Another week of lack luster comics from DC, with one exception.
Brightest Day Aftermath: The Search for Swamp Thing # 2
Not ever having been a fan of Swamp Thing, this series has failed to give me anything to care about. Sure, it centers around John Constantine, but it doesn't seem like him after reading Peter Milligan's version of the character. Doing an "aftermath" of an event while two other events are ongoing (War of the GLs & Flashpoint) not to mention all the controversy surrounding the Flashboot, really overshadows this series. The art is decent, but the story makes me really question why I am paying money for this. At least the subway ads are finally gone.
Rating: Don't bother with this one
Detective Comics #880
The art in the previous issue made it unbearable to read. This issue, Jock returns and Scott Snyder really shows why he deserved an Eisner award. The issue continues the story of Commissioner Gordon and his son James. Gordan's ex-wife Barbra is in town and with the Joker on the lose he wants to keep her protected in her hotel room. She gets attacked and Gordon makes it just in time to keep her from dying from Joker toxin. I won't spoil the ending because this is a comic you just have to experience for yourself.
Rating: Its issues like this one that are why we read comics
Teen Titans # 98
Unlike a lot of what has come out of DC lately, this issue actually feels like it could develop into a good arc. Only problem is we all know it won't. Everyone's favorite whinny punk has shown up again, that's right boys and girls Its Superboy-Prime and this time he brought friends. Prime has formed his own group with villains from the individual titans. Once they are defeated, he unveils other versions of Connor who he has gotten to fight with him.
Rating: Good, feels like the beginning of a long arc.
Flashpoint Wrap-Up: Project Superman # 2, Lois Lane and the Resistance # 2, Kid Flash Lost # 2, and Hal Jordan # 2
Project Superman is confusing and feels out of place. Since Superman was released in Flashpoint # 3, seeing him back in a cage feels wrong. I get the feeling we aren't going to see anything major from this character. Lois and the Resistance actually has some good writing and serves to show what is going on with the Amazons. Kid Flash has somehow been transported to the 3011 where Brainiac rules the world. Patty Spivot shows up as Hot Pursuit. They retrieve the speed force the motorcycle needs for fuel but Patty dies in the process so she gives Bart the speed force and he runs through time to try and fix it. Apparently a lot is to be revealed in the final issue of this series. In an issue where Hal defeats invisible Amazonian jets and a Hydra, it still somehow feels weak. Hal wants to make a name for himself by flying the experimental jet that has been built fusing Earth tech with Abin Sur's ship, I guess discovering an alien life form is not enough to make you famous.
Rating: Not horrible, still overshadowed by the Flashboot
Batman The Dark Knight # 4
We finally get some answers, but there still feels like too much going on in a series that had a huge break between issues. Gordon's been relieved after a detective planted Venom in his office. Etrigan somehow lost power, but has regained it by pledging himself to some hot demoness. We learn that Dawn's father was into dark magic and wanted to sacrifice her for power but died before he could. Now it seems all of Hell is after her.
Rating: Had promise at the beginning, but just let it go
Green Arrow # 14
Ollie returns to Star City and helps track down a cult leader. This isn't a bad issue, but it just kinda of shrugs off his murder of Prometheus. Not that it matters anyhow, sure that will be retconned out of existence in a month anyhow. Batman shows up to give him some new arrows he had been working on and try to give him some advice that really seems out of place. Despite the nice new arrows, this series really seems to be going out on a whimper.
Rating: I guess major plot points don't matter, just wait for the Flashboot to pick up a Green Arrow comic
Action Comics # 903
Probably the worst story arc in comic book history. The writing on this issue is the worst yet. I'll put it this way, Doomsday is holding the American Flag. Well, it's Eradicator who is controlling Doomsday.
Rating: Someone should be shot for this
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
What I'm Reading (7/27/11) and some quick reviews
First what I am reading this week
Action Comics # 903
Batman the Dark Knight # 4
Brightest Day Aftermath # 2 of 3
Detective Comics # 880
Flashpoint: Hal Jordan # 2 of 3
Flashpoint: Kid Flash Lost # 2 of 3
Flashpoint: Lois Lane and the Resistance # 2 of 3
Flashpoint: Project Superman # 2 of 3
Green Arrow # 14
Teen Titans # 98
Amazing Spider-Man # 666
Captain America and Bucky # 620
Incredible Hulks # 633
Mighty Thor # 4
New Mutants # 28
Secret Avengers # 15
Uncanny X-Force # 12
X-Men Legacy # 252
I also picked up Wonder Woman # 613, Green Lantern Corps # 62, and Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors # 12. I'm not reading these because, honestly I don't want to. I am compelled to buy them as a collector. I haven't liked what Straczynski has done with Wonder Woman since he began writing the series. I just can't bring myself to read Emerald Warriors as it isn't a major arc and is pretty much going to end up on the cutting room floor in a month. I managed to glance through GLC and am disgusted as it only serves to separate Kyle Raynor and his love interest in Soranik Natu.
Also, somehow Diamond has once again shorted my local comic book store on a few series this week, specifically Venom # 5 and X-Men Schism # 2. Way to fail Diamond, not like there is an alternative though.
Action Comics # 903
Batman the Dark Knight # 4
Brightest Day Aftermath # 2 of 3
Detective Comics # 880
Flashpoint: Hal Jordan # 2 of 3
Flashpoint: Kid Flash Lost # 2 of 3
Flashpoint: Lois Lane and the Resistance # 2 of 3
Flashpoint: Project Superman # 2 of 3
Green Arrow # 14
Teen Titans # 98
Amazing Spider-Man # 666
Captain America and Bucky # 620
Incredible Hulks # 633
Mighty Thor # 4
New Mutants # 28
Secret Avengers # 15
Uncanny X-Force # 12
X-Men Legacy # 252
I also picked up Wonder Woman # 613, Green Lantern Corps # 62, and Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors # 12. I'm not reading these because, honestly I don't want to. I am compelled to buy them as a collector. I haven't liked what Straczynski has done with Wonder Woman since he began writing the series. I just can't bring myself to read Emerald Warriors as it isn't a major arc and is pretty much going to end up on the cutting room floor in a month. I managed to glance through GLC and am disgusted as it only serves to separate Kyle Raynor and his love interest in Soranik Natu.
Also, somehow Diamond has once again shorted my local comic book store on a few series this week, specifically Venom # 5 and X-Men Schism # 2. Way to fail Diamond, not like there is an alternative though.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Marvel Review for 7/20/11 and the Captain America movie
As I am writing this, I have just returned from watching the Captain America movie. Overall the movie was very enjoyable, but not very good. There is very little action for a movie about fighting the Red Skull. The montage in the middle of Cap and his team attacking Hydra bases defiantly did not help. I did like the use of the bastardization of the character to sell war bonds, but can't help but ask if it needed to be in the movie at all. It lends nothing to the plot or character and only serves to waste time and make Cap seem gullible. Bucky gets "killed off" at one point in the movie and we later get a scene with Cap in a burnt out bar (guess the Germans attacked while they were away) and him talking about how he can't get drunk because of the super solider serum. That is about as much sorrow the movie gives to show that Cap has lost his best friend. Fans of the series know Bucky returns as the Winter Solider, but still you would think they'd let Cap shed a tear for his lost friend. I do love the use of Dum Dum Dugan and Nick Fury (even if they don't want to use their names to let other people know "Oh, hey, that's that guy". Anyway, on with the comic reviews.
Daredevil # 1
I'm glad to see Matt Murdock return to the mainstream, although I think he should have taken his book back from Black Panther. Either way, Mark Waid does an amazing job with this character. It is all but public knowledge that Murdock is Daredevil, and he has to deal with the consequences. He and Foggy Nelson are back in business, even though in Black Panther Foggy is getting disbarred again. Murdock has to deal with a new A.D.A. who doesn't want to have Murdock as an attorney with his reputation as Daredevil. Then he goes out to find information for his client and gets attacked presumably by Captain America as his shield is seen on the last page.
Rating: Off to a great start
Avengers # 15
I don't think I am just speaking for myself when I say if you are going to tie-in Avengers to a big event like Fear Itself, I want to see some action. I really don't want issue after issue of people standing around talking. On top of that, the art is the worst I have seen since I was in preschool.
Rating: Worst of this week
Uncanny X-Men # 541
This is what a tie-in should be. The X-Men have to stop the Juggernaut who is rampaging towards San Fransisco. Not only that, but he has been empowered by one of the Hammers from the Serpent. They manage to get his helmet off and try to attack his mind, but he fights back and tries to turn Cyclops and the mayor of San Fransisco against each other. I just hate that this series is going on hiatus because of Schism.
Rating: Uncannily good (see what I did there)
X-Factor # 222
Peter David is one of my favorite comic book writers of all time. He has really taken X-Factor and made the characters his own. I regret that I didn't start reading this series until Second Coming. I don't know all of the characters, but David does a good job of developing everyone on the team. I would like to see more on what happened to Darwin after he beat death (because he came into contact with Hela).
Rating: Peter David doesn't write bad comics
Generation Hope # 9
This story is most likely what would happen if mutants were real. As he and his friends are joking about mutants, a young boy's mutation triggers and his friend films it and posts it on the internet. The boy kills himself before Hope and her team can show up to help him. Zero (cause I can't remember his name) returns a month later intent on killing the boy that had filmed the event. Wolverine talks him out of it and they leave the boy to live with his guilt.
Rating: Good, but the series needs to find direction
X-Men # 15
This issue wraps up the high evolutionary arc. For a series that has seen a war with vampires, this arc still falls in the mediocre category and that is hard for me to even say with Chris Yost writing. The parallel between what would be considered the present and the First Class era is done real well. The story is real good, but I can't help but wonder "what has kept this enemy away for so long, and why has he returned now".
Rating: Good, but should be better
Hulk # 37
The Red Hulk was a great character when no one knew who he was. The thing that makes him a character worth reading makes it impossible for him to have his own series, the Hulk. Unless something happens that makes this an interesting character again, I am done with this series. This would be my worst of the week, but I expect more from a title like the Avengers so it got worst pick.
Rating: Not even worth rating
Invincible Iron Man # 506
Tony Stark sacrifices his sobriety to get Odin to help him. Odin takes him to the forge where Mjolnir was built to design weapons to combat the Serpent. Stark stays drunk for the whole issue and begins justifying his drinking. Meanwhile, Pepper Potts in the Rescue armor goes to Paris to try and help and comes into conflict with armored troops sent bu Hammer Ind. This is a good issue, but the use of Nordic runes in place of words gets incredibly annoying.
Rating: #$%^& (good)
Iron Man 2.0 # 7
I love this series. I have always been a fan of War Machine. Ever wonder who would win War Machine v Iron Fist? Iron Fist would totally kill him, but as he is possessed by some external force and Roddie gets help from Dr Strange, War Machine wins. The issue serves as a Fear Itself tie-in, but has almost nothing to do with it other than moping up what happened in the last issue. The immortals seal the hell gate after War Machine defeats Iron Fist. Apparently the next issue, 7.1, will see the end of the Palmer Addley arc that was never finished and issue 8 starts a new arc.
Rating: Good issue in a great series but they need to start and stop arcs rather than blend them together
Daredevil # 1
I'm glad to see Matt Murdock return to the mainstream, although I think he should have taken his book back from Black Panther. Either way, Mark Waid does an amazing job with this character. It is all but public knowledge that Murdock is Daredevil, and he has to deal with the consequences. He and Foggy Nelson are back in business, even though in Black Panther Foggy is getting disbarred again. Murdock has to deal with a new A.D.A. who doesn't want to have Murdock as an attorney with his reputation as Daredevil. Then he goes out to find information for his client and gets attacked presumably by Captain America as his shield is seen on the last page.
Rating: Off to a great start
Avengers # 15
I don't think I am just speaking for myself when I say if you are going to tie-in Avengers to a big event like Fear Itself, I want to see some action. I really don't want issue after issue of people standing around talking. On top of that, the art is the worst I have seen since I was in preschool.
Rating: Worst of this week
Uncanny X-Men # 541
This is what a tie-in should be. The X-Men have to stop the Juggernaut who is rampaging towards San Fransisco. Not only that, but he has been empowered by one of the Hammers from the Serpent. They manage to get his helmet off and try to attack his mind, but he fights back and tries to turn Cyclops and the mayor of San Fransisco against each other. I just hate that this series is going on hiatus because of Schism.
Rating: Uncannily good (see what I did there)
X-Factor # 222
Peter David is one of my favorite comic book writers of all time. He has really taken X-Factor and made the characters his own. I regret that I didn't start reading this series until Second Coming. I don't know all of the characters, but David does a good job of developing everyone on the team. I would like to see more on what happened to Darwin after he beat death (because he came into contact with Hela).
Rating: Peter David doesn't write bad comics
Generation Hope # 9
This story is most likely what would happen if mutants were real. As he and his friends are joking about mutants, a young boy's mutation triggers and his friend films it and posts it on the internet. The boy kills himself before Hope and her team can show up to help him. Zero (cause I can't remember his name) returns a month later intent on killing the boy that had filmed the event. Wolverine talks him out of it and they leave the boy to live with his guilt.
Rating: Good, but the series needs to find direction
X-Men # 15
This issue wraps up the high evolutionary arc. For a series that has seen a war with vampires, this arc still falls in the mediocre category and that is hard for me to even say with Chris Yost writing. The parallel between what would be considered the present and the First Class era is done real well. The story is real good, but I can't help but wonder "what has kept this enemy away for so long, and why has he returned now".
Rating: Good, but should be better
Hulk # 37
The Red Hulk was a great character when no one knew who he was. The thing that makes him a character worth reading makes it impossible for him to have his own series, the Hulk. Unless something happens that makes this an interesting character again, I am done with this series. This would be my worst of the week, but I expect more from a title like the Avengers so it got worst pick.
Rating: Not even worth rating
Invincible Iron Man # 506
Tony Stark sacrifices his sobriety to get Odin to help him. Odin takes him to the forge where Mjolnir was built to design weapons to combat the Serpent. Stark stays drunk for the whole issue and begins justifying his drinking. Meanwhile, Pepper Potts in the Rescue armor goes to Paris to try and help and comes into conflict with armored troops sent bu Hammer Ind. This is a good issue, but the use of Nordic runes in place of words gets incredibly annoying.
Rating: #$%^& (good)
Iron Man 2.0 # 7
I love this series. I have always been a fan of War Machine. Ever wonder who would win War Machine v Iron Fist? Iron Fist would totally kill him, but as he is possessed by some external force and Roddie gets help from Dr Strange, War Machine wins. The issue serves as a Fear Itself tie-in, but has almost nothing to do with it other than moping up what happened in the last issue. The immortals seal the hell gate after War Machine defeats Iron Fist. Apparently the next issue, 7.1, will see the end of the Palmer Addley arc that was never finished and issue 8 starts a new arc.
Rating: Good issue in a great series but they need to start and stop arcs rather than blend them together
Sunday, July 24, 2011
DC Review for 7/20/11 and a brief bit about Comic Con
Had to take care of some personal business that got sprung on me Friday afternoon. I will try to get these reviews up quicker in the future.
War of the Green Lanterns Aftermath #1 of 2
Maybe its just me, but DC's comic line really seems to be suffering from the thought that "we are rebooting in just over a month so nothing that is happening really matters". There is some talk on the internets that in GL # 67 last week and this issue that the characters are acting "out of character" this issue did a good job of showing why that is, although it must have gone over reviews heads. The Green Lantern Corps is suffering from PTSD after having their minds controlled by Krona and force to become his army of killers. I know this is only half of the story, but it still feels lacking. The story doesn't move forward, the issue only deals with immediate issues. It shows Hal on Earth being depressed and feeling like he is no one without his ring. I really don't like were DC is going with Hal's story. No one wants to see mopey Hal Jordan. The big plot point, Sinestro once again wearing a GL ring goes absolutely no where. There are some angry words said, Kilowog tries to quit, and the Guardians decide to have a closed meeting with Sinestro to decide what to do with him, and that is all we get on the subject. I would have liked to at least see some debate among the Guardians and Sinestro as I can only imagine that is what the concluding issue will cover. Kyle Raynor tries to protect Jon Stewart when some friends of Mogo come gunning for him, but that only leads to a confrontation between the two senior lanterns. Its obvious Jon is upset about what he had to do, but he really just comes of as a dick.
Rating: Good, but needs more plot development
Batman Gates of Gotham # 3
I am enjoying this series as it shows Gotham City being built and how the three families, the Waynes, Elliots, and Cobelbotts, were responsible. It contrasts with a yet unnamed villain that is working in the present to destroy Gotham threw the "Gates". In each issue we learn different things that "gates" could refer to. In the first issue it is believed to be the massive suspension bridges that link parts of the city as one of them is blown up. Along the way we find out that "gates" could also refer to the three families or also to the two brothers that are the main characters in the past stories whose last name is Gates. These brothers were the architects that designed the newer buildings in Gotham such as Cobelpott's Iceburg Lounge and Wayne Tower. The writing is really well done and includes the majority of the Bat family, only Bruce is missing which seems odd as the story revolves around a massive threat to Gotham City, his city.
Rating: Good read, sadly only a five issue series.
Batman # 712
Having recently finished The Long Halloween, this arc has been a good followup. Harvey Dent and his wife Gilda are reunited after a confrontation with Mario Falcone who had taken Two-Face's coin and at some point found Gilda and seeming was having a relationship with her. Batman (Grayson) tries to save Gilda from Dent as he is seemingly about to shot her, but we don't get to see the result of the coin flip that is to determine her fate. Gilda shoots Batman with a .22 which his cowl absorbs the majority of the impact. He is knocked out only to awaken back at the Bat bunker. The is a side story going on with the Riddler and his daughter Enigma. This serves as the end of the issue in a very lack luster kind of way.
Rating: Decent story arc, but bad ending
Justice League of America # 59
Epic battle with Eclipso on the Moon, only they defeat him by making him think he has won. While distracted, all the heroes present with light-based powers pour it on and Eclipso is beaten. The moon, which was split is repaired off panel and everyone lives happily ever after. Only, cut to five weeks later and a special meeting of the JLA so they can disband. Another good example of DC doing whatever they feel like as in just over a month it won't matter anyhow.
Rating: The Atom cheers the new league, and thus they disband....WTF!?
Titans # 37
Deathstroke plays God to keep his son from dying a horrible death. Then tells his team he can use the Methuselah Machine Dr. Sivana has built to bring back their dead loved ones. The team agrees, some reluctantly, except for seeming newly created character of Cinder. This comes off as kind of hollow as she hasn't had much development, but Roy Harper joins her because he finally comes to the conclusion that he doesn't need drugs to remember his daughter. Jericho fights back as he feels responsible for all the murders his father committed to save him. Jericho attacks and presumably possesses Deathstroke as the issue closes.
Rating: Good series that has had lots of ups and downs, look forward to conclusion after this issue.
Superman/Batman # 86
A reporter working on a story about Batman's secret identity has been found dead in Gotham. The evidence seems to point towards Batman, and Clark Kent is sent from the Daily Planet to wrap up the story. Both Batman and Superman work on finding out what happened to the reporter in their own ways. On the closing page, the Joker is about to attack Clark with a large mallet.
Rating: Mediocre story for what has become a mediocre series, not sad to see this one go
Zatanna # 15
Bring back Paul Dini. This is another of those series where someone other than the established writer has been brought in to finish it off. Much like Birds of Prey, this series really suffers from not having a writer who knows the character, In the past few issues we have gotten single issue stories that only feel like a waste of time. In this issue, Zatanna is randomly attacked by a group of witch hunters who she eventually teleports to the Salem Witch trials.
Rating: Not worth the paper it is printed on... if not for the art
Hellblazer # 281
I have to confess, I didn't really get into this series until after I saw the movie Constantine. The movie is awful when you compare it to the source material. I haven't read it in a long time so I don't yet understand all that is going on, but the current arc has been a real good one. In a way, I hate that DC is bringing Constantine back into DC continuity as he is very strongly a Vertigo character. Hopefully, as they no longer use the Comic Book Code, his DC iteration will be much like the Vertigo. Glad to see Peter Milligan still writing him in DC. This issue of Hellblazer concluded a arc where John's niece has been trying to get vengeance against him for raping her some years past. It turns out that was the act of John's evil copy, and he had no idea it had happened. Constantine is saved from the demon she trapped him with by his wife Epiphany. The plot of this issue revolves around Constantine and how he has never really been afraid to face down evil, but now he is and it is all because of his feelings for his wife.
Flashpoint Wrap-Up: Deadman and the Flying Graysons #2, Wonder Woman & the Furies #2, The Outsider #2, and Legion of Doom #2
Deadman and the Flying Graysons has been a good series, but I am honestly glad it is only going to be three issues. Wonder Woman's furies attack Haley's Circus looking for the Helm of Nabu. Dick escaped along with Deadman and his father who is dying. They are led away by former Count Vertigo who is working with the resistance. While it is a good series, it seems to only serve to show what other characters away from the main plot are doing.
Wonder Woman and the Furies goes back to show us the beginning of the war between the Amazons and Atlantis. In the end of the issue, Wonder Woman kills Mera. It is hinted at that the two may have become friends while Diana was in Atlantis, but not much evidence is given to support this.
The Outsider is a prime example of DC doing whatever before the reboot. This character was created specifically for the Flashpoint event, and will never be seen again. Not enough depth is given to him for the reader to care about anything he does, and he is so far removed from the central plot that no one cares anyway.
Legion of Doom is not much better than the Outsider. At least it centers around an established character of Heatwave, but that is about all it has going for it. I would like to see this series cross over with Citizen Cold, even though that series barely has any more going for it than this one. Also, Plastic Man is in Legion of Doom, but don't call him that cause it makes him angry, and you wouldn't like him when he gets angry, I guess.
Rating: Saved this for last cause it goes into my next topic, but once again, Get to the (flash) point
I was not able to go to Comic Con this year, college kind of comes first right now. I have been reading a lot of news coming out of comic con, specifically the many panels DC held. Everything we want to know about Flashpoint, i.e. the why, the how, and what comes next won't be revealed until the final issues of Flashpoint, and a few of the extra series wrap ups. This is a bad move, as those details are what you use to hook the readers. The majority of the event has been bad, and no matter how good it could have been, it would still be overshadowed by the looming reboot. At Comic Con it was revealed that Flashpoint will tie directly into the reboot, with the last page of Flashpoint # 5 being in the DCnU. Also, without revealing how, it was said that characters such as Stephanie Brown will still be around post-reboot.
The point I am at now about the reboot is where DC wanted people two months ago when this was revealed. Still upset about the renumbering, but I believe like a lot of others do, that the big numbers will still be celebrated. Maybe this reboot won't be so bad after all. The preview they released this week did a good job of shinning a good light on the reboot, even if it didn't reveal much more info.
War of the Green Lanterns Aftermath #1 of 2
Maybe its just me, but DC's comic line really seems to be suffering from the thought that "we are rebooting in just over a month so nothing that is happening really matters". There is some talk on the internets that in GL # 67 last week and this issue that the characters are acting "out of character" this issue did a good job of showing why that is, although it must have gone over reviews heads. The Green Lantern Corps is suffering from PTSD after having their minds controlled by Krona and force to become his army of killers. I know this is only half of the story, but it still feels lacking. The story doesn't move forward, the issue only deals with immediate issues. It shows Hal on Earth being depressed and feeling like he is no one without his ring. I really don't like were DC is going with Hal's story. No one wants to see mopey Hal Jordan. The big plot point, Sinestro once again wearing a GL ring goes absolutely no where. There are some angry words said, Kilowog tries to quit, and the Guardians decide to have a closed meeting with Sinestro to decide what to do with him, and that is all we get on the subject. I would have liked to at least see some debate among the Guardians and Sinestro as I can only imagine that is what the concluding issue will cover. Kyle Raynor tries to protect Jon Stewart when some friends of Mogo come gunning for him, but that only leads to a confrontation between the two senior lanterns. Its obvious Jon is upset about what he had to do, but he really just comes of as a dick.
Rating: Good, but needs more plot development
Batman Gates of Gotham # 3
I am enjoying this series as it shows Gotham City being built and how the three families, the Waynes, Elliots, and Cobelbotts, were responsible. It contrasts with a yet unnamed villain that is working in the present to destroy Gotham threw the "Gates". In each issue we learn different things that "gates" could refer to. In the first issue it is believed to be the massive suspension bridges that link parts of the city as one of them is blown up. Along the way we find out that "gates" could also refer to the three families or also to the two brothers that are the main characters in the past stories whose last name is Gates. These brothers were the architects that designed the newer buildings in Gotham such as Cobelpott's Iceburg Lounge and Wayne Tower. The writing is really well done and includes the majority of the Bat family, only Bruce is missing which seems odd as the story revolves around a massive threat to Gotham City, his city.
Rating: Good read, sadly only a five issue series.
Batman # 712
Having recently finished The Long Halloween, this arc has been a good followup. Harvey Dent and his wife Gilda are reunited after a confrontation with Mario Falcone who had taken Two-Face's coin and at some point found Gilda and seeming was having a relationship with her. Batman (Grayson) tries to save Gilda from Dent as he is seemingly about to shot her, but we don't get to see the result of the coin flip that is to determine her fate. Gilda shoots Batman with a .22 which his cowl absorbs the majority of the impact. He is knocked out only to awaken back at the Bat bunker. The is a side story going on with the Riddler and his daughter Enigma. This serves as the end of the issue in a very lack luster kind of way.
Rating: Decent story arc, but bad ending
Justice League of America # 59
Epic battle with Eclipso on the Moon, only they defeat him by making him think he has won. While distracted, all the heroes present with light-based powers pour it on and Eclipso is beaten. The moon, which was split is repaired off panel and everyone lives happily ever after. Only, cut to five weeks later and a special meeting of the JLA so they can disband. Another good example of DC doing whatever they feel like as in just over a month it won't matter anyhow.
Rating: The Atom cheers the new league, and thus they disband....WTF!?
Titans # 37
Deathstroke plays God to keep his son from dying a horrible death. Then tells his team he can use the Methuselah Machine Dr. Sivana has built to bring back their dead loved ones. The team agrees, some reluctantly, except for seeming newly created character of Cinder. This comes off as kind of hollow as she hasn't had much development, but Roy Harper joins her because he finally comes to the conclusion that he doesn't need drugs to remember his daughter. Jericho fights back as he feels responsible for all the murders his father committed to save him. Jericho attacks and presumably possesses Deathstroke as the issue closes.
Rating: Good series that has had lots of ups and downs, look forward to conclusion after this issue.
Superman/Batman # 86
A reporter working on a story about Batman's secret identity has been found dead in Gotham. The evidence seems to point towards Batman, and Clark Kent is sent from the Daily Planet to wrap up the story. Both Batman and Superman work on finding out what happened to the reporter in their own ways. On the closing page, the Joker is about to attack Clark with a large mallet.
Rating: Mediocre story for what has become a mediocre series, not sad to see this one go
Zatanna # 15
Bring back Paul Dini. This is another of those series where someone other than the established writer has been brought in to finish it off. Much like Birds of Prey, this series really suffers from not having a writer who knows the character, In the past few issues we have gotten single issue stories that only feel like a waste of time. In this issue, Zatanna is randomly attacked by a group of witch hunters who she eventually teleports to the Salem Witch trials.
Rating: Not worth the paper it is printed on... if not for the art
Hellblazer # 281
I have to confess, I didn't really get into this series until after I saw the movie Constantine. The movie is awful when you compare it to the source material. I haven't read it in a long time so I don't yet understand all that is going on, but the current arc has been a real good one. In a way, I hate that DC is bringing Constantine back into DC continuity as he is very strongly a Vertigo character. Hopefully, as they no longer use the Comic Book Code, his DC iteration will be much like the Vertigo. Glad to see Peter Milligan still writing him in DC. This issue of Hellblazer concluded a arc where John's niece has been trying to get vengeance against him for raping her some years past. It turns out that was the act of John's evil copy, and he had no idea it had happened. Constantine is saved from the demon she trapped him with by his wife Epiphany. The plot of this issue revolves around Constantine and how he has never really been afraid to face down evil, but now he is and it is all because of his feelings for his wife.
Flashpoint Wrap-Up: Deadman and the Flying Graysons #2, Wonder Woman & the Furies #2, The Outsider #2, and Legion of Doom #2
Deadman and the Flying Graysons has been a good series, but I am honestly glad it is only going to be three issues. Wonder Woman's furies attack Haley's Circus looking for the Helm of Nabu. Dick escaped along with Deadman and his father who is dying. They are led away by former Count Vertigo who is working with the resistance. While it is a good series, it seems to only serve to show what other characters away from the main plot are doing.
Wonder Woman and the Furies goes back to show us the beginning of the war between the Amazons and Atlantis. In the end of the issue, Wonder Woman kills Mera. It is hinted at that the two may have become friends while Diana was in Atlantis, but not much evidence is given to support this.
The Outsider is a prime example of DC doing whatever before the reboot. This character was created specifically for the Flashpoint event, and will never be seen again. Not enough depth is given to him for the reader to care about anything he does, and he is so far removed from the central plot that no one cares anyway.
Legion of Doom is not much better than the Outsider. At least it centers around an established character of Heatwave, but that is about all it has going for it. I would like to see this series cross over with Citizen Cold, even though that series barely has any more going for it than this one. Also, Plastic Man is in Legion of Doom, but don't call him that cause it makes him angry, and you wouldn't like him when he gets angry, I guess.
Rating: Saved this for last cause it goes into my next topic, but once again, Get to the (flash) point
I was not able to go to Comic Con this year, college kind of comes first right now. I have been reading a lot of news coming out of comic con, specifically the many panels DC held. Everything we want to know about Flashpoint, i.e. the why, the how, and what comes next won't be revealed until the final issues of Flashpoint, and a few of the extra series wrap ups. This is a bad move, as those details are what you use to hook the readers. The majority of the event has been bad, and no matter how good it could have been, it would still be overshadowed by the looming reboot. At Comic Con it was revealed that Flashpoint will tie directly into the reboot, with the last page of Flashpoint # 5 being in the DCnU. Also, without revealing how, it was said that characters such as Stephanie Brown will still be around post-reboot.
The point I am at now about the reboot is where DC wanted people two months ago when this was revealed. Still upset about the renumbering, but I believe like a lot of others do, that the big numbers will still be celebrated. Maybe this reboot won't be so bad after all. The preview they released this week did a good job of shinning a good light on the reboot, even if it didn't reveal much more info.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
New Comics for 7/20/11 and other things
First off, here are the comics I am read/reviewing this week.
Batman # 712
Batman Gates of Gotham # 3 of 5
Flashpoint: Legion of Doom # 2 of 3
Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons # 2 of 3
Flashpoint: The Outsider # 2 of 3
Flashpoint: Wonder Woman and the Furies # 2 of 3
Justice League of America # 59
Superman/ Batman # 86
Titans # 37
War of the Green Lanterns Aftermath # 1 of 2
Zatanna # 15
Hellblazer # 281
Avengers # 15
Daredevil # 1
Generation Hope # 9
Hulk # 37
Invincible Iron Man # 506
Iron Man 2.0 # 7
Uncanny X-Men # 541
X-Factor # 221
X-Men # 15
I also picked up the Barnes & Noble exclusive American Gods & Anasni Boys. Unfortunately I won't have time to start reading it anytime soon.
Dc released a preview of the upcoming DCnU tittles. I will review this with the DC tittles later this week. This brings me to my rant about the DCnU.
Unlike most comic book fans/readers/collectors I am kind of in the middle on the issue of this reboot that is not a reboot. When it was first announce I, like pretty much everyone else thought it was a horrible idea as I foamed at the mouth angry at DC for even thinking of retconning 75 years of continuity. As more and more information has been released I have calmed and can see some good coming out of it.
A personal favorite character, Dick Grayson, is returning to the mantle of Nightwing. I think he did a great job as Batman, but no matter how good of a job he did there is only one Batman. Tim Drake has come into his own as Red Robin, and I am glad he is keeping that persona. Damien Wayne remains as Robin, I am indifferent about this as the character still needs to be fleshed out some more. Overall, I am really looking forward to the inclusion of the Wildstorm characters in the DCnU. I never got into Wildstorm comics, but I have done some research into the characters and think they will make a good addition.
The things I don't like about the DCnU hold about as much weight as the things I do like. We are losing some good characters, such as Stephine Brown as Batgirl, the Secret Six, and others. On top of losing those, we are getting series based off characters no one cares about (Animal Man), a new vampire series (I, Vampire), and a series about a half-alien hybrid girl (Voodoo). There are some real bad continuity choices (because while DC is not negating all of established continuity, they are picking and choosing what to keep). Barbra Gordon is once again Batgirl negating Alan Moore's The Killing Joke and everything she accomplished as Oracle. From what we have been told, the majority of the heroes in the DCnU have been heroes for 5 years. This means in 5 years Batman has gone through 3 robins and is on his fourth. All of this, plus recent news about Action Comics which is set to take place 5 years before the rest of the series. Ma and Pa Kent are dead and Clark can't even fly yet. Pretty sure we got enough of this Superman from Smallville.
And because I am a collector I have to add my anger about renumbering everything back to issue 1. This is the only thing I still feel any anger over. Who in their right mind goes, "Well, Action Comics just hit issue 900, Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman are all hitting 700.... lets roll everything back to number 1".
Once Sept rolls around we'll all get to experience the DCnU first hand, and maybe it'll all just go away soon afterwards.
Batman # 712
Batman Gates of Gotham # 3 of 5
Flashpoint: Legion of Doom # 2 of 3
Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons # 2 of 3
Flashpoint: The Outsider # 2 of 3
Flashpoint: Wonder Woman and the Furies # 2 of 3
Justice League of America # 59
Superman/ Batman # 86
Titans # 37
War of the Green Lanterns Aftermath # 1 of 2
Zatanna # 15
Hellblazer # 281
Avengers # 15
Daredevil # 1
Generation Hope # 9
Hulk # 37
Invincible Iron Man # 506
Iron Man 2.0 # 7
Uncanny X-Men # 541
X-Factor # 221
X-Men # 15
I also picked up the Barnes & Noble exclusive American Gods & Anasni Boys. Unfortunately I won't have time to start reading it anytime soon.
Dc released a preview of the upcoming DCnU tittles. I will review this with the DC tittles later this week. This brings me to my rant about the DCnU.
Unlike most comic book fans/readers/collectors I am kind of in the middle on the issue of this reboot that is not a reboot. When it was first announce I, like pretty much everyone else thought it was a horrible idea as I foamed at the mouth angry at DC for even thinking of retconning 75 years of continuity. As more and more information has been released I have calmed and can see some good coming out of it.
A personal favorite character, Dick Grayson, is returning to the mantle of Nightwing. I think he did a great job as Batman, but no matter how good of a job he did there is only one Batman. Tim Drake has come into his own as Red Robin, and I am glad he is keeping that persona. Damien Wayne remains as Robin, I am indifferent about this as the character still needs to be fleshed out some more. Overall, I am really looking forward to the inclusion of the Wildstorm characters in the DCnU. I never got into Wildstorm comics, but I have done some research into the characters and think they will make a good addition.
The things I don't like about the DCnU hold about as much weight as the things I do like. We are losing some good characters, such as Stephine Brown as Batgirl, the Secret Six, and others. On top of losing those, we are getting series based off characters no one cares about (Animal Man), a new vampire series (I, Vampire), and a series about a half-alien hybrid girl (Voodoo). There are some real bad continuity choices (because while DC is not negating all of established continuity, they are picking and choosing what to keep). Barbra Gordon is once again Batgirl negating Alan Moore's The Killing Joke and everything she accomplished as Oracle. From what we have been told, the majority of the heroes in the DCnU have been heroes for 5 years. This means in 5 years Batman has gone through 3 robins and is on his fourth. All of this, plus recent news about Action Comics which is set to take place 5 years before the rest of the series. Ma and Pa Kent are dead and Clark can't even fly yet. Pretty sure we got enough of this Superman from Smallville.
And because I am a collector I have to add my anger about renumbering everything back to issue 1. This is the only thing I still feel any anger over. Who in their right mind goes, "Well, Action Comics just hit issue 900, Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman are all hitting 700.... lets roll everything back to number 1".
Once Sept rolls around we'll all get to experience the DCnU first hand, and maybe it'll all just go away soon afterwards.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
$10,000 worth of comics, Oh, My!
If you are following me on twitter, and I know you're not cause at this point no one is, you'd probably have already heard my news that my comic book collection has now surpassed the 10,000 dollar mark. This is a great personal accomplishment that I am very proud of. It has taken me around 10 years to achieve this. At first I only collected a few graphic novels or collected editions (both terms get thrown around by a lot of people that I hear use them interchangeably). Then I started collecting issues while I was stationed in North Carolina. There is a large gap in my collection from when the comic store I went to there went out of business and I got sent to Japan for a year and a half. I got back at the beginning of 2010 and haven't missed a Wednesday since.
If anybody were reading my blog at this point, I'd actually write up reviews for Spawn # 209 and the Solomon Kane I picked up last week.
If anybody were reading my blog at this point, I'd actually write up reviews for Spawn # 209 and the Solomon Kane I picked up last week.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Marvel Review for 7/13/11
As promised here are my thoughts on the issues Marvel released this past week.
X-Men Schism # 1
I for one was real excited going into this event. Schism is supposedly going to be the defining event that has lasting consequences over the next few years. It is not off to a good start. The four part Prelude event that wrapped up a couple of weeks ago went absolutely no where and foreshadowed a battle that many of the X-Men believed would be their last. There were some interesting back stories told, but the prelude ended before any real action began. Schism starts off with Wolverine returning supposedly from some Avengers mission. He is quickly told by Cyclops that before he could rest, he would be serving as Cyclops's personal security at an arms conference. A mutant calling himself Kid Omega shows up at the conference and telepathically forces the world leaders that are present to confess their darkest secrets, There is a good exchange here between Cyclops and Wolverine where Cyclops says "I don't know if we should kill the boy or give him a medal," and Wolverine replies "We could always do both." Feeling threatened by mutants once again, the world begins building Sentinels. During all this, Kade Kilgore, a 12 year old boy, murders his father, takes over as C.E.O. of his arms company, and becomes the new Black King of the Hellfire Club.
Rating: Shows promise, but needs more weight to live up to the hype.
Incredible Hulks # 632
I'm a big hulk fan and Pak defiantly pulled me back in way back with Planet Hulk. Since then, I have felt that a lot of his stories are kind of hit or miss. The current story, Heart of the Monster will be that last as Marvel is putting this Hulk on hiatus when Pak leaves. Hulk villain Tyrannus's well of eternity has been transformed into a wishing well that has dire consequences when someone makes a wish. As such, many of Hulk's villains have returned to do battle once again. So far, the story feels weak as Hulk is at his most powerful so he easily defeats his foes. As of this issue, apparently his cousin Jen and Rick Jones have been cured of their hulkness as they are once again in normal human form. Every time I finish an issue of this arc I feel like that sad piano music is playing in the background. I'd rather see Hulk go out smashing than moping cause his friends and family have been hulked out.
Rating: Like most Hulk stories, needs more smashing.
New Avengers # 14
This series has a lot of humor in it and has been really enjoyable. I say has because this issue seems way out of place and continues Bendis's idea of having everybody sit around as if on some reality TV show doing interviews with a camera. This idea worked pretty good at the beginning of Fear Itself, but it has gotten old quick. It especially doesn't work now, almost 3 months into the Fear Itself event. This issue really feels out of place as it seems to be taking place at the beginning of Fear Itself. Despite all of that, it was a good way to deal with Mockingbird's being injected with the Infinity Formula/ Super Solider Serum. I like Spider-Man pretty much telling Victoria Hand to fuck off and accusing her of still working for Osborne, but that gets interrupted by Mockingbird walking into the room. I really hope this comes back up soon.
Rating: Good, but stop with the personal interviws
Journey Into Mystery # 625
Loki, as a good guy, who would ever think that would work. I like this kid version of Loki. He is actually trying to help the Asgaurdians In this issue, Loki makes a deal between Mephisto and Hela to help fight the Serpent. I honestly don't have much to say about this issue, it pretty much stands on its own. I would like to see more of Thor's story though.
Rating: Good
Captain America # 1
Did we really need a new Captain America series just so Steve Rodgers could once again pick up the shield? There is no mention of Bucky's death, I'm assuming he is dead after seeing him laid out after the battle with Sin in Fear Itself. This new series tells a good story that reaches back to the WW II days. Codename: Bravo, a secret agent who worked with Cap and Nick Fury in WW II has resurfaced and is apparently working with Baron Zemo against Cap. Oh, and Cap totally stole his girlfriend Peg from Bravo back in WW II Paris. Hate that a series was begun, but it defiantly shows promise.
Rating: Great, shows promise
New Mutants # 27
Ugh, I have nothing to say other than I like the teaser for the next issue. Get back to Illyana. I don't care about any of these characters.
Rating: Its not bad, but get back to characters people care about
Daken Dark Wolverine # 11
I think I am missing something here cause it seems like this comic is actually promoting drug use. Now Daken is in LA and some F.B.I. agent is apparently after him. This story arc suffers from being overshadowed by the previous one. The whole X-23/Daken story in Madripor was good, this one just doesn't have the weight to follow it. Still waiting to see what Daken is trying to do in his own book.
Rating: Not bad, not good
Wolverine # 12
First Wolverine was sent to Hell, then the X-Men had to deal with the demon in his body, now Wolverine is seeking revenge against the group that sent him to Hell, the Red Right Hand. This story started strong, and has gotten weaker and weaker to the point where I wish it would just end. This and the issue before it have had the majority of the action happen off panel and instead told the back story of one of the Red Right Hand members. Need more Wolverine, you know, the title character.
Rating: Just get to the killing
Amazing Spider-Man # 665
I really don't want Spider Island. All of Manhattan developing spider powers, I can't think of an idea I like less than that. On that note, I really like what Dan Slott has been doing with ASM. This issue is full of emotion and even goes so far to parallel Betty Brant getting hurt with Uncle Ben dying. Parker is too busy tracking down the man who assaulted her to be there at the hospital. It takes Aunt May getting on to him for him to realize he should be there.
Rating: Great, now make Spider Island as good
Black Panther: The Man Without Fear # 521
I like Black Panther, but just go ahead and bring back Daredevil. Ever since the art for "the American Panther" was revealed I have been worried where this story was going. While this was not what I had feared, it is not good either. Your villain is the Hate-Monger, that should tell you all you need to know. The events of Fear Itself are going on in the background and T'Challa is protecting the helpless at his dinner in Hell's Kitchen. I give this issue some points as it has a bit of political overtones about immigration.
Rating: Did you let a 12 year old write this?
X-Men Schism # 1
I for one was real excited going into this event. Schism is supposedly going to be the defining event that has lasting consequences over the next few years. It is not off to a good start. The four part Prelude event that wrapped up a couple of weeks ago went absolutely no where and foreshadowed a battle that many of the X-Men believed would be their last. There were some interesting back stories told, but the prelude ended before any real action began. Schism starts off with Wolverine returning supposedly from some Avengers mission. He is quickly told by Cyclops that before he could rest, he would be serving as Cyclops's personal security at an arms conference. A mutant calling himself Kid Omega shows up at the conference and telepathically forces the world leaders that are present to confess their darkest secrets, There is a good exchange here between Cyclops and Wolverine where Cyclops says "I don't know if we should kill the boy or give him a medal," and Wolverine replies "We could always do both." Feeling threatened by mutants once again, the world begins building Sentinels. During all this, Kade Kilgore, a 12 year old boy, murders his father, takes over as C.E.O. of his arms company, and becomes the new Black King of the Hellfire Club.
Rating: Shows promise, but needs more weight to live up to the hype.
Incredible Hulks # 632
I'm a big hulk fan and Pak defiantly pulled me back in way back with Planet Hulk. Since then, I have felt that a lot of his stories are kind of hit or miss. The current story, Heart of the Monster will be that last as Marvel is putting this Hulk on hiatus when Pak leaves. Hulk villain Tyrannus's well of eternity has been transformed into a wishing well that has dire consequences when someone makes a wish. As such, many of Hulk's villains have returned to do battle once again. So far, the story feels weak as Hulk is at his most powerful so he easily defeats his foes. As of this issue, apparently his cousin Jen and Rick Jones have been cured of their hulkness as they are once again in normal human form. Every time I finish an issue of this arc I feel like that sad piano music is playing in the background. I'd rather see Hulk go out smashing than moping cause his friends and family have been hulked out.
Rating: Like most Hulk stories, needs more smashing.
New Avengers # 14
This series has a lot of humor in it and has been really enjoyable. I say has because this issue seems way out of place and continues Bendis's idea of having everybody sit around as if on some reality TV show doing interviews with a camera. This idea worked pretty good at the beginning of Fear Itself, but it has gotten old quick. It especially doesn't work now, almost 3 months into the Fear Itself event. This issue really feels out of place as it seems to be taking place at the beginning of Fear Itself. Despite all of that, it was a good way to deal with Mockingbird's being injected with the Infinity Formula/ Super Solider Serum. I like Spider-Man pretty much telling Victoria Hand to fuck off and accusing her of still working for Osborne, but that gets interrupted by Mockingbird walking into the room. I really hope this comes back up soon.
Rating: Good, but stop with the personal interviws
Journey Into Mystery # 625
Loki, as a good guy, who would ever think that would work. I like this kid version of Loki. He is actually trying to help the Asgaurdians In this issue, Loki makes a deal between Mephisto and Hela to help fight the Serpent. I honestly don't have much to say about this issue, it pretty much stands on its own. I would like to see more of Thor's story though.
Rating: Good
Captain America # 1
Did we really need a new Captain America series just so Steve Rodgers could once again pick up the shield? There is no mention of Bucky's death, I'm assuming he is dead after seeing him laid out after the battle with Sin in Fear Itself. This new series tells a good story that reaches back to the WW II days. Codename: Bravo, a secret agent who worked with Cap and Nick Fury in WW II has resurfaced and is apparently working with Baron Zemo against Cap. Oh, and Cap totally stole his girlfriend Peg from Bravo back in WW II Paris. Hate that a series was begun, but it defiantly shows promise.
Rating: Great, shows promise
New Mutants # 27
Ugh, I have nothing to say other than I like the teaser for the next issue. Get back to Illyana. I don't care about any of these characters.
Rating: Its not bad, but get back to characters people care about
Daken Dark Wolverine # 11
I think I am missing something here cause it seems like this comic is actually promoting drug use. Now Daken is in LA and some F.B.I. agent is apparently after him. This story arc suffers from being overshadowed by the previous one. The whole X-23/Daken story in Madripor was good, this one just doesn't have the weight to follow it. Still waiting to see what Daken is trying to do in his own book.
Rating: Not bad, not good
Wolverine # 12
First Wolverine was sent to Hell, then the X-Men had to deal with the demon in his body, now Wolverine is seeking revenge against the group that sent him to Hell, the Red Right Hand. This story started strong, and has gotten weaker and weaker to the point where I wish it would just end. This and the issue before it have had the majority of the action happen off panel and instead told the back story of one of the Red Right Hand members. Need more Wolverine, you know, the title character.
Rating: Just get to the killing
Amazing Spider-Man # 665
I really don't want Spider Island. All of Manhattan developing spider powers, I can't think of an idea I like less than that. On that note, I really like what Dan Slott has been doing with ASM. This issue is full of emotion and even goes so far to parallel Betty Brant getting hurt with Uncle Ben dying. Parker is too busy tracking down the man who assaulted her to be there at the hospital. It takes Aunt May getting on to him for him to realize he should be there.
Rating: Great, now make Spider Island as good
Black Panther: The Man Without Fear # 521
I like Black Panther, but just go ahead and bring back Daredevil. Ever since the art for "the American Panther" was revealed I have been worried where this story was going. While this was not what I had feared, it is not good either. Your villain is the Hate-Monger, that should tell you all you need to know. The events of Fear Itself are going on in the background and T'Challa is protecting the helpless at his dinner in Hell's Kitchen. I give this issue some points as it has a bit of political overtones about immigration.
Rating: Did you let a 12 year old write this?
Sunday, July 17, 2011
DC Review for 7/13/11
Finally made it through my stack of DC issues for this week. Here are my thoughts. There are spoilers so be aware.
Green Lantern # 67
I'll start of by saying I am a huge Green Lantern fan so my opinion of all things GL is going to be a bit biased. This issue was an action packed conclusion to a great story arc. Despite the issue being delayed and coming out over a month after the major part of the story, the ending seemed rushed. From out of no where, both Kyle and Hal have gained the ability to do things they could not have done 5 min ago. To release the other lanterns from the Book of the Black, Kyle draws a picture of them escaping and thus it happens. Hal kills Krona with a huge ring blast, and we are told afterwards by the Guardians that his will overwrote the programing of the ring which would not have otherwise been able to kill a Guardian. There should be something before Hal kills Krona showing him overpowering the ring. The big reveal of the issue is that Sinestro is once again a Green Lantern, and I actually like this. Ever since the end of the Sinestro Corps War, it has felt like Johns was trying to redeem Sinestro's character. Hal is stripped of his ring and returned to Earth as he is deemed a threat to the Guardians. Doubt this will last too long.
Rating: Good not Great
Green Lantern Corps # 61
I can't say too much about this issue because I could not bring myself to read it much like Emerald Warriors from last week. You have this huge potentially universe altering event like the War of the Green Lanterns in which Jon Steward kills Mogo and you just write it off, I'm not even going to bother reading that. I did flip through it and glance over the issue. It isn't too awful, and there are some references to Jon killing Mogo in a conversation between him and a lantern recruit who takes over as main character for the issue. I kind of feel like there should be 80's training montage music in the background. I like the end of the issue as it shows Jon Stewart flying off still mourning the loss of Mogo. I would like to see this develop into something, but we have already been there with the destruction of Xanshi.
Rating: Not Bad, needs Work
Detective Comics # 879
The story arc that Snyder has been developing with Commissioner Gordon's son continues to blow my mind. If I can find the time I want to go back and read this issue again as its sequence of events were somewhat confusing. The story switches between Gordon secretly investigating his son James and getting Barbra to help him test the medication James is taking and Joker breaking free of Arkham. I blame the art for this confusion. It's not that I don't like the art, it just doesn't fit well. This is a very powerful issue for Gordon's character, specifically when Barbra asks him why he doesn't use any of the other resources to analyze the medicine as they could get it done quicker, and he replies that it is a family matter.
Rating: Great story, bring back Jock for the art though
Flashpoint Round-up: Booster Gold # 46, Emperor Aquaman # 2, Citizen Cold # 2, Deathstroke # 2
To save time and to keep this from being a novel instead of a blog post, I'll lump all the Flashpoint books into one section. I like what is going on in Booster Gold, even if it does seem completely unrealistic (I don't care if it is a comic, I'm using unrealistic). U.S. military sees a man flying near Coast City and assume it must be an Atlantian. Sure, because we've seen flying Atlantians and that makes way more sense that it being an undocumented meta-human. So we unleash mind controlled Doomsday on it. Bad things happen, and at the end of this week's issue, Booster may or may not have been killed by Doomsday.
Emperor Aquaman is great. It definitely shows a side to Aquaman we'd all like to see rather than how he is viewed as some wuss who can talk to fish. This Aquaman has power and determination. This book and Batman: Dark Knight of Vengeance are my favorites from Flashpoint.
As for Citizen Cold, I was never a huge fan of the Flash so I think there are some references here that I am just not getting. Cold is a hero, that is also a huge jerk, and a killer (but almost no one seems to know this). Without a reason for his actions, and you have to give me something other than just greed, I don't really care about this character good or evil.
Finally, Deathstroke and the Curse of the Ravager. The story here is pretty good, but could do with some back story to put it into perspective. We understand he is looking for his daughter, but how did she get captured and why is she "being passed around like meta-human currency"? Good story, good art, needs development.
Rating: Get to the (flash) Point.
Teen Titans # 97
Great story of good vs evil. This issue shows why the Teen Titans work so good, Red Robin provides narration showing how every member of the team plays their own parts. Raven finally overcomes her powers and helps defeat a horde of demons. The dialogue between Kid Flash and Superboy is classic. In the end, the titans gain a new member in Solstice whose powers conflict with Raven and in classic for, Red Robin tells her it is okay, they will find out why. Teen Titans has developed into an amazing book since J.T. Krul took it over. The last panel of the issue reveals in text that the next issue will see the return of Superboy-Prime. While he is an interesting character, just let him go he is whinny, no one cares, and he is way to powerful.
Rating: Great but overshadowed by more popular books
Batman: The Dark Knight # 3
The last issue of this series was released March 23. That's over 4 months in which I have forgotten the story. Batman (Bruce) has been investigating the disappearance of Dawn Golden, which has some kind of mystical connection. The story has a good flow to it, but the fact that there has been over 4 months since the last issue really hurts it. There is a two page spread of a demon at the end asking the Penguin to open the gates of hell for him. I can only assume I should know who this is as it is a two page spread of just his face, but the reference is lost on me.
Rating: Good, but being killed by delay
Red Robin # 25
Another issue knocked out of the park by Fabian Nicieza. Ever since the beginning of this series, ever issue has served to develop Tim Drake's character. Despite the great work DC has done to develop the character previously, I never really cared too much about him. Red Robin has seen Tim grow into his own much like Dick Grayson did as Nightwing. With the help of Cassandra Cain, he takes down the tournament of assassins and is revealed an even greater nemesis that makes what he just took down seem like "a single drop of rain". I only wish there wasn't the four pages of events afterwards. The story of helping Cain a.k.a. the Black Bat, with her problem would have made for a good issue. The wrap up with the Fox family would have made a good ending, but even it seems rushed through. And once again Red Robin has a new hideout, I believe this is his third in the so far 25 issues.
Rating: Great, with minor faults
Superman # 712
We are almost at the end of a story I like to describe as "Superman goes all Cain walking the Earth". The story, which has now spanned over a year of issues has gone almost no where with a character that has in that time made national news. I understand the story is trying to show Supes depressed. Only a short time ago he lost his father, regained and again lost his home. That is really depressing. In the Grounded story, Superman does not come off as depressed, he seems more like someone trying to find his place in the world. This issue comes off as a response to the controversy sparked by Action Comics # 900 wherein Superman said he wanted to renounce his American citizenship because he didn't want to be thought of as an agent of the state. Ever since then we have been beat over the head with "Truth, Justice, and the American Way". Honestly, DC, grow some balls. You did a good thing and showed how one man can do great things without being forced to be labeled as an agent for any government. Anyways, I'll stop ranting now. This issue does a good job of explaining counter-points to Clark's reasons not to be Superman. Look forward to the conclusion if only for the fact that it is concluding.
Rating: Good, but too much controversy. Wrap it up.
Birds of Prey # 14
Was about to sing the praises of Gail Simone when I turned around and realized, Birds of Prey changed staff. Simone's Birds of Prey was amazing, based off that run, I'd read just about anything of her's. This new issue is not bad, but it feels like a hole exists between issues 13 and 14. Hawk and Dove have somehow disappeared and we get a story that takes place in 1950 Argentina and has repercussions in the present. I don't know why DC decided to change staff for this book in its last 2 issues, they really should have Simone finish out the run. I get the feeling it has something to do with the DCnU reboot. The issue is not a bad read overall, it just leaves you with the sense that something is missing though.
Rating: Nice read, but bad ending for an amazing series
Batgirl # 23
This book has made me a little jealous. Not to sound too chauvinistic, but as an aspiring writer that is male, I have a problem writing female characters. Bryan Miller has done a great job doing this in Batgirl. I feel slightly ashamed that Batgirl remains at the bottom of my DC pile. The writing on this book is really good, but it is overshadowed as it is not a mainstream tittle. Batgirl finally defeats the techno-suit wearing Reapers with some help from her friends Supergirl, Miss Martian, Bombshell, and Stargirl. There is a great exchange between Batgirl and one of the Reapers where the Reaper calls her weak because she couldn't handle the Reapers alone. Batgirl replies "knowing when I need someone watch my back only makes me stronger". The big reveal on the last page is that her father is behind the Reapers is great, but as I don't know who he is it is a little lost on me. As the text for the next issue reveals, the next issue concludes this Batgirl as Stephine Brown is not Batgirl in the DCnU, I'll save my opinion on this for when I take the time to type up a rant about the upcoming DCnU.
Rating: Great, going to miss this character.
Green Lantern # 67
I'll start of by saying I am a huge Green Lantern fan so my opinion of all things GL is going to be a bit biased. This issue was an action packed conclusion to a great story arc. Despite the issue being delayed and coming out over a month after the major part of the story, the ending seemed rushed. From out of no where, both Kyle and Hal have gained the ability to do things they could not have done 5 min ago. To release the other lanterns from the Book of the Black, Kyle draws a picture of them escaping and thus it happens. Hal kills Krona with a huge ring blast, and we are told afterwards by the Guardians that his will overwrote the programing of the ring which would not have otherwise been able to kill a Guardian. There should be something before Hal kills Krona showing him overpowering the ring. The big reveal of the issue is that Sinestro is once again a Green Lantern, and I actually like this. Ever since the end of the Sinestro Corps War, it has felt like Johns was trying to redeem Sinestro's character. Hal is stripped of his ring and returned to Earth as he is deemed a threat to the Guardians. Doubt this will last too long.
Rating: Good not Great
Green Lantern Corps # 61
I can't say too much about this issue because I could not bring myself to read it much like Emerald Warriors from last week. You have this huge potentially universe altering event like the War of the Green Lanterns in which Jon Steward kills Mogo and you just write it off, I'm not even going to bother reading that. I did flip through it and glance over the issue. It isn't too awful, and there are some references to Jon killing Mogo in a conversation between him and a lantern recruit who takes over as main character for the issue. I kind of feel like there should be 80's training montage music in the background. I like the end of the issue as it shows Jon Stewart flying off still mourning the loss of Mogo. I would like to see this develop into something, but we have already been there with the destruction of Xanshi.
Rating: Not Bad, needs Work
Detective Comics # 879
The story arc that Snyder has been developing with Commissioner Gordon's son continues to blow my mind. If I can find the time I want to go back and read this issue again as its sequence of events were somewhat confusing. The story switches between Gordon secretly investigating his son James and getting Barbra to help him test the medication James is taking and Joker breaking free of Arkham. I blame the art for this confusion. It's not that I don't like the art, it just doesn't fit well. This is a very powerful issue for Gordon's character, specifically when Barbra asks him why he doesn't use any of the other resources to analyze the medicine as they could get it done quicker, and he replies that it is a family matter.
Rating: Great story, bring back Jock for the art though
Flashpoint Round-up: Booster Gold # 46, Emperor Aquaman # 2, Citizen Cold # 2, Deathstroke # 2
To save time and to keep this from being a novel instead of a blog post, I'll lump all the Flashpoint books into one section. I like what is going on in Booster Gold, even if it does seem completely unrealistic (I don't care if it is a comic, I'm using unrealistic). U.S. military sees a man flying near Coast City and assume it must be an Atlantian. Sure, because we've seen flying Atlantians and that makes way more sense that it being an undocumented meta-human. So we unleash mind controlled Doomsday on it. Bad things happen, and at the end of this week's issue, Booster may or may not have been killed by Doomsday.
Emperor Aquaman is great. It definitely shows a side to Aquaman we'd all like to see rather than how he is viewed as some wuss who can talk to fish. This Aquaman has power and determination. This book and Batman: Dark Knight of Vengeance are my favorites from Flashpoint.
As for Citizen Cold, I was never a huge fan of the Flash so I think there are some references here that I am just not getting. Cold is a hero, that is also a huge jerk, and a killer (but almost no one seems to know this). Without a reason for his actions, and you have to give me something other than just greed, I don't really care about this character good or evil.
Finally, Deathstroke and the Curse of the Ravager. The story here is pretty good, but could do with some back story to put it into perspective. We understand he is looking for his daughter, but how did she get captured and why is she "being passed around like meta-human currency"? Good story, good art, needs development.
Rating: Get to the (flash) Point.
Teen Titans # 97
Great story of good vs evil. This issue shows why the Teen Titans work so good, Red Robin provides narration showing how every member of the team plays their own parts. Raven finally overcomes her powers and helps defeat a horde of demons. The dialogue between Kid Flash and Superboy is classic. In the end, the titans gain a new member in Solstice whose powers conflict with Raven and in classic for, Red Robin tells her it is okay, they will find out why. Teen Titans has developed into an amazing book since J.T. Krul took it over. The last panel of the issue reveals in text that the next issue will see the return of Superboy-Prime. While he is an interesting character, just let him go he is whinny, no one cares, and he is way to powerful.
Rating: Great but overshadowed by more popular books
Batman: The Dark Knight # 3
The last issue of this series was released March 23. That's over 4 months in which I have forgotten the story. Batman (Bruce) has been investigating the disappearance of Dawn Golden, which has some kind of mystical connection. The story has a good flow to it, but the fact that there has been over 4 months since the last issue really hurts it. There is a two page spread of a demon at the end asking the Penguin to open the gates of hell for him. I can only assume I should know who this is as it is a two page spread of just his face, but the reference is lost on me.
Rating: Good, but being killed by delay
Red Robin # 25
Another issue knocked out of the park by Fabian Nicieza. Ever since the beginning of this series, ever issue has served to develop Tim Drake's character. Despite the great work DC has done to develop the character previously, I never really cared too much about him. Red Robin has seen Tim grow into his own much like Dick Grayson did as Nightwing. With the help of Cassandra Cain, he takes down the tournament of assassins and is revealed an even greater nemesis that makes what he just took down seem like "a single drop of rain". I only wish there wasn't the four pages of events afterwards. The story of helping Cain a.k.a. the Black Bat, with her problem would have made for a good issue. The wrap up with the Fox family would have made a good ending, but even it seems rushed through. And once again Red Robin has a new hideout, I believe this is his third in the so far 25 issues.
Rating: Great, with minor faults
Superman # 712
We are almost at the end of a story I like to describe as "Superman goes all Cain walking the Earth". The story, which has now spanned over a year of issues has gone almost no where with a character that has in that time made national news. I understand the story is trying to show Supes depressed. Only a short time ago he lost his father, regained and again lost his home. That is really depressing. In the Grounded story, Superman does not come off as depressed, he seems more like someone trying to find his place in the world. This issue comes off as a response to the controversy sparked by Action Comics # 900 wherein Superman said he wanted to renounce his American citizenship because he didn't want to be thought of as an agent of the state. Ever since then we have been beat over the head with "Truth, Justice, and the American Way". Honestly, DC, grow some balls. You did a good thing and showed how one man can do great things without being forced to be labeled as an agent for any government. Anyways, I'll stop ranting now. This issue does a good job of explaining counter-points to Clark's reasons not to be Superman. Look forward to the conclusion if only for the fact that it is concluding.
Rating: Good, but too much controversy. Wrap it up.
Birds of Prey # 14
Was about to sing the praises of Gail Simone when I turned around and realized, Birds of Prey changed staff. Simone's Birds of Prey was amazing, based off that run, I'd read just about anything of her's. This new issue is not bad, but it feels like a hole exists between issues 13 and 14. Hawk and Dove have somehow disappeared and we get a story that takes place in 1950 Argentina and has repercussions in the present. I don't know why DC decided to change staff for this book in its last 2 issues, they really should have Simone finish out the run. I get the feeling it has something to do with the DCnU reboot. The issue is not a bad read overall, it just leaves you with the sense that something is missing though.
Rating: Nice read, but bad ending for an amazing series
Batgirl # 23
This book has made me a little jealous. Not to sound too chauvinistic, but as an aspiring writer that is male, I have a problem writing female characters. Bryan Miller has done a great job doing this in Batgirl. I feel slightly ashamed that Batgirl remains at the bottom of my DC pile. The writing on this book is really good, but it is overshadowed as it is not a mainstream tittle. Batgirl finally defeats the techno-suit wearing Reapers with some help from her friends Supergirl, Miss Martian, Bombshell, and Stargirl. There is a great exchange between Batgirl and one of the Reapers where the Reaper calls her weak because she couldn't handle the Reapers alone. Batgirl replies "knowing when I need someone watch my back only makes me stronger". The big reveal on the last page is that her father is behind the Reapers is great, but as I don't know who he is it is a little lost on me. As the text for the next issue reveals, the next issue concludes this Batgirl as Stephine Brown is not Batgirl in the DCnU, I'll save my opinion on this for when I take the time to type up a rant about the upcoming DCnU.
Rating: Great, going to miss this character.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
What I'm reading (7/13/11)
Here is the list of books I am reading that were released July 13. This is a new personal record of purchasing 25 comic issues upon release. As so it is taking me some time to read them. I will post reviews as soon as I can.
Week of 7/13/11
Batgirl #23
Batman: The Dark Knight # 3
Birds of Prey # 14
Booster Gold # 46
Detective Comics # 879
Flashpoint: Citizen Cold # 2 of 3
Flashpoint: Deathstroke And the Curse of The Ravager # 2 of 3
Flashpoint: Emperor Aquaman # 2 of 3
Green Lantern # 67
Green Lantern Corps # 61
Red Robin # 25
Superman # 713
Teen Titans # 97
Amazing Spider-Man # 665
Black Panther: Man Without Fear # 521
Captain America # 1
Daken Dark Wolverine # 11
Incredible Hulks # 625
Journey Into Mystery # 632
New Avengers # 14
New Mutants # 27
Wolverine # 12
X-Men Schism # 1 of 5
Solomon Kane: Red Shadows # 4 of 4
Spawn # 209
Week of 7/13/11
Batgirl #23
Batman: The Dark Knight # 3
Birds of Prey # 14
Booster Gold # 46
Detective Comics # 879
Flashpoint: Citizen Cold # 2 of 3
Flashpoint: Deathstroke And the Curse of The Ravager # 2 of 3
Flashpoint: Emperor Aquaman # 2 of 3
Green Lantern # 67
Green Lantern Corps # 61
Red Robin # 25
Superman # 713
Teen Titans # 97
Amazing Spider-Man # 665
Black Panther: Man Without Fear # 521
Captain America # 1
Daken Dark Wolverine # 11
Incredible Hulks # 625
Journey Into Mystery # 632
New Avengers # 14
New Mutants # 27
Wolverine # 12
X-Men Schism # 1 of 5
Solomon Kane: Red Shadows # 4 of 4
Spawn # 209
Friday, July 15, 2011
About the author
I am a nerd on multiple fronts. I am a computer nerd, comic nerd, and a gamer (which I still qualify as a nerd). I am currently majoring in English with a concentration on creative writing and Philosophy. I hope one day to be a comic book writer, but would be happy to write pretty much anything. I decided to create this blog as a means to help further develop my writing skills and to publish my opinions of current and classic comics. The name Crisis/War comes from DC and Marvel using Crisis or War in the names of many of their comic events.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
FIRSTIES!!!!!
This is just a project I decided to start as a means of expressing my opinions about comics and other related media. I am currently going to college studying creative writing and philosophy hoping one day to be a comic book writer.
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