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Post by shenron on Jun 27, 2010 2:35:07 GMT -5
Thunderbolts #145 Writer: Jeff Parker Artist: Kev Walker
Well this issue picks up where the last one left off. The return of their old boss, turns out to be a odd field test of the Rafts new tech and too see how the new Thunderbolts would react at a chance of freedom.
It is interested to see all of the different personalities and how the clash and interact with each other, especially when they realize that they have no control what so ever.
After the dry run, the new warden in introduced and then the Thunderbolts are sent off to their first mission, to round up three trolls that escaped the fall of Asgard.
This mission is again, more of a test to see how well the bolts will take orders and work as a team.
The team then gets to team the the Man-Thing, which is their transport!
Battle ensues as soon as they get where they need to be, certain people have a hard time following orders, and a mysterious person joins the battle or appears to be making a death blow on one of the bolts.
In conclusion, the writer weaves together to team dynamics and the different personalities as well as the criminal aspect who are commissioned to be heroes really well so far. I am intrigued by the bolts interactions with each other and Cage and the over laying plot of the bigger picture. Action was solid and it is good to see Cage struggle to try to run a team of independent mined criminals. Some of the meta-plot mentioned I had to clue about so I was lost but other then that, highly enjoyable.
RATING: 8.5
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Post by shenron on Jun 27, 2010 3:05:48 GMT -5
Avengers (Heroic Age) #2 Writer: Bendis Artist: John Romita Jr.
This issue starting out with the Avengers enlisting a Kree who was known as Marvel Boy to help them build a time/space/continuum viewer/machine.
Once the machine is completes the discover Kangs story was true and as they start deciding what they are going to do they are attacked by Wonder Man who is pissed off that Steve Rogers put back together to Avengers.
Shortly afer that attack, the issue ends with Apocalypse and his four horseman showing up. This is apparently due to the whole time thing being messed up, but one can never know.
In conclusion, this is a intense issue with a lot going on and a lot of jokes thrown in. Bendis is solid and it ends on a large cliff hanger, I cannot wait to find out why Wonder Man would be so angry to attack the Avengers out right. Again, there is a lot of foreshadowing and story set up.
RATING: 9.0
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Post by shenron on Jun 27, 2010 3:37:46 GMT -5
Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #11 Writer: Bendis Artist: Stuart Lafuente
In the aftermath of Kitty Pryde's mental break down, Aunt May has a serious talk with Pete Parker, Bobby Drake, and The Human Torch about taking a break from the whole Super Hero gig for awhile.
Bobby then gets a job with Peter at the local Froggy Burger joint at the mall where they wear frog hats.
Mary Jane pulls the gang aside including Gwen and shows them that she got the whole thing in tape that happened with the FBI and Kitty Pryde at their high School.
Peter and Mary Jane go to see Ben Urich at the new Daily Bugle.com to show them the video so they can try to set things right, during, the meeting Peter's spider sense goes off and he follows Jameson into the garage who proceeds to kick his ass and stuff him into a trunk of a car and shape-shift into Peter Parker...
In conclusion, the fast pace seems to slow down a little but for the sake of story building but it does not disappoint. The superheroes still have to deal will teenage life and the aftermath of Ultimatum. Also, Gwen is hot.
RATING: 8.5
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Post by shenron on Jun 27, 2010 4:21:35 GMT -5
Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #3 Writer: Grant Morrison Artist: Yanick Paquette
This starts out as Bruce Wayne trying to remember what happened to him. His last moments before his death.
Then he is washed up onto shore and captured by the famous Pirate Black Beard after an intense ship to ship battle along with a young cabin boy. The pirates think Bruce Wayne is the Black Pirate and knows the way into the Gotham Caves to the hidden treasure.
As the traverse the caves in a Goonie style adventure, Bruce shows off his detective skills to avoiding the traps, etc.
It flashes back to the Justice League trying to figure out a way to help Bruce, they still have no heard from Superman and friends at the end of time. Dick and Robin go back to where Bruce died to look for clues as Tim is called in to help.
Back in the caves, Bruce kicks ass, confides in the Black Pirate in his secrets or what he remembers and convinces him to write a journal and eventually seal it in a box with a bat motif.
The issue ends with a couple of cowboys meeting Jonah Hex in a haunted house asking him to take a bounty on someone who left a bladed object in their brothers shoulder. Which turns out to be a baterang.
In conclusion, Morrison is starting to pull the story together a lot better and it is becoming more adhesive and more whole. In this issue, he tied together all three issues, by explaining in one way or another that the pilgrims from issue #2 chased away the remaining Native Indians from the first issue into the Gotham caves where what remains of them exist and the Black Pirate hides treasure and has a hide out and an understanding with the people issue #3. You also see how Bruce Wayne is leaving all of the clues throughout time that was discovered in Batman and Robin. The writing and story are starting to pick up and I am exciting to see what the Justice League are going to do about it.
RATING: 8.0
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Post by shenron on Jul 12, 2010 18:03:11 GMT -5
Batman #700, Anniversary Issue Writer: Grant Morrison Artist: Various
This issue falls outside the normal continuity and is split up into three main sections or three mini stories.
The first story has Bruce Wayne as Batman and he is captured along with Robin and other friends. They are captured by the Joker, The Riddler, and a mad scientist. Batman and friends is hooked up to a Maybe machine that shows that different time possibilities.
The second story is where Dick is Batman and Bruce Wayne's son is Robin, and they investigate the death of the Mad Scientist mentioned above.
The third story is where Damian is Batman in Gotham of the future and someone as laced the "atmosphere" control with a joker toxin that turns people into joker zombies, and he has to save it by giving up The Jokers Joke book. His Bat costume looks really cool and you definitely see Damian's style.
There is a fourth part, and it shows quick glimpes of a handful of possible future with their Batman's. This includes Batman Beyond, a totalitarian-esq setting, and a few others.
There is also about 10+ pages of artwork in the back.
In conclusion, all three stories were interconnected but they felt rushed and they lacked sustenance and build up. I felt the third part of the story was the best I would actually like to see a whole what if graphic novel on that setting with Damian as Batman. The whole issue was entertaining but hinting at the Morrisons talent of confusing story lines.
RATING: 7.5
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Post by shenron on Jul 12, 2010 23:07:49 GMT -5
Batman & Robin #13 Writer: Grant Morrison Artist: Frazer Irving
Well, I for one am glad they decided to continue this series.
It starts off as someone impersonating Dr. Wayne (Bruce Wayne's Father) or has made a public appearance and all of the drama that causes.
Then it shows Batman and Robin captures and beat up and flashes back to three days earlier with the joker in custody.
The rest of the issue shows Batman and Robin trying to figure out the events the Joker set in place or what domino effect he started. There are many references to things that happened in past issues. Batman takes Commissioner Gordan to the Bat-Bunker to help figure out what is going on, they then learn that they let Robin in with the Joker and race back.
Gordan and Batman run into trouble and Robin, well acts like Robin.
In conclusion, a solid read but I felt it was a little all over the place at first before the pieces started falling into place. The artwork took on almost a watercolor look that took awhile to get used to, but I am really excited for the rest of this story arc and it alludes to some dark times ahead.
RATING: 8.0
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Post by shenron on Jul 13, 2010 18:59:53 GMT -5
Secret Avengers #2 Writer: Ed Brubaker Artist: Mike Deodato
In this issue the Secret Avengers make it to Mars to find out what happen to Nova as well as Sharon Carter is tracking to what appears to be Nick Fury who knocked her out and hacked into the filed of their HQ and seems to be running the whole show.
Back on Mars, the Secrets encounter a group of shoulders the are under some kind of control and and we get to see the team working together and kicking some series ass as well as Steve Rogers as some kind of Force Field Shield he can deploy to protect himself from bullets, etc.
The team splits up to looks investigate different locations of mars. Ant Man and War Machine go to one location and Ant Man finds himself in a little trouble, Steve Rogers and Beast go check out another location, and the rest of the team stumble across Nova.
Nova is wearing one of the Serpent Crowns and is not in control of his actions and spots the rest of the team.
In conclusion, the writing is on par with the art and the story keeps you at the edge of your seat. Again, Steve's morals has not changes and I just cannot wait for the next issue. Maybe, the only downfall is there is a lot of story going on, but other then that, great issue.
RATING: 9.0
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Post by shenron on Jul 13, 2010 23:05:45 GMT -5
The Flash #3 Writer: Geoff Johns Artist: Francis Manapul
In this issue, Barry Allen is cleared by that fact the he probably contaminated the crime scene.
Capitan Boomerang is shown in the infirmary of Iron Heights after taking a fall down the stairs and after taking some harassment by the guards, he is able to manifest "back force" boomerangs to escape prison.
Barry Allen seems unaffected by the harassment from the Renegades and concentrates on trying to figure out if a person was wrongly convicted for a murder charge. Then the renegades show up and The Flash springs into action.
A Battle ensues and the Renegades or "Rogues" from the future capture The Flash and are going to bring him to the future for trial but Captain Boomerang intervenes, inadvertently freeing The Flash and causing trouble for all.
In conclusion, the writing keeps up with the fast pace of the story and keeps a good split between the superhero and the cop feel of The Flash/Barry Allen which I enjoy. The fight scenes are entertaining and the Renegades are always trying to outsmart and out-think The Flash and all of his tricks. Behind the scenes, the real rogues, are moving in the shadows which are going to cause trouble in the future.
RATING: 9.0
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Post by shenron on Jul 15, 2010 1:35:11 GMT -5
The Death of Superman TPB Writer: Various Artist: Various
I finally decided to pick this up and reread it, I think the last time I read it was when I was like 8. It is suppose to be one of the more iconic graphic novels of our time and one of the best selling graphic novels of all time. Lets see how it stacks up?
It starts off the monster making a menacing but awesome entrance and we quickly get to see the monsters almost single minded rage driven killing purpose. As the Monster starts his rampage across the country....
Superman is doing his thing over the city and Louis is getting into trouble and he has to go save her from underground mutants of some kind that appear to be aliens or Underworlders. I do not know the back story on them.
Then Superman ends up on a T.V. interview as his fellow Justice Friends take on the Monster that ends up being called Doomsday. Doomsday basically kicks everyones ass and almost kills a few members before Superman shows and it takes Superman a few punches before he realizes he needs to take Doomsday seriously.
The battle across the country and Superman does his best to keep Doomsday away from the city but they end up fighting in the city anyway and blowing up at least a good chunk of it.
As the title suggests, the end up killing each other with two powerful blows landing at the same time.
In conclusion, I find this really entertaining the action was awesome. It is great to see two big baddies duking it out and causing obscene collateral damage. Other then that, I found the dialog lacking, I wish they explained more about Doomsday and his history to make him more interesting, and I thought Superman did not use his head in the fight. I have heard that the rest of the Justice League acted out of character as well but I do not know about those characters so I cannot comment. The best part of the writing was the narration of the story, especially at the last few pages, that was emotional. Regardless of its flaws, I would say still read it for the action, and the death.
RATING: 5.0
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Post by shenron on Jul 22, 2010 3:33:10 GMT -5
BB WOLF and the THREE LPs THBWriter: JD Arnold Artist: Richard Koslowski This is a retelling of the classic story of the Big Bad Wolf and the Three Little Bigs, but do not let that scare you away. The story is set in the 1920's where BB Wolf tried to be a farm owner but at heart is a blues man and a boozer. The wolves suffer from the racism of the pigs and the boars. A bad turn of events sends BB Wolf on a path of Revenge against one of the Famous Little Pigs and from there, leaves his sleepy little town and all of the bad memories to sing is blues and make it big time. In conclusion, this graphic novel is incredibly well written and weighing it at 96 pages. The book is split into three "chapters", Straw, wood, and brick houses art work with a quote divide them. The art is black and write and drawn in a very retro, dark and foreboding way. The Big Bad Wolf is the good guy and the 3 Little Pigs are the bad guys and all of the wolves in general in the setting are subject to racism and Jim Crowe laws from the Pigs. One of the greatest things about this, is every page is gripping, and it has a huge re-read value. RATING: 10Just in case if you are really interested in reading it...www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog/bb-wolf-and-the-3-lps/620
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Post by shenron on Nov 18, 2010 15:10:00 GMT -5
Wolverine Origins (Complete series; issues #1-#50) Writer: Daniel Way Artist: Various
Alright I am not sure where to even start on this one. The series starts on the premise that Wolverine got all of his memories back and he is out to seek revenge on all of the people that messed with his life. There are a lot of different story arcs, some stronger then others but where the action keeps up and the series is the strongest in probably in the first 30 or so comics. Then it suffers from cross over madness and it does lose its edge a little bit. The Deadpool and Wolverine fight was one of the greatest battles I have scene in awhile and of course there was humor in it because it is Deadpool! Another good thing about the series is that you get to see different sides of Wolverine, not manner and they do not focus on it, but they are there.
In conclusion, the series is action packed and there are some git check moments for Wolverine but the series seems to run out of gas a little over half way through but your mileage may vary. As well as I thought the ending was a little anti-climatic but it does speak wonders of Wolverine's character. The art was solid all the way through.
RATING: 6.5
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Post by shenron on Nov 18, 2010 23:15:43 GMT -5
Wolverine: Weapon X Entire Series (#1-#16) Writer: Jason Aaron Artist: Jason Keith and Ron Garney
Keeping with out Wolverine kick and with my disappointment in what Origins was becoming I needed to read something to redeem my love for Wolverine and I found it. This is a short run that the same artists and writer are going to continue as Wolverine #1. I will be reviewing each story arc separately.
Arc #1: Adamantium Men: The premise of the arc is someone restarted the Weapon X program and created a small army of Wolverine type clones and is causing trouble in Cambodia and other places. Once Wolverine finds out, he goes to stop it and shot down the project with help from Maverick(Agent Zero) and other people. It was entertaining and very well written as well as it shows Wolverine as a 3D character, not just a badass killing machine. I was disappointed that the first story arc had to deal with Wolverine Past but other then that, it was fun. Oh, and he meets a girl...
Arc #2: Insane in the Brain: The issue starts out with Wolverine in a mental institution with no back story of how he got there except small clues and what is happening outside the institution. The way this is written and how it is presented was very impressive and you don't know the whole story on the end of the arc. It will definitely give you the creeps and might cause a nightmare or two. The ending of the arc shocked me how everything worked out.
Arc #3 Deathlocks: The basic premise of this is that Deathlocks from the future (where the only heroes left alive are part of the rebellion) that are programmed to assassinate the would be rebellion leaders and other heroes. I am not a fan when they start messing with future/past time travel but it was done gracefully even though ended was not really an ending. They future they portrayed was dark, gritty, and dangerous. It all comes back to one company that has been plaguing the Marvel universe for awhile.
In conclusion, I think this a fresh look at Wolverine and I was impressed to see a 3D character as well as some great stories, allies, and of course action! In the first comic he kills one thug, and sticks other thugs gun up the thugs ass. Pretty classic. I also liked how the writer kept his promise that there would be no crossovers and this happens independently of the Marvel Universe. It is worth a read and I hope the continuation of the series stays as good. Oh, and issue #16 pulls on those heart strings. R.I.P. Nightcrawler.
RATING: 8.5
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Post by shenron on Jan 31, 2011 9:24:21 GMT -5
Ultimatum Requiem TPB Writer: Various Artist: Various
All of you know my love of Ultimate Spider-Man and a lot of the Ultimate series and my shock of reading Ultimatum. Well my local comic store just showed me this and I did not even know it existed, so I quickly picked it up and read it.
It tales what happened after the events of Ultimatum and what the survivors were up to and how they were picking up the peices. It covers the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, and Spirder-Man.
X-Men: It tells the story of the surviving X-Men collecting their dead, digging graves for them, and destoying the Xavior Institute. During this process some of Magneto's remaining thugs show up and try to be friends and then start trouble. During the fight when things were not going well some other global heroes show up to save the day.
The Fantastic Four: This goes back to the conversation Johny had with his dad and some of the guilt that he feels. It also explains how they saved the Human Torch and why the Thing did what he did to Dr. Doom.
Spider-Man: This is the longest part of the tradeback and the boss man from the Daily Bugle wakes up in the hospital and writes and very heart-touching article on the true hero Spider-Man is. I think it was something really epic that shows what a hero is made of and what Spider-Man is made of. It also shows what really happened to Spider-Man and how he survived.
In conclusion, it is nice to see something fill in the holes plot wise and touching how the survivors were effected and what they did after Ultimatum. I think one of the best things about this it what the Daily Bugle wrote about Spider-Man. If you did not follow the Ultimate Universe in any of its incarnations and did not read Ultimatum, then you will probably be lost but is worth reading for the above reason.
RATING: 5.0
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Post by shenron on Jan 31, 2011 9:36:01 GMT -5
Ultimate Comics: Next Generation TPB Writer: Mark Millar Artist: Pacheco, Miki
This takes place approx. three weeks after the events if Ultimatum. Hawkeye tracks down Nick Fury and tells him that Captain America has gone "rogue".
Captain America kind of went "rogue" becuase during a mission fighting against A.I.M. he runs into the Red Skull and right before the Red Skull throws him out of the plane he tells good old Cap that he is his son. Cap then goes out on his own to find the truth and put and end to the Red Skull menace after A.I.M. steals some secret blue prints from the Baxter Building.
Nick Fury weasels his way back into S.H.I.E.L.D. by putting together a new Avengers team (by being the only one that can solve this issue) consisting of Nerd Hulk, War Machine, New Wasp, and New Black Widow. Also, Tony Starks broth makes an appearence or two.
So, the Avengers and Cap fight in paris and then Cap has to help the Avengers when they take on the Red Skull.
In conclusion, there is a lot of cool plot points, lots of action, and the art is awesome. It really brings me back to how the First Two Ultimates were. There are some heavy points in there with references to some of the things that have happened and the dislike Gregory Stark has for his brother.
RATING: 7.5
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Post by shenron on Feb 19, 2011 4:08:09 GMT -5
Walking Dead HB #1 (Issues 1-12) Writer: Robert Kirkman Artist: Tony Moore
All right, I have been hearing about this for sometime and I finally decided to pick it up and I am glad I did. This is for Zombie fans, non Zombie fans, and first time people stepping into the Zombie genre.
It starts out with the main character Rick getting shot and waking up out of a coma. He wakes up into the horror of the Zombies with no idea what is going. He stumbles through it, meeting some survivors and then decided to go on a quest to find his family.
During is travels he encounters a few more survivors, a few zombies, and finds the horrors that lurks in the big city.
You know, I really do not want to give to much away on this review because I think it is a must read and I do not want to ruin it for anyone.
In conclusion, this has great art, great story, and a realistic theme that makes it worth every penny and more. The characters have strong personalities and you grow to know them, the survival aspect seems really realistic and so does the post apocalyptic feel. It makes you think, if it happened, that how it could possible be and how people would react. It shows the strength and weakness of the human spirit.
RATING: 10
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