Blackest Night: Wonder Woman #3
Greg Rucka (w), Nicola Scott (p), Jonathan Glapion (i), Nei Ruffino (c), DC Comics
This really didn’t do it for me. Wonder Woman fighting Mera…again, Wonder Woman fighting Max…again, the realization that Wonder Woman and Mera have lots in common because they both wear tiaras and love a guy…. it all lead to a big “so what” from me. I know, I know, I’m oversimplifying, but what I’m trying to say is that there was nothing very notable about this issue. This is the kind of crossover issue that makes people wonder why they bought this. – Owen Craig
Owen’s rating: 2 out of 5. Crossover rating: tangential.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer #32
Brad Meltzer (w), Georges Jeanty (p), Andy Owen (i), Michelle Madsen (c). Dark Horse.
My feelings about this issue of Buffy are complicated. On one hand, this is a really good issue of Buffy. On the other hand, Buffy has been really bad lately. Things have happened that cannot unhappen. Stupid, stupid things. Because comics can afford an unlimited budget, the writers have entertained some of the dumbest ideas just because they can. This issue, however, was good and I’m forced to give it a good rating even though I haven’t forgiven the series. See, complicated. — Miles Baker
Miles’ rating: 4 out of 5
DEMO #1
Brian Wood (w), Becky Cloonan (a). Vertigo.
The first run of DEMO was an important book when I returned to reading comics. It showed they could be enjoyed beyond superhero nostalgia. DEMO showed me the amazing freedom of the medium. So this issue walks into a lot of expectations. It’s a sweet story that unfolds a little predictably. But it’s got an amazing character and fantastic art and that DEMO charm. The team was able to recapture what they had before and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Great issue. — Miles Baker
Miles’ rating: 5 out of 5
Ghost Riders: Heaven’s On Fire #6
Jason Aaron (w), Roland Boschi (a), Dan Brown & Lee Loughridge (c), Marvel Comics
This miniseries is over now and I feel as mixed about it as ever. I would definitely consider it the weakest part of Aaron’s run on Ghost Rider. It lacked the focus that helped Aaron zero in on what makes certain characters, concepts or scenes awesome. Still, though, there’s a lot to like here, most notably the scenes with the new Caretaker and the Deacon. One thing, though, I wish the colouring on this issue (and miniseries) wasn’t so excessively yellow. I get it, “Heaven’s On Fire”, but I would’ve preferred a less garish execution of the idea. — Owen Craig
Owen’s rating: 3.5 out of 5
The Invincible Iron Man #23
Matt Fraction (w), Salvador Larroca (a), Frank D’Armata (c), Marvel Comics
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Captain America: Reborn it’s that spending half the scenes in your hero resurrection story in an alternate reality of sorts gets old. Tony Stark’s dream world? Awesome for one issue, dull after four. All the scenes of the supporting cast, on the other hand, were great. Especially the stuff with Maria Hill and Pepper Pots, those two make a great duo. — Owen Craig
Owen’s rating: 3.5 out of 5
Ghost Riders: Heaven’s On Fire #6
Red Robin #9
Christopher Yost (w), Marcus To (p), Ray McCarthy (i), Guy Major (c). DC Comics.
Well, if you only get one comic this week, make it Red Robin — that’s what I did. Actually there isn’t much to this particular book, it’s setting the scene for a crossover with Batgirl while taking a moment to just breathe after the awesomeness that was the last issue. Tim has a run in with a Killer Moth (“it can’t canonically be the original of course” he said while pushing up on his nerd glasses) and just enjoys his recent string of good fortune (his buds Superboy and Kid Flash are alive again, and Tim has the lowdown on the Bruce Wayne lost-in-time thing). The big tough Bat-hero even gives Superboy a hug. It’s toothache-inducingly sweet, but of course I like it. I’m a big softy. — Isaac Mills
Isaac’s rating: 3.5 out of 5
Sweet Tooth #6
Jeff Lemire (w + a), Jose Villarrubia (c). Vertigo.
This was a gem of a comic. It gives a look into how Jepperd came to be where he is today and it couldn’t have been more touching or interesting. Lemire has created a character I’m really interested in now. It’s a moment that hooks you into a series and more people should be giving this a read. — Miles Baker
Miles’ rating: 5 out of 5
Siege Embedded #2
Brian Reed (w), Chris Samnee (a), Matthew Wilson (c). Vertigo.
This is a straight-up buddy comedy. Odd, especially when you’re supposed to believe that Siege is the most Marvel important event ever. Perhaps a series with more gravitas would have been more appropriate? But, I do like this comic. It’s a funny little side story and there’s nothing wrong with that. I think it could be better, but it’s kinda funny and the art is really good. So if you have some extra money it’s not a bad title to check out. It’s just not essential. — Miles Baker
Miles’ rating: 3.5 out of 5. Crossover rating: take it or leave it.
Wolverine: Weapon X #10
Jason Aaron (w), C.P. Smith (a), Marvel Comics
Part of what I love about Jason Aaron is that his talent doesn’t extend just to the awesome, weird and fucked-up stuff he’s so famous for writing. He’s also really great at writing genuinely touching scenes. This issue of Wolverine is a great example of that. Aaron’s trademark badass tone is still here, but underneath it is a great analysis of Logan’s dating habits and the trepidation he has towards entering a new relationship. Pair that with Smith’s engaging and unusual artwork and you have the best comic I read this week. — Owen Craig
Owen’s rating: 4 out of 5
