JSA: All-Stars #1 (Sturges and Williams II/DC Comics/$3.99): This was a straight up bad comic. Bad writing, poor scripting and way too busy art. So the proactive members of the JSA and form their own squad mostly with characters no one has a vested interest in yet. They bicker and speak in clichés (bad bad script) and run around fighting villains no one cares about. The dialogue is almost childish and really there is no meat even for just a first issue to establish anything interesting or surprising. A completely lackluster first issue that should have had them exploding onto the scene. It’s a continuation I guess of the lack of vision from the main JSA book and poor execution. The art is really way too busy. I have enjoyed Freddie Williams’ art. It is dynamic and cartoony. But here it’s a mess of detail and awkward poses. I will not be buying this or JSA. The heart and souls of these characters are gone.
2 out of 10
Invincible Presents: Atom Eve and Rex Splode (Cereno, Bellegarde and Crabtree/Image Comics/$2.99): I really like this creative team. Cereno had written a fun easy to follow story as Splode decides to leave the employ of the shadow agency for something better, possibly Atom Eve’s legs? And be a hero. But along the way blows up everything. Nice clean and efficient scripting and fun stuff. I love the interactions with Eve and how Cereno is Kirkman-like in his plotting. The art is down right beautiful. Clean, open, and descriptive. Great expression and action. There is a great full page panel of Splode blowing up his former employers head that has a Darrowish quality without being gross. Crabtree’s colors are beautiful as always and really bring out the art. I really would love to see this creative team on the Teen titans. If you want a good affordable and fun read I recommend you pick this book up.
8 out of 10
Realm of Kings #1 (Abnett and Lanning, Manco, Asrar/Marvel Comics/$3.99): As far as I am concerned with the Marvel cosmic character and based on the Guardians of the Galaxy alone Abnett and Lanning can do no wrong. And this seems to be another home run hit. After the Terrigen bomb opened a fissure in space at the end of War of Kings and alternate timelines and possibilities are bleeding into the universe. Quasar is sent to explore and finds a demonic hungry universe on the far side looking for some fresh souls and meat. And seems to have sent their own explorer to check out the Bright end of the fissure. The plot is simple but very well handled and you get some nice surprises and action. And great explanation to bring you up to speed and where this event is going. You even get some very scary version of Thor and Hulk that you know will be getting into some big action as the series progresses. The art is dark, which I do not normally like but the dirtiness fits the tone of the story and “evil” universe perfectly. I love Asrar from Dynamo 5 I want more of him anywhere I can get him.
8.5 out of 10
Secret Six #16 ( Simone and Nguyen/DC Comics/$2.99): Although I am happy to see the addition of Black Alice to the team, she seems like an interesting character and a slow down to the action the book doesn’t hold up with the rest of the series so much, and is a decent fill in. Good characterization. I like much of Jeanette’s parts and Bane (my new favorite character) of course. But much of the antics didn’t feel right to me. After this issue I would like to see a return to real action. The art was good, but was not up to Nicola’s standard at all, my hope is she returns quick, I may not be able to stay on without the right art to carry the deviant and horrible nature of the characters so well, make it almost normal. Still the heart of Secret Six was there. And the artist managed to capture some nice expressions and scenes along the way.
6.5 out of 10
New Avengers Annual #3 (Bendis, Mayhew/Marvel Comics/$4.99): I am kind of on the fence with this one. Great banter, awesome depiction of the Dark Avengers and really incredible work with Hawkeye (Clint Barton), I mean really nice characterization. But overall the book didn’t do anything for me. The girls of New Avengers storm the H.A.M.M.E.R. helicarrier to free a captured Clint. Fine, OK, but it lacked something for me. The art was nice. Too painterly for me, I like line art, but even I can not deny Mayhew’s ability to render. Wow. Some great expressions and poses. I didn’t really enjoy the action. It would have been nice to see more of the characters in action throughout the issue then just the ladies. I am such a misogynist!!!
6 out of 10
Superman #694 (Robinson and Pina/DC Comics/$2.99): Not sure what possessed me to pick this up, I dropped it a few months back, but thought I might give it a shot since it was a light week. I hate the new costume, not only doesn’t shout Superman, it looks down right effeminate, as if Adam Lambert were Superman. *Seinfeld voice*Not that there’s anything wrong with that, of course there isn’t*end Seinfeld voice*. But this is Mon-El. Not a bad issue as Mon explores his role as protector and Supe’s replacement. Even reaching out to Conner and Ma Kent. But still I can’t get over the costume. THIS IS MON-EL!!! Any way you also get some pointless action with Bizarro and Tenzil Kem (along with Mon another of my fave Legionnaires)? Did I mention I hate the Legion in the modern DCU? The art is nice, clean and very well laid out. But it’s hard to see past the costume. It really sucks.
5 out of 10
Amazing Spider-Man #614 (Waid, Azaceta and Stewart/Marvel Comics/$2.99): Well the Gauntlet begins with a big fat MEH. I just hated the whole thing and this issue in particular. This is not a version of Electro I like, it was completely uninteresting and boring. The art was nice. Carried the script nicely, with nice expressions and storytelling. But the story was so..lackluster it really didn’t add anything. I do not think the Spidey villains need any sort of upgrade. Characters like Electro, Rhino, and Sandman are all powerful enough. They need to be written well. This arc did not use Electro to his potential at all. I like the new Spidey books, they have been damn good for the last year or so I willing to stay around and the idea of the Gauntlet is interesting and I want to see what is up with Madame Webb.
4 out of 10
Superman: New World of Krypton #10 (Robinson, Rucka, Woods, Randall/DC Comics/$2.99): Something seems missing from this title. I cannot put my finger on, maybe it’s the addition of Randall on art chores? Maybe. But the stories seem to be taking longer to get any where. I love the politics of Krypton, nice dynamics and relationships there, and the other planetary governments trying to figure out how to interact with them, and even having characters like Adam Strange show up for a murder mystery but something it seems to have lost it’s footing with the last few issues. Hopefully the upcoming event will bring the much needed action to the title. The art also seems a bit flat, certainly something isn’t the same. Woods is one of my top artists, but the characters and expression throughout the issue are not up to the previous issues. The colors also tend to me more burnt and sprayed on then I remember in previous issues. Overall still an enjoyable read, just some what diminished from previous great arcs.
6 out of 10
Flash: Rebirth#5 (Johns and Van Scriver/DC Comics/$3.99): I really love how Johns takes all the things you love about characters, ones you don’t like, and history and makes a great story out of it by adding elements and great bits of iconic characterization. To me, he is the perfect comic writer and after Gerry Conway my favorite ever. You get a nice fight scene as the Flashes converge on Professor Zoom who basically schools them Speedforce style. And along the way lets Barry know how he has been causing all the misfortune in his life, including his injuries as a child and the death of his mother. And now is gunning for Iris. You also get a new costume for Wally (I hate it, but I will get over it) and a new Impulse. And a mad dash to the finale. The art is very strong. Great layouts and exploration of speed and a tremendous battle of the Flashes. It is brutal and super at the same time. Van Scriver’s detail and style really push the Flashes to the edge. This has been a surprisingly good exploration of Barry Allen, the Flashes and the Speedforce, glad I decided not to pass.
9 out of 10
Adventure Comics #5 (Johns, gates, Ordway and Manapul/DC Comics/$3.99): You know I really am starting to like Prime, ditch the armor, put him in a darker version of his Superboy costume and you can salvage him for future use. This was a fun issue as he goes to was with the Black lanterns and explores a rainbow of emotion. Nice fun dialogue, loved the bits were Prime and the Black Lanterns rampage through the DC offices, Didio manages to escape with his life!! And you get nice characterization as Superboy embraces rage and defeats the Black Lanterns. An in the end you get a little cliff hanger as it ends with him in a ring bearing Lori’s embrace. Hope? Sure, but this wont end well. The secondary story was wonderful. Superboy and Lori have great interactions and Luthor comes a calling in the night. Great writing by Johns and wonderfully illustrated and paced by Manapul.
8 out of 10
Realm of Kings: Inhumans #1 (Abnett and Lanning, Raimondi/Marvel Comics/$3.99): More Abnett and Lanning goodness as they explore the Inhuman/Kree empire. Medusa is queen, holding place until her and Black Bolts son can take the throne. Meanwhile on the rim of the empire Blastarr’s minions assault Kree worlds and face of with the Realms newest hero and potential king Gorgon. Will be nice to see how this plays out, will Gorgon enter a political game for the throne against his sister? What about Ronan? And Maximus? With the Alpha primitives on the move makes me think the crazy brother wants to play king again. Nice set up and nice dialogue. I wonder how this will fit in with the events of the Realm series? Nice clean art. Really impressive. I like the Inhumans more then I ever have, and I always liked them.
8 out of 10
Blackest Night: Wonder Woman #1 (Rucka and Nicola Scott/DC Comics/$2.99): Definitely the best of the bunch this week and a real nice surprise in my pull box at the local comic shop. I knew this book was coming. But I totally forgot about it. I was so excited I opened up and read it in the car. Nicola Scott on Wonder Woman, sure you got to see her wonderful lines on the character before, recently in Secret Six. But in her own series. In a big event like Blackest Night!! Wow. Nicola was made, I mean by divine hands like Diana herself to draw Wonder Woman. And it shows page after page n this issue. Magnificent big panels and explosive action. And the great quality Nicola has to manage to give characters, like Wonder Woman this inner strength and character through expression. I love it. The interactions with Max lord and the soldiers was terrific and Nicolas Scott captures the horrible essence of Blackest Night perfectly. Physical and psychological horror. That’s how the bastards fight you and defeat you. This Amazon don’t go down easy! Balls out axe swinging action and dramatic intensity.
The writing is equally as strong. Rucka has a history with Wonder Woman and may be the best writer for the book since Perez. He just gets it. Balancing the human and divine qualities perfectly. Making her a caring, empathetic yet intense warrior. If you haven’t read his Wonder Woman run, go pick it up. I love the dialogue and exploration of Wonder Woman’s continuous understanding of love. Despite all the craziness he embraces it and uses that steadfastness to help others, defend the weak, fight respectful and take down the prodding evil Black Lantern Maxwell Lord. Rucka places the battle at the tomb of the unknown soldier and respectfully shows Wonder Woman for the great character she is. This comic is tremendous. More please. I am certain Hippolyta will be showing up. Things are going to get a little more difficult as this series goes on. WHAT A RIDE!
9.5 out of 10
