Hey guys and gals. It's another Wednesday, so time for comic book reviews. With this being the new age for Marvel, they kindly released a mess of new titles, both limited and continuous. Same can be said for DC, some new titles have been introduced and I'm gonna review a few of them. Today's roster of reviews are "Age of Heroes" #1, "American Son" #1, "Avengers" #1, "Invincible Iron Man" #26, "Brightest Day" #2, "Legion of Super Heroes" #1, "War of the Supermen' #3, and "Zatanna" #1....also a quickie review of "Ghost Rider: Trials and Tribulation." My new reviewing system will be simply a letter grading system much like in school. So let's begin.
Age of Heroes #1: This is to my surprise an anthology comic, we have 4 stories that are separate from each other and no have overlapping story. The first story is about Jameson, the second is about Dr Voodoo, the third is about Captain Britain meeting Steve Rogers, and the last is about Spider-Man. These stories were nice and varied, a few good action beats with Dr. Voodoo and Spider-Man. They told their stories in fewer than five to six pages. The artwork was good, each color fit with the characters that were involved. It’s only a four issue series, so there’s no real harm, I give this issue B-
American Son #1: This is a title that takes place in the Spider-Man series. Its main focus is on the American Son Osborn armor stolen by someone that is using it to do good (for now), and the main suspect is Harry. We see a few things throughout the issue to suggest that UNTIL a moment that pretty much makes it predictable (I could be wrong though, but let’s wait and see). Again its only four issues, so it won't hurt to check it out. Although it was predictable and the art was really good I give it a C+
Avengers #1: It’s finally here: the new on-going series that really kicks off the Heroic Age has arrived, and boy is it a good issue. This issue has one of the best spreads in recent comics. The story is set during the rebuilding of the Stadium, and Wonder Man warning Steve to not be in power of the Avengers. We get a great scene and moments at the Avengers new tower. We are reintroduced to Kang the Conqueror, a time traveler that has fought the Avengers on a numerous occasions. He brings them a message of doom about the Avengers future children and how they defeat the unstoppable Ultron and take over his evil rule. I was amazed that Romita's work is classic and reminds me of KICK-ASS and Steve looks like an older Dave(lol). Interestingly enough, this seems to be an unofficial sequel to the “Next Avengers” animated movie. There’re a few nods to it--so looking forward to more. I give this issue an A-
Invincible Iron Man #26: Continuing from the last issue, we see Stark making amends with a former Stark Employee and seeking to help the employee rebuild his company. Stark has an interesting talk with Maria Hill. We are shown the Detriot Steel moments from the last issue, but we are also introduced into a Tron-esque new villain. Fraction's writing is spot on with this series and there were no errors in the art I could find. I give this series an A+
Ghost Rider: Trials and Tribulations- This is a crazy and fun comic run of Jason Arron. This is one of the wildest and craziest comics I have read. Basically all hell breaks loose on Earth. Danny and Johnny are seeking a way to mend things. Although super short, it was still a fun and crazy read. I give this TPB a B+
Brightest Day #2: We're two issues into the new event series following the exploits of twelve heroes and villains resurrected after the events of Blackest Night. We mainly follow Jo'nn seeking to make amends with an old friend. Firestorm is having problems with his new joining and someone is with them. Aquaman has some strange new ability that’s so far not explored--yet it’s there and creepy. Hawkman and Hawkwoman are chasing after a man they want to kill, and Deadman meets up with a real villain he has no chance of beating. I'm loving John's work on this. I would like to see the others receive more focus, but we have a lot of issues to come. I'm loving this and the art work is fantastic. I give this issue an A
Legion of Super Heroes #1: Paul Levitz returns to a series he’s been best known for is now here. We have a new Green Lantern to introduce. The series picks up on the exploits of the Legionairres taking Earthman to prison. The team is having difficulty coping with the new order. Saturn Girl returns to her home world and reads her journal. Brainaic 5 however is angry at the people and wants to keep the Legion’s base on earth. In order to do so, they must allow Earthman to be a member again. So Brainiac 5 makes a new ring for him. We are then shown the DEAD planet of Oa and the last Green Lantern. After an accident with a member of the Legion, a mysterious creature is born and seeks out Earthman to be the new Green Lantern of sector 2814. I enjoyed this series, although I’m new to it, never read the old comics, but saw the animated series and was entertained. I know the core basics of the team. I give this issue an A-
War of the Supermen #3: I love this series. It’s super quick and super entertaining. The war has finally hit Earth and many casualties have occurred already. Supes is now out to defend Metropolis. Love the art and story. I give this issue an A
Zatanna #1: Before I give a proper review let we just say one thing*ahem*YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS OH THANK YOU DC THHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNKKKKKKKKKK YOU!!!!!*clears throat* Anyway, this is probably the best magical series being published. This follows the adventures and exploits of DC's hottest and sexiest magician. This series reminds me heavily of the Power Girl comic: it’s fun but never takes itself seriously, and yet, has a compelling story and an intriguing female lead. Zatanna is requested to search a crime scene that’s been perpetrated by magical miscreants. She finds them and deals with them in an awesome way. An interesting note that there’s a scene of an homage/reference to a manga scene. It’s the same exact thing basically....Anyway, Paul Dini's writing is amazing. This series will do great because he's brought us SO many awesome things from the 90’s. I give this issue an A++
And there you have it. This was a great week for comics. We got some amazing new stories and ongoing series that have returned and are on their way to greatness. Until next time BlackAirs out!!!