They brought arms...to an arms control conference

Hello all. My sincerest apologies for being absent for a couple of weeks. I was at the Grand Canyon lat week and well, I was distracted. In an attempt to keep things fresh, I've decided to change things up when it comes to reviews starting next week. From now on, I will be choosing my favorite books of the week and reviewing those only. 

American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #2 ****1/2
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Sean Murphy
Cover Artist: Sean Murphy
Publisher: Vertigo

Sometimes a spin-off story comes out of a book and you're left questioning whether that was a good idea. In this particular case, it was an amazing idea. Not only has Snyder kept the original series fantastic, this spin-off is absolutely brilliant stuff as well. The story is great. A search for a cure, sounds simple right? Believe me, it's anything but simple. And the art is gorgeous, really gorgeous. Murphy does an amazing job of enhancing Snyder's story.

He's one of us. That's all that matters.

New Mutants #26 ***
Writers: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning
Artists: Leandro Fernandez and Andres Mossa
Cover Artist: Marko Djurdejevic
Publisher: Marvel

My review for this book is quite simple. The story is great. This group of junior X-Men are on a mission to locate and rescue Nathaniel Grey. It's an interesting concept and while there hasn't been much action, that looks like it will pick up next issue. The art is not great. The figures are often distorted and warped and at times is a distraction. However, the alien freak and the graffiti did end up looking good, but it wasn't good enough to save the art.

That means Storm has had enough

 Gladstones School for World Conquerors #2 ****1/2
Writer: Mark Andrew Smith
Artists: Armand Villavert Jr. and Carlos Carrasco
Cover Artists: Armand Villavert Jr. and Carlos Carrasco
Publisher: Image

If you love a quirky, fun book, than this one is for you. This school of villains in training is great fun, because the characters are terribly amusing. The major plot twist is that the villains of the world and the superheroes of the world have made a pact, a peace pact. Every now and then they'll put on a show for the world, but for the most part they're acquaintances of sorts. The kicker, is that these kids training to be supervillains have no idea. This is just an overall terribly amusing and light-hearted book. Great characters, interesting story, and terrific art means excellent read.

There is a world behind the one we know

I figured that since I was late enough as it was, I would just combine last week's books with this week's.

American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #1 *****
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Sean Murphy
Cover Artist: Sean Murphy
Publisher: Vertigo

At this  point in time, I think it's perfectly safe to say that Scott Snyder can do no wrong. From the American Vampire series, to Detective Comics, and now to the American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest, this man is a literary genius. This mini-series follows Jim Book's daughter, Felicia, who is struggling with being an enhanced, but not vampire, human. At the same time, Cash, (remember him?), is having to deal with a monstrous child. What appears to be the driving plot for this story is a cure for vampirism. We get to see things from the point of view of the vampire hunters, those that have dedicated their lives to eradicating the creatures. When you start reading the book you get reintroduced to characters that have been gone for a while, but it's so well written it's almost as if they never left to begin with;  it's like catching up with an old friend. And that's a major testament to how well this book is written. Sean Murphy is handling the art for this and his work is fantastic. The linework, the gritty feel, everything about the art is fantastic and it really enhances the story.

Let's cut all the babies in half!

American Vampire #15 *****
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Rafael Albuquerque
Cover Artist: Rafael Albuquerque
Publisher: Vertigo

Holy shit on a shish kebab. If you want lessons on how to create a brilliant book, you read this one. This arc has taken this series to a whole new level in so many ways. For the first part, this story has been absolutely fantastic. There's a new breed of vampire, or rather a very old breed that has gone unnoticed, and apparently they can wound Skinner. How sweet of a plot twist is that? (No pun intended) Pearl, sweet Pearl, is on her way to save her beloved Henry, but after that reveal I can only imagine she's being led into a trap. Speaking of Henry, he and his army pals have all been herded into some type of torture building. This whole story is so flipping amazing. And the art is absolutely gorgeous. Albuquerque has stepped it up a whole mess of notches for this arc and this issue. There are a whole mess of vampire stories out right now, across all mediums, but by far this story stands out as brilliant. Snyder and Albuquerque, issue after issue, redefine everything you know about vampires and not only that, but the vampires are then integrated into world history. Absolutely riveting stuff here.

I think you're probably too young and too stupid to be scared.

Generation Hope #7 ***
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Salvador Espin
Cover Artist: Salvador Espin and Morry Hollowell
Publisher: Marvel

I can't exactly put into words what it is about this series that isn't grabbing onto me. I think a large part is that I find these characters to be tremendously boring. The lights, who I still find to be highly unoriginal, are just so cutoff from the rest of the X-Men, both emotionally and physically. Normally I wouldn't really have a problem with a team that works independently, but let's get one thing straight, this gang is a team of kids. I don't understand what direction the writers are trying to go with this series, but I'm still hoping that we get an inkling of that sometime soon.

Bring him home

Chew #27 ****
Writer: John Layman
Artist: Rob Guillory
Cover Artist: Rob Guillory
Publisher: Image

One of the best things about this series, in my opinion, is that even after two years the creative team has the ability to surprise use readers at every turn. With this issue we get a bit of a flash forward preview of what is in store for us and it is all exciting stuff. I think, if done properly, a flash forward is a great way of setting up the upcoming story lines. It gives readers an idea of what's to come, but it also builds up a whole bunch of tension and anticipation, all good things in my opinion. Issue after issue, this series kills it every single time, in both the writing and the art.

You have become a greater man than I

Undying Love #2 ****1/2
Writers: Tomm Coker and Daniel Freedman
Artists: Tomm Coker and Daniel Freedman
Cover Artists: Tomm Coker and Daniel Freedman
Publisher: Image

I know by now a great deal of you no longer want anything to do with vampires, but if you're not reading this, then you're truly missing out. Now, technically this issue is set to be released this Wed. but because I had the great opportunity of meeting these guys at FCBD, I also got an early copy. And because I've read it already, I know what I'm talking about when I say you should pick this book up. Issue #1 is already in it's third printing, so that should mean something.
As I was saying. Not only is this a great, and different, take on vampires but what sells this book is the storytelling ability, in both the writing and the art (which, by the way, the same two guys do both.) There is a significant amount of violence, which is to be expected, but it just works with the story. The underlying story though, is a love story, and it is apparent, even amidst the severed body parts and gushing blood.

You have to find a way to get me to that island

American Vampire #14 *****
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Rafael Albuquerque
Cover Artist: Rafael Albuquerque
Publisher: Vertigo

I'm beginning to sound like a broken record whenever I talk about this series. Henry and his army pals do a little bonding, before trouble sneaks up on them. Never having seen Skinner before is a major setback for these guys and it's actually a fact that I had forgotten about. I am so damn excited for Pearl getting into the action. I am a sucker for a badass female and Pearl is one of them. Snyder has done an amazing job of getting the readers to be emotionally invested in these characters. his characterizations and personal touches make reading this book a fantastic experience. Rafael Albuquerque's art continues to get better and better with every issue. If you had asked me in the beginning if his art could have gotten better I would have been hard pressed to say yes. But this issue is proof that his work can and is constantly getting better. 

I'll Kill You

Daken: Dark Wolverine #8 ****
Writers: Daniel Way and Marjorie Liu
Artists: Marco Checcetto and Frank D'armata
Cover Artist: Marte Gracia
Publisher: Marvel

From the moment I first learned about Daken, I knew he couldn't be trusted. X-23 and Gambit have made it to Madripoor where Daken has become a powerful overlord. X-23 and Daken fought it out in the first part, but seem to come up with a truce in this issue. Unfortunately for Laura and Gambit, Daken is double corssng them. This crossover event has been really good. The writing has been great, smart, interesting. And the art has been fantastic. With four more parts to the story, I'm sure we'll see a couple more twists and turns which will probably be just as entertaining.

Some kind of enormous fight's happening behind me, isn't it?

S.H.I.E.L.D. Infinity ****
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Zachary Baldus, Kevin Mellon, Nick Pitarra, Gabriel Hernandez Walta
Cover Artists: Gerald Parel, Dustin Weaver, and Christina Strain
Publisher: Marvel

Those of you who enjoyed the first arc of S.H.I.E.L.D. and are waiting patiently for the next arc to start must pick up this book. It was so great. Hickman is doing a fantastic job integrating science fiction into the human history and it is mindblowing at how well how everything flows seamlessly. While the issue does leave the reader wistfully wishing for Weaver's art, it gets the job done.

I almost don't even care that you're about to start yelling at me

Avengers Children's Crusade #5 ****1/2
Writer: Allan Heinberg
Artists: Jim Cheung and Mark Morales
Cover Artists: Jim Cheung, Justin Ponsor, and Art Adams
Publisher: Marvel

This is without a doubt one of the best books coming out of Marvel right now. The only thing going against it is that it is bi-monthly, which means it won't be ending till November. Regardless, this issue, like all those that came before it, were fantastic. We get to see the return of not one, but two characters, though I care significantly more about one of them. Plus there's a slew of ridiculously beautiful battle scenes. With as much work and effort going into this, I just hope it makes a significant impact on the Marvel Universe as a whole.

I'm writing this to say goodbye, baby

American Vampire #13 *****
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.

Even if the rest of our soul is a butcher's shop

New Mutants #23 ****1/2
Writer: Mike Carey
Artists: Steve Kurth, Allen Martinez, and Brian Reber
Cover Artist: Leinil Yu and Marte Gracia
Publisher: Marvel

Mike Carey has been on a roll since Age of X started. This issue reveals quite a lot, but still leaves you questioning everything. Legacy and Gambit team up with Magneto in an attempt to figurer out what is going on in the world. Personally, I'm beginning to think that maybe this whole new world that they are living in, is possibly a creation of Legion's doing. Admittedly I'm not exactly sure if it is in his power set, but considering the boy can absorb powers like nobody's business, it is a possibility.

And those feelings are terror and Nausea

Avengers Children's Crusade Young Avengers #1 ****
Writer: Allan Heinberg
Artist: Alan Davis
Cover Artist: Alan Davis
Publisher: Marvel

Allan Heinberg is absolutely brilliant. He writes these kids like no one else. And I don't mean that because no one has really written them. Quite the contrary. Heinberg has been able to create such a wonderful story for these guys. The flashback story was absolutely hilarious. It was fun, it was a great friendship story, and it throws an interesting twist into this whole story. The art, well that's really another story. For the main story we've been getting some stunning artwork and unfortunately, that was not the case. It's been a while since we've got the actual series and while this issue was nice, I want some more of the other stuff.

It means I've joined the hunt myself

Walking Dead #82 ****
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist(s): Charlie Adlard and Cliff Rathburn
Cover Artist: Charlie Adlard
Publisher: Image

The zombies have invaded Alexandria and no one is safe. What you need to know about this series is that, it's not really a book you want to start in the middle. While there are points in the series that would be good jumping on points, but I wouldn't recommend it. The success of the book rests on the development of the characters over time. This issue has a coupe of those moments. Like, Glen fearing the outcome of this attack, Andrea standing strong, Rick's line at the very end. Survival has always been key for these guys and right now they're in for the largest onslaught of zombies since the very beginning, only this time they have experience on their hands. As a side not, I just thought it was worth mentioning that it was great to have badass Michonne back.

Are you suggesting I mark Rictor by urinating on him?

Chew #17 ****
Writer: John Layman
Artist: Rob Guillory
Cover Artist: Rob Guillory
Publisher: Image

It's been months since we've had a taste of Chew, but the minute you start reading it is as if no time has passed at all. It is truly a testament to the creative staff, when a series is as creative as this one and has remained consistently great. The creepy lights in the sky remain at the back of our minds in this issue. But we also get some great insight into the characters, specifically Tony and his relationship with his daughter. There are so many little great bits and pieces, humorous moments, and interesting revelations that the pacing of the issue never falters. The art plays just as important a role in the story and by that I mean, is absolutely great. At this point, if you're not reading this book, you're just wrong in so many ways.

...but the best problems are only ever solved with violence

American Vampire #12 ****1/2
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Danijel Zezelj
Cover Artist: Rafael Albuquerque
Publisher: Vertigo

There comes a time in every writer's run where they either begin to falter or they maintain their level of excellence to such a consistent degree, there's little new to say from issue to issue. As far as I'm concerned, Snyder has yet to make any mistakes in this series. This issue is a one-shot that reveals quite a bit about Skinner Sweet's past, taking place between the birth of vampire-Sweet and the birth of vampire-Pearl. Skinner takes a bit of a break, from whatever it is he does, and takes in some culture, also known as Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show. Unfortunately for Buffalo Bill his facts aren't so factual, naturally Skinner sets him straight. The scene between Skinner and his past love was great, it showed a slightly different side to Skinner. I think the best part of Snyder's writing, is his ability to make the reader care and even root for Snyder, regardless of sadistic tendencies. For those of you readers who think 11 issues is too much to catch up on, this 12th issue is a great starting point.

And I will be a dynamo to power the change

Generation Hope #4 ****
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Salva Espin and Scott Koblish
Cover Artist: Olivier Coipel
Publisher: Marvel

This was probably my favorite issue of the series (much like another issue I'm reviewing.) After their prolonged visit to Japan, and all the trouble that happened there, the new mutants finally make their way to Utopia. In the form of a test, we are finally given a definitive description of Earth's newest mutant's powers. Which, now that they've been laid out to us, their power sets look even more like previous mutants, that is, except for Kenji. Kenji, in his natural state, still feels a bit off, so it will be interesting how he will be able to integrate into life on Utopia. Hope, now back from her journeys, is beginning to settle in and has even begun a budding romance, which is great for the development of her character. Although there was very little action, I thought this issue feels like the actual beginning of this series, even though it's actually the end of the first arc. Hope and the lights are now back with the rest of the Mutants, and they're all in as natural a state as they can be, the rest has yet to come.

Because I'm Layla Miller. And I don't know stuff.

The Walking Dead #81 ****1/2
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist(s): Charlie Adlard and Cliff Rathburn
Cover Artist: Charlie Adlard
Publisher: Image

The consistently impressive aspect of this book is its ability to get you to care about these characters. We've been with a handful of these characters for years now and the longer they stay alive the more we want them to stay alive. Glen and Andrea, two of my favorites from the beginning, find themselves trapped outside of the camp and or the most part, that might make them the safest of the bunch. On the inside the gate is failing and trouble is one its way. I'm starting to worry about Carl, who's stuck in a house with the remnants of a shattered family, and that could prove to be problematic. The best part of this arc is that people are never more vulnerable than when they feel safe. In all of the camps the survivors had settled in before this arc, the survivors had been on edge and never quite felt safe. However for the most part, the inhabitants of Alexandria (the current base of operations) actually felt safe. Their naive sense of the world has made them ripe for the picking.