Sunday Stash Archives - GeeksHaveGame

November 22, 2020November 22, 2020

JUGGERNAUT / TASKMASTER [Marvel Comics Reviews]: Sunday Villainy.

I cannot state enough how much fun this book is. Part of the appeal is that it’s not the typical big two reset button back to villainy.

Following the course from mid-2000s Uncanny X-Men and even 2010s Thunderbolts, Juggernaut is on a road to redemption. In this issue, Marko stands trial for the financial damages done to a construction company during the classic story “Nothing Stops the Juggernaut” from Amazing Spider-Man #229. During the trial, the courthouse is attacked by a villain looking to capture Cain’s new young ally, the super powered wanna-be reporter, D-Cel.

Writer Fabian Nicieza has always been one of comicdom’s most reliable and criminally underutilized talents. His knack for immaculate pacing and sizzling dialogue is only matched by his respect (not slavish reverence) of continuity. Fabian knows how to balance drama, tension and humor deftly.

Not to be outmatched is the uber-talented artist Ron Garney, who was born to draw this book. The big splashy super heroic action sometimes takes a back seat to the dramatic and eerie flashbacks showing how Cain went through getting his powers back and that’s a testament to how versatile Garney is. Matt Milla was the perfect colorist for this book; his palettes are clean and don’t overwhelm the line art. As the story heads towards its conclusion, I wait with bated breath for an announcement of a continuation or some other collaboration with this creative team. They have spun pure gold with this book. 4.25/5 Bibles.

-Gene Selassie

I didn’t know much about Taskmaster going into this issue except for the basics: Taskmaster — AKA Anthony Masters — is a skilled tactician, proficient in hand-to-hand combat and a weapons master. If that was not enough, he has “photographic reflexes” which in layman terms mean he can mimic any move an enemy makes and instantly knows how to replicate that move and counter that move. Basically, he’s nearly unbeatable!

Instead of using these awesome skills to become a great hero like Captain America or Iron Man, however, Taskmaster decided to become a career criminal; because, hell, it’s way more lucrative and a lot more fun. He has spent his life as an assassin for hire, and a trainer of henchmen for terrorist organizations and criminal enterprises. Tony AKA Taskmaster isn’t all bad, he has had a stint or two as a hero usually for his own motives and almost never because it’s the right thing to do.

I kinda dig Taskmaster, and I think he has one of the coolest powers around. Now, I know it’s not like super speed or flight, but as a life long martial artist myself I gotta say being able to mimic an opponent’s every move and fighting style would be truly badass! I definitely think his fight with Black Widow in the recent Avengers game was easily the best part of an otherwise underwhelming experience. He also has a Deadpool-like sense of humor and loves to talk smack while he’s in a fight. I’m always a fan of a character that makes me laugh, they are few and far between these days.

Taskmaster #1 is a nice intro into a cool Marvel villain that has been around for a while and crossed swords with many heroes over the years such as Daredevil, Captain America, and the Avengers. The series is brought to you by the very capable hands of Jed Mackay and Alessandro Vitti. Without giving away too much about this issue, Taskmaster is being hunted by a mysterious assassin that relentlessly pursues our protagonist through a golf course for a crime he didn’t commit. Sounds familiar, but still it’s a fun and fast-paced easy read with a few surprise guest-stars that sets up what is surely going to be a wild ride. 4/5 Bibles.

-Gary Brooks

September 20, 2020September 21, 2020

FEARLESS DAWN MEETS HELLBOY / MILESTONE COMICS / IMMORTAL HULK [Reviews]: Super Sunday Stash!

**FEARLESS DAWN MEETS HELLBOY** – Albatross Funnybooks

Nazis + Zombies = Nazi Zombies !

The undead are in a continued battle for domination with …. Fearless Dawn? It’s “underground comix” sensation Steve Mannion’s Nazi zombie smasher meeting up with Mike Mignola’s Nazi zombie smasher himself – HELLBOY!

In classic team-up style, we join Hellboy already on a mission in Romania, finding something creepy and next thing you know — HB has crossed paths with Dawn and her crew ! Proper introductions are made, and before you can say “Pancakes!” — we have zombies to deal with! Mignola provides a cover, and a handful of pages while Steve fills in the rest! Don’t worry about “where does this fit into the continuity, because it doesn’t, and that doesn’t matter much now anyway, does it?!

It’s a fast paced undead battle and before you know it, you too have fallen for Miss Fearless Dawn and her cohorts! This what a crossover is supposed to be all about. Mignola’s HB Army is certainly to be filled with members who’d dig a series like Fearless Dawn, and with this lil’ taste I’m sure Steve’s going to get “the rub” as fans check out this fun series. 4.5/5 Bibles.

– Sean Farrell

**MILESTONE COMICS RETURNS #000** – DC Comics

What’s happening people! The Belser hear back on the comic review tip. It’s been awhile since I’ve actually done a comic review here on GodHatesGeeks. I’ve stuck mainly with character retrospectives lately, but I felt this was an important one.

A while back, they announced the relaunch of the Milestone Media comic franchise with DC. Milestone, for those not in the know, was an independent offshoot founded in the early 1990s by a collection of African American writers and artists who were frustrated in dealing with the bigger companies and their lack of diversity. This revival of Milestone is being spearheaded by acclaimed writer producer and director Reginald Hudlin (also the writer of this comic).

The story in itself starts as a reintroduction to some of Milestone’s more famous characters including Icon (their version of Superman), his teenage sidekick Rocket and their most popular character, Static (their version of Spider-Man). My favorite panel shows Icon revealing himself to the world and stating why alien life has not been more abundant on Earth. It’s not due to the lack of technology but due to their racial prejudices.

Icon and Rocket are tracking down a mysterious figure who is acting as a ruthless vigilante attacking people that he assumes are criminals (coincidentally, most of them are black). For this, they will need the help of a new ally in Static. One thing I’ve always admired about the Milestone brand is their willingness to discuss what’s really going on in the world. The most ironic part about it is that they dealt mostly with racism and police brutality in the early 90’s and they are dealing with the exact same thing almost 30 years later in time of Black Lives Matter.

This is mainly an introductory story. It was a very good setup and I really enjoy the artwork. Because of the strength of this read, I am looking forward to what will come of this title. I highly recommend it. 5/5 Bibles.

– JaDarrel Belser

Immortal Hulk has been one hell of a ride with Al Ewing at the helm. Al has been introducing religious quotes and Kabbalah and psychology to coincide with the horror that is his run. With Immortal Hulk we get to see where some of this stems from but now there’s more questions than answers. This of course will prompt Hulkamaniacs to continue on their course through this dense story line.

The book is also a flashback issue revealing some great issues from when Mike Mignola did the honors on the Incredible Hulk series and delivered some amazing cover art during the Crossroads Arc. The nostalgia is real in this issue because I inherited my interest for Hulk (and getting Brolic in the gym) from my father. We get to read the ridiculous mindset of Brian Banner. It plays on how scientific and academic genius may hinder emotional intelligence. That seems to be the theme in this book, and is well delivered and handled between Al Ewing, Bill Marten, and Pete David.

The art in this book from the flashback comics still amazes. Pre-Hellboy Mike Mignola and Adam Kubert look great in print again and on digital screen. Maria de Iulis brings everything to the present with his digital art to contrast from the old school boards and ink. I think we find out who the mastermind to the whole scheme is by the end, and you can’t have a Hulk run without *him* I guess. I took off points for the confusing portion of Peter David’s book, but overall this is a solid read and evidence of Al Ewing’s research into the Hulk lore. 3/5 Bibles.

– Rob Maldonado

December 29, 2019

VENOM 2099 / REVENGE OF THE COSMIC GHOST RIDER / DOOMSDAY CLOCK [Sunday Stash]: Last Hurrah For 2019!

Another week, another set of comics to review here at GodHatesGeeks! Sure, the holiday season is almost over, as is the year (and the decade!), but that doesn’t mean you can’t still treat yourself to some of the latest comic titles, does it?! And where else are you going to get the best coverage and reviews, other than right here?! So let’s dive in, before the ball drops and the door closes on 2019!

In the far year of 2099, Venom, “a new medical trial”, is provided to a young girl, Alea, with the hope of reintegrating into society. The trial works, she’s healed, and she lives happily ever after. Until the symbiote starts acting on its own, seemingly the next day. Next it takes over one of Alea’s arms pushing her to return to Alchemax. Apparently, the symbiote isn’t truly whole and senses its divided parts still held there. Alea reluctantly agrees to help so she can separate from it. They break in, reunite with the rest of the symbiote, force the doctor in charge of her trial to erase all information on the symbiote from Alchemax, kill the doctor and then escape. Not long after, the symbiote is triggered and reveals the symbiote God is here on Earth.

If it feels like I just threw info at you with little detail or context, well, that’s honestly what it felt like reading this. Starting with the beginning, if this is the first appearance of our lead, Alea, there wasn’t much of a backstory to get attached, which is a detriment for writer Jody Houser. How can we care about a main character we know so little about? When we are introduced to her she had already been selected for Alchemax’s supposed healing trial. She has what appears to be burns on a large percentage of her body, but there is no detail on whether the damage extends beyond cosmetic; she seems mobile and isn’t in any pain. After her healing, there isn’t a clear passage of time for the following events. Alea also isn’t too conflicted by the end of the issue. she returned to Alchemax to get rid of the symbiote. Once the symbiote is whole, there was nothing on why it hadn’t detached itself from her.

Everything about this issue was rushed to get to the set up for the next issue which felt unearned, and while the art, by Geraldo Borges, was good, it wasn’t “must have” material. Although we are introduced to a new protagonist, the story and premise may hay have promise for a new perspective in this world, but it was too rushed for me to feel invested or find myself looking forward to the next issue. 2/5 Bibles.

-Matt Garza

**REVENGE OF THE COSMIC GHOST RIDER** #1 – Marvel Comics

Are y’all Ready for the Revenge of the Cosmic Ghost Rider?! Tell you the truth, as crazy a concept as it is I love the whole concept of Frank Castle being a Cosmic powered Ghost Rider.

This all new miniseries from Dennis Hallum (MARVEL’S SPIDERMAN: CITY AT WAR) and Scott Hepburn (DEADPOOL) is full of action as we travel with Cosmic Castle wreaking havoc throughout the Shiar Galaxy. Until Gladiator arrest him and lick him away in Shiar space prison. It’s not long until one of the inmates angers the Cosmic Ghost of Vengeance, which turns the space prison into a Horror movie! Plus Added Bonus Frank Castle vs Cosmic Castle!

The Punisher vs the Cosmic Ghost Rider by the originators of the Cosmic Ghost Rider, Donny Cates (ABSOLUTE CARNAGE) and Geoff Shaw (GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY)! 4.5/5 Bibles.

-Tony Pattowan

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

Once again, I don’t quite know how it’s done so compellingly, but Geoff Johns and Gary Frank have concluded the meta-narrative in as satisfying (if slightly unexpected) way as one could hope for. Leading up to the final confrontation between an emotionally detached Dr. Manhattan, and a besieged Superman had hinted at one of two possible outcomes: the destruction of the entire DC Universe, or the death of Dr. Manhattan. Using Superman as an anchor (not just for narrative purposes, but, indeed, for greater metatextual purposes as well), Dr. Manhattan has embedded himself into the DC Universe, affecting the past decade or so of events, and even hints at a major crossover some ten years or so into the future (the mention of Thor, and a “massive green behemoth” are major indicators as to which universe will be crossing over a decade down the line). While not necessarily the slam-bang finish that was perhaps anticipated, Doomsday Clock reinterprets not only the cynicism of Watchmen as a whole, and the nihilism of Dr. Manhattan specifically, but of the effect that the aforementioned graphic novel had on the industry as a whole.

While both retconning — and cementing — every iteration of the DC Universe (here referred to as the Metaverse), Doomsday Clock explores not only the continued cycles of birth and rebirth with each Crisis event, but also how straying from the hope and optimism of the DC Universe proper (here symbolized by Superman, almost as a totem) has affected each character in turn, and the reception of each interpretation by readers as a whole. References to Rebirth, the New 52, the initial Crisis on Infinite Earths, the Dark Multiverse, and events yet to come (it helps to have an antagonist with the ability to see all points of time simultaneously to usher in a new era), Doomsday Clock continuously reinforces the notion of Superman being a force for good and inspiration, and how, perhaps in a post-Watchmen world, that might seem old-hat, but is no less necessary than it was in the 1930s and 1940s.

Optimism is a hard thing to hold onto, especially during times that seem insurmountably bleak and terrifying. But where there’s hope, even something as sickly sweet and almost pathologically optimistic as Superman, there’s at least some sliver of will to keep going forward. For those looking for a throw-down between the two most-absurdly-powerful characters in the DC Universe (if not all of comics), you are going to be disappointed. This doesn’t end with a knock-down, no-holds-barred throwdown, but with one symbol of hopeful humanism rising to inspire a detached, omnipotent, nihilistic cynic to make right the damage he’d wrought.

Having used the Watchmen universe in the HBO series to reinterpret American history while simultaneously deconstructing the original text (itself a deconstruction), it was refreshing to see that same universe reinterpreted within the medium in which it first appeared. Alan Moore is nothing if not someone subverting and reinterpreting literary characters (often in grotesque, surprising ways. Just read his versions of Bulldog Drummond, and James Bond in the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen), and while the circumstances of these simultaneous sequels coming together are extremely controversial, the end results speak for themselves.

TLDR? Buy this series. Buy the whole thing. And read it about three or four times. It doesn’t get much more exciting than this. (Hell, I barely even TOUCHED the plot, and can keep going on!). 5/5 Bibles.

-J.L. Caraballo

December 3, 2019December 3, 2019

DEADPOOL / JOHN CONSTANTINE – HELLBLAZER / X-FORCE [Reviews]: Dead Tuesday.

I’ve been hesitant to get behind a new Deadpool series for awhile, but this new title struck me for some reason and I think that reason being the beautiful artwork by Chris Bachalo.

If nothing else, this is a gorgeous book with some great panels. Luckily, it comes backed with a story by Kelly Thompson that is unique and complete with classic mouthy Deadpool, but it does struggle to give the reader a purpose. Deadpool being King of the Monsters sounds fun, but he falls into the position quite halfheartedly and I’m not sure where the story is going after a first read. That is also the beauty of premiere issues: a new story that might take a few books to get a hold of isn’t uncommon but I’m interested enough to see where it goes. 3.75/5 Bibles.

-Halli Borgfjord

**JOHN CONSTANTINE: HELLBLAZER #1** – DC Comics

I miss Neil Gaiman, Garth Ennis and Warren Ellis bringing the casual Heirophant to comics. I missed Tim Bradstreet and Richard Corben renderings too. But we’ve got a proper Englishman bringing that snarky and dark humored voice with a grave situation which only John has the wits to handle. Simon Spurrier is also bringing us some heavy slang from the youth in the streets of England. Aaron Campbell’s art is realistic and stylistic on this book. It’s an amalgam of Bradstreet and Alex Maleev. The colors are fighting to be seen through black spaces and swirls. A street gang led by a black magic dabbler violently drafts Constantine to handle some creepy vigilante angels taking out sinners and gang members in their territory. The angels apply gruesome methods to carry out their swift and eerie justice. I can’t wait to see how John resolves this. I had wished to see some subtle magic from Constantine in this issue but I’m sure we’ll see something soon. I hope the Spurrier doesn’t keep Constantine on the receiving end for too long but overall I’m a satisfied reader. 4/5 Bibles.

X-Force might just be my favorite Dawn of X series not written by Jonathan Hickman.

I thought Benjamin Percy was going for shock in issue 1, and waited to read #2 to see how this series would be handled. I haven’t enjoyed an X-Force book since Rick Remender and Jerome Opeña blessed Marvel with their Uncanny run. Joshua Cassara is bringing the necessary grit to this series. Sage’s autopsy of the Reavers by Percy and Cassara is engaging. Cassara doesn’t pencil a beautiful young Jean Grey, but reveals, her stress and others in his illustrations. The mutants are racing in damage control mode to offset the grim events of issue one and the mutants encounter more in issue two. I’m invested and I can’t wait for the next issue, and if you pick this and issue #1 up, I guarantee you’ll be in for the long haul as well. It was more enjoyable than New Mutants #2 and Fallen Angels #2, which also released before Thanksgiving. 4/5 Bibles.

-Rob Deep Maldonado

September 15, 2019

EVENT LEVIATHAN / STAR TREK DISCOVERY / THE RIDDLER / MOON KNIGHT [Reviews]: The Main Event!

Happy Sunday once again! You know what the end of the weekend means, don’t you? That’s right: COMIC REVIEWS via our very own Sunday Night Stash! We’ve got the hottest title from the hottest publishers ready to review, and we’ve going to let you know which ones (if any) are worth your time and money! A lot of crossovers and events this time out, starting with DC Comics’ current event, so let’s get right to it…

The fourth issue (of six) of the crossover Event Leviathan series deals with the fallout of Superman getting in the middle of the confrontation between Amanda Waller and Leviathan in Cuba. It also gets in to the heads of the other assembled detectives (Green Arrow, Plastic Man, Manhunter, etc.), as a few of them get tired of being asked to leave the room whenever Bats, Supes or Lois has an issue. The voices here are a bit closer to how the characters should come across, and the pacing of this issue is a touch better than the last issue. However, writer Brian Michael Bendis‘s decision of having the action beats take place in flashbacks completely robs the immediacy and tension of the story. This would work in an ongoing series, but in an event comic, it kills the narrative nearly dead in the water. Nearly all is forgiven though with the surprise last page reveal of Lois’ own side investigation into the events and who she’s contacted for help.

Artist Alex Maleev has been on fire from jump. I really dig his renderings of a few of these costumes, and the facial expressions sometimes tell a story all on their own. His action is great as well, but we rarely get enough of it to really sink our teeth into; it seems more like it’s whetting our appetite than giving us a full course. This story has done enough to keep me reading, but I am really waiting to be wowed…or waiting on a Green Arrow or Manhunter series by Bendis & Maleev. 3.25/5 Bibles.

-Gene Selassie

Destiny “Evangelical” Edwards
@mochaloca85

**STAR TREK: DISCOVERY – AFTERMATH #1** – IDW Press

With the Discovery flung 930 years into the future and forever scrubbed from the annals of Starfleet history, what happened between the ship entering the wormhole and the four months between Spock’s return to the Enterprise? That’s what Star Trek Discovery: Aftermath writers Kirsten Beyer and Mike Johnson and artist Tony Shasteen intend to explore.

Shasteen’s art is the best part of this first issue, with his brooding, bearded Spock being perhaps the best element here. Beyer and Johnson’s script captures the spirit of Discovery, which is greatly helped by Beyer being one of the show’s writers. The book suffers from the same issues as the show; the Spock/Burnham relationship dynamic is a bit of a hindrance. Much like most of season two was focused on Spock before he actually appeared, Spock spends the majority of his panel-time (until Pike shows up at his family home) thinking and talking about Burnham; granted, he has good reason, with it barely being a month since her disappearance, but it still feels like a bit of the same old, same old. Hopefully future issues will flesh out their relationship a bit better, and give at least Spock some personality of his own. 3/5 Brooding Spock Beards.

-Destiny Edwards

**YEAR OF THE VILLAIN: THE RIDDLER** – DC Comics

Sometimes a comic book is an odd sort. You get a book that, on the surface, isn’t anything special and then you get to the end and the whole thing cinches to a perfect close. Writer Mark Russell’s story mirrors his writing; the whole ‘Year of the Villain’ centers on Lex Luthor giving villains “power ups”, which is interesting. In this issue, we see The Riddler complaining to King Tut that he didn’t get a gift from Lex and he is one of Batman’s top rogues. He is the Riddler, how dare Lex ignore him. While Nygma and Tut plot a new plan, Lex visits Riddler and offers him a gift of self-reflection. The story ends with Batman beating Tut, and Riddler surprising Batman by walking out of his own plot and basically saying “eff it” and taking off his signature hat and coat and walking out.

The art and colors by Scott Godlewski and Marissa Louise, respectively, works spectacularly in this issue. It’s a very bright and crisp issue considering this very well could have been taken in a darker, noir-esque style. I hate that I can’t put my finger on what bugs me about this issue: maybe it’s the fact that this feels more like it belongs in the back of a comic, and shouldn’t be a full issue. It was a really good issue and it brings a lot to light on what makes the Riddler tick, and it was hilarious seeing King Tut’s restaurant/Sphynx-style house; but while it’s a good one-shot, I don’t know if it warrants its own issue. 3/5 Riddle-filled Bibles.

-Robert Bexar

**MOON KNIGHT ANNUAL #1** – Marvel Comics

Marc Spector (aka Moon Knight) is back this time out with a one-shot annual, which segues nicely with the Acts of Evil event that’s weaving itself through several Marvel titles. Here, Kang the Conqueror is tripping through time itself, searching for three artifacts connected to the god Khonshu, hoping to eradicate not just Moon Knight, but all of the heroes of the universe in one fell swoop. Seeping and expansive, this issue fun, while not seriously carrying the sort of weight that typically holds up the Moon Knight titles as of late.

Writer Cullen Bunn keeps the action brisk, not really stopping the action once it gets going, and goes to some bizarre places, as Kang constantly shifts through time, encountering various different versions of Moon Knight throughout history. Here, Moon Knight is singularly focused, which leaves slightly more to be desired, as he’s usually at his thematic best when exploring his psychosis and mental issues (his brief conversation with Frank Castle in the most recent Punisher comic does considerably more work in showing how “off” Spector is). The art by Ibrahim Mustafa doesn’t quite have its own personality, not the way Greg Smallwood created during Jeff Lemire‘s terrific run from just a few years ago, but it lacks anything distinct that makes it crackle. It’s a small quibble, but the designs of the Moon Knights throughout history was a fun touch (the cowboy one doing a lot with the little page-time he has).

If Kang grows into a larger threat during the Acts of Evil arc, then this might be essentially reading, otherwise, you can skip this if you want. It doesn’t feel too Earth-shattering, and the “keep your faith, no matter what” theme seems like an odd one to place into a Moon Knight comic, but it’s nice to have a comic expressing SOME sort of subtext. 3/5 Scarab Icons.

-J.L. Caraballo

August 18, 2019

ONCE AND FUTURE / PUNISHER KILL KREW / THE WHITE TREES / TITANS [Comics Reviews]: Burning Rage.

It’s the tried and trusted return of GHG’s Sunday Night Stash! And this week we’ve got a bit of variety going on, with some titles from some disparate publishers. So, let’s jump into all the “burning rage”, shall we?

The Once and Future King is prophesied to return. Is that good or bad? This is the question posed by writer Kieron Gillen and artist Dan Mora have in store in this modern supernatural adventure series. The story begins with a find at an archaeological dig in Great Britain; the expedition ultimately ends in bloodshed as the archaeologist is murdered and the ancient scabbard is stolen. Upon hearing about the theft, Bridgette, abnormally knowledgeable retired hunter, or sorts, enlists her grandson, for help. Their reunion is short-lived when a supernatural beast attacks, proving Bridgette is something much more than just some retired hunter. She then reveals her plan to her grandson: they are going to Glastonbury where she intends to prevent Arthur, the titular Once and Future King, from returning. Prophecies are never as clear as they seem.

Whether it be humor, intimidation, or a sense of adventure, together, Mora and Tamra Bonvillain create a balance in their presentation. Mora’s art and Bonvillain’s colors stand out the most in this book, articulating a world I want to see more of. With Duncan and Bridgette’s first encounter with a questing beast, a great sized creature seemed to be made up of an amalgam of animals, the solution in the end wasn’t as violent as Duncan thought it was going to play out. Duncan was a passed a spear by Bridgette, thinking he was going to use it to end the creature, he screamed and held the spear out, but it had stopped. It took in the spear, growl, and calmly walked off.

Though addressing herself as a hunter, Gillen’s writing for Bridgette illustrates that not all creatures need to meet a violent end and can be sympathized with; this creates a potential in the encounters to come with the supernatural, and that they can vary. Compared to the one-note characters (so far) who murdered for their conviction, Bridgette’s solution to end the coming conflict is not so clear. What will she do with the remains of Arthur? When we learn more about the group of people who want to resurrect him, what choices will Bridgette and Duncan make when they confront them? I’m excited to learn more about Bridgette, but also see how a normal clumsy Duncan can fit in and adapt too. 3.5/5 Bibles.

-Matthew Garza

**THE PUNISHER: KILL KREW** #1 – Marvel Comics

In the bizarre realm of comic lore, I dunno what style of storyline I was reading. Either I inhaled far too much fumage from the ammunition and explosives that Frank Castle dispenses– or.. I’m tripping on a unaware LSD dosage. I mean, what I read was like one part Game of Thrones-lore meets Thor: Ragnarok with a sprinkle of late 70’s/mid-era 80’s metal band awesomeness.

While I didn’t know where Gerry Duggan‘s story was going, Juan Ferreyra‘s art was crisp, the inking was fluid and it was visual love candy for the eyes. I mean, come on! Punisher was in the cosmic with a unicorn pulling an 80’s econoline shaggin’ wagon with rainbows.

I have been waiting all my life to see **EXACTLY** this.

Did I mention Frank Castle had a Skyrim Viking helmet on as well? I mean “what”? All I know is I don’t give 2 cents on the story currently but I want more of this art crazy awesomeness! 3.5/5 Bibles.

-Richard Pearson

The White Trees, you say??? Shit, I’d rather be smoking trees, but since I gave up the herb in a distant land, a long time ago, I had to settle for reading this joint from Image Comics instead…

Imagine, if you will, a world where Westoros meets Middle-Earth by-way-of a desert planet called Tatooine. Abduct yourself inside this surfacecrawler and you’ll soon encounter an heroic three-way-of-sorts, comprised of: a leather-strapped, axe-wielding, hipster-bearded Chewbacca stand-in, rocking bangles and earrings; a genderfluid, body-building elf looking jacked-up on anabolic steroids, who’s seemingly born of Morgan Fairchild and Arnold Schwarzenegger; and a fur-trimmed Joel Edgerton clone with a streaky beard, donning an over-sized sword and what looks like a gargantuan cockring hanging shindeep from his waistbelt.

Interestingly, Image doesn’t include their “For Mature Readers” disclaimer (which is pretty obviously telegraphed in the imagery depicted on its cover) until after you’ve read the digital version of this issue. But all the same. If you enjoy uninspired and clichéd character names with their boring titles, and artwork and writing seemingly so minimalistic at times that it looks and reads like it was dialed in from a defunct payphone using sign language and a blunted No. 2 pencil, then this is the book you’re looking for.

Despite the aesthetic and literary mediocrity within thus far, the colorful content of these characters rides triple-shotgun alongside the possibilities of interspecies love triangles, a coterie of deadly villains and supporting characters derived from Pop Culture’s present and past (who doesn’t love a royal ruler who channels Flash Gordon’s Ming the Merciless in a red deviled robe???), and maybe…just maybe…even fateful and orgiastic encounters drenched in inebriating love fluids jettisoned from mythical demons, magical monsters, and as-of-yet-discovered quadrupeds… 3.25/5 Freshly-Coined Smaug Piles.

-Jason Bud

It’s been quite a bit since I’ve read a Titans comic, but I’m really glad I read this one.

Dan Jurgens brings the characters to life in a way that you know who is speaking, even if no one is in the frame. With Tim Drake’s Robin leading this iteration of the team, this adventure introduces us to a new villain by the name of The Disruptor, who can disrupt literally anything (apt name, eh?!). It’s a power that I need to learn more about, but it works to give the Titans one hell of a tough time. And with H.I.V.E behind him, this is going to be a very long and difficult battle.

The art is where it is at, though. Scot Eaton, Wayne Faucher, and Jim Charalampidis have brought back a really classic feel, but with much more attention to detail, especially in the faces and uniforms. I have found with many comics that faces get ignored and muddled; but here, they managed to capture every expression, even in the smaller frames.

I will, most definitely, be following this story as it moves forward. I didn’t realize how much I missed the Titans, and I’m sure you’ll have that same excitement. 4.75/5 Bibles.

-Jimmy Cupps