Albert Avilla Reviews: Flash #0

Flash #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Story: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Art: Francis Manapul

(Spoiler Alert)
This was a yakety yak issue if I ever read one. This was an in depth view into the same old same old. If you didn't know the Flash's origin, then, I would tell you to read this. The gang just told us a nice little yarn with me being no more enlightened than when I started. I knew Barry Allen was a good man before I read this story. What was new? He stayed in a coma. He won a spelling bee. His uniform had to be armor. The only action in the story was a bank robbery. I feel like I'm cheating you out of your time by writing this review, but you didn't pay $2.99 to read this. There is a good reason to call this issue #0. This did not reach the bar set by other #0 stories.

I rate Flash #0 Don't Waste Your Time and Cash.

Jiu Jiu: Prince Meru the Vampire Pig

I read Jiu Jiu, Vol. 2

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin (which has free comics).

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 31 2012

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Albert Avilla Reviews: Aquaman #0

Aquaman #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Geoff Johns
Art: Ivan Reis and Joe Prado

(Spoiler Alert)
The formula for success is team Geoff Johns with a good artist and let them do that thing. This story is a prime example of this formula. This story is a prime example of this.

Aquaman has been revealed to be an Atlantean. Before he dies, Thomas Curry gives his son a message to give to his mother. Then, Aquaman escapes a group of reporters into the sea. Then, Johns lets the artist do their thing. They take us on a fabulous journey through the oceans depths that National Geographic would envy. He battles a Great White Shark using his ability to control ocean animals to end the battle. Aquaman surfaces in a storm in time to save a yacht from crashing on a rocky coast. The man he saves tells Aquaman of another Atlantean named Vulko. Aquaman finds Vulko, who tells him that he is the rightful king of Atlantis. Vulko takes Aquaman to Atlantis.

Johns does one of the things that he is excellent at doing. He lets the artist shine. This is a great collaboration between writer and artists. A large part of the story was told through the art. The splash page with the shark, the panel where Aquaman saves the yacht, and the final two pages were masterpieces among masterpieces. I could go on about other scenes, but you should enjoy this on your own. The story reads quickly, but the joy of the story comes from the visual story telling.

I rate Aquaman #0 Buy Your Own Copy.

March Story: Lady Janjaghee

I read March Story, Vol. 4

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin (which has free comics).

Book Review: THE FIFTY YEAR SWORD

THE FIFTY YEAR SWORD
PANTHEON BOOKS – @PantheonBooks

AUTHOR: Mark Z. Danielewski
STITCHING: Atelier Z – Regina Gonzales, Claire Kohne, Michele Reverte
ISBN: 978-0-307-90772-1; hardcover (October 2012)
288pp, B&W and Color, $26.00 US, $31.00 CAN

Born in 1966, Mark Z. Danielewski is a novelist and postmodern writer. His debut novel, House of Leaves (2000), was released to some critical acclaim. In 2005, he released The Fifty Year Sword, an illustrated novella, in two limited editions.

Now, the trade edition of The Fifty Year Sword arrives, published in hardcover by Pantheon Books. There are more than 60 pages of illustrations in this edition, but this art isn’t drawn. The illustrations are stitched, rather than drawn. This stitching was executed by Mark Z. Danielewski and three seamstresses: Regina Gonzales, Claire Kohne, and Michele Reverte.

The Fifty Year Sword is set in Upshur County, East Texas, on a cold, windy night. Readers follow the story through Chintana, a local seamstress recently abandoned by her husband, Pravat. Chintana’s activity for the evening is a party thrown by 112-year-old Mose Dettledown, a peculiar woman known for her odd gatherings and get-togethers. This evening, however, Chintana finds herself the guardian of five orphans: two girls – Inieda and Micit, and three boys – Ezade, Sithiss, and Tarff.

This rambunctious quintet is captivated by a strange, shadowy storyteller, perhaps an uninvited guest to the party, who spins a tale of vengeance. He tells them of strange lands (The Valley of Salt and The Forest of Falling Notes) and strange people (The Man with No Arms). Of particular interest is the long black box that the storyteller set before Chintana and the children. As midnight approaches, Chintana and the children prepare to get a full glimpse of the storyteller, his secrets, and the thing in his black box.

The Fifty Year Sword is a novella written in verse. I can’t say that I was happy to discover that fact after I received a review copy from Pantheon. After I read a few pages, however, I started to enjoy the book. Pantheon describes The Fifty Year Sword as “a ghost story for grownup readers.” To me, this is a children’s story and dark fairytale told in a grown-up’s voice with adult idioms, metaphors, symbolism, etc. It’s like Neil Gaiman with splashes of Edgar Allen Poe and Rudyard Kipling.

The most enjoyable thing about The Fifty Year Sword is that’s Danielewski strings his words together in a visually evocative manner. I imagine the world of this novella as sparse, even barren, but I bet that what is on the landscapes and in the environments is unique. Sometimes, it doesn’t take much, in terms of setting, to make a place magical, wonderful, and different.

I think that being written in verse sometimes does not work for the story. It can be awkward in the way it presents some things. The Fifty Year Sword is flawed in some ways, but it still does what good fantasy does. It takes you places filled with magic, mystery, wonder, and even danger.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Case Closed vs. the Kaito Kid

I read Case Closed, Vol. 44 (Case Closed (Graphic Novels))

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin (which has free smart phone apps and comics).

I Reads You Review: AVX: VERSUS #2

AVX: VERSUS #2 (OF 6)
MARVEL COMICS

WRITERS: Steve McNiven, Kieron Gillen
PENCILS: Steve McNiven, Salvador Larroca
INKS: John Dell, Salvador Larroca
COLORS: Morry Hollowell, Jim Charalampidis
LETTERS: VC’s Joe Caramagna
COVER: Salvador Larroca
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S.

Rated: T+

Avengers Vs. X-Men was Marvel Comics’ most recent, big event, crossover series. The final issue was just released, but I mostly ignored the entire thing except for reading the #0 and #1 issues. However, I was recently going through a box of comic books given to me by fellow comics aficionado and comic book reviewer, Albert Avilla, when I came across AVX: VS #2.

I was confused by the title. Was this Avengers Vs. X-Men? But the first page of this comic book explains it all. This is Avengers versus the X-Men, but instead of big, sprawling team brawls, AVX: VS features one-on-one battles between individual members of the Avengers and the X-Men. To paraphrase the introduction: it’s not about plot, but about two superheroes pounding the snot out of each other. AVX: VS is a six-issue, tie-in miniseries to the main event, but even more than the main series, AVX: VS is pure fight comics.

AVX: VS #2 has two heavyweight bouts – Match 3 and 4 of this series. First, Avenger Captain America takes on X-Man, Gambit, in a story written and penciled by Steve McNiven with inks by John Dell. Then, Avenger, the Amazing Spider-Man, takes on a Juggernaut-enhanced Colossus of the X-Men in a story written by Kieron Gillen and drawn by Salvador Larroca.

I thought that Steven McNiven’s delicate line work and intricate cross-hatching would not work when trying to depict a fight between two superheroes that seem to be in constant motion. However, refined lines and precise cross-hatching are perfect for capturing combatants in static images with grace and beauty. When the panels are connected in the way that comics are read, this gracefully rendered artwork creates the illusion that these two characters are in motion and are fighting.

Salvador Larroca is quite good at drawing the exaggerated anatomy that has practically been the standard over the better part of the last three decades. It’s usually a mixed bag with Larroca. Sometimes, his superhero figure drawing looks ugly or even anal in its delineation of every nook and cranny of bulging muscles. Other times, Larroca gets it just right, as he does here.

He captures the inherent gangly nature of Spider-Man’s physique while giving him the grace of a dancer and the precise skill of an acrobat. Larroca turns Colossus into a body-building mass of destruction and transforms his body into a force of nature driven by muscle power. The second and third pages of the Spider-Man/Colossus bout form a double-page spread that encapsulates how fittingly Larroca depicts the two characters.

Story? Who needs story with fight comic book art like this?

B

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's: The Duel Dragons

I read Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's, Vol. 3 (Yu-Gi-Oh! (Graphic Novels))

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin (which has free comics).

Albert Avilla Reviews: Batwoman #0

Batwoman #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer/Artist: J.H. Williams III
Writer: W. Haden Blackman

(Possible Spoilers)
Sometimes a story becomes more than a comic book or even a graphic novel and becomes just good literature. I have stated before that I like the old-fashioned fisticuffs in my comics, but if the creators have real talent I can be moved by words. This is a fine example of one of those stories. This story makes you believe that these fictional characters are real and that we are privy to one of their secret moments.

The writers do an incredible job of illustrating the changing dynamic in Kate's relationship with her father. Williams and Blackman give us a fresh take on the training of a Bat-character. Her training does not come from Batman; it is directed by her father's own military background. Batman may have inspired her name and costume, but Kate's father is the inspiration for her life. Batwoman's origin is told in a message to her father that she leaves on her computer to let her father know his importance to her. In Kate Kane we see a powerful self-reliant woman who is able to resist falling into the abyss that is Gotham. Some writer once made the quote that we do not judge great literature; it judges us. Let this story judge you.

With a story like this, there is no need to make a comment about the art. We all know that Williams has made Batwoman his character.

I rate Batwoman #0 Recommend It To A Friend.

The Story of Saiunkoku: Cheaters Rule

I read The Story of Saiunkoku, Vol. 8

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin (which has free comics).

Albert Avilla Reviews: Catwoman #0

Catwoman #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Ann Nocenti
Pencils: Adriano Melo
Inks: Julio Ferreira

This is a story about nothing. We have no insight into Selina Kyle. The story jumps around so much I don’t think it gives itself a chance to tell us anything. I get the feeling that Nocenti tries to do too much without really revealing anything. It's understandable that there is a mystery to be solved, but the story does not motivate me to find out what the answers are. I cannot find words to continue writing about this story much less persuade anyone that they should read this story.

I rate Catwoman #0 Don't Waste Your Time and Cash.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Captain America #17

Captain America #17
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Ed Brubaker & Cullen Bunn
Pencils: Scot Eaton
Inks: Rick Magyar

“New World Orders Part 3” (Spoiler Alert)
A Brubaker story, where can you go wrong? Cap is fighting an army of super-powered villains. Anarchy is raging across the U.S.A. Cap is leading his crew to destroy the MNN satellite that is broadcasting a mind-altering signal. Diamond Back is trying to throw that stuff on Cap, but Cap don't play that. Cap is going to sneak on Hydra Island, but every Discordian on the planet is waiting for him.

Sharon Carter and Dum Dum Dugan are destroying the satellite; Baron Zemo shows up shooting and stabbing. Zemo is ready to cut Sharon down. Falcon and DBack are on the ground working the streets, ready to clean up once the signal is stopped, but that is a no go because the signal is being broadcasted by these big clunky robots.

Brubaker does what he's good at, giving Cap a world-threatening enemy to defeat. Cap has supporting characters that give Cap depth as a character, not just as a soldier fighting to save the world. He does have a little personal drama to deal with. This is the issue that builds up to the issue that we don't want to miss. I call it the good old set up.

Just average comic book art, nothing to go on about. The art is mostly character driven, not much on the background details.

I rate Captain America #17 Buy Your Own Copy.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Astonishing X-Men #54

Astonishing X-Men #54
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Marjorie Liu
Artist: Mike Perkins
Cover: Phil Noto

(Spoiler Alert)
The story starts with the X-Men buried under tons of rubble. With the super-human effort of Cecilia Reyes, the X-Men escape. The moment the X-Men are free, Hatchi shows up and infects them with nano-worms. She blinds Northstar to demonstrate her power over them. She orders the X-Men to take over Madripoor for her or she'll infect New York City. The X-Men find their way to Madripoor. Wolverine arrives on the island in his Patch persona. The X-Men meet with Tyger Tiger in a steel mill. Northstar and Iceman get into an argument about whether they are taking over Madripoor. Iceman ends up falling into a cauldron of molten iron.

The story flows well, and it is eventful with mild action. The big shocker of Iceman dying at the end is interesting. Eagerly anticipating finding out how Bobby will escape this predicament. Liu does a good job of handling the group; all of the characters make a contribution to the storyline. No one seems to just be along for the ride.

The art is uninspiring. It's hard to distinguish any facial features. I had to look closely at times to tell which character was speaking.

I rate Astonishing X-Men #54 Read a Friend's Copy

Albert Avilla Reviews: Birds of Prey #0

Birds of Prey #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Duane Swierczynski
Pencils: Romano Molenaar
Inks: Vicente Cifuentes
Cover: Stanley "Artgerm" Lau

“First Flight” (Spoiler Alert)
The story opens up with action, and that’s always a good point to start on. Black Canary is kick-ass to another level. She is trying to infiltrate the Penguin's organization to try and stop Basilisk from getting the components to create a mutation bomb. When the deal is going down, Batgirl shows up. Of course, Black Canary and Batgirl have to throw down. Canary lets Batgirl know that she's undercover. Canary takes charge of the situation and the Birds of Prey are born.

If you like female-on-female action, then this is the story for you. Black Canary is the total package as a super-heroine. She has the hand-to-hand skills and a cool meta-power, and she's a natural leader. In this incarnation, she also has the covert operative skills. With Batgirl and her skill-set, the two make a formative team. There is a rotating cast that allows the team to change to meet the challenge. There are a lot of bad B's in the DC Universe that need a place to shine. Birds of Prey will only be limited by the reins put on them. It's the New 52 letting the Birds soar to new heights.

The writing job was solid; Swierczynski handles the character of Black Canary well and the action flows smoothly. He did not let the one issue format restrict his storytelling. The whole creative team gave us more than what they were paid to give us. The art only heightened the pleasure of reading the story. The action scenes were bloody. The characters combat movement was natural. Black Canary was quite pleasing to the eye.

I rate Birds of Prey #0 Buy Your Own Copy.

Review: THE WALKING DEAD: The Official Magazine #1

THE WALKING DEAD: THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE #1 (NOV/DEC 2012)
TITAN MAGAZINES – @WalkingDeadMag

WRITERS: Robert Kirkman, Tob Weidmann, Dan Auty, Stuart Barr, Tara Bennett, Jay Bonansinga, Dan Bura, and Bryan Caims
ART: Charlie Adlard
98pp, Color, $9.99 U.S./Canada

The Walking Dead is a black and white comic book series published by Image Comics. It first appeared in late 2003, the creation of writer Robert Kirkman and artist Tony Moore. Artist Charlie Adlard replaced Moore as of the seventh issue and continues to draw the series, which, as of this writing, recently reached issue #103. The series follows Rick Grimes, his family and friends, and other survivors as the try to stay alive during a zombie apocalypse.

In 2010, a television series, “The Walking Dead,” based on the comic book, debuted on cable television channel, AMC. The Golden Globe Award-nominated series recently began its third season. The Walking Dead has also spawned merchandise such as video games, novels, apparel, (including Halloween costumes), action figures, toy lines, etc.

Like other genre media franchises (Star Wars, Star Trek), The Walking Dead has its own magazine. The Walking Dead: The Official Magazine #1 (November/December 2012) is now walking to newsstands and into mailboxes.

I must admit that I’ve never read a single issue of The Walking Dead comic book, although I’ve been meaning to since it first debuted. I watched the TV series’ debut episode, but I’ve only sporadically watched it since then. But The Walking Dead: The Official Magazine has my back. It is designed and produced not only to inform fans, but also to guide fresh newbie meat into the world of The Walking Dead.

The Walking Dead: The Official Magazine covers everything about The Walking Dead – comics, prose fiction, merchandise, and, of course, the TV series. That includes an interview with Glen Mazzara, the showrunner of AMC’s The Walking Dead. Mazzara even explains what a showrunner does (basically the day to day administration of the production). There is also an interview with the host of “Talking Dead,” Chris Hardwick.

“Choice Cuts,” one of what will be several regular features in the magazine, looks at Michonne, a hugely-popular character since her debut in the comic book. There is also an interview with Danai Gurira, the actress who portrays Michonne on the TV series. We learn, for instance, that Gurira is an award-winning playwright.

Do I have to tell you that there is a Robert Kirkman interview? There is a synopsis of the comic book from issue #1 to #100 and a preview of the TV series’ Season Three. Read the exclusive Walking Dead short story, “Just Another Day at the Office.” Learn about series artist Charlie Adlard and see the variant covers of The Walking Dead #100, including art from Bryan Hitch, Todd McFarlane, Ryan Ottley, Sean Phillips, Frank Quitely, Matthew Roberts, and Marc Silvestri.

There is so much more. And it’s good. Why be objective? The Walking Dead: The Official Magazine is awesome.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 24 2012

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Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for October 24 2012

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

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Toriko: Vegetable Sky!!

I read Toriko, Vol. 12

I posted a review at ComicBookBin (which has free smart phone apps and comics).

Albert Avilla Reviews - Daredevil: End of Days #1

Daredevil: End of Days #1
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writers: Brian Michael Bendis & David Mack
Pencils: Klaus Janson
Finishes/Paintings: Bill Sienkiewicz

(Spoiler Alert)
The story begins with a gruesome battle to the death between Daredevil and Bullseye. The fight scenes are down and dirty, no mercy, fights to the death with blood splattering across the panels. Daredevil meets his end by the way of a baton through the skull on the streets of Hell's Kitchen.

The story is told through the words of Ben Urich, the reporter of the Marvel world. Urich struggles to begin the story, but once he begins ,the story is gripping. We get a reporters view of the history of Daredevil intermingled with a friend's memories of a great hero. During his investigation of the story, we get to see the callous nature of the citizens of the city which has been a theme in Daredevil stories for decades. Urich paints a picture of a hero who protects Hell's Kitchen at all costs. A hero who crosses the line and kills his greatest enemy. In the closing scene, we see a red-eyed Daredevil looking down on Ben Urich. This issue gives me the feeling of a prologue to the story, and if the prologue is this good, then, the rest of the story better be on the money.

I'm looking forward to a classic Daredevil story, and I will be very upset (pissed like a mother f---) if it fails to live up to the standard that Bendis has set for himself. We don't need six issues of filler and a decent closing. A tour de force of ninja, gangster, super-villain violence wrapped by two covers is what I’m expecting, a story worthy of the character, Daredevil.

Klaus Janson and Bill Sienkiewicz are two industry greats who have made their names long before now, but it never hurts to try your best. Some pages make me say, Wow,” and others make me say, “Oww.” The balance of this book falls in the story more than the art.

I rate Daredevil End of Days #1 Buy Your Own Copy.

I Reads You Review: V FOR VENDETTA #1

V FOR VENDETTA #1

DC COMICS
WRITER: Alan Moore
ARTIST: David Lloyd
COLORS: David Lloyd, Siobhan Dodd
LETTERS: Jenny O’Connor, Steve Craddock
32pp, Color, $2.00 U.S., $2.95 CAN

So much for going out of print. DC Comics recently published a gift-box edition of the V for Vendetta trade paperback that includes the book and a plastic Guy Fawkes mask. This arrives about three years after DC Comics published a pricey “Absolute Edition” of V for Vendetta.

For those who don’t know: V for Vendetta is a comic book series written by Alan Moore and drawn by David Lloyd who provided most of the art for the series. The series is set in a dystopian, near-future United Kingdom after a nuclear war. It imagines a view of the 1980s and 1990s that is different from the same time period in our world. The series focuses on the activities of a mysterious masked revolutionary who calls himself “V.” Using elaborate methods and a theatrical style, “V” works to destroy the totalitarian government that rules over the U.K.

V for Vendetta originally saw publication as a serial in Warrior, a black and white, British comics anthology (1982-85). Warrior was cancelled in 1985, and V for Vendetta remained unseen until DC Comics began publishing V for Vendetta as a comic book series that reprinted the Warrior material in color and also published the new material that took the story to its conclusion. DC eventually collected the entire series, including some additional material, in trade paperback form under its Vertigo imprint.

I first read V for Vendetta back in the mid-1980s when I came across some issues of Warrior in the bowels of a comic book shop. I read both the V for Vendetta comic book series and the first trade paperback edition released by DC Comics. Since then, I’ve been meaning to read it again, but always put that off. The release of the gift-box trade encouraged me to re-read, at least, a little of V for Vendetta, although I didn’t buy the gift-box. Yes, I did think about buying that, but it seemed like a waste of money, really.

V for Vendetta #1 (September 1988) contains the first four chapters of the story (now called a graphic novel). In Chapter One: The Villain, we meet V and wannabe prostitute, Evey Hammond. In Chapter Two: The Voice, The Leader, ruler of fascist England demands that his subordinates find V after the mysterious figure blows up the Houses of Parliament. In Chapter Three: Victims, enter investigator Mr. Finch after V abducts the Voice of Fate. Chapter Four: Vaudeville, after Evey recounts her life and her experiences of the time the world changed, V passes judgment on the Voice of Fate.

When I first read V for Vendetta all those years ago, it left me stunned or, as people often say, I was blown away. Even after reading American Flagg!, comics by Moebius, and a smattering of independently published science fiction and fantasy titles, I was still not prepared for what V for Vendetta offered. A quarter-century later, the writing still engages me, and Lloyd’s elegant art, with its uncanny touch of realism without being a slave to realism, impresses me even more. Moore’s story and Lloyd’s art come together to create a graphical narrative that recalls Film-Noir and makes the story seem as much a mystery as it is a science fiction story.

In hindsight, we can take exception to this series’ ideas on how a limited nuclear war would effect the environment and the likelihood of how humans would live in its aftermath (or even survive it). Still, V for Vendetta seems like a reasonable scenario – from a socio-economic and political point of view. Reading it now, however, I think Moore’s character writing (along with Lloyd’s art) sells this series more than the near-future concepts, ideas, and setting.

Of course, the character, “V,” is remembered for his style and the theatrical manner in which he went about his activities. I think that the series works because all the characters, to put it simply, are interesting. There is such a sense of the melodramatic about them, with Moore heightening each one’s personalities and quirks so that they become visual cues. The Leader’s moodiness and rash temper, Mr. Finch’s blunt way of carrying out an investigation, and Evey’s near-hysterical survivor’s guilt are played for maximum effect. The characters are why V for Vendetta does not seem like just another post-apocalyptic tale. Instead, it reads and feels like a grand tale of politics and revenge that plays on the comic book page as if it were played on a stage.

Yes, V for Vendetta is still great.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Slam Dunk: For Victory

I read Slam Dunk, Vol. 24

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has free comics).

Albert Avilla Reviews: X-Treme X-Men #4

X-Treme X-Men #4
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Script: Greg Pak
Art: Paco Diaz

(Spoiler Alert)
Greg Pak writing about iconic X-Men characters in an alternate reality, bring it. The X-Men land in the Wild West. Xavier is a professional gambler who uses his telepathy to cheat. He crosses paths with Sabertooth and comes into his power while protecting himself. Evil Xavier takes over the town and oppresses the town. Good old fashioned Western Mutant action popping off every page. Sabertooth and some outlaws are harassing a mother and her son. Little Jamie starts popping claws. Team X-Treme saves the pair.

Wolverine lets himself get captured so that he can do some reconnaissance. Wolverine is in jail with his alternate reality father when Boss Xavier shows up with Colossus and Danger to take Wolverine. Dazzler and Nightcrawler arrive at the jail too late to save Wolvie, but they get Howlett out. Dazzler is left with the odds stacked against her as sheriff Cyclops and his posse, Wolverine, Sabertooth, Danger, and Colossus-riding a bison (hell, yeah, a bison!) are coming for her. She's rolling with ‘tween Nightcrawler, rug rat Wolverine, and the Xavier balloon.

The art was above average, but what I really enjoyed was Diaz's Flair for design. The industrialized West was fun. The characters were cool. The John Henry-style Colossus was awesome and he rides a bison. Xavier is all Wild West-bossed-up. Dazzler is fine as hell.

I rate X-Treme X-Men #4 Buy Your Own Copy.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Batman the Dark Knight #0

Batman the Dark Knight #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Gregg Hurwitz
Pencils: Mico Suayan and Juan Ryp
Inks: Vicente Cifuentes

"Chill in the Air" (Spoiler Alert)

This story ventures away from the other #0 stories that I've read and tackles the origin of Batman from another angle. We see the traits that make Batman who is developed in his youth.

Early in his life, we see Bruce display the courage that will make him a hero when he returns to the scene of his parents’ murder. This is the determination that drives him throughout his life. Every step that he takes in his life moves him in the direction of finding his parents’ killer; there is nothing that will lead him astray. There is no one to push him to achieve his goal. He is a Spartan warrior living for battle. He allows no pleasures to distract him from his preparation. When the time comes for Bruce to face battle, he throws down on a biker gang. We don't see a bumbling idiot falling over himself. We see a master of hand to hand combat who takes down the gang without a bead of sweat.

Bruce is destroyed when he learns that his parents were not killed as part of a conspiracy, but for being in the wrong place when an alcoholic needed his next drink. The symbolism of his mother's pearls and father's watch shows how the death of his parents drives Bruce.

If you just look at the art, you are not impressed, but when you look at it in the context of the story, the art becomes an important tool in the telling of the story. The artist uses the details to help drive the story home.

I rate Batman the Dark Knight #0 Buy Your Own Copy.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Uncanny Avengers #1

Uncanny Avengers #1
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: John Cassaday

(Spoiler Alert)

More uncanny people, who would not like it?

The story opens with the Red Skull implanting a mind control device into the brain of Avalanche and preaching his message of hate. Then, we cut to Xavier's funeral where Wolverine is giving the eulogy. Yes, Wolverine. Havok visits Cyclops in prison. I still get sick to my stomach at seeing how far he has sunken into depravity. Cap and Thor ask Havok to be the leader of the mutants. Yes, Cyclops's hotheaded brother. The three work together to stop a mind controlled Avalanche from tearing up Manhattan. Rogue and the Scarlet Witch have a little disagreement; then, Goat-Faced Girl and her team kidnap them. Yes, Goat-Faced Girl. The Red Skull has found a new source of power, Xavier's brain.

I enjoyed the story; it had action and drama. Remender does the little things that make a story great, but I do have some questions. You have two geniuses in Beast and Kitty Pryde, who would have had the sense to not eulogize a man of peace by saying you felt like killing someone. Where were the chairs at the funeral service? Why Havok as the leader of the mutants?

He has run from leadership roles most of his career. He didn't want the pressure of being on the team for many years. Let's ask Saddam's brother to lead Iraq; the public will go for that. Did they ask Ms. Marvel about putting Rogue on the Avengers? Rogue has a clean record. Who came up with the name Goat-Faced Girl? I can't wait to hear the explanation behind that name. The Skull had something to do with that.

The art was masterful. I could not ask for better. I have another question. Couldn't Cap ask Stark or someone at S.H.E.I.L.D. for better options than a chin strap and knee pads. Those knee pads look like the ones the floor man was wearing when he redid my floors.

I rate Uncanny Avengers #1 Buy Your Own Copy.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Teen Titans #0

Teen Titans #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Scott Lobdell
Pencils: Tyler Kirkman
Inks: Batt, Norm Rapmund, Jon Sibal

"Red Robin" (Spoiler Alert!)
The origin of Red Robin. Lobdell writes a wonderful story; this is a fascinating beginning for a Robin. Tim Drake is motivated to be a hero for different reasons than Batman and the other Robins. His determination to be the best at everything is important in his struggle to become Robin.

From the beginning, his family sees that Tim is destined for greatness and they support him. Despite Batman's efforts to dissuade him from the life, Tim continues in his pursuit of the mantle of Robin. Tim begins his own war on crime by stealing from rich criminals and giving to the poor. He runs afoul of the Penguin when he steals a fortune from Cobblepot. Batman saves him just as a hit squad arrives to kill him. Tim's parents are put in witness protection, and Batman takes Tim on as Robin.

Points that I liked about the story: Tim wants to be Robin, so it is not thrust upon him; he sees it as a step toward reaching his destiny. He feels that he is meant for greatness. Being Robin is not the be-all and end-all of his life. He forges his own destiny by designing his own uniform and choosing the name Red Robin. Lobdell is making Teen Titans his book with the creative direction he is taking this book.

The art is average. The characters look clunky; sometimes their movement does not seem natural. I do not like the dark gloomy look of most of the book.

I rate Teen Titans #0 Buy Your Own Copy.

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Albert Avilla Reviews: Red Hood and the Outlaws #0

Red Hood and the Outlaws #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Scott Lobdell
Artists: Pasqual Ferry, Ig Guara, Brett Booth

The Joker's Robin? The origin of Jason Todd as Robin. Lobdell is one of the best storytellers in comics. Poor, old Jason is raised by a hoodlum dad and a drug addict mom. Dad dies in prison, and mom overdoses. Jason does what he has to in order to survive. Batman takes him in, and he becomes Robin. He is a tough, gritty, brutal Robin.

Finds his mother in the Middle East, but this is a set up by the Joker. Jason goes in half-cocked; gets himself killed. Jason is resurrected by Talia al Ghul. This is a better resurrection than the previous one. Good job New 52. Then we get the old satellite dropped on our heads; The Joker shows up at the end of the story to tell us that Jason's rise to become was orchestrated by him.

This shocker made me respect Scott Lobdell just a little more. Another way to intertwine the characters of the Red Hood and the Joker. Lobdell is a masterful storyteller and I have been enjoying his work. I look forward to what he'll be doing with these characters and their rich backgrounds. We'll keep our fingers crossed, and possibly the team will expand its membership.

The only thing that I need to say about the art is look at Starfire on the cover.

I rate Red Hood and the Outlaws #0 Buy Your Own Copy.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Avengers Vs. X-Men Round 12

Avengers Vs. X-Men Round 12
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Story: Jason Aaron, Brian Michael Bendis, Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, Jonathan Hickman
Script: Jason Aaron
Pencils: Adam Kubert
Inks: John Dell, Mark Morales, Adam Kubert

(Possible spoilers)
There is no title to this story; it's Round 12. This is the battle of the year. If you read one comic this year, then you need to get a better job, get better friends, or hang around the comic shop a little longer. This is definitely the best one that I've read this month. A great balance of action and drama; I'm more of an aficionado of the action. We get the good old fisticuffs that we enjoy along with the heroic saving of human lives. The heroes use every ounce of their intestinal fortitude to defeat a powerful enemy. Finally, the Scarlet Witch and Hope knock the Phoenix out of Cyclops.

Interspersed with this beautiful action, we get the drama. A warrior who has fought for the light since his days as an adolescent is seduced by the darkness into believing that destruction is the path to his most lofty goals. Fighting to stop him: the mutant messiah and the destroyer of the mutant race. We have the fall of a great hero and the rise of another. Hope Summers just wants what we all want – to be our best self. She takes the Phoenix force and saves the Earth and the mutant race. The road we have traveled; Cyclops is a prisoner and Wolverine is the headmaster of his own school. Cap decides to take up the mutant cause. This event will have repercussions that will be felt across the Marvel Universe. The House of Ideas is still alive and flexing its muscles.

The series has been a showcase for Marvel's artists, and this round continues to give us the best of Marvel. Kubert and the crew are fantastic. From the temples of K'un Lun to every corner of the globe we get a celebration for the eyes.

You guessed it I rate Round 12 Recommend It To A Friend.

Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan - Kyoto in Darkness

I read Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan, Vol. 11

I posted a review in ComicBookBin (which has free smart phone apps and comics).