BATMAN/SUPERMAN No. 21
DC COMICS – @DCComics
[This review originally appeared on Patreon.]
WRITER: Greg Pak
PENCILS: Ardian Syaf
INKS: Vicente Cifuentes
COLORS: Ulises Arreola
LETTERS: Rob Leigh
COVER: Ardian Syaf and Danny Miki with Ulises Arreola
VARIANT COVERS: Jock (Joker 75th Anniversary variant)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (August 2015)
Rated “T” for “Teen”
“Truth Hurts” Part One
Superman and Batman have been teaming up in various comic books for decades. The best known Superman/Batman team-up series was the long-running World's Finest Comics (1941 to 1986). The current incarnation of a Dark Knight/Man of Steel team-up comic book is Batman/Superman, which is currently written by Greg Pak; penciled Ardian Syaf, inked by Vicente Cifuentes; colored by Ulises Arreola; and lettered by Rob Leigh.
Batman/Superman #21 (Truth Hurts” Part One) is essentially the first DCYou issue of the series. As the story begins, Superman is fighting for his life, when he shouldn't. You see, Superman has lost his powers (as seen in Gene Luen Yang and John Romita, Jr.'s run on Superman, beginning with issue #41), and the world knows that he is also Clark Kent. A visit to Lex Luthor pays off in information. The source of the thugs that are plaguing Superman seems to be located in Gotham City. But Superman does not know about the current Batman...
I would normally not spend a dime on Batman/Superman. If I want to read about Batman and Superman partnering up, I will read a Justice League comic book or find a back issue of World's Finest. However, I decided “what the heck?” because I want to read as many DCYou first issues and first chapters as I can.
This actually is not bad. Ardian Syaf's art, which is awkward like a teen boy struggling through puberty, and Greg Pak's functional storytelling capture the struggles of this “new era” in both Superman and Batman titles. This comic book is worth reading just to see how the new status quo works out for DC Comics' “Big Two” characters as a unit, at least for the time being. In fact, I'm curious enough to read a few more issues of (DCYou) Batman/Superman.
B
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux
The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
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Showing posts with label Greg Pak. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Greg Pak. Show all posts
Friday, November 13, 2015
Review: BATMAN/SUPERMAN #21
Labels:
Ardian Syaf,
Batman,
Danny Miki,
DC Comics,
Greg Pak,
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Vicente Cifuentes
Friday, August 15, 2014
I Reads You Review: STORM #1 (2014)
STORM #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel
WRITER: Greg Pak
ART: Victor Ibañez
COLORS: Ruth Redmond
LETTERS: VC’s Cory Petit
COVER: Victor Ibañez
VARIANT COVERS: Simone Bianchi; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2014)
Rated T+
My favorite member of the X-Men, Storm, has an eponymous new comic book series, launched as part of the All-New Marvel NOW! initiative. Storm is written by Greg Pak, drawn by Victor Ibañez, colored by Ruth Redmond, and lettered by Cory Petit. Of course, you know that Storm a/k/a Ororo Munroe is a Marvel Comics super-heroine and longtime member of the X-Men. She was created by writer Len Wein and artist Dave Cockrum and first appeared in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (cover dated: May 1975).
Storm #1 opens in the country of Santo Marco, where Storm is trying to use her weather-based powers to stop a tsunami, without making the situation worse. But Suncorp and a local military unit do not want Storm’s help. Meanwhile, back at the Jean Grey School of Higher Learning, a young mutant girl, Flourish a/k/a Marisol Guerra, has stinging words for Storm and about the school’s mission.
I didn’t expect much from Storm #1, but being that I love, love, love Storm, I was determined to read at least the first issue. If this first issue is any indication, Storm will finally have the great solo series readers and fans first thought she deserved and should get thirty years ago.
Greg Pak manages to put Storm’s powers on full display, while delving into the human side of her character. Storm: the matron, the leader, the mother, the hope, and the salvation, has been as interesting (if not more so) as the superhero side of her. Pak depicts Storm having to balance her power and her humanity and to find a way to be true to both her principles and to her role as X-Man: defender and fighter. Pak does a lot with this character in 20 pages.
Victor Ibañez is a good storyteller, and his warm, vibrant, and earthy style is a good fit for Storm. Ibañez presents the fight-comics side of the story in a unique way, and his character drama is equally electric.
Dear Greg and Victor, please don’t let Storm #1 be a fluke.
A
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux
The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel
WRITER: Greg Pak
ART: Victor Ibañez
COLORS: Ruth Redmond
LETTERS: VC’s Cory Petit
COVER: Victor Ibañez
VARIANT COVERS: Simone Bianchi; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2014)
Rated T+
My favorite member of the X-Men, Storm, has an eponymous new comic book series, launched as part of the All-New Marvel NOW! initiative. Storm is written by Greg Pak, drawn by Victor Ibañez, colored by Ruth Redmond, and lettered by Cory Petit. Of course, you know that Storm a/k/a Ororo Munroe is a Marvel Comics super-heroine and longtime member of the X-Men. She was created by writer Len Wein and artist Dave Cockrum and first appeared in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (cover dated: May 1975).
Storm #1 opens in the country of Santo Marco, where Storm is trying to use her weather-based powers to stop a tsunami, without making the situation worse. But Suncorp and a local military unit do not want Storm’s help. Meanwhile, back at the Jean Grey School of Higher Learning, a young mutant girl, Flourish a/k/a Marisol Guerra, has stinging words for Storm and about the school’s mission.
I didn’t expect much from Storm #1, but being that I love, love, love Storm, I was determined to read at least the first issue. If this first issue is any indication, Storm will finally have the great solo series readers and fans first thought she deserved and should get thirty years ago.
Greg Pak manages to put Storm’s powers on full display, while delving into the human side of her character. Storm: the matron, the leader, the mother, the hope, and the salvation, has been as interesting (if not more so) as the superhero side of her. Pak depicts Storm having to balance her power and her humanity and to find a way to be true to both her principles and to her role as X-Man: defender and fighter. Pak does a lot with this character in 20 pages.
Victor Ibañez is a good storyteller, and his warm, vibrant, and earthy style is a good fit for Storm. Ibañez presents the fight-comics side of the story in a unique way, and his character drama is equally electric.
Dear Greg and Victor, please don’t let Storm #1 be a fluke.
A
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux
The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.
Labels:
Black Superheroes,
Greg Pak,
Marvel NOW,
Review,
Simone Bianchi,
Skottie Young,
Victor Ibanez,
X-Men
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 30, 2014
MARVEL COMICS
MAY140811 100TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1 GOTG $3.99
MAY148186 ALL NEW GHOST RIDER #3 2ND PTG MOORE VAR ANMN $3.99
MAY140838 ALL NEW GHOST RIDER #5 $3.99
MAY148187 ALL NEW X-MEN #27 2ND PTG IMMONEN VAR $3.99
MAY148188 ALL NEW X-MEN #28 2ND PTG IMMONEN VAR $3.99
MAY140786 AVENGERS #33 SIN $3.99
MAY140829 AVENGERS WORLD #10 $3.99
MAY140900 CYCLOPS #3 $3.99
MAY140892 DEADPOOL DRACULAS GAUNTLET #4 $3.99
MAY148175 FIGMENT #2 2ND PTG CHRISTOPHER VAR $3.99
MAY140852 GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #17 $3.99
FEB140793 HAWKEYE #19 $3.99
MAY140948 HUMAN TORCH BY KESEL AND YOUNG COMP COLL TP $34.99
MAY140858 IRON MAN SPECIAL #1 $4.99
MAY140851 IRON PATRIOT #5 $3.99
MAY148248 LEGENDARY STAR LORD #1 2ND PTG MCNIVEN VAR ANMN $3.99
MAY140920 MARVELS GUARDIANS GALAXY ART OF MOVIE SLIPCASE HC $49.99
MAY140935 MIGHTY AVENGERS TP VOL 02 FAMILY BONDING $17.99
MAY140923 MMW AMAZING SPIDER-MAN TP VOL 08 $24.99
MAY140826 NEW AVENGERS #21 $3.99
APR140643 ORIGINAL SIN #3.3 $3.99
MAY148249 ROCKET RACCOON #1 2ND PTG YOUNG VAR ANMN $3.99
MAY140939 RUNAWAYS COMPLETE COLLECTION TP VOL 01 $34.99
MAY140824 SECRET AVENGERS #6 $3.99
MAY140941 SPIDER-MAN COMPLETE ALIEN COSTUME SAGA TP BOOK 01 $44.99
MAY140833 ULTIMATE FF #5 $3.99
MAY140821 UNCANNY AVENGERS #22 $3.99
MAY140794 UNCANNY X-MEN #24 SIN $3.99
MAY148189 WOLVERINE #9 2ND PTG MCNIVEN VAR $3.99
MAY140899 X-MEN #17 $3.99
MAY140947 X-MEN MAGNETO TESTAMENT TP NEW PTG $19.99
MAY140811 100TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1 GOTG $3.99
MAY148186 ALL NEW GHOST RIDER #3 2ND PTG MOORE VAR ANMN $3.99
MAY140838 ALL NEW GHOST RIDER #5 $3.99
MAY148187 ALL NEW X-MEN #27 2ND PTG IMMONEN VAR $3.99
MAY148188 ALL NEW X-MEN #28 2ND PTG IMMONEN VAR $3.99
MAY140786 AVENGERS #33 SIN $3.99
MAY140829 AVENGERS WORLD #10 $3.99
MAY140900 CYCLOPS #3 $3.99
MAY140892 DEADPOOL DRACULAS GAUNTLET #4 $3.99
MAY148175 FIGMENT #2 2ND PTG CHRISTOPHER VAR $3.99
MAY140852 GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #17 $3.99
FEB140793 HAWKEYE #19 $3.99
MAY140948 HUMAN TORCH BY KESEL AND YOUNG COMP COLL TP $34.99
MAY140858 IRON MAN SPECIAL #1 $4.99
MAY140851 IRON PATRIOT #5 $3.99
MAY148248 LEGENDARY STAR LORD #1 2ND PTG MCNIVEN VAR ANMN $3.99
MAY140920 MARVELS GUARDIANS GALAXY ART OF MOVIE SLIPCASE HC $49.99
MAY140935 MIGHTY AVENGERS TP VOL 02 FAMILY BONDING $17.99
MAY140923 MMW AMAZING SPIDER-MAN TP VOL 08 $24.99
MAY140826 NEW AVENGERS #21 $3.99
APR140643 ORIGINAL SIN #3.3 $3.99
MAY148249 ROCKET RACCOON #1 2ND PTG YOUNG VAR ANMN $3.99
MAY140939 RUNAWAYS COMPLETE COLLECTION TP VOL 01 $34.99
MAY140824 SECRET AVENGERS #6 $3.99
MAY140941 SPIDER-MAN COMPLETE ALIEN COSTUME SAGA TP BOOK 01 $44.99
MAY140833 ULTIMATE FF #5 $3.99
MAY140821 UNCANNY AVENGERS #22 $3.99
MAY140794 UNCANNY X-MEN #24 SIN $3.99
MAY148189 WOLVERINE #9 2ND PTG MCNIVEN VAR $3.99
MAY140899 X-MEN #17 $3.99
MAY140947 X-MEN MAGNETO TESTAMENT TP NEW PTG $19.99
Labels:
Andy Lanning,
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comics news,
David Lopez,
Diamond Distributors,
Greg Pak,
Howard Porter,
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Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 23 2014
MARVEL COMICS
MAY140817 100TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1 AVENGERS $3.99
MAY140911 ALL NEW DOOP #4 $3.99
MAY140839 ALL NEW INVADERS #8 $3.99
MAY140834 ALL NEW ULTIMATES #5 $3.99
MAY140762 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #4 SIN $3.99
APR140770 AVENGERS PREM HC VOL 05 ADAPT OR DIE $24.99
APR140777 CAPTAIN AMERICA TP VOL 02 CASTAWAY DIMENSION Z BOOK 2 $19.99
MAY140783 DAREDEVIL #6 SIN $3.99
MAY140790 DEADPOOL #32 SIN $3.99
MAY140891 DEADPOOL DRACULAS GAUNTLET #3 $3.99
APR140772 DEADPOOL TP VOL 05 WEDDING OF DEADPOOL $15.99
MAY140888 DEADPOOL VS X-FORCE #2 $3.99
APR140768 DISNEY KINGDOMS SEEKERS OF WEIRD HC $24.99
APR140783 FANTASTIC FOUR EPIC COLLECTION TP INTO TIMESTREAM $39.99
MAY148098 FIGMENT #1 2ND PTG CHRISTOPHER VAR $3.99
APR140769 GEORGE ROMEROS EMPIRE OF DEAD TP ACT ONE $19.99
APR140786 GOTG BY ABNETT AND LANNING COMPLETE COLL TP VOL 01 $34.99
MAY148095 HULK #3 2ND PTG OPENA VAR $3.99
MAY148096 HULK #4 2ND PTG BAGLEY VAR $3.99
MAY148099 LOKI AGENT OF ASGARD #1 3RD PTG FRISON VAR ANMN $2.99
MAY148100 LOKI AGENT OF ASGARD #2 3RD PTG FRISON VAR ANMN $2.99
MAY140860 MARVEL UNIVERSE ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #28 SYU $2.99
MAY140795 MIGHTY AVENGERS #12 SIN $3.99
MAY140774 ORIGINAL SIN #5.2 $3.99
MAY140780 ORIGINAL SINS #4 $3.99
MAY140882 STORM #1 ANMN $3.99
APR140780 THUNDERBOLTS TP VOL 04 NO MERCY $19.99
APR140787 WAR OF KINGS TP NEW PTG $24.99
MAY148097 WOLVERINE #8 2ND PTG MCNIVEN VAR $3.99
MAY140893 WOLVERINE AND X-MEN #6 $3.99
APR140773 WOLVERINE BY AARON COMPLETE COLLECTION TP VOL 03 $34.99
APR140766 WOLVERINE ORIGIN II HC $24.99
APR140775 WOLVERINE TP BOOK 01 THREE MONTHS TO DIE $24.99
MAY140817 100TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1 AVENGERS $3.99
MAY140911 ALL NEW DOOP #4 $3.99
MAY140839 ALL NEW INVADERS #8 $3.99
MAY140834 ALL NEW ULTIMATES #5 $3.99
MAY140762 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #4 SIN $3.99
APR140770 AVENGERS PREM HC VOL 05 ADAPT OR DIE $24.99
APR140777 CAPTAIN AMERICA TP VOL 02 CASTAWAY DIMENSION Z BOOK 2 $19.99
MAY140783 DAREDEVIL #6 SIN $3.99
MAY140790 DEADPOOL #32 SIN $3.99
MAY140891 DEADPOOL DRACULAS GAUNTLET #3 $3.99
APR140772 DEADPOOL TP VOL 05 WEDDING OF DEADPOOL $15.99
MAY140888 DEADPOOL VS X-FORCE #2 $3.99
APR140768 DISNEY KINGDOMS SEEKERS OF WEIRD HC $24.99
APR140783 FANTASTIC FOUR EPIC COLLECTION TP INTO TIMESTREAM $39.99
MAY148098 FIGMENT #1 2ND PTG CHRISTOPHER VAR $3.99
APR140769 GEORGE ROMEROS EMPIRE OF DEAD TP ACT ONE $19.99
APR140786 GOTG BY ABNETT AND LANNING COMPLETE COLL TP VOL 01 $34.99
MAY148095 HULK #3 2ND PTG OPENA VAR $3.99
MAY148096 HULK #4 2ND PTG BAGLEY VAR $3.99
MAY148099 LOKI AGENT OF ASGARD #1 3RD PTG FRISON VAR ANMN $2.99
MAY148100 LOKI AGENT OF ASGARD #2 3RD PTG FRISON VAR ANMN $2.99
MAY140860 MARVEL UNIVERSE ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #28 SYU $2.99
MAY140795 MIGHTY AVENGERS #12 SIN $3.99
MAY140774 ORIGINAL SIN #5.2 $3.99
MAY140780 ORIGINAL SINS #4 $3.99
MAY140882 STORM #1 ANMN $3.99
APR140780 THUNDERBOLTS TP VOL 04 NO MERCY $19.99
APR140787 WAR OF KINGS TP NEW PTG $24.99
MAY148097 WOLVERINE #8 2ND PTG MCNIVEN VAR $3.99
MAY140893 WOLVERINE AND X-MEN #6 $3.99
APR140773 WOLVERINE BY AARON COMPLETE COLLECTION TP VOL 03 $34.99
APR140766 WOLVERINE ORIGIN II HC $24.99
APR140775 WOLVERINE TP BOOK 01 THREE MONTHS TO DIE $24.99
Labels:
Andy Lanning,
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Captain America,
comics news,
Dan Abnett,
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Greg Pak,
Jason Aaron,
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Saturday, November 24, 2012
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
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
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Albert Avilla Reviews: X-Treme X-Men #4
X-Treme X-Men #4
Marvel Comics
Reviewed by Albert Avilla
Script: Greg Pak
Art: Paco Diaz
(Spoiler Alert)
Greg Pak writing about iconic X-Men characters in an alternate reality, bring it. The X-Men land in the Wild West. Xavier is a professional gambler who uses his telepathy to cheat. He crosses paths with Sabertooth and comes into his power while protecting himself. Evil Xavier takes over the town and oppresses the town. Good old fashioned Western Mutant action popping off every page. Sabertooth and some outlaws are harassing a mother and her son. Little Jamie starts popping claws. Team X-Treme saves the pair.
Wolverine lets himself get captured so that he can do some reconnaissance. Wolverine is in jail with his alternate reality father when Boss Xavier shows up with Colossus and Danger to take Wolverine. Dazzler and Nightcrawler arrive at the jail too late to save Wolvie, but they get Howlett out. Dazzler is left with the odds stacked against her as sheriff Cyclops and his posse, Wolverine, Sabertooth, Danger, and Colossus-riding a bison (hell, yeah, a bison!) are coming for her. She's rolling with ‘tween Nightcrawler, rug rat Wolverine, and the Xavier balloon.
The art was above average, but what I really enjoyed was Diaz's Flair for design. The industrialized West was fun. The characters were cool. The John Henry-style Colossus was awesome and he rides a bison. Xavier is all Wild West-bossed-up. Dazzler is fine as hell.
I rate X-Treme X-Men #4 Buy Your Own Copy.
Marvel Comics
Reviewed by Albert Avilla
Script: Greg Pak
Art: Paco Diaz
(Spoiler Alert)
Greg Pak writing about iconic X-Men characters in an alternate reality, bring it. The X-Men land in the Wild West. Xavier is a professional gambler who uses his telepathy to cheat. He crosses paths with Sabertooth and comes into his power while protecting himself. Evil Xavier takes over the town and oppresses the town. Good old fashioned Western Mutant action popping off every page. Sabertooth and some outlaws are harassing a mother and her son. Little Jamie starts popping claws. Team X-Treme saves the pair.
Wolverine lets himself get captured so that he can do some reconnaissance. Wolverine is in jail with his alternate reality father when Boss Xavier shows up with Colossus and Danger to take Wolverine. Dazzler and Nightcrawler arrive at the jail too late to save Wolvie, but they get Howlett out. Dazzler is left with the odds stacked against her as sheriff Cyclops and his posse, Wolverine, Sabertooth, Danger, and Colossus-riding a bison (hell, yeah, a bison!) are coming for her. She's rolling with ‘tween Nightcrawler, rug rat Wolverine, and the Xavier balloon.
The art was above average, but what I really enjoyed was Diaz's Flair for design. The industrialized West was fun. The characters were cool. The John Henry-style Colossus was awesome and he rides a bison. Xavier is all Wild West-bossed-up. Dazzler is fine as hell.
I rate X-Treme X-Men #4 Buy Your Own Copy.
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