I Have Issues tries to avoid spoilers, but sometimes it is necessary to cover plot points in order to fully review the material. We will give cautions, but be warned: The following material may contain Spoilers.
I have some catch up mini reviews for you guys. Sorry I’ve been delayed on them:
Knight and Squire #6
Written by Paul Cornell
Art by Jimmy Broxton
Published by DC Comics
Issue six concludes a great run on a traipse through England’s meta community in the DC Comics universe. Previously, we have been guided through a strange community of super heroes and villains in the U.K.. Knight and Squire are England’s version of Batman and Robin, and while they have some “wacky” adventures, Gotham’s Joker shows up to spoil the good time. England’s version, Jarvis Poker, was an admirer of the Joker, but had been diagnosed with a terminal condition. While attempting to go out with a bang, the Joker shows up, worried for his own reputation, and decides to teach them all what super villainy can be. In issue six Jarvis Poker teaches him what super heroism is about.
This book has been a smart adventure from cover to cover. It’s akin to turning on BBC to watch reruns of Coupling instead of reruns of Friends. Cornell and Broxton create a who new world for us to explore and enjoy, and then shatter it with the reality of another culture we are so familiar with. In the end, the British amalgam we fell in love with and its spirit triumph, and even though it could be considered a forgone conclusion, it was a great to spend some time across the pond and share an adventure.
Jennifer Blood #2
Written by Garth Ennis
Art by Adriano Batista
Published by Dynamite Comics
Soccer mom meets assassin. Oh wait, Hyper violent and unbridled sexuality meets soccer mom. Or maybe….nah I think that nailed it. Jennifer Blood continues her charade of mother and housewife and assassin. She has been targeting uncles who are crime lords, and we learn in issue two that she has a checkered past that she is trying to erase. Like any Garth Ennis book, this is for mature audiences due to graphic content, which is something as a mature radre I really enjoy. And honestly, this subject matter isn’t for kids. Ennis tells a good tale with some ironic twist that intrigue. Although the artwork isn’t quite what I enjoy, it does illustrate the tale and bring the story to life enough to enjoy it.
Kick-Ass 2 #2
Written by Mark Millar
Art by John Romita Jr
Published by Icon
Well the dust continues to settle, and in this issue we see a growing superhero community who tries to clean up the streets. More importantly, Millar starts to bring the psychology of masked avengers to a realistic light. The question of : Who would do this? that Alan Moore posed to us in Watchmen is continually updated in Kick-Ass, and this book has a more fantastic appeal due to the narrative by its title character. Only a young man would have the naiveté and the passion to pursue something that he feels is heroic, but would lead to even darker paths.
Issue two introduces one of Dave’s friends, Marty, and also a growing faction of bad guys lead by Red Mist. Near the end pf the issue we see just how far the “good guys” are willing go, and are left with more questions that will take a few months for us to answer. JR JR’s artwork continues to service the book and bring a unique signature that every reader recognizes as Kick-Ass.
The Avengers #11
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by John Romita Jr
Published by Marvel Comics
The Infinity Gauntlet storyline continues as all the powerful Avengers attack the Red Hood while Xavier attempts to get at his Infinity Gem, unfortunately Xavier is bested, and the Red Hood only needs one more Gem, which apparently Thanos has. This story is exactly what I like about Avengers stories. It’s too big for any one hero, it has all sorts of technology and mythology, and it has a great cast of characters. Jr Jr’s work has never been my favorite, but I have become acclimated to it and I have always enjoyed the angles and camera work he does. Avengers continues to be a flagship title for Marvel comics.
Thor #621
Written by Matt Fraction
Art by Pasqual Ferry & Salvador Larroca
Published by Marvel Comics
Thor’s latest storyline comes to an end, and Fraction brings the saga of the World Eaters to a close. Frankly, it was a bit trippy, but all things divine and mystical usually are, and should never be within explanation. However a lot of damage was done in this last storyline, and I have a feeling that much of it will lay out in the pages of Fear Itself. Fraction is doing a great job of creating a mystical side of Thor and of course bringing back Odin. I must say the split art duties are noticeable, and during the large fight between Gods you can see the sketch lines and the renderings of these mystical elements are a bit basic. For beginning story makers, it would be a treat to look through these pages like it would be to peek backstage. For me it drew me out of the story. I hope the next storyline for Thor is a bit more engaging, and less alienating.
Ultimate Spider-man #156
Written by Michael Brian Bendis
Art by Mark Bagley
Published by Marvel Comics
DEATH OF SPIDER-MAN!!!!! Well not in this issue anyways, but Marvel is keen to remind us at every turn. Regardless of any opinions of Marvel’s marketing machine, Bendis has set the stage for a tragic end. Peter Parker has everything he has wanted. His job is good, and his boss treats him well. He’s got Mary Jane back, and the Ultimates are training him how to be a better hero. Life is good for Pete, and unfortunately we Spider-man readers know that this could never stay this way. In this particular issue, we see the Sinister Six escape, and Captain America has taken to calling Peter out on his reckless ways. Naturally, with all Bendis books, there are massive quantities of dialogue but its all fantastic reading. I feel sorry for Peter, but excited for the story to continue.
In this episode we will review what came out, give our short reviews on the films, and read your comments you submitted for the Summer Blockbusters of 2011. We review:
