The comic book industry capped off the month of September with plenty more DC Rebirth and Civil War II. DC delivered a double dose of great Wonder Woman comics, welcomed Batman Beyond into the Rebirth era and launched the newest Vertigo series, Frostbite. Marvel wrapped up the current volume of Nova on a very high note and had several strong Civil War II tie-ins thanks to Captain America: Sam Wilson #13 and Ms. Marvel #11. Elsewhere, Dark Horse debuted the surprisingly excellent Tarzan on the Planet of the Apes and and Image published another memorable issue of Saga.
Scroll down to read our reviews for these and various other new releases, and be sure to let us know your favorite books of the week in the comments below.
Written by Dan Jurgens | Drawn by Patrick Zircher
It’s a shame the battle with Doomsday made the first arc of this new Action Comics drag on for so long, because now that it’s behind us this has become a very intriguing book. The mystery surrounding the new Clark Kent carries this issue, with every answer creating even more questions. His trip to Superman’s man-cave convincingly reveals the truth behind this new Clark, even if that truth is impossible for both Superman and us readers to accept. While all that plays out, Jurgens furthers the Geneticron storyline and brings yet another mysterious figure into the mix. There may be a lot going on here, but it never feels rushed or jumbled. One of the biggest storylines in all of DC’s Rebirth is the acceptance of this new Superman, and this issue goes a long way towards cementing that. Zircher’s art is solid, punctuated by an impressive, imposing final page. -Joe
Final Score:
Written by Hope Larson | Drawn by Rafael Albuquerque
Batgirl continues to be a hero on the move, even if she should take a moment to get checked for a concussion. As her pursuit of The Teacher takes her from China to Korea, Babs continues to search for answers, even if it means leaving Kai behind. While the pace of this book still moves along at a break-neck speed, it manages to mostly maintain a certain charm and character that keep its flaws from becoming too much of a hindrance. Things will need to slow down just a little bit eventually, but not quite yet. If anything, it looks like the action will be picking up even more speed next issue. And really, whenever Rafael Albuquerque is on a book, that alone is worth the sticker price. His style works so well for Hope Larson’s characterization of the titular character, and the “star struck” panel is wonderfully charming. - Joe
Final Score:
Written by Dan Jurgens | Drawn by Ryan Sook
While the creative team on Batman Beyond hasn't changed with DC Rebirth, the character's status quo certainly has. Tim Drake is out and Terry McGinnis is back in as Batman resumes his never-ending quest to defend Neo Gotham. This issue is very efficient at recapping Terry's origin story and laying out the basics without getting tripped up over unnecessary details. Little direct mention is made of the previous volume's events, meaning that fans of the animated series can dive in just as easily as veteran comic readers. As to whether this series will be able to do anything new or groundbreaking with the character, that remains to be seen. But it's tough to complain about a relaunch that begins with Ryan Sook at the helm. Sook makes an all-too rare foray into interior art here. His bold, heavy line-work and detailed environments really serve to bring Neo Gotham to life. -Jesse
Final Score:
Written by Keith Giffen | Drawn by Scott Kolins
Most new DC books have tended to improve from their Rebirth chapter to the first regular issue. Sadly, the opposite is true with Blue Beetle. Some of the charm of Blue Beetle Rebirth #1 has been lost here. Mostly, the problem seems to stem from Keith Giffen and Scott Kolins attempting to tackle too much at once. Scott Kolins' art would work much better if the pacing slowed down long enough to allow Kolins to zoom in and really explore the characters and oddball situations.The opening pages are off-putting because it's not even clear which which characters the caption boxes are meant to represent. From there, this issue trips over itself attempting to keep both Jaime Reyes' traditional supporting cast and the new Jaime/Ted Kord dynamic in the spotlight. There's also the fact that the character banter is too aggressive for its own good. Jaime and Ted spend so much time bickering and insulting one another you have to wonder why the two ever joined forces in the first place. This series can do better, and it needs to if it's going to stand out in DC's new lineup. -Jesse
Final Score:
Written by Christopher Priest | Drawn by Joe Bennett
The bad news is that this series continues the DC Rebirth trend of switching artists after a few issues. The good news is that Joe Bennett comes on board with this chapter. Bennett previously drew the short-lived, underappreciated 2011 Deathstroke comic, so seeing him get another crack at the character is satisfying. His figures can be a bit stiff, but the clean line-work and exciting action scenes definitely make up for that problem. This issue also stands out in the sense that it's more about Deathstroke's estranged daughter, Rose, than it is Slade himself. The constant jumps between past and present are toned down in favor of a more tightly paced tale about father reluctantly teaming up with daughter. As always, Priest's writing toes the line between portraying Slade as an ice-cold bad-ass and showing that he does have some form of fatherly affection driving his actions. It's a great take on the character, and one that finally allows Deathstroke to reach his potential as a solo player again. -Jesse
Final Score:
Written by James Tynion IV | Drawn by Andy MacDonald
The situation in Gotham is only growing more desperate as the Monster Men continue their rampage. So far, this latest Batman crossover isn't particularly deep, but it is entertaining. The conflict allows each member of Batman and Batwoman's team to shine, while also highlighting the tragic absence of Red Robin. There's spectacle to spare as our heroes contend with brainwashed rioters and one enormous creature after another. Artist Andy MacDonald does a great job of conveying the scale of the conflict and replicating the distinctive monster designs introduced by Riley Rossmo in the first chapter. MacDonald's individual figures aren't particularly detailed, but the sheer number of figures he's able to cram into many panels is impressive. Where this issue really finds its hooks, though, is in Gotham Girl's role. She's a far better, more compelling character in the aftermath of Tom King's first Batman arc, and the Monster Men conflict is a perfect opportunity to explore her lingering fear and trauma. -Jesse
Final Score:
Written by Joshua Williamson | Drawn by Carmine Di Giandomenico
While the revelation of Godspeed’s identity wasn’t exactly an earth-shattering twist, it did allow for this series to finally explore the villain’s motivations. And wouldn’t you know it, he may actually have a point. All villains think they’re right, but the best ones are those whose justifications for their actions actually make sense. And while Godspeed is still a cold-blooded, heartless murderer, the way he challenges Barry and his methods does make for a fairly convincing argument. On top of that, we’re inching closer and closer to the new Wally finally taking up the mantle of Rebirth’s Kid Flash (for those of you who didn’t pick up Teen Titans Rebirth #1, at least). It’s nice to see the script on this book finally begin to live up to the level of its art as Carmine Di Giandomenico’s kinetic and vibrant work remains the star of this show. - Joe
Final Score:
Written by Joshua Williamson | Drawn by Jason Shawn Alexander
"The ice age cometh, again, in Vertigo’s latest series, its chilling calamity brought forth by creators Joshua Williamson and Jason Shawn Alexander. Frostbite #1 is a familiar tale that makes good use of well-worn tropes. Its clear narrative and well-constructed characters make for a strong initial debut." -Jeff
Click here to read the entire review!
Final Score:
Written by Robert Venditti | Drawn by Ethan Van Sciver
For the first time, this series truly lives up to the “and the Green Lantern Corps” part of its name. Previous issues have focused mainly on Hal with John, Guy, and the rest of the corps making brief appearances here and there. But now, on the brink of all-out assault against Sinestro, this finally feels like the team book it should be. Not that Hal is idle, as he and Soranik explore his ever-evolving powers before he strikes his hero pose and flies off to kick ass. The upcoming showdown at Warworld should provide plenty of opportunities to explore the new dynamic elements Venditti has added to the Green (and Yellow) Lantern mythos. As for the art, well, it’s Ethan Van Sciver drawing a Green Lantern book. Is it any surprise he captures a fleet of starships and quiet character moments with an equal amount of detail and emotion? - Joe
Final Score:
Written by Rob Williams | Drawn by Jim Lee & Philip Tan
"Suicide Squad is a good comic, but there's a constant, nagging sense that it could be better if it were structured differently. The decision to break the main storyline into small chunks and fill out the second half of each issue with backup tales isn't doing the new series any favors right now. Even with the twice-monthly shipping schedule, this book is moving too slowly for its own good." -Jesse
Click here to read the entire review!
Final Score:
Written by Greg Rucka | Drawn by Liam Sharp
Two things become very clear while reading Wonder Woman #7. One is that DC needs to get Liam Sharp to draw Swamp Thing NOW. The other is that Cheetah still has a very large role to play in Wonder Woman’s search for the truth. As the link between this and the Year One storyline becomes more defined (one imagines that issue #8, “The Story of Barbara Ann Minerva” will cement it), it’s obvious that Wonder Woman’s relationship with her long-time adversary will factor greatly in events to come. If there’s one criticism to be had, it’s that Cadulo and Urzkartaga are done away with too easily. But between the great character work, the unexpected moments of humor (like Cheetah’s reaction to Chris doubting her trustworthiness), and Liam Sharp’s gorgeous presentation, it’s not hard to consider Wonder Woman once more as one of the best books DC has to offer. - Joe
Final Score:
Written & Drawn by Jill Thompson
"We've seen a number of revisionist takes on Wonder Woman's origin story in recent years, whether it's the digital-first series The Legend of Wonder Woman, Greg Rucka and Nicola Scott's flashback storyline "Year One," or Grant Morrison and Yanick Paquette's graphic novel Wonder Woman: Earth One. At this point, you might think that there's no new spin left to put on such a familiar, well-trodden tale. But with Wonder Woman: The True Amazon, writer/artist Jill Thompson proves how wrong that assumption is." -Jesse
Click here to read the entire review!
Final Score:
Continues
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire