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Post by thwhtguardian on Sept 19, 2018 7:55:26 GMT -5
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Post by thwhtguardian on Sept 19, 2018 10:05:45 GMT -5
Dick Tracy: Dead or Alive #1 Written by Lee and Michael Allred Art by Rich Tommaso Colored by Laura Allred Summary: Calling all cars, Dick Tracy is back! After losing his job due to touching an "untouchable" man Tracy is looking for work and winds up in the Windy City. Plot: Chester Gould's yellow coated flat foot has long been a favorite of mine so I was really excited to see this book come to fruition, especially under the guidance of Mike Allred. With a mix of hard noir, subtle humor and the occasional sight gag from the outlandish villains Allred just seemed like the perfect guy for the job and in this first outing he certainly didn't disappoint. His characterization of Tracy is dead on with an equal dose of grim determination and down home, folks charm, the inclusion of Sam Catchem showed he knew the source (or did his homework) and the snappy pacing made feel like you were reading a great collection of Sunday strips which was perfect. On top of that, what's really great about this book is that it's an origin of sorts giving us a story of Tracy just coming into the city and encountering Big Boy so it's very new reader friendly, but at the same time Tracy comes to us fully formed just like those who know him well would expect so it doesn't feel like it's just treading over well swum water so it's a treat for old fans and anyone just joining the party. Art: When I read that Allred was just doing the story and not the art I was a little disappointed as I thought his style would be a perfect fit(and it still would!) but if we couldn't get him Rich Tommaso was about as good a second choice as one could hope for. If you haven't seen his work in either Dry County or Spy Seal you're really missing out, but even so if you aren't familiar with his work you'll get a strong dose here with his work on Tracy as his same, almost ligne claire art style is on full display:  It's simple, and slightly exaggerated at times but it beautifully portrays the action in a clear and readable way. On top of that Laura Allred's simple but bold primary color pallet really give it that retro feel that just suits Tracy so well.
Grade:10/10 |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2018 13:13:11 GMT -5
 The Immortal Hulk #6.Written by Al Ewing. Art by Lee Garbett. Well this issue "returns" the Hulk into the mainstream MU. The horror aspect is minimal. This issue involves Alpha Flight, the Avengers, and Shadow Base (the "new" government agency following Banner and others who know the Hulk like Betty and Doc Sampson). This issue is heavy on exposition as Ewing attempts to fill in some of the backstory behind the Hulk's "new" status quo. Garbett's art is very good. It is less "polished" than his past art. With the horror downplayed this issue I was a little disappointed. 6/10. |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2018 13:18:27 GMT -5
 Captain America Annual 2018.Written by Tini Howard. Art by Chris Sprouse and Ron Lim. I am a sucker for a WWII Cap story. In this one Captain America and Bucky find a group of concentration camp escapees that are avoiding being recaptured. I think Marvel should do a story like this at least once a year so an annual is the perfect place to tell a story like this. It was classic Cap and Bucky. The art was clean and fit the story. 8/10. Slow week for me... |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Sept 19, 2018 17:41:47 GMT -5
The Immortal Hulk #6.Written by Al Ewing. Art by Lee Garbett. Well this issue "returns" the Hulk into the mainstream MU. The horror aspect is minimal. This issue involves Alpha Flight, the Avengers, and Shadow Base (the "new" government agency following Banner and others who know the Hulk like Betty and Doc Sampson). This issue is heavy on exposition as Ewing attempts to fill in some of the backstory behind the Hulk's "new" status quo. Garrett's art is very good. It is less "polished" than his past art. With the horror downplayed this issue I was a little disappointed. 6/10. After how uneven the last issue I was a little feeling a little trepidation about how things would go forward but the new developments definitely helped even out the book even if the horror element was slightly down played. I really liked how Ewing made the whole death angle retroactively a part of Hulk's history: Banner died on the day of the gamma test but with that death came the Hulk and when the sun rose the Hulk brought him back and it's been happening ever since...or it could be metaphorical if you want as it wasn't super explicit. |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Sept 19, 2018 18:44:03 GMT -5
Batman: Damned #1 Written by Brian Azzarello Art by Lee Bermejo Summary: The Joker is dead, and in his quest to uncover who did it Batman is forced into an uneasy alliance with Constantine and Deadman.
Plot: Azzarello's supernatural mystery is the first out of the gate in DC's new line aimed at "mature" readers, DC Black Label, and even with the religious subtext aside even just from a graphical stand point this book certainly lives up to that "mature" caveat, but we'll talk more on that later. Personally, I wasn't won over by the whole mature readers line as mature just means more graphic violence more often than not and that's just not something I've ever really looked for in any form of entertainment, never mind in my comics but I've long loved how Azzarello can spin a good mystery and his noir style monologues are a perfect fit for Batman(I loved Batman in First Wave) so mature label aside I decided to pick this up and I'm glad I did. The voice of Batman is dead on, the mystery sucks you in right from the get go and I love the twist of including Constantine and Deadman. I'm not sure where all of this is going, or what the demonic interactions(is that the Enchantress ala the Suicide Squad film?) with the young Bruce might portend but I'm definitely locked in for the ride.
Art: I've loved Bermejo's work on Batman in the past, the textured real world feel just makes for a great read and that's true here as well. I loved the scene where Batman is chasing down the crazy eyewitness to the Joker's murder; with each jump and landing you can see the strain it puts on his body and that level of detail really makes you feel the weight of the action. That said, there is a series of panels that just made my eyes roll...he gave us a look at Bruce's junk. Just because it's a mature line doesn't mean you need nudity and I just don't see why it was included here. Sure, if we have Bruce walking around unclothed you're realistically going to see his junk...but what narrative purpose does it serve to actually portray that? It's just being "edgy" for the sake of being "edgy" which is why I tend to dislike these "mature" reader lines. But still, even though that was an unneeded scene it was still a good book.
Grade: 8/10 |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Sept 20, 2018 9:00:31 GMT -5
Avengers #8 Written by Jason Aaron Art by David Marquez Summary: As the Avengers settle into their new home at the North Pole, Avengers Mountain, a familiar face resurfaces but is he friend or foe?
Plot: After last issue's filler issue feel I was wonder how Aaron was going to get back on his feet with the story here, but I should not have been concerned as he really returned to form here. After the bombastic opening arc with the the heroes coming together to stop Loki's big, world ending scheme(sound familiar?) things quiet down a little here as the team settles into its new base. And man, that base is awesome, Aaron continues with the kid playing with his toys feel to the story here with the Avengers moving into the shell of a celestial...up on the north pole. Just look at the cover above for a second, it looks like the box art to a play set. I just love that feel of child like wonder, and Aaron really brings that feel not only with the light, fast paced action and imaginative settings but also with his choice of what seems to be him main pov character, Robbie Reyes, the Ghost Rider. He's young and brash and totally in awe of the Avengers and that feeling really heightens every thing else Aaron is doing. I said earlier that the opening plot with Loki was familiar, as it's pretty close to the very first Avengers story, and that feeling continues here as Aaron goes for another greatest hits Avengers foe in Namor. Some may find that repetitive, but again I think it plays into that feeling of a kid with his toys; when you fought with your action figures growing up you weren't reinventing the wheel; you were rehashing your favorite bits and making your own connections and mash ups...and it was a blast, and I get that same feeling here. I'm interested to see what Namor brings to the table in the coming issues...and in the further future I'm hoping for Kang!
Art: While not as bombastic as Ed McGuinness' work, Marquez does have bright, energetic feel to it that matches the story well. While most of his scenes here were quiet, character building pages he had a really dynamic lay out at the end with Namor's reveal that has me thinking he'll have a great handle on the action in the issues to come.
Grade:7/10 |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Sept 20, 2018 10:43:20 GMT -5
Black Hammer: Age of Doom #5 Written by Jeff Lemire Art by Dean Ormston Summary: Our heroes’ journey from Spiral City to the farm is finally revealed, and it's far stranger than any may have thought.
Plot: Black Hammer has been firing on all cylinders for me since the start and this issue brings a lot of story points full circle, and what is a true testament to Lemire's greatness as a storyteller is that although the reveal is fantastic it doesn't feel like a cop out twist ending completely out of left field...and it easily could have come off that way, but instead with his careful planning and subtle hints peppered along the path going back to the very first issue make this development feel like a completely natural progression and yet still surprising.
Art: Like Lemire, Ormston really delivers the goods in this issue. He captures so many great moments in the characters faces this time around that really works well to show what they’re feeling. He gives us everything on the emotional spectrum from the pain and heartbreak that Abe’s feeling at learning his love is gone to the pure, unadulterated anger emanating from Gail at learning it was all a lie...and all within the same page! It's truly stunning, and I can't wait to see where this all goes next.
Grade:10/10 |
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Post by Slam_Bradley on Sept 20, 2018 11:19:21 GMT -5
Black Hammer: Age of Doom #5Written by Jeff Lemire Art by Dean Ormston Summary: Our heroes’ journey from Spiral City to the farm is finally revealed, and it's far stranger than any may have thought.
Plot: Black Hammer has been firing on all cylinders for me since the start and this issue brings a lot of story points full circle, and what is a true testament to Lemire's greatness as a storyteller is that although the reveal is fantastic it doesn't feel like a cop out twist ending completely out of left field...and it easily could have come off that way, but instead with his careful planning and subtle hints peppered along the path going back to the very first issue make this development feel like a completely natural progression and yet still surprising.
Art: Like Lemire, Ormston really delivers the goods in this issue. He captures so many great moments in the characters faces this time around that really works well to show what they’re feeling. He gives us everything on the emotional spectrum from the pain and heartbreak that Abe’s feeling at learning his love is gone to the pure, unadulterated anger emanating from Gail at learning it was all a lie...and all within the same page! It's truly stunning, and I can't wait to see where this all goes next.
Grade:10/10 Black Hammer is by far the best thing in comics right now. From the brilliant main storyline to spin-offs that hit on all cylinders. This was a great issue. And I'm chomping at the bit for the next issue. |
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Post by Slam_Bradley on Sept 20, 2018 11:25:19 GMT -5
Dick Tracy: Dead or Alive #1Written by Lee and Michael Allred Art by Rich Tommaso Colored by Laura Allred Summary: Calling all cars, Dick Tracy is back! After losing his job due to touching an "untouchable" man Tracy is looking for work and winds up in the Windy City. Plot: Chester Gould's yellow coated flat foot has long been a favorite of mine so I was really excited to see this book come to fruition, especially under the guidance of Mike Allred. With a mix of hard noir, subtle humor and the occasional sight gag from the outlandish villains Allred just seemed like the perfect guy for the job and in this first outing he certainly didn't disappoint. His characterization of Tracy is dead on with an equal dose of grim determination and down home, folks charm, the inclusion of Sam Catchem showed he knew the source (or did his homework) and the snappy pacing made feel like you were reading a great collection of Sunday strips which was perfect. On top of that, what's really great about this book is that it's an origin of sorts giving us a story of Tracy just coming into the city and encountering Big Boy so it's very new reader friendly, but at the same time Tracy comes to us fully formed just like those who know him well would expect so it doesn't feel like it's just treading over well swum water so it's a treat for old fans and anyone just joining the party. Art: When I read that Allred was just doing the story and not the art I was a little disappointed as I thought his style would be a perfect fit(and it still would!) but if we couldn't get him Rich Tommaso was about as good a second choice as one could hope for. If you haven't seen his work in either Dry County or Spy Seal you're really missing out, but even so if you aren't familiar with his work you'll get a strong dose here with his work on Tracy as his same, almost ligne claire art style is on full display: It's simple, and slightly exaggerated at times but it beautifully portrays the action in a clear and readable way. On top of that Laura Allred's simple but bold primary color pallet really give it that retro feel that just suits Tracy so well.
Grade:10/10 You liked this one better than I did. Not that I disliked it. It was a fun fast read. Felt like Dick Tracy (though the shuffling from city to city thing was a bit weird). I'll admit that I'd have liked it a LOT more if Allred were doing the art. But overall it's a fun book. |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Sept 20, 2018 12:39:55 GMT -5
Dick Tracy: Dead or Alive #1Written by Lee and Michael Allred Art by Rich Tommaso Colored by Laura Allred Summary: Calling all cars, Dick Tracy is back! After losing his job due to touching an "untouchable" man Tracy is looking for work and winds up in the Windy City. Plot: Chester Gould's yellow coated flat foot has long been a favorite of mine so I was really excited to see this book come to fruition, especially under the guidance of Mike Allred. With a mix of hard noir, subtle humor and the occasional sight gag from the outlandish villains Allred just seemed like the perfect guy for the job and in this first outing he certainly didn't disappoint. His characterization of Tracy is dead on with an equal dose of grim determination and down home, folks charm, the inclusion of Sam Catchem showed he knew the source (or did his homework) and the snappy pacing made feel like you were reading a great collection of Sunday strips which was perfect. On top of that, what's really great about this book is that it's an origin of sorts giving us a story of Tracy just coming into the city and encountering Big Boy so it's very new reader friendly, but at the same time Tracy comes to us fully formed just like those who know him well would expect so it doesn't feel like it's just treading over well swum water so it's a treat for old fans and anyone just joining the party. Art: When I read that Allred was just doing the story and not the art I was a little disappointed as I thought his style would be a perfect fit(and it still would!) but if we couldn't get him Rich Tommaso was about as good a second choice as one could hope for. If you haven't seen his work in either Dry County or Spy Seal you're really missing out, but even so if you aren't familiar with his work you'll get a strong dose here with his work on Tracy as his same, almost ligne claire art style is on full display: It's simple, and slightly exaggerated at times but it beautifully portrays the action in a clear and readable way. On top of that Laura Allred's simple but bold primary color pallet really give it that retro feel that just suits Tracy so well.
Grade:10/10 You liked this one better than I did. Not that I disliked it. It was a fun fast read. Felt like Dick Tracy (though the shuffling from city to city thing was a bit weird). I'll admit that I'd have liked it a LOT more if Allred were doing the art. But overall it's a fun book. It would be fantastic if Allred were doing the art too but as is it was a lot of fun. I think my perfect score comes from just being a huge fan of the strip, I still follow it every week, and just being floored that it finally translated well to the traditional comic book format. |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Sept 20, 2018 12:41:23 GMT -5
Black Hammer: Age of Doom #5Written by Jeff Lemire Art by Dean Ormston Summary: Our heroes’ journey from Spiral City to the farm is finally revealed, and it's far stranger than any may have thought.
Plot: Black Hammer has been firing on all cylinders for me since the start and this issue brings a lot of story points full circle, and what is a true testament to Lemire's greatness as a storyteller is that although the reveal is fantastic it doesn't feel like a cop out twist ending completely out of left field...and it easily could have come off that way, but instead with his careful planning and subtle hints peppered along the path going back to the very first issue make this development feel like a completely natural progression and yet still surprising.
Art: Like Lemire, Ormston really delivers the goods in this issue. He captures so many great moments in the characters faces this time around that really works well to show what they’re feeling. He gives us everything on the emotional spectrum from the pain and heartbreak that Abe’s feeling at learning his love is gone to the pure, unadulterated anger emanating from Gail at learning it was all a lie...and all within the same page! It's truly stunning, and I can't wait to see where this all goes next.
Grade:10/10 Black Hammer is by far the best thing in comics right now. From the brilliant main storyline to spin-offs that hit on all cylinders. This was a great issue. And I'm chomping at the bit for the next issue. It really has been a fantastic run so far, definitely up there with Astrocity as my favorite fictional universe. |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Sept 20, 2018 12:58:37 GMT -5
Captain America Annual 2018.Written by Tini Howard. Art by Chris Sprouse and Ron Lim. I am a sucker for a WWII Cap story. In this one Captain America and Bucky find a group of concentration camp escapees that are avoiding being recaptured. I think Marvel should do a story like this at least once a year so an annual is the perfect place to tell a story like this. It was classic Cap and Bucky. The art was clean and fit the story. 8/10. Slow week for me... Cap at war stories are always fun, but for me what made this special was the editorial at the end by Tini Howard; that essay about romani heritage really brought the story into a sharper focus, made it more real. That added layer really made it a great story for me and a fantastic choice for an annual. |
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Post by The Captain on Sept 20, 2018 15:46:59 GMT -5
Captain America Annual 2018.Written by Tini Howard. Art by Chris Sprouse and Ron Lim. I am a sucker for a WWII Cap story. In this one Captain America and Bucky find a group of concentration camp escapees that are avoiding being recaptured. I think Marvel should do a story like this at least once a year so an annual is the perfect place to tell a story like this. It was classic Cap and Bucky. The art was clean and fit the story. 8/10. Slow week for me... Cap at war stories are always fun, but for me what made this special was the editorial at the end by Tini Howard; that essay about romani heritage really brought the story into a sharper focus, made it more real. That added layer really made it a great story for me and a fantastic choice for an annual. I didn't have anything on my pull list this week, but I will definitely be picking this up next Wednesday. |
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Post by Slam_Bradley on Sept 20, 2018 22:06:22 GMT -5
The preferred term is Batawang.
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