MONDOmagazine

Ambush Bug: Year None #7 of 6
Keith Giffen, Robert Loren Fleming (w), Keith Giffen, Baltazar, Franco (p), Al Milgrom (i), Guy Major (c). DC Comics.

Not sure what happened here, but Ambush Bug is back! Kind of. As with the previous issues in the series, this book pokes fun at the foibles of comics, their creators and the fans, with particular emphasis on delayed issues. Yes, this severely delayed issue spends a lot of time commenting on delayed issues. And I’m pretty sure that wasn’t the gag planned from the beginning. See, we’ve got guest pencils in the form of the Eisner winning duo of Baltazar and Franco as a framing device for Giffen’s pencils and story- so the question is, was this book delayed because Giffen lost interest and couldn’t finish, or did editorial look at what these books were saying – the critiquing of the bosses at DC and how they do things – and say, “no, you’ve got to change that. A lot.” There is at least something of a happy ending, as Ambush Bug walks into the blankness away from the DC universe he notes that he wasn’t killed off, and he’ll eventually get back in. Take your victories where you can, buddy. – Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3 out of 5

For Blackest Night Reviews — including Blackest Night, Green Lantern, and Blackest Night Titans — scroll down to Crossover Corner.

Cowboy Ninja Viking #1
AJ Lieberman (w), Riley Rossmo(a). Image Comics.

I found this very disappointing, since I’ve been looking forward to this comic ever since I heard the concept and in the right hands this could be an amazing book. Unfortunately, I’m not convinced that these are the right hands. Lieberman’s script is cluttered and frustrating. We don’t get a good sense of our main character or the world in which the book is set and everyone speaks in innuendos. The art fares a little better — in fact I think that Rossmo has the potential to be great (he reminds me of Tony Moore), but as of now his art is still a little unclear at times. It’s too bad that this comic isn’t as good as its concept. If only Matt Fraction were writing this book. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 2.5 out of 5

Dark Reign The List Wolverine
Jason Aaron (w), Esad Ribic (p), Tom Palmer (i), Matthew Wilson (c). Marvel Comics.

You gotta admit, Aaron has some balls dusting off two long-forgotten (or misused) Grant Morrison characters in one issue. I don’t think anyone was expecting Fantomex to ever return. But I’m happy to see him back; I thought he was a neat addition to the Wolverine/X-Men universe. But his return is only decent. My biggest complaint — and I feel this is a valid one that hurt my enjoyment of the issue — was that Wolverine’s virus-induced religion brainwashing was really poorly introduced. Like, there’s a canister, it goes off, Wolverine howls, he starts running behind Marvel Boy, and then Marvel Boy kicks Wolverine in the face. A few pages later they explain that Wolverine was — in fact — chasing Marvel Boy and that he’s under the influence of said religion virus. That’s not so good, comic book. But, I think Marvel Boy is funny in the issue and that’s worth some points. — Miles Baker

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

Dark Reign: Young Avengers #5
Paul Cornell (w), Mark Brooks (p), Walden Wong (i). Marvel Comics.

It’s a shame that this series never quite lived up to its potential, and I’m sure that nobody is shocked to discover that the fault lies squarely with Dark Reign. In this last issue the fascinating new characters take a backseat to Norman Osborne and the book suffers for it. There are still glimpses of what made me love the first couple of issues, such as a scene with Enchantress and Wiccan or the gutsy/weird ending Cornell and Brooks give this miniseries (that was confusing in the most entertaining way), but overall colour me disappointed. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 3 out of 5

Detective Comics #858
Greg Rucka (w), J.H. Williams III (a), Dave Stewart (c). DC Comics.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! I WANT MORE!!! I just kept flipping the pages, looking for more and there wasn’t any. It’s making me sad. I just want to keep reading. I want next month to be here now. This issue kicks off the origin story of Batwoman, and boy, it’s good. I mean, I love Rucka’s writing and all, but what really takes the cake, like in all the other issues is the art. It’s just absolutely fantastic. His change in style to tell Kate’s story is so fitting and works so well. I don’t even know what to say, I’m just absolutely blown away by the issue. It’s making me hyper-ventilate. –Sandra Yao

Sandra’s rating: 5 out of 5

Fantastic Four #572
Jonathan Hickman (w), Dale Eaglesham (a). Marvel Comics.

Now that the MONDOcomics crew is on board with me about the greatness of The Incredible Hercules, it’s time for me to pimp a new, fantastic Marvel book. Hickman and Eaglesham are rocking this book, which has become one of my most anticipated every month. The characterization of Mr. Fantastic is engaging, layered, and has me hooked. Meanwhile, Eaglesham continues to prove that he’s one of the best artists in comics. We’re only three issues in, so it’s easy to get on board, everybody. This is a Marvel book to watch. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 4 out of 5

Ignition City #5 (of 5)
Warren Ellis (w), Gianluca Pagliarani (p), Chris Dreier (i), Digikore Studios (c). Avatar Press.

Warren Ellis, you’re lucky I like your writing or I wouldn’t stand for having to wait this long in between issues. Seriously, it’s been so long since I saw the last issue in this series that I even forgot it was on my pull list. But all in all, I really enjoyed it. There’s just something really special about a gun-toting space cowgirl on a mission. It’s hot and very awesome. It was a very explosive ending to what has been a very intriguing story about a women looking to take revenge for her father’s death. I still don’t like the art, but I’ve learn to just live with it. It’s only five issues after all. –Sandra Yao

Sandra’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

The Incredible Hercules #137
Fred Van Lente & Greg Pak (w), Rodney Buchemi (a), Guillem Mari Guru FX (c). Marvel Comics.

Even without a starring role from Hercules, this issue was still surprisingly enjoyable. Amadeus Cho has reached some very interesting conclusions in his journey and has finally passed his test towards becoming what Athena has been looking for. The story by Pak and Van Lente is genuinely intriguing and enjoyable, making this an absolutely great series to be reading. The art has been consistently up to par and with the writing, they come together to form a great issue. –Sandra Yao

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

Justice Society of America #32
Matthew Sturges, Bill Willingham (w), Jesus Merino (a), Allen Passalaqua (c). DC Comics.

You know, Jesus Merino draws a really good Stargirl- they could totally have him draw a Stargirl miniseries. Maybe teamed up with his Spider-Man-looking Dr. Fate, that’d be pretty cool. Oh, as for this issue it’s all about figuring out how to tactfully accuse someone of attempted murder. Also, that large dumb group of super villains decides they’ll attack the JSA on their home turf, so that’ll go over real well. We get shown how much each hero is literally worth to the bad guys- if they manage to kill Alan Scott that’ll net them two million dollars… maybe I don’t know the value of a dollar, but doesn’t that seem a little low for a nigh immortal guy who can make anything he wills into being appear in a flash of green fire? Am I wrong here? It’s not like you can study at a community college for eight years and come out with a magic ring so you can become a captain of Green Lanterning industry, graduating among a class of a hundred other people; this guy’s kind of a big deal. Oh, man, could you imagine if there WAS a Green Lantern school? Sign me up! – Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 2.5/5
Owen’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

The Last Days of Animal Man #6
Gerry Conway (w), Chris Batista (p), Dave Meikis & Wayne Faucher (i). DC Comics.

While I can’t say that I was thrilled with this miniseries, at least it went out on a high note. This was a touching finale that certainly appealed to me as an Animal Man fan. While I may have been a little generous with my ratings of this mini while reviewing past issues (probably due to my love of the character), overall I’d say that this series is a 2.5 out of 5, but this issue definitely ends things well. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 3 out of 5

New Avengers #58
Brian Michael Bendis (w), Stuart Immonen (p), Wade von Gawbadger (i), Dave McCaig (c). Marvel Comics.

Woah, Jessica Jones’ mom! I don’t think we’ve ever had an on-panel appearance of Jessica’s adoptive mom. We’ve seen her dad but her mom has existed entirely in phone calls before. This is a big deal to only me. Anyway, it’s probably a bad sign that I’m buying a Bendis comic mostly for the art. Immonen is putting in some really amazing work here. There’s a panel of Daken getting hit in the face with Captain America’s shield that made me wince — it looks that painful. In other news, at least the New Avengers aren’t watching TV in this issue. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 3 out of 5

Note: After finishing this review Miles went to his The Pulse collection to see if Jessica’s mom was even at the Cage/Jones wedding because he is a big nerd. She was at the wedding but didn’t say anything. But this is still her first on-panel talking scene and counts as a big deal to Miles Baker, president of the Jessica Jones fan club.

Northlanders #21
Brian Wood (w), Leandro Fernandez (a), Dave McCaig (c). Vertigo.

This was an amazing issue that convinced me to jump back to trades on this title. It’s a hard call, it really is. It means that I won’t be reading about awesome Vikings for at least a year. This is the first of an eight-part story that already looks like it’s going to be Northlanders‘ crowning achievement. In one issue Wood has introduced compelling characters in a hard situation and I am dying to know what happens next. I’m just dying. But it’s the kind of story I know is going to be better when I read it all at once. I have the next couple pre-ordered so I’ll make my final call then. Fuck it, maybe I’ll just double dip. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 4.5 out of 5

Nova #30
Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning (w), Kevin Sharpe (p), Nelson Pereira (i), Bruno Hang (c). Marvel Comics.

What Nova always succeeds at, this issue being no exception, is how everything hits the fan all at once every issue. It’s not enough to have some indestructible super-strong little Cyclops’ running around to deal with, but you throw in a bounty hunter (who may or may not be on your side), then you throw in an angry PLANET after you and there you have an issue of Nova. Plus, it has a lead in for the next issue wherein Nova will have to fight his friend Darkhawk! Things just don’t slow down in this book. The current artist is serviceable, but I was pretty spoiled by whoever was on art duties in the past, I forget his name, but in my mind he was basically Marvel’s answer to Ivan Reis, so he’s probably gone forever onto bigger things. – Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3.5/5

Secret Warriors #9
Jonathan Hickman (w), Alessandro Vitti (a), Sunny Gho (c). Marvel Comics.

It’s kinda funny — the job of the Dark Avengers and the Thunderbolts seems to get beaten by whatever team they are guest-starring with. That doesn’t quite happen in this issue; I think Hickman respects the power levels and competence of his villains. He does craft an exciting extended fight scene with Vitti. The Secret Warriors base is going to blow up in five mintues, so they have that amount of time to take on the Dark Avengers and escape the base. Every page the countdown is present and goes down 30 seconds. It’s a great device, well integrated into the page, and brings a real energy to the scene. I’m glad that they clear up where the “Dark Reign The List” one shot fit into this story, but I’m a little confused as to why they released it out of order. They could have just waited a month. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 4 out of 5
Owen’s rating: 3 out of 5

Spider-Man: The Clone Saga #2
Tom DeFalco, Howard Mackie (w), Todd Nauck (p), Victor Olazaba (i), Javier Tartaglia (c). Marvel Comics.

I’m really loving this series- there must have been a bit of a time skip between this issue and the previous, because we’ve already got Ben Reilly working at the Daily Grind coffee place with his dyed blonde hair and supporting cast Shirley, Devon and Buzz from way back in the Ben Reilly as Spider-Man days. It’s a great shout out for me. Here I am, looking through this comic, working on my review, and bam, a panel of Spider-Man and Scarlet Spider together just makes me smile. They’ve compressed six stories worth of the original Clone Saga into a single issue (that’s my own estimate), simply chucking away all the bad parts (so, you know, five issues worth) and it’s great. – Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 4/5

Superman #693
James Robinson (w), Fernando Dagnino (p), Raúl Fernandez (i). DC Comics.

I seem to be in the minority, but I really like Robinson’s Superman. It has all of the slow-building drama that I loved in Starman as well as a great sense of character. While this issue is a little more brutal than I think is necessary I like the work done on Mon-El and General Lane is shaping up as a great villain. I’m sure that this comic doesn’t work if you check out the occasional issue, but as someone who has been reading since the beginning I’m finding this title rewarding. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

Wolverine: Weapon X #6
Jason Aaron (w), Yanick Paquette (p), Michel Lacombe (i), Marvel Comics

While Wolverine: Weapon X has been perfectly decent, it’s hard not to find “perfectly decent” disappointing when it’s written by Jason Aaron. Remember, Jason Aaron writes Scalped, one of the best comics being published today. He made me love Ghost Rider. He wrote that amazing Wolverine one-shot a couple of years back. Well, the good news is that the days of “perfectly decent” are over, because this issue is awesome. It’s part One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, part The Prisoner, and all awesome. Check it out.

Owen’s rating: 4 out of 5

Wonder Woman #37
Gail Simone (w), Bernard Chang (a), Hi-Fi (c). DC Comics.

It seems that there has been a serious change in the status quo. I don’t know how I feel about the change. I think it’ll make for very interesting stories, but I’m also disappointed that Wonder Woman has been left with so little chance of fighting back. And what is up with all these immaculate pregnancies? There are certainly a lot of questions arising from this new twist, but I guess that’s a good thing. It means I’m caring enough to question and to wanting to know more. Chang’s art is pretty good, but I still miss Lopresti’s. There’s something about the way Chang’s eyes look that really throws me off. It kind of creeps me out even. –Sandra Yao

Sandra’s rating: 3 out of 5

World’s Finest #1
Sterling Gates (w), Julian Lopez (p), Bit (i), Hi-Fi (c). DC Comics.

This is actually my first time reading about the new Nightwing and Flamebird who’ve been in charge of Action Comics recently, and they’re actually pretty cool. Did you know Nightwing has tactile telekinesis, just like my fav’rit – Superboy? I’m going to try not to go nuts about the fact that every time Nightwing uses said tactile t.k. he’s never actually touching anything on screen… after all, I’ve read enough issues of Superboy (all of them) to know they can be a little fuzzy with the tactile part of the equation. The action scenes are really well put together, helping that is the cool effects on Nightwing who ends up looking like the Terminator, what with all his busting through floors and whatnot. It’s a really good start to this mini-series, so check it out. – Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3.5/5

X-Factor #50
Peter David (w), Valentine De Landro (p), Pat Davidson & Craig Yeung (i), Jeromy Cox (c). Marvel Comics.

I don’t know how I feel about this issue. It was good in that it answered a lot of the questions that have been creeping up over the course of the series, while leaving new questions to be answered. I feel as though Madrox has really taken a background role in this arc, while the main star has been Layla. The way David leaves her character seems so tragic and yet very fitting. I guess what he’s doing is really creating a story in which question are never fully answered and there’s always an ongoing plot. So we’ll just have to sit back and see where he decides to take us. –Sandra Yao

Sandra’s rating: 3.5 out of 5
Owen’s rating: 3 out of 5

Crossover Corner

Blackest Night #4
Geoff Johns (w), Ivan Reis (p), Oclair Albert, Joe Prado (i), Alex Sinclair (c). DC Comics.

This isn’t the first time, and it sure won’t be the last time, that I point out Geoff Johns predication towards “awesome moments”. He’ll write one in, and often I’ll have to grudgingly accept its awesomeness. When Flash gives a pep talk to Mera and Atom, that was awesome. But Johns can go too far, be too cheesy even for me (which is truly saying something), like having Atom grow inside the Black Lantern Golden Age Atom’s chest so he can bust out dramatically- well that fell kind of flat on me. In general, there were a relatively large number of “big” moments that just didn’t have the necessary panel space, or build up, to support them. The real bad guy finally shows up at the end of this issue, so we should all get set for next issues bunch of big awesome moments… Johns reels me in ever single time, curse that handsome devil. – Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3.5/5
Crossover rating: Essential
Owen’s rating: 4 out of 5
Owen’s crossover rating: Essential

Blackest Night: Titans #3
J.T. Krul (w), Ed Benes (a), Hi-Fi Design (c). DC Comics.

This was charmingly bad? I guess? I don’t know, there are no backgrounds anywhere ever, at times the characters (you know, the only thing on the page) are way too sketchy, and as all Titans books go, it’s really overly dramatic. But I still had fun- when Black Lantern Tempest is fighting with Cyborg he asks “do you even have a heart in there?” and that’s actually a good point! Why attack Cyborg at all if you can’t power up off of him? I thought that was pretty funny. I’m not enjoying the fact that Donna Troy has been “infected” because she was bit by a Black Lantern- that runs contrary to the rules of how this whole crisis works- you die, you get a black ring, and you’re a bad guy. As much as Blackest Night is capitalizing on the popularity of zombies right now (what, no vampires?) if every other story tells me they aren’t zombies, then you aren’t allowed to tell me they’re zombies. You’re only the Titans tie-in after all. If you were the Batman tie-in, maybe I’d be more willing to listen. – Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 2.5/5
Crossover Rating: Adds Nothing

Green Lantern #47
Geoff Johns (w), Doug Mahnke (p), Christian Alamy (i). DC Comics.

I like the idea that Blackest Night will continue to follow everything on Earth while Green Lantern chronicles Hal’s space adventure. We can all suppose that Hal will return in Blackest Night with a team of lanterns, and ultimately we don’t need to know exactly how it all happened, but if we want to read about the space adventure then this book is here. It’s a fine book, too. This issue acts as a crazy-ass monster show (and what monsters they are), as well as an odd-couple story about Hal and Sinestro. It doesn’t quite work as a solitary issue, but as a piece of a story I liked it. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 3.5 out of 5
Crossover rating: A pleasant addition

X Necrosha #1
First story: Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost, Clayton Crain (a).
Second story: Zeb Wells (w), Ibraim Roberson (a), John Rauch (c).
Third story: Mike Carey (w), Laurence Campbell (a), Matt Milla (c). Marvel Comics.

So, in this issue of Blackest Night, the X-Men… wait. Put my comic down, flip it, and reverse it — I don’t buy Green Lantern comics, so why are there a bunch of dead villains running around my X-Men comics? Though, to be fair, at any given moment there’s at least a dozen recently resurrected characters hanging out with the X-Men. So, with this comic, the story is broken into three parts that serve as the kicker for the crossover in the regular title. There are three stories here, and the first (and main) one focuses on X-Force. In it Crain puts in some of the best art I’ve seen from him. For me this story is the least interesting because it has so much plot to carry, where the other two books are clearly character-driven. (Because I’m a Mike Carey fanboy) I found Carey’s story the strongest, focusing on Blindfold — a great addition to the X-Men from Whedon’s Astonishing X-Men. I can’t wait to check out those issues. So, granted I don’t know exactly what’s going on in Blackest Night, this kinda seems like the same thing and I’m not sure why Marvel bothered. I’m also not sure why I bothered — I was extremely wary of this title. The last X-Force-lead crossover, Messiah War, was some of the worst X-Men comics I’ve bought in recent memory. This was a lot better than that, but I don’t think I’ll be picking up the whole crossover.

Miles’ rating: 2.5 out of 5
Crossover rating: Essential (Well, it’s the first issue. Better be important.)