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Post by thwhtguardian on Apr 13, 2021 18:42:29 GMT -5
OFF THE RACKS! What are you reading? |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Apr 14, 2021 8:54:57 GMT -5
Superman #30Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson Art by Scott Godlewski Summary: In the middle of a family outing Jon and Clark hear a distress call from a distant planet and race off to investigate together.
Plot: I really want to like this run of Superman, Johnson shows again and again that he really gets why so many fans loved the family dynamic between Clark, Lois and their son Jon and he does a great job at illustrating their family interactions and the individual characters...but the super part of Superman continues to feel flat and uninspired. In the last story we got generic alien invaders...and here again we get a mystery on a generic alien world full of aliens that Superman has apparently met and fought with before...but the readers have never seen or even heard of before which kills a bit of the momentum of the plot. We don't know who these people are, we've never seen them interact with Superman before so we're not invested in their shared history...so why do we care? On top of that, it's not a fair play mystery which is always frustrating, although we're told at the start that the universal translators that Superman and Jon are using can't translate the meaning of the aliens perfectly because in their language words have many shades of meaning there's nothing included in the text or the art to tip you off that you should expect which words mean something else so when Superman reveals what tipped him off and what it actually meant at the end it comes out as out of the blue. Sometimes, that kind of solution can be entertaining if the writer built up the mood and atmosphere enough and the reveal is exciting it can be forgiven(that's why Sherlock Holmes remains popular to this day) but Johnson didn't do that either so it just comes off as lazy and sloppy.
Compounding all that it the continuation of the horrible Bibbo back up story, in this issue also featuring Ambush Bug so you know the tone is more slap stick than serious...which makes it wildly disconnected from the main story and for me that's a serious buzz kill. If you're going to have a back up I feel like it should feel like it at least fits with the main feature, it doesn't need to be related to the main plot but it should feel complimentary to that story being told as if it doesn't it just feels like it doesn't serve a purpose and that's what we have here.
I'm not sure if I'll be sticking with this in the long run.
Art: While not as heavily stylized as Phil Hester's look from the opening story,Godlewski's look is suitably clear and slightly cartoony that it still has the same spirit to it as Hester's did giving the story a feeling that makes it fit with the first which is a great choice. I'm not sure if this flip flopping on artists will be the norm as I had read that Hester was meant to be the regular artist but if it is then atleast they got someone who's style is complimentary so that when read together it doesn't feel too discordant.
Grade:6/10 |
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Post by majestic on Apr 14, 2021 12:48:03 GMT -5
Best This Week Was....
THOR #14. Donny Cates & Nic Klein.
The conclusion of the return of Donald Blake.
This series by this creative team is destined to be a classic.
Odin returns to help and Thor rejects his help in dealing with Don Blake. All of Asgard sees Thor deal with the matter as a King. We see several great moments with Loki and Beta Ray Bill and Thor as the all powerful King of Asgard. Unfortunately he delegates Blake's fate to Loki. Even though Blake went insane and evil I feel his treatment was way too harsh. It would have been more merciful to let Odin end his existence.
Cates & Klein's run has been epic. IMO this run is on the same level as past classics by Simonson or Jurgens/Romita Jr.
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Post by majestic on Apr 14, 2021 12:57:38 GMT -5
And speaking of Thor....
WONDER WOMAN #771. Becky Cloonan/Michael W. Conrad & Travis Moore.
Diana is still stuck in Valhalla & deals with an arrogant Thor. Something or someone has changed the rules of the Norse afterlife. She also stumbles across her old foe Dr Psycho. And she continues to forge ahead and set things right. I am loving this arc with WW interacting with the Norse gods. This story idea is pure gold.
Also in a backup story: Diana as a 14 yr old by Jordie Bellaire & Paulina Ganucheau. This part of the story was better than last issue. The art style isn't my preference but I like the direction the story is taking.
I'm happy that Diana is getting a good series in her 80th year. |
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Post by majestic on Apr 14, 2021 13:05:00 GMT -5
CHALLENGE OF THE SUPER SONS #1. Peter J. Tomasi & Max Raynor.
This came out digitally a few months ago but I am still old school so...
A mysterious woman from beyond time has sent the boys on a journey to save the Flash from instant death? And of course they succeed.
This issue recaptures all the fun of their previous series. It had the Super Mobile. It had the banter between Jon & Damian. It takes place before Jon has been aged. Tomasi really can write teen agers well. DC should have him write Young Justice or the Legion.
Next issue they have to save Wonder Woman.
I really missed this series.
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Post by majestic on Apr 14, 2021 13:11:54 GMT -5
I also liked DAREDEVIL #29 as we see Elektra living up to Matt's standards as the new DD. Also Matt get poisoned in prison and beat up and stabbed. IRON FIST #4 was also decent. I like the fact that the story involves Danny Rand's allies like Luke Cage. And SUPERMAN #30 was underwhelming for me for all the reasons thwhtguardian mentioned in his post. Man I really miss the days when Tomasi was writing this title. |
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Post by The Captain on Apr 15, 2021 10:31:01 GMT -5
Iron Man #8
The Korvac storyline drags on, and I do mean DRAGS on. This issue focuses primarily on Hellcat and her getting some psychic assistance from Moondragon in order to restore her previously-removed mental abilities (picking up a plot point from Defenders #77).
These scenes are intermixed with a spaceship chase battle between Tony's Legion of Losers and Korvac's Kut-Rate Krew. It's not very exciting, and Korvac gets some weird vision in the middle of it that will probably take six months to resolve.
Finally, Patsy sums it up best at the end of the issue when she asks "Where the hell is Tony?" Good question. An entire issue of Iron Man and not a single glimpse of the titular character.
Dropping this title. So bad and so boring. Used to love IM, but this just sucks.
2/10
Darkhawk: Heart of the Hawk One-Shot
I have to come clean that I am a long-time DH fan. When his original solo series was released back in 1991, it was the first Marvel book that I ever started collecting from issue #1. Sure, there were a lot of parallels with Spider-Man, but they were trying to create a new character that wasn't a mutant, which was nice.
This book, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the character, has three stories in it from content creators from his history. The first story, done by Danny Fingeroth and Mike Manley, tells a story that probably slots into the end of the first year of the original continuity and uses Savage Steel, one of DH's original foes, as the antagonist.
The second story is by Dan Abnett and takes place after the War of Kings storyline. I didn't keep up with that story when it was released, but Abnett does a good job of working in enough details to explain the situation without impeding the story, which finds Chris Powell on a remote planet just trying to keep his head down but somehow finding some serious trouble.
The last story, by Kyle Higgins (whose work I'm not familiar with), is basically a set-up for the bumper page at the end of the book. It catches us up with what is happening to Chris right now and sets the stage for the return, in some form or fashion, of Darkhawk later this year.
For a fan of Darkhawk, this was a fine little walk down memory lane while also giving some hint of a future.
7/10
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Post by thwhtguardian on Apr 15, 2021 16:14:03 GMT -5
Iron Man #8The Korvac storyline drags on, and I do mean DRAGS on. This issue focuses primarily on Hellcat and her getting some psychic assistance from Moondragon in order to restore her previously-removed mental abilities (picking up a plot point from Defenders #77). These scenes are intermixed with a spaceship chase battle between Tony's Legion of Losers and Korvac's Kut-Rate Krew. It's not very exciting, and Korvac gets some weird vision in the middle of it that will probably take six months to resolve. Finally, Patsy sums it up best at the end of the issue when she asks "Where the hell is Tony?" Good question. An entire issue of Iron Man and not a single glimpse of the titular character. Dropping this title. So bad and so boring. Used to love IM, but this just sucks. 2/10Darkhawk: Heart of the Hawk One-ShotI have to come clean that I am a long-time DH fan. When his original solo series was released back in 1991, it was the first Marvel book that I ever started collecting from issue #1. Sure, there were a lot of parallels with Spider-Man, but they were trying to create a new character that wasn't a mutant, which was nice. This book, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the character, has three stories in it from content creators from his history. The first story, done by Danny Fingeroth and Mike Manley, tells a story that probably slots into the end of the first year of the original continuity and uses Savage Steel, one of DH's original foes, as the antagonist. The second story is by Dan Abnett and takes place after the War of Kings storyline. I didn't keep up with that story when it was released, but Abnett does a good job of working in enough details to explain the situation without impeding the story, which finds Chris Powell on a remote planet just trying to keep his head down but somehow finding some serious trouble. The last story, by Kyle Higgins (whose work I'm not familiar with), is basically a set-up for the bumper page at the end of the book. It catches us up with what is happening to Chris right now and sets the stage for the return, in some form or fashion, of Darkhawk later this year. For a fan of Darkhawk, this was a fine little walk down memory lane while also giving some hint of a future. 7/10 You made it further than I did, though this run on Iron man started strong for me it fizzled real quick. I think I only made it to issue four, where Rhodey was inexplicably captured. |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Apr 15, 2021 18:08:06 GMT -5
Young Hellboy: The Hidden #3Written byMike Mignola and Thomas Sniegoski Art by Craig Rousseau Summary: Hellboy, the Professor and Scarlet(The Sky Devil/ Queen Kong) uncover a mummified vampire queen!
Plot: Really, the main highlight and joy of this series has been watching Hellboy as a kid. Gone is the world weary paranormal investigator readers are familiar with as instead Mignola and Thomas Sniegoski give us instead a character in the prime of his youth, filled with unending enthusiasm and excitement. In a single word, this book can be simply summed up as this: Fun. Though there is danger lurking in the shadows we also see Hellboy simply play with two other ape-children and although neither Hellboy or the ape-kids can't understand each-other they enjoy each-other's company none the less...just like real children. It's a perfect moment and it really encapsulates why this book works so well with its balancing of action, horror and a realistic portrayal of youth. I haven't loved Mignola's work of late but this is the title that reminds me why I've loved this character all these years.
Art: Rousseau does an absolutely amazing job giving us Hellboy's wide eyed wonder on every panel, playing a truly integral part in bringing his youthfulness to life in this book far and above even the fantastic dialogue of Mignola. On top of that there are hordes of half human, half animal monsters that the vampire queen raises to life at the end that really has me pumped to see a full on monster mash in the next issue.
Grade:9/10 |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Apr 16, 2021 11:37:11 GMT -5
Usagi Yojimbo #18Story and Art by Stan Sakai Summary: Usagi, Sojobo and his Tengu clan battle the feral Guhin Tengu over the fate of the mountains.
Plot/art: It really pains me to say it but sadly, this latest issue continues the trend of mediocrity that has been plaguing the last volume. There are some really well drawn action scenes as Sojobo's family battles the Guhin horde and those little furry monsters were really fun to look at...but on an storytelling stand point this book seriously lacked in characterization which in turn really hampered any emotional impact it could have otherwise had. Sojobo's wife falls in battle to the Guhin who took Sojobo's hand but because we don't know anything about her(I can't even remember her name and I just put the book down!) it's impossible to feel invested in the scene. You know it's supposed to be this big, heart felt cinematic moment from the art in the scene but it just fails to connect and when Usagi leaves for greener pastures at the end of the story(as he usually does) I can't really say what he's learned from this tale, what impact it had on him which usually isn't the case.
If this were any other book by any other creative team I think I'd be contemplating dropping this book...but because it's by Stan Sakai it could turn into an excellent book once again at any moment so I'll be sticking it out hoping Usagi returns to its former greatness.
Grade:6/10
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Post by thwhtguardian on Apr 16, 2021 13:21:36 GMT -5
Jules Verne's Light House #1Written by David Hine and Brian Haberlin Art by Brian Haberlin Summary: At the edge of the galaxy lies a warren of worm holes that is only traverse-able thanks to a lone light house, which is ripe for pirates!
Plot: Based on Jules Verne's posthumously published (and sadly under appreciated) novel The Lighthouse at the End of the World,David Hine and Brian Haberlin (of Sonata fame) have taken the story of adventure, survival and piracy from the far southern Atlantic to the furthest reaches of outer space...and it strangely feels very fitting. Perhaps it shouldn't be surprising that a story about surviving an attack from a band of pirates on an isolated island not only lends itself well to a sci-fi setting but that it also doesn't feel like sacrilege as after all it is based on a book by Jules Verne who basically invented the whole sci-fi genre. Space, like the ocean, is not only vast but also uncaring towards man so it lends itself just as well towards the themes of man versus nature and pirates are at home no matter where you put them. As for the other elements of the adaptation...I'm a little less enamored. It's an over sized issue clocking in at just over 50 pages and yet after all that I know next nothing about the main character, Mara Vasquez, other than she was a soldier who had a bad experience in a war. What it was, or why it's bringing up memories when the pirates use the Lighthouse to attack a passing military vessel we aren't told and it makes connecting with her and her mission to evade the pirates more than a little difficult. Hopefully in the coming issues this is addressed or I doubt I'll make it to the end.
Art: Although weak on characterization the art is absolutely breath taking! I really can't think of a book where space is portrayed as beautifully as it is here. Every image is just a marvel to see, which makes me want to stick it out even if the plot isn't the strongest.
Grade:7/10 |
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Post by wildfire2099 on Apr 16, 2021 20:47:58 GMT -5
Lots of books for me this week... read a few so far:
Iron Man #8 : I guess Marvel just doesn't have anyone that can write Tony Stark anymore.... I think Matt Fraction was the last decent one, and that was the 'Tony is really an alien' nonsense that I suspect no one will ever mention again. If you wanted to write a Hellcat book, call it Hellcat. Or All-New Defenders. It's not Iron Man. I think I'm dropping it as well.
Guardians of the Galaxy #13 : The got me putting Rich Rider, Hulking and Wiccan on the cover. It has the same issue I've had with Ewing in the past.. he has good ideas, but his writing has no heart. The characters are all just cookie cutters. Also, it was awfully easy to resolve the galaxy threatening emergency. I had to look up online to confirm this was Rich and not Sam Alexander... why is Rich so young? And why does he sound like Hal Jordan? The Nova Corps has always resembled the GLC a bit, but it seems more here. Not even any cute Billy and Teddy moments to give my daughter feels. Definitely disappointed, but the set up for next money is promising... perhaps I'll give it one more try next month.
Namor: King in Black #5 : Definitely lost steam as it went. I guess the bad guys factored into the big crossover in some way.. and 1/2 of this books was Namor brooding about that. The conclusion of the flashback are was 100% by the book.... not terrible, but I expect more from Kurt Busiek.
Usagi #18 I agree 100% with thwhguardian.... the art was pretty, but the story lacked emotional resonance that is often so good in Usagi. I think there were just too many pages of fight scenes and not enough character development. Medicore Usagi is still good, but I definitely feel like it hasn't really hit all the good notes since 'The Hidden'.
Carson of Venus: Eye of Amator #1 : I really need to read the books for these at some point, but I figured I'd check this out because I want to see more comics from old properties that aren't cheesecake (I'm looking at YOU, Dynamite). Pretty decent, though the names and places were not super familiar.. definitely felt like John Carter with different names to a large extent (which is why I've never read it). I'll definitely pull the mini and see if it's worth it.[/b]
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Post by thwhtguardian on Apr 17, 2021 6:54:04 GMT -5
Lots of books for me this week... read a few so far: Iron Man #8 : I guess Marvel just doesn't have anyone that can write Tony Stark anymore.... I think Matt Fraction was the last decent one, and that was the 'Tony is really an alien' nonsense that I suspect no one will ever mention again. If you wanted to write a Hellcat book, call it Hellcat. Or All-New Defenders. It's not Iron Man. I think I'm dropping it as well. Guardians of the Galaxy #13 : The got me putting Rich Rider, Hulking and Wiccan on the cover. It has the same issue I've had with Ewing in the past.. he has good ideas, but his writing has no heart. The characters are all just cookie cutters. Also, it was awfully easy to resolve the galaxy threatening emergency. I had to look up online to confirm this was Rich and not Sam Alexander... why is Rich so young? And why does he sound like Hal Jordan? The Nova Corps has always resembled the GLC a bit, but it seems more here. Not even any cute Billy and Teddy moments to give my daughter feels. Definitely disappointed, but the set up for next money is promising... perhaps I'll give it one more try next month. Namor: King in Black #5 : Definitely lost steam as it went. I guess the bad guys factored into the big crossover in some way.. and 1/2 of this books was Namor brooding about that. The conclusion of the flashback are was 100% by the book.... not terrible, but I expect more from Kurt Busiek. Usagi #18 I agree 100% with thwhguardian.... the art was pretty, but the story lacked emotional resonance that is often so good in Usagi. I think there were just too many pages of fight scenes and not enough character development. Medicore Usagi is still good, but I definitely feel like it hasn't really hit all the good notes since 'The Hidden'. Carson of Venus: Eye of Amathor #1 : I really need to read the books for these at some point, but I figured I'd check this out because I want to see more comics from old properties that aren't cheesecake (I'm looking at YOU, Dynamite). Pretty decent, though the names and places were not super familiar.. definitely felt like John Carter with different names to a large extent (which is why I've never read it). I'll definitely pull the mini and see if it's worth it. Yeah, the Hidden, probably was the last story where I felt we had the right balance between heart, action and intrigue. There have been moments in the latest volume that felt like they should have reached that level...but they just came up this short of achieving that expected level of greatness.. |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Apr 17, 2021 9:05:17 GMT -5
Black Hammer: Visions #3Written by Chip Zdarsky Art by Johnnie Christmas Summary: Abraham Slam was enjoying retirement from the Superhero business, but when the someone co-opts his name he's back in the game.
Plot: While I was disappointed by the last entry this issue featuring an older Abraham Slam by Chip Zdarsky puts this book right back in my good graces. Before I go further though I just have to say this, is it just me or is Chip Zdarsky everywhere lately? What books isn't he writing? Not that that's a bad thing, I've really loved what I've read so far but the guy just seems absolutely prolific right now. Okay with that said on to this issue here; I have a feeling some might not love this book as much as the other entrants( a lot of you guys liked the second issue after all, which I abhorred) because it doesn't stretch too far from Lemire's original story with it's focus on everyday drama being more important than the actual superheroics coming across as too safe for a bool billed as being about unique from other voices...but as safe as it is I just can't get over just how well it was done. At it's heart it's a play on Frank Miller's DKR, an old gunslinger coming out of retirement because he can't stand seeing what his city's become...but instead of validating that idea Zdarsky turns it on it's head and instead makes it a story on aging gracefully and the positive roles you can take as you age: mentor, teacher, father figure, and their importance to society. It's a powerful message, that it's okay to get old and that you don't have to out work the young to prove your worth. I don't know what voice we'll get next but more in this vain would be welcome in my eyes.
Art: This is another one that some may see as too safe as Christmas has a cartooned style that is very similar to Dean Ormston's own look, but for me the fact that this story blends so well with the look and feel of the original series is a strength, not a weakness.
Grade: 10/10 |
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Post by wildfire2099 on Apr 18, 2021 10:19:23 GMT -5
Here's the rest of my stuff: Challenge of the Super Sons #1 : I, too, don't buy digital, and have been looking forward to this... I love me some Jon and Damian. The hook here is they have to save the adult hero the magic scroll says in an hour, but without telling them they're doing it, on bad things happen. Very silver age-y, but it works. And we get the Super-Mobile! Great stuff. Batman: The Dectective #1 : Not sure if this is meant to be in continuity or not (not that it matters at this point). Bruce Wayne is older and leaving Gotham after Alfred's death. (I guess he's decided he doesn't care about Dick, Damian and the rest). He's off to Europe after someone when bat masks down a plane. It's a bit of an odd starting point, and I'm not sure why Bruce looks so much like the Punisher art wise, but seems like it should be a pretty good mini series. Space Bastards #4 : The post office is in trouble if someone invents a teleporter? And ALOT of people hate them and really want to get it done. This book continues to be great fun that is kinda indescribable.. you really just should read it  Minky Woodcock: the Girl who Electrified Tesla #1 : I'm always a sucked for these pseudo-historical mysteries..especially when the author tells me what actual history they're using. Good times. Apparently, there's another series with Houdini, I'll have to grab that at some point. Minky's a bit generic... just the standard plucky woman dectective bucking society that historical fiction loves, but that's ok. |
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