Fourth of July Comic Week In Review

Earth 2 #3

Writer: James Robinson, Art: Nicola & Trevor Scott

I'm really liking how this is a completely different universe in so many ways. The story is slowly moving along but in a good way by taking time introducing each character. This issue was primarily about Green Lantern. I genuinely enjoy the art as its not trying to do anything unique but excels at what it does which is being some of the best looking art of the superhero genre. This may be better in trade but as of right now I'm enjoying each issue.

Verdict: BUY

Detective Comics #11

Writer: Tony S. Daniel, Art: Julio Ferreira, Eduardo Pansica

Daniel stepped up the writing in this issue especially for the Two-Face short. The art was a little off at time but very similar to Daniels in style and quality. I thoroughly appreciated the Two-Face side story this week. The art is a lot darker as is the story but the writing was a lot better this time around. It was a really good solid issue through and through.

Verdict: BUY

Animal Man #11

Writer: Lemire, Art: Alberto Ponticelli, Wayne Faucher

The art is slightly different but still consistently unique and disgustingly awesome. Buddy Baker is recreated, better, faster, stronger. You get to see an ally transform into a wicked beast. This was a truly hopeful issue and its been a long time coming because it's been doom and gloom almost the whole time. 

Verdict: BUY

Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #1 of 6

Writer: Len Wein, Artist: Jae Lee

The art is on a whole different level above the rest. The words that come to mind are beautiful and perfect. As talented as this artist is this book seemed a little too wordy even for me. What I mean by that is that the artist tells a lot of the story well enough with any of the speech bubbles. In all fairness though the excessive amount of words fits all too well with the personality and character of Adrian Veidt. This title deserves nothing less than excellence in both writing and art and they definitely meet those expectations if not exceed them.

Verdict: BUY

The Amazing Spider-Man #689

Writer: Slott, Art: Camuncoli, Janson, D'Armata

The art art seems to be getting worse or just uglier but even Spider-Man and Morbius don't look as good anymore. The writing for certain characters was pretty good but the characterization of Spider-Man was just awful. Since when does Spider-Man use guns, weapons, and prefer killing somebody over curing them, never. When a book like this comes out twice a month with this low quality of art and writing I'd rather not continue wasting my money but I will give it another chance considering how well the Lizard story is going.

Verdict: SKIM

Deadpool #57

Writer: Daniel Way, Artist: Shawn Crystal

I'm sincerely appreciating this dark, slightly realistic yet still cartoony art now that this series has taken a more deadly turn. The art does some really wacky and neat things and they pull it off pretty well. This issue was a lot of fun to read as you get to see Stella get his groove back. The truly does some unique things definitely worth seeing. I'm not sure if I'm going to continue picking this series up but this issue was one of the best and most fun Deadpool issues I've ever read.

Verdict: BUY

Uncanny X-Men #15 AvX Tie-In

Writer: Gillen, Artist: Acuña

Interesting, unique, water color style art. The artist does a splendid job on facial expressions, some of the best I've ever seen. Each panel is busting at the seams with extremely impressive colors and use of shading. This is the first part in a three issue story arc. The story telling has hit an all time high. Certain things are explained that needed explaining and the attack on Sinister begins.

Verdict: BUY

Avengers vs X-Men #7 of 12

Script: Fraction, Art: Coipel, Morales, Martin

A major player has joined the fold, Black Panther bitch slaps Stark, and the battle rages on. The art is consistently great as it is some of the best comic book art out there. The story is getting even more intense now that the odds have somewhat evened out. It seems that the Phoenix may be starting to corrupt the X-Men. 

Verdict: BUY

Wolverine #310

Writer: Jeph Loeb, Artist: Simone Bianchi

Stunning, mind blowing, spectacular art on every page and in every single panel. I expect nothing less than beauty and perfection with Bianchi on art and he does not disappoint. Jeph Loebs writing does not disappoint either with spot-on characterization and a solid story that makes perfect sense to the Wolverine title. The art alone does it for me and the great story is just icing on the proverbial cake.

Verdict: BUY

The Punisher #13

Writer: Greg Rucka, Artist: Mico Suayan

The art is different but works. The people are a little ugly. It's darker and more sketchy with less detail but still very well done. Sergeant Alves and Punisher team back up in this issue to infiltrate a little auction yacht party. Alves actually looks pretty damn sexy as she carries out what Castle is training her to do best. This was a very solid and intense issue that's part of a bigger story but is great all on its own.

Verdict: BUY

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #12

Writer: BMB, Art: David Marquez

The cover looks so effin hardcore and doesn't disappoint. The art is ridiculously stunning, and impressive with panels of strong, explosive, colors. Uncle Aaron continues to harass Miles. Spider-Man takes a stand against Prowler in an epic all out brawl as the cover indicates. Despite all the action this book heavily weighs in on the heart. This issue will affect me and its characters for a while. 

Verdict: BUY

CoTW: Earth 2 #3 - Extreme detail with mixture of green and orange fire did it for me

SoTW: Wolverine #310 - Iconic imagery with iconic characters in an iconic setting make this an ultimate epic

PoTW: Uncanny X-Men #15 - The scorn on Psylockes face is priceless towards the regal looking Magneto

BnBoTW: Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #12 - Calling this issue a game changer would be doing a disservice to this book as it does a lot more than that, it rocked me and the characters to their core.