Review: Batman and Batgirl #21

I really hate what the New 52 has done to Batgirl. She is no longer an interesting, engaging, fun, character. Rather, everyone likes to write her so she is constantly wallowing in self-pity and blaming herself for all her family's problems. This issue was no different. Although I have complete trust in Peter J. Tomasi as an author and storyteller, I think he really screwed up this issue. Batgirl is not made interesting at all and Batman is the same angry, half-insane dad we've seen throughout this entire saga. The whole issue Batgirl is building confidence to confront Bruce. When she eventually does, it's kind of underwhelming. She is just a whiny, little, complainer who says the same thing as everyone else in the Bat-Family. I am also heartily disappointed in Patrick Gleason for have leaving after 20 issues. I want you back Pat. This new guy is crap.

Review: Age of Ultron #10

Now, Marvel, you're just wasting my time. I was on board for the first four issues of AoU. I was even down with the next couple of issues. Last issue was a disgrace to humanity. I can't give this issue any higher praise.
First, let me say, I hate having art switch on me in the same book. You realized that there were ten pencilers on this book. Right? What good can come out of ten pencillers? That's right: not much. The constant art switches where a pain in the rear, and I hate Bryan Hitch in the first place.
The whole, "time capsule, message to the past, Hank Pym" narration is ok. It doesn't really make sense. But hey, who the hell cares if something makes sense? The whole issue was about some team of Avengers or faction or whatever (I hate the Avengers) so I lost interest about 4 pages in. The rest was kind of surprising if you have a giant knowledge of the entire Marvel Universe. I just know about the X-Men, so I wasn't shocked too bad. Some of the storytelling during the Universe morphing was kind of cool, but only kind of. I am so glad this series is over. I didn't understand the last pages at all; but I hope the ending doesn't affect Guardians of the Galaxy too much.

Review: Guardians of the Galaxy #3

For some reason, I just feel like nothing has gone on in this title. I really want this series to move out of this phase it's in, whatever phase that is because it isn't very interesting. The story is kind of all over the place with this issue. We see the tastefully named J-Son (I was being sarcastic) have a meltdown in front of the most powerful people in the Galaxy. Nice move Captain Wonder Name. Everyone decides their sort of sick of the guy. Of course you would only think of that now. Although I resent Steve McNivens' use of computerized art he does draw some kick-ass landscapes. All of the intergalactic hoo-ha is Star Wars-esque and quite beautifully drawn. I, however, dislike the way Mr. McNiven draws faces quite a bit. Tony Stark has a meltdown towards the beginning of the issue where he is just screaming at seemingly nothing for the Avengers to Assemble. Yeah. 'Cause that'll work Iron Man.
As we found out last issue the Guardians were imprisoned by some Baboon warship or something like that. Anyways, I kind of enjoy seeing the agents on the ship who are assigned to take all of the weapons debate over whether such "primitive" objects are considered weapons. I always like reading dialogue written by Bendis, but this isn't his best storytelling. It is nice to see the team all together at the end, especially the scenes with Groot. I will stay with this book until the next arc, but if that doesn't blow my mind I think I might be dropping it.

Review: Batman #21

Zero Year is here! But...it's not mind-blowing. A lot of people have been calling this issue "decent" and "not as good as expected" but I think they aren't giving it credit for what it was. It is really easy to start multiple story threads when you have a team or group of characters, but the Batman title doesn't have a lot of people featured in it so you can imagine why it would be considerably harder to start multiple threads at once. Nonetheless, master comic author Scott Snyder manages to deliver a very intriguing first chapter of this epic.
 I honestly would have put this issue down if once again I had to witness the death of Bruce's parents. EVERY SINGLE BATMAN ORIGIN STORY IS THE SAME. This issue instead starts in a Gotham of the past that was not at all as nice a place to live as it is in the present. Batman is not the man we are used to seeing, and his rogues gallery is not quite the same either. We are reintroduced to a villain we met briefly in the #0 issue. This would of course be Red-Hood and the Red-Hood Gang. Batman saves a truckload of hostages in the most creative and enjoyable getaway in comics. We then see Bruce talking to Alfred about some plans and whatnot and the Red-Hood Gang seem to come up more than once. What I found particularly interesting is that the gang is just a bunch of random people with guns. They could be your neighbors, spouses, or best friend. The last scene of the book was a universe building moment where Bruce and his Uncle talk about family matters. Bruce wants to "stay dead" for various reasons, but his Uncle is opposed to that. Just from that one conversation the Wayne family tree can be made just a little larger. The flashback and the backup story were also entertaining, fitting nicely as part of the Origin Story.

Review: Thor: God of Thunder #9

This book shows comics at it's best. Although it may not have been the best issue of the series, the storytelling was some of the best I have ever seen in comics. As the people consistently reading this blog know, I really hate fight scenes. I think comics can be so much more than two people punching each other. The thing that really sucks is the lack of words, therefore the lack of time I have to spend reading the book. This issue was a fascinating mix of both. There was a fast-paced, interesting fight sequence, but kept the narration consistent throughout. The issue felt a lot longer than it actually was, probably due to the fact that there weren't a ton of splash pages. Each Thor was a unique fighter on their own and they did get split-up and reunited many a time through out the book. Jason Aaron managed to invent a new power for the oldest Thor that turned out to turn the tides of the battle more than once. Esad Ribic's art shines (as always.) The art style, especially the colors, totally fit the book. I really think that when Jason Aaron wakes up in the morning and thinks about how he can torture his readers the most. Almost all of the titles he writes end up in disarray by the end of the first issue. This doesn't turn out to be for the worst at the end of this issue when it: " rains Thors." Everything is going to hell, but that's the way Mr. Aaron likes it. Anyways, I am very pleased with this installment of the best ongoing series from Marvel. I am hoping that the God bomb arc can end smoothly in two issues.

Review: Wolverine & The X-Men #31

This issue did what it was supposed to, and then a little more. The purpose of this issue was to introduce us to the Hellfire Club and Faculty of the Hellfire Academy and give us a tour of the school. I have to say; Jason Aaron is a master of creating new characters. Honestly, who else would think up a mutant named Snot who has lethal sneezes? Answer: no one. I take that back. Maybe Brian Michael Bendis. But only maybe. Anywho, I think that what Jason Aaron is doing with the school is kind of questionable. When the teacher to student ratio is 13:8 you don't want to be threatening their lives at every turn. Every. Single. Teacher. Yells at kids and tells them they're going to die. Even though Mystique is a great character and might have potential in the role of teacher, she does treat her only class a little harshly. All of the classes seem a little random as well, I mean, Xenobiology? Seriously? I think the Hellfire Saga Prologue didn't accurately reveal the Jean Grey runaways intentions all that accurately. Oya and Kid Omega are undoubtedly trying to escape the school, but not without stealing a little inside information first. My favorite part of the issue was when Kid Omega meets Kade Kilgore for the first time. They are both such great personalities and it is so much fun to see how they handle coming face to face with one another. The ending is ominous, I am really excited to see how Jason Aaron handles this one. The art is great from Nick Bradshaw, it's great to have him back on the book.
Definitely a great issue even if there weren't many appearances from the usual X-Men. I'm sorry that these reviews are coming in a little late. I had a ton of books last night and am trying to work through them all.

Review: Savage Wolverine #6

My expectations couldn't have been lower. I thought that after Frank Cho's decent run on the book would just melt into the hell we like to call a team-up book. Thankfully, it did not. I found that this title continued to be high-quality (in both art and writing) and did include some characters I was glad to see.  I found this in the front of the book: "Editor's Note: This story takes place awhile back. Like, at least, before last October. So don't get all out of sorts about continuity."
Thank you Marvel! That is the kind of thing I am looking for in comics. With all of the titles on a specific character sometimes quality is compromised for how the stories connect with one another. Marvel is basically saying: "Screw making sense! We want to give our readers a good time!" And that they have. I enjoyed all of the parts Elektra starred in during this issue; but really, can you go wrong with Elektra? Answer: no. She is silent as always but plays an interesting role in bringing Wolverine into the fray. The story of the Kingpin is equally compelling. For once Wilson Fisk is not in control. Quite the opposite: he is forced to do many things that will not benefit him at all. All of the Avenger cameos in this book were thoughtful and necessary. Almost all of the book revolves around a glimpse of a scene that I presume took place in a previous Avengers title. I really despise the Avengers but thought they were written well and got some god snark and one-liners out of Logan. I can't say I understand all of the forces at play in this situation Logan has gotten himself into, but I can say with a fair deal of certainty that a little ignorance will not keep me from enjoying this arc.

Review: Kick Ass 3 #1

I was so so so so so so so excited for this issue. But when I saw it on the top of my stack I was nervous, almost scared to pick it up and read it. I thought that it would disappoint me, I had such high expectations. God, I was so wrong. This is an awesome #1 issue. Most of the issue was devoted to Justice Forever busting Hit-Girl out of jail. Which eventually turned out to be a bust. The rest of the issue explains what is happening in the life of Kick-Ass, Marty, Todd and Justice Forever. It turns out Marty got into college and Kick-Ass and Todd are living in an apartment and working at a burger joint. Dave really needs Kick-Ass more than Dave so he is crime fighting more than usual. The one case we got to see Kick-Ass work was lots of fun to watch. It seems he has matured and become much better at, well, kicking ass. He has a sidekick and comes crashing through windows. I found the writing to be as funny and great as ever, the note Hit-Girl left Kick-Ass was brilliant. The best scene in the whole book, no doubt, was when Todd and Dave are posing at the graveyard to look badass. It is very immature and disrespectful yet at the same time funny. I think Mark Millar needs to tone it down just a smidge on the Batman references  it seems like he is just trying to piss Marvel off by using DC characters' names in his Marvel-ish book. I hope to buy all of the variants of this issue, as it was a very good issue. 

It's about 12 o'clock so I'm calling it a night. Thanks for reading all of the reviews. You guys are the best a guy can hope for!

Daredevil: Dark Knights #1

I had no idea what I was getting into when I bought this issue. When I saw that it was a series of classic-style Daredevil stories I went for it. I think it was a quite rewarding issue, and a series that should not go unnoticed. Lee Weeks does a phenomenal job telling the story both through the art and the writing. Quotes are hard things to incorporate into comics in a meaningful way. The biblical references in this book were poignant throughout. The prologue did a very nice job explaining the origin for anyone who forgot. The rest of the issue was just pure comic bliss. The author starts a story thread with a family taking a car trip and hints towards an accident. Meanwhile we see our hero, as Matt Murdock, in the hospital with no memory. During all of that we learn that there is a whiteout city wide. The rest of the story floats seamlessly between the time before Matt was in the hospital and the time he is defending the hospital. DD's radar sense was handled well too, relying mostly on sound. The way the author depicts it is unique in having words floating around Daredevil's head. He surprises all of the doctors and nurses by his heightened senses and combat abilities. Eventually by the end of the book they do find out that he is Daredevil, but he doesn't seem to care. It is a rewarding moment at the end of the book when Daredevil gets suited up and leaps off the rooftop, but sort of a fail how he crashes down immediately. Yet another thread is started in this issue as we learn about two kids barely surviving an accident and needing transplants. The first-responders during the storm are quite like those in real life. My reading buddy points out a line in particular: "Having any second thoughts?" "Nope. Same as if it was my daughter."
Great issue! If you have not already bought it head to your local comic book shop now or buy it online here: http://www.comixology.com/Daredevil-Dark-Nights-1-of-8/digital-comic/DIG004494

Thanos Rising #3

A lot of people didn't enjoy the first two issues. I was not part of that group. Still, I understand why people said what they did. I do think this issue far exceeded the first two.
Thanos's life is in complete disarray. Every time he tries to settle down and start a new life he just can't do it. That is part of the reason this issue is so messed-up. All he is doing for the first third or so of the book is having children with women then forgetting them. He does join a group of Space Pirates. I heartily enjoyed watching Thanos get treated the way he did; It's ironic to see such a big, bad villain getting teased for not wanting to kill. I always love Jason Aaron and thought his writing was particularly good in this installment. He managed to give every character a voice and dialect that seemed like it fit the character. I loved the amount of inner-monologue in this issue, making it feel like a very personal Thanos story. Although the fight scene between Thanos and his abusive captain didn't make sense it was well handled and seemed organic to the story. The ending of the book was no giant shocker but still a good ending. The very last page is as disturbing and stomach-churning as they get. I hope next issue is just as good, I would love to see some characters from the rest of the Marvel Universe come into play!

Review: Age of Ultron #9

Good issue, bad conclusion to the story-arc. I know it isn't the official conclusion, but the series could definitely end here. Thank god Wolverine hightailed it out of the Morgana Le Fey timeline. Not to say I understood that at all. I totally don't get how two Wolverines were in the same room when one of them murdered Hank Pym. And I don't get where one of them got their costume. The banter between the two Wolverines is very, very entertaining. I think they came to a reasonable solution together with Hank and Sue. As I said, it would have been enough to stop at that! I think the best part of the issue by far is when the Wolverine's decide which one of them should die at the other's hand. The result is not shocking, but kind of sad. It has been a fun ride, but I'm glad it's winding down. I can't stand it that the last three issues just got erased from Marvel history like that. Totally disappointing. I do like Carlos Pacheo's art style, but I was really loving +Brandon Peterson 's. I am really excited to meet him at Comic Con. When all is said and done, this was a fine issue. I am scared almost to think what next month will hold and will definitely not be picking up the spin-off series. Well, I've sort of run out of things to say. Until next time!

Review: All-New X-Men #12

I had absolutely no hope for this issue: Uncanny Avengers, major fights, Captain America, all things I hate in comic books. Like always, Brian Michael Bendis did not disappoint  It was not a giant fight scene like the cover might suggest, it was a diplomatic meeting in which the X-Men explained their opinions. With a little bit of fighting. But still, I was happy by the way the interactions between the two teams played out, Young Cyclops meeting Havok was an awesome conversation and Jean Grey's unhappiness with Wanda Maximoff was even better. It was very nice to see Havok meet his younger brother at the best stage in his development, and it was even better to see Cyclops meet his older brother. Of course Captain America has to be reprimanding Alex the whole time: "Alex, I told you not to. Alex, we agreed. Alex, this isn't what we came for." God, I can't stand Captain America. The drawing from one of my favorite Marvel artists, Stuart Immonen, was surprisingly sub-par this week. I thought he was very good with page layout but some of his faces looked atrocious.
Through my reading of the X-Men I haven't really "met" Jean Grey. Even if I did, I think the character is brought the most Justice under the pen of Mr. Bendis. It is really fun to watch her go snooping around in other peoples thoughts, although what she finds infuriates her. The only fighting happens right after this. I thought the fighting was well done as it sent a message to the reader: "Don't piss off Jean Grey!" She took down freakin' Thor! Captain America (of course) accuses the O5 of crimes they so clearly didn't commit. Wolverine offers up his, correct among other things, opinion that the person behind all of these crimes is Mystique. No duh! We also get a glimpse into the dynamic of Mystique's squad; something I have been enjoying quite a bit more over the past 4-5 issues. I have also been waiting for the epic moment when the O5 an Mystique and her gang clash. That promises to be a good issue. I love Wolverine taking charge at the end of the issue, the last line is extremely gratifying. But, as I have said before, Wolverine is not the solution to complicated problems. On another note, Scott Snyder is a god.