Looking at Comics from the Weeks of August 19th and 26th
Here I am cracking my knuckles and starting to type. I'm back home ladies and gentleman as the main Why I Love Comics column returns! Sadly, work has called Chuck away on business but we wanted to make sure things stayed alive and well so, for now, the main column is back to it's old format... new books but the same old me. So let's jump into the comics for the weeks of August 19th and 26th!
The last two weeks have been incredibly strong from a storytelling standpoint and have had some great issues. From Marvel to Dc to Robert Kirkman, there is a lot of content to go over so I'll jump right in starting with Marvel!
Nova #28 just continues to get stronger as each new issue comes out. This was the end of the latest arc where Rich and a few of his fellow Nova Corps members go find Robbie who has held up against the new Majestor's sister. It's a great war arc that continues to build on everything we love about this series. It's Green Lantern's equal at Marvel and manages to outshine it sometimes.
There are some great character moments and some of the fan favorite back up characters return. Rich also makes a decision that changes the overall direction for the title and the last page leads right into the next story arc which opens up a very big mystery.
Verdict: I love the book and here it just continues to shine. Definitely a buy.
Runaways #13 continues to show that Kathryn Immonen was very much the right writer to hop on to the title. She nails the voices and relationships and makes it as if Brian never left. The arc has very much been about Chase as he continues to struggle with his uncle appearing, old lace dying and his friends struggling to understand what he's dealing with.
Nico and Chase are certainly the strongest throughout this arc and it's great seeing the mystery slowly unfold. I'm really wondering how she's going to end this next issue.
Verdict: It's the Runaways as they really should be. Sadly with the title going on hiatus I'm not sure if I should recommend it to people. When the trade of this arc is collected I definitely say give it a shot.
Dark Avengers #8 continues the Utopia crossover and has my predictions coming true, so far. Chuck's lucky we didn't put money on that. ;-) Seriously though this is a great issue as four of the Dark X-Men jump ship to the real X-Men as a lot of the plot moves forward.
Seeing Emma and Namor's plan going through was pretty awesome, especially when it's revealed what Scott was up to. Long time X-Men fans should recognize a certain land mass that is raised at the end of the issue as it brought a smile to my face. Scott should not be messed with as this shows just how calculating of a leader he is.
Verdict: This is going to be a great story when it's all collected and has Fraction running crazy over his portion of Dark Reign. Definitely stays a buy.
Dark Wolverine #77 continues to be one of my favorite books at Marvel. Who thought I'd be saying that about a book starring Daken, huh? We see the deal he struck with the Fantastic Four, Bullseye continuing to fall right into his plans and Ares/Venom being fed directly into those same plans. I love seeing all these characters having their own deals and plans waiting for Osborn to fall.
Daken is cold and calculating with his overall plan and it really is fun to see him attempting to do the right thing. Reed and Norman's showdown was also fun to watch, even if it ended in a stalemate.
Verdict: Daken is really shining here and I can't recommend the book more.
Avengers: The Initiative #27 continues the latest arc and shows just how great Christos Gage is as a writer. Our first focus is on two z-listers who once took on Dazzler. They have this really corny music gimmick but by the end of the story you care for both men and appreciate the sacrifice that is made. When one of them finds out why they're really being sent to 42, to reclaim it, it's surprising to see the twists and turns.
The second part of the story focuses a little on everyone's favorite loser Butterball as he tries his best to help win the battle for 42. Hardball helps in his own little way and by the very end of the issue (at the compound) they receive Tigra's message.
Verdict: Really one of marvel's best books, hands down.
The Incredible Hercules #133 has the start of the 3 part origin of Amadues Cho and proves a really fun read. Amadeus finds a book on the bus that manages to recap his journey with Herc so far with beautiful artwork accompanying it. It's fun to see the original story finally being returned to and the bigger mystery of the character slowly being unearthed.
Amadeus also gains an old "friend" to help him but by the end of the issue. Things don't look so great for our hero. The brains on the cover also show up inside the issue in a very interesting way.
Verdict: I love this book and it's great to see them experimenting with the shipping twice for three months to do this fun and interesting concept of splitting the characters up in two stories. Can't wait to see what's next for Herc.
Fantastic Four #570 which starts the new creative teams run. Jonathan Hickman continues to build off what he started in his Dark Reign mini which I'd highly recommend. Reed Richards stops one of his long term nemesis as Johnny give Ben a cool vacation present which we'll see in a future issue. Oh and the last page? Three infinity gauntlets held by three very different Reed Richards!
Usually, I'd complain about someone using stuff from a miniseries but Hickman manages to bring readers in easily and nail the six character's voices right off the bat. Dale's artwork here is beautiful and probably the best I've ever viewed from him. Loved his stuff on JSA but here he seems to have gone crazy with ideas. It's going to be fun to see where this run heads next.
Verdict: Definitely a buy and finally feels like Marvel's first family is back on track.
Guardians of the Galaxy #17 continues to be an unpredictable and fun read as Starlord's message finally hits the past. Warlock and the team soon find themselves visiting the royal family to find a way to help save the universe at Pete's request.
The highlights of the issue for me came from the Groot and Maximus team up as it seems that our buddy Groot is actually saying a lot. For those of you that liked Adam and Phyla, I apologize to you ahead of time as, by the end of the issue, both characters have met a horrible fate as Magus has reentered the Marvel Universe.
Verdict: Guardians is a blast to read and constantly unpredictable. I honestly have no idea where things are going to head but with Magus back in the universe the Marvel U is very, very screwed.
Book of the Week #1 is none other then the return of fan favorite writer Greg pak to the Hulk in Incredible Hulk #601. The cover promises us a Bruce Banner as we've never seen him before and it very much lives up to that promise. Bruce is now proactive, strong and confident and doesn't stand down from a fight helping a young boy from his abusive father.
Of course, when he reaches New York he comes face to face with a huge gathering of heroes orchestrated by Reed Richards. It's soon revealed that five of the smartest people on the planet were in his system checking for any signs of the Hulk. The true highlight of the issue comes from his face to face with Skaar as he promises to help him defeat his father (even though Bruce is technically his father too). The last page is a laugh out loud moment for poor Juggernaut.
Verdict: Bruce Banner and Greg Pak both being back show just how different the book can be in the right hands and feels like it will be hitting on all cylinders. Definitely a buy.
Deadpool #14 has Wade continuing on his mighty pirate voyage as he shows a group of pirates why he is the best. It has plenty of laugh out loud moments from Wade. Getting his foot cut off to poor Bob to showing how much of a loser he really is, it's pure fun.
The last few pages also show just how Way gets DP as a character as he really enjoyed helping people and shows just how he'll be joining X-force and the X-Men (which I certainly cannot wait for).
Verdict: Marvel's funniest book and continues to get better and better. Definitely a buy.
Secret Warriors #7 pulls another surprise out of its bag of tricks. This issue starts with the warriors pulling a bank heist. The bank is run by hydra and has some of the best lines out of the entire series. Phobos tells Nick something big is about to happen and the Warriors are once again left in the dark.... though technically they put everyone in danger when they use an LMD to bring the Widow and Songbird to the base.
Meanwhile, Osborn and the Baron have a meeting and strike a deal to try and put Fury down for good. I love seeing all the different points being juggled and can never predict the book. Hickman seems to throw everything at the wall at once and nothing falls apart. It's great to see Phobos getting he and his fellow teammate into trouble as I'm certain if the Thunderbolts don't kill them, Widow certainly will.
Verdict: Spies, heroes, double crossing and bank robberies make this a definite buy.
Book of the Week #2 is Daredevil #500 and it's Ed Brubaker's last issue on the title. Usually when you hear something will change the status quo, things never really change. Here everything get's flipped upside down and things really do change. Fisk is insane, Matt makes a vital decision that shifts everything and we finally learn more about our blind master and just how vital he's been to Matt's life this entire time.
Honestly this was a great anniversary issue packed with outstanding content and really felt like a Daredevil story. I really can't wait to see where Diggle takes things with his run.
Verdict: There will be a spotlight on Bru's whole run pretty soon but this is definitely a buy for any fan of Daredevil, ninja's, kung fu or just good storytelling.
Mighty Avengers #28 continues to be the best Avengers book even though I love them all. Quicksilver and US Agent do their best to talk with the foreign heroes as Cassie discovers that everything may not be right with Wanda leading her to bring the Young Avengers and another very unexpected guest into the new mansion.
Slott and Gage throw a lot into this issue and it's great to see the use of the Young Avengers here. I'm curious to see what Hank is up to but right now, for me, Clint is stealing the show with that last page. Really can't wait to see what happens in September.
Verdict: Mighty Avengers continues to be a blast to read every month using all the Avengers in fun ways. Can't wait to see where things head next.
Our last marvel book this week is X-Factor #47 which continues to be one of my personal favorite reads as Jamie's team in the future takes Doom with them, Longshot meets and faces an expected enemy, plus Rictor and the guys also have to deal with a very angry priest. All in all PAD is writing the hell out of this book and it's a highlight of every single month.
I love the entire cast both past and future and it's great to see everyone juggled their screen time in fair allotments. Each last page always has a shock and this certainly didn't disappoint. I'm looking forward to the next few issues by a lot.
Verdict: X-factor is made of much win, a buy!
Justice Society of America #30 continues our latest arc and brings in the new Doctor Fate in a really fun way. The story is getting stronger in this issue and it's great to see a certain character isn't dead. Though here's hoping the "traitor" is just the brainwashed new sidekick to one of the newer members.
Stargirl and Jay really shined here though I did want Magog to shut up as soon as he started talking. The character really is annoying and I miss his first character design (before he was Magog) as he was a great character.
Verdict: JSA is a blast and it's great to see this bigger mystery opening up. Here's hoping the payoff is solid.
Batgirl #1 has us finding out who is Batgirl right off the bat and I'm actually really okay with it. She's a great character and has already been another well known individual in the batverse. So why not? Stephanie Brown tries her best to deal with schoolwork and crime fighting as she meets up with an old friend who hands her her old costume. Barbara Gordon has some very important questions for her.
The supporting cast of the book is surprisingly pretty fleshed out already and the art fits the title. It shows a lot of promise and I'm curious to see where things are going to head. Also fun to see the newest member of the bat universe not know anything about any of the other bat characters. It was pretty amusing.
Verdict: A great start to a new series, I'm sticking with it for now.
Detective Comics #856 has some of my favorite moments out of any of the books this week. Kate and her father escape alice with help from some of her old help. Her dad convinces her to go to the ball, where she dresses very unorthodox... which just has me love her even more. I love the new wolf character and hope he sticks around in the supporting cast for a while. Her stepmother is a bit of a jerk, disapproving of her life style but it also leads to us to a possible new love interest for Kate.
I love her sense of style as well which I'm sure we have JH Williams to thank for (just as much as Greg). Of course that wasn't the only story this issue as Renee finds herself in trouble really fast. She then does her best to find answers but ends up with more questions than she'd like. Cully just like JH is on fire with his artwork and helps show why this book is one of the best at DC.
Verdict: Beautiful artwork, perfect characterization and involving plots make this one a continued "not to be missed" read.
Book of the Week #3 is a surprise because of the character in the issue and not because of the name of the book. Gotham City Sirens #3 stars Edward Nigma aka the Riddler and poses the question of whether or not the Riddler is still alive and well. With the help of Dick as Batman, he does his best to solve a stream of murders all while also protecting the damsel in distress. Ivy and Selina do appear, but this is very much a Riddler story and the book rests in a good place for that focus.
It's a blast to read Eddie here and it leaves you wanting more. It's also great to see him meeting a big fan of his past and it seems he's actually a tiny bit flustered by the situation.
Verdict: A Riddler focused tale where he gets to play the hero. What's not to love? Definitely a buy.
Green Lantern #45 sees a lot happening as the Blackest Night continues to affect the universe. John does his best to prepare for a fight where it seems herald has appeared, Carol and Sinestro fight and my favorite moment of the book... Larfleeze meets with a slew of black lanterns and he only has himself to blame for it. Blackest Night is really strong so far and it's good to see the different corps playing a part here.
The Sinestro stuff this issue hit on all cylinders as it was good to see the man who once had love in his heart. It was also great seeing him face off against a slew of black lantern Sinestro members. I really can't wait to see him gain his full corps back from Mongul. Carol accepting her full powers while still arguing with the ring has been great too.
Verdict: Blackest Night continues to be strong in both titles and here is no different. Definitely a buy.
Flash Rebirth #4 has our villain revealed and Barry/Max doing their best to fight him off as Jay protects the kids. Bart also does his best to fight back and Wally pulls the two men from the speed force. I'm okay with this negative speed force thing that the reverse flash explains and it was good to see him facing off against each Flash and getting into their heads a little.
Ethan's art here is beautiful and I personally love it a lot. Great to see different highlights on all the characters and Max coming back into the fold makes me smile a lot as it appears Jesse is very much a part of things.
Verdict: With two issues left, I'm still clueless as to where things will go, but I am very okay with that as it seems things are getting better every issue.
The Astounding Wolf-Man #18 continues to get stronger with each passing issue as Gary receives a communication device from a very unexpected friend. Cecil does his best to clear Gary's name and the Face continues whatever he's planning. Great to see Gary's costume get an upgrade and everything seemingly starting to wrap up while still having plenty of questions holding for answers.
I love certain characters and all the stuff Chloe is dealing with is a blast and shows great character progression. Zechs being in that cell feels very Hannibal Lector to me and it's obvious that he'll get out somehow. Robert really wrote the heck out the series and Jason's artwork was beautiful. With just seven issue to go before the end, that makes me really sad.
Verdict: With it ending at #25 it may be better to wait for the full collection but it's a beautiful and fun series that I love every issue of.
Invincible #65 is the end of the conquest arc and sets up a few new interesting things that I'm sure we'll see pay off in the future. Mark makes a decision that surprises Olliver, Eve's powers act up, Conquest is being held by Cecil and funerals are held for all the fallen. Something that really surprised me was the letters page though... which to me showed a bit of the negative from comic fans. They reacted as if Eve was their best friend and Robert killed her in front of them. It's odd to see people react that way but it's good too as it shows people care for the book.
My only complaint is seeing Cecil played the way he is here as he's quite differently in Wolf-Man. It seems a bit inconsistent to me but I'm sure it will be cleared up in the future.
Verdict: Invincible continues to be one of my favorite books and I'm looking forward to the two-parter that has Corey Walker returning for the next two months.
We end this week off with Book of the Week #4 shares the start of Archai and Roddenberry's Days Missing #1, written by Phil Hester with beautiful Frazer Irving artwork. It's interesting to see the virus going through the whole issue as well as the lead characters origin story which Phil really writes the hell out of in this book. It's a great horror title that feels very Twilight Zone-ish and has a few surprises along the way.
Oh, the other good thing about this first issue? Totally only a dollar which is pretty worth it if you ask me. The character designs are excellent and there is so much story packed into these pages that it really feels like a steal to me.
Verdict: You can't go wrong trying a book that has Phil Hester and David Hine attached. Plus. at only a dollar, you'd be insane not to. Highly recommended.
So that's it for this week folks, join us next week as we may or may not be back into this old style or audio form, not sure on that yet, but I know I'm looking forward to next week's books!
Eric Ratcliffe is a young writer/pop culture journalist/interviewer currently working on pitching a project named the Hunter chronicles. When not reading his weekly stack Eric can be found watching dvd's, playing on his 360 (gamertag: Zack Hunter) or just surfing online trying to find a scoop or two. Brand new to the Comic Related family, Eric is a fun new voice. Eric shops at TJ's Collectibles. Visit them on the web at www.tjcollect.com!
blog comments powered by Disqus