Market Saturation

If you don't know there's a Spider-Man movie coming out in a month, you literally live under a rock. Sony/Marvel has been promoting this movie non-stop. AND we still have a month to go before it releases May 2. I've stopped watching clips and trailers because they've been showing so much, I already feel like I've seen half the movie. Is it possible to be tired of this movie before I've even seen it? All signs point to yes.

With a month to go there will no doubt be more Spider-promotion. But even being a comic book fan, and being excited for this movie once, I'm ready for it to be over. Promotion for a movie has to walk a fine line. The Three Bears of May releases have been all over the board: Amazing Spider-Man 2 - too much, Godzilla - not enough, and X-Men: Days of Future Past - just right.

With nearly two months before Godzilla and Days release in back to back weeks, we've gotten just enough tip of the X-Men dick to tease and tantalize. Godzilla has us asking, "is it in yet?" Godzilla has absolutely no television presence besides a Snickers commercial that pokes more fun at the gargantuan lizard than it does gear audiences up for the movie. X-Men commercials come in bits and pieces and hopefully they don't blow it out Spider-Man-style before its release.

The Spider-boat has since sailed. Too much, too soon. Spider-fatigue? Yes. Will I be there opening night? Yes.

-Gint

Gint's 3-26-14 Pull-List Review

When the thought of reading a comic makes you go, "eugh," its time to drop that book. Thus was the fate of Justice League Dark this week. It had a good run, but its done on the Pull-List.

Seventh Place:
The Flash #29

Lets say goodbye to a hell of a run, and the final time (for the time being) The Flash will appear on the Pull-List. Brian Buccallato and Francis Manapul's run stops here and Robert Venditti, Van Jensen and Brett Booth take over next issue. Since Venditti and Jensen haven't lit my world on fire on the Green Lantern books, and I've never been a big fan of Booth's art, I'm taking a break from Barry Allen.

But Buccellato and artist Augustin Padilla go out strong wrapping up the three-part Digging Up The Past. Barry, with a little team-up help from Deadman close up some open story beats and leave some room for the new creative team to take over. Though if the new team treats the established world of Barry like they did Green Lantern, expect a total overhaul.

I had never heard the name Brian Buccellato before the New 52 kicked off, but I feel a better comic reader for it. He played a big part in making me love Barry Allen and I'm looking forward to GREAT things from him and Manapul on Detective Comics next month.

Sixth Place:
Rogues Rebellion #6

I went into this series not expecting a whole lot. What I got was a very enjoyable 6-issue miniseries. The premise of the Rogues, "they don't kill, they're only about the score," is kind of goofy and super old fashioned. But in the right hands, like those of Geoff Johns or Brian Buccellato, it works.

The Rogues have a final showdown with the Crime Syndicate's thugs and you can guess who comes out on top. This issue is 20 pages of throwdown, but I've said all along, its who the Rogues are as people that really makes them worth while characters. Its a fine line writing these guys under their code and not making them seem silly or outdated.

This series surprised me. Kind of a Secret Six Lite. And anytime a book can satisfactorily make me think of the Secret Six, its done its job.

Fifth Place:

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #11

Finally a REAL artist! Okay, that's super unfair. While Rafael Kayanan's art was bad, Michael S. O'Hare's was good. But it was lacking the traditional ink that some comics beg for. This book was begging for it and I didn't even realize it. Well, Tom Derenick brings us some straight up blacks, son. And its wonderful.

Still trapped in Subternia with the revelation that King Hiss has been posing as King Randor for who knows how long, our heroes are in serious trouble. He-Man has been captured and will be sacrificed so Hiss can gain the power of the Star Seed. I love me a good 80s cartoon reference. Pretty straightforward, thought strong stroytelling from the talented Dan Abnett.

But ultimately its the art that really moves this book forward. Tom Derenick and his inks have a way of legitimizing this book that was previously missing.

Fourth Place:
Aquaman #29

We get a little story and a lot of fighting in this issue. I'd prefer to have gotten a little more balance. Maybe its just that Hercules being introduced in to the DC Universe isn't that interesting.

But that's what happens. Someone steals Arthur's trident and opens what looks like the gates of hell. But there's a some mystery surrounding this Hercules character and what his motivations are.

What it does set up is a potential guest starring appearance by Wonder Woman. Seeing a DC team-up that's unrelated to Superman or Batman is infinitely more interesting to me these days.

Third Place:
The Wake #7

What Scott Snyder has been excelling at in this series is twists and turns. The end of this issue was certainly a "didn't see that coming" moment. Through seven full issues its really anyone's guess how this series will end up.

The government in the future uses prisoners to row cruise ships that have been repurposed as vessels to scavenge the ocean floor and pad the barrier reef against the Mers. Our heroes Leeward and Pop have been placed in one of these prison ships. There's certain books that have a natural cinematic quality to them. The Wake SCREAMS to be made into a movie. Though its hard to imagine anyone in Hollywood would do that job Snyder and Sean Murphy are doing.

This is a truly unique and inspired book.

Second Place:
DC Universe vs. Masters of the Universe #6

Another miniseries comes to a close, and I liked this one even better than Rogues Rebellion. Mashing up He-Man and the Justice League, how could I not? Throw Transformers in there and I've have came to death.

When it was revealed earlier in the current He-Man and the Masters of the Universe that Orko went bad and was pulling the strings, I thought it was cheap and obvious. But as the story unfolded it became pretty neat idea. And getting the chance to see Superman wield the Sword of Power and Deadman possess Battle Cat... as a nerd, how could you not love this series?

I'd easily buy this as an ongoing, but I'll have to settle for the regular He-Man title for that. Even though this story ended, it sets up a handful of plot lines to be resolved in the other book. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Dan Abnett or Tony Bedard get to really dig their heels in and keep this book running to see some of these conclusions play out.  

First Place:

Hawkeye #18

Now that was more like it. The last couple of issues took a beating from me. And rightfully so. But this issue here brought us back to good and reminded me why I loved this book in the first place.

We're back out in L.A. with Kate Bishop, but the silly, zinger slinger from #16 is gone and we get the slightly more reserved, introspective girl the series started with. And there are stakes! Kate's L.A. story begins to dovetail with what Clint has been going through in New York. Matt Fraction (with Annie Wu on art) did such a great job building the suspense of this issue that by the time it ends, you understand Kate and Clint are in some serious shit. Shit like, if they killed one of them, I wouldn't be surprised.

I want less Bendis-ey one-liners and more drama, just like this issue. It was the first time Madame Masque was legitimately scary.


Panels of the Week:

 Tom Derenick brings the art game helping Dan Abnett's Teela be a badass.

-Gint

Sometimes You're The Ward

The cover to Detective Comics #38 is fucking wacky. The pageantry of the introduction of Robin is just too much. I understand it was a different time, but even in the early 1940s I'd like to think I'd have thought, "what the fuck?!"

Dick Grayson is great. Tough to beat the first Robin. But for my money I'm going with Tim Drake, the third Robin. Tim didn't have the dark backstory that mirrored Batman's, and he wasn't a troubled youth like Jason Todd. He certainly wasn't a homicidal douchebag like Damian Wayne. Tim was just a normal kid. IQ and acrobatic skills off the charts, but a normal kid.

He had his parents for the majority of his history (until DC writers killed them off), went to school, had normal friends and friends in the Teen Titans. Seeing a character that wasn't tied up in a dramatic comic book backstory was refreshing. AND he found out who Bruce Wayne was on his own. #skillz

Tim Drake lasted from 1989 to 2011, when during the New 52 DC reboot, got his entire history turned around. It was written that he was never really Robin, opting for the name Red Robin. And he wasn't as likable. The pre-New 52 Tim Drake was our real entry point into the fantastic world of comics.

Normal kid that could do every thing Dick Grayson could do, but without all the baggage. How can you not root for a kid like that?

-Gint

McSoss Podcast Episode 48: Comrade Smokeski

In the spirit of the upcoming film Captain America: The Winter Solider  we discuss all things Captain America. From his origins fighting The Axis Powers in World War II all the way to his modern adventures in Dimension Z. 

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Dumpster Diver

Our good buddy Dom allowed me the license of his creator-owned character The Dumpster for use in today's strip. I assume I rendered him justly. If you want more information about The Dumpster, and Dom's adolescent activities as The Dumpster, feel free to contact him on Twitter at @serebrius.

Speaking of professional wrestling, I can't imagine growing up in the 1980s or 90s without the likes of Hulk Hogan or Stone Cold Steve Austin touching a part of your life. In the 80s, between the actual WWF (now the WWE [get over yourself, World Wildlife Fund]), the Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling cartoon and honestly, the cultural phenominon that was Hulkamania, wrestling was everywhere. The names Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Junkyard Dog and The Rockers will always have a place in my heart. Its sad in a way, looking back at how the bright, shiny heroes of the day like Hulk Hogan, Superman and Bigfoot have been replaced by dark, gritty heroes. Enter Stone Cold Steve Austin.

The late 90s immursed me into wrestling after some years away with Steve Austin's complete pop culture saturation. Going anywhere without seeing an "Austin 3:16," or "Stone Cold Said So" shirt was impossible. But for as great as Stone Cold was, it was familiar faces like Shawn Michaels getting new life that really pulled me back in.

Shawn Michaels, The Heartbreak Kid, was almost a throwback to the old days. Arrogant? Yes, but he wasn't the antihero that Stone Cold or the Undertaker were. He still kept things old school... until he joined D-Generation X of course. It wasn't until right now thinking about it I realize that's a big reason why I gravitated to Michaels in those later days.

But after the excitement of Austin and the early days of Triple H and the Rock, I bowed out of wresting and haven't gone back. From what I hear from friends, the culture around WWE seems to have changed. Even the diehards like Dom or Ryan McCormick of A Fireside Chat, who follow the current regime, talk about it with less reverence.

So while its highly unlikely I'll have a third go-around with the sport (really, who has three hours every Sunday to dedicate to Raw... or Smackdown... or whatever its called) there's no denying the impact it had through a large portion of my life.

-Gint

Gint's 3-19-14 Pull-List Review

All six books were pretty solid reads this week, but someone's gotta be last so...

Sixth Place:

Superman Unchained #6

Overall this as been a let down. You'd think teaming Scott Snyder and Jim Lee would be instant gold, but Scott Snyder's must-write Superman story isn't MY must-write Superman story. Superman making "tough decisions" about not encroaching on political matters has never been very interesting.

I really thought (and was hoping) this would be the last issue of this series but we're left with the cliffhanger of General Lane declaring war on Supes and attacking the Fortress of Solitude. Snyder's General Lane has been unimaginably unlikable. I know General Lane is traditionally a bad guy, but usually he's not SO bad. He goes past "just looking out for his country" and moves right into mustache-twirling in Snyder's hands.

Lee's Lois Lane is hot and sexy. Its the uninteresting story that's been mostly disappointing.

Fifth Place:

Nova #15

Sometimes even the best books have to take an issue off. This was Nova's month off. Writer Gerry Duggan and artist David Baldeon could have skipped this issue entirely.

Everything that happens in this issue... doesn't need to happen. You can easily connect issue #14 and #16 with one page to kick off #16. Sam saves Cosmo, fights some of Skaarn's hired guns, goes home for a bit, then goes back to get Skaarn. The "goes home for a bit" section could have been really fun and interesting had it been the whole issue. But its crammed awkwardly into 5 pages with no room to breathe.

I suppose sometimes writing forces you to make exceptions and make turns you don't really want. So I get why this issue is kind of "filler," but that doesn't mean I approve.

Fourth Place:

Animal Man #29

Being the final issue of Animal Man (for the time being) I really expected this issue to finish in First Place. But honestly, it was kind of "meh." Touching! But "meh."

Travel Foreman is back to bookend the series, but he also bookends this issue. His first six pages and last three pages bookend Jeff Lemire's work in the middle. Lemire draws the bedtime story Maxine tells Buddy before she goes to bed. She recaps the entire run of the series in the guise of a King and his family (Buddy and the Baker's) searching for their missing Prince (Cliff). Lemire has rarely let me down with his writing, but I've never liked his art. That played a big part in how I felt about this issue.

Its a sweet story showing how Maxine processes the whole thing including losing her brother. A fitting end to the series, but one I hoped would offer a little something more.

Third Place:

Batman and Aquaman #29

Coming off one of my favorite arcs on a series (Batman and Two-Face) writer Peter Tomasi and artist Pat Gleason dig back into the Damian/Talia/Ra's business with part 1 of The Hunt For Robin.

Batman takes off on a world spanning (and guest star spanning) quest to find the bodies of Damian and Talia that Ra's al Ghul stole from Bruce's personal graveyard at Wayne Manor. On the way he meets Aquaman who's doing some of his own detective work in the area. Ultimately, I've never been interested in Ra's al Ghul-centered stories. Neither Denny O'Neil's or Grant Morrison's or anyone's in between. Seeing some of the sights (Man-Bats) that kicked off in Morrison's run that drove me OFF the Bat-books was disheartening.

Tomasi said in an interview this story is all part of his and Gleason's massive story for their run on this book. They made me care about Damian Wayne, maybe they'll make me care about Ra's al Ghul too. Maybe.

Second Place:

X-Men #12

For as satisfying a book as this was, the X-Men had a pretty easy time taking out the bad guys. They seemed to really struggle previously with Arkea and Co., but this issue they pretty much "walk into Mordor" and beat that ass tout suite.

Kris Anka's art has grown on me. He's a mix of John Romita Jr. and Jim Calafiore. Not a bad mix. But following up Terry and Rachel Dodson is gonna be tough for anyone. Brian Wood continues the story in a way letting us know he has future plans. Each story arc seems to end with a shuffling of the deck. First it was Kitty Pryde leaving the team. This issue Karima Shapandar bails at the end.

Despite some people's problems with the X-Men girls team only fighting a team of girls, I've really enjoyed this book and hope Wood can keep it up. Especially if he can write unfettered from any big crossovers.

First Place:

Green Lantern: New Guardians #29

This book has been all over the place. This issue was really good but that hasn't been the case since Justin Jordan and Brad Walker took over. Its been a little uneven.

Last issue we were introduced to the Godkillers and Tamaran's sun god X'Hal. It was so so and got me in the mood for a so so arc. But this issue really kicks things into gear. Just as we're learning that X'Hal may not be so bad, the Godkillers swoop in to turn that all upside down. Kyle, Carol and the Guardians are caught in the middle not knowing who to trust.

Jordan has a good handle on Kyle's voice. I'm traditionally a "less is more" guy and think there are too many Green Lanterns. Jordan has given me a really interesting version of Kyle that's been a pleasure to read.

Panel of the Week:

Pat Gleason doesn't shy away from the fucked up stuff.

-Gint

The Wizard of Soss - Part 3

There's a pretty good chance I'll revisit this "Oz Wars®" story in the future. What began as a one-off joke a couple of comics ago turned into a lot of fun and gave me some material to maybe work out at a later date.

As I seem to be spending more and more money on comics each week, I think its time once again to start cutting some titles. Sometimes its not an easy decision. Sometimes I need a little reassurance from Soss that its the right choice. The book currently on the chopping block is Justice League Dark.

Dark was amazing when I first picked it up. Jeff Lemire and Mikel Janin were a great creative team that really rowed the same direction while writing the dynamics and personalities of those characters. Since Lemire has left, the book has been mired in a really bad Forever Evil crossover. J.M. DeMatteis is on writing duties, and though the crossover isn't entirely his fault, he's not helping. What went from quick, important dialog has become long drawn out exposition and, seemingly, characters talking just to talk.

The nail in the coffiin is the departure of artist Mikel Janin. He's been the lone soldier keeping me interested. After Forever Evil, Andres Guinaldo is taking over. From what I've seen, he's competent, but Janin will be hard to follow.

Its always a bummer dropping a previously loved book that's gotten bad (see Green Lantern) but it's not so bad having an extra $3 in your pocket.

-Gint

McSoss Podcast Episode 47: Clive Owen Saves The World

This week we discuss the new Flash costume, set pics from Gotham, Captain America 3 vs Man of Steel 2, Star Wars and further explore Godzilla vs The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

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Soss' 3-20-14 Pull-List Review

Day Men #1

While this book features vampires and their familiars, it's really more of a organized crime book. In this introductory issue we follow David around as he performs chores for his vampire master. 

While this book is filled with hand-to-hand combat and undead nightstalkers, it was pretty dull. I don't know if David is supposed to be boring on purpose but I honestly didn't care one way or another for him. 

Brian Stelfreeze does a decent job with the interiors but there really wasn't anything that jumped out and grabbed me. And for a first issue that spells doom. 

I don't plan on rejoining this snoozefest anytime soon. - Soss

Panel of the Week: This was as interesting as it got: a floating head in a bathtub.

The Wizard of Soss - Part 2

What started as a funny idea took more of a serious turn behind the scenes. The temptation of actually crafting an honest version of this mash-up is pretty great. How has this not been done yet? And if it has, how has it escaped my attention?

In television news we got a look at the new Flash costume that will premiere on the CW this fall. In classic DC fashion they seem to be afraid of brighter colors. Superman's costume in Man of Steel was pretty muted, and this Flash's bright red is more burgundy. And don't even THINK you're getting any gold on this guy. Overall its not so bad and knowing the world of Arrow where it comes from, it should fit in pretty well.

-Gint 

Gint's 3-12-14 Pull-List Review

A couple favorites with less than stroke-worthy efforts this week.

Fifth Place:

Star Wars #15

This series mostly lost me a few issues ago, but since Brian Wood's run comes to a close with issue #20 (when Marvel takes over Star Wars publishing duties from Dark Horse) I'll stick around to see how he can lead us into The Empire Strikes Back.

We get yet another artist on the book. This month its Stéphane Créty. He, much like Carlos D'Anda and Ryan Kelly, can't draw a good caricature to save his life. Unless they say "that is Princess Leia," you would have no idea. Also, his Luke Skywalker looks like a 60-year-old grandfather.

To secure a new base-planet for the Alliance, Leia agrees to marry the Prince of that planet. Brian Wood's story isn't afraid to explore the strange crush Luke has on Leia during this time period as he gets all jealous and marches out of the Rebel base. Its awkward for all of us.

Somewhere around issue 10 this title lost all of its steam. Wood has five remaining issues to pull it all together and, much like Darth Vader, redeem himself at the end.

Fourth Place:
Hawkeye #17

So... that was an interesting issue. Artist Chris Eliopoulos, best known for a very kids cartoony, Calvin & Hobbes-type style, draws the Winter Friends. The Winter Friends is a fake holiday cartoon that Clint falls asleep watching. While he's sleeping the show mirrors his inferiority beside the other Avengers. Its a cool little story, but something that can only be done in Hawkeye.

This book has found a way, in its infinite quirks, to do whatever it wants. You couldn't get away with this in Batman. But Hawkeye has been so unique in tone and story throughout this run, that an issue like this one isn't incredibly surprising.

But what has been most interesting about Hawkeye is the bottom layer of pathos. On top is all the jokes and fun and the "bros," but underneath Matt Fraction has been telling the story of a pretty broken guy trying to do the best he can. Issues like this one, while cute, could be put to better use focusing on that grittier side of the book.

Third Place:

Batman #29

I think I'm ready for Zero Year to be over. Maybe once its all collected it will be a great read, but I'm burning out. I feel like Batman has been trying to catch the Riddler for years now. Though, when its over that just means we get the crappy future that was teased last issue.

Greg Capullo's pencils are undeniable. He's easily a Top 5 artist in the business right now. Not once in this issue (and most of his run) was I pulled out of the story because of a funky panel. If a Capullo panel gets more attention, its because I'm taking in its greatness.

But I'm ready to move on. Zero Year is taking too long and I'm losing interest. Maybe Frances Manapul and Brian Buccellato's upcoming Detective Comics will give me a proper bat-fix.

Second Place:
Superman Wonder Woman #6

I think I've had enough of Zod and Co. I was all-in when this book launched, but since Zod and Faora were introduced as the villains, I'm less interested.

The issue is a knock-down-drag-out between Supes/WW and Zod/Faora, with a little assistance thrown in by Hephaestus and Apollo. Apollo, having been schooled by Superman a few issues ago decides to help Zod and power up him and Faora. Its an interesting twist with him being the sun god and all, but really I'm just all burned out on Zod.

Tony Daniel draws the hell out of it though. Great artist on a great book. The last page's cliffhanger is a doozy, and also a very interesting idea by writer Charles Soule.

First Place:

Green Lantern Corps #29

Its nice getting back to back issues from Bernard Chang. The guy knows how to draw a good comic book. Chang has a particular style to his work. HE could draw his own Luke Skywalker while having it look like Mark Hamill.

What made this issue great was there was very little mention of Ring usage killing the Universe. I don't need preachy shit in my comics. Van Jensen is able to touch on various parts of the Corps in this issue and maintains a very balanced A-B-C story structure. He makes you want more of each story.

Green Lantern proper just isn't very good, and New Guardians has been inconsistent. Green Lantern Corps is currently the best GL book on the shelves. 

Panel of the Week:

Yep, that's "Menorable," one of the Winter Friends featured in this month's Hawkeye. Seriously.


-Gint
 

The Wizard of Soss - Part 1

The Wizard of Oz has the honor of being "public domain," meaning, there's no copyright and anyone can make a Wizard of Oz-based story. Mashing it up with Star Wars is where you may get into some legal trouble.

The story Soss hints about in the comic is how I've felt about the Wizard of Oz for a long time. I enjoy it, and I appreciate it for what it is, but I always want something more. Maybe something darker? Something that alludes to something more sinister? And there have been many adaptations that have offered something close to that like the Tin Man TV miniseries or even the comic The Legend of Oz: The Wicked West, which is an Oz/Cowboy mashup, that oddly works. But no one has really updated the story in a way that completely pulled me in.

Frank L. Baum world-built like a motherfucker and created a universe with a lot of depth and a lot of space to mine. I'm still waiting for someone to find that particular Oz I'm looking for.

-Gint

Soss' 3-13-14 Pull-List Review

Moon Knight #1

This reimagining of Moon Knight discards the fantastical elements that fans have come to expect of this character and focuses more on the detective angle of things. The problem for me isn't the shift to show a more thoughtful Marc Spector, it's the deletion of everything that would make this a superhero book. Let's just call it "The Hawkeye Effect." A dude riding around in a limo solving crimes in a suit isn't very fun to me and certainly isn't Moon Knight. 

While I disagree with my good friend Tom Lynch of 30 Extra Lives about the direction the Brian Michael Bendis/Alex Maleev run, I can see his reasoning and understand his frustration. At least that series held core values of the character in tact. Warren Ellis' version treats Marc Spector like an entirely different character. There isn't a shred of recognizable Moon Knight DNA to be found in these 22 pages. This cements what I've know for many years: I don't like Warren Ellis.

I'm a fan of Moon Knight so I'll give this book the standard Sharpley "First Arc Trial Run" before I drop it. -Soss

Panel of the Week: The word ballon at the bottom is a misprint. It should read "Who the fuck is this guy?"

McSoss Podcast Episode 46: Throbbing Pulse of Nerdom

Happy Anniversary to us! On March 14 2014 the McSoss Comic Book Podcast will have been in existence for a full year. To celebrate we discuss the return of the Heroes television show, the trailer for Sin City: A Dame To Kill For and Matt and Ian make a $100 bet on the success of the forthcoming Godzilla feature film.

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Heroes Legacy

As the comic says, NBC is bringing Heroes back. Remember that show? "Save the cheerleader, save the world," and all that? It was pretty awesome for one season, then the writers' strike majorly derailed it and it could never get back on track after. Well with the big superhero TV movement (see Arrow, Marvel's Agent's of S.H.I.E.L.D.), NBC wants to get in on the action with a property of their own.

I was a fan of the original. I was deep in the lives of brothers Nathan and Peter Petrelli, the invulnerable Claire Bennett and the evil Sylar. The problem with a new series is much like the problem with new Star Wars media: people want to see Luke, Han and Leia, not Kanan, Ezra or Ashoka Tano. Similarly, I want to see Hayden Panettiere and Zachary Quinto reprise their Heroes roles of Bennett and Sylar. Small problem: they're more famous now and balls deep in their own projects. I suppose Masi Oka can be pried away from his bit role on Hawaii 5-0 and I'm sure Milo Ventimiglia could use the paycheck. But ultimately, creator Tim Kring has his hands full trying to recreate the magic the original run premiered with. Superhero fare has come a long way since 2006. The bar has been set much higher these days.

-Gint

Ps, The inspiration for the middle panel in the comic above has been included below for your viewing pleasure. That's REAL art that he got PAID for. If you want a good laugh, check out this article breaking down some of Rob Liefeld's more infamous comic works.

Gint's 3-5-14 Pull-List Review

Forever Evil has been the series to beat the last few months and that continued this week.

Fourth Place:

Green Lantern #29

Its been a while since Green Lantern has fallen this far. What I really liked about this issue was seeing Hal back on Earth, albeit briefly, to visit his family. He pretty much tells them he's going to war and may never see them again. I feel like this scene would have carried more emotion under the guidance of Geoff Johns.

If you bought this book expecting to get a lot of Saint Walker who is featured on the cover, you'd be disappointed. Walker gets an entire 2 pages of screen time. But that's fine since its bullshit the avatar of hope in the galaxy is is being a pouty baby.

The most encouraging thing about this issue was finally seeing Hal get his shit together. He's been bumbling around leading the Corps since writer Robert Venditti took over, but this issue he starts to put some things in place and looks more like the Hal Jordan we expect to see.

Third Place:

Hawkeye #15 and #16

Since I keep forgetting I get this book, we're playing catch-up and doing a double-book review. The long and short is #15 focuses on Clint and is great, and #16 focuses on Kate and sucks.

When this book kicked off, Kate Bishop was a revelation. The way Matt Fraction played her off of Clint, making her snarky and clever was brilliant. But in these later issues since Kate's gone off on her own, a little too much of the writer is bleeding through. Its not the fully realized character of Kate we're reading, but an uber-clever extension of Matt Fraction. Every word of her dialog in this issue is a witty zinger. Including a groan inducing line referencing Lars Ulrich and Napster. It subtracts from the depth of the character we've previously seen.

But Clint and the story surrounding him and the bros trying to take his building is still top notch. What helps is David Aja is drawing the majority of that story. Annie Wu pencilled the Kate-centric book and while very good, just doesn't have the magic Aja does with Fraction's story.

Still... one of the best books on the stands.

Second Place:

Nova #14

The incredible Paco Medina takes a month off and instead we get an issue pencilled by David Baldeon. He does a pretty nice job, but his style is a Paco Medina knock-off, and like all knock-offs, just doesn't quite live up to the original. Ultimately, its the story I'm interested in.

Gerry Duggan takes us back into some of the previously developed Dan Abnett-Andy Lanning Marvel Space-lore. Nova and Beta Ray Bill go to Knowhere, the old base of the good Guardians of the Galaxy and even find Cosmo, the Russian space dog. We even see a Beta Ray Bill flashback featuring what LOOKS like the missing Richard Rider. It could just be a conspiracy theorist's hope, but I want to think we're getting to a place where we're going to find Rider.

Good stuff from Marvel this issue, but I'll be eager to get back to Paco Media's work next issue.

First Place:

Forever Evil #6

The penultimate chapter of Geoff Johns and David Finch's evil epic really cranks things up. Between the fate of Dick Grayson, the identity of the hooded prisoner being revealed and the major throwdown between the Syndicate and Luthor's team... there's a lot of really awesome stuff that Johns will hopefully pay off the right way.

What really stood out this issue was the brutal nature of the fighting. Between the Syndicate and Luthor's squad, neither team believes in taking prisoners. David Finch draws some absolutely gruesome panels as neither team gives a fuck about pulling punches. I applaud Johns for really opening up the no-holds-barred nature of the characters involved.

For as lauded as Johns is, he also has the stigma of not being able to finish satisfactorily. This book has been damn impressive so far. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Johns and Finch can bring it all home next month.

Panel of the Week:

Sinestro transports Luthor's team to the Syndicate's base... in the old Legion of Doom headquarters. A very nice touch by Finch.

-Gint