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Post by thwhtguardian on Aug 15, 2018 9:21:40 GMT -5
Once again you've found your way to another installment of Off The Racks. Here you'll find real reviews by real readers... and anyone can contribute!  If you read it, let us know! Extermination #1 by String Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden #5 by Thwhtguardian Astonishing X-Men Annual #1 by MrJupiter and String Archie Meets Batman '66 #2 by MrJupiter |
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Post by String on Aug 15, 2018 22:55:58 GMT -5
 Extermination #1 (of 5)
This is the beginning of the arc wherein supposedly we the readers finally learn the fate of the Original Five X-Men (the O5) who were brought to the present from the past. Recently, in X-Men Blue, we learned that these are in fact the O5 of the canon MU. Thus, in order maintain the stability of the timeline, the O5 now believe that at some point, they have to go back to the past (with their memories wiped somehow perhaps, hm?) in order to play out their respective parts in the order of history. First off, Ed Brisson's opening story here is excellent, full of great characterization that highlights that, while there may currently be different sets of mutant teams, when one is threatened, the whole X-family is threatened. Brisson pulls no punches here as the O5 suddenly come under separate attack from two different enemies who are both from the future (which looks mighty bleak indeed). Both assaults result in two shocking deaths. One is a character that held some strong potential since her introduction while the other, well, I would never think they would go there with this classic character. However, it's the in-between moments where Brisson excels. The emotional impact of these deaths, the rage, the fear, the drive to respond in kind to these vicious assaults. Through the dialogue, he shows the strong connection and family bond between these characters. Second, Pepe Larraz is quickly becoming one of my new favorite artists. His work on Avengers No Surrender was excellent and here, it was no different. Action, pacing, shot selection, he helped intensify the suspense & tension of Brisson's story. Marte Gracia's colors enhanced the mood and emotions so well especially in the scenes of outrage and grief. Finish it off with a great cliffhanger that revealed a twist about the identity of one of the killers from the future and you have the start of what, for now, seems to be a very dramatic and impactful X- event. 10/10
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Post by thwhtguardian on Aug 16, 2018 9:15:29 GMT -5
Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden #5Written and Illustrated by Stan Sakai Summary: Our Favorite Rabbit Ronin and Ishida continue their investigation of the mystery box with the help of the master thief Nezumi.
Plot: While this story is certainly moving at a much slower pace than any preceding Usagi tale Stan has produced so far, it's specifically that delicate nature that makes it so special. Though hardly the first Inspector Ishida story to date it's perhaps the first one to fully embrace that detective feel, while there were elements of mystery in the prior entries they leaned much more heavily on the tropes of your average action or adventure story with quick developments leading to fast conclusions where as a detective story is a slow burn where developments are gradually teased out and the conclusions have more weight to them. That's not to say these issues have been boring, there have been a fair share of brawls with thieves and assassins and the conclusion here with the figure in the shadows offers more to come, but it's certainly been a much more character driven story than action and this issue leans that way especially as it showcases Ishida's home life with his family and his father like relationship with his assistant. My favorite element however is the evolving relationship between Ishida and Usagi, with the former taking more of the lead role in this story it would be easy for Usagi to become the side kick but instead Stan is able to show case the pair's various strengths in a way that makes them equals which is no simple feat given how different the two are. As much as I miss the pairing of Usagi and Gen, the comparisons one makes while reading his journey with Ishida paints a much more mature Usagi which gives you a feeling of real growth in the character that I love. I don't know where this mystery with the Kirishtans and the Shogunate will lead but it's sure to be thrilling.
Art: Sakai is as fantastic at framing a scene as always, but in particular I love the way that he portrayed how Ishida's son Kotaro woke up Usagi. The extreme close up of Kotaro's smiling face, the image of Usagi in bed, then the long panel of Kotaro running and then the exterior shot of the house with Usagi's "umph" written above told you everything you needed to know and really brought a smile to my face. It's the little details and tricks like that which truly make Stan such a fantastic visual storyteller.
Grade: 10/10 |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2018 13:03:29 GMT -5
Astonishing X-Men Annual # 1 by Matthew Rosenberg and Travel Foreman: despite not having anything to do with the current direction of the monthly title, I picked this up anyway. Interesting story, even if I was confused. Apparently the real Jean Grey is back and she assembles Iceman, Beast, and Angel for a reunion, only to be crashed by X (professer x in someone else’s body). He manipulates the team into a fight with one of his old enemies who has mentally taken over a town known for anti mutant sentiment. The ending was a bit of a shock. Not knowing the current status of some of the characters made this story a bit confusing. However the writer did an excellent job and I enjoyed seeing the original team interact and they were familiar. The art added to the uneasy tone of the story. If you like a creepy vibe with mysterious undertones and moody art, check this out.
8/10
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Post by String on Aug 19, 2018 13:53:24 GMT -5
Astonishing X-Men Annual # 1 by Matthew Rosenberg and Travel Foreman: despite not having anything to do with the current direction of the monthly title, I picked this up anyway. Interesting story, even if I was confused. Apparently the real Jean Grey is back and she assembles Iceman, Beast, and Angel for a reunion, only to be crashed by X (professer x in someone else’s body). He manipulates the team into a fight with one of his old enemies who has mentally taken over a town known for anti mutant sentiment. The ending was a bit of a shock. Not knowing the current status of some of the characters made this story a bit confusing. However the writer did an excellent job and I enjoyed seeing the original team interact and they were familiar. The art added to the uneasy tone of the story. If you like a creepy vibe with mysterious undertones and moody art, check this out. 8/10 Yes, it's certainly a dark story. What's particularly surprising is how Jean, Bobby, Warren, and Hank feel about the path their lives have taken. They may not have wanted to be public heroes initially but looking back over the losses and pain their journey has incurred has them wondering if it was indeed worth it. Thus the need for Xavier's object lesson of needing to do what must be done. I liked the tension between the former students and their teacher. This Xavier is like a throwback to his Silver Age days, willing to lie and fake out the others if necessary in order to accomplish the mission. The choice of villain was great, someone who goes all the way back to X-Men #9 (Lee/Kirby) no less. 8/10 |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2018 11:23:38 GMT -5
Archie Meets Batman 66 #2 by Jeff Parker, Michael Moreci, J Bone, and Dan Parent: The fun continues in this issue as the villains, Batman, and Riverdale all collide! Batman sends Barbara Gordon and Dick Grayson undercover as new students at Riverdale (much to Archie and Betty's delight). Reggie gets recruited by the Riddler. Pop Tate and Mr. Weatherbee fall under the Siren's spell. This story perfectly combines the high camp of the 60s tv show with 60s Archie. The art is clean and clear with great coloring. Definitely a fun series!
8/10
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2018 21:36:44 GMT -5
 Tony Stark: Iron Man #3.Written by Dan Slott. Art by Valerio Schiti. Machine Man feels threatened by Tony's newest invention... a virtual reality scenario. It causes some conflict between MM and Jocasta. And what is going on with Bethany Cabe? I have mixed feelings with this title. I still feel Slott is making it a bit too light hearted. Although he nails Tony's voice & personality perfectly. And the art also adds to the cartoony feel of the book. 6/10. |
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