Hey all and welcome to another round of my weekly comic reviews. We got another huge week of issues and this was another solid week. As mentioned I picked up yet another new series to my reviews, and that title is Batman and Robin. Now I read the first volume and I loved the story and the fresh take Grayson gives as Batman and Damien is a cool and much tougher robin. Don't let what I promote with brightest day being bad or weak, you will see what I mean in a bit. Today's offerings are Batman and Robin #13, Brightest Day #6, Green Lantern #56, Secret Avengers #3, Thor #612, Thor: The Mighty Avenger #2, and Wonder Woman #601. With that lets get started with the latest edition to my comics Batman and Robin #13
Batman and Robin #13- This to me feels like a good jumping on point in the story. Its the first part of a 2 parter, so I didn't miss any previous continuity with the story. Having read the first Volume, I do have some knowledge of some of the characters they make mention. The story begins with what appears to be an alternate history where Thomas Wayne survived the night of his death, We find Batman and Robin tied up as Thomas explains how he's gonna ruin and corrupt Gotham, he then shoots Grayson in th back of the head.....THREE DAYS prior to this, Batman and Robin confront the Joker about a mysterious clue set up about domino's and how the Joker started it off and it won't end. The joker warns them of the trouble that lies ahead but they doubt what he says is true as Batman takes Gordon to the Bat bunker and learns of a devastating virus about to plague Gotham. Robin however is dealing with the Joker and smacks the Joker with a steel crowbar. The issue ends with Gordon and Bats surrounded by Dollotrons. I actually enjoyed this issue, I was sorta doubting myself considering I jumped in at a funny point only read the beginning of the series but I really enjoyed the plot, story and the intrigue this title has. I love the artwork in this issue. It has a lifelike look to it, but nowhere near Ross, but still pretty good. I hope to catch on quicker with the next issue, for now this issue gets a B+
Brightest Day #6- FINALLY this issue came out in my comic shop, it was short supplied last week and had to wait. So this issue begins with a creature after Martian Manhunter, killing people as he goes. J'onn discovers he has a strange death touch to plant life but not to human or animal. Mera tells Aquaman her true mission and who were those people that are after them. Firestorm saves a man from a bubblegum crane and discover theres another person inside them. Deadman is still dealing with Hawk and Dove with a black lantern premonition. No Hawkman or woman seen in this issue. The issue ends with J'onn finding M'gann in Australia. Its good to see Johns focusing on a few characters from issue to issue and mixes them up each time. While we still have yet to see any of the villains in it but we still got plenty of issues left. The art is spot on as always. This issue get an A-
Green Lantern #56- The issue deals heavily with Hector Hammond and how he gets free by a mysterious benefactor. He goes off in search for the Orange Battery Lantern. Meanwhile Hal finds Larfleeze and his corps collecting up a bunch of things from around town. Larfleeze says he is writing a huge list for Santa Claus. Hector meets up and steals the battery lantern as Lar and Hal fight him off. Hammond is then changed with the help of the Orange entity. This was a good yet strange issue, it feels very split to me. I like the interaction with Larfleeze and seeing Hal trying to talk with an alien who thinks all stuff is his, is really funny. However the Hammond angle feels off for some reason. I don't like the way this character acts. I know he's jealous of others for being human but the aspect of him wanting to have Hal's life and be with Carol is well....kinda weird...at least from my POV. Still this is a good issue and has a cool set-up for whats next to come. I give it a B+
Secret Avengers #3- This series is getting more and more interesting by the minute. The issue begins with cowboys. It then cuts back to the story on Mars where Nova takes out Black Widow, Moon Knight, and Val. Meanwhile Rogers and Beast fight off a mysterious creature who says he is designed and built by the Watchers to stop the destruction of Mars, which if does, will unleash an alien that will destroy the universe. The Nick Fury guys is ACTUALLY Nick Fury and he is working with one of the Cowboys from the beginning of the issue. The Issue ends with the guardian thing being damaged heavily by Nova. I love this series. I love the art and the story its telling. I love this is all happening and no one besides those involved know about it. I can't wait for the conclusion with the next issue, seeing Rogers putting on the Nova Helmet is epic win written all over it. I give this issue an A
THOR #612- Continuing the concept of THOR in HELL, the issue is split between Bor's Valkyrie and Thor with Tyr. Bor's Valkyrie are aiming to enter Hela's domain but it remains under heavy spell. Thor and Tyr enter hell and fight off a few of the women, they are saved by a possessed demon with hela controlling it. One of the women presents Mephisto with a sword that can destroy them, which was crafted by Loki. They place a spell on it to only be pulled from one who created it. Thor is about to head out to search for the sword but is taken instantly to Mephisto who strikes up a bargain but Thor defiantly denies. This series is just awesome. Who doesn't like the idea of THOR in HELL!!!!. Kieron does a great job on his final arc. I can't wait to see this go out with a huge bang. Its pretty obvious that Loki will have a moment next issue and hopefully this may bring the brothers some form of closure. I give this issue an A+
THOR: The Mighty Avenger #2- This is one of those fun reads, its not able the story or the action, but the way its all executed and it does pull it off really well in this series so far. This issue picks up after issue one where Thor and his hammer are reunited and he finds himself unable to return to Asgard. He stays over and Jane's apartment with some hilarious moments. The villain from the beginning of issue 1 returns and is after Jane. He finds her at the Museum and Thor comes in and saves the day and wales on Hyde with Mjlonir like crazy. Jane stops him and she explains she has much to teach him of our world. I like this series, it is a real departure from JMS or Kieron's run, it has a Jack Kirby feel to it and it has some funny moments but nothing that tarnishes the characters. So far, theres no Loki or Odin, but hopefully we get them soon. I give this issue a B+
Wonder Woman #601- The JMS run has finally begun on Wonder Woman, how does it fair? The issue continues from #600 where Diana and the Oracle witness the destruction of their homeland, baby Diana leaving the island, and her mother captured and forced by the golden lasso to tell the mysterious man where her daughter is. The issue deals with WW hunting the man who done this. Small flashbacks show that she was able to do things but not for now. She sees her former selves and questions who they are. The issue ends with her finding the mysterious mans crew destroying an ancient temple. This was a pretty good issue to begin with a new concept. I like the way JMS retools it so that it's still WW but like a time hiccup occurred and her origin and life changed a tad, but theres still evidence of her living the old lives. The art shows off how SEXY and HOT Diana has become in this new outfit, and the characters look really good. I have a lot of faith in JMS, he did great with THOR and I'm sure he's gonna do great with WW. I give this a toss up between a B+/A-
And those are my weekly reviews. Another good solid week of reads. Catch you all later with my next set of reviews and my next article. Til then, Aki87 OUT!!!