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October
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 October 25
52
Week #25
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Description:
“That's — the Black Marvel Family?” Plus, the
Origin of Nightwing by Mark Waid and George Pérez!
Editorial:
52 continues to deliver the heat. And just like in the last few
issues, the art has been keeping pace with the great story. This
is the best thing going in comics right now. The Black Marvel Family
is pretty cool. But it's going to have to come down to a fight between
the Marvel Families before anyone will be totally satisfied. Am
I right?
Action
Comics #844
DC
Writer: Geoff Johns, Richard Donner
Artist: Adam Kubert
Description:
Geoff Johns (INFINITE CRISIS, FLASH) joins forces with Richard Donner
(director of SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE and SUPERMAN II) and artist extraordinaire
Adam Kuber (X-MEN, ULTIMATE X-MEN) for the 6-part "Last Son,"
the tale of a small child from the planet Krypton. Sent by his parents
to Earth with powers beyond imagination, the child's future potential
is limitless. Especially when Superman finds him!
Editorial:
The art in this issue puts Br'er Andy's Batman to shame. It is nothing
short of spectacular. I could study the detail of Adam's drawings
for hours. The story is an exciting beginning, also. I did agree
with Wizard Magazine that Kubert's Jor-el looks like a Doobie Brother.
Not that there is anything wrong with that.
Deathblow
#1
Wildstorm
Writer: Brian Azzarello
Artist: Carlos D'Anda
Description:
From critically acclaimed writer Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets, Superman)
and red-hot artist Carlos D'Anda (Outsiders) comes the story of
one man's journey of self-discovery — and all the people he
must kill along the way!
In a world marred by brutal warfare, unjustified nation-building
and corporate greed, soldiers like Michael Cray — code name:
Deathblow — run the risk of becoming lethal puppets. The real
question is, who's pulling the strings?
Following a deadly mission, Cray is assumed dead by his superiors
— until it's discovered he's being held in a Middle Eastern
prison. A daring commando raid rescues Cray, and the government
will use any means to determine where his loyalties lie. This puts
Deathblow on a dangerous road, unsure of who his real enemies are
and of who he can trust — including himself!
Editorial:
I picked up this book when I saw that Brian Azzarello was writing
it. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear to be a story in the same vein
as his work on Hellblazer, 100 Bullets, or even Batman. It's basically
a story about a badass. At least the first issue is. Deathblow is
being held captive in some prison and he gets set free by a busted
rescue mission after someone else. It's a lot like the WildCats
story. A little too true to its '90s roots in that it lacks real
characters, building on accepted stereotypes in order to deliver
an expected level of action and violence. Not that there's anything
wrong with that. It's just beneath the talents of a storyteller
of Azzarello's caliber.
Justice
#8
DC
Writer: Jim Krueger, Alex Ross
Artist: Doug Braithwaite, Alex Ross
Description:
The worst fears of the Justice League are realized, as the villains
strike through those closest to the heroes!
Editorial:
Now the story is starting to pick up speed. The Justice League is
all together and they've been joined by Doom Patrol. Batman and
Superman have figured out that it's Brainiac behind it all. And
they've worked out the "how." So all that is left to do
is to kick some ass. There are some interesting dialogue exchanges
in this issue but one in particular that was just plain annoying
was Ralph Dibny telling Plastic Man that there wasn't room for two
stretchy guys in the League. Which I tend to agree with. So why
include them both?
Trials
of Shazam! #3
DC
Writer: Judd Winick
Artist: Howard Porter
Editorial:
Freddie Freeman holds a grudge against Captain Marvel? It makes
sense. But it's not consistent with their relationship. They have
a bond that would be impossible to form with something like resentment
and blame for losing a parent driving itself between them. Despite
that particular plot point, the story is moving along well. Although
my hope is that next issue it really picks up.
Civil
War Choosing Sides
Marvel
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Description:
Civil War is encompassing the entire Marvel Universe and the effects
of the war are being felt by every hero, villain, and civilian.
CIVIL WAR: CHOOSING SIDES ONE-SHOT features five stories that shine
a spotlight on the wildcards and impact players whose part in the
Civil War has yet to be told, including Daredevil/Iron Fist, U.S.
Agent, the Irredeemable Ant Man, Venom, and even...Howard the Duck!?
Editorial:
Dang. I don't know how I always get suckered into the promotional
comics that are created just to advertise a whole new series of
titles. I did this recently with DC's DCU Brave New World back in
June. As was the case then, multiple writers and multiple artists
include little eight page premiers of various new titles. In Choosing
Sides, you've got Thunderbolts, Ant-Man, Iron Fist, Omega Flight,
and Howard the Duck shorts. But the weirdest one is a crossover
with the television soap opera, Guiding Light. Maybe you know what
that's about but I don't have a clue. It's just weird, man. How
commercial is this going to get? I expect, in the next big marvel
or DC event, we will be treated to a promotional comic that will
feature ExxonMobil and Snickers Candy Bars as principle characters
that have been integrated into the story. I don't think this issue
is a total waste though. The Leineil Francis Yu cover art is awesome.
He even makes Howard the Duck look like a cool character. And it's
not just on the cover. He handles the art chores for the Thunderbolts
premier and it's top notch.
Daredevil
#90
Marvel
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Michael Lark
Description:
THE DEVIL TAKES A RIDE races into the second of five parts, as Daredevil
finds himself in Paris, on the hunt for some very dangerous men...
But they just might be hunting him, as well!
Editorial:
So now I'm wondering if Brubaker should get the credit for his first
DD story arc. Or should Bendis get it? I'm not one to heap praise
on Bendis, but he was the one who decided to put Matt in prison
and he did confer with Bru before leaving the book so he must have
had some influence over the direction Brubaker was planning to take
with his first arc. I wouldn't bring any of this up except this
next story arc, although not a particularly bad one, is far from
the thrill ride we enjoyed last time around. DD is in Europe following
a girl that smells like Sharon and trying to hunt down the guy responsible
for sending Foggy Nelson to his death. And while there is action,
it's nothing like the wheels off beserker rage that DD was going
through while in prison. It was just so cool seeing the warden begging
for mercy and Matt acting like a schoolboy with his "what?
me?" attitude.
Nextwave
#9
Marvel
Writer: Warren Ellis
Artist: Stuart Immonen
Editorial:
Only Warren Ellis would decide to bring Not Brand Ecchh characters
in normal continuity with the Marvel Universe. I just read that
this title will end after 12 issues. Please join me in begging Marvel,
Ellis, and Immonen to come to their senses and give the fans out
here what we truly want... more Nextwave!!!
Week
of October 18
52
Week #24
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Description:
“You don’t really know me, but I’m a big fan and...well...I
wanted to invite you to...to...to join the new Justice League.”
Plus, the Origin of Booster Gold by Mark Waid and Dan Jurgens.
Editorial:
The All-new Justice League gets taken out in their first outing
by Skeets, the turncoat roving robot that screwed everything up
for Booster Gold. Skeets totally annihilates Manitou, the buffalo-headed
superhero. It's a shame, too. He was like the coolest of their bunch.
Anyway, 52 is continuing to deliver the heat. And for the last few
issues, the art has been keeping pace with the great story. This
is the best thing going in comics right now.
The
Lone Ranger #2
Dynamite Entertainment
Writer: Brett Matthews
Artist: Sergio Cariello
Description:
The "Year One" origin of the Lone Ranger continues! In
the second issue of our series, John Reid has been left for dead
and found by an uneasy ally — Tonto! Determined to seek his
revenge, Reid forms a plan as Tonto aids in his recovery, but will
Julius Bartholomew, aka Black Bart, uncover the truth about Reid?
Editorial:
Tonto is introduced in the first panel of this book saying, "How."
On the next page, he asks, "How are you alive?" By the
end of this issue, Tonto has thrown a few garments at the feet of
the Lone Ranger — a white hat, a Ranger badge, a red shirt,
— and a black mask. Story and art are top-notch in this fresh
telling of the classic western. A villain was introduced. A vendetta
was made. A friendship was started. I can't wait for the next issue.
Elephantment
#4
Image
Writer: Richard Starkings
Artist: Moritat
Description:
As Hip Flask and Ebony Hide recover from their injuries, Miki stops
by with a bunch of grapes and learns about Tusk and the torturous
world of MAPPO.
Editorial:
The coloring on this series is excellent. The covers (there are
two covers with every issue, the back and the front are both fully
illustrated) are frankly the best part. In this issue, the story
moves forward a little more. Half the problem is the relatively
few number of pages that are actually devoted to storytelling. It's
hard to complain with such great art. I'm sticking around hoping
that the story gets better.
Desolation
Jones #7
Wildstorm
Writer: Warren Ellis
Artist: Danijel Zezelj
Editorial:
Jones has a friend in the business that has turned up dead or missing.
It's the kind of case that he can't avoid. And this is the kind
of series that you shouldn't avoid. Warren Ellis' storytelling is
among the best in comics and he thrives in this pulp-noir world
of intrigue. This time around, art chores are being handled by Danijel
Zezelj (try pronouncing that sober) Danijel (boy or girl?) has a
gritty style with rough edges that is a nice compliment to the beaten
down life and times of our main character.
WildCats
#1
Wildstorm
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Jim Lee
Description:
Jim Lee makes his triumphant return to WILDCATS, and he’s
bringing along an impressive new collaborator: superstar writer
Grant Morrison! The man who redefined the JLA and SUPERMAN —
and created groundbreaking works THE INVISIBLES and WE3 —
now brings his considerable talents to the WILDCATS. In the aftermath
of the events in CAPTAIN ATOM: ARMAGEDDON, the WildStorm Universe
has undergone a shift that will affect characters big and small.
This first issue will reintroduce the Wildcats you know and love
— but how will they differ?
Editorial:
If you're a fan of Grant Morrison or Jim Lee, you're going to love
this story. It's the old WildCats, finally being written into a
more believable story by Morrison. And 15 years later, Jim Lee has
perfected his hyper-detailed style of drawing that makes every panel
of the WildCats as explosive as the team itself. If you've never
read a page of WildCats, then this is a great jumping on point.
If you're an old fan, you should love where this is heading. And
if you tried the WildCats before but they didn't appeal to your
taste, try them this time around. It's a much more refined WildCats
that I think you're going to love.
Week
of October 11
The
Escapists #4
Dark Horse
Writer: Brian K. Vaughn
Artist: Various
Editorial:
You really get your money's worth with this comic because it's basically
two comic books in one. You have the story that follows the creators
and the challenges they face. Plus you have the story of their creation
and the challenge their characters face. I love the art used in
depicting The Escapist and Luna Moth. And was not expecting Luna
Moth to betray the Escapist. But the biggest surprise is how entertaining
this very unconventional story has been.
52
Week #23
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Editorial:
There's a new Captain Marvel Juior in town and it's not Freddie
Freeman. It's Isis' brother, Osiris. Crippled beyond Isis' ability
to heal, Isis' brother is granted Shazam powers by Black Adam. Now
when he speaks his benefactor's name, boom!, he turns into Osiris.
Black Adam, Isis, and Osiris complete the Black Adam Family parralel
to the Marvel Family of Captain Marvel, Mary Marvel, and Captain
Marvel Junior. I'm very interested to see what they plan to do in
China and what they plan to do when they come up against the Marvel
Family.
Tales
of the Unexpected #1
DC
Writer: David Lapham, Brian Azzarello
Artist: Various
Editorial:
Excellent, gritty, crime horror. Just what we need from DC. This
is the kind of storytelling that has always made comics a thrill
to read. And David Lapham delivers the goods with his take on the
new Spectre. Of course, it comes as no surprise that Dr. 13 is a
hit with Brian Azzarello at the helm. I particularly love how calm
and confident Dr. 13 is even when accosted by a vampire in a Yeti
suit. Wait a sec... did he just say, "a vampire in a Yeti suit?"
Only from the mind of Brian Azzarello.
Annihilation
#3
Marvel
Writer: Keith Giffen
Artist: Andrea DeVito
Editorial:
The action is intense. The drama is high. The decision to have all
of the preceeding storylines to develop these characters with was
brilliant! because now we are able to jump knee-deep into the story.
Annihilus is a total badass. And so is Drax. I really like where
this is going.
Ultimate
Power #1
Marvel
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Greg Land
Editorial:
Despite page after page of Greg Land illustrated beautiful girls
(if that doesn't convince you to pick up a copy...), my favorite
sequence is the red toned panels where Reed Richards is working
his techno magic. It looks as 'bout as cool as anything I've ever
seen rendered for comics. Nice job. Frankly, I would like to see
more of that kind of illustration from Land than than the cheesecake
he is so well known for. It shows a dramatic flair that is easily
on par with John Cassaday's visual storytelling. And as stories
go, I'd much rather see the sci-fi aspect of the FF played up more,
with a little less of the team squaring off against Josie and the
Pussycats.
Week
of October 4
52
Week #22
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Description:
“Good news, sir. Your son Kon-El didn’t die in the Crisis
after all.” Plus, the Origin of Green Lantern by Waid and
Ivan Reis & Marc Campos.
Editorial:
Manitou, the Metal Men, and Magnus top the list of characters featured
in this week's 52. All in all, this seemed like a filler week without
a lot of plot points moving forward. It's a little difficult having
had so much mystery introduced so early in the series. But with
each passing issue it's like they forgot about the mystery. So little
is uncovered if at all in each issue. It's... almost... as... if...
they... were... trying... to... drag... this... out... Well, duh!
Elephantmen
#3
Image
Writer: Richard Starkings
Artist: Tom Scioli and Moritat
Editorial:
I really appreciate the Kirby inspired art of Godland's Tom Scioli.
And having read the last three issues of this book, I'm now intrigued
to pick up some of the Hip Flask trades. You look at this stuff
and you have to admit, it's beautiful art. I'm not sure the story
is keeping me captivated. This issue continues the troubles of Hip
Flask. By the end of the issue, he's still in exactly the same spot
and the same position and the same condition as he was at the end
of last issue. Talk about your slow moving story.
Criminal
#1
Icon
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist:Sean Phillips
Description:
In our debut issue, we meet Leo, who can plan the perfect heist...but
only if he can be convinced the job is safe enough. See, Leo is
not a shoot-first think-later guy; Leo is a professional. But to
some criminals, even professionals, the right payout is worth almost
any risk. So when an old friend and a crooked cop approach with
a plan to seize millions of dollars in contraband from an evidence
transport van, Leo must make tough choices, knowing there’s
nothing you can trust less in this world than a cop on the take.
And as a bonus, each issue of Criminal will be packed with material,
featuring a full length continuing story, as well as back-up stories
and articles about the crime genre in all its forms from the pulps
to the modern day.
Editorial:
This is my kind of story. I really like Leo. He's not going to be
pushed around by anybody. Especially not by what other people think
about him. Or what they think he should be willing to risk. He plays
by his own rule book. A pretty conservative one for a criminal but
that's what's keeping him out of stir. Ed Brubaker does an excellent
job creating the giant cloud of tension hanging over our main character's
head. And Sean Phillips is quickly becoming one of my favorite artists.
Like Guy Davis, Phillips has this loose, sketchy style that looks
at first like he's just gesturing until you take a closer look and
notice the level of detail and realism. It's like Impressionism
for comics. Whatever it is, it's freakin' awesome. If for no other
reason, pick up this issue just to see Leo's friend, Donny work
his magic on the subway crowd. You'll see.
Doctor
Strange: The Oath #1
Marvel
Writer: Brian K. Vaughn
Artist: Marcos Martin
Editorial:
Officially my favorite story of the week and possibly could hold
out to be my favorite story of the month. Brian K. Vaughn makes
this stuff seem so easy. This is eactly what a Doctor Strange story
should be like. And if all of them were like this, Doctor Strange
would be the most popular character in comics. I kid you not. His
gunshot body is lying out on an operating table while he floats
over the surgeon giving her orders through his astral projected
form. Best scene in the book is when he tells Wong that he will
take care of his tumor himself, right before his hands start shaking
uncontrollably. It makes you want to cry for poor Stephen Strange.
There is this amazing fine line between Stranges' humanity and American
heritage that contrasts with his Sorcerer power and Tibetan training
that makes him a great character. Brian has struck that perfect
balance. Marcos Martin's art is equally perfect. It is a nice nod
to Ditko while keeping a very contemporary edge. Bravo to the creative
team. Please, produce more Doctor Strange comics than this short,
little series. Marvel writers take note: follow Vaughn's lead and
you could be behind the next great ongoing series at Marvel. We
can only hope someone will see the light.
Incredible
Hulk #99
Marvel
Writer: Greg Pak
Artist: Aaron Lopresti
Description:
When an insanely powerful, legendary enemy threatens the entire
planet, will the Hulk and his army of rebels fight alone —
or join forces with the Empire? Plus, stunning revelations and shocking
developments regarding Caiera the Oldstrong, the Emperor’s
gray-skinned Shadow Guard. And Miek and his hivelings come face-to-face
with the destiny of their species. The legend grows and the smashing
continues as the “Planet Hulk: Anarchy” storyline reaches
its mind-blowing conclusion.
Editorial:
If you've been following the Planet Hulk storyline from the beginning
then by now you've probably forgotten what it was like to have Hulk
chased by the army, constantly under attack from the Leader or Thunderbolt
Ross or the Avengers. If you're like me, you can hardly recall a
day when Hulk wasn't stompin around his planet kickin' alien space
creature bootie. And if you're like me, you probably don't miss
any of the old stuff. This story has been so perfect for the Hulk,
it's hard to imagine how Hulk is supposed to fit back into Earth
society after having been so firmly planted in the outerspace mythos
so effectively. Well, I guess Marvel will cross that bridge when
they come to it. Thank goodness for us, that bridge is still a long
ways away.
Irredeemable
Ant-Man #1
Marvel
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Phil Hester
Description:
Introducing the world’s WORST superhero! When a low-level
S.H.I.E.L.D. agent gets a hold of Hank Pym’s new Ant-Man suit
you know the Marvel Universe is in trouble. He’s not concerned
with saving the world or helping others. He’s concerned with
getting through the day and getting a leg up on life. He’s
not going to use his powers responsibly, he’s going to use
them for the betterment of himself. He’s ANT-MAN a NEW “hero”
for the modern world. If you thought Robert Kirkman pushed the boundaries
of what could be in a Marvel Comic with MARVEL ZOMBIES just WAIT
until you see what he does in THE IRREDEEMABLE ANT-MAN!
Editorial:
This comic gets this month's Most Misleading Cover award. It's a
great cover. Doesn't have anything to do with the story on the inside.
And inside, the story is off to a crawl. And suprisingly so. Robert
Kirkman has typically packed a ton of story into each of his issues
like Marvel Zombies and Marvel Team Up. Not this time. Phil Hester's
art is as solid as ever. The Ant-Man, however still leaves much
to be desired.
X-Men
Phoenix Warsong #2
Marvel
Writer: Greg Pak
Artist:Guy Tyler Kirkham
Description:
The Phoenix is back! Or is it? Something’s not quite right
with the Stepford Cukoos and the X-Men better figure out what it
is...and fast! Also, what does Weapon Plus have to do with all this?
Editorial:
If you can figure out who is supposed to be possessed by the Phoenix
in this story, you're a better comic book nerd than I. Or maybe
you're just a bigger comic book nerd. At any rate, Cukoos seem to
be products of the Weapon Plus program and not carriers of the Phoenix
disease. But is that Emma all full of Phoenix fire? I don't know.
The art is great. The story is confusing. Maybe I'll be blown away
when Pak is done twisting. Let's hope so.
So,
what do you think? Agree? Disagree? Give
us your feedback.
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