MONDOmagazine

Amazing Spider-Man #607
Joe Kelly (w), Mike McKone & Adriana Melo (p), Mckone, Lanning, Justice, Smith and Benes (i). Marvel Comics.

Is Peter Parker the new Matt Murdock? Because he’s bedding women like my favourite horned crime fighter. I like it — there should be more casual sex in mainstream comics. What I also like about this book is that the story arcs have unique sizes and shapes month-to-month. They generally allow stories to stay no longer than they are welcome and ensure a crisp pace (obviously the publishing schedule helps too). However, I think this story could have used a bit more breathing room. For a crime story, the mysteries get resolved with lightening speed and it damages the impact of the climax. But you get an appearance from a hilarious-looking, “classic” Fantastic Four villain who uses mathematical equations to fight Spider-Man, which makes this book worth the cover price. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 3.5 out of 5
Isaac’s rating: 3 out of 5

Blackest Night: Titans #2
For a full review of Blackest Night: Titans #2 and Green Lantern #46, scroll down to our Crossover Corner. You won’t be sorry for long.

Dark Reign The Hood #5
Jeff Parker (w), Kyle Hotz (p), Scott Hanna (i), Frank Martin (c). Marvel Comics.

Probably not a good sign that when I opened the first page of this book I was completely confused. The issue picks up right after the last one; I had just forgotten about what was going on. Part of the problem is that this story takes place before a New Avengers story that ended months ago; part of the problem is that I read a lot of comics and can’t remember everything. Anyway, this issue wraps up this solid mini-series. The Hood is a great new-ish character and it was nice to see him in a more character-driven light (like how he was first introduced). I would argue that a few plot points in this closer are a little rushed, but not the big reveal towards the middle. It’s great, makes total sense, and made me pretty sad that Bendis’ story in New Avengers robs Parker of all that. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 3.5 out of 5

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? #4 (of 24)
Philip K. Dick (w), Tony Parker (a), Blond (c). BOOM! Studios.

It was really hard to turn away the minute I saw this issue on the shelf. It was funny because just a couple days ago my roommate had asked me if I dreamed of electric sheep and so I thought it was fate. There isn’t much I have to say about writing. It’s by Philip K. Dick. It’s great. He’s one of the most influential writers in science fiction and I’m not even a big fan of sci-fi. Having a great story come to life in pictures just adds so much more. It’s also great to see how true it’s stayed to the original. I definitely recommend it, even if you don’t read science fiction and even more so if you’re a fan of Philip K. Dick’s work. — Sandra Yao

Sandra’s Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Jack of Fables #38
Matthew Sturges & Bill Willingham (w), Russ Braun (p), José Marzán, Jr. & Andrew Pepoy (i), Vertigo Comics

Normally I buy Jack of Fables in trades, but when the solicitations advertised the penciller of this issue getting revenge on Jack thoughts of “Duck Amuck” filled my head and I knew I couldn’t wait for the trade on this one. Imagine my disappointment when I find – instead of a hilarious one-shot about Jack versus the artist of his book – part 2 of a story about Jack’s son, with a mere 5 pages about Jack’s fate. Sure, it’s hardly the creators’ fault, but I feel pretty cheated. Maybe this is a great issue, but not when you’re expecting what I was. I hope I’ll enjoy it more when I get the trade. By the way, I re-checked that solicitation: nowhere does it say “part 2” or mention anything about the plot with Jack’s son, so I feel pretty justified in the assumptions I made. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 1 out of 5 (for now)

Justice Society of America #31
Bill Willingham, Matthew Sturges (w), Jesus Merino (a), Allen Passalaqua (c). DC Comics.

In this book a character yells, “You can’t talk to me like that — I’m radioactive!” which is a great line as far as I’m concerned. Not sure if he’s the Atomic Skull or some new guy Willingham has made, but he gets a pass from me. “Underhand,” however, does not get any such pass. At least take the big “U” off your chest — not just anyone can walk up for the first time wearing something like that. I apologize if he’s somehow been around before and I’ve just never heard of him. Some good points about the Justice Society’s security are brought up by Magog — it is dumb to just accept new people left right and centre without checking to see whether or not they’re evil. That’s just basic. The art is getting a lot stronger issue by issue, and the story is better (but that’s not actually saying much). — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3 out of 5
Owen’s rating: 3 out of 5

Justice League of America 80 Page Giant #1
Rex Ogle, J.T. Krul, Rich Fogel, Josh Williamson, Chuck Kim, Derek Fridolfs, Amanda McMurry (w), Mahmud Asrar, Ardian Syaf, Eric J, BIT, Justin Norman, John Buran, Daxiong (p), Rob Hunter, John Dell, Eric J, BIT, Derek Fridolfs, Daxiong (i), Pete Pantazis, Ulises Arreola, Felix Serrano, BIT, Gabriel Bautista, Bill Crabtree, Daxiong (c). DC Comics.

I figured with 80 pages, there must be a bunch of stuff for me to like and there was — sort of. The book consists of six vignettes and a framing device for the story. A framing device that wrecks everything else, with its Epoch, Lord of Time hullabaloo throwing the Leaguers all through time and space. It’s amazing how often the phrase “any action we do could destroy the time/space continuum” came up. It’s also amazing how that is, in fact, a bad thing. I’m surprised too. The high/low point of the book is when Wonder Woman explains how, after being unable to find any of her teammates in 1574, the next natural step for her was to become a pirate. And even though Steel wasn’t even drawn at the fight with Epoch that sets the stage for this time jumping, he winds up on Wonder Woman’s pirate ship, wrapped up in chains, and with a beautiful expression on his face that reads: Really, are you serious? Pirate was the next logical step?

Steel, buddy, I’m right there with you. — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 2.5 out of 5

The Last Days of Animal Man #5
Gerry Conway (w), Chris Batista (p), Dave Meikis & Wayne Faucher (i), DC Comics

I feel that I may have been a little on the generous side when it comes to my ratings of this series in the past. Perhaps my love of the Animal Man character has been clouding my critical eye. Really, this series hasn’t been doing anything that new, interesting or innovative. It’s a mildly engaging story with some decent character development, but it feels like it’s been running on autopilot for some time now. We’ll see how the end shapes up, but I’m not hopeful for anything beyond a “decent.” — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 3 out of 5

Mickey Mouse and Friends #296
Stefano Ambrosio (w), Lorenzo Pastrovicchio & Roberto Santillo & Marco Giglione (a), BOOM Studios

I’m totally psyched for BOOM’s new Disney comics. I loved the Disney comics when I was a kid and decided that I was going to try out every one of BOOM’s new line. This was the one I was least excited for, but as it turns out I quite liked it. It’s a translation of a story that was released in Italy, but the translation is excellent. It reads like the beginning of a great adventure story and has a lot of fun poured into it. Although, I’ve never been a fan of the trend a lot of Disney comics have of colouring Mickey and Goofy white. Why not beige like on the cover? Still, it’s a pretty decent beginning to the line. I’m looking forward to seeing more that this line has to offer.

Owen’s rating: 3 out of 5

Runaways #14
Kathryn Immonen (w), Sara Pichelli (a), Christina Strain (c). Marvel Comics.

So with no new Runaways solicited for the next three months this is the last taste of the team we’re going to get for a while — and I’m really frustrated about that. Between the long delays in Joss Whedon’s arc, the stupid relaunch and terrible mishandling of the characters under Terry Moore, and the lack of a proper ending in this story I’m tired of being yanked around by this series. An ending should leave you with a couple of questions, but this issue leaves you with the wrong kind of questions. This was not a good place to leave the characters, and it seems like it wasn’t written to be either. I love the art and think Immonen is doing a good job writing the kids, I just can’t get behind an ending this unfinished even if the last line is “The end… for now.” Because right now sucks. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 2 out of 5
Owen’s rating: 4 out of 5 (SCREW YOU, MARVEL! SCREW YOU!)

Secret Warriors #8
Jonathan Hickman (w), Alessandro Vitti (a), Sunny Gho (c). Marvel Comics.

Jonathan Hickman edits himself really well in this book. He knows when to stop typing and let the artist do their thing. So it’s a good thing then that Vitti is up to the task — and then some. Fury and his agents continue to be some of the most compelling characters in Marvel’s roster. If Owen gets to keep trumpeting Incredible Hercules, I’m going to keep saying the same thing about this title. It’s great. It balances badassery with humour and intrigue.  And, as I’ve mentioned before, this book has some of the best full-page splashes in comics. They’re well-timed character pieces that make you want to fist pump this comic. Don’t fist pump this comic, just buy it. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 4.5 out of 5
Owen’s rating: 3 out of 5

Spider-Man: The Clone Saga #1
Tom DeFalco, Howard Mackie (w), Todd Nauck (p), Victor Olazaba (i), Javier Tartaglia (c). Marvel Comics.

The first page is a recap of what had been happening to Spidey in the ’90s when the Clone Saga was originally written — necessary because that’s exactly where this story picks up again. This isn’t the “Brand New Day” Clone Saga: Peter is married to Mary Jane, and I’m sure that’s going to be a turn off for a lot of people (it is weird that we aren’t given a “Brand New Day” version considering the next three issues of Amazing Spider-Man deal with Clone Saga fallout). Regardless, I’m glad to get the story without worrying about “Brand New Day” stuff — this is for Spidey fans of the ’90s. They make a change to the story that immediately improves it over the original Clone Saga 100%. Peter Parker is a hero, Ben Reilly is a hero (of course!!) — they should just get on the same side already. Bitterness and paranoia prevented that from happening in the original story and was grossly uncharacteristic, and I’m glad to see that that was fixed here. — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 4 out of 5

Superman #692
James Robinson (w), Fernando Dagnino (p), Raúl Fernandez (i), DC Comics

This is more of that James Robinson stuff that I quite like that many other people seem not to. Everyone sits around talking about stuff in the aftermath of a big event. I dig this, but I see how some people wouldn’t. I’ve been enjoying Robinson’s Superman for some time now, despite some weird plot holes (why is it that none of the superheroes in the DCU can bring Metropolis more water?) and irritating tie-ins (why are you forcing me to keep reading the other Superman titles if I want to understand your book?) and this issue is no exception. This is the type of Robinson writing I like: emotional, engaging and a little bit melodramatic. While not one of his top issues, it’s a nice reminder of why I like his work, and a necessary one after reading the atrocity that is Cry for Justice. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

Thunderbolts #136
Andy Diggle (w), Pop Mahn and Carlos Rodriguez (a), Frank Martin and Rain Beredo (c). Marvel Comics.

I haven’t even been reading this book that much so this comes from someone not that invested in the title, but the Scourge reveal towards the end of this book is amazing. It’s one of those reveals where you think, “Oh, of course Norman would reach out to that maniac. That’s the perfect guy for this team, why didn’t I think of that.”

I’m not going to lie, I mostly bought this issue for the Secret Warrior connection. It also doesn’t hurt that Jeff Parker is jumping on board the title and I’m getting my toes wet for that. That established, were I to review this as a Random Comic of the Week, I’d have to give it top marks. A lot happens, there’s some good action, cool reveals if you follow Marvel comics like I do, and that hilarious coward Ant Man. It’s a good package. — Miles Baker.

Miles’ rating: 4 out of 5
Owen’s rating: 4 out of 5

Wolverine: Weapon X #5
Jason Aaron (w), Ron Garney (a). Marvel Comics

Given that I’ve been eating up Jason Aaron’s work with a spoon, it’s fair to say that my expectations for this book were pretty high. It would also be fair to say that since the first issue I’ve been kind of disappointed. That’s not to say that the title hasn’t been good, but instead I would say that is hasn’t been anything special so far. Lightsabre-claws aside, I don’t feel I’ve seen anything new from this title so far, as opposed to the issues of Wolverine which felt like a revelation. Still, though, I will continue to read. After all, the next storyline features Wolverine in an asylum. And plus, it’s still written by Aaron, who makes everything better. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

Wonder Woman #36
Gail Simone (w), Aaron Lopresti (p), Matt Ryan (i), Hi-Fi (c). DC Comics.

I’m starting to feel good going against my decision to drop this series from my list. More and more Gail Simone is developing Wonder Woman as a character that is closer to being human despite her godly powers. It’s a continuous battle to define her new liberated self, without the holds that once defined who she was. Life isn’t easy and it certainly isn’t going to get any easier for Wonder Woman. –Sandra Yao

Sandra’s Rating: 4 of 5

X-Factor #49
Peter David (w), Valentine De Landro (p), Pat Davidson (i), Jeremy Cox (c). Marvel Comics.

I love it when I know great things are coming up ahead. Personally, what really made the issue for me was the (sort of) try at a serious conversation that sort just ends up in a mess of awkward. Guido’s discomfort at the thought of his partner, Rictor, being gay feels like something very natural that can happen between friendships. Sometimes you find out things about friends that put a little ripple in the relationship. I really like it when writers try to make their characters more relatable by putting them in situations in which we may have been in ourselves or in which we may once find ourselves. Although the car scene was great, the reveal at the end was just epic. It’s great to see that even a senile Dr. Doom can still be a legitimate bad-ass. — Sandra Yao

Sandra’s Rating: 4 out 5
Owen’s rating: 2.5 out of 5
Miles’ rating: 3.5 out of 5

Crossover Corner

How important is this issue to Blackest Night? Enjoy our special “crossover relevance” rating scale: Essential, A Pleasant Addition, Take It or Leave It, Adds Nothing, or Completely Unrelated

Blackest Night: Titans #2
J. T. Krul (w), Ed Benes (p), Scott Williams, Ed Benes (i), Hi-Fi Design (c). DC Comics.

I was actually surprised with how alright this issue was. Donna Troy’s dead husband Terry is back in Black Lantern style — and I do mean style, with him sporting a uniform that combines his ruffled wedding tux with the black lantern symbol. I love this guy’s beard too. Now I kind of want to read about him from back before he died. Beast Boy is trapped for a second, but then transforms into a marten and escapes, and it hits me, when was the last time I saw Beast Boy use his powers? Or just generally not suck? Feels like a long time, so kudos for that. I actually rather like Ed Benes’ pencils — on the characters anyway, the backgrounds are rather bland. — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3 out of 5. Crossover rating: Adds nothing

Green Lantern #46
Geoff Johns (w), Doug Mahnke (p), Christian Alamy, Tom Nguyen, and Mahnke (i), Randy Mayor with Gabe Eltaeb (c). DC Comics.

Sinestro: Okay. Hal Jordan, Carol Ferris — under my leadership, we shall be forming a Skrull Kill Krew to take out the Black Lanterns.
Hal Jordan: Uh, I don’t think we can do that, Sinestro. The Skrull Kill Krew is a Marvel property.
Sinestro: You think I care about that? I’m Sinestro! I do what I want!*

*None of this is dialogue from the issue of course.

Yes. This whole issue was devoted to Sinestro being awesome all the time. He’s cool as a cucumber when a horde of Black Lanterns are attacking him. He gets thrown into battle with Mongul over leadership of the Sinestro Corps, and in midfight forces Green Lantern to butt out before taking Mongul out (a guy that could routinely trade punches with Superman) and securing his place as leader of the corps while also saving the people of his home world. I got halfway through the book and went “The staples! I’m only at the staples!” All hail Sinestro, indeed. – Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 4.5 out of 5. Crossover rating: Essential
Owen’s rating: 3.5 out of 5. Crossover rating: A pleasant addition