Gint's 11-28-23 Pull-List Review

For those of you new to the Pull-Lists on McSoss, please be aware there will be SPOILERS of all kinds held within. This is specifically for one Mr. Thomas Lynch (see his work here) who had some storylines spoiled for him lately. $oss fully apologizes.

Fifth Place:
The Fury of Firestorm #14

Dan Jurgens more fully entrenches himself in the world of Firestorm. But I don't think a passable grade will be enough to earn my cash.

I've always liked Firestorm as a character. I like the whole Nuclear Man bit and the two brains working in one hero. Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch have been equally entertaining as their own characters. But maybe that's all Firestorm is. Maybe the theory of Firestorm is just better than any actual execution.

Firestorm was in a good place pre-New 52. Jason Rusch was a more than capable Firestorm taking over from the deceased Ronnie Raymond. Since the New 52 kickoff, no one seems to really know how to write the character. Dan Jurgens is writing and drawing a fine book, but its not living up to the potential it posesses.

The Fury of Firestorm might be short for the Pull-List.

Fourth Place:
Justice League Dark #14

Mikel Janin takes an issue off and Graham Nolan (layouts) and Victor Drujiniu (finishes) fill-in on art. Its a well done issue, but the story was really just a big tease.

Until about the halfway mark of the book, it reads as a filler issue. Just something to keep up occupied between arcs. Just a throwaway. Frankenstein, Amethyst and Black Orchid go wandering around the House of Mystery just because. Straight filler issue plot until Black Orchid stumbles across Constantine's private room where he has outlined a bunch of different clues as to who certain heroes identities are and what they may have to do with upcoming events. It was very similar to Rip Hunter's chalkboard in Booster Gold.

Later on Phantom Stranger shows up (with Pandora hiding in tow) to drop some hints about the Trinity War. Its intriguing, but the actual story in Justice League Dark doesn't get moved forward a whole lot, if at all.

Third Place:
Aquaman #14

This issue was a prelude to Throne of Atlantis. And a prelude it was. A full issue of all setup.

But when done right, a book can be setup and still be compelling, as this issue was. All it took was Geoff Johns, two pencilers and five inkers to get the job done. The actual pencils are split between Pete Woods and Pere Pérez. Their pages aren't so different, and the inkers do a good job as well, but there's enough change between a couple pages to pull you out of the story.

The issue has Arthur sending a message to his brother Orm to see if he was planning on attacking the surface world. He's not, but Ocean Master has been a bay guy for a long time, so we don't believe him.

The dialog is sharp and well written and Throne of Atlantis is off and running. Looks to be a good one.   

Second Place:
I, Vampire #14

Its really hard after fourteen issues to keep finding different ways to say how much I like this book.

I had no idea who Josh Fialkov was before he was put on this book. Now there's a good chance I'll try anything he's writing. Same goes for Andrea Sorrentino, who's art looks similar to Jae Lee, but way gritter and scarier.

There's a lot of different places this story could have gone. It could have easily fallen into some same-old-same-old, and the way DC's been running lately, could have had multiple artists by now. But Fialkov has been keeping the book on its toes and Sorrentino hasn't missed an issue.

Great story, great art, great pacing. A lot of books can learn a lot from I, Vampire.

First Place:
The Flash #14

Same goes for The Flash that goes for I, Vampire: its hard finding news ways to praise it.

If I had to pick two books that have been the most consistently well drawn and written since the New 52 started, its The Flash and I, Vampire. Unlike I, Vampire, The Flash has had a fill-in artist for a couple issues, but it was so minor, you barely noticed. And Francis Manapul deserves a break for writing AND drawing the damn book.

Manapul and writing and drawing partner Brian Buccellato have built up Barry's world without flaw. Gorilla Grodd and the Rogues fit in perfectly. Barry's associates at work are great compliments to himself. And the subtly played love triangle between him, Iris and Patty Spivot has been fantastic. Not to mention the great coloring work Buccellato does.

Even the usually flawless Geoff Johns couldn't make me care about Barry Allen like Manapul and Buccellato have. 

Panel of the Week:

Andrea Sorrentino's way of drawing Andrew's crazy-ass vamping out is always super cool and super scary.

-Gint