Punisher Nightmare #1 Review

I was very excited when I heard about this book coming out. As some of you may know, Frank Castle is one of my favorite comic characters of all time. I love everything to do with him, yet I will still try to be unbiased in my review of this latest mini series. So, lets jump right into things.

First things first, this book is extremely wordy. I for one, really enjoyed this aspect of the book; but I am aware that it will not be for everyone.  Throughout the issue Frank's internal dialogue dominates, yet we also get blog posts on pages from the new character, Johnny. It will take you a while to get through this issue, which I think ensures that you get your moneys worth. I think the writing throughout is excellent, and I love how strategical Frank seems to be in this series. He also has a bit of a conscience, which is something I also really liked.

The story in general is something that I really like, and it is something that I think is pretty unique. Yes, it has started off slightly similar to Rucka's ongoing series that has just finished; but I do not think that that is a bad point. I am also pretty sure it will go in a different direction; which I am very intrigued about. I am sure in the next 4 weeks we will learn a ton more about Johnny. In this issue we learned quite a bit about his past, now I think it's time to see how he will react to this situation that he is in.

I have briefly touched on Frank's personality already, but something I really liked was how awkward he seems to be with normal human beings. He is fine talking to / beating up bad guys because he needs something from them, and it is his world after all. However, there is a scene in a diner where a little girl approaches him just to say hello. He has no idea how to react, and starts mumbling about random things. I loved that panel because for me it really showed how out of touch he is with other human beings, and how uncomfortable he is in situations like that.

Overall, this is a really solid start to this mini series. However, as stated, I believe your enjoyment of this book will depend on how you like your comic books. If you like wordy ones, then this series looks like it will definitely be for you. The writing is superb, and the art is awesome for the most part (except for a couple of dodgy panels). I can't wait for next week's issue, I just want to know more!


Rating: 8 / 10

The Flash #15 Review

This series has been nothing short of excellent...until about three issues ago when this storyline started. I have never really been a big fan of King Grodd and the gorilla army, but I was willing to give this arc a chance. However, I assume we are quite a way through it at the minute and I really can not wait for it to be over with.

After the first couple of pages I could tell it was going to be one of those issues, as the fantastic Francis Manapul does not go on art duties until the end; so I was thrown off pretty much straight away. However, this issue has more than just some bad art.
The story progression is not really great, and the fact that they got a whole issue out of it is just downright amazing. Two thirds of this issue focuses on characters around the city who are struggling their own battles as the Gorillas are attempting to take over. However, with each and every character, not much is happening at all. They all get a page or three each when in reality all their tales could have been condensed to one double spread.

It is not all bad in this issue as the last few pages saw Barry having flash forwards of all possible outcomes in the gorilla battle; which looked beautiful. It was a nice idea too, however I just do not think that it was executed as well as it could have been. It was also spread out for quite a few pages too, like most things in this issue; which bothered me.

Overall, this was really not a great issue of The Flash. I am probably being slightly harsh on this story arc as I recall thinking the last issue had got this story back on track; now unfortunately I am worried again. This is a title I am going to continue picking up due to how great it has been. I have every confidence that it will get back to that high level of consistency; I am just not sure when that will be. I am really hoping it will return starting with issue #16.

Rating: 6.5 / 10

Judge Dredd #2 Review

I didn't write a review for issue #1; which I found to be enjoyable enough, if slightly forgettable. In fact it was forgettable enough to make me not plan on picking up this second issue of the series. However, my impulsiveness got the better of me on this occassion; which I am glad it did. In this issue I think Swierzynski is starting to get more into the swing of things in the Judge Dredd universe. It really feels like a Dredd book, which is more than just a good thing.

This issue is split into two stories much like #1, however the whole feel of the book is completely different. I get the feeling with #1 that the plan was to make a new reader friendly issue and that is why it felt kind of bland. However, with this latest issue we have been fully thrown into the Dredd universe. This issue picks up from the storyline of the first issue and just runs with it.

What I really enjoyed was the added mystery to the main story. It gave an added dimension to this part of the arc, and also helped the story along. At one point I wasn't too sure how it was helping the story progress, but by the end of it I was more than impressed with how everything had unfolded.
The second story was only 6 pages long, but I also really enjoyed it. It had the same mystery theme as the main story, and I was interested in it all the way through. It was a very nice back up.

Of course, in both stories we were introduced to Psi Judge Anderson; who is a massive fan favorite among those who have read the 2000AD stories. I was very pleasantly surprised with her introduction. I always knew she would appear at some point, but I was surprised by how early in the series they have brought her in. This is great news for Dredd fans, and I am sure new readers are going to take to her just as much.

I am now very happy I picked this issue up, and I am looking forward to the next issue greatly. The introduction of Anderon is massive for me, as well as the fact that the team really want to make a Dredd book and not just any old action comic. This is something which is going to please old fans, as well as give new readers a taste of  this fantastic universe; which in my opinion does not get showcased enough.  I have read really mixed reviews about this series so far, so I recommend those who arent sure whether to jump in to just try it for themselves. It is a unique read as it is Judge Dredd, but how are you going to know if it is for you if you don't go for it? You may become a Dredd fan for life.


Rating: 8 / 10

Ultimate Spider-Man #19 Review

This is my second Brian Michael Bendis book this week, which means that this has been a good week for comic book fans. In the Ultimate universe, the major "United We Stand" crossover event is finally over, so BMB can carry on where he left off with Mile Morales et al. I didn't hate the crossover event, but this is the only Ultimate range book I buy so I felt like it was stopping this series from being what I wanted it to continue being; which has been one hell of a ride.

The first third of this issue focuses on Miles, as he is back to his everyday life as a teenager. These are always my favorite parts of the series, as Miles is such a great character to read about. I am probably about 8 or 9 years older than him, but I love seeing what he gets up to while he is not being Spider Man. He is just a very likeable character.
Saying that, we saw a great scene where Miles was trying to use his web shooters so he could fly through the city. I have missed these comedic moments, and you can tell  that Bendis just loves writing them. I keep forgetting that Miles has not been under the mask too long, so when a scene like this pops up it really helps to put everything into perspective progress wise. He still has a long way to go, but he is doing just fine so far.

There was a big character moment in this issue that came kind of out of the blue for me. I did not read the last issues of Peter Parker as Spider Man in this series so I was not sure how JJJ felt about him. Needless to say, the explanation he gave in this issue for not printing a news story regarding the identity of the new Spider Man was very touching indeed. I also thought the art in this scene was the best in the issue; especially some of the facial expressions. You could tell from Maria Hill's face that she could feel the pain and anguish coming off JJJ.
Another great character moment was Miles' dad, and his reaction to be deemed a superhero by the press. His story seems to be getting deeper and deeper, and it is something I am really enjoying. Bendis is fantastic at adding depth to characters that you thought you had no interest in and making you care, so I am more than happy to go along for the ride on this one.

Of course this issue saw the grand return of Venom to USM. This issue was mainly teaser until the last panel, so it looks like we will be seeing a lot of more him next issue; which is just fine by me.  BMB knows what he is doing, and so does Sara Pichelli on art duties. These two are becoming a lethal combination, which makes me have no doubt at all that this Venom story is going to be something rather special. Bring on issue #20.


Rating: 9 / 10


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Daredevil End Of Days #4 Review

After finishing this issue not too long ago I can safely say that this series is tremendous. I have loved the series so far, and even claimed way back when #2 came out that it had the potential to be a classic series. Now we have just reached the halfway point of this mini series, and it is clear that this is a beautiful comic book; written and drawn in a styles that compliment each other so well. It is very close to perfection.

In this issue we find out what happened to Bullseye. It was never a surprise to me when it was revealed what happened to him, but it was a surprise at how exactly it had happened. The circumstances, and flashback reconstruction of the events found later in the issue, were a major shock that came out of left field.
This series is great at making you think that you know where it is going and how it is shaping;and then suddenly they take the rug from under your feet. In fact, it is what this series does best. We are investigating along with Ben Urich, and we are getting as surprised at every turn as he is. I have said that in an earlier issue review, but now we are halfway through it is clear that this is sticking. It makes us feel frustrated and lost, but it is all part of the reading experience.

We were treated to a shock appearance of my favorite 2nd string Marvel character towards the end of this issue. I really did not see it coming, so I was very pleasantly surprised. I may have not seen it coming, but it all makes sense for him to be involved somehow. Bendis really knows what he is doing; when does he not.

Once again, and as always, the art was stupendous throughout this issue. What a horrendous Marvel New York this is to live in; it is beautifully ugly. This series would not be the same without this dark, washed out surroundings. I am enjoying the art so much, I am really intrigued as to whether it would make the Daredevil ongoing any better. It is really that good.

This series has four issues remaining and I recommend that you pick up all the other issues and jump on board. You could just wait for the trade, but I think is going to be looked back on as something really special. I can already see myself reading through all this again the week before the final issue comes out, it is that damn good.

Rating: 9.5 / 10

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Iron Man #5

I like this title. Admittedly its not the best Marvel NOW title out and I am feeling slightly underwhelmed by it all, but it is decent enough. Each issue of this series is doing just enough to make me want to buy the next and I guess that is something that comic books are about.

This issue saw the end of the first story arc which ended in Iron Man finally getting all the Extremis kits which were sold on the black market. The issue itself was pretty good, but I was expecting something a bit bigger considering this was the LAST Extremis pack he had to collect. Tony even stated he was saving it until last, so I thought that there was going to be some pretty major drama. However, this part of the issue ended like most of his collecting missions have done; underwhelmingly.

What was interesting was the final third of this issue where this series has taken a completely unexpected turn. As I mentioned in my intro, it has made me want to read more, which is a good thing. It has also made this whole story arc feel like it has been one big introduction to Iron Man, which may turn out to be a great idea. There may have been a lot of new fans jumping on this title with #1, so the first arc has been a little simple. I enjoy Gillen's work so I am trusting him with this and hope that his plan is how I expect to be; which is to really kick on in the next arc.

I am sticking with this book because I love Tony Stark. I am probably going to stick with this book regardless of the quality. As I have said, it is not TERRIBLE, it is just not how I would like it to be. This book seems to be coming out every couple of weeks, so I guess it is a matter of time before we know where this series is going. Will it be happy to stay being medicore, or will it try for something more? I know what I want from it.


Rating: 7 / 10

Punk Rock Jesus #6 Review *FINAL ISSUE*

This series has been absolutely amazing. Each issue has been top drawer, and I am very excited to read the series back now it is complete. Sean Murphy has created the best mini series of 2012, which happens to be one of my favorites of all time. You can tell already that I loved this issue, there were so many reasons too, and if you have read from the start then what you will get here is a very satisfying ending indeed.

We start off learning more about Thomas' past. This is something I have always been interested in, but it has never been my favorite part of any issue it has been explored in. However, in this issue, we saw everything get tied together very nicely; which also showed how he got to where he was at the beginning of this series. It was something we had all been wondering; how had this bad ass become the bodyguard for a Jesus clone? Well now I can safely safe it is an explanation that I am very happy with.

I do not want to give any spoilers away in this review as I want as many people to read this series as possible so things may start to get a bit vague now. What happened in the rest of the issue was very emotional, which took me completely be surprise to be honest. Yes, I have enjoyed this series greatly, but I did not think I was attached to the characters as much as I am. The fact that Sean Murphy has made me, after six issues, be desperate for a character to survive it all; goes to show how well written these characters actually are.

There has been a major theme of religion running through this whole series (obviously), and I just want to touch on what we saw of that theme in this issue. A certain character in this book described what Chris had been through in his short life and made comparisons to Jesus. This panel or two was fantastic and once you read it you will be shocked that you didn't see certain shall we say, similarities.

I am going to miss this series, but I honestly think that six issues was a perfect amount for it to develop and come to an ending which I am sure most fans of it will appreciate. Reading it all the way through in a sitting or two is my next challenge. It is one that I really cant wait for. If you have not been reading this then pick the trade up, you will not be disappointed.


Rating: 9.5 / 10


 P.s Oh, This issue also had one of the best last pages I have seen. I am going to challenge followers of this series to not have a wry smile / cheeky chuckle when they see it.