Comics Reviews 3-20-2013

Sorry for the absent yesterday guys.  It has been a hectic week, and it's difficult for me to update regularly.  But now I'm back, and I have this week's comic reviews ready.

This week I will review comics from DC, Marvel and One Piece.  First, Cover of the week:        

A perfect cover that shows Nightwing's pain for Damian's death.  Not to mention this issue is one of the few that actually deal with Damian's death, instead of just misleading.  Onward with the reviews:

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 2-20-2013

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

Action Comics issue 17

After two extra weeks of waiting, Action Comics issue 17 is finally comes out and it does not disappoint.  This issue continues to tie up loose ends in Grant Morrison's run on the series, and some confusing plots are begin to have answers.  However, while question are answered, the issue lack story progress.  It's a good touch to have the citizens of Metropolis to help out Superman, but overall the story is not enough to make this a strong issue.  It's might also be because the story was split into two issues, so all the juicy stories are in the next issue.

The strongest part of this issue is the back-up.  The back-up is a cute story between Superman and his father.  While the narration method of the story is questionable, it is still a very cute, very heartwarming story.  It's funny how Action Comics usually has stronger back-ups than the main story.  Can't wait for the epic (I hope) conclusion next week

7/10

      

Birds of Prey issue 17

Whoa, so other than the obvious, no one else notice that Black Canary is the one losing control?  It is really annoying that Strix is the only one found out about this, but she cannot talk!  To make things worst, no one notices when she writes thing down on the ground.  Come on, it's like one of those children in horror movies that no one believes.  Strix attempt to kill Black Canary is just stupid.  And Black Canary's lame excuse?  Yeah, I'm sure Strix just dropped the killer robot thingy, girl.  While I always like Superhero team stories, I can really say this is one of the dumbest, and most untrustworthy team ever.  The final panel where Black Canary has a stupid smile on her face makes me want to puke.  What's she smiling about after she looses control like that?

4/10- if this series don't pick up soon, I'm going to stop buying it.  

Green Lantern issue 17

So after the epic conclusion of Rise of the Third Army, Wrath of the First Lantern begins.  And it already deliver some promising story line.  First Lantern turns out to be a strong character with strong desire- he want the Guardians to return to their emotional-selves.  To me, it seems like DC is trying to clean up some mistakes Johns done on the Green Lantern series-  like taking away Ganthet's emotion.  Meanwhile, The First Lantern is running low on energy and he is going to steal energy from one of the active Green Lanterns.  While it seems like the First Lantern will visit Guy Gardner and Kyle Rayner in their own titles, but I doubt anything will really happen.  It's been a thing in DC these days that nothing really major happens anyway so while it's intriguing to pick up those titles, but I'm going to save my money for now.  Now that Simon Baz is stuck in the Black Ring as well, can't wait to see what's going to happen next.

8/10      

Injustice: Gods Among us issue 6

Ha ha, so it turns out that there's going to be more Injustice comics.  I really don't know why last issue has an END at the last panel then.  But it doesn't matter because I really like this series, and I'm glad there's more going.  This issue has Superman making public declare that he is not going to allow bad things to happen anymore... This issue might be as eventful as the past ones, but it's an important stepping stone to where Superman is going to become.  It gives me chills to see Superman this way.

7/10

Justice League issue 17

This issue concludes the cross-over event.  While this might not be the strongest cross-over event, it is a great story with many things comes out of it.  1). Aquaman is the king of Atlantis again.  2). Orm is arrested and dubbed Ocean Master.  3). Justice League is officially opening their ranks for new member.  4). A villain is also forming a team as well.  This is why Justice League is the flagship title of New 52- every time an event happens, something awesome always comes up of it.  This issue might not have the strongest story, but it's the final pages that make this once again another strong issue.

8.4/10

 

Justice League of  America issue 1

A long awaited, highly anticipated title.  And I'm glad to see that the wait does not go to waste.  The core concept of the series is simple- the U.S. Government wants a team of heroes that will answer to them, so they decide to group some B list heroes together whom they can easily control.  The issue might be a little slow though, since this is the first issue Johns wants to establish who's joining the team, and why they're joining the team.  While the issue might not have enough space to include why most of the heroes are joining the team, it does focus on some of the most trouble characters such as Vibe, Catwoman and Martian Manhunter.  

This is also the first introduction of Star Girl to the New 52 world.  While it not be enough of her yet for me to determine, but she seems like an interesting character.  The issue also shines some light on the Secret Society, and it seems like a war is just around the corner.  Also, the revelation at the end of the issue is a shocking one.  Does this mean that Trevor and Green Arrow are secretly working together?  We shall find out.

8.4/10      

Justice League of America's Vibe issue 1

So along with the Justice League of America, Vibe also released this week.  While Vibe was a joke character before New 52, this Vibe is actually interesting and fun to read.  In fact, I think I enjoy this title more than Justice League of America.  The origin might be a typical one, but it certainly allows me to "feel" for the character.  His vibration power is no longer limited to shock people (maybe pleasure himself?), he can also vibrate through different dimensions!  The possibility of this is just vast.  Maybe a chance for the old DC universe to return?  Nah, I'm just kidding, but I do hope DC set the new world a lot better though.  Anyway, the final panel revels that Darkseid has a daughter, and he will be back for her soon.

8.6/10 

One Piece Chapter 699

After a week of absent, One Piece is finally back!  "Morning paper" is a chapter that takes the story one giant step forward, and shakes the world of One Piece.  Doflamingo is no longer a Shichibukai, which they can never complete that magical number 7, and Law's alliance with Luffy is heard by the government.  This is a big deal because if Law is not careful, his alliance with Luffy might cause him his Shichibukai title as well.  I think most people are angry with the fact that Momonosuke gets to bath with Robin, right?  I actually don't really care cause only thing that matter to me with One Piece these days are the plots.  The chapter ends with Law giving Doflamingo another phone call, can't wait to see what's in store next.

7.8/10       

Supergirl issue 17

Whoa, I though I was reading a Wonder Woman title, and I notice the story isn't as good, so it has to be a Supergirl title.  Anyway, this issue has Wonder Woman fighting Supergirl.  While both my be equally match in strength, it was Wonder Woman's victory as she's more experience.  I'm glad that Supergirl is coming to her sense, because this entire thing with H'el is getting annoying.  Just when I was thinking about that, H'el has to come out of no where and ruins things for everyone.  I really like the Supergirl title, and I can't wait the cross-over event to be over so I can go back to enjoy this title the way it is.  

7.2/10  

The Superior Spider-Man issue 4

This is a fun issue with Doc Ock going crazy that Peter Parker is not a doctor.  It is funny how much it bothers him, and it possible that when Parker returns he might have a doctor degree waiting for him.  Massacre's return to the series is cool.  He's always been an interesting character to explore on.  While the villains of the city are afraid of the newly improved Spider-Man, only one villain can take him down and that's Green Goblin.  

8/10

Wonder Woman issue 17

This issue has Wonder Woman teams up with her former teacher- War.  While our heroes are closer to finding Zola's daughter, Wonder Woman is further away from discovering herself.  I'm kind of tired with the fact that they're under using Orion.  He is such an interesting character, but DC really needs to make him more important than he is right now.  This issue ends with Wonder Woman comes face to face with the baby's kidnapper and I can't wait to see what they've store next.

8.2/ 10

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 1-30-2013

I review comic books every week!  This week I review comics from DC, Marvel, and Shonen Jump's One Piece , in alphabetical order.
Once again, I noticed all the Arrow banner on top of DC issues.  It's getting really annoying...

Aquaman issue 16

This is a fun issue.  It has mysteries, Aquaman trying to help his friends, and it also has shocking revelations.  My favorite moment has to be when the heroes called upon by Cyborg from Justice League issue 16 come to the rescue.  While the heroes might be defeated by Orm, there is a glimpse of a small superhero- can this be Atom?  To me, this really is the highlight of the issue.  I also enjoy reading Cyborg's inner desire while he is down under.  It really strengthen this character especially cause this character doesn't have his own series. However, this is still one of the slowest issue.  Aquaman's rescue mission drags on, and it makes me don't care about it anymore.  The ending is a shocking one, but it doesn't mean is hard to see it coming.  Overall, I give this issue a--
8.8 justice-league-members/10

     

Batman Incorporated issue 7

Just like the Aquaman issue, this issue of Batman Inc. slows down as well.  I guess it is tough catch up with a death of a member from last week, huh?  Anyway, Talia al Ghul's evil plan continues in this issue where the entire Batman family is put in danger.  While Batman himself is lock in a safe and thrown to the bottom of the pool, the other Batman members are under all kinds of attack.  The best part is when a school bus full of kids are attacking Commissionaire Gordon and Nightwing- they can't fight back because they're kids!  Now the entire Batman Family is in danger, and everything is up to Damian to rescue.  Can't wait to read the issue next week to see how things turn out.

8.6 Damian-to-the-rescue/10

Batman and Robin Annual #1

This is far my favorite Batman and Robin issue.  Damian puts Batman on a trip around the world to re-discover his family past, while he himself stays in Gotham to fight crime?  That's just too cute.  Not to mention that he puts on his future Batman costume.  It is really cute to see him in that outfit as a little kid.  Okay, so after reading this issue, I further believe that Alfred is going to die.  This issue also reveals a lot of things about Alfred, and I think that's so we can have one final goodbye to Alfred.  Call me crazy, but that's just how I read this issue.

8.8 cute-little-Damian/10

Batman: The Dark Knight issue 16

Damn, when will this horrible series gets better?  And when will I learn my lesson and stop buying it?  I guess I just have a soft spot for Batman... and Superman huh?  More on that later.

Anyway, the only part I like about this issue is when Mad Hatter is properly introduced.  This version of Mad Hatter is has creepy as ever, and I really enjoy seeing him causing havoc in Gotham city.  So if anything, I guess I will pick up the next issue just because I want to see Mad Hatter running around.

5.5 dame-you-Batman/10  

The Flash issue 16

This is also a very weak issue as well. If something cool doesn't happen soon, I am going to stop buying this series as well.  The Flash tags into the Speed Force again, but I don't understand how this is supposed to an answer to defeat Grodd.  The first date between Barry Allen and Iris West was interesting.  I always want this two to be together like how things was before New 52, and it seems like the possibility is there once again.  The thing the bug me the most this issue is when an Asian in the tank pulls a race card, and someone else called on him pulling the race card.  For some reason, it just bug me a lot these days when people pulling the race care,and it especially bug me when someone else called one it.  Jeez people, leave that shit alone already, will you?  

I also heard a rumor that Reverse-Flash is going to the DC world soon.  Hopefully that will happen soon.

6.2 come-back-soon-Reverse-Flash/10

Green Lantern Corps Annual #1

The conclusion of Rise of the Third Army is a rush one, but it is also a good one.  The lanterns take down the Guardians, while Baz and B'dg try to find Hal Jordan- can the story be any simpler?  Now the entire run of Rise of the Third Army ended, I really have to say that the Third Army doesn't do a lot in this event, huh?  I mean, they're supposed to the threat right?  How come I didn't see a lot of them in this event?  The threat comes and the treat goes.  Everything was resolved easily as Kyle Rayner, the White Lantern comes to save the day.  The Guardians grow desperate and seek help from the legendary First Lantern.  This is when things go wrong and the event is going to the Wrath of the First Lantern event.  The story goes by really fast, but it does set out to a promising new event.  Meanwhile, all I really care is what happened to Hal Jordan and Sinestro.
7.8 Lanterns/10       

Injustice: Gods Among Us issue 3

I'm really enjoying this issue.  When Doomsday shows up out of nowhere, I already expected that it has something to do with Lois Lane.  I just didn't expect that Lois Lane IS Doomsday.  While the story is as predictable as before, it still brings me chills down my spine.  At the end of the issue, Metropolis is blown to pieces, and Lois Lane is killed by Superman himself, I really can't wait to see what Superman is going to do now.  Is this where he's going to go rogue?  I know I would if I was him.
8.5 end-of-the-world/10

Justice League Dark issue 16

Poor Deadman.  He just came to live, and he is killed right away.  Through Constantine, we are confirmed with what happened to our heroes- they all lost their magical characteristic.  And this also answers why Frankenstein isn't affected by any of the magic of this because he is not a product of magic, but science.  On Zatanna's side we also learn the history of this dimension.  In some ways this is really an informative issue.  Now my biggest problem is what happens to Orchid and Deadman?  Especially Deadman cause it seems like he was completely destroyed.  I hope nothing happens to him.

8.8 old-Xanadu/10  

Lot 13 issue 4

"What the heck is wrong with me keeping reading this series?"  I ask myself.  I really don't understand what going on with this issue, and it's not the good kind of don't understand like Comeback, but the bad kind of don't understand.  I mean, what's wrong?  This series started off so strong and promising, and now it just really bad.  The dad from was killed last issue, and now he is time traveling to get back to his family?  I don't understand what's going on here.  Even though I'm most likely going to re-read the entire series when the final issue is out next month, but I don't think I will ever understand what's going on, and I don't think I will ever care anymore.
2 what-the-fuck/10

One Piece Chapter 697

"Deal" is once again the aftermath chapter that leads to what's going to happen next.  And just like every other aftermath chapters, it reveals more than we expected.  It turns out that Kaido is not human at all as Law calls him the strongest creature.  I wonder what Kaido is then...  Law also states that it is only 30% chance that they are going to win with the alliance.  Well, he is not one of the Yonko for nothing, you know.  The rest of the chapter is kind of boring having the marines saying goodbye and pretending to hate the Straw Hat Pirates.  But seriously, what the heck, Smoker?  Can you be anymore out of character?  I thought its always your goal to capture the Straw Hats, so just do it already!  The highlight is the deal between Law and Doflamingo at the end.  Will Doflamingo step down of being Shichibukai to save his crew members?  We shall find out next week.

8.5 Smoker-get-them/10

Superior Spider-Man issue 2

This is an annoying issue.  Peter Parker following Doc Ock around and keeps on making comments  is just making the panels crowded and distracting.  It is kind of funny watching Doc Ock trying to score with Mary Jane.  While it is disturbing, Doc Ock's failure is just hilarious.  It is good that the ending result of Doc Ock's desperateness has nothing to do with the cover.  I guess Marvel also noticing that it is disturbing if Doc Ock's kisses MJ.  Because that's called rape, my friend.  Well, as I said before, it doesn't seem that Marvel is going to keep this Doc Ock/Spider-Man too long.  It's only a matter of time when Peter Parker returns to his body.
6.8 Doc-Ock-doesn't-kiss-MJ/10

Superman issue 16

Just like Batman: The Dark Knight, why do I even bother with this series?  The answer is because its the flagship Superman title.  This really is one of the worst title that is still on my pull list.  I feel like a lot of people have the same feelings as me, and the only reason they're continuously buying this series is the same as me- it's Superman.  The story is weak, I don't understand what's going on, and I really hate it when Supergirl kisses H'el.  I can't wait for this event to be over so I can read the new story, or hurry up to the time travel story so we can see what happened in issue 0 from this perspective.  In fact, I can't wait for the untitled Superman series that's coming in a few months.  Hopefully that can redeem the entire Superman line.

4.5 Superman-sucks/10    

Comics Reviews 1-09-2013

I review comic books every week!  This week I review comics from DC, Marvel and Image.  In alphabetical order:

Avengers fired Spider-Man?

It seems like the Superior Spider-Man is getting fired from the Avengers.  It is cleared that the Avengers can tell that the new Spider-Man is not Peter Parker.  Especially Doc Ock's egotistic behaviors and dialogues.  The event is coming this April.  Can't wait :)