Hey Kids! Comics! Vol. 2: Prophets and Loss #6
Written and Illustrated by Howard Chaykin
Published by Image Comics
Howard Chaykin ends his newest comic book series in grand fashion. All of the various plot lines for this second series are resolved in a completely satisfying way. Chaykin seems to be having the time of his life recounting all of these stories about the comic book industry. This last issue also paves the way for a third series which I cannot wait to see. I did enjoy guessing who is actually who in the comic book industry(especially in that last scene) and the way the whole concept worked. Chaykin is a master of the form. This series proves that yet again. (– Lenny Schwartz)
RATING: A
The Defenders #3
Written by Al Ewing; Art by Javier Rodriguez
Published by Marvel Comics
The Defenders, these issues keep getting better. At this pace Al Ewing and Javier Rodriguez storytelling might be near instant classic storytelling territory.
In this issue, Fifth Cosmos: The High Priestess, Betty Ross the featured character. Deep into the Fifth Cosmos, a universe without science, our Defenders are pitted against Mor-I-Dun, as they continue to chase Carlo Zota across the multiverse.
At this point, the allure of this story is not Zota as an adversary. It is all about the chase, the chase and the amazing illustrations by Rodiguez. The colors used in this book are reminiscent of those special posters that are illuminated by black lights. Black lights are not needed to read this book, but wow do the colors pop.
Fun to look at. Fun to read. It’s also one of those rare comic book limited series where each issue can stand alone while being an integral component of a larger story arc. Read it and enjoy! (– Eugene Johnson)
RATING: A
The Swamp Thing #8
Written by Ram V; Art by Mike Perkins
Published by DC Comics
This issue wraps up The Suicide Squad portion of this story and sets up the concluding chapters with a big surprise twist.
The Swamp Thing makes quick work of Chemo and sets up and epic battle with Parasite. Mike Perkins really flexes here. He gives us a Parasite full of horror but yet rooted in his sci-fi Superman roots. Ram V places Swamp Thing with Peacemaker and somehow manages to give Peacemaker an extra dimension. The climax introduces an enemy that I would hate to spoil.
I will say when I first saw the Suicide Squad in this book, I was a bit apprehensive but we got a great story as a result. This particular antagonist could come off as a cliché, but Ram V has my trust.
Ram V’s Justice League Dark back up has me constantly wishing he was writing the main story. His work with the Suicide Squad here has me wishing he was writing the Suicide Squad. The Swamp Thing #8 merges pulp horror with superhero action and it works.
RATING: A
Wonder Woman 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular
Written by Michael W. Conrad & Becky Cloonan, Jordie Bellaire, Amy Reeder, Mark Waid, Tom King, Vita Ayala, Steve Orlando, Stephanie Phillips and G. Willow Wilson; Art by Jim Cheung, Paulina Ganucheau, Amy Reeder, José Luis García-López, Evan “Doc” Shaner, Isaac Goodhart, Laura Braga, Marcio Takara and Meghan Hetrick
Published by DC Comics
Overall this is a fun, breezy read that embraces multiple versions of Wonder Woman in her 80-year history across many continuities, including the current one. Of course, if you’re not familiar with current DC stories and crises, you may not know that Diana of Themyscira died (again) – this time during Dark Nights: Death Metal by sacrificing herself to save the multiverse. Yeah, I barely understand it myself! But before she returns to the land of the living, Diana gets a proper tribute in “In Memoriam,” which dares ask the question what if Steve Trevor outlives Wonder Woman, not the other way around?
We get several stories about how Diana is such a pureheart, but from different angles. Mark Waid’s “Dear Diana” goes back to that Bronze Age era, and features a Wonder Woman that everyone in the Justice League goes to for advice. Also, it’s amazing any time we still get art from José Luis García-López, now 73 years young! When Diana inevitably blows up at always being pumped with everyone else’s problems to solve, she finds a novel way to deal with it. Vita Ayala’s “Better Angels” goes back to that classic idea of Cheetah as a hateful enemy who could be Diana’s sister if she really tried.
Some of these stories would be better served by a full-on graphic novel or limited series. It’s a bit of a bummer to see this special end on G. Willow Wilson’s “Low Orbit,” which depicts humanity moving into outer space as a dying Earth is exhausted of natural resources. “I was sent to this world the defend it from its enemies,” Diana says in voiceover of a low-orbit space station hovers over a planet whose blues and greens are stripped away. “Yet as the human race consumed every resource of this fragile planet, I realized too late that its greatest foe was itself.”
Oof. True, but what kind of hope is this to leave us with? But a series about whether Wonder Woman would stay on Earth or travel with humanity is worth exploring! Are Diana’s powers, nay, her very existence, connected to the health of the planet? These scant pages aren’t enough to really get into all this. We don’t even get a glimpse of that 30th century where the Legion of Superheroes resides and Earth presumably is still here.
It’s especially fun when we get to see old eras of Wonder Woman come back around, such as the return of Golden Age Etta Candy and the Holiday Girls in Amy Reeder’s “Fresh Catch,” or the absolutely delightful “Dated” with de-powered, mod Diana being fixed up with Clark Kent with all the appropriately Silver Age touches and Doc Shaner’s stunning art. Or how about when Steve Orlando pays no attention to multiple continuities and just mashes them all together to bring us a Golden Age story of the invaders from Saturn from the perspective of Artemis, Hippolyta, Nubia and Diana – all of whom have worn the Wonder Woman mantle as the Amazons’ champion. Laura Braga draws the Amazons in full-on glamazon glory, and it’s gorgeous. ( – Marvin Pittman)
Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Death #1
Written by Mark Russell, Stuart Moore; Art by Peter Snejbjerg, Frank Cammuso
Published by Ahoy Comics
This is a great and funny book. Writer Mark Russell and artist Peter Sneibjerg have the first story here and it is a continuation of the Monster Serials story! I love this take and I was all in. It is the best part of the books. Then, the second story is written by Stuart Moore and Illustrated by Frank Cammuso and it is about Edgar Allan Poe as a boy! Overall, the whole issue is very fun! Russell and Sneibjerg should a do full series of Monster Serials. (– Lenny Schwartz)
RATING: A-
Dark Ages #2
Written by Tom Taylor; Art by Iban Coello
Published by Marvel Comics
Issue 2 of Dark Ages takes a huge step back from such a promising opening. Perhaps all of the humanity and wonder was rung out in the first chapter.
Tom Taylor spends way too much time explaining what transpired seven years after the lights went out. It seems like Taylor would rather share how this new reality operates.
It’s an interesting choice with lackluster results. It’s hard to get invested in a book when the stakes are not clearly conveyed.
There are a few cool reveals that should set things up for a better third chapter. Also the illustration Iban Coello pulls together continues to be a highlight. The artwork is crisp, vibrant and leaps off the page. If only the storytelling could match Coello’s work.
This issue is not a total loss, but it is definitely a step down from such a firecracker opening. Chapter 2 is a weak bridge to a hopefully more promising next chapter. (– Eugene Johnson)
Deadpool: Black, White, and Blood #3
Written by Jay Baruchel, Frank Tieri, Stan Sakai; Art by Paco Medina, Takeshita Okazaki, Stan Sakai
Published by Marvel Comics
The Merry Marvel Mercenary anthology continues its run full of fun and blood. The three stories all hit with violence and humor.
The opening story is written by Jay Baruchel, co-star on several Judd Apatow films. With art by Paco Medina, it features Nazis, Nuns, and penguins. It’s humor is scattershot but full of energy.
Frank Tieri throws Wade in with Bullseye. Add some zombies, sharks, monkeys, and ninjas. You’re left with an ultra violent slapstick tale.
Legend Stan Sakai has a lot of fun with a tale of Deadpool gaining his weaponry.
While all three stories are as violent as you will find coming out of Marvel, it’s silly violence. Bugs Bunny with blood. The tricolor hue of Black, White and Blood just heightens the humor.
Deadpool: Black, White and Blood is not for everyone, but if you’ve enjoyed any previous incarnation of Deadpool, this anthology fits right in. (– Alex Vaello)
RATING: B+
A Righteous Thirst for Vengeance #1
Written by Rick Remender; Art by André Lima Araújo
Published by Image Comics
With a title including the words “righteous,” “thirst” and “vengeance,” I went into this title expecting a hard-boiled crime story along the lines of the many, many years that Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips have been making noir comics together. And, so far, this first issue didn’t disappoint.
An unassuming man in Vancouver is having a “shit day,” as he says. He’s walking to a bus in the rain without an umbrella, and he stands in the downpour as the elderly couple he let step onto the bus ahead of him are fiddling to close their sticky bumbershoot. His cigarettes are soaked, and he bumps into a man holding groceries when he enters a store looking to buy a replacement pack. We only get a peek of what the man’s trip is about: one panel shows a smartphone map to a house in the woods north of Vancouver; another panel shows a headline the reads “Andrews accuser disappears” with the subheadline “FBI say sex trafficking case open.”
A bit of business outside the store with a dying pigeon winds up being so on the nose for what happens next in the book, but it’s the action that truly kicks off our current chain of events. Upon arriving at that house, looking for a Mary Sullivan – is she connected to that news story? – the man stumbles into a mystery that, I’m sure, will test the depths of his soul
Remender does a lot of messing about with this man’s day before we get to the sudden, brutal violence, which is a trademark of sorts for the man behind Deadly Class. Araújo’s art is swift and full of panels to convey a largely wordless book. Looking forward to seeing what’s next with this one. (– Marvin Pittman)
Are You Afraid Of Darkseid #1
Written by Elliott Kalan, Kenny Porter, Calvin Kasulke, Dave Wielgosz, Collin Kelly/Jackson Lanzing, Ed Brisson, Terry Blas, Jeremy Haun; Art by Mike Norton, Max Dunbar, Rob Guillory, Pablo M. Collar, Jesus Hervas, Christopher Mitten, Garry Brown, Tony Akins/Moritat
Published by DC Comics
These digest size entries from DC Comics can get a bit tiring. It’s mostly because they all have short stories by the same creators. The same can be said here. I found most of these stories about Darkseid to be incredibly boring to be honest. It’s not really worth the price point for the level of talent contained within.
The one exception is the first story with the Teen Titans written by Elliot Kalan and drawn by Mike Norton. This one was very clever and entertaining and works as a framework for the rest of the stories. The rest of the stories aren’t very good. They should have expanded the Titans story for the full issue. (– Lenny Schwartz)
RATING: B-
Batman #114
Written By James Tynion IV, Brandon Thomas; Art by Jorge Jimenez, Jason Howard
Published by DC Comics
Fear State marches on. The Tynion run started off full of great ideas. Unfortunately in execution, not everything has achieved its full potential. Miracle Molly seems like a whisper of a character, not fully formed. This issue seems to be setting her up as an important part of this event’s conclusion, but I’m not sure why a reader should be interested.
Fear State is becoming a case of ideas and substance losing out to style. But man, if the style is drawn by Jorge Jimenez, I’ll take it. His Gotham, and the action within, is glowing with energy.
A solid back up story last issue featuring Clownhunter devolves into just another crossover with the Batfamily. Before it ends, it has a hint of fun energy. Only to find that his story will conclude in some other Batbook.
Batman# 114 is a bit empty on story, but big on action and style. (– Alex Vaello)
RATING: B-
Arkham City: The Order of the World #1
Written by Dan Watters; Art by DaNi
Published by DC Comics
Wow! This was really great! I wasn’t expecting much but I was highly entertained by this. This book really shows Arkham Asylum from a new angle and I have to say that I am digging the take on it. The book also introduces the character of Jocasta Joy and she is pretty fascinating. The writing is strong and I have to say that the art really works well. This book is well written and well drawn and I enjoyed it very much. (– Lenny Schwartz)
RATING: A
Justice League Infinity #4
Written By J.M. DeMatteis, James Tucker; Art by Ethen Beavers
Published by DC Comics
The most romantic superhero story you’ll read this year features Wonder Woman and…..Darkseid???
As the Justice League we know travels the cosmos at great risk, Wonder Woman is alone on a desolate planet. On this planet, she meets a different Darkseid. This Darkseid is full of the pain and regret that comes from losing everything. Once having had a Wonder Woman by his side, he lost it all in his pursuit of the Anti-Life Equation.
Spinning off the Justice League Unlimited animated series, this issue is the one that calls back to the series most often. But it does not do this in a heavy handed manner. It stands up on its own and practically outshines any Justice League book currently on the stands.
Justice League Infinity has had everything you could ask for out of a Justice League series, and this fourth issue just hit a different level. (– Alex Vaello)
RATING: A+
Last Flight Out #2
Written by Marc Guggenheim; Art by Eduardo Ferigato
Published by Dark Horse Comics
Going into this issue, I was concerned that this story would come down to family drama about a terrible man learning a lesson about how to be a better father. Only that the typical story of someone retreating into work amid a family tragedy is set within the end of humanity’s time on Earth as a backdrop. Which makes Ben Caewood’s distance from his daughter Sara seem somewhat justified when he’s tasked with developing the means by which the entire human race will leave the planet in search of a new home. But it’s for-real awful that Sara got next to no attention from her father, especially after her mother died.
We get another “Cat’s in the Cradle” flashback of Ben taking a business call with his hand at the door of Sara’s elementary school holiday play, and he turns away because something’s wrong with the Tevat Noah’s wind-shear differential. From Ben’s POV, it’s clear: mess this up, and billions die on his spaceship. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one, and all that jazz.
The story picks up with Ben and the squad of former Navy SEALs and their chopper was taken down just outside Chicago, with 20 hours to go until the final ship leaves Earth. So will the rest of this story be a The Road style of cinematic devastation and martial-law depravity while they search for Sara? Lucky for us, Guggenheim steps away from most of that after giving us a taste of warlords strafing high-rises from military choppers, the Chicago River crisscrossed by rickety wooden footbridges after a year of all municipal services cut off.
But soon enough, Ben and company do find Sara. Only she’s not leaving, on purpose. Will this story pivot again, and perhaps avoid the hackneyed family drama? Or at least give us a solid rendition of it? (– Marvin Pittman)
We Have Demons #1
Written by Scott Snyder; Art by Greg Capullo
Published by ComiXology
What a glorious book this is! Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo are reunited here and man, this is great. Everything that makes comic books great is here in this issue. We get introduced to a brand new teen who is that focus of the book. We get to see him on the start of his journey. We also get to see a brand new world open up to us. The best part is the whole world feels fleshed out from the very beginning. Now the creators can just boogie on this. The two longtime collaborators are firing on all cylinders and I am excited for this launch! (– Lenny Schwartz)
RATING: A
