Reading and Writing 2.8.2011

The first dedicated "review" blog of last week's comic releases, or at least the ones I bought. Thanks to Chad W. and Dave F. for suggesting this as a feature.

So, welcome to Reading and Writing for 2.8.2011 - Books released on 2.2.2011

Batman Odyssey #6

I've generally been a defender of this series, and I still consider it a must-read. It's Neal Adams artwork, for God's sake! You don't just write that off.

That said...This is the first issue of this series where I had trouble figuring out what the hell was going on, and simply how I was supposed to move from panel to panel. I also respect Adams' desire to fit a lot of story into each issue, but this is like the full opposite of the decompressed storytelling that's overrun the industry. Yet, in a way, it's exactly the same. The story doesn't really move very far forward in this issue, but a crap-load of exposition is spewed out.

Not to mention a really, really poor ending. I mean, Bruce says, "I'm tired," and collapses into sleep on the Batcave floor? What the hell was that? It was almost like a joke, a way to end the issue quickly because, well...that was 22 pages.

Disappointed.

Brightest Day #19

Hey, Aquaman got his had cut off...again. Which is fine, I always thought the "harpoon-hand" was pretty badass, but, once again, where is this series going? The Deadman/Liveman/White Lantern/Whatever stuff in the first half of the issue is obviously trying to put the pieces in position to start wrapping things up, but it certainly feels like too little, too late.

The "Aquawar" section was at least propulsive, but, maybe I''m stupid, why are Mera's people attacking the surface world? The answer might be in the book, but, frankly, it made no impact. It was just something for Aquaman and the new Aqualad to run from/through, then, bam! Black Manta cuts off Aquaman's hand...again.

The art is really solid, and unified, on this book. That's saying something for this schedule and the sheer number of artists working on it. It at least looks fantastic.

Jonah Hex #64

Heh, that one was twisted. A tale of sexual perversion isn't the usual for Hex, but they've hit on almost every other form of perversion, so why not? As usual, there's not much backstory, and half the dialogue is in untranslated Spanish. That, however, is really one of the strengths of this book. I love how each issue pretty much just drops you, and Jonah, into the middle of something that's already in play, and Hex's eye for human weakness makes it crystal clear to him very quickly.

"Nelson" was this month's artist, and he's got a very clean, precise line. His women are nice, too, which is fitting for a story turning on a beautiful woman. He's (She's?) an artist I would love to see on any superhero book, it's that kind of work, but it didn't really feel like Jonah Hex art. Too clean, in a modern comic book way. I've grown used to seeing very identifiable, quirky artists on this series, Jordi Bernet, Darwyn Cooke, and Nelson doesn't have a lot of quirk.

The Stand: No Man's Land #1

This book is really hard to review for me. It's a really good adaptation of the novel, and the team has plenty of room (with 30 issues, when all's said and done) to tell the story right. I can reccommend it very much, if you like the book. The script by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa is excellent, the art by Mike Perkins fits the material.

It's hard to really mention anything else. If you're reading these connected mini-series, you're likely a Stephen King fan, and if you're a Stephen King fan, you've likely read The Stand.  There's not going to be a lot surprising, nor is there anything that's going to upset you.

I mean, my only complaint is that Larry Underwood has looked less and less like Bruce Springsteen (who King suggested should play the role in a movie) as the series have gone forward. But, y'know, whatever...

...and there you go.

Ultimate Comics New Ultimates #5

OK, so, I can't even tell you how long it's been since issue #4 of this series. I mean, what the hell is the deal with Ultimates projects?Yes, yes, I know you want a "hot" artist, but, my God....I feel like this mini-series started almost two years ago. It was right after that Ultimatum nightmare, right?

I mention this because, it took me at least 4 pages to try to re-set my brain to where we actually were with this story, and what the hell was at stake. Yeah, yeah, Marvel provides a "quick recap" on the first page, but does anybody else remember when, A) you got that info in one cation on the opening splash page, and B) The characters themselves would re-iterate the events throughout the story? Yes, I know that's not the most "realistic" way for people to talk...

But I remind you...It's a COMIC BOOK, about a man out of time, a Norse God and a dude that build himself a suit of armor that would need a nuclear reactor to power it. I don't read superhero comics for realism, no matter what Mark Millar's deal is. I just wish, especially if your artist is gonna need five months between issues, you reflected that in the writing.

Now, on that score, Frank Cho's art is pretty stunning, but not his best. Some of the female figures, which we all know is his strong suit, seem a bit out of proportion in some panels. It's not terrible, and I certainly couldn't do any better, but with the wait we've had...?

New Comic Day 2.2.2011 (Blizzard Edition)

Well, with the weather in Chicage being as it is, I really doubt many people will actually get their books in this town. Also check for a new feature at the end of today's blog...

Batman Odyssey #6 (of 12) $3.99

Written by NEAL ADAMS
Art and cover by NEAL ADAMS
1:10 Black and white variant cover by NEAL ADAMS

The first part of Neal Adams's Batman epic comes to a dramatic conclusion as Batman, Deadman and The Joker – working together and against each other – break into Arkham Asylum and confront the doctors who control the most heinous criminals. But does some other powerful individual control these monsters? Is it the Sensei, the deadliest martial artist in the word and leader of the League of Assassins? Or is it Ra's al Ghul, the greatest opponent Batman has ever faced? And is The Dark Knight willing to let Talia die to bring this monstrous clash to an end?

Well, that's the halfway point. I'm sure there will be another round of "this sucks" from the online crowd. Me? I'm enjoying it in much the same way I enjoyed All-Star Batman and Robin. It's a major, classic talent taking Batman and running with it in a very personal way. Yeah, it is a bit "talky," and I wish Adams had given O'Neil a call. You can't argue that the art is amazing, however.

Brightest Day #19 $2.99

Written by GEOFF JOHNS & PETER J. TOMASI
Art by IVAN REIS, PATRICK GLEASON,
ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK & JOE PRADO
Covers by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS
1:10 Variant Covers by IVAN REIS

The BRIGHTEST DAYS are numbered as this best-selling series heads toward its shocking conclusion, and fans won't want to miss a single page of the action! "Aquawar" breaks out with Aquaman, Mera, Aqualad and a surprise guest star facing off against the terrorist forces of Black Manta and Siren to keep the vast waters of the world from sinking the United States!

Oh, Jesus..."Aquawar"....I smell another endless crossover event.



Jonah Hex #64 $2.99

Written by JUSTIN GRAY & JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art and Cover by NELSON

Jonah Hex was only looking for a little peace and quiet, but he didn't know it was time for the festival known as San Juan's Day. He also didn't know that this festival tends to bring out the crazy in people, but he should've figured that out as soon as he met Rosa. That big knife in her hand should've been a clue…

Look, folks...Get it through your head. BUY THIS BOOK!!







The Stand: No Man's Land #1 $3.99

Penciller: Mike Perkins
Inker: Tim Bradstreet
Colorist: LAURA JEAN MARTIN
Letterer: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC

While Frannie and Stu struggle to find a balance between their personal lives and their public personas, an unholy, unspeakable alliance is born between Harold Lauder and Nadine Cross. It's a date with destiny, orchestrated by the Dark Man, and it could very well mean doom for the Boulder Free Zone. It's time to commune with the spirits of the dead, True Believers, and their message is clear: "You cannot miss what's coming next!"

Y'know, Marvel's solicitation materials have been for shit lately. Last week, there were no credits for the creative team on Captain America, at all, and this week...Who wrote this?

Anyway, this mega-project has been a pretty solid adaptaion of one of my favorite novels.

Ultimate Comics New Ultimates #5 $3.99

Writer: Tim Bradstreet
Artist: FRANK CHO
Colorist: JASON KEITH

New Ultimates

"New Ultimates?" Way to go, Marvel. I have to wait, what? Six months between issues? It would probably help if you'd give us a little something to help remember what's going on.
 
 
 
 
 
Capsule Reviews of last weeks books.
 
I'm hoping to actually set aside a day each week to actually talk about the books after I've read them, as has been suggested. Unfortunately, last week got away from me, but here's a rundown.
 
Detective Comics #873
Scott Snyder and Jock continue to impress. I'm hoping for a retrun engagement with The Dealer, hopped up on Venom and Man-Bat formula, or not. It's genuinely one of the most logical, original, and creepy new bat-foes in a good long time.
 
That said, lost points for the "Batman wakes up to something horrible, but...oh, he's just under chemical influence" thing. That lost it's cachet with O'Neil and Adams.
 
SHAZAM! #1
Sold out at my store. Didn't get it.
 
Captain America #614
As I suspected, Bucky manages to escape custody to tackle the New Red Skull and her crew. He's gotta go handle it, despite the fact that STEVE FRIGGIN' ROGERS told him he would handle it. Once again, I'm struck by the ego on Mr. Bucky Barnes. Yeah, yeah, you're Captain America...but when the REAL Captain America tells you he's gonna handle the situation, it pretty much diffuses my belief in you having to deal with it yourself.
 
I did love the use of Doctor Faustus, both in the courtroom, and in the paddywagon conversation with Bucky. Ed Brubaker is doing really amazing work with this book, even if I don't like every choice, it's all executed well.
 
The Nomad back-up feature? It's good, but not great.
 
Ultimate Spider-Man #152
OK, first off, the Iron Man bit was amazingly funny. I love how these guys are suppoed to teach Peter how to be a hero, but they are so utterly removed from any sort of "regular" life, it's starting off as a disaster. I mean, none of the Ultimates has a "secret identity," they're all celebrities. Stark catches on quick, but it makes complete sense that he'd not even think about flying down to May Parker's house and asking for Spider-Man. Brilliant bit, and I think it point toward how this whole "plan" S.H.I.E.L.D. has cooked up is not going to end well.
 
Also, the conversation with Gwen was, as usual, letter-perfect. It's just amazing to me how much of a handle Bendis has on these characters.
 
And, of course, the Black Cat/Mysterio stuff is simmering well. I can't help but figure this is the plotline that's going to erupt when Bagley returns for "The Death of Spider-Man."

New Comic Day 10.20.2010

Oh boy...big week. Should'a seen it coming, with the last several weeks being fairly light

Batman and Robin #15 ($2.99)

Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by FRAZER IRVING
Cover by FRANK QUITELY
1:25 variant cover by FRAZER IRVING

In the final chapter of "Batman Must Die," all is lost and everything has gone to pieces! Is Dick Grayson alive? Will Damian make a pact with the devil? And what will happen after the final confrontation with Dr. Hurt?

So, we're hurtling toward the return of Bruce Wayne. I'm really hoping they keep this title active. I'm sure they will, what with Bruce apparently trotting the globe in Batman, Inc. setting up international "Batman Franchises" like some sort of crime-fighting McDonalds, leaving Gotham City to Dick and Damian.

God, I wish they'd take Grant Morrison off the Batman titles...put him on Justice League, for God's sake..He's already proved he's made for that.

Brightest Day #12 ($2.99)

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
and PETER J. TOMASI
Art by IVAN REIS, PAT GLEASON
ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK
and JOE PRADO
Cover by DAVID FINCH
1:10 Variant covers by IVAN REIS

Don't miss the hottest event in comics as the biweekly BRIGHTEST DAY continues with the return of the Black Lanterns! Has time run out for our resurrected heroes? Plus, you must not miss the stunning origin of the new Aqualad, the battle between Aquaman and Black Manta, and the bizarre journey of Jason Rusch and Ronnie Raymond as they delve into the inner workings of the Firestorm matrix and uncover its secret!

So, here we are, twelve issues into a series that, I still say, could've been wrapped up in a 5-6 issue mini-series. I dunno what to say anymore, honestly. I am interested, otherwise I wouldn't be buying it, but fer Christ's sake, can't we move it along a bit? At every point where I feel like we're set up to resolve something, they cut away to another story, and, when they finally cut back...start building again.

Tell the story, let it be as long as it needs to be. Then END it. This did not need to be, in any way, a year-long bi-weekly.

Justice League of America #50 ($4.99)

Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by MARK BAGLEY
with POW RODRIX
and ROB HUNTER
and NORM RAPMUND
Gatefold cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
1:75 "DC 75th Anniversary" Variant cover
by JIM LEE
1:10 Variant cover by MARK BAGLEY

Jade is plagued by the remanants of the Black Lantern, and Dr. Impossible and his group's machinations unleash the Crime Syndicate upon the JLA's Earth as BRIGHTEST DAY continues shining! What are their true plans? And can the World's Greatest Heroes handle these evil incarnations – or is the entire Multiverse doomed?

It's "do or die" time for this title. I'm sticking to my guns, if #50 isn't a home run, or at least a solid triple, I'm out. It pains me to drop a title Mark Bagley is drawing, but this book has been so, just...nothing.

Justice League ought to be a flagship title for DC, it ought to be a place for the top characters in huge stories, but it's just been hamstrung, left and right, by these stupid crossovers. Then when Dwayne Duffie dared to actually admit that point, which we all knew anyway, they fired him. Stupid. This could be a top-notch title. Bagley is the right artist for it, but Robinson is not the writer, and you need to let the "big guns" out to be part of it. This title reeks of mediocrity, because DC Editorial won't let it be anything else.

The Spirit #7 ($3.99)

Written by DAVID HINE
Co-feature written by JAN STRNAD
Art by MORITAT
Co-feature art by RICHARD CORBEN
Cover by LADRÖNN

"Frostbite" concludes with all-out gang war in the streets! Just how far will the Octopus go to take back control? You won't believe your eyes – and neither will the man on the receiving end of the Octopus's fury!

And in the SPIRIT: BLACK and WHITE co-feature, Jan Strnad and Richard Corben bring you a Halloween treat – Central City's favorite dead man battling a werewolf!

I'm really liking this new "Next Wave" version of The Spirit, mainly because it really seems to have nothing to do with the rest of the atrocious "Next Wave" titles. Seriously, DC should be embarrassed to have published the first two issues of Doc Savage. The main teams have found a nice way to keep the "classic" Spirit feel, while being obviously modern, as opposed to the highly-stylized world that Darwyn Cooke created for the character in the last series.

You also have the excellent "Black and White" tales as a back-up feature. Top-notch teams playing with Will Eisner's creation with no continuity restrictions. This is one back-up feature I'm going to be very sad to see go when DC drops the $3.99 price point.

The Stand: Hardcases #4 ($3.99)

COVER BY: THOMAS LEWIS COKER
PENCILS: MICHAEL PERKINS
INKS: MICHAEL PERKINS
COLORED BY: LAURA JEAN MARTIN
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC

In a house in the newly established Boulder Free Zone, behind closed doors, seven soul survivors are holding a clandestine meeting. Their agenda: Saving a disease-decimated country and protecting themselves against the threat of the dark man. But what are they missing? Harold Lauder, who is biding his time and plotting his revenge... And Mother Abagail, who is having a crisis of faith and coming face-to-face with her personal demons... Hold your breath and say your prayers, True Believers, as we head towards the final conflict!

The quite good adaptation of Stephen King's novel continues. Again, all I can really say is, if you're a fan of the book, it's worth a read. Quite enjoying it.

Ultimate Comics New Ultimates #4 ($3.99)

COVER BY: FRANK CHO
WRITER: JEPH LOEB
PENCILS: FRANK CHO
INKS: FRANK CHO
COLORED BY: JASON KEITH
LETTERED BY: RICHARD STARKINGS

Thor's reborn and on a rampage! Finally freed from Hela's clutches, Thor reunites with his teammates only to discover Loki's wicked betrayal. How will the Ultimates be able to stop an Asgardian gone wild? Join superstars JEPH LOEB and FRANK CHO as Thor makes a thunderous return to the Ultimate Universe!

I'm actually surprised to see this issue, it's been so long since the last. I mean, it's not unexpected, Cho is notoriously slow, but the results are usually quite spectacular. Now, I just have to remind myself of what, exactly, is going on in this series. Times like these I wonder if waiting for the trade isn't the smartest choice.

And from the "Maybe" file:

Ragman: Suit of Souls #1 ($3.99)

Written by CHRISTOS N. GAGE
Art by STEPHEN SEGOVIA
Cover by JESUS SAIZ

Rory Regan has long struggled to reconcile the burden he carries as the Ragman, protector of society's forgotten, with his own strained faith.

Could the souls he has consigned to redeem themselves within his mystic suit have the answers he needs about what lies beyond — and about the mysteries kept from him by his own father? Christos Gage (STORMWATCH: PHD, Avengers: The Initiative) and Stephen Segovia (Wolverine) provide a look inside one of the DCU's most peculiar Super Heroes in this standalone one-shot!

Huge Ragman fan from way back. A deliciously weird concept, with a heaping helping of Jewish mysticism. With this being a one-shot, I am likely to pick it up, but I'll probably thumb through it before making the call.

New Comic Day 5.5.2010

Here we are with another edition of the day when my wife doesn't read my blog.

Decent-sized week, but not too bad overall, only 1 $3.99 book (thanks, Marvel.)

Batman and Robin #12

Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by ANDY CLARKE and SCOTT HANNA
Cover by FRANK QUITELY
Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE

All is revealed in this final installment of "Batman vs. Robin" – the identity of the Domino Killer, the terrifying secret of the dominoes, and the shocking truth behind El Penitente! All of this, plus the surprising return of a fanfavorite character!

Return of a fanfavorite character?!?! Who could that be? WHO COULD THAT BE!?!!?

P.S. - This series is fantastic.

Brightest Day #1

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

BRIGHTEST DAY continues, but in ways you can't possibly expect! What does BRIGHTEST DAY mean to the DC Universe? Is everything from here on out going to be bright and shiny? No, BRIGHTEST DAY means something else entirely, something we can't tell you...yet. But we can tell you our heroes will need to rise up more than ever to combat the forces of evil, and a select few will uncover a secret that binds them ALL.

Brightest Day begins...

Two comments: Holy moley, an event series for only $2.99 and issue?! I'm in love with DC right now. Second, I thought David Finch was the artist on this series, not just the cover artist?...I feel just slightly ripped off. Maybe he's just already behind, and they brought in 5 other artists to finish the book on time, when he only got the cover done...

Ah, I am so bitchy about artists from the 90's, aren't I?

Jonah Hex #55

Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art by VICENTE ALCAZAR
Cover by WALTER SIMONSON

When you've lived the kind of life that Jonah Hex has, there isn't much that can unnerve you. So what is it about a kid named Billy Dynamite that has him so shook up? A tale of epic violence, fisticuffs, tragedy and, yes, dynamite, as illustrated by classic JONAH HEX artist Vicente Alcazar!

So, apparently the Josh Brolin-starring movie isn't impressing the preview audiences, and the movie's opening opposite Toy Story 3, so box office triumph isn't in the cards. (Although, I'm hearing Brolin is very good.) That said, I don't look to movie versions to justify the existence of a comic **cough*anythingwrittenbyMarkMillar*cough**, and this series is, flat out, one of the best on the market. Pick it up, you won't be disappointed.

Red Robin #12

Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST
Art and cover by MARCUS TO and RAY MCCARTHY

Every single moment of the last year has led to this fight between Red Robin and Ra's al Ghul. Who has Ra's been talking to all this time in the shadows? Why was Lucius Fox so desperate to find Tim Drake? And why was Tim so certain that Bruce Wayne is alive in issue #1? All questions are answered.

This is gonna be good. Red Robin has been the little series that could, it started out feeling a little odd, but then got right on the tracks, and now that tight plotting is gonna pay off. Good series, but very continuity-driven, so not for newbies.

Ultimate Comics New Ultimates #2

COVER BY: Frank Cho
WRITER: Jeph Loeb
PENCILS: Frank Cho

THE NEW ULTIMATES are here -- and just in time to take on LOKI and the hordes of ASGARD. But when Amora the Enchantress goes to work on the team, who will betray them? And what terrifying pact will Thor make with Hela to be reborn? All this and the superstar team of Jeph Loeb and Frank Cho (who is doing the work of his career!).

OK, so another alternate take on The Avengers, and once again...Let's fight Loki!! There are, literally, dozens of epic-level threats you could have a team like this deal with, and I'm really tired of them always going to the Norse Gods thing. Yes, I know Thor's on the team, but there's no need to center every story on him. It's only been two issues, so I'll give this a bit of breathing room, but both this series and Ultimate Comics Avengers just feel like they're slogging now. Brian Michael Bendis keeps popping home runs over in Ultimate Comics Spider-Man, why not order what he's drinking for a month or two?

Also on my mind with this issue...All 4 DC books this week are $2.99, and the Marvel book is $3.99. Yet, I hear tons of fanboy bitching about "DC jacking up prices." I don't get it, I don't. Every $3.99 DC book I've picked up has had an 8-page back-up feature, which, at least, gives me something for my extra buck. I can't say the same about Marvel.

All the Ultimate line books are $3.99, with standard 22-page stories. They also happen to be popular. In fact, it seems like all of Marvel's big sellers went up to that $3.99 price point.

Hmmm.....