Review Scale:
The mythical A+: Classic comic book material. Belongs next to your copy of The Notebook and The Joy of Cooking.
A: Would definitely recommend to all comic book readers. Even more so to fans of the genre or characters
B: Enjoyable read. Fans of the genre or characters will especially like.
C: Non-essential read. Can be enjoyable for fans of the genre or characters, but likely for only one or two events in the books.
D: Unenjoyable book. Read at your own risk. Might find satisfaction if major flaws are overlooked.
F: Please don’t buy this book. Donate your money to a local comic book writer’s workshop instead to inspire future generations to write something better than this trash.
Pick of the Week:
Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #3 – B+
This book reminds me so much of Afro Samurai, and I love it. The gritty and violent tone, the way the panels are organized, right down to the old-timey page creases drawn down the middle, Iron First feels like the book we all wanted it to be. Already three issues in, and we have just gotten a taste of what to expect. Another flashback to Danny’s origin means additional clarity on how this story will unfold. It’s not the greatest book out, but it’s different and awesome enough to keep me eagerly reading. – Sherif
I don’t know much about Iron Fist, so this issue was sort of a treat for me. We are given more of the background story but not many questions are answered from the last two issues. I know that it is only a matter of time before they answer everything but I wish they would focus on answering some questions for new readers instead of creating many more each issue. The best part about this issue is the way they use the art to show the flow of Iron Fist’s kung fu. I would love to see more Kung Fu sequences like this. – Robert
Other Reviews:
DC/Vertigo:
Batman Eternal #9 – B+
Just when you think that the story has gotten a bit stagnant, they go ahead and throw in a total curve ball in the very last panel. I won’t ruin it but I also don’t know quite what to make of it either. Things haven’t really developed on the “why” everything is happening as quickly as I would have thought. These last few issues are setting up for what seems to be a major climax. I still think we will see the death of Jim Gordon. This was still a pretty good issue and watching Batman pummel people through the whole issue is always a pleasure. – Robert
Green Arrow #32 – B-
I can’t help but feel like these last few issues, with regards to his city, and this new story arc are nothing but a rip off from Batman just not done nearly as well. I read this after reading the new Batman Eternal and the whole time I couldn’t help but feel like I had just read this. I do like seeing Arrow in action and the reintroduction of a character from a few issues ago could make for an interesting change of pace. This is just the beginning of a new arc and with the introduction of Diggle, who knows what’s in store for the future. – Robert
IDW Comics:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #34 – B-
Metalhead is here! One of the classic and well-loved characters all fans know has made its debut in this issue with a change in his origin as well. Not a whole lot happens in this issue and although we see Metalhead for the first time and Old Hob and Slash return, it is a rather slow issue, as it seems 80% of it is getting us to meet and then defeat a malfunctioning Metalhead. Mateus Santolouco is as always awesome with his art and the new design for Metal head is a great reference to the past while also updating it for the times. If you read the series or are a TMNT fan then of course read the issue but ultimately this may be one to miss for those not already enthralled into the Turtles universe. – Jacob
Marvel:
Magneto #5 – B
I will always root for Magneto. This gritty book has finally taken a break from the insane amount of murder to bring in a new element. A woman has been trailing him for quite some time and seems to have studied everything about him. He doesn’t trust her, but against his better judgment, he decides to hear her out since she has something Magneto really wants. Magneto doesn’t seem to be a team player, so this pair up can only end in disaster. The ending gives a whole lot away, but left me with many more questions than answers. I am absolutely pining for the next issue! – Sherif
Not much has happened this issue but they are taking the time to try and flesh out Magneto’s character and trying to make us feel like he isn’t a “bad guy”. The setup for this next arc was actually rather confusing to me. Even with the introduction and the little bit of backstory they gave us, I am not really sure of the motivations of this new “sidekick” of Magneto’s. This issue was a bit of filler but I’m sure it is a setup for more badassery. – Robert
Original Sin #3 – B
This story sure is getting crazy now. If the Orb at the end of the last issue wasn’t enough to have you scream, “what the hell is going on?!,” then this issue will make sure and have you doing just that. Heroes now know everyone elses deepest secrets (or Original Sins) and things have disbanded after the Watcher being murdered. As far as the main part of this series goes, the art is very dark and filled with shadows making it almost feel like Marvels takes on their heroes in a film noir style. I may not know the who, what, when, where, why, and how of a lot of tings in this series but it does have my attention enough to figure out how these obscure villains got the run around on the Watcher. – Jacob
Amazing X-Men #8 – B-
Okay, okay. Maybe I was a bit too harsh on Amazing. To my defense, the last issue was really, really bad. Issue #8 is a good nudge back in the right direction, though. Ed McGuinness takes over pencilling duties again, and it’s a sight for sore eyes. Meanwhile, the new writing team of Craig Kyle and Chris Yost bring back the Wendigos. Back in Uncanny X-Men #140, it took Wolverine, Nightcrawler, Alpha Flight and more just to subdue the beast. Now there are a whole pack of them. The story needs some more explaining, but I’m looking forward to seeing where this is going. – Sherif
Cyclops #2 – C+
Star Wars meets Pirates of the Caribbean is the best way to describe this series so far. I actually like it more for its similarities to Star Wars than the whole “Space Pirates” thing they are trying to achieve. This whole series kind of feels like it takes away some of the things that make Cyclops special. Watching him as a teenager who is playing second string to his father, all the while not having developed yet makes me wonder how this whole thing will affect the entire Marvel Universe. – Robert
Loki: Agent of Asgard #5 – C-
While I’ll admit I’m just getting into the world of Marvel, I haven’t been super impressed by this series as of yet. It’s interesting to see Loki in this new light, but the plot seems scattered issue to issue and number five is no exception. It feels rushed to say the least. Loki uses the characters he has at his disposal (Thor, Lorelei, Verity Willis, and Sigurd) to break into the most guarded prison in Asgard (which was way too easily breached for my taste), then just sort of dumps them while he carries out his own mission alone. That mission? It ends abruptly with meager dialogue and didn’t make me excited for the next issue. I love Loki as a character, so I hope the writers can step up to the plate and give him the story he deserves as this series progresses. – Charlotte
That about wraps it up for our reviews this week! Look for next week’s previews coming soon. Any comic books you didn’t see reviewed that you want reviewed? Any grades you didn’t agree on? Let us know in the comments!
All images taken from ComiXology app and the credit for them goes to the respective publishers; thanks to IDW Comics, image Comics, Dark Horse, Boom! Studios, Dynamite Entertainment, DC and Marvel for putting out great books.
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