Solicit Commentary for September 2009

Solicit Commentary is coming up faster than expected. Hard to believe June is already half through and school just got out. How cruel.

Image Solicits for September 2009

DC Solicits for September 2009

Marvel Solicits for September 2009

Spawn #196

Endgame is concluding? Wow. Hard to believe. It’s a 12 issue storyline but it’s already almost over. I figure the real point of Endgame was not some major storyline in general, but overall a gigantic story arc setting up the official status quo of Spawn from here out and you know what? That’s awesome. It shows that McFarlane is taking some serious initiative with this series. Now this is an interesting idea…making Spawn more public. Honest I’m not hot to the idea of Spawn swinging around New York and saying hi to little kids, but maybe McFarlane can make this work.

Invincible #66

The return of Cory Walker! In the one story that has nothing to do with Invincible himself…heh. Still this sounds awesome as all hell and at the very least it will look great. No one does draw that ‘stache on Omni-man better than Walker. Can’t wait for this.

Jersey Gods #7

Oh….come on Barock, have more respect for yourself than this. A fashion model? Really? What a weird turn of events for the book…well I will probably still enjoy this story arc as I have been but wow how odd of a way to turn things. I guess this is going to be a more serious and intense arc from the sounds of it with this new villain.

Savage Dragon #152

This is clearly an advancement on the whole weird monster thing that turned into Dragon and assumed his identity since he thought he was Dragon. Which is really weird. This plot sounds good but…I’m just not sure if I’m enjoying his direction anymore. That cover could pass for a horror movie poster though, it' awesome!

Witchblade #130

Variants have never been so frustrating…with Sara’s life in question, I’m going to cross her off the list as the bearer or new Angelus. It’s either Finch or Dani. I hope Marz doesn’t pull in someone completely new just for shock value though and have no build up leading up to it. Also really worried with how this story concludes…but I’m putting my faith in Marz’ great writing.

Invincible Ultimate Collection volume 5.

YES! I am very happy about that. I have just started picking up the Ultimate Collections recently and their great, glad to see volume 5 finally being solicited and it collects a good number of the issues. Ending with 60 is a smart idea. No offense to Kirkman’s choice as editor of the regular collections, but their so obscure nowadays that I just can’t buy them.

Batman and Robin #4

I’m going to spoil who Red Hood’s helper is. Scarlet is the girl at the end of issue #1 who has her father killed by Pyg. Still I’m really excited to see a new Red Hood, I have my suspicions, mainly Jason Todd. It wouldn’t be his first time. Though I do hope that Morrison is going with an old character rather than plucking someone new out of nowhere. Either way I am really excited to see how Tan works with Morrison, his best work was Godslayer but this may be the book to top it.

Batman: Streets of Gotham #4

Wow, of all the villains Dini could use he uses the one I find most creepy. This could be another great read and I am hopeful for it but I don't know about this, I think some issues of this series will be hit or miss and honestly this one is looking like a big miss.

Gotham City Sirens #4

Still on the fence about this book…going to pick up the first issue and if I like it then I’ll add it to the pull list. Kind of odd how this whole opening story arc is centered around Hush’ return when you’ve got 3 characters that could all be doing completely different things.

Ultimate Comics Spider-man #2

I just realized a worry I have over this book now…are we going to get Spider-man, but not know his (her?) identity for like…6 or so issues? Sort of like what they did with Endgame or the recent Black Panther reboot. I remain hopeful but…man, that would be really annoying. As for that cover, Lafuente is such a great artist but that is really eerie looking to me. Also I’m really happy to hear Mysterio will be showing up so soon, was worried Bendis would leave him on the back-burner and we wouldn’t see him for another couple of years. While I have a new concern for this reboot, I remain hopeful that this will be one of the best new books out there.

Ultimate Comics Avengers #2

Man, Pacheco’s art is looking great for this book. I still won’t be picking it up, but I’m seriously considering picking up the collection of it at least. The story itself does sounds kind of cool, looking forward to seeing this new Red Skull.

Ultimate Comics Armor Wars #1

A new Ultimate Mini-series already? I wasn’t expecting anything like this until all the other new ongoings where established. Not that I’m complaining that Warren Ellis is writing another Ultimate book. Ultimate Human was pure awesome and I’ll definitely pick up the collection of this for sure.

Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-men: Exodus

I think Marvel actually wants the fans to be cynical of their books nowadays. At this rate at least. We have to end on a damn one-shot? We can’t just keep the crossover thing going? Ugh…well for better or worse I’m picking up the Utopia event. I’m not exactly faithful in it…and the fact that we’re ending it on two one shots certainly doesn’t help but whatever hopefully it will be worth it.

Dark X-men: the Confession

With a team like Kyle/Yost on this…maybe this one-shot has some hope. I highly doubt that Scott and Emma are going to duke it out like that cover hints at. Rather it will be a quiet conversation wrapping up how they both feel on Emma leaving the X-men. It should make for an interesting read and I will pick it up for sure. That cover is also hilarious, it's like their having a Scowl-off.

Deadpool: Merc with a Mouth #3

I’ve avoided mentioning this series for 2 reasons, one is that it’s a pointless second series and 2 that I have no idea who the writer is or experience with his past work. I feel Marvel gave them this Zombie storyline so that the spinoff could sell well enough and get going. Sort of like how they started Captain Britain off as a Secret Invasion tie-in. It could make for an interesting read, and I do love my zombie madness but…not the biggest fan of Deadpool. I don’t mind him in small doses or anything but I just don’t think he needs to ongoing series when Vision has yet to get his own mini-series in a long time. But hey, these covers by Suydam are incredibly awesome. Absolutely love Dawn of the Dead (original version!)

Wolverine: Weapon X #5

This should make for an entertaining read. I’m not sure why but last issue didn’t impress me as much as I was hoping it would. Still this story has lots of potential to be an excellent read so I’ll happily check it out more and I hope the conclusion is as exciting as it looks to be. Though come on, a fight Wolverine can’t win? I’m sure he could take down these blackguard punks in the end.

Wolverine: Old Man Logan Giant Size #1

Well smack my head and beat my brains, it’s actually coming out soon! Though hey, it’s the obvious thing we all saw coming from the ending last time! Cool! Okay seriously this could be an incredible read that caps off one of the best Alternate Reality stories in a long while or it could be a total waste of space and just ruin an awesome story. That’s what happens when you switch gears so fast for the final chapter, a lot rides on it. Here’s to hoping for one more awesome issue from Millar and McNiven.

Strange Tales #1

Now here’s an interesting looking comic. I’m not familiar at all with the creators, but it all sounds awesome…I’m not sure if I can afford it, but the collection sounds like a good idea.

Mighty Avengers #29

Quickly becoming one of my favorite books like I’d hoped, this arc sounds so great. More Young Avengers goodness continuing on in #29 leaves me even more excited.

Dark Reign: Sinister Spider-man #4

OUCH, looks like Venom’s going to get a beating. Too bad, he can be such a badass at times. This should be another awesome read but I’m just not sure about this mini.

Dark Avengers #9

I have a feeling that Utopia was an event forced into Dark Reign at the last minute and that Bendis isn’t writing Dark Avengers solely because Utopia will have zero affects on his book. It’s clear that Dark Avengers is it’s own story farther from Utopia and I’m glad for it as I really look forward to Bendis taking over the book and with Deodato by his side. It should be an awesome read from the sounds of it.

Dark Reign: Young Avengers #5

Ha, that cover is hilarious. Love how Patriot is shouting at Melter. As for will these two teams work well together? I’m doubting it. I sense a realization that our new team is evil and that they want to kill the old the team. Either way how this goes it should be another great read.

Spider-man: the Clone Saga #1

Wow, this is a really weird idea…I really liked Ben Reilly as Scarlet Spider so I may check this out just to see him really. I hate the price tag, but it’s got some talent behind it and this could be a really cool book. I’m going to assume it’s out of continuity which makes it even better.

Reborn #3

Not sure why Marvel isn’t adding anything to this solicit, I mean we all learned about what this book is about (as if we didn’t know) so why not give a full solicit? Also that isn’t the cover for #3, but I loved that Quesada cover so much. It’s my new background. I wanted to use the solicits to mention that I am going to be buying Reborn against my wallet’s judgment and I’ll have a post about my thoughts on the series announcements in a day or so.

Anti-Venom #1

Okay that isn’t the title, it’s Amazing Spider-man Presents Anti-Venom: New Ways to Live…ugh…what an awful title. I thought All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder was frustrating. Stupid title aside I will be picking this up, Anti-Venom had a great debut and I’ve been wanting to follow his adventures. Hopefully Wells doesn’t fall into the same pits as he did with Dark Origin, an abysmal mini-series, last year. I know the artist is great at least. With this being only 3 issues then I don’t stress about price as much so I’m looking forward to this.

Ultimatum HC

I am actually tempted to pick this up…I don’t know why, but I am. I must be crazy. I doubt I’ll pick it up, especially with how long the Collection List has gotten. But there’s still a temptation to check this out.

The Week Begins - June 15th 2009

Quite a few great and interesting looking books this week. So much that I skipped last week’s books in order to get this week’s books.

Dark Reign: Young Avengers #1

Written: Paul Cornell

Art: Mark Brooks

After a strong opening issue I’m hopeful that Cornell can keep the twisted fun going with this brawl between the two teams. I do hope that it’s more than just fighting of course, that we do get plot advancements and good character moments but from the looks of it Cornell is using this issue to get our two teams familiar with each other which could make for a really cool read still. Still with the worry that it might not turn out well, I’m avoiding this for my Most Anticipated.

Batman: Streets of Gotham #1

Written: Paul Dini

Art: Dustin Nguyen

Morrison opened very strongly with an awesome issue of Batman and Robin #1 though I must admit I was nearly as excited for this book as well. My only real worry is a possible lack of direction. The concept sounds perfect for Dini, let him focus not just on Batman but the whole of Gotham City. Though at the same time it could be so easy for this book to be derailed and lose any real focus that a small level of worry is sticking with me. Still it reunites Nguyen and Dini who did an incredible job on Detective Comics so I’m looking forward to this.

Ultimate Spider-man: Requiem #1 *Most Anticipated*

Written: Brian Bendis

Art: Stuart Immonen and Mark Bagley

Why the final issue of the series needed to be 3.99 I can’t see, but this makes a little more sense at least. From the preview, it looks to be a powerful emotional read and that’s exactly what Bendis can excel at when it comes to Spider-man. As for Peter’s fate? Well I remain hopeful that he’s survived, whatever way he may have, and that this may be more like Spider-man Resurrection. Still as someone who’s loved this series since it’s debut I am excited to see how Bendis closes this incredible era of storytelling.

Destroyer #3

Written: Robert Kirkman

Art: Cory Walker

All right kids, let’s do a simple math equation. Robert Kirkman + Family Member in Danger (Destroyer’s daughter in this case) = what? If you said “Dead” then you are right. I don’t want to sound cynical (guess I don’t have a choice) but seriously, it’s Robert Kirkman. This guy loves to kill of family members and important characters like that. Still this will probably be another awesome read, really wish I was buying this comic…but…must…resist. Must…resist. Trade waiting has never been so painful.

Invincible #63

Written: Robert Kirkman

Art: Ryan Ottley

Speaking of Robert Kirkman, seems he’s got another awesome comic coming out this week. #62 was a simple, but still awesome read. I really hope Kirkman can hook us onto the Conquest arc with this chapter, as next issue it seems another character is about to bite the dust. Oh, and that cover is sick as all hell. That’s going right in the nursery when I become a father one day.

Mighty Avengers #26

Written: Dan Slott

Art: Stephen Segovia

Hard to believe how excited I am to read this issue. Much to my surprise it seems this mild filler arc is going to be the best story so far for the Mighty Avengers. I’m not exactly sure how this will all play out but my hopes are high this time for an awesome read finally from Slott.

Marvel Zombies 4 #3

Written: Fred Van Lente

Art: Kev Walker

This issue snuck up one me, wow. I decided to pick this 4^th volume more on a whim than a necessity like with the prior 3. I’ve always loved Marvel Zombies but this series is such a radical departure that I just can’t even call it that. Though hey, this issue has Man-Thing, one of my all time favorite characters in Marvel so it should be awesome to see what Van Lente does with him.

Summer Reading: Heart of Hush

Hey All! Summer is upon us and with it comes lots and lots of free time. You may be laying around the yard bored, or taking a long drive up North to meet some family. Either way Summer is a perfect time to go to your local comic shop or bookstore and pick up an awesome new book to read. Now you would be getting a book each week, but you’ll get one book this week, two next week, then one the following week as I have to make up for my computer crashing and not getting to post this last Friday. So sit back, relax and get ready for my first recommendation.

Today our first review is Batman: Heart of Hush.

Now usually I don’t mind getting a little spoilerific with my collection book reviews but since these are books you may not have read or heard about I will try not to spoil much.

Written by Paul Dini

Art by Dustin Nguyen

A story in the shadow of the R.I.P. event last year, Heart or Hush tells the return of the menace Hush. We see Catwoman and Batman as the two main characters alongside Hush as his origin is fleshed out more in short segments during each chapter. All the while Hush’ full evil plan involves taking Catwoman’s heart and hitting Batman at his heart with this.

What I loved most about this story was how it comes off as very simple and easy to read but at the same time has some very cool moments and nice twists and turns as far as how it all plays out. Dini is able to tell a very interesting and cool story without making it too wild or crazy where he would lose the reader in how crazy it gets.

Like most story arcs that are 5 or more issues the middle point does drag a bit. In the mid-point we have Scarecrow keeping Batman busy with a boy who is being powered by Venom. It was a fairly pointless and waste of time fight to fill in space. Though the follow up chapter where Batman interrogates Scarecrow in Arkham was incredible. What made it so great was at the very end, after nearly killing Scarecrow, the Joker compliments

Batman. It was just so awesome and fit Batman so well.

We see some other useless villain fights with the Wonderland Gang, one of the first villain groups of all time. Really though the star villain is of course Hush and he was great. Up to this storyline I’ve never really liked Hush. I thought he was just a stupid crazy guy with no real motivation to fight Batman other than his own delusion. Here it is fleshed out how psychologically twisted he became from his father’s beatings and lack of comfort from his mother. It’s a fairly twisted tale of a selfish young maniac and could halfway pass for a horror story.

Catwoman and Batman’s relationship is put under a microscope here and examined very well. We see that Catwoman, similar to Zatanna in a prior story, is feeling a jealousy of Batman’s lover at the time and her heart strings are being tugged on. We also see Batman come to the realization that no matter who it is he dates that Catwoman is his one true love. It was more of a sub-plot really but it fit nicely to the current event of Hush’ attack on Catwoman and made it even more powerful especially thanks to the final moment between them.

We got tons of great moments through the story and lots of great action and intrigue to make this one of the best recent Batman stories for me. It may not have been on the same epic level as R.I.P. but it didn’t need that to be a great story.

Dustin Nguyen’s artwork is a bit of a love/hate thing with the fans. I’ve seen people that either love his work or hate it, very few middle road people. I myself am a big fan of his work and think he’s an awesome artist that fits Batman very well. Sure his style is more animated but that doesn’t make it any less effective as he captures emotion very nicely and can definitely pull of some really great character work and awesome shots.

Normally at the end of these reviews I’d give a Score, but because these are all books you know I’m giving high recommendations at the end of each review I’ll just give it a simple.

Summer Reading Must Have

Check back Friday for the next Summer Reading Review.

Comic Reviews for June 4th 2009

Lots to review today. Instead of picking up Dark Avengers #5 I went out on a limb and picked up Secret Six #10, a comic I’ve heard nothing but praise for so I figured it was worth a shot since this is starting a new storyline. It seems my LCS is back on track with getting Spawn for me, thankfully, so hopefully no more problems like that in the future.

Batman and Robin #1

Written: Grant Morrison

Art: Frank Quietly

Opening Comments: With all the hype and excitement over this book I came into it with more of a standard hope for an enjoyable fun read. I wasn’t looking for Morrison to reinvent cool or reshape my love for comics, just a strong and enjoyable read. That’s what we got with this opening issue.

Story Comments: We have a blood-pumping opening with the new Batman and Robin taking down a new villain named Mr. Toad. Right away I have to compliment the new Batmobile, this is one of the best looking versions of the popular car since the one in the 1989 movie.

We get an interrogation scene similar to what Batman is all about with Mr. Toad being dangled from the Batmobile. Though I do think that Dick’s decision not to really hold Toad high above the city was weird, I know he’s a nice guy but that blindfold can only get you so far. If Dick is going to be accepted as Batman than he needs to step up and become the brutal legend that is the Dark Knight.

After this we see that Dick and Damian are moving out of the Wayne Manor and in to a Penthouse lair. I must admit I actually like the change in scenery, sure the Batcave had it’s charm but it’s nice to see our new Batman just going through the same motions Bruce did. A smart move on Morrison’s part.

We see the characters all interact and I loved every minute of it. Morrison has had some trouble in the past making characters sound in character at times but here he shines and really writes all these characters very well. I especially loved Damian. He can’t become Batman soon enough for me.

We get a typical Gordon flashing the Bat-signal, then nothing happening at first, scene. Though what really made this scene important was the later moment of Dick and Damian flying through the air, so awesome.

Up to this point I was enjoying the story, but not loving it as much. Then we see the chilling ending with the new villain Pyg and his menacing dolls. It felt like something right out of a horror movie and I loved it.

Though for as much as I enjoyed this issue, I did find some minor faults. The biggest of these was that Morrison clearly has a very large story to tell here but it feels like he condensed this first issue rather than set up a lot more. I’m not exactly ungrateful that we got a heavier focus on our new Dynamic Duo but I can’t deny that I was hoping for some more eye popping scenes as far as set up. Though the teaser at the end did well enough.

Overall I really did love this issue’s storyline.

Art Comments: I’m not the biggest fan of Frank Quietly and there is a reason for that…his style just…never really appealed to me. Something about how he really overdoes it when it comes to detail. I love detail as much as the next guy but at times it looks just plane weird and as if a suit is made out of recycled Dodge balls. Still he does a great job here and I can’t really find any flaws in his art.

Final Comments: While it wasn’t perfect, it was a very strong opening issue. Morrison got over some of his problems with Batman last time and has opened with what is looking to be the most prominent Bat-book in a long while.

Writing: 5 out of 5

Art: 5 out of 5

Overall: 5 out of 5

Must Have

Spawn #192

Written: Todd McFarlane

Art: Whilce Portacio

Opening Comments: McFarlane won me over last time with an awesome issue to start his tenure as series writer again. Sadly this issue isn’t quite as awesome as the last, but it’s still a strong read.

Story Comments: We open with the demon that Clown recruited a few issues back going to a nightclub looking for the big boss. After a few pages of useless chatter he gets taken out back and is attacked by what I assume are vampires. Things go sour for them as our Demon seems to have something special about him. After a badass scene and only one Vampire left, they go to see the boss. While this was a strong moment, it could have really done without the useless talking at first and just cut to the chase.

After that moment we cut back to Jim, finding that the Angel he stuck to the wall is gone. He finds her, bloody and babbling, only to be approached by the Freak. All right, I admit I’m not the biggest fan of Freak so I didn’t care that he’s showing up so much. But McFarlane does a good job of showing us Freak and sort of catching up Spawn Newbies to who he is.

What’s really interesting is that as Jim goes Spawn and attacks Freak, Freak actually seems to know a lot about the suit and everything. I know Freak nearly killed the Al Simmons Spawn a long while back but I never figured he knew this much. No doubt he learned a lot along his way back to earth.

We see the Angel girl isn’t completely braindead and attacks Freak, from the looks of it she may survive this and if she does I sense a partnership between her and Spawn. Assuming they survive who shows up for this issue’s cliffhanger, the big, the bad, the oh so Jaws-tastic Violator!

While I did enjoy this issue, it felt way too quick. McFarlane could have easily cut down all that chatter at the opening and saved us more room to actually get things going. Still this was a nice advancement of the plot.

Art Comments: Whilce Portacio is solid as ever 8 parts in to his run on Spawn. I’ve mentioned it enough for you all to know he does a great job, though my biggest compliments go to his Violator. The toothy overgrown gecko has never looked better.

Final Comments: While there was some disappointment with this issue I still thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who’s looking to jump on with Endgame volume 1 coming out later this month as well.

Writing: 4 out of 5

Art: 5 out of 5

Overall: 4 out of 5

Must Read

Jersey Gods #5

Written: Glen Brunswick

Art: Dan McDaid

Opening Comments: I am not so sure how I feel after reading this issue…while it was a very satisfying conclusion, at the same time it felt very cramped and just a quick way to spruce up. Still I can’t deny I enjoyed it like I always have this series, though at the same time there where some problems I had with it.

Story Comments: Picking up where last issue left off we see Fusion and Union trying to stop the asteroid. The two fuse for all of a second and destroy it, which was a cool moment and I loved the way Fusion just flies off mocking Union as Union is weakened. It was just so deliciously evil of Fusion.

Zoe is still being held by the Chinese Mafia, after Barock and the others all get their bearings he gets some kind of psychic call from Zoe to save him. It was a nice touch by Brunswick to add this “their so perfect for each other that they can sense when the other is in danger” as it really adds a cool twist to their romance.

As expected Barock shows up in time and saves Zoe in what I can only call one of the funniest moments I’ve read in comics. Barock is cracking one liners and telling this hilarious joke about earth dating, and I’m not even sure if it was intentional! That is a sign of great character writing where you can’t tell if it’s on purpose or just some cool moment for the character.

From here we come to my favorite moment, after Barock and Zoe have a night of passion they have this hilarious dialogue from start to finish. This was undeniably what I love so much about this series, every panel these two are together is pure gold. We get hilarious references to Richard Donner’s Superman films and it was just comedic genius.

We get another solid moment of Barock saying why he’s on earth, turning it around and instead of being here for justice he confesses it’s for love. That was just a sweet and nice moment for me personally.

The final moments have Barock telling his friends he won’t be returning to Neborn and that he and Zoe are getting married (surprised, I’m sure) with Deltus staring down at them from his monitor seething evilly.

Overall I did love this issue, but at the same time it all felt like we had to resolve it lightning fast. I was hoping for at least a little more dramatic tension but oh well. I guess despite some of the rush to a happy ending, I can’t deny this was another solid and great read.

Art Comments: While McDaid has grown on me and I’ve come to love his work I can’t deny that he has some sore spots through this issue. His art never gets bad, but I can’t deny he had some weak spots here and there that hopefully wont’ show up again.

Final Comments: Despite being a cramped read with some weak art moments, I continue to love Jersey Gods and recommend it to anyone who loves fun, cool and interesting comics. Brunswick closed the nice arc nicely and left me feeling satisfied.

Writing: 5 out of 5

Art: 4 out of 5

Overall: 5 out of 5

Must Have

Mighty Avengers #25

Written: Dan Slott

Art: Stephen Segovia

Opening Comments: To say the least after reading this issue, I was very impressed. Maybe it’s because my expectations where fairly low for it or I figured it would be useless filler but Slott actually made what sounded like a boring waste of time into a pure awesome read.

Story Comments: Picking up from the threads of last issue where Jocasta had to sever ties of the Pym Pockets to the real world in order to stop H.A.M.M.E.R. from invading, Hank Pym is desperately trying to save his work and needs the help of Reed Richards who has a device made by Bill Foster (dead guy, he has yet to get better, will probably be fine by next year) which could save all his work.

What follows is what I can only describe as “the most childish bullshit you wouldn’t even see in High School” I mean seriously. It starts out as a civil conversation between Pym and Richards and ends with “It’s on, Bitch.” from Pym. We of course get plenty of funny jabs at the two’s prior mistakes as well. But wow, I know these guys are stubborn but…damn.

Following this the rest of the issue is set up for next time when the Avengers storm to Baxter Building. We see things like cloaking devices that they will use and other interesting moments.

Though one moment that caught my eye was U.S. Agent and Quicksilver meeting with an agent of their new associates (I refuse to say that silly acronym) and it was actually really interesting and cool. Though it probably won’t amount to much until a later issue.

We see Vison and Stature informed of why Hank is so insistent on saving his lab which was a nice moment and we get some mild flirtation between Cho and Stature. I admit I despise the idea of Slott going for the cheap Teenage Love Triangle that may happen but hopefully it’s just going to be Cho making a fool out of himself or something funny along those lines.

We end with The Thing going toe to toe with the Red Hulk, which is Hercules in disguise as the others plan to infiltrate the Baxter Building.

While this issue had it’s flaws, mostly in the childish debate between the two big brains and just some weird character moments, I was very impressed. Sure it’s not high quality stuff but for a typical super hero book Slott really did well and finally won me over into loving this series.

Art Comments: I was excited to see Segovia’s name on the art talent for this book. He is an incredible artist and that continues to be apparent with his great work here. I loved how his rough style was like a more refined Lienel Yu and the coloring was spectacular. My only real complaint was Jocasta, her breasts look like they could be launched from a submarine. Despite that one funny complaint I have no complaints for Segovia’s art. Maybe if Pham moves on one day then Segovia could be the series regular artist.

Final Comments: Despite some flaws here and there I really did enjoy this issue and can finally give Mighty Avengers a high recommendation.

Writing: 4 out of 5

Art: 5 out of 5

Overall: 4 out of 5

Must read

Secret Six #10

Written: Gail Simone

Art: Nicola Scott

Opening Comments: 2 things convinced me to pick this up, that absolutely incredible cover for one. Second being that it’s been called the ‘spiritual successor of Elli’s Thunderbolts’ and since I loved that series I really wanted to check this out. With a new story arc, I had high hopes for an awesome read. While I was not fully disappointed, I did not understand all of it either and that hurt my enjoyment.

Story Comments: We open with a very horrific massacre over a young slave woman who refuses to pick at a wall with her axe as she smells deadly gas. In order to make her obey the boss man has his assistant slaughter the others until she agrees to obey. A very freaky way to start off but it got me in the right mood.

From there Bane has a nightmare and after getting up to use the bathroom is greeted by Scandal Savage (awesome name by the way) and they have a light discussion that ends up with them in bed. Though it’s just her comforting him for the night, which was a nice scene that made me like these characters.

Following this 2 members of the team are met by the same 2 men at the opening of the issue. This scene had some nice moments (Deadshot needs his own ongoing series) but it dragged a little and didn’t really suck me in or interest me.

From here the team is on an airplane and their job is to guard some giant…block? Coffin maybe? Hell if I know. Well none to surprisingly the plane is attacked, it goes down, and the team takes out all the attacking soldiers with one casualty thanks to Deadshot. It was an exciting and awesome way to lead in to the closure of the issue which will pick up nicely next time.

Overall I did enjoy this issue, but without anything like a recap page or character names being given to us I was a little lost. Still I did enjoy most of it and I had a good time reading it.

Art: Nicola Scott is a strong artist though I can’t deny there where some off moments but they where tiny really. The art here really compliments the good storytelling and helped me enjoy it even more.

Final Comments: while it didn’t dazzle and stun me like I was hoping, this was a very enjoyable read and I’ll be checking out the next issue as well to see if I’m won over or not. Still I did like what I read even though I was hoping for a little more.

Writing: 4 out of 5

Art: 4 out of 5

Overall: 4 out of 5

Must Read

Now let’s finish up with a quick Open Fire! Review of Invincible #62. I was going to include Witchblade #127 but you all know I loved that comic by now.

Invincible #62

Written: Robert Kirkman

Art: Ryan Ottley

I can sum this issue up as “good but not much else”. Really it was a perfect “fight” issue and it doesn’t try or need to be anything else. We got tons of incredible action, all beautifully done by Ottley, few but nice scenes of dialogue and a freaky surprise ending that I won’t spoil. Even if I where to try and do a regular review of this I wouldn’t have much else to say other than enjoyable and well done. It isn’t anything amazing or all that great, but still an enjoyable read.

Writing: 3 out of 5

Art: 4 out of 5

Overall: 3 out of 5

Check It

The Week Begins - June 1st 2009

A fairly big sized week of comics coming out. Some really great stuff coming with it from all 3 companies I buy from.

Jersey Gods #5

Written: Glen Brunswick

Art: Dan McDaid

One of the best new series in a long while, Jersey Gods has easily become on of the best titles on the shelves. With the final issue of this opening arc here, it’s fairly obvious where this will end though I’m still really looking forward to it. Jersey Gods is a great unique and fun read that anyone interested should check out, if you missed out on this first arc, check out the collection in August and jump on with #6.

Spawn #192

Written: Todd McFarlane

Art: Whilce Portacio

Endgame has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for me, some enjoyable parts here and there but it wasn’t really until the last 2 chapters that it got going and started really wining me over. McFarlane finally returned to fully writing the comic for the first time in a long while last issue and he impressed me. This issue picks right up from there and I’m expecting another great read. Though the best part is that we get 2 issues of Spawn in one month, that’s just a perfect treat for me.

Savage Dragon #149

Written and Art: Erik Larsen

The solicitation for this issue literally was one word: Dart. Who is apparently the woman on the cover. I’m not a veteran reader of Savage Dragon so I’m not too up to speed on her recent activity but it seems she recently was about to kill his kids until Dragon and Daredevil (note the blind one) saved them. I guess this issue is him just fighting her. This really just sounds like filler to keep us busy until the big fight with Overlord next month, which is a shame. Hopefully Larsen can still give us an entertaining read.

Batman and Robin #1 *Most Anticipated*

Written: Grant Morrison
Art: Frank Quietly

A passing of the torch has occurred, the first Robin has now taken his rightful place as the Batman and the first real son of the Bat is now the new Robin. This should make for an awesome read, high expectations that Morrison can start running out of the gate and not slow down. I’m even excited to see what Quietly brings to the art aspect of this book. My only real worries is that Morrison will do his usual Weirder than the Reader can handle story. He tried to give us an even balance in R.I.P. and it didn’t work much for me. Though at the same time I’m looking at his most recent interview and he sounds really passionate about this book and when I writer loves what their writing, that often makes for a great read.

Dark Avengers #5

Written: Brian Bendis

Art: Mike Deodato

Another incredible new series that debuted in 2009, Dark Avengers has been a great read for me each month. After a strong opening arc I’m curious as to where Bendis takes this issue. Judging by the preview, this will be the painful slow paced boring talking heads type issue that he’s notorious for. Though I’ll admit, childish as it may sound of me, I actually am curious as to who’s going to get “frisky” as the solicit mentioned. My money is on Moonstone and Noh-Var after last issue where he took a peek at her as she walked away. I’m still hopeful that Bendis can give us a good read but at the same time my expectations are a little lower this time.

Ultimatum #4

Written: Jeph Loeb

Art: David Finch

I loved the first issue of Ultimatum, I thought it was an awesome start to what I was hoping would be a great event. Issue 2 lost me, completely, mostly thanks to that disgusting scene of Wasp’s death and I happily dropped it after that. Though even with that I am happy this issue came out, even if it’s just so that Ultimate Spider-man can end, we can move on to Requiem, then Ultimate Comics Spider-man which I am highly anticipating. Still Ultimatum has turned out to be nothing but “you like this guy? Dead! You like that girl? Dead!” and nothing more really.

Ultimate Spider-man #133

Written: Brian Bendis

Art: Stuart Immonen

As I just mentioned, I’m kind of ready for this whole story to end so that we can move on to bigger and better things. Ultimate Spider-man has served as one of the best comics of all time for me, but I’m ready to move on to the next volume. Now I have a theory with how this all plays out, the supposed death of Peter I mean. We see a big magical explosion, Kitty finds his mask (this is from both this comic and the Ultimatum #4 preview) and I’m going to say they went with the cheap cop out idea of “lets send him to another dimension instead of just killing him” which really bugs me. Still I am hopeful we get something else, but if not…well, I called it.

Captain Britain and the MI13 Annual #1

Written: Paul Cornell

Art: Michael Collins

Here is an interesting looking book, judging by the preview at least. I’m only commenting on this for a hilarious moment where Mephisto asks about Merlin, mentions him as a son, Helena says everyone is his son then his actual son, Blackheart is sitting next to her. I don’t know if this was some kind of goof up, but for one Blackheart has been out of commission for the longest time so I’m really confused here.

Mighty Avengers #25

Written: Dan slot

Art: Stephen Segovia

I have to give Pham some credit for redoing that rather bland cover that was originally going to be used, this one is much better. Slott hasn’t impressed me much so far on his run with the book, though the main reasons I stick with it are for characters I like such as Vision, Statue and Hercules. I doubt I’ll enjoy this Fantastic Four fight (is it just me is everyone fighting them nowadays?) . The art by Segovia looks really great, I’m almost wishing he was the regular artist, and this actually does look like it could improve with time so I remain hopeful.