Comics! Comeback #1

Comeback #1 

Written and lettered by Ed Brisson
Illustrated by Michael Walsh

The Solicitation
Reconnect is more than a company - it's an opportunity for good. Reconnect can reverse tragedy by sending agents into the past to rescue your mother, your wife, your brother or father or child moments before their untimely death. Mark is one of these agents. He brings the rescued from the past to the present, to a blessed reunion with their loved ones. He saves lives...or does he?

Preview

Why I Bought It
It was a slow week for the number of books I pick up, and the cover really popped off the shelf to me. Worth a try I guess.

What I Liked
Well, I'm glad I tried that!

Seriously, this was a rather entertaining read. I didn't read the solicitation or understood the concept until after I read it. I was actually a little sad to reach the end of the book to find out that this will only be five issues long, but if the next issue can continue with the greatness that this one was, I will be in it until the end.

This book hit all the points that it needed to in the first issue. You got the concept, got the characters, and were intrigued enough to want more at the end of the issue.

It doesn't seem like this is just a light show to put on for people to scam them of their money, as I am intrigued with what makes time travel at all possible in this book.

The art also is well done. Characters have facial expressions, little character ticks, and nothing too fancy is going on with the panel structure to throw the reader off. Even the cover is well done and is intriguing enough to pop from the comic book shelf, which was part of the reason I picked it up to begin with.

What I Didn't Like
There really wasn't much to complain about, outside of this only being a five issue series. This book was a huge surprise to me and I am going to be recommending it to everyone to pick up.

Panel to Remember
I gotta go with the guy exploding after the time travel. It just really sold it for me at that point that I was going to be in it to find out more about what happened.

Quotable
"We just traveled 62 days into the future. Your future." - Yea, that was the line when I realized that this wasn't just a crime type of book but an awesome sci-fi type of adventure. Hooked.

Grades
Words: 9/10
Pictures: 9/10
Buy Next Issue: Hell yea, sign me up!

Comics! Punk Rock Jesus #5

Punk Rock Jesus #5 

Story and Art by Sean Murphy

The Solicitation
Chris and his band The Flak Jackets go on tour to spread his secular message across America. But his band wants to pull out when the conflict between the New American Christians and the punk army gets brutal. Will Chris be able to put a stop to the anarchy before everything ends in a violently horrible Second Coming?

No Preview

Why I Bought It
I'm into this comic until the end.

What I Liked
In this penultimate chapter of the series, I'm expecting some things to be set up for the conclusion next issue. And the book most certainly does that.

The art and story have remained consistent throughout this series, and that says a lot for Sean Murphy. PRJ begins to build himself as a strong character and shows that he wants to really dive into his new found beliefs head first.

While we almost get a throw away situation for the NAC, I do believe that they will rear their ugly heads again next issue. I'm also liking how this is set up for a couple of endings that seem predictable, but I think may just take a turn at the last minute. For one thing, Slate is seen in this issue, and if there is one thing we can expect from him it is that he will be ready with one last mind trip on all the characters involved.

What I Didn't Like
The end of the comic signals a couple of possible outcomes for the story, and it does make me wonder how it can surprise me. I imagine that there are a couple of outcomes for a conclusion. I imagine we would find out who Chris' father is. There will be a death with either Chris or Thomas biting it. I wonder if we will get the reveal that the good Doctor's daughter is actually Chris' sister. I'm going to be sad that this world is concluding.

Panel to Remember
I'm going with the two page spread where Thomas gets in the car accident. The one page that is mostly in black does a nice job of capturing that moment like a memory. It is dark, the details aren't all there, but it is something that you will remember. the accompanying page on the right shows how to nicely use staggered panels to lead a reader's eye through the chaos that Thomas felt in that moment. I want to say that this has been done before in this series, but if it hasn't then these two pages definitely show how you would have someone's world rocked.

Quotable
"Do you believe in god?"

"Don't be ridiculous." - Slate and the doctor, showing that Slate has been manipulating everyone all along. Like we didn't know that. But it does lend some weight to the idea that Slate is Chris' father.

Grades
Words: 9/10
Pictures: 10/10
Buy Next Issue: It will be the last one. That makes me sad, but I'm still looking forward to it!

Comics! Happy! #2

Happy! #2 

Grant Morrison: writer
Darick Robertson: artist

The Solicitation
Trapped in a mob hospital at the mercy of the cold-eyed torture expert Smoothie and his team of dedicated sadists, the only hope for Nick Sax is Happy the Horse! With three days to Black Christmas, can our unlikely duo stay together long enough to stop Pedo-Santa's rampage?

Preview

Why I Bought It
The first issue was pretty good, and I do like both of the creators. With this series being only 4 issues, I guess you would say I am here until it is over.

What I Liked
Essentially we get more of the same from the first issue into this one. That's not a bad thing by any means, it just means more cursing, more blue horse, and more wonderful Robertson art. So if you take out the typical Morrison weirdness factor and instead substitute in the cursing, then it isn't too bad of a read.

The story does move forward and tell us that Hailey, the girl that Happy has been asking the main character Nick to save, is actually real. And there appears to be a weakness with Happy. Seems like Nick has to actually believe in him to some degree in order for him to be there, but somehow others  have the ability to make him disappear. Maybe Happy is just a symbol for Nick's confidence in himself, or at least confidence in his older self.

Thankfully, the book is entertaining, and is worth the price of admission.

What I Didn't Like
The main story just has a feeling to me of a by the numbers type of story. What I mean is that everything here is pretty expected. There aren't any points of the story that jump out to me as weirdly placed or feel like there is some sort of meta message going on. For a Morrison book, it reads as kinda dull and predictable with his standards. Some good character work is still being done, but it seems like a pretty typical story.

Panel to Remember
I loved the moment when LeDic looks up at his hat to try and see if a blue horse with wings and a horn is actually sitting on the edge of his cowboy hat.

Quotable
"Yerks!" - If this is the new way to have a blue horse show it's surprise, I'm all for it.

Grades
Words: 7/10
Pictures: 9/10
Buy Next Issue: I'm in it to the end.

Comics! Saga #7

Saga #7 

Written by Brian K. Vaughan
Art by Fiona Staples

The Solicitation
Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples' smash-hit ongoing series returns! An all-new adventure begins, as new parents Marko and Alana make an unexpected discovery in the vast emptiness of outer space.

Preview

Why I Bought It
Oh, Saga. how I missed thee.

What I Liked
I've missed Saga. It was always a great read and a great comic overall. Which makes it a little difficult to review  mostly because there isn't much not to like about it.

Let me put it another way: this is an adult comic for an adult audience who really wants to have a great story told to them. I would say that there really aren't any kid-friendly material around here, and that is what makes it great. The book has a way of knowing the audience and speak directly to that audience.

This was the first issue back after the first trade, and I am getting the feeling that I got when I started to collect the trades for Y: The Last Man. You just can't wait for the book to come out. I resisted getting the individual issues, and I wish I had the will power for this comic as well. Unfortunately, the monthly bug got me so here I am reading away.

What I Didn't Like
I'm fairly certain that this issue was meant to be new reader friendly, but some parts don't come across like that. It does get acknowledged in the letter column in the back of the book that most people picking this issue up are probably familiar with or have picked up the first trade.  I'm pretty sure that anyone picking up this issue for the first time is probably going to go back and pick up the trade or single issues.

Panel to Remember
I kinda like the one page of the big fat naked guy. If anything, it tells me that both the good and the bad of all things nude will be rocking these pages. And I'm interested in seeing how the book picks up this story in the next issue. Should make for an interesting read.

Quotable
"Sankta fek." - I'm pretty sure this was Marko's mom saying something to the equivalent of "holy shit" or "fuck this." Nicely put, and I wonder if we will ever get a way to translate what they are saying.

Grades
Words: 9/10
Pictures: 9/10
Buy Next Issue: No questions asked, I'm down with this book until the end.

Comics! Batman & Robin #14

Batman and Robin #14

Peter J. Tomasi: writer
Patrick Gleason and Tomas Giorello: pencillers
Mick Gray: inker

The Solicitation

• Damian sets out to take down the Z Club!

• Batfans won’t want to miss this lead-in to the “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” event!

Preview

Why I Bought It
Batman and Robin, aka the Damian Show, has had a pretty decent run the past couple of issues. It can't get any worse, right?

What I Liked
I realized this issue that you can only have Gleason draw this comic, and all of the comic, or else anyone subbing in for a couple of pages just looks bad. Gleason started the art with the first few pages, then didn't come back until the end. It would have been better just for him to stay away for the whole issue. Hell, it could have been the past couple of issues if he was falling that far behind.

The only part of the story that I liked was the end when Damian showed the one pearl he found for Bruce that came from his mother's necklace. But it wasn't set up right. It just lacked that emotional payoff that the scene tried to pull off.

What I Didn't Like
This was a mess of a book. Seriously, from the art to the writing. It lacked a lot of emotional punch and consistency. It was a back handed way to tie in the Death of the Family story to the book with Joker being the one in charge of the zombies. How was that? By his use of chemicals in some manner. How did it make everyone want to be like zombies? Who knows.

Panel to Remember
Back in the cave they had a display for Jason Todd's Robin costume. Interesting. I don't remember off hand if this is the first time it is shown in the cave, but man, that is pretty weird.

Quotable
"Eat to live." - if only so I never have to hear that ridiculous phrase ever again.

Grades
Words: 5/10
Pictures: 4/10
Buy Next Issue: It is a Death in the Family official tie-in. I'll give it a go.

The Quick and the Read: 3 New Image Comics

The Quick and The Read: A Trio of First Issues From Image

Taking a look at three recent first issues from Image Comics. Let's get to the quick reviewing!

Point of Impact #1

Story by Jay Faerber
Art & Cover by Koray Kuranel

Preview


What I Liked
The art. I liked the black and white throughout the whole comic and thought it was done very nicely. Apparently this is the debut issue for this artist, and I must say that I am a fan. The fight scene felt very fluid and the use of space was nicely done.

What I Didn't Like
The story just felt very generic. Where as Happy! had the moment of revealing the blue imaginary horse, this story felt like it was missing that twist that would make this story seem to stand out from others like it. This very much felt like a television show or a tryout for a new procedural show.


Grades
Words: 6/10
Pictures: 7/10
Buy Next Issue: It is a four issue series, but I'm just not down with it after the first issue. I'll pass.

Great Pacific #1

Written by Joe Jarris
Art and colors by Matin Morazzo

Preview


What I Liked
I think I liked the idea of this comic more so than the actual execution. The art was OK. It reminded me a bit of a Quietly kind of look mixed with the Luna brothers. The writing itself seemed to be a little all over. It surprised me that this issue was more of a focus of the main character through the set up of him going to the island and what his life was like before jumping on the pile of junk. I think I may have liked the execution better if it had followed something similar to just putting the character in the middle of island and letting the character develop there. Seeing how he was beforehand gives me the same kind of feeling as if we learned about any characters from The Walking Dead before the apocalypse - the characters are such a vast difference from what they were before the event that they don't even seem like those characters any more.

So thus far, we've been introduced to a main character who won't resemble himself in an issue or two, probably.

What I Didn't Like
While the groundwork for the first issue and concept was laid out in the first issue, this felt like a very skippable first issue. The concept and premise sounds good to me, and I think I may pick up the second issue. But unless some stronger legs help stand this story up next issue, I think I may just check out.

Grades
Words: 6/10
Pictures: 7/10
Buy Next Issue: I think I may have to check out some preview pages before making a commitment one way or another.

Storm Dogs #1

Script: David Hine
Art: Doug Braithwaite


Preview

What I Liked
This is a story that definitely needed more pages for the first issue. I like the concept and the story approach, but it just felt very cramped and not developed considering the amount of pages that were involved.

The art work was beautiful.

What I Didn't Like
The story and art both needed to pan back. Together, they both focused on close up shots of the characters and character moments that, while good for individual development, didn't allow for the bigger picture to show. You can tell this when, at the end of the story, new characters appear out of nowhere and you are not quite sure what is going on with them. Should we be scared of them? Will they be there for hope? Who knows.

One sign of a great first issue is being able to lay down what the book will be about and to provide enough to make you care about the characters. While we do get some good info about the characters, there is a lot of the overall story that seems to be missing that was either left on the cutting room floor or will be told in the next issue. Which, again, only makes me think that we need to have some extra pages for this book that could travel into that territory a little more.

Grades
Words: 6/10
Pictures: 7/10
Buy Next Issue: Ultimately, no. There really isn't anything here that has my interest beyond this issue. Looks nice, but not for me.

Comics! Batman #14

Batman #14 

Scott Snyder: writer
Greg Capullo: penciller
Jonathan Glapion: inker
James Tynion IV: writer (backup)
Jock: artwork (backup)

The Solicitation

• "DEATH OF THE FAMILY" continues!

• The Joker is back and somehow more sinister than ever! What caused this change? And can even Batman stop a Joker so driven and dangerous?

• And where is Alfred?

• Plus: In the backup feature, The Penguin is running out of options as he's confronted by The Joker!

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.


Preview

Why I Bought It
Let's see where this Joker and Snyder thing goes, shall we?

What I Liked
The art is just amazing. I seriously enjoy the little ticks here and there and little shout outs that really stand out on a second reading with the art. Did anyone notice the Joker colors used for a face like look to Batman's tape player? Or how there are 27 bodies in the river, a certain reference to Batman's first appearance?

There was a lot to like with the art. Joker's face alone is enough to creep things out a bit. But for as much as Capullo carries is off well in the main book, the back up with Jock delivers the goods just as much and just as creepy. Compare both of these works with what is done in Batgirl #14 and you can see where the art is needed to really sell the idea of what Joker has done with his face.

The big twist of the series takes place here, or at least what people perceive to be the big twist. Joker declares that he knows the identity for all the Bat-characters and the he will go after them in order to make Batman better. The other thing, that is a little overlooked, is that Joker blinds Alfred with ammonia to the eyes. I think that both of these scenarios are fake-outs on the hand of Snyder until I see them on panel. First of all, we will have to see Alfred with no eyes on panel and not through speech bubbles in order for me to believe that he is alive. The idea that Joker knows some secret identities will also have to be proven in order for me to believe it.

I do think that Joker knows who Jason Todd is, or at least we get that impression from Red Hood #0. But the idea that Bruce = Batman? I'm going to have to see some more proof on that. Bruce has publicly supported Batman, and I think that Joker is only going after Bruce and Alfred because that will bring out Batman, not the idea that Joker knows the secret ID. I think Joker is saying that he knows who everyone is in order to make them unstable and not think clearly so he can do whatever it is he wants to do here. Is it to make Batman better? Who knows. But we will know hopefully by story's end.

The idea that Batman will be the one to cause everyone's death? Notice that Gordon didn't do too bad until Batman showed up in his home. I think Batman was doused with something while in that tank at the beginning of the issue and as soon as he comes into contact with other characters then something will happen to make them react in a way that Gordon did. So why didn't Nightwing react when he was near Batman? They were in a more open air. Notice that Bruce had to be in the same room with Gordon for awhile before things started to react. Just a theory, but one that will be debunked or made true in the next issue.

What I Didn't Like
As I've mentioned before, the idea of the villain trying to make the hero better at his job was one that Johns did for Wally West Flash with Zoom. I'm OK with the logic behind how Joker will do it to Batman, but things do go a little over the top at times with the writing and Joker's exposition that just doesn't come across as references the Joker would make. Then again, we are dealing with a new Joker in the new 52, so maybe this Joker is a little more intelligent and loves to make literary references nonstop.

I haven't felt yet that this is Snyder's Joker. Outside of thinking that he will make Batman a better Batman, he hasn't done anything in this book that surprises me or makes me think that this version of Joker is owned by Snyder. Capullo has given him a good look, but there isn't anything in the writing yet that really makes me know ho Snyder's Joker ticks. Unless the goal is to make him look crazy as can be at all times, which in that case the art is definitely selling that.

Panel to Remember
I really liked the panel where Joker is leaning over the railing on the last page of the main story. Just to see the close-up look of the new face for Joker was pretty nice.

Quotable
"I burned your eyes with with ammonia." - Joker. That's not a mistake on my part, the word "with" was used twice. Is there a reason for this, or was this a mistake?

Grades
Words: 7/10
Pictures: 9/10
Buy Next Issue: I'm down. Although it is weird to think that I may be buying more to see the art from Capullo than the writing from Snyder.

Comics! Happy #1

Happy #1

Grant Morrison: writer
Darick Robertson: artist

The Solicitation

Meet NICK SAX - a corrupt, intoxicated ex-cop turned hit-man, adrift in a stinking twilight world of casual murder, soulless sex, eczema and betrayal.

With a hit gone wrong, a bullet in his side, the cops and the mob on his tail, and a monstrous child killer in a Santa suit on the loose, Nick and his world will be changed forever this Christmas.

By a tiny blue horse called Happy...


Preview

Why I Bought It
I've been a fan of Robertson's stuff since Transmetropolitan. Morrison can be hit or miss with his creator-owned stuff. Curiosity caught me on this one. And it was the first time that Morrison and Robertson have done an Image book, and done a book together - if memory serves correctly.

What I Liked
Well, this comic isn't meant for kids.

Trust me, that is a good thing.

Robertson has some terrific, consistent art that he delivers in this issue. You can tell that he is a master of his craft and knows how to angle and place characters in order to get the most out of his side of the story telling. Nicely done.

Morrison was a bit of a surprise for me this comic. This doesn't read like a typical Morrison book. Hell, the concept is a little like Morrison, but the big overall picture doesn't seem like him. There is more to an Ennis quality with the language, and the character Happy, a blue horse/unicorn thing, isn't an outside the box kind of character that I would expect Morrison to bring to the book. It seems rather tame by Morrison standards.

By normal issue number one standards, this book did a great job in setting everything up and getting us introduced to the twist of the comic. This very much feels like something in the same area as Fatale by Brubaker and Phillips; a noir/mob story with some special non-human characters popping in.

What I Didn't Like
This feels more like the start to an ongoing than it does to a four issue mini. I haven't heard that this is the first of a couple mini series from Morrison and Robertson or anything like that which would suggest the characters would be around longer than these four issues.

I did have to wait a bit for my shop to get the comic, which I guess is a good sign for the popularity of the book. Unfortunately my copy was a second printing, but I don't really plan on selling the book anytime soon anyhow.

Panel to Remember
I like that when Happy makes his first appearance, it is when Nick is upside down. Good framing and choice of position for the character to show that his world is about to be flipped around.

Quotable
"Pay attention to the talking horse!" - Happy, and with that, will keep me interested in how the series goes from here.

Grades
Words: 7/10 - Because this isn't typical Morrison feel to the story here.
Pictures: 9/10 - because this is a very typical and nicely done Robertson feel to the art here.
Buy Next Issue: I'm down with it, I just hope the story goes somewhere from here than what would feel like an uninteresting turn of events.

Comics! Creator-Owned Heroes #6

Creator-Owned Heroes #6 

Jimmy Palmiotti, Steve Niles, Justin Gray, Darwyn Cooke, Jerry Lando, Jay Russell, Paul Mounts, Andrew Ritchie

The Solicitation

STARTING: a monthly feature featuring graphic strips and material by DARWYN COOKE.

"KILLSWITCH," Part Two

Locked in a Peruvian Prison, Kill Switch awaits a Mexican hit squad as he tries to discover who put a bounty on his head and why. The bullets fly as our hero is led into a deadly game of death against the world's best and most eccentric assassins, but the gloves come off when they threaten his family.

"BLACK SPARROW" Part Two

His only son is dead, tried and hung for crimes the boy may or may not have committed. Now a father waits by the graveside. All he can do is pray and hope that his only son is not the evil the townspeople claim.

Plus: Interviews, contests, art galleries, con photos, and original articles all celebrating the creator-owned spirit.


Preview

Why I Bought It
When hasn't there been an issue of Creator-Owned Heroes that I haven't enjoyed?

What I Liked
I can't re-iterate how, month in and month out, this is a magazine that is devoted to any one interested in knowing more about comics beyond the superhero stuff. Yea, that thing sells, but in this type of magazine, creators get to tell you the chance as to why. Each and every article does nothing but express gratitude, love, and a commitment for comics and sequential story telling to reach its maximum potential.

I don't think there has been one article that I didn't like. And then there was the bonus of having some comic stories in here as well. Black sparrow concluded the two part story that started last issue and wrapped it up in an unexpected, but chilling way. Kill switch had that turn of events that makes you wonder how things will be concluded from here. And I didn't even get to Darwyn Cooke's contribution this issue.

I seriously don't know how the team that puts this book together does it. My hope is to spread the word for the simple amount of material that you get for $3.99, which far exceeded anything that any single issue of "Insert Name of Latest Big Two Superhero Event Here" book ever does. Seriously, insert your own pick for a title there and Creator-Owned outweighs it by colossal metric units of weight.

What I Didn't Like

Panel to Remember
The third to the last panel of Black Sparrow. It is the one that gives away the twist and will stick in your mind for a bit.

Quotable
"Write what you know in your heart is true." - Sound advice for any up and coming comic writer.

Grades
Words: 9/10
Pictures: 9/10
Buy Next Issue: Until the day it stops printing.

News Articles and Reviews at Capeless Crusaders!

In case you have missed it, I've been putting up some must read articles over at Capeless Crusader.

Buying some Monkeybrain digital comics will help support the Hero Initiative. Check out some details here.

I've also got a review for last week's Batgirl #14, a tie in to the Death of the Family story line that is slicing it's way through all the Bat-books. Check it out here.

And also, we got an early review in for the new Judge Dredd series from IDW. Definitely worth a read, both the review and the book! Check it out here!

Comics! Green Lantern #14

Green Lantern #14 

Geoff Johns: writer
Doug Mahnke: penciller
Christian Alamy, Mark Irwin, Keith Champagne & Tom Nguyen: inkers

The Solicitation

• “Rise of the Third Army” continues!

• The Justice League comes after the new Green Lantern, demanding answers about the missing Hal Jordan!

• The Green Lantern Corps makes a disturbing discovery about the Guardians!


Preview

Why I Bought It
To see the "oh my, I didn't see that coming" of the hero fighting hero action.
.
What I Liked
There are a couple of really nice moments in the book that really stand out. I had to laugh when Baz stood there in front of the Justice League and just had some wide eyes going. I also liked the fact that we got a semi hint that the ring is really Sinestro's, which is something I would have guessed all along considering that Hal's part of the ring is just a knock-off of Sinestro's ring.

What I Didn't Like
This felt like nothing but a filler issue. And for being a part of an event, it really feel very flat with what we've come to expect from Green Lantern stories as of late.

First off, the hero vs. hero motif takes up most of the issue. Of course, it all started off a simple misunderstanding between everyone involved and won't matter when this Green Lantern joins up with the Justice League which we've seen solicited for a February release. Don't you hate it when that happens?

If we focused on the rest of the comic, we basically are getting a look at the status quo/rehash of what is going on with all the sub-plots. The one exception being that Hal and Sinestro get visited by some sinister looking character at the end of the book that ended with the typical Johns "cliffhanger."

I get that there is supposed to be this big crossover going on now with all the Green Lantern titles, but the one that feels the most excluded has to be the main Green Lantern book. We're getting a basic introduction to a new Green Lantern that doesn't have a place in the crossover. Baz, as a character, is doing pretty good, but the start feels a little generic for a new character. Outside of his heritage, there doesn't seem to be much that makes him stand out from any other Green Lantern. He could die right now in this crossover and I just wouldn't care too much. It just feels like there is a lot of potential with him and Johns is just taking his time to get to the meat of this character right now.

Panel to Remember
I'll go with the wide-eyed expression when Baz meets the Justice League for something to remember.

Quotable
"You don't really expect me to fight you, do you?" - Baz. The Justice League might not expect it, but the reader can call this from a mile away.

Grades
Words: 6/10
Pictures: 7/10
Buy Next Issue: This story line is just dragging on and on. Can we get to the point yet?

Comics! Daredevil End of Days #2

Daredevil End of Days #2 

Brian Michael Bendis & David Mack: writers
Klaus Janson: pencils
Bill Sienkiewicz: finished art & colors

The Solicitation

• The Kingpin has been murdered! Daredevil has been murdered! And that’s just the beginning of the story!
• Ben Urich digs deep into the seedy underbelly of the MU & discovers Matt Murdock’s biggest secret yet!
• Some of the greatest creators to ever take on the Man Without Fear unite for his final story!


No Preview

Why I Bought It
The first got us some of the set up. Now let's dig a little deeper into this world and see if it has some legs to stand on.

What I Liked
We definitely get a "world building" feel to the book. In a world where the twilight of heroes obviously happened, we get little shout outs in one two page spread in particular. Fantastic Foods, Hulk the Musical, and images of superheroes everywhere dot the landscape. Hell, the Avengers even have a museum.

This issue is essentially a tour of the ex-girlfriends of Daredevil and where they all are today. It makes for an interesting set up as we catch up with the ladies of Daredevil's life from yesteryear. We don't really touch too much on the mystery of why he died and what he did for all those years in the dark and out of the limelight, but I guess you have to have something for the next issue.

What I Didn't Like
I really wish Alex Maleev would have drawn this book. Janson is good, but the feel of the story is just missing a little. The art tends to be a bit on the sketchier side at times and is just feels about half-way finished. It also had the feel of being very padded. Seriously, this is a slow paced book and at four bucks a pop I want to see the story get to places. If memory serves, most of The End books were one shots or a four issue series, save for X-men which had 18 issues.

And pardon me if I am wrong and have missed something about recent Daredevil events, but isn't Milla supposed to be blind? She certainly wasn't acting like she was blind. There definitely is something missing there.

And yea, if that wasn't a shout out to being Matt's kid, I don't know what is.

And the cover I got was some bald guy without any distinguishing characteristics that made me think that I knew the person. What was up with that? Who was that?

Panel to Remember
I'll go for the two page spread. It was nice.

Quotable
"Mapone." - I am seriously going to be sick of that word by the end of the next issue if it keeps making appearances that feel like every other page. It really wasn't that over-bearing, but I feel like it could get that way.

Grades
Words: 7/10
Pictures: 7/10
Buy Next Issue: Eh. This may be a digital buy after a price reduction for any future issues. It just isn't hitting like I thought it would.

Comics! Detective Comics#14

Detective Comics #14

Written by John Layman
Art by Jason Fabok
Backup art by Andy Clarke

The Solicitation

• When Bruce Wayne’s life is saved by The Penguin, what surprises are in store for The Dark Knight?

• And in the backup story, an intimate look at Gotham City’s most dangerous foes provides a hint of the maelstrom to come.


Preview

Why I Bought It
Layman. Batman. That is all.

What I Liked
All around this was another great issue of Layman's Batman in Detective Comics. Things really start to turn and you see the approach that Layman is taking to Batman quite clearly. Batman's moral compass is to always do what is right even if it means letting someone like Penguin not become a victim of Poison Ivy's crimes. And that is after Cobblepot scored his way to a rather successful moment in the public eye. But the real threat here is Ogilvy. He was the one pushing Penguin in the right direction, and I'm sure he will be the big bad at the end of this.

It is funny to me. When Bruce says that it is the right thing to do when Damian says he doesn't like it, it sorta mirrors what Superman should be like and his ideals. And Damian's attitude in this comes across great. He is very much like the Bat-dick that Bruce was in the old universe. Definitely the potential to be his father's son.

The twist at the end was explained in the backup, and I have a feeling that this will be a good time next issue. The last I remember seeing Poison Ivy and Clayface together was when No Man's Land was going on, and Ivy was somehow held captive. The table are turned here, and I think it makes much more sense.

I must give a big kudos to the two different art teams on the book. Even when I flip through it, it becomes difficult to find out where one art style stops and the other begins. That was nicely done. And the art was just perfect throughout.

What I Didn't Like
Well, something happened in Birds of Prey. Some acknowledgment was given to what happened, but ultimately I don't care. All I got from it was that Ivy is no longer with them and she planned it to be that way. At least, that is what I read from it.

Panel to Remember
I'm not typically a fan of one page panels, but Clayface's entrance was definitely something that makes me look forward to seeing what is next.

Quotable
"A half second slower and Bruce Wayne would have had his head lopped off." - Damian

"Nonsense, Damian. That wasn't even close." - Bruce

(Earlier in the issue) - "A quarter second slower and Bruce Wayne would have had his head lopped off." - Bruce.

Awesome exchange.

Grades
Words: 9/10
Pictures: 10/10
Buy Next Issue: I'm on board. I think it is a Death of the Family tie in, but I'll still get it regardless.

Comics! The Quick & The Read: Rotworld Part 2

The Quick & The Read: Rotworld Part 2

Animal Man #14 

Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist, Interiors & Cover: Steve Pugh
Penciller (pages 1, 2, 13-16): Timothy Green II
Inker (pages 1, 2, 13-16): Joseph Silver

What I Liked
Writing about these two issues since they are covering the same "world."

We get to see more about what happened to the previous heroes, but wasn't that just the same thing as before? Aw well, still entertaining.

And kudos to dividing up the art in the correct fashion. Showcasing two different worlds and using two different artists for each one makes sense and is the proper way on how to do a fill in artist spot.

What I Didn't Like
Seriously, still feel like we are spinning our wheels here with this story. If this is supposed to be over in four parts, then we need to get to the halfway point and it still feels like this story is starting. And introducing Grodd into the story at this point? It better be because he is turning into an ally, otherwise it is just filling up space.

Grades
Words: 7/10
Pictures: 8/10
Buy Next Issue: I guess. And that isn't how I should be reacting to this book at this point.

Swamp Thing #14


Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Yanick Paquette

What I Liked
I seriously feel like I can hold these two books up to one another as the stories and everything are still pretty much the same. That is a kinda cool feeling and nice way of showing how much all the collaborators are working on the books and overall story.

The art, even though it was done by one person, still had the feel of a different style when the stories to the past were featured. That is a nice attention to detail that I love to see happen.

What I Didn't Like
Again, I just felt like we are spinning the wheels here. The one difference is that this book featured a character that is making an appearance in the "past" setting of the other book. So it really connects the two, but then makes me scratch my head still at Grodd coming into the story in Animal Man.

Grades
Words: 7/10
Pictures: 8/10
Buy Next Issue: I guess. And that isn't how I should be reacting to this book at this point.

Comics! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #15

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #15

Story: Kevin Eastman & Tom Waltz
Script: Tom Waltz
Art: Andy Kuhn

The Solicitation
Something has escaped Stockgen labs and is hunting the Turtles. Its unrelenting and deadly force compel the Turtles to question how far they'll go to defend themselves... and stretch the brothers' bonds to the limit!

Preview

Why I Bought It
This Turtles series has been getting on my "meh" side lately. Hoping that one of these issues will turn things around a bit.

What I Liked
Well, this issue picked up a little in the art department for me. Seriously, I like Kuhn's take on Specimen 6 - aka Slash - quite nicely. And Slash also gets a great intro this issue as well. Which is kinda strange, because you usually see this type of set up in one of the Micro-Series, but I guess since the Micro-Series only spotlights the heroes then we can assume that Slash isn't going to be friendly with the Turtles. And indeed he isn't.

This issue has less of an "Eastman" feel to the art. We get different page setups in and layouts that differ a lot from previous issues. From Slash's 9 panel grid of getting a Turtles mask, to the double page spread of 12 paneled goodness, this issue really breaks from the pack with the settings. And this makes me want to see what the pencils alone looked like for this issue. I don't think the trick with the flashlight as the only light source really works well if this was a black and white comic, and I'm thankful that this series is colored.

What I Didn't Like
The scene between Splinter and Casey Jones was supposed to be funny. And I get it, but it just felt very forced. To the point that I caught myself rolling my eyes at Splinter's apron.

The cover I got had a bunch of crime scene tape all across the top and bottom of the issue, and it had a red background to go with it. Honestly, it looks a little bit like an eyesore. It is so loud on the eyes that it makes the title and credits at the top of the comic just disappear. I tired to visualize what colors might work with this setup but there just isn't a combination that I can think of that would pull it off correctly.

I also don't get Slash's motivation and what he has against the Turtles. He puts the mask on as a way to sorta look like them and seemingly fit in, and then attacks them right away when he meets up with them? Is this part of his crazy persona?

Panel to Remember
I like panel number 4 on the double page spread of the 12 paneled pages. It is Leonardo holding a flashlight right into the face of Slash and Slash's look is just right on. The art was done great on that panel.

Quotable
"Here." - Slash announcing his presence.

Grades
Words: 7/10
Pictures: 7/10 - But Slash was a right on 10/10.
Buy Next Issue: I'll keep up with the Turtles, but this is starting to get worrisome and into the territory of bland.

Comics! Flash #13

The Flash #13 

Script & Cover by Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Art by Francis Manapul

The Solicitation

• “GORILLA WARFARE” starts here!

• Gorilla Grodd’s army attacks Central City, and The Flash is forced to team up with the Rogues!?


Preview

Why I Bought It
Well, the past couple of Flash comics haven't been too bad, but I am a Flash fan to the death. i will buy it regardless.

What I Liked
I like the idea of a Gorilla invasion, and I like the idea of the Rogues helping out the Flash or teaming up with him or whatever. This comic did tangle with that story, and it worked to a degree, but not one that I liked that was one display with previous issues.

I find it a little funny that Grodd could be the possible creature to inherit the speed force. It is a nice concept that does at least justify the gorilla's attack, and Todd's ruthlessness is shown when he takes a piece of the Trickster with him. If anything, that will at least change Trickster into something similar to the new Rogues Gallery where each one incorporates their power into their body.

What I Didn't Like
I know that Glider has some cool new powers, but what exactly are they? They seem to bend to whatever the story needs it to be right now, and that doesn't leave any room for the power to last that long outside of the story. I can kinda see where it could go, but a little more explanation of things is needed in order to get the idea across.

I think that this book works best when we focus on one story at a time. Trying to juggle between a couple just feels messy all around, especially at the beginning where who knows when that will be developed any more. I think Barry Allen has been dead for more issues than he was ever alive. So yes, insert some more Barry Should Be Dead jokes here.

And it is looking more and more like Frye will turn out to be Barry's dad. Unless Turbine is just delivering a red herring. Either way, it is just lame to me.

Panel to Remember
I'll go with the part where Trickster gets his arm ripped off. That was a moment, and although the characters looked very "posing for the camera" in the shot, it was still an excellently done panel for what it needed to show.

Quotable
"Get your stinkin' paws off me!" - Yea, Planet of the Apes was quoted in this book. The lazy writer went for the easy reference, a smarter one would have enhanced it.

Grades
Words: 5/10
Pictures: 8/10
Buy Next Issue: Yea, but not because I want to.

Comics! Maggie #1

Maggie #1

Words and Art by Sergio Aragones, Carol Lay,Patric M. Verrone, Max Davison, & Mike Kazaleh

The Solicitation
Our Simpsons One-Shot Wonders continue with a special issue, featuring everyone's favorite boss shooting, bear pacifying, mallet wielding, preschool rebellion leading, nail gun riveting, unibrow hating, infant language translating, Bobo cuddling baby, also known as the Gem Child, God's chosen instrument of peace and goodwill to Springfield. Prepare yourself for the exciting and heartwarming adventures of the littlest and savviest Simpson of them all: Maggie Simpson! Featuring a variant wraparound cover by Sergio Aragones and a little something extra!

No Preview

Why I Bought It
A one-shot featuring Maggie? Who wouldn't want this?

What I Liked
I always appreciated Maggie as the Simpsons character that was probably the most intelligent. It makes it difficult for me to like any story involving Maggie unless that smartness is explored, or just like in South Park, the character's immaturity and age show through and they are just themselves. It is a fine line to balance a story on, and thankfully each comic within these pages manages to find that balance.

It has been a year that I've been following these one shots that Bongo has put out for some of its characters. And in each book it has just been loads of fun for the price of admission. It has been a nice break from the regular reads, and I always walk away with a smile on my face. That says something about a comic when that happens. And the back page that is a maze, that is just priceless!

There is also a great sense of consistency among each of the stories. Yes, there are some slight art differences, but the characters themselves have maintained who they are from the first issue of Ralph Wiggum that I picked up to this book. Kudos to the creators for that.

What I Didn't Like
These special bonus inserts and surprise inside makes things a little difficult for me, mostly because I want to mess around with them but that mean ruining the comic to some degree by getting them out from within the staples. Maybe some day I will find the comics in a quarter bin and then I will get my moment of fun.

Panel to Remember
The very last panel showed a victorious Maggie after outsmarting Bart. she has a smile on her face that matches mine at the end of the book.

Quotable
"Ptui!" and "Ptoi!" - Both signs that Maggie doesn't like a pacifier.

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 8/10
Buy Next Issue: Professor Frink is next, bring it on!

Comics! Talon #1

Talon #1 

Plot by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV
Written by James Tynion IV
Art & Cover by Guillem March

The Solicitation

• A new series spinning out of “Night of the Owls”!

• After many years on the run, Calvin Rose returns to Gotham City to investigate the fallout from “Night of the Owls”!

• Can the Court of Owls finally be defeated? Could Calvin have the one thing he’s been seeking his entire life: his freedom?


Preview

Why I Bought It
Like most new titles, I give it three issues to really sink my teeth into it and see if it has legs to stand on. Let's see how the second issue (which is strange to say about a book with  a big #1 on the cover) of this series goes.

What I Liked
This is a decent story. It does everything that it needs to as a first issue. And if you missed the last issue, no worries here, this one recaps almost everything. Name checks are given, motivation for characters are spot on. We even get a little bit of a taste of what the big bad enemy has in store for our main character and what kind of fights we could be having in the future.

Effective establishing. Decent art. Very well suited as a Batman book, but I'd be weary of bringing in Calvin Rose to the main books for team-ups.

What I Didn't Like
My big issue with this character and the whole Court of Owls centers around the fact that I have read this before, except it was called Azrael the first time I saw it. I think the similarities will just stick with me and make it hard for me to read the book without seeing it. A trained assassin breaking free of the programming that a secret cult bred him with. That's Jean Paul Valley's story in a nutshell, and that shell is shared by Calvin Rose as well.

There is potential here for the personality and character of Calvin to be very different from Valley. Calvin seems to be more certain of himself and his abilities, which is something that Jean Paul was lacking all those years ago. So again, there is potential, it is just hard for me to see it right now.

Panel to Remember
Pick any one of Sebastin Clark's panels. The man's face looks like an owl's face, and I don't think that is coincidental. Although, if he is simply using Calvin to gain power in the Court of Owls, then it will come across as entirely predictable.

Also, kudos to the "Zur En Arh" spray painted on the subway walls. Makes me wonder if that actually happened now in the new 52.

Quotable
"I'm done thinking, Clark." - Yea, me too. this book just didn't have anything that really struck out as me as Quote of the Book worthy.

Grades
Words: 7/10
Pictures: 7/10
Buy Next Issue: Eh. Yes, just to complete the three issue try, but the lifespan of the book beyond that doesn't look too good.

Comics! Batman Incorporated #4

Batman Incorporated #4 

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Chris Burnham

The Solicitation
• BATMAN and TALIA AL GHUL continue their fight for control of their son DAMIAN – better known as ROBIN! • WINGMAN and REDBIRD descent upon GOTHAM CITY! Who are these heroes, and what is their relationship to THE DARK KNIGHT?

Preview

Why I Bought It
Well, after a bit of a delay, we come back to Morrison's Batman. Let's see how the story is flowing.

What I Liked
I like that this issue really felt more like a team book than having a couple of side characters make a random appearance and then shuttle off to the background. I also liked that, thanks to the revelation of Wingman's identity, that Batman Incorporated is really about reaching out as far as Batman can to find allies. And I would definitely like to see a Wingman and Redbird mini sometime down the line.

I don't know who has Damian down better, Tomasi over in Batman & Robin, or Morrison here. I'll go for the split and say that Redbird shines in Batman Inc, while Robin shines better in Batman & Robin. But this issue has a really good moment at the end that just shows how naive and innocent Damian can be even considering the type of world he grew up in. The moment at the end of this comic where he just looks up wondering what everyone else knows that he doesn't just shows how human he can be. Burnham had a moment with that panel that just really sells it.

This isn't a Batman book designed for new readers. I think we can all admit that upfront. And that is including if you have read it from the reboot. I personally like a Batman book like this, simply because I am a long time reader and am finding some enjoyment out of it. I can't quite divorce myself from that knowledge when reading it, so I can only imagine what a new reader would think of this book.

What I Didn't Like
Is it good or bad that I didn't recognize who Wingman was until Damian pointed out who is was? Are all the secondary characters in Bat-comics really all clones or something?

The only real big name villain in this issue was Merlyn, and even that was iffy at best. So while it was nice to see Batman Incorporated actually through down, it just feels a little wasted on all these no name villains and henchmen who are supposed to be the world's top assassins.

With each time Damian refers to Batman and Talia as mother and father, I can't help to wonder if all of Batman Inc knows Batman's identity. I'm almost going with the idea that they have to know. And if that is the case, it just makes things a little less enjoyable for me. Almost no one has really focused on the world knowing that Bruce funds Batman Incorporated. We've had a couple of flashes to indicate that Bruce and Batman (Nightwing) have been in the same room, but I wish we could see more of a legal fallout for Bruce sponsoring vigilantism.

But these are Batman books. I guess it would be a little much to ask for some Bruce Wayne in the real world time every now and again, isn't it?

Panel to Remember
I'm going with the moment at the end when Damian asks what everyone else knows that he doesn't. It is just the look in his eyes that Burnham captures just right.

Quotable
"Who the hell are - oh. You're not supposed to be here." - I find it funny that Jason knew right away who Redbird was but it took Damian some time to figure it out. Maybe they could make a really nice dynamic duo.

Grades
Words: 7/10
Pictures: 8/10
Buy Next Issue: I think this is supposed to be a 12 issue series or something like that. I'll probably be buying it until the end anyhow.

Comics! Revival #4

Revival #4 

Story by Tim Seeley
Art By Mike Norton

The Solicitation
Dana investigates threats sent to a pair of siblings running a charity to help people adjust to life with undead loved ones. But there's more to this brother and sister than philanthropy. Meanwhile May Thao discovers photos of a bizarre creature, and just can't help but get herself into deep sh*t.

Preview

Why I Bought It
The quality of the book continues at a nice steady pace and things get more and more interesting.

What I Liked
Four issues in and this book is still giving that good feeling of wondering what is going on. It is the nice kind of intrigue that reveals some details but then keeps you wanting more.

There are lots of pop culture references sprinkled throughout. It gives it a kind of Joss Whedon writing style. Whedon could get characters and knew how to play them off of each other. This book also give the same kind of understanding about the characters and the bigger mystery about what is going on with those creatures. That, coupled with the fact that we are on issue #4 and I'm still as excited by this book, shows me that there are some long term plans for this book to go places. If it can keep up at this pace and not feel like a formula, then this book can have some growing success behind it.

The stays consistent from issue to issue. There isn't anything too fancy going on, there is just lots of excellently framed panels and great story telling happening.

What I Didn't Like
Some of those song references are now in my head. Which is weird to happen to me, as music in a comic book typically doesn't do that to me as reading over the lyrics just doesn't connect me with the words nearly as much as hearing the music. Weirdness.

Panel to Remember
Notice the two panels that Justin Hine's dad appears in this issue. One has him just sitting on the couch with no oxygen tube. The second panel has him wearing it. I though that he was in some sort of catatonic state? Weirdness, but if it is a mistake, then it helps add to my collection of comic book errors.

Quotable
"Looks kinda like she burned from the inside out too." - Mystery, and intrigue.

Grades
Words: 9/10
Pictures: 9/10
Buy Next Issue: I'll be there.