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Post by thwhtguardian on Apr 20, 2021 14:55:11 GMT -5
OFF THE RACKS! Where real readers give you real reviews! |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Apr 20, 2021 18:26:22 GMT -5
The whole reason I started doing this thread on Tuesdays instead of the traditional Wednesday slot was because DC started doing new comics a day early and I do tend to like a decent amount of DC's content of late...except this week. Of the three books I picked up two were abysmal, I'm talking so bad I dropped them entirely which is pretty sad. Justice League #60Despite loathing his run on Superman I was cautiously optimistic about Bendis doing Justice League, I liked the line up he was putting up with Black Adam and Hippolyta and I liked Bendis on Avengers...but this issue was beyond terrible. His first issue was slow, but this issue was just super self referential and the dialogue and characterization just had me shaking my head to the point that I stopped reading. It was that dull that I didn't finish it...I don't remember the last time that happened. 0/10 dropped. Superman Red and Blue #2When this book was announced I was over the moon about the prospect of this title, I love anthologies in general and an anthology book patterned after Batman: Black and White but focused on the Man of Steel just sounded amazing...but I only really liked one feature in the first issue and there wasn't a single feature I liked in this one and with the price hike to $5.99 that's just not a good value. I like the format and I expect there to be stories I like more than others by the nature of the concept but I can't justify the price tag if there isn't atleast one story I like. It's terribly sad, but that's where we're at with this title. 0/10 Dropped. So what was the issue I did enjoy? Nightwing #79Written by Tom Taylor Art by Bruno Redondo Summary: Reeling from the revelation of what Alfred left for him in his will, Dick is left contemplating where he goes from here.
Plot: This was the last of the three books I read today and I'm glad I did as it allowed me to end on a high note; this was an absolute joy to read and was a near perfect superhero comic. Taylor really gets what makes Dick Grayson work, he understands that this is a character made for light, breezy, action and upbeat, optimistic themes and he delivers that wonderfully here. Dick and Babs grab a pizza dinner and after reminiscing about his past and what he learned first as an acrobat, then as Robin and then a solo hero and then a leader of team he realizes he wants to do more than just punch bad guys to help people. And sure, it's not a terribly new or unique direction for a hero on the mend but it fits Dick really well as a character so I'm excited to see where it goes.
Art: A lot of why I love this book comes down to Redondo's art, like the structure and mood of the plot itself Bruno's art has a lightness and fluidity about it that just fits Dick like a glove. The opening sequence featuring first the evolution of Dick from his days with the circus through his current costume while simultaneously portraying him jumping from one building to the next was not only beautifully done but was a great way to illustrate the plot point of the changes Dick has gone through over the years. And the follow up with the vignettes of his various families, though not as creatively laid out was just as good. It really doesn't get much better than this.
Grade:10/10 |
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Post by majestic on Apr 20, 2021 19:12:00 GMT -5
Nightwing #79Written by Tom Taylor Art by Bruno Redondo Summary: Reeling from the revelation of what Alfred left for him in his will, Dick is left contemplating where he goes from here.
Plot: This was the last of the three books I read today and I'm glad I did as it allowed me to end on a high note; this was an absolute joy to read and was a near perfect superhero comic. Taylor really gets what makes Dick Grayson work, he understands that this is a character made for light, breezy, action and upbeat, optimistic themes and he delivers that wonderfully here. Dick and Babs grab a pizza dinner and after reminiscing about his past and what he learned first as an acrobat, then as Robin and then a solo hero and then a leader of team he realizes he wants to do more than just punch bad guys to help people. And sure, it's not a terribly new or unique direction for a hero on the mend but it fits Dick really well as a character so I'm excited to see where it goes.
Art: A lot of why I love this book comes down to Redondo's art, like the structure and mood of the plot itself Bruno's art has a lightness and fluidity about it that just fits Dick like a glove. The opening sequence featuring first the evolution of Dick from his days with the circus through his current costume while simultaneously portraying him jumping from one building to the next was not only beautifully done but was a great way to illustrate the plot point of the changes Dick has gone through over the years. And the follow up with the vignettes of his various families, though not as creatively laid out was just as good. It really doesn't get much better than this.
Grade:10/10 I will get my copy in 2 days. Really excited that this issue follows the excellence of last issue. As I stated in another thread Nightwing and Thor are my top 2 books right now. |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Apr 21, 2021 5:43:36 GMT -5
Nightwing #79Written by Tom Taylor Art by Bruno Redondo Summary: Reeling from the revelation of what Alfred left for him in his will, Dick is left contemplating where he goes from here.
Plot: This was the last of the three books I read today and I'm glad I did as it allowed me to end on a high note; this was an absolute joy to read and was a near perfect superhero comic. Taylor really gets what makes Dick Grayson work, he understands that this is a character made for light, breezy, action and upbeat, optimistic themes and he delivers that wonderfully here. Dick and Babs grab a pizza dinner and after reminiscing about his past and what he learned first as an acrobat, then as Robin and then a solo hero and then a leader of team he realizes he wants to do more than just punch bad guys to help people. And sure, it's not a terribly new or unique direction for a hero on the mend but it fits Dick really well as a character so I'm excited to see where it goes.
Art: A lot of why I love this book comes down to Redondo's art, like the structure and mood of the plot itself Bruno's art has a lightness and fluidity about it that just fits Dick like a glove. The opening sequence featuring first the evolution of Dick from his days with the circus through his current costume while simultaneously portraying him jumping from one building to the next was not only beautifully done but was a great way to illustrate the plot point of the changes Dick has gone through over the years. And the follow up with the vignettes of his various families, though not as creatively laid out was just as good. It really doesn't get much better than this.
Grade:10/10 I will get my copy in 2 days. Really excited that this issue follows the excellence of last issue. As I stated in another thread Nightwing and Thor are my top 2 books right now. You definitely won't be disappointed, this was an excellent follow up to a fantastic first issue. If the rest of the run retains this quality it could be an instant classic. |
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Post by DubipR on Apr 21, 2021 21:10:31 GMT -5
So far I enjoyed Superman: Red & Blue #2. Dan Panosian's Luthor story was my favorite of the book. Josh Howard's Cyborg story was fun (as is most of his books). Seagle's opening story was charming, but the wording was a little off, at least to me. Still a fun series. I'm going to continue to read more.
Have Scooby-Doo, Nightwing, Avengers, Women of Marvel and Amazing Spider-Man to read tonight.
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Post by thwhtguardian on Apr 22, 2021 8:48:09 GMT -5
Usagi Yojimbo #19Story and art by Stan Sakai Art assists by Randy Clute Summary: Usagi joins a pair of villagers delivering tokage to a near by hermit, but after staying the night not all is as it seems.
Plot: I said in my review of the previous issue that although there had been a long string of slightly sub-par Usagi stories in this latest volume I would never dream of dropping the book because Sakai is such an amazing artist that he could right the ship at any time and produce a great story to break the streak without warning...and I was proven right with the very next issue! While this story of Usagi encountering one of the soldiers who tried to stop him from getting away with Lord Mifune's head isn't earth shattering in any way, and doesn't drastically alter the way we see Usagi or grant him any character growth it is the great kind of back to basics one shot samurai story that made me fall in love with Usagi all those years ago. Before embarking on big, multi-part epics Usagi was full of these kinds of one and done stories detailing the daring chance encounters of our favorite rabbit ronin, so it was really nice to get back to that after a string of longer stories.
Art: I'm not sure what art assists really means, or how much work Clute did in this issue or what if any impact it had but I have to admit just having that credit there really made me slow down and enjoy the art more as I stopped after reading each panel to see if I could detect any real differences to Stan's usual style which made for a fun reading experience. Maybe some one with a keener eye could detect a change, but for me all I could notice was that the characters had a slightly more fuzzy look to their fur...but that could just be me looking for something and finding something that might not really be there at all.
Grade: 10/10
As an aside, and I'll probably create a separate thread on the Usagi board to discuss it further, I was surprised to see snakes as just snakes here and not people.
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Post by thwhtguardian on Apr 22, 2021 9:21:49 GMT -5
Cojacaru the Skinner #1Written by Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden Art by Peter Bergting Summary: On the run from nazi-witches a British spy is aided in his our of need by the long dead spirit of a warrior woman made flesh once more.
Plot: While you may be familiar with the world of Hellboy and it's colorful cast of characters, that's not the only fictional world Mignola has created over the years and Cojacaru is just the latest addition to that other world and with it's publication that other world now has a name, The Outerverse. This whole thing started back in 2007 with a novel called Baltimore, or, The Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Vampire which was co-written by Golden but it only grew from there spawning a series of comics following the events of Baltimore and a then another novel and subsequent comic series based on another character called Joe Golem. Now however, perhaps because after nearly 30 years Hellboy is starting to wind down, this Outerverse is really starting to explode with new content and while I haven't loved all the new additions(I'm looking at YOU Lady Baltimore!) this first issue of the latest mini series based in this world was absolutely stunning! With a new cast of characters and a unique new ghostly monster hunting heroine hewn from the mold of Joan of Arc Cojacuru is a fresh take that makes you really feel like anything can happen while still feeling like it connects to what we know already with its ties to Joe Golem being hinted at in a flash back to the middle ages. This is a book that really melds the tropes of a tense WWII thriller with horror and although its only a two part mini I'm really excited to see where else Mignola and Golden go with this.
Art: I think a lot of why I prefer this book over its companion, Lady Baltimore, has to do with Bergting doing the art here. He was the go to guy who's classic Hollywood horror looking, atmospheric style really came to define the previous Baltimore comic so having him here lends the story a real feeling of connection to what came before that Lady Baltimore with its brighter color pallet and softer lines really lacks.
Grade:10/10 |
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Post by majestic on Apr 22, 2021 14:01:50 GMT -5
NIGHTWING #79. by Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo. Is this issue as perfect as thwhtguardian stated in his review? YES!! Taylor really nails everything I love about the rich history and legacy of the character of Dick Grayson. If he writes Jon Kent this good in his upcoming title then DC will have another winner! And Redondo captures all the agility and movement that you expect from this type of book. This book is why I still read modern comics.
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Post by majestic on Apr 22, 2021 14:12:52 GMT -5
PROJECT PATRON #1. Written by Steve Orlando. Art by Patrick Piazzalunga.
30 years ago, the final fight between the Patron (a hero from another dimension) and Woe (a long lived prehistoric monster). Both died that day. However a short time later the Patron returned. In reality the Patron did die that day along with Woe. The UN replaced the Patron with a Reploid. An android that is piloted by an elite team of specialists. However it comes with a cost. Controlling the Patron Reploid shortens their life span. And what will happen when one member of the team dies?
I had read about this new series from Aftershock and decided to pick it up. For some reason my copy came in 2 weeks late. This concept is a mix of Death of Superman, Tower Agents and other stories. Put it all together with a new twist at the end of the first issue and you have an entertaining and unique story.
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Post by thwhtguardian on Apr 22, 2021 15:36:20 GMT -5
NIGHTWING #79. by Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo. Is this issue as perfect as thwhtguardian stated in his review? YES!! Taylor really nails everything I love about the rich history and legacy of the character of Dick Grayson. If he writes Jon Kent this good in his upcoming title then DC will have another winner! And Redondo captures all the agility and movement that you expect from this type of book. This book is why I still read modern comics. Yeah, Nightwing is definitely one of the best superhero books out right now. |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Apr 24, 2021 6:02:28 GMT -5
NIGHTWING #79. by Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo. Is this issue as perfect as thwhtguardian stated in his review? YES!! Taylor really nails everything I love about the rich history and legacy of the character of Dick Grayson. If he writes Jon Kent this good in his upcoming title then DC will have another winner! And Redondo captures all the agility and movement that you expect from this type of book. This book is why I still read modern comics. Have you seen the cover they just released for the second printing of #79?  Seriously, if you haven't picked up this book yet go out and do so! |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2021 9:53:35 GMT -5
Nightwing #79Written by Tom Taylor Art by Bruno Redondo Summary: Reeling from the revelation of what Alfred left for him in his will, Dick is left contemplating where he goes from here.
Plot: This was the last of the three books I read today and I'm glad I did as it allowed me to end on a high note; this was an absolute joy to read and was a near perfect superhero comic. Taylor really gets what makes Dick Grayson work, he understands that this is a character made for light, breezy, action and upbeat, optimistic themes and he delivers that wonderfully here. Dick and Babs grab a pizza dinner and after reminiscing about his past and what he learned first as an acrobat, then as Robin and then a solo hero and then a leader of team he realizes he wants to do more than just punch bad guys to help people. And sure, it's not a terribly new or unique direction for a hero on the mend but it fits Dick really well as a character so I'm excited to see where it goes.
Art: A lot of why I love this book comes down to Redondo's art, like the structure and mood of the plot itself Bruno's art has a lightness and fluidity about it that just fits Dick like a glove. The opening sequence featuring first the evolution of Dick from his days with the circus through his current costume while simultaneously portraying him jumping from one building to the next was not only beautifully done but was a great way to illustrate the plot point of the changes Dick has gone through over the years. And the follow up with the vignettes of his various families, though not as creatively laid out was just as good. It really doesn't get much better than this.
Grade:10/10 You almost got me sold on this, but.... Alfred's dead for now? Pftttt. I'm so sick of comics pretending that meaningful change happens. Every once in a while I check in on what Marvel and DC are doing, and I want to find something new worth reading, but I find it hard to support these kinds of charades. Let something dramatic happen to/for Alfred besides "death", something that can credibly be overcome, instead of trying to wring any drama out of the "death" of an integral character that everybody knows is coming back. Sorry, don't mean to harsh on what sounds like an otherwise good comic, but the Big Twos' constant nonsense are losing them this reader, anyway. I've really enjoyed some of Taylor's other work, but I don't think I'd be able to commit to this. |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Apr 25, 2021 5:32:43 GMT -5
Nightwing #79Written by Tom Taylor Art by Bruno Redondo Summary: Reeling from the revelation of what Alfred left for him in his will, Dick is left contemplating where he goes from here.
Plot: This was the last of the three books I read today and I'm glad I did as it allowed me to end on a high note; this was an absolute joy to read and was a near perfect superhero comic. Taylor really gets what makes Dick Grayson work, he understands that this is a character made for light, breezy, action and upbeat, optimistic themes and he delivers that wonderfully here. Dick and Babs grab a pizza dinner and after reminiscing about his past and what he learned first as an acrobat, then as Robin and then a solo hero and then a leader of team he realizes he wants to do more than just punch bad guys to help people. And sure, it's not a terribly new or unique direction for a hero on the mend but it fits Dick really well as a character so I'm excited to see where it goes.
Art: A lot of why I love this book comes down to Redondo's art, like the structure and mood of the plot itself Bruno's art has a lightness and fluidity about it that just fits Dick like a glove. The opening sequence featuring first the evolution of Dick from his days with the circus through his current costume while simultaneously portraying him jumping from one building to the next was not only beautifully done but was a great way to illustrate the plot point of the changes Dick has gone through over the years. And the follow up with the vignettes of his various families, though not as creatively laid out was just as good. It really doesn't get much better than this.
Grade:10/10 You almost got me sold on this, but.... Alfred's dead for now? Pftttt. I'm so sick of comics pretending that meaningful change happens. Every once in a while I check in on what Marvel and DC are doing, and I want to find something new worth reading, but I find it hard to support these kinds of charades. Let something dramatic happen to/for Alfred besides "death", something that can credibly be overcome, instead of trying to wring any drama out of the "death" of an integral character that everybody knows is coming back. Sorry, don't mean to harsh on what sounds like an otherwise good comic, but the Big Twos' constant nonsense are losing them this reader, anyway. I've really enjoyed some of Taylor's other work, but I don't think I'd be able to commit to this. Yeah, killing Alfred should have definitely been out of bounds and the editor who okayed it really needs their head examined. |
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