Weekly Comic Book Review for 9/30/09

Green Lantern #46

Creative Team
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Doug Mahnke
Inkers: Christian Alamy, Tom Nguyen and Doug Mahnke
Colorist: Randy Mayor and Gabe Eltaeb

Story – Feared

Review
This is what I am talking about. Even though I have probably been the biggest critic of Blackest Night it is not because I don't want to like the event but that it is not up to the quality I expect from the event and of Johns. The story has been slow and pondering on the same position it has been since the first issue. But if this issue is an example of where the event is going it looks like the series will finally be moving forward for the first time instead of backwards.

So far the tie-ins to Blackest Night have been much better and more effective in telling a more compelling story than the main series itself and Green Lantern #46 was another example of this. I think the thing that is making these tie-ins to Blackest Night better than the main series is that the writers are free to focus on the story than trying to make the stars of the DCU stand out above others, specifically the Black Lanterns JLA. This issue is an example of this as he is able to focus not on only the Black Lanterns and the threat they present to the universe but also on other members of the various Lantern Corps than just Hal Jordan.

And as this issue also shows Hal is an interesting character when he is interacting with characters like Sinestro, Carol, and Indigo-1 who each have their own distinct personalities and not a similar like Barry has. Johns did a very good job balancing the dialogue between the four characters as each one plays of the other very well. The dialogue was what carried the first half of this issue and kept things moving at a great pace as we entered the main event of this issue.

What was interesting to see is how we already have four of the seven main characters of the Green, Violent, Yellow, and Indigo Lantern Corps members together very quickly. It was stated that one of the other Lantern Corps members is needed to mix their "light" with the Green Lantern "light" to destroy the Black Lanterns and it was fun seeing it being shown with Hal and Carol combining their powers. The next main Lantern Cops member that will probably join the group of Hal, Sinestro, Carol, and Indigo-1 will be Saint Walker. That is if Sinestro stays with the group. It will be interesting to see if Agent Orange and Attrocius will join the ranks since those are the two that will be hardest to convince that they must join forces to defeat the Black Lanterns.

The best thing about this issue was of course the last half of the issue that gave us the main event fight of Sinestro vs. Mongul. The fight was properly brutal and epic as it has been built up to be in Tomasi's "Emerald Twilight" story arc that happened just before Blackest Night. Even though Mongul dominated most of the fight the fight really showed why Sinestro is a badass character. The way the fight ended was awesome and is another example of why Sinestro has become one of the best and most interesting characters in the DCU.

The only problem I had with this issue is how slow and little attention is being paid to John Stewarts sub-plot that has been running through Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps. Each issue of GL and GLC for the past few months have only given us a page or two showing us what John is doing and it is getting very boring. Personally with how little attention Johns, Tomasi, and other writers have paid to John this past year he has become the least interesting of the four Earth Green Lanterns as I haven't found a reason to care what happens to the character.

Doug Mahnke's artwork was again spectacular. He gives this issue the big event feel that Ivan Reis is giving the main series. The fight between Sinestro and Mongul was the highlight of the issue and Mahnke perfectly captured how epic the fight between two titans was. The only problem I had with the art is the inkers by committee this issue had. There were a few panels that had some inconsistent art.

Issue Rating
Story: 9.4/10 – Johns does a great job with all the dialogue in this issue and I hope we get more quality dialogue and storytelling like we got in this issue in the main series that Johns just has not provided.
Art: 8.7/10 – A few minor inconsistencies aside Mahnke's artwork was phenomenal. Mahnke's artwork did a nice job helping Johns dialogue by carrying the last half of the issue with the big fight we were given.
Overall: 9.1/10 – Green Lantern #46 was a great read. This is how Blackest Night should be written. We got some great dialogue and artwork that moved the overall story forward more than the main series has so far. Hopefully Johns carries this quality storytelling ability to the main series.

Teen Titans #75

Creative Team
Writer: Felicia D. Henderson (main story); Sean McKeever (back-up)
Artist: Joe Bennett (main story); Yildiray Cinar (back-up)
Inker: Jack Jadson (main story); Julio Ferreira (back-up)
Colorist: Rod Reis

Story – Wyld Thing

Review
After a great arc by Bryan Q. Miller we get yet another writer change for Teen Titans. Even though McKeever was on this title for a while before Miller and now Felicia D. Henderson came onto this title, Teen Titans has had a problem with major inconsistencies with the stability of the team. And I think that was one of the best things about Miller's story arc as it felt that we finally had a permanent Teen Titans team.

For her part Henderson did a nice job carrying what Miller started. This is Henderson's first comic book writing job with having previously only written for TV shows Fringe, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Family Matters and other shows. While she does not blow me away with her writing in this issue she definitely showed potential for growth as she transitions to being a comic book writer.

Henderson did some nice writing with the team chemistry as we see Aquagirl and Bombshell's antagonistic relationship, Blue Beetle and Static showing themselves to be the stand outs of the team, and what looks like Miss Martian having a new crush. There were moments where the dialogue wasn't very good but overall Henderson has a nice handle of each member of the team. The best writing Henderson provided was for Blue Beetle and Static as both continue to grow as their own characters with Blue Beetle especially standing out in this issue with the lecture he gave to Beast Boy at the end of the main story.

The problem Henderson faced in this issue was with re-visiting the Raven being controlled by her father or some demon. This storyline is old and has been told before and it feels like every time Raven appears this is the way a writer introduces the character to a title. Though the one part of this story I did like was Joe Bennett's artwork as he was able to flex his muscle with some crazy things to draw.

Also I did not like how Beast Boy was written. If Henderson is trying to convince the reader that he is the new leader of this team she needs to portray him as a much more confident individual, which he showed a few times in the issue. Beast Boy came off as an immature school girl with how he acted anytime someone said something about Raven.

The Ravager back-up for this issue was probably the best we have gotten so far. McKeever showed why Ravager is a badass character. While I am not sure what this will do for the overall character.

Issue Rating
Story: 7.2/10 – While Henderson did not blow me away with the dialogue it definitely showed potential. The only problem I had with her writing was how she wrote Beast Boy.
Art: 7.6/10 – Bennett provided some solid artwork with the best being the dinosaur, tiger, gorilla, bull, hawk, and wolf hybrid monster.
Overall: 7.4/10 – Teen Titans #75 was another solid issue with the new creative showing some potential on this title. The only problem this story arc faces is it feeling "been there, done that" with Raven being possessed for the hundredth time.

Wolverine: Weapon X #5

Creative Team
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Ron Garney
Colorist: Jason Keith

Story – The Adamantium Men Part 5 of 5

Review
After the last issue giving us one of the most entertaining Wolverine issues we have gotten in a long time it was hard to see how Aaron and Garney would top what they did. And the truth is that this issue doesn't reach that level which is a bit disappointing.

Even though this has been an action centered story arc this issue disappointed as it felt like the Aaron tried too hard to finish the story quickly. I would have much rather preferred it if we saw more action with Wolverine and Maverick fighting the rest of the Adamantium Men. The way Wolverine took them out with a helicopter felt to quick and not up to the standard set before it.

What I did like about this issue is that Aaron continued some strong characterization of Wolverine and giving us a strong supporting cast for the character that aren't just the X-Men. Wolverine does come off the badass he should always be and the one person you do not want to piss off. While I didn't like that the story was ended to quickly after thinking about it I did like how Wolverine took the methodical approach to take out the people after him instead of risking certain death in a fight that he probably would have lost.

Also this approach he took was made better because Aaron took Wolverine's healing factor back to basics. His healing factor has become ridiculous over the years with how fast it is as he has become almost invincible. And I like that with his fight in the last issue Aaron showed Wolverine's healing factor does have a limit again. Hopefully this limit is used more as Wolverine gets involved in bigger fights in this series.

The ending was very good as it set-up future plotlines with Maverick and Wolverine going against Norman Osborn. Aaron wrote a great Norman Osborn and it would be interesting to see Wolverine go up against him and the Dark Avengers which we might get in the Dark Reign: The List –Wolverine which is also written by Aaron.

Issue Rating
Story: 8/10 – Though Aaron does not reach the level he did with the story from the last issue his characterization of Wolverine was again very strong which made up for the lack of action.
Art: 8/10 – Garney's wasn't given much action to draw in this issue but it was still some solid artwork. His artwork is a great fit for this title.
Overall: 8/10 – Wolverine: Weapon X #5 was another solid read. This title feels like the old school Wolverine stories we used to get. Aaron and Garney have brought back the character to being the awesome and less convoluted character he once was. I definitely recommend any Wolverine fan and fans of action oriented titles to pick up Wolverine: Weapon X.

Comic Book Review: Nova #29

Nova has been one of Marvel's most consistent books. I was a fan of the original series written by Marv Wolfman and have enjoyed the latest incarnation. This is always a favorite comic at the Revolution bunker.

Creative Team
Writers: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning
Artist: Kevin Sharpe
Inker: Nelson Pereira


Art Rating: 6 Night Girls out of 10
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 7.5 Night Girls out of 10

Synopsis: Following the destruction that occurred during the War of the Kings, the Fault was created. It is a tear in space and time. The Nova Corps moved Nu-Xandar to the edge of the Fault to assess the threat. From out of the Fault a Nova Corps ship emerges.

Worldmind uses a tractor beam to pull in the ship. According to it's registry, it is a ship that disappeared 30 years ago. Nova Prime, Fraktur, Morrow and Irani go to investigate and see if the crew needs help. A mysterious figure is watching them from the outside of the vessel. The figure uses the tractor beam to send his own nanowave back to Worldmind.

The Nova crew only find droids doing repair work. They receive a signal from Worldmind that something is interfering with the signal. Contact is cut off. Nova Prime is attacked from behind.

On Nu-Xandar, the probationers (former Nova Corps members that are in training) debate whether to help the Nova Corps on the other ship.

Back on the ship, the attacker apologizes for hitting Nova Prime. It is another Nova centurion. He was stranded in another universe. Since he did not think he would be able to return, Centurion Philo was fullfilling his mission in the region he was in.

Centurion Philo brought law and order to the region he was stranded in. His ship was pulled through the Fault. Philo is worried about the prisoner he has locked up. He is a Neutron Slave Gang Boss.

Nu-Xandar...Robert has determined that all of Worldmind's resources are tied up fighting the nano attack. Unfortunately, this has allowing Ego to grow.

On the ship...Worldmind is able to get a message to Nova Prime. The source of the nano attack is standing with him. Fraktur transforms into Monark Starstalker. Using his nanotechnology, vortex pistol, and robot falcon (Ulysses) Starstalker is able to fight the Corps to a standstill.

Philo identifies him as a bounty hunter. He wants the prisoner to return for a bounty.

Worldmind contacts Nova Prime to let him know that Ego is trying to take control again. Nova Prime is unable to help because the ship is under attack by the Boss' gang. In some parts of the galaxy, they are known as the Mindless Ones.

The Good: Monark Starstalker returns! I remember reading his original appearance in Marvel Premiere #32 way back in 1976. To be honest, I had forgotten about him. It was fun seeing the robot falcon Ulysses in action again. Abnett and Lanning keep on mining the rich cosmic history of the Marvel universe.

One of my favorite storylines is the return of Ego. I liked the way Starstalker's nanowave opened the door for Ego. The future showdown should be a good one.

The story of Centurion Philo is a testament to the training the Nova Corps receives. Even though he was cut off from the rest of the Corps, he still preformed his duty. Too many times in stories like this, the stranded member goes bad or is on a power trip. I thought this was a good change from the usual story.

The Bad: I did not think that the art was as good as usual. In spots, the art team did a good job. On most of the pages, the characters are just shown standing around. The artists did not take the time to make the scenes dynamic. Sometimes it looked like good fan art. Maybe they were rushed. Usually they do a better job than this.

Overall: Another quality story. The art pulled down the story. Hopefully, the art picks up next issue.
_________________________________________________________________
Jim

New Comic Books for September 30, 2009

DC COMICS

BATMAN WIDENING GYRE #2
BLACKEST NIGHT TITANS #2
FABLES DELUXE EDITION HC VOL 01
GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #4
GREEN LANTERN #46
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA 80 PAGE GIANT #1
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #31
LAST DAYS OF ANIMAL MAN #5
SUPERMAN #692

MARVEL COMICS

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #607
AVENGERS INVADERS HC
SECRET WARRIORS #8
WOLVERINE WEAPON X #5
X-FACTOR #49

We have a healthy total of 14 titles headed to the Bunker today. This week is definitely DC heavy.

Which DC comic book am I most looking forward to reading?

I am excited to read Blackest Night: Titans #2. The debut issue on this mini-series was a solid read that offered some nice drama along with plenty of quality action scenes. Yeah, the Best Boy/Terra plotline is extremely well worn ground. Hopefully, we will get a different twist on that plotline with this issue. If nothing else, we should be in store for plenty of great action.

I expect Gotham City Sirens #4 to be a solid read. Paul Dini comes back to this young title and will hopefully get things moving. This title has had trouble getting going in a clear direction since Dini had to have a fill-in writer so early in on this title. Dini cannot afford to waste time in getting this title moving with a purpose. New titles that wander around in a meandering fashion tend to shed readers by the truckload.

Green Lantern #46 is another Blackest Night tie-in issue. It appears that this issue deals with the fallen Sinestro Corps members coming back as Black Lanterns and looking to attack their former leader Sinestro. Hopefully, this issue will move at a lively pace and deliver plenty of enjoyable action scenes. I am much more interested in the cosmic aspect of Blackest Night than I am the Earth-based side of Blackest Night.

Justice League of America 80 Page Giant #1 should be a fun read. I like all the guest stars that will be appearing in this issue. These guest stars include Shining Knight, Cinnamon, Bride of Frankenstein, Crimson Avenger and Samurai. I dig that we are going to see a comic book variation of the Samurai character from the old Super Friends cartoon.

I remain hopeful that Justice Society of America #31 will be a good read. I have serious reservations about the decision to split the JSA into two different teams. The schism of a super team along philosophical differences is hardly an original or novel idea. Hopefully, Sturges and Willingham can present the reader with a different spin on this well worn approach.

I expect Last Days of Animal Man #5 to be another solid read. This mini-series has surprised me. This has been a much better read than I was expecting. I am enjoying this look into Buddy's rather depressing future. Hopefully, things will end positively for Buddy, but it certainly does not look like that will happen at this point in the story.

In the end, the DC comic book that I am most looking forward to read is the Fables Deluxe Edition Hardcover Volume 1. Yeah, I know that this is not a monthly floppy so this choice might be a bit of a cheat. But, the fact is that this is what I am most looking forward to reading this week. So many people, whose opinions concerning comic books I truly respect, have urged me to give Fables a try. I have been reticent to do so since there are so many trades already out for this title.

Then I heard about the Deluxe Edition Hardcover that was slated to come out. I am not a huge fan of trades and much prefer to purchase hardcovers. So, I decided to wait for Fables Deluxe Edition Hardcover Volume 1 to come out so I can finally hop aboard this train. Hopefully, Fables is as good as everyone has been saying.

Which DC comic book am I least looking forward to reading?

I do not have high hopes for Batman: Widening Gyre #2. The first issue of this title was a miss for me. In general, I dig Kevin Smith's work. However, the debut issue on this title lacked any real direction and failed to hook me into wanting to come back for more. Smith failed to come up with any characters or plotlines that grabbed my interest in the debut issue.

However, the DC comic book that I am least looking forward to reading is Superman #692. I keep waiting for this title to hook my interest, but it just has not happened. Maybe it is just me but reading Superman without Superman actually in the title is pretty unexciting.

Which Marvel comic book am I most looking forward to reading?

I am looking forward to getting my hands on the Avengers/Invaders Hardcover. I enjoyed this mini-series. Jim Krueger did a fine job with the story and the artwork by Steve Sadowski was excellent. I love Golden Age characters so this story was tailor made for a reader like me. My only complaint with Avengers/Invaders was that the pacing was a bit slow and that the story was stretched to cover twelve issues. I imagine that this story will read much better in a collected format.

I fully expect Wolverine: Weapon X #5 to be another exciting full throttle read. Aaron has done an excellent job on this title by delivering a story that has a wonderful old school Wolverine feel to it. Aaron is not getting bogged down in Wolverine's laughably convoluted and ridiculous continuity.

Instead, Aaron focuses on what makes Wolverine cool and that is massive amounts of action. Thanks to Aaron's Wolverine: Weapon X, I was able to drop Wolverine and Wolverine: Origins. Of all the Wolverine titles, Aaron's Wolverine: Weapon X is by far and away the best read.

I expect X-Factor #49 to be another solid read. To be sure, X-Factor is nowhere near as good as it used to be prior to the Messiah Complex mega event. Unfortunately, Messiah Complex appeared to throw David off his game and he has been struggling to regain his prior form on this title. Having said that, the dialogue and character work continue to be top notch on X-Factor. If David can just tighten up the pacing and plotting a bit I do believe that X-Factor can return to its previous glory.

The Marvel comic book that I am most looking forward to reading is Secret Warriors #8. Hickman has done a fantastic job with this title. I am interested in this current story arc dealing with Ares and Phobos. I like that Hickman is going to have the Secret Warriors fighting two different enemy factions as we are going to see our heroes clash with Norman Osborn's Dark Avengers and Thunderbolts as well as still having to deal with Hydra and their mysterious plans.

Secret Warriors always offers some solid action as well as excellent character work and dialogue. The plotting is always a strength with this title as Hickman is crafting quite a textured and layered story. Unfortunately, Stefano Caselli will not be handling the art duties for this issue. Alessandro Viti is the artist for Secret Warriors #8.

Which Marvel comic book am I least looking forward to reading?

That would be Amazing Spider-Man #607. I do not expect this to be a horrible read. This issue is simply the weakest issue of the selection of titles that I am getting from Marvel this week. The last issue failed to interest me and Casey will have to do much more than give me a cheesy 1980's sitcom story in order to hook my interest. Hopefully, Amazing Spider-Man #607 will have more originality and substance than the previous issue.
________________________________________________________________
Rokk

Weekly Comic Book Rankings

1. Wolverine: Giant-Sized Old Man Logan #1

Creative Team
Writer: Mark Millar
Pencils: Steve McNiven
Inks: Dexter Vines

Art Rating: 10 Night Girls out of 10
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9.5 Night Girls out of 10

I already praised this issue in my review last week. I know that I should not have chosen such an obvious or trendy pick for the top spot, but the fact is that this issue was the most entertaining read of the week.

It was a tough choice as there were several other great reads. However, in the end I had to give the number one spot on the Comic Book Revolution's rankings to this issue. And as the number one rated issue of the week, Wolverine: Giant-Sized Old Man Logan #1 is the winner of the Che for the best read of the week.

2. Fantastic Four #571

Creative Team
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Dale Eaglesham

Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8.5 Night Girls out of 10

I loved Fantastic Four #571. This was a well paced issue that moved the story along at a steady pace. This issue was nicely potted as Hickman delivered a rich story with several layers that moved with a clear direction and purpose in mind.

The dialogue and character work were both well done. Hickman has a good feel for all the characters. Reed gets the bulk of all the attention in this issue. I have to admit that Hickman is making me a fan of Reed Richards. I have never found Reed's character all that compelling.

However, Hickman is changing my opinion by giving us an Alpha Male Reed who is supremely confident in his abilities. Hickman also gives Reed the appropriate ego that a man with his intelligence and abilities should possess.

Having said that, I am not at all interested in reading yet another plotline dealing with marital problems between Sue and Reed stemming from Reed's work schedule, the subject matter of his work or Reed's goals. We just went through this at the end of Civil War.

I love that Hickman is making this story a cosmic tale that is grand in scope. I always enjoy any Multiverse, so I am naturally attracted to the fact that Hickman is playing with the Marvel's Multiverse with this story arc. This is a story where I get the feeling that absolutely anything could happen at any given moment.

Hickman ended this issue with a great hook ending with the arrival of the Celestials. Next issue should offer up some pretty wild action scenes.

Dale Eaglesham delivered some fantastic looking artwork. I dig the Kirby-esque feel that Eaglesham is invoking on this title. Eaglesham certainly can draw some awesome cosmic scenes.

3. Superman: Secret Origin #1

Creative Team
Writer: Geoff Johns
Pencils: Gary Frank
Inks: Jonathan Sibal

Art Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10

This was a fantastic read. I have a review set to be published on this issue so I won't get into details at this moment.

Suffice it to say that I thought that Johns did an absolutely marvelous job tweaking and massaging Superman's origin for the current DCU. This title is going to be an excellent mini-series.

4. Incredible Hercules #135

Creative Team
Writers: Fred Van Lente and Greg Pak
Artist: Rodney Buchemi

Art Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Story Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 7.5 Night Girls out of 10

This issue was another great read. Incredible Hercules rarely disappoints. This title has so much heart and is always a fun and enjoyable read. As always, the reader gets treated to plenty of solid dialogue, great character work and some well timed and properly placed humor. The story is well paced as the story is advanced in a steady and measured pace. This was also a well plotted issue as Van Lente and Pak answer a few questions with this issue.

Van Lente and Pak shed a bit more light on Amadeus Cho's abilities. I enjoyed seeing Cho work his magic without having to rely on Hercules' help. This solo mission is going to help mold Cho into a well rounded hero who can stand on his own.

I have to admit that I am not that crazy that Van Lente and Pak are choosing to focus solely on Herc's plotline in one issue and then solely on Cho's plotline in the next issue. This slows down the pacing of the story. I would rather see the two plotlines touched on in every issue.

5. Invincible #66

Creative Team
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Cory Walker

Art Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Story Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 7.5 Night Girls out of 10

It comes as no surprise that I found this issue to be an entertaining read. Invincible has quickly become my favorite super hero title currently being published. Kirkman continues his wild style of plotting as he loves to throw so many twists and turns at the reader. Kirkman is tough to predict other than you know he is going to try and surprise you with each and every issue.

Kirkman is like a mad scientist with the plotting on this title as he is always building toward something. And we always have more than one plotline brewing at all times. The character work was solid. I liked that Allen the Alien and Nolan got to star in this issue. They are both great characters.

There was not much action in this issue. Kirkman spent this issue laying the foundation for the next big story arc. I thoroughly enjoyed learning the dark secret behind the Viltrumite Empire. This back-story on the Viltrumites certainly made this issue an interesting read and was the strength of this issue.

6. Nova #29

Creative Team
Writer: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning
Pencils: Kevin Sharpe
Inks: Nelson Periera

Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Story Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 7.5 Night Girls out of 10

This was another solid read. Nova #29 was well paced and plotted. DnA stay focused and keep the story moving at a steady pace. As always, DnA moved along multiple plotlines with ease. DnA moved the Ego the Living Planet plotline back to the front burner with this issue. Worldmind finds herself in trouble as Ego begins to recover at a much more rapid pace and is threatening to take over Worldmind once again.

We also got the plotline involving the old Nova starship that houses an old Nova Corps member and his prisoner. Unfortunately, the bounty Hunter, Starstalker, was added to the mix and he wants the Nova Centurion's prisoner for himself. As always, DnA have numerous factions competing with each other in order to ratchet up the tension on the story.

We got a fair amount of action in this issue in order to keep it a lively read. We got a great hook ending as Starkstalker and the Nova Centurions have to put aside their differences concerning custody of the prisoner and deal with the threat of the Mindless Ones who appear on the scene to free the prisoner.

The character work and dialogue were well done. You get the usual DnA effort in both those categories. I liked the two characters that are introduced in this issue. Both Philo, the old Nova Centurion, and Monark Starstalker are neat characters. I particularly enjoyed Starstalker. This is a neat roguish character with interesting powers and plenty of potential.

The artwork was well done. This was a slick and clean looking issue. Each panel was nicely detailed. This style of art is a good match for a Sci Fi title like Nova.

7. Blackest Night: Superman #2

Creative Team
Writer: James Robinson
Pencils: Eddy Barrows
Inks: Ruy Jose

Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Story Rating: 6 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10

This issue was a disappointing read. The strength of this issue was the tons of action that we got in this issue. Blackest Night: Superman #2 is a giant brawlfest that runs from cover to cover. Action fans are sure to love this issue much more than me. If you like mindless action and zombies then you will probably dig this issue.

Unfortunately, I found this issue to be an incredibly thin read. The pacing and plotting on this issue was incredibly poor. Absolutely nothing at all happens in this issue. All we see is the zombie Black Lanterns attacking Smallville and talking about the emotional spectrum inside of our heroes.

Seriously, Robinson just pounded into the ground the fact that Black Lanterns can see the emotional spectrum inside of humans and that the Black Lanterns feed off emotion. This is a pretty basic plot device that I clearly got with the first issue of Blackest Night #1. The constant referring to it in this issue gave this story an incredibly repetitious feel.

No plotlines were advanced. Nothing other than some mindless action and banter takes place in this issue. The reader is at almost the exact same position they were at the end of the first issue as they are at the end of this issue.

Having said that, I certainly did enjoy the artwork. Barrows and Jose deliver a pleasant looking issue. Each panel was packed full of details. Barrows can draw some dynamic action scenes and is also able to properly convey the emotions of each character.


8. Guardians of the Galaxy #18

Creative Team
Writer: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning
Artist: Wesley Craig

Art Rating: 5 Night Girls out of 10
Story Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 6.5 Night Girls out of 10

This was another fun issue. DnA served up tons of action scenes. The reader never has to go more than a couple of pages without getting some fighting. The action scenes were well done and are accompanied by the proper amount of witty banter between the characters.

This issue was well paced and plotted. The story never slows down for a minute. DnA never lose focus and moved the story with a purpose. DnA have excellent long term vision and are able to juggle a large cast as well as multiple plotlines flawlessly.

The dialogue in this issue was wonderful. DnA have a nice sense of humor that they manage to fit nicely into the flow of the story. The chemistry between the characters continues to be top notch and some of the best that you will find on any team title.

I like the plot twist concerning Jack Flagg being "the chosen one." Evidently, Jack Flagg is extremely important is going to be the one who will save the universe. That is a nice bit of irony concerning a character in Flagg who absolutely hates anything and everything cosmic related. Flagg hates cosmic adventures and cosmic characters. Flagg would much rather deal with traditional urban crime or standard Earth based super villains.

What I did not like was the flow of the story. This issue was a bit choppy. I also did not like the art in this issue at all. I found it to be a bit sloppy and it simply lacked detail. This is not the style of art that I would pick for a slick Sci Fi title like the Guardians of the Galaxy.

9. The Web #1

Creative Team
Writer: Angela Robinson and John Rozum
Pencils: Roger Robinson and Tom Derenick
Inks: Hilary Barta and Bill Sienkiewicz

Art Rating: Main Feature: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Co-Feature: 6 Night Girls out of 10

Story Rating: Main Feature: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Co-Feature: 5 Night Girls out of 10

Overall Rating: Main Feature: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Co-Feature: 5.5 Night Girls out of 10

This issue was a solid read. I preferred the Main Feature starring the Web much more than I did the Co-Feature starring the Hangman. The Web story was a technically well written story. Robinson did all the necessary tasks that must be accomplished by a debut issue of a new title. Robinson properly introduces the main characters. Robinson gives the reader a good sense of the Web's character including his motivation for being the Web and how he operates.

The Web story was new reader friendly. You absolutely did not have to read the Red Circle issue starring the Web in order to understand this issue. At the same time, readers like me who did read the Red Circle issues will not be bored by Robinson's story. Robinson does a fine job striking the balance so both Red Circle readers and new readers would find this issue interesting.

The only problem with the Web is that it is your standard issue super hero story. There was nothing about this story that distinguishes itself from what you can already get from tons of other super hero titles already on the market offer. I would only recommend the Web if you simply find his gimmick and powers particularly compelling.

The Hangman Co-Feature was rather dull. If you read the Red Circle issue starring the Hangman then you will probably be bored with this story. Rozum does nothing but re-hash what we already got in the Red Circle issue.

Having said that, Rozum does outline the mission statement for the Hangman with the final page. It appears that Hangman is going to be visited by supernatural beings named "Lifesavers" who will give him direction on what he should be doing next.

10. Amazing Spider-Man #606

Creative Team
Writer: Joe Kelly
Pencils: Mike McKone
Inks: Andy Lanning

Art Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Story Rating: 6 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 6.5 Night Girls out of 10

I am going to have to break with my boys here at The Revolution with this issue. Kevin and Andrenn both loved this issue. And Kevin wrote a great review for this issue already.

This issue was just a total and complete miss with me. I found this issue to be rather annoying. Kelly made Peter come across like a loser and a moron while Black Cat came across like an unlikable bitch.

This issue read like a bad episode of Three's Company with Peter starring in the role of the bumbling Jack Tripper. I found this issue to be far below the quality of writing that we got from Kelly on the excellent American Son story arc.

11. Final Crisis Aftermath: Dance #5

Creative Team
Writer: Joe Casey
Artist: Eduardo Pansica
Inks: Sandro Ribeiro

Art Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Story Rating: 5 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 6 Night Girls out of 10

This title continues to be a miss with me. This mini-series has failed to deliver what I was hoping. I really liked these characters when Morrison introduced them during Final Crisis. Unfortunately, Casey has done next to little with these characters in this mini-series.

This story has lacked much of a real direction or purpose. The story itself has been rather thin and shallow. The pacing has been incredibly slow and Casey has been unable to get me hooked into this story. I hope that DC does not give up on these characters and is able to find a writer with a good idea and purpose for these characters within the DCU.

12. Uncanny X-Men #515

Creative Team
Writer: Matt Fraction
Pencils: Greg Land
Inks: Jay Leisten

Art Rating: 6 Night Girls out of 10
Story Rating: 4 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 5 Night Girls out of 10

This was another unimpressive issue. Fraction lacks any focus with this title as he has done nothing but constantly "re-invent" the X-Men since he came aboard this title iwth issue #500. Fraction spend several issues going on and on about their new base outside of San Francisco and now, just one year later, is already focusing on yet another new base for the X-Men.

The mission directive for this team has gone from helping the San Francisco police solving crimes to generally running around like chickens with their heads cut off. A year ago the X-Men were focusing on their giant "mutant rec center" that would stand as a beacon of hope and a safe haven for mutants everywhere to now having the X-Men focus on building their own secluded city nation.

It would be nice if Fraction could pick a clear direction and purpose for this title and stick with it. So far Fraction's run has been a bunch of sound and fury that has amounted to relatively little in the way of actual substance.

Fraction is also struggling to handle the large roster of characters on this title. The result is that no character gets any real panel time outside of Scott, Emma and the Beast. The character work continues to be completely absent on this title. Each character possess the same basic generic personality. The dialogue is average at best and cheesy at worst.

None of the characters have much of a developed personality. Any type of personality that Fraction has been able to cultivate for certain characters has been based more on the stereotype perception of that character rather than actual character work. There is also a total lack of chemistry between the various characters.

This title continues to lack originality and creativity as all Fraction does is reach back into the X-Men's history and present the reader with a mash-up of past X-Men stories. It would be nice for something new and different to be done on this title.

Greg Land's art is not helping Fraction's weak writing out at all. Normally, a talented talented artist who is a master storyteller can mask many of the defects from a story written by an average writer.

That is not the case with Uncanny X-Men #515. Land does not know how to properly frame and tell the story. The panels often do not match or enhance Fraction's script. Often the character's facial expressions do not match up to what is going on in the story.

As the lowest rated comic book of the week, Uncanny X-Men #515 is the winner of the Sequential Methadone Award of the week for the worst read of the week.
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Rokk

Previewing the Week’s Releases: 9/28/09 – 10/4/09

Comics
Amazing Spider-Man #607 – I first issue of this two part story with the Black Cat was great. I can't wait to see were Joe Kelly takes the Spider-Man/Black Cat relationship and how MJ's reaction to the big kiss will be handled.

Blackest Night: Titans #2 – The first issue of this three part mini-series surprised me with how food it was. The first issue had some nice old Teen Titans nostalgia for me and it should be interesting to see what other dead Teen Titans come back as Black Lanterns since there are hundreds of them.

Green Lantern #46 – I haven't been the biggest fan of Geoff Johns work on Blackest Night so far but I did enjoy the last issue of Green Lantern. This issue is suppose to add the Mongul subplot along with what is going on with Sinestro and Carol so this should be an interesting issue.

Teen Titans #75 – I liked the last story arc of this title but I am not sure about how well Felicia Henderson will do on this title since she has only co-writing credits on TV shows. But hey she may be a hidden talent DC has found, which they desperately need.

Wolverine: Weapon X #5 – This has quickly become one of my favorite titles. This is how a Wolverine title should be writer. Aaron and Garney are doing an excellent job on this title and this final part to the Adamantium Men should a fun conclusion

DVD/Blu-ray
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies – Jeph Loeb's work on Superman/Batman was the last work of his that I enjoyed and Public Enemies was his best arc on the title. It should be fun to see how DC Animation adapts this story arc that was honestly built to be an animated feature. DC Animation has done a good job so far with their animated movies so far so this should be another fun movie by them.

Video Games
Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days – I love the Kingdom Hearts franchise. And I just recently finished playing Re: Chain of Memories for PS2 and it was a great game. This time around we are going to see the story being told from Roxas, Sora's nobody, point of view and what he did in his time with Organization XII. I am interested to learn more of Roxas backstory of his days in Organization XIII since it felt underdeveloped in KH 2. And it will be interesting to see how Square Enix works around the limitations of the DS game cards as this series has been known for some great graphics and music to go along with the story.

Previewing the Week’s Releases: 9/28/09 – 10/4/09

Comics
Amazing Spider-Man #607 – I first issue of this two part story with the Black Cat was great. I can't wait to see were Joe Kelly takes the Spider-Man/Black Cat relationship and how MJ's reaction to the big kiss will be handled.

Blackest Night: Titans #2 – The first issue of this three part mini-series surprised me with how food it was. The first issue had some nice old Teen Titans nostalgia for me and it should be interesting to see what other dead Teen Titans come back as Black Lanterns since there are hundreds of them.

Green Lantern #46 – I haven't been the biggest fan of Geoff Johns work on Blackest Night so far but I did enjoy the last issue of Green Lantern. This issue is suppose to add the Mongul subplot along with what is going on with Sinestro and Carol so this should be an interesting issue.

Teen Titans #75 – I liked the last story arc of this title but I am not sure about how well Felicia Henderson will do on this title since she has only co-writing credits on TV shows. But hey she may be a hidden talent DC has found, which they desperately need.

Wolverine: Weapon X #5 – This has quickly become one of my favorite titles. This is how a Wolverine title should be writer. Aaron and Garney are doing an excellent job on this title and this final part to the Adamantium Men should a fun conclusion.

DVD/Blu-ray
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies – Jeph Loeb's work on Superman/Batman was the last work of his that I enjoyed and Public Enemies was his best arc on the title. It should be fun to see how DC Animation adapts this story arc that was honestly built to be an animated feature. DC Animation has done a good job so far with their animated movies so far so this should be another fun movie by them.

Video Games
Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days – I love the Kingdom Hearts franchise. And I just recently finished playing Re: Chain of Memories for PS2 and it was a great game. This time around we are going to see the story being told from Roxas, Sora's nobody, point of view and what he did in his time with Organization XII. I am interested to learn more of Roxas backstory of his days in Organization XIII since it felt underdeveloped in KH 2. And it will be interesting to see how Square Enix works around the limitations of the DS game cards as this series has been known for some great graphics and music to go along with the story.
_______________________________________________________________________
Kevin

Comic Book Revolution Podcast #7

It is time for another Comic Book Revolution podcast. Yeah, I am still flying solo as Shawn apparently is never going to come back home from his vacation in Tahiti. And I don't blame him.

All right, the issues that I review in this podcast are:

Blackest Night: Superman #1
Incredible Hercules #135
The Web #1





We are all about options, so if you would rather download and listen to the mp3 of the podcast rather than watching the enhanced version with the pics then you can go ahead and head over to The Revolution's podcast page and listen or download the mp3 of the podcast. And we are on iTunes if you want to subscribe.

Comic Book Review: Amazing Spider-Man #606

Amazing Spider-Man has been on a roll these past few months. I honestly don't remember the last time I was disappointed by an Amazing Spider-Man issue. This series feels like it is quickly returning to the great title it once was. And after his last story arc, "American Son," I have great expectation for Kelly's newest Amazing Spider-Man story especially with the return of Black Cat in this issue. Let see if Amazing Spider-Man #606 can be another good read.

Creative Team
Writer: Joe Kelly
Artist: Mike McKone
Inker: Andy Lanning
Colorist: Chris Chuckry

Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8.5 Night Girls out of 10

Synopsis: We begin somewhere in a house in the New York's Upper East Side were Madame Web is being held captive. The girl that attacked her (see Amazing Spider-Man #600) enters her room and gives her a drug so that the girl's master, Mister Anansi, can see what the Spider (-Man) is doing. Madame Web pleads God to help her.

In Peter and Michele's apartment, Michele is dumping all of Peter's stuff down the garbage disposal much to Peter's chagrin. Peter asks what is wrong with her. Michele says he deserves it for playing mind games with her.

Peter thinks that this is the reason God created coffee. He then tries to give Michele the "it's not you, it's me" speech which only pisses her off even more. (Ouch, it's never a good idea to give the "it's not you, it's me" speech. Peter better be wearing a cup.)

Norah then walks in telling Peter to hug her and about the Osborn story she has been waiting to publish (Amazing Spider-Man #596-599). Michele tries to say something but Norah tells her to give her and Peter some privacy unless she is her mother. This pisses Michele off even more and Michele starts to think that Norah is the reason Peter isn't into her.

Norah and Michele start trading insults when MJ walks in. Peter not knowing it is MJ yells at her to go away. When he sees it's MJ he tries to get her not go leave but MJ does and slams the door behind her.

Michele goes to take a shower and Norah goes to Peter's room both yelling at Peter as they do so. We then see all of Peter's stuff that was in the trash compactor on fire (Hey if Peter doesn't like having three hot girls after him than I'll gladly trade lives with him ;)).

We cut to later that night were Peter, as Spider-Man, has just caught a purse snatcher and is swinging him across the city to get him to the police station. While they are swinging through the city, Spider-Man uses the guy as his own personal psychologist telling him everything that happened to him earlier in the morning. The guy is barely paying attention as he screams and tells Spider-Man that he is crazy.

The pole Spider-Man hung the guy on breaks.  Spider-Man dives after him telling the guy not to tell the mayor (Jameson) about this or he'll get billed for it. Spider-Man catches the guy and tries to use one of his web shooters but it suddenly breaks. Spider-Man tries to use the other web-shooter but it breaks as well.

The two of them fall onto the roof of an apartment.  The guy falls into a pool while Spider-Man hits the ground.

Spider-Man tries to figure out what happened but Black Cat appears and greets him. He figures Black Cat's bad luck powers are back but Black Cat calls them "Hilarity Ensues" powers (This is the new name for these powers from now on.)

Spider-Man does his usual banter by telling Black Cat if he should send her a bill for his chiropractor. Black Cat asks him how was jail (Amazing Spider-Man #587-588). Spider-Man says sorry but that he was busy with the (World) War (Hulk) and (Secret) Invasion and says under his breath he shouldn't have trusted Daredevil to do that job.

Black Cat says that she is glad that Spider-Man hasn't grown up since he dumped her. She advices him to settle down with a nice girl and have kids. Spider-Man asks if she is still bitter.  Black Cat says she is not.

A few seconds later, Black Cat breaks into an apartment with Spider-Man following her. Peter asks her how are she and Puma doing. Black Cat says that because of his control issues she broke up with him.

Black Cat then enters the apartment saying she has to work. Spider-Man goes in with her saying he thought she was a detective now. Black Cat responds by saying "Amazing what happens when you drop out of someone's life."

They then to through a bunch of lasers that are guarding the apartment and reach a big picture. Spider-Man sees that the picture is of Dexter Bennett, owner of The DB. Black Cat tells Spider-Man to calm down.  Black Cat opens a secret vault behind the picture.  Inside the vault is a dead man with cement coming out of his stomach.

Black Cat takes something out of the vault. Spider-Man tries to take the dead guy out of the vault but as soon as he touches him a bunch of bullets and spikes shoot out of the vault at Spider-Man and Black Cat.

They are both able to dodge all the traps and get into the next room. Suddenly, Diablo appears and throws some explosives at the two of them.

Outside the apartment, the thief Spider-Man caught earlier finally recovers. Spider-Man then flies out of the apartment because of the explosion and accidently pushes the guy into the pool again. Black Cat then appears and lands on top of Spider-Man. They both recover and Black Cat leaves saying she had a ball and she will see him next time.

She swings away and Spider-Man follows her asking what is wrong with her. He says she is the one who dumped him because of who he is under the mask.

The two of them stop swinging and talk on another roof. Black Cat says even though she has forgotten who is under the mask that everything she felt from their previous relationship came back and she was trying to avoid it.

Black Cat lifts Spider-Man mask up a bit and leans in to kiss him. As the two of them kiss the building next to them is a TV network and a reporter notices them kissing and tells her cameraman to shoot the kiss live.

They project the kiss between Spider-Man and Black Cat on one of the big screens in New York for everyone on the street below to see. Among those that see the kiss is MJ.  MJ is shocked at what she is seeing. End of issue.

Commentary
The Good: Amazing Spider-Man #606 was another fun read. No one writes Spider-Man like Joe Kelly does. He just nails everything that is great about this title. Kelly does a great job mixing the comedy and drama into this issue especially with very little action happening.

The opening scene with Peter, Michele, Norah, and MJ was a great way to set the tone of this issue. Sometimes it is hard to feel bad for Peter when he has all these great looking women after him, something Chameleon pointed out in the last arc. But Kelly does a nice job making you feel bad for Peter by putting him in a no win situation with all three women. All the comedy in this scene works very well except for one specific line which I'll get to later.

At the beginning I didn't like Michele but I am starting to like her character much more now. And that is credit to some nice writing of her character. The relationship between her and Peter continues to be more interesting and has inserted some hilarious moments each time there are scenes between the two.

I also like that the Spider-Man Brain Trust is not overloading us with scene after scene with MJ in them. Many times when a big character like MJ returns to a title we are bombarded with scenes with the character and showing us how great they are. And I like the approach the Spider-Man Brain Trust are taking with the character much more as the scenes with MJ are being kept at a minimum. MJ only appeared for two panels in this issue and both times she showed up were very effective especially the ending with her seeing Spider-Man and Black Cat kissing.

And I like how Peter went out as Spider-Man used the purse snatcher he caught and was taking to the police as his own psychiatrist to let out his personal problems. The scene was perfect as Peter let out all his frustrations on the poor guy who was scared to death with Spider-Man swinging him through the city.

Now the real highlight of the issue was the returning character on the cover for this issue: Black Cat. I am going to admit Black Cat is among my favorite comic book characters and I especially love it when I see her appear in a Spider-Man issue. Anytime she appears it always brings some great dialogue between her and Peter. Kelly picks up on this as his writing really shines in the scenes between Spider-Man and Black Cat that take up the majority of the issue after the opening scene.

And I like that Kelly did not just regressed Black Cat's character back to the slutty character she was back when she first appeared. Instead he presented us a Black Cat that still has all that development she previously had. While I am a bit mad that she does not know Peter is Spider-Man Kelly did do a good job showing us that Black Cat is still not the same as she was before and that her relationship with Spider-Man is very similar to the one they had pre-OMD. And even though the ending was predictable it is still a great way to end the issue and I look forward to seeing what happens in the next issue between Peter, Felicia, and MJ.

Also I loved the renaming of Black Cat's bad luck powers to being called "Hilarity Ensues" powers. That has to be the new permanent name for those powers.

I also liked about this issue is the first page with Madame Web. As we saw she is now being kept as a prisoner of the mysterious Mister Anasi and the kid who are interested in keeping an eye on Spider-Man. This is good way to continue the big storylines that the Spider-Man Brain Trust are building towards with The Gauntlet and Spider Hunt storylines. It will be interesting to see were the Spider-Man Brain Trust are taking this title as the Peter's personal and Spider-Man lives get more problematic.

Mike McKone provided some great artwork in this issue. McKone artwork is a perfect fit for Amazing Spider-Man as he does a good job with all the comedy in this issue. His artwork really helped make all of Kelly's dialogue in this issue even better. And much credit to his inker and colorist Andy Lanning and Chris Chuckry for making all of McKone's artwork work even better.

The Bad: While I wasn't offended by the comment that Norah made to Michele about eating rice and beans and ensalada (salad) I can see some people being offended by it. I don't think Kelly meant it to be a racist comment but to some it might look that way. Sometimes it is better not to go with lines like this to avoid it becoming a big deal of having a character look racist in the eyes of some even if it was meant for comedic purposes.

Also I didn't get why MJ left after Peter mistakenly yelled at her. I've never seen MJ to be so sensitive that someone yelling at her by mistake would offend her so much she would get pissed off. It was a bit of a weird moment and did not feel like an in-character move for MJ.

Overall: Amazing Spider-Man #606 was another great read. Amazing Spider-Man has really become a title that I look forward to reading month in month out. With its usual three week a month schedule there is not much waiting time between issues. I look forward to seeing the conclusion of this two-part story on Wednesday. If you have yet to give Amazing Spider-Man a try or come back to this title I recommend picking up this issue along with the last few story arcs as this title has been very good.
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Kevin

Week's End - September 27th 2009

Week’s End is here but the Week Begins probably won’t. I’ve only got one comic coming out and while I’m looking forward to Amazing Spider-man #607 at the same time there’s nothing else interesting me that week. I may not even go to the comic shop. So yes, no The Week Begins for you all. Now onto this edition of Week’s End

Comic of the Week: Amazing Spider-man #606

An easy choice for me. While this issue wasn’t perfect, the ending especially didn’t do much for me, I still enjoyed it. Black Cat is a great character and her return is being handled well by Kelly. But what really makes it work is both the beautiful art by Mike McKone along with Kelly’s great humor.

Spider-man is the perfect hero to blend humor with so you’ve got to hit a stride with the jokes and keep ‘em coming if you’re going for the funny. Kelly starts off with some light humor and by the end of the issue I was near sobbing tears of joy at how funny it got. It was great. An all around great issue leaving me excited for more.

Moments of the Week: the Goddamn Spider-man and Banner is a Bastard

F*** YES! Spider-man for the win. If this is a prelude to the events of The List: Spider-man then there’s no way I’m missing out on that. This was so awesome in so many ways. I finally have a desire to be reading New Avengers if we get more of Spider-badass. Spidey hasn’t even been half this cool in his own title, I guess someone thought they should remind us all why he’s the goddamn Spider-man.

Banner deserves a prize for the most ballsy thing to say to a super villain. Calling him ugly would be one thing, insulting his mother could get him killed. But damn, calling him a punching bag only useful because another villain was busy? Why don’t you kick him in the balls and tell him his mother never loved him while you’re at it. This was so badass.

Everyone and there mother has made a Conan joke about Skaar. I think I am going to pick up the next issue of Incredible Hulk and consider it for the pull list if this is the kind of fun and cool read we get each month. Banner is awesome and it’s about damn time Skaar find out why everyone is making Conan jokes.

Cover of the Week: Wolverine First Class #19 by Skottie Young

Dear Skottie Young, you are crazy and I love it. This cover is just so crazy and funny and it has that old time feel to it with the filter. This is so awesome. Skottie Young should do 75% of Marvel covers.

Artist of the Week: Steve McNiven

Okay I’m going with the obvious choice but it actually was a bit of a tough call. Corey Walker on Invincible this week was amazing. Though I have to give it to McNiven for just downright blowing my mind on the awesome. While I wish he could have gotten to draw some more emotional moments for Logan I can put that past me as this was just damn awesome looking. Every page and panel bled greatness.

Character of the Week: Old Man Logan

This week had some great characters. But I have to give it to Logan cutting loose again. Though it was more then him killing the Hulk Gang. It was how sadistic he was. It was over the top and I loved it. I also like the very end between him and the others. Just a nice moment to cap off a great story and a great character as well.