Legion of Doom #1 was a bit of a let down, and I hadn't expected much of it in the first place. Heatwave is a bit of a crap villain, and making him crazy for fire just makes him seem dumber in my book. I found the book 20 or so pages of Heatwave nattering away to himself about killing Cyborg and escaping the superjail, and it gets old fast. The art is quite good, but nothing spectacular, and I'm sure the final page will be a nice thing for fans of the character who appears (who I won't reveal), but it's not enough to bring me back. Thumbs down.
Wonder Woman and the Furies #1 was a good read, with the strongest thing about it being it actually explains how we got to the Amazonian-Atlantean war. The story feels very organic, from Diana leaving Themyscira out of curiosity for the outside world, deciding to unite the two mythical kingdoms though marriage as well as dissenters coming up with a way to ruin everything. The whole scheme looks to be a puzzler, and I'm interested enough to stick around for another issue. The art got a bit too "vector graphicy" for my liking, but in the spots that it isn't reduced to fit the panels it looks really good. The only thing I ended up questioning in this issue was a lack of Mera. I know this is a Wonder Woman book, but Aquaman seems really easy-going when it comes to marrying someone other than the one he loves, for whatever reason. You'd at least think he'd mention her...
Deadman and the Flying Graysons #1 was nice, but didn't really wow me with story. It had some nice cameos, and the interaction with Boston Brand and the Graysons was good, with Dick seeing right through Boston. The art was good, and fits the story well. J.T. Krul didn't really wow me with his Green Arrow, and I'm sorry to see that this mini isn't that great either. My hopes are raised with the last few pages promising some conflict next issue, and I'm willing to stick around for those beautiful covers.
Gorilla Grodd #1, it's a good thing this s only a one-shot, because it was boring. Grodd is bored in his kingdom, and that translated as boring from off the page. the final page promises some Gorilla vs. Amazon action (hopefully), but that is nowhere near enough to save this story. Catman makes an appearance in the final pages, and I can't help but think with the popularity of Gail Simone's Secret Six, a one-shot from his perspective ON Gorilla Grodd ruling Africa would have been much more interesting. The art is fine, but Grodd's facial expressions don't seem to match up with his dialogue, which may be hard to do with a gorilla anyway, I don't know.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Flashpoint Failure Follow-up
Another week of Flashpoint tie-ins and another let down from me, maybe when I cull my list a bit I'll dive into some more detailed reviews. Soon I'll be finished with my university commitments, and then it's only my new PS3 and L.A. Noire standing in my way to fantastic bloggery. Anyway, this week brought four more books, along with some nice pins and (more importantly) some nice comics.
Emperor Aquaman #1 was the big draw for me this week, as I had wanted to read about his exploits since seeing the first cover art. Lots of people see Aquaman as a bit of a joke in the superhero department; you wouldn't want to joke about this Aquaman, he'll sink your continent. Everything felt a little obvious as I read it, there weren't many surprises to be had, but it was still enjoyable and the art was spot on as well. So with promises of more earth-shattering events in this mini, I'm definitely sticking around.
Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #1 didn't have as much Nazi killin' in it as I would have liked, but it still gave a solid start to the mini-series. I'm a little surprised we moved out of WWII so quickly, but I suppose it wouldn't be super relevant otherwise. Frankenstein is an interesting character, who hunts down evil with a supernatural zeal. It's nice to see he doesn't get on well with all the members of the Creature Commandos, and that he isn't the perfect hero. The art for 'Frankenstein' is really great, so bring on issue #2.
Deathstroke and the Curse of the Ravager #1 gave us a lethal pirate and caring father wrapped up in one, as well as some nice water-based combat. Deathstroke is a man on a mission to find his daughter, and god help anyone who gets in his way. The art on this mini isn't as polished as "Emperor Aquaman" and "Frankenstein" but it fits the story well. And with the final page tying into Flashpoint #2, I'm looking forward to Deathstroke's tussle with Aquaman next issue.
Citizen Cold #1 helps to set up Leonard Snart as a hero rather than a villain in the Flashpoint timeline, even though he's a villain anyway. It's nice to see that Cold isn't so different from his regular counterpart, and I like that the citizens of Central City are so willing to watch him murder someone and cheer about it. Scott Kolins on art works well with the story and helps to tie it together with his recent work on "The Flash". The issue ends on a cliffhanger of sorts, and with the Rogues looking like they're got a plan for Cold, the next issue will hopefully provide some nice tension.
It was nice to see all the minis this week are worth sticking with, but I'm really looking forward to the Deadman mini-series coming out next Wednesday. Flashpoint!
Emperor Aquaman #1 was the big draw for me this week, as I had wanted to read about his exploits since seeing the first cover art. Lots of people see Aquaman as a bit of a joke in the superhero department; you wouldn't want to joke about this Aquaman, he'll sink your continent. Everything felt a little obvious as I read it, there weren't many surprises to be had, but it was still enjoyable and the art was spot on as well. So with promises of more earth-shattering events in this mini, I'm definitely sticking around.
Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #1 didn't have as much Nazi killin' in it as I would have liked, but it still gave a solid start to the mini-series. I'm a little surprised we moved out of WWII so quickly, but I suppose it wouldn't be super relevant otherwise. Frankenstein is an interesting character, who hunts down evil with a supernatural zeal. It's nice to see he doesn't get on well with all the members of the Creature Commandos, and that he isn't the perfect hero. The art for 'Frankenstein' is really great, so bring on issue #2.
Deathstroke and the Curse of the Ravager #1 gave us a lethal pirate and caring father wrapped up in one, as well as some nice water-based combat. Deathstroke is a man on a mission to find his daughter, and god help anyone who gets in his way. The art on this mini isn't as polished as "Emperor Aquaman" and "Frankenstein" but it fits the story well. And with the final page tying into Flashpoint #2, I'm looking forward to Deathstroke's tussle with Aquaman next issue.
Citizen Cold #1 helps to set up Leonard Snart as a hero rather than a villain in the Flashpoint timeline, even though he's a villain anyway. It's nice to see that Cold isn't so different from his regular counterpart, and I like that the citizens of Central City are so willing to watch him murder someone and cheer about it. Scott Kolins on art works well with the story and helps to tie it together with his recent work on "The Flash". The issue ends on a cliffhanger of sorts, and with the Rogues looking like they're got a plan for Cold, the next issue will hopefully provide some nice tension.
It was nice to see all the minis this week are worth sticking with, but I'm really looking forward to the Deadman mini-series coming out next Wednesday. Flashpoint!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Flashpoint Failure
Well, I've dropped the ball again. The new Flashpoint comics weren't in until Friday, and I was working on an assignment all weekend. And if this weeks comics don't come in today, I won't be able to pick them up until Friday, and I need to study for my exams.
That said, Flashpoint #2 was an interesting comic that didn't really gel together, as it tried to portray the whole world instead of stick to Barry Allen's story and explaining it through him. That said, the final page again held a surprise for readers, and things aren't turning out great for Barry.
Batman - Knight of Vengeance #1 was easily my favourite of the mini-series last week. Thomas Wayne makes a great Batman, and in his shaky concept of justice (goodbye Killer Croc) he is a clear distinction from his son. the art was interesting, and the darkness and gritty quality of it really fits the title. The mystery fo the Joker's identity is driving me to stick with this one (Just for you internet, I think it might be a brain damaged Bruce). Bring on issue #2.
Secret Seven #1 was a bit of an interesting ride, but I found it left me confused. I've never read anything with Shade the Changing Man before, and so I know nothing about him. I learnt he was sent to Earth to hunt insane criminals and that he wears a vest that gives him special powers. This vest has malfunctioned and made itself more powerful, but I still don't get how it works. Still, the art was very science-fiction matching the story, and the Enchantress should help drive this tale. I'll be getting issue #2.
Abin Sur - The Green Lantern #1 was clearly modelled off the Green Lantern movie concept art. While this is not a complaint, it felt like a bit of a cop out, bastardising the Green Lantern mythos in an alternate timeline to get a bit more money. Still, the story was fine, but not interesting enough to hold my attention for another issue.
The World of Flashpoint #1 really didn't do it for me. Traci 13 lost her family and now she's training to be a stronger magician. Her dad is part of a council looking to destroy the Amazons and the Atlanteans with a massive laser from space. She doesn't want it to happen, but the countdown has started. That's about all that happened. No thanks.
That said, Flashpoint #2 was an interesting comic that didn't really gel together, as it tried to portray the whole world instead of stick to Barry Allen's story and explaining it through him. That said, the final page again held a surprise for readers, and things aren't turning out great for Barry.
Batman - Knight of Vengeance #1 was easily my favourite of the mini-series last week. Thomas Wayne makes a great Batman, and in his shaky concept of justice (goodbye Killer Croc) he is a clear distinction from his son. the art was interesting, and the darkness and gritty quality of it really fits the title. The mystery fo the Joker's identity is driving me to stick with this one (Just for you internet, I think it might be a brain damaged Bruce). Bring on issue #2.
Secret Seven #1 was a bit of an interesting ride, but I found it left me confused. I've never read anything with Shade the Changing Man before, and so I know nothing about him. I learnt he was sent to Earth to hunt insane criminals and that he wears a vest that gives him special powers. This vest has malfunctioned and made itself more powerful, but I still don't get how it works. Still, the art was very science-fiction matching the story, and the Enchantress should help drive this tale. I'll be getting issue #2.
Abin Sur - The Green Lantern #1 was clearly modelled off the Green Lantern movie concept art. While this is not a complaint, it felt like a bit of a cop out, bastardising the Green Lantern mythos in an alternate timeline to get a bit more money. Still, the story was fine, but not interesting enough to hold my attention for another issue.
The World of Flashpoint #1 really didn't do it for me. Traci 13 lost her family and now she's training to be a stronger magician. Her dad is part of a council looking to destroy the Amazons and the Atlanteans with a massive laser from space. She doesn't want it to happen, but the countdown has started. That's about all that happened. No thanks.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Flashpoint #1 - Review
After what feels like months of waiting (oh wait! It was.), Flashpoint #1 is finally here and the world of Flashpoint is ready to be explored.
After a glance back at Barry Allen's life for the new readers, The Flash is thrust into the world of Flashpoint, a world much like his own. But it's as Barry goes to don his costume that he notices his ring is missing and takes a quick tumble down the stairs to land at the feet of his mother; a victim of the Reverse Flash's backwards method of revenge on Barry Allen; killed years ago but alive and well today.
From here we're given a broader view of the world we're in. Millions have died at the hands of an ongoing battle between Atlantis and Themyscria, and the "heroes" that remain are ready to put an end to it. We get to meet the agents of S.H.A.Z.A.M., the leaders of the Secret Seven, the Outsider and Cyborg, along with a bunch of other characters DC has teased over the months. Honestly my favourite is Batman so far, and I'm sure I'm not alone in that.
Andy Kubert's art here is crisp and clean, and I really like it. His rendtition of a brighter (but no less dark) Gotham city is really great. Kubert is a quality artist and so I'm not surprised he's done another good job here, so I'm looking forward to the different artists for the mini-series instead.
The last page reveal in this opening issue is something that really surprised me, and will make me sure to watch the rest of this series like a hawk. Honestly, as the final page of The Flash #12 revealed, I'm a little disappointed that the Reverse Flash is to blame for Flashpoint, even though I really like him. Even so, being introduced to the new versions of our favourite characters in the way we are has grabbed my interest, and I'm going to be sure to check out the mini-series starting next month. Either way, Flashpoint is a quality read that I was happy to finally hold in my hand. I went out and bought it, I suggest you do the same.
NB: It still makes me mad that I spoiled the big reveal for myself by accidentally looking straight at the text bubble on the last page, stupid brain.
The Road to Flaspoint: The Flash #12
Issue #12 of the Flash is, in all honesty, a disappointing close to a good series. Johns uses this last issue to tie up the lose ends of the murder cases, but those only exist to propel the scarlet speedster into Flashpoint. There are some interesting moments with Hot Pursuit and the Reverse Flash, and some nice character work between Barry and Bart Allen, as well as the "love-triangle" between Patty Spivot, Iris Allen and Barry, but ultimately the issue didn't really wow me.
It is disappointing to see that we couldn't get a full issue of Francis Manapul's art, but Scott Kolins fills the void admirably. It just seems strange that DC would put 5 pages of Manapul's art inbetween Kolins', but that's their decision to make.
The Flash #12 is, honestly, a disappointing way to see the series off (cancellation wise, a strange move for DC as even though it suffered from some bad delays, people were still invested in seeing it succeed). All I can say is that it'll relaunch after Flashpoint, with something drastically different about the Flash, otherwise why not give it a three month break instead of a cancellation. It just seems like the 'Road to Flashpoint' could have been it's own mini-series (a one-shot is all it really needed ala 'Batman: The Return'), and it kind of ruined 'The Flash' to have it shoved in there.
Whatever happens, I've got my eye firmly fixed on Flashpoint, and I'm interested to see what happens throughout the series and the fallout from when it's all over.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
The Road to Flaspoint: The Flash #12
The final step closer to 'Flashpoint' #1 as it comes out today alongside 'The Flash' #12. Unfortunately I won't be able to pick up up until tomorrow because I have work, it's killing me. Still, the cover for 'The Flash' #12 is nice, so until I can get my comics tomorrow, this'll have to tide me over.
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