Image Comics
America's Got Powers #1: This review is up on Comic Book Therapy. Click here to see the review.
Marvel Comics
Avenging Spider-Man #6: The Omega Effect starts here.
Mark Waid and Greg Rucka take turns writing this issue. It's one of the better examples of multiple writers, with different styles, cohesively. It's impossible to see where one writer ends and where one begins. With this issue focusing on Spider-Man, he gets the narrations for this issue. The jokes are sharp and hysterical, especially the one about the "Punisherette." Even Daredevil gets a few good quips in. But the majority of the issue is recapping how each character got to this issue. That's fine for new readers, but old readers will be turned off. Each series (sans this one) has lead into the event well enough that this type of recap wasn't needed. The team's plan is sound enough, and it should whet the excitement of fans more.
Marco Checchetto pencils are on top, as always. The action scenes flow well, and I remember why he was one of the better Spider-Man artists in the Brand New Day era. One thing that I noticed was how awesome his Reed Richards looks. He might need to consider penciling an issue or two of Fantastic Four or FF. Considering he has to pencils three issues for this month, the pencils don't look rushed. Then again, this is the first issue, so only time will tell.
Avenging Spider-Man #6 gets 3.5/5.
Dark Horse
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #8: Time to find out why Buffy is suddenly a robot.
There have been a lot of controversial story lines this season. The big one, Buffy's pregnancy, is whisked away here. Andrew Chambliss writes it away well enough, but it seems like a very quick change. Hopefully fanboys didn't get to Chambliss and changed it because of that. Chambliss gives a lot of explanation for some of the events of this season. It's fun, and in traditional Buffy fashion, nothing goes to plan. Fans of Andrew will be happy, since he is one of the main characters in this issue. He's hysterical as usual, and Chambliss makes his nerd rambling irresistible to read. One other thing that I found odd was how angry Xander got at Dawn. It was out of left field and will hopefully be explained. Xander has always been a relaxed character.
Scott Allie comes in for art, but sadly it's not that good. Characters look rather elf like when the panels zoom out, and they don't look much like their actor counterparts. Once the panels zoom in on close ups, yeah, Buffy looks exactly like Sarah Michelle Gellar, but she should the entire issue. The entire issue is ok, but when we have seen pencilers like Rebekah Issacs penciling these characters, every other penciler needs to step up their game.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #8 gets 3/5.
Marvel Comics
Deadpool #53: Now this is more like it. The entire Dead arc should have been like this.
Daniel Way has always had the problem of putting to many voice boxes into his dialogue. He toned them down recently, but brought them back during Dead. They are gone this issue, and it really helps. #53 perfectly straddles the tone of black humor and morbid depressing. That's who Deadpool is. His entire conversation with Bob is long overdue and hits the tone that this entire arc should have been. Serious with humor cut in. By the end of the issue, it seems clear that Wade has learned something from all of this. Way even moves the overall Dead plot along, while not as much as past issues. Although we know nothing will happen to Wade, as the solicitations have made it clear, hopefully Way will give Dead a satisfactory ending.
Ale Garza's art is to cartoony for it's own good. That's not to say the entire issue was bad, but some scenes need more seriousness than is given. The one double page spread is fairly tame. And like most artists, Garza forgets to make Psylocke Asian. But he does make the art count when Wade and Bob have their emotion filled conversation. It's clear Bob is pissed and venting years of repression. Deadpool's expression after hearing all of this works great as well.
Deadpool #53 gets 4/5.
Marvel Comics
Fantastic Four #605: After the epic that was the previous arc, it's time to take some quiet time.
Jonathan Hickman takes some time to discuss the ramifications of the serum that Ben took during the Four arc. The one that lets him be human for one week a year. What Hickman does with a small thing like that is extraordinary. It's a great tale about Ben Grimm and why he is such a great character, and really the heart of the Fantastic Four. As with much of Hickman's run, it works better if you have read the entire thing, but Fantastic Four fans should be able to pick this up and enjoy it throughly. It ties in with the last arc well, but Hickman never loses sight of what the issue is focusing on. The final page is very touching, and one of the more memorable scenes in Hickman's run. With his run ending very soon, it's nice to have small moments like this to end it with. If you are looking for a good jumping on point, this might be a better than #605.1.
Ron Garney's scratchy style doesn't seem like it would fit well with the Fantastic Four, but it works really well. It's much more tamed than his time on Wolverine: Weapon X, but still good. The big futuristic cities look fantastic. As the story focuses on Ben Grimm, it's natural that Ben would look great. Garney's style works well with the rocky character, especially when he gets a beard. Much like the writing, the last page looks fantastic, and Garney gives the characters some great subtle facial movements.
Fantastic Four #605 gets 5/5.
DC Comics
Green Lantern #8: Just as you thought, the Indigo tribe is really creepy.
Much of the issue deal with Hal Jordan escaping from his prison. And while some bad things happen to Sinestro, and we learn a little bit about the Indigo tribe, the real treat for me was how Hal recharged his ring. It was awesome, and thoroughly bad ass. During Brightest Day and War of the Green Lanterns, Hal became somewhat of a gun how idiot and not as fun to read. But the reboot has done wonders for him. The revelation about the "savior" of the Indigo tribe is interesting, even if slightly predictable. Looking at Johns overall Green Lantern epic, it's not surprising. Having Hal improvise when the power ring refuses to work was fun to read. I would have like more plot development, as the issue stalls to a degree. But it's an overall fun read, so it's not that big of a deal.
Doug Mahnke continues to step up his game. He had a few weak issues near the beginning of the nuDC, but having one issue off seems to have let him stop rushing. Alien characters are creepy, and motorbike Hal Jordan looks awesome. Mahnke gives the issue an action story feel, with the excitement flooding on each page. The reader keeps thing "Oh god is he going to make it?!" I'm sure that Hal Jordan on the motorcycle will be an action figure soon. As will Sinestro as in his Indigo tribe costume. That's what DC does. Mahnke's pencils are great though, and some of the best at DC
Green Lantern #8 gets 4/5.
Marvel Comics
Journey Into Mystery #636: This is still the best book at Marvel that no one is reading.
Kieron Gillen might not be doing that well on Uncanny X-Men, but this title is awesome. The ending is logical, and classic Loki. I'll start off by getting it out of the way; yes, there is a double page spread of a board game. It threw me for a loop too. But it works well, especially when we see Loki quickly explaining it. It's genius, simple, and perfectly devilish. Leah's way of apologizing is better than most apologies I have ever had. Please, if you are not reading this book, you really need to be reading it. Journey Into Mystery really needs more readers so that it won't get cancelled any time soon. This book, like Daredevil, is one of the harder books to review each month, since it's easy for a reviewer to run of out of creative ways to With Exiled coming next month, maybe that will bring some new readers aboard.
Richard Elson continues to do a stunning job on pencils. His pencils have always been suited for fantasy books, and that continues here. What was the shining point was the board game though. It perfectly captured the spirit of how Loki is retelling what is going on. It's cartoony to the point that it looks like Elson didn't pencil these pages. Other high points are when Leah jumps through the plate glass window. Her face was pitch perfect. I hope Elson stays on this book forever.
Journey Into Mystery gets 4/5.
Image Comics
Saga #2: It’s hard to top the first issue of Saga. While Brian K. Vaughn doesn’t top the opener, he sets up this glorious world well.
Now that the reader is well acquainted, to a degree, with the world, Vaughn starts to set up the plot line. #2 shows the reader the real threat that Alana and Marko are going to be facing on this journey. The issue isn’t nearly as engaging as the first, but that’s not the problem. We learn how far Alana is ready to go to save her child, which is very touching. Vaughn throws more terms and creatures at us this issue, and doesn’t explain them. It’s a testament to Vaughn’s writing ability. Don’t know what this is? Don’t worry, you will have a basic understanding in a few seconds. With an ambitious title like this, a lesser writer would have been bogged down in establishing the world and the characters would have been hurt story wise. Not Vaughn. It also seems like Saga will be like Y: the Last Man, where we don’t necessarily see every adventure of the two heroes.
While Fiona Staples had a great first issue, this one tops it in terms of art. It’s filled with the kind of raw energy you don’t see in comics these days. When the Stalk makes her appearance, it gives the reader an eerie sense of terror. Should I be afraid of this creature? What is she going to do? That one page does what countless horror fail to do. The characters have some of the most expressive faces in comics. Their tone is easily seen on their face. It really helps when a writer and artist are this in sync.
Saga #2 gets 5/5.
Vertigo Comics
Saucer Country #2: This review is over at Comic Book Therapy. Click here to see the review
Marvel Comics
Scarlet Spider #4: Wow. The Spider-Man corner of Marvel can do no wrong these days.
Chris Yost wastes no time in bringing Kaine into the Marvel universe. It seemed that he might be hanging out in his own corner for a while, but I'm glad he didn't. Yost brilliantly balances the multiple story lines, giving Kaine the big spot but also letting the the supporting characters have their chance to shine. It's clear that Aracely is going to be the focal point of an arc coming up, as she seems to have some sort of powers. Yost gives Dr. Meland the best character moment though. It's nice when helpless side players do their best to help the overall story. Since this is a Spider-Man style book, there is plenty of wit, with Kaine having a more dry version of Peter Parker's signature wit. The Assassin's Guild has some interesting and new characters. Yost has shown that he has plenty of new creations up his sleeve for Kaine.
Then there is Ryan Stegman's art. It's just awesome. Seriously. Fight scenes? Bad ass. Talking head scenes? They look fantastic. As I have said countless times before, his penciling style suits a Spider-Man book perfectly. Since this isn't Peter Parker, there is more violence. Stegman makes it as visceral as he can, making it hit the reader hard. We are not use to seeing someone in a Spider-Man costume killing and destroying appendages. If you are unsure about the writing (which you shouldn't be), read this book for the art. It's some of the best at Marvel.
Scarlet Spider #4 gets 4/5.
Marvel Comics
Secret Avengers #25: With Avengers vs X-Men already started, it's time to start forcing in books.
Rick Remender's plot seems to be a tad rushed. He quickly ends the arc, after quickly describing the history of the Descendants. That's fine and all, but it's not in tune with the momentum of the rest of the book. Don't misconstrue that to think this issue isn't good. It's a blast. Remender has made himself a nice corner of the Marvel universe where he can play around with characters and do what he wants. But it's sad that the next issue had to be apart of Avengers vs X-Men. One more issue would have done a lot for this book. Venom's official entrance to the team is well handled, and the flirtation between Valkyrie and Venom is brought on here. The ending is very interesting, and works out one plot line from the last issue I wasn't happy with. Overall, Remender's first arc on Secret Avengers is good, but could have been great.
Gabriel Hardman's artwork continues to be stunning. Venom's entrance to the book jumps off the page. The big fight between the Human Torch and huge robot looks fantastic. I hate Hollywood for holding onto this guy for so many years as a story boarder. Hardman keeps finding new types of comic books to reinvent his pencils with. I'm going to miss him dearly next month when Renato Guedes takes over for art duties.
Secret Avengers #25 gets 3.5/5.
Rick Remender's plot seems to be a tad rushed. He quickly ends the arc, after quickly describing the history of the Descendants. That's fine and all, but it's not in tune with the momentum of the rest of the book. Don't misconstrue that to think this issue isn't good. It's a blast. Remender has made himself a nice corner of the Marvel universe where he can play around with characters and do what he wants. But it's sad that the next issue had to be apart of Avengers vs X-Men. One more issue would have done a lot for this book. Venom's official entrance to the team is well handled, and the flirtation between Valkyrie and Venom is brought on here. The ending is very interesting, and works out one plot line from the last issue I wasn't happy with. Overall, Remender's first arc on Secret Avengers is good, but could have been great.
Gabriel Hardman's artwork continues to be stunning. Venom's entrance to the book jumps off the page. The big fight between the Human Torch and huge robot looks fantastic. I hate Hollywood for holding onto this guy for so many years as a story boarder. Hardman keeps finding new types of comic books to reinvent his pencils with. I'm going to miss him dearly next month when Renato Guedes takes over for art duties.
Secret Avengers #25 gets 3.5/5.
Marvel Comics
The Mighty Thor #12.1: Another .1 issue, another misstep in achieving what these books set out to do.
These .1 issues are a great idea. They are a great way to bring new fans into the fold of many of their books. But many of the writers seem to forget what these books are suppose to do. The Mighty Thor #12.1 is a prime example of that. Matt Fraction has been doing a great job on this book, making it one of the premiere books at Marvel. But this .1 issue is suppose to tie into the overall narrative. And it doesn't. Volstagg and Sif end up telling a couple of stories about Thor to give new readers a sense of who Thor is. That's well and fine, but then it's just a one and done. More issues need to be like Mark Waid's on Daredevil #10.1. That gave readers a sense of who Matt Murdock was while also telling them what is going on in the overall narrative. And while the most recent arc of The Mighty Thor ended with #12, give readers a hint of what is going to happen in #13. Not only that, the stories that Volstagg and Sif tell are quite boring. Original stories, yes, but boring none the less.
Barry Kitson does a good job on art duties. His art doesn't seem suited for the fantasy realm that Thor embodies, but they work. He's always done a great job on faces, and that continues here. He changes their facial features just enough to believe that they are younger. He'd be a good replacement when the regular artist on Thor needs a break. His style doesn't mesh well with Pasaqual Ferry, but oh well.
The Mighty Thor #12.1 gets 3/5.
Marvel Comics
Uncanny X-Men #10: Well, it seems this two part arc was a waste.
As faithful readers know, I love Kieron Gillen and his writing. Journey Into Mystery is amazing. But what is going on with Uncanny? It seems like Gillen doesn't know what he wants to do with the team. Not only that, he misses ample opportunities to explore the rift in the X-Men. But instead Wolverine just stays in the background and does nothing. Unit is interesting as a villain, but he isn't used as properly as he should be. Gillen must have had more to write for this arc, but Avengers vs X-Men got in the way. Hopefully this villain will be explored more when the crossover is done. What surprises me, is that it says "To Be Continued..." when #11 is going to be dealing with Avengers vs X-Men. Maybe this arc is quickly finished first? That didn't help Invincible Iron Man during Fear Itself. One good thing that came of this was the Namor/Emma Frost hook up, which was hysterical. While still enjoyable, I know Gillen could have made this an extraordinary arc.
Carlos Pacheco needs to figure out how to draw on time. He can't seem to pencil more than one issue on time. At least Marvel got Paco Diaz to pencil the issue as well. Their styles mesh very well together and I didn't realize that Pacheco had help until I looked at the credits on the front page. #10 does look beautiful though. Fights kinetic, and Pacheco even gets Frost's boob compression to look real. While the story part is a little underwhelming, the art is shining bring.
Uncanny X-Men #10 gets 3.5/5.
Most of this issue deals with Bucky, Widow, and Doom trying to stop the war with Latveria. Winter Soldier #4 is more James Bond than the past few issues, but it still works. Brubaker gives it a 70's spy movie feel, which translates well. We have a foreign nation, Russians, and missiles. While it may forgo Bucky staying as hidden as he would like, it's still a spy book. Brubaker writes a hilarious Doom, or Doom bot, giving the reader a big grin on their face whenever he speaks. While some writers over due it with internal monologue, Bucky's is always timely and never overstays his welcome. I'd actually like to see some internal monologue for Black Widow. Brubaker has always wrote a great Black Widow when she was in Captain America.
Butch Guice's art also seems to be channeling a 70's spy film. Black Widow has the look of a Bond girl, especially with the way she stands and turns her head. It's sexy, but not overtly sexy. The action is hectic, brutal, and close. It makes the reader feel like they are apart of the fight between Bucky and the other sleeper agent. It's the same as his work on Captain America, fantastic looking. His work excels more here considering it's a spy book and not Captain America.
Winter Soldier #4 gets 4/5.
#304 acts like an epilogue to all the stories that Aaron has been telling with Wolverine since the Get Mystique arc that started in Wolverine #63. As someone who has read his entire run, it's nice to see him touch upon these things. There are nods as to what happened in Wolverine: Weapon X (the best Wolverine series in years), and what has come since. Anyone who hasn't been reading the entire thing is going to be lost though. Why is Maverick suddenly here? What did he do to Wolverine? Who are these laser clawed dudes and who is Dr. Rot? It seems like Melita will be playing a big part of Logan's future, which is good. She is a great character, and to lose her would be a bad thing. I suggest catching up on Aaron's very long run, as it is one of the best in the history of the character. With #303 capping off everything nicely, this acts more as goodbye to the character. Cullen Bunn has big shoes to fill, but I'm excited about his run.
The plethora of artists on this book do a great job. Every artist from the history of Aaron's run contributes at least a page to this story. If you are thinking of jumping on when Cullen Bunn, just pick this up for the art alone. Even though he only pencils one page, Daniel Acuna's page stands out. Steve Dillion's pages look a little rushed, but good overall. Paul Pelletier looks like he is going to have a great time on this run, as he pages look great.
Wolverine #304 gets 3.5/5.
Old Comics
Batman & Robin #6 gets 3/5.
Batman & Robin #7 gets 4/5.
Demon Knights #7 gets 4/5.
New Avengers #23 gets 3/5.
The Mighty Thor #12 gets 2.5/5.
As faithful readers know, I love Kieron Gillen and his writing. Journey Into Mystery is amazing. But what is going on with Uncanny? It seems like Gillen doesn't know what he wants to do with the team. Not only that, he misses ample opportunities to explore the rift in the X-Men. But instead Wolverine just stays in the background and does nothing. Unit is interesting as a villain, but he isn't used as properly as he should be. Gillen must have had more to write for this arc, but Avengers vs X-Men got in the way. Hopefully this villain will be explored more when the crossover is done. What surprises me, is that it says "To Be Continued..." when #11 is going to be dealing with Avengers vs X-Men. Maybe this arc is quickly finished first? That didn't help Invincible Iron Man during Fear Itself. One good thing that came of this was the Namor/Emma Frost hook up, which was hysterical. While still enjoyable, I know Gillen could have made this an extraordinary arc.
Carlos Pacheco needs to figure out how to draw on time. He can't seem to pencil more than one issue on time. At least Marvel got Paco Diaz to pencil the issue as well. Their styles mesh very well together and I didn't realize that Pacheco had help until I looked at the credits on the front page. #10 does look beautiful though. Fights kinetic, and Pacheco even gets Frost's boob compression to look real. While the story part is a little underwhelming, the art is shining bring.
Uncanny X-Men #10 gets 3.5/5.
Marvel Comics
Winter Soldier #4: Ed Brubaker has always had a craft for spy writing, just never thought James Bond spy.Most of this issue deals with Bucky, Widow, and Doom trying to stop the war with Latveria. Winter Soldier #4 is more James Bond than the past few issues, but it still works. Brubaker gives it a 70's spy movie feel, which translates well. We have a foreign nation, Russians, and missiles. While it may forgo Bucky staying as hidden as he would like, it's still a spy book. Brubaker writes a hilarious Doom, or Doom bot, giving the reader a big grin on their face whenever he speaks. While some writers over due it with internal monologue, Bucky's is always timely and never overstays his welcome. I'd actually like to see some internal monologue for Black Widow. Brubaker has always wrote a great Black Widow when she was in Captain America.
Butch Guice's art also seems to be channeling a 70's spy film. Black Widow has the look of a Bond girl, especially with the way she stands and turns her head. It's sexy, but not overtly sexy. The action is hectic, brutal, and close. It makes the reader feel like they are apart of the fight between Bucky and the other sleeper agent. It's the same as his work on Captain America, fantastic looking. His work excels more here considering it's a spy book and not Captain America.
Winter Soldier #4 gets 4/5.
Marvel Comics
Wolverine #304: It's the end of an era. Jason Aaron is done with Wolverine.#304 acts like an epilogue to all the stories that Aaron has been telling with Wolverine since the Get Mystique arc that started in Wolverine #63. As someone who has read his entire run, it's nice to see him touch upon these things. There are nods as to what happened in Wolverine: Weapon X (the best Wolverine series in years), and what has come since. Anyone who hasn't been reading the entire thing is going to be lost though. Why is Maverick suddenly here? What did he do to Wolverine? Who are these laser clawed dudes and who is Dr. Rot? It seems like Melita will be playing a big part of Logan's future, which is good. She is a great character, and to lose her would be a bad thing. I suggest catching up on Aaron's very long run, as it is one of the best in the history of the character. With #303 capping off everything nicely, this acts more as goodbye to the character. Cullen Bunn has big shoes to fill, but I'm excited about his run.
The plethora of artists on this book do a great job. Every artist from the history of Aaron's run contributes at least a page to this story. If you are thinking of jumping on when Cullen Bunn, just pick this up for the art alone. Even though he only pencils one page, Daniel Acuna's page stands out. Steve Dillion's pages look a little rushed, but good overall. Paul Pelletier looks like he is going to have a great time on this run, as he pages look great.
Wolverine #304 gets 3.5/5.
Old Comics
Batman & Robin #6 gets 3/5.
Batman & Robin #7 gets 4/5.
Demon Knights #7 gets 4/5.
New Avengers #23 gets 3/5.
The Mighty Thor #12 gets 2.5/5.
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