Review: Batman #27

Batman #27
Writer: Scott Snyder
Pencils: Greg Capullo

Alright, let's get this out of the way.  I am not a fan of the New 52, nope, not at all.  I am not a fan of Batman, not that I dislike the character, just was never my cup of tea.  BUT........I loved this comic.  The New 52 wanted to reboot the DC Universe to entice new readers, what they should have done is what Scott Snyder is doing right now in the Batman title with "Year Zero", telling the story of Bruce Wayne getting his feet wet during the first year.  Contrary to what people think of how the GCPD (Gotham City Police Dept.) may think of Batman, they REALLY HATE him here.  He is digging up all the dirt that they are trying to hide and other than he and Jim Gordon, they want it hid.  The issue starts with Bruce getting the snot beat out of him by the Police.  It looks bad.  He escapes, but with the help of both Alfred, his butler and surrogate father, and Jim Gordon.  This book really starts to solidify the importance of their relationships and where they started to grow.  I don't want to give a lot away here, but really encourage people to read this.  Not because of surprises, but because it is so well written and should be enjoyed that way.

Sure, there is a villain involved, but the overarching story of Batman's first year is what really shines.  Greg Capullo'a art, once again, is beautiful, but I feel the colors were off just a bit.

This is how the universe should have been restarted.  You have a year to go back and tell these types of stories to bring in the new readers and keep older readers.  I know for one, this is definitely a new reader that will be following the character for some time.

Rating:  BUY, BUY!!

P.S.: I got no idea how the cover fits in.  Just sayin'.

Review: Avengers World #2

Review: Avenger's World #2

Written By: Jonathan Hickman & Nick Spencer

Art By: Stefano Caselli

Marvel

$3.99 January 22nd 2014

We are only on issue #2 of this series and I already like it more than the core title. What I had wanted from this title, as a reader, has been delivered. The Avengers have decided to send smaller squads as response units that will tackle needs across the globe. Issue #1 saw the teams being split and teased the threats each would be facing. This issue of Avenger's World deals solely with one of those units. 

Cannonball, Sunspot and Smasher are investigating Babuda ( island nation and home to A.I.M. terrorists), because the island is growing in size and evolving at a rapid rate..... as the squad approached in issue #1, they were hit by a unknown force of energy and incapacitated. 

In this issue we see the team has been captured by A.I.M. and that only Smasher is left conscious. Smasher tries to escape and  A.I.M.s Scientist Supreme, Andrew Forson, assures her she is free to go and that her allies are being taken care of in the Infirmary. He goes on to explain A.I.M.'s intent is that they plan on making a better world with better food and medicines to share with mankind....blah blah blah. But, it's never as simple as that and we see that A.I.M. has a new guest on their Island, the Entropic Man.

What is the most rewarding part of this particular issue is that we get to see some real character development in Smasher. She is the core focus from start to finish, showing fearlessness, loyalty to her friends and strength in adversity. We also get to see where some of her morals stem from. The treated of this issue is a very intriguing back story of her childhood and Grandfather. It's not an 'Uncle Ben' moment, so don't assume it is that simple. *No spoilers*

When reading Avengers titles, the worlds always at it's tipping point with annihilation, so it is hard to develop characters and allow them to be more fleshed out/have dynamic character growth. But, by focusing on smaller squads and decompressing the narrative, Hickman has told an interesting Smasher tale that gives the character more personality and development. Let's hope that these individual adventures of smaller squads lead to more character development and exploration including interpersonal ones between team-mates.

For me, the only drawback was the scenic artwork of the island itself. The best artwork appears during the flashback moments in my opinion but the scenic design of the issue dissuade you from this issue. Other than that small hiccup it is a very solid issue and should be part of your collection.

Rating: Buy it

Review: Mighty Avengers #5

Review: Mighty Avengers #5

Written By: Al Ewing
Art By: Greg Land
Marvel
January 22nd 2014 $3.99



Sure, there are a lot of Avengers titles out there. Some feel there may be too many. It's true of course, but this feels different then before. The great thing about this Avengers title is that it sheds a spotlight on something that has been missing in comics..... diversity. Oh I get it, you mean this is the "Black Avengers." Sure, that would be what someone might draw from it on the surface. But although there is much more racial diversity on this team, its the heroes that comprise it which makes this title stand out from the pack. It is a team without Iron Man, Wolverine, or any of the other heroes who are in 6+ more books a month. Sure, it has faces you may know of such as Superior Spider-Man, (for now) but it also has a few that you're probably much less familiar with because this is the only book on the shelf you will find them in. And guess what..... it's freaking awesome.

After Marvels Infinity event, Superior Spider-Man decided this "street-team" of Avengers was in desperate need of new leadership. Despite the fact that the teams leader, Luke Cage, has had years of experience leading an Avengers team Spidey decided for himself that Cage's leadership was ineffective and outdated. This issue resolves that debate in a very entertaining fashion. Meanwhile, we get more clues into who the new Ronin may be.....Don't worry, if the internet hasn't spoiled the reveal for you yet, we won't. And finally,Ronin  takes the rest of the team to investigate a "Death Cult" that has been interested in the Attilan ruins that crashed into the Hudson River. When they arrive, we see that Cortex Incorporated is already there and the three groups do not want to play cooperate.

The artwork was much improved for this issue despite the look of photo-reference for character's faces. The action flows through the panels and is never overworked or confused during the fight scenes.

The book has been very entertaining, but now that the team is established (we may have an official new member *wink*) and we have a plot outside of a Marvel Event, we will now see if this team will continue to entertain. With a fresh squad made up of lesser-knowns to casual fans and some great potential plot threads, it's going to be nice to follow a street level team with more personal development and character growth.

Rating: Buy it

Transformers: More than Meets the Eye #25

Transformers More than Meets the Eye #25
Dark Cybertron Chapter 6: No Exit
Writer: James Roberts and John Barber
Art: James Raiz, Atilio Rojo, and Livid Ramondelli
Colors: Josh Perez and Livid Ramondelli

      We left off last issue with the Lost Light's crew unearthing the body of the titan cityformer Metroplex while undersea inside the "Rod Pod", a smaller vessel, in the shape of their fearless leader Rodimus's head. Meanwhile Minicon forces continued to besiege the vessel.
         Simultaneously, inside the dead universe, Orion Pax, Rodiums, and the rest come face to face with a not-quite dead Nightbeat, whom summarily betrayed and trapped them inside a containment cube.
       And back on Cybertron itself, Starscream and his unaffiliateds are having their own troubles, whilst the exiled Autobot and Decipticon forces are waging a war of their own upon Shockwave's stronghold to come face to face with his Necrotitan.
      Our story proper picks up just from there, with the Dinobots and Astrotrain observing as the bulk of the forces pull out of a losing battle.  The story jumps again, back to the crew of the Lost Light led by Ultra Magnus delving deeper into the mysteries of Metroplex's condition, complicated by a strange absence in his cranium.
      Back at Iacon, Starscream's burden of leadership is even further overwhelmed, as the Necrotitan's march continues. Jump back to the Dead universe team making a desperate gambit against their captor. Face to face with Nova Prime, another member of the team falls, as Nova reveals he plans to turn yet another unwilling captive into a space bridge to exit back into the universe proper. The slippery descent to the endgame is coming at high speeds, with a the Minicons also seeming pawns of Nova Prime, which spells hard times ahead for the Lost Light.

Verdict: Solid issue, however as part 6 of a story so large, pick it up in the trades.

Nova #12

Nova #12

Chapter XII: Help Wanted

Writer: Gerry Duggan

Penciler: Paco Medina

Inker: Juan Vlasco
 Price: $3.99

        The next phase in the journey of Sam Alexander picks up right where last issue left off, with Sam following the map of lights he was seeing, finding a deceased Nova's helmet, and a new antagonist. Cadvian and his 'psycho-magnetizing' abilities seem to be a nice new addition to the cosmic family. His bounty hunting code puts our Novaling off his radar completely, and not unkindly removes him from his ship.
         Sam also seems to be experiencing a lot of personal growth, from his resolve to leave a written record of his exploits for his family, to rushing into a space distress call. Finding a retrofitted Xandarian ship and the occupants using a departed Nova and the remaining charge in his helmet to keep it operational are intriguing concepts as well. 
        Of course, 'saving' the day for the inhabitits isn't always what it seems. Captain Skarrn is just as sketchy as the name and circumstances imply. Sam returns home to some scolding and French Toast, and meanwhile, we get a teaser of another Cosmic player we haven't heard from in some time.

Next month, the littlest Human Rocket crosses paths with the Annihilator Beta Ray Bill, and his mighty weapon Stormbreaker!

Verdict: A nice jumping-on point, early enough in the series that catching up to speed isn't too hard. Buy it!

Review: Superior Spider-Man #25

Superior Spider-Man #245
Written by: Dan Slotted and Christos Gage
Art: Humberto Gage
Marvel: Jan 15th 2014 $4.99

Spoiler free so enjoy!

This title has had huge success as well as polarizing criticism/praise for the status quo change with Otto as Spider-Man. But, as the solicits have revealed in the last few days, Peter will be resurrected and regain the mantle of the Amazing Spider-Man.

This issue concludes the "Darkest Hours" story. Otto has bonded with the Venom symbiotie to become Superior Venom after removing it from Flash Thompson. Now, in this issue, Otto attacks the Hobgoblin's associates and is confronted by the Avengers. The Avengers appeal to their friend, Spider-Man,  to stand down and allow them to help him. Otto is not interested and decides it is time to sever ties with them in a chaotic and violent fashion.....going on the offensive and calling his spider bots and army to aid him to attack his former teammates. Tony is sent by Captain America away from the battle on another mission of importance that ends up being crucial for several reasons.

We also get an inside look at the goblins as they plot against Spider-Man and do recon on his island facility/ their capabilities for an all out attack. The Goblins also declare war on the Hobgoblin.

The beginning of Peter's return are seeded in this issue. Otto believes he has escaped this event with no one the wiser. He believes he has fooled everyone. We see the truth, which is that people are on to him and he has tested the limit one too many times.

Otto has been superior to Peter in his effectiveness and proactiveness, but at a cost. The cracks are beginning to show and when the cost of his reign as Spider-Man comes to its climax we can expect it to be explosive. The war against the Goblins is building. Everyone is suspicious of and outraged by this new Spider-Man including the city's citizens.

Dan Slott has weaved a masterpiece. You do not have to love the series, but you should appreciate its boldness. "Superior" has been inargueablly meaningful, exciting  and spawned many memorable plots that expanded the Spider-Man mythos.  We all knew Peter would eventually be back but it will be interesting to see if Peter adopts Otto's proactiveness in any way and how he could possibly mend the destruction Otto has caused in his personal life.

The War of the Goblins will end the title and return Peter to the mantle, but does this mean the end of Superior? Is Osborn the Green Goblin building this army? How will Peter's spirit break through and rebuild his life? Plenty of good reasons to keep reading the title.

And not to be forgotten, Ramos' art is consistent with the excellence he has been delivering the series. It really shines with his artwork on the Goblins including its newest recruit....*facepalm*  "Who?" you ask ...... Well, I promised no spoilers, so I'll end it there.

Ignore the forum's hate....this title is unforgettable and sells out each issue with good reason.

Rating: Strong Buy It

Review: Avengers World #1

Writers: Jonathan Hickman, Nick Spencer
Art: Stefano Caselli
Marvel $3.99 Jan 8th 2014

This issue ushers in the post "Infinity" Avengers into the All-New Marvel Now branding. The team is relatively the same line up for the most part (the core team) with a more global-response repurposing mission statement.

The idea had been that the Avengers needed to get larger and they did. Now their mission is to be more of a global presence and they get that opportunity in quick order.

For a #1 issue, it is very accessible to new readers who may or may not even know who all the members are. Several of the teams current roster had their origins in Hickman's current run in the main Avengers title and played large roles in the "Infinity" event. The team has been reduced in size since "Infinity" but several of Hickman's newest members remain active on the team roster. But as I stated before, this issue is very accessible to new readers dispite these new members that you may not be familiar with yet.

It begins with dialogue between Steve Rogers and Bruce Banner discussing the team, their new role as active global responders and their developing relationship with SHIELD.  This section contains the only problem I had with the issue. And the issue is because of its characterization of Bruce Banner. He was written in a way that seemed smug and cocky. Although he has gained control, confidence and appreciation of himself during his characters growth in his solo title, I feel it still was a bit forced, over the top and not the Banner I know and love. His time with SHIELD has put him in a prime place with the Avengers and he and Cap discuss the current state of SHIELDS leadership.

In this issue, four seperate threats occur across the globe and the Avengers split into response units to deal with these threats while Banner and Captain America remain at the Helicarrier to coordinate the efforts.

This splitting of the team into smaller groups allows every character to recieve some amount of time in the spotlight and allow more interpersonal interactions among the characters. Also, the threats themselves all have very intriguing plot hooks that I am excited to see develop....some of which pick up on storylines that have been evolving out of other titles like Secret Avengers.

The locations of these threats range from numerous natural disasters occurring the North America, the Hand causing problems on the island Madripoor (an island that is actually on the back of a living dragon!) , an entire Italian city that has had every citizen disappear and finally the terrorist organization AIM is up to something in their country and of course it is not good.

Like I said, smaller squads,  fantastic plot points to grow and the art could not be more engaging and beautiful. The art in every panel is breathtaking and worth the cover price on its own.

Its appearing like it is going to be an exhilarating ride so don't miss out or get left behind.....don't wait for this to go to the trades. Get it now.

Rating: Buy it