Northlanders 15: Writer: Brian Wood Art: Ryan Kelly
Oh man, this is how you write a Viking comic for modern times. A good amount of plot and talking to counteract the silent battles from last ish, and a nice little twist towards the end. Don’t ask me how, but Brian Wood knows how to write excessively-swearing Vikings. If you like simple Viking violence, or good plots, then this book is definitely for you.
Green Arrow and Black Canary 18: Writer: Andrew Kreisberg Art: Mike Norton
I am such a sucker for Robin Hood type characters. Hawkeye mini-series coming soon? I’m there! Green Arrow no matter what? Oh hell yes! And so, I buy this series. On the other hand, since Kreisberg joined several issues ago, it has been solid and easily enjoyable. Norton is always solid, and that’s no exception here. Definitely worth reading, and only three issues in if you want to catch up!
Booster Gold 18: Writer/Artist: Dan Jurgens
One thing that can be said about Jurgens, he knows how to work with Booster Gold. I’ll admit, I feared a drop down in quality when Geoff Johns left, but this has still been a fun ride. If you enjoy Quantum Leap meets the fun of (good) superhero movies, then this is for you. It also has no problem switching from a straight fight to serious dramatic moments, which is always a positive. It’s got flow people! And that’s always a good thing.
Batman: Battle for the Cowl 1 (of 3): Writer/Artist: Tony Daniel
So, after not actually dying in RIP (and no resting either), Batman is killed by Darkseid, but not really, he’s lost in time. So now what Gotham? Just who is the new Batman? Well, there are several answers. Nightwing? Some Anonymous Guy? Is that the 666 Robot Batman? And who is the Jim Aparo-style look alike? I’m completely confused; however, I don’t mind. Daniel’s scripts have potential, and his art is Fantastic. I wanna see this complete before I can make a full judgment, but a solid start none the less.
Invincible Iron Man #11 Writer: Matt Fraction Artist: Salvador LaRocca
Okay, I did not like this title when it started. I was not amused by another straight forward Iron Man comic. But ever since Dark Reign started, Fraction has hit his stride. It’s turned into a version of Brubaker’s Cap with the metal and tech added in. It’s great, and so is LaRocca. But don’t worry; he’s always good, even if he’s stuck with Chuck Austen, and That’s saying something.
Fables #82 Writer: Bill Willingham Artist: David Hahn
Just worth noting because of the new cover artist. That cover looks fantastic. Looks like we don’t need James Jean and his pretentious going away messages after all…
Ghost Rider #33 Writer: Jason Aaron Artist: Tony Moore
I’m genuinely surprised by this. I really don’t like the character of Ghost Rider (almost as much as I don’t like the Hulk), but Aaron’s weird semi-religious take on all things rider has been fun. This issue is no exception, taking the reader on a ride through the ages of the Riders. Indians, Gangsters, Truckers and all, it was pretty fun to look at. Good Stuff.
Wonderful Wizard of Oz #4 (of 8): Writer: Eric Shanower Artist: Skottie Young
Just a quick note on this. An all-ages read that is definitely worth noting because it is perfect for getting young readers into comic book stores. Any parents looking for something for their kids to read and enjoy, get this. Seriously. Do it.
Special Edition Swamp thing #21 Writer: Alan Moore Artist: Stephen Bissette
Again, just a quick note. As part of DC’s new ad campaign “After Watchmen: What’s next?” For only 1 dollar you get a quick sample of other work that is definitely worth reading. This is Alan Moore’s true DC work, and it goes on for several volumes. If you like this, get the trades. There will also be more dollar comics later on. Buy them all!
B.P.R.D. #3 (of 6?) Writer: Mike Mignola Artist: John Arcudi
This is not as good as Hellboy, but it’s definitely one of the most consistent books on the market. Mignola never stops coming up with good ideas, and this latest mini has been no exception. If you already read B.P.R.D. you already know, but if you don’t, you should, cause all the cool kids are doing it.
30 Days of Night: 30 Days of Death #4 (of 4) & Young Liars # 13 Writer/Artist: David Lapham
If I ever met David Lapham I think I would be scared. He seems like the kinda guy who always has a plan, but you will never, Ever, know what it is. I don’t really like the whole 30 days of night fad, but I loved this mini-series. It was different and crazy and just plain weird. And what can I possibly say about Young Liars. It’s like if David Lynch did LSD and wrote a comic slightly about music. I thought when they killed every character that this would end, but the next issue came out. I’m so intrigued that I can’t look away, and I guess that’s a good thing..?
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 #59: Writer: Robert Kirkman Artist: Charlie Adlard
DMZ #40: Writer: Brian Wood Artist: Riccardo Burchielli
Ex Machina Special #4 Writer: Brian K. Vaughan Artist: John Paul Leon.
And that’s it! This has felt longer than a 6 Overtime Big East game (I watch too much Sportscenter). See you next week, when the last issue of Planetary comes out!
…Just Kidding.
“The” Dan Jacka
Slow clap…..Nice start to a promising reviewing career. I haven’t seen such moxie since a young Gene Shalit. We’ll need to keep an eye out on this “The” Dan Jacka fellow.
By the way, we might not need James Jean anymore, but we could always use more of his pretentious going away messages. How about a commentary for every cover of Fables he did? That would be fantastic!
And one more thing, ASU can’t stop the A-Train. Arizona’s goin’ dancin’, Arizona’s goin’ dancin’. Ain’t nothing gonna break their stride, nobody gonna slow them down, oh no.
Excelsior!
Re: GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY — “. . . since Kreisberg joined several issues ago, it has been solid and easily enjoyable. ” I’d call it semi-solid (gelatinous?), though not puke-inducing. I love the character as much as this Reviewer, but I’m not overly-impressed with Kreisberg’s start. It’s workmanlike, at best. I’d love to see the series take off in a totally new, unexpected direction. Bring back Plastic Man as a frequent guest. Make the marriage solid rather than shaky (but no kids!). Have Dinah do something stupid and irresponsible for a change.