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5 (2) 4 (21) 3 (11) 2 (3) 1 (0) 3.8 starsAverage score of 37 user reviews
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Keep It In The Family 1
Leo Tolstoy’s famous opening sentence in Anna Karenina reads, “All happy families are alike but each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way”. While our family in Saga isn’t quite unhappy, it has got problems and boy are they unique. Running from an inter-galactic war with a new-born baby has thrown extraordinary challenges at Alana and Marko but the always dreaded introduction to the in-laws is proving to be just as tough a challenge for the young couple.What has made Saga so remarkable up to ...
4 out of 4 found this review helpful. -
HAHAHA! - Joker '12 2
History and experience has showed us what to expect from a good Joker story and ironically that is unpredictability. We all know that the sadistic clown will always fill his fair share of body bags and send a whole city howling in fear but what has really defined the character throughout his long and illustrious career are the pantomime moments. The Joker at heart is an exhibitionist, an extroverted actor playing to a brainwashed audience and we all know his favourite co-star/plaything is the Ba...
6 out of 7 found this review helpful. -
That cover........WOW 1
To call Daredevil a troubled soul would be an understatement. A life that has continually been ravaged by personal loss and tragedy, Matt Murdoch has been positively selfish over the years with his wealth of melancholy - potentially enough to service the entire Marvel universe! It appeared that Mark Waid had stemmed the gloomy tide, giving Matt a new lease of life and a reason to smile again. The renowned, dark tone synonymous with Daredevil had been replaced with humour and light heartedness. W...
2 out of 2 found this review helpful. -
Why Can't we just go to Issue 13.... 0
DC’s zero month is finally underway, celebrating the one year anniversary of the New 52. While I’ve felt pretty apathetic towards the whole idea, certain titles hold a genuine intrigue, in particular Animal Man whose origin is finally revealed. How did ordinary, family man, Buddy Baker acquire his most unusual power set?It all begins with the preceding Animal Man being slayed by Anton Arcane, Lord of The Rot, deep in the bowels of the Congo jungle. With no immediate avatar champion to take his p...
0 out of 1 found this review helpful. -
Can't Teach an Old Dog new Tricks! 0
Prophet has been a challenging but intriguing read thus far. With its disordered style and obscure content the series’ goal still remains an absorbing mystery. Readers who have rode the journey this far are more than likely firmly invested in discovering more of this universe and its secrets and with issue 28, we finally seem to be rewarded with some cohesion. Despite this hint of structure, don’t get too comfortable, this is still a tale draped in ambiguity.The Earth Empire has well and truly r...
0 out of 0 found this review helpful. -
What's In The Box? 0
For Dr. Manhattan’s opening issue, J. Michael Straczynski bravely decides not tell or trade war stories or early crime fighting exploits but instead, chooses to explore the extraordinarily, complex mind of the great, blue demigod. Always going to be one of the more challenging Watchmen characters to write, he tackles heavy themes and challenging concepts. Is this a comprehensive, exploration for one of comic’s most morally debated characters or do all these ideas simply clash in one big, great b...
4 out of 4 found this review helpful. -
Harvest #1 0
There’s an almost screenplay quality to the first issue of Image’s new miniseries, Harvest. With a divisive and troubled lead character fronting a unique and mature plot with a string of interlacing subplots - it wouldn’t surprise me if writer, A.J. Lieberman was influenced by hit shows such as Breaking Bad or Mad Men. Unlike these shows however, Harvest fails to produce a really captivating pilot that will have readers chomping for more.It’s a combination of things but the biggest headache is o...
1 out of 1 found this review helpful. -
Back from the Dead. 2
This week, DC begins its revival of the original 1940’s anthology run, National Comics. Anthologies were the model of comics during the golden age and it was within these standalone stories where our superheroes of today were conceived. Action Comics #1, an anthology, gave the world Superman which would change not only the history of comics but the shape of American culture as well. Seventy or so years later, this format of comic does not carry the same weight as it once did; in this case, servi...
1 out of 1 found this review helpful. -
See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil 0
Remember when Mark Waid’s Daredevil used to be Marvel’s best kept secret? A stylish, smart and unique comic with a dash of silver age finish to it? It used to be hidden in the nooks and crannies at your local comic book store, wedged between the countless, rigid and stubborn copies of X-Men and Avengers titles? These flattering adjectives have remained constant throughout the series’ run but the titles place and perception on the shelves has changed. Daredevil is a three time Eisner award winner...
1 out of 1 found this review helpful. -
It's a Long Way to the Top if you Wanna Rock n Roll 7
Punk Rock Jesus is one of the most controversial and shocking comics you are ever going to read, however this is a comic that does not succeed on pure shock value. Sean Murphy’s opening issue to his six part mini-series asks so many questions it’s astounding he managed to compress it all in one single issue.In 1996, Dolly the Sheep became the first ever successfully cloned mammal, a historic landmark and since then it has become a highly complex and ethical debate in scientific and religious cir...
5 out of 6 found this review helpful. -
I hate banners! 1
The Harvey Award nominations were released this week and Animal Man was a double nominee with “Best New Series” and “Best Writer”. While it’s no surprise the series has been nominated, it’s been showered in critical acclaim and has been one of the real success stories of DC’s relaunch, what is surprising, is that it is DC’s solitary nominee in these categories. In fact the only other nominee for the publisher in the entire list, was for artist J.H. Williams III for his ground breaking work on Ba...
0 out of 0 found this review helpful. -
There's a storm coming... 0
It’s Aquaman versus Manta in this explosive tenth issue but with more of Arthurs troubled past floating to the surface our view of the golden boy is slowly beginning to get more and more distorted. Who should we really be rooting for in this circle of vengeance?This is just one of the many questions Geoff Johns has readers asking themselves on board this voyage of renewal for the Aquaman series. The mystery of Atlantis continues to encompass the entire story. All avenues and sub-plots taking pla...
2 out of 2 found this review helpful. -
So it begins........ 0
Originally created as a now cult, card game in the early 60’s, the Mars Attacks franchise is celebrating its 50th anniversary and to celebrate these delirious Martians, IDW has now brought them back to comics, in a book that is bursting with fun, personality and terrific visuals.In keeping with the tradition and spirit of the franchise, IDW has cleverly released over 50 covers, each one printed with its own trade card cover from the original series. After studiously going through all the ones my...
1 out of 1 found this review helpful. -
Beauty & the Beast 0
After the chaos at the Bone Kingdom in the previous issue, Scott Snyder puts the brakes on in issue ten and allows for a more sombre tone to explore the blooming relationship between Alec and Abigail, a reminder that Swamp Thing is as much a love tale as it is a gruelling, horror story.Swampy is drained and weak from his confrontation with Sethe in the last arc and in this issue we see Abigail nursing him to health. Her compassion and understanding shines through her character and Alec, despite ...
0 out of 0 found this review helpful. -
Ice to meet you! 0
Mr. Freeze, one of Batman’s most fascinating and beloved rogues, is a character with a somewhat turbulent past. Originally conceived in the '60s television series looking more like a frosted space man rather than an ice cold killer, he was revitalized and truly defined in the stunning story arc in Batman: The Animated Series. Along the way he has made sporadic and quite underwhelming appearances in comics and was almost made extinct with the simply horrific portrayal by Arnold Schwarzenegger in ...
3 out of 4 found this review helpful. -
Prophet #25 0
With a race of humans all with the first name, John, you would assume the author of this series would have a preference in minimalistic and simplistic storytelling. This assumption would be false. Prophet has shown that Brandon Graham is a writer whose mind seems to be an endless black hole of obscure and complex ideas. With the fifth issue in this Image revival series, we are still on the fence as to whether these ideas will generate any substance.Science fiction is a relatively easy genre to w...
1 out of 2 found this review helpful. -
Yeah this ones pretty good. 0
We’re three issues into the radically hyped new series by Brian K. Vaughan and after reading and immersing myself in this new galaxy, I stand to question my outlook on the rest of my comic stack and the quality of their stories. Why? Because Saga is the kind of series that makes the majority of your stack look somewhat mediocre in comparison.Vaughan, is a master storyteller with an expert sense in controlling the pace and tone of a comic book. With only three issues, the amount of content and wo...
2 out of 2 found this review helpful. -
Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in! 0
As the great Michael Corleone in Godfather III exclaims, “just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!”, so too may readers of this issue. Fatale #5 brings the first arc of this intricate, crime, noir thriller to a close but despite the horrifying conclusion, all is not what it seems as questions old and new continue to mount.It’s not easy being immortal, as Jo, our femme fatale will confess. She’s the “it” girl and everybody wants a piece, whether it be for her irresistible grasp or the...
1 out of 1 found this review helpful. -
Who still uses Payphones?! 3
DC’s second wave is finally upon us and with it we get a revival of the 60’s classic, Dial-H written by fantasy novelist superstar and comic newcomer, China Mieville. How will this well respected author make the transition to visual storytelling with a comic renowned for its wackiness and obscurity?Well, with mixed results. Mieville gives us a memorable introduction to the rather portly central character, Nelson, an obvious anti-hero with a string of unhealthy bad habits. With a somewhat conveni...
4 out of 4 found this review helpful. -
While you wait for The Others.... 0
Geoff Johns has never hesitated to expand or clarify the history and mythology of certain characters. His ideas tend to be big and this run on Aquaman is no exception as he pulls back the curtains on his past and shows that Arthur Curry may not always have been the boy scout we believed he was.Taking place 6 years in the past, humanity is knocking on Aquaman’s door demanding answers as it always does when something strange or alien upsets the status quo. Apparently the city of Atlantis is very r...
3 out of 3 found this review helpful. -
House of Pain! 0
Art: Can't really say much more about Greg Capullo's art that hasn't been already said. You really get the impression that he is putting his heart and soul into this title. He has a great blend and variety for his panel layouts. The pencils are very detailed but without ever being too muddled. The fight scenes are exhilarating and flow effortlessly. The second page in particular which shows a reflective Bruce Wayne, towering over his model of Gotham City in the mute darkness just oozes with clas...
3 out of 4 found this review helpful. -
A Green Angel. 1
Art: This issue is really all about the art and introducing the temperament and body of this new Swamp Thing and boy does Paquette do the business. The page that gives us our first full fleshed look of the new Swampy is magnificent. With his graceful wings stretched wide and the heavenly rays of sunshine raining down on him, Paquette manages to give this green beast an angelic quality while at the same time maintaining the ferocity and power this Swamp Thing needs to defeat the agents of the rot...
2 out of 2 found this review helpful. -
What just happened? 0
Art: A very playful and bold art style has been chosen for The Manhattan Projects and it is quite an ironic choice taking into account the very serious and significant subject matter of the book. However it works very well. The detailed and gritty line work is complimented with bright and bold colours. It's an odd mix but this is is no ordinary story. The General is the stereotypical bold and towering man with a grenade latched to his collar and a large pistol strapped over his chest. Extravagan...
1 out of 1 found this review helpful. -
Superman finally gets his makeover. 0
Art: I've really quite enjoyed Rags Morales work on Action Comics so far. His style is quite unorthodox and unique. It would have been easy for DC to put a megastar artist on this with huge, expressive panels and explosive colours but I like that they've given the comic an identity with Rags at the helm. The first few pages in particular with Superman launching himself into space were superb and continue to show us that Clarke is still very much at the infancy of his powers.Plot: I don't know wh...
3 out of 3 found this review helpful. -
Daddy's boy. 0
Art: This has easily been the best issue for art thus far. Some of the images are so striking and bold, I could look at them all day. The first and last pages in particular, which are close ups of Robin and Batman respectively are so effective at conveying the raw emotion of the characters. It means that little text is needed and the art speaks for itself. Pat Gleeson is really getting into the swing of things and is improving each issue.Plot: It seems Robin has traded allegiances and has proven...
3 out of 3 found this review helpful. -
Bit of a mess really. 0
Art: Tony Daniels is an impressive artist. Detective Comics has been sharp and clean but has never really blown me away. The art doesn't really say anything about this series, doesn't really give it it's own identity and personal touch. Some of the panels look fantastic and detailed but if you look at all the well received and successful comics at the moment (e.g. Batwoman, Swamp Thing, Batman, Animal Man etc.), they all have their own distinct art style that really tells their story and defines...
0 out of 0 found this review helpful. -
We got this!! 1
Art: This issue shipped a week late and the tardiness shows in the art. The backgrounds are a lot more muddled and look thrown together. The crisp, majorly detailed panels are not on par with the previous issues although I wasn't a huge fan to begin with. Like the ridiculous cover, the art has just been a little over the top for me.Plot: Finally a bit of story progression! Darkseid shows himself to be a formidable enemy for the Justice League. Superman is taken as the damsel in distress to the e...
3 out of 5 found this review helpful. -
DD you dog you! 0
Art: Kano is a terribly consistent drawer (I think that's a good thing!) He has quite an unorthodox style. Old-school but It's good, very sharp and clean although sometimes just a little too bright for my liking. It is Daredevil after all. However when it looks good it looks great, some of the spreads are just breathtaking.Plot: Daredevil, Spiderman and Black Cat try to unravel the burglary case and clear Black Cats name and retrieve the stolen goods. Some sexual chemistry ignites between Darede...
2 out of 2 found this review helpful. -
Capullo steals the show. 0
Art: Phenomenal art. Greg Capullo has really given Batman it's own identity with his sketchy, vivid and haunting pencils. You could say it's a slight fault with the other 3 Batman titles (Batman & Robin less so), that they don't really stand out with their own unique art style. This issue is all about Capullo's work as he immerses you into Bruce's psychedelic trip and almost makes you as dissorietated as he is. The crazy eye, the shredded cape, the never ending maze really show how bad a sit...
1 out of 2 found this review helpful. -
Batwoman gets all my stars. 0
Art: Breathtaking. Honestly it feels as if the art in Batwoman has it it's own beating heart. It has so much life and layers that it really does take your breath away. The abstract, flowing panels, the effortless change in styles and the complex and beautiful inking. Masterpiece. I do fear for the future though as he takes a break from art duties. I don't know if anyone can successfully replicate what he is doing here.Plot: With such an amazing visual aspect to the comic you would think J.H. Wil...
2 out of 2 found this review helpful. -
The rots in the red! 0
Art: This is probably the clearest issue so far. A lot more neat and understandable but still wild and sketchy. The hunters anatomy literally changes every panel and we got some quite sick and vivid looking drawings of him. It comes down to a matter of taste I suppose and I for one quite like it, although that cover....... Too much?Plot: All hell breaks loose as Buddy scrambles to save his family from the hunter. As always it gets weird, very weird as Buddy is pushed to the limit. Francine once ...
0 out of 0 found this review helpful. -
Something BIG is brewing for the rot. 0
Art: Paquette returns for issue number 5 and dazzles us with more of his brilliance. The art is very bold and really pops off the page especially the scenes where Alec takes hold of his powers. The creativity with the intertwining panels makes the story flow even more and just make this a fantastic comic to look at.Plot: Alec and Abby finally come face to face with William Arcane in a magnificent clash where we see even more Green potential from Alec Holland. Also in the depths of the Amazon rai...
0 out of 0 found this review helpful. -
My introduction to American Vampire 0
Art: Beautiful and stylish. Rafael Albuquerque perfectly captures the scene of the swinging 50's. The American diners, the slick hot rods and our protagonist, Travis Kidd. Oozing that cool, self-confidence and Elvis Presley, greaser look we immediately get sucked in by his charm. It's a fantastic comic to look at.Plot: I was told this was the issue for new readers to leap on and this is definitely the case. Scott Snyder effortlessly introduces us to Travis and within a few pages we know what typ...
1 out of 1 found this review helpful. -
The Trench: Conclusion 0
Art: Not bad. I thought some of the underwater panels got a little repetitive but both the double page spreads were super detailed and looked great. In all honesty I think Aquaman looks better on the surface with bright colors around him but obviously this can't always happen.Plot: Aquaman and Mera discover the lair of the starving monsters deep within the ocean. They infiltrate their lair and all too easily rescue the kidnapped while plugging up the trench to prevent the monsters from escaping....
0 out of 0 found this review helpful. -
The model of consistency. 0
Art: I absolutely adore how Greg Capullo draws Batman and it could honestly rank as one of my all time favorite renditions. I like his dark and gritty style. The flashback sequences were done very nicely in a completely different style to the rest of the comic.Plot: An exhausted and bruised Bruce Wayne unfolds his history with The Court of Owls to Dick Grayson and takes us all the way back to his parents demise and how their death might be linked with the Owls. Batman follows up on a lead only t...
1 out of 1 found this review helpful. -
Still at introductions. 0
Art: Too much. There is no doubt Jim Lee is a majorly talented artist but I am not really warming to the huge production he's constructing for Justice League. I just feel the panels are overly complicated and sometimes hard to breakdown, blinding sometimes with all their colour. I know this is Justice League and it needs to be BIG but some of the sequences are just too much.Plot: More introductions. The JL continue to make mashed potatoes of the horde they are facing. Aquaman is firmly introduce...
1 out of 2 found this review helpful. -
Still waiting for the series to take off. 0
Art: It's ok. A very cartoon like style. Quite a dark comic with heavy lines. Fantastic cover. Really nice idea and captures the tone and relationship of the comic perfectly.Plot: Good. Pretty standard. Batman's refusal to kill criminals is again brought to question. The caped duo make another grand escape and then we got another backwards and forwards between Bruce and Damian. We get to learn a little more about Nobodys background and the issue finishes on a nice teasing ending.I still think Ba...
1 out of 2 found this review helpful.
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