MONDOmagazine

Agents of Atlas #6
Jeff Parker (w), Gabriel Hardman (a), Marvel Comics

Maybe people who are huge Namor fans would get more mileage out of this. To me it was a whole lot of arguing about whether Namor should go back to Atlantis or not. A LOT of that. The art was really, really pretty (well done Hardman…also, badass name, Hardman) but too much time was spent explaining the history of the Atlantean people. This comic is at its best when it’s being whimsical and retro, not when it’s playing the role of the Marvel Encyclopedia. This is a great comic, but this wouldn’t be the issue I’d hand to someone to get them into it. – Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 2.5 out of 5
Miles’ rating: 3 out of 5

Amazing Spider-Man #596
Joe Kelly (w), Paul Siqueira (p), Amilton Santos (i), Jeromy Cox (c), Marvel Comics

After this issue, they might want to call it “The Amazing Harry Osborn”. I’ve been really happy with how this series has handled it’s supporting cast and Harry has been consistently pleasing. They keep pulling the same gag and I keep falling for it. You keep thinking that Harry is going to do something dumb and Peter will have to save him but then it turns out Harry is smarter than you think. I love it. Norah Winters has also been a fun addition to the cast and I really hope Pete gets with her. I have a bit of a crush on her. Anyway, “American Son” picks up a lot after a first issue that didn’t thrill me — so much so that I wasn’t lamenting the departure of Phil Jimenez as much as I thought I would. Siqueira did a fine job. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 4 out of 5
Owen’s rating: 2.5 out of 5

Batman and Robin #1
Grant Morrison (w), Frank Quitely (a), DC Comics

Note: Because this is a rare case of all four of us buying the same book, we decided to do a whole special feature on it where you can read each of our takes on it.

Grant Morrison and I have a rocky writer/reader relationship. He’s done work ranging from some of my favourite comics of all time (Animal Man) to comics I felt were near-unreadable (The Filth). But when he is firing on all cylinders there is no denying that he can make some great comics. This is one of those comics. After months of Batman work that I felt was on the cusp of greatness, but not quite getting there, he’s made it. This is due in no small part, I’m sure, to working with an artist who gets him. Frank Quitely knows how to draw Morrison images. You only need to look at the first page to see how much fun this comic is: right there you have an explosion in the shape of the word “Boom”, an excellent design for the new villain Toad and the shadow of the new flying Batmobile (giving you a hint of its coolness). Prepare yourselves, everyone, because this comic is going to be an awesome ride. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 5 out of 5

Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Tales of the Vampires
Becky Cloonan (w), Vasilis Lolos (a), Dave Steward (c), Dark Horse

Think Buffy by way of Brian Wood: small town angst, vampires, and plenty of both. It’s a combination that works surprisingly well. Being a fan of Cloonan’s art from Demo and American Virgin, I was curious to see how she’d acquit herself as a writer and I’m glad to say she did well. It’s a solidly structured one-shot that plays well in the Buffy universe without being tied to it, meaning no Buffy characters appear but a couple are mildly referenced. Lolos’ art here is much more polished than in last week’s issue of Northlanders. That art was more gestural and rough, where this is more controlled, though both show an aversion to backgrounds that I don’t totally love. It’s a cool juxtaposition to see Lolos’ strengths as an illustrator. Anyway, if you’re a fan of Buffy you should check this out: you don’t need to be following “Season Eight” to understand what’s going on. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 4 out of 5

Daredevil Noir #3 of 4
Alexander Irvine (w), Tomm Coker (a), Daniel Freedman (c), Marvel Comics

It’s hard for me to decide how I feel about this right now. Daredevil is on the hunt for the Bull’s Eye Killer, but the further he searches, the deeper he becomes involved in the feud between Wilson Fisk and Orville Hollaran. I mean, for a mini-series it’s a pretty complicated story that has often left me a little confused. I figured since I had already bought two of the four issues I’d continue with it. I don’t feel that the noir addition to the title gives Daredevil any other sort of different dimension. In the end however, there is a shocking revelation that leaves me curious to see how it all wraps up next month. The art is still amazing, if that’s any help. — Sandra Yao

Sandra’s rating: 3 out of 5

Dark Avengers #5
Brian Michael Bendis (w), Mike Deodato (a), Marvel Comics

If one thing should be understood about me as a reviewer, it’s that I love talk-y comics. So an issue of Dark Avengers where Norman gives an interview and we get our first real glimpse of how the Fake Avengers are responding to each other is right up my alley. That said, Bendis nailed this issue. We got to see Norman’s interview rebutting Clint Barton’s public rant against him and the scary thing is that Norman is kind of making sense. His arguments are sound! Plus, there was great development in the other Avengers that made me anticipate future issues. This is a fun, messed-up comic. If New Avengers isn’t working for you but you’re craving some Bendis character development, then give this one a shot. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 4 out of 5

Deadpool: Suicide Kings #3 of 5
Mike Benson & Adam Glass (w), Carlo Barberi (p), Sandu Florea (i), Marte Gracia (c), Marvel Comics,

Unlike most times, Deadpool has been framed for a crime that he knows he wasn’t responsible for. Unfortunately for him, the Punisher is hot on his trail and just before he can finish him, Daredevil comes to his rescue. Considering the peculiar history between Daredevil and Deadpool, I was happy to see them back together. Also, your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man makes an appearance and the banter between him and Deadpool is just priceless. I thoroughly enjoyed this issue — much more than the last. Through the whole mess, Deadpool is able to keep his sense of humour and joke about the situation. That’s what I love about him. — Sandra Yao

Sandra’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

Irredeemable #3
Mark Waid (w), Peter Krause (a), Andrew Dalhouse (c), Boom Studios

So we’re three issues in and still we’re left in the dark as to reasons behind the Plutonian’s snap. Issue two gave us a glimpse of his failed love life and in this issue we see the consequences of his past coming to the present. The past has certainly left him with some disturbing sexual issues. In the opening scene you see him looming over a couple having sex, telling them what to do, what to say. He never partakes in the scene first-hand. Instead he’s a looming shadow. Awkward. On a different note, in the wake of the Plutonian’s recent psychotic break, even the super-villains have banded together in order to seek refuge. One question that did remain unanswered was whether or not the Plutonian had simply switched sides or if he was out there for himself. Waid answers that in the form one big explosion. Overall the issue was pretty good, although it’s becoming harder to find a character to connect with. We see very little of what the Plutonian is really thinking and any other characters end up dead before we can even remember their names. Regardless, I’m gonna be biased because I still love the series. — Sandra Yao

Sandra’s rating: 4 out of 5

Jersey Gods #5
Glen Brunswick (w), Dan McDaid (a), Image Comics

Yes! This is what I want! Barock and Zoe are together again and it is awesome! It’s a testament to the skill of Brunswick’s writing that I already care so much about this couple, but when he showed up for her I couldn’t help but smile. They are adorable as a pair and I can’t wait for more. And if Dan McDaid reads this then I want to know how much for the page where they’re kissing. I may not be a wealthy man, but I can pay in publicity for this comic: everyone buy the trade this August! How was that? Sorry for that shilling, I just love this book. Everyone should to buy it. If you love Jack Kirby, unlikely romances, or awesome space-action, then you need to be buying this. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 4.5 out of 5

The Mighty Avengers #25
Dan Slott (w), Stephen Segovia (p), Noah Salonga (i), Jean-Francois Beaulieu (c), Marvel Comics

I don’t know what happened to the original cover or artist on this issue, but it sure suffered for it. Not that either of those things were so great — I actually think Pham, the originally solicited artist, is a weak artist and often his pages look rushed — but at least that first cover had a background (don’t know why I’m harping on backgrounds this week). Segovia has that arched-back, tits-out style that Marvel should be embarrassed to still print; his anatomy is extremely flawed in many places; and is overly lined — yet I still do prefer him to Pham, and I like that this USAgent is wearing pants as a part of his costume rather than tights. Regardless of art preferences, Slott packs a lot into this issue so you really feel like you get your money’s worth. His team dynamic is exceptionally written and I’m really excited about the romantic possibilities between Amadeus Cho and Cassie Lang. Teenage sexual tension makes for good comics. — Miles Baker

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

The Muppet Show #3
Roger Langridge (w + a), Boom Studios

Was that a Human Traffic reference on page 7? I love this comic. This is a Gonzo-centric issue, which means lots of visual comedy (not to mention the usual puns, parodies, and dances that The Muppets are known for). While it’s not quite at the amazing heights that the first issue reached, this is a great comic that will not disappoint Muppet fans. And I still love the way that Langridge draws Kermit. – Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

New Avengers: The Reunion #4
Jim McCann (w), David López (p), Álvaro López (i), Marvel Comics

I really liked this miniseries. Not necessarily because it’s an amazing comic — it’s not bad but it’s nothing spectacular — but because Jim McCann loves Hawkeye and Mockingbird as much as I do. And it shows in every page of this book. It’s pretty simple: if you don’t love the characters (and I mean LOVE them), then don’t go out of your way to get this mini; but if the thought of Hawkeye and Mockingbird together again makes you smile, then this book is a must-have. – Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 3 out of 5

New Mutants #2
Zeb Wells (w), Diogenes Neves (p), Cam Smith with Ed Tadeo (i), John Rauch (c). Marvel Comics.

The New Mutants don’t annoy me in this issue like they did last time, so that’s a definite plus. I attribute it to not giving Magik any time to say anything to bug me. It’s an interesting mystery for the gang to solve, re-introducing the “Legion” character who I don’t really know much about; but is — successfully — scary enough to be the bad guy, as opposed to an issue where our superheros fight some ordinary townspeople like last issue. Don’t worry, those townies get another Cannonball thrashing — yeah, that’s what I want to see.

It’s not what I want to see.

Unfortunately, this is one of those X-adventures where most of the action takes place on a psychic plane of existence, so when the characters aren’t  trapped in the bad guy’s mind they stand around asking what to do. The last page has a suitably hardcore Dani Moonstar preparing for a fracas, so next issue promises to be pretty good. — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3 out of 5

Secret Six #10
Gail Simone (w), Nicola Scott (p), Doug Hazelwood with Mike Sellers (i), DC Comics

That was a creepy issue…I feel a little gross. But, hey, this is a book about people who aren’t very nice, so I suppose that’s a compliment. Unfortunately for me, not every issue can be a date night issue or an issue where bad guys try to be Batman. Eventually we must go back to big adventures. This one is extra-creepy as it involves slavery and emotional torture. To make it a little prettier, there are also Irish bluffs (and they are VERY pretty, well done Nicola Scott). This is still a great comic, even in an issue that isn’t as awesome-tastic as the date night issue (which will be the yardstick against which all future Secret Six issues will be judged). — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

Superman: World of New Krypton #4
Greg Rucka and James Robinson (w), Pete Woods (a), DC Comics

I don’t know what’s happened between me and this comic. I was so excited about it when it started, and I loved the first two issues, but lately it feels like we’re growing apart. Maybe we’re not the people we were when we first started seeing each other: it’s more political and militant while I’m more personal and emotional. It’s still pretty to look at, sure — but with each passing month I’m finding myself less enamoured with it. It should be mentioned that I’ve been seeing Mon-El’s adventures in Superman on the side and I find that I’ve been getting what I need over there. I think that if this relationship doesn’t get better soon, it’ll be time to end it. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 2.5 out of 5

Timestorm 2009/2099: Spider-Man One-Shot #1
Brian Reed (w), Wesley Craig (a), Nathan Fairbairn (c). Marvel Comics.

Really cool art work in this book — it’s like the combination of Steve Ditko, Stuart Immonen, and Pat Ollife. Yes, that’s confusing, but that’s just what I’m seeing here. It’s weird that the “Timestorm” storyline is moving forward in what should be a beside-the-point tie-in, but that always happens. It’s not impressive or anything, but it’s how they try and sell more books, so good luck with that. Another fusion is at work here in that they’ve got Spider-Man Unlimited (the t.v. show no one liked), Spider-Man 2099 (the original), Spider-Man: the movie, and Ultimate Spider-Man all mixed together in this story. Plus some Phantom Menace now that I think about it. It’s a pretty insane mix, but I guess it works out all right. It’s a fun ride, but there are some lucky coincidences (i.e. plot holes) that could use some explaining. – Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3/5

Ultimate Spider-Man #133
Brian Michael Bendis (w), Stuart Immonen (p), Wade von Grawbadger (i), Justin Ponsor (c). Marvel Comics.

Unless I’m very much mistaken, they’ve killed off Spider-Man in this book. So, is this “Ultimatum” storyline just a cleaning house to kill off everyone in the Ultimate universe? That doesn’t seem very “ultimate” to me. Ah, I’m just grouchy ‘cause Spidey is gone with no real Ben Reilly to fill in for him. Maybe the clone Spider-Woman? As always, the art is fantastic by Immonen, and it was an all silent issue because that helps with the drama of course, drastically reducing the use of the word “oy” that you would generally find here. They included an interview with Bendis at the end, which I guess is why I paid an extra dollar. It’s fun to hear why he enjoys writing his stuff, and hearing his anecdote about Stan Lee is cool, but an interview does not a Spider-Man comic make. – Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 2.5 out of 5