In this column, we make a quick trip through this weeks pull-list. It features mostly spoiler-free brief analysis and commentary of each book.
There is a 4 star rating system. It is simple and not to be taken too seriously as everyone gets their own impressions of art. These ratings are just to give our readers an Idea of what we thought of the book and they will be on the generous side normally. So don’t expect to see a lot of 1 Stars.
The rating system is as follows:
- 4 Stars – Great
- 3 Stars – Good
- 2 Stars – OK
- 1 Star – Not Good
- Action Comics Special
DC Comics
Story 1: "The Last Will and Testament of Lex Luthor"
By Dan Jurgens, Will Conrad, Will Quintana and Rob Leigh
Story 2: "Suprema Est Lex"
Written by Mark Russell, Jill Thompson, Romulo Fajardo Jr.,and Rob Leigh
Story 3: "Driver's Seat"
Written by Max Landis, Francis Manapul, and Steve Wands
This is an anthology issue to fill the gap before Action is relaunched in June under Brian Michael Bendis' watch. With that being said, all three separate stories are well done. The Jurgens / Conrad story explores a possibility and hits a true note by exploring Lex's feelings toward Superman. The second story is uncannily timely in that it is set at the White House Correspondents Dinner. Given Russell's recent work on Snagglepuss, the subject matter is definitely in his wheelhouse. Jill Thompson's interiors are a joy to behold. The last story by Landis / Manapul is beautifully painted and strikes a couple of heartwarming notes even if the plot is a little disjointed.
3 Stars - Astonishing X-Men #11
Marvel Comics
Written by Charles Soule
Art by Ron Garney
Letters by Vc's Clayton Cowles
Colors by Matt Milla
This is the penultimate issue of Charles Soule's run on Astonishing. The team continues to deal with Proteus while a somewhat unexpected revelation is presented to Psylocke. The revelation leaves a cliffhanger that needs to be explained in the next (last) issue of this run. The art is well laid out and the colors are especially powerful.
3 Stars - Avengers #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Jason Aaron
Pencils by Ed McGuiness
Inks by Mark Morales
Colors by David Curiel
Letters by VC's Cory Petit
This book is spinning out of the events of the "No Surrender" storyline. It also continues some of the story from Marvel Legacy #1 and is certainly developing a deep and complex adventure. While it is a "Get the band together" type of story, the interactions of Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor are enjoyable. We are looking forward to this team being formed and seeing how they work together. McGuiness and Morales make an excellent team and put together high quality visuals as usual.
3 Stars - Batman #46
DC Comics
Written by Tom King
Art by Tony S. Daniel
Ink Assist by Sandu Florea
Colors by Tomeu Morey
Letters by Clayton Cowles
This is a Tom King Batman story. It is smart, funny, and heart breaking. Tony Daniel's art is amazing, and the level of storytelling in the layouts is fantastic. We absolutely cannot wait for the resolution of Booster Gold's "Gift".
4 stars - Coda #1
Boom! Studios
Written by Simon Spurrier
Art by Matias Bergara
Color Assist by Michael Doig
Letters by Colin Bell
This is a new offering this week. It is intriguing. It feels a bit like a western if the west was a magical that is losing magic. The art is a bit loose and cartoonish but it fits the "Western" theme. There is an amazing color palette that really makes the book work. We are definitely interested in seeing what happens with this story.
3 Stars - Dark Ark #6
Aftershock Comics
Written by Cullen Bunn
Art by Juan Doe
Letters by Ryane Hill
This issue begins the second arc of Dark Ark. (Hehe) The excellent supernatural storytelling that has marked the earlier issues of this series continues here. The mystery of what is happening on the other Ark deepens and the storytellers take some space to give the readers more about the origin of these Arks via flashback. The colors continue to be one of the key creative voices in this book. They set the tone in an amazing way.
3 Stars - DC Nation #0
DC Comics
Story 1: Batman in "Your Big Day"
Written by Tom King, Clay Mann, Jordie Bellaire, and Clayton Cowles
Story 2: Superman in "Office Space"
Written by Brian Michael Bendis,Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Dexter Vines, Alex Sinclair,and Josh Reed
Story 3: The Justice League in "No Justice" Prelude
Written by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Joshua Williamson, Jorge Jimenez, Alejandro Sanchez, and Andworld Design
There are three short stories in this one-shot. They all set up the upcoming storylines in the DC Universe. There is a Batman story that is essentially a terrifying Joker story. Clay Mann's Joker will haunt you. There is a Superman story by Brian Bendis and gorgeously drawn by the master Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez. As if we needed enticement to read the Man of Steel series that starts next week. We now have more. There is a Justice League: No Justice prelude. It explains some of why the JL has brought new (bad) people into the roster and why they are broken into teams. Jorge Jimenez is just putting it all out there on the art, and it works so well.
3 Stars - Death or Glory #1
Image Comics
Written by Rick Remender
Art by Bengal
Letters by Rus Wooton
This is a new series from Image. It is an oversized premier issue which is appreciated, because a lot of story takes place in this first issue. It is an on-the-run story that could take place in the near future if not present day. The protagonist of Glory Owen is nicely defined, and her stated mission is simple and sympathetic. There are some excellent chase scenes beautifully done by Bengal. This is definitely a keeper.
3.5 Stars - Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles #5
DC Comics
Written by Mark Russell
Pencils by Mike Feehan
Inks by Sean Parsons and Jose Marzan Jr.
Colors by Paul Mounts
Letters by Dave Sharpe
This series a highlight of the pull-list every month. Russell and Feehan are telling an important story about universal topics. However, in the greatest irony, it is set in 1950's "McCarthyist" America, and told through the life of a pink anthropomorphic tiger with no pants. It is smart and captivating. The clean lined art is the absolute perfect mixture of cartoon and artistic realism. We are eagerly anticipating the conclusion of this story arc. The Sasquatch Detective backup story by Brandy Stilwell and Gus Vazquez is just absolutely hilarious.
4 Stars - Harley Loves Joker #1
DC Comics
Written by Paul Dini
Art by Bret Blevins
Colors by Alex Sinclair
Letters by Dave Sharpe
This is the first issue of a quick two-part mini-series. It begins as a heist story leads into the introduction of new character that shares Harley's admiration of the Joker. Blevins' art is very reminiscent of the BTAS style which is appropriate for a story written by Harley's creator.
3 Stars - Infinity Countdown #3
Marvel Comics
Written by Gerry Duggan
Pencils by Aaron Kuder and Mike Hawthorne
Inks by Aaron Kuder and Terry Pallot
Colors by Jordie Bellaire
Letters by VC's Cory Petit
We keep wishing for this book to get better. The pacing is slow with endless battle scenes. There was finally some resolution to Guardians battle on Xitaung. The art is ok but the differences between the two artists is more jarring than we would like. We will continue to get this book in hopes that the other stones stories will be more interesting and that Adam Warlock gets a chance to shine. Also the next issue has Galactus.
2 Stars - Nightwing #44
DC Comics
Written by Benjamin Percy
Art by Chris Moonyham
Colors by Nick Filardi
Letters by Carlos M. Mangual
This is the beginning of Benjamin Percy's run. It is definitely setting up a mystery for the "World's Greatest Detective" to solve. The positives are that it feels very much like a continuation of the run that Tim Seeley and Sam Humphries began. Chris Moonyham's art is truly wonderful. The character layouts are excellent. We are not really thrilled with the anti-tech stance that Percy is offering for Dick. Granted he is no Tim Drake, but the disdain for technology is a little heavy handed and overplayed.
3 Stars - Red Sonja / Tarzan #1
Dynamite Entertainment
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Walter Geovani
Colors by Adriano Augusto
Letters by Simon Bowland
This is the first issue of an interesting crossover between two iconic characters of fantasy comics. Gail Simone has begun to weave an exciting tale of rage and vengeance with a particularly odious villain. Walter Geovani's art is beautifully detailed and laid out perfectly.
3 Stars - Shade: The Changing Woman #3
DC Comics (Young Animal Imprint)
Written by Cecil Castellucci
Art by Marley Zarcone
Additional Inks by Ande Parks
Color by Kelly Fitzpatrick
Letters by Saida Temofonte
The story of Shade's interaction with Rac Shade continues. The art continues to move this saga in its path to madness. If you have been reading this book, you will not be disappointed by this issue.
3 Stars - X-Men Gold #27
Marvel Comics
Written by Marc Guggenheim
Art by Geraldo Borges and David Marquez
Colors by Arif Prianto and Matthew Wilson
Letters by VC's Cory Petit
Colossus's bachelor party fallout continues in this issue. The team tracks down their captured comrade (Hehe) and engage his captors in the Savage Land. Some important development continue with both Rachel and Ororo that will need to addressed sooner or later. The lettering in this book was particularly interesting
2.5 Stars
Well that is it for this week. This is not inclusive of all the great books out there. Go find what you like and read it and talk about it. Comments are always welcome.