[ This post is entirely based on the comics that I read from the current week, not a best of or highlights of the week list. The rest of the stuff I didn't read was either me not being interested in them or not being able to get my hands on them. ]
DESCENDENT #2
Publisher: Aftershock Comics
Writer: Stephanie Phillips
Artist: Evgeny Bornyakov
Synopsis:
Missing kids, a mysterious cult, and one very angry ex-wife-seems like a typical Tuesday for conspiracy theorist David Corey. While David appears crazy to most, he might just be the only chance the FBI have of finding the missing kids and solving a centuries old mystery. Will FBI agent Joanna Hernandez learn to trust David before it's too late?
From the creative team of Stephanie Phillips (Devil Within, Kicking Ice), Evgeniy Bornyakov (Meteora, Ziggy) , Lauren Affe (Stranger Things, Spider Gwen), and A Larger World's Troy Pe-teri, DESCENDENT is an action comedy that asks what happens if you combine The X-Files and National Treasure. (No, Nick Cage is not in this comic. Sorry, everyone.)
My thoughts:
This feels more like watching a tv show or movie than reading a comic. The story on offer is quite good, and I like the mystery and the twists and turns of the plot. But the progression seems a bit too slow for this medium to me at times.
None of the characters starting to shine yet on their own, but some are showing potentials. Then again this story is not actually about the characters, rather about the mystery I guess.
I am quite hopeful for what is to come in the future, although I wish for a bit more content each issue.
Rating:
7.5 out of 10.
BATMAN #72
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Tom King
Artist: Mikel Janin
Synopsis:
"The Fall and the Fallen" part three! Is this the end of Gotham City? Bane's army of villains is taking over the city, and Batman's back is against the wall. With all the things Bane has done to him over the last year-from breaking up his wedding to trying to assassinate Nightwing, and then invading Batman's mind to expose his most terrible fears-could this be the worst hate the Caped Crusader has ever encountered?
My thoughts:
It's actually hard to identify the point of this issue. This one recaps Tom King's run on 'Batman', while not really adding much for the readers or anyone following the run neither is really a good starting point for anyone jumping into the bandwagon. And the twist at the end was also something that isn't actually a surprise.
The prose is quite engaging as expected from King delving further into the psyche of both Bruce Wayne and Bane, and the atmospheric drawing by Mikel Janin is dark and foreboding and altogether something to savor on its own.
But readers can thoughtlessly skip this issue, jumping into the next arc knowing they never actually missed anything as nothing much happened here.
All in one all must for any die hard fan of Tom King or Batman, but skip-able for anyone else.
Rating:
6 out of 10.
DCEASED #2
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Tom Taylor
Artist: Trevor Hairsine, Stefano Guadiano
Synopsis:
Millions are dying every minute. Heroes and villains alike are falling. Can the Justice League unite to find a way to stop the spread of death? Can they save humanity from extinction? Can they even save themselves? The key to survival may hinge on the last moments of one of the World's Finest Heroes...
My thoughts:
Well, Tom Taylor once again proves he can do wonder if he is given freedom with his characters. The story gets more shocking, action packed, emotional and heartbreaking as we watch the world regress to madness through the eyes of our beloved characters. I really loved Taylor's method of taking individual character and telling their side of the tale rather than going for wholesale mayhem. And, damn, that last page did hit me right in the feels, and hard.
The drawing does its job in conveying the horror quite adeptly, but then again, the storytelling does drive the story here. I am just a bit worried if the writer can pull it off safely to the finish line, with the momentum he has created.
A marvelous second issue, I can't wait for more, wish this was weekly.
Rating:
9.5 out of 10.
THE GREEN LANTERN #8
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Liam Sharp
Synopsis:
Green Lantern teams up with Green Arrow to stop a cosmic drug cartel that's using Earth as its main distribution base! It's a brilliant homage to the team-ups of old, as Morrison and Sharp do the 2019 version in a story we can only call "Space Junkies!"
My thoughts:
I get what the creative team is aiming for here, an homage to old classics from Silver Age, while humorously breaking the police procedural troupe. But, some of the references are a bit too old for me, and not knowing them, I didn't quite enjoy it like I probably should have. And the story seemed a bit confusing at times as well.
I did love the bond and interaction between the two heroes. And the art, coloring and lettering were gorgeous, boldly intensifying the acid trip that this was supposed to be. But let's face the fact, this is not new reader friendly at all (not that, that is always a bad thing).
Maybe I should freshen up my knowledge of the Green Lantern mythos before peaking this up again, but with such high promises and art so gorgeous, it's really hard to not come back for more.
Rating:
7 out of 10.
JUSTICE LEAGUE #25
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Scott Snyder, Jorge Jimenez, James Tynion IV
Artist: Jorge Jimenez
Synopsis:
The "Sixth Dimension" storyline wraps up in this oversize issue as Superman faces down the World Forger to save the Justice League! Can Superman withstand the might of a being that can create worlds from nothing?! Plus, with the Justice League away, Mr. Mxyzptlk's been wreaking havoc! Can anyone on Earth stand up to the fifth-dimensional menace?
My thoughts:
This issue tried to do a bit too much for me really. Well, I love Snyder's style of storytelling, and he did manage to pull of emotional stuff hardly possible among Superheroes by incapable hands, yet the attempt at starting something big while also finishing such a huge storyline can be a bit too much at times. Although the concept of goodness winning being apparent on the first half suddenly switching to villainy aiming for a large scale triumph was a good contrast.
The art was as it should be when you try to handle something so epic, I would have loved if it were a bit more consistent, but I can relate to the artist considering the scope on offer.
But it will keep me interested in the future of DC, that's always a positive.
Rating:
7.5 out of 10.
SHAZAM! #6
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Dale Eaglesham
Synopsis:
Billy Batson finds himself face to face with the one person who could tear apart his family: his father! But when Billy discovers the trouble he's father is in and the reason he's sought him out, he'll have to not only use the power of Shazam to help him, but also fend off the lethal team of Dr. Sivana and Mr. Mind!
My thoughts:
This series is something else. Probably one of the best thing currently being released from DC, with its fast pace, interesting characters, exciting worldbuilding on offer and multiple plot threads all going on full force. What else to expect from 'Geoff Johns' though?
This issue is a bit slow compared to others though, as real world plot points concerning Billy's father take the front, while 'Magiclands' take a backstage. But that doesn't prepare readers for the twist at the end.
The drawing is as gorgeous as ever, and the coloring is sharp and eye catching.
It's really quite hard to wait for the next issue, when things are this good.
Rating:
9.5 out of 10.
BLACK CAT #1
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Jed MacKay
Artist: Travel Foreman, Michael Dowling, Nao Fuji
Synopsis:
SPINNING OUT OF THE PAGES OF AMAZING SPIDER-MAN!
ALL-NEW ONGOING SERIES!
The Black Cat is back and starring in her first ever ongoing series! Felicia Hardy has a taste for the finer things in life and a certain set of skills that can get her into any mansion, vault or museum to...procure said finer things. But due to her actions in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, Felicia's not only on the run from the police but also by the New York Theives Guild and their boss ODESSA DRAKE! High-octane heists, climactic chases and twist after twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat like a cat on a perch. IN THIS ISSUE: Find out a secret from Cat's past in a bonus story that sets a foundation for the future! All this and an all-new MARVEL MEOW short story by Nao Fuji!
My thoughts:
Maybe it's just me, but I found this debut issue to be just average, nothing more. It sets the stage for Felicia's new adventures in her solo series, and that is just about the extent of its appeal. I found the side characters of her henchmen and the security guy (who I would like to see more off, as a matter-of-fact) quite interesting, but never really felt any attachment to 'Black Cat' herself. It was hard to find any uniqueness in her voice and demeanor.
The side stories also seemed quite unnecessary to me and seemed just like an effort to increase the bulk.
The art was solid and I really liked the fact that the artist never really tried to oversexualize Felicia at all.
Rating:
6 out of 10.
WAR OF THE REALMS #5
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Russell Dauterman
Synopsis:
MIDGARD'S LAST STAND
Malekith's army gets a whole new crop of recruits - the dead! As Midgard transforms under the rule of Malekith and his allies, the dead rise up to form a new Niffleheim! The Black Panther calls in every hero on his roster to fight for Earth, from Spider-Man and the Spiders of Hel to Ghost Rider and Balder the Brave. But if there's any hope for the Ten Realms, it'll come from the skies...
My thoughts:
I will be honest, it is fun to enjoy some classic good versus evil types of stories once in a while. And 'War of the Realms' rage on with its less plot more action packed way. And who would mind when the action is depicted by such capable hands?
The forces of Midgard and the rest of the good guys from other realms finally begin to win, as slowly but surely Malekith's forces start to lose their way. And the drama regarding Thor, Odin And Jane Foster are a fun aspect as 'Jason Aaron' uses his amazing grasp of these characters familiar with him to create something emotional.
But, once again, the art by 'Russell Dauterman' and the coloring by 'Matthew Wilson' are the main selling point of this event, as they continue to draw spectacular action sequences while giving each character their unique perspective.
A solid, although somewhat predictable (regarding the plot) issue.
Rating:
8.5 out of 10.
FALLEN WORLD #2
Publisher: Valiant Comics
Writer: Dan Abnett
Artist: Adam Pollina
Synopsis:
Get ready for the second thrilling chapter in Valiant's explosive event series!
Rai's most dangerous foe has returned!
The cyborg samurai faces an impossible challenge. Can he stop his greatest enemy from gaining even more power?
How many more positronic dinosaurs will have to die for Rai to save the future?
My thoughts:
I will be honest, I had no idea of Rai or New Japan's backstory before jumping into this series. While that might have hampered my enjoyment a bit I liked the story and characters to stick with it. And the second issue improves vastly on the first. We get an idea about the main villain's powers, are introduced with newer forces at work against our protagonists, and I get even more amazed by Abnett's ability to introduce real world issues of racial and religious conflicts into this seeming sci-fi action comic.
The art is slick enough for the futuristic techs and the desolate world to keep me coming back to pages just for the drawing.
And I know I need to soon catch on the past of this storyline.
Rating:
8 out of 10.
[PS: I haven't caught up with stuff like 'Giant Days', 'Paper Girl' or 'The Dreaming' yet. I was also interested in 'Thumbs #1' and 'Black Hammer '45 #2', but couldn't get my hands on them. Not interested in anything else this week. ]
Publisher: Aftershock Comics
Writer: Stephanie Phillips
Artist: Evgeny Bornyakov
Synopsis:
Missing kids, a mysterious cult, and one very angry ex-wife-seems like a typical Tuesday for conspiracy theorist David Corey. While David appears crazy to most, he might just be the only chance the FBI have of finding the missing kids and solving a centuries old mystery. Will FBI agent Joanna Hernandez learn to trust David before it's too late?
From the creative team of Stephanie Phillips (Devil Within, Kicking Ice), Evgeniy Bornyakov (Meteora, Ziggy) , Lauren Affe (Stranger Things, Spider Gwen), and A Larger World's Troy Pe-teri, DESCENDENT is an action comedy that asks what happens if you combine The X-Files and National Treasure. (No, Nick Cage is not in this comic. Sorry, everyone.)
My thoughts:
This feels more like watching a tv show or movie than reading a comic. The story on offer is quite good, and I like the mystery and the twists and turns of the plot. But the progression seems a bit too slow for this medium to me at times.
None of the characters starting to shine yet on their own, but some are showing potentials. Then again this story is not actually about the characters, rather about the mystery I guess.
I am quite hopeful for what is to come in the future, although I wish for a bit more content each issue.
Rating:
7.5 out of 10.
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Tom King
Artist: Mikel Janin
Synopsis:
"The Fall and the Fallen" part three! Is this the end of Gotham City? Bane's army of villains is taking over the city, and Batman's back is against the wall. With all the things Bane has done to him over the last year-from breaking up his wedding to trying to assassinate Nightwing, and then invading Batman's mind to expose his most terrible fears-could this be the worst hate the Caped Crusader has ever encountered?
My thoughts:
It's actually hard to identify the point of this issue. This one recaps Tom King's run on 'Batman', while not really adding much for the readers or anyone following the run neither is really a good starting point for anyone jumping into the bandwagon. And the twist at the end was also something that isn't actually a surprise.
The prose is quite engaging as expected from King delving further into the psyche of both Bruce Wayne and Bane, and the atmospheric drawing by Mikel Janin is dark and foreboding and altogether something to savor on its own.
But readers can thoughtlessly skip this issue, jumping into the next arc knowing they never actually missed anything as nothing much happened here.
All in one all must for any die hard fan of Tom King or Batman, but skip-able for anyone else.
Rating:
6 out of 10.
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Tom Taylor
Artist: Trevor Hairsine, Stefano Guadiano
Synopsis:
Millions are dying every minute. Heroes and villains alike are falling. Can the Justice League unite to find a way to stop the spread of death? Can they save humanity from extinction? Can they even save themselves? The key to survival may hinge on the last moments of one of the World's Finest Heroes...
My thoughts:
Well, Tom Taylor once again proves he can do wonder if he is given freedom with his characters. The story gets more shocking, action packed, emotional and heartbreaking as we watch the world regress to madness through the eyes of our beloved characters. I really loved Taylor's method of taking individual character and telling their side of the tale rather than going for wholesale mayhem. And, damn, that last page did hit me right in the feels, and hard.
The drawing does its job in conveying the horror quite adeptly, but then again, the storytelling does drive the story here. I am just a bit worried if the writer can pull it off safely to the finish line, with the momentum he has created.
A marvelous second issue, I can't wait for more, wish this was weekly.
Rating:
9.5 out of 10.
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Liam Sharp
Synopsis:
Green Lantern teams up with Green Arrow to stop a cosmic drug cartel that's using Earth as its main distribution base! It's a brilliant homage to the team-ups of old, as Morrison and Sharp do the 2019 version in a story we can only call "Space Junkies!"
My thoughts:
I get what the creative team is aiming for here, an homage to old classics from Silver Age, while humorously breaking the police procedural troupe. But, some of the references are a bit too old for me, and not knowing them, I didn't quite enjoy it like I probably should have. And the story seemed a bit confusing at times as well.
I did love the bond and interaction between the two heroes. And the art, coloring and lettering were gorgeous, boldly intensifying the acid trip that this was supposed to be. But let's face the fact, this is not new reader friendly at all (not that, that is always a bad thing).
Maybe I should freshen up my knowledge of the Green Lantern mythos before peaking this up again, but with such high promises and art so gorgeous, it's really hard to not come back for more.
Rating:
7 out of 10.
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Scott Snyder, Jorge Jimenez, James Tynion IV
Artist: Jorge Jimenez
Synopsis:
The "Sixth Dimension" storyline wraps up in this oversize issue as Superman faces down the World Forger to save the Justice League! Can Superman withstand the might of a being that can create worlds from nothing?! Plus, with the Justice League away, Mr. Mxyzptlk's been wreaking havoc! Can anyone on Earth stand up to the fifth-dimensional menace?
My thoughts:
This issue tried to do a bit too much for me really. Well, I love Snyder's style of storytelling, and he did manage to pull of emotional stuff hardly possible among Superheroes by incapable hands, yet the attempt at starting something big while also finishing such a huge storyline can be a bit too much at times. Although the concept of goodness winning being apparent on the first half suddenly switching to villainy aiming for a large scale triumph was a good contrast.
The art was as it should be when you try to handle something so epic, I would have loved if it were a bit more consistent, but I can relate to the artist considering the scope on offer.
But it will keep me interested in the future of DC, that's always a positive.
Rating:
7.5 out of 10.
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Dale Eaglesham
Synopsis:
Billy Batson finds himself face to face with the one person who could tear apart his family: his father! But when Billy discovers the trouble he's father is in and the reason he's sought him out, he'll have to not only use the power of Shazam to help him, but also fend off the lethal team of Dr. Sivana and Mr. Mind!
My thoughts:
This series is something else. Probably one of the best thing currently being released from DC, with its fast pace, interesting characters, exciting worldbuilding on offer and multiple plot threads all going on full force. What else to expect from 'Geoff Johns' though?
This issue is a bit slow compared to others though, as real world plot points concerning Billy's father take the front, while 'Magiclands' take a backstage. But that doesn't prepare readers for the twist at the end.
The drawing is as gorgeous as ever, and the coloring is sharp and eye catching.
It's really quite hard to wait for the next issue, when things are this good.
Rating:
9.5 out of 10.
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Jed MacKay
Artist: Travel Foreman, Michael Dowling, Nao Fuji
Synopsis:
SPINNING OUT OF THE PAGES OF AMAZING SPIDER-MAN!
ALL-NEW ONGOING SERIES!
The Black Cat is back and starring in her first ever ongoing series! Felicia Hardy has a taste for the finer things in life and a certain set of skills that can get her into any mansion, vault or museum to...procure said finer things. But due to her actions in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, Felicia's not only on the run from the police but also by the New York Theives Guild and their boss ODESSA DRAKE! High-octane heists, climactic chases and twist after twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat like a cat on a perch. IN THIS ISSUE: Find out a secret from Cat's past in a bonus story that sets a foundation for the future! All this and an all-new MARVEL MEOW short story by Nao Fuji!
My thoughts:
Maybe it's just me, but I found this debut issue to be just average, nothing more. It sets the stage for Felicia's new adventures in her solo series, and that is just about the extent of its appeal. I found the side characters of her henchmen and the security guy (who I would like to see more off, as a matter-of-fact) quite interesting, but never really felt any attachment to 'Black Cat' herself. It was hard to find any uniqueness in her voice and demeanor.
The side stories also seemed quite unnecessary to me and seemed just like an effort to increase the bulk.
The art was solid and I really liked the fact that the artist never really tried to oversexualize Felicia at all.
Rating:
6 out of 10.
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Russell Dauterman
Synopsis:
MIDGARD'S LAST STAND
Malekith's army gets a whole new crop of recruits - the dead! As Midgard transforms under the rule of Malekith and his allies, the dead rise up to form a new Niffleheim! The Black Panther calls in every hero on his roster to fight for Earth, from Spider-Man and the Spiders of Hel to Ghost Rider and Balder the Brave. But if there's any hope for the Ten Realms, it'll come from the skies...
My thoughts:
I will be honest, it is fun to enjoy some classic good versus evil types of stories once in a while. And 'War of the Realms' rage on with its less plot more action packed way. And who would mind when the action is depicted by such capable hands?
The forces of Midgard and the rest of the good guys from other realms finally begin to win, as slowly but surely Malekith's forces start to lose their way. And the drama regarding Thor, Odin And Jane Foster are a fun aspect as 'Jason Aaron' uses his amazing grasp of these characters familiar with him to create something emotional.
But, once again, the art by 'Russell Dauterman' and the coloring by 'Matthew Wilson' are the main selling point of this event, as they continue to draw spectacular action sequences while giving each character their unique perspective.
A solid, although somewhat predictable (regarding the plot) issue.
Rating:
8.5 out of 10.
Publisher: Valiant Comics
Writer: Dan Abnett
Artist: Adam Pollina
Synopsis:
Get ready for the second thrilling chapter in Valiant's explosive event series!
Rai's most dangerous foe has returned!
The cyborg samurai faces an impossible challenge. Can he stop his greatest enemy from gaining even more power?
How many more positronic dinosaurs will have to die for Rai to save the future?
My thoughts:
I will be honest, I had no idea of Rai or New Japan's backstory before jumping into this series. While that might have hampered my enjoyment a bit I liked the story and characters to stick with it. And the second issue improves vastly on the first. We get an idea about the main villain's powers, are introduced with newer forces at work against our protagonists, and I get even more amazed by Abnett's ability to introduce real world issues of racial and religious conflicts into this seeming sci-fi action comic.
The art is slick enough for the futuristic techs and the desolate world to keep me coming back to pages just for the drawing.
And I know I need to soon catch on the past of this storyline.
Rating:
8 out of 10.
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