2010 may be approaching its end but the new comics (and reviews) keep coming. How many books have you read so far today? The last couple weeks felt like we only had a few really hot books. Will this week make up for those? You'll have to ready our reviews to find out.
Wolverine #4
Read Mat's full review here.It’s a solid fun book that sets up the last issue of the storyline. The art is fantastic, and Jason Aaron has done a wonderful job writing the series so far, but other than that, this was probably the weakest issue of the series so far. It’s good is you’ve been reading all along, but if you haven’t, wait for the trade.
Thunderbolts #151
Read Zack's full review here.Ghost has been around so long, I'm really not sure if this is supposed to be a retcon. My understanding was that he was originally a Soviet spy whose agenda was then broadened into with an anarcho-socialist, anti-corporate bent - - but I'm definitely not an expert on this Iron Man villain. However, I am VERY intrigued by the final page reveal of the new T-Bolts member. His inclusion's going to make for some super conflict.
John Byrne's Next Men #1
Read Tony's full review here.There might be some nostalgia factor but I loved this issue. I hadn't realized how much I missed the Next Men until reading this issue. John Byrne is back writing and drawing and you can see he's putting his heart into this. This is his creation and it's great to see him back. It may have been sixteen years since we've seen the characters but the flashback sequences provide a full recap for new readers. I will be looking forward to the next issue now that everyone is on the same page. The comic has a classic feel but that doesn't mean it feels outdated.
Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #5
Read Zack's full review here.I'm quite excited about seeing how this current storyline with the emotional entities plays out. Thus, I appreciate how this arc complements what's going on in the main Green Lantern title without necessarily being dependent on it. There was some skepticism about this book finding a unique identity as it went along and I can confidently say it has with this focus on the elite GLs - - it is, in fact, my favorite GL book.
Uncanny X-Force #3
Read Tony's full review here.This is clearly the best X-title on the stands. I had major concerns when the last X-Force title ended but we are in great hands with Rick Remender and Jerome Opena. I also had some doubts on the team's line up but each issue I am more and more convinced that this book simply works. If you want action, humor, mystery and suspense, buy this book. You never realize how deadly these X-characters can be, especially the one on the last page. Talk about a cliffhanger!
Velocity #3
Read Mat's full review here.It's the second to last issue in the mini-series, so I can't say this is a must have issue, and it's not a place a new reader needs to jump on to, but this may be a great mini-series to pick up as a whole, if it comes out in trade. Although I wasn't the biggest fan of the character, this is a book I'd read just for the art and composition. If you've been enjoying the mini-series, continue reading it. If you haven't been reading it, borrow it from a friend.
Green Hornet #11
Read Zack's full review here.I was skeptical as probably everybody was when Green Hornet was announced for a major revival a few years back. I just didn’t believe that a regular masked vigilante and his Judo-master sidekick were still fresh enough to speak to contemporary audiences. Every Dynamite book I’ve read so far - - from the Lone Ranger to John Carter of Mars - - has always pleasantly defied my expectations by finding sharp new ways to make these classic characters relevant again. Green Hornet is no exception and the strong work in this issue, in particular, has got me excited to check out the movie next month (the one that everybody’s as dubious about as I was about this series, initially.
Avengers Academy #7
Read Zack's full review here.This title's really been one of the great surprises of the Heroic Age and that's what makes this issue a little frustrating. I realize that the mentors are supposed to be just as important as the students, but this felt like an over-long diversion to dilute the focus a title that was already in danger of losing it direction. The cliffhanger with the Veil hints that we'll get back on track next issue, but I really hope we're not going to be seeing similar one-offs spotlighting Justice, Quicksilver and Tigra.
The Occultist (One Shot)
Read Tony's full review here.When creating a new hero, the decision has to be made how realistic the setting will be. The Occultist manages to give us a blend of magic and mysticism thrust upon an everyday character. The villains feel a little cliche but as an origin story, it has the right amount of set up while leaving you hanging wondering what the next step will be. I'm on the fence whether or not I need another magic-based comic hero in my life but if there is another one shot or series, I'll check it out to make a full decision.
Chaos War #4
Read Zack's full review here.This has certainly been an odd crossover and I've found the particular style Pham's used to be increasingly appropriate as this does have a dreamy sense of reason and danger. Frequently, the surface plot is supposed to be a metaphor for the hero's internal struggle, and I very much feel like this war of mythologies has arisen (and will soon be addressed) according to the emotional obstacles Herc must cover.
Batman and Robin #18
Read Zack's full review here.While I've been about as befuddled as anybody is by the Knight & Squire mini-series, I've come to expect good writing when I see Paul Cornell's name on a book and this is further proof of that. I've already written at length about my appreciation of McDaniel's work and his storytellling, and the two make as great a team as Morrison and Quitely do. This is simply a fine-tuned comic that delivers on all the delightful macabre you expect from Batman & Robin.
Green Lantern #60
Read Tony's full review here.Each month I am amazed at how consistently good Green Lantern has been. Being a big GL fan, it's great getting these epic stories without the feeling of being let down. Despite having the Brightest Day label on the cover, this feels like it could be its own event. I don't know how long all the different Corps will hang around but I'm enjoying them all here while it lasts.
Batman #705
Read Sara's full review here.I hate to say this, but this didn't feel like a Batman comic to me. I felt there may have been too many jokes and plot holes, but like I said, it's not a bad jumping on point, especially if you dig Dick as Batman.