New comics

More new comics!

What If: Runaways 1

I picked this up because Rainbow Rowell wrote it.  Unfortunately, it falls into the same two-prong trap of many What Ifs.

1. With only a single issue to tell the story, there isn’t enough space to properly explore the posited alternative scenario.  The story feels thin and superficial.

2. The heroes end up where they do in the primary timeline, maybe with a few minor modifications.  Which is what happens here.  

Five Years 1-5

Picked this up used for five bucks.  Totally worth it.  Terry Moore is just so easy to read.  He’s such a good writer, and an even better artist.  His stories flow so smoothly and completely engage me.  This induced me to go out and get more of the Moore comics that I’m missing from my collection.  (Serial and Parker Girls.)

Absolute Catwoman 3

The MacGuffin is lame and the tech in this story is advanced beyond reasonable believability.  But it’s fun enough and I miss reading an all-women team.  It’s been too long since Birds of Prey was good.  

Detective Comics 1112

Tom Taylor and Mikel Janin almost make me believe that the retconned-into-their-lives Prion is worth the emotional weight that Batman, Green Arrow, and Black Canary assign to him.  This is the best issue of the arc, and while I doubt Prion will ever be mentioned by anyone ever again, he was worth the introduction.

Flash 36

I shouldn’t have doubted Ryan North.  Green Arrow calls out the creepy nature of Wally’s new application of his powers.  It does feel a little out of character for Wally to not see it himself.  I’m going to chalk it up to him being excited by what’s essentially a pretty cool new toy, and that he’ll come to his senses pretty quickly.  

Powers 25 12

Brian Michael Bendis neatly wraps up the mystery, but as with most of his Powers stories, the fun was in the journey.  I’m super happy he came back to this with Michael Avon Oeming, and hope they’ll continue to produce more Powers.  

Last Driver 1

I’ll try anything that Sean Murphy writes and draws.  This story’s got fast cars and lots of action, so he’s definitely writing to his strengths.  I’ll stick around.  

Death Vigil 1

I never read volume 1 of this series by the legendary Stjepan Sejic.  This is more plot driven than the usual character-heavy fare of Sunstone and Fine Print, but I’ll stay with it for a while longer.  (And I’ll also try out the earlier story as well.)

New comics

Kaya 1-5

Picked up this trade because it got amazing reviews and I like Wes Craig’s art on Deadly Class.  This a Lone Wolf and Cub-type fantasy story, where a young girl must keep her ousted prince half-brother safe and deliver him to a faraway safe haven.  It’s not bad, but not good enough for me to buy more.

Cheetah and Cheshire Rob the Justice League 4

The heist kicks off, and is anyone buying that Cheetah’s playing the role of the wildcard?  This was already done in Ocean’s 11, and there’s no way this isn’t part of the plan.  

Assorted Crisis Events 6

So this might be an ongoing series now?  Deniz Camp writes a harrowing dementia allegory.  This is my nightmare scenario, to be trapped in my body as my mind goes, forcing those I love to care for me.  Kill me before it gets that bad.  

Absolute Green Lantern 8

I quit this with issue 6, and the issue 7 flip through shows me I made the right decision.  But Al Ewing gives us Sojourner’s origin story here, and it was compelling enough for me to buy it.  The next issue is on flip through watch as well.  

Runaways 5

As this much-appreciated miniseries ends, Doombot ceases to embrace the duality, Gert and Nico explore their new magical powers, and Alex might be back on the team?  I hope this does well enough for Rainbow Rowell to return in the future.

Voyeur 2

Issue 1 retold from the woman’s PoV.  Still enjoying it.  

Batman: Long Halloween: Last Halloween 10

I stopped enjoying this ages ago.  At least we’re finally done with this.

Absolute Batman Annual 1

Holy fuck can Daniel Warren Johnson write and draw a story.  So so visceral, and with an strong emotional core as well.  This was effing phenomenal.

New comics

Way behind on new comics.

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring 2

This is such a well-done series unlike anything else out there.  As with Hannibal Lecter, Sam is a serial killer that I’m rooting for.  An impressive feat of writing from Patrick Horvath, and his art is top-notch as well.

Trinity: Daughter of Wonder Woman 4

The youngest version of Trinity teams up with Alfred to chase down Damian-Corgi, and it’s utterly delightful.  Tom King packs this thing with cute moment after moment, and Belen Ortega illustrates them perfectly.  

Absolute Batman 12

We find out that Bane is the origin story for every other person in Absolute Batman’s Rogues Gallery; He brutally destroys all of Bruce’s friends, physically and psychologically crushing them into their twisted final forms.  It’s a stunning and heartbreaking twist of the mythology, especially given how close Snyder made this group.  Amazing execution by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta.

One World Under Doom 7

With Doom’s perfidy revealed, the final boss battle begins.  Reed Richards levels up to Scientist Supreme, but it’s still not enough.  (For now.)

CoRT 1

AKA Children of the Round Table.  The team of Seven Secrets returns in this all-ages title.  Very little happens here; the titular children find their unique weapons, each of which is possessed by the spirit of an original KotRT.  I’ll probably stick around for the full six issues, if for no other reason than to support Tom Taylor.

Absolute Wonder Woman 11

I don’t think I can love a comic book series more.  The final two pages are breathtaking.  Someone’s gonna get a hurt real bad.

Absolute Martian Manhunter 6

The plot so doesn’t matter with this comic.  It’s a tone poem through and through.  I’m enjoying it, but I still hope that this is a limited series.  I can only enjoy so much of this :)  (Ah, it’s going to be twelve issues.  I can handle that.)

Ultimate Spider-Man 20

The Parkers have a dinner conversation w/ the Stacy-Osborns.  MJ punches out Gwen.  This thing is rapidly approaching the endgame, and I’m all on board.  

Runaways 3-4

Nico discovers that her magic only works when she Wonder Twins-handholds w/ Gert.  Doombot returns to Doom to keep the kids safe.  It’s just fun to hang out with these kids.  Rainbow Rowell rules.

Fantastic Four Fanfare 1-4

An anthology series that I picked up on the recommendation of iFanboy.  The stories are mostly fine but forgettable.

New comics

New comics!

Absolute Martian Manhunter 5

Ah, so it’s Darkseid.  This is still a fever dream that barely comes down on the side of good, mostly based on Javier Rodriguez’s art.

DC vs Vampires: World War V 11

Big unexpected things happen here, as Vampire Batgirl and Vampire Damian both meet their ends.  One more issue to go, and while this hasn’t ended as strongly as DCeased, it’s still been a fun ride.

The War 1

No idea what this was about, but I saw Garth Ennis’ name on the cover, and I’ve really been  jonesing for some new work from him.  Apparently this was originally part of some anthology series, but it’s new for me.  

A bunch of people in their twenties who think they know more than they actually do argue about the politics of nuclear war before they’re actually forced to deal with the reality of one.  Ennis does an amazing job of making the scenario feel eerily possible, and that’s where he gets his hooks into me.  Can’t wait to read the rest.

Batman: The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween 8

Both present me and future me are furious that I’m continuing to buy this.  But there are only two issues left, and I feel pot committed.

Ultimate Spider-Man 19

A setup issue, but still good.  I think there are only six issues left, since Marvel’s wrapping up this whole Ultimate universe.  I’m happy to see Jonathan Hickman wrap this up before he has a chance to screw it up the way he does everything else.

Absolute Wonder Woman 10

Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman give us more reasons why this Diana is awesome both as a child and an adult.  I love this series so much.

Mr Terrific: Year One 3

I’m out after this one.  Al Letson hasn’t done anything interesting w/ Mr Terrific since the promising first issue, and I see no reason to stick around.

Runaways 2

The Runaways do Runaway things, an entertaining blend of stupid and fun, but rarely correct.  As always, it’s more about their interactions than the plot, and Rainbow Rowell continues to nail it.

New comics

Batgirl 8

I love that Tate Brombal found a way to tie Richard Dragon into Shiva’s origin story.  Other than that, I think I’m done w/ this series after this arc.  

Absolute Superman 8

Kryptonite makes its debut in the Absolute Universe, and Superman gets a nice fight scene.  Still the weakest of the original three Absolute titles, but it’s up against some truly exceptional material.  

Runaways 1

Rainbow Rowell returns, and this time she’s brought Elena Casagrande with her!  It’s always fun to return to this group of kids, and how wonderful that Doombot takes center stage with this “One World Under Doom” tie-in.  Embrace the duality!

One World Under Doom 5

All the heroes fight Dormammu, which is great.  Then Thor brings up the honest question of whether or not Doom’s really doing a bad job as global dictator.  It’s a surprisingly valid question, and I enjoyed the heated discussion.

Absolute Batman 9

This is a truly grotesque Bane.  Nick Dragotta draws him with Otomo-like bulbous sinews, completely inhuman and disgusting.  It’s so cool.  

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 9

More raving about Juan Ferreyra.  He’s such a freaking good artist.  Marvel needs to put him on something. 

Runaways, New comics

New comics

Death of Doctor Strange 3

A perfectly acceptable miniseries so far.  Pot committed, going to finish it out.

Runaways 32-38

The series ends on rather muted terms, even though the team is completely shaken up - Karolina flies back to her alien kingdom, Chase gets kidnapped by future Gert, Nico ditches her staff.  (Though I’m pretty sure they established in the past that it automatically gets sucked back into her after a certain amount of time.)  And Alex shows back up.  (Sigh.)  Overall, Rainbow Rowell did an excellent job with this beloved group of characters.  Kudos to Kris Anka and Andres Genolet for the perfect art to match.

Of course Doombot drapes his coat over his shoulders.

Great visual storytelling by Genolet.  Poor Wolverine.

Poor Old Lace.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Pretty good

Runaways

Runaways 25-31

Original review, from just a couple of months ago.  Nothing’s happened to change my opinion since then.  I really don’t like reading about people who take advantage of others and use them as stepping stones for their own gain.  They generate the same gross feeling in my chest as bullies.  Doc Justice is scum.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Nice

Runaways

Runaways 19-24

And just like that, Rainbow Rowell gets back on track.  Andrew Genolet makes for a flawless transition from Kris Anka.

LOVE Chase's body language.  I totally do that when I have a shopping cart!

Kris Anka cover.  Taking this opportunity to mention how much Gib rules.

Great physical comedy.

Past reviews for more details.  Victor’s suicide attempt is still haunting.  (And I still don’t get how he comes back as a human.  Did I miss something?)

Literally the only panel where this is discussed.

Like I said before, these kids are so broken.

It’s hard to believe that I originally stopped buying this just an issue later.  A rare misstep by past me.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Good

Runaways

Runaways 7-12

Reading these issues, it hit me more than ever just how broken these kids are with respect to their views on adults.  The traumatizing revelation that their parents were actually evil has led them to make that association with all grownups, and it’s absolutely tragic.  They’re cutting themselves off from an essential support system, isolating themselves and relying on each other in ways that kids should never have to.  It’s understandable and it’s heartbreaking.  At least Klara got out:

As for the rest of it, it’s all wonderful.  Molly’s dilemma when faced with the offer of eternal youth doesn’t go the way I expected.  While she certainly considers it, she doesn’t rashly follow through the way I thought she would.  Instead, writer Rainbow Rowell uses the youth cupcake to advance (read: end) Karolina and Julie Power’s relationship.  And the team doesn’t waste any time when faced w/ the decision to help their friend, screwing over Molly’s friend, Abigail, without a second thought.  (I feel sorry for her, but not really.)  It’s a refreshing take on the usual navel-gazing moralizing that most heroes would agonize over.  As teenagers, the Runaways just don’t give a shit about it.  They take care of their own.  Because they have to.

Plus, Kris Anka’s art remains delightful and the humor is top notch.

Love the teamwork.

Victor is such a Chase troll.

So true when you're in love...

Heh, looking at the old reviews, I wrote a lot of the same things...

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Good

Runaways 13-18

My previous reviews pretty much cover everything.  Alex sucks, Nico’s stupid, Doombot shows up with his perfect one-liners in just the right amount.  Not nearly as good as the first year of issues, but not bad, either.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Nice

Runaways

Runaways 1-6

I’m not really a fan of re-reading something so soon after buying it, no matter how good it is.  Unless it’s absolutely spectacular, it’s going to feel at least a smidge stale.  The beginning of this run is four years old, but I just read the last issue of the run.  And...it’s good!  Rainbow Rowell really gets these characters, and Kris Anka is a perfect artist for them.

Of course Molly knew, she's the best.

Of course Chase is entirely clueless.  Poor Victor.

Victor's mouth is just a single line, but with Anka's brilliant placement, it speaks volumes.

That is all cats.

The main downer is Gert.  I get that being brought two years into the future is disorienting, being resurrected is no picnic, and discovering that everyone has moved on from the world you’re familiar with will discombobulate you to no end.  But she’s a total wet blanket, and her presence arguably makes everyone’s life worse.  I especially feel for Karolina.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Good

Iron Fist, New comics

New comics!

Runaways 32-38

The last issues of this series.  Rainbow Rowell brings it all to a...somewhat frustrating close.  There are plenty of dangling plot threads as everyone heads off on their own adventures, and the feeling is that of starting a new chapter, rather than the ending of a pretty darn good run.  The journey’s been a really fun one, and I’m glad I picked up the last two trades after giving up on the singles a while back.  

Magic Order 2 1

Mark Millar returns, with Stuart Immonen on art this time around.  Lots of set up, a few fun moments, I’m expecting the second lap to be just as entertaining as the first.  

Immortal Iron Fist 1-6

This is the comic that put Matt Fraction on my radar.  (Last of the Independents came four years earlier, but that was just a one shot effort.)  There’s tons of great action (with superb David Aja art), and this is one of the few hero mantles where giving it a lineage increases the mystique rather than cheapening it.  (See JMS with Spider-Man.)  

I dig how Fraction does these Iron Fist introductions through history.

Travel Foreman does the art on these sweet flashbacks.

I want to read a series starring her.

I remember (and am expecting) lots of fun times ahead with this run.

 

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Good