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April Comics by Mike-oh
Here's a quick review of the comics I'm reading this month. Updated each week. Descriptions are pulled from Midtown Comics' web site (New York City's finest comic book shop). Editorial is what I write.

Week of April 25 Podcast

Here it is! The second podcast from PositiveBrand. (I'll probably stop counting after this.) You can listen to this week's review by clicking here.

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Here's the list of comic books reviewed this week.
52 Week #51
Justice Society of America #5
Justice #11
Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America #2

Week of April 18 Podcast

This week is the beginning of PositiveBrand's Weekly Comic Book Review Podcast. You can listen to this week's review by clicking here.

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Here's the list of comic books reviewed this week.
52 Week #50
Justice League of America #8
Nightwing Annual #2
The Spirit #5
World War III #1-4
X-Factor #18

Week of April 11

52 Week #49
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Various

Description:
The end is near! As the year races towards its close, we follow our heroes through their final steps in space — and time! From the mean streets of Gotham to the far reaches of deep space, the last weeks tick down to their shattering conclusion. World War III is just the beginning! Plus, more origins of the DC Universe!

Editorial:
"You shouldn't have taken away my meds." Will Magnus, inventor of the Metal Men, is one bad mo'fo'. He totally messes up Egg Fu. And he lets down Mad Scientist Island's defenses letting in the JSA and setting free the imprisoned and extremely angry Black Adam. There are going to be fireworks in the next issue, guaranteed.

All-Star Superman #7
DC
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Frank Quitely

Description:
The world is flipped upside down when the Man of Steel encounters his topsy-turvy doppelganger Bizarro! Round and square Earths collide in all-out, All Star action as two mismatched Supermen go toe-to-toe.

Editorial:
This is still the best Superman comic book out there. Maybe the best superhero comic out there. But it's infrequent visits to the comic book store and subsequently, to my hot little hands makes me feel like a dog whose master is always gone to sea and comes home two or three times a year.

Tales of the Unexpected #7
DC
Writer: David Lapham, Brian Azzarello
Artist: Tom Mandrake

Editorial:
We find out this issue that this is issue 7 of 8. Which means they will be wrapping up the Spectre story and the Dr. 13 story in the next issue. I'm interested in how the Dr. 13 story ends. And I'm hoping it comes out in a collected trade. I bet it will be 3 times more entertaining when it's alls strung together.

Two Guns #1
Boom Comics
Writer: Steven Grant
Artist: Matt SantoLouco

Description:
In the vein of OCEAN'S ELEVEN or THE ITALIAN JOB is a pulp story about cops and thieves and the men that are something in between. Trench has targeted a local bank to rob, and asked Steadman to give him a hand. Trench figures it's a great way to score — considering it's a cover for mob money. They're thieves ripping off thieves. But what Steadman doesn't know is that Trench is a DEA agent. But what is Steadman's secret? Is he who he appears to be?

Editorial:
Boom Comics seems to promote all of their titles by comparing them to movies. "In the vein of OCEAN'S ELEVEN or THE ITALIAN JOB is a pulp story about..." sets up this premier issue of Two Guns. Cover Girl is called "A Lethal Weapon and Rush Hour-style action-comedy!" And Dominion is "A new series that takes the storytelling tone of the TV show Heroes and gives it an Independence Day twist." It makes them sound like they wouldn't know an original idea if it kicked them in the crotch. Too bad, too. Two Guns is a solid comic. And I'll be picking up issue 2 in spite of the ham fisted promotion.

B.P.R.D: Garden of Souls #2
Dark Horse
Writer: Mike Mignola, John Arcudi
Artist: Guy Davis

Description:
Abe Sapien's investigation brings him closer to a jungle compound housing a group of cyborgs with a strange connection to his own past. Meanwhile, in the new B.P.R.D. headquarters basement, Johann makes a startling discovery about a member of the team, and Liz has a vision of the end of the world.

Editorial:
Guy Davis is an amazing artist. I can't think of another artist that uses such an abstract, stylized approach so convincingly. I just sit here staring at his panels, mesmerized by they're detail and deftness. (I'm so jealous.) Mignola and Arcudi tell a captivating story that introduces us to strange characters in pressurized diving suits hanging out with bizarre creatures like some kind of Island of Doctor Morreau (sp). This is good stuff. DOn't miss it.

Deathdealer #1
Image
Writer: Nat Jones, Jay Fotos, Joshua Ortega
Artist: Nat Jones

Editorial:
Cool. It's hard to figure out how this one hadn't been produced before now. Everybody totally digs Frazetta's art and these geniuses finally brought it to life in a comic book. Nat Jones art is really great throughout. The story is compelling even though it seems to be borrowing heavily from the Outlaw Jose Wales and Sleepy Hollow. Still, I'm impressed.

Fell #5
Image
Writer: Warren Ellis
Artist: Ben Templesmith

Editorial:
Snowtown is one creepy place. Warren Ellis is one freaky dude. And Ben Templesmith is one amazing artist. If I thought Detective Fell's encounters were simply the invention of the warped mind of Ellis, I would quit reading, refusing to support such fabricated sickness. Unfortunately, I think these stories find their basis in reality and the kind of villains portrayed here are much more realistic than you can find anywhere in comics. I can't in good conscience turn away and pretend that this tortured existence is only a fiction. I can't ignore it. Sadly, I want to learn more, with hope for things to get better. I know better than to expect a happy ending for Snowtown.

Madman Atomic Comics #1
Image
Writer: Mike Allred
Artist: Mike Allred

Description:
The Madman universe has imploded, turning itself inside out. This brand new series is going to do the same to your brain and leave you begging for more! If you've never experienced this legendary Mike Allred creation, now's the perfect time to jump on this all-new thrill ride that begins with Frank "Madman" Einstein facing his most terrifying challenge yet, as his entire existence is in question — in fact, ALL existence!! This story will also include an innovative recap of every essential event in the Madman mythos. Future issues in the series will take you to the most wondrous places a comic book can offer. Climb aboard and dig the ride!

Editorial:
I'm disappointed. The finishes on the art seem like a failed experiment. To many panels seem unfinished. And the story is a flat footed recap of Frank Einstein's origin story. I really like Mike ALlred's art so I was looking forward to this series. Much like the way I anticipated Darwyn Cooke's The Spirit. Except in the case of The Spirit, I was blown away and with Madman, I'm nonplussed. I noticed that when Allred is drawing for Marvel, his work is more polished and complete. It just looks better. Maybe he has something more to learn from his experiences with the big boys.

New Avengers #29
Marvel
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Leinil Yu

Editorial:
Are you enjoying this? I'm enjoying this. Doctor Strange is a cool addition to the team. Luke Cage is a cool team leader. And once a gain, I'm hooked into the mystery of who might be wearing the Ronin mask. It will be interesting to see if the New Avengers have joined the Hand e next issue. Tricky Marvel always coming up with clever new ways to get me to read their comic books.

New Universal #5
Marvel
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist:Salvador Larroca

Editorial:
This is good stuff. It s just moving too slowly for me. It feels kinda like Gaiman's run on the Eternals. I'll probably wish I skipped the comic and just picked up the trade once it was all said and done. Too bad. Ellis is writing and I really like his stuff. I'm not sure why this one isn't clicking with me.

Thunderbolts #113
Marvel
Writer: Warren Ellis
Artist: Mike Deodato

Description:
The Thunderbolts get a new mission as a confluence of events moves towards collision. Plus, a look into the life of rogue super hero Ollie Osnick, the Steel Spider!

Editorial:
It's an Ellis trifecta with Fell, New Universal, and Thunderbolts. Tbolts is good stuff. Real good. It's all soap opera all over the place here. I wonder how long Warren can get away with Osborn peculating like this before he totally explodes. I wonder if the Goblin will just kill all of the Tbolts in a crazy fit of lunacy. I'm definitely gonna keep readin' just in case.

Week of April 4

52 Week #48
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Various

Description:
The end is near! As the year races towards its close, we follow our heroes through their final steps in space — and time! From the mean streets of Gotham to the far reaches of deep space, the last weeks tick down to their shattering conclusion. World War III is just the beginning! Plus, more origins of the DC Universe!

Editorial:
I was looking at the title and finding it hard to believe that there are just 4 more issues. I am so tempted to buy Countdown when it starts, just because DC has me hooked on getting a weekly fix on a story. It's like keeping up with Lost but it's 52 straight weeks instead of 24 non-consecutive. This particular issue has some very different and very tasty art. The Batwoman story is great. And now that the different story arcs are starting to wrap up, I have zero complaints. Bravo.

Justice League of America #7
DC
Writer: Brad Meltzer
Artist: Ed Benes

Description:
Best-selling author Brad Meltzer and super-hot artist Ed Benes deliver what you've been waiting for: the debut of the new Justice League of America! Be here for the introduction of the new team headquarters, plus many other cool surprises!

Editorial:
I bitched a lot after last months isse. Parlty I think becasue I was concerned about Meltzer falling off the title since his story was finished. But that's not the case. And even though nothing substantial happened this issue, it was a fun one to see the League forming officially. And getting to check out the new Hall of Justice. I will be tuning in next time to see how the whole JSA/JLA/Legion crossover works.

Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born #3
Marvel
Writer: Peter David, Robin Furth
Artist: Jae Lee, Richard Isanove

Description:
Young Roland Deschain and friends have fled for the city of Hambry, as their home in Gilead is now too dangerous. But, once there, Roland learns to his horror that he is no safer. Hambry's leaders have switched allegiance and the assassins known as the Big Coffin Hunters have marked Roland and company for death! Plus articles and bonus features galore!

Editorial:
Stephen King... oooh, ahhh. Jae Lee art... freakin' ama-, Peter David, damn. Furth, the word slinger. Isanove the alchemist. It's too easy to go gah-gah over this book. The good news is that it 's living up to the expectations. There's a scene in this issue straight out of a John Woo showdown with a train of knives and guns in the back of heads making for a way wicked standoff. And I love the Midworld way of apologizing. Now that I'm this far into the series, I realize my mistake. I should have waited to pick this up after it's released as a hard cover. I'm sure they will make it big and thick and design it to look like a Stephen King novel on grpahic steroids. Reading this thing like that would probably be a lot easier, too. It takes half the issue before I'm back into the swing of the story. Oh, well... hindsight twenty twenty and all that. Now that I started reading it I sure can't see myself putting it down and waiting for it to be over.

Fallen Son: Death of Captain America #1
Marvel
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Artist: Leinil Yu

Description:
How will Wolverine react to the death of one the most beloved characters in the Marvel Universe? He ain't buyin' in! Join Logan as he tries to track down the truth and he's not going to be happy when he does! The secret story that will transverse the post Civil War landscape – and stars Marvel's most popular characters – begins here! How do people with amazing powers face a force that no one can fight? Who has fallen, and is more violence coming? With Wolverine on the scene, is there any question?

Editorial:
Last month, I said, "I don't for a minute think that Captain America is really dead, by the way." I guess I was wrong. Everyone I've talked with believes that Steve Rogers is dead. And that someone (my bet is on Clint Barton) will be the new Captain America. It was suggested that the further our culture gets from WWII, the more irrelevant Steve Rogers becomes, regardless of his icon status in the Marvel U. I buy that. But what a shame. Of course another one of the guys I've talked with insists that Marvel's pulling a death of Superman and Cap will be back from the dead. He could be right, but will he be able sling his old shield or will he have to become an all new hero? The Veteran! Or War Guy! How about the Ancient American? That way he can keep the "A" on his forehead keeping the Earth X vision of Cap intact. NOTE: Leinil Yu's art in this issue is awesome. Like his art always is.

Immortal Iron Fist #4
Marvel
Writer: Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction
Artist: David Aja

Description:
You are Danny Rand--scion of a martial arts dynasty that stretches back to the dawn of time, CEO of a multibillion-dollar business conglomerate, and a recently reactivated superhero in the Marvel Universe. A plot to destroy you, your legacy, your company and your good name hatched centuries ago and now has you in its clutches--and your only ally is a might-be-crazy former Iron Fist that somehow survived the First World War. It's your fourth issue. You are probably doomed.

Editorial:
I don't know what it is about those Hydra guys. They look like frog men. Or bug boys. But I just get a chill when I see them in a group. I think it was Steranko's treatment of them from Captain America and SHIELD that has left a permanent impression. Whatever the reason, I'm glad they're getting so muc panel time in Iron Fist. This book is cool And Bru can do no wrong.

Incredible Hulk #105
Marvel
Writer: Greg Pak
Artist: Carlo Pagulayan

Description:
PLANET HULK CONCLUSION
Sons of Sakaar, remember their names! Korg, Miek, Hiroim, Elloe, the Brood Creature and Caiera the Oldstrong! These are the heroes of Sakaar, the Green Scar's Warbound allies and the Hulk's greatest friends. As they face the terrifying conclusion to the PLANET HULK epic, who will live? Who will die? And who will pay when the Worldbreaker reveals his true face? Don't miss the shocking end to PLANET HULK--and the launching pad for Marvel's WORLD WAR HULK summer blockbuster.

Editorial:
Frankly, I would have liked to have seen the Hulk stay onhis planet a while longer, getting to know all of the different cultures and species that inhabit there and even the neighboring planets. It coud be more like Flaash Gordon spending all of his time on Mngo. Much more intersting than his going back to boring old Earth. And I knew he was going to lose his woman, just lik ol' Jarella. Dang.

The Irredeemable Ant-Man #7
Marvel
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Cory Walker

Editorial:
Okay. I think I'm done. THis book has been off and on every issue. Next issue they're brining on Damage Control. I'm sorry. I'm sure it will e funny. But I'm not the kind of comic fan that's going to geek out in anticipation of meeting the NEW Damage Control. And I ge tthe sense that the story that's been slowly unveiling has already been told and I missed it. Anyway, I'm always looking for an excuse to drop a title. Especially a superhero title. I keep telling myself to buy only BPRD, Criminal, Fell, Popbots, and New Universal. But I keep grabbing the latest Hulk, Spider-man, Superman, and Justice League. Well, I can lighten my load by unloading Ant-Man. Asta la vista, baby.

Marvel Zombies VS Army of Darkness #1
Marvel/Dynamite
Writer: John Layman
Artist: Fabiano Neves

Description:
The Zombie plague spreads, turning an entire world of super-powered heroes and villains into bloodthirsty walking dead! And only one man — armed with a deadly boomstick, a sharp tongue and movie star looks can stand against them. It's Ashley Williams against the zombie incarnations of Spider-Man, the Punisher, the Avengers and dozens more. These guys don't stand a chance!

Editorial:
I was all set to give this title the boot and then (SPOILER) on the last panel, Ash gets his brains eaten. And it's only issue 2. Obviously I have to pick up the next issue just to see how Layman writes himself out of that corner. If a second Ash comes from another paralel universe, then Layman will have to change his name to LameMan.

Runaways #25
Marvel
Writer: Joss Whedon
Artist: Michael Ryan

Description:
The kids start running in a different direction. Superstar JOSS WHEDON (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, ASTONISHING X-MEN) and rising star MICHAEL RYAN (NEW EXCALIBUR, NEW X-MEN) take the Runaways to the Big Apple. While there, they make surprising allies and even more surprising enemies.

Editorial:
Joss Whedon, Brad Meltzer, Damon Lindeloff, and even Kevin Smith are like the rich, country club kids that get to do whatever they want. They get their pick of the car they want. The girl they want. The vacation they want. Or in the case of comics, the title they want. Whedon decides that he likes Runaways so he gets it. Of course the difference between those guys and the country club boys is that those guys have talent and we're lucky they get to work on titles that they're excited about. The spoiled rich kids are just spoiled and should be dealt with as instructed by Bill Murray's character from Rushmore. This first issue of Whedon's Runaways is excellent. Buy a copy you dope.

So, what do you think? Agree? Disagree? Give us your feedback.