I'm Not Dead Either

Hi everyone. I'm not dead, just taking a qquifk break. I'll be writing new reviews on Friday, but I won't be reviewing the books from last week. P.S, look out for an article on DC spoiling Damian's death early soon, so...

Secret Avengers #1

SECRET AVENGERS #1

by Nick Spencer and Luke Ross

So, how was Secret Avengers? Well, it's no secret that it was far from what you expect it will be.

I was disappointed by Secret Avengers #1. It's not as bad as Avengers #4, but it's still not good. This was a very confusing book. Nick Spencer doesn't do a good job with conveying the info  you need, by making it a boring information dump courtesy of Phil Coulson. Worse, Phil Coulson doesn't even feel like the character we all know and love from the films. Spencer does have an okay handle on the rest of his cast, and I did like the big reveal on the final page, there's really not much to desire. 

Luke Ross's art is nothing special, but it does a fine job with telling Spencer's somewhat underwhelming story. The one thing I didn't like about the art, was the coloring. During many scenes, it can be too intense or just too dark. Ross does a spectacular  job with the action scenes though.

Secret Avengers #1 didn't succeed in adding a new series to my pull list. It was just an okay issue, with a lackluster story and okay art.

STORY: 2/5

+ The rest of the cast are written decently

+ I actually didn't see the ending coming.

- Coulson doesn't feel like Coulson

- Boring info dump

ART: 3/5

+ Looks decent

- Colors can be a problem

VERDICT: 2.5/5

Pull List: 2/20/13

There's always something satisfying about picking up comics from your local comic shop on Wednesday. That amazing feeling you get when you open the slip containing your book, and smelling the paper within (What? Just me?) is exhilarating. 

PULL LIST

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1

by Geoff Johns and David Finch

Now, this is what I call a reimagining. I think this could be one of the best titles of the New 52, IF both creators are at their best. Geoff Johns can be a great writer if he tries, but his Justice League stuff hasn't clicked with me. David Finch can be a great artist, and has been as of late. As long as he stays away from trying to recapture the look of his New Avengers stuff.

SAGA #10

by Brian Vaughn and Fiona Staples

C'mon, it's SAGA! I mean, 3 straight 5 out of 5 reviews from me? Why would I skip it?

DEADPOOL #5

by Brian Poeshn, Gerry Duggan and Tony Moore

Deadpool has been quite the romp lately. It's fun, fast-paced, gory, and funny. I got the 4th issue of the series late (I mean, "got it just last week" late), so let's hope I can review this one on time, eh?

DAREDEVIL #23

by Mark Waid and Chris Samnee

Foggy! NO! 

INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #4

by Mark Waid and Lenil Yu

I might drop this when Walter Simonson joins, but I haven't decided yet. Anyway, Mark Waid is a very talented writer and Lenil Yu is one of my favorite artists, so let's watch these two continue to be awesome on this title!

WISH LIST

JUSTICE LEAGUE #17

by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis

I've decided to put Justice League on hold until Throne of Atlantis comes out. I don't read Aquaman anymore, so I'm afraid I'm just wasting my money until the story is over.

ANTI-WISH LIST

The book Catholics should abstain from for the season of Lent
(aka Superior Spider-Man #4)

by Dan "The Man Who Ruined Spider-Man" Slott and Ryan Stegman

'Nuff said.

Top 5: Writers Best Suited to Taking Over Green Lantern

So, with Geoff Johns' classic Green Lantern ending, everyone's asking the question: Who will continue the saga of Hal Jordan? Here's my TOP 5 list of writers I think should take over! "In brightest day, in blackest night, no creator escapes DiDio's sight, let fans that worship comics' might, beware his power, because he's going to replace beloved creators."

5. Peter Tomasi

Everyone wants Peter Tomasi to take over Green Lantern. Tomasi has been playing second fiddle to Johns now for quite some time, and I think it's time for him to join the big leagues. 

4. Scott Snyder

Of course. Scott Snyder, everyone's favorite new writer, would be suited to take GL in a new direction. However, with Snyder being more of a horror writer, I think he should take more of a "Dead Space" route.

3. Jeff Lemire

Jeff Lemire is a writer who really likes to focus on the supporting cast of characters, so I think he could help make the nameless alien background characters more 3-dimensional characters.

2. Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning

This writing duo already caught cosmic lightning in a bottle with their Annihilation saga, so it's time for them to do the same with DC.

1. Grant Morrison

Look, I know this is a long shot, but just hear me out. With Marvel trying (and failing) to do a big cosmic epic with the Avengers, I think DC could benefit from having another big GL saga, written by a writer that plans FRIGGIN' YEARS in advance. I mean, look at what he did with Batman! And he already did a spectacular job with Final Crisis, so why not let him do Green Lantern? His Batman run is ending already, and I really want him to continue writing for DC. 

Batman and Robin #17 Review

BATMAN AND ROBIN #17

by Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason

Did you hear they're filming a new Nightmare on Elm Street movie in Wayne Manor? Turns out, Batman, Robin and Alfred are in it!

I made the mistake of reading this before Batman #17, so it spoiled the fact that Alfred survived. Anyways, this was an amazing issue. It turns such a simple premise into something remarkable. We look into the nightmares of Bruce, Alfred and Damian respectively. Alfred's nightmare is very comical, but you can feel the effect Death of the Family has had on him. Through these nightmares, Tomasi shows us how much he understands these many characters. This issue works so well because of the payoff at the end, which is sure to get a "D'awww!" out of anyone that reads it. However, do not be fooled by the solicitation, this has nothing to do with the 300th anniversary of Gotham.

Onto the art. Patrick Gleason absolutely kicks ass in this issue. You can tell Gleason had a great time drawing this, and you can feel the love he has for the cast. Every panel is crammed with so much energy, and Gleason nails the tone of each dream, especially Alfred's. And Titus steals each scene he's in.

Batman and Robin #17 is surprisingly, one of my favorite issues this week. Everything rocked about it, and you should make space in your pull list to compensate for this. Welcome back to my pull list Batman and Robin. You deserve it.

STORY: 5/5

+ Some of the best character work you can find

+ Alfred's nightmare is awesome

+ You can feel the repercussions of Death of the Family
+ A nice little ending that will make your day

ART: 5/5

+ Able to match the tone of each nightmare

+ Gleason packs a LOT of energy into this

+ TITUS!

VERDICT: 5/5

Uncanny X-Men #1 Review

UNCANNY X-MEN #1

by Brian Michael Bendis and Chris Bachalo

So, here we are. Months after the god-awful AVX, comes Uncanny X-Men. But is it any better than the event that screwed so many readers over? 

Uncanny X-Men #1 starts a little bit after Cyclops has been sprung from prison. First, I want to get one thing out of the way: Cyclops's new costume looks !@#$ing stupid. OK, so Uncanny X-Men #1 did NOT live up to my expectations. It's nowhere near as bad as Bendis's Avengers run, but it's not as good as Ultimate Spider-Man. It's somewhere in between. I don't like the idea of the team instantly falling apart like this, but would rather see the UXM get built  up. Cyclops is written very well. but I don't like Bendis's handling of Magneto, as he does some very uncharacteristic things. (C'mon, you're a murderer to Magnus!) I see where Bendis is trying to go, but I'm not sure if it works... yet. I'll give this series a few more issues to find its footing, but so far, things are looking up.

Chris Bachalo delivers some awesome art. It doesn't feel muddled or crammed like early issues of Wolverine and the X-Men, but it's still as detailed as Ultimate War. Bachalo's art is absolutely crucial to the story, as it perfectly fits with the atmosphere of the script. I did have a few problems with the art: I can't tell Magick and Emma Frost apart. The two look way too damn familiar, and if it weren't for Emma's skin being diamond for the entire book, I wouldn't be able to tell the two apart. Also, Cyclops's stupid costume redesign. 

Uncanny X-Men #1 isn't the home run I was hoping it would be, but it didn't suck either. Let's hope the series will get better in the weeks to come (Come on, just release issue two next month! You're murdering my wallet in cold blood, Marvel!).

STORY: 3/5

+ Good characterization of Cyclops

+ Much better than his god-awful Avengers run

- Magneto is an out-of-character hypocrite

ART: 4/5

+ Not muddled or crammed. Very easy to follow

+ Does a great job with the Sentinel fight

 - Emma Frost and Magick look too similar

- Cyclops's costume looks like something Lady Gaga would wear 

VERDICT: 3.5/5

Batman #17 Review

BATMAN #17

by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo

In the end, Death of the Family happened to not to live up to my expectations. But in a good way.

So, there is no death in Death of the Family, but it's still an excellent Batman story. As usual, Scott Snyder nails the voice of each member of the Batman family, especially Alfred and the Joker. Now, I include Joker in the Batman family, because he's just as important a character as Robin or Alfred. The conclusion of the book is brutal, but nothing game-changing happens. The examination of Batman and Joker's unique relationship is very complex, and requires a second read. When a comic can make you think like this, you know it's good.

Greg Capullo's art is dynamic and gritty, as he deviates from his normal cartoonish style. He nails the grim tone of the story, and does a fantastic job on the chilling last page.

Batman #17 won't live up to your expectations if you thought it was some massive story that would change the Bat-Family forever. But it does change the Bat-Family forever in a way, as you will never see Batman in the same way again.

STORY: 4.5/5

+ Snyder gets the voice of the characters right

+ Complex analysis of Batman and Joker

- Death is nonexistent, even though the word is in the title of the story

+ A thinking man's horror story

ART: 5/5

+ Gruesome and creepy

+ Dat last page...

VERDICT: 4.5/5 

Pull List: 2/13/13

Long ago, in a neighborhood far, far away...

Huzzah! The Walking Dead returns today! And I'm uploading a new pull list, but who cares about that?

PULL LIST

UNCANNY X-MEN #1

by Brian Michael Bendis and Chris Bachalo

I really, really like Chris Bachalo's art. As for Brian Michael Bendis, I don't like much of his work beyond Ultimate Spider-Man, but if this is anywhere near that quality, this will be an astonishing book.

BATMAN #17

by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo

I am 99% Scott Snyder is killing off Alfred.

BATMAN AND ROBIN #17

by Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason

So, Gotham is gearing up for its 300th anniversary, and obviously, some villain is going to cause some mayhem blah blah blah Patrick Gleason is awesome, blah blah blah!

SECRET AVENGERS #1

by Nick Spencer and Luke Ross

I might as well give this a try. I've heard Nick Spencer's THUNDER Agents is really good, and I've looked at some of Luke Ross' art, which is pretty nice.

WISH LIST

KATANA #1

by Ann Nocenti and Alex Sanchez

I would have added this to my Pull List, but it's already to crowded, and I haven't been too enthusiastic about Nocenti's Catwoman.

ANTI-WISH LIST

SUPERBOY #17

by Tom DeFalco and RB Silva

Thank God Justin Jordan is taking over in May. 

Top 5: The Funniest Dark Knight Rises Memes I Could Find

Meh. I felt really lazy, so I decided just to make you people laugh. Here you go. The funniest Dark Knight Rises memes I could find for you people. Man, these Top 5s are become the BANE of my blog...

Animal Man #17 Review

ANIMAL MAN #17

by Jeff Lemire, Scott Snyder, Steve Pugh and Timothy Green

Animal Man and Swamp Thing together at last... Again.

Animal Man and Swamp Thing kick some rotten ass! This issue was breathtaking. As I read it, I got the same feeling I got during the Dark Knight Rises, during the big fight scene between the GCPD and Bane's henchmen. I just wanted to do a fist pump. I wanted to high-five Jeff Lemire and Scott Snyder. This is the better half of the Rotworld finale. Everything I love about Animal Man was crammed into this issue. It seemed like all hope was lost after the last issue, but it just proved everyone can kick butt. And the way Buddy dealed with the Flash... Yuck. A lot of cool stuff happens in this issue, like the Bat-Bot just annihilating the Rot, and Frankenstein getting a Green Lantern ring (that's right, Frank joined the GLC!). I like how Buddy and Alec interact here, but I wish that there relationship reflected the actual connection between the Green and Red. 

Steve Pugh and Timothy Green finish up Rotworld with their best work yet. Pugh and Green do a great job with the final battle, as !@#$ goes down. However, the transition between artists is bad as usual. 

Animal Man #17 is one of my favorite issues of Animal Man yet. It serves as a reminder as to why Animal Man was my favorite series of 2012 in the first place.

STORY: 4.5/5

+ FRANKENSTEIN IS A GREEN LANTERN!

+ Breathtaking final battle

- Animal Man and Swamp Thing could have had a more interesting relationship

ART: 4/5

+ Steve Pugh and Timothy Green's best work yet

- Transition between artists is jarring

VERDICT: 4.5/5

Stormwatch #17 Review

STORMWATCH #17

by Peter Milligan and Will Conrad

Now, this is what I call a return to form. 

I've been keeping up with Stormwatch through the occasional flip-through at a comic shop, and I can say it's been lacking in what made the first 8 issues great. I picked this up mainly because it was advertised as the issue that changes everything, with the death of a team member. None of that happens here, but it's still a pretty big chapter. Apollo, Midnighter, Hawksmoor and  the Projectionist are thrown out the Eye of the Storm, and the Engineer sends a very surprising guest star after them. Milligan has a great handle of his characters, and makes this feel like a classic Warren Ellis "Authority" story. I really like where this is going, and can't wait to see what the Engineer has in store for the team. I also loved Harry Tanner in here, showing even evil douches can have a heart. The only beef I have with Stormwatch #17 is the useless Zealot cameo. It just comes out of nowhere, and does nothing to serve the story.

Will Conrad's art is stunning. I really like the style he's going for, and hope to see more of him in the future. However, I don't like how he draws Zealot, who seems sort of out of place, both story-wise and art-wise. 

Stormwatch #17 is an excellent book. I'm sad to see that it's not selling well, which could mean it's on DC's chopping block. We already lost I, Vampire, and I don't want to loose Stormwatch either. Show Apollo and Midnighter some love, people!

STORY: 4/5

+ Excellent character work

+ Harry Tanner ftw!

+ Feels like classic "Authority"

-Useless Zealot appearance

ART: 4/5

+ Looks magnificent 

- Zealot looks... Weird.

VERDICT: 4/5

Detective Comics #17 Review

DETECTIVE COMICS #17

by John Layman, Jason Fabok and Andy Clarke

My thoughts when I read the first three pages of the book: "OK, I'm pretty sure that doctor guy is the Merrymaker." Guess what. I  told you so.

Yeah, uh, spoiler alert. This is the worst issue of Layman's DC yet. I absolutely hated the mystery he made here, mainly because of its boring conclusion. The resolution is so predictable, I spoiled it without warning you people! Yeah, I feel so badass. Anyways, Layman's character work isn't as strong as it was for the past couple of issues, and there are a few plot holes. The Emperor Penguin storyline doesn't progress, which made this issue quite a yawn. However, I'll still give it points for dealing with Death of the Family in a unique way.

The one saving grace of the main story is Jason Fabok's art. Though it's not as smooth as it was in #13, it still looked great.

The backup story is the main attraction. It serves as a nice character study of the Merrymaker, who is portrayed as sort of, Joker's parallel in more ways than one, but also as a dedicated copy. Andy Clark's art looks just as good too.

Detective Comics #17 was a major bummer. I was looking forward to a more gripping mystery story instead of an obvious bit of filler.

STORY: 2/5

+ Unique way of dealing with DOTF
- A mystery even a 2-year old could solve

- Plot holes

- Some characters... Out of character.

ART: 3.5/5

+ Looks great

- Not as smooth as usual

BACKUP: 4.5/5

+ Interesting character study

+ Good art

VERDICT: 3/5

Green Arrow #17 Review

GREEN ARROW #17

by Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino

To start out this review, let's just say Green Arrow #17 hit the bullseye. (Snare drum!)

Green Arrow #17 just goes to show how a simple creative team change can quickly turn a very bad book into one of the best comics in town. However, Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino aren't exactly "normal" creators. These two creators are responsible for two of my favorite books of 2012. Reading Green Arrow #17 is like watching an action movie. It's fun, fast and brutal. While Green Arrow #15 was advertised as the fall of Oliver Queen, it's this issue that really delivers the goods. From Ollie losing his company AND his only friends, this is not going an average Green Arrow story. I also like how Jeff Lemire has found a way to cross the high stakes/espionage tone of the first 17 (including #0) chapters of the series, with his own sort of street level "Kick-Ass" type feel. Also, the mystery Lemire has begun building is very interesting. Was Ollie destined to be a crime lord on "The Island"? 

Andrea Sorrentino's art is the icing on the cake. It gives the book a distinctive feel, that's nothing like his I, Vampire work. Instead, this feels like you're watching the last film in the Bourne series. Unlike the artists that drew past issues, Sorrentino goes for a shadowy and gritty style that compliments everything Lemire is trying to achieve.

Green Arrow #17 could be the start of the definitive Green Arrow story. Everything about it is great. I mean, EVERYTHING.

STORY: 5/5

+ This is not your grandpa's Green Arrow

+ Crosses high stakes espionage with Kick-Ass level crimefighting

+ Great character work

+ Intriguing mystery

ART: 5/5

+ Dark and gritty

+ Feels like a movie

VERDICT: 5/5

Pull List: 2/6/13

It's time for my weekly... PULL LIST, the game show where you could win, $1,000,000! Kidding. Now, this is where I choose what books I'm buying this week, a book I want to buy, and a book I don't want. Which is most likely something by Rob Liefeld, or an issue of the Superior Spider-Man or Superboy.

PULL LIST

ANIMAL MAN/SWAMP THING #17

by Jeff Lemire, Scott Snyder, Steve Pugh and Yannick Paquette

The end of Rotworld. 'Nuff said. 

GREEN ARROW #17

by Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino

Holy cow, you wouldn't believe how much I'm looking forward to this. Freaking Jeff Lemire, writer of Animal Man and Justice League Dark, and Andrea Sorrentino, the artist of I, Vampire? Throw one of these creators on a book, and you already have my $2.99. But, BOTH of them? Dear God, that's awesome. 

DETECTIVE COMICS #17

by John Layman, Jason Fabok, and Andy Clarke

John Layman and Jason Fabok have both come up with the most interesting DOTF tie-in yet. Instead of fighting the Joker, Batman is combating an enemy created by the Joker's influence. Two actually, Emperor Penguin and the League of Smiles. 

STORMWATCH #17

by Peter Milligan and Will Conrad

The solicit promises someone's death. Whoever it is, they're most likely going to have a more heroic death than Peter Parker.

WISH LIST

SECRET AVEBGERS #37

by Rick Remender and Matteo Scalara

I've heard a lot of good things about Remender's Secret Avengers, and this is it's final issue. However, buying 5 books this month, it's out of my budget. I need money for Bioshock Infinite and Injustice: Gods Among Us, right?

ANTI-WISH LIST

THE SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #3

by Dan Slott and Ryan Stegman

So. Pointless plot development that pisses off a lot of people including me? Check. Status quo change that pretty much says "I hate the character I'm writing for"? Check. Disgusting romance between and old 70-something year old man and a 20-something girl? Check. I'm just waiting for Pete to come back.

Batman Incorporated #7 Review

BATMAN INCORPORATED #7

by Grant Morrison and Chris Burnham

Ha ha ha! Nightwing got his ass kicked by a bunch of 2nd graders!

Batman Inc #7 is nowhere as tragic as issue 6, or as spectacular as  #5, but it's still another great chapter in Grant Morrison's Batman saga. I'm absolutely astonished that Grant Morrison set up all these different plot lines 5-6 years ago, and this is where it all starts to come together. Morrison places a bunch of little details in this issue, such as Damian still being vegetarian, and Ellie (the hooker that helped Batman during the 3 Ghosts of Batman storyline) now an intern at Wayne Industries. It's little things like these that makes this series so charming. I would have liked to see a little more of the fallout of the Knight's death, but it doesn't harm the book much. 

Chris Burnham's art is starting to degrade a bit. His art seems sketchier than usual, and there's... fill-in art. Thankfully, it still doesn't make his art any less unique. Oh, and Bat-Cow, Titus, and Alfred the Cat are sleeping and cuddled together. The cutest thing I've ever seen.

Batman Inc #7 isn't the best issue of Batman Inc, but it's far from the worst (Vol. 1 #8 I'm looking at you). 

STORY: 4.5/5

+ Plot points set up year ago coming together

+ Great attention to detail

- Not much fallout from the Knight's death

ART: 3.5/5

+ Very unique

+ Bat-Cow, Titus, and Alfred the Cat. 'Nuff said.

-Sketchier than usual

- FILL-IN ART.

VERDICT: 4/5

Top 5: Best Post Apocalyptic/Dystopian Future/Mad Max-esque Stories

Now, I love me some post apocalyptic future stories, but (as everything else is) some are better than others. Here are my 5 fav. "life after the bomb" stories!

5. THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN

by Frank Miller

This has got to be Frank Miller's most underrated story. Now, I can see why people have a problem with it. Miller was in the process of writing issue 2 when 9/11 happened, so the book essentially turned into something for Miller tot take his anger out on. However, that's not to say it's bad. The first issue was a dark political thriller, and from there, it just turned into a explosive shoot em' up story. 

4. X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST

by Chris Claremont and John Byrne

This book started the "everything gone to hell future" trend. This was X-Men meets the Terminator (Which is also what Millar promises the film to be). It was a blast to read with some good-looking art.

3. ROTWORLD
by Jeff Lemire, Scott Snyder, Steve Pugh and Yannick Paquette

Rotworld has been a roller coaster so far. At times it's just okay, but most of the time, it's freaking awesome. Thankfully, the majority of the series has been the latter. Now, many people will say it's blasphemous to say this is better than Days of Future Past, but I don't care. It's been great, and I don't remember Days of Future Past being this fun.

2. OLD MAN LOGAN

by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven

Old Man Logan is the most violent out of the stories on this list, but it's also the most entertaining. There's just something satisfying about watching Wolverine accompanying a blind Hawkeye driving the Spider-Buggy, running away from Venom dinosaurs. Plus, the big Hulk fight at the end is disgustingly delightful. SNIKT!

1. THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS

by Frank Miller

This is one of my favorite stories EVER. This dark story was the most realistic take on Bats yet, and to this day, everything about it is effective. It made the dark and gritty Batman we're used to today. Without this, there would be no Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy. No Scott Snyder Batman. Nothing. That's why this is the greatest Batman  story ever told.

I, Vampire #16 Review

I, VAMPIRE #16

by Joshua Hale Fiakov and Scott Clark

Andrew Bennett is a dog? I thought he was a wolf.

I, Vampire #16 is a major improvement from #15 in both, the story and art departments. Fiakov makes Constantine an important character to the book's cast, and manages to lighten things up a bit. The goals of Andrew Bennett's raid on the Van Helsing castle are still a bit unclear, but I was too entranced with the rest of the story to care. Fiakov does annoyingly jump back and forth between the intense scenes in the present, and Cain's origin in ancient Egypt. Besides that, great character work, a harrowing plot, and friggin' Constantine!

Now, the art is a massive step up from last month, with Scott Clark coming in to replace Dennis Calero. Now, I like how Clark is trying to make the book his own instead of imitating Andrea Sorrentino, so props to him for that. Despite all of this, I have one major gripe: Why the hell does the art style change with each page? One page, it's dark and sketchy, the next, it's bright with thick inks! And the next, an entirely DIFFERENT artist is drawing it! I was really bugged by this, and it could really take me out of the story at times.

I, Vampire #16 is very good. It's not great, but it's an obvious improvement from issue 15.

STORY: 4.5/5

+ Constantine!

+ Good character work

+ Plot's getting intense

- Cain has a dumb origin story 

- Why did they attack Castle Van Helsing?

ART: 3.5/5

+ Looks beautiful

- Stick with one artist, please!

VERDICT: 4/5