MONDOmagazine

Amazing Spider-Man #619
Dan Slott (w), Marcos Martin (a), Javier Rodriguez (c). Marvel Comics.

There are a lot of mobster guys to keep track of here, but as far as problems go that’s minor. The interweaving of previous subplots (which aren’t all that removed from the main story) is masterful as we leap from Aunt May being sinister to old Mr. Negative. Spidey is lithe, fast and powerful. The jokes are funny. When Spider-Man thinks he killed a guy? Heart wrenching. This is really just a fantastic book. There’s a panel with a punch being thrown at the cyborg Silvermane and we see the distorted image of that punch reflected in the shining armour. That’s just a cool touch. – Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 4.5 out of 5

Atom and Hawkman #46
Geoff Johns (w), Ryan Sook, Fernando Pasarin (a), Hi-Fi (c). DC Comics.

I wasn’t sure I’d pick this up, but beyond the fact that it’s Atom and Hawkman, it’s by Geoff Johns and Ryan Sook. That’s a great pedigree. For those who need the hint, Sook did the art on the Zatanna Seven Soldiers of Victory story, as well as Kamandi: The Last Boy on Earth for this past summers Wednesday Comics production. And as beautiful as the Kamandi story was, it was done in a fairly static method, almost storybook style- and it’s really nice to see the alternative again. You know what else is nice to see? Ray Palmer the Atom being an awesome hero. Haven’t seen that for years. – Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 4 out of 5
Crossover rating: (Almost) Essential
Owen’s rating: 3.5 out of 5
Owen’s crossover rating: A pleasant addition

Avengers: The Initiative #32
Christos N. Gage (w), Mahmud Asrar (p), Revecca Buchman (i), Jay David Ramos (c). Marvel Comics.

Things have changed since I last read an Avengers: The Initiative comic but one thing has not — it’s still one of the best series to tie into the mega-crossover. It’s seamless as far as I can tell. This book has a lucky rabbit’s foot for making good plots out of crossovers. Gage does some impressive parallel thought captions towards the end of the book that I wish had been introduced earlier in the issue. The issue starts off as Taskmaster’s but then Gage tacks on Diamondback’s perspective towards the end and it’s a little clunky overall. But it does lead to a fantastic last page so I’m willing to forgive it. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Crossover rating: A pleasant addition

Batman and Robin #7
Grant Morrison (w), Cameron Stewart (a). DC Comics

It’s really nice to have an artist who fits this book again. Much like Quitely, Stewart works well with Morrison, channelling the manic energy of Morrison’s writing into exciting but controlled panels. Morrison also demonstrates his amazing ability to create awesome villains, even if only in name (I like The Radio Ghost… I hope we get to see him someday). Batgirl’s appearance seemed rather gratuitous, it that may make more sense next issue. – Owen Craig

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

Blackest Night: JSA #2
James Robinson, Tony Bedard (w), Eddy Barrows, Marcos Marz (p), Julio Ferreira, Eber Ferreira, Luciana Del Negro (i), Rod Reid (c). DC Comics.

One problem the Blackest Night tales tended to have is that the bad guys were all so dumb. Yes, they looked like a loved one more or less returned from the grave, but then they’d act so evil. It was a dead give away. We were just dealing with a standard zombie epidemic. I’m pleasantly surprised then by this issue, where the Black Lanterns trick me into thinking they’re not so bad. I’m actually rooting for Black Lantern Damage- and then it turned out they were evil all along. Comics, you got me again! –Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3.5 out of 5
Crossover rating: Nice Addition

Captain America Reborn #6 (of 6)
Ed Brubaker (w), Bryan Hitch and Butch Guice (a), Paul Mounts (c). Marvel Comics.

Lets’s be honest here. The fun in this issue was ruined the minute the Who Will Wield the Shield one-shot hit the stands. There was no question that the Cap was back. This issue just seemed like a mandatory release. It didn’t add much to the general Captain America come-back. Yeah, so he’s back. He’s already been back. He’s already talked to the President. The timing was just off. Nevertheless, it was still a pretty good issue. Brubaker and Hitch have been doing a great job, delivering one solid issue after another. My favourite parts were those Captain centred moments. The best part of the issue for me was the last 6 pages. – Sandra Yao

Sandra’s rating: 3 out of 5

Chew #8
John Layman (w), Rob Guillory (a). Image Comics.

If there anything I’ve learned over the past few issues, is that you don’t mess with Tony Chu. He may look like a regular FDA agent, but mess with him and you will have your face beat to a pulp. There is something about the absolutely ridiculousness of this comic that just brings it closer and closer to my heart. In this issue, he helps out Kulolo, a Yamapalu police officer looking for a very special fighter. The search leads them to some sketchy places and humours encounters that in the end leave Tony with nothing more than a unique Yampulu fruit, the gallsberry. There have been few things Tony had tried before really getting into the field, but now there is little that he won’t take a bite out of to get the job done and some bites can just be out of this world. – Sandra Yao

Sandra’s rating: 4 out of 5

Daredevil#504
Andy Diggle (w), Roberto de la Torre (a), Matt Hollingsworth (c). Marvel Comics.

So, counting Dark Reign The List: Daredevil, this is Diggle’s fifth issue of writing the horn head and I’m overall very happy with how he’s doing.  I think some of the things Daredevil says in this issue should have been put into captions. As much as Matt trusts some of his Hand agents I don’t think he would be spilling his guts the way he is. Matt keeps that stuff bottled up until it explodes, and this didn’t warrant the explosion. But it’s pretty cool to see a writer finding his feet with Daredevil while Daredevil finds his feet leading an army of deadly ninja assassins. Almost poetic. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 3 out of 5

Detective Comics #861
Greg Rucka (w), Jock (a), David Baron (c). DC Comics.

I was hesitant to pick this up due to Williams’ departure. As much as I may really enjoy Rucka’s writing, it was Williams’ art that kept me coming back for more. However, I was pleasantly surprised with Jock’s art and it definitely offers a sharp contrast to Williams’. Some things were a little off here and there, but nothing to make a really big fuss about. In terms of writing, I do like the introduction of a Batman/Batwoman story. There is a difference between the way both of them work, and it’s interesting to see them work the same job but from different angles. The new villain, the Cutter, reminds me far too much of Hannibal, but this issue certainly seems to be the start of some very exciting events. – Sandra Yao

Sandra’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

Fantastic Four #575
Jonathan Hickman (w), Dale Eaglesham (a). Marvel Comics

This is going to be a great comic, I’m sure of it, but I think Hickman is still finding his feet on it. The first three issues were amazing, but the fourth was extremely difficult to read. The fourth was another great one, but this one is kind of off. Part of the problem here, much like issue #573, is that Hickman throws so much sci-fi science-speak at us that it’s hard to register. Why do the de-evolution rays make the moloids smarter? The issue went by at such break-neck speed that I felt like it ended without the story even registering. Then again, maybe Hickman is represent the confusion of talking to Reed Richards and the book is actually brilliant. – Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 3 out of 5

Green Lantern #50
Geoff Johns (w), Doug Mahnke (p), Various (i). DC Comics

This is one of the best uses of crossover I’ve ever seen. It uses the stories and characters from the main series, it is not mandatory for the understanding of the main series and it progresses the story of the Green Lantern title. This was a great issue. It was great to have Mahnke back on art after having to put up with Benes last issue, and Mahnke drew the Hell out of this. That last page was amazing. This issue also shows off Johns’ great ability for long-form storytelling. We need more creators staying on comics for 50+ issues. – Owen Craig

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

Justice League: Cry for Justice #6
James Robinson (w), Scott Clark (a), Siya Dum (c). DC Comics.

There are so many essential panels skipped over it wrecks the action. I GUESS some projection is freaking out Green Lantern… or maybe it’s fear gas. How is it that Donna Troy looks like the bad guy for a second? I guess it’s a projection thing again? No, if there isn’t some explanation, or even a hint of an explanation, I’m not happy. It really doesn’t take much to appease me, but you’re dropping the ball. As ever, the end of issue discussion from Robinson is the biggest treat for me, it’s fun and sweet and makes me want to forgive all the problems in the comic. I can’t do that, but I want to. – Isaac Mills

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

Justice League of America #41
James Robinson (w), Mark Bagley (p), Rob Hunter, Marlo Alquiza, Walden Wong (i), Pete Pantazis (c). DC Comics.

This is what I wanted! When Robinson started his Justice League run a couple of issues ago, this was what I expected- the formation of an interesting team that’s relevant to the DC universe. You know the previous team was comprised of Vixen, Gypsy, Dr. Light, Red Tornado, and a melty Plastic Man? That’s worse than the Detroit League; at least they had the Martian Manhunter. Finally, we’ve got Batman, we’ve got Green Lantern, and we’ve got the star of Superman (not Superman, but close enough). Art was a little screwy at times, so work on that. Otherwise, let’s get some adventuring done. – Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3 out of 5
Owen’s rating: Haven’t read it yet, but will let you know what I thinks when I have.

Kick-Ass #8
Mark Millar (w), John Romita Jr. (p), Tom Palmer (i), Dean White (c). Marvel Comics (ICON).

This is one of those comics that you either love or you hate. There is no in-between and that’s how I think Mark Millar likes it. If you can accept a ten-year-old sniffing cocaine in order to get ready to torch a group of grown gangsters and later spit on a man’s head after she puts a cleaver through his head, then this is the series for you. It’s extreme, it’s violent and it makes it hard to review. I don’t know if I’m a fan anymore. At one point I enjoyed the gore, but at some point in this issue it just became too much. As I said, it’s one of those comics that you will either love or hate, so pick it up and make your own judgment. If you love it, rejoice, for it looks as though there will be more (plus the movie with Nicolas Cage as Big Daddy…yikes.) – Sandra Yao

Sandra’s Rating: 3 out of 5

The Marvelous Land of Oz #3 (of 8)
Eric Shanhower (w), Skottie Young (a), Jean-Francois Beaulieu (c). Marvel Comics.

The ladies have taken over and it’s time for his majesty the Scarecrow to move on. After a stint at being king, Scarecrow has finished his reign and together with Tip, Jack Pumpkinhead, and the Saw-horse, they’re off to visit the Tin-Man and see how well he’s done as emperor. The story has been adorable and very entertaining. The dialogue between the characters has such a charm and each character has their own voice and style. The art is whimsical and works perfectly with the story. Just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. – Sandra Yao

Sandra’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

New Avengers #61
Brian Michael Bendis (w), Stuart Immonen, Daniel Acuña (p), Wade Von Grawbadger (i). Marvel Comics

I want you to bear with me for a moment, here. I was trying to think of the last time the New Avengers title wasn’t involved in a crossover, and it turns out it was issue twenty. ISSUE TWENTY! And people complained about MacDuffie’s JLA! When looking at all of the covers I could see the “Civil War” trade dress turn into “The Initiative”, then “Secret Invasion”, “Dark Reign” and finally “Siege”. Even the issues without a banner I recognized as heavily featuring storylines from crossovers (such as Norman’s cabal, paranoia over skrulls or Wanda’s disappearance following House of M). I think this is the reason I’m so bored of this title, it feels like it’s more focused on using the status quo of the year rather than telling good stories. This all brings me to this issue, which feels completely transitional, like Bendis had time to kill before the next major status quo. I think that instead of doing another issue about The Hood’s gang attacking (again) Bendis should’ve done another one of his great character-focused one-shots (like issue #26 or 38). – Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 2 out of 5

Secret Warriors #12
Jonathan Hickman (w), Stefano Caselli (a), Sunny Gho (c). Marvel Comics.

This here is your transitional issue. It gives background, gets certain characters where they need to be, and explains what’s going on to the audience. It’s the kind of issue that doesn’t make you pump your fist in the air and go “Oh, dang, they explained it with science!” That said, you do get to find out who Stonewall’s father is and what his exact powers are — the answer to both is  cool. And, man, I’m happy he’s on our side. That is, if your side is Nick Fury’s side. Mine sure is. — Miles

Miles’ rating: 3 out of 5

Spider-Man: The Clone Saga #5
Tom DeFalco, Howard Mackie (w), Todd Nauck (p), Victor Olazaba (i), Javier Tartaglia (c). Marvel Comics.

In as much as the story can be dark- it’s so refreshing how bright the environment is. Two Spider-Men swinging through a crystal clear blue skyline- that’s just nice. There’s an interesting juxtaposition then when the Green Goblin shows up with a good five times the number of lines on his face than any other character. It just shoots a load of menace into the goings on here. I’m not too worried about spoiling stuff, since much of this story is just a redo of the clone saga- but Ben Reilly just got a Goblin Glider to the back and that is how he died in the story before… but before he only got hit saving Peter and went out a big hero. This time Ben just got tagged… he better still have enough left in him to be awesome in the next issue, otherwise I don’t know what I’ll do. -Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

World’s Finest #4
Sterling Gates (w), Phil Noto (a), Hi-Fi (c). DC Comics.

Ah Robin saves Batgirl from falling to death then calls her fat. The possibility that a full grown woman could be naturally heavy relative to a ten year old doesn’t seem to occur to Robin, and of course I love him for it. We cut away from Robin and Batgirl to follow Batman and Superman, but when we get back Robin ands Batgirl are frozen. Just frozen. I know Mr. Freeze does that a lot, but still, I think that’s something they could’ve drawn. Could’ve been exciting, but whatever, maybe that’s just me. There are a lot of characters to juggle in this book, and it isn’t really handled all that well, but it is kind of heart warming when Superman says he’s proud of Dick Grayson as the new the Batman, and that’s the most important thing. – Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3 out of 5

X-Factor #201
Peter David (w),  Bing Cansino (p), Jeromy Cox (c). Marvel Comics.

X-Factor and the Case of the Holy Crap That’s a Lot of Characters. I think that might be a good title for David’s next arc. Think about it, man, it’s meta and you love meta. It’s an impressive juggling act — especially considering that, with the exception of Darwin, all the characters are actively involved in the plot. Not Darwin, though. He’s just kinda standing there. But his power is to evolve really fast. Standing there is a pretty good place for him to be. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 3.5 out of 5

X-Men Legacy #232
Mike Carey (w), Clay Mann (p), Danny Miki (i). Brian Reber (c). Marvel Comics.

Mike Carey does something a little different in this issue. Instead of picking up right at the end of the cliffhanger from last issue, Carey picks it up “three hours later” with the X-Men licking their wounds after their fight with Proteus. It’s the kind of time jumping that I expect from Bendis or BKV, but it’s interesting to see Carey employ it. This structure sets up some interesting things — primarily casting foreboding mood where you don’t think the X-Men could win — but I’m not sure it was needed. That said, it shows the exact kind of thoughtful writing that I’ve come to expect from Carey and this series. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 4 out of 5