Red Lanterns #24
As has been well documented in this space, I think a book about the Red Lanterns is a stupid idea. I have since it started. The fact that it's lasted longer than far more superior books (I, Vampire) is a statement that I am alone in my principles.
Charles Soule is writing the book now and I'm still not interested. That this issue is part of the Lights Out crossover is the only reason it graces this Pull-List. I'm a fan of Soule's other work, but I can't get into the Red Lanterns. They're just too much "anti" and not enough "hero." The fact that they pretty much use Hal Jordan as a pushover this issue doesn't help.
The Reds are an integral part of the Green Lantern universe. Just not headliners. And oh, Dexstarr the Red Lantern cat should never talk. Its super corny.
Justice League Dark #24
The J. M. DeMatteis era begins. Jeff Lemire is off writing duties and DeMatteis is on. If all of DeMatteis' arc(s) are going to be this wordy, I'm not going to be happy.
Maybe it was just this issue. We have to wade through John Constantine's mind before we get on to the story of how he escaped the Crime Syndicate and has to find the rest of the Dark. It may have been a necessary evil, but goddamn was that a lot of text.
Mikel Janin's art was just as phenomenal as always, but if we get treated to a novel each issue, I may have to consider dumping the book.
The Flash #24
This was a bittersweet issue. The final issue of Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato's run on the book. Shame they couldn't have stayed longer.
For as enjoyable as this issue was, it was kind of anti-climactic. Barry puts an end to the Reverse-Flash's actions and most of the issue was an epilogue for everything Manapul and Buccellato put in motion.
Since the New 52 kicked off, I'd say this book along with Aquaman and the abbreviated run of I, Vampire have been my favorites. I forget who's picking up this book once the current team is gone, but they have a hell of a high bar to live up to.
Aquaman #24
If there's ever a time when I don't mention Paul Pelletier as one of my favorite artists, I want you to slap me. For real. I'll allow it. Ivan Reis had a good run drawing this book, but there's something about Pelletier that really speaks to my inner comic fan.
Arthur wakes up six months later to find he's been unconscious and has a (sweet) beard. The Dead Sea King has taken over, and assumingly enslaved Atlantis and possibly Xebel. Its up to Aquaman to get to business to take his throne back.
Geoff Johns run on this book is coming to a close and its a shame because this has been a really strong run. I know we just got Johns long Green Lantern run, and he's 24 issues deep on Justice League and Aquaman, and that's great. But I'd love to see him take a book and really put in a Bendis-Ultimate Spider-Man-type 100-issue run on a book. WITH the same artist.
A guy can dream, right?
Nova #9
Great issue. I was skeptical of the Infinity banner expecting to be dropped into a story I'm not following. Fortunately, this issue had nothing to do with the banner it promoted.
I'd like to see the Zeb Wells and Paco Medina creative team stay on this book for a while. They're doing a great job. They've maintained the same tone of story started by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness. Though we got a bait and switch, its been enjoyable.
The evil and sexy Kaldera has kidnapped Sam's mom and daughter and offers to fight him fairly for their lives. Its clearly going to be a mismatched fight. Wells and Medina are slowly introducing Speedball and Justice to the story. The slow creation of this young superhero team feels very natural.
Justice League #24
The Forever Evil books have been damn impressive so far. I'll admit to an eye roll or two when it was announced, but what I've read so far has been pretty damn good.
This issue was no different. Power couple Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis are at it again making good comics. This issue takes you through the classic Superman origin story, but gives you the brutal Ultraman version. Man did he grow up with dicks for parents. From meeting his birthfather Jor-Il to his Earth father, wife-beater Jonny Kent, you kind of see where this guy is coming from.
The only knock on Geoff Johns' writing has been his finishes. Great stories that have weak finishes. He's doing some great stuff here so hopefully he'll wrap it up just like he started.
DC Universe vs. Master of the Universe #2
My colleagues chide me for reading this book. Two issues in and its really fucking good. So fuck them, I'll enjoy this ride on my own.
Keith Giffen plots, Tony Bedard scripts and Dexter Soy is on art. They create a story that is a faced paced, intense ride of Skeletor invading Earth. What I'm torn about it how quickly they write Skeletor controlling the Justice League. I'd like to think the JL would put up more of a fight than that. Though it does speak to just HOW powerful Skeletor is.
Aside from seeing two of my favorite brands in one place interacting with each other, its been a well written story so far. This is a damn good book.
Panel of the Week:
Dexter Soy's Superman and He-Man. My childhood just orgasmed... along with my adulthood.
-Gint
No comments:
Post a Comment