Comic Book Reviews for November 4, 2015
Extraordinary X-Men #1, Drax #1 and more.
Updated:
DC COMICS
Batman and Robin Eternal #5
Written by Steve Orlando| Drawn by Various
It’s too early to say just how Batman and Robin Eternal will eventually compare to its weekly predecessor, but as of now the early returns are mixed. The prevailing mystery surrounding Mother and Orphan intrigues, but the actual use of the book’s various Bat Brats continues to be hit and miss. Steve Orlando again pens the issue, this time delivering an action oriented installment that sees two main clashes. While interesting in their own right, neither battle does much to advance the narrative, or even the characters involved. Orlando tries to play off the book’s mounting stresses by pitting Dick and Tim against each other, but the circumstances come off as oddly forced, particularly so given Tim’s own recent reveal. The issue is similarly affected by the book’s dart-wheel of an art team, as three pencillers and three inkers share credit. Gabe Eltaeb’s colors lend a level of consistency to the proceedings, but overall issue #5 offers little. -Jeff
Final Score:
5.5
Green Arrow #46
Written by Benjamin Percy | Drawn by Patrick Zircher and Fabrizio Fiorentino
There’s such a strong and strange energy that permeates Benjamin Percy’s Green Arrow scripts. They haven’t all been hits, but they’ve all displayed a unique and powerful individual voice that’s rare to see in these type of comics. Along with that strong voice, is some excellent pacing telling the story of Green Arrow and Tarantuala’s attempt to save a young girl from the Mexican Skull gang. Patrick Zircher is joined by Fabrizio Fiorentino in this issue and the pair do a great job of evoking that tone in Percy’s script while also capturing the eerie Dia De Los Muertos inspired villains. This book deserves another look from anyone who left along with Jeff Lemire. –Levi
Final Score:
8.2
Green Lantern #46
Written by Robert Venditti | Drawn by Billy Tan
This series has sort of bounced all over the map since the new, post-Convergence status quo began. This issue wraps up most loose threads as Hal forms an impromptu alliance with Relic in order to neutralize Black Hand’s out-of-control abilities. The conflict isn’t anywhere near as epic or action-packed as the cover would suggest, but Robert Venditti handles the mistrustful relationship between Relic and Hal very well. Hal’s shipmates provide a little extra color and fun to the story even if they aren’t very directly involved in the Black Hand fight. Billy Tan’s art is a bit lacking when it comes to facial work, but it certainly impresses in terms of overall scope and detail. This issue offers a decent end-cap to the current storyline, but it’ll be nice to get a change of pace and direction with issue #47 next month. -Jesse
Final Score:
7.3
Justice League: The Darkseid War - The Flash #1
Written by Rob Williams | Drawn by Jesus Merino
Generally, these Darkseid War tie-ins are tasked with exploring what happens after a Justice leaguer is transformed into a god. This issue, on the other hand, opts to delve more deeply into the merger that linked Barry Allen to the Black Racer and how the former feels about becoming the embodiment of Death. The result is a fairly uneventful issue that covers a lot of well-trodden territory in terms of the importance and necessity of death in the cycle of life. Jesus Merino’s art is solid, but lacking the style and energy seen in the main Darkseid War storyline. While this issue does offer a deeper glimpse into Barry’s present state of mind, it might have worked better as a short backup tale than a full-length comic. -Jesse
Final Score:
5.8
Justice League: The Darkseid War - Superman #1
Written by Francis Manapul | Drawn by Bong Dazo
From what we’ve seen of the transformed Justice League members thus far, Superman’s transformation into the New God of Strength is the least earth-shattering. The end result is basically all the power and none of the moral compass. But it’s always fun to read a good “Jerk Superman” story, and that’s pretty much what this tie-in delivers. The story is almost lighthearted compared to the rest of The Darkseid War, sort of like a New 52 take on the kryptonite sequence from Superman III. It’s a bit silly, but there’s also a glimpse at the torment Superman feels at being so corrupted and perverted by his time on Apokolips. Bong Dazo brings a great sense of energy and power to his pages as well. The one real sour note is Francis Manapul’s depiction of Perry White as a raving J. Jonah Jameson figure. Maybe Perry morphed into the New God of Tabloid Journalism when no one was looking? -Jesse
Final Score:
7.2
Midnighter #6
Written by Steve Orlando | Drawn by Aco
Midnighter hasn't exactly been known for its subtlety so far, Steve Orlando preferring to hammer out his plot beats the same way Midnighter pummels faces. It's that direct approach that makes issue #6 so surprising, as we realize that Orlando has been fooling us, and Midnighter, all along. Through some excellent pacing, the writer is able to dim the sense of narrative danger, despite the sprinkling of warning signs that appear throughout. At first appearing to be little more than an expansive look at M's protective relationship with Matt, the end game manages to change, well, everything. It's a big move that pays off solely due to the work put in to get there, something not lost on artist Aco. His expressive, interjecting panels deftly move from big and boisterous to small and contained, blending the book's action and romantic elements in a way that feels easy and natural. His final misdirection is legitimately jaw-dropping, all but ensuring a return read. -Jeff
Final Score:
9.5
Unfollow #1
Written by Rob Williams | Drawn by Mike Dowling
The pitch for Unfollow is simple – the multi-billionaire creator of a Twitter-like service is dying, and he’s splitting his money between 140 random characters – but the execution is anything but simple. The best thing about Rob Williams’ script here is his willingness to be vague, to enter scenes late and cut them short, to let the action tell the story. Unfollow is an ensemble, world-spanning cast with equal levels of topical drama and absurd levity. The tone is such a strength for this book and that extends to Mike Dowling’s art. His characters are all unique and they feel real, these are real people with real world problems. Unfollow is another huge success in Vertigo’s recent comeback. –Levi
Final Score:
8.6
MARVEL COMICS
Amazing Spider-Man #3
Written by Dan Slott | Drawn by Giuseppe Camuncoli
Even though Spider-Man has become a global superhero, he still has roots in New York. This issue explores what happens when Parker Industries assumes control of the Baxter Building and an irate Human Torch comes calling. Dan Slott’s Spider-Man work rarely shines brighter than when the Fantastic Four are involved, and this issue is no exception. Slott’s script is great about playing to Peter and Johnny’s shared history (with a surprise guest star adding a fun wrinkle to their dynamic). Whether rendering the superhuman brawl or simply depicting the warm camaraderie among friends, Giuseppe Camuncoli’s art is always clean and presentable. This issue manages to both take advantage of Peter’s new status quo while honoring his more humble roots, and that’s exactly the sort of balance this series needs to achieve. -Jesse
Final Score:
9.0
Deadpool #1
Written by Gerry Duggan | Drawn by Mike Hawthorne
"Deadpool has proven to be nothing if not an elastic character, and it's that flexibility that makes his latest debut such a surprisingly balanced read. That's not to say it's normal - this is still a Deadpool title after all - but in comparison to past adventures Deadpool #1 is actually pretty darn straightforward. Again given life by Gerry Duggan and Mike Hawthorne, Deadpool's latest is a madcap romp (featuring Madcap, no less) that's as clever as it is chuckle worthy." -Jeff
Click here to read the entire review!
Final Score:
8.0
Doctor Strange #2
Written by Jason Aaron | Drawn by Chris Bachalo
Building off of their entertaining debut, Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo again find just the right mix of witty and weird. The actual direction of the book remains somewhat ambiguous, Aaron's plot mostly freewheeling until the issue's final pages, but issue #2 does such a great job exploring Strange's strange day-to-day that it hardly matters. He uses the book's setting - the haunted house attraction that is the Sanctum Santorum - as a way to further both Strange and newcomer, Zelma. It's a setup that works to amusing effect, as Aaron is able to really highlight each character's personality amidst the myriad oddities. Bachalo similarly embraces the weird, his pencils combining the grounded with the bizarre. His colors are equally impressive, his more muted palette offset by vibrant splashes of otherworldly hues. If you've never read a Doctor Strange story before, this is a heck of a place to start. -Jeff
Final Score:
8.2
Drax #1
Written by C.M. Punk & Cullen Bunn | Drawn by Scott Hepburn
"While hardly the first new series in recent years to spotlight a lone member of the Guardians of the Galaxy, Drax does have one unusual selling point. This new series is co-written by former WWE star CM Punk. With fellow pro wrestler Dave Bautista exposing Drax to a much wider audience last year, it's fitting that Punk would take on the Destroyer as the next phase in his budding career as a comic book creator. This first issue offers plenty of fun and an easy gateway into Drax's comic book adventures, but it's hardly the deepest addition to the All-New, All-Different Marvel lineup." -Jesse
Click here to read the entire review!
Final Score:
7.9
Extraordinary X-Men #1
Written by Jeff Lemire | Drawn by Humberto Ramos
"On paper, Extraordinary X-Men #1 looks to be a slam dunk. A new title comprised of mutants from across the various X-Teams, headlined by the creative team of Jeff Lemire, Humberto Ramos and Edgar Delgado? It seems a match made in mutant heaven, but when the Terrigen mist of this first issue settles, we’re still left with the same old X-Men." -Jeff
Click here to read the entire review!
Final Score:
6.4
Hercules #1
Written by Dan Abnett | Drawn by Luke Ross
Hercules seems like a strange series to launch amidst so many Avengers and X-Men premiere issues. But don’t let the hero’s C-list status keep you away from this book in favor of those bigger hitters – Hercules is a fun and well written book that finds a few ways to stand out in the current tidal wave of “fun and light” comics. The first thing you’ll notice about the issue is how strong the dialogue and conversation is, the issue is a bit wordy but absolutely flies by – Dan Abnett’s use and pacing of language is exemplary. Abnett also finds clever ways to make Hercules relevant in this modern setting, while also not forgetting his roots. That mix of modern and ancient will be the hook going forward and it’s a promising one. Finally is Luke Ross on the art, his contributions to the book aren’t as praise-worthy as Abnett’s, but he really does well with the character acting. –Levi
Final Score:
7.8
Howard the Duck #1
Written by Chip Zdarsky | Drawn by Joe Quinones
Sure, it can be annoying getting another issue 1 in the same year that the previous volume debuted, but it’s also a chance for a fresh start for the creators. Much like Spider-Gwen or Unbeatable Squirrel-Girl, think of this Howard the Duck as season 2. They’ve had one season to do the comic they wanted to do, figured out what worked and what didn’t, and fix those things going forward. That’s very much the case here. Last volume felt too wandering at times, not focused enough. From the very start of this issue we have a clear, driving motivation. On top of that the dialogue has been ironed out, the pacing is stronger and the art is as playful and enjoyable as ever. This is a very strong second start for Howard. –Levi
Final Score:
8.0
Nova #1
Written by Sean Ryan | Drawn by Cory Smith
The debut of the Sam Alexander Nova era in 2013 had a really special feel to it - like you were reading the origin of one of the next important Marvel characters. Now, two years later the series is relaunching with a new number 1, but this one just doesn’t feel special anymore. In fact, it falls flat. Things are going well for the Alexander family now that their dad is back, too well and it makes this series flavorless. The book loses so much of its unique identity in bland action scenarios and uninteresting character dynamics. This ideal family time is no doubt coming to an end soon (the cliffhanger teases as much) but that buildup doesn’t excuse an underwhelming debut issue. -Levi
Final Score:
5.5
Uncanny X-Men #600
Written by Brian Michael Bendis | Drawn by Various
"Uncanny X-Men #600 serves as the finale to Brian Bendis' runs on both All-New X-Men and Uncanny X-Men. Had everything gone according to plan, this issue wold have hit the stands half a year ago, tying up all loose ends before Secret Wars swooped in to remake the Marvel Universe. Instead, Marvel left fans waiting and stewing an extra six months, wondering just what dramatic plot twists or character revelations might be contained within these pages. The truth is that UXM #600 isn't a particularly dramatic or exciting issue. It offers a very quiet conclusion to Bendis' X-Men saga, a fact that makes the long delay all the more puzzling." -Jesse
Click here to read the entire review!
Final Score:
6.7
Vision #1
Written by Tom King | Drawn by Gabriel Hernandez Walta
Of the new titles Marvel has launched in the past month, none has lived up to the promise of an “All-New, All-Different” Marvel Universe more than Vision. This is not at all the type of book you might be expecting as marvel works to capitalize on the character’s cinematic debut. Less a superhero adventure than a tale of suburban malaise and family strife, this issue sees Vision and his newly constructed family trying to find their place in an illogical human world. There’s a real sense of dark foreboding propelling the story along, particularly thanks to King’s dramatic use of narration and the way he foreshadows dark events to come. Meanwhile, Gabriel Hernandez Walta’s moody art style has found a perfect home in this book. Walta brings a very eerie quality to the page, as the wholesome innocence of Vision’s nuclear family gives way to something darker and more sinister. -Jesse
Final Score:
9.2
DARK HORSE COMICS
Call of Duty: Black Ops III #1
Written by Larry Hama | Drawn by Marco Ferreira
Even in their single player campaigns, the Call of Duty games are focused less on plot and more on spectacle. So does a comic that strives to serve as a prequel to the newest game really serve much purpose? Perhaps not, but this series has two elements working in its favor. For one thing, it efficiently establishes the distinctive setting of Black Ops III, a world ravaged by a new Cold War where even elite paramilitary forces are reduced to buying their own supplies on the black market. For another, it has legendary G.I. Joe writer Larry Hama at the helm. Between Hama’s breezy writing style and Marco Ferreira’s brash art style, this could just as easily be a G.I. Joe comic. The fast pace and steady stream of action add plenty of entertainment value. Unfortunately, nothing about the art style screams “Call of Duty.” Worse, the characters are pretty generic and forgettable outside their witty banter and one-liners. This really hinders the book when the body count starts rising and the book struggles to elicit an emotional response. -Jesse
Final Score:
6.4
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
James Bond #1
Written by Warren Ellis | Drawn by Jason Masters
"Dynamite couldn't have picked a better week to kick off their new ongoing James Bond series. However, don't expect this book to match the tone and style of films like Spectre and Skyfall. This series draws its inspiration directly from the original Ian Fleming novels. But while it scratches a different itch, this first issue offers plenty to enjoy for any fan of Agent 007." -Jesse
Click here to read the entire review!
Final Score:
8.5
IMAGE COMICS
Black Science #17
Written by Rick Remender| Drawn by Matteo Scalera
It’s been three story years (and four real time months) since last we saw Grant McKay and his Onion hopping crew, and at the time we left things were pretty dang dire. Rather than dive right into the seemingly widespread ramifications of past events, Rick Remender instead chooses to put the focus of his latest arc squarely on the reality shipwrecked Grant. Given the constant calamity of past installments, it’s somewhat refreshing to have a more character driven read, even if said character has trouble remembering who he is. While still possessing the usual moments of wild action and creature features (as electrically illustrated by Matteo Scalera), overall there’s a much more contemplative feel to this installment then what we’ve seen previously. That same introspection may hinder new readers – Remender’s mythology is itself a labyrinthine maze – but as the kick off to a new story it does a fine job in creating questions we want answered. -Jeff
Final Score:
7.8
Citizen Jack #1
Written by Sam Humphries | Drawn by Tommy Patterson
With a wicked sense of humor, incredible character art, and smart political satire Citizen Jack officially has our vote. Jack is a drunk Minnesotan who dreams big, even as reality constantly craps on him, and has befriended a demon who might be able to change his life. This debut issue works on so many different levels. The first half of this book reads like a heightened, northern version of Southern Bastards – strong small town, slice of life stuff. Then there’s the demon aspect. Yes, a literal demon (this book is absurd in the best of ways) who wants to help Jack become President of the United States. Which leads into the final part – the funny, pointed political satire. All of this is a wrapped with the incredible, powerhouse bow that is Tommy Patterson’s art. His style is somewhat reminiscent of Frank Quitely and his characters are strong, emotive, grotesque when necessary and finely detailed. This is a unique and promising new book. –Levi
Final Score:
9.1
Klaus #1
Written by Grant Morrison | Drawn by Dan Mora
"Santa Claus is a hodgepodge of many different stories, myths and holiday traditions. With this mini-series, writer Grant Morrison and artist Dan Mora aim to cut to the heart of this beloved holiday figure and explore his evolution from ordinary man to enduring myth. In the process, he's re-imagined as an almost Conan-like barbarian figure with a knack for hunting. Few writers could make the idea of a grim and gritty Santa Claus appealing, but that's Morrison for you." -Jesse
Click here to read the entire review!
Final Score:
8.6
Lazarus #20
Written by Greg Rucka | Drawn by Michael Lark
It’s a testament to this book’s world building and character development that even though the main character only appears in a handful of panels, this issue is just as intriguing and thrilling as any other. In fact, this issue might be even tenser because we’re no longer dealing with an unkillable force like Forever, but instead a group that may as well be cannon fodder. Of course, that’s not where the drama stops, as the familial backstabbing is reaching a peak. Michael Lark’s art adds to the tension on both the action and dramatic sides, and he even gets a few pages of near silence to really show off. Lazarus continues to be a top-notch book. –Levi
Final Score
8.4
Monstress #1
Written by Marjorie Liu | Drawn by Sana Takeda
If Monstress was just this sixty-plus page debut comic alone, it would be a strong contender for OGN of the year. But this isn’t just a done-in-one, it’s an ongoing series, and it’s one that you should jump onto now while you can still find copies. Monstress is about war, torment, oppression, depression, futility, and survival. It’s a Kill Bill-style vengeance story. It’s a fantasy war story with the visual palette and complexity of something like Shadow of the Colossus. There are so many different things to take away from each subsequent reading of this meaty work. The story is complex, nuanced, and never once holds your hand. Issue 1 is a complete, satisfying, moving story in itself, maybe one of the year’s best, and the fact that we have more to come only makes it that much more exciting. –Levi
Final Score
9.5
Paper Girls #2
Written by Brian K. Vaughan| Drawn by Cliff Chiang
Following the double-stuft goodness of its debut issue, Paper Girls #2 isn’t able to execute on quite the same levels. That said, what it does do it does well, as Brian K. Vaughan is able to both expand on the book’s unfolding dangers while also delivering some solid character work. There’s still little to go on as to what is actually happening (though newcomer Erin sure has some remarkably prescient theories), but Vaughan does an excellent job in ratcheting up the unease that comes with the unknown. He brings some very adult stakes to what has been a very young cast, culminating in a strong cliffhanger that seems to hint at the heavy nature of things yet to come. Cliff Chiang too impresses, his world alive with character and contextual detail. He pairs with colorist Matt Wilson to deliver some stunning visuals, including a wonderfully emphatic splash page, and while the issue itself reads as a bit of a breeze, these two almost force you to sit down and enjoy. -Jeff
Final Score:
8.4
Velvet #12
Written by Ed Brubaker | Drawn by Steve Epting
Velvet is back after another extended absence, and even though all that time off inevitably leads to some story confusion, the series is mostly as fun as ever. The best thing about so many of Ed Brubaker’s book is his character internal narration. That can be such a crutch for other writers (or sometimes, bore for the readers) but in Brubaker’s case, it’s a huge strength. He uses that internal dialogue to key us in on Velvet’s plan. It’s refreshing how uninvested and uninterested she winds up being in her own plan – the motions she has to go through that she’s already been through countless times. It does so much to add to her character. The cliffhanger teases another new confrontation coming next issue, just in time to really get things going again. This series is still good, it just needs a more stable shipping schedule and a little shot in the arm. –Levi
Final Score
7.1
We Stand On Guard #5
Written by Brian K. Vaughan| Drawn by Steve Skroce
We Stand On Guard is a baffling book. It’s smartly written, gorgeously illustrated and yet, somehow empty. Issue #5 sets up the book’s impending finale, as all the requisite pieces fall into place. There’s the imminent danger, the steely stand-off, the reveal of Amber’s oft-mentioned but never seen adult brother. The problem remains in the book’s overall investment, as the limited time we’ve spent with the Two-Four and their American antagonists leads to little in the way of emotional connection. It’s not from lack of trying – Brian K. Vaughan, Steve Skroce and Matt Hollingsworth all deliver on their respective arts – but at times it feels as if the story is simply too big for its miniseries structure. Life and loss should mean something and its concerning that the series’ myriad close calls and gory ends hardly manage a blip on the emotional radar. Maybe as a collected edition it’ll combine to become something more, but as now we’re still left wanting. -Jeff
Final Score:
6.9
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