New Comic Reviews!
Incredible Hulk #1
By Chris Cormier
The Incredible Hulk is back and more aggressive than ever. Following the events of Fear Itself Hulk has found a way to split himself apart from his host Dr. Bruce Banner. What does this mean for the Marvel Universe and more importantly, without Banner to keep Hulk in check what kind of destruction will he cause.
The Hulk has given his life a purpose and has begun to lead life as a protector of the mole people underground. But even though he is leading a somewhat peaceful life he is constantly plagued by the thought that his past will come back to haunt him. He is not the only one who is at a loss as to how to lead their life, Dr. Banner seems to have gone insane trying to replicate the Hulk in his life and seems to be failing miserably. How will these two fair without each other? Only time will tell.
The issue is written by Marvel architect Jason Aaron, known for his work on Astonishing Spider-Man and Wolverine, and the art is done by fan favorite Marc Silvestri. The aspect of the book that ails the issue the most is the writing of Jason Aaron. Usually his writing is beyond a readers expectations, but it seems as though to be missing the usually kick fans have become used to. This is most likely because he is so involved in everything Marvel is doing right now and is the author on more books than usual, therefore taking away from the punctuality that can usually be found in his writing.
Marc Silvestri on the other hand is a different story but ultimately his art in the issue is disappointing as well. The cover art for the issue is beyond awesome, and shows the work that Silvestri is best known for, but aside from the cover the rest of the art in the issue is lacking. The stylization of Silvestri is there, but the attention to detail is not and the majority of the panels looks messy and somewhat rushed. Hopefully the art will begin to turn around as the issues continue to be released.
Overall the issue was not what a fan will expect. With two of the businesses greats being part of the book more is to be expected but fails to be delivered. The issue felt like more of a filler issue than an issue one and that should never be the case, especially when trying to draw in new readers to a newly re-launched book. Hopefully, the series becomes better with time.
Uncanny X-Men #1
By Chris Cormier
The X-Men’s regenesis continues in the re-boot of Uncanny X-Men with an all-new issue one. The issue follows Cyclops leading the X-Men who decided to remain on Utopia. The team is full of many iconic characters such as Magneto, Storm, and Emma Frost, as well as many more. Little did Cyclops know is that so soon after the schism between the X-Men that San Francisco would be attacked by none other than Mr. Sinister!
The issue is written by now long time Uncanny writier Kieron Gillen and illustrated by Carlos Pacheco. He is a good fit for Gillien, providing a nice crisp clear rendition of his story and character models. It is welcoming to see him return to a full-time X-Title. This issue is astoundingly better than last weeks Wolverine and the X-Men #1, this issue starts off with a a crisis the X-Men are faced with, and provides an action packed battle to start the new series off with a bang. It is a big difference from the dialogue filled, boring issue one of Wolverine. It is welcoming to see the return of Mr. Sinister and it will be interesting to see the direction that Gillen takes this storyline.
All in all, it was a great issue, had all the aspects an issue one is supposed to have, it captivated the readers and kept them attentive throughout its duration. The aspect that is going to be most detrimental to the issue is the fact that it is coupled directly to Wolverine and the X-Men and has shrunk the fan base by separating the team members once again, which will ultimately hurt the title. If the issues continue to be as enticing as this first issue though, there could be hope for it after all.
8 out of 10
Point One #1
By Chris Cormier
Marvel’s new initiative has begun with the Point One one-shot that will begin a new chapter for the Marvel Universe. The issue is a collection of short stories, loosely tied together by the all-seeing eyes of the Watcher. The issue introduces a number of different new characters that will soon be integrated into a number of Marvel’s most popular titles, such as the X-Men, The Avengers, and the Nova Squad.
The issue showcases a number of Marvel’s biggest writers and artists including names like Matt Fraction, Brian Bendis, Jeph Loeb, Terry Dodson, Ed McGuiness, and Bryan Hitch. The plethora of big names is a huge selling point for the book, and is fitting since the issue is supposed to set up the whole Marvel Universe for the next year.
Overall the issue had its ups and downs, some of the stories were good, while some of them were lacking. It felt as if Marvel tried to overload the issue with too many stories and content, and probably would have done better making this a two issue mini-series rather than one big issue. The major problem with such a large issue is that the short stories that were well done are overshadowed by the lesser stories, and by making it two issues as opposed to one would have made the $5.99 cover price more affordable if it was split into issues. Its hard to say after reading the issue what Marvel is headed for, but it seems only time will tell.
7 out of 10
Catwoman #3
By Chris Cormier
The main Batman title was not the only release this week for the Bat-Family titles; in fact Catwoman and her return to her own series outshines it.
The issue sets the tone beginning with the cover, which features Catwoman looking very agitated holding a baseball bat. This insinuates that the issue is going to be action packed and feature violent scenes of people getting beat. And fans, there is no reason to doubt the cover, that is exactly what happens.
The issue is a rollercoaster of emotions that readers have to experience for themselves because it is the only way to convey the true tone of the issue. Writer Judd Winick does an excellent job at having the story progress at a pace that keeps the adrenaline up and the reader begging for more. Just when the reader thinks the issue couldn’t become more emotional, complex and full bodied, it does.
The real credit belongs to artist Guillem March, who has experience with the character from his work on Gotham City Sirens. Fans of March know that he is not an artist to disappoint the reader. He is known for his line work and color schemes and can be considered one of the superior artists on the new 52 line of comics. He does a great job bringing to life Selina Kyle and artistically expressing the many different emotions contained in the issue.
This issue blows the issue of Batman out of the water. It features everything from a clever plot to emotional trauma and an ample amount of action that will keep any reader entertained. If this is the way the series is going to continue to be, it is not something a fan of Catwoman or Batman is going to want to miss because rest assured this issue is not going to be the height of the series.
8 out of 10
Batman #3
By Chris Cormier
The new 52 continue with its third round of releases, and this week fans are treated to a highly awaited issue 3 of Batman. The issue continues following the Dark Knight in his search for the Parliament of Owls.
The issue features solid writing and art from Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo, but regardless of the creative team the issue seems to lack the oomph that Batman fans have come to love. As the story arc pushes towards its conclusion, it felt as though the issue’s main objective was to trudge along so that it can get to the final chapter and reveal the true objective and plot twists.
The writing is by no means disappointing in any way. Snyder did a great job while writing Detective Comics and sticks to the basic Batman formula, integrating keen detective work and faced paced action scenes to keep the story progressing. The overall problem with the story is that the issue fills the role of a filler due to the fact that it is too early to reveal exactly what is going on, but too early to introduce anything that could possibly change the direction of the story as a whole. This is by no means Snyder’s fault, it is just a sad fact that many story arcs seem to face.
Capullo does a great job at capturing the dark feel of a standard Batman book, while still paying attention to the small details in the background, giving the books art a very positive feel. His art is best showcased in the action scenes of the book, combining great layouts that showcase both Batman’s shadowy elusiveness and his overbearing physical force.
Overall the issue was mediocre, posing as more of filler than a progressive issue, providing some overall story progression, but more so revealing just enough of the plot to keep the reader interested but not enough to make the issue really stand out.
4 out of 10
Fantastic Four #600
By Chris Comics
The 600th issue of Marvels First Family, the Fantastic Four, hits shelves this week. Marvel has set a tone when it comes to these milestone issues, usually falling short when it came to page count, and content; featuring a number of re-prints and cover galleries as an excuse to drive up the price. Fans will be happy to know that this was not the case when it comes to this huge 600th issue.
The issue contains completely original content from Fantastic Four mastermind Jonathan Hickman. The issue not only continues what has been occurring in FF, but also reverts back to the final issue of Fantastic Four forwarding that story as well.
The issue is beautifully illustrated with a number of different artists making appearances. The issue has a low number of ads, it is a great place for these artists to show off their skills with a multitude of characters, and a great story by Hickman.
Overall this issue is worth its cost in content, containing everything a reader could want in an oversized issue. The issue contains cameos of many of the characters the Fantastic Four have appeared with over the years. It is the most impressive anniversary and milestone issue Marvel has released to date.
8 out of 10
Godzilla Kingdom of Monsters #9
By Chris Cormier
The story continues after the conclusion of the numerous bouts between Godzilla, Mothra and the other monsters that are currently rampaging across the planet. Steven and Allie, the young girl whom he rescued after her parents and town were destroyed. As the two of them pilot Mechazilla and get acquainted with the new weapon they have found, the world does a survey of the destruction that has occurred.
The series changed writers on this issue, moving from Paul Cornell to up and coming writer Jason Ciaramella who is currently writing The Cape mini-series. Ciaramella does a great job picking up the story without missing a beat. One of the things I really like about his writing is the dialogue. He has a way of using characters to build off of one and other in a way that both propels the story and causes each individual character to grow as well. I first noticed it in The Cape, and it is already apparent here as well.
If you have been reading the series from the beginning, it will be a breath of fresh air to see that the series hasn’t lost its momentum with a new writer on the book, and if you have been on the fence about starting the series up, this is a great issue to jump in on, and get you instantly hooked on the story.
9 out of 10
Defenders #1
By Chris Cormier
The fallout from Fear Itself continues in Defenders #1 as Hulk gathers up the old team to search out Nul, Breaker of Worlds, one of the Serpent’s chosen that escaped his untimely end when the Serpent fell.
The team consists of Namor, Hulk, Red She-Hulk, Silver Surfer, and Dr. Strange. The issue begins following the Hulk and his search for the remaining members of the team, and together they have vowed to defeat this threat out of their Friendship for the Hulk and not because they are the only team who can do it, which gives it a very different feel from the other team titles on the market.
The issue mainly focuses on introducing the characters and getting new readers acquainted, since it is an issue one, and then slowly eases into the beginning of their search for Nul.
The issue is chock full of talent, featuring Matt Fraction writing the series, Terry and Rachael Dotson penciling and inking the issue respectively, and Sonya Oback providing the colors. Marvel hasn’t had a creative team like this is years.
Overall the issue was well-rounded, it kept the reader attentive, and did a great job at introducing all of the characters and establishing the roles they’ll play on the team. If the series continues to have issues as well structured content packed as this issue, the series has potential to because one of Marvel’s staple team books.
8 out of 10
Avengers X-Sanction #1
By Chris Cormier
The return of Cable is finally here, after his untimely end while trying to save the mutant messiah Hope Summers during X-Men Second Coming a few years back. He is back with a vengeance and his anger is directed towards none other than Earth’s mightiest heroes: The Avengers.
During the first half of the issue, the Avengers are pit against a number of B-List super villains when the Falcon is kidnapped by an un-identified individual, who happens to be none other than Cable. The issue then continues with a confrontation between he and Captain America, the face of the Avengers
The issue is written by one of Marvel’s top writer Jeph Loeb, and illustrated by Ed McGuiness. Loeb is known for his great writing that is straight to the point and concise, which is one of the reasons his story can be told in a four-issue mini-series instead of an over arcing maxi-series. Although his story is concise, it’s weakened by the fact that he uses since a minimal amount of text that much of the time it feels as if the issue is shorter than usual.
While Loeb’s writing is welcome in the issue, the art of Ed McGuiness is not. His art looks not only rushed and sloppy, but it looks childish and undeserving to depict an important and involved story arc such as the one Loeb is setting up in X-Sanction. McGuiness is definitely the downfall of the issue, and will play a huge role in the issues success by seriously weakening it.
Overall the issue is okay. The storyline is interesting, which makes the reader want to continue on with the series, but the pages aren’t that pretty to look at. Only having half of the book be of any worth is going to seriously weaken the effectiveness of the series and its reception. Especially at the cover prices that are charged these days, it will be interesting to see both how the series continues and how successful it will be.
5 out of 10
Wolverine and the X-Men #3
By Chris Cormier
Regenesis continues to engulf the X-Universe as the first chapter in the newest X-Title concludes with Wolverine and the X-Men issue 3. The end of the previous issue left the students of the Jean Grey School under attack by the living island Krakoa, sent by the Hellfire club to destroy everything and anything.
Aside from defeating Krakoa, the issue focuses on giving readers a more detailed look into the character Quentin Quire; the mutant responsible for the schism that split up the X-Men. The beginning of the issue gives insight as to how Quire ended up at the Jean Grey School, as well as a look at how his presence is affecting the other students at the school. The second half of the issue focuses more on the overarching threat of the Hellfire Club, and the role Quire plays in the battle against Krakoa.
The series features an awesome creative team, featuring Jason Aaron writing the issue and Chris Bachalo is responsible for the art. Like I mentioned back in the review of issue 1 of the series, this should be one of the best books on the market, but for some reason, it just does not have that lasting effect.
Overall, this issue of the series was the best of the three and there was a strong conclusion to the end of the first arc. The next arc of the series features a new artist, as Chris Bachalo exits to work on other endeavors, which is disappointing. The ending leaves the reader with a teaser for the next arc, so hopefully it will prove to be eventful.
6.5 out of 10
X-Club #1
By Chris Cormier
As Regenesis continues to engulf the X-Universe, it’s not only the mutants that are being affected anymore, it is the X-Men as a whole. This limited series follows the X-Men science team comprised of Dr. Nemesis, Dr. Rao, Madison Jeffries, and artificial life form Danger as they do everything in their power to help the X-Men through the debilitating schism that has occurred.
The X-Club has recently helped develop the first space elevator, and as they are introducing it to the world, with Cyclops handling the P.R., all hell breaks loose as per usual creating a new threat that only the greatest scientific minds can overcome.
Simon Spurrier writes the issue, and has a solid script that is easy to follow and keeps the reader interested throughout the duration of the issue. The downside though is that the story is so bizarre it is almost impossible to believe. The threat that is being faced by the X-Club will be no easy task, but somehow they will over come it by the end of the series, without the help of the mutants, overcoming impossible odds. The sad part is that the fact that they aren’t super powered in a super powered universe, there is only so much they can do and it feels like the story is just being repeated.
The art of Paul Davidson does its job of helping to lie out the story, but is nothing spectacular. There is a cool splash page of Danger about half way through the issue, but aside from that the art is average, neither bad nor good. In all fairness, he doesn’t have much to work with as far as exciting panels to draw, but he does well with what he does have.
Overall the issue is average, there isn’t anything captivating about the story, and unless you are a fan of these under used X-Characters the series isn’t that appealing, because aside from the characters being used, there isn’t anything new and creative to draw in readers. It is possible the series could get better as it progresses, readers will have to find out with issue two of the limited series on sale this week.
4 out of 10
Scarlet Spider #1
By Chris Cormier
The events of Spider-Island are over, New York is back to its every day crime ridden state and all those affected are back to the normal ways of life. Except for Kaine, the imperfect clone of Peter Parker.
After the conclusion of Spider-Island, Kaine made his way down to Houston Texas where he is faced with deciding what to do with his new life and his new destiny. He stumbles upon a cartel who is finishing a deal out on the docks of Houston’s port and he is faced with being a hero or a villain.
Many people have been skeptical about a new Scarlet Spider series since the character has so much negative stigma due to failed titles in the past, but this time around Marvel has enlisted writer Chris Yost, which was one of the best calls they could have made with a title such as Scarlet Spider. In addition to Yost, Ryan Stegman, a Spider-Man veteran, illustrates the issue so it feels as though this new series fits right into the Spidey Universe.
Overall, Scarlet Spider was much better than expected. It is great to see another Anti-Hero in the Marvel Universe and Kaine has always been sort of a fan favorite amongst Spider-Man fans. It will be interesting to see where the series goes and how it gradually makes more of an impact on the other Spider-Man series. This issue is definitely something to check out.
7 out of 10
Winter Soldier #1
By Chris Cormier
After his so-called un-timely death in the midst of the Serpents invasion during Fear Itself, Bucky Barnes once again cheated death and has returned as the Winter Soldier. This leaves the world asking many questions about the World War II hero, most importantly being: Who is Bucky Barnes? Is he the Soviet super soldier the Winter Soldier? Is he Captain America? Whose side is he on and just how did he survive such a gruesome death?
This exciting first issue follows the Winter Soldier and his long time partner (and lover), Natasha Romanov, aka the Black Widow, as they search for the three remaining programmed Soviet soldiers who were created to be completely stealthy, accurate and deadly machines just like Barnes himself. The over-arching question though is just who is behind the release of these soldiers so far after their creation?
The series is written by Captain America veteran Ed Brubaker, and drawn by long time comic artist Butch Guice. The good thing about Brubaker filling the role of writer for virtually everything in the Captain America universe is that all of the stories have such great continuity and cannon, with very little holes in the story. Where Brubaker is usually the highlight of most of the Cap titles, it is actually Guice who takes the cake with this new series. Using a very different style from his normal work, he introduces his fans to a darker, more fluid, yet noir-like art style that really fits this unique title.
Winter Soldier is a true spy title, moving away from the super hero aspect of Captain America, and focusing more on the espionage factor of Winter Soldier and Black Widow; which is really unlike any other Marvel title. It is a welcome change of pace for new and old readers alike.
Overall, Winter Soldier was surprisingly a fun read, and at the low price of $2.99, which is surprising since it is both a Marvel title AND an issue #1, it is definitely worth checking out. It is different from almost every Marvel title, and without spoiling much, it even features a giant talking Gorilla in a non-comical way. How can that be beat?
9 out of 10