@eskobts
Doesn’t happen often, but sometimes.. I’m just not a fan. Today is one of those days. Not a whole lot happens in this #0 issue of BOOM! Studios’ hotly acquired Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and the drama that does unfold feels really petty and uncharacteristically macho. Tommy makes a mistake and Jason over reacts– and seems to just nag him about it through every page; he also tells Daddy Zordon about it, so Tommy gets a good “talking to”. Nah bruh, thats not something that would happen and it’s not something I want to suffer through. I was more interested in reading the review notes for Billy’s AP test. The artwork from Hendry Prasetyo (Power Girl) is kinda cool, C.O.W.L. writer Kyle Higgins‘ dialogue is a little cheesy, and.. that’s about all there is to say about Number Zero. While it wasn’t a annoying enough debut to make me want to Morphin’ Murder myself, I would recommend skipping right to #1 insead. 1.75/5 Bibles.
The Saturday Night Stash (1/16): Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #0, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. #1, Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion #1, A-Force #1.
Fistful of Comics (1/14): Spider-Man/Deadpool #1, Swamp Thing #1.
@jenniferflatebo
Strange, that this particular Sister was asked to review this comic. While it’s been a while since I’ve had any time to pick up and read anything, the fact I gave up on ABC/Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. after 8 episodes in Season 1 makes this assignment all that nuttier. (Of course, sily me, as I’ve heard that the show changed for better and, now, is near-amazing.) Regardless of all that, you now know you’re getting an “outsider’s” opinion of Marc Guggenheim‘s follow-up to Mark Waid’s brief run of last year’s AOS comic.
Arrow’s co-executive producer opens up with what looks like Iron Man attacking the Pentagon. While indeed it wasn’t Tony, who wouldn’t love Stark’s integration with the characters of the show. (Shame we haven’t seen that yet, this side of the cinematic Coulson). It’s also no surprise that the TV vet/oft-comic scribe had no problem capturing the same feel as the series, with a Volume 2 debut that is all the same amusing, entertaining, and full of action. As usual, Coulson has a run-in with an old friend that leads to some surprises. Who knew–this might just be the assignment that will change my TV-watching habits forever. 4/5 Secret Agent Bibles.
@DrunkLantern
Here’s a #1 of a mini-series that’s a direct sequel of a previous mini-series that came directly after ending a regular monthly series. Because how else would you continue the story of an already existing series with an already existing cast?
Cancel it and start a mini-series, obviously (#DClogic).
Aaanyway, let’s start with the best part of the book: former New X-Men artist Ethan Van Sciver is always amazing. He’s not afraid of the nitty gritty details, and spends as much time and effort on the lead characters as he does on the background of the smallest panel; and with characters like the Green Lantern Corps, that does not go unappreciated.
As for the story, the end of the last series left the entire GLC stranded in the universe that existed before their own, so now they’re chillin’ on Mogo (the Green Lantern that is also a living planet) trying to get back home before this universe dies. Suddenly this giant dude shows up and tries to fight them, but is stopped by a female giantess, and they end up asking for the corps help to save the last species in existence, (which the corps eventually agrees to do) and is introduced to aforementioned planet; “The Last City.”
Of course, there are some bad guys who want to stop the GLC, (for reasons yet unknown) and kill off [spoiler]. Overall the situation is a good way to keep [most of] the characters alive while Hal is off doing his own thing in a GLC-less universe, and the design of the new giant characters is pretty great–especially with Van Sciver’s meticulous art. I’m much more invested in the Corps’ story than Hal’s at the moment. Strange. 3.5/5 Dead [spoilers]. …okay, you got it out of me; the fish-dude dies. You’re so persuasive.
@the_goddamn_wu
From the mind of acclaimed Ms. Marvel scribe, G. Willow Wilson, comes A-Force #1 (Vol. 2): A fun romp with amazingly strong and dynamic female characters. Arguably no character is more likeable here than Singularity, who has somehow entered an alternate universe where her A-Force teammates and friends never met her before. As she tries to reintroduce herself, Sing’ and the others encounter Anti-Matter and, of course, have to fight it off. Artist Jorge Molina (X-Men) and colorist Laura Martin (Planetary) do a wonderful job capturing the beauty, wit, and drama that Wilson creates in this issue. This series is certainly going to be added to my pull — a nice break from comic writers trying to make everything appear like Dark Knight. 4/5 Bibles.
***FISTFUL OF COMICS – 1/14***
@DarthHistory
If you have ever dreamed about Spider-Man and Deadpool as a couple, then why haven’t you picked up this issue? (Also, seriously? Why would you imagine that?) From the opening panels where Deadpool & Spidey are bound together to the final page, Spider-Man/Deadpool #1 is a great read. Obviously, Deadpool isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and in the Joe Kelly penned issue, he’s in fighting form, cracking wise and using a phone app to decide how he should act. (Chaotic neutral? Good? Only a spin of the virtual wheel will tell). Of course there’s a plot…and a big bad to face…but let’s face it: trying to see Deadpool and the Amazing one work together is worth the price of admission. Written by Deadpool veteran Kelly, Spider-Man comes across more personable — and funny — than I’ve ever found him in his stand-alone issues. With the movie coming out in a month, this comic fills the void until we can see the Merc With A Mouth larger than life on the big screen. 4.5/5 Chimichangas.
@Lance_Paul
The green machine has returned to his roots. No–I’m not making a plant joke. Swamp Thing’s original creator Len Wein (Blue Beetle, Conan: Book of Thoth) has come back to script up one more earth-tastically horrific story about our favorite half-man/half-swamp creature. Though the original writer has returned, he still has huge shoes to fill after the last pair of incredible runs by Scott Snyder and Charles Soule. DC takes this in account in continuing Alex Holland’s story the only way possible: bringing back the creator. But, just like what Marvel had attempted with the X-Men through a returning — award-winning — Chris Claremont (New Mutants), Swamp just doesn’t escape the shadow of the previous creators’ talent.
Wein certainly still has what it takes to capture that original House of Mystery-style of storytelling that made him the horror comic writer of the 70’s and 80’s; it’s just that this style is akin to comparing the feeling of driving your dad’s old classic to any current speedster. While nostalgia is nice, Kelly Jones‘ (Moon Knight, Sandman) serves as the issue’s saving grace, providing pencil work that captures the feel and macabre heart of ST‘s latest retelling. One of his best panels is Swamp Thing’s swampy form coming out of the swamp, hardly revealed, but with enough details and shadow to leave you with awes and gasps.
The story and pace also follows the meandering feel of the early bronze age, with an eerie narration of misery and misfortune. A happened-upon stranger guides our main character to his next adventure and shocking reveal at issue’s end. It’s been done a thousand times and feels old to myself. If you are fan of the classics, such as Tales from the Crypt or Wein’s original run with the muck monster, you are certain to love this first issue. But if you came along wanting more of run on ur wounded and beloved champion of the Green that fought alongside Animal Man, this won’t feel like nature’s best. 3/5 Jealous Man-Things agree!