Its been a while since six books were featured on the Pull-List. I've narrowed down what I've been buying enough that even when a book finishes last, its still a pretty good read. Kudos to me.
Sixth Place:
Futures End #39
What stood out most this issue was the art of Stephen Thompson. I'm pretty sure this is his first issue of Futures End and he does a great job. His sense of scale and space really stood out. From outdoor scenes to setting up characters in a room, you really get a great idea of each setting.
Storylines are starting to wrap and close in on one another. Superman's exile is being pulled closer to the bulk of the story. With nine issues left there's still plenty of ground to cover but you can start to see some things closing up.
The character that's been the most endearing has been Shazam masquerading as Superman. I didn't think I'd like what they were doing with the new costume hiding his face, but that's really grown on me too. I'd love to see Shazam play a big role in this books resolution.
Fifth Place:
Sinestro #9
Aaaand we're back! After skipping this book (which I was really enjoying) during Godhead, its nice to be back in the world of Cullen Bunn's Sinestro Corps. Some shit happened during Godhead, but basically status quo is still the same.
Sinestro and his small band of Corps members are looking to save displaced Korugarians around the galaxy and take them to New Korugar. The Paling, hunters of emotion, are scouring the galaxy to remove it of emotion. Soranik Natu, Sinestro's daughter is still rolling with the team to keep an eye on them for the Green Lanterns.
And the breakout star from pre-Godhead is still the star. Sinestro Corps member Dez Trevius is a great addition to the Green Lantern mythos that I'd love to see stick around for a long time.
Fourth Place:
Nova #26
The art in this book was so solid, I didn't even look up the penciler until I started writing this review. Carlos Baldeon has been drawing this book, but John Timms steps in on this issue. Their styles are very similar, but Timms work is a little sharper. Tomato tomahto, but aesthetically, I prefer Timms.
Writer Gerry Duggan gets us back into the swing of Sam Alexander's regular life post-Axis. I'd have been content just reading an issue of Sam acclimating back to teenage life after quitting being Nova to heal from his concussion, but for some reason Carnage comes after Sam. I say "for some reason" because its not really clear why Carnage wants Sam dead. I guess Carnage being Carnage and all, that's all the reason he needs.
When not forced into a Marvel crossover, this is a great book. With all the changes Marvel is planning after Secret Wars, here's to hoping this book will stick around.
Third Place:
Batman #38
Its not everyone that can make Crazy Quilt into a legitimate character. Scott Snyder does it. Endgame, Snyder and Greg Capullo's latest arc on the book has been pretty stellar. The only bump in the road has been the forced addition of Alfred's daughter... essentially doing Alfred's job. Just more classic Bat-bullshit from Snyder forcing new characters on the reader when there are already plenty of pre-existing characters to use.
Admittedly, that last paragraph doesn't sound very complementary of the issue. But that's something I've struggled with through Snyder's entire run. That aside, this has been a great story. I don't know how I feel about Snyder eluding to the Joker being immortal like Vandal Savage, but so far its just eluding. If that becomes canon, that's ridiculous.
Okay. It looks like I can't write a review of this book without saying something negative. Since Court of Owls, Snyder's run has been very polarizing for me. Great stuff mixed with really unnecessary crap. I really did like it though. I promise.
Second Place:
Aquaman #38
More stellar storytelling from Jeff Parker and Paul Pelletier. When Pelletier can really dig into a book, he's one of my favorite artists. His style is right up my alley. Its stylized just enough that its not standard comic book art. Pelletier needs more props.
We finally get to see Atlanna, Arthur's mother, this issue. She's a diesel warrior queen who has been ruling a pocket dimension (comic books) since she left Atlantis. I don't know how necessary the inclusion of Atlanna is, but Jeff Parker hasn't let me down yet, so he has my complete trust.
Much like Nova going into Secret Wars, I really hope this is a book that comes out of Convergence unscathed. You rarely hear anything about this book so maybe no news is good news and it'll just keep on keeping on.
First Place:
He-Man: The Eternity War #2
Damn. Great fucking issue. Dan Abnett just fucking gets it, man. The early 2000s attempt at rebooting He-Man had its heart in the right place, but it just didn't capture the right vibe. I understand that's a pretty vague thing, but its the best way I can describe how good this book has been. The team of Abnett and artist Pop Mhan just get it.
After Hordak has taken over Eternia and forced our heroes into the Dark Hemisphere, its time for He-Man and Co. to mount their first assault and take back Mount Zoar. He-Man leads an army of Eternians and Snake-Men (featuring all your favorties like Rattlor, Kobra Khan and Lashor) against the Horde while Man-At-Arms and Roboto enter space to disable a Horde space station. That's where all the great stuff happens.
There are a couple incredibly genuine moments between Man-At-Arms and Roboto while they're in space. Abnett not only writes some great action, but cranks out some heavy emotional moments that truly tug at the heartstrings.
Panel of the Week:
After a second inspection, John Timms' pencils on Nova, like this panel here, really impressed me this week.
-Gint
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