A great revival of Slott's previous run. I love how Slott is alwaysable to recreate the soap opra-like feeling of the Lee/Ditko Spider-man, but for thA great revival of Slott's previous run. I love how Slott is alwaysable to recreate the soap opra-like feeling of the Lee/Ditko Spider-man, but for the modern era, and Bagley's artwork is a great match for that tone. ...more
A BIG part of the low rating is that the main villain's origin story and motivations are not explained until the ANNUAL AT THE END OF THE BOOK. And noA BIG part of the low rating is that the main villain's origin story and motivations are not explained until the ANNUAL AT THE END OF THE BOOK. And not in like a dramatic flashback reveal either: the annual literally takes place first chronologically. Not sure if this was a mistake in the original publishing order or not. So READ THE LAST CHAPTER FIRST.
Similarly, despite having read the main Bat books from around this time period, I'm not sure when or in what books the bulk of the "Queen Ivy" story happens (at least part of it seems to be in Catwoman), so that added to the confusion as well.
Rosmo's art seems even more chaotic in this one, and it does not help that the style seen in the annual works much better for this book. ...more
While the previous volume felt a bit thin on story, this third installment in the Percy Jackson series seemed to be throwing everything at the wall toWhile the previous volume felt a bit thin on story, this third installment in the Percy Jackson series seemed to be throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks. The format is similar to the cross-country road trip of the first book, but with so many unnecessary complications, abrupt revelations, and random, unrelated mythological figures that by the time Percy and crew arrived at San Francisco, I was seriously confused.
Character introduction and progression is also messy. After the character of Thalia was so hyped up in the previous books, I was excited to see what kind of relationship her and Percy would form. Unfortunately, the jump forward in time between books means that they are all ready pretty much best friends, making her feel just like another Annabeth (who is conveniently absent for most of the story). Instead, we get yet another headstrong character for Percy to clash with that takes over the role that seemed designed for Thalia, only for both characters to seemingly depart from the main narrative by book's close. (view spoiler)[Another new character is introduced only to be fridged in order to motivate her nerdy brother (hide spoiler)].
While worldbuilding is strong at the story's open, introducing two new Olympians in an exciting, organic way, it eventually becomes a casualty of the nonsensical plot. The most jarring element is Dionysus directly intervening from a far to defeat a monster, something we have been explicitly told the gods do not do. Speaking of monsters, they seem even more video game-like in this book than in previous volumes.
Audio narrator Jesse Bernstein seemed particularly overwhelmed during this one, particularly with all the new female and adult characters. He continues to make problematic choices, such as his portrayal of Annabeth's Asian stepmom.
Riordan writes a good stinger, and the ending of this book is no exception. Is that enough to keep me interested in the series? If they payoff of the previous book's ending is any indication, probably not....more
Comic book continuations of material from other media always face the dilemma of being true to the source material while doing their own thing. For thComic book continuations of material from other media always face the dilemma of being true to the source material while doing their own thing. For the most part, Franklin is pretty true to the characterizations of Harley and Ivy established by the animated series (though some of the minor characters seem a bit off) while adding her own depictions of queer women of color. Similarly, Sarin's artwork, reminiscent of Tex Avery and Erica Henderson, clearly uses the show's models as a basis, but adds a sense of wackiness that makes these characters pop off the page. In fact, more so than in the source material, the humor primarily comes from the visuals rather than the dialogue. While the miniseries isn't quite as clever with the DC lore as its source material, it is still a pleasant romp through a new chapter in Harley and Ivy's relationship....more
It takes a bit for Thompson to find Wade's voice (she has a tendency to go overly wordy even for the Merc with a Mouth without a real punchline), but It takes a bit for Thompson to find Wade's voice (she has a tendency to go overly wordy even for the Merc with a Mouth without a real punchline), but by the end of the volume I was hooked on Deadpool's new role as the King of the Monters (or Staten Island). Similarly, the first arc's artwork is Bachalo at his most chaotic, but the later issues have a more grounded style that is a bit easier to process. ...more
The art style can be a bit grating at times (particularly the weird double chins and beards on the larger men that look more like goiters) but never wThe art style can be a bit grating at times (particularly the weird double chins and beards on the larger men that look more like goiters) but never went too crazy. ...more
I normally like a good nautical adventure, but the actual time on the water in this was very brief and felt rushed. In general, this second installmenI normally like a good nautical adventure, but the actual time on the water in this was very brief and felt rushed. In general, this second installment had a bad case of middle book syndrome, feeling like set-up for more exciting developments later on.
The audio version also felt a bit ableist in the way the cyclops characters were portrayed, and they were hard to distinguish from one another. ...more
An excellent standalone romp featuring classic versions of its lead characters. Of course, with Barry doing more of the talking, it's hard for this noAn excellent standalone romp featuring classic versions of its lead characters. Of course, with Barry doing more of the talking, it's hard for this not to feel more like a Flash book, but Aquaman has some great moments as well, particularly near the end. ...more
An excellent Jim Gordon story if not quite a Joker one. I wish Francavilla had been the main artist both because he fits Jim Gordon's perspective bettAn excellent Jim Gordon story if not quite a Joker one. I wish Francavilla had been the main artist both because he fits Jim Gordon's perspective better and because I can't stand March's Joker, especially the red-blue heterochromia in the eyes. ...more
I was hesitant going into this since I don't really care for Romita Jr's artwork and I normally think of Wells as more of a fill-in or tie-in writer, I was hesitant going into this since I don't really care for Romita Jr's artwork and I normally think of Wells as more of a fill-in or tie-in writer, but I was pleasantly surprised. A solid Tombstone story with some well-composed action sequences. I hope the mystery of what Peter did to piss everyone off does not linger for much longer though. ...more
The composition is magnificent as always, but it seemed like the art style was inconsistent throughout this book. The first chapter seems more rough, The composition is magnificent as always, but it seemed like the art style was inconsistent throughout this book. The first chapter seems more rough, rounded and looser with proportions (not unlike early TMNT), while later chapters use more of a thin-line technique with more angular figures. The warrior coming of age story itself seems pretty standard, albeit intense. ...more
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