Listed below are brief reviews of last week’s comics where I discuss elements of the stories I like. It was a busy week, but since it was my birthday, I’ll take it as a present from the comic book industry. Two DC crossover/tie-in events are in full swing, Captain America and the Punisher are kicking ass, and I’m glad I decided to check out one more issue of Supreme.
Avengers Assemble #3 (Marvel) — Not only does this book take the characters from the film and force them together, it also brings a dead villain back to threaten the team since he’s threatening them in the movie. I’ll see where this goes before getting too critical, but I’m enjoying this new story with Bendis and Bagley together.
Batgirl #9 (DC) — This Talon had an interesting back story, and Gordon’s story was exciting, too. Batgirl was more along for the ride in this issue than being the focus, but since this crossover originates from the Batman title, all of the Bat books were forced to fit the story in some way. At least this one added greatly to that story, so thanks Batgirl team 🙂
Batman #9 (DC) — The Night of the Owls is here! Although not much happened, Batman’s out of the cave and set to fulfill a friend’s dying wishes. I actually suspected this guy was behind the Court, and unless he’s faking his death, I guess I’m wrong. I’ll learn more next month. As for the backup story, if they change Batman’s origin, I’ll be very upset. I’ve come to accept Joe Chill, but as soon as Batman can get justice for his parents, his motivation to be Batman is greatly diminished. The best characters are the ones fighting relentlessly for something that will forever be out of their reach.
Batman and Robin #9 (DC) — Although exciting and full of action, I’d argue Damian failed miserably here. Also, I don’t remember if it was this issue, Batman, or Batgirl, but one of the characters said regeneration allows them to go all out on the Talons, even so far as to kill them since they’re already dead. I had a bad feeling this was what they’d do with it after reading Nightwing #8 last month, and this seems to only be a plot device to allow the Bat family to show just how violent and ruthless they could be when no rules need to be followed, breaking one of Batman’s oldest rules. What more will be broken? (See my review for Batman #9 above for at least one.)
Captain America #11 (Marvel) — The intensity of this first issue promises to be setting up an exciting new story arc. At least we get another issue this month, so I won’t have to wait too long.
Deadpool #54 (Marvel) — Dead part 5! I’m curious to see where this new look takes the Merc with a Mouth next.
G.I. Joe #13 (IDW) — Dixon continues to set the stage for the next era of G.I. Joe. Will Mainframe be the dashing hero for Scarlett in this new arc? It looks like he may be.
Green Lantern #9 (DC) — Ah, finally, the origin of the Indigo Tribe, but the oath still remains a mystery. The cover had nothing to do with the story though, so that was misleading (maybe not for the next one however), but Johns may be setting up to eliminate all the corps he created. Oh, and Blackest Night did happen, so I wonder if Superboy-Prime does exist in the New 52 (hmmm).
Invincible #91 (Image) — Mark’s going to make it, but at what cost? Final splash doesn’t bode well. And Tech Jacket’s back!
Journey Into Mystery #637 (Marvel) — Exiled part 2! Now we know what happened to our Asgardian heroes at the end of the Exiled one-shot last week, and who wouldn’t like Loki’s new look when he learns of this team-up 🙂
Mega Man #13 (Archie) — A new story arc, and the plot looks much more complex in this story than any of the last three. Although the basics are likely to be the same, the morale commentary laid out in this issue makes me believe this story will be more interesting than the past ones, which only adds to my current enjoyment of this series.
Punisher #11 (Marvel) — I’m currently reading a pre-Infinite Crisis series called Gotham Central written by Greg Rucka and Ed Brubaker, and this issue by Rucka reminds me a lot of that series, since it’s told from the cops’ perspective. And to top it all off, the Punisher is slaying zombies; who knew it could be so much fun! (New 52 Fun Fact: I don’t think Infinite Crisis actually happened lol 🙂 )
Star Trek #8 (IDW) — An interesting story with action and a change to the status quo. However, I hope the next movie doesn’t bring this up; they already did this in the first movie, but I guess the entire Star Wars trilogy was about the Death Star, so….
Superboy #9 (DC) — The Culling continues! I’m beginning to like this crossover, aside from the page+ teasing of Kid Flash’s origin that’s trying my patience. The lead up was dark, but I’m beginning to see some light on the horizon.
Supreme #64 (Image) — I thought of dropping this series after checking out its first new issue, but I’m glad I didn’t. This one started uninteresting to me, but the ending piqued my interest just enough that I’ll be on for at least one more issue. I hope it pays off.
Ultimate Comics The Ultimates #10 (Marvel) — Things aren’t looking good. Looks like Hickman came on to screw the universe over and leave another writer to tell how it gets fixed…if it does, of course. Sadly, in today’s stories, dystopia seems to be a must.
Ultimate Comics X-Men #11 (Marvel) — Like the Ultimates, more grim here. However, the last splash has me excited, although many more X-men will probably be killed off in the coming months. How do you tell an X-men story when they’re all dead? I may find out here.
Uncanny X-Force #25 (Marvel) — The team’s losing members quicker than anything, and on top of it, they walk right into a trap. Circumstances aren’t looking good for our team.
Other titles I picked up but don’t have anything much to say this time include Captain America & Hawkeye #630, Fairest #3, Legion Lost #9, Memorial #5, Morning Glories #18, New Avengers #26, and Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic: War #5.
More coming next week!
J. Lawrence Davis 