What a book! I love Black Hammer, and now that I'm caught up to the measly two trades, I'm on the edge of my seat like everyone else. The pathos in thWhat a book! I love Black Hammer, and now that I'm caught up to the measly two trades, I'm on the edge of my seat like everyone else. The pathos in this volume forges ahead with an excellent sense of tension and conflict. Several small arcs resolve as the next chapter of the central narrative opens up. And boy does it open up. I can't wait for what's next.
David Rubin provides some interiors here, and they are a welcome addition to what was a weird space story. No complaints on the guest artist front, though I really do feel Lemire and Ormston gel in a very specific and uncanny way.
Black Hammer is my favorite Jeff Lemire comic. The characters are wonderful, and the world is a perfect blend of Lemire's typical setting and classic Black Hammer is my favorite Jeff Lemire comic. The characters are wonderful, and the world is a perfect blend of Lemire's typical setting and classic superhero folklore. There's an excellent mystery at the heart of it all, but the character drama is strong enough to support this book on its own. The art is morbid and evocative, echoing Lemire's signature storytelling style. This is the sort of title I need to turn around, go back to the comic shop, and buy the second volume of right away.
This has been the most fun I've had with Valiant in a minute! My favorite depiction of the Deadside is in this book, along with some really great charThis has been the most fun I've had with Valiant in a minute! My favorite depiction of the Deadside is in this book, along with some really great characters. I was skeptical that all the pieces would come together so well, but sure enough, this was a blast. I loved Ninjak's power ranger armor, I loved Shadowman's new "Magpie" gimmick, and I loved all the colorful creatures and places brought to life by Cafu's art. There are a few janky moments towards the back end, and you're expected to know some basic Shadowman/Geomancer lore, but otherwise this was a totally fun, self-contained fantasy story, and a sure fire way to get me hyped for Diggle's Shadowman book. ...more
Teetering between 2 and 3 stars. Lemire can give us a better story than this, but there's a certain grace to a few subtle plot points which lent some Teetering between 2 and 3 stars. Lemire can give us a better story than this, but there's a certain grace to a few subtle plot points which lent some weight to this book. I hate that we didn't resolve the "4002 mystery", hardly seems like the thing to dangle on a series hook, but the Rampage b-story was pretty great, and created a solid through-line for the a-story. Credit where it's due, even if I am sick of the loony southern cult leader trope.
I've been away from Valiant for a while, and while this didn't capture my imagination, between some dull art and a pretty center of the road Lemire plot, I am curious to see Bloodshot interact with Shadowman in what could be an inspired volume 2. I'm also looking forward to checking out Diggle's Shadowman series, so we'll see. It's a shame Valiant's lost that early magic, but I'm a glutton for it anyway I guess. ...more
I'm underwhelmed. I hate to say it, but the spark of Astro City just isn't what it once was for me. Anderson's art is getting more and more difficult I'm underwhelmed. I hate to say it, but the spark of Astro City just isn't what it once was for me. Anderson's art is getting more and more difficult for me to not gloss over, and while Busiek remains one of my favorite writers, recent volumes of AC feel scatterbrained and inconsistent. There's another good Steeljack story in this trade, which is always a good thing, but besides that, there just isn't any true brilliance between the covers, and true brilliance is what makes Astro City special. Now it's just a decent/ superhero comic, and who needs more of those?...more
My favorite comic book series of all time is over. Invincible has been going on for fifteen years, and I've been reading it since I was sixteen. In thMy favorite comic book series of all time is over. Invincible has been going on for fifteen years, and I've been reading it since I was sixteen. In this volume, it all wraps up. The pacing is accelerated yeah, but the trade-off is Kirkman capping off every single loose thread, and taking us into the future of the Invincible universe. Very little is left up to interpretation, as the Thragg, Robot, and Viltrumite story-lines are brought to the most satisfying conclusion possible.
I'm amazed there weren't more casualties.
I love Invincible. This is an incredible final volume. It's awe-inspiring to look back on the entire work, and think about all the creative humans who made this unlikely book a staple of my life and creative-self. It's so important to me, and I know it's got to have the same weight for a lot of you. Kirkman does us right, and finishes the story in style, on his terms, and with dignity. (Something I fear TWD may never attain.) For that I'm thankful, but there's nothing else quite like Invincible, and it's gonna leave a big ol' hole in my heart for the foreseeable future. ...more
Myabe it's time to talk about what's really happened to Astro City. Back in the day, Astro City was THE SHIT, and only people in the know knew where tMyabe it's time to talk about what's really happened to Astro City. Back in the day, Astro City was THE SHIT, and only people in the know knew where to pick up the best superhero comics available. It was an underdog book, built on the legacy of Busiek and Ross, with a distinct outlook on supeheroism, that left the reader with a whole new perspective. It gave every other superhero book new context, by grounding itself in the human elements, without ever shying away from the fantastic. Astro City WAS comic books.
Since the Vertigo reboot, things haven't been quite the same. Every once in a while, we would get a dramatic and punctual issue or plot that really stood out, but those big arcs, comfortably plodding and taking their time seem to have fallen aside in favor of a bunch of random superhero ideas in Kurt's head. Now a days, Astro City is one origin story or singular adventure at a time, and unlike the early years, or even as recent as some of the tales in Shining Stars, these stories don't honestly seem like they have much to say. Usually it's just some vaguely unique idea draped in faux Avengers fabric, written with some obvious expertise, then it's onto shelves. This volume was the epitome of that trend, without a single story that really stood out as genius.
Sure it was good, it's KURT BUSIEK we're talking about. And sure, it was FUN. But nothing took my breath away, and while that may be an impossibly high standard, I expect Astro City to take my breath away. I expect Astro City to take me to ASTRO CITY, and leave me with a new perspective on some trope I thought I already understood.
This is a volume without Brent Anderson, and as such, features rotating artists. Maybe these are one offs Kurt just needed to get on paper. Maybe these are just random stories, and the next big Astro City arc is just around the corner.
Ellis has an exciting vision for the new Wildstorm universe. As a 90s Image fanboy, it's absolutely wild to see WildCATS re-imagined in such a modern Ellis has an exciting vision for the new Wildstorm universe. As a 90s Image fanboy, it's absolutely wild to see WildCATS re-imagined in such a modern way. There's a lot of good here, with some fantastic artwork, dialogue, and memorable moments. The were some points where Ellis lost me in exactly what he was trying to say or introduce, and I imagine if you're unfamiliar with the original material, you might have a tougher time than those who are. I really want to see where this goes, as some of these old ideas are absolute gems just waiting to be polished off. ...more
I can't believe it's almost over. Invincible has been such an incredible book, and is my all-time favorite series. This reads like the penultimate volI can't believe it's almost over. Invincible has been such an incredible book, and is my all-time favorite series. This reads like the penultimate volume it is, with some amazing lead-up, and brutal combat scenes. All of Mark and Eve's growth comes to a head, as they enact a daring plan to end the Viltrumite empire once and for all. Invincible is truly an amazing and unique piece of work, and I cannot wait to see how these threads tie up. This trade is rife with powerful character moments, perfect dialogue, and some of the best artwork in modern comic books. I love it, and I've always loved it, and I am almost assuredly going to cry when it's all over. ...more
This is one of the worst books I've read all year. I wish it was different. I think Mother Panic's design and name are awesome, and the idea of addingThis is one of the worst books I've read all year. I wish it was different. I think Mother Panic's design and name are awesome, and the idea of adding an adults only element to Gotham was rife with potential. Instead, this book is redundant, immature, and an absolute mess of a plot to try and follow. This should have never made it to print, and I demand to know where the editors were.
All of my one star ratings this year have been DC books. That sucks. ...more
Coming into Way's Doom Patrol, I was prepared for disappointment. I figured it would be crazy, and rad to look at, but make little sense and be lackinComing into Way's Doom Patrol, I was prepared for disappointment. I figured it would be crazy, and rad to look at, but make little sense and be lacking in the character department. You know what though? This was fucking awesome. If you're already a fan of Morrison's work, and comfortable with some nuttiness, you will get a whole hell of a lot out of Way's Doom Patrol. He's telling a real story here, and his narrative chops are up to snuff this time around. If you're not understanding this arc, you're either not paying attention, or you're missing the essential youthful suspension of disbelief required to enjoy WEIRD books.
This has every bit of potential required to become a modern classic, and I hope Way sees the project through to its fullest. ...more
Ultraviolent, ultra-funny, and unapologetically gay, Orlando's Midnighter has been nothing short of awesome. The dialogue is authentic, and the style Ultraviolent, ultra-funny, and unapologetically gay, Orlando's Midnighter has been nothing short of awesome. The dialogue is authentic, and the style established by Aco makes Midnighter feel unlike anything else on the shelves. I'm glad to have read the whole series, even if the second volume didn't knock my socks off as hard as the first. The B'wanna Beast story was awesome for what is was (including an excellent use of The Red) and the Suicide Squad crossover was fun! It wasn't forced, and Midnighter's narrative came first, including a big step in his development in regards to Apollo. That's how it should be done. ...more
Cory Walker is back! And he's amazing! Of course I miss Ottley, but Walker's art is incredible, the man just doesn't waste a line. It's great tonally,Cory Walker is back! And he's amazing! Of course I miss Ottley, but Walker's art is incredible, the man just doesn't waste a line. It's great tonally, considering the time-skip. It feels familiar but all new, and that's a hell of a thing.
On top of the amazing visuals, Kirkman's storytelling is in top form. I love every volume and always give it five stars, but this one really deserves it. The arc resolves with such power and intelligence, you just know the finale will be worth losing the title. I can't wait, no matter how absolutely bummed I am that this amazing book is finally ending.
The time skip was a great opportunity, and Kirkman did not squander. Terra is incredible, Eve is the most complex and amazing she's ever been, Mark is the product of his wild life, and every piece on the table is placed with purpose, ready for checkmate.
I love Invincible, and it's about to go supernova....more
Warren Ellis's Karnak is a vastly underrated series, and truly a stroke of philosophical comic book genius. There is a careful balance in this book, bWarren Ellis's Karnak is a vastly underrated series, and truly a stroke of philosophical comic book genius. There is a careful balance in this book, between philosophy and expertly rendered action, that really makes it into something special. Ellis lifts Karnak from a c-list nerd, to a complex, and intriguing character, whom I only want to read more about. I wish there was more, and I wish people appreciated this series. One of the better books I've read in recent history. ...more
This is a very different approach to not just an Eternal Warrior book, but a Valiant book in general.
The team is a consistent pairing of Venditti and This is a very different approach to not just an Eternal Warrior book, but a Valiant book in general.
The team is a consistent pairing of Venditti and Raul Allen, who brings some great artwork to the typically plain Valiant books of recent memory. His layouts are gorgeous, and the silent moments of this book really work. Not a ton happens here, but in Valiant's four-issue format, the Risen story-arc does a lot for Gilad's mythology, and is a passionate breath of fresh air from the usual Valiant tropes.
I really enjoyed my time with it. It's over quickly, and the ending makes me wonder if the quality can keep up beyond this volume, but it's worth your ten dollars if you're a thirsty Valiant fan. ...more
Thankfully, this volume does not actually crossover with the 4001 AD event at all. Really, the 4001 AD event reads like the actual volume four of Rai,Thankfully, this volume does not actually crossover with the 4001 AD event at all. Really, the 4001 AD event reads like the actual volume four of Rai, while this volume is more of a "zero issue" situation. Without the spectacular Clayton Crain, Kindt tells us the history of New Japan's Rai's. Cafu provides some great art, but Crain's absence is notable. The stories are all serviceable, and help enrich the Rai mythology. I enjoyed the read, it was simple and easy to appreciate, but nothing moving or particularly stellar. Not necessary reading for the Valiant U or even for Rai fans, but inoffensive and a fine distraction none the less. ...more
I'm impressed! Rai is one of the best titles Valiant is currently producing, and this event (which could have easily been Rai volume 4) was bombastic I'm impressed! Rai is one of the best titles Valiant is currently producing, and this event (which could have easily been Rai volume 4) was bombastic and fun. It didn't read like a big crossover, for which I am thankful, though I don't really understand why they decided to separate it from Rai proper at all.
Some really neat things happen though, and with Crain behind the artwork, you know that it was all gorgeous. We get a very cool look at some crazy giant X-O armor, and even get to see New Japan unfold into a brilliantly illustrated dragon-beast. The plot sagged behind the vibrant imagery for a while, but by the end I was genuinely surprised with Valiant's follow-through.
In the final pages of this trade, massive, untidy changes to the (4kAD) Valiant U occur, wrapping up Rai's first arc nicely, and pushing things into the future. That mentality from a shared universe comic books publisher impresses me, and made me feel gooey inside. ...more
This started off super promising. The characters felt alive, and the dialogue didn't suck, so already we're over the usual Lemire hump. Emi Lenox brinThis started off super promising. The characters felt alive, and the dialogue didn't suck, so already we're over the usual Lemire hump. Emi Lenox brings a lot of heart to the book, and I love all of the character designs. The book is solid and charming at first, with an engaging premise, but by the end, really falls flat.
I hate to say it, but I felt this one dissolving in my hands. We crept towards the ending, with a particularly dumb twist in Teddy's turn. Going the creepy kid in the woods route was not where I thought this one should have been headed. Then the whole final scene between the kids with Plutona at the end was head-spinningly bad, just so that Lemire could have the ending how I figure he first imagined it. All the book's careful nuance goes out the window in the final issue, and left me absolutely deflated.
It was worth the read, and the first couple issues are a clean 4 stars, just don't expect a masterwork....more
This reboot of Moon Knight is beautiful, exciting, fast-paced, and for the first few issues, brilliant. Really, between the challenging narrative and This reboot of Moon Knight is beautiful, exciting, fast-paced, and for the first few issues, brilliant. Really, between the challenging narrative and Smallwood's gorgeous artwork, this is shaping up to be one of my favorite current Marvel titles. Moon Knight does a brilliant job of affecting the reader's mind, really forcing you to struggle with the narrative, unsure of what's real and what's illusion, as Marc himself struggles with the same.
That ending though was so ridiculously bad, that as a volume, this book gets robbed at the last moment. We rush to a conclusion in issue five. After slowly losing our supporting cast, we make it to the final pages, and a big reveal occurs. The gears are turning, and we're hoping that Lemire finally ties the knot, and makes his intentions known, granting us that big aha moment that we're practically begging for at this point. Instead, a handful of the dumbest pages I've ever read in my entire life occur, stealing all of the creative momentum of the book. We actually finish this title with the most unsatisfying "The end?" I've ever encountered. It's an amateurish cop out, and while I hope volume two can redeem this move, I mostly feel like a dummy for getting so invested and excited for this new, sincerely promising take on one of my favorite heroes. ...more
Book of Death is an odd animal. At times, it is blatantly aping DC's Animal Man/ Swamp Thing crossover. It's presented as an event book, but really juBook of Death is an odd animal. At times, it is blatantly aping DC's Animal Man/ Swamp Thing crossover. It's presented as an event book, but really just reads like an Eternal Warrior solo outing. Doug Braithwaite illustrates it... but only a few choice pages each issue, leaving David Baron's sub-par pencils in lofty company. There's all sorts of intrigue and potential here, and while parts of Book of Death are exciting, most of it is hollow, and a grim reminder of what the Valiant U has fallen to since it's brilliant resurrection.
Still, it's not a terrible read and I don't feel like I wasted my time. We get to see Master Darque return, and while his motivations here are thin, if you're familiar with the character from Shadowman, he'll fit comfortably in the narrative. Gilad gets a few cool moments, taking on Unity, and mentoring Tama. The alternate future is neat to look at, as alternate futures are, though I'll admit, Valiant sure is risking alternate future fatigue these days. I wish Baron's art were a little more up to standard. There are some seriously derpy faces and ugly hands, amidst some truly confusing, momentum stealing action. Oh, also, why in the world was Punk Mambo here? She's a bad character, who had absolutely no reason to be here besides the apparent crossover nature of this title. ...more
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