All right folks, here’s your daily dose of the weekly haul. Let’s do this!
Batman Incorporated #3 Writer: Grant Morrison Artist: Chris Burnham
Have you ever wondered what a Grant Morrison noir-type book would look like? Well look no further than the delayed issue of Batman Inc. that hit the stands this week! Morrison is always hit-or-miss, but this final run to wrap up his Batman story has been nothing short of spectacular. It helps to have an artist like Burnham by his side to keep things recognizable and understandable. This story of Matches Malone and further infiltration into the giant beast that is Leviathan has been wonderful, and I can’t wait to read the next issue and see how this all wraps up.
Mars Attacks #3 Writer: John Layman Artist: John McCrea
The Mars Attacks story has been a surprising joy for me. I went in not expecting much of anything, but Layman (also in on the surprise hit Chew) has knocked it out of the park with each issue. He’s actually using examples of the original Topps card set to tell his story, and this week’s flea-infested issue is no different. McCrea (who also had another issue of “Dicks” come out this week) is very much an acquired taste, but I enjoy it, so it’s not a problem. Guys, it ends with someone riding a giant flea to fight Martians, what could possibly go wrong?
Mind MGMT #4 Writer/Artist: Matt Kindt
I can’t remember if I’ve already raved about this series, or if Phil has taken the load, but it has to be pointed out: This is the single most complex, fascinating and epic comic book I’ve ever read. Everything means something, whether it’s fake ads, almost invisible blue type down the sides or letters columns that are rigged with more answers, it’s one of the most dense comic books I’ve ever read. If you ever need to prove that comics are legitimate literature, this is the place to go. Of course the art is worth mentioning; Kindt’s watercolors flow perfectly from page to page. It’s the perfect comic book. I’m not kidding.
America’s Got Powers #3 Writer: Jonathan Ross Artist: Bryan Hitch
This mini-series is proving to be the kind of book that you’ll have to re-read when it’s over. The erratic shipping schedule kind of hurts it, but the overall story is interesting enough to keep the reader around. Things start to come together for our protagonist and pieces start to get explained, but the star of the story is obviously Hitch’s art. One thing I can say for Hitch is that nothing every looks copied, meaning he’s drawing every single panel on every single page, and it shines through as some of his strongest work since Ultimates. I’m enjoying this book each time it comes out, but I think it will read better as a trade.
Batman: The Dark Knight #12 Writer: Gregg Hurwitz Artist: David Finch
Holy moly this is pretty terrible! Apparently, this is a re-imagining of The Scarecrow that’s just re-hashing all the things we already know. He’s exploiting fear using fear gas to point out the fear that people fear. That’s the Scarecrow… end of story. Five bucks says Batman overcomes his fear because fear fear fear fear…ad nauseam. It’s a story that’s as immediately unnecessary as any new origin, and it’s not helped by David Finch channeling his absolute worse tendencies to look like some kind of Top Cow mess. It’s just not good folks, and it’s an example of where the DC New 52 has gone completely wrong.
And now, some quick hits!
Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan Writer: J. Michael Straczynski Artist: Adam Hughes: As I said to a customer on Wednesday, “What a beautiful piece of mediocrity…” The linear storytelling doesn’t quite work out, but it’s a beautiful book. Much better than Straczynski’s Nite Owl
Wolverine #312 Writer: Jeph Loeb Artist: Simone Bianchi: Still pretty miserable, and now we’re retconning things about Weapon X. This is rough to say the least.
Super Crooks #4 Writer: Mark Millar Artist: Leinil Yu: The end of this mini-series has its hits with a few laugh out loud moments. Overall it was a forgettable min-series, but it did turn out to be fun.
Secret Avengers #30 Writer: Rick Remender Artist: Matteo Scalera: Pieces are moving around and Remender is actually wrapping up Brubaker’s old plotlines. This is a fun book that is just strange enough to work for me.
Punisher #14 Writer: Greg Rucka Artist: Mico Suayan: Speaking of pieces put together, I feel like Punisher is building to something, and I trust Rucka. This is more pieces moving, so check back in a few months and we’ll see where we stand.
Iron Man #523 Writer: Matt Fraction Artist: Salvador Larroca: Now I’m just getting redundant. All three of these are putting things together and getting ready to wrap up. Iron Man is going to be the most epic, I know it.
Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom #1 Writer: Mark Waid Artist: Chris Samnee: Guys, it’s a Waid/Samnee joint, do I need to say more? It’s amazing and beautiful and fun.
Fatima: The Blood Spinners #3 Writer/Artist: Gilbert Hernandez: Still an awesome book that stays extremely strange. I’ve loved this mini-series since the first issue, and my feelings haven’t changed now that it’s almost over.
Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe #4 Writer: Cullen Bunn Artist: Dalibor Talajic: This book was ridiculous from start to finish, the most fun I’ve had with a pointless book in a long time. How’s that for a ringing endorsement.
And that’s the week!
‘The” Dan Jacka
