FISTFUL of COMICS [Mini-Reviews]: Dark Nights, Jedi & Secret Empires.

Hey geeks and geekettes! Welcome to GHG’s brand new Fistful of Comics, where — rather than focusing at length on a mere handful of drops for the week — we’ll be giving quick thoughts on the majority of important funnybooks released.

Hopefully our swift blurbs will give you a swifter idea whether the book is worth the trip to your Local Comic Shizzop or not. Let us know what you think of this new, rapid-fire feature at GodHatesGeeks on Facebook and on Twitter @GodHatesGeeks.com !



“El Sacerdote” J.L. Caraballo Twitter @captzaff007

The duo of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo reteam for DC’s newest event, Dark Nights — without the “K” — and that alone is enough to pick this title up. Between Capullo’s luscious art, and Snyder weaving what is promising to be a sprawling epic, Dark Nights: Metal #1 is a lore-heavy prologue that opens and ends with a bang. 4/5

Although moderately familiar with Valiant Comics, this future epic is new to me; though War Mother #1 starts en media res, far into the future. But fear not: if this is your first foray into Valiant’s fearless future female leader, gifted scripter Fred Van Lente catches you up quick, with great art from Stephen Segovia and a rich universe to explore as well. 3.5/5


“Monsignor” Travis Moody
@TravMoody

Despite its filling of nerd-grief, there’s no questioning The Clone Wars‘ rich enough lore is begging for further exploration. Enter Mace Windu, cult fav and the motha*&#$in’ reason to hand Sam Jackson a lightsaber. Despite a decent enough premise in Star Wars – Jedi of the Republic: Mace Windu #1, Matt Owens‘ stealth execution doesn’t go quietly. Windu and his team are portrayed as unreasonable Geonosian halfwits, while capable artist Denys Cowan blasters 7 different renditions of Windu’s grill. 2.5/5 – Travis Moody


“The Traveling Nerd” Lance Paul
@lance_paul

All-Star Batman #13 continues its great storyline, shifting the focus on just how bad-ass Alfred was before he became butler. This week also sets up ASB for one explosive ending in the next ish, pushing Alfred vs. Briar for the life of Batman! Scott Snyder continues to outdo himself with the script, and Rafael Albuquerque‘s pencils tell a beautiful story through darks and lights. This arc has been awesome and it’s all set in Miami — my old home — so read it, buy it, breath it. 4.25/5 – Lance Paul


“Cardinal” Roberto de Bexar
@RobBex2

For a series that had such a slow burn and pissed off so many fans, Nick Spencer’s Secret Empire #10 comes to an epic and satisfying ending: We get our Captain America back. And while Marvel spoiled his return, they didn’t spoil the fight between good and evil; like the series, there’s a message being told during the fight — one that needs to be seen/heard/read in this day and age: Never back down from injustice and evil. Never.

Despite honing a clunky plot for several issues, Spencer and Co. found their footing about halfway, adding this #10 ish that allowed the series to breathe and add a much-needed layer of depth and dimension. Steve McNiven justifiably handles the dense script with beautiful artwork and precise visual storytelling. While some will complain about Marvel’s “SJW Status”, to those I say “shut up”; Spencer’s Cap (both Captain America and Hydra Cap) is a reflection of not only what America has become, but also what we can be when at our truly best. Issue #10 = 4.5/5; Overall series = 3/5 – Robert Bexar

More comic reviews coming this weekend in our all-new Sunday Stash!