Comics! Red Hood and the Outlaws #8

Red Hood and the Outlaws #8

Written by Scott Lobdell
Art by Kenneth Rocafort

The Solicitation

Suzie Su is back, and she's betting a hospital full of hostages will get Red Hood's attention! If that isn't enough to keep him and the Outlaws busy, there's someone waiting in the wings! It's Tim Drake knocking on Red Hood's door with a very special package for his estranged "brother." Don't miss Red Robin's cameo this issue, as it ties directly into next month's "Night of the Owls" Batman event!

Preview

The Story

Why is Jason taking them back to Gotham? Because the gang he sorta slaughtered is from there and the is some huge fat woman yelling at him for revenge. It's not the Night of the Owls event. Honest.

From the sounds of it, gangs kept popping up in Gotham and Jason was there to take them down. Kinda odd if you try to put it into some type of time line. Seriously, where does this happen, when does he become Robin, when does he have a resurrection, and all of this is supposed to have happened within 5 years of the new universe coming into being. Bah, pesky thoughts.

Anyway, the threat from Suzie is in effect - Jason has to turn himself over to her or she kills a hospital full of children. Obviously, she won't get the chance to. But she does get the chance to land on Red Hood as she goes falling down an elevator.

Of course Jason gets the upper hand and kills her because she won't stop her ways of wanting to kill him. Then, in what should be labeled a bit of a tie in to Night of the Owls, Jason gets the same call that Nightwing got over in his comic about Batman needing some help in containing the Talons that the Owls have sent out to kill all the higher powers in Gotham.

Then Red Robin let's Jason know that they see that he has been eavesdropping on the call, and that they could use his help. Kori asks Jason if he knows Red Robin, and Jason says he does.

FLASHBACK TIME! This is the part where Lobdell's other titles sneak their way into Red Hood. Seems that the information on Wonder Girl and the information on some smuggling are exchanged between the two.  It has a nice scene between these two sons of Batman.

Flash back to the present and Red Hood decides that they will help Batman. So they are going after Victor Fries in order to help protect him.

It is interesting. We needed a simple bridge that would make provide a logical reason as to why Red Hood had to be in Gotham, and this wasn't too bad as far as some stories like this one are concerned. I really felt that the stronger part of the issue was the conversation between Red Robin and Jason at the end of the issue in the flashback. It seems to me that Lobdell has a much better grasp about how Todd fits in with his former Bat-family and wants to go exploring in that set up. I'm down with that idea.

The Art

Let me explain the look of the art in a way I haven't yet in any previous issue, which you know would mean that this artist could be very hit or miss.

In the first couple of pages we have Jason Todd unmasked and killing people. At the end of the issue we have Tim Drake talking to Red Hood. Besides the slightly longer hair that Jason has at the beginning, I dare you to tell me any other difference between the two figures.

The Cover

Starfire has the look that says she could care less about being there. Suzie has the look that she was being cared for at the hospital, but in any fight scene in the comic has her just wearing the hospital gown. Back on Starfire - what kind of pose is that? How long is her torso?

Grades

Words: 6/10

Pictures: 3/10

Recommend: Not a significant tie in to the Night of the Owls, but I am surprised that there isn't a Night of the Owls logo on the cover. Usually this amount of story time would lend itself to a logo like that. I would give it a fair chance to read. 

Buy Next Issue: Night of the Owls! Here we go.

Previous Issues

Comics! Nightwing #8

Nightwing #8

Kyle Higgins: writer
Eddy Barrows: pencils
Ruy Jose & Eber Ferreira: inks

The Solicitation

A lead-in to next month's thrilling "Night of the Owls" Batman event! With the Owls descending upon Gotham City, the fate of the city's leader rests on the shoulders of Nightwing! But as our hero embarks on a mission to rescue Mayor Hady, just how do Cameron Kane and turn-ofthe-century Gotham City factor in? Plus: the untold story of William Cobb – the Talon who's hunting Bruce Wayne!

Preview

The Story

Well, it said Night of The Owls prelude on the cover so of course I read it. Although, to be fair, it might be best to have some advance reading before getting into this issue. Like say, Batman #8. Kinda weird that they labeled this a prelude, but it spoils a bit of Batman, but you were going to get the info anyway.

Also required reading is Gates of Gotham. It lets you know a little more about the side story of the Talon that is told along side the main story.

As you can tell from the Previous Issues link at the bottom of the page, I dropped this tittle a while back. Basically had no thrills for me and I just didn't care anymore. This issue feels like it could stand on its own though, and while there is reference to a minor subplot involving Nightwing's weapon (don't know if it was from previous issues or not, but still a tad interesting), this book is basically diving right into the Night of the Owls event and not looking back.

Again, that could be dangerous, especially if you are like and are either giving this title another look, or if this is the first time you are picking up the book. What is missing from any previous story presented so far in the new 52 for Nightwing? How about any information about what Nightwing has done in the new 52. That he now owns Haley Circus (does he still? I don't know if the story changed since then). How about the fact that  Haley's Circus was like the breeding ground for the Talons. I know it from reading Batman, and I would expect that may be something that you would want to reference to make the Haley Circus flashbacks seem relevant and add more gravity to the book.

I'm sure I'm nitpicking a bit, but I was rather impressed with this book.

Like the small detail of how they knew that Dick Grayson was at the end of the comic, and the fact that the owls were surprised to learn who Batman is. Or the sudden abrupt stop at the end of the comic with William Cobb's story.

Damn it. Now I've looked at the story too closely. I liked it better the first time I read it. On closer examination, it just starts to turn sour.

The Art

It starts out OK. Then the panels went crazy for no discernible reason. Then the fight sequence at the end just goes crazy. How could Nightwing take glancing blows to the face and arm with a sword? The way the art looked, Nightwing should have lost the arm and his face should have a bigger gash then what was seen at the end of the comic.

There are just times throughout the comic that just jar me with the art. I just don't see any type of improvement since I read it before.

The Cover

I know the Talon, who is imposing, deserves to be on the cover. I get that Nightwing should be shown as well. I have no clue who the person is on the left side of the cover. I can't find him anywhere in the comic. Is it just supposed to be a random person there to help balance Nightwing on the right side?

Grades

Words: 5/10

Pictures: 4/10

Recommend: Something tells me that it will be essential reading to get what happens next issue. So if you are buying one, you should buy the other. More for collecting purposes, but unless Nightwing is about to die, I don't care much for it.

Buy Next Issue: So since I bought this one, I might as well get the set. But nothing right now will keep me going after the next one.

Previous Issues

Comics! Wonder Woman #8

Wonder Woman #8

Brian Azzarello: writer
Cliff Chiang: artist & cover

The Solicitation

To march on Hell itself, you're going to need some sensational weapons – and Wonder Woman intends to call in a few family favors to get them! Armor of Hephaestus? Check. The pistols of Eros? Check! But will any of it be enough to wrest an innocent soul from the grasp of Hades? And what does Hermes know that Diana doesn't…yet?

Preview

The Story

Essentially this is a story with Wonder Woman and Hermes traveling to Hades. In the first couple of pages we get the transition from last issue into this one. Thankfully, all the characters get named checked, which seems a bit weird, because I don't usually expect that from Azzarello.

But let's skip that and the obvious fact that we know Wonder Woman won't bring back Eros' guns. That plot point is telegraphed way too early. So off they go to the realm of the dead.

They go to what an underworld that has taken the appearance of London. They fight through some statues that come alive and an entire city built with the dead. They eventually find Zola and realize that time spent in the Underworld goes much faster than time spent in the real world, because Zola's pregnancy has advanced. So they grab her and want to escape.

Unfortunately, Hades still wants that queen that he was promised. He sees that Wonder Woman is carrying Eros's guns and says that Zola and her child can leave if he gets the guns.

Now the comic doesn't give any indication who Eros is. You have to do a Google search. So when I finished the comic the first time, I felt like I was missing out on something. A quick Google search later on who Eros is, and I wonder how the fuck that ending could have happened.

Eros is the god of love. So his guns will act like Cupid's arrows do. I imagine that Wonder Woman knows a pit more about the whole mythology than I do. So what I don't get is why she would hand over the Guns of Eros only to know that she would probably be shot by them. I will give her this though - she might have done it because she thought that her armor and bracelets would protect her. Unfortunately they don't and she gets struck in the heart.

So I had to read the story twice to get it. I honestly think my girlfriend, or any other person who minored in mythology, would get more of the tiny details of this comic than I would. The monthly reads are still entertaining, so I will be continuing to get them. I just think that I will enjoy this more when I read them all at once after I take an afternoon to brush up on my mythology.

The Art

Clifff Chiang does some good art in this issue. I enjoyed the fight scenes and thought that it was nice to see Hermes finally let loose a little. I liked the look of the skinless horse and rider. The fight scenes were ok, but not something to brag about. Overall, it was some good, effective storytelling.

The Cover

Wonder Woman - guns a blazing. Looks good on the cover, but its no where in the interior. Wonder Woman never involves the guns being in her hands unless she was taking them from someone or she was giving them to someone.

The look of the cover is great. The purple background seems a little off, but I can't think of a different color that would work with it.

Grades

Words: 7/10

Pictures: 8/10

Recommend: I think this is one of the few issues that could stand on its own. At least people get name checked and the premise of the story is something easily understood.

Buy Next Issue: I'm still good with this story. I'll keep coming back.

Previous Issues

Comics! Batman #8

Batman #8

Scott Snyder: writer
Greg Capullo: penciller
Jonathan Glapion: inker


Back up:
Writers: Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV
Art: Rafael Albuquerque

The Solicitation

Broken and beaten, Bruce Wayne has retreated from Gotham City – the city of Owls – to Wayne Manor. But no place is safe, because the Court is about to strike at the heart of city, and nothing will ever be the same. Be there for the start of the battle for Gotham City's soul…and the prelude to "The Night of the Owls."And in the first chapter of a new backup story, learn the secret history of The Court of Owls – as well as the secrets of Gotham City and the Wayne family!

Preview

The Story

Night of the Owls, the big Bat-crossover begins here. We get Bruce fresh from his small amount of rest from the last issue. And by rest, I mean none at all. And the action from last issue just rolls right into this one.

We get the Owls attacking Wayne Manor. They are there to kill Bruce, and as a bonus they find Batman. Kinda strange because I thought that they would have figured out that Bruce Wayne = Batman from the previous couple of issues. That, or communication isn't done too much between them.

Bruce knows Wayne Manor. So we get plenty of tricks up Bruce's sleeves as the Owls chase him around the house and into the cave. We get a really nice Alfred moment that I love. Then Bruce gets some information that he needs.

Knowing that the Owls are pretty much frozen until they are needed, he decides to turn the temperature down in the cave. It will take awhile, and the Owls will need to be taken care of until the temperature is just right. So Bruce throws on what I imagine to be a movable tank. And then turns to face the Owls.

We then get the back up that deals with Alfred decoding the information that the Owls are carrying. Turns out, and we already know this if you listened to any previews or have been following along, that the Owls are on the hunt for the higher ups in Gotham. Any public figure is getting murdered tonight. And we see some  of it happening.

So Bruce has Alfred put out the call to the family.

After already reading Nightwing and Red Hood before this comic, I know what the call is saying. Basically, it says that if your ass is in Gotham, get to helping out. Now.

I think it is a great start to a crossover that has been building up since issue #1. How the other books deal with this crossover will be interesting to read, and I'm looking forward to picking up some Bat-books that I haven't picked up yet or for the past couple of issues.

The Art

In the main story we get the art that works best for the story that we have continued to get since issue #1. Solid work that I can't complain about nor can I find too much in the flaw department from a couple of reads.

The second part of the comic is interesting. I'm not sure if I've ever seen Albuquerque's style before. The style seems to be heavy with the dark inks, but the splash page with the supporting Bat-cast isn't too shabby at all. Its not something I want a poster of or anything, but it is effective.

The Cover

I'm not liking the fact that my shop gets only the Combo-Pack version of the comic. The coloring is off from what is solicited, and I would honestly prefer the regular cover. I assumed that the comic was just wrong than what was solicited before, but then I saw that it is just the fact that it is a Combo-Pack difference. I include the different cover here, just to show how much better the coloring is on the original.

Grades

Words: 9/10 - Solid beginning to this event.

Pictures: 8/10 - between the two artists, this is where is should be. Still awesome though.

Recommend: Highly, especially if this is the first time you have heard about the Night of the Owls event. Everything is laid out in this comic to get you caught up to date and to get going with the crossovers.

Buy Next Issue: Most definitely!

Previous Issues

Comics! Peter Panzerfaust #3

Peter Panzerfaust #3

Co-Creators:
Kurtis Wiebe: words
Tyler Jenkins: pictures

The Solicitation
"THE GREAT ESCAPE," Part Three
The boys commandeer Nazi transport and high tail it out of Calais. But, before they can get too far, a passenger plane crashes nearby. Bravely checking for survivors, the boys are startled by what...and WHO they find!

Preview

The Story
Well of course they survive the blast on the ship from last issue, they have Peter on their side!

The boys decide that they must head to Paris, because that is where the city would be fortified and the German army has no chance of taking the city. I hate to spoil it for our group, but I don't see this turning out the way they expect it to.

Along the way of their walk, they come across some German vehicles that they are looking to take to help them along their way. They get caught of course, but quickly turn the tables and capture the soldiers in order to find some keys for the vehicles.

That's where we meet our Captain Hook.

Not necessarily called that yet, it is currently Kapitan Haken, which I am sure would translate from German as meaning hook. He is the captain of the army scouts that Peter has captured, and he looks forward to encountering Peter.

And what a clash. Now this Captain doesn't have a hook for a hand, but Peter decides to stab him in his left hand during the fight, which I am sure will play a part later on.

The boys get what they want and Haken gets knocked out. Along their short drive, the boys come across some planes. The plane gets shot down and Peter decides to rescue the survivors. Guess the name for the female survivor? Wendy Darling.

This comic continues to surprise me and entertain me when it comes to the introduction of classic characters from the story. Still no idea who the Belle is that Peter wants to find, but I think that everything else is fitting in nicely. The introduction of Haken was perfect. I thought that the ending felt a little rushed compared to the rest of the story in order to get to the cliffhanger ending of finding Wendy, but it was still enjoyable.

The Art
This is a style that still has its problems, but it is growing on me a little. Its sorta like how I don't like the art in Red Hood and the Outlaws, but with certain scenes and pages it all seems to work, it just doesn't work throughout the issue.

For example, in the fight scene, we have Haken with his left hand, which will be stabbed, placed behind him. The next panel has the knife going through the hand as if the hand was coming down on it. It doesn't make any sense as to why the hand would be attacking Peter in a downward motion. What was Haken trying to do, swat at Peter?

The Cover
I'm kinda irked by this cover. The plane crash happens in this issue, but that is no Wendy on the cover. If it is Wendy, then it is the Wendy from future issues and not this one. Honestly it looks more like that Belle character that Peter is looking for.

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 7/10
Recommend: Definitely worth giving a three issue try for. If this is something that doesn't make you want to turn the page after reading the initial three issues, then this book isn't for you. I like the fun nature of it, and for those looking for some good entertainment, this won't disappoint.
Buy Next Issue: We just got introduced to Wendy, I like where this is going. Consider it bought!

Previous Issues
Peter Panzerfaust #2
Peter Panzerfaust #1

Comics! Secret #1

Secret #1

Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Ryan Bodenheim

The Solicitation
"TEETH, WITH WHICH TO EAT"
A man gets shot in London, a law firm gets broken into in Washington, an accountant gives away the password to his computer, and something put to sleep 20 years ago awakens. What is the unsavory relationship all these things share, and how could it bring down two of the largest governments in the history of the world?


It's SECRET, a brand new, ongoing, monthly comic from the creators of A RED MASS FOR MARS. 


Brought to you by award-winning writer JONATHAN HICKMAN and break-out talent, RYAN BODENHEIM, SECRET is an espionage thriller that takes a deep look into the shadow world existing between the government and private security firms.

Preview

The Story
Oh, so this is what Thief of Thieves was supposed to be like.

Seriously, this is the intro that Thief of Thieves should have been. It establishes everything. It has a much more satisfying ending, and every character and their motivation was introduced. We get introduced to all the major characters and it all comes together perfectly.

What I like best is that this story is all done in one. You could walk away after this issue and be set with never reading another one like it again. But why would you do that to yourself?

This is my first time reading a Hickman book, and I am glad I picked it up.

I can't go too much into the story simply because I don't want to ruin it. I called the ending when Grant started walking into his office. I still enjoyed that reveal.

The Art
Oh, so this is what Thief of Thieves was supposed to be like.

Let me tell you how much the art is awesome in this book and how excellent the colors are done by Michael Garland by describing the first page. A guy is sleeping in his house. The colors are all gray. We see someone come into the house and put his hand over the guy's mouth. The masked guy is seen in red only, everything else is gray. The only line of thought/dialogue on the first page is "Drugs would be easier, but there's a point to be made here."

Its there in the preview pages. And if that intrigues you, keep on reading, you won't be disappointed.

The Cover
Its strange. I don't know if I like the picture art that is on the cover. It is definitely something different that jumps out at you. It seems more like it is meant to only attract readers who see this as interesting. It definitely got me.

Grades
Words: 10/10
Pictures: 10/10
Recommend: Highly. If the preview pages don't convince you, then it just isn't meant to be. Trust me though, the story for this one issue is worth it.
Buy Next Issue: Definitely. I hope my shop orders enough.

Comics! Batman & Robin #8

Batman & Robin #8

Peter J. Tomasi: writer
Patrick Gleason: penciller
Mick Gray: inker

The Solicitation
The "Born To Kill" saga concludes in a storm of fire and water, as Batman and Robin find themselves beaten and battered emotionally, as well as physically, as the fate of NoBody is revealed!

Preview

The Story
Wow, we really are taking this Batman turning a new leaf to a new degree.

Batman and Damian escape the sinking ship and head back to the Batcave to heal their wounds. They have some time to have a heart to heart about Damian and his murderous ways. Bruce basically says that Damian will have to live with the killing Ducard, but he has to find some principles and stick to them. And that there is nothing Damian can do to forget what happened on that boat.

They retire to the grounds of the manner for something mundane - playing catch and hanging with the dog. Then the Bat-signal appears overhead, and off they go.

This story just carried on the level that it was in previous issues. I find it nice that Bruce has a change of heart and isn't condemning Damian for what he has done. Between this and knowing that other Batman Inc members have probably killed before (and definitely when we look over at Batwing), then he has told them no more of that, and we move on to sticking to some principles.

Which makes me wonder what the story is with Red Hood and what he did that made Bruce not want to talk to him. Is it the continued killing? Who knows, but I hope we find out soon. Apparently all the former Robins are coming for a visit to this title soon.

The Art
I'm good with the art in this issue. It seems to be able to keep up the pace of the monthly demand, which I am very thankful for. Thee tones towards the end seemed to try and get lighter when it needed to, and then went back to the thick darkness.

The Cover
My only complaint about this cover is that I wish it had more of a "battle damaged" look to it. Otherwise it isn't too bad.

Grades
Words: 9/10
Pictures: 10/10
Recommend: Yes.
Buy Next Issue: Its a Night of the Owls crossover. Here we go!

Previous Issues

Comics! Thief of Thieves #3

Thief of Thieves #3

Story: Robert Kirkman
Writer: Nick Spencer
Artist: Shawn Martinbrough

The Solicitation
Conrad's son, Augustus, has done everything he can to live up to his father's legacy. The simple fact is he just isn't that good a thief. His bungling has left him exposed, but will Agent Cohen be able to trace Augustus back to his father, finally catching Conrad red-handed?

Preview

The Story
This was a comic that got picked up for a TV show?

See that person on the cover? That's Special Agent Elizabeth Cohen. She has a big grudge against our title character for some reason. And she has royally screwed up catching him. So now she is going after the next best thing - Conrad's son who has apparently taken up some of his father's work.

One thing about Walking Dead is that it is a very linear story. It doesn't flash backwards in time that often. This comic wants to jump around a lot. And it does so without any kind of artistic cues that a time shift has happened. No text box, no change of art, nothing.

I got this issue hoping to give the third issue a try just to see if I could get into it. I regret that I did.

The Art
Wide angles everywhere. Four panels to a page, and sometimes a little extra added. Same comments as before.

The Cover
I'm not quite sure what the deal is with the one brown figure that is in the middle right of the cover. It is just out of place and doesn't serve too much of a purpose to me.

Grades
Words: 3/10
Pictures: 5/10
Recommend: I think this will be the kind of book that you either love or hate. I chose just to not read it.
Buy Next Issue: Definitely not. I really have to stop giving comics one extra issue when I realize that they are not for me.

Previous Issues
Thief of Thieves #2
Thief of Thieves #1

Comics! Peter Panzerfaust #2

Peter Panzerfaust #2

Co-Creators:
Kurtis Wiebe: words
Tyler Jenkins: pictures

The Solicitation
"THE GREAT ESCAPE," Part Two
With Calais in the early stages of occupation, Peter and the boys discover a squad of captured British soldiers. Seeing an opportunity to get a ticket to London by saving them, they engage in a dangerous game of espionage that ends with a deadly showdown.

Preview

The Story
We start out with old man Tootles talking with the shrink, who I begin to suspect is actually Peter in some way.  Back in occupied France, Peter and the gang are trying to escape away from the soldiers that are surrounding them. We get some more explosiveness to allow the art a chance to show off. We also get a possible foil to Peter's leadership role from Felix, who seems a bit more eager to kill than Peter.

I get from this issue that Peter is more the let's have fun type and kill only if necessary. Felix seems more soldier like and just wants to kill them all. I like this dynamic and I think it will be interesting to see where this goes in the future.

Just when we think everything is good and Peter and the boys got away, the boat they are on gets hit. End of issue.

One thing I am finding odd is that the voice over from Tootles only comes in the beginning of the book and at the end. It would be nice to have it happen occasionally in the book, or just not to have it at the end.

The Art
More backgrounds in this issue, which I liked. I am a little bit surprised about the choice of not having that much blood in this comic. Flipping through again and seeing how many times people are shot and the only time any blood is shown is when someone has some coming out of their mouth a bit. Weird choice, but interesting to note so far.

There are also some panels where cigarettes seem to come out of nowhere and into people's mouths. Like when Felix kills the soldier. He walks up and there is clearly nothing there, but when he shoots the soldier on the ground then there it appears.

The Cover
Now this looks like the start to a cover that should have been on the first issue. Seriously, this one screams more of a Peter and the Lost Boys kind of look to it. You can easily distinguish who the leader of the group is with Peter because he is the only one without a gun.

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 7/10
Recommend: Yes, this is getting better for me with each issue and it gains the ground it wants to establish. Highly recommended to give it a try.
Buy Next Issue: Already bought it, so I'm sold!

Previous Issues
Peter Panzerfaust #1

Comics! Batwoman #8

Batwoman #8

J.H. Williams III & W.H. Blackman: writers
Amy Reeder: penciller & cover
Rob Hunter: inker

The Solicitation
Six lives moving through different points in time, all heading toward a crossroads. Batwoman faces gnashing teeth, claws and otherworldly powers. But can she defeat the villains of Gotham Harbor? Maro, an arcane wizard, harnesses violent magics to create the vile creature known as The Hook. Kate Kane struggles with living multiple lives and how that affects her relationship with Maggie. Detective Maggie Sawyer transports a double agent named Sune.Jacob Kane still holds onto hope for a life that he so desperately needs in his.DEO Agent Cameron Chase covertly aids Batwoman in abducting one of the villain Falchion's inner circle.The creative team's unique take on spy stories continues!

Preview

The Story
Focus. Half of this book can just be thrown out the window. We don't need this comic to be following six stories. It brings the pacing for all the stories down and dividing it into 6 different parts makes no sense.

We start off with Batwoman confronting all the scary monsters that are being led by...someone. I forget. Honestly, I don't care for this part of the story because I don't think it has been explained at all why this confrontation is happening. Its like dividing up the climatic scene of a movie and playing it throughout the beginning, and weaving in about 4 other side stories.

After a two page fight scene we jump to the story of the guy with the hook for a hand. You know, the guy who's origin we needed way back in issue #1. Or at least some sort of clarity of who the person was back when he sliced up Flamebird.

Then we get Kate's story where she is being coerced into dating her girlfriend more.

Next is Batwoman trying to get someone who is held under police protection free.

We check up on Flamebird and Batwoman's dad in the hospital where he thinks that she moved her hand, but the doctor thinks that it was an involuntary reflex.

Cut back to Batwoman with the now freed prisoner.

Then cut to Batwoman fighting the weird guy from the beginning of the story. Then the freed prisoner appears shooting arrows at the evil guy. End of issue.

Fuck this story format. If this was being written by someone who I fully entrust having the writing chops to pull it off then I would be all about it. I don't see that here. Maybe this will read better in some sort of collected edition, but for now I just want to run away and cry.

The Art
Its decent. Floating panels everywhere. Some characters appear to be missing body parts at time (how is that cop positioned; is Batwoman holding his crotch or something?). I get the strange feeling that this story just isn't a good fit for this artist.

The Cover
THE best thing about the comic. Seriously, I love that cover. I hear that Amy Reeder is leaving the book as the interior artist, but I wish that she could stay on for the covers. I've enjoyed the covers greatly.

Grades
Words: 2/10
Pictures: 5/10
Recommend: Nope. Not at all.
Buy Next Issue: Three issues in a row of just crap. Bye bye Batwoman.

Previous Issues

Comics! Green Lantern #8

Green Lantern #8

Writer: Geoff Johns
Pencils: Doug Mahnke
Inks: MArk Irwin, Ketih Champagne, Christian Alamy & Doug Mahnke

The Solicitation
"Secret of the Indigo Tribe" Part 2! On the Indigo homeworld, Hal Jordan and Sinestro are trapped, powerless and on the run – with the entire Indigo Tribe in hot pursuit! Their situation grows even more dire when we learn the Indigos' deadly secret! Plus: Why Indigo-1 is so interested in Hal's predecessor, Abin Sur?

Preview

The Story
Remember last issue that was pretty much a recap of all previous knowledge of the Indigo tribe? This is part 2 of that, with crazy Hal Jordan escaping from jail hijinks.

Seriously, that "secret" that the solicitation says is revealed? Nada. I don't see one here.

We start off with Sinestro fighting back becoming an Indigo Tribe member. Then we flip to Hal Jordan talking to Black Hand, which deserves a WTF stamp. We know that the Indigo Tribe can harness the power of all the users if they are within range of them. Before they were never able to access willpower, or so they said. Black Hand does just that, and Hal Jordan takes the moment to put his ring that Sinestro forged him against Black Hand's forehead to charge the ring.

A couple of problems with that action there. First off, I thought that when Sinestro's forged rings ran out of power they just disappeared, which means that Jordan should have no ring. Let's skip that point. I also didn't think that Jordan could power up the ring by placing it on Black Hand's forehead and shouting his oath, mostly because I thought that only Sinestro could power up the rings he forged. And just what does it mean to access a part of the emotional spectrum? Does that mean you can charge the rings or that you can just use the power? It isn't really explained and it seems to be built based upon what Johns needs to get Hal out of a situation.

At least when Hal powers up the ring with Black Head's forehead, it doesn't fully charge the ring and the ring doesn't have all of its abilities. So now that Jordan is out on the run, he comes across a statue of Abin Sur. I guess this is when the big secret is revealed that Abin Sur saved all of those in the Indigo Tribe. That he created them. Honestly, I thought that was already common knowledge, unless that's just me being able to read it online somewhere and not in the comic.

The final page is a picture of Sinestro in Indigo Tribe set up. Behind him is the reflection of who he was before he became a member of the tribe. The same goes for all the other members of the tribe in the picture.

This issue just disappointed me. This seems to crawl at baby steps to try and tell us the story of the Indigo Tribe. Honestly, I would think that by the second issue we would get some sort of new information.

I really didn't like Johns' way of getting Jordan out of trouble in this issue. I just rolled my eyes and wondered why. And then spend half the issue dealing with Jordan and his escape. Bah.

The Art
The art is consistently good as per usual. The team of inkers on this one included the main artist himself. I must say that the opening sequence with Sinestro beating the member of the Indigo Tribe was awesome. Definitely had a creepy vibe to it.

Outside of that, most of the comic only had bars and lines for backgrounds throughout the rest of the issue. Made it feel very empty.

The Cover
Honestly, with the title boxes and everything, it just looks like Hal and Sinestro are running from some circular light behind them. The light source behind them definitely gives a subdued feeling with the rest of the cover, which matches the way of the Indigo Tribe.

Honestly, if the idea behind the two on the cover is that they are powerless and on the run, like the cover says, why are they in full costume? Wouldn't a fading costume or tattered costume give a better impression of that?

BTW, the cover I got does not match the cover here. The cover here looks much better. The cover I got has the Indigo Tribe symbol behind the two with some sort of ground thing that they are running on.

Grades
Words: 6/10
Pictures: 7/10
Recommend: Eh. Skippable middle part of the story. Next issue will be ok to pick up and skip this one.
Buy Next Issue: I guess. My retailer is only getting the Combo-Packs though. Hopefully I can get a copy of the regular edition next time because I don't want to pay $3.99 for this comic if it drops in quality every other month.

Previous Issues

Comics! Peter Panzerfaust #1

Peter Panzerfaust #1

Co-Creators:
Kurtis Wiebe: words
Tyler Jenkins: pictures

The Solicitation
“THE GREAT ESCAPE,” Part One
The city of Calais is the first city in France to fall to the Germans in the spring of 1940. A mysterious American boy named Peter rallies a handful of plucky French orphans and they must work together to survive Europe’s darkest hour. 
From the writer of the critically acclaimed GREEN WAKE and THE INTREPIDS comes a new ongoing series: PETER PANZERFAUST, a high energy action story that blends Red Dawn with Peter Pan.

Preview

The Story
Let's talk about making a comic where the basic concept is Peter Pan fighting Nazis.

And I'm sold.

This works as a great first issue. We see that the approach of the story is being told by an old man who turns out to be one of the "lost boys." He is telling the story of how he and some other orphaned boys all were in France when a bomb fell on their orphanage. And that's when they met Peter.

We get more or less a classic version of Peter and how the lost boys work. Peter tries to convince the boys that they need to hide until the Germans are defeated. To do this they will have to remain in hiding. I imagine they will be having some grand adventures as they do so.

We get basic character introductions and a few moments that are classic Peter Pan moments. This story reeks of fun times ahead, and I'm falling for it.

The Art
This is where my problem is with the book. Everything is heavy with shades of brown. At certain points all of the lost boys look almost alike to me. There isn't really too much to distinguish them from each other save for Peter who has a very distinct look. Once I get past that hump, its not too bad.

When I flip through the book, I get really confused as to what is going on. Rooms seem to be built like the inside of a TARDIS. The transition form panel to panel seems weird. At times backgrounds seem to be lacking and objects are there one moment but not the next. I'm liking the story, but the execution of the art could use a little bit better direction.

The Cover
I got the second printing cover. You can't tell from this cover that its Peter Pan in WW2, and I would think that is what needs to be expressed on the cover. You do get airplanes in the back, but you don't know who the guy is. Hopefully if this makes it to a collected edition then it will be changed.

Grades
Words: 8/10 Nice concept and it has me hooked.
Pictures: 6/10 Needs help, but can get better.
Recommend: Definitely give it a try. Its an excellent way to change up the telling of Peter Pan.
Buy Next Issue: Already done!

Comics! Animal Man #8

Animal Man #8

Jeff Lemire: writer
Steve Pugh: artist, p.6-20
Travel Foreman: pencils, 1-5
Jeff Huet: inks. 1-5

The Solicitation
"Animal vs. Man" Part 2! Buddy takes a stand as the horde of Rot-infested animals continues to grow and close in on the Baker family. But the results are disastrous, setting up a chain of events that may lead Maxine right to the Hunters.

Preview

The Comic
Maxine says that the rotten things are there. Sure enough, the RV is surrounded by the creatures infected by the Rot. Maxine then thinks that she can fight the creatures and get them to stop. She can't.

That's right, this comic opens with the Rot feasting on Maxine. And it doesn't let up from there.

This comic has got turns and surprises all along the way. I really think that just about anything can happen in this comic, and this comic goes down some dark roads.

Don't worry about Maxine though, she "jumped bodies" into some other creature and morphed that creature back into her normal looking self. Apparently this is supposed to be an ability that she will develop eventually, but she is apparently a fast learner.

Let's just say that the reaction by everyone else in the comic is justified after what just happened. But instead of taking this time to leave, they stand around and talk. Animal Man heads off to a nearby town to try and stop the animals. He picks up the ability to fly and tries to lure the animals that way. Then some crows get infected with the Rot and eat him.

The last page has Animal Man speaking with the voice of the Rot.

Damn this comic is good.

The Art
There is another shift in the art again this issue, but the styles stay very similar. From what I understand, Travel Foreman will be leaving the title soon, which is a shame. But if Steve Pugh keeps up the style he has going, then this book will continue to run at a high level of excellence.

The Cover
There is something about the background being the solid red and the gray tones of the rest of it that just seems off. It catches my eye, but in a way that just throws me off. I like the idea behind what they were doing, but the color choices just seem off to me.

Grades
Words: 9/10
Pictures: 9/10
Recommend: Highly. This book is still something that first time readers to the comic will enjoy. But if this isn't your style in the first few pages, then this book won't be for you.
Buy Next Issue: Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!

Previous Issues
Animal Man #7
Animal Man #4 - #6
Animal Man #1 - #3

Comics! Spaceman #5

Spaceman #5

Azzarello and Risso

The Solicitation
The epic new series from the team who brought you 100 BULLETS continues! Orson is in way over his head, trying to do right in a world gone wrong. Now, a mysterious man from his past is about to make things much, much worse.

No preview available

The Story
Orson tries to take the kidnapped child into friendly territories, and it backfired. The cliffhanger from last issue is resolved quickly, but the trio of would be kidnappers keep on the trail. They use a version of Twitter to make it a game to track Orson. Instead of Orson, they find another Spaceman.

Meanwhile some producers of the TV show are trying to track down the kidnapping and make some ratings out of it. Then they realize that they have a Spaceman mixed in with the situation, which is apparently not too good.

This story is told in the typical Azzarello style, meaning that you have to be very familiar with the characters and story that is going on or you'll need to go back and re-read it. This will be much better when it has multiple issues in a row to deal with.

Knowing Azzarello's style, it makes me wonder how he is going to be writing the Watchmen prequel books. His style can be good, but I think his sense of minimalism writing is going to be an interesting way to deal with the Watchmen books.

The Art
It's Risso, on par with what else he has done art for. Love it, or hate it. I personally like it.

The Cover
Kinda cool with the sketchy-ness around the bottom half. I wonder why this wasn't done with the other outer areas of the cover. Not too interesting, and probably the weakest cover of the series so far.

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 9/10
Recommend: Only if you have the previous four issues.
Buy Next Issue: Only four more to go, and the series has been enjoyable so far. Sticking with it until the end.

Previous Issues
Spaceman #4
Spaceman #1-#3

Comics! Fatale #4

Fatale #4

Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips

The Solicitation
The surprise hit of 2012 continues! FATALE's first arc veers dangerously toward its crushing end... all the pieces are in place, Josephine and her lover are prepared to execute their plan, but only one of them knows what kind of men (or demons) they're dealing with. Nothing will go as planned, and there will be blood. 


And remember, FATALE is packed with extras - text pieces, art, paintings - that are only included in the printed comics, so don't miss an issue!

Preview

The Comic
Hank pretty much gets to know the meaning of police brutality. For Walter's part in it, he gets a visit from Jo. All Hank wants to do is visit Jo. Instead, he gets drunk and gets a visit from the cult people from yester-issue.

Seriously, its difficult to describe the story in this comic without giving much of it away. For that then, I think the next issue will be the last one that I review, but that I will keep on buying. Let's play the game of rate a trio of issues or rate a story line instead of reviewing each one. Basically, each review has been the same. Great intriguing story, and great art.

The Art
Ditto from the last issue.

The Cover
Another character profile shot. I love the use of red to contrast the rest of the cover, it really makes it stick out when its on the comic shop rack.

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 9/10
Recommend: Yes. Get it, I'm tired of describing how good it is. This will definitely fill up your appetite for noir material.
Buy Next Issue: Sold!

Previous Issues
Fatale #3
Fatale #2
Fatale #1

Comics! Batwing #8

Batwing #8

Written by Judd Winick
Pencils by Dustin Nguyen

The Solicitation
Batwing vs. Massacre! The culmination of Massacre's rampage and destruction of Africa's first team of heroes, The Kingdom! The battle between Batwing and Massacre crashes Gotham City as Batman, Robin, Batgirl and Nightwing join the fight in a massive, action-packed rumble you won't want to miss! And the shocking identity of Massacre is revealed at last!

Preview

The Comic
Overall, I'm going to say that it was a much better conclusion and I am surprised that I am enjoying this comic as much as I am.

We pick up from the previous issue with Nightwing and Robin fighting the Steelback armor. They get some advice on how to take out the armor and they do.

Meanwhile we have Batwing confront Massacre to get him to stop with the crusade. Batwing exposes Massacre as General Keita, but we all know its not him, as I said a few issues back. It's Isaac, Batwing's long lost brother.

The Steelback armor blows up, and Massacare is separated from Batwing in the fall out. We then see that it is Josiah Kone, the man who originally help to bring the Kingdom together, who is the mastermind behind training Massacre and killing the Kingdom.

Batwing then gets the chance to either let Josiah fall to his death, or be turned in for his crimes. There is a two panel beat before Batman steps in and says that there will be no more killing tonight. I do honestly believe that if Batman had not come in, Batwing would have killed him.

Overall, the story does have some predictable elements to it. We could easily see the mystery of who the mastermind was behind everything, and we knew who Massacre really was. So we, the readers, are obviously better detectives than Batwing. But that's ok, he isn't meant to be a super intelligent person, he has more military type of knowledge and is perfect for going into battle. So he has areas to learn and expand his knowledge, which is a good thing.

I'm now genuinely intrigued as to where we will go now that his origin story is complete. On to the next!

The Art
At first I thought that only Oliver could be the artist for this book, but Nguyen has proven to be the better one. Something about his style fits perfectly well with the scripts that Winick has for Batwing. I enjoyed the art tremendously for this issue.

The Cover
Trying to fit a little too much into this cover, including some Batwing butt. Its an odd angle to have everything at as well. It's what you get when you have a bunch of characters that you want to throw into a cover.

Once again, the coloring on the book is different from the picture shown. Weird.

Grades
Words: 7/10
Pictures: 8/10
Recommend: Satisfying. Definitely worth it.
Buy Next Issue: Night of the Owls crossover. Let's do this!

Previous Issues

Comics! Red Lanterns #8

Red Lanterns #8

Writer: Peter Milligan
Pencillers: Andres Guinaldo & Jorge Jimenez
Inkers: Mark Irwin & Jorge Jimenez

The Solicitation
Who is it that brings death to all on Ysmault? Jack Moore could not have become a Red Lantern at a more apocalyptic time. But what's worse: being caught in Atrocitus and Bleez's civil war, or taking the blame for the infection spreading throughout the Red Lantern Corps? Facing extinction, how long until all the Red Lanterns burn out?

Preview

The Comic
I get the weird feeling that we went from having almost no stories being told, or this really slow burn going for this comic, to suddenly not having enough pages in which to tell the story.

Basically we have some ancient form of a Red Lantern that Atrocitus threw away and buried years ago coming back and having the ability to poison the Red Lanterns by putting a piece of his rib in the Red Lantern power battery. Yes, you read that right. How did he know this? I don't know, and the story doesn't tell us much either.

Bleez apparently has convinced half the Red Lanterns to be with her. She is sending one of them off on a mission to find out where this new Lantern came from and what his rage was inspired by, because apparently the appearance of a Red Lantern on the planet's surface can be communicated right away to Bleez who is orbiting around the planet.

Guy Gardner makes a cameo appearance and is talking to the killer of Jack Moore's, the new Red Lantern, grandfather. The guy is claiming self defense and Guy isn't hearing it.

Atrocitus then sees that the Red Lantern power battery isn't in top shape from the poisoning of the one creature's rib, and that explains why Atrocitus isn't able to heal as he should.

Also, apparently it is napalm that runs through the veins of Red Lanterns.

Next issue is supposed to be the Death of the Red Lantern Corps, and I could almost not care. It is really hard to feel any sort of compassion or need to find out what happens to characters who are only skin deep. I understand that Milligan has the task of trying to make these characters sympathetic, but it just isn't working. The fact that this earthly Red Lantern can create a construct isn't exciting to me.

There is a sort of meta-physical-ness that Milligan is tapping into to have work with the Red Lanterns, and I generally don't follow that kind of stuff. I'm beginning to think that this book just isn't working for me how it kinda sorta used to.

The Art
Different artists than the normal one. They work somewhat effectively. We get some extreme closeup of things that don't really tell much of a story. I don't get a sense of flow from one panel to the next. And the one shot the Bleez has looks like some really awkward way to get her butt in the picture, which makes me wonder why these new artists tried to carry on that tradition.

The Cover
Are they all trying to prevent the Red Lantern from falling, or are they fighting? At first I thought fighting, now I see trying to save the battery. It just looks awkward either way.

Grades
Words: 4/10
Pictures: 4/10
Recommend: Nah. This just seems like too much, too fast, not fully developed, and not having a direction.
Buy Next Issue: Next issue will be the last one unless there is some sort of spectacular issue that brings some clarity to what is happening.

Previous Issues

Comics! Detective Comics #8

Detective Comics #8

Written and pencilled by Tony S. Daniel
Inks by Sanou Florea
background assists by Joel Gomez


Back up written by Tony S. Daniel
Art by Szymon Kudranski

The Solicitation
Bruce Wayne's girlfriend, investigative journalist Charlotte Rivers, tries to protect a long-hidden secret even when her own life hangs in the balance. The Scarecrow is after knowledge only she possesses, and he'll stop at nothing to get it from her. Can Batman uncover Charlotte's secret past in time to save her future? With the clock ticking and a dose of newly designed fear gas in the air, Batman must first fight his own nightmare as all of Gotham City turns against him.Plus, don't miss the start of a new backup story written by Tony S. Daniel and illustrated by Szymon Kudranski (PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE)!

Preview

The Comic
This is another comic that can barely say that it follows what the solicitation advertises as happening in the book. For one, Charlotte Rivers is no where in this comic. The only part that is true outside of mentioning the back up that starts this issue is the fact that the Scarecrow is involved.

Let me just describe the comic like this - the payoff for the comic was much better than the setup. If you ignore any dialogue, if you let your sense of imagination include the fact that this was probably one of Batman's first adventures and he is not a seasoned pro, then this comic can be good when seen through a dirty filter.

We have to roll with the idea that Scarecrow is able to manipulate Batman and have Batman run some errands for him. Batman is obviously smarter than this, but the script doesn't show it.

The back up is pretty bad. It is supposed to be the story of how Two-Face started in Gotham. It comes across as incoherent, and then jumps to Two-Face being a total bad ass. Or trying to be. It's messy and the art doesn't help.

I don't know why Tony Daniel is popular and has been since the relaunch. The stories just aren't good to me. He's definitely not for me, but I struggle to see why he is popular and why Detective continues to be selling so well.


The Art
Tony Daniel continues to ape from scenes and iconic images from Dark Knight Returns. One panel seems to be flipped upside down for no reason. Too bad its a one page spread.

The backup is the same artist from a couple of issues ago. Everything is dark, dark, dark. It is very muddled and covers up a lot of what is going on. With this going on and the words not helping, it really makes for a bad back up.

The Cover
Very generic, so it matches the generic story. I wonder where all the text is on this cover that usually covers up most other covers that DC puts out these days. I find it funny that Batman's cape is deciding to get in on the attack efforts on the right side of the cover. I wonder why the other side of the cape is as enthusiastic.

And I swear that the coloring is off again on this issue. I really think its because I have the Combo-pack edition of this comic. Man this cover sucks with the coloring change. I like the picture displayed here much, much better.

Grades
Words: 2/10
Pictures: 3/10
Recommend: A very skippable issue. Doesn't even do a good job of introducing any character.
Buy Next Issue: It is the Night of the Owls crossover. Let's see how Tony Daniels has to deal with other Bat-writers and their much better ideas with how to handle Batman.

Previous Issues

Comics! Action Comics #8

Action Comics #8

Grant Morrison: writer
Rags Morales, Brad Walked, Rick Bryant & Bob McLeod: artists

The Solicitation
It's the epic 30-page conclusion of Grant Morrison and Rags Morales' majestic opening storyline! $3.99 gets you front row seats to the ascension of the DC Universe's first Super Hero as The Man of Steel goes toe to tentacle with the all-new Brainiac for the final fate of Metropolis!

Preview

The Comic
I know I said that last issue would be the last one I picked up, but since this one is solicited as the final one for the opening story, I guess I will pick it up. And I'm sorta disgruntled by what I picked up.

I know that since this is the final part of the story, no one in their right mind would pick up the issue. Who would want to come into a comic when it is the last comic of the story? Well, that doesn't always happen, and you have to be able to summarize the previous events in the book while being able to advance the story, or in this case conclude the story. While it does it in parts, there will still be a lot that just goes over the reader's head.

Now the story overall that is being concluded isn't really something that can go over a reader's head, until you start to look at the details. Morrison is trying to introduce the next story arc while at the same time concluding this one. This isn't something that isn't unusual to happen, we see Geoff Johns do this all the time. The important part is to make sure that you conclude this story's arcs first.

If the job of the first arc is simply to develop Superman's powers so they grow exponentially and put him in the suit, then that is what this arc did. If the point was to make a coherent story, it kinda missed it with this issue for me.

Superman  is battling Brainiac, and also the scientist guy who is wearing the armor controlled by Brainiac. I forget his name and the comic didn't mention it so who cares. But Brainiac and the army/cyborg dude seem like they are the same person from the art and the text doesn't really distinguish between the two as well since the army guy has some sort of split personality thing going on.

Superman defeats Brainiac, which we knew would happen. He does so by flicking his ship that brought him to earth, which has been shrunk previously by Brainic, at Brainiac. The ship has some sort of crystal computer and it grows which crystallizes around Brainiac, or through him, just something like that.

Superman then says to reverse the process of shrinking Metropolis, and now that his ship is in control of the alien vessel, the process gets reversed. Then we start seeing the next arc get planted and the conclusion of this one.

Basically - Clark gets told by his current editor to accept the job that the Daily Planet offered him. His landlord, Mrs. Nyxly (Superman fans will know that name from a famous villain) tells Clark that she will keep his secret that he is Superman. And Superman gets the key to the city. He reveals his origin to everyone in a press conference. Superman goes to his parent's graveside and says that he is slowly fitting in. He then goes up, up, and away. Luthor is revealed to be Clark's insider source for his reporting needs. and its revealed that Superman has made Brainiac's ship his new fortress of solitude.

In the epilogue, we get someone approaching a hunter asking if he would like to kill a bullet proof man. The hunter shoots a T-rex and says that there is no such thing as a bullet proof man.

I am still holding the opinion that this story would work better in the previous DC universe and not in the new 52. This was not a very good origin story. Or first adventure story. If you look at Clark Kent and the world that we know him to reside in, the only thing that has changed for him from the first issue is that he has a costume for Superman that is more than just a T-shirt. He was always hounded by the Daily Planet for a job, now he has decided to go there. I don't think that Lois Lane learned anything or had her character advance. Same for Jimmy Olsen. Luthor might have been a bigger change, but the reveal at the end that he was playing all sides seem to indicate that he was prepared to win no matter the outcome.

Basically, a lot of ideas were presented to us, and none of them seemed to be developed. I come out of this comic just not caring about Superman. He doesn't inspire me, not how Morrison was able to inspire me about Supermen in All Star Superman. This could have been so much better.

The Art
Inconsistency. This book had three artists, and the dip in quality of the art throughout the first 8 issues is just awful. The first issue was great. Spectacular. Now it just looks like a cheap imitation of that first issue. I could've sworn that Jimmy Olsen looked very different in previous issues. And what was with Superman's costume changing in each panel in the middle of the fight? I understand that the suit is controlled by the thought of the wearer, but there didn't seem to be any logical sense of the change in it. The story just didn't match what was going on.

And that politician handing Superman the key looked like a bad imitation of the Smiler from Transmetropolitan. The art also looked like a weirdly inked version of Lee Bermejo's art.

The Cover
The cover matched the comic perfectly, in the sense that it didn't inspire me at all. You can't see the big bad enemy, its covered up with the title of the book and all the other little words on it. Not even Superman looks to be all that clear. Not enough time was taken with how to design this cover, and it shows. I don't see why the old costume in the background is a focal point on this cover. It just makes me cringe.

And again, the cover shown here is actually a much better colored version that the one I got. I don't know if its because my shop only had the Digital Combo pack that I had to get and they color it different, but the cover shown here actually looks better than what was produced.

Grades
Words: 3/10
Pictures: 2/10
Recommend: Only if you just want to see how it concludes. Don't go near it otherwise.
Buy Next Issue: Nope. Not even the "preview" of the next arc, nor any of the hints of what is come that was laid out throughout the issue really gets me to want to continue with the comic. Maybe sometime down the line, but for now I continue to ignore anything Superman related. It's a shame really, I really did want to keep picking up this book.

Previous Issues

Comics! Avengers vs. X-Men #1

Avengers Vs. X-Men #1 

Jason Aaron, Brian Michael Bendis, Ed Brubaker, Jonathan Hickman and Matt Fraction: story
Brian Michael Bendis: script
John Romita, Jr.: pencils
Scott Hanna: inks

The Solicitation

• It’s No Longer Coming—It’s Here!
• Does The Return Of The Phoenix To Earth Signal The Rebirth Of The Mutant Species? That’s What The X-Men Believe!
• Unfortunately, The Avengers Are Convinced That Its Coming Will Mean The End Of All Life On Earth!
• The Stage Is Set For The Ultimate Marvel Showdown In This Oversized First Issue!

Preview

The Story
Since I said it before in a previous review of Winter Soldier #1, let's paste it here:


What what what? Is this a Marvel comic? Indeed it is, true believer. I decided to pick up a couple of #1s from Marvel to get a taste for how things have been since my last Marvel comic that I picked up. To give you an idea of how long it has been since I last danced the marvel dance, I picked up Morrison's X-Men run, got some old Garth Ennis Punisher hardcovers, and got about halfway through Brubaker's run on Daredevil. The last X-men comic I picked up was Warren Ellis' first issue on Astonishing X-men, and I think I caught the beginning of Bendis' run on Avengers with the House of M crossover. So yea, its been a little bit.


I have been keeping up with some random interviews with Marvel creators over the years, and have heard all the big controversial story lines. A couple of years ago I did get a month's subscription to Marvel's Digital Comics and caught up on a lot of books at that time. Beyond that, I am essentially coming into this comic as a new reader. So just like the DC #1s, there are going to be some certain expectations that I will need in order to keep the comic coming each month.


With that in mind, let's go for the comic and the review of it.

And so we do. And I must say, as a lapsed reader with all things Marvel, this book just drops the ball with catching me up. It's shiny, it's pretty, but in the end it is something that Marvel fans will love and new readers will be excited, but ultimately a lot of catching up and clarification will be needed. And this comic better do it quick.

Four pages in, and I have read only one word outside of the credits. What I know as the Phoenix just torched some far side of a planet and is traveling through space. I know it's the Phoenix, old readers know it's the Phoenix, but I don't think a new reader would get that. Yet.

The next nine pages takes its time telling us that the Avengers are just hanging around with nothing to do. But they can assemble! This comet looking thing has hit a plane that takes out a building, that the Avengers catch and prevent and deaths from happening. The comet crashes and the Avengers run to find Nova! Who is Nova!? I don't know. Seriously, I really don't have much of a clue about Nova besides the fact that he is some cosmic guy. And that is all I apparently need to know. Either he is dead or he is just passed out. And he just says that "it" is coming.

Next we get to meet Hope and Cyclops over at Utopia, the island home of the X-men. Its been a bit since I last checked in with the X-Men, but I know that Hope is supposed to be some sort of mutant messiah. But last I knew she was some kid. Ignoring all that back history I know, we basically see Cyclops "training" Hope for some reason, and I mean hardcore training her. Then I wonder if Cyclops is evil or something because Magneto is on this island.

The thought gets interrupted when that bird thing, the Phoenix, makes its appearance again when Hope starts to yell. At this point we have reached the staples of the comic, meaning the middle of the issue, and I have seen so very, very few words here. A little clarification would be nice to have right about now. I'd even settle for little character boxes when we first see a character that would have their name and maybe their powers or something, sorta like how Utopia was introduced. Yes, there was a nice character chart in the beginning of the book with the names of the characters, but nothing about powers, skill sets, etc.

Why is the Phoenix with Hope? Apparently because she is a red head. But never mind the details, let's jump to the next scene! Which is a good thing, because now things get all talky. We get the back story of the message that Nova delivered and find out he is in a coma. And then we learn what the Phoenix is and how it is connected to Jean Grey of the X-men. Coolness. Iron Man then says that the Phoenix needs a biological host to lay waste to the environment. Which is a tad weird, because it looked like it layed waste to the planet it was passing by or on in the first four pages, and it didn't look like it had a host or anything. I guess we are to assume that there was one.

Then the Phoenix flares up, which I assume is the Hope thing a few pages back, and the Avengers are going to head out and find where the flare happened. Before they can do that, they stop by the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning to talk with Wolverine. Which makes me wonder why there is a school, what happened to Wolverine and Cyclops, why Cyclops is more of an ass then normal when training Hope, when does Wolverine have time to be a part of this school, and much more questions that I am going to need Wikipedia to help me catch up on all this stuff.

We then go back to Utopia where Scott is meeting with some other X-men. Apparently Colossus is bald now. and Magneto is a voice of reason here. Something has happened to the X-men, and I'm not sure what exactly. Then Captain America drops by to pick up Hope, and he is hoping to talk to Cyclops about it. Basically the argument boils down to the fact that Cap wants Hope and thinks that the Avengers are the best way to handle the Phoenix force when it gets to earth, and Cyclops thinks the opposite. So Cyclops shoots Captain America with his eye beam. Captain America responds with "Avengers Assemble."

That eye blast was a two page spread, and the Avengers arriving in a huge plane is a two page spread. Then we cut to Hope and the Phoenix showing up in her eyes. And we see Scott yell, even though the speech bubble looks like one of those "I'm speaking via telepathically" looks to them.

A comic for new readers, this is definitely not. A comic for Avengers fans? I guess. A comic for X-men fans? I guess. I just don't know enough about what is going on in either series to really get much of a grasp as to what is going on with these characters. And remember, it took the five best writers for Marvel to come up with this idea. And this was Brian Bendis taking the main writing duties on the first issue, which is weird to me because I always knew his comics to be talky talky talky back in the day. Where did that go?

Face it, the premise for this book decided to wait until the second half to get things going. If the idea behind this book is to try and get people to read Marvel comics again, then for me it has failed. Over priced, under told, and it just didn't have the excitement I want out of a comic. If this was aimed as a Michael Bay there is no need to care about the story let's just see some action type of story, then it hit its mark. But then why did it need five writers behind this idea?


And how come none of them thought of the fact that Magneto could simply crush the ship the Avengers came on? Unless he has had his powers messed with and he is de-powered in some way. Which he probably is as that tends to happen to him ever other year.

The Art
John Romita Jr knows his shit. Seriously. I have high praise for it, there has been a consistency for it and it shows throughout this issue. My one complaint is about those stupid "AR" stamps all over the place. They take away from the art and are distracting. They are supposed to be an Augmented Reality that you should be able to wave your smartphone over in order to get some behind the scenes stuff and bonus features.

Personally, I don't care for the digital stuff presented like that in the middle of the comic. It takes away from it. Its sorta like watching a movie on Blue-Ray for the first time and you have all the bonus behinds the scenes stuff playing over the movie. Or the commentary track going - but that comparison may be a little off with the audio track. More if they had an icon pop up every time a storyboard was going to be shown for the scene. Its distracting, this is the first time you are seeing the movie, why would you care about how it is made before you view it and try to take in the movie viewing experience?

The Cover
The logo at the top looks cool, I will give it that. And we have a pretty standard type of cover that I got with the heroes about to fight each other. This type of cover has been done before and will be done again. I don't like it much because the cover feels crowded.

Grades
Words: 5/10 - Way too much felt left out of the comic for me. If this was something that someone lent to me as a trade later on, then I might give it a whirl. This is not something I would continue to get on my own.
Pictures: 8/10
Recommend: If you are already a big X-men or Avengers fan of the current books, then maybe this one is for you. But for me, it just isn't happening.
Buy Next Issue: Nah. I'll read the summaries and spoilers that other web sites are sure to publish at some point.