Thunderbolts #115 — Writer: Warren Ellis; Artist: Mike Deodato, Jr. End of the first big story, as the T-Bolts fight three minor heroes in Phoenix, Arizona. Lots of action, as alliances shift and agendas are advanced, and the story comes to a satisfyingly non-grim conclusion (well, unless you’re Bullseye). As with last month’s issue, though, I’m obligated as a Phoenix resident to point out that the setting and buildings are East-Coast generic, with water towers and TV antennas on the rooftops, and look nothing like the Phoenix area (there aren’t even any local landmarks or visual references thrown in). Since … Continue reading →

Countdown #44 — Writers: Paul Dii and Adam Beechen; Pencils: Carlos Magno; Inks: Jay Leisten You know, the thing about 52 was that we knew it was telling a complete story — the story of that missing year — and so had a beginning, a middle and an end. That left room for satisfying character arcs: the Dibnys, Montoya, Isis (well, OK, that deathbed philosophical reversal was really stupid), the Steeles. With Countdown, though, we’re moving toward a beginning, so whatever happens to the characters is only a start; nothing’s going to be resolved. Is this worth 51 comics? Well, … Continue reading →

Uncle Scrooge Adventures: The Barks/Rosa Collection Volume 1 — First Story: “Land of the Pygmy Indians,” by Carl Barks; Second story: its sequel, “War of the Wendigo,” by Don Rosa Those credits should tell you all you need to know — Barks was, without question, one of the top five comics creators of the 20th century. Rosa isn’t quite at that level, but only because he’s following a trail that Barks already blazed. Yes, this book is $8.50, but it’s a high-quality package, and it offers better adventure-comics storytelling than all the Civil Wars and Countdowns ever published. Try it … Continue reading →

Tales From The Crypt #1 — Writer: Marc Bilgrey; Artist: “Mr. Exes” (1st story); Writer: Rob Vollmar; Artist: Tim Smith 3 (2nd story) First, the good news: this has a wonderful Kyle Baker cover, fusing the catch phrase of EC’ s other star, Mad Magazine‘s Alfred E. Newman, with the Crypt Keeper crawling out of a grave. Nice idea, and nicely (you should pardon the expression) executed. Unfortunately, the rest is all bad news, since the two inside stories are pedestrian at best, nowhere close to offering the kind of thrills or chills that the “real” EC creators could deliver. … Continue reading →