September 26 Comic Week in Review



The Ultimates #16 $3.99
Writer: Sam Humphries, Artist: Luke Ross
Overall the art was pretty impressive but at times a little shotty. Cap decides to step up to the plate and throw a wrench into the schemers plans. Cap is back in a big way and he’s here to eff stuff up. I don't know what the status quo is on Asgardians in the ultimate universe but this is the first time I have heard about more of them. The big reveal at the end is a real mind blower.
Verdict: BUY(Back N’ Bag of the Week)

Aquaman #0 $2.99
Writer: Geoff Johns, Art: Ivan Reis & Joe Prado
Because of great story telling we already know about Aquamans origins and backstory. In this issue we are shown the death of Arthurs father, how he discovers his control over ocean life, and finds a link to his family's past. The artwork is absolutely exquisite. The cool, calm blues are so soothing and nice to look at. This may be one of the most dialogue intensive issues yet but that is in no way a bad thing. The artwork still does most of the story telling. This seems to lead into a story arc that the title will flash back to once the current Blank Manta story is complete. This issue is a great jumping on point for new readers. This issue also did a good job of showing regular readers something we have not seen before even if it was something that we have been told about.
Verdict: BUY
The Flash #0 $2.99
Creative Team: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato 
What I loved about this issue is that it was all about Barry Allen. Most Flash issues seem to be more about his rogues than him but this one is 100% completely about him before and after he became Flash. We find out about his family and the things that motivate him to become the person that he is. The story is gloomy and sad. The art is perfectly suited to the tones of the book as brighter memories are met with bright color schemes. One of the coolest things we get to see is how Flash makes his suit. This is one of the best zero issues I have read as it did a splendid job of showing you how he got his powers, why he is how he is, and have you rooting for him by the end of the issue.
Verdict: BUY
American Vampire #31 $2.99
Writer: Scott Snyder, Artist: Rafael Albuquerque
You can feel the pain and agony in every panel and word that comes from Pearl, who has betrayed her her love. There's so many things going on yet none of them detract from the main focus. I love that they make a reference to what's happening in Lord of Nightmares. The intensity builds and builds with each page to an intense climactic ending.
Verdict: BUY
Before Watchmen: OzymanDIus #3 of 6 $3.99
Writer: Len Wein, Artist: Jae Lee
The art is stellar in design and style. The style doesn't really fit the Comedian or rather the other way around. OzymanDius fights it out with Comedian. It's a pretty unbelievable fight but it all makes sense considering who they are. Dr. Manhattan is introduced to the world and Adrian calculates his existence. There is also cameos by Mothman and Captain Metropolis who gets clarification on something we've all been wondering. The characterization was superbly accurate. The Crimson Corsair was good as it eludes to the golden token. I enjoy the Before Watchmen books but I am slowly losing interest in them as some of them are hitting a somewhat of slump.
Verdict: BUY
Winter Soldier #11 $2.99
Writer: Ed Brubaker, Art: Butch Guice, Brian Thies, Bettie Breitweiser
The more I continue to read this book I think that it would be better in trade. This issue truly felt like just another link in the chain. It was a good, strong, solid issue but it's only a portion of a full story. It instantly starts with action and ridiculously awesome paneling. This may sound dumb but the lettering is what made it so cool and fun. At this point the story is getting a little repetitive as the hero continues to play into the villains hands. I'm not saying its a bad issue or series as the art and writing is still top notch it would just be better to read as a full story.
Verdict: BUY
Journey Into Mystery #644 $2.99
Creative Team: Alan Davis, Matt Fraction, Carmine di Giandomenico, Kieron Gillen, Stephanie Hans, Barry Kitson
The art looks blurry and unfocused. Everything happening seemed so unclear to me. The art is just too muttled and murky to understand what's going on. The art is like than of an amateur. The story gets as confusing and ugly as the art is. Asgardia is about to fall as Heimdall leads the army of the burned against King Volstagg. Loki gets betrayed and captured so he finds a way to go back in time to rewrite everything. As far as I'm concerned the art looked like crap and the story was lame even if it is part 5 of the Everything Burns crossover this isn't worth the price.
Verdict: PASS
Gambit #3 $2.99
Writer: James Asmus, Art: Clay Mann, Leonard Kirk 
From the start this series has been enjoyable and well paced as it continues to be. The art is cool and smooth much like the character it is about. There's multiple environments with variations of colors that keep this book looking fresh. In this issue Remy goes to Guatemala with his hot tattooed lady accomplice to find a temple and get rid of his host. This seems to be the second to last issue of the story but it was still a lot of fun.
Verdict: BUY
Wolverine #313 $3.99
Writer: Jeph Loeb, Simone Bianchi
It felt like an cheesy old classic Wolverine story. What I mean by that is Wolverine gets stabby with old enemies, has a flashback, a couple of friends show up to help, and all ends well more or less. I don't like how they making Wolverine seem less unique with characters that have similar abilities, claws, bones. That being said this story arc was still pretty fun. The artist always does a wicked awesome job on Wolvie & friends with visceral, detailed, intense art.
Verdict: BUY

You can purchase any and all of these comics at Kaboom Test Labs(10250 Cottonwood Park Road NW, Suite E, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87114) and Twin Suns(6301 Riverside Plaza, Suite L-1, Albuquerque, New Mexico).
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