ComicCritic87’s weekly comic book reviews
Comics of 2/8/12
Hey there friends and fellow comic lovers. I missed out on last week, don’t get me wrong, I really liked last week’s releases. Each one was a joy to read; they were pretty much limited in which I felt was the top pick of the week. So to make that up, I will be doing a redesign of my previous contributions with Weedbeater Top picks of the month. This is like the prior week; this is one of the smaller weeks of reads, so this will be pretty quick and simple reviews....lets begin
Comic List
Dark Horse Comics
Conan the Barbarian #1
DC Comics
Demon Knights #6
IDW
Magic the Gathering #1
Marvel Comics
Incredible Hulk #5
Journey into Mystery #634
Scarlet Spider #2
Venom 13.1
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-
DC Comics
Demon Knights #6: The team continues to hold up in the village as it gets under attacked more by the evil queen. A pretty solid issue but not worthy of being a top pick of the week this time, but it should still be checked out if your following. The writing and artwork continues to be solid and well done. B+
IDW Comics
Magic The Gathering #1: A treasure hunter gets caught up in something greater than him. A pretty interesting read, it’s not good but it’s not bad either, I would call it mediocre at best. The writing was pretty good and the artwork was a bit hit and miss to me. C-
Marvel Comics
Top Pick of the Week
Incredible Hulk #5
Written by Jason Aaron
Artwork by Whilce Portacio
Story: We finally see who separated Hulk and Banner…..DR DOOM but it costs him a hefty fee. Hulk continues to fight off all the hulk animals, eventually striking a deal with them to let him free and he can return them to normal. Meanwhile the girl Doom battles Banner but he overpowers her two assistances. Eventually Hulk and Banner finally meet for the final battle.
Review: This is one really awesome series. I was somewhat disappointed by the reveal of who removed Banner and Hulk from one another but it eventually grew on me and it was pretty cool (Chainsaw blade made of Adamantium…..EPIC). The moments with Doom and Hulk were interesting seeing the monster making a deal with a villain who wanted to prove he is the best around. The various fights with the hulk animals were awesome; especially when he fights a hulk monkey (it throws green poop too.lol.). The other humans that hunt mad scientists are pretty interesting but easily one of the weaker aspects of the story.
Writing: Jason Aaron is pure awesome, he makes each character he takes over really awesome and an extreme bad-ass.
Artwork: The art by Portacio is really great, the look of feel of each character has a unique style to them.
Summary: Awesome series, the characters are great and the artwork is top notch.
Grade: A-
Marvel Quick Reviews
Journey into Mystery #634: Loki discovers that he has a power that Nightmare wants badly. Another solid issue with amazing writing and great artwork. A-
Scarlet Spider #2: Kaine goes back to the hospital and saves the girl. He is hailed a hero and decides to stay in Houston for the time being. A sweet and awesome series, a total departure of the Dan Slott Spider-man style of hero, Yost does great writing and Stegman’s art is great. A-
Venom #13.1: The four anti-heroes each battle their opposite only to get taken out with ease. Female Ghost Rider is the first to overcome hers. An okay issue, it’s a pretty weak premise of a story but I can’t stop reading it to see its conclusion. Writing and Artwork are both serviceable. C+
Well that’s all for this week. Next week is week 3 aka double digit week. Got a lot worth reading then, catch you all later.