Friday, August 31, 2012

Geoff Johns, David Finch, Justice League of America,February



Hello People of the Internets...



Just wanted to let you know...



Supposedly starting in February, along with Geoff Johns, David Finch will be joining Justice League of America.  David Finch is great on artist duties.  It will be sad to see Jim Lee not be there, (but, not really so he can draw some other book) Finch is an easy replacement due to his high quality art action.  He will not be on Dark Knight at all (maybe covers, not interior or writing).  If this is going to be his only book on his plate expect to see fireworks!  When Finch is at the top of his game it is phenomenal.  Anyways just throwing this info out there. 


Discuss...



I added some Finch-Work to Gaze Upon...

 







Thanks for Reading and Thanks for stopping by. 

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Doubleshots With Johnny Worthless

Hello People of the Internets...


Just a quickie tonight, two on the docket.  Double-barrel, Twinkiss, Dual-bladed love. 

Let's begin. 




Phantom Lady and Doll Man #1 is 1 of 2 tonight.  I say to myself, "Self, what is this?  I've never heard of Phantom Lady!"  So we read...  The book starts out in the ever-so-popular realm of 'five years ago' the series is set to run four issues.  For those of you not familiar with our heroine here, do not lose heart!  (Yea Captain Planet!)  She has "shadow powers" and gadgets, which she gives you a play-by-play on at the beginning of the story.  Some chicks order drinks wrong at one point, which leaves me wondering if it was a mis-print or it was written that way.  We find out why Phantom Lady wants to 'Fight the Good Fight".  We also meet Doll Man.  First issue equals questions...  I have a feeling these characters are going to matter 'down the road' check them out for yourself.  This book is not for kids, don't let the cover or name fool you. 


For Fans Of:  Loose Morals, Nightclubs, Silly Heroes




Detective Comics Annual #1, this is way cool because it's a number one.  I'm still bothered by red-haired Gordon.  So without giving anything away, the rising action in this book is very blah.  (Is blah a word?)  There are some cool panels, but most of it feels like filler.  Tony S. Daniel does make up for it in the end.  The story picks up and I felt that it wasn't a waste of time when I was done reading.  I love this cover, TSD rocks it.  The main thing this book has going for it is that it's a self contained story.  One and done.  I think a better title for this one would have been, 'What I did on My Summer Vacation:  By Black Mask'.  It's a good book, pick it up because it's a #1 Annual, or buy it digitally if your just a reader.  And Tony, I'll miss you on a Bat-Book, but I know you'll have something special for us sometime next year.  Thanks for a great run. 


For Fans Of:  New 52 BatWorld, Jeremiah Arkham, Roman Sionis




Sidebar:  Nice work DC on the 'Rise of the Third Army' solicits.  Also on the promos for the other New 52 Annuals.  Very Nicely done. 


That's it for tonight.  Oh! I forgot I've got a Facebook page, I'll see if I can get R&D to put a link on here. 

Thanks for Reading, and Thanks for stopping by. 

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Ten Comics You Should be Reading, If You're Not Doing So



Hello People of the Internets! 



Johnny Worthless coming at you with some goodies, some old some new, but they're all tasty treats.  If you are already reading any of these books, way to go, if not give one or two a try, you won't be disappointed.  Unless you want lots of puppies and kittens, there isn't really anything for you here...


 Let's begin. 



First we have Robert Kirkman's The Walking Dead.  I came to this book through the TV show (like many others) I'd known of it before, but hadn't ever read a full issue.  Two words... Zombie Apocalypse.  Check out this book, it's a No-Brainer!  (Ha! Zombie Jokes)  Also a heads up (Ha!), this one is not for kids. As in the book consists of a lot of violence, gore, and profanity.  I haven't ever heard or seen a "colored" version of this book.  It's black and white which adds to the 'outsider' feel of the series.  Recently Kirkman and crew reached 100 issues, this is the longest running series on the list but don't let that discourage you.  And although it shares many things with it's TV counterpart they definitely have there differences.  The volumes of past issues are put together very well and you can get your hands on these trades very easily.


 For Fans Of:  AMC's Walking Dead, Robert Kirkman, Zombies, Decapitations




Next we have from BOOM! Studios, Valen the Outcast (which was originally titled 'Outcast', but I'm guessing Big Boi and Andre 3000 weren't fans).  My main love for this book comes from my recent lack of roleplaying.  It completely reminds me of adventures my buddies would run back in the day.  (mainly Mikee D)  The premise here is a king gets turned into an 'Undead Abomanation' and he's now trying to get revenge and reclaim all he has lost.  Along for the ride are a drunk and a hot chic, what's there not to love?  Sometimes hokey, always fun, this is a solid book.  So, I just found out this book will be ending with issue 8.  That sucks, but you still can get the issues from your local, just ask for a special order.  From what I gather there might be another book coming out with the same characters or at least in the same world... We shall see. 

For Fans Of:  Sword and Sorcery, Conanary, Throw'n Dice in White-Shoes' Basement with Mikee D





 Marvel Comics makes it debut on the list with Scarlet Spider.  Just saying the name out loud makes him edgier then ole' Petey Parker.  I'm really busy, I wanted to add this to my comic pull way before it came out, it never happened.  Starring Kaine (if you don't know him look him up, short version is he's a clone) under the Spider-Specs.  As the tag line says..."All the Power, None of the Responsibility"  Everyone I asked about this book only had good things to say.  It takes place in Houston.  Christopher Yost is on writing duties so far, he's got chops.  At the shop the other day I was told referring to  Scarlet Spider, "he's a boss".  I thought that summed up this book nicely. 


For Fans Of:  Kaine, Alliteration, Boss-like Activities, Christopher Yost





Aquaman Comic SubscriptionDC's Aquaman has been great from the word go.  (More like the start of the new 52)  From 'The Trench' through 'The Others' Geoff Johns is killing it.  This is one of the New 52 books that has really brought the goods with each issue.  (overall)  Still think Aquaman is worthless?  Issue one will change your mind about that.  Ivan Reis has been doing a bang-up job on his art duties.  With #12 and it's #0 issues coming out soon now is a good time to board the HMS Aquaman.  Or Aquaman DSV?  Whichever you prefer. 



For Fans Of:  Fishsticks, Atlantis, Oceans, Geoff Johns, Tridents




From IDW, Star Trek (Ongoing)  This book has been a home run from the start.  Well, the art was a little "off" in the beginning.  Though it never impeded the story.  This book follows the exploits of the Enterprise crew from the J. J. Abrams film universe.  The premise is to take that crew and put them in situations that originally happened to the OG crew from the 60's TV show.  (pretty awesome if you ask me)  There are also there own stories being told, and at the moment the series is taking place between the first film and the sequel which is set to premiere May 17, 2013.  So if you want to see what the crew has been up to between the films here it is.  Top Notch. 

For Fans Of:  New Star Trek Film, Old Fashioned Fun Science Fiction, Zoe Saldana






This book is so good you should be buying two copies at a time, Saga from Image.  Brought to you by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples.  Definitely not for kids.  I'm a huge fan of the look of this book.  Great panel work.  The art isn't always perfect (it's hits and misses) although this adds to the allure of it all.  This  series has a lot of heart and is quite charming at times.  I completely teared up in a room full of people at the end of issue 1.  (I have kids)  If you have never heard about this book, think Whacked-Out Star Wars.  (Kinda, I don't want to put this one in a box...)  It reminds me of so many things, but it is wholly it's own beast.  BKV (as he's known on the streets) writes an awesome "letter column" at the end of each issue.  I lost track of how many times I laughed out loud while reading.  ( I read issues one through four back to back)  To tell you the truth, if I had to pick one of these there ten books to read I'd be pick'n this'n.  (pardner)  Fiona Staples covers are all painted and wicked sweet, I had to put up two because I could decide between them.  Highest recommendation for this book.  I just want to know where I can sign up for the Saga Fan Club. 


For Fans Of:  Robot Sex?, Lying Cats, Space Operas











Also from Image, written by Ed "Everything Marvel" Brubaker and art by Sean Phillips, Fatale.  First off this book is not for kids, Second it's great.  This book reads like an old paperback you can't put down.  Hard Boiled, a bit convoluted (at the beginning) and many layered (but layered well).  Brubaker's writing is stellar so far on this book.  Dave Stewart's colors are great.  Talk about setting moods.  He is a modern day master.  Fantastic read, I want more.  See the FFO below to see if this one's for you.  I've said too much already. 


For Fans Of:  The Occult, Detective Novels, NOIR, Dames








Haunt, named for it's title character, was brought to my attention due to Greg Capullo's work on it.   I hadn't known of him until he started on Batman (I later realized I had seen his work on some Spawn-like titles back-in -the-day)  Yet another Image comic on the list, this series has been ongoing since '09.  Originally created by Todd McFarlane and Robert Kirkman (from issue 19 on it is the new team of Joe Casey and Nathan Fox).  The premise here is two brothers that were at odds with each other "come together" to solve a murder.  ( I'm being vague on purpose)  This book is sometimes a little over the top, but has constantly been a good read.  It's a roller coaster ride. 

For Fans Of:  Monsters, Spawn, ACTION!




Everyone keeps telling me to read this next book, Chew.  The problem was no one would tell me what it was about.  If you don't want to know, stop reading now.  I'm going to tell you.  Chew is written by John Layman (who will be writing Detective starting next month) I know him from Thundercats: Enemy's Pride and Dogs of War.  Both of which I thoroughly enjoyed.  I don't really know Rob Guillory except from his work on this book.  Tony Chu is the main character he is a Cibopathic, which means that when he eats something, live or dead, he gets a psychic impression, WOW.  ( It's magical )  Everyone I know that is reading this book adores it.  My favorite thing I've heard was, "The best thing ever with a killer cyborg chicken!"  I still haven't read an entire issue, but I promise I will one of these days. 


For Fans Of:  Jokes, Weirdness, Chicken







The final book on the list Thief of Thieves.  This is the third book here from fan fave Robert Kirkman.  I was asked a couple of months ago about this one, I told my friend I'd heard good things and I'd look into it for him.  The interior art is better then the covers, not that the covers are bad, the interiors are just way better.  This book completely reads like a TV show or a Hollywood Blockbuster.  The whole package is very 'slick'.  Kirkman's got another winner here, he has 'story' credits, think of him as a Producer on this book.  It reminds me of shows like Prisonbreak, but more intelligent.  Definitely worth checking out.  Well Papoose, there you have it. 

For Fans Of:  Theft, Cop-Dramas, Heist Films, Things that look cool








Sidebar:  'Face Off' on the SyFy channel is an awesome show, check it out. 

Anyways, give a chance to something new... you can be the first of your friends to read one of these books, enjoy. 

Thanks for Reading and Thanks for Stopping by...

Comic Reviews 8/15 - Uatu is Watching You!

It's that time again for another week of comics that i get to rip apart! w00t!
Don't forget to pick up your new books tomorrow at 1up!

So little books to review, so much time...Strike that. Reverse it.

Revival #2  -  M  - $2.99 - Image


I honestly missed the first issue, but a quick synopsis. it's a small town with people who aren't necessarily dying, they are coming back to life, but it is selective about who comes back.  The "revivers" as they are called don't necessarily eat brains, they just act like normal just like Dana's (the lead character) sister.  In this issue we find Dana and her sister who has been killed, struggling to cope with her sister being undead, while hiding it from their dad (the police chief.) There is also an "exorsicst" who has been going around using the phenomenon of revivers to cover his tracks.  This story has great art by Mike Norton, and the story written by Time Seely is a complex family story mixed in a supernatural setting. Both are done very well. It's a must read.

Story 4/5
Art  4/5


Amazing Spider-Man #691 - T - $3.99 - Digital Copy


This was a more psychological ending to the 'No Turning Back' story arch.  The Lizard has turned the Horizon Laboratories into his minions but don't attack humans because they are not natural enemies. So the reason the Lizard always attacked Spider-Man was because of Dr. Connors. Dr. Connors then takes the serum to return to his Lizard form and he is pissed. He runs off to kill anything he can but Spider-Man distracts him while the Horizon scientists make a cure and get it to Spidey.  Spider-Man jabs it in the Lizards head rendering him incapacitated and it didn't work.  While sitting in prison, the Lizard tries to tell Spider-Man that it did work on his brain and must stay in prison for the crimes he committed against his family.

Story 3/5
Art  3/5


AVX #10 - T - $3.99  - Digital Copy


This was one of the more coherent stories for this series.  Cyclops is about to attack Hope in K'un Lun when Iron Fist & Iron Man distract him, and Hope takes off to find Thunderer.  They reemerge riding a dragon that is the physical manifestation of k'un Lin's power, which can hurt Cyclops.  While this is going on we find out that Emma Frost and Scott Summers have Ego issues.... Shocker.  Then it comes to a showdown from Hope and Cyclops, and Hope Chaos Fist's Scott off this planet.  Which leads to my favorite cameo this week, Uatu who's just hanging watching stuff up on the moon. In the end Magneto is asking Xavier for help.  This was better and more coherent, still not the best.  I wish i knew how Hope learned thousands of years worth of Kung Fu in a day or two.  Also why is that power more powerful then dark phoenix? I guess we will find out.

Story 2/5
Art  3/5


Saga #6 - T - $2.99 - Image


This is a very complex narrative that Brian K Vaughn is telling and it works beautifully. Through out the issue/s there a subtle narration from retrospective look of Hazel (the baby.)  In this issue Marko and Alana are taken to the Rocketship Forrest and Marko sacrifices his family's sword in order to gain entry. While they are on the ship The Will finds out about the death of Stalk at the hands of Robot IV.  Finally while on the ship Alana and Marko are boarded and attacked, but it is quickly it is revealed it is Marko's parent's who are now a part of this epic journey.  Vaughn is able to intertwine this story and make it so interesting that whatever I write cannot do it justice.

Story 4/5
Art 3/5


Green Lantern #12


In this issue Hal and Sinestro were teleported to the house Black Hand and his resurrected family is currently at.  Black Hand looking in the book of the black and it says that Hal is not the enemy.  Meanwhile the guardians of the Universe plot to destroy all the Lantern Corps in order to save the Universe. Back in the house hall destroys Black Hand's brain in order to kill time while they escape but then they realize the house is surrounded by 100's of corpses. They need another spectrum color to help destroy them, so Sinestro gets the yellow lantern and throws it down while hitting it with will power.  Inside the house Black hand finds out why Hal isn't the enemy, and after the Yellow Lantern explodes leaving our Green Lantern's KO'ed we find out that Hal Jordan is going to be the "Greatest Black Lantern."  My theory is that black Lantern Jordan fights all Lanterns in order to stop the Guardians. This is a slow developing story but this new development has made it worth sticking around.

Story 3/5
Art 3/5 




AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!

So this Gag Reel emerged last night.  If you haven't seen it, enjoy!


Sorry for the terrible quality apparently Disney pulled most of the videos.






Don't forget, the Watcher is watching you.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Comic Reviews - 8/8 What Did I Just Read?!? Comics Loses a Legend

Hey all their 1uppers! It's that time again, but this week was a little light so I will throw in some filler in here.

So lets get down to brass taxes, but first a shameless plug.  Buy your books at 1up Collectibles!


Gambit #1  -  $2.99  -  T+


What the hell did I just read, let alone see.  I had high hopes for this one, because I grew up loving Gambit.  I thought it would be this intense, high action, very stylized, theft story. Instead we got a look warm but that barely has any action, some theft, whose art was barely in focus.  Everything was not right about this book at all.  This was James Asmus. It starts out with Gambit at his apartment in NYC where he is apparently is retired from being a thief, which is funny because I always just assumed Gambit stole crap when you weren't looking.  So he is going to this charity event at the never been heard of before Mr. Cich, who apparently gives out loans to bad guys. So let me get this right an evil bank roller moonlights by having charity events held at his mansion? Makes sense if you don't think about it. Okay so Gambit is going to his place to steal something, so he manages to gain his finger prints, a copy of his retinas, and a copy of him saying his name allowed so Gambit can access Cich's vault of repo'd villain weapons. Which is apparently hidden on the third floor and resembles Mary Poppin's endless bag. After creating a distraction Gambit has 15 minutes to sneak off steal what he needs too which is totally unclear.  So Gambit gets in and a kinetic shock makes the thing explode? Then sets off its internal security which is a sentinel and we know how reliable they are but seriously he did this all in 15 minutes? Sure whatever suspension of disbelief. Whatever. Then the big WTF moment happens back in Gambit's room, where the thing that shocked him, which apparently didn't explode(?) shocks him again then a star fish comes out of nowhere.  Then the starfish enters Gambit, through his chest.  WTF did i just see, let alone how could I, because the art has no clarity and no depth to it. Granted the pencils might have been muddled by the colorist but the shading is way off, so any respectable colorist would have been able to color it properly.

I will give this one more issue just to find out about that damn starfish.

Story  -  1/5
Art  - 2/5



Batman #12  -  $3.99  -  T


This was a great story written by Scott Snyder, about bullying and standing up for what is right. It's told from the point of Harper Row, who is a Gotham electrical grid worker.  She lives with her bother who is being bullied by neighborhood boys for being gay.  Their building is scheduled to be renovated by the Waynes. When she returns home, she finds her brother Cullen on the floor with a derogatory term shaved into his head. So Harper does the same thing to her hair to prove to the bullies that they aren't scared.  As the Rows were walking home the bullies attack and Batman saves them, effectively ending the bullying.  As Harper becomes sort of obsessed with Batman and figures how she can help him,  As she is down the sewer helping fix Batman's electrical grid, Batman is fighting Tiger Shark on a boat that Harper helps ground.  While at work Batman comes for a visit and tells Harper she didn't help him with the grid and she is finished.  Harper now lives by a variation of the words Batman told her, "Harper Row, you're not finished, no way."  A very emotional issue dealing with a very real problem. The Art is alright, it switches styles half way through which is distracting to me because they are two very different styles, but are both respectively well done. 

Story  -  4/5
Art  - 3/5



Captain America #16  -  $3.99  - Digital Copy  - T


This was an issue written by Ed Brubaker who has been writing you this new series from the start and in this arc Brubaker has been using the power of the media as a weapon. A weapon against heroes.the issue takes off from where the last one ended.  There is a political "talking head" if you will named Reed Braxton, who spins everything the heroes into something negative against humans. That they would rather save aliens then humans.  This a very political statement made about the importance of media and how it essentially sculpts the opinions of people. So as Cap is fighting the Discordians in DC, Braxton is playing arm chair QB and pointing out everything that is wrong.  As this is going on Agent 13 and Dum Dum Dugan are breaking into Braxton's HQ to find out who is behind all of this because in the previous issue we saw he is a clone.  As they break into the production area where we found out he is hypnotizing his audience. So then Braxton makes an announcement that they are being censored and yatty yatta.  The two are then being chased but not before Agent 13 punches one and they find out he is robot and Dugan takes his head. The comic ends with Captain America being beaten by average Americans.  This was an interesting to say the least and am very curious to see how the new Hydra plays a role in this TV News anchor ploy. The art hs been good but there was a few missteps in the story telling in some ares but overall a good issue.


Story  -  3/5
Art  - 2/5





Over this passed week the comic world took a huge blow, we lost Joe Kubert.  An amazing artist and teacher.  Long known for his art in DC Comics with titles such as Srgt. Rock, Tor, and Hawkman.  He also had a Joe Kubert School in NJ where he and two of his sons Adam and Andy, would teach aspiring comic artists the fundamentals to the most advanced elements of comic art.  Some of his lesser mainstream works that you should definitely read are,  Fax from Sarajevo, Jew Gangster, and GI Combat. He was a true icon and legend. He was a hero to me and some many others. His legacy and life will long out live us all. Thank you Joe for everything you have done.





Rest In Piece
Joe Kubert

1926-2012

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Comic Reviews - August 1st

Howdy ya'll! It's that time again! Get your books here!

Let's do this!


Avengers vs X-Men #9  -  Digital Copy  -  $3.99  - T+



Finally, an issue I could enjoy a little.  Jason Aaron writes Spider-man very well. It starts off with a great first person narration, then we "Tarantino" it and go to how we got to the point. The first person narration and Spider-Man talking to Hope about that time where every Avenger has their moment to be needed.  Spider-Man has his time to shine, and he does his Uncle Ben proud.  But with that being said, that was a pretty weak ending.  Without spoiling anything, it was a great build up to disappointment. I feel like this part of the story was out of Aaron's hands. The art by Adam Kubert, this time around it was great, leaps and bounds better then issue #7.

Story - 3/5 - Only because of the ending
Art - 4/5 



Animal Man #12  - $2.99  -  T+



Rot World Part 1, this is the first part of a cross over with Swamp Thing written by both Scott Snyder and Jeff Lemire.  This issue picks up right were #11 left off, leaving Buddy Baker and his family to find Swamp Thing and Abby. Each used their respective Green and Red to find one another. While this is happening, a possessed Cliff pulls a Carl and runs off from his grandmother.  Ellen for most of the issue is a Debby Downer talking about being able to see Buddy again and how there aren't any safe places in the world anymore.  So Animal Man and Swamp thing go in and fight the rot leaving a vine from Swamp thing to the connected world, so they can find their way back. Then they enter the rot, which I have high hopes for. This seems like a great idea of the Red and Green teaming up. It's interesting to see how this continues...

Story - 4/5
Art - 3/5


Swamp Thing #12  -  $2.99  -  T+



In part 2! After Buddy and Alec enter the Rot, only Alec can use his powers because of his connection/tether to the outside world. This tether is cut fairly quickly by Anton Arcane. Abby closes the portal but after the tether is cut the it spells out Abby a sign that she needs to act. In what I feel it was a great way to bring Anton back which was by explaining that Alec broke the rules that when a Avatar dies they don't come back but he did, so the Rot brought back Anton. Since Maxine is the new Red avatar, she will have to be careful but also protect her brother and mom. In an interesting and graphic twist Anton sends to what we believe is the real world, in ruins. The art on this book is great and unique especially with the way the comic panels have been used as artistic touch.

Story  -  4/5
Art  -  4/5



Action Comics #12  -  $2.99  -  T



I love Grant Morrison, and this issue is why it's a mix of great story telling and the super absurd.  We learn Captain Comet's back story and how his life was the opposite that of Superman's.  As Lois is dying from her wounds Superman gets thrown into a building, and in great symbolism Superman rises from the rubble as the firefighters declare John Clark dead.  Then hysterically Captain Comet threatens Superman with I kid you not Psychic Bullets, but Susie blocks his vision.  Then Captain Comet fades away as warning that he was there to save them.  Another funny moment was when Superman learns 8 years worth of medical knowledge from books in seconds, then preforms surgery on Lois to save her life.  Kind of a cop out but also really funny.  In the end Clark Kent comes back and the first person to find out is his landlord, who turns out be Nyxlygsptlnz the girlfriend of Mxyzptlk, who is seen on the last page of the comic.  Rags Morales also gives another consistent out with his art work.

Story  -  3/5
Art  -  3/5


Detective Comics #12  -  $2.99  - T



In Tony Daniel's final issue for the series, he reveals that Mr. Toxic and Hugh Marder were going to be joined in one as they use the particle collider.  They wan't to do this in hopes of becoming immortal, but Batman averts a crisis when he throws a special Batarang into the mutation that Mr. Toxic caused himself.  Batman at the beginning of the issue came into contact with the same chemicals, so he came to the conclusion that heat will stop the mutation from spreading and saving Mr. Toxic's life. I feel like this is a good way to go out for Daniel, not a to heavy or light storyline open and closed. The art is some of the better I have seen from him. I hope the best for ya Tony, but now with that being said I am very excited for John Layman to start writing a Batman story!

Story  -  3/5
Art - 4/5



Quickshots


These are some issues that I just go the chance to read from previous weeks.


Uncanny X-Men #16 


This was fun, the art wasn't good, but it has exploding X-Men clones and exploding cows. Its worth a flip through.


Justice League #11


Big fight among each other but then at the end they see their dead loved ones, guess that's whats so new about the New 52 is everyone has an Uncle Ben. Good story, great art.



BONUS ROUND

I was just watching the Batman & Robin movie on TV, so here's Seal...



I know its from Batman Forever but deal with it and embrace it.


Till Next time. Same Bat-Time, Same Bat-Blog?

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Comic Reviews - July 18th & 25th

Welcome to another installment of my reviews. Lets Go!




Also don't forget to buy your books here!


Captain America #15 - $3.99 - Digital Copy - T

A great story written by Ed Brubaker who has Captain America protecting New York from an attack.  We find out it is an elaborate plan by the Hydra Queen to turn the public against Captain America when they clone a TV news talking head and have him twist everything that Cap has done. There is also a power struggle among the supervillians, which I hope leads to a plot device in a later issue. At the end of the issue Cap faces fighting the Discordians. This issue deals much more then a physical attack on Cap but a psychological one by attacking him publicly to turn the people he fights for, against him.  The art by Scot Eaton is solid. It is good at telling the story and good at illustrating the action. I just would like to see a little more flare/personal touch in the art.


Story - 4/5
Art - 3/5






Amazing Spider-Man #690 - $3.99 -  Digital Copy - T

"No Turning Back" continues...into nothing. This issue was meh at best. Morbius was caught by Spidey.  Connors makes everyone into Lizards and isn't sure he wants to be turned back.  The best part about this story by Dan Slott was when Connors has to keep cutting off his arm because the serum finally worked and he had to keep up his crippled appearance. This issue can be skipped, unless you were a fan of the art before.


Story - 2/5
Art - 3/5








AVX #8 - $3.99 - Digital Copy - T+

Round 8: This has been booooring. Seriously all that happens is the Avengers get Hope to K'un Lun.  They defeat Namor with a joint effort and Scarlet Witch.  Namor losses his powers after he "falls" (lame) and they get transferred to the Phoenix four.  Scott won't listen to Professor X. End.  My theory is Scott or Emma get all the power and it goes straight to their head. The story was written by Bendis and the art was by Adam Kubert, but this is one of the worst outings I have seen by him.  The style isn't consistent the mechanics just aren't all there.  In one panel you can see the out line of Captain America that looks like it was forgotten to be erased then inked.  This is one big let down.


Story - 2/5
Art - 2/5






Deadpool #58 - $2.99 - Parental Advisory

The most entertaining book this week, not because it avant guarde but because it knows what it is, and thats where I take it from. It is a slap stick tongue in cheek book. The writer Daniel Way, doesn't try to make any high concepts from it. Deadpool doesn't have powers, so villains are trying to kill him.  Its a quick read but it has great art work by Salva Espin that matches with the wackiness perfectly. The best part of the story involves an explosive toilet and an anti-ballistic shower curtain. If you wan't some great immature fun, read this.


Story - 4/5
Art - 4/5 








Saga #5 - $2.99 - Not Rated

If you aren't reading this, why aren't you? The story written by Brian K Vaughan. Right at the start Robot IV finds out he will be a father.  Mean while Marko saves Alana and Hazel from IV's men where he breaks his rule not to hurt anyone. The Will saves the 6 year old from Sextillion but gets taken back. While there a contact calls The Will and explains she is on the trail of Marko and Alana. His contact, Stealth, is then shot by Robot IV in a haunting final page. This is a great twist to the beginning of this series. The art by Fiona Staples is good for the story it has it's own style and never deviates from it. The splash pages are great and can illustrate some good action. I can't wait to see the repercussions of the final page.


Story - 4/5
Art - 3/5





Green Lantern #11 - $2.99 - T



This series I enjoyed before the reboot, and this issue is more of the same from Geoff Johns.  This issue was a stepping stone into revealing the New 52 Green Lantern mythos.  Indigos made a strong construct ring for Hal Jordan, so he can use it on Sinestro. Foreshadowing?  While they were preoccupied, Black hand escaped and resurrects his family and in a great scene of him sitting around a table with zombies.  While retrieving the Book of the Black, they open it reveling some characters and are transported to the Black Hand and his family. TBC! The art was done by Doug Mahnke who has always had great art style that demonstrates a consistent art style through most of DC. It's great but just lacks a definitive uniqueness that other artists have today.


Story - 4/5
Art - 3/5









Ramblings:

One thing that i noticed about the DC New 52, is that it was suppose to be a place for the casual fan/new fan to pick up and understand whats going on. We are almost a year on and I feel like I am going to look up characters and have to refer to previous issues or Wikipedia.


Let me know what you guys think of the titles I reviewed!