ComicCritic87’s weekly comic book reviews
Week of November 16th, 2011
Greetings friends and fellow comic book readers and fans, the ever continuing reviews march on. This is easily one of the most solid weeks I have read and reviewed. So many of these comics were some of the best so picking top picks was really tough but I managed to sort through them all and picked. This week we have a new Godzilla series that focuses on other monsters, something I’m stoked to read. We got a lot to get through, lets begin…..
Comics this week
DC Comics: Batman #3, Catwoman #3, Justice League #3, Wonder Woman #3
Marvel Comics: Amazing Spider-man #674, Avengers #19, Fearless #3, Incredible Hulk #2, Thunderbolts #165, and Venom #9
Other Comics: Ghostbusters #3 and Godzilla Legends #1
Top Picks of the Week
DC Comics: Batman #3- THE THIRTEENTH HOUR
Written by Scott Snyder
Artwork by Greg Capullo
Abridged Story: Batman continues the hunt for the court of owls. He stumbles across the various buildings they have constructed over 150 years in Gotham City while still trying the uncover the identity of the mysterious Talon
Review: I have never been so amazed by any title to remain consistently great with only three issues in and still showing it isn’t slowing down. Scott Snyder is by far the strongest writer for Batman I have ever read, even in my opinion, far better than Alan Moore. Snyder does a fantastic job not only giving the characters great amount of depth and intrigue but he gives the city of Gotham life, giving us city that is just alive as its citizens. Another nice balance we get is how the story compliments the history and legacy of the Wayne family coming back to haunt Bruce. The story is very solid, the characters are amazingly diverse, and the villain is a true foe for Batman, I highly recommend this book for those that aren’t reading it already. This is the one true Batman title WORTH reading.
Artwork: This style of art is another great thing that befits this new series. The work by Capullo is nicely done, combining a sense of old school Frank Miller and Bruce Timm while at the same time bringing us a new sense of an old character. The cover is a tad unimpressive though, I have the cover that features Batman with his grappling hook shooting off page, it’s a well done cover however it just feels kind of dull considering all the other covers are bombastic. The inner art is great, the angles they use with Batman show just how powerful and menacing he can be, there some other great panels, one where we get cowl vision of Bruce and Alfred talking to one another, one in each eye.
Grade: A+
Marvel Comics: Venom #9- CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
Written by Rick Remender
Artwork by Stefano Caselli
Abridged Story: Following the events just after Spider Island, Venom goes on the search around the city to see if anything is happening. His day gets worse as a dude in a giant tank robs banks and kills without digression. This angers Flash to the point where he allows Venom to take over
Review: This one of the darkest issues I have ever seen in this title and there have been many other dark moments. The issue shows a complete breakdown of the character, reverting to his monster side to seek out revenge in pure rage is a prime example of why a character such as this is interesting and adds a new layer to Flash. Remender does a great job leaving the issue with a sense of dread and woe that makes you hate the villain that caused it all while hiding the fact that Venom is still the true monster but here is seen as the hero. I enjoyed this issue despite how dark it got and curious where this will take our favorite Symbiote.
Artwork: I have to give ultimate props to easily the BEST cover I have ever seen. The cover is pure black; it features only the face of Venom, on one side is the covert solider mask that Flash uses for the suit and on the other the demonic smile of the evil that is Venom, showcasing a split between man and monster as one. The rest of the inner artwork is nicely done with the brief return of monster Venom taking out this evil tank driver.
Grade: A+
Weakest of the Week: Avengers #19
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Artwork by Daniel Acuna
Abridged Story: Captain America picks the official roster of the Avengers. Norman Osborn comes out of hiding and attacks the team.
Review: Just sort of a meh story, it slowed down in my eye, I want this series to go faster post Fear Itself. The new team is interesting at least
Artwork: Daniel Acuna’s artwork is suitable at best, he draws good heroes but their faces are odd.
Grade: D+
Quick Reviews
Catwoman #3: Selina gets beaten up by someone she stole from. She gets her revenge after breaking free and destroys evidence of her friend but soon caught by the police. Once again another solid and well done issue that shows how exploitive, dark, and dreary the series does and pushing for. The art is top notch as ever. A-
Fearless #3: Valkyrie and the Secret Avengers battle a swarm of vampires while Sin has tapped into the power of one of the found hammers. A fun series so far, giving us greater backstory with Valkyrie and her connection with Sin’s past. The artwork and action moments are done nicely. B-
Ghostbusters #3: The gang fights a giant demon bear while a third entity of Gozer’s minions comes to life to select a new destroyer. A very fitting issue that pays so much tribute to the series and legacy of the characters and world. The artwork is very cartoony. B-
Godzilla Legends #1: The story focuses on Angirius fighting Desotroyah while two humans use a device that can call monsters. A well done first issue to a series that will focus on other monsters and giving Angirius issue one was fun seeing him being considered weak amongst the bunch. The artwork is a bit rough but manageable with the look and feel of each monster. B+
Incredible Hulk #2: Banner continues to try and become the Hulk on his own. Meanwhile the real Hulk meets up with the Von Doom woman’s task force created to wipe out mad scientists. Hulk leaves after fighting off giant sharks. His home underground is soon attacked by the warthog men. A great follow up to issue one; we get a great new takeoff of Banner, making him a true villain/monster. The artwork is stellar. A-
Justice League #3: Wonder Woman joins the fray with Batman, Superman, Flash, and Green Lantern. Meanwhile Victor is given his new form and becomes Cyborg. The battle end as Aquaman comes up and asks for answers. A very solid third issue that has finally picked up the pace, giving us all the heroes and soon the already revealed villain. Jim Lee’s artwork is pure gold. A
Thunderbolts #165: The team works around keeping the timeline straight as they go off into another destination. A pretty fun and wild issue, seeing Namor and Satanna getting it on was hilarious plus Moonstone kissing Captain America added to the oddity and fun the issue gives off. The artwork is top notch and really fun with the action scenes. B+
Wonder Woman #3: we get the “official” origin of Wonder Woman, her mother and Zeus getting it on as Wonder Woman’s mother had to hide it from Hera. Diana leaves the Island for good. The issue was solid and strong, giving us a dramatic new take of her character, I don’t mind it being a stock origin but it adds to her character. The artwork is amazing and I love its style. A-
Well that’s all for this friends. Next is another super short week. Catch you later….