Action Comics #18
Rating: ★★★1/2
Action Comics #18 marks the end of Grant Morrison’s epic Superman run. This series has received mixed feedback, and although I think it’s had its share of low-points, I’ve enjoyed the series overall and have been anticipating this concluding issue. And although #18 also has its share of problems, it definitely serves as a satisfying ending to this story. If there’s one thing Grant Morrison deserves credit for, it’s knowing where he wants his story to go years in advance. Whether he’s writing Action Comics or Batman Incorporated, Morrison has a definitive story he wants to tell and he knows where it’s going to go even if it takes years to get there. Unfortunately, there are some problems with this issue that prevent it from being as good as it could have been. Characters such as Lex Luthor feel neglected in this issue, and not all of Morrison’s puzzle pieces fit together perfectly. Upon closer inspection, the issue clearly has flaws, like many issues in the series. But once again, the issue is saved by Rags Morales’ magnificent artwork and Morrison’s roller-coaster dialogue. Although Action Comics #18 isn’t the perfect conclusion, it will likely please fans of the series so far.
Indestructible Hulk #5
Rating: ★★★★
I’ve been really enjoying Mark Waid’s Indestructible Hulk so far. I think Hulk is being taken in a very interesting direction with the Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. storyline and things only get more interesting in #5 as Hulk must battle the forces of Atlantean Warlord Attuma alongside an army of rebels. Although at first the whole idea of Hulk fighting in an Atlantean war seemed out-of-place and a little ridiculous to me, I was quickly sold on the idea thanks to Leinil Yu’s artwork and the introduction of some great new characters such as Mara and Canor, both of whom I hope we’ll see again soon. Leinil Yu outdoes himself here with some beautiful artwork in the underwater sections of the comic. Some of the character detail also really stands out here. There have been mixed reactions to Hulk’s look in this series, but I love the fact that Hulk and Bruce Banner actually look very much alike, instead of him transforming into something that doesn’t look at all human. Overall, I really like where this series is going and I’m very interested to see next month’s crossover with Thor and the Frost Giants.
Superior Spider-Man #6
Rating: ★★★1/2
I have had very mixed feelings about Dan Slott’s Superior Spider-Man so far. Slott has taken Spider-Man in some very bold directions such as killing Massacre in #5, or nearly beating Vulture to death in #3. And I’ve said before that even if you don’t like what he writes, you’ve got to give props to Dan Slott for writing such bold and unapologetic stories. He isn’t afraid to take things to the next level, and sometimes it pays off. The same goes for #6 which introduces pranksters Jester and Screwball, who show up to wreak havoc by telling bad jokes, throwing pies, and to de-pants politicians. What really interests me in this issue is seeing Otto take things too far when fighting criminals like Jester and Screwball, causing others to begin to see through him. People are starting to notice some very extreme changes in Spider-Man’s behaviour and his methods. The last pages of this issue are also very dark. We see some very interesting juxtaposition here. These pranksters, Jester and Screwball, aren’t super villains, they’re just a couple of kids messing around and playing tricks. But the Superior Spider-Man treats them like any other member of his rogues gallery, and hands out some swift justice. The last page reveals that he may have gone too far. Dan Slott shocks us again with another bold and this time incredibly dark twist. This is something that will have consequences for Spider-Man, no matter who’s wearing his mask.
All-New X-Men #9
Rating: ★★★★1/2
I love All-New X-Men. In just a few months it’s become one of my favourite comics and manages to surprise me every issue. I’m happy to say #9 is no different, if anything it’s one of the better issues of the series so far. We see Kitty Pryde training the original X-Men and introducing them to such threats as the Sentinels. It’s in this sequence that Stuart Immonen (and whoever else is to thank for such gorgeous artwork) truly blows it out of the water with his artwork. This issue is glowing with the bright lights of Times Square, the colourful but still gritty look of the Sentinels, and the dazzling colours of the X-Men all coming together as one feast for the eyes. But the artwork isn’t even the best thing about this issue. There’s still some great character development to be seen here, and plenty of surprises. The last page, for example, took me completely by surprise, and makes me more excited than I ever was for #10 (and I was already pretty damn excited!). I love where this series and its characters are headed and I can’t wait to see what surprises are in store for us next!
"Wait... Isn't that the blue chick from Avatar?"
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