DC:
PICK OF THE WEEK
The Flash #6
Written by: Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato
Drawn by: Francis Manapul
Story: Flash comics before the relaunch were never my forte. I could never follow them and the whole timeline and cast seemed confusing. I did like Wally in the JLA Morrison books and some of Flashpoint’s Barry Allen, but other than that Flash was a whole new thing for me. I like the story presented here, because it gives a newbie like me (to Flash anyways) most of what I need to know. I also like this iteration of Captain Cold. He lives up to his name in personality and powers. Manapul and Buccellato know what they’re doing here.
Writing: Manapul and Buccellato seem to have a natural voice for mild-mannered Barry Allen and his cache of compatriots. The dialogue for Flash during his exchange with his girlfriend felt natural and well written. My only problem was that Captain Cold seemed kind of one-note and trite throughout his appearances.
Art: This is where the creative team really excels. Everything from the cover to the interior pages is a brilliant mix of highly creative art and explosive colors. The team really puts their skills to use here. I would check this out if only for the art. 4.5/5
Aquaman #6
Written by: Geoff Johns
Drawn by: Ivan Reis and Joe Prado
-What I like about Aquaman is that the stories keep an inherent silliness while building towards something serious and huge. Aquaman #6 does exactly that. It tells us a silly story about Mera while giving us details of her past and larger plots. Ivan Reis and Joe Prado do an excellent job on art, giving us lush details and huge action panels that really showcase the versatility of Mera’s water powers. 4/5
Green Lantern: New Guardians #6
Written by: Tony Bedard
Drawn by: Tyler Kirkham and Batt
-Bedard is dragging on this story longer than it needs to be as I find myself getting bored and exhausted with the lack of storytelling. The story is mostly big action and powering up and all of the classic tropes and clichés of television and comics. The star lantern Kyle Rayner barely even gets a spot. Kirkham’s art is decent if a bit lacking in structure and range. The whole book overall is pretty one note and cliché. 3/5
Justice League #6
Written by: Geoff Johns
Drawn by: Jim Lee
-League finally gives us John’s signature style instead of the movie blockbuster style of the past 5 issues. We get a cool fight sequence as well but the real draw here is the team development and Grant Morrison style badass moments. Cyborg in particular gets a very cool one. Lee’s art is again fantastic if a bit rushed with the backgrounds and the backup story with the mysterious new Pandora is very cool and provides story details for the future. 4/5
Justice League Dark #6
Written by: Peter Milligan
Drawn by: Mikel Janin
-Well the last arc was cool and all but I think I dig this issue way more than the past five issues. We start to see the characters hinting at being an actual team and we see some awesome standoffs between Constantine, Shade and Deadman. Zatanna even gets her moments in too and Xanadu isn’t quite as annoying as before. We still don’t have a lot on Mindwarp but that’s a minor issue at the moment. What’s solid here is the upcoming vampire arc setup and Janin’s creepy, post-realist art. JL Dark is one of the most consistent books on the map so far. 4/5
Teen Titans #6
Written by: Scott Lobdell
Drawn by: Brett Booth
-Lobdell finally gets past the Superboy story and while not a lot happens in this issue, we get the classic character interactions of past Teen Titans and we get a cool cameo by Virgil Hawkins a.k.a. Static Shock. He contributes a lot to the story and may be a future member of the team. Booth’s art is highly detailed but also messed up in the muscle detail and angular look of the faces. It makes for slightly off-putting art but it barely hinders the book. 3.5/5
Marvel:
PICK OF THE WEEK
Ultimate Spider-Man #7
Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
Drawn by: Chris Samnee
Story: Bendis’ story is becoming something bigger with Miles finding more of his identity and his abilities as Spider-Man. Bendis pretty much has him take over the role officially and it makes for great character development. Bendis isn’t great at everything, but his world-building abilities are unparalleled.
Writing: Bendis’ other unparalleled ability is his talent for witty and funny dialogue. His attempts at being serious just come off as hammy and overplayed. If USM were just a comedy book of Spider-Man stories, then Bendis would be perfect. But he lacks subtlety and flavor with his attempts at seriousness. However, most of this issue is humorous and gives us a good feel for the rest of the series.
Art: Samnee’s art is much better than the last artists but it still doesn’t match Pichelli’s work on the series. There are still some inherent problems like impossible body shapes and squinty faces, but the animated vibe it gives off is awesome.
Secret Avengers #23
Written by: Rick Remender
Drawn by: Gabriel Hardman
-Another half baked issue of Secret Avengers hooray. I honestly only get this now that Rick Remender is writing it because he’s one of my favorites at Marvel. His Venom is fantastic and completely worth your time. Unfortunately we only get the slightest of introductions to Venom joining this team and none of his actual butt-kicking. Remender’s problem is that he hasn’t built them as a team yet. Oh, and his Hawkeye and Cap are still dicks to everyone. He does however give Beast and Ant-Man a voice. Hardman’s art is blurry but easy to follow, but with a surreal quality. Secret Avengers needs to get better as a series I think. 3/5
Venom 13.3
Written by: Jeff Parker
Drawn by: Julian Tedesco
-Another .number issue of Venom, another 3 bucks out of my pocket. The sad thing is, this crossover story isn’t that good and it certainly doesn’t warrant 4 .number issues of a decent series bogged down by editorial. Parker doesn’t have the voice Remender gives these characters, nor does Tedesco have the same intricate art style that Moore has. Venom 13.3 is sub-par in every sense of the word. 2.5/5
Venom #13.4
Written by: Rick Remender
Drawn by: Lan Medina
-I’m so glad Remender is back on this as the quality has been sub-par for this event. Since I’m feeling lazy right now I will say a few things. Remender gets extremely poetic and shows off his talents, Medina’s art feels loose and natural, and the story is getting better towards the conclusion. 3.5/5
Image:
PICK OF THE WEEK
Chew #24
Written by: Jon Layman
Drawn by: Rob Guillory
Story: Major League Chew has been an absolutely crazy arc and Layman continues to build on his outrageous and hilarious story. He gives the characters distinctive mannerisms, actions and personalities that personify a sense of individuality. Chew does some absolutely nuts things, and this is one of those nuts things. I find it to be pretty awesome and fun overall.
Writing:
Art: Rob Guillory’s cartoony, indie-flavored art is easy on the eyes and good-looking. He’s great at giving the characters their own sense of style and personality which is so rare in comics these days. Guillory also draws some funny stuff in the background (look for the Paula Deen mockery during the butter scene.) 5/5
Prophet #22
Written by: Brandon Graham
Drawn by: Simon Roy
-Prophet has been okay so far, kind of nonsensical, but fun to read. There’s a huge gaping problem and it’s the lack of a coherent plot or storyline. So much has happened in only two issues that it feels empty and directionless. Graham’s lack of cohesion in the writing is another major problem to factor as well. Thought bubbles and narration are outdated storytelling devices Mr. Graham. Simon Roy is killing it on art and his work is always pleasant to look at and obsess over. 2.5/5