Oh man, this stuff is better than Transformers 2! Read on…
Detective Comics #854 Writer: Greg Rucka Artist: J.H. Williams III
This is absolutely fantastic. Rucka picks up on some of his previous dealings with Batwoman flawlessly, to the point where it’s not too much for a casual reader to pick up. He clearly enjoys writing these characters, and it shines through in his work. But Williams is clearly the star of this book. His two page spreads are stunning, and his layout work is amazing. This isn’t a must-read as much as it is a must-stare at. Amazing, best of the week, easily.
Secret Warriors #5 Writers: Bendis and Jonathan Hickman Artist: Stefano Caselli
I do like me some Nick Fury, and this is the best we’ve had in a while. The problem with this is that I don’t really care about his team of youngsters. The good news is that they are barely in this. This issue is more about him and the Howling Commandos and everything about it is good. I haven’t read most of the other Hickman stuff, but this is making me want to try again (except Nightly News, I tried… I swear I tried…)
Green Lantern #42 Writer: Geoff Johns Artists: Philip Tan and Eddy Barrows
As always Johns weaves a tale bringing 4 different storylines to an ending point perfectly to prepare for Blackest Night. You can’t blame the guy for knowing his big epic stories, and I am excited to see where this is going. Tan worked well for the first two issues, but I think this whole “not finishing the entire third issue” thing he just pulled is annoying. He’s headed to Batman and Robin now, so who knows what we’re getting.
Uncanny X-men #512 Writer: Matt Fraction Artist: Yanick Paquette
Utopia one-shot Writer: Matt Fraction Artist: Marc Silvestri
Oh man, I just don’t like Silvestri at all. But first, Uncanny was pretty much filler to set wrap things up a little before the whole Utopia thing kicks in. I’m nervous that this is just going to be a huge fight for six issues that doesn’t really do anything, but I very well may be completely wrong. Utopia is awful to look at, but a solid set-up. Hopefully it’s better from here on the art side.
Astonishing X-men #30 Writer: Warren Ellis Artist: Simone Bianchi
So, remember how J.H. Williams knows how to do layouts? Well Bianchi doesn’t. He thinks its cool and artsy to half-ass thing and it just ends up looking shitty. To skip drawing someone’s face is just lazy, and stupid. Why did I buy this? Cause I’m a completist and a sucker. And Phil Jiminez starts next issue so that’s a step up.
Thunderbolts #133 Writer: Andy Diggle Artist: Miguel Sepulveda
This stuff is still above average in terms of quality. I was shocked when Diggle started because it was really Really good. It’s stepped down a little bit since then, but it’s still one of the finer smaller books on the market. Sepulveda draws a crazy lookin’ Ghost and the whole thing is kinda freaky. Nothing is what it seems with the Thunderbolts, and I think Diggle totally gets that. Great Stuff
Thor #602 Writer: J. Michael Straczynski Artist: Marko Djurdjevic
That was the worst two last names to type out ever. This has suffered cause it’s been so slow, and now JMS is leaving soon, so I feel he is trying to wrap everything up faster than he intended. I like where it’s been going, it’s been good stuff, but I don’t know what to expect from it in the future, and I’m not sure if it’s going to be worth it in the long term.
Gotham City Sirens #1 Writer: Paul Dini Artist: Guillem March
Pretty straightforward cheesecake stuff. I enjoyed it because it didn’t take itself too seriously. I mean really, its three scantily clad ladies running around wreaking havoc, and screwing with the Riddler. Not the best first issue I’ve ever read, but can’t a guy just enjoy something to look at?
Incredible Hercules #130 Writer: Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente Artist: Ryan Stegman & Rodney Buchemi
This is just crazy enough to work. Greek Gods in Hades working with Marvel Universe people to help bring them back to life. Now it’s brought the trial of Zeus by Pluto and all kinds of complicated crazy stuff. It’s literally insane, and really fun. Surprisingly funny, and it’s been one of the most solid comics on the market lately. Great stuff, worth reading.
Amazing Spider-Man #598 Writer: Joe Kelly Artist: Paulo Siqueira & Marco Checchetto
I think this is stupid, but I really like it. The plot kinda makes Norman Osborn more obviously crazy to the point where people would notice, but still the whole torture and crazy pregnancy plot twists and everything is really amusing to me. With Joe Kelly you never know what you’re going to get, and this is no exception. And if I forget to mention it, Norman Osborn is a PIMP.
Bart Simpson #48 Writer: Batton Lash Artist: Tone Rodriguez
Continuing the satire against the big two comic companies, this is just as funny. Fun stuff for those of you who are experiencing “event fatigue” or just wanna laugh at quick jokes at the expense of others. Good times, good times.
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: (and all the kids books too!)
Batman Brave and the Bold #6 Writer: J. Torres Artist: Andy Suriano
Cars: The Rookie #3 Writer: Alan J. Porter Artist: Albert Carreres
The Incredibles #3 Writer: Mark Waid Artist: Marcio Takara
Muppet Show #4 Writer/Artist: Roger Langridge
Dark Avengers #6 Writer: Bendis Artist: Mike Deodato
X-Factor #45 Writer: Peter David Artist: Marco Santucci & Nathan Fairbairn
Daredevil #119 Writer: Ed Brubaker Artist: Michael Lark
Northlanders #18 Writer: Brian Wood Artist: Danijel Zezelj
New Avengers #54 Writer: Bendis Artist: Billy Tan
And that’s it! You survived June! I’m so glad we had this time together…
Hopefully I’ll be back again someday, don’t miss me too much; I’m sure we will meet again. No no, don’t cry, it’s okay, goodnight!
“The” Dan Jacka
