ComicCritic87’s weekly comic book reviews
Week of October 12th, 2011
Greetings friends and fellow comic book readers and fans, the ever continuing reviews march on. Once again this is another small week, not many from my DC readings or my Marvel readings. I’m most anticipated for Spider Island, it’s been a great event for Spider-man and his world of characters. I’m stoked for more Demon Knights, glad to bring that to my readings. Well not much else to say but let’s get started…..
Comics this week
DC Comics: Batman & Robin #2, Demon Knights #2, Green Lantern #2, Superboy #2
Marvel Comics: Amazing Spider-man #671, FF #10, Ghost Rider #4
Other Comics: Ghostbusters #2
Top Picks of the Week
DC Comics: Green Lantern #2- Written by Geoff Johns and Artwork by Doug Mahnke
Abridged Story: Sinestro offers Hal Jordan a new chance at being a Green Lantern; he forges him a power ring that Sinestro has 100% control over it. Hal tries to save a bridge of people but Sinestro is the one who saves them, wanting to be embraced as a hero on his own planet much like Hal has. They are soon attacked by one of the various Yellow lanterns. Sinestro and Hal team up to defeat him.
Review: After I meh first issue, this issue really picks up and makes this a must read for any die hard Green Lantern fan. They are really fleshing out Sinestro in a much greater way than I was expecting. Geoff Johns has taken the next bold step in this villain turned “hero”, by making him WANT to become a good guy for his home planet that has never been united much like Earth has been. I do find it weird though that Hal is still brash and kind of a dick when Sinestro makes him power ring, he tries to run off and go back to what he calls “normal”, it seems Johns wants to make Hal Jordan more greedy rather than allow his character to evolve in a new direction and perhaps become a new hero all together. Still this was a great issue that showcases how Sinestro is becoming a great character and potential “hero” for his people.
Artwork: The artwork by Doug Mahnke has been good but nothing really stands out as great, yet. The cover features Sinestro fighting off various members of his former Corps. The cover is nicely done with it being an action based. The inner artwork has some nice touches with Hal returning to his Green Lantern form once again; however it is Sinestro and his constructs that are very well done by making simple things alien in design, especially when he fixes the bridge.
Grade: A-
Marvel Comics: FF#10- Written by Jonathan Hickman and Artwork by Barry Kitson
Abridged Story: The war of the 4 kingdoms has ended; Reed Richards returns home and talks with Sue about all that has happened. The kree are planning a revolt against their usurpers lead by Ronan. Doctor Doom and one of the evil Reeds are in Dooms home country as Nathaniel tries to save Doom. Spider-man and the Thing are relaxing as Spider-man has to tell The Thing something important. The Kree land back on Black Bolts planet as they land undetected and are about to prepare their assault once again. Spider-man and the Thing soon return to the Baxter building with some added fire power; Captain America, Iron Man, and Hawkeye to assist in the upcoming battle.
Review: This series has been more or less under my radar with each release, I enjoy the mixture of characters and the development they have taken the story, yet it just never felt on par with some other reads from Marvel. Yet this issue stood out from the rest as being a well thought out bridge issue from the prior arc to the next one. Seeing this as a huge stage for setting up what is to come is refreshing. I dig some of the ideas that this series brings up, most notably a door that works based on your desire or need. This series also does a great balance between the Earth heroes and cosmic heroes, something which is done in mini-series but here it’s well executed.
Artwork: The artwork by Barry Kitson is simply fantastic. The cover features Sue, Ben, and Peter fighting off various alien hordes, it doesn’t happen in the issue but it’s well thought out. The inner artwork is some of the best I have seen in any series I read with Marvel. The various detailing with settings, the costumes, and the expressions each person gives in this series is easily some of the best around.
Grade: A-
Quick Reviews
Amazing Spider-man #671: The events of Spider-Island reach its high point as the cure is underway and about to be used on the masses. The Spider Queen is mad that her plan is going down the drain and has tapped into a great power. Peter regains his lost spider-sense and takes out Kaine, curing him. So much happening yet it does it so right. The artwork is still fun and enjoyable. A-
Batman & Robin #2: Bruce worries about Damian becoming a dangerous threat if he is not around. Bruce also meets the man causing all the various troubles with Batman Inc. This was a well done second issue, expanding the darker aspect of Damian that needs to be greatly seen. Artwork is great. B+
Ghostbusters #2: Peter and Winston recapture Slimer who seems to have gotten stronger and can easily break free from the proton beam. They are met by a mystery man and head to a house to battle another evil ghost. This was a very fun and very funny issue, really lighthearted in its tone and enjoyable for any fan. Artwork is very cartoony yet enjoyable. B-
Ghost Rider #4: Johnny finds Alejandra in a space station being used against her will. He helps her overcome the power Adam has over her. She becomes a free woman and looks for sin to destroy on her own. A well done conclusion to a well done first arc and the artwork was great and gritty. B+
Superboy #2: Superboy and Rose head into a super human prison to test out his power only for it to horribly wrong. Bit more action based issue, not too bad. Artwork and design on the characters a pretty good. B
Well that’s all for this week, hope you all enjoy. Next week has a bunch of DC #2s, that will decide which will stay and which shall fall. Later…..