DC:
DC PICK OF THE WEEK
Flash #2
Written by: Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato
Drawn by: Francis Manapul
-Manapul has got me hooked on Flash. Ever since I saw his artwork on the last run I fell in love. He is the man to draw Flash. I don’t care if you think otherwise. His writing is almost at his level of art but he needs to work out a few kinks here and there. His way of writing Barry is completely natural but the script is confusing sometimes with its fast pace and odd use of Flashback scenes. Buccellato helps a little bit, but it is a bit of a mess. Thankfully, the overall story is clear and easy to follow. It is intriguing and it isn’t your typical superhero fare. I can’t wait to see more coming on. 4.5/5
MINOR:
All-Star Western #2
Written by: Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti
Drawn by: Moritat
-This is a classic Hex story done by two writers who handle the character fairly well. The dialogue and growth just feel completely natural to the genre without ever becoming parody. Moritat also draws some amazing fight scenes, showing Hex kicking loads of ass almost gracefully. 4/5
Aquaman #2
Written by: Geoff Johns
Drawn by: Ivan Reis
-Johns continues to prove himself a worthy revivalist to the temple of Aquaman. He’s making a character that could be loved again and I can’t wait to see more of Aquaman kicking ass. Reis’ artwork also help compliment John’s script, with solid pencil lines and interesting character design choices. 4.5/5
Batman: The Dark Knight #2
Written by: David Finch and Paul Jenkins
Drawn by: David Finch and Richard Friend
-My god this is a whole new level of cheesy. Lines quoted from old movies ad just about every old Batman cliché and angle imaginable. The hyper-exaggerated 90’s art doesn’t help either. It was fun though. I might have to drop it. 2.5/5
Firestorm #2
Written by: Ethan Van Sciver and Gail Simone
Drawn by: Yildiray Cinar
Ethan and Gail brought us in from a bit of a messy first issue (it was good though) and into a less complicated second issue. Simone shows her typical character-bonding skills in true fashion while Ethan handles the other parts fairly well. The artwork is also nice even if the humans do look saturated and fake. 3.5/5
Green Lantern: New Guardians #2
Written by: Tony Bedard
Drawn by: Tyler Kirkham
-This doesn’t really give us a clue about the cliffhanger from last issue but the gorgeous fight scenes and end cliffhanger of this are worth the price alone. I do wish to see some solid character development later on in the series. 3/5
Justice League Dark #2
Written by: Peter Milligan
Drawn by: Mikel Janin
-The story moves a little faster than last time and the balancing of characters is also nice. We also don’t get shoved in Justice League cameos either. It feels like this book is developing a identity all its own. That being said, the only complaint was no Shade the Changing Man. It’s the character Milligan writes best, and I, as a reader, want to see what he’s up to. 4/5
Teen Titans #2
Written by: Scott Lobdell
Drawn by: Brett Booth
-Lobdell continues to make me enjoy his writing by showing off more of the Titan’s and their distinct personalities. Booth’s artwork is also great because it’s very kinetic and hyper detailed at certain points. I loved the conversational dialogue in this issue ad how awkward it seemed for Red Robin and Wonder Girl. A good issue overall 4/5
Marvel:
MARVEL PICK OF THE WEEK
Venom #8
Written by: Rick Remender
Drawn by: Tom Fowler
-I used to absolutely hate Venom as a character in the Marvel Universe. I’ve always felt his place in the universe was contrived and forced, trying to bring a new era of “edgy” kids in the comics reading market. It worked, but it sacrificed a lot of what makes the Spider series so good: a sense of fun. Thankfully, this new Venom series is full of fun. This seems like an attempt to redo the character for modern audiences, and it worked. This series has been a shit-ton of fun, with action, story and character all over the place. Flash Thompson is a genuinely likable character in the series. Basically, Venom is one of the best Marvel books right now. Great story, action and art; Venom gets a 4/5.
MINOR:
Daredevil #5
Written by: Mark Waid
Drawn by: Marcos Martin
-I really like the old school feel of this book that I get from Martin’s artwork. He has a fun, campy sensibility while keeping it gritty as hell. The writing falters a bit with this issue, but overall it’s a good read. 4/5
Incredible Hulk #1
Written by: Jason Aaron
Drawn by: Marc Silvestri
-This does all of the things a good #1 does; it introduces to the main characters and concept and provides an intriguing story to tell. Silvestri is the real star of the show though. His pencil work is uber-detailed and gritty. The book also has nice coloring. 4/5
IMAGE:
Walking Dead #90
Written by: Robert Kirkman
Drawn by: Charlie Adlard and Cliff Rathburn
-A decent issue overall with rising tensions and such, but I can’t help but feel a little burnt-out on this series. I will stick around for a little while though. 3.5/5