Comics! Batman #12

Batman #12

Scott Snyder: writer
James Tynion IV: co-writer, pages 22-28
Becky Cloonan: artist, pages 1-21
Andy Clarke: artist, pages 22-28
Sandu Florea: inks 8-11, 19-20

Solicitation

• It’s the epilogue to “The Court of Owls”!

• The next major storyline begins here!


Preview

Why I Bought It
Batman. Batman good.

What I Liked
This comic was going great. Seriously, a nice story, a cool new character who gets a backstory, and Batman actually coming around to fight common street thugs and bullies and not a major villain. I think that was my major joy in this comic, we actually got to see Batman fight regular street crime and not some big super villain when introducing this new Bat-ally.

The alternate cover was just as cool as the regular cover, which I is probably one of the first times that I thoroughly enjoyed the Digital combo-pac cover more so than the regular cover. Both worked well, but I could dig the inverse color job.

I enjoyed this art. It sorta reminded me a bit of Scott Pilgrim, but more set in a superhero book. It had details in the background. Each character had an expression on their face that sold the story when it needed to. There was a handle on framing the scenes and using the panels to the artist's advantage.

And then there was the second half of the book.

What I Didn't Like
I'm calling shenanigans on that solicitation. There is one reference to the Court of Owls in this book, so that epilogue thing is flat out BS. The next major storyline involves the Joker, and I don't see him here. Unless Harper is going to be the one to save Bruce in the next adventure, then the second part of that solicitation is flat out wrong as well.

This book felt like a major league baseball game where the starting pitcher is throwing a no-hitter. Then, right in the 8th inning, he tosses the ball to a reliever. There was a shift in story and tone that really ruined the book for me. And then the flaws started.

I've read some people's reviews that said it made sense for the change, because when Batman shows up for the superheroics is when the art changes and the whole theme of the book changes. I say not so. Batman appeared earlier in the book when there wasn't an art change. And it wasn't just an art change, Tynion joined up to finish the book. Fuck that, I want the artist and writer who started this to finish it out.

Of course, when I get thrown like that, then I start to see the other details. Like the fact that Harper Row is, in essence, part Jason Todd and part Tim Drake in female form. Think the street wise survival skills of Todd with the intelligence and potential to learn Batman's identity from Drake. We will see where the character goes from here, but if her brother dies and she puts on a costume, I may lose interest in her. Keep her grounded and away from the superheroics. Make her like Oracle.

Panel to Remember
I'm going with Cloonan's last page that was a one-page spread. It was good artwork that I enjoyed and hope to see more like it. It would have been interesting to see how she would have finished the book, and its a loss that we didn't get to see it.

Quotable
"That was the coolest thing I have ever seen in my entire life." - Probably the same thing I would say if I saw Batman in action.

Grades
Words: 6/10
Pictures: first half - 8/10, second half - 6/10
Buy Next Issue: It is #0 month! Let's see how Batman's origin will be told in this book.

Comics! Punk Rock Jesus #2

Punk Rock Jesus #2

Sean Murphy: story and art

Solicitation
The media circus around baby Chris reaches fever pitch as he performs his first “miracle” – but all may not be as it seems. Meanwhile, Thomas begins to question OPHIS’s methods, and young Gwen discovers exactly what it means to raise the new Messiah as the whole world is watching.

No Preview

Why I Bought It
Stellar debut issue that had me hooked. Will this book fall to the second issue curse and go down hill from here? Or does it have some nice legs to stand on?

What I Liked
Pacing and characterization remains consistent from issue one into this one. Whew. That was a close one.

The tempo that was paced out in the first issue returns as we go from moment to moment while ignoring some details. What is interesting is that we explore more of Thomas' background. While it felt a little out of place in the first issue when compared to other back stories, you start to get the sense of the bigger picture with this issue. Thomas has a future with this kid, and if the cliffhanger for this issue is any indication, that may prove to be a more parental role. I was kinda of surprised that Thomas said he believed in Chris, but I think that was more a a ploy to brighten someone's day.

The art once again shines for me. I am digging the feel of the paper and the black and white look. Again, the scene that really makes the comic for me involves rain. I'm not too big of a fan of the sketch marks on people's faces, but I love that look when characters are in the rain. And again the comic ends with an excellent cliffhanger.

What I Didn't Like
Character development. All of the heroes here are getting some development and back story and you can clearly see their character arc. The "villains" of the story are very one-dimensional. There has to either be something bigger behind the producer's desire to keep going, or there is a bigger villain in the picture that will be revealed later, which may feel like a cop-out.

My other concern for this book is the idea that the doctor is now pregnant and will be giving birth to someone who will be Chris' age. I think its a fairly simple viewpoint to see that the baby Dr. Epstein is going to have is the rescued child from the end of last issue. The logic, timing, and other legitimate questions about it just seem like there should have been more focus on the surprise pregnancy from everyone involved. Now if Dr. Epstein said that she was adopting, that would be different.

My other concern here is when the TV cameras are turned on. I don't know if I forgot it from last issue or if it was ever acknowledged, but are cameras always on ala Truman Show, or are they on some sort of delay? Are they only in select rooms listening in to select conversations, or what? It seems to be a plot point that is only selectively used and not nailed down.

Panel to Remember
The moment when Gwen is in the rain and realizes she is alone. no words were said throughout that whole page, the art just did the talking, and it hit the nail with the final panel.

Quotable
"Anonymous donor." - Said by Dr. Epstein with a look that just gave away the fact that she knew the producer dumped the baby. Not a cliche remark, but it could have been if other words were chosen.

Grades

Words: 8/10
Pictures: 10/10
Buy Next Issue: If the next issue continues this greatness, I'll just stick around til the end of the series no matter what happens. nicely done book.

Comics! Batman & Robin #12

Batman & Robin #12

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

Solicitation
• The finale of the fight with TERMINUS!

Preview

Why I Bought It
I've enjoyed this book, which should be titled Robin & Batman.

What I Liked
This book was filled with a couple of good moments. there were little references here and there and little setups that, despite the story being rather weak around them, had some nice charm to them in the end.

Leave it to Nightwing to take the best approach to the whole "Damian vs. The Robins" story. In reference to the previous issues with Damian attacking the other Robins, his approach with Nightwing couldn't have been handled better. If you take into account that Nightwing was once Batman, you would think that Damian would be hesitant about fighting him. That, or it could have been the ultimate end goal, leaving his father as the only one standing in the way of him becoming Batman. Nightwing was completely calm and mature about the situation that totally deflated the ego-driven Damian. My one issue was the sound effect of "fap." there seriously couldn't have been anything else?

And Gleason can shine without the heavy inks of night. Make no bones about it that the art really felt like it carried the story more so than the written word.

What I Didn't Like
This book felt like it had to rush this story line. It was just the same feeling as other DC books that took its time with its first arc and then had a rush second arc to beat the issue #0 deadline. So every story beat felt rushed and made it seem like the plot wanted to get to a certain point without the story actually earning any of its moments.

That being said, the Robin story was the true main story, not this Terminus BS. Yes, I know he died, but at the end of the story, it really felt like a generic, D-list type of villain that was only ever going to be temporary. him and the rest of the "team." Compare that to the previous villain, Nobody, who could have easily become a B-list villain popping up every now and then had Damian not killed him.

This issue just felt like it was full of moments of stuff we have seen before. Bruce in the pseudo-Iron Man suit was last seen in Night of the Owls. The little tribute to Dark Knight Returns when Terminus' battery runs out. The ending where Batman saves the city from a bomb (granted, that one was probably coincidental depending on how much knowledge Tomasi had of the Dark Knight Rises movie, but it is eerily familiar.

And as awesome as the four Robins panel is, it doesn't work as an interior panel. Seriously, think about how close those guys have to be standing next to each other. After everything that just happened in the story. it would work great as a cover, but not so much as in the middle of the story. It really didn't feel like it had earned its moment in the story itself.

But seriously, is that not the shortest solicitation ever? And nothing about a guest appearance by another Robin?

Panel to Remember
The four Robins standing next to each other is the panel to remember. By itself, really nice. In the context of the story, not so much for me.

Quotable
"If you hadn't noticed, kid, you're already wearing the "R" on your chest." - Nightwing to Robin at the end of the issue. Its true, but I don't think it is a lesson that Damian will ever learn, even when someone outside of his family that he probably trusts says it to him.

Grades
Words: 6/10
Pictures: 7/10
Buy Next Issue: I'm looking forward to the next arc that can takes the time to develop the story beats. Something in-between the arc done so far in this book.

Comics! TMNT Micro-series: Raphael - Color Classics

TMNT Micro Series: Raphael - Color Classics

Story and art: Kevin Eastman & Peter Laird

Solicitation
The original Micro-Series is BACK, this time with all-new colors! Raphael struggles to control his inner rage until he finds the perfect outlet: Casey Jones! It's hot head vs. hot head and neither is going down without a fight! This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship!

Preview

Why I Bought It
Continuing the adventure into the colorized version of early TMNT action.

What I Liked
This was supposed to be a one-shot about Raphael, and it does have those highlights, but this issue is all about Casey Jones. In looking back at his original appearance, I gotta say that it is interesting to note how one-dimensional of a character he is. The new series gives him a little more of a back story and tears him apart from this "bash everyone criminal's brains in" mentality that he shows here.

The book continues to have an 80's nostalgia feel for me. And the art definitely shows an eye for story telling.  Half of the comic is a fight scene, and there are some serious areas that it could use some improvement, but overall I like it.

What I Didn't Like
This felt like a rather quick read for me. I was debating to pick it up at the shop or wait for it to be up digitally, which I might do for the rest of these color classics, and this book is sorta making me lean towards waiting. That actually might be closer to the original cover price of the book as well.

Panel to Remember
I think the last panel really did it for me. Raph has some battle scars and Casey is owning the belly shirt look. Seriously, that belly shirt makes me wonder what people were thinking back then.

Quotable
"Feel the bat of doom, creeps!" - Casey Jones on his almost trademark weapon of choice for the issue.

Grades
Words: 7/10
Pictures: 7/10
Buy Next Issue: Me thinks maybe digitally, but it is still worth getting.

Comics! Batgirl #12

Batgirl #12

Gail Simone: writer
Ardian Syaf: penciller
Vicente Cifuentes: inker

Solicitation

• BATGIRL battles BATWOMAN!

• KNIGHTFALL strikes!


Preview

Why I Bought It
I wanted to see how a meeting between these two would work.

What I Liked
The solicitation was wrong. Sure, the heroes fight, but Batgirl didn't even get a punch or anything in. I am thinking that this comic meant to be funny with that fight, er, "battle." So in that case, the solicitation was right on.

What I Didn't Like
You know the line in the movie The Crow that is simply: "Victims, aren't we all?" I think this book takes that as the premise and runs with it.

Every character introduced in this book is a victim of something. Their back story involves tragedy, and they were all victims. That is how Simone has written just about every major villain and character in this book. I am assuming at this book, especially since it hasn't been mentioned ever, will stick with the story that Oracle was never out there. And with it, a huge amount of what made the character great is gone. What you have left is a victim of a Joker attack, and that's the way it will be.

Syaf tried to play homage to Batwoman and J.H. Williams' style when Batwoman entered the book. Unfortunately, Syaf does not get William's style. Williams doesn't have a shot of a gun in multiple panels falling slowly to the ground.

I really want to like this book. I really, truly do. I'm not trying to find things to dislike, I just want strong characters that don't play the victim cards every step of the way.

Panel to Remember
The cover. It at least had Batgirl fighting.

Quotable
"Victims, aren't we all?" - yea, it didn't appear in the comic, but the theme was there.

Grades
Words: 2/10
Pictures: 2/10 - See my previous reviews for the details on the art. Nothing has changed since then.
Buy Next Issue: Its the zero one, so I'm tempted to buy it to see which "origin" they will address and show.

Comics! Beasts of Burden: Neighborhood Watch #1

Beasts of Burden: Neighborhood Watch #1

Script: Evan Dorkin
Art: Jill Thompson

Solicitation

Adventure, mystery, horror, and humor thrive on every page of the Eisner Award–winning Beasts of Burden. The four-legged occult-investigating team—a heroic gang of dogs and one cat—are doing their best to protect their home, Burden Hill, from a chicken-stealing goblin, a frightful basilisk, and a strange lost herd of sheep!

* This special one-shot reprints three stories from Dark Horse Presents!

* Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson return to the characters that won them the 2005 Eisner Award for Best Short Story!


Preview

Why I Bought It
It was a book with number one in the title and had Jill Thompson's name attached. Being a fan of her work, I decided to give it a try.

What I Liked
This was solidly entertaining. Coming into the story not knowing anything outside of the description on the inside cover, I gave it a whirl and enjoyed it. You could say that the stories are rather generic or ones that you've heard of before, but its the delivery with the artwork and the setting that really pulls the story through all that. I read the comic straight through the first time and just enjoyed it.

From the funny goblin in the first story to the end page, this book definitely played with what your assumptions would be. That last panel alone was such a turn for the scary. And it worked. It was such a good showing of Thompson's art that sold it.

What I Didn't Like
That now I have to find the previous issues and read them. I hear that there is a trade out there so I should give it a try and find it.

Panel to Remember
The look on the dog's face on the very last panel. It is full of fear and the art sells it.

Quotable
"Huss up an' eat y'mushooms." - The goblin to his kids when they say that they want chicken.

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 10/10
Buy Next Issue: I will pick this book up if there are more stories coming. Great stuff.

Comics! Animal Man #12

Animal Man #12

Script: Jeff Lemire and Scott Snyder
Art: Steve Pugh

Solicitation

• Prelude to “ROTWORLD”!
• Continued in this month’s SWAMP THING #12.
• BUDDY and ALEC go into the Rot, and events from the last year of both series are recapped for new readers.


No Preview

Why I Bought It
Fucking finally! Seriously, it seems like there has been some delayed issues, attempts at stretching stories, and we are finally here. Animal Man and Swamp Thing. Let's get this going!

What I Liked
Animal Man and Swamp Thing finally meet! It seriously feels like it has been forever that these two titles were going to crossover. Following the writers on Twitter, I seem to recall that this was supposed to have happened sooner, like issue 9 or something like that. So I'm excited for the meet up. And thanks be to whoever thought up the idea NOT to have them fight. It is a cliche move to do when two heroes meet up, and that is avoided here.

The art gets a small chance to shine here. While it does a tremendous job all on its own, I still wonder what the artist for issue #1 would have drawn this. I am reminded of some early issues of Hellblazer that look kinda creepy or that try to be, but there is something missing from making the art look spectacular. Still good though.

What I Didn't Like
If you have been following both of these issues since the first one, you will be disappointed by the amount of time things seem to be rehashed and told about what has been going on in the individual titles. I understand that this is a prologue, but come on.

And seriously, if they haven't learned anything from now about how Cliff would be affected by the Rot thing cutting him, what good are any of the characters? And that scratch has been healed, magically. that or it was forgotten by the artist. But he has a cool neck brace. Or its some sort of towel wrapped around his neck. Its not particularly clear, but I would vote for a towel with some weird tape on it.

The thing I dislike the most about this issue is that even combined with Swamp Thing #12, which I did buy and will review, is that we finally get the heroes together after 23 comics telling the tale of the Red, Green, and Rot. And when they finally meet in this issue, there isn't anything really happening, just a bunch of talking back and forth and catching up. Then they jump into a lake. I just think that there should have been more.

Maybe when reading all of this together since the first issue might make it look better, but being there since issue #1 has just dragged me down. Let's get to the meat of the story.

Panel to Remember
It should have been when these two heroes finally meet up. That should have been the crux and explosive panel that would make you drop your jaw in wonder. Instead the most memorable one was when Animal Man was reaching out to find Swamp Thing. There's nothing too fancy about it, just some coloring work that makes it stand out from the other pages.

Quotable
"We've come a long way to find you." -Animal Man to Swamp thing when they first meet. And indeed, we the reader have come a long way.

Grades
Words: 5/10
Pictures: 6/10
Buy Next Issue: I bought Swamp thing #12, and I'll stick around to see how it plays out and if it gets better from here. The fact that next month's #0 issue breaks from the Rotworld story is just another delay to this crossover actually getting to its point.

Comics! Batman Incorporated #3

Batman Incorporated #3

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Chris Burnham

Solicitation

• The DC COMIC – THE NEW 52 debut of...MATCHES MALONE??

• BATMAN is hot on the trail of whoever is trying to kill DAMIAN – and he’s not going to like what he finds!


Preview

Why I Bought It
The controversy about it being pulled from the shelves is not the reason I bought it, I've actually been enjoying the series.

What I Liked
Redbird. Heh. Does Damian know that he is taking his name for his alter-super hero from Tim Drake's old car?

The art continues to shine. I'm liking the look and subtext to the art. Bringing in alter-egos for the rest of Batman Incorporated was fun to see and played OK.

Damian Wayne continues to be his own, bad self. This issue presented the idea again that maybe Damian isn't on the same side as Bruce, and it will be interesting to see how far along that goes. And kudos to the Bat-cow making another appearance. Me likes and think that it may be a spy for Talia.

What I Didn't Like
This book didn't need to be delayed. I really don't see a reason for it. From my understanding, some other issues got delayed in the series and there is a conspiracy theory that its all connected. Frankly, I could care less.

I don't like seeing the whole web that Batman has connecting everything that's happened in Morrison's run. It alludes again, like other books, as to what happened in the five year gap between when this new 52 universe began and where it is in "present" day. It continues to make me wish that everything was just given a fresh start or had some sort of issue like what Matt Wagner did for Grendel. Wagner did a one-shot called Grendel: Cycle where it gave the whole history and main story points for the entire Grendel series. Very well done, very detailed, and made everything very clear in case there was any confusion.

I really don't see that happening with DC anytime ever. And books like this one suffer for it.

Panel to Remember
Talia's web. That's something that you would think should get a double page spread, but here it is done in half a page. That's intriguing, but Burnham still makes it shine. And again it makes you wonder what all is supposed to be in continuity and what is left to the dust.

Quotable
"Convince me it all makes sense." - Nightwing on Talia's web. It will definitely need to take some convincing.

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 9/10
Buy Next Issue: I'll be around, when ever it comes out.

Comics! TMNT Micro-Series: Casey Jones

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Micro-Series: Casey Jones

Script by Mike Costa & Ben Epstein
Art by Mike Henderson

The Solicitation
Casey Jones has a peculiar life— hockey-playing student by day, vigilante by night. Throw in an alcoholic, abusive father and it’s no wonder you’ve got a guy who likes to whale on criminals with sports equipment! One night though, the criminal element strikes too close to home, and Casey is forced to decide how far he’ll go to keep a very important promise. A crucial moment in the life of Casey Jones!

Preview

Why I Bought It
I've wanted to get to know more about Casey since his appearance in the main Turtles book, which hasn't really brought much in terms of character development for him. Let's see how a solo story works out.

What I Liked
From what we got out of the main series is that Casey gets beat by his father, his mother isn't around, and he connects with Raphael. He didn't seem to mind the abuse from his father too much, and it always made me wonder why. It gets fleshed out here, and that's what makes this comic good.

There could have been a couple of different ways that you could take a "kid gets abused by his father" type of story, and I'm glad to see it go down in this issue like it did. Something tells me that Casey won't be able to keep up this charade for long, and when things hit the fan, its really going to mess him up.

The art was phenomenal in this issue. Great use of colors throughout the issue to encapsulate the different worlds and times. The Turtles also didn't look too awkward. Just flipping through the book gives you a strong sense of the story, so you know that the artist has some story telling skills.

What I Didn't Like
Outside of Casey and a little bit with his dad, most of these characters are one dimensional. That's all they needed to be with the story, and I would hope that if they ever featured again then we will get more out of them.

Panel to Remember
I like the one panel that is a close up of Jones' eye. There is some intensity in that eye that makes me wonder if Jones didn't bust open the guy's face off panel. Nicely done.

Quotable
"I've thought about using a pool cue. Just hate the smell of chalk." - Casey Jones on why you don't see a pool cue in his armory.

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 9/10
Buy Next Issue: Next up is April's issue. I'm down for it.

Comics! Green Lantern #11

Green Lantern #11

Writer: Geoff Johns
Pencils: Doug Mahnke
Inks: Christian Alamy, Keith Champagne, Tom Nguyen, Mark Irwin, & Mahnke

The Solicitation
• “The Revenge of Black Hand” starts now! • This arc promises the most shocking conclusion of any of GEOFF JOHNS’S entire GREEN LANTERN run! This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

No Preview

Why I Bought It
My shop had the non-combo-pack version so I thought I'd give it a spin to see if it was going to be looking any good.

What I Liked
More of the same. Johns and Mahnke have been churning out Green Lantern stories for what seems like decades now. Johns loves to tease his readers with the flash to the future bits. Its always been entertaining and sets up the story quite well.

The conclusion isn't the most shocking of them all. As a reader of this series for awhile now, you know that its just another step in the long story. While I appreciate it trying, it still gives me a moment of "Oh, this is cool."

What I Didn't Like
It seems whatever interesting story device that Johns throws at the story, he takes away just a few issues later. Take Jordan's ring being controlled by Sinestro because Sinestro forged it. Somehow the Indigo Tribe is able to separate that connection and allow Jordan to use the ring against Sinestro. johns barely got much of a story that he could have with the control that Sinestro had over Jordan's ring. It makes me wonder now, does Hal have a battery to charge the ring? does this make him some sort of rogue Green Lantern? How normal is his ring?

I'm sure the questions are meant to draw the reader back, but I tire of this. johns likes to set up little plot devices and then discard them right away. And we've seen this dance before. Hell, its almost like he is setting up a repeat of the Blackest Night story and re-telling War of the Green Lanterns with his upcoming Third Army story. It was great and OK, respectively, the first time around and not something I want to get into again.

So yea, this comic would be good to people who haven't seen this before with Johns, but for me its just old re-treads.

Panel to Remember
Interesting one to see - the panel in Sinestro's "Batcave." He has a table with both a green power battery and a yellow one. Are they both active? Interesting. Might come into play later.

Quotable
"So this is your Bat-cave?" Interesting words by Hal. It does make you realize how old-school Batman-like Sinestro actually is. Maybe that's why Johns was always able to write a good Batman/Green Lantern interaction before?

Grades
Words: 7/10
Pictures: 8/10
Buy Next Issue: I think I may pass. Getting this is trade form may be better for me. It would give enough time between stories that I could miss out on reading Green Lantern and then play catch up.

Comics! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #12

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #12

Story: Kevin Eastman & Tom Waltz
Script: Tom Waltz
Art: Dan Duncan

The Solicitation
Everything has been leading to this issue— the nail-biting conclusion to the Turtles’ first fight with the Foot! Overwhelmed, outnumbered, injured, and running on fumes, the TMNT family is in for the battle of their lives. Will everyone survive? The end to the first year of IDW Turtles finishes big! Don’t miss it!

Preview

Why I Bought It
Just riding the roller coaster that is TMNT.

What I Liked
There is a lot to like with this issue. It does have the feeling of wrapping up everything from the past 12 issues and moving forward with it.

The battle felt and was climatic. When I first read it, I really hated Leonardo's line at the end of the fight. It just seemed to me that if you hadn't read the Leonardo micro-series then it fell flat. On my second read, I honestly felt better about it. It is there, and it does play off Shredder's words, so it does have a little pay off. However, this book does appear stronger when you have read the Leonardo micro-series issue.

This brings up a mini-rant. Looking at sales charts is an interest of mine, because its a nice way to judge where comics are about. I know they aren't exact figures, but it gives me an idea of where stuff is overall in the direct market. Roughly, there is about a 25% drop in sales between the micro-series and the main title. Why that is, I don't know. But it means that about 25% of the audience is missing out on the full story. So for each of these references from the main book to these micro-series, 25% of the people aren't getting it. I am hoping that more books get re-ordered of the micro-series, or that Comixology is selling the micro-series like crazy.

I think I like Leonardo's characterization best in this comic. He has a few moments that really show his character and who he is. Especially the line that references to Donatello's liking of numbers, that one hit it strong for me.

The art stayed on at its awesome level again this month. there has to be something said for Duncan and the consistency month in and month out.

What I Didn't Like
The one page that Hob and Stockman at the end. It felt out of place and really thrown in at the last minute. Like someone went, "Hey, remember these guys? We gotta do something with them!" and then threw together that page.

And seriously, if that is the death of that character, I would scream fuck that. It is a lame, throwaway death at best. I really hope this isn't the case with it and he comes back later.

Speaking of character death, I am really sad that something major didn't happen to either the Turtles themselves, like some disfigurement, or Splinter going down for the count.

Panel to Remember
The "last" Hob panel. The words "...for plan B" really sell the panel to me. As in, its time for the secondary story line to take center stage next issue. However, if this is truly Hob's end, it is a shitty way to go.

Quotable
My brother's the one that cares about numbers." - Leonardo when told how the Turtles are outnumbered.

Grades
Words: 9/10
Pictures: 10/10 - And yes, I just read the letters column that says this is Duncan's last issue. That is such a sad thing to see after the end of a great issue. I'll be interested to see where he goes next, and it makes me wonder how the art will change up for the next story. I've enjoyed the different artists on the micro-series, so it will be interesting to see how the style will go for the main book.
Buy Next Issue: I'm down.

Comics! Flash #11

Flash #11

Story & Cover by Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Pencils by Marcus To
Inks by Ray McCarthy

The Solicitation
• The New 52 debut of HEAT WAVE! • THE FLASH is on a crash course with THE ROGUES!

No Preview

Why I Bought It
It's the only Flash book out there, unfortunately.

What I Liked
To's art. It actually works quite well for when Manapul can't make the dead lines. You can tell it definitely isn't in the same style, but I do like that it tries at times, like when Flash has his "he sees all outcomes" moment.

And that cover is some nice work. Especially with the look of Heatwave, I would say it rocked it pretty good. Too bad nothing like that scene happens in the comic.

We get another introduction to a member of the Rogues. Well, sort of introduction. more on that later.

What I Didn't Like
Hey, it is later.

Just when I don't know anything about Barry Allen, he decides to go "undercover" in a sense and create a new life for himself. In the same town he was in before. Where he was a police officer. And sets up shop as a bartender at a Rogue's bar. And calls himself Allen, or "Al" for short.

I'll take intelligence as something that Barry is lacking here.

This issue tried another villain as the center story and lost it miserably again. Heatwave makes heat, and he is mad at Captain Cold, who makes ice. Wow. That was an original way to tell their story. All it does is try to set us up at the end where the Golden Glider comes hovering out of nowhere. Oh wait, that is what predictably happens.

I'm tired of seeing this comic and thinking "LAME" in my head each time I read it. At least the art was interesting at one point. But everything that has happened to Barry since the relaunch just seems so hollow and weak. None of this story feels thought out much. And we have two people writing it!

Obviously, whatever is happening in Teen Titans with Kid Flash is not something that they care about or appear like they are going to crossover with this book. I bring this point up because one of DC's justification for using Barry was that he was a name to people. But they haven't played with the Bart Allen/Barry Allen connection yet, and that's sad. So why stick with Barry? Why jump start the new universe with him? AND THEN DO NOTHING WITH HIM?

If you are starting the new 52 in a universe that is 5 years into its existence, you could of had Wally West as the Flash. Barry Allen could have started it, but then he could have died. Make it at the end of the first Justice League arc or something. And then Wally took over his place. And then you have a young kid with an attitude as the Flash, and at least that gives the character an angle to work with.

Bart Allen had more personality as the Flash when he was running around in the tights a few years back. Seriously.

Panel to Remember
I'm going with the cover on this one. The look of Heatwave is just awesome there compared to anything in the book.

Quotable
"Yer fired!" - Heatwave to "Al" the bartender. Sigh.

Grades
Words: 2/10
Pictures: 7/10
Buy Next Issue: Grumble grumble grumble.....

Comics! Saga #5

Saga #5

Written by Brian K. Vaughan
Art by Fiona Staples

The Solicitation
The smash hit ongoing series from Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples continues, as Prince Robot IV's hunt for Hazel and her parents takes a deadly turn.

Preview

Why I Bought It
BKV. Staples. Need more?

What I Liked
There is plenty to like here. From the first page you get a full shot of Prince Robot as he sits on the toilet in a bathroom that looks like it was in Full Metal Jacket.

Marko going ballistic on the soldiers is just awesome, as well as Alana's way to bring him down from the blind fury. You can definitely tell that there is still some soldier training in Marko that may come in handy later, or may put them in a lot of hot water.

The fight scene was a very up close fight, it didn't give much perspective to the outside setting. I liked that everything was red, it added a nice touch to show the fight from Marko's point of view.

The Will even gets a few moments were he is put into a crappy position. Unlucky for him, his possible ticket to help a slave girl out has some problems happening to her as well at the end of the issue.

What I Didn't Like
I wanted to see more from the fight scene. I can understand why it was done up close, but the fight mirrored a lot of superhero fights where you can't tell how it could logically play itself out. Sometimes in superhero stories you get the characters basically fighting in a Matrix style of world. I would like to see a future issue of Saga where that isn't the case, because I believe that Staples could pull off a really nice fight scene.

Saga has the feel that if a good character death were needed in the story, then it would happen. Unfortunately I just felt like the one death in this comic felt too soon for a character that had more potential. It will be interesting to see how things develop from here, and if the character is even dead at all. With all the strange creatures in Saga, i would imagine the inner biology for everyone would be just as diverse.

Panel to Remember
The transition from the cover to the first page is just a nice one two hit that makes me laugh. Here is Prince Robot looking all studious on the cover, and then he is taking a deuce on the first page. Nice contrast.

Quotable
"The Lord of Shit Vacations." - The Will in response to the slave girl asking him who he is.

Grades
Words: 9/10
Pictures: 9/10
Buy Next Issue: This train will keep on rolling until the words "Final Issue" appear in the book.

Comics! Wonder Woman #11

Wonder Woman #11

Brian Azarello: writer
Cliff Chiang: artist & cover

The Solicitation

• A new story begins as APOLLO makes his play for ZEUS’S throne – and WONDER WOMAN is the last obstacle in his way!

• As ZOLA goes into labor, a hideous secret is revealed!


Preview

Why I Bought It
Because I think I will get the first twelve, maybe the zero issue, and then I may drop it. Kinda surprising to me that I've been buying a Wonder Woman comic for this long.

What I Liked
Someone told Azzarello to start wrapping it up.

 What I Didn't Like
The same person who told him to wrap it up, didn't clarify to make much sense of it.

For example, why are we still being introduced to random characters and more gods whose abilities I still don't know so I can't tell whats going on. Seriously, a simple word balloon or text box just stating the name of the god and what they are the god of. That's not too much to ask or do.

And Zola, the very, very pregnant woman, driving a car into a god and not doing any harm to the god is something I can understand. her being able to walk out of the car without a scratch, then your are stretching it.

And if that is supposed to be the same Artemis that has horns and glows in one part of the story and changes into something far less shiny and horn filled, then you need to explain something to me to tell me why that happened.

I still don't get what, or who, Lennox is supposed to be. A god? Is there anything within the comic or previous comics that explains it at all? And why not bring in Apollo, who hasn't made an appearance in how many issues?

After this story is finished, I will go take a semester of Classical Mythology and then re-read it. Then I think Azzarello should stick with some original characters and work, he's had his time taking on the Trinity and what more else could he do for superheroes? Its had its highs and lows, and time to leave when you still have them talking instead of seeing how far down you can go.

Panel to Remember
The one where the pregnant lady walks away from a car accident without a scratch. Unless they reveal next issue that she is more god then human, I will keep that panel as the low point of the series.

Quotable
"..." & "..." - As in, any page that the last panel ends with "..." and the first panel of the next page begins with "..." It is best used sparingly, not every other page. It is just one of a comic story teller's many tools, not their only one.

Grades
Words: 2/10
Pictures: 8/10 - Seriously, almost no complaints about the art, but the story just threw me too much.
Buy Next Issue: And it may just be the last.

Comics! Planetoid #2

Planetoid #2

Story, Art, Lettering: Ken Garing

The Solicitation
After crash-landing in a vast heap of space junk, wayward space-pirate Silas now journeys on to an area of the planetoid, known as "The Slab". It's rumored that human tribes eke out a living on this endless surface of fabricated metal... BUT, so do gangs of sadistic robots! Silas will have to gather information and find allies in order to make a stand against the larger tyrannical forces that control the planetoid.

Preview

Why I Bought It
First issue kicked a little ass, let's see if issue #2 can keep it up.

What I Liked
I'm a sucker for Post-apocalyptic type of stories. This is like an outer-planetary post-apocalyptic story. Me likes.

This issue reminds me a little of Grendel Prime comics. There is something about the way this comic feels that just connects to what I like.

The story progresses to the next chapter of Silas meeting some of the locals. You get a pretty clear sense of the world and how things work, but still get thrown a curve ball at the end.

The art didn't drop in quality, which is very nice. Everything is still easy on the eyes, guiding through panel after panel. In flipping through the comic, you really do get a sense of how the story flows if you pay attention to just the art, and that's a good sign we are dealing with someone who knows what they are doing with the art.

What I Didn't Like
The need to explain the new character's origin felt a little out of place. It did give some background information behind the planet which was a nice touch, but it just felt weirdly put into the story.

Panel to Remember
The pose by the leader in the beginning panel matches Silas's pose before he goes to fight the machines. That small detail, along with the symbols on the ship matching the ones of everybody's clothing are just small, nice touches.

Quotable
"It is in your interest to comply." -The machine's final warning before killing everyone.

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 8/10
Buy Next Issue: This is growing on me, and is going along at a nice pace to keep me coming back.