All right folks, we’re back in action, so here’s this week’s reviews. Let’s do this!
Batman Incorporated #6 Writer: Grant Morrison Artist: Chris Burnham
Things are getting really really bad for the members of Incorporated. It doesn’t matter which character, we’re hitting the very end of the rising action and ramping toward the climax of Morrison’s tremendous run on this series. Every single character is just about at rock bottom and I couldn’t possibly love this title any more than I do. It’s incredibly well put-together, and Burnham is one of the few artists that can keep up with everything that Morrison is trying to put out there. I can tell that when this series is over, I’ll have over 100 issues of Batman to re-read, and that excited the hell out of me.
New Avengers #1 Writer: Jonathan Hickman Artist: Steve Epting
A whole lot of Black Panther set-up, but I liked it quite a bit. Hickman took a small piece of Bendis’s illuminati storyline, and is expanding that into what could be a big storyline for the Black Panther. This first issue was very Wakanda heavy, but it looks like the next issues will be built in with all those characters you know and love. As is traditional when you’re dealing with a Hickman comic, it’s going to be a slow-burn and high concept. I’m always a fan of Steve Epting’s art, and this is of the same quality as his entire Captain America run. It’s very good set-up stuff, but we’ll see where we’re at in a few months.
Flash #15 Writers: Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato Artists: Manapul and Marcus To
What an aggressive switch this book makes at the end. Marcus To is a very solid artist who puts out quality work, but then the book turns into a chance for Manapul to just show off. Three different lines explode from the page and could be laid out consecutively for a huge spread (does that make any sense? Just go look at the issue!) Manapul kills it in this issue, and while he’s not the only reason to get this comic, he is one of the biggest selling points. I’m surprised at the quality of story that he and Buccellato have put together, and this has been a surprise hit of the New 52.
Manhattan Projects #8 Writer: Jonathan Hickman Artist: Nick Pitarra
Holy moley I love this book more than anything other comic that’s out on the stands! Without a doubt, to me, this is the comic of 2012, and it may be one of the best comics I’ve ever read. This issue is Werhner Von Braun’s chance to shine (I’m not exactly comfortable with typing that…) as the computer AI version of Franklin Delano Roosevelt tries to destroy every facet of the Manhattan Project scientists. Von Braun decides to take care of business in a surprisingly explosive way. If you want to see Albert Einstein fight evil FDR robots, then this is the book for you. If you don’t, then we have nothing to talk about.
All-New X-Men #5 Writer: Brian Michael Bendis Artist: Stuart Immonen
After five quickly released issues, I still don’t know how I feel about this series as a whole. However, this is the first issue I absolutely loved. It’s Jean-heavy, so you have to deal with that, but Immonen completely kills it. As Beast is in a coma, Jean goes into his mind to try to fix things. In the process, she finds out everything about everything. But it’s really the subtleties of the issue that make it work for me. Everything about Jean is so big and overpowering, that two moments just kinda secretly come by. I’ll just honestly say I hope what they do with Angel works out, cuz’ seriously, one line in this issue made me go, “oh crap, that’s right…” and that’s well done.
Batman: The Dark Knight #15 Writer: Gregg Hurwitz Artist: David Finch
Well, with this issue, Finch’s run comes to an end. Oh well. This was pretty much terrible the whole way through, and that’s a bummer, because Hurwitz and Finch both aren’t bad. The story itself was just so blatantly mediocre that there was no reason to keep reading (and I don’t know why I did). It’s the kind of book that’s immediately forgettable, especially when you have an artist like Ethan Van Sciver coming along to do the next art arc on the title. Hopefully this title will improve almost immediately, but we’ll see. Just be glad this is over and move on.
And now some quick hits!
Mars Attacks Popeye Writer: Martin Powell Artist: Terry Beatty: You ever wonder what a Popeye comic getting attacked by martians would be like? Bizarre but awesome. That’s your answer.
Daredevil: End of Days #4 Writer: Brian Michael Bendis Artist: Klaus Janson: This book is going to take way too long to get to it’s point, but it’s going to be nice to look at. I’m just afraid that by the time I find out what “Mapone” means, I won’t even care anymore.
Fatale #11 Writer: Ed Brubaker Artist: Sean Phillips: Still a fantastic book. Do I really need to tell you that at this point? Just read it. There’s two trades already!
Colder #3 Writer: Paul Tobin Artist: Juan Ferreyra: This book just gets creepier and creepier. While maybe not the most polite account of mental issues, it’s a pretty scary book all on its own. Good stuff.
Adventure Time with Fionn and Cake #1 Writer/Artist: Natasha Allegri: I’m not even going to pretend that this isn’t he girliest book I’ve ever read or purchased. But it’s Adventure Time, so it’s crazy and fun and worth reading.
Punisher Nightmare #1 Writer: Scott M. Gimple Artist: Mark Texeira: I’m not sure how I feel about this at all. It’s just kinda another generic Punisher story with some potential, but don’t get your hopes up.
And that’s the week! Hope you enjoyed yourselves!
“The” Dan Jacka
