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Post by thwhtguardian on May 26, 2021 8:06:59 GMT -5
Join us here for another week of the realest reviews around! OFF THE RACKS!
The CCF's home for real reviews from real readers!
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Post by thwhtguardian on May 26, 2021 9:07:07 GMT -5
Batman/Superman #18Written by Gene Luen Yang Art by Ivan Reis Summary: Auteur i0 has the Batman and Superman of our world on the ropes while the World's finest of two worlds unravel the plot at last! Plot: The framing plot set in the main world with Batman and Superman confronting i0 continues to be incredibly weak and strangely overwritten but the mash up between the pulpy Batman and Robin team and the wholesome 50's like Superman and Lois is well worth the price of admission. Both sets of characters are just written so well and though their tones are incredibly different seeing them interact isn't discordant at all which is a serious feat as a gritty pulp adventurer and an aw shucks strong man would naturally be at odds but somehow Yang really makes it work. I also really love the two worlds he's created here, the shining Metropolis that is near perfect and the Gotham City that seems in constant decay are both incredibly fun and the plot reason given that explains why both are so diametrically opposed is pretty fun in a very silver age kind of way. The best part is that it seemingly wraps up next issue; as much as I love these takes on the characters and would be open to reading more about them I love that Yang knows better than to stretch his stories out too far which is a real rarity these days. Art: Reis continues to look amazing here, and while the film elements aren't as important as they were in the first chapter he does make good use of them here in highlighting the hits in his action scenes. As Superman lands a punch against the Bizzaro Brucie Wayne the celluloid seems to ripple and bunch up after the point of impact and when Batman uses a laser the coloring near his target turns almost sepia toned as if the film were over heating. They're both really subtle effects but they do a fantastic job of enhancing the story telling in ways that many artists seem to be unaware of as Reis shows that yes, even the outlines and shapes of the panels are part of the art and can influence the tone and pacing of the story if used effectively. Grade:8/10
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Post by thwhtguardian on May 26, 2021 11:56:36 GMT -5
Detective Comics #1036Written by Mariko Tamaki Art by Dan Mora Summary: When Batman and Huntress encounter Lady Clayface their investigations into the deaths of Sarah Worth and Mary Knox gets strange. Plot: While it's true that I've been loving Tamaki's noir inspired run on Detective Comics so far I have to say that I was a little troubled by the twist ending she gave us at the end of the last issue. With the increasingly diseased way Mayor Nankano's aid Neil was acting I fully thought that when Bruce Wayne encountered what appeared to be Sarah Worth stumbling down the street I thought that perhaps this story was going for a zombie angle which wasn't something I was looking forward to, but here Tamaki threw a curveball in revealing that it was actually a deformed and confused Lady Clayface and not a zombie. And while I was hoping for a larger role for Lady Clayface than a confused witness to a murder her appearance really did lend the story an old time detective feel with Batman and Huntress trying to gain clues from investigating the string of murders. I think my only pet peave was that the news article about Worth's murder that provided the back up narration to the issue didn't read like a proper news paper article; the formating and tone just didn't fit with the style used by real reporters so it was slightly distracting but the error is hardly confined to Tamaki as a lot of comic book writers fall into the same trap. Ultimately, while I'm still not certain where the plot-line with the diseased Neil is going, the mystery enfolding is definitely intriguing. On top of that, the back up feature focusing on the Huntress' view of the investigations continues to be a great compliment to the main story. Her interactions with Oracle and even her newly adopted cat provide great character moments for Helena that make her really fun to watch. I also really liked how Tamaki worked in a quick origin of Helena and what motivates her to be the Huntress in this chapter it was just a quick blurb but rather than feeling a speed bump it was woven into the actual story. Art: Mora continues to really dazzle here, I just love his use of the shadows in how he defines the out lines of Batman which really makes him look like a true creature of the night than just a guy in a funny suit. My favorite bit from him in this issue however was his homage to the cover of Detective Comics #27; while a lot of artists have done it over the years the use of it as the still in newspaper was really well done and just made me smile. Grade:9/10
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Post by thwhtguardian on May 26, 2021 15:45:06 GMT -5
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin #3Written by Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird and Tom Waltz Layouts by Kevin Eastman Finishes by Esau and Isaac Escorza Summary: As the grandson of the Shredder declares martial law in New York City, The Last Ronin catches up with April and plots revenge. Plot: Yeah, I know, it's the third issue (and nearly a year later ::sigh:: )so the identity of the lone surviving Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle has been out there for a while for those who haven't yet hopped on the train yet to find out for themselves but for those who may not want it spoiled I'll continue to keep it a secret here. At any rate, with the third issue out this series continues to be just as amazing as it was promised even despite the lengthy delays, for fans of the Turtles that still haven't picked this up I'll say this again: YOU'RE REALLY MISSING OUT! That being said, this issue does have a thing or two that I enjoyed slightly less than in the last ones. Previously, I had praised the vagueness of the continuity of the book; I just loved that it was written in such a way which allowed it to feel like it could exist in nearly any continuity, making it feel totally accessible to any Turtles fan no matter what their first experience wit the story was. And while it is set far enough in the future that it could fit with any previous version (especially the original Mirage version) unfortunately this issue does add elements that shatters that ideal almost right out of the gate, by giving a detailed account of how we got to this point. And while I totally get that we did need some back story on how we got here in the end I still miss a little of the ambiguity the book had before. Yet lest you think this issue is bogged down with establishing the past let me dispell that notion right away; although there is a sizable amount of time spent on detailing the past the thrust of the book is all about really kicking it into over drive in pushing the story forward. There's a lot of forward momentum here with Oroku Hiroto putting the city on lock down, Casey and April's daughter, Casey, rallying the surviving Purple Dragons and the Fugitoid helping plan the final push for revenge and it moves crazy fast but thanks to the aptly placed flash backs it manages to never feel rushed. I think my only real qualm was that with everything they managed to cover here Oroku Hiroto still feels like a completely blank slate which numbs my connection to the Ronin's thirst for revenge; even seeing the atrocities visited upon the Ronin's family it's hard to totally get on board if you don't know the villain. That said, it's a minor blemish in what is an otherwise amazing issue. Art: The art style here continues to have a really gritty, dirty and heavily Blade Runneresque neon look to it that just screams future NYC. It’s a style that fits the tone of the book perfectly: clearly showing both that the story is set in the future but also establishing just how pushed down, battered and broken the city has become under the rule of the Foot Clan. Like in the previous issues there is a shorter flashback handled completely by Eastman in his trademarked scratcy black and white look that really adds a bit of the old magic from the old Mirage books which makes it feel like an authentic TMNT story the likes we haven't seen in a long time. Grade: 10/10
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Post by wildfire2099 on May 28, 2021 6:35:40 GMT -5
Super excited to pick that up today! I totally expected massive delays, so that hasn't bothered me.
Lots of stuff again this week (It seems most of my pull list is the 2nd half of the month right now):
TMNT: Last Ronin #3 : I love me some back story! A good portion of this issue was the what happened on with the downfall of the Turtles. We also learn more about the present, and Casey's existing structure of the rebellion. Definitely some fun interactions... it's interesting to see the remaining Turtle (I'll stick with not spoiling which it is, even if it's revealed pretty early in issue 1) assume he's in charge, but not actually getting listened too.
Abbott 1973 #5 : A disappointing ending for sure.. the final battle was nothing, really. And nothing was really resolved. I think they were going for it being more of a mental battle, but it didn't really work. Elena's brother ended up being totally inconsequential.
Doctor Aphra #10 : Mostly set up for her part in the giant 'War of the Bounty Hunters' crossover that I have no interest in. And honestly, I'm not loving this series since I started picked it up.. the character is too nice. Sanna as the co star doesn't really do it for me either.. think I'm dropping it.
Shadow Doctor #4 : This is going to read great as a trade. It's proceeding alone a course one would expect (since it is based on real life, it can't really be too twisty)... next issue promises to be eventful.
Robin #2 : To no one's surprise, Damian isn't really dead. You apparently get to die twice before you die for good in the tournament. Looks like they're setting up a bit of a love triangle with Flatline and Ravager, but that doesn't seem to fit the character, so it'll be interesting to see how that turns out.
Black Widow #7 : Widow recruits Spider Girl to help... I wasn't ever a bit fan of the character, but having her fan girl out was pretty fun. The dynamics between Yelena and Nat are very interesting... should be fun to see where things go next.
Reptil #1 : It's a bit mindboggling that his series exists, while I really enjoyed Reptil in Avengers: The Initiative/Academy, that was quite a while ago now, and there's be no mention of those characters in quite some time after Avengers Arena made use of a couple of them. Neat to see the Marvel Universe be an actual universe, with them talking about Kamala's law and its effects. The addition of his family was good, and they're pretty good characters with a realistic dynamic. Hopefully it will do better than I expect and more things like this will happen. .
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Post by thwhtguardian on May 28, 2021 18:03:35 GMT -5
Star Wars Adventures: The Weapon of a Jedi #1Based on the Novel by Jason Fry Written by Alec Worley Art by Ruairí Coleman Summary: After destroying the Death Star, Luke, R2 and Threepio are sent on a simple courier mission but the Force has other plans for Luke. Plot: For my money the IDW books seem to be the real destination for new Star Wars comics as once again, like he did in the excellent Smuggler's Run, Alec Worley manages to turn in a story that really captures the wide eyed sense of adventure that made me fall in love with Star Wars all those years ago. Once again, this story is based on one of the junior novels put out in the lead up to the Force Awakens and although I disliked the sequel trilogy it seems like the writers Disney got to do these kids books really did get what Star Wars was all about and although they are just junior novels I might actually have to track these down as the comics based on them so far have been really excellent. And before I go on to talk about the actual plot of the book I think I also need to say that it's a crying shame that the English language fan publications seem to hold no candle to the German fan magazine as like the previous book, Smuggler's Run(seriously check out that book too!) this comic was originally serialized in four segments in Das Offizielle Star Wars Magazin back in 2017 before getting put out here by IDW in two issues. I have to wonder if the German fanbase is just really big or passionate as the quality they are getting from Panini press. Anyway, as for the story itself it really reminds me of those early Marvel comics, or Splinter of the Mind's Eye, as Worley's Weapon of a Jedi, while having many of the trappings of the Star Wars films( namely it focuses on Luke Skywalker, R2 and Threepio) it's smaller and more stripped down in scope from the films and deals with areas of the Star Wars universe that stand alone from the worlds we saw on screen. But smaller and simpler need not mean bland, as although the courier mission Luke is sent on is fairly straight forward the adventure on Deveron, where he seeks repairs to his Y-Wing after a dust up with an Imperial frigate, has a great sense of fun to it as Luke strives to explore an old ruin he first saw in a vision from the Force. Although we know the stakes will undoubtedly be small as we see Luke alive and well in Empire Strikes back there is still a nice amount of trepidation built as Luke has to rely on a strange alien guide to show him to the ruins when all the locals flee at the mere mention of them. It really has a classic adventure serial feel to it with its mysterious temple, and an untrustworthy guide leading the earnest hero but rather than feeling like a bore it just fits rather nicely with the felling of Star Wars as those simple serials were what inspired George Lucas in the first place. Confessor , if you find you have a Star Wars itch that needs scratching you really need to track down these IDW books!
Art: While I really enjoyed the artwork of Ingo Röming in Smuggler's Run(that's the third mention, how many more hints do you need? READ THAT BOOK!) Coleman's art has a lighter, airier feel to it that I think fits a light hearted adventure much better. While occasionally Luke's face is depicted a little inconsistently with some places looking as fun and stylized as all the other figures in the the comic while in other scenes(especially in closeups) it just looks awkward which occasionally took me out of the book but that's a small complaint when the rest of the world is presented so beautifully. I don't have a scan of it(my phone sucks) but the pack beasts the Deverons use, especially the little baby one that licks R2, are seriously the some of the funnest Star Wars creatures I've ever seen. This really is a book that's just fun from start to finish. Grade:9/10
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Post by thwhtguardian on May 28, 2021 18:06:32 GMT -5
Super excited to pick that up today! I totally expected massive delays, so that hasn't bothered me. Lots of stuff again this week (It seems most of my pull list is the 2nd half of the month right now): TMNT: Last Ronin #3 : I love me some back story! A good portion of this issue was the what happened on with the downfall of the Turtles. We also learn more about the present, and Casey's existing structure of the rebellion. Definitely some fun interactions... it's interesting to see the remaining Turtle (I'll stick with not spoiling which it is, even if it's revealed pretty early in issue 1) assume he's in charge, but not actually getting listened too. Abbott 1973 #5 : A disappointing ending for sure.. the final battle was nothing, really. And nothing was really resolved. I think they were going for it being more of a mental battle, but it didn't really work. Elena's brother ended up being totally inconsequential. Doctor Aphra #10 : Mostly set up for her part in the giant 'War of the Bounty Hunters' crossover that I have no interest in. And honestly, I'm not loving this series since I started picked it up.. the character is too nice. Sanna as the co star doesn't really do it for me either.. think I'm dropping it. Shadow Doctor #4 : This is going to read great as a trade. It's proceeding alone a course one would expect (since it is based on real life, it can't really be too twisty)... next issue promises to be eventful. Robin #2 : To no one's surprise, Damian isn't really dead. You apparently get to die twice before you die for good in the tournament. Looks like they're setting up a bit of a love triangle with Flatline and Ravager, but that doesn't seem to fit the character, so it'll be interesting to see how that turns out. Black Widow #7 : Widow recruits Spider Girl to help... I wasn't ever a bit fan of the character, but having her fan girl out was pretty fun. The dynamics between Yelena and Nat are very interesting... should be fun to see where things go next. Reptil #1 : It's a bit mindboggling that his series exists, while I really enjoyed Reptil in Avengers: The Initiative/Academy, that was quite a while ago now, and there's be no mention of those characters in quite some time after Avengers Arena made use of a couple of them. Neat to see the Marvel Universe be an actual universe, with them talking about Kamala's law and its effects. The addition of his family was good, and they're pretty good characters with a realistic dynamic. Hopefully it will do better than I expect and more things like this will happen. . Yeah, after really wowing me in the earlier stories this latest volume of Doctor Aphra is just plain bad. While Robin, survival certainly wasn't surprising and the set up is a little pedestrian the book still feels really fun so I'm still interested to see where it goes.
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Post by Hoosier X on May 29, 2021 17:06:07 GMT -5
I think my only pet peave was that the news article about Worth's murder that provided the back up narration to the issue didn't read like a proper news paper article; the formating and tone just didn't fit with the style used by real reporters so it was slightly distracting but the error is hardly confined to Tamaki as a lot of comic book writers fall into the same trap. The Gotham Gazette is a RAG! It’s the journalistic joke of the East Coast and it’s been that way since the 1940s. It’s all BATMAN BATMAN BATMAN!!! I mean, come on! Their star journalist is Vicki Vale! And they hired Julia Remarque Pennyworth on the spot even though she had no experience. If you want REAL JOURNALISM in Gotham City, you have to read the Joker’s Journal.
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Post by Hoosier X on May 29, 2021 20:36:36 GMT -5
I think my only pet peave was that the news article about Worth's murder that provided the back up narration to the issue didn't read like a proper news paper article; the formating and tone just didn't fit with the style used by real reporters so it was slightly distracting but the error is hardly confined to Tamaki as a lot of comic book writers fall into the same trap. The Gotham Gazette is a RAG! It’s the journalistic joke of the East Coast and it’s been that way since the 1940s. It’s all BATMAN BATMAN BATMAN!!! I mean, come on! Their star journalist is Vicki Vale! And they hired Julia Remarque Pennyworth on the spot even though she had no experience. If you want REAL JOURNALISM in Gotham City, you have to read the Joker’s Journal. I’m going to have start taking notes on the Gotham newspapers when I read the old Batman comics. It might make an interesting essay.
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Post by Ozymandias on May 30, 2021 10:37:51 GMT -5
X-Men #20 Lost Love
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Pencils & inks: Francesco Mobili
Cover: Leinil Francis Yu
Ever since House of X came out, we knew it was inevitable. Otherwise, what's the point on teasing about the biggest menace to mutantkind? It's taken its sweet time, but now the wait is over. (Although knowing Hickman, he'll want to explore other plots first)
The title is a little misleading, it should be "Lost Loves" as we're dealing with two couples: one mutant, one human. Both of them doomed to be kept apart by death and destruction. And destruction is what both surviving partners will seek, that of Krakoa and its inhabitants.
I can't say I'm a fan of Mobili's work here. The sequence in Forge's workshop in particular, wasn't precisely up to par with what we've seen other artists contribute to the series. It's bad enough that they keep changing the roster, but moving away from Yu to give us Silva or Asrar is still an acceptable deal. This is one of the few cases when they lower the standard, by virtue of the replacement chosen. Just look at the cover, this is how it should've been inside.
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Post by majestic on May 31, 2021 12:22:14 GMT -5
Books I read this week that I liked:
Action Comics #1031. So far this is the better Superman book right now. I also like Mongul as a Superman villain.
Detective Comics #1036. this creative team is really doing a great job. Probably one of top 5 titles at this time.
Robin #2. While not stellar it was entertaining. Can't wait for the showdown between Damian & Connor Hawke.
Batman/Superman #18. This title is just fun.
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Post by majestic on May 31, 2021 12:29:52 GMT -5
Best This Week:
Stargirl Spring Break Special. Geoff Johns & Todd Nauck.
Courtney goes on spring break with her stepdad Pat Dugan (S.T.R.I.P.E.). They reunite with his former team, the Seven Soldiers of Victory. Great story that highlights the Seven Soldiers. Explains how Ollie & Roy were the 1940's GA & Speedy (which I thought was a great twist!). Reintroduces the Justice Society plus promises an ongoing Stargirl series.
Fun story with nice tie ins to older stories. Plus great interactions between old friends/team mates. And anything that gives a preview of a new Justice Society (by Johns & Bryan Hitch) is an added bonus!
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Post by thwhtguardian on May 31, 2021 18:44:25 GMT -5
Best This Week:Stargirl Spring Break Special. Geoff Johns & Todd Nauck. Courtney goes on spring break with her stepdad Pat Dugan (S.T.R.I.P.E.). They reunite with his former team, the Seven Soldiers of Victory. Great story that highlights the Seven Soldiers. Explains how Ollie & Roy were the 1940's GA & Speedy (which I thought was a great twist!). Reintroduces the Justice Society plus promises an ongoing Stargirl series. Fun story with nice tie ins to older stories. Plus great interactions between old friends/team mates. And anything that gives a preview of a new Justice Society (by Johns & Bryan Hitch) is an added bonus! I missed this, I might need to get it digitally
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Post by Deleted on Jun 23, 2021 0:17:03 GMT -5
Best This Week:Stargirl Spring Break Special. Geoff Johns & Todd Nauck. Courtney goes on spring break with her stepdad Pat Dugan (S.T.R.I.P.E.). They reunite with his former team, the Seven Soldiers of Victory. Great story that highlights the Seven Soldiers. Explains how Ollie & Roy were the 1940's GA & Speedy (which I thought was a great twist!). Reintroduces the Justice Society plus promises an ongoing Stargirl series. Fun story with nice tie ins to older stories. Plus great interactions between old friends/team mates. And anything that gives a preview of a new Justice Society (by Johns & Bryan Hitch) is an added bonus! I missed this, I might need to get it digitally I just read it today digitally. . . and I have to say, I LOVE the Red Arrow/StarGirl interaction, and am all in for a team up (which they implied is coming in the Stargirl book). reminded me of the classic Supergirl/Batgirl (or Power Girl/Huntress) friendships. and the "villain" of the JSA book is one of my favorites, even tho he's a bit overused for what he is.
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