It's that time again, New Comic Day. Did you get a chance to pick up your stack of comics from your local comic shop yet? We've been reading and reviewing all day. There was a good selection of comics this week and I was surprised by the number of issues that were the beginning of new story arcs. That's good news for new readers to those series.
But enough of this chatter. Let's get into the reviews and see if you agree with our thoughts.
Silver Surfer #1
To read Mat's full review, click here.This book comes off of the heels of Chaos War, which I was not a fan of at all, so I was very skeptical whether or not I'd like it, even though I usually love Greg Pak's writing. In addition, it's a book about Silver Surfer, a character I am not familiar with. Needless to say, I was blown away with everything about this book. For me, it's a perfect re-introduction to Silver Surfer and the life he came from for any reader, whether you love the character, or if this is the first time you've ever heard of him. It's a perfect jumping-on point, since it's the start of a new mini-series. If you don't pick this book up, you're missing out on an amazing issue.
Green Lantern #62
To read Tony's full review, click here.Hal Jordan, Krona, the Entities, the other Lantern Corps...dang if there isn't a ton of action and characters delightfully crammed into this issue. It's a great time to be a Green Lantern fan but a bad time to be an actual Green Lantern Corp member. The stories keep getting bigger and bigger with no signs of the action letting up. The combination of Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke simply fills me with a feeling of joy with each issue. If you haven't been reading Green Lantern, you'd better get started now.
Thunderbolts #153
To read Zack's full review, click here.I love how this issue is basically just about Hyperion and the T-Bolts taking turns at beating the hell out of eachother with no real weighty themes to underline it all. Subtext is all well and good, but there's something refreshing about a comic that just presents events as they would logically happen in a fantasy world like this. Thunderbolts is exactly what you'd want a title about second-stringers to be like. It takes no prisoners, it holds nothing sacred and its awesome unpredictable.
Brightest Day #20
To read Zack's full review, click here.This series is taking its time, patiently giving each member of the resurrected 12 the proper space to sort out of their problems. If anything, I've enjoyed it as a fun anthology showcase, as it's definitely been a long time since I've been around for a story with Aquaman as the lead. And I'm definitely intrigued by the surprise at the end of this issue, which adds another layer to the mystery of how what satisfies the resurrected's lives isn't always what satisfies their emotions.
The Amazing Spider-Man #654.1
To read Tony's full review, click here.I was excited to see Flash as Venom before but now I'm really excited for the new series. I don't know if this was all Dan Slott's idea or Rick Remender or the Spidey editors but I couldn't be happier. I was a fan of the Eddie Brock Venom before he went all nicey-nice and Mac Gargon never really did it for me. Flash as a government-controlled Venom is something different and seeing him on missions is an experience. Slott and Ramos deliver an issue that feels like it's part of the Spider-Man universe even though it's taking on a different angle. The only complaint is this is not a good .1 Initiative story for new readers of Spider-Man. It is something you definitely should read if you plan on getting the new Venom series.
Green Lantern Corps #57
To read Mat's full review, click here.If you're looking to get into Green Lantern Corps, this is the worst place to start. It's the end of a story arc which is in the middle of a bigger story arc; however, don't let that get you down because this book is just as good, and sometimes better, than the on-going Green Lantern series. Go back to the start of Brightest Day and read from there. I highly recommend this issue to anyone reading any Green Lantern book. The GL books ( Green Lantern, Green Lantern Corps, and Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors) are by far the best this DC Comics has going for it right now. Don't miss out.
S.H.I.E.L.D. #6
To read Zack's full review, click here.This is unquestionably one of the brainiest, most high-concept reads you'll find on any shelf today. While it runs the risk of taking the alternate history a little too seriously at times, I'd rather deal with those kind of drawbacks in a comic over reading yet another title that won't aspire to anything more than just giving you what you've seen a thousand times before. S.H.I.E.L.D. will definitely go down as one the most unique storylines to ever come out from Marvel.
The Scourge #3
To read Tony's full review, click here.I always say try something different. Track down the previous issues if you can. The zero issue isn't essential but does give the beginning of the story. This issue might not be the best jumping on point but you can easily get the idea of what has happened as the events from the previous issues is explained. I also feel like the outbreak of these creatures is just the beginning of the story. There's still a lot more to see. Scott Lobdell takes the idea and makes it so you want to see how the main character will survive and whether or not he'll be able to find a solution to the city's problem. If you're looking for a book without superheroes, give this book a try although the characters in the book are probably wishing there was a superhero around to save the day.
Daredevil Reborn #2
It was a solid second installment to this four issue mini series. While you don't get a whole lot of expansion of Matt's inner turmoil, Diggle does a good job setting up the back story; expanding on the corrupt police officers in this town. Feels a little bit like a filler issue, though.
To read Sara's full review, click here.
Wolverine #6
To read Mat's full review, click here.A solid start to a new story, and a good carry-over from the last story arc; however, even though I love Acuna's work, it just doesn't work for me in this issue. It's still a pretty solid story, and the art is very pretty, but they don't seem to mess together very well. This is not a great jumping-on point simply because this story carries over from the last one, but don't let that get you down. Wolverine Goes to Hell was a solid book.
Uncanny X-Force #5
To read Tony's full review, click here.X-Force is a team on the verge of exploding. They are held together by the desire to do what needs to be done. How long these members will be able to live with their decisions is something we're starting to see. Rick Remender keeps the action moving along as the new arc is being set up. Jerome Opena's art is missed but it's interesting to see cover artist Esad Ribic doing the interiors. For those wanting to see more of Fantomex will be in for a treat as he takes the center stage and is put to the test.
Soldier Zero #5
To read Tony's full review, click here.This is a new arc which means new readers could try to jump in. If you haven't read the previous issues you might be a tad confused about the backstory of the suit and why Stuart Trautmann is in possession of it. I like the idea of a wheelchair bound guy getting pulled into this crazy world especially since he hasn't immediately become an expert in using his new abilities. The action here heats up as Soldier Zero now faces more danger. Despite that, because this was the first issue of a new arc, it still felt like more could have happened. Maybe it's just me getting pulled into the story and selfishly wanting more.
Hawkeye: Blindspot #1
To read Zack's full review, click here.I guess this is supposed to be another installment of the unofficial continuation of Hawkeye & Mockingbird. While I miss Bobbie's presence, it's a deft, active showcase for Clint. Though I don't know why he's on this specific villain's bad list - - said foe belongs more to Captain America - - I'm eager to see this mystery of old enemies and slipping sanity unfold further.
Hulk #30
To read Tony's review, click here.After reading this issue, I sat and thought about it. There were things I liked about it but there was just a feeling that something was off. Jeff Parker has been doing a smashing job writing Thunderbolt Ross as Red Hulk since Jeph Loeb left the series. While I've been digging Gabriel Hardman's art (with Bettie Breitweiser's colors), it's nice to see Ed McGuinness draw the Hulks once again. It's a fun issue but feels like a one shot even though it's not a filler-issue creative team. It's a good issue but I just wanted and expected more.
Deadpool Max #5
To read Zack's full review, click here.Once again, I'll say I appreciate this for feeling like a burlesque take-off on Deadpool that'd be at home in Playboy's old comics section. While I don't know if the best expression of the character the way that the Punisher's Max title has freed Castle to be himself, it's still fresh alternative for the character, and that's hard to pull of when Deadpool's showing up as much as he is these days.
Darkwing Duck #9
To read Tony's full review, click here.There's something about seeing a duck in a mask, hat and cape. Having missed the Darkwing Duck series, I think it's great that I can catch new adventures and become familiar with the characters. Ian Brill does a great job bringing the animated hero to comics and James Silvani's art and Lisa Moore's colors do the property justice. Anything else would be unacceptable. It's a great book for fans of the show or for readers looking for some fun duck-action.
Young Justice #4
To read Tony's full review, click here.Young Justice is a really good show but I wouldn't say it was perfect. The same goes for this issue. I did really enjoy the zero issue showing Kid Flash taking Superboy home and trying to get him acclimated to society. While this issue does take place between episodes of the show and gives us a little more insight, it felt too much like a set up issue. We know something is going on and the big adventure is about to happen. There's just not a lot of action taking place here. This is a series that fans of the show will want to check out to see what happens in between issues.
Supergirl #61
To read Tony's full review, click here.I like that James Peaty is giving Supergirl her own deadly villain. This issue gives us a little more on him but it's still not enough for me to buy how quickly he was able to rise to his level of evilness. We find out more about how the different villains are used to attack Supergirl and others which helps move the story along. The appearance of Damian is good but doesn't quite fully capture the dynamics of their relationship seen in Superman/Batman #77. I had my doubts over the new direction of the series after last issue but this one offers a little reassurance in where things are going.