Phil-In: Stuff I Bought:
Flash: Rebirth #3 (of 7) Writer: Geoff Johns Artist: Ethan Van Sciver
It feels like as Johns writes this he is basically throwing everything against the wall to see what sticks. The interesting thing, for me, is that everything has stuck. Yes its continuity heavy, but I still find it a completely enjoyable experience. Also of note, Van Sciver’s art has been perfect. I didn’t expect it to look this good. Though this is completely different than GL: Rebirth, it’s still been just as fun.
Fantastic Four #567 Writer: Mark Millar Artist: Bryan Hitch
My Millar bias is showing again. This entire run has been underwhelming, but with two issues to go it’s finally built towards… something. It feels like a bunch of recycled ideas, but its all good ideas Millar is using. Hitch’s art has been spot on, and become relatively consistent time-wise. Funny thing of note, Immonen is doing the last issue instead of Hitch so he can go make sure Reborn is late (Burn!).
Booster Gold #21 Writer/Artist: Dan Jurgens
Jurgens has held his own since the original Johns run, and this continues to be an above average DC book. Immediately linking up with the new Batman was pretty cool, and I’m enjoying how well everyone is doing with it. This is now officially $3.99, but that’s just because a back-up of Blue Beetle by Sturges and Norton has arrived. Blue Beetle doesn’t interest me at all, but this book is worth it on the first 2/3 alone. Good stuff.
Uncanny X-men #511 Writer: Matt Fraction Artist: Greg Land
Oh thank God. Greg Land leaves for a while after this issue. I am loving the plot. It’s got tons of characters doing tons of different things, and it’s constantly all over the place. Though the pacing may be overwhelming, I’m totally enjoying it. On the other hand, Land is absolutely killing me. He can’t trace a fight scene to save his life, but he’s gone after this ish, so that should fix it.
Batman #687 Writer: Judd Winick Artist: Ed Benes
Winick is usually painful on Batman titles, but this is a very solid start. It’s actually a better analysis of Grayson becoming Batman than Battle for the Cowl ever was. I’m not really a fan of Benes, but Mark Bagley comes around next issue, so that should help. Another perfect jumping on point for prospective Bat-fans, and an easily accessible issue for everyone.
Absolution #0 Writer: Christos Gage Artist: Roberto Viacava
An extremely messed up hero decides that the ends justify the means, even if there’s no guarantees. It’s an extremely good 0 issue, setting up potential for a good mini from Avatar. I like seeing Avatar make things that aren’t by Warren Ellis or Garth Ennis, and I further like that it doesn’t suck, which is something it easily could have done.
Escape #2 (of 6) Writer: Ivan Brandon Artist: Marco Rudy
Certain pages of this look just like JH Williams III meets Checkmate. I don’t know a whole lot about the previous Checkmate stuff, but that’s not a huge deal here. It’s a lot like the old Prisoner TV show, where he’s constantly trying to escape, but can’t quite make sense out of it. Has nothing to do with Final Crisis, but still a solid mini so far.
Deadpool #11 Writer: Daniel Way Artist: Paco Medina
The only time I ever like Daniel Way is when he writes Deadpool, and this is no exception. This is another enjoyable fight sequence between Deadpool and the new “Hawkeye”. Ultra-violence to the extreme, along with hilarious (and cheap) jokes make this another fun read.
X-Factor #44 Writer: Peter David Artists: Marco Santucci & Valentine De Landro
This is the best X-men book on the market right now. It’s Peter David at his best, and it is quite a ride. He shuffles seamlessly between the present and the future and manages to keep the reader interested in both. We have the trades of this at the store, so it’s worth starting at the beginning to get to now. A great fun read with excellent art and a compelling story. Great Stuff
Toy Story #1 Writer: Dan Jolley Artist: Chris Moreno
The Magic of Shazam #5 Writers: Art Baltazar and Franco Artist: Byron Vaughns
DC Super Friends #16 Writer: Sholly Fisch Artist: Dario Brizuela
The next run of kids books comes in a block this week. Enjoyable all around and relatively cheap. Get your kids involved in the comic world while they are young and they will never leave! They provide solid stuff all around, so get on the bandwagon.
Quick List of things that came out that you either already know how good they are or you should buy the trades and find out:
Walking Dead #62 Writer: Robert Kirkman Artist: Charlie Adlard
Amazing Spider Man #597 Writer: Joe Kelly Artist: Marco Chechetto
Fables #85 Writer: Bill Willingham/ Matthew Sturges Artist: Tony Akins
B.P.R.D. War on Frogs #3 Writer: John Arcudi Artist: Karl Moline
“The” Dan Jacka
