MONDOmagazine

Adventure Comics #518
Paul Levitz, Jeff Lemire (w), Kevin Sharpe, Mahmud Asrar (p), Marlo Alquiza, John Dell (i),  Blond, Pete Pantazis (c). DC Comics.

I don’t know if this is an error from the writer or the artist, but the Legion of Superheroes main story is consistently focusing on the wrong moment. Most panels will have the faces be not quite dramatic enough to warrant a panel, or else the faces will have the wrong expression on them. Then there are the group shots, where every character has their own expression — great for showing us an artist’s range, not so great for communicating the kind of action we want in that page of art. The message of that page has to be “THIS IS AWESOME” but because we can see that not all the characters are in that moment the whole picture is diluted and less impressive for it. Yes, it’s more true to life, but it isn’t “comic book true to life”. It’s good to push the boundaries between those two, but unfortunately the creative team didn’t find the right balance this time out. The Atom back up is still cool, if a little loose with the continuity I’m aware of. — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3 out of 5

Amazing Spider-Man #641
Joe Quesada (w), Paolo Rivera, Joe Quesada, Danny Miki & Richard Isanove (a), Marvel Comics.

I just don’t have it in me to hate this comic as much as some other people do. I get it, “One More Day” was a travesty, I wouldn’t argue otherwise even for a moment. Did we really need to revisit it? Probably not. But did I find the scenes between Peter and MJ totally touching? Yes I did. Now maybe it’s only because I’m a romantic fool, but any scene of a couple realizing that they love each other yet they have to part ways hits me right here (I’m pointing to my heart). Sure, there are problems here. I’m not totally thrilled with the explanations of how all that stuff was undone during OMD, but the scenes of the now ex-couple were rather well done. At least I thought so. As I said, some seem to disagree. — Owen Craig.

Owen’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

Amazing Spider-Man #642
Mark Waid (w), Paul Azaceta (a), Javier Rodriquez (c). Marvel Comics.

It’s the beginning of the end, the end of the three-times-a-month Spider-Man. I’m sad to see it go, this is the longest stretch of issues I’ve ever invested into the wall crawler. I love the schedule of this book. In a small spoiler, Doc Ock returns and I like that it’s been 42 issues since we last saw him. As a reader, I earned this delayed gratification. The issue itself? Mostly good. I like Azaceta’s except for a few panels where Spider-Man’s chest Hulks out. This issue also has the best splash page of the week (“Trust me… I’m a doctor”). That said, I’m sick of writers dumping on Peter’s roommate. She’s not a sociopath, guys. Man the fuck up and write a strong woman who isn’t batshit crazy. On the other hand, the story feels like the real culmination of the “Brand New Day” era — all the new characters and old characters are integrated and it’s time for the showdown. Looking forward to the next issue. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 3.5 out of 5

Batman #703
Fabian Nicieza (w), Cliff Richards (a), Ian Hannin (c). DC Comics.

So Cliff Richards, eh? You know what? Beautiful artist, really great stuff, but, man — you drew a bad looking Red Robin. There’s no way he’s that thick. Now I’ll be the first to admit (starting now) that the Red Robin suit could use a redesign to help you out, but for now you’ve got to do your part and draw his belt at belt level. Okay? Also, the new Batman only has the two gauntlet spike things, but whatever. The story itself is really well done, a one shot caper that ties into Dick Grayson’s past as Robin without spending ten pages in the past with the old dynamic duo, and manages to be really relevant in regards to peoples feelings about Bruce Wayne coming back. Damian Wayne comes to realize that there was more to his father than a relentless vigilante, and the timing for this lesson couldn’t be more appropriate. — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 4 out of 5

Batman and Robin #14
Grant Morrison (w), Frazer Irving (a). DC Comics.

Remember when we used to do Random Comics of the Week? Well, this is kinda like that for me. Sometimes I don’t have time to read all the books I get and I never get to review this one so I’ve been buying it and not reading it. And, yeah, this is like those weeks when I’d read a comic and didn’t understand much about it. It’s kinda a train wreck if you haven’t been following along. There are some giant logic holes in this issue, maybe they were explained in the issue before but I don’t have a clue. The art is pretty, the opening scene was fantastic, but I don’t understand enough to make this issue work. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: N/A

Booster Gold #36
Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis (w), Pat Olliffe (a), Hi-fi (c). DC Comics.

Booster Gold has been, for the past few issues, an unapologetic dive into JLI nostalgia with Booster Gold going into the past and leaving on a mission with Blue Beetle, Mister Miracle, and Big Barda, and it’s been a lot of fun. But with this issue there’s one thing different: it’s an apologetic dive into JLI nostalgia. There’s a weird detour back to the future for the sake of tying in to Justice League: Generation Lost’s timeline but only long enough for all the characters to point out how pointless the whole adventure in the past is. It’s a two page diversion from the story that just pulled me way out of the fun times. Otherwise, a really fun issue — Booster get’s into the middle of the “Invasion” storyline that Giffen wrote a long time ago (the 80s, and no, I haven’t actually read that story yet myself) with a Blue Beetle that’s been turned into a talking chipmunk. Correction: a cute talking chipmunk! — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

Daredevil #510
Andy Diggle & Antony Johnston (w), Marco Checchetto (a), Matt Hollingsworth (c). Marvel Comics.

I like everything about this issue more than I like Shadowland, but I’m so torn on how to rate it. So, I’m going to focus on the positives — Checchetto is a solid artist with some really good layouts in this issue; the plotting is good and there’s a great ending where things get much, much worse for our protagonists and it’s in a way that’s not sudden or cheap; and Dakota North takes out a bunch of ninjas in super cool ways that fit her character. Downside — it’s still Shadowland. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 3.5 out of 5

Daytripper #10
Fábio Moon & Gabriel Bá (w + a), Dave Stewart (c). Vertigo.

I’m not sure I have anything else to say about this wonderful series. It’s a look at a life told in an interesting way. Many of the issues are idyllic and perhaps a little sappy but I think it presents life with all its warts. But, you know, I think the thing I like the most is that it’s a series that’s about the quiet, reflexive moments in life. And I am happy that this art team — who’s other work has fucked up spies and superheroes — tackled it so effectively. Read it, please. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 4.5 out of 5

Green Lantern #57
Geoff Johns (w), Doug Mahnke (p), Various (i), Randy Mayor with Gabe Eltaeb (c), DC Comics.

Mahnke, I love your work… but what is up with that cover? Nothing even remotely like that happens in this issue and it makes this comic look completely sexist… or at least exploitive. Yay for comics I’m not comfortable reading on the subway! I’m sorta looking forward to moving on beyond this emotional spectrum stuff. This title has been dwelling on it for…30? 40 issues now? Wow, that’s nuts (although I think there was some alpha lantern issue in there somewhere). I liked this okay, I’m just ready to move on to some new material. I don’t want to sound like I don’t like this, I just don’t love it. – Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 3 out of 5

Justice League: Generation Lost #9
Judd Winick (w), Fernando Dagnino (p), Raul Fernandez (i), Hi-Fi (c), DC Comics.

I’m not so fond of the way Dagnino drew Max Lord this issue. He seemed like more of a thug, while I view the character as more of a smirking, evil James Bond. Also, that’s a ridiculous drawing of Fire on page 2. Nitpicking aside this was a pretty cool issue. Some intrigue and cool action. I’m still enjoying this comic a lot. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

New Avengers #4
Brian Michael Bendis (w), Stuart Immonen (p), Wade Von Grawbadger (i), Laura Martin (c), Marvel Comics.

Best issue of this book I’ve seen since issue 1 (volume 2). The balance of action-banter to scenes of substance was just right, there was a cool new costume and some unexpected character interactions that left me wanting more. Oh, and as usual Immonen was awesome. Wow. It’s just a 3.5 out of 5 kinda week for me, isn’t it? – Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

One Month To Live #2
Rob Williams (w), Koi Turnbull & Shawn Moll (p), Mark Irwin & Allen Martinez (i), Andrea Mossa (c), Marvel Comics.

I am relieved to notice, this week, that the official name of this comic (legalese small print inside the issue) is One Month To Live, not the irritating 1 Month 2 Live that is written on the cover. I’m glad to see that, since the title was the only thing I hated about this comic. This is another good issue. Not as great as last issue, but still quite good. Especially good when it’s pointed out that this issue brings on a new writer and artist. Or… artistic team, I guess, since we have two pencillers and two inkers. I’m not going to say that this issue blew me away, but it’s just the kind of exciting, different thing I’d like to see more of. Dennis Sykes is a very welcome addition to the Marvel universe and I’m enjoying seeing him interact with the world. It’s a shame he’s going to die soon. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 3 out of 5

Red Robin #16
Fabian Nicieza (w), Marcus To (p), Ray McCarthy (i), Guy Major (c). DC Comics.

What could have been an awkward reintroduction of the new villainous Anarchy was handled really well thanks to some well handled exposition. How was it well handled? It was brief, simple, and made sense. Not only that, but the design on Anarchy is great with his creepy omnipresent smile — I’m not sure if that was the design he had when he showed up in the Robin series, but naturally the artist makes a big difference. AND Red Robin saved the original Anarchy, which is something I’ve been hoping to see for a year and a half, maybe longer. — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 4 out of 5

Sonic Universe #20
Ian Flynn (w), Tracy Yardley (p), Jim Amash (i), Jason Jensen (c). Archie Comics.

The conclusion to the Tails Adventure storyline — it’s okay, it made me go to my Adventure Comics review and change the rating from 3 to 2.5, because it wouldn’t be fair to rate it higher than Sonic Universe when Sonic Universe did such a good job of matching the dialogue to appropriate facial expressions and maximizing action. Maybe I should just make both the Sonic Universe and Adventure Comics ratings 3. Being the conclusion, all the difficult domino setting happened in earlier issues, so we get to just enjoy the effect at the end now. Alright, good job Sonic Universe. — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3 out of 5

Thor: The Mighty Avenger #4
Roger Langridge (w), Chris Samnee (a), Matt Wilson (c). Marvel Comics.

This issue is really cute. Like, dawww, that’s adorable cute. Jane and Thor make a cute couple. They are like the platonic idea of a cute couple. Here, look at this panel, look at their faces, they are so clearly wonderfully in love. And the exchange is adorable. But it’s not half as adorable as the exchange they have at the end of the book. This is fun comics and a really great characterization for Thor. He’s not a favourite of mine at all, but I like him cast as a younger, brasher, more playful guy. This issue plays out exactly like the last one, but that’s okay with me. This is supposed to be a reader-friendly, easy-to-pick-up book. No crossover will ever touch it and I couldn’t be happier about that. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 4 out of 5