Shenron's Comic Book Stand

[shenron]

Preacher TPB #3 Proud Americans
Writer: Garth Ennis
Artist: Steve Dillon

Alright, Preacher #3, I am not sure where to even begin. The introduction was awesome, I will start there, haha.

Well, Jesse and Tulip are on there way to save their friend Cassidy. They have to travel half way around the world to a place called Masada, the heart of the Grail. *insert spooky sound*.

During their travels you get to learn a little bit about Jesse dad and the time he spent in Vietnam.

Jesse learns a lot more about Gensis, they meet an Angel, someone called the Allfather - leader of the Grail.

The Saint of Killers makes an appearance and so does God.

Also, you get to learn of Cassidy's history as well as he gained his "condition".

In conclusion, the writing is there again as with the characters but the story slows down a little bit. Lots of action and all the good stuff you are used too.

RATING: 9.0

[shenron]

Preacher TPB #4 Ancient History
Writer: Garth Ennis
Artist: Steve Dillon

This has been my favorite Preacher so far but it is not written within the main flow the of the story. The the TPB contains three mini stories and I will be rating each story separably and then I will rate the overall book.

>Saint of Killers

This has to be the Raddest story/history/legend/myth/western I have ever read. It basically tells the story of how the Saint of Killers was once human, how he damned himself, and how he became the Saint if Killers.

It shows that, sometimes, there is a sliver of good in everyone. Oh and the Devil and Angel of Death play poker.

The scene where he is riding on his horse in the woods and the wolves are looking at him have me goosebumps.

RATING: 10

> The Story of You - Know - Who

This is the story of the son of the Sheriff in the first trade. The kid with the really messed up face.

It tells the story of teen angst, being picked on, of a bad influence as an only friend, an abusive asshole of a worthless father, and a handful of other factors.

You also learn how he got the face and how that there is a deep lesson in his story, that you have to be stronger then your world, and that is not the answer.

RATING: 8.0

> The Good Old Boys

Ah, one of the early stories of T.C. and Jody. I found this story highly entertaining even though they are both still savage rednecks and T.C. still likes to put his pecker in everything.

They kind of come across a cop and some young reporter girl who's helicopter crashed and they team after awhile because the cop and the girl and being chased by terrorists.

Jody is actually a badass. The story reads like a pulp fiction adventure which makes it so entertaining I think.

Oh, and Jody fights a Gorilla.

RATING: 9.0

In conclusion, the story telling in each story is just phenomenal. Each story has its own feel and sense of wonder. Of course, people will some stories over others but each once has its one strengths and weaknesses. I think this is a well needed volume to give a little history to some of the characters the might of seemed minor and/or interesting but never would have had a chance to get flashed out normally.

RATING: 10

[shenron]

The Killing Joke TPB (YES, I did say TPB!!!)
Writer: Alan Moore
Artist: Brian Bolland

Well, sometimes I am a late comer to the more old school or well known reads out there. A lot of times that is due to not having enough money because of my subscriptions and bills. Finally, and I mean FINALLY The Killing Joke has come out in Trade Paper back for only $5.99, so I picked up the other day and got around to reading it.

Plus, I seem to usually I have a extreme aversion to hardback copies except in rare cases.

On with the review, after reading it and getting over the initial wow, I wanted more and more and there was no more.

Batman goes to have a talk with the Joker in Jail and realizes that the Joker escaped and that he is only talking to a decoy.

As Batman is off trying to find the Joker, the Joker is off trying to prove on his his points about humanity.

You find out how Barbara ends up in a wheelchair.

Joker tries to drive the commissioner insane.

Oh, and Batman laughs.

In conclusion, I have never seen Joker written so elegantly brilliant and there is some awesome dialog that makes you want to remember that line or this line. The book has its dark moments but it does have a good joke in it and I think it is the first and last time I have ever seen Batman laugh. The only downside is it is way to short and leaves you wanted way to much.

RATING: 9.0

[shenron]

Preacher TPB #5 Dixie Fried
Writer: Garth Ennis
Artist: Steve Dillon

This book picks up back into the main continuum of the story.

It starts off with some more of Cassidy's history. This time you get to learn about his adventures in New Orleans and when he first met someone else with his condition.

Jesse and gang are heading down there to get some help from one of Cassidy's friends who knows Voodoo to help Jesse unlock the mysteries of Genesis.

Cassidy's past catches up with them, then he acts like a wanker to Tulip, and eventually loses his head.

Arseface shows up, tries to kill the Jesse and friends, doesn't, they take him along. They get him laid, and he becomes kinda famous.

Oh, Skarr is now the the Grail's Allfather.

In conclusion, I have to say I love the little history lessons Ennis drops in and how Tulip takes her little revenge on Jesse. The writing is solid but the story pace is still a little slow.

RATING: 9.0

[shenron]

Preacher TPB #6 War in the Sun
Writer: Garth Ennis
Artist: Steve Dillon

Well, we get to see how Skarr became a member of the Grail and how he developed his own conspiracy theory within the conspiracy theory if the first conspiracy theory was actually a conspiracy theory after all?

We also learn when the Grail first started to watch Jesse Custer. (His initials are J.C., funny no?)

Jesse and friends make their way to Arizona to find some serious shrooms so Jesse and get in touch with Genesis.

Meanwhile, Skarr plans a whole military operation against Jesse with the Presidents approval.

Cassidy tries to make it up to Tulip for being a wanker.

Both sides meet up, Saint of Killers show up, all hell breaks loose.

A Nuke is dropped, Jesse is thought dead, Skarr gets chomped on by some cannibals.

Cassidy and Tulip hook up.

In conclusion, the story pace definitely starts to pick up again and Ennis introduces some interesting supporting characters. There is a lot of action, some nudity again, the Saint of Killers takes out tanks and everything else but can he handle a nuke to the chest?

RATING: 9.5

[shenron]

Batman & Robin (Issues #1-12)
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Frank Qiuetley

Alright, I am not Grant Morrison whore or anything like that but I feel like I have read enough of his stuff to say that this has to be some of the best stuff he has ever written. The whole series has a haunted surreal feeling that was, well it made it special to read.

The story flows really well and in each story arch and in each comic there is a lot of little underlying undertones and I guess what you can call mini stories.

The first story arch deals with Professor Pyg and his psychotic circus freaks and how Dick and the new Robin try to get a long.

The second story arch deals with the a criminal called the Red Hood.

They try to resurrect Bruce Wayne

The third story arch basically sets up the whole Return of Bruce Wayne thing and then some.

The house of Al Gul gets involved, you get to see the Alfred kick some ass.

There are hints throughout the whole series who Saxton is but I was surprised when he was revealed in issue #12 and it was an awesome surprise.

In conclusion, This series is great. For some reason, it reminds me of the old Adam West days, especially the villains and the setting. I do not know why. I am also impressed that you get to see how good a detective dick is, very impressive. I think this is Grant Morrison at his best!

Oh, and as for important "alluding" deaths...

1. Mr. Toad died in the cell

2. Sheikh and peanuts in restroom.

3. Cardinal and Dog Collar

4. General and Alligator

5. Newspaper Tycoon and Mistress

RATING: 9.5

Fun Fact: This was suppose to be a 12 issue mini series but from my understanding it is at least scheduled for a #13 and a #14

[shenron]

Final Crisis (HTB)
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Various

Well, this is the Grant Morrison I do not like. I feel like he has a epic story idea here but he fails in the execution. There is really so much going on, on every page and so much back history it is hard to keep everything straight.

Dark Sied is basically taking over the world and destroying everything

The story time hops a lot from past, present and future.

You have heroes and other people dieing, other heroes and people submitting to the Anti-Life signal, and general all out chaos.

Batman dies in a lame way, though it is cool it takes a God to kill him.

Oh, and Barry Allen comes back which is one of the best things about Final Crisis.

In Conclusion, I think that there is great action, some awesome scenes and decent dialog, and the scene where Superman carries out Batman's body brought me to tears. The whole thing was confusing and just lacked in writing. I only originally read it because I wanted to see what happened to Batman.

RATING: 3.0

[shenron]

Flash Rebirth (HTB)
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Ethan Van Sciver

The story takes of by someone killing a bunch of people in lab coats.

Then in shows that everyone is throwing Barry Allen a huge welcome home party. He really has not been dead in all of his regular non supers eyes, he has been in the witness protection program.

He has some cool conversations with some old friends, and is in a culture shock from basically returning to reality.

Flash then runs into a few old villains and his true opponent shows himself, the Reverse Flash.

You get to learn the secrets of the Speed Force and how messed up the Reverse Flash really is.

You also get a nice recap of Barry Allen's history.

Oh ya, the Black Flash makes an guest appearance.

In conclusion, Johns writing is excellent and he is starting to become one of my favorite writers. The story flows and mixes action, history, and personal conflict elegantly. The art rocks as well. I would have to say that the only downfall about this is that some of the story draws on some complicated Speed Force explanations and some complicated history almost reminiscent of Final Crisis. Also, Flashes current power level is obscene but fun

RATING: 8.5

[shenron]

The Flash #1
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Francis Manapul

Barry Allen is back, I for one is very happy. Anyway, #1 kicks off with some action Flash being The Flash and stopping some bad guys.

It also deals with how Barry Allen is integrating back into his life as a person, a family man, and a cop.

Then they find the body of Mirror Master, but a Mirror Master from the future or an alternate future.

The Rogues are plotting and evil plot.

Then, the rogues from the future show up in the end of the comic and blame The Flash for the Mirror Master's death and want to bring him justice.

In conclusion, this comic was a fun read. I have been waiting for this title for some time and I was not disappointed. Barry Allen has been one of my all time favorites. You definitly see a hero with a heart, you adjusts to the new time he is in, but you also get to see a goofy side and a badass side. Definitely one of the few 4D characters out there I do believe. Again, his obscene power level bigs me at times especially what you lean from Flash Rebirth, but it also makes it fun, so it a catch-22 there.

I even had to go and get the 1/25 variant.

RATING: 9.0

[shenron]

The Flash #2
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Francis Manapul

This issue literally starts exactly where the last ones left off. The Flash takes on The Rogues from the future. I have to say the battle was pretty cool and The Rogues had some pretty cool tricks up their sleeves. It gave me some new respect for B-Class villains.

The Flash used is skills as a detective and did some quick foot work, got lucky, and sent them packing to their own time.

He also rebuilt a whole apartment building which was pretty damn cool.

The end of the comic was wicked and left you wondering how the hell?

In conclusion, great writing Johns and the story picked up from issue #1. Leaves you wanting more, and that is always a good thing.

RATING: 10

[shenron]

Ultimate X-Men (Ultimate Collection #1)
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Adam Kubert & Andy Kubert

The Ultimate Collection #1 collects the first 12 issues of Ultimate X-Men which is the first year.

Anyway, I have to say, I am very impressed. They writers have taken a lot of creative freelance I guess you could call it with the characters and I am glad they did. The first thing I noticed is that all of the X-Men are younger. I am talking about 15-19 or 20. This excludes Professor X, Wolverine, and I think Beast might be in his early twenties.

The first story arc is called "The People of tomorrow" and it runs for six issues which I found to be great. People hate mutants, the President enacts the Sentinel Act, which of course have mutants running scared.

Professor X puts together the rest of his team which end up being the following;

-Cyclops
-Marvel Girl (Jean)
-Beast
-Colossus
-Storm
-Iceman

Wolverine Shows up a few issues later, well the X-Men kinda rescue him, so he ends up hanging around. ;D

There is some awesome action when the team takes on a group of sentinels.

Oh and Wolverine and Marvel Girl hook up.

Cyclops acts like a Douche Bag just a little bit

Magneto is going his Mutants are superior and we should rule the world, he has is Brotherhood of Mutants. they Kidnap the Presidents Daughter with the Ultimatum that if another mutant dies his daughter gets it. The X-men then must rescue her...

The second story arc is called "Return to Weapon X". I really enjoyed this one because the Weapon X program is actually up and running and acts like S.H.I.E.L.D.'s dirty little secret almost.

Wolverine goes out on a solo thing to track down his past for a little pay back.

Nick Fury gets to kick some ass then gets his ass kicked.

The school gets hit, and everyone gets captured by Weapon X and are now being held by Weapon X and are being used as Weapon X operatives.

You get to see some really great action and see some characters grow some balls you did not think they would have. You also get to see Wolverine in rare form, SIX CLAWS WAY UP!

In conclusion, I am definitely impressed with the new direction they are taking the characters and the new backgrounds they gave the characters, it was very refreshing and I am excited to see the new team dynamics that will be evolving. As well as the Professor is not as soft as everyone thinks he is. The story arcs were good and kept you turning the pages but I think I was more impressed with the characters then anything else.

RATING: 9.0

[shenron]

Preacher TPB #7 Salvation
Writer: Garth Ennis
Artist: Steve Dillon

After catching Cassidy and Tulip kissing Jesse goes and a walk about in a haze of lost faith so to speak and ends up in a place called Salvation, Texas.

You seem to get the feeling right away that nothing is going to be what it appears to be and people aren't going to be who they really are, and you know, sometimes you are right and other times you are wrong.

He runs into some old friends and makes some new ones and becomes the sheriff of the town.

Real quick me makes enemies of a little goblin of a man who is the local "Meat Baron". He owns a plant a few miles outside town.

As Jesse tries to clean up the town and take on the Meat Baron, he has to fight off of the advances of the Baron's legal advisor, who is a rumored to be a Nazi. The Legal adisor, reminds me of an evil Sarah Palin for some reason, eh.


He also goes up against the KKK.

You get more back story on Jesse's dad as well, trust me it all makes sense and ties in.

During the end of the book, you finally get to find out what really happened to Jesse when he fell out of the plain which is freaking awesome and the truth of how he lost his eye. I have to let this one slip, God bit out his eye.

In conclusion, this volume focuses a lot on character development for Jesse. The writing is still there and there is still action and all of that jazz. The main story line and pace does slow done slightly more then usual. It did not bother me in the least bit.

RATING: 8.5

[shenron]

Blackest Night #1
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Ivan Reis

The issue starts off during the national day of morning which marks the day of when Superman died and Coast City was destroyed.

You see all of the superheroes and even a group of villains mourn their lost brethren at different grave sites and some just personally.

Hal Jordan explains all of who has been lost to Barry Allen and Barry sits down, something you would not expect the fastest man alive would do.

Then it jumps around to the resurrected Black Hand stealing a skull and the black rings launch.

The black rings start attaching themselves to the fallen and resurrecting them.

It is pretty wicked to see how the rings are charged after Elongated Man and his wife takes out Hawkgirl and Hawkman.

In conclusion, the writing and preluding to what is to come is solid and exiting. There is a lot of story building and lots of dark wicked moments. It was a great read and I cannot wait to read #2. This issue actually made me go out and pick up the traded to catch up on my Green Lantern.

RATING: 8.0

[shenron]

Preacher TPB #8 All Hell's A-Coming
Writer: Garth Ennis
Artist: Steve Dillon

This book starts off with story of Tulip and how she came into the world and how she grew up into the women she is today so to speak.

It is an interesting look into her personality and it was pretty messed up how her father died.

The book then moves to Jesse going to track down Tulip and he picks up a few hitchhikers that we have scene before on his quest.

Jesse then reunites with Tulip and lots of sex ensues as well as the story of what really happened with Cassidy.

You also get to learn of Cassidy's shady past.

During all of this Skarr is trying to mobilize what is left of the Grail to track down Jesse but Skarr most submit to the Grail's own investigations as well.

Oh and Cassidy makes a surprise appearance.

The book ends with an adventure from Jesse's and Tulips past when they were younger and stealing cars.

In conclusion, their is a lot of character building and foreshadowing and history jumping. It shows Jesse getting ready to finish the quest he started even though it does not really focus on the main story line as much. The writing as always, is there and is solid.

RATING: 9.5

[shenron]

Preacher TPB #9 Alamo
Writer: Garth Ennis
Artist: Steve Dillon

Just wow, this book blew me away. It starts Jesse going to find some fallen angels to get some information and then he goes to find The Saint of Killers.

He lays out his plan to the Saint of Killers which took some convincing for the Saint of Killers not just to blow Jesse away but anyway.....

In the meantime, Skarr is getting what is left of the Grail that he absolutely controls after is last stunt in #8 to take down Jesse.

Cassidy finds his way into a church before he goes and confronts Jesse.

This issue is cramp packed is everything you have come to expect from Preacher and so much more more.

Oh, and of course, God makes an appearance.

In conclusion, just an epic piece of work. Some characters completely surprise you, some show more humanity then you ever thought they had. Some characters die, some live, and some end up in places you would never guess. Definitely keeps you turning the pages, I could not put it down. It even ties up the loose ends for Arseface.

RATING: 10