34 GMT -5
Hadrian's Wall #2 Written by Kyle Higgins and Alec Siegel Art by Rod Reis Summary: With the unusual death of Edward looks more and more like murder as the toxicology report reveals he was drugged but Simon, the investigator, is getting no where with his interviews and worse yet someone has flushed all his pain medication so the clock is ticking.
Plot: In the first issue Higgins and Siegel introduced to the neo-noir future that was Hadrian's Wall, full of sex, drugs, cold war intrigue and a grizzly murder in space. In this issue it gets more personal as we are privy to Simon's investigations with the crew, we get reclusive scientists, military jocks, a private practice doctor in over his head and a captain who has a schedule to make and share holders to answer to. No one wants to talk so the tension is palpable and their are strings of intrigue everywhere. The pacing is slow, but in the early stages every good mystery should be so it's no dig against Higgins and Siegel, they're crafting a thick, soupy mystery worthy of comparisons to Chandler so if they need time they have it as there is plenty to keep you locked in.
Art: Rod Reis' use of a muted, inorganic color pallet coupled with an almost computerized, cell shaded art style that is very reminiscent of A Scanner Darkly creates a great dark, sci-fi feel that is just fantastic to behold. So much of the plot is mood and the art just heightens that which in turn helps to ratchet up the tension of the narrative. It's a truly great thing when the art and the narrative are so closely married, and each is made better for it.
Conclusion: The slow burning mystery in space continues, and the episodic feel is the perfect fit for building the tension. Seriously, if you like mysteries and 70's sci-fi and you aren't reading this you need to go out now and pick it up immediately.
Grade: 10/10 |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Oct 22, 2016 14:17:37 GMT -5
Trinity #2 Written and Illustrated by Francis Manapul Summary: Last time Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman found them sucked into Superman's barn only to find themselves...in Smallville!?
Plot: It's not often that writer/artists provide excellent stories, many try but few prevail but Manapul is certainly reaching upwards in his tale of fathers and sons. The tension between Batman and Superman and the understanding felt by Wonder Woman feels a little sophomoric and by the numbers but the talks between Clark and his father from the past is heartfelt and really well done. It could easily have come off as sappy, but their talk of raising sons and then Clark's admission that Pa didn't need superpowers to raise his son was incredibly frank and sounded just like a conversation you might have if you had lost your father but were able to get one last conversation.
Art: While the bright, primary colors and Norman Rockwell like scenery and figures are beautiful to see and heightened the down home feel Manapul's one fault is that his young Clark and young Jon looked exactly the same making the transitions between the past and present impossible to discern.
Conclusion: The core of the story is strong but some of the trappings are a little two dimensional, but the art is beautiful so it's worth following.
Grade: 7/10 |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Oct 22, 2016 15:06:17 GMT -5
My indepth review of Black Hammer was just eaten  but what I loved most of all was the coloring. I loved the four color look that Dave Stewart brought to the flash backs. Although the nature of mystery behind why the heroes are stuck in podunck continues to be murky Lemire's characterizations continue to draw you in. 8/10 |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Oct 22, 2016 16:52:58 GMT -5
DKIII #6 Written by Frank Miller and Brian Azzarello Penciled by Andy Kubert Inked by Klaus Janson Colored by Brad Anderson Summary: As Batman's kryptonite rain washes down on Gotham, the world's finest strike fear into the hearts of the Kandorians but at the end of the day what is the cost?
Plot: Through the five previous issues Frank Miller and Brian Azzarello have painstakingly taken their time in slowly unpacking the elements of their newest addition to the Dark Knight world; they reintroduced us to the characters, shown the passage of time and set the stage for the confrontation and at the end of the fifth issue it seem set to finally explode. Batman had unleashed a kryptonite rain and depowered the Kandoraians and then, "To be continued..." And now after four months we get to see it continued only for it to fizzle. We don't get the giant battle as promised, we get a few skirmishes and then the rain stops and the Kandorians simply flee...and on their way out seemingly kill Batman in an incredibly anti-climactic way. At first I thought the fault was that it had been so long between issues and that it would read better with the first five but instead it only felt weaker as in addition to not giving us the promised throw down it didn't address any of the B-plots that had been previously introduced. The added scope that those other layers gave the story in the previous issues make there absence here profoundly felt as with out them the plot seems too narrow and with that feeling and the high page count it makes for a bloated narrative that just feels like it's spinning its wheels.
Art: As disapointing as the battle was there were some pretty good visuals presented by Kubert; Batman smearing the Kandorian leader's face into the raised shield of Superman's lead armor, Baal burning bystanders and Commissioner Yindell standing alone in front of the wall of her officer's riot shields. It's big and bold and the colors in that final scene of Superman holding Batman with the bold primary colors of their capes against the inky depths of Gotham as the sun rises behind them is truly mythic but in the end the artists aren't given a lot to play with.
Conclusion: After the promise of last issue's cliff hanger this issue really disappoints but as it is but part of a larger story its hard to say if it's a truly bad outing or just a slight slump in the middle. The ideas are interesting enough to keep me interested but the end really has to wow if it's going to feel truly worth while.
Grade:5/10 |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Oct 22, 2016 21:40:35 GMT -5
BPRD #146 Written by Mike Mignola and John Arcudi Art by Laurence Campbell Colored by Dave Stewart Summary: BPRD HQ has been destroyed, Kate and Panya are presumed dead and giant men from Hell are falling fast in the face of the Ogdru Jahad...is this the end?
Plot: While this is not the emotional gut punch as last issue's conclusion, Mignola and Arcudi's follow up here is none the less emotionally powerful. Ever since this thrill ride first began 23 years ago one of the main tenants has always been that the consequences are real. If a character gets shot they bear that scar, if they get in the way of a rampaging monster and don't move fast enough they die...and they don't come back. That permanence creates a sense of dread in the readers when ever something big happens as you never know if your favorite character will still be there on the other side and the destruction of the BPRD headquarters is one of the biggest yet. Kate has long been the glue holding things together and with her gone the readers are left wondering what's next. What I really loved about the fall out here in this issue is the diverse ways the different characters dealt with the news and because they're all split up their various reactions were able to breath on their own which wouldn't have been possible if they were all told at once. It's a subtle narrative trick and it really illustrates just how much Arcudi and Mignola think about these characters.
Art: What I really like about Campbell's art here is the way he frames the mourners. In most cases the artist would normally zoom in on the characters faces and capture every line of their faces to convey their emotions but not Campbell. Instead of getting up close and personal which creates an intimate feel Campbell went for much wider shots, in many cases you can't even clearly see the character's facial expressions at all relying instead on illustrating their emotional states through body language and the panel lay out alone and this wider view created a deeper sense of isolation which added to the pervasively bleak atmosphere of the book. It was an inventive tack to take, one that I would never have thought of but it played beautifully into the narrative.
Conclusion: Though light on action this brooding issue really fills you with dread as to how it's all going to shake down. I didn't think there could be a more powerful ending than the death of Hellboy but the way this is shaping up it could be a close call.
Grade:9/10 |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Oct 23, 2016 10:36:05 GMT -5
Hellboy and BPRD 1954 #2 Written by Mike Mignola and Chris Roberson Art by Stephen Green Colored by Dave Stewart Summary: Shanghaied by a crashed flying saucer Hellboy awakens to find himself surrounded by...Nazis? In 1954!? Crap, I hate those guys.
Plot: Mignola and Roberson's tale of a crash landed UFO comes to its conclusion in this second issue and in an even stranger twist than the pilots being Nazis I found myself disappointed in the Hellboy book. The set up we got last issue was great, the new agent was interesting and the sophomoric "I've been there, done that." attitude that Hellboy showed was a fun development but one Big Red stepped on board the flying saucer it all went out the window and what replaced it was a heavy handed info dump from a two dimensional Nazi general. The concept was great, and I loved the ending when Hellboy was found mysteriously in the Antarctic when he set out off the coast of Iceland but the middle was a slog and a half. I can't help but feel this would have been much better as a one shot or better yet as one of those early short features that just had a weird concept a fun punchline and a shocking finale. They didn't give a lot of characterization but they were fun and I think this concept would have fit that method much better than a full feature.
Art: Despite the majority of the issue being comprised of Hellboy tied up on an operating table while an over the top Nazi gnawed up all the scenery Green managed to illustrate a good grasp of Hellboy. The expressions on Hellboy's face were perfect, which can be hard to do as his square jawed features often look contorted if you try to just simply transpose normal human expressions meaning you have to come up with your own physical language. I hope he sticks around as I'd love to see what he could do with a better story.
Conclusion: Overly burdened with a flat, expository monologue the promising start fizzled in the end, but the art continued to be brilliant.
Grade: 6/10
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Post by thwhtguardian on Oct 23, 2016 11:06:19 GMT -5
Superman #9 The adventure on Dinosaur Island concludes in this fun issue. There are nods to several characters from DC's past--military characters from the 50s and 60s. I am happy to see DC acknowledging characters from the past who do not appear anymore. There are some very nice moments in this issue. Despite his powers, Jon is still a child--capable of being afraid and needing reassurance from a parent. There is a very nice scene where Superman assures him everything is going to be ok and that Jon will see his mother very soon. Superman assures him that everything is under control. Great art as well and colors. There is a bit of mystery thrown in at the end of the story which makes me believe something very big is coming for the Superman titles. One thing that surprised me--in this age of political correctness, one of the characters refer to Germans as "krauts". Being half-German, I was not at all offended by this and realize that was a term used heavily in World War II. Nice to see a writer not cave to the PC police. 10/10 Trinity #2 After last issues awkward dinner party, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman are thrown headfirst into a very strange adventure. Again, some very interesting character moments between the 3 heroes. The story features Superman and he has a nice moment with Pa Kent--or someone who appears to be Pa. While talking to his father, he realizes everything Ma and Pa Kent did to keep him safe--and how that parallels Clark's life now with his son and wife. We don't find out who the main villain is just yet, however there is a surprise reveal at the end of the story. Manupul gets these characters. Superman is wide eyed, hopeful, optimistic...Batman paranoid as ever, while Wonder Woman is kind and keeps everyone grounded. These 3 need each other like true friends. The art is outstanding. Bright, lush scenery--I could go through the book again just to see the art. 10/10 The coloring in Superman was pretty great, the bright hues really fit the fun tone of the story. Two quick reviews of the best issues this week:
Superman #9: The conclusion of Dinosaur Island. This was just plain fun! I really am loving Superman as a dad! This adventure with Jon & Krypto reminded me of why I love comics. This was good clean entertainment. Respect was shown to DC's rich history. Characterization was perfect. The art was beautiful. It wasn't "realistic". This was pure escapism into another world for 15 minutes. Thanks DC! 10/10.
Trinity #2: This version of the World's Finest team (plus WW) is great. I'm glad Manapul revealed what is happening on the last page. Great use of past DC creations. This book is all about relationships...between father & son, between friends...and it is beautifully illustrated. I can't really describe what is happening in this book without spoiling it so I will stop here. Buy This Book! 9/10.
Dropped Titles: Batman. Green Arrow. Iron Man.
Escapism is definitely the word, the whole story could be summed up as a man, his boy and his dog fight dinosaurs AND a giant gorilla and get back in time for dinner. It really captures the feel of the old Fliesher cartoons which is one of my favorite takes on Superman. |
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Post by Dizzy D on Oct 23, 2016 11:51:15 GMT -5
Mockingbird #8 Written by Chelsea Cain
Art by Kate Niemczyk
Colours: Rachelle Rosenberg
What went before: It's a Civil War crossover/tie-in/whatever, but it's done in the best way: this feels like a story there were going to do anyway and use the Civil War tie-in as a jumpstart for the plot without it overwhelming the series own story. Last issues Mockingbird 's ex-husband is accussed of murder (The Civil War Tie-in), so she sets out to prove his innocence. Her informant arranges a meeting on a cruise ship with promises of proof of Hawkeye's innocence. Also on board: Mockingbard's ex-boyfriend/current boyfriend/it's complicated Lance Hunter and a literal boatload of superhero fans and cosplayers. It turns out to be a trap though and it's the spirit of Lincoln Slade, the Phantom Rider that set it! Summary: Years ago, Clint dumped Bobbi because he felt her responsible for the death of Lincoln Slade, now with Hawkeye accussed of murder, Slade sees this as an opportunity to get revenge or reclaim the heart of Bobbi. He seems a little unclear on which he now really wants. Plot: The last issue in the series, it tried to capture the spirit of the Hawkeye series, but it tends to go more comedical, while Hawkeye bounced between funny and touching. Some of the jokes land, some don't. I like Slade summoning the spirits of Undead Pirates to attack the ship, who then immediately refuse to attack the ship because they really have no reason to. I also liked Bobbi's flowchart for dealing with ghost cowboy stalkers. The cosplay fans fall flat for me though, so it's a mixed bag. Overall this series was fun, but not a classic like "Hawkeye". Art: The art is good and fits the story. Characters look distinct from each other (apart from Lance and Clint who only have different hair colours, but that's the point between the two of them.) Flowcharts, sign-language and Marvel Handbook type character pictures give the art a little extra. Grade: 7/10 |
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Post by Dizzy D on Oct 23, 2016 12:12:46 GMT -5
Doctor Strange #13 Written by Jason Aaron
Pencils by Chris Bachalo
Inkers: (is this really the first review I have where the artist didn't ink himself? Well be ready for it, because it's a small army this time to make up for those times): Al Vey, John Livesay, Victor Olazaba, Wayne Faucher and Tim Townsend.
Colours: Antonio Fabela, Java Tartaglia and Bachalo himself.
What went before: The war with the Empirikul is over and although they have won, Earth's Sorceror Supreme and his allies are significantly weakened. So in this second arc, all of Strange's enemies take this opportunity to get rid of the doctor. Mordo and Dormammu took their shot, but it was Nightmare's trap that Strange fell into. Summary: Inside his dream, Nightmare throws fame, fortune and women at Strange in an attempt to keep him from remembering who he really is. Luckily for Strange, Wong and Zelma enter his dream in the hopes of triggering his memories. They succeed but end up in their own nightmares instead. Plot: I'm liking this second arc a lot, the Empirikul felt just like setup to make Strange more vulnerable, while introducing new enemies and cast members, this one feels more like the Strange stories of old. Of course Strange's enemies are going to pounce on any sign of weakness and of course they are not going to want to share the glory with any rival. The solution felt sufficiently Strange-magic to me. I'm looking forward to the next issue, as this time it's not somebody that is tradionally a villain of Dr. Strange; they have crossed paths but have been allies as much as enemies. Also looking forward to Strange's meeting with Master Pandemonium, I don't think they ever meet in comics before? Art: It's Bachalo, so you know what you are getting. I love Bachalo, so high marks from me, but I know he's a divisive artist. The art this time seems clear to me (I had no problem following what's going on in each of the panels) and the inkers have not put on too much dark ink all over the place and those 2 things are usually the problems I see with Bachalo's art, so the army of inkers did their work well. Grade: 8/10 |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Oct 23, 2016 12:18:31 GMT -5
I have to catch up with Strange, it sounds like it only keeps getting better.
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Post by Dizzy D on Oct 23, 2016 12:32:40 GMT -5
Black Panther #7 Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Pencils/layouts by Chris Sprouse
Inks/finishes by Karl Story
Colours: Laura Martin
What went before: The Black Panther's reign is in danger, both forces within Wakanda and outside are threatening his rule and now he has been captured by Ezekiel Stane and his cronies. Summary: Enough is enough, T'Challa has been dealing with multiple crises all on his own, so he decides to call for a little help this time. Meet the All-New Crew (only Luke Cage calls them that): Luke Cage, Misty Knight, Storm and Manifold team up with Black Panther to fight Ezekiel Stane and his allies Fenris and Vanisher. They win, but as usual Vanisher teleports his team out and Black Panther and Manifold can't follow their tracks, because somebody or something is masking them. In the Djalia, Shuri is talking to her mother (or rather a spirit that looks like her mother), who tells her an old Wakandan legend. Meanwhile Changamire, the philosopher, decides to meet with his former students Tetu and Zenzi, no longer believing in his dreams that equality in Wakanda can be achieved by peace. They believe that their mentor now wants to joing them. Instead he hopes to sway Tetu and Zenzi from their current path which he believes will bring destruction to Wakanda, but they reject him. Plot: As said before, this series moves very slowly. The fight between the Crew and Stane's forces is a standard superhero fight, so doesn't really hold my attention. The story told to Shuri does feel like a story Wakandans could have told each other for centuries. I'm still waiting how Shuri's part of the story fits into the whole story going on. The most interesting part to me is Changamire meeting with his students. This really feels like the point of no return for them. Before we could see them as well-meaning if violent, but now they clearly chose the path of violence which will end in the death of thousands of Wakandans. Art: Sprouse is not as good as Stelfreeze. It's not bad, but I just liked Stelfreeze's designs so much more and nothing in this issue stands out as amazing design. Grade: 8/10 |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 23, 2016 12:59:01 GMT -5
Escapism is definitely the word, the whole story could be summed up as a man, his boy and his dog fight dinosaurs AND a giant gorilla and get back in time for dinner. It really captures the feel of the old Fliesher cartoons which is one of my favorite takes on Superman. I hate the trend to try & make something like comics "real". I don't want to read about real life in my comics. I live in that world. I want to escape into a different fantastic world for awhile. |
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but what I loved most of all was the coloring. I loved the four color look that Dave Stewart brought to the flash backs. Although the nature of mystery behind why the heroes are stuck in podunck continues to be murky Lemire's characterizations continue to draw you in.
