BROTHERS DRACUL #4
"The Missing"
Written By: Cullen Bunn
Art By: Mirko Colak
Colors By: Maria Santaolalla
Letters By: Simon Bowland
Cover By: Mirko Colak with Maria Santaolalla
Price: $3.99
Brothers Dracul is a great book! Every month I look forward to see where the brothers are, and this month we are seeing that divide in them. Vlad is on a mission to find Ermine who the Vampir have taken from the castle in retaliation from them hunting them, and Radu is concerned he is losing himself. I love how Bunn goes deep into the characters and shows how these brothers differ and yet how much love is between them. It is the brother relationship for me that makes this book so unique and so interesting for me. Mirko Colak and Maria Santaolalla set the mood for this book. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
EDEN #1 (Of 4)
Chapter One: The Fall
Written By: Eric Henson
Pencils By: Eric Henson
Inks By: Michael Babinski
Colors By: Steve Downer
Letters By: Robert Doan
Cover By: Eric Hanson
Price: $1.50
I love a great sci-fi epic, and Eden fits that bill! Earth has been conquered by an alien race and on the planet of Eden we find Neriah, Christian and the Sylth alien Kla'Tuu on a mission to find Neriah's son Avion, but there seems to be more at play. Eric Henson does a great job with the story and the art in grabbing the reader and taking you on this alien adventure. Right away we are drawn into Neriah's story and her search for her son. The mysterious Ghost adds more levels to the story as to why her son is so important. I can't wait to read the next issue to discovery more of this mystery. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
Written By: Ian Flynn, David Williams, & Gary Martin
Art By: Kelsey Shannon, David William, & Gary Martin
Letters By: Jack Morelli
Main Cover By: David William, Gary Martin, & Kelsy Shannon
Variant Cover By: David William, & Gary Martin
Price: $3.99
Pureheart, Ms. Vanity and Superteen are all captured by Dr. Zardox and the Crusaders are not faring all that well either. Can Captain Hero save the day? This is a fun book! If you are missing the fun in comics, grab this book, it is cheesey pure unbashful comic. I loved all the old tropes they played off here, it was like watching old school Saturday morning cartoons and I loved it. The ending was a nice little old school nod as well. This team needs an ongoing Superteens title!~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
Written By: Fabian Lelay
Art By: Fabian Lelay
Colors By: Claudia Aguirre
Letters By: Taylor Esposito
Cover By: Fabian Lelay
Price: $3.99
We Are The Danger #2 is an excellent second installment for an already impressive series. The story continues to intensify the band’s rivalry with Logan, while also establishing some sweet romances within the band. It’s only the second issue, and I already feel drawn to these characters. Claudia Aguirre on colors and Taylor Esposito on letters do a great job at showing our characters’ musical talents through the issue’s bright color palette and unique display of lyrics. If you are a music fan, We Are The Danger is a must read. ~ Kat @ComicUno
BEDTIME GAMES #2 (of 4)
Written By: Nick Keller
Art By: Conor Nolan
Colors By: Kelly Fitzpatrick
Letters By: John J. Hill
Cover By: Conor Nolan
Price: $3.99
This was a good solid follow up to the first issue. Charlie is with Mr. Bedtime who promises Charlie he can cure his brain tumor if he found the page that his brother hid. The three main characters Avery, Owen and Jamie begin their first day of school where we get more info on Mr. Bedtime as he was imprisoned by their teacher Ms. Cartwright and her friends. I love how Keller really shows us how manipulative Mr. Bedtime is and they way he plays off of people's fears, showing how evil this boogie man really is. Nolan continues to walk the line of traditional horror comic art with that of a story book art blending the two making them one style that fits so well with this story. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
ACTION COMICS #1001
"Invisible Mafia"
Written By: Brian Michael Bendis
Art By: Patrick Gleason
Colors By: Alejandro Sanchez
Letters By: Josh Reed
Cover By: Patrick Gleason & Brad Anderson
Variant Cover By: Francis Manapul
Price: $3.99
Clark Kent is an investigative reporter, I think a lot of people have forgotten that, but I am glad Bendis has not. The fire story thread from Man of Steel continues here with Superman trying to figure out who is framing here, meanwhile a group meet in secret to discuss who has been setting the fires. I love the Daily Planet stuff getting Clark back to that aspect of his life, and those friends. This is an aspect that has for too long been hidden by the action of Superman. Bendis does a great job in crossing the two worlds here. Gkeanson helps the nostalgia through the art with this classic '90s style that takes me back.~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
"Truly Laugh"
Written By: Geoff Johns
Art By: Gary Frank
Colors By: Brad Anderson
Letters By: Rob Leigh
Cover & Variant Cover By: Gary Frank & Brad Anderson
Price: $3.99
Finally we get the story of Mime and Marionette and I LOVED IT! Johns knows how to make any character sympathetic and has us feel for them, even psychotic murderers. Seeing how the couple met as children and began their life of crime killing cops was expertly woven throughout the current story of Joker taking them to meet the Society of Villainy. With Batman paralyzed and in a wheelchair the Joker struts him around to the others who just assume this is another fake like he has done in the past. The inclusion of the Comedian was a nice touch. The art here is just perfection. Frank and Anderson out do themselves in creating this timeless style bringing back familiar designs without dating them. The only downside to this book is that I now have to wait two months for the conclusion. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
THE FLASH #51
Written By: Joshua Williamson
Art By: Scott Holins
Colors By: Louis Guerrero
Letters By: Steve Wands
Cover By: Howard Porter & Hi-Fi
Variant Cover By: Francesco Mattina
Price: $2.99
The Flash War Epilogue is a sort of tribute to Wally West, and that’s something I’m all for. Commander Cold’s line of “Wally West was my Flash.” (paraphrased) echoed my own sentiments as that’s the Flash I grew up on. Reading as Iris wrote about Wally’s history and his heart brought all those memories back to me as clear as they were becoming once more to her. And who can’t feel Wally’s desperate struggle to find his missing kids, or even Barry’s guilt in causing all of these issues via the Flashpoint. Speaking of, the way Wallace reacted to said event was equally dramatic and compelling. Overall, this was a near perfect wrap-up to the Flash War and a fantastic story if you’re a fan of Wally West. It was, as I said at the beginning, a tribute to him, but it was also a reset of sorts as Wally heads to Sanctuary, Wallace goes out on his own, Barry deals with the aftermath of everything and how he and Batman are connected to it, and of course, the birth of the Flash Museum! My only two drawbacks are the fact that we have to wait until September to read about Wally again, and that Holins’ art left a bit to be desired for me. On the positive side, he’s a good artist technically speaking, and his style is close enough to Porter’s that there was little disconnect. Just some of his character work was a little off for me, but overall a decent job. I thoroughly enjoyed this issue and can’t wait to see where all three Flash characters’ stories go from here! ~ Brant @BrantFowler
HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #49
Written By: Robert Venditti
Pencils By: Rafa Sandoval and Serigo Davila
Inks By: Jordi Tarragona
Colors By: Tomeu Morey
Letters By: Dave Sharpe
Cover By: Fernando Pasarin, Eber Ferreira and Jason Wright
Variant Cover By: Tyler Kirkham and Arif Prianto
Price: 2.99
Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #49 continues the massive battle with the Darkstars, as they continues their push for final justice. We see the plan that has been building up the last few issues finally take shape and allow the Green Lanterns to turn the tide of the battle. Robert Venditti continues to do a great job of storytelling in this book and always gives some awesome dialogue that gets a laugh from me. The art it top tier from Rafa and Serigo in this issue with an amazing splash page to end it. Don’t miss the next and final issue of Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps for what is this sure to be epic conclusion. ~ Justin @ExileState
"The Last Age of Magic Chapter 1"
Written By: James Tynion IV
Pencils By: Alvaro Martinez Bueno
Inks By: Raul Fernandez
Colors By: Brad Anderson
Letters By: Rob Leigh
Cover By: Alverez Martinez Bueno, Raul Fernandez & Brad Anderson
Variant Cover By: Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion, & FCO Plascencia
Price: $3.99
Ever since the Justice League changed the universe Magic has gone bonkers leaving many trying to fix it by different means. One is a group magic characters being lead by Jason Blood, that include everyone from Morgaine Le Fey, Klarion, to the archangel Zauriel. The other group is being gathered by Wonder Woman and includes, Detective Chip, Man-Bat, Swamp Thing and Zatanna. It seems like a great cast hear, I enjoyed the interactions, everyone comes about magic differently but they are all connected to it. Tynion really balances out the different characters and finds common ground. I enjoyed the parallel of using Wonder Woman and Zatanna, one a warrior born into a world of magic all around her and a scholar who whole born into magic had to learn it from her father. The art is very strong here, their headquaters under the Hall of Justice is a thing of beauty. This issue achieved its goal it has me wondering who is the Otherkind, so I am in for this adventure. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
TEEN TITANS #20
"Set It Off Part One"
Written By: Adam Glass
Art By: Bernard Chang
Colors By: Marcelo Majolo
Letters By: Rob Leigh
Cover By: Bernard Chang & Wil Quintana
Variant Cover By: Alex Garner
Price: $3.99
The Teen Titans are back and they are angstier than ever! We are introduced to the new team here, Robin, Kid Flash, Red Arrow, Roundhouse, Crush and Djinn, each character has a distinct voice and the three new ones each present us a nice little nugget of their past that Glass uses to have us wanting to know more. This team definitely has shades of the classic New Teen Titans or Young Justice Animated teams. I think I am the most interested in knowing more about Djinn, and who she doesn't want to find her. The art here is well done it showcases the youth feel while adding the right mood with the coloring to show its edge.~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
THE TERRIFICS #6
Written By: Jeff Lemire
Art By: Joe Bennett
Colors By: Hi-Fi
Letters By: Tom Napolitano
Cover By: Dale Eaglesham & Mike Atiyeh
Price: $2.99
The Terrifics continues to be a fun read. While this two-issue arc was an interlude, it was still pretty enjoyable. This arc featured an old Metamorpho villain, Argon the Element Man. This reference should make Metamorpho fans happy. This issue also introduces Dr. Dread, the big bad of this book. Dr. Dread’s appearance brings back focus to the series’ ongoing arc of finding Tom Strong. Plus I love the panel layouts of this issue. If all four heroes are separated, it’s a 2x2 panel page. Then the number of panels reduces when more characters share a scene. Ultimately when all four heroes are together then it’s a splash page. Also this layout style is a great reference to the Dark Matter connection between the Terrifics that keeps them together. Overall, this issue keeps Terrifics as one of the best spin-off titles from Dark Nights: Metal. ~ Louis @SpiderMan1991
Verdict: 4 Stars
SAGA #54
Written By: Brian K. Vaughan
Art By: Fiona Staples
Letters By: Fonografiks
Cover By: Fiona Staples
Price: $3.99
This issue is just amazing! We have the battle to end all battles between Marko and The Will. The way Fiona Staples art takes the lead here is a phenomenal way to go out for the next year. Her art reaches a whole new level for the series. Vaughan once again drives home the story through the narration especially with the flashback between Marko and Hazel, man such poetry. This is issue is insanely good, but the downside being that we have to wait a whole year to see where we go from here. This is going to be one long year! Vaughan sure knows how to bow out with a bang. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
Written By: Nick Spencer
Pencils By: Ryan Ottley
Inks By: Cliff Rathburn
Colors By: Laura Martin
Letters By: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover By: Ryan Ottley & Laura Martin
Variant Cover By: J. Scott Campbell & Sabine Rich
Price: $3.99
Nick Spencer continues to deliver us a classic style of Spider-Man we haven’t seen in the main title in quite some time. Sure, he pays attention to the recent past, but appreciates what fans have been missing about the character for years now. Pete is back with MJ, he’s back in school, he’s struggling, but happy in spite of it. He’s in a good place regardless of his current circumstances, making the best of it, and that’s how Spidey should be in this writer’s opinion. In this issue, we see Peter and MJ cautious, but optimistic about their rekindled romance. We also see several of Spidey’s classic villains like The Ringer, and some other lower tier characters like Black Ant and Taskmaster causing trouble in a typical fashion for the webslinger. We even see Peter dealing with the closing events of last issue in his usual bumbling fashion being freaked out by The Lizard being his new teacher, before inevitably the school is attacked by previously mentioned super villains! It’s everything I love about Spider-Man wrapped into one, but then there’s the twist at the end that threw me for a loop, and I can’t wait to find out what’s going on in the next issue! Ryan Ottley and team are also killing it on the art. I loved this issue, can you tell? Thank you, Nick and Ryan for making a Spider-Man book this lifelong Spidey fan can be proud of! ~ Brant @BrantFowler
INFINITY WARS PRIME #1
Written By: Gerry Duggan
Art By: Mike Deodato Jr.
Colors By: Frank Martin
Letters By: VC's Cory Petit
Cover Artist By; Mike Deodato Jr. & Frank Martin
Variant Cover By: Greg Hildebrandt; Ron Lim & Israel Silva
Price: $4.99
Things are different how people remember them. Loki remembers stories ending differently. Adam Warlock tells Dr. Strange Soul World is different and that Kang wants the Time Stone. Thanos saw his future but didn't see his requiem. We have some nice little moments here that pique the curiosity. But I think the most interesting was Loki and Thanos because what or who changed things and who is Requiem? This is a nice prelude to the main event. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
MARVEL 2-IN-ONE #8
Written By: Chip Zdarsky
Art By: Ramon Perez
Colors By: Federico Blee
Letters By: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover By: Jay Anacleto & Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Price: $3.99
Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm have been trapped on Battleworld for two months and they’ve lost their powers. Seeing how their power loss affects our heroes is where this issue shines. Ben is pretty content without his powers and working a regular job. Johnny, however, is struggling especially with hot objects (such as boiling pots or a tea kettle). Johnny’s struggles are an excellent methaphor for how his powers are a big aspect of his identity. This issue also gives us the moment everyone expected from the first issue. Johnny finds out Ben lied about his claim that Reed and Sue were alive, needless to say Johnny doesn’t take it well. This moment is bitter-sweet. It could’ve made more of an impact if it happened closer to Ben and Johnny initially being stranded. This issue also introduces the Mad Thinker’s Fantastic Four on the last page. Unfortunately this team’s arrival feels tacked on just for shock value. Overall, this issue was average at best. ~ Louis @SpiderMan1991
MR. AND MRS. X #1
Written By: Kelly Thompson
Art By: Oscar Bazaldua
Color By: Frank D’Armata
Letters By: VC’s Joe Sabino
Cover By: Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson
Variant Covers By: J. Scott Campbell with Sabine Rich and Humberto Ramos and Edgar Delgado
Price: 3.99
Mr. and Mrs. X #1 begins within the pages of X-Men Gold #30 as we see the new arrangements being made for Rogue and Gambit’s wedding, a quick reset from the Kitty Colossus wedding that didn’t happen. Kelly Thompson throws in some great dialogue and gets us all when Rogue’s mom appears at the wedding. Don’t worry the action picks up just as the Honeymoon is beginning, no not that. Gambit and Rogue are sent on an urgent mission in space by Kitty and a big surprise is waiting for them when they arrive. The art in this issue by Oscar Bazaldua is beautiful and gives it a true X-Men feel. I’m definitely in for the ride on this series, can’t wait for issue 2. ~ Justin @ExileState
VENOM #4
Written By: Donny Cates
Art By: Ryan Stegman
Inks By: JP Mayer
Colors By: Frank Martin
Letters By: VC’s Clayton Cowles
Cover By: Ryan Stegman, JP Mayer & Frank Martin
Price: $3.99 USD
The fourth issue of this latest volume of Venom continues on with the story of Eddie Brock, Miles and the God Symbiote in a way that only Donny Cates can. With Miles wrecked from battle at his feet and Eddie Brock a limp corpse in his hands, the God Symbiote takes this issue to expand upon the mythology of Venom and of the Klyntar. We get some really cool reveals in this issue. Do you know what Klyntar means? The story is told via flashback to eons ago however the story in the present day does not move forward much at all except for one great super punch. Stegman’s dark and murky color palette is punctuated by Cowles’ letters and told through the mind of Donny Cates. It works wonderfully as a team however you should know that this issue is exposition heavy. If you’re ok with that, you will like this issue quite a bit. ~ Jesse @ComicsJLS
X-23 #2
Written By: Mariko Tamaki
Art By: Juann Cabal
Colors By: Nolan Woodward
Letters By: VC’s Cory Petit
Cover By: Mike Choi & Jesus Aburtov
Price: $3.99
X-23 #2 is a solid second installment that focuses on the interesting simulates between the Stepford Cuckoos and Laura. As per usual, the shining moments of this issue are the scenes Laura has with Gabby, this character injects so much life into the series. Cabal’s facial expressions are light at times, but his pencils still bring a welcoming familiarity to the title. X-23 #2 is a bit of a slow burn, but the mix of Gabby’s humor and Laura’s inner monologue make for an intriguing story. ~ Kat @ComicUno
Written By: Mathew Erman
Art By: Lisa Sterle
Colors By: Lisa Sterle
Letters By: Lisa Sterle
Cover By: Lisa Sterle
Price: $3.99
After a two months hiatus, Long Lost returns with it’s second volume. Keeping with it’s namesake, the issue begins with our main characters being lost in the weirdness that is their mother’s past. The book takes a bit of time to find it’s footing again, but once the girls separate this is where the action really revs up. Lisa Sterle on art duties brings a uniqueness with her pencils and coloring. The gray scale is what truly catches your eye with every installment of the series, and the terrifying monsters that crawl out of this color scheme. Long Lost Book Two #1 leaves readers on two interesting cliffhangers that promise for an even better second issue. ~ Kat @ComicUno
MIKE HAMMER #2
Story By: Mickey Spillane & Max Allan Collins
Written By: Max Allan Collins
Art By: Marcelo Salaza & Marcio Freire
Letters By: Tom Williams
Cover A By: Fay Dalton
Cover B By: Marcelo Salaza & Marcio Freire
"Trouble.... Come And Get It" Part 2
Prose Written By: Mickey Spillane
Price $3.99
Letters By: Tom Williams
Cover A By: Fay Dalton
Cover B By: Marcelo Salaza & Marcio Freire
"Trouble.... Come And Get It" Part 2
Prose Written By: Mickey Spillane
Price $3.99
There is something great about reading an old time classic detective/crime novel, and to see it in comic form makes it even better. The blonde from last issue is Helen Venn, Marty Wellman's woman, and she is being hunted for money she claims she doesn't have, money Marty was killed for. Mike falls hard for the dame and takes the case. Reading the book has you talking the lingo and the art puts images of smokey rooms and soft jazz playing in the background. My only problem with this issue was how fast they went from meeting until they slept together, I felt a few beats were missed there. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
To find a comic shop near you, visit Comic Shop Locator
Let us know in the comments what you think of these Comic Frontline Reviews and don't forget to follow us on Twitter for the latest Previews, Reviews, News and Interviews!
No comments:
Post a Comment