Showing posts with label John Romita Jr. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Romita Jr. Show all posts

Thursday, February 7, 2019

Review: THE SILENCER #1

THE SILENCER No. 1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

SCRIPT: Dan Abnett
PENCILS: John Romita, Jr.
INKS: Sandra Hope
COLORS: Dean White
LETTERS: Tom Napolitano
COVER: John Romita, Jr. and Sandra Hope with Dean White
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (March 2018)

Rated “T+” for Teen Plus

The Silencer created by Dan Abnett and John Romita, Jr.

“Code of Honor” Part 1

DC Comics has launched a new superhero comics initiative, “The New Age of DC Heroes,” coming out of its Dark Nights: Metal event miniseries.  This line of comic books will consist of eight new comic book series:  The Curse of Brimstone, Damage, The Immortal Men, New Challengers, Sideways, The Terrifics, The Unexpected, and the subject of this review, The Silencer.

The Silencer is written by co-creator Dan Abnett; drawn by co-creator John Romita, Jr. (pencils) and Sandra Hope; colored by Dean White; and lettered by Tom Napolitano.  The Silencer focuses on a woman who was once an assassin, but now lives a normal life with a normal family.

The Silencer #1 introduces a woman who is super-strong, highly trained, and armed with devastating, stealthy, meta-human abilities.  Once she was “The Silencer,” a virtually invincible assassin.  Now, The Silencer is Honor Guest, a woman who loves her life as wife to her husband, Blake, and as a mother to their young son, Ben a.k.a. “Jellybean.”  However, the arrival of Killbox signals that the “Underlife” lives on and that Leviathan wants Honor back.

I am a fan of artist John Romita, Jr., and he draws some impressive moments in this comic book.  I am a fan of colorist Dean White, and he delivers some candy-coated hues here.  I am a fan of letter Tom Napolitano, and he usually adds some punch to the dialogue and exposition, which is needed here.

Despite an impressive cover, The Silencer #1 is an OK first issue, but there is not much here, beyond the efforts of the graphics creative team, to entice readers to return for a second issue.  The Silencer #1 reads like one of those muscle-bound, big-gun comic books that were almost half of Image Comics' initial input in the early to mid-1990s; think Youngblood, Wetworks, Codename: Strykeforce, etc.

This new age of heroes is new in names only, and is not particularly interesting.

5 out of 10

[This comic book includes a preview of The Immortal Men by Jim Lee and James Tynion IV.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Sunday, September 23, 2018

Review: KICK-ASS #1

KICK-ASS No. 1 (2018)
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Mark Millar
PENCILS: John Romita, Jr.
INKS: Peter Steigerwald with Megan Madrigal
COLORS: Peter Steigerwald
LETTERS: John Workman
COVER: John Romita, Jr.
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Olivier Coipel with Sunny Gho; Frank Quitely
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2018)

Rated M/Mature

Kick-Ass created by Mark Miller and John Romita, Jr.

Kick-Ass is a comic book series created by writer Mark Millar and artist John Romita Jr.  It began as an eight-issue miniseries published by Marvel Comics under the company's Icon imprint, starting in February 2008 and concluding in February 2010.

Kick-Ass is the story of Dave Lizewski, a teenager who sets out to become a real life superhero.  Dave's actions are publicized on the Internet and inspire other people to put on costumes and play hero.  Dave gets caught up in the activities of two costumed, ruthless vigilantes, an exceptionally talented fighter/killer, Hit-Girl, and her father, Big Daddy.  Father and daughter are on a mission to take down the gangster. John Genovese.

Kick-Ass became a comic book franchise with three follow-up miniseries, the seven-issue Kick-Ass 2 (October 2010 – March 2012),  the five-issue Hit Girl (June 2012 – February 2013), and the eight-issue Kick-Ass 3 (July 2013 to October 2014).  The Kick-Ass comic books yielded two movies, Kick-Ass (2010) and Kick-Ass 2 (2013).

Last year, Mark Millar announced that the Kick-Ass and Hit-Girl comic books were going to be revived in a new series of miniseries slash ongoing series.  The first new six-issue miniseries, entitled Kick-Ass, is written by Mark Millar; drawn by John Romita, Jr. (pencils) and Peter Steigerwald (digital inks); colored by Steigerwald; and lettered by John Workman.

Kick-Ass #1 introduces Staff Sergeant Patience Lee, a combat veteran in the Afghanistan part of the “(Global) War on Terror.”  When she returns to civilian life in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as a wife and mother, Patience discovers that her husband has left her and the children.  Short on money and have to put her dreams on hold, SSG Lee decides that it is time to get paid.  So she puts on a familiar costume...

Because the original Kick-Ass miniseries kept selling out, I originally read the story in its first hardcover collection.  I loved it.  Kick-Ass is so gloriously deranged, and it seems like the ultimate encapsulation of writer Mark Millar's oeuvre, at least to that point in time.

Kick-Ass 2018 is quieter.  It also seems like more of a study of the post-Barack Obama America, with its resentful white middle class, its seething white working class, and its newly invigorated white supremacy slash white nationalist culture.  It is an America in which the balance between the haves and have-nots is completely out of whack because the haves not only want more, they also want it all.  They want it all and will have it all by any means necessary – legal, illegal, or otherwise.  In this America, even black people are turning into the very people and turning to the very systems they have traditionally lambasted – most of which revolves around violence.

John Romita, Jr.'s illustrations, compositions, and graphical storytelling are as powerful as it ever is when put to use for an intense story.  Let's be honest; drawing “real” superhero comic books are mostly a waste of JRJr's time, but Kick-Ass brings out the power, heft, and meatiness of his storytelling.  Here, Romita's art is served by a really good colorist, Peter Steigerwald, and John Workman is one of the few comic book lettering heavyweights capable of placing his fonts inside the Romita, Jr. graphics package.

So Kick-Ass is back, as strong as ever.

8.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Friday, September 21, 2018

Review: HIT-GIRL #1

HIT-GIRL No. 1 (2018)
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Mark Millar
ART: Ricardo Lopez Ortiz
COLORS: Sunny Gho
LETTERS: Melina Mikulic
COVER: Amy Reeder
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Kim Jung Gi with Sunny Gho; Rafael Albuquerque; John Romita, Jr. with Dean White; Rob Doyle
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2018)

Rated M/Mature

Hit-Girl created by Mark Miller and John Romita, Jr.

Hit-Girl is a comic book vigilante character created by Mark Miller and John Romita, Jr.  She first appeared in the comic book series, Kick-Ass (2008) and is Mindy McCready, a 'tween girl trained from an early age by her late father to be a costumed superhero and assassin.

Hit-Girl appeared in all three initial Kick-Ass comic book miniseries and also appeared in her own five-issue miniseries, Hit-Girl (2012, Marvel Comics/Icon).  Mark Millar announced last year that he was bringing Kick-Ass and Hit-Girl back in new miniseries.  The new Hit-Girl is written by Millar, drawn by Ricardo Lopez Ortiz; colored by Sunny Gho; and lettered by Melina Mikulic.

Hit-Girl #1 opens in Palmire, Columbia, South America.  We meet hit man Fabio Mendoza a.k.a. “Mano.”  A member of “Perros de Guerra,” the notorious gang, Mano is on his way to prison where he will begin serving 10 life sentences.  But Hit-Girl has what she thinks is a better deal for Mano.  She is still trying to find a new Kick-Ass to replace the retired original, but has Hit-Girl chosen the right, right-hand-man replacement?

I am not crazy about the cover art for Hit-Girl #1, drawn by Amy Reeder.  I really dislike the interior art by Ricardo Lopez Ortiz; my imagination does not want to read it.  And it pales in comparison to the art of Hit-Girl's originator, John Romita, Jr.  Millar's story does have some intriguing bits in this first issue... or maybe I'm just reaching.

But I love Hit-Girl, so I will make the best of this comic book.  You never know what surprises Mark Millar will pull out of his writer's hat, and Ortiz's art might grow on me.  And again, maybe I'm reaching...

5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Monday, July 16, 2018

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 18, 2018

IMAGE COMICS

MAY180101    ANALOG #4 CVR A O SULLIVAN (MR)    $3.99
MAY180102    ANALOG #4 CVR B DUGGAN & O SULLIVAN (MR)    $3.99
MAY180030    APHRODITE V #1 (MR)    $3.99
MAY180050    BEEF TP (MR) (MR)    $16.99
MAY180107    CRUDE #4 (MR)    $3.99
MAY180108    CURSE WORDS TP VOL 03 HOLE DAMNED WORLD (MR)    $16.99
MAY180060    DAYS OF HATE TP VOL 01 (MR)    $17.99
MAY180130    DRY COUNTY #5 (OF 5) (MR)    $3.99
JAN180732    EAST OF WEST #38    $3.99
MAY180136    EVOLUTION #8 (MR)    $3.99
MAY180139    FLAVOR #3    $3.99
MAY180141    GIDEON FALLS #5 CVR A SORRENTINO (MR)    $3.99
MAY180142    GIDEON FALLS #5 CVR B YOUNG (MR)    $3.99
APR180540    GOD COMPLEX TP VOL 01 DOGMA (MR)    $16.99
MAY180156    ICE CREAM MAN #5 CVR A MORAZZO & OHALLORAN (MR)    $3.99
MAY180157    ICE CREAM MAN #5 CVR B IRVING (MR)    $3.99
MAY180159    INFIDEL #5 (OF 5) CVR A CAMPBELL & VILLARRUBIA (MR)    $3.99
MAY180160    INFIDEL #5 (OF 5) CVR B LEMIRE & VILLARRUBIA (MR)    $3.99
MAY180161    INVINCIBLE COMPENDIUM TP VOL 03    $64.99
MAY180190    KICK-ASS #6 CVR A ROMITA JR (MR)    $3.99
MAY180191    KICK-ASS #6 CVR B ROMITA JR (MR)    $3.99
MAY180192    KICK-ASS #6 CVR C ROMITA JR (MR)    $3.99
MAY180193    KICK-ASS #6 CVR D COWAN (MR)    $3.99
MAY180196    MAGE HERO DENIED #10 (OF 15)    $3.99
MAY180197    MAGIC ORDER #2 (OF 6) CVR A COIPEL (MR)    $3.99
MAY180198    MAGIC ORDER #2 (OF 6) CVR B COIPEL (MR)    $3.99
MAY188623    MAGIC ORDER #2 (OF 6) CVR C GRAMPA (MR)    $3.99
MAY180228    PROXIMA CENTAURI #2 (OF 6)    $3.99
MAY180047    RAT QUEENS SPECIAL NEON STATIC (ONE-SHOT) (MR)    $3.99
APR180626    ROYAL CITY #12 (MR)    $3.99
MAY180267    SKYWARD #4    $3.99
MAY180271    STELLAR #2    $3.99
APR180637    VS #5 (OF 5) CVR A RIBIC (MR)    $3.99
APR180638    VS #5 (OF 5) CVR B RIBIC & MULLER (MR)    $3.99
MAY188911    VS #5 (OF 5) CVR C RIBIC B&W (MR)    $3.99
MAY180284    WEATHERMAN #2 CVR A FOX (MR)    $3.99
MAY180285    WEATHERMAN #2 CVR B MARTIN (MR)    $3.99

Monday, June 11, 2018

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 13, 2018

IMAGE COMICS

APR180564    ANALOG #3 CVR A O SULLIVAN (MR)    $3.99
APR180565    ANALOG #3 CVR B MCREA & SPICER (MR)    $3.99
MAR180636    BEAUTY TP VOL 04 (MR)    $16.99
APR180490    BLOODSTRIKE #0 CVR A FIFFE (MR)    $3.99
APR188125    BLOODSTRIKE #0 CVR B LIEFELD (MR)    $3.99
APR188126    BLOODSTRIKE #0 CVR C FRAGA (MR)    $3.99
APR188127    BLOODSTRIKE #0 CVR D FRAGA B&W (MR)    $3.99
MAR180654    COPPERHEAD #19 (MR)    $3.99
APR180575    DEAD HAND #3 (MR)    $3.99
APR180578    DEATH OF LOVE #5 (OF 5) (MR)    $3.99
APR180583    DRY COUNTY #4 (MR)    $3.99
OCT170671    FIX #12 (MR)    $3.99
APR180594    I HATE FAIRYLAND #19 CVR A YOUNG (MR)    $3.99
APR180595    I HATE FAIRYLAND #19 CVR B F*CK (UNCENSORED) FAIRYLAND VAR (    $3.99
APR188160    ISOLA #1 3RD PTG    $3.99
APR188161    ISOLA #2 2ND PTG    $3.99
MAR180607    IT WILL ALL HURT TP    $18.99
APR180600    KICK-ASS #5 CVR A ROMITA JR (MR)    $3.99
APR180601    KICK-ASS #5 CVR B B&W ROMITA JR (MR)    $3.99
APR180602    KICK-ASS #5 CVR C YILDIRIM (MR)    $3.99
APR180604    MAGE HERO DENIED #9 (OF 15)    $3.99
APR180455    MAGIC ORDER #1 (OF 6) CVR A COIPEL (MR)    $3.99
APR180456    MAGIC ORDER #1 (OF 6) CVR B B&W COIPEL (MR)    $3.99
APR180457    MAGIC ORDER #1 (OF 6) CVR C HUGHES (MR)    $3.99
APR180458    MAGIC ORDER #1 (OF 6) CVR D BLANK VAR (MR)    $3.99
MAR180714    MONSTRESS #17 (MR)    $3.99
MAR188797    OBLIVION SONG BY KIRKMAN & DE FELICI #3 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
APR180613    OBLIVION SONG BY KIRKMAN & DE FELICI #4 (MR)    $3.99
APR180614    PORT OF EARTH #6    $3.99
APR180475    PROXIMA CENTAURI #1 (OF 6)    $3.99
APR180623    ROSE #12 CVR A GUARA    $3.99
APR180624    ROSE #12 CVR B LOOPYDAVE    $3.99
APR180625    ROSE #12 CVR C MCTEIGUE    $3.99
APR180627    RUMBLE TP VOL 04 SOUL WITHOUT PITY (MR)    $16.99
APR180557    SLOTS TP VOL 01 (MR)    $16.99
APR180484    STELLAR #1    $3.99
APR180464    WEATHERMAN #1 CVR A FOX (MR)    $3.99
APR180465    WEATHERMAN #1 CVR B MARTIN (MR)    $3.99
APR188131    WEATHERMAN #1 CVR C 25 COPY INCV SCALERA (MR)    $3.99
MAR180771    WITCHBLADE #6 (MR)    $3.99

Monday, May 14, 2018

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for May 16, 2018

IMAGE COMICS

MAR180574    BARRIER #3 (OF 5) (MR)    $3.99
MAR180642    BLACK MAGICK TP VOL 02 AWAKENING II (MR)    $16.99
JAN180711    BLACK SCIENCE PREMIERE HC VOL 01 REMASTERED ED (MR)    $49.99
MAR180658    CRUDE #2 (MR)    $3.99
MAR180659    CURSE WORDS #14 CVR A BROWNE (MR)    $3.99
MAR180660    CURSE WORDS #14 CVR B JOHNSON (MR)    $3.99
MAR180663    DEAD HAND #2 CVR A (MR)    $3.99
FEB188668    DEAD HAND #2 CVR B VIRGIN CVR (MR)    $3.99
MAR180666    DEATH OF LOVE #4 (OF 5) (MR)    $3.99
MAR180669    DRY COUNTY #3 (MR)    $3.99
FEB180552    EVOLUTION TP VOL 01 (MR)    $16.99
MAR180590    FLAVOR #1    $3.99
MAR188202    GIDEON FALLS #1 3RD PTG (MR)    $3.99
MAR188168    GIDEON FALLS #2 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
MAR180678    GIDEON FALLS #3 CVR A SORRENTINO (MR)    $3.99
MAR180679    GIDEON FALLS #3 CVR B SMALLWOOD (MR)    $3.99
MAR180690    INFIDEL #3 (OF 5) CVR A CAMPBELL & VILLARRUBIA (MR)    $3.99
MAR180691    INFIDEL #3 (OF 5) CVR B URUSOV (MR)    $3.99
MAR180706    KICK-ASS #4 CVR A ROMITA JR (MR)    $3.99
MAR180707    KICK-ASS #4 CVR B B&W ROMITA JR (MR)    $3.99
JAN188713    KICK-ASS #4 CVR C MAYHEW (MR)    $3.99
MAR180710    MAGE TP VOL 04 HERO DEFINED BOOK TWO    $19.99
MAR180715    MOONSHINE #10 CVR A RISSO (MR)    $3.99
MAR180716    MOONSHINE #10 CVR B ZAFFINO (MR)    $3.99
FEB180586    PARADISO TP VOL 01 ESSENTIAL SINGULARITY (MR)    $9.99
FEB180669    RAT QUEENS #9 CVR A GIENI (MR)    $3.99
FEB180670    RAT QUEENS #9 CVR B DEL DUCA (MR)    $3.99
MAR180769    WICKED & DIVINE #36 CVR A MCKELVIE & WILSON (MR)    $3.99
MAR180770    WICKED & DIVINE #36 CVR B TARR (MR)    $3.99

Monday, April 16, 2018

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 18, 2018

IMAGE COMICS
FEB180542    3 FLOYDS ALPHA KING TP (MR)    $16.99
AUG170610    BLACK MONDAY MURDERS TP VOL 02 (MR)    $16.99
FEB180607    CURSE WORDS #13 CVR A BROWNE (MR)    $3.99
FEB180608    CURSE WORDS #13 CVR B CANNON (MR)    $3.99
FEB180613    DEATH OF LOVE #3 (OF 5) (MR)    $3.99
FEB180614    DESCENDER #29 CVR A NGUYEN (MR)    $3.99
FEB180615    DESCENDER #29 CVR B LIL ROBOT VAR NGUYEN (MR)    $3.99
JAN180734    ELEPHANTMEN 2260 TP BOOK 06 (MR)    $17.99
FEB180619    EVOLUTION #6 (MR)    $3.99
FEB180620    FURTHER ADV OF NICK WILSON #4 (OF 5) CVR A WOODS (MR)    $3.99
FEB180621    FURTHER ADV OF NICK WILSON #4 (OF 5) CVR B CHURCHILL (MR)    $3.99
FEB180641    INFIDEL #2 (OF 5) CVR A CAMPBELL & VILLARRUBIA (MR)    $3.99
FEB180642    INFIDEL #2 (OF 5) CVR B MACK (MR)    $3.99
FEB180643    KICK-ASS #3 CVR A ROMITA JR (MR)    $3.99
FEB180644    KICK-ASS #3 CVR B B&W ROMITA JR (MR)    $3.99
DEC178231    KICK-ASS #3 CVR C JOHNSON (MR)    $3.99
FEB180646    LAZARUS #27 (MR)    $3.99
FEB180653    MAGE HERO DENIED #8 (OF 15) CVR A    $3.99
JAN188859    MAGE HERO DENIED #8 (OF 15) CVR B VIRGIN CVR    $3.99
FEB180656    MOONSHINE #9 CVR A RISSO (MR)    $3.99
FEB180657    MOONSHINE #9 CVR B MOON (MR)    $3.99
FEB180679    ROYAL CITY TP VOL 02 SONIC YOUTH (MR)    $16.99
FEB180683    RUMBLE #5 CVR A RUBIN (MR)    $3.99
FEB180684    RUMBLE #5 CVR B WALTA (MR)    $3.99
FEB180687    SAVAGE DRAGON MERGING OF MULTIPLE EARTHS TP (MR)    $19.99
FEB180510    SKYWARD #1    $3.99
FEB180708    UNDERWINTER TP VOL 02 FIELD OF FEATHERS (MR)    $16.99
NOV170854    WARFRAME #4    $3.99

Monday, March 12, 2018

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 14, 2018

IMAGE COMICS

DEC170672    BEAUTY #20 CVR A HAUN & FILARDI (MR)    $3.99
DEC170673    BEAUTY #20 CVR B FAWKES (MR)    $3.99
JAN188176    BEAUTY #20 CVR C VIRGIN WRAPAROUND (MR)    $3.99
DEC170682    BONEHEAD #3    $3.99
JAN180720    CURSE WORDS #12 CVR A BROWNE (MR)    $3.99
JAN180721    CURSE WORDS #12 CVR B MOODY (MR)    $3.99
JAN180722    CURSE WORDS #12 CVR C VIRGIN WRAPAROUND (MR)    $3.99
JAN180622    DEADLY CLASS #32 CVR A CRAIG (MR)    $3.99
JAN180623    DEADLY CLASS #32 CVR B ALEXANDER (MR)    $3.99
JAN180624    DEADLY CLASS #32 CVR C VIRGIN WRAPAROUND (MR)    $3.99
JAN180605    DRY COUNTY #1 (MR)    $3.99
JAN180609    INFIDEL #1 (OF 5) CVR A CAMPBELL & VILLARRUBIA (MR)    $3.99
JAN180610    INFIDEL #1 (OF 5) CVR B LEE & VILLARRUBIA (MR)    $3.99
JAN188079    INFIDEL #1 (OF 5) CVR C VIRGIN CVR (MR)    $3.99
JAN188194    KICK-ASS #1 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
JAN180798    MAGE HERO DENIED #7 (OF 15)    $3.99
JAN180806    NAILBITER HC VOL 02 THE MURDER ED (MR)    $34.99
JAN180808    NO 1 WITH A BULLET #5    $3.99
JAN180810    PARADISO #4 CVR A PRAMANIK & KELLY (MR)    $4.99
JAN180811    PARADISO #4 CVR B KLEIN (MR)    $4.99
JAN180689    PORT OF EARTH TP VOL 01    $9.99
DEC170736    POSTAL LAURA (ONE-SHOT) (MR)    $3.99
JAN180814    ROSE #9 CVR A GUARA    $3.99
JAN180815    ROSE #9 CVR B LOOPYDAVE    $3.99
JAN180816    ROSE #9 CVR C REIQ    $3.99
JAN180817    ROSE #9 CVR D ANGELL    $3.99
JAN180825    SLEEPLESS #4 CVR A DEL DUCA & SALLAH    $3.99
JAN180826    SLEEPLESS #4 CVR B DEL DUCA & SALLAH    $3.99
JAN180827    SLOTS #6 (MR)    $3.99
JAN180840    VS #2 CVR A RIBIC (MR)    $3.99
JAN180841    VS #2 CVR B RIBIC & MULLER (MR)    $3.99
JAN180842    VS #2 CVR C VIRGIN WRAPAROUND (MR)    $3.99

Monday, February 12, 2018

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 14, 2018

IMAGE COMICS

DEC170671    ANGELIC #6    $3.99
DEC170648    BINGO LOVE OGN    $9.99
MAY170659    BLACK MONDAY MURDERS #8 (MR)    $3.99
DEC170684    CURSE WORDS #11 CVR A BROWNE (MR)    $3.99
DEC170685    CURSE WORDS #11 CVR B LOTAY (MR)    $3.99
DEC170687    DARK FANG #4 (MR)    $3.99
DEC170601    DEATH OF LOVE #1 (OF 5) (MR)    $3.99
DEC178074    ICE CREAM MAN #1 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
NOV170577    INVINCIBLE #144 CVR A OTTLEY & FAIRBAIRN (MR)    $5.99
NOV170578    INVINCIBLE #144 CVR B WALKER & FAIRBAIRN (MR)    $5.99
DEC170560    KICK-ASS #1 CVR A ROMITA JR (MR)    $3.99
DEC170561    KICK-ASS #1 CVR B B&W ROMITA JR (MR)    $3.99
DEC170563    KICK-ASS #1 CVR D QUITELY (MR)    $3.99
DEC170564    KICK-ASS #1 CVR E COIPEL (MR)    $3.99
DEC170565    KICK-ASS #1 CVR F BLANK CVR (MR)    $3.99
DEC170572    KICK-ASS DAVE LIZEWSKI YEARS TP VOL 01 (MR)    $16.99
DEC170573    KICK-ASS DAVE LIZEWSKI YEARS TP VOL 02 (MR)    $16.99
DEC170574    KICK-ASS DAVE LIZEWSKI YEARS TP VOL 03 (MR)    $16.99
DEC170575    KICK-ASS DAVE LIZEWSKI YEARS TP VOL 04 (MR)    $16.99
DEC170714    KILL OR BE KILLED #16 (MR)    $3.99
OCT170689    LAZARUS X PLUS 66 #6 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
DEC170726    MAGE HERO DENIED #6 (OF 15)    $3.99
DEC170733    PARADISO #3 CVR A PRAMANIK & KELLY (MR)    $3.99
DEC170734    PARADISO #3 CVR B PEARSON (MR)    $3.99
DEC170735    PORT OF EARTH #4    $3.99
DEC170755    RUMBLE #3 CVR A RUBIN (MR)    $3.99
DEC170756    RUMBLE #3 CVR B FEJZULA & GARATEA (MR)    $3.99
DEC170761    SLEEPLESS #3 CVR A DEL DUCA & SALLAH    $3.99
DEC170762    SLEEPLESS #3 CVR B LENOX    $3.99
DEC170763    SLOTS #5 (MR)    $3.99
NOV170845    STRAY BULLETS SUNSHINE & ROSES #32 (MR)    $3.99
DEC170608    TWISTED ROMANCE #2 (OF 4) (MR)    $3.99
DEC170773    YOUNGBLOOD #9 CVR A TOWE    $3.99
DEC170774    YOUNGBLOOD #9 CVR B LIEFELD    $3.99

Monday, January 29, 2018

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 31, 2018

DC COMICS

OCT170388    ASTRO CITY #50    $3.99
OCT170365    BLACK LIGHTNING TP VOL 02    $19.99
OCT170206    DARK NIGHTS METAL #5 (OF 6)    $3.99
OCT170207    DARK NIGHTS METAL #5 (OF 6) DANIEL VAR ED    $3.99
OCT170208    DARK NIGHTS METAL #5 (OF 6) KUBERT VAR ED    $3.99
OCT170209    DARK NIGHTS METAL #5 (OF 6) LEE VAR ED    $3.99
NOV170216    DC SUPER HERO GIRLS DATE WITH DISASTER TP    $9.99
NOV170250    DEATHSTROKE ANNUAL #1    $4.99
NOV170259    DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #1    $4.99
NOV170264    FLASH ANNUAL #1    $4.99
NOV170277    HARLEY QUINN #36    $2.99
NOV170278    HARLEY QUINN #36 VAR ED    $2.99
DEC170225    JLA DOOM PATROL SPECIAL #1    $4.99
NOV170383    MOTHERLANDS #1 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
NOV170384    MOTHERLANDS #1 (OF 6) VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
NOV170285    MYSTIK U #2 (OF 3)    $5.99
SEP170420    NEW TEEN TITANS THE JUDAS CONTRACT DLX ED HC    $29.99
OCT170347    SHADE THE CHANGING GIRL TP VOL 02 LITTLE RUNAWAY (MR)    $16.99
OCT170203    SILENCER #1    $2.99
OCT170380    SUPERMAN THE COMING OF THE SUPERMEN TP    $16.99
OCT170382    VIGILANTE SOUTHLAND TP    $16.99

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Review: CAPTAIN AMERICA #695

CAPTAIN AMERICA No. 695
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Mark Waid
ART: Chris Samnee
COLORS: Matthew Wilson
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Chris Samnee with Matthew Wilson
VARIANT COVERS: Alex Ross (after John Romita, Jr. and Bob Layton); John Tyler Christopher with Ariel Olivetti; Adi Granov; Mike McKone with Rachelle Rosenberg; Jim Steranko
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2018)

Rated “T+”

Captain America created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby

“Home of the Brave” Part 1

Captain America is a Marvel Comics superhero. He was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby and first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 (cover dated:  March 1941), which was published by Timely Comics, a predecessor of Marvel Comics.  Captain America Comics was canceled in 1949, but there was a revival of the series from 1953 to 1954.  Captain America fully returned to modern comic books in The Avengers #4 (cover dated: March 1964).

Marvel Comics is in the middle of its “Legacy” event, returning many titles to its original numbering after a decade of relaunching a number of titles with new #1 issues – three, four, and even five or more times.  The ongoing Captain America comic book series has a new creative team for the Legacy launch.  The team of writer Mark Waid and artist Chris Samnee, the creative duo behind Marvel's critically acclaimed Daredevil relaunch (2012) several years ago, brings Captain America into the “Legacy era.”  Matthew Wilson is the colorist, and Joe Caramagna is the letterer.

Captain America #695 begins with a brief recount of how Steve Rogers became the “super solider,” Captain America; his exploits on the battlefields of World War II, and how he disappeared.  Then, we learn how Captain America became a legend and an inspiration to the town of Burlington, Nebraska after stopping a group of neo-Nazi, white supremacist-types, something he may have to do again.

I have said that when Mark Waid is good, he is really good.  [On the other hand, when he is not good, he can be an exceedingly, irritatingly pedestrian comic book storyteller.]  I am a huge fan of Chris Samnee's classic, cartoonists drawing style.  In Captain America #695, Waid is in top form, and Samnee hits the heights of throwback, Silver Age comics style.

Waid's script creates a standalone story that epitomizes what seems to be the essence of Captain America's mission and message: the strong protect the weak.  We look out for each other against those who would do harm, and every man, woman, and child (of at least a certain age) can lend a helping hand, if they choose.

I love Captain America #695.  It is a standalone treat, the kind of single-issue comic book that we need in between long story arcs and of which we don't get often enough.  I really like Waid's story.  I wish more comic book art looked like Chris Samnee's art.  If I were a comic book publisher, my comic books would look like Captain America #695.  If you have time to read only one comic book today, read Captain America #695.

[This comic book includes an “Legacy” character summary written by Robbie Thompson; drawn by Valero Schiti; colored by Frank D'Armata; and lettered by VC's Joe Caramagna.]

A+
10 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

----------------------------



Monday, January 15, 2018

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 11, 2018

DC COMICS

OCT170362    ANARKY THE COMPLETE COLLECTION TP    $19.99
NOV170223    AQUAMAN #32    $3.99
NOV170224    AQUAMAN #32 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV170233    BATMAN #39    $2.99
NOV170234    BATMAN #39 VAR ED    $2.99
JUL170500    BATMAN BLACK & WHITE STATUE BY JOHN ROMITA JR    $80.00
NOV170237    BATMAN TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II #3 (OF 6)    $3.99
NOV170238    BATMAN TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II #3 (OF 6) VAR ED    $3.99
NOV178214    BATMAN WHITE KNIGHT #1 (OF 8) 4TH PTG    $3.99
NOV178215    BATMAN WHITE KNIGHT #2 (OF 8) 3RD PTG    $3.99
NOV178093    BATMAN WHITE KNIGHT #3 (OF 8) 2ND PTG    $3.99
NOV170241    BATWOMAN #11    $3.99
NOV170242    BATWOMAN #11 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV170245    BOMBSHELLS UNITED #10    $2.99
OCT170201    DAMAGE #1    $2.99
NOV178094    DARK NIGHTS METAL #1 (OF 6) 3RD PTG    $4.99
NOV178095    DARK NIGHTS METAL #2 (OF 6) 3RD PTG    $3.99
NOV178096    DARK NIGHTS METAL #3 (OF 6) 2ND PTG    $3.99
NOV170341    FUTURE QUEST PRESENTS #6    $3.99
NOV170342    FUTURE QUEST PRESENTS #6 VAR ED    $3.99
OCT170372    GREEN ARROW TP VOL 09 OLD TRICKS    $24.99
NOV170269    GREEN LANTERNS #39    $2.99
NOV170270    GREEN LANTERNS #39 VAR ED    $2.99
NOV170275    HARLEY QUINN #35    $2.99
NOV170276    HARLEY QUINN #35 VAR ED    $2.99
NOV170284    INJUSTICE 2 #18    $2.99
NOV170288    JUSTICE LEAGUE #37    $2.99
NOV170289    JUSTICE LEAGUE #37 VAR ED    $2.99
NOV170301    NIGHTWING #37    $2.99
NOV170302    NIGHTWING #37 VAR ED    $2.99
OCT170361    NIGHTWING TP VOL 04 BLOCKBUSTER (REBIRTH)    $16.99
OCT170376    SUPER POWERS BY JACK KIRBY TP    $39.99
NOV170308    SUPER SONS #12 SONS OF TOMORROW    $3.99
NOV170309    SUPER SONS #12 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV170306    SUPERMAN #39    $2.99
NOV170307    SUPERMAN #39 VAR ED    $2.99
NOV170324    TRINITY #17    $3.99
NOV170325    TRINITY #17 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV170330    WONDER WOMAN CONAN #5 (OF 6)    $3.99
NOV170331    WONDER WOMAN CONAN #5 (OF 6) VAR ED    $3.99

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Review: DARK NIGHTS: Metal #2

DARK NIGHTS: METAL No. 2
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Scott Snyder
PENCILS: Greg Capullo
INKS: Jonathan Glapion
COLORS: FCO Plascencia
LETTERS: Steve Wands
COVER: Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion with FCO Plascencia
VARIANT COVERS: Jim Lee and Scott Williams with Alex Sinclair; Andy Kubert with Brad Anderson; John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with Dean White
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2017)

Rated “T+” for “Teen Plus”

Dark Nights: Metal is the current comic book event miniseries from DC Comics.  The series will run for six issues, and will include at least 19 individual tie-in issues.  Some tie-ins will be original one-shots and others will be issues of currently ongoing comic book series (such as Teen Titans and Suicide Squad, to name two).  Two of the tie-ins have already been published, Dark Days: The Forge and Dark Days: The Casting.  The first “Metal” title was published on June 14, 2017 (The Forge) and the final entry in the event (Dark Nights: Metal #6) is scheduled to be published February 14, 2017.

Dark Nights: Metal introduces the “Dark Multiverse,” and is written by Scott Snyder and drawn (pencil art) by Greg Capullo, the creative team behind The New 52 relaunch of the Batman ongoing title.  The rest of the creative team includes inker Jonathan Glapion; colorist FCO Plascencia; and letterer Steve Wands.

Dark Nights: Metal #2 finds the Justice LeagueSuperman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), Flash, and Cyborg – in hot pursuit of their teammate, Batman.  The Dark Knight Detective, however, is determined to address his crisis on his own and to protect his teammates from the really bad thing that is coming to Earth.  Thus, conflict is born and the League battles Batman.  From the Amazon rain forests to the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, friend fights friend.  Can the Batman and Justice League stop what is coming... what may be destined?

I was not enjoying Dark Nights: Metal #2 quite as much as I did the first issue; then, baby Darkseid shows up, and how can I not love that? Then, there is the killer ending and... the arrival.  I must say that I find the inclusion of Neil Gaiman's Sandman (Daniel? or Morpheus?) to be contrived, but the other guest cameos (Green Arrow, Gorilla City) are quite nice.

Dark Nights: Metal is big, but not bloated, which is what I found Marvel Comics' Secret Empire to be.  Secret Empire has so much stuff going on, more than I wanted to follow, so I didn't read it past the zero issue.  On the other hand, Metal is so is like a streamlined rocket racing in a straight line past omens and portents to the big, freakin' dark arrival.

I think the other thing that is in Metal's favor is that its creative team was The New 52 Batman creative team for the better part of four years.  Thus, Metal actually seems like a continuation of something concrete in the DC Universe, something will not be re-birthed and rebooted away – Snyder and Capullo's Batman.  Metal validates that Batman comic book series, and Batman is the anchor for this big event which might mean something important to the DCU for some time to come.

A
8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

---------------------------

Friday, September 8, 2017

Review: Dark Nights: METAL #1

DARK NIGHTS: METAL No. 1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Scott Snyder
PENCILS: Greg Capullo
INKS: Jonathan Glapion
COLORS: FCO Plascencia
LETTERS: Steve Wands
COVER: Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion with FCO Plascencia
VARIANT COVERS: Jim Lee and Scott Williams with Alex Sinclair; Andy Kubert with Brad Anderson; John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with Dean White
40pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2017)

Rated “T+” for “Teen Plus”

“Metal”

Dark Nights: Metal is the new comic book event miniseries from DC Comics.  The series will run for six issues, and will include at least 19 individual tie-in issues.  Some tie-ins will be original one-shots and others will be issues of currently ongoing comic book series (such as Teen Titans and Suicide Squad, to name two).  Two of the tie-ins have already been published, Dark Days: The Forge and Dark Days: The Casting.  The first “Metal” title was published on June 14, 2017 (The Forge) and the final comic book (Dark Nights: Metal #6) is scheduled to be published February 14, 2017.

Dark Nights: Metal introduces the “Dark Multiverse,” and this miniseries is written by Scott Snyder and drawn (pencil art) by Greg Capullo, the creative team behind The New 52 relaunch of the Batman ongoing title.  The rest of the creative team includes inker Jonathan Glapion; colorist FCO Plascencia; and letterer Steve Wands.

Dark Nights: Metal #1 finds the Justice LeagueSuperman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Aquaman, Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), Flash, and Cyborg – prisoners of Mongul.  He controls the superheroes via special armor and forces the Justice League to entertain him and a stadium full of Braalians by fighting as gladiators.  Thus far, the League has defeated its opponents, but Mongul is about to introduce newer and more powerful creatures.  The team needs to escape because there is trouble on Earth:  an attack on Gotham City and an ages-old secret on Blackhawk Island – a secret that will shake the foundations of the Multiverse now and forever.

Of course, dear readers, you remember the 2012 film, The Dark Knight Rises, the third film in Christopher Nolan's THE DARK KNIGHT TRILOGY.  [I think Warner Bros. requires that it be written all in caps.]  Every scene and sequence in that film seemed to build to some crescendo – a crescendo that never happened.  Hans Zimmer's score kept pounding and director Chris Nolan kept building his self-important cinematic “masterpiece” until its contrived ending arrives without ever delivering that crescendo.  That movie was like one long, massive, elaborate chicken-choking session without the explosive payoff.

Luckily, Scott Snyder knows how to build his Bat-crescendo, but he does not build towards one big climax.  Dark Nights: Metal is a mystery, thriller, and horror story that uses scenes and sequences to create anticipation – some are loud and big and others are simply tense.  Snyder offers clues and secrets; and the prize is not necessarily a crescendo.  Maybe, Metal finishes with a series of big reveals, and/or maybe, in the end, it adds something new to the DC Comics Universe.

As for artist Greg Capullo, well, we finally get our Capullo-drawn Justice League comic book.  I like that Metal is more like a Justice League comic book than it is like Crisis on Infinite Earths-style event.  Capullo's storytelling feels immediate, tense, and tight like a particularly good Justice League comic book and, once again, less like one of those loud, bloated, out of control company-wide event comic books (say, Marvel's Secret Empire.)

So let's say that Dark Nights: Metal #1 gets it right by creating anticipation rather than exploding in our hands after only three strokes... I mean, three pages.

A
8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

---------------------------

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Review: ALL-STAR BATMAN #5

ALL STAR BATMAN No. 5
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Scott Snyder
PENCILS: John Romita, Jr.
INKS: Danny Miki, Tom Palmer, Sandra Hope, and Richard Friend
COLORS: Dean White
LETTERS: Steve Wands
COVER: John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with Dean White
VARIANT COVERS: Jock; Declan Shalvey with Jordie Bellaire
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (February 2017)

Rated “T” for Teen

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

“My Own Worst Enemy” Finale

All-Star Batman is the recently launched Batman comic book that is written by superstar writer Scott Snyder and drawn by superstar artists and hot up-and-coming comic book-drawing talent.  The first story arc, the five-issue “My Own Worst Enemy,” is drawn by John Romita, Jr. (pencils) and Danny Miki (inks); colored by Dean White; and lettered by Steve Wands.

In “My Own Worst Enemy,” Batman and Harvey Dent/Two-Face are on a 498-mile journey to a house, where young Bruce Wayne and young Harvey Dent lived together as almost-brothers for a short while.  Now, Dent wants to go back to that house to find something that will be life-changing for him.  As a threat to keep Batman from interfering, Two-Face has promised to publicly reveal the dark secrets of Gotham's criminal overlords.  Now, Batman and Harvey Dent/Two-Face, with Batman's new partner, Duke, in tow, fight to reach their destination with some of Gotham's most lethal killers on their heels.

All-Star Batman #5 (“My Own Worst Enemy” Finale) opens with Batman and Two-Face practically at the last miles of their destination.  However, Batman is battered and the KGBeast wants to batter him some more, forcing Batman to protect both his and Duke's lives, as well as the life of Two-Face.  Now, Batman must outwit his pursuers and Two-Face, while back in Gotham, Commissioner Jim Gordon and the Gotham City Police Department are just feet away from discovering the secrets of the Batcave.

While I did not always like every issue of Scott Snyder's 2011 to 2016 run on Batman, I do believe that his off-beat storytelling did serve to liberate Batman the character from a 25-year malaise.  This rut resulted because practically every DC Comics editor and most Batman writers chose to follow the tone of Frank Miller's seminal Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.

Snyder made the Dark Knight/Detective less Batman-as-Clint Eastwood and more Batman-as-Bruce Wayne-on-a-mission.  Snyder returned the man to Batman, showing the humanity in the hero.  Snyder carried that over into All-Star Batman, where Snyder depicts a Bat-Man in stories that are action-thrillers.  All-Star Batman's tone and graphic aesthetic is almost like the “wide screen” action of Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch's The Authority from the 1999-2000.  However, in All-Star Batman, Snyder cops the edgy, speedy, thrill-ride, action movie aspect of Chris Nolan's “The Dark Knight” trilogy, especially 2008's The Dark Knight.

Of course, Snyder needs a graphical storyteller and comic book artist that can pull that off.  John Romita, Jr. does big.  He does edgy.  He does kick-ass.  Here, Romita is cinematographer, designer, art director/set decorator, and stage director.  Danny Miki's electric inking adds the zing.  And yeah, Dean White is still smashing booty with his coloring.  Even Steve Wands' lettering is explosive.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

--------------------


Thursday, April 13, 2017

Review: ALL-STAR BATMAN #2

ALL STAR BATMAN No. 2
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Scott Snyder
PENCILS: John Romita, Jr.; Declan Shalvey
INKS: Danny Miki; Declan Shalvey
COLORS: Dean White; Jordie Bellaire
LETTERS: Steve Wands
COVER: John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with Dean White
VARIANT COVER: John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with Dean White; Jock; Declan Shalvey with Jordie Bellaire
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (November 2016)

Rated “T” for Teen

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

“My Own Worst Enemy” Part 2

In my review of the first issue of All Star Batman, I wrote that I found Scott Snyder's run on Batman to be inconsistent, mostly because the story arcs were too long, with some issues within each arc reading like story padding.  Still, Snyder was wildly inventive in his run on Batman; often it seemed as if he were finding ways to advance Batman, a character that was moribund.  For 25 years, most writers of Batman comic books were merely wiping up the vestiges of Frank Miller's bomb, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.

So here comes the new Batman comic book, All Star Batman.  It is written by Scott Snyder and is currently drawn by John Romita, Jr. (pencils) and Danny Miki (inks); colored by Dean White; and lettered by Steve Wands.  And it is looking like it could be Snyder's best Batman work.

All-Star Batman #2 (“My Own Worst Enemy” Part 2) opens with Jim Gordon and Detective Harvey Bullock about to embark on the raid of a home, an event that will seemingly change their lives as much as it will the owner of the house.  Two days before that raid, Batman and Two-Face/Harvey Dent continue their journey that Two-Face does not want to continue.  A who's who of Gotham's worst criminals and the roster of Batman's rogue's gallery are trying to help Two-Face get his cessation.  Back in Gotham, a trio is going to make a really dangerous decision to “help” Two-Face.  They are going to call on the services of a killer who is an absolute beast.

After reading the first two issues of All Star Batman, I've started to do the dangerous thing and think too much.  I'm thinking that Snyder seems in full bloom writing this series.  It is as if All Star Batman frees him of the expectations, history, and continuity of the flagship Bat-title, Batman.  With this new title, Snyder can do what he wants, and since this is a showcase for the superstars and the up-and-comers, perhaps, editorial will let Snyder run wild.

The result is a Batman comic book that is simply fun to read.  It is action-packed and kick-ass.  The villains are larger than their ordinary fictional lives.  Batman is a Dark Knight, but rather than rehash Frank Miller's Clint Eastwood-Dirty Harry'ish Batman, Snyder offers a Batman with a sly wit that can cut to the bone quicker than his gauntlets and boots can break bones.  This is the Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Steph Curry Batman – the All Star Batman.  And, hey, we love to pay for all-stars, so this is the Batman comic book you should be reading.

Of course, it is good that there is an all-star art team to bring Snyder's writing to graphical story slash comic book life.  In fact, John Romita, Jr. seems to have gained new life since he moved from Marvel Comics to DC Comics.  Romita is doing his best work since Kick-Ass (with writer Mark Millar), and he is drawing with a lust for life and Miki is inking him with gusto.  Then, White is coloring the fuck out of this comic book.  With this art team, Snyder can't let up.

The back up story, “The Cursed Wheel” continues.  Written by Snyder and drawn by Declan Shalvey.  It is edgy where “My Own Worst Enemy” is big and spectacular, but this second story is holding its own and has a killer cliffhanger.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

------------------------

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Review: ALL-STAR BATMAN #1

ALL-STAR BATMAN No. 1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Scott Snyder
PENCILS: John Romita, Jr.; Declan Shalvey
INKS: Danny Miki; Declan Shalvey
COLORS: Dean White; Jordie Bellaire
LETTERS: Steve Wands
COVER: John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with Dean White
VARIANT COVER: John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with Dean White; Jock; Declan Shalvey with Jordie Bellaire
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2016)

Rated “T” for Teen

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

“My Own Worst Enemy” Part 1

When I first read The New 52 Batman #1, which was written by Scott Snyder, I found it enjoyable, but I did not think of it as a comic book that I had to follow every month.  I actually preferred The New 52 version of Detective Comics, written and drawn by Tony S. Daniels.  Daniels' run on Detective Comics was over in about a year, while the Snyder-written and Greg Capullo-drawn Batman became a bestselling, critically-acclaimed hit.

I returned to Snyder-Capullo Batman for the start of the “Zero Year” story line (Batman #21).  It started off brilliantly, with at least three superb issues, but “Zero Year” came to define everything that was bloated about the second half of Snyder's run as writer on the Batman flagship comic book.  The story arcs were too long, and while each arc had at least one fantastic issue, many of the other issues were story line padding or read like filler material.

Now, here comes DC Comics' latest publishing event/initiative, “Rebirth,” and with it comes a new Batman comic book, All Star Batman.  This series will be written by Scott Snyder and drawn by “superstar” artists and hot up-and-comers.  The first story arc is drawn by John Romita, Jr. (pencils) and Danny Miki (inks); colored by Dean White; and lettered by Steve Wands.

All-Star Batman #1 (“My Own Worst Enemy” Part 1) opens at Auggie Mac's Diner, somewhere in the Midwest.  The bustling restaurant's routine of serving comfort food to regular Joes and Janes is interrupted by a pitched battle between Batman and the team of Firefly and Killer Moth.  Why are they fighting, other than the fact that they are hero vs. arch-enemies?  Well, it involves Two-Face, and Batman may find that no one is on his side this time.

So count this as one of those fantastic first issues of a Batman story arc that Scott Snyder does so well.  Hell, if you are just looking for a darn good read and don't mind that it ends on a to-be-continued, you could not go wrong with All Star Batman #1.  Romita, Jr. and Miki make a dynamite art team, and Dean White's rich hues are eye-candy colors.  I have flipped through this book several times over the past few days; graphically, it is that pretty.

All Star Batman #1 includes a second story, written by Snyder and drawn by Declan Shalvey.  It has an intriguing premise, although it is not hell-bent action as the lead feature.  Still, it adds to my excitement about All Star Batman.  Hopefully, this opening arc does not start to feel like it is running too long and is bloated.  But really, what is going to change?  Thus far, Snyder has gotten nothing but encouragement from readers, the fan press, and the powers-that-be at DC Comics, so why should he change what he is doing?  This is not necessarily a rhetorical question.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-------------------------

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Review: SUPERMAN #41

SUPERMAN #41
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Gene Luen Yang
PENCILS: John Romita, Jr.
INKS: Klaus Janson
COLORS: Dean White
LETTERS: Rob Leigh
COVER: John Romita, Jr. and Klaus Janson with Alex Sinclair
VARIANT COVER: Karl Kerschl (Joker 75th anniversary cover)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (August 2015)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster

“Before Truth” Part 1

DC Comics' new-look slash new-direction, “DCYou,” not only means the launch of new comic book series, but it also means a change for ongoing titles.  One of those titles taking on a new direction is Superman, featuring the debut of acclaimed graphic novelist, Gene Luen Yang, as the series' new regular writer.  The art team of Superman remains the same as it has been for the last year:  John Romita, Jr. (pencils) and Klaus Janson (inks), with colorist Dean White and letterer Rob Leigh.

Superman #41 (“Before Truth” Part 1) opens with a tease of what is to come for Superman.  The story returns to the “present” with Clark Kent still dealing with the changes in his Superman powers and abilities.  Something else that is new in Kent's life is unknown figures who sends mysterious text messages that offer tips about the kind of illegal activities that Superman fights.

One tip guides Kent and Jimmy Olsen, who now knows that Clark is Superman, to the underground factory of a black market, hi-teach weapons dealer.  It is indeed a hot and accurate tip, but what are the real motives of this “unknown source?”  And how does it affect Superman's future?

Although I am aware of Gene Luen Yang's work, I have never read any of it.  I was curious about how he would approach Superman, but I expected only a minor change in tone.  Boy, was I wrong.  Everything about Superman #41 seems fresh and, in some instances, new.  This is a Superman that looks forward, with hope and possibility and ready for whatever comes with change.  I think that Superman has always been about tomorrow, about hope, and about the new.  The character grows moribund when the status quo takes hold for years at a time.

In fact, I think that Yang is a better Superman writer for John Romita, Jr.  Previous Superman writer, Geoff Johns, played to Romita's ability to summon the spirit of Jack Kirby in creating king-sized brawls between super-powered beings.  Yang plays to Romita's strengths as a storyteller who is both inventive and imaginative, also to his ability to change mood, tone, and atmosphere within a single chapter.  So this new direction for Superman is about both Gene Luen Yang and John Romita, Jr.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.



Tuesday, July 14, 2015

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 15, 2015

DC COMICS

MAY150259     ASTRO CITY #25     $3.99
APR150289     BATMAN HARLEY QUINN TP     $19.99
APR150290     BATMAN SECOND CHANCES TP     $19.99
MAY150136     BLACK CANARY #2     $2.99
MAY150186     DOOMED #2     $2.99
MAY150143     DR FATE #2     $2.99
APR150295     GREEN LANTERN CORPS TP VOL 06 RECKONING     $14.99
MAY150223     GREEN LANTERN THE LOST ARMY #2     $2.99
MAY150214     HARLEY QUINN #18     $3.99
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Sunday, June 21, 2015

Review: Creative Team Makes "SUPERMAN #38" Super

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

SUPERMAN #38

STORY: Geoff Johns
PENCILS: John Romita, Jr.
INKS: Klaus Janson
COLORS: Laura Martin, Ulises Arreola, Dan Brown, Wil Quintana
LETTERS: Sal Cipriano

Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster

SPOILER ALERT

The Men of Tomorrow: Chapter 7 - “Friends and Enemies”

I don't read a lot of Superman stories, but recently, I have been able to read this story arc.  The hype machine got me interested in learning about Superman's new power.  Why does he need a new power?  He is already the head, number-one, ass-kicker in the DC Universe.  But growth is good.  We don't want stagnant characters.

I feel fortunate that I got lucky to read this story because of some key events.  Superman makes a catastrophic mistake that has catastrophic consequences.  This makes him more fallible, not the all powerful super-being who can accomplish anything.  I would have liked to see him a little upset about the situation, not just jump back into his regular routine without a pause.  He is sympathetic toward Ulysses, but I think Geoff Johns misses a chance to demonstrate Superman's human side and to get us in our emotions (new slang that I learned from the kids).

Of course, the new power is a big event.  I like that it evolves from a power that Superman already has, and it leaves him vulnerable after he uses it. A real hero puts his life on the line.  I don't want him to use this power like fireworks on the Fourth of July.  My question is simple:  is this the final manifestation of this power or will it evolve?

That's not the only bomb that Superman drops on us.  Superman reveals his secret identity to Jimmy Olsen.  Now, Jimmy is Superman's best friend.

This is one of Mr. John's best offerings.  He has met the standard set by his own talent.  We can appreciate the masters, John Romita and Klaus Janson, on this art team.  From the Fourth Dimension to Metropolis to Superman exploding, the art is exquisite and sublime. These gentlemen are focused on making Superman the pinnacle of comic art.

I rate Superman #38 Buy Your Own Copy (#2 on the Al-o-Meter)


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