JANUARY 23 COMIC WEEK IN REVIEW
Sometimes I save some comics until after the podcast when we have a heavy week like this week was. I regret saving Batwoman for last. Check out her book and the rest of our written reviews.
Pablo
Writer: Sam Humphries, Art: Scott Eaton, Rick Magyar w/Andrew Hennessey & Dave Meikis
The art is lacking in this title and a little inconsistent especially in this issue. Considering how many people are working on art thought that's not much of a surprise. On the other hand the story just keeps getting better and more interesting. It was revealed at the end of the last issue that Nick Fury is now with HYDRA. The way this plays out in the issue just gets more intense as it goes on. Based off of the ending I can't wait to see what happens next issue. As far as I'm concerned that's how you do comic book issues right. Susan Storm is also trying to find the mind gem with the aid of Thor and they do kind of get somewhere. Lacking art or not this is a great read.
Verdict: BUY
Pablo
Writer: Kieron Gillen, Art: Jamie McKelvie w/Mike Norton
The panels look classic in design and set up at first and throughout most of the book. The intro page had really cool, unique, artistic structuring and design. The art is gorgeous with its cool, sleek, smooth feel. To be honest the story was quite confusing but interesting nonetheless. There was a gay couple scene that seemed like they were laying it on a little too thick. I just felt forced and unnatural the way they did it. The way it was done in Earth 2 felt real whereas this felt over the top. I really like the inclusion of young Loki and a Hispanic female character. It's nice to see Hispanics being a bigger part of comics and the Marvel U. The art was captivating and story was interesting despite minor issues.
Verdict: BUY n' ADD
Pablo
Writer: Sam Humphries, Art: Ron Garney
It starts with a good hook throwing you in the thick of it with Psylocke and Storm. It had some exposition on both characters mostly on Betty. Storm is sporting the Mohawk in this and I love it. The explanation as to why they are doing what they're doing makes sense and works. The art is impressive and sucked me in instantly. I never thought Puck could be a like able or interesting character but they manage to do it. With the addition of an old X-Men adversary amped things up. Bishop is back. The ending provides a good WTF moment. I was sucked in more and more with each page.
Verdict: BUY n' ADD
Pablo
Writer: Matt Fraction, Art: Michael & Laura Allred
It's tough to talk about this issue without too many spoilers because a lot is revealed throughout the book. Old man Torch tells us who and how the Fantastic Four are defeated along with the rest of world. It appears are up to no good as it seems they have an unholy alliance with an old Fantastic Four adversary. Darla Deering really comes into light in this issue as we see her in a Katie Perry-like performance at first then with Ant Man trying to win her over. It was great to see the yancy street gang as well as what may be a possible romance forming between Darla and Scott Lang. The art is stunning and unique there's no doubt about that. There were a couple classic cameos and great spreads that really stood out. What they decide to do about the situation at hand seems uncharacteristic for the Fantastic Four but maybe not this team.
Verdict: BUY n' ADD
Pablo
Writer: Jonathan Hickman, Artist: Jerome Opeña
The art in this book is gorgeous, unparalleled beauty. The story arc wraps up quite nicely in this issue though sooner than expected. The Avengers did not pull any punches. I love the new Captain America suit with its realistic look and design. Essentially this issue was just the expanded team of Avengers show up on Mars and whoop on the villains. The universe has something to say about all of this. The story isn't exactly what I expected from what I've heard about Hickman but its a very interesting and good introduction into this new Avengers title and team.
Verdict: BUY
Pablo
Writer: Rick Remender, Artist: John Cassaday
I could not stop reading this issue for a second. From beginning to end this was a geniusly constructed story building with ferocity each panel, page, image, and word. It is quite evident that not only is this not a team yet they are completely unprepared and out of their league when facing this menacing, mind controlling villain with his S-Men. Havok is quite the leader as we see here. Remender and Marvel did something here that I have not seen nor expected to experience in mainstream comics. I'm excited for this titles future and scared for the future of this team as well as mutants. Red Skull unleashes all hell loose on New York and even more so against this "team". So many unexpected things happened in this issue that its mind blowing apparent that this is now one of the best titles of Marvel NOW!
Verdict: STRONG BUY
Pablo
Writers: Brian Posehn & Gerry Duggan, Artist: Tony Moore
Funny and gross at the same time, that's what comes to mind when reading this issue. The art is great at depicting the humor that this book is going for. I'm surprisingly impressed with how good the art has been from the beginning and continues to be. Deadpool dresses as Marilyn Monroe to get the attention of dead president JFK and hilarity ensues. He takes out presidents 10-13 at the Golden Gate Bridge, then 15, 29-31 at the Hoover Dam in over the top, ridiculous, and hilarious ways. In the final fight of the book he takes on honest Abe in a UFC match. All the jokes were sharp, witty, clever, sometimes cheesy but I especially liked the references to rock bands. The issue was well paced, fun, and hilarious not to mention it may be the best art I've ever seen in a Deadpool book.
Verdict: BUY
Pablo
Writer: Jason Aaron, Art: David & Alvaro López
With a different art team it's a little daunting but this title still retains its cartoony, warm, soft almost all ages book look. Some of the expressions do look odd and goofy though but overall the art was quite enjoyable. The staff of the Jean Grey school have a night on the town. Bobby Drake and Kitty Pryde go on what seems to be an awkward date, at least at first. I love the deep character moments that are in each issue especially this one as it reminds me why Iceman is my favorite original X-Man. As the cover depicts Storm and Wolverine have a nice night and some moments as babysit the Jean Grey school together. This book is fun, funny, real, emotional, everything I love about X-Men and more. There are some great panels and spreads in this issue. I still believe this is the best most consistently good x-book there is.
Verdict: BUY
Pablo
Writer: Cullen Bunn, Art: Matteo Lolli, Sean Parsons
The beginning was slightly interesting mostly due to the art but dialogue was just more Deadpool slop. This is essentially a spinoff of Deadpool Kills The Marvel Universe. This seems to be made of the sane material. There's WAY too much nonessential dialogue. I got bored about half way through. Personally I find the idea of him traveling into different literatures as stupid and it was. Stupid and boring story and dialogue, I'll pass. The art is decent, better at certain points than others.
Verdict: PASS
Pablo
Writer: Ed Brubaker, Art: Butch Guice, Brian Thies
The conclusion to the Black Widow Hunt story arc and Ed Brubakers last issue on this title. It wasn't as exciting or climactic as I thought it was going to be but it will definitely have lasting effects. This book is anything if not consistently great. Almost every single issue has rain which gives it a great noir, spy, espionage feel. The team is hot on the trail of Bucky's adversary. The ending was a little too generic for me. I really felt like this antagonist would have something up his sleeve for the final hurrah not to mention the writer himself. As I said what the villain does do can not be undone and its sad. Honestly this was a better last issue for Brubaker than Captain America was. The has always been top notch and this issue is not exception. It's suspenseful and emotional. This would be a fantastic series to own in trade.
Verdict: BUY
Pablo
Writer: Duane Swierczynski, Art: Nelson Daniel, Langdon Foss
The first story was new, fresh, and interesting in multiple ways. This is a new story arc with a unique concept I had really thought about or considered much about. Somebody is making clones and trying to get ransom money for what they're saying is the real deal. Dredd gets tasked with delivering the payout but in a city overrun with crime everybody is all of a sudden out to get a cut. The art is a little cartoony and over the top but it works surprisingly well. This seems to be the first half of this story. The second story was weird in look and tone. I didn't like it at all. I thought it was plum stupid. It did nothing for me. The art was weak too.
Verdict: weak BUY
Pablo
Writer: Shane McCarthy, Art: Matt Frank
The retro-looking Autobots and Decepticons are duking it out as usual then the Martians arrive on Earth. Do the Transformers join up to defeat the Martians or do the Deceptions help the Martians destroy the Autobots? In a sense both of these possibilities play out. What I really enjoyed most about this book is that there were two different factions that were drawn differently but they somehow made them gel so well. All the characters were well written. This was just an enjoyable fun one and done romp.
Verdict: BUY
Writer: Brian Azzarello, Art: Cliff Chiang
The art in the issue looked good. Orion seems like a cool character. The last issue made you think Wonder Woman and him were going to fight. This issue they talk and it looks like they have a common mission, The book is really good, but seems to be going really slow. It may be better to read in trade.
Verdict: BUY
Writer/Art: J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman
This book blew me over in aw. I really did not like the last issue much, but his issue was amazing. The art got me sucked in. It was great seeing Wonder Woman fighting the Hydra.Batwoman was going after Medusa. She even finds the kids so they are still alive. She still need to rescue them, but now we know they are alive for now. Medusa is trying to bring the mother of all monsters back.
Verdict: STRONG BUY
Ultimate Comics The Ultimates #20 $3.99
Writer: Sam Humphries, Art: Scott Eaton, Rick Magyar w/Andrew Hennessey & Dave Meikis
The art is lacking in this title and a little inconsistent especially in this issue. Considering how many people are working on art thought that's not much of a surprise. On the other hand the story just keeps getting better and more interesting. It was revealed at the end of the last issue that Nick Fury is now with HYDRA. The way this plays out in the issue just gets more intense as it goes on. Based off of the ending I can't wait to see what happens next issue. As far as I'm concerned that's how you do comic book issues right. Susan Storm is also trying to find the mind gem with the aid of Thor and they do kind of get somewhere. Lacking art or not this is a great read.
Verdict: BUY
Marvel NOW! Young Avengers #1 $2.99
Pablo
Writer: Kieron Gillen, Art: Jamie McKelvie w/Mike Norton
The panels look classic in design and set up at first and throughout most of the book. The intro page had really cool, unique, artistic structuring and design. The art is gorgeous with its cool, sleek, smooth feel. To be honest the story was quite confusing but interesting nonetheless. There was a gay couple scene that seemed like they were laying it on a little too thick. I just felt forced and unnatural the way they did it. The way it was done in Earth 2 felt real whereas this felt over the top. I really like the inclusion of young Loki and a Hispanic female character. It's nice to see Hispanics being a bigger part of comics and the Marvel U. The art was captivating and story was interesting despite minor issues.
Verdict: BUY n' ADD
Marcel NOW! Uncanny X-Force #1 $3.99
Pablo
Writer: Sam Humphries, Art: Ron Garney
It starts with a good hook throwing you in the thick of it with Psylocke and Storm. It had some exposition on both characters mostly on Betty. Storm is sporting the Mohawk in this and I love it. The explanation as to why they are doing what they're doing makes sense and works. The art is impressive and sucked me in instantly. I never thought Puck could be a like able or interesting character but they manage to do it. With the addition of an old X-Men adversary amped things up. Bishop is back. The ending provides a good WTF moment. I was sucked in more and more with each page.
Verdict: BUY n' ADD
Marvel NOW! FF #3 $2.99
Pablo
Writer: Matt Fraction, Art: Michael & Laura Allred
It's tough to talk about this issue without too many spoilers because a lot is revealed throughout the book. Old man Torch tells us who and how the Fantastic Four are defeated along with the rest of world. It appears are up to no good as it seems they have an unholy alliance with an old Fantastic Four adversary. Darla Deering really comes into light in this issue as we see her in a Katie Perry-like performance at first then with Ant Man trying to win her over. It was great to see the yancy street gang as well as what may be a possible romance forming between Darla and Scott Lang. The art is stunning and unique there's no doubt about that. There were a couple classic cameos and great spreads that really stood out. What they decide to do about the situation at hand seems uncharacteristic for the Fantastic Four but maybe not this team.
Verdict: BUY n' ADD
Marvel NOW! Avengers #3 $3.99
Pablo
Writer: Jonathan Hickman, Artist: Jerome Opeña
The art in this book is gorgeous, unparalleled beauty. The story arc wraps up quite nicely in this issue though sooner than expected. The Avengers did not pull any punches. I love the new Captain America suit with its realistic look and design. Essentially this issue was just the expanded team of Avengers show up on Mars and whoop on the villains. The universe has something to say about all of this. The story isn't exactly what I expected from what I've heard about Hickman but its a very interesting and good introduction into this new Avengers title and team.
Verdict: BUY
Marvel NOW! Uncanny Avengers #3 $3.99
Pablo
Writer: Rick Remender, Artist: John Cassaday
I could not stop reading this issue for a second. From beginning to end this was a geniusly constructed story building with ferocity each panel, page, image, and word. It is quite evident that not only is this not a team yet they are completely unprepared and out of their league when facing this menacing, mind controlling villain with his S-Men. Havok is quite the leader as we see here. Remender and Marvel did something here that I have not seen nor expected to experience in mainstream comics. I'm excited for this titles future and scared for the future of this team as well as mutants. Red Skull unleashes all hell loose on New York and even more so against this "team". So many unexpected things happened in this issue that its mind blowing apparent that this is now one of the best titles of Marvel NOW!
Verdict: STRONG BUY
Marvel NOW! Deadpool #4 $2.99
Pablo
Writers: Brian Posehn & Gerry Duggan, Artist: Tony Moore
Funny and gross at the same time, that's what comes to mind when reading this issue. The art is great at depicting the humor that this book is going for. I'm surprisingly impressed with how good the art has been from the beginning and continues to be. Deadpool dresses as Marilyn Monroe to get the attention of dead president JFK and hilarity ensues. He takes out presidents 10-13 at the Golden Gate Bridge, then 15, 29-31 at the Hoover Dam in over the top, ridiculous, and hilarious ways. In the final fight of the book he takes on honest Abe in a UFC match. All the jokes were sharp, witty, clever, sometimes cheesy but I especially liked the references to rock bands. The issue was well paced, fun, and hilarious not to mention it may be the best art I've ever seen in a Deadpool book.
Verdict: BUY
Marvel NOW! Wolverine & The X-Men #24 $3.99
Pablo
Writer: Jason Aaron, Art: David & Alvaro López
With a different art team it's a little daunting but this title still retains its cartoony, warm, soft almost all ages book look. Some of the expressions do look odd and goofy though but overall the art was quite enjoyable. The staff of the Jean Grey school have a night on the town. Bobby Drake and Kitty Pryde go on what seems to be an awkward date, at least at first. I love the deep character moments that are in each issue especially this one as it reminds me why Iceman is my favorite original X-Man. As the cover depicts Storm and Wolverine have a nice night and some moments as babysit the Jean Grey school together. This book is fun, funny, real, emotional, everything I love about X-Men and more. There are some great panels and spreads in this issue. I still believe this is the best most consistently good x-book there is.
Verdict: BUY
Deadpool Killustrated #1 $2.99
Pablo
Writer: Cullen Bunn, Art: Matteo Lolli, Sean Parsons
The beginning was slightly interesting mostly due to the art but dialogue was just more Deadpool slop. This is essentially a spinoff of Deadpool Kills The Marvel Universe. This seems to be made of the sane material. There's WAY too much nonessential dialogue. I got bored about half way through. Personally I find the idea of him traveling into different literatures as stupid and it was. Stupid and boring story and dialogue, I'll pass. The art is decent, better at certain points than others.
Verdict: PASS
Winter Soldier #18 $2.99
Pablo
Writer: Ed Brubaker, Art: Butch Guice, Brian Thies
The conclusion to the Black Widow Hunt story arc and Ed Brubakers last issue on this title. It wasn't as exciting or climactic as I thought it was going to be but it will definitely have lasting effects. This book is anything if not consistently great. Almost every single issue has rain which gives it a great noir, spy, espionage feel. The team is hot on the trail of Bucky's adversary. The ending was a little too generic for me. I really felt like this antagonist would have something up his sleeve for the final hurrah not to mention the writer himself. As I said what the villain does do can not be undone and its sad. Honestly this was a better last issue for Brubaker than Captain America was. The has always been top notch and this issue is not exception. It's suspenseful and emotional. This would be a fantastic series to own in trade.
Verdict: BUY
Judge DREDD #3 $3.99
Pablo
Writer: Duane Swierczynski, Art: Nelson Daniel, Langdon Foss
The first story was new, fresh, and interesting in multiple ways. This is a new story arc with a unique concept I had really thought about or considered much about. Somebody is making clones and trying to get ransom money for what they're saying is the real deal. Dredd gets tasked with delivering the payout but in a city overrun with crime everybody is all of a sudden out to get a cut. The art is a little cartoony and over the top but it works surprisingly well. This seems to be the first half of this story. The second story was weird in look and tone. I didn't like it at all. I thought it was plum stupid. It did nothing for me. The art was weak too.
Verdict: weak BUY
Mars Attacks the Transformers One-Shot $3.99
Pablo
Writer: Shane McCarthy, Art: Matt Frank
The retro-looking Autobots and Decepticons are duking it out as usual then the Martians arrive on Earth. Do the Transformers join up to defeat the Martians or do the Deceptions help the Martians destroy the Autobots? In a sense both of these possibilities play out. What I really enjoyed most about this book is that there were two different factions that were drawn differently but they somehow made them gel so well. All the characters were well written. This was just an enjoyable fun one and done romp.
Verdict: BUY
Wonder Woman #16
AmbassadorWriter: Brian Azzarello, Art: Cliff Chiang
The art in the issue looked good. Orion seems like a cool character. The last issue made you think Wonder Woman and him were going to fight. This issue they talk and it looks like they have a common mission, The book is really good, but seems to be going really slow. It may be better to read in trade.
Verdict: BUY
Batwoman #16
AmbassadorWriter/Art: J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman
This book blew me over in aw. I really did not like the last issue much, but his issue was amazing. The art got me sucked in. It was great seeing Wonder Woman fighting the Hydra.Batwoman was going after Medusa. She even finds the kids so they are still alive. She still need to rescue them, but now we know they are alive for now. Medusa is trying to bring the mother of all monsters back.
Verdict: STRONG BUY
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