Wolverine 71: Writer: Mark Millar Artist: Steve McNiven
This is some of the best comics work I have ever seen, and I don’t care if you disagree. If this were a movie, it would be a double feature of No Country for Old Men and JCVD. If it was a song it would be Nik Kershaw’s “Wouldn’t it be Good”. If this was a TV show it would be The Office and the Venture Bros. If this was a sandwich it would be Pastrami from Duck and Decanter. If this was a concert it would be Bloc Party and Streetlight Manifesto at the Marquee in Tempe. This is perfect. I’m not kidding. This is the reason I read comics, for the crazy off the wall stuff that’s just ridiculous enough to be fun. I don’t wanna spoil it, but it has Venomsaurus Rex. How can you possibly go wrong? You Can’t. So don’t even try to. This is perfect, and others can’t even compare.
Uncanny X-men 507: Writer: Matt Fraction Artist: Terry Dodson
Fraction has become better as his run has gone on. Terry Dodson’s art is simple and cartoony, but I really enjoy it. Since they are doing the back and forth on art, Greg Land will be back next issue so I may have to stop, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that this latest arc was a simple enjoyable and pretty read. If only Greg Land didn’t trace.
Dark Avengers 3: Writer: Brian Bendis Artist: Mike Deodato Jr.
Quick note on this in terms of pricing. Marvel has put basically a luxury tax on books by Bendis. New and Dark Avengers have both been upped to $3.99 while having the same pages as all the others. This isn’t fair, especially when DC is over there raising to the same but adding more content. DC is being smarter; you should buy their stuff more. But you should also buy this. Deodato’s murky dark tones are fun to look at even if there is the usual Bendis Speak. I loved the bit with the Sentry, but I hope the Morgana Le Fey stuff wraps up soon.
Bad Dog #2: Writer: Joe Kelly Artist: Diego Greco
The art is mediocre, but the ridiculousness of this whole thing makes it hilarious. Ever wanted to see a hilarious Swearing Christian Danny DeVito and a giant dog fight a bunch of neo-nazi racists? No? Well you should do it anyway. This is Joe Kelly going for the strange, and it’s fun. And it doesn’t have strange references to he-she’s like in Bang! Tango, so I guess that’s a step up.
Mysterius the Unfathomable #3: Writer: Jeff Parker Artist: Tom Fowler
I don’t know why, but I really like this. It’s just fun, and there’s not much more I can say about it. Strange demons, crazy coincidences and a whole lot of tomfoolery lead to a solid Wildstorm book. Wildstorm doesn’t do much (if anything) right anymore, but this is one of those rare exceptions. You should read it, if only to encourage strange different things.
Amazing Spider-Man #588: Writer Marc Guggenheim Artist: John Romita Jr.
I don’t understand how Romita can crank out three out of four issues, then take a break for a month until he releases the last issue of his arc. It’s happened twice, what the hell man? Anyway, this is the culmination of most of the major plot points, and it has worked very well. Things will Never be the Same (he says in an extremely clichéd voice), and other than hopefully some form of epilogue, this was a fine set-up with good execution and a satisfying close.
Special Edition: Transmetropolitan #1: Writer: Warren Ellis Artist: Darick Robertson
Oh man, Transmet is always good. This was the perfect thing to go from Watchmen to, cause it’s just good. Robertson puts a ton of effort into every issue, and it shows. Ellis is always crazy enough to be fun, and this was his humble beginnings. Only a dollar, seriously, you pass this up and I will find you. And maybe hurt you. Just do it.
X-Factor 41: Writer: Peter David Artist: Valentine De Landro & Marco Santucci
Due to his plea, I will not spoil. Just know that X-factor is a solid as it always has been. It is very strange, but in all the right ways. Time jumping, character development, and strange twists and turns make this an exciting read. So crazy, yet so good.
Tiny Titans #14 Writer/ Artist: Art & Franco Baltazar
Aw Yeah Titans! No, I’m not kidding, this is hilarious. I met these guys at Comic-Con (doing $2 sketches of anyone in crayon, hilarious!) and they are the most laid back cool guys I’ve ever met. Buy these comics for your kids, they’re fun little stories that are
perfect for the younger folks out there. Support nice people for once!
DC Super Friends #13 Writer: Sholly Fisch Artist: Dario Brizuela
Ha, completing the kids tandem is this latest edition of super friends. This title is hilarious. With three parts to the story, each intermission comes with a special do-it-yourself project for any future comic reader. It’s so ridiculous that I always laugh when I read it. And there’s a code at the end to help you tell what the next issue is. What’s not to love?
Quick List of things that came out that you either already know is how good they are or you should buy the trades and find out:
Simpsons Comics #152 Writer: James W. Bates Artist: Phil Ortiz
Invincible #60 Writer Robert Kirkman Artist: Ryan Ottley
And that’s it!!! Leave me some comments, I LOVE ATTENTION!! Phil is back next week, but I hope you enjoyed our lovely time together. I won’t forget you. Don’t forget to call me!
“The” Dan Jacka
