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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Review: Evil Empire #1

Boom! studios. Bemis, Getty

 

I enjoy coming into new series like this with little to no prior knowledge or expectations, or having read anyone else's reviews, and this time is no exception. I've not read Polarity, the previous series from writer and Say Anything frontman Max Bemis, nor have I seen any previous work of artist Ransom Getty, so I'm seriously flying blind here folks. That's why I love doing this blog though; it encourages me to read and think critically about stuff I wouldn't necessarily have read.

Onto Evil Empire #1 then, a book with a premise that one could say is not the most original - a world just like our own, except governed by the titular Evil Empire. Where this book attempts to break new ground however is the time period it's choosing to focus on. Rather than entering this story at the pretty cliched point where a rebellion against the empire is forming, this issue is taking you back to show the break down of a normal society and it's transformation into something dark, twisted, and wholly different from our own. What minute steps are taken along the way, that while seemingly not much on their own, all join hands and form a sinister chain of events to a unrecognisable society that's lost it's way? Would any of us even see it happening? Would anyone be able to prevent such a gradual change? While the plot of this inaugural issue takes a bleak turn, and the final page is brutal beat, it's difficult to see at this stage how it leads to the totalitarian state seen at the start of the book, and that I think is obviously the point.

"This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but with a whimper."

It's definitely caught my attention. The flash forward at the beginning of the book to exactly right now. Plus 25 years practically force feeds you the idea that this is not like your average dystopian tale; we're not overrun by apes, or controlled by machines in a false reality or dominated by a Death Star just yet; no, this is set exactly right now and is, I imagine, set to show us just how that future comes about. With heaps of allegory and political awareness thrown in for good measure.

Our companions on this journey are Reese Greenwood, self titled rebellious rock star out to make a difference in the world and fight the power, and Sam Duggins, Democratic leader on the Presidential campaign trail. Their paths cross when Duggins heads backstage after one of Reese's gigs and declares himself a big fan of her work, then cross again when a prominent political murder throws the country into disarray.

Bemis does a good job of starting off small but escalating the situation within the final few pages, and while the execution of 'this is like our society!! This could be us! This is how fragile our system is and how it will crumble!' may be a little heavy handed for some, I'm interested enough to see how the reported 16 issue maxi series pans out. Likewise the art is enjoyable - clear but not pedantically clean, there's room for a little rough around the edges within the panels, and the faces are very expressive.

The end result of the downfall in 25 years is laid out (albeit briefly and ambiguously) in the first few pages, so the reader knows where the book is heading, but this is a tale that's very much about the journey, and I'm on board for the ride.

7.5/10

 

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IndieAltRepeat

In my quest to overtake the internet I now write comic book reviews and articles for Gaming/Comics site IndieAltRepeat! They're a really cool site focusing on 'The Other Stuff', namely anything indie, alternative or retro, and definitely worth adding to your bookmarks!

 

You can find them here.

 

My first review for them is the first part of Valiant Comic's latest crossover Mission:Improbable, bringing Bloodshot and H.A.R.D corps head to head with Archer and Armstrong in the latter's issue #18. What did I think? Click here to find out!

Until next time,

Matt

 

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The Reading List: Comic Book Reviews for March 5th 2014

Welcome to The Reading List!

Here are my personal highlights of the comic books released this week.

If you've read my blog before I do lean towards Marvel/Image/Indie, so don't be surprised if you don't see many DC reviews on here.

Also: this is an open discussion of my personal thoughts on each issue as I've read them, therefore need I say...

HERE BE SPOILERS!

You have been warned.

Let's get started!

MARVEL

 

Captain America #18

Remender, Klein, White

 

First off, while I understand having a banner advert for the new Captain America movie on the front of the new Captain America comic would make sense in theory, anyone coming in new to this series expecting a feel for what to expect at the cinema is more than likely to be left a little confused. Unless I've seriously misinterpreted the trailers.

Part two of the Iron Nail story sees more Mindbubbles! Hooray? Nah I'm being too harsh, this issue was actually more fun than last time and less 'out there'. Again, anything to do with Dr Mindbubble is going to be wacky no matter how you look at it but they explain his origin here which makes him easier to take now he's in context. Cap is still reeling from his time in Dimension Z, debating where he truly calls home. It's a great development for his character but I still feel the whole concept will get dropped by the next writer, whoever and whenever that'll be.

I'm still loving Jet Black: she doesn't get much page time but what she does get is brilliant, going all Neeson on the Cyborg-in-Charge of Weapon Minus (that's 'Taken' era Neeson, not 'Love Actually' Neeson), and Falcon proves a formidable force here too.

The art is bold, crisp and on just the right side of cartoony given the bombastic visuals and zany villain, and likewise the colours are nice and bright too. Overall a good read.

7.5/10

Daredevil: Road Warrior #2

Waid, Krause, Kalisz

I'm really glad these infinite comics come out weekly, because this issue - the second following Matt Murdock's action packed cross country trip - is over way too quickly.

There's a lot to love, even if it's nowhere near long enough. Matt gets no closer to uncovering the mystery, but with a very cool chase sequence that shows off the Infinite style nicely (including a stunt that in no way should have worked) and as always the writing (Cocky Daredevil beats Dark Knight-Lite Daredevil any day) and the art are what really keeps me coming back. Just more of what you love basically!

8/10

 

Loki Agent of Asgard #2

Ewing, Garbett, Woodard

 

I'm loving this.

I could genuinely leave the review there but it'd be doing it a mis-service. Loki's new start (he's all about starting over don't you know) feels like just that: new. It's got a really fresh, vibrant feeling of...newy...newness. Don't worry old Journey into Mystery fans, there's still plenty of nods to Asgard's rich Marvel history here, as well as references to more current developments (I mean seriously, I had no idea how complex Loki's personal backstory is. That opening 'previously on' page is pretty eye opening).

For those of you who saw this week's Agents of Shield episode or have read any of the information about next week's, you may be wondering just who Lorelei is and how she fits into Thor's world. Never fear - Loki: Agent of Asgard is here! Really, just pick up this issue and you'll have everything you'll need going forward. There's also a bank heist, speed dating shenanigans and a fascinating new (hopefully recurring) character in Verity Willis to keep you entertained while you're here, and is a perfect foil for our God of Mischief.

Those fans who transferred over from Young Avengers won't be disappointed either: there's obviously sexy Young Adult Loki here (who apparently gets mistaken for Harry Styles?), but there's also the familiar sense of humour running through the backbone of the book ("She Heisted my Heart" is my favourite moment) and along with some great artwork - this is shaping up to be among my favourite books on the stands.

9/10

 

Magneto #1

Bunn, Walta, Bellaire

 

This is definitely a bold new direction for everyone's favourite mutant villain, although villain may not be the correct word for Magneto. Just what he is at heart - his identity, his very nature - takes focus front and centre in this brand new number one of Erik Lehnsherr's first ongoing spotlight.

The status quo is very much rooted in current continuity; taking a break from Scott Summer's new mutant revolution to start up a new crusade of his own, with Shield seemingly on his tail; however Magneto #1 does a great job of breaking off on its own so much that you don't need to read anything before coming into this. Another fresh start it seems.

And yet his past, present and future all come into question as he attempts to uncover just who he really is and what makes him matter. This journey, tied into his core quest to rid the world of anti-mutant monsters (by any means necessary it would seem), is what drives both him and this book going forward.

There's always been a spirit of man versus machine about this character; of organic vs non organic, nature vs man-made; but writer Bunn takes that concept and adds a horrifying body-shock element to the 'Big Bad' of this issue, evolving a classic villain to oppose the titular star in a way rarely seen before.

The art is vaguely reminiscent of Steve Dillon, and as such adds a realism to the world. With a gritty, grey palette this isn't the Magneto you're familiar with, and while I'm not personally a fan of his new look (I never saw him as being so stocky) there's no doubt that the main point is that there's still a lot to learn before we label Magneto as anything - hero or villain. Very nice series opener.

8.5/10

 

Moon Knight #1

Ellis, Shalvey, Bellaire

As someone who is not wholly familiar with the character let me tell you: this is a great introduction to Moon Knight. I've read some of the previous attempts to revamp this dark and complex creation, but not even the killer combination of Bendis and Maleev could convince me to stick around. This issue however has me hooked - for as long as they want to keep making them I'll keep picking them up.

For those daunted by Marc Spector's somewhat complex back-story, Warren Ellis simply and concisely catches you up to speed with a title page that ends with "He went completely insane, and disappeared. This is what happened next." Brilliant, and like that we're up to speed! There's a slightly more detailed biography given by someone (is that Norah from Spidey's world?) seemingly writing up a blog about him and talking to someone unknown which may or may not be important. Either way after that scene we're definitely up to date, and this is where the artwork really sings, telling you as much about Moon Knight as any written word. His image stands out uncoloured from the background of each panel. He's almost left sketched, barely even inked, like he's not all there (I get it), occupying the negative space and completely dominating your focus. It's genius. Along with frankly stunning layouts (watch for when MK descends to the sewers) and it's clear the art is the real winner here.

Don't dismiss the writing just yet though. There's a dark, ethereal ending to the issue that stays with you, and a tone throughout the book that, like Moon Knight himself, really stands out from anything else out there right now. Give this a read.

9/10

 

Night of the Living Deadpool #4

Bunn, Rosanas

 

Well, that is one truly bizarre ending to the series. I can genuinely say I didn't see that coming! Bunn brings his zombie mini-saga to a close with this, the fourth issue, and I think overall it was a success. I've said before that it brings enough new ideas to stand on its own as a competent piece of zombie fiction and not just another Deadpool miniseries.

This wasn't the strongest of the issues, but with the burden of other living souls removed from his life there's more room for the Merc with a Mouth to crack some extremely dark jokes, which do come thicker and faster than previous instalments. There was an odd tendency (only odd for the character, not the situation) for 'Pool to come across as a bit morose, but here he seems fairly resigned to his fate and as such shrugs off the guilt of his actions in issue 3 and treks off with Clarence (not all of him though) in search of a cure.

There's a great quote from It's a Wonderful Life, or a typically Wade Wilsonesque paraphrasing of one anyway (did they only name his companion Clarence for that one moment?) and aforementioned bizarre ending showing that Bunn has still got more to give when it comes to this character, as well as some great visual gags within the hordes of the undead (look out for Shaun of the Dead references, among what I'm sure are many others) proving that Ramon Rosanas has been pretty perfect for this series. Not a fan of Carnage so I'll be giving the next mini a miss, but if that's your thing then Deadpool vs Carnage is coming up soon.

7/10

 

The Punisher #3

Edmonson, Gerads

 

There's a real sense that Frank is in too deep here. As his investigations into the Dos Soles cartel run into a rather...electrifying...problem (come on, it's Electro. I know, spoilers, but it's practically on the cover!) and his supporting cast start to lose faith in the system they serve in favour of Castle's more extreme form of justice, you can't help but get caught up in the world and feel that the situation is not only in dire need of The Punisher, but very nearly past his help. Which begs the question: why the hell are all the superheroes all bunched up together in New York when there are cities like this begging for them??

Nathan Edmonson hopes to even that scale of course, although he's not making it easy for our titular star. It's not like he can web up his hands is it? The writing is spot on as usual, Castle's inner monologue runs through the book lets us into his head, and the colours are fantastic - it feels like each and every page is a different spectrum that you never thought you'd see in a Punisher title. Likewise you never thought you'd see Punisher in a hooded sweatshirt but that's in here too. So yeah. Lots to see and do folks!

8.5/10

 

She-Hulk #2

Soule, Pulido, Vicente

 

This is just a gorgeous book. I mean, look at those layouts! The colours! The frankly terrifying 2-page spread of Jennifer Walter's steely gaze!

Yep, It's She-Hulk #2 and following on from last issue's collapse of her previous life we see our heroine build a brand new one...except, it doesn't really get the amazing kick start she expects (when does it ever) so she does what anyone else would do and heads to a bar to drown her sorrows with a friend - in this case, Patsy Walker AKA Hellcat. For a character that has, I think, literally been around for longer than Marvel comics themselves, Patsy sure does bring fresh energy into an already energetic book, and is the definite highlight of this issue.

I've read my fair share of comics involving Hellcat, but I've never truly understood why she has that name until now. We all have that friend. That one friend that no matter how much you love them, you know that they're not entirely stable and have a tendency to surround themselves with trouble. Still - that combination usually makes for an entertaining night out, which is exactly what Shulky gets with her bestie.

There's more big robots, ambitious AIM goons, a 'non negotiable' office monkey, a completely gorgeous guided tour and absolutely no reason for you to not be picking this book up.

9/10

 

Uncanny X-Men #18

Bendis, Rudy, Staples

 

There are a lot of conversations that have been a long time coming in this issue, between many characters, all happening when Kitty and the All-New X-Men made the move from one school to another, explaining that it wasn't as smooth a transition as was laid out in previous issues. And why would it be? The baggage and grudges that each of these characters carry is enough to weigh down a Sentinel, but they go some way to airing their grievances throughout these pages.

Make no mistake though - this is a Scott Summers-centric issue. After all, his erratic powers permeate throughout the artwork, providing the border for almost every panel. He's got many deeds to answer for and a lot of pissed off X-Men to answer to, but I get the feeling this is just another step toward redemption for him (we've already seen him make some form of peace with Logan in a recent issue of Wolverine and the X-Men) and maybe an end to the Schism? Maybe?

As per usual, Bendis works his magic with the individual interactions, and though the Kitty/Scott and Jean/Scott moments are heavy, there are definitely some lighter moments - Emma's frankly ridiculous reaction to Kitty's presence (she is really cracking up) and older Scotts advice to his younger counterpart ("Stay away from Redheads") help break the tension.

While a great idea and visually striking, the execution of the art often made it hard to follow the plot, especially the action sequences. The facial rendering was very odd in places too, so all in all an uneven issue art wise.

One final point, regarding continuity. This issue cleverly deals with and gets around the current Trial of Jean Grey crossover happening elsewhere by placing the majority of the issue a few weeks ago. However. Cyclops mentions Kitty being lost in space (back in Joss Whedon's seminal run) was last year. Last year? I know, I know, I shouldn't let continuity get to me and the sliding time-scale is inevitable in order to squeeze over 50 years of comics into about 10 years their time, but are we meant to believe that everything from Fury's Secret War to today took place within 12 months? Eurgh, I know. I'll drop it.

7/10

 

Wolverine and the X-Men #1

Latour, Asrar, Silva

 

After a long wait we finally get back into the world of the Jean Grey school and- wait. It's only been a week?! Boy Marvel, you're really cranking them out!

For an issue as focused on the future (in particular the future of Quentin Quire) there are a lot of references to storylines past. Remender's Uncanny X-Force, Battle of the Atom, Uncanny Avengers, not to mention the previous volume of this very series. It's all par for the course for X-Men fans of course, but new readers enticed by the big number 1 on the front may be discouraged from picking up number 2 as most of the nuances of the characters would likely go over their head.

Nevertheless, as a continuation of the soap opera of their lives this is a great read. While missing the spark of comedy of Aaron's work Latour picks up the baton well and sets up a lot of personal drama as well as bigger plots that have me intrigued. The art is not as cartoony as someone like Bradshaw or Bachalo from volume 1's better arcs, but it's a fitting look for the series and the colours stand out from the page. A great start.

8/10

 

ARCHIE

 

Afterlife with Archie #4

Aquire-Sacasa, Francavilla, Morelli.

 

Good grief, this is intense. I can't imagine what it's like for true fans of the Archie universe, so invested in these characters they've probably loved since childhood, but even coming in blind like I am I can feel the pain coming off the page. This is the first time I've ever read anything involving Archie and the gang (I guess the Apple pie Americana never really translated as well across the pond) but after seeing the reviews for issue 1 and loving zombie books like I do I just had to pick it up. I imagine there are character beats that go over my head but for the most part you only need a basic understanding of the world to get stuck in.

Let me tell you: this is one of the finest zombie series I've ever read. Francavilla's art is atmospheric and visceral, and Aguire-Sacasa's plot is unflinching, unforgiving and frenetic.

As for this particular issue, well let me just say, you can put people in danger all you want, kill off any number of my favourite characters and I'll barely flinch. When it involves dogs however? That's it. I'm done. This issue? All the feels...

9/10

 

IMAGE

Velvet #4

Brubaker, Epting.

 

It's a cheap shorthand to refer to Bond when reviewing this book, but for the uninitiated this is what it is: what if Moneypenny was secretly as badass as the man himself, and more, what if she was framed for his murder?

This is what faces Velvet, the protagonist of Brubaker's latest crime series. If you've read any of his previous work on Image or even his Captain America run you'll know his style is deep, intricate espionage thrillers and this is a perfect example of a team at their best.

There's not much to say about the specific plot of this issue that would make sense to anyone not reading, but as she follows the trail of breadcrumbs to find X-14's true killer by tracking his last known actions, Velvet is drawn to the Carnival of Fools and an ex-KGB rogue.

Steve Epting is a personal favourite of mine and no stranger to fans of Brubaker, and it's safe to say he's having a great time on this series. His expressions are easy to read, his backgrounds crisp and real, and the layouts during the action scenes are brutal like Bourne - up close and dirty. As the lady says herself "It's desperate. Ugly". Definitely a highlight of the week.

9/10

 

VALIANT

Quantum and Woody: Goat #0

Asmus, Fowler, Passalaqua

 

You seriously won't find a funnier book on the market right now. Answering 'public demand' Valiant have knocked it up a notch with this issue focusing on standout sidekick of the decade (move aside, Damian Wayne)...GOAT!

Really, only Quantum and Woody could get away with a book like this. Simultaneously mocking Valiant's 'Zero Issue' format they've carried out relatively successfully across their whole line, while also elevating said format to new heights, this issue is standalone proof that if you want genuine comic book originality and humour, QaW has got your back. With some hilarious concepts like Thunder Moist energy drinks ("Shoot the Moist!!!") and 'Like a Xerox that poops: Cloning and the Animal Kingdom', and a final page twist that is as unexpected as it is genius, you should be reading this book. Seriously, you don't need to play catch up; this achieves what other issue zeroes have lacked and gives you a brilliant introduction to the title. I 'kid' you not (sorry), 'ewe' (again) won't be disappointed.

8.5/10

 

And that's it for this week!

 

Until next time,

Matt

 

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In Depth: Fantastic 4 #1

Marvel. Robinson, Kirk, Kesel, Arburtov.

Fantastic Four was the first Marvel comic I ever read, many many years ago, and I'm not ashamed to admit I absolutely love Marvel's First Family. There's something about their adventures that just seem so thrilling. Maybe it's because when I read this title I'm instantly transported back to my youth (a simpler time. Sigh.) but I still get that sense of excitement, like anything could happen. They're the team that can go anywhere; can see and do everything. So why is it so hard to get them right?

The dynamic of the Fantastic Four is solid. They're a family first, explorers second (or Imaginauts if you will) and superheroes third. The mother and father figures (Sue and Reed) and the children (Johnny, Ben and the actual kids - Franklin, Valeria and lately the Future Foundation) are strongest when they're a team; in their time taking on everyone from Doctor Doom to Galactus with a catchphrase and handy invention or two. 

There have been some great runs on FF. Amongst my favourites (and indeed many fan favourites) are: John Byrne, Mark Waid, Stan and Jack (obviously) and most recently Jonathan Hickman. I'd add Chris Claremont in here too, as his was the run that got me into the F4 to begin with. Hickman most of all wasn't afraid to delve into the wider landscape of the Marvel cosmic universe, a universe that had its genesis in the pages of this very title. His run has come very close to being a real favourite and certainly the best in recent years. 

With the good inevitably come the bad though, and this is why I say they're a tricky team to get right. Every book has its ups and downs, but the Fantastic Four have had some amazing writers produce some below average results. I love Mark Millar. I love Matt Fraction. I love J. Michael Straczinski. All three of these however have, in my eyes, not managed to capture what is amazing about this book. Fraction was the last curator of this series and I have to admit it's the first time I've dropped off the book since I started reading all those years ago. 

So you can see why I'm approaching this new chapter, by James Robinson, with a little caution. I've not read any of Robinson's previous work for DC; I read his chapters of Heroes Reborn but that was a long time ago. I did however pick up All-New Invaders, his first work for Marvel since returning and I wasn't overly impressed. Even more reason to be cautious then. 

Thankfully, I needn't have worried. Fantastic 4 #1 was an enjoyble read. It took me a moment to catch up on the staus quo following the issues I skipped, but I'm happy to say Robinson gives the run a brief mention before getting on with making his own mark. This is mostly an issue that focuses on the family, where they are now and what's next for them; a day in the life if you will, and one that in Sue's words, was 'a good one, all in all'. The framing narrative and final page is enough to prove that it's not meant to last though, but I think it's important that the staus quo is introduced this way - we get a 'norm' for the family (if that can ever be such a thing for them) because as the title of the story explicit tells us, it won't be very long before it's all torn down around them.

Reading up on James Robinson for this review I've read a few people commenting on his style, most notably that his work (especially on Earth 2) tends to mine the back history of a title in order to tell new versions of past storylines. While I can't personally comment on it, that is essentially the premise of his All-New Invaders series, so maybe there is some truth to it. I think someone could do a lot worse than to dig through the FF's back catalogue for ideas, after all they have such a diverse and rich history that someone like that would have an absolute field day, but I hope he's not afraid to create something new also. Matter of fact, the reason there is such a rich history in this title (and indeed thanks to that, the Marvel Universe as a whole) is because of Stan and Jack's wild, almost hedonistic streak of original ideas. The Fantastic four is the perfect platform for exploring strange new worlds and meeting every type of exotic alien. The spirit of Dan Slott's new Silver Surfer book (again, originally from the FF title) looks set to take full advantage of that spirit, if also taking a detour via Doctor Who...

Leonard Kirk's artwork on this is great; just enough of a more cartoony style in the action scenes, while still maintaining that realistic weight that adds to the melodrama of the family dynamic. The panel where the Thing manages to utter his most famous catchphrase while hurling Fin Fang Foom backwards with a single punch made me very excited indeed. The facial expressions are a little off in places but the composition of the page more than makes up for it. Arburtov's colours are bright and bold, just what the FF needs. I can't say I love the new uniform colour but it may grow on me in time.

I always love the Fantastic Four when they're the centre of the Marvel Universe. I like when they interact with other heroes, whether they walk the streets of Manhattan or the spaceways of the Negative Zone. The fact that this issue contains a classic villain like Fin Fang Foom, as well as appearances from new Nick Fury, the Future Foundation, a mention of S.W.O.R.D and a welcome return of Alicia Masters gives me the sense that this volume of the FF will be firmly rooted in the centre of the 616, as they should be. For the first time in a while I'm really looking forward to the next issue of Fantastic Four.

8.5/10

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