Bought/Thought 11/08/07: The Democrat Edition, Bitches!

[Shwicaz]

Phonogram #3-- You know. Every time I pick up this book, I always read about 2 pages, and then put it down. Then I come back to it, and devour it. I always feel that I am completely missing a whole level of the story because I am not a fan of music. Because the book has so many UK musical references thrown into the story, the dialogue always sounds very....over my head.

But, there is a glossary in the back that explains these terms (which is quite nice, I think), and the art is great. It is why I keep coming back to a book that is quite confounding. I have read 3 of the six issues now, and only a very vague sense of the story-but enough to hold my interest--with a whole lot of "alphabet soup" for dialogue spread across some nice art.

The Damned #2

Ooh, I liked the second issue much more than the first (which I sort of enjoyed). We meet more outlandish characters (including some creepy ass dude on the final page who looks like his name.) All sorts of supernatural death going on here, but what does it all mean?

It means some damn fun storytelling. The idea of having the "mob" be run by demons is a fun premise, and it is obviously an idea that the writer is having a ball with. Which means that I am, too.

DMZ #13

The premise of this arc is to investigate a shady corporate entity.

I kept thinking "Enron" the whole time I was reading this, which kind of is the point, I guess...?

I enjoy this book because I never know what to expect. This issue was not anything to crow about, but then again, Vertigo books aren"t about "event moments". They build characters, develop them, and take the reader on a journey to a place where the out of the oridinary seems ordinary and plausible.

While the book is good, I am not sure that the DMZ is a place I will inhabit for too long. Might go to tpb on this book. Now may be the perfect time.

Tales of the Unexpected #2

Still in the tenement he was in during issue #1, (un)dead det. crispus allen finds himself becoming invested in the lives of the people who live there.

But, can he afford to be compassionate for them when, as The Spectre, he may be called into service to end their lives?

Wooh boy, I am so glad that Crispus Allen is still around--even if it is as a ghost form. Lapham writes him well, giving him a clear voice, and keeping in character with his portrayal in Gotham Central.

Artist Eric Battle gives us the nastiest cottage-cheese-assed ho with a big festering pimple on her ass that I will never get out of my head.

I didn"t read the Azzarello back up story in the first issue. The art kind of wasn"t to my liking so I never got around to it. So I wasn"t going to start now.


Bullet Points #1

Is this a "what if" type story like the amazing "Powerless" was from a year or two back?

If so, it does offer us an interesting premise. An event that promises to change the Marvel Universe forever.

The good: Very dense read. Very wordy (that"s a compliment), and the art, while at first was not "my thing", slowly grew on me as the tale went on.

I found myself surprised at some of the events, but not because they were stupid--quite the opposite--as all of the events in the first issue make sense.

Some characters act exactly like you would explect them to, while another does a 180 that was kind of nice to see, because you never really see this character in that way before.

The Bad:

The first issue gives us a few "switcheroos" in regard to which Marvel U character may end up becoming which hero. While it was nice, it made sense, and was cool to see, I hope this mini offers up a little bit more than "lets give Luke Cage the powers of Wasp" and "lets give Forbush Man the powers of Man Cow"--note: those examples do not happen in the book...I used them purely for the purposes of example

Still, JMS has nabbed my attention, and I will give the second issue (and most likely the rest of the 5 part mini a look.)

[Jef UK]

:D Great thread title, Schwic.

[Jef UK]

Wow, I can't believe The Damned #2 is out already! Thanks for the heads up!

[Shwicaz]

no problem.

glad others are reading this one.

[ClintP]

Bullet Points #1

Is this a "what if" type story like the amazing "Powerless" was from a year or two back?

If so, it does offer us an interesting premise. An event that promises to change the Marvel Universe forever.

The good: Very dense read. Very wordy (that"s a compliment), and the art, while at first was not "my thing", slowly grew on me as the tale went on.

I found myself surprised at some of the events, but not because they were stupid--quite the opposite--as all of the events in the first issue make sense.

Some characters act exactly like you would explect them to, while another does a 180 that was kind of nice to see, because you never really see this character in that way before.

The Bad:

The first issue gives us a few "switcheroos" in regard to which Marvel U character may end up becoming which hero. While it was nice, it made sense, and was cool to see, I hope this mini offers up a little bit more than "lets give Luke Cage the powers of Wasp" and "lets give Forbush Man the powers of Man Cow"--note: those examples do not happen in the book...I used them purely for the purposes of example

Still, JMS has nabbed my attention, and I will give the second issue (and most likely the rest of the 5 part mini a look.)
Good stuff. I am going to pick this one upin trade, but you have reassured me to do so. Great thread title too! ;)

[Shwicaz]

Good stuff. I am going to pick this one upin trade


...which one....?

[SeanC]

This is going to be one of the books that I sorely miss when it is gone. I was never around for the ending of Preacher or The Sandman but I am starting to know what it must of felt like for those who were emotionally invested in the series. There are only a handful of issues left before the end and I honestly don't want it to be over. Vaugh and Guerra are still producing one of the finest books on the market and it just doesn't feel as though it is ending. Sure, there are threads being closed and mysteries of the series explained, but there's so much more traveling to be had. It will be one hell of a shock when that final page is finally read.

It is a good issue with a little of everything; there is a fight between Toyota and 355, the explanation behind the cause of the plague and more than a few great character moments. All of the things that we have come to expect from the series. Yorrick manges to get in some of his always hilarious "What the fuck is everyone talking about?" lines that are peppered with pop culture references ( a nice Dune one!). I am a little tired of the fight scenes in the book, but that could just be nerves and impatience because those pages could be filled with Vaughan's trademark characterization and dialogue. A minor gripe.

[ClintP]

...which one....?

Bullet points.

[jason hissong]

There's not a thing I'm interested in this week at the comics shop.

Anyone read "The Buy Pile" over at CBR? I found it during the great BenBo Blackout of Aught Six. Great stuff.

[Billie]

There's not a thing I'm interested in this week at the comics shop.

Anyone read "The Buy Pile" over at CBR? I found it during the great BenBo Blackout of Aught Six. Great stuff.

I find alot of his reasons for disliking books really silly and not well thought out.Then again,I guess that's what he's all about,going against the grain.

[ClintP]

I find alot of his reasons for disliking books really silly and not well thought out.Then again,I guess that's what he's all about,going against the grain.

Yeah, I usually don't mind those types of opinions too much. It is the part where he clumps everything other than the "Buy" into one paragraph with no bolding the titles and seperating by paragraphs that gets me. I like the IGN reviews for the most part. They seperate all of the titles where I can read them and decide if the reviews are worth a damn.

I am really liking Ron's reviews. They are well thought out and not filled to full of his own bias.

[Coach]

Batman #658 - Weird end to a weird story. Not sure how I feel about Morrison's run so far. But looking forward to the Joker next issue! (even if Kubert is already taking a break).

Also got (but haven't read) Y #51, Dr. Strange #2, and The Vault of Michael Allred #2 (which is a RAD series. Wish all my fave artists would do this :) )

[Shwicaz]

I am really liking Ron's reviews. They are well thought out and not filled to full of his own bias.




:Oops:


thanks.

[Gavin]

Wormwood #4 Hadn't read any of the previous three, but I enjoy Templesmith's art from Fell, so I bought it. Good read and pretty funny ending. One cliched moment, but it was still amusing enough. 8/10

[Shwicaz]

Wormwood #4 Hadn't read any of the previous three, but I enjoy Templesmith's art from Fell, so I bought it. Good read and pretty funny ending. One cliched moment, but it was still amusing enough. 8/10


I dug the enitre mini, and am looking forward to the next mini.

I couldn't stop laughing at this mini.

Templesmith is as good a writer as he is an artist.

[Gavin]

I dug the enitre mini, and am looking forward to the next mini.

I couldn't stop laughing at this mini.

Templesmith is as good a writer as he is an artist.

I'm going to try to find the other issues in the mini, and I'll probably buy the next series in January.

[Kman00001]

I'm going to try to find the other issues in the mini, and I'll probably buy the next series in January.

There's a #0 as well, that reprints the "Leroy's Special Brew" story from Lo-Fi Magazine #1-4. I believe each issue of Lo-Fi had 8 pages of story in it. #0 has some other stuff too, like a one page look into how his art goes from sketch to finished product. It's not required reading for #1 and up, but is a nice intro to the characters and it's the same price. 8-)

[Gavin]

There's a #0 as well, that reprints the "Leroy's Special Brew" story from Lo-Fi Magazine #1-4. I believe each issue of Lo-Fi had 8 pages of story in it. #0 has some other stuff too, like a one page look into how his art goes from sketch to finished product. It's not required reading for #1 and up, but is a nice intro to the characters and it's the same price. 8-)

Thanks for the heads up.

[marco19]

Wolverine Origins 8..,,,,i ve enjoyed daniel way's writing and this book has been pretty cool so far in regard to dealing with Wolvies Past..but ughhh this issue was quite bad......jubilee doesnt appear.....maverick although he lost his powers acts like a chump and it took 22 pages to introduce the black widow into this story.....the pacing is just way waa way too slow.

NEwX-men 32....a great issue another one of the very underated x-books....a great coda to the recent childhood end storyline..a cool x-factor cameo and a great respect for past x continity..and perhaps the start of a new Hellfire Club one that makes sense not the retarted fake hellfire clubwhedon has going in astonshing x-men.

DR. Strange 2 a real fun book ..more adventures witht he night nurse and Vaugh really delivers a good action pack story while also easily explaining stranges past and origin,

Ultimate X-men 76 You gotta love Kirkman...reading this storyline brought back the early marvel 90's and the executioner song....more characters from the future including domino show up...just plain ridiculous fun.

Wisdom. 1.another book that left me shaking my head..the writer is really trying but the book makes no sense..the characters introduced were just not captivating ,,,,nice art my Hairsine if we see issue 2 by maybe february well be lucky,,but really no one besides WArren Ellis should be allowed to write Wisdom

Eternals 5 JRJR is still one of my favorite artists and seeing sersi back in action is cool but again really quite boring.

G.I, Joe 17 i know hardly anybody still reads G.I< Joe anymore but damn what a great issue , the return of classic characters like Firefly, Scrap Iron , Wild Weasel, Copperhead and ZArana really brought a smile to my face.

[Billie]

Superman #657-Still trying to wrap my head around what's going on.Don't really understand Subjekt-17's place in the story now.Pacheco really stepped up his art this issue,so the lateness is pretty excuseable.The harsh textures in the future setting looked great.These gaze into the future stories are always fun but in this issue the art won out over the story.Hopefully 658 explains things a bit better and gives us a solid resolution.

Green Lantern #14-The hunt for Hal Jordan begins.Everyone from the Global Guardians to the Red Rockets to intergalactic bounty hunters are after this guy.We find out a bit more about what happened after Hal's plane crashed in the middle east and how they escaped.I liked seeing Hal kick some ass without the ring.The last page was a nice cliffhanger,but I can kind of see what's going to happen.Abin's son probably won't have the willpower to wear and use the ring.Either way,this is shaping up to be a kickass arc.Can't wait to see Arrow,Arsenal and Alan Scott come in.

Teen Titans #40-Yet to be read.

[Billie]

Yeah, I usually don't mind those types of opinions too much. It is the part where he clumps everything other than the "Buy" into one paragraph with no bolding the titles and seperating by paragraphs that gets me. I like the IGN reviews for the most part. They seperate all of the titles where I can read them and decide if the reviews are worth a damn.

I am really liking Ron's reviews. They are well thought out and not filled to full of his own bias.


I'm not too fond of IGN's rating of books.

[Magnum V.I.]

Annihilation #4 anyone?!?!


Hands down the best event of the Summer. I mean Drax....Sticking his hand through Thanos's Chest and holding his Heart?!?! Annihilus wanting to use Galactus as a Cosmic Bomb?!?! Damn, Whatever series spins out of this event I am on.

[Ryan Elliott]

Annihilation #4 anyone?!?!


Hands down the best event of the Summer. I mean Drax....Sticking his hand through Thanos's Chest and holding his Heart?!?! Annihilus wanting to use Galactus as a Cosmic Bomb?!?! Damn, Whatever series spins out of this event I am on.



Who's drawing this?

[Magnum V.I.]

Who's drawing this?

Andrea Divito. And its fucking Beautiful. The Covers make me wet as well.



Best Series of the Summer.

[Ryan F]

Y the Last Man #51 - This book has really gone downhill for me in the last couple of arcs. It seems to have completely abandoned its setting, themes, and most of the primary cast to give us a story of feuding East Asian scientists (who are ludicrous caricatures, to boot). The explanation for the plague (if it is the actual explanation) is too complicated, psuedo-scientific, and meaningless. I used to love this book, and I'm in for the rest of the series, but it needs to get back to form before it ends. 4/10

Batman #658 - Well, this is just plain silly. I did find it entertaining on the simplest of levels, and I had some laughs, but this whole arc has been on the lame side. Batman and son is a terrible idea, the new character is iredeemably annoying to boot, and the story's not even well-executed (you'd think the arc would be about tension between Batman's biological and adopted sons, but that story is played for laughs then quickly and unsatisfactorily shoved aside). The Kuberts at DC seem to have returned to the worst excesses of 90s superhero art (of which they were two of the worst offenders). 6/10

Superman #657 - This, on the other hand, is shaping up to be a classic run. I'm a bit tired of dark future stories (DC seems to have been doing a lot of them lately), but this one is well-executed AND seems to be building towards a major, long-running plotline (which happens to be quite intriguing, though also perhaps a bit worrisome). Classic superhero adventure executed perfectly by Busiek and Pacheco (whose art hits new highs). 10/10 Best of the week.

Annihilation #4 - I was a little worried with the seeming climax last issue (the resistance losing the war halfway through the series), but it turns out to have been a good choice. We now get to focus on a smaller cast, which leads to some great action scenes that are both more exciting and more personal. One of the most shocking cliffhangers of the year, if it stands - either way, one of the coolest. 10/10

CW: Young Avengers and Runaways - No, I did not like this at all. The tone was far too dark for the characters and creative team (this issue felt like it was mostly taken up with a torture scene). I also don't see how it matters in the context of Civil War or either of the parent books - it's completely superfluous. It's basically a poorly done Marvel Boy sequel with several completely out-of-place characters masquerading as a Civil War crossover. 2/10

Doctor Strange: The Oath #2 - This is very nicely put together book as far as the art and dialogue, although I can't say that much happens, and I'm not really a fan of BKV's take on Dr. Strange. He seems to be highlighting the "doctor" and downplaying the "strange." The villain is annoying so far, and the pacing is slow (how much recap do we have here?) 6/10

Eternals #5 - This is one of those series that will require a reread, as the plot is a bit complicated. Nonetheless, there are some great ideas in play. The Celestials use for the Deviants (or at least, what the Deviants seem to think it is) is a brilliant image, and we're building to a very interesting climax. 9/10

[Billie]

Superman #657 - This, on the other hand, is shaping up to be a classic run. I'm a bit tired of dark future stories (DC seems to have been doing a lot of them lately), but this one is well-executed AND seems to be building towards a major, long-running plotline (which happens to be quite intriguing, though also perhaps a bit worrisome). Classic superhero adventure executed perfectly by Busiek and Pacheco (whose art hits new highs). 10/10 Best of the week.



Upon a second reading,the story was much better.

Does anyone think that Subjeckt 17 is actually this Khyber dude?

[ClintP]

I'm not too fond of IGN's rating of books.

IGN isn't the best, but they at least organize them. I usually take this thread for my reviews.

[Clayton James]

Upon a second reading,the story was much better.

Does anyone think that Subjeckt 17 is actually this Khyber dude?

Never occured to me for a second. Still doesnt. However, I still have to wonder why...

Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and Perry White were deemed needed for this exposition of the future. I seems like they just showed up for no reason

Cool issue otherwise.

[Billie]

Yea,I'm just having a hard time connecting this issue with the last 3.I don't understand why Orion showed up in the first place.What was Supes doing so wrong that pissed him off?

[Clayton James]

Yea,I'm just having a hard time connecting this issue with the last 3.I don't understand why Orion showed up in the first place.What was Supes doing so wrong that pissed him off?

Probably the fact that Superman hadnt figured all of this out already and killed this guy so he didnt have to leave the bed with the two hot naked chicks in paris 200 years ago.

Ofcourse, I would be too if I had to leave my nakedchick filled bed.

...though he's traveling through time so really he didnt have to leave at and particular time...

No, none of this makes sense.

I hate time travel.

[Clayton James]

Ok Some Thoughts:

Green Lantern 5/10


So much silliness in this issue. For one lets get one thing strait: I like this series. I do. I just happen to hate most things associated with Hal's earth supporting cast. Everytime they say cowgirl, i think of that weird cowwoman from the high evolutionary and laugh out loud. So lets go over the silly things in this issue:

1) Hal Jordan is a moron. My god. They had mentioned his no flying with the ring but the shear absurdity never quite sunk in. Ollie was right. Hal is a moron and he should never ever take the ring off again. Not even in the shower. Jesus. He had BETTER not tell his friends hes Green Lantern. They will beat him up and they will be right.

2) The JLA (or whatever every superhuman except batman superman and wonderman are referred to durring 52) are dicks. Holy crap. He was gone for months and they didnt even look for him. The flash is gone for like 3 weeks around 200 and theres a full investigation. Dont they have other green lanterns? What about the Green Lantern corps? Did Guy find it odd that Hal didnt show up for a few months? What about John? Kyle? I mean jesus, all they had to do was track his ring, find it in his locker and think "hey, odd that Hal went on a huge space adventure and didnt think to bring his green lanten ring". There is just no way in hell that no one would come looking for him if he dissapeared for months without a trace. Didnt the Airforce mark him as MIA??? That should have raised an alarm on the batcomputer all the way in the hymilayas or wherever batman was off finding himself. His comanding officer. He KNOWS that Hal is Green Lantern. Did he not think that this situation was worthy of mention to any people in the superhero circle. What about the Global Gaurdians? arent they supposed to be all official and goverment sponsered? why didnt he call them into it???

so stupid

3) THe Global Gaurdians are dicks. Though theyre being mind controlled (obviously) so its not their fault (unlike the JLA).

4) THe ring cant kill? What the F**K??? Thats even sillier than Hal's MIA period. Youre actually telling me that the gaurdians of the universe, the oldest, wisest beings in existance dont let their galactic POLICE FORCE use lethal force? Is this like the yellow curse?? If Hal rings up Ollie an arrow and he aims it at some alien's jugular does the arrow just melt away right before hitting it? How would the gaurdiens even define taking a life??? Isnt he breathing in little bacteria every minute of every day. Theyre aliens. How do they define what life is ok to kill and whats not. obviously not by intellegence because EVERYONE is dumber than them if only because theyre the oldest and wisest beings in the universe and everyone looks stupid compared to them. Could he kill a squirrel? cause theres a green lantern squirrel and he can walk and talk and use a ring and everything and i doubt the ring would let him kill that guy. It cant even be tied to sentient beings. In the batle royal awesomeness that was the last 2 issues, Hal and the other Lanterns were ripping the SH*T out of manhunters and at least from issue 3, they seem to be capable of sentience. Not to mention Cyborg Superman who is a sentient being transfered into a ... cyborg superman. Could Jordan kill him if he needed to? He certainly seemed able to use an afterburner that was intended to melt his face off.

No killing just doesnt work in a cosmic setting.


Yeah. Thats my rant.

Thank you

Batman 7/10:
I'm surprised Batman doesnt really care about the spook. Ofcourse that unsurprising as NO ONE cares about the Spook. Oh well. Bat-Spaceship was awesome (though if anyone else did it, it would have been hella lame). Was that batmobile they took off in the new one that was hyped all throughout the arc? it didnt look all that special.

Superman 8/10
Beautiful art. Just gorgeous. However, I must muse why Arion saw it fit to bring lois perry and jimmy in on this little dystopian future. Especially Perry who wasnt even in the future. Also he seems pretty pissed off even though there seems to be no real emergancy in preventing this future. He hardly had to leave his bed 200 years ago in paris with the hot naked chicks all of a sudden (if only because of the nature of time travel).

Runaways/Young Avengers 7/10: So the vision is hollow then? and liquid when need be apparently.

Fables 9/10: Well now i dont fear magic folk anymore. How nice.

[artimoff]

My New X-Men Review: The Writers need to be Joss Whedon's replacement with Astonishing X-Men #25. : End Review.

[SteveZegers]

52 Week #27 $2.50 – After all this, it’s gonna be a real bummer if he doesn’t get Sue back by issue 52. Not crazy about the situation with the Question. It seems kind of like an easy answer. I did enjoy this issue though. The Ralph story really has me hooked. Glad to see it may be intersecting with the Question.

Batman #658 $2.99 – So much fun. I’ve been really happy with this creative team. Love the little psycho kid. (And the rocket)

Batman And The Mad Monk #4 $3.50 – I had been enjoying this book quite a bit, and the silver batarangs push it up to “awesome!”. It’s really good and I love the art.

Fables #55 $2.99 – Nice fake out! Not at all what I was expecting, but I love the logic behind it. It really just makes sense. This has been a really interesting storyline. I also really like the little back up stories they’re been having.

Gen 13 Vol 3 #2 Reg Cover $2.99 – Liked this much more than issue one. Lots of stuff happened and it sort of jumped into action. Good stuff.

Green Arrow Vol 3 #68 $2.99 – Not crazy about the art. Good story though. I liked the little note at the end. Seems like a good thing for the character.

Green Lantern Vol 4 #14 $2.99 – They’ve done a really good job with this book OYL. Not giving away anything too quickly, just a sort of slow roll out of info.

JLA Classified #29 $2.99 – Pretty complicated for a justice league story. It’s good though.

Superman #657 $2.99 – I loved this story. This kind of thing with the possible future and “days of future past” feeling too it. So this was great for me. The art looked a little rushed to me, but when it was good it was really good.

Teen Titans Vol 3 #40 $2.99 – Finally Miss Martian! It’s a weird kind of story with all these characters popping up with a history that we don’t know. It’s interesting stuff. I do really like this book.

Y The Last Man #51 $2.99 – Hmmmm. It’s getting closer to the end. I’m getting worried about getting to see Beth again. Worried. Good as always with a classic “Y” ending.

Cross Bronx #3 $2.99 – So much great creepy imagery in here. Good stuff.

Civil War Young Avengers & Runaways #4 $2.99 – I don’t know about this. The characters all seem “right”, which is cool since they’ve pretty much just been written by their creators. Was they whole thing just a set-up for a new story with Marvel Boy?

Doctor Strange Oath #2 $2.99 – Great stuff. I loved the heck out of this book. It’s a modern story but it’s got a great classic feel to it. Great art and Night Nurse.

Eternals Vol 3 #5 Reg Cover $3.99 – I’m really enjoying this book too. The art is amazing as always and the story and dialogue are fun and entertaining. Nothing to complain about here.

[BGPu]

Did Pacheco do all the art for Superman? It looked like there was a decided style shift about 6 pages in, but Pacheco was the only artist credited. The majority of the book looked like someone was trying to channel Travis Charest/Leinil Yu. It looked more like the guy who used to draw Doom Patrol than Carlos Pacheco

[Josh!]

Phonogram- good, and it made me want to listen to Common People. This is a fun book, although occasionally hard to follow. 6.5/10

Y- Not sure I buy that explanation for the plague. We'll see what else Vaughan has up his sleave, but hot damn, what a cliffhanger! 7/10

Dr. Strange- I dig. LOVE the art! 7/10

Young Avengers/Runaways- Better than I expected. I love the art, but am not sure it was right for this book. 6/10

Local- This was by far my book of the week. I love the art, and the approach to story telling. 8/10, only for the lack of Megan! BOOK OF THE WEEK!

[Marcdachamp]

My New X-Men Review: The Writers need to be Joss Whedon's replacement with Astonishing X-Men #25. : End Review.

Not a bad idea. They've got a great grip on the characters and the continuity.

[Masculine Todd]

I've only read three comics this week, but I still have about nine more to polish off. Here's what I've read so far:

1) Bullet Points #1 -- JMS crafts an engaging, emotionally riveting elseworlds take on Marvel History. The best part of this comic is seeing Steve Rogers who just how heroic he truly is; super soldier serium or not. Nice twist with Peter Parker as well. Tommy Lee Edwards art is sketchy, detailed, and stunning. However, I just don't have the budget to continue to buy the whole mini in singles, so I'll be picking up the eventual trade. Great story, especially for Marvel fans who know their history. 8/10

2) Midnighter #2 -- DCBS shipped this a week late, hence the review. I liked the issue. Its more of Ennis' over-the-top, hyperviolent action sprinkled with dark humor, but its his analyzation of Midnighter and how he is different from his more noble, superheroic counterparts that make this issue shine. He is a killer, pure and simple, and that distances him from everyone else. Hopefully, Ennis will explore this alienation more. The story is a bit cliche', but the end has absurd promise. Great art by Chris Sprouse. 7/10

3) Teen Titans #40 -- Johns is really taking this book back to the amazing level it was at when it debuted in 2003. Johns hints at three different characters as the traitor, and keeps it a surprise. The ending doesn't even feel like the resent trend of "bringing back the dead for shock value". Its a very natural progression for the story and ties back into the initial storyarc of the series. Tony Daniels art is good, but really shines during the action scenes and his pencils lend themselves well to high-octane battle scenes. 8/10

[Mo_Soar]

Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes V2 #1 (Casey/Rosado; Marvel). It annoys me slightly to be seen as a captive audience who will pay more to get this type story - except that Marvel's right, I will. You win, Jim and Tom, $3.99 it is. And for my $3.99 I got a story I was very happy with (although it was more setup than I needed, since I'd just gone back and read the Avengers V1 issues which are the prelude for this). Still, there's a lot going on here, setting up a new story with what looks like AIM and the Super Adaptoid, plus the internal issues of Hank Pym's morale and leadership skills and the Avenger's security clearances and general government/public mistrust. Interesting seeing Vision with fresh eyes. Over the years his story has been hashed out multiple times, but it's fun to see it "all-new" again. Rosado's art and a good fit for the modern yet slightly nostalgic tone of the title, and the lively, brighter colors are good without being garish.

Fables #55 (The 'Hams; Vertigo). Nice counterpoint to the uber scary plan the Snow Queen had. It's a shame I don’t think we mundys would be that effective, and "loyalty serum" aside, I think someone's trying to head things off. Loved the scene with Bigby in the Whitehouse, and the "Weevil" thing had me snorting. Weren't weevils the poor armless legless toddler toys? The ones that just sort of wobbled? Of course, since this is Fables, it had to end on a somewhat darker note: now what?

Also - nice preview of Crossing Midnight in the back. Very nice art and characters, and it realty leaves me wanting more.

Wisdom #1 (Cornell/Hairsine; Marvel). Any comic with a red-head named "Mo" in it is always vastly superior to anything else currently out on the market. Which this is, sort of. It's a good premise, a good story, great art, but it's uneven and disjointed and between the set-up and the resolution feels far too short. Plus, for whatever reason, it feels very... 60s. Not as in a 60s comic, but as in I keep expecting a psychedelic band to enter from stage right. The character introductions were a bit brief, as I'd never really heard of any of them before and this didn’t tell me a lot about them, except to give me one-line descriptions: Fairy, Skrull, "Clairsentient," Captain Midlands (that's a joke, right, like a lesser Captain Britain?). All the same, it was fun, is headed in an interesting direction and I'll pick up the next one.

Stormwatch PhD #1 (Gage/Mahnke; WildStorm). Of all the relaunches, this one feels like one of the older comics, as far as pacing, tone and story, and it especially feels like Team Achilles. A new team comes together from the tattered remnants of older teams and some other surprising places, and it's not exactly a shining, glorious team of the powered and pretty. We'll skip over how some characters I thought were dead are still alive; I don’t really care why, I'm just glad to have them back. The art is uneven - some panels were clearly slaved and lavished over and others look a bit more slapped together - but it's effective for the story.

[Hurnslice]

Cross Bronx #3: 8/10 - I really enjoy this comic, however, I didn't really feel like a whole lot happened in this issue except to propell us to the inevitable cliffhanger. We get the cop going through the motions of his investigation and getting hassled for not knowing squat about his own ethnic backround without knowing how this trully effects him. I'd like to know what makes this guy tick. I know he's down, I know he's affected, but I don't know to what degree. What really works in the art. And I mean it really works. Solid action sequences and slightly skewed perspectives. I found myself flipping back through it just to dig on the art. And thanks for the rejection letters at the end. Really nice touch.


CW: Young Avengers/Runaways: 7/10 for this issue, 6/10 for the series - There was just too much going on and too many characters. I couldn't hang my hat on anyone until this issue and only on the guys being tortured. I didn't know enough about these characters before this series and I certainly don't know much more now, if anything. I realize there can be some serious implications from the epilog, but I would have enjoyed it more if it had run a little longer and I had some time to catch up with what the hell was going on.


BSG #3: 5/10 - I'm just not feeling it here. The first issue started strong and it has steadily fizzled out. I'm distracted by the "look" of the characters and now feel like there isn't anything in this series for me since there is nothing Pak can do to disrupt the flow of the actual show (which rocks the house). I'll get the last book to complete the arc, but I'm just not all that jazzed. *there is another series coming out which explores this universe prior to and leading up to the Cylon invasion. I'll give that one a shot.

[Hurnslice]

whooops, double post.

[Billie]

Did Pacheco do all the art for Superman? It looked like there was a decided style shift about 6 pages in, but Pacheco was the only artist credited. The majority of the book looked like someone was trying to channel Travis Charest/Leinil Yu. It looked more like the guy who used to draw Doom Patrol than Carlos Pacheco

It's Pacheco stepping up his game bigtime.The book was late but the amount of effort put into the issue shows.

[Doug]

52 week 27: This was a great issue. Nice developments with Ralph and The Question/Montoya. I really like that we are seeing:The Question groom his replacement. But why did he choose Montoya? That is the question.. I also really like how evil Skeets has become.

Y #51: I'm left a little taken back by the explanation of the plague. That is probably because it is not the explanation I was expecting. There are still 9 issues left, and BKV and PG have not let me down yet. I will be very sad to see this series go.

Batman #658: "I know everything about you father." "Hn. You didn't know about the rocket." I'm really loving this creative team on Batman. Now that the first arc is completed, I'm going to go back and re-read it to see what I missed.

I still have other stuff to read, and will add more reviews as I read them.

[gliderpilotgirl]

ok...small week for me:
Amazing Spider-girl 2: New to this title, but enjoyed it very much. The amount of drama is just right, and balanced with the fighting. The original Hobgoblin, now that's how a villian should be made! I liked how MJ busted May out of detention. :) The art was beautiful too.

UXM 76: New to this title, am just trying it, and my knowledge of the X-men extends basically to the movies and Civil War. So Cable is a Wolverine Clone?
And Kitty suddenly doesn't like fighting? what's up with that?
Didn't like this issue as much as 75, the backup story made 75 better.

[Magnum V.I.]

UXM 76: New to this title, am just trying it, and my knowledge of the X-men extends basically to the movies and Civil War. So Cable is a Wolverine Clone?
And Kitty suddenly doesn't like fighting? what's up with that?
Didn't like this issue as much as 75, the backup story made 75 better.


Ultimate X-Men is like a Relaunch of X-Men making it cool and hip for a new generation. So the shocker is Cable is Wolverine from the Future. (In the real timeline Cable is the Son of Cyclops and Madeline Pryor (Jean Grey?)so yeah, all this stuff is new and hip and has nothing to do with the Movies or the 616 Universe at all


616=Normal marvel Continuity or the other books that aren't Ultimate.


Man....I'm a geek.

[Joe Henderson]

Did Pacheco do all the art for Superman? It looked like there was a decided style shift about 6 pages in, but Pacheco was the only artist credited. The majority of the book looked like someone was trying to channel Travis Charest/Leinil Yu. It looked more like the guy who used to draw Doom Patrol than Carlos Pacheco

Yeah, I was surprised to see that the whole thing was Pacheco, based on the shift. Though both styles of art were beautiful.

[gliderpilotgirl]

Ultimate X-Men is like a Relaunch of X-Men making it cool and hip for a new generation. So the shocker is Cable is Wolverine from the Future. (In the real timeline Cable is the Son of Cyclops and Madeline Pryor (Jean Grey?)so yeah, all this stuff is new and hip and has nothing to do with the Movies or the 616 Universe at all


616=Normal marvel Continuity or the other books that aren't Ultimate.


Man....I'm a geek.
Thanks :)
I am usually strictly a spider-fan, reading USM, the main 616 titles and Spidey loves MJ, but lately have been trying some new stuff. I've liked Ms Marvel and Capt America, decided to try out UXM for maybe an arc. ( UFF is cool too )
So far it's ok, but far below the quality of USM and the Ultimates. A bit too easy to get lost though. ( I had no idea what was going on for most of it, and who the future ppl were at the end )

[Magnum V.I.]

Thanks :)
I am usually strictly a spider-fan, reading USM, the main 616 titles and Spidey loves MJ, but lately have been trying some new stuff. I've liked Ms Marvel and Capt America, decided to try out UXM for maybe an arc. ( UFF is cool too )
So far it's ok, but far below the quality of USM and the Ultimates. A bit too easy to get lost though. ( I had no idea what was going on for most of it, and who the future ppl were at the end )

yeah it's all kinda new to me too. I mean it's basically Kirkman reinventing the future of the Ultimate X-Men as compared to 616. I'm assuming the future people at the end are the Future Six pack (Cables team). The Black Eyed girl is definitely Domino.

It's good to try new things, I'm a huge X-men fan so thats like 6 books for me right there.

[gliderpilotgirl]

yeah it's all kinda new to me too. I mean it's basically Kirkman reinventing the future of the Ultimate X-Men as compared to 616. I'm assuming the future people at the end are the Future Six pack (Cables team). The Black Eyed girl is definitely Domino.

Thanks for the info, I know plenty of Spidey stuff, have the 40 years of ASM on DVD etc, but never have had an interest in the X-men, the USM exposure to them, I haven't liked too much, though I enjoyed their first appearance in Irresponsible. -"define this fuzzball!" *cracks Beast across the chin*: that was awesomeness.


It's good to try new things, I'm a huge X-men fan so thats like 6 books for me right there.
Well, if nothing else, Civil War has gotten me curious about some other series, and suprise, some are great. ( particularily liked Ms Marvel, nice to see a series where a girl is the star, and isn't in perpertual danger of being killed off!)

[Magnum V.I.]

Thanks for the info, I know plenty of Spidey stuff, have the 40 years of ASM on DVD etc, but never have had an interest in the X-men, the USM exposure to them, I haven't liked too much, though I enjoyed their first appearance in Irresponsible. -"define this fuzzball!" *cracks Beast across the chin*: that was awesomeness.

Well, if nothing else, Civil War has gotten me curious about some other series, and suprise, some are great. ( particularily liked Ms Marvel, nice to see a series where a girl is the star, and isn't in perpertual danger of being killed off!)

heh, yeah, Strong Female Leads are kind of lacking in the Comic Book industry sometimes. And My wife gets all mad because all the women are over sexualized and have unreal bodies.


But the X-Men had a nice good Female Lead, and ShadowCat is fucking hardcore. So yeah, Shadowcat is awesome.

[gliderpilotgirl]

heh, yeah, Strong Female Leads are kind of lacking in the Comic Book industry sometimes. And My wife gets all mad because all the women are over sexualized and have unreal bodies.
I think I've accepted that part of it, I mean , men write it, so women they desire will look like that. Doesn't mean I like it but whatever. The single thing that irritates me most is the treatment women get in comics in general. They usually only appear to fit into the "love interest" mold ( or potential interest ), then when that is done, they get discarded, through death, or just disappear. When's the last time a female "just-friend" was shown regularily? Liz Allen and Betty Brant have been pretty much non existant recently, other than Sensational. ( which has been awesome ) and we all know what happened to Peter's last close female friend ( Gwen ) in USM. Just a pet peeve, though they have gotten better about it.


But the X-Men had a nice good Female Lead, and ShadowCat is fucking hardcore. So yeah, Shadowcat is awesome.
616 Shadowcat is cool. No doubt about that. As is Jean Grey, Storm etc. Can't fault the X-men for that, they seem to be fair to women.