The comic book industry closed out August with more major releases. marvel wrapped up the massive Secret Empire crossover and debuted a new Star Wars mini-series featuring Jedi Master Mace Windu. DC delivered their final Jack Kirby 100 specials and a new slate of annual issues. And between new issues of Go Go Power Rangers, Saga, Black Magick and Animosity, it was a strong week all around.
Scroll down to check out 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 Scott Snyder w/ Rafael Albuquerque & Rafael Scavone | Drawn by Rafael Albuquerque w/ Sebastian Fiumara
Surprisingly, the backup story has eclipsed the featured tale as the most entertaining part of All-Star Batman. Rafael Albuquerque & Rafael Scavone have created Princess Vik, a rare villainess who can give Batman a credible fight, and she actually gets the better of the Dark Knight in this issue. Sebastian Fiumara’s art is also terrific and he seems like a great choice to eventually land on a Batman title of his own. For “The First Ally,” Scott Snyder may have gone too far by adding Nemesis to Alfred’s backstory, and it’s difficult to buy into that. However, Snyder and Albuquerque deliver a dynamic opening for the issue as Batman demonstrates just how far he’ll go to save Alfred’s life. That's a great combination of art and script. However, the rest of the story just isn’t grabbing me. Nemesis is almost too formidable and it seems like cheating when he takes out so many big players without trying hard. The relationship between Batman and Alfred is still gold, but I’m ready for this tale to be over. -Blair
Final Score:
Written by Mark Evanier w/ Paul Levitz | Drawn by Scott Kolins w/ Phil Hester
"DC definitely saved the best for last when it comes to their Jack Kirby 100 specials. Darkseid Special #1 has two major selling points - it features Kirby's most iconic DC creation and it's written by renowned Kirby historian Mark Evanier. The end result is a comic that effortlessly evokes the classic New Gods stories in tone and style." -Jesse
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Final Score:
Written by Steve Orlando | Drawn by Ivan Reis
It's a little strange how JLA reads like a completely different book when Ivan Reis is drawing it. Certainly, Reis' refined visuals ring a lot to the table. His characters aren't just intricately detailed, they practically ooze emotions. And that really pays off given how much this issue emphasizes the team's interpersonal dynamics and Ryan Choi's difficult emotional journey above all else. Colorist Marcelo Maiolo is instrumental in bringing the Microverse to life. It has a true sense of scale (tiny though it is by human perspective) and a nicely surreal, even psychedelic quality. But the improvement with this story arc is more than just visual. Steve Orlando's plotting seems to have finally kicked into gear now that the series is tackling one of the big, lingering mysteries of DC Rebirth. There's a renewed excitement to JLA as our heroes confront overwhelming odds and brave the unknown. Apart from a weird, random segue into regular DCU matters, this issue does a fine job of ramping up that mystery. -Jesse
Final Score:
Written by Scott Lobdell | Drawn by Tyler Kirkham
Even if you don't follow Red Hood and the Outlaws monthly, this standalone issue offers a clean and enjoyable gateway into the series. The big selling point here is the impromptu team-up between former Robins Jason Todd and Dick Grayson, allowing writer Scott Lobdell to explore their dysfunctional family bond. Lobdell mixes tragedy and comedy to solid effect, highlighting how the two characters are united by their mutual father figure, even if they're both reluctant to reach out to one another. Artemis and Bizarro are relegated to supporting roles, but both still bring some welcome comic relief to the table (as well as a charming dynamic with Nightwing, in Artemis' case). The return of KGBeast proves underwhelming in light of his recent revamp in All-Star Batman, however. He mainly comes across as a generic, interchangeable antagonist here. Tyler Kirkham's art is also mixed. His sharp, chiseled liens make for great superhero action, but that precision and confidence is often missing in the quieter scenes. -Jesse
Final Score:
Written by Steve Orlando | Drawn by Steve Pugh
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Steve Pugh’s art in a comic, but he's significantly better in this issue than I recall. This is a gorgeously rendered comic, with great action and excellent figure work. It’s hard to ask for more than this from a superhero book, and the art itself is the biggest asset of the annual. However, Steve Orlando’s script has its ups and downs. Orlando has a well-defined take on Supergirl herself, but most of the Fatal Five barely register as characters at all. Only Emerald Empress and Indigo show glimpses of personality and drive, while Solomon Grundy, Magog and Selina are largely along for the ride. Orlando attempts to ratchet up the tension for Supergirl by threatening to reveal her secrets and sending her powers out of control. It’s an all-out assault on her life from many different directions, and yet it just feels so flat in execution. At least Pugh’s art means that the battles are entertaining from a visual standpoint, but I still want more from this book than its offering. -Blair
Final Score:
Written by Shea Fontana | Drawn by Inaki Miranda & David Messina
This is one of the more unique issues of Shea Fontana's Wonder Woman run. While the whole series has been pretty good, this one - dealing with Wonder Woman's sense of responsibility to the world and the notion that she can do more for the world than just punch villains - is especially good. In this issue, Diana realizes that her genes may hold the key to curing countless diseases and that a world famous geneticist (who has already saved thousands) has sent dozens of assassins after her, in order for him to possess her body and unlock the genetic powers within. It’s a dark and interesting plot and it works so well. There’s tons to love in this comic. Wonder Woman and Etta Candy engage in a huge fight proving that they're the coolest comic duo outside of Batman and Robin, Steve Trevor arrives hilariously late, and there's some interesting commentary on the topic of Wonder Woman being the subject of the male gaze, something that seems especially timely given director James Cameron's recent comments. Every time I read an issue from this run, I just keep getting sad that Fontana isn't staying on for... ever. It's so good, gang, it's soooo good. -Tara
Final Score:
Continues
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