Comics Reviews 3-06-2013

Another week of wonderful comic books!  This week I'm reviewing All-New X-Men, One Piece and The Superior Spider-Man.

Cover of the week:

All-New X-Men issue 8

An awesome cover with a sexy Black Window that steals away the attention.  Anyway, let's start away with the reviews.

Comics Reviews 2-06-2013

I review comic books every week!  This week I review comics from DC, Marvel, and Shonen Jump's One Piece , in alphabetical order.
The DC covers nightmare continues!  Why is Arrow still doing there?  Also, due to financial issue and lack of interest, I'm going to stop reading as much comics as I used to.  Sorry.

All New X-Men issue 7

This issue introduces Mystique to the series.  She successfully tricks Cyclops into believing her side of the story, and the result of that is everyone's guess.  Meanwhile, back at the school, Kitty is training the remaining time-travel X-Men.  Once again I really enjoy seeing Kitty as the teacher character and kicks Iceman's ass.  

Not a lot happened in this issue, but the seed for an all-out war is planted.  Next week is the debut of the much anticipated Uncanny X-Men series.  We'll see how things play out.

8 sexy-Mystiques/10      

Detective Comics issue 17

The issues concludes the Merry-Maker story.  Or does it?  It's a classic Batman story trying to figure out who's behind the mask and while the ending is predicable, it is once again the reason that moves the story forward.  The Joker's influence to Gotham City is evident, and in many way isn't Batman similar to The Joker as well?  While The Joker inspires many copycats, Batman also inspires many crime fighters as well.  The ending promises us more of Emperor Penguin next month.  The back-up is a spin chilling one that suggests The Joker's influence may be bigger than expected.

7.7 Joker-lovers/ 10            

Dial H issue 9

The will be the last time I read this series.  Mainly is because I'm starting to lose interest to the series, and not a lot of promising to the future.  This issue brought us to more complicated world of Dial H and I'm not sure if I understand or even care about it.  When I first pick up this series I though it would be power/enemy of the month type of story.  For all I know, that would be a better story anyway.  Now I'm graduating from the series, I know I will miss it.  And just like the schools I graduated from, I know I will visit the series once a while.  Maybe during the month that somehow has The Flash in it.  Most likely Nelson dialed The Flash's power.

Not going to give a score to a series I'm quitting.  I don't think that's too far.

Earth 2 issue 9

I really like this series.  An alternate Earth with alternate heroes.  A brand-new chance for writers to introduce old, classic Golden Age heroes that were once forgotten to the world.  This issues not only re-introduced many classic characters like Dr. Fate and Judo Master, it also puts Sandman into more action.  The face-off between the Wonders is just an awesome scene, and it also shines more light into what's going on in this world.  it is taking too long for this heroes too come together though, and I can't wait for Justice Society of America to finally formed.  Maybe they should release this series to two times a month like they do with some of the Marvel titles.  Just saying.

8.5 Sandmen/ 10

Injustice: Gods Among Us issue 4

This issue takes a turn for the worse for Superman.  He takes on Green Lantern, nearly killing him.  He won't listen to anyone and he won't calm down.  Batman questions The Joker why he done this, the only response he gets is he wants to play the game in easy mode now, and Superman is the easier choice for him.  However, I don't believe him.  I think there's a definitely a bigger picture here.  The final shows that Superman killed The Joker- I hope he somehow survived even though I don't see how.

8.5 Superman-gone-psycho/ 10  

One Piece Chapter 698

So it seems that Doflamingo is not going to quit Shichibukai, huh?  "Doflamingo Appears" has Doflamingo appears in an awesome, kick-ass way using his Haki and Devil Fruit ability.  Now that's a Shichibukai actually proving why he's worthy to hold the spot.  Meanwhile, the Straw Hat side of the story is very informative as well.  It reveals where they're going next, and it really puts the alliance between Straw Hat Pirates, and Heart Pirates in action.  This also put more meaning into that awesome cover page on chapter 693.

this one

Now it seems like Law, Kin'emon and Momonosuke are all going to stick around for a long while, this is going to be awesome.  I also really want Kin'emon to join the crew- he looks really awesome along side Zoro and Brook. 

It also reveals that the figure at the final panel of chapter 695 is Kuzan.  It's good to see that guy again. 

9.2 awesome-alliance/ 10

   

The Superior Spider-Man issue 3 

While this issue still have that annoying Peter Parker following Doc Ock thingy going on, it is a lot better issue than the previous ones.  It gives Doc Ock a deeper character than before.  It shows how much he cares about his old friend, and he would rather give him all of his money than beat up the old fool.  And the only reason he freaks out is not because of Peter Parker's memory, but his own childhood drama.  This really makes him a more compelling character.  Dare I say I'm starting to like this Spider-Man now?

8 Doc-Ock-has-feelings/ 10  

Comics Reviews 1-16-2013

I review comic books every week!  This week I review comics from DC, Marvel Image and Shonen Jump's One Piece .  In alphabetical order.

All New X-Men issue 6

This is once again a wonderful issue, and the covers says it all.  The young X-Men are forming a team, and Kitty is going to be their mentor character.  Professor K!  I always forget Kitty Pryde's was the headmistress for Jean Gey's School.  I guess my idea of Kitty still stuck in the past where she was a little girl getting herself in troubles.  For that, I apologized.

Anyway, it's fun to watch Kitty guiding young Jean Grey managing her new-found ability.  Not only because Kitty herself is not a telepath, but because she got her information from Jean Grey herself.  There are definitely a bond forming.  Not to forget that Storm was there as well.  While Jean Grey has to be the new leader of the young X-Men, the females mutants are allying together.  Maybe this is a hint to the upcoming X-Men title featuring only the female members?

The confrontation between Cyclops and Wolverine is one we've been waiting for.  Even though the fight is a quick one; we can see that Scott is disturbingly affected by what happened to his future self.  He is not going down a good road, and it's heavily hinted by next issue when Mystique is going to show up.  They're really turning Cyclops into a sucker, Marvel.

Oh, the scene where Cyclops asks about maps and bottled water is priceless!
8 Professor-kitty/10                

Batgirl issue 16

Is this the final run by Gail Simone before she returns to Batgirl again?  I'm not so sure, but if that's the case I'm sure going to miss her.  She gives this unjustified version of Batgirl a very Justified run.  

I like where Gail Simone has planned already with this issue.  She has Batgirl fighting through her fear with The Joker, and at the same time she has to deal with family problems involving her mother and her brother.  Thus, having Batgirl as part of Death of the Family is just a distraction.  I can tell that Gail Simon tries to work out her original plan around the Death of the Family, but quite frankly, it's not working out very well.  It just doesn't make sense that The Joker will work with little-brother Gordon without killing him, and Joker's reason for wanting to marry Batgirl is just bizarre.  Hey, but magically, Simone still manages to make this an interesting issue.  I'm hooked .
Anyway, at the end of this issue, Joker has someone killed already.  And he's about to reveal to us who is it when the issue ends.  Tease, DC.  This seems like the standard formula for every Death of the Family cross-over series, and my guess of it changes depending on what I'm reading.  As of now, it's Robin.
7 Failed-Marriage/10        

Batman issue 16

Finally, the flagship title, and the only one I don't have a problem with at all with this Death of the Family cross-over. 

After the shocking revelation last issue where Batman finds out The Joker looks at him with love, The shock continues when Batman finds out that Joker forces the guards to dance with each others- dress like Batman and Joker.  That and also Joker's "love letter' to Batman, keeps on calling Batman their king...etc.  These all prove that Joker REALLY has an unhealthy feeling towards Batman.

Batman himself is not acting all sane either.  His desperateness for finding Joker is making him loosing his cool.  The price he pays for losing his cool is sitting on the electric chair.

There are many awesome moment in this book, I don't even know where to start.  Batman fighting hundreds of Joker's henchmen at once, riding a horse, the horse's head smashes into ice pieces by Mr.Freeze, Clayface, Scarecrow, and finally the room with Superhero dress-ups.  There's no one dull moment in this issue, and Joker's love for Batman continues to grow.  

Batman sits on the electric chair at the end, and the back-up shows him covering in black cloth.  So how is Batman going to escape this time?  Also, this issue ends with Joker about to show us someone is dead.  Up at this moment, I think it is either Alfred or Robin.  My final decision in next review.

9.6 Joker-loves-Batman/10   

Batman and Robin issue 16

Once again, I don't think any other Death of the Family tie-ins are as good as the flagship title.  This one as well.  In fact, I've been feeling that this is the weakest title out of the entire event.  However, this issue proves me wrong.
The reveal that "Batman" is not actually Batman is obvious.  It just doesn't fit well at all into the timeline.  (Actually, none of them fit well in the timeline at all)  But Robin's love for his father is really touching in this issue.  You can see that he just wants to be good, and he wants his father to be proud of him.  He is no longer the heartless monster he was.  And we all know that when a character is changing, it is time for him to die...
Or not.  This issue also ends with Joker showing Robin someone was killed already.  While many can argue that it is just a disguise trying to confuse the readers, but I'm pretty sure Alfred is the one that bites the dust.  Hear me out: So far every signs, every release information all lead to the readers believing that Robin is going to die, and the new character Harper Row is going to be the new Robin.  But is it so crazy to think that Harper Row is not going to be the new Robin, but the new Alfred?  Think about it, she has all the computer skills that Alfred has to back up Batman during his missions.  If Harper wants to be a Robin, she's lacking combat skills that Robins needed anyway.  There was also a scene back in issue 12 where Harper and Alfred talked.  This only means that when Harper takes on the job, it is going to be more meaningful because she knows who Alfred is.  Besides, Grant Morrison has more plans for Damian Wayne anyway- DC cannot kill him off that easily.  Also, not to forget that the cross-over event is called Death of the Family, and it has two meanings.  Alfred is the glue to the entire Bat Family and his death will definitely be the "death" of the entire family.  Also, Alfred is the last Pennyworth, so his death will be the death of the entire Pennyworth family.
But who knows?  Maybe the whole thing will just end up being a red herring.
7/Alfred-bites-the dust/10

Comeback issue 3

Comeback... Am I the only who's confuse about this series?  I try and try but I just don't understand what's going on.  But at the same time, I understand that it is a very good series.  I guess I just have to read the whole series together once the entire run is out.  I mean, I don't want to have to re-read the entire thing every months when new issues come out!  So as of now, I'm just going to wait for two months for the final issue to come out before I give it a proper score.
And I thought I'm good at theories behind time travel.  Tsk, good job for making me feel bad, Comeback.

Injustice: Gods Among Us issue 1

The prequel to the highly anticipated video game, Injustice: Gods Among Us comic is equally anticipated.  We are introduced to a world where Superman rules with an iron fist, then we flashback to 5 years ago to find out how all the shit comes down.  The moment we learn that Lois Lane is pregnant, it becomes obvious to me why Superman turn tyrant.  Sure enough, in a couple pages, The Joker and Harley Quinn show up and kill Jimmy, and Lois is in danger.  The story is simple, straight to the point, and quite predictable.  However for some reason, I still want to read it.  I want to know how far Superman can go crazy after Lois die.  I want to know who survives Superman's wrath.  I want to know, if it's possible, Lois Lane probably didn't die from Joker.  While the series is predictable, there are still many elements I want to find out.  For that, I will keep on buying this series.
6 It's-going-to -get-better/10      

One Piece chapter 695

One Piece returns after 2 weeks of absent due to New Years, so I guess it's a surprise that you guys find out I review One Piece, huh?  Or maybe not after seeing how I posted all those One Piece post before.  Anyway, the manga has been pretty bad for the past few months ever since the series entered the Punk Hazard Saga.  The enemies are weak, but Luffy and gang just can't seem to finish them off and they kept interfered by stupid obstacles.  I guess Eiichiro Oda notices that it would be no fun to have Luffy defeats the enemies too early so he throws in some obstacles.  But those obstacles just slow down the stories WAY too much.  So I'm glad that this chapter changes things around and makes it more interesting.

"Leave it to me" is a chapter that leads One Piece away from boring Punk Hazard and into new problems.  The highlight of this chapter is when Usopp and Nami defeat the enemies with their new moves.  This is what I want to see ever since One Piece did the time-skip over more than a year ago.  Characters evolve, and once tough enemies are no longer threats.  And what's best to show characters evolution than having the weakest crew members becoming stronger?

The biggest mystery is the final panels when a mysterious character shows up.  Who can this character be?

7.5 Awesome-Usopp-and-Nami/10   

    

Suicide Squad issue 16

While many thinks Suicide Squad is one of the weakest title, I personally think it's a very solid one.  After the none-sense where Suicide Squad puts Harley Quinn into the Death of the family cross-over, I'm glad to see that Suicide Squad is back to its original self.  We learn exactly what happened to Deadshot after his supposed death, and the fates of other team members.  While most of the members are recuperating from what happened, Deadshot and Harley Quinn regroup with other Squad members.  Yo-yo and Volt make a return to the series, and we learn something interesting- somehow, all the members that're either dead or wounded badly are back without a scratch.  It is kind of obvious that Amanda Waller figures out something form the arm she retrieved form the Resurrection Man Mitch Shelly.  At the end of the issue, the squad is given a new task, a new mission.  Nothing really big happened in this issue, but at least it's a solid one preparing for a brand new story.

7 brand-new-beginning/10    

Threshold issue 1

I regretted buying this issue.  I know it feels like I'm being lazy writing the reviews, but that's really not the case- this issue just happens to be the last in the alphabet.  I already know that after Green Lantern: New Guardians Annual #1 this is going to be an awful story, but I figure I should just give the story a chance.  How wrong was I?  The stupid alien lingo, the characters I don't give a shit about, and stupid Hunger Games/Battle Royale ripped off it's just too much!  The Larfleeze back-up is better, but it doesn't justify the book at all.  Man, how I will buy this book anymore.

3 For Back-Ups-Only/10   

Comics Reviews 1-02-2013

Batman Incorporated issue #6
At first I was making fun of the whole notion of Batman Incorporated. It just sounds so stupid the idea that Batman as a brand, and there should be a Batman in every nations. How wrong was I and how foolish I feel. Batman Incorporated is one of the best things that comes out of the New 52, and I'm proud to say that it is one of my favorite series.
Once again, Grant Morrison delivers a story that put our favorite detective into unique situations. From having him shaving on his way to crime scene, to him unable to save the kidnapped victims, these are all wonderful situations that remind us why Batman needs to gather all the helps- because he is only human.
The fate of Batman's officers is nerve wrecking. I really grew to like them from the past issues. Also for the first time I got confirm that the two girls in the team are Halo and Looker- or am I the only one that need confirmation?
My favorite part in this issue has to be how much Knight and Squire care about each other. They're definitely better dynamic than Batman/Robin.
Oh, and it's pretty clear now that Damian is not going to be around long. He's the death is "Death of a Family"?
My Score: 9 Knight-and-Square-sitting-on-a-tree-K-I-S-S-I-N-G/10

All-New X-Men issue #5
What can I say? I was only reading DC titles until this wonderful series. After I read the first issue few months ago, I can't help but put it to my top reading list. Bendis really knows how to pace his stories, and it works out great with Immonen's art.
The story takes place in Beast's mind where young Jean Grey has conversations with him. The scene is a touching one and shows how much Beast misses Jean Grey. A friend who misses his old friend. Also, old school X-Men fans should feel reminisced when they see the entire Jean Grey history rushing through young Jean Grey's mind. It's obvious that this is going to have effects on Jean Grey, but what kind is still remind to be seen.
A thing that bugs me is how young Hank McCoy finds the bug in the system right away, but Beast can't find it at all. But heck, maybe you really just need another person's point of view to see things you can't see.
By the way, what's up with Beast's mutation? It would be nice to have an explanation about it. Or was it just Immonen's art being different?
Oh, and Kitty as Professor K? That's just awesome.
My Score: 9 time-travel-X-Men/10

Batman: The Dark Knight issue #15
Jesus, that was a long story. What was it, like 6 issues? That's over half a year. Man, was that a boring story or what?
When the new 52 first started, I was excited to read new introductions of Batman's classic rogues gallery. But as time proven, I don't like the new takes on these villains anymore. Black Mask does mind control, Mr.Freeze isn't marry to Nora, but only thinks he does...etc. How are these changes suppose to make things better? Scarecrow's daddy issue might be a good touch, but it's a topic that been used upon too much. It's hard to care about it anymore.
The story in this particular issue is stale and dragged on. Batman realizes that he's the antidote and drains his blood to save the whole city is different, but ridiculous. There's no way he can be saved at all after used up THAT much blood.
However, Scarecrow mind state when he sees the young girl points his hiding place to the police is good. I really feel sorry for him. The feeling soon disappeared when his fear gas goes of in his cell and he's stuck in his own nightmare. While its a fun irony, it's an obvious one that anyone can see it coming for miles.
My Score: 4 sad-Scarecrows/10

The Flash issue #15
Not a lot happened in this issue. Patty drags Barry out of the battlefield, we see what the Rogues are up to but not a lot. Barry lies in bed trying to recover. He taps into the Speed Force and sees the outcome of different possible choices. He fears for the future. THAT'S IT.
It is proven that while Batman's rogues gallery is becoming stale, Flash's is becoming more and more interesting. The Annual issues that came out few months ago puts the Rogues into a brand new perspective and instantly makes them more interesting than The Flash. Only if this issue has more story focuses on the rogues, then it might actually be worthy. But heck, the series is called "The Flash" not "The Rogues"
Since the relaunch of DC universe, I can't help it but feel that Barry Allen is not going to last long. It seems like that Barry is just here long enough to make sacrifices and somehow Wally West will be brought back. Oh, pardon me, or should I say "Daniel West."
What the hell, DC!
My Score: 4 bring-back-Wally-West/10

Justice League Dark issue #15
Yep, this is what all comic books should be about. Unlike Japanese manga, we only get to read American comics one issue a month. So ever month when I waited, and waited, I want to see big advancement in the story I'm reading. Otherwise it's just a big middle-finger to my face. justice League Dark is perfect like this. Every months when I read the story, something big happens and there's never a moment when I feel "heck, nothing happened this month."
(In Japan most manga release their stories once every week, but there're usually not colored so I guess it's only fair)
Zatanna and Time "Harry Potter?" Hunter are interesting duo. While one is supposed to be savior who's to afraid to use his power, Zatanna is losing control with hers. Not in a sense that she can't use it, but in a sense that she can't stop using it. She feels a great power through her body, and she wants to use it like a maniac. It shows a side of Zatanna that one hasn't seen before. And I like it, Zatanna is hot.
The final new pages really make me wonder where our heroes end up at. It seems like they all lost control of the power somehow, but it doesn't make sense. Xanadu and Orchid become old and monster, okay that's obvious, but Constantine can't lie anymore and Deadman is alive? That's cool to see, but it's just kind of hard to explained- still cool to see though, just hard to explain.
I also wonder if there's anything going to happen to Frankenstein.
My Score: 9.5 sexy Zatannas/10

Lot 13 issue #3
I was really looking forward to this series when it first announced. First issue is fine, second issue became bad when thy made the wife an unreasonably hysterical bitch. This issue isn't any better. The story becomes too confusing, and it's not the good kind of confusing like "Inception," but the kind like "Vanilla Sky."
As of now, I don't care about any of the family members. The evil spirits can kill them all and I won't give a flying fuck. In fact, the only character I care is the half-face ghost that lost his boy. He is a more interesting character than any of the human characters.
The ending is kind of shocking though, so I might pick up again next month. Only two more issues to go anyway.
My Score:5 evil spirits/10

Superman issue #15
I'm just going to say it. I don't like this "Superman" title. Too many words, story is too slow, I don't like the art...etc. There are shit load of reasons, but I still buy the issues. Why? Cause it's Superman. And I'm glad I done so, because this issue finally picks up.
Superman and Superboy's conversations are fun too watch. You can see that Superman tries his best to show support to Superboy, while Superboy tries his best to keep up with Superman like a baby brother with older brother. It a dynamic I enjoy to watch. I especially love it when Superboy brings up his fellow Teen Titans and Superman disapproves a bunch of teenagers hang out together without any adult supervision. Are the Teen Titans going to get an upgrade? Both titles are written by Scott Lobdell, so maybe another cross-over in planning?
The re-introduction of Lex Luther is one i don't care about. Luther acts like an old stalking lover meeting his lover is way too familiar like the one between Batman/Joker. Correct me if I'm wrong, but my memory of Lex Luther is always angry at Superman, but not the creepiness like Joker. Also, what happened to Luther's face? What did Superman do?
The appearance of Justice League member is cool. Makes me wonder why Aquaman didn't show up- something to do with the "Throne of Atlantis" event?
At the end I wonder if I like this book better because the appearance of other Justice League members or it really was a better story?
My Score: 6.5 creepy-Lex-Luther/10