6/20 Comic Week In Review

Wonder Woman #10

Writer: Brian Azzarello, Artist: Tony Akins

The art is improving but still not up to par and definitely nowhere near as good as Chiang. The story was interesting, kept my attention, and wasn’t too wordy at all. It was actually a pretty short and quick, easy read. I surprisingly enjoyed this issue despite the improved sub-par art. I really want this book to be as good as when Cliff Chiang was the artist but it won't be until he comes back.

Verdict: SKIM

Avenging Spider-Man #8

Writers: Ty Templeton with Dan Slott, Art: Clark, Parsons, Quintana

This is the worst looking art I've seen on this title. That being said the art is mediocre but I did like the way Doctor Strange and Doom were drawn. The story was a cheesy flashback memory of Spideys about Silver Sable. The story was suppose to create an emotional stir by proving that she wasn't just a mercenary but it didn't do it for me.

Verdict: PASS

Secret Avengers #28 AvX Tie-in

Writer: Rick Remender, Artist: Renato Guedes

I absolutely love this artist and have been enjoying this side story thus far. I was led to believe that due to all of the Ms. Marvel/Captain Marvel advertisements that by the end of this story arc that Ms. Marvel would at least begin to be inspired to become Captain Marvel or something. That was not at all the case. This story arc also started with Marvel bringing a long time dead hero just to kill him by the end of it. The story ended up being both a predictable let down and an enormous disappointment. This could have been a great side story but failed to deliver. Amazing art doesn't make up for a sub-par story. The story arc overall is a PASS.

Verdict: SKIM

Avengers Academy #32 AvX Tie-in

Writer: Christos Gage, Art: Green, Huet, Sotomayor

Great writing with a lot of heart and personality. The art looks like straight up crap for everything except non-organics. The females look like cheap hookers and males look like meth junkies. The art in this title has never lived up to the writing which is exactly why I don't pick this book up in issues. I only picked this one up because its an AvX tie-in.

Verdict: SKIM

Uncanny X-Men #14 AvX Tie -in

Writer: Kieron Gillen, Artist: Dustin Weaver

The art is spectacular, intricate, detailed. Sinister is a sick, effed up individual. AvX tie-in I think not, good story I think so. It felt like an industrialized 19th century London period piece. Reminds me of The Matrix but with a lot more Sinister. All in all nothing really happened except that Sinister revealed his sinister plan considering the Phoenix Five. The stellar art was the true star of the show here.

Verdict: BUY

Avengers vs X-Men Round 6

Script: Jonathan Hickman, Pencils: Oliver Coipel

Finally got a good artist on this book and it only took six issues. The things I didn't care for was the way Namor and Cap looked. Everybody and everything else looks absolutely and spectacularly awesome. It seems the tables have turned and perhaps the playing field as well. The story reached a somewhat awkward point in the middle but started with a surprise and ended with a stunning reveal.

Verdict: BUY

Avengers vs X-Men: Infinite #2

The new age of digital comics is upon us. It's a combination of digital and motion comics. This download is from the perspective of one of the Phoenix Five, Cyclops. It was great to see what's going on inside Scott Summers' head right now. This comic really brought it home for me especially with everything that has been going on with Scott and the X-Men. I've never cared for Cyclops but I have always respected him because of this not only do I care for him but I pity him. The art is clean, slick, and smooth. If you buy AvX Round 6 you get this as a free digital download along with the AvX digital issue or you can buy it separately for .99 online.

Verdict: BUY

Batwoman #10

Writers: JH Williams & W Haden Blackman, Artist: Trevor McCarthy

I am officially tired of this story being dragged out for so long despite how good this issue is. I'd much rather prefer this title in trade. Turns out Sune is a crazy b, Katie is still in the hospital, and Killer Croc becomes more than he ever was. This book still does a lot of jumping around so pay attention or you're likely to get confused pretty easily. This title continues to have some of the best art with genius panel lay outs and structuring.

Verdict: BUY

Nightwing #10

Writer: Higgins, Art: Barrows&Borges, Ferreira&José

The beginning of a story arc with as much or more promise than the first. The art is so consistently impressive that you almost forget how great it is until you get to see Dick in motion. You also get to see Dick using gadgets, doing some detective work, his acrobatic skills, and a peak into his sweet set up. Dick has a plan to make Gotham a brighter, happier place and it's neat how it ties into the first story arc. The cover is a little over dramatic as it doesn't come to fruition but it might next issue. I'm excited to see what Dick has in store for us.

Verdict: BUY

Before Watchmen: Comedian #1 of 6

Writer: Brian Azzarello, Artist: JG Jones

The art isn't ugly by any means but the people are and the story is about those ugly people. I thoroughly enjoy how this is integrated into real historical events and figures. It makes it so much more real and makes it hit close to home. The details, lines, tints, and textures make this look all the more realistic. I can't wait to pick up The Curse of The Crimson Corsair in trade as its just getting better and better.

Verdict: BUY

Daredevil #14

Writer: Waid, Artist: Samnee

Samnee is almost my favorite DD artist only second to Paolo Rivera. I was very cautious about Samnee drawing DD but I was pleasantly surprised and continue to be. The last issue was a total mind effer. Waid continues to play it smart and throw curve balls through out this book and keeps you on your toes. I have yet to be bored for even one second while reading this series. I can't wait to see what happens next issue.

Verdict: BUY

Winter Soldier #7

Writer: Brubaker, Art: Lark, Thies, Gaudiano, Breitweiser

Easy, clean transition in art from Guice to Lark. This suspenseful, edge of the seat spy thriller has hit its stride. There's tracking leads, tech, murder, high speed chase, action, explosions, and set ups. This book has everything that you want in a title: a likable BA character with a dark past looking for redemption, a strong, sexy, sultry leading female character, gadgets, tech, gear all in a action packed suspenseful, smart, spy thriller.

Verdict: BUY

The Punisher #12

Writer: Greg Rucka, Artist: Marco Checchetto

The art looks great, the characters are all likable in one way or another, the fighting is done well, and The Punisher is intense as hell. The coloring and texturing makes for a brilliantly crafted story. In this issue you get a brief peek into The Punishers psyche. This was a quick, intense, and enjoyable read as the art did most of the storytelling.

Verdict: BUY

CoTW: Nightwing #10

SoTW: Nightwing #10

PoTW: The Punisher #12

BnBoTW: The Punisher #12