Red Lanterns #21
I gave this book up after 5 or 6 issues when the New 52 launched. I thought it was extraneous. The Green Lantern universe doesn't need a book about the Red Lanterns. But, since I'm such a sucker for the GL Universe, I'm trying it again.
New writer Charles Soule and artist Alessandro Vitti kick off a new chapter of Red Lantern lore. After one issue, I still don't really give much of a shit. Hal asks Guy to infiltrate the Red Lantern Corps as an undercover agent. The premise of the book sounds like it could be really cool, so I'll give it a few issues.
This issue was enough to bring me back for the next one, but barely. All the Guy Gardner stuff is pretty solid, but most of the Red stuff is just boring. I'm pretty sure this book's second run on the Pull-List isn't going to last very long.
Justice League of America #5
I really want to like this book. I really do. But I don't think its happening.
5 issues in and I still don't give a shit about anyone on this team. That's probably not a good sign that this book is long for the Pull-List. The story is kind of interesting... but the characters just suck. Vibe and Katana? Yeah, sure, they blow. But even Hawkman and Green Arrow are bor-ing! And holy fuck did the New 52 ruin anything good about Martian Manhunter. Ugh, the more I write the more disgusted I get.
Its looking like I'll follow along until Trinity War is over, then I'm out. Geoff Johns and Brett Booth are doing their best. I'm sure they don't want to make a boring book, but its just not enough for me.
Batman Superman #1
Well that was a wacky ride. I don't really understand what the fuck is happening, but that's by design. The story is crazy and interesting enough to definitely bring me back.
I love seeing a "Marvel" guy come over to the Distinguished Competition. Greg Pak has been writing Marvel books for quite a while. His latest foray into the DCU is pretty damn good. Right away he has a good feel for who Clark and Bruce are. Between their dialog and their inner monologues, Pak writes a hopeful Superman and a serious Batman.
Jae Lee is probably the strangest choice for artist on this book as he's known for dark and moody and not super-hero-ey. He brings the blacks and sets the mood and everything looks like a scary horror movie. We don't know who the villain is yet, but they're good n' creepy. I'd prefer Lee to draw the whole book, but he gets an assist on the last 7 pages from Ben Oliver. Solid stuff, but I like a whole work.
Batman Superman, despite Batman getting first billing, is a good book. Greg Pak, welcome to DC.
The Flash #21
This wasn't the greatest issue by this team, but it was entertaining. Seeing some of the ideas brought to life made it a fun read, if not an integral read in the story arc.
Barry needs to track down Kid Flash, and Bart is a total prick. By the end of the issue you wish Barry would punch a hole through his face. Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato do a great job keeping up the New 52 tradition of making the Teen Titans the most unlikeable bunch of "superheroes." I might write some fan fiction just to kill them all off.
Aside from that, the art is still stellar. I believe Image Matt doesn't like the art on this book, and I'll never understand that. Manapul's art and Buccellato's colors are always stunning to look at as it surpasses "comic book art" and really becomes something more.
Not the most standout issue of The Flash, but a fun read.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #3
I believe this may count as a guilty pleasure, but since I don't believe in guilty pleasures, I really dig this book. I'm sure some of it is sentimental (my much younger brother says, "He-Man is dogshit"), but Keith Giffen and Pop Mhan are telling a pretty cool story.
Updating He-Man for a modern audience is tough. There's a certain tone to the franchise with the mix of technology and magic that Giffen and Mhan seem to have found balance with. Its a solid updated story for an older audience. Its also a fun read. Its not too heavy and dark, and its certainly not joyless.
It took a few issues for Giffen and Mhan to find their groove, but I think they've found it. Looking forward to issue four.
Guardians of the Galaxy #4
The best part of this issue is that we get some downtime for our heroes. We get to see them just hanging out at a bar, knocking back some drinks and getting busy... along with starting a giant bar fight.
Sara Pichelli is an amazing artist. Being a DC guy, I haven't really had the pleasure of enjoying her work. She has a clean, expressive style that I really can't get enough of. Though I'm sad to see Steve McNiven has already bailed on this book, she's a MORE than worthwhile back up plan.
Brian Bendis flexes his witty banter and puts together some nice action, but its the quiet moment between Tony Stark and Pepper Potts on a video call that hooked me in this issue. The addition of Tony to the team is pretty natural, even though I know its just done in an effort to support the movies.
Justice League Dark #21
A Madame Xanadu-centric issue really gets it done in issue 21. She's the crux of the story for the final part of the Horror City arc before we jump into Trinity War. She's normally a reserved character, but this issue we really get to see her get physical and get her hands dirty.
The creative team of Jeff Lemire, Ray Fawkes and Mikel Janin are really humming on this book. They know these characters inside and out from body language to dialog. Each one is very well defined and the addition of the Flash for this arc really lets you see a different side of them and Barry Allen. Great stuff.
Lets hope through Trinity War this team can keep the great stuff coming without being compromised by having to squeeze their book into a larger crossover.
Nova #5
This is probably the most straight up fun book on the shelves these days. Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness tell an exciting space fantasy that has all the heart of the Original Trilogy. That's high praise.
I don't know if this will ever eclipse my love for the Dan Abnett/Andy Lanning Nova series, but its definitely its own beast with its own merits. McGuinness' big pages and large visuals only add to the way he tells a story. Everything keeps moving at a great pace. Loeb doesn't offer much dialog, but this book doesn't need it. Loeb is capable of bringing these characters to life without being verbose.
If you want to just enjoy a good, entertaining feel-good story, Nova is the book for you.
Justice League #21
Funny that my favorite issue of Justice League doesn't feature the Justice League.
This issue is a full issue wrapping up the Shazam! back up that Geoff Johns and Gary Frank have been running through this book. Between Johns' writing and Frank's art its been the best part of Justice League.
Though the twist in the story isn't a huge surprise, Johns plays it really well when Billy gives all the foster kids a piece of the Shazam pie. We finally get to see the New 52 versions of Freddie Freeman, and more importantly, the super sexy Mary Marvel. Gimme summa that please.
As cool as this story is, its really Gary Frank's art that is the highlight of this story. His work seems to get better with every issue. If this creative team was to do a Shazam ongoing, I would, without a doubt, add it to the Pull-List.
Aquaman #21
Damn fine issue. Great cover. Great story. The way Geoff Johns writes how Aquaman's responsibilities as King pull him in different directions is both subtle and effective. Paul Pelletier's art also does a great job showcasing just how powerful Arthur is. Makes you want to see a Superman/Aquaman throwdown.
When talk comes up about my favorite current artists, I need to start remembering Paul Pelletier. He really draws the hell out of this book. The way each character carries himself makes them just as real and distinct as Johns' writing. And you can't hate on a super sexy Mera.
As a whole, this issue is one of the best of Johns' run since the New 52 kicked off.
Ps, what a cool cover by Pelletier and co.
The Wake #2
This is easily one of my current favorite books. Not only because Ryan Murphy draws Lee Archer super sexy.
Scott Snyder's story is tight. Its very cinematic. Its like reading the best parts of Jaws and The Thing. Our hero, Lee Archer and the crew she's working with is sent to study a monstrous merman at a government facility a mile beneath the surface of the ocean. The tension between the characters is palpable. Its easy to imagine being down there with them.
Ryan Murphy has a gigantic hand in bringing the story, and the emotion is projects to life. The personalities of his characters are spot on and the flow of the storytelling is flawless. I simply can't wait for the next issue.
Page of the Week:
This Aquaman page by Paul Pelletier highlights just how powerful the King of Atlantis is.
-Gint
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