Deadpool #2 Review

Deadpool #2
Those who know me, know that Deadpool and I go way back. From the Joe Kelly days to Fabian Nicieza's Cable & Deadpool run, I've read nearly everything that's featured Deadpool as a prominent character. It's that background which allows me to say that Daniel Way's Deadpool is on its way to being one of the best.

This issue shows the..."interesting" methods Deadpool utilizes when teaching his new Skrull students in the ways of combat. From cutting their own hands off to telling knock-knock jokes, the Merc with a Mouth provides a wide range of hilarity as he trains the Skrulls to kill each other then their superiors.

Way has caught a lot of flack for his writing previously with titles like Wolverine: Origins but it would seem he just hasn't found the right book though it would seem the right book found him.

Paco Medina's art is still colorful and expressive. His characters help to tell the story almost as much as the words on the page.

After the surprise ending of issue #2, it's quite clear Deadpool is going to be integral with the Secret Invasion storyline. Finally, some respect for the character everyone thinks is a joke...though that would probably be 'Pool's preference.

4.5/5 stars

Ultimate Spider-Man #126

Ultimate Spider-Man #126
So, this is Brian Michael Bendis' 126th issue of Utimate Spidey and can I just say that when this book hit stores way back in 2000, right when Tobey donned the wall-crawler's iconic blue and red duds, I thought this book wouldn't make it to issue #13. Boy, was I wrong.

Bendis continues to write Ultimate Spider-Man with a love that is not seen with most writers. Issue #126 while eventful (Spidey-Venom kicks the crap outta most the Ultimates...except Thunder God, Thor) seems to serve as only a stepping stone to a greater storyline that one can only imagine to be "Ultimatum."

With the revelation revealed in "Ultimate Origins" last week, it would seem that Nick Fury has known Peter Parker for more time than previously thought. Without giving away any spoilers, lets just say that I heard what happens in Origins #4 and I now want to read it.

#126 is a good Ultimate Spider-man issue but the art of Immonen seems to have become increasingly muddled. I'm speaking mostly of the apparent butchering that is Nick Fury's face. To put it lightly, Fury looks to be modeled after a dump that someone decided to draw a face on, give it a goatee and make it blind in one eye (hence the eye patch). The same could be said for most of the other characters but I feel Fury looks the absolute worst.

Bendis has consistently delivered on this book and deserves a little leeway with these last few issues. It must be hard to keep all the stories straight when you write 11,174 books for Marvel at one time.

4/5 stars

This Solomon Kane May Be Too Mysterious

Solomon Kane #1

Dark Horse’s new Solomon Kane series is the latest attempt at a comic book based on one of author Robert E. Howard’s (creator of Conan) lesser-known characters. Solomon Kane is a 17th century Puritan wanderer who apparently travels to the dark corners of the world seeking to vanquish evil in all its forms—usually in the name of God. Howard’s Kane always dresses in black, wears a cool, black slouch hat and carries various weapons, including a sword, dagger, musket and a pair of flintlock pistols. His adversaries tend to be those who traffic in magic as well as monsters, vampires and pirates.

For the first issue of the new series, writer Scott Allie selects a story fragment written by Howard in the late 1920s or early 1930s, entitled “The Castle of the Devil.” The original story does little more than introduce Kane as well as John Silent, a fellow Englishman who he befriends, and tells of the two cutting down a young man from a gallows and heading to the local castle to confront the Baron apparently responsible for the hanging. And that’s it. Perhaps wisely, Allie builds on this whisper of a story and introduces the German Baron, his Persian wife, the fact their castle was built atop a former abbey that once housed a Satan-worshiping priest and other juicy details that would appear to set up an interesting longer tale, although it’s too early to tell.

A main complaint about this first issue is the fact that the reader is thrown into the story without much explanation about Kane—who is he? Why is he wandering? What’s an Englishman doing in Germany? Etc. Allie seems to assume that the reader has some kind of previous knowledge of the character, which is a huge assumption since Kane only appeared in several dozen stories, mostly in Weird Tales, between 1928-32. His adventures also were collected and reprinted in books and paperbacks in the 1960s (I bought them), and there were a few Marvel comics adaptations in the 1970s and 80s. A Solomon Kane film has been completed, starring James Purefoy (Mark Antony in the HBO series, “Rome”). It’s to be released later this year or early next year and is the first part of a projected Kane trilogy.

Additionally, the art by Mario Guevara is so sketchy that sometimes it is hard to tell exactly is happening. He seems to be trying to channel the legendary Joe Kubert, who provided a variant cover (John Cassidy drew the regular version—and it is a beauty). His style doesn’t do much for me.

All-in-all, this a book with some promise but it might be better to wait for the series to be collected and reprinted because, presumably, an introduction would include more information about the character.—RFM

3/5 stars

'Embrace' funny advertising

It's been a while since I last talked about and ad in comics (check the All American Rejects post). Marvel's genius advertising people have decided to promote their event "Secret Invasion" with some light-hearted fun. The following made me literally LOL:

Finally, some advertising that actually pokes fun at itself.

Well done Marvel.

That is all.

Captain America #42 Review

Captain America #42
It's been over a year and a half since Ed Brubaker did the impossible by killing American hero, Steve Rodgers from the regular Marvel series. Since then there was a long period in which there was no Captain America in his own book. Then readers were shocked and disappointed when James "Bucky" Barnes took up the mantle of Captain America. Issue #42 is the final chapter in a saga which will most certainly go down as monumental in the world of comics.

The book begins with the new Cap, Bucky, saving the life of presidential candidate Gordon Wright; deflecting a snipers bullet from The Red Skulls daughter, appropriately named Sin. Meanwhile, long-time friend of Steve Rodgers, Falcon and SHIELD agent, Black Widow attempt to rescue Sharon "Agent 13" Carter.

This carefully crafted epic by Brubaker has been so deliberately paced and has unfolded with a grace not seen in comics for a very long time. That being said, there is one problem with the concluding chapter. These last two chapters of the saga seem a bit rushed compared to the previous twenty issues.

This is the most apparent by the sudden and drastic change of sides by Dr. Faustus. He was at a time comparable to the evil that is The Red Skull, then he abruptly changes sides and attempts to free Sharon. There was no recognizable explanation as to the sudden shift in allegiance. I can only suspect Brubaker did this with the intention of setting up future storylines now that this story has concluded.

The art of Steve Epting is and has always been consistently well drawn. His style, while dark and muddled, brings a certain grittiness to the policical action comic.

Brubaker and Epting's run on Cap will become stuff of legends but one has to wonder where the series will go now that there is officially a new Captain America and The Red Skull, for the time being, is out of the picture. However, I'm sure Bucky and the gang will still go great places in the hands of the Nathaniel Hawthorn of comics, Ed Brubaker.

4.5/5 stars

Frank Miller's All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder #10

All Star Batman and Robin #10
Frank Miller's All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder has caught flack since its beginning for breaking the mold of the respectable Cape Crusader and deploying the ultimate, scruffy-faced badass.

But for those willing to truly indulge in the power of Miller's words, the ASBR series has done its part to help slack the jaws of the faithful, emitting poetic character interactions and thought bubbles. ASBR #10 does not just contain good writing, it contains GREAT writing, perhaps the best of the series.

There have been multiple threads strewn across the Internet completely bashing #10. The reasons behind that are hard to fathom, let alone dissect, since the issue does far more for the series than one might think.

Perhaps the pacing of the plot-lines are a bit slow, but one has to appreciate the depth Miller is trying to achieve. Remember, this is MILLER'S UNIVERSE, fully disjointed from the D.C. spectrum. ASBR #10 is simply the downward force on the springboard, one that will launch the series into comic book history as a truly great piece of fiction. An epic culmination is inevitable, as the characters inch closer and closer to each other.

Small clips of the characters' progression throughout Gotham provides a back-story filled with sadness, revenge and violent justice that simply hints of a complex future.

#10 introduces the spectacled lieutenant James Gordon as he walks the shores of Gotham City, contemplating the past and not-so-certain future of the gloomy, city streets. The opening scene screams noir, something one would expect to read in a comic based off a Raymond Chandler novel. Perhaps Miller's style is frustrating for the impatient adrenaline junkies out there waiting for the next flesh-ripping beat down or cold-blooded murder. One should recall the old saying, though - patience is a virtue. There is no doubt that those who wait for the series to really explode will be surely rewarded.

The Black Canary makes an appearance as the red-hot crimefighter, literally burning down scenes with her almost psychotic presence and will to damn evil to hell.

Batgirl continues on her journey, although this issue features a run-in with a foe that falls a lot closer to home - the police. But Batgirl knows that certain "connections" will get her out of the dog house soon enough.

The Caped Crusader and Boy Wonder are used primarily to help flex Jim Lee's artistic muscles. Batman and Robin are the main focus of the best scenes in the book visually. Their time to bash the skulls of evil will come soon enough. Remember, be patient.

4.5/5

Hulk #6 Review

Hulk #6
After my all-out bash-fest of Jeph Loeb's Ultimates run, I feel (and apparently I'm the only one) Loeb's writing style works well with an over-the-top character like the Hulk.

The story concludes the series' first arc where all that's been happening is Red Hulk kicking everyone's ass. From Thor to The Watcher, no hero is safe from Rulk's wrath, even Hulk himself, until this issue.

By the way, the whole Watcher getting punched in the face thing was hilarious and perfect for this book

We finally get to see Green Hulk finally not act like a three-year old girl who just gets his ass handed to him by a big, red killing machine. The issue also throws in a twist at the end, which isn't all that surprising, and it was cool to see Green Hulk and Thor talk about what happened with all the Planet Hulk, World War Hulk business.

The art of Ed McGuiness is a perfect match to Loeb's story. Everything is over-exagerrated and cartoony, just look at the cover to the left for cryin' out loud. It's exactly how the book should be drawn. It takes me back to the Joe Kelly-Deadpool days. Ahhh...how sweet those days were.

People are missing the point of this book. It's supposed to be thoughtless and crazy. Do you really want all your comics to be something you have to sit down and focus on for 30 minutes? Shouldn't there be some books that just try to have fun and throw in as many cameos as possible. Some people take their comics to seriously and to those people I say, "You're reading a 32-page book with pictures everywhere. It's not a novel. Give it a rest."

Anyway, a majority of comic critics absolutely hate Loeb's take on Hulk. They feel Loeb can do nothing right. However, this is the guy who wrote "Long Halloween" and "Dark Victory." The guy obviously knows how to write some good stories. I think he just needs to come back to Earth a little and stay away from anything with the word "Ultimates" in the title.

3/5 stars

X-Force #7 Review

X-Force #7
After the amazing conclusion to "Angels and Demons," the X-Force team is back for its newest arc entitled "Old Ghosts."

The book starts out very strong as we see the reaction Rahne has to seeing Angel. It's pretty cool to watch and read without giving away too much. From here however, the book takes a turn for the worse.

The main problem is the new readers of X-Force or any X-Men comics have no idea who some of these characters are. Who is the little golden boy named Elixir, what's his power and what did he do that he wants to forget so bad as to call upon Emma Frost's freaky space girls? Who are those girls anyway? They clearly have some sort of telepathic power but for those of us who are new, we have no idea.

The book then decides to bring back the old "Mutants are bad and must be destroyed" senator. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but it's a little exhausted in X-books. From there it ends with X-Force's new target, a guy named Vanisher. Once again, who is this guy? I can understand why the team wants to go after him but give the readers a little character background.

Lastly, the biggest problem with the book is the arrival of new artist Mike Choi. The most exciting thing about reading X-Force each month was to see the visuals Clayton Crain used to tell the story. Now, we have some dude who draws kind of like Crain but doesn't deliver that visual punch one expects to see when reading X-Force.

I'm not excited about this issue but I have a feeling it will explain itself in the end. Until then, I guess I'd better read up on my X-characters and drool over Crain's art in issue #6.

3.5/5 stars

The Ultimates 3 #5 Review

The Ultimates 3 #5
Let's talk about The Ultimates.

Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch produced some of the best comics to recent date as they reinvented the avengers team so kids could become reintroduced to the Marvel staples that are Cap, Hulk and Iron Man. Twenty-six issues of pure greatness. It would be kind of difficult for Jeph Loeb and Joe Madureira to mess up the perfect cast when the two took over all those months ago.

Well, after their run of five issues it's quite clear someone F*&%ed up, namely Loeb.

Honestly, I can't see it being too hard to keep such an awesome series...awesome. Loeb definately made the Ultimates not ultimate. However, when you start throwing in robot clones, it's pretty clear the writer had no idea what the hell he's doing.

That being said, the conclusion to the awfulness that is Ultimates 3 was certainly much better than all the previous chapters combined but still leaves behind a sour taste that won't go away anytime soon.

Loeb attempts to quickly tie-up all those loose-ends he created in the first few issues. At first the reader has no idea what's going on since it's been about 37 years since issue 4 hit stands. There's a robot creating robots and it's Hank and Janet's son? I had to look back at issue 4 just to see if I had missed something or if Loeb just decided to throw it in without any explanation (that seriously wouldn't surprise me). Luckily, it was the case of the former and I wasn't forced to throw the issue right in the garbage disposal.

The only thing that has kept The Ultimates 3 from being toilet paper is the "Ultimate" artwork of Joe Mad. His drawings are tight and expressive with a subtle nod to Japanese Anime. Although, I find his Hulk to be a little strange looking with his fat feet and little hairdo.

All in all, this series sucked. I think I heard Loeb is set to write the next Ultimates book which is a travesty in itself. What the hell is Marvel thinking? Oh well, at least Mark Millar is going to do Ultimate Avengers which will undoubtedly be awesome.

.001/5 stars

Broken Trinity #2 Review

Broken Trinity #2
So, I really didn't want to write a review on this since there is only one more issue coming out and the series is running extraordinarily late. The series was solicited as being a summer crossover. October's around the corner and it's still needs to finish up. However, I felt it to be my blogorific duty to let the readers of Doc's Comic Blog know what this crossover is all about.

Speaking of the word crossover, this series so far has had absolutely no impact on the regular Witchblade series. The previous issue of the regular Witchblade series is all about Danielle's fight with some club guy, Sarah and Danielle talking and ends with a rabbi getting killed.

No mention of a giant Irish ice guy who has a third relic to the "broken trinity" or the return of Angelus.

Nice "crossover," it sure "crosses over" into the other series'.

Also, can I just say I'm really tired of the cryptic asian store owner. Seriously, just give the readers a little insight as to who the hell this guy is and why he knows everything about everything but doesn't like to mention anything to anyone. He just gets a little redundant as a character and could use a little fleshing out.

The art is the one thing the series has going for it. Stjepan Sejic's work is always good and I enjoy looking at every panel.

This whole crossover seems to have lost whatever its original intentions were. Luckily, there is only one more issue left and we can probably expect it out by late January 2025. Don't worry though, I'll take one for the team and actually spend some hard-earned student loan money on the issue and review it for all to see and avoid.

1.5/5 stars