Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Rafael Albuquerque
Cover Artist: Rafael Albuquerque
Publisher: Vertigo
American Vampire enters its second year in brilliant fashion. The issue starts us off with a short review of what has happened (which makes this a great place for new readers to start,) but it's done in a way that sets up wonderfully for the future. Snyder weaves us into WWII, as Henry and Pearl find themselves on the cusp of two wars. Henry's role in this issue is a pivotal one, as it is his worries and fears that have led to this moment; his fear for Pearl's life, his feelings of sorrow over growing old, feeling left out of the action in the war, all of it has led up to this. Snyder writes a compelling story filled with moments of love, terror, and suspense. Rafael Albuquerque's art has never been better, in my opinion, or it could just be that the break from his art has brought a stronger sense of adoration for it. His ability to transition from a loving scene to dark and seedy one is near unparalleled. His washes and line-work are absolutely astounding in this issue and do a remarkable job of accentuating Snyder's words.
Age of X Universe #1 ***Writers: Si Spurrier and Jim McCann
Artists: Koi Pham, Tom Palmer, and Paul Davidson
Cover Artist: Simone Bianchi
Publisher: Marvel
If you've been wondering what has been going on outside of Magneto's Fortress, this issue is for you. Outside the walls, we have a grim picture painted for us as heroes knew (Hulk, Invisible Woman, Iron Man, Captain America, etc) are now leading the anti-mutant hunt. Unfortunate circumstances, betrayal, and insane loyalties have driven these heroes to murdering innocent individuals. This issue did two things great. For one, we're starting to see the other side to the argument. Of course, secondly, they've shown us the other side of the argument and we can now safely presume the Avengers to be batshit crazy.
X-23 #8 ****Writer: Marjorie Liu
Artists: Ryan Stegman and Michael Babinski
Cover Artists: Kalman Andrasofszky
Publisher: Marvel
This is the X-book that no one is reading, but should be. Liu has done a remarkable job with Laura's character. The character development has been great and it really begins to show in this issue. I don't know about any of you, but I've been waiting for an X-23 vs Daken fight ever since Utopia and this issue was fantastic for that very reason. An X-23/Daken: Dark Wolverine crossover was bound to have action, but I didn't expect it to occur this fast. The art is fantastic throughout the book but especially wonderful during the fight scenes. As you would expect, the fight is bloody and vicious, pretty much everything you'd want. Here's hoping the fighting doesn't stop here.
Writers: Tomm Coker and Daniel Freedman
Artists: Tomm Coker and Daniel Freedman
Cover Artists: Tomm Coker and Daniel Freedman
Publisher: Image
At the suggestion of our comic book guy, Andy, we decided we'd go ahead and check this book out. It follows the life of an ex-soldier, John Sargent, who is looking to find a cure for his vampire girlfriend. Now I know, you're sick of vampire books, but this one has a nice premise to it. The idea, is that by consuming the ashes of the heart of the vampire who turned you, you can become human once again. Unfortunately for John, the vampire who turned his girl is the oldest, most powerful vampire in all of China. Also unfortunate for John, a group of Chinese assassins want to kill Mei, that's the vampire girlfriend, because her presence may bring about chaos and upheaval in China. The creative team of Tomm Coker and Daniel Freedman have a very gritty, tough approach to the story with a matching graphic style of art that works well with the story.
The Walking Dead #83 *****Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artists: Charlie Adlard and Cliff Rathburn
Cover Artists: Charlie Adlard and Cliff Rathburn
Publisher: Image
Ever since Lori and the baby died, Rick has been struggling with his sanity. He's struggled making decisions, he's talked to an imaginary Lori on the phone, and what was left of his sanity is about to crumble away. The housing settlement that the survivors have settled down in is quickly being swarmed by zombies and unfortunately that has trapped our gang of survivors. The entire issue is filled with tense moments left and right, as Glen, Andrea and the others outside of the settlement struggle being unable to help. The art by Adlard and Rathburn, as we've come to expect, is fantastically gruesome, gritty, and captivating. The art assists in building up the suspense, the tension, the drama of it all. There's one spread that will haunt me for days to come, as I'm sure that will be the case for most readers. Kirkman has already proved that he has the ability to create a long lasting story, but this issue goes beyond that. This issue is proof that almost eight years later even when we think these characters are safe, that no one's really safe.
My DC reviews can be found at ComicAttack.net!
The Walking Dead and American Vampire were brilliant, brilliant!
ReplyDeleteI also thought X-23 and Undying Love were fantastic reads. I was so upset when Undying Love ended. :)