Albert Avilla Reviews: Avengers #1

Avengers #1
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Jerome Opena
Cover: Dustin Weaver and Justin Ponsor
Variant Covers: Steve McNiven and Justin Ponsor; Esad Ribic

“Avenger’s World” (Spoilers!)
Now, I know why the #1 on the cover is so big. Sometimes you like something, but you don’t know why. This is one of those times for me. I can’t say that the action was on a grand scale; The Avengers got their butts beat down.

The villains do seem to be interesting, but they are not beyond what we have come to expect. They are very powerful, and they took the Avengers out in a minute; they will be a challenge for the Avengers to defeat. They are new and fresh, and they are the worst kind of villains, beings who think that humans are primitives and that they are working for the good of mankind.

The dialogue is good stuff, but it’s just basic characters interacting with each other. Jonathan Hickman gives the events of this story a sense of historic significance. We get the feel that this is a major turning point in the history of the Universe. The Avengers are presented as legendary heroes whose myths go beyond their actual deeds. These are modern day George Washingtons and Geronimos whose legends have outgrown the real people. This is the beginning of an epic story. Hickman has set the stage for greatness; I hope that he is able to deliver.

Jerome Opena’s art is signature. It stands out in the crowd. Iconic characters and iconic scenes are found throughout the book. The art adds to the grandiose quality of the story.

I rate Avenger # 1 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter Ranking.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Red Hood and the Outlaws #13

Red Hood and the Outlaws #13
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Scott Lobdell
Art: Timothy Green II
Cover: Kenneth Rocafort and Blond

(Spoilers)
First, the cover has nothing to do with the story, unless I completely missed the boat, but damn, that is a nice cover.

The Tamaran War with the Blight comes to a smashing conclusion. The story focuses on the heroic efforts of Starfire to defeat the Blight. Arsenal is telling the story which gives an insight into the characters. Starfire does not disappoint on any level. She is a true hero willing to sacrifice for the greater good, fight with a warrior's heart, and love abundantly. She is what Red Hood and Arsenal need in their struggle with their baser sides. The team's powerhouse is also one of the most beautiful characters in comics. What more can we ask for?

Lobdell lets her go all out on the Blight which he does not do very often; the power she wields is awesome to behold. When we think that Starfire is going to wreck another level and violence on the Blight Lord, she instead kills him with love. With Lobdell it’s not all about the main characters; he allows peripheral characters to contribute to the story. The plotline involving the Dominator DePalo is another opportunity for Lobdell to develop Starfire's character. Lobdell makes us care about a member of one of the vilest races in the DC Universe. That's the way to end a story arc with hard hitting action and a little foreshadowing.

The art is a visual delight. It carries its share of the story load. Blackfire's battlesuit is slamming. The scene when DePalo is remembering Starfire leaving to come to Earth is effective. The colors are muted in contrast to the bright colors in the rest of the story, giving the feel of a memory.

I rate Red Hood and the Outlaws 13 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: Green Lantern #13

Green Lantern #13
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Geoff Johns
Pencils: Doug Mahnke
Inks: Christian Alamy, Mark Irwin, Tom Nguyen, Keith Champagne & Marc Deering
Colors: Alex Sinclair with Tony Avina
Cover: Ivan Reis, Oclair Albert, and Rod Reis

“Actions and Reactions” (Spoilers)
This is a “Rise of the Third Army” tie-in and the beginning of the Simon Baz Green Lantern era.

The president and Amanda Waller are discussing their concerns about Simon becoming a Green Lantern. Simon is out in the Florida Keys while the ring is mapping his neural pathways. Simon gets a conflicting message from Hal and Sinestro, but they do agree that the Guardians need to be stopped. The tattoo on Simon’s arm is glowing green and causing him pain.

Simon returns to Dearborn where his sister is being ostracized, because he is a suspected terrorist. Simon meets with his sister to enlist her help in his attempt to clear his name. Then, we get minions of the Guardians assimilating two truck drivers. Okay, they are not very discriminating. Simon is trying to avoid the cameras on a building when he gets sneaked. It’s the Justice League that sneaks him. What ever happened to honor? What about innocent before proven guilty?

We’ve been through the set-up process for two issues now. Now, it’s time for some fighting. I want to see what Mr. Baz brings to the table. Once the League is involved things should jump off nicely. I don’t want Simon talking his way out of this predicament. Drama has its place, but superhero fantasies are about earth shattering action. This is an emotional story, thus far; Johns has done a good job of making us sympathetic to Simon’s plight.

Good art, but it is not the kind of art that will bring that sense of awe. It doesn’t stand out from the crowd. Mahnke does a good job with the characters’ faces; that seems to be his strength.

I rate Green Lantern 13 Read a Friend’s Copy. #3 (of 5) on Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: X-Men Legacy #1

X-Men Legacy #1
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Simon Spurrier
Pencils: Tan Eng
Inks: Craig Yeung

“Prodigal” (Spoilers!)
The story begins in the mind of David Haller, where he has set up a prison system to control his alternate personalities. Apparently, the system had been working until one of the inmates, Ksenia Panov, notices a weakness. David returns to the real world, where he is working with Merzah the Mystic to deal with his insanity. David seems to be doing well, even healing others from their mental illnesses. He has a moment when he loses his concentration and Panov attacks at this time. David gets his control back and Panov is put back in her brain cell.

At that moment in the real world, David deals with a group of restless natives; by the time he’s finished, they want to worship him. Then all heck breaks loose when David feels the death of Xavier. The prison in his mind is destroyed, and the compound and the surrounding areas in the real world are also destroyed. We are left with two ominous battles looming: (1.) David fighting the X-Men and ( 2.) David fighting his evil alternate personalities.

As a set up issue, this is not a bad story, but if the coming battles are not awesome, then I’ll feel that this was lost money. I want to judge an issue on its own merits, but that is hard to do when it is a part of a story arc. With a character as powerful as Legion, the challenges that he faces must be more powerful than he is. We need to see our heroes face insurmountable challenges. Mr. Spurrier has his own challenge of beginning to create stories where Legion will be challenged on a consistent level. Having Legion on the edge of loosing his sanity and going ballistic will always maintain a certain intensity in any story.

I respect the talent of artists, but I have taken on the role of reviewing books for the public. I have to have the integrity to say blah when I feel blah. The art in this book makes me feel blah. The faces are blah. The characters are blah. The backgrounds are blah. The details are blah. It might be the reason that X-Men Legacy does not put the wow in Marvel Now.

I rate X-Men Legacy #1 Read a Friend’s Copy. #3 (of 5) on Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: Batgirl #13

Batgirl # 13
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Gail Simone
Pencils/Inks: Ed Benes

A Blade of Memory (Spoilers!)
The story kicks off with our heroine down and out for the count. She's been stabbed by the vile Nightfall. Batgirl brings herself back from the brink to stop Nightfall.

During a break in the action, we get Nightfall's origin. We learn that she is the daughter of a corrupt businessman. After her family is brutally murdered by her boyfriend, Trevor, Charise Carnes takes the blame and allows herself to be sent to Arkham to learn her craft from the inmates. What degree program is that? After that fine education, she goes on the noble path of fixing Gotham City by torturing and murdering criminals.

Once Batgirl lets Nightfall know that she's leaving with the criminal that Nightfall has been torturing and Trevor, the fight renews. Just as Batgirl reaches her limit, she gets help from the thug she is trying to save and is able to defeat Nightfall. Then, Batwoman comes in to save Batgirl. Barbra's mother is being threatened by thugs in clown masks. A group of super-villains are being gathered to kill Batgirl.

DC has a creative team on Batgirl that has the ability to make the book A-list. The potential for greatness is awesome. Upcoming stories seem to be interesting. Nightfall is a good archenemy for Batgirl, as their different philosophies clash with each other. Nightfall has challenged Batgirl by threatening to control the cyberworld, making Batgirl want to rise to the challenge. Batgirl is better when she is part of the action, but it would benefit her to develop her skills as a computer hacker. With covert and overt enemies to face, Batgirl has a challenging future to face.

I give props to Benes; he hasn't drawn a story where the art didn't accentuate the story. This is an all-around, good-looking book. He was even able to keep Batwoman in her own unique look.

I rate Batgirl # 13 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: Justice League #14

Justice League # 14
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Geoff Johns
Pencils: Tony S. Daniel
Inks: Matt Banning & Sandu Florea

The Secret of the Cheetah Chapter Two (Spoilers!)
Action from stem to stern: they earned my money. Mr. Johns gave me two good stories for the price of one; a good deal considering my finances.

Super Cheetah and Cheetah are wrecking things until the San, Hara, blows her horn. Cyborg keeps the sonics going while the San cure him. Wonder Woman, Flash, and Aquaman go after the Cheetah. Cheetah is a bad chick. It takes a good plan by the three of them to take her out. She's fast enough to slice up the Flash. Then we get back to the girl-on-girl action. During the fight, we get the origin of the Cheetah. Wonder Woman dumps the kitty in the drink where Aquaman and a school of piranha take her out. Once again solid teamwork saves the day. Then, we find out that it was a part of some mysterious character's plan to get Cheetah locked up in Belle Reve.

Now to some boy-on-girl action; no sir, this story is not just about the violent action. Superman takes Wonder Woman on a date to Smallville. The story ends with another kiss between two of the most powerful heroes. Wonder Woman even does the little one foot in the air thing. Why is Batman watching? I'm glad we can see where his hands are. We not only get the good old violence, but we also get a dose of the soap opera. Give Daniel his props; The splash page with Aquaman and Cheetah is beautiful.

Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Gary Frank

Shazam Chapter 7
What! Fourteen more pages for the price of admission. Yes, I counted. This basically develops Black Adam's character. I guess, Mr. Johns didn't want to leave us in the dark about how big of an obnoxious jerk Black Adam is. Shazam is still on his adolescent joyride. Black Adam finds his first ally, the sin Sloth. This backup story is on par with the main story.

I rate Justice League # 14 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter Ranking.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Captain America #1 (Marvel NOW)

Captain America # 1
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Rick Remender
Pencils: John Romita
Inks: Klaus Janson
Colors: Dean White

Castaway in Dimension Z (Spoilers!)
When I first saw the promos for the new Captain America title, I wasn't looking forward to the Dimension Z storyline. That's my P.C. way of saying they are about to filty-farn up my favorite character. Don't be like me; don't judge the story before you read it. Once I start reading, I do so with an open mind.

This seems to be the beginning of a good story arc. The story begins with a flashback to Steve Rogers' boyhood, where his father is abusing his mother. We learn that Cap gets his courage from his mother. Remender makes a contribution to the legacy of Captain America in the first issue. We quickly get into some action as Cap battles an eco-terrorist, the Green Skull; he should know better to call Cap out like that. Cap saves Manhattan from destruction, just another day at the office.

Shocker, Sharon Carter proposes to Cap. Cap should have made Sharon a respectable woman years ago. People got married back in Steve's day. Cap is a proponent of old fashioned values; well, it’s time to step up to the plate. He should have started his family years ago. Who would be a better father and husband than Captain America? Sharon knows a good man is hard to find, and she is not letting this one get away.

Then, Cap is going on a mission without any intel, the perfect formula for surprise. No sooner than Cap gets on the secret subway, he's captured and drugged. Cap wakes up in a lab to find himself in the hands of Arnim Zola. Zola wants the super-soldier serum, and he's taking it the hard way. Zola wants the serum for his daughter and his well-designed son. Of course, Cap escapes in the most thrilling way possible and saves or kidnaps the baby, depending on your point of view. Cap finds himself trapped in Dimension Z with an infant to care for; that's what you get for doing what's right before you think it through. Cap gets a proposal and now, he has a baby to care for. Where is Mr. Remender leading Cap? I know it's the first issue, but this new direction has me hyped. Change is not always a bad thing, when it's done right.

Marvel is going top shelf with Romita Jr. doing the art. The visual aspect of the comic is astounding. Romita Jr. delivers quality no matter the setting; he rises to the challenge.

I rate Captain America # 1 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: Wolverine and the X-Men #19

Wolverine and the X-Men #19
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Jason Aaron
Art: Steve Sanders
Cover: Nick Bradshaw & Guru EFx

The Search for Something New (Spoilers)
The X-Men are searching for new mutants again. Angel is making contact with Iara Dos Santos, who has the ability to change into a humanoid shark. Before Angel can finish giving his pitch, Iara refuses to go to the Jean Grey School – because it is a weirdo mutie commune. She formed that opinion based on what? That is what you get when you send a weirdo mutie like the Angel alone to recruit mutants. Angel tells Iara that she is a wereshark. Really? Someone needs to pull out his superpowers handbook and find a better explanation.

Mystique and the Silver Samurai show up and attack Angel. Who are they working for? While Angel and the Silver Samurai are fighting, Mystique makes her pitch. Iara refuses to go with Mystique . Mystique decides to kidnap her. The action picks up as Mystique and Iara begin to fight; Angel grabs Iara and flies off with her at supersonic speed. The next thing we know, Angel is in a hospital bed; the reason why is not made known. Iara is the newest student at the Jean Grey School, because she wants to learn to control her powers. Everything is neatly put in place.

Then we get to visit a stereotypical Southern family who has a mutant son, Mudbug, who is being recruited by another mutant group. Good riddance, a school of higher learning would be a waste of time on Mudbug.

If this book is meant to be the comic relief of the X-books, then, it hits the mark. That would explain Worthington Industries developing intergalactic amusement parks and the Beast looking like he has the same hairstylist that Katt Williams uses. My intelligence would not be insulted by Mudbug and his family. I could understand why some of the off-color remarks were made throughout the story. Please, let’s find a better codename for Iara; Sharkgirl has been used before and not with great success.

If the story is comic relief then the art fits the story; otherwise, it was too cartoonish for my taste.

I rate Wolverine and the X-Men #19 Read a Friend's Copy.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Batman #13

Batman #13
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Scott Snyder
Pencils: Greg Capullo
Inks: Jonathan Glapion

Knock Knock (Spoilers)
Death of the Family begins with a very spine-chilling return of the Joker. This is more horror film than superhero story. Keep away from small children. I know two grown men that got chills from reading this.

The story begins with omens heralding the return of the Joker. The Gotham River reverses course, and a two-headed lion cub is born. This is a story where the story is intertwined with the art in telling the narrative; so, pay attention to the details. It will make for a more enjoyable read.

The scene in which the Joker takes out the power in the GCPD and kills officers while threatening Gordon is terrifying, made even more so when you see the look on Gordon's face. Now, Joker is not the same as he was before; he's meaner. Tell me when murder is not mean. Oh, he is killing me and my whole family, but at least he's nice about it.

The Joker is up to his old tricks, outsmarting Batman at every turn. The murders that he commits are reminiscent of his first murders in Gotham. He threatens to kill the mayor. Batman makes sure that the mayor is protected, and the Joker does not kill the mayor; he kills every man who is protecting him. Instead of dying with grins on their faces, they die with frowns. Joker leads Batman to Ace Chemical where he became the Joker. Harley is dressed as the Red Hood, distracting Batman from the Joker's true destination, Wayne Manor. Batman is trapped in a chemical tank that is filling, and Joker is running wild. We also get a six-page Joker and Harley Quinn story just to make sure that we don't sleep well.

The stage is set. Joker is causing chaos and mayhem as only he can. Batman and the crew are determined to stop him. Commissioner Gordon is pissing in his pants. This story definitely stirs fear in the reader; do not read this if you have a heart condition. When a comic book story can do this, we need to sit back and enjoy the chills as they run up our spines. Snyder's talent is on display in a major way.

The art is an important instrument in the storyteller's work. It does just as much as the text to strike fear in our hearts. This is a most fearful collaboration of talent.

I rate Batman 13 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: Thor God of Thunder #1

Thor God of Thunder #1
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Esad Ribic
Covers: Daniel Acuna
Variant Covers: Skottie Young; Joe Quesada, Danny Miki & Richard Isanove

A World Without Gods (Spoilers!)
Thor is the definition of awesome when he is handled well, and we have an excellent example here. How are they going to top this? I'll be pleased if they can maintain this level of storytelling.

We see Thor go from being a protector of a Norse village to the savior of a planet to the last defender at the gates of heaven. We don't get to see the villain of this piece, but by his handy work, we know he will be more than a formidable foe for Thor. This is the beginning of an epic battle between Thor and Gorr the god butcher. It is fascinating to see Thor's growth within these few pages. In his youth, he is a bold adventurer who cares little how his actions affect others. In the present, he is a mature god working for the welfare of others. In the future, we see a worn-down, elder god, the last Asgardian, fighting for the honor of his lost race.

I couldn't ask for a more wonderful read, even from a bestselling fantasy novel. The beauty of Thor stories is that you can go from superhero fantasy to sword and sorcery with single character. This is a fantastic beginning to the new Thor series.

The art is worthy of the great story. This journey through time and space is made more fabulous by this magnificent art. Thor's godliness pulsates throughout each panel.

I rate Thor God of Thunder #1 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on Al-O-Meter Ranking.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Hit Girl Issue 4

Hit Girl Issue 4
Marvel Comics/ICON

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: John Romita Jr.
Finishes/Inks: Tom Palmer

Say My Name! (Spoilers!)
The best female character in comics, and she has no boobs. We thought Hit Girl was caught in an untenable situation. She not only gets out of trouble with the most violence she can muster, she also gets home in time to protect her cover story. You have to love a little cutie who can mop the floor with blood-thirsty thugs. She has all the little bees at school in check; her position as alpha female is firmly established. Her plan to take down Genovese is set with pictures to go along with it. Red Mist is getting mystical martial arts training from con artists in Asia.

I got cramps in the old abdomen from laughing. How can someone make you cringe at the amount of blood splattered and at the same time laugh at the stupidity of the criminal? Talent has something to do with it. Sweet and spicy like General Tso's Chicken. The step-dad is locking down Mindy's room; I can imagine her planning how she'll pick the locks while Marcus is installing them. When Genovese's hit squad comes to kill Marcus, they grab Mindy and drag her to Marcus; they want Marcus to beg them not to kill her. They think that they are going to be pulling the wings off of a butterfly when they really stepped in a nest of pit vipers.

There is no moment while reading this story that you are not thoroughly entertained. Millar is the leader of the pack when we are discussing storytelling in the comic book format. I have to wait until next issue to see what Hit Girl has up her diabolical little sleeves. We are in store for some poetic violence.

John Romita Jr. is an icon in the industry. This is some of his best work. When you see his name on a comic book, you know that it is a major event. He has his own signature style which enhances any story.

I rate Hit Girl Issue 4 Recommend it to a Friend. Al-O-Meter's Highest Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: All New X-Men #1

All New X-Men #1
Mavel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils: Stuart Immonen
Inks: Wade Von Grawbadger

Spoilers!
Bendis on the X-Men, gentlemen, I think we have a hit. This story is getting back to the roots of what the X-Men are about, finding new mutants and preparing them for the realities of the world.

Beast is going through another mutation that may kill him. Cyclops is still tripping, finding mutants, and recruiting them to his side. I thought he was locked up. He’s leading Magneto and the White Queen and calling themselves the X-Men. This is sure to be a real public relations problem for the real X-Men who are ready to shut Cyclops down; but Storm, the wise leader that she is, wants to take the high road. Saving lives is more important to her than her own agenda. Beast gets the idea that Cyclops needs to get back to who he is. Beast goes to the past to get the original X-Men to do just that.

I don’t like to say that one creator is better than another, but I can say that Bendis is an industry leader. This story is Claremont-esque. We get interesting plotline within interesting plotline. Hopefully, these plotlines won’t be resolved in a neat four issue format, but be true to Claremont form and have each plot leading into story after story. The possibilities are endless. I’m not ashamed to say that my expectations for this book were low; when I would see the ads for this book I would say, “What?” Bendis has made me so happily wrong. I’m ready to ride this rollercoaster.

The art speaks for itself. All that I can say is look at the rug when Scott and Hank are arguing in the past. I liked the contrast between youngster Cyclops and grown man Cyclops on the cover. Keep this creative team together. This was a symphony of art and words.

I rate All New X-Men #1 Recommend It to a Friend. #1 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: Gambit #4

Gambit #4
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: James Asmus
Pencils: Clay Mann and Leonard Kirk
Inks: Seth Mann and Leonard Kirk

She’s the End of the World (Spoilers!)

This issue is the conclusion to the first story arc of the new Gambit series. Nothing significant happens in the story. Gambit and his lady open a portal to the realm of the gods to face a non-sentient feathered serpent. The story allows Gambit to show his resourcefulness and acrobatic abilities. He has an opportunity to save the damsel in distress. At one point Gambit enters the serpent and blows up its head from the inside. Where have we seen this before? Finally, Gambit gives up on trying to use the relic to close the portal and uses his powers to do the deed.

One prop that I can give the story is that it had action from beginning to the end. Gambit’s lady’s name is Joelle, and she has super powers which she doesn’t use to help Gambit. The story’s ending threw me for a loop. One minute Joelle is kissing Gambit and in the next, she’s knocking him out. If you want to break up, lets be cordial about it; there is no need for the violence.

On his return to New York, Gambit jumps into a car with a stranger. He ends up in the hands of Cich. I wonder what Cich has planned for him? Do you think he wants Gambit to steal something? A conclusion to a story arc should have a little more bang for your buck; this ended in a fizzle. The greatest challenge that Gambit faced was the hostile environment. This god didn’t wield very much power; it was just another big snake.

The art was an asset to the story. The artists were able to put large scenes in every panel. The scenes with Gambit and the serpent illustrate the size of the challenge that Gambit must overcome.

I rate Gambit #4 Read a Friends Copy. #3 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: Astonishing X-Men #55

Astonishing X-Men # 55
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

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

Spoilers!
The bullets on the cover must have all been blanks, because that is what this story was shooting. I was under the impression that this title’s purpose was to give us cutting edge X-Men stories. This misses that mark completely.

The most intriguing part of the story was the flashback to Susan Hatchi’s earlier life. Hatchi turns the pressure on the X-Men to take over Madripoor. The airport is destroyed by a group of imposter X-Men. This group is so lame that they don’t have a name and the members don’t have code names. Normal humans using technology to imitate mutant powers; for the amount of effort it took the X-Men to defeat them they need to get a refund for that technology. The X-Men had them out of the picture before they could say two lines, and the X-Men had their powers taken away.

Tyger Tiger arrests the X-Men and takes them to a warehouse where Karma’s supposedly deceased father is waiting for them. Susan Hatchi shows up with a rocket launcher and blows up the warehouse. She expects to find buried bodies. They survived being buried under the rubble of a building and also survived attacks by some of the most powerful evil mutants ever. Why waste a rocket when you have nano-worms that control the X-Men’s bodies? Didn’t she threaten to kill Warbird and Northstar with the nano-worms? Am I the only one asking these questions? Who is to be held accountable for this? This is just irresponsible writing.

Overall the art is bland. The characters look roughly drawn. There is no detail in the background just a lot of pretty colors hiding a lack of effort. A few of the headshots do reveal some talent that is inconsistent.

I rate Astonishing X-Men #55 Read it in the Store. #4 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: X-Treme X-Men #5

X-Treme X-Men #5
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Script: Greg Pak
Art: Paco Diaz

(Spoilers!)
When I was a little fellow, I went to a zoo that didn’t have lions and tigers; reading this issue felt like that.

This is the lineup for the two teams: Dazzler, Christmas-tree-ornament Xavier, rug-rat Nightcrawler, and mini-me Wolverine vs. full-grown-man Wolverine, Sabertooth, Colossus, Danger, and evil-boss Xavier. Based on pass performance, we know which team should win, but that’s why we play the game. Dazzler takes down some of the most formidable mutants in Marveldom without a scratch, a bump, or a bruise. Saber Tooth and Danger weren’t even factors to be dealt with.

I know Pak is building this team up to be this world-beating ultimate team, but wooo, hold your horses. We didn’t even get the tried and true Wolverine vs. Sabertooth battle. Xavier was taken down with the flick of the claw. If Dazzler has these kinds of battle and leadership skills, then keep her on this level. Put her in an appropriate superhero costume, and forget about the lounge act. I was let down by this story; I was expecting an epic battle. The cast of characters was set; all the elements of a great story were there, and the talent of the writer is undisputed. The big finale never emerged just an anticlimax.

The art really gave you the feel of the Old West from the Southwestern countryside down to young Wolverine’s shoes. Dazzler is shining through it all with various dramatic poses. The cover was the best thing about the whole issue.

I rate X-Treme X-Men # 5 Read a Friend’s Copy. #3 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: Teen Titans #13

Teen Titans # 13
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Story: Scott Lobdell
Script: Fabian Nicieza
Art: Ale Garza

The Origin of Wonder Girl (Spoilers!)

Cassie Sandmark is a cat burglar who runs afoul of the law and is saved by a muscle-bound guy named Diesel. She falls in love with this bad boy who takes her on a joyride through the dark side. During this time Cassie is traveling around the world with her mother going from archaeological site to archaeological site.

They end up at a site in Cambodia where Diesel decides to steal some buried treasure. Diesel gets attacked by the living armor; Cassie saves Diesel by taking on the armor herself. Diesel is angry and wants the armor back; then, bam, the mountain falls on him. Wonder Girl is born. Back in the present, Cassie, Red Robin, and Superboy are flying to Cambodia to find some answers.

I am a Titans fan, so I am reading this issue, trying to keep up with what the gang is doing. The story is not impressing me very much; I am feeling disappointed by Scott Lobdell, who’s been handling his business of late. Then, bam, the mountain falls on me. I didn’t know this was one of those stories where the shocker comes at the end. The story is made worthwhile with the words “the mark of Trigon.” It’s on now; time for the big boys to get in the game. Mother-shut-my-mouth Trigon is in the works. I can’t wait to see The New 52 Raven. That’s how you leave them wanting more. Okay, give us a little more; the new, fine-ass Amanda Waller is sending one of her boys to bring the Titans in. Mouth watering foreshadowing is what this issue is about.

The art is good. Garza’s talent shines when Wonder Girl is taking the armor. The costume is visually appealing, and the armor is hardcore. When you see it, you know someone will receive more than their fair share of pain and misery. Red Robin is a bad boy in that flying apparatus.

I rate Teen Titans # 13 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: Talon #0

Talon #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Plot: James Tynion IV and Scott Snyder
Writer: James Tynion
Art: Guillem March

The Long Run (Spoilers!)

When I first looked at the cover, I was thinking, what is this corny B. S.? After reading the story, that is a faded memory soon to be completely lost in the recesses of my mind. No, my thoughts are that Talon is the best new character to come bursting on the scene this month. Everything that I saw as a joke is now awesome in my sight.

In the opening scene, we find eight-year-old Calvin Ross, Talon, locked in a dog kennel by his sick father. His flair for the art of the escape emerges and an escape artist is born. Talon tells his origin during his own failed assassination. Young Calvin escapes to Haly's Circus to become an apprentice to an escape artist and eventually becomes a star in his own right. Calvin is taken by The Court of Owls to be trained to become a Talon. Calvin is won over by The Court of Owls with promises of fighting evil. To become a Talon, Calvin must kill the present Talon. Calvin is quilt ridden after killing the Talon. He continues to amaze The Court by being the first to escape their Labyrinth and becoming the new Talon.

On his first mission, Talon is ordered to kill a twenty-three-year-old heiress and her two-year-old daughter. Instead, Talon rescues Casey and Sarah Washington and once again performs an amazing escape. He is now a target of The Court. The Talon sent to kill Calvin makes the mistake of testing Calvin's skills by locking him in the trunk of a car and dumping it in the river. Calvin once again escapes and defeats the Talon. Now a man on the run, Talon must continue to escape The Court of Owls.

Talon has the potential to be the next big thing. Snyder and Tynion have overcome my prejudgments by creating a fresh new character. Talon’s unique skills take him from being a circus act to an assassin to a hero. Calvin Ross's heroism is demonstrated by his ability to rise above evil's influence throughout his life. Talon does not allow himself to become a victim of circumstance, but fights to forge his own path into heroism. A hero arises from The New 52.

The art is an integral part of the story. It does its part to demonstrate the enormity of the forces arrayed against Talon and the difficulty of the tasks he must accomplish. The immensity of the structures in comparison to Talon is symbolic of the position that Talon finds himself in his struggle against The Court of Owls.

I rate Talon # 0 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: Secret Avengers #33

Secret Avengers # 33
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Andy Kuhn

Rise of the Descendants (Spoilers!)
We have good comic book stuff going on here, and we have bad comic book stuff going on here. We are left with no doubt that Black Ant is a despicable piece of slime. This is revealed in his thoughts about dying a hero and his murder of Max Fury. Heroes are measured by the villainy that they face. I like to hate my villains with a passion. This leads to his betrayal of the Avengers when he teleports the descendant onto the Lighthouse Station.

Hawkeye and Captain Britain have their hands full facing off against the Avengers of the Undead and the Undead Celestial to regain the Orb of Necromancy. At the Lighthouse Station, the Descendant Wasp uses Hank Pym’s guilt to defeat him. The other Descendants get the jump on Valkyrie and Venom, who are about to have relations. If I was Venom, and I was about to have a sexy blonde goddess have her way with me, then, these mother-shut-my-mouth Descendants stop that. You know he’s ready to rain his wrath down on some life model decoys. They kidnap Hank, leave Valkyrie and Venom adrift in space, and destroy the Lighthouse Station. Oh, yeah! There is some payback coming for the Descendants. That’s all the good stuff.

I know that writers take some liberties to tell a good story, but damn. Hank Pym, one of the greatest intellects in the Marvel Universe, Giant-Man tries to defend himself with a scalpel and is taken down with one punch. He used to slap the Wasp around on a daily basis, and now he’s crying like a little bee. The Descendants enter the Lighthouse Station without some defense system to at least impede them. You would think that the Avengers would have defense systems that backup the defense systems that backup the defense system.

The art doesn’t help matters at all. When I said that Valkyrie was a sexy blonde goddess, it wasn’t the art that put the image in my mind.

I rate Secret Avengers # 33 Read a Friend’s Copy. #3 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: Justice League #13

Justice League #13
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Geoff Johns
Pencils: Tony S. Daniel
Inks: Richard Friend and Batt

The Secret of the Cheetah (Spoilers!)

Johns is getting me interested in the League. Superman and Wonder Woman continue the Kiss. Where is this going? Do we want Superman running around all frustrated? We don't linger long on the love story. The next scene is a throw down between Wonder Woman and the Cheetah. Awesome splash page gets the action started. After a few good rounds, Cheetah knocks Wonder Woman the f.... out. Batman and Aquaman question Trevor about Cheetah to give us a little background information.

Back at the satellite, Superman gets some time alone with Wonder Woman. Yeah! he wants some of that Amazon loving. Who's going to be the artist for that Scene? Cyborg admits to not having a life. He needs to go out and find his own archenemy or two. All the other superheroes don't have enough time in the day to put all the criminals in jail and he's sitting around moping. The team tracks Cheetah to the Congo where she proceeds to throw down on the whole team. She bites Superman in the process, and we end up with Cheetah Superman.

We get a Justice League of America and the Superman crossover H"El on Earth preview. Man, I need a better job. I can't afford all of these books.

Mr. Johns is earning his spot on the flagship of DC Comics. Action, mystery, exotic locales, and sexual tension: what more can you ask for in a story? Not a dull moment and hot chicks kicking that ass.

If Jim Lee is not the artist anymore, then, Tony Daniel is the next best thing. The fight in Central Park and the waterfall in the Congo were worth the price of admission. The cover had me before I saw a page. Tony Daniel is a premier artist.

I rate Justice League # 13 Buy Your Own Copy.  #2 (of 5) Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: Avengers #32

Avengers # 32
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Art: Brandon Peterson & Mike Mayhew

Big time spoiler alert. Yeah! Yipee! Horay! I’m giddy with excitement.

The Wasp is back; I like when things go my way. She didn’t die; she just shrunk down to the Microverse. She’s on the run from the local godfather and doing it in a style all her own. The Avengers that go to rescue her are the old school team: Cap, Thor, Iron Man, and Giant-Man; Bendis should have dug up the real Hulk and made Cap stay home. Let’s pay homage to the original team.

Then, here comes bipolar Wonder Man trying to go on the mission, but the Avengers don’t trust him. The old school crew shrinks down to the Microverse and in no time, they find the Wasp. Pym recognizes her at first; I guess he knows that slamming body. Everyone gets a kiss, and Cap enjoys his the most. Cap the red blooded American knows what to do with a hottie. The godfather makes his entrance; Lord Gouzar is going to get some Avenger beat down.

After two issues of building my anticipation, it is time for the major throw-down. We have gotten to the make-it or break-it point of the story. Bring it home, Mr. Bendis. Did I say that I’m pleased to have the Wasp back? Once again, Mr. Bendis has written a more than adequate story. The characterization is above par; these are real people and they behave as I expect them to. They are not out of character. Bendis gives this team a camaraderie that is believable; we get the feeling that they have been through rough times together. This is a tight-nit group. The Avengers will miss Brian Michael Bendis.

This is some of the best art in comics. The characters really look great; the head shots are comic masterpieces. The art is as enjoyable as the story.

I rate Avengers # 32 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on Al-O-Meter Ranking