Double Stuf Pull List: September 25 and October 2, 2013

Lots of comics to get through from a couple weeks ago, so only the best (and the best at being the worst) will get a lot of attention.

Marvel

-Guardians of the Galaxy #6 (Brian Michael Bendis, Sara Pichelli, Olivier Coipel)

This isn't a good issue.  It's not a particularly bad one either, but it's just not good.

Some notes I made while reading the latest GotG:

• Thought Gamora's redesign was to lower sexploitation, but she's fighting Angela; so that's a dumb idea.
• They gave the previous Star-Lord helmet to Tony Stark?  Really?
• Drax's speech pattern, his lack of knowledge of the blue area of the Moon, and not realizing Thanos is close by is all sorts of wrong. 

Okay, I lied this is a bad issue, at least from a story and continuity standpoint.

Gamora is the one that is fully clothed.  Angela is the one fighting scantily clad on the Moon.

-Uncanny Avengers #12 (Rick Remender, Salvador Larroca)

Larroca taking over art duties is not what I would call ideal.  A weaker entry in a story that overall I enjoy.

-Deadpool #17 (Brian Posehn, Gerry Duggan, Declan Shalvey)

North Korean prison camp hijinks continue to be illustrated marvelously in this issue.  One of Jake's big complaints about Marvel comics is that whenever Captain America shows up he's an asshole.  We're treated to a counterpoint within these pages as Cap's memories of WWII motivate him to act in a truly heroic fashion resulting in the line, "This can't be a an Avengers mission, but it must be a job for Captain America."

-A+X #12 (Christos Gage, David Williams, Justin Jordan, Angel Unzueta)

Part 1 is a nostalgia trip of Beast and Wonder Man's friendship, and part 2 is Captain America and Jubilee fighting a sunken U-boat full of Nazi vampires.  Rekindled bromance and good old fashioned vampire slaying/Nazi punching fusion.  These concepts either resonate with you or they don't.

-Avengers #20 (Jonathan Hickman, Leinil Francis Yu)

Space Operatic elements manage to keep me enthralled even as the plot and general direction of the story lose steam and direction.

-Nova #8 (Zeb Wells, Paco Medina)

A rebirth for the New Warriors might be on the horizon if Nova can manage to not get killed by a super creepy chick that sleeps in the guts of weird space cows.  It seems Nova has moved firmly into rad superhero stories territory.  Ok, I might be riding on a high brought on by the mention of the original Nova (a favorite character of mine), still the trajectory of this series into downright fun superheroics.

-Iron Man #16 (Kieron Gillen, Carlo Pagulayan)

A big ol meh if you ask me

DC

-Justice League #23.4: Secret Society #1 (Geoff Johns, Sterling Gates, Szymon Kudranski)

Someone probably thought this was a clever story that needed to be told.  I am not that person.

-Action Comics #23.4: Metallo #1 (Sholly Fisch, Steve Pugh)

While not as bad as the Cyborg Superman entry, Metallo's story is still boring and incredibly forgettable.

-Aquaman #23.2: Ocean Master #1 (Geoff Johns, Tony Bedard, Geraldo Borges)

Any subtlety or nuance in Ocean Master's character that was present in the Justice League/Aquaman crossover "Throne of Atlantis" has been thrown out the window.  Nothing else is of note as this issue continues the disappointing, but not wholly unanticipated trend, of being another sub-par entry in the gimmick that was Villains' Month. 

-Action Comics #24 (Scott Lobdell, Tyler Kirkham)

The Psycho Pirate is back.  That's cool.  This is part 2 of a crossover that started in Superman?  That is significantly less cool, in fact that might be the exact opposite of cool.  There's a month of one-shot sidestories without Superman, and then when it's time for a "real" issue it's part 2 of a story taking place in a different comic book?  Nah, I'm cool.

Image

-Saga #14 (Brian K. Vaughan, Fiona Staples)

Flying space sharks get hunted with a telescoping lance, and Lying Cat shares a scene with Sophie (formerly Slave Girl) that could warm even the coldest of hearts.  Stuff is kept relatively mundane, but even so Fiona Staples manages to flex her artistic might; it's just channeled into emotions and facial reactions as opposed to fantastical settings.

-East of West #6 (Jonathan Hickman, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin)

A Judge Dredd/Punisher/Texas Rangers mashup?  Oh hell yeah.  The issue seems like an aside that isn't all that important, however the awesome western elements more than make up for that.  Have I mentioned how amazing the artistic design of East of West is?  Because from a design standpoint it continues to be a nearly flawless comic.

IDW

-G.I. Joe #8 (Fred Van Lente, Steve Kurth) 

Shipwreck shoots boats full of androids trying to suicide bomb the statue of liberty with a bazooka.  blah blah blah... Destro is full on crazy supervillain and has androids (of the same design as the combat ones shot by Shipwreck) dressed in maid and butler outfits as he uses failed underlings as clay discs for his routine skeet shooting.  Can someone explain to me why there isn't a G.I. Joe cartoon on my television right now?

Vertical

-Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin volume 3 (Yoshikazu Yasuhiko)

Like the two previous volumes, there is some stiff translation and different interpretations of certain iconic(memetic) lines that hold this release back somewhat.  The rest of the book more than makes up for this slight misstep, and really, Yas is such a skilled visual storyteller that the book could get by without a hint of dialog (note: I still like the words because they add a depth and insight into the characters).  Volume 3 takes its subtitle from Ramba Ral, a veteran enemy officer sent to Earth to destroy the ship and its inexperienced crew that make up the main cast.  I don't want to go into the gritty details because you either have an understanding of what great twists and turns the story takes at this point, or you don't know and I'm not going to be the asshole to spoil a 34 year old cartoon for you.  Most Gundam aficionados count Ramba Ral as a fan favorite though, and I'm no different.  There's a buttload of deep thematic elements tied to Ramba Ral that I could discuss at length, however there's also the old takeaway that war is hell.  It's worth noting again that Yas makes this hellish war look oh so good.

Please excuse my bad scanner marring otherwise beautiful art (also as a heads up only a handful of pages have full color)

The Pull List: September 11, 2013

I read too many comics.  It's a habit that so far has only benefited my local comic shop.  That changes now as you can learn from the mistakes of my purchases, and perhaps even be intrigued to check out some of the cool picture books of the week.  There's always the option to make fun of my tastes, too.

Marvel

-Captain America #11 (Rick Remender, Carlos Pacheco)

Dealing with the aftermath of being trapped in a hostile dimension for twelve years, this issue takes on a more low key tone as it shows Captain America getting reacquainted with the present day.  What this results in is a rather touching character moment as he tries to let go of the past so that he can move forward and protect the present.  Some might find it corny, but I thought it was well done.  Carlos Pacheco's art remains remarkably similar enough to the established look of the book that the transition in artists is seamless; I suspect the colorist is to thank for maintaining consistency.  Nuke's appearance in the subplot assures an interesting set of upcoming issues as it will provide Cap with a nice ideological foil as well as someone to punch.  

-Deadpool #16 (Brain Posehn, Gerry Duggan, Declan Shalvey)

Comedy takes a backseat as the current story arc really cranks it in gear.  Laughs are to be had, but they're more a result of the general setting, North Korea, and some humor can be found if you're really into dark stuff.  I'd like to take a moment and mention that this is a story about Deadpool breaking out of a North Korean prison/experiment camp.  Who doesn't want to read that?  The set-up is a great homage to Barry Windsor Smith's classic "Weapon X."  Along the way there are some very tight action sequences, and once again Shalvey impresses me.  If you're still on the fence about checking out this issue then I have three words for you: North Korean X-Men. 

The Pull List: August 27, 2013

I read too many comics.  It's a habit that so far has only benefited my local comic shop.  That changes now as you can learn from the mistakes of my purchases, and perhaps even be intrigued to check out some of the cool picture books of the week.  There's always the option to make fun of my tastes, too.

Marvel

-Thanos Rising #5 (Jason Aaron, Simone Bianchi)

The foolhardy and brave decision to place this comic at the top of the weekly read pile was based on the theory that every comic I read after it will be better, so might as well start off with the turd.  I stand by this decision, but it caused me to put off reading comics for a couple hours.  Boy was it bad.  Instead of resorting to offensive language might I suggest that Marvel offer reparations for all the poor souls who went into this mini-series expecting a passable story about Thanos.  Passable was all I needed; it didn't need to be good for I knew to lower my expectations since our world is one with such little goodness left.  It didn't have to be good dammit.  

When you can take a comic that expresses passage of time as "many, many murders" and turn it into something that is way too serious and far up its own ass then you have essentially committed comic book infant murder.

-New Avengers #9 (Jonathan Hickman, Mike Deodato)

Completely unfair reviews returns.  I've a better grasp as to what Infinity is so the lack of fairness is only partially based in not having read all the important pieces of the story.  The main factor in the bias is that I had to read an issue of Thanos Rising.  Someone has to take the fall for this affront, and an event in which Thanos is a key player seems to be a good candidate.  Therefore, damn you New Avengers.  Damn you to hell.

The Pull List: June 26, 2013

I read too many comics.  It's a habit that so far has only benefited my local comic shop.  That changes now as you can learn from the mistakes of my purchases, and perhaps even be intrigued to check out some of the cool picture books of the week.  There's always the option to make fun of my tastes, too.

Marvel

-Captain America #8 (Rick Remender, John Romita Jr.)

Captain America fights his way through Arnim Zola's interdimensional spaceship fortress castle to save the Earth and his son only for a shocking last second twist.  Though can twists really be shocking when you call them before you even open the comic?  That said, I am interested to see where Remender is going with this reveal.  There's an exchange mid-battle where the bad guy gives voice to some detractors of Captain America who have never read a comic of his.  I liked it, because it recognized some of the complaints while also framing them in the context that people who think like that are also brainwashed psycho-Nazi clones.  The art and story complement each other so well it's uncanny as the bizarre plot elements are given a form so fitting that they make perfect sense.

-Avengers Arena #11 (Dennis Hopeless, Riccardo Burchielli)

Some acceptable character work is done this issue.  It's just a shame that the set-up for it is completely asinine.  Thus rendering the entire exercise pointless.  This series isn't irredeemable yet, but each issue brings it that much closer to the event horizon.

-Nova #5 (Jeph Loeb, Ed McGuinness)

An OK comic book, which is pretty high praise for a recent Jeph Loeb comic.  The plot is weak, but the script lets the art go all out.  It's hard to fault Loeb too much since there are few things I wouldn't do to get an Ed McGuinness-drawn fight scene involving a cyborg tiger with a gun arm.  

-Deadpool #12 (Brian Posehn, Gerry Duggan, Mike Hawthorne)

I think it's safe to say that Deadpool is once again one of my favorite comics without fear of incurring the wrath and scorn of other comic book readers.  The battle with the middleman from hell making a power play ended in a suitable fashion and allowed for all manner of jokes regarding the Marvel universe.  It really seems like a comic for fans by fans.

The Pull List: May 22, 2013

I read too many comics.  It's a habit that so far has only benefited my local comic shop.  That changes now as you can learn from the mistakes of my purchases, and perhaps even be intrigued to check out some of the cool picture books of the week.  There's always the option to make fun of my tastes, too.


A bit late, but what are you gonna do

Marvel

-Uncanny Avengers #8AU (Rick Remender, Gerry Duggan, Adam Kubert)

Here is an example of an event tie-in comic done right.  The comic works to move the actual plot of Uncanny Avengers forward while maintaining the tone and playing on the story beats of the crossover event.  This might be an alternate universe but the actions within still have ramifications for the regular 616 continuity.  Ultimately it gives more backstory for the villains the Avengers are fighting in the non Age of Ultron timeline.  It's cool to see some alternate versions of characters.  Namely the Havok present in this issue offers what some might be a counterpoint to the controversial speech he made in Uncanny Avengers #5.

-Superior Spider-Man #10 (Dan Slott, Ryan Stegman)

With the grasp of the octopus getting even tighter, things begin to slip through the cracks.  This comic is another intriguing entry in what is becoming one of the most different Spider-Man stories ever.  There's no way the true Peter Parker doesn't come back at some point, but having a slightly heroic Doc Ock offers some counterpoints to the traditional morality/ideology that we have become accustomed to with Spidey.

-Deadpool #10 (Brian Posehn, Gerry Duggan, Mike Hawthorne)
No joke, Deadpool is a good comic right now.  It hits action and comedy beats, and neither comes at the expense of the other.  The two elements play off of each other and exist in a harmonious state that Confucius would approve of.  It also provides a less serious, but arguably more entertaining, look at Doc Ock/Spidey's new moral code.  The C-list villian spectacular of a fight is great for a number of reasons.  "I'm the Trapster bitch!" and the inclusion of Lady Stilt Man are just two examples. 

-Avengers #12 (Jonathan Hickman, Nick Spencer, Mike Deodato)

It's another downtime issue for Avengers.  Not that that is a bad thing mind you.  It gives time for some character work and philosophy.  Some might not be too happy with character focus being placed on historically unimportant and cast aside characters, but I don't mind a guy like Hyperion spelling out why exactly godlike beings like Thor become heroes. 

-A+X #8 (Gerry Duggan, Salvador Larroca, Christopher Hastings, Reilly Brown)

Do you like superhero team-ups?  Silly question, of course you do.  That's all this comic is.  Pure distilled action packed buddy adventures.  There are two team-ups within.  The first is Kitty Pryde and Spider-Woman, and it makes sure you don't ever forget that Kitty Pryde is a badass.  The second is a tale about Purple Arrow (Hawkeye) and Ninja Spider-Man (Deadpool) stopping sewer pirates with a submarine from unleashing Lovecraftian horrors.  Deadpool might or might not shoot off Hulk hand trick arrows.  It's a pretty good week to be a Deadpool fan:

-Daredevil #26 (Mark Waid, Chris Samnee)

Daredevil isn't necessarily my favorite superhero comic, but it is without a doubt the best one coming out right now (this is where you insult my tastes)  Waid and Samnee are masters of their craft making the story they are weaving a genuine masterpiece.  The comic appears to be rapidly approaching a conclusion to the initial two years worth of stories.  Everyone should be excited for that.

There's a small little back-up story this issue.  It is potentially the most heartwarming short story ever.  Kids with cancer make a comic about superheroes stopping a giant monster.  The metaphor within the comic is pretty obvious, which is fitting considering the creators are children.  The little twist at the end and the  take away message put this short story in contention for best of the year status.  Marvel should go ahead and make it a free digital comic, because everyone should read it.

DC

-Aquaman #20 (John Ostrander, Manuel Garcia)

Covers lie.  The stuff you see on the front is used to sell comics and at best is a very loose interpretation of an event inside.  Usually they are truthful about the creative team, but that's not the case here where Geoff Johns and Paul Pelletier are incorrectly given credit.  Ostrander is in his element in this comic writing a story about a somewhat secretive, eclectic group of people who are to varying degrees involved with ghosts/spirits/spectres.  It's a entertaining enough story, but it has the most tenuous connection to the current Aquaman meta-story.  In the end this issue is complete "filler."  I tend to enjoy filler stories though.

-Justice League #20 (Geoff Johns, Zander Cannon, Gene Ha, Andres Guinaldo, Joe Prado)

So... this wasn't a very good comic, or at least it didn't deliver much entertainment.  It doesn't warrant much of a plot synopsis besides "Justice League C-listers fight Despero."  Not even a love for C-list characters, which I assure I possess, can make this a worthwhile read.  Distrust continues to ferment among the leaguers and the American government remains suspicious of the league too.  The art is all over the place as well, which is to be expected when no fewer than four people share art duties.  The Captain Marvel backup wasn't anything special this issue, but it was consistent, something I can't say about the primary story.   

-All Star Western #20 (Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti, Moritat)

Time for some math: Cowboy from the 1800's + goofball hero from the future = ?  "Comedy gold" and "the best buddy cop duo of all time" are both acceptable answers.  Booster Gold and Jonah hex teaming-up is definitely something the world needs more of.  Things continue to get crazier from there.  A dwarf in a cage gets involved at some point, which surprisingly doesn't actually make the comic any more kinky or depraved than it already was.  At the end of the day it's still a damn fine western and a damn fine comic in general.

There's also a back-up story illustrated by Staz Johnson were the first words spoken are "Adam, if we don't stop Nosferata from completing the ritual, all of Arizona will be crawling with Apache Vampires."  Thus proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that All Star Western is the greatest comic DC is currently publishing.

Monkeybrain

-Subatomic Party Girls #1 (Chris Sims, Chad Bowers, Erica Henderson, Josh Krach)

In this inaugral issue the all girl power pop trio "Beryllium Steel" is launched into space.  Things go awry and our heroines end up fighting space pirates.  A band fights space pirates.  This is a love-it or hate-it kind of deal.  Macross 7 is one of my favorite cartoons, so it should come as no surprise that  my $0.99 was well spent on this comic.  While story itself is truly outrageous, it's the art that really elevates the comic and makes it out of this world.

-Knuckleheads #2 (Brian Winkeler, Robert Wilson IV, Jordan Boyd, Thomas Mauer)

Man fights giant monster.  Giant monster tries to eat a hot drunk English chick.  Man's roommate borrows pepper spray and a condom from a pizza man.  Roommate throws a condom filled with pepper spray at giant monster.  If you don't want to read that comic, then we can't be friends.  

The Pull List: May 1, 2013

I read too many comics.  It's a habit that so far has only benefited my local comic shop.  That changes now as you can learn from the mistakes of my purchases, and perhaps even be intrigued to check out some of the cool picture books of the week.  There's always the option to make fun of my tastes, too.

Marvel

-Superior Spider-Man #9 (Dan Slott, Ryan Stegman)

Goddamn!  This is one intense issue.  One of the most important storytelling elements in superhero comics is putting the hero up against a credible threat.  The creators need to make the reader believe that the villain might triumph.  That has been a strong point of the Superior Spider-Man, but this issue takes it to an entirely different level.  Peter Parker and Doc Ock revealing their inner Spider-Men makes for a great visual.  The premise of Superior Spider-Man is still off-putting, but there is an interesting story to tell here.  

-Age of Ultron #7 (Brian Michael Bendis, Brandon Peterson, Carlos Pacheco)

Once again I find myself asking the question, "Why am I buying this comic?"  At this point I might as well see the story through to the end, even if the plot is barely paper thin.  Not even the art can save this book as it is nothing special and the lackluster set-ups don't even result in remotely interesting fights.  Overall this issue is just another mediocre entry in this horribly decompressed event.

-Thanos Rising #2 (Jason Aaron, Simone Bianchi)

After a rather disappointing first issue, I was trying to give this one a fair shake.  That's not going to happen when the first 2 pages of a 22 page comic that costs $4 is completely wasted.  The story told in those remaining 20 pages is an unnecessary mess.  There is no need to revisit and muck up Thanos' origin.  I've never been a fan of Bianchi's art.  This comic is pretty damn bad and Marvel would've been better off just reprinting old stories if they really wanted to push Thanos for movie appearances.


-Iron Man #9 (Kieron Gillen, Dale Eaglesham)

By the grace of some god Greg Land doesn't have art duties for this issue, so that's a plus.  However there is the banner of "The Secret Origin of Tony Stark" as well, which fills me with a sense if dread.  For the most part the comic plays to its strengths, no Land, and my tastes: robot space bounty hunters.  Eaglesham's art isn't anything groundbreaking. He draws a pretty great Death's Head though, and the panel bordering is neat.  This issue is an entirely serviceable story that tickles my fancy.  Until the end that is, when that whole "Secret Origin" bit rears its ugly head.  Hopefully my faith in Gillen is well placed and  this will all turn out to be a clever ruse.

DC

-Animal Man #20 (Jeff Lemire, John Paul Leon, Timothy Green II)

A story within a story is the premise of this one, and it all got very meta very quickly.  Lemire explores Animal Man's loss by examining his drive to be a hero while critiquing the fame for fame's sake reality television stars that dominate real-world entertainment.  The heavily inked art of the "fictional story" was well done and differed from the series' stylistic tone enough to stand out, yet not too much to be jarring.  There are stronger Animal Man issues out there, but one small road bump isn't too bad in the grand scheme of things as long as the entire story pulls together.

-Aquaman #19 (Geoff Johns, Paul Pelletier)

There are a lot of moving pieces and most of them are still being set up.  As "villainous" Ocean Master's actions were during the Throne of Atlantis crossover, his point about perspective and his actions merely being retaliatory are poignant.  It rings especially true because the majority of the time people are just straight up dicks to Aquaman.  The selling point of the book is the art.  Every underwater panel is a sight to behold as it captures the scope and subtleties of the ocean.  Also, Atlantean organ theft.

-Stormwatch #20 (Jim Starlin, Yvel Guichet)

Full disclosure: this is only the second issue of Stormwatch I've ever read (the first being #19).  Jim Starlin taking over writing duties is what drew me in.  The story is a bit confusing, but that is probably a symptom of my neophyte Stormwatcher status.  Proving that I am an equal opportunity hater of retooled origins, Lobo's new backstory is wack.  Sorry Starlin, just because Aaron messed up Thanos' origins doesn't mean you can screw with one of the greatest DC characters of all time.  As you can see below, one alien gets its head kicked clean off while on the opposite page one gets punched straight through its chest.  Stormwatch #21 is a confirmed purchase.

Stormwatch

-Action Comics #20 (Andy Diggle, Tony S. Daniel)

It's hard to live up to Grant Morrison's recently finished run on Action Comics (it concluded with #18).  Unsurprisingly, this issue fails to meet that lofty standard.  That's not to say this is a bad comic.  Coupled with the tumultuous situation with the creative team due to Diggle's premature departure means that this issue isn't as good as this series can and should be, at least from a writing standpoint.  Thankfully the book is still visually appealing.

Boom!

-Hypernaturals #11 (Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, Tom Derenick, Andres Guinaldo)

This comic is at the bottom of my reading list because it never disappoints.  Hypernaturals continues to be a rock solid engaging tale of heroes protecting all of known space.  The current plot threads all seem to be coming to a climax and that invariably means things get crazy.  High concept deicide levels of crazy.  Though the art sometimes falls a bit flat during more mundane scenes it is consistent and performs beautifully once the action starts.  If big heroes fighting big threats is your thing, do yourself a favor and catch up on this book.