The Week in Comics: April 23rd 2014

Welcome to The Week in Comics!

This is my weekly column where I go through the new comics releases that I read every week, what I liked and what I didn't. Safe to say there'll be some spoilers but I'll try to keep them light.

So if you're looking for what to read or just some random guy's opinion on the comics he read this week (that's me. Hi there!) then join me as I separate the BEST from the REST in The Week in Comics!

The Best

Daredevil #2

Marvel. Waid, Samnee, Rodriguez.

A stronger, more all round fun issue than the debut last month, this time around we get a wider view of Matt Murdock’s new status quo, as well as a few more players on the board. A shameless yet hilariously tongue-in-cheek rip-off of DC’s Caped Crusader in new enemy The Shroud – one created purely to silence Daredevil’s (admittedly dwindling) critics who have drawn one too many comparisons between Horn-head and Bats in years gone by. Then there’s the mystery surrounding Foggy Nelson – what is going on there?! Well written, superbly drawn, worth your time and money.

Fantastic Four #3

Marvel. Robinson, Kirk, Kesel, Arburtov.

Wow. This was surprisingly enjoyable, mainly for its sheer volume of referencing. With more than one eye firmly in the FF history books, James Robinson is really creating a run that feels like it matters. More than that, because of the stunning level of detail in not only back-story but character development, it feels like he’s building on a richly established world. Which, ok, everyone is when they pay in the Marvel sandbox, but with the constant renumbering and strong focus on ‘new readers’, it’s refreshing and very rewarding to find a book that’s not shying away from acknowledging the full lives these characters have had, and how that influences their future. Really great stuff.

Harbinger #22

Valiant. Dysart, Henry, Reber.

The story I’ve been dreading for a while has begun, and we inch ever closer to the Death of a Renegade…gulp! Click here for my full review on IndieAltRepeat.

Letter 44 #6

ONI Press. Soule, Alberquerque, Jackson.

The first arc is over, and concludes with the same high quality as I’ve come to know and love from this series. Conversations are had both on Earth and in space that bring satisfying payoffs as well as setting up stories to come. Head to Rhymes With Geek for my full review.

Original Sin #0

Marvel. Waid, Cheung, Morales, Ponsor

My personal favourite book of the week, and I really wasn’t expecting to say that. What easily could have been a throwaway issue (seeing as it’s going to sell no matter what) was a touching, fun, emotional look at the origin of the Watcher, and the growing relationship between him and Sam Alexander, the new Nova. See my full review over at Rhymes With Geek.

Uncanny Avengers #19

Marvel. Remender, Acuna.

It’s always a good week when my favourite Avengers title (and may well be my favourite title on Marvel’s current roster) brings out its next issue. The story is tight, frantic, with high-stakes and impossible odds - Kang’s timey-wimey shenanigans are slowly revealing themselves, even if his real motives remain hidden. His motley crew are awesome and I can’t wait to see where this story goes. I desperately look forward to the Uncanny Avengers Omnibus sitting on my shelf in a year or two.

The Rest

24: Underground #1

IDW. Brisson, Gaydos, Burcham.

This was pretty fun. As a fan of the series since day one it was great to read a book that felt like it captured the pace and spirit of the show. Michael Gaydos on art is always a good thing and, much like the Buffy book out this week, the voice and actions of your favourite characters need to be spot on, and it’s safe to say Jack is definitely back. Filling in the gap between the end of series 8 and the start of Live Another Day, the only thing that will make this better is if it’s something that gets mentioned or referenced in the show, to really cement it in canon.

Batman Eternal #3

DC. Snyder, Tynion IV, Fawkes, Layman, Seeley, Fabok.

Another week, another chapter. This one wasn’t as fast paced or revelatory as the previous two, with a feeling that a lot of pieces are being moved into place. Following on from the surprise return at the end of issue 2 the rats are scrambling on both sides of the law to bolster their positions. Interesting more for what’s to come rather than what’s actually in the issue.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #2

Dark Horse. Gage, Isaacs, Whedon.

Still storming ahead in a brand new direction, this issue requires a bit more foreknowledge of the events of season 9 (of both the Buffy title and the Angel & Faith) than the last issue did which, as someone who dropped off at the end of season 8 I was a little confused. Still, it’s not rocket science, and the important thing is the characters all still feel familiar. The transition to a new writing team has not only been smooth but breathed new life into the franchise.

Conan the Avenger #1

Dark Horse. Van Lente, Ching.

Having not read much in the way of Conan before, in comics anyway, I went in to this as more of a Fred Van Lente fan. On that level, or any other in fact, it didn't disappoint. It didn't blow me away but it was a fun romp. With Conan being drunk for the first half of the book and angry for the second, events just kind of went on around him you know? But there’re enough supporting characters to keep you busy, and it moved along at a brisk pace.

Elektra #1

Marvel. Blackman, Del Mundo.

An unusual one this, and one I desperately wanted to love. Having been treated to so many amazing All-New ongoings from Marvel, I assumed this would be more of the same. The art certainly seemed to lean that way in previews, and while the art is gorgeous it’s not enough to lift the story. Much like how a lot of people seemed to see last week’s Iron Fist The Living Weapon (although I personally found that to be superior), Elektra #1 is just a bit boring really. I’ll stick with it for the beautiful interiors, but even they can’t hold me for a third issue on their own.

Eternal Warrior #8

Valiant. Pak, Gill, Major.

A satisfying end to the series that has gone from Ancient Mesopotamia to 4001AD all while keeping the focus on Immortal champion Gilad Anni-Padda. With a strong theme of family running from start to finish, this is a series that will read well in trade. Take a click towards IndieAltRepeat for a more in-depth review.

Evil Empire #2

BOOM! Studios. Bemis, Getty.

A much better issue than the debut, this took the setup and final cliff-hanger it was given and ran with it in a very promising way. Wittier, smarter, more complex; I wasn’t expecting to be drawn into this series but I’ll definitely keep coming back if this is the kind of thing we’re in for.

Fuse #3

Image. Johnston, Greenwood, Chankhamma, Brisson.

As hard boiled a detective drama as you’re likely to get in a comic, it’s Fuse #3. Heavy on the procedural, light on the Sci-Fi, this is more Law and Order than Star Trek, and all the better for it. The space elements are subtle and unobtrusive, and the ‘crime of the week’ mixed with engaging detectives makes this an easy read for those who love police dramas. The plot ramps up as Ristovych and Dietrich get closure to the truth of debut mystery ‘The Russia Shift’. It even has a crime novel title.

Guardians of the Galaxy #14

Marvel. Bendis, Bradshaw, Wong, Ponsor.

Not just a nod to the past and more like a slap in the face, this anniversary issue brings the old Guardians out of the toy chest, dusts them off and throws them back into the fight in an effortlessly easy way, thanks to their already established dalliances with the timeline. The current line-up get plenty to do as well; although the main story is fairly Star-lord-centric, there’s a subplot involving Drax and Venom (yeah he’s already part of the team. You’ll need to get the Free Comic Book Day issue to find out exactly how he came to be with them), as well as a back up story shedding light on Groot’s childhood. It’s awesome to see Nick Bradshaw joining the team, and with 3 stories packed in between the covers this is a solid anniversary issue.

Secret Origins #1

DC. Pak, Higgins, Bedard, Weeks, Mahnke, Siqueira.

Do we really need another retelling of DC superheroes origins? Well, if they keep rebooting the universe then I guess the answer is yes? This anthology format at least spares us countless miniseries when they’re not needed, and they’re not when you can cover everything you need to cover in a third of an issue. I preferred the Dick Grayson and Supergirl origins over the Superman one, purely because Superman’s story has been done over and over in much better ways than this, whereas the other two I (as a non-DC fan) wasn’t as familiar with.

Undertow #3

Image. Orlando, Trakhanov, Mauer.

Not as enjoyable to me as the previous two issues, this nevertheless delves deeper (no pun intended) into the politics of Atlantis, as well as bringing the surface-world crew face-to-face with The Amphibian. Head to Rhymes With Geek for my full review.

So that’s it for another week! A few stand outs and a lot of good-not-great issues, with only one giving me a distinctly ‘meh’ feeling. Not the strongest of weeks but still some gold if you know where to look. But enough about me, what did you think? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter @MattLune, and I’ll see you next week for return of The Amazing Spider-Man, and the debut of the Southern Bastards.

Until next time,

Matt

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The Week in Comics: April 16 2014

Welcome to The Week in Comics!

An early and slightly abridged WiC this week you guys, due to the Easter break coming up.

Nevertheless -This is my weekly column where I go through the new comics releases that I read every week, what I liked and what I didn't. Safe to say there'll be some spoilers but I'll try to keep them light.

So if you're looking for what to read or just some random guy's opinion on the comics he read this week (that's me. Hi there!) then join me as I separate the BEST from the REST in The Week in Comics!

PS -  I've also reviewed Valiant's X-O Manowar #24 over at  IndieAltRepeat as well as Marvel's Amazing X-Men #6 and Superior Spider-Man #31 over on Rhymes With Geek!



THE BEST 

Auteur #2

ONI. Spears, Callaghan, Anderson.

Hilariously visceral, so much funnier than issue 1, the Auteur is one of the funniest books out there at the moment. Nathan T. Rex dives deeper down the rabbit-hole by hiring a serial killer to work on his movie, but first he's got to represent him in court in order to get him out of prison. Provider of many gut laughs and constant smirking, the Auteur #2 is just gory, gory, very gory fun.

Batman Eternal #2

DC. Fabok, Seeley, Fawkes, Layman, Tynion IV, Snyder.

I'm not sure if it's because I'm maybe not a hardcore Batman reader or what, but I'm digging a series that everyone seems to be decidedly Meh about. Not sure how long I can afford a weekly comic like this (probably only until something else comes along) but for the moment this seems like fun, high-stakes Batman story telling to me.

Genesis GN

Image. Edmonson, Sampson, Wordie

An ethereal, haunting and beautiful exploration of one man gifted with absolute power. The art is superbly dreamlike and the writing is deep and thoughtful and most importantly real. It's strange for a book that deals with a premise so surreal to tackle it in such an intimately realistic way. Very much worth investing in.

Hulk #1

Marvel. Waid, Bagley.

This was good. It did more to setup a story to come than provide enough of one here, but the artwork was great - always been a fan of Mark Bagley - and his panel layouts go a fair way towards showing me that Hulk is in safe hands. As someone who didn't read what happened to get Banner into this mess, it doens't take brain surgery - he got shot. There, you too are up to date! No go read this and let me know what you thought.

Ms. Marvel #3

Marvel. Wilson, Mckelvie.

There is so so much that I love about this series. The amazing art, the brilliant writing, the cute badass that is Kamala Khan. This is the first issue since Ultimate Spider-man that really truly captures the teenager origin story that is the Marvel tradition so perfectly. If Amazing Spider-Man hadn't started all those years ago and started this week instead, this is the comic it would hope to be. My favourite issue yet, as Kamala wrestles literally and emotionally with a new life with powers. How does her old life fit with this new status quo? Does her old life even have a place anymore? Practically perfect.

Translucid #1

BOOM. Sanchez, Echert, Bayliss.

An awesome psychological deconstruction of the hero-villain relationship, Translucid inevitably draws comparisons to Batman and Joker, but it's a lot smarter than that. Providing engaging characters in its own right and flashes of a mysterious childhood yet to be fully revealed, this is a great first issue and I'm looking forward to issue 2.

THE REST

Star Mage #1

IDW. De La Torre, Dillon.

I kept waiting for this to not take itself so seriously, but no. It was almost as if it hadn't heard of Harry Potter (even though it references it a couple times) or Enders Game or any of the other 'normal kid finds out he's special and destined to save the world' kinda things. Wanted to be better than it actually was.

And that's it for another week! Again, apologies its a shorter edition, but safe to say that Marvel didn't storm away with a win for the first time this week. Yay for Indies! Don't forget to get in touch with me through Twitter, and check me out on IndieAltRepeat.com and RhymesWithGeek.com!

Until Next time, and Happy Easter!

Matt

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The Week in Comics! April 2nd 2014

So, annoyingly it seems like my life keeps getting in the way of being able to properly sit down and review the weekly releases. Which sucks! So I'm hoping that if I make my thoughts slightly more bite-size then I'll be able to stay more consistent with my updates. So without further ado...


Welcome to The Week in Comics!

This is my weekly column where I go through the new comics releases that I read every week, what I liked and what I didn't. Safe to say there'll be some spoilers but I'll try to keep them light.

So if you're looking for what to read or just some random guy's opinion on the comics he read this week (that's me. Hi there!) then join me as I separate the BEST from the REST in The Week in Comics!

PS - I've also reviewed this week's Valiant comics over at the excellent IndieAltRepeat site which you can see by clicking here!


THE BEST

Black Science #5
Image. Remender, Scalera, White.


While the hard sci-fi provides the backdrop and the classic pulp plot provides the atmosphere, it's the gorgeous artwork that truly keeps me coming back Mateo Scalera gets better and better every week, and if you've not kept up with this series (or even if you have) invest in the trade when it comes out. Brilliant stuff.








Black Widow #5
Marvel. Edmonson, Noto.

Possibly my favourite issue yet, this book can do no wrong. I had to look up who the revealed bad guy was, but Natasha uses his name as well as his alias and that could be enough for most readers. The art and writing are so simply amazing as to look effortless. Fans of All-New Marvel Now have to be reading this, and old fans are rewarded with the best Black Widow series in perhaps ever.







Caliban #1
Avatar. Ennis, Percio


This wasn't a series that was on my radar at all, but with Garth Ennis writing a Sci-Fi/Horror book I couldn't resist, and I'm glad I couldn't. Caliban follows a mining team in deep space, travellling through warp space, a seemingly unknowable science, when something goes suddenly, hideously, unexplainably wrong. Reminiscent of all of the best that sci-fi horror as a genre has to offer - isolation, fear of the unknown, terrifying confrontation with alien beings and situations - and definitely worth picking up.





Captain America #19
Marvel. Remender, Klein, White.


The last few issues of Rick Remender's Cap haven't had the greatest impact on me, but I have to say this issue has brought me around. I'm glad I stuck with it; the only reason I did was because I love Remender, as well as the new Captain America film being amazing and leaving me wanting more! There's a lot to enjoy in this issue if you're a fan of the film - similar themes, sequences and character motivations. Needs more Jet Black though, one of my favourite new characters of recent comics.






Dead Letters #1
BOOM! Sebela, Visions.

About 2/3rds of the way through this issue I didn't know whether to be frustrated or intrigued with the way the plot was progressing. The premise - man wakes up in a sleazy motel room with no idea who he is but somehow has badass skills has been done a few times before, but leave it until the last page to get the real kicker. The final scene gives you the answers I assumed would be a long time coming and the noir style mixed with a unique set-up is going to ensure I come back for more. I love it when a new book takes me by surprise. That makes two this week so far.






Inhuman #1
Marvel. Soule, Madureira, Gracia.

This was almost a given before I even picked up the book. Charles Soule and Joe Mads? It's a guaranteed buy for those names alone. Add to that the epic wait for this "next big thing", along with the creative upheavals behind the scenes and my curiosity would have made sure I picked it up. Those last two could very well have been its downfall however, but I'm happy to say my instincts were right, and Inhuman is a great first issue that sets up the new status quo using stellar writing and killer art. Definitely one of the best of the week for me.






Magneto #2
Marvel. Bunn, Walter, Bellaire.

First off: that cover by Chris Samnee is my favourite of the week; I'd love to see it on my wall. Onto the book and this is fast becoming a Buy on Sight book for me. Magneto's journey is a very personal one that drags his thoughts back to those dark days in Warsaw, and the lessons he learned back then are affecting his every decision today. Uncomfortable comparisons are made between him and the unlikeliest of evil men as he faces the monsters within on his quest to explore what it truly takes to be 'Protector of Mutantkind'. Magneto has always been a villain, killing untold thousands in his time and wiping whole cities off the face of the Earth, but never before has he been portrayed as so intimately barbaric. Truly gripping stuff.



Moon Knight #2
Marvel. Ellis, Shalvey, Bellaire.

God this book is amazing. Seriously. The page count flew by; I was utterly engrossed for like the 10 minutes it took to fly through it and now I want the next issue right now. The writing is gloriously simple, direct, lean. Not a second is wasted. Like Marc Spektor himself, the plot is to the point, flies into your life and gets the job done. In a very VERY competitive marketplace, Declan Shalvey's art and layouts ensure this stands head and shoulders above all of the rest. Forget your preconceptions of Moon Knight, forget what you think you know about the character or the title, forget that you have read bad versions before or never picked up an issue; buy this book.



She-Hulk #3
Marvel. Soule, Pulido, Vicente.


Was there any doubt this would be in my Best of the week?! Charles Soule is once again on top form, and for the second time this week mind you. The man is everywhere, not that I'm complaining. Smashing robots seems to be Jen's M.O these days, this issue its Doombots, and lots of them. In the quest to grant Dr Doom's son political asylum, She-Hulk must navigate a legal minefield and a crowded battlefield. Patsy Walker is again awesome, as is Javier Pulido's gorgeous art (6 double page spreads. 6!), and with a blink-and-you'll-miss it moment of foreshadowing involving Jen's newest paralegal Angie Huang this is a series that keeps knocking it out of the park.



Starlight #2
Image. Millar, Parlov.

I've not really kept up with Mark Millar's work over the last few years. In fact I think the last thing I read was issue 1 of Kick Ass 2, when it was printed in Millar's own Clint magazine. I think it's safe to say though that this is the best series I've read by him, and it will probably be remembered among his best work if it keeps up this quality. The premise of ageing superhero returning for one last hurrah isn't that original, in fact not many of Millar's works are, but it's always about what he does with that premise. The Flash Gordon style is definitely refreshing and I care about what happens to Duke. Definitely worth keeping an eye on, even if you only end up buying the trade.



The Punisher #4
Marvel. Edmonson, Gerads.

Marvel has knocked it out of the park this week. The next part of Frank Castle's LA Adventure (they really should call it that) is taking us further down the rabbit hole. There are more parties involved in this than initially revealed, each with their own agenda, and the wheels-within-wheels narrative is compelling. There's a flashback to the worst day in Frank's life as his synapses are literally being fried by Electro, and more of that great inner monologue that lets us peek behind the curtain of Castle's mind. Nathan Edmonson has a great set of books with this and Black Widow that, while entirely seperate, complement each other nicely. Another great read.




THE REST

Angel and Faith Season 10 #1
Dark Horse. Gischler, Conrad, Whedon.

Having just returned to this franchise with Buffy Season 10 #1 (find out what I thought of that here!) I thought I'd really jump on board with this issue too. In no way a bad issue, it shows the other side of Buffy's #1 and sets up the titular duo for interesting things. It just fell shy of being in The Best section because it relies a little more on prior knowledge of the previous season, and not the greatest jumping on point. not bad, just not the best.





Loki: Agent of Asgard #3
Marvel. Ewing, Garbett, Woodard.

Narrowly missing out on my Best list, this issue took the focus away from the young Loki and led the reader through the mists of Asgardian lore and told the tale of Sigurd, the ever glorious and his manipulation by the newly returned old Loki, whose motivations are still shrouded in lies. Suffice to say Gram, the sword young Loki obtained in the All-New Marvel Now Point One issue (ridiculous name) takes centre stage. The greatest moment that steals the whole book however is the brilliant way Loki dispatches of a giant fish. I'll say no more but it was surprising and hilarious. A solid issue, but I miss young Loki, so not as great as issues 1 and 2.




Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Prelude #1
Marvel. Abnett, Lanning, Alves, Clark, Ramos.

I always enjoy reading these prelude comics to movies, even if they are of varying quality. The four part prelude to the first of the new Star Trek movies was particularly good, and actually added to the movie experience. Time and context will tell if this will do the same for the upcoming Marvel feature, but the final team-up of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning was too good to resist. Was it a great comic? Not really. I still think it was a good read though for those eager to watch the film, and definitely a cut above some purely cash-grab affairs.





And that's it for another week! Marvel was the clear winner in my eyes, with a score of their newest books showing off what they're currently doing best; namely fantastic titles with a creator-owned feel that elevate the characters involved to heights they've previously never achieved. Throw in some brilliant indie books (including two surprisingly good debut issues) and you've got yourself an expensive (!) but unmissable week.

Until next time,
Matt

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