Comic releases of 3/02/11
Hey all, I'm always trying to find a way of evolving my reviews, at first it was a couple of name changes, then the format was broken into 4 categories, so once again I'm going to try a new/old style of reviewing. Making my reviews more streamlined and easy to get done and not waste so much hours working on this, especially when I have things to do. I get comics at noon, finish reading by two and get review sometime after that. My new review method is that I'm going to do a top pick from both Marvel and DC, but also do really quick reviews from the other releases. This may be the new step of my reviews so I hope those who read them will enjoy as I go through these, which seem to be every few months. With all that said this was a solid week I have picked up. I thought it was only going to be four issues but I didn't notice one was also being released this week so now the total review is now five. With that…..let's begin
Comics: Avengers Academy #10, Brightest Day #21, Green Lantern #63, Heroes for Hire #4, Thunderbolts #154
DC Comics
Top Pick: Green Lantern #63
Abridged Story: The lantern corps find the location of Krona, learn his back story with the guardians and the War of Green Lanterns is about to begin.
Review: You have to give Geoff Johns a lot of credit, not only has he help make Green Lantern one of the best comics out there, but continues to evolve this universe and their characters. The beginning origins of Krona and the other guardians was the most interesting aspect, we see how the guardians have established themselves as the emotionless beings they have become known for, save for Krona. This title and current arc doesn't villainies Krona, but makes you think about his point of view of these powers that exist. Both sides have their say and it's up to the reader to decide which side is right. Another great thing established in Krona’s back story is a primitive version of the power rings and the infamous line “Beware my Power”. The War is on the horizon and its herald is Krona.
Artwork: The cover of the issue is Krona with all the entities surrounding him as he leads them to battle. The issue itself is amazing as always, Reis continues to do a fantastic job with Green Lantern and this colorful cast of characters….no pun intended. The coolest parts were with the early days of the Guardians, we see them as human sized beings when they just began, and oddly enough Krona looks like a blue version of Sinestro.
Grade: Loved the back story to an interesting and well developed character. Johns has established this universe time and time again, continues to impress. Solid artwork from Reis, can’t wait for the War, this issue gets an A+
Quick thoughts
Brightest Day #21: Martian Manhunter finally defeats the second to last of his kind, meets the same fate as the last three. Johns and Tomasi do a great job here, still taking time to wrap all things with 4 issues left. Artwork was solid and great final page. This issue gets a B-
Marvel Comics
Top Pick: Avengers Academy #10
Abridged Story: The issue has two halves; the first half involves Hazmat having her powers dampened and can live one day free from the suit. The second half involves Speedball taking the students to Stamford where he helped kick start the Civil War.
Review: When it comes to this series, I like the female students and the troubles they go through, the guys have it pretty except, minus Mettle of course, but look at the stories two student focus; Hazmat and Veil. Both of them have conditions that hurt their lives, yet one is able to overcome it and decides to embrace her life to the fullest now. Tigra is absent in this issue but we do get some cameos from Protector and Dr. Strange. I preferred these two characters stories than the second half involving Speedball, I know little about him yet I understand that he is a good tragic character, still dealing with his past experience as Penance and the trauma of Stamford, finally having his moment of silence for the people lost. There is a moment at the end with Veil dong something that may or may not be such a good idea, all to show she is “good”.
Artwork: The cover is another one of those false ad covers; the class doesn’t team up with Strange and Protector to fight a giant green tentacle creature. The rest of the issue continues to impress. We finally get moments of Hazmat out of her suit since we last saw with her origin issue.
Grade: A solid and great issue, more great character development with these characters, the writer seems more engaged with the females. The artwork is great and nice to see a one out of costume. This issue gets an A-
Quick Thoughts
Heroes for Hire #4: Misty’s tale is told, she overcomes the control from Puppet Master. Not bad but felt a little weak in some areas. Artwork is still good as ever and one moment has great detailing. This issue gets a B-
Thunderbolts #154: Man-thing gets taken away by Jennifer Kale to protect the Everglades from alien creatures. The Team talks about assigning a new magical member. Pretty good issue, it is nice to see another character centric issue much like Ghost. Artwork is good as ever, this issue gets a B+
That’s all for this week, hope you all like my new format, next week is going to be a fun and somewhat challenging one. Next week is all DC comics; nothing from Marvel that I read is coming out. There is the new Venom series but I’m still not really sure about it just yet, I prefer the old school looking Brock Venom. Catch you all later, ComicCritic87 OUT!!!!