EXCLUSIVE! Chad Nevett's Comic Book Mini-Reviews and Star Ratings for the Week of August 1, 2012

Action Comics #12: How can one empty their brain of all thought and still explain how they're emptying their brain of all thought? Also: RIP Johnny Clark. [***]

Age of Apocalypse #6: I love how, on the cover of this issue, Cyclops takes a punch from Colossus and his head stays attached to his body. This series remains a little strange, a mixture of awful people and even worse people... a lack of anything approaching a plot... characters that fail to leave any impression... Yet, I'm drawn to it somehow. [***]

Black Kiss 2 #1: This is some fucked up shit. A dude survived the sinking of the Titanic because a Succubus anally raped him. A move screen comes alive and shoots out tentacle penii to rape the audience. There... there's something wrong with Howard Chaykin, I think. [So... I have to wait a month for issue two?]

The Boys #69: We march towards the conclusion and it's not quite the same lively march that other Ennis series have had at the end, but the sense of dread is somehow bigger. It's a proper superhero story in many ways. A pretty easy to grasp attempt to kill a large chunk of the world's population, allies betrayed and killed, and one lone man standing alone to stop his former mentor. It was inevitable almost that, after last issue, two more would fall here. What I can't figure out is how the V-A folks will factor in. And what of Annie? [****]

Daredevil #16: The Pym/Murdock stuff left me cold, but Waid and Samnee nailed the Foggy/Matt scene. [***1/2]

The Defenders #9: Heh... I liked that. It never quite cohered how you can picture it meaning to, but it was still pretty fun. Somehow, though, two issues in and McKelvie's art hasn't quite lived up to expectations/past work. It feels almost at odds with Fraction's writing. He needs something a little wilder. [***1/4]

Fury MAX #5: Reading this, if this weren't based on what happened, you'd think that Ennis was writing a pretty bad comic in how the whole Bay of Pigs thing goes down. And, yet, that's how it happened. Fucked up. I love their surprise when they learn that Castro wasn't hiding in some bunker, letting other people do all of the fighting for him. [****]

Gødland #36: From the beginning of this issue, the endpoint seemed obvious, but no less satisfying when it was reached. It's amazing how big this got while still maintaining a small, human perspective. Scioli fucking brought it and Casey is at his verbose, hyperbolic best. This is the comic that I'll be thinking about for a while, picking up, flipping through, and just lingering on cøsmic cømic gøødness. [øøøøø]

Hawkeye #1: Not at all what I was expecting. This is a pretty different take than what we've seen before and it has potential. A little cheesy in places, but definitely an attempt to carve out a unique spot for this character. And, y'know... David Aja... yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah. [***3/4]

RASL #15: And, so it ends where it began and it's a great final issue. Smith lingers a bit here and there and his visual storytelling is incredible. So clear and engaging. I'll miss this book. It was always something new and surprising right down to the final page. [****1/2]

X-Men #33: Somewhat disappointing. I'm not really a fan of the whole 'bad guy is confronted, brags about the hero is too late, and kills himself' thing. It seems like a cheap way to provide 'closure' on the story while leaving the door open for more later. Like, the cheapest way to do so. But, the focus here is more on the characters and what this mission meant to them and, in that respect, Wood and Lopez succeed. [***1/4]

Later

EXCLUSIVE! Chad Nevett's Comic Book Mini-Reviews and Star Ratings for the Week of May 30, 2012

Yesterday was the day of many, many trades -- after last week when I bought three trades at the shop (Knightfall: Knightquest, Uncanny X-Force: The Dark Angel Saga book 1, and Silver Surfer: Parable) to boot. When I got my tax return this year, I used most of it to pay off a credit card and, then, placed an order for the available Spider-Man: The Complete Clone Saga and Spider-Man: The Complete Ben Reilly Epic trades. Well, all of those arrived yesterday (except for volume four of The Complete Clone Saga, but it will ship later). It's a big box of comics hated by... well, almost everything it seems. Flipping through them was like stepping into a poorly drawn time machine (aside from the Sal Buscema/Bill Sienkiewicz, John Romita, Jr., and Dan Jurgens/Klaus Janson issues, which are pretty great-looking). But, I also picked up that complete Alec omnibus that came out a while back since my shop had a copy on sale. That's a lot of comics to read. Sometimes, life is good...

Animal Man Annual #1: Someone explain something to me: the Red, the Green, and the Rot need to be in balance. If the balance gets out of whack, all of them suffer. Now, that's doesn't mean that one of the three won't grow a little too much, but... shouldn't it be a simple matter of the representatives of each sitting down and remembering that they all need one another? With the Rot out of control, why isn't anyone simply pointing out to that group that, unless they scale things back, they're going to be fucked, too? No, no, I get it: CRAZY BAD GUYS SHIT UP LOGIC! Still... it seems like there's an easier solution. Not as easy as the solution to the Rot back in the 19th century... Actually, it almost was just a discussion... I do like that Lemire gave us a story of the Rot being defeated without it giving any help to the current situation. And Timothy Green II's style fits well into the look of this title. Always nice when annual look like they belong with the main title. Definitely a more worthwhile tangent story than that lame Buddy Baker movie issue. [***1/2]

Batman Annual #1: This I liked a little less. Was the Freeze/Owl connection mentioned explicitly? I honestly forget. But, I also hope it wasn't and it's just a detail that they've learned and are revealing like this. If it is, kudos to Snyder and Tynion. Otherwise, it's a fairly basic 'Batman vs. Mr. Freeze' issue with some retconning thrown in for fun. A solid issue. [***1/4]

RASL #14: It's both easy and hard to believe that this series is ending with issue 15. Certain plot elements seem near their end, while others seem like they could keep going for quite some time. Before the final issue comes, I'm definitely giving this a reread so I can pick up the various bits that slipped through the cracks between issues coming out. I love Crow in this issue... his freakout over the parallel universes or the calm way he stands there when Miles jumps realities... Every issue of this series was a lovely surprise when it came out and I'll miss it. [****]

The Ultimates #11: I feel sorry for Sam Humphries a little. I've enjoyed his writing elsewhere and I don't think the writing has changed much on this title -- but, the art has had such a large shift and downgrade (with no help on the horizon) that his arrival coincides with a clear drop in this title's overall quality. Like this issue with its four artists and two colourists. One thing I loved about the Esad Ribic/Dean White team was how they managed to make this title stand out as something different and, now, it looks so fucking typical. I rarely look at previews of comics I know I'm buying, because why have three or four pages already read? But, I'd usually look at previews of new Ultimates issues so I could get a taste of the visual wonderings Ribic and White were going to give me... I tried that with this issue and saw nothing that made any impression. The writing is still strong and adventurous and -- that stuff with the new President was really quite good. But, this comic doesn't feel as special anymore. It's not one that I'm clamouring for, because one of the key elements has been completely undercut. I noticed the same thing firsthand when reading the Uncanny X-Force trade that I got last week (something people complained about when the single issues were coming out). Like I said, the writing is still at a level where I will keep buying this comic, but part of me wishes it weren't, so I could just walk away and save myself the trouble. [***1/4]

Later

Sketch Reviews (February 22 2012)

I placed an order with Mile High Comics last week to complete my Starlin Dreadstar collection (when I did a reread in late 2010, I reread my dad's copies) and pick up a couple of things thanks to an awesome discount code and free stuff. They have a habit of saying "Hey, we got a bunch of X, so, if you order $20 or more, you can have it for free!" This time, it was the Jack Kirby Captain America: The Swine trade. So, with that on the way, I looked for the other two Kirby Captain America trades at my shop. They didn't have them. They did have two copies of The Swine. Of course.

Captain America & Bucky #627: Man, I don't care. I went from really, really enjoying this comic, what, two issues ago and, now, I plod my way through and wonder why I bother. It's just some story about some robot that thinks he's better than Captain America, but will soon find out that, no, he is fucking not. Did he not observe the fear and respect the Vision showed Cap in recent issues of Avengers? He knows the score. Even Francavilla's art doesn't do much for me here -- or, at least, it doesn't make me happy to drop some money on this. When he's going to do Daredevil or something? [**]

Deadpool MAX II #5: I spent the first half of this comic confused, because I didn't remember Deadpool getting captured last issue. I didn't particularly care either. This is not a comic where I focus too much on remembering plot details. Save that sort of thinking for the reread, son. Instead, I focus on how Inez is such a good copycat that her body becomes that of an old woman... and Kyle Baker draws a naked old lady who's really a naked young, hot lady. Or how this is my favourite Cable. One more issue left. And the plan is insane. [****1/4]

The Mighty Thor #11: Is it just me or is this evil plan pretty bad? It didn't take long for everyone to figure it out... I also love how ads for issue twelve promote it as the final battle between Thor and Tanarus despite there being no other battles. Sure, Thor has kicked the crap out of Ulik, but this is different! ...I think? Ah, probably not... [***1/2]

RASL #13: I love the two panels where Robert tells the doctor he doesn't know that he doesn't know him and to sit down... and then the doctor sits down. I don't know why, I just love them. [****]

Wolverine and the X-Men #6: As I mentioned regarding issue five... I really don't care about the plot. This issue had less 'hanging out' than the last few and, therefore, I cared less. Kid Gladiator amuses me, though. Quentin Quire... not so much. [***1/4]

Later

Sketch Reviews (November 24 2011)

Man, this past week, I pissed off Batfans with my CBR reviews. Funny thing: it didn't even occur to me that I was reviewing three Batbooks until my review for Red Hood and the Outlaws #3 garnered a "Nevett strikes again!" reaction on the CBR forums. My favourite part is the hate mail and the chance to respond with absolute literalism. That's always fun. But, I did want a break from comics a little, so I took Tuesday off from Random Thoughts. I went shopping in Detroit instead. I've long blasted the States for its lack of potato chip flavours, but, this time, it countered with many different M&M flavours not found here. I'm loving these dark chocolate M&Ms -- because, clearly, dark chocolate is the superior chocolate. Anyway, let's get to some new comics...

Annihilators #3: Damn, this comic is reading like the big event book Marvel should have pushed to the forefront instead of Fear Itself. It's pretty easy to see how this could have been made 'bigger,' especially the Magus taking over a third of the US population -- throw in an issue where it's the Avengers vs. a bunch of heroes and villains that are part Magus and you could kill plenty of time. Instead, it's a nice little mini-series mostly ignored. Ah well. [***1/2]

Captain America & Bucky #624: As always, gorgeous, fantastic art from Samnee and Breitweiser. The story is less a story than some fragments shoved together, especially the end of the issue with Bucky's sister. [***1/4]

Justice League Dark #3: What's so crazy about recruiting Mindwipe? I'm not familiar with the character... I'm enjoying this book, but think I would have been better off tradewaiting it. It's moving at such a slow pace across so many characters that it's hard to get too enthused over each new issue. [***]

RASL #12: DANGER DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE! Lots more Tesla talk and I'm completely okay with that. An interesting issue -- and an educational one! [***1/2]

Scalped #54: We keep walking towards our death... [****]

Vengeance #5: No Russian supersoldiers during World War 2... because the Red Skull killed them all in a camp during the war. Everything is connected and we move towards Latveria... we all know who Z is, of course. The way that Casey blends together all of his work in this series is fantastic -- same with the arrogance and self-doubt of youth he captures so well. Miss America calls She-Hulk a 'puta' rather than accept a ride home from the sixth dimension... goddamn, this is just some good comics, son. [****1/4]

Wolverine and the X-Men #2: I don't know why, but I'm a little bothered that this is the first time Iceman tried that trick and it works perfectly. Still, nice to see Jason Aaron actually pushing things a bit. Just some crazy fun this comic... Bachalo captures the manic chaos better than almost anyone else. [***3/4]

Later

Sketch Reviews (July 14 2011)

I actually got comics last night because I only worked until five and could make it to the shop. But, I didn't even read them all before I started to work on reviews. It's been a long time since I turned in a review on Wednesday (let alone two) and that's usually because I don't get comics until Thursday. But, I signed up to review two 'big' releases and thought I should get those in last night. Sketch Reviews had to wait. And here we are...

'Breed #3: I'm more into this book now that it's got some momentum. The fight scene here is pretty good, albeit with a cheap ending that's only redeemed by a cameo from another Starlin-owned character. Not an amazing comic or one that looks like it will rank among Starlin's best, but I'm enjoying it. [***]

Captain America #1: I don't mind the 'out of continuity' feel this issue has. That's a smart way to ease yourself into a new series featuring the character. I do have to wonder if Ed Brubaker -- or anyone -- is capable of writing about this character without referencing World War 2 and making shit up that, somehow, we've never heard about until now. That trick is getting real fucking old and has me considering just making a break from Brubaker's Captain America comics. There are only so many times that 'previously undiscussed events from the War coming back to haunt Steve/Bucky/Sharron/Natasha/everyone' works before it's just comes off as lazy. I'm not saying it is lazy or that Brubaker is lazy, but it comes off that way. Perception vs. reality. Just to shut up anyone who wants to take that as me calling him lazy. I don't know if he is -- nor do I care. I care about the comics and this reads as lazy storytelling. The same lazy storytelling that we often see used on Wolverine and, now, in Fear Itself... hell, in tons of books. I'm sick to fucking death of the hidden past come back to fuck things up, and, yeah, I'm taking it out on this comic, because that's pretty much all Brubaker has done with this character. It worked with Bucky, because he just returned and would have to deal with his past obviously before he could move on. Steve, though... is he nothing more than a guy who fought in World War 2? Has he not carved out an identity since he's woken up that's divorced from his 'first life' to some extent? And, if not, how good can his comics really be? (In an unrelated matter, I have to ask: is Secret Warriors going to have any impact on the rest of the Marvel Universe? Just wondering...) I did dig on some of Steve McNiven's art here. I haven't been a fan of his in general, but his page compositions made me think of John Cassaday a bit here. That same big openness. Not all of the time, but in a few panels. [**]

Detective Comics #879: Colouring for mood and impact? Gotta love Francavilla. The writing was a bit hit and miss for me here. Snyder writes a creepy Joker and that mood hovered over the entire comic. However, he lost me with the pill stuff. James, Jr. (who, by the way, is a return from the past, but not one that Snyder created; he brought back an unused character who, logically, should have a place in this world in some way) being a sociopath? Great. Him not getting better? Works for me. Him killing people? Well, that's what a sociopath does, I suppose... Creating pills that make pepople sociopaths and trying to feed them to children? That's just plain goofy, not scary or creepy. My eyes rolled and a soft chuckle escaped my lips. Was that the intended effect? Eliminate that little 'twist' and this is a really strong comic. [***3/4]

New Avengers #14: "The Oral History of the Avengers" being used here too is a nice touch -- and the more focused interview changed things up in a good way. Spider-Man wanting nothing to do with Victoria Hand... I like that. Also, the New Avengers taking down the Nazis was interesting in how we haven't seen that reflected in Fear Itself. They probably would take them down like that, though. [***1/2]

Punishermax #15: Did not get, because my shop, somehow, put issue 14 in my stack. I didn't notice because of the shitload of comics I was buying. A little mystified at how that even happened. [Rating pending]

RASL #11: Goddamn, that double-page shot is nice-looking... [***1/2]

The Red Wing #1: A little underdeveloped for my taste. I don't quite get the basic concept. They fight battles through time why? I don't get the 'why' of the book. I don't get the logistics of these wars/battles. The characters barely have anything there. The art is nice, though. I know it will come together by the end, but this a comic that leaves me with too many essential questions. I did love that stuff about the goal being to win so completely that you change how the enemy thinks. That's good stuff. [**3/4]

Simpsons Super Spectacular #13: Blame Tucker Stone for this. I saw it in the shop last week after I'd paid for my books and (since I pay with debit usually and didn't feel like doing it for a three buck comic) had the owner put it in my file for this week. Some funny gags and a lot of smart references/plays on Watchmen. I'm surprised they resisted a more direct reference to "I did it 30 minutes ago." I really want to see the complete League of Superheroes and their various identities. Who was the original Pastry Face? Entertaining little comic. [***1/2]

The Unwritten #27: No big thoughts here other than "I liked this comic." Sometimes, that's all there is. [***1/2]

DC Comics Presents: Batman: Goatham Noir #1: This is a reprint of the Elseworlds special that Ed Brubaker and Shean Phillips did back in 2001 along with Batman #604 to bring the page count up. Gotham Noir is okay. It doesn't have the economy or skill of Criminal and is actually made a bit worse by the references to the Batman characters. I do wonder, though: if it was obvious allusions to those characters, would I like it more? Probably, because I'm an asshole like that. Most of us are. Maybe the story needed some more room to breathe than it got. Still pretty good and definitely worth picking up. The Batman issue that's included is utterly forgettable and added nothing. It even ends with "To be continued," which made me laugh. [***1/4]

Later

Sketch Reviews (April 28 2011)

Jays game on. Distracted.

Batman, Incorporated #5: "Oh, so that's not Azrael on the cover..." Someone said this. Somewhere. [***3/4]

Captain America #617: Oh. It was Gyrich. That explains it. [***1/2]

Detective Comics #876: How long ago was "No Man's Land" exactly? [***1/2]

The Mighty Thor #1: Was there a plot here? Anyone? There were some nice moments, some nice pieces that could form a plot, but... was there an actual fucking plot here? Some nice art. [**3/4]

RASL #10: I genuinely enjoy the wide open pacing/art on this comic. It's so laid back. [***1/2]

Scalped #49: "I'm in. I'm up his ass." [****]

Secret Avengers #12: Oh. It was mind control. Lame. [*1/2]

T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #6: Two weeks later... the weakest issue of the series to date. A bunch of fragments that didn't really add up -- and the comic just kind of ends. I turned the page and went "Oh? It's over? Really?" [***]

Later

Sketch Reviews (December 1 2010)

A rather small week all things considered. Bought seven comics, reviewing four of them. By the way, Dreadstar December has begun with a couple of posts and I've also put up another edition of Guess the Real Spoiler! So, um, yeah, Comics Should be Good is where the action is these days, apparently. Since I've got books a day before most of you, I'll keep things vague and short...

The Boys #49: Huh, didn't except to see any of what went down with the Boys and the Seven years ago until next issue. As well, the High is batshit insane. Really looking forward to next month's issue fifty. And Russ Braun? Anyone who still bitches about Darick Robertson not being the book isn't looking at this art. It's not as good, I'll admit, but it's a very close second. He's adapted his style to suit the book so well. Remarkable work. [****]

RASL #9: I'll be honest with you, I don't really remember what happened last issue. Or the issue before that. Great expansive, open art, though. I should really do a reread. [***1/2]

Thor: For Asgard #5: Huh. Not what I expected really. Not sure how I feel about this. I do like how Rodi continues to advance the idea of fate and how it works for the Aesir. Bianchi is still humming along nicely. The final page has two panels that kind of made me cringe, but that's it. Curious to see how this ends -- and if it can stick the landing. [***1/2]

Later.

Quickie Reviews (July 28 2010)

Hey, comics! YEAH! (And even shorter thoughts on them...)

Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #4: Is that proof that Hurt is Thomas Wayne? The art wasn't as bad as I feared, but the depiction of Savage didn't actually look like him -- the shape of the head and face was off. Whatever. A fine issue. [***]

Rasl #8: I really need to reread the previous issues at some point. But, enjoyable for the background info provided. Not much else there besides that, though. [***]

Thor the Mighty Avenger #2: The other half of the 'pilot episode' of the book. Thor is lost and uncertain, but he can still kick some ass. Chris Samnee fucking brings it to this book. Definitely worth picking up if you weren't sure. [****]

That's it for this week.

Quickie Reviews (Apr 7 2010)

Back after a week away. Yay. Eight books to briefly discuss, so better get to that...

Batman and Robin #11: I like the cover's callback to issue one. A nice, briskly-paced issue that dropped a lot of hints about things, and ended strongly with the revelation of who was now in control of Damian's body. The pacing of the part where Damian asks if Oberton Sexton is Bruce Wayne is fantastic. The pacing in general was very good here. Andy Clarke's style is growing on me -- and I liked it last issue. Reminds me of that classic-looking style the cover artist of Marvel 1602 used with the vertical lines to show shading. Good stuff. [****]

The Boys #41: Man, I enjoyed the hell out of this issue. It just hit all of the right notes for me. The reveal of Auntie Sis as the social worker/nurse of the Legion parody team was good. The cat rescue just made me laugh. Bobby Badoing is a spot-on mockery of a character I've always thought was really, really, really stupid. It's a gentle mockery, though. Ennis makes you feel for the team and uses that to make Hughie's actions at the end seem even better -- and Butcher's reaction that much worse. Mother's Milk catching on that something isn't right and Annie's talk with Hughie definitely make it seem like the shit is hitting the fan soon there. I also love how well Robertson drew the alternating scenes between Hughie's training and actually doing the tracheotomy. [****]

Detective Comics #863: I bought this issue really because why not buy the last issue of the run...? Meh. Nothing special. Not bad, but not much to say here that I hadn't already said about the previous two issues. [**]

Gødland #31: Ah, Gødland... what can I say about you that I haven't already said? You rock my world, dear comic book. You make me laugh, you make me cry (well, not cry), and I love you every time I get to spend $2.99 on you. Never change. Except when you want to, because change is good. Just ask Basil Cronus. [****]

Rasl #7: It continues to come together and just makes me want to go back and reread it all. Really dug Jeff Smith's art here with the contrasting timelines and the wild theories in the writing. He draws human emotion really well here. [****]

S.H.I.E.L.D. #1: I liked this, but didn't love it. After seeing a day of people mess their pants over this issue, I'm stuck in the position of looking like I hated the comic by comparison since I thought it was good, not great. It felt like a prologue, a overture, a preview... not an issue. And that's okay, I know this is a longer game and I'm fine with that, but this issue didn't wow me. The jumpy nature was nice, but didn't share much that wasn't there in the concept. The end of the issue was really strong, though. Liked Dustin Weaver's art, but it was wildly inconsistent, some pages and panels absolutely gorgeous, others looking rushed and not fully rendered. Really liked it, just not as much as everyone else. (Which I hate because, fuck, look at the rating I gave the book... and I'm still Mr. Negativity. Weird. Whatever.) [****]

Sparta, U.S.A. #2: An entertaining issue that shed a bit of light on the town of Sparta. The weird cutthroat politics behind the scenes makes for some entertaining stuff. As does the army of women Godfrey McLaine had sex with coming to his aid. The art is good and continues to improve. And the end of the issue is fantastic. Probably my favorite final page of the week. [***]

Spider-Man: Fever #1: Some fun stuff. Entertaining and weird and definitely McCarthy having fun with the characters. I really like the way he draws Spider-Man as a skinny, twitchy, weird guy. I was kind of expecting Spider-Man to be tacked on since he originally wanted to do Dr. Strange, but Spidey works well here. Really enjoyable. [****]

Really strong week since I enjoyed the other books I got, too -- but I'm reviewing them for CBR. And, no doubt, some expanded versions of my thoughts will show up in this week's podcast for some of these books.

CBR Review: Rasl #6

I recently reviewed Rasl #6 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "The Nikola Tesla parts of the issue help to further provide background details on the dimensional-hopping technology Rasl uses to steal paintings from alternate Earths for profit. The version of Tesla’s biography we get here is narrated by Rasl, who focuses on Tesla’s feud with Edison over AC and DC electricity delivery systems and how that led Tesla to experiment with wireless communication and electromagnetic currents as they relate to the Earth. Since Tesla’s experiments and theories connect with Rasl’s technology, these portions of the story aren’t simply there because Smith finds Tesla fascinating. Exactly what it means is still unclear, but the information given is engaging."

You can read the rest HERE!

I Bought Comics: July 15, 2009

[Last week was fun, wasn't it? I'm not sure this week will be just as fun, sadly. But, let's see, shall we? As always, these aren't reviews, just whatever thoughts and feelings come up.]

Incognito #5

This book has gotten stronger as it's progressed. Sean Phillips is better than everyone else, basically. This paper is really nice.

Rasl #5

I need to reread the first four issues, because something's not lining up for me. Odd to see Jeff Smith do a sex scene -- and odder that he felt the need to make sure we see absolutely no nudity. I'm not saying throw it in there for the sake of it, but when you're carrying a 'mature readers' label and were going to have the scene there already, it's distracting to go to the effort of covering things up. Unless he's making a point of doing it here to show that when he has a sex scene, it's not just an excuse for nipples.

Scalped #30

Damn good. Damn damn damn good.

Young Liars #17

"IT'S TOO LATE IT'S TOO LATE IT'S TOO LATE IT'S TOO LATE IT'S TOO LATE!" The words run through my mind like that. It is too late. Another stellar issue. I can't wait to see how it ends.

CBR Review: Rasl #4

I recently reviewed Rasl #4 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "With an odd man named Sal who looks like an animal having killed someone close to him before jumping worlds, Rasl heads after him, but is soon at the disadvantage. Their interaction provides clues of who Sal is working for and what they’re looking for, while also tying into the story that Rasl gives to begin the issue about the US Navy encountering an odd phenomenon. What exactly is going on remains to be seen, but Smith drops a lot of clues in this issue."

You can read the rest HERE!

I Bought Comics: Third Week of October 2008

[Impressions, ramblings, rantings, disjointed thoughts... just don't call them reviews, okay?]

A couple of site notes: new Intimates post will go up tomorrow, so I'll conclude my look at that book with two straight days of exciting analysis (exciting seems like the wrong word, I know). And, no book of the week this week, because nothing I got has spurred me (yet) to want to write more on it. (Edit: It will be Mighty Avengers #19 as things have occurred to me. I may leave that post until Sunday, though. We'll see.)

Astonishing X-Men #27

It's rather impressive how Warren Ellis can take a concept and push it a little further out. Mutants from alternate earths? The Chinese X-Men who devoted themselves to thought and research instead of superheroics? Simple ideas that add a lot of possibilities to the X-Men--and also don't stray too far beyond the limitations of the book. Ellis provides a few good laughs in this issue with Cyclops saying "fucking" and everyone freaking out--also works as commentary on the new direction for the character. Wolverine's reactions to Scott in this issue are rather good. Simone Bianchi's art still doesn't do it for me, but it's less muddled here than in previous issues. Some Ellisisms that will no doubt annoy some, but fuck them, who cares what they think, I sure don't.

Captain Britain and MI:13 #6

Something doesn't feel right... The threat isn't threatening... A deal with the devil is mundane... the Spitfire/Blade stuff is quite good and makes this issue worthwhile. I am expecting an all-out battle with an army of Mindless Ones in future issues, although, it seems almost stupid to do that so soon after Nextwave did it (and, yes, two years ago is still too soon when it comes to Nextwave). The last page provides a good cliffhanger... and a logical one at that. Paul Cornell's tying Captain Britain's powers to his confidence still looks like it will hold a lot of potential.

Charlatan Ball #4

The problem: this wants to be a light-hearted action/comedy type of book with hints of mind-bending bits... when it doesn't do that. It's still a fun, light-hearted book, it's just that nothing really makes me laugh when that seems to be a goal. It also can't quite get out from the under the shadow cast by Gødland, which has a similar art style (both very Kirby-influenced) and similar characters... I mean, the Gang of Four Gods from this issue look like they jumped out of an issue of Gødland! This book seems like it should be looking to Ditko instead of Kirby, which would then make it complement Gødland rather than seem like it's baby brother who just isn't as great. I know, I know, Kirby did do The Demon, which is an obvious influence, but Ditko's Strange Tales work seems a more logical place to look. But, that's not what Casey and Andy Suriano are going for, sadly.

Ghost Rider #28

Hey, look, my comic book is a whole dollar more because Marvel decided to include the entire backstory for the characters! Thanks a whole fucking bunch! What, they can put out FREE books that do the same thing as give-aways, but they charge a buck for it when it's in the fucking comic? Christ. I know, I know, I know, I know, some people (including me) don't know the whole history of these characters, but, you know what, Jason Aaron has been doing a good job of giving us the information we need to know. And why wait until now to provide this backstory? Ugh. The issue itself is decent, although the addition of other Spirits of Vengeance seems a little obvious in that it seems every superhero in the past few years has realised that he/she isn't not alone and there is a bigger world out there with legions of others just like him/her. Maybe if the other Spirits of Vengeance had different powers or something, it might be interesting, but I just kind of shrugged at it here. Do look forward to next issue's fight, though.

Mighty Avengers #19

I dropped this and New Avengers from my pull list today (along with Iron Fist). While I've been enjoying Secret Invasion well enough, these little tie-in issues have ranged only from waste-of-my-fucking-money to passable. This one was a waste of my fucking money. What did we learn here that we haven't learned in the main book? No--really. What else did we learn? Not a goddamn thing. There was one positive, though: at no point in this issue was Noh-Varr called Marvel Boy. Other than that, these books get flipped through at the shop from now on and if they look like they're worth $3.50, I will buy them. I should have did this months ago.

Rasl #3

I really need to reread the first two issues. I followed along just fine, but it's been a while and I'd like to see how it's all tying together right now. I love love love alternate realities and how the story itself here seems really simple, although is presented in a more obtuse, complicated manner because of those involved. Also, the implicit questions raised about different versions of people on alternate earths and such. Smith's art is still growing on me.

That does it for this week.

The Sunday Open: Third Week of June 2008

[Yeah, this is a post of reviews of the comics I got in the past week. It is random (well, in alphabetical order, actually, but I meant random in what I have to say, not the order in which I discuss the books) and not any real attempt to review in any traditional sense of the word. Really, it's me looking through the stack and talking about what occurs to me. Not to be taken seriously by anyone.]

Anna Mercury #2

Not quite what I figured it would be after the first issue. Was expecting something along the lines of Grant Morrison jumping into a fictional world and shit like that. Not that this is worse, just not what I was expecting. It's an alright comic, but I strangely prefer the stuff in the real world to Anna Mercury's adventures on the moon or whatever. Backroom politics, secret government programmes... in this world, all of the G8 countries have stations like this, so I want to see them. I want to see the Canadian one, I really do. What?

ClanDestine #4-5

Rather enjoyed this series. It told a complete tale, but also didn't satisfy really. Mostly, I want to learn all about Vincent, I do. The end of issue five suggests future stories and I hope low sales don't kill that chance. Of course, I didn't get these last two issues until this week because the shops in Windsor are fucking sold out of the things. That happens with a lot of books I enjoy: can't find them here and can barely find them in London. Um, maybe some books are a little underordered maybe? (And yeah, I know I used the word "maybe" twice there.) Weird guessing game, I know, but when I'm not getting certain new books on Wednesday or Thursday... well, something isn't right. And, funny enough, big seller books tend to sit on the shelves, overordered. Not that I blame retailers, because who knows what people want really. But, yeah, good comics. When the trade if out, pick up the mini. Well worth your time, effort and money.

Doktor Sleepless #7

Things move to a head... hahahahahahaha... oh, I love horrible puns. Okay, I don't, but I didn't even catch that one until I wrote it. Ah well. Decent issue, we'll see what issue eight brings.

Ghost Rider #24

Motherfucker broke into prison and starts a riot indirectly. I love the brutality of the character here. Jason Aaron makes no attempt to give Blaze any redeeming characteristics, really. All we've got is a guy who got fucked over and wants revenge--and is brutal in getting it. Lovely comic.

Gødland #23

Alternate reality! Squeeeeeeeeeeeee! I love those alternate realities and about damn time one has shown up here. I am a little bothered that Adam can sense things are amiss since that's the oldest trick in the book, but he also has special cosmic superpowers, so... I love how goddamn selfish Neela is. Seriously, ever since issue one, she's just been focused on herself at the price of everyone else--and now she's rebuilt reality just so she's the hero and her brother isn't. That's messed up.

Guardians of the Galaxy #2

Gave this a second issue to win me over and it kind of has. Almost. Maybe. I dunno. It reads alright on the surface, just isn't getting me in my special areas is all. DnA aren't touching my special areas and that's a bad thing.

The Programme #11

The Russians are fucked. Fucking right. USA! USA! USA!

...er...Milligan will surprise us all I'm sure. A weird comic.

Punisher War Journal #20

Frank purposefully fighting unlike himself is a great touch. The rest of the issue was all kinds of meh.

Rasl #2

I strangely like this book. But, it does involve alternate realities, so... Alternate realities where Bob Dylan went by Robert Zimmerman and still somehow recorded Blonde on Blonde. What are the fucking odds? No, really, that is freaky. Since he wasn't called Bob Dylan, his life should be very different--probably still a musician, but even the time displacement of Zimmerman instead of Dylan should be enough to ensure that Blonde on Blonde never got made. Weird. But, yeah, good comic.

Scalped #18

Again, Tim, thank you.

Secret Invasion: Who Do You Trust?

I got this for the Noh-Varr story and it wasn't the horrible piece of shit I expected. It wasn't any good either, but it didn't piss me off. Nothing here pissed me off because it all so stupidly unnecessary and bland. Really, was there a point here? Any point at all? Because I sure as hell can't see one.

Gotta love the title's throwback to Civil War, eh? While I'm thinking about that, why is that new mini-series by Christos Gage called Civil War: House of M when it should be the other way around? That makes it sound like it takes place during Civil War when really it's a civil war during House of M. It's fucking backwards, you morons.

Oh, and Marvel is releasing Marvel Boy in hardcover come September, which is... oh, around eight months late. They should have had that fucker out before Secret Invasion and Final Crisis to capitalise on both. Yes, use DC to move books, fellas. I'm probably going to buy a copy because I love that series and, well, I said I would in a Splash Page. But, still, Marvel's release schedule of trades is fucked. They really botched the whole Eternals thing as far as I'm concerned. For one thing, the Gaimain mini's trade should have came out BEFORE the new series began, not the week after. That's dumb. And don't tell me a printing issue moved things around, because it should have been out several weeks before--or, ready to be out weeks before, but purposefully shipped one week before. But, you know, whatever, not my company.

Tiny Titans #1

Finally found an issue of this series after reading Tim's praise for a while. It's a cute little comic that had a few moments that made me laugh. Especially Robin asking Speedy if he can run fast. That name makes no fucking sense. Good little book. If I come across more issues, I'll buy them.

War is Hell: The First Flight of the Phantom Eagle #4

I do hope everyone notices that most of this book is people talking. The fights are short, brutal and utterly without glamour. This book lives between battles. It's a bit more subdued than most Ennis stuff I've read. But, it's good.

Young Liars #4

...Sadie was a virgin? Jesus. Freddie is a bit of a douche. I'm enjoying this book more with each issue.

And, yeah, I got some trades somewhere in there, I think, I dunno. I know I got a cheap copy of Pride & Joy and it was good. I reread Mike Carey and Denise Mina's runs on Hellblazer and enjoyed them for different reasons. They're both still the weakest writers on the book that I've encountered--but, well, maybe my love of Constantine blinds me and makes me unable to dislike the books. Although, the weird one-off issue in the middle of Mina's run is fucked up.

This upcoming week is big just as money is getting tight. Fucking hell.

The Sunday Open: 02/03/08 Books

Goddamn, let's do this thing...

Batman #674

It all becomes clear and those of us who have been saying "Wait for it..." (myself, Tim Callahan, Geoff Klock to name a few) are vindicated as Morrison ties things together and gives a clear lead-in to "Batman RIP." Hell, I'm even digging on Tony Daniel's work here a bit. That's strange.

I also should admit that I was wrong in my assessment of issue 666 as being the conclusion to the "Three Bat-Ghosts" story as here Batman confronts Anti-Christ Batman (unless it's a different guy in the future...) and gets out of his death-trap with Morrison providing some of the best Bat-narration I've read in a long, long time. This is the Batman of his JLA run and if you're not reading this book, you're a fool.

I'm wondering what role the Joker will play in "Batman RIP" myself. He can't be the mysterious enemy... can he?

Goddamn, I am excited about this book. And I missed the Black Glove reference until Tim mentioned it over at his blog. Good eye, mon ami--you're a better reader than I.

Criminal #1

And just to prove that they can do a fantastic story in one issue, Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips give us part of Gnarls' past. We all know Gnarls as the bartender of the Undertow(n) in the first two arcs of this title, but, goddamn, his story is good.

Brubaker continues to have an amazing sense of character and motivation. This issue, in particular, is based more on characters acting and reacting than a more artificial, external plot. Put anyone else in the same situation and you'd almost certainly get different results.

And Phillips just continues to be one of the best storytellers in the business. That first splash page is just beautifully done and tells an entire story by itself. Not only that, but his character work is on par with Brubaker's--so much is told through their body language and facial expressions.

Shit, if you're not reading this book, you're a bigger fool than those not reading Batman.

Deathblow #9

And thus things ends with a whimper, not a bang.

...you didn't even know this book was still coming out, did you? Now it's over and no one cares. Hell, I don't. I stuck with this book because it seemed the thing to do. And it wasn't too bad. But, where was the payoff? Was this it?

Actually, this ending is not what I expected at all. Call it a cynical version of Flex Mentallo. A post-9/11 version. Brian Azzarello playing around with the superhero genre like the dark side of Grant Morrison's coin. Just as Marvel is the dark side of DC's coin. Is it odd that Wildstorm is owned by DC, but the heroes we see at the end are obviously Marvel heroes? Is there meaning in that?

Was there meaning in these nine issues at all? Maybe I'll do a post on them to try and figure it out. But, who cares, no one read this book.

Gravel #1

I think my only issue with William Gravel, as a character, is that he's too invincible. I have read every comic that he's been in and I've never gotten the idea that he's ever in any danger. I imagine Ellis and Wolfer will changed that, but it needs to be said. I do love the invincible, don't-fuck-with characters, but after... oh, 25-and-a-half issues, it's getting a little old. Even in past books where it seemed like Gravel was being fucked with, it was all part of the plan and he could get out of it at any time. Let's see that change, shall we?

Kick-Ass #1

Yeah, I didn't like this comic book. Maybe if there was one thing about it that made me want to read the next issue. The central character is a cypher that bores me and the concept isn't new or handled in any real original manner. The art is fine, although I'm not the biggest Romita, Jr. fan--particularly the sketchy, 3/4s finished work we get here. I think I may have just picked up this book so I would have something to bash and make fun of. However, much like Millar's first issue of Fantastic Four, there isn't enough here to do that. Maybe if the book actually did something rather than suggesting things while patting itself on the back for being so clever for suggesting said things. I really need to stop wasting money on Millar comics. I'm sorry.

Rasl #1

This is the first Jeff Smith comic that I've read. Yes, yes, I've yet to read Bone, but such things happen. Have you read Crime and Punishment? Ulysses? How about The Great Gatsby or Moby-Dick? Well, shit, brother, that's just the way life works, isn't it? (And, out of curiosity, would anyone who's read Bone even rank it alongside those books I just mentioned?)

Anyway...

I kind of dug this issue. I have a weakness for alternative realities, particularly any that involved small changes as seen in popculture. Blonde on Blonde by Robert Zimmerman? Sign me up, sir.

However, there isn't much here to really make a judgement. This is obviously a part of a larger story and reads as such. We're (barely) introduced to the concept of a guy who uses technology to steal for others and finds himself in a parallel world where things are just a little different. This is framed by our protagonist looking beat up and walking in a desert. What is going on?

The art is clean and evocative, but a little static at times.

If I see the second issue, I'll probably buy it because I'm curious to see what happens next.

Thor #6

Six issues done and we now find ourselves at the end of the first storyarc (kind of) and facing my judgement:

WILL I KEEP BUYING THOR?

Actually, yeah. This issue was really well done. Straczynski devotes the first half to stories from regular people about their encounters with the Asgardians, and it's good stuff. Volstagg not knowing what indoor plumbing is, Hogun helping to change a tire, and Kelda quite possibly hitting on a local... I almost wish the entire issue was stuff like this, because it's very interesting--but JMS is smart to limit it as these three stories are very well done and get the idea across.

The rest of the issue is Thor and Donald Blake debating if Thor should "reactivate" the rest of the Asgardians--in particular, Odin as Thor wants to move forward, beyond the old cycle and the old ways, and Odin won't understand. In the end, he does it and then falls to the Earth.

I'm looking forward to what Odin is/does and how he and Thor deal with their differences. As well, Oliver Coipel's art is growing on me. His work in this issue is pretty good--particularly his facial expressions. Much like Phillips' work on Criminal, Coipel's art does a lot of the heavy lifting as far as characters go here, particularly the regular people.

So, yeah, I think I'll stick with this book for the time being. We'll see how the next two issues go since that's a two-part story.

Ghost Rider: Trail of Tears

Another $10 Marvel hardcover, this one written by Garth Ennis, drawn by Clayton Crain and dealing with a Civil War-era Ghost Rider (the American Civil War, not the Marvel one). Actually, if you've read Ennis' work concerning the Saint of Killers, or even something like Punisher: Born, you won't find much new here. There are good people, there are bad people who fuck up the good people, and then there are good people who damn themselves to get vengeance on the bad people. It's not that this book isn't good, it's just that I've seen Ennis do this story a few times before and there's not much new for me here.

The only new area he really gets into is the issue of blacks in that time period, but he doesn't do a whole lot with it. Honestly, this book feels like The Saint of Killers 2, except with a different ending (albeit, not by much). It certainly didn't require six issues, but also wasn't a waste of my ten bucks.

Crain's artwork is very inconsistent as he uses a lot of computer effects to deliver a pseudo-painted book that only works depending on the panel. It's not bad, but it's not good either. I think if he spent some more time working at it, he could deliver a solid book.

Ennis fans won't find much new here, and I'm not sure people who aren't Ennis fans would want to bother as this is really one of those books only Ennis fans buy because they buy everything he writes. (Does that make sense to anyone other than me?)

Hellblazer: Joyride

Finally, the first trade collecting Andy Diggle's (still-ongoing, I believe) run on Hellblazer arrives. A new writer on Hellblazer always has me a little excited because each one brings such a unique perspective to the character. Despite being very well-established, John Constantine is really quite versatile in where writers can take him. Compare, oh let's say, Brian Azzarello's run with Mike Carey's... same title character, but very different books in their own way. You get that on other books, but not to the same extent. Constantine's world is so open and big that writers really can go in their own directions.

Diggle's first four issues here seem a response to Carey and Denise Mina's runs as he works to build Constantine back up from the hole they'd dug and thrown him into. Thankfully, Diggle's "restoration" is slow and organic, going far back into John's past. I could see where some would have a problem with him just putting John up like that, but he'd been in a pretty bad place for around three years by this point, so you could say he was due for some good news. (And, sure, he saved the world once or twice, but only with some hefty costs.) As well, he only makes John okay with John--he doesn't repair any of his personal problems or anything (yet), so it's not the biggest victory.

The last four issues set up a new nemesis for John and have some social commentary in them, which fits the book. These issues also deal with vengeance and how far you'd go to get it. The answer is, pretty damn far apparently. Lots of fucked up shit and John only getting by through luck and a little skill.

Joyride is a really good read and Diggle is a great addition to the book. I can't wait for the next collection. (And, shit, I really do need to go back and get the Delano and Ennis collections.)