A Finer World

A Finer World Closed For the Time Being

2005-09-21T23:33:00.000-07:00

As of late you may have noticed that my updates and reviews have been pretty scarce. I apologize for that, but right now college is taking up most of my time. I also am not able to get my weekly comic fix since I am out of town and have no access to the comics I usually buy.

So for the time being I’m going to stop updating the blog. I really enjoyed writing reviews and tracking down preview pages for upcoming projects, but right now time is just not on my side.

I’d like to start writing a few books and maybe write some articles for the school paper.

Perhaps A Finer World will return in the summer, but if it doesn’t don’t fret there are many good comic blogs out there.

Thanks to everyone for reading over these past 6 months or so.

-Jason

Comic Reviews - September 07, 2005

2005-09-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

DC

Superman/SHAZAM: First Thunder

Artist; Joshua Middleton
Writer: Judd Winick
Letterer: Nick J. Napolitano
Associate Editor: Tom Palmer Jr.
Editor: Mike Carlin

Summary – The first meeting of the Golden Age supermen is chronicled in this mini. Rare European artifacts are stolen from museums across the country its up to Captain Marvel and Superman to unravel the conspiracy.

Review:

The Good –

Both the look and tone of this title are just spot on for the dynamic of Captain Marvel. Even this early version of Superman fits in thanks to the old Boy Scout stereotype. In fact a lot of the artwork kind of evokes the feel of the old Superman Animated Series from back in the day.

Middleton really does an excellent job drawing these guys. He did great on NYX which had more of an urban feel, but here he hits the Golden Age Super Hero out of the park.

Winicks’ characterization of Captain Marvel and Superman is a great contrast. As was mentioned on the JLU animated series, Superman is the Boy Scout until Captain Marvel shows up. Winick does a good job executing this as well as handling Dr. Sivana.

The Bad –

This book did exactly what it intended to do I think. It introduced Captain Marvel to new readers while (eventually) teaming him up with Superman. The price was a little steep, but I think there are some extra pages to make up for it. Otherwise I have no complaints about the issue.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Silent Devil

Runes of Ragnan #1

Penciller: Joshua Medors
Inker: Ryan Ottley
Writer: Ty Gorton
Colorist: JayFotos.Com
Letterer: Ty Gorton
Cover: Ben Templesmith
Back Cover: Bud Cook
RPG Material: Ed Bourelle & Brannon Hollingsworth

Summary – A sword and sorcery epic with Vikings, demons and plenty of action.

Review:

The Good –

This is one awesome looking book. I really like Norse Mythology as well as Viking stories in general and this is right up that alley. I also believe that people interested in fantasy in general will find this book appealing. Between this title and Dracula Vs King Arthur, Silent Devil is building a nice line of comics here.

Josh Medors and Ryan Ottley make one hell of an art team this issue. Most people are familiar with both of them for their penciling gig on indy titles. Ryan in fact inked this before he got the gig penciling Invincible for Image. This is just a really fun issue to read and look at. This issue includes lots of fights, violence as well as just cool panels in general.

Ty Gorton, evidently a fan of Spawn the Dark Age lets his passion for this genre flow through the book. I really think that this could be a sleeper hit of a series, the drive and ambition is definitely there.

The Bad –

This isn’t a super hero book and there aren’t really any all-star names attached, which means the sales won’t be through the roof….

So give this book a chance the next time you are in the shop and if you like it try to spread the word.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Infinite Crisis #1 Preview @ Newsarama

2005-09-13T14:52:00.000-07:00

The good folks at Newsarama have come through with a four page preview from Infinite Crisis #1.

Check it out here: http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/InfiniteCrisis/issue-1/IC_01Pre.htm

Comic Reviews - September 7, 2005 Part I

2005-09-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

DC

Gotham Central #35

Penciller: Kano
Inker: Stefano Gaudiano
Writers: Ed Brubaker & Greg Rucka
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Clem Robins
Associate Editor: Nachie Castro
Editor: Matt Idelson

Summary – The penultimate chapter in the critically acclaimed Dead Robin story arc. Another teenager is found dead dressed up in a Robin costume and the Special Crimes Unit is exhausting ever lead to catch the killer.

Review:

The Good –

As with all Brubaker/Lark team-ups this issue and storyline in general is excellent. I really miss NYDP and the Shield is on hiatus right now, so this is an excellent source of entertainment if you like police procedurals. Now if only DC would get their butts in gear and put the TPB’s out on a timelier basis, then more people would be reading this.

This issue follows the investigation into the “dead Robin” homicide where a boy was found thrown from a rooftop dressed as Robin. At the end of the last issue another body was discovered making this a multiple homicide with a killer who has serious issues.

The cops are the main players in this arc, but Batman and Robin show up for a few panels. The whole beat between Romie Chandler and Batman was really well done over this arc and I look forward to seeing the two meet face to face again someday.

Kano, Gaudiano and Loughridge did an exceptional job this issue on art duties. Michael Lark will be missed, but Kano is a great choice for taking over this book.

The Bad –

Not enough people are reading this book. I can’t fault the trade waiters because that’s a great way to read comics now adays. I can fault the higher ups at DC who will pump out expensive DC Archives volumes, but not trade a critically acclaimed series.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Justice League Unlimited #13

Penciller: Carlo Barberi
Inker: Walden Wong
Writer: Adam Beechen
Colorist: Heroic Age
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Editor: Tom Palmer Jr.
Cover Artist: Ben Caldwell

Summary – The Red Tornado malfunctions and goes on a destructive joy ride through Phoenix, Arizona. However, the Red Tornado isn’t just an android; inside of him is the Earth’s Air Elemental. It’s going to take the entire Justice League to stop him.

Review:

The Good –

The JLU animated series is highly regarded by fans and the comic is staying true to the shows charm. Every issue they tell a timeless story featuring the well known and virtually unknown heroes and villains of the DCU. This issue focuses on Steel and Red Tornado.

This is an all ages comic, but the storylines really make people of all ages think. I liked the moment in this issue where the Red Tornado found Steel’s relationship with him ironic considering Tornado’s status of being a machine. Can you be friends with a machine?

The artwork is also very nice and true to the cartoon, while having just a hint of Japanese influence to please the kiddies.

If you want timeless JLA stories, this is the book to read. JLA: Classified tends to give the spotlight to a creative team rather than the characters, while this one is all about the characters.

The Bad –

I don’t see many adults reading this on the comic boards I go to. I encourage everyone to at least try an issue. There have been issues featuring the Question, Blue Beetle, the Atom, etc.. so I am sure your favorite character is represented. Plus it’s only $2.25.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Outsiders #28

Penciller: Mathew Clark
Inker: Art Thibert
Writer: Judd Winick
Colorist: Guy Major
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Assistant Editor: Rachel Gluckstern
Editor: Joan Hilty

Summary – The new art team of Mathew Clark and Art Thibert bring in their run with a bang. The aftermath of the Insiders story arc is dealt with, in a perfect manner for new readers to jump on.

Review:

The Good –

My favorite thing about this title was the showcase of this particular issue. I love how Winick puts the human back in super-human. Since reading the first TPB I could tell that the potential for telling these kinds of stories was there and it has been realized throughout this books run.

I loved every single scene in this issue. I was very impressed with the heart to heart talk between the depressed Shift and his brother Metamorpho. As well as Thunder and Grace Choi who dealt with the loss of their teammate in a social setting. The scene on the rooftop where Jade recruits a replacement is very well done and surprising. I’m sure a lot of fans will be happy with the new member. Speaking of fans being happy, I’m sure the Wolfman/Perez fans will be especially thrilled to see what went down this issue between two former Titans. Just see the money shot, that’ll tell the story.

I’m really liking the new art team too. While Carlos D’Anda brought a very unique look to the book, this is a more modern-classic type style that suits the team well.

The Bad –

I will really miss the character that perished last issue. Something tells me we haven’t seen the last of her though.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Seven Soldiers: Manhattan Guardian #4

Artist: Cameron Stewart
Writer: Grant Morrison
Colorist: Moose Baumann
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Associate Editor: Michael Siglain
Editor: Peter Tomasi

Summary – Learn the secrets behind the Newboy Army as well as the Guardian’s role in the coming conflict.

Review:

The Good –

This comic is a real treat for those who have been following Seven Soldiers as a whole. A good bit of information is revealed that should answer some questions that were raised both in this book and the other titles as well.

On its own this issue and series stands out as a great look at the main character and him coming to grips with his inner demons. He’s one of those people who was always a hero; he just didn’t know it yet.

Cameron Stewart did an excellent job on this issue, especially the flashback sequences. This is a different style that Moose Baumann usually uses in terms of coloring, but he shows his range very well here.

The Bad –

To be honest, in order to get the most out of this issue you should be reading the other Seven Soldiers titles. It’s not necessary to enjoy the book, but you should be reading the other ones. At least Klarion the Witchboy and Seven Soldiers #0 are essential reading.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Villains United #5

Penciller: Dale Eaglesham
Inker: Wade von Grawbadger
Writer: Gail Simone
Colorist: Sno-Cone
Letterer: Nick J. Napolitano
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Stephen Wacker

Summary – The all out battle between the Secret Six and the Society heats up. Secrets and traitors are revealed in the penultimate chapter of this mini seris.

Review:

The Good –

WOW! This gets my 100% approval of Book of the Week. Considering how high quality this week was in terms of titles, that is really saying something.

Day of Vengeance and Villains United are really delivering when it comes to all this Infinite Crisis stuff. VU in particular is doing a great job with the villains and anti-heroes.

There were a lot of twists and turns this issue as well as a few secrets being revealed. I particularly like the Deadshot angle as well as Scandal’s father being…well that’s a spoiler.

Fans of the original Crisis on Infinite Earths will be pleased to see two very special guest stars as well…

Everyone on this team from Eaglesham to Simone is just doing some of the best work currently in comics right now. I knew that this series would be good from the start, but I didn’t think it would have the potential to be THIS good.

The Bad –

Those of you who are waiting for the trade on this are going to be biting your nails in an effort not to read the oh so good, spoilers.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Geof Darrow Interview @Word Balloon

2005-09-08T23:01:00.000-07:00

A very nice audio interview with the master storyteller.

http://www.wordballoon.com/DARROW.html

LOST Writer/Co-Creator on Ultimate Hulk Vs Ultimate Wolverine?

2005-09-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

Newsarama's Matt Brady reports the possibility here.

This isn't confirmed yet, but all the deleted threads and such really give this rumor/leak some weight. I have to say that I was pulling for it to be Paul Dini, but Damon Lindelof isn't a bad choice either.

This will probably be announced in USA Today tomorrow, so I'll be sure to put the article up on here if it is.

Newsarama Interviews John Romita Jr. @ The Sentry

2005-09-08T13:57:00.000-07:00

Read the entire interview here.

For those who don't know, the Sentry is Marvel's schizo Superman. Paul Jenkins is reteaming with JRJR for this 8-issue mini.

Hopefully everyone who enjoyed JRJR's art on Wolverine will give this a try, if not in the single issues than in the eventual TPB.

CBR Interviews JLU Producer/Writer Dwayne McDuffie

2005-09-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

Read the complete interview here.

They talk about the production of JLU, favorite moments as well as the upcoming season.

This program is one of the few things that comic book fans agree on. I'd say that 99% of the people who watch this show agree that it is some of the best stories featuring these characters ever.

The season premiere of JLU is September 17th on Cartoon Network. Check your TV Guide for time and station number.

Spider-Man/Black Cat #4 Preview Art

2005-09-08T00:12:00.000-07:00

Kevin Smith has posted preview art for Spiderman/Black Cat #4 & #5 by Terry Dodson over on his ViewAskew Boards.

Here are the images, including the new cover to #4 featuring Daredevil.

This looks really promising. I'll probably wait to get this mini in TPB format, but I'm really looking forward to it. Loved Smith's Green Arrow and I hear his run on Daredevil is a must read.

Review - Kingdom Come

2005-09-07T23:06:00.000-07:00

Mark Waid and Alex Ross with Todd Klein

Dedicated to Christopher Reeve

Summary – A tale set in a possible future of the DCU where the violent heroes of the 90’s reign supreme. These powerful, but reckless super humans do more harm than good. This leads Superman and the Justice League of America to step in. However, Lex Luthor also has an agenda as does Batman and his allies.

(Note: Back when this was originally published I believe that this was set in the present of that time, with the DCU characters aging along with normal time. Hence the violent heroes populating this book were part of the comic scene during the 90’s.)

Review:

Generally this is a huge commentary about the violent heroes of the 90’s by two of the biggest Silver Age fans on the planet, Alex Ross and Mark Waid. In the opening chapters they don’t pull any punches in pointing out the faults of the 90’s heroes. Then again in the closing chapters they don’t pull any pointing out the faults in the classic heroes. I hear that after they were done with this, Ross and Waid stated that they liked some of the 90’s heroes they created.

The person at the forefront of the 90’s squad is Magog. He is obviously a shot at Rob Liefeld’s Cable, but then again Cable really became the stereotypical 90’s superhero with a big gun after many clones.

Basically Magog inadvertently triggers a weapon of mass destruction to go off in Kansas wiping it out, which is the final straw for Superman who has been living in seclusion for many years.

What follows is a chain of events where sides are chosen and enemies even become allies.

My favorite scenes in this book deal with Bill Batson AKA Captain Marvel. There are some really nice beats regarding him and his past nemesis. The fight between him and Superman is also one for the ages.

Another thing I like about this is that the Superman in this book appeared throughout the first three arcs of Superman/Batman. He claimed he came from the future, so this is one of the many possible futures for the DCU. The Teen Titans from this story also appear in a few issues of Devin Grayson’s run of The Titans.

From what I hear the ending for this read very differently when it was originally published. The Epilogue was kind of a downer. However for this TPB they put in a “One Year Later” ending chapter that kind of brightened things up and at the same time bridging the gap between “Kingdom Come” and its sequel, “The Kingdom”. I haven’t read the Kingdom, but I’ll let you know what I think of it when I do.

Overall Kingdom Come is a great story at an affordable price. In a way I think that both fans of the Silver Age and the Dark Age will appreciate this comic.

Recommendation: Buy It

All-Star Batman & Robin #2 & #3 Covers

2005-09-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

From - http://www.dccomics.com

All-Star Batman & Robin #2

All-Star Batman & Robin #3

Judging the issues by the covers and the preview page further down the blog, I think these are going to make believers out of those who weren't thrilled with the first issue. And those that liked the first issue are going to be blown away.

In my mind you can't go wrong with Jim Lee and Frank Miller doing Batman. It's just impossible.

Reviews - Jack Cross #1, JLA: Classified #10 & #11

2005-09-06T21:31:00.000-07:00

The latest comics from the mind of Warren Ellis.

Jack Cross #1

Artist: Gary Erskine
Writer: Warren Ellis
Colorist: Brian Reber
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Rachel Gluckstern
Editor: Joey Cavalieri

Jack Cross created by Warren Ellis

Summary – Introducing Jack Cross. A counter-terrorism expert who does whatever it takes to get the job done.

Review:

The Good –

Essentially from this first issue, it seems like Jack Cross is Jack Bauer in the DCU. He seems haunted by his past and looks to have isolated himself from civilization. Which means, very soon someone is going to make him an offer to come in from the cold and get back in the game.

The first thing that is obvious about Jack is that he knows what’s going on. He’s all instinct and his hunches seem to serve him well. He is also the kind of character who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty (as shown in the torture/interrogation scene in this issue).

This isn’t a book built on pure shock and awe though; this is a book that makes you use your noggin. I particularly like it because the first issue tied into my Criminal Justice classes I am taking as far as the Office of Homeland Security goes.

Gary Erskine and Brian Reber do an excellent job on the art. They are making a comic book exciting that has zero capes, masks or monsters. Very cool stuff.

The Bad –

This being a non-superhero book set in the DCU, makes it very likely that most people won’t give this a shot. That’s a big mistake because let me tell you this: I read a lot of comics and Jack Cross #1 is one of the best I’ve read this year. This has all the makings of a great series. Hopefully Warren Ellis’ upcoming ENGINE Forum, which is dedicated to discussion of the non-super hero genres, will help this title among others get more exposure.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

JLA: Classified #10

Artist: Butch Guice
Writer: Warren Ellis
Colorist: David Baron
Letterer: Phil Balsman
Assistant Editor: Michael Siglain
Editor: Mike Carlin
Cover Art: Michael Stribling

Summary – A string of suicides at Lex Corp peaks the curiosity of Clark Kent and Lois Lane. Meanwhile in Gotham City, Batman is hunting down a perp with some heavy artillery.

Review:

The Good –

Oh man do I miss these characters. I am willing to bet a lot of my fellow comics readers do as well. If you miss Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman pre-Identity Crisis, be sure to pick up this arc. It takes place during the time where Luthor is President of the U.S.A. and these heroes are in a more pure form.

The Batman pages alone are worth the price of admission if you ask me. The way Guice lays out Batman getting into the suit is just awesome. Almost like a movie trailer.

David Baron does an excellent job on the colors. This is my first experience with his work and I’ll be looking for his name in the future.

Michael Stribling pitches in with one of the coolest Batman covers I’ve seen in recent years.

The Bad –

As an issue that stands on its own this book falls just short of being an excellent issue overall. That shouldn’t be a problem though since #11 is in stores now and these make a fantastic back to back read. This issue was all about setting the major players up and introducing the elements of the story, so naturally we will have less action than the rest of the issues.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

JLA Classified #11

Artist: Butch Guice
Writer: Warren Ellis
Colorist: David Baron
Letterer: Phil Balsman
Assistant Editor: Michael Siglain
Editor: Mike Carlin
Cover Art: Michael Stribling

Summary – Explosions rock Themyscira, Central City, Gotham City, New York City and the Space Station is coming down! This is definitely a job for the Justice League.

Review:

The Good –

The action really picks up here. Beginning where the book ended in the last issue, we witness a chain of explosions that rock the main cities of the DCU. At the site of each explosion is a mysterious glyph with origins unknown.

I love this kind of story, once again Batman has a great moment which I have mad the money shot. I also like how this mystery is being paced and the way its unraveling before our eyes.

Once again Guice and Baron kick all types of asses on the interiors. The cover by Stribling isn’t quite up to par with his Batman one, but I still think he compliments the Amazon very well.

The Bad –

All of the stuff involving Lex Corp might take a second read through. Lots of information and whatnot is being exchanged between Clark and Lois and we kind of have to find our way.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Comic Reviews - August 31, 2005

2005-09-02T23:31:00.000-07:00

ICON

Powers v2 #12

Story and Art: Brian Michael Bendis
Story and Art: Michael Avon Oeming
Pilgrim Cover: Bendis
Walker Cover: Oeming
Colorist: Peter Pantazis
Letterer: Ken Bruzenak

Powers created by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming

Summary – Counting the original Image run of the book, this is the landmark 50th issue for Powers and it’s a great treat for long time fans as well as those trying the book for the first time.

Review:

The Good –

This is a unique comic to begin with, but this issue is extra special. Very rarely does an independent comic reach 50 issues, especially given the fact that neither Oeming nor Bendis were superstars at the outset. This is just a great achievement for both of them and each of them pitches in on the art and story for the issue.

I have to say that the transition from Oeming to Bendis’ artwork is very smooth. It’s an interesting contrast within itself though. This is my first time looking at Bendis’ sequentials (I liked his drawing of the Dollman in the WANTED: Dossier) and he is pretty good. His style is pretty loose and cartoony but it works.

Oeming on the other hand has an Art Adams meets Bruce Timm look and is in prime form for this issue. He also did a good job writing the pages Bendis drew, proving once again that he can both write and draw with the best of them.

This issue was very interesting because we got a look into the past of Pilgrim which we rarely get to see. We see her as a rookie cop with a corrupt T.O. And of course since this is Powers, she comes in contact with them. It’s quite a nice little tale.

Another good thing is the price. 64 pages with only ads in the back priced at 3.95. Some additional pages in the back are Oeming and Bendis talking about the book, their history, etc, which is entertaining in itself.

The Bad –

It seems like we’ve been waiting for this issue for a few months. It’s understandable though given the workload of both Oeming and especially Bendis of late.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

DC

The Flash #225

Penciller: Howard Porter
Inker: LIVESAY
Writer: Geoff Johns
Colorist: James Sinclair
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Associate Editor: Michael Wright
Editor: Joey Cavalieri

Summary – This issue marks the conclusion to the Rogue War storyline, as well as the overall story arc that Geoff Johns has been running (pardon the pun) with since he jumped on board the title. In the second of the three worst days in Wally Wests’ life he can only count on one man to help him. Barry Allen.

Review:

The Good –

Geoff Johns comes full circle with his run on the title. As a sort of rite of passage, for his departure he brings back Barry Allen.

Time traveling with the Flash is always fun. This Barry Allen is discovering that Wally is the Flash for the first time. He goes back through time chasing after Professor Zoom who escapes before Barry can kill him. So this is a younger Barry than we have seen before in the title. Head hurt? Its ok this all makes sense after reading the book.

I loved how Barry is just there to give Wally advice and doesn’t really do that much to help him. He just grabs Professor Zoom and lets Wally handle Zoom (Hunter Zolomon). The ending for this issue is just great and there is a big payoff for long time readers. Well a couple payoffs actually..

The art team did a great job on this issue. Porter, Livesay and Sinclair really do their best and bring a lot of unique layouts and poses to a book about guys who (for the most part) just run, run, and run.

The Bad –

It seems like the whole subplot involving the new Captain Boomerang’s mother was wrapped up too quick. I imagine Johns had a better way to do it, but simply ran out of time. I also heard he wanted to do a storyline involving Dr. Alchemy, but it seems like the greater call of Infinite Crisis is beckoning him. I can’t say I blame him, that should be a lot of fun to read and I can only imagine how much fun it will be for him to write.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Green Lantern #4

Artist: Ethan Van Sciver
Writer: Geoff Johns
Colorist: Moose Baumann
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Associate Editor: Michael Siglain
Editor: Peter Tomasi

Summary – Hector Hammond enters the life of Hal Jordan once again and as always that is never a good thing.

Review:

The Good –

Once again, praise for Geoff Johns. He is going about this series in all the right ways. In his first arc he brought new readers up to speed with the Manhunters and in this arc it looks like he will be tackling Hammond as well as The Shark.

He’s also very lucky that he gets one of the best artists in comics working with him for this storyline in Ethan Van Sciver. EVS did a fantastic job on Green Lantern: Rebirth and it’s just great to have him pitching in on the ongoing series.

Green Lantern #4’s storyline kind of goes through a number of genres. It starts out as kind of an X-Files beat, then goes into the intergalactic superhero field and finally ends on Earth with a moment straight out of a horror comic. It makes for an interesting read.

EVS’s layouts and storytelling abilities are a perfect fit for this genre bending issue. My favorite pages though are the ones on Oa featuring the Green Lantern Corps Cadets. I like how he made one a frog-alien. I imagine it is a tribute to his creator owned work CyberFrog.

The Bad –

I know that the paper quality is very high as well as the glossy cover, but since this book is selling so well you think DC would bump it back down to $2.50. I think it would get a lot more readers at that price rather than at $2.99.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Robin #141

Penciller: Scott McDaniel
Inker: Andy Owens
Script: Bill Willingham
Colorist: Guy Major
Letterer: Phil Balsman
Editor: Michael Wright

Summary – Tim’s dead girlfriends back and she’s after Robin’s head! Luckily for Tim, he can always count on his best friend for some help.

Review:

The Good –

This was just a great issue. It almost makes up for Willingham’s last work on Batman #644..almost.

I basically like everything about this issue. One thing that stands out is the dialogue between Tim and Darla. Willingham has a knack for writing strong female characters in Fables and that has carried over to his work on Robin. The scenes with Superboy are also great fun. Let’s face it all the Titans want to wear the Robin outfit, but only Superboy manages to live the dream this issue.

Thank heavens Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens started drawing this book. They really bring a great deal of energy as well as just a real readable look to the title.

The Bad –

I think the cover was a little misleading, but that’s just me I won’t burn the book over that. I figured we would see Tim on some commando type mission, but it looks like next issue might be just that..

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Read Godland #1 Online For Free

2005-09-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

Courtesty of Tom Scioli, Joe Casy and Image Comics, the first issue of Godland has been placed on Newsarama for everyone to read.

This is the perfect opportunity to see what this series is all about. Click below to read it.

Godland #1 @Newsarama

Rob Liefeld EBAY's Teen Titans #27 Pages For Hurricane Katrina Relief

2005-09-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

Over on his HeroRealm Forum, Rob Liefeld has announced that he is offering up his original art for Teen Titans #27 on EBAY. All proceeds will go towards Hurricane Katrina Relief.

Click Here To View the Auctions

Tom Scioli Talks @ Godland, Jack Kirby and More

2005-09-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

Matt Brady has recently posted a great interview with Tom Scioli, artist on Godland and Freedom Force that is a must read.

http://www.newsarama.com/general/Scioli/TomSciloi.html

Some excerpts -

NRAMA: Why did Kirby’s work and style make such an impact on you? What is it about his style that hooked you?

TS: It's hard to explain the appeal of something that you find appealing. The world he depicts in his art is alive. It's 3-d. It moves. No one else's art does for me what Kirby's does. Everything else looks limp and flat by comparison. He found a new way of doing things. I want to follow his lead. I think he found a way of drawing that is the optimal way of drawing for sci-fi comic book epic storytelling. There isn't one aspect of his style that I'd want to ignore.

NRAMA: That said though, you’ve sure read or heard some of the comments - those who dismiss the book based only on your art alone, calling it a Kirby ripoff. Thoughts?

TS: I can totally understand their point of view. Kirby's been mistreated all through his career. His fans are defensive of him and his legacy. His detractors want his influence to disappear from comics altogether. I think some of his fans look at my stuff and say "is this another guy looking to make a quick buck off of Kirby?" I think if you read my stuff, you'll see that I'm giving back as much as I'm taking. I'm using the style, the squiggle, the crackle, but I'm creating my own compositions, my own characters, my own stories, my own way of doing stuff. It's still me doing the heavy lifting. There's plenty of me in there, it's just that it screams "Kirby!" so loudly that it tends to drown out everything else.

Every artist has his master from whom he learned. A lot of really tremendous comics artists who I look up to have a primary influence, the same way Kirby is my primary influence. The difference is that the guys they idolize aren't as well-known or easy-to-spot as Kirby. It's a tough position I put myself in. My work forces people to compare me to the greatest artist ever. I don't have a chance, but at least I'm giving it my best. I'm interested in putting out the best possible comic I can.

I learned his style a long time ago. I'm not copying Kirby. I don't lift compositions from Kirby comics, I don't have a Kirby comic open when I'm drawing. When I draw, I sit down at a white drawing table. I have my pencils, my pens, my brush, my triangles. I start drawing. Occasionally I might have a sequence or character that I'd worked out in a notebook, but usually not. Most of the time it's just me and the board, like any other artist. I hate using reference. That's the beauty of drawing-comics-the-Kirby-way. You don't need reference. If it looks good on the page, then it's good. It doesn't need to be correct or accurate, just cool-looking.

Any time I get a bad review, no one addresses the point of, was it a good comic? Did you enjoy it? Did it take you someplace you've never been? They never get past the knee-jerk, "it looks like Kirby, so it's a rip-off." I think there's way more originality in an issue of Godland or 8-Opus than there is in yet another go-round between Thor and Loki or Captain America and the Red Skull no matter who draws it.

I'd love to read a review where someone says I didn't like it cause the story sucked, or cause the action was bland, or ‘cause the ideas were shit. It's never happened. Any time somebody has written a bad review it's, "This guy draws like Kirby. That's a no-no."

The people who are into the comic get it. The people who won't let themselves give it a chance are missing out on some damn good yarns. I don't think Erik Larsen or Joe Casey would be interested in working with a "greatest hits" machine. They get it. My fans get it. If I were just a hollow ghost of Kirby I don't think anybody would take any notice of my work.

I'd like everybody who won't give my work a chance because of the Kirby-ism--I'd like them to read a copy of Godland or any book of mine in the comic shop. Don't pay for it, just read it in the store. See for yourself if you like it or not.

Everything I have heard about Tom has been very positive. He's a local artist in my area and my LCS manager said that he drew him a really cool Hellboy sketch at Pittsburgh Comicon a few years ago without charging him.

I've always wanted to buy one of his comics, but I wasn't really interested in the Freedom Force property. When I saw the preview images for Godland though, I knew that this would be my chance to check out what he could do.

The first two issues of the book have not disappointed me, I encourage everyone to check this title out. They aren't ripping off Kirby, Starlin etc.. They are just simply inspired by them like anyone else who has read those classic stories.

His creator owned work The Myth of 8-Opus also sounds like an interesting tale, so I'm going to check that out too.

Ultimates 3 Artwork By Joe Madureira

2005-09-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on - http://mikemcmahon.blogspot.com. He has the best collection of Joe Madureira art on the net, so be sure to check it out.

This image alone should drain any doubts about Madureira's look not working for the Ultimates.

This looks to be WW2 era Captain America. While I think Hitch's version is definitive, I am also taking a liking to this one.

This might be my favorite one out of these sketches. His Hulk looks very animated.

A Russian Super Spy drawn in a Japanese style, can't beat that.

If you squint your eyes, you can see her. He really shrunk her down.

Keep in mind these are just sketches. Wait until actual cover and interior images start showing and then we'll probably see even better stuff.

Preview - All-Star Superman #1

2005-08-31T18:29:00.000-07:00

Straight from the pages of Wizard magazine, I present Grant Morisson and Frank Quitely’s All-Star Superman. This amazing piece of graphic fiction is scheduled to hit stores on November 16th.

Judging from these pages it is safe to say that Morisson and Quitely are telling a timeless tale that will take Superman back to his original science fiction roots. It also looks like the mad scientist Lex Luthor is back in a more pure form of his megalomania.

Earlier this year Jim Lee and Brian Azarello breathed new life into the Superman franchise. And lately Gail Simone and John Byrne have been kicking ass on Action Comics. Now is the perfect time for this book and I encourage everyone to pick up the first issue.

November 16th can't get here soon enough.

Jim Lee Returns To Image..Kinda

2005-08-30T22:11:00.000-07:00

Jim Lee will lend his mighty pencil to the company he helped found in October and November.

In October he pencils the cover to Spawn #150. The magnificent Danny Miki inks it and the extremely talented Brian Haberlin throws down the colors.

In November he pencils the cover to Hunter-Killer #5. Right now only his pencils are available for viewing, but expect a completed cover to appear in the next few months.

Between his cover work on Infinite Crisis and his interiors on All-Star Batman & Robin it’s great that he found the time to do this.

Preview - All-Star Batman & Robin #2

2005-08-30T21:44:00.000-07:00

Recently a page has surfaced on the net from All-Star Batman & Robin #2 penciled my Jim Lee and inked by Scott Williams. Rumor has it the coloring is only temporarily though so don't worry about that.

I have to say I really like this page; Batman appears to be having a bit of fun. This is a nice contrast to the miserable jerk that inhabits the current DC Universe.

Some have pointed out that he is basically kidnapping the young Dick Grayson, but we’ll have to see how this all plays out.

If you are up for more All-Star images check out this weeks issue of Wizard. Eight pages from Frank Quitely and Grant Morisson's All-Star Superman are in it.

Jeph Loeb & Joe Madureira on Ultimates 3

2005-08-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

Unless you have been living under a rock for the last few days, you have probably heard that the creative team for Ultimates v3 will be Jeph Loeb and Joe Madureira.

For more the details see the Newsarama article.

Also, Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch share their thoughts on the announcement at Newsarama here.

A few months ago House of M #3 failed to crack the Internet in half, but it seems that this announcement has done just that.

On one side of the coin there are those that feel that this decision is too big of a departure from the current look and feel of the title. They believe it to be a mistake and want a creative team that better suits the tradition of the Ultimates.

On the other side of the coin are those that feel a new look would be good for the title. After all, why would the new team try to imitate Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch’s take on team? Imitation is generally the sincerest form of flattery, but it doesn’t usually make for good comics. As you may guess this is the camp that I fall in.

I love what Millar and Hitch have done on the Ultimates, but having a creative team come in that has a similar writing and artistic style would have been a bad idea. Plus, let’s face it this is some pretty shocking stuff.

Millar and Hitch always said that they would be done with the Ultimates after Volume 2, so naturally everyone started guessing on the new creative team almost immediately. I heard names dropped ranging from Frank Quitely and Grant Morisson to Brian Bendis and David Finch on various message boards. While those people are all talented, the initial shock of this announcement just can’t be beat

The next thing to address is how this will sell. I for one think that All-Star Batman & Robin #1 showed the limit of the Direct Market, but Ultimates 3 has a shot at getting over 300,000 if they ship it with a variant cover.

I think they will completely kill that month if they ship #1 with a Joe Madureira cover and another with a Michael Turner variant. The ratios should be 50/50 of course, but if they want to put out a retailer incentive cover (like they did with Wolverine #21) by Madureira that can only help the book further.

This is going to get enough hype as it is with Jeph Loeb’s return to Marvel and Joe Madureira’s return to comics they have a bona-fide cash cow on their hands before the issue even sees print.

No artwork is available yet of Madureira’s Ultimates, but over on his HeroRealm board, Rob Liefeld says that his Captain America looks great.

It is also cool that history is repeating itself in a way. Mark Millar partially got the Ultimates gig after writing a team of Avengers analogues in the Authority. Jeph Loeb is currently writing a team of Avengers analogues in Superman/Batman.

Needless to say this is very good news and I for one will be rooting for this book to top the charts come its release.

Comic Reviews - August 24, 2005 Part II

2005-08-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

DC

Day of Vengeance #5

Penciller: Justiniano
Inker: Walden Wong
Writer: Bill Willingham
Colorist: Chris Chuckay
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Associate Editor: Michael Wright
Editor: Joey Cavalieri

Summary – The Shadowpact prepares for Round 2 with the Spectre and Eclipso. They have an ace in the hole this time in the form of Black Alice and she’s sure to make this an interesting battle.

Review:

The Good –

Justiniano, Wong and Chuckay are quickly becoming one of the finest art teams in comics. If it’s in the cards, I would love for them and Willingham to continue to work together on a Shadowpact monthly series.

This issue was great; I loved how they are using Black Alice. For those who aren’t sure who she is, see Birds of Prey #76. It’s a stand alone issue featuring the introduction of the character.

She is the Shadowpact’s secret weapon in the fight against the Spectre and Eclipso. I won’t spoil what her power is, but it might be one that does more harm than good. We’ll all have to wait and see.

The Bad –

As good as this book is it really should be getting more attention. It’s in my opinion the best Countdown mini along with Villains United, and this is the worst selling Countdown mini. I hope the good buzz on this cause some nice reorder action and of course, the trade should sell well.

I want to continue reading about these guys, so hopefully the entire creative team can fit it into their schedules.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

JSA Classified #2

Penciller: Amanda Conner
Inker: Jimmy Palmiotti
Writer: Geoff Johns
Colorist: Paul Mounts
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Stephen Wacker

Summary – Power Girl’s mysterious origin begins to unfold before our very eyes…or does it?

Review:

The Good –

Let’s just say fans of Crisis on Infinite Earths will be very happy to see a certain character this issue.

Besides that surprise you have a great looking story by Conner, Palmiotti and Mounts to look at. Conner really flexes her muscle drawing not only Powergirl, but Mr. Terrific, Jay Garrick, Director Bones, Superman, Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes. All of them look really good and I hope that we have more DC work to look forward to from this team in the future. I would be particularly interested in them doing a JLA Classified arc or maybe a stand alone issue of Birds of Prey.

Then there’s Geoff Johns, it’s safe to say that he’s pretty good at this writing gig. I love his rhythm for this storyline. It seems like each issue is going to show us one of the possibilities of Powergirl’s origin, then by issues end renounce it. However, the evidence is presented in such a convincing manner you won’t be sure if it’s true or not until the end.

He also gets some big ups for a convincing explanation on the whole in Powergirl’s suit.

It’s also just plain cool to see Powergirl take on the entire Legion of Super-Heroes by herself.

This is recommended and essential Infinite Crisis lead-in material. I would say even more so than the Countdown mini’s.

The Bad –

The waiting is killing me on this. I was hoping we might have had a few hints at her true origin by now, but it looks like we’re going to have to wait until #4 to find out.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Legion of Super-Heroes #9

Penciller: Georges Jeanty
Inker: Art Thibert
Plot: Mark Waid & Barry Kitson
Dialogue: Mark Waid
Colorist: Sno Cone
Letterer: Nick J. Napolitano
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Stephen Wacker

Summary – The Legion gets ready to take on Terra Firma for a second time, but can they succeed without Cosmic Boy who has quit the team?

Review:

The Good –

As shown on the cover, this was Wizard Magazine’s Book of the Month. After reading the issue, I can see why.

Easily the best issue so far of the series and that’s saying quite a bit. The way this is executed from top to bottom is just so well done.

Cosmic Boy becomes the focus of this issue as he decides to leave the Legion and go back to his home planet before it shuts its borders down. While at the station he sees all the Legionaries who used to stand outside Legion HQ leaving too. Some motivational speeches start on his behalf. He clearly is someone that doesn’t know his place quite yet, but by the end of the issue he will.

The extra pages they put into this book are put to good use too. We get some extra story pages, plus an illustrated letter column that is entertaining in itself.

The Bad –

This is another book that should be doing a lot better than it is sales wise. I’m not sure if the Legion of Super-Heroes is too retro of a concept or what. I guess the large cast of characters could also play a part in it as well.

I encourage everyone to pick up #9 though and try this book out. Or better yet, wait until next month and buy #9 and #10 at the same time.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Teen Titans #27

Artist: Rob Liefeld
Writer: Gail Simone
Colorist: Matt Yackey
Letterer: Comicraft
Assistant Editor: Jeanine Schaefer
Editor: Joan Hilty

Summary – The Teen Titans team up with Hawk and Dove to take on Kestrel and his group of teen heroes gone bad.

Review:

The Good –

Rob Liefeld and Gail Simone on Teen Titans, in my mind there was no way this could fail…it didn’t.

First off, this is probably going to be the most favorable review you’ll find on the net for this issue, but I’m going with what I know and feel, so deal with it.

I’ve been a Liefeld fan since I bought Youngblood #1 back in the 90’s and I have continued my allegiance to this very day. He’s a guy that has so much energy in his life and work that I wonder why people go so far out of there way to bash him.

His work in this very issue is something different from him. Just by his posting on the net you can tell he is a huge fan of Bryan Hitch and in a way I think he is dabbing into some photorealism territory in this issue. The buildings and various skyline’s look to be filtered stock images of city’s and to be honest they bring a new look to his work.

I also liked the way he bulked up Robin and Kid Flash. I could never understand how a kid like Robin with no powers to speak of, could take out so many villains weighting 140 pounds soaking wet.

His Cyborg is what we are used to from him in the organic-metal department ala Cable and Sentinel. I also like his renditions of Wonder Girl and Raven. He toned down his original interpretation of Wonder Girl’s assets a bit, and I think it really improved the look of her.

The story Gail Simone is telling seems like it is right out of the 90’s, but in a good way. It reminds me a lot of the Spider-Man and X-Force crossover which Liefeld and McFarlane illustrated back in the 90’s. I’m not sure why, but I just got that vibe from reading this issue.

Her dialogue and everything is spot on as usual. From the credits it also looks like her two editors came along for the ride.

Hawk, Dove and Kestrel really haven’t really broken out yet in the book, but I look for them to have much bigger roles next issue. Kestrel had some nice scenes, but Hawk and Dove need to do some more. Although it was fun to see Dawn getting hit on by Cyborg a bit (although he just told her there was a seat available next to him). Should be interesting to see where that goes.

The Bad –

I can't stand these Lego comics that DC tends to put in the middle of some of their best titles. At first it was Heroscape, but now it’s these damn Bionicle’s. They totally ruin the flow of the comic and I hope they discontinue this practice in the future.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Comic Reviews - August 24, 2005 Part I

2005-08-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

Dark Horse

Conan #19

Artist: Cary Nord
Color Artist: Dave Stewart
Script: Kurt Busiek
Letterer: Richard Starkings and Comicraft
Assistant Editors: Matt Dryer and Dave Marshall
Editor: Scott Allie

Based on the work of Conan creator Robert E. Howard

Summary - Conan continues his pillaging in the City of Thieves, but one treasure he steals will soon bring him more trouble than it’s worth.

Review:

The Good –

This continues the storyline from #17 (#18 was an issue with two guest artists telling stand alone stories), which follows Conan’s adventures in the City of Thieves.

The city is brought to life this issue with stunning artwork by Cary Nord and Dave Stewart. Kurt Busiek breathes life into the people, from the nutty wizards and shamans to the street performers inhabiting the city at night.

This was a nice issue mixed with both thievery as well as supernatural events. Also, if you like tales featuring scantily clad women, look no further. There are plenty of gorgeous women in this issue, two of whom are trying to manipulate our hero.

Another thing I like about this issue is that it can be read as a stand alone story. A lot of comics are written for trade these days in huge arcs, but this isn’t entirely the case with Conan. There are larger arcs happening, but they aren’t right there in your face being forced upon you. So if any new readers out there want to start checking this out, now is the time. This is a lead-in for one of the greatest Conan stories ever told, the Tower of the Elephant.

The Bad –

I was kind of disappointed that Conan did not fight the monster that appeared in this issue. I always enjoy seeing the guy go nuts and swinging around his sword. Still, something tells me this won’t be the last we see of The Thing In The Temple.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Marvel

Daredevil #76

Artist: Alex Maleev
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Letterer: VC’s Corey Petit
Assistant Editor: Cory Sedlmeier
Editor: Axel Alonso

Summary – The Murdock Papers begins here! Alex Maleev and Brian Michael Bendis start their final Daredevil storyline by bringing back the Kingpin. Which can only mean trouble for the ever so popular Matt Murdock.

Review:

The Good –

Everything.

Maleev and Stewart are in top form on art duties this issue. While Bendis writes some great dialogue for all the characters involved.

The Kingpin and Ben Urich’s chat within the Federal Prison where he is being held is executed incredibly well. I loved how the prison went under attack about halfway through and the Kingpin just said people try to get to him all the time. I also loved the flashback scene from Miller’s run on Daredevil when Elektra stuck Ben with her sai.

The scene where Matt stops the armed thugs was also very cool. I love seeing Daredevil in action throwing his billy club around or just plain beating the snot out of criminals. The applause for him was great and truth be told is probably what would happen in real life given these circumstances.

After this issue I believe that I am going to have to track down the first Pulse TPB..

The Bad –

I’m not sure why Brian Bendis is on the cover, when he makes only a small cameo in the book. ;)

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Daredevil Vs. Punisher #3

Penciller: David Lapham
Inker: David Lapham
Writer: David Lapham
Colorist: Edward Delgado
Letterer: VC’s Chris Eliopoulos
Editor: Warren Simons

Summary – Daredevil and the Punisher’s paths cross once again, as they each try to bring their own unique sense of justice to Hammerhead’s organization. In this issue they both tangle with the psychopathic mutant, Bushwacker.

Review:

The Good –

Lapham is quickly becoming the man to go to when it comes to urban heroes. I love his take both artistically as well as his narrative on the Punisher and Daredevil. He and Darwyn Cooke are easily my favorite writer-artist combo at the moment.

In this issue he also turned the C-List villain, Bushwacker into a decent thread for the heroes. While true, he is still a loser, he gave them both a real run for their money.

The scene with the young kid and the gun is building up to something too. I’m not sure what, but it can’t be good news for Frank Castle.

The Bad –

I love the title, but this six issue format makes for some pretty good cliff hangers. I’m wondering if this would have been better served as an OGN.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Wolverine #31

Penciller: John Romita Jr.
Inker: Klaus Janson
Writer: Mark Millar
Colorist: Paul Mounts
Letterer: VC’s Randy Gentile
Editor: Jennifer Lee

Summary – Agent of SHIELD comes to a blood (or is that mud?) splattering conclusion! It’s Wolverine Vs the Gorgon Round 3, only one will walk away from this one.

Review:

The Good –

Millar, Romita and Janson end their critically acclaimed run with one hell of splatterfest this issue. Wolverine and the Gorgon just tear each other apart. Each giving it as good as they receive it. They just cut each other up in one of the best fights I’ve ever seen in a comic.

This is the ultimate revenge tale and for the most part I think its safe to say that Logan succeeds in what he set out to do. However, since the Hand and HYDRA are Marvel U mainstays it is obvious there are still some out there.

The last few pages were an interesting contrast to the huge blood bath that made up the first part of the issue or the entire series for that matter.

Everyone involved with this title over the past year needs to take a bow, they deserve it.

The Bad –

The way Wolverine beats the Gorgon is pretty predictable, but it doesn’t take away from the flow of the story too much. That last hit he gets in is dramatic enough on its own accord.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Creators Weigh in on Light Tracing and Photo Realism in Comics

2005-08-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

Klaus Janson gives his opinion @ Comicfoundry.com - http://www.comicfoundry.com/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=147

Neal Adams passes his thoughts on through a Millarworld poster - http://www.millarworld.net/index.php?showtopic=52915

Review - Nitrogen #1

2005-08-23T20:49:00.000-07:00

Arcade Comics

Nitrogen #1

Artist: Jon Malin
Plot: Rob Liefeld
Script: Brandon Thomas
Colorist: Dash Martin
Letterer: Marat Mychaels
Publisher: Jimmy S. Jay

Summary – Former teen sidekicks and heroes divert from the path intended for them and take on their predecessors in an action comic fans dream.

Review:

The Good –

Rob Liefeld continues his comeback creating and plotting an all new teen superhero team. A big Authority fan in his own right, he is applying that concept towards teenage superheroes in his own universe. In a way he's coming full circle, since without Youngblood #1 over 10 years ago we might have never seen books like the Authority, Ultimates, etc. With him on the endeavor is his friend and long time calibrator Marat Mychaels on lettering duties.

The core creative team is made up of a triad of truly “youngblood” in the industry. It’s quite possible you will be looking back at this title ten years from now and you’ll see this is where some of the top talent in the industry got its start.

Jon Malin is the penciller, inker and character designer on the book. For those who remember my interview with him a few months back, he really goes for 90’s energy with a manga look. Having read the entire first issue, I can say that his mission has been successfully accomplished in both departments. His action scenes are some of the freshest I’ve seen and his character designs could probably make the Top Cow artists do a double take.

Brandon Thomas provides the script for the issue, setting the tone of the title in terms of language, character development, beats etc.. He’s known for his work on Youngblood Genesis, Spider-Man Unlimited and Marvel Age: Fantastic Four. You can also read his column on Comic Book Resources entitled Ambidextrous. As with Youngblood Genesis he did a great job this issue breathing the life back into this universe of characters.

Dash Martin is quite a talented guy capable of penciling, inking and coloring, the latter which he graces this title with. I love the palette he chose for the issue. It’s not too colorful, but yet not that dark either. Which fits this book perfectly. If you read Image books chances are you have seen Dash's various pinup works in the back of such comics as Invincible.

The story itself is one that is for both old fans of the Extreme Universe as well as new readers. Old fans will find a lot of Easter Eggs in this title, such as the presumed identities of the main characters and the slew of guest stars.

Newer readers will be happy to know that all of the bonus stuff will not impact your enjoyment of the story what so ever. This is a straight up balls to the wall action comic and it starts on page one and just doesn’t stop.

This will be available in comic shops across the country this fall and I highly recommend it to all those who want to try something new or want a serious taste of action.

The Bad –

Those looking for something along the lines of Seven Soldiers won’t find it here. This isn’t a cerebral title. Which probably won’t be any loss since the target audience for this book might not be too keen on talking heads comics anyway.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Recommended For Fans Of: The Authority, Hunter-Killer, Teen Titans and the Extreme/Awesome/Maximum Universe.

Easter Eggs:

Read this if you want the down-low on old Extreme/Maximum/Awesome characters appearing in this title.

BEWARE SPOILERS!

Main Characters -

Superion - Formerly known as Kid Supreme who appeared in Supreme from Extreme Studios as well as his own mini series from Extreme and Maximum Press. He spent some time in the Supremacy, but left soon after. No one is sure what he's been up to since then.

Gauntlet - Possibly the teenage hero Geof from KABOOM published by Awesome Entertainment.

Game - Possibly the teenage heroine Kyra from KABOOM published by Awesome Entertainment.

S2 - Spice 2.0 an upgrade or newer model of Spice from Fighting American published by Awesome Entertainment.

Zang - Possibly the old sage master from KABOOM published by Awesome Entertainment.

Guest Stars -

Waxy Doyle - Former Silver Age hero, the financial backer for Youngblood after the government disbanded it. Appeared in Judgment Day and Alan Moore’s Youngblood for Awesome Entertainment.

Lady Supreme - Probe, the daughter of Supreme and Glory. Was in the Supreme title from Extreme Studios as well as her own mini series from Extreme and Maximum Press. She was believed to be living in the Supremacy, but clearly that isn’t the case anymore.

Coral - Female cousin of Roman, the King of Neuport Appeared in Brigade from Extreme Studios.

League of Infinity - Led by Future Girl, the League of Infinity is made up of the greatest heroes throughout time. This is the first time we have seen them show up with this many people though. Supreme is also a member, they first appeared in Supreme from Awesome Entertainment.

Detective Strong - Not sure who this guy is, but chances are he's a superhuman of some sort.

Places of Interest -

Neuport - A legendary underwater kingdom. A very magical place to say the least, they also aren’t short on technology it seems. Played a role in the Brigade series from Extreme Studios.

The Cycle - This is the KABOOM Cycle. Something that played a huge part in the KABOOM series from Awesome Comics. It’s a very powerful force that can also be entered. Geof spent some time in here and aged considerably.

Comic Reviews - August 17, 2005

2005-08-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

Image

Godland #2

Artist: Tom Scioli
Writer: Joe Casey
Colorist: Bill Crabtree
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft

Summary – The creative team behind Godland.continues to apply Golden Age concepts to the modern era of super heroes. In this issue Adam attempts to rescue the alien creature from the drug loving Basil Cronus.

Review:

The Good –

They don’t make comic like this anymore, this is a rare and fulfilling treat for comic fans everywhere. Tom Scioli is probably best known for his work on the Freedom Force comic flexes his artist muscle once again bringing Godland to life.

Fans of Alan Moore’s 1963, Jack Kirby’s Secret City Saga and the like will find this to be right up their alley. It is a combination of different super hero concepts ranging from Captain Marvel to the Fantastic Four and is executed brilliantly.

Casey does a great job balancing the Golden Age feel of the book with more modern dialogue by some characters. While this book may feel and look like it takes place in the 1940’s, a line about E!’s True Hollywood Stories tells us it takes place in modern times.

This is the first comic I’ve read by Casey that I know of and I have to admit that he knows how to tell a story. I may have to give his other book, the Intimates from Wildstorm a look when I get some spare change.

The Bad –

While this book’s uniqueness is something that sets it apart from the field, it might just be too different for some people. “Does it take place in the 1940’s or now?” is a question that many fans will ask.

The other thing is that this seems like it is being written for the eventual TPB. While that’s nothing new for comics these days.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Wildstorm

Authority Revolution #11

Penciller: Dustin Nguyen
Inker: Richard Friend
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Colorist: Wildstorm FX
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Assistant Editor: Kristy Quinn
Editor:: Ben Abernathy

The Authority created by Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch

Summary – The Midnighter Vs The Authority!

Review:

The Good –

This is the best issue of Revolution hands down without a doubt. It’s pretty much non-stop action with nicely timed beats that reveal just how exactly Bendix planned this whole thing out.

Midnighter does his best Batman impression by systematically taking out his team mates one by one making the most out of their weaknesses (which are pretty limited given the pantheon that makes up the team). While at the same time Bendix taunts in his best super villain persona giving them the lowdown on how he was able to pull their defeat off.

In took them a good while to get to this point, but it’s safe to say that the creative team have captured what the Authority is all about in this issue.

The Bad –

Again, it kind of took them a while to hook into what makes the Authority the team/book it is. I would have preferred to be reading issue like this starting with #1 instead of #11, but what can you do?

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy it

DC

Batgirl #67

Penciller: Ale Garza
Inker: Jesse Delperdang
Writer: Andersen Gabrych
Colorist: Wildstorm FX
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Editor: Michael Wright

Batman created by Bob Kane

Summary – Cassandra’s search for Lady Shiva brings her to Ben Turner, the Bronze Tiger. Also guest starring the Birds of Prey.

Review:

The Good –

Ale Garza’s back as the Penciller for this issue and it looks great. Pop Mahn’s good too, but I have to be honest in saying that Garza’s artwork is my favorite. I like how he draws women as well as his action scenes.

Gabrych is really turning Cassandra’s quest into a tour de force of the DCU Puglistic world. In this issue she meets Bronze Tiger, who is teaching karate to intercity kids in Detroit after recovering from his injuries in the Richard Dragon series. The Birds of Prey also show up as Cass gets her affairs in order with both Barbara and Dinah before going into the Lions Den of the League of Assassins.

The Bad –

Nothing bad to say about this issue at all.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Birds of Prey #85

Pencillers: Joe Bennett and Eddy Barrows
Inkers: Jack Dadson and Robin Riggs
Writer: Gail Simone
Colorist: Hi-Fi Design
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Rachel Gluckstern
Editor: Joan Hilty

Summary – The Black Canary and Huntress square off against the Silk Brothers with the help of Richard Dragon, Wildcat, Connor Hawke, Savant and Creote. While Barbara Gordon fights for her life on the operating table. Superman and Doctor Midnite also make appearances as does Batman from a distance.

Review:

The Good –

One of the most shocking moments in DC comics all year happens in this issue! Pick this up, because once the word get out about it, this title will fly off the shelves.

I loved everything about this issue. From the huge fight scene to the drama of Barbara Gordon’s surgery, it was just an absolute blast.
The Bad –

I would have liked to have seen Bennett and Jadson do the entire issue, but the guest team did a good job on their respective pages. The last one was kind of surreal, but I guess it fitted the mood.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Green Lantern #3

Penciller: Carlos Pacheco
Inker: Jesus Merino
Writer: Geoff Johns
Colorist: Moose Baumann
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Associate Editor: Michael Siglain
Editor: Peter Tomasi

Summary – Hal clashes with the latest Manhunter android and discovers a startling secret to the source of it’s power. A Power Battery for a head!

Review:

The Good –

Pacheco is one of the best storytellers in comics right now and it’s just awesome that he’s on Green Lantern. The fight scenes were very well done in this issue as well as the tempo of the issue overall.

Johns is really the man this issue. The way Hal used the Power Battery in the Manhunter was pretty clever. While this series is taking it’s time to get going, it kind of has to. Hal Jordan is a new character for many people and Johns needs to setup the world where he will be living.

The Bad –

I hear the Manhunter continuity doesn’t quite match up to what was explained in Man hunter #13, but that’s a minor setback.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Comic Reviews - August 10, 2005

2005-08-14T16:36:00.000-07:00

Breach #9

Penciller: Marcos Martin
Inker: Alvaro Lopez
Writer: Bob Harras
Colorist: Javier Rodriguez Studio
Letterer: Clem Robins
Associate Editor: Nachie Castro
Editor: Matt Idelson

Breach created by Bob Harras and Marcos Martin

Summary – Breach Vs Superman Round 2!

Review:

The Good –

This was a real slugfest. Breach takes on the mutant from last issue and after he disposes of him he moves onto Superman himself.

I love the way Breach handles Superman, calling him Groovy Guy in a joking kind of way. He means no disrespect, he has just been in a coma for decades and super heroes didn’t walk the Earth in his day.

The artwork by Marcos Martin and Alvaro Lopez as well as the work by Javier Rodriguez Studio deserves to be mentioned as well. They really make this book look fantastic.

Bob Harras and Martin have created a very interesting character, but despite the pretty substantial marketing push at the start of this title, sales aren’t good enough to sustain it.

The Bad –

One of the best super hero comics on the stands today and it’s slated to get cancelled at #11. It’s a real shame because this is a very unique series with a fresh take on the super genre. I would recommend everyone to enjoy this while it lasts.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Fables #40

Penciller: Mark Buckingham
Inker: Steve Lealoha
Writer/Creator: Bill Willingham
Colorist: Daniel Vozzo
Letterer: Todd Klein
Assistant Editor: Mariah Huehner
Editor: Shelly Bond

Summary – Boy Blue is held captive by the Adversary, who begins telling him how he rose to power.

Review:

The Good –

If you read this issue, the identity of the Adversary will be revealed in the first few pages. It’s a really good idea and the hints have been there for a while.

Buckingham and Lealoha do their usual awesome jobs in bringing Willingham’s script to life.

I really can’t say much about the story without giving anything away so I’ll just chill.

The Bad –

I am worried that since the Adversary has been revealed some people will stop buying this book since the big mystery is over.

If I know Willingham this is only just beginning, so I hope they don’t.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Supergirl #1

Penciller: Ian Churchill
Inker: Norm Rapmund
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Colorist:
Letterer:
Assistant Editor:
Associate Editor:
Editor:

Summary – Kara Zor-El hangs out with the JSA. Her and Stargirl get along great, but when Powergirl shows up it’s obvious that three is a crowd.

Review:

The Good –

I love the JSA and I was thrilled that they appeared in this title. Supergirl #1 was a big seller and I’m glad to see them get even more exposure.

Churchill and Rapmund did a great job this issue showcasing the JSA and of course Supergirl herself. The Solomon Grundy fight scene was a classic slugfest and I liked how Stargirl and Supergirl just sat there talking through it. It made for some good conversation while all hell was breaking loose below.

When Powergirl showed up is when this really started to kick in though. It is clear that both Supergirl and Powergirl have some issues in regards to the other and we haven’t seen the last of it.

There was also a nice maneuver with Stargirl powering up Supergirl with her Cosmic Staff, but for some reason this also powered up Powergirl. A pretty cool scene.

The Bad –

A lot of people will probably think that they handled Stargirl and Supergirl pretty stereotypically in this issue and in a way I can see where they are coming from. It didn’t take anything away from the storyline though in my opinion.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Villains United #4

Penciller: Dale Eaglesham
Inker: Wade von Grawbadger
Writer: Gail Simone
Colorist: Sno-Cone
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Stephen Wacker

Summary – The Secret Six take the fight to the Society, but get more than they bargained for when they discover their most guarded secret.

Review:

The Good – It’s great to have Dale Eaglesham back on penciling duties. With the first issue of this mini he quickly became one of my favorite artists in comics today.

I love the way he executed the fight scenes in this issue with the Six taking on all those HIVE Agents. I especially loved how he choreographed the Catman and Deadshot combo at the start of the fight.

Gail Simone also keeps the twists coming and gives Firestorm readers a glimpse at what’s to come next month.

The real twist comes in the last few pages though as two members of the team apparently get too close for comfort.

The Bad –

I really can’t say anything bad about this book at the moment. This is in my opinion the best of the four Countdown mini’s and given the quality of each title, that’s really saying a lot.

The only thing that I expected and didn’t get was more detail in regards to Catman’s life between Archers Quest and Villains United. I supposed the pictures told the story better than any text ever could.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Comic Reviews - August 03, 2005

2005-08-08T15:28:00.000-07:00

Firestorm #16

Penciller: Jamal Igle
Inkers: Rob Stull & Keith Champagne
Writer: Stuart Moore
Colorist: Paul Mounts
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Stephen Wacker

Summary – Firestorm vs. the Pionic Man Round 2! But this time Jason has some help.

Review:

The Good –

If you are a fan of Teen Titans, Young Avengers, etc.. I think that you should give Firestorm a look. Since Stuart Moore has taken over the writing chores on #14 the book has gotten really good.

In a lot of ways it actually reminds me of the early Spider-Man storylines I've read by Stan Lee. It's just that kind of book.

The artwork by Jamal Igle, Rob Stull, Keith Champagne and Paul Mounts fits into all of this perfectly. You'll notice that this book just looks great.

The Bad –

Firestorm is one of those niche characters who just can't seem to become popular. At every turn DC tries to give him a push, but it seems like very little response is returned from the readers.

I have a good feeling about this book though, as well as the careers of the creative team in general.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

JSA #76

Penciller: David Lopez
Inker: Fernando Blanco
Writer: Geoff Johns
Colorist: John Kalisz
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Peter Tomasi

Summary – The Trial of Atom Smasher.

Review:

The Good –

This is quickly replacing JLA as the flagship title of the DC Universe. It's easily one of the best super hero comics on the stands
and perhaps the best team book out there with the exception of maybe the Ultimates.

The guest art team did an excellent job with the issue. I hope they come back some time in the future.

I was also glad to see that an OMAC guest appearance actually warranted something this issue by moving the plot along.

The Bad –

This is a title that is so heavily encased in DCU continuity and history the average reader would not be able to follow it. On top of that
this ties into three out of the four Countdown mini's. A treat for people buying all the books, but a nightmare for the casual reader.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Justice League Unlimited #12

Penciller: Carlos Barberi
Inker: Walden Wong
Writer: Adam Beechen
Colorist: Heroic Age
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Cover Artist: Ben Caldwell
Editor: Tom Palmer Jr.

Summary – The Justice League is trapped and only the Flash can save them! That’s the original Flash, Jay Garrick!

Review:

The Good –

Barberi and Wong did a nice job with the interior artwork on this issue. I especially liked the animated version of Jay Garrick.

For timeless stories of Justice League characters, this is really the book to read. JLA Classified might be what DC is pushing for that sort of thing, but they forget that
they've had a book like it for a long time. The animated stuff is the DCu's "Ultimate" universe and the stories are of very high quality.

The Bad –

Many will write this book off as it is a John DC book aimed at younger readers.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Miller, Meltzer and Pikar @DC Comics Website

2005-07-28T23:57:00.000-07:00

The three creators discuss the future of the graphic novel as well as their work in general.

Video and Audio Files on DC's Site - http://www.dccomics.com/features/bea_2005/

This is a very interesting segment. I know Pekar's work from the movie "American Splendor" which followed him through his life. He's quite an interesting guy to say the least.

Brad Meltzer of course is a NY Times best selling novelist, but we in the comic industry know him as the Identity Crisis writer. He's also very cool and his passion for comics is without question.

Frank Miller really needs no introduction. Batman Year One, Batman DKR, Daredevil Born Again, Sin City, etc.. Read em all he's the man.

The panel is moderated by Chip Kidd who is one of the most sought after designers in the book and comic industry. He works with Frank Miller on many occassions.

Comic Reviews - July 27, 2005

2005-07-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

Marvel

Daredevil Vs Punisher #2

Penciller: David Lapham
Inker: David Lapham
Writer: David Lapham
Colorist: Edgar Delgado
Letterer: VC’s Mike Sellers
Editor: Warren Simons

Summary – The war on the streets between the Punisher and Hammerhead heats up with Daredevil caught in the middle.

Review:

The Good –

This wasn't quite as good as the first issue was, but I liked it. We are getting the lay of the land now, so that we can see who is on whose side and whatnot.

The action was pretty damn good. I liked the Punisher's shootout in the subway, as well as Daredevil Vs the Punisher Round II. The Professor AKA The Jackal is one messed up guy and I hope he gets what's coming to him in the comic issues.

The Bad –

The subplot with the kid could be very interesting, but right now it seems pretty stereotypical. I also am interested in what his sister's role in the mini will be, since she looks very similar to Frank's deceased wife.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

DC

The Flash #224

Penciller: Howard Porter
Inker: John LIVESAY
Writer: Geoff Johns
Colorist: James Sinclair
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Associate Editor: Michael Wright
Editor: Joey Cavalieri

Summary – Rogue War continues with quite a few surprises and revelations that are sure to please long time readers of Johns’ run.

Review:

The Good –

The undisputed comic of the week! EVERYTHING that has been going on in this title since Blitz is coming to a head and the past, present and future are colliding in what could be the best battle of the Speedsters ever!

I can't wait for the conclusion of this storyline next month. It's been a real treat.

The Bad –

Just from posting on a few forums, I feel that this book is lost on some people. I'm not sure if it's that they lack the knowledge of continuity to get the possibilities or what Johns is getting at or what. Also, it might take a while for people to figure out the differences between the Zooms. Professor Zoom doesn't have a backwards Lightning Bolt and he doesn't wear goggles. Zoom has a backwards lighting bolt and wears goggles. There that's all there is to it.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Legion of Super-Heroes #8

Penciller: Kevin Sharpe
Inker: Prentis Rollins
Writer: Mark Waid
Colorist: Sno Cone
Letterer: Nick J. Napolitano
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Stephen Wacker

Summary – The Legion is divided as the different factions lead by Brainiac 5 and Cosmic Boy collide.

Review:

The Good –

Another book in which all the buildup is finally paying off. Waid is through with the introductions and now they really start shaking things up.

The LOSH is divided and everyone is taking sides, either with Cosmic Boy or Braniac 5. The action scenes in this issue are really great. They only happen towards the end, but since this book is extra sized they make the most out of telling the stories they can (unlike Detective Comics which wastes paper with those shitty backups every issue).

I'm waiting for Mon-El to show up and lead these guys, but I'm not sure that's going to happen anytime soon. This was an awesome issue though, the fill-in artist Kevin Sharpe did an excellent job standing in for Kitson.

The Bad –

It took this book so long to actually get to this point, I wonder how many readers were lost after they lost their patience.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Outsiders #26

Penciller: Will Conrad
Inker: Sean Parsons
Writer: Peter Tomasi
Colorist: Guy Major
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Assistant Editor: Jeanine Schaefer
Editor: Eddie Berganza
Cover: Kevin Nowlan

Summary –

Review:

The Good –

Alright, flashing back to the Batman & the Outsiders era, Arsenal has to help Black Lightning and Metamorpho clean up a mess they left behind. The premise is pretty interesting, a few left over human bombs are on the loose after Metamorpho and Black Lightning decided not to deal with them in the past. The only problem is that they are starting to explode now.

I really liked the interior artwork, it was just great to see the old Outsiders back together again, even if it was just in flashbacks.

Tomasi's writing skills haven't rusted from his time at the editorial desk, that's for sure. Also love that Nowlan cover.

The Bad –

Batman just appears in the flashbacks. I hope to see Batman actually pop in here for real soon, perhaps that will be the case next issue.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Superman/Batman #21

Penciller: Ed McGuinness
Inker: Dexter Vines
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Richard Starkings
Associate Editor: Tom Palmer Jr.
Editor: Eddie Berganza

Summary – A case of mistaken identity puts Batman and Superman up against the Maximums.

Review:

The Good –

This blew last issue away. I mean the McGuinness and Vines artwork alone is worth buying this book over, but Jeph Loeb really stepped it up for this one.

The fight scenes between Batman, Batzarro and the Atomic Skull were just hilarious. I thought Batzarro was kind of annoying last issue, but he made up for it with this appearance.

The Maximums vs Superman and Batman was also an epic battle. Batman took down Bonk rather easy, but it was a great idea making Bonk's alter ego a little girl.

The comparison between Atomic Skull and Ghost Rider was also classic.

The Bad –

All of the Batzarro and Bizarro double opposite speech is kind of annoying.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Changing the Review Process

2005-07-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

Due to some time constraints on my part I will only be reviewing a select few books a week.

I usually review all the books I read, but to be honest after four months of doing this I'm running out of things to say about each title. That's not a good thing for me or the comic industry in general, but that's the way it goes.

I'll still be reviewing comics every week, but they will just be the best of the best.

Comic Reviews - July 20, 2005 Part II

2005-07-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

DC

Adventures of Superman #642

Artists: Karl Kerschl, Derec Donovan, Cam Smith Sean Parsons
Writer: Greg Rucka
Colorist: Tanya and Richard Horie
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Assistant Editor: Jeanine Schaeffer
Editor: Eddie Berganza

Summary – The JLA confront Superman after the events revealed in Action Comics last week. Plus, the man behind it all is revealed.

Review:

The Good –

The artwork was pretty good even though three people were in charge of it.

The Hories did a nice job coloring it all.

The Bad –

Not too keen on the storyline this issue. I hope people reading OMAC pick this up or they will be lost.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Batgirl #66

Artist: Andy Kuhn
Writer: Andersen Gabrych
Colorist: Wildstorm FX
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Editor: Michael Wright

Batman created by Bob Kane

Summary – Cassandra hit’s the road to find out the identity of her mother once and for all. It’s Detroit or bust.

Review:

The Good –

It was great seeing Andy Kuhn draw this issue. I’m a big fan of his Firebreather comic by him and Phil Hester.

The Bad –

This was a throwaway issue. It really didn’t do anything for me in terms of story. Oh and another OMAC showed up!

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Birds of Prey #84

Penciller: Joe Bennett
Inker: Jack Jadson
Writer: Gail Simone
Colorist: Hi-Fi Design
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Assistant Editor: Rachel Gluckstern
Editor: Joan Hilty

Summary – Barbara Gordon puts all her affairs in order before going under the knife. Plus the Huntress and Black Canary have problems of their own.

Review:

The Good –

I love this comic. What makes it even better is that next issue we might be seeing some serious chop socky action. With Wildcat and the Canary with help from their friends taking on the 12 Brothers.

The Bad –

Nothing really. This is one of the best books on the stands.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Day of Vengeance #4

Penciller: Justiano
Inker: Walden Wong
Writer: Bill Willingham
Colorist: Chris Chuckay
Letterer: Patt Brosseau
Associate Editor: Michael Wright
Editor: Joe Cavalieri

Summary – The fight between Captain marvel and the Spectre continues as the Enchantress fights the battle within herself.

Review:

The Good –

Justiano looks like he took last issue off in stride. He and Walden Wong really turned it up this issue.

Willingham continues to tell a story that has ramifications through the DCU.

The Bad –

I hear that a Shadowpact spin-off is in the works. I hope they aren’t milking this for too much.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Detective Comics #808

Penciller: Ramon Bachs
Inker: Nathan Massengill
Writer: David Lapham
Colorist: Jason Wright
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Associate Editor: Nachie Castro
Editor: Bob Schreck

Batman created by Bob Kane

Summary – City of Crime Part 8, we continue to see the view from the Point. Crown Point. Robin also has his hands full guarding a injured police officer. He calls in a former cop who shall remain nameless to give him a hand.

Review:

The Good –

I love the artwork by Backs and Massengill. This issue was pretty good, it’s picking up the pace from the last few.

The Bad –

While this isn’t a bad storyline, it should have been either a maxi or OGN. I’m kind of getting sick of it tying up Detective Comics.

The Killer Croc backup was also a waste. I want my quarter back.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

JSA Classified #1

Penciller: Amanda Conner
Inker: Jimmy Palmiotti
Writer: Geoff Johns
Colorist: Paul Mounts
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Stephen Wacker

Summary – Powergirl’s mysterious origin is the topic of the first arc in this new ongoing series.

Review:

The Good –

The Adam Hughes cover is a big plus on this title. I’d be willing to bet that’s the one most people picked up.

I also liked the interior work by Conner and Palmiotti.

The Bad –

The only bad thing about this is the continuity involved. This is more or less the most open to people who have been following the JSA title over the last few years.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Manhunter #12

Penciller: Javier Pina
Inker: Fernando Blanco
Writer: Marc Andreyko
Colorist: Steve Buccellato
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Rachel Gluckstern
Editor: Joan Hilty

Summary – Manhunted concludes with the identity of the Manhunter killer revealed.

Review:

The Good –

The twist in this issue was executed very well by all parties involved. The people who wrote the HUSH and Red Hood storylines should study this arc to see how you really do a mystery like this.

Pina and Blanco continue to do a great job on the art. I know a lot of people miss Jesus Saiz, but these guys have done a bang up job as well.

The Bad –

Next issue, OMAC’s. I hate these guys, they’re everywhere!

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Robin #140
CO
Penciller: Scott McDaniel
Inker: Andy Owens
Writer: Bill Willingham
Colorist: Guy Major
Letterer: Phil Balsman
Editor: Michael Wright

Summary – Robin gets a first hand look at the Veterans base of operations. He spars with some of the Veterans protégé’s while Darla comes back to Gotham looking for Tim Drake.

Review:

The Good –

Overall a pretty good issue. After reading Darwyn Cooke’s New Frontier series I was glad to see that John Cloud (or rather his grandson) is in DC continuity now.

I also liked how Tim is shown as being a really skilled hand to hand fighter. He’s obviously had the training for it.

McDaniel and Owens are doing a great job on the artwork. They have saved it from the inconsistent mess that it was.

The Bad –

I’m not too sure that the fact of Nightwing being the first Robin is common knowledge in the DCU. Tim kind of dropped that one on the Veteran for free if it isn’t. It was an interesting idea though that the Veteran might have tried to recruit him too.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Teen Titans #26

Penciller: Tony S. Daniel
Inker: Marlo Alquiza
Writer: Geoff Johns
Colorist: Jeromy Cox
Letterer: Comicraft
Assistant Editor: Jeanine Schaefer
Editor: Eddie Berganza

Summary – Soul Searching takes us into Superboy’s heart and soul. Courtesy of his teammate Raven, who knows all about battling your inner demons.

Review:

The Good –

I was very impressed with Tony S. Daniel’s work on this issue. He’s good enough to become the second artist ala Tom Grummet on this title.

I think that would work out pretty well, having him and Ivan Reis alternating arcs.

I liked the way Raven was written in this issue though. There could be a unexpected love triangle here between Superboy, Wonder Girl and Raven if they want to do it.

The Bad –

Overall the story didn’t really do much for me. It was basically a rehash of Conner Kent’s past. Although we did get to see some stuff not previously seen before. Such as his first meeting with Luthor and it was revealed what Lex named him.

It looks like he’ll be absent from the Titans for a while. Which means he won’t be in the Rob Liefeld and Gail Simone storyline that will be happening in August and September.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Comic Reviews - July 20, 2005 Part I

2005-07-22T16:45:00.000-07:00

Marvel

Daredevil #75

Artist: Alex Maleev
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
Editor: Jennifer Lee

Special Thanks to Walter N. Cosby Jr

Summary – Decalogue concludes with Matt Murdock confronting the monster who has terrorized the members of the support group.

Review:

The Good –

Wow, this has to be my favorite Bendis and Maleev issue of Daredevil. I wasn’t too impressed with the Widow story arc, but I liked the Golden Age one. Decalogue though, this is the best bar none.

This was an extra sized issue which allowed for a perfect balance between action and drama. If you’ve been following this arc and are lost at who that little demon baby is, then this fills you in on it. At first I thought he was a character from a previous arc, but now he’s definitely a new guy made for Decalogue.

I also loved how the Hand was part of this story and the villain was an outcasted member.

Maleev does an awesome job on not only the Daredevil action scenes, but also on the scenes in the church basement. This is going to be one hell of an arc to read in TPB format. I encourage everyone who wants to read something completely different from anything on the stands to pick up the Decalogue TPB.

The Bad –

Nothing to say here. After five months of waiting we get a really nice payoff.

The only thing that I was unsure of was the fact that Matt refused to acknowledge himself as a ninja, when he clearly is one.

My friend WonK pointed out that this is most likely a sign of respect, since he never completed Sticks’ training, he doesn’t feel he deserves the title of ninja. Which I can deal with.

After coming off of an exciting arc like this, I can’t wait for the Murdock Papers storyline.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Wolverine #30

Penciller: John Romita Jr.
Inker: Klaus Janson
Writer: Mark Millar
Colorist: Paul Mounts
Letterer: VC’s Randy Gentile
Editor: Jennifer Lee

Summary - Wolverine, Elektra, various super villains and the Agents of SHIELD take the fight to the many heads of HYDRA.

Review:

The Good –

The team of JRJR, Klaus Janson and Paul Mounts is one of the best in comics today. Both JRJR and Klaus Janson have done magnificent work on Daredevil in the past and when they bring it to Wolverine they exceed their past outings.

I’m just so impressed with the quality of work JRJR puts out, especially given the fact that he also pencils the Black Panther and probably some Sentry issues as well right now.

The coloring by Paul Mounts tops this all off. He really is one of the best colorists in the business and I hope to see him color more of the books I read in the future.

Mark Millar is really doing something different with this storyline. It’s like nothing we’ve ever seen from him before. As good as his Authority run was, I think that this is also up there as his best work. Here he’s just having fun and telling a great revenge tale that spans the globe. I’m wondering if he did this arc with Archie Goodwin in mind.

The Bad –

I know that the focus was supposed to be on Wolverine and Elektra and they are kind of pressed for time now with this arc, but it would have been cool to see more detailed beat downs of the various HYDRA bases around the globe.

Still, that’s a minor hassle because this and Daredevil were two of the best books I read this week. Marvel really should be proud of both.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Wildstorm

Authority Revolution #10

Penciller: Dustin Nguyen
Inker: Richard Friend
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Colorist: Wendy Groome
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Assistant Editor: Kristy Quinn
Editor: Ben Abernathy

The Authority created by Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch

Summary – The Authority Vs Bendix starts here! Truths are revealed and there is plenty of fighting.

Review:

The Good –

This is the closest any team has come to bringing us back to the good old days of Millar’s Authority. The language, the violence, it’s mostly all here.

Heck even the retcons were handled very well. I especially liked the surprise involving Bendix and the Bleed.

The ending also looks like it’s going to be a setup for another huge fight next issue.

The Bad –

As good as this issue was at capturing the old feel of the Authority, I think it’s still time to give these characters a rest. They’ve had their time in the spotlight and have been milked like the rest of them.

Let WildC.A.T.’s have a go at it for a while, then bring the Authority back kicking in a few years.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Dark Horse

Conan #18

“Helm”
Artist: John Severin
Script: Kurt Busiek and Fabian Nicieza
Colorist: Michelle Madsen

“Conan’s Favorite Joke”
Artist: Bruce Timm
Script: Kurt Busiek

Letterer: Richard Starkings and Comicraft
Assistant Editors: Matt Dryer and Dave Marshall
Editor: Scott Allie

Cover: Cary Nord and Dave Stewart

Based on the work of Conan creator Robert E. Howard.

Summary – Conan’s lost helmet from the Ice Giants Daughter makes its way around the world. While in a special Bruce Timm story, we see Conan fight a hilarious battle with a foolish sorcerer.

Review:

The Good –

Helm was a pretty cool tale. Reminds me of another story, but I can’t put my finger on it. Still it was a nice way to explore the land and people of Hyborea.

Conan’s Favorite Joke was a real treat, even though it was only a few pages. I love Bruce Timm’s artwork and hope to see more Conan stories from him in the future.

The Bad –

Only four pages of Bruce Timm art is hardly worth spending 2.99 on the comic if you’re a fan of Timm. Perhaps next time he’ll be given the main storyline. I liked his artwork far more than Severin who did “Helm”. Not saying Severin is a bad artist, but Timm has one of the most unique styles and it fits Conan quite well.

While this wasn’t a bad issue, it really wasn’t as good as the previous ones that were part of the main storyline. I look forward to getting back into Tower of the Elephant next month.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Dynamite Entertainment

Red Sonja #1

Artist: Mel Rubi
Writers: Michael Avon Oeming and Mike Carey
Colorists: Caesar Rodriguez with Richard Isanove
Letterers: Richard Starkings - Comic Craft with john Josh Johnson and Rick Wenzke
Editorial Consultant: Luke Liberman
Special Thanks to Arthur Liberman at Red Sonja Corporation

Based on the heroine created by Robert E. Howard

Summary – Sonja continues her journey from the #0 issue. She comes across a messenger which leads her to a while lot of trouble.

Review:

The Good –

This is only the second comic I’ve read with Mel Rubi artwork, and I have to say that I think it’s pretty good. He’s not quite up there with Cary Nord, but he’s no slouch either. As a matter of fact, he paints Sonja as not only a sexy warrior, but a strong women. A difficult balance to achieve.

I also liked Sonja’s explanation on why she wears the gear she does, as she said most men don’t even notice her sword.

The Bad –

Story wise I’m not sure where this is going and I’m not quite sure what is Sonja’s motivation. This was only an introductory issue so I think I’m being too harsh.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Kickin' It with Jon Malin

2005-07-21T18:15:00.000-07:00

Jon Malin is a comic book artist who has recently made his debut on a title called Nitrogen. It debuted this summer at the San Diego Comic Convention with plans to ship through Diamond later this year. Also working on the book with Jon is Rob Liefeld who plotted it and created the characters and for that matter the universe in which this takes place. Brandon Thomas of Marvel Adventures, Spider-Man Unlimited, and Youngblood Genesis fame is handling the script.

I interviewed Jon asking him about his childhood, inspiration and of course the Nitrogen comic.

First off let me say thank you for agreeing to answer my questions and congratulations on a very nice looking book.

Not a problem, Jason. Thanks for taking the time to interview nobodies like me.

Have you always been interested in comic books? Do you remember the first comic you bought and who your early favorites were growing up?

I was always into comic type characters but only due to cartoons like Spiderman and his Amazing Friends, or Adam West's Batman, Christopher Reeve's Superman, GI Joe, Transformers, GoBots, Blackstar, He-Man/She-Ra*Cough*, Mask, Bravestar, Spiral Zone, Visionaries, CAPTAIN POWER!!!!, Dungeons and Dragons, Kid Video, Centurians, COPS, Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors, and all the great cartoon shows of the 80's. I was a cartoon NUT, I even watched JEM, she was truly outrageous and don't think that when I saw it on Robot Chicken that I didn't die laughing. I Absolutely LOVE Robot Chicken thanks to all the 80's nods it gives.

Anyways, I was always a loser...I mean, day dreamer. I would often sit by myself on the school bus, stare out the windows and imagine where I would ride my Voltron Lion off into the woods of Michigan, how cool I would be when I build my speeder bike zipping past the bus, I would be a little sad when someone sat by me, because I knew they would interrupt my world of solitude at any moment. Anyways, My comic book love got it's start when my little brother asked me to draw him some Ninja Turtles, before this I had only ever really designed my costumes for when I would be a secret masked avenger or draw horses from when I was going to be the Lone Ranger. (Everyone in my family thought I'd grow to become a REAL horse painter but my goals were much more important than I could tell them, I didn't want to put them at risk!.) So I grabbed his coloring books and studied and drew him his stupid Turtles....those--those-- WONDERFUL TURTLES! I started drawing them at school and my class mates went nuts! I was ALMOST cool! So now I was drawing turtles for a few months and then one day I came home from school and my big brother, who was always in trouble had gone to a grocery store and stole a ton of comic books, they were all over the floor and I was stunned, not that my brother was working on a career in crime but that these things were MUCH better than Turtle coloring books! I never looked back, at 14 I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. But I knew it would take some work to get there.

What are some of your favorite comics today?

Jeph Loeb and Mike Turner's run on Superman/ Batman was the last thing I liked. I was digging on the Millar/ Romita Wolverine as well.

You are clearly a multi talented guy. You pencil, ink, color and co-plot Nitrogen, was it a goal of yours to be able to assist in all aspects of production of a comic book?

I wouldn't say I've co-plotted Nitro Gen, I tossed a couple ideas at Rob but he's sailing the ship. But yes, I've always wanted to be apart of every part of the creative process. I love comic books and want to make the best ones, to do that I think it helps to not only have a slight idea of what writers, artists, inkers and colorists do but to understand it all in detail as best I can(Still working on the writing part). With that said, I hate the business end of comics, I was a production assistant at Image Comics for a couple of years and it sucked. I had to deal with 15-20 new books a month, almost all had 5 people a piece that wanted to be the chief and have me on their short list for problems and I was twisting and turning to stay on top of things and felt burnt out. Some creators can be VERY temperamental and I didn't get paid enough to put up with their shit.

Who stacks up there as some of your greatest artistic influences? Looking at your style you could call it a fusion of 90’s energy with a slick almost manga like finish.

You about hit it on the head for what I try to accomplish. I love the 90's artwork, one day I hope I can help people to remember it as a time of influential work and not as a decade of shame as history is trying to write it in my perception. I am influenced by Todd McFarlane, Rob Liefeld, Jim Lee, Travis Charest, Miller, Eisner and many others and I always try to get in my Shirow and Otomo. Manga is nothing new to comics and I think it sucks that everyone hires "Manga" guys for the wrong reasons, they think if they hire someone that draws really cartoony faces that they'll have a hit. They can't put two and two together IMHO. Shirow and Otomo's brilliance is in their ability to suck you into their work. McFarlane got this more than anyone else I think.

How did you land your job at Arcade?

I met Rob briefly through his Assistant, Shane Peters. I then showed Rob my work at WWLA 2004 and he had me do a pin-up. It went into Young Blood Imperial #1 and he said we'd work together. Soon as I was free from Image he picked me up.

Rob Liefeld has said elsewhere that Nitrogen is kind of like the Authority, but with teenagers. Was this the idea you guys had going in or did it evolve into that as you started working on the book?

I think Rob had a clear vision for Anarchist Youths from the start. As I drew it I thought we would give them more noble aspirations for a Better world, but as I got to the end I realized these guys weren't going to be anarchist boy scouts.

Could you give us a run down of the Nitrogen characters as well as a brief synopsis on their personality and powers?

To learn about the characters personalities and powers you should check out the book, way to much for me to try and explain, but here's the short answers

Superion - The guy in the crazy mask with the cool shades- moody- flight, super strength, heat vision
Gauntlet - The gloved powerhouse wearing the blue robes-likes weapon morphing robot chicks- Power Gloves
Game - chick with Mohawk, she's a little bit of a tease. But she's very effective as a fighter, she'll kill you if you piss her off, don't doubt that.-ummmm, tease- Power gloves
Spice2 - weapon morph cyber chick, you want her watching your back more than Rambo, Commando or RoboCop all rolled into one.

I think it’s safe to say you guys have some really pumped up character designs going for you on Nitrogen. What was your mindset in creating these characters? As well as giving slightly updated looks to old favorites such as Superion, Lady Supreme and Coral?

I was lucky to be given free rein in the designs. I wanted them to have the Liefeld look but I wanted to mix in other elements. I wanted people to see things in the work that they feel like they have seen before but haven't. If the reader feels familiarity with things on even a subconscious level I felt it might help convince them to check it out.

As for the specific figures you mention.....

Superion- I saw this import called Cashern, http://www.slocartoon.net/slike/novice/Cashern_movie.jpg

The hero had this really cool mask, like Shredder but without the top helmet. I was like hey, that's really cool and no one in the American market has anything like it. So I knew I would try it out for one of the Nitro's. This is what I mean by familiarity, but as you can see we have 2 different designs between Cashern and Superion but the Spirit of the mask is there. I then gave him a spiked gauntlet because I'm a Spawn fan from way back.

Lady Supreme- Pretty simple, I gave her a swimsuit and leggings to sex her up!

Coral- I wanted her to scream Shirow, I also wanted something kind of "Fishy" so I gave her these vent patterns or "Gills" on her armor.

How was it working with Rob Liefeld?

I know everyone waits for me to say that it's been a nightmare but it hasn't. Rob has been very cool to me. Working for him is fulfilling one of my childhood dreams. I remind myself of that every now and then when I drive home from his place because now I see him as a friend and not this big untouchable figure as I did as a child. It's great how humanizing your idols from spending time with them affects your perception of them and then one day you just think "how did I get here?".

Are you guys planning ahead for more Nitrogen one-shots in the future? Or are you going to see how it does this summer first?

Rob says he wants to start book 2 of Nitro gen right after Chicago. The book did well at San Diego, so that's the plan.

Thanks for answering my questions. Good luck with the book during the summer convention season.

Not a problem, Jason. And thank you!

Jon Malin has his own thread on the Rob Liefeld Forum @ HeroRealm

http://www.herorealm.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=37

Pictures taken from Newsarama as well as Jon's thread at Hero Realm

Comic Reviews - July 13, 2005 Part II

2005-07-16T20:11:00.000-07:00

Action Comics #829

Penciller: John Byrne
Inker: Nelson
Writer: Gail Simone
Colorist: Guy Major
Letterer: Nick Napoltano
Assistant Editor: Jeanine Schaefer
Editor: Eddie Berganza

Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster

Summary – Part 2 of Sacrifice, which makes its way through the Superman titles and Wonder Woman this month, concluding in OMAC #4.

Review:

The Good –

Byrne and Nelson are the surprise of the year for me in regards to art teams, I am just so into this book. This is THE Superman book to read in my eyes.

Gail Simone does a great job making this issue entertaining even though we know it is all a ruse. The reveal at the end is great and I can’t wait to see how Adventures plays out next week given this new knowledge.

The Bad –

While I like the OMAC Project, I see no reason for it to cross into so many books over the summer months.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Batman #642

Penciller: Chris Marrinan
Inker: Andrew Pepoy
Writer: Andersen Gabrych
Colorist: Alex Sinclair
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Associate Editor: Michael Wright
Editor: Bob Schreck

Batman created by Bob Kane

Summary – A single issue story featuring Batman fighting the Killer Croc and the Madhatter.

Review:

The Good –

Not bad for a fill-in issue. Gabrych’s Batgirl has been a nice surprise and Marrinan and Pepoy did a great job of filling in for Mahnke and Co.

The Bad –

The storyline wasn’t bad, but let’s face it. We want Red Hood stuff if we’re reading Batman. While Killer Croc is a sick guy, he’s just not up to par with the Jason Todd situation. Overall not a bad issue though.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Breach #7

Penciller: Marcos Martin
Inker: Alvaro Lopez
Writer: Bob Harras
Colorist: J. Rodriguez Studios
Letterer: Clem Robins
Assistant Editor: Nachie Castro
Editor: Matt Idelson

Breach created by Bob Harras and Marcos Martin

Summary – A Villains United tie-in issue that has Breach fighting some deadly rifters.

Review:

The Good –

This book has a very unique look and is written very well. There is nothing else like this out there, save maybe Firestorm.

The Bad –

This is a Villains United tie-in issue, so imagine new readers will jump on. The only problem is that they will be pretty much lost as to what is going on. I kind of know what was going on, but the story didn’t all out grab me.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Green Arrow #52

Penciller: Tom Fowler
Inker: Rodney Ramos
Writer: Judd Winick
Colorist: Guy Major
Letterer: Phil Balsman
Associate Editor: Michael Wright
Editor: Bob Schreck

Summary – Part 1 of Journey Into Light. With their home destroyed, Team Arrow has to adjust to a life under fire. Plus, the return of a popular character who may have had the best afro in comics.

Review:

The Good –

A nice Cliff Chiang cover replaces the out of place James Jean ones for a few issues. I like Jean on Fables, but his Batgirl and GA covers just aren’t the ticket.

The Bad –

This wasn’t the best issue of Green Arrow. I am seriously considering dropping this title. Nothing really happened except for a Zatanna appearance so this could be called a Identity or Infnite Crisis tie-in.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Pass On It

JLA #116

Penciller: Chris Batista
Inker: Mark Framer
Writer: Geoff Johns & Allen Heinberg
Colorist: David Baron
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Michael Siglain
Editor: Mike Carlin

Summary – Part 2 of Crisis of Conscience where all the problems that Identity Crisis introduced begin to surface within the JLA.

Review:

The Good –

What can I say about this issue? It was a huge improvement over #115 in both art and story and the dialogue just knocks your socks off. Just ask Hawkman about that.

The Bad –

These villains are pretty damn obscure, but it will be interesting to see what they can do.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Nightwing #110

Penciller: Phil Hester
Inker: Ande Parks
Writer: Devin Grayson
Colorist: Gregory Wright
Letterer: Nick J. Napolitano
Editor: Nachie Castro

Summary – Nightwing returns to Bludhaven and meets up with Robin.

Review:

The Good –

WOW. I think that this series is finally starting to come together! Hester and Parks were their usual awesome selves, but Devin Grayson put together one hell of a script for this issue. She wrote Robin pretty well and to my surprise I think Tim is bulking up a bit. He’s clearly on the same level as Nightwing is now when it comes to crime fighting. I like how she showed that and how she orchestrated Dick’s reaction to Tim’s comments regarding Bruce.

I look forward to seeing how Nightwing plans to join the Society in the coming months.

The Bad –

Hopefully if this improvement continues the swarm of readers this book lost will come back again.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Rann-Thanagar War #3

Penciller: Ivan Reis
Inker: Mark Campos
Writer: Dave Gibbons
Colorist: John Halisz
Letterer: Nick J. Napolitano
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editors: Peter Tomasi & Stephen Wacker

Summary – The Rann-Thanagar War continues to send ripples throughout the Universe.

Review:

The Good –

Ivan Reis and Mark Campos are quickly becoming one of my favorite Penciller/inker teams in comics. I really can’t say just how much I am digging their work on this book. Everyone that they put on paper looks instantly good.

Dave Gibbons is doing a pretty damn good job at keeping all of this interstellar stuff under control. A lot of stuff is happening on different planets in this mini (as well as in the Return of Donna Troy) and he is doing a good job keeping it all balanced out. I can’t wait for him on Green Lantern Corps: Recharged this summer.

The Bad –

This huge cast of characters, most of whom are unknowns might cause new readers to not pick this up. Don’t get me wrong, Green Lantern and the Hawks are big stars, but the rest of these aliens need a serious push. I hope this series will give it to them.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Seven Soldiers: Manhattan Guardian #3

Artist: Cameron Stewart
Writer: Grant Morrison
Colorist: Moose Baumann
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Peter Tomasi

Summary – The Guardian takes on an army of robots gone bad.

Review:

The Good –

Cameron Stewart and Moose Baumann did a really good job with the action scenes this issue. I loved seeing the new Guardian show off his fighting and combat skills by plowing through those androids. It was also nice to see the Newsboy Army get their hands dirty as well.

The Bad –

This was the worst of the three issues out so far in regards to the Guardian. There was really not much going on, more action that plot which is unusual for Morrison. I’m not sure what the reveal at the end means, so as with half the Seven Soldiers books (minus Zatanna and Klarion) color me confused.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Wonder Woman #218

Penciller: Ron Randall
Inkers: Ray Snyder & Ron Randall
Writer: Greg Rucka
Colorists: Richard & Tanya Horie
Letterer: Todd Klein
Editor: Ivan Cohen
Special Thanks to Rags Morales

Wonder Woman created by William Moulton Marston

Summary – The calm before the storm. Ares makes a grab for his daughter and someone inside the embassy surprises Ferdinand.

Review:

The Good –

I was bummed to see that Rags Morales wasn’t handling the penciling duties for this issue, but damn can this guest team draw! I was very impressed with the Randall and Snyder’s work. As always the Horie’s do an excellent job coloring.

The Bad –

I’ve been following this book for a handful of months now and I’m just getting into what’s going on. That being the case I have to say that I am probably going to drop it after Sacrifice. It’s not a horrible book by any means, but I’m going to start buying only books that I really enjoy month in and month out. While this book does a good job, it doesn’t do a great job.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

2005 SDCC Coverage

2005-07-16T19:41:00.000-07:00

The following sites have excellent coverage of the San Diego Comic Con taking place right now. It's the years biggest con where all the huge announcements are made.

http://www.newsarama.com/

http://www.comicbookresources.com/

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/

On a personal note, this blogger is very excited about the Spirit by Darwyn Cooke.

Reviews should be up soon, it's been a busy week.

Comic Reviews - July 13, 2005 Part I

2005-07-14T22:46:00.000-07:00

Fables #39

Penciller: Lan Medina
Inker: Dan Green
Writer/Creator: Bill Willingham
Colorist: Daniel Vozzo
Letterer: Todd Klein
Assistant Editor: Mariah Huehner
Editor: Shelly Bond
Cover Art: James Jean

Summary – After a walk through the Homelands we check back in on the exiled fables of Fabletown. A Tourist checks in and the espionage games begin.

Review:

The Good –

Even though regular Penciller Mark Buckingham is off for this issue, we get a great guest steam in the form of Lan Medina and Dan Green. They really do a fantastic job in keeping the feel of the book accurate with previous issues.

This is just a great interlude where we check up on what’s happening in Fabletown and the Farm. I can’t imagine going a month without reading this book. It’s that damn good.

This also gives us a nice look at the Jungle Book characters of Mowgli, Baloo and Bagera. I’m probably not spelling their names right so I apologize.

The Bad –

It seems like Charming and Beast have taken to their new roles in Fabletown too fast. I mean the Jack and Homelands storylines it seemed like they were fish out of water. Oh well I guess they’re pretty old, so they probably picked it up quick.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Hero Camp #3

Artists: Robbi Rodriguez & Mark Englert
Writer: Greg Thompson
Colorist: Russ Lowery & Chelsea Gallion
Letterer: Greg Thompson

Summary – Goat’s life is threatened and his only hope for salvation lies in the hands of the heroes at Camp Enokchuk.

Review:

The Good – I really like the look and tone of this title. Rodriguez and Englert’s artwork is something to be seen. It’s kind of cartoony, but that’s not a bad thing, since it sets itself apart from most of this books peers.

Both the main story and the backup were great. I also liked the bios in the back.

The Bad –

The one thing that you have to remember about this title, is that it’s not the DCU or the 616 Universe. This isn’t a dark book with dark themes, it’s a title that seems to be aimed at teenage and younger readers. It’s a lot of fun, but if you put it up to the same standards as your favorite mainstream titles you’re going to be disappointed.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Invincible #24

Penciller: Ryan Ottley
Inker: Ryan Ottley
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Colorist: Bill Crabtree
Letterer: Rus Wooton

Summary – Invincible has to overcome both personal and professional obstacles in an action packed issue that balances out both aspects of his life.

Review:

The Good –

As always the art team did a fantastic job on this issue. Ottley and Crabtree really do a great job on the line work and coloring. This is easily one of the best books on the rack.

I also liked the surprises in this issue. Long subplots were addressed and somewhat concluded. It was a pretty shocking issue to say the least. That’s what I love about indy comics, character development.

It was also nice for them to print a certain letter in the back.

The Bad –

Four weeks wait until the next issue.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Serenity #1

Artist: Will Conrad
Story: Joss Whedon & Brett Matthews
Script: Brett Matthews
Colorist: Laura Martin
Letterer: Michael Heisler
Assistant Editors: Matt Dryer & Dave Marshall
Editor: Scott Allie

Summary – The mini series which joins the TV series and movie of the same name together starts here. The BDH’s are at it again taking whatever job they can to stay flying. (BDH stands for Big Damn Heroes, for you non-Browncoat people)

Review:

The Good –

This felt like the opening sequence, plus the setup for an episode of Firefly. I suspect when you read all three issues of this series it will feel like an episode of the show. Of course this all leads into the movie coming out this September called Serenity.

If you liked the series, and let’s face it, who didn’t, then you’ll like this comic. It’s quality stuff and if you’re like me, it’s just great to see some of your favorite characters again.

The Bad –

I think that this book could be more approachable to comic fans if they explained a bit more about the crew and whatnot. Then again if they did that then they would alienate the TV show fans. So it’s a double edged sword. I think they made the right choice though, being a fan of the TV show.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It if you’re a Firefly fan.
Borrow It if you only read comics.

Review - All-Star Batman & Robin the Boy Wonder #1

2005-07-13T16:26:00.000-07:00

All-Star Batman & Robin the Boy Wonder #1

Penciller: Jim Lee
Inker: Scott Williams
Writer: Frank Miller
Colorist: Alex Sinclair
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Assistant Editor: Brandon Montclare
Editor: Bob Schreck
Cover Logo Design: Chip Kidd

Batman created by Bob Kane.

Summary - Frank Miller and Jim Lee bring us a much hyped remaining of the classic characters, Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder.

Review:

The Good -

Jim Lee really brings his multiple talents to this book as an artist. You want some awesome storytelling scenes? He can do that. Want some great action sequences? He’s one of the best. Cheesecake? Well, this is the man who founded the Wildstorm Universe, so it’s no surprise he can do that too and even tastefully. One of the best looking issues of a comic I’ve ever seen from an artistic standpoint.

While Miller isn’t at his best on this issue, I have to admit that I love how he writes Batman. Batman himself has only a few lines in this issue and they are definitely coming from the Batman that Miller made us all love in Year One and DKR.

I am also glad to see that he is keeping up with the corrupt police force theme of early Batman books. He said that this is unofficially like Year 2 or Year 3, so it makes sense, after all as seen in Gotham Central #32, the GCPD is far from clean even now.

I also like the logo designed by Batman the Animated Series artist, Chip Kidd. It has a simple, but pulp like feel to it.

As a fan of Dick Grayson, I was glad to see that you got into his head this issue. It was also cool to see him save himself from a fall with a move he'll be getting a lot of use out of throughout his life. Vicky Vale is also a character that this story is told through. Dick starts us off, then Vicky takes over, with Bruce finishing it for us.

Did I mention Vicky Vale has never looked better?

The Bad -

Is there an echo in this book?

“They always catch me”

“I’m going on a date with Bruce Wayne. How cool is that?!”

If you read it you know what I’m talking about.

I know this is basically a free of continuity book, but I don’t really see the reason for changing the way the Grayson’s were killed. They originally either had their lines cut or someone put acid on them, which caused them to plummet to their deaths. In this version of the story they are both on the ground with Dick taking a bow, when someone shoots them both right between the eyes. They bleed out on the circus floor right in Dick’s eyes. While this makes the circumstances of both Bruce and Dick’s parents deaths more a like, it takes away from the uniqueness of each.

The same can be said for Batman having his eye on Dick all these years. One of the cool things about them ending up together was because fate brought them together. Now it just so happens that on one of Bruce’s scouting missions, Dick’s parents were killed and he had to bring him into the “war” early.

This is one book that had a lot of hype behind it to say the very least. Hell before it was even announced that Frank Miller was the writer it was red hot. Once he came on board it was sizzling. I think that all things considered you would have to be very hard to please if you don’t get a little bit of enjoyment out of this book.

The Money Shot -

Recommendation: Buy It

Bin Diving - Eighty Page Giant Batman #3

2005-07-10T19:52:00.000-07:00

Batman Eighty Page Giant #3
July 2000

Writer: Chuck Dixon
Artists –
Chapter One: A Month of Sundays – Joe Staton
Chapter Two: Harsh Monday – Manuel Gutierrez and Bud Larosa
Chapter Three: The Terrible Tuesdays – Mike Deadato and David Roach
Chapter Four: Wednesday’s Stepchild – Graham Nolan and Mark Pennington
Chapter Five: Bloodthirsty Thursday – Louis Small Jr. and Caesar
Chapter Six: God Forbid, It’s Friday! – Dale Eaglesham and John Floyd
Chapter Seven: Shatterday – Bill Sinkiewicz

Lettering by John Costanza

Chapters 1-5 colored by Glenn Whitmore
Chapter 6 colored by John Kalisz
Chapter 7 colored by Sherilyn Van Valkenburg

Cover by Dale Eaglesham and John Floyd with color by Patrick Martin

Edited by Dennis O’Neil with Joseph Illidge

Batman created by Bob Kane

Original Cover Price: $5.95
Purchased for: 50 cents

Background – I’m not sure what the story on this special is. Perhaps it was due to the success of “the Long Halloween” and “Dark Victory” which featured Julian Day. Needless to say he has been a pretty underused villain over the years, mostly because he was in jail for a long period of time. Well, longer than most of the Batman rogues anyway. He’s known as the Calendar Man and he commits crimes based on dates and is just really obsessed with calendars.

His biggest plan involves filling up the Millennium Cube with explosives and when it drops on New Years Eve 1999, a huge explosion would occur and thousands of victims would be killed, including Batman and Robin if he was lucky.

Unfortunately he was in prison at the time, so he wasn’t able to fulfill this dream. He’s a creative thinker though and he might just find a way to pull it off yet. That’s what this story is about.

Review –

An all-star team of artists and colorists bring the story to life. This goes from Silver Age hijinks to Dark Age violence in 80 pages. I think this is a nice contrast between the different ages. It’s also cool that we get to see Batman working with both Robin’s (Dick and Tim) within their specified eras.

It’s your average Dixon tale, you get a lot of bang for your buck and the art team that they compiled for it is tough to beat. If you are a fan of Dixon and a few of these artists be sure to keep an eye out for it.

Rating – Well worth the 50 cents I spent, but not really worth your $6. Try to find it in a bin like I did.

Comic Reviews - July 07, 2005

2005-07-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

Marvel

Daredevil Vs Punisher #1

Penciller: David Lapham
Inker: David Lapham
Writer: David Lapham
Colorist: Studio F
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Editor: Warren Simons

Summary – The Punisher has Hammerhead in his sights, but Daredevil’s patience for him has pushed passed its limits. He wants the Punisher out of his city and he wants him out now. Two of the best street level heroes in comics face off in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Review:

The Good –

Needless to say, calling David Lapham a very talented creator is an understatement. His writing skills are only eclipsed by his wonderful layouts on this book and that’s really saying something considering how good of a writer he is.

He tells the story from the Punisher’s perspective this issue and it works very well. I haven’t read a Punisher comic in ages and this got be digging the character again. Since I’ve been reading Batman titles for the last three years, seeing a vigilante just go into a bar and gun down everyone is something very new to me. I hate to say it, but it was a nice change of pace from what I’m used to.

I also like the way Frank Castle acknowledged the fighting skills of Daredevil. He said that DD’s boxing alone could put down the champ and his eastern martial arts were very deadly. Still Frank is one tough s.o.b. to say the least and he stands there and takes it. It was a nice contrast between the two of them and their respective fighting and crime fighting styles.

The coloring and overall production values on this book are very high, even for a Marvel title. It’s a great read that you can’t help, but go through twice to see all the little things you missed the first time.

As a non-Punisher fan I have to say I like this version the best, and I am flat out digging this Daredevil approach a lot more than the monthly title. It’s just great to see him toss around that stick and seeing him actually go toe to toe with someone using his fighting skills.

The Bad –

Not really a negative, but as of right now the characters in this title don’t exactly match up with the ones currently in the ongoing series of The Punisher MAX and MK Daredevil. We can assume that this series takes place sometime before the other two books, but many have commented on how the Punisher is written different here.

The only other semi-bad thing is that this will probably read better in TPB form. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not decompressed or anything like that, but since it’s a six part story that’s what usually happens.

This is one of the top two books this week, so give it a try if you’re into street level heroes or just good comics in general.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Image

Hunter- Killer #3

Penciller: Marc Silvestri
Inker: Joe B. & Weems V
Writer: Mark Waid
Colorist: Steve Firchow & John Starr
Graphic Design: Chaz Riggs
Letterer: Troy Peteri
Special Thanks to Eric Basaldua

Summary – Ellis is taken to Hunter-Killer headquarters for questioning and we are let in on a secret dating back to the Bay of Pigs Invasion of Cuba.

Review:

The Good –

This title has to be the best mutant book on the stands. Silvestri and Waid are a dream team and they are creating characters that play to each of their individual strengths. One character is called Cloaker, a telepath who can alter what people are seeing. He uses this ability to disguise his teammates and luckily for the reader he’s kind of a pervert as you can see in the Argent picture below.

While Silvestri’s storytelling abilities aren’t the greatest in the world, you have to admit that he draws some great looking characters. Wolf’s character design is one of the best in recent years and Argent is just pure cheese-cake goodness. Ellis on the other hand reminds me of Clark Kent and I think that his background was intentionally done that way to do so.

I also like the new Morningstar character and the way his deal with John F. Kennedy was handled and the repercussions of it when the deal was supposedly broken. Waid spins the historical fact with historical fiction pretty well.

The Bad –

It seems like we’ve gone months without a new issue of this. I understand that Silvestri as President of Top Cow and his other responsibilities in Image really doesn’t have the time to draw the book, but I figured they would have enough content in the can first. After all it has Mark Waid and Marc Silvestri, how could it not sell?

My only other complain is that we didn’t find out more on Ellis’ training on Sunday’s like we were promised. Oh well maybe next issue.

This is a pretty solid, but if you are a fan of 90’s comics (like me) pick this up immediately. You’ll love it.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

DC

DC Special: The Return of Donna Troy #2

Penciller: Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez
Inker: George Perez
Writer: Phil Jimenez
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Jeanine Schaefer
Editors: Eddie Berganza & Joan Hilty

Summary – Teen Titans and Outsiders confront their lost friend who many thought dead.

Review:

The Good –

If you like the Teen Titans and Outsiders, some members from each team are here to help Donna.

The Bad –

From the artwork to the story, I just can’t get into this book. Even one of my personal favorites George Perez can’t make this book look good to me. I am not sure if it is Garcia-Lopez or the dark coloring scheme Lee Loughridge is using, but it just isn’t doing it for me.

The same can be said for the storyline, I for one could care less if Donna Troy came back. Her death was a great way to clear up her confusing origin because we didn’t have to worry about it ever again. Now they bring her back because she can supposedly save the universe or something like that.

For now I have to give this a slightly negative review, but I’ll see how the last two issues are because the Titans and Outsiders are in it.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Gotham Central #33

Penciller: Kano
Inker: Stefano Gaudiano
Writer: Rucka
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Clem Robins
Associate Editor: Nachie Castro
Editor: Matt Idelson

Summary – A boy is found in an alley with a broken neck. While this itself is a serious crime, to top it off he’s dressed in a Robin outfit. Is this the Boy Wonder?

Review:

The Good –

This storyline’s roots are embedded in a Newsarama interview that Rucka and Brubaker did last year regarding the series. It seems like they came up with it on the fly and it wasn’t a staged thing, but who knows. No matter how it went down it’s a really good idea that has taken on a life of its own.

The police procedural surrounding the death of a boy who could be Robin is very well done as always. I especially liked the hilarious scenes in Arkham Asylum.

The new artist, Kano does a great job on the book. This is his first issue and I couldn’t really tell we had a new artist. I heard he was tailoring his style for this book, pair that with the inks of long time inker Gaudiano and Gotham Central is one of the most consistent looking books in comics.

The Bad –

This was one of the better issues for Gotham Central and that’s really saying something. Hence, my complete lack of negative feedback.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

JSA #75

Pencillers: Don Kramer, Leonard Kirk and Stephen Sadowski
Inkers: Keith Champagne and Michael Bair
Writer: Geoff Johns
Colorist: John Kalisz
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Peter Tomasi

Summary – Black Vengeance concludes in an emotional rollercoaster of a finale.

Review:

The Good –

This is the comic of the week as far as I am concerned and the most underrated book on the market. Johns’ Flash, Teen Titans and Green Lantern get plenty of attention, but the JSA could very well be his best work ever. The emotional situations in this issue were so well done by both Johns and his all-star team of artists.

I was especially impressed with the new use of SHAZAM lightning that they found this issue. As well as how they depicted how Black Adam gets to his current state that we see him in the Countdown stuff.

The Bad –

There was some confusion on message boards regarding whether or not the character at the end died or not. I’m not going to tell you the outcome or who it was since it would ruin the issue.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Superman #219

Penciller: Ed Benes
Inker: Mariah Benes, Rob Lea and Ale Lei
Writer: Mark Verheiden
Colorist: Rob Reis
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Associate Editor: Tom Palmer Jr.
Editor: Eddie Berganza

Superman created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster

Summary – Spinning out of events from the OMAC Project #3, Superman is disoriented and in the DCU that isn’t a good thing.

Review:

The Good –

I have to admit as good as Ed Benes draws the cheese-cake; he draws the male super heroes just as good. His Superman back in Birds of Prey #82 was ripped and looked like the Man of Steel should. Since joining this title on pencil duties he has carried that over. The shot of the JLA on the last page is very good, his Hawkman and Flash look especially well done. Not to mention his Black Canary that we grew to love in Birds of Prey.

The storyline is a little confusing, especially if you haven’t picked up a Superman comic in a while. It spins out of the events of the Omac Project #3 where at the end; Maxwell Lord puts Superman under some sort of weird mind control. This causes him to hallucinate things, so he’s attacking stuff that isn’t there or something that’s there and just not what he thinks it is. It’s pretty confusing, but it looks like it will pay off in the end.

The Bad –

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Villains United

Penciller: Val Semeiks
Inker: Prentis Rollins
Writer: Gail Simone
Colorist: Sno-Cone
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Stephen Wacker

Summary – The Secret Six are tortured by the Crime Doctor in order to set an example on what happens when you don’t fall in line with the Society.

Review:

The Good –

Semeiks is an artist I have liked ever since I first got back into comics a few years back. He drew a great Legends of the Dark Knight storyline entitled, “Don’t Blink” and it was just awesome. I was thrilled to see that he was the guest artist on Villains United. It looks like he modified his style to be more Eaglesham’s and I’m sure Rollins gave it the finishing touches to keep the book looking consistent.

The story was just as good if not better than the art this issue. While torture sequences are frowned upon in the media, this issue depicted them very well with a few comical moments.

I love how Parademon just waltzes his way through them thanks to his past on Apokolips with Granny. It was also nice to see Scandal and Ragdoll get some screen time as well. The three of these guys have previously taken a back seat to Catman, Deadshot and Cheshire so it was nice to see them get there moments in the spotlight.

I also like how Black Adam is being manipulated by the Society. The reason I’m keen on this is because when he finds out he’s going to tear them apart.

The Bad –

I really don’t have a lot to complain about for this issue. It would have been nice to see Eaglesham on this, but I heard he came down with some kind of fever around the time he was going to draw this. So that’s a reasonable excuse in my book.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Wildstorm

Twilight Experiment #6

Artist: Juan Santacruz
Writers: Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti
Colorist: Carrie Strachan
Letterer: Phil Balsman
Editors: Bob Harras & Kristy Quinn

Created by Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti & Juan Santacruz

Summary – The conclusion to the Twilight Experiment mini series. With two worlds in jeopardy, will our young heroes sacrifice everything to save them?

Review:

The Good –

As with every issue of the mini I was impressed with Santacruz’s artwork and his storytelling abilities. I’m going to have to check out some of his future work on the shelves.

Gray and Palmiotti ended the series in a good way. It wasn’t an abrupt finale because you still get the sense that Twilight and Serenity are still carrying out their duties even if you aren’t reading about them. I think they did a nice job on this book. It wasn’t Watchmen or anything, but a nice little super hero title that had some nice twists and fantastic artwork.

The Bad –

The way the Righteous went out was very weird. According to everyone in the book he’s dead, but he clearly wasn’t. I guess they have to leave this open for a possible sequel series down the line, but judging from the sales that’s not going to happen.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

The Influence of DKR in the DC Universe

2005-07-04T22:20:00.000-07:00

The Influence of Frank Miller’s Batman: the Dark Knight Returns in the DC Universe.

Needless to stay this piece is only a fraction of the stories and people inspired by the Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller, Klaus Janson and Lynn Varley. There tale of an aged Batman defending Gotham City once again is a benchmark for the comic industry along with Alan Moore and Dave Gibbon’s Watchmen.

Both books caused other creators to rise to the occasion with stories and artwork improving nearly all around the board. It also caused comic stories to take a more darker tone overall. Whether this is a good thing or not varies from read to reader.

Here are a handful of events in the DCU that have roots in the Dark Knight Returns (DKR).

The Death of Jason Todd –

DKR was published in single issue format in 1986. Batman: a Death in the Family was published in single issue format in 1988.

Of course, if you’re following the DC Universe at the moment, you know that recently Jason Todd has returned from the dead.

“It would be a really sleazy stunt to bring him back.” – Denny O’Neil from the back of a Death in the Family TPB.

A Girl Robin –

In the foreword of DKR, Frank Miller credits his fellow comic legend John Byrne with the idea to make Robin a girl.

According to Miller, Byrne suggested it to him and even showed him a drawing of a female Robin drawn by Love & Rockets artist Jaime Hernandez. To drive his point home, Byrne drew a sketch of a female Robin himself on the spot. Miller liked the idea and with the help of Lynn Varley, Carrie Keane Kelly came to life.

She wouldn’t be the first (or is it last) person with the XX chromosome to carry the name Robin though. Nine years later in Robin #126 Damion Scott and Bill Willingham turned Stephanie Brown, into the new Robin. Stephanie was previously known as the Spoiler, but after Tim Drake was forced to quit being Robin after his dad found out about it, Batman took her on as his partner for a short time.

As you probably noticed the Robins aren't the luckiest birds in their flock.

I like how Robin is one of those names that cater well to both female and male characters. Another name that works well with both boys and girls is Speedy. Speedy was originally a male character, but he grew up and became Arsenal. The current Speedy is a female and is training under Green Arrow.

Speaking of the Emerald Archer..

Superman Cutting Off Green Arrow’s Forearm –

In DKR, Bruce seeks out an old acquaintance to help him in his fight with Superman. It comes to no surprise that the liberal, fascist-hating Oliver Queen is willing to help. He obviously has his reasons especially considering the tool of Uncle Sam that Superman has become.
One question though, how did he lose his arm? A possible scenario was played out on this in Green Arrow #100 & #101. With Ollie trapped on a plane, his arm trapped in a mutagenic bomb that could destroy all of Metropolis, Superman had a tough decision to make. He contemplates severing Ollie’s arm. Ollie says he would rather die than do that, he removes his arm from the bomb and sets it off before it gets to Metropolis. He sacrificed his own life to save thousands.

Note that in DKR he was missing his left arm, which matches up with what would have happened in #101 with Superman cutting off his left arm in order to save him.

I must say that was a nice nod by Chuck Dixon. His first nod at DKR, but not his last..

Batman Using a Rifle –

In DKR, Batman used guns on a few occasions. This led to much controversy according to Miller on the History Channels “Comic Heroes” documentary. He claims he got letters from old Batman creative teams saying how he ruined their character.

In the 80’s Batman would never pick up a gun, let alone fire it. However in DKR an aging Batman may need to use them for his advantage.

Chuck Dixon did a nice homage to this scene as well in Detective Comics #710. After a brutal fight with Deathstroke, Batman is forced to use Slade’s sniper rifle in order to save the lives of two characters. While he hates guns and seldom uses them, he mastered long range sniping off of Henry Ducard. He used it with expert efficiency. Deathstroke said himself that the shot was impossible, but Batman hits the target and Deathstroke leaves his sword at the scene of the battle to honor Batman. He has yet to get it back.

Batman using guns is a very sticky issue. He has trained his partners to use them, even throw them under Dixon’s run. In the opening episode of Batman Beyond, an aging Bruce has a mild heart attack and is forced to use a gun to defend himself as Batman. This causes him to retire. As a Batman fan, I’m alright with him or any of his “clan” using guns when they have absolutely no choice under the direst circumstances. Although over in Robin, it looks like Tim Drake will be using them if he decides to work with the Veteran. Perhaps foreshadowing his gun-toting future self in “Titans Tomorrow”?

Two Face –> One Face –

DKR shows how far the plastic surgeons and psychiatrists in Gotham will go to in curing Harvey Dent. They put him under surgery hoping that in accordance with his psychiatric rehabilitation, he will cease to be Two-Face when his face is fixed.

Needless to say the guy in bandages is a very familiar face throughout the DCU now. Heck, it turns out that the guy under the bandages in DKR was also under some bandages in HUSH. HUSH is the critically acclaimed storyline by Jim Lee, Scott Williams and Jeph Loeb where Harvey's face is also fixed as you can see.

This isn’t the first DKR reference in HUSH..

Beating on the Joker –

In his final battle with the Joker, Batman just snaps. He almost kills the Joker, but backs off, only to have the Joker twitch and break his own neck on purpose. Getting the last terrorizing blow in on Batman he dies with a grin on his face.

In HUSH, Batman believes that the Joker killed his boy hood friend Tommy Elliot. Up to this point the Joker had killed Jason Todd, Sara Essen (Jim Gordon’s wife), crippled and raped Barbara Gordon and murdered countless others. Batman finally loses it and starts beat the crap out of him. He puts his hands around his throat ready to crush his larynx. Luckily a good friend stops him from becoming his nemesis.

Batman vs. Superman –

In the History Channel documentary, Frank Miller claims that he will gladly take credit for breaking up the Superman & Batman friendship. He believes that each of them have such a different outlook on the world and its natural state, that they just wouldn’t like each other. After this epic battle in DKR, these two have tussled many times. My personal favorite was in..you guessed it HUSH.

Batman is in Metropolis, but so is Poison Ivy. She uses synthetic Kryptonite lipstick to put Superman under her spell. She forces Superman to fight Batman, but cunning thinking by Batman and Catwoman brings him out of it.

Muscled Up Batmobile –

While not the most direct comparison to comics out there, the Batmobile in DKR is obviously some sort of inspiration for the car in Batman Begins.

While the one in DKR is more of a tank, the one in Batman Begins is more of a Hummer and Ferrari hybrid.

So that’s what I got out of years of comic reading and noticing these kinds of things. While some of these could be questionable, I believe that a book like DKR influences people on so many levels. Even on the subliminal level in the back of our minds, DKR is in the head of all comic fans..

-Jason Aiken is a huge fan of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, so much that he’s afraid to read The Dark Knight Strikes Again (DK2).

Tales from the Silver Age - The Greatest Green Lantern of All

2005-07-01T19:23:00.000-07:00

The Greatest Green Lantern of All

Story by Elliot Maggin from an idea by Neal Adams
Artwork by Dick Dillin and Dick Giordano

I came across this page while surfing the web today. It contains scans of a short story entitled “The Greatest Green Lantern of All”. It is a Silver Age tale about the destruction of Krypton and why the Green Lantern and Guardians of the Universe were unable to prevent it. As a special bonus, we learn that the Guardians had discovered an infant on Krypton named Kal-El, the son of Lara and Jor-El, had the genetics to become the Greatest Green Lantern of All, and they decided that he would lead the Corp one day. As we all know, destiny had other plans for him, but this is a very good story that I suggest everyone read.

It is also very cool considering Grant Morrison’s ending to the DC One Million storyline.

Here is the link - http://superman.ws/tales2/greatestGL/

This originally appeared in Superman #257, so I highly recommend buying the actual issue if you enjoy this tale.

Darwyn Cooke - Solo #5 Review

2005-07-01T19:06:00.000-07:00

Solo #5

Artist: Darwyn Cooke
Writer: Darwyn Cooke
Colorist: Darwyn Cooke
Letterer: Darwyn Cooke
Assistant Editor: Michael Siglain
Editor: Mark Chiarello

Summary – Master storyteller Darwyn Cooke has something for everybody in his contribution to the “Solo” anthology series.

Slammin Slam Bradley

Take a walk with Slam Bradley in a timeless tale that takes place in a bar called the 24-7, at the corner of Nexus and Continuity. Populated by the original Aquaman, Scarface, Black Canary and many others.

World’s Window

This is a delightful story from Darwyn Cooke’s childhood where he is first introduced to painting by a family friend.

King of America

A tale of the espionage agent, King Faraday taking place in pre-Castro Cuba in 1956. A nice little spy noir tale with great looking women and a few twists and turns.

Funny Pages

A pretty diverse representation of Cooke’s creative talent. There are two portraits of the Black Canary and Zatanna. As well as a fun maze that you can try to get through. There’s also a few short strips which range from comedy to a look at the history of comics in America. Which is one of my personal favorites.

Solo Dreamgirl Pinup

A nice pinup of Selina Kyle admiring her nights work.

Everyday Madness

A strange tale about a man and his love for his vacuum cleaner.

The Question

A look at the Question and the Middle East. A very cool looking short. Cooke adopts a different style here, maybe to fit in more with the characters recent incarnation in the mini series.

Déjà vu

A Batman story inspired by the seventies classic, “Night of the Stalker” by Steve Englehart, Vin & Sal Amendola & Dick Giordano. Cooke also gives special thanks to Bruce Timm. For those who aren’t aware of the connection, Cooke worked with Bruce Timm on different Batman Animated projects.

This story begins with Batman witnessing a murder that is almost exactly like the one of his parents. A couple is killed in front of their young son and Batman is going to make the trigger men pay.

This is a really great book, well worth the $5.99 cover price. You get to see one of the best artists in the business show off his creative talent in many ways.

Highly recommended reading for all comic fans.

Comic Reviews - June 29, 2005 Part II

2005-07-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

DC

Batgirl #65

Penciller: Pop Mhan
Inker: Cam Smith
Writer: Andersen Gabrych
Colorist: Guy Major
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Editor: Michael Wright

Batman created by Bob Kane

Summary – Father’s day brings out Cassandra’s curiosity of her parentage. She knows that she’s David Cain’s daughter, but who is her mother? She begins her quest to find out the truth.

Review:

The Good –

The fill-in and soon to be regular art team of Pop Mhan and Cam Smith do an extraordinary job on this issue. They drop Batgirl very well, both in and out of costume. The fight scenes and dramatic moments in the issue were told very well.

Andersen Gabrych really picks up the pace with the storyline in this issue. He reveals some stuff that was so obvious, such as how Cassandra’s first name could tell us something about her mother; I can’t believe I never picked up on it. He’s also playing up on her body language skills, which is good.

The Bad –

I have to admit that I miss Garza’s pencils on this title. True, Mhan is very similar in style to him so it isn’t that bad of a change.

Looking at the future solicits, we probably won’t find out who Cass’ mother is until September or October.. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is up to you.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Batman #641

Penciller: Doug Mahnke
Inker: Tom Nguyen
Writer: Judd Winick
Colorist: Alex Sinclair
Letterer: Nick J. Napp
Assistant Editor: Brandon Montclare
Editor: Bob Schreck

Summary – Family Reunion concludes. We finally get to the point in time that started the Under the Hood storyline earlier this summer. Batman finds out the identity of the Red Hood and it isn’t pretty.

Review:

The Good –

After a summer’s wait, Batman finally comes face to face with the person who is under the hood. Yes, the new Red Hood was revealed to be Jason Todd and now Batman has to deal with it. Jason has become a Punisher-like vigilante, who has no qualms against killing the perps. It should make for a very interesting storyline in future issues if they handle it right.

The Bad –

The first part of Under the Hood was excellent in both terms of artwork and writing. The conclusion of this isn’t really up to par with that first issue.

Mahnke’s pencils were so great on that first issue, as was Winick’s pacing. They are sadly lost on this issue.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Batman Allies Secret Files & Origins 2005

A Friend in Need
Script: Russel Lissau
Pencils: Brad Walker
Inks: Jimmy Palmiotti
Letters: Jared K. Fletcher
Colors: Giulia Brusco

Street Crime
Script: Will Pfeifer
Art: Ron Randall
Letters: Phil Balsman
Colors: Brad Anderson

Taking Sides
Script: Andersen Gabrych
Pencils: Tom Derenick
Inks: Ray Snyder
Letters: Jared K. Fletcher
Colors: Greg Wright

Profile pages written by Andersen Gabrych

Pinups –

Batgirl by Sean Murphy and Lee Loughridge
Robin by Al Barrionuevo, Bit and Brad Andersen
Nightwing by Phil Hester, Ande Parks and Greg Wright
Onyx by Brad Walker, Jimmy Palmiotti and Lee Loughridge
Catwoman by Pete Woods and Brad Andersen
Batman by Al Barrionuevo, Bit and Brad Andersen

Cover Art by Al Barrionuevo and Bit, colors by Guy Major

Batman created by Bob Kane

Summary – A compilation of stories featuring Batman, Detective Renee Montoya, Chief Atkins and Batgirl & Robin.

Review:

The Good –

The highlights of this issue include seeing Brad Walker and Jimmy Palmiotti telling a tale of Montoya and Batman. I have been very impressed with Walker’s work since he did LODK during Wargames, as well as his Richard Dragon issues. He is usually inked by Andy Owens, but Palmiotti brings a whole different look to his pencils.

Taking Sides, was a nice surprise. It’s actually a lead in to this summer’s crossover event between Detective Comics & Batman called Warcrimes.

The pinups are all pretty damn good. My two favorites are probably Nightwing by Hester and Parks and Onyx by Walker and Palmiotti.

The Bad –

The Chief Atkins short story didn’t really hold up to the other two. The bios in this really didn’t tell you anything that wasn’t known already.. Then again they are aimed more towards new readers.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

The Flash #223

Penciller: Howard Porter
Inker: John LIVESAY
Writer: Geoff Johns
Colorist: James Sinclair
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Assistant Editor: Rachel Gluckstern
Editor: Joey Cavalieri

Summary – Part 5 of Rogue War comes at us fast with Professor Zoom and Kid Flash going into the fray.

Review:

The Good –

I just continue to be so impressed with the artwork that Howard Porter and John Livesay put out every month. I think they are easily one of the best and most underrated art teams in comics. James Sinclair also does an excellent job every month. Even with the bright color palette he has to work with, due to the colorful rogue gallery, he still brings the dark moments when they’re needed.

Also, Geoff Johns really keeps these twists coming. Bart Allen, AKA Kid Flash is one of my favorite characters, but I really only get to see him in Teen Titans. Luckily Johns brought him into play in this issue. If you read the ending, you know that all Flashes appear to be accounted for. Whether they be Reverse Flash’s or not…

The Bad –

Overall this isn’t the most approachable book to new readers. The rogues have a real history with each other and the Flash, which you really have to research to fully get it.

If you’re like me, you have to know what’s going on to truly enjoy the story. If you just read comics to be entertained for a few minutes though and could care less about the previous canon, then by all means have fun. I admire you for that.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Green Lantern #2

Penciller: Carlos Pacheco
Inker: Jesus Merino
Writer: Geoff Johns
Colorist: Moose Baumann
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Peter Tomasi

Summary – Hal Jordan’s return to the land of the living includes getting the skeletons out of his closet. In his personal life he wishes to rejoin the Air Force, but first he has to apologize to an old instructor. As Green Lantern he also has to deal with the past in the form of a rival intergalactic policeman.

Review:

The Good –

Since being introduced to Carlos Pacheco on Superman/Batman, I have fallen in love with his work. He has a very Silver Age style that is very clean and pleasant to look at. Jesus Merino’s inking over his work is also very impressive.

I usually don’t like issues that are paced like this, but Johns really keeps my interest through the crawling pace.

The Bad –

I am a little hesitant on this villain. I think that a better one from the Green Lantern rogues gallery could have been chosen for the first arc, but I trust in John’s wisdom on this..

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

The OMAC Project #3

Penciller: Jesus Saiz
Assists: Cliff Richards & Bob Wiacek
Writer: Greg Rucka
Colorist: HIFI Design
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Assistant Editor: Rachel Gluckstern
Editor: Joan Hilty

Summary – Batman and Sasha’s rendezvous is interrupted by a trio of OMAC’s. Meanwhile Wonder Woman and Booster Gold continue to investigate Brother I.

Review:

The Good –

The Bad –

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Outsiders #25

Artist: Carlons D’Anda
Writer: Judd Winick
Colorist: Guy Major
Letterer: Phil Balsman
Assistant Editor: Jeanine Schaefer
Associate Editor: Tom Palmer Jr.
Editor: Eddie Berganza

Summary – The conclusion of the Insiders story arc that has been running through Teen Titans and Outsiders for the past two months. The events of this issue will change both teams forever.

Review:

The Good –

Carlos D’Anda returns to the title and he brings his unique style with him. Having him as an artist on this title, really gives it a distinct look. He seems to be at his best when big fights are happening and he can just cut loose with the action.

The execution of the turning of the tide in the battle is also well done. I liked how Superboy got his wits about him and stood up to his “dad” in a heroic manner.

The Bad –

I really didn’t like Nightwing’s sudden “I’m out” attitude. He’s been doing this since he was ten and now he suddenly has a problem with attachment and people risking their lives? Kind of lame, but perhaps they are kind of putting him in a position for Infinite Crisis. Some have theorized he will lead all of the teen heroes (Outsiders, Teen Titans, and all past members) during the upcoming Crisis.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Wonder Woman #217

Penciller: Rags Morales
Inker: Michael Bair & Mark Propst
Writer: Greg Rucka
Colorist: Richard & Tonya Horie
Letterer: Todd Klein
Editor: Ivan Cohen

Wonder Woman created by William Moulton Marston

Special Thanks to Robin Riggs

Summary – The Bronze Doors storyline concludes with a revelation involving the identity of Wonder Girl’s father.

Review:

The Good –

Morales, Bair and Propst really brought their A-game this issue. The quality of their work is right up there with the art in Identity Crisis.

I also liked how the reveal of Cassandra Sandmark’s father was handled.

The Bad –

Even though it was foreshadowed in the previous two issues, I really didn’t like how the ending of the issue played out. It wasn’t terrible by any means, but it felt kind of abrupt and we got what we wanted in the end anyway. So Diana didn’t really sacrifice anything.

Overall this book really isn’t doing it for me. I’m going to stick around for the Sacrifice crossover, but that’s probably it.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Grant Morrison's Seven Soldiers Sketches

2005-06-30T22:55:00.000-07:00

These were originally published in DC Horizon in December of 2004. It is a free pamphlet DC puts out spotlighting their upcoming projects. It is free to whoever wants it, but it seems like a lot of people didn’t know that original Grant Morrison sketches were inside it. Morrison’s sketches of Frankenstein, Mister Miracle, Zatanna, Bulleteer, the Guardian and Klarion the Witchboy are quite nice and I decided to post them here on my blog for all to see.

Note: The Shining Knight sketch in the Horizon issue was done by J.H. Williams III.

Zatanna

Klarion the Witchboy

Mister Miracle

Frankenstein

Bulleteer

Comic Reviews - June 29, 2005 Part I

2005-06-30T22:16:00.000-07:00

Wildstorm

Albion #1

Penciller: Shane Oakley
Inker: George Freeman
Plot: Alan Moore
Script: Leah Moore & John Reppion
Colorist: Wild Storm FX
Letterer: Todd Klein
Cover Artist: Dave Gibbons
Assistant Editor: Kristy Quinn
Editor: Scott Dunbier

Summary – The first of a six issue mini series asking us, “What happened to Britain’s greatest heroes?” Plotted by Alan Moore and scripted by his daughter Leah Moore and John Reppion.

For background information on the characters featured in this series check out this page.

DC bought a library of popular UK comic book characters a while back and they are bringing them to the US under the Wildstorm imprint.

Review:

The Good –

You can’t get much better than a story plotted by Alan Moore with covers by Dave Gibbons. Having those two names attached to this project instantly made me want to buy it.

True Moore isn’t doing the scripting, nor is Gibbons doing the interiors, but they are being handled by the next generation of creators and they do a great job on their own.

Moore’s daughter, Leah and John Reppion do an excellent job scripting the overall storyline. To be honest, the dialogue and overall flow of the issue feels like it could have been written by a younger Alan Moore.

Shane Oakley and George Freeman bring their Wildstorm look to the interiors and do a great job. I especially liked the black and white page sequences.

This book revives characters that a lot of American readers are not that familiar with, so this is a project that is definitely worth doing.

When it comes right down to it, this is a gorgeous book that will take you more than a few minutes to read. You’ll get your money’s worth out of this.

The Bad –

As I said this is told in the Alan Moore fashion, so it’s kind of hard to figure out what’s going on in this first issue. We’re jumping back and forth between a prison, a city and also into the actual comics themselves.

While this isn’t very hard to follow by any means it does make you think. So if you don’t like to think about your comics too much and prefer in your face straight forward action storytelling, this isn’t a book for you.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Image

The Pact #3

Penciller: Carlos Rodriguez
Inker: Lluc Banos
Writer: Phil Hester
Colorist: Jose Augusto Cano
Letterer: Bruce McCorkindale for ACTiON Impulse Studios

Invincible created by Robert Kirkman and Cory Walker
Zephy created by Jae Faerber
Firebreather created by Phil Hester and Andy Kuhn
Shadowhawk and the Pact created by Jim Valentino
Quantum Girl and The Reaver created by Phil Hester and Carlos Rodriguez

Summary – An untold story of the Pact featuring the mysterious fifth member, Quantum Girl.

Review:

The Good –

I have been impressed and pleased with this book from issue one, but this latest issue is by far the best outing in all areas.

The storyline is a basic time traveling/alternate reality type story, but it is executed so well that it really stands out as one of the best I’ve read. I knew that Hester was a great artist, but I had no idea he had the chops for writing too.

This is my first exposure to the work of Rodriguez and Banos, but I’m going to keep an eye out for anything else they do. They had a very strong showing this issue. I really dug the future versions of Shadowhawk and Firebreather that they came up with. Although their version of the future Invincible wasn’t up to par with the other two.

Overall this was a very good issue. The plot featuring the mysterious 5th member of the Pact is just great. I really liked how they handled the ending with this. Perhaps letting it open for a return?

The Bad –

I really can’t say anything bad about this issue. When I first started reading this, nothing matched up with the previous two issues, but that was all quickly explained via a short exposition within the issue.

I really hope this title turns into an ongoing series. The quality has been right up there with books like Teen Titans.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

DC

Shining Knight #3

Artist: Simone Bianchi
Writer: Grant Morrison
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Peter Tomasi

Summary – Sir Justin turns himself into the Blue Knights (police officers) of Los Angeles and is interrogated by an FBI agent and a mysterious antiquities expert.

Review:

The Good –

This is a very different type of super hero comic. Truth be told, I don’t think you could call this a super hero comic at this point. It’s more like a scifi/fantasy comic at the moment.

Simoen Bianchi, like all the Seven Soldiers artists is really knocking these issues out of the park. His layouts are very easy to follow and his storytelling abilities are always improving.

The Bad –

If only Grant Morrison’s storyline was easier to follow. I know that you can read all these books separate, but I think I would be even more lost if I did that. He’s got all this stuff going on with Castle Revolving, Spyder, etc. and I’m trying to figure out what the heck is going on. Maybe it’s just over my head, or it could be the fact that I read so many books in one week.

The overall plot of this issue was also kind of flat this month. It was very decompressed, playing out in what is probably less than 5 minutes time. That’s just not my thing.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Comic Reviews - June 22, 2005

2005-06-22T19:02:00.000-07:00

DC

Legion of Super-Heroes #7

Penciller: Barry Kitson
Inkers: Art Thibert & James Pascoe
Writer: Mark Waid
Colorist: Chris Blythe
Letterer: Phil Balsman
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Stephen Wacker

Summary – Braniac 5 leads a team of Legionaires to his homeworld of Colu to investigate the threats made last issue by a mysterious enemy. Meanwhile while Brainy is away, Cosmic Boy will play.

Review:

The Good –

Barry Kitson, Art Thibert and James Pascoe are one hell of an art team. Each of their characters are full of life and the backgrounds are just awesome.

Ditto with the coloring of Chris Blythe, he has chosen a very suitable color palette for this issue.

Waid also kicked some serious ass, bringing in silver age elements inspired by his child hood reading comics. The Silver Age concept of the “Bottle City of Kandor” gets new life, this time as the “Bottle World of Colu”. Pretty cool stuff.

Also the nod to the upcoming Crisis was nice. It seems Colu is going to be playing a big part of it back in the 21st Century DCU, as seen in Teen Titans.

The Bad –

I don’t know if it was only my copy or not, but there was some major printing errors in regards to lettering. Some of the letters were very faded and I could hardly make out the dialogue on some pages.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Robin #139

Penciller: Scott McDaniel
Inker: Andy Owens
Writer: Bill Willingham
Colorist: Guy Major
Letterer: Phil Balsman
Editor: Michael Wright

Summary – Robin must take down the latest rogue that is after the price on his head, Junkyard Dog. His path also crosses the Veteran once again in an issue that marks the debut of the new art team of Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens.

Review:

The Good –

Damn it is great to have an art team on this book that actually has some storytelling ability. I had no problem following what was going on from page to page and the fight scenes were awesome (a well known trait of McDaniel and Owens).

I also liked Batman’s reaction to Robin’s ruse. He wasn’t mad at him, but rather proud of the plan and suggested that Tim continue it. He even supplies him with more goodies for the Robin’s nest.

Willingham is writing a wonderful story…but…

The Bad –

I love Willingham as a writer and he seems like a great guy from online interviews, but we need some better villains. He created an awesome one in the form of Johny Warlock, but he hasn’t been on center stage for some time. The Rising Sun Archer, Dark Rider and Junkyard Dog are all fools.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Teen Titans #25

Penciller: Matthew Clark
Inker: Art Thibert
Writer: Geoff Johns
Colorist: Jeromy Cox
Letterer: Comicraft
Assistant Editor: Jeanine Schaefer
Editor: Eddie Berganza

Summary – Part III of the Teen Titans/Outsiders crossover, The Insiders. The teams battle their way through Supermen robots and come face to face with Lex Luthor and Superboy.

Review:

The Good –

Clark and Thibert really kicked ass this issue. The battles with the Supermen robots were great as well as the Wonder Girl Vs Superboy fight.

Johns did a good job writing both the Titans and the Outsiders in this issue. I like how this issue has little threads that connect the entire DCU together, such as the planet Colu. It’s a popular place this month.

The Wonder Girl and Superboy scenes were handled very well too. Their relationship has been handled very well by Johns and it has been great to watch it evolve over these last two years.

The Bad –

I found that a few Titans and Outsiders were left out of the spotlight, but that is only natural in an event such as this. I guess they were taking care of a lot of the Supermen robots off panel.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Dark Horse

Conan #17

Artist: Cary Nord
Script: Kurt Busiek
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Assistant Editor: Matt Dryer & Dave marshall
Editor: Scott Allie

Based on the work of Conan creator Robert E. Howard

Summary – Conan’s travels bring him to the City of Thieves. Needless to say there are plenty of skulls to crack and treasures to steal.

Review:

The Good –

Another great standalone story by the Conan team.

The Cimmerian didn’t like living amongst the “honest folk” so he comes to the City of Thieves to do what he does best.

Nord’s artwork is really worth the wait every month. He really brings the City of Thieves to life and transplants the reader into every dark alley and tavern.

Busiek is doing a great job adapting Robert E. Howard’s character for comics. We are really getting the best of both worlds.

The Bad –

The bad news is that we get a fill-in artist next month..the good news is that it’s Bruce Timm!

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Image

Hero Camp #2

Artists: Robbi Rodriguez & Chad Thomas
Writer/Letterer: Greg Thompson
Colorist: Russ Lowery

Summary – Another day in the life of Eric, the non-super powered teen at Hero Camp.

Review:

The Good –

This is turning out to be a book that has loads of potential. The ideas planted in this issue alone are screaming to be explored further. I loved how the one kid has what could be an invisible girlfriend..or she could be imaginary. That’s great.

How cool is the one girl who can make three super powered hairy midgets out of her spit?

This is a lot of fun and the artwork is great.

The Bad –

There are a bit too many characters and we aren’t really told their names. A roll call sheet is needed for this book in a major way. To be honest I believe that there were Hero Camp comics before this, so in the minds of the authors the characters have already been established. I think the bio pages and backup strips are their way of filling us in, but I would rather have an easier reference.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Iron Ghost #2

Artist: Sergio Cariello
Writer: Chuck Dixon
Colorist: Rick Hiltbrunner
Separations: Barry Willians
Letterer: Charles Pritchett
Cover Art & Character Designs: Flint Henry
Editor: Stephen Nilson

Summary – The Iron Ghost haunts Berlin and he’s killing off Nazi’s faster than he can reload.

Review:

The Good –

Sergio Cariello is fantastic! He is an underrated artist in terms of both energy and storytelling. His action scenes are great and his women are great looking. He’s not a cheesecake artist, but he can draw it just as good as any of them (save Adam Hughes of course).

Chuck Dixon’s war time vigilante is very unique, I loved the way he set up this issue. The #1 person on my suspect list was the main character for this issue and let’s just say Dixon executed him brilliantly.

The Bad –

Truth be told this wasn’t a very deep issue, but as far as Dixon comics go they usually aren’t. You can always count on him for a great action tale full of testosterone and bullets. This issue was no different. Don’t go into this expecting a Morisson, Gaiman or Moore type story and you’ll love this.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Comic Reviews - June 15, 2005 Part III

2005-06-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

Cable/Deadpool #16

Penciller: Patrick Zircher
Inker: Udon’s M3TH
Writer: Fabian Nicieza
Colorist: Gotham
Letterer: Cory Petit
Consulting Editors: Barber & Macchio
Editor: Nicole Wiley

Cable created by Rob Liefeld and Louise Simonson
Deadpool created by Rob Liefeld and Fabian Nicieza

Summary – Deadpool, Siryn and Cannonball hop from dimension to dimension encountering a different version of Cable in each.

Review:

The Good –

Month after month Zircher and M3TH really make this book look great. It’s a very cool fusion of east meets west. The coloring of the mysterious Gotham is also a great addition.

Nicieza writes some great jokes for Deadpool and puts him into some very hilarious situations as usual. His different incarnations of Cable are great and Zircher brings them to life with ease.

The Bad –

The dimensional hopping kind of got old, but this is an X-title after all. So I guess I should expect this thing to happen from time to time.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Daredevil #74

Artist: Alex Maleev
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
Editor: Jennifer Lee
Executive Editor: Axel Alonso

Summary – Another session with the “The Devil Among Us” crowd at St. Mary’s Church. This time an unexpected member of the group is revealed.

Review:

The Good –

Maleev and Bendis continue their Decalogue story arc in which members of a discussion group offer up their stories of contact with Daredevil.

In anyone else’s hands this would be a train wreck, but this has been a very good arc. There is no other comic on the stands like this.

The Bad –

With so little of Daredevil in costume, I imagine new readers picking this up won’t like it. I mean call me crazy, but when reading a comic about a super hero it would be nice to see him in costume for more than a two pages.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Wolverine #29

Penciller: John Romita Jr.
Inker: Klaus Janson
Writer: Mark Millar
Colorist: Paul Mounts
Letterer: VC’s Randle Gentile
Editor: Jennifer Lee
Executive Editor: Axel Alonso
Cover: Joe Quesada

Summary – Wolverine takes his fight to the Hand!

Review:

The Good –

Hell, everything about this book continues to kick ass. JRJR and Klaus Janson’s artwork is so awesome. They really drew some great fight scenes this issue.

Millar is definitely writing the ultimate revenge tale here. Right now it’s two down, two to go. Next up is Hydra itself, followed by the Gorgon.

The Bad –

Only two (three if you count Millar’s special) issues left of Millar and Romita’s run on Wolverine. It’s been great though.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Conan and the Jewels of Gwahlur #3

Artist/Writer: P. Craig Russell
Colorist: Lovern Kindzierski
Letterer: Galen Showman
Designer: Darin Fabrick
Assistant Editor: Matt Dryer
Editor: Scott Allie

Adapted from the story by Conan creator Robert E. Howard.

Summary – Conan comes face to face with the Teeth of Gwahlur, but is forced to make a decision. Who will he decide to save, the treasure or the girl?

Review:

The Good –

Russel’s artwork is great, it really fits this fantasy setting that Conan of Cimmeria dwells. Likewise, the coloring of Kindzierski is also very pleasant to look at.

The Bad –

After finishing the story itself, it seems like this just wasn’t worth doing. No offense to Russell or Howard, but it just wasn’t up to par with the stuff in the ongoing title. It did have some nice art though.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Comic Reviews - June 15, 2005 Part II

2005-06-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

Adventures of Superman #641

Artist: Karl Kerschl
Writer: Greg Rucka
Colorist: Tonya & Richard Horie
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Associate Editor: Tom Palmer Jr.
Editor: Eddie Berganza

Superman created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster

Summary – The aftermath of last issue starts with Clark Kent visiting Pete Ross in prison. Of course the cover is pegged as an OMAC tie-in, so expect a visit from one of those guys.

Review:

The Good –

Kerschl’s artwork is on par with his work on the Majestic mini series released last year. It’s very clean and the coloring of the Horie’s is also very nice.

The Bad –

The whole storyline for this issue is really redundant considering the DCU as it is right now. I am just sick of all these mystery villains and all the twists and turns concerning them.

The OMAC showed up for a few pages and killed a Parasite. Hopefully all these OMAC tie-ins will be explained in the actual mini or in the Superman-Wonder Woman crossover next month.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Batman: Gotham Knights #66

Penciller: Al Barrionuevo
Inker: Bit
Writer: A.J. Lieberman
Colorist: Laurie Kronenberg
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Associate Editor: Nachie Castro
Editor: Matt Idelson

Summary – A Villain United tie-in issue focusing on HUSH and Prometheus. The Society wants Prometheus, but he’s dying from Poison Ivy’s virus. Talia forces the hand of HUSH to try and cure him.

Review:

The Good –

Barrionuevo and Bit’s artwork is perfect for Gotham. It’s gritty without being ugly and the coloring of Kronenberg fits right in.

The Bad –

This issue is really just a prelude to the next JSA Classified arc after the Power Girl story. To call it a tie-in rather than a prequel is a bad move. Although, at least some members of the Society appear in this issue.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Birds of Prey #83

Penciller: Joe Bennett
Inker: Jack Jadson
Writer: Gail Simone
Colorist: Hi-Fi
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Assistant Editor: Rachel Gluckstern
Editor: Joan Hilty

Summary – The Birds in Gotham and Singapore are working their cons as Oracle has another spell.

Review:

The Good –

On their third issue the new art team of Joe Bennett and Jack Jadson have done a great job. The covers as of late have been exceptionally good as well.

Simone does a great job of cutting back and forth between all three locations in the book. I like how what’s going on in Gotham and Singapore are connected. The meet up at the end was also nice, although expected.

The Bad –

This was said to be an OMAC Project tie-in, but all that happened was a guy operating a forklift was going to get activated, then he wasn’t.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Day of Vengeance #3

Penciller: Ron Wagner
Inker: Dexter Vines
Writer: Bill Willingham
Colorist: Chris Chuckay
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Assistant Editor: Rachel Gluckstern
Editor: Joey Cavalieri

Summary – The Spectre and Captain Marvel duke it out as the fate of magic in the DCU hangs in the balance.

Review:

The Good –

These Walter Simonson covers are just amazing. I wonder if he is planning on doing more interior work in the future. Until then I’ll take his awesome covers on Day of Vengeance.

The art team for this issue did a fantastic job. This issue was done by Ron Wagner and Dexter Vines. I’m not familiar with Wagner’s prior work, but I liked what I saw this issue. Dexter Vines, who usually puts the magnificent finishing touches on Ed McGuinness’ work did his usual job on this issue.

Bill Willingham’s storyline really picks up this issue too. I like how he included Johny Warlock from his first “Robin” storyline into this issue.

The Bad –

Some questions are still left unanswered, but we have a few more issues to get clued in.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy it

Manhunter #11

Pencillers: Javi Pina & Diego Olmos
Inkers: Fernando Belanco & Bob Petrecca
Writer: Marc Andreyko
Colorist: Steve Buccellato
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Assistant Editor: Rachel Gluckstern
Editor: Joan Hilty

Summary – The mysterious Dumas continues to hunt the Manhunters. Next on his list…Kirk DePaul!

Review:

The Good –

Both art teams did a great job this issue. I think they have similar styles because I didn’t even notice the transition from one to the other.

Andreyko continues to pile up the Manhunter body count as another one bites the dust this issue.

I’m glad that he is thinning out the herd as there are far too many Manhunter’s running around the DCU.

The Bad –

The guy he offs this issue has a small fan following and I can’t believe he was allowed to do it. Hopefully this doesn’t cause bad press for the book.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy it

Seven Soldiers: Klarion the Witchboy

Artist/Colorist: Frazer Irving
Writer: Grant Morrison
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Peter Tomasi

Summary – Klarion makes his way up to the subway lines, previously seen in Seven Soldiers: Manhattan Guardian #2. Here he meets the legendary Ebeneezer Badde, another Limbo Town expatriate. He isn’t who he seems though..

Review:

The Good –

So far this is my favorite of the Seven Soldiers titles. It’s very different than anything else on the stands and is full of the kind of uniqueness that can only come from the mind of Grant Morrison.

Frazer Irving is also doing a fantastic job on the artwork for this book. It’s very eerie looking without being goofy. In a way it’s kind of a horror/comedy comic at times. Although it’s main genre would be adventure.

The Bad –

Nothing really, this is one of the best books of the week.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Comic Reviews - June 15, 2005 Part I

2005-06-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

Authority Revolution #9

Penciller: Dustin Nguyen
Inker: Richard Friend
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Colorist: Wendy Broome
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Assistant Editor: Kristy Quinn
Editor: Ben Abernathy

The Authority created by Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch

Summary – Spotlight on Henry Bendix, with a surprise return of a favorite character from the Stormwatch days.

Review:

The Good –

A surprise return for a fan favorite character is the highlight of this issue. Hint: He/she is from Warren Ellis’ run on Stormwatch.

I believe this to be the best recent issue of the series. Both Brubaker and the art team did a good job.

The Bad –

Not much of the Authority is seen in this issue. You are let in on why the Doctor is no longer around though. Mostly it is Bendix talking with his cohort.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Wildsiderz #0

Penciller/Story: J. Scott Campell
Digital Inks: Avalon Studios
Writer/Story: Andy Hartnell
Colorist: Edgar Delgado
Letterer: Comicraft
Assistant Editor: Kristy Quinn
Editor: Scott Dunbier

Summary – A preview of the next big thing from Wildstorm Entertainment. From the creators of Danger Girl, comes Wildsiderz. What happens when high school students acquire the powers of the animal kingdom?

Review:

The Good –

J. Scott Campell’s artwork has come a very long way since I last saw his work in Gen-13 during the eary 90’s. His stuff was great then, but I had no idea how much that young artist evolved until I looked at Wildsiderz #0 last week. It’s some pretty gorgeous stuff. Pair his artwork up with some magnificent coloring by Edgar Delgado and you have a title that is very easy on the eyes.

The overall story is kind of Power Rangers meets teenage superheroes, but it looks like it’s going to work.

The Bad –

Don’t think of this as an issue, think of it as a trailer. There are bios on all the main characters, plus an interview with the creative team. At the end you are treated to what I can only describe as a trailer, showcasing scenes from future issues. It is pulled off pretty well.

I have this in the bad column, as a warning for those of you who want to buy it for the story. There isn’t really one here, but it’s a great find at $1.99.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Powers #11

Artist: Michael Avon Oeming
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Colorist: Peter Pantazis
Letterer: Ken Bruzenak
Editors: James Lucas Jones & K.C. McCrory

Summary – Deena stands up to her boyfriend as the power gem goes missing before the FBI can pick it up.

Review:

The Good –

Oeming’s artwork shined as usual. This was a very dark issue and he and the rest of the art team really got the job done in that regard.

The Bad –

Not much really happened save for one major moment where a character does something we never thought she would do.

There also wasn’t a lot of jokes or dialogue, which I come to expect in a Bendis book.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Battle Hymn #3

Penciller: Jeremy Haun
Writer: B. Clay Moore
Colorist: Dave Bryant
Letterer: Greg Thompson

Summary – The team is up to no good in their downtime.

Review:

The Good –

These characters feel alive. That’s the biggest compliment I can give this creative team. You actually feel like these character existed in the real world all those years ago.

Haun’s artwork is amazing. He is a star in the making.

This book is gradually building towards something, but I’m not quite sure what yet.

It looks and reads very well though.

The Bad –

This issue is a lot like Powers. A character commits a murder and then not a whole lot happens. You basically learn that the guy who does it is a complete sleazebag since he’s sleeping with his teammate’s woman and what not. It’s too bad because I actually liked that character.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Comic Reviews - June 08, 2005

2005-06-15T21:40:00.000-07:00

Action Comics #828

Penciller: John Byrne
Inker: Nelson
Writer: Gail Simone
Colorist: Guy Major
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Associate Editor: Tom Palmer Jr.
Editor: Eddie Berganza

Summary – Superman’s battle with Dr. Polaris and Repulse concludes and two surprised guest stars show up.

Review:

The Good –

Easily the best book of the week. I loved the surprise visit by Black Adam and Professor Zoom. Perhaps the reason it wasn't branded as a tie-in was to make it more of a surprise when they showed up. It was great how Adam decided to help Superman, proving that he has a heart, albeit a black one. I have a feeling he is the weakest link in the Society and he (along with Deathstroke) could be turned very easily to the side of the heroes. Say what you want about Byrne, but the guy can draw circles around just about everyone. Nelson also does a great job finishing what Byrne starts. It is a bummer that they aren't doing the covers anymore, but I can see Byrnes point on it. I never thought I would be buying Action Comics on a regular basis, but as long as the current creative team stays onboard, I'm there. Doctor Polaris was very interesting and the origin of his other personality, Repulse. Can't wait to see what the Society has planned for Dr. Polaris. Between him and Dr. Light they have some heavy hitters in regards to Magnetism and Light.

The Bad –

Was there an error this week? To me this was a Villains United tie-in, but it wasn't branded as such. Nightwing #109 was branded one, but I don't see how it fit in at all. That being said this was a spectacular issue.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Dracula Vs King Arthur #1

Artist: Chris Moreno
Writers: Adam Beranek & Christian Beranek
Colorist: Jay Fotos
Letterers & Post Production: Nick Beranek & Heather Addley
Editor: A. David Lewis

Summary – Evil meets Medieval in Dracula vs. King Arthur. A conquered ruler makes a deal with the devil and a war between heaven and hell begins.

Review:

The Good –

When I first heard about this series I just couldn’t get it in my head that this made sense. Dracula and King Arthur in my mind went together like chocolate and pineapples, boy was I wrong.

Not only is the artwork fantastic, the story is very original in the ways it puts different spins on Arthurian legend. I love how Merlin isn’t some sage like Dumbedore or Gandalf. He looks more like a dirty shaman, which is what he was if he did in fact exist.

Chris Moreno’s artwork is very good. His storytelling abilities and character designs make this book great to look at.

As does the coloring by Jay Fotos. The coloring on this book is in league with Marvel and DC for sure.

The Bad –

This being a non-super hero independent book it might be something people overlook.

Don’t make that mistake, ask your retailer to score you a copy of this now.

You get 38 pages of story for only $2.95. You can’t beat that with a stick!

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Fables #38

Penciller: Mark Buckingham
Inker: Steve Leialoha
Writer/Creator: Bill Willingham
Colorist: Daniel Vozzo
Letterer: Todd Klein
Assistant Editor: Mariah Huehner
Editor: Shelly Bond

Summary – Boy Blue’s travels through the Homeland concludes.

Review:

The Good –

Mark Buckingham’s artwork is fantastic. The art team on this title really does a fantastic job month after month.

The Bad –

Some pretty clever misdirection, but I have to say that this issue misses its mark. It's blatantly obvious that the Emperor that Blue killed wasn't the true Adversary.

I dunno, this issue was luke warm for me. Usually I dig this book every month and mount praise for it, but not this month. I look forward to going back to Fabletown next month to check in on the other regulars.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Gotham Central #32

Artist: Steve Lieber
Writer: Greg Rucka
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Clem robins
Associate Editor: Nachie Castro
Editor: Matt Idelson

Summary – Up until now we’ve only been hanging out with the good cops in Gotham. Take a look at the bad cops in Gotham City.

Review:

The Good –

This was a pretty decent issue, told through the dirty cops in Gotham. Kind of predictable, but the art was nice. After watching the Shield week after week, what these guys were doing didn't seem that out of place. I guess that was kind of the point though. It was also great to see Jim Corrigan back at it again. He's so going to be the new Spectre.

The Bad –

I'm not sure what happened here, but it seems we have a fill-in issue. I believe this was previously solicited as the first part of Brubaker/Rucka's final arc together.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

JLA #115

COVER IMAGE
Penciller: Chris Batista
Inker: Mark Framer
Writer: Geoff Johns & Allan Heinberg
Colorist: David Baron
Letterer: Ken Lopez
Assistant Editor: Michael Siglain
Editor: Mike Carlin

Summary – The highly anticipated follow up to Identity Crisis begins here. Geoff Johns and Allan Heinberg join Chris Batista and Mike Framer for “Crisis of Conscience”. What happens when the mind wiped villains remember? It isn’t pretty.

Review:

The Good –

So the Red Tornado knew about the mind wiping too? How'd that happen? I take it that Batman knows that they took the villains memories away in regards to secret identities... It was kind of cool to see these obscure villains come back out into the open.

Very nice artwork by the team of Batista and Farmer.
The Bad –

It should be a pretty good arc, although this issue read very fast. I was done with it in less than 4 minutes, while Rann-Thanagar War took me over 6. I guess this had more action and less narratives.

Also don’t judge this by the covers. Batman doesn’t go up against the other JLA members or anything like that. To be honest this issue wasn’t the best showing from either writer.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Nightwing #109

Penciller: Phil Hester
Inker: Ande Parks
Writer: Devin Grayson
Colorist: Gregory Wright
Letterer: Phil Balsman
Editor: Nachie Castro

Summary – Dick Grayson’s undercover work continues.

Review:

The Good –

Hester and Parks artwork is great, but this storyline is like a bad episode of the Soprano's.

The Bad –

Villains United tie-in my @$$. They either made a mistake or are just trying to push the sales on the this book. They mentioned the Penguin in Bludhaven, in my mind that doesn't make this a tie-in book. Overall this issue sucked. I'm not sure where in the hell they are taking Nightwing, but I won't be around to see where it ends up. I'm going to see what they do next issue in regards to Bludhaven then give this book the old drop.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Pass On It

Rann-Thanagar #2

Penciller: Ivan Reis
Inker: Mark Campos
Writer: Dave Gibbons
Colorist: John Halisz
Letterer: Nick J. Nap
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Peter Tomasi & Stephen Wacker

Summary – Intergalactic politics and war continue in this exciting mini series leading into Infinite Crisis.

Review:

The Good –

Starman! I'm not familiar with the character, but he has a kick ass character design. It was also great to see Tigorr. Also the Kyle Rayner fans can stop complaining, he actually did something this issue. Captain Comet is also a character I'm not familiar with, but he's pretty cool. The big battle should get interesting next issue. I'm not sure how in the hell Hawkwoman is going to fit into this though. Ivan Reis flat out rocked on this issue. His art is worth every penny I spend on this title or anything else he draws. I can't wait for his Titans stuff. Gibbon's writing ability is also very impresive. I look forward to his Green Lantern Corps mini.

The Bad –

Lots of stuff is going on here and it might be hard to follow for new readers.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

-------------------------

Finally catching up with my reviews. The new PC is up and running so I look to get some reviews for this week up tomorrow.

Comic Reviews - June 02, 2005 Part III

2005-06-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

Batman Villains Secret Files & Origins 2005

“Stranger In Paradise”
Penciller: Eddy Barrows
Inker: Jay Leisten
Writer: Bruce Jones
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Nick J. Napolitano
Editor: Bob Schreck

“If A Man Be Clay!”
Penciller: Mike Mignola
Inker: Kevin Nowlan
Writer: Steve Purcell
Colorist: Matt Hollingsworth
Letterer: John Workman
Editor: Bob Schreck

Batman created by Bob Kane.
Cover Art by Al Barrionuevo and Bit. Colored by Guy Major.

Profile Pages written by Andersen Gabrych

Profile Pages –

Black Mask – Al Barrionuevo, Brit and Brad Anderson

Killer Croc – Ramon Bachs and Jason Wright

Penguin – Cliff Chiang

HUSH – Al Barrionuevo, Bit and Brad Anderson

Red Hood – Brad Walker, Jimmy Palmiotti and Lee Loughridge

Mr. Freeze – David Lopez and Giulia Brusco

Man-Bat – Mike Huddleston and Lee Loughridge

Daughters of the Demon – Marcos Martin

Scarecrow – Sean Murphy and Lee Loughridge

Summary – A nice compilation spotlighting Batman’s current rogues gallery. As a bonus feature we get a lost Mike Mignola, Pre-Crisis Clayface vs. Batman and Robin strip.

Review:

The Good –

The opening strip really catches new readers up with the situation in the Batman comics. This is great because I am betting a lot of people are going to want to check out what Batman is up too after they see “Batman Begins”. There is also an “Allies Secret Files & Origins” slated to come out at the end of the month.

Also, seeing Mike Mignola draw Batman is pretty cool. It’s not his best work, but it’s still awesome. If this looks familiar it is safe to say that Jae Lee aped him in a way on his Gotham Knights covers.

The Bad –

Even though there is a lot of content, the $4.99 price tag is a little steep. The quality of the paper isn’t that high to justify this price. I would have been happier with $3.99 or $4.50.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy it if you’re unfamiliar with what’s going on in Batman. Otherwise I have to say to just flip through it. Mignola’s art is great, but it’s hardly worth $4.99 especially when it’s not his best.

Detective Comics #807

“City of Crime Part 7: Crown Point”
Penciller: Ramon Bachs
Inker: Nathan Massengill
Writer& Layouts: David Lapham
Colorist: Jason Wright
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Assistant Editor: Nachie Castro
Editor: Bob Schreck

Batman created by Bob Kane.

“Regnum Defende Part II
an Alfred Pennyworth Tale”
Artist: Jeff Parker
Writer: Scott Beatty
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Editor: Michael Wright

Summary – Experience Crown Point, the worst place to live in the Bowery area of Gotham City. Needless to say it makes the East End look tame. The Alfred Pennyworth tale which highlights his time in British Intelligence concludes.

Review:

The Good –

City of Crime continues to move along at a slow pace, but it’s pretty insightful. If nothing else, we get to experience a part of Gotham City we don’t normally get to see. Bach’s artwork is very fitting for this area. It’s very chiseled and gritty which fits the Bowery very well.

The Bad –

I didn’t like the ending to Ragnum Defende, it was pretty rushed. You could tell the whole point of doing the strip was to reveal that his last name isn’t really Pennyworth, but Beagle. Also it was pretty much a requirement to have him show up on the Wayne’s doorstep for his first day. Not bad, but I think it would have been better as a three issue mini, instead of a two part backup strip.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Superman/Batman #20

Penciller: Ed McGuinness
Inker: Dexter Vines
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Richard Starkings
Associate Editor: Tom Palmer Jr.
Editor: Eddie Berganza

Summary – The fantastic art team of Ed McGuinness and Dexter Vines return to Superman/Batman for an all new storyline. It’s Superman and Batman taking on the Maximums, the strongest super-hero team from an alternate reality. This issue lays the ground work for the conflict.

Review:

The Good –

My oh my are these guys good. McGuinness and Vines are easily one of my favorite art teams. I enjoyed their work on Superman/Batman: Enemies of the State, JLA: Classified and DC Comics Presents: the Flash a great deal and this issue they are in prime form.

Loeb usually delivers a great story every issue and this is no exception. He introduces us to the Maximums, a team of Avengers/Ultimates analogues who Batman and Superman are going to be fighting. This is all over Brian Bendis killing off a Lois Lane analogue over in “The Pulse”. It should be cool to see how this feud plays out.

The Bad –

Not a whole lot of closure for this issue. The one thing I liked about DC books is that they aren’t written for TPB. I have come to learn though that Superman/Batman is the exception for this rule though. So I guess I might as well just expect it every month.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

-----------------------------------------------

Got a new computer up and running so I should have the reviews for June 08th up in a few days.

Comic Reviews - June 02, 2005 Part II

2005-06-05T22:24:00.000-07:00

JSA #74

Penciller: Leonard Kirk
Inker: Keith Champagne
Writer: Geoff Johns
Colorist: John Kalisz
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Peter Tomasi

Summary – Black Vengeance, the Day of Vengeance tie-in continues as the JSA travel to Khandaq to fight the Spectre.

Review:

The Good –

Johns shows us how Doctor Fate was taken out by the Spectre. This was a very educational read for me because I had no idea that Dr. Fate was Hawkman’s son. I guess you do learn something new everyday. Then again I am pretty much just here for the Day of Vengeance tie-in and don’t plan on sticking around for the repercussions.

From what I hear reading Johns’ JSA is a commitment, but one that often pays off. With this issue I can see what people are talking about. A lot of subtext is obviously going on concerning the interpersonal relationships of the JSA. It seems like they are still playing on the Captain Marvel-Stargirl relationship I read about during Sean Phillips guest issue. It was also very cool to see Powergirl use her heat vision. Has she done that recently or is that like a new power that’s surfaced?

Oh and man what a surprise, Leonard Kirk penciled this issue! The fan favorite artist who drew the bad ass Bloodhound series takes on the JSA and does a fantastic job. Inker extraordinaire Keith Champagne meanwhile keeps the book looking consistent with previous issues.

The Bad –

Not much to say really, for people who are interested in this section of the DCU, you have your work cut out for you researching wise. There are a lot of subplots going on that make me think you would have to read JSA regularly to get them.

Still, you can appreciate this issue for the Day of Vengeance tie-in and you get to see a couple cool fights and moments.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Seven Soldiers: Zatanna #2

Penciller: Ryan Sook
Inker: Mick Gray
Writer: Grant Morrison
Colorist: Nathan Eyring
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Associate Editor: Peter Tomasi
Editor:

Summary –Zatanna and Misty travel to San Francisco to consult with Cassandra Craft about the events of last issue.

Review:

The Good –

Ryan Sook and Mick Gray did a fantastic job on this issue. The previous one was very Alan Moore-like with weird colors and magical trances, while this is the closest thing we’re going to get to a superhero magician. Wait, isn’t that was Zatanna is? Or is she a magician who is a super hero? She’s pretty cool either way.

Instead of her relying on her magic (well duh, since she has temporarily lost her mojo) she relies on magical artifacts scattered throughout Cassandra’s store to combat the Shapeless One.

It’s pretty cool and the ending is just great, really. The little dude and the bonsai are just awesome, like a weird fever dream. Then the surprise guest appearance by another cult character is just what the doctor ordered.

The Bad –

This isn’t for everyone. More or less if you like Zatanna as a character and are interested in the magical side of the DCU, then come aboard. However, if you are into straight super hero stuff, then some of the other Seven Soldiers books might be better suited for you. Morrison’s writing isn’t for everyone. People either love it or they don’t. I rarely see people feeling luke-warm about it.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Son of Vulcan #1

Artist: Keron Grant
Writer: Scott Beatty
Colorist: Danimation
Letterer: Nick J. Napolitano
Assistant Editor: Jeanine Schaefer
Editor: Tom Palmer Jr.

Summary –

Review:

The Good –

Keron Grant’s artwork is something to be hold. He has a very manga style, making this book perfect for the Tokyopop generation. The character designs for Vulcan are great and you just can’t beat these action scenes.

The Bad –

That being said the story wasn’t enough to latch me onto this mini. The story just wasn’t up to par with Beatty’s other works (which I have enjoyed immensely).

One of the problems could be that I am not familiar with Vulcan and his supporting cast what so ever. Was he an old Charltan character or something? I have become quite familiar with the DCU recently, but sometimes guys like this pop out of nowhere and surprise me. He seems like a cool enough character, but as you can see from the money shot his time has passed.

Still if you like the cover art and feel like picking up another mini series, then try this one out. The art alone merits that at least.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Villains United #2

Penciller: Dale Eaglesham
Inker: Wade van Grawbadger
Writer: Gail Simone
Colorist: Sno-Cone
Letterer: Pat Broseau
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Stephen Wacker

Summary – The newly revamped Secret Six go out on their first mission. Unfortunately it could also be their last.

Review:

The Good –

Wow. That’s all I can say about this comic. Out of all the Infinite Crisis preludes this has definitely started out the strongest.

Dale Eaglesham and Wad van Grawbadger’s efforts on the art front are just amazing. Right after I bought the first issue of this series I immediately went to my LCS and grabbed up all of the H-E-R-O issues he did. I flipped through them and they are just as good as the artwork on this book. Someone at DC picked the right team for this one, no doubt about it.

Gail Simone is a fan favorite writer currently writing three titles and is managing to keep the quality up in all three. She is two issues into this book and is doing an amazing job. She’s taken Catman from awful to awesome, grabbed up some obscure characters in the form of Pardemon and the Clown, brough fan favorites Cheshire and Deadshot into the fray and has introduced a mysterious woman named Scandal. Not bad for only two issues of work.

This is the book to read if you’re allowing yourself only one of these Infinite Crisis minis.

The Bad –

It’s a long wait until next month.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

---------------------------------

Look for reviews of Superman/Batman #20, Detective Comics #807 and Batman Villains Secret Files 2005 tomorrow.

Comic Reviews - June 02, 2005 Part I

2005-06-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

Marvel
X-Force: Shatterstar #4

Art: Marat Mychaels
Cover Art/Plot – Rob Liefeld
Script: Brandon Thomas
Colorist: Matt Yackey
Letterer: VC’s Rus Wooton
Assistant Editor: Sean Ryan
Associate Editor: Nick Lowe
Editor: Mike Marts

Summary – Shatterstar’s adventures with X-Force from an alternate Earth concludes.

Review:

The Good –

Marat Mychaels goes out with a big bang on this title. This is easily his best work on Shatterstar and it was great that he saved the best for last. His fight scenes are very well done and he obviously has a knack for them. Ditto with Matt Yackey who has been supplying great colors on both this title and the X-Force mini.

The plot by Liefeld is standard for this X-Force book, which his a good thing because these characters have been in limbo for far too long. This brings the new readers up to speed with the characters and for the older readers adds a sense of nostalgia.

Newcomer Brandon Thomas also does a good job on scripting his first big title. He previously scripted Youngblood: Genesis and wrote a Spider-Man Unlimited story which I enjoyed. I hope to see more mainstream work from him in the future.

The Bad –

While this issue wasn’t deep at all, X-Force books don’t have to be. Sure this book isn’t an emotional rollercoaster, but it’s a solid little action title.

Just don’t expect something as deep as Miracle Man and you won’t be disappointed.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

ICON

Powers #10

Art: Mike Avon Oeming
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Colorist: Peter Pantazis
Letterer: Ken Bruzenak
Editors: James Lucas Jones & K.C. McCrory
Design: Keith Wood

Powers created by Mike Avon Oeming and Brian Michael Bendis

Summary – The arc chronicling the Blackguard concludes.

Review:

The Good –

Overall this has been a great story arc, but this last issue was downright hilarious. The line with the Blackguard’s wife saying how she wished she had a mutant baby was just tops. Bendis pulls it off very well, stuff like that is why I read Powers.

Oeming does a great job with the art as always. He is kind of a weird mix of Bruce Timm and Art Adams as far as his style goes. That might sound strange, but it works.

It was also great to see Retrogirl in action. She’s a very cool character. The way she brushes off the customer who has a crush on her was great.

It’s also great to see Batman and the Joker’s analogues done so well. This was a great treatment of that relationship without sticking to the material in the strictest sense.

The Bad –

No letter pages! What do we get for consolation? Eight pages of conversation between Bendis and Quesada patting each other on the back and jabbing with each other. I prefer the letter pages. They are almost as funny as the comic itself.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Image

ArmorX #2

Artist: Andy Smith
Writer: Keith Champagne
Colorist: Rick Hiltbrunner
Separations: Barry Williams
Letterer: Charles Pritchett
Editor: Stephen Wilson

Summary – The aftermath of Carson’s night at the prom is shown. Plus a mysterious stranger is hot on the trail of ArmorX.

Review:

The Good –

Andy Smith does a great job on art this issue. He clearly has the makings of a fantastic artist. I can’t wait to see more work from him in the future.

The Bad –

Keith Champagne is mostly known for being the inker on JSA, but he flexes his writing muscles on this book. I wish he would pick up the pace a bit, but he is still telling a pretty decent story. He will be writing JSA this summer while Geoff Johns breaks for Infinite Crisis.

Also I am not a big fan of the dark coloring scheme done on this book. I think it would be far better looking if they used the same kind of brighter colors that Bill Crabtree uses on Invincible.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Hero Camp #1

Art: Robbi Rodriguez
Writer/Letterer: Greg Thompson
Colorist & Titles: Russ Lowery
Editor: Kristen Simon

Summary – A day in the life of Eric Quinlan, the son of super heroes. Although he doesn’t have any super powers of his own, he is forced to spend the summers at Camp Enochuk, a super hero summer camp.

Review:

The Good –

Rodriguez has a very cool cartoony style he is laying down on this book. This is the first of his work that I have seen and I think it’s pretty good. He’s a solid storyteller who seems to be very versatile.

The color scheme uses on this book by Russ Lowery is also very nice to look at.

The Bad –

We are introduced to a huge group of characters right off the bat. Most we don’t even learn of their names. The main premise for this book also seems kind of lost in itself. This is called Hero Camp, but we are only at the camp for a few pages. The rest is the main character with a bunch of silly villains in the woods. I’m still trying to figure this book out.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Invincible #23

Artist: Ryan Ottley
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Colorist: Bill Crabtree
Letterer: Rus Wooton

Created by Robert Kirkman & Cory Walker

Summary – Invincible who? This issue is all about Allen the Alien!

Review:

The Good –

For the first time Kirkman employs the use of captions to help tell the story. Not just any captions though, old school Stan Lee style captions! It makes for a great story focusing on a character we have all been wondering about for a while.

I think this was Ottley’s best issue of the book yet. He’s such a talented artist it’s unbelievable. The fight scene was just awesome. He squeezed like 12 panels on a page and the blood (amongst other things) just flew everywhere. Invincible has a lot of bloody fights though. I think that the old Savage Dragon and Pitt issues are the only indy comics to top it.

The Bad –

Kirkman what were you thinking? You just did a #0 issue about Invincible to get new readers onboard and the first issue they read is about Allen and not Invincible? Let’s hope they enjoyed this issue enough come back. I’m sure they will, but this was just a bad strategy.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

The Pact #2

Art: Valentine de Landro with Marvin Law
Writer: Jay Faerber
Inker: Kris Justice
Colorist: Ryan Vera
Letterer: Ray Dillon
Cover Art by Jim Valentino and Kris Justice

Summary – The Pact decide to have pizza on the moon, but a meteorite heading for Earth prompts the team to take a time out.

Review:

The Good –

This art team is very new to me, but I have to admit I dig there stuff. It’s not as clean as I would like, but it ain’t stiff either. Very fluid stuff.

Faerber created Zephyr so it is his turn to write this book. Next issue is Hester who created Firebreather and then Kirkman brings up the rear. Jay does a great job giving each of the teen heroes there time in the spotlight and developing his own troubled teen hero along the way. I enjoyed this issue quite a bit.

The Bad –

This is another book that isn’t deep, it’s just plain fun. Get past that and you should be ok.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Review - Green Lantern: Dragon Lord

2005-06-01T12:42:00.000-07:00

Green Lantern: Dragon Lord

Penciller: Paul Gulacy
Inker: Josef Rubinstein
Writer: Doug Moench
Colorist: James Sinclair
Separator: Digital Chameleon
Letterer: Bob Lappan

Summary – Green Lantern Dragon Lord is a 3 Part prestige format mini series chronicling the adventures of Earth’s first Green Lantern. Jong Li, the last surviving Dragon Lord has come to be the Green Lantern of Earth. This tale has since been retconned I believe, due to the fact that Hal Jordan is now the first Green Lantern from Earth. Still this is a great martial arts inspired tale featuring a Green Lantern who doesn’t have or need to depend on the magic of the ring. If you are a fan of period martial arts movies such as the Shaw Brothers films, Duel to the Death, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, HERO, etc.. Then this will be right up your alley.

Review:

The Good –

Paul Gulacy and Josef Rubinstein do an excellent job on transporting us to Ancient China. The scenery is rendered very well and is just great to look at. Pagoda’s, Bonsai Trees and the castle are all great looking. As a fan of Asian History I was very pleased with the accuracy in which these surroundings were depicted. He also draws great fight scenes and some good looking women. What else can a martial arts fan ask for?

The writer of the series Doug Moench is best known for his work on Batman. It is no surprise that he writes this martial artist turned Green Lantern so well. It seems it was a natural assignment for him.

He seems very well versed in Eastern Philosophy as shown by how he writes Jong Li’s master and Jong Li himself.

This tale is broken up into three acts, the first one introduces all the major players, the second puts them in a dire situation and the third act finishes things up. Pretty standard structure, but it is the visuals that bring this story to life. No matter where Gulacy and the art team take you, I think you’ll be pleased with the scenery.

Another thing I like about this story is that it is a martial arts tale first and a Green Lantern tale second. Jong Li only uses the Green Lantern ring when he absolutely has to. If he can rely on his superior martial arts ability, he’ll use that instead. He knows how power can corrupt and avoids using the ring unless the circumstances are dire.

The Bad –

A little bit more explanation on the alien who gave Li the power ring would have been nice. I guess it was all just setup, but it would have been nice to get some background. He didn’t even wear the mask or uniform of the GLC. Although the year this takes place in is 660 AD on Earth. I wonder if the GLC issues mandatory uniforms after this.

The roles of General Shan and that of the Emperor were templates of sorts. I’ve seen those same types of characters and situations used in other stories. Although since this was one big homage to kung-fu movies that’s ok. I can live with it as I lived with the goodness of Kill Bill.

The ending is a little too abrupt and happy for my taste, but it could have been worse. It really doesn’t feel like an ending. More like the ending to a tv pilot. Perhaps the team envisioned other tales featuring Jong Li and desired to leave it open so they could tell them.

Still this is a pretty good book that is worth your time to read. See if you can track them down, I’m sure you can get these on the cheap due to them being marketed to a niche audience.

Recommendation: Buy It

Comic Reviews - May 25, 2005 Part II

2005-05-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

Marvel

Ultimates 2 #6

Penciller: Bryan Hitch
Inker: Bryan Hitch & Paul Neary
Writer: Mark Millar
Colorist: Laura Martin
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Production: Tom Valente
Assistant Editors: Nicole Wiley & John Barber
Editor: Ralph Macchio

Captain America created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby

Summary – With the Ultimates turning their back on him, Hank Pym joins another super team. Unfortunately this would be the equivalent of him joining a group made up of us.

Review:

The Good –

Hitch’s artwork is something that the entire industry aspires too. He really shows off his storytelling skills in this issue where there isn’t much action, but drama and comedy. It’s also interested to see him ink much of his own stuff on this issue.

Millar’s a funny guy and this story brings it out. The Defenders would be like us comic fans who have no powers starting up our own team. From Nighthawk (who is later mistakenly called Dark Hawk by the papers) is a hilarious analogue of Batman. The Valkyrie is definitely fan service for the guys. She’s a barely legal Thor wannabe who sleeps with Hank Pym, but at the end of the issue there is a hilarious condition for it.

Underneath all this comedy is a genuine tale of a man who has completely fallen from grace. As funny as it is, you do feel sorry for Pym.

The Bad –

Nothing really, this is one of the Top 5 books this week. No complaints here.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy it

DC

JLA #114

Penciller: Ron Garney
Inker: Dan Green
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Colorist: David Baron
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Assistant Editor: Michael Siglain
Editor: Mike Carlin

Summary – JLA Vs CSA comes to a conclusion as both teams unite to defend the Anti-Matter Earth from the Qwardian Void - Hound.

Review:

The Good –

The art team of Garney, Green and Baron have been great since they took over with Austen’s “Pain of the Gods” storyline. To be honest I think this was there best issue yet. Drawing stuff on such an epic level and making it look good is a real strong point of this crew.

Busiek really likes the trick of having the teams swap uniforms, but it leads to something. In this instance it shows that the Wayne Brothers are more alike than they care to admit. It was also cool to see Superman ripping the S Shield off Ultraman at the end.

The Bad –

I didn’t like how we were teased with the Cosmic Egg from JLA/Avengers. Sure we know that Metron is watching over it (something we knew from the JLA/Avengers mini) but I was wanting some more hints on what could hatch from it.

I guess we’ll have to wait for JLA/Avengers 2…

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Legion of Super-Heroes #6

Penciller: Barry Kitson
Inker: Art Thibert
Writer: Mark Waid
Colorist: Chris Blythe
Guest Artist: Scott Iwahashi
Guest Colorist: Dave McCaig
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Stephen Wacker

Summary –Star Boy is introduced to the person who funds the Legion of Super-Heroes. While Brainiac 5 encounters the mastermind behind the attacks.

Review:

The Good –

This issue is divided up into two stories, but they connect together seamlessly.

The art is very good in both parts. Kitson and Thibert keep the title looking consistently good. Wildstorm apprentice Scott Iwahashi is doing a bang up job on special projects such as this and the Wildstorm Winter Special. I see a bright future for this guy.

As always Waid does an excellent job at keeping the story flowing. He also answers some question that people were wondering about since the first issue.

I love how he is putting ancient (for the LOSH anyway) super hero comics into the story. I noticed some Mystery in Space and Superman comics on many occasions.

The sparring session between Karate Kid and Ultra Boy was great. I heard that Karate Kid was tough, but I had no idea he was this cool.

The mailbag segment at the end is hilarious too. Especially when Kevin O asks about the readers picking who the leader should be and Cosmic Boy has to cut out.

The Bad –

No complaints here really. This book always delivers what you expect from it. Chances are if you are still reading this, it’s your kind of book and you’re digging it. For those who aren’t and dropped it during the first three issues consider flipping through it at your LCS sometime. The pace has quickened a bit.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

The OMAC Project #2

Artist: Jesus Saiz
Writer: Greg Rucka
Colorist: HIFI Design
Letterer: Phil Balsman
Assistant Editor: Rachel Gluckstern
Editor: Joan Hilty

OMAC created by Jack Kirby

Summary – Maxwell Lord, Batman and Sasha Bordeaux are the main players in this issue. Lord attempts to wipe out the competition and Batman and Sasha attempt to reunite with each other.

Review:

The Good –

Love the artwork on this book. I really missed Saiz on Manhunter, but was thrilled when I found out he would be penciling this series.

The storyline for this issue basically is a build up for next where Batman and Sasha have to take on multiple OMAC units. Still this issue holds up on its own because we see an OMAC take on a B-Lister and make mince meat out of it. This is the third time we’ve seen one in action. The first was when one took out Blue Beetle, then earlier this month in Superman one roughed up the Man of Steel.

The way Rucka is writing Brother Eye is kind of unique. He writes it in programming code, pretty original I think.

The Bad –

What the heck is Batman lip locking with Sasha for? I know he’s a player but he has been having something developing with Catwoman for a while. I guess it’s alright cause he’s a ladies man, but that was kind of a shocker.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Outsiders #24

Artist: Carlos D’Anda
Writer: Judd Winick
Colorist: Guy Major
Letterer: Phil Balsman
Associate Editor: Tom Palmer Jr.
Editor: Eddie Berganza

Summary – Part 2 of the Insiders crossover with Teen Titans picks up where Teen Titans #24 left off.

Review:

The Good –

Loved the twist of who the traitor really is. It seems like the traitor revealed in the last issue was just one giant red herring.

D’Anda’s artwork on this issue was nothing short of spectacular. These all out action issues is where he really shines because he just gets to cut loose and let the carnage rain down.

I loved how each of the Outsiders took turns taking on the traitor and all got seriously owned.

As you can see by the money shot, the Outsiders and Teen Titans are really going to have their hands full in Teen Titans #25

The Bad –

My only complaint is that they didn’t address Shift. They should have at least apologized to the guy.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Sleeper Season Two #12

Artist: Sean Phillips
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Colorist: Strachan
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Editors: Quinn and Dunbier

Special Thanks to Jim Lee

Summary – The series ends with the style and unexpectedness we come to love from this title.

Review:

The Good –

As always Sean Phillips and Strachan do an excellent job on art duties. There are very few if any comics on the stands that have the look of this book. There are no other people better suited for a super hero spy noir story than them. I’ll miss their artwork on this title so much.

Ed Brubaker ends the series with a bit of irony, but it’s very satisfying and justifiable. I couldn’t think for a better way for this series to end.

The Bad –

Unfortunately this is the final issue for the series.

Thanks to the entire team for an extremely enjoyable 24 issue run.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Comic Reviews - May 25, 2005 Part I

2005-05-25T22:57:00.000-07:00

Batgirl #64

Penciller Ale Garza
Inkers: Jesse Delperdang & Andrew Pepoy
Writer: Andersen Gabrych
Colorist: Wildstorm FX
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Editor: Michael Wright

Batman created by Bob Kane

Summary – Last issue Batgirl fought Deathstroke, but it was all a trap to lure her out into the open. Now Deathstroke’s daughter, the Ravager takes her turn trying to kill Batgirl.

Review:

The Good –

Garza’s artwork is very pleasant to look at, no doubts there. The finishing touches by Delperdang and Pepoy also add to the slickness of the series. The coloring crew at Wildstorm FX are really using some nice colors on this book.

I have to give credit to Gabrych for comparing the Ravager and Batgirl.

The Bad –

This whole issue was pretty much a giant fight scenes with some flashbacks. In order for this issue to work for me I would need a good fight scene and some relevant flashbacks.

The fight scene wasn’t up to par with the one in the last issue at all. I don’t like how Batgirl is starting to use blades, when she is the best empty hand fighter on the planet. More than likely for this fight to be fair it had to be with swords though, so I can see why they chose to use them. I guess I am just too critical and am used to the old Damion Scott fight scenes in the Lady Shiva storyline which were damn near perfect.

While the flashbacks were relevant, I think the whole comparison thing was poorly executed. I mean Rose and Cass didn’t even talk to each other while they were fighting. The flashbacks with Cass as a child are getting repetitive as well, and I wish they’d just stop it. Yeah her dad made her a killing machine and did crazy shit with her, we get it.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Batman #640

Penciller: Paul Lee
Inker: Cam Smith
Writer: Judd Winick
Colorist: Alex Sinclair
Letterer: Phil Balsman
Associate Editor: Michael Wright
Editor: Bob Schreck

Batman created by Bob Kane

Summary – Batman goes to Metropolis to talk with Superman about him dying. Onyx and the Red Hood bust up the meeting from last issue.

Review:

The Good –

I really liked how Batman and Superman differ in their views about death. Superman prefers to think that he was in a state of suspended animation, while Batman believes that he was dead and everyone just made that up so it would make sense.

The Bad –

Well this issue had a lot of flaws. First off the regular art team didn’t do it. Therefore the quality we expect in this issue in the art department wasn’t up to par. I’m sure these guys are still developing, but I would rather have Mahnke anyway.

It seems like Winick phoned this one in. It is so decompressed it’s ridiculous. The whole scene with Onyx and the Red Hood fighting the perps was too drawn out. Plus the twist at the end was way too sudden.

I’m hoping better things for next issue.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Pass On It

Day of Vengeance #2

Penciller: Justiano
Inker: Walden Wong
Guest Inker: John Livesay
Writer: Bill Willingham
Colorist: Chris Chuckay
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Assistant Editor: Rachel Gluckstern
Editor: Joey Cavalieri
Cover Artist: Walter Simonson with Mike Atiyeh on colors.

Summary – The team of C-List magic users puts plans in motion to take out the Spectre.

Review:

The Good –

This is the biggest surprise as far as the Infinite Crisis stuff goes. The artwork is excellent and the storyline screams of Vertigo.

Not surprisingly Bill Willingham is the author/creator of the smash hit, Fables for the Vertigo imprint, so he fits in with the magic side of the DCU quite nicely.

I was also glad to see Captain Marvel show up and fight the Spectre.

The Bad –

I wasn’t really sure what the Enchantress was doing at the start of this issue. At first I thought it was Eclipso narrating, but then I remember that Willingham said each issue will be done by a different member of the team. So I assumed it was the Enchantress. I have been informed she was just doing a ritual of some kind and that’s how she knew all that stuff.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

DC Special: The Return of Donna Troy #1

Penciller: Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez
Inker: George Perez
Writer: Phil Jimenez
Colorists: Martin Breccia, Nestor Pereya & Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Ken Lopez
Editors: Eddie Berganza & Joan Hilty-Gomez

Summary – We learn what Donna Troy has been up to as of late.

Review:

The Good –

The artwork on this title is very distinct, nothing on the stands like it. Perez on anything is always a positive even when he is just on inking duties.

The Bad –

The storyline isn’t terrible in this book, but new readers will really be put off by it. Heck I like to think I know my fair share about the DCU and I was confused as hell. Luckily most of it was explained later, but I was really worried for a while.

A lot of the pages are done in the so called, “wide screen” style, something I’m not a real fan of unless it is done by Hitch.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

The Flash #222

Penciller: Howard Porter
Inker: John Livesay
Writer: Geoff Johns
Colorist: James Sinclair
Letterer: Patt Brosseau
Assistant Editor: Rachel Gluckstern
Editor: Joey Cavalieri

Summary – Rogue War continues as the Top shows up and starts turning the reformed Rogues back to there old ways.

Review:

The Good –

Howard Porter and John Livesay are one of the great pennciler/inker teams in comics these days. With the help of colorist extraordinaire James Sinclair they are straight up tearing this arc up.

Geoff Johns is doing a great job writing this book so that you don’t have to follow the Flash all your life to know what is going on. Some references are made to people being related, but that’s mostly decipherable with a nice google search. Which usually turns up interesting facts relating to the history of the Flash.

Captain Cold shows why he’s the leader of the Rogues.

The Bad –

The identity of Owens mother is something we’ve been wondering about since Identity Crisis. In this issue the corpse of Digger spills it to Mrs. Zolomon, but we aren’t privy to the name of said mother. With Johns departing after Rogue War, I am assuming he will fill us in during the next few issues.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Green Lantern #1

Penciller: Carlos Pacheco
Inker: Jesus Merino
Artist: Ethan Van Sciver
Writer: Geoff Johns
Colorist: Moose Baumann
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Peter Tomasi

Summary – Hal Jordan returns to the skies and Coast City. He’s not the only one who has come to Earth though..

Review:

The Good –

Whether it is Ethan Van Sciver or Carlos Pacheco, this book is going to have a really kicking art team. They are going to do alternating arcs on this and I look forward to seeing what this duo can come up with.

In this issue EVS does the first four pages which retell how Hal got the ring. Then Carlos Pacheco picks up in the present.

Both do a great job and it’s no surprise that the two of them are some of my favorite artists. Each has a very distinct look, but they go so well together. Moose Baumann did a great job keeping the look of the book consistent.

I like how there is talk of all the Green Lanterns in the first issue tying in with what is going on throughout the DCU. The talk about reforming the GLC will happen this summer. Dave Gibbons will be writing Green Lantern Corp: Recharged, or something to that effect. So look to that if you are a GL fantatic.

The Bad –

The $3.50 cover price was a little steep..I am guessing this was an extra sized issue. Oh well if it is one time only I can deal with it.

I would have loved to see the whole body shot of the villain, but the time will come for that.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

DC Picks for June

2005-05-23T23:48:00.000-07:00

It’s a great time to jump in on these ongoing titles. I highly recommend everyone looking for a good story or storyline to give these a chance. With all the Infinite Crisis mini’s and tie-ins going on, some great tales might be overlooked.

Superman/Batman #20

From DC

Written by Jeph Loeb; Art and cover by Ed McGuinness and Dexter Vines

The original superstar team of Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness return for what's sure to be the most talked-about story of the year! This issue kicks off the stunning 6-part "With a Vengeance," as Superman and Batman confront The Maximums!

Can the World's Finest pair take on a squad of revenge-seeking Super-Heroes who are on the hunt for the murderer of one of their teammates? Things are sure to heat up fast, because the two people at the top of their suspect list are Batman and Superman!

DC Universe 32pg. Color $2.99 US

This issue begins Jeph Loeb’s final arc on this title. Joining him is past collaborators Ed McGuiness and Dexter Vines who have been tearing it up lately with work on DC Comics Presents: The Flash and JLA: Classified.

In my opinion when it comes down to big, fun super hero action you can go wrong with Loeb, McGuiness and Vines. Their first run on this book was great and it’s going to be fun to see Superman and Batman take on the Maximums.

This storylines roots lay in good intercompany pot shots. Marvel has been imitating the DC Universe a lot lately to say the least.

JMS’s Supreme Power takes a look at JLA analogues from a different angle.

The Sentry (Marvel’s version of Superman) has been appearing in the New Avengers (AKA Marvel’s answer to the JLA).

What really got the ball rolling on this though was Brian Bendis having the Green Goblin kill a Lois Lane analogue in the Pulse. The name of the reporter was Teri Kidder (Terri Hatcher and Margaret Kidder both played Lois Lane) and she was told she wouldn’t make it for a real paper in a real city or something to that effect.

So Jeph Loeb decided to write this story with Superman and Batman fight analogues of the Ultimates. It fits in with the overall theme of this book though with Superman and Batman fighting everyone else.

In the first story arc they fought just about ever super villain Ed McGuiness and Dexter Vines could draw, along with some allies who were recruited to bring them in.

In the Supergirl storyline they fought Doomsday’s, Apokolips warriors and DarkSeid.

In Absolute Power they fought through a variety of alternate worlds. They had to take on Wonder Woman, Uncle Sam, the Human Bomb and many other heroes.

If you want to pick up one Superman/Batman arc I would highly recommend this. The buzz on it is very good and this is a creative team I have never been disappointed with. Even with Loeb after his stint on Batman: HUSH.

JLA #115

From DC

Written by Geoff Johns and Allan Heinberg; Art by Chris Batista and Mark Farmer; Cover by Rags Morales and Farmer

A star-studded creative team starts a 5-issue tale that has the JLA confronting the fallout from IDENTITY CRISIS! Fan-favorite writer Geoff Johns (JSA, TEEN TITANS, THE FLASH) is joined by The O.C. writer/producer Allan Heinberg (Young Avengers) for the first installment of this gripping adventure featuring visuals by Chris Batista (LEGION) and Mark Farmer (JLA: THE NAIL) and a cover by IDENTITY CRISIS artist Rags Morales and Farmer!

Before they can discuss the actions and repercussions of the League within the League, the JLA first must battle some old foes. The Secret Society of Super Villains has returned — and somehow they have more information on the heroes' lives than ever before!

DC Universe 32pg. Color $2.25 US

For everyone out there who is wondering when Batman is going to make his move against the JLA members who wiped his mind here is your answer.

It is being penned by Geoff Johns who should be a familiar name for those who read DC Comics on a consistent basis. His co-author is Allan Heinberg who is also writing Young Avengers over at Marvel Comics, and is doing a great job on it. I have to confess that I’m not familiar with the art team, but from the pages I have seen I don’t have any complaints.

This is a highly anticipated storyline and the fact that it is taking place in the once flagship title for the DC Universe indicates that major changes are about to happen in the DCU.

Gotham Central #32

From DC

Written by Written by Greg Rucka; Art by Steve Lieber; Cover by Chris Brunner

Greg Rucka and Steve Lieber , the team that brought you the critically acclaimed comic, WHITEOUT , reunite for a turn on the mean streets of Gotham City.

For nearly three years, Gotham Central has told the p.o.v. story of living in Gotham from a detective's perspective. Now the focus shifts for an issue as a corrupt Gotham cop takes center stage. But when his illicit activities gain the attention of Gotham's crime lord, the Black Mask, this dirty cop finds he's in way over his head.

Batman 32pg. Color $2.50 US

This is kind of odd because #32 was said to be the start of Ed Brubaker’s and Greg Rucka’s final collaboration on this book. It is also supposed to be the debut of KANO who will be taking over penciling duties. I am guessing things are running a bit late on that and they had this issue ready to go in case of deadline problems. I can’t even find an image of the cover, so that might be able to tell you how last minute this is.

It sounds pretty interesting, I’m not familiar with Steve Lieber’s artwork, but I have heard great things about Whiteout.

I’m looking forward to seeing a Gotham cop in this book that isn’t quite as clean as the rest of them that we’ve seen.

If you have always wanted to try out Gotham Central, now is the time.

The Legion of Super-Heroes #7

From DC

Written by Mark Waid; Art by Barry Kitson and Art Thibert; Cover by Kitson

The Legion is one big happy team, right? Guess again! As divisions begin to take root over who's really in charge, the team learns another chilling secret about the United Planets — a secret that may remove a key Legionnaire from the playing field!

DC Universe 40pg. Color $2.99 US
Every month this book is just a real treat to read. It is structured so that a new reader can jump in at pretty much at anytime and enjoy the book.

In this issue it seems that the conflict within the Legion is coming to a head, something that has been brewing since the first issue.

The artwork on this book by Kitson and Thibert is great and Waid is always good for a great story.

Robin #139

From DC

Written by Bill Willingham; Art and cover by Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens

Hot off the stellar "Nightwing: Year One," artists Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens begin a run as the new art team of ROBIN! Yet another assassin has come to Blüdhaven answering the call of the Penguin. His name is The Catcher, and he's got orders to take out the Boy Wonder with his army of canine killers! Meanwhile, an old face visits the abandoned Louis E. Grieve Memorial High School — a terrifying old face!

Batman 32pg. Color $2.25 US
This is a new art team that basically everyone has been looking forward to. The work of Damion Scott on this title was very ill received to say the least, even when Sandra Hope put her finishes over the pencils. Since his departure we have been treated to a book that lacks consistency.

McDaniel and Owens are known for their work on Batman, Nightwing, Richard Dragon and now Robin. They are very action oriented artists and with the debut of this new character called the Veteran, I’m sure they will be able to flex their muscles.

Throughout the mess of art on this title, the story has always stayed consistently intriguing. Even the shitty crossover that was Wargames was brightened up by the Robin issues. So I have no doubt that Willingham will continue this quality indefinitely.

Solo #5

From DC

Written by Darwyn Cooke; Art and cover by Cooke

Fan-favorite writer/artist Darwyn Cooke (DC: THE NEW FRONTIER, CATWOMAN) takes the reins in SOLO #5, telling a series of enthralling stories in his unique style! Saddle up to the bar and grab a stool next to Slam Bradley, as the down-on-his-luck P.I. guides you through some of the craziest tales he's ever heard. Thrill to the adventures of King Faraday in Cuba, dig the Question's Middle Eastern math lesson, and attempt to understand a geek's growing passion for his vacuum cleaner. And Slam's stories end with a bang, as he spins a revenge yarn featuring Batman!

DC Universe 48pg. Color $4.99 US

This is the issue that fans have been waiting for ever since the Solo series was announced. One of the most critically acclaimed creators in comics steps up to the plate and he’s sure to deliver some great stories.

I really enjoyed his work on DC Comics Presents: Superman, Green Lantern Secret Files 2005 and of course DC: The New Frontier.

As far as picks go, this has to be the pick of the month when it comes to DC Comics. Sure all the Infinite Crisis stuff and headliners like Superman/Batman and Green Lantern will sell well, but the quality over quantity rule will definitely apply to this issue.

Snatch this up at your comic shop quick. If they are anything like mine, orders on the Solo issues are quite small.

I really hope you give all of these books a look when you travel to the comic shop this June. These personal favorites of mine from month to month and now is a great time to jump in.

Comic Reviews - May 18, 2005 Part II

2005-05-20T21:18:00.000-07:00

DC

Birds of Prey #82

Penciller: Joe Bennet
Inker: Jack Jadson
Writer: Gail Simone
Colorist: Hi-Fi Design
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Assistant Editor: Rachel Gluckstern
Editor: Joan Hilty

Summary – The Black Canary and Wildcat continue their mission in Singapore. While the Huntress flexes her muscle in Gotham City. Meanwhile Oracle continues to combat the enemy within.

Review:

The Good –

Joe Bennet and Jack Jadson do a great job on art duties. This is only their second issue as the regular art team and they are jumping in feet first. I especially like the fight scenes in this issue. Both the boxing match as well as Black Canary’s fight with Rabbit are extremely well done..

Gail Simone is a very good writer who knows how to balance out plot advancements/drama and action. This issue is no exception as we get three great action scenes as well as continuing plot progression. Especially in regards to the Huntress who is making a move on what she believes is owed to her.

The Bad –

The 12 Brothers were built up as these bad ass guys, but Black Canary puts a hurting on Rabbit easy enough. While Wildcat tears up a few of his brothers. I guess this reviewer was expecting too much out of them.

Then again Gail Simone has made Black Canary somewhat of her personal project and has had her training with the best of the best in the DCU lately. I believe this is all building her up to a big fight with Lady Shiva and I look forward to that encounter in the future.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Green Lantern Secret Files & Origins 2005

-Flight
Artist: Darwyn Cooke
Writer: Geoff Johns
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
-The Day Before
Penciller: Ethan Van Sciver
Inker: Prentis Rollins
Writer: Geoff Johns
Colorist: Moose Baumann
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Editor: Peter Tomasi
-Pinups
Hal Jordan – Patrick Gleason, Christian Alamy, Hi-Fi
Kyle Rayner – Patrick Gleason, Hi-Fi
John Stewart – Dale Eaglesham, Wade von Grawbadger, Peter Steigerwald
Guy Gardner – Howard Chaykin, Michelle Madsen
Guardians of the Universe – Jamal Igle, David Moran
Parallax – Jamal Igle, David Moran
Kilowog – Patrick Gleason, Hi-Fi
Manhunters – Patrick Gleason, Prentis Rollins, Steve Buccellato
Sinestro – Simone Bianchi, Nathan Eyring
Mongul – David Gibbons, Peter Steigerwald

Cover Art by Carlos Pacheco and Jesus Merino, colored by Pacheco

Summary – In “Flight”, Hal’s past is spotlighted on as he takes Kyle for a ride in a jet. In “The Day Before” we learn what Kyle Rayner was doing prior to showing up in Green Lantern Rebirth #1.

Review:

The Good –

“Flight” is a short story worthy of an Eisner nomination. It really takes you back to Hal’s early days as a boy who admired his pilot father. You see Hal as a boy, young adult and finally a grown man. In this he shows Kyle what it truly means to fly. Something that is going to piss off the Kyle Rayner fans for sure.

Anyway you look at this Darwyn Cooke is a genius and I look forward to his upcoming Solo issue next month.

Geoff Johns does a great job scripting this short story as well. He really seems to be in love with the entire Green Lantern series.

The pinups and bios accompanying them are also very much worthwhile for Green Lantern newbies (such as myself). The artwork is great and is done by some of the biggest names in comics. At the same time you are getting caught up with the characters.

The Bad –

“The Day Before” is somewhat lacking in emotions compared to “Flight”. In this we see Kyle Rayner patrolling the very outskirts of the universe and his ring talks to him for the first time. You also see Hal Jordan save a pilot as the Spectre and Parralax struggle for control within him. EVS does his usual awesome job on illustrating cosmic stuff, but John’s script for this prelude is lacking in my opinion.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Manhunter #10

Penciller: Javier Pina
Inker: Fernando Blanco
Writer: Marc Andreyko
Colorist: Steve Buccellato
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Assistant Editor: Rachel Gluckstern
Editor: Joan Hilty

Summary – Part 1 of Manhunted picks up where #9 left off. Kate is doing her best to keep the B-List villains at bay in the court room while trying to recapture Shadow Thief. Meanwhile the identity of who is slaying Manhunters is revealed.

Review:

The Good –

No matter how I look at the main character, I just can’t help but like her. She’s the coolest bad girl in comics since Catwoman.

Andreyko does a good job bringing her to life and the pacing of this issue is great.

I like how it cuts back and forth between the main storyline and the Manhunted subplot.

The artwork on this title is also very good. I miss Saiz’s art, but the new team is doing a great job filling his shoes.

This is really a book I suggest you pick up if you are interested in a fresh take on super heroes. I also suggest this for fans of Birds of Prey. The same editorial team is in charge of both. I smell a crossover sometime soon..

The Bad –

I’m sorry, but I’m not familiar with the person who is hunting the Manhunters. I plan on doing a google search and pending the results do some back issue bin diving. From what I have been able to follow so far is that he is an old Ostrander character. Which can is a good thing judging by his reputation.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Superman #217

Artist: Ed Benes
Writer: Mark Verheiden
Colorist: Rod Reis
Letterer: Ken Lopez
Associate Editor: Tom Palmer Jr.
Editor: Eddie Berganza

Superman created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster

Summary – Opens following the events of “For Tomorrow” where Superman is operating around his new Fortress of Solitude in the Amazon. While things have been going smoothly so far between him and the local tribe, that’s all about to change as they become targets.

Review:

The Good –

I loved Ed Benes’ work on Birds of Prey and was happy to see that he is getting a chance to work on one of DC’s biggest icons. Something tells me he got this gig after drawing an excellent Superman last year in Birds of Prey #71. He continues to draw some great looking women in this title.

I am not familiar with Mark Verheiden, except that he is somehow connected to the Smallville television show. This could even be his first comic work. From what I can tell he does a great job, this is a pretty standard story that is executed fairly well.

The Bad –

This is supposed to be an OMAC tie-in issue, but don’t judge it by the cover. An OMAC shows up and beats on Superman for a few pages then goes away. While it is kind of cool it doesn’t justify buying the issue just for that.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Wildstorm

Authority: Revolution #8

Penciller: Dustin Nguyen
Inker: Richard Friend
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Colorists: Broome & Mayor
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Assistant Editor: Kristy Quinn
Editor: Ben Abernathy

The Authority created by Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch

Summary – The newly aged Jenny Quantum rounds up the former members of the Authority after she learns that Henry Bendix has returned.

Review:

The Good –

One of the most beloved characters in recent years is back in the form of Jenny Quantum, the reincarnation of the legendary Jenny Sparks. Previously seen only as an infant and young child, Jenny has aged herself to around the age of 15. She has adopted the same manner of vulgar speech and smoking habits as her predecessor.

While the artwork of Nguyen and Friend doesn’t compare to the levels of Hitch or Quitely on this title, it is still very pleasant to look at.

This issue is more or less the gathering of the guard as the old Authority assembles under the leadership of Jenny Quantum.

The Bad –

I liked the scenes with Jenny, Apollo and Midnighter, but the rest of the gathering scenes left me wanting more. I’m not sure if a whole issue was needed for this kind of thing. I’d rather see more action, which is what this book is best at.

This book continues to carry on as a shadow of its former self. However cliché that may be, it’s the truth.

Brubaker is doing a great job giving the fans what they want with the return of Jenny (in a way) and the revival of Henry Bendix, but it seems too little too late for this franchise.

For this comic fan Revolution is the last shot I am giving the Authority to impress me and come back to its glory days. Unless something huge happens in the final issues I’m not sure if that is a realistic goal.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Dark Horse

Conan #16

Artist: Cary Nord
Cover Artists: Cary Nord and Dave Stewart
Scripter: Kurt Busiek
Color Artist: Dave Stewart
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Designer: Darin Fabrick
Assistant Editor: Matt Dryer
Editor: Scott Allie

Based on the work of Conan creator Robert E. Howard

Summary – After foiling Thoth-Amon’s plans in the previous issues Conan comes to a small town in Corinthia. Here he is used by the local women and they steal his pouche filled with gold coins. He tries to track them down, but loses their buggies trail at a crossroads. He decides to sleep outside, not trusting the local inns anymore. This decision is one that sets up some nice action throughout the issue.

Note: This issue is a great jumping on point for new readers.

Review:

The Good –

As mentioned this is a good jumping on point for new readers. The events of the last story issue are recapped and we are introduced to the narrator of the story.

I love these one shot issues like this. You don’t have to worry about what happened previous to this issue nor get caught up in any kind of back story. This is self contained and at the same time speeds the story on its way to the next arc.

Nord’s artwork continues to impress me. I haven’t read that many fantasy comics, but if they are anything like this the genre deserves a revival.

Busiek continues scripting great comic tales based on Howard’s legendary works. I see a bright future for this series, especially if Busiek stays on board throughout.

The Bad –

My only complaint about this issue is that we didn’t see Conan defeat the monsters on the hill. There were plenty panels of him fighting them, but after he learns there weakness it just ends with him coming down the hill victorious.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Comic Reviews - May 18, 2005 Part I

2005-05-18T19:12:00.000-07:00

Marvel

Cable/Deadpool #15

Penciller: Patrick Zircher
Inker: UDON’s M3TH
Writer: Fabian Nicieza
Colorist: Gotham
Letterer: Cory Petit
Assistant Editor: John Barber
Editor: Nicole Wiley

Cable created by Rob Liefeld and Louise Simonson
Deadpool created by Rob Liefeld and Fabian Nicieza

Summary – Deadpool does his part to hold up to his promise with Cable. Either get his mind fixed or Cable will fix it for him. He meets a guy named Black Box who tries to program his mind to his own advantage. All what he gets in return are Deadpool’s comatose dreams of killing clowns and an amnesiatic failure in regards to his attempted programming.

Deadpool goes to track down Cable and continuity wise we are now at the point after the events in X-Force #6. In #6 Cable sacrificed himself to defeat the Skornn. Long story short, Deadpool, Siryn and Cannonball track him down, but to an alternate reality.

Review:

The Good –

Patrick Zircher’s artwork continues to impress me on so many levels. When it comes to drawing technology and fight scenes there are not too many artists at Marvel who can do it as well as he can. M3TH also renders over his pencils very well. I liked Zircher’s work on Detective Comics and Nightwing at DC, but M3TH makes him look even better.

Nicieza writes Deadpool so perfectly. No surprise there since he co-created him along with Rob Liefeld. Deadpool cracks some pretty good jokes like always in this issue and the part with the clowns is damn funny.

The Bad –

Not another Age of Apocalypse type story..

I know this is technically an X-Book, but a reason like this is why I don’t buy that many X-titles anymore. All the alternate reality, possible futures, etc.. get kind of old in my opinion.

The Money Shot –

Cable as War

Recommendation: Borrow It

Daredevil #73

Artist: Alex Maleev
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
Production: Jared Osborn
Editor: Jennifer Lee
Executive Editor: Axel Alonso

Summary – The Daredevil support group continues discussing how he has impacted their lives. This time a wife of a super villain speaks out, which enrages a past victim of the villain who is coincidentally in the same group. An even further connection is established with another woman who is there because her daughter recently committed suicide.

Review:

The Good –

Maleev possesses one of the most unique styles on the racks today. He draws people especially well and his Daredevil is just amazing.

Bendis proves why he is one of the hottest writers in comics. Anyone can make super heroes interesting, but to do it with normal people is quite an accomplishment.

I also like how Daredevil appears for a handful of pages in this issue, in costume no less.

The Bad –

I have no idea what the deal is with this baby, is it an established Marvel villain?

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Wolverine #28

Penciller: John Romita Jr.
Inker: Klaus Janson
Writer: Mark Millar
Colorist: Paul Mounts
Letterer: VC’s Randy Gentile
Cover: Greg Land & Richard Isanove
Production: James Taveras
Editor: Jennifer Lee
Executive Editor: Axel Alonso

Special Thanks to Walter N. Crosby Jr.

Summary – The Dawn of the White Light is first on Wolverine’s hit list. He’s out to kill everyone who messed with his mind and causes the death of Ichiro’s son.

Review:

The Good –

Believe it or not this title was my first exposure to JRJR’s artwork. Needless to say that I am very impressed and look forward to his future work a great deal. He has a knack for cramming so much detail and action into every panel and not making it look cluttered at all. I am sure he has Klaus Janson to thank for this as well. Janson really came alive on Frank Miller’s run on Daredevil inking over Miller’s pencils and finishing out the run on pencils.

Paul Mounts uses a different palette here than he did in past issues. This one is darker settings, bars, Alaska oil refineries, etc.. so it’s suitable.

Mark Millar is one of my favorite writes working in comics today and he is writing quite the revenge tale. This is Part 3 of the 6 Part Agent of SHIELD storyline. I can see how he is structuring this run and I couldn’t be happier. It’s like a Sergio Leone movie put to paper with Wolverine painting his masterpiece of destruction.

The Bad –

I can’t find anything wrong with this issue to nitpick about. I’m not a diehard Wolverine or X-Men fan, I’m more of a Millar fan and that’s why I picked this run up. As a Millar fan I have no complaints, some of this best work to date is on this title.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

DC Teen Heroes

Robin #138

Penciller: Damion Scott
Inker: Sandra Hope
Writer: Bill Willingham
Colorist: Guy Major
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Editor: Michael Wright

Summary – Robin snatches up the Penguin for a friendly outing of interrogation and humiliation. Also his mysterious benefactor, The Veteran finally reveals himself. And his Uncle Eddie isn’t who he appears to be.

Review:

The Good –

The different plot twists in this issue alone proves that Willingham can write multiple genres including super heroes. I loved the twist involving Tim’s uncle as well as Bruce’s special visit to him. This new character called the Veteran is also a nice addition to our cast. The return of Darla last issue was something that soured me a bit, but it looks like she is going to be a great villainess.

The fight scene between Robin and the Veteran was very well executed. Damion Scott’s strength lies in his fight scenes.

The Bad –

While the artwork on this title has been better, it’s also been worse. Damion Scott laid down the pencils on this issue with Sandra Hope inking over them. That helped a little bit. I could actually follow what was going on, something I couldn’t do in this teams last issue, which was months ago.

The Money Shot –

Robin Vs the Veteran

Recommendation: Borrow It

Teen Titans #24

Penciller: Mathew Clark
Inker: Art Thibert
Writer: Geoff Johns
Colorist: Jeromy Cox
Letterer: Comicraft
Associate Editor: Tom Palmer Jr.
Editor: Eddie Berganza

Summary – Part 1 of the Teen Titans/Outsiders crossover, the Insiders. It is the moment long time Teen Titans readers have been waiting for. Superboy goes nuts and takes on his friends in what can only be described as the Beatdown of the Week. Also a traitor is revealed in the companion title, Outsiders. It’s not who you think..

Review:

The Good –

Mathew Clark is an artist I am not very familiar with, but I like what I see judging by this first issue. As usual Art Thiberts does his job and renders some wonderful scenes. I especially liked the action scenes which there are plenty of this issue.

Geoff Johns as always crafts a very good story centered on the team dynamics and interpersonal relationships.

It was cool to see him write the Outsiders at the end, if only for a few pages.

The Bad –

I feel kind of jaded…by Outsiders #23 now after reading this issue. I have to give it up to Winick and Johns for a nice double fake out though.

I have to give a huge “what the hell?” to Buzzscope for posting the solicit of Outsiders #24 without proper spoiler warnings. It ruined the twist in this issue of Titans for me. Bad judgment call there.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Comic Reviews - May 11, 2005 Part IV

2005-05-16T15:49:00.000-07:00

Vertigo

Fables #37

Penciller: Mark Buckingham
Inker: Steve Leiahola
Writer/Creator: Bill Willingham
Colorist: Daniel Vozzo
Letterer: Todd Klein
Assistant Editor: Maria Huehner
Editor: Shelly Bond
Cover Art: James Jean

Summary – Boy Blue’s journey through the Homelands continues as he battles Dragons, Knights and walks among the common people unnoticed.

Review:

The Good –

Boy Blue is a beast in this storyarc. The magical cloak he uses and the goodies hidden inside it, come in handy when killing dragons and cursed knights.

This issue focuses on both Boy Blue and a man named Muddlecock. Muddlecock works for under secretary Mudsnipe.

Muddlecock puts together all of the events that have been going in the Homelands lately. Between the Governor getting killed, the goblin horde being killed, the dragon being slain and now the three knights being killed. He believes they are all the work of one fearsome mysterious foe.

This is all executed very well by Willingham and Buckingham. The pictures in this issue look especially storybook like. This is really a book that everyone can read and enjoy.

The new villain that shows up on the last page is very cool. I’m sure she will be a problem for Boy Blue once he reaches her.

I also liked how Boy Blue found out about Bigby’s little switch.

The Bad –

The Fables used in this story must be out of some pretty obscure tales. Of course Boy Blue is one we are all familiar with, as is the Dragon from St. George and the Dragon. Even the Snow Queen..

But guys like Muddlecock and Mudsnipe, the Three Knights, I never heard of them. I googled their names, but to no avail.

The Money Shot –

To be honest there were a lot of shots in this issue that could have made this section. This was just a great book to look at this month.

Recommendation: Buy It

Dark Horse

Conan and the Jewels of Gwahlur

Script & Art: P. Craig Russel
Colorist: Lovern Kindzierski
Letterer: Galen Showman
Assistant Editor: Matt Dryer
Editor: Scott Allie

Adapted from a story by Conan creator Robert E. Howard

Summary – Conan sets a plan in motion to obtain the Teeth of Gwahlur a valuable treasure.

Review:

The Good –

I really like P. Craig Russel’s style. He handles both penciling and inking duties on this and it is a clean looking book.

The Bad –

The storyline is kind of hard to follow. I’m just not into it like I am with the ongoing penned by Kurt Busiek. This is based on the Robert E. Howard tale of the same name; I just hope it wasn’t as badly executed as this book is story wise.

Seriously I will get the last issue to see where this goes, but I wish they would just have the Conan ongoing series and none of these specials or mini’s.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Pass On It

Image

Battle Hymn #2

Penciller: Jeremy Hahn
Writer: B. Clay Moore
Colorist: Dave Bryant
Letterer: Marshall Dillon
Front Cover: Jeremey Haun and Brian Frey
Flip Cover: Elio Guevara
Story Fonts by Blambot.com

Summary – The heroes assemble and get ready for their first test as a team.

Review:

The Good –

The art on this series is very cool. I don’t know what Jeremy Hahn has done previously, but I want to check it out. That cover with Mid-Nite Hour sold me on buying this issue.

This second issue really steps it up from a lackluster debut issue which was really kind of flat in my opinion. In this issue the complete opposite is true a lot of beats are hit and the characters become interesting. I give a lot of credit to B. Clay Moore, he is writing these early Golden Age analogue characters very well.

The Bad –

Overall I liked the issue, but I was left wanting more. Not necessarily unfulfilled as a fan, but I could have gone for more things to happen in the story.

For instance the training mission was great, and the Artificial Man was awesome. But the rest of the characters really weren’t doing too much. I’d like to see the entire cast get more involved in the future of this project.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It
-------------------------------------------------

Top 5 for 5/11/05

1. Fables #37
2. Green Lantern: Rebirth #6
3. Rann-Thanagar War #1
4. Gotham Central #31
5. Adam Strange #8

Comic Reviews - May 11, 2005 Part III

2005-05-16T14:43:00.000-07:00

DC Heroes

Green Arrow #50

Pencillers: Tom Fowler & Tommy Castillo
Inker: Rodney Ramos
Writer: Judd Winick
Colorist: Guy Majors
Letterer: Phil Balsman
Associate Editor: Michael Wright
Editor: Bob Schreck

Summary – Team Arrow and the Outsiders use all of the resources that they have at their disposal to locate their missing friend Arsenal. When those fail they turn to the one person none of them want help from, Batman. He gives them a location on Arsenal and Team Arrow and the Outsiders head off to rescue him. We also learn who is behind all of the events of the past few issues.

Review:

The Good –

There was a nice ending to this issue involving Brick and the true conspirators behind the last few issues. It was kind of obvious who was behind it, but it looks like it is much more personal now for both parties.

I also like how they made use of Shane McCarthy’s upgraded version of the Riddler from his run on LODK. He has really brought more to this character than anyone else recently.

The Bad –

I’m still not a fan of the interior art on this book. I don’t know if it’s the fact that Hester and Parks were on this for so long and I’m used to them or what. I think it’s safe to say we were spoiled with their artwork for years and now have to get used to this new team.

I also don’t like how the Riddler looked more like the Joker.

Once again Connor got his ass kicked by Drakon. While a few weeks ago in Richard Dragon he was holding his own against Dragon, who holds his own against Shiva. Does this make Drakon the best fighter in the DCU now Winick? Get real.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Wonder Woman #216

Penciller: Rags Morales
Inker: Mark Propst
Writer: Greg Rucka
Colorists: Richard and Tanya Horie
Letterer: Todd Klein
Editor: Ivan Cohen
Creator: William Moulton Marston

Summary – Wonder Woman, Wondergirl and Ferdinand’s expedition into the realm of Hades continues.

Review:

The Good –

The art on this issue is much better than the previous one. It looks like the new art team is getting used to the characters more. There were some downright awesome fight scenes in this issue. Including, Diana taking on Medusa and Ares destroying this one demon with no effort.

I picked this arc up mostly for Wondergirl and I was pleased to see that she was featured more in this issue. Some hints are given to her lineage (which is an ongoing plot in both this title and Teen Titans), a demon tells her that she has Olympian blood. So it is now official that her dad is a god. Unless her mom isn’t her real mother..but I doubt it.

The subplots featuring the Embassy people were also kept a minimal, but it looks like these will be pretty major. I think someone on Diana’s staff might work for Checkmate..

The Bad –

The scene where we were about to learn the identity of Wonder Girl’s dad was so mean on the part of Rucka. The demon is about to reveal it, then Ares comes out of nowhere and kills it. What a tease!

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

JSA #73

Penciller: Don Kramer
Inker: Keith Champagne
Writer: Geoff Johns
Colorist: John Kalisz
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Peter Tomasi

Summary – This issue begins the Black Vengeance story arc, the sequel to last years Black Reign storyline that ran through Johns’ JSA and Hawkman books. This also ties into the Day of Vengeance mini series out now.

Review:

The Good –

I only read the JSA title on a sporadic basis. Last year I picked up the issue featuring Negaton (I think that’s his name) which Sean Phillips illustrated and quite enjoyed it. I also picked up the Identity Crisis tie-in issue at the end of last year which I also liked. I stuck with it for two more issues before dropping it during JSA/JSA. Just didn’t know what was going on.

In this issue the JSA are back in present time and the storyline couldn’t be easier to follow. Those who haven’t read the previous Black Reign storyline are brought up to speed as well as those who aren’t reading Day of Vengeance. This is really executed by Geoff Johns very well.

I also think that the art team of Kramer and Champagne are a real reason this book is so critically acclaimed. Geoff Johns is a great writer, but on all his books he is paired with fantastic artists.

Fans of all the Infinite Crisis stuff will want to pick this up since we find out why Black Adam has joined the Villains and not opted to go it alone. A pretty noble reason too if you ask me.

The Bad –

Some of the JSA members are really obscure characters and the average comic reader might not have heard of them. Sure there’s the Golden Age versions of the Flash and Green Lantern, but the rest aren’t well known. The truth of the matter though is that this makes no difference. You can read this issue without knowing who anyone is. They give you there names at the beginning of the issue and the rest explains itself.

Bottom line; don’t be afraid to try this arc out. If you’re a fan of Captain Marvel, Hawkman and Day of Vengeance jump right in with two feet.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Comic Reviews - May 11, 2005 Part II

2005-05-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

Cosmic DCU

Green Lantern: Rebirth #6

Penciller: Ethan Van Sciver
Inkers: Ethan Van Sciver & Mick Gray
Writer: Geoff Johns
Colorist: Moose Baumann
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Peter Tomasi

Summary – The Green Lantern Corps take on Parallax in an action packed conclusion to one of the most highly anticipated mini series of the year.

Review:

The Good –

This series has been of very high quality since #1 and #6 takes it to the next level. ALL of the Green Lantern’s that are still alive make an appearance. This includes the original Green Lantern Alan Scott and his daughter Jade. Johns and EVS do a great job in showing the different ways each GL handles their ring. Gardner’s is overrunning with energy, Kilowog’s makes a huge booming noise, John Stewart’s creations aren’t hollow, and they’re working machines. Kyles are constantly changing as he sketches in his head. And Hal is all about precision.

In this issue they also do a reverse of the Batman’s one punch KO of Guy Gardener from a previous Justice League of America issue. Hal puts Batman down quick, but to the Dark Knight’s credit he bounces right back up.

As always EVS’ artwork is just awesome. He was definitely put on this planet to draw comics. He draws the Corps and other DC characters so well; it’s no surprise that he gets high profile work such as this. He deserves it, he’s that good. I would love to see him illustrate a Miracle Man story sometime. I think his style suits that character very well.

I encourage everyone who is interested in the Green Lantern family of titles to buy this mini series. It’s out in multiple printings so you should have no trouble finding it. He brings you up to speed on the state of the GLC and Hal Jordan in general.

The Bad –

Can’t really think of anything to put in this section. I’m sure the diehard GL fans will have their pet peeves with this issue in some way (they almost always do with this mini) so I’ll leave that to their imagination. The rest of us could enjoy this book for what it is, a great mini with an A-List creative team.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Adam Strange #8

Artist: Pascal Ferry
Writer: Andy Diggle
Colorist: Dave McCaig
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Stephen Wacker

Summary – The conclusion of the Planet Heist storyline and the mini series. What will be the final fate of Rann and its champion?

Review:

The Good –

The ending for this issue ties directly into the events of Rann-Thanagar war. The events of this issue will mean major trouble for entire galaxy.

Andy Diggle has done an excellent job on this series. He’s definitely a rising star writer that everyone should keep their eye out for in the future. He has the ability to make an incredibly lame villain like the Starbreaker pretty cool.

Pascal Ferry’s artwork has been a pleasure to look at throughout the series. While the first few issues were noticeably of better quality in artwork, this issue was very good as well.

The Bad –

This books sporadic shipping schedule the last three issues has been kind of a turn off for me. I didn’t know if I missed #7 or #8 as DC’s site had different shipping dates up for each of them.

The result of this is artwork by Pascal Ferry that looks a bit rushed. It’s still good, but nowhere near the quality of work on the first issues of this mini.

Still this was a solid ending to a great storyline that as you will see in the next review, has implications on the entire DCU.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Rann-Thangar War #1

Penciller: Ivan Reis
Inker: Marc Campos
Writer: Dave Gibbons
Colorist: John Kalisz
Letterer: Nick J. Napolitano
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editors: Peter Tomasi & Stephen Wacker

Summary – This mini picks up following the events of Adam Strange #8. Through a course of events (which I will leave up to this issue to explain) Rann, the adopted planet of Adam Strange is now in the Polaris System. The Polaris System’s Sun is what we call the North Star. Thanagar (the Hawkpeople’s home planet) orbits it. When Rann was sent there via Omega Beam it threw off the equilibrium of the system and long story short, Thanagar was destroyed. Rann still orbits Polaris after saving as man Thanagarians as they could, but the extremist Thanagarian faction are planning to take over Rann. Each planet has their allies which would have to get involved if one attacks the other, so we are looking at a serious possibility of interstellar war.

Major players in this issue include – Adam Strange, Hawkman and Hawkgirl.

Minor players include: Kyle Rayner, Kilowog and Hawkwoman.

Review:

The Good –

I followed the Adam Strange mini series since #1 and it is great to see the story being carried on here in Rann-Thanagar War.

Dave Gibbons is crafting an excellent take on Interstellar War. With all these alliances and such it reminds me of the situation that started World War I. If Thanagar attacks Rann, then Rann’s allies attack Thanagar. If Rann’s allies attack Thanagar, then Thanagar’s allies attack Rann’s allies, etc..

Most people will lump Dave Gibbons name with his and Alan Moore’s masterpiece called Watchmen. Needless to say he has illustrated one of the most critically acclaimed comic stories ever. Since then he has also been writing comics too and doing a great job. I enjoyed his DC Comics Presents: The Atom storyline last year.

Ivan Reis is the man bringing this story to life though. He caught everyone’s eye with his extraordinary work on the Teen Titans/LEGION Special that came out last year. He followed that with a stint on Action Comics before coming to Rann-Thanagar War. He is also set to handle penciling duties on Teen Titans in the fall. He really brings a lot of energy to his pages. All of the characters are drawn very well too. I don’t think I’ve seen Hawkgirl look so good. His massive interstellar explode shots remind me a lot of Bryan Hitch’s work on the Authority. I see a good bit of Hitch in his style, yet there are obviously a lot of non-realistic influences in his work.

The Bad –

As a continuity nut, I noticed a major discrepancy between the events in Countdown to Infinite Crisis and here in Rann-Thanagar War. In Countdown Adam Strange calls Jonn Jonnz while Rann is being invaded. Jonn says he will send Hawkman, Hawkgirl and Hawkwoman to help. Adam says ok to Hawkman and Hawkgirl, but tells Jonn not to send Hawkwoman since it’s her planet that is invading Rann.

Now in this issue Adam goes to Earth to get Hawkman and Hawkgirl and they go back to Rann. Then the invasion starts. Someone made boo boo on Countdown.

I also didn’t like how Thanagar was destroyed off panel. Something that huge should have been shown either in this series or Adam Strange.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Comic Reviews - May 11, 2005 Part I

2005-05-14T16:16:00.000-07:00

Action Comics #827

Penciller: John Byrne
Inker: Nelson
Writer: Gail Simone
Colorist: Guy Major
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Associate Editor: Tom Palmer Jr.
Editor: Eddie Berganza

Superman created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Schuster

Summary –Superstar writer Gail Simone teams with legendary artist John Byrne on their first issue of their run on Action Comics. A female master of magnetism known as Repulse starts knocking off other magnetic masters in the DCU it’s up to Superman to stop her with Dr. Polaris’ help..maybe.

Review:

The Good –

Haven’t read a Superman story for ages? Don’t let that worry you I jumped right in and this is only the second issue of Action I read since that whole Reign of the Supermen crossover. I jumped right in just fine, Superman is Superman.

Gail Simone is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers in the industry. She writes stories that are the perfect mix of action and drama without lacking in either area.

Byrne’s art continues to impress me. Currently he’s drawing three comics a month (Action Comics, Blood of the Demon and Doom Patrol) and he still gives a great showing. I also like the finishing touches of Nelson. Guy Major’s chosen palette for this series is just perfect as well. Brosseau seems like a lettering maniac. It seems like I am typing his name every week.

The Bad –

The ever controversial John Byrne may be a reason people decide to pass this up. I think that’s pretty sad because he’s a great artist.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Gotham Central #31

Penciller: Stefano Gaudiano
Inker: Gary Amaro
Writer: Greg Rucka
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Clem Robins
Assistant Editor: Nachie Castro
Editor: Matt Idelson

Summary – Keystone Cops concludes with a death and family reconciliations.

Review:

The Good –

Great art by longtime inker of the title Stefano Gaudiano. Gary Amaro does a good job inking over Stefano too. The look of this book has stayed very consistent since the departure of Michael Lark. Lee Loughridge’s colors fit the book very well. The look of a pulp comic is fused with modern comics very well.

This is a fitting ending to the Keystone Kops storyline as well as the subplot involving Montoya and her father. The ending scenario is executed pretty well and I get a genuine feeling of getting my moneys worth out of this book.

The Bad –

Really can’t think of anything negative to say about this book. I think sales are improving on this overall and I hope they continue to climb.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Buy It

Nightwing #108

Penciller: Phil Hester
Inker: Ande Parks
Writer: Devin Grayson
Colorist: Gregory Wright
Letterer: Phil Balsman
Editor: Nachie Castro

Summary – Dick Grayson’s new life in the New York mafia gets even more interesting.

Review:

The Good –

The artwork by Hester and Parks is always a pleasure to look at. This issue is no exception. I always wanted to see what these guys could do with an acrobatic fighter after I saw their pages in Daredevil #75. They do a great job capturing the energy of Dick’s movements while he is fighting. Gregory Wright also does a good job, setting just the right mood with the colors.

The Bad –

If you’re a fan of mafia crime dramas this probably isn’t for you. All the dialogue and stereotypical Italian stuff is in this. While it is a super hero comic and not an episode of the Soprano’s I expected better dialogue than such clichés.

The comparisons between Grayson’s Nightwing and Daredevil continue to mount. Dick spends most of his time out of costume in this issue..

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Outsiders #23

Penciller: Shawn Moll
Inkers: Kevin Conrad, Art Thibert and Norm Rapmund
Writer: Judd Winick
Colorist: Guy Major
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Associate Editor: Tom Palmer Jr.
Editor: Eddie Berganza

Summary – The traitor within is revealed in this shocking event that leads into the Teen Titans/Outsiders crossover.

Review:

The Good –

The unmasking of the traitor is handled very well by Judd Winick. He does a great job showing the personal relationships of the team when Arsenal is putting everyone through the interrogation process. This is especially true for Arsenal, Nightwing and Starfire.

The Bad –

I am not feeling Shawn Moll’s art at all. Tom Raney did a much better job in my opinion as did Carlos D’Anda. He isn’t a bad artist don’t get me wrong, but he’s just not right for this book.

Having three inkers on top of him this issue was also not a good idea. We got three different looks.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: Borrow It

Indy Comic Week - Invincible

2005-05-13T12:45:00.000-07:00

A few years back Image launched a new super hero line of books that featured Firebreather (Phil Hester/Andy Kuhn), Venture (Jay Faerber/Jamal Igle), Dominion (Keith Giffen), Clockmaker (Jim Krueger/Matt Smith) and of course Invincible (Robert Kirkman/Corey Walker).

Invincible is the only title that has survived out of the initial line. Firebreather is now done in specials and is part of the new super hero team the Pact (along with Invincible). Venture now guest stars in Jay Faerber’s other title, Noble Causes. I’m not sure what Dominon and Clockmaker are up to though.

Not only is Invincible quality reading, but it is steadily a gaining a fan-base. That is something special when it comes to indy books, especially a title that has hit more than twelve issues.

Invincible is about a high school senior named Mark Grayson whose dad is a superhero named Omni-Man. Omni-Man is pretty much the Superman of the Image Universe. He spends his days saving people and protecting the planet like every good super hero does.

Mark doesn’t know if he’ll have powers or not, being that his mom is a normal human. When his powers finally surface his life takes an interesting sequence of twists and turns that will change him forever.

I could tell you about the different twists in this comic, but that would flat out ruin it for you. Kirkman has crafted one of the freshest superheroes on the stands today. The big twist in the series is especially good and pulled off very nicely.

The artwork on this book is done by two true “Young Guns”. Corey Walker started off the series as the artist, and then starting with #8 Ryan Ottley took over. He has been doing the book ever since.

If you are a fan of Superman and Superboy and were always curious what it would be like if Superman and Lois had a son then I think you should check this title out. It is also for super-hero fans in general who like to see a fresh take on the genre.

So what are you options for catching up with this bad boy?

The most inexpensive way is to pick up the fifty cent #0 issue in stores now. It picks up after the evens of the latest issue and informs you of the storyline so far.

However, I would highly recommend getting the upcoming hardcover that collects #1-13 as well as a bunch of bonus stuff put out. For only $34.95 you really can’t go wrong with it. Then after that I suggest you try tracking down #14+ in either trades or single issues.

The book is worth it trust me.
-------------------------------------------------

On a side note finals week has really occupied my time. I can’t believe I decided to do Indy Week at the same time lol. So that’s why my reviews aren’t up yet. I plan on getting three reviews up tonight and the rest by tomorrow night.

Indy Comic Week - ArmorX

2005-05-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

ArmorX #1

Artist: Andy Smith
Writer: Keith Champagne
Colorist: Rick Hiltbrunner
Letterer: Charles Pritchett
Editor: Stephen Nilson
Back Cover: Bart Sears

Summary – Carson Deeds, a bullied high school student finds a super powered exoskeleton of unknown origins. Peter Parker, this kid is not and he plans to use it to get retribution.

Review:

An alternate take on the high school nerd turned hero. This takes a look at it from the 21st Century perspective. The main character is kind of odd. He’s not really likeable, but at the same time you feel sorry for him.

The supporting cast surrounding Carson includes his grandfather Dodger, a former pro wrestler, Leon & Rob, two kids who have been picking on Carson since he can remember, Whitney, a blind girl that Carson tutors and is interested in and Rico, a former pal of Carson’s turned jock. Rico is a really good guy, but for some reason Carson despises him now.

Overall this is a promising first issue of the series. Andy Smith’s style is similar to Bart Sears (who does the back cover for the book). The colorist and letterer are the same on Iron Ghost, giving this line of books a pretty consistent look.

This comic seems like it will be exploring various social issues involving teenagers and whatnot. I’m not sure where this is going to go next, due to the last page, but that would be my guess.

If you used to be a fan of X-O Manowar then the character design for the armor should interest you. The seeds are planted here for what looks to be a pretty good series.

Indy Comic Week - Iron Ghost

2005-05-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

Iron Ghost #1

Penciller/Inker: Sergio Cariello
Writer: Chuck Dixon
Colorist: Rick Hiltbrunner
Letterer: Charles Pritchett
Cover Artist & Character Designs: Flint Henry
Editor: Stephen Nilson

Summary – Behind the Iron Curtain, the city of Berlin is being bombed into the ground. The year is 1945 and the Allied Forces are successfully bringing the fight to the Third Reich from the air. While on the ground a mysterious vigilante called the Iron Ghost is bringing the fight to the criminals, no matter what their status is.

Review:

The Good –

First of all this is one good looking book. I’ve been impressed with the artwork of Sergio Cariello since I read a story by him and Denny O’Neil in Legends of the Dark Knight some years ago. Teaming him up with another excellent action writer like Chuck Dixon is a great move. You can always count on him for a great action tale.

The identity of the Iron Ghost is a mystery throughout the issue. We see him deal his violent brand of wartime justice twice, but are not given any clues to his identity. A short list of suspects is introduced though in the form of behind the scenes political storylines.

What make this book very unique is that this is one of the few books featuring a vigilante operating during a war. Is he a soldier? A civilian? Which side is he fighting for?

I imagine all of these questions will be answered in due time, most likely before the end of the mini series.

The overall production on this book (and the ATP books in general) is quite good. The coloring, lettering and overall interior design of the book is very high quality. It is a good move on ATP to offer their lettering and coloring service to other creators as it is very unique and looks good.

Iron Ghost was brought to life by Flint Henry and Chuck Dixon. I posted Flint Henry’s character design sketch below, it is what got me interested in this book in the first place. I think he is a very interesting character in the tradition of the Shadow and other pulp heroes.

Issue 1 is out on the stands now, so be sure to pick it up.

The Money Shot –

Indy Comic Week - Small Gods

2005-05-10T20:19:00.000-07:00

Small Gods

Having frequented the Millarworld message board for a few years I started to get familiar with names of quality indy titles recommended by fellow posters. One of these was Small Gods by Jason Rand and Juan Ferreya. It takes place in the near future where 1% of the people in the world are psychics. This books main character is a member of the Denver Police Department named Owen Young who is a type of psychic called a pre-cog.

A pre-cog is the lowest level psychic power one can have. They get flashes of future events in their head while they are usually sleeping. However, Owen has another secret he is hiding that could put his life and career in jeopardy as well as his co-workers who have been covering for him.

This is a crime drama coupled with science fiction elements and they are blended together quite well. The ways these psychic powers are depicted in this title are pretty realistic. I imagine if psychic powers such as telepathy, empathy and telekinesis existed they would be very similar to what goes on in this book.

I read the first four issues of the series in a TPB called “Small Gods: The Killing Grin”. I highly recommend it to everyone interested in a good crime drama. It’s done in grayscale and this gives the book a very unique look. The characters are very relatable and likeable and the decisions they have to make are very difficult.

As far as I know there are 7 issues in the Small Gods series, with a colored special on the horizon. The TPB also collects a backup story that runs through #1-4 which is set in Denver as well and it involves telekinesis.

If you are someone who isn’t really into superheroes, but want to enjoy the fine art of graphic fiction this is definitely a book you should check out. Situations in it are both real and surreal, but always entertaining.

I suggest picking up the TPB because it is a hell of a good price and there is a decent selection of goodies in the back.

This is a series that doesn’t have a whole lot of material out there another reason to jump on this while it’s still early. You won’t be disappointed.

Indy Comic Week - Youngblood

2005-05-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

Up until now I've just been reviewing and discussing Marvel and DC comics. Sure there have been a little Indy reviews here and there, but this week I want to really focus on the indy scene.

While Marvel and DC put out kick ass comics every week so do the independent publishers, namely Image Comics. The thing I like about these books is that the characters can go through major changes, something that seems to be frowned upon at Marvel and DC. I can understand how they want to make their icons stable, but for good stories you just have to shake things up once in a while. Indy comics do that and then some.

I'll start off with my favorite indy comic from my childhood that is still being published today..Youngblood.

Way back in 1992 a group of young artists decided to throw there hats in together and start up their own comic company. Rob Liefeld, Jim Lee, Todd McFarlane, Erik Larsen, Jim Valentino and Whilce Portacio broke new ground in the comic book industry by started Image Comics. Image Comics was all about creator rights, if you created a character you owned that character. This practice is still being done at the company today even though only two of the original founders are still there.

The first horse out of the gate was Youngblood #1 by Rob Liefeld. It sold like crazy and if there was any doubt about how successful Image was going to be, it was erased that day.

Youngblood is a government sponsored super hero team. The title focuses on two teams, a home team and an away team. The home team was like the FBI, operating only on American soil. The away team was like the CIA operating in other countries. All members of Youngblood are superhumans in one way or another. Some were born with the NuGene, giving them extraordinary powers. Others underwent experiments and other unnatural means to get there powers. Some rely on high tech, weaponry and equipment.

They answer to a man named Alexander Graves who is the director of Youngblood. He seems like a real evil bastard and with good reason. He and a man called Keever run the team and decide which missions to send their personnel on.

The Youngblood rosters include –

Home Team – Shaft, Badrock, Vogue, Diehard, Chapel and Combat.
Away Team – Sentinel, Riptide, Cougar, Photon, Psifire and Brahma

Later on Dutch and Masada join the Away Team. Knightsabre and Troll join the Home Team. Psilence and Task also join the program later on.

It has come out recently that Youngblood evolved from a Teen Titans pitch that Rob Liefeld originally brought to DC. They weren’t interested so he took that idea and merged it with the existing Youngblood characters he created in his youth. I think this is pretty cool because during the 90’s Youngblood was easily more popular than the comic it was somewhat based on.

For the first five issues the teams had to join forces to confront a threat in Germany. A powerful foe had surfaced and both teams were needed to control the situation. During this storyline the popular character John Prophet made his first appearance. As did his friend Jackson Kirby and the Berzerkers. Not too mention one of the most bad ass villains in the Extreme Universe, Darkthornn.

At the conclusion of this storyline it was easy to see that Youngblood was a very popular comic. So the guys at Extreme decided to do not one, but two titles focusing on Youngblood. The mini series became an ongoing series and told the tales of the home team. While the away team got there own book called Team Youngblood. Rob Liefeld handled art on Youngblood, while newcomer Chap Yaep was handed the reigns to Team Youngblood.

Subsequently another series was started called Youngblood: Strike File which told solo stories featuring the most popular characters from each team. These were done by various artists and writers. Rob Liefeld and then newcomer Jae Lee did the first three issues.

Two specials were also put out around this time called Youngblood Battle Zone #1 and #2. These gave short bios on the characters and their weapons. Pretty much all of the artists at Extreme had their hands in on these projects.

The ongoing Youngblood series went on for 10 issues before it was relaunched under the same name. Roger Cruz took over on art duties on this title while Rob Liefeld still did variant covers and helped with the plot. At this point in time Rob’s studio “Extreme” was putting out nearly a dozen comics. These included: Brigade, Bloodstrike, Supreme, Prophet, New Men, Bloodpool, Team Youngblood, Youngblood: Strikefile. So you can imagine that time was of the essence for him and Eric Stephenson.

After #10 of the new series the comic was moved to Maximum Press. Rob Liefeld’s new publishing company. Long story short, Rob and the other Image partners weren’t getting a long so they parted ways. Here at Maximum Press the first Youngblood issue published was #14. I think I remember hearing it had something to do with Image claiming it still had the rights to publish #11,#12 and #13. You don’t miss out on any story though. #14 is really #11.

It was around this time that Rob’s successful business venture with Alan Moore had really paid off. Rob hired Alan Moore to revamp Supreme and it was highly successful. So he allowed him to revamp the entire Extreme Universe.

He started up a new company called Awesome Entertainment. This company continued to publish Supreme and also the Judgement Day mini series which served to revamp the entire Extreme line of books. After Judgement Day, Youngblood started off with a new #1.

This was a different take on Youngblood. Instead of being funded by the government it was funded by an old super hero named Waxy Doyle. The only remaining member was Shaft and he led a group of teenage heroes who did more vigilante type crime fighting.

Sadly after the major investor in Awesome Entertainment pulled out the series concluded at issue 2. However, if you can track down Awesome Adventures #1 you can read what would have been #3. This is very sad because I read Alan Moore’s Awesome Universe Handbook and he had the first year already plotted out. It was very promising.

For a long while Youngblood laid dormant in comic limbo. Rob Liefeld was busy with his family and pursuing Hollywood projects. That is until he decided to revive the Youngblood franchise.

He launched three mini series recently through a new company called Arcade Comics.

The first one I will talk about is Youngblood Genesis. It was originally entitled Youngblood: Year One years ago. It has plots written by Kurt Busiek and scripted by newcomer Brandon Thomas. With artwork by the Liefeld-discovered Walker Brothers. It takes before even Youngblood #0 and given the time this was written it was way ahead of its time. There are two issues in this mini series and they tie into Extreme Continuity very nicely. It even has the original New Men in it.

The next mini that came out is by Rob Liefeld himself. He hired red hot writer Mark Millar (The Authority, Ultimates) to write the end of Youngblood. Kind of like a Dark Knight Returns for the franchise. What he got was Youngblood: Bloodsport, a kind of super hero version of Battle Royale. The first issue has been out for over a year and a half and fans are anxiously awaiting the second issue this month. It is easily Rob’s best outing as a storyteller to date.

The most recent series released is a maxiseries called Youngblood: Imperial. It is illustrated by Extreme Studios alumnus Marat Mychaels. It takes place sometime after the events of Awesome Adventures #1. It deals with the United States and China racing each other to conquer the world with super powered beings. Robert Kirkman wrote the first issue, but had to bow out before #2 was written. Since then Fabian Nicieza has taken over writing duties and a second issue is due out this summer.

Of course you can read the lost Youngblood tale – Youngblood: Century at Rob Liefeld’s official website. www.robliefeld.net. It is plotted by Rob, scripted by Eric Stephenson and illustrated by Keron Grant. It takes place 1000 years into the future and ties into the Extreme 3000 storyline that went on back in Youngblood Volume 2.

As you can see this series has been through many revamps to the say the least. In my opinion each incarnation was well done with great art and once Moore came onboard we got some really good stories. The Busiek plotted Genesis was really good and really gives us some background info on Alexander Graves.

To new readers who don’t want to track down a lot of Extreme Continuity, don’t. It should be noted that each of the new mini’s (Genesis, Bloodsport and Imperial) stand on their own two feet. I would highly recommend all three. Some of us longtime fans have noticed little nods to the past, but nothing from the past (save Genesis since it is the past..) drives the story. In both Bloodsport and Imperial they are looking towards the future not the past.

If you are looking for some violent super heroes who have no problems putting an end to the lives of the bad guys, these titles are for you. The latest mini series have all A-listers working on them and we are sure to get some good stories out of them.

For more information on Youngblood I recommend pursuing the following links.

Rob Liefeld's Official Website
Rob Liefeld's Message Board@HeroRealm
Youngblood Online
Extreme Genesis

Indy Comic Week - 5/9 - 5/15

2005-05-07T14:12:00.000-07:00

I think it is safe to say that my coverage of comic books up to this point have been pretty mainstream. Next week I am hoping to change that with a full week devoted to indy comic books. Don't worry, I'll still do my weekly reviews, but everything else will be on the indy front.

Series that I will be covering include:

Invincible

Powers

Small Gods

Youngblood

Armor X

Iron Ghost

Noble Causes

These will be covered in differet ways. Some might get issues reviewed, some might get trades reviewed, while others will get a full on series overview.

If any of the creators (pencillers,inkers, writers, colorists, letterers, etc.) of these books stumble onto my blog and want to do a questionaire of five questions relating to your book just email me.

jasonaiken@gmail.com

Free Comic Book Day - Ronin Hood of the 47 Samurai

2005-05-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

Ronin Hood of the 47 Samurai

Penciller: Craig Rosseau
Writer/Creator: Jeff Amano
Inker: Wayne Faucher
Colorist: Giulia Brusco
Letterer: Omar Mediano
Cover: Jeff Amano

Summary – Robin Hood goes medieval. Japan that is. When their lord is manipulated by a rival and forced to commit ritualistic suicide (seppuku) his 47 samurai are master less and become Ronin warriors. They drop their real names and take up new ones such as “Little Thunder” and “Ronin Hood”. Their goal is to rid the lands of the corrupt lords forever.

This is a free sample of the Graphic Novel that will be debuting this fall from Beckett Comics. The first 22 pages are in this as well as some extra previews of other collections near the back.

Review:

The Good –

The artwork is very well done. Reminds me a lot of John Romita Jr. for some reason, don’t know why. The colors are very beautiful and the production values on this free comic are very high. I expect them to at least this high on the graphic novel once it comes out.

The Bad –

Having the Robin Hood story set in Japan just doesn’t work for me. I’m a huge fan of “Iron Monkey” a Hong Kong movie where they kind of do the same thing, except Robin Hood goes solo and teams up with Won Kay Ying.

I think it is safe to say if you are already familiar with Robin Hood, you know where this story is going. I mean Samurai are cool and Robin Hood is a great story, but this is an odd mix. It works fairly well, but I’m not sure if the OGN will be worth the cash.

The Money Shot –

Recommendation: This is a FREE Sample, so check it out.

Review - Green Arrow: Archers Quest

2005-05-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

Green Arrow: Archers Quest

Brad Meltzer, Phil Hester and Ande Parks

Before best selling novelist Brad Meltzer set the comic book world on fire with “Identity Crisis”, he planted the seeds that would change the DCU forever in Green Arrow: Archers Quest.

Following Kevin Smith’s run was no easy task, yet Meltzer succeeds in telling a very emotional story that hits home. To tell you the truth you don’t have to know squat about Green Arrow to read this collection. It’s all explained to you as the story goes along and you get to know the cast and history of the book.

Phil Hester and Ande Parks really had a nice run on this book. In my opinion this is their finest work on the series and that is really saying something. Their abilities as storytellers are really pushed the limit and they succeed on every level.

Another reason to pick this up is because it has ties to Identity Crisis and Infinite Crisis. This really got the ball rolling on the changes throughout the DCU. The seeds of Identity Crisis were planted here with all of the super hero funeral talk. Catman, a major play in Villains United also makes an appearance.

The premise of this storyline is that Green Arrow, Oliver Queen wants to track down his most personal possessions he left behind. He has recently returned from the dead and left specific instructions on destroying certain things. A handful of them were not destroyed due to laziness and difficulty so he makes it his quest to find and recover them. Joining him is his former sidekick Speedy, now known as Arsenal.

We go down memory lane with the duo from Green Arrow/Green Lantern, Justice League of America, Crisis, Emerald Dawn, etc. Guest stars that pop up include Superman and the Flash. The rest of the supporting cast is also shown albeit briefly such as Mia, Black Canary and Connor Hawke.

If you finished reading Green Arrow: Quiver by Kevin Smith and want more Ollie this is the book for you. Judging by the page I scanned below there is no doubt in my mind that Meltzer already had the Identity Crisis storyline in his head while writing this. Highly recommend to everyone, especially those who want to get stuff related to Identity Crisis and Infinite Crisis.

Rating –

Art – 4.5
Storyline - 5

Overall – 4.5/5