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Post by thwhtguardian on Jul 26, 2017 14:25:16 GMT -5
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Post by thwhtguardian on Jul 26, 2017 15:20:31 GMT -5
TMNT/Usagi Yojimbo Written and Illustrated by Stan Sakai Colored by Tom Luth Summary: Japan is experiencing a prolonged series of mysterious earthquakes and it's to Usagi and the Turtles to stop them. Plot: I think it was Chris Sims who said," I could write one ten out of ten review and just copy and paste it for every new issue that Sakai puts out"(I may be paraphrasing) and the case is the same here. Sakai once again seamlessly inserts the Turtles into his tale and they don't feel out of place in the world he's created over the last thirty years and although the Turtles have more action than characterization they are still recognizable so it's a great showing for both parties. That said, although it felt natural overall and that though the action was fun I would have liked a little more substance so maybe I lied when I said it was a 10 out of 10, as it may be more accurate to say 9 out of 10 but it's a small quibble in an otherwise fun issue. Art: I love Sakai's depiction of the Turtles, and the action he is able to portray with them is amazingly slick. They're bulky characters but Stan makes them sleek despite their round shapes which is fun to see. Grade:9/10
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Post by thwhtguardian on Jul 26, 2017 20:55:12 GMT -5
TMNT #72 Written by Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz Art by Dave Wachter Summary: With the help of Baxter Stockman the Turtles crash the the Panteon's party in attempt to learn their plans. Plot: I've been loving just how bold the IDW Turtles series has been and it's blending of sci-fi, horror, action and fantasy tropes. The mystic element of the Turtle's reincarnation for instance has been one of my favorite elements so far but in the current story that focus on fantasy to the exclusion of other elements has proved to be a slight downer for me. I know they needed another enemy after beating Krang, Shredder and then the anti-mutant militia, and the Pantheon were interesting as supporting villains in the past the focus on them so far isn't very satisfying so far though I've loved the character designs for them especially the Cheetah woman and the Mammoth guy. Art: Wachter has a a good handle on action, and I love his facial expressions but his slight aping of Santalucoco's art which isn't my favorite was a little too cutesy at times. Grade:6/10
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Post by thwhtguardian on Jul 26, 2017 21:47:28 GMT -5
BPRD #148 Written by Mike Mignola and Scott Allie Art by Lawrence Campbell Colored by Dave Stewart Summary: The Ogdru Jahad is dead but not without a cost to the BPRD and the world, but in the wake of that life goes on and those that remain must pick up the pieces. Plot: With the big shake ups in the previous issue from last winter this is a book I've been deeply anticipating. In the wake of the BPRD's greatest victory the world is in ruins and many of the key players have paid the ultimate price(RIP Kate, Johan and Panya) and those left have a lot of work yet to do. This issue didn't answer all the questions remaining(and how could it hope to?) but it set up a framework to explore the word following it's near destruction. I love the focus on Howard the Barbarian, Liz, Ashley Strode, Fenix and Giarocco, many who have been around for some time in the background but are now seeing a push into the spotlight. With the exceptions of Liz and Fenix the others are relatively blank slates so it'll be a lot of fun to see them develop in the coming issues. The big surprise for me how ever was the end...where Liz discovered what looked like {Spoiler: Click to show}ABE!!!!!!! Art: Campbell continues to kill really kill it, his backgrounds are especially amazing in conveying just how broken and forlorn the world is which is a huge part of the story. Grade:10/10
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2017 22:36:13 GMT -5
Action 984:' Revenge'concludes in this awesome issue. Lots happening and this read like a classic Silver or Bronze Age story. Patch Zircher's art created an eerie and isolated Phantom Zone. Some of his art needs very minor tweaking, but I'm just being nit-picky. He can actually draw and doesn't rely on anything fancy to convey his visuals. Hope he stays on Action Comics for a long time. There's a big twist involving Zod which will certainly lead to more headaches for the Superman Family. Jon gets a hand from Mr. Oz and I'm thinking more and more he's Conner Kent (or maybe that's just wishful thinking!) overall, I feel That Revenge kind of dragged in spots, but this issue was great cover to cover. 9/10
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2017 22:50:38 GMT -5
Wonder Woman #27: a generic story about a mad scientist trying to save her own life from a mysterious illness and decides Wonder Woman's DNA is her cure. Nothing special here. From what I had heard about Shea Fontana, I was expecting something grand and unique. The art (although it was ok in some panels) is better suited for a mini comic that would be a prize in a cereal box. The final panel gives some hope as a very obscure villain from the 90s makes an appearance. Readers looking for a jumping on point might enjoy this story, but for longtime readers like myself, it just didn't grab me. 4/10
* I planned on reading Your Pal Archie #1 as well, but my store didn't receive its copies.
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Post by thwhtguardian on Jul 27, 2017 16:01:43 GMT -5
Power of the Dark Crystal #5 Written by Simon Spurrier Art by Nicole and Kelly Matthews Summary: Separated from her sole friend and ally Kensho, Thurma the fireling journeys out into the wilds of Thra to bring the crystal shard to her people. Plot: After a slightly sluggish start the plot really picks up here as Spurrier splits the main cast,starts to develop the supporting cast and really opens up the world of Thra. As the characters move through the land you really feel like you're exploring it with them, and the danger, excitement and wonder truly feel real. It's that last element, that feeling of wonder that really makes this feel like the Dark Crystal; since the first time I ever saw that film as a kid right on up to today wonder at the beautifully weird world that Jim Henson was able to bring to the screen is the defining element of the film for me so to see it here makes it a truly authentic experience. Art: The lush landscapes and weird,wild creatures that inhabit it really makes this book feel like it's taken from screen shots of the film, which really makes the book all the more special as it sadly seems we'll never actually get to see this story on the screen. Grade:10/10
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Post by thwhtguardian on Jul 27, 2017 19:15:55 GMT -5
Batman Beyond #10Written by Dan Jurgens Art by Bernard Chang Summary: Trapped in the lair of Damian al Ghul/Wayne and surrounded by the League of Assassins the untested suit may be the only way out. Plot: After Time Drake took on the role of Batman before Rebirth I had written the series off despite being a fan of the concept since its inception but at the insistence of a friend I went back and read the newest run from the start last month and fully enjoyed it and that continues on to this issue with the continued battle between Damian and Terry. The action is great, the characterization of Damian as an adult is what you'd hope for and the little connections to both Tomasi and Gleason and Grant Morrison's runs on Batman and Robin in the quick refresh on who Damian is. Where the conclusion goes is slightly troubling as it sets up a two man enter one man leave battle and since Terry is Batman that wouldn't bode well for Damian so I'm hoping for an alternate solution that brings Damian back into the fold somehow. Art: Chang's new Batsuit continues to be slightly too busy, especially in the action scenes but I loved his Goliath so I guess it comes out as even in the wash. Grade:7/10
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Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2017 13:15:01 GMT -5
#1.
Written by Ty Templeton. Art by Dan Parent and Ty Templeton. Cover by Dan Parent.
This issue has 3 stories. Two are new & one is a reprint.
The first new story features Archie teaching Jughead how to drive...needless to say it ends in disaster. Very old school classic & timeless Archie feel to the story. And that is a good thing.
The second new story has the eternal dilemma of Archie not being able to keep up with Veronica's expensive tastes...until the end when he wins the lottery. To be continued. Has the same classic Archie feel.
The third story is a Betty & Veronica reprint. They find a genie bottle on the beach. Archie ends up with the genie instead of Betty or Veronica.
I liked the issue. It has a more classic feel than new Riverdale. However I still enjoy the New Riverdale line more.
8/10.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2017 13:22:10 GMT -5
#5. Written by Matt Kindt. Art by Doug Braithwaite. Cover by Lewis LaRosa. Aric continues to shine as a warrior & comes to the notice of the emperor. This war is driving a wedge between Aric & his lover. Aric just wants to end the war & on the last page he bonds with the armor to help him... First of all Kindt writes Aric as the ultimate warrior but who wants to do the right thing. He is ruthless & cunning. He also questions his superiors. The art is lush & beautiful. This run on X-O continues to be outstanding every single issue. This is the right way to go in a different direction & make the hero "feel new" again. 10/10. Best of the Week.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2017 13:33:53 GMT -5
#1 (2017). Written by Kalman Andrasofszky. Art by Leonard Kirk. Cover by John Gallagher. This series picks up months later from the end of #11 (2015). Tom Evans is living a simple life on a reservation until Northguard of PACT (think SHIELD) shows up to get him back into action as Capt Canuck. However Tom declines. So Northguard & Kebec go up against the alien menace attacking Canada without his help. Without Capt Canuck, Northguard & Kebec end up on the losing side... The next volume of Capt Canuck starts here with the same creative team. Chapterhouse continues to build a universe around these Canadian heroes. And Chapterhouse is doing a good job of building a shared universe. If you like heroes as superspies who work for the Canadian government I recommend this book. It has subtle references that it takes place in Canada not a generic USA city. It gives the book a different feel. It's superheroes with a neat twist. 8/10.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2017 13:40:35 GMT -5
#27. Written by Joshua Williamson. Art by Paul Pelletier & Howard Porter. Cover by Carmine Di Giandomenico. Another showdown between Barry & Eobard Thawne. Despite the appearance of Thawne's death (by Iris!) Thawne wins! He affects Barry emotionally & mentally to the point that Barry is alone & depressed. And Barry becomes the Negative-Flash... Nice to see Pelletier & Porter's art. Williamson gets away from speed as a weapon & uses mind games instead. Although there are still some great speed scenes in the book. Can't wait to see where "dark Barry" goes in the next arc. 8/10.
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