Comic Book Reviews 03-19-14

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:

Daredevil #1 – A-

Mark Waid is back! Well, he never really left… This may be a #1, but this plays out more like a Season Two than a reboot. We’re introduced to Matt Murdok all over again. He is residing in the sunny state of California after losing his legal license in New York when he revealed his secret identity to the whole wide world. The debut issue moves at breakneck speed, with great action and even better intelligent deduction. We even get to end on a crazy cliff-hanger… that won’t make sense if you haven’t read the first volume, sorry. Anyway, I’m stoked that Daredevil is in sunny Cali again! – S

Other Reviews:

Dark Horse Comics:

Terminator: Enemy of My Enemy #2 – B+

This issue came together quite nicely, as we were given a hint at what might be causing the Terminator attack – and loads of great action. I couldn’t help but feel that this would make an excellent film or animated movie. The only real complaint that I have is our resident badass Sarah Connor wannabe is throwing the Terminator around like a rag doll and I was under the impression that they weighed a ton. Not even the great Steven Seagal could handle one of these things with such elegant grace. The question of whether or not this is an alternate timeline remains to be seen but between this and the conclusion to the Terminator Salvation storyline, I have been spoiled with Terminator goodness as of late.  – R

Witcher #1 – B+

Witcher pleasantly surprised me this week.  This issue was filled with creepy and strange ghouls and monsters that gave me Goosebumps.  The real shining aspect was the nonchalant progression of the story and character interactions.  The Witcher and the Hunter have great back and forth dialogue and their backstories are just as interesting as their forward journeys.  If you like men that wield swords and fight vampires, then Witcher is the series for you! – T

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 10 #1 – B

A new season of everyone’s favorite, the most dangerous and of course, the prettiest vampire hunter around! Dark Horse has been pulling out the punches to give us what we all want, more seasons to Joss Whedon shows! This issue is jam-packed with action from start to finish and joins together all our favorite Buffy characters again even ones we may have thought we would never see again. Magic is back on earth and a huge Zompire population has taken up residence in Santa Rosita. The gang must join forces again even with some characters and people we may not have thought would help them. To me, this issue was quite refreshing – to see these characters again and for them to make reference to what did happen in the past two comic seasons I had missed. The artwork is spectacular and you are sure to be able to recognize characters as they mostly all look exactly like the actors who portrayed them. – J

DC/Vertigo:

Scribblenauts #3 – A

I may be biased, but Scribblenauts is the best children’s comic out right now.  Not only is it for children, but for adults.  Or perhaps for 26 year old women who have been in a long term relationship with DC.  But darn, its just so cute!  This month, Maxwell and Lily meet with the entire Justice League and recount the times they have helped out each hero in the League.  Maxwell finds himself helping the Green Lantern Corps while Lily helps Mr. Batman figure out what force has been causing all the chaos witnessed in the previous two issues.  In their hunt for the ultimate baddie, which seems to be aiming for a Scribblenauts version of Crisis on Infinite Earths.  In this issue, I found myself saying “awww” a lot and also laughing hysterically.  There was an amazing panel showing Maxwell’s obsession with Batman by having Batman listen to all the voicemails Maxwell has left for him.  Scribblenauts does a fantastic job of taking all these out-of-the-world characters and by use of two children, bringing the greatest heroes down to the level of the reader.  It’s really refreshing to take the ride with heroes to feel compassion for.  -A

Wonder Woman #29 – A-

For Glory, WAR! That is just what you’re gonna be seeing if you keep reading Wonder Woman. Zeus’ First Born is one nasty sucker, and now that he has taken over Mt. Olympus (see the fiery conclusion to Wonder Woman #28), he’s even scarier – and when the unlikeliest of saviors come to everybody’s rescue, it sets the book up for the endearing “Rocky montage” that ends in Wonder Woman finally assuming the mantle of God of War. This is one of the most badass books on the market; if you’re not reading this Brian Azzarello gem, you are missing out. – S

American Vampire: Second Cycle #1 – B+

After a hiatus from the American Vampire series, Scott Synder and Raphael Albuquerque are back at it. It’s so great to see Synder’s work truly uncensored. As amazing as Batman and Superman: Unbound are, American Vampire is his bread and butter. I’m a little lost on what’s going on, but when you have such a big train, it takes a few issues to really get the momentum going, I suppose. I’m utterly in love with the art here, as Albuquerque does a bang-up job. I’m sold on the series going forward, and I assure that with it will come more quality. – S

Batman and Aquaman #29 – B+

Now we’re getting somewhere! Since Robin died, Batman & Robin has been floating around with different partners, from Catwoman to Two-Face, and now Aquaman. The surprising thing is that this has been the most fruitful issue in almost a year. Together, Batman and Aquaman are one step closer to catching up with Ra’s Al Ghul, who is seeking revenge for the death of his daughter and grandson. He is not only the Demon’s Head, hellbent on destroying the world, but you can also add whaling to his list. There’s some really gross stuff in here that I won’t spoil, but I love that Tomasi is stepping his game up! Can’t wait for Batman and Wonder Woman next month. – S

Supergirl #29 – B

After going back and reading a few of the older issues, it seems like Kara’s transformation into a Red Lantern was all but planned from the beginning. When you think about it, she is really the perfect character to control a rage ring. Her experience here on Earth has been very different from Clark’s and she came at a very different time in her life than he did. Those feelings all coming to a head may lead to an interesting revenge plot for one of the last Kryptonians. It could also lead to crap……. So be prepared for that possibility, too. As a small side note, I really don’t like Silver Banshee at all. What the hell kind of power is being able to speak any language and why are they trying to make her something more than she was to begin with? I hope that she fades into oblivion in the next few issues as she is a terrible character, almost as bad as Arsenal. – R

Superman: Unbound #6 – B

I would think that Scott Synder and Jim Lee doing a Superman book together would sell me on the Man of Steel forever; that hasn’t quite been the case here. We’ve seen some of the most beautiful pencil-work since The New 52 Justice League (Jim Lee drew that, too, surprise!), but nothing really has drawn out the awe I expected from such a dynamic duo. Unfairly high expectations aside, I’m thoroughly entertained by this book, and get warm fuzzies every time I see Jim Lee’s Batman appear in a panel. The honeymoon is over between Superman and Wraith, and this issue turns two formidable allies into enemies. It might seem like a quick transition from the start of the issue, but bad blood has been brewing for the entire series. Aside from Lee’s handiwork, the series remains good, but never quite grasping the great it should be. – S

Harley Quinn #4 – B-

Still a little silly, but getting back on the right track for an up and coming comic book, this week’s Harley Quinn was a nice step up from last month’s issue.  Harley finds herself trying to balance her many careers like many girls who just moved to the big city, or in her case, Coney Island.  After much make-up and some hilarious banter with her, um, beaver, Harley becomes Dr. Harleen Quinzel at her new job at a nursing home.  Everyone’s favorite clown gets her heartstrings pulled by an old lady who feels abandoned be her loved ones.  Harley empathizes because of her history with Mr. J. and decides to take maters into her own hands, but the good old Harley way.  In her journey to right the family’s wrongs, she finds out that she needs to check her facts before flying off the handle.  Is this lesson learned for her?  It may be too early to tell because Harley gets a special new patient at the end.  You’ll have to pick up this issue to find out who!  Harley may not be the smartest girl in comics, and her crazy thoughts are immediately acted upon (ahem, like kidnap or murder), but she is a girl with passion, has some realm of a moral compass, and is proactive.  That is a girl I can get behind. -A

IDW Comics:

Samurai Jack #6 – B-

This issue of Samurai Jack brings back a fan favorite character, The Scotsman, but something is a bit off about him, or should I say her… In a St. Patrick’s Day themed issue, we see that the Scotsman had a curse put on him and changed him into a woman. This issue gets a B- because although it was great to see the Scotsman again – as well as Jack and her team up, the holiday aspect which will carry on into the next issue will be lost as the curse was brought on by Leprechaun’s. I am not sure how a St. Patrick’s day theme will carry on for much longer unless this was a series with multiple issues a month. This story will definitely continue as it was left on a cliffhanger where we see both the Scotsman and Jack will need to figure out a way to defeat the Leprechaun’s curse. – J

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Utrom Empire – C+

The conclusion of the TMNT mini series, Utrom Empire, is packed with action and clues to what comes next for the Turtles and their sworn enemies, Shredder (Oroku Saki) and Krang. It started with the Utrominons engineering Mutant dinosaurs for their army but the entire race they created teamed up with others to take down the Utrominon’s that had enslaved and tortured them. This last issue shows the ending of the rebellion, sending Krang and what remains of his race to Earth while also showing us more of Baxter Stockman, his half robot half fly, (hinting at the mutant fly character he turns into normally) as well as Fugitoid and how he plans to take down both Krang and Baxter Stockman. The ending of the issue gives us a great idea of what is going to happen now that the turtles have left Northampton to return to New York starting a new story arc, which looks like it will be rather exciting. – J

Image Comics:

Sex Criminals #5 – C+

I don’t want to say that Sex Criminals has lost it’s appeal, but five issues in, I’m starting to waver a little bit. The outlandish hilarity of it all is still there, but the story is moving in some weird direction that almost makes it seem like it’s improv’ed. The Sex Police and Kegalface intrigue me enough to stay in it to win it, but my lust for Sex Criminals isn’t quite as strong as it was in the first issue. Curious readers shouldn’t be discouraged though, as Matt Fraction (who also writes Hawkeye) is an exceptional story-teller and has not put out an issue that I haven’t heartily laughed at the whole way through. – S

Sovereign #1 – C

To be honest, I was pretty confused about this comic. I get that this comic isn’t really a storyline or a solitary piece of work. Rather, it is a bunch of little stories separated out. Or at least that’s what I think it was. By taking little quotes and making stories out of them is a really cool concept, but I feel that the execution could have used some work. Overall, I feel that this comic is nothing to serious or attention grabbing but in a sense it can be fairly interesting.  – E

Undertow #2 – D

Remember in elementary school how every Tuesday was Taco day?  Remember how awesome and comfortable you felt strolling to the cafeteria at noon to partake in what may arguably be better than recess?  And remember how on one faithful Tuesday you arrive on the serving line only to have yesterday’s meatloaf slop onto your tray?…  Yeah, that’s pretty much Undertow.  All the potential in this series is squandered by incredibly hard to decipher art work, confusing character development, an overly complicated plot and a strong lack of direction.  It’s sad that an awesome concept is so poorly portrayed. – T

Marvel:

Ms. Marvel #2 – B

Now that we’ve gotten a taste of who Kamala Khan is, we get to explore her transformation a little further. It’s quite a drop in pace from the debut, with just a tease of her powers. There’s a clear nob to Kelly Sue DeConnick’s Captain Marvel, which reinforces the Girl Power approach to comics thats far too under-represented in the industry. Once again, G Willow Wilson‘s take on the American Islamic culture is spot on; I can remember having the same type of conversations with my dad, sans super-powers. This issue could be looked at as filler by some, but I think it’s necessary pacing for the long term payoff, just going by Wilson’s previous work. – S

Marvel Knights: Hulk #4 – B

I really enjoyed this issue simply for the action, and bringing out a badass in the hulk. Overall as a story it was pretty average but I did enjoy the simple entertainment value of it. For Hulk lovers like myself, you will enjoy this issue quite a bit. Seeing that this was the last issue, I don’t really feel one way or another about the series, but I am glad I read it. – E

Uncanny X-Men #19 – B

The rag-tag group of mutants that Cyclops has cultivated are forming into a real team. They’re right in the thick of things, as S.H.I.E.L.D. (or somebody who is framing them) has been trapping them in face-offs with Sentinels. The first half of the book drags along very slowly, where Maria Hill interrogates an exiled member of the group. I’m sure it would be much more entertaining on film, but this medium is just not suited for three-page long monologues. The issue does redeem itself later with new tricks by Magik. This is one of Marvel’s most under-rated books, and right now is a great jumping on point. – S

Avengers World #4 – B

This issue was a lot of fun to read. With a great combination of action, mystery, fantastic art, and story progression, I am excited to see where this series is going. I think this book is fairly creative and attention grasping when it comes to the storyline. I appreciate that even though there wasn’t a whole lot of action in terms of fight scenes and explosions, it still held my attention the whole way through. I enjoyed this read and am excited about the next issue. – E

Winter Soldier: The Bitter March #2 – B-

The Winter Soldier reboot has taken us back to the roots of a time where the Winter Soldier is just a myth. This book so far feels a lot like an older James Bond movie in both tone and pacing. The art is great and has a very retro feel; however, I would like it to be slightly crisper in future issues. The story is really just getting started but it is interesting to see that perhaps the Soviets don’t have such a tight grip on the Winter Soldier after all. Only time will tell, but so far this reboot has been pretty decent. – R

Wolverine & The X-Men #2 – B-

The Phoenix Corporation has hit the scene.  With its surprising and invocative arrival, Quentin and the other X-Men become a little restless.  My feelings are mixed as I read.  The action is great and it’s got an “epic” vibe about it.  I will warn that readers who aren’t familiar with the backstory to this series (like me) will be somewhat confused.  Still worth the read just to see Wolverine and Storm in action! – T

Dexter Down Under #2 – B-

We are still in the buildup stage of the story, but with only five issues total for this series, I am not exactly sure how things are going to proceed if they continue at this slow pace. This issue marks the first time that Dexter has voiced his intentions while being in Australia, and they don’t sound like this trip will end with someone on his table. That would make for an interesting turn of events, actually. He doesn’t actually kill anyone and helps the police legitimately capture a murderous killer. Perhaps at the end he could reflect on how he doesn’t need to kill anyone to be useful to society or that he should try to use his knowledge of the dark passenger to help his own police force more. Most likely the chick he is working with will find out and Dexter will kill whoever is responsible. Predictable of course, but people already know what Dexter is about and we still keep coming back for more. – R

All-New Invaders #3 – C+

Overall this issue wasn’t all that exciting or entertaining. Toward the end, it did get pretty interesting with some nice twists, but by that time I was semi-bored. However, due to the last few pages I did find interest in knowing what will happen in the next issue. I truly enjoy the dialog and art of this book, and I hope to see it continue on into the next part. I hope the next issue brings more excitement, but I wouldn’t say this issue was a bad read at all. – E

Seekers of the Weird #3 – C-

While the idea of Seekers of the Weird is really intriguing, the story thus far is falling flat.  If you have yet to read it or one of our previous reviews, Seekers is based off an attraction that never came to fruition at Disneyland.  Since Marvel had merged with Disney, the attraction is coming to life, but in comic book form.  Unfortunately, the attraction would have been better.  The attraction was meant to be a museum of odd items.  The story of the book is about that, too, but so far the three characters are not relatable.  The two main characters, Max and Melody, are more freaked out than proactive.  By the third issue, their characters should be developing, and their Uncle Roland shouldn’t be such an ass.  I don’t think it’s a good thing that I am more trusting of the ghosts in the museum than Uncle Roland.  The appeal of the book should be the artifacts, which would have been the point of the attraction.  However, many items have been lost in the shuffle because the book is so fast-paced it becomes confusing.  I really hope the next two issues resolve the story arc of Max and Melody’s missing parents and their Uncle reveals his true nature, or else Seekers risks losing its readers. -A

Superior Spider-Man Annual #2 – D+

I can’t wait for this series to end. Usually, an Annual issue is a good way to tell a great side-story that doesn’t have anything to do with the arc that’s currently happening – a way to reflect on the past year’s progression or springboard the next story arc. In this issue’s case, we focus on a story that was really not good enough to see the pages of the of Superior otherwise. I like Carlie and I like the Hobgoblin angle, but this could have been summarized in just a few panels. – S

 

GPA by Publisher:

DC Comics: 1 A  and 4 B’s, averaging out to a 3.20

Marvel Comics: 1 A, 7 B’s, 1 C and 1 D, averaging out to a 2.80

Independents: 4 B’s, 3 C’s and 1 D, averaging out to a 2.38

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.

Written by Sherif Elkhatib, Evan Lowe, Adrian Puryear, Taylor Lowe, Robert Michael and Jacob Robinson

Comic Book Reviews 02-26-14

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:

Deadly Class (Image Comics) #2 – A

This book is awesome, it’s a classic high school scene like Harry Potter or Freaks and Greeks, except the children are there to learn how to be assassins. I just love the story behind this book and what it is going to develop into. At first, when Sherif told me about Deadly Class, I honestly thought it was going to be stupid and not very entertaining, but I have been proven wrong. With so many cool characters, and an interesting concept, Deadly Class has tickled, no, molested my fancy and I cannot wait to continue to see what comes out of this comic. In issue #2, we get our very first look into the school it’s amazing to see where everyone comes from and how everyone there plans to become an assassin. Even though there isn’t a ton of action in this issue, the writing is enough to keep the reader engaged and interested through the entire book. I can truly appreciate a comic that doesn’t need action to make the story great. If you have not started reading Deadly Class yet, I highly recommend it. – E

Other Reviews:

DC/Vertigo:

Superman: Lois Lane #1 – B

Lois Lane hasn’t been a major part of Superman’s life like she has in the past thanks to the reboot of the New 52 and Superman knocking boots with a goddess now. This story proves that Lois Lane is still a badass reporter that doesn’t need to be rescued by the Man of Steel. The plot revolves around Lois’ sister and some sort of trouble that she got into with drugs that have crazy side-effects. Lois of course sets off to investigate and get into all sorts of hijinks related to the investigation. The story overall isn’t too bad and the art is great, which also matches the artwork from the new 52 superman book. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a one-shot like this but I can say that Lois didn’t disappoint. She is still the only woman I can see Superman ending up with.  – R

Batman Superman #8 – B-

I’ve finally woken up from the bad dream that has been the past couple months of Batman/Superman and found myself back in the real world. I’m not sure what kind of hell was happening with the last few issues, but we are back in the Greg Pak/Jae Lee universe that we signed up for in the first place. Issue #8 saw an alternate universe’s Robin and Supergirl (now Huntress and Power Girl) meeting Batman and Superman for the first time. Seeing Batman’s estranged daughter interact with him for the first time is worth a laugh, and Superman’s attempt to protect Power Girl from himself is exactly what you’d expect. The plot is just a transition to what will happen in the next issue of World’s Finest, so don’t get too attached to the story. Really, though, the art is what will save the book. It’s just beautiful, and it’s reason enough to invest in the series going forward. – S

Dark Horse Comics:

Tomb Raider #1 – B+

This issue is about what I expected it to be when I heard there was a new series coming out. This issue is an introduction to a few key characters and the buildup for the first arc. What I didn’t expect was that it is a continuation of the story from the latest Tomb Raider game that came out. I absolutely loved the game and if you haven’t played it yet, I would highly recommend it – you owe it to yourself. This continuation has me especially excited because I was left with a sense of wanting to know what happens next after the game. If the writing is as good as it was in the game, then I expect there to be great potential in this story. This is still a very young Lara and that leaves tons of room for development beyond anything we have seen before in games or film. – R

Serenity: Leaves on the Wind #2 – C+

If the debut issue of Serenity: Leaves on the Wind was the honeymoon, issue #2 is like the awkward first week back. The Serenity crew is forced with a tough decision regarding Zoë’s condition, and they pick up an old pal in Jayne Cobb. With Jayne on board, things should feel back to normal, but the identity just isn’t there in this book… yet. There are many moving pieces in Leaves on the Wind: the new revolution, Zoë, River, and an unwelcome visitor by the name of Jubal Early (last episode of Firefly). So far, nothing has been established to make me feel part of the experience. Hopefully the next issue will make me feel the magic. – S

IDW Comics:

Teenage Mutant Nina Turtles #31 – A-

As the turtles regroup in Northampton from the events of City Fall, we’re finally getting to see our heroes in their familiar light: joking, training and feeling like family again. There are some really awesome moments with Casey and Donatello (very nostalgic of the first TMNT film) and Raphael and Alopex. Even Leonardo and Splinter iron out some issues. This issue isn’t all feels though, as a new mutant assassin of the foot emerges. What really sets TMNT apart from other books is that even in the lulls, there is always something to push the story along. The dialog may seem lengthy at times, but it’s heavily tied to the story and character development. The art of Ross Campbell is beautiful, and is greatly complemented by it’s bright colors. Enjoy it while it lasts, as after issue 32, Mateus Santolouco takes over. Regardless of who is drawing, with Tom Waltz at the held, TMNT can do no wrong.  – S

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Utrom Empire #2 – B

In this Krang-centric book, we get a look at the bigger picture. Krang, although ruthless and power-hungry, cares deeply for the fate of his people. It’s almost admirable, in a creepy kind of way. As he battles extinction from all angles, Krang proves he is willing to do whatever is necessary to save the Utrom people, even at the cost of his own life. The 80’s action flick vibe is still in full effect, here. Vog, the triceratops mutant, is quickly becoming one of my favorite villains in the book, and I just hope that the turtles never have to face such a foe. I’m not nearly as interested in this side-story as I have been in the past TMNT mini-series (the best among them being Secret of the Foot Clan), but Utrom Empire has managed to take the turtles most dangerous foe and make him the protagonist… sort of. – S

Samurai Jack #5 – B

BOSS FIGHT! We were just saying in our review of issue #4 that it’s time for the story to pick up steam and progress the story. Like the top of a roller-coaster ride, all this issue needed was a light push and the story went from 0-epic in one page. In fact, it might move too quick, as the art and dialog is all over the place, and a bit jumbled. That being said, Jack confronts Aku, and it’s every bit the showdown we were waiting for. The Threads of Time play a big part in his strategy, but the turn-around from start to end is so fast, it seemed a bit rushed. Pace aside, Jack is still a great pick-up for those raised on the series and genre. – S

X-Files Conspiracy: Transformers #1 – B-

Above most other aspects in creative media and storytelling, I appreciate creativity and new ideas.  IDW supplies in X-Files Conspiracy.  The fourth installment of this series merges the adventures of Scully, Mulder and their cohorts with the infamous robots in disguise – Transformers!  Being one of my favorite childhood interests it was great to see Optimus and others in still panel form.  The premise is simple; the X-Files team is out to unravel a conspiracy and in the process, save the world.  Continuing on from the previous issues featuring the Ghostbuster’s crew as well as our favorite heroes in half-shells (TMNT!!), the Autobots assemble in support of the cause.  There were a lot of humorous moments in the pages of this issue that really add to the enjoyment factor.  It wasn’t the most action packed comic, but all in all this was a fun read.  I recommend it if you’re looking to add a little bit of light-hearted variety to your comic stack.  – T

Image Comics:

Black Science #4 – A

Of the numerous volumes of comic books I’m reading right now, very few come close to Image’s Black Science.  This series tops even the Star War issues in my current stack (and that’s saying something).  Don’t sleep on this one, people.  Rick Remender’s (writer) creative genius has brought us a story with depth, intrigue, adventure, conflict/plot variety and everything that makes the Hush Comics family giddy!  An issue hasn’t passed where I wasn’t left anxious after at the very last page and panel!  Issue #4 plays out is similar fashion as the debut issue – a race against time before our dimensionaughts are forced to jump again to another dimension.  The intensity is juxtaposed with powerful character monologue and gorgeous art work.  I give, yet again, another big round of applause to Matteo Scalera (artist) and Dean White (painter).  What they put on the page…it’s like love-making for eyeballs.  By the conclusion of the issue, the plot has taken on a completely different pace and tone.  This beautiful evolution opens up vast possibilities for the continuation of Black Science.  I hope Remender and team keep this unique adventure engaging and exciting. – T

The Revenge #1 – B

Uhhhh, I’m not entirely sure what I just read, but it was good! This is definitely unlike other comic books that I have read in a long time. With lots of blood and boobs, The Revenge is a comic for a mature audience. This story is pretty clear and laid out, but I still have no idea where it is going to go. Some points in this comic and just demented and gruesome, yet I can’t find fault in it because that is the identity that the book has found for itself. Honestly, I found the book strange but a good strange, not like a “this is so weird and stupid I don’t even know what is going on strange.” So if you are in the search for a comic book unlike the rest, and are up for some boobs and blood, then I would recommend The Revenge. – E

Sex #11 – B-

After last issue’s tease at what a world with the Armored Saint looked like, we are back to the foreplay of the other nine issues. While the tension is certainly rising in Saturn City, I can’t honestly see the Saint making a comeback for at least another five issues if they continue at this pace. All the major characters and motives (or lack thereof) have been established and the only logical next step this story can take is to introduce the Armored Saint to save the city. They show us in the beginning that Simon clearly still has the skill but he just doesn’t have the proper motivation to break his vow yet. Simon is reminiscent of how Oliver Queen was behaving in the beginning of his New 52 run; they both desire to be something else yet neither one quite knows how to make it happen. I’m sure that wrinkly old ball sac called the Old Man will help him out with that. Speaking of ball sac, there has been a marked increase in the amount of penis that they started showing since its first introduction a few issues back – perhaps we could tone that down a bit. This isn’t Game of Thrones or Spartacus, after all.  – R

The Walking Dead #122 – C-

Uggghh!  If you’re wondering whether I’m disappointed or practicing my walker impression, know that it is the former… Chalk another one up for an uneventful TWD issue.  As various members of the Alexandria and Hilltop communities cope and adjust to the aftermath of the savage battles the plot remains in a state of limbo.  Minor developments and hints as to what will happen next pepper the page, but I’ve already lost track of the number of times an issue has lead me to believe, “oh the next issue is gonna be crazy!”… And I can count pretty high.  Kirkman’s focus on the All Out War arch is far too centralized war rhetoric and how it affects everyone.  I don’t know about you, but the impacts of war are lost on me in this post-apocalyptic time frame.  The world has already gone to shit and a series of skirmishes termed as “war” adds little to the series.  Only four issues remain until the All Out War story ends.  I hope for the sake of continued TWD support that the conclusion is epic.  It may not be long before this TWD fan is walking away from this dead series. – T

Marvel:

Hawkeye #15 – B+

It feels so good to be back in New York with Hawk-guy. I’ve had enough of Kate as Hawkeye, with her disastrous exploits living on her own. I really enjoy Clint Barton’s everyday adventures: the guns, the butt-kicking, and most especially, the Bros. The Russian (?) Bro Mafia is hilarious. They are one building away from owning the whole neighborhood – a building illegally owned by Hawkeye. Sometimes, it’s the most humane stories in the Avengers’ world that make for the most clever and entertaining books. Throw in a legitamite villain to the mix, and you have plenty of gas in the tank for Matt Fraction’s best book out. – S

Fantastic Four #1 – B

After an exciting first few pages, I was actually pretty excited to continue reading to see what was coming next. It started on such a serious and mysterious note that it grabs the reader attention right away. Yet, the rest of the book didn’t really carry that same mood and tone up until the end. Seeing that it is a first issue, I can understand the need to set up plot lines and background story, I just wish all that middle stuff was a bit more interesting. However, I am still interested to see how this story is going to play out. It seems like it is going to be more of a somber comic than a typical superhero book. And by getting a glimpse at that somber tone, it allows the reader to want to know how it got there. What went down in order to bring these people to the places they are at now? I guess only time will tell, but I would enjoy finding out. – E

Origin II #3 – B

Three issues in out of five and I’m still not sure what the purpose of this book is. I have enjoyed the art immensely but there hasn’t been any actual character development. So far Logan hasn’t actually said a single word, unless of course you count onamotapeia as language. I get the feeling that given the direction some of Wolverines other books are taking that this will perhaps be an origin for how his feud with Sabertooth ultimately began. Somehow, Sinister also fits into the picture, too. Being a major fan of Wolverine, I can’t help but continue to read this but I also can’t help but as why is there a sequel. – R

Indestructible Hulk #19 – B-

As of right now, there is a lot going on in the Indestructible Hulk series; yet with this particular comic, I felt like not much was happening. We got to see the effects of another one of Banner’s solutions to a problem and the consequences that happened because of it, but a majority of the comic was just uneventful. We did get to see some pretty cool action toward the beginning of the comic; however, it wasn’t able to carry the book by itself. I’m hoping the next issue can bring more excitement following the events that have transpired over the last couple issues. – E

Deadpool #24 – C+

Issue #24 ends the long saga of Agent Preston being stuck in Deadpool’s body. It’s drawn out, and uncharacteristically emotional, but it’s still the same Deadpool you know and love. There are a couple moments in the mush-fest that stick, though, as Deadpool is truly alone now – excluding the cacophony of voices in his head. It’s a decent transition issue, but it’s not much more than that. With all the hoopla at Marvel over a Deadpool wedding, I can see the need to explore those feelings, but #24 really forces the issue. Overall, I’m happy with the direction the book is taking, but turning Deadpool into a soft-hearted murderer won’t sit well with me. – S

Wolverine #2 – C

Heroes and villains have a way of dying or having a major crisis that somehow majorly affects them all the time. It’s the comic book industries way of reminding us that we should appreciate what we have because at any minute it could be taken away. Just look at Peter Parker; not only did they kill the Amazing Peter but they also killed the Ultimate universe’s version of Peter, too. Logan has a run-in with Superior Spider-Man‘s “Peter Parker” that shows a side of Logan that I don’t really think we have experienced before. This is a Wolverine that is de-powered, broken and, for the first time ever, afraid. I can’t help but think that this is just some plot to bring him back better than ever, or maybe change him in some major way kind of like what they did to Jubilee. That being said, this depiction of Logan pretty much shits on the whole idea of the character. I hope that Paul Cornell knows what he is doing. Too much of this Wolverine is definitely a bad thing.  – R

Superior Spider-Man #28 – C-

After such a stellar display in issue #27, Superior Spider-Man feels like an awkwardly-long continuation instead of an expansion upon the Goblin Nation story. Some secrets were revealed, and it still feels like this is going somewhere, but I had gotten my hopes up after the last issue that things were finally turning around. While Otto is dumb-founded that the Green Goblin has out-smarted him, the subconscious of Peter Parker is getting sucked further and further into Otto Octavius’ psyche. Maybe Superior is trying to avoid taking the easy way out (segueing into April’s re-emergence of Amazing Spider-Man), but it just seems now that it is stalling for time until Parker returns. I’ll still keep reading, but I wouldn’t recommend this to new readers. – S

George Romero’s Empire of the Dead #2 – D

This issue is pretty much nothing but buildup for the inevitable plot arc involving some ridiculous rise of the zombies with consciences, or perhaps some type of battle between zombie and vampires with humans caught in the middle. The story remains vigilant that there is a way to domesticate zombies and that they have some feeling or memory of their former selves. I know that George Romero is considered one of the greats but I think he has crossed over that fine line of innovative into ridiculousness. This doesn’t even feel like fresh material after watching his last few subpar films. He has already explored many of these ideas in his earlier work and it didn’t pan out very well there either. I am left wondering how he thought it could pan out better in short spurts that don’t really have any coherent ideas so far. And as a bit of a personal gripe, the art is a bit all over the place. It is hard to determine who is who sometimes when the art doesn’t even match from one panel to the next. – R

GPA by Publisher:

DC Comics: 2 B’s, averaging out to a 3.00

Marvel Comics: and 4 B’s, 3 C’s and 1 D, averaging out to a 2.38

Independents: 3 A’s, 6 B’s and 2 C’s, averaging out to a 3.09

Funniest Panel of the Week:

Epic Panel of the Week:

Cover Art of the Week:

Fantastic Four #1 Alex Ross variant

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.

Written by Sherif Elkhatib, Adrian Puryear, Evan Lowe, Taylor Lowe and Robert Michael