Posts Tagged ‘IDW Comics’

Comics Book Reviews: 9.22.2010

I Have Issues Week of: 9.22.2010

Fables #98

Written by BILL WILLINGHAM
Art by MARK BUCKINGHAM & DAN GREEN
Cover by JOAO RUAS

A while ago, so long ago I can’t remember the issue number, the Adversary was defeated, and the Fables lived happily ever after. And then my brain turned off. I have a huge blank spot from there until this issue, which I am inclined to believe is at least a 12 issue gap. I have been pulling this comic, but I have been filing it without interest, which apparently is what many of the Fables Faithful have been doing. I have been hearing similar stories on other podcasts, and seeing them on forums. Hell, I was double dipping with trades, and stopped somewhere after Snow had the litter.

I have been absently thumbing through the issues, but not an hour ago, I finally sat down and read through this issue. And I am back in. The artwork by Buckingham has never wavered, and the writing from Willingham is just as solid. It was like watching an old favorite DVD, and discovering an episode I missed.

So Rose Red has been in some sort of funk, the town fables were exiled to the Farm, where everyone is apparently getting on each other’s nerves. Ghepetto has made a bid for power, and there is a new bad guy called The Dark Man. That’s what I slept though. Issue #98 starts to put things in motion. Rose Red wakes up from her funk, settles the fables down, and restores order. Herr Totenkinder apparently reverted to an younger form, and will be taking on the Dark Man, which sets us up for what will probably be an epic Issue #99 and of course a seminal #100. I welcome this new spark of energy, and perhaps on my mountain journey I will be taking next week, I’ll settle into the cabin, and reread Fables from issue 50-98. Fables is back.

Flash #5

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
White Lantern Variant cover by RYAN SOOK, FERNANDO PASARIN and JOEL GOMEZ

I am horribly disturbed by typing the next phrase. I’m bored. I think the constant string of delays is killing the momentum of this book, but when I saw the solicits for December comics had the trade for this story arch I got pretty pissed off. I can’t imagine why since I have been a Flash fanboy for a long time, but this series started as great, and has fizzled to a level where I actually put the issue down and did a few chores around the house before I finished it. I have lost all enthusiasm for this book, and that really saddens me. About 6 months ago I would have told you Johns can do no wrong, but this Flash run has really left me feeling tired and bored.

And I don’t have too many kind words for Francis Manapul’s art either. I think his chalky artwork is full of kinetic energy, but it is becoming a mess of streaking lines, and makes me feel like this is the antithesis of JR JR’s artwork. Instead of loose-line inking, Manapul’s art is loose line coloring. Another aspect of the artwork that bothers me is the 19-year-old character design on Barry. I just feel like this guy is younger than Wally when I look at him. Instead of an expert, “Daddy’s Home” feeling I thought we would have from this run, we have been treated to a “Sidewalk Chalk Barry”. I normally don’t rail on an artist on Flash that much, especially when the previous issue (I think, it’s been a while for me) had that cool helicopter scene. This issue was just an accelerated mess, and it made me depressed. Quick.

1 Month 2 Live #4

WRITER: JOHN OSTRANDER
PENCILS: GRAHAM NOLAN
COVER: MIKE DEL MUNDO

Another comic that checked in on a disappointing level was 1 Month 2 Live #4. Up until now I have really been enjoying this series, but this issue left me flat. The dialogue was picture perfect, and I especially loved Dennis’ wife going off on him. The more realistic feel of the situation was something that I really liked, but the quest for the mystic flower left me behind. I know we are supposed to be exploring all the iconic corners of the Marvel U though a more grounded sense of reality, and I think that’s what might have did this issue in for me. Maybe this race for the magic flower will yield an exciting conclusion next week. Either way one mediocre issue out of four isn’t bad, and I don’t really blame Ostrander of the story, I like to believe it is the direction of editorial that made it mandatory to go to the Savage Land.

Hit Monkey #3

WRITER: DANIEL WAY
PENCILS: DALIBOR TALAJIC
INKS: DALIBOR TALAJIC
COLORED BY: JOSE VILLARRUBIA
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC
COVER BY: DAVID JOHNSON

Ahhhhhh now THIS is a comic book with a kick-ass monkey in it. I am proud to say I haven’t read one issue of Deadpool, so I had no familiarity with this monkey assassin. I just thought this was a fun, 3-issue romp through the 616. So our monkey hero befriends some Japanese pop culture personality in order to get closer to his intended target. Then Bullseye catches up with her in order to get to the monkey. The original target and his squad are killed by Bullseye, and Hit-Monkey kicks Bullseye’s tail with nun-chucks ala Bruce Lee. Classic comics style. This series was enjoyable, but probably only on a comic reader level. You would have to have read a few other things to get the meta jokes, and appreciate the heritage (if there is any) of the characters involved.

Nemisis#3

WRITER: Mark Millar
PENCILS: Steve McNiven
COVER BY: Steve McNiven

This is another book that has a suffered a bit due to it’s long publication schedule. I’m not complaining, just whining really. McNiven’s artwork is worth waiting for, and with this week’s assembled group of solid, but lackluster books, I was happy to have a piece of blockbuster comics fun. A lot of folks in the comics community give Millar shit for being the “fluff” action guy, much the same way everyone rags on Michael Bay, but at least Millar’s stories are creative, and give the villain due respect.

Here our bay guy, Nemisis, was taken into custody, and breaks out in pure grand style. The Chief Detective we have been “rooting” for is then subjected to a nightmare of consequences as Nemisis takes his life apart. In true Millar/McNiven fashion, they bring top level game to the book. Nemisis defeats 97 prison guards (Judo Chop!!) in glorious and violent style. McNiven illustrates moves and shows us violent choreography that we have rarely seen in comics. Millar contributes by raising the bar on inflicting pain on another human being in creative psychological ways (much like Red Son). Again, this book can easily be dismissed by fanboys, but these kind of books give me something to read in the dead zones between relaunches, events, and tired tropes.

Star Trek Burden of Knowledge #4

Writer: Scott & David Tipton
Artist: Federica Manfredi
Cover: Joe Corroney

Oh man, this series is great. I certainly hope IDW never has plans to cancel this, and they keep the Tiptons chained in a room. So the past three issues have had that magical done in one feel, but built up to a larger storyline, and in issue 4 the bad guy was revealed to be the planet of medical geniuses, who were using transporter tech to copy bodies. Why? So they had enough donors to experiment on. Classic. What’s more are the moral implications that blow McCoy’s mind, which make the story a more 1960’s classic Sci-Fi rather than the action move set up newer generations experience in the movies. This had classic Star Trek written All over it, and it was brilliant from issue 1 to issue 4. The artwork was handled pretty dam well considering the scope of hundreds of cloned ensigns, Klingons and other races. Someone send this series to George Lucas

September 24, 2010 Tags: 1 month 2 live, DC Comics, fables, Flash, hit monkey, IDW Comics, mark millar, Matrvel Comics, Nemisis, star trek, steve mcniven
Category: Featured, I Have Issues 1 Comment

Comic Book Reviews: 09.01.2010

I Have Issues Week of: 09.01.2010

This week snuck up and slapped me on the back of the head. Originally I looked at my virtual pull list and saw 2 books. What a bummer. And I was thinking, Well the podcast will be a quick one this week, and I also thought about doing a column about digging through the quarter bins. Luckily Marvel Comics unleashed a flurry of #1 issues, and between them and a few surprises, by pull list exploded. These may be a bit short, but I wanted to cover everyone.

One Month To Live #1 (OF 5)

WRITER: Stuart Moore, John Ostrander, RICK REMENDER & Rob Williams
PENCILS: Mike Del Mundo, Andrea Mutti & Koi Turnbull
INKS: ANDREA MUTTI
COLORED BY: ANDREA MUTTI

This book looked semi-interesting, and I must admit that I only picked it up for a few reasons that weren’t too compelling. But I enjoyed the crap out of it, and I think the average reader will too. We are introduced to Dennis Sykes who is your average joe working for a greedy-evil bank that won’t lend to a kids orphanage because the fat cats want their bonuses. After he delivers the bad news, he tries to help someone out of a robbery and gets beaten and poisoned with toixic waste (only in the Marvel U) but is rescued by The Thing (again only in Marvel’s NY). After Dr. Richards revives him, he give him the bad news that he has serious cancerous growths, and only a month to live.

Invigorated by the short deadline of his life, Dennis discovers he has weird matter-altering powers and decides to steal the money owed to the orphanage, but is caught by his family who think poorly of him for being Robin Hood. Since he feels guilty, he breaks back in to return the money, only to be captured by Spider-man, who eventually lets him go. Instead he uses his powers to give the orphans what they wanted (which is a rock garden) putting him on the radar of a bad guy who runs the neighborhood.

Now after that synopsis, I’m sure you can’t find many appealing mind-altering ideas that make your rush out to buy it. The real magic behind it isn’t the “It’s Clobbering Time!” or the witty commentary by Spider-Man, but it’s the interpersonal emotional dialogue between Dennis and his wife, and the awkward dialogues with his adopted daughter. The story is actually wracked with tragedy, but as a comic book reader, you get sucked into this world hoping for him, and hoping for a happy ending.

What also gives the book more impact that it should is the artwork by Mike del Mundo. The artwork is bright, dark, gritty and clean when it needs to be to illustrate the moods of the book. The darker panels give the proper somber tones and even a stressful tension that the teenage girl brings to her scenes. This book may be finite, and given its more grounded approach, we have a sense of reality that isn’t present in Avengers. Sure Spidey and Thing show up, but they are the same as seeing a bright green camaro, or a woman with a short skirt. They give you a sense of rare instance, but don’t dominate the overall mood.

It may be because I enjoy Vertigo books, but I really took a liking to this more grounded Marvel book, and the human problems that are in it. I like to escape to a world filled with super powers as much as the next guy, but as a comics reader, I enjoy books like this because they demonstrate what the medium is capable of. Not once did I turn the page and roll my eyes when Dennis manifested powers. I didn’t sigh heavily when the Thing yelled “Clobbering Time!!!”. I was able to set the fan boy down, and embrace the story for the emotions that Rick Remender wanted me to feel, and that my friends is a rare thing.

Avengers Children’s Crusade #2 (OF 9)

WRITER: ALLAN HEINBERG
PENCILS: JIM CHEUNG
INKS: MARK MORALES
COLORED BY: JAYPO LLC
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC
COVER BY: JIM CHEUNG

Jimmy Cheung is a great guy, and I have had the pleasure of hanging out with him since he is here in the boondocks of Florida. When you see his work, you automatically are drawn to the great character drawings, the framed action sequences, and the panel layouts. It’s always great work. And then when you meet the guy, you just become a rabid fan. He’s one of the nicest dudes, and a genuinely good guy. So of course I’ll pick up this book. I don’t even need Heinberg on it.

This book is a fantastic return of the too short lived Young Avengers title, and I am one of those fan boys that winces at the idea that anyone different from Hienberg and Cheung handling the book. Luckily we get a breath of fresh air, and this dynamic and young group can once again have adventures in an old-fashioned Marvel way.

I can blab on and on about Jimmy all day, but let me swing the spotlight on Heinberg. I was frustrated as hell when he left Wonder Woman since he was doing and awesome job of rebuilding her after Infinite Crisis. Heinberg seems to get comics. He’s fantastic at TV writing, but I love his comics work. He actually reminds me of Jeff Loeb the way he stays within the standard tropes of comic books, but where Loeb loses me, Heinberg excels. Heinberg doesn’t insert everyone’s favorite one-liners for the sake of defining the book and giving people “What they want”. He merely writes a good story, stays true to the characters, and gives us some fun twists and turns along the way.

I’ll admit that the first issue gave me whiplash as they went back and forth to Avengers Tower, but this issue was fluid, and had a confluent idea behind it to keep driving the Young Avengers on their quest. The idea of the kids pairing up with Magneto was delicious, and the torn loyalties and tension was fantastic. All of which eventually leading to a fantastic teaser for next issue which I am anxious to read. Damn it Jimmy! Hurry up!!!

Brightest Day #9

Written by GEOFF JOHNS & PETER J. TOMASI
Art by IVAN REIS, PATRICK GLEASON, ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK & JOE PRADO
Covers by DAVID FINCH
Variant covers by IVAN REIS

Another solid hit. I was worried to death that we would have a run of Haws stuff, but luckily, it was J’honn and Aquaman. Although the book seemed brief compared to Superman:Last family #2, and 1 Month to Live, it was still filled with good stuff. J’honn is torn and decimating Ollie’s magic forest, as Ollie has to stop the out of control Martian Manhunter, we learn the new Aqualad is the son of none other than Black Manta. That will make for some great stories in the future. In the hands of Geoff Johns Aquaman goes from confusing-crap-character to cool water-avenger.

G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #158

Writer: Larry Hama

Artist: Agustin Padilla, Rod Whigham

The Joes turn up the heat, and rally at COBRA’s secret Silent Castle. Scarlett and Snake Eyes, infiltrate the castle while Duke and boys rouse bloody hell outside. The issue is filled with great action sequences that leap out of an 8-year old imagination (not a bad thing), and story really does a fine job of giving everyone their minutes of glory. My only gripes were that a few twists in logic drew me out of the story. Even though the story was a bit muddled near the end, and telegraphed everything happening in simple terms, I still enjoyed the book as an enjoyable military toy book. I’m looking forward to seeing the Joes kick the crap out of COBRA this time, and especially anxious to see Cobra Commander’s new battle armor.

Superman The Last Family Of Krypton #2 (OF 3)

Written by CARY BATES
Art by RENATO ARLEM
Cover by FELIPE MASSAFERA

I had no idea how much I missed the “Elseworlds” books until this book showed up. And it’s hard to “break in the room”, especially with this crowd or over-analyzing fan boys. Cary Bates continues to write a logically different Superman book, and Renato Arlem illustrates it with balanced and beautifully rendered imagery.

The saga of the Els continues as Clark tries to find his place on Earth. His super-powered twin siblings learn that they are half-mortal due to their earth-birth (sounds like a disgusting beer), and Lex continues to outshine Clark. Only in this book we get a look at the growing cult called “Doomsday” that wants this fantastic super-family off Earth.

Much of the book’s imagery and famous lines can still be found in Mario Puzo’s screenplay of Superman:The Movie, but it wasn’t too awkwardly jammed into the book. I still enjoyed the twist of the half-super twins, the way Lex is playing both sides (naturally) and I especially liked the artwork. These double issues are great, and I’m happy I grabbed this is in issues instead of trade.

Thor For Asgard #1 (OF 6)

WRITER: ROB RODI
PENCILS: SIMONE BIANCHI
INKS: SIMONE BIANCHI
COLORED BY: SIMONE PERUZZI
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC
COVER BY: SIMONE BIANCHI

I know some fans must hate it, but I’m loving the influx of Thor titles, and I really enjoy these side books. Some fans have cried foul on the account that the movie is coming out, and Marvel is trying to rip-off the readers. Horse hockey! Here’s why: Shut up. Enjoy the extra Thor books, and no one is putting a gun to your head to buy them.

So in this tale Thor is putting down rebellions in the 9 realms after Odin has gone missing for two years and Blader is dead. Can anyone say Ragnarock? Thor must carry the weight of Odin’s throne a she tried to lead the Gods through this dreary time. He Doesn’t have the power of Mjoner, and times are getting leaner and leaner. It was a dreary read, but the tale is dreary. My highlight of the book is when Thor and company have to attack civilians and front giants alike since the frost giants are using the simple folk as human shields. Interesting commentary there. Bianchi draws a pretty good Thor book. The photo-real renderings and character designs are really easy on the eye, and the layouts break up the pages in refreshing ways.

Wolverine #1

WRITER: JASON AARON
PENCILS: RENATO GUEDES
INKS: ART & COMICS INT’L
COLORED BY: MATTHEW WILSON
COVER BY: JAE LEE

Jason Aaron has joined the ranks of Geoff Johns, Warren Ellis and Brian K Vaughn as a writer whom I will try anything their name is on. He writes a solid story, with good cliff hangers, true characterization, great experimentation without compromise of character, and a great balance of reality and fantasy. I have always felt that the great comic book writers are the one s that can take chances, remember the stories that have come before, and still write a book that is something new without betraying the true nature of the character.

Here Aaron writes a Wolverine book that gives us the gritty back-story that accompanies Wolverine, and manages to move along at a good pace without being mired in inner-dialogue. Wolvie meets up with Wraith, and then a mysterious group attacks wraith, Wolvie’s girlfriend, and presumably everyone he cares about. Mystique comes to the rescue, and explains that Logan is actually separated. At this point the story ends with Logan about to be tortured in the bowls of Hell. I know right? Craziness. But it all worked. Renato Guedes art is well done, and I enjoyed the thin lines that cleanly rendered the characters. He had great action panels, and some cool character designs.

I also enjoyed the Silver Samuri backup story even though I had no idea he died. It was great, and you can really tell that Aaron has read every issue of Wolverine and that is why he gets him. Not a cliché in sight.

Wolverine Road To Hell #1

WRITER: JASON AARON, MARJORIE LIU, RICK REMENDER & DANIEL WAY
PENCILS: Mico Suayan, Guiseppe Camuncoli, Will Conrad & Jerome Opena

This book stole my lunch money. Another one of those books with 9-page previews of other books that I shouldn’t be charged for since it is a big advertisement. Boooooooo Marvel for this book.

September 3, 2010 Tags: DC Comics, gi joe, IDW Comics, Marvel Comics, Superman, thor, Wolverine, young avengers
Category: Featured, I Have Issues No Comments

Comic Book Reviews: 08.11.2010

I Have Issues Week of 08.11.2010

Well I’m not going to beat around the bush (where does that saying come from?) and just say that this week’s comics left me flat-out blasé. I only had a handful of books, my local LCS only delivered half of what I had on my pull list, and finally delivered stuff from last week that kicked this week’s books’ asses. So in no particular order:

Justice League Generation Lost #7

Written by JUDD WINICK
Breakdowns by KEITH GIFFEN
Art by JOE BENNETT
Covers by TONY HARRIS and J.D. METTLER
White Lantern Variant covers by RYAN SOOK, FERNANDO PASARIN and JOEL GOMEZ

This could be the better book of the week. I grabbed this one digitally because…that’s right, the local LCS was short. Thank God for simultaneous digital distribution. Keep it up DC.

So the events that took place in Brightest Day cross over mess with Max and bring strange portents of events to come. Meanwhile, the JLGL schemes to break into Checkmate to find Max. I’m not sure if it is the digital presentation, but I really enjoyed the banter, the plot devices, and the action of the book. It was fun. Dangerous, and intriguing. Everything that is missing in the current JLA book. Frankly, there isn’t too much to say about this book. It works. The art word accompanies the story. It’s a straight an narrow book. Purely consistent.

Zatanna #4

Written by PAUL DINI
Art by CHAD HARDIN and WAYNE FAUCHER
Cover by STEPHANE ROUX
Variant cover by BRIAN BOLLAND

Crap. Stephane Roux & Karl Story did not lend their talents to the art of this book, and they were sorely missed. Paul Dini is still writing a great tale filled with Magic and Fishnet stockings, but it certainly wasn’t the same. It didn’t have that brilliance that the first 3 issues had. What I praised on the podcast was that the issues had a done-in-one feel, but still accumulated a plot that contributed to a great 3-issue arch.

Issue 4 simply leaves you in a cliff-hanger that made me feel a little cheated. I’m still going to pick up issue 5 cause this book is still very good, but it doesn’t feel have the brilliance that the first 3 had. Now, Chad Harden’s artwork is still great. He brings a bit sexier Zatanna to the book, and one with an almost nose-less face. Where Roux had a Disney-cell-animation style to it, Chad has the traditional comic style that solidify Zatanna as a comic book character.

The new royal Flush gang was a great fight, but the creative details for the inner office scenes, and end fight made it a great book. Dini’s dialogue about coin operated slot machines made me wistful for old-style Vegas as well. The story is still heading along a great path with mystical mystery, it just doesn’t have that spark that Roux infused in the book previously.

Emerald Warriors #1

Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by FERNANDO PASARIN
Cover by RODOLFO MIGLIARI
Variant cover by LEE BERMEJO

When this was first hinted at the end of Blackest Night, I rolled my eyes a little. I am not Guy Gardner’s biggest fan, but the unholy union between him, Atrocitous, and Ganthet made me curious as hell to pick this up. What did they know that we didn’t? What were they up to? I have been pulling Green Lantern Corps again and really enjoyed it, but I just can’t see why this Emerald Warriors crap isn’t part of that storyline. Instead they bring back Cyborg Superman for the thousandth time? Ugh.

So even though we are treated to 22 full-color pages, we really only establish that Guy gets permission to explore uncharted areas, and that Atrocitous is sending one of his lanterns with him. It took 22 pages to accomplish that, and I may have a short attention span right now, but I was under whelmed with this issue. The art was still as good as we have been treated to with Green Lantern, and Corps, but this book hasn’t given me enough to justify that it should have its own series.

Superman #702

Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Art by EDDY BARROWS and J.P. MAYER
Cover by JOHN CASSADAY
Variant cover by KEVIN NOWLAN

After reading a preview for this book I was expecting another episode of Superdickery. Alas, no such luck. I wasn’t able to get Superman #701 (thanks again to the meager selection at my LCS), so I wanted to see what all the commotion was about. Fanboys have been tearing JMS a new hole since Spider-Man, and they certainly lit into him with Forrest-Superman.

And I can see why. Superman has no appeal to me because there is no sense of danger, and here he’s just as boring. “grounded” is supposed to bring this lofty God to a more mortal level, but it just feels pedestrian. He walks to Detroit, and he can probably be the only guy can walk through Detroit, interrupts a basketball game, and then encounters aliens. Naturally.

The next 16 pages exemplify why I just don’t read Superman. I know, that’s comics, but in Superman they just seem silly. Oh look, purple hiding aliens who bring up the current immigration issue, leave it hanging, and then revitalize Detroit with alien medical tech. Jesus. I can understand why some Superman fans are pissed. He spends a year away from earth, and when he comes back he doesn’t do anything super. Even though this is a character sketch, I can’t look through this book and see why it had to be a Superman book. Why not Captain Atom, or some other schlub walking around?

Dungeon & Dragons #0

Written by John Rogers and Alex Irvine
Art by Andrea DiVito and Peter Bergting
Covers by Paul Renaud and Wayne Reynolds

I want my money back. Sure it was only a buck, but I want it back. I got this crap free in the back of G.I Joe #157 last week, there were just 4 additional pages. IDW tricks you that way. They have great cover stock, and it makes you feel like you got a lot for your money, but when it boils down to it, they have the same amount of ages, with 12 pages of previews for other books.

So D&D felt like a module, and a generic one at that. I was hoping for a bit more, but then again, I’m a guy who played a pant-load of this game in my teens, and never from those modules. We didn’t have the grumpy dwarf, the stealing kinder, or the hot sorceress. We were more original.

And I was hoping for that. We could have had a varied group in an awesome sprawling adventure, but instead we get the DnD 101 character kit, and Typical maze of danger. Blech.

The Books I Should Have Gotten Last Week.

Rasl #8

Written & Drawn by Jeff Smith

Where the bloody hell was this book last week? Damn it! Well enough bitching. As always, this was another stellar entry by Jeff Smith. One of my chief complaints abut this book is that it just doesn’t come out fast enough. Otherwise I could remember what happened last issue. Our hero recounts the affair he was having with his partner’s wife, and how she was oddly curious about the missing notebook of Tesla. And then she showed up. The whacked out little girl that left the best damn cliffhanger of the week. The art work is brilliantly clean a always. All the emotion, the awkward conversations, and action all have fluid motion and were injected with what seems to be a genuine portrayal of people’s behavior. It is the type of thing that elevates a book from “Funny book” to “graphic novel”.

S.H.I.E.L.D. #3

Written by: Jonathan Hickman

Art by: Dustin Weaver

This is another “Crap I missed it!” comic. I had seen captures of panels, but the sheer beauty of this comic is best to be held in the hands, and studied. The story is fantastic again. It’s puzzling, and leaves people rubbing their temples, but I love this story. It challenges me, and makes you think the panels through. I had dropped out of comics for a while in the 90s (Who hadn’t) and when I returned I read a lot of Vertigo books. Books with complicated plots about eternals, and preachers, and worlds only peopled by women.

Back to shield, we are treated to how this organization turns back Galactus (Make sure you read the letters at the end) and how Isaac Newton suffered to gain knowledge. The “suffer” panel is incredible uncomfortable, and the snowy discovery panel is immense. Sure the Galatcus battles are great, the amount of detail in the destruction is great, but scope of cityscape below the mountain was incredible. This is still a 5 star book.

Peter Schmeiser – Giggaheim Director
Peter is normally answering several questions everyday about continuity of the DC universe, the status of Spider-man, who has been cast in the latest movies, and what counts as canon in Star Wars. Pete enjoys voicing his opinions on the latest comic books, playing video games, and sharing his wealth of useless comic book knowledge with his friends. The Giggaheim was made to share that.

August 13, 2010 Tags: comic book reviews, DC Comics, dungeons and dragons, green lantern, IDW Comics, Jeff Smith, Marvel Comics, RASL, shield, Superman, Zatanna
Category: Featured, I Have Issues No Comments

Comic Book Reviews: 08.04.2010

I Have Issues Week of 8.04.2010

This was a good week for Marvel Comics. I am predominantly a DC comics reader, but this week I had a majority of my stack come from the “House of Ideas”. Since the events of Siege, and this clumsy rebirth of a “heroic” (old school) era, I have lost interest in Marvel. With 217 Avengers titles, and 2 more mini-events concerning characters I couldn’t care for, I just don’t have anything on my pull. But, I think that this week’s pick of the week comes from Marvel, even though the bi-weekly Brightest Day was really, really good.

Avengers Prime #2

WRITER: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
PENCILS: ALAN DAVIS
INKS: MARK FARMER
COLORED BY: JAVIER RODRIGUEZ
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC
COVER BY: ALAN DAVIS

I grabbed this title for the sake of the podcast, but also because I like these characters. When it comes down to it, I have a noob’s sense of the Avengers, and the past incarnations of the teams don’t interest me much. New Avengers has a cast of great characters, but seems really crowded with all the a-list heroism. Avengers Prime has the atmosphere of a musketeers book. Three men who are top of the class, and are able to overcome great odds due to working together for so long. While New Avengers feels crowded like a Freshman 101 class, Avengers Prime feels like a 404 advanced class with only 10 students. Here, Professor Bendis can break down the basic elements of the story, and show us the character study of who these men are, what they do, and what they are capable of.

Tony Stark appears to get the worst of it in this issue. Last issue the three were sucked into a vortex left behind from the broken Rainbow Bridge that helps transport the Gods between Asgard and Midgard. Now the nine worlds are open, and our three heroes had to figure out where they were, and how to find one another. Tony follows his instinct with his talent of hubris, name drops his way into trouble, and without his armor demonstrates to the readers his mortality. Steve Rogers had acquired a familiar shield and scale mail last issue, but is seduced by a local lady, all while Thor is piecing together how the nine realms are collapsing in on each other, and who is behind it all.

Alan Davis’ pencils are fantastic, giving us a sense of familiarity with the character posing and visuals we are given. Sexy ladies, and men in heroic gestures help illustrate the “return” of the classic feel Marvel once had, and the “heroic” feel they are trying to reestablish. Bendis seems to be able to flex his more advanced writing techniques, weaving the three storylines together and building to the stress point. Davis does a fantastic job cutting and placing the frozen scenes together, and by use of color and perspective the panels converge to bring the drama to its height. Those pages are what makes me love comics.

Brightest Day #7

Written by GEOFF JOHNS and PETER J. TOMASI
Art by IVAN REIS, PATRICK GLEASON, ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK and JOE PRADO
Cover by DAVID FINCH
White Lantern Variant covers by RYAN SOOK, FERNANDO PASARIN and JOEL GOMEZ

White Lantern Variant covers by RYAN SOOK, FERNANDO PASARIN and JOEL GOMEZ

I knew that I would one day pick Brightest Day as my favorite of the week, and this one came damn close. After 6 issues of milling about, the resurrected B-listers get a sense of direction. Most readers bitched around issue #3 for an issue like this, and I pity them. The weekly series that DC put together in the past worked so well due to its slow-burn style. They have a lot of pages available, and the talent behind these books can take full advantage of this. So let hem do their thing. After-all, look at some great long-form series we have all enjoyed in the past. Books like Preacher, Sandman, Y:The Last Man have all enjoyed the long story form without the 2-week publishing schedule propping us their sales numbers. Here we get a good story, and we don’t have to wait for it as long. Enough bitching.

So Deadman finally grabs the White Lantern after having a cheeseburger, and the White Entity reveals the story to us. Someone on Earth will take the entity’s place (any bets?), and small prophecies and missions are dolled out. We get teased out the ass for future story lines, and now the story will truly begin to quicken its pace. What I really like about prophecy stories is the feeling you get that there are a bounty of surprises yet to be dealt to us. The author is so sure of the story that they have no problem tipping their hand because of what they truly have planned for you. This type of story device is a fantastic way to keep all of us comic book readers enrapt, and it really is best digested in weekly format. Sure, you can trade wait, but you would miss out on the tension that is created every 14 days. What we now know is that Digger will throw a boomerang at Dove that Hawk has to intercept, but why? And what will come of it? Much less, will it happen? These types of questions can drive a comic fan crazy, and I can’t wait for issue 8.

Avengers: The Origin #5

WRITER: JOE CASEY
PENCILS: PHILIP J. NOTO
INKS: PHILIP J. NOTO
COLORED BY: PHILIP J. NOTO
LETTERED BY: RICHARD STARKINGS
COVER BY: PHILIP J. NOTO

I am really sad this is over. I would be fine with Casey and Noto continuing to tell all of the old Avengers tales. Casey has a good sense of what to decompress, and what to shorten for today’s readers. And I could stare at Noto’s art all day. People don’t care for the ink-free style but I love it. I have said it before on the podcast, but I just admire someone who’s clean pencils and bright coloring style illustrate the book, and set it apart from all the heavily ink, “dark” books that are out there (Looking at you Irredeemable). There aren’t many artists whose original pages I would buy, but I am going to start searching for pages from this series.

So Loki is found out, Hulk is let go, and the Avengers….assemble. After all the decompression of the past 4 issues, this one did feel a bit rushed. Loki is dealt with, and the remainder of the issue quickly established Jan’s idea of a super-team. The ending sequences were very nice though. While the team waxes on about confronting evil, Noto gives us polished prophecies of storylines long-time Avengers readers are familiar with. And while Casey’s story felt a bit truncated for time, so did Noto’s art. Many of the backgrounds were plain or missing, and even though the focus would be on dialogue, there was nothing to look at but headshots. This was a fun retelling of the beginning of Marvel’s Super-team, and I hope it will be available in trade for Christmas, cause it is a prime stocking-stuffer.

Drive By Reviews

Irredeemable #16

Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Diego Barreto

I was expecting a very boring set-up issue, and I was half-right. It wasn’t boring, but slow paced, and it should have been. Issue #15 was action packed, and now we need some quiet moments to catch our breath. Volt is buried, and Keiko and Quibit morn him. Survivor terrorizes the government that betrayed them, Bette and Gilgamos have split-up leaving Bette alone in her depressed misery, and Tony and Modeus/Samsara stick it to a wreckless driver. This is a good jumping on issue since all the build up has been spent, and there are a few catch-up panels. Just when you think the story might wind down to a gasp, you can tell Waid has a lot more story to tell, and that the next 15 issues are going to be amazing. I am all in on this, and hoping I will have a long box full of Irredeemable soon.

The Rage of Thor

WRITER: PETER MILLIGAN
PENCILS: MICO SUAYAN
COLORED BY: M AND E MILLA, INC.
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC
COVER BY: MICHAEL SUAYAN

Picking up where The Trial of Thor left off, Thor is plenty pissed at Odin, who just wants to drink the incident off. Thor takes off to have a quite life on Midgard, but like every western film, the angry warrior’s past catches up to him, and things will never be the same. I really like this series, despite this being a predictable issue with some very heavy inking. This particular series of One-Shots deals with the mythology of Thor, and by telling the legends of Asgard, gives Thor the grandeur that is sometimes lacking in regular issues.

G.I Joe: A Real American Hero #157

Writer: Larry Hama
Artist: Agustin Padilla
Cover: Agustin Padilla, Rod Whigham

Okay, I love the snot out of this book. When I want to read a Joe book, I want to see the Joes prevail against odds, and fight like hell. Here they do….again. I jumped on this book last issue, and it has its hooks in me. Sure, it’s as predictable as the cartoon was, but certainly not as hokey, and definitely has better actions with consequences. Any really, they aren’t any more predictable than a cape book. These books just don’t have characters with loads of super powers to make it seem as “creative”. This book continues to pile on the action, and it is still building. Pick this one up now while you still have a shot at the ground floor of it, cause it seems like this will be a good thrill ride.

Batman Odyssey #2

Written by NEAL ADAMS
Art by NEAL ADAMS
Sketch variant cover by NEAL ADAMS

This book truly puzzles me. The art is great, the story is pretty intriguing, but I’m really having trouble reading this book without putting it down 4 or 5 times. It could be due to every panel being crammed with art and a metric ton of word balloons. The past two issues have really focused on Batman getting shot up like a Civil War deserter. Sure there are other things going on, but I keep focusing on Batman getting riddled with bullets. I really want to like this book, but this might be my last issue, and I’ll catch this in trades. The storylines are a bit too jumpy for me to remember them from month to month, and I think that is what is doing it in for me, cause the art is damn gorgeous.

Hit Monkey #2

WRITER: DANIEL WAY
PENCILS: DALIBOR TALAJIC
INKS: DALIBOR TALAJIC
COLORED BY: JOSE VILLARRUBIA
COVER BY: Dave Johnson

Okay, I like it. The first issue left me wanting, but issue #2 was a step in the right direction. The Hit-Monkey grabs a tuxedo, and finally gets to work. The metaphysical/psychosomatic stuff at the end was a bit much for me, but the interplay between Bullseye and the way the Monkey still got his mark was great. Now I hope the showdown between the two in next issue is just as good.

Superman: Last Family of Krypton

Written by CARY BATES
Art by RENATO ARLEM
Cover by FELIPE MASSAFERA

This is the first “Elseworlds” book I have seen since the rebirth of the Multi-verse. Here we have the answer to the age-old question: Why didn’t the brilliant scientist Jor-El just build a ship for his family? Well here he did, and in this double-issue we get to see how things unfold differently. Jor-el makes it his mission to help humas evolve to Earth’s potential with his technological advancement, while Kara sends Kal to the Kents to get a grounded upbringing. Then the story just develops wildly as Kal becomes a disappointment to his father, Luthor gets a job with Jor-El, and Kara gives birth to twins. This will be a fun, and divergent ride, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the conflict will come from, and how “Superman” will emerge from all this. As always, Superman bores me to tears, but the Elseworlds dealing with Superman are fascinating.

Peter Schmeiser – Giggaheim Director
Peter is normally answering several questions everyday about continuity of the DC universe, the status of Spider-man, who has been cast in the latest movies, and what counts as canon in Star Wars. Pete enjoys voicing his opinions on the latest comic books, playing video games, and sharing his wealth of useless comic book knowledge with his friends. The Giggaheim was made to share that.

August 6, 2010 Tags: avengers, Batman, boom studios, brightest day, DC Comics, gi joe, hit monkey, IDW Comics, irredeemable, marvel, Superman, thor
Category: Featured, I Have Issues 1 Comment

Comic Book Reviews Week of: 07.28.2010

I Have Issues is a comic book review on the week’s new releases. SPOILER WARNING: if you haven’t read your books yet, read no further.

After all the books were read and tucked back into their bags, I had the worst time deciding which I liked more. Which book had the best character defining moment, or the best artwork. Was there a stand out panel? Was there a moment of brilliance that made you wan to keep on reading? Yep. Quite a few of my books had those traits, but in the end I made my decision.

Flash #4

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
Variant cover by scott kolins

Aby Warburg summed up my favorite comic book this week with the infamous “The kind God is in the details” (c.1925). The Flash is a book that I love, but easily dismiss, and I only really appreciated the book on my second pass. I read it in about 5 minutes, and any flash book that takes longer either failed the prime Flash Comic directive, or delivered a ton of important content. In this case, if I read Flash #4 in five minutes and never looked back, I would miss the details that made it great.

A few weeks ago I awarded Astonishing Spider-man and Wolverine #2 the prize due to the amount of detail that Andy Kubert put into the book. This week Francis Manapul, the colorist, and Geoff Johns pulled out a team effort that helped elevate the Flash from being “good again” to “hot damn”.

Story wise, Flash is still trying to persuade the future rogues that they have the wrong guy. Digger is loose from jail using his Black Lantern boomerangs (the only Brightest Day tie-in we can see) and the old rogues are about to kick off a hell of a crisis. Of all the parts I love are the abilities super-speed can give someone. Being able to read an entire library in hours, build a bridge in minutes, or run across water.

And the details that illustrate those abilities are what sell them to a reader. For instance. In this issue, Flash runs up a building, across a helicopter blade, breaks into the cabin and saves the pilot before the copter crashes, or the Pilot can finish his cry for help. Between May and day the Flash saves a life, and Manapul astounds us with the visuals. The sketchy style an loose pencils are what make Manapul’s art feel energetic, and give us a quickening sense, filling the pages with life.

But the detail that sent this book ahead of the pack was the color drop out on the Flash as he went faster and faster. A couple years ago, DC stopped having a Flash book, and the infamous Neil Gaiman rebooted the Eternals series for Marvel comics. In that series, a god of speed experienced the effects of speed, with the drop in the color spectrum, heat, friction, and sound effects. The detail there was something I never forgot, and always lamented a bit. Why couldn’t the colorists that worked on The Flash do that? Well they did in this issue, and it helped give the reader that feeling that they were along for the ride, and it was fantastic.

Thor #612

WRITER: KIERON GILLEN
PENCILS: Doug Braithwaite
INKS: PASQUAL FERRY
COLORED BY: MATTHEW DALE HOLLINGSWORTH
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC
COVER BY: Mico Suayan

Last issue was a great departure from the mis-steps after JMS’ departure, and that lovely little cross-over event. We got to see Loki’s handiwork continue to create mischief even after his death in last issue, and in this one we get to see how Thor will come to Hela’s aide and somehow rescue the fallen Gods. Story-wise, I really like the way Thor is being handled. Many times after a huge event most of the ramifications are glossed over, and the outer ring consequences (collateral damage) are never addressed. Here, Thor is dealing with the fall out, and continues to do so. The dead of Asgard have to be saved from the ravenous cursed women and Thor must save Hel to keep the balance. A magic sword that can turn back the tide s left in another part of hell, and Thor has to go retrieve it.

Concerning the art, the colors complement the summer season. I was stifling the entire time I read this book (in Florida heat) due to the combinations of brown, oranges and reds that create a tepid, humid environment. My only nit pick I would have with Doug Braithwaite’s artwork would be the extra lines around the mouths of all of Hell’s residents make them seem too muscled, or skinned. I get they need to be ghoulish and monstrous, but I find my eyes drawn to that instead of the focal points in the illustrations. I’m looking forward to seeing the rest of Thor’s quest through an unholy land play out.

Star Trek Burden of Knowledge #2

ScottTipton, David Tipton, Federica Manfredi, Joe Corroney

I really like this series. I like how it feels like an original episode. I like how Fredrica Manfredi’s artwork is representative of the original cast. I like the way the ink smells. But, like the true spirit of Star Trek, it points a mirror at society around it, for us to self examine, and in this issue it was our embrace of the internet and shrinking privacy. Our faithful crew happens upon planet Waasertla to see f they are ready to join the Federation of Planets, and find that the planet al share thought transmitters. All their thoughts flow together as the whole planet converses and shares knowledge and creative ideas without any privacy. As the crew investigates the planet, they discover a sect of dissidents, who want to think for themselves and have their own voice, and struggle the prime directive to choose what is right.

I really liked the idea behind the story and its resolve. Sure, it ends on the same hokey beats that all the episodes do, but despite the 22 color pages of sci-fi fun we were given, it still provoked thoughts of sharing too much in a digital society, and makes you wonder if the internet is stifling creativity. Again, the art is very well done, but I could have used thinner lines from the inker, and fewer shadow effects from colorist. I get that they want a more dimensional look, but the shadows on this are really heavy. Apparently, Issue 3 will have feature Scotty and Chekov, so I can’t wait to see where the crew’s 5-year mission will take them next.

Wonder Woman #601

Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Art and cover by DON KRAMER & MICHAEL BABINSKI

I enjoyed this book. It was a #1-styled beginning issue, it got us caught up on back story necessary to move forward while still entertaining, and it was beautifully illustrated. This was up in my top tier for the week. Now I know many fanboys out there are ready to burn JMS at the stake for Spider-man, and are certainly upset over the way Superman has been grounded. But if you think about it, he has been giving readers what they wanted: Some thing new to read. Okay, Supes taking a vacation from the rest of the DCU isn’t exactly new, but a flying super being choosing to walk the earth (insert Forest Gump joke) is something new. Putting Asgard in Oklahoma was something new. And rebooting Spider-man with a guilt-laden deal with the devil was new. Stupid, but new.

Wonder Woman is getting something new too. Not new duds, we did that last month, and that’s DC editorial and Jim Lee (nice pants). What we get here is a new idea that there is no secret island retreat for Diana, and she is now on a revenge and protect mission instead of a messenger of peace mission. JMS gives us something new by giving reader what they probably wanted deep down, a woman who doesn’t have to apologize for the “peace through force” mentality anymore. We get a woman on a mission, and her fantastic powers have been downgraded with a better than average explanation. Does JMS still have something to prove to fanboys? Why don’t you ask him? This comic reader believes that every writer has something to say, and a story to tell, and the good ones know not to rest on their laurels.

Art-wise, I love this. It was beautiful, the demonstration of her abilities like when she lands on the ground, or jumps was great, and he’s certainly selling us on those pants. Aside from great ass shots, and heroic poses, we also get a few panels of Diana’s emotions, and good storytelling. I’m going to keep on this book until the wheels fall off, probably for the same reason I enjoyed Thor so much. I don’t have years of reading invested in this character that may be tread upon due to a new direction, and of many of the great writers out there, I think JMS can deliver on the weighty God-like issues while keeping Diana’s feet on the ground.

The Hit List – Short comic book reviews of the week

Green Lantern #56

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by DOUG MAHNKE & CHRISTIAN ALAMY
Variant cover by Stanley “Artgerm” Lau

If feel like this book is winding down, or being mired in a plot that is dependant on so many ideas, that it cannot be streamlined. Sometimes a book needs to slow down and catch its breath for the sake of pacing, and it feels like this storyline is beginning to loose its rapid pace. Larfleeze makes another comical and classic appearance. Why else would the Greed Lantern stay, if not to find Santa Claus? But it is his knowledge on how to trap an avatar that makes him intriguing, and unfortunately, that now belongs to Hector Hammond. I know the book needs to breath for a moment while it comes down from the Blackest Night excitement, but with months in between issues, it’s hard to wait for the next issue and keep my energy up. At least this run will explain more about the other rings, and deepen the mythos behind the Green Lanterns.

Green Lantern Corps #50

Written by TONY BEDARD
Art and cover by ARDIAN SYAF & VICENTE CIFUENTES
Variant cover by PATRICK GLEASON

Speaking of, I wasn’t all that thrilled with this book. It was exciting, but how many more times do they have to deal with Cyborg Superman? This universe is beginning to feel as small as George Lucas’. Are they all going to be confined to Tatooine soon? I usually applaud the art and coloring, but I think the inker on this issue went a bit thick, and darkened the book more than necessary. I am curious to see what happens to Ganthet, and how this will all play out, so I’m still in, but let’s move this along, and in more interesting directions.

Justice League of America #47

Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by MARK BAGLEY, ROB HUNTER & NORM RAPMUND
Cover by MARK BAGLEY & JESUS MERINO

Funny, I was just bagging and filing the previous issues of this cross over event, and I drew a line in the sand. “If this doesn’t get any better by #47, I’m out”. So, I’m out. I have typed how much I can’t get into this new line-up, and how this cross over concerning the Starheart doesn’t even concern me, but this is just underwhelming. I’m not even sure if I will check this out in trade. The last cross over of this magnitude brought back a Flash, but this one is just….silly.

It feels like it wants to be good, it feel like Robinson is trying to build something, but the train never reaches the station. The artwork feels rushed and unfocused. You can look to one side of a panel, and see great detail, while on the other side, whole characters are lop-sided, and awkward. Mark Bagley normally does a splendid job, but this issue illustrates Georg Perez’s ability to draw crowds of characters, and not sacrifice quality. I’ll keep my eye on this, but I won’t keep it on my pull.

Batman: Return of Bruce Wayne #4

Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by GEORGES JEANTY
Cover by ANDY KUBERT
Variant cover by CAMERON STEWART

Rounding out the last bit of comics was Grant Morrison’s time-odyssey to reinstate Bruce Wayne as the Batman. This issue features Bruce in the old west, with Jonah Hex hired to kill him. At he end of the day, it’s Randal Savage who is trying to get a leg up, and Batman spoils everything. Jonah Hex, hoever, was hired to dispose of the nuisance that wears black and foils perfectly good villainy, and our favorite damned bounty hunter never misses. A mysterious box with the bat-symbol is passed about, and the mysterious cave people are dropped here and there.

I enjoyed this read, but I missed having the JLA/time-hunting team hot on Bruce’s heels. It sis too bad DC comics made that a spin-off comic, because the element is missed in this book. The action was fantastic, and you can tell Mr. Morrison has soaked in quite a few westerns since the archetypes were present, and playing good parts. It looks like Batman’s next stop in time is the 1900s.

Peter Schmeiser – Giggaheim Director
Peter is normally answering several questions everyday about continuity of the DC universe, the status of Spider-man, who has been cast in the latest movies, and what counts as canon in Star Wars. Pete enjoys voicing his opinions on the latest comic books, playing video games, and sharing his wealth of useless comic book knowledge with his friends. The Giggaheim was made to share that.

July 30, 2010 Tags: Batman, comic book reviews, DC Comics, Francis Manapul, Geoff Johns, green lantern, i have issues, IDW Comics, JLA, jonah hex, Marvel Comics, The Flash, thor, wonder Woman
Category: I Have Issues No Comments

Comic Book Reviews: I Have Issues: Week of 07.21.2010

I Have Issues is a comic book review on the week’s new releases. SPOILER WARNING: if you haven’t read your books yet, read no further.

This week was a great collection of variety, and I wasted no time diving in. We had a mass of capes books, different publishers, and different genres. Romantic thriller, horror, and adventure; all in one week, and all of it was good.

Walking Dead Vol 12 Life Among Them

story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art & cover CHARLIE ADLARD & CLIFF RATHBURN

I’m going to pull a fast one picking my favorite book of the week. I’ve never said as much, but I always wanted to highlight the issues that came out, instead of collections. However, I only read some titles in collected format. Robert Kirkman has revitalized Image Comics with two titles that have been both original and consistently good. One of them is Invincible, and the other is Walking Dead.

Volume 12 picks up after we learn that Carl has shot another child that none of the other survivors could deal with. Carl shot his best friend, and Rick has to somehow see his son through it. Meanwhile it’s revealed that Eugene is a phony, and the group’s quest to find civilization in Washington D.C. is a fools errand. Just as all hope seems lost, a stranger appears, and offers our survivors civilization. Kirkman dials up the tension higher and higher as the book progresses until the wow finish that always, always, always makes me want to read more.

The amount of mental damage theses people have by surviving in this harsh world is explored without any censorship. The decision they make, and the way the act around others feels organic to how the story progresses. The natural distrust of strangers, the hopeless feelings that life will never get better. The anger and guilt of being able to continually survive when others haven’t. The last chapter of the book was an incredible, and stressful, journey though what could have been the most hopeful moments of the survivors lives. Before the last page is revealed we have hope that they have finally found a place to call home, only to let the worst angles of their distrustful nature take hold. Brilliance in Black and White. Robert Kirkman successfully takes you on this journey with his characters, and through several story devices, makes you feel as mortal and venerable as they are. You feel as afraid, as angry, and distrustful of a good thing as they do. Before you know it, there is no escape from this story except for when the back cover closes.

This is why I love this book, and why I have to read it in collected trades. Not only is the stark black and white pencil work by Charlie Adlard a great setting for the book, but the writing never caters to small thoughts, it never ceases to be interesting, and it certainly never goes in a direction you imagine.

This story is coming to a small screen via AMC, and the Giggaheim has happily posted teases and news about it. The fan base is very guarded about spoiling the book to others due to its raw tension and suspense. When a community of braggarts creates a safety perimeter around a single story, it demonstrates with a ringing endorsement that this book is at a high mark that is impossible to reach.

Zatanna #3

Written by PAUL DINI
Art by STEPHANE ROUX & KARL STORY
Cover by STEPHANE ROUX
Variant Cover by BRIAN BOLLAND

I love this series. Love it. I’ll be getting a few copies of the trade to hand out to people, and put under Christmas trees. It is that good. Between Paul Dini’s ability to write issues that feel like they are a “Done In One” story that culminate in a 3 issue story arch is one thing, and Stephane Roux and Karl Story’s artwork works the combination punch.

Brother Blood makes his power play, and Zatanna winds up having to deal with him, and the ghost of her dead father. The nightmare imp comes back into play to save the day, and everyone gets what is coming to them. Without even having to open the book I remember certain panels, such as Zatanna’s look on her face when her father kisses he goodbye, and clever looks on the nightmare’s face as he an Zatanna broker a deal for his freedom. This was a fantastic issue, and I certainly hope it gains in readership. If you haven’t picked it up yet, do yourself a favor and get issues 1-3. They are a great read, and if you are a comic book reader, they are a great example of artists working at the top of their game.

Alan Moore Neonomicon #1 (OF 4)

Writer: Alan Moore
Artist: Jacen Burrows

Amid all the other news concerning Alan Moore, he had one of “his last” books begin to publish this week, Nenomicon. The book hurls us into an FBI investigation of a series of murders, and we are taken directly into an interrogation room for a serial killer. We learn that the killer speaks fluent gibberish, and clams up at the mention of a club. We gets hints that the female character has a few addictions before we try and catch the suspect. That’s all. I’m sure this book in its entirety will be good, but for now, I certainly don’t have enough story to persuade me to keep on reading. For a 4-issue book, Mr. Moore is certainly taking his sweet time getting to any point, or giving the reader anything worthwhile to read. I’ll be catching this one in trade.

Avengers #3

WRITER: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
PENCILS: John Romita JR.
COLORED BY: DEAN V. WHITE
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC
COVER BY: John Romita JR.

While Alan Moore’s latest outing would be described as a quiet thriller, Brian Michael Bendis writes a bombastic issue of Avengers #3. Picking up where we left off, Apocalypse and his horsemen battle the Avengers while they scramble to fix the time line that Kang wrecked.

While I think that John Romita Jr’s artwork is filled with busy lines, and every face seems to look the same to me, he does give the action panels a lot of energy. Naturally Bendis writes a few character moment panels, mainly around Spider-Man, that give us time to breath before we jump back into the action again. The issue was filled with action, but it felt as though we ran in circles this issue since there hasn’t been any real progress in the story. Marvel does their classic switch up by presenting covers that have nothing to do with what happens on the inside. Ugh.

Batman Beyond #2 (OF 6)

Written by ADAM BEECHEN
Art by JOHN STANISCI
Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

The mystery of Hush continues to deepen as Terry runs into a new Cat Woman. There are things that I like about this book, and some that fall flat on me. The general idea I have on the book is that this entire arch is a bridge between what Bat-books we read, and this futuristic world. I also feel that the next story might have the feel of a Batman Beyond book I was used to watching on TV. I’m digging the art style, as it is distinctly a Batman Beyond look and feel. The character designs, and Gotham’s backdrops are perfectly styled for a far-flung DC future. I only hope that we get to see a good fight between Terry and Hush.

Brightest Day #6

Written by GEOFF JOHNS & PETER J. TOMASI
Art by IVAN REIS, PATRICK GLEASON, ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK & JOE PRADO
Cover by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS
Variant cover by IVAN REIS

Another great chapter in the Brightest Day saga. The Martian Manhunter storyline took the front stage as J’onn discovers that his very touch kills all plant life around him while he tries to solve a series of gruesome murders. Meanwhile Mera reveals her new ret-conned origin as the intended assassin of Aquman. Also Deadman, Hawk and Dove try to fathom the secrets of the White Ring (which made me hungry) and the Firestorm matrix has one person too many in it.

See what a proper 22 pages can do? (Looking at you Alan) The art team does a great job of illustrating all the great locations, action and drama within the pages. There are only a few awkward panels considering the task of publishing this size of a story bi-weekly. The writing team as well is doing a great job of balancing several stories at once, keeping the pace high, the amount of story crammed, and keeping our interests high. Definitely worth picking up this issue.

G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #156

Writer: Larry Hama
Artist: Agustin Padilla
Cover: Agustin Padilla, Rod Whigham

Every once in a great while I peek in on G.I Joe to see what the book is up to. The book is like an old friend in many ways. The same character cast is there, good and bad. The same wild violence and vehicles. The comfy conflict between the Joes and COBRA. And this issue was a great demonstration of how to begin reading comics. Just pick the damn things up.

The first inner page has the synopsis of issues past, and the issue kicks right into Duke trying to reach out to the scattered Joes as COBRA tightens it’s marshal grip. Every Joe is given a spotlight of what they do best, and it took almost no time to read. Some books are hard to translate mediums. I’m used the cartoon of the 1980’s where lasers were shot everywhere wildly, people ran at each other, and the fight was constant. But when you see it panel to panel, the pace slows to a crawl, and soon its as if you are watching a slide show from a vacation.

Agustin Padilla should be commended for the layouts, and the way he actually captures all the action. From duke firing a grenade launcher at a COBRA officer’s face point blank, to Snake Eyes tearing into some Red Ninjas. The way he illustrated the action wasn’t heavy, or boring, but it was full of energy, and moved the story right along.

Justice Society Of America #41

Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by MARK BAGLEY & NORM RAPMUND
Cover by MARK BAGLEY & JESUS MERINO
“DC 75th Anniversary” Variant cover by GEORGE PÉREZ

I’m not too sure what is really going on here. I lost focus about 3 times, and continually found myself putting this book down. After we had the break-through of Obsidian being okay, he’s back to being a bad guy? Sheesh, and this isn’t the best JLA team. I had this book waiting for me, and frankly, I kept putting off reading it. This Jade, Brightest Day crossover thing just isn’t doing it for me. Some of the art is pretty good, but I wish the story (in its 2^nd issue) would be a bit more forth-coming on what the @#$ is going on. I get Brightest Day is the latest top secret cross over thing to slam a banner on to, but this is a true cross over event, and you need to give your readers more to go on, than just rehashing the events of what happened in the last issue of JLA. For that reason, I’m out on this. I really want to care about it, but frankly if they are going to make me wait to get answers, I’ll make them wait to get my money.

Time Masters Vanishing Point #1 (OF 6)

Written by DAN JURGENS
Art and cover by DAN JURGENS & NORM RAPMUND
Variant cover by CHRIS SPROUSE & KARL STORY

Yet another “What the @#$ is going on here” cross-over book by DC Comics. In the past few issues of Batman: the Return of Bruce Wayne, Grant Morrison has had a few JLA members (real ones) chasing after Bruce because he could destroy the time stream in his quest to get back home. Here we get the issues of what happened between those issues, behind the panels as it were, and as much as I like the Booster Gold book, and the Return of Bruce Wayne, this book looks like it will be more of the same. Frankly, I could do without it. The inconsistencies of telling Superman about the dangers of time travel (who as a kid played with the Legion of Super Heroes in the 31^st Century)for the sake of the audience, and the duplicate content of this story make it a redundant pick for me. It was pretty well done, but definitely not worth another book’s worth. Play this out in the pages of Booster Gold, but we don’t need another book that just catches up to the main Batman storyline.

True Blood #1

Writer: Alan Ball, David Tischman & Mariah Huehner Artist: David Messina
Cover: J. Scott Campbell, Joe Corroney, Andrew Currie, David Messin

I bought this one on the ol’ iPad, and read it digitally though the IDW comic reader app. Since the LCS didn’t have it in stock, and I was curious about this series, I was happy to see IDW did a simultaneous release in the digital world. I haven’t seen an episode of True Blood on HBO, but I was hoping for a good intro and story that would catch me up a bit, and still give me enough incentive to come back for issue #2.

Oh well.

Look, I’ll be straight here. I’m not too much into vampires. I think they are silly. But, I can also spot some clunky writing and chunky inking near the end when the Indian tentacle monster shows up. Since when do people use their full names when addressing others? C’mon. the whole book was filled with story devices that may work in other mediums, but are poorly disguised in the comics medium.

Alright enough bashing. Despite the freshman writing, the book could have some potential. As someone who doesn’t watch the show, I have no idea if the girl has some sort of mind reading power or not, so I’d like to get to the bottom of that. The artist seemed t nail Anna Paquin’s looks, and even though I find it a bit distracting, the out of focus backgrounds did lend some depth, and probably help transition TV viewers into the comics. I won’t be back fro this story, but hopefully someone who watches the show found it entertaining.

What did you think of this week’s releases? comment below, or start a thread on our forums! Sometimes comments and threads started will earn you some signed swag, so voice your opinion!!

Peter Schmeiser – Giggaheim Director
Peter is normally answering several questions everyday about continuity of the DC universe, the status of Spider-man, who has been cast in the latest movies, and what counts as canon in Star Wars. Pete enjoys voicing his opinions on the latest comic books, playing video games, and sharing his wealth of useless comic book knowledge with his friends. The Giggaheim was made to share that.

July 23, 2010 Tags: avengers, Batman Beyond, brightest day, dc omics, gi joe, icon comics, IDW Comics, Image Comics, JSA, Marvel Comics, Neonomicon, Robert Kirkman, True Blood, walking dead, Zatanna
Category: I Have Issues 4 Comments

I Have Issues Week Of: 6.30.2010

I Have Issues is a comic book review on the previous week’s new releases. SPOILER WARNING: if you haven’t read your books yet, read no further. These reviews will be posted a few days after comic book release day to give you time to read them so that you can throw your two cents in about what you thought of these books. The picks are currently limited, due to the small selection available in my local comic book shops, but hopefully that will change in a the future. Visit the Giggaheim.com Forums and start your non-censored, no-holds-barred thread on your favorite books.

Well the end of June brought another reassuring week with a fat stack of books to go home with. This was yet another week with a DC Comics milestone (Wonder Woman issue #600) and most of my favorite heroes all came out to play this week. So let’s see who came out to play….

Wonder Woman #600

Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI, GEOFF JOHNS, GAIL SIMONE, AMANDA CONNER & LOUISE SIMONSON
Art by GEORGE PÉREZ, DON KRAMER, SCOTT KOLINS, AMANDA CONNER, EDUARDO PANSICA, PHIL JIMENEZ, ADAM HUGHES, SHANE DAVIS, GREG HORN, JOCK, FRANCIS MANAPUL, GUILLLEM MARCH, IVAN REIS & NICOLA SCOTT
Cover by GEORGE PÉREZ
“DC 75th Anniversary” Variant cover by ADAM HUGHES

The solicit boasted: “gala celebration”: and they were not kidding. Hell, check out the credits above. Now Batman #700 was a fun hop, skip and jump through time to see how certain characters at as the Batman. Superman issue #700 got us caught up with current events, gave a glimpse of the “good ol’ days” and sent us on our merry way into the future. Wonder Woman #600 was truly an odyssey through the character that some view as the weaker of the holy DC Comics trinity. I disagree with the “lesser” commentary many throw around.

Do I read Wonder Woman comics on a monthly basis? Nope.

Do I read Batman comics on a monthly basis? Nope.

Do I read Superman comics on a monthly basis? Nope.

I attempted to read Wonder Woman when the title re-launched after Infinite Crisis. The beginning of the story seemed great, the art was gorgeous, and I was hooked. Well, many of us know how the rest panned out. But, I have never gotten into these books. It’s not the complaint I have on Superman or Batman, I just never found a good point to jump in, and Wonder Woman never had much of an appeal for me.

Until Now.

The book starts with Gail Simone and Georg Perez giving us a female heavy battle, and leaving off with a poignant ending that dove tales to the next story. Amanda Connor writes and pencils the next chapter of this gala with a clever short story with Wonder Woman and Power Girl. Louise Simonson and Eduardo Pansica give us the next adventure with Wonder Woman and Superman. Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins use 6 pages to introduce the next aspect of Wonder Woman written by J. Michael Stracznski and penciled by Don Kramer. Here we get Wonder Woman’s new getup,Wonder Woman whooping up on some henchmen, and then an oracle to tell us of things to come. With the exhibition of great artwork displaying Wonder Woman between the chapters, this was a gala event indeed.

Green Lantern #55

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by DOUG MAHNKE & CHRISTIAN ALAMY

This cover reminds me of comic books of the 1990s. Lobo featured on a cover was the same as foil, or embossing, but that time has passed. After such a large event book like Wonder Woman, 32 pages seems like a scant amount, but Johns puts the space he has to good use. Lobo is after Atrocitus, and most of the issue is Lobo dukeing it out with Hal, Sinestro, Atrocitus, and Carroll Ferris. The issue was a great display of the different rings’ powers, and the way the wielders use them, and Lobo’s meta commentary during the fight certainly made it all entertaining. Johns peppers in several plot point amongst the tinsel decorations of battle, to keep the uninitiated entertained, and the veterans interested. My favorite part of the issue was actually the back-up story of Dex-Starr, the Red Lantern Kitty-cat. Anyone else get a whiff of WE3? It was a story of a rage-filled being born into rage through tragedy, and the notion that a blue cat is the Red Lantern of sector 2814 was a surprise to me.

Thor #611

WRITER: Kieron Gillen
PENCILS: Richard Elson
INKS: Pasqual Ferry
LETTERED BY: VC – Joe Sabino
COVER BY: Mico Suayan

This book has been scaring the hell out of me (ha!). But seriously, if you read the column you have been treated to a sliding commentary ranging from happy at first, to fitful bitching. I have not been looking forward to this issue since JMS’ departure from the book. After the dust settled on Siege and Thor has to stand on its own; issue #611 would not be able to make the grade, and I would be forced to drop it from my pull list. I am happy to report that Kieron Gillen’s story so far is intriguing, within character, and deals with the past event well. Richard Elson’s artwork also helps matters immensely. Anytime you get a creative change, sometimes the wildly different art-style can kill interest in a book.

Asgard mourns it’s dead, while down in Hel, Loki’s plans continue to create mischief along after his departure. Brilliance. If you read the Loki tie-in for siege, this issue was set-up perfectly. (I could comment on that crap all day, but I’ll move on.) Eventually the Disir get permission to trespass into Asgardian realms, and our next adventure is kick-started. Frankly I’m digging this, and I’m on board. Between the great artwork, and the deeply mystical story, I am getting the fix I need from a Thor book. Whew!

The Flash #3

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
Variant cover by GREG HORN

Damn it, damn it, damnit! This book was late, but what I’m pissed at is it took freaking 3 minutes to read! So the big development in this book is that the newly resurrected Captain Boomerang can will boomerangs from the power of being a black lantern. The Renegades have some nifty futuristic powers, and it was cool to see Barry take them on. The best part of this book, like Green Lantern, was the back-up material. The Flash facts about how a boomerang works, and how he has these new powers were the type of pages that made me fall in love with this book when I was a kid.

Invincible #73

story ROBERT KIRKMAN

Art & cover RYAN OTTLEY & FCO PLASCENCIA

This book read exactly like the solicit promised. When last we left Invincible, he had killed Conquest, and his guts were all over the place. Nolan and Oliver stayed behind on the planet to watch over Invincible, while the rest of the united planets fight against the Viltrumites. Nolan and Oliver bond and Nolan trains Oliver while we are treated to scenes of the federation fighting a war that seems to be in stalemate without any real heroes or heavy hitters like our three main characters in the mix. I’m sure once Mark heals up, the book will have a fast and bloody pace next month.

JUSTICE COIN TOSS

Heads – Justice Society of America #40

Written by BILL WILLINGHAM
Art by JESUS MERINO & JESSE DELPERDANG
Cover by JESUS MERINO

Issue 40 wrapped the really great opening arch of the Nazi-future up in about 3 pages and much like his award-winning book Fables Bill Willingham wastes no time moving on to the next story. Jesus Merino knocks the art out of the park again, and using Mr. Terrific’s visions of the future, the JSA easily hands the Fourth Reich their collective asses. Of all the books this week, JSA had the most outstanding panels with the humorous page I posted yesterday, and a panel where Flash says “I’ve got your noses”. Classic stuff.

Tales – Justice League of America #46

Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by MARK BAGLEY & ROB HUNTER
Cover by MARK BAGLEY & JESUS MERINO

I want to like this book so badly, but the minute Jade starts filling in everyone on the Star Heart I found myself flipping through the pages and picking out things I wanted to read. Despite the cross over with JSA, I just can’t get into this group. I was hoping he new mix would be motivating like the strange cast in Secret Avengers, but instead I found myself skipping to the cliff hanger at the end where we see Alan Scott from Kingdom Come. Back to this well already? I think I’ll sit this one out.

Batman Beyond #1

Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by MARK BAGLEY & ROB HUNTER
Cover by MARK BAGLEY & JESUS MERINO

I must say I am genuinely shock how much I liked this book. I was in Orlando when Dan Didio announced the Batman Beyond Series at Megacon. I honestly couldn’t have cared. I watched season one, but then I went to college, and never really looked back. It was a cool idea, but by that point I was burned out on futuristic takes on my favorite characters, and just wanted a break from it all.

This book has a few things going for it though:

1) Good starting point. Its easy to jump into if you never watched the series, and not too boring to read if you watched every episode.

2) Intriguing character design. The new suit looks god in still shots. I was thinking that it might be dependant on movement to look cool, but it looks just as good in frozen panel shots

3) Good mystery. The plot jumps right into the mix, and begins a mystery that has a veteran reader wondering who from Bruce’s past will be coming to haunt him, and the last couple of pages pay off.

Star Trek: Burden of Knowledge #1

Writers: Scott Tipton and David Tipton
Art: Federica Manfredi

I’ll get the cliché’ part of this review out of the way: If you liked the original Star Trek series, you’ll love this. Now that is out of the way, I must say IDW Comics is doing a bang-up job with their licensed properties, and Star Trek hasn’t disappointed yet. My LCS manager puts these books in my pull, and every week I shrug my shoulders waiting to be disappointed, but so far, every book that has come to bat has either knocked it out of the park, or got on base.

This book reads like an episode of the classic show. I blame/congratulate the letterer since they must have spent some time to meticulously bold the best words to create that William Shatner rhythm we all know. Also the dialogue by Scott Tipton felt like an organic flow from the old series, and I was transported to my old living room on Sunday afternoons. Apparently this is actually going to be an ongoing series by IDW, so congrats to them cause is this joyfully put in my pull.

Death of Dracula #1

WRITER: VICTOR GISCHLER
PENCILS: GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
COVER BY: GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI & Marko Djurdjevic

This seems to be Marvel Comics latest event that will dominate story lines, and permeate our 4-color senses.

Meh.

So, in the spirit of leaving the reviews on a high note I did enjoy the ads for this cross-over. Enjoy!

July 2, 2010 Tags: Batman Beyond, comic book erviews, DC Comics, Death of Dracula, Flash, Geoff Johns, green lantern, i have issues, IDW Comics, Image Comics, invincible, JLA, JSA, Marvel Comics, Shatner, siege, star trek, Superman, thor, Woner Woman
Category: I Have Issues No Comments

I Have Issues: Free Comic Book Day Preview 2010

Free comic book day is a fantastic idea, and a great way to get into comics. Every first Saturday of May, your local LCS will give away comic books for FREE. Publishers will have certain titles they will give away, normally #1 issues, to help get new readers introduced to their titles. Here’s a few for this year’s FREE comic book day:

G.I. Joe #155 ½

Written by: Larry Hama

Art by: Agustin Padilla

IDW Publishing

This title has really had a renaissance in the past few years. The Origins stories have been a fun read, and I was happy to see one of my favorite childhood titles reinvigorated, and represented in Free Comic Book Day. IDW acquired this title from Marvel’s dust bin, and has done a stellar job. My only gripe with this book is it’s half an issue.

Love and Capes #13

Written and Drawn by: Thomas Zahler

Maerkle Press

I had been meaning to check this book out since I have heard many great things about this title. Thomas Zahler is a graduate of the Kubert Art School, and it certainly shows in this full issue give-away. The artwork could be described as a “Jetsons” look, with very clean lines, bold colors, and clean inking. It’s no wonder this romantic comedy is being picked up by IDW. A word of warning, there is no adventure, it’s really just a Superman & Lois type- of book.

Iron Man Thor

Written by: Matt Fraction

Art by: John Romita Jr.

Marvel Comics

Marvel wastes no opportunity to market its hot properties, and this is one of two books that Iron Man gets to star in. John Romita Jr. (of Kick-ass and Spider-Man fame) illustrated Matt Fractions fun little one shot story of mega-rich people abusing their power. Although I found the ending a little strange, it fit the fun nature of the story. This was probably my favorite of the Free Comic Book Day offerings.

Iron Man Nova

Written by: Paul Tobin

Art by: Craig Rousseau

Marvel Comics

And again with Iron Man. Nova and the cosmic characters have been quietly establishing a great series over at Marvel, and I was happy to see Nova introduced to new readers in Free Comic Book Day. This adventure has all the prerequisite pillars of a good book: Monkeys. Need I say more? Moving on…

DC Kids Mega Sampler

Creative Team: (W) Landry Walker, Art Baltazar, Franco, Sholly Fisch (A) Eric Jones, Art Baltazar, Mike Norton, Dario Brizuela (C) Baltazar

Publisher: DC COMICS

This is a great sampling of DC’s Eisner award winning work aimed at younger readers. Hell, I read “Tiny Titans” any chance I get, but “Super Friends” is just as enjoyable. If you are a comic book evangelist, I suggest getting as many left over copies as you can, and spreading the word. There are great books, and would make great stocking stuffers if the Xmas season was closer.

Absent from my shop: “War of the Supermen #0” I look just like Supes on the cover. “Waahhh!!”

April 30, 2010 Tags: Cobra, DC Comics, free comic book day, gi joe, IDW Comics, Image Comics, iron man, Love and Capes, Marvel Comics, Nova, superfriends, Superman, thor, tiny titans
Category: I Have Issues No Comments

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Posts Tagged ‘IDW Comics’

I Have Issues Week of: 9.22.2010

Fables #98

Flash #5

1 Month 2 Live #4

Hit Monkey #3

Nemisis#3

Star Trek Burden of Knowledge #4

I Have Issues Week of: 09.01.2010

One Month To Live #1 (OF 5)

Avengers Children’s Crusade #2 (OF 9)

Brightest Day #9

G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #158

Superman The Last Family Of Krypton #2 (OF 3)

Thor For Asgard #1 (OF 6)

Wolverine #1

Wolverine Road To Hell #1

I Have Issues Week of 08.11.2010

Justice League Generation Lost #7

Zatanna #4

Emerald Warriors #1

Superman #702

Dungeon & Dragons #0

The Books I Should Have Gotten Last Week.

Rasl #8

S.H.I.E.L.D. #3

I Have Issues Week of 8.04.2010

Avengers Prime #2

Brightest Day #7

Avengers: The Origin #5

Drive By Reviews

Irredeemable #16

The Rage of Thor

G.I Joe: A Real American Hero #157

Batman Odyssey #2

Hit Monkey #2

Superman: Last Family of Krypton

Flash #4

Thor #612

Star Trek Burden of Knowledge #2

Wonder Woman #601

Wonder Woman #600

Green Lantern #55

Thor #611

The Flash #3

Invincible #73

JUSTICE COIN TOSS

Heads – Justice Society of America #40

Tales – Justice League of America #46

Batman Beyond #1

Star Trek: Burden of Knowledge #1

Death of Dracula #1

G.I. Joe #155 ½

Love and Capes #13

Iron Man Thor

Iron Man Nova

DC Kids Mega Sampler

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