Justice League Dark #19 Review

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #19

by Jeff Lemire, Ray Fawkes and Mikel Janin

The Flash vs Frankenstein? Yes please.

I'm sorry, but Ray Fawkes can NOT write Constantine. Fawkes' characterization of the con man has him getting scared way too easily. I mean, John was able to keep his cool when the Books of Magic were in danger of falling into Nick Necro's hands, and even the entire I, Vampire fiasco! OK, besides that, this was a much needed return to form for JLD. This was a fun little issue, that had some badass Frankenstein moment, and a surprisingly interesting insight into Deadman. My only problem is, that Swamp Thing could have been used better. I think Alec would have had a better appearance here if he actually joined the team.

Mikel Janin's art only looks OK here. I really wish Vincent Cifuentes wasn't on this, as the changes he makes to Janin's style are out of place. But as usual, Janin still brings his distinct sense of motion, and characters, and the colors are some of the best in comics.

Justice League Dark #19, while flawed, is still a welcome return to form for the series, which is almost the level of Lemire's awesome  debut on the title, #9.

STORY:  3/5

+ Very fun

+ Deadman has become a layered character

+ Frankenstein. Flash. 'Nuff said.

- Constantine, the FREAKING MAIN CHARACTER is poorly written.

ART: 4/5

+ The colors are truly beautiful

+ Janin's art truly stands out

- Cifuentes does not work out

VERDICT: 3.5/5

About Superior Spider-Man #9 (Just because I'm too tired to write a pull list)

Oh, Slott. Tsk tsk tsk. I like how you're trying to tease us Spider-fans with your LIES about Peter's chances of coming back. The solicit says it's time to find out who lives and who dies, but we all know what's going to happen. We all know you love to screw around with Peter Parker fans. You already said it yourself, that Peter's not going to be back for a long time. So just drop the act, end the joke. You know people are already pissed. You've done the damage. But you just have to go and poke the bear. Even one of my friends, who was very optimistic about the Superior Spider-Man is losing hope. So redeem yourself, Slott. Just bring Peter back already.

Sincerely,
A former Spider-fan

I, Vampire #19 Review

I, VAMPIRE #19

by Joshua Hale Fiakov, Fernando Blanco and Andrea Sorrentino

I, Vampire #19 is the bittersweet farewell to one of my favorite series in the New 52. However, is it a GOOD farewell?

I, Vampire #19 could have benefited from being a $3.99 book, or being an issue longer. While we do get enough time to bid our favorite characters goodbye, including the ever so-awesome Tig (who deserves her own series), a few threads are left hanging. I also hated the way that Cain went out, as his death scene (oops, spoilers) felt rushed and anti-climatic. Besides those, I, Vampire #19 was a book that was painful (in a good way!) to read. Knowing that I there isn't going to be a #20 seriously bugged me throughout the issue, but it also heightened my expectations. As usual, Fiakov's script puts emphasis on the humor and the characters, as he gives us some of Andrew, Mary, and even Charles's best moments in the series. A few of my favorite parts of #19 were the flashbacks to Andrew and Mary's life in the 18th century, and I've got to say, the last page was an excellent way for the series to go out. When I hit the last page, "How You Like Me Now?" by The Heavy started blaring in my head, as if an imaginary end credits was playing. It's amazing what a good ending can do for a book.

The art duties of the issue is divided between Fernando Blanco and Andrea Sorrentino. As you would expect, Sorrentino steals the show. Now, the jarring transition between the two artists actually HELPS the book, as the different moods of the flashbacks and the main story (respectively) separate each other. Blanco's art would be right at home in an old issue of Tales of the Crypt, and Sorrentino works wonders with the horror. Best of all, Sorrentino draws the awesome last page mentioned earlier.

I, Vampire #19 isn't a perfect ending to this amazing series, but it's still a pretty damn good one. 

STORY: 4/5

+ Good farewells to many characters
+ Lots of action

+ DAT ENDING!
- Cain went out like a !@#$%

ART: 4/5

+ SORRENTINO'S BACK!

+ Transition between artists helps the story

+ Very Tales of the Crypt like style from Blanco

- Blanco does not live up to Sorrentino

VERDICT: 4/5

Jupiter's Legacy #1 Review

JUPITER'S LEGACY #1

by Mark Millar and Frank Quitely

Change of plan, I was able to get my books a few days earlier than planned, so reviews are coming your way as soon as possible!

Remember when I said we'll be lucky if we get issues of this series annually? Well, let's just say, issue 2 was already delayed a month. Yeah.

Whenever I review a Mark Millar book, I have a hard time NOT being bias. Millar is just one of my favorite writers. He has written two of my favorite books in ALL of literature (not just comics): The Ultimates 2 and Kick-Ass. So with that out of the way, here's the actual review. This is one of the strangest Millar books I've ever read. While the script feels like pure Kick-Ass/Supercrooks, the plot feels like it was a rejected Grant Morrison or Peter Milligan tale. Yes, there is awesome superhero action, including a rather comical sequence in which a supervillain is dropped into a dream world while he's... You know what? Just read it. Now, in terms of actual story progression, we don't get much of it here, but just enough to make #1 feel like it's not filler. After reading the first 5 pages, you can tell this is going to be a very character driven story. A lot of this is spent to fleshing out the many characters. The most interesting of the bunch is an aging superhero named the Utopian who seems to have a god complex. Funnily enough, this is a Millar book, and it's rated M. It's not even that violent. The sexual themes are only implied, and profanity is (this is VERY uncharacteristic of Millar) absent. It's really strange. The only real flaw I have with this issue, is that some of the characters that seem like they are important, but barely get a backstory. And there's a lot of space in the book for it.

Frank Quitely is one of the best freaking artists in the business. I mean, if I see his name on ANYTHING, I'm putting down $2.99, $3.99, anything just to get a look at it. Quitely is the other half of the reason I've been so excited for this. If someone else was drawing this, I would be less anxious, and the book wouldn't be as good. Millar WROTE this for Quitely specifically. The exaggerated yet somehow grounded style of his art is perfect for the book. Quitely brings an undeniable sense of energy to this, and there's just something special about his characters I can't put my finger on.

Jupiter's Legacy is one of the best comics of the year so far. While I'm still a little hesitant on the score I'm giving, and I'm being cautiously optimistic about it, I loved Jupiter's Legacy #1. Buy it. Now.

STORY: 4.5/5

+ Character driven

+ A very interesting, albeit slow moving plot

+ The Utopian is a compelling character

- Some characters are as fleshed out as others

ART: 5/5

+ It's Quitely. Seriously.

+ Perfect for the book

+ Energetic and frantic
+ Exaggerated

VERDICT: Oh, to hell with it, 5/5

Bad News....

I can't upload any reviews this week because well... Comics in my area have been delayed until next week. Believe me, I hate this too. I hate having to wait another week for Jupiter's Children #1 and Uncanny X-Men #5, but to make up for it, I will upload late reviews next week, so that should clear it all up. 

Pull List: 4/24/13

While DC's gatefold month is being awesome, Marvel... Is doing about three events at the same time. Shameless. But, there are still some good Marvel books (cough Hawkeye cough Uncanny X-Men), and there are some bad DC books (cough cough Hawkman cough Superboy cough Superman cough Legion of Superheroes cough). So, let's get the rundown of the books I'm getting this week!

PULL LIST

BATMAN INCORPORATED #10

by Grant Morrison, Chris Burnham and Jason Masters

Knight and Dark Ranger should seriously replace Batman and Robin.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #2

by Brian Michael Bendis and Steve McNiven

GROOOOOOOOOT

I, VAMPIRE #19

by Joshua Hale Fiakov, Fernando Blanco, and Andrea Sorrentino

I am SO happy that Sorrentino is coming back on for the last few pages of the series. RIP I, Vampire. You'll be the only cancelled DC series I miss (besides Frankenstein and Resurrection Man)

JUPITER'S LEGACY #1

by Mark Millar and Frank Quitely

This is one of the most anticipated series of the YEAR for me. I mean, Mark Millar, writer of Kick-Ass, Superior, and Supercrooks and creator of The Ultimates (one of my favorite pieces of LITERATURE, not just comics, ever) and Frank Quitely, artist of All-Star Superman, Batman and Robin, and a very controversial run on The Authority are teaming up. That's !@#$ing awesome. As Millar describes it, "creator-owned superhero event". Yup.

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #19

by Jeff Lemire, Ray Fawkes, and Mikel Janin

There's something magic about this book. No matter how bad it gets (the last few issues of The Death of Magic storyline), I can never drop it. I don't know why.

UNCANNY X-MEN #5

by Brian Michael Bendis and Frazer Irving

Bendis. Irving. X-Men. Gold balls. Yes please.

WISH LIST

YOUNG AVENGERS #4

by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McElvie

Yeah, this is actually a pretty decent series. If you have space for an extra book on your Pull List (unlike me), buy this.

ANTI-WISH LIST

THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #19

by Tom DeFalco and Joe Bennett

I'm sorry, but even without Liefeld, this is still a terrible book. But what do you expect, Discount Liefeld is writing it.

Red Hood and the Outlaws #19 Review

RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #19

by James Tynion and Julius Gopez

Oh man, the issue with the cover for Red Hood #19 is the perfect example of a ruined opportunity. Suanyan (I think that's his last name) made one of the best covers I've seen all year!

OK, RHATO #19 is a very depressing let down in both story and art. First things first, I really would have appreciated it if Tynion wiped the slate clean as Lemire did in Green Arrow #17. In my opinion, Jason really needs a solo series, and Starfire and Arsenal are just bringing him down. Speaking of, for a book called RED HOOD and the Outlaws, there is very little Jason in this book. Also, I really hate the fact that Tynion keeps the light-hearted tone of Lobdell's run, which I found really annoying at times. The biggest problem I had with this issue (ironically) is Jason himself. His actions are very out-of-character. The witty and devious Jason we see in the opening scene is very different from the neutered Red Hood we see at the end. On a more positive note, Tynion writes Roy and Kori surprisingly well, and they steal the show.

I know the artist of this is Julius Gopez, but, in the tradition of the Cinema Sins channel on YouTube, his name should be Discount Gary Frank. He uses the light and thin style of shadowing, but he does a horrible job with facial expressions, and his work can sometimes feel static. However, the colors here are absolutely BEAUTIFUL, and make Gopez's art worth looking at.

Red Hood and the Outlaws #19 is a major bummer, but not as much as the god-awful Avengers #4 or Superman #13. Tynion is better than this. This is not the same man who's writing Talon right now, and I know he's somewhere in the head of the generic writer behind this disaster.

STORY: 2/5

+ Tynion's supporting cast is well written

- Not enough Jason

- The light tone just doesn't work for this series

- Jason is out of character

ART: 2/5

+ The colors are magnificent

- Weird facial expressions

- Can feel stiff

VERDICT: 2/5

Nightwing #19

NIGHTWING #19

by Kyle Higgins and Brett Booth

Wait, wasn't Tony Zucco that fat guy that had a heart attack in Dark Victory? Well, looks like he's lost weight.

So, Nightwing #19 marks the start of the newest arc of the series. I must say, Kyle Higgins's writing was a delightful surprise for me. For me, the writing for Nightwing is usually just OK, but from what I've seen, it's quickly improving. Dick feels like the Dick we fell in love with (shut up, you know what I mean) years ago when we first read Dark Victory or Robin: Year One. He knows how to have fun, and has a surprisingly light and happy-go-lucky demeanor despite hunting down his parents' killer. The one problem I had with the writing though, was that much of the new supporting cast feel stale and expendable.

Brett Booth joins Nightwing with this issue, and he does a much better job than I thought he would. Booth brings a fluid and energetic sense of detail to the action scene, and his Nightwing looks very good. BUT, many of Booth's faces look exactly the same, and Nightwing looks exactly like Tim Drake.

Nightwing #19 is nowhere near as good as the Death of the Family tie-in, but it's still a pretty good comic.

STORY: 4/5

+ Dick is Dick (oh shut up)

+ Love the new setting

+ I like his personality in this

- Supporting cast is one-dimensional

ART: 3/5

+ Strength is in action scenes

+ Nightwing feels like he should

- Faces look alike

- Nightwing is secretly Tim Drake

VERDICT: 3.5/5

Pull List: 4/17/13

"COMICS, MOTHER!@#$ER, DO YOU SPEAK IT?" That's right, it's Pull List time. Where I give you a list of the comics I'm reading this week, and give my opinions on a book I want, and one that needs to be thrown into the fire pits of Apokolips.

PULL LIST

DAREDEVIL #24

by Mark Waid and Chris Samnee

OK, something is going to happen in this issue. I mean, Marvel has been marketing it as a major WTF turning point for the series. So, let's see how this goes down! (BTW, I think the guy trying to tear Matt's life down is a resurrected Bullseye.)

JUSTICE LEAGUE #19

by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis

I'm finally putting Justice League back on my Pull List, and I'm ready to see what other surprises we have in store. You know, the new DCU is kind of like the Ultimate version of the DCU, and I actually like it this way... Yeah, just a random comment on the New 52.

NIGHTWING #19

by Kyle Higgins and Brett Booth

Tony Zucco is alive, and I'm assuming this is the next Joker story in the New 52. Sounds good. Oh yeah, Brett Booth has joined the series.

RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #19

by James Tynion and Mico Suayan

OH GOD YES, LOBDELL IS OFF RED HOOD! Let's hope Tynion can finally give us a good Jason Todd story.

WISH LIST

DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #19

by Tony Bedard and Jesus Saiz

$50 says Beowulf is the star of the last issue.

ANTI-WISH LIST

AGE OF ULTRON #6

by Brian Michael Bendis and Brandon Peterson

What the hell, Marvel! Just stop with the damn events already! I'm not buying this, because EVERYONE HATES THIS, and YOU MAKE TOO MANY FREAKING EVENTS! I'm tired of this!

Uncanny X-Men #4 Review

UNCANNY X-MEN #4

by Brian Michael Bendis and Chris Bachalo

It doesn't matter how old you are. Everyone is still going to fight for the top bunk.

Uncanny X-Men #4 is a much slower and less interesting issue in the series. It's  not really filler, it's just... OK. the confrontation at the Jean Grey School is only a rehash of the Avengers encounter in #3. Surprisingly, I found myself much more engaged (and amused) in seeing the new mutants exploring the New Charles Xavier School. Bendis still does a bang-up job with the dialogue (dialogue is Bendis's trademark) and ending looks like something wicked is coming the X-Men's way. However, I also don't like the inclusion of Angel into the team, and there should have been more focus on the new mutants.

Though the writer falters this month, Bachalo's art is still the eye candy that we've become used to in the last 3 issues. There's just something about chaos that Bachalo can capture so well. And though I will miss him, I'm eagerly awaiting Frazer Irving's debut in two weeks.

Uncanny X-Men #4 isn't the fun action story we've gotten from past issues, but it's still an enjoyable (though flawed) comic.

STORY: 2/5

+ The antics at the New Charles Xavier School are amusing

+ Good characterization

- Angel does not belong with the UXM

- The confrontation at the Jean Grey School is uninteresting

- The plot doesn't seem like it's going anywhere

ART: 4/5

+ Chaotic

+ Very... Poppy. (If that's a word.)

VERDICT: 3/5

The Secret Service #6 Review

THE SECRET SERVICE #6

by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons

$10 says that Vaughn never gets to adapting these storyboards-- Er, I mean, comics.

"Mate, I've been playing James Bond ever since before you were born." When I read that line, and noticed who was saying it, I practically dropped my comic, and starting laughing my ass  off. The finale to the Secret Service is a fun, gun-filled and explosive ending to one of Millar's better creator-owned works. Millar writes this with the quality of a movie script. The are a lot of awesome parodies of the spy genre, but this book managed to be a serious full-blown secret agent drama while still poking fun at the movies. It's nice to see British Kick-Ass-- I mean, Gary finally kick ass (oh, the irony) and get his revenge on Doctor Arnold. However, it seems like the big death from the last issue barely had any effect on Gary. Seeing at how close this person was to him, you'd think that he'd at least mourn this death for a few more panels than he actually did. But that was the only gripe I have! I mean, just watching his spy training come to fruition where he pulls a Black Orchid-like switcharoo (read JLD #9 and the annual to get the reference) and watching the laser pen knife do it's stuff is truly satisfying.

Dave Gibbon's art has improved a LOT. He brings a lot of explosions and detail to the action scenes, and draws in a LOT of cameos in the big fight in the end. The gruesome laser-pen-knife kill couldn't be as hilarious and gut-wrenching as it is without Gibbons drawing it. Plus, I see he's resolved his facial expression crisis from the last few issues.

STORY: 4/5

+ Awesome deconstruction of the spy genre

+ BROSNAN!

+ Gary is now a certified ass-kicker

- Dude, why aren't you that sad about [REDACTED]

ART: 5/5

+ Vastly improved

+ Explosive action scenes

+ A lot of cameos in the end

+ 3 words. LASER. PEN. KNIFE.

VERDICT: 4.5/5

Batman #19 Review

BATMAN #19

by Scott Snyder, James Tynion, Greg Capullo and Alex Maleev

That flower guy in the beginning must be Poison Ivy's unpopular, less badass little brother. But he's still badass.

It's nice to see Snyder slowing down for once on this series. Batman has been quite the wild ride so far, but I think I like the series better as it is. Here, we get a mystery on a much smaller scale than the arcs before it, but it's still very engaging. We have a B:TAS-like tale that evokes the early (and better) issues of Layman's Detective Comics. Clayface's plan seems  intriguing and the flashback is a nice heartwarming Damian  tale that's a nice break in the action. My only gripe about this issue is that the mystery practically solves itself by the end of the issue, leaving not much more room for anything else to reveal itself.

Capullo's art uses  a more vibrant color palette (as he did in #0) and the pencils feel much more energetic. The opening scene pops with flashy colors and the  Clayface fight is well detailed.

The backup story featuring Superman (by James Tynion and Alex  Maleev) is less spectacular than the main feature but is still very entertaining. Superman seems  to have come out of nowhere, but plays an important role nonetheless. Maleev's art is dark and gritty, and it looks stunning. But it's definitely not suited  for a Superman story, sort of making it seem out of place.

Batman #19 redeems Snyder and co. for the less-than-Snydertastic #18. The writing and art is up to par again, and even though the backup isn't does't match the level of quality as the main story, this is still an amazing issue.

STORY: 4/5

+ Jinkies, Batman! A mystery!
+ The Damian flashback is a nice revisit to the late (and missed) Damian Era

+ Snyder does a surprisingly good job with a lighter (than usual) tone

- The mystery is practically solved by the end of the issue....

ART: 5/5

+ Pops with vibrant colors

+ Capullo brings a lot of energy to the book
+ Very detailed

BACKUP: 3/5 (Because I'm feeling merciful) 

+ Entertaining

+ Maleev's art looks nice
- What is Superman doing here?

- What is Maleev doing, drawing Superman?

VERDICT: 4/5

Saga #12

SAGA #12

by Brian Vaughn and Fiona Staples

It's like a cross between Silence of the Lambs and Star Wars!

Saga #12 is a very interesting issue to review. As usual, Vaughn does an amazing job with each character, and the controversial opening scene is very well written. However, this book is mostly filler. It does end on a very interesting cliffhanger that will make the wait for #13 veeeeeeeeeeery looooooooong. Back on the bright side, Vaughn introduces a very adorable pair of new characters (including a freaking tiny seal with a walrus with a bucket).

Fiona Staples' art looks a lot better than ever thanks to the unique atmosphere of Quietus. I love the coloring of this issue particularly with a mix of greys and whites thanks to the misty atmosphere of the planet.

Saga #12 is (sort of) filler, but it's still an excellent issue.

STORY: 4/5

+ Great characterization

+ Awesome cliffhanger

+ A very violent and well-written opening scene

- Filler (for the most part)

ART: 5/5

+ Looks amazing

+ Quietus is very atmospheric

+ Beautiful colors

VERDICT: 4.5/5

Pull List: 4/10/13

I was looking at the solicit for Superboy #19 today... And I realized something wonderful was about to happen... Read on to find out!

PULL LIST

BATMAN #19

by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo

These gatefold covers have been very interesting and rather entertaining. We all know Commissioner Gordon is on the other end of the cover, but I damn well want to know why Bruce Wayne is aiming a gun at him.

BATMAN AND RED ROBIN #19

by Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason

So, this is the first issue of Batman and Robin becoming Batman and Friends, and it seems rather interesting. I'd like to see what Red Robin will be doing in the pages of the series.

SAGA #12

by Brian Vaughn and Fiona Staples

SSSAAAGGGAAA

THE SECRET SERVICE #6

by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons

TWO Millar books coming out in one month? BLASHPHEMY! But seriously, didn't issue 5 come out in like, December? What was with the holdup?

UNCANNY X-MEN #4

by Brian Michael Bendis and Chris Bachalo

Bendis and Bachalo have really surprised with how good Uncanny X-Men is. They made the best of the horrible AVX, and made an amazing comic from it. 

WISH LIST

THE WALKING DEAD #108

by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard

If our pop culture was the wizard world, then the Walking Dead would be Harry Potter. 

ANTI-WISH LIST

SUPERBOY #19

by Tom DeFalco and RB Silva

Alright, time to break out the confetti. Why?

IT'S TOM DEFALCO'S LAST ISSUE!

Swamp Thing #19 Review

SWAMP THING #19

by Charles Soule and Kano

So, Charles Soule has some ridiculously large shoes to fill... But does he live up to Scott Snyder's legacy?

I am going to admit: It doesn't even feel like Scott Snyder left. Soule's inner monologue feels like Snyder wrote it. Snyder's mannerisms are present here, like frequently using anecdotes in his monologue, and a very horror-like tone to the book. Soule nails Holland's voice, though he writes him as if he's more of a force of nature (no pun intended) than a character. While I'm not sure whether making Swamp Thing interact with the more famous characters of the DCU will work as a new direction, I fully support where Soule is taking the book. 

However, on the other end of things, Kano fails to live up to the artistic void left by Yannick Paquette. Though it looks nice, it pales in comparison to Paquette's style. Instead of feeling like something unique, it feels more like he's trying to pay tribute to classic Swampy artists like Bernie Wrightson and Stephen Bisette. 

Swamp Thing #19 is a step in the right direction for Swamp Thing. It faced an uphill  battle, but was able to win. This is an excellent new direction (for the most part) for the series.

STORY: 4.5/5

+ Soule does his best to imitate Snyder's unique style

+ The new direction of the series is rather different, in a good way

+ Holland's voice is well written

- Have some minor reservations about the new feel of the series

ART: 3.5/5

+ It's a tribute to days gone by

- It pales in comparison to Paquette

VERDICT: 4/5

Action Comics #19 Review

ACTION COMICS #19

by Andy Diggle and Tony Daniel

"This looks like a job for... Superman!"

When I saw Superman say that, my inner 5 year old squealed, but the real me (grumpy, logical, and kind of a douchebag) facepalmed. 

I have VERY mixed feelings towards this issue. While I did think that Andy Diggle tried his best to make a good Superman story and I loved the classic Man of Steel feel, something about the book was off. I'm not sure whether Action Comics is still set in the past like Morrison's AC, or if it's set around the same time of Lobdell's (horrible) Superman. I also think the Jimmy Olsen plot didn't get that much attention, despite being the subject of the fold-out cover. However, Diggle wrote a fantastic action scene, and the scene with Luthor and the psychiatrist was downright villainous. 

Tony Daniel is made for action scenes. He brings an uncontrollable energy to the entire book, and kicks a lot of ass. I especially love the way he draws Luthor, as a menacing snake-like son-of-a-bitch, who will kill you if you're standing in his way. The only thing I don't like about Daniel's art is the fact that  some of his characters look exactly the same. (I mean, look at Clark and then Bruce in Detective)

Action Comics #19 is sort of a triumph. It was a very fun issue, despite it's flaws. Pick it up if you're a Superman fan looking for a good time.

STORY: 3.5/5

+ A blast to read

+ Very Superman-like

- Jimmy Olsen as a villain gets little attention

- Something feels... off.

- Classic can sometimes feel cheesy

ART: 3.5/5

+ Suited for action

+ Luthor is like a bald Willem Dafoe

- Jim Lee snydrome

VERDICT: 3.5/5 

Animal Man #19 Review

ANIMAL MAN #19

by Jeff Lemire and Steve Pugh

Well, that was depressing.

Jeff Lemire has instantly put Animal Man back on track. Lemire's story really brings out the best of what made the first 6 issues of the series great. You feel the frustration Buddy feels as he tries to balance family and heroics. And as usual, the characterization is great, as we get to see a very different side of Animal Man. It was also fun to see that Socks isn't going anywhere for now. However, the one thing I really liked about this issue was how tragic it was. Lemire is pulling a Green Arrow #17 on Animal Man by tearing Buddy's life down, and it was really heartbreaking to watch that play out. This is a very grounded superhero book, where the big, flashy action is put on the back burner, and the characters get the focus.

Steve Pugh's art has instantly become vital to the story. Where the Rotworld saga felt to "out there" for Pugh's realistic style, the very realistic story unfolding here plays to Pugh's strengths as an artist. It visually recalls the days of Grant Morrison's run on Animal Man when Chaz Truog was drawing the book.

Animal Man #19 is a return to form for the series. It was good for the past couple of issues, but it's become great once more. 

STORY: 5/5

+ Tragic

+ Lemire's trademark: Character work

+ Socks!

+ SOCKS!

ART: 5/5

+ Finally completely agrees with the script
+ Feels like classic Animal Man

+ Realistic

VERDICT: 5/5

Stormwatch #19 Review

STORMWATCH #19

by Jim Starlin and Yvel Guilich

So wait, the entire Stormwatch team disappeared, but there's another guy on the new team named Lucas Trent, and a new Engineer named Angela Spica... Uh...

OK, while fun this issue was to read, I noticed quite a few flaws. According to the solicit, I thought Stormwatch was just missing, not dead. Also, there are some characters that aren't fleshed out as the others. However, the biggest problem I have with this issue is the ridiculous amount of continuity errors. For examples, in Stormwatch #9, the Red Lantern ring identifies Midnighter as Lucas Trent. And the latest Midnighter is also Lucas Trent. I'm also sure the original Engineer's  name was Angela Spica (due to her being called Angie by some of the SW members). But I did love how this truly felt like a classic Wildstorm comic, and Jim Starlin's characterization is rather nice.

Yvel Gulich's art recalls classic comics from the 80's with a digital finish. It looks sleek but occasionally messy. 

Stormwatch #19 is not as good as Cornell's brief run on the book, but if it gets better from here, it could be.

QUOTE OF THE BOOK: "This suit wasn't made for jogging!" (Yes it was. The first Engineer could run in it easily.) 

STORY: 3/5

+ Very entertaining

+ Well done characterization

+ Classic Wildstorm feels

- Continuity errors

- Some characters aren't as fleshed out as others 

- Incosistent with the solicit

ART: 4/5

+ Feels like a classic comic

+ A nice digital sheen

-  Sometimes messy

VERDICT: 3.5/5

Pull List: 4/3/13

Sorry for the rather late Pull List. I was stuck last night watching the Walking Dead season 3 finale. Which was rather disappointing. (At least we don't have to suffer Andrea's annoyance any more.) 

PULL LIST

ACTION COMICS #19

by Andy Diggle and Tony Daniel

Will Andy Diggle make Action Comics awesome, like he did with The Losers and Snapshot? Or will he screw it up like he did with Daredevil?

ANIMAL MAN #19

by Jeff Lemire and Steve Pugh

With Cliff being DEAD and all, I hope the emotion and horror from the first six issues of the series will come back in this issue.

GREEN ARROW #19

by Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino

Those of you who aren't reading Green Arrow now, add this to your pull list. Like, now. 

INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #6

by Mark Waid and Walter Simonson

Are you reading this, Mr. Simonson? You have one chance to keep my on this title. If you disappoint me, I'm done. For good. I hope your art has improved since your god-awful Avengers work. And Mr. Waid? Keep up the good work.

STORMWATCH #19

by Jim Starlin and Yvel Gulch

I really hope Starlin does justice to Stormwatch.

SWAMP THING #19

by Charles Soule and Kano

I had never heard of Charles Soule until he was announced as Scott Snyder's replacement on Swamp Thing. I wish you the best of luck Mr. Soule, you have massive shoes to fill.

WISH LIST

BATWING #19

by Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti and Fabrizio Fiorentino

With a new creative team  for the  Batman of Africa and... Well, a new Batman of Africa, this book was hard to resist.

ANTI-WISH LIST

SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #I dunno, like 8? I really couldn't care less, because this series is crap

by Dan Slott and Ryan Stegman

During Marvel free #1 sale on Comixology sale, I  decided to give Superior Spider-Man #1 a try. I put my bias aside, and went in being optimistic. I hoped that I would be proven wrong about this series. And guess what? It was still absolute bird $#!%. According to the solicit, the Avengers are firing Not-So Superior Spidey. Good riddance. Now let's see if we can erase this entire Superior Spider-Man business from the Marvel Universe, and fire whoever came up with this god awful idea in the first place (If it actually was you Slott, shame on you for ruining one of the greatest superheroes ever).