DC:
PICK OF THE WEEK:
Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #6
Written by: Jeff Lemire
Drawn by: Alberto Ponticelli
Story: Two things happen here. One is where Frankenstein and his team go to take out a quantum-powered super being from the Vietnam War. The other is Lady Frankenstein, Mazursky and Ray Palmer (yes that Ray Palmer) stopping a Humanid revolt in SHADE labs. If those don’t sound like fun story elements to you then you have no mind for fun. Lemire basically gets to go nuts with all of the crazy sci-fi concepts and what he does with them are awesome. Also, we get introduced to team of monsters at the end that I’m keeping a surprise.
Writing: Lemire writes in a bunch of crazy, weird things that keep the story going in out-of-it directions. Even though these are monsters, Lemire adds touches of humanity to his characters, especially in the relationship between Frankenstein and the Quantum monster. He also gives Velcoro, Griffith and Lady Frankenstein personalities while continuing to develop Ray Palmer and Father Time. Lemire is a master of his craft.
Artwork: Ponticelli’s art is required for a book like Frankenstein. After all, he has a crazy, outlandish style to match the story. He’s not good at facial expressions but he makes up for it with cool environments and highly detailed splash pages. 5/5
Batman and Robin#6
Written by: Peter Tomasi
Drawn by: Patrick Gleason
-The first issue of B&R wasn’t convincing as an arc started but since then Tomasi has gradually built up the arc and defined what the relationship between Bruce and Damian is like, and how it might evolve. The twist Damian pulls on Nobody is brilliant in this issue and even I didn’t see it coming. Tomasi gives Damian’s character multiple layers that will set up for more complex plot lines in the future. Gleason’s art is extremely simplistic but it is helped by the coloring and how dark this comic actually looks. I love it 4/5.
Batwoman #6
Written by: J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman
Drawn by: Amy Reeder
-Batwoman with Amy Reeder is more fun to read than William’s art even though I love both artists to pieces. I just honestly prefer Amy Reeder’s style is all. Her pages explode with detail and character work. Williams and Blackman’s writing builds towards a bigger mystery overall and what looks to be a fun, developing story. 4/5
Green Lantern #6
Written by: Geoff Johns
Drawn by: Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy
-Geoff Johns first arc felt like it only built up a small part of a larger story, as like most Geoff Johns books do. This issue, the beginning of the second arc, provides larger context on what’s happened and what is going to happen in future stories. I can happily say I’m invested in this book for the long run, something I would never say about a GL book in the past. Also, the guest art is really unique and fun to look at and I want to see more of it even though Mahnke is a better artist. 4/5
Superboy #6
Written by: Scott Lobdell
Drawn by: R.B. Silva and Rob Lean
-Superboy was good this week, I guess. I mean, nothing was technically wrong with this comic, but approximately 5 of the 15 pages featured any real movement or action going on. Most of this issue is Superboy talking to himself, Supergirl, and N.O.W.H.E.R.E. agents. Silva doesn’t get much to work with on the art department, but he does draw the action pieces fairly well. I just feel he got screwed out of drawing fun stuff. 3/5
Marvel:
PICK OF THE WEEK:
Incredible Hulk #5
Written by: Jason Aaron
Drawn by: Whilce Portacio
Story: The Hulk finally beats his way through radioactive animals and starts his fight with Banner. The fight scenes are particularly well done but the best part of the story was the reveal of who separated Bruce and Hulk and how he did it. ADAMANTIUM CHAINSAW
Writing: Jason Aaron is wonderful at writing Hulk, giving him a complex personality and plenty of character to spare. His Doom seems ultimately badass and he gives Bruce Banner the best parts of all. I seriously love the way he’s writing Banner right now, it just feels right for the character. The dialogue Aaron gives him is wonderful and shows how powerful he can be without Hulk.
Art: Portacio draws very similarly to Marc Silvestri but he brings his own style of thicker line art and bigger action. His facial expressions are really great as well. 4.5/5
Scarlet Spider #2
Written by: Christopher Yost
Drawn by: Ryan Stegman
-Yawn. Kaine is a character I have no vested interest in, Stegman’s art is boring, and Yost is the best part of Scarlet Spider. Everything else besides the writing is drab and uninteresting. It’s safe to say I won’t be picking up anymore of Scarlet Spider. 2/5
Secret Avengers #22
Written by: Rick Remender
Drawn by: Gabriel Hardman
-I like that Remender is writing Secret Avengers now, because now I have a reason to pick another Marvel book up. This book is damn good too. I mean I have a dislike for Captain Britain and too many nameless female characters (at least give them personalities), but Hawkeye, Ant-Man and Captain America are all very good and well-written. I can’t wait for Venom’s arrival next issue to inject some much needed life into this team. Hardman’s art is kind of fuzzy but it works well and is pleasing on the eyes except for the Iraq scenes. 3.5/5
Venom 13.1
Written by: Rick Remender
Drawn by: Lee Garbett
-this crossover is pretty good but not great and this issue deals with a nice antithesis concept that has underlying themes. Ghost Rider and Venom are obviously the main focus here but X-23 and Rulk get there time to shine. Remender leads towards future arcs with the Venom antithesis and the whole alcoholism thing. Garbett’s art is awful with the action scenes but he draws characters very well and is an artist to look for more of I’d say. 3.5/5
Image:
Severed #7
Written by: Scott Snyder
Drawn by: Attila Futaki
-Finally, Snyder’s little horror story ends but it also leaves things open for the future. The supernatural themes of the ending were shocking and almost floored my jaw. This was really a true horror story in every sense of the word and is very suspenseful and shocking. Futaki’s artistic realism also contributes to the creepy feel that permeates the book. Snyder has himself a masterpiece here, and this should be looked upon as a template for all future writers of horror books. 5/5
BOOM!:
Adventure Time #1
Written by: Ryan North
Drawn by: Shelli Paroline
-I thought this was a neat little exercise in surrealism based on a surrealist, fun TV show. Anybody who’s a fan of the show or who likes simple, light-hearted comics will enjoy this. 3.5/5