Busy Bee

I'm sorry that I have not been updating the blog as much recently.  I've been bogged down by a lot of school work and it doesn't look like it will be letting up anytime soon.  I've got a huge music history project that I've been slowly working on while working on about 10 other things.  I'm hoping that once Thanksgiving is over, I'll have a brief period of down time before finals.  However, you didn't come here to read about my boring personal life; you came here to read some awesome comic reviews.

This was a HUGE week for releases, with a plethora of Marvel NOW! titles got released as well as the next chapter of the Batman epic "Death of the Family".  Seeing that there are going to be a good deal of comics this week (plus having a lot of school work I should be doing instead of this), I won't be giving a story recap as I normally do.  Instead, I'll just be giving my thoughts on the book with grades.

All New X-Men #1

 

And so begins my trek into the X-Verse.  Sure, I've gotten a few issues of Wolverine & the X-Men in recent weeks, but this was my first "true" X-Men title.  With Marvel NOW!, I wanted to explore the X-Men a bit, as they've always been the line I ignored like an ex-girlfriend.  So, what a better way to try the characters than in a book by one of my favorite writer/artist teams.  I loved what Bendis and Immonen did on Ultimate Spider-Man back in the day, so when it was announced that they would be on the "core" X-book, I knew I had to at least give it a look.  I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed the book. Sure, the price could be a factor in the future along with my interest in the relaunched Uncanny X-Men, but this book started off with a bang and I'm looking forward to exploring the X-Verse.

Grade: A

Amazing Spider-Man #697

This was a great conclusion to the Hobgoblin story and it sets up the end of the title nicely.  I only wish that we had a little bit more time before Superior Spider-Man because I would have loved to have seen this arc drawn out a tad bit more, with maybe just an extra issue, because it was really fun to read.  Obviously, there is a bit of foreshadowing here, as "Dying Wish" is now upon us, so we see the golden Octobot again, this time in New York City.  However, there are a pair of cliffhangers that seem to be setting up something huge in Superior.  One of them would be Rodrick setting up a villain version of Batman, Inc., with villains all over the world in action and under Rodrick's control.  The other cliffhanger is the reappearance of the Osborn family.  Not only do we get a a glimpse of Harry and Stanley, but we also get an update on Norman as well, something I was not expecting at all.  The Spidey team, with welcomed guest Christos Gage, pull off another spectacular issue, and I'm pumped to see all this start to wrap up next week.

Grade: A

Batman #14

Somehow, this issue was better than Batman #13.  I mean, this was just spectacular.  My LCS owner told me to wait and read this last, and man, was it a great decision to do that.  It's amazing to think that we are only two issues into a five issue storyline.  The way that Scott and Greg along with the rest of Team Batman tell the story is just masterful.  "Death of the Family" is shaping up to be an epic story, with not only the Joker, but a bunch of Bat rogues seemingly being involved.  And Joker's master plan is just pure evil: he wants the take out the Bat family, but he's going to make Batman himself do it.  The whole scene on the bridge between Batman and Joker was just perfect.  Also, the panel that made me laugh yet stare in awe was one of the simplest of the issue.  The panel would be the one of the radio Bruce uses to listen to the tape Joker left behind.  The radio looks like the Joker, with his eyes/knobs all crazy, the sound bars as his hair, etc.  That was just so darn clever that I laughed the first time I read it.  Again, Batman just continues to amaze me and I love Team Batman so much for putting out such great books month after month.

Grade: A+

Batgirl #14

I've decided to get Batgirl during the "Death of the Family" storyline, as the premise of the arc seems really, really interesting.  Not only does it have Barbara going up against the man who paralyzed her, but he seems to have "fallen in love with her".  I'm skeptical about the Joker's new found love for Barb, but it definitely is interesting.  Having Joker propose to her on the last page of #14 was definitely a shocker, especially when you realize that it is Barb's mom's finger he cut off to propose with.  Add in the fact that James Jr. makes a slight appearance in the book foreshadowing something even bigger on the horizon, and you got a good comic.  Plus, Barbara makes a sandwich. There's a woman in the kitchen joke somewhere in there, but I think it would be best if I don't try to find it. But c'mon, Barb. No meat on the sandwich? Just lettuce, tomato, and bun. How hard would it have been to put some turkey or salami on that, huh?

Grade: B+ (D- for sandwich making)

Fantastic Four #1

A new era for the Fantastic Four has begun.  Written by Matt Fraction with art by Mark Bagley, the book looks and sounds right up my alley.  I've always liked the Fantastic Four, but Hickman's run was way too daunting for me to tackle at first.  Eventually, I'm going to work my way through it, but we are talking about NOW!  The premise of the book seems interesting enough, with Marvel's First Family leaving to go on an intergalactic adventure for a year, which will end up being for only a minute or two by the end of it, as Reed put a time machine on the ship.  Also, it's pretty interesting to see why Reed needs to go on this mission, as it is something that I don't think we have ever seen him deal with.  This book was a blast to read and I can see myself getting it for the long run.

Grade: A-

Thor: God of Thunder #1

Yet another Marvel NOW! #1 issue out this week.  This time, we have the Asgardian god Thor and his adventures through time, though not in the traditional manner.  Typically, when there is a story detailing an adventure through time, time travel technology is utilized.  However, that is the nice spin that Thor: God of Thunder provides; we instead get to view Thor's life at different points.  The story shows Thor trying to figure out who or what is killing a bunch of gods.  The story mostly takes place with young and current Thor, though King Thor makes an appearance at the end.  Though we don't get to see Gorr, the God Butcher in this issue, we feel how big a threat he is, especially on the last page, as King Thor takes on the Butcher's army as the last Asgardian alive.  Another great start for a Marvel NOW! book and I can definitely see myself following the tales of Thor.

Grade: A

Venom #27

The penultimate chapter of the "Minimum Carnage" storyline finally brings Scarlet Spider and Venom together to fight Carnage, something that has not happened since Minimum Carnage: Alpha and Scarlet Spider #10. Not only does that happen, but there is actually a great deal of action in this issue as well.  Seeing the unlikely duo going up against a ton of symbiote charged zombies was definitely a lot more interesting than most everything that has occurred in this crossover so far, sadly.  I still have hope for the end of this crossover, but I'm actually a tad disappointed about it.  Not a lot has happened story-wise, though this issue helps ease that.  Having such nice artwork (at least in Venom) definitely helps to help cure the feelings, but that can only go so far.  I'm not bagging on the crossover, though it seems like I am.  I'm just, as I said, a bit disappointed with the mini-event.  However, the finale could quickly change that view, as it looks to be not only action packed, but also jam packed with murder and death, just what you expect from a book with Carnage, Venom, and Scarlet Spider.

Grade: B+

So, was that a good week or what? Honestly, it might have been the best week of comics for me personally in a long, long time.  Somehow, my pull for next week might even rival it.  However, I do not know when my reviews for next week will be posted, as it'll be Thanksgiving. I'm hoping to have them done that Wednesday night/early Thanksgiving morning.  If that does not happen, they'll more than likely be up Friday or Saturday evening.  As you can tell, I have a busy schedule, so I should get going now and start doing some work. If I don't talk to you before then, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks for reading!

The Clown Prince Returns

Batman #13

  

He's back.  One of the most recognizable, beloved, and fantastic villains of all times returned. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the Joker has stormed back into the DC world.  The starts off with van, parked by the water, looking at Gotham.  We then cut to Gordon and Harvey on the roof of the GCPD building, acknowledging that something is coming. That something, obviously, is the Joker, as he shuts down power to the GCPD building and starts his killing spree in one of the most disturbing and terrifying scenes I've ever read.  The Joker, looking for his face that was carved off in Detective Comics #1, goes around snapping cops necks while he tells Gordon a joke and some disturbing things, like how he lays under Gordon's bed, listening to him while he sleeps. Just as the Joker escapes, Batman arrives on the scene, only to discover that the Joker got his face and vanished.  Back in the Batcave, Bruce brings everyone up to speed on what's going on, showing everyone from the Bat family excluding Catwoman, Red Hood, and Batwoman (seeing as she doesn't have anything to do with this event).  A broadcast comes through, with the Joker having someone dressed up as him, delivering a message that the mayor will die tonight.  Gordon sets up shop at the Mayor's office, with Batman lurking inside, making sure everything is okay. However, Batman realizes that everything isn't okay, just too late, as all the officers are killed thanks to a toxin delivered by Joker.  Batman puts the clues together and figures out that Joker is hiding out at the ACE Chemical Building and promptly speeds over there.  He finally comes face to Red Hooded face with Joker, who lures Batman into a trap. Bats gets hit by a big hammer down into a holding chamber which starts to fill up with some liquid.  The Red Hood (not Jason Todd) takes off the hood, revealing that Joker isn't actually there; it is actually Harley Quinn dressed up as Red Hood. She tells Bats that Joker has changed and that he isn't her "Mr. J" anymore.  Batman demands that Harley tell him where Joker is, and it is shown that he goes to Wayne Manor and comes at Alfred with a hammer, finally revealing what he really looks like with his attached face.

The backup, set shortly before the events of the main story, show Harley meeting up with Joker for the first time since he disappeared.  Joker, after a little bit of back and forth, tells Harley to take her clothes off.  He gives her a new set of clothes and Harley realizes that Joker is getting her to dress up like him. Joker then tells Harley that he is going to cut off her face so she can be just like him.  However, Harley is hesitant, and starts to freak out when the Joker comes towards her to do the deed.  Instead of cutting her face off, it is revealed that Joker was just pulling a fast one, instead putting the Red Hood hood on her and leaving her to deal with Batman.

I'm going to just come out and say it. This was one of the best issues I've ever read; it might actually be in my personal top 10. This issue was just spectacular, as it totally lived up the hype that has been swirling around it ever since it was announced that Joker would be returning to the pages of Batman.  It was one of the most frightening issue of a comic that I have ever read, especially the scene in the GCPD.  And even though it is only the first issue, you can tell at the end of it that Bruce is already panicking about those he holds near to him.  That's why Joker is such a great villain; he is so predictably unpredictable.  Just when Batman thinks he has a lead on the Joker, something goes wrong.  And the ending, oh man. That ending is already making me anxious for the next issue, as Alfred comes face to attached face with Joker. This issue solidified Team Batman as the elite team in the world of comics, whether it be DC, Marvel, or Image.  The way that Scott Snyder writes the Joker is truly some of the most disturbing and haunting stuff I've ever read. AND IT'S ONLY THE FIRST ISSUE OF THE STORY!!!! And Greg Capullo, Jock, and the entire art team earn my highest praise. Rarely have I enjoyed comic art as much as I am on this title and those guys get all the credit for making this one of the most beautiful looking books on the stand, despite it being such a dark book.  Just as I expected, this issue blew my socks off and I'm so ready for the next part to come out.

Grade: A+

Batman & Robin #13

Dealing with an entire other threat yet the Joker has a cameo in this book.  It starts off with Damian and Titus sleeping, as Daimon has been studying like crazy to get info on Joker.  Bruce wakes Damian up, with the kid thinking that Joker has returned.  Bruce tells him otherwise, and the two go on a little trip. Taking the Batrocket (since when does Bruce have a freaking rocket?), the two go up into space and look at the solar eclipse from a perspective that no one else gets to see.  Damian brings up Talia, asking Bruce if he loved her. Bruce replies that he did at some point. Damian thanks Bruce for showing him this just as the Bat signal turns on.  Bruce tells Damian to take the rocket back to the cave (which is apparently big enough to house a rocket ship now) while he goes and sees what Gordon wants.  After a quick jump to some secret society called the Saturn Club, we see Damian back at the Batcave.  He is only there for a brief second, telling Titus that he is going back out, against Bruce's word.  In a graveyard, Batman and Gordon talk about a bunch of missing bodies, stating that there might be a possible zombie outbreak. Damian is down in the sewers and reaches for something unseen when a huge monster shows up, planning on killing Damian to earn the bounty Talia put on Damian's head.  Damian outmatches the monster and walks off, only to be contacted by Bruce.  He tells Damian to head back to the cave ASAP due to the zombies.  Damian, however, decides to go help people but ends up getting swarmed by zombies himself.

Though I haven't been picking up Batman & Robin regularly, I must say that I love Damian.  I love the aspect of Batman's Robin being his own son.  Though my first formal introduction to Damian was in Grant Morrison's Batman & Robin when he was the Robin to Dick's Batman.  It was that story that made me really enjoy the character of Damian, as he is the most different Robin the title has seen outside Jason Todd.  I wasn't too sure on Batman & Robin when it debuted in the New 52, though I have gotten a couple of issues here and there.  However, when #13 and #14 were solicited as dealing with zombies, I knew I had to get them. How often does Batman go up against zombies? Anyway, just like the other issues I've gotten of this series, Peter Tomasi does a great job of writing.  I know that this is essentially a Damian book, but I'm alright with that, as Tomasi writes the character so well.  Having the book be illustrated by Pat Gleason (with the help of Tomas Giorello in this issue) doesn't hurt the title either. Definitely an enjoyable issue, especially given the time of year and the content.

Grade: A

Scarlet Spider #10

Part two of "Minimum Carnage" lies here though the issue seemed more as a set up issue.  We start up right were Alpha left off, with Flash and Kaine meeting for the first time and already at each other's throats.  After some threatening, swearing and a little bit of info given, the first big thing in the issue happens: Flash loses control of the symbiote for some reason, as it tries to kill (or maybe bond with) Kaine.  Flash tries to convince Kaine that they need to go after Carnage, but Kaine says "F#ck that" and leaves, leaving Flash and the doctor to get the machine back up and running.  Meanwhile, in the Microverse, it is revealed that Carnage was brought there in order to kill someone(s), though those who brought Carnage there are unsure, as he is such a loose cannon.  Just as the portal gets back up and running, Kaine returns to the scene, agreeing with Flash that they need to find Carnage (though Kaine is more selfish, thinking of Houston and Carnage's return).  The duo step into the machine and get sent to the Microverse, though they get separated.  Flash gets sent to a wooded area and gets attacked by some sonic fairies before he is saved by a team of heroes, who ask for his help. Meanwhile, Kaine is met by a man who says that he is preparing to die, as they are met by a huge monster.

Well, what can I say about this issue?  It was an okay issue, though it did not move the plot along much.  It was basically a set up issue for many of the different storylines that are going to take place in this event, with Carnage going to be used to kill people, Venom teaming up with a group of heroes, and whatever mess Kaine has gotten himself into.  Though I really didn't have a problem with the dialogue, it was the story itself. I know that this is going to be a larger story and that there were going to be an issue or two here and there that are going to be slower, but I really didn't expect it to be this one.  However, that is no knock on Christopher Yost.  I know that this is not foreshadowing for the entire event, it was just one of the necessary set up issues.  Khoi Pham draws the issue (with an assist from Reilly Brown) and I must say that I'm still not a big fan of his (Pham). Yes, it is an improvement over the Daredevil issues he did, but I'm still not overly wowed by the artwork on this title.  Still, it was a decent issue, but I do wish more happened in it.

Grade: B

Smallville #6

The issue starts with Chloe and Oliver discussing the "Crisis", though it seems like Chloe is hiding something from Ollie.  In Stryker's, Batman and Clark continue their fight, with Batman seemingly getting the upper hand until Clark takes control of the situation.  While Batman and Clark play a game of hide and seek, Bats informs Clark that he knows all about Kryptonians, thanks to research he has conducted over the years.  Meanwhile, Nightwing and Green Arrow square off while Clark figures out that Batman is Bruce Wayne.  Batman tells Clark about needing information about his parents death.  The Nightwing/Green Arrow fight comes to a close when Clark shows up, taking Manheim up into the sky.  Oliver chases the Batplane, but quickly loses it, as Bruce and Barbara track Clark, who is holding a little interrogation with Manheim.  Back at Watchtower, Chloe informs Oliver about who is sending him mysterious messages while Clark and Lois finally get to talk to each other.  Later, Clark makes his own Bat signal, getting Bruce's attention.  The two agree to team up, for the good of Gotham and Metropolis.  Lex is shown to have retrieved a copy of the Batman/Superman fight when Oliver shows up, accusing Lex of sending the messages to him, though Lex has no idea what he is talking about.  Batman tries to get a jump on Joe Chill, who is homed in a Suicide Slum safe house but Clark stops him before he gets in the room.  Batman is surprised to see that Chill is an old man in a wheelchair.  Back at Lexcorp, Lex is shown to be sleepwalking and talking, implying heavily that Tess is somehow in control of him, as she is the one who is sending the messages.  Batman and Superman try to get info out of Chill but are interrupted by Prankster and Mr. Freeze.

Another great issue from the Smallville universe.  For 10 seasons, we, the Smallville fans, have been waiting for Batman, whether it be the man himself or at least just a reference.  Though we got a bone tossed our way in Season 10, this is what every Smallville fan has dreamed of since the show was introduced.  I'm loving the way that Clark and Batman have such a rough yet somewhat trusting relationship already, as they start to realize how similar they really are.  However, the best parts of the issue would be the fight between Clark and Batman that takes place during the first part of the issue and the whole interrogation scene was just hilarious.  Bryan Miller impresses yet again, as the story is better than ever.  The art by Jamal Igle is phenomenal as well and I really like the Smallville Universe's version of the Batsuit.  I cannot wait to see these two heroes fighting side by side next issue and the continuing building of the World's Finest friendship.

Grade: A

Superman #0

No story for this one, as it came out a long time ago (I only just got it because of damages and Diamond being slow. I'm still waiting for them to deliver my copy of Aquaman #0) though I will discuss my feelings for the issue. Honestly, I'm pumped for the new creative team of Scott Lobdell and Kenneth Rocafort, as things are looking to be an amazing run.  I know that a lot of people don't like Lobdell's writing, but I haven't read anything that I don't like (yet).  However, the main reason I get this title might just be Kenneth Rocafort's art.  After seeing the preview art for the upcoming issues plus this #0, I'm sold on getting this title.  This is going to be another beautifully drawn book from DC and I can't wait to start collecting an actual Superman comic (minus Smallville).  2013 is shaping up to be a great year for Superman, with this new team on Superman, the new creative team of Diggle and Daniel on Action Comics, and the newly announced but already known Superman comic by the all star team of Scott Snyder and Jim Lee (already on my "must buy" list).

Grade: A

Uncanny Avengers #1

The beginning of the Marvel NOW! era has begun.  The issue begins in an interesting way, as some unknown person is cutting open some mutants brain and inserting some device into it.  We then cut to the Jean Grey School of higher Learning, where Wolverine is reminiscing about the first time he met Professor X.  Rogue gathers him and Logan starts to give Professor X's eulogy while Alex Summers is shown meeting Cyclops in his holding cell.  Logan finishes his eulogy by stating that they, the mutant race, failed Professor X, seeing as he died without seeing his dream come true. Back at Scott's holding cell, Alex talks to Scott about his decisions during Avengers Vs. X-Men.  Scott stands by his decisions, minus killing Xavier, though Alex disagrees with him.  Scott mentions the abundance of new mutants caused by the outcome of AvX but Alex basically reminds him that Scott still forgot everything Xavier taught him.  After leaving the holding cell, Alex is met by Captain America and Thor, who say that they need to talk with him.  The Avengers tell Alex that they really want to, when the time is right, pay their respects to Professor X. Cap then offers Alex a spot on the Avengers, asking him to lead a team made up of Avengers and X-Men, stating that he is the perfect one to lead the team.  Alex refuses just as Avalanche, revealed to be the man under the knife in the opening pages, attacks innocents on the street.   Thor goes to save the bystanders while Cap, with a little help from Alex, goes to take down Avalanche.  Alex eventually suits up as Havok, saving people from falling debris.  With Avalanche defeated, the book then goes to Scarlet Witch, who is paying her respects at Xavier's grave.  However, Rogue shows up, telling Wanda to get the hell out.  The two try talking it out, but eventually Rogue starts talking with her fists, but that gets interrupted when an explosion occurs.  Out of the explosion emerges a group of possible evil mutants, who attack Wanda and Rogue.  Wanda jumps in front of an attack aimed for Rogue and the mutants just leave.  We finally cut back to the mystery man from the beginning, seeing that it is the Red Skull, who has cut Xavier's brain out with the intentions of using it to eradicate the mutants.

Definitely an interesting first issue, to say the least.  Honestly, I don't believe that I am going to be following this title in the long run. I might pick up the first few issues, but I'm pretty sure that I won't be picking it up on a regular basis. I will say this though, that last page was a shocker for me. I was in the mindset that Xavier was going to return down the line, but now it looks like it might be a very slim possibility unless Xavier pulls a "X-Men 3" on us and transferred his mind to another body just before he died.  Written by Rick Remender, the issue is paced very well, as each story gets a good deal of story time, with the Cap/Havok section being the meatiest one.  John Cassaday is the artist on this book and he was amazing. This actually might be the first time I've read anything with his art (there probably is another instance that I can't remember) but it definitely was a good first impression.

Grade: A-

Alright, weekly reviews are done.  Expect the Avengers Vs. X-Men wrap-up tomorrow morning and the Marvel NOW! post on Monday, seeing that NYCC will be over by then.

Thanks for reading!!