Justice League #15 Review

I only got back into this series due to the whole Superman / Wonder Woman romance that has started to develop. I believe that was in issue #13. Issue #14 I thought was pretty good, but I found it to be lacking in certain areas.
I wasn't even planning on picking this issue up until I saw it in my LCS and thought: "Oh go on then". With the promise of a new crossover event, and also being told that "A bold new era begins", I found that I could just not resist. So with all that in mind, lets see how I found this issue.

This issue is laying the foundations for the major crossover event titles "Throne of Atlantis"; and I think it does an excellent job in doing so. This issue is very action packed, which is something that everyone wants from a JL book; but it really needs to be done well, and in this issue it certainly is. You really get a sense of the massive scale of destruction that is happening now, as well as the potential damage that could happen to the world in the future of this event. The danger towards the human race feels big enough to be taken seriously which is something that can be hard to do in a first issue of a major event. However, I think Geoff Johns does a great job with it in this particular issue.
 There is also a lot of explanation from Aquaman to just what is happening; which is something I think is needed considering I am not really too familiar with Atlantis and its residents. This also helps to build to the danger of what is happening, as well as how monumental this series could potentially be.

My favorite bits of this issue were the character moments between Superman and Wonder Woman. I loved how he is trying to help her fit in with normal human life; which is something that she has never really attempted to do. While I found it all very cute, it still fit in with the main story running through the issue, as we saw our heroes get drawn into a battle to save Metropolis. Some of the art on show in this scene was awesome, and a nice double page spread helped to show the destruction that was happening to the city. The teamwork between the two was also great to see in this scene in order to help save the day.

When talking about the Justice League you really cant not mention the Shazam story which is at the back end of every issue. It is something that I really really enjoy, and I really believe that an ongoing series of this character would sell really well. However, for now it makes the 3.99 price of this book more than acceptable considering the amount of content on offer.

I really enjoyed this issue, so much show that I have bought Aquaman #15 as I have been informed that it carries on from where this book left off. Considering I have never read any Aquaman, this is a pretty big achievement for this book to make people like me do this. I am very interested in this major event, and I am just hoping that a level of consistency can be reached month to month in order to keep me interested. This is something that I have found JL to struggle with in the past, and I am really rooting for them to succeed this time around.

Rating: 9 / 10

Avenging Spider Man #15.1 Review

For those of you who don't know; this leads on directly from the events in ASM #700. So in other words, if you have not read that then do not read this if you do not want ASM to be spoiled for you. Right now that the housekeeping is done, lets dive into this issue!

As some of you may have noticed, I do not pick this book up normally. The only reason I did was because it has the all new Superior Spider Man; I really did not dare miss it. So what we get in this book is a very dialogue heavy issue which focuses on the first few days after Peter Parker died and Doc Ock took over his body.
I think this was a very well written story which progressed perfectly. Doc Ock was first just very happy to have beaten his age old nemesis, then he realized just how much time and ability Peter Parker had wasted in his life. He saw that there was some great potential for him to achieve great things; things which Peter could only dream if doing. The issue concluded with Doc Ock realizing that even though he always thought himself superior to Peter, he always ending up getting beaten by Spider Man. This made he reassess his own achievements in life. He then went on to promise to beat everything that Doc Ock had achieved too.
As mentioned earlier I think it was really well written. The first few pages made me think that Doc was going to be a complete asshole, but the book ended on a positive note for me. In fact, it ended in a quite similar way to ASM; which is not a bad thing.

There is not much to say about this issue, but I still think it a must read just to see what was going through Doc's mind after he became Superior Spider Man. Getting to grips with Peter's life is sure to be a challenge; as well as doing things for the greater good. In this issue he actually stopped a robber who he was planning on letting go. He seemed to act on impulse; and I am very interested to see if this theme continues in Superior. I wonder if somewhere deep down Peter is still actually there? Hmmm.

I highly recommend this book, and I am sure most Spidey fans will be picking it up this week. Considering Dan Slott did not touch this issue, I am very impressed with the results. I also think that this issue acts as a nice little prologue for Superior Spider Man; in fact it could have even been an #0 issue. I am now beyond excited for Superior #1 to hit next month now; which means that this issue has done its job successfully.

Rating: 9 / 10

Amazing Spider Man #700 Review *SPOILERS*

Wow. Just wow. This book is absolutely amazing. I have always had faith in Dan Slott, and I feel like as a Spidey fan, I am being rewarded. The ending of this book made me legitimately close to tears, which I dont think has happened to me before in regards to a comic book. That just goes to show how powerful a writer Dan is, and just how much he has put into this final issue.

I am attempting not to give too many spoilers, but some things I just have to mention. For one, I loved how throughout the whole issue we were teased that Peter Parker would do it. We were teased that he was going to find a way to get himself out of this horrendous situation he found himself in; but he never did.
 I went into the issue believing that Doc Ock would be Spider Man in Superior, and I think everyone else did too, but the way Dan made me doubt myself just shows how great of a writer he is. The back and forth between them, always outsmarting each other, was great to see. It was clear to see how much the characters were battling to win this final confrontation; almost like they knew the consequences were as huge to them as they were to the fans reading the book.

What I also got from this issue was how it felt like the final 20 minutes of a film. The tension and drama in the main story were like nothing I have ever read. Obviously I think this what helped due to us readers knowing what was at stake, but still.
The two backup stories were also very nicely done. They both had a feeling of nostalgia, as well as a massive theme of saying goodbye. They really helped this issue make "the end" feel legitimate. For lifelong Spidey fans this book will really pull on your heartstrings. 

Dan Slott should be very proud of what he and his team have created here. I follow him on twitter and it is clear that many people hate what he has done at the end of this issue. If I was him I would take that as a compliment as I do not believe there is a comic book in history that has implications as big as this. One day I expect Peter Parker to be brought back to life, mainly due to the Amazing Spider Man 2 film. However, right now I am very excited to jump on the Superior Spider Man and just see where things go from there. Remember, Slott is a lifelong Spidey fan, he will NOT mess this up.


Rating: 10 / 10

Comic Book Reviews

Comeback #2 - N / A

 I guess if you can be bothered to really concentrate then this is a great book. Unfortunately I can not be bothered with it. I may pick up the trade of this when it comes out, as it is good, but I just cant get my head round it from month to month I guess. Not going to rate it as I don't think it would be justified enough.


Avengers Arena #1 - 8.5 / 10
Avengers Arena #2 - 8 / 10

I am currently loving this series. It is getting some very mixed reviews. You are either going to love it or hate it, and to be honest I thought I would hate it. I love the concept, which has been used before obviously, but in this it is all in homage rather than trying to steal it; the covers tell you that themselves.
Th only character I knew going into this was X-23, but the writing is just so good that it really does not matter if you know none of them to begin with. A fantastic series which I am going to be keeping my eyes on.


My reviews for this week are officially done! I have had some time off work so got quite a few done this week. I hope you are all continuing to enjoy them, as much as I am continuing to write them. I do this blog mainly for myself as it is something I get pleasure out of, but it is also great to see that people are actually reading it and are interested in what I have to say. So thank you very much for checking it out. As always any feedback is always welcome.

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy yourselves with your family and those closest to you. I know I will :)

Ultimate Spider Man #18 Review

I have not really been a massive fan of the "United We Stand" crossover events across the Ultimate titles. This may be down to the fact that I only read Ultimate Spider Man. Anyway, I was very glad to see the back of it in this issue. Saying that, this was a really solid issue, and I think it made the event better than I first thought; concerning Spider Man anyway.

I really enjoyed the first page of the comic which gave a brief recap of the big battle between Hydra and SHIELD. Its not that I needed a recap, but it is good to have one seeing as I was not always too focused with this title while this event has been taking place. Plus the art for the battle panel looked epic.

I thought the fight between Miles and Giant Woman was pretty good.It was what it was; helping to fill a few pages, but regardless it was still very enjoyable. It also had some pretty good comic elements in it too that reminded the reader that Miles is a teenage boy at the end of the day, and that he does not see giant women on a regular basis.
Quite a big reveal in this issue was something that Miles' father had done. It is pretty shocking, and I don't believe the reader knew he had done this until this current issue. I am sure that this will start to have an effect on him in upcoming issues, which should make for some pretty interesting character development.

As mentioned earlier I am pretty glad that this event has been wrapped up, and I am pretty sure that USM will go back to being the book that has given it as much recognition as it has been receiving. Bendis did a great job in this issue, and I am very excited for #19 to come out in the new year; especially considering who has been advertised to be in it.


Rating: 8 / 10

Captain America #2 Review

This feels like not Cap book that I have ever read before. So much so that if you took Cap out of it then you would just think it was a creator owned comic book or something along those lines. Thats is not a bad thing at all, as after Brubaker it was always going to be hard to follow on from his amazing run. So what is the best thing to do? Make a book that no one expected and make it more interesting than anyone thought possible. Congratulations Remender and Romita, this series has me firmly on board.

We start this issue one year in the future as Cap and the little boy he helped escape from Zora are still trapped in the wilderness of Dimension Z. Here follows villains that speak very strangely, and look like something from another dimension. Romita's artwork in this makes the world look horrendous. You really feel how huge the task is for Cap and Ian just from Romita's environment.
Speaking of Ian, he is a character who is getting pretty much no development. I am not sure if he even had any dialogue this issue. This could be due to the fact that Remender may be killing him off soon, I dont know. I am just going to go along with it for now though as this lack of development with Ian does not take anything away from the book at all.
One thing I did really like about this issue, and what seems to be an ongoing thing in this series, is the flashbacks to Cap's upbringing. I am very engaged in these, and find them very informative. They also link loosely with events that are happening in the present which is quite clever.

I would highly suggest picking this book up even if you are not a Cap fan. It is NOT a traditional Cap book, and I think many people will be surprised by just how good it actually is. Plus Cap has a beard and long hair, which in my books makes this series pretty awesome.


Rating: 8 / 10

Wolverine and the X-Men #22 Review

This murder circus story line is clearly not Jason Aaron's best work. If this was the first arc you pick up on this title then you will not realize just how good and consistent this title has been since its inception. Saying that, I absolutely loved this issue from start to finish. In #21 I was not too sure about this whole arc and wanted to get it out of the way, but some of the character moments in this issue were fantastic. I am also pretty sure that this issue may possibly be the most beautiful out of the whole series.

The person who came out of this issue with some great development was Idie. I have never really read much about her before so it was s surprise for me to see just how bad ass she can be. She also had some awesome interactions with the member of the Hellfire club who Frankensteins' monster was originally after. Her trusting and helpful side really came out as she was not prepared to see a child get slaughtered, however she is totally oblivious to who he actually is.
Speaking of the Hellfire club member, whose name currently escapes me. He is a total ass, which makes sense considering what organisation he is a part of. However, Idie touches him in this issue and he is left in a tough situation come the end of the issue.

Not much else really happened in the issue apart from the X Men slowly starting to remember who they are, and some of the newer students getting beat up by their teachers. For most series this would be a really slow issue, that would read like it was phones in. However in this series it is yet another fantastic issue. The storyline is not exactly out of this world, but the writing and the characters involved definitely make up for that. Not to mention the pencils and colors. The best team in comics right now for sure.

It seems like this arc will be concluding next issue, which is fine with me. At one point I thought that I could not wait for this arc to end, now though after being 2/3 through, I can honestly say I am eagerly anticipating the next issue. This arc has been very enjoyable, and I can not wait for even more character development, which I am sure will follow as that has really been Aaron's thing with this book.


Rating: 9 / 10

Supergirl #15 Review

This is without a doubt most of the most under rated ongoing series out there at the moment. I have said this before, but each issue my opinion is confirmed. I do not know what the sales are like for this book but I can gurantee that not as many people are buying it is they should be. In this installment we saw Kara and H'el become a bit closer, as well as a bit of an insight into H'el's life before he became what he is.

I am a big fan of the character H'el. Many people find it hard to get past his name and just how cliche it is, but I really don't have a problem with it. I am still not sure on his true intentions and that is down to how well he is being written. He seems to be a good guy at the moment but I get the feeling he may be playing Kara. If that is true then the fallout is going to massive, and it will no doubt see Kara going through some difficult changes and realizations about life.
She is a very complex character who is in a very strange situation. It is hard not to like her, and very hard not to worry about her getting hurt. The character building for her has been tremendous and I would go as far as saying that she is one of my favorite characters in the New 52 reboot.

I always go on about art but honestly the pencils in this book are just unbelievable. The best way to describe them would be "scratchy" I guess, but I recommend checking it out for yourselves. Some of the panels, or should I say most of the panels, are fantastic. It is in the characters that the art in this book really stands out. Kara looks stunning as usual, while my favorite version of H'el is in this series.

I cant wait for the next issue to see how Kara and Hel's "relationship" has developed, and to hopefully find out H'el's true intentions. What frustrates me about this series is that it is so hard to find reviews for it. Type "Supergirl #15 review" on a search engine and what you will notice straight away is the absence of the big comic book sites on the search results. This series is getting ignored for some reason and that should really not be the case. If you are buying this book then well done for supporting it, and if you are not then I really suggest giving it a try.

Rating: 9 / 10

Happy #3 Review

Ah the Grant Morrison book about a imaginary blue horse called Happy has released its penultimate issue; and what a cracker it is. We got to learn more about Nicks back story, which included how his life has got to the point where it is currently at. We also learned what is happening to the children who have been kidnapped; and trust me, it is very disturbing.

This was yet again another fantastic issue, but I am slightly worried as there is only one issue left and I feel there is a lot more story to tell. Unless the last issue is double sized which I do not believe it is. We learned so much about Nick in this issue, and I think with this knowledge the series could have done with being a six issue run; but never mind.
Speaking of Nick, he comes across in this issue like he has in the previous two issues; as a complete douche bag. As a person I absolutely despise him, but he doesn't half make a very interesting comic book character. He is very self centered and unwilling to help others, but as I have mentioned we now understand why he is like this a lot more due to the flashbacks.

The art is once again fantastic. The world this is set in is disgusting. It is a grimy and ugly place, but it looks beautifully disgusting. The characters all fit the world perfectly due to their own personal seediness and ugliness. The one character that jumps out of the book every panel he is in is Happy the horse. Panels with him look beautiful due to his bright colours against the contrasting backdrop.

I really cant wait for the last issue of this series which should hit shelves next month. It has been a fantastic read and I am very eager to see if everything is going to be wrapped up. This is a Grant Morrison book so I think there may be some kind of shock conclusion which the readers did not see coming. As long as there is no time travel involved, I am sure it is going to rock.

Rating: 9 / 10

Green Lantern #15 Review

Once again this issue focuses around the new Green Lantern: Baz. The Third Army are also a bit more visible in this issue which is also great to see. The pace of this arc has been nothing short of brilliant, and The Third Army are developing at a great rate. Yes, they became more visible this issue, but that was only a small part of them.

I am loving this current Green Lantern run and I am loving Baz; who I think is a fantastic addition to the series as a whole. In this issue he goes to the mans house whose van he stole. What this leads to is a really tense scene that has a twist in it that I do not think any reader really saw coming.
The ending of the book also once again teased the threat of the First Lantern. It seems like he is the key to stopping the Guardians from destroying the universe; he will escape sooner rather than later I feel.
Sinestro and Jordan also may a brief appearance, and something was confirmed to us which I think everybody already knew. I like Baz a lot but I do miss these guys. I hope they come back at some point; properly.

There is not too much to say about this book. The story arc continues at the same pace that it has been doing. If you are following this series then no doubt you will love it. However, if you are not reaing it then this really is not much of a jumping on point. Once again the art is absolutely stunning, and is another reason why this book is so great. What I noticed this month is that this book is a 2.99 book. Yes, 2.99! I really didnt know that. In other words, that makes this series an absolute steal.


Rating: 9 / 10

Hawkeye #6 Review

Matt Fraction and David Aja are back together for the first time in two issues. I enjoyed the guys art who stepped in for Aja, but good god I really did not know how much I missed him until I read this issue. This story focuses on 6 days in the life of Hawkeye leading up to Christmas. Once again Fraction uses a story telling tactic that is not linear in the slightest, and once again executes it to a very high level.

I have thought this about many Hawkeye issues, but it is even truer for this issue; you can read it over and over and not get bored of it. The way it is structured means you can read it again and most probably pick up on things that you missed during the first read through. The art by David Aja also helps with this as he fits so many panels into one page so you cant possibly see everything first time around; unless you spent half an hour reading it.
The dialogue is also perfect, as it has been for the whole series. The way people talk to each in real life situations just feels so natural. I know I have mentioned that in previous reviews but it is just so true. There is also humor throughout the whole issue; which can be seen on pretty much every page. However, it never feels out of place or forced, and I would go as far as saying that it helps with the flow of the book. One thing is for sure, it most definitely has helped this title become as successful as it has.
What was also very nice about this issue is that is was based around Christmas. It is the first Marvel book I have read this year that is focused around the event, and that is something that I like. It has a happy Christmassy kind of ending but not in a cheesy fashion; just executed very well. This is without a doubt Marvel's most consistent book, and I am sure Fraction will be keeping it up for a while. He has a winning formula with this title, so why change it?

This is a rare book that you just know with each issue you open a few different things will happen: a) you will be blown away by the dialogue, b) you will laugh at the jokes c) you will stare at panels due to how beautiful they are. I really am running out of things to say in each review I do on this series. Why would you not be reading this?


Rating: 9 / 10

Indestructible Hulk #2 Review

My second Mark Waid review of the week. He has done great things on Daredevil and he promised to do the same thing with this character too. I really enjoyed issue #1, so I was very eager to read this when I picked it up. It is a strange one because this issue feels like a filler issue, however it is still enjoyable and is what I consider to be a very solid book.

In this issue we were introduced to Tony Stark as he made an appearance to see what the hell was going on with Banner, and why he has decided to do good with his life. I really enjoyed the interactions between these two characters in this issue, and I really enjoyed the eventual mini battle that they were involved in. The art made the battle look scrappy and quite confused, but I think that was the perfect way to show it. These two know each other very well and the battle has a very personal feel to it that I really liked.

Apart from that not too much happened in this issue, but you get the impression after reading it that the first real story arc will begin next issue. Waid has spent the first two issues making readers interested in a character who tends to get overlooked, so I am more than happy with how these first two issues have gone. I also love the artwork in this book, but I hope all battles don't look as confusing as this one and the one in the previous issue. I mentioned it working in this battle between The Hulk and Iron Man, but it cant work for every fight scene with any characters.

I am enjoying this book immensely and cant wait for the next issue. I said in my review of #1 that I think this is The Hulk book that I have been waiting for and I still think that is the case. Waid has done such a great job with Daredevil to make him interesting and relevant again, and I have complete faith in him in doing the same thing here. I am just very eager to read the first proper story arc to get more of a feel of the character, and whatever villains Waid decides to pit him up against.

Rating:  8 / 10

Daredevil #21 Review

This issue concludes the this story arc in this Eisner award winning series. Mark Waid has had a fantastic 2012, and this book was a nice way to end it, with a very nice teaser for the first issue of the new year. Coyote and The Spot are both defeated in this issue, and the rest of the issue is pretty much filled with character moments. But we all know how Waid does character moments, so there are no complaints from me.

The Foggy-Matt relationship still remains unfixed at the end of this issue. Foggy is sorry for not trusting his friend when he came to him for help, but he still thinks that Matt is not right and maybe untrustworthy. This obviously annoys Matt, just as much as it would annoy anyone in what they consider to be a key friendship. I like how everything has changed in this relationship. It is now Matt who is annoyed at Foggy, so it is going to be fun to see if Foggy is going to come begging Matt for forgiveness, or whether Matt is even going to care about his one time best pal. I think that eventually they will once again become friends, probably through working on case of some sort together. However, for now I am really enjoying this as it adds real drama to each issue these guys are featured in together.

I also really liked the scene with Matt's letter to Milla. It showed just how much she still means ti him, as well as how bad he still feel for events that have happened. It was also sad to see that she is not actually receiving any of these letters as they are getting intercepted by her Doctors.
The big shock of the issue was in the last couple of pages, and I am going to avoid giving any spoilers away. Kirsten is seen talking to someone hiding in the shadows about taking down Daredevil. We then see this character as they repond to what they have been asked to do. It is clear who it is, and I am very excited to see this character appearing in the new book of this series.

Once again Mark Waid has delivered a nice solid book in this series which was a great way to end this story arc. Waid is great at writing issues that end one arc, while leaving so many questions and options left for him going into the next arc. Samnees' art was once again very nice. The understanding he has with Waid is superb, and it feels like he was meant to draw this book. That is a term I use a lot but I really think it is true when Samnee is involved. I cant wait to see where this book goes in 2013.


Rating: 8.5 / 10

Saga #8 Review

I think enough has been said about Saga over the last year; well enough so that everybody knows just how great it is. In fact, I don't think I have ever read or heard about anyone not liking this series. It has also recently won awards from certain websites for being series of the year, which I could not agree more on. So how good was the last issue of 2012? Extremely.

The issue started with us seeing how Alana and Marko first met which was very interesting to see. This is something that I am sure we will see more of, and it could even be a book in itself. Vaughan has got himself a great series here which is obviously based in the present, but he has done a great job to make readers interested in what happened in the past in this world. The relationship between the couple is heartwarming an feels so real; that is a main reason this series is so successful. So, he can write as many issues as he wants that focus on their past and I for one will not be complaining.

The past was not the only thing focused on in this particular issue. We also saw a lot more of the in laws, as they are split between the couple in different locations. The development of the relationship between Alana and Marko's dad was fantastically done. He seems like a very understanding man who will do anything for the ones he loves. Alana has taken to him, and he to her as he can see just how much his son means to her. I am very eager to read more about them as their dynamic is perfect. Vaughn has made readers care about a character who has appeared in a grand total of two issues. Yes, this series is magical.
The less interesting part of this issue was Marko and his mum dealing with a giant monster named Fard. His mum seems like a real judgmental bitch. However, I am learning to love to hate her after only two issues. I am starting to sound like a broken record, but the character development in this book is beyond anything I have read for along time.

Vaughn enjoys his final page spreads to end issues and chapter eight is no exception. The introduction of a new character in the final page actually left me with my mouth open. I then went on to shake my head with a wry smile thinking: "How the hell is this book so good".
Brian K. Vaughan accompanied by Fiona Staples on art delivered big time once again this month with a well written, beautifully drawn issue. This series does not seem to be losing momentum anytime soon. I wonder if it will be win awards for the best series of 2013? I would not bet against it.

Rating: 9.5 / 10

Thor God Of Thunder #3 Review

Jason Aaron continues the amazing form he is on right now with this superb installment of the Norse God. In it we see flashbacks of the younger Thor after his battle with the God Butcher, a long with present day Thor investigating the recent deaths of Gods.

This book was slightly like Avengers #2 in the way that the story flip flopped from two different times, and completely nailed it. Jason Aaron has created a book that could very easily be really confusing to read; but is instead an absolute joy, It is very easy to keep track of what is happening; which I am very glad about due to sometimes getting confused with these types of stories.

The arrogance of the younger version of Thor is fantastic to read about. His main concerns seem to be women and beer; as well as fighting of course. In a scene concerning the present day Thor, we were told by a different character how he used to behave when he came to visit him. It was fascinating to see the hatred pour out of this old mans body towards Thor, as well as seeing just how much the God of thunder has matured since that time. That is something else that is great about this book; you really can tell the difference between all three Thor's. You can tell it is the same guy, but it is someone has learned many lessons throughout his life as it has progressed. Credit once again needs to go to the great Jason Aaron who really seems to understand the character, and understand just how much a person can change in a lifetime.

The art was once again superb. It matches the book completely, and the mythical Gods that we see throughout the issue look stunning. The colors go a long way in helping with that, so credit must also be given to them also.

The last couple of pages of this issue have once again left me in baited breath waiting for the next installment where we will no doubt learn more about the God butcher, a long with the arrogance of young Thor. This book is a great read, and I really feel like I am learning a lot about a character who I have not really read a lot about previously.


Rating: 8.5 / 10

Avengers #2 Review

This series is going to be epic. You can tell that already after reading the first two issues. Jonathan Hickman is building something here that should not be missed. It feels very refreshing compared to other Avenger related titles of late, and is something that I want to read more of instantly after putting an issue down.

In this issue the story goes backwards and forwards between the Avengers held captive on Mars and Captain America and Iron Man building an extended team to rescue them and defeat the new villains. This could have easily been two issues which may have been an easier way for Hickman to tell this story. However, he has gone for the harder route, but he has definitely conquered it. The way this issue flowed was terrific, and it still has that epic movie feel which I liked so much about issue one.

I really enjoyed hearing more from the new villains who are holding Earths mightiest heroes on Mars. Their plan to change earth for what they see as the better, to me anyway, is a very unique idea which I enjoyed hearing the back story for.
Also, seeing the team come together was also nice. It is something that has been done before obviously, but I really enjoyed some of the character moments on show which were quite humorous; which is in contrast to what this book is.

The art was once again outstanding, and may even be better than what was on show in the first issue. It is art which I was not too familiar with going into this series, but I keep finding myself spending some time looking at certain panels and just thinking: "Wow".

All in all this is once again another great issue which is just a small part of this epic scale world that Hickman is creating. I find myself looking forward to the next issue; which I am sure will be great due to what I believe may be a big battle between the extended team and these bad guys. I am sure the art will also flourish if the next issue is built in that way. If you are an Avengers fan then you really need to check this book out. One of the books of the week for sure.


Rating: 8.5 / 10

Comic Book Ratings

Amazing Spider Man #699.1 = 8.5 / 10

I enjoyed this issue a lot more than I thought that I would. I had little to no interest in Morbius before reading this issue, yet now I think I will pick up #1 when it drops. This was a nice little origin story, and I am very intrigued about the future for the living vampire.

Iron Man #4 = 6 / 10

I am starting to get bored of this storyline now. The first three issues of this series I really enjoyed, however this installment is just poor. The story is pretty dreadful, and I can now say that I am sick of the art. It is just plain bad. I hope this series picks up after the next issue, when this story arc has ended, because I love the character.


Fantastic Four #2 - 8 / 10

Nice issue. Story hasn't progressed too much, but Fraction has a great feel for the characters and the team as a whole. This is one of my favorite Marvel Now titles, and I am hoping that now the team are in space the story will continue to be of the same high standards.

The Walking Dead #105 Review

Book of the month. I feel like ending my review right there. This book is amazing and is one of the best issues of TWD that I have ever read. Considering this is issue #105, that is pretty impressive. This book is nowhere near slowing down.

This issue focuses on pretty much just two characters; Carl and Negan. After the events of last issue that saw Carl gun down loads of Negan's men in his own backyard, we go into this issue wondering just how Negan will react. What was cool about #105 was how we got to see the way Negan runs his group of survivors. It is clear that they listen to him and respect him, but a lot of this seems to be out of fear. This is completely understandable though due to the fact that Negan most of the time acts like a complete freak. They way he spoke to one of his four wives ( yes, four ), sent a chill down my spine. The fear really jumped off the page, as we saw how Negan had ruined a relationship simply for his own gain.

Soon after this we see one of the most horrifying images of this series. Negan makes Carl do something which he did not wish to do, and the full page spread we are treated to actually made me wince. It is not a pretty sight. The way Negan reacted to this was also very strange. He laughed and made fun out of Carl like he was a child, which once again showed just how unstable and unpredictable this character is.

We also see how he treats members of his group who disobey the rules. Three words: hot, iron, face. It is not very pleasant. The book ends with Negan telling Carl that he still needs to decide how to punish him, which is extraordinary as Carl has been mentally broken down throughout the whole issue. You get the feeling that he thought he was big and tough, but after being in Negan's hands for a while, he has realised that he is only a boy and that he needs his dad.

I have read some theories that everything Carl is doing is part of Rick's grand plan to defeat Negan. I am not too sure, but I am willing to be we will find out next issue as we rejoin the group. This is a great series and you get the feeling that Kirkman is really stepping up his game. The Governor is currently the character dominating the TV series, but I really believe that Negan is more terrifying and much more of a threat. I am confident enough already to say that the next issue of this will no doubt be the book of the month.


Rating: 9.5 / 10

Batman #15 Review

Death of The Family is heating up very nicely indeed. Considering I am only getting this title along with Suicide Squad, I am really enjoying the event so far. Scott Synder and Greg Capullo are knocking it out the park every month with this book, and they seem to have turned up up to 11 with these last few issues.

This particular issue starts where we left off in #14, with Batman and Joker on top of a dam. The conclusion to this battle approaches quickly, but was very nicely done. However, it was what followed from this that really made this book as good as it was.
We finally learned what Bruce Wayne has been keeping from the rest of his family; the fact that Joker may know their identities due to being in the Bat Cave once. I think this is really clever and a nice idea, however I think that Bruce may end up being right as he believes that Joker is just bluffing. It would make everything much more interesting if Joker has known about everyone's identities for all these year. Not only that, it will also make a lot of sense. However, I get the feeling that Synder will not go with that approach, which is a shame.
The next part of this issue is something which I did not see coming at all, even though it makes a lot of sense. The book ends with Batman entering a certain place where apparently Joker is planning a party of sorts for the caped crusader. This makes the next issue a must read, even though it pretty much is one already.

What I loved about this issue more than anything else is Batman's' internal dialogue throughout the book. He is attempting to convince himself that Joker is human just like himself and all the other villains he has ever fought and defeated. The reason I liked it so much is it gave the impression that Bruce is starting to let Joker get to him. It also makes you think that maybe Bruce is doubting whether he can defeat him or not. It is a side of Bruce that we do not see a lot, and I am sure we will see a lot more due to upcoming events in this new location.

Every single panel in this book is beautiful. Greg Capullo is one of my favourite artists, who I really believe was made to draw this character. In my opinion he is the best artist in comic books right now, and that is relly saying something. He is on another level. A lot of credit should also go to the colourist of this particular book, as the colours really bring out the best of Capullo's work; especially the long shots.

Overall, this was another great issue of Batman. In about 15 issues I think there have only been about two that have been not as good as the rest. This is a great series, and this is a really great event. The Joker is more terrifying than every before, and he is only getting worse. A must read.


Rating: 9 / 10

Comic Book Ratings

Hey there guys! I am not going to review any more books from last week now, but here are a couple of ratings from titles which I enjoyed this week. I have wrote reviews on earlier issues of these, hence why I want to include these ratings. They were also two very solid issues.

Enjoy your weekend!


Punisher War Zone: 8 / 10

Iron Man #3: 8 / 10

Animal Man #15 Review

What a fascinating arc this is turning out to be. When Rotworld first started I was not too happy due to having not read any of Swamp Thing in the New 52, so not being too familiar with one of the main characters involved. However, I have come to realize that that makes no difference at all. I still do not read any Swamp Thing and I am really enjoying this story arc from one perspective.

This issue had lots in it. We first saw a big battle against the Gorillas led by Grodd. I really enjoyed Frankenstein's appearance during all of this. I have read none of Lemire's work on the character, but really loved his role in this issue. He seems like a great character, and a great choice to involve in this arc.
My favorite part of the book had to be the chilling dream that Buddy had about his family. Seeing Cliff in the state he was in was chilling to say the least. It is these horror aspects of the series that make it so different to any old Animal Man books, and also so successful. One full page spread during a flashback involving Little Wing also showed off the horror aspects nicely.
There were also some nice character moments during the groups travel to Metropolis after they had defeated the gorilla army. They really feel like a tight knit group who are all trying to achieve the same goal.
What was the most shocking part of this issue was what they found when they finally reached Metropolis. They went there expecting to find Superman held captive, but they ended up finding another member of the Justice League. The shock was helped seeing as the reveal was shown as a last page full spread. It was a true holy hell moment.

I am very excited for the next issue, and I really cant get enough of the current team dynamic. I do not think that this will last long however, but I am having fun just going along on this journey with Buddy Baker and the rest of the gang. It still has that Stephen King feel to this current arc, and I can see some more twists and turns occurring that would make the master of suspense proud to have as his own.


Rating: 9 / 10

Daredevil End of Days #3 Review

This series has been a huge hit so far. What you get with this book is a fantastically written story, some great art, and an amazing depiction of Hell's Kitchen. I have loved this series so far so was very eager to get into this issue, and once again I was not disappointed. I claimed after the first issue that this may turn out to be a classic, now three issues in, I am even more convinced of that.

In this installment we see Ben Urich visiting more of Matt Murdock's former acquaintances. However, we still get little answers to the questions that he is asking them. Nobody seems to know anything, or nobody wants to say anything.
You would think a book that has done pretty much the same thing for three issues would be pretty poor, but you would be wrong. You really feel invested in the mystery, and you feel planted in Ben's shoes as he is questioning individuals about the murder. It is a great feeling; the needing to know what has happened to Matt. The ending of this issue made me even more eager to pick up issue #4; as if I wasn't excited enough already.

The art has been great throughout all three issues, however I think in this issue it may be the best we have seen so far. Hell's Kitchen looks amazing. It looks like the most depressing place on earth; but you really cant help but love it. It is this grimy view of the place which is by far my preferred image of it. A horrible place to grow up and live full of poverty. The setting really helps to make this series what it is.

I highly recommend checking this series out. You don't even have to be a fan of Daredevil; the writing is so good. There are five issues left in this series, and I can almost guarantee that each of them will be getting similar ratings as the three I have no reviewed. This really is great stuff.


Rating: 9 / 10

Colder #2 Review

Admittedly, I picked up the  first issue of this series to the amazing cover that it had. However, I was very pleasantly surprised with what I read so decided to pick up the second issue of this mini series. Once again I am very happy with my choices.

What I really liked about this issue was the fantastic chemistry between Reece and Declan. It was great to read, and I really do think that Reece is a great character; she is so easy to like. What was also great about their chemistry was that it also enabled us to get an insight into what  Declan is. Yes, there are still many questions that need answering, but we got some answers into what his past looks life after the events that made him what he is.

The flashes into a different reality were a highlight of the book for sure. It is still not clear how Declan can do this, and what exactly happens in this other reality, but it is fun to go along with for the time being. I am sure at some point everything will become a lot clearer.
We also got to see more of Nimble Jack, who is by far one of the coolest comic book characters to come out in the last few years. As I mentioned in my review of #1, he is a kind of Heath Ledger joker, but with added coolness on top. I have read other reviewers claiming he will become a cult figure in comics and to be honest I could not agree more. He is a truly great character.

The art once again in this issue was absolutely tremendous. I was slightly unsure at first while reading last months issue, but with each panel it grew more and more on me. This month it has become very clear just how amazing this book looks. The art really reached another level when the characters were in the other darker reality. 

You guys should really check this book out. The art, along with Nimble Jack, make this book worth checking out alone; never mind the story. However, there are a lot of awesome ideas in this that are also very fresh; which makes this book a joy to read. There are three issues left and I am sure each one will be as intriguing as the two that have come out.

Rating: 8 / 10

Hawkeye #5 Review

So far this series has been a huge hit; much better than anyone expected it to be. With this particular issue we see the conclusion of the series' first two part storyline. I was a bit nervous going into it seeing as every issue so far had been one of stories, however it turns out that Matt Fraction knows exactly what he is doing with this book.

The pace of this issue was exhilarating to say the least. The tension was also ramped up as our heroes were trying to make their escape out of enemy territory. It took a couple of wacky turns which in most books would seem out of place, but with this book you come to expect the unexpected. There was a happy ending of course with the conclusion of this story, but I was surprised by the mini twist ending which I thought was really well done.

I am really enjoying the way Clint and Kate are with each other. Their chemistry just jumps off the pages, and seeing them team up is really great fun. Going in to the series I was not too familiar with Kate, but now I really love her. She is a great addition to this series I hope she stays here for a while.

What has been impressive all series, and especially in this issue, is the humor that we see from pretty much all the characters involved. Matt Fraction was made to write Hawkeye. It feels like he has had an idea like this for a while and now he can finally release it for public consumption. It turns out that most of the issues will just be 1 or 2 part stories, which is absolutely fine by me as I really cant see you he can go wrong. The formula he has is obviously a winning on so he should certainly stick with it.

The art was fantastic considering it was once again Pulido who is just filling in for the time being. I would go as far as saying it was better than the first part of this story, which shows how fast he got a real feel for this series.
The cover art by Aja is once again amazing. It is simple, like all the covers fir this title, but it is just visually very impressive. This book  no doubts has the best covers in all of comics, and are nearly worth the price of admission alone.

Once again another great issue in this series. I may even go as far as saying that they are getting better and better each issue. That may not be the case, but they are certainly at the top of my reading pile when they arrive.


Rating: 9 / 10

Avengers #1 Review

The Avengers have been very much like the Hulk for me in recent time. I have been desperate to get into an ongoing Avenger series but none have ever really stood out or done enough to keep me interested. With Marvel NOW! I thought I may as well pick this up and give it a go. All I can say after reading this issue is: "congratulations Jonathan Hickman", this may be something special...

The tone is set for this book straight away in the opening few pages. While I was reading them I honestly thought that this could have been the beginning of the Avengers film sequel. Everything feels so epic and it really grabs you from the get go. I also loved the way the story was going backwards and forwards in time in a similar fashion to the way Hawkeye has been operating. It flowed really well, and added to the epic feeling that this issue gives as a whole.
The introduction of the new villains has made me very intrigued. We are all unfamiliar with them at the moment, which I think was a great call by Bendis. I was not expecting any new villains, but I am sure happy now that we have been given some. Their plan is also of epic proportion. What is also great about them is the fact that they have not just been thwarted by the Avengers after just one issue, You really get the feeling that these guys will be sticking around for a while.

I can also honestly say that I am not too familiar with any artwork previously done by Jerome Opena; even though the name sounds slightly familiar. However, I thought that in this issue his work was absolutely stunning, and it fits this title down to the ground. Some of the panels were really just breathtaking.

Overall, this was an absolutely fantastic setup issue for what I am sure is going to be a very exciting series to keep our eyes on. I am desperate to learn more about the bad guys along with their powers, as well as seeing how our heroes escape from the predicament they have found themselves in. It is clear that Hickman is creating something here on an epic level, and it is something that I am desperate for more of. I have finally found my Avengers book.


Rating: 9.5 / 10

Amazing Spider-Man #699 Review

After the shocking events that concluded the last issue of this series, I was very very excited to get stuck into this one. As we all know, Peter Parker is now stuck  in the dieing body of Doctor Octopus, while Doc Ock is free to wander around in the body of Peter. How the hell is he going to get out of this one?

I will start of by saying that I really enjoyed this issue, pretty much just like I thought that I would. I really enjoyed the opening pages in which we saw Peter worrying about just what the great Dr could be getting up to while he has his body. It is what we would all do if we had somehow got into a similar situation. The feeling of helplessness was clear to see in these pages, and you really could not help but feel sorry for poor Peter.
Next up came the explanation of how this all actually happened. I actually really liked it, however it does have a major fault which many fans have picked up on. Peter has total access to Doc's thoughts, which means he can root through them and find a way to escape. This all seems very obvious, and I am not too sure how something like this could be so easily overlooked by Doc? I love Dan Slott, but really?
 I am sure there are more twists still to come though considering #700 is round the corner so I am not too worried about this detail. Just enjoy the ride!
The end of the issue say Peter Parker rescued by a group of super villains. The inner dialogue for this one was spot on for Peter, as he was not happy about what he was doing even though he was facing death. He still has strong morals even at a time like this; which is something I really liked.

The art by Ramos was really really great in this book. I have complained about his style in previous issues, but many of his panels in this book really helped to show the claustrophobic nature of Peter's predicament. The escape scene was also impressive to view, especially the way the villains entered the prison.

This book had a lot to live up to after the previous issue, and I am very happy with how it turned out. We have #699.1 followed by #700 to come, and I am very excited at just how this is all poised. There is no doubt in my mind that #700 will be huge, and I really cant wait to pick it up. If you are not a regular reader of this series then pick up this issue, along with #698, and get ready for the monumental last issue coming out in a couple of weeks. It is not one to be missed!

Rating: 8.5 / 10

Pull List 5 / 12 / 12

Hey Guys! Here is just a list of comic books I will be picking up this week. I am once again using an online service this week so I will not be receiving most of these until the weekend. If you would like any specific titles to be reviewed then please let me know. Have a great comic book Wednesday!


Dark Horse:
Colder #2

DC:
Action Comics #15
Animal Man #15
Detective Comics #15
Earth 2 #7

Marvel:
Amazing Spider-Man #699
Avengers #1
Daredevil End of Days #3
Hawkeye #5
Iron Man #3
Punisher War Zone #2

Thor God Of Thunder #2 Review

I did not review issue #1 a couple of weeks ago, but I can tell you that I absolutely loved it. In fact I think I would have given it a 10 / 10, which is funny as I was actually considering not picking up the book at all. Don't get me wrong, I like Thor a lot, but all modern day versions of him really really bore me and I had a feeling that this would be the same. However, it turned out to be the total opposite and was possibly my favorite Marvel Now #1 issue so far.

This issue picks up where it left off with #1, as we are being shown three different versions of Thor from three different times in his life. In all three versions he is battling or on the trail of some kind of butcher of Gods. The whole premise sounds as though it should be really confusing; which is another reason I considered not picking the title up. However, Jason Aaron has made it flow perfectly, and the way the three Thor's differ from each other due to their life experiences up to that point in time really is great to read.

Even though we once again see all three Thor's, this particular issue mainly focuses on the youngest of the three as he goes into battle with some Vikings. During the battle he discovers that the Gods their opponents worship have been killed by the butcher of Gods. There is then an epic battle between the butcher and Thor himself, which is visually very impressive indeed.
What I also really enjoyed about this battle was the internal dialogue going on in Thor as he reminisced over a God who went on a murdering spree. I am usually not a fan of these when they are placed in the middle of battles, but this one was perfectly placed and was actually very interesting.

The art in this title is also very epic. It fits the book perfectly, and all three Thor's look tremendous. I loved the very first page of the book that gives the reader an overview of what happened in the previous issue. Normally these pages are helpful, but not really very interesting. However in this book, there was a beautiful image of all three Thor's with accompanying captions of what is happening with all three of them.

This is a book which needs to be read. Jason Aaron has hit all sorts of form with everything he seems to be touching at the minute. Even if you have never been a  fan of this chracter I believe it is still worth a read. Aaron is creating something epic, and it feels great to be in for the ride with him from the very start.


Rating: 9 / 10

Superman #14 Review

I regularly read this book so I was always going to pick up this issue, however I was looking forward to it even more after reading the set up given to it from from Supergirl #14. I am also very frustrated and surprised by all the bad reviews I have read for not just this issue, but this crossover event in general. There is a lot of hate surrounding these books at the minute, and I am not too convinced that a lot of it is really justified. I for one am really enjoying this event and I really enjoyed this particular issue, so here is some positivity for all to enjoy if you are inclined to do so.

I loved the opening of this issue with Clark and Lois. Clark came across as jealous, and some would say un-Clark like, however I am very happy with how the whole thing went down. Yes the man may not be human, but he is living on Earth and has a great understanding and experience of human emotions. He is bound to feel jealous, and therefore act a bit out of character when confronted with the Lois moving in with another man. I liked the whole scene, and felt that I could relate to it. Clark is not a robot.

H'el was seen for the first time in this particular title and gave Clark pretty much the same spiel as he gave to Kara. Of course, Clark is a bit more pessimistic and cautious about what he is being told, and believes that something is not quite right. He is proven to be correct in his judgement as we start seeing a more evil side to H'el towards the end of this confrontation. Of course Kara does not see this, and is currently unaware that H'el is turning her against her cousin.

Even though this is a Superman book, I really enjoyed reading Kara in this issue. Her total naivety and willingness to trust people came out like it did in her own book last month. I am looking forward to seeing how this ends, as I am sure it will be a great learning curve for her.
Superman seems up against getting his cousin to trust him again, as well as dealing with the threat of H'el; who I really like as a villain. This crossover event is going at a great pace and I am looking forward to reading more of it in Supergirl #14 later this month.


Rating: 8 / 10

Uncanny Avengers #2 Review

So if you read my review of issue #1 last month then you will know that I was not too impressed with how this series started. I believed it was a very mediocre start and I was close to dropping it due to a total lack of interest in what was happening. In fact, it was only really the very last page of issue #1 that made me want to pick up this issue. However, picking this issue up has turned out to be a very very good decision.

The issue starts with the clean up operation after Avalanche's rampage seen in the last issue. There was a really nice conversation in this between Cap and Wolverine, in which we learned more about why this new team looks how it does. It is all pretty obvious but it was nice for it to be said, as on first look this team really does look a bit random and odd.
Another part of this issue that I really enjoyed was the scene where we saw how some members of the population were being brainwashed into murdering mutants. It was nicely done, and shows the kind of reach that the Red Skull has. Talking of the main man himself, he was really brilliant in this issue. He was written just how he should have been. He seems very villainous indeed, which is exactly what superhero comic books need. Without a worthwhile villain books can really fall flat, but with the Red Skull, you know it is always going to be difficult.
It was also very nice to see his new abilities. In this issue he "convinced" a certain X-Man to join his team and help him exterminate mutants. This ended up being pretty short lived, however it shows once again just how dangerous he is going to be in this story arc.

This was a great issue but it was not without its faults. For example, I am not too sure what to make of the Red Skulls' henchmen. They do not seem very dangerous at all, and have not really had shown why exactly they should be feared. I am hoping in a future issue we learn a bit more about them, and we get to see what they can do. Right now though it looks like these henchmen are going to be the downfall of the Red Skull.

This was an issue that I went in to not too bothered about at all. I was planning on reading it and dropping the series. However, I have now had a massive turnaround of opinion. So much so that I am eagerly anticipating the next issue. I want to see more of the Red Skull for obvious reasons, however I am also wanting to see a lot more of Havoc as well. He was a character that I have not read much about before this series but I was impressed by him in issue #1, so I am hoping he features more in #3. This is turning into a nice little story arc.


Rating: 8.5 / 10

Bedlam #2 Review

The first issue of this series was one of the best first issues I have ever read. It was so good in fact that I gave it my first ever 10 / 10 rating in this blog. I really did dig it. So the question is: can the second issue carry on from where the first left of?; I was certainly hoping so. When I finally received it in the mail this week I was beyond excited. So, what did I think of it? Lets see...

This issue starts with what seems like a chance meeting between two old friends. These two men are people we have not come across in this series so far, so I was initially very confused about the relevance of what exactly I was reading. The ending of their meeting was what confused me the most due to its shocking nature. However, later on in the issue everything tied together very nicely. These events have no doubt led to more questions being asked, yet it is a fun ride so them not being answered yet is not so bad.

In this issue we also got to see a lot more of the Dr that operated on Madder Red in order to create Fillmore. Fillmore told him about how he got in touch with a police detective about the recent murders that are happening around the city. The Dr did not seem impressed by this and seemed concerned about Fillmore's true identity coming out. However, there is definitely something off about this Dr, which I am sure we will find out more about. His motives are not too clear, and I do believe he has some kind of agenda that has not come out yet.
We were also introduced to a couple of police detectives. Their dialogue opened up questions about Fillmore, and how he may have a bigger hand in these murders that we have previously been led to believe. I also wonder if Madder Red is possibly still around?
The ending of this particular issue has also confused us readers about what is actually happening here. That is not a bad thing at all though. Obviously in some cases this can be a very bad way for books to conduct business, instead this has left me intrigued about the book; and more specifically the characters at the center of these unanswered questions.

The art, much like the first issue, suits this book perfectly. It is not the type of art that I usually like, however it feels very at home here. Combine this with the tale that Nick Spencer is weaving, and we have a very good comic book series here on our hands. This issue may not be as good as last months installment, however it is well worth a read as it pushes the story forward quite well. Maybe not as fast as some readers may have wanted it to, however I am fine being spoon fed information. Just sit back and enjoy it.

Rating: 8 / 10