REVIEWS:
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December
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 December 28
52
Week #34
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Description:
It’s a deadly Countdown to the end of the year and the end
of a life in the most heart-stopping cliffhanger yet! The New Year
changes everything!
Editorial:
This cover is awesome. A pair of bare feet with a toe tag on the
left foot. The toe tag is blank with a giant red question mark on
it. I cracked up when I read Wizard's cutline for this cover, "Gotham
City Morgue's not even trying anymore." After a slow issue
last week with the Christmas merry making, our story is back in
high gear. The Black Adam Family get their asses handed to them
as the action spins compeltely out of control.
Justice
#9
DC
Writer: Jim Krueger, Alex Ross
Artist: Doug Braithwaite, Alex Ross
Description:
Black Adam! The Marvel Family! And the Justice League’s plan
to storm their adversaries’ stronghold!
Editorial:
I quit trying to follow the details months ago. I don't have a clue
what's happening here. Apparently, GL can get rid of the Brainiac
mindworms but not if Sinestro is using his yellow power ring? Captain
Marvel is invulnerable to the mindowrms or maybe not. Whatever.
The issue ends with the League wearing some pretty cool suits of
armor made out of the Metal Men. Except Batman and Wonder Woman
who have their own armor. I don't know what the armor is going to
protect them from... but it looks cool.
Justice
League of America #5
DC
Writer: Brad Meltzer
Artist: Ed Benes
Description:
Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman join Green Lantern, Black Canary
and Arsenal against the unstoppable force of a villain reborn.
Editorial:
So, Solomon Grundy gets reborn and this time he's not as stupid
as he has been in previous reincarnations. Amazo can't decide if
he's the Red Tornado or himself but feelings of love really mess
him up so maybe he's more human than originally thought. The big
3 finally join the fray so it looks like next issue will be a big
throw down between the League, Solomon Grundy, and Amazo followed
by another big showdown between the League and Grundy.
Annihilation
#5
Marvel
Writer: Keith Giffen
Artist: Andrea Di Vito
Description:
With the war lost, Ronan and the very, very angry Super-Skrull kill
their way to the heart of the Kree Empire. VIVE LA KREE!
Editorial:
Thanos is dead at the hands of Drax the Destroyer. Galactus has
been set free. And Ronan gives the Supreme Intelligence a mercy
killing. Nicest thing that guy's done in years. This story is awesome.
It's completely redefining the cosmic power structure of the Marvel
Universe. And these characters have never been more interesting
since Jack Kirby first introduced them forty years ago.
Astonishing
X-men #5
Marvel
Writer: Joss Whedon
Artist: John Cassaday
Description:
Strap yourselves in, folks! It’s the beginning of Joss Whedon
and John Cassaday’s final arc on Astonishing X-Men! After
the shocking and brain-smashing events of last issue, the X-Men
are off to protect the Earth from its destruction at the hands of
the Breakworld. And when it’s all over, nothing will ever
be the same! No really, we mean it! Whedon & Cassaday prove
they are more than Astonishing: They are UNSTOPPABLE!
Editorial:
X-men in outer space and Kitty Pride is still the most powerful
of the bunch. Whedon does nothing to hide his affection for this
character. And he gives a rare, funny moment to Colossus who tries
to crack a joke during a tense moment. Hey, being pegged as the
destroyer of another planet would make anyone crack wise. Perhaps
the good news is that the planet in jeapordy seems to be populated
by space jerks so maybe Colossus is going to do everyone a favor.
Daredevil
#92
Marvel
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Michael Lark
Description:
Matt Murdock finally comes face-to-face with the person who’s
been manipulating his life since he was thrown in jail, and you’ll
be stunned by the revelation!
Editorial:
I was beginning to get bored with this story but Bru fixed all that
this issue. The mastermind behind DD's troubles reveals herself.
And it leads to an even more amazing revelation that frees DD from
his present trouble while commiting him to an even greater life
of hell.
Immortal
Iron Fist #2
Marvel
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: David Aja
Editorial:
This series is excellent. Not just because Ed Brubaker is writing.
Not just because Marvel has three outstanding artists each covering
Iron Fist's from other eras. And not just because it has Danny Rand
tussling with Hydra. On op of all that, this issue has appearances
by not just Luke Cage but also the Night Nurse making an appearance
while also playing a major role in Brian K
Vaughn's Doctor Strange, The Oath. The Night Nurse made her first
appearance in the pages of Daredevil, thanks to Brian Michael Bendis.
Could this be the beginning of a new trend or perhaps hints at Marvel's
next big event?.
Nextwave
#11
Marvel
Writer: Warren Ellis
Artist: Stuart Immonen
Editorial:
Do yourself a favor. Go out and buy three copies of this issue.
Keep one in good shape. It's sure to be a collector's item. Then
take the other two and cut out the amazing action spreads that Stuart
has drawn for our excitement and pleasure. Take the spreads (you
cut up two issues so you can have each of the spreads even when
they are backed up on each other) and paste them up on poster boards
and hang proudly in your home, office, dorm room or cardboard box
tent. You're never going to get this kind of art in one issue again.
Ultimate
Power #3
Marvel
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Greg Land
Description:
A battle beyond all expectations! It’s the alien invaders
— the Squadron Supreme — versus the combined might of
The Ultimates, Ultimate X-Men, Ultimate Fantastic Four and Ultimate
Spidey...for the fate of the world! What more could you ask?
Editorial:
So, Bendis has started the series. He's got like another issue to
go. Then J. Michael Straczynski takes the reigns for four and then
Jeph Loeb bats clean up. So far, we spent an entire issue reintroducing
us to the Fantastic Four. The second issue was a battle issue between
Supreme Power's crew and everyone in the Ultimate universe. This
third issue shows the nastiness that took place in the Supreme Power
universe. And finishes with those guys taking Reed Richards back
to their world to clean up the mess he made before he stands trial.
Next issue will have the Ultimate Universe going to the Power Universe
to get Richards back. After another standoff, JMS gets this mess.
Good luck.
Week
of December 20
52
Week #33
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Description:
A special Christmas issue featuring more on the Batwoman! “I
have brought my family here today...to show to you that underneath
the powers of gods long dead...we are as human as the rest of you.”
Plus, The Origin of Two-Face by Mark Waid and Mark Chiarello.
Editorial:
It's Christmas time in 52-Land and not much is going on.
The
Lone Ranger #3
Dynamite Entertainment
Writer: Brett Matthews
Artist: Sergio Cariello
Editorial:
So far this has been a great series. Partly because it's the origin
of the Lone Ranger. I never did know why he wears a mask and shoots
silver bullets. Now I get to find out. Matthews take on the masked
man has been inspired. I only wonder what this series will be like
once the origin story has ended and these guys have to come up with
something that helps continue the legend. Is there something interesting
here after I learn who sired Silver? I'm not sure I would want the
pressure of that particular challenge.
Elephantmen #5
Image
Writer: Richard Starkings
Artist: Moritat
Editorial:
Horn versus Hipflask. Ebony Hide skewers some guy and later Joe
Camel comes along and saves him. This is one of the most action
packed issues of the series yet and it finally seems like it's going
somewhere.
Pirates
of Coney Island#5
Image
Writer: Rick Spears
Artist: Vasilis Lolos
Editorial:
Spears and Lolos know what it means to be a punk. Deal more pain
than you get dealt and take it all in stride. That's the world that
the Pirates live in. Sharp knives, steel pipes, and crow bars make
you cringe on nearly every page. Lolos' art is totally messed up
just like his pirates. It's awesome.
Criminal
#3
Marvel/Icon
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Sean Phillips
Description:
The heist has fallen to pieces, and Leo and Greta are hiding out,
waiting for the smoke to clear. But they have half the take with
them, and their "friends" are not happy about that. So
while Leo helps Greta heal from her injuries, they plot their next
move, knowing any wrong step could mean death for them and the people
they care about.
Bonus--CRIMINAL promises more content than the average comic, with
each issue packed from cover to cover with content, featuring a
full length continuing story, as well as back-up stories and articles
and DVD-style behind the scenes extras.
Editorial:
This is more like a movie than a comic book. And I mean that in
a good way. The action is intense, the drama is gritty, and the
realism factor is dialed up to eleven. Brubaker and Phillips have
taken their game up a notch from Sleeper to make Criminal the new
benchmark for comic book greatness. This is the book that you want
to tell all of your non-comic book reading friends about.
Week
of December 13
52
Week #32
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Description:
“You wished to be with her again. Come closer, I will show
you how.” Plus, The Origin of Blue Beetle by Mark Waid and
Cully Hamner.
Editorial:
I thought for sure Ralph Dibny was going to get a break in this
issue. But no such luck. Maybe leaving behind his elastic powers
has made him dense. But he just doesn't seem to be getting it. Plus,
this issue sports one of JG Jones best covers. Inspired by Frazetta
and suitable for framing.
Justice
League of America #4
DC
Writer: Brad Meltzer
Artist: Ed Benes
Description:
Brad Meltzer and Ed Benes continue their best-selling saga of the
“Tornado’s Path” as the true mastermind behind
the latest threat to the League is finally revealed! And an old
friend reappears.
Editorial:
I never realized Solomon Grundy was so well spoken. Or that he had
it in him to be a criminal mastermind. I'm sure there is a reasonable
explanation. In the meantime, it's still a great story with great
art and great action. The Green Lantern-Roy-Diana team are a treasure.
I'm still wondering when Meltzer is going to get the Justice League
involved.
The
Spirit #1
DC
Writer: Darwyn Cooke
Artist: Darwyn Cooke
Description:
When ace television reporter Ginger Coffee is abducted by a crimelord
she was about to run an exposé on, The Spirit is called in
to investigate. Finding her is tough enough, but getting out alive
is a whole other matter!
Editorial:
Darwyn Coke is simply amazing. If you've been waiting for one of
those really dense, funny, action packed comic book stories like
Will Eisner used to do all the time, wait no further. Cooke has
got the formula figured out and is serving it up by the ever-lovin'
bucketful. In this first issue, Cooke introduces us to Ginger Coffee,
crime fighting television journalist who has first been kidnapped
by crooks and then rescued by the Spirit. The whole time they are
fleeing through the city in a constant attempt to escape the kidnappers,
Coffee is broadcasting their progress through her cell phone to
the TV station and out to the whole world, which of course includes
the bad guys. The Spirit has no idea what's going on but can't seem
to get this crazy dame to shut up for a second. It's genuinely hysterical
and loads of fun. Comic books like this are great becasue you get
tons of story in a single issue. You don't have to wait to see how
things will turn out in the next issue or be familiar with years
of back issues. Just pick up an issue and enjoy.
Tales
of the Unexpected #3
DC
Writer: David Lapham - Brian Azzarello
Artist: Various
Editorial:
I'm buying this book more for the Dr. 13 story than the Spectre
story. But the Spectre story is starting to really get its hooks
in me too. As fr Dr. 13, I agree with the good doctor, he must be
dreaming the whole thing. This issue is much too fantastic and disconnected
from the last issue to be anything but a wild Himalaya hallucination.
Sure is fun readin' though.
Trials
of Shazam#4
DC
Writer: Judd Winnick
Artist: Howard Porter
Description:
Magic hits the Middle East as the trials continue for young Freddy
Freeman. Freddie’s still striving to earn back the full power
of SHAZAM, while the Counsel of Merlin’s own candidate for
the power, Sabina, sabotages Freddy at every turn!
Editorial:
Okay. I'm not buying anymore of these issues. Take one look at the
pig army that Freddie Freeman and Achilles are facing and you'll
see why. It's a shame too because I really like the premise. But
the art sucks so bad I will have to just wait and find out later
how the whole thing shakes out.
The
Escapists #6
Dark Horse
Writer: Brian K Vaughn
Artist: Jason Shawn Alexander - Steve Rolston
Description:
As if betrayal at the hands of his onetime ally and lover Luna Moth
wasn’t enough, the Escapist reels from an even greater revelation
— one that will undo everything he ever believed to be true!
When tragedy strikes, will the character that brought them together
ultimately tear them apart? Find out in this fantastic final issue
of the Escapist’s first miniseries!
Editorial:
Brian K Vaughn concludes this awesome series with a couple of amazing
story twists. The first is the hysterical way Omnigrip completely
scuttles the New Adventures of The Escapist by having it all be
a dream. And then we see Max standing in front of a grave and for
two full pages, we're convinced that Denny has bought the farm.
I was completely suckered by that one. For anyone who ever dreamed
of creating comics, this story is a real treat. And a great tribute
to Michael Chabon's original story of Golden Age comic creators
that have more going on than just comics.
Fantastic
Four: The End #3
Marvel
Writer: Alan Davis
Artist: Alan Davis
Editorial:
This has really been Alan Davis' best story yet. I'm not sure I
appreciate all of the "fun" family-friendly scenes with
kids in them. I suppose Davis recently started a family. Or has
grandkids. I don't know. Anyway, the art is great which goes without
saying. But the real surprise is how much I like the story. The
plot seems to be holding together tightly, keeping each of the different
players connected without yet exposing what the real connections
are. It's quite a good trick for a guy who has always been an artist
first and a writer second..
X-Factor
#14
Marvel
Writer: Peter David
Artist: Pablo Raimondi
Description:
Five words to strike fear into the hearts of spies and evildoers
everywhere: Jamie Madrox, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. Except Madrox has
decided that it’s time to start gathering in the stray dupes
that are still wandering around, the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent doesn’t
especially want to go...and S.H.I.E.L.D. isn’t especially
inclined to let him go.
Editorial:
Peter David is absolutely on of the best all-time comic book writers.
He is making X-Factor the best X book of them all. Even better than
Astonishing (although it's hard to compare the two because they
are very different kinds of stores but I thoght I would throw that
in there just for dramatic effect, really). In this issue, David
has Riktor asking Madrox which of their two teammates is the wilder
ride. The dialogue is a panic. Later, Monet and Syrin decide to
go shopping in Paris and their mutual decision to let bygones be
is as real as any moment I've ever experienced in any medium. I
love the way David starts his stories with a clip from the action
that takes place later and then backtracks to let the whole thing
unfold. And then there are always grabbers. In this issue, the grabber
is Madrox getting literally grabbed by Hydra. Cool.
X-Men
Phoenix Warsong #4
Marvel
Writer: Greg Pak
Artist: Tyler Kirkman
Editorial:
I don't know how it happens but if I am totally baffled by the details
of the story, chances are, it's an X-Men story. Whether it's Chris
Claremont, Ed Brubaker, or Greg Pak, somehow, despite the best efforts
of some of the best writers, I seem to end up lost in the middle
of the action, stuck between panels where one of the Cuckoos was
just rendered helpless and all of sudden she's all powerful. I really
hate having to go back and reread a comic book over and over just
to understand what's happening on the surface of the story. They're
comic books for cryin' out loud..
Week
of December 6
52
Week #31
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Description:
“Superman being out of the picture was the key. One of two
keys, if you want to be cute about it.” Plus, The Origin of
the Metal Men by Mark Waid and Duncan Rouleau.
Editorial:
52 is simply the most amazing accomplishment in comics in years.
The Infinite Crisis should have been this good. The art is still
a rollercoaster ride. But the story is fantastic. The best part
is how you get a little taste of everyone in the DCU and how tasty
some of the forgotten characters really are. In this issue Captain
Comet's planet is totally overrun by an alien horde that makes it's
landing in giant glowing white cubes that are the size of a small
town. Smashing, baby!
Batman
Confidential #1
DC
Writer: Andy Diggle
Artist: Whilce Portacio
Description:
Learn where the Dark Knight first got “all those wonderful
toys”! In this 6-issue tale, see exactly when Batman’s
war on evil in Gotham City ramped up — and how he rose to
meet the threat of Lex Luthor's plans to move in on both Bruce Wayne's
and Batman's turf!
Editorial:
I was marvelling earlier today at the group of great writers I have
the pleasure of reading. Grant Morrison, Warren Ellis, Brian K Vaughn,
Brad Meltzer, Brian Azarello, Mark Millar, Ed Brubaker, Peter David,
and Darwyn Cooke for example. I picked up Batman Confidential
because I really like Andy Diggle on the Losers. Right
now, I'm a little concerned. It's not the script, though. It's the
art. While Portacio's style s very edgy, it's also wildly inconsistent.
Reminds me of Nuke from Bull Durham. Let's hope Portacio
has a Crash on his side to help him reign in his wild arm.
Justice
Society of America #1
DC
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Dale Eaglesham
Description:
Get in on the ground floor as the world’s first and greatest
super-team returns to usher in the DCU’s next age of heroes
and villains!
Determined to rebuild the Justice Society, founding members Green
Lantern, Flash and Wildcat initiate an unprecedented recruitment
program, tracking the bloodlines of heroes across the world and
bringing in the new Starman, Damage, Liberty Belle and more!
But just as the Society welcomes the rookies into their ranks, an
evil force sets out to destroy them. Meet new legacies, solve a
mystery stretching into the far future, witness the return of the
world's greatest hero, and watch another one fall — all in
the pages of this fantastic new series!
Editorial:
Really great art combines with a pretty straightforward intro style
story that kicks off a new JSA. There's not a lot to argue with
here. I like the characters and the direction. It's just that there's
nothing spectacular to get excited about. They introduce Wildcat's
son at the end of the story. Teasers of upcoming issues show Golden
Age Supes coming up from the grave. I guess if Modern Age Supes
can come back from the dead, they all can.
Agents
of Atlas #5
Marvel
Writer: Jeff Parker
Artist:Leonard Kirk
Editorial:
I saw this comic in Wizard magazine. It was a picture of a robot
running around, carrying a gorilla that's holding machine guns in
each of his feet and firing them at their enemies. Needless to say,
I had to have it. I ran out and bought all of the back issues so
I could start at the beginning. There is something particularly
marvelous about these kinds of wheels-off fantasy action adventures
that I just love. Alan Moore did it with his Tom Strong. Brian Azzarello
is doing it with his Dr. 13. Guy Davis had his Nevermen. And it's
what has made Grant Morrison's All-Star Superman so charming. Maybe
I read too many "realistic" stories and far too many super
hero stories going for realism. Whatever, this stuff is a blast
of fresh air. Hey, it's just a blast.
Doctor
Strange: The Oath #3
Marvel
Writer: Brian K. Vaughn
Artist: Marcos Martin
Description:
As he searches every dimension of the Marvel Universe for a cure
to save the life of his dying friend, Doctor Strange finally learns
the shocking true identity of the shadowy villain who holds Wong’s
life in his hands.
Editorial:
The storyline is making slow progress but the characters are coming
along nicely. Especially Doctor Strange. Even if the story ends
up being nothing, it's been worth it having the good Doctor reinvented
in his original form. We only hope that the next writer takes the
hint and continues the Doctor's winning character traits. In this
issue, there's a lot of stunning special effects and a midnight
rendezvous with a Nightmare impersonator. Along the way, Stephen
learns that his nemesis this time out is not a mystical baddie but
is actually a pharmacist. Vaughn must have had some recent trouble
with his HMO at his local CVS Pharmacy.
Incredible
Hulk #101
Marvel
Writer: Greg Pak
Artist: Carlo Pagulayan
Description:
Accompanied by Caiera the Oldstrong and Hiroim the Shamed, the Hulk
heads into the hold of the Shadow Elders to learn if he truly is
the legendary savior known as the Sakaarson — or just another
angry monster. Also — secrets revealed about the Great Portal!
The final showdown with the Spikes! Elloe makes a shocking decision!
And the Hulk smashes and smashes and smashes some more!
Editorial:
Danger Will Robinson! Warning! Warning! Artist change mid-issue.
By the end of the issue, I can't tell who is doing the art. The
story is still going strong. It must be tough if you can barely
draw an entire comic in just one month and you're committed to a
dozen issues or more. No vacation time. No time off for good behavior.
Just the march of relentless deadlines. Oh, well. Not my problem.
Keep the art coming, Marvel. No sense in ruining this thing now.
We've come so far together. Keep it together!
Irredeemable
Ant-Man #3
Marvel
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Phil Hester
Editorial:
My apologies to Robert Kirkman. This series has really picked up
steam. And now it looks like we are building towards the introduction
of whole new Ant Man that wears something that much more closely
resembles the original costume. Which is good because Ant Man's
original costume was always genius and this recent incarnation looks
too much like a character out of Antz. And what kind of
respectable super hero would ever go around looking like an insect
version of Woody Allen?
New
Universe #1
Marvel
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist:Salvador Larroca
Description:
Planet Earth. Inhabited by six billion people. People leading ordinary
lives, coping with everyday struggles. But on a night like any other,
the Earth is rocked by the most startling celestial event ever witnessed
by the human race. The White Event. And from its wake, a handful
of humans emerge as something more.
Editorial:
Warren Ellis is quickly becoming my favorite author. Nextwave, Desolation
Jones, Fell, Sleeper, and now New Universe. This stuff is so great.
New Universal is being written and drawn like it is a blockbuster
science fiction movie event with an all-star cast. You can see characters
in here like Gene Hackman, Johny Depp, Bruce Willis, and Michelle
Yeoh. Ellis starts the story innocently enough with a drunk couple
passing out in a field somewhere right before the "White Event".
Moments later and hours later people start to find out that this
event has had a strange effect on them and their world. And the
drunk couple? The guy wakes up to his girl who is now laying skinless
next to him. Too bad for him that her Daddy is the local Sheriff.
Desolation
Jones #8
Wildstorm
Writer: Warren Ellis
Artist: Danijel Zezelj
Editorial:
Okay. So it seems like Ellis is a pretty big Philip K Dick fan.
I guess PK Dick is a pretty big sci-fi writer but I didn't know
that before it I looked it up on the 'net. He wrote the book that
became Blade Runner. And now he's the cener of attention in this
story arc of Desolation Jones. This particular issue has Jones meeting
a powerful, if not flaky, Hollywood producer that has the movie
rights to Philip K Dick's life. Somehow, he's involved with the
death of Jones' friend. Probably did it. Ellis is creating a classic
film noir story here, like it came right off the silver screen of
the fifties.
So,
what do you think? Agree? Disagree? Give
us your feedback.
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