Saga #11 Review

This issue has taken the same route as the last few have done. It firstly showed us a glimpse into the past of Alana and Marko, before hitting full stride with events happening in the present. I am loving this kind of set up, and I am just still loving this series in general. It is still an absolute monster of a book, and this chapter was of the same quality of all others that had come before it.

I loved the first section which showed Alana and Marko sharing an intimate moment; that looks like it may have been the moment that created their daughter. The conversation between the two of them after this event was awesome to read as it was just so very human. I am sure many of us have had conversations of this kind with people, and due to scenes such as this, we connect to these characters even though they aren't human.
I really loved some of the language Alana used in this scene. It was something I wasn't expecting, which made me actually laugh out loud at one point, and it also made me fall in love with the character even more. Fiona Staples also maintained her record of shocking us with a first page spread, showing us things that we certainly do not expect to see on the first page of comic books. No complaints coming from me regarding this by the way as I believe it helps make this series what it is.

We then moved on to events in both ships, as they were attempting to get away from the planet that is sucking them in from last issue. So you may think that there has not been much progression in this issue then; but you would be very wrong. For one, a character that I thought got killed off at the end of last issue actually got saved in this issue; which is something that made me very happy.
There was also a very emotional part of this scene that I am sure will have effects on these characters for quite some time. However, I am slightly disappointed that the creators decided to go this way with one of the characters, as I think that he could have stayed with us for a while longer. Oh well, I am sure these guys know what they are doing, so I am not going to dwell on it too much.

After the emotional part of the scene was done with, we saw Marko have a flashback that was all in his native language. However, it was clear what it was showing, as well as clear as to what was being communicated ( even though we don't know the language). This once again shows just how great this team are together at getting their story across. I am sure everyone reading this saw exactly what was happening here. I was shocked that I understood it so well; but I guess I should have expected such great story telling considering it is the best series in comics at the moment.

This was yet another very solid issue. I can't actually imagine a time where this book will actually have a bad issue. It is just so consistent, but not only that, it just has a winning formula. If these guys are smart, then this book will be staying fresh for quite a while yet. For those people who have been in from the start of this book, you will love this issue like all the rest. Get a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy this issue.

Rating: 9.6 / 10

Uncanny X-Men #3 Review

I am a big fan of this series so far, and after last issue I was very excited to see what was going to happen between Cyclops and the Avengers. We did not get a big fight scene; which to be honest is something that I was not holding high hopes for anyway. However, what we did get was some great dialogue, along with an argument that Scott Summers actually came out on top of. Yes you heard that right. Maybe the man is not as crazy as we all first thought.

Bendis has been building up the fact that Scott Summers actually has a pretty good argument for some time now. However, in this issue it really came to the forefront. I found myself agreeing with a lot of what he was saying; which I am sure many other fans found themselves doing too. He came across as the good guy who is being completely misunderstood, not just by the world but also the Avengers as well.
Speaking of the Avengers, in this particular issue they were written to come across as complete assholes. Ok, maybe that is a little bit too strong, but they were totally single minded in their understanding of what Scott and his gangs intentions were. They also seemed more than happy to ignore true facts that Scott was bring up to them. I understand that Bendis wrote them this way intentionally in order to get Scott across in a certain way, so I did love the way that this worked. However,I am hoping that the Avengers don't continue to think in this way for a prolonged period of time. The members are not stupid, so I hope it doesn't get to a point where I feel like screaming at the pages at them.

Magneto also came forward in this issue to admit that he was the one who told the Avengers where to go to confront them. I am glad this came out here as it was quite obvious who it was. Leaving this unanswered for a few issues would have been the wrong move; so I happy with what I read here. However, something I was not expecting, was the fact that Magneto seems to be playing SHIELD. I was not expecting this at all, but it does make sense. Bendis really has pulled off something here, and I am looking forward to seeing how this is going to develop.

One of the new recruuits of Scotts team, Eva Bell, came to the forefront here too. It was nice to get a brief glimpse into her past, and I also enjoyed the scene in which she not just stuck up for her leader, but also helped in stopping a big battle from breaking out in front of her own home.
One of the things I did not like in this issue, which is unusual as I usually like the way Bendis does this, was the constant humour throughout. Normally I think that this is really well placed, but here I thought it all felt a little forced in places. As I say, it is something I am normally a fan of, so it is not something I am too concerned about.

This was another great issue in which Scott has come across in very well. I am very happy this has happened because I have not been the biggest fan of Marvel turning him into a complete baddie. The end of this issue also leads me to believe that may hear another big speech from him in the next issue; which is something I am also looking forward too.
This series continues to be great, and as I have mentioned earlier, this is a very exciting time to be a fan of the X-Men. If you didn't pick this title up because you were frustrated that it was being rebooted yet again; then I really advise you to have a change of heart. The character development, along with the foundations being set for the future of the team, are things that just can't be missed.

Rating: 8.1 / 10

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Age Of Ultron #2 Review

I was pleasantly surprised with the first issue of this, so I was eagerly anticipating the next instalment. I was not let down at all as right here we have another very solid issue that focuses mainly on character development; whilst also showing how bleak the future looks for our heroes.

The start of this issue is actually my favourite scene in the whole book. In it we see Black Widow sneaking through a demolished San Francisco looking for supplies. Whilst doing this she encounters a normal man who acts totally out of character. The writing and art immediately tell us that this guy would not even think of doing something like this before the world fell apart; which means that what happens to him really comes as a bit of a shock. It shows how people that at one point were Avengers are now no better than normal human beings. Everyone is doing their best to survive, and it has really become a dog eat dog America.

The second half of this book focuses on Peter Parker and the super heroes that saved him back in New York. Once again, the writing is absolutely fantastic here; giving us some real insight into how this has effected certain people. Peter, for one, is absolutely distraught. I love how we got a look back as to what he saw when Ultron first attacked. It showed how big the scale of the assault was, as well as just how powerless these guys were against him.
A very good point was brought up by an Avenger concerning Peter  possibly being sold to Ultron. This got a certain character thinking which ultimately led to their first line of the series. The plan that is going to be set is quite obvious, and it is pretty much confirmed by the sneak peak of the cover for #3, but is still a LONG way to go in this crossover so I am really excited to see just how this big plan to defeat Ultron will go wrong.

Once again I think this is another solid issue in a crossover event that I am now very excited for. Bendis is doing a great job here at slowly setting the scene, as well as introducing more characters. I read today that he has hinted that something big is happening half way through the series; which I can tell by the buildup already that whatever it is is going to feel massive. Even if you think this is an event that you don't fancy ( like I originally did ), I would still recommend picking up these first two issues and giving it a go. It has even made me tempted to pick up Fantastic Four #5 due to it being a tie in; and it is a book I don't normally get!


Rating: 8.3 / 10

The Walking Dead #108 Review

Let me start of by saying one thing first: There was ALOT that happened in this issue. I always find TWD to be a really quick read due to the way it is set up, as well as it being one of my favourite titles too probably. So, I was very very impressed at the amount of meaningful content there was in this issue. Everyone was excited to get out first look at Ezekial, but we got tons more than just that.

Starting with Ezekial, I think I am going to like this character quite a bit. In this one issue alone we were introduced to his "kingdom", and we also got a really good feel of what he is all about. He really does feel like a leader; and one that you want to have for sure. He seems to be quite a calm kind of guy, but also someone who isn't afraid to rise up when things are happening that shouldn't be. Oh, and he has a massive tiger too; which instantly makes him pretty cool to me. So it looks like Ezekiel  along with Ricks' crew, will be going up against Negan very soon, and I really can't wait for it to happen.

Also in this issue one of Negans' biggest supporters seems to have turned his back on his leader. I really enjoyed how this was teased in the opening scene of this issue. This particular scene also did a great job at getting across once more just how much of an asshole he can be. I am surprised no one has gone against him sooner, but then again, everyone is absolutely terrified of him; which is very easy not just to see, but also to believe. I am very much looking forward to getting to know more about this traitor. We have seen him before of course, but I am looking forward to hopefully seeing a different side to him.

My favourite scene of the whole issue has got to be the one involving Michonne and Carl fighting walkers. Carl started over overly confident, however something happened during this brief encounter that made him realise that he isn't all that after all. What I loved about this scene was seeing just how much Carl has grown and developed. He never looked out of place at all, and it was very easy to imagine him as a future leader. Then, all of a sudden, he was back to being the young boy. I loved all the self doubt here and I hope it is something Kirkman will leave lingering for a while. After all, it does make sense considering he is only a boy. We can't forget how experiences like this will probably affect him more than it would the adults.

I was very excited for this issue due to the tease of the introduction of the new character. What we got here was a lot more than that; as well as being slightly unexpected. There was some fantastic character development here, not just on the above characters mentioned, but also a few more in smaller scenes in this issue. I love how focused Kirkman still is on doing things like this. It is his baby and it is clear that he is still taking care of it in the same way as he has been from day 1. Charlie Adlards' art was also even better than usual in this issue. It truly is a great instalment, and one that I am sure TWD fans will enjoy as much as I did.

Rating: 9.3 / 10

Batman #18 Review

So, Death of The Family has finished, so lets see what Synder and Capullo had for us in #18. What we saw was another appearance of a couple of new characters that Scott introduced quite a few issues back now. I was very pleased to see Harper back in a Batman issue, and I think the way her character devloping is very intriguing indeed. If you read a lot of reviews on this then you may be tempted to give this issue a miss; but I really highly recommend it a go. Why is that I hear you ask? Will carry on reading and I will tell you.

As mentioned in the intro, we got to see more of Harper in this issue; which is an amazing thing. When she was first introduced a few issues back I really didn't think that we would be seeing her any more. However, when I opened up this issue I was very pleasantly surprised to see her on the first page. We get told what she has been doing for the last few months; which by the way is something that I really liked. It was a great way of showing you just how she has changed over the last few months; meaning we saw exactly how much of a bad ass she is becoming.
I also like the introduction of her and her brothers father in this issue. It adds another layer to the family, and also goes to show just what they have been up against their lives. They are both youngish guys who seem to have some deep personal demons. One of these demons was shown here, and I am really hoping that we will be seeing more of him in the future.

Batman in this issue was also something else. He is still adjusting to the fact that Damian is not in his life anymore; meaning that the bad guys are having a bit more of a harder time than they are used to when dealing with him. I like the way Snyder wrote Bruce here. Admittedly we have seen this before quite a few times, but it is still something that I do enjoy reading. An angry Batman not thinking straight is always good fun.

The last part of this issue saw Harper trying to make Batman change his ways; as she could see that he was destroying himself. Her little speech was rather cheesy, but I think it still fit in quite nicely. It was clear that it gave the caped crusader something to think about, which will mean we will be seeing a different kind of hero next issue no doubt.

I really really enjoyed this issue. Harper is absolutely fantastic, and I am hoping that at some point in the near future Batman will take her under his wing. He mentioned in this issue that it is something he will not be doing, but I am hoping that something will change his mind soon. I am not sure of what Synder's plans are for Harper and her family, but I cant see him developing her for no reason. I guess we will have to see.
This issue needed to be done to show how Batman was dealing with his loss, and I do think everything was handled very well. I am, like everyone else, very excited for #19 where we will be kicking off a brand new arc. Don't be put off by mediocre reviews surrounding this book. Pick it up!

Rating:  8.7 / 10

Age Of Ultron #1

I was giving to give this event a miss. It is written by Brian Michael Bendis so naturally it is something that I would want to read, but I instead planned to read this in trade form. However, after seeing the cover in my LCS, I just had to pick it up. My whole curiosity just got the better of me; so I really could not resist it.

 The most I knew about this character / series was the fact that he hates humanity, and that this book focuses on a world that has been destroyed by Ultron himself. This interested me, but as I mentioned earlier it was not enough to make me buy it. However, after reading it, I can say that I think this setup is just great. I love how there are only a small amount of Avengers left in the world, and how massive the task at hand really felt in this first issue. They have a massive job ahead of them if they are to defeat Ultron, and I am struggling to see a way in which they can do so.

So, the setup really interests me now, but it is not just that that has got me excited in this series. What I was surprised at was how at each others throats the remaining super heroes are. For some reason I still expected them to be a really strong force, with lots of plans surrounding defeat Ultron. This is not what we saw in #1 at all. They are alive, but only just, and it seems to be like they have given up hope. The last page of this issue showed us that even the one man who you would expect to still be in one piece mentally, is really struggling to comprehend what needs to be done. If he is not with it, then it easy to see why everyone else seems to be crumbling around him.

I don't really want to say too much about this issue, as it mainly focuses on character development in setting up what point we are at now with these people. I never want to spoil things too much, and I feel that if I go into details about what was said, then I would essentially be telling you guys exactly what happened in this book. What I can say though is just how impressed I was in this issue. I am now going to be picking up pretty much everything related to this crossover event. Bendis has won be over, and I really can't stress enough how much I think you guys should check this issue out.

Rating: 9 / 10

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Green Arrow #18 Review

As I mentioned in the review of #17; I only really got into this due to the fact that Lemire was jumping onto this book. I enjoyed #17 massively so was rather excited to read #18. I knew I would not be let down going into this after getting a taste of the new direction of this series from the last issue, and now I am just even more excited for #19 to come out. It looks like this is fast becoming one of DC's best series.

It becomes apparent very quickly in this issue just how much trouble Oliver is in. He is being framed with the murder of someone who worked for his company; so he is now on the run attempting to find the guy who put him in this situation. This is when we get introduced to Mr Lacroix who owns Stellmoor. I am unaware as to whether this character has appeared in this title before or not; but I can safely say that he had a big affect on me in this issue. He comes across as pretty creepy throughout, and his relationship with his daughter looks like it will be something to keep an eye on too. It is pretty creepy; which as we know is what Lemire does best.

What was great about this issue is the fact that gave us answers to many plot points that had formed from #17. This is a story line that is full of mystery; so giving us readers some answers in this issue was very wise. It could have been far too easy for this story line to become over complicated by a lack of answers. This is something I am sure Lemire knew, so even though there are some questions coming out of this issue; I feel sufficiently satisfied with what I learned from this issue at the same time.
We are left wondering if it was always Olivers' destiny to be stuck on the island for a year of his life. The revelation in this issue is huge, and although it feel very much like the TV show "Lost",I really cant wait to see how this is going to develop in the future.
A question that this issue leaves us asking is: "Who the hell is Magus?". He seems to have a massive hold on Lacroix, and he seems to have a pretty good understanding of who Emerson and Olivers' father were. He is ordering Oliver to go to a certain place, and judging by the fast forwards that have been presented to us, it looks like he finally does end up doing so. I wonder what this guy knows? I cant wait for it all to come out at some point.

This issue was great. I was excited to read it; while at the same time also hoping that Lemire could keep me interested as this is a series I really want to get into. Lemire certainly succeeded here, and I really think that this series has an amazing future ahead of it. The set up that Llemire is doing here is just amazing. He has shook things up a bit by the potential death of a pretty important character which I am sure some people will not be fond of; but on the other hand, he is building something here that I am sure new and old readers of the series alike will be very excited about.

Rating: 8.8 / 10