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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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: She-Hulk #1

(Marvel. Charles Soule, Javier Pulido, Munsta Vicente)

If you need an example of the current state of Marvel Comics, you need look no further than She-Hulk #1. It follows the current trend of showing the audience an intimate look at the life of their favourite superheroes when they're busy not being superheroes. I say following a trend in the loosest possible sense, because every one of the books that could be on that list (Hawkeye most successfully, and Black Widow more recently) are so unique as to almost defy classification.

Enough about what this means for the wider world though, let's do what the book itself does and look closer at Jen Walters. This inaugural issue picks up her life as she goes through what starts off as a normal day, but quickly changes into one much more significant for Shulky; from a heated "you can't fire me I quit" moment (don't worry, there's nowhere near as cliche a line as that in here) through an at times frustrating case (for Jen anyway) involving the estate of a deceased D-list villain (something for the history buffs there), a courtroom runaround, a killer robot and - hardest of all - Tony Starks legal department. Here's where the real joy for me lay. The scene on the eighteenth floor made me chuckle, where Tony's legal aid - or should I say Charles Soule - attempts to recant the entire murky history of Stark Enterprises/Industries/Resilient/WHATever. It's genius, for no more reason than I simply didn't think it could be done. But it says something that it took someone with a real life law degree to wrestle that particular continuity beast, and the end result was a delight. Evan that battlefield is more approachable than the stoic Legal however ("I am neither bad nor good. I am simply legal").

The story wraps up nicely and sets Jen up on a new path, while simultaneously enticing us back for more. It would be easy to compare this to the recent changes happening in Daredevil, and indeed that series as a whole, but while the spirit is the same, the brilliant uniqueness of Soule's Walters clearly sets it apart.

What Charles Soule does is not only breathe new life into She-Hulk but instantly makes her relatable, interesting and real. And Javier Pulido's work has never been more engaging. The expressions are a particular joy, with Jen's look of smug satisfaction as she leaves Iron Man's office being a real highlight. It would be a disservice to omit the talent of Munsta Vicente also who brings each page alive with a wonderfully bright palette (and Jen's underpants being that familiar shade of purple was a great idea too, if only seen in the briefest of flashes).

It's the first time I'm eager to read what's next for Bruce Banner's cousin; as the end of the issue begins a brand new chapter for the title character, I'm eager to follow her and see what'll happen on the next average day in the life of She-Hulk.

Verdict: 

A must-read. The future of Marvel is in safe hands with books like this; a genuinely unique and likeable lead, ably crafted by an excellent team, means I can't wait for issue 2.

Score:

9.5/10

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