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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2016 17:28:14 GMT -5
It's definitely the best Supergirl has ever been and more over it's a fantastic read in its own right. Better than the Midvale Orphanage years? That doesn't seem possible. Better than Supergirl's been since the 1970s? That doesn't seem hard. Better than PAD's Supergirl from the late 1990's? Probably not but I will see when I read my copy of this. |
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Post by Hoosier X on Dec 30, 2016 17:29:37 GMT -5
Better than Supergirl's been since the 1970s? That doesn't seem hard. After much umming and arring, I finally decided to order the Silver Age Supergirl omnibus, since it was cheap. Did I err? NO! YOU DID GOOD! I have the Supergirl Showcase volume with all the Supergirl stories of the Midvale Orphanage era and THEY ARE AWESOME! She not only has to keep her identity a secret, she has to keep her VERY EXISTENCE a secret! (Because Superman says so.) Not only that, she has to do it in an orphanage that is always being invaded by alien orphans who can read minds as well as Bizarro babies and things like that. Fortunately, she has Streaky the Super-Cat, the Linda Lee robot and the Supergirl robot to help her with this daunting task. It's just non-stop Super-charged Silver Age silliness. If I were being honest, it's probably in my TOP TEN Favorite comic-book runs EVER! |
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Post by Hoosier X on Dec 30, 2016 17:32:23 GMT -5
Better than the Midvale Orphanage years? That doesn't seem possible. Better than Supergirl's been since the 1970s? That doesn't seem hard. Better than PAD's Supergirl from the late 1990's? Probably not but I will see when I read my copy of this. I bought PAD's Supergirl for the first 20 issues or so when they were coming out. When I re-read them a few years later, I only got four or five issues in when I realized that I still loved the art but the angels vs. demons thing that PAD was doing wasn't nearly as clever as he thought it was. But that's just me. I know a lot of people like it a lot better than I do. |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2016 17:54:13 GMT -5
Better than PAD's Supergirl from the late 1990's? Probably not but I will see when I read my copy of this. I bought PAD's Supergirl for the first 20 issues or so when they were coming out. When I re-read them a few years later, I only got four or five issues in when I realized that I still loved the art but the angels vs. demons thing that PAD was doing wasn't nearly as clever as he thought it was. But that's just me. I know a lot of people like it a lot better than I do. I like the whole Angel and Demons thing. I can understand though how one might not like it. Then again I am a huge fan of PAD's Fallen Angel. |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Dec 30, 2016 18:05:38 GMT -5
After much umming and arring, I finally decided to order the Silver Age Supergirl omnibus, since it was cheap. Did I err? NO! YOU DID GOOD! I have the Supergirl Showcase volume with all the Supergirl stories of the Midvale Orphanage era and THEY ARE AWESOME! She not only has to keep her identity a secret, she has to keep her VERY EXISTENCE a secret! (Because Superman says so.) Not only that, she has to do it in an orphanage that is always being invaded by alien orphans who can read minds as well as Bizarro babies and things like that. Fortunately, she has Streaky the Super-Cat, the Linda Lee robot and the Supergirl robot to help her with this daunting task. It's just non-stop Super-charged Silver Age silliness. If I were being honest, it's probably in my TOP TEN Favorite comic-book runs EVER! Streaky was pretty great too, how could i have forgotten that? And I fully agree that any silver age Supergirl collection is a fantastic buy. |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Dec 30, 2016 20:15:59 GMT -5
Hellblazer #5Written by Simon Oliver Art by Pia Guerra Colored by Carie Strachan Summary: The Djinn have decided to take back what was once their own and only Constantine, Mercury and Swampthing can stop them.
Plot: Oliver delivers a great mix of mystery, myth and very human moments in this issue, and although it's usually the supernatural elements that draw me to Constantine it's great character moments between John and Mercury that really make this book work it's best. The conversations about past scars and old history effecting the present were incredibly real in their portrayals and that really gave those quiet moments the real power in this issue. That's not to say that the supernatural elements weren't artfully done as well, the story of the Djinn's fall from grace was great and the conversation with the Parliment of the Green was funny and those elements balanced together with the human moments really made the issue sing.
Art: I think the parts artistically in this issue were Guerra's depictions of the desiccated Swampthing; the dried out, rooty look was a great representation of Swampy's injuries. Other than that there wasn't a whole for Guerra to do here as the bulk of the issue was dialogue; that's not to say an artist couldn't do something interesting visually, but Guerra remains rather rote which is about the only weak point of the book. Constantine's world is weird so I expect an artist with a certain amount of stylistic flair to capture that but it's lacking here.
Grade: 7/10 |
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Post by The Captain on Dec 31, 2016 11:31:21 GMT -5
 Written by Nick Spencer. Art by Jesus Saiz. Cover by Elizabeth Torque. Up to this point Spencer has juggled multiple plots well. But with this issue it starts to derail. He switches from CWII to flashbacks in Cap's altered history to Cap trying to control Hydra & it's starting to become a bit of a mess. He also adds the new Quasar into the mix as well. Please just resolve some plots before adding more! However Saiz' art continues to be outstanding. Score: 5/10.Agree with you wholeheartedly on this. The book has been passable to this point, but this issue is just too busy. |
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Post by The Captain on Dec 31, 2016 11:34:54 GMT -5
Star Wars #26 Written by Jason Aaron Art by Salvador Larroca Colored by Edgar Delgado Summary: As R2 races off to save C3P0 from the clutches of Darth Vader, disabling Luke's X-Wing in the process, Luke turns to Kenobi's journal and uncovers a recounting of a mission by Yoda.
Plot: While the capture and rescue of Threepio isn't the most compelling of stories I still find myself a little cheated by what feels like filler. That isn't to say the Yoda story isn't without merit, but I feel like it would perhaps be served better as its own stand alone rather than an interlude and the same goes for R2s rescue story, what could have been a quick, fun slap stick one shot will now be stretched over two or more issues to accommodate the Yoda story.
Art: Larroca's Yoda is fantastic, I loved the facial expressions he was able to convey and although I'm not a fan of the split story I look forward to seeing more of Yoda atleast visually.
Grade:7/10 I wasn't so much a fan of this issue. While I understand the desire to expand and enhance the SW universe, the plot with C3-PO is non-critical to the central plot, and the Yoda story, as you put it, would have been better served to a mini or double-sized one-shot, but only if it progresses the main story, which I doubt it is going to do. |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Dec 31, 2016 16:32:23 GMT -5
Star Wars #26 Written by Jason Aaron Art by Salvador Larroca Colored by Edgar Delgado Summary: As R2 races off to save C3P0 from the clutches of Darth Vader, disabling Luke's X-Wing in the process, Luke turns to Kenobi's journal and uncovers a recounting of a mission by Yoda.
Plot: While the capture and rescue of Threepio isn't the most compelling of stories I still find myself a little cheated by what feels like filler. That isn't to say the Yoda story isn't without merit, but I feel like it would perhaps be served better as its own stand alone rather than an interlude and the same goes for R2s rescue story, what could have been a quick, fun slap stick one shot will now be stretched over two or more issues to accommodate the Yoda story.
Art: Larroca's Yoda is fantastic, I loved the facial expressions he was able to convey and although I'm not a fan of the split story I look forward to seeing more of Yoda atleast visually.
Grade:7/10 I wasn't so much a fan of this issue. While I understand the desire to expand and enhance the SW universe, the plot with C3-PO is non-critical to the central plot, and the Yoda story, as you put it, would have been better served to a mini or double-sized one-shot, but only if it progresses the main story, which I doubt it is going to do. Yeah, the Threepio plot is kinda silly and if it were say a short back up or even a quick one shot it would be okay but as a framing narrative for a story within a story I feel like you have to have something meatier and there should definitely be a strong connection between the two threads and that doesn't seem to be the case here. Still...it's Yoda so I'm still going to read it lol. |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Dec 31, 2016 17:26:06 GMT -5
Script by Greg Rucka. Cover by Liam Sharp. Art by Renato Guedes. The good: the focus on Steve Trevor. The bad: It came at the expense of WW. She spent the whole issue in a half catatonic state. I also feel like the story didn't really advance. And the art was subpar compared to the usual art. Score: 5/10.I'm afraid I have to agree completely, Steve's characterization was pretty good and I felt Rucka's narration was strong but the expense to Diana was too great and it's yield didn't do much in the grander scheme of things. The art? Insult to injury; Guedes figures were beyond wooden and the facial expressions were bland. Hopefully things improve because so far the book has been great. |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 31, 2016 18:07:32 GMT -5
The Didio pages in "Love is Love" ALMOST makes me forgive him for all the other sub-par writing he's done over the years.
Yes, it was a gimme, with a trite ending about how things still have a way to go (set up: the Gay/Lesbian characters from the DCU are hanging out in a gay bar discussing how times have changed).
But I'd be lying if I didn't say that what Didio has Extrano say, actually brought a tear from me.
good stuff in this book.
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Post by thwhtguardian on Dec 31, 2016 18:14:18 GMT -5
Batgirl #6 Written by Hope Larson Art by Rafael Albuquerque Colored by Dave McCraig Summary: Batgirl'd returning to Burnside...but before she can get there she encounters terror in the sky!
Plot: Man was this fun! Team issues can be tricky, occasionally favoring one character at the expense of another but here in this issue Hope Larson really runs a master class on how to pair up two disparate characters in a fun, energetic way. Both Ivy and Batgirl have moments that establish their personalities, highlight their strengths and bond in a totally organic way(pun intended!) and it doesn't feel like some kind of equal opportunity check list either. Aside from the character moments the concept of fighting a prehistoric plant in the air was just plane fun and created a great sense of suspense as well. The balance between the lighthearted tone, the colorful character moments and the action made for a near perfect issue on their own but with the tease of the return of the Burnside cast and the son of Penguin just makes this a must read.
Art: I loved Albuquerque for a while now, and he's been killing it thus far, but I have to say when he was first announced I was a little worried because I associated him most with horror comics. Now, I love horror but I fell in love with the more lighthearted tone of the previous run so i wasn't sure where they were going to go, but I was pleasantly surprised to find this style morphed into a much lighter and energetic feel to it so I've loved his contributions so far but this was his best effort by far. Not only was it light and energetic but it also contained a little of his horror roots as well in the depiction of the monster plant which really made me smile.
Grade: 10/10 |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Dec 31, 2016 18:15:47 GMT -5
The Didio pages in " Love is Love" ALMOST makes me forgive him for all the other sub-par writing he's done over the years. Yes, it was a gimme, with a trite ending about how things still have a way to go (set up: the Gay/Lesbian characters from the DCU are hanging out in a gay bar discussing how times have changed). But I'd be lying if I didn't say that what Didio has Extrano say, actually brought a tear from me. good stuff in this book. I still need to track this book down, but the set up there sounds fun. Didio is seldom anywhere near my favorite writer but every so often he hits the right notes; i think the last time he surprised me was in i think a big Wonder Woman annual from just before the nu52 that feature Diana teaming up with pretty much all the female heroes in the DCU and he got all their personalities just right and the way the various heroes all admired Wonder Woman felt really true to form. |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Jan 1, 2017 15:28:30 GMT -5
Mother Panic #2 Written by Jody Houser Art by Tommy Lee Edwards Summary:Mother Panic continues her hunt for Hemsley but she finds herself getting side tracked by missing kids, so is it vengeance or heroics that she wants? Both?
Plot: I said it last time that I loved detective comics and that I loved the sense of mystery that Jody Houser gave us in her book and she builds on that here. The emphasis on the hunt creates an amazing sense of tension, and she builds it further by peppering in distractions and bit's of Violet's past that come off as being essential rather than filler and those pauses before the storm that you know must come really make you savor every moment. On top of adding to the tension the flashbacks are interesting looks at who Violet is and make you wonder what exactly the end game is. About the only negative is that while I enjoyed the subtle connection to the DCU with Bruce Wayne's appearance the appearance by Batwoman(as much as I love her) felt excessive as it didn't add to the story in any way.
Art: Edwards continues to knock it out of the park with his scratchy, moody look. I love the differences in body language he uses in depicting both Violet as her self and as her alter ego Mother Panic; as Violet she has this very casual stance about her...she's like a slightly wilted flower with slow movements while Mother Panic is very sharp in her movements like a fierce jungle predator. It's just fantastic.
Grade:9/10 |
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Post by Dizzy D on Jan 10, 2017 12:22:20 GMT -5
More mini-reviews:
Monstress #9: Hard series to review in singles, artwork is still great. Writing is still waiting for it getting to a point. A series I'm buying for the art mostly. 7/10
Seven to Eternity #4: If Remender keeps this pace, by issue 10 we will have no cast left. So our (nominal) heroes have taken the Mud King captive, his son is in pursuit to save his father, his subjects are trying to figure out whether they want him back or not. He turns out to be quite dangerous even without his powers and there seems to be little love among the group of heroes. Next issue will be two months from now, cause Opena is Opena, I guess? Overall worldbuilding is still fascinating, art is great, story is intriguing, I'm all-in on this ride. 9/10
Black panther #9: Really enjoyed this issue; Shuri's new role as Wakanda's keeper of histories and stories gives Coates a chance to develop Wakanda more than just "the place in Africa that has locations named after animals, worships a panther and has some super-metal." Shuri telling the court that the revolutionary ideas are not new and Wakanda has been through these changes time and again. Art is great again (nothing against Chris, but I enjoy Brian much more especially on this title). This issue scratched an itch for me, your mileage may vary. 9/10
Sorcerers Supreme #3: Another enjoyable, if not remarkable issue. Issue after issue, one of the team-members get a little development, this time it's Demon-Rider's turn, a Native American woman who is both a sorceress and a Ghost Rider. Also one of my nitpicks gets addressed (if not answered yet, but at least the writer is aware of it, so it might be a future plotpoint): Strange is depowered in the present because magic has been severly limited, but this story takes place in the distant past, so Strange should be as powerful as the others, but somehow isn't. Artwise we get another Escher-like two-page spread, this time showing Merlin's lab and I love these. 8/10
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