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Post by thwhtguardian on Mar 30, 2017 9:41:06 GMT -5
The Visitor #2 Written by Mike Mignola and Chris Roberson Art by Paul Grist Summary: The Visitor continues to monitor Hellboy from afar while attempting to navigate American society as an alien in the 1960s.
Plot: After a disastrous first issue that should have been a free #0 intro comic rather than an actual first issue Roberson and Mignola pick up a little ground. Where as we got nothing about who the alien was last issue or why we should care in the first issue we did get some insight here into his character...but only some and the story skipped over the most interesting fact: his meeting and relationship with an African American woman in the late 50's early 60's! We see Ruby rescue the visitors from an allyway beating by some bigoted kids but we don't see anything more as after that it's just a flash forward and they have a leave it to beaver marriage. Seeing that relationship blossom would have been a huge insight, and seeing as how he uses that relationship in how he seemingly measures humanity and Hellboy you'd think it would be included but instead although it is alluded to it's never shown and that's frustrating. It seems like a classic example of "show, don't tell" except Roberson doesn't really tell us enough either so we're left with almost nothing to go off of. It's like he's rushing the set up to get to the "stunning" conclusion, but the thing is when you do that the conclusion, no matter how interesting in concept, ends up having zero weight because the readers were never given a good reason to care.
Although there were a few interesting character moments and I did like the the fight scene between Hellboy and the giant armadillo(though even that wasn't fully shown) this book just hasn't grabbed me...which is sad because thestory of the lost alien from Conqueror Worm has been something I've been wanting to see told for a long time. This is a drop for me, which is the first for a Mignola book for me.
Art: Grist has a little more to do in this issue as he isn't forced to ape out the greatest hits of Hellboy here, and when the giant armadillo showed up I thought we were really going to see what Grist could do...but as I mentioned above once introduced the plot just moved on, without giving Grist the chance to really stretch his legs. I'm not the biggest fan of his cartoony style but his talents really aren't being well served by the pacing and tone of this book. He should have been put on some bombastic adventure with a lot of humor and action rather than this dull slog that doesn't seem to know where it's going. It's a serious mismatch between the art and the story and that's really a first as Mignola and company have always made great pairings in the past.
Grade:3/10 |
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Post by Hoosier X on Mar 31, 2017 2:14:23 GMT -5
Batgirl Annual #1 was OK. It's being treated as the first time that Batgirl and Supergirl meet in the Rebirth Universe. And I thought the dialogue was pretty good, It's nice to see DC treating the Batgirl/Supergirl team as a thing in the Rebirth Universe. Because it was so much fun in the Silver Age and the Bronze Age. But there's really just no way this story can even come close to having as much charm as something like "The Supergirl-Batgirl Plot" in World's Finest. And it doesn't help a bit that the first story in the Annual is continued in Supergirl #9. Come on, DC. That is not how you put together a classic annual. Spider-man Annual #1 does not continue into Fantastic Four #31 or Avengers #8. The second story is a fun little romp as Barbara is trying to find time to hang out with her best friend, but Batgirl business pops up and the friend goes with her on a mission. Barbara tries to stop a fellow called Riot Black at the same time she is trying to keep her friend safe and also trying to keep her friend from finding out she is Batgirl. I guess it's OK overall. I'm still kind of pissed about the continued story. I haven't decided if I'm going to get the conclusion or not. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 31, 2017 14:22:39 GMT -5
And it doesn't help a bit that the first story in the Annual is continued in Supergirl #9. Come on, DC. That is not how you put together a classic annual. Spider-man Annual #1 does not continue into Fantastic Four #31 or Avengers #8. I guess it's OK overall. I'm still kind of pissed about the continued story. I haven't decided if I'm going to get the conclusion or not. I don't like this idea either. It's OK to have stuff introduced in an Annual that influences the regular series like a wedding, etc. Didn't Marvel have a year where every Annual was continued into the next Annual to tell one long story? |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Mar 31, 2017 18:16:17 GMT -5
And it doesn't help a bit that the first story in the Annual is continued in Supergirl #9. Come on, DC. That is not how you put together a classic annual. Spider-man Annual #1 does not continue into Fantastic Four #31 or Avengers #8. I guess it's OK overall. I'm still kind of pissed about the continued story. I haven't decided if I'm going to get the conclusion or not. I don't like this idea either. It's OK to have stuff introduced in an Annual that influences the regular series like a wedding, etc. Didn't Marvel have a year where every Annual was continued into the next Annual to tell one long story? DC did the same thing with their annuals a few times in the 90's with Armageddon 2001, Eclipso and Bloodlines all taking place in the annuals. Consequently I detest every one of those events. |
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Post by berkley on Mar 31, 2017 21:56:30 GMT -5
I bought Cinema Purgatorio #9 and Skybourne #3.
The highlights of Cinema Purgatorio continue to be the title feature by Moore and O'Neill, Code Pru by Ennis & Caceres, and Modded by Gillen & Lopez. The other two serials really aren't doing much for me at all and I'm a bit surprised they made it into the book, the difference in quality is so noticeable.
Skybourne is enjoyable, but it's the quintessential "wait for the trade" series: I think it'll read well as a complete story, but the individual issues feel very slight. This one, #3, has more going on than either of the first two and the story develops to the point where you have an idea of what's going on, but it still felt like it ended about 10 or 15 pages early. Very nice artwork by Cho, as usual.
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Post by thwhtguardian on Apr 2, 2017 17:35:03 GMT -5
Star Trek Boldly Go #6 Written by Mike Johnson Art by Chris Mooneyham Summary: On a routine exploration of a new phenomenon in their sector the Kirk and the crew encounter a pair of strange new alien beings.
Plot: After the last multi part, action packed Borg story this more thoughtful one and done by Johnson really hit the spot for me. No phaser blasts, no Kirk wrestling match, just a phenomenon known as a white hole and the misadventure that occurs while exploring it that gives us a story that really makes Nu-Trek feel like the original series it's based on. That said, the book isn't with out its flaws; chief among them being pacing. In an effort to give it a cinimatic feel, and to create a greater sense of continuity we get a couple of scenes early on that although give us some interesting character moments and connect this story to the last and the films they have nothing to do with the white hole and thus make the structure of the actual main plot feel a little rushed. If the book had started en media res like the original series("Captaian's log...") I think there would have been more time to develop the crewmen who turned out to be aliens and the mystery of the white hole. Also, on the subject of the advanced aliens observing the crew though I enjoyed the more sci-fi element it felt like a retread of an idea done by DS9 so it wasn't incredibly novel. That said, it was a pretty solid issue making this run on Trek one of the best since the original Gold Key series.
Art: When it comes to IDW books this is hardly a new critique from me...the art really felt flat and amateurish to me. It wasn't terrible but there was nothing that really stood out and the depiction of the effects of the white hole were far from clear making the reactions from the crew seem confusing and muddled.
Grade:6/10
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Post by thwhtguardian on Apr 2, 2017 18:59:02 GMT -5
DK3 #8 Written by Frank Miller and Brain Azzarello Art by Andy Kubert Colored by Klaus Janson Summary: Looking to break the Man of Steel the Kandorians launch an assault on the home of the Amazons to abduct his son,only to find that the Amazons are no push overs.
Plot: Man, although there wasn't a whole lot of plot here I loved the pacing here and I can't help but feel that if the middle issues had followed this issue for dramatic pacing then the quality of the whole series would have been lifted immensely. There's real tension here and a layered plot that builds on itself as it goes. That said, though it does tell the plot it does have well there were elements that were missing here that really had me scratching my head. In the last issue Bruce Wayne died and then Superman brought him back with a Lazarus bath, it was a shocking twist that I was greatly anticipating but here it was a one scene of "You're alive!?" and then it moved on which really undid the tension of the twist. On top of that I'm not really sure what Bruce's role will be in the conclusion next issue or what this story will say about Batman when all is said and done. The world of the Amazons was really good here, and I loved the characterization of Wonder Woman and the narration behind the battle was fantastic.
Art: I think what really made this issue sing though was Kubert's art. The sense of scale he brought to the battle was amazing, the movement in each panel and from panel to panel as a means of visual story telling was perfect and combined those elements gave the book an epic, cinematic feel that is truly unmatched.
Grade:7.5/10
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darrell
Junior Member
Before I speak, I have something important to say.
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Post by darrell on Apr 4, 2017 10:35:41 GMT -5
DK3 #8Written by Frank Miller and Brain Azzarello Art by Andy Kubert Colored by Klaus Janson Summary: Looking to break the Man of Steel the Kandorians launch an assault on the home of the Amazons to abduct his son,only to find that the Amazons are no push overs.
Plot: Man, although there wasn't a whole lot of plot here I loved the pacing here and I can't help but feel that if the middle issues had followed this issue for dramatic pacing then the quality of the whole series would have been lifted immensely. There's real tension here and a layered plot that builds on itself as it goes. That said, though it does tell the plot it does have well there were elements that were missing here that really had me scratching my head. In the last issue Bruce Wayne died and then Superman brought him back with a Lazarus bath, it was a shocking twist that I was greatly anticipating but here it was a one scene of "You're alive!?" and then it moved on which really undid the tension of the twist. On top of that I'm not really sure what Bruce's role will be in the conclusion next issue or what this story will say about Batman when all is said and done. The world of the Amazons was really good here, and I loved the characterization of Wonder Woman and the narration behind the battle was fantastic.
Art: I think what really made this issue sing though was Kubert's art. The sense of scale he brought to the battle was amazing, the movement in each panel and from panel to panel as a means of visual story telling was perfect and combined those elements gave the book an epic, cinematic feel that is truly unmatched.
Grade:7.5/10
I have really been digging DK3, a lot more than I thought I would. Azzarello's scripting has been on point, and Kubert's art is wonderful. The backup art with Miller has been a mixed bag; when inked by Janson, it reminds me of the Daredevil of old, when not, it looks very messy. |
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Post by String on Apr 4, 2017 13:02:06 GMT -5
 Written by Dan Abnett. Art by Minkyu Jung. Cover by Brett Booth and Norm Rapmund. Flash, Batman, Wonder Woman & Aquaman are in a bunker with Wally Flash, Nightwing, Tempest & Donna. The Key is behind this...but he is working for an unseen figure. He forces them into situations to cause a mental breakdown to capture their mental energy. Donna is the first to break down when Diana reveals Donna's origin. This sends out a telepathic scream to Omen & the rest of the JLA & Titans rescue them. The reason why the Key did this is partially revealed on the last page. Abnett again nails the friendship between the Titans in contrast to the Justice League just being allies on a team. The downside he makes the JLA members too arrogant. 7/10.I didn't think the JLA were too arrogant, rather more experienced. You bring up a good point about Abnett showcasing the strength of the Titans' friendship in such circumstances but Abnett also did good in contrasting the experience of both teams. For example, Diana's immediate questioning of whom they can possibly trust (which earned a compliment from Batman. What?!), something the Titans hadn't considered to that point. That being offset by Dick's later observation of Diana missing her Lasso of Truth which none of the JLA (save perhaps Batman) hadn't noticed either. Barry's tlak with Wally summed it best; how the League is still adjusting to thinking of them beyond mere teenagers. Youth and friendship vs experience and subtle allies, Abnett characterized both teams rather well (the differing ways the Leaguers addressed Wally was fun and insightful). The mystery with the Key was interesting and I liked how Abnett ended this. You don't HAVE TO read THIS particular issue of either title to find out what happened next, rather he sets up an interesting prospect which will seemingly play out over the term of Titans. All in all, a pretty darn good story and team-up.
8/10
Oh, was this reveal about Donna's origin the first ever mention of this or was this shown previously in WW's title? |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2017 13:09:35 GMT -5
Oh, was this reveal about Donna's origin the first ever mention of this or was this shown previously in WW's title? At least some of it was in the Finch run. |
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Post by String on Apr 4, 2017 13:35:51 GMT -5
All-New X-Men #19 - Hopeless ends his run on a good note, showing how the O5 are adapting to their new futures. Teen Jean returns at the behest of Young Hank, who shows the team what he's learned about why they can't return to the past. {Spoiler: Click to show}
Taking them into the past, Hank shows them that the Original X-Men are already there. There's nowhere for them to return. Shocked and confused, Jean sees this as them being freed of the futures they've seen so far and thus they can create their own fate while searching for a new home. Throughout this title, Hopeless has done a fine job in expanding these characters and tying in teenage angst and problems with their superheroics. One could argue that these are no longer the Original X-men you once knew and with this revelation about their past and future, they seem to have been freed to continue along these new paths set before them. 7.5/10
X-Men Prime #1- Ororo, distraught over where her decisions these last few months as leader of the X-Men have lead her, seeks to turn over her leadership to Kitty Pryde, whose newly returned to Earth after her adventures with the Guardians. Kitty takes some time to look over the current state of the team and mutants and finally decides to do as Ororo suggests on one condition, that Ororo stays on the team. Kitty decides it's time to take up Xavier's dream again from the forefront, not as freaks, not as mutants, not even as Homo Superior, but rather as heroes. As such, she has the X-Haven school removed from Limbo and re-established in the heart of Central Park. This issue was intended as set-up for the upcoming line relaunch, focusing for the most part on the X-Men Blue, X-Men Gold and Weapon X titles. And it does so rather well. The characterization here is excellent, especially the ongoing conversation between Kitty and Ororo. It feels and reads like a dialogue between long-standing friends and teammates. In fact, as Kitty determines whether to accept Ororo's offer, a feeling of family and friendship among the mutants is renewed, something the X-line has been missing for quite awhile. So far, the future does look bright. 8/10
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Post by thwhtguardian on Apr 5, 2017 7:59:33 GMT -5
DK3 #8Written by Frank Miller and Brain Azzarello Art by Andy Kubert Colored by Klaus Janson Summary: Looking to break the Man of Steel the Kandorians launch an assault on the home of the Amazons to abduct his son,only to find that the Amazons are no push overs.
Plot: Man, although there wasn't a whole lot of plot here I loved the pacing here and I can't help but feel that if the middle issues had followed this issue for dramatic pacing then the quality of the whole series would have been lifted immensely. There's real tension here and a layered plot that builds on itself as it goes. That said, though it does tell the plot it does have well there were elements that were missing here that really had me scratching my head. In the last issue Bruce Wayne died and then Superman brought him back with a Lazarus bath, it was a shocking twist that I was greatly anticipating but here it was a one scene of "You're alive!?" and then it moved on which really undid the tension of the twist. On top of that I'm not really sure what Bruce's role will be in the conclusion next issue or what this story will say about Batman when all is said and done. The world of the Amazons was really good here, and I loved the characterization of Wonder Woman and the narration behind the battle was fantastic.
Art: I think what really made this issue sing though was Kubert's art. The sense of scale he brought to the battle was amazing, the movement in each panel and from panel to panel as a means of visual story telling was perfect and combined those elements gave the book an epic, cinematic feel that is truly unmatched.
Grade:7.5/10
I have really been digging DK3, a lot more than I thought I would. Azzarello's scripting has been on point, and Kubert's art is wonderful. The backup art with Miller has been a mixed bag; when inked by Janson, it reminds me of the Daredevil of old, when not, it looks very messy. I think it got bogged down and a little bloated in the middle but overall it's been fun. I don't know how it will stack up against the other installments (which I loved) but I wasn't sure how DKII would stack up against the original while it was coming out and I like it just as much as the first now. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2017 12:52:25 GMT -5
 Written by James Tynion IV & Christopher Sebela. Art & Cover by Ariel Olivetti. Hal & Space Ghost are pulled to an uncharted anomaly in deep space. They think each other is a threat & fight. They land on a planet & are taken captive by the populace. The people believe there is nothing beyond their planet & are upset by GL & SG saying otherwise. However there is one man who is making a spaceship to see what is beyond their planet Perterra. His name is Mavon & GL & SG grant him his wish before he dies. His niece Keila is inspired by her Uncle Mavon & continues his work after GL & SG leave. I always thought Space Ghost would be an awesome DC hero. And he is. He could easily fit into the DCU. I loved this team up between him & GL(Hal). I'm hoping this issue convinces DC to try another Space Ghost series. 9/10. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2017 9:15:15 GMT -5
Finally got my copy of Titans Annual #1. I enjoyed it--both story and art. Sometimes annuals have so/so stories with mediocre art. I am glad this was not the case with the Titans Annual. I enjoyed the Titans interacting with their mentors--even though I am not sure of Aquaman's relationship with Tempest these days as well as Wonder Woman's with Donna Troy. I liked the scene with the remaining members of the JL working with Lilith and Arsenal.
Now I am wondering just who the Key was in cahoots with and just what is going on with Donna. Anyone have any information on Aquaman and Tempest. I am guessing their traditional relationship has been altered in favor of the young justice Aqualad? Tempest seemed to be treating Aquaman as an acquaintance rather than someone he would be very familiar with.
8/10
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Post by wildfire2099 on May 5, 2017 12:12:09 GMT -5
Written by Dan Abnett. Art by Minkyu Jung. Cover by Brett Booth and Norm Rapmund. Flash, Batman, Wonder Woman & Aquaman are in a bunker with Wally Flash, Nightwing, Tempest & Donna. The Key is behind this...but he is working for an unseen figure. He forces them into situations to cause a mental breakdown to capture their mental energy. Donna is the first to break down when Diana reveals Donna's origin. This sends out a telepathic scream to Omen & the rest of the JLA & Titans rescue them. The reason why the Key did this is partially revealed on the last page. Abnett again nails the friendship between the Titans in contrast to the Justice League just being allies on a team. The downside he makes the JLA members too arrogant. 7/10.I don't know.. I think it was pretty on target. Barry and Wally were right on (at least, what I think they should be like, I haven't read any Flash since Waid).. Dick was amazing... the Donna Troy thing fits with her usually weirdness, and I assume Aquaman was portrayed as Abnett portays him. The only weird thing was.. where did Tempest get laser vision from? That was really weird. I'd say this was my favorite Rebirth Titans story so far.  |
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