New Avengers: Illuminati # 2 Review

Authors: Brian Michael Bendis and Brian Reed
Penciler: Jim Cheung
Inker: Mark Morales
Colors: Justin Ponsor

Ohh man what a silly little book. And what a silly little world that BMB is creating. Sometimes I wish Dr. Light would get a hold of me too (you know, minus the raping) so I could forget all those stories that came before. But, unfortunately I can't get those stories out of my head. And these are not those characters and this is not that world. This is all BMB's Marvel World and I want no part of it!

This story takes place a few months back (Marvel time) after She-Hulk # 1 and after Infinity Gauntlet and Infinity Watch, Infinity War, and Infinity Crusade....and so on. Some how Reed gets a hold of the Power gem and wants them all! So you know what the rest of the Marvel adults and leaders say to this idea!? Fuck it! Let's find the rest of these gems that have caused nothing but trouble in our past! They manage to get all the gems with the help of Cerebra and some contraption Reed made. In the end Reed tries to wish the Gauntlet and gems away, but it's impossible and each one of the six Illuminati gets to keep the gem.

My major gripe with this issue is that these are men that have been leaders in the Marvel Universe and to act like an amateur rookie team that gets scolded by the fucking Watcher at the very end is just a concept I can't overlook! They acted like the Young Illuminati....you know what? Fuck that! Because Young Namor would have beat the living shit out of Young Mr. Fantastic for even bringing up a stupid ass idea like this. It’s bad enough they make Iron Man and Reed look like dick-heads in Civil War; now thanks to this series the poor bastards are also irresponsible and inexperienced heroes!

You also expect me to believe that Reed can sneak Black Bolt and Iron Man into his lab and not have Johnny and Ben wonder what the fuck is up? Or for that matter Xavier sneak pass every X-men while he was suppose to be in Genosha and Wolverine not being able to pick up Namor or Black Bolt’s scent? How in the hell did Mr. Fantastic get the Soul gem from Adam Warlock? Because I seriously doubt Adam Warlock would have given up the gem to an earthling. One more thing BMB; Namor was also in the fight against Thanos, maybe they forgot to mention that in the Cliffs Notes version of The Infinity Gauntlet. I could also bitch about Namor's outfit, but whatever.

Jim Cheung is the saving grace in this series. He has crafted a perfect mix of action and expressions! Morales, I have always enjoyed his inking since his days with Adam Polina and he adds what Cheung was missing. The detail that shows age on these faces, finally they don't look like kids. Now, of course this review is just my opinion, because lots of people love this series, but I do not in any way believe that this bullshit underground organization exists and I can't wait until someone retcons this silly idea. D+

New Excalibur # 16 Review

Author: Chris Claremont
Penciler: Scot Eaton
Inker: John Dell
Colors: A. Crossley

Chris Claremont returns to New Excalibur after some sick time off. After reading this issue I was really glad to have him back on the book. While Tieri did a good job handling the characters (It was great seeing the Black Knight) now we can move on with the story.

The first half of the book is very Superhero cliché with a tussle between the team and some bank robbers. Dazzler ends up biting the dust again and while it is really annoying that they haven't given any clues about that mystery, a totally unexpected twist with another team member makes you forget that right away. It really brought a sense of realism to see the doctors have a hard time with the anatomy of Nocturne. I believe Claremont is going to try and explain why Nocturne has been acting different since her Exiles days. Speaking of Exiles; I have a strong feeling Nocturne will be making a return to the Exiles team after reading this and the last issue of Exiles. One last thing that I like to point out, but is it just me or is Claremont the only writer that acknowledges other stories in the other X-books?

Scot Eaton and John Dell are completely amazing. I am very impressed with what they did with a story that wasn't mind blowing or off the charts in your face. The detail that Eaton can put on his faces makes this so much more enjoyable to read. I believe these artists have found a new home. Although the first half of the story is slow paced and stereotypical it’s still good to see Claremont come back home. B

Wolverine Origins # 11 Review

Author: Daniel Way
Art: Steve Dillon
Colors: Avalon Studios

I give this book so much shit and probably more shit than it really deserves....NAH! But, as much shit as I give the book, I give Daniel Way twice as much more because he is writing the horrid thing. However, this issue I didn't really mind that much, hell even the art was good...but I think I know why.

I'm not sure if this is done on purpose or not, but it really feels like Way is trying to copy Garth Ennis' style of Preacher. I believe that's why the art really suited the story and I didn't realize it till the very end. Like I said, I don't know if it's on purpose, but hell just judging from a couple of scenes it is very Preacher like.

Not much happens in this issue as always. Wolverine thinks his son looks beautiful on the outside, Wolvie's son sleeps with a guy to get what he wants, and Cyber makes a triumphant return! Who you say? Cyber! I always liked the character because he always fucked with Wolverine's head and Logan didn't know what was real or not. However, I don't see the point in him coming back from the dead. He has absolutely nothing to do with Wolverine's past. Unless Origins is here to tell us stories about Wolverine's past that we have already read, except do it shittier!

As I mentioned earlier Steve Dillon art doesn't normally fit the storylines, but for some reason it really goes well with this particular issue. But if you want dark humor mixed with grotesque scenes why not just hire Garth Ennis? Like I said I really didn't mind this issue as much as the others and this is probably my highest grade I have given Wolverine Origins, but I think it's safe to give this issue a C- . Still lots of better stuff out there than this forgettable title.

Justice Society of America #3

This review was submitted by Knightwingbk

Writer: Geoff Johns
Artists: Dale Eaglesham and Ruy Jose

After last issue's amazing pages featuring Hawkman and Starman, this issue of JSA feels less great than the first two. It is still however, great. Johns is still doing great writing, and Eaglesham is still delivering the best pencils of his career, so there is nothing to hate in this book. We go back to the picnic of last issue where our Nazi villains and Hawkman appeared. These Nazis are tearing apart the people here, a speedster whizzes her arms through people, cutting them in half while others are torn apart, smashed under trees, or turned to steel statues. Meanwhile Wildcat is still talking to his lost son, as the other JSA'ers realize that the families of Golden Age heros are being killed. They only know this because Sandman appears and tells them that he had dreams about the attacks. The team splits up to go protect the next families to be targeted.

This is definately Johns' book, he has a firm grasp on each character, and their personalities come across in their dialougue. His skill of building tension is on display here as the true mastermind is revealed. Next issue looks to be an all out fight, because everything is set in motion here. If you thought the first two issues had too little action, this issue delivers! Dale Eaglesham and colorist Jeromy Cox rock on this book, there is just no better way of saying it. Everything is so vivid. Colors, reflections, motion blurs, the wind from new member Cyclone, it's all great. If you are not reading this book, and you are a DC fan or a team book fan, there is something wrong with you. B+

Trials of Shazam #5

This issue picks up where #4 left off, with Freddy and the god Achilles facing off a bunch of pink pig-warriors. Achilles tells Freddy to hold the line while he trys to kill a hate-empath ( a beast whos power grows on hate, did I mention they are in the middle east?). Ultimately Achilles fails and Freddy must defeat the beast himself. Compared to other issues this one felt like straight up action, less about the mythology of Shazam and more about the tasks. Since this issue is finishing off a task that was started last issue, it doesn't advance the plot much but it is worth getting for the art alone.

Howard Porter is doing some amazing work here, and each panel is gorgeous to look at. Some people may not like the color outlines of each character, but I do and it makes each character pop off the page, it's similar to the black outline you get while inking, just in pinks and oranges and yellows, depending on the color pallete of the page. I liked this issue, but I think the delay between the last issue and this one took some of the enjoyment out of it for me. C

The Secret #1

Oh indie titles..... I love you most of all. Recently Dark Horse put out a title called The Secret. Mike Richardson writes this tale quite well and is further complimented by Jason Shawn Alexander's artwork, which rivals Ben Templesmith's and Ashley Wood's works to an extent. Mike Richardson, for those that may not know, is for all intents and purposes Dark Horse Comics, Dark Horse is him. Now I know what your thinking, dude he's a publisher he probably sucks at writing, to which I say, SHUT IT!, it's good.

The Secret starts off with Tommy, a high school kid rushing to a party. After arriving, Tommy finds everybody downstairs phone pranking random numbers. Each person calls a random number saying I KNOW YOUR SECRET, and then designates a time and place to meet them. You can kinda see where it's gonna go from here. Tommy's "love interest", Pam, ends up being the last call....and let's just say she pranks the wrong hombre. Both Pam & Tommy make out awhile after the semi-disturbing call though and all is forgotten. Later on, for kicks, they all go out to the designated meet point and well...yeah said bad-assed mamma-jamma comes walking up. Hiding in the bushes Tommy and the others see the ominous figure standing, waiting, and then, after a moment, walking off. Pretty much the next day things keep going downhill. I don't wanna spoil the title, so I'll just leave it at that.

I liked the writing, I don't know how else to put it. Richardson writes a moderately fast paced somewhat entrancing story that you end up finishing too quickly. The characterization of Tommy thus far is a little typical but, the semi-loner/outsider who is neither cool nor really fits in, come on, who didn't feel like that in high school at least once. The "ominous hombre" I'll call him, though having little character development this early on, has enough depth to make you keep reading. If I had to sum up Richardson's writing simply I'd say it's like reading a fairly good horror movie.

The art...ohhh the art. I don't know who Jason Shawn Alexander is, or where he came from but the guy needs to put more stuff out there. Alexanders' style through this first issue set the tone for the whole story, no doubt about it. Dark and a little edgy. Alexander follows in the trend of artist Ashley Wood, depicting a dark realism to everything, and still having colors be vibrant and yet subdued, a sort of ashey (mind the pun) feeling. Elements of Templesmiths' chaotic/sharp style can also be felt a little, throughout the different panels. It's the "Silent Hill" feel I guess, is the most succinct way to explain it.

In short, I found this title to be both entertaining and inventive. While I don't wanna make any big judgements, like GO OUT AND BUY THIS!, I will say try it out, and see how it flies. B+

Outsiders #45...damn dude that's harsh

Writer: Judd Winick
Pencilers: Fredie Williams II & Carlo Barberi

Does anyone wanna read a comic that has the most fucked up flow ever? No?

The recent issue of Outsiders came out and yeah…..not good. The first five pages or so we see Roy “Arsenal” Harper coming home to visit his daughter, then….it stops. Now when I say stop, I mean stop, no transition, no explanation, nothing. The next page leads you back to where the story left off, with the Red Hood talking to Nightwing.

Is anybody getting the feeling nobody gives a flying fuck about the Outsiders anymore, cause that’s the feeling I get from Winick. Instead of thriving in this title Winick has slowly been drowning. Mind you Winick’s characterization of Nightwing is tolerable but, given Jones’ & Wolfman’s latest incarnations, that isn’t saying much. I guess I just expect more from this title. How do you go from a good arc involving Monsieur Mallah and the Brain….to this…..crap. The most interesting part of this whole issue was the Arsenal side story…the one that seemingly connects to NOTHING. I don’t care about the current story, the characterization for Black Lightening feels flat and yeah just.. no. Gail Simone and many others have done great jobs reinventing ‘b-list characters’ such as Catman, Black Canary, etc. but, Winick just can’t seem to do it with Black Lightening and it hurts this story. Maybe things will come to fruition in future issues but, if the story is constructed in such a way as this issue was, why pick up another. It almost seems like this story is being written as a trade rather then an ongoing title, and not even that good of a trade so far. Winick man, I love your Green Arrow run but, you have to do better then this if you want me and others to keep reading Outsiders. More energy needs to be put into this title then is seen with this issue and this non-transition transition crap must never EVER be done again, lest you want to incur the wrath of DC fans…..which is less like the Wrath of Khan, more…like the wrath of Stormtrooper #1 in Star Wars: A New Hope, oh sure he looks alright but, you know when blaster fire starts the guy is gonna start some shit, maybe pick up C-3PO use him as a shield.

The artwork throughout this issue was “alright”, that’s all I can say, it becomes a tad annoying half the time when everybody looks EXACTLY the same, what’s ironic is, there were two different pencilers in the issue. Same general jaw lines for Waller, Alan Scott, Mr. Terrific, AND Black Lightening. The Red Hood & Deathstroke….same guy….oh yeah didn’t you know….he just switches masks…least if page 15 is any indication. See 17 and 18 for the shocking revelation that Jason Todd and Dick Grayson are actually TWIN BROTHERS!!! DUM DUM DUMMMM. Again I reiterate, it seems like the same faces keep getting repeated, much like me and my bitching of the faces. In short the art just adds to this issues’ overall SUCK.

Oh on a side note, Checkmate, good gosh Checkmate. I didn’t like the ongoing series and I don’t like when they make “guest appearances” in different DC titles. You want a sure fire way to slow a title down, put a pointless appearance of the Checkmate team in it. I keep thinking that DC has a memo circulating wherein all titles must have at least one appearance by Alan Scott, Mr Terrific, Amanda Waller, or all three.

To close this all up, transition problems, uninteresting characterizations, storylines, Checkmate, and artwork make this possibly the worst issue of the Outsiders I have ever read…EVER. If this title is gonna survive, the writing as well as the artwork has gotta get better, and soon. I’d give this an F but it gave me an excuse to make a Star Trek & Star Wars reference in the same sentence. D-

The Gunslinger Hits His Target

The Gunslinger Born Review
Creative & Executive Director: Stephen King
Plot: Peter Furth
Script: Peter David
Art: Jae Lee & Richard Isanove

Is there anyone left who hasn’t read this? There is? Oh, just checking before I started my review. I figured that everyone under the (desert) sun would have picked this book up, in the very least flipped through it at the comic book store. So I think it was three years ago that Marvel announced that Stephen King was going to be coming over to comics. I think they tried to boost the hype by first just eluding to the idea, but fanboys are not easily tricked these days.

Then the waiting started. Then it was announced that King himself would not be writing the book. Then it was announced that Peter David would be writing the books. You feeling the ups and downs of the roller coaster ride as I have? This is all how I remember it, mind you, I can’t be sure on the facts, and I just call them as I see them. So then word came around about Jae Lee coming on the book.

The waiting game finally concluded this week and comic book fans met with Stephen King fans at the local comic book store. Some stores even had a midnight release, which actually does sound cool, not exactly an exciting thirty minutes after midnight of course, rather dead silence, save the sound of flipping. Maybe if I were still in the States I would have cared more, or maybe if Marvel and the Industry as a whole were putting out consistently better things, than maybe I would have been more excited when this book finally did come around, but alas I have finally read it.

I am here to say that I found the book quite enjoyable on many levels. The first has to be the translation from novel to comic, done before, worked and didn’t work, depending on the content. I also have to remain skeptical about whether or not King really put forth his directors rights. He had creative and executive control but two other guys handled the translation, the plotting, and the script, so what was he there for? Oh yeah the cool shadowy yet still enormously eye catching name, right.

So how the hell did Peter David do? I’ve read only The Gunslinger from the Dark Tower series, and it was about three years ago, but from what I remember this seems to fit in perfectly. It brought back all the things I liked about the book (I stopped after Gunslinger because I just did, no reason). The narration was annoying at first but catchy as it went along and eventually became quite natural by the end, I felt like I knew the narrator personally. Roland’s character does exactly what this issue is for, flourish. He comes into his own and I found it completely believable and understandable. The supporting cast seemed distant at first but by the end I had a sense of them as well.

The art is pretty insane. I’m a huge fan of Jae Lee; I love the moody, brooding, dark aspects that creep throughout all of his work. The areas of his pictures that appear in black seem to stand out more than they regress. I am commenting of course on past Jae Lee work, I haven’t gotten to his work in this yet. Sometimes it can be a little too creepy, almost forced uneasiness and it leaves me feeling confused and numb to his artwork. I choose his work on Ultimate FF for an example. It simply didn’t fit as well as I had hoped. What about The Gunslinger Born? Now that was something to open up, set down, step back, and just enjoy. Credit must be given to Isanove too for his contribution because I was honestly blown away by the work. I don’t know about you but those first few pages that popped up every time there was an update about the mini-series, just about killed it for me. But when the world of the Gunslinger is shown and just the way Lee plays with the lighting of the desert sun and shadows it casts, mixed with the luscious palate for the coloring, I felt like the art alone could tell me this story.

I may not have been beating on the door of the comic shop to get my hands on this first issue, but man I can’t wait to read the second A+!

Ultimate Spider-man # 105

This review was submitted by Spider-Ben
“Clone Saga Epilogue”
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Mark (Please Don’t Leave!) Bagley
Cover: Bagley and Richard Isanove

I love this book, I truly love this book. There is not a thing wrong with this title, and instead of getting old and dull as time goes by, the book only gets better. This issue picks up after the clone saga, and a lot of things are still lingering in the air.

Fortunately for Peter Parker (and readers of the book) we get some answers, but we also get some new questions as well. Peter realizes he has to check up on his Aunt May, and leaves MJ with the Fantastic Four. Nick Fury shows up with the Utltimates at the Baxter Building to arrest Peter. Ben Grimm tells Fury to go the hell away, and MJ steps in telling Fury that Peter has always looked up to him as a father. MJ tells him that Peter wants to join the Ultimates and become the world’s best super hero ever. (Guess what MJ? Peter already is the worlds, nay, the universes’ best super hero already!) Fury does not know what to say, and goes to find Peter.

Meanwhile, Kitty and the X-Men arrive at Peter’s house and Kitty is an emotional wreck. She realizes that she has to find Peter right away, and she and Jean rush to the hospital after learning Peter’s aunt had a heart attack. At the hospital, Peter checks in on his Aunt and tells her that after all the shit that has recently happened, nothing hurt him like when May told him he wasn’t her son. Nick Fury shows up, and he tells Peter he created the Spider-Slayers to take Peter down in case he snapped. Peter is totally pissed and outraged (and so was I!) after hearing that Fury thought he would be the next big super villain. But, before he can continue, he tells Peter he was wrong.

Fury admits Peter is a hell of a man and didn’t snap after all the shit he has been though, and Fury tells him that Peter is a very special individual. Peter is shocked and surprised to hear this, and realizes he really is a terrific person. Peter tells Fury to tell Reed Richards no thanks, but he wants to continue to be Spider-Man. Fury leaves, and May awakes still groggy from the heart attack. She tells Peter his costume sucks, and she realizes she is very proud of Peter. The two hug, all is forgiven.

Back at Forest Hills, MJ reunites with her mom. She tells her mom that Norman Osborn destroyed the Parker home and kidnapped her. Peter arrives and realizes he totally has no place to stay. Mrs. Watson tells Peter that he is always welcome at the Watson home, and they are relieved to hear May is alright at the hospital.

MJ tells Peter that he will just have to stay with her forever, and the two kiss again. Peter is finally happy one more after all the crap recently, and I’m even happier for Pete and MJ. But one person who isn’t happy is Kitty. She is furious at Xaiver for not erasing May Parker’s memories of the past 24 hours, claiming Peter wouldn’t want May to know. To make matters worse, Kitty just saw that kiss between Peter and MJ. Sorry Kitty, you were fun for awhile and Peter belongs with MJ and only MJ. Peter has one final task to do, say bye to Jessica.

The two meet up and Jessica states she is not ready to be around Fury, despite Peter saying Fury is OK with them. Jessica realizes she has to go and have her own life, and wishes Peter all the best. Peter tells Jessica she already started living her own life when she assumed the name and mantle of Jessica Drew, Spider-Woman. The two hug and Jessica swings off.
Peter realizes the two will probably meet up again one day. I sure hope so!
At the end, Peter is sleeping at MJ’s place. MJ goes to brush her teeth and has some kind of seizure twitch. Peter comes in to check on her, and she notices the reflection of Ultimate Kaine. She is scared to death, but Peter calms her down. The two hug, wondering what will happen next.

Thoughts/Comments:
Perfect, absolutely perfect. I love this book, it is my favorite comic book of all time. This issue was amazing. Bagley is the man (Please don’t leave Bags!
Or if you do, take over the artwork on regular marvel universe spider book!) and his work never lets up for a minute. Very glad Jessica is alright and going off to find her own destiny. It was gold when Fury told Peter he was something special, and realized Peter has the potential to be the greatest hero ever. The only gripe I had was with MJ’s seizure. I’m already pissed at Joe Quesada and JMS for fucking up the Peter/MJ marriage in the core spider-books. But leave Ultimate Pete and MJ alone. Seriously, I love ya Bendis. But if you kill off MJ, I’m going to start giving this book a B- or C every single month.

I want Peter and MJ together. I want them to be happy. I don’t want a sad, lonely, and single Peter. If I wanted that kind of depression and shit I would look at my own life. I want a comic with my hero to be happy, not alone and sad. So Bendis, I swear leave MJ alone. If not, these reviews are going to get a lot shorter and this book will fall in grading every single issue. It’s bad enough Stuart Immonen and his vomit inducing art is about to grace this book, but leave MJ alone or suffer my lowest grades ever. I’m dead serious about this folks. All in all though, this issue is another solid
A+! Bring on Ultimate Knights.

Phoenix Warsong # 1 - 5 Review

Author: Greg Pak
Penciler: Tyler Kirkham
Inker: Sal Regla
Colors: John Starr

The follow-up to Phoenix Endsong comes to a conclusion with issue five. Thank the good Lord! I really had high hopes for the series because I enjoyed Endsong so much and Pak was stirring this ship as well. But, I'll be damn if this didn't turn out into nothing more than a very boring story that just seemed force to cash in on the Phoenix fever.

I should have known better, hell every time they bring the Phoenix back its the same bullshit over and over. Although the big cliché was absent in this series (Jean Grey) it was still painful and very predictable to read. Pretty much all that happens within the span of five fucking issues is the cuckoos find out they are nothing more than clones of Emma Frost and that they were part of the Weapon Crap (That's what I call Morrison's take on the whole Weapon X story) project. The Phoenix takes over not only Celeste, Mindee, and Phoebe, but all 1000 Cuckoo Clones! Don't worry all 1000 clones get destroyed! The Phoenix stays in the three Cuckoos, the X-men win, Emma cries, and Omar wonders why the flying fuck he bought five issues and didn't bother reading any of them till he got the last one!!!?

The art is nothing special, just seems like one of the really bad Silvestri clones that got stuck in the mid 90s. Although some frames are really well done, some just look plain awful, the characters never really come to life and for the most part look the same. So to wrap up this review I'm going to quote Phoebe, because this is the way I felt after I realized I spent 15 bucks on these books: "If I could feel anything....I think I would cry." D I have to give props to the cover of issue 5 by Silvestri because es muy muy caliente, no pun intended!

Detective Comics # 828 Review

This Review was submitted by Knightwingbk

Writer: Paul Dini
Artists: Don Kramer & Wayne Faucher

If you are looking for a consistently good, on-time book, pick up Detective Comics. Don't finish reading this review, order the book online or go to your comic shop and get it.... Go!!! GO!!!! Okay, maybe you're not going right away, but still go after you finish your sandwich or whatever. Dini is consistently turning in good one-and-done, no-strings-attached Batman stories where a mystery is set up, investigated, and solved in 22 pages, similar to the 22 minutes he used to get on the animated series. This issue deals with a murder, and the newly reformed Riddler, who teams up with Batman to solve it.

The art by Don Kramer, is fantastic as usual. He is one of the best artists out there right now because he can consistently turn in a quality book on time, which we seem to be lacking these days. I never have any problems following his layouts or camera angles, they always seem to tell the story in the right way. Kramer and Dini are a fine team and I am glad to see that DC kept him on the book instead of the rotating teams that were originally planned. Sure J.H. Williams and Rags Morales would still have been great, but neither of them are the most timely artists. How long did it take for Seven Soldiers #1 to come out? I'll take Kramer over anyone else, any day. Add this title to your pull list, you'll be doing yourself a favor. B+

Action Comics Annual # 10 Review

This Review was submitted by Knightwingbk
Writer: Geoff Johns & Richard Donner
Artists: Art Adams, Eric Wright, Joe Kubert, Rags Morales, Gary Frank, Phil Jiminez, and Tony Daniel

In the wake of lateness of the regular book, Action Comics Annual # 10 almost makes up for it. Rather than end a storyline completely (Batman Annual # 25 and Jason Todd anyone?) this book is a big teaser for Johns' and Donner's run on the book, if it ever comes out again. A collection of short stories, fleshing out Superman's past and his present, Action Comics Annual delivers for its $3.99 cover price. Lex Luthor has two interesting spotlights highlighting Kryptonite and the many deaths of Superman. The best stories are the ones with Mon-El and the Phantom Zoners on Krypton. It seems that Non, the big cave-man looking guy from the past issue of Action Comics and the Superman films, was not always dumb, he was at one point a lead scientist on Krypton. Also, we get the first meeting of a young Clark Kent and Mon-El from the Legion of Superheroes. These two stories are obviously the center point of the annual since they are the longest stories.

The art here is great in points, and sloppy in others. Great are the Art Adams, Rags Morales, and Phil Jiminez bits, but the Joe Kubert and Tony Daniel pages lack the same flair that the rest of the book has. Overall though, this book is good, and worth your time if you need something to hold you over until the next issue of Action Comics. B-

New Avengers # 27 Review

This Review was submitted by Knightwingbk
Writer: Brian Bendis
Artist: Leinil Yu

I didn't realize how much I was missing New Avengers until I read this issue. Before the muddy Deodato art in "The Collective" New Avengers was a slam-bang read for me month after month. Bendis wrote lots of action, plot, and Spider-man quips every issue to keep me coming back. Since last summer, we've had some great one issue spotlights (See the Captain America & Luke Cage issues), and some not so great (Spider-Woman). New Avengers returns to form with issue number 27. For some reason, Marvel decided to put this out before Civil War ended, and thank god they did as I now realize how tiring and drawn out Civil War really is. A lot of people didn't like the Ronin arc, and had issues with a positively male-Ronin actually being a girl, namely Maya Lopez or Echo, familiar only to Daredevil readers. This issue gives readers more background into Ronin than the previous arc ever did. Maya has been in Japan infiltrating the Japanese underworld, a month after the Avengers asked her to do so. She writes a "if you're reading this I'm probably dead" e-mail to Matt Murdock, and asks him to "Avenge her." Enter the New New Avengers. Yes, you read that right, this is not a sole Ronin issue, as the cover may suggest. The New New Avengers appear about half-way through the book to rescue Maya Lopez, in all of their glory. This issue doesn't do much to set up the arc, but it's still a great issue. There are no references to the outcome of Civil War, other than some news footage on television, so think of this as Marvel's One-Month-Later, since it's released before Civil War actually ends.

I like the team for the New New Avengers. Returning players are Luke Cage, Spider-man, Spider-Woman, Wolverine, and Ronin? Yes you read that right. Ronin rescues Echo... Bendis has enough returning members to keep the feel of the book similar to what it was, but also enough new members, who I will not ruin, to keep readers interested. Two of the new members haven't been on a team, or on a serious team, in such a long time that this seems like a fresh idea. Color me hooked.

The art is fantastic. Amazing. Just plain great. Leinil Yu draws great action scenes, and everything feels so kinetic, and the detail and gritty-ness matches the direction that this book feels like it is going in. The lack of inking, or addition of digital inking, adds to the art. It allows Yu's pencils to shine through, leaving much of the energy intact. The coloring is also great on this book; it fleshes out Yu's drawings without taking anything away. For me, the coloring here does the same thing that Morry Hollowell's colors do for Steve McNiven on his books. It adds a new layer of depth to the book. If you dropped this book after the Ronin arc, pick this book up, it may answer your questions. If you're not reading New Avengers, now you should, this book is a can't miss. It's a breath of fresh air in the smog filled highway of Civil War. A+

Ghost Rider Finale # 94 Review

Author: Ivan Velez Jr.
Penciler: Javier Saltares
Inkers: Javier Saltares, Mark Texeria, and Klaus Janson
Colors: Brian Bucellato and Tom Chu

Two things that I can sum up my review: Fuck, I miss those 2 page recaps, hell I think they stopped doing those in 98 and someone please hire Ivan Velez to take over Ghost Rider! Now if you don't know the story behind this issue, well during Marvel's dark days, I mean real dark, not Civil War/horrible stories dark, Marvel was in bankruptcy and had to cancel any book that didn't bring in any money. The following issue, revealing the final fates of Danny Ketch and Ghost Rider, was written, penciled, and inked, but never published. Even though the story ended with Ghost Rider 94, they didn't take any chances and cancelled the book with issue 93. So many readers were pissed, including Danny Ketch fanboy Omar Valdivieso!

This issue includes a reprint of Ghost Rider 93, which was a damn good idea. Because when you read issue 94 the payoff wouldn't have been as great if you didn't have issue 93 fresh in your head. I don't know if it was charity on Marvel's part or if they are just trying to cash in on the new GR movie, but who cares we got our finally! So was it worth the wait after eight years?

So what happened at the end of GR 93? Well it ended with a cliffhanger: the apparent death of Dan Ketch, which at the time was the human host of the Ghost Rider. The new story reveals what truly happened to Danny Ketch. Dan’s future, his relationship with Johnny Blaze and with his girlfriend Stacy, and the return of a character long thought dead all hit emotional high notes. We even get to see Ghost Rider’s ascension to the throne of hell, much better interpretation of it than in Way's run. Ghost Rider uses his new powers and seeing Vengeance show up makes me wish they would release an issue 95 and make the series on going. I'm hoping that some of the things mentioned in this issue will be brought up in the new series, but I think that's just wishful thinking on my part.

The art is simply amazing; hell Texeria's inks are still as good as they ever were. Which goes to show that not all the art in the mid 90's was superflexed out guys in spandex with lots of useless pockets! The colors are the only new part of the art and damn what a difference eight years makes on technology. I think that #94 finally gave us all the closure and finale that we had waited for far too long. Long live Noble Kale! A-

Teen Titans # 43 Review

Author: Geoff Johns
Penciler: Tony Daniels
Inks: Jonathan Clapion
Colors: Tnaya and Richard Horie

Damn, I love this fucking book. Is there any other way to start a biased review? Hell no! This book has everything that most books are missing these days: great stories, great characters, and the perfect creative team. So needless to say, I am really disappointed with Johns leaving with issue 46. I have plenty of faith in Adam Beechen (Badass last name), because of his work on Robin and the Teen Titans TV series.

There are so many great moments in this book, how can I just summarize it without having a fanboy erection?! I'll try my best, but I ain't making no promises. While Wonder Girl, Robin, and Raven are having a debate on bringing Superboy back from the dead when they are interrupted by the Teen Titans East. Deathstroke's kids aren't fucking around they take out all three head players in a matter of seconds. In the meantime Cyborg and Miss Martian have their own battle after Bombshell(judged as a weak link by Deathstroke) gets her throat sliced. Kid Devil also faces his match in a fight with Kid Crusader. Seems that Deathstroke is wants his kids back with the help of Kid Crusader, Inertia, Duela, Match, Risk, Sun Girl, Riddler's daughter, and a mind controlled Batgirl it is very likely he will succeed.

This is not the team that the kids once encountered (TT 18 and 19). This is a team of angsty teenagers mad at the world and ready to take it out on anybody. Although some seem more balanced than others. Deathstroke really did his homework when choosing his team. This was a great issue that properly introduces new characters that a reader will want to know more about. Fuck, I'm just glad someone is using Inertia properly. Johns really knows his characters and their history.

What can I say about the art other than: Perfect. His pencils once again demonstrates just how much time and high quality work goes into each frame. But it's not just him that makes this book shine, it's the entire art team! The pencils are clean and crisp, the inks pull everything together, and the coloring puts it all up and over the top. From front to back this book looks fantastic and Daniels will be missed as well. I can't recommend this title enough, once again Johns has put the Titans up there with X-men and that hasn't been done since the days of Wolfman and Perez! A+

Black Panther # 24 Review

This Review was submitted by Knightwingbk

Writer: Reggie Hudlin
Artists: Marcus To and Koi Turnbull

Yuck. I was enjoying the Black Panther Civil War issues, starting with the Namor one, but this one stunk. They were working until Black Panther showed up in the main book. Now, this book is behind CW #6. It all takes place before that issue, and I'd bet $20 that #25 does as well. Why aren't these issues out already? We shouldn't be reading issues that take place before the last issue of Civil War after it came out. Black Panther is with the Secret Avengers and is sniffing out people for some mission. Literally, he sniffs Sue Storm. What kind of deodorant does Sue wear? Did you smell Namor's gunk in her hair or something? Good grief! Meanwhile Storm is dealing with Iron Man at her front door and her bodyguards being wanted by the U.S. government.

Also, the U.S. is planning an invasion of Wakanda? What? Since when? Since Reggie Hudlin has to have an image of the white man putting down the black man in every issue. The U.S. already invaded Wakanda, in the first arc of this retconned series, and got their asses kicked. Since I bet it hasn't been 4 years "Marvel time" since that arc, it’s probably still the same President, and he wouldn't be that dumb to try and invade or intimidate Wakanda again. Or would he? All the Government officials in this comic are old white people, you know "the Man." Ugh. Who edits this book? The more I think about it, the more stupid and almost racist it feels. I don't think the U.S. has ever treated an African country the way that appears in this book. If Reggie Hudlin wants to change the world, get out of the comics business and tell rappers to pull their pants above their knees, put a tie on, and go to Washington, not put it in comics, even if it is Black Panther. I may not be the target audience for this title, but it stinks of "I'm better than you" syndrome. Oh, and the art stinks. Michael Turner hires guys for Aspen who draw like the book is spinning slowly on the drawing table. Who taught these guys proportions? F- SKIP THIS BOOK

Blue Beetle # 11 Review

This Review was submitted by Knightwingbk

Writer: John Rogers
Artist: Rafael Albuquerque

Okay, Keith Giffen and Cully Hammner have officially left the book. Albuquerque is the new main artist on the book, and I am thrilled. If he can keep a monthly schedule and ink his own work, thank god. Blue Beetle was really flailing in the water because of the art inconsistencies and delays. Albuquerque has his own look, but it is similar enough in style to Hammner and Cynthia Martin that it does not jar you. Bless you Albuquerque, unless you loose your scheduling.

John Rogers is carrying on the mystery of the Blue Beetle suit, continually feeding us glimmers of information and leaving it at that. In the previous issue, Brenda was transported by a Mother Box to another world. Jaime went in to rescue her and bring her back to Earth. He meets a New God and of course, fights him before teaming up with him to defeat a greater evil. This issue is skippable because it does not do much to advance the Blue Beetle plot other than the appearance of Metron and the mention of "the Reach" which is coming next issue. Unless are already buying this book like me, you can miss this issue and wait for next month's. C-

Ion # 10 Review

This Review was submitted by Knightwingbk

Writer: Ron Marz
Artist: Greg Tocchini

I'm back! Been away a long time because of the winter holiday and break from school, but lets get back to it!

Ion is getting back up to speed. The last two issues have seen a re-emergence of the Tangent characters, and Kyle was apparently killed last issue. Here, we find out that he was instead transported somewhere, to another dimension, and he finds the two kids we saw in IC #7 who found the tangent green lantern on the beach. Captain Atom/Monarch shows up in an unexpected guest spot, and I'm glad he's not crazy. Or is he? Captain Atom is planning something, gathering forces and items for the future. He mentions that something is coming and that the dimension that they are in cannot be seen by the monitors. This brings up an interesting plot point. Two actually, 1) that Captain Atom isn't crazy and is planning something, and 2) that the Monitors are hiding something from the denizens of the DCU. With the recent teaser that DC released featuring Ion, I'd say that Ion is a must read book for hints about what is next for the DCU. This book was mainly more interesting from the hints than the actual plot, and the tangent characters featured on the cover are not in the actual book, but pick it up anyway.

Greg Tocchini is back on art after 2 issues without him, and he really shines in this issue. Captain Atom talks about visiting the Wildstorm Universe and the page where he does this is a great image. Everything just melds together, spinning and interlocking, like we are looking at all of Captain Atom's memories at once. Also, the fight scenes really fit his style. The more and more I read Ion, the more I feel like Tocchini was the right choice for artist on this book. B-

X-men # 195 Review

Author: Mike Carey
Penciler: Humberto Ramos
Inker: Carlos Cuevas
Colors: Edgar Delgado

For a moment I thought we were going to have another Chuck Austen or Peter Milligan on this book. But, I believe that Mike Carey is finally starting to get used to writing these characters. Although is still far from being what the book once was, it's starting to shape up.

Rogue went to see genetics expert Richard Palance to help control her mutant powers years ago. Well it turns out Palance has been kidnapping mutants in recent months. Rogue is still missing, because supposedly Palance needs her for some reason. Which is a bit confusing, of course I could be totally missing something. Palance seems to have the ability to use any mutants' powers he has come in contact with. He uses Chamber's, Sunfire's, and Husk's powers in this very issue. This is all made possible by Rogue, because of their previous contact years ago. So I'm not really sure why he needs her now. Anyway...Iceman, Karima, and Lady Mastermind are taken down by Palance, while Cable and Cannonball drop Sabretooth from their ship for a rescue!

The art is very simple and very animeish...oh right this is Humberto Ramos. But his art is cleaner and smoother than Bachalo so I ain't complaining. He really would be the perfect artist for a book like New X-men or Teen Titans or Flash, damn to see him draw Bart again would be perfect. The story is finally starting to pick up and it was actually a fun read. Although Carey's take on Karima is more machine than woman, she is still an interesting addition to the team. So really not too much to complain about, but also nothing to write home about. Mad props for the shout out to Alchemy! B