Comic Book Journal

Dark Reign: Black Panther #4 by Reginald Hudlin and Ken Lashley is a tremendous romp through the afterlife as Black Panther is between life and death, fighting legions of the undead and even encountering a vision of his godlike father in an attempt to fight his way back to life while his sister attempts to gain favor of the gods to take up his mantle upon his departure. This issue is stunning. The story moves at breakneck speed, and there are no dull moments. The dialogue is refreshing, and there is nary a wasted word throughout. I pray the powers that be at Marvel are listening, because this is how a comic book should be constructed. And for the artwork…impressive is the only word that springs to mind. I can’t say enough about Ken Lashley’s layouts and extremely deliberate penciling. The scenes of fighting with legions of undead skeletons, is awesome, and gives me hope that comic book art is not a dying art form. With this dynamic work, new classics have began to be created. On a scale of one to ten, I’m giving this one a ten out of ten. It is absolutely flawless and should appeal to everyone who picks it up, even in the middle of this story arc. Kudos to the creative team, they’ve made this book a rare gem in a jungle of monotony. For more reviews, see http://www.comicbookjournal.net/category/reviews/.

Dark Reign: The Hood #1 is part of a Marvel limited series by Jeff Parker and Kyle Hotz. The Hood and company are basically superpowered bad boys who are into to breaking the law and making money. All in all, the first issue was well-rounded. The characters are distinct and the premise is a genuinely novel idea. Parkers plot work is excellent as the hook at the end with the introduction of the Hood is compelling, I think this could be an extremely popular run and the limited-series could very well expand into a regular monthly read. Hotz’s pencils are unique and they serve to compliment the story in this particular instance. While, not too over-the-top or cartoony he finds a good balance between the realistic and the extraordinary. The colors on the issue pop and the production is slick. Also, there is a bit of edge to the title, which I’m sure will appeal to the adolescent market, and some newer readers. All in all, I’d have to give this book a seven out of ten. Parker strives for originality and he is extremely successful of breaking the mold of the cardboard superhero. For more reviews, and possibly some reader commentary see http://www.comicbookjournal.net/category/reviews/

Batman in Barcelona: Dragon’s Knight #1, is a one-shot by Mark Waid and Diego Olmos which takes Bruce Wayne with Batman in tow to Barcelona to find and destroy Killer Croc. As coincidence would have it, he must confront the killer at the festival of St. George. The one-shot while mildly entertaining, is just that, mildly entertaining. The book, which tells a great story does not make any strides for the future. It doesn’t establish any sort of precedent nor lead into any other story arcs. It’s old-fashioned stand-alone storytelling, which Waid does wonderfully, to his credit. Also, the art is decent. The cover by Jim Lee looks, as always, amazing, but the interior art was just okay. It looked great for the first half of the book, solid and detailed, through the middle though, the artist lost steam, and the artwork became half-hearted and lackluster. With this type of minimal effort put forth, I’d give this issue a six out of ten. It could have been better, but ended up just alright. For more fantastic reviews see http://www.comicbookjournal.net/category/reviews/

Daredevil # 118, which is Return of the King part three, by Ed Brubaker and Micheal Lark, John Lucas, and Stefano Gaudiano, is a nice human-interest Daredevil story, but unfortunately is not anything that has not been done before. The Owl is an old Daredevil foe, and while I’m glad he’s getting his night in the moon, so to speak, this story of the owl taking over Hell’s Kitchen, then Kingpin returning to reclaim the city has been done before. While the plot moves along, it’s a little to whiny for me, with Murdock’s narratives being over the top and borders sulky. The art, while perfect for the story, and delicate in all the right spots is great, but why three artists? the artwork is seamless, and I can’t tell when one style begins and another ends, but it does seem to be a bit much and maybe too much production for a stand-alone Daredevil story, with no deaths, births, giant fights, or universe-altering events. All in all I’d give this issue a solid seven out of ten, it’s a great Daredevil story, but unfortunately it’s a story I have read many times before. For more reviews see http://www.comicbookjournal.net/category/reviews/.

In the preview to Blackest Night we see Green Lantern and the Flash wax philosophocial about the death of Batman. It shows the dual side to Bruce Wayne’s nature, as he was Hal Jordan’s best friend at times then at times, worst enemy. This issue serves as a phonemonial prologue to what is sure to be a highly entertaining series. It will be interesting to see who, if anyone else,rises from the grave. I cannot say enough about Ivan Reis’s artwork. His style is a wonderful throwback and reminescent of the highly stylized and detailed art from, in particular, Neal Adams in the 1970s. Reis is the modern version and his art is dynamic, detailed, and a joy to look at. I think he should be allowed to draw every DC book, or if contracted through Marvel, every Marvel book. Geoff Johns direction with Hal Jordan is getting to be legendary and I can’t wait to see what he has in store for the Lantern with this arc. On a scale of one to ten, I’d give this a solid ten out of ten. I’m hooked and can’t wait for the graphic novel. For more reviews see http://www.comicbookjournal.net/category/reviews/

Astonishing X-Men #29 by Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi is a prime example of why the Marvel-style of production is simple, and creates great books. Using this approach the artwork is beautiful and lead the entire story from cutscene through the very end, with a fantastic hook. The plots are seamless and the artwork is dazzling, which creates a cinematic effect. Go Marvel! While I’d rather see less gloom and doom the plots are intriguing and as a reader, I couldn’t wait to see Forge faired after all this time at the end of the issue. On a scale of one to ten, I’d give this book a solid eight of ten. Warren Ellis makes good castles even if they are in someone else’s sandbox, though I prefer his work on the Authority. Bianchi’s artwork is so dazzling and realistic it’s hard to believe it can be completed on a normal monthly schedule. I’m looking foward to more stand alone issues like this and less House of M three hundred issue crossover arcs. For more reviews see http://www.comicbookjournal.net/category/reviews/

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Movie Apaptation #2 from IDW press by Simon Furman and Jon Davis-Hunt is a typical adaptation o any blockbuster, short, action-packed, yet not heavy on plot, nor sense. The artwork fell flat, and as far as characters from the movie originally went, they are pretty unrecognizable. I couldn’t tell the difference in nearly any panel in Sam from his friend. The transformers are loosely rendered, and as far as their shape shifting action goes–I can’t say its anything impressive on page. Maybe the bots are destined for big screen magic only as the adaptation falls far short of any prestigous mark. Overall I’d give this book a four out of ten. It’s a weak movie marketing tie-in at best and would not serve to replicate seeing the film in person. I’d say wait for the dvd rental and watch the bonus features instead of seeing the film in theatres, then buying the adaptation. I’ve seen far better come from IDW, hopefully this is the not the sign of things to come from the new house of ideas. For more new reviews see http://www.comicbookjournal.net/category/reviews/

Batman Confidential #29 by Andrew Kreisberg and Scott McDaniel is a spirited story introducing a former good cop who goes to Arkham, meets the Joker, then becomes a bad cop and starts killing other cops at the Gotham City Police Department. This is at least a two-part story so there is no definitive ending, but with this type of scripting, I’d like to actually finish it up. What I like about reading this issue is it flowed like the older Batman animated series cartoons, plenty of mystery and adventure to keep the pages turning. The only thing I didn’t enjoy so much in the story was McDaniel’s artwork. If DC were indeed trying for that animated feel, then it works, if not, well they missed their mark by pairing this duo together. McDaniel’s pencils are skilled, don’t get me wrong, but the style and feature exaggerations, in my opinion do not belong in a Batman book, and never have. Personally I feel Batman should be drawn as Neal Adams did wonderfully in his hayday. Batman should be bold, crisp, dark, and above all else–detailed. On a whole the issue was a good outing for the Batman pile. I’d have to give this one a solid seven out of ten for effort more than anything. For more reviews see http://www.comicbookjournal.net/category/reviews/

From the Ashes #1 by Bob Fingerman in a romp into society after the apocalypse through the eyes of an artist and his wife. They are the only remaining couple in the world. While its more of a commentary on the wasteland of pop culture and the effects of technology on communication, it doesn’t really grab me as being a book that average Joe or Jane will want to pick up. There are some humorous moments with his wife lamenting the loss of Jimmy Choo shoes over the loss of friends and relatives, but in my opinion the story falls flat. Maybe the adventure will pick up after meeting the cannibals (a traditional hook in post apocalypitical literature), but I’d have to say overall the book is just decent at best. The artwork is definitely distinct and stylized, and the colors work well for setting the grim tone of the story, but I still felt as if something was missing. Perhaps the small-press feel of the book, and the unfinished look of the artwork was altering my interpretation of the text, but like with most Eisner works, I didn’t really see true genius in the pages. Overall, I’d have to give this one a six out of ten, it’s just average, not extraordinary. For more reviews see http://www.comicbookjournal.net/category/reviews/

I have made an error in assumption once again. After looking through some FCBD samplings, I stumbled upon Thom Zahler’s Love and Capes. Glancing at the artwork, I had assumed this was another small press title, which would be a few pages of cheesy, over exaggerated black and white art, which little plot, nonsensical dialogue, and characters with nothing to love about them. I was wrong an all accounts. After giving the cartoony artwork a chance, I discovered that this book is a little-known gem. I’m glad it was part of the FCBD offerings because I did have the chance to discover a title I would not have ordinarily read. The story was paced well and kept my attention throughout, while the artwork, while cartoony, seemed to fit just right with this comic romp. The characters are instantly likable and there is plenty humor to go around. Would I buy this next issue? Absolutely. Should you? You betcha. I’d give this book a solid nine out of ten. I think that Thom Zahler’s wit would be extremely refreshing on a mainstream title like the Flash or perhaps he could even add a touch of merriment to Marvel’s mighty mutants again. As far as self-published/small press books go, this is tops! For more info on Free Comic Book Day and other fantastic reviews see http://www.comicbookjournal.net/category/reviews/

I went last night to see Wolverine and here’s the skinny. Be wary of the critics, the bottom line is the movie is not as bad as some might say. The fact is it was a good adaptation of Logan’s origin story with Jackman clearly running the show. Albeit the “romance” is a little overdone and the acting is over-the-top here, it is a solid story with lots of action and the story keeps moving continuously. Without revealing any spoilers, the ending promises to keep more origin stories coming, possibly the original X-Men. I for one, would like to see a Beast origin. Oh my stars and garters! What makes this movie work, aside from the great stunts and special effects, is the actors and actresses. The acting is not top notch for sure, but the cheesiness one expects from a comic book adaptation is not there. The downside is, unfortunately, the plot as there really isn’t much meat the to story, but I actually commend the writer on some level for this. Wolverine, even throughout his comic book career, never has had stories heavy in plot, just action. And the action is well done, so I think it achieves it’s goal. On a scale of one to ten I’d have to give this movie a six out of ten. It’s not just for Wolverine fans, but other action fans too. As far as comic book movies go it’s pretty middle ground, not as awful as Superman Returns, but not as great as Iron Man.

I will be out and about today celebrating free comic book day. See my finds later, and if you’re still not ready, go here for the details–http://www.comicbookjournal.net/its-like-christmas-in-may-how-to-gear-up-for-free-comic-book-day/

Frank Frazetta’s Neanderthal #1 by Image Comics is an attempt by comic book creators to interpret and pay homage to some of the greatest fantasy paintings of all time. The good news–the art does Frazetta justice. The panels are luscious and the colors make the artwork pop. The bad news–the plot is a little weak and the one-shot format makes the story suffer in scope. The characterization of the neanderthals are fantastic as they in no way resemble modern man and the evolution of the weaponry used in the tribal warfare was interesting. What I like most about this story is, there were no words, save the opening captions. The artwork did the storytelling, as it does in Frazetta’s paintings. Maybe I find the subject matter a little dull for my tastes, but all in all the story didn’t do anything to draw my interest, it did however make me remember just how brilliant Frazetta’s work is. Tim Vigil does a fantastic job mirror his style to match Frazetta’s in terms of action and attention to subtle detail like leaves of grass, hairs on the animals, and facial expressions of the “cavemen.” All in all I’d give the one-shot a five out of ten. Sorry comics world, this one is for die-hard Frazetta fans only. It’s almost time–read the Free Comic Book Day survival guide here: http://www.comicbookjournal.net/its-like-christmas-in-may-how-to-gear-up-for-free-comic-book-day/

Battle for the Cowl: Underground #1 sees Gotham’s most notorious criminal masterminds cowering in fear of the Black Mask, who has turned them all against other in hopes of cleaning up the streets of Gotham once and for all. Not only that, the Batman has returned and is fiercer than ever. He even breaks his own #1 rule–Batman doesn’t kill. In this issues he doesn’t, but it is not for lack of trying. This new Batman isn’t playboy Bruce Wayne, moonlighting as someone who catches peeping Toms and helps old ladies across the street, there is layer upon layer of anger seething out of him as he now hprefers just to try and shoot the bad guys. All in all, I’d have to say this issue was descent, with DC making an attempt to make a dull, tired plot enjoyable, and almost believable. Who wouldn’t crack on the pressure of being dead then resurrected multiple times. I thought the art in this issue was quirky, and at times heavy handed, yet very stylistic. In a strange way, it works for this issue, showing a great grasp for action, and in this issue action does speak louder than words. I’d have to give this book a solid six out of ten. A solid stand alone, but save your cash for the collected versions. Not prepared for Free Comic Book Day yet? Well take a gander at this handy-dandy list for your convenience. It’s at ttp://www.comicbookjournal.net/its-like-christmas-in-may-how-to-gear-up-for-free-comic-book-day/

I haven’t checked up on Marvel’s first family for a while, so I thought I’d give it a try. I’m not really a Fantastic Four fan, blame Jack Kirby for that, but I was pleasantly surprised by this issue, even though absolutely nothing happened. That’s right, there was much foreshadowing, but no major events, nor a recognizable bad guy in the bunch. The collective Reed squad decide to take a trip to Mr. Fantastic’s cousin’s home in Scotland for a little rest and relaxation on Christmas. The kids play with power jet suits, Franklin designs helicopters, Ben Grimm complains about the poor television reception, and oh yeah, some neighbors bury some pets in a local cemetery and there’s a flashback about eating some woman’s baby twenty-five years ago. What I liked about the ‘nothingness’ in this issue, was Mark Millar’s plotting left room for a real sense that’s something is horribly amiss in the perfection of this quaint town. He makes this issue feel like, “Happy Holidays: the Fantastic Four visit the town from The Lottery.” The artwork was very colorful, bright, clean, and surprisingly detailed for a Marvel work, which was a nice surprise as well. The inks were a little heavy though in spots, and I almost feel like the colors took away from the balance between light and shadow at times. All in all I’d give this issue a solid seven out of ten, it’s an easy quick read, but you could easily just wait for it to be it in the collected trade paperback also. For more on Marvel, see my previous post at www.comicbookjournal.net/uncanny X-Men

It’s rare that I can find a preview that I can’t enjoy and I’m sorry to say this is one of them. Usually I enjoy this sort of other-worldly, Vertigo-esque title, but I found this title to be a bit flat. The plot is, I hate to say it typical, with a hero/heroine, demon/angel, coming to earth on a quest to find someone/something from the past, who is now perhaps, inhabiting someone/something else’s body. There’s many unknowns here and that’s my main problem with the story, there’s not enough of an introduction for me to like any of the characters or become attached to them, or their plights. Granted, this is only a preview with little room for narrative, but there’s nothing here that made me want to pick up the first issue. The artwork is of the usual indie fair also I’m afraid. There’s bold lines, sketchy backgrounds, and lack of depth and detail. Again there was never a “wow” moment with the artwork. The only bright spot in the art was the coloring. The muted tones and lack of brightness did add a bit of gloomy atmosphere to the story and added a hint of richness to the overall art, which makes me think the story might have looked far better as a painted graphic novel rather than single issues. Overall I’d have to give this one a lousy five out of ten, it was a nice attempt that fell flat on its face. I’d recommend this only to die hard fans of J.M.’s. As always for more reviews check out www.comicbookjournal.net/reviews.