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

This week's books reviewed today.

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. 

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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.  

Read Zack's full review here
 
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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!  

Read Mat's full review here.  
 
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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.     

Read Tony's full review here
 
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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.     

Read Zack's full review here
 
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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.     

Read Zack's full review here
 
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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.     

Read Sara's full review here
  

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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.     

Read Tony's full review here
 
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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.     

Read Mat's full review here
  
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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.   

Read Tony's full review here.

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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.     

Read Zack's full review here.  
 
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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.     

Read Mat's full review here
 
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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.  

Read Zack's full review here
  
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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.          

Read Tony's full review here.

12 Comments

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longbowhunter

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Edited By longbowhunter

Enjoyed the reviews this week. It was a heavy week for me. I think I bought like 12 new books. The second issue of Black Panther: Man Without Fear came out today and I highly recommend it. Francavilla's art provides a great pulp feel that matches David Liss's story perfectly. I should also mention the supporting characters in this title are rather strong as well. Issue #3 of Marc Guggenheim's creator owned book Halcyon over at Image came out as well. Great story! I recommend this to anyone who's a fan of Squadron Supreme or Irredeemable. Happy reading!

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jakob187

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Edited By jakob187

I really hate the DC covers this month.  At first, I thought "man, that's visually interesting".  Today, as I went to buy my comics and saw a whole shelf lined with them, I thought "way to undersell yourself, DC".

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longbowhunter

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Edited By longbowhunter
@jakob187 said:
"I really hate the DC covers this month.  At first, I thought "man, that's visually interesting".  Today, as I went to buy my comics and saw a whole shelf lined with them, I thought "way to undersell yourself, DC". "

Agreed. The only DC cover I really liked this week was Blue Beetle on the cover of Justice League: Generation Lost.
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Omertalvendetta

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Edited By Omertalvendetta
@jakob187: I think all the covers look like third graders' art projects.  Thankfully, the comic book store I frequent has Marvel, DC and Indie titles all intertwined; otherwise, it would've been quite painful to look at so much white.
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NightFang3

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Edited By NightFang3

I don't know why people hate on the new DC covers, I there pointing out who's the comic about and they don't mislead you, like other comic covers. 

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jubilee042

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Edited By jubilee042

no x book 

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NXH

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Edited By NXH

I still really miss the unscripted reviews. =(

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CyrixSG

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Edited By CyrixSG

Had to have my local store order the Hack/Slash for me.  It didn't come in on his weekly order.  I did get my Deadpool though (which is doubly awesome, because I'm also reading the Curse of the Mutants storyline).

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Joe Venom

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Edited By Joe Venom

The Birds of Prey cover is smoking hott!
 
Why no love for Black Alice in the Secret Six cover? well other then the fact that it would make them the Secret Seven lol

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Deprive

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Edited By Deprive

Wasn't Superman's self doubt and introspection already covered in the last 6 big crossovers? I liked the concept of "Grounded" but I thought it would be more connecting with people in the aftermath of Infinite, final crisis, war of the rings and blackest night letting them know he is still around spreading his message of hope. It seems ill timed to walk around moping. Superman has the direct responsibility of raising two confused super powered teenagers. Pa Kent would not be happy.

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longbowhunter

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Edited By longbowhunter
@CyrixSG said:
"Had to have my local store order the Hack/Slash for me.  It didn't come in on his weekly order.  I did get my Deadpool though (which is doubly awesome, because I'm also reading the Curse of the Mutants storyline). "

I really felt bad for Deadpool this month. I thought for sure he scored a date.
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Out_of_Space

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Edited By Out_of_Space

Good job guys