[ 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 #3
Publisher: Aftershock Comics
Writer: Stephanie Phillips
Artist: Evgeny Bornyakov
Synopsis:
What do the Salem witch trials and a missing Senator's son have in common? The third installment of DESCENDENT from Stephanie Phillips (Devil Within, Kicking Ice) and Evgeniy Bornyakov (Meteora, Ziggy) investigates the missing link between a mysterious cult and disappearing children. But, as David gets closer to finding out the truth, the cult gets closer to David. Oh, and someone dies. #sorrynotsorry
My thoughts:
The mystery starts to unravel in this issue. While I do like the tempo and the characters, I surely would have loved a richer mystery or plot.
Things start to get a bit predicable specially with the deaths and the action of certain characters.
The twist at the end about the real villain behind the conspiracy does give a satisfying jerk though, and the issue does enough to make readers want to move further with the story.
Nothing spectacular, yet no real lack of substance either.
Rating:
7 out of 10.
NO ONE LEFT TO FIGHT #1
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Writer: Aubrey Sitterson
Artist: Fico Ossio
Synopsis:
They've saved the planet countless times, but what happens after the final battle has been won? Creators Aubrey Sitterson (The Comic Book Story of Professional Wrestling, G.I. Joe) & Fico Ossio (Spider-Man, Revolution) take inspiration from the legendary Dragon Ball to tell a story of regret, resentment, and growing older, one that asks, "What does a fighter do when there's no one left to fight?"
My thoughts:
The drawing is the star here, Fico Ossio uses vibrant colors to create a world of heroes and epic battles where the heroes have finally achieved world piece but don't really know what to do now.
The comparison with classic fighting mangas like 'Dragon Ball' or 'One Piece' are a given here. And that should be a good thing as we always need more of those.
The characters are just introduced and are not really fleshed out yet and the action is also something to appear in the future, but that is expected because this is just the beginning. But the cast does seem a bit too generic and emotional aspects don't actually seem to work so far.
All in all, a promising start that could go either way. But once again, the art is beyond gorgeous.
Rating:
8 out of 10.
DCEASED #3
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Tom Taylor
Artist: Trevor Hairsine
Synopsis:
Heroes, villains and gods have fallen. Cities have collapsed. The virus threatens to reach below the waves and even to the island of Themyscira. The race to save planet Earth is on! The surviving members of the Justice League have learned the secret to the spread of the virus, but is it already too late to stop it?
My thoughts:
This one is a Superman story, although we get a glimpse of the fate of Atlantis. While we did get an emotionally charged story into the psyche of Superman and his family at the time of this techno apocalypse, the overall progression of the plot of this Elseworlds universe takes a back stage this time. And the rest of the crew seems to just sit and do nothing which is a bit unrealistic for me.
But the last few pages alone gives enough emotional punch to keep any fan of the DC comics hooked in for the future.
This issue has its strengths, but is is a bit weak compared to what has come before.
Rating:
8.5 out of 10.
THE GREEN LANTERN #9
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Liam Sharp
Synopsis:
On the medieval fantasy planet of Athmoora, Sir Hal of the Lantern-a.k.a. Hal Jordan-must do battle with the evil wizard Ah-Bah-Nazzur, scourge of the Four Kingdoms! What is Ah-Bah-Nazzur's secret? And what does it have to do with the looming extinction-level Multiversal threat that leaves countless dead super-beings in its wake?
My thoughts:
You just never know where this creative team will take you next, do you? Yet another obscure cameo filled story with the hectic pace and unpredictable twists make yet another winning issue of the new Green Lantern ongoing.
And the best part about this issue is it has kept me thinking about it and what is to come next, lingering like an aftertaste in my mind.
The art of 'Liam Sharp' is as old school, unorthodox and charismatic as usual, especially his facial expressions.
Blissfully wondering where this exotic journey will take this reader next.
Rating:
9 out of 10.
JUSTICE LEAGUE #27
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Javi Fernandez
Synopsis:
Eons ago, the Monitor, the Anti-Monitor and the World Forger stopped the rise of Perpetua-but can they overcome billions of years of mistrust to work together and do it again? Plus, Lex Luthor's offers across the DC Universe haven't gone unnoticed-Martian Manhunter is aware of "the Offer." And J'onn J'onnz will pay the price.
My thoughts:
This issue of 'Justice League' was once again a bit confusing and the weirdness (or clumsiness, dare I say?!) just added to the fact.
Martian Manhunter gets a lot more face time, which should be fun for his fans, we are introduced rather casually with another big name, the Monitor and the build up to the upcoming 'Year of the Villain' event continues.
I wasn't much impressed with this issue, despite some bad-ass dialogue between Martian Manhunter and Hawkgirl. I am quite certain 'James Tynion Iv' will pick up the pieces on the future issues.
Rating:
6.5 out of 10.
LOIS LANE #1
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Greg Rucka
Artist: Mike Perkins
Synopsis:
On the road and out of Metropolis-and carrying a secret that could disrupt Superman's life-Lois Lane embarks on a harrowing journey to uncover a threat to her husband and a plot that reaches the highest levels of international power brokers and world leaders. Critically acclaimed and best-selling author Greg Rucka and master storyteller Mike Perkins team up for a tale of conspiracy, intrigue and murder that pushes even Lois to her limits.
My thoughts:
I get why this gets so much praise. Greg Rucka has a distinctive voice, and she expertly uses her talent to paint a detailed picture of the daily life of one of DC's most important non-superhero characters. Her incorporation of real life political issues and gritty noir inspired picture of journalism is another fun element.
The drawing by Mike Perkins is as gorgeous as ever, and the coloring adds much to the overall feeling of a dark and bleak world.
A promising beginning for sure.
Rating:
9 out of 10.
SEA OF STARS #1
Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Jason Aaron, Dennis Hallum
Artist: Stephen Green
Synopsis:
"LOST IN THE WILDS OF HEAVEN," Part One: Being a space trucker sounds like a cool job, but in reality, it can be boring as hell. So when recently widowed Gil gets a long-haul gig across the universe, he figures it's safe enough to bring his young son Kadyn along for the ride-that is, until their "big rig" gets bitten in half by a gigantic Space Leviathan! Now separated from his son-with a breached suit that's venting oxygen at an alarming rate-Gil must defy the odds and stay alive long enough to rescue Kadyn. But meanwhile, Kadyn seems to be getting all the help he needs from a talking Space Monkey riding a Space Dolphin... or maybe it's the strange powers he's suddenly manifesting?! From the writing duo of JASON AARON (SOUTHERN BASTARDS, Thor) and DENNIS HALLUM (Cloak & Dagger, Vader: Dark Visions), with dazzling art by STEPHEN GREEN (Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.) and cosmic colors by RICO RENZI (Spider-Gwen), comes a brand-new science fiction series with all the scope and heart of the The Neverending Story crossed with the imaginative weirdness of Miyazaki-an intense, galaxy-spanning adventure that's suitable for fans of all ages!
My thoughts:
This one has a bit of 'Finding Nemo' vibe, which frankly is something that interests me a lot.
I really love a bit of family drama in my fantasy/sci-fi, and this one seems to be going in the right direction. It has the vastness of space for the readers to explore while getting emotionally challenged by an estranged father and son duo. What more can you ask for in an all ages sci-fi comics?
The drawing also deserves a mention due to its handling the intricacies of space quite extraordinarily.
Hoping for a fun ride in the future.
Rating:
9 out of 10.
AERO #1
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Zhou Liefen, Greg Pak
Artist: Keng
Synopsis:
CATCH THE WAVE! ALL NEW ONGOING SERIES! The breakout stars of WAR OF THE REALMS: AGENTS OF ATLAS debut in an oversized team-up book! Get ready for the English language debut of the first appearance of AERO, the high-flying Shanghaiese superheroine created for Marvel by Zhou Liefen and Keng! And in a brand new story written by PLANET HULK writer Greg Pak, Aero teams up with WAVE, Marvel's newest Filipina superheroine! What strange forces have turned the buildings of Shanghai into monstrous golems? And what is the SECRET ORIGIN OF WAVE?
My thoughts:
This felt like a manga from start to finish. There was too little plot in my opinion and despite the art being gorgeous it couldn't really convey how 'Aero's power works.
The second story has a bit more substance in the plot, but still not enough bone on the story to hook a new reader.
Hopefully the upcoming issues picks up the pace and gives the readers a bit more action.
Rating:
6 out of 10.
[PS: I haven't caught up with stuff like 'Giant Days', 'Black Hammer: Age of Doom', 'Immortal Hulk' or 'The Dreaming' yet. This week had a variety of good stuff from many publishers, as a matter of fact. I know my list is somewhat on the bigger side, still I had to control my enthusiasm a bit. ]
Publisher: Aftershock Comics
Writer: Stephanie Phillips
Artist: Evgeny Bornyakov
Synopsis:
What do the Salem witch trials and a missing Senator's son have in common? The third installment of DESCENDENT from Stephanie Phillips (Devil Within, Kicking Ice) and Evgeniy Bornyakov (Meteora, Ziggy) investigates the missing link between a mysterious cult and disappearing children. But, as David gets closer to finding out the truth, the cult gets closer to David. Oh, and someone dies. #sorrynotsorry
My thoughts:
The mystery starts to unravel in this issue. While I do like the tempo and the characters, I surely would have loved a richer mystery or plot.
Things start to get a bit predicable specially with the deaths and the action of certain characters.
The twist at the end about the real villain behind the conspiracy does give a satisfying jerk though, and the issue does enough to make readers want to move further with the story.
Nothing spectacular, yet no real lack of substance either.
Rating:
7 out of 10.
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Writer: Aubrey Sitterson
Artist: Fico Ossio
Synopsis:
They've saved the planet countless times, but what happens after the final battle has been won? Creators Aubrey Sitterson (The Comic Book Story of Professional Wrestling, G.I. Joe) & Fico Ossio (Spider-Man, Revolution) take inspiration from the legendary Dragon Ball to tell a story of regret, resentment, and growing older, one that asks, "What does a fighter do when there's no one left to fight?"
My thoughts:
The drawing is the star here, Fico Ossio uses vibrant colors to create a world of heroes and epic battles where the heroes have finally achieved world piece but don't really know what to do now.
The comparison with classic fighting mangas like 'Dragon Ball' or 'One Piece' are a given here. And that should be a good thing as we always need more of those.
The characters are just introduced and are not really fleshed out yet and the action is also something to appear in the future, but that is expected because this is just the beginning. But the cast does seem a bit too generic and emotional aspects don't actually seem to work so far.
All in all, a promising start that could go either way. But once again, the art is beyond gorgeous.
Rating:
8 out of 10.
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Tom Taylor
Artist: Trevor Hairsine
Synopsis:
Heroes, villains and gods have fallen. Cities have collapsed. The virus threatens to reach below the waves and even to the island of Themyscira. The race to save planet Earth is on! The surviving members of the Justice League have learned the secret to the spread of the virus, but is it already too late to stop it?
My thoughts:
This one is a Superman story, although we get a glimpse of the fate of Atlantis. While we did get an emotionally charged story into the psyche of Superman and his family at the time of this techno apocalypse, the overall progression of the plot of this Elseworlds universe takes a back stage this time. And the rest of the crew seems to just sit and do nothing which is a bit unrealistic for me.
But the last few pages alone gives enough emotional punch to keep any fan of the DC comics hooked in for the future.
This issue has its strengths, but is is a bit weak compared to what has come before.
Rating:
8.5 out of 10.
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Liam Sharp
Synopsis:
On the medieval fantasy planet of Athmoora, Sir Hal of the Lantern-a.k.a. Hal Jordan-must do battle with the evil wizard Ah-Bah-Nazzur, scourge of the Four Kingdoms! What is Ah-Bah-Nazzur's secret? And what does it have to do with the looming extinction-level Multiversal threat that leaves countless dead super-beings in its wake?
My thoughts:
You just never know where this creative team will take you next, do you? Yet another obscure cameo filled story with the hectic pace and unpredictable twists make yet another winning issue of the new Green Lantern ongoing.
And the best part about this issue is it has kept me thinking about it and what is to come next, lingering like an aftertaste in my mind.
The art of 'Liam Sharp' is as old school, unorthodox and charismatic as usual, especially his facial expressions.
Blissfully wondering where this exotic journey will take this reader next.
Rating:
9 out of 10.
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Javi Fernandez
Synopsis:
Eons ago, the Monitor, the Anti-Monitor and the World Forger stopped the rise of Perpetua-but can they overcome billions of years of mistrust to work together and do it again? Plus, Lex Luthor's offers across the DC Universe haven't gone unnoticed-Martian Manhunter is aware of "the Offer." And J'onn J'onnz will pay the price.
My thoughts:
This issue of 'Justice League' was once again a bit confusing and the weirdness (or clumsiness, dare I say?!) just added to the fact.
Martian Manhunter gets a lot more face time, which should be fun for his fans, we are introduced rather casually with another big name, the Monitor and the build up to the upcoming 'Year of the Villain' event continues.
I wasn't much impressed with this issue, despite some bad-ass dialogue between Martian Manhunter and Hawkgirl. I am quite certain 'James Tynion Iv' will pick up the pieces on the future issues.
Rating:
6.5 out of 10.
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Greg Rucka
Artist: Mike Perkins
Synopsis:
On the road and out of Metropolis-and carrying a secret that could disrupt Superman's life-Lois Lane embarks on a harrowing journey to uncover a threat to her husband and a plot that reaches the highest levels of international power brokers and world leaders. Critically acclaimed and best-selling author Greg Rucka and master storyteller Mike Perkins team up for a tale of conspiracy, intrigue and murder that pushes even Lois to her limits.
My thoughts:
I get why this gets so much praise. Greg Rucka has a distinctive voice, and she expertly uses her talent to paint a detailed picture of the daily life of one of DC's most important non-superhero characters. Her incorporation of real life political issues and gritty noir inspired picture of journalism is another fun element.
The drawing by Mike Perkins is as gorgeous as ever, and the coloring adds much to the overall feeling of a dark and bleak world.
A promising beginning for sure.
Rating:
9 out of 10.
Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Jason Aaron, Dennis Hallum
Artist: Stephen Green
Synopsis:
"LOST IN THE WILDS OF HEAVEN," Part One: Being a space trucker sounds like a cool job, but in reality, it can be boring as hell. So when recently widowed Gil gets a long-haul gig across the universe, he figures it's safe enough to bring his young son Kadyn along for the ride-that is, until their "big rig" gets bitten in half by a gigantic Space Leviathan! Now separated from his son-with a breached suit that's venting oxygen at an alarming rate-Gil must defy the odds and stay alive long enough to rescue Kadyn. But meanwhile, Kadyn seems to be getting all the help he needs from a talking Space Monkey riding a Space Dolphin... or maybe it's the strange powers he's suddenly manifesting?! From the writing duo of JASON AARON (SOUTHERN BASTARDS, Thor) and DENNIS HALLUM (Cloak & Dagger, Vader: Dark Visions), with dazzling art by STEPHEN GREEN (Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.) and cosmic colors by RICO RENZI (Spider-Gwen), comes a brand-new science fiction series with all the scope and heart of the The Neverending Story crossed with the imaginative weirdness of Miyazaki-an intense, galaxy-spanning adventure that's suitable for fans of all ages!
My thoughts:
This one has a bit of 'Finding Nemo' vibe, which frankly is something that interests me a lot.
I really love a bit of family drama in my fantasy/sci-fi, and this one seems to be going in the right direction. It has the vastness of space for the readers to explore while getting emotionally challenged by an estranged father and son duo. What more can you ask for in an all ages sci-fi comics?
The drawing also deserves a mention due to its handling the intricacies of space quite extraordinarily.
Hoping for a fun ride in the future.
Rating:
9 out of 10.
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Zhou Liefen, Greg Pak
Artist: Keng
Synopsis:
CATCH THE WAVE! ALL NEW ONGOING SERIES! The breakout stars of WAR OF THE REALMS: AGENTS OF ATLAS debut in an oversized team-up book! Get ready for the English language debut of the first appearance of AERO, the high-flying Shanghaiese superheroine created for Marvel by Zhou Liefen and Keng! And in a brand new story written by PLANET HULK writer Greg Pak, Aero teams up with WAVE, Marvel's newest Filipina superheroine! What strange forces have turned the buildings of Shanghai into monstrous golems? And what is the SECRET ORIGIN OF WAVE?
My thoughts:
This felt like a manga from start to finish. There was too little plot in my opinion and despite the art being gorgeous it couldn't really convey how 'Aero's power works.
The second story has a bit more substance in the plot, but still not enough bone on the story to hook a new reader.
Hopefully the upcoming issues picks up the pace and gives the readers a bit more action.
Rating:
6 out of 10.
[PS: I haven't caught up with stuff like 'Giant Days', 'Black Hammer: Age of Doom', 'Immortal Hulk' or 'The Dreaming' yet. This week had a variety of good stuff from many publishers, as a matter of fact. I know my list is somewhat on the bigger side, still I had to control my enthusiasm a bit. ]
No comments:
Post a Comment