|
|
Post by thwhtguardian on Jun 6, 2018 8:31:31 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by thwhtguardian on Jun 6, 2018 11:08:44 GMT -5
The Immortal Hulk #1 Written by Al Ewing Art by Joe Bennett Summary: Bruce Banner is dead and buried, but at night a monster of jade arises and in his wake? Only destruction.
Plot: In a single issue Al Ewing, of 2000 AD fame,takes the Hulk back to that primal creature that Lee and Kirby first imagined in 1963. Gone is Hulk the Super-Hero, gone is the gentle giant or misunderstood brute...all that is left is a creature of rage. This is a book that has much more in common with The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde than the Avengers, which is fitting as that was the character's greatest inspiration, it's bleak and although the "bad guy" is brought to "justice" in the end it isn't clean or clear cut and the damages done can't be undone. And it's not just the Hulk appearing out of Banner's dead body, or that he brutalizes the bad guys that makes this work like a horror story it's the pacing that really hammers it home. Ewing knows his business when it comes to horror and is devoted to building suspense only to release it when it suits him. It's slow, and it's bleak and it's brutal and at the end of the day there's no real hero. I don't know how long they can keep the Hulk like this, but I love it.
Art: The horror feel doesn't just stop with the plot either, as it goes on to permeate the whole book. Bennett knows that every time that he shows shows the Hulk it diminishes his impact as a threat on the page and so he is rarely seen. Instead of lavish splash pages of action you'd see in a typical Hulk book we are given only hints on the page: a growing hand, a National Enquirer cover, a flash of green. The monster is always present, but rarely seen. This applies to the action as well, in which readers are left with those who were victimized by the Hulk and the damage left in his wake. It's minimalistic and beautiful.
Grade:10/10 |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2018 22:53:27 GMT -5
Dazzler #1 by Magdalene Visaggio, Laura Braga, Rachelle Rosenberg, and Joe Sabino: I always thought Dazzler was a pretty cool concept, although I never read her title. I just knew her from some X-Men appearances and Marvel house ads. In this one shot, Dazzler is wanting to get away from the super heroics and focus on her music. At her shows, most mutants and inhumans get along and enjoy the music but there is a hate group of mutants out to get the inhuman fans. Dazzler intervenes and finds herself saving the day and receives a tempting offer from Piotr Rasputin.
I thought this was an interesting tale and very timely. Nothing that hasn't been seen before, but Visaggio seems to get Dazzler and the art was perfect for such a character. Colossus and Dazzler had some chemistry too....not sure if he's still with Kitty or not these days, but I really enjoyed their interactions. Neat little story that kept me entertained (even if I wasn't quite sure why all the hate between the inhumans and mutants. Been a long time since I read any X-Men titles, or any Marvel title for that matter).
7/10 story
9/10 art
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2018 23:11:39 GMT -5
Archie #31 by Mark Waid, Ian Flynn, Audrey Mok, Kelly Fitzpatrick, and Jack Morelli: Wow, the Blossom Twins and their birth father have quite a reunion at the spring dance. All is going well...Archie is playing songs with Josie and the Pussycats, Veronica and Betty are enjoying going stag, Jughead shows up, and Reggie is ready to bring his latest scheme home. Mr. Weatherbee also intends on making an announcement and he has a nice chat with Miss Grundy. Also a very neat little scene that showcases Midge's wicked sense of humor.
All goes awry when the Blossom Twins' father shows up-- trapping everyone in the gym as he demands his children come forward, gun waving.
This was like a Friday episode of a soap opera where you are left wondering what is going to happen next. I love these type of stories. The art is spectacular. Mok's art reminds me of Paul Smith (of X-Men fame) in some panels. Also great to see her able to draw Josie and the Pussycats again. Excellent issue.
10/10
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 7, 2018 11:00:50 GMT -5
Doctor Star #4:
Script by Jeff Lemire. Art by Max Fiumara.
The conclusion. Dr Star is offered the chance by aliens to find out the secrets of the universe. But he chooses to go back to earth and spend time with his dying son. Despite his great power he comes to the conclusion he was selfish & gave up the best thing life had to offer: a relationship with his wife & son. His son asks him to take him flying & Dr Star flies him to the moon where he passes away in silence as Dr Star holds him.
Wow. What a powerful series. It was not a happy ending. It had a strong message that I agree with. Too many times we get caught up in things like careers that leave us little time to spend with our families. And really that is what makes each of us special & unique: the people that love us. As I get older this message is timely. Fortunately I have an excellent dad that modeled the fact that family was more important than his work. Thanks Dad!
10/10. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 7, 2018 11:09:57 GMT -5
The Immortal Hulk #1:
Script by Al Ewing. Art by Joe Bennett & Ruy Jose.
We have seen a similar version of the Hulk on the 70's TV show and the Bruce Jones run. This is a horror comic not a superhero comic. Basically this issue Bruce gets shot in a gas station hold up along with 2 other victims. When night falls he changes into the Hulk & breaks out of the morgue. He then seeks revenge on the killer.
Great pacing & suspense by the creative team. Great first issue. As thwhtguardian said I don't how long they can keep this version of the Hulk going but for now this looks to be an entertaining series. The Hulk is a great character that has had many different versions over the years from horror to Hulk Smash! to alien warrior to Mr Fix It. And I have enjoyed most of them. Who knew that this character would be so versatile?
9/10. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 7, 2018 11:14:57 GMT -5
Justice League #1:
Script by Scott Snyder. Art by Jim Cheung & Mark Morales.
A new #1 for the JL.
I'm not into team books as much as I was when I was younger but I decided to check this one out. And it was pretty good. I like this mix of characters. It felt like a mix of the classic with the animated version. I like the cosmic threat. I like the return of the Hall of Justice & the Legion of Doom. I like that J'onn is the one "holding this version together". I like the interactions between the characters. The art was great.
Yeah this issue hit all the right notes to get me to buy the first arc.
7/10.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 7, 2018 11:19:34 GMT -5
Archie #31:
Script by Mark Waid & Ian Flynn. Art by Audrey Mok.
The whole gang is locked in the gym at school during the spring dance by the Blossom's biological father. So many great scenes like @mrjupiter mentioned in his post. Not sure what the Blossom twins are thinking and I can't wait for the conclusion in one month.
This whole series has been awesome with great writing & art.
9/10. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 7, 2018 11:30:22 GMT -5
Fighting American: The Ties That Bind #4:
Script by Gordon Rennie. Art by Andie Tong.
The conclusion of the second arc.
I really hated last issue but Rennie pulls it all together this issue. Basically Agent Rutherford saves the day. FA & SB are back together as a team. They "clean up" the FBI & capture Double Header. At the end FA's brother's grandson & great grandson move in with FA & SB. On the last page two military agents find the old Project Fighting American Lab & state it will only work on someone with DNA similar to Nelson & Johnny Flagg...
After last issue's stumble the series recovered nicely this issue. I liked the wrap up. The set up of a new status quo with Chester & Chad Krunckle (FA's grandson & great grandson). And that last page was a nice twist.
And for those that don't know FA's origin: Johnny Flagg was killed by communist agents. Project Fighting American put his dead body in suspended animation. Revitalized & enhanced it. Then transferred his brother's life essence & mind into Johnny's body leaving Nelson's body a dead shell. A really strange origin that was never referenced again until this series.
8/10. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 7, 2018 11:40:24 GMT -5
The Man of Steel #2:
Script by Brian Michael Bendis. Art by Doc Shaner & Steve Rude.
The first few pages we get a little "Bendis speak" between two Guardians but then we dive into scenes at the Daily planet & Superman fighting the Toyman. Then we get a Hal Green Lantern scene as Superman brushes him off when he starts to ask about Lois & Jon. Then a two page flashback with Lois & Jon. Then outer space where the villain is looking for Superman. Then back to the Planet as a new reporter continues to dig into Lois & Jon's disappearance.
First off the art was beautiful. I like Shaner & Rude's similar styles. Bendis is getting to work with some stellar artists. After a bit of trepidation with the Guardian's conversation (as Bendis is known for) the rest of the issue was good. I also think the weekly format is helping. If this had been monthly it would have felt like the mystery about Lois & Jon is starting to drag on.
8/10. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 7, 2018 23:05:16 GMT -5
Justice League #1: I rolled my eyes when I saw an umpteenth Justice League #1. I looked at the cover and saw it was mostly A-listers, so I gave it a try. I wasn't exactly blown away, but there were things I liked. Much like md62, I liked seeing the Hall of Justice back and the Legion of Doom (plus the Hall of Doom!). The first few pages with the League fighting the Neanderthals was like something out of the 70s JLoA. I liked seeing Hawkgirl (they referred to her as Kenda, so I am guessing this is the pre-52 Hawkgirl). I also liked the threat being something really major along with the added menace of the Legion of Doom. I got a bit lost in the telepathic group meeting as they explained and discussed what was happening. The art was solid throughout. I will probably give this a try and see where it goes. I haven't enjoyed the JLoA since the mid 80s when they disbanded and moved to Detroit. This doesn't quite have the feel of the original JLoA, but worth checking out. 6/10 |
|
|
|
Post by Slam_Bradley on Jun 8, 2018 11:32:30 GMT -5
Doctor Star #4:
Script by Jeff Lemire. Art by Max Fiumara.
The conclusion. Dr Star is offered the chance by aliens to find out the secrets of the universe. But he chooses to go back to earth and spend time with his dying son. Despite his great power he comes to the conclusion he was selfish & gave up the best thing life had to offer: a relationship with his wife & son. His son asks him to take him flying & Dr Star flies him to the moon where he passes away in silence as Dr Star holds him.
Wow. What a powerful series. It was not a happy ending. It had a strong message that I agree with. Too many times we get caught up in things like careers that leave us little time to spend with our families. And really that is what makes each of us special & unique: the people that love us. As I get older this message is timely. Fortunately I have an excellent dad that modeled the fact that family was more important than his work. Thanks Dad!
10/10. This was really just a beautiful series. A hard look at obsession and what it might actually mean to be a superhero. Along with the rest of Black Hammer, a series I recommend to those who say comics are no longer good. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 8, 2018 22:49:41 GMT -5
The Man of Steel #2: The mystery of Lois and Jon is front and center as members of the Daily Planet staff are talking about it as well as Green Lantern. Some more backstory on the latest big bad (and what happened to Krypton) and an appearance by Toyman. Bendis has created a story where I am wanting the next week to hurry up! Nice to see Hal GL appear. I have no idea what goes on in the GL book or books, but every time I see a GL, it's not Hal Jordan, so I was happy to see him here--although his encounter with Superman became awkward. Very real world too, with the dilemma at the Daily Planet, especially Perry's comment about how everyone is a reporter these days with their devices.
The art was great and had very nice little touches. In the first few pages at the Daily Planet--the activity going on in the background with Steve Lombard and the other staff. The scene with the people cheering Superman on as he fights the Toyman--very nice. Steve Rude's art later in the book was gorgeous and I'd love to see him on a regular Superman title. He made Clark look very vintage in the modern Planet world. Looking forward to seeing what's coming next!
8/10
|
|
|
|
Post by String on Jun 9, 2018 10:52:53 GMT -5
Man of Steel #2 - I'm aggravated every time that I enjoy a Bendis book this much because it shows me his full potential that is usually upended by his idiosyncrasies that I find highly annoying. If he can continue to reign those tendencies in (as he has done in these first two issues) then he may end up crafting something fun and worthwhile. Art has been phenomenal so far.
8/10
Justice League #1 - I want to like the Justice League but efforts like this make it difficult. Synder's characterization was top-notch especially in showing how J'onn merges the team together in an effort to quell this latest crisis. The re-appearance of the Hall of Justice and Legion of Doom (and it's Hall) was very nice. However, I became lost near the end as Synder delved into the plot that obviously relates to events from his Metal event series and quite possibly a few other titles that I haven't been reading. To me, it seems like he's trying to challenge Hickman for King of Big Ideas and it fell flat for me instead. Cheung's art, on the other hand, was amazing, really tight and clean.
Plus, did I read that right? Luthor used a doorknob as a murder weapon? What?
6/10
|
|
|
|
Post by Icctrombone on Jun 9, 2018 17:42:57 GMT -5
I don't know where else to post this so- I picked up Infinty Siblings by Starlin and Alan Davis last week. What a disappointment. I'm the biggest Starlin fan there is but I was let down by this story and even more let down by Alan Davis' rendering of Thanos. Bummer.
|
|
