Yow! Over 20 titles in the “buy” column this week, and even though many of them could use extended commentary, we’ve only got time and space to talk about a fraction of them. If you think the comics industry is in trouble, though, check out all this stuff (if it’s not the best single week ever, it’s the best in a long time, kids): All-Star Batman and Robin #9 — Writer: Frank Miller; Penciller: Jim Lee; Inker: Scott Williams I wonder if all the haters will hate this one, too, or finally admit that Miller has something going on here … Continue reading →

Ghost Rider #21 — Writer: Jason Aaron;  Artist: Roland Boschi Aaron brings a deliberate grindhouse sensibility to this book, piling on the twists (Angels! Demons! Ghosts! Cannibals! Killer nurses!), and Boschi’s art has an indy sensibility (he’s somewhat reminiscent of Dalrymple, over on Omega the Unknown) that also can channel EC — one panel looks like vintage Graham Ingels, complete with a saliva line. There’s B-movie sloppiness, too — often, there’s too much going on, and the whole thing keeps threatening to slide into parody — but it’s not dull, and shows encouraging flashes of potential. Thor #7 — Writer: … Continue reading →

The Goon #22 — Creator: Eric Powell The first part of a new extended story, with some shakeups and serious problems (like, death) for the cast. Powell has a knack of going for the cheap, outrageous sick joke (which, in a Jackass-raised generation, doesn’t hurt his sales), but when he gets serious about his characters, as here, he can be a moody, powerful storyteller, so buckle up and enjoy the ride. Still one of the better letters pages in the business, too. Madman #7 — Creator: Michael Allred An all-silent issue, as Allred continues to set up artistic-problem exercises for … Continue reading →

Not very much to make fun of or eviscerate this week — mostly books that are actually pretty good, solid superhero stuff that’s entertaining enough, but for various reasons just doesn’t quite make the cut: Booster Gold #7 — Writers: Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz;  Pencils: Dan Jurgens;  Finishes: Norm Rapmund Take this title, for example — the visual storytelling is smooth without being flashy, and the script moves briskly along, exploring the effects of Ted Kord not dying, and the Booster/Blue Beetle scenes are comfortable and welcome — but we’re in alternate-timeline territory, and much as a permanent Blue/Gold … Continue reading →