MONDOmagazine

Astonishing X-Men #30
Warren Ellis (w), Simone Bianchi (p), various. Marvel Comics.

If a team takes two years to put out six issues (I’m counting the announcement at San Diego Comicon 2007 as when the creators started work) you’d at least hope they’d be good. Bianchi is perhaps one of the worst artists to attempt to make a coming in the medium’s history. It’s not that he can’t draw — his figures are fine, even if they are making strange and goofy poses in every panel — it’s that he can’t compose a page. He’s trying really hard with these complicated layouts that fall dead flat. Why? Because there’s no fucking purpose to them. He’s losing out on emotive details because he’s adding angles and semi-circle panels. Then there is Ellis’ mishandling of the characters. He gets the occasional moment right, but then so many so wrong, like Wolverine saying that he’s “Old enough to spank the front o’ your brain with one o’ my claws, Summers.” “‘o”? Since when is Wolverine a character from Treasure fucking Island? If you liked Whedon’s run on Astonishing X-Men, pretend they cancelled the title. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 1.5 out of 5

Amazing Spider-Man #598
Joe Kelly (w), Paulo Siqueira and Marco Checchetto (a), Siqueira, Checchetto, and Santos (i), Jeremy Cox, Chris Chuckry (c). Marvel Comics.
There was an issue of Dark Avengers where Norman makes a case for his being the man in charge — second chances, people change, learning from your mistakes, etc. — and it was a good speech. Luckily, we have this issue of Spider-Man to remind us why it’s not a good idea to let Norman Osborn keep power. He’s incredibly manipulative, ruthless, and just plain the bad guy. I would like some perplexing transformations on Menace’s part explained, but I ultimately don’t care that much. Spidey makes a wicked use of his “cling to surfaces” shtick. — Isaac Mills

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

Daredevil #119
Ed Brubaker (w), Michael Lark & Stefano Gaudiano (a), Matt Hollingworth (c). Marvel Comics.

It hurts my heart to think that this will be Brubaker’s second-to-last issue of Daredevil. I’ve fallen in love with a comic book character and a lot of it is due to his writing. In this issue we see Daredevil taking a passive role, allowing Kingpin and Lady Bullseye dictate the current course of events. You get the feeling that Brubaker is weaving in lots of different plots that will hopefully either bring his run to an explosive finish or a cliffhanger that will allow Andy Diggle to work his magic to help resolve the issue. I also can’t imagine the art of Daredevil done by anyone else but Lark and Gaudiano. Their style just seems to work so perfectly with the feel of the series. This wasn’t the strongest of issues, but it has served its purpose of building up towards what will hopefully be a grand finale to a grand run. — Sandra Yao

Sandra’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

Dark Avengers #6
Brian Michael Bendis (w), Mike Deodato & Will Conrad (a). Marvel Comics.

Marvel Boy fans beware: nothing like that scene on the cover happens in this issue. In fact, Marvel Boy isn’t even in this issue. That aside, I still can’t believe how much I like this comic. Screw New Avengers, this is where fans of Bendis’ good work should go for a Bendis fix. For example: after years of making Sentry the most boring character in the New Avengers and then the Mighty Avengers I now find the Sentry to be completely fascinating. Not to mention the fact that this issue features some great artwork and a tantalizing teaser that builds on Warren Ellis’ great Thunderbolts run. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: Utopia #1
Matt Fraction (w), Mark Silvestri (p), Michael Broussard, Eric Basaldua, Tyler Kirkham & Sheldon Mitchell (pencil assistants), Joe Weems with Marco Halli, Eric Basaldua, Jason Gorder, Jay Leisten, Sal Regla, Jon Sibal and Ryan Winn (i). Marvel Comics.

I’ve got to say, this was a rather powerful issue. Seeing the mutants marching for their rights in San Francisco packs quite a punch. I’ve been fairly lukewarm on Fraction’s X-Men run so far; I’ve even considered dropping it (especially on packed weeks like this one, seriously guys, spread out your releases), but this week has me hooked again. From Beast as a political prisoner to the striking image of the Castro burning, this issue delivered what I want from an X-Men comic, even if Marc Silvestri (and his army of “assistants”) isn’t my favourite artist, he’s a welcome change from Greg Land. More of this and less Psylocke body-switching please. — Owen Craig

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

Dark Reign: The Hood #2
Jeff Parker (w), Kyle Holtz (a), Frank Martin (c). Marvel Comics.

It’s great to see that Parker Robbins is not the total asshole he’s been written as in other Marvel titles recently. He’s a nuanced character again, with a load of insecurities that make him more interesting than your average crime kingpin. I love this thought balloon where he thinks, “Like this week couldn’t get more messed up. I think I just got fatherly encouragement from the Green Goblin.” While this issue’s cliffhanger is less interesting (to me anyway) than last issue’s cliffhanger, this is still a very solid issue. There’s an exciting and brutal fight to open it, some intriguing questions are raised about The Hood’s powers, a touching visit with Robbins’ mother, and a guest appearance from The Cabal. There’s a lot in there, but to Parker’s credit (the writer I mean) none of it is rushed or glossed over. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 4 out of 5

Detective Comics #854
Greg Rucka (w), J.H. Williams III (a), Dave Stewart (c). DC Comics.

I’ve been looking forward to this since it was announced. Really hard. I have a newfound love of Rucka and Williams separately and this was a marriage! It was the first comic I read this week and it really delivered. Williams draws the hell out of this issue. I think it’s his best work ever. There’s a double-page spread action sequence that is so well constructed, so well executed that if I were an artist I would give up forever. The issue is filled with pages like that, clean and effective and well designed. Rucka is off to a bit more shaky a start. There’s a lot of exposition he needs to fit in to get someone like myself — this is my first time reading the Batwoman character — up to speed with her world and her objectives. I have a lot of faith in Rucka to turn this character into something really special so I’ll be around for the next issue. — Miles Baker

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

Gotham City Sirens #1
Paul Dini (w), Guillem March (a). DC Comics.

I was surprised at how bland this comic was. Sure, I was pleased to see a lack of cheesecake art (despite a few kinky costumes) and pseudo-girlpower sexism, but I was shocked that in its place was…blandness. The bad girls weren’t all that bad (hypnotising the Riddler and beating up someone who was mugging a girl in an alleyway?) and the conflict wasn’t all that established. As of the first issue, the plot as I see it is: three bad girls who aren’t all that bad are teaming up (probably) to do…something. Not a great first issue. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating:  2.5 out of 5

Green Lantern #42
Geoff Johns (w), Philip Tan and Eddy Barrows (p), Jonathan Glapion and Ruy Jose (i), Nei Ruffino and Rod Reis (c). DC Comics.

So often there are panels here that are of a completely different style than the rest of the art, like a single painted picture. It happens a couple of times, but I can’t make out any kind of pattern for why it happens when it does, so I figure they’re just throwing artists at this book until it’s done. Once again, some cool glimpses into to the future of the story are given, but eventually there has to be a payoff. The Guardians of the Universe sold out a couple of their old buddies which sucks but really runs true to form for those guys. The epilogue is awesome though, as two ostracized Green Lanterns discover the black lantern and quickly realize they need to get outta there. — Isaac Mills

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

Incredible Hercules #130
Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente (w), Ryan Stegman & Rodney Bechemi (p), Terry Pallot (i). Marvel Comics.

One of the more impressive things about this comic is the way it seamlessly weaves the Marvel Comics mythology with classical Greek mythology. Here we see stories told of Zeus’ greatest crimes, but as this is being done there are also references to Marvel history. The amazing thing is that none of it seems out of place. While this is happening, Amadeus Cho is having his own adventure, and this one I find even more interesting. While I wish that this comic had a more consistent art team, they still always seem to find someone good to draw it, which makes me wonder why so many books have lousy art if there is so much great undiscovered talent out there that Incredible Hercules seems to have no trouble finding. It’s another great issue, no surprise here. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating:  3.5 out of 5

Justice Society of America #28
Jerry Ordway (w + p), Bob Wiacek (i), Hi-Fi Designs (c). DC Comics.

When I tell people the title for this issue “Phantom Menace” the general response is: is he joking? No, I’m not sure Jerry Ordway has ever seen that particular Star Wars movie, it’s probably too “current” for him. His is an older aesthetic of comic book, but there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, I really like it. It’s just weird to be so on the nose with the title. Yes, there is a phantom, which is also a menace. The only really off putting part is the very end where we see the three eldest team members getting Atom Smasher to back off of a romance with Stargirl. “He’ll get over it, just like Captain Marvel did when you warned him off Stargirl.” Not that it’s really their business, but if you have to keep scaring guys away from Stargirl — maybe you should be talking with her or something? It’s weird. — Isaac Mills

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

The Last Days of Animal Man #2
Gerry Conway (w), Chris Batista (p), Dave Meikis (i). DC Comics.

I really like what Gerry Conway is doing with this book. We’re only two chapters in but it has the feel of a classic “aging hero in his last years” story. I know, it’s no secret (it’s right there in the title), but what I’m saying is that he’s doing a great job of it. From Buddy’s powers not being as reliable as they were to the rising new generation of heroes and villains around him, you really feel for him. Sure, sometimes Conway shows his old-school storytelling roots; the long, exposition-heavy monologue from the villain to herself (or, rather, to her mother who wasn’t there) was a little silly, but it’s done with a bit of flair that makes it more readable than most similar scenes. Plus, Batista is drawing the hell out of Buddy Baker. And whale-Green Lantern is awesome. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 4 out of 5

The Literals #3
Bill Willingham & Matthew Sturges (w), Mark Buckingham (p), Andrew Pepoy (a). Vertigo Comics.

I’ve been fairly hard on this storyline. So now that it’s all over what do I think about it? Honestly, it was a pretty great ending. Do I still have issues with the story? Hell, yes. It was too long, most notably. And it should not have been a crossover. In fact, condensed down to five or six issues (of the Jack of Fables title) I probably would’ve loved it and declared it one of my favourite Jack storylines. Still, I would say that this is the best issue of the storyline yet. It was exciting and dealt with a lot of the annoyances I was feeling about how this story would leave things in the Fables universe. Well played, Willingham and Sturges… well played. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

Northlanders #18
Brian Wood (w), Danijel Zezelj (a), Dave McCaig (c). Vertigo.

After 17 issues of focusing primarily on men, Wood gives us the Viking equivalent of Thelma and Louise this month. Three Viking women are on the run after their homes are burned and husbands killed, perused by a league of Saxons. Zezelj’s artwork is striking and very haunting. There are a lot of images that will stick with you after you put the comic down. A bulk of the story is the women talking about what’s next without the men in their lives. It makes sense for these characters to be talking about these issues, but it feels like they are purely constructed to be a cross section of females in Viking times and it’s a little forced. However, that’s also kind of the point of this issue so I don’t know if I’d call that a failing. This issue’s main failing that I can comment on with certainty is a soft conclusion. It’s a two-part story, but the issue break is pretty weak and a little too ambiguous. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 3.5 out of 5

Runaways #11
Kathryn Immonen (w), Sara Pichelli (a), Christina Strain (c). Marvel Comics.

I’ve also been waiting for this issue for a long time: the debut of Runaways‘ new creative team. It’s fine. The opening is the weakest part, but the issue warms up. The issue begins with each of the Runaways talking to themselves to establish the kind of character they are. It’s forced and feels very unnatural for the majority of them to be doing it. However, after that, the writing becomes more like the Runaways I love. There’s a great moment where Molly and Old Lace play wrestle that reminds me why I love both those characters. Pichelli’s art fits with the series well. She’s the best artist to work on the book in a very long time. The team is off to a good start. — Miles Baker

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

Secret Warriors #5
Brian Michael Bendis & Jonathan Hickman (w), Stefano Caselli (a), Daniele Rudoni (c). Marvel Comics.

It’s an action explosion as the Howling Commandos try to steal from H.A.M.M.E.R. as HYDRA comes in to also attack the Commandos. Things blow up and are well-drawn by Caselli. That’s pretty much all there is to this issue. Some cool action lines too. The ending is obvious, but that’s not a huge problem. That’s pretty much all I got. If you’re reading Secret Warriors you’ll probably be into it, if you’re not this isn’t the issue to start. I’m excited to see how the first story arc ends next issue. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 4 out of 5

Sonic Universe #5
Ian Flynn (w), Tracy Yardley! (a), Jim Amash (i), Jason Jensen (c). Archie Comics.

This issue kind of like the last chapter — or epilogue or whatever — of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. You know, where all the characters and their kids are running around? Accept with hedgehogs and foxes and whatnot. An assassination attempt is made on King Sonic, but it seems pretty poorly planned. When your evil organizations “Team C” can’t make the assassination because they’re stuck in traffic, maybe you need to hire new henchman. Not only that, but it’s an awful lot of setup just to fire a rocket at a guy who runs super fast. You know he’s just going to get out of the way. BUT THEN — this guy Silver the Hedgehog just appears and uses telekinesis to stop the rocket and does the whole “I’ve come back to your present to save my future” thing. But see, this guy has appeared in the regular Sonic comic, so how far in the future is this guy from? Is he the Sonic the Hedgehog universes answer to Cable? I like him more already. — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3 out of 5

Superman #689
James Robinson (w), Renato Guedes (p), José Wilson Magalhães (i). DC Comics.

Some comics aren’t for everyone. If you didn’t like Incredible Hercules I’d say “what’s wrong with you,” but that’s not the case here. I happen to like this sort of thing, that is to say lots of character work coupled with a many plotlines slowly coming to a boil. Not a whole lot happens in this issue but I can start to get an idea of where things are going. The scenes of Mon-El seeing the world for the first time are some of my favourites, as they’re simultaneously beautiful and tragic as well as beautifully drawn by Guedes. This is the kind of thing I love to read; no surprise that it’s coming from one of my favourite writers. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 4 out of 5

Teen Titans #72
Bryan Q. Miller, Sean McKeever (w); Joe Bennett, Yildiray Cinar (p); Jack Jadson, Julio Ferreira (i); Rod Reis (c). DC Comics.

I’m pretty conflicted about this issue, I haven’t been impressed with the book for awhile now, but there was some pretty fun stuff here — mostly Aquagirl flirting with the not-single Blue Beetle. I guess when Robin is gone Blue Beetle is the big man on campus? Nope he’s really awkward about it, I like it. But everything that happens is with the fore knowledge that someone dies and there’s a funeral for one of them tomorrow. Stop killing off Teen Titans! What have they ever done to you? The girls’ clothes look really uncomfortable, but maybe circulation is overrated. Included is a back up story featuring Ravager — now I rather like her character, but not anywhere near enough to be interested in her solo adventures. So this is a turn off for me. It’s a shame, because the art in her story is really solid stuff. — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 2.5 out of 5

Uncanny X-Men #512
Matt Fraction (w), Yanick Paquette (p), Karl Story (i) Justin Ponsor (c). Marvel Comics.

Those who dislike Greg Land’s art in Uncanny X-Men will have nothing to complain about in this issue. In fact, I can’t see anyone having much to complain about: this is a really good issue of Uncanny. Beast and his charming X-Club (a team of eccentric scientists) travel back in time to try and understand mutation better in the hopes of finding a way to restore the majority of mutantkind’s powers. The focus shifts onto Dr. James Bradly aka Dr. Nemesis, a character I’ve only been introduced to recently, but who charms me greatly. He’s a great crank and carries this issue. Fraction’s writing is funny and efficient, moving us through a dense plot in short amount of pages (this issue is a little oversized). I like Paquette a lot. He’s a talent that deserves more recognition from the industry. He’s unique, effective, and does some awesome action this issue. There’s a really great sequence where things get chaotic and he uses a lot of asymmetrical panels to convey the action and the panic. It’s really impressive work and puts Bianchi to total shame. Plus, lots of steampunk for those who are into that. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 4.5 out of 5

Wolverine: Weapon X #2
Jason Aaron (w), Ron Garney (p), Jason Keith (i). Marvel Comics.

Wolverine: Weapon X continues to be great. This issue Wolverine takes on a whole bunch of guys who share his powers by demonstrating that it’s his tactics, not just his claws and healing factor that make him one of the most dangerous people in the Marvel universe. It is awesome and scary. It’s scawesome. Oh, yeah, while that’s happening there’s also some development for the plot. But yeah…Wolverine kicks ass. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 4 out of 5

Wonder Woman #33
Gail Simone (w), Aaron Lopresti (p), Matt Ryan (i), Brad Anderson (c). DC Comics.

Finally, the conclusion to that arc I’ve been so anxiously waiting to end. That main problem that I had with the series were the various storylines that Gail Simone was trying to tie together. There was Genocide, Zeus’ army, Achilles, the Secret Society of Super-Villains, Euphemus, and Ares. It made it difficult to really get into because there was so much going on. This issue was Simone’s chance to help rectify and really tie together all the loose ends. And it was accomplished, for the most part. Considering Genocide was a main part of the whole arc, the character’s absence throughout the final issue almost made me wonder why they were even part of the story at all. Regardless, Simone writes a great Wonder Woman. Her actions and dialogue seem to speak true to her character and she’s been able to open up a new chapter in Diana’s life. Even if the issue was a little weak in terms of story, Lopresti’s art is still great. I can’t say that I’m 100% sold on the upcoming arc, but I might give it chance, just to see where Simone takes Wonder Woman next. — Sandra Yao

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

X-Factor #45
Peter David (w), Marco Santucci & Valentine De Landro (p), Marco Santucci, Pat Davidson, Craig Yeung, & Patrick Piazzalunga (i), Jeromy Cox, Nathan Fairbairn & Andy Troy (c). Marvel Comics.

This is one of the most consistent series that I have picked up thus far. Every issue delivers. That says a lot about Peter David’s capabilities as a writer. His characters are constantly changing, thus allowing the readers to become part of their growth process. In this issue we learn more about Cortex and his mysterious role both in the past and the present. While in the future, Madrox, Layla, and Ruby meet up with Dr. Doom. David introduces him in a very enigmatic way that shows that not even villains can survive the test of time, but nonetheless his importance — although very mysterious — does not fade. Overall, this was a great issue and that’s without mentioning the last page. All I can say is that it was unexpected for me and I’m curious to see how it plays out. — Sandra Yao

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

X-Force #16
Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost (w), Clayton Crain (a). Marvel Comics.

A dull soft thud. That was the sound of the impact that this completely inconsequential mini-series had on any over-arching plot that the X-Men are currently enjoying in the wake of Messiah Complex. Seven issues quite and nothing — not one single thing — is different after it. Oh, some characters claim to know what’s going on now. But I don’t so bully for them. On top of all the pointlessness, there’s some stuff at the end that doesn’t make a lick of sense. Like, why the hell are Wolverine and his team suddenly falling on the third-last page? Seriously. What the hell happened there. That’s a huge, lazy error. The ground just disappears beneath them for no reason. NO REASON. You turn the page and they are airborne. No explanation. Unforgivably bad. — Miles Baker

Miles rating: 0 out of 5