Comic Book Reviews For The Week of 1/12/11

Where has this week gone? How is it Wednesday already? The DC logo/character covers continue to make a statement in this week's stack of comics. Glancing at the rest, it doesn't really look like we had any major story arc issues this week. There were some Bat-related books, one Green Lantern book but no X-books.  
 
As always, the Comic Vine staff has been busy reading comics all day. Here is our thoughts on some of the books we've read so far. 

Batman and Robin #19 

When you've got characters who've been around for as long as these guys have, it's always a question of how many eras the current comic can capture. So far, Cornell and McDaneil have done an exceptional job of combining the absurdities of Morrison's surreal reinvention with the more serious restraint of titles like Detective. While this arc was something of a bridge to Tomasi and Gleason's run, it's still highly recommendable in its own right.  

Amazing Spider-Man #651 

It may be the end of the Hobgoblin story for now, but it's the start of something new. Finding something to not like about this book is as hard as becoming Spider-Man yourself. It's a blast to read, and if you're a Mac Gargan fan, you'll absolutely love the back up story. This is a must have for classic Spider-Man fans!  

Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #6 

Yes we have a lot of Green Lantern books these days but when they are this good, I can't complain. The GL books have been full of major events lately and they don't appear to be losing any steam. There's a lot going on here and with the upcoming War of the Lanterns, you'll want to be sure to catch these issues before that craziness begins.     

Red Robin #19 

Out all the titles starring Batman's league of agents and affiliates, Red Robin continues to be the one that I'll reach for over any other. The timing just doesn't work in book's favor this month, as even though the creative team's work as competent as ever, I'm just burnt out on all the scenarios and questions inherit in stories about cyberspace. Now that we're back in the real world, so to speak, I'm eager to see how this crossover with the Titans plans out.     

Thor: The Mighty Avenger #8 

The controversy of this title's cancellation is what really intrigued me to check out this issue, the last of what's been presumably been re-classified as a mini-series. While this was certainly a charming and well-done book, I'm sure I'd probably feel a greater sense of loss over the book ending. As is, I feel pretty secure considering that there still at least three Thor remaining in addition to this.     

Birds of Prey #8 

The pacing of the story is great. The issue is interesting, the characters are well written, well illustrated and the comic is exciting. Made me fall in love with Birds of Prey all over again, and kept me at the edge of my seat.     

Heroes For Hire #2 

I wasn't completely sold on the first issue but the mystery of why this team has been put together along with the on-the-fly action and planning is starting to pique my interest. WIth such a huge secret hanging over the reason the team is running, I don't see it being kept from the others for too long. What will happen to the series after that could really change things. We're in for an interesting ride waiting to see what will happen.     

Secret Six #29 

If you're reading Secret Six already, as well as Action Comics, you'll really enjoy this issue. If you've never read Secret Six before, now is not the time to jump on; however, don't let that discourage you, since this is a highly under-rated book, and you can get this series in trade. Too enjoy this issue, however, it is best to also be reading Paul Cornell's current run on Action Comics, which is also awesome.     

Superman #707 

I've always liked Superman but I can't understand where this arc is going. I've been trying to give it a chance to see where it will go but seeing Superman deal with human issues like abusive fathers and drug dealers isn't why I read Superman comics. I'm curious to see how it's going to play out now that J. Michael Straczynski is stepping back and Chris Roberson is scripting. The ending gives a twist that could really change the direction and all I can do is hope this starts feeling like a Superman comic once again.   

Hack/Slash: Me Without You 

I read a lot of the Hack/Slash minis at Devil's Due, but this is my first return to the series in a while. I wonder if the story might've been better served as a chapter in a long story instead of as a one-shot, because the hanging threads with the blood syndicate and Cassie's appearance prevent this from being self-contained enough to be totally accessible to new readers. The production work's stellar, though.     

Batgirl #17 

This book is 100% pure fun. You may read through it incredibly quickly, but you'll get a lot of enjoyment from it. Batgirl and Robin work so well on the page that you'll be clamoring for Damien to be a regular part of the book. You should pick this one up for sure, especially since it's a stand alone issue.     

Starborn #2 

Out of all the Stan Lee-masterminded projects that have been popping up of late, Starborn feels the most natural - - the one that nails the classic tone without really making me wonder if's a little too retro. Now that the rails have all been laid down for this world and this heroic quest, I'm eager to see where this space trains going to fly to once it gets moving.  

Let Me In: Crossroads #2 

People aren't crazy about vampires but this vampire story is done in a more classic way. The idea of a vampire that appears to be a twelve-year-old girl and her caretaker is interesting. I am enjoying this series but I'm hoping it will stand on its own at the end of the final issue. I haven't seen the movie that this is the prequel for and don't have any immediate plans to. I like that it can tell its own story but I have to wonder why it's being released well after the movie.          

Filed under:

Superman

The Amazing Spider-Man

Batman and Robin

Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors

Heroes for Hire

Starborn