I'm trying to find a perfect pace to presenting weekly issues. I feel like i'm getting there. We're developing and soon we will be perfect. For now, just pretend that this is the new perfection.
This week I scaled back and focused on my personal favorites for the week. What were your picks for the week? Let us know!
Peter Panzerfaust #1
Written by Kurtis Wiebe
Art by Tyler Jenkins
Colors by Alex Sollazzo
Letters by Ed Brisson
Cover by Tyler Jenkins and Alex Sollazzo
Published by Image
The Peter Pan mythos inspires this WWII story that has all of the bravery and none of the pixie dust. The book opens to an elderly man that begins a story of being a young orphan in the french city of Calais as the Germans are aggressively pushing the british forces out. A German bomb drops on the orphanage, killing many, and as the survivors emerge from the wreckage they encounter a smirking american kid named Peter. From then on begins a harrowing tale as Peter guides the orphan boys throughout the war-torn streets of Calais, dodging tanks and doing what comics love to do...kill nazis. A nice start to what looks like a fun new series. Wiebe establishes characterization very well, even amongst the horror of wartime France. Peter's charm is as infectious for the reader as it is for the "lost boys" of the orphanage. Jenkins' drawings do their best when silently establishing danger and action within panels. One wonderful panel in particular shows Peter reeling from the shockwave of tank-fire against the building they are hiding in. As Peter struggles to re-gain his bearings an outline of his body is seen between the residue of the blast. If I had to complain, it would be that the art skimped on backgrounds a little too much. A very promising start for Image's Shadowline productions. Fans of adventure and war comics should consider checking this one out.
Writing 5 out of 5
Art 4 out of 5
Overall: 9
Batman #6
Written by Scott Snyder
Drawn by Greg Capullo
Inked by Jonathan Glapion
Colors by FCO
Letters by Richard Starkings
Covers by Greg Capullo, FCO, and Gary Frank
Published by DC Comics
After the deadly cliffhanger in issue five we go right into the direct confrontation between Batman, the Talon, and the mysterious Courtship of Owls. It doesn't get any more fun for Bruce Wayne as he continues to get his ass handed to him within the deadly trap. This time he stands before his oppressors to be judged. You can never underestimate the willpower of Batman, but for all his ability it still may be too late. Establishing terror just comes too easy for Snyder. He is determined to punish Batman for his arrogance. He characterizes Bruce by reveling in his biggest flaw: his pride regarding his knowledge of Gotham City. We've seen Batman get overpowered before, but this is becoming a particularly humbling experience for the caped crusader. Capullo's storytelling ability makes you feel guilty for taking him for granted all these years. (at least I did) The way Capullo lays out a page, and so clearly establishes the story within even the narrowest panel, feels like you're getting an education in storytelling. Glapions' inks and FCO's colors just add to the creepshow vibe as you wonder if those owl faces are real or just another hallucination within Batman's mind. It's a wild ride, but i'm still anxious to see how Snyder establishes Batman's character when (if) he makes it out of this hell-hole. His run on Detective (with Jock and Francavilla) was an amazing bit of writing that stuck Dick Grayson in terrifying situations without compromising any of Dick's character or style. As amazing as this is, i'm still waiting for that connection I found with the Detective run. I've found that when you are only comparing a creator to his own work, then that is already a good sign that you're dealing with an amazing creative team.
Writing 4 out of 5
Art 5 out of 5
Overall: 9
Daredevil #9
Written by Mark Waid
Pencils by Paolo Rivera
Inked by Joe Rivera
Colors by Javier Rodriguez
Letters by VC's Joe Caramagna
Cover by Paolo Rivera and Joe Rivera
Published by Marvel Comics
The fun and adventurous Daredevil comic you forgot you always wanted continues with the amazing Paolo and Joe Rivera returning to the page. Coffins have been disappearing, including the coffin of Matt Murdock's father. Where city employees are afraid to go Daredevil will. Daredevil finds himself amongst moloids, the underground race of humanoids that are under control of the Mole Man. But what does he want with these bodies? And why do I keep thinking about that video for Tom Petty's "Mary Jane's last dance"? Between this, Irredeemable, and Incorruptable Mark Waid continues to prove that he still has plenty of story up his sleeve. Most importantly, Waid actually gives a damn about these characters and it is obvious in every issue. Paolo Rivera practically redefines the nature of this character with his visuals, representing DD's radar sense in great ways. The art is more confined within the underground realm of the Mole Man, but even in dank corridors Rivera deftly carries the story with wonderful sequences. The creative team of Superboy should take note of Daredevil's fine example between the balance of inner monologue and visual representation. The scene where the Mole Man is breaking open coffins with a crowbar, and Matt trying (and failing) to contain his catholic rage is chilling and great to watch. This critically acclaimed comic continues living up to it's hype and is still one of the freshest super-hero comics on the stands. If you only have to read one super-hero comic, this one may be it.
Writing 5 out of 5
Art 5 out of 5
Overall: 10
B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: the Long Death #1
Written by Mike Mignola and John Arcudi
Art by James Harren
Colors by Dave Stewart
Letters by Clem Robins
Covers by Duncan Fegredo, Dave Stewart, and Mike Mignola
Published by Dark Horse
The titles of BPRD books get even longer as Johann returns from his time in Russia with his mysterious new containment suit. Not much rest for the BPRD as Johann and some agents are sent to British Columbia (near where Abe Sapien got tore up) where they encounter...you guessed it...something horrifying. Will the BPRD be able to handle the Wendigo? Lemme tell ya. It doesn't look good. In true Mignola-verse fashion the biggest deal here is the art. The writing is consistent as always, but everything leads into the visuals. This is a comic book after all. Johann, a ghost in a containment suit, is a very compelling character The old trope of dream sequence is used, but it's hard to complain when looking at Harren's imaginative renderings. This is a wonderful book to look at. The terror of it all is something Harren obviously revels in. When the Wendigo attacks, it could not look more violent or hopeless. I have only recently been reading BPRD books consistently and i'm finding that as I go deeper into the story every moment manages to become more intense than the last. Fans of horror and character should always read Mignolaverse comics.
Writing 3.5 out of 5
Art 5 out of 5
Overall: 8.5
Quick Reviews:
Wonder Woman #6
By Brian Azzarello, Tony Akins, Dan Green, Matthew Wilson, Jared Fletcher, and Cliff Chiang
Published by DC Comics.
Quite possibly the boldest comic of DC's 52 "relaunch". Diana is setting up political associations to help stack up the odds against Hera by attempting to strike a deal with Poseidon and Hades. At the same time she protects the pregnant Zola from those filthy centaurs. I love the re-imagined looks of the Greek Gods and it successfully adds a fantastical layer to the mythos of DC's premier super heroine. A consistently well written book and one of the few new DC titles that doesn't over explain itself to you. No Cliff Chiang, but Tony Akins doesn't slouch on his fill-ins.
Writing 4.5 out of 5
Art 4 out of 5
Overall: 8.5
Glory #23
By Joe Keatinge, Ross Campbell, Ms,Shatia Hamilton, and Douglas Sherwood
Published by Image Comics.
The newest in the all-new, all-different, Extreme relaunch. The superheroics of the character of Glory are played out as days gone by. We are given a good introduction to the character of Glory(thankfully) and are also introduced to a young woman named Riley who seeks to find the super-hero that has gone missing. The shocking answers will lead her across continents. An intriguing start to the Liefeld owned property. Keatinge makes sure the story stays grounded as it also harkens across the time of Glory's presence on earth. Campbell also makes sure that Glory's figure matches the likely frame that a muscle bound warrior would maintain. The design is refreshingly un-stereotypical in light of how these characters have been represented in the past. Some moments seemed stiff, but overall i'm intrigued.
Writing 4 out of 5
Art 4 out of 5
Overall: 8
Thunderbolts #170
By Jeff Parker, Kev Walker, Terry Pallot, Frank Martin Jr, Joe Caramagna, and John Tyler Christopher
Published by Marvel Comics.
The Thunderbolts, who have been lost in time, now find themselves trapped within Merlin's apothecary. Can the Thunderbolts escape and successfully bring themselves back to their own time? Dragons, Grendels, and Arthurian characters galore! Jeff Parker continues to write Marvel's best, and most consistent, team "superhero" book. Walker's pencils look better and better every time. His issues pull you back in just when you think the series might flounder. Terry Pallot's colors are very well done in this issue. The issue ends on a cliff-hanger that longtime T-bolts fans will appreciate. Thunderbolts is better than all of the Avengers books put together. Yeah...I said it.
Writing 4 out of 5
Art 5 out of 5
Overall: 9
-BS
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