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5 (2) 4 (18) 3 (14) 2 (4) 1 (1) 3.6 starsAverage score of 39 user reviews
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Back in the (Moose) Saddle 2
As a Canadian, I felt it was my duty to review anything that bears the name Alpha Flight. This month I see if Fear Itself's northern tie-in lives up to the hype.The GoodI have to give Pak and Van Lente props for capturing the spirit of the team without being overly campy or derivative. The election of a new Prime Minister in the book is very covert, but I think it will come to affect the team in a big way. The acts of government they talk about in the book are actually quite accurate to real Can...
5 out of 6 found this review helpful. -
An American Batgirl in London 2
This month Batgirl takes a trip across the pond to team up with one of my favourite additions to the Bat-verse: The Squire!The GoodI'm love-love-loving the interaction between Squire and Batgirl. Beryl seems to be the friend that Steph needs that isn't too serious, yet isn't an emotional waif. Both seem to work well off of each other, and make for a pretty interesting story. While I've read a bunch of Batgirl and haven't been impressed, this issue really grew on me due to its strong writing and ...
12 out of 12 found this review helpful. -
Cracks in the armor 4
Last month I referred to Invincible Iron Man 504 as the best Fear Itself tie-in that's come out so far. The storyline continues this month with some baffling choices and some darkness looming on the horizon.The GoodThis month continues with some strong writing from Matt Fraction. It really captures the hopelessness and the 'fear" aspect of Fear Itself, putting Tony in a hopeless situation and expecting him to find a way out of it.I'm happy that we're given a look back at Stark Resilient and how ...
6 out of 7 found this review helpful. -
Too Many StoryLines Don't Make Me Want To Follow This Book Again 1
Legion was one of those books that I started collecting with issue one, post-Brightest Day; I've been a fan since reading mark Waid's "Threeboot" a couple years back, and have been disappointed that it never really captured that magic.The GoodI don't really have many good things to say about this book because a lot of it was stunningly mediocre. The art, character work and design are all really status quo, and really isn't doing anything amazing for me. I'm trying to find good things to say abou...
5 out of 5 found this review helpful. -
Power Girl vs. The Forces of Nature 0
Power Girl and Batman continue their team-up this month as they take on Rayhan Mazin, a storm-powered hero with on a personal warpath. How will our heroine face wind and water when there's nothing to punch!?The GoodWhile I'm usually not a fan of Judd Winick's work, this issue was actually pretty decent. I'm a big fan of the portrayal of Rayhan Mazin, the Quraci superhero with the powers of a storm. Seeing the personal drama of his history unfold while Power Girl and Batman clean up his "mess" wa...
10 out of 10 found this review helpful. -
Growing pains lead to a lot of confusion. 3
Deadpool "parody" crossover tie-ins have become the norm with Marvel events, but I've never been one to purchase them. I decided to give Fear Itself: Deadpool a shot, but wasn't exactly impressed.The GoodWell, the Juggernaut, as one of the serpent's monsters, is in this issue.The BadMaybe it's because I've rarely found Deadpool funny, but this issue just seemed to fall flat with me. There were a couple nice "caption" gags that we've come to expect, but for some reason nothing really got done in ...
8 out of 16 found this review helpful. -
Oracle's Twelve 4
Last time we left the Birds of Prey, they were in the midst of a daring heist-like infiltration of a mysterious building in Gotham. Things have quickly turned south for our favourite ladies in capes; is this their final flight?The GoodSimone did a great job of conveying the fear that follows around Junior; like I mentioned last issue, it was almost an "Oh, s&*@" moment when she was revealed, and that carried over to this week. A certain line about Junior striking to maim or disfigure fit rig...
7 out of 8 found this review helpful. -
A bit late to the party 2
Years after the horrible Hyperion has left the Earth, Doctor Spectrum has taken over America's superpowered defense. However, there seems to be trouble brewing on the horizon from within their own borders: the good doctor is not all right in the head.The GoodI've had to write so many reviews for ComicVine that've started with "It's only the first issue, so...", but I'm going to have to pull it out one more time. Seeing Doctor Spectrum go a bit off the deep end is interesting because he always se...
5 out of 6 found this review helpful. -
If this issue could be summed up in one word, it would be "bluh." 6
One of my first ever comic memories was reading an old issue of Avengers: West Coast where Bobbi Barton, aka Mockingbird, died as a result of a fireball to the back. The cover was embossed in red foil - it was horrible. Now, years later, I look at a collapsed Mockingbird on the cover of New Avengers and hoping it's a little bit better.The GoodEveryone has a role in this issue, which I think is something team books are lacking. Especially with larger teams like the New Avengers, giving everyone s...
9 out of 11 found this review helpful. -
Endangered Species keeps rolling as death tolls rise 2
In the Sweet Tooth universe, nothing good comes easily. When the group's prayers for safety finally seem to be answered, they'll have to stop and ponder: what did we do to deserve this?The GoodWhen I reviewed Sweet Tooth's last issue, I said that it was a little too unbelievable that the gang has found somewhere safe to ride out the rest of the crazyness that's consumed the Earth. It seemed a little too convenient that they'd find somewhere with food, shelter, electricity and running water that ...
3 out of 3 found this review helpful. -
Superboy eases into a new arc, if not a bit roughly 0
Jeff Lemire's Superboy has been one of DC's most consistently well-written stories since its launch. However, is a change of setting in an effort to avoid staleness the best thing for this book?The GoodThis issue was a bit weird, as there's a lot of supernatural elements, along with a lengthy history segment. It's interesting to get a look at this alternate storytelling, but it doesn't quite work perfectly (see below). However, I can appreciate Jeff Lemire taking a chance on a different setting,...
5 out of 8 found this review helpful. -
"Bane Goes on a Date:" If those words don't interest you... 1
This issue's got a little bit of everything: love, violence, carnies and Killer Shark being awesome. A lot of loose ends are tied up; the only question left to be answered is where does it go from here?The GoodI really liked this issue because it takes turns endearing the reader with the Secret Six. It's been 34 issues since this volume's run began, but there's certain things that even long-time readers don't know about the characters in play here. The team's recap of their roles during Liana's ...
9 out of 10 found this review helpful. -
Massive Spoilers Ahoy: Fear Itself on the Upswing 9
It seems like last week we had a few problems with spoilers in posts. This week, I'm going to give you fair warning: there will be spoilers in this post. Big ones. Because take it from me: stuff happens in this issue.The GoodHoo boy. Bucky's dead. Or dying. Or in a coma. Out of action. Kaput. Seeing white. He's missing a (bionic) arm and has a big ol' hole in his chest.And I honestly didn't see it coming.While this might seem a bit weird to point out, I find it comforting that the comic industry...
9 out of 10 found this review helpful. -
A bunch of scientific geniuses walk into a bar and... 4
You know an issue is serious when Reed Richards brings Doctor Doom in for a consult. However, can Doom, Richards and the rest of the Marvel Universe's scientific minds outsmart three evil Reeds?The GoodHoo boy, do I ever love mad scientists. In this issue Reed Richards has managed to assemble some of the greatest scientific minds in the Marvel Universe into one room, and the results are actually quite hilarious. Seeing the Mad Thinker enter into a "what if he knows we know?" paradox with himself...
10 out of 11 found this review helpful. -
Not exactly a solid issue, but it won't leave you with PTSD 6
With the War of the Green Lanterns raging on, it was clear that victory would come at a great price. However, in this issue, a character dies that may bring about the demise of the Corps, even if they manage to stop fighting among each other.The GoodSeeing events of the Blackest Night coming back and biting the Green Lanterns in the ass is a welcome move: I like when writers remember bits of continuity, even if weren't the ones to write it. Seeing Mogo's absorbed black energy as part of him real...
7 out of 10 found this review helpful. -
Snipping some plot threads and unraveling others 5
With Nick Fury's master plan revealed, it looks like Baron Von Strucker is in for a world of hurt. However, if HYDRA implodes, who the heck are they going to fight?The GoodStrucker's execution was carried out amazingly; it was emotional, not corny. Fury unleashing his... well, fury over his dead son just left me with the feeling that this was a good bookend to a decades-long feud. Part of me has an inkling that Strucker will be back with a vengeance; it might just be a little hard to do with hal...
9 out of 10 found this review helpful. -
A bit of an identity crisis: who brought in the clones? 0
The Avengers Academy travel to Europe, but are they in over their heads?The GoodI've been loving Avengers Academy lately, and as I noted in my Spider-Man review, Marvel seems to be pushing them hard on their audiences. This is good, because they manage to come off as endearing rather than annoying; they're not totally incompetant, but they're not all-powerful, either. This really shows in this issue, as there isn't a cliffhanger to another issue; they go out, get beat up and scolded for it all i...
0 out of 2 found this review helpful. -
The Spectacular Substitute: Class is in session! 2
Spidey plays substitute to the Avengers Academy, bridging the gap between the "original" teen super-hero and the crimefighters of tomorrow.The GoodThe team on Amazing have been killing it lately, and this issue is no exception. I love the fact they harken back to Peter's day as a teacher; it grounds him in reality again and makes him seem like a real person. I loved his line that was something to the effect of "I was the original teen superhero!" to Hank Pym; it really shows how far Peter has co...
10 out of 10 found this review helpful. -
Fear Itself's best tie-in so far 3
Tony Stark becomes embroiled in Fear Itself, we get to see him take on a hammer-infused Grey Gargoyle, but not without great casualties.The GoodThis issue is depressing. Sombre. Granite.But not in a bad way. Showing Grey Gargoyle's powers amplified to the point that he has petrified everyone in Paris just sets a chilling scene. This is made worse when Gargoyle starts throwing Stark through the bodies, and Tony realizes what's happening. His thoughts at the end and the lack of hope that's present...
9 out of 10 found this review helpful. -
Jumping on a metaphorical grenade: needs more "oomph" 1
In this issue, we see that the war in the DMZ is close to an end. Questions are answered, metaphorical chess is played and we get a look at George W. Bush!The GoodThis issue ties up one of the major loose ends of the series and sets up for its endgame. With Parco Delgado in front of a war tribunal and Matty Roth holding the only evidence that could exonerate him, there's some drama that really makes you feel this issue. Zee returns after a bit of a hiatus and gives Matty some advice, calling bac...
3 out of 3 found this review helpful. -
Secret Agent Birds 2
Birds of Prey chugs on with its twelfth issue. This time, they're looking to play secret agent, and who am I to stop them? The Good I'm happy they've remembered Zinda Blake being a bit of a sexpot in the original Birds of Prey run. Lady Blackhawk's one of my favourite characters because I love a gal who's comfortable with herself and likes to take charge. She shines in this issue, and that's something I can't complain about. Overall, this whole secret agent/heist works well for the team. I liked...
6 out of 6 found this review helpful. -
Solid issue; Mutants done right 5
New Mutants is a series I've been getting into lately, as it manages to avoid a lot of problems team books have: these people have known each other and teamed together for a long time, so the petty squabbles just don't happen often enough to be annoying. The Good I'm glad they've continued the Cannonball/Moonstar romance from an initial drunk kiss to something a little more permanent. I like Sam a lot as a character, so seeing good things come his way makes me happy. Seeing him get recognition a...
10 out of 10 found this review helpful. -
Slow start, but that seems to be the norm for tie-ins 6
Fear Itself is still chugging along with its tie-ins. This week, we take a look at "Youth in Revolt," a look at the not-quite-headliners that fill in some of the background scenes of the series proper. The Good The upcoming persecution of Thor Girl is something I'm legitimately interested in. While she's not a "true" Asgardian, she's got Asgardian-like powers and wields a big hammer; I can't see why the crowd wouldn't try to go after her in one way or another. I'm guessing this "Youth in Revolt"...
8 out of 9 found this review helpful. -
Car Engine on a Winter's Day: A Metaphor 10
Fear Itself rolls on with issue number two: with five issues to go (and tie-ins), has Fraction earned himself some wiggle room? The Good Fat Cobra is being previewed to be in crossovers. That's my favourite thing about the issue. Not that I hated the rest of it; I just really liked Immortal Iron Fist. I really like the aesthetic of the hammerbearers. The art is amazing in this issue; that's all Immonen. I like the contrast in styles between the Avengers, Nazi and Serpent portions of the story,...
12 out of 12 found this review helpful. -
Flawless; Lemire prospects some gold 1
When we last left the Sweet Tooth saga, Gus and Jepperd were facing down a grizzly in the woods while the group of girls discovered a safe haven in the hell that is the post-plague America. Things might be looking up for the group of refugees; is it too good to be true? The Good The complete and utter lack of text in the Gus/Jepperd sequence was an amazing touch. Lemire blew me away with the amount of emotion he packed into a sequence of panels with no dialog whatsoever. This is the mark of true...
2 out of 2 found this review helpful. -
A history lesson, but one you won't want to sleep through 2
These past couple issues of The Boys have both disgusted and intrigued me at the same time. Inside, we've been getting a closer look into the origins of The Boys beyond the current team; it's been a bit of a historical rollercoaster, but a good one, at that. The Good This issue was a great one because of the exposition we get into the insights of the original anti-super super, Mallory. As he explains the series of events that lead to the formation of The Boys, we really get more than a timeline:...
5 out of 5 found this review helpful. -
Fifty issues in: is JSA looking towards retirement? 0
Justice Society celebrates its 50th issue with new narratives and old story threads; however, is the book starting to show its age? The Good Guggeinheim really seems to be relishing this "Jay Garrick as mayor" storyline; it's a good fit for Jay because his age brings respect. Hopefully this won't turn out to be like Oliver Queen's mayoral run, or Batman's attempts to get Gotham help during Cataclysm without donning the mask. Those storylines tend to end with the hero realizing that they aren't g...
4 out of 6 found this review helpful. -
Good writing keeps FF from getting mired in the muck 2
Spider-Man dons his new duds as part of the Future Foundation; however, one of their first adventures just happens to be a retread of a Fantastic Four tale! The Good I'm a big fan of Dan Slott; he's one of the few writers that can make the Fantastic Four's world seem interesting to me. He writes some amazing Spider-Man/Thing dialogue in this issue, including some Beastie Boys references (which I can never complain about). He also manages to make Sue and Reed seem like actual people, which is a ...
12 out of 16 found this review helpful. -
Finale; thank the (Maxwell) Lord? 16
Generation Lost finishes up with its 24th issue; the questions is, was it worth that much of our time? The Good There's some good payoff in this issue for some long-standing story events that've evolved in these 24 issues. Blue Beetle gets a measure of revenge for his namesake, Booster gets to fight Ted Kord "like a man" and the Fire/Red Rocket flirtation that I picked up in previous issues is still hinted at [correction: and has been acted upon. You miss one issue and people start makin' out]....
3 out of 25 found this review helpful. -
Winding down, but not out 0
There's a certain tingly feeling that comes with a story winding down. However, that doesn't mean that its all introspection and dull narrative: DMZ still brings the pain. The Good There's a lot to like about this issue; Matty finally finds out about the death of one of his closest friends in the zone and gets to reflect on it. I've written about Matty Roth's relationship with Wilson previously, and it's one of my favourite parts of the narrative. After all the crap Matty's gone through and the...
2 out of 3 found this review helpful. -
Herald of Galactus... action hero? 2
Before I got brought on as a staff writer for ComicVine, I reviewed Silver Surfer #1. I liked it a lot because of a previous loyalty to Pak; however, this issue shifts my stance a little bit. The Good Norrin's exploration of humanity is a great story, and this definitely follows up on the seeds Pak planted in issue #1. Having him question whether the creation of a jungle in the middle of the desert is a bad thing, then having him flash back to a gorgeous Kirby-esque sequence wwas a stroke of gen...
4 out of 5 found this review helpful. -
Reprints are not budget-friendly 0
At first glance, Fear Itself: Sins Past might seem like a cash-grab: it's three older issues of Captain America reprinted with about four pages of original content. However, when looking into the implementation, the results are surprising. The Good The entire point of this issue is to see how Steve Rogers has reacted to child brainwashing/influencing in the past; hilariously, this includes going undercover as a 15-year-old with the help of Sersi's magic. There's an implication that Sersi wants...
5 out of 6 found this review helpful. -
The End is Near: Finally? 4
Justice League: Generation Lost is winding down to its end, which may be seen as a tragedy for JLI fans or a welcome note to those who would criticize it. There's some good action in this issue, but is it what the title needs? The Good At this point, I'm glad that the series is winding down (for reasons outlined below). Its finally reached its focus; its "so what" moments? Heroes are starting to finally to come around to the League's insistence that Maxwell Lord is up to no good and we're final...
4 out of 7 found this review helpful. -
Strong issue, and not just because he's the Boy of Steel 7
In this issue, Superboy comes into contact with the unstoppable force known as Doomsday. It's an honest homage to the "Death of Superman" storyline, but it doesn't end as tragic as you'd think. The Good While I missed the whole "Reign of the Supermen!" storyline, I was always a little fascinated by Kon El; not quite as boyscoutish as Superman, but still willing to serve the greater good. It really shows through in this issue, and that's because of Jeff Lemire's writing. Kon has some moral strugg...
11 out of 11 found this review helpful. -
A little too light; needs more meat 3
I started reading Batgirl because I'm an admitted Birds of Prey fanboy; they really seem to balance the whole "light-hearted atmosphere" thing with kicking ass and taking names. These are strong female heroes that aren't afraid to get their hands dirty, and remain tasteful even with the occasional cheesecake thrown in. The Good I really love gadgets. "Suiting up" sequences are some of my favourite scenes from movies, and having Batgirl be introduced to a whole bunch of new ones (courtesy of Bat...
8 out of 10 found this review helpful. -
The Hunt Begins 1
I can't help but feel a little bit of home-province pride with Jeff Lemire: we're both from small towns in Ontario. I'm still confused to this day why I like Sweet Tooth, but this book keeps on giving. The Good This new story arc shows a lot of promise, as it looks to be a "back to the basics" approach after the hectic nature of the previous jailbreak. Characters have time to engage in each other, instead of having to worry about having their heads blown off. There's less of the story t...
3 out of 4 found this review helpful. -
A Good Start, But I'm Left a Little Wanting 18
Crossovers have a set formula, as any other works of fiction; you can't have all the action up-front, because it will either wear our your readers of leave you with so little gas in the tank that by the end, your story will be spluttering. The Good Fraction is quick to throw us into the thick of the action with a riot and storming-a-nazi-fortress sequence, then brings us back down with interspersed scenes that are a bit low-key. This is great because it keeps us on the edge of our seat, knowing ...
25 out of 29 found this review helpful. -
Great introduction to new characters; definitely needs more time 0
I'm a big fan of Danny Rand as a character; he's a guy that hasn't been corrupted by his wealth, but still finds time to kick ass under a mask as the Immortal Iron Fist. With a great mythological background, writers who take on Iron Fist have a great number of tools at their disposal: they can go full-blown kung-fu action, or they can lean back and have Danny do some corporate shenanigans instead. It's almost like if Bruce Wayne was still a tiny bit sane, and his running of Wayne Enterprises ...
0 out of 0 found this review helpful. -
Greg Pak: Top form as always 1
Greg Pak seems to have a strange talent for making me care for characters that I previously could not. He did it with Bruce Banner in Planet Hulk, and he does it again each and every time I pick up his books. His work on Hulk and Incredible Hercules is impeccable, and when I picked up the first issue of the new Silver Surfer mini-series, I hoped that magic would happen again. Don't get me wrong; I don't hate the Silver Surfer. In fact, he's part of my favourite comic of all time; back in 2008 S...
8 out of 9 found this review helpful.
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