ComicCritic87’s Monthly Comic Selects
Month of February 2012
Greetings friends, this starts the return of the monthly comic picks, now being called Monthly Comic Selects. This is a redesign of my prior contributions with a great reviewer, Weedbeater. This was always a fun article to do, looking back on the month of comic readings, seeing which of them can be reads worth looking back on and reading once again. Unlike my weekly reviews, this series of reviews will be focused on not just Marvel and DC, in the recent months I have been expanding my gaze of the comic book realm. I’m looking at other companies and seeing what they have to offer, be it IDW, Dynamite, Dark Horse, or any other (excluding Image. I still standby my views on Image). Another aspect is that each week of selects won’t be just a single comic; it will be at least 3 comics if I see them worthy to consider a “Select”. With all that said, let us begin the return to the monthly reviews.
Week #1- 2/1/12
DC Comics
Swamp Thing #6
Written by Scott Snyder
Artwork by Marco Rudy
Story: Abigail becomes possessed and fuses with the Rot, soon to be transformed into the Queen of the Rot, while Alec now accepts his destiny to become the Green’s champion but it’s for not as the Green is dying and Alec is stabbed in the back.
Review: This is the “S*&t just got real” issue. This is the moment where all things collapse for our hero. He loses the “love” of his life, the very thing that brought him back has been destroyed, and now he cannot stop what is coming. This is also one very weird and creepy issue too. Abigail getting licked by her younger brother, as she is being fused to the Rot is one very disturbing moment. The downfall of the Green and the rise of the Rot leaves us on such a cliffhanger that I cannot wait to see where this series is going.
Writing: Scott Snyder is one extremely talented writer; he is a powerhouse of the new 52 comics. His run right now on Batman is one of the most beautiful runs I have ever seen in any comic book. Now with his new take on Swamp Thing he has taken a character that was full of many continuity issues, he has stripped all that away and focuses on the man behind the thing. Alec Holland has been out of the spotlight since the very first issue where he dies and becomes Swamp Thing (IDK if he ever came back prior to the Brightest Day). Scott Snyder creates his own version of Alec Holland, he has a real personality, he is flawed, and he has likes and dislikes. We see Alec running away from his “destiny” trying to live a normal life, trying to forget his past as a creature but has now embraced it once everything goes to hell.
Artwork: The change with artists in this series, while it can be a bit disjointed but it keeps its consistency with how strange, dark, and very creepy. The artist Marco Rudy keeps the style similar to what Paquette has been giving us from the beginning. The look and style of the characters are well drawn, especially with the creatures of the Rot and having Abigail fused into the Rot.
Summary: The biggest turning point with this series, very dark and creepy in both writing and drawing style.
Grade: A+
IDW Comics
Infes2ation- Transformers #1
Written by Chuck Dixon
Artwork by Guido Guidi
Story: Taking place in the 19th century, a group of sleeping Decipticon’s are awaken by the mysterious force of the Old ones, fusing with them to become stronger than ever and lead an invading force on the surface. Meanwhile the Autobots team up with a human ally to reawaken Optimus Prime.
Review: Well this is the first of the spin-off books of the second massive event of IDW’s Infes2ation and it was a really fun read. This is somewhat of a sequel to a mini-series called TRANSFORMERS: EVOLUTIONS- HEARTS OF STEEL. Thankfully this series doesn’t require the newcomer like me; it keeps the focus on the story at hand. The battle between the autobots and the decipticons has taken quite an amazing turn, now including the mythos of Cthulu. The characters are well rounded and the action beats were pretty fun, miles better than any Michael Bay story.
Writing: The writer Chuck Dixon, is a talented writer having worked in the EXTREME era of the 90s, has worked with DC and Marvel comics, so while I haven’t read any of his works but given that amount of talent behind him has come quite a prolific writer. He has written the prior story to this as I mentioned above so he knows these characters in this era quite well. He truly grasps the Transformers just like the way of the 80s; they stick to their personalities and quirks really well.
Artwork: The artist, Guido Guidi (that’s one very Italian name) is a huge
Transformers fan and has done many amazing fan art and became a primary artist for ALL HAIL MEGATRON (Which I highly recommend to read). His designs of the Transformers is AMAZING, he draws them way much better than any other artist.
Summary: A pretty fun read; follow it all if you too are invested in the Infes2ation story. The writing and artwork is well done, a true fans comic.
Grade: B+
Week #2- 2/8/12
Dark Horse Comics
Conan the Barbarian #1- Queen of the Black Coast part 1
Written by Brian Wood
Artwork by Becky Cloonan
Story: The tale of a young Conan joining up with a trading vessel and hearing of a demonic woman ruling a large chunk of the ocean.
Review: I’m slightly new to the phenomenon to Conan the Barbarian, I have seen the original 80s movie as well as the recent remake (both were enjoyable in their own ways), so when I saw that they are creating a new “jumping on” comic for the character I decided to give it a look. I really liked this story a lot. This is a great way to be introduced into the character of Conan. It’s fun and simplistic at the same time, and I mean that in a good way. The story doesn’t hammer any new readers with the continuity or lore of the character, it tells us who he is, where he is from, and what he is searching for. The story is small on the action but it does make up for it with serviceable dialogue, giving us some insight into this world and its beliefs (they reference the cult of set from the first movie). Its easily one of the most accessible comics around, be sure to check it out if you already aren’t.
Writing: Brian Wood is a prolific writer, contributing to many different genres of comics, even working on an episode of Star Trek Generations. He does a great job writing for this character. He adds in a narration that gives us a sense that this story has already taken place and we are being told this experience in a young Conan’s life, I actually like that method. The dialogue keeps true to the way ancient pre-medieval people would talk like, even with Conan speaking in a smarter tone, like he has traveled far and learned a lot leading up to this.
Artwork: I really dig this art style by Becky Cloonan. I like when female artists get a chance to create and draw these characters (Amanda Conner being one of the best working today). This version of Conan isn’t the big, bulky, and caveman like version that has been used time and time again. This version appears to be more along the lines of John Carter of Mars (an interesting comparison I suppose). The Queen of the Black coast is one of the best designed females around, the description of her matches perfectly, she doesn’t look like a real threat but looks can be deceiving.
Summary: A really great series, I was blown away by it, totally worth checking out.
Grade: A-
Week #3- 2/15/12
DC Comics
Batman #6
Written by Scott Snyder
Artwork by Greg Capullo
Story: The griping conclusion from issue #5 sees Batman finally seeing the entire court of owls as he gets battered and bruised beyond his limitations. He finally has enough of it and fights back, defeating Talon and finally escapes his labyrinthine prison.
Review: Although this is one amazing issue it doesn’t hold a candle to issue #5, it was really hard to top what Snyder has done with this character and series. This is most easily the best incarnation of the character and his world, this is tops the Dark Knight Returns and the Killing Joke. Seeing Batman being able to overcome such destruction to his own body and fighting back, facing his fear of owls once and for all.
Writing: Scott Snyder is just amazing with this writing, he creates the best interpretation of Batman, combining the best of all various forms that took the dark and gothic aspects and meshed them seamlessly into this Batman.
Artwork: The artwork of Capullo’s is very befitting to the characters, locations, and has a dark style to it. The fight scene is vaguely reminiscent to Frank Miller artwork in the 80s.
Summary: While not topping issue 5 this is a great continuation of this epic story arc they are telling. The writing and artwork are some of the best I have seen for any comic out there.
Grade: A
IDW
Transformers: More than Meets the Eye #2
Written by James Roberts
Artwork by Alex Milne
Story: The crew searches for the lost members during the space warp. They are on a mysterious planet where one Autobot with Amnesia begins to remember parts of his life and battles giant sword wielding robots. Rodimus tells the crew both good and bad news as they come up with a new name for themselves, the Crusadercons.
Review: I have made mention that for me to really stay on with a series; issue two has to be the selling point. Issue one is the setup, while issue two has to be the payoff and thankfully this issue 2 pays off really well. This is a very light hearted action/adventure series, it has a nice amount of characters that they introduce to new readers like myself and still keeps original readers to enjoy it as well. The action beats are well placed and not the main set pieces. This is a character driven story, this is something Michael Bay should look into some time.
Writing: James Roberts writes these characters really well, they all have fun personalities and he is able to mix comedy and drama really well.
Artwork: I love this artwork, I like the style Milne’s art gives these characters. As I mentioned with the first issue, we have a nice pooling of the various incarnations of the characters and placed into one single medium.
Summary: A solid issue that is showing us some great potential for the characters and series. The writing is well done and the artwork is amazing.
Grade: A
Marvel
Thunderbolts #170
Written by Jeff Parker
Artwork by Kev Walker
Story: The team is freed from the prison thanks to Ghost. They begin to fight their way out of Camelot. Troll takes control of a Dragon while Satana peeks into Merlin’s powerful Crystal ball. They make their full escape and meet up with Merlin, who knows of the travels they have been on. He tells them that Moonstone has the piece that can send them back to the proper time. They do so but they end up a few years too early, meeting up with the original Thunderbolts.
Review: I have loved this series since I jumped onto it and since then it’s been one great ride, this time traveling arc has been fantastic and it continues to impress. The characters are consistent and really fun with their interactions with one another. The conclusion does have a great payoff that we are about to see a clash between the original and current Thunderbolt rosters.
Writing: Parker has done a fantastic job with this series and these characters. Adding in Arthurian legend and mythology is a great spice to it all.
Artwork: Kev Walker does an amazing job with these characters, each one fully diverse with their outfits and style, he even gives the 90s version a great look as well.
Summary: One of the best team books Marvel has going for it. The writing and artwork is a perfect match.
Grade: A-
Week 4- 2/22/12
DC Comics
Teen Titans #6
Written by Scott Lobdell
Artwork by Brett Booth
Story: The team survives the first battle with Superboy, the only one truly damaged from it was Kid Flash, who can’t overcome his powers from going haywire. Red Robin decides to look into the help of a friend not far from their location, that friend is Virgil Hawkins. Tim and Virgil discuss what they can do to help Kid Flash, meanwhile the others get attacked by a mysterious meta-human that controls Skitter. Kid Flash is safe from his unstable powers thanks to his new suit.
Review: This series has been pretty stellar so far to me. It has better pacing than most DC team books, the characters are all well-defined and interact greatly with one another, and there is a growing sense of chemistry amongst some members. This issue had one of the better cameos with Virgil coming in as guest character minus his Static shock persona. The new villain was interesting but he only lasts for a single issue, we get a quick intro to what he can do then he is quickly defeated. The team is nearly complete; I cannot wait to see where it goes from here.
Writing: Scott Lobdell is one great writer; he gives each character great personalities.
Artwork: The art has been top notch with this series, I like the way the characters look with their outfits.
Summary: A well done issue with both writing and artwork. Check it out
Grade: A-
2/29/12
DC Comics
Justice League #6
Written by Geoff Johns
Artwork by Jim Lee
Story: The team finishes the battle with the powerful Darkseid and unites in front of the world as the Justice League.
Review: A pretty solid first arc ending but the inclusion of Darkseid was a mixed bag in my opinion. He is a force that can greatly bring together all the heroes to stop….BUT they made out to be a giant brute, not the powerful god like being he is truly known as. Overall it was a good first arc; I cannot wait to see what they got in store for the new team.
Artwork: Jim Lee’s art is just pure amazing; the look and designs of the characters are really well done.
Summray: Good but flawed
Grade: B+
Well that’s all for this month. I hope you all check this out some time soon. I will try to get back on track with my reviews; Work is taking over my Wednesdays again. Catch you all later