MONDOmagazine

Amazing Spider-Man #597
Joe Kelly (w), Marco Chechetto (a). Marvel Comics.

The first part of this story was so good, but since then it’s been…I don’t want to say bad, but at least not living up to its potential. Certainly this issue isn’t as bad as last week’s “why does Sue Storm look just like the prostitute we just saw” issue, but it still isn’t living up to the promise of that great first issue. I appreciate the digs at Daken’s mohawk, and Peter’s (mostly successful) attempt at impersonating Venom, and that cliffhanger is shocking, but ultimately this storyline has turned out to be little more than a tour of Norman’s empire with some obligatory fights thrown in. For a better Joe Kelly book, read Bad Dog. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 2.5 out of 5
Miles’ rating: 3.5 out of 5

Batman #687
Judd Winick (w), Ed Benes (p), Rob Hunter (i). DC Comics.

DC must be crazy. Why else would they release this book the week after Morrison and Quitely’s Batman and Robin? First of all, this book features a lot of Dick Grayson agonizing over whether or not he should become Batman, while in Batman and Robin he seemed very comfortable in the suit. So this book feels like it comes first chronologically. More importantly, though, this book does not benefit from the comparison; it’s sloppier, less fun, and less pretty. Benes seems to have studied from the Liefeld school of useless lines everywhere and is the expert of ambiguous character acting (are those characters sad or awkward). As for Winick, I see potential here, but he has some lessons to learn about economy in writing. You know that moment in writing class when the teacher walks over, looks at your script, and starts crossing lines out, saying “you don’t need that line, you don’t need that line, you don’t need that scene…”? Winick must have never had that happen to him (see Dick and Alfred’s many lengthy conversations). I think this book has potential, especially now that Benes is leaving, but Winick, please remember: less is more. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 2 out of 5

Booster Gold #21
Dan Jurgens, Matthew Sturges (w), Dan Jurgens, Mike Norton (a), Norm Rapmund (i), Hi-Fi, Guy Major (c). DC Comics.

This is the first book for me to have the “second feature” of another character, basically another comic starring someone who doesn’t have their own series, and of course it’s Blue Beetle here. Great news for me, who enjoyed Blue Beetle’s series on a monthly basis. This issue also features the first ‘out-of-bat-book’ appearance of the new Dick Grayson Batman, at least the first appearance I’ve seen, and he’s suitably awesome. The Black Beetle re-appears and erases Dick Grayson from history, so it looks like we’re getting back to the mystery of the Time Masters versus the Time Stealers, and a fun time shall be had by all. — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3.5 out of 5
Owen’s rating: 4 out of 5

Deadpool #11
Daniel Way (w), Paco Medina (p), Juan Vlasco (i), Marte Garcia (c). Marvel Comics.

Oh Deadpool, how I love thee. In this second issue of the Hawkeye/Bullseye vs. Deadpool arc, we finally get to see the Merc with a Mouth get his revenge for having been shot in the head with an arrow. Daniel Way has really created this series as a way for readers to engage in Deadpool’s insane, albeit juvenile, thought process. This is why his pairing with Hawkeye has been so successful. They’re both crazy and definitely make for some really fast-paced, exciting fight scenes that Paco Medina has done a great job of portraying. This is who Deadpool is. He’s crazy, hears voices, talks to himself, and has a childish sense of humour, but that’s what makes him a nice breath of fresh air. — Sandra Yao

Sandra’s rating: 4 out of 5

Fables #85
Bill Willingham & Matthew Sturges (w), Tony Akins (p), Andrew Pepoy & Dan Green (i). Vertigo Comics.

I’m sure that it’s getting tiresome to hear me continually repeating myself, but last week’s issue of The Literals aside, “The Great Fables Crossover” has been a great big letdown. So rather than repeat the reasons why (slow pacing, frustrating tangents — oh look, I just did it) I’ll mention something else I find odd. Apparently this storyline is going to be collected as the 13^th volume of Fables. One thing that is very clear reading this story is that the whole thing fits in better as a part of the Jack of Fables storyline. After all, that’s where the Literals were (properly) introduced and that’s the comic that the tone matches. This storyline would fit right in as part of Jack’s comic. For people following Fables but not Jack of Fables in trade (a few thousand according to sales) this storyline will be a confusing and probably frustrating surprise. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 3 out of 5

Flash: Rebirth #3
Geoff Johns (w), Ethan Van Sciver (a). DC Comics.

Johns has stated that one of his goals when telling a story is to find an angle that hasn’t been explored before. He’s doing a great job of that here by telling the story in such a way that Barry Allen’s resurrection is not a good thing, but instead something that is a threat to everyone he loves. It’s a great story, and one that looks gorgeous thanks to Van Sciver, but maybe a little too continuity-filled for the newbies. I would say this one is for Flash or DC fans only; it’ll just annoy everyone else. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

Green Lantern Corps #37
Peter J. Tomasi (w), Patrick Gleason (p), Rebecca Buchman and Tom Nguyen (i), Randy Mayor and Gabe Eltaeb (c). DC Comics.

The story takes place on two fronts in this book, at the battle between the Daxamites against the Sinestro Corps (as lead by Mongul) and at the battle between the Green Lanterns and all their escaped prisoners. Sodam Yat sacrifices himself to give all the untrained civilians on Daxam Superman-style powers (don’t worry, I’m sure he’ll be fine), whereupon Lantern Arisia keeps those citizens from recklessly attacking the Sinestro Corps. It’s a very interesting juxtaposition between that and the untrained rookie lanterns who decide to fight in spite of orders to the contrary at that prisoner outbreak and a bunch of them get slaughtered. There are a couple of odd panels, art-wise, but Kyle Rayner always looks awesome so they totally get a pass from me. Not only that, but the one evil Guardian of the Universe, Scar, is making her move too — looking really creepy while she’s doing it. — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

JSA Vs. Kobra #1
Eric S. Trautmann (w), Don Kramer (p), Michael Babinski (i), Art Lyon (c). DC Comics.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who reads the title JSA Vs. Kobra and thinks G.I. Joe in place of JSA. It’d be pretty cynical to think the Powers That Be are trying to subliminally cash in on the upcoming Joe movie. Yup, pretty cynical. Anyway, there are a number of action sequences that make the JSA look hugely powerful but it’s a fact that doesn’t always come across effectively. As much as I enjoyed the recent Geoff Johns JSA stories, I’m pretty sure there was one issue where they rode a fire truck to a disaster. Am I remembering that right? And if so, it’s pretty weak. The Justice League teleports everywhere, is all I’m saying. If you were a fan of the Checkmate comic — with its spy action and political thriller material — then check this book out. If you’re a fan of Mister Terrific (now we’re speaking my language) then check it out. — Isaac Mills

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

Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers #2 of 4
Chris Eliopoulos (w), Ig Guara (a), Chris Sotomayor (c). Marvel Comics.

I was really looking forward to reading this next installment of Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers. It’s just too cute and silly. Each of the characters had their own individual personality and they all add to the mix. In this issue, Ms. Lion, the inappropriately or very appropriately named male dog, absolutely steals the show. In every group, there’s always the person who just doesn’t happen to be sharpest tool in the shed and in this group it’s Ms. Lion. His comments absolutely get me giggling and wishing I had a dog whose thoughts I could hear. I’m kind of sad to know that there are only two issues left. *Tear* — Sandra Yao

Sandra’s rating: 4 out of 5
Owen’s rating: 4.5 out of 5

R.E.B.E.L.S. #5
Tony Bedard (w), Claude St. Aubin (p), Scott Hanna (i), Jose Villarrubia (c). DC Comics.

Some unduly plain backgrounds are jumping out at me, and it’s pretty weird. With few exceptions the totally plain backgrounds are fine, they can be construed as adding to some dynamic effect. But in this issue there are some half-empty ones, and it’s kind of weird. When Wildstar is flying through space it looks really great. So, yes, stick with the space backgrounds. The bad guy’s motivations are finally made clear in this issue, so everything makes way more sense now. I just wish it was Brainiac 2 who had figured out everything and told us instead of having it explained to him by the one bad-ish (it turns out) guy. – Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 2.5/5

Red Robin #1
Christopher Yost (w), Ramon Bachs (a), Guy Major (c). DC Comics.

So who is “Red Robin” you ask? As a matter of fact, he’s asking the same thing himself. Oh, I can tell you who he was — Tim Drake, Tim Wayne, Robin three, all that. But he’s not sure what that past means to him now until he’s struck with an epiphany — Bruce Wayne is still alive. Maybe Tim is crazy, no one would blame him if he was, but he’s just got a feeling and he’s going to investigate that feeling. As a result we get to see Tim acting at the core of what he is: the detective. This issue explains Dick Grayson’s selection of Damien Wayne as Robin, but it’s like a kick to the gut for Tim. Meanwhile, Damien is an insensitive jerk and he gets some great lines. Like Damien to Tim: “Are you still here? We’ll have to upgrade the security in the cave, Batman. Keep out the riff-raff;” and “You’re still part of the team — maybe the Batgirl costume is available!” You have to admit, that last one is just a good burn. Hard to believe it, but the Bat-family is even more dysfunctional now then when Bruce Wayne was around and it’s so much fun. — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 4 out of 5
Owen’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

Sonic the Hedgehog #201
Ian Flynn (w), Tracy Yardley (p), Terry Austin (i), Matt Herms (c). Archie Comics.

Celebrations are starting up since the defeat of their enemy last issue, and Sonic is mopey about it. He says it’s because he’s worried he went a little rough on the egg-omaniacle Robotnik last issue, but it’s pretty clear Sonic was just itching for a better fight. Hot-headed fight scenes ensue between Sonic and this semi anti-hero, Monkey Khan, but it’s pretty fun and it doesn’t last long enough to becoming embarrassing like practically every super hero fight through the history of comics. Now that I think about it, I don’t know how those characters can ever work together in the future. I know if I instigated a literal blockbuster brawl with Captain Hero (or something) I probably wouldn’t be comfortable with the guy anymore, I’d be apologizing every two seconds. There’s a cool back up feature that goes into the story behind Espio the chameleon and how exactly he became a ninja. At least that’s what we’re hoping for. I’m told a monkey, a rabbit and a chicken that appear are alternate character designs for Sonic from way back in the day, so that’s a pretty cool Easter egg. The chicken is actually pretty cool; I may not have minded growing up on “Sonic the Rooster” games. — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3 out of 5

Uncanny X-Men #511
Matt Fraction (w), Greg Land & Terry Dodson (p), Jay Leisten & Rachel Dodson (i), Justin Ponsor (c). Marvel Comics.

I love that this has been coming out bi-weekly for the last two months. It’s really helped with a story that might have been too spread out otherwise. My biggest problem with this latest Uncanny arch is that I knew they probably weren’t going to bring back Jean Grey. I think people — myself included — are pretty pleased that she’s gone: the X-Men are interesting at the moment and another love triangle with Emma, Scott, and Jean would not be welcomed. But what is welcome is how cool Fraction makes the X-Men. He sets up all kinds of moments that make you think, “Okay, that’s my new favourite character” and none of the moments feel too contrived. If you don’t like Land’s art then this issue will probably not convince you otherwise, but it does feature one of his better fight sequences. The issue wraps up a lot of the threads that have been circulating in Uncanny since issue #499 and does a good job of it. Fraction’s first year on the title has been solid and I’m excited to see what the next twelve bring. — Miles Baker

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

Unthinkable #2
Mark Sable (w), Julian Totino Tedesco (a), Juan Manuel Tumberus (c). Boom Studios.

This was a disastrous followup to a promising first issue. The small flaws from the first issue have become a way of life for this second issue and the result is a complete fuck up in storytelling. Sable moves from plot point to plot point with such speed that all the actions come out of nowhere. For example, this issue has — what should be — a huge character betrayal; however, the character was basically introduced. This guy you showed twice and had four eye-rolling lines betrayed the team — big deal. Whatever. The velocity of the plot is so fast that there’s been no room for character development beyond the main character; and — even then — his actions are incredibly sudden and extreme and given no explanation. For example, Ripley, the main character, is able to find a bunch of people that he only knew by code names and assemble them in a common location between pages 5 and 7. How? How the fuck did he accomplish that when he didn’t even know their names! That’s just lazy, insulting writing. The reason this book gets any rating at all is the series artist Tedesco. His art is fantastic: his characters emote, he has a fantastic sense of setting, his lines are sure, and his page compositions are fantastic. It’s a shame he’s wasted on such a poor piece of writing. Series dropped. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 1 out of 5

The Unwritten #2
Mike Carey (w), Peter Gross (a). Vertigo Comics.

It looks like I may have made my case too well. I went to two stores who were sold out of The Unwritten before I got my hands on a copy. I want the book to sell, but not to the extent that I can’t read it! But seriously, I kid. I couldn’t be more thrilled that it’s doing well (at least, better than retailers are expecting — up those orders, please) since this is already shaping up to be one of Vertigo’s best new series since Scalped. Mike Carey is an expert storyteller and his words go beautifully with Peter Gross’ art. This issue the intrigue builds as Carey shows off his abundant knowledge of literary geography. There is nothing like a comic that entertains, thrills, and educates you at the same time. I can’t say this enough: if you’re not buying this comic then you should be. — Owen Craig

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

X-Factor #44
Peter David (w), Marco Santucci & Valentine De Landro (p), Marco Santucci, Pat Davidson, Craig Yeung & Patrick Piazzalunga (i). Marvel Comics.

A noir-toned, tangential X-Men comic making it 44 issues (and still going) is extremely impressive. What’s more impressive is that every time I think I’ve had enough of it Peter David throws a curveball and draws me back in with his uncanny ability to tell a good story. Lately I’ve found myself bored with any part of this comic that is not the Layla/Madrox portion, but with this issue he’s managed to draw me back into the rest of his characters’ stories, specifically the Monet and Darwin story. Peter David is a smart writer; most times if I think I don’t dig what he’s doing all I have to do is wait a few issues and he rewards me. — Owen Craig

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