Welcome back as we make our weekly trip through this week’s pull-list. It features mostly spoiler-free brief analysis and commentary of each book.
As we keep saying, there are plenty of good comics out there, a lot of Spider books for sure. Make sure you go find some. Hopefully, you might find what we say interesting enough to try some of these comics. This is a big list this week as we are finally starting to catch up on our unwieldy pull-list.
Also, Don’t forget to check our hotlist of new books debuting this month over here. You will see books that we were looking forward to with the designation Hot #1 by them.
DISCLAIMER:
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. After all, its not often that you have a bad book on your pull-list.
The rating system is as follows:
Great
Good
OK
Not Good
And here are the books we read in alphabetical order:
Click a link below if you want to jump to a particular review:
Action Comics #1004, Batgirl #28, Books of Magic #1, Coda #6, Dead Kings #1, Detective Comics #991, High Heaven #2, Justice League Odyssey #2, Lodger #1, Return of Wolverine #2, Spider-Geddon #2, Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider #1, Spider-Girls #1, Terrifics #9, Titans #28, X-Men: Red #9
Action Comics #1004
DC Comics
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils by Ryan Sook
Inks by Wade Von Grawbadger
Colors by Brian Anderson
Letters by Josh Reed
First off. This is a fantastic issue. The one thing that struck me the most was the face of Superman by Ryan Sook. Wow. It is perfect. Strong and caring and all the emotions that were portrayed. Amazing! The story talks about establishing the guidelines of the Lois and Clark relationship for the time being. While that is a very technical piece of housekeeping, Bendis found a way to make a story out of it and explain the emotions that go into the thought processes that result in the current state. What could have been glossed over in two or three panels, Bendis took time to expand through a highly entertaining issue, that furthered the over arching story in other very meaningful ways. We thoroughly enjoyed this issue. SPOILERY INFO: There is Super-Nookie involved in this issue. 🙂
Batgirl #28
DC Comics
Written by Mairghread Scott
Pencils by Paul Pelletier
Inks by Norm Rapmund
Colors by Jordie Bellaire
Letters by Deron Bennett
Cover Art by Julian Totino Tedesco
Batgirl’s struggle with the Dark Web continues in this issue. The concept of detective work and uncovering deceptions is a main theme in this book, and the creative team does a very good all around job. The pace and visual narrative work well to advance the main story.
Books of Magic #1
DC Vertigo
Written by Kat Howard
Art by Tom Fowler
Colors by Jordan Boyd
Letters by Todd Klein
Cover Art by Kat Carpenter
Hot #1
The last of the new Sandman Universe series is upon us. We are presented with a novice Timothy Hunter here. He is aware of his destiny for magic but is not at all adept. While this may feel like a step back for some long time fans of the character, if that is put aside, the issue itself is very good. The storytelling is well done. The pace and narrative is pleasing. The creative talent has done an excellent job of opening a tale that is worth being told and enticing to the audience. Tom Fowler does a wonderful job of setting a visual tone that just feels right for this book.
Coda #6
Boom Studios
Written by Simon Spurrier
Art by Matías Bergara
Color Assist by Michael Doig
Letters by Jim Campbell
Cover Art by Bergara
We continue to be entertained by this book. The characterization of the main couple is clear, and while not a “classic” relationship, the emotions that they share for each other shine through the chaos that surrounds them. Bergara’s art is glorious, and his ability to fit so much into the panel layouts without becoming overly jumbled is really a major factor in the overall success of the storytelling in this book.
Dead Kings #1
Aftershock Comics
Written by Steve Orlando
Art by Matthew Dow Smith
Colors by Lauren Affe
Letters by Thomas Mauer
Cover Art by Smith
Hot #1
Steve Orlando and Matthew Smith take us to a postmodern, militaristic, fractured Russia. In this setting, we are presented with a mission of mercy and familial love. It is a lot to get your head around with a story that is told in media res. Fortunately, both Orlando and Smith are excellent storytellers, and this works well. There are cultural tones that are explored, and the audience is forced to question themselves. Smith’s style is a perfect match for Orlando’s stark geographical settings. This series is definitely off to a strong start.
Detective Comics #991
DC Comics
Written by James Robinson
Art by Carmine Di Giandomenico
Colors by Ivan Plascencia
Letters by Rob Leigh
Cover Art by Di Giandomenico & Plascentia
Overall, this is a good issue. There is very little action. It is mostly talking in rooms. With that being said, this is an interesting exploration of the duality of Two-Face and the methods that he must employ to maintain his identity. Di Giandomenico does a truly fantastic job of giving a kinetic feel to a fairly fixed visual setting in this issue, and the splash page on page 2-3 is worth the cost of admission.
High Heaven #2
AHOY Comics
Written by Tom Peyer
Art by Greg Scott
Colors by Andy Troy
Letters by Rob Steen
Cover Art by Richard Williams
This is the case of an interesting premise getting more interesting as we go along. While the first issue of this book established the baseline for the story, this issue explored the afterworld that was previously shown, and complicated the protagonist’s “eternal rest”. Greg Scott’s illustration in this comic is the perfect visual tone beside the fact that it is really beautifully done. The shadows and dark lines truly add a shabby quality to the world that the main character perceives. The backup story, “Hashtag: Danger” by Peyer and Chris Giarusso, is wildly entertaining and really ups the bang for the buck for this comic. We are looking forward to the next installments of both stories.
Justice League: Odyssey #2
DC Comics
Written by Joshua Williamson
Art by Stjepan Sejic
Letters by Deron Bennett
Cover Art by Sejic
This story of mismatched heroes is certainly interesting. There are some very nice beats in this book. While some of the characterization has yet to be explored fully, we hope that Williamson will continue to develop that. Sejic does an excellent job giving life to the sequential imagery in this issue. The colors are particularly noticeable in the best way. The only concern is that the series is limited by DC editorial decisions. It feels like this story needs room and time to develop, and we are concerned that it may not have what it needs to grow.
Lodger #1
IDW / Black Crown
Written by David and Maria Lapham
Art by David Lapham
Cover Art by David Lapham
Hot #1
The latest new series from the Black Crown imprint is well at home in the world of spooky horror style comics. This black and white comic tells a tale of mystery and murder. The setup for this series is intriguing. It is the type of story that leaves you questioning what you just read once it is over. Definitely recommended.
Return of Wolverine #2
Marvel Comics
Written by Charles Soule
Art by Declan Shalvey
Colors by Laura Martin
Letters by Joe Sabino
Cover Art by Steve McNiven & Martin
Charles Soule and Declan Shalvey continue the story of Wolverine’s amnesiatic return. These stories that require multple issues to return to the status quo can be trying on fans. There is not much wrong with this issue when viewed on its own. The writing is smart and the art is good. The best thing about this issue though is the first appearance of HOT CLAWS!!
Spider-Geddon #2
Marvel Comics
Written by Christos Gage
Pencils by Jorge Molina
Inks by Jay Leisten, Craig Yeung, & Roberto Poggi
Colors by David Curiel
Letters by Travis Lanham
Cover Art by Molina
The latest Spider event is well underway. The characterization of multiple spider-“people” is well done. Molina’s pencils and layouts are inviting and serve the narrative excellently. Over all it is an entertaining story and a good comic book.
Spider-Girls #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Jody Houser
Art by Andrés Genolet
Colors by Tríona Farrell
Letters by Joe Caramagna
Cover Art by Yasmine Putri
Hot #1
This is the best “Spider-Geddon” book of the week. It focuses on Mayday “Spider-Girl” Parker, Anya “Spider-Girl” Corazon, and Annie “Spiderling” Parker. While there is plenty of multiversal tragic angst, there is a lightness to the story that is inspiring. The art team does a great job handling up to five Spider heroes in action at once, as well as giving great shots of the quiet moments. If you only read one “Spider-Geddon” book, this would be the one.
Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Seanan McGuire
Art by Rosi Kämpe
Colors by Ian Herring
Letters by Clayton Cowles
Cover Art by Bengal
Spider-Gwen is one of the best new characters that Marvel has had in recent years, and in this issue she swings into her own series. This is the third book on the list that is a “Spider-Geddon” tie-in. Lots of Spiders just in time for Halloween. There is lots of potential for the interesting stories that are set up in this issue. The creative team does a very good job with the narrative, and has us excited for more.
The Terrifics #9
DC Comics
Written by Jeff Lemire
Pencils by Jose Luis
Inks by Jordi Tarragona
Colors by Michael Atayeh
Lettters by Tom Napolitano
Cover Art by Dale Eaglesham and Ivan Nunes
This is a very fun Super-Hero comic book. That has been the hallmark of this series so far. The art team does a fantastic job with presenting crisp and interesting visuals. The narrative leads the characters on exciting missions and the last page reveal ratchets up the anticipation for the next issue. Plus there are cartoon rabbits and ducks. What is not to like?
Titans #28
DC Comics
Written by Dan Abnett
Art by Clayton Henry
Colors by Marcelo Maiolo
Letters by Dave Sharpe
Cover Art by Leonardo Manco
Yet one more comic that is impacted by a cross-over event. DC’s “Drowned Earth” event spills into this issue of the Titans. (You see what I did there?) It also brings back Tempest to work with his old team. The story and art are good, full of excitement and on-point characterization. My biggest issue is that there is bleed-over from events that are taking place in another ongoing DC event, Heroes In Crisis, that also affects this team. The fact that the event issue is late to press has given secrets in this issue that are not public knowledge yet. It is a bit disappointing.
X-Men: Red #9
Marvel Comics
Written by Tom Taylor
Art by Roge Antonio
Colors by Rain Beredo
Letters by Cory Petit
Cover Art by Jenny Frison
This issue is all about the fight between Jean Grey and Cassandra Nova. The story is smart and well laid out. The art is beautiful and expressive. This continues to be an excellent source for those looking for good X-Men stories.
Well, that is it for this week. Thanks for reading, and let us know what you think about these books or any books you are reading in the comments.
