Writer's Pull List: 07-28-10

Here's our pull list folks. A time for you guys to think about adding on comics to read and a time to suggest any other comics.

Matt's Note:  Believe it or not I do still read comics, I'm just having a hard time finding time for review posts.

Arnab's Note: I can't particularly find anything to say. Other than, you all should be reading everything we're reading.

Matt's List

Secret Avengers #3
Uncanny X-Men #526
Return of Bruce Wayne #4
Flash #4
Green Lantern #56
Green Lantern Corps #50
Wonder Woman #601
American Vampire #5


Arnab's List
DC
Batman: Return of Bruce Wayne #4
Flash #4
Gotham City Sirens #14
Green Arrow #1
Green Lantern #56

Marvel
Uncanny X-Men #526
X-Men Legacy #238

Vertigo
American Vampire #5

...I need an emotional anchor for everyday life.

I know I'm a couple hours late, so forgive me.

X-Factor #207 ****
Writer: Peter David
Artist: Sebastian Fiumara
Cover Artist: David Yardin
Publisher: Marvel

The gang has all come back together. Monet has a score to settle and a promise to keep, while Layla wants to help with pillow. Jamie has a new job, from Hela herself, although that remains unknown to the X-Factor clan. The fact that Longshot was silenced by her appearance should have been a clue. My favorite part of the entire book has to be the scenes between Rictor and Shatterstar. The way the two characters interact is just a great thing to read. Plus, their relationship makes me happy. Rahne Sinclair's return to the gang looks like it will be one hell of a ride.

San Diego Comic Con

As most of you should know by now, San Diego Comic Con recently took place (July 22-25th.) I had the pleasure of making it down to San Diego on Saturday. Being a little short on cash, my sister and I opted to volunteer a couple of hours and then get in free for the rest of the day. A printing error allowed us to only have to volunteer two hours and then we were free to have all the fun in the world.

Crisis on Infinite Earths

Crisis on Infinite Earths *****
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Artist: George Perez
Cover Artist: George Perez
Variant Cover Artist: Alex Ross

It's time for your alternate Wednesday special review. Over the next three special reviews, I am going to review Crisis on Infinite Earths, Infinite Crisis, and Final Crisis. These three crises are regarded as the stories of the multiverse in the DC realm. Before there was "the Crisis," as it was once referred to, there was the expansive multiverse. Essentially, there were numerous universes that each had an Earth of it's own. What this means is that there were different variations to characters such as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman and there were also variations to superhero groups such as the Justice League and the Justice Society. Eventually the different universes began to learn of one another, the result of the Flash vibrated from one universe to another, and on occasion would help each other out. Crisis on Infinite Earths was released in 1985 as a celebration of DC's 50th anniversary. With so many characters and universes, there were also many issues in continuity. At the time there was also an ever increasing character list, which made it difficult to follow along or for those that didn't read, it made it difficult to start reading. Crisis on Infinite Earths was created to rectify this situation.

Writer's Pull List: 07-21-10

Here's our pull list folks. A time for you guys to think about adding on comics to read and a time to suggest any other comics.

Arnab's Note: I might be dropping New Mutants now that Second Coming is over. I don't particularly find anyone other than Cypher and Warlock to be entertaining.

Matt's Note: And I might be dropping Brightest Day until the trade comes out. And I fully support the Phoenix Force Handbook.

Arnab's List:
DC
Batman: Streets of Gotham #14
Batman Beyond #2
Brightest Day #6
Time Masters: Vanishing Point  #1

Marvel
New Mutants #15
Walking Dead #75
X-Factor #207

Matt's List:
Batman Beyond #2
Brightest Day #6
New Mutants #15
X-Factor #207
X-Men Legacy #238
X-Men Phoenix Force Handbook

Nobody needs to cry for Nathan Summers

X-Men Second Coming #2 ****
Writer(s): Zeb Wells, Mike Carey, Craig Kyle, Chris Yost, and Matt Fraction
Artist(s): Ibraim Roberson, Esad Ribic, Greg Land, Jay Leisten, Terry Dodson, Rachel Dodson
Cover Artist: Adi Granov
Publisher: Marvel

The conclusion to the Second Coming epic took place in four chapters. The first chapter was a bit of a healing moment for the mutants. It showcased a couple of the more serious injuries, such as Colossus, Angel, Hellion, Bobby, Magneto, and of course Hope. I thought that this did well to note the injuries and losses that the X-Men have had, but also to show that they are still alive and are moving on. The second chapter was filled with emotion, starting us off with a Hope and Cable flashback in which Hope dreaded being alone. The funeral scene was touching. It seemed only fitting that Hope should talk when Scott found himself to be unable to do so. Her eulogy is much like I wish mine would be some day, not so much a lingering sadness over the life lost, but pride in the life that was lived. I thought Scott punishing Rogue for her actions during the battle was very significant. Regardless of how much I adore Rogue, her actions were reckless and I think Scott made the right decision. The third story focused on the existence of X-Force. We are first graced by Ororo's presence, who has chosen to be judgmental and critical of both Scott and Logan. Thankfully, Logan knocks her off of her high horse, pointing out that Ororo's been absent this entire time. I think it was wise of Scott to disband the X-Force, because it's not something that the X-Men need getting public right now. Although, I'm not convinced he is not aware of the New X-Force. The final story sets us up for the next arc and that's the Five Lights, the five new mutant detections, the proof that Scott has been right the entire time placing his faith in Cable and Hope. 

Gashapon Reviews: July 7, 2010

This is my last backed-up review post, and then I'm current with this week.  Sorry for the inundation, but it's been a big couple of weeks that I didn't want to skip.

Marvel

Children's Crusade #1 *****

I never give things 5 stars, and I don't even know if non-comic readers would like this, but I'm just so happy that Young Avengers is back.  Yes, I'm a biased fanboy. I've always loved their dynamic, and while I don't care for Eli overly much I think this new story arc where they try to find the Scarlet Witch could be very, very cool.  I like the quippy humor and I find Wiccan and Hulkling to be endearing.  To be a little bit more objective, I really do think this storyline has potential to affect the whole Marvel U. if it's handled properly (and the creators have had several years to figure out what 'properly' means).  Plus, I like the art. 

Gashapon Reviews: June 30, 2010

I have to play catch up so that I can get the Second Coming post done in a reasonable amount of time.

Quick question for all 3 of our readers:  Would you like more recap and less review?  I personally try to avoid recaps because they make for long blog posts (longer than now, even) but some people prefer to know what's going on if they don't read.  Leave a comment and let us know!

DC:

Wonder Woman #600 ****

Ok, let's get it out of the way:  I like Diana's new costume.  Yeah, the jacket and stirrup pants aren't exactly as cool as they could be, but her old costume, as iconic as it is, is ridiculously impractical.  There's no protection, there's no utility; she's running around in a shiny bathing suit.  Sure, she's an Amazon warrior, but that should give her the sense to actually wear armor when fighting.  It needed an update badly, and I like the direction they decided to go in.  Also, I can't shake the feeling that there is a hint of misogyny in the loud outcry about the change in costume, but I may be succumbing to the crush to be PC.  

 Golden Lasso of Truth, Blue Bolero Jacket of JUSTICE..

Gashapon Reviews: June 22, 2010

Yeah, that's right.  Reviews that are almost a month late.  It's how I roll. 

Marvel:

X-Men Legacy #237 ***

I'm torn because on the one hand I think the Cypher/Master Mold fight ended way too soon, but on the other I'm not sure I wanted it dragged out.  And I think this sort of reflects my general feelings about the event.  I like the event as a whole, but issue to issue I just feel like it's lacking.  There are things that interest me, without a doubt, but I haven't been blown away by anything that's happened yet.  Arnab and I had a conversation comparing Second Coming to Blackest Night, and it made me realize that several times during Blackest Night I put down the issue going "Holy shit, that just happened" whereas with Second Coming it's "Well, no surprises here."  I don't want to sound jaded, because I do enjoy this series.  I think it's more an issue that I had such high expectations and they're not exactly being met.

Writer's Pull List: 07-14-10

So as you can see we've decided on moving our pull list to Wednesday. It works better with my (this is Arnab talking) posts and spreads out our overall posts over more days.

And Matt promises to get his posts up this week, as well as to stop speaking in the third person.

Arnab:
DC
Batgirl #12
Batman #701
Birds of Prey #3

Marvel
Uncanny X-Men Heroic Age
X-Force Sex and Violence #1
X-Men Origins: Deadpool
X-Men Second Coming #2
X-Men Second Coming Revelations: Hellbound #3

Matt:
Birds of Prey #3
X-Men Second Coming #2
X-Men Second Coming Revelations: Hellbound #3
Astonishing Spiderman-Wolverine #2
Chew #12

Invincible Iron Man #28, X-Force, and Uncanny Heroic Age are all maybes depending on my mood.

The moment I first held you.

X-Force #28 *****
Writer(s): Craig Kyle and Chris Yost
Artist(s): Mike Choi and Sonia Oback
Cover Artist: Adi Granov
Variant Cover Artist (featured): David Finch
Publisher: Marvel

This is the penultimate chapter to the epic event known as Second Coming. There's a lot of great things to discuss so I'll break it into parts. First off I've got to tip my hat to the X-Force creative team. Yost and Kyle have been just brilliant with the writing. And Choi and Oback have done an amazing job translating the words into artistic beauty. That's what this book is, utterly beautiful. The penciling combined with the coloring makes this series by far the most aesthetically pleasing and appealing book of the entire story. That coupled with the writing, which does an excellent job of telling the story, evoking emotion, but also letting the art do the talking when necessary. When it comes to comics, a great writer knows how to tell a story and knows when text is not necessary. This creative team has had the luxury, in my opinion, of taking on the best and most important parts of Second Coming, and who ever made this decision should be more than pleased with that decision.

I Kill Giants

I Kill Giants *****
Writer: Joe Kelly

Artist: JM Ken Nimura

Publisher: Image

For this week's special review, I've chosen to review the graphic novel, I Kill Giants. This book was recommended to me by my two comic book store buddies (Nick and Andy from Collector's Paradise in Winnetka, CA.) They have never steered me wrong before and I'm glad to say they still have not. Since this is the first actual collected edition review I've done, let me lay it out for you. I'm going to do these reviews by starting off with a short summary; I promise not to give away too much. I will then conclude with a review of what I thought was good and what wasn't so good (not all reviews will have both good and bad things.)

Writer's Pull List: 07-07-10

It's a huge week, kiddos.

Arnab's Note: There are major issues coming out this week and I for one am very excited. The penultimate chapter to Second Coming, the vampires have come to the X-Men and where's Wanda is kicking off. And that's just Marvel. How awesome is all this.

Matt's Note: Since I actually get paid this week, I'm going to go in and pick up the last 3 weeks worth of comics. I cannot freaking wait for Children's Crusade to start. The italics are maybes, depending if I throw caution to the wind and spend a lot.


Arnab:
DC:Batman and Robin #13
Brightest Day #5
Red Hood: Lost Days #2
Red Robin #14

Image:The Walking Dead #74

Marvel:Avengers: The Children's Crusade #1
X-Force #28
X-Men #1
 
Matt:
Children's Crusade #1
X-Force #28 (The cover is such a give-away)
X-Men #1
Death of Dracula
Brightest Day #5
Batman and Robin #13
Red Robin #14
Red Hood: Lost Days #2
Scarlet #1

The darkness is where we rule.

The Death of Dracula ****
Writer: Victor Gischler
Artist: Giuseppe Camuncoli
Cover Artist(s): Giuseppe Camuncoli and Marko Djurdjevic
Publisher: Marvel

So I will readily admit, I was unaware that Dracula had two sons. I will also admit to being skeptical about this story, however if this issue is indicative of the rest of the story, I'm hooked. The issue starts of with a gathering of the different sects of vampires in order to discuss a growing threat, humans. Xanus, Dracula's younger son, takes it upon himself to murder his father and claim leadership. Through the use of some newly designed amulets, he and his men are able to withstand the negative affects of the sunlight. Janus, Dracula's elder son, is barely able to escape his treacherous brother and live to fight another day.