[ 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. ]
SECOND COMING #1
Publisher: Ahoy Comics
Writer: Mark Russel
Artist: Richard Pace
Synopsis:
AHOY is proud to present-for the first time anywhere-the series everyone's talking about, by award-winning writer Mark Russell (Snagglepuss, The Flintstones) and artist Richard Pace (Pitt, New Warriors)! God commands Earth's mightiest super-hero, Sunstar, to accept Jesus as his roommate and teach him how to use power in a... more powerful way. Jesus, shocked at the way humans have twisted his message over two millennia, vows to straighten them out. This deluxe first issue features 30 pages of story!
My thoughts:
Well, that was unexpectedly fun. I was conflicted whether to pick this up, but decided I would do it anyway and glad I did.
The hilarious depiction of the creation myth and life of Jesus according to Christianity was an enjoyable tale. And add to it the superhero character of Sunstar, and it all goes off the rail.
The story was mixed with some serious bits and the author seems to have a clear message regarding what he is trying to achieve with his story. And the innocence of Jesus in the modern day world had me laughing hard.
The drawing could have been a bit better, in my opinion, though.
An unusual new series that I will surely follow.
Rating:
9 out of 10.
BLACK HAMMER/JUSTICE LEAGUE: HAMMER OF JUSTICE! #1
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Michael Walsh
Synopsis:
DC Comics and Dark Horse Comics present the ultimate superhero crossover event of 2019!
A strange man arrives simultaneously on Black Hammer Farm and in Metropolis, and both worlds are warped as Starro attacks! Batman, Green Lantern, Flash, Wonder Woman, Superman, and more crossover with Golden Gail, Colonel Weird, and the rest of the Black Hammer gang!
My thoughts:
Well, this was expected. 'Black Hammer' universe has been a breath of fresh air, and Jeff Lemire writing a crossover of these characters with the 'Justice League' was bound to be a blast.
Jeff introduces his characters quite brilliantly, setting the stage for something quite extraordinary. He has the ability to really flesh out emotions in his characters and Walsh does a marvelous job of highlighting everything interesting about the world of 'Black Hammer'.
My only gripe is that the villain seems rather underdeveloped so far. But I know Jeff has something exciting up his sleeve.
Rating:
9 out of 10.
BATMAN #74
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Tom King
Artist: Mikel Janin
Synopsis:
"The Fall and the Fallen" concludes with a father-and-son showdown. Flashpoint Batman reveals his fiendish reasoning for dragging Batman into the desert, and who is in the coffin they've been dragging along with them. But is this a step too far? It's Bruce Wayne versus Thomas Wayne for the right to wear the cowl, and all of Gotham City hangs in the balance!
My thoughts:
Finally King pulls off what he was aiming for. This issue is an emotionally charged gritty tale of the stubbornness of Bruce, his testament to Batman's never giving up attitude.
The banter between father and son and how their confrontation makes Bruce take a hold of his broken psyche once again rising to the occasion like he has done multiple times in the past.
The drawing by 'Mikel Janin' and the coloring by 'Jordie Bellaire' does a tremendous job of strengthening the conflict, as the slight difference between the two Batman's really does add to the atmosphere.
Hoping the 'City of Bane' will be able to ride on with the strength of this triumphant return to form by Tom King.
Rating:
9 out of 10.
EVENT LEVIATHAN #2
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Alex Maleev
Synopsis:
"The Detectives"! EVENT LEVIATHAN, the new miniseries by the award-winning team of writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Alex Maleev, continues! As the mystery of Leviathan continues to rock the very foundations of the DC Universe, the world's greatest detectives gather for the first time anywhere to solve the mystery before it's too late! Lois Lane leads Batman, Green Arrow, Plastic Man, Manhunter, the Question and a couple of genuine guest sleuths in the search for who Leviathan is and how their plans have already unfolded. This issue also guest-stars Red Hood, Batgirl and more!
My thoughts:
Despite Bendis's attempt at creating a tense and mysterious issue, I never really felt the huge implications he was aiming for.
The series is lacking many of the big hitters and main heroes of the DC universe, which is just unrealistic regarding the impact and scope of the event that their authors are trying to establish. The lack of action also does nothing to add to the experience also.
The drawing of 'Alex Maleev' is gorgeous though, with its dark and moody undertone.
I do hope that Bendis will get his game together in the future issues.
Rating:
6 out of 10.
REAVER #1
Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Justin Jordan
Artist: Rebekah Isaacs, Alex Guimaraes
Synopsis:
SERIES PREMIERE! The continent of Madaras once promised a new start for settlers, but 200 years after its discovery, the war rages on. Deep within this savage and untamed land, a darkness builds at that must be stopped at all costs. To do so, the Imperials assemble six of its most despicable prisoners-a turncoat, a skin eater, a sorcerer and his bodyguard, a serial killer, and the Devil's Son-the only ones who can stop the end of the new world. They are Hell's Half-Dozen. Join JUSTIN JORDAN (LUTHER STRODE) and REBEKAH ISAACS (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) for REAVER-a dark, grim fantasy for a post-Game of Thrones world.
My thoughts:
I love grimdark, and comics can be a good medium for it if done right.
'Reaver' has almost all the essentials required to make a grimdark fantasy; questionable characters, violence and gore and an impossible and doomed task ahead of our protagonists. The antagonists do lack a real voice and motive yet, but that might be redeemed in the future.
The author seemed to cram a lot of plot into this first issue, while that made the storytelling a bit clumsy, it really made the world-building quite strong.
But the story does need something unique to make it stand out among all other similar stories out there though.
Rating:
8 out of 10.
UNEARTH #1
Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Cullen Bunn, Kyle Strahm
Artist: Baldemar Rivas
Synopsis:
SERIES PREMIERE! When a flesh-warping disease ravages a remote village in Mexico, a scientific task force travels to the inhospitable area to investigate the contamination. Tracing the source of the disease to a nearby cave system, the team discovers a bizarre, hostile ecosystem and a supernatural revelation from which they may never escape. This new subterranean nightmare is brought to you by writers CULLEN BUNN (REGRESSION) and KYLE STRAHM (SPREAD), and rising-star artist BALDEMAR RIVAS!
My thoughts:
While the idea isn't actually anything original, the execution was well enough to make me like it.
This horror/sci-fi debut issue is packed with strong art. There is a sense impending doom all over the story and any reader will be quite interested to know what will happen next.
Although I would have liked it if the characters were not so generic, but there is room for improvement in the future.
Rating:
8 out of 10.
THOR #15
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Michael Del Mundo
Synopsis:
WAR OF THE REALMS EPILOGUE! NEW STATUS QUO FOR THE GOD OF THUNDER! To end the War of the Realms, Thor made a sacrifice that will leave him forever changed. Now he must face the choices he's made. What lies ahead for the God of Thunder? Jason Aaron's legendary run draws to a close - don't miss the start of his final arc!
My thoughts:
A fitting epilogue to one of the better events from Marvel in recent years.
We get to read about the future of Thor and other major players of the 'War of the Realms'. There is a distinct sense of closure for a change here, even for the antagonist.
The drawing of 'Del Mundo' has the epic feeling required of such an epic issue.
I am really optimistic about the future of the God of Thunder.
Rating:
8.5 out of 10.
AVENGERS #21
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Jason Masters
Synopsis:
The war is over, and Earth's Mightiest Heroes are looking to celebrate. That's right, there's a party at Avengers Mountain! But who invited the Squadron Supreme of America?
My thoughts:
Another follow-up to 'War of the Realms'. I really liked the hot tub stuff, earths greatest heroes just having some time off after a great battle while having idle chatter was rather fun to imagine.
The sub plots on the other hand, are a bit convoluted for new readers. I didn't feel much interest in them either, despite some newer villains and the return of an old one.
Just a fun little comic book issue dealing with superheroes just having some fun.
Rating:
7 out of 10.
[PS: Yet another month with a big list. Believe me, I did cut some stuff out. ]
Publisher: Ahoy Comics
Writer: Mark Russel
Artist: Richard Pace
Synopsis:
AHOY is proud to present-for the first time anywhere-the series everyone's talking about, by award-winning writer Mark Russell (Snagglepuss, The Flintstones) and artist Richard Pace (Pitt, New Warriors)! God commands Earth's mightiest super-hero, Sunstar, to accept Jesus as his roommate and teach him how to use power in a... more powerful way. Jesus, shocked at the way humans have twisted his message over two millennia, vows to straighten them out. This deluxe first issue features 30 pages of story!
My thoughts:
Well, that was unexpectedly fun. I was conflicted whether to pick this up, but decided I would do it anyway and glad I did.
The hilarious depiction of the creation myth and life of Jesus according to Christianity was an enjoyable tale. And add to it the superhero character of Sunstar, and it all goes off the rail.
The story was mixed with some serious bits and the author seems to have a clear message regarding what he is trying to achieve with his story. And the innocence of Jesus in the modern day world had me laughing hard.
The drawing could have been a bit better, in my opinion, though.
An unusual new series that I will surely follow.
Rating:
9 out of 10.
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Michael Walsh
Synopsis:
DC Comics and Dark Horse Comics present the ultimate superhero crossover event of 2019!
A strange man arrives simultaneously on Black Hammer Farm and in Metropolis, and both worlds are warped as Starro attacks! Batman, Green Lantern, Flash, Wonder Woman, Superman, and more crossover with Golden Gail, Colonel Weird, and the rest of the Black Hammer gang!
My thoughts:
Well, this was expected. 'Black Hammer' universe has been a breath of fresh air, and Jeff Lemire writing a crossover of these characters with the 'Justice League' was bound to be a blast.
Jeff introduces his characters quite brilliantly, setting the stage for something quite extraordinary. He has the ability to really flesh out emotions in his characters and Walsh does a marvelous job of highlighting everything interesting about the world of 'Black Hammer'.
My only gripe is that the villain seems rather underdeveloped so far. But I know Jeff has something exciting up his sleeve.
Rating:
9 out of 10.
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Tom King
Artist: Mikel Janin
Synopsis:
"The Fall and the Fallen" concludes with a father-and-son showdown. Flashpoint Batman reveals his fiendish reasoning for dragging Batman into the desert, and who is in the coffin they've been dragging along with them. But is this a step too far? It's Bruce Wayne versus Thomas Wayne for the right to wear the cowl, and all of Gotham City hangs in the balance!
My thoughts:
Finally King pulls off what he was aiming for. This issue is an emotionally charged gritty tale of the stubbornness of Bruce, his testament to Batman's never giving up attitude.
The banter between father and son and how their confrontation makes Bruce take a hold of his broken psyche once again rising to the occasion like he has done multiple times in the past.
The drawing by 'Mikel Janin' and the coloring by 'Jordie Bellaire' does a tremendous job of strengthening the conflict, as the slight difference between the two Batman's really does add to the atmosphere.
Hoping the 'City of Bane' will be able to ride on with the strength of this triumphant return to form by Tom King.
Rating:
9 out of 10.
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Alex Maleev
Synopsis:
"The Detectives"! EVENT LEVIATHAN, the new miniseries by the award-winning team of writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Alex Maleev, continues! As the mystery of Leviathan continues to rock the very foundations of the DC Universe, the world's greatest detectives gather for the first time anywhere to solve the mystery before it's too late! Lois Lane leads Batman, Green Arrow, Plastic Man, Manhunter, the Question and a couple of genuine guest sleuths in the search for who Leviathan is and how their plans have already unfolded. This issue also guest-stars Red Hood, Batgirl and more!
My thoughts:
Despite Bendis's attempt at creating a tense and mysterious issue, I never really felt the huge implications he was aiming for.
The series is lacking many of the big hitters and main heroes of the DC universe, which is just unrealistic regarding the impact and scope of the event that their authors are trying to establish. The lack of action also does nothing to add to the experience also.
The drawing of 'Alex Maleev' is gorgeous though, with its dark and moody undertone.
I do hope that Bendis will get his game together in the future issues.
Rating:
6 out of 10.
Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Justin Jordan
Artist: Rebekah Isaacs, Alex Guimaraes
Synopsis:
SERIES PREMIERE! The continent of Madaras once promised a new start for settlers, but 200 years after its discovery, the war rages on. Deep within this savage and untamed land, a darkness builds at that must be stopped at all costs. To do so, the Imperials assemble six of its most despicable prisoners-a turncoat, a skin eater, a sorcerer and his bodyguard, a serial killer, and the Devil's Son-the only ones who can stop the end of the new world. They are Hell's Half-Dozen. Join JUSTIN JORDAN (LUTHER STRODE) and REBEKAH ISAACS (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) for REAVER-a dark, grim fantasy for a post-Game of Thrones world.
My thoughts:
I love grimdark, and comics can be a good medium for it if done right.
'Reaver' has almost all the essentials required to make a grimdark fantasy; questionable characters, violence and gore and an impossible and doomed task ahead of our protagonists. The antagonists do lack a real voice and motive yet, but that might be redeemed in the future.
The author seemed to cram a lot of plot into this first issue, while that made the storytelling a bit clumsy, it really made the world-building quite strong.
But the story does need something unique to make it stand out among all other similar stories out there though.
Rating:
8 out of 10.
Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Cullen Bunn, Kyle Strahm
Artist: Baldemar Rivas
Synopsis:
SERIES PREMIERE! When a flesh-warping disease ravages a remote village in Mexico, a scientific task force travels to the inhospitable area to investigate the contamination. Tracing the source of the disease to a nearby cave system, the team discovers a bizarre, hostile ecosystem and a supernatural revelation from which they may never escape. This new subterranean nightmare is brought to you by writers CULLEN BUNN (REGRESSION) and KYLE STRAHM (SPREAD), and rising-star artist BALDEMAR RIVAS!
My thoughts:
While the idea isn't actually anything original, the execution was well enough to make me like it.
This horror/sci-fi debut issue is packed with strong art. There is a sense impending doom all over the story and any reader will be quite interested to know what will happen next.
Although I would have liked it if the characters were not so generic, but there is room for improvement in the future.
Rating:
8 out of 10.
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Michael Del Mundo
Synopsis:
WAR OF THE REALMS EPILOGUE! NEW STATUS QUO FOR THE GOD OF THUNDER! To end the War of the Realms, Thor made a sacrifice that will leave him forever changed. Now he must face the choices he's made. What lies ahead for the God of Thunder? Jason Aaron's legendary run draws to a close - don't miss the start of his final arc!
My thoughts:
A fitting epilogue to one of the better events from Marvel in recent years.
We get to read about the future of Thor and other major players of the 'War of the Realms'. There is a distinct sense of closure for a change here, even for the antagonist.
The drawing of 'Del Mundo' has the epic feeling required of such an epic issue.
I am really optimistic about the future of the God of Thunder.
Rating:
8.5 out of 10.
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Jason Masters
Synopsis:
The war is over, and Earth's Mightiest Heroes are looking to celebrate. That's right, there's a party at Avengers Mountain! But who invited the Squadron Supreme of America?
My thoughts:
Another follow-up to 'War of the Realms'. I really liked the hot tub stuff, earths greatest heroes just having some time off after a great battle while having idle chatter was rather fun to imagine.
The sub plots on the other hand, are a bit convoluted for new readers. I didn't feel much interest in them either, despite some newer villains and the return of an old one.
Just a fun little comic book issue dealing with superheroes just having some fun.
Rating:
7 out of 10.
[PS: Yet another month with a big list. Believe me, I did cut some stuff out. ]
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