Part two people! Keep awake while I inform you of the stuff that’s actually worth getting!
Batman: Return of Bruce Wayne #1 (of 6) Writer: Grant Morrison Artist; Chris Sprouse
This is as bizarre as you think it would be. Carrying out of Final Crisis, this story picks up the pieces of Anthro and Vandal Savage, but added a certain someone in as the bat-God. Sprouse puts this issue at its best by having an uncanny ability to draw cavemen fights. A great start to what could be a fantastic mini-series
Birds of Prey #1 Writer: Gail Simone Artist: Ed Benes
This is a little bogged down by the background involved, but Simone puts out as good a work as anything else she does. Simone is one of the most reliable writers out there, and she puts an interesting female-centered story that doesn’t rely on T&A. That is actually a difficult thing to do with Ed Benes on art (seriously, he’s not very good), but Simone make this book worth checking out.
Punishermax #7 Writer: Jason Aaron Artist: Steve Dillon
Oh man this thing is awesome. Every month it proves to be the logical successor to the Ennis run. Aaron has found a way to include actual Marvel Universe characters in and it’s not nearly as stupid as you think it would be. Not to mention that Steve Dillon draws the hell out of it. So good. No but seriously, it’s so good.
Flash #2 Writer: Geoff Johns Artist; Francis Manapul
I didn’t really like Manapul on Adventure Comics, but holy cow is he stepping it up here. Johns treats the Flash as though he never left it, and this is easily the best jumping on point for new readers as it is easily accessible even with that entire ridiculous back story. I’m worried that this might get bogged down by continuity, but it hasn’t yet. Read it while you still can!
The Sword #24 Writer/Artist: The Luna Brothers
The Luna Brothers have cranked out another solid series that reaches its conclusion with this issue. I’ve talked with a couple of people about how much these issues are like a Coen Brothers movie (and I think the Professor has said it too) and this issue is no exception. Plenty of normal plot driven elements and then serious excessive violence. This book was completely awesome all the way through, well worth re-reading, and I can’t wait for the next Luna Project
First Wave #2 of 6 Writer: Brian Azzarello Artist: Rags Morales
This is turning into a very interesting experiment. I have a feeling that this mini series will be better than all the rest of the spin-off titles, and that’s way too bad. Azz and Rags craft an interesting tale with the three main characters involved, and it seems like this is going to be a solid 6 issue piece.
Prince of Power #1 of 4 Writer: Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente Artist: Reilly Brown
This is still pretty sweet. As the logical successor to the recently ended Incredible Hercules, this mini-series looks to be just as fun as the cancelled series itself. Without a doubt, Pak and Van Lente are having fun writing every issue of this and it shows with all the ridiculous antics and jokes that happen. I haven’t heard of Brown before, but he definitely stepped up and his art adds even more to this mini. Great stuff.
Amazing Spider-Man #631 Writer: Zeb Wells Artist: Chris Bachalo and Emma Rios
I am not especially a fan of Bachalo. Also, unlike our esteemed professor, never really been a Spidey fan either. However, as I have expressed in previous posts, I think Amazing has been… Amazing (God, I’m clever!). This arc is no exception. They have been taking their time setting everything up in the Gauntlet, but with three issues month, they absolutely can. This latest work with the Lizard has been perfect for Bachalo because he can draw the grotesque all he wants. Fun stuff, and as consistent as this book has been.
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:
Marvels Project #8 of 8 Writer: Ed Brubaker Artist: Stever Epting
Daytripper #6 Writer/Artists: Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba
BPRD King of Fear #5 of 5 Writer: Mike Mignola Artist: John Arcudi
DMZ 53 Writer: Brian Wood Artist: Riccardo Burchielli
Fables #95 Writer: Bill Willingham Artist: Mark Buckingham
Ultimate Spider-man #10 Writer: Brian Michael Bendis Artist: David LaFuente
Batgirl #10 Writer: Brian Q Miller Artist: Lee Garbett and Pere Perez
And that’s it! Please stay tuned to next week with your regularly scheduled professor-programming!
“The” Dan Jacka
