I, Vampire #18
I've been a big supporter of this book since issue #1. Next issue is its last hurrah before it gets cancelled. What's sad is that its been so good, but its stumbling to its finish.
Joshua Fialkov has done an amazing job writing this book. He's brought life to characters that I had no prior knowledge of, and now am sad to see go. But its been the artwork these last few issues that has hobbled it. The artwork of Andrea Sorrentino was outstanding. Great work on par with some of Jae Lee's best work. Fernando Blanco has done his best these last so many issues, but he's just not Sorrentino.
The creators have done their best, but if this would be the new standard for the book, maybe its best it gets cancelled.
Justice League Dark #18
I enjoyed this issue enough that maybe I'll keep buying it after Jeff Lemire leaves the book. Starting next issue Ray Fawkes takes over sole writing duties.
There was some cool stuff going on in this arc about the JLD being transported to another magical world where their powers don't really work. Overall this story left me wanting more. But this last issue wrapped things up in a way that makes me want to come back. Well, that and the way Mikel Janin draws Madame Xanadu. Sexy time.
And it may be Mikel Janin's name that determines whether I come back for #19. Janin's work is damn impressive, and this book has been good, but not really a must-read. Janin's work puts the book over that hump.
Come back in one month and we'll see if Justice League Dark is still on the Pull-List.
The Flash #18
Francis Manapul takes an issue off and Brian Buccellato takes control of the writing reigns. He also takes off art duties and leaves them for Marcio Takara.
The result is a fine issue. Its entertaining and the overall opus by Manapul and Buccellato doesn't miss a beat. Takara isn't Manapul my any stretch, but he's not a disappointment like Fernando Blanco taking over for Andrea Sorrentino.
The Flash marches on as one of the best DC has to offer.
Guardians of the Galaxy #1
Lets start with the important stuff: Peter Quill's new helmet is a pile of dog shit compared to the old one. The old was was utilitarian, beat up and had character like it had been through the wringer. Plus, it looked cool. This new one is too slick with a clear face shield. The better to see Chris Pratt through in the movie I guess. Sorry. Too cynical?
The good news is it was a really good read. I dug it a lot. And writer Brian Bendis answered the question "is this the same Peter Quill that Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning were writing?" Yes it is. No idea why he's blonde all of a sudden, but I guess I shouldn't focus on that. He's also too handsome. Steve McNiven draws him as a square-jawed Brad Pitt. The previous Abnett/Lanning stories made him a little more humble-looking.
The main plot of the story (Quill's dad [ruler of the Spartan race] has made Earth a galactic no-fly zone making it a target and now Quill is forced to defend it) feels really forced. Like it was the best reason Bendis could think of to make this book tie closer to Earth. There's a good chance we'll get more to this story as the book unfolds. I hope so because so far that's a little weak.
Overall it was a good issue. Well written and very well drawn my McNiven. He draws a very sexy Gamora taking an interesting turn by not making her super-huge and muscular. Looking forward to #2.
Aquaman #18
Paul Pelletier has been great in taking over the art duties on Aquaman from Ivan Reis. I already knew I liked his stuff, but I'm kind of surprised at how much I'm liking it. His layouts and the way he tells the story are really making this a good read.
Aquaman is finding life as the new King of Atlantis rather difficult. This was to be excpected. How exciting would this book be if it was all sunshine and roses for our hero? There's subterfuge as Atlantean's still loyal to the deposed King Orm plot to save him. Meanwhile, above water, Mera gets attacked by a really old sea king of some sort.
It would be nice to see Geoff Johns put in as much time and success on this book as he did on Green Lantern, but that's looking pretty far ahead. I'll be happy with the current status quo which is pretty damn good.
Panel of the Week:
Mikel Janin does his best attempt at a slow-motion Michael Bay-type action shot in Justice League Dark.
-Gint
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