Last week was a light week due to it being a fifth week schedule. Let’s take a look at 10 books that made an impression on me, be it positive or negative.
Morbius: The Living Vampire #5 Review
10. Morbius #5 – I don’t know if anybody knows this, but Morbius isn’t a good guy. He doesn’t do good things. Keatinge and Morbius both want you to know this, over and over and over again. Getting past the Oliver Stone like dialogue, the story has legs. The use of The Rose is a nice touch many old school fans of Spider-Man will love. It pays to be vampire-ish in Brownsville as people don’t care if you sample a little blood so long as you help keep the filth off the streets.
Earth 2 Annual #1 Review
9. Earth 2 Annual #1 – Here’s a little spoiler for you. Yes, you get to see the new Earth 2 Batman. No, you don’t get to know who he is yet. Where’s the fun in spoiling that surprise right off the bat (pun intended). The time Robinson takes to develop Atom pays off big time. One can finally start caring about this character. I can wait to see more of the New Gods!
Captain America #7 2013 Review
8. Captain America #7 – Ground control to Major John (Romita, Jr.). It seems the connection has finally been established and Romita and crew decided to tighten up the pencils, inks, and color on this issue MAJORLY. Too little too late as this story is lost. The best part about the whole thing is that there’s only 3 more issues until this blasted story is over.
Thief of Thieves #14 Review
7. Thief of Thieves #14 – This book is ultra-heavy on character development. Not that that’s a bad thing, just that you don’t get that much anymore in a lot of the comics on the shelves. Diggle’s use of circumstances and forcing Redmond/Conrad into situations in which he thrives helps to make this book a must read. Not only that but now we get to see just how good the husband/wife team really was. Ooohhh, did you feel that? I just got chills!
Adventures of Superman #1 2013 Review
6. Adventures of Superman #1 – Here’s a comic I picked up for one and only one reason, Jeff Lemire. Boy, did it pay off. The combination of innocence and thoughtfulness in his story made this comic worth it. I’m not a fan of Superman, not even close. This story made me see how children living in a world with Superman view him and all his greatness. Truly one of the best stories of the year.
Wolverine and The X-Men #30 Review
5. Wolverine & the X-Men #30 – Jason Aaron has a lot of balls in the air at this point with this book. He better be a damn good juggler if he wants to keep this book going strong and not start to drop some of those balls. The evolution of Quentin Quire and Idie (two personal favorites) is astounding. I never pictured these characters developing into who they are now when they were first introduced. The birth of the Hellfire Academy seems like a legit threat and I am giddy with excitement to see the battle between the two schools.
Clone #7 Review
4. Clone #7 – Come for Ryp’s art, stay for the complex and unpredictable story. Be it the danger of the Beta clone, the difficult decision Luke makes, the rash choices of a desparate mother, or the twist at the end, this book is a 90-mile an hour read. Fans who read this book are mad about it. Those that don’t, just haven’t figured out what that empty feeling is that they are feeling. Psst, that feeling is you missing out on Clone. Pick up the trade and get in on all the fun!
New Avengers #6 2013 Review
3. New Avengers #6 – Everybody cracks under pressure and the New Avengers are no different. The tough decisions they have to make are starting to get to them. Lines are being crossed and descension is bound to happen. Black Swan might be one of the best new characters Marvel has given us in years. I’m jealous that Steve Epting is so damn talented. Every time I open a book featuring his art, it just seems to get better and better. Big props to D’Armata’s colors as well, that plays a big part. Oh yeah, toss Hickman a bone too. You don’t want him to feel left out (that lousy, amazingly gifted wordsmith). This is a gripping story that you must read, in case you couldn’t figure that one out.
The Wake #1 Review
2. The Wake #1 – The depth of character that is presented in this debut issue is voluminous. I immediately care for Dr. Archer because I’ve been given enough backstory to want to care about her. The colorful supporting cast makes for an intriguing story as well. There is the big, dangerous, razor-sharp toothed creature as well that makes me want to read more. Sean Murphy might just give the best performance on art chores to date. I dare you to find a reason to tell me this comic wasn’t good. Seriously, you won’t be able to find one.
X-Men #1 2013 Review
1. X-Men #1 – Brian Wood. Jubilee. X-Men 2013. (Just say it like they do in the introduction before they start a rap song. Trust me it’s funnier that way.) This book starts off with action and ends with action. The flow of the book is so good you will not realize just how wordy it is. Jubilee is back (vampire or not remains to be seen) and she’s brought a little baggage along with her. John Sublime is back too (pull out your Grant Morrison New X-Men run to give yourself a refresher if you don’t remember him). The X-Women have always been strong, female characters and they continue to be just as strong in this book. Wood pulls you in instantly and Coipel only helps to strengthen that bond. Two masterful creators make this book my “must read” of the week!
