Comic Reviews for February 1, 2012

My Pick of the list will have to go to Winter Soldier #1. Check it out.

DC COMICS

Justice League #5

Team

Writer - Geoff Johns

Artist - Jim Lee

Colorist - Alex Sinclair

PART FIVE

Great job. Every time that I read this book, it just gets better and better.

I am really enjoying how there is such great character development without sacrificing the story.

There is really no character in this book that I am not really digging right now. Hal is still a bit too goofy in this but it is getting a lot better.

The art is, as always, stellar. The best in comics in my opinion.

The team is still going up against Darkseid. By the end we get to see Hal leading the split up team while Superman and Batman are caught in Darkseid's lair.

Top of the stack for sure

Grade

Story - A

Art - A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Green Lantern Corps #5

Team

Writer - Peter J. Tomasi

Artist - Fernando Pasarin

Colorist - Gabe Eltab

MEAN MACHINE

This is the team that this book needs to stick with.......FOREVER. This book has just gotten to be so much fun.

So maybe the new squad is a bit of a knock -off of every action star of the 70s/80s. Aldo-Arnold, Bronchuck- Charles Bronson(and he looks just like him), Lee-Not positive, and Flint-Clint Eastwood. This one's for the old farts like me.

Guy grabs these old Bad-asses out of moth balls to take on the Keepers because they don't play by the rules.

I hope these guys stick around and are not massacred by the end of this arc.

Just read this book and enjoy yourself

Grade

Story - A-

Art - A+

Nightwing #5

Team

Writer - Kyle Higgins

Artist - Eddy Barrows

Colorist - Rod Reis

'TIL DEATH DO US PART

So I have been one foot in and one foot out of this book for quite a while. I feel like it suffers from the same issue that Teen Titans does, it is totally forgettable. I enjoy reading it, but once I close the book, I forget about it.

The biggest positive is that Saiko is back. I like this character a lot. I think he may have a great future as an eventual top tier bad guy.

I have decided that next issue will be my last if things don't feel better after reading it.

Grade

Story - C+

Art - B+

Justice League Dark

Team

Writer - Peter Milligan

Artist - Mikel Janin

Colorist - Ulises Arreola

THERE WAS A CROOKED MAN

So if you read this book by itself, you may feel yourself slipping slipping into an abyss of madness... Fortunately, I have been getting this book since issue one. So I decided to go back and read all 5 issues in a row.

If read all together, this book is a stroke of genius. I hope that all people are reading this the same way because I want this book to stick around a very, very long time.

I feel like you can't really even give a synopsis of the book. This is something you need to read yourself.

This book will be getting a new creative team in issue 7 with Jeff Lemire taking over the writing duties and I can't wait to see what his take will be

Grade

Story - A

Art - A+

Young Justice

Team

Writer - Greg Weisman

Artist - Luciano Vecchio

Colorist - Zac Atkinson

THE PENDULUM

Surprisingly good effort for this all ages book. It is a new take on Clayface(but there have been a lot of origin's for him)

There was very little involvement from the Young Justice team at all. The book did not need them honestly.

Talia Al-Guhl's is a bitch. There, I said it.

The art in this book seems to keep getting better recently. Even a bit more grown-up.

And the most important review of an all ages book is this... My kids Ages, 5-12 love this book and they fight over who gets to read it next.

Grade

Story - B-

Art - B

Catwoman #5

Team

Writer - Judd Winick

Artist - Guillem March

Colorist - Tomeu Morey

THIS HAS GOT TO GET DIRTY

Good issue, pretty standard for Catwoman. I actually have a few negatives however that I have to go geek on and point out.

First off, when Selena was fighting Reach, considering she is a meta human, Selena took her out way too easily.

Next, I don't see Catwoman, as a career thief, would be that relaxed and leave herself in such a venerable position as getting a massage.

And finally, when you give someone a $100 tip, they will not go run it through a national crime registry to see if it is stolen.

I really like the crooked cop story that is unfolding. We will see Selena more of the "good side of the road" very soon(but hopefully not too soon).

Grade

Story - B+

Art -A

Batman Detective Comics #6

Team

Writer - Tony Salvadore Daniel

Artist - Tony Salvadore Daniel

Colorist - Tomeu Morey

KILL GAME

As of this issue, I am out. I knew I had to drop a Bat-Book, and this just so happens to be the one that is catching my attention the least anymore.

The art was great and the story was passable, but because I have added Batman and will be getting the Batman Inc. in a few months, then something had to give.

Grade

Story - B-

Art - A

Red Lanterns #6

Team

Writer - Peter Milligan

Artist - Ed Benes

Colorist - Nathan Eyring

ALL TOO HUMAN

We have the official first human Red Lantern. I do have trouble buying that he was anywhere near the most rage filled person on earth to deserve such an honor. I don't event think he would be the most Rage filled person in Connecticut.

With that being said, I liked it. To me, that was a whole lot closer to what this title should be like. No real drama, no introspective thought by the characters, just a punisher like fury and trying to take revenge on those that are even more evil than the Red Lanterns themselves.

It was interesting to learn that the Red lanterns still have cognitive thoughts while their speech is garbles and growls until they hit the Blood Ocean.

Grade

Story - B+

Art - A+

MARVEL COMICS

Daredevil #8

Team

Writer - Mark Waid

Artist - Kano

Colorist - Javier Rodriguez

DEVIL AND THE DETAILS Part 2 of 2

I don't know if Daredevil and the Black Cat have ever hooked up, but they have a great chemistry. I really like them together and they seem to make a lot of sense honestly.

This is part two of the Daredevil/Spider-Man crossover event, which did get me into buying the Amazing Spider-Man title.

We already knew that Black Cat was innocent in the last issue, but this is the reveal to know what really happened.

Sort of a predictable story but entertaining none the less.

I do wonder if this will have any later backlash because of poor Peter seeing Daredevil and Black Cat making the beast with two backs.

I am glad that I read this

Grade

Story - B+

Art - B-

Deadpool #49.1

Team

Writer - Daniel Way

Artist - John McCrea

Colorist - Veronica Gangini

THE MUSICAL

I can not imagine a more creative way to do a recap of an entire series to catch everyone up before a major upcoming arc.

This is all done in parody lyrics. If you have enough imagination, you can hear ol' Wade doing his very best Weird Al.

I heard there was an audio track of the whole thing, but was unfortunately taken down due to copyright infringement or some crap. I would have loved to have heard it.

I know this book took a severe beating by the fan boys on the net, but I really don't feel that it was deserved. Yes, this was a throw away issue, but it was just a lot of fun. I loved that the writers took such a kooky chance.

Grade

Story - B

Art -B-

Venom #12

Team

Writer - Rick Remender

Artist - Lan Medina

Colorist - Marte Gracia/John Rauch

ROAD TRIP Part 3

This is another book that gets better as it goes. It feels like it is really starting to hit it's stride. It will be having its own mini-event starting next issue that I am starting to really look forward to.

It looks like we may end up with a full Symbiot war upcoming and I think it is so much fun.

It is almost too much to follow but I am buckled up and just enjoying the crazy ride.

Grade

Story - B+

Art - A-

Venom #13

Team

Writer - Rick Remender

Artist - Tony Moore

Colorist - Val Staples

CIRCLE OF FOUR Part 1

I do wish that I knew more about the Marvel Universe, because it would make all of these books even more enjoyable I think. It is a dificult line to draw between having that fantastic Continuinity, and makining it easy for a new reader to jump right in. ( I smell an opinion piece on this very soon)

I love that the devil character, Mr Delgi(Blackheart), makes me feel like he is Jerry Only or Glen Danzig from the Misfits.

This is my first exposure to X-23, and I really like her. Of course I have a lot of love for Venom and Ghostrider, and this book is making me like Red Hulk more that I did previously.

Johnny Blaze looks way too much like Flash Thompson in this book.

Vegas is in Hell. Very interesting place for all of this to take place.

There are moments that feel a bit like the Sandman from the art.

This will be a great Mini-Event so I will be reporting on every week with all four new issues

Grade

Story - A

Art - B

Amazing Spider-Man

Team

Writer - Dan Slott

Artist - Humberto Ramos

Colorist -Edgar Delgado

I KILLED TOMORROW Part 2 of 2

A DATE WITH PRE DESTINY

This was a great end to this little 2 part arc. Very digestible to a Spidey novice like myself. No cliff hanger, not so steeped in history that I would need to study 8 hours of wikipedia, just a lot of fun. You need last issue and that is about it.

Last issue left us on a cliff hanger that the world was about to end within a minute. This issue solves it that because they have been using an analog wristwatch as a base for when the world would end, but they misunderstood and it is AM and not PM.

Long story short, Spidey saves the world and we don't face a nucular holocaust.

Very fun read. Also liked a lot of the panel placement

Grade

Story - A+

Art - B+

Winter Soldier #1

Team

Writer - Ed Brubaker

Artist - Butch Guice

Colorist - Bettie Breitweiser

This comic is great. The art is beyond stunning. It feels different from everything else that is out there....It is almost too cool. I hope that doesn't mean that it is destined for a short run.

This revolves around a clod war era Bucky/James/Winter Soldier teaming up with Black Widow.

Unfortunately, it ends wit ha Russian Guns shooting Gorilla that is yelling "Death to America"

I am calling this book my pick of the week just because it is so different and so cool and I want everyone to check it out.

Grade

Story - A

Art - A+

IMAGE COMICS

Fatale #2

Team

Writer - Ed Brubaker

Artist - Sean Phillips

Colorist - Dave Stewart

CHAPTER TWO

I have made an official decision regarding this book. I will continue to buy it but I refuse to read it until issue 6. This needs to be read as a collected work.

Grade

Story - N/A

Art - A+

Alpha Girl #1

Team

Writer - Jeff Roenning

Artist -Robert Love

Colorist - Diego Simone

This is a fun, if not overly original title that has me hooked. I laughed out loud as much as I laugh in a good Deadpool book, which is very high praise from me.

It is about a zombie type apocalipse that the only people that are infected are women and they are very angry at men.

We have a lot of back story on our hero, Judith Meyers, but we are not really sure how she will fit into the story of why she is not one of the infected.

I will give this one a very long time. The art is fun. Not for children, at all

Grade

Story - A

Art - A

Archives: Incognito Book 2, Bad Influences

Incognito, Bad Influences

Team

Writer - Ed Brubaker

Artist - Sean Phillips

Colorist - Val Staples

2011

ICON Publishing

This is book two of Incognito, which I did the archive review of last week. It is written by the same team as the first book. In my opinion, these two make magic together for every book that they work together on.

This book picks up where the last one left off. I am so glad that I read them as a collected work instead of individual issues. It is written as a novel and should be enjoyed as such.

When this begins, Zack Overkill is in jail and being interrogated by the S.O.S. The rest of the book, until the last page, is written as a flashback. I don't know if that was a necessary move as it takes some of the suspense out of it but it wasn't really a bad move either.

Zack is no longer in the Witness Protection program but he is now a Superhero working for the S.O.S and he has a secret identity, which he of course hates. He ends up getting spotted by one of his old enemies. After a failed assassination attempt by a bomb, the S.O.S sends him into deep cover as a double agent into the evil organization known as Level 9 to try to get out an S.O.S agent that is being promoted to the head of Level 9. I know, that is a little confusing but it is spelled out very well in the book itself. Read the damn thing.

As the book goes on, some bad intel and clues start pointing to the fact that it looks like Zack is a traitor to the S.O.S (and it is very clear to the reader that he is not.). Zack must do his mission and clear his own name.

I wont give away what happens when Zack meets up with the operative, because there are a few very nice twists and a great "makes you think" type moment for Zack

If you do decide to read this book, AND YOU SHOULD, read the first book first. You don't necessarily have to so you can understand it, but it will make both books so much more enjoyable. Then you should go back and read them twice

Grade

Story - A+

Art - A

Archives: Caligula

Avatar Press

Caligula

Books 1-6

Team

Writer - David Lapham

Art - German Nobile

A friend of mine that I have been trading books back and forth to borrow has been raving about this book for about a month now, and he just brought it in for me to read. All I can say is, "thanks for the messed up dreams Matt."

This is, by far, the most twisted Graphic Novel that I have ever read. I think it says bad things about me that I read it twice.

This is about the most twisted human being on the planet, that just so happens to be the Emperor of Rome. It centers on his relationship with the man that wants nothing more than to kill him.

There is not a single page that you can get through without some sort of odd perversion.... or killing.... or both... at the same time throughout the entire series. Yes, a horse is involved......often (sorry for the over use of ellipses)

This book is not for the light hearted. If you can handle a very dark attack on the senses,and can separate the knowledge that this is only a story, then this is worth checking out. It is a very interesting exploration into the bowels of depravity, watching a man reach the other end of the rabbit hole, and then seeing how he can never come back the same.

I am not a super huge fan of the art, but there are points that was grateful for the often times blurrying art. Too much reality would actually hurt the book.

Grade

Story - A

Art - B

Comic Reviews for January 25, 2012

Pick of the week goes to Batman #5 Hands down. It was fantastic in every way. Speaking of Batman, Bane is coming back in the Dark Knight title. Stop making me buy Batman titles DC

DC COMICS

Teen Titans #5

Team

Writer - Scott Lobdell

Artist - Brett Booth

Colorist - Andrew Dalhouse

OVER BEFORE ITS BEGUN

I really like this book. I mean I REALLY like this book. But it does have a very odd flaw to it. When I read it, I am totally into it. I dig the team, the costumes are very cool, there is plenty always going on. Where the problem sits is I feel this way after reading every Teen Titan book, but it very quickly drops off my memory and I don't think about it again until next time a new issue comes out and I open it to the first page. I suppose you could call it it forgettable, but I don't know that it is that.

In this issue, we get the Teen Titans vs Superboy and of course Superboy lays waste to them all, however, during their fight, Red Robin and Solstice seem to get through to him and he realizes that N.O.W.H.E.R.E. is actually evil, so Superboy goes and destroys their base at the end of the book.

It was an Empire Strikes Back type ending. There is hope but everyone is pretty crushed. Next issue will probably be about the team picking themselves up, licking their wounds and trying to become more of a team instead of a bunch of individuals.

Grade

Story - A

Art - A

Green Lantern New Guardians #5

Team

Writer - Tony Bedard

Artist - Tyler Kirkham

Colorist - Nei Ruffino

THE ORRERY

This story is moving along very nicely and it keeps me excited for next issue like it always does.

This ties into the Red Lantern title, when Bleez goes back to Ysmault, it is the moment of issue 2 or 3 when Bleez gets thrown into the Blood Ocean. This was about as flawless of a crossover as you could do I think.

In the meantime, the rest of the New Guardians are deep in the Solar System that Larfleeze and Sayd said was the answer to everything that was going on. It turns out that all of the planets seem to be clone worlds I think. They also all are being protected by "the Archangel"who is later revealed to have the name of Invictus.

They all also have a huge hatred of Larleeze(but in their defense, who doesn't?)

All of the characters are really starting to grow on me, especially the orange construct/sentient being Glomulus. He is like a really funny child that needs ADD meds

The art felt a bit sloppy this issue, most noticeably on the Larfleeze panels

Grade

Story - A

Art - B

Batman #5

Team

Writer - Scott Snyder

Artist - Greg Gapullo

Colorist - FCO

FACE THE COURT

I know I have not been buying this title because of the amount of Batman books that I already buy, but I have heard so much about this book all this week that I had to check it out.

Wow.. I know enough of whats going on because of all of the buzz, but this was the most creative use of this medium that I have ever seen.

I will be going back to buy Issues 2 3 and 4

Seeing Bruce, obviously drugged, having to face himself, is the most dramatic thing I could imagine. Mark my words, this will eventually be a movie.

The way you have to flip the book around, you can get lost, just like he is.

I miss this version of Damian. I hope we get him back in the Batman and Robin title.

Grade

Story - A+

Art - A

IDW

Infestation 2 #1

Team

Writer - Duane Swierczynski

Artist - David Messina

Colorist - Scarlet Gothica

This is a mega event from IDW where the heroes from, Transformers, D&D, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, GI Joe and 30 Days of Night are all fighting all of the creatures that H. P. Lovecraft wrote about.

It is not as interesting as I had hoped it to be. I liked the team of Infestation 1 a lot better.

I'll stick with this for both issues but I doubt I will buy any of the spin-offs, well, maybe TMNT.

Grade

Story - B-

Art - B+

ZENESCOPE

Grimm Fairy Tales present Alice In Wonderland #1

Team

Writer - Raven Gregory

Artist - Robert Gill

Colorist - Jason Embury

I notice myself buying a lot of stuff by Raven Gregory. Very dark style, but really entertaining. He doesn't seem to have too many off days.

Anyways, this is a more sexy retelling of Alice In Wonderland.

This is the beginning of the Alice story when she has fallen down the rabbit hole and is trapped by the Jabberwockee for years.

This will be a fun title to keep up with

Grade

Story - B

Art - A+

Movie Review: Underworld Awakenings

UNDERWORLD AWAKENINGS

So I went to go see Underworld 4, (Awakenings)

My initial response is that it is a fantastic popcorn movie. It is just a lot of fun, if you are a fan of the series that is.

The basic premise of the movie is that there was an outbreak of both Vampires and Lycans, so mankind started fighting back. In the beginning of the movie we have most Vampires and Lycans hunted and killed into a near extinction.

Selene is captured and put on ice for about 12 years. We join the story when "Subject #2" has released Selene from her imprisonment.

Unfortunately that Is about all I can give away because the plot twists begin almost immediately, so the rest of this is strictly opinion.

I think that this was the second best film of the series so far (the first is the best). I was so glad that they brought back Kate Beckingsdale. The third film suffered tremendously from her absence.

The new girl that was brought in, India Eisley, did a fantastic job. She has a bright future ahead of her.

This movie ended as all the Underworld movies end, on a semi- Cliff hanger while the writers pray for the box office returns being high enough to warrant another paycheck from making another one. There Is nothing wrong with that and I like that about this franchise. Its like a comic book like that.

Grade

Story - B

Acting- B

Cinematography - A-

Archives: Incognito Book 1

Incognito (Book 1, From Issues 1-6)

Team

Writer - Ed Brubaker

Artist - Sean Phillips

Colorist - Val Staples

Published 2009

Icon Publishing

Because of my enjoyment reading the new book, Fatale, by this same writing team, I decided to go back and re-read the graphic novel, Incognito.

All I have to say to start is wow. This is so much better than I remember. Amazing in fact. I recommend a second read to anyone that is interested in it. It makes so much more sense that second time around.

So imagine if you had superpowers, but you and your identical twin brother were super villains. Now imagine that your twin brother is killed, you get put on power blocking drugs and get put into witness protection by the Government. That is how this story starts.

Our anti-hero in this book is named Zack Overkill. He started to get his powers back and becomes a hero, not that he wants to. He really detests the people he is saving. He wouldn't do it at all but that is the only way that he feels alive at all.

I can't really give too much more away without spoiling the rest of the book, and I really want you to read it.

The art is so much different than any of the other books that are out there. It honestly takes a little while to get used to, but it is incredible to say the least.

Grade

Story - A+

Art - A+

The New DC Logo

So here it is. It is ugly. There is nothing about it that makes me think of comic books. I am not in love with it. I can't imagine anyone that would want this logo tattooed on their body. It kind of reminds me of the old United Artist logo.

I may not like it, but it has no impact whatsoever on the titles that I read (of don't read) so have fun with it.

Comic Reviews for January 17, 2012

This is a huge blog. Between my issues this week from my LCS, and half of last month being shipped from DCBService, it ended up being really overwhelming. It was nice getting them though.

From my whole list, the pick is Batman and Robin #5. Just a great issue. My pick of the week goes to The Amazing Spider-Man #678. It is converting me into a huge Spidey fan

IMAGE COMICS

Spawn #215

Team

Writer - Will Carlton

Artist - Szymon Kudranski

Colorist - FCO Plascencia

I know last issue was supposed to be my last but I had already ordered this from DCBService so it came in the mail.

Still no Spawn, no action, no liking it for me

Grade

Story NA

Art - B

MARVEL COMICS

Ghostrider #8

Team

Writer - Rob Williams

Artist - Lee Garbett

Colorist - Rob Schwager/Andres Mossa

I keep waiting for this series to end. Don't get me wrong, I like this book, like a lot. But ever since I heard that this book was about to be chopped by Marvel, it has been tainted for me.

This book keeps getting better. I am starting to like the characters more and more. Even Alejandra, the new Ghost Rider.

I am also getting very interested in Hawkeye since seeing him pop up more and more in the titles that I do read from Marvel, this one included. I also really want to know who the Seeker is, who introduced this book.

The Art is getting to be such an improvement in the last few issues, but especially this one.

I hope I get to continue to see what happens when Johnny Blaze steps into a role of a teacher, instead of just a bad ass

Grade

Story - A+

Art - A-

The Amazing Spider-Man #678

Team

Writer - Dan Slott

Artist - Humberto Ramos

Colorist - Edgar Delgado

I KILLED TOMORROW

This book started in such a good note. Peter was happy, and I was happy for him. Everything is going great....And anyone that has read a Spiderman book knows, that means that his world is about to go completely and totally to hell.

Some slightly sketchy bending with the physics of time travel, but I suppose it could be plausible if things fell into and exact order of events.

Basically, Peter gets to see 24 hours into the future and the world is destroyed. It looks like and A-bomb went off in the center of New York. Now Spidey has 24 hours to figure out what happened and how to stop it.

I really don't get the whole new Madame Webb being a new young girl thing. Damn you Spiderman, why do you keep pulling me deeper into your universe?

Fantastic Cliff Hanger Ending

Grade

Story - A+

Art - A

Avenging Spiderman #3

Team

Writer - Zeb Wells

Artist - Joe Madureira

Colorist - Ferran Daniel

This is another fun little series. I have a confession, I only buy this book because of the free download I get from Marvel, unfortunately, it didn't work this time. Let's see how much hassle that I have to go through to get it. I will keep ya all posted.

This is the end of this story arc with Red Hulk and the Morlocks and Mole Man. Not a bad finish at all. The next arc will be a Team up with Hawkeye. I think it will be lots of fun.

It is still a lot of fun, and really, its comics...What else can you ask for?

Grade

Story - B+

Art - B+

Deadpool #49

Team

Writer - Daniel Way

Artist - Salva Espin/Scott Koblish

Colorist - GURU eFX

HAIL TO THE KING BABY

Good book, but it feels like such an abrupt end to the evil Deadpool arc.

It was a great set up to the next storyline that they are pimping all over the place with Deadpool finally finding a way to off himself.

Not quite as humorous as I have come to expect this title to be, but it still had more laughs than most books that I read. I really hope that this next arc is not the end for good old Wade

I still love the way this book is drawn. It is so cartoony and fun and insane and sad at the same time. It really is a glimpse into the psyche of Deadpool

Grade

Story - B+

Art - A

Wolverine #300

Team

Writer - Jason Aaron

Artist - Adam Kubert/Paul Mounts/Ron Garney/Jason Keith/Steve Sanders

BACK IN JAPAN Part 1

There is a freakish amount of artists on this issue and it shows. It can definitely be distracting. None of them are bad. In fact they are all pretty fantastic...but they are so different.

I did however really enjoy this book. I was hooked in the first 2 pages. It was like a scene out of Kill Bill. Logan goes into the bathroom on an airplane on the way to Japan. Then the flight attendant walks down the isle handing out katana swords to everyone on the plane(who just so happen to be ninjas). After a complete bloodbath, Wolverine walks off the plane when it touches down, everyone dead but him as he is wiping the blood off of his face with a towel.

In the disturbing scene of the month, we see Sabertooth betting ready to make the beast with two backs with a 90 year old hooker. Don't judge me, I didn't write it

I like where this comic is going

Grade

Story - A-

Art - B+

Captain America #7

Team

Writer - Ed Brubaker

Artist - Alan Davis

Colorist - Mark Farmer

POWERLESS Part 2

This was an ok read, it was a set up issue. We hear a lot about Steve and his Government steroids wearing off, but we don't see it happen, and we don't get any answers.

It did just enough to keep me interested enough to keep buying this title. Again, it was not bad, just not the best of the stack, or even the top half of it.

The art was the high point of this book by far. It just looks great

Grade

Story - B-

Art - A

The Punisher #7

Team

Writer - Greg Rucka

Artist - Micheal Lark

Colorist - Matt Hollingsworth

THE STRING

So, I want to see the Punisher cross into the DC Universe and become a Red Lantern. I think that would be really fun. He does fit the criteria after all.

Anyways, I think this is the most dialogue that I have seen in a Punisher book in quite some time.

Why does the Punisher put his logo on everything? It makes him easier to trace

This was very much a detective comic. Lots of clues being shown and a few reveals.

I really liked this issue. It is such a different pace than the usual book. I enjoyed it a lot.

Grade

Story - B+

Art - B+

DC COMICS

Green Lantern #5

Team

Writer - Geoff Johns

Artist - Doug Mahnke

Colorist - Alex Sinclair/Tony Avina

SINESTRO Part 5

First, the negative. I hate the way that Mahnke draws Hal Jordan when he is not in his Green Lantern costume. He just looks weird to me. The rest of the art is close to flawless in this title, as it always seems to be however. Why cant he get that one thing right? The look of Sinestro leading his newly deputized citizens of Kouregar is awe inspiring. He truly looks lake a superhero.

It is so weird to see Sinestro apologize and make me believe it. That is so far from any of the character that I have ever seen from Sinestro.

I also don't like that Hal seems like such a weakling in this book, especially when compared to Sinestro.

Ok now the good stuff.

The intrigue with what is going on with the Guardians is perfect storytelling. I hate those little blue bastards so much.

Seeing Hal finally get it right with Carol was great. Unfortunately, I am waiting for the other shoe to drop now. That is always how it goes in their twisted little love life

Grade

Story - A

Art -B

Suicide Squad #5

Team

Writer - Adam Glass

Artist - Frederico Dallocchio

Colorist - Val Staples

ABANDON ALL HOPE

Wow, Another 5 star performance from the Suicide Squad title.

To be honest, I kind of knew what was going to happen with Harley Quinn escaping last issue when they so conviently deactivated her nano bomb and left her unsecured.

I hope they let Vigilante live and maybe put him on the team for now. In the panels that I saw him in, I was fascinated by his character.

Because this is a Suicide Squad book, you figure that someone has got to die...Today is was

Yo-yo. If you don't remember him, he was brought in by Captain Boomerang a few issues ago. It just goes to show you, STAY THE F#$% AWAY FROM KING SHARK! He WILL eat you if given the chance

I still wonder if El Diablo is way too moral for this team. He is the only one with a real conciounce, and that includes Amanda Waller.

One more change from the old universe in Waller. She is still married in this incarnation of her. She is one of the charcters I wish was the old one again.

Grade

Story - A+

Art - A

Red Hood and the Outlaws

Team

Writer - Scott Lobdell

Artist - Kenneth Rocafort

Colorist - Blond

I'M FREE AS A BIRD --

AND THIS BIRD YOU CAN NOT KILL

This issue was 2 stories intertwined in it. The first, and most interesting, was with Arsenal and Starfire fighting the freakish mutant that was trying to kill Starfire.

The second was with Jason(Red Hood/Former Robin) dealing with the race that retrained him after he was killed by the Joker.

Oddly enough, when I first started reading this book, I had no interest in Arsenal or Starfire, no I am very interested in them but losing interest in Red Hood

I don't know where they are going to end up going next with this title. It is good. I do wonder if it will make the next round when DC wants to add more titles next time.

Grade

Story - B-

Art - A

Red Lanterns #5

Team

Writer - Peter Milligan

Artist - Ed Benes/Diego Bernard

Colorist - Nathan Eyring

KRONAMANIA

Finally. It seems like all of the pieces have come together. Krona is alive and while the Red Lanterns are hunting him, he is most definietly hunting them right back.

We have our first human Red Lantern in John Moore. Although it is not a suprise to anyone that has been reading the book. It was very apparent that it would happen.

I am very curious on how long they will be stretching the Atrocious and Bleez feud and how bad it will get. Considering that their very existance is based on rage, they will never be friends.

It seems that everyone is coming out of the Blood Ocean alive and actually coherent

Grade

Story - B+

Art - A

Batman and Robin #5

Team

Writer - Peter J. Tomasi

Artist - Patrick Gleason

Colorist - John Kalisz

MUTINEER

Wow, this one was heavy.

Damian has finally left Bruce and joind with Ducard. This man is the worst thing in the world for a kid that is as disturbed as Damian.

In the meantime, Bruce is coming to grips with the fact that he has not been the father that Damian needs him to be.

I am not so nieve to belive that Damian will take the final steps and kill someone and break with Bruce at this point, but this is a hell of a ride

The art was perfect

Grade

Story - A+

Art - A+

Batgirl #5

Team

Writer - Gail Simone

Artist - Ardian Syaf/Vicente Cifuentes

Colorist - Ulises Arrola

A CANDY FULL OF SPIDERS

This story is, well, wierd. It is a really strange to see Bruce Wayne out of his mind. This does, however, make for a pretty powerful enemy that can do something like that. Ger name is Gretel and I like her.

We also get the payoff from the last issue with the Barbra's mom showing up. She seems to be a bitch. I could be wrong but that is my take on her. I am sure there is a LOT more to her story and Gail Simone is fantastic about unfolding stories like that.

Art is Phenominal as it alway is in this book

Grade

Story - B-

Art - A+

Superman Action Comics #5

Team

Writer - Grant Morrison

Artist - Andy Kubert

Colorist -Brad Anderson

ROCKET SONG

Well 5 issues in and we get the Superman Origin story. Not a whole lot of anything new was brought up except the amrn of Kryptonian bad guys trapped in a parallel universe and Krypto getting stuck in there while trying to protect the "EL" family

Art was right about where it is every issue of this title.

It just felt rather Blah to me. I wont be suprised if this is my last Action Comics review for a while.

Grade

Story - C

Art - B+

Huntress #4 (of 5)

Team

Writer - Paul Levitz

Artist - Marcus to

Colorist - Andrew Dalhouse

CROSSBOW AT THE CROSSROAD Part 4

With the announcement of the Earth 2 Huntress that was just announced coming out in April, we will most likely never see this incarnation of huntress again after this mini series. Although, I think that Huntress being the daughter of Bruce Wayne(Batman) and Selena Kyle(Catwoman) is too great of a character to ever pass up.

I like this issue. It is getting more exciting. I like to see Huntress just plain kicking ass. And I like that her idea of justice(which I agree with) is leaving the bad guy in the hands of those that they hurt in the first place. No more bad guy and victim has a large chunk of closure in their life.

There are 2 more issues left, but this almost feels like a wrap up. I am guessing we will se a twist in the next issue

Grade

Story - B+

Art - A+

DARK HORSE COMICS

Orchid #4

Team

Writer - Tom Morello

Artist - Scott Hepburn

Colorist - Dan Jackson

This was a definite upturn from the first 3 issues. I am glad because this was quickly about to see its way out of my pull list.

It was good but it is still on thin ice with me.

I think that the introduction to the character known as Barrabbas was very well done and is the most interesting character that I have seen in this series. Gotta love a guy that wears human fingers as earrings.

Grade

Story B-

Art - B

DYNAMITE COMICS

Vampirella vs Dracula #1

Team

Writer - Joe Harris

Artist - Ivan Rodriguez

Colorist - Adriano Lucas

Book 2

Writer - Alan Moore

Artist - Gary Frank

Colorist - Hamberlin Studios

This was actually 2 different stories, but upon readting the second one by Alan Moore actually made the first story a lot more enjoyable. I can understand why They put the reprint second, I meant they are trying to sell the Vampirella book, not The New European reprint.

Both stories are so great. I know there is so far to go in this story, and the writer is not rushing things. I really appreciate this kind of storytelling.

This is a reincarnation of Bram Stokers Dracula. By reincarnation I mean that history is retelling the story...Dracula did happen and so did this.

Grade

Story - A

Art - A+

Lord of the Jungle #1

Team

Writer - Arvid Nelson

Artist - Roberto Castro

Colorist - Alex Guimaraes

This was Way better than I had expected. It is the story of Tarzan. We have learned how the Greystoke family ended up stranded on the island, how they died, why the Gorillas took baby Tarzan to raise, and most importantly, we learned that Gorillas are a bunch of Assholes

It is definitely good enough to check out issue 2, and as always, dynamite publishing has such a great art style.

Grade

Story - A-

Art - A+