This week’s judgment on all things relevant in comics is regretfully late, due to, you guessed it, the holidays… and my irresponsibility. It was a bit of a lighter week of comics in terms of quantity for me, and also in terms of average quality. A couple of disappointments, but that was off-set by a couple of very high quality books. That’s enough babble, here it is, the absolute, inarguable truth about the quality of each comic book worth mentioning from the week of December 16-22:
Cognetic (#3 of 3)
James Tynion IV (Writer) Eryk Donovan (Illustrator) Juan Manuel Tumburus (Colors) Steve Wands (Letters)
This is the dark and desperate conclusion to Tynion and Donovan’s second apocalyptic horror story. Preceded by the similarly bleak and chilling series Memetic that wrapped up around this time last year. This story picks up on many of the same themes. As explained in the interview with Tynion and Donovan at the back of the comic, both series centered around the loss of individuality and using that theme to explore an “apocalypse of the mind”. Both of these series are highly recommended for anyone interested in horror, apocalypse stories, or psychological thrillers, therefore I will leave the description at that, as not to spoil it any further.
Although Cognetic’s ending is very well executed, in overall impact and lasting effect it falls a bit short compared to the ending of Memetic. Although the series takes a distinctly different approach to exploring the apocalyptic horror genre, it is a victim of it’s predecessor’s success. The second time around this realm of apocalyptic circumstances is certainly well worth the read, but is almost impossible to out shine the previous installation.
Aside from the continued high quality writing and believable dialogue written by Tynion, Donovan’s work is remarkably consistent between the two series. Although his art style is not my favorite, and in some ways seems like it would be an odd fit for a horror comic, his expressiveness, specifically in character’s eyes and faces gives the story a strikingly creepy mood that is exceptionally well fit for the cerebral nature of the series. This creative team seems to have found a synchronicity in their story telling that is fantastically realized on the page. The truly terrifying concepts that Tynion presents are expertly conveyed by Donovan, who has the unenviable task of drawing large swaths of humanity overtaken by the horrific forces depicted in the story. Even Tumuburus, and Wands are essential to the narrative that relies heavily on colors and lettering.
That is about as cryptic and vague as I possibly can be without spoiling this comic, because you REALLY need to read it for yourself, and while your at it, go pick up Memetic which is equally as awesome you will not be disappointed.
7 STARS
WEIRDWORLD #1
Sam Humphries (Writer) Mike Del Mundo (Illustrator/Colors) Marco D’Alfonso (Colors) VC’s Cory Petit (Letters)
I was desperately hoping that this comic was going to be all that I loved from the Jason Aaron and Del Mundo, Weirdworld series that ran as a Secret Wars tie-in. Unfortunately, this version did not hit the same chord as its predecessor. Humphries injects a heavy dose of playfulness, mixing the viking warrior aspects of Aaron’s Weirdworld, with a bombastic goofiness in the female warrior Goleta, who rides around Weirdworld in a suped-up sports car, slaying wizards, and drinking endless amounts of mead. Our main character, Becca Rodriguez, runs into the viking warrior after narrowly escaping death at the hands of an evil wizard. This wizard transported Becca and the plane she was riding to “Weirdworld” from earth using a mysteriously powerful stone. It is from here the story unfolds, revealing the villain and her minions who are carry overs from the previous installment of Weirdworld.
Except for the first page of this issue, the best of part of the previous Weirdworld volume, the character Arkon, is inexplicably absent.
Although I appreciate the largely female cast, including the young Latino main character, the dialogue and jokes didn’t land with me this time around. The goofiness of Goleta’s character came off as forced. Although I liked the main character Becca, her motivations to continue with Goleta were not well established. Although Becca’s arrival to “Weirdworld” was a necessary contrivance, it was executed quite unconvincingly to conveniently serve the narrative. Finally, the lighthearted introductions of our heroines, the reveal of the story’s antagonist seems out of place, and fails hold any gravitas.
The one consistency between this series and the previous, and a definite highlight is Mike Del Mundo’s artwork. The granulated color texture reminiscent of a 1970s reel to reel projection, and the chaotic line work is stunningly beautiful. Speaking of the colors, Del Mundo and D’Alfonso’s plethora of vibrant reds, greens, and blues and tasteful shading are quite exquisite. Not to be forgotten, Petit’s letter placement, and letter style work really well with the anarchal atmosphere of Weirdworld.
Although the addition of a more wacky warrior protagonist, who is more likely to get into hi-jinks rather than dark and brutal battles is not really what I was looking for. However, I think this light-hearted approach is not completely flawed. I salute them for diversifying the cast, and making this a fun teenage romp, with a female Latino protagonist, unfortunately the humor got lost on me. However, if your looking for something like what’s described above I’d suggest checking it out, if only for the great artwork.
5 STARS
The Amazing Spider-Man #1.1 (Amazing Grace Part 1)
Jose Molina (Writer) Simone Bianchi (Illustrator) Israel Silva (Colors) Joe Caramagna (Letters)
Apart from a somewhat touching moment between Spider-Man and a young girl he saves, where he shares a Piragua (Puerto Rican snow cone treat), this comic has very little to offer. Bianchi’s art is typically quite good, but the coloring did not do it any favors. A spin-off series that is probably ok to pass on.
4 STARS
The Goddamned #2
Jason Aaron (Writer) r.m. Guera (Illustrator) Giulia Brusco (Colors) Jared K. Fletcher (Letters and Design)
God Damn. This is comic is excellent, top to bottom. It looks and reads like the most badass metal video you’ll ever see, and if you enjoy that kind of thing or either of the creators on this book you need to be reading this.
8 STARS
The Mighty Thor # 2
Jason Aaron (Writer) Russell Dauterman (Illustrator) Matthew Wilson (Colors) Joe Sabino (Letters)
For my money, this book has the best art of any Marvel title on the racks. The triumphant heroism and absolute wickedness of Malekith and the other villains in The Mighty Thor make this book a treasure. This issue continues at a break neck pace moving forward a compelling plot line that questions Loki’s allegiances and motivations in the ongoing conflict between Thor and the dark elf, Malekith.
7 STARS
All-New X-Men #2
Dennis Hopeless (Writer) Mark Bagley (Illustrator) Nolan Woodward (Colors) Andrew Hennessy (Inks) Cory Petit (Letters)
Continued adventures of the teenage X-Men, half of which are time-displaced original X-Men of the 1960s. This book is doing a great job of exploring the dilemma facing the time-displaced Scott Summers (Cyclops) who’s older self (who has since died) has come to be known as one of the most evil mutants to ever live. The book performs an excellent balancing act by mixing the dark themes of Cyclops’ struggle with the wacky hi-jinks of the rest of the team. All in all, this is my favorite of the X-Men books being published currently.
7 STARS
We Are Robin #7 (Robin War Part 4)
Lee Bermejo (Writer) Carmine Di Giandomenico (Illustrator) Mat Lopes (Colors) Jared K. Fletcher (Letters)
Superb moments between Red Robin and Red Hood, and an enticing last page cliffhanger. Robin War continues to deliver as a worthwhile event.
7 STARS
Batman and Robin Eternal #11
James Tynion IV and Scott Snyder (Story) Ed Brisson (Script) Fernando Blanco and Christian Duce (Illustrators) John Rauch (Colors)
A fairly interesting premise for an issue that features Dick Grayson and Bluebird, which takes you literally into the mind of Bluebird. The series is seeming to slow down considerably, compared to the pace of the first 10 issues, which is yet to be determined as a bad thing.
6 STARS
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Monday, December 14, 2015
The Final Verdict On All the Comics That Matter This Week
Revenger: Trapped, One Shot
Charles Forsman (Art, Script, and Letters)
6 Stars
A gruesome little yarn that reads like an early '80s Charles Bronson movie, with the art style of an early '80s hardcore punk flyer.
The first thing that came to mind at page one, panel one, was Raymond Pettibon, for those of you who do not know, was the artist for many of the early flyers and album covers for the 1980s hardcore punk band Black Flag. (Google: "Raymond Pettibon Black Flag Flyer") The art has a similarly subtle grotesque nature. The shading and shape of the characters' features have distinct imperfections that give the comic an appropriate grit. As the story unfolds and "The Revenger" punch, kicks, and slashes her way out of her "Trap" set by a group of "Hills People" reminiscent of Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, "The Revenger" lays down an old fashioned ass kicking and the rest you can probably guess
The story is a bit thin, you don't receive much in the way of character development for the "The Revenger", but her trope of "Silent Badass" is blatantly obvious, certainly appropriate for this stand alone story. .
Overall, the artwork fits well with the tone of the story, bolstering the gruesome nature and giving you an 1980s throwback feel. Although the story was not reinventing the wheel, it was a good romp if you enjoy a bit of ultra-violence and blood.
Snow Blind (#1 of 4)
Ollie Masters (Writer), Tyler Jenkins (Art), and Colin Bell (Letters)
8 STARS
Snow Blind centers around "Teddy", a high school age, "outsider" type who lives with his disapproving, drunkard dad, and loving if not misguided mother in a small town in Alaska. Teddy has suspected there's something about his parent's life they are hiding, but he's never been able to put a finger on it. His whole world begins to turn upside down when he catches a stranger attempting to break into his parent's home late one night. The next day he over hears a conversation his parents' are having with a local detective and exposes the beginning of a massive secret his mother and father have been hiding from him since his birth. As Teddy attempts to investigate, and nearly gets caught by his father in the process, the final page leaves Teddy in a situation leaving you asking how he will recover.
Jenkins' "sketch" art style does a great job of setting the bleak, and mysterious mood of issue one. The watercolors and tones give a great sense of place. The colors make the setting look perpetually overcast and gloomy, like that of the cold Alaskan winter. That plays perfectly into the sense of looming darkness over the heads of our characters. It also aligns with the outlook and mood of Teddy who feels out of place with his surroundings, peers, and certainly his parents. If there is one small part of the visual aspect of this book that was a bit jarring was the sound effect lettering. The dialogue lettering fit well with the sketchbook style of Jenkins, however, the sound effects were lettered in very clean text with bright colors that seemed out of place with the rest of lettering and art.
Masters' introduction and development of Teddy and his relationship to his peers and parents was done excellently. You immediately feel sympathy for him, and understand the disconnect between him and his father. His compromise to appease his peers to just make it through the day is something relatable regardless of how much of an outsider or a popular person you may be. Masters' gets you to invest in the well-being of Teddy and root for him in his mysterious journey to uncover his family's unsavory past.
I certainly recommend this comic to anyone, particularly if you enjoy crime mysteries. This was an exceptionally promising and compelling first issue, that leaves you with almost no choice but to pick up the next issue to see how Teddy gets out of the last page cliff hanger.
Batman and Robin Eternal #10
James Tynion IV, Scott Snyder, Jackson Lanzing, and Collin Kelly (Story, Script)
Roge Antonio and Geraldo Borges (Art) Allen Passalaqua (Colors) Marilyn Patrizio (Letters)
6 Stars
This series continues to deliver above average stories that compel you to follow week to week. Fantastic character moments and over-the-top interactions from '90s rogue gallery favorites.
Batman #47
Scott Snyder (Script) Greg Capullo (Pencils) Danny Miki (Inks) Fco Plascencia (Colors) Steve Wanos (Letters)
7 Stars
Snyder and Capullo continue to deliver issue after issue of great work on their monumental Batman run. The character of Mr. Bloom is developed in an intriguing and unexpected way, and the "Commissioner Gordan-Batman era" may soon be coming to a close!
Grayson #15: Robin War Part 2
Tom King (Script, Story) Tim Seeley (Plot) Mikel Janin (Art) Jeromy Cox (Color) Carlos M. Mangual (Letters)
8 Stars
King, Seeley, and Janin continue their stellar work on Grayson and deliver the best issue of Robin War. The fantastic moments with each of the original Robins and the stunning artwork make this issue one of the best of the week.
Detective Comics #47: Robin War Part 3
Ray Fawkes (Script) Steve Pugh (Art) Chris Sotomayor (Color) Wes Abbott (Letters)
5 Stars
The weakest part of an otherwise very well done Robin War event. There is little plot development and average artwork. You could probably skip this issue and be able to pick up the next Robin War issue fully caught up. The Ray Fawkes' Detective Comics run, unfortunately, continues to be mediocre at best and this shoe-horned issue of Robin War was no exception.
Rachel Rising #38
Terry Moore (Art, Script, Letters)
6 Stars
Terry Moore is a master of the medium and this series continues to prove that. Although this issue is good, it feels like a transition issue slowly moving puzzle pieces, above average as usual, but not a high point.
The Amazing Spider-Man #4
Dan Slott (Writer) Giuseppe Camuncoli (Penciler) Cam Smith (Inker) Marte Gracia (Colors)
6 Stars
Peter Parker continues his jet-setting adventures as the CEO of Parker Industries. The art is top notch, however, Slott seems to be adding so many plot lines it is almost beginning to become difficult to follow.
Secret Wars #8
Jonathon Hickman (Writer, Designer) Esad Ribic (Artist) Ive Svorcina (Colors) Chris Eliopoulos (Letters)
8 Stars
Huge moments galore, one of the best issues of this already great event. The only bad part is that the final issue has been announced to be delayed AGAIN, however, considering how good this has been it still looks to be one of the best events in recent memory.
Stray Bullets: Sunshine and Roses #10
David Lapham (Script, Art, Letters)
6 Stars
We Stand on Guard #6
Brian K. Vaughan (Writer) Steve Skroce (Art) Matt Hollingsworth (Color)
7 Stars
The conclusion of the Skroce's and Vaughan's futuristic war tale, pitting Canadian rebels against occupying American military forces, ends with a literal bang, offering a satisfying and triumphant close to a fantastic mini series.
Charles Forsman (Art, Script, and Letters)
6 Stars
A gruesome little yarn that reads like an early '80s Charles Bronson movie, with the art style of an early '80s hardcore punk flyer.
The first thing that came to mind at page one, panel one, was Raymond Pettibon, for those of you who do not know, was the artist for many of the early flyers and album covers for the 1980s hardcore punk band Black Flag. (Google: "Raymond Pettibon Black Flag Flyer") The art has a similarly subtle grotesque nature. The shading and shape of the characters' features have distinct imperfections that give the comic an appropriate grit. As the story unfolds and "The Revenger" punch, kicks, and slashes her way out of her "Trap" set by a group of "Hills People" reminiscent of Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, "The Revenger" lays down an old fashioned ass kicking and the rest you can probably guess
The story is a bit thin, you don't receive much in the way of character development for the "The Revenger", but her trope of "Silent Badass" is blatantly obvious, certainly appropriate for this stand alone story. .
Overall, the artwork fits well with the tone of the story, bolstering the gruesome nature and giving you an 1980s throwback feel. Although the story was not reinventing the wheel, it was a good romp if you enjoy a bit of ultra-violence and blood.
Snow Blind (#1 of 4)
Ollie Masters (Writer), Tyler Jenkins (Art), and Colin Bell (Letters)
8 STARS
Snow Blind centers around "Teddy", a high school age, "outsider" type who lives with his disapproving, drunkard dad, and loving if not misguided mother in a small town in Alaska. Teddy has suspected there's something about his parent's life they are hiding, but he's never been able to put a finger on it. His whole world begins to turn upside down when he catches a stranger attempting to break into his parent's home late one night. The next day he over hears a conversation his parents' are having with a local detective and exposes the beginning of a massive secret his mother and father have been hiding from him since his birth. As Teddy attempts to investigate, and nearly gets caught by his father in the process, the final page leaves Teddy in a situation leaving you asking how he will recover.
Jenkins' "sketch" art style does a great job of setting the bleak, and mysterious mood of issue one. The watercolors and tones give a great sense of place. The colors make the setting look perpetually overcast and gloomy, like that of the cold Alaskan winter. That plays perfectly into the sense of looming darkness over the heads of our characters. It also aligns with the outlook and mood of Teddy who feels out of place with his surroundings, peers, and certainly his parents. If there is one small part of the visual aspect of this book that was a bit jarring was the sound effect lettering. The dialogue lettering fit well with the sketchbook style of Jenkins, however, the sound effects were lettered in very clean text with bright colors that seemed out of place with the rest of lettering and art.
Masters' introduction and development of Teddy and his relationship to his peers and parents was done excellently. You immediately feel sympathy for him, and understand the disconnect between him and his father. His compromise to appease his peers to just make it through the day is something relatable regardless of how much of an outsider or a popular person you may be. Masters' gets you to invest in the well-being of Teddy and root for him in his mysterious journey to uncover his family's unsavory past.
I certainly recommend this comic to anyone, particularly if you enjoy crime mysteries. This was an exceptionally promising and compelling first issue, that leaves you with almost no choice but to pick up the next issue to see how Teddy gets out of the last page cliff hanger.
Batman and Robin Eternal #10
James Tynion IV, Scott Snyder, Jackson Lanzing, and Collin Kelly (Story, Script)
Roge Antonio and Geraldo Borges (Art) Allen Passalaqua (Colors) Marilyn Patrizio (Letters)
6 Stars
This series continues to deliver above average stories that compel you to follow week to week. Fantastic character moments and over-the-top interactions from '90s rogue gallery favorites.
Batman #47
Scott Snyder (Script) Greg Capullo (Pencils) Danny Miki (Inks) Fco Plascencia (Colors) Steve Wanos (Letters)
7 Stars
Snyder and Capullo continue to deliver issue after issue of great work on their monumental Batman run. The character of Mr. Bloom is developed in an intriguing and unexpected way, and the "Commissioner Gordan-Batman era" may soon be coming to a close!
Grayson #15: Robin War Part 2
Tom King (Script, Story) Tim Seeley (Plot) Mikel Janin (Art) Jeromy Cox (Color) Carlos M. Mangual (Letters)
8 Stars
King, Seeley, and Janin continue their stellar work on Grayson and deliver the best issue of Robin War. The fantastic moments with each of the original Robins and the stunning artwork make this issue one of the best of the week.
Detective Comics #47: Robin War Part 3
Ray Fawkes (Script) Steve Pugh (Art) Chris Sotomayor (Color) Wes Abbott (Letters)
5 Stars
The weakest part of an otherwise very well done Robin War event. There is little plot development and average artwork. You could probably skip this issue and be able to pick up the next Robin War issue fully caught up. The Ray Fawkes' Detective Comics run, unfortunately, continues to be mediocre at best and this shoe-horned issue of Robin War was no exception.
Rachel Rising #38
Terry Moore (Art, Script, Letters)
6 Stars
Terry Moore is a master of the medium and this series continues to prove that. Although this issue is good, it feels like a transition issue slowly moving puzzle pieces, above average as usual, but not a high point.
The Amazing Spider-Man #4
Dan Slott (Writer) Giuseppe Camuncoli (Penciler) Cam Smith (Inker) Marte Gracia (Colors)
6 Stars
Peter Parker continues his jet-setting adventures as the CEO of Parker Industries. The art is top notch, however, Slott seems to be adding so many plot lines it is almost beginning to become difficult to follow.
Secret Wars #8
Jonathon Hickman (Writer, Designer) Esad Ribic (Artist) Ive Svorcina (Colors) Chris Eliopoulos (Letters)
8 Stars
Huge moments galore, one of the best issues of this already great event. The only bad part is that the final issue has been announced to be delayed AGAIN, however, considering how good this has been it still looks to be one of the best events in recent memory.
Stray Bullets: Sunshine and Roses #10
David Lapham (Script, Art, Letters)
6 Stars
We Stand on Guard #6
Brian K. Vaughan (Writer) Steve Skroce (Art) Matt Hollingsworth (Color)
7 Stars
The conclusion of the Skroce's and Vaughan's futuristic war tale, pitting Canadian rebels against occupying American military forces, ends with a literal bang, offering a satisfying and triumphant close to a fantastic mini series.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
THIS WEEKS LIST
DC/VERTIGO COMICS:
Batman #47
Batman and Robin: Eternal #10
Grayson #15 (Robin War Part 2)
Detective Comics #47 (Robin War 3)
Unfollow #2
IMAGE COMICS:
Stray Bullets: Sunshine and Roses #10
We Stand on Guard #6
BOOM STUDIOS:
Snow Blind #1
MARVEL COMICS:
Secret Wars #8
The Amazing Spider-Man #4
ABSTRACT STUDIOS:
Rachel Rising #38
WEEKLY "COMIXOLOGY SUBMIT ISSUE":
Revenger, One Shot
By: Charles Forsman
Come back soon for full ratings and reviews!
BEHOLD! The Offensive and Completely Inappropriate Abominable Comics Rating System
1 STAR: This comic is appalling garbage, best utilized as a very uncomfortable wipe to remove excess feces from your back-end.
2 STARS: This comic is slightly less insulting waste, great for lining a hamster or rabbit cage.
3 STARS: This comic is worth a quick glance before using as a fire starter, for a romantic fire lit dinner.
4 STARS: This comic was certainly written and drawn by "professionals" but I sure as hell didn't enjoy reading it and I don't suggest you read it either.
5 STARS: This comic was actually consumable, it may have a highlight or two, but that's about it. You can read it if you want, but one time through was enough for me.
6 STARS: Hey! This comic had a few things going for it! The visuals may have had something memorable, and/or the writing may have left a bit of an impression.
7 STARS: Here. We. Go. This comic has managed to combine the difficult task of visual story telling with written word in a way that leaves you with a bit of a smirk on your face after reading.
8 STARS: Oh boy! This is ACTUALLY good, the art really puts you into the world you are reading, and the story, well that engages you from beginning to end, leaving you stating: I. WANT. MORE.
9 STARS: This comic is nearly perfect! How can this person draw like this? Are the colors used in this comic from another fantastical universe in which sight is enhanced with magical potions and elixirs? This writer! Are they from another dimension of mystical yarn weaving wizards?! You have to read this comic, and I have to read it again. Right now.
10 STARS: This is it. The pinnacle, the ultimate level of comic book writing, penciling, scripting, inking, and coloring mastery. This is the greatest comic book ever created... at least for this week.
Rating Czar's Disclosure:
These rating are NOT in any form objectively (or in some cases, subjectively) accurate to the actual quality of any or all comics reviewed here. These ratings should be used only as outrageous suggestions for your comic consuming convenience. They also may not accurately represent the true feeling of the "Rating's Czar", or any other made person mentioned on this site. Take all reviews with a grain of salt, and please, HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR.
2 STARS: This comic is slightly less insulting waste, great for lining a hamster or rabbit cage.
3 STARS: This comic is worth a quick glance before using as a fire starter, for a romantic fire lit dinner.
4 STARS: This comic was certainly written and drawn by "professionals" but I sure as hell didn't enjoy reading it and I don't suggest you read it either.
5 STARS: This comic was actually consumable, it may have a highlight or two, but that's about it. You can read it if you want, but one time through was enough for me.
6 STARS: Hey! This comic had a few things going for it! The visuals may have had something memorable, and/or the writing may have left a bit of an impression.
7 STARS: Here. We. Go. This comic has managed to combine the difficult task of visual story telling with written word in a way that leaves you with a bit of a smirk on your face after reading.
8 STARS: Oh boy! This is ACTUALLY good, the art really puts you into the world you are reading, and the story, well that engages you from beginning to end, leaving you stating: I. WANT. MORE.
9 STARS: This comic is nearly perfect! How can this person draw like this? Are the colors used in this comic from another fantastical universe in which sight is enhanced with magical potions and elixirs? This writer! Are they from another dimension of mystical yarn weaving wizards?! You have to read this comic, and I have to read it again. Right now.
10 STARS: This is it. The pinnacle, the ultimate level of comic book writing, penciling, scripting, inking, and coloring mastery. This is the greatest comic book ever created... at least for this week.
Rating Czar's Disclosure:
These rating are NOT in any form objectively (or in some cases, subjectively) accurate to the actual quality of any or all comics reviewed here. These ratings should be used only as outrageous suggestions for your comic consuming convenience. They also may not accurately represent the true feeling of the "Rating's Czar", or any other made person mentioned on this site. Take all reviews with a grain of salt, and please, HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR.
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