1-09-08

52 Aftermath: The Four Horseman #6

This has been the first of the 52 Aftermath/Countdown related minis to wrap up. The ending to this surprised me as it was really good, moreso than I expected. I have to say, Keith Giffen writes my favorite Batman. If you were reading this series and want more of it, you 

need to go check out some back issues of Justice 

League International. 

Exterminators #25

You aren't reading this comic are you? Shame, sir or madam! Shame! This book has been nothing but fantastic, and this issue is no exception. We go back and find out exactly what happened to AJ when he died and how on Earth his body is roaming around Los Angeles as some type of bug god! Lot's of fun romping around the Egyptian afterlife, including a little homage to a cut scene from the original release of Spartacus (which was restored in the Director's Cut released in the 90s). 

Green Lantern Corps #20

More fun with Kyle and Guy! Peter Tomasi's first issue taking over from David Gibbons ended up being really good (which I was pleased about, considering I didn't care much for the Green Lanterns before this and the main series). Lots of interesting stuff with Mongul, especially if you forgot who he was for some reason. Unfortunately, nothing more about the Alpha Lanterns, but I guess they'll cover most of that in the main Green Lantern series. I can't wait for this to really get kicking, cause I feel it'll be more 

than just a bit impressive.

Infinity Inc. #5

The first story arc ends here. I want to go back and read the full arc again, now that I have all the issues. I think the story will flow a bit easier that way, as often I was a little confused in terms of what was going on. The team really comes together well in this issue, and all the characters are rather intriguing. I think Milligan has done some really neat stuff with this idea concerning those who went through Luther's Everyman project in 52.

Messiah Complex Chapter 11: X-Factor #27

It's Cable & Professor X to the rescue! Sorta. Looks like they're on their way to the rescue. Lots of revelations here, some definite progress on Madrox in the feeewwchaaa, and Mystique's got something up her sleeve. The last part I was really excited about, as I am a rather big Mystique fan. Two more issues left of this! I'm excited as hell.

Amazing Spider-man #546

So here we are, Brand New Day. I read this cause I was curious. I don't think I'll make that mistake again. The only reason I've ever liked Spider-man in any former incarnation is the patented Spider-banter. Which was lacking. Though, some of Dan Slott's direction in this was pretty good, some of his dialogue was surprisingly lacking. Oh, and there's 3 backup stories that are crap. But that's what you wanted right? Featuring 2 pages of art from Greg "Jackpot has sex with a bus" Land. 

BPRD: 1946 #1

The beginning of the BPRD! This should prove to be a rather interesting storyline, but it starts off a little slow, so I don't think we'll really be seeing the full frontal awesome til at least next issue. Unfortunately, it appears that there will be much less demon punching than your average BPRD story.

Boys #14

This storyline has been pretty interesting, but the last two issues have had subpar art (fill in artist or something), and story seemed to wrap up a bit too quickly. Regardless, it seems to feed into the next story that will come up, which apparently has something to do with what happened in this world on 9-11, since they have bookoos superheroes here.

Countdown to Final Crisis 16

The battle on the perfect planet continues! We see some interesting stuff in terms of the monitors, as well as some upcoming stuff with Jason Todd! Also, we look in on Jimmy Olsen, who is watching Forager be naked and talk funny. That's pretty much it, but I'm hoping that next week's cover is a sign that it'll be awesome.

Green Arrow/Black Canary #5

Spoiler: Connor Hawke isn't dead. Woooo. However, this is a very sad issue. My friend kept saying "so, is Dragon's Blood in continuity? Cause if it is, Connor should be fine." Once again Judd Winick does very well at portraying emotionally distraught people. I still felt like something was missing from this issue.

Hulk #1

This came very close to being good. It scared me. Seriously, cause lately Jeph Loeb has been cranking out the crap like it was fiber & prune day at the old folk's home. I really like the Leonard Samson/She-Hulk detective team. I would like to see more of this, but of course that would make She-Hulk the new Wolverine, as she's already set to be in The Last Defenders as well. Also, not terribly surprised about the identity of the red Hulk. Also pleased to see Rick Jones isn't dead, but I didn't care much for the character before Peter David's Captain Marvel.

Mighty Avengers #7

Dude, Wonderman is a Skrull. Also, Jessica Drews banters! And therein ends anything interesting about this issue.

Nova #10

This was a pretty okay issue. I love this series, and pretty much anything going on with cosmic Marvel (thank Keith Giffen!). However, this issue lagged a little. It seems like we're taking a pause to reflect on his relationship with Gamora before moving on to more important things. I want more Drax personally. He was such an important character in Annihilation, and has pretty much been sent to the backburner for Conquest. Drax makes an appearance at the end. He has a gun. Next: THE TECHNARCHY. Where everyone better look like Warlock or I'll be pissed.

Punisher War Journal #15

I like the craziness of the new Kraven, but I really think this would have run better as a full on Spider-man/Punisher story. I guess Spider-man was too busy making deals with Mephisto/devil and having sex with people who aren't named Mary Jane Parker.  Sorry to have turned your review into a rant Mr. Fraction, but aside from some amusing Punisher internal monologue and Kraven spouting off about "little monkey," this issue lacked a bit as a conclusion to the first two issues of this story.

Salvation Run #3

The most amusing thing about this particular comic to me, is that Bill Willingham was so busy doing whatever the hell he is doing, that he handed this over to Matt Sturges to finish. A mini-series. Really Bill, what the hell? Regardless, this is pretty okay, though I don't know if I'd buy it. The idea is kinda neat. Joker folk versus Luther folk. The madmen versus the mad scientists. Oh, and apparently Catman is here too. I demand more Catman! ::cough:: At least next issue promises some sweet ape on ape action, as Gorilla Grodd is pummeling Monsieur Mallah with none other than The Brain! 

Simon Dark #4

Simon Dark has a cool cat. But it's dead now. Seriously, other than this book seeming more and more like Steve Niles presents Edward Scissorhands sans-scissors, that's all there is to this issue. 

I wasn't able to get ahold of Bat Lash, Scapled, or The Spirit (much less Northlanders #2), so those will be published in good time. I imagine I'll have something up on the Queen & Country Definite Volume very soon.