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Post by thwhtguardian on Aug 24, 2021 17:27:39 GMT -5
OFF THE RACKSNo shills, just real readers giving real reviews!  |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Aug 24, 2021 18:29:39 GMT -5
Batman/Superman #21Written by Gene Luen Yang Art by Ivan Reis Summary: Batman, Robin and Superman convince Etrigan to help them defeat the evil robot Auteur I.O.
Plot: While the conclusion sadly didn't meet the highs that the start brought me to Yang's multiversal team up between Batman and Superman was none the less a fun thrill ride. While the character moments were still really well done(I especially loved the way Batman encouraged Robin in the face of his fear of fire) the actual conclusion itself came off feeling far too rushed. In the blink of an eye Etrigan is convinced to release the "real" Superman and Batman and then with even greater speed the two Batmen whip up a program that rewrites Auteur I.O.'s code which instantly makes him into a benevolent god who restores the various realities back to their natural states. It's all just more than a little too quick and neat to make for a satisfying read, but despite that missed landing I really did love Yang's handling of Batman and Superman here and I'm pretty sad that this is the end for this book as I'd love to read more team ups between the World's Finest under his pen. Hopefully his work here got duly noted and he gets a bigger book in the not so distant future as between this and Superman Smashes the Klan Yang is one of my favorite writers out there right now.
Art: As is usual Reis' work here is absolutely top notch. His clean line work and clear lay outs really gave this whole story a truly cinematic feel from start to finish which was fitting given the way the plot visualized the different realities as films.
Grade:6/18 for the issue 7.5/10 for the story over all. |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Aug 25, 2021 11:04:54 GMT -5
Robin #5Written by Joshua Williamson Art Gleb Melnikov Summary: As Damian leads Dick, Jason, Tim and Steph on a game of rooftop chase while back on the island the tournament is about to begin.
Plot: While Williamson's over all pacing for the story continues to be rather plodding the character moments he gives us are simply stunning making the book well worth the read. The family feel of the various Robins that Williamson brought to the front here is part of why I've always loved Batman, and that absence in the last decade has been why I've read less and less Batman comics over the years so to see that someone really gets it is a huge win in my eyes. Of all the awesome character beats in the book though the final conversation between Dick and Damian was by far the best as not only was it a great moment that gave some solid development to Damian but it also provided a great moment for Dick and his relationship with Damian as well. The relationship between Dick and Damian has always been special and Williamson really took that to the next level here by showing how much Dick trusts Damian and how proud he is to see Damian fly free which is great for Damian but also sets the Batman and Robin relationship that Dick and Damian share apart from the relationships Bruce has had with any of his proteges. On top of all this what is really fantastic is that Williamson has just been announced as the new head writer for Batman so it looks like the Batman family might be back to the forefront once again.
Art: Melnikov again occasionally comes off as a little too angular and elongated with his character work but other than that his high energy, cartoony style fits the plot really well.
Grade:7/10 |
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Post by majestic on Aug 25, 2021 20:13:51 GMT -5
Batman related titles this week: Detective Comics #1042. The conclusion of Tamaki's first arc. While it was good overall with excellent art by Mora & Bogdanovic it had some uneven pacing issues with some over the top stuff action that just didn't fit in a Batman story. I still feel the Batman titles are really good right now. Batman/Superman #21. I agree with thwhtguardian review. This arc started out with a lot of promise but limped to a weak conclusion. Maybe the Annual will provide a better epilogue. Reis' art is amazing as always. Robin #5. Fun title. LOVED seeing all the Robin's together. Williamson is one of my favorite writer's at this time. He nails all the different Robin's unique qualities BUT his focus on Dick & Damian's relationship was pitch perfect. I am excited to read he will be the new Batman writer in Dec. |
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Post by majestic on Aug 25, 2021 20:24:01 GMT -5
Two #2 issues this week:
Superman: Son of Kal-El #2. Tom Taylor & John Timms.
Jon tries to enroll in college in a new secret ID but is revealed on his first day. He gets a new costume. His own Fortress. And advice from his Dad & others to try and make the world a better place by doing things his own way.
Taylor is also one of my favorite writers right now. He excels at giving "realistic" voices to his characters that fit in with their history. Timms' art really elevates the story.
Icon & Rocket #2. Reginald Hudlin & Doug Braithwaite.
More backstory on Icon which I really wanted in the first issue. Rocket has to deal with being Icon's partner.
Hudlin is doing a great job introducing (& I assume updating) these characters and telling an intriguing story at the same time. I hope to see more of Icon's past story.
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Post by majestic on Aug 25, 2021 20:32:25 GMT -5
And another favorite writer's latest issue:
Thor #16. Donny Cates & Michele Bandini.
Thor walks NYC with Jane discussing his feelings about being King of Asgard. Mjolnir has been left with Capt America & the Avengers for now while Thor tries to figure things out. By the end of the issue he ends up being confronted by Odin...
In his 16 issues so far Cates has really made Thor one of the best current titles on the market. I can't wait to see what he does with the Hulk in Nov!
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Post by majestic on Aug 25, 2021 20:38:33 GMT -5
Project Patron #5. Steve Orlando & Patrick Piazzalunga.
The conclusion of this surprising mini series from Orlando. The team defeats WOE but are revealed to the world by Mammon...
Orlando told a superhero story that had elements of various stories like the Death of Superman and mixed it all together into something different. I really enjoyed it and am glad I tried this series, Orlando leaves the ending open for a sequel which I am really hoping will happen...
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Post by wildfire2099 on Aug 29, 2021 23:07:33 GMT -5
Two #2 issues this week: Superman: Son of Kal-El #2. Tom Taylor & John Timms. Jon tries to enroll in college in a new secret ID but is revealed on his first day. He gets a new costume. His own Fortress. And advice from his Dad & others to try and make the world a better place by doing things his own way. Taylor is also one of my favorite writers right now. He excels at giving "realistic" voices to his characters that fit in with their history. Timms' art really elevates the story. Icon & Rocket #2. Reginald Hudlin & Doug Braithwaite. More backstory on Icon which I really wanted in the first issue. Rocket has to deal with being Icon's partner. Hudlin is doing a great job introducing (& I assume updating) these characters and telling an intriguing story at the same time. I hope to see more of Icon's past story. Just wondering, do we get the teased convo between Jon and Nightwing? I grabbed that Thor issue as well (mostly for the Peach Momoko variant cover.. that was a good enough excuse to check in)... I wasn't super impressed... the whole 'Is Thor still worthy' thing as dragged on too long for my taste. |
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